#fenixtj

Jess (who appears so very not-Mexican; big tall blonde woman with a deep tan....) nods back in greeting "Hola."

"Hola. I have you you before. YOu are a friend of Oscar? the tall boy?" She describes Holger, but without his troll side, "And Ellie?" SHe describes the sidhe girl..sans ears

Jess nods. "I am. My name is Jessica."

"Could you give them this? I made it as a present" the girl says , holding up a piece of paper with a dreamer's glamour "They told me I was good"

Indeed, the girl maybe 8, but she draws above her years, with pictures of Ellie, Holger, and herself playing soccer

Well, Football

"Of course...." she takes the paper carefully and with due reverence "You -are- very good. I know I could not have drawn like this. May I ask your name?"

"Oh, I'm Julieta," She says with a smile "is it true, what Oscar says, that you protect people and I am safe near you?"

Jessica nods. "That is correct. Oscar would not lie."

"No, he would not. He makes me feel safe. And ELlie is very lovely. Sometimes" Confidentally "When Iclose one eye and wish, I can see them glow a bit. Isn't that odd?"

A small smile. "I think maybe we all glow, one way or another. Or, maybe we -should- all glow."

"We could try" She smiles "Mi papa says they world needs a bit more light"

"Your papa sounds very wise."

"Mama says that's he IS, and that wisest thing he ever did was marry Her" quite serious. "Papa says he dare not disagree. Mama says 'see how wise he is?'":

Jess chuckles "A wise family all around. I am glad you are friends with Oscar and Ellie."

"Thank you, they're the ones who made me feel I could draw good! Thank you for passing that onto them "

"You are very welcome. Is there anything you or your family need?"

"It is very kind of you to ask, but we are well."

"Good. It was a pleasure to meet you, Julieta."

"Mucho Gusto" She beams "The same to you. I Hope you have a nice walk"

Jess smiles, nods, and continues her walk; the drawing is carried carefully.

Sometimes it seems the childings are like little beams of hope all about the County. Lighting up the most delightful corners. And this patrol seems a pleasant one. No open dangers, and many open delights. A few of the commoners wave to her or nod. One female boggan tries to sell her a hat

Jess will take that opportunity to listen to a little gossip, see if there's anything she should know....

Of course, the rumors and gossip vary, some questions about who was who under the masks of Carnival. Talk of who is dating who on the sly. Romances aren't usually Jessica's thing but at least they're not talking about her. There are rumors that the Nunnehi have begun trading, offering goods of their own work for items from the local Kithain merchants! "I was scared to death, but this most amazing basket was offered in exchange for gardening tools, I couldn't say no"

"That is good news." Jess affirms "And you have a new basket!"

"I do" She smiles "Expertly made"

"I'm glad to hear it. Is there anything you need?"

"No no... maybe to talk sense to my sister" A chuckle

"I hope she is well?"

"Well, she and her friends are planning on joining the sisterhood of La Cernicala"

"Really?" carefully nuetral.

"They inspired by Carnival... what yhou said. I REMINDED her you also said that as the fool, and if anything it sounded more metaphorical... very stirring but more about the power of the common man? No? But..." A sigh "Some will read what they want."

"That's true."

"Hopefully they'll get bored"

"One can hope."

"Oh, forgive me, I need to open my shop, Lunch is over for me. Unless you want gardening suppliles?"

"Thank you, no. Have a good rest of your day!" Jess waves and walks on.

And Jessica goes on

More gossip and chatter and updates, some inquring about if she has boyfriends or the like. One assumes she gives it the minimum answer.

Others are intoo subjects she likes "I'll be showing up at the next town council meeting" A Clurichaun tells her

"That is wonderful to hear; I look forward to hearing from you. Is there anything you'd like me to know right now?"

"Oh, it's probably too minor to trouble such a grand lady as yourself, Countess" The fellow says sheepishly "You have so many important matters to deal with"

"Never know till you ask." she points out.

"Well, Senor Diego has his wine deals, but the real winner for the common man down here is Tequila! And it's many varations! I was going to ask other locals if they'd chip in with me to buy that old brewing factory, change it up for Tequial, and use it as something an export. You know we Clurichaun, we love our liquors, but more than that, if the gamble pays off, we can provide not just money for our pockets, but maybe some prestige among kithain kind for our County, and perhaps even let those who take pride in brewing and fermenting show their stuff. It is costly up front, but if it works, it will be more than worth it."

Jessica nods. "Ok. I'd like to hear more about that. Can you have something for me at the next town hall?"

"Oh certainly, you'll be there then?"

(Jess considers her location and thinks - WILL she?)

Probably...

though it's not tonight

"I think so, yes. What date?"