#fenixtj

"I would welcome them."

"Sluagh, by the right of hospitality, must be allowed here if they ask. However the quality of their care? that's variable. They ask for a room, they are given one with lots of sunlight. They ask for tea, they get Lipton. " She explains "And construction, loud at that, often occurs whenever a sluagh does visit. It definitely sends a message"

"And it's not just the varich that do it. Few people fully trust sluagh. They do want to curry favor with the Baron. They know the baron doesn't like sluagh. So they join in on it here. It's a politically prudent move for many" A shrug

"... and the history of sluagh in the county does not help matters."

"The history is ..fraught with downsides. I say that as one who finds sluagh an invaluable recourse and source. Not that I advertise it here. But sadly, there is more" She admits

"I'm listening."

"The Baron , quite understandibly, believes members of his House over Sluagh when there are altercations outside the hold. I think you'd find any Noble has their biases. You have been accused of disdaining Leanhaun. However, to your credit, you try to compensate for this blind spot. My betrothed does not consider it a priority to do so."

She nods, not at all shocked.

"There are stories of one knight of House Varich who... well, if rumors, and they are just rumors, are to be believed, hunts sluagh for sport"

"Not to the death... but to the harry"

"IN Renaissance?"

"Oh yes. Within this barony's confines. This knight is too canny to risk it in the areas about the Pitt or Skyhook. "

Jessica scowls at that, but says nothing.

"Of course, you run the county and the county includes that, but your resources are stretched thin" She considers "And this knight knows that."

"Sounds like this knight could be more gainfully employed, what with having all this free time to harass others."

"Perhaps" She nods "I hope I've been of some help here. And ask you not to tell my betrothed of this"

"I am not comfortably lying... but if he doesn't ask, I don't have to bring it up."

"Well, I best hope he doesn't." She says then replies "At this point, I suppose I should make sure any further details I give you work to my advantage should it cause me to lose a very cozy betrothal" Speculative, not spiteful

"Honesty is the best policy." Jessica reminds her.

A chuckle "not in my experience, sadly"

"I didn't say it was easy." she agrees.

"If I help remove the threat of this knight, no violation of the escheat involved, under the radar. What can you do for me, your excellency? As it stands I have not yet even given you a name"

"I don't know, I hadn't thought about it. To be honest, I'm not decided on if I want to do -anything- about it, at least right now."

"Well, I hope i've been some help at least at the basics then," She says

"You have. I appreciate the background and updates."

"Most welcome" the baroness nods "Unless there's something else, you probably should rest and recover. Been a long session for you"

"I want to see if there's word from Otem, or the distractor parties we sent out." She stands.

"Well, none can say you are not dedicated and diligent" She observes and rises as well

"Thank you." she nods, and heads out to see if there is word.

It turns out there were texts from Phobos!

TXT: Having a blast. Keeping path clear! I ❤️ My job!

She tries not to wince, choosing instead to see if anyone's seen Otem.

He has not yet returned , at least not that anyone has seen

She frowns, but decides to bide in peace. And, to go check on the Baron.

Wort the Healer greets her, "He is stable, even healthy in many ways, but the coma persists, your excellency"

She nods. "I've left word that when Otem returns he's to be shown directly here."

"Good." the healer says simply

"Do you need a break?"

"I have an ally who watches when I nap. " A look over her "From what i hear, you've been the busy one. Court was long"

She nods. "I do tend to have long days. Nothing new, there."

"Duty is the most effective caffiene"

"It is."

"Still, it is not unwise to rest so you can be better prepared for what comes. "

There is a shudder in the air... and a burst of flowers all about them!

"What is..."

Jess is on her feet and on guard.

Laying in the circle of flowers is Otem, badly wounded gasps. "I have it" He offers up the prize

"Shit." uncharacteristically.

She goes to him, takes the prize and passes it to Wort, and looks Otem over.

"Get me help. NOW."