First Meetings – By Justin McNeely

(The below meeting takes place five days after Beltane. Upon returning to Highground after the parties, Sir Jain took the first few days getting things back in order and then sent word to Claire to meet with him.)

* * *

“Please, come in Ms. Albright. Make yourself comfortable”

The striking young woman entered the spacious office and strode purposefully to one of the high backed, soft chairs arrayed before the large oaken desk. She is surprised slightly by the comfort this man offers to those he meets with. The rumors abound about this office at the heart of Highground. Whispers in the local bars tell of a dark, forbidding, sterile place from which the justice of the Realm is dispensed.

Claire was not expecting such an inviting room. The walls are lined with tall bookshelves holding various strange artifacts from unknown cultures. A fireplace takes prominence on one wall. The marble fireplace itself is a massive work carved with no end of bas-relief. Large windows bathe the room in the warm light of the summer evening. This light halos the supposedly ‘imposing' figure sitting behind the desk. It was to this man she was summoned, one of the most powerful men in the barony.

Legends aplenty surround this man. Tales of great deeds and even greater heroics set on his shoulders like a well worn cloak. Just looking at him, one could see it. But there were other tales told of this man as well. Dark tales of treachery, murder and thievery. Some said he came to Highground covered in blood, demanding audience with the Baroness. Though that was not the only horrible act attributed to him. No matter how varied the stories got, one aspect remained, Jain Galewarden was dangerous.

But now, sitting before him in such an inviting room as this, could this really be the same man the stories spoke of? Claire began to doubt.

“I'm glad you were able to meet with me. I've heard of your exploits in our fair realm and I must say I'm impressed. It takes the strength of a lion to stand up to Baroness Eleanor like that.”

If she were one to blush, she might have given away her embarrassment at the praise. But no, such displays were beneath her. He may be polite now, but he was still a noble. Their favor could turn at the drop of a pin so that one moment they would shower you with praise and the next order you to be beaten. No, she would not show any emotion to this man.

“Why did you summon me?”

Yes, be cold. Respond acidly, make damn sure he knows you're not afraid of him no matter what power he holds.

“To the point, I like that. I've summoned you before me because I wanted to size you up. I want to know what threat you and your group pose to the safety of Highground. As head of internal affairs in the Barony, it is my job to make sure that what fragile peace we have in these dark times is upheld.”

“No more threat than you, Sir Galewarden. As the people of Highground, we want to be assured that our best interests are taken to heart as well, not just that of the Sidhe nobility.”

He's smiling. Why? Did she say something funny? Is he taunting her? Questioning her validity? Wait, there's a strange look on his face now. Did he notice her anger? Damn! She wasn't going to show any emotion! Why is she getting so angry about this?

“Ms. Albright, is there something the matter?”

“Is that tenderness in your voice, Sir Galewarden? I didn't think you Sidhe cared what happened to the ‘common' folk.”

“Jain, please, and I understand your bitterness toward my kind. You're right; many of us care nothing for those not ‘privileged' enough to be chrysalized Sidhe. I am not like my brethren. Neither is the Baroness. We believe that every citizen has the right to speak for themselves. That is why you are here today, after all. Consider that door behind you open to you at all times. It is my job to be sure that all of Highground's people are content and satisfied. I want us to be able to work together to make Highground shine like a beacon in the dark that Concordia is to become. You're surprised? Do you not know what we face?”

A dark shadow flits across his eyes, as though he is remembering some awful thing. Could it really be as bad as that? Just what is coming?

“Please, Ms. Albright, sit and talk with me. I will tell you what is happening to our world.”

“Claire”

“Eh?”

“Please, call me Claire.”

“Claire then, let us talk.”

The rumors are true, but not in the way they think. This is a dangerous man. And his smile is the most dangerous part of him. You could lose yourself in that smile. She would have to guard herself. Still, he is very handsome…