#fenixtj

Diego shrugs "Least I can do. Welcome, my friends, she prefers Jessica to Countess... we only do that monarchy nonsense to keep the peace. Come"

"I'll check back in once you've had a chance to settle. Talk about getting you back to where you hail from, or finding space for you here or... whatever you want to try."

"I'll get them access to phones to call any friends in el NOrte" Diego says

"Thank you. The less notice and concern out there, the better for us all."

That seems to cheer the new comers

She nods to Diego and the newcomers, and moves on to the next order of business.

Otem greets her

"Otem, hello." she stops; she always has time for Otem.

"I know you like updates, Jessica, but if this is a bad time?" He knows she is often busy

"Not at all... shall we sit?"

He nods and takes a seat as they claim a small side area where there is more privacy

She joins him.

"I wanted you to know, patrols go well. There have been some altercations between kithain and Nunhei but they were settled honorably. Sometimes by non deadly duels, but in most cases there is greater respect and few disagreements"

"Have there been any -deadly- duels?" with some alarm.

"None, though some where hurt by their patrols, but that's always a risk" He assures

"Oh. Good, good.... I mean, not that anyone was hurt but that it wasn't the result of disagreements and duels."

"Is there anything you'd recommend in terms of improving the patrols?"

"For now, I suggest we alternate frequently, it is not more effective per se, but it will let each of your marriors learn more of our braves and vice versa. We will see whho naturally 'clicks' and works best together. " Otem says

"Agreed. Let Phobos and Demos know."

"Will do"

then a curious look "You seem to be providing much haven to those who need it. This is good. If you find any Nunehi of any sort, we can take them in as well"

She tilts her head, then nods. "Done. I'm not aware of any yet, but I will let people know. Feel free to do the same."

"I will," A nod "Is there anything else you'd have of me or mine?"

"If you or yours find Western Fae, we'll be happy to take care of them and not burden your resources. Have your people been affected by this?"

"Of course, the village has faced some dangers, not as much as your city. Fewer trods about us"

She nods. "Well, I'm not glad to hear about the dangers but I am glad you have been spared the worst."

The obsidian man looks over at her "And you? The boggans worry you do not eat enough or sleep enough"

A sigh. "I eat, I sleep, I'm fine."

Otem nods, then looks at the door to make sure no one is blocking light of the cracks, a sign of possible eavesdropping, then whisper "They are great bullies in their way, are they not?" a slight smile slips out "if they had their way, my skin would crack from extra weight"

That makes her chuckle. "They are invaluable. I would be lost without them."

"Lost, hungry, and sleepy."

"Hence their power, for such kind ones have great voices all the more for their kindness" A nod and he admits "They remind me of some of the elders around the campfire at our village. It is hard to refuse them"

"What would your elders think of meeting with some of ours? To include our elder boggans? Just to ... share a meal?"

"I am not sure, I think it is a good idea though. I will offer it to them" He says

"Thank you."

"Ok... what's next?"

"It is not just people and living creatures that have been washed out to us... we found something odd. A large gem."

She nods, listening.

"It is an emerald, the size of the average man's fist. Well cut. " he says

"Has anyone reported anything like that missing?"

"No, not that I know of." she blinks "Should I ask around? I'm sure you're aware, a gem like that would make someone very rich. Very, very rich. And probably draw a great deal of attention."

"Both I imagine. Yes, please, ask about" A nod "discretely?"

"I will."

"Thank you. We can show it to you sometime if you are interested"

"I might need to, to find out where it came from. Could I bring others with me, who might be better able to help us find answers?"

"Of course , we have learned to trust your jugdgement in others .. at least most of us have"

"That's more than generous."

"You have been trying for years now, Jessica. This is not lost on us"

"I can't say I'm not glad to hear it. I can't say I wouldn't like to see more results. But it's a long road."

"it is" A nod