Thread: Kings (attn: Ventrue Clan Only) 10/25/2009

Lazarus reaches into his pocket and retreives it for a text message. He sees who it is and stuffs it back into his pocket not reading it for another twenty minutes. He finishes getting ready for the day and takes his shoes from the rack. Putting them on and tieing his tie in the mirror he makes his way down to the stairs. He reaches back into his pocket and reads the text. He smiles and then sighs, he then would summon for the driver to get the car ready so he could be on the way to the Bistro for this meeting.

Evan sits at the head of the table, drumming his fingers impatiently. He didn't realize that in some cities it had become customary to keep Elders waiting and even more so, customary to not even acknowledge the message that was sent.

The car finaly shows up and Lazarus exits. He looks to the driver and lets him know to stay. That he more then likely will have a new passenger to pick him up. He looked over his suit to ensure it was spotless and with out wrinkles. His shoes shined so flawlessly that it was a mirror on his feet. The doormen greeted him as usual with a bow and a smile. Lazarus made his way across the dinning room smiling to guests and answering one of the managers question.

He smiles and then asked to not be destrubed in the back room. he removed a key from his breast pocket and unlocked the door. Walking into the back room her turned prompty and shut the door. Reaching out with his left hand he turned the lock puting the key back into his breast pocket.

He walked to the end of the room and gave a tug on the lamp. Down the stairs it he went ready to face the music. As he arived to where he could see the area the door shut secure behind him. He finaly saw the man and walked to him promptly. With a bow he snaps to and awaits instruction.

"Lord, I came as soon as I could. Modern transportation is so." He paused "iffy. First I'd like to appoligize for the other night. It was a mistake to speak to you as if you were an equal to my self. With that being said lets move on to business. What is it you would like to speak about on this fine evening?"

Evan remains seated as Lazarus enters the room. He does not say a word until the apology was finished. Even after that he paused a moment, just looking up at Lazarus. He then motioned to the seat across the table from him and says enchantingly, "Sit down, Mr. Arch." He'll then wait for Lazarus to sit before he begins.

He stares silently directly across the table, not looking at Lazarus, but through him. He finally speaks after a long pause, "It is time for things to change around this city for our family. You have performed admirably in the absence of elder leadership. It may not have shown the other night, but I was pleased with your ascencion to Keeper of Elysium and even further pleased with how you handled the situation with the visitor. You will remain the whip of this clan, however, I have decided to take it upon myself to assume the duties of Primogen. I am a firm believer that Elder leadership is needed for this family at this time, with everything that is going on. If you object to this, make it known now, but, you said yourself, the Primogen has been absentee for some time now."

Lazarus sits properly and listens intently to all that is said. He smiles and nods to the praise and then back to business as usual after he speaks of taking over something in such a time. The entire time he speaks he remains calm and business like.

"Lord, the only issue I have with you taking over as Primogen is that you aproach it as if it is a dictatorship. I do not mean to speak out of turn but as an elder do you wish to place your self directly on the chopping block for actions of others later on.

I have already had one of our family executed for breaking the masqurade and it took everything in me and my favors to others to excape this event with my own head. I have the up most respect for you and I think it is an unneeded risk for some one with as much to offer as you do to lead in the front. No other clan in this City puts its elders neck on the chopping block and I do not wish to be looked down upon because you take charge.

The answer is Yes I will be busy as Keeper. However I have led this clan into what it is today and that is not to say that you will not be able to do even more It is only that with all that is going on in town I do not want anything to happen that could have been prevented by complex knowledge of this city that I already have.

If in a few months time you wish to claim the seat then by almeans It can be yours. I just want you to understand how crazy this City is and how having a Ventrue Elder in the shadows would benifit us more then having you in the Spot light.

With all due respect Lord."

Evan listens carefully to every word that Lazarus has to say. He conveyed no emotion in his demeanor as he listened to the youngster talk up what he has done and refer to Evan's lack of understanding of the city and its politics. There was one glaring truth that was coming from this conversation. Lazarus has tasted power and isn't willing to give it up lightly.

Once Lazarus has finished he presses his fingertips together as if pondering something. After taking a long pause, he looks up at Lazarus, noting the fire in the neonates eyes. He speaks with an enchanting flow, "I understand that you've been in charge now and leading our clan. Under the circumstances, you've performed admirably. Which is why I want you to remain as my whip. I trust you to assist me in the transition. This transition will happen. The fact the harpy is disgusted by how the elders of our clan have acted is reason enough that an elder step in and take the lead. You may think that I am doing this for myself, and you can think what you wish, but I am doing this for Clan Ventrue. I apologize if you feel like I'm being a dictator, but, in all truth, you've just been the whip and you lose nothing by my taking over as Primogen, you're still my whip."

Again lazarus listens to the mans words and says the rest respectfuly. Never getting heated and never showing his true emotions.

"Lord Elder there has been nothing wrong with the leadership of our past elder and the fact that you bring up such an allegations about a man who I know for Fact has not wronged our harpy or this clan, shows how new to this city you are. Mr. Osgood has been stand up sense the beging and has taught me much in how to deal with people that are not Kings. Untill evidence is shown or proven that he is infact guilty of some sort of misdeed I find it imposiable that the harpy would speak out against him.

Lord if you think that you can run this clan in this city so be it. But you do so with out a vote from me, if you wish to take the reigns then you do so as a Dictator. The clans that house multi elders do not have them on the front line becuase elders do not belong there. They take there rightful spot in the shadows.

You may ask anyone of this city and all will tell you that I am good at what I do and that is I to get answers and solve problems, Lord. I already hold enough respect with even the lowest of people in this city.

How ever Lord, as my elder if you chose to take this seat from which I rightfuly deserve for my more then honorable actions, then I will be your whip."

Lazarus knows he is fighting a battle he can not win. At least not alone.

Evan shows no emotion as he is addressed in such a disrespectful manner from a neonate. He waits for him to finish and then pauses a little longer, before addressing him, "Mr. Arch, you clearly have no comprehension of tradition amongst our kind. *Traditionally* *Elders* sit on the Primogen council. Not Neonates. Perhaps before you speak on such matters you should know what you are talking about first. Additionally, I make no accusations towards Lord Osgood. He has handled things his way and the Harpy has stated in public his disgust for the lack of Elder leadership in this city. He's made it clear he has a dislike for neonates running clans. Perception is reality and, the perception is, no matter how honorably you have performed, the Harpy is displeased. Furthermore, I do not need your vote to take over as Primogen. It is a closed matter from this point forward. If you wish to remain my whip and learn from someone who actually knows about the proud tradition of the Ventrue clan, the clan of Kings, you will accept this decision."