#fenixtj

Fostering goes well for their new comer, Tonto is a decent if whimsical teacher, though his first duty is to the childlings and making them laugh

Duke Tierone visits from his holding again.

Which has Jessica on a high but controlled alert.

It's not that she's ashamed of her hold's people, far from it, but they can be a bit unprofessional. The Steward is a known ex rebel who still preaches democracy. Sir Phobos, greets with yells. Fortunately, she has Brevara, a troubadour Gwydion more skilled in courtly graces, and Dame Ash

So when the Duke arrives in fancy dress and with two knights of his own, all formal like, Jessica maybe grateful for the sidhe in her company

Jess is -far- from ashamed. Renaissance is unique, and she is part of the reason it is that way. Irreverent, independent, and idiosyncratic; that is Fenix and Renaissance. She's proud of the people who make it all work, anyway.

She has also learned to put on the expected show, so she dresses in her most formal to greet the Duke, with Brevara and Ash attending her in thier own.

The Gwydion and Beaumayn genuflect in unison

Tierone's title and more is bellowed by Sir Phobos

The sidhe fights a smile at this, the Liam Duke returns bows with nods or slight bows in return then says "Your Excellency. How fares your people?"

Jessica does not kneel, but does bow respectfully.

"Very well, Your Grace, thank you. Will you please come in and enjoy what hospitality we can offer?"

"With gratitude" He nods

The cooks have been warned and have prepared, and have provided

Jessica escorts the Duke inside; Diego (or someone he appoints if he can't stand to do it himself....) directs and assists the Duke's entourage with luggage and quarters.

Diego has made sure all is supplied but he avoided the formalities, perhaps seeking to aviod a bow , perhaps not to mouth off

But the Duke doeesn't mind or perhaps doesn't notice. He looks about "is it just me, or have you changed the decor?"

He maybe commenting on the Nunnehi touches. Many blankets on the walls are gifts

"We are honoring the gifts the Nunnehi have given us by displaying them." she agrees.

OOC Commute. 🚗

"Beautiful craftsmanship" He admires

"They are." she agrees "We've gifted them crafted items as well."

A nod , "Countess. I've received messages from the Court of Duke Topaz. My peer and elder here south of the border." A pause "He thinks some Nunnehi are using my duchy as a haven from which to LAUNCH attacks on the Mainland feathered Serpent."

She nods, and they avail themselves of an office in which to talk.

"It's possible, Your Grace." She says evenly as she shuts the door and turns to a serving cart "Refreshment?"

"Yes, please." He says taking a seat, "it's the same thing with the Duchy to the north of him, under King.. pardon me, Chief Greyhawk. Greyhawk has rank and senority over him and can shrug such accusations off. They might be legit. I just wish I knew how to discourage it without harming your progress"

She pours him a glass of wine, and her a glass of fruit juice, and brings them over. "Believe me, I do too."

"Our local Nunnehi are not agreed amongst themselves about any suggestion of alliance, or how to proceed. And we -are- at odds with mainland Nunnehi who view our locals as no better than we invaders."

"I've tried to get through to them but... hundreds of years of history speaks against me."

"No better..." He takes the glass "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall catch hell from all sides" A sip

"There's been some activity with the local Mer as well, although I'm honestly not sure which side we're on, there."

"Troublesome" He frowns "I may have to summon Baron Tidemarch to court for details"

"We have some reports I can provide; preliminary and background information from the Barony and elsewhere."

"I would welcome that"

She nods. "They'll be delivered to your quarters, Your Grace."

"Thank you. I apologize for the pomp and ceremony, but with Duke Topaz trying to treat me as a lesser, I can't afford to be too casual in my duties" A sigh "I wouldn't say he has 'spies', but I don't doubt he has loyalists who visit"

"Duke Topaz may be my kithbrother, but we've never met, and you are my liege." Jessica says in way of explaination.

"And it is my honor to be so," He nods "You've been an examplary vassal to me, and an amazing leader to your county. You come with some extra effort in some ways, but that extra effort is born of doing the right thing, and as a Liam I'm supposed to be doing that anyway. "

"Everyone is supposed to be doing the right thing." she points out.

"Yes, but Liams preach, extra reason to practice. "

She nods. "That's a good point, yes."

"Of course, my Ailil upbringing tells me someone maybe hoping to put topaz and myself at loggerheads"

Jess frowns "I... suppose that could be true, too."

"Oh, I'm sure it is. Courts are full of intrigue"

She's quiet a moment, thinking. "Could it be mainland Nunnehi? Pitting you against each other?"

"They tend to be cut off from influence in the formal courts"

"Hm. Ok."

"But you do bring up a good point that they may have a few who are willing to side with them for the right price"

"The enemy of the enemy of my enemy's enemy...."

"... third cousin twice removed's hairdresser..."

"Mmm" He ponders, then his brows lift, "that's something. Meixicans are often at least part indigineous. There will be more overlap"

"I only meant that there are those, of any nature, who will do whatever it takes, ally with whomever they need to, if it serves their ultimate goals."