#rivervale_lodge

"No, it's just coffee" She tries some of the coffee now "Weak coffee" mortified

"I used the usual measure...." Kerri is perplexed.

Suddenly there is a flicerking of glamour about the cups they have and the barrel and beans and so on

Kerri's brows go up and she steps back.

"i'm so sorry about our batch I .." A sip "Hey, it's not so bad now"

"What?" She pours another cup and takes a sip. And another sip...And a third to make sure.

It's ..delicious, and plenty strong!

"Oh!" A pleased look. "Oh, thank goodness! I was beginning to worry. Maybe we'll call it a...blip?"

"Guess so. I'm just glad we didn't bring you duds" A sip "Now, on the less tawdry gossip, Caeser's kids are growing so fast.. and the other day one had his first..."

(Fade to gossip between Hearths, and Coffee flavor restored!)

In someways the Lodge feels even bigger than before, and yet more the same forever.

The familiar gravel path up to the Ranger shack that is so much more than a ranger shack to his eyes, now and forever. No one could blame him for feeling a bit conflicted as they approach.

A friendly woof greets them as Oak bounds forward. Near him is not one, but two ot her dogs ... who are not as sure of Adam, and younger

"Oh, Oak had pups, well, the lady dog had them, but oak is the father" Siv smiles and pets Oak "Signe and Echo" She gestures

Oak remembers his old war buddy and wags hard!

"Hey Oak." softly, touched "Good to see you." he offers his hand.

Oak shakes!

HIs off spring seem to ease at this, and wag cautiously

"Oh that's right, he used to patrol with you" Siv recalls "When he wasn't with da. And you had an adventure together"

"Yeah, a couple." he takes the paw and then pets.

And flop to allow for Belly rubs

"Have ye no shame, Oak?" Siv tisks "This is why I'm a cat person"

He crouches down and applies belly rubs.

His kids wag , Echo giving in first to the peer presssure. Sue him, he's afollower.

Signe is more dignified

But is glad when Siv pets her "Okay you three, we need to get on inside. The man has been showering at Firnost"

"Oh, hey...." he welcomes the attention and gives it back till Siv calls a halt. "Look, Firnost -has- showers." he points out the blessing rather than the lack "It's not the only place I've got. Just... you know, the best known."

"Yeah, but someone flushes a toilet while you're showering and you can end up covered in New York City sewage" A face "Wait, that's just room 6. Anyway come on" She guides him and the dogs in

To return in is.. interesting. The balefire is proud and strong and silent, at least so it seems

And, of course, everything is troll sized. Even a sidhe can feel a bit small

He draws himself up, -being- taller.

He looks around, taking it in.

So little has changed and yet, somethings have. The books at the Mountain's study have shifted order. The corner where childlings play sometimes has a few new toys.

He takes a few more steps, out of Siv's way at least, and pauses again. It's her home, after all.

"Have a seat" She offers "Can I get ye something to drink? Or eat? I can see who is in the kitchen"

"Oh... uh, yes, thank you. That would be very nice." he takes a seat and, somehow, makes the seat better for it. Lucky seat.

Siv notes the chair that should be oversized, instead has throne like qualities now. Sidhe she thinks with resignation and a smile "Happy to. " And she ducks into the kitchen

He sits quietly, looking around, facing some memories.

He does remember things that... well, some were nice, some where challenging

From the kitchen there are sounds and ... Sally Mae comes out looking surprised then pleased "Adam?? Oh my god it's you"

The Kinain gets closer then says "Oh my, you've grown. When Siv said we had a guest I ... well, I am so glad to see you. We have a lot to talk about if you have a moment? But first I'll get you a meal. I remember your favorites"

He stands, and gives her a bow. "Nice to see you, Miss."

"Thank you."

"You're looking good, Adam. " She says "And welcome. I'll get you that food and we'll talk about Knight's Heart"

And she vanishes

Siv returns with his favorite drink, or at least, what used to be "is this okay?"

He is exhaling as Siv returns. "It is, thank you." and takes it.

"Sally Mae looks well."

"Oh she's doing fine, though she worries about Carowyn. She graduated from college, has a successful business, and while she may not be hearth she's pretty much Aunt Kerri's right hand "

"I hope Hearth Kerri is well too?"