#rivervale_lodge

Kyle laughs , actually laughs, and enjoys a beer with Olgar and Vali.

The three trolls talk a bit, and go on

"So you're saying I can get my sports fix from Kithain society?" Kyle is surprised.

"You've no idea," Olgar says as he deals the cards "Pennons is the big one, but tournies happen all the time"

"True enough" Vali looks at his cards as they form "Mind you, what Olgar isn't telling you is the sports are usually not your big team events. Axe throwing is not going to be on ESPN any time soon"

"Still more entertaining than golf," Olgar snorts "Like watching flies fuck"

"I actually enjoy golf," Kyle says "it's relaxing"

"To each their own," Vali looks at his cards again "Olgar, you wouldn't happen to be using this as a hex on me would you?"

"Geez, one little chewing out from Piper and you think everyone's out to get you" Olgar snorts

"Ah, I didn't know she was going to snap like that" he sighs "Now she sees me as the enemy"

"You are the enemy" Kyle says

"Kyle, come on" He says "I'm trying to help your son and her.. and I don't think Adam is..."

"Adam probably talks trash about you and may have biased her against you," Kyle says "But these are the years young men challenge authority figures. I'm glad so far he's focusing onyou. "

Olgar agrees with Kyle "you're a teacher, And high school isn't volunteer. Neither has any choice but to be there. It doesn't matter you're trying to help them, it matters that you have power over them and they resent it. "

"I'm trying to give them power over themselves. Instead I've been forced to be sneaky" he says

Olgar says "I wondered.. Tove, Sally Mae, who else are you recruiting?"

Vali admits "Anyone I can. It's bonkers sauce, but it just might work. I am not giving up on those kids."

"All I know is I never saw my son grin after a tutoring session before" Kyle says "So Sally mae should be doing something right"

"I asked her for details," Vali says "She was not forth coming on a lot, but apparently they studied slopes"

Olgar raises a brow "Intereresting."

"VERY ," Vali says "Anyway, got that angle.. and I'm trying something with Piper too though it'll be harder. Two parts. One part under way, the other? " A breath "I need to apoloogize to her one way or another"

"Raise" Kyle says

Olgar raises a brow "Huh, someone started out flush"

"I'm ad man, I can make a winning hand out of anything you give me to work with" Kyle says

Vali smirks at that, then winces "I don't need to be a prophet to see where my hand is going. Fold."

Olgar calls and raises, then says "So apologize. Admit there's a lot o teaching that's new to you still and you wish you'd handled it differently."

"Yeah, problem is I don't know how much is geniuune outrage and how much is her trying to play me?" He sighs

"You're going to get played a few times," Kyle says "And sometimes you have to let them get away with it. Raise again" he looks at his cards.

Olgar matches "Cocky son of a... "Then to Vali "He may have a point. Sometimes acting like they're playing you when they're not closes more doors than being played does. "

"Oh, and call" Olgar adds.

The cards go down, 3 pair versus 2 pair... winner of the round? Kyle.

"Damn. Thought that pair of Kings would have me on top" Olgar grumbled.

"I suppose" Vali nods as a new hand is dealt and he's back in the game.

"Besides, you're already being sneaky. Let them think you're foolish. YOU know better" Kyle says

"It's about winning, Kyle" Vali says "But yes I love knowing I'm cunning thank you." He matches "That girl has so much potential. Star Fish aside, you know how quickly she picks up on things?"

"She seems to have picked up my son" Kyle says

"That's like picking up sticky tape I hear," Olgar says as the pot grows.

Kyle actually chuckles at that "What can I say? My son is very non discriminatory when it comes to female companionship. I'm actually glad Piper is such a fine young lady"

Olgar says "Well, satyrs can be a roller coaster in some ways but they've got a wisdom they say." The ogre looks over his cards "mm raise"

"Adam's not dumb either, and he's not just a horn dog" Vali says

"Not just a horn dog, makes a father proud to hear it," Kyle coughs

Olgar chuckles

It would seem none of them are backing down.

"You know what I mean," Vali says "I worry he's dismissing the mortal world though, and that leads to living in a cardboard box or dreamstruck in a corner"

"I'll work on him," Kyle says "Maybe take him to the office."

"Bring your son to work day?" A surprised look from Olgar.

"Some of the women at my office are very attractive " Mr. Thomas shrugs.

"Oh come on, that is exactly the wrong message ot send in this time of #metoo," Olgar says "Sexual harrassment in the work place is the leading cause of..."

Kyle smirks. "You were right, Vali."

"Yup. You can pay me on that later," Vali chuckles.