#fenixtj

"I'm not sure how long I'll be here, to be honest. We will all need to work together as a team; I don't intend to disrupt things more than absolutely necessary. I don't need special quarters."

"It's also a matter of how it reflects on us, Countess" Sir Natan explains, "I am no Daireann, but hospitality is important, and how it shows the quality of the host. We Varich believe this too. You are our liege's liege. To shove you in some common barrack makes us seem disrespectful to you and it dims our own image. I hope you will allow me to make some fuss? As steward is is part of my purpose... my duty"

Jessica nods. "I understand. Thank you for the honor and grace you show me."

"Thank you in turn" Steward Natan says "For indulging our need to excel"

The Reeve however is nodding at her earlier answer, "I'll let my fellow common inclined know there is no war in Ba Sing Se. You'd be surprised how many know it to be true"

Jessica looks -utterly- perplexed.

"I believe" the Seer speaks up "the Reeve means he'll try to calm the worries of the commoners. "

"Thank you. And if you would, I'd like to know what worries they have, especially as regards this situtation."

The Reeve nods "We may never know, but already I suspect the boggans are blathering an the sluagh are popping corks"

The Steward scowls "Damn it, the sluagh will no doubt be rooting for his death. Ever did they persecute we Varich"

Jess carefully says "Any sluagh, especially, with questions or concerns should come directly to me. All kiths are welcome in Renaissance."

"We will divert them to Fenix if they are so honest as to be direct," The Steward says "But there are some who would gladly slip in and slit the Baron's throat. A matter for our security no doubt"

The Seer offers, "I will put up additional wards about the healer's office and station"

Jessica nods. "Yes, please. We're making every effort to heal the Baron; I'd hate to lose him to another cause."

The door opens and yet another sidhe arrives. It would appear most of the Baron's advisors are of his own kith. Only this lady caries herself not as a subject.

Dressed in black and silver, an ailil dragon design along her sleeves, she looks about "Why was I not informed of my betrothed's situation until just now?"

The others rise from their table and bow. No doubt she outranks them

Jessica rises too, but a beat after all others are standing. "The situation has been in motion, with rapid changes. My focus has been on his health, but I am glad you are here, I think."

Strix Dirgevoice says declares to the sidhe "Baroness Jett Octavia Autumndelve, you stand before the Countess Jessica Flamefree, ruler of renaissance , holder of the Fenix bale and... our liege's liege. You may want to curtsy"

The word of a bard is said to always be true! And the Baroness Jett smoothly curtsies "Your excellency."

"It's really not necessary...." Jess murmurs with patience; her own court know how informal she is but...

Jess nods respectfully back. "Baroness, have you seen the Baron?"

"I have " She asserts, "I am profoundly concerned at this, as are we all, but I would know how this came about? Obviously I did not wish to interupt the healer, or distress a childling"

Jess gestures for her to join them at the table, and relates the story for all.

She nods, then says "You kept the Nunnehi who did this alive, and orders for him not to be tortured?"

"Yes."

"Excellent. I would have done the same. As furious as I am, torture is ultimately ineffective. It either breeds rare defiance, or the subject starts to tell you what he or she thinks you want to hear. It may yield results, but if one is to brute force an answer, one might as well simply resort to a dictum instead. " She says "Nevermind the fact that word of torture will just make it that much harder to capture an enemy in the future."

"I am glad we are of mind. "

"May I ask, has Dictum been tried yet?"

"No, and it is an interesting idea."

"It is far more effective than torture" She assures

"I shall try for it after the meal" She asserts

"Allow me to think the idea over before you take any action, please." not really a request.

"Of course, your excellency. Naturally I think it is an avenue worthy of trying. Even failure will leave us no worse off," She ponders "Should Vaeltilde be moved to Fenix during this time?"

"No."

Strix the Bard says "Not wise to send the heir away. Sends the wrong message"

"I was merely concerned for her safety here, and her emotional well being" The baroness assures

"Of course. Those concerns are best served keeping her here, at her home."

"As you say, Countess. I hope to take on the most strenous duties as Seneschal pro tem" She answers

"Answering to me." she agrees.

"While the Black and Silver often has a reputation sinister, I assure you, any noble house survives only by respecting title, your excellency. Even were I wed I would by right defer to you, and above you his grace and so on. Anything else would cause uncertainty the last thing we need" She inclines her head

Jess nods acceptance of this. "I've said this prior to your arrival, but the Nunnehi captive should be considered my personal guest and not interfered with without my word."

"You have made yourself quite clear, your excellency" She inclines her head

"Thank you." She nods back.

"Ok. What are we forgetting? What else do I need to know?"

THe steward speaks "Security wise, Lore wise, or politically wise, your excellency?"

"All of it."

"well, for security we'll have to ask the head thane who is not with us, and most likely is on duty but I believe you'll find he's called in all thanes to duty" The Steward assures "We have five armed knights as well."

"I'd like to meet with the knights, and the thane, probably in shifts."

"I'll make the arrangements" The Acting Senschal says