#rivervale_lodge

"Good, but what you're doing there with the foot, stepping forward just a bit.. some might appreciate the boldness, but others would see it as a challenge. The greater the rank, the greater the space they demand ..think of it as an invisible circle that grows with title. Cross it, and they think you cross them. They will motion when that bubble is lowered"

"Motion?"

"Like....." chin-upthrust, grin. A bit come-hither.

"not bad.. but also this" he takes a mug, but holds it like a glass and taps and tilts it 'just so' "or this" instead of chin, slight tilt of the head to the side.

"Who does which?"

"That's part of the artistry of the court, feeling out the sublte routines... but, and these are generalizations..." and he explains... with also adding that there is a reason sometimes a knight or court official will flat out tell you 'you may approach

"What reason?"

"What reason do they do this?"

"Yeah, why would someone tell me "You may approach"?"

"In case you missed the signs... remember, most lords have a duty to hear their people out at times.. commoners who don't see them except on holidays maybe, suddenly need an audience. So.. a bit of guidance might be needed. Your bloodline might give you an instinct even some full kithain lack...but best to be taught to be sure mmm?"

Adam nods. "Yes, Sir."

"It's like a dance.. even the most specific less flexible dance has slight variations.."

"I'm a good dancer."

@Archivist has joined the channel

"It's a metaphor but let's hope it works here as well... now... pronunciation.. this is where the French, and a bit of Russian and so on goes " and he explains

-Not- Adam's favorite subject; too academic. But, he works at it doggedly.

And time flies by... or lurches at least.

Until Vali rises

"I think we're done for tonight. I have to get home. "

"Oh....." Adam stands as well. "Ok. Uh, thank you Sir. Do you want to plan another meeting?"

"I think ... mmm what's better for you, I got after noon in 3 days, or evening in five"

"Three days." Promptly.

"See you around. Good start" and he heads out

"Uh."

A stop at the door? "Yes?"

"Well.... I guess I'm going home anyway. You want a ride?"

"No payback, just... I'm going anyway."

"Thank you, that's very nice of you, Adam" he says

"I'm in the parking lot." He says unnecessarily and leads the way down that way. Soon they are heading to ....??

Towards a nice house that has a custom look. Vali is doing okay, for a teacher.

Adam coasts up to the curb.

A face sticks in the window, a nocker girl, who turns and yells "he's early" to someone else

Vali smiles "Thanks again. " He steps out

And Vali smiles, not the smile of a joker or even a smug know it all, nor a dark avenger against the fell or a guardian, just a man who is happy to see home.

"Welcome." Adam waits till the troll is clear from the car, and drives home himself.

(End Scene)