The Queen is Dead Long Live the President (Open)

[Eliachem]

Eliachem sat at the end of the bar instead of the office he’d just finished decorating as a testament that he was in fact truly the Master of the City. He was determined to do things differently taking the best of what had been balanced with what the best that could become. Even this, the fact that he was the Master here was far different than what could be expected. He had given one city in trade for another. He had taken this city of the world as his own to spite his detractors and prove several of one thing or another to himself. Through guile and blood he had done what none anywhere in the world could have accomplished and yet that was not enough for him. This burg of boroughs this city made of many was a strange testament to the man that had longed for true freedom now held the reins of power of life and death over so many souls.

Many would see that as the ultimate oxymoron. He saw it as the natural progression of things. To be free one had to be strong enough so as to throw off any as well as keep those who would subjugate at bay. He would do all those things and more. He intended to insure that the European Council nor the American Council would never have the foothold necessary to use the city. He would also wipe all traces of the church completely from the city; he would scour out all traces of what he saw as a pagan worship from the shores of power in the city. He wouldn’t do it right away or even with a direct attack, not unless he had to. He would however insure they couldn’t dance any mortals right into the maw of immortality and madness.

Smiling as the EC’s last agent provocateur slunk into the bar. This would be fun motioning for the bottle of his special vintage he made his way to the man’s table.

[Jezebel Kendrick]

Jezebel stood across the street from the Tavern wondering if this was really the place she wanted to be tonight. In all honesty she would rather be back at her place cuddled up with a good movie and if she left now it could still happen but she wouldn't. She knew she hadn't been actively interacting with the community at large but she planned to get to work on that. And by starting here a well known place for the vampires she hoped to make a new friend or two. Of course she didn't know much about the current state of the Kiss but it had been spread widely that there was a new Master and she rather hoped to meet him or her.

Stepping off the curb she made her way across the street and through the door not quite sure what to expect. She made sure to keep from announcing her presence overtly not wanting to draw more attention then she could handle. Looking around the interior she noted several vampires on the premises and one in particular that threw off more then the others but that didn't mean he was the one she sought. She had no idea what she would even talk about once she found the master but that could wait until later. Moving to the bar she took a seat and ordered water and pizza if they had it which to her slight surprise they did. Being in a tavern wasn't something she normally did but tonight at least it would work.

[Eliachem]

Eliachem stopped walking as the alpha wolfstress walked in. She wore her feelings on her sleeve. They were heady and a soup of nearly inconceivable swirling mix. He smiled his face lighting up with mischief unspent. Looking towards the well-known yet supposedly secret minion of the EC Eliachem sighed. The man would live another night after all. Sitting the bottle on the nearest table Eliachem moved towards the she-wolf. Bowing a second before he wrapped his arm around her waist.

“It’s a pleasure to see you. Seems as if you have impeccable timing. Why don’t we step over her to this table and talk awhile.” Yes he was being forward but he believed in dressing for where one was going and not for where one was. Not to mention it also gave him a chance to see how she adapted to unplanned events. He hadn’t even begun to make inroads to the other denizens of the preternatural world so she was to be the first. He could appreciate the fact that she had sniffed him out instead of him going to find her.

[Jezebel Kendrick]

Jezebel felt the vampire with the most power come towards her and she smiled just a bit to herself still not quite sure who he was. In any case she nodded her head in return of his bow, when he slipped his arm about her waist her body momentarily stiffened before she forced it to relax into him. It wasn't that she had anything against vampires but his action had surprised her but thankfully not entirley in a bad way as she pursued his face.

Her eyebrows rose as he started talking as if they had known each other for ages, even so she slid off the stool and went with him to the table he gestured at content to follow his lead. Taking a seat she watched him move into his own chair the smile from earlier crossing her face again. Still acting as if they knew each other but had possibly forgotten the others name she said, "Its been awhile since we last had the pleasure of each others company. You may or may not remeber but I am Jezebel, Ulfreya of the local pack." She watched his face for signs of what he might be thinking after she introduced herself to him for the first time. Most were always surprised that she carried that particular title.

