Entrance Hall. An attempt at a sneaky departure.

[Orynn Novim]

The echo of his booted feat sounded slightly throughout the castle. Coming down with a suitcase of some sort, and Crescent on his shoulder, the Depu--- former Deputy, made his way to the Entrance door of Hogwarts. Thought on this day, it would not be an Entrance way, today it was an exit only. He would not return for quite some time after crossing the threshold, if at all.

He pushed the door open a smidgen, and Crescent hopped off his arm and flapped it's wings. The owl would summon his mode of transport. His sister had arranged to arrive in their late father's carriage. She probably hovered above the winter clouds as to not be seen right now.

Orynn hoped that he would not be kept waiting for long, as he did not want to endure any... awkward farewell's. He had made his peace with this place, but he needed to make peace with another. That would require his full attention, which could not be done here. He was doing what was best for himself, his family name, and perhaps even all of wizard kind in the long run.

[Nicholas Gawain Lannsman]

"Going for a trip?"

Nicholas stepped out from one of the adjoining Halls. He'd been on patrol and had thought he'd heard someone coming down the Hall. Curiosity got the best of him, and now it had him in its palm.

His hand rested the hilt of his sword, his other casually holding his wand. He still sported all of his gear, uneasy after the attack.

Nicholas looked suspicious.

No, not Nicholas.

Sir Lannsman, Auror of the Strike and Retrieval Squad looked suspicious.

[Orynn Novim]

"You can say that."[/color] Orynn responded to the man behind him. Orynn was dressed in one of his heavier cloaks, with a white scarf around his neck that made his hair stand out and his eyes fade away. He shut the Entrance door, and leaned on the stone wall right next to it, his suit case on the floor at his feat.

He blinked once or twice at the heavily armed man, a resisted the urge to make some snide remark. Burning bridges with the people here would serve nothing now. Especially now that he was leaving.

[Nicholas Gawain Lannsman]

"Does Headmistress Pierce know of your departure? It seems a tad convenient to be leaving after the castle was attacked in your absence." Nicholas began, his voice and scowl menacing. He took several cautious steps forward until he stood firmly.

His voice and expression became a tad more gentle. "Or are you going to finally tying up your family business."

[Orynn Novim]

Orynn felt the poised needle make a stab at him. He shut his eyes and took a deep breath. He had made his peace with this place, an outburst would do nothing. There was no point in entertaining the knight, who was about as thickheaded as his armor. Orynn didn't need his trust, in fact he preferred it that way.

"I do not believe either matter to be of any of your concern. If you care so much about the former, you may ask her yourself."[/color] Orynn looked directly into the eyes of the night, as if to strike his point home. He didn't look as intimidating of course, he had no heavy sword, nor were his fingers stroking his wand. But Orynn had no need to attempt to strike fear into this man's soul, he todl himself it wouldn't be productive. Though he never even entertained the possibility that it may be because Orynn had no heart left.

[Nicholas Gawain Lannsman]

"No, I guess it isn't my concern. Nor my concern that the Deputy Headmaster is leaving us to fend for ourselves mysteriously. I guess I'm just imagining that your cowardly running away from the students and faculty twice now when they need you most. I'll leave you to whatever secret business you've been conducting yet again. Don't let the door hit you in the ass on your way out, as muggles like to say." Nicholas said with a tight lipped smile. He gave Orynn a curt nod before readying to turn about on his heel to walk away.

[Elsbeth Pierce]

Elsbeth, having been informed of Orynn's departure, had made her way down to the Entrance Hall at the appropriate time to bid her colleague a warm farewell.

As she approached him, she noticed Nicholas standing there as well, some tension very apparent.

"Hello boys!" she said, a small smile on her lips. "I see Nicholas beat me to it, eh Orynn?"

[Nicholas Gawain Lannsman]

Nicholas gave Elsbeth a curt bow.

"Happenstance really. I was on patrol and I bumped into Orynn trying to quietly depart. Seems he only informed you of his leave of absence." he said, his evening out to civility with a hint of suspicion below the surface. "I'll leave you two be, then. By your leave, Headmistress."

Nicholas bowed once more, preparing to leave.

[Elsbeth Pierce]

"Yes, it is rather odd, but that is Orynn's prerogative. "
She continued, "Thank you patrolling, Nicholas. You may continue on, if you'd like."

[Nicholas Gawain Lannsman]

"Of course, Headmistress." Nicholas responded. With a quick turn on his heels, he left to continue on his patrol.

[Orynn Novim]

Orynn didn't even bid adieu to the knight. Rude, and uncalled for... perhaps, neither of which Orynn cared for. Perhaps it was even unnecessary, as it was all but confirmed that their paths would cross again.

Orynn averted his attention to Elsbeth, his expression becoming a bit warmer. He obviously had not expected to be stopped on his way out the door. "Good day Headmistress."[/color] He welcomed her.

[Elsbeth Pierce]

"I think we're past the titles by now, don't you think, Orynn?" she said, her smile starting to fade. "I just came down to see you off."

She hesitated for a few seconds, then said what she had been hoping to say. "I hope you know that just because you're leaving us doesn't mean you're not welcome back here at any time."

[Orynn Novim]

Orynn nodded, and for the first time in what might have been an extremely long time, a smile crossed his face. A genuine smile, the kind you have when you've been complimented and you're embarrassed and being modest. Just his lips though, his teeth were never shown. "My apologies."[/color] Orynn said with a slight undertone that suggested he was trying to funny by continuing the formalities.

A moment passed, as the former Deputy let Elsbeth's words wash over him. He then walked towards her and extended his arm out, holding open his hand to received hers. "Thank you."[/color] He said it as if it were long overdue.

[Elsbeth Pierce]

Elsbeth took Orynn's outstretched hand, but tried not to show that this farewell was bothering her. They had worked well together, and she had grown to respect Orynn very much, despite his differences with other staff wizards.

"You're very welcome, Orynn." she said, appreciative of his thanks. It was always nice to be shown gratitude. "Farewells can be so awkward... I suppose this'll be it, then."

She looked him straight in the eye, and continued. "Have a safe trip, and be well."

[Orynn Novim]

Elsbeth's hand felt comfortable within his own. It confident, firm, but still soft and heavy. Orynn shook it while looking directly into her eyes. The half smile still plain on his face. His eyes smiling as well in that rare way that eyes sometimes do.

He heard the clambering of hooves outside the door, his ride had arrived. He retrieved his suitcase from where he had rested it before. As if to push him on already, his white owl came to perch itself on his shoulder, making a quick snatch at his master's face to demonstrate it's impatience.

He stopped just outside the door and turned back to look at Elsbeth once more.

"You are strong Elsbeth, of this you should have no doubt. Hogwarts is in good hands. My final piece of advice is that you listen to yourself more. The opinions and suggestions of friends and colleagues may be headed, but in the end it is your decision. You are Headmistress of Hogwarts, and you have the final say."[/color]

With that, he slid through the front doors of the castle. The doors shut and boomed the way they always did when announcing that someone had made their way out.