New City, New Start and Lots of fun

[Phoebe Ravensdale]

Phoebe wearing soft cotton gloves pulled her hair up into a bun before using a pair of silver sharpened chopsticks to hold it in place. She then slipped on a loose button up tunic style shirt before pulling on a pair of jeans. She tucked a holstered Glock at the small of her back. She pulled her shirt over it making sure it was hidden into the top of her boot went a stiletto the handle hidden under her jeans. She also tapped the heel of her boot for a small knife to pop out the toe.  Carefully tucking it back in. Into her backpack like purse went another Glock and Stiletto along with the important things the side with a small zipper was kept with in easy reach. Feeling at least prepared she headed out. She had discovered yesterday that walking or getting a Taxi was the best way to get around. She waved down a taxi and headed to the Tavern.


Once she arrived and paid the Taxi she went inside. It looked she had arrived early so she grabbed a both one that she could keep her back to the wall. It made her laugh it reminded her of all the paranoia her brothers and father had tried to instill in her seemed something of it worked. She made the excuse to herself it was so she could see the Rex when he came in. She ordered a beer though it did nothing to her she liked the taste of it to wait for her appointment.  

[Samuel Banks-Walker]

Part of his preparedness was standard procedure at this point. Securing the location. Insuring this at least on the surface wasn’t a plan to out anyone. Having Eliachem insure the signal blocking features were enabled. The correct number of reliable staff were present. The officers on shift were properly remunerated to spend their time as far from Fraunces as possible. Just the usual.

He didn’t need to have Eliachem insure what he did it was a courtesy and seeming placement of trust. Fraunces tavern was one of the oldest if not the oldest bar in the continental United states. It did not look it even as it had hosted revolutionaries and abolitionists and survived the birth of the nation as well as several individual uprisings within. He unbeknownst to even the master of the city had agents placed throughout during its revitalization. So, unlike the wide world at large he knew of the peculiarities of sound, the hidden cameras and the codes to access nearly the entire system. It wasn’t a tool he needed and was sure that should he there would be hell to pay.

Security at the each of the corners snipers in position and all without giving their position or actual aims away. All in all standard procedure for meeting relatively strange lions. He’d have loved Monica but this was a potential welcoming and while surrounded he didn’t want to scare the brunette away. Hiero spoke highly if guardedly about her. It was easy to gather other details from there. They didn’t need to speak on those. Waiting until she arrived he exited the building across the street where he’d waited watching and reading the mornings paper. He was on his fourth Sudoku.

Moving into the tavern dressed in a relatively nondescript midrange blue three piece suit with gold tie matching shoes and gloves his overcoat a gold camel hair that matched his glasses. The tie tack holding things together a simple though expensive lion head. He moved with purpose and directly to her. Extending his hand he stated “I’m Samuel. It is a pleasure to meet you again Phoebe.” Motioning with his left towards the stairs so they could speak relatively freely in the prepared dining space on the upper floor. “Shall we?”

[Phoebe Ravensdale]

Phoebe kept a close watch on the people who were coming and going. She was feeling as if something was going on and she had caught a couple of people watching her witch made her distinctly more uncomfortable. She probley wouldn't have noticed except for the fact. That her brothers and father had made sure she would. When she saw Samuel enter she noticed that some of the people tried to act as if they were acting normal. She made note of these people to bring up later. Making sure her purse was on her shoulder and the zipper pocket was with in easy reach she rose.

"It's good to see you again as well Samuel your looking well. I'm glad to see that " When he waved her up the stairs she wasn't sure that she liked the idea of him at her back. Then again this was Hiero's brother so he should be trust worthy. She hesitated only a moment before checking the room and proceeding him up the stairs. Her hand tucking into the side of her bag. In Case she was wrong.

[Samuel Banks-Walker]

Samuel waited a portion eyeing her a quick squint as she passed. It made sense but was a little presumptuous. He inhaled and followed upstairs the space was devoid of any other soul. The waiters waiting in the service alcove would not be able to hear any conversation. He slid her chair out waiting for her to sit before taking his.

"First things first Phoebe, " he said removing his glasses placing them on the table at his right. “That is a very familiar bouquet. I am sure as well travelled as you are that you might have some questions?” he met her gaze flicking to her purse then back. Unlike his brother he was considerably more old testament in his leading. It meant the byword in all things was respect and truth. There was a cost for everything trust honor loyalty and an honest belief in unity overall.

