#fenixtj

And more importantly, they're talking to Jessica

In which case, Jessica will actively listen.

While it might seem a waste to some, Jessica has seen Kerri and even her dad at work enough to know that sometimes people are grateful for listening. That they remember when you do it

So, she plants seeds for better ties

And Pennons finally winds down. Prizes are given, the Duke hands out some by his own hand, and there's a reason for that, but a few he sees if Jessica would prefer to.

Jess is more than happy to have the Duke award them all, unless there's a particular reason?

Merely that she might want to either send a message that a lot of what is good in this county comes from her hand, or just because it IS an honor to bestow to the worthy. But he doesn't press

"I have every day to make that clear, Your Grace, and I think it's working. You have only this holiday." she points out.

"You're quite right" He says, and inclines his head "And quite generous. Thank you for letting me extend these honors, Countess"

"Glad to do it. Not only for the Nunnehi but for my own people as well."

Indeed, the Duke puts more than one medal or prize in the hands of the Nunehi victors, and nods to each with respect, sometimes even shaking hands or putting a hand on a shoulder

He is likable, despite his Liam house, and his ailil training seems to help him out in making connections

Jess keeps a careful eye on everything she can, and keeps herself on alert until the last guest has done and clean up is well underway.

There are no attacks, the Duke's personal guard has helped see to that working with others

Something for which all the County Thanes are, no doubt, grateful; a chance to enjoy the events instead of guard them.

Mitra whispers to her "Our Grace is not a bad man, and a darn good leader"

She nods. "I agree."

"Knows enough to let us do things our way" she adds "Which is why he's a good leader"

"Mm." she might not agree 100%.

Her friend gives a smirk for some reason

And the event is over, now clean up begins.

Jess will make sure that the Duke is well seen-to, his people are given a feast if they wish it (after all, they worked too...) and that all is well.

(Perception plus kenning)

/roll 5

There are no direct spies, and there are drones about (TWeak's) helping out, but she does feel a kind of magic in the area of someone, or something, watching

A scry spell? Possible. Hard to block that from the entire area, and not necessarily an evil or ill act even if so

Jessica looks around, to see if she can figure out....where? Or who?

Something in the clouds above even above the drones

And for a moment, she and the Duke both look up, feeling it.

A shadow of great wings hovering

"Dragon....?" she tries to ID it.

Dragon. DRAGON!

Jessica strains to see it; iridescent purples?

It's dark scaled but from this far she really can't tell. Maybe if she had binoculars or something/

"Can anyone see what color it is?"

Well, now that she's drawn attention to it, folks get into a panic "Dragon!

"

Mitra draws her blade "Son of a..."

"Get everyone out of here, into shelter." she orders the Thanes. "Mitra, we don't know if it's hostile."

The Duke looks up "Dark hued. that does not narrow it down"

"Ovontho the lady of Twilight Skies was iridescent purple."

"I can't tell, the setting sun is casting too much" The Duke says "I'll fly up to it to get a better look"

One of his knights looks alarmed at THAT talk

"Fly, Your Grace?"

"Windrunner, Wayfare" He says pulling out some dross

"Um, would you consider casting it on me instead?" she offers.

A frown, then a look to his knights who look ready to mutiny to keep him safe, "I never get any of the fun" Ammmph

"Oh very well..." he touches the dross to the Countess "Up you go, to the ground don't yield. As for the law of gravity? By my will: Repealed" and suddenly Jessica can fly, not with wings, but magic

So she takes flight; she's done that before, with less preparation. She heads up, and a young Gwydion knight might envy the sight of her rising with maul in hand.