#fenixtj

Jess sighs "Will you let her know I'd like to see her? And... do what you can to keep Demos away from her."

"Already are.... " Phobos nods "I'll get her"

And off he goes.

Dame Bevera strides in, a harp on her back, but a sword at her side

She is not met without sympathy. "How're you doing?"

"he's writing me poems... " She shudders "Your excellency, they depict how many people he would kill for a touch of my hand.. in graphic detail. I would offer you a chance to read it, but there is no reason for us both to suffer"

"He can't help it. And it's temporary."

Jessica tries to mitigate.

"I am open minded about the Nuennhi, you know I am, and I am aware the brothers redcap are.. loyal, but I draw the line at their interest. I just... ugh"

"I'm -not- suggesting your reciprocate." She says firmly "Just remember it's induced. He can't help it and he'll probably feel conflicted about it afterwards."

"How long will this last?" She asks

"As best I understand, it varies. There are a lot of factors that can play in, but I suspect it won't be more than a day or two. Hopefully more like hours."

"With your permission, I think I'd like to take a day or two off, remove temptation as it were."

"Absolutely granted, and not a minute too late, but be careful? There are still cupids out there, Dame Ash and I just barely avoided one."

SHe ponders then nods "I have it. I'll take the trod to Rivervale from here. It is quick and will avoid most risk. I doubt they have the same swarm as we"

"And it's probably being managed differently." Jess guesses "Please tell them you come with my blessing, and say hello for me?"

"Of course. I'll offer to play a song or two for them if you like? It's only polite. Have you anything youwish me to deliver?"

"I'm afraid I haven't had a chance to put anything together and I don't want to slow you down. Thank you for offering, though."

"As you like, though I'm sure the ladies of the kitchen would move to make plenty of mexican treats to offer up with no hassle if you think your Hearth would not be offended?" She offers

"She would not be." Jess says surely.

"I'll see what they can do before they go. I need to pack a few things so I'm sure they'll have time." Bevera considers "Please, don't tell Demos where I went should he ask. Just tell him I took a few days off"

And she heads off to tend to that

"Of course not." Jess assures her as she goes.

Soon, the troubadour has a larger basket of food than she expected

And is stepping through, hoping to avoid romantic redcaps

Jess makes the rounds to see if anyone else was hit.

Bad news... Constance and Coy were both it. They can't keep their hands off each other. Fenix is down a thane and a scribe for now. Good news? They're a couple already so this is kind of an impromptu carnal celebration between two folks who love each other anyway. Better news, Nancy guided them to their bed room rather than let them tear each other's clothes off in the study.

Indeed, it is Nancy who is wiping her horned brow and runing around checking on others to make sure they're okay

"Good job with Constance and Coy." Jess says as the satyr races past.

"Thanks... anyone check on the other holds?" she calls back "The drones are keeping Skyhook safe but the Pitt and Tidemarches, I have no news"

"I'm sure those Freeholders have it managed." Jess says with unfounded confidence.

Nancy looks less sure "I hope so. Might want to give them a call. Pardon me, I have go to check on a local"

Jess considers a moment, then sighs and steps away to call the Pitt and the Cannery; the mortal side of Tidemarch's oceanside Freehold.

"damn it who is it?" A voice terse and nervous says, it's Mitra

"Jess. Everything ok there?"

"No my friend, it is not. I .. got shot in the ass. I've blindfolded myself and holed up in my room. the next person I see I'm very likely to be totally smitten by. DAMN eiluned curiosity. '

"Who's... I'm sorry to hear it, Mitra. You're doing well. Who's in charge out there?"

"Well is not the word I'd use" She says "My heir and Abuela mostly" The baroness says

"Ok. I'll see who I can contact. I'll call you back if there's anything to worry about, ok?"

"Please do. Just don't send anyone over to my place. I'll end up cooing like a Fiona fool"

"They only just missed me." Jess assures her "Don't worry." and she hangs up to call the Freehold proper.

"Yes?" It's Shard "YOu want a match?"

"It's Jessica King. Shard?"

"Oh, Jessica. Yes, it's Shard." the troll gladiator responds "What can I do for you?"

"I just wanted to check in. You've seen the chimera? Cupids?"

"Yes. Something are hard for a man to fight. We're somewhat isolated. The Nunehi here had to be warned about the Cupids. They're not as familar"

"Oh damnit." she curses uncharacteristally "Any incidents?"

"Two... fortunately, one was just puppy love, infatuation.. even if it takes root it's not harmful. The other was trickier... Delphine, rmeember her? Diego's cousin? she and a Nunehi appears utterly smitten"

"Delphine is.... um. Powerful."

"Quite a fighter"