#fenixtj

"He did." she agrees "Listen, when you have a few hours to talk, can you come by Fenix? I have some questions about .... well, we'll talk then."

"Well, all right. I can come by tommorow morning? Or do you need me sooner?"

"Tomorrow should be fine, thank you." then a small smile "How're you?"

"Oh, I'm fine" She looks about "Some Eiluned might find this place too simplistic , too warrior intent, but I've always been a steel star in a sky full of silver ones. And there are mysteries to be solved enough to keep me happy. And I like to thank I rule well over Sayda's little area. Of course, most locals are not warriors per se. We have dancers and crraftsman too, but I am trying to find ways to extennd a hand. I think the townn council will go over well here."

She nods. "I hope it works everywhere. Are you ready to start holding open
meetings?"

"We're prepped" she assures "I've even talked to the Bale about it.. this is going to be fun. Charismatic individuals, debates, then political powerblocks form, then parties... intrigue arises, and soon I'll be able to guide them behind the scenes while they think it's a democratic process." Happy sigh

Blink. "Okay....."

"I might be pulling your leg a little, but we're ready yes" A smile "you're doing well?"

"Yes, pretty much. Talk to you tomorrow?"

"Happily. Maria believes you need more socializitation" A roll of her eyes "Boggans are well intended, but worse thann pooka some days"

"Hard to imagine, but maybe so. See you then." and with a nod, she moves on.

Perhaps rejoining Clem and Buck?

She does. Clem is holding hads with Buck talking.

"well, yeah, momma was a member of GLOW..." Clem says "Gorgeous ladies of wrestling? "

"Hey. Sorry about that." as she rejoins them.

"It's fine , Westward." Clem smiles "Buck is just trying to get me in the pitt. I'm passing"

She nods. "It's not for everyone. As a rule, I don't join in.

Clem nods "Had to at least once though. to earn their respect."

Buck raises a brow and looks at Jessica "is that how it was?"

She nods.

Clem looks to Buck "If you hope to rule, you don't have to get into the thick of it. If you hope to lead? you have to. Ignorance of who you lead, whatt they value, leads to distance, even arrogance. the top of the mountain is no more importtant than the base. It just has a different calling"

Jess nods agreement again.

"I love when you talk all philosophical" Buck grins

Jess manages to not roll her eyes.

Clem DOES "You're such a ham" despite her eye roll she does look a bit pleased "It's just what leaders know. Why Chieftain Brekke breathes what I said every day of her life and she don' t make a fuss or get a fuss. It's not extra, it's needed to lead. "

"Well, I'm not in love with Chief Brekke," Buck points out "For one thing, she's not you. For the other? She's married and Frank would punch my lights out"

"He would," Clem observes.

And Jess nods agreement again.

"Ah, forgive us, Westward " Clem says

"Nothing to forgive." she assures them "You were right."

"Well, right or no, family matters shouldn' be lobbed about without your approval" Clem says "Now, I was curious about this place, but I understand there are places you suggges hiking outside the town"

"Oh, there are some great trails, yes. Um. You might want to bring chocolate when you go. Or chilis, chilis are good. Corn."

"I can give you a map."

Buck looks amused "Should we try corn, Clem? Sounds exotic"

Clem elbows him "Be nice to my friend, Buck. " then she says "Chocolate? Why? I mean, I like chocolate but while we need food, why that?"

"Um. Well." she looks around, and finds them a corner to talk in "Part of the peace efforts with the Nunnehi. I'm waiting for them to let me know what their sacred areas are. I have promised to offer them protection. So for the moment, till I have the list, anyone going into natural areas, might be a nice gesture to bring an offering."

"Oh!" Clem says "Shoot we can do that! I'll nneed to stop by Fenix and pick stuff up, but I have just the thing"

"Sure."

"Gift basket for Nunehi? On their land? Seems proper" They head to Fenix

Jess walks along with them. "A token should do. Just in case they aren't watching and it'll be animal food anyway. Still.... I'm hoping the gesture counts."

"token? Oh we don't do token effort on the farm" Clem says "I'm gonna ggive them some of our best corn, squash, and more, bit of coffee perhaps. I can't cook but I can gift basket like no body's biz ..." then there's a buzz. Her phone buzzes

She sighs and checks the text, reading. She texts back. then winces "Oh, we need to go home. At least I do."

"Um.... oh. Now?"

"Well... I should. I lost track of time on something, and it's not fair to the folks I was dealing with. " Clem says "Actually involves puppies, if you can believe it. "

"OH!" Buck gris "Baron Aiden. He's a bit touchy, gets his back up, but he's okay"

"Sure, I understand. You know you can come back anytime."

"We will, and with a gift baske you wouldn'tt believe" Clem says "Now I know you're busy here, but you're welcome to the farm too. We'd love to have you and yours "

"Aw, thanks. And.... yeah, thanks." she offers a hug.

And Clem takes the offer and hugs back "Always, Westward. Always"

Jess will walk them back to whatever trod or way they wish.