#fenixtj

"Call in? You mean call home?"

"Yep. Let them know I'm staying" SHe pulls out her phone and texts

"Ok." she nods.

"There we go. " An aside "now and then I text them forcing them to adapt to the 21st century. keeps grump minds fresh"

"Mm. Dunno. I guess I take the easy way by calling; the buttons are tiny for my fingers." she lifts a hand, showing her troll-sized digits.

She shows her own "It just takes practice... " Then an admission "And patience. I do envy the speed sluagh can go at on them"

"Mm."

She finishes her drink "So you'd like me to talk to Otem, get some pointers on Nunehi. I Suppose I should check with Fawn too? How is she doing? She always seemed a nice reasonable centauress?"

"She's amazing." Jess agrees "And she's got some of the language skill you'd want on lock. Except that'd be a lot of work for so short a time."

"Oh I don't think you can montage a language, but a few tips are always welcome, and she could maybe refer to some language sources in books or online if there are any. Did you know that there are estimates of HUNDREDS of indigenous languages lost in the Americas? I mean, I'm not a scholar but geez that's depressing"

Jess nods with a sigh "It's been a challenge."

"Vali says you're well on your way to having quite a repository of Native Lore in your library but if you like, I can get you some copies of Inuit lore too. There's a barony up north I visit"

"It couldn't hurt." she agrees "And if you want copies of anything we have, just let Constance know."

"I will. THanks. How are YOU doing? I mean, personally, not just how your county is?"

"I'm good. Fine." she says simply.

"Siv said that would be your answer," She observes "But then, Siv can be rather emotive for one of we trolls."

"She can be." Jess agrees mildly.

"She also wants to know if you've met a fellow or lady yet in a romantic way. Paid me five bucks to ask." Quite seriously "I told her she was underselling the risk factor and that I would probably be telling her you said to mind her own business"

A sigh. "Tell her to mind her own business, yes. Thank you."

"Easiest five bucks I ever made. Thank you for your indulgence there" a beat "How's your heir?"

A fond smile "She's really promising. She has her own court of childlings, really, and even some of the Nunnehi childlings are invited and actually come."

"Really? I should see if Connor wants to visit as OUR Emmisary sometime" Delighted

"He's be welcome. He's well?"

"Oh he missed Rivervale a lot while he was visiting Baron Aiden at Silverwolf. But I think getting in touch with his dad was good for both. At least, I hope so"

Jess nods. "Even if you have a father or father-figure in your life, it's hard when you know you have a bio-dad out there and you think he doesn't want you."

"YEah, that's been, I hope, cleared up. "

"Hm? Oh, Connor. I guess it can be hard to tell, with pooka."

Then realization "Oh, I guess the bit about wondering about a father is a big part of your past too, huh?"

She nods. "It was." she doesn't seem bothered about it now.

"Is that why you became Westward?"

A chuff of amusement. "Mmm... no. At least.... that wasn't a solo reason. Growing up without my dad-dad was... um, probably more of a foundation."

"We've talked it out."

"Glad you did. I have a lot of respect for him and you so it's good to know. So what was the other reason for the west ward thing? I thought Clem knew but she told me if I wanted to know I had to ask you"

"Well... not so much the other reason as -another- reason. Um. My folks are pretty well known and... I was getting what felt like a lot of "Oh, you're her daughter...." and I wanted my recognition, not borrowed from mom and dad."

She considers that for a long while then says "I think I totally understand that. It's like how I feel about the Old Man sometime. It took me awhile to feel like folks liked Gerd, not just 'oh, Vegard reborn'. I mean, Rivervale was always polite about it, but they clearly missed him and I.. sometimes I felt like they wree looking THROUGH me hoping to see him."

"Maybe so." Jess agrees.

"Well, you certainly made your mark. Your parents are proud..heck, Uncle Olgar even says you won glory on your terms."

Another chuckle. "I'm proud of them too."

"I think that's partly what I hope to do, make a mark. I just am not sure the best way. THough, helping people like you did is a good one. Not the same way, of course"

"Making a mark, leaving a legacy is a leader's goal. Or so I've read."

A light blush then "Well, you're doing both sounds like." She sips the tea again, almost to the last of it "Not a bad blend"

"I'll let the ladies know."

"Well, I have better but don't tell them that. I wouldn't want to hurt their feelings"

"I... won't tell them that, no."

"But it's not a bad blend" She says "I could maybe get you in touch with better?"

"I'm not that invested in tea, but I'm sure the ladies would appreciate it."

"Diego may not appreciate tea like I do. Though.. oH. I should say, Hearth Kerri loved that wine he sent over"

"I'll tell him, I know he'll be happy to hear that."

"I wish I could remember the vintage" She says

The fire roils as if hearing something disturbing