#fenixtj

Jessica finds out the darn redcaps are already on patrol and out there.. somewhere

But Otem has returned, with a snake faced elder

There's a bit of a flurry of activity at that. Jessica has done her best to understand the culture and manners of the local Nunnehi and make preparations to host them. Indeed, at Beltain some graced Fenix with their presence and gifts were exchanged. So now, with some small efforts, a suitably hosting situation is prepared and she meets Otem and his elder in that chamber.

The elder inclines her head "Flamefree, Otem has told me much. Have you more for me since he went to escort me?"

"Yes. May I have the honor of knowing how to call you?"

"Call me Crooked Path, it is a rough translation, or Elder if you wish"

"Thank you, Elder." another nod "Will you take refreshment while I tell you of our recent developments?" There is seating, food, and drink; as they make themselves comfortable, she relates what's transpired.

"I shall, and thank you" She is escorted to a seat by Otem and listens.

Then when told, Crooked Path says "Your story fills me with frustration, Flamefree. THey will not even let us be off the mainland in peace"

"It cannot be easy to be torn so." she agrees "I am not privy to the nuances of your society but I have sympathy for your situation and I want you to know I would like to support you if we can find a way to have peace. Or at least, non-aggression."

"I have something for you" She offers it up, a small bottle

Jess takes it with both hands and a respectful nod. "Thank you." she looks it over.

A small vial, mostly clear, a slight blue tint

The Elder explains "This is the agent, the antitdote as it were ,for the drug that drives one to fury"

"This is valuable. Thank you."

"It may save you much trouble" Crooked Path says

"We worry your patrols may turn on us out of ignorance" The Elder adds "One nunnehi looking much like another"

Jessica nods. "Let's resolve that right now. I can think of ways that allies identified each other with a common visible element throughout history. Can we not adopt something like that?"

"What do you reccomend?" She asks apparently willing to consider it

"Mortals use uniforms, or even something on their normal clothing like a pin or ribbon."

"I suppose as long as our foes don't catch on and replicate this"

"Maybe changing the signal irregularly would be a good idea. We could combine it with a hand gesture or password? Or alternate between? Or would that complicate things?"

"I can put out word through my people that no Nunnehi is to be fired on unless they fire first. Or something like that."

Otem suggests "A different color band on the arm every week perhaps"

"Something random, that can't be easily predicted and duplicated."

"A mix then, passwords and color"

She nods agreement "We'll set something up each week, face to face in a secure space
? So communications can't be intercepted. And I will tell my people Nunnehi are not to be fired on first."

Agreements are made

And refreshments served!

"Elder Crooked Path, what else can you teach me of this threat that I can share with my people?"

"There is a medicine called Spirit LInk. You have no doubt been told of it but yo ushould make sure your people hear some of what it can do"

Jess looks a little blankly at Otem.

Otem says "The Nunnehi of El Norte know it too. It can allow you to see into other worlds, especially the world of the spirits, or the world of the dead. To seek counsel from ancestors. There are some who learn how to cast vision quests for glimpses of the future itself. And yes, ways to placate or even control ghosts or spirits"

"Do you know if we western Fae can learn it?"

"We do not teach it to outsiders. We merely warn you" the elder says "of what you might face"

She sesms to dislike the question

Jessica does not take umbridge at her dislike, just nods. "I understand, and I thank you for your warning. I will let my people know."

Her sour face soothes a bit "That is wise"

"Elder, is there anything we, my people and I, can help you and your people with?"

"Nothing comes to mind I.." She frowns "Well, there is one thing."

She takes a breath "May we have some food to take back to our village? our goats were killed"

"Of course. What and how much would help?"

"Enough for ten children for a day or two would make a wonderful bufffer for us" She says

"I will see to it right away. Will you excuse me a moment?"

She nods "of course"

Jessica rises and goes to find Diego.

Jessica finds him doing inventory over his wine

"Diego?" she might be slightly breathless, looking for him quickly.

"We still have supplies from the DeBukes, right? Food?"

"Are you kidding? With a phone call I could get another truck load of Squash, and probably a whole hog as well and in less than a day. " He turns