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[sub][color=gray]_ _ _______________________________ _ _
mentions: Sebastien [@King Cosmos][/color][/sub][/center]
With league season starting tomorrow, the staff of High Steaks had been buzzing over the last week preparing. Reservations to the restaurant were almost completely booked throughout the entire season, so the crew was working overtime to make sure everything was perfect. This included the gym leader, Nordrin, who was elbow deep in bread dough alongside a couple of other chefs when he head a quiet - but persistent - tapping noise. He looked up to see an Indeedee in the doorway to the kitchen, staring expectantly at the gym leader. The Pokémon shifted it's gaze up to the clock on the wall, and Nordrin glanced in the same direction only to humor it.

[color=B0C4DE]"I know,"[/color] he scoffed. [color=B0C4DE]"Train's still running for another couple hours, I'm not going to miss it."[/color]

The Indeedee looked unimpressed. Nordrin barely resisted rolling his eyes, going back to kneading the dough in front of him. When it didn't seem like the Pokémon was going to leave unless it was with Nordrin alongside it, the leader lifted the dough high over his head and slammed it down onto the counter in front of him. The noise startled the two other chefs, and once their attention was on him Nordrin pointed at each of them in turn.

[color=B0C4DE]"Set this over with the rest to rise, and get the ready loaves into the first oven."[/color]

"Yes, chef!"

Trusting his staff to get things done in his absence, Nordrin moved to clean up and get changed. Satisfied, the Indeedee went on ahead. Just before leaving Nordrin caught movement in the corner of his eye, and he whirled around to see a certain ghost-type sneaking it's way toward the back of the kitchen.

[color=B0C4DE]"[i]Fou,[/i]"[/color] he said, making the Rotom halt in place. It twisted slightly to look at him, an innocent smile on it's face. [color=B0C4DE]"No funny business, just make sure they get it done."[/color]

He was met with an energetic static noise in reply. Then, the fairy-type leader was off.[hr]
Nordrin hadn't been out of his chef's coat for what felt like days, so for once he was happy to be wearing something else for a change. He chose to wear clean black slacks with a cool blue button down, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He went without a tie, and the first couple of buttons were left open. His hair hand been pulled free from it's ponyta-tail, and the locks that didn't spill down his back pooled around his shoulders. As was normal for any professional Pokémon trainer, a couple Pokéballs were fastened to his belt. He guessed that most of the other gym leaders would be taking taxis in Wyndon, and no doubt many would have already arrived by the time the train he was riding pulled into station. Resting his chin on his hand Nordrin looked out the window at the passing scenery, though most of it was darkened silhouettes and streaking lights. 

Flying was nice, he'd gained a certain appreciate of it a few years ago, but the smooth rail ride wasn't bad either. At this time of night he'd usually have a car all to himself, but with the latest league season beginning there were a few other people making their way to Wyndon tonight. When finally the train stopped, Nordrin swept out of the car, into the station and then into the city beyond it.

He'd been to Wyndon many times, for all kinds of business. Tonight was no different. Though the chairman had insisted the trip be for pleasure, actually calling him directly, there was no concealing that fact that it [i]was[/i] for business. Mandatory, judging by the man's tone. And near last minute too, the fucker. If Nordrin hadn't already been busting his ass and that of his staff's to get ahead of schedule for the opening of the season, he would have outright refused. 

The Last Dahlia, the meeting place for tonight, came into view. Nordrin stepped inside, not surprised to see that most of his fellow gym leaders present. To any that glanced over at him when he entered, Nordrin just lifted a hand in silent greeting before making a beedrill-line for the bar. Most if not all of the trouble makers were already present, so he figured he better get his order in quickly. [color=B0C4DE]"Scotch. Please."[/color]

So it seemed that this would be a formal affair than he'd expected, given the privacy and the get-ups. Isiah and Ryker were in full suits for goodness sake, and while all of the ladies looked nice in particular Astrid and Holly had decided to go for some daring ensembles. He wondered if the chairman himself would be making an appearance, given the pomp.  

When his drink arrived, Nordrin nodded a thank you to the barkeep and raised the glass to his lips. He noted that among the Major league, only Mika was missing. Originally he hadn't been sure if the Minor league would be invited or if they had their own get-together set up, but Astrid being here answered that question. There was also another person that, while familiar, didn't instantly spark recognition in Nordrin. He was not subtle about looking at the younger man, and after a few seconds he was able to recall where he'd met this person before: as a gym challenger. And, apparently, as the new Minor league leader they'd been informed would be starting this season. 

Now despite what some of the others might say (a certain dragon-type user came to mind), Nordrin wasn't always irritable. Just most of the time. Tonight he was, a little, having been dragged away from his work - but in the spirit of the "friendly" in friendly competition he took another sip of his drink and extended a greeting to the new guy.

[color=B0C4DE]"Oi,"[/color] he said, raising his glass slightly toward Sebastien. [color=B0C4DE]"You just took over the Water-type gym, yeah? Well, welcome to the circus."[/color] As he said that he gestured over to where Hestia, Ryker, and the others were gathered close together.