#fenixtj

Jess drinks from her cup of fruit juice, and looks back towards the 'Fire.

The fire is in her glory, refreshed, renewed, and celebrated

"She looks proud" Mitra observes

"She is." with firm, quiet fondness.

"She has a right to be, this Imbolc has gone very well" Ash observes "And your people are happy."

Jess nods. "We've done well, and the year has much promise."

"I would agree" a voice, the Duke comes in, he looks a bit stretched, on that cusp between wilderhood and leaving childhinghood fully behind

Jess turns, rather a spin, and bows. "Your Grace. I ... um, didn't expect to see you."

"I was invited" he reminds but inclines his head to all three as each bows "Sorry to intrude on this moment."

"No intrusion, Your Grace. Welcome, in fact." she smiles "Welcome to Renaissance, and Fenix."

"You know Baroness Mitra and Dame Ash?"

"I've had the pleasure" He nods "Have you a moment, Countess? They're welcome to stay"

"Of course, Your Grace. Would you like to sit? Have you had anything to eat or drink?"

"I have, thank you, delicious food. I made the msitake of being spoted by one.. Rosa? the next thing I knew I had a plate in my hands. I finished it... boggans are ... selectively submissive I've discovered" the Liam says "But the food was delicious. " He takes a seat "Please, all of you sit as well or this will be awkward"

"Sounds like Rosa, loves the feudal system but seems to think Chef has perks like making nobles eat" Ash smiles

Jess nods agreement with the assessment and sits.... after the Duke does.

They all do, and he says "I.. will soon have the energy to boost a balefire or add rooms to a hold. My own hold is modest, and one would think I'd put it there, but it's out of the way, less people need it. So, I am considering one of the holds in your domain"

Mitra's eyes widen

Jess nods, listening.

"I was wondering if you had a preference on which hold"

"That... um, I'd like time to think about it. If you ask me for a choice right now?"

"If you'd like time, it's yours, but, with in a week, please. TZhe window may close before then"

"Of course, Your Grace."

"Now, I see you've engaged the Nunehi at new levels. Your patience I think is paying off"

"The Nunnehi have been at least as forthcoming, Your Grace; it is a mutual effort. Would you like to meet some of them?"

"As you think is wise." He rises

Tierone is a boy and this costs him some respect, but also makes him seem less of a threat. He's also trained both by Ailil and Liam

He mixes it well, ingratiating, and yet his sympathies with the indiigenious dreamers the Nunnehi prize is obviously sincere. Otem seems to take him seriously and is surprised at his understanding

Jessica introduces him openly and honestly; her respect is clear, as is her pride in local ties that she has helped forge.

She may blush when Otem praises her before her liege "if not for her, we would likely be forced to war against the innocents of this land by others who hold the bloody rod on the mainland"

"I understand," The Duke agrees "She has stood up strong to give me wise counsel even when I was not sure I wanted to hear it. "

She does, indeed, go a light mauve. "We have all worked hard to ensure the best for our people."

"Yes, but you have carried the cause the farthest" Otem says in a tone that this is a fact

"With support." she agrees.

"I believe we agree on this as well as other things" The Duke smiles "You'll find even earned praise can embarrass trolls."

"Ah, such was not my intent, embarrasing her that is"

Jess shrugs. "I speak the truth; I could not do this on my own."

"Nor we without her" Otem counters

"Just so " Tierone says, "Otem, would it be rude to approach your elders for a mere greeeting?"

"No, but, allo wme to make some introductions?"

He agreees and the elders seems surprised at the 'boy ruler' but it is a holiday, so they listen, and seem impressed by the time Tierone has moved onto the next elder

Jessica watches to see if she is welcome to join them, and is silently supportive of the Duke no matters.

And she is of course welcome too, and while there is some dislike from a few, most elders tolerate or even seem impressed

Finally though, the visits of elders ends as Tierone says "Countess, hope you noted who felt how about me as best you could. I know I did. I think it's best we keep working through you for this overture of peace."

She nods. "Yes, Your Grace. It is important that they know you are my authority... but, that they trust me."

"I waas thinking the same. One doesn't change quarterbacks during a winning season" He smiles "Go ahead and mingle with your folk again, and thank you for making this all possible... oh, and because I know you'll say it in protest: I recognize that it was due to team work. Kudos to your folk. They're clearly on their game"

"Thank you, Your Grace." she bows.

He inclines his head "Most welcome" And he turns to listen to Neema play some music

Jess takes the cue and withdraws. Maybe there's a space she can have for some quiet space?

And indeed, she can, Constance jerks her head to the study, a quiet place in a crowded hold