#fenixtj

"Perhaps he's being nice? Trolls are allowed to do that" Maria says, she's always been more cheeky than Rosa ,who is more impressed by titles

"Maria" Rosa chides

"No, it's... it's fine." she shrugs "What about the wreath on my door?" she checks cautiously.

"Luis suggested it"

"Aagin, why would he do that?" she shrugs, shaking her head; a rhetorical questions "Well, it's very nice. Thank you. And I'll send Luis my thanks."

"Oh I'm sure you'll see him before we do, so best you thank him yourself" maria suggests

A nod, and she goes on to the next task in her day.

She sees Luis, all right. His hand to hand skills are good, he's been building up his melee training. He practices against Dame Ash who teaches him

"Try not to let me get past your reach" Ash advises, "You're a troll, reach is your edge"

"Si, gracias, Dame Ash"

It's good he's practicing defense skills; no need to interupt.

She notices his footwork is improving, and while he still loses reach too often, he is getting better

Good. a quick observation.

When Ash tries to weave under his reach the next time, he twists and turns to keep the distance!

"Good!" Ash smiles "But don't be afraid to shove if I get too close and you want reach, that also is another way, but yes, good foot work" She sees Jessica and says "he's coming along nicely"

Jess nods and changes direction. "Good work, Luis. And thank you for your thoughtful gifts. I appreciate it."

"You're welcome" he says, and looks at Ash, then she nods

He moves to Jessica and says "I know you're a busy woman, but, I was hoping we might have dinner sometime, together?"

Jessica pauses. "Dinner's served nightly for the freehold...." she generally avoids words like "court" and "county," not wishing to emphasize the noble aspect of things. Generally.

A smile "I know, but I thought perhaps I could take you out for once. Tijuana has nice restaurants, nothing to compare to the ladies, I know, but I hoped you'd enjoy a change of pace?"

"Um." she steps even further away from anyone else, Luis may join her if he wishes. She's looking for a private conversation.

He notes this, and Ash.. Ash has gone, leaving them alone.

"Um." she repeats "You're asking me on a date?" no shade, just clarifying.

"Si," He nods "Just a dinner date, would you prefer a movie? It can be more casual"

"Thank you, Luis, um... I'm not dating right now. I appreciate the offer, it's very complimentary. Um. No, no thank you." she's not unkind, but she -is- forthright.

A nod, if his ego has been damaged he hides it well, though he does look disappointed , "Lo siento... I thought with the dates you had with Otem, the Nunnehi, you were single and not.. closed to companionship. "

"I won't pester, but the offer remains open should you find a better time in your life?"

"I'm... Otem is not... it's not like that. And, thank you, I'll keep it in mind."

"Thank you for being kind. My apologies again"

"Luis, no apologies needed. From either of us. Have a good practice."

"You have a good day" He nods and moves back to practice against a target

Jess moves on as well. Gratefully.

Somewhere, two boggans pull back and converse.

(Privately) "Is she still pining for Duff?"

"I'm starting to think she has gone scared of romance entirely"

"We must do something for her"

"If she keeps the flint in one drawer, and the metal in the other, little chance of a spark"

"Si... we may have to enlist more boggans"

And off they go

BUT Jessica is unaware of this.

Blissfully so.

Jessica sees one childling she doesn't deal with much, Tex, the redcap. Phobos and Demos handle him, sometimes she worries too roughly, but lately she's noticed an improvement in his behavior. Maybe they're giving him outlets for his hunger and temper?

"Countess ma'am...?" He asks

"Yes, Tex?"

"I was.. I suck at this Christmas giving stuff.. and I heard you took Salma out?"

She doesn't smile; she just nods seriously. "I did. But I need to go out again. Wouldn't mind if you came with me."

A look left, then right "Thanks." He pulls out a trash bag "Got stuff to throw things in so I'm ready"

Jess thinks about this a moment. "Tex, just to keep the peace... I'm going to buy stuff. Legit. That ok with you?"

"I ain't seelie , I don't like owing folks" he scowls " A cap gotta rely on hisself, and maybe his corby"

"Yes." Jessica agrees "So I'll pay. You're part of the team at Fenix, right? That's like being corby."