Scene:

A hallway. Burgundy carpets. On the wall opposite the office were the same tall windows with white curtains. The walls with doors leading to more offices had no empty spaces; they had paintings and statues. Two men and a young woman were in the hallway, and on the floor between them lay a briefcase.

"Emy?"

"Nils!" The young woman ran and hid behind him as the men took the briefcase and strode towards them.

One of them held out a hand, "Good evening, Mr. Holgersson."

"Gentlemen," he replied, acknowledging the two with a nod though he made no effort to take the hand as he clasped his own behind his back.

"Louis Mack," the first man said, and he was about to say something more when his partner lifted the case and boldly shoved it towards Nils.

"We wanted to gift you a small token of our appreciation if you would consider passing a certain bill in Parliament, Mr. Holgersson. Details are in here." He moved closer with the intent of pushing an unwanted item onto an unwilling recipient. Louis Mack had enough sense to hold his colleague back, his eyes directing unfettered rage at the fool for souring a crucial relationship.

Nils's smile waned. He rose to his towering height and said with the countenance of finality, "Gentlemen, it is time for you to leave."

"Yes, of course. Good evening, sir." Mack prevented the other man from complicating the situation and the two left.

Nils turned to Emy and asked her if she was alright.

She nodded, then frowned at the retreating figures, "I see them every day, strutting into this building as if they own it." Emy walked to his door and muttered, "We have to do something to make sure they won't ever set foot in this building again."

Nils spoke softly as he returned his gaze to the empty hallway, "A cleansing of pests."

"Hmm?"

"You've finished drafting the provision, Emy?" Nils asked, noticing the papers she took from her green messenger bag. They stepped into the office.

"Yes! Everything's reviewed and edited." Emy plopped into the green armchair, "Have you finished your part?"

Nils sat down. "If only! In the last few days I've had a sudden epiphany that office work isn't for me." Emy pushed aside some of the files so she could lie her chin on her hands.

She stared at Nils, "I know what the problem is. This room, it's inadequate, it doesn't match your charisma."

Nils laid his head down to match Emy. "I should apply for a larger office. You, my chief of staff, doesn't even have a desk."

Emy sat up. "No Nils, I am not trying to be funny. You are a popular politician and your popularity gives you legitimacy, which gives you influence. The office should match your high standing, and your current one is laughable." Emy's voice was firm but her eyes thundered as she said, "Move."

Nils lowered his gaze, "Emy..." He could not come up with a good rebuke because it was all true. She gave his shin a kick. He snatched his legs back. Nils had to push his chair further away from the desk so his knees wouldn't scrap the wood and tear his suit.

"I know your current situation is that old man's doing, but we shouldn't fear him."

Nils hid his smile with an arm, "Old man?"

She crossed her arms, "You know. Arwen. The old man."

"Only call him that when it's just the two of us."

Emy nodded, "I know that much."

Nils tousled her soft almond colored hair, saying, "Alright. I'll put in a request for a transfer, and I'll make sure it's an adequate room."

Emy shoved his hand aside, annoyed at her now disgruntled appearance, "Good." She took out a paper and slammed a pen on the desk, "Sign it."

Nils looked at the form incredulously, "Did you-you did. This was premeditated!"

She grinned, "It's about time I have a desk! In here there's only room for you and your legs."

He signed the form, "I suppose I'll walk you to the Central Office to submit this."

Emy stopped him, "I can walk myself there, thank you very much. Do your work."

She was out the door by the time Nils called out, his voice strained with desperation, "No! Emy, help me!"

She hollered back, "Your work is yours and mine is mine. I've learned my lesson. Goodbye!"