*SCENE*
Spelledaren sits alone in a private room at an exclusive club. An opened bottle of wine has barely been touched, the glass of red sitting as still as the man himself. A deep frown is the most noticable feature on the face that has, perhaps, become too accustomed to the easy life of success.

An unknown amount of time has passed when he stirs, moved to motion by the sounds of an approaching guest. It is the editor of a prominent Erengrad newspaper, wishing for this meeting to remain a secret...

The guest nods briefly upon entering and plops into a deep seat, heaving out a sigh together with the cushions.

- What a season eh? he starts, grabbing the bottle and pouring until the liquid fills all the way to the top.

- Indeed, Spelledaren offers, watching as the other man takes a long drink.

-Sales are down. Across the board. People like when their team wins. Know what they don't like? When their team drops out of all top stats, playing with no chance of playoff... if we can't sell success stories, do you know what happens? We start selling problem stories. Like Vitale. Do you know what people say behind his back? And that they fear to speak truth to his face? You didn’t wonder too much about why Aarnau would send off a team captain that has won a Super Bowl?

Spelledaren makes no attempt to answer, but takes a sip of wine and with a raised eyebrow signals to the agitated newsman to continue.

- And you let Aline suffer in his shadow. She dropped the ball on this season, no star player points, the worst record ever, a losing season. Where is the coherence? Where are the smiles and boasts of triumph? We’ve had a hard time getting our sports stories out there when your team mates won’t open up like before. You know we keep you in control, and we keep the merchandise in the minds of the people. But why should we give up space to someone wearing the Danford jersey if people just shake their heads? No, you got to deliver some goods if you want our continued blessings upon your enterprise here. Remember that you came to Erengrad as an outsider, and we could easily make people remember it.
- You think Aline stands in anyone’s shadow?
- When Vitale is in the room, people look to him, and grow silent. I’ve seen it.
- Next time you are in the same room as miss Danford, I suggest that you don’t act the fool like before then. Spelledaren’s voice seems matter-of-fact, but there is a hint of danger in the advice. Seemingly unnoticed the other man continues rambling:
- There has been rumours of her looking for a position in Carroburg, you know her fanclub has a base there too? We could sell that story, ”Failed Vikings Leader flees for Carroburg!”, that would grab attention! Pair it up with your last bit of madness in selling Fred Bruschi, ”Erengrad veterans rage against incompetent leadership!” Or, or ”Cascade of Clownery at Vikings HQ!” And even Fuller becoming the top scorer for Vikings ever somehow seems — lackluster. He is such a boring personality! Can’t sell that guy anywhere, and no one else wants him! The worst best catcher ever for any franchise.

Spelledaren keps quiet, watching the other man, who seems to catch himself, and also quiets down while throwing back the last of his glass.

- You done now? A small shrug seems to indicate that the man is indeed done, at least for the moment. SO. You keep me in control? Spelledaren leans forward and his gaze locks eyes with the other man. I need -you- to keep me in control after winning the division for six seasons running? After being conference number one last season? After Super Bowl?
A small pause while the importance of all that sinks in.
- And you think Danford somehow can’t deal with the situation? You really don’t understand the game at all do you? It is all numbers and sales and smiles to you. You think I don’t know what I’m doing? Like what you had the papers run when people were picketing my office? Why do you think I had a crowd outside my door for two days demanding my resignation? You keep me in control?! You sold the story of chaos in Vikings management because it suited your sales. Propping me and the team up after that has nothing to do with Erengrad pride, we are making you money by being popular! You need us! You need me! Write whatever damn stories you want, I think our partnership, whatever it was, can be said to have ended now. I will see you on the field. Oh wait, I won’t, because you don’t watch Blood Bowl.

Spelledaren rises and leaves, leaving a dumbstruck man behind….