#fenixtj

"I like this little girl" the bookseller grins

Jessica regards the haul, and shakes her head slowly. "No, Selma. This will not do."

"You need at least three times as many books."

Blink BLINK. "Condesa, is this some sort of... test?" Uncertain.

"No." simply, directly, as is her wont.

Only a moment's hesitation, then she returns to the stacks! She has picked out books already with specific childlings in mind, but there are still a few that she searches for. There must be a book in this lovely shop that says 'Onyx' to her. The quiet Ailil boy doesn't speak much with Salma, but she is a clever listener, and there has to be a book for everyone, doesn't there?

Despite his trauma, Onyx is still an Ailil, and he enjoys stories of intelligent heroes who also have their own codes... or even Antiheroes. Artemis Fowl books (So much better than that movie attempt) might be just the thing, but also, a tale of the Oddysey, Greek rather than celtic, but toned down for younger audiences, might do it, for Ulysses is also cunning and a leader.

Oooh. She snags that book! AND the Artemis Fowl trilogy that caught her eye... she is not sure what poultry might have to do with mortal thoughts about fairies, but the only way to find out is to read them no?

Because she gets the trilogy, the book seller actually gives her a discount on it

Something else. Three times as many? She is spoiled for choice, and it actually takes her back for a moment. Looking now for... mmm... cookbooks?

Soon she has an armful that meets the Countess's order.

"It is a good thing you brought a burra, Condesa, to haul these supplies."

"A good thing indeed." she agrees, and she pays the bookseller without haggling. "Happy Holidays." she wishes him.

It is a big stack of books, but it seems a point of pride that the little burra, small but strong and sturdy, carries them.

"Felice Navidad" The seller grins

Holger sometimes has to grab things quick just to do the lifting around her, especially with books

"May I look at one or two while we walk?" she asks.

"Si!" Salma will never deny anyone the pleasure of a book... well, not unless she is currently reading it.

Jessica easily carries three of them... and look them over casually as she carries them.

Salma keeps an eye out as they trot through the marketplace... watching for any other vendors that may need to be visited.

Perhaps a hat shop, something jaunty for Sir Buce and something silly for Senor Tonto... a nice pen for Constance... Salma has an eidetic memory, and she points out potential ideas to the Countess for every soul she knows at the Barony. Even if it may take a little interpretation... surely Salma didn't mean that wicked looking knife would be good for sweet Neema? But the seaglass bead necklace probably wouldn't suit Demos...

Indeed, they find not just a hat shop, but a hat shop that has a bit of glamour 'Dio-approved' says a sign

Oooo. Salma peeks in. Is there a hat that looks appropriate for a fine Cabbellero and would be suitable for cut-outs for proud equine ears??

They go in, and see a boggan woman with her kith's typical warm smile and broad if short stature, "Hola, come in please, somberos for all needs. Dio Approved"

Salma beams and greets her in Spanish, "Do you have a hat that would suit me, specifically? Only, imagine if I was about so high, and a knight, and my ears of a Stallion and not a gentle burra?"

"Oh but you are such a fine burra, gentle one and i have a lovely bonnet.." She shows one with sunflower designs, "But if you wish for a not specific you..." She moves to another with holes in it, not a bonnet, but rather a rather dashing burgendy with crimson feather

The holes are cleverly hidden so mortals won't be likely to notice unless they really look, yet a pooka could be comfy

"Condesa, look! How simply terrible."

Jess nods. "I think that would suit." some assumption on her part that she has interpreted correctly....

"Can I get a hat for you, senorita?" the boggan asks Jessica

"Oh, no. Thank you." she demures.

"If you're are sure? I have some lovely hats for all reasons. Even here it can get cold, and a lot of heat comes out of the head" She points "Others are perhaps more lady like and fancy? and some in between." A raspberry beret

"Um. No, thank you. I'm good." with a smile "Selma, which ones have you picked out?"

Salma is covering up a giggle, and indicates the hat which would be so suited to Sir Buce, and also a silly looking cap that might look rather dashing and comical on a certain Tonto.

Jess nods. "Excellent, we'll take those, any others?"

She shakes her head. "So many."

"Come by again if you have other friends with heads" The boggan smiles

Jessica pays and hopefully escapes hatless.

Barely, but the skin of her scalp!

But escape they do, to shop onward.

Legends shall be sung!

When the two return from shopping, both are laden with gifts, books annd othewise

Jess can help Selma get her things settled, and avoid revealing what she got for people.

Difficult, for there are not one, but TWO sluagh boys

Selma can hide pressies in Jessica's rooms, if she wishes.

Soft feet sounds..maybe

Whether or not Selma does choose to hide things in Jess's chamber, Jess does go to her rooms for at least a moment.

Jessica goes towards her room and finds, a lovely wreath on the door

She takes a moment to examine and appreciate it.