#fenixtj

"When you're recovered." Jess murmurs, reading over a set of patrol reports.

"I feel fine" She assures, even as her mein looks pale enough to see through

"Forgive me...." Jess says, looking up "But you hide it well. And you're still grounded."

"I wrap myself in the cloak of the irked elder and walk to my room with dignity, your excellency" She mmmphs but accepts her fate

"Good. I think that is an excellent example for everyone, including myself. Thank you."

Sidhe side eye, but she goes.

Anticipation does build, as folks wait for the Firebrand to arrive. Indeed, Ariel dances, "It's almost here...."

The Firebrand arrives - a childling! Ellie is nine now, though so much time in the freehold leaves her a touch small for her age. Still, her sidhe grace and the simple dress combine with the lantern to form a striking image (and, of course, there's a flaming sword to be considered were any to give her trouble. That, and Hastien coming in behind her.)

The Rover bows low as he enters.

PHobos yells "THE FIREBRAND HAS ARRIVED!"

"YES!" Ariel calls out. Other childlings join in

And before Imbolc too. A good sign!

Ellie beams at her friends, but then she turns on her Serious Ritual Face.

Holger gives a troll salute. HE can be somber. there is much training he has taken in stoic fu

Dame Ash, having heard Sir Phbos bellow, has come back out, her grump sulk gone.

Jessica, dressed in her very finest, steps forward and bows from the waist, profoundly. "Firebrand." she greets.

"As the mythical bird for which this hold is named, Fenix is, this night, to be re-birthed in a new Bale-flame! Capuleh, I come to you with the Brand - grant me leave to lay it upon the hearth!"

Ariel looks like she mgiht pass out from containing the excitement.

Tex the redcap, following Phobos style, bellows 'YEAH, let her!"

and he gets shushed

"You are most welcome, Firebrand, and I would be honored for you to gift us with the Flame."

A brief grin escapes her Serious Demeanor. "Si, Contessa!"

"Fenix! Look upon your renewal!" She holds the lantern high as she strides towards the bale.

The FLames near Jessica , perk! They're not weak, but the year has been taxing, and it was on a bit of a wane, and it greets the Firebrand with a fanning gesture like wings opening to catch the sky

That brings a soft smile to Jessica's lips.

At this, even the kids are especially reverent

"Hello." Ellie whispers a private greeting to the Fire, her friend, before extending the Brand to meet it.

The fire sends a wisp to touch Ellie's face in fondness, the light of it filling her features, and only then does it set soft extensions about the offered Lantern

When Ellie opens it fully, the lantern's seed of fire is subsumed with the joyous abandon of a well recieved gift in a childling's hands! And it seems to gather that and it'self

Before BURSTING upward and about the hold in a lovely phoenix shaped display, everyone's fae spirits feeling strong and vibrant in the exposure of it

This never ages; this is never commonplace. How blessed we are... Jessica thinks, feeling the warmth.

Ellie twirls in delight!

Ash basks in the glow, at these ceremonies, she feels young again, and she smiles at both the Countesses

Music breaks out from the troubadours, Selkie and sidhe knowing both a good time to begin that!

Diego turns to Jessica "Flamefree, the Firebrand has done her sacred task and done it well. It is not Imbolc yet, and that is good for it is bad luck to be late. But perhaps a small celebration is order? "

Dame Ash moves towards Ellie while this is going on and says "Permission to hug your excellency?"

Ellie bobs her head and quickly latches onto the older Beaumayn's waist.

"I am so proud of you," Dame Ashlyn whispers to the girl as she hugs her and is hugged back

"Gracias, Dama."

Jessica bows to Ellie and the 'Fire, deeply, before straightening to respond to Diego. "There is no question, Diego. It is my order that a celebration commence."

"De Nada" A smile from the Dame. Then she turns to hear the decree "I suspect you are getting some of your favorite foods"

Diego nods and peeks into the kitchen, "Ladies, you're on"

"Of course" Marie and rosa chime from within and food begins to move

Ariel just about tackles Ellie with a hug once Ash let go "Salma said you were going on a great journey facing SeVEN deadly riddles, and EIGHT great monsters, but it would be okay because you'd be friend half the monsters and the answers to the riddles were in the books she read us."

"Salma knows ALL the best books..."

"She totally does" Ariel grins "I love your firebrand outfit"

"I feel so pretty in it! Did you know it's greek? Like satyrs!"

"YUP. We have columns too" Ariel smiles "mr. Diego told me but Celts make pretty things too. Did you know Celts make that knotwork design?"

"Noooo!"

"They totally did!" She nods "Now that gift you got me last year is even COOLER!"