Commander Braghaman Larethian

Second Attempt

(Another collaborative writing between Niviene and myself, though not as long as our normal stuff.)

The gentleman tugged his cloak tighter around his shoulders as he walked down the path from the gryphon master. The shadows cast by the trees always made Darkshire seem colder than the season should be, at least in his mind. In the back of his mind, he noted the clock tower chiming in town. Eventually he made his way to the gate that welcomed people to the Darkshire Academy.

As he stepped into the courtyard outside of the main building, the sound of children started moving towards him. Within moments, the doors to the academy opened and students of various ages exited on their way home. The gentleman stepped to the side to let them all pass. Once the last of the youngsters had left, he stepped inside the building and looked around. To the side, a door with the sign “Headmistress” was closed. Stepping to it, he knocked three quick raps on the door.

Niviene glanced up at the sound of the knock then cast a quick glance at the clock on the mantle then the window that overlooked the school grounds before heaving a sigh and folding her hands over the pile of papers on her desk. She was barely able to mask the annoyance in her voice when she bade the person responsible for this interruption to enter. She had a great deal of paperwork to finish before she could go home for the long weekend and she didn’t want to be delayed any longer than necessary.

“Mrs. Larethian?” the gentleman asked as he entered the room. Hearing no contradiction, the man cleared his throat and continued. “I represent Mr. Ridgewell, of Stormwind. He sent me to speak with you about brokering a business deal.”

The priestess cocked her head to the side, eyeing the man briefly before replying, “Business deal? What kind of business deal?” she regarded him warily, “The academy is not for sale…”

“No, ma’am,” the gentleman answered with a nod. “Mr. Ridgewell is not in a position to take on the education of young people. He is interested in the acquisition of titan technology.”

“Titan technology? Are you sure you’re in the right place? This is a school Mr. …. “ she paused, realizing the man hadn’t given her his own name, “There is no such technology here. I’m afraid you’ve wasted your time.” Niviene turned her attention to the stack of papers on her desk, dismissing the man without further comment.

“Perhaps not here,” the gentleman continued. “But there is a winged lion construct in your family’s possession. My employer is interested in this construct.”

Niviene glanced up at the man’s words, eyeing him critically, her pen tapping absently atop the papers, “Winged lion? You mean Valiant?” she put the pen to the side and steepled her fingers in front of her, “I believe my husband already told you Valiant was not for sale. Did you honestly think I’d sell him to you?”

She smiled at the man’s stunned expression, rising from her chair she moved to the other side of the desk, stopping to lean against the polished surface as she looked up into his eyes. For all her petite stature the solicitor found himself shuffling uncomfortably on his feet as she regarded him.

“I can tell you’ve never been married sir. At least not happily so. You see, it’s common practice for married couples to tell one another everything.” her emphasis on the last word made the man swallow thickly. “I’m well aware of your attempt to get Valiant from the commander. I am equally aware of his refusal. Even if I were so inclined, and I assure you I’m not, I would never go against my husband’s wishes.”

She gave the man a pleasant smile as she straightened and moved toward the door, she opened it then turned to him, her voice holding a hint of mirth, “I hope your trip back to Stormwind is a pleasant one.”

Surprised by the bluntness of the priestess, it took a moment for the gentleman to regain his composure. Then, he nodded and smiled at Niviene. “Of course, ma’am. I had said that I did not believe this tactic would produce success, but Mr. Ridgewell insisted that I try. I will relay your message to him, ma’am.”  The gentleman stepped through the doorway and then turned to nod to Niviene again. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Larethian.”

Niviene nodded and waited until the door was closed behind her guest before she let herself chuckle, softly at first but gaining momentum. As the solicitor made his way down the hall and to  the main staircase her laughter followed after him.