#fenixtj

He looks like he likes the idea

She nods. "Yes. Let's work on that, talk with Bevera and Neema and let's come up with a plan and resources."

"I'll get Shado and Azla , " He points to some of the Nunnehi musicians who joined in "To help if they're interested"

"Good."

"Not today though, I think after such fine performances they deserve their time to unwind, no?"

Some music elsewhere goes on, and he looks at it, "mmm Jessica, would you be willing to dance with me?"

He adds "I do not mean to make you uncomfortable, but I think we might enjoy it?"

Jess appears to agree with giving the musicians a break, but is then nonplussed at the invitation. "I, um, I'm not really... a dancer."

"Neither am I, but I thought it might be enjoyable anyway, if you do not wish it though I shan't press"

"I mean... the music is great but I'd rather just listen."

"All right" And he nods "It IS nice"

Jess nods, then stops. "Wait, is this ... I mean, do your people expect a dance? Am I violating some kind of taboo or protocol if we don't dance?"

"NO No" he assures her, "This is your people's holiday, not ours, though perhaps we should adopt it . You give no insult. I.. just thought it would be nice"

"I'm sure it would be." she says, a bit uncomfortably "I'm just... it's not my thing."

"Then I apologize for making you uncomfortable" he says

"No, it's ok. It's just a hang up I guess."

"Do you know why you have it?" he is curious "This hang up?"

"Um. No. I just never liked being the center of attention and getting up in front of everyone and dancing seems like a guaranteed way to be the center of attention."

"As tall as we both are, we WOULD stand out, but I think others would draw it more. There is protection in being a mediocre dancer, but it would still trouble you so that's settled"

Jessica nods, accepting this.

"More coffee?" He offers instead "I..." He looks over and smiles at something "IT would seem young Ariel has won a prize for best childling singer"

"No, thanks." to the offer, and then looks to see what Ariel is up to.

Ariel has been given a necklace that looks like golden panpipes, and she is showing it to EVERYONE

And that may take awhile in this crowd

Jess smiles softly, pleased at Ariel's joy in the prize.

Eventually it is her turn, and Ariel comes to them "I WON BEST CHILDLING SINGER!"

"That is so cool! You really deserve it." Jess offers her hand for a high-five.

HIGHFIVE! CLAP! "Thank you, you throw awesome Pennons!"

"She does" Otem nods agreably

"It's awesome thanks to the people of Renaissance, including you; thank you for participating, Ariel!"

"YOu're welcome" She gives a theatre curtsey

Jess gives her a warrior's salute back.

And a giggle at that, and Ariel trots off to rejoin her friends

(TBC)