#fenixtj

Jessica nods. "Do your people, the local Nunnehi that is, have access to Dreamers? I'm not looking for secrets or, um, intell. I just want to make sure they have what they need."

"Once our dreamers were like grain, now? They're like precious gems. Buried, rare, hard to find, and subject to coveting by your people."

She nods. "Have to protect those, too...." she murmurs to herself.

"Other tribes among us, the Chief distributes the dreamers to who he or she sees as best, but must do so wisely or face rebellion. In others they are shared as community goods, anyone may use anyone else's dreamer, but none may keep a dreamer from others either. "

She nods. "From what you have seen, with outside eyes, do you think that either system would work for us, here?"

"Outside eyes make it very hard to judge fairly. Your city is immense, your chosen tribe IS as grain compared to ours. I do not always understand your nobles, we had our caste systems in the past as well, but your nobles can be gluttons, and they, unlike Nunnehi, can drink from your bale. They have the most bales. They have the most dreamers? It seems dangerous to make bad blood with your builders and servants like they do sometimes"

"I don't disagree." she mutters.

"Then I am glad to confirm what you already were wondering, or at least show you are not alone in thinking so. You are a leader, Freeflame. You make hard choices, while trying to be on good terms with all as long as good terms can bring justice. This is ... an impossible thing, but since when has impossible held back dreams?"

She nods.

"I will make accomidations to recognize your people's right to... what are they called in your language? Dreamers?"

"You probably couldn't pronounce it. However, our tribesfolk, letting us have.. first access? THat would mean much"

Jess takes a deep breath. "Do your people have someone they will send to meet with me and my leaders when we discuss this?"

"Probably myself" he looks, apologetic

She nods. "That is fine."

"You had questions. Thank you for letting me ask mine."

"our date was.. post poned" He says understanding "When would be a good time for you or at least.. a tolerable one?" He watches her reaction

((Refresh my memory; is this date a stipulation to his presence on behalf of his people? Jess gets a liasion if she dates him?))

((Beeen so long that even I am not sure, but no. I don't think so. I think she just agreed to it earlier and it fell through the cracks))

((Ok))

"Otem, I'm not interested in dating -anyone- right now. Thank you for offering the honor."

"It is a shame. I am selfish. My people first wanted me to woo you for a political alliance, but you declined that, and I was not looking forward to such .. games. But I grew to know you. I respect and like you, I think exploring our hearts would be as flowers found in the jungle. But... because I respect you, I shall not press, I do fear you will one day regret closing your heart , Jessica Flamefree. I hope this closing is but a temporary thing even if it never opens to me." He ponders "May ask you questions not related to such matters as dating?"

She nods. "Please." she seems to prefer it.

"I have heard terms such as.. modernists, Reformers, and traditionalists? WHat do these mean? And which are you?"

She nods, and spends some time explaining from a fairly nuetral viewpoint, quoting information from her upbringing at Rivervale, fostering in Pacifica among (mostly) Liam, and input from Rowan-Oak and Caer Falken; all with proper attribution.

".... as for myself.... I don't know that I hold too closely to any specific '-ism' or class. I'm not noble born nor noble kith, but my loved ones hold rank and now so do I. If I -had- to, I would say I lean towards Reform."

A nod "The middle road is often villified by those at the edges" Otem considers "But it makes me feel we can trust you to work with us to find a path to peace."

"I am glad to hear that."

"Your magics, arts..we would call it medicine. Is there one you suggest we study to help us with our dreamers? Not abuse, but... "A shrug "inspire?"

"Oh. Um." she wasn't expecting that. She thinks.

"I'm not strong in the Arts." she confesses "Tito Woden might have more information. He might want to know more about your Arts in return, though."

"THat would be fair to ask, though we hold our secrets precious, we could at least talk" A nod "Besides peace itself, how do you think the Nunehi, who draw no glamour from your balefires, and whose dreamers have lost old ways, can thrive IN peace? Some of fear we are damned regardless"

"I have not taken direct council on this, Otem. But, just to spitball.... I would like to protect those lands and Dreamers you -can- draw Glamour, Medicine, from. I would like to increase those resources."

"You.. are indeed an amazing woman. And this will be welcome news to my elders. I'll pass it on." He assures

"Please make sure they know this is what I would like, and intend. I may not promise, or achieve it." she warns.

"They would not believe you if you made it sound certain or easy" A smile "Little in life is easy if it is worthwhile"

She nods. "Truth."

"Now... my leaders are likely to want to know what areas your people currently claim. New areas will be decided as they are discovered. Are your people willing to share the information of what they see as theirs?"

"On the Pennsiula? Yes... as you know, not all our people are united in peace, most are not, at least beyond Baja"

"Well, let's protect the spaces claimed by those we are at peace with. Maybe that will bring peace from others."

"In time, maybe" A nod

She nods, thinking. And, asks absently "Did you have other questions?"

"A few but I want to think how to word them. PErhaps another time. Besides, you came here for harmony. I should not disrupt it any further"

"Believe it or not, you've helped to an extent."

"I have? Then I am glad something good has come of the intrusion" He nods "You did seem troubled about Dreamers. I take it something occured to bring your mind to that place? Was one ravaged?"

"Not to my knowledge. In fact, I need to look more into some details there."

A nod "Good that one was not. That is poisoning the well for all"

She takes another breath of fresh air and releases it. "Ok, so... at least I can move forward on one front. Thank you, Otem. You helped."

"You are welcome, Jessica. Peace and prosperity to you and your people" He salutes

"To all our people." She stands as well, offering a handshake.

He shakes it, and nods