#fenixtj

"Oh, find them ad feed false innformation"

Jessica, irritated, waves this off "Troubadours and spies. Anything else?"

"Yes, one more thing. Your thanes will hate it."

"But... you should visit folks on patrols. If someone innvites you to lunchh or dinner at their house? Accept. Let your people talk to you outside of Court. "

"I don't do that enough now?"

"I can do more, I just thought I already was...."

"You patrol , ad wave, and they love that, but you're not one for long talks while you patrol"

"It's... -patrol-...." she stop, and nods. "More talking. More listening. Ok."

"I know, trolls aren't always social... " Sympathetic "Patrol is patrol, mingling is mingling, but sometitmes mixing jobs works. Or maybe.. do a 'pure' patrol for a half hour, then one more 'relaxed' another half hour? You'll finnd your pattern."

"Something. I will figure it out. Make it clear people cam and should come to me with concerns and requests. What do you recommend about La Cernicala?"

"You realize you're talking to a mann who is quite biased in in favor of them?"

"Does La Cernnicala serve your purpose so far?"

"NO." that's a -solid- negative.

"Mmm how so not?"

He is not being contrary, but wanting details

Jessica takes a deep breath again; she is clearly tense, even angry, although not at -this- satyr.

"Diego, I think I know who La Cernicala is. And I'm hurt and disappointed and angry about it. And I see that person's actions here in Renaissance as divisive and damaging. And I'm going to put a stop to it, for everyone's good. My question to you is, do you have a suggestion on the best way to do that?"

A pause "I thought a folk hero would be useful, but...all right. First, I should tell you. I donnn't think it's one person. My seconnd part is say ..please. And explainn the damage to the people"

"More than one person." flatly "A conspiracy?"

"mmm not a malignannt one. It throws off hunters some. It also allows them to rest and heal. I've paid attention, and the style varies"

"Hunters?"

"Champions of the common man never lack for enemies. La Cernicala has angered nobles"

"She's done a good job of pissing me off, too." Jessica snaps.

"Who's hunting her? Or them?"

"Members of House Ailil and Balor in Sunkissed waves, of course. Thallian in the shadows. Ravagers who avoid you but work the edges. Etc"

"Well you can bloody well bet that the Ailil at Sunkissed Waves are going to be working over time, now."

"Mmm Iago's an ass" He states

"I don't disagree, but it didn't have to go down like this, damn it!"

Another deep breath, slow exhale. "La Cernicala stops now. I mean it."

"And without any more damage being done."

"La Cernicala wanted to help. Go gently, Jessica., Please"

"Maybe they helped someone. I hope so."

"Thank you for your time, Diego."

"THey did" He says "And.. Godspeed"

Jessica heads for her room, under a full head of steam.

Diego sighs "She's still mad. Should have told her at the start, La Cernicala" a shake of his head

And to her room Jessica goes. She has another 40 minutes to visit herr sister at Siv's apartment

A drink of water. Shower, shampoo and shave, lots of hot water and moisturizer after. Clean clothes. More water.

She heads to the kitchens to get something to eat.

She puts together a quick plate from what's there; hell, cold tortillas and cheese if nothing else. Her vibe is not particularly inviting.

Rosa helps "Everytthinngg okay, Countess?"

"No. But it will be."

She nods

Jess eats like it's a job, and then cleans up her place.

And goes to the Balefire.

The balefire greets her, sensing her anger and she's curious

Jessica sits at the hearth, and greets the Balefire with her finger tips, as her mother taught her.

It wraps about the fingers, sympathy at the frustration

Jess sits there, trying to find that connection with her ember, the spark of the Dreaming she is Oathed to. It usually brings some comfort.

It curls around and reminnds, the county is safer than before, better than before