#anywhere

And he also notices some kind of lights NOT of the fire about five feet around it. Some sort of grid like one sees in movies where a thief has to avoid laser sensors?

He notes it and nods. "Miss Timberfell.... the additional protections you spoke of?"

"I'm not going to tell you all our security precatuions. I did say don't get closer than five feet" She says a bit bluntly "I'm sorry. I'm sure you're nice people, but we can't risk noble agents tricking you or worse into all the hold's secrets"

To be fair, this is the most 'spine' the defenses have shown here. Of course it's foolish to assume that protecting the fire is all that's needed to hold the hold, but still.

"Of course, of course, please forgive me." Humbly.

"He's just naturally curious, my man" Laura coos "We got a roomba, he took it apart can you believe it?"

The troll smiles just a bi t " ican believe it"

"It wasn't doing a thorough job, I thought something must have been wrong with it......"

"to his credit, he did clean the filter" Laura says

"AND the bristles and brooms and wheels. Can't clean with dirty equipment....."

"OH he'll go on and on about it" Laura says

"I'm sure but no need for that" The troll brows indicates slight alarm "Now we'll put you in a room above this area, that should be plentty. Are you ready to go there now?"

"I think so, yes. Your Balefire is beautiful; I have to say it's.... well, I didn't know what to think, coming her but... I'm glad we did."

"Well, I'm not a social sort, but the hold is for all kithain," Timberfall says and guides them up "The nobles forgot that, so they lost the privilege. "

"Oh.... oh. Oh, I just put.... Miss Timberfell, did you lead the.... transition? Was it you?"

"Lead? No. We're a motley. I fought. But we each had a part"

"But... surely you have a leader? One who realized the nobles had abandoned their duty, and took it upon themselves to take action?"

"We change focus depending on the nature of the problem" She says "the six of us each have our specialities"

CC's brow lifts and he can almost hear her thoughts six? while they have seen others... only 3 have really interacted with them

"Laura, I think we walk with heroes......" Robert sounds wistfully worshipful.

"The heroes didnn' show " Timberfall says with a grunt "We just went ahead without them. But thank you" They leave up the stairs and it locks behind them again.

Robert takes Laura's hand again and follows. "I don't suppose there'd be a chance to meet all your brave motley?"

"I'm afraid not, certainly not tonigght" She leads them to a room "Here's your room. I take it a single bed is okay with you both?"

"Oh....." Robert blushes. "Yes. Quite."

Laura opens it up "Oh this is wonderful" And i is quite elegant

"Oh my word." approvingly.

"Miss Timberfall, you've been so kind. Is there some way we can repay you?"

"No charge for haven. If you wish to aid us in the fuure I can give you our mailing adress ..we can pass dross, funds on to others"

"Oh yes, please. Although, it must cost something to run this place?"

"We've got it handled for now" she say

"So glad to hear it." He drops his voice to a conspirator's whisper "For what it's worth, a properly organized and run bake sale can work wonders in time of need."

"Oh, yes well... I'll talk to Petey about that" The troll is nonplused "Dinner is in an hour and ten. We'll have some chicken and green beans"

"We look forward to it." He assures the troll with a beaming smile and offers his hand.

She shakes it, a bit akwardly but does. She seems worried about breaking his bones so it's rather cautious

He pumps vigorously. "We'll find our way to dinner, I'm sure. Thank you again."

"Oh you betcha, we 'll follor our noses!" Laura beams

Robert steps inside, holding the door for Laura, and smiling, swings the door shut before turning to examine the room critically.

The troll retreats, leaving them be.

"Mm." He taps an index finger gently on his lips, an indication of thought and a request for quiet.

She nods and the door is closed behind them

He wanders around, fingertips trailing over objects, examining and investigating, looking for devices.

And.. he finds ..nothing

She is also kenning, searching for cantrips and then shakes her head. She's found nada

"Such a pleasant surprise to find a place so clean...."

"Lovely decor"

"Magical?" an eyebrow.

"Oh no darling.. just hard work" She says

"What do you think?" he murmurs, coming closer.

She whispers "At least they have locks on the path to the fire but we both know that won't matter at the firs portal passage"

"I didn't notice any magical warding...."