#fenixtj

"Yeah, he got a bit tense on the way there" Clem nods

"I like to have my own space, too." Jess reassures Buck.

"Well, if I ever crowd you let me know" Buck says understanding "Everyone needs air to breath"

"Seems like you won't be spending as much time here as at the FarmHold, Buck, but thanks for the offer."

"Oh definitely not, we're heading towards the Pitt next" He grins "Looking forward to throwing my weight around there. Build up a sweat"

Clem winces but keeps her mouth shut

Jess nods. "That token should help. Dame Mitra's been a good friend here. The competition should be a challenge."

"Well, good. I expect I'll get my ass kicked, but should be fun" He smiles

"Do you mind if I come watch?"

"Sure, if you like. Can't promise how much of a show I'll put on" Buck is an easy going fellow

"Not looking for a show." she clarifies "Thank you."

"No show, you just keep your brains in your skull and your guts in your belly" Clem pokes him

"Takes all the fun out of it" Buck grins

Otem says "We beleive the Pitt is a sacred place. Where a man may let the land taste his blood to bring blessings from it"

"Most of the time there are protocols in place to keep people from dying, but yes. The shedding of blood in the ring is considered a blessing."

"Lordy" Cleem says "Poor healers must be very tired there"

"There are quite a few combatants who don't seek healing. They prefer the scars."

"I know the type" Clem observes

"Mmm would a scar look sexy on me Clem?" Buck inquires

Clem blushes 'you came back with a scar and some frostbite saving all of apples, you knucklehead"

"Clem, I have something I'd like you to take back to the FarmHold; be sure to see me before you go?"

"Why sure, you didn't need to get us anything though" Clem says

"I didn't, exactly." a small smile.

"Huh" Clem looks curious, but nods "Well, I'll see you before we head back. And thank you"

"Welcome."

Dinner winds up. Buck wipes his lips with a napkin "Mighty fine cooking"

"Surely was" Clem says "Fine company too. Nice meeting you, Otem"

"Thank you all for coming." she says.

"Our treat" Clem says rising "Now, I'll help clean dishes"

Jess blinks at her.

And then at the boggans.

"oh, no, Chieftain, gracias but we..."

"Nonsense," Clem gathers the plates up "Ain't gonna put on airs. You cooked, I clean, or at least help. It's the way of it."

Jessica says nothing.

"But... senorita, we will go much faster if..." Rosita starts ot say

"Ain't about fast, it's about right. You two take a load off, I got this" Clem assures and goes in

A moment later, Maria comes out, and blinks "What just happened?"

"I do not know" Rosita answers

Buck laughs "That's just Clems' way"

"Sorry ladies. She's .... almost as down to earth and practical as I am."

"Perhaps warn us when she come?" Maria says

"SHe means, alert us so we can prepare?" Rosita says

"I'll make sure you get the call "Buck offers, "Thanks for indulging her, ladies. Food's magnifico by the way"

They look pleased at that

"As always." Jess adds loyally.

The boggans, somewhat mollified, endure Clem's invasion. To clem's credit, while she cannot cook well at all, she was not afraid to clean and does a complete job

Meanwhile, as Clem works troll-slow to the indulgent exasperation of the staff, Jess nods to Buck and Otem. "If you gents will excuse me? I've got some matters to attend to before too much longer."

"of course" Both men say. Looks like they have things to talk about

Jess is off to the space that serves as her office. There's always paperwork and sometimes she needs a break to deal with it.

And so it goes.