#fenixtj

Otem, being somewhat work focused, of course talks about patrols and progress

Possibly causing the boggans to roll their eyes

That, at least, Jessica can discuss with him in depth. She tells him of those patrols she's seen while she's been out and about.

"Ah, yes, I saw them too. Some of the locals are still scared of my people but the kithain with them vouch for them, it seems to help. Some of the country patrols closer to our village the situation is reversed, but we dont' too close to tthe sacred grounds. The elders will be learning soon enough"

"Are you going to have trouble because of this?" she asks quietly.

"No more than the trouble you face from other nobles"

"Mmm. Our relative positions aren't the same, are they? You answer to your elders. The nobles here answer to me."

"I mean your duke and higher lords in other lands but you are right. Still I will be fine. The peace is more important than anyone Nunehi"

"Do you think the mainland Nunehi will ever see it that way?"

"I do not know, but we cannot let those who have surrendered to hate and fear direct all of our lives, all of the people's lives. I cannot let them say to my sisters and brothers 'I am afraid, and full of hate. thus you must be afraid and full of hate' we cannot let that be how the Dreaming works, or it will sputter and die as all brighter dreams fade"

She nods, agreeing.

"I spoke with Regent Mitra at the Pitt. She's considering if we might not get the childlings from here to visit there and play with the Fae and Nunehi childlings there."

"It will make many on both sides nervous, but if we can free the youth from the chains that held our generation, the better" A nod

"Prescisely."

"Other people talk about movies" Marie says "or hobbies" then adds "just saying"

Jess looks puzzled, then asks dryly. "Seen any good movies lately, Marie?"

"I saw a lovely one, you and Otem would enjoy it" She says naming a romantic epic.

Otem may not be a troll, but he says with amazing stoicness "I fail to see how that will help the peace efforts between the various tribes of our collective peoples"

"Aie" And off Marie walks off hands in the air and muttering her breath in rapid fire spanish

leaving the two alone to their meal again

and only THEN does the Obsidian skinned man look both contrite and slightly pleased with himself

Jessica just finishes her meal.

Otem looks to Jessica "She means well"

"I'm sure she does." she sighs.

"Reminds me of an AUnt of mine" Symapthetic

"You haven't spoken much about your family. I would be interested, if you wished to."

"Well, " He says "I find them a source of strength and.. .sometimes a source of aggrivation" He admits "But they are amazing people. " ANd he begins to talk of his aunts, plural, strong women in their waay

Jessica, meal done, stays and listens. She drinks her juice slowly.

And he talks of what they hoped for him, how he feels he let some down, and how he wishes they would understand he does what is best as he sees it rather than trying to make him into what they THINK Is best for him and... then he stops "My apologies. You are not here to hear me beat my chest in frustration with those I care for"

"Mm. I think it's a common enough experience. For them as well as for us."

"Yes, one day the situation will be reversed I suppose"

"Mm. I meant more that I'm sure, as much as you are frustrated by them, they are frustrated by you. It is mutual."

A nod "Yes, that is true. And it stirs guilt in me. I don't mean to vex them"

"I'm sure they don't mean to vex you."

"Truth" He nods "And so we work as kindly as we may" He has finished his meal "What of your family? "

"Oh. Um."

"It's... complicated. My father is Fae. I have two mothers, one he was married to and who gave birth to me and raised me. The other is my father's wife, who is also Fae. They have a second daughter together, you've meet her. Siv. My second mother adopted me by Oath. I think you know, they're in the north, the Kingdom of Apples."

"Yes, of Rivervale I have heard. And I've met your sister she is very..." He ponders the best word "Expressive?"

Jess nods. "Yes."

"Your father is known... Rigger he is called by some. A champion of roads. And his run of the Gauntlet of Sonora is legend among us"

Jess nods again. "He's done a lot of good in this world. I'm proud of him."

"Your mother apparently is a legend also, but we know less of her save what has been told to us. " A consideration "It must be hard to walk in such large footprints , their shadows are long"

"I've made my own footprints, in the sunlight, in time." she says with quiet confidence.

Aat that, he nods and looks about "Who can doubt it seeing what you have done here. And your footprints walk towards peace. I am honored to walk beside you when I can"

"Honored to have you there." she assures him "You're in good company."

"Thank you" a nod "And thank you for the meal. It truly did remmind me of one of our own dishes. I shall have to bring you a sample so you may compare" He rises "But I should get back to my own tasks"

She nods. "Safe travels." and she moves on to her own next tasks.

And the two part... both of them the source of frustration to any boggans hoping they were going to go to a romantic movie!

(End Scene)