Placing one of the menus in front of her he sat back. He knew the menu by heart while he and Monica preferred other places occasionally Fraunces was on their routes home and was easy enough due its inherent security to disappear from to shake any potential tails.

[Phoebe Ravensdale]

She sat down when he pulled out the chair for her and nodded her thank you. Glancing at the menu when it was set in front of her. She skimmed it quickly making her decision in that moment. "I feel I should apologize for going first I figured that you wouldn't like an unknown at your back. Something I was raised with."

She nibbled her lip a moment and then shook her head mentally "I reconized the tactic on the phone. I don't know what Hiero told you but I was raised by a millitary man. I have four older brothers in different branches of the military. so I know a bit about security and the such. I've never really had to use it. After our conversation I wasn't sure what I might be walking into. I was raised to believe it's better to be over prepared then under. " She slipped her hand into the side pocket and pulled out a 9mm Beretta Storm with the handle toward him and laid it on the table. "It's loaded with lead casings filled with Silver. My father makes them special for me. I also have a Glock 17 in a holster in the small of my back and at least four sliver laced knives with in reach. Just to be clear none of these were ever meant for you but simply to make sure I'm safe. My father and brothers have inflicted there paranoia on me."

"Really I have several question starting with the most important. What are your rules? I would also liked to know what is going on that I feel like I walked into a war Zone? What do I need to know to fit here? " She swallowed lightly "I'm a Historian true I specialize in Military History but still I work for the History Channel. I do know how to defend myself if needed. I have no problem doing so or defending others if it is needed."

[Samuel Banks-Walker]

Folding his fingers together he leaned forward on the table as she spoke. He nodded as she wrapped things up as for explaining herself. "No need to apologize and thank you." He looked towars the servers waiting. Raising a hand he ordered two cappucinos to start. It seemed the meal would wait a few moments longer. Once the server arrived with their drinks and again disappeared he sipped before adding a touch more of the provided cream.



For all of his many rebellions and differing of social norms he had to give credit where credit was due. Eliachem did train and provide some of the best staff, food , drink and service in the bulk of New York.” "The rules in the broadstrokes are easy and direct. Live, remain loyal make your way the best you can. Respect the Pride both locally and united. Protect the Pride both locally and united." Sighing he stopped himself. He was putting the veritable cart before the horse. Raising his hand he sipped again.



She slipped her hand into the side pocket and pulled out a 9mm Beretta Storm with the handle toward him and laid it on the table. "First things first. Each of New Yorks Boroughs houses a local Pride. Each of these local Prides is part of the united New York Pride, the Ombra Del Passato. The Shadow of the Past Pride. Each of the rexes and reginas of each local Pride is a titled lion in the Ombra Del Passato.” Knowing how that sounded and how it went against most ideas of what a Pride was he went on. “It gets deeper, as each Borough is watched and overseen by a Duke. Each Duke acting in the place and stead of the Master of the City. Answering only to the Master of the City.”



Allowing that to settle in he went on “I am the Duke of Manhattan. So my suggestion to you is to find a place in Manhattan for your residence. If you need assistance, I can make a few inquiries. Once you are settled and dug in we can get you out to the Venatorious so the spirits of the pass can greet you. I know it is quite a bit to take in. Do you have any questions about anything I’ve revealed to you so far?”

[Phoebe Ravensdale]

Phoebe listened carefully to all that was said making mental notes as he explained the system here in New York. It was very different then anything she had experienced before. It was very interesting but it also raised several questions. That she would need to ask. She took a sip of her cappuccino. While she sorted out the questions in her mind. "I understand for the most part the Pard is set up more kingdom style then normal. Which of course makes sense for so large and diverse of a city as New York is. Yes I have several questions mostly on the Inter workings." Taking another drink she began.

"I don't believe even though I'm an alpha I'll have problems with the others I've run into that before. What I want to know is if you give me an order say and the Rex of say Staten Island gives me something counterdicting. How is that handled? Do I come to you and tell you what's going on? Do I ignore it and follow yours? That's what I really need answered. I have no problem with loyalty. My job has rented me an apartment in Tudor City not far from where I'll be working on East 43rd. Near Midtown I believe. Apartment 821 at the Manor. I would appreciate if you could tell me if that's a good area. I know it's a historic building. But I'd like to know the area's safe. "

[Samuel Banks-Walker]

Leaning forward resting his chin on his clasped hands he met her gaze a moment. Sighing he cocked a brow allowing his aura to slip past his nearly immaculate shielding in silent answer. "I should hope your beast would answer that question for you. But allow me to be clear as Rex of the Ombra del Passato the united Pride of New York City and second only to the Master of the city in regards to the happenings of the preternatural community. There is no being of higher command in the Pride save myself or my Regina."



