#fenixtj

It has been days since mom left, and Jessica had fun with the childlilngs, even as she seemed to gain a year every day. She now is looking about 16, and that's old enough, in changeling years, to order folks around with less 'awws'. She does have to fight some teenage feelings.

Fun is fun, and has its place, but she does follow up occasionally... not TOO often.... but with a sense of purpose.... with others to try and tie up loose ends on important things like BOMBS and PLOTS. She's glad to be adjusting, and keeps an eye on Mitra.

Mitra does look younger, some of her silver hair regaining dark luster.

That reassures Jessy.

As for Jessica, her time as a childling let her talk to the Nunenhi kids. And she learned a few things... the kids were scared for thier parents, who they love, for war mihgt come from their own if not the 'invaders'. She learned a game using rocks and shells... and she heard them talk about the mainland confederation which does not want peace. the redclaw confederation? But the childlings knew few details

Still, it was a term to go on

Valuable connections, shared common experiences. Priceless. she thinks And, at least my feet reach the floor now when I sit.

How mortifying was that really... Oh YUM, he's cute. The thought comes in a spike of teenage hormones and bad brain formation, but she's a troll so she quells it quickly

And looks away; she didn't recognize him, and there are more redcaps at the Pitt than here, but maybe he's there to see Phobos or Demos.

Apparently not, he moves to throne. He has one eye hidden by a shag of hair, like an animae character. He looks at her, "Are you the Countess? I'm told she's a troll."

Yup. She wants to go for a jog now

"Yes. I'm Jessica King." she mumbles, then straightens herself up "What can I do for you?"

"I'm Sir Heston St. Cleave, here on behalf of the sunkissed waves and the baron there of. He apologizes for the lateness of any advisors. There was a mix up. Until they can be prepared properly, he offers my services." An appraisal "you're not what I expected"

"Um. Same." damnit, there goes a blush "I mean. Welcome to Fenix. I ... don't think I remember your name from his list."

"It wasn't on it" Heston admits with a casual shrug , "There was a mix up with the applicants. I don't know the full details, merely that I'm a proxy, for now. To advise you in the needs of the unseelie houses, how the nobles there of think and what they hope for. My kith isn't known for it's social graces save for scaring people, but I've had some training to make me tolerable. Of course, in addition to advice, I am a warrior. I know you already have kithmates here, but if you need someone .. removed and don't want it on their hands, well, I am to offer my services."

"I... hope that won't be needed. Um. May I ask your House?"

"You may, but you'll like me less when I tell it' he says

"I don't...." she closes her mouth quick, the starts over "Ok. Then nevermind. Don't tell me." she nods.

"Works for me" Heston says "If you are busy I can claim a room and leave you be until later. If you have questions now about Unseelie in general or any house specifically, I am here to answer. "

"Thanks. Thank you, I mean. Um. Actually, do -you- have any questions?"

"A few, but some of them might be personal, and in my experience, trolls are a private kith" Heston looks her over "And i hear you're the same. I'm no charmer. I speak my mind quite often, but I also don't see any point to pissing you off by acting your personal thoughts are mine for the partaking. I am curious about your biases, of course, so I can understand you better. And, I've heard of your family, but both subjects maybe off limits"

"Wow. Ok."

"Yes, I am a private person; I don't like people prying. We can talk about biases. If you want to know about my family, you should ask them. Kind of goes along with being a private person. There are books, though, in the library; Constance can show you where."

"Thank you, your excellency" he says "So you hate Ailil, Balor, and Lehanan? Might i ask why? The Harp crowd at least is known for being likable to most"

"Jessyyyy....Jess is fine." she sits up straighter "Hate's a strong word. I'm Seelie. I'll own that, and what comes with it. Countess Rathbone was here before I, and I took the 'Hold by combat. Pretty sure Balor'd want it back if they could get it; that seems obvious. I don't have anything against Ailil, really. I've got some history with members of House Leanhaun."

"The Balor would" He nods "They hate your damned guts and the fact you've got Rovers here for the first time in decades. Mind you, I'm speaking as a house. Some individuals applaud you. Rathbone wasn't loved by everyone, but you're right not to trust ever y snake you see in the name of some 'tolerance guilt trip' , give them the same required haven as you would any changeling, but no more. They need to prove themselves trustworthy. Ailil? You can trust them to jockey for advantage, but they're not above screwing over the other houses, even their 'allies' to do it. Watch their contracts or if they provoke you against someone else or you might end up fighting their enemies for them.. for free. Leanhaun? They're surprisingly weak as warriors so rely on charm, there are exceptions. Be sure that if you go hard at them, they'll play the victim while using thier 'friends' to do their dirty work while they pretend to the fun party girl. That said, they know dreamers as well as any Liam.. and make good bird dogs for finding dreamers. They have more control over their condition than they used to... and that means desperation is less a factor but never forget it's a matter of survival for them."

"Wow. That's a lot. Thanks?"

"You're welcome. I'm here to advise you on the Unseelie Houses. They have their heroes, true champions who save their fellow kithain, but each also has their rotters. Just like the Seelie ones, it's a matter of degrees. Summerstrike was a living example of the ugly side of the Gwydions. I've seen Balor madmen do less harm than he did. In the end, each House is a spectrum of 'styles of rulership'. Even the Scathach, whose chosen style is denial. Now obviously what I've said is the barebones, some of which you knewa lready, and it is tainted by my own personal experiences, but I figured I should show you my worth upfront. You got any orders for me right now?"

"Um. Get settled in. Maria and Rosa for quarters and orientation, and seek out Phobos and Demos; they can find steady work for you. And Constance, in the library if you'd like to see those books. Oh, Diego's the Stewart. If you need him."

"Understood. Thank you, your excellency" He says and gives a bow, his hair falling over that one eye again in a way that makes him seem dangerous. Yup. She needs to jog.

Then bow done, he heads out

to find Quarters most likely

Jess checks to make sure there's no other pressing business.

It looks like no. She has patrols looking for more information on the boom boom

She lets people know she's going out for a run, changes quick and grabs a weapon easier to carry than the maul, and heads out.

And out she goes.

Wisely driving to a safer locale, she parks near a greener place, near cliff trails she's grown to like. It's hard hoofing, but she's in the sort of shape that can handle it and then some. Besides, it's private. She can clear her head

(pause for now)

This is good. Better. She takes it easy in the spring heat, loosening up. Great. Heston's got to be of an Unseelie House. Maybe not Balor, at least he didn't look it. Ailil, maybe. Better than average redcap looks so maybe Leanhaun. she grimaces since she's alone Given what he said about what I'd think about his House, bet that's it. Freakin' fantastic. she starts to push herself a bit, seeking the zen of a long run and staying hydrated.

She brought drinks with her, so takes a swig now and then

the sky is clear and she has her privacy. No threats that she knows of. It's weird to be 16 again, so close to her true self, but it's ... some of the old insecurities are stronger at this age than they were as a child. How odd

Although, some of the most confident people she knows are childlings. Maybe because they don't have the larger picture on things, but.... still. Wilders are... confident, yes, but more brashly. Whatever. she falls into a steady pace, feeling the muscles work, hitting her stride.

And she is gaining on another jogger. A real surprise that. This path isn't used often

She is on guard, but not on attack.

A guy about age 24, He moves with practiced ease, he's done this before, but he's taking it slow, looking at the scenery. Enjoying the sights.

She glances again; mortal? Mexican?

(Kenning plus Perception)

/roll 5

He looks , well, not quite mexican, but they do come in all ethnicities. There's a bit of glamour in him but he's moving too fast to get a good look