#fenixtj

"That would not work so very well, perhaps." She allows.

"Condesa? Does your hermana adventure below the sea, or merely on top?"

"Oh yeah..." At the watch Nail Clipper radio... "FM worked fine, but AM got messy"

Jessica nods. "Right, I'm just saying... with an ocean-going vessel?"

Salma lifts one long ear.

"Both, Salma." Jessica answers.

"Has she met the nice young Prince below the waves? Perhaps his people know a gift suited to a Cabellera del Mar."

Jessica scratches at the base of her horns. "I don't have a strong point of contact among the Mer...."

"Ariel " Diego says "Might not be a strong point, but she is friendly with one of their childings"

"Ariel is wise, for a silly goat."

"Use the childlings to establish relations with the Mer so I can get my sister a birthday present?" dubious.

"Just pointing out you have a contact" He says "And there is your selkie troubadour?"

"Right, right...." a frown "That's .. better. If she knows any of them. I'll go ask. Salma, would you like to come with me?"

An eager nod. "I wouldn't dream of it."

"Um. Ok, let's go... ok, Diego?"

"Mmm?" He asks

"Is there anything you need from me?"

"No, not currently. I think Miss Salma is the aid you need now" A wink

Salma reaches up and takes Jess's hand - or part of it. "Si, I will serve as well as I may."

"Let's find our troubador, then." and off they go to look.

Neema is playing a tune softly

Jess waits respectfully until there's a break.

There is and she looks up and bows "My liege, and Salma! How are you both?"

A curtsey to the Selkie!

"Very well, thank you. Forgive the question, but... do you have any connections among the Mer in the area?"

"Oh yes, hard to avoid them sometimes," She admits "I have to share the sea with them after all. Proud folk, as bad as sidhe really"

"The sidhe of the sea? Is that like tuna, the chicken of the sea?" Curious.

Jessica worries her lip for a moment, then asks "I have the impression they aren't, um, open to or trusting of those of us on land. I might be doing the Mer a disservice, but... Um. Do you think any of them might be willing to meet with me?"

A smile at Salma, "Sometime it's more like over priced lobster.. but dont' tell them I said that"

Then to Jessica "I know they would. They might think they're the best kith, but you are Countess and could block the shores from them. I would word it differently. A lot might depend on what you're hoping for from them on how well you're received. I find a small gift might suit them"

"What sort of gift?"

"If only our princesca didn't have a close personal friend beneath the waves."

"AH, Cire, cheeky boy but with a kind spot now and then" She ponders "If I might suggest? Returned Sea shells, but sometimes they like wine... they breath it in. For them it dilutes so fast it's really like perfume"

Despite the goal, Jess seems intrigued "Really? That's... wild. Ok. Wine. When you say returned sea shells....?"

"Things that were taken from the sea restored, they see it as a sign of respect,," She whispers "Of course, We Selkie are among the beach combers who pick up shells so we find their 'ownership' claims a bit silly"

Jess nods "I suppose there are two side to it, yes."

"Of course any water proof object of art might impress"

"Might?" dubious "I'm not sure I'm a good judge of art to give as a gift....."

"It is so very sad, you see. There are no ovens under the sea. They cannot enjoy even a single Churro on their own?"

"Well, sometimes one finds under sea volcanic vents and can cook, but yes they do eat most things raw"

"Raw, hmmmph. Cooked, true, but not baked or fried..."

She suddenly smiles. "Candy. Hard candy may be enjoyed until it melts? There is no sugar under the waves..."

Jessica lifts her eyebrows and looks at Neema. "Candy?"

"If they do not like it, you can find someone else who appreciates it." She adds helpfully.

Neema says "That might work"

"..... taffy?" she suggests tentatively.

"Like... salt-water taffy?"

"Oooh that would appeal to their vanity and curiosity" The selkie smiles

She nods. "I can get salt-water taffy. Ok. How man
y boxes, do you think?"

"Not too many, no more than five. You want to make it seem a rare delicacy"