#rivervale_lodge

"You're THAT well off? Oh, my. Your family is going to have some things to say about that at some point. And yes, discretion would be wise."

and then she coughs on her sprite at the ADVANCED news, "DAYUM, Sally Mae."

"Well, it's not like I have a milion dollars I can just hurl into a brief case .. but if you liquidated every asset, sold the company.. yes, a million"

"Those kinds of assets translate into enormous borrowing power," Kerri nods.

"That masters in finances is paying off huh?" Sheepish

"Heck yeah. I bet if YOU co-signed for a loan, they might even let me have money." A laugh.

"Apparently!"

"And my credit score is.... well, I'm lucky it made it to 3 digits." Wryly.

A laugh at Piper. "Okay, let's talk more about this. But as I said, let me find out a bit more about what I'm thinking. Excuse me, ladies!"

Piper nods and waves to the Hearth. "Now about that artichoke dip? I would probably cut myself chopping and poison someone if I did the seasoning, but by hell, I can stir and wash dishes if you'll have me!"

And Kerri is off with ideas and inspiration and curiosity.

"Sure, let me get your dip ready..."

And Sally Mae chuckles "Well, Miss 3 digit credit score.. how's it feel to boss around the rich to make you a dip?" a wink

A laugh. "Don't bother me none. It doesn't matter to me how much money people have. It's what you do with what you've got that matters, whether it's a few spare bucks or a few spare G's. I get by... even if it IS annoying that my worthiness to purchase some things is dictated by a number created by the industry. I earned it by being dumb with money in the past, and I'll crawl back up sooner or later... or I'll let Jonas buy things and pay him back in other ways. Not like THAT.... well, maybe a little like that."

A Grin. "Does your Beau over have those Unga Bunga Big Man Want Support Woman urges?"

"I like those urges... in moderation." She smiles "Was a time I never paid for even half a date in my life. I was pretty full of my looks. But I do suggest you get a bit of finicial independence from your fellow as a rule"

"I'll work on it." She promises. "The apartment lease is in all of our names - but since we're setting up new utilities, I'll put at least one in my name and set it to auto-pay so that I can build up that credit score." Thinking, "And same for Siv, too. She has more work to build her mortal identity than me, so it might help."

"You know, if you three ever need finacial advice, I give that for free right? You shouldn't live for money, but it's easier to live the life you love if money's not one of your problems too"

"You said it, sister! And really, good on you for your good fortune with Knight's Heart. It's not even fortune, really - you earned it."

"Well, Adam's parents get a percentage, least I can do"

Piper looks a little taken aback, and then she looks away, uncomfortable. A nod. "Yeah, that's... I'm glad you thought of them. Have you talked to Brenda or Kyle lately? Are they doing okay... considering?"

"They're keeping me at a distance. I think they're angry with... well, changeling society" A sigh "Lily would know more. I think the poor girl comes here for friendship"

"I'm sorry, Piper," Sally Mae says "Didn't mean to bring good things down. "

"It's okay." She says, and means it. "It's not like he's... you know... dead." A shiver. "He was in a dark place. I hope that in his journeys he finds some light."

Sally Mae nods, then a brow "Your find certainly intrigued the Hearth. I wonder what Kerri's got in mind?"

"Well, whatever it is ,I know it's for the best"

Piper plays with her Sprite can a bit, twisting at the pop-tab. "Yeah, I'm sure you're right..."

"Hey... We ARE proud of you, you know? I remember when you first came here. Nervous, scared even... on guard behind a wide smile"

A little surprised by the turn in conversation, and then she smiles back at Sally Mae - a true smile, not one to hide behind. "Thanks. That really does mean a lot. I just - Goldfinch Studio? Maybe I'm feeling possessive or something... but its like, I found it, right? It just feels like I have a... a responsibility to help save it, and beyond that, to make sure it's done right. It's not that I think Hearth Kerri would do wrong by any dreamer, mind you - just... different folk have different ways. Even after just seeing it once, I have this vision... and I don't normally feel this... this sense of obligation? Almost like a duty."

She laughs! "Maybe the trolls are finally rubbing off on me - not that you could tell by height or hue."

"Trolls are dreams of duty, but they don't have a monopoloy. You know, tell the Hearth whatever she's got planned for the place, you want in. " A curious look "SOundds like you think you've found something important to do and you won't be shut out of it. Do we do that to you? WIthout meaning to? I mean, you've been a troubadour of Rivervale informally... but that might not feel like a regular thing."

Piper thinks about this for a bit. "I may be Piper of Rivervale, but I'm not really part of the Lodge, you know. It's a family business - like, I might visit Lucia's restaurant once a week for their killer eggplant parm, and even play for their clientele once in a while, but that doesn't make me a part of the Lastname Family or even on the waitstaff."

"They're not like nobles, at least, though. I mean..." She flaps a hand a bit in emphasis. "Not like "quote unquote" "real" Nobility, the snooty elf kind. I'd never dream of going to some Sidhe-lord's court to ask for advice on a location like this - if it had value, you KNOW they'd just TAKE, and you should feel lucky to have been one to let them know about it.

I guess what Hearth Kerri - Dame Kerri, I forget that part sometimes - said, how matter of fact she was about looking into it, just struck a nerve there that I didn't even know was exposed. Once I thought of it, I'm not worried about that... not from the Lodge folk. I'll blame my hooves and horns for the gut reaction."

"Fair, but I think you might find folks here are quick to informally adopt. I'm a DeBuke, not blood kin to anyone else here"

"But you ARE kith kin," She points out.

"Oh? So you're saying any troll or troll kinain is in?" Curious

"No, of course not. But Lodges are Troll places. Only trolls serve in the leadership, trolls run it, heck, this one is a family business, through and through. Not that that's a bad thing - but it is a.... thing." A shrug and a small smile. "Politics, I guess. Not my thing to dig into."

"ANY concern you have, you have the right to voice. This IS a lodge true, but one thing the Chief's been trying to do is make sure folks who have concerns feel safe telling her. I've seen enough to know it worries her some. She doesn't like others not feeling welcome"

"Well, I mean, I -am- here." A smile.

"And snagged yourself a Siv no less" A wink

A laugh! "AND a Jonas, don't forget. That said, I should check in with them. I want to tell them all about the Studio..."

"Oh definitely..." A smile "Your dip" She hands it over "Should go great with spinach like you asked. Take some things home. "

"Awesome! I'll share with Jonas and SIv... and wait until AFTER they ate some to tell them I 'helped' make it." An evil grin.

"Do that... " She says after giving a few favorites for both "We're here whenever any of you need to restock the fridge- long as we know what was in demand"

A grin. "Jonas has actually turned out to be quite a good cook. But definitely 'preciate the offer, and I'll take you up on it."

Thumbs up

She packs up the goodies she has been imposed upon (gladly!) and heads out... and DOES make sure to send the info and pictures as promised, sending them as a group text to Sally Mae and Kerri both.

Looks like she'll have two loves to rattle onto about Goldfinch studios..

and they'll listen intently, because they've rarely seen Piper light up like that about a place

Not since Sweet Sorrows... but let's not bring that place up just now! Only one impossible project to worry about at a time.... 😉

(End Scene)