#fenixtj

Fontaine speaks up "This is Jessica , she's the Countess and holder here. That's Diego. He acts with great exageration, drinks wine, and knows how to get his hands on stuff"

Diego arches a brow, but lets it slide

Jessica gives Diego an apologetic look. "He's not entirely wrong....." then to the eshu "Hello."

"Hello" the Eshu says "Thank you for letting me heal here, Countess"

"You're welcome, of course. Will you tell me what happened?"

"I was a few miles outside the city, and...well, some folks pulled over to offer me a ride into Tijuana. I accepted, only to get thrown into the back of a van. they were mortals, I got arrogant, but my cantrips failed"

"How are you called?"

"Coromuel"

"Coromuel. Welcome to Renaissance, and Fenix Freehold. Where do you come from?"

"Ha." A smile "I'm an Eshu. I travel all over.. I am from either no where or annywhere, but like the wind I take my name from, I tend to prefer Baja"

Coromuel goes on "I got beaten pretty badly when I tried to escape. If not for La Cernícala I might have died. She defeated them, then drove me into town to get healing"

"Mm. I'm glad you're here."

"Could you describe La Cernicala?"

"A satyress with a stylish almost zorro like outfit, but the mask did make it hard to see details"

She nods, not surprised. "You're welcome to Hospitality if you like." she offers.

"Gracias " Coromuel says "I admit, I would like to rest here.. ad maybe a meal. I am famished, my belly yowls emptily"

At his words her own stomach threatens to Rumble

"Hm. I'll have something brought to you. Diego, care to walk with me?"

"Si" He walks along with her "Jessica, you do know that boy's danger was not your fault? It sttarted outside the city"

"I know." she doesn't seem to bothered by it beyond the obvious "Let's get him something to eat. And then I'd like to talk."

Maria and Rosa set up something for them

"Thank you. Um. Something for me too please?"

A blinnnk, sometimes they forget how much a troll can eat. They double the amoun

"Thank you. Diego, have you eaten?"

"Not yet" he says "But this will be nice" As they both have a tray of fine food o dine onn

When they have time and space to talk, Jessica recaps her conversation with Otem, and asks for Diego's input. "I think it's time to sort some things out with everyone."

"Well, I don't agree with utlimatiums as a rule, but we cannot have a system where rich kithain can buy out dreamers from poorer changelings. Otem is right, that would lead to a backlash "

She nods. "It isn't just."

"No, it is not. You have my support there... i have lost clout with the rebels for..selling out, but I have a little and they'd back you. Now the Nunnehi getting firs access to any indigenous dreamers? THAT will be a harder sell"

"Perhaps. Maybe they will bring something to the table in exchange. Otem has his priorities, as he should, but he's not hostile."

"Otem is a figure head pushed by his elders" A snort "A decent man, but his power is limited"

"I never thought anything else."

"I'm not looking for a power play here, Diego. I'm looking for justice and benefits for all of us."

"Alas, some would say ttha without power to enforce it, justice is not possible"

"But.. you do have power, so with Courage, you can try . You've done so much good already, let's not stop now" A wink over food

"Mmph."

"Do you have any -constructive- input?"

"Absolutely... release them joined... so that denying the rich and greedy the ability to steal the dreamerrs from 'the poor or the indigenous'... word it rightt, ad make them both feel as brothers"

"I might also suggest while Open Court is fine, maybe you should also consider a town hall? Something for the Commonors to discuss and organize. Before you think I'm slpping democracy in ... you would have access to their minutes, their records. They'd bring up things they might not mention in open court"

She eats, thinking "Town halls held or... or organized or something by Thanes. Not by me. Something where ... if I"m a presence, you know, I'm not a PRESENCE."

"Just so" A nod "It's an idea anyway"

"Start at the very local level, neighborhoods and Thanes. Maybe scale up from there. But Thanes can bring me summaries. I'll start at the other end, with the Freeholders and Nunnehi."

"Sounds like you want me to help"

"You already are. You're ... one of a very few most trusted advisors, Diego."

"And you ,Jessica, are one of my most trusted friends" He assures , pleased

She smiles. "Thank you."

"De nada, mi amiga" he says taking a bite "What else can I help you with?"

She realizes with some surprise, her plate is empty. "Um. No? Not that I can think of. Not immediately."

"Would you like my remaininng food?" He offers "I seem to be full "

"Oh, um. No, thank you. I think I'm full."