#fenixtj

"Gerd, that you?" Thane Coy inquires.

"Of course it's me," Gerd says, though it does feel like it's been awhile. "Could you ask the redcaps not to eat me?"

Demos says "You can't just pop in here"

"Is there a problem?" Jess asks as she comes into the room, alerted by said panic. "Gerd?" some surprise.

"My bad, Freeholder" Gerd says "I just flicker flashed in rather than use the trod. I didn't realize it would be a problem, security seems extra tight. Not doing well as an Emmisary lately" A wince

"Sorry, Boss, but when someone just pops in we get antsy" Demos snorts

"No, I understand Demos; you did the right thing, just to the wrong person." Jess welcomes Gerd "Come on in. Is anything wrong at Rivervale?"

"Did you join House Gwydion?" Gerd asks as she is welcomed

"Um. No. Why?"

"Then everything with Rivervale and myself is just dandy" She smiles a bit, then sobers "Actually there's a big census coming up and that's a pain in the butt but we'll handle it. I have some stuff to settle, but it's getting done so don't worry about that. I brought you some goodies to repay the food Holger brought in. The Hearth wars are never ending. Also Uncle Vali loaded me down with some new books for you and your library"

"Thanks for all that but.... -is- there a problem at Rivervale?" Jess has always perferred straight talk.

"More concerns than problem. The Census smacks of politics, and even higher up crown changes which could have ramifications, but it's all conjecture at this point. Still, the Chief prefers to know what's coming" She answers honestly "And I hit a bit of a snag in my duties but that's being tended to. Hearth Kerri is helping me" As if that solves that "What's with the security here, are YOU guys are okay?"

"Um. Well, we're technically still at war."

"True, but you've been at war for awhile so the difference today was noticeable"

"It's a long story. Do you have time for it?"

"For you? Sure. Let me drop this food off in the kitchen then we'll talk? I am sure they'll give me cargo to return on my way back"

Jess nods and leads the way.

THe food is dropped off, Rosa and Maria are all smiles and try to make both trolls food for a meal.

"Oh thank you, " Gerd says to them " I ate before I left"

"Nonsense" They say and start to get her and Jessica some food

(Perception plus Empathy for Jessica, or best guess)

/roll 5

OOC NOPE.

Soon the two have plates, and are heading to a private spot to talk and, presumably, eat

Jess sighs. "I can't seem to stop them from doing this. It's usually easier to just eat."

Once they are alone, Gerd says "Please, forgive me. I'm about to flicker flash this food to the lodge's kitchen. I just... can't right now. I can send some of yours if you like?"

"Gerd, what's wrong?" with a frown "Are you sick?"

"Been sick for years. Oh... you weren't told? I have an eating disorder. Bulimia ... I'm better now. Therapy. But now and then I need to not eat or I'll feel a powerful urge to throw it up. Don't tell Maria and Rosa, they worked hard on this, and they mean well. Been awhile since I had an attack like that" She gestures over her food and it vanishes

"I can take.... oh. Ok. Well... I mean, your health is no one else's business, Gerd. I'm glad you're feeling better."

"Thanks. But it's old news " Gerd says "Big Girl in middle school, other girls confuse big for fat... other issues. Anxiety yadda yadda. I got help and yes, doing better. Heck, I'm even getting some Hearth training on the side. I've become a decent cook. Now, what's new here?"

"Right." Jess nods, and fills Gerd in.

Gerd listens, and whistles then knits her brow "Interesting... folks are giving you flack for being merciful? You know, the old man would say they're not looking at this right"

Old man being her term for her past life

A shrug. "I happen to agree. Also, I'm not really worried about that flack. I'll try to keep the peace but if it comes down to it, you're either on board, or off the bus."

She nods "May I give some advice? I agree with it mind you, but some advice on presentation?"

"Sure."

"Play up the fact to your naysayers that showing mercy to an enemy is actually a sign of not just compassion, but strength. Vegard was in the Accordance War. The Sidhe had a lot of magic on their side, but the best among them won as much by almost causal magnanimity WHEN they won as the magic itself. There is power to having a sword at someone's throat, and then not only letting them go, but letting them go with a good meal in their belly and an invitation to come by to talk. It shows you are not afraid. It shows you are confident you'll win. It won't work on every one of your enemies and a few will be emboldened but they weren't going to quit anyway. But others, perhaps fewer still, but others, will be both intimidated, and if they have any self awareness, humbled. They might even respect you. Once they respect you , it's harder for them to disregard offers of peace. Tell those telling you that you're being soft that. Tell them you present Mercy because Mercy can be be far more intimidating than callow brutality. A lot of defeated rebel trolls ended up serving Gwydion Lords after the war, and the mercy they were shown, the honor with which they were treated was why. "

She sips her drink, which she did NOT flicker flash

Jess nods. "That's kind of the direction I've been trying to head in. We can afford to be merciful."

"But you need to stress it vocally. So your people understand. Not that you can afford to be merciful so much as 'Mercy pays off' and "mercy shows power" . You got redcaps. That's the kind of difference they'd grasp. Trust me, I've seen Kerri and your mom do 'Dirk Management' for years now"

Jess nods. "I think I can do that."

Gerd nods "Course you can. and forgive me I'm 'gerdsplaining', it's just well, my Emmisary job had me bone up on tailoring narratives to the audience"

Jess sits thoughtfully. "I wonder if there are native examples of merciful leaders pre-invasion."

"That I don't know" She admits

"Worth looking into later."

"Oh, that reminds me, the books" She reaches into her pouch

"Right, thanks. I'll get these to Selma and Constance."

As Jessica looks at the books she notices one is titled The Path of Peace: Honor among Kith and tribes, by Chief Greyhawk

"Hm." she flips through it.