#fenixtj

Jessica is eating when she gets a phone call. The kitchen staff insisted on the food part.

She finishes chewing and swallows before rising and going out to answer; she's got manners.

"Hello, Senorita Flamefree?" It's Holger on the phone

A beat.

"Holger???"

Shock, and relief.

"Si, I am back to the autumn lands. I am here at Rivervale. Again. I have the treasure. Dame Gladiola says she thinks it is most worthy of a trade but her baron must decide. I wanted to call to let you know I am fine. I fought the monster, got the treasure. Solved the riddle, and dodged the rain of steel death thanks to my shield. We even freed prisoners, who are now back on their way home. Muy Bueno. I was told you were VERY worried about me. So there you go. I am well. I will be off to Silverwolf to, as you say, seal the deal"

"I -was- very worried, Holger. We all were."

"I thought I left a note to let everyone know I would be okay" He says "But I am sorry, Miss Jessica. I did not mean to make you worry" A beat "The Amigas, they are not mad at me are they?"

"I think you should ask them that."

One can almost hear the nervousness on the other line there. Ellile and SaLma and Ariel might have opinions

"I will, when I get there" He finally decides, "But I must go to meet the Baron and pick the pup if he agrees."

A longish pause. "I'd like to speak with you when you return."

"Si. I should apologize for worrying you in person. That is what a warrior should do. But ... I have to chase my dreams, do I not?"

"We'll talk when you return."

A sigh "Si, Miss Jessica." A pause "Will there be churros?"

"Speak with Rosa and Maria."

A long pause, then "Okay. Please tell everyone i am well and will be home soon. Gracias"

"I'll call the extra patrols and details in and let them get some rest." she agrees.

"EXTRA Patrols?" He says agahst "All for me?"

A telling silence.

A sigh "I was SURE I left a note. " A bit glumly

"We'll speak when you return."

"Si, gracious. "

And he hangs up after a goodbye

A huge weight is off Jessica

Not entirely free, but certainly relieved that Holger is well.

"He is okay? " The voice is a whisper, Ahpuch is there

Jess nods. "I think so. He didn't mention being hurt, and he's at Rivervale. They'd take care of him if he needed it."

"Good" The boy says "I will not torment him then. And... Salma will not cry"

Jess nods. "You can tell the other childlings that he is safe, but not coming back yet. He's said he will return, though."

"he had better" A hurmph

"I'm sure Rivervale and Silverwolf will see to it."

"Do you need me to spy on him?"

"He seems to be doing well enough on his own."

The boy looks up at her. Ahpuch is not one of the well behaved children. He tends to cause trouble and delight in scaring the girls when he can. And yet he ... actually offers his hand to her "He is a troll. He should leave scaring you to my kind. I will explain this to him."

the boy's tiny hand pokes hers "He didn't mean it"

She looks down to him, and opens her hand so he can take it "He did, Ahpuch. He didn't mean to hurt or scare anyone, but he absolutely meant to do what he did do."

"Well, if you want..." the sluagh offers as he takes her hand "I can leave the severed bumper of what LOOKS like his favorite toy truck next to his pillow?" A generous offer

"Thank you, but no." gently "I'm... upset, and I need to calm down and think things through. Maybe talk with some friends who can help me figure it out."

"Hokay. I will go get Dame Mitra if you like while you talk to the fire? Or you prefer Dame Ash?"

"Um. Actually, I could use some alone-time. You know?"

A nod "Si. Sometimes the silence is the best comfort. " he lets go of her hand "I will guide others away from you for a bit, unless it is emergency. Do not worry, Miss Jessica. The sluagh will look out for you too"

And he leaves her by the balefire , just her and the flame. She'll get her reprieve

(End Scene)