#fenixtj

The Thanes can do so

Then in she goes to speak with him, still in that... outfit. She carries herself with seriousness of purpose.

She's not an unattractive woman, but most of those on the thanes know she doesn't appreciate commentary so the few that see her like this? don't.

And she finds the prisoner

"I have the message here, and some food and drink to take with you." (She stopped off to get the supplies...)

"We don't need your poisonous food" A sneer

"Maybe not, but it's a gift to you and your people. I tried to make sure it would be palatable for you."

"We will take no gifts from you, false priestess"

She sighs. "Again... I didn't choose this for myself. The Dreaming chose me. But, suit yourself. We have more important things to agree on than a meal and drink. I just thought you might be hungry or thirst on your way home."

"I will take your message, no more" Stubborn

"That's enough." she offers him the note.

He takes it...

and the thanes are ready to escort him

Jess nods. "Warrior, may I know how you are called?"

"I am Jo'Zark. One day I hope to put a spear through your chest. Were you not wearing that? I would try for it now"

"Well... I guess I'm glad I'm wearing it then. Do you know my name?"

"Your name is Enemy"

The thanes frown not liking this guy

"It's Jessica. Jessica King. Thank you for your name."

He spits at her feet that, but not on her

"Oh that's IT" Demos starts to snap at the guy

"No, please, Demos. I can take a little of that, for all of our sakes."

"Go, and I hope return, in peace, Jo'Zark of the Jaguar-Favored." and she stands aside to let the thanes escort him away home.

Demos grumbles but nods

And the thanes take Jo'Zark away

Jess follows as far as the door; yes, it risks being seen, but she hopes Jo'Zark will see it as an honor.

If he does, he does not betray it.

And they're gone from view.

"You handled that like a high priestess indeed" Otem says

Jessica allows herself to relax. A bit. "Thank you."

He offers her a poncho "Fair you are, but I thought you might want this as soon as you could?"

She puts it on gratefully. "Thank you, again. Yes. This isn't... really... -me-." She does appear more often in shirts and jeans with hiking boots.

Otem says "You wore it well regardless.. And you are welcome"

She nods. "I'm going to go get changed." she pauses "Send out a second group of three or four. They should be armed for defense and return, not to attack. I want them to follow Demos and then remain for a while, watching the border crossing. See if anything.... well, just see anything."

"I have already asked a few of my people to escort from a distance , it is not that we don't trust your people, but we don't trust our mainland brothers" He seems apologetic.

"Really? Ok, leave it at that, then. That's perfect. Thank you a third time, Otem."

"We are partners, you need not bear these burdens alone, Jessica"

"Ok, so I'm just going to send you a chocolate cake or something instead of repeating thank you." she says with humor "And I'm going to change." And she does.

"I do like chocolate, just , don't send too much" He pats his midsection which decidedly is not out of shape . And off she goes

(End Scene)