#rivervale_lodge

"I like walking, we can walk!"

And the three long legged trolls make their way out of the vehicle and towards the court house. A bald elderly man with glasses that make his eyes look owlish is fighting with the back door "damn it, I know this opens" the man says, "Don't feel like going all the way around"

"You could get in trouble, maybe? If it's locked, I think you need ot go through security...."

"Mph, don't you worry about that. I work here. I just want to avoid some hassle" the man says "Still, I suppose I shouldn't discourage a young lady from the rules. This a 'set a good example for the younger generation thing'?"

"Well, I hope it's not too much hassle. We can't be late!"

"Then give this a shove will you?" The man says "it sticks"

"Um..." She looks at Jaymes.

"Sorry, buddy. If you need a lift I'll get my car and drive you to the front, but Sam's my daughter and we're filling out the paperwork to make that official today and I'm not chancing that"

Jaymes is shaking his head.

Tove bites her lip.

"Sorry..."

"Huh" The man says "okay okay. I can take a hint. " He straightens his glasses and looks at Sam "You're older than most adoptees I've heard of. Congrats. He seems like a bit of a hardliner, but if you can live with it, sounds like you might beat the odds"

She flushes and shrugs, shoiving her hands in her pockets and kicking at the sidewalk.

The three of them go around sicne the guy doesn't ask for a lift. Tove says 'Don't scuff your shoes."

It's a big building, but the extra time means they make it to the front door with no trouble.

"Do you think I'll have to answer questions?"

"Probably. Just be honest as long as it doesn't break the right of ignorance and stuff" He says

"Right, I know. But, like, the social worker has seen the house. Twice!"

"Mmph" they move on and go in, get scanned, and theres a lady in a boxy little window who goes over the paperk Jaymes has TWICE

Sam is practically bouncing off the walls, walking in wide looping circles.

The lady taps away on something else. she probably calls it multitasking, but Jaymes notices it slows her down and frowns.

Then, finally "Down the hall, to your Left, third door Judge Reiner., you're cutting it close."

"RIght" Jaymes says. Eyes a hint dark, but no other expression, "Let's go, Sam"

"We're gonna be late!" She walks as fast as her rangy basketball-playing legs allow, just shy of breaking into a run.

Tove is the one who speaks first once they think they're out of earshot "I didn't like her. So rude, fussing at us when she took forever"

"I agree, but I'm pretty sure she didn't come here to be liked" Jaymes says

"Well, she came to the right place then" Tove sniffs in a bit of a mood, picking up her own pace as if ready to break into a jog

"This should be the …" He opens the door and goes into the office "Place." There's a desk. there's a bar for a nameplate that says 'Judge Reiner'... but no person

Dagmar frowns, and goes to look out in the hallway.

A voice "Pardon me, folks. Moving late today. I Had to wait for security to open the backdoor"

Now wearing a black robe, it's the Owl eyed guy!

Sam blanches, and scoots close to Jaymes' side.

Jaymes turns ,and stiffens slightly. A betrayal of his feelings.

Tove is more expressive "Oh Baldur on a Crutch" she mutters

"Ah, it's you three" the man smiles, "Mister...."

"King, Sir. James King." He offers his folder "My paper work is in order. And this is Samantha. My little girl. Tove is my fiance' "

"Mmm .. Tove, unusual name." He notes.

"Helps with selling my music on youtube, your honor" Tove says and puts on a smile.

Sam fidgets, shifting her weight from foot to foot.

"You're marrying her?" Judge Reiner looks to Jaymes after glancing at the young woman and being bathed In her smile.

"Yes, sir.. uhm, your honor" Jaymes replies

"Huh..can't fault your eyesight, or for that matter, intelligence" The judge chuckles "Convenience Store? Mmmm"

Her hands clench. "He's in charge of his shift. Best worker they have." Defensively.

"I'm hoping for a better job if they don't make me a manager proper soon, your honor" Jaymes puts a hand on her shoulder as he xplains.

The Judge tilts his head at Sam's passionate comment, "I Have to take it all into account, young lady. If you can be provided for, as well as loved."

"We..." She bites back whatever she was going to say, and nods.

"I don't lilke begging, sir" Jaymes says "But I have friends ,and family to turn to if .. you know, anything goes wrong. She'll never want for a meal, or …"

The Judge raises a brow and holds up a hand "Wait, what's this? You're a property owner?"

"Yes sir, she needed a home" Jaymes says

"Huh.. well well… " The Judge says "Well, I don't suggest you mortage it or anything unless you have to, but that does speak of priorities and more resources than I thought. "