Squinting in response to the internal demands of the beast he smirked leaning back giving space so that her beast could measure the small portion of his aura he allowed to fill the space. “As for the area of your apartment it is expensive and all that entails. There is a certain privacy that is expected as much as there will be quite a few neighbors who will attempt prying to insure you are the right sort of professional to reside there. One of the Pride members is part of the maintenance staff.”



Nodding slightly as if that was that for now. "I enjoy the Flat-ironed steak and Chicken Pate’ as an appetizer. Have you decided what you will have?" this would not be a rubber stamp situation even as Mouse all but vouched for her. He was ever allowing his heart to lead him in his decisions Samuel was a good deal far more old testament. Once a meal was selected, he would very much pry more details from her as to where she’d resided. That was very important as the saying went her course while not a matter of fate was dictated on where she’d been as a setting of her trajectory. Her grasp and ability to claw a place for her in the Pride.

[Phoebe Ravensdale]

Phoebe shifted her purse down to her feet and crossed jean clad legs. "I'm sure she would but I prefer to know these things it's better in my opinion to know certainty then a guided guess." She made no move to retrieve the weapon that lay on the table. She wouldn't until she was given leave or she decided the meeting was over. She had discovered that though Hiero and Samuel were related they had vastly different leadership styles. Not that it was surprising. Samuel to her seemed more like her first Rex. He had that old school feel to him. She didn't think she'd have an issue here. Nor did she think she'd have a problem fitting in.

"Ah yes I've lived in a couple places like that so it's not a big deal. I also tend to work odd hours so it should be interesting to say the least and I'll have to find them and introduce myself that way should either of us need help. We'll know where to go for it. Of course it having Historical significance is calling to me too. I'm going to enjoy exploring. Tudor City I'm told has a lot of History."

"hmm that does sound good I'll have to try it as some point for now however I'll take the Bourbon honey wings for an appetizer and for the main dish I'll take the Tavern burger with a Pale port beer to drink please." She then settled back in her chair. Yes this would be a good move for her she could tell that she wouldn't have any problems adjusting.

[Samuel Banks-Walker]

Samuel nodded his understanding of the sentiment. He was however of a mind that simple straight forward communication while best was often a lacking frustrating thing. Namely as even with a direct statement interpretation often led to expectations unspoken. Looking toward the waiting server he motioned them over relaying their orders.

Once the server was off placing it with eth kitchen after removing his cup and saucer asking after Phoebe if she needed another Samuel spoke again. "We have roughly ten to fifteen minutes why don’t you fill me in as to what you know or have been taught of our corner of the preternatural community." Having her elucidate as to her understanding might help bridge the gap and have them move in the most direct path towards her and the Prides continued success.

Yes she was vouchsafed by Mouse but the final decision was his. New York was like and as unalike any pride in the country. Most places had one pride or perhaps two that closely abutted. Here there were in name five though in truth there was only one united pride. It was much as if like the NYPD there were precincts and smaller stations of the whole. He could understand a portion of the culture shock inherent with that idea. Especially as adding to that nonstandard idea was the notion of Eliachems’ Duchy system. With the Dukes of the city acting as representative Masters of City for their individual boroughs. Nowhere recognized were their lycanthropes and shifters in places of power over any vampire.

Samuel was of a mind that Eliachem had done so purposefully as three of the citys enclaves were in fact ruled by lycanthropes and each while successful were as different as night to day. It was all very much to take in let alone adapt to consciously. So again find the base of her past and potentially help her build the tower of her future.

[Phoebe Ravensdale]

Phoebe raised a brow before frowning a little "I think it would take me more than fifteen minutes to tell you what I know. I know how a pard is normally run. My first Rex was what most would consider old fashion. It was a good place to start though. I know that a lot of times there are problems with Alpha Females poaching and the such. I don't have difficulty there taken is taken. I understand this pard is more like Dutchy of old highly interesting to my sense of history. I understand you're the leader and take the Ultimate loyalty with loyalty going to those under a normal range. You have the final say in all things along with your Regina. Does that answer your question? " If it didn't then she wasn't sure what he was looking for and would risk looking stupid for clarification.

