#fenixtj

The meal was excellent. Iago dropped off. Tidemarch did not believe the Ailil had broken a rule, but abided by it as a new one. He also had agreed 'peasants' was a poor choice of words and would give a refresher to his nobles in common sense as well as manners. Further, Iago was to cease 'buying' dreamer's favors.

And Jessica returned to Fenix with her entourage , Bevara talking to her "You realize Iago only regrets getting caught"

"I figured that was the most likely thing, yes. And thank you for coming along, and knowing why and what to do. I appreciate that.

"As a troubadour, I am often in demand" She smiles a bit. She did sing at dinner, a lovely ballad Tidemarch liked "As for the Baron himself, he was forthcoming. He did agree with your point on terms but as to the other, the buying dreamers, well, he didn't think it deserved punishment as it wasn't a rule until you informed it. Myself? I think Iago is a dangerous fool. Noble SIdhe are not so loved that we can exploit loopholes while angering the un-titled without ramifications. I suspect the locals were growing angry. They should have come to you"

"That they did not is a problem." She frowns. "I have a couple of things to take care of when we get back, but can you talk with Constance and give her your thoughts?"

"As you wish" She says

Phobos, now Sir Phobos says "Boss, this isn't your fault. Folks still remember the bad old days when Rathbone had some rules for nobles, other rules for commoners. They didn't quetion that they COULD Complain"

"Phobos, I appreciate that, but it means they -don't- remember the new days when -I- am trying to make the rules for everyone."

"So I need to work on that."

"Okay" He nods

"Announcements made perhaps?" A curious look from Bevera "Would you like I and my fellow troubadour to compose a song about you being open to all the people?"

"Let's start with the song." she says uncomfortably "But I want to talk to Diego first before anything else."

They enter Fenix "Of course, Countess" the troubadour says "I'll start some ideas on lyrics but commit to nothing until you say so." A beat "Ah, about songs? I believe some locals are singing one dedicated to La Cernícala"

Her jaw tightens. "Excuse me." And she steps away and outside to make a phone call in private.

The phone picks up "Siv King! "

"It's Jessica. "

"La Cernicala."

"Okay Hey Jess and.. huh what?"

"Siv, I am so angry right now...."

"I have reason to believe you are coming to Renaissance and playing some kind of vigilante role disguised as a saytr called La Cernicala. Are you?"

A pause then "Seriously? No 'hi sis' no 'love you' or 'how you doinng' I get accusations? of.. wait, what is this La Cerniwhosis doing?"

"Please answer the question."

"Sounds like you made up your mind so I'm not sure what the point of answering is. Nevermind that IF I was, it would be remarkably stupid to fess up to it. "

She sounds a bit huffy

A pause. "Are you refusing to answer?"

"No I am not posing as a Satyr in your County."

"Are you calling yourself La Cernicala?"

A slow breath then "sis, you're angry, and you got me upset too. So.. how about this. You want to talk to me? I get off work in an an hour and a half. Visit me at my aparttment. I thinnk if you're going to interoggate me you should at least visit me in person. Talk to you then"

Click

Jess stares at the phone with midnight blue eyes.

She avoids crushing it in her hand, though.

A voice calls out "Jessica?" It's Diego "they said you needed me?"

She takes a very slow, careful inhale and exhale.

"Yes,, Diego. Thank you. Do you have a moment?"

"Certainnly" he says

Her eyes are... dark. But she speaks calmly. "I'm interested in knowing all that you know of La Cernicala. "

"Ah, a true heroine of the people" He says proudly "Able to strike where the law does not allow, and show the common folk anyone of us might rise from our state and make a difference. Said to be a satyress of incrredible skill annd courage."

Jess motions, and they go inside to take council. "If strikes and needed where the law does not allow, then perhaps the laws need to change."

"I would agree. " He follows "I'm afraid some loopholes escaped me, Jessica. I'm supposed to be better at catching nnobles. One reason I've cheered on Cernicala."

"And I -am- a noble, now." Quietly.

"You are, Jessica" He looks at her sympathetically "I'm coming to see it's something of a burden to you, but I also can't denny you'd done so much for the people. They do love you, you know ?"

"But they don't come to me with things like this." A deep breath "And that is my failing. What is the best way to correct that?"

"Jessica, don't assume they donnn't come to you, they do, about a lot of things"

"But not this. Do you have any suggestions?"

"Si. You need spies on the nobles to find out what abuses tthey try to gget away with"

A sigh. "I hate the word spy.... but I had a similar thought some time ago."

"Troubadours often serve as such I hear, but commoners are often overlooked. Tidemarch will expect it, but then he probably has a spy here himself"

"Which I like even less."