#fenixtj

"I am not sure I trust it" She admits "Though you did trick him to do so yes? It would seemed to indicate he must be manipulated in one way or antoher to be of use"

"I did not trick him, per se. I meant what I said."

A deep inhale.

"Let's... wait. For now."

A gentle brow lift, then a nod "As you feel is best."

"Please. For now. If... if I can see an advantage to ... well, sweating him.... I'm fine with that too. He -is- a hostile, and he did do damage to one I have a duty to. That is not forgotten. I am trying to balance things." She looks at the Baroness "You understand?"

"I think I understand you mean well, but I fear, eventually, if you do not take sides on behalf of your own allies, your allies will feel you're not on their side at all. You're a powerful woman, Countess, with a will of steel, but you will not be able to sway the common kithain that not only should they embrace friendly nunnehi, but that they should show repeated forgiveness to ones who work to kill them, their friendly nunnehi allies, and their rulers. You are OUR ruler, and they expect ... not unreasonably, that if you must pick, you'll favor what's good for us over what's good for the ingrateful threat. You may not like our limitations, but you cannot force empathy"

A long moment.

"Not force it, no."

"Maybe. Teach it."

"The people will not want a teacher, they want a guardian, and a liege. " A frown "Forgive, I am bordering on insubordination"

She shrugs "Regardless, I do not need to understand as long as I obey and assist"

Jess does not seem to think it so.

"Now, that said, is there anything you wish me to do or ask me before I tend to soothing the nerves of Leanhaun, Ailil, Balor and other Unseelie nobles?"

"Yes."

"Arrange a meeting. A ... a social meeting. Between myself and... them."

A nod "How soon do you want it? I would like time to settle them so hope it is not too soon"

"Is dinner too soon?"

"I think Brunch tomorrow would be better" She asserts

"Agreed, if you will join me in a run tomorrow morning? Gets the blood moving."

An amused look at that, "I shall join you, but you maybe disappointed by my comparitively short stride"

She nods. "I'll see you at 6 on the beach?"

"Excellent," She nods "I'll see you then" She rises

Jess stands and offers her hand. "I'm glad to know you.... And I want to celebrate your joining our County."

She curtseys, but when she rises, takes the hand "You're... too kind, Countess. I'm touched by the warm welcome in trying times. "

"If you need or want anything, let me know."

"Thank you, your excellency. I shall" A head bob, and she withdraws

Jess.... seeks her quarters.

Waiting for her is a grand room, rife with luxury and fanciful delights fit for a queen.

It's not her style, but it is impressive

And the bed is big enough for long legs

After reluctant consideration, Jess asks for a bath and clean clothes.

The servant who is assigned to her, a demure looking female troll in a maid outfit, does so, and says "is there anything else, your excellency? "

"No and... I am not a formal kind of person. You understand?"

"I am not sure I do, your excellency, but drawing your bath will be no trouble"

"I can get my own bath. And clothes. And food and drink."

"But it is my duty, Countess" She says as if that word explains all

With some effort, Jessica has to let the maid at least start the bath, but banishes her for some privacy

And finally, after a nice bath and dry off, falls asleep

(End Scene)