#fenixtj

What mood Jessica is in when she gets back from seeing Duff is safe is her business, the others are somewhat quiet. Nancy frets, but quietly. Ash seems poised as befits a mature no nonsense woman. Tito-WOden looks pleased. he matched magics with Duff and 'won'.

"Thank you all for helping out with that. I appreciate it. Ultimately, I wish it hadn't been necessary but... good work, all the same."

She offers each in the party a handshake.

Hand shakes accepted, briefly. Clearly the redcap brothers think they could have taken duff by his neck scruff, but respected her wish. Maybe they could have.

"Tis our duty to pursue the wounded kithain across the world," Buce bows

"Exactly, Sir Buce." Congratulations done, she takes a moment to stretch-and-flex some tension out of her neck and shoulders, and goes to see what's next.

"You want me to massage that neck?" Nancy asks

"Um, no. Thank you, I'm fine. Sometimes you just want to stretch, you know?"

"Gotcha" She nods "I Just figure it might be strress... I think I'm going to the spa, anyone's free to join me" She moves on

Jessica goes to check the Baleffire, sit there a bit.

The balefire greets her .. and seems to sense the feelings Jessica has that no one else can read, rather than throw whatever those feelings are into her face, the balefire merely trails about her finger tips in supportive greeting

Some irritation at the resources required to deal with the whole mess. She doesn't feel like Duff -planned- this whole issue just to require her involvement. He said he -didn't- want to involve her, and she's inclined to believe that. Otherwise... there are other matters of equal or greater importance.

Indeed, and others of perhaps lesser, for Constance approaches "Countess? I have a reminder for you?"

"Oh, yes? Thank you. Um. What is it?"

"December 17th is your sister's birrthday, you have little time for a gift"

"Oh crap." With real feeling.

"Thank you, Constance."

"You're welcome. You asked me to remind you last year. Sensitive if bold soul your sister. I doubt she wants much, as long as it's recognized. Want a servant to just find something for you to give to her?"

"No, no. No. I'll get something. Tequilla is a favorite. I got her that last year. Um. Hm."

"I think Spiced Rum too"

"Damn. Was that the year before?" trying to remember.

"I'm really not sure," She admits 'You only told me to write down the date and remind you."A frown on her brow as if she feels she had failed "Diego might know"

"No, really, Constance, it's ok. I'm just trying to remember, you know? I'll check with Diego, it's fine." honestly.

"As you like.." SHe bows "Safe to say you'll have Christmas day at Rivervale? Or will it be here?"

"Yule here, a Christmas visit there."

A nod "Perhaps, Christmas eve with Ellie and the childlings then? "

She nods. "Yes, let's lock that in."

She makes a note and writes it down

"Thank you. Um. I guess I need to go shopping. Pardon me?"

"Of course. Want Nancy or someoen else as an extra set of eyes? I know shopping isn't your thing"

"Nancy just got back, she's in the spa. No, I should be able to handle this."

"Happy questing" Constance bows

"You really don't need to bow...." Jess mentions as she heads out; if she can find Diego easily, she'll ask him about the last few years of presents. And if he has suggestions?

Jess finds she has a shadow trotting at her heels.

Diego doesn't bow...but greets her warmly "Oh let's see, you have gotten her SPiced Rum, one eyar, Teequilla the next.. and one time you got her a rainbow poncho, which she liked a lot"

"Ok, thank you Diego. Good to know. Um. Any suggestions for this year?" then she notices the shadow and checks it....?

A childling wearing a simple yellow dress with flowers on it, and a matching yellow bow on one of her donkey ears. She has apparently discovered that if you act like you belong, often no one will question your presence.

"Hello, Selma." she greets the childling.

A curtsy. "Condesa. It is time for Yule shopping, no? And birthday? You need someone to carry your things." She has a basket over one arm.

"Did you want to come with me? What about the other childlings?"

"Oh, no, they are very busy. It is Salma's duty to carry, after all, she is meant to be of burden, si?" A smile.

"You're never a burden, little one" Diego says, then looks to Jessica "As for suggestions for Siv? Have you considered a smaller ship to use when she's here? "

"Well, um, I wouldn't have put it that way...."

"I hadn't, no. I wouldn't know the first thing about picking a ship."

"Lady Siv knows all about pickling a ship. That is why she keeps it in a bottle." A sage nod.

"The child's not wrong" Amused "Jessica, I find the whole feudal system silly, but... you have Tidemarch to order, or Tweak to ask for a ship made from. Why not?"

"Because it's a birthday present for my little sister, not something for the County. And Tweak's work... well, it's been solid, useful, a real benefit to the County but...."

"Well, you remember the incident with the watch/nail clipper/radio combo?"

"A clipper is a ship, si." Salma adds helpfully.

"This one was -supposed- to be for finger nails."