#fenixtj

Still, there's no evidence he killed the dragon; just his name missing from the general census, which could -possibly- be intentional.

He never did like being 'controlled' refuses to see himself as anyone's subject.

Which, honestly, is not a problem for Jess.

Yes. And whether she imagines clubbing him, or flashes back to how he called her Ocean eyes, it is hard to keep him entirely out of her thoughts.

Oh, she knows there were good times. She -tried-. It just became impossible to ignore how his rogue actions impacted the County, the people, and her efforts.

And, it's not important. Nothing says he killed the dragon. The important thing is to find who did.

Yes.. not important. He's just another name on a list of suspects. Or.. in his case, not on the list

Exactly.

So no more thinking of him

HE is not the important thing; the important thing is to find whoever DID kill the dragon.

YUp. But.. how to speed the process beyond what she's done?

She drums her fingers, thinking.

Chronos would do it, but take a crap-ton of resources and she's not sure they have anyone who has the ability anyway.

She's not going to ask the Beaumayn to sacrifice themselves to the search.

She looks up.... an idea! She rises and seeks out Tito-Woden.

Tito-Woden is lounging in the sanctum

She knocks. "Tito-Woden?"

"mm come in?"

She does. "I have a question for you about the dragon situation...."

"Can you cast any Soothsay?"

"One of my strongest arts" A proud look

"Excellent. Can you shed any light on where we could focus our search for the male troll that killed a male dragon?"

"I'm going to be thorough but if I can narrow things down....."

"I can... it may take some time" He nods

"Faster is better, Tito-Woden."

"Do what you must."

"Faster eh? Mmm do you have a list of names you want me to sort througgh? I could dangle a crystal"

She offers the list.

He takes it and gets a crystal on a delicate string, trying to weave it about

Jess waits quietly, letting him work.

""It's fighting me..." He frowns and the crrystal swings wildly

"The name may not be on this list, but whoever it is.. he or she is close to Fenix's heart"

A disgruntled sigh.

"Thank you, Tito-Woden." the thanks is sincere even if she's not.... thrilled.... with the news.

"You can keep looking, if you think any good will come of it. Will you excuse me?"

"I will" he bows

Jessica goes to see where Phobos and Demos are, and when they'll return.

They return, empty handed

"Did you find him?"

"His shop is closed 'for the holidays' " They explain

She blinks at them. "And you just.... walked away?"

"No, we broke in, searched his shit. No Sign"

"No sign of him"

Jess's expression goes blank, and she nods. "Ok. Thank you."

"We'll keep asking the question."

And she goes on patrol.

The Redcaps grunt. Not happy failing in a mission

No one is.

While Jesscia's patrol is wide and vigilant, she does not find Duff

Then the rest of the population must be inquired of, and learned from.