#fenixtj

And then he looks for Salma

He finds her, up to her elbows in flour and looking a little flustered in the kitchen. At the moment, Rosa and Mariaare not in sight.

"Salma? Is all well?" He moves in to help

A fussed look. “Holgar, where were you? I called for you an hour ago. Por favor, turn the page?” She has a cookbook in front of her, but her hands are dirty… a clear dilemma.

"Ah! " he moves to the rescue , turning the page just so. "There. It is done. I am sorry I was not here sooner. I was caught up in the blazons and heraldry and so on"

“Oh? Now that you are a big fancy knight, you will be running off to adventure?”

She adds in some cinnamon and stirs.

"Welll..." He says "if I am commAnded to by the little Countessa?"

“You are sworn to her?”

"No" he says "Not yet. Maybe soon?"

"I.. it is up to her. Miss Jessica DOES say I am to serve her...that is Ellie though as her knight" He adds "I still do not feel worthy"

“Good!” She gives him a smile. “Then you cannot escape again without notice! Or she will have you whipped.”

He smiles back "She would not do that, but yes, a great fuss"

“It is most terrible. See, she shall take away all of your meals, and only give you black licorice whips to eat.”

Her nose wrinkles in disgust.

"Ugh, THAT she might do" A face

A solemn nod! “Now, you summoned me, for what?”

Stirring the bowl briskly. Flour flies out a bit to settle in a fine mist on the pooka, and the counter.

"I wanted your advice... you see, I am supposed to have a blazon... it is like art work for fancy people and knights... simple yet striking? I want a symbol, usually an animal, but sometimes a magic beast, to be on it. So I am asking people who know me what beast best suits me. Miss Jessica was unsure if she should speak for she knows heralrdry little, but that is not what I wanted so much as to ask her 'if holger were a beast what kind of beast would he be?' and she liked Dog for me. For I am Determined and Loyal."

"What kind of beast do YOU think would be a good symbol for me?" He says "I wanted to get my friends opinions and you are among the best of Amigas"

“A burro, of course! We are the most magical of all beasts.”

“Patient and wise!”

He takes this seriously, as he often does "They are patient and wise. I would be honored, but I am not sure I am worthy .."

Then he grins as they say 'patient and wise' at the same time "Jinx. "

“Oh, perhaps not. You would have to quest to proof you’re worthy, and you only just got BACK.”

A nod

"And you will be owing me a cola"

Gasp! She closed her mouth and makes a locking symbol as if using a key. Now there is a streak of batter on her nose as well.

He grins, and ...carefully, takes a napkin, and wipes her nose "What other beast then? Por favor?"

She considers, but she cannot speak until she gives Holgar a coke, as per the ancient laws. Then, she brightens, and gestures… points to Holgar, then to her mouth, then hands held up to mime pointed ears, and she draws a many pointed star on his shirt front in batter (before he can move away!)

He looks "A star. That is two who have said it. " Pleased. "There is a dog star I am told and it is MOST serious. " He offers "Should I get my own coke? It is no trouble"

A shake of her head, then a nod, and she shoos him away! Stir stir stir. He has been dismissed!

He is shooed, and then he... bows "If I am a knight, you are a great lady. And I AM a knight. Thank you, Salma" He turns the page one last time if she needs it, then goes

She beams at him, and continues working! Soon there will be cake. And someone else to pin the mess on!

(Fade to cake and cunning)

***********

Brekke has contacted Jessica, letting her know that she and Frank and Siv will all be visiting. (Siv has, similarly, been requested to join in on this trip.) It's unusual that Brekke would announce instead of requesting...but there it is. "We have some things to discuss."

Of course things are made ready and Jess is standing by for arrival. Literally; she's standing at the door.

At the appointed time, a knock at the door, and a polite pause to allow for it to be opened.

Phobos says "Should I announce em?"

"No." firmly, and she gets the door herself.

It opens and through the trod step her fam

Brekke gives Jessica a pleased look and a nod. "Greetings, Flamefree," she says with a slight grin.

Jess shrugs awkwardly. "Hi. Um. Hi, everyone." and there are hugs around.

Brekke, then Frank, then Siv all step through, and yes, hugs all around.

Siv looks baffled to be here, but gives her sis a hug when it's her turn "Looking pretty strong there, Jessica. All that jogging up the hills works for ye"

Siv wasn't sure WHY this happened, so came dressed with weapon by her side, and some what protective, if stylish leathers 'just in case'

"Thanks."

Brekke says, "Jessica, I know this was sudden, but I hope not too inconvenient."

She looks to both daughters a moment, then a look to Frank.