#rivervale_lodge

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Rowan found the appartments almost a steal given the kithain discounts. Even in this part of NJ rent prices are insane for most people, but here the profit made is reasonable

Eventually though, they find their way towards the Lodge

The fact that Charm is covering their relocation fees doesn't hurt. Of course, a job will be necessary sooner or later.

For right now, though, it's time to knock on the Lodge's front door.

There at the door is a huge ass dog, BIG, IMMENSE, even by troll standards.

She barks to announce her

Rowan doesn't quite speak dog yet, so the barks might be misinterpreted. They stop in their tracks before reaching the door. "Easy...."

THe dog does look like she could tear them apart.

A voice goes "Eddie, leave off... I'm expecting a guest" The door opens. Rowan has heard of Sir Vali, even gotten a rough description. He's dressed in 'semi formal' but not courtly voile. "Please, come in. That's Edelweiss, one of the dogs still here"

"Thanks. Wasn't sure if I was about to become a chew toy." Rowan enters the Lodge, looking around at the comfortably-sized furniture and ceiling.

There is not a lick of Sidheness in this place. It's an odd thing to note, and anyone who hasn't been to other holds would understand, but this is that. IT's also right sized, EVERYTHING is.. the troll size withoug shame. Well, almost everything, a few chairs here and there are smaller, but those could as easily be meant for troll children. THe vibe is definitely Norweigan Celtic in a lot of ways. Heavy in Wood, and the Balefire, damn, it's ... the glamour has it's own vibe.

A deep inhale. "Smells woodsy in here." Unclear whether this is a compliment.

jo jo jo jo. The coffee station is still there, though it has changed with Kerri in charge.

The coffee consumption has diminished notably, so Jojo's burbling might be a bit more subdued.

"That it does, " Vali says "Sorry I wasn't here when you first arrived. Care for some Coffee? Jojo could use a work out"

"Sure, yeah. Mind if I...?" They gesture towards a corner as a place to drop the duffelbag.

"And you're the Mountain, right?"

"Please do. I'm Sir Vali ap Beaumayn, but here my position as Mountain matters more, yes.. You may call me Vali if you prefer. I've been waiting for you."

"Rowan. They/them. And didn't mean to make you wait. Went to the apartments to scope out a possible place to squat if I decide to stick around. That is, after having a delightful bit of lunch."

Their tone seems to be permanently set on sardonic.

He has students like that, "Well, take a seat if you want. Nice to meet you, Rowan. Though sounds like lunch may not have been ideal from your tone." He gets her a coffee "You like it plain , sweet, cream no cream?" While he waits for that answer, he says "My niece tells me things got unexpectedly 'tense'"

"I like it lots of ways." A bland tone. "For today, light and sweet, thanks. And if Gerd said that, I guess that's how Gerd felt."

Unsmiling, eyes still somewhat obscured behind the rose-tinted shades.

"Definitely how she felt, though perhaps that's not all it was," He prepares it light and sweet, "Well, " He hands it over "I hoped to meet under a less 'tense' start . As I said, I've been expecting you, no apologies on your part for you being 'late' ... it's not an exact science, what I do. When I do it. Which isn't often. Lunch aside, do you like the area?"

Rowan accepts it and watches him while taking a sip. Nods approval. "Thanks. And yeah, it's fine, as much as I've seen of it." Careful neutrality in that cultivated casual tone.

"Well, that definitely sounds positive in a totally non committal way" A slight smile escapes him, he takes a seat. He seems to be reading people well, "You heard we were looking out for other trolls, but who did you hear it from? I'm curious which of my leads took root. I sent out feelers here and there. "

"Did you? That's some sneaky marketing. I'm impressed." They stroll around the room a bit, looking at things on the wall and gazing at the balefire briefly. "Although, really, putting out word that you're understaffed might turn out to backfire, don't you think?"

"Oh the Storm has commented on that very thing, but word was already getting out. Enemies have eyes on you, for neutral parties or allies you have to put in a bit of effort. If folks already have a bead on you, sometimes turning on a spotlilght at least throws them off. So...who did YOU hear it from?"

He has noticed they didn't answer the question.

The lodge is amazing, there's a lot of stories in the very wood. Literally in some cases. Someone with immense skills did more than knotwork, and the knotwork itself seems to have a pattern if only they could figure it out.

Another huge dog walks through, sniffs, wags, and sits at attention. Not the same as the first one but big.

"Friend of Gerd's actually, it turns out. You know Adelaide?" They take a seat.

"You folks like your dogs around here," Rowan notes.

That knotwork does catch the eye in a distracting way.

"We had more at one time, but these two are pretty good security. That's Echo, the Storm's dog," at the name Adelaide, he smiles, "I do know her. Aunt Thea's heir and ward as well as Gerd's friend. Oh wow. This is a kick in the pants. I guess I stirred that Eiluned curiosity"

There are also signs of wear. Places where youngsters had their height checked, patches of wood worn a bit smoother where chairs were moved every holiday or big feast then back again over the course of decades. The books at one area are... lush! It's an office library over there, and some of the books look rare. THey have titles like 'Blood of Trolls' 'Runes & Ruin' 'The Code of Dagda: A philosophical journey' along with Moby Dick, A Tale of Two Cities, and some Fantasy Genre novels from the Silverhand Series.

A little twitch of eyebrows at "Aunt Thea" followed by a little shrug. "I don't know about that, but I don't think there's much that doesn't stir Eiluned curiosity." Sip.

Rowan's heard of the Silverhand books, of course. Most fae have, especially since some people think they come pretty close to violating Right of Ignorance.

"Huh. Nice library." Nodding towards the books.

"Thank you," He says to the comment "The Mountain Office as it were, somewhat open but I need to be accessible. ALso the previous Mountain arranged it. And yes, Eiluned are naturally inquisitive. One thing I enjoyed about them, they can be nosey, but they also have cunning and determination. They don't have the best rep, and this lodge has Gwydion leanings, but Truth is a jewel of many facets, and that's a wisdom I've found useful" He quotes Eiluned teachings.

"Must make for some interesting dinner conversations around here, if you spout that kind of ideology over the salad."

"Well, we are trolls so a lot of the conversations is all in the brows" He answers then tilts his head ("You know how it is?") which maybe a language they are rusty at

A quirk of brow coupled with pursed lips. (( I'm not a fan of that old fashioned stuff. ))

"Mmm" ("To each their own") " So Adelaide sent you here or at least suggested it?"

"She mentioned. I thought about it. Figured I could use a change of scene."

"That you would get, very different vibe here, whether you consider that good, bad, or the way it is. So, what do you bring to the table ? No, you don't have to serve here, you've a right to move anywhere in Concordia you want, but I did send out feelers for trolls to help the lodge, so... how do you think you can help us?" A drink "I apologize if this sounds mercenary, bit close to the Unseelie time of the year"

"Nothing wrong with that. But...right now, I'm just looking for a three-day haven. If I decide I like it, then we can do the hiring interview at that point, right?"

An easy grin.

Well, a half-grin. More of an almost-smirk.