#fenixtj

"You will not get your peace in exchange for even a HUNDRED of us" The first one says

Fangfroth frowns "I am not sure what you should ask for. Perhaps pounds of fish for food ? Or pearls?"

Jess doesn't really pay the first much mind, but responds to Frothfang "Food. Sustience for my people. I can see that. Would it harm your people to give it?"

"I do not think so" SHe says

"Ok, good. Mmm..... are you worth your weight in fish?"

"Or other seafoods?"

"I Would say so" Frothfang says lifting a brow "Perhaps I am biased in that"

"Well, we can ask."

Jack suggests "Why not offer the ransom to the poor? It could do some good"

Jessica nods slowly, thinking.

"Excuse me, warrior.... could your people use fish?" she asks the first captive.

A confused look "Who can't use Fish?"

"Ok. Well, that's something to think about."

To the same warrior "Is there anything your people would give to have you back?"

"Perhaps a bit of what you call 'dross'" he says after thinking about it

"I'd be interested in that." she agrees, then says with an understanding smile "Maybe not your weight in it?" as that would be an astronomical price.

"I am not that arrogant no" he states and glares. Her smile wasted.

Jack mutters "Tough nut to crack"

Well, it was only a small smile; not much to waste.

"Not trying to crack him, Sir Jack." she clarifies "Just figure out how best to get him home safely."

"Is it okay if I think he's kind of an asshole?" Sir Jack whispers

A minute nod.

He nods back slightly, then suggests "Jessica, I'm just a knight, you're a countess, but as a Liam I do have connections and so does the Padre. Want me to see if there's any out reach programs for indigenous folks we can divert any excess fish to?"

"Yes, please. An excellent idea."

"I'll get word to him" A nod

"Thank you." She has finished her meal; huh. That was quick.

"Ok, well.... Oh, I have court. Right. Do either of you need anything right now?"

"A weapon so I might kill some of you on the way out of here?" The redwater "Fighting for my escape would also bring no shame"

"Right, well, we'll remember that but I wouldn't count on it. No hard feelings. Let someone know if you need anything. Sir Jack." a nod, transfering control back to him, and she heads off to court.... wait, no, to change clothes for court.

Her maid waits for her with a suitable set of clothes. Quite nice.

No corset

"THanks for finding these; I didn't pack to stay this long."

"Happy to serve. a few are sewn by my own hand"

"Very nice work." Jess takes a moment to clean up and brush her hair, then dresses and is ready to find the court room.

Soon Jessica goes out before the court. There's a voice calling her name, title, and deeds! Which somehow are longer here than at 'home'

She bears it with gravity, and takes her seat.

She nods to the Steward, to begin.

"The Countess, acting in the Baron's stead for this short time, will now take applicants, petitions, and so forth"

It is far more organized... prioritized and formal than is typical at Fenix

Jess settles in to listen.

"Your excellency, I wish to ask for a public flogging for my squire" Says one sidhe lord. "Could you arrange a date for it? Or need it be in private?"

Jess blinks, and takes a moment.

"I have many questions, but I will hold them for now."

"If you choose to do this, it will be in private."

He bows and withdraws. His squire, a grown satyr man, bows too, but looks nervous

"I would like to speak to both of them privately." she murmurs to the Steward.

THe steward nods and whispers "I'll make sure they're detained...discretely"

"Thanks."

The next up is an old Eshu woman, "Your excellency... my granddaughter is kinain. Last week, she was raped by a street gang. I wish to ask a boon, the boon of the wild hunt on each and every member of that gang. Let them know no peace, let them know fear, and madness. "

Jess exhales slowly.