#fenixtj

"Going to stay there over night for July 4th?" Marie asks

"Yes, we have comfy pjs for you, just made " rosa says to Jessica "It will keep you warm"

"So cold up there"

"In July?" she asks, baffled. "It's hot and humid in Jersey in July."

"But it's so far NORTH"

Jess smiles, a little "It is further north, true. But still warm in July. And if the weather turns cold, they have kept my coats and hats there. I'll be well cared for, ladies. They're my family."

"At least this time you have company? I understand Your Montana Vali asked that you bring Ellie and Dame Ash?"

"He's invited them, yes. I think they've decided to come."

"Wonderful, I am sure she will bring some of her own court" Maria nods

"I'm sure they'd be welcome."

"Of course, that connor boy came here once. He is sweet." A pause "That satyr lad maybe a bit more trouble but not bad. ANd Holger will go with them I imagine as her personal guard"

"I can't imagine any circumstance that would keep him from it."

Indeeed, HOlger comes up "Flamefree? Pardon, I need your advice on matters of protocal. I am not good with clothes choices"

"You see, I must decide on the proper sash." He shows "This one is purple and black, to show I serve the little countess as a guard, and am loyal. This one" He shows "Has the Fenix symbol ... " a look "And this one, has Red White and Blue to pay respect to the country that is hosting us."

Jessica looks them over, nods. "Ladies..." to the boggans "Do you think you could help Holger? Maybe with a sash of purple and black with the Fenix symbol on it?"

"We coudl do that. Stitch" Rosa says "Put one on like the other"

"Like a warrior's patch of honor" Maria nods

Holger straightens proudly

She smiles to the young troll "Holger, if you would honor Renaissance by wearing something like that, it would be enough. Red, white, and blue... the colors don't mean as much as the behavior with which show respect to the country, and more, to Rivervale."

"I will wear it proudly, " He gives a troll salute. "And I shall be on good behavior"

"I expect nothing less." seriously.

He nods, then looks to Rosa and Marie "Graciious, Senoritas. You help me be a better guardian with your skill at needle and thread. I must repay you"

"Well, if you like?" A smile from Marie "You could deliver this tray of cookies to the other children. The ones wrapped up are for sluagh. Good?"

Jess returns to her meal (where the ladies had pinned her to discuss the chill air of New Jersey in summer) to finish up.

The boy beams and goes off to offer cookies to Ellie, Salma, and others

"He's a good boy, Jessica" Marie smiles at her "Your idea of having him visit the troll lodge has made him so much more confident"

"Thank you, but his growth is his accomplishment. As you said, he is a good boy."

"I have many neices and nephews" Marie mmmphs "THey deserve praise for their progress, but they also need nudging, sometimes a LOT"

"Holger was eager to serve, and to be worthy of service."

"In that, he seems much like you," Rosa nods "Do all young trolls seek such?"

"I don't know. I was never a young troll as he is. I don't know all young trolls, either. But it seems to be, mostly, a trollish tendency."

"Fah. You are STILL young" Rosa says

Maria nods

"Younger than my parents, older than Holger." she agrees.

"Younger than us, that makes you young" Rosa says

"Yes, you must be young, or we would be old. " Maria smirks "And who wants that?"

"As you say, ladies." she smiles, finishing her meal and wiping her lips.

Her meal done, they turn to realize the time "oh we lost track so sorry" They get the plate from her and say "We have , of course, food to donate to the Hearth there"

"For her own use"

"I'd love to bring a basket up, thank you."

"A basic? Oh no no no" They tut "But that will be a start"

"I'm sure they'll be happy to be so honored."

"Mm well, it is merely proper" A nod

And with love and affection they prepare the packages that will show off Fenix's skills

And Jessica goes to prepare for the trip as well.

Looks to be fun

(End Scene)