#rivervale_lodge

When Kerri receives a certain text, her exclamation of "WHAT?!" may rattle the dishes. A flurry of texting to Sylvi, Vali, and Olgar, and then she seeks out the Chieftain in person (because she knows texts will likely be ignored by her for hours...even days).

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"It's... beautiful" the young woman looks about

"It's a freehold" Vali says

"Technnically a lodge" He corrects "Welcome to Rivervale's gem"

Alisa Curtis puts away her Claymore "Where should I?"

"You can carry it, justt keep it in the scabbard"

"Oh.. that seems wrong... " She ponders

Kerri comes out from the kitchen. "Mountain?"

"Hearth" He nods "This is Alisa. Alisa, this is Dame Kerri, she is Hearth here which is.. kind of a Steward but with some exra duties.. she's one of three positions here that make up the troll trio of power so to speak. She prefers Heatth I think to Dame"

"Oh.." Alisa bows "An honor, Hearth Kerri"

"I do, yes," she confirms, and then approaches and nods respectfully to the new sidhe. "Welcome, Miss Alisa."

"Can I offer you some food or drink?"

"Do you have any ambrosia or roast hydra heart?" She asks

She..seems to be serious

A blink. "You'll find both very difficult to come by here in Concordia. I can offer more meager fare. I hope it will satisfy." A bit stiff in her delivery, but perhaps only Vali would know that.

Vali says to the girl "Some delights are not possible in the Autumn world, and even the Freeholds, but I'd put Heartth Kerri's 'meager fare' against any meal you find in the Deep dreaming"

Alisa looks impressed "Anything you wish to offer, Hearth. I just.. don't know what's still with us"

"I understand. A moment." She offers a brief smile, and then goes back into the kitchen.

Vali follows annd says "Kerri? You okay? I don't think she meant to be rude"

"Probably not, Vali," she agrees with a nod. "It's fine." A deep breath, and she sets up a tray of pastries cut to bite size morsels, and a carafe of some sort of slightly carbonated reddish beverage. "You got word about the unwanted visitor that Dirk came across?"

"I did. Child of Lilith. I got no visions related to them, iff that helps ease your mind? "

A sigh and her shoulders relax a fraction. "Actually, it does. A lot. Thank you for that." A glance to the door to the other room. "What do you think of her so far?"

"In the battle, against the fall out Chimera? She was happy to fight... and she feels indebted to us. She seems honorable if eager. Dagmar thinks she's Seelie, and I agree. She's got a warrior spirit, which is different from nadeen, who was no wimp but you know what I mean. "

A nod. "Well...that's a good start." She grins and picks up the tray, then heads into the other room.

Alisa is sitting at the table, and it is almost comical, for she's at a troll seat, her nose at the table top

"Here we go," she says as she puts the tray on the table. "A sampling of pastries, and the drink is one that my daughter used to favor -- pomegranate juice with a bit of fizz to it." A pause. "If you like, we do have seats that might be more suitable for your stature...?"

"I.. tthannnk you" She blushes "I didn't want to say anything but I must look rather silly..ah, down here." She moves to another seat and if the tray is meant for just her, moves it with her, otherwise taking a few "This is delicious!" her eyes light up as she tries a pastry

There's enough for all to share, and multiple goblets, so it seems to be for sharing. Kerri herself takes a goblet and a bit of pastry. "I'm glad you like. Do you recognize the flavors from your host's memory?"

"Chocolate seems to please far more than it should" she says "I.. I have some memories left over from here... being sick was terrifying for her"

A grin about the chocolate. "Yes, that one is insidious." Then a sigh. "It can be a terrifying experience. Not all sickness is as bad as what she suffered through, thankfully."

"I think I'd rather be dead than... helpless to help those who count on me. To be a burden when one is meant to aid if not lead..." She shudders "I feel bad for the Arcadian way, stealing a body is .. we must do it, but to take what or who is not mine, troubled me. I hope Alisa herself is happier dancing on the silver than she was frozen in that place of healinng. I think.. she must be?" There's a hopeful look to her eyes, hoping for Absolution?

Kerri's brow is furrowed, but she nods. "I hope so, too." Whether or not that counts as absolution might be uncertain. "So, you've gotten out of the hospital. Do you know anything about the living arrangements you'll be expected to return to?"

"Yes. the Curtis's have a modest home, but big enough I have a room of my own. It's not in a style I think is fully mine.. but, it was given with love, and I must honor it" She nods "Also, Sir Vali tells me I must not change character too much"

"Certainly not all at once," she agrees. "Gradual change is far easier for mortals to accept in their loved ones, I think. Otherwise, you risk alienating them. I'm glad you feel they are a loving family."

"They are. They've missed her... me... " A nod "Do you have any advice for me, Hearth? The Mountain mentioned you earlier 'annoyingly she's often right' he said, so I assume you're wise?"

"Heh" Vali gives a sheepish wolf grin

A brow at Vali. "Hmm." Then she looks back at Alisa. "My best advice usually happens with those I know well. For now, though, I can say your best move is to listen and learn as much as you can...but be wary about which teachers you choose. Most will try to do right by you, but there are those who will try to exploit the inexperienced." Another look to Vali. "Do you plan to take her to the Count's court to introduce her?"

Alisa nods intently

"Actually, I thought the Chief might want to... technically, and forgive me, Alisa, but this is Rivervale's victory, not mine. Though Sylvi and Dagmar and Gerd wee on their game" Proud look from Vali

ALisa listens intently

Another brow at Vali. "And you are Rivervale's Mountain. But yes, she should meet the Chieftain before she meets the Count. I'll let her know what you said about no more visions -- that should let her feel less pressure about stepped-up patrols. I imagine you'll be able to meet her tomorrow, Alisa."

"I'd be delighted" Alisa says "Patrols? IS there a danger? I would be honored to protect the fine people of rivervale"

Vali gives a head dip to the Hearth as if 'See what I was saying?'

That clearly pleases Kerri. "You'll be welcome to help out, once you have a good grounding in the basics. We patrol as a matter of course, and we had a recent incident that put things on a higher alert...but I think that particular threat has passed for the moment." A brief knock on the wooden tabletop. "Now...you probably should spend at least one night by the balefire, but I'm not sure if you're able to do that so soon without your family becoming worried."

"I might be able to come tomorrow? I shall try to arrange a sleep over with Gerd ... then come here. Gerd told me to use her as an out" She smiles "Sir Vali? May I see other parts of the hold..err lodge?"

"I'll show you the horses" He nods hen says "Thanks, Hearth"

"Sir Vali will take good care of you. Welcome again, Alisa." She tidies up the food and drink.

"Thank you so much" She bows, and out they go

And the Hearth, mmm she has a better feel for this one