#fenixtj

"My impulse, my instinct, is to grant this boon."

"I am not ruled by my instincts; I am Fae, and I am Troll. And I wish to protect my people. And I am not above vengence."

"I will ask you to speak with the authorities of this hold and the County as needed, and give details. When confirmed.... I will grant this boon."

She bows "I will tell stories of your wisdom and your willingness to hear an old woman out when her grand daughter is wronged"

"Lady, if the story and wrong is true.... I will wish to lead the hunt."

A smile "As long as I am not left out, I pray you" She bows again, stiffly, and recedes.

This seems to have earned Jessica some murmurs of approval

Jess nods acceptance of the lady's wish, and is ready for the next.

Another Noble steps up

And bows.

Jess nods.

"Your excellency, I wish permission to form a freehold of my own."

There are gasps!

"Um."

"We're going to need to have an in depth discussion. Preferably after the Baron is recovered."

"As you say, Countess, but approval is sought soon. "

And he backs away.

"What is your name?"

"Sir Ayrthnel ap Daireann" He says

"I look forward to hosting you at my freehold, Fenix."

"I am... unseelie, Baroness, of an Unseelie House. Will that be uncomfortable for you?"

"I guess we'll find out, but I hope we'll get along."

A slight smile "Hospitality is respected by my House greatly, thank you for offering it. I'll take up no more of your time nwo though. Others wait"

She nods in acceptance.

Now it seems that more commoners get to go forward. The Eshu an exception to the priority.

Understandably.

One redcap fellow says "My daughter recently finished her fostering . She's a Cap too... but somethings. .." He looks embarrassed "WRONG with her. She's being polite ... and doesn't seem to like blood and violence. I feel I've failed as a father. I request the help of a court seer to see if there's some way to lift this curse or flaw"

Some startled mutters at this

"I know a place she would be welcomed and cared for. If this continues. Please, be in touch."

"But.. will a Seer being able to help me find the cure? May I approach one?"

"You may. But I charge you as a father, not as kith, or redcap, or anything else.... to let her be the Dream she is to be. Lest you shrink the Dream for all of us."

"Ah fudge..." But he nods

"I want his name too, and his daughter's." to the Steward.

The Steward inclines his head "Yes, Countess. "

"Thank you."

Others come forward... there are two pooka who each claim possession over a pie. It smells delicious

They seem to want her to settle who gets the pie!

She gives them a very level eye.

THey look up hopefully!

"Take the pie to someone that can research it. Outside this freehold, please. With all due respect."

They bow and obey...heading off to find an expert on pies

thus a great quest was set in motion, one that would shake the very foundations of the Dreaming

Or perhaps not, but either way, no longer Jessica's problem