#fenixtj

"Thank you. We've increased patrols and I sent word to the baronies."

"I imagine you'll get responses soon from the other barons" A troubled look

"Mm." she agrees, then notices the look "Problem?"

"Dragons provoke funny feelings in people. " She says

"Funny ha-ha or funny strange?"

"Possibly both" She explains "Some find themselves wanting to defeat the dragon in combat, others want to talk to them, a few feel an urge to serve. They are power manifest, and that can take many shapes. QUite a few have the sense to flee ... in some ways, Dragons are a litmus test "

"I'm less interested in that and more interested in protecting my people. I get that she's looking for revenge but I can't let her hurt our Fae."

"Yes, but as it seems the target is changeling, we're at an impasse. "

That's when the Phobos announces a guest "A representive of Sunkissed Waves, here to see the Countess"

"Not an impasse." Jessica frowns "We're on guard and communicating......" and she pauses.

"Please, show them in."

The selkie gent who comes in wears tidemarch colors, one of his hands seems flipper like even without the skin on, and he bows "I am Nerdos, a squire by title, who has come to deliver a message from the Baron Tidemarch, your excellency"

"Be welcome and thank you, Squire. Please, refresh yourself before you leave. I'll take your message."

"His heir has declared concern, should you fear the dragon will focus on the County's heart, the heir Vaeltilde has welcomed the Countess Ellie and her friends to 'fort up' and maybe have a slumber party. The Baron has agreed that even the sluagh childlings will be safe there. The other part is, he has his scholars researching their library for details of this dragon. He thinks he has heard of her before ,so seeks mroe details within old tomes"

A blink. "That is excellent news, and I will extend the invitation to Ellie and her friends."

"Thank you, Countess, it will please the baron to know Sunkissed serves and serves well. I shall inform the baron. Is there any other messages you have for him?"

"Let me check with my people. You have something to eat and drink, and rest? I'll let you know before you leave."

He bows "At your will, Countess"

Jess is not exactly -comfortable- with that, but.... she's learned to roll with it.

And he withdraws to find food and drink

Ash looks at her, "Interesting"

Jess quirks a brow at that.

"That Selkie is possibly a balor... the flippered hand even when not in seal form? Not just webbed, a true flipper,"

Jess frowns, almost a scowl. "Is there danger, do you think?"

"No, I don't think so.. we've known he has unseelie house members at his hold. Just worth noting that they won't be telling you their houses outfront " SHe frowns "I don't like Balor anymore than you"

Jess exhales. "Well. Unseelie isn't evil."

"No, but some houses bear caution."

"Mm. Is Demos around?"

"I believe so. Shall I get him?"

"Just ask him to go 'round to the kitchens, get a bite to eat, and keep an eye on that squire? I'll go find Constance, ask if we have anything to go over to Tidemarch."

"On it," A nod a smile escapes "Telling a redcap to get a bite to eat, this is a mission he was born for."

Jess chuckles, nods, and goes to find Constance.

Constance is in the study, checking the inventory of her inks.

"Constance, sorry to bother you....do we have anything to send over to Tidemarch?"

"Mmm? Pardon? Send over to Tidemarch? I think I've missed something. Is he here?"

"No, but he sent a squire with a message and I said I'd ask of we had anything to go back with him. It's ok if we don't."

"Nothing in particular but..oh, wait, letters for Vaeltilde from the girls here. It's a pen pal thing I encourage to keep their handwritng up"

"Oh, and some from the boys. Guess the girls finally bullied them into it" She hands them over "Thank the squire, please. Saves me the trip, even if it is close by trod"

Jessica nods, taking the papers. "Will do, thanks." And she takes the letters to find the squire.

He is finishing his meal, a bit hurriedly, there's a rather un nerving redcap just..staring at him

"Squire." Jessica greets him. "Turns out we did have a few things to go with you."

He bows and offers to take them

Again, using that 'good hand' and not the flipper

Jess doesn't seem to notice.

"Thank you, Countess. I will return promptlly"

"You're welcome to stay, enjoy our hospitality." she offers.

"I ..thank you no" He says as Demos watches him from the corner. The redcap sometimes wets his lips

"If you're sure?" she offers again "Maybe something to go?"

"Quite sure, blessings on you countess... " And he flees

Demos watches him go into Phobos' view at the trod door, then looks back at Jessica and grins "I liked that job, Boss."