#fenixtj

"You were in a coma, my liege" The healer explains

"Baron." Jessica is obviously relieved.

"I hope the assassin was dispatched and didn't get away"

"Well. He didn't get away, no."

"Excellent. Has my ... interogator seen to him yet?"

"They've met."

"Listen, we can brief you up later. How're you feeling?"

"Weak, frustratingly so"

"Ok. So, listen, rest up. You've been out for a little bit, I've been here and I've tried to keep things running they way there were. Status quo. You can rest, I'll stay till you're ready."

"You are attending my hold...personally?" he seems surprised

"Sure."

"Interesting. How have my people responded? There must be some ... jockeying for position"

"Maybe a little bit. Your fiance was very helpful with that."

A deep chuckle "I imagine she was. No doubt jockeying herself." He sighs as his chuckle peters out "Countess. I thank you, but you must tend to your own hold. I am tired, even weak, but I am still of sound mind."

"They know where I am if they need me." she says firmly.

"Countess? Are you making a coup?" he doesn't sound upset

"No." politely but somewhat nonplussed.

"Then why am I not allowed to resume rulership?"

"So you can rest?"

"I will be fine" he assures "My mind is sharp, and that is what i need"

"Well.... if you're sure? I could brief you now, then."

"Please do" He says "Finding myself ignorant of my land's status vexes me" He closes his eyes but not from sleep "The fire is strong. Good"

Sooo.... she does. Honestly, but with tact.

He arches a brow, more than once "Countess, am I to understand my would be assassin is to go free?"

"I think of him as -our- would-be assassin... and, yes. With your recovery he will be sent back to his people. Assuming he wishes to go."

"What do you hope to gain by this largese? "

A sigh. "Well. I'd like to say the good will and thoughtful attention of those tribes and people in opposition to us.... but that's probably a long-shot."

"More realistically, I'd like them to know that we're not the enemy; we don't have to be enemies."

"So, the word will go out that you and I might be assulted with impunity. You don't see the danger of that?"

She shakes her head. "We defeated and captured the assailants. We forced them to remedy the assault. We choose to release them where and how we wish. And, we could bind them so they never attack us again." she points out.

"I think that is not the message they will take from this. " He frowns "We do not agree on this, Countess. I wish satisfaction for the wrong done."

"He did tell us how to get an antidote."

"Yes. Which is why I'll challenge him to a duel before release, one of my knights will champion me. He has earned that, but no more in my mind"

Jess thinks about this and nods slowly. "I.... I could be ok with that."

"Good. I cannot take NO action. My reputation, my pride, my 'honor' if you wish to call it that, would not allow it. "

"Your health is more important, not that you asked me" The healer says

"That's why you're not a ruler, Healer St. Johns. For a ruler, reputation is part of health" The Varich says

It's probably clear Jess might not entirely agree.

Wort, a troll as well as healer shakes his head "You're right I'm no ruler."

"I'll take the redwater with me back to Fenix." she offers.

"mmmph. That is, of course, your call, Countess. The services of my interogator are yours if you should change your mind"

"Baron, I don't think that will ever be a course of action I'll take. But I thank you for the gesture."

"Courtesy remains important"

He nods as if that explains it

"As for my betrothed to be... most interesting. What did you make of her?"

"I like her. As much as I know of her."

"I am... surprised and pleased that you could get along with an Ailil. Perhaps in one area, my liege, I have been unfair to you of late. " He slowly gets to his feet, wobbling a bit "My people obeyed your orders it sounds like, and did Sunkissed waves proud"

Jess immediately supports him "Your people made Sunkissed Waves proud." she agrees.

"My thanks" He says, more for the affirmation of his people than the actual physical support "There will be no need for discipline to them then."

"I have some questions, but.... another time, please."