#fenixtj

"yes ma'am" She dries her hands "I'm learning that"

When clean, Jess offers the letter again. "Do you want to stay the night before you go back?"

"Well, I am powerful tempted because see it's crowded back home and like to get more" she says "If I can, I'd like to drop of f the leter then come back, I want to learn all about this place... got a lot of questions" understatement

Jess nods agreement "Can I send an escort with you?"

"Oh shoot I'm fine, ma'am, no need there"

A bag of churros is thrust towards Beyla. "You forgot these."

SHe takes them "Thanks, Salma! I'll be back"

"Then, Good-Bye Forever." A wave.

And soon it is just Salma and Jessica!

Salma curtsies to the Countess. And offers her a churro.

"Thank you." she takes it. "Good." munching "All is well with you, Salma?"

"Terrible, horrible, no good, and very bad, in that order."

Jess takes a moment to decipher this, watching the childling for body language... eventually she says "Well. I hope.... I hope that suits you."

"I prefer dresses, if that is okay?"

"Yes, absolutely." says the woman who owns maybe three dresses.

A smile, and a curtsey, spreading her skirts. They are simple, but do have a pretty bit of lace on the trim, just enough without affecting practicality.

"If you'll excuse me... I have some stuff to figure out." with a smile (Jess -does- like Salma even if she has trouble communicating with her) the troll heads for the Balefire to think.

Mmmm she doesn't hang out with many thieves

No, she certainly does not.

Well, suppose she needed to talk to him about this eventually.....

She seeks out Diego.

She finds Diego reading

She taps "Do you have a moment?"

He puts down the script "Of course, just checking my finalized script for the show"

"Mm." reserved.

"There's been a development that I have been slow to share." she enters and shuts the door "Please understand that I need you to hold this in strictest confidence."

"Please, go on" He says curious (PRESSES SEND)

Jess explains succinctly about the spy, and the vengeance-bent Daireanne who once thought to be heir "... and so we thought, if we could steal and replace that sword, we might have an advantage. That said, I have no idea what we'll do after that."

"Do you know anyone who might be able to do it? Replace the blade he carries?"

"Jessica, I was an insurectionist being on overthrowing the noblitiy. I KNOW LOADS of theives"

"But one who could do this?"

"Making a duplicate blade is tricker than stealing it' He admits "But if your contact can pull that part off, I can do the rest."

She nods. "What resources do you need?"

"Permission to access the treasure to pay someone for the job mostly. Dross or coin, it may not be cheap" He admits

She nods. "Whatever we can spare."

"I'll haggle"

"You would know best about that. Thank you, Diego." she pauses "How are you?"

"Surly" He admits "But not against anyone" He holds the script "I think my eyes are getting tired easier. I wonder if I'll need glasses to read."

"Sometimes they help." she agrees "You could talk to Skyhook, see if they can help?"

"I suppose. I just resent getting older. We satyrs don't often get older gracefully. SOme of us wear it well, but I worry I'll be one of those bitter old men "

"Versus the bitter young man you are." she says with a straight face.... and not without humor.

That gets a chuckle out of him, an earnest one "Well, yes, guilty as charged. Vanity is not just the vice of pretty women I suppose. Other than that, I'm well enough. Some of the nunehi ladies even find me interesting"

"I hope you're doing all right, despite all these challenges?"

She nods. "I am. Are you seeing at least some of the changes, the -real- changes, you fought for, Diego? I know there's a Countess in charge but....?"

"Jessica, you're worried I feel my efforts for naught? Well, soemtimes, but I go to the town councils at times, just to watch. I see them yell and fuss and look ready to murder people and I realize they really are invested. I think Tweak is half crazed, but her holding is manythings but not noble. I see the inroads you're making"

A chuckle "I just hope the Duke doesn't figure it out"

"He is younger than either of us, but smart. He may already know, but choose not to know officially. He seems to approve of the town halls and councils."

"Well, Liams are not in a situation where they can act pompous overtly"