[Samuel Banks-Walker]

Samuel listened intently measuring her autonomic responses he could detect. She was being honest and her generalizations were not untrue. He squinted at her description of the Pride but could see how things could be perceived that way. It was in his opinion the men who made things available for the poaching she spoke of. Their wild wanton ways led to the many confusions that had the females of the Pride often aggressively territorial.



"It will suffice for now. Those broad strokes are a decent start." As their appetizers arrived, he waited before speaking. Once alone again he asked more directly. “You left Chicago for school and work. You dropped of the communities radar. Where did you visit and how often do you spend in lion form per week. As well as have you been outted purposefully or by accident?”

[Phoebe Ravensdale]

Phoebe frowned a little not what she was expecting really but it wasn't like where she had been or hadn't been was a state secret. Nor did she think she really dropped off the radar but she supposed she did in a way. It was a tad odd though to think that he'd want to know. She had kept in email and texting contact with Hiero. Giving herself a mental shake she started "It was several places I spent time in South America studying the Inca and Mayan ruins. They were quite the warriors. Most of the places were in the U.S. Georgia and Alabama studying Civil War sights. There were some Viking Ruins in Michigan no organization there but the ruins were good also Wisconsin and Minnesota area again of Viking Origin. Though the most interesting was the Viking burial site in New Mexico."

Phoebe paused to consider the question a moment. "As far as how much time I spend in my other form. It truly depends on the week and if I have a place I can go to do so. Generally speaking, I try to spend at least 8 hours as a lion every other day. So the Equivalent of a day a week spread over it. If work permits." Again there was a moment of thought. "It was sort of accidentally on purpose. My bosses needed to know so that they would understand why I couldn't just go to any state they wanted to send me to. It wasn't supposed to go past them but it did. I was worried it would impact my family's military career but it hasn't affected them. "

[Samuel Banks-Walker]

He nodded listening carefully and focusing on the scant details mentioned. Meaning she had not in the last few years spent much time with actual Prides. She was outted meaning they’d have to be circumspect in their dealings especially with the happenings in Staten. Police as a whole had similar thought patterns meaning several had thought of the extortion plots. He didn’t fault them specifically even if he thought such schemes were odious. Money was earned everyway money could be.

Her self outing proved to his mind she was extremely trusting given a reason. He sighed inwardly knowing that was something he was sure his brother fostered. People as a whole were unworthy of trust in his estimation it was the true value of people like his wife to whom trust should be given faultlessly as she despite her career in law enforcement was one of the most trustworthy people he knew. Her and Abel would never accidentally or purposefully divulge secrets for those they considered loved.

"How did you find south America?" He asked as unlike the bulk of the Abstract he knew mouse had a travelling team of lion mercenaries helping to quell certain unrest and foment others. They operated globally swooping into to hotzones insuring the local lion population was safe and behaving safely. The Yucatan peninsula was in the midst of some major cleansing as the local Onca had begun a pogrom of subjecting most of the other clans to their rule. Which of course didn’t sit well with most especially Mouse who had some idealized way of how things should work.

They’d talk about her skin time later in the conversation but for now he’d zero in on South America as certain things needed to be sussed namely how much she knew and was potentially involved in as for the Abstrahimus out of country aspects and dealings.

[Phoebe Ravensdale]

Phoebe took a breath ok there was definitely something going on here. She would readily admit that she hadn't been in a lot of pards. But this didn't feel like a normal meet and greet. No, it felt more along the lines of an interview or an interrogation. Her father's voice echoed in her head reminding her to think things through. So if this is an Interrogation he hasn't asked anything that could be dangerous to know as of yet. Though her time in South America was a bit of a sticky wicket as they would say. She hated lying. So she would just stick to the basic truths. Now if it was a job interview what is the job? That's the question, isn't it? She used her foot to shift her purse a little closer to her. Before tentatively retrieving it and putting it into her purse. She really should have done that sooner but well it was a trust thing. Now her instincts were telling her she needed to be on guard.

Phoebe than sat back in her chair after she had done what would make her feel more comfortable. "It was interesting. The Incas and Mayans were truly fascinating history and they were ingenious at making war. I can't say I liked the whole human sacrifice. But Ancient Cultures can't be expected to be civilized and it certainly made sure their enemies didn't come back to attack them. I don't think it was a good idea to use the future but hey who am I to judge." She canted her head in thought. "There's a lot of infighting between the different Shifters. It's more in the street then it is here or at least parts of here." All truth just not all of the truth and she could live with that. It wasn't lying it was leaving out unnecessary information as her brother would say when reporting never give the unneeded.