#fenixtj

Mitra mutters to Jessica "I wonder if I should hire that singer for my court just to direct her a bit more properly. She's damn good"

"She is. Excuse me." and Jessica leaves to sit near the king's chair, as a good jester should.

The king seems to have passed out for a bit but the music has stirred him "Good rum" he admits slurring, then sees the fool "Oh, it is you. " He may go to sleep again but at least he's in a good mood

"It is, majesty. I'm glad you enjoyed the drink. Would you care for anything else?"

"A bit of food, I think.. I would get up and get it myself, but ..haha I'd fall on my face. " Well there is LOTS of food around on tables, and trays

"Allow me." Jess gets up and goes to get a tray of the best stuff.

She meets Nancy, who is not in a La Cernicala costume.

Jess loads up a tray.

Nancy glances over at La Cernicala who dances openly on the highest surface she can and waves to the crowds, then look at Jessica "Want me to.. talk to her if I can?" A whisper "I know you're busy"

"I think the time for that offer has passed." and Jess takes the tray back to feed the king.

Nancy looks stung "What? i'm the one who..." then she takes a breath and leaves

The king takes the food "Bueno, Bueno"

And Jess settled down again.

Diego settles down next to Jessica, "Glass of wine, it's 'Fooled to the brim'"

He offers with a grin

A small smile. "No, thank you Diego. I appreciate the offer though. Maybe after."

"Of course" he smiles "Good show, by the way. THe people are happy"

"That's good to hear, Diego. Thank you." quietly, under the noise of the party.

"You're welcome. Now, let me get a tomato and throw it at you" A wink. And by the way he focuses on his wine, he clearly doesn't mean to do any such thing

The king stirs from his feasting "This is fine food, let all that is left over be sent to the pour when the party is done!"

oh sure, a few wanted to take left overs home but most folks approve of their charity minded king and applaud. Also some are poor or have poor family members so they'll still get to take some home

Diego looks proud "What do you think of my choice for Carnival King eh?"

"Excellently done, Diego, thank you." she says approvingly.

"De Nada. I admit to taking pride in his selection. Good man, works hard, has never had a day in his life where he was treated as special." He nods "He'll remember this as a drink dream, but a good one. "

Some ladies come up and sit in the kings lap, and give him a kiss either on the cheek or a peck on the lips

"A very very good one" Diego amends

That actually gets a small chuckle out of her.

Diego chuckles back. "Care to dance, dear fool? " He offers a hand "We can make it comical if you like"

A deep breath, and she nods. "Of course. My honor." she takes his hand and rises.

Granted, she tends to tower over him but....

This just adds to the oddity of it, the amusement for some, including the king

Diego doesn't try anything rude or opportunistic, rather he seems to encourage her to just have fun herself. Jessica may notice that the balefire itself is making spirals and loops, as if putting on a dance too

Jess tries extra hard to make it comical; part chicken dance, part macarena, part jarabe.

At that, Diego, getting the hint, joins in... she chicken dances, so he does a kind of rooster haead bob strut.

more laughter breaks out ,and applause. Others try it. The ladies 'waggling their tail feathers' the men acting like they have a comb on their bobbing heads

When it switches to Macarena, some of the grumps look almost nostalgic

Jess keeps on dancing till Diego is ready to call it done; which, giving his natural stamina, could be a while. Fortunately, she's in shape.

Diego reads her and the crowd, letting her move to someone else if she likes, or whirling her to the snack table to relax grab some fuel. By now, the crowds are getting tired. And a few of them are going home, thanking his majesty. Jessicca feels tired herself ,but her people are... yeah, they're happy

For Jessica, that is enough. For now. It has to be.

And the carnival king passes out for the last time tonight, thanes gather him up to carry him home discretely where he will wake up with only a fond dream, some fair fortunes on him, a bottle of wine, and a silver coin.

As dawn opens, Maria and Rosita fuss over Jessica "It is over. You're countess again"

"Ok, ok. Thank you." Jess drags herself up "I'm going to shower and sleep."

they nod, and Maria smiles "Of course, Flamefree. You were wonderful, and.. do not think all were blind to your message." A knowing look, and...supportive

"Thank you, ladies." Softly and sincerely.... and then she goes to get a shower and some rest.

Clean up begins....SO many hats

But for Jess, warm water and cleanliness, and a soft bed and most of all.... silent alone-ness.

Not quite alone, the bale connection restored, she feels a gentle warmth. Comfort, support. All will be well

But first, rest.

****