#odyssey

Symon gives Vali a glance. “About the Pillar thing...” He whispers, awkwardly.

He has to work to keep Vali's gaze and not shuffle into a corner, but he manages it. "I've been… feeling as though my duties might be… better served in a different capacity."

He shifts, searching for the words. "I’ve given much of myself to Rivervale as Pillar, and it's been an honor. But lately, I've felt that I could support our people more freely—be more adaptable—without being bound by that particular title."

Symon hesitates, adding carefully. "It’s not about… dissatisfaction," he says quickly. "More that, with new leadership, there's an opportunity to… reassess my path, to consider what’s best for Rivervale as well as for myself." He nods. "I only want to serve in the way that’s… most fitting, given where I am now."

He glances up at Dagmar, uncertain how she might react.

"You're giving me the 'it's not you, it's me' speech. I'm getting Dumped" Vali looks glum, then.. smiles a bit, "It's okay, Symon. If I've been holding onto you as Pillar it's because I'm selfish sometimes AND you're good at it, but it's an honorific as well as a duty and it is NOT meant to hold you back. I figured you might be putting that to the side, either because you needed time to reassess or room to grow. You let me know how I can help you once you find the new path for you. If you want it formally? I relieve you from Mountain Pillar duties, though you served with guile and distinction and will always be welcome to return to that role. I'll enter it in the records that you've been discharged honorably. Sound good?" He offers a hand to shake.

“I’d like to step back from being the Pillar—not because I don’t want to serve, but because I want the freedom to help on my own terms. I think I’d be more useful - and comfortable - that way. ”

He clarifies, and shakes Vali's hand with him own limp, clammy grip. "Thank you."

The grip is brief, as Vali knows Symon doesn't care for prolonged contact from most. Also, really, the limp fish situation isn't for trolls "You're welcome and, in that case, talk to Kerri. She may have some requests that are a bit more subject to your own interpretation IF you are interested. " Understanding, "You're part of the lodge whatever part you choose to be"

"Pillars seem kinda large and visible to me, anyways. Need something more like 'Secret Tunnel of the Mountain"