#fenixtj

"I won't." she assures them, and she heads back to her room for a bit.

It's amazing how quickly things got cleaned up. Itt's also amazing how as soon as it got clean again, the kids left toys out in the hallway again. Holger is picking some of tthem up to put away.

the boy salutes her troll sttyle as she walks by

She returns the salute. "Morning Holger. Did you enjoy Carnivale?"

"I did no like that folks make fun of you, Countess Flamefree. You are nice to us. I do not like the mocking" A hurrumph. "I like the costumes fine, I like it makes the girls smile , but do you have to be the ffool? It seems mean"

troll dignity starts young

Jess crouches to his eye level and explains seriously "Yes. Carnivale celebrates commoner and noble relations, and reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously. It is important to give people a way to vent and express themselves."

"I suppose, but it.. it feels embarrassing whenn people know how I really ffeel" He admits "I do not want to be seen as weak. my friends need my strength"

"I think many trolls feel that way." Jessica agrees "I know I do. I don't mind when people I am close to know how I really feel, but I don't care to display my emotions openly."

"Well, it is not so bad with Salma... " A kind of resigned admision "I can neve hide much frrom her for long"

"She is a good friend."

"Yes, so Is Ellie, Ariel, even Aupuch and Tex. I would defend any" Chin lift

"And I would do it for you, Counttess Flamefree" He assures

"Thank you, Holger. That means a great deal to me, although I hope you won't ever have to."

"Oh you will see. Whenn I grow up, I shall be a mighty guardian. "

A smile. "You already are a fine guardian, Holger. I'm proud to have you here at Fenix."

A purple blush "Gracias "

"De nada."

"Did you enjoy Carnival?"

Jessica is still a moment, pauses before answering. "It's... not my favorite holiday. But I'm glad to have played my part."

A sympathetic nod "It is not my favorite holiday either" A blush "Still better than Samhain I think"

Jessica nods agreement.

"Do you wish me to guard you today? It is yourr day off. I can wait outside your door if you wish to sleep or read" Stoutly

Another smile. "Thank you for the offer, Holger. Right now, no, but can I call you if I want to nap?"

"Bueno. " he nods "If you need a nap, I shall guard your door. Let me know, por favor"

"No, thank -you- Holger." she stands.

He beams "De Nada" And, it would seem he's happy to be there when called and heads off for now

Jess continues on to her room.

Good news, no obstacles or people in the way. Bad news? Holger doesn't have a twin brother to be just as adorable

So Jessica gets into her room

She takes a liesurely morning to relax, read, and be alone to recharge.

This new Talia Amur novel is pretty good, as romance novels go. Though if she prefers fantasy epics, there's always Vali's work under his mortal name.

He was kind enough to send her free copies.. most of which are in the library/study

Romance novels aren't really her thing, no. Fantasy epics, yes. There's a series about a hero who deposes a monarch and feudal system not to establish himself as king but to leave a democracy to new horizons.....

An award winner, and a favorite of Diego

Who probably suggested it!

Soon she's lost in the continuing story of keeping the light of liberty alive

And that loss is restorative; it helps her balance after the efforts the night before.

However.....

All good things must come to an end; just after lunch, Jess takes her phone and steps outside.

and outside she goes

TXT to Siv: Hi.

The text response goes TXT: Sis? All well? You don't text often

TXT: All is well. Do you want to meet?

TXT: With me.

a long pause

then TXT: Fine. You want here at NJ, or me to met you half way at Firnost?

TXT: Firnost.

TXT: When?

TXT: When you can.