#fenixtj

"Not yet, I think this was a polie way to shut the barons up" Amused "Including Tweak. Otem just brought them in"

A chuff of amusement. "Where is he, is he still around?"

"Possibly, I don't know. I was going to ask you if I should leave this in the usual storage, secure it in the treasury, or lay it near the balefire for open use?"

"Secure them for now, I want to think about it but my -instinct- is to send one to each Freehold with my compliments. Show off what the Nunnehi have gifted the whole County and how much they can contribute in general, you know?"

"Excellent point. 13 of them in total by the way. I think it's a sacred number for them"

"That's important too." she points out "I'm going to go see if I can catch Otem, ok?"

"good luck " He waves her off

She nods, and moves with purpose to see of Otem is still around?

Fortunately there are others to help point the way. Bevera says "I saw him in the practice yard"

"Thanks!" and she heads that way.

Otem is there all right. sharpening a war axe

She approaches. "Otem."

He looks up "Jessica, how are you?"

"I'm well, thank you. And... please offer my thanks to your people for the incredibly generous gifts you have honored us with."

"We agreed to do our part, and the blankets will not last forever. They shall take the edge of the chill off unitil finally they can take no more, but...they should still last awhile to help. We have ways of making more but we could not ..mass produce"

"I wouldn't dream of asking. Did your people provide a list of your sacred sites? I would like to make sure we dedicate them for your exclusive use as soon as we can. It's been too long already."

"Soon." he says

She nods. "As you say."

"I am sorry. It is frustrating for you, but.. .I must do it at the Council's pace rather tha my own. I.." He sighs "I suppose you think I am timid, as warriors go"

"I do not. It's not that it's frustrating for me, as much as I'm eager to show that I -am- interested in the welfare of all our Fae, either Western or Nunnehi. However, if that is true then I must go at the Council's pace as well. If I demand, or rush, or push... that is not in the interests of your people's welfare."

"you understand. Thank you. Some try to press, to make seasons arrive early"

She shakes her head. "I know that is not wise."

"I will pass on your praise for the blankets to them. Our crafters take great pride in their work" A nod "And we take pride in them"

"As well you should. I'm proud and grateful that we are neighbors and, I hope in time, friends."

"I cannot speak for all, but I would be honored o call you friedn now"

Jessica smiles and offers her hand. "Friends."

He takes it and repeats "Friends. " A nod "How is your day?"

"It's been fine. May I ask a question about the use of the blankets?"

"Please do" he says

"Would it be an insult to send them, with pride, to the other Freeholds to .... display the wonderful things your people have provided us?"

"No. I would suggest sending 2 at least to Skyhook" a slight smile

Jess chuckles. "I will. And they will be held here in honor, until needed." she pauses "Could I... um. Make a gift of one, just one, to someone outside the County?"

"they are yours to do with as you please" He says

She nods. "Thank you."

"I am curious to who you will send them? "

"Um. A very respected elder who is a friend of my family and a relation of a friend of mine is ... her time to rejoin the wheel is coming. But... this might help, a little."

"you.. have a kind heart" He says

A nod

"Thank you. It's as much a gesture of honor and respect that's only her due. And I would like others to know of the power and grace of the Nunnehi here."

"De nada. " he says "I hope they see us as you have begun to"

"It will be a start." she nods.

A nnod "it must start somewhere, and I think it is well begun"

"And thank you for -that-."

"De Nada again. I met your friends,, Chieftain Clem and Buck? they seem warm folk"

"They are. Clem's been a friend from.... well, before I came here."

"Old friends are more precious than gold," He nods "How did you meet then?"

"Whew. That is a -long- story. Um."

"So... you're busy here and all but Clem and Buck are joining the Court for dinner. Might as well tell the story only once, right?"

"Ae you inviting me to dinner? " He asks, seeming pleased but surprised

"I'm saying that if you want both sides of the story, and believe me they are -going- to differ, then Clem and I will be in the same place at the same time and it makes sense to hear it then."