#fenixtj

"Of course."

"What about Duff? He was asking if he should lay low and pretend the attack worked. I kind of have the feeling that the warriors failing to return is going to give that away."

"Unless they believe he died from his wounds after" Otem ponders this "Duff, they went after you because you are special to Jessica?"

"I was," Duff corrects "And yes, I think so."

"And he pointed out that you are at risk too, Otem."

Otem waves this off "I don't matter"

"I couldn't disagree more strongly." Jess says firmly and clearly "You are vital to these efforts."

"Otem, Jessica is right," Duff says "You don't seem aware how crucial a bridge you are. Your elders are hidebound if understandibly cautious, your braves on the other hand are disorganized as wilders often are. You give the latter voice while counsling the former. I know Jessica in ways you do not, and I tell you now, you have done more to help her than I ever did."

Duff says this factually

Jess doesn't look comfortable, but doesn't disagree.

Otem looks ready to dispute, then simply says "Thank you for the praise then. But I will not be shut away for my own protection. Call it pride if you wish."

"I'm not suggesting you should be shut away. I can't afford that. But maybe there's a way to be extra careful and aware."

Duff ponders "Assign him a servant who is actually a bodyguard?"

"A servant?" Otem says surprised

"Why not just assign him a body guard?"

"Two reasons," Duff says "It saves his rep more ... a warrior who needs a bodyguard might hurt his standing. Also, I find a gun under the table is sometimes better than the one in the open corner"

"What do you think, Otem?"

"He's not wrong " Otem says

"Ok. Who?"

Duff ponders "I'm not sure who would fit the bill. Delphine in a maid outfit?"

"I think it's Otem's choice."

The mind boggles at Delphine, a rather not conventially attractive amazonian bruiser bad girl satyress, dressed in a maid outfit . Otem ponders this "I am not sure she'd welcome that. "

"Perhaps she could wear whatever she likes."

"Sounds wise to me " Otem says

"Ok, let's ask her if she'll serve."

Delphine has a minor wound, long tended.

She looks up "Hey boss. Fun fight"