#fenixtj

"As ever, Samhain was a blur but... and this is an odd thing, we actually gained some dross. Do you remember asking for tribute?"

She thinks.

It does't ring bells

"I don't think so. But... that's no guarantee."

"Yes, well, I wouldn't approve of DEMANDS... but whatever happened, the perk is we have more dross."

"And no idea where it came from?"

"None. I tried to see if there were many similarities... common marks or vibrations. But it's quite varied. Everything from a quilt of a jaguar cub to a ticket to a sporting event"

Jess considers "The quilt sounds kind of cool. Ok, well.... if we need to use it we use it but maybe not right away?"

"Oh sure. Would you like to see some of the dross? We donn't have to keep it all in storage. That quilt would keep one warm"

"I don't need the quilt, but it sounds cool."

She thinks about it, nods. "Let me see the Samhain dross. Maybe it will jog my memory."

"This way" he leads her into the storage area. She was right, the quilt IS cool. The ticket appeals to her less. OH what's this? A mug, troll sized

She takes it in her hands, turning it over and examining it with a faint smile.

Oh the glamour of this reminds her a bit of the lodge.

Wistful, she sets it down.

"Huh, fits your hand a lot better than mine" Diego nods. "We also have a some coasters with duck designs"

"Duck coasters?"

"Yes. See what I mean by a diverse mix of dross?"

"I do."

He moves on " I already looked for dross in the forms of books... for Salma. But alas, none of those. "

"Well, my sister is bringing in some new ones, so...."

"AH, Siv. "A chuckle "A trouble maker that one"

"She speaks of you with admiration." Jess tells him.

"She called me... old" A sigh, "Cruel girl" But he smiles

"Oh, look at this? Good artistry"

A chuckle. "That is cute."

"It is. I see no maker's mark"

"I... I -hope- that wherever these things came from it was a willing donation or trade."

"THat I do not know"

"Nor do I."

"But I ca look into it. A bit of willowhisper and so on?"

"That.... yes. I think so. Just in case. Thank you."

"Happy to help. Besides, I'm curious also. Oh take the mug. No reason to have it trapped in here"

"No. Thank you but... not until we know more. If then."

"All right. " He nods "As you wish"

"Um."

"Ok, good. I need to go see if Constance has some information for me.... thanks for the heads up and looking into it."

Jess moves on.

He moves to start his willowhispers

Jess visits her room before she finds somewhere to wait for Constance.

She finds Neema instead, the Selkie strummingg on a guitar

"Hello Neema."

"Jessica? Have you a moment"

"Of course."

"Wonderful. I know it is still sometime off, but Yule is still closing. I was wondering what music you wanted to focus on? Traditional carols, or somehin more internationnal?"

"Do you think you can do any native songs that would be appropriate?"

"Of course, I'd be happy o approach the Nunnehi about it if you like?"

She pauses.