#fenixtj

Cocoa sip.

Cocoa sip, and "We may want to make sure there are no more of them around. They're normally solitary. That's the good news"

"Ugh. I didn't even think of that."

"I did. Got the thanes looking about for odd chimera when I got cocoa. Night shift is on it"

"Hope I'm not overstepping there"

"Oh. Um. No, that's fine. Um. Are they looking in my room?"

"No. That wasn't my right to suggest.. I did have one of the female thanes quietly check on the childlings room, but I don't think the kids are in danger. I would have..sensed it" A sip

"Whew. Still, thank you for checking."

"You're most welcome" A sip "Now, it's possible Ellie will wake up from a dream you were in trouble. "

"Should I go tell her I'm ok?"

"Depends if she wakes up or not. For now let her sleep. If she walks in asking how you are, tell her you're fine now. If she asks in the morning, the same " A sip

"Ok, I will."

A nod "Good cocoa. So...no major holidays anytime soon. Guess it's business as usual"

"Yep. Hopefully get the Nunnehi Oath sorted out and get some of these folks home."

" Work in progress, but it IS progressing" She nods

Footsteps, small ones

Jess turns to look.

Holger has gotten his shield and sword "I woke up, and saw the thanes looking about. I can help."

"Thank you, Holger. I need you to be there for Ellie, in case she has a bad dream. Please?"

"I will guard her door" He nods

"Cocoa will be sent to you while on your watch shortly" Dame ash promises

"I need no cocoa, but it is kind of you to offer" He salutes, and turns to go... then stops, "Would this cocoa have marshmallows?"

"It would" Ash says gravely

"That might be good to keep me on my toes. Marshmallows and chocolate are a warriors drink" He is certain of this. Believing it with every fiber of his being.

Ash fights a smile "I see. I thought Prune juice was a warrior's drink?"

The boy fights a look of distaste and can't quite cover it. Then says "Perhaps? For.. some warriors. But not this one."

"Cocoa." Jess promises.

"With Marshmallows" Ash nods

Holger salutes again "Gracias" and he goes to stand in front of the girls door to stand guard... and sip cocoa

Ash watches him go, then says "That boy is so darned earnest I just want to hug the stuffing out of him. He'd be mortified, of course"

"He would be." She agrees "But I bet he would like to be taken out on a patrol with you."

"A good idea. I'd be happy to do so" Dame Ash nods "He reminds me a bit of Vali, of course I got Vali in my life much older, but still. "

Jessica nods.

"You realize the girls want Holger knighted eventually, right?"

"Well, I think he should be." Jess agrees.

"You think he's earned it?" A brow lift "Hasn't slain a single dragon, and Ellie gets out of her own towers"

"I didn't mean -now.- That's a heavy title to bear as a childling, I think. But in due course."

"Oh He's got the potential" A nod there and sip "Yes. The burdens of rank are hard enough on grown wilders and grumps"

Jess nods soberly.

"You going to sleep by the fire? And should I let you be so you can?" A sip

Jess checks herself; how's the Glamour?

She could use the balefire if she wants to be up to snuf tomorrow

A sigh. "Yes, I guess I should."

"I'll leave you be to sleep" She savors the last of her cocoa. "Glad you're okay, Jessica"

"Just a bad dream and a nasty chimera. Thanks." She gets up and grabs a quilt to settle in with.

The quilt she grabs is one made by some locals who gave it to her as a yule gift from the people. It has some of her favorite colors.

And soon, she sleeps again. This time? Without dreams that seem to judge. But was that judgement wrong?

Right or wrong, it's no one's business but her own.

The fire flickers gentle but firm agreement. Darn right.

(End scene)