#fenixtj

"Yes, but hopefully gradually. Might even gain a little time as people put two and two together. Maybe."

"I have my doubts, but, it is your call" He bows

"Thank you."

And Diego says "Countess, it's time to put down your crown"

Jess takes a deep breath and nods. Then she steps out into the main court area.

Cheers as she comes up. Before her is a confused man, already a bit drunk... a local

"GREETINGS, MAJESTY!" she proclaims "We are all your humble servants this night, as we celebrate Carnivale and rejoice in our own happier partnership between nobility and commoner. Indeed, the lines may blur tonight!"

More cheers. Diego takes forth a great crown of cardboard and foil, crafted by childlings hands

The man blinks and then begins to laugh, "I don't understand any of this, but damn it's good wine"

"Wait, wait!" Jess takes her own (silly but slightly less clumsy) crown and offers to trade it for the new king's.

The king looks confused "So... which one do I take?"

"Either, " Diego says "You are Carnivale King even without a crown"

the man laughs "I am a janitor... but, as you say" he looks at Jessica's crown "Are you sure?"

"I am."

He takes it and puts it on and looks around

People cheer again

"Your command, my king?" Mitra asks kneeling

He chuckles, swaying a bit "Music, I wish to hear music... what is a fiesta without music?"

The troubadours, tragedy and comedy,. play a lively tune

Jess puts the -other-crown (which was?) on her own head and pouts in an exagerated fashion.

(She has the cardboard one)

folks laugh and cheer, and Diego whispers into the king's ear

"Commence... CARNIVALE" The King yells happily

"What entertainments do you command?" Jess yells.

"Music, dance, drink" the king chuckles "and good friends... this makes a party"

"You heard him!" Jess encourages "Music.... check. Dance?" she checks.

"Oh yes, dance!" He says

"Drinks, check..... who'll be friends with his majesty?" Jess asks, almost dreading the answer but not showing it.

"QUITE" Tonto moves forward!

"Ha..." the king smiles "Sit down, Senior... next to me"

It would appear the currently unemployed Jester will be his friend

Meanwhile, mnore and more folks notice the La Cernicalas plural about

At least one member of Ellie's Childling Court is also wearing a feathered cap. "I just think she has a good story, is all." Salma says, her cheeks pinking a bit under a bandita eye mask, as she holds her thin, ropey tail a little shyly.

Of course, Ariel's outfit is in green

Holger sighs behind his batman mask "So, I must catch the outlaws"

"Senor Batman, do not forget that a vigilante, is also an Outlaw..."

Jess slouches around the room, pouting and sulking and watching the King enjoy all the benefits and riches that -should- have been hers. That is, she stays in character.

"Ay caramba" Holger says realizing shes' right

And that's when Westward comes in.... it causes quite a few headwhips to see Jessica in a cowgirl costume, especially when Jessica is in a clown king outfit by the way.

A mix of cowgirl and her old Firnost outfit in fact

And, she listens to hear what the court is saying.

Gasps of confusion

She sees the new Westward and her smile is mirthless.

"Who is this? Your majesty, a new player come to upset the order of your misrule!"

"Ah?" A confused look from the King

Jess pops her thumb in her mouth and sucks petulantly.

Westward bows before the King, "Not at all, your majesty, in fact I bring tribute" She presents a bottle of spiced rum

Some laugh at the thumb sucking, a few applaud... this is thespianship

"Poison!" Jess accuses nonsensically, for laughs.

Tonto whispers "It could be dangerous, your majesty, perhaps I should drink it"