#fenixtj

She nods. "That's what I'm hoping for."

"I think the mainlanders are frustrated by us. They are getting desperate to stop your peace because it is far more dangerous to their power than the war"

"Which doesn't make sense to me but... " she shrugs soddenly.

A frown "It is not just kithain who can get up in power. Those who lead the redpath, they are in charge ONLY when there is war. Peace means they lose their power. It is ambition masked as patriotism." he says "And it sickens me."

She nods. "Well... I can't say that the Fae are free of that particular vice."

"Common Ground at last" deadpan, almost troll worthy

That makes her chuckle.

"Ok. I'm going to go get dry for real and maybe eat something, then check on.... well, everyone. I'd recommend the same for you, my friend."

"A good idea. " A nod "I shall meet you for lunch.. or dinner or whatever?"

"I was just going to grab something quick like a tamale...." she trails off "..... they aren't going to let me do that, are they?"

"You have a better chance outwitting a dragon" He says simply "They'll make a meal for you. I would suggest you hope they don't make it a grand return feast and..." he stops "Wait, you've been gone at least a day haven't you? Jessica. They're preparing a feast. At least, I would not be surprised"

"Yeah. Ok." she sighs "I can at least make sure the prisoners eat too. Ok. I'm going to change." and she does.

And off she goes to do so. The fact folks aren't rushing out to greet her return IS suspicious, and she thinks she smells a lot of food from the kitchen and dining area

so ..no trouble changing

And after changing, she presents herself to the kitchen.

Only to be redirected to the dining room where a large meal awaits

Along with some friends

Mitra looks over "I was told I had to come here. I admit, I also just got curious"

Jess nods. "I'll make sure all the freeholds get the reports. They're still being put together. The Baron wants his champion to duel the Nunnehi that aimed for me but poisoned him. I haven't asked the Baron yet but.... what do you think about using the Pitt as a site?"

"It's ok to say no."

"I think it would be quite the draw, and... yes, appropriate. " She says "Okay. Don't keep me in suspense too long about it though"

"Sorry... it's just been a long... um, couple of days, I think? I know I slept over at Sunkissed Waves at least once."

Otem enters in as well, dressed in a fresh change of clothes and seeming hjis old self again

Mitra nods "What did you make of the household he has?"

"They're competent and efficient." she says as she nods to Otem in greeting "I was a little heavier handed with them at first but I think it went pretty well."

"Well, they're probably used to the heavy handed" She says "What do you make of this new betrothed. Oh, hello, Otem."

"Greetings' Otem is almost immeditely put in front of a plate near Jessica

Jessica waits for everyone to be served before eating.

"Ailil. She did seem open to the idea of a non-Sidhe Countess, at least to my face. And she had some really good, strong, helpful ideas."

"Ailil are very good at telling you what you want to hear" Mitra says "But we Eiluned find that they are good at politics so not suprised about the ideas."

Jess nods, and eats when all are served; she finds her hunger as she does so.

Indeed, Sunkissed waves was quite fine... come to think of it, there was that young girl's 'quick snack'... that was quite tasty.

But the food here? They know what she likes and it tastes almost as much like 'home cooking' to her as Kerri's

And, Jess is hungry; the best seasoning.

Indeed, she feels ravenous. The ladies, of course, are overjoyed seeing both Jessica and Otem are 'appreciative' and seconds are forthcoming

Mitra chuckles, not as hungry, but says "The Baron is in your debt, it sounds like"

Jess shakes her head. "Otem's."

Otem shrugs "I did it for the alliance, no more, no less"

Mitra looks at Otem, "Don't be too quick to disregard a debt, even unseelie sometimes respect them. And it can help you encourage that alliance"

Otem sighs and looks at Jessica "is everything politics with the sidhe?"

A slight smile. "For many of them, often."

"There is also fashion, ceremony, and pomp" Mitra defends her kith with a bit of humor

"No," Otem says to Mitra, "I have been told Nockers are the ones you go to for Fashion"

Mitra ALMOST looks insulted, then gives Otem the second glance. He's somber looking, but his eyes have just a spark of mischief

Mitra glances at Jessica "Did you tell him that, or did Tweak?"

"I did not tell him that."

"Well, hurumph" Mitra finally says

Otem lets the slightest of smiles slip when Mitra isn't looking

Yeah, Jess probably didn't remember to eat while she was at Sunkissed Waves. At least, not enough.

The boggan ladies are DELIGHTEd to fix that