[Eliachem]

Seated as they were it granted her full view of the bar directly and him via the mirrors behind the bar proper. As such they could both easily physically and metaphysically watch their surroundings. He knew that the former Ulfric had been a loyal ardent supporter of the former Mistress of the City. It made him wonder how Jezebel had fared in her takeover. He had the assistance of Flame so his battles still being fought were simply fait accompli the opposition hadn’t accepted. It was a shame when an enemy didn’t know they were beaten. He had won without the promised bloodshed yet there were yet detractors and loyalists seeking to have their vengeance.

She was a quick study which pleased him he wished that he had been aspected towards wolves but as a whole wolves were not generally the beast to call for children of the Dragon. It tended to go as such that by and large those of the line called Lions or Jaguars he even knew of one who called Tigers. It was as if something in the metaphysical makeup of their line needed the mercurial fierceness of feline apex predators. Perhaps it spoke to the inherent mentality of the line. Smiling as he unbuttoned his suit coat Eliachem returned her greeting ins similar manner. "Your name escaped me; but I couldn’t ignore your standing even if I tried. As one Master of sorts to another, it’s a pleasure to have your name and company Ulfreya. In case it slipped from memory I am Eliachem Master of the City." Some were by nature sexist he was not he absorbed her transliteration of the male Ulfric in stride. He’d met the transplanted former heads of the Pack and knew that the power had truly rested with the purported Lupa and that the bruiser knuckle dragger of an Ulfric was more figure-headed muscle than true king.

His blue eyes danced with unasked and unbroached subject matters but his smile remained open and clear. He was especially appreciative that she had sought him out instead of vice versa. It said many things namely that there was hope that things could change for the better.

[Jezebel Kendrick]

Jez tilted her head a fraction as she watched and listened almost fascinated with Eliachem. Her dealings with vampires in the past had been minimal and never pleasant. Hopefully this one would go better then the rest as it seemed to be so far. She wondered silently why he told her that he couldn't ignore her place, was it because of what she was? Or maybe it had more to do with him being master of the city which seemed more likely an idea.

There didn't look to be any kind of surprised expression on his face, only acceptance. Which unless he was that good at hiding his emotions no matter what was being said it didn't matter to him. It was nice actually to not have to endure the looks of shock. Sure she could see in his eyes there were questions he wanted to ask but had not, yet. There seemed to be one in particular that looked as if it was already floating between them. What had happened with the former Ulfric and Lupa, that was hard to say. But unless he asked her she wouldn't go into it.

"I had not realized you were the master here. It seemed possible but with you vampires it can be hard to tell." Jezebel laughed a little not exactly sure why she found that amusing but it was. Catching sight of her food her mouth started watering and she waited eagerly for it to arrive. Once it was set on the table she smiled but waited to start eating just yet. "So tell me. What do you think of New York so far? Did you really take the city the way everyone says you did?"

[Eliachem]

"That depends entirely what everyone says. I haven’t spoken with everyone but I can say that of the few who’ve spoken within my earshot of how I have obtained the Master hood here that they are by and large wrong. Especially as they can not see the whole picture." Eliachem allowed a moment for Jezebel to appreciate her meal. It was a well prepared meal. He would have to commend the kitchen staff. He had watched over a hundred tickets fly out of the kitchen with nary a one meal out of sorts unappetizing or lacking in presentation. "As for my impression of the city, from where I sit it is truly a world city. I look forward to fading into the tapestry of its history. The question as what are your impressions of the city, its leaders and your place in it?"

Most Masters would put on airs bolstering themselves to unreal levels. Eliachem would much rather have everyone believe him less than his true standing. It had worked numerous times before. He didn’t see why it wouldn’t continue working. Especially as he guarded himself against the hubris that had led to the occasional stumble and downfall. He couldn’t afford to misstep. The city was changing it was well into its change but unsure of what that would be once the chrysalis was fully formed and broken. He would shepherd it through to what he hoped it would become. The firsts of many steps would be in gauging the reactions of the local lycanthropes. Alone neither clan of shifters could stand against them but together they were a match for anyone especially anyone that was foolish to believe that they were untouchable.

[Jezebel Kendrick]

"Well of course they cannot see the whole picture. It's not like you have said what your plans are to the general pop. And you know how people love to spread rumors no matter how little truth there is behind the words. I myself have laughed over the more absurd." Taking a few minutes in between their conversation Jez took a couple of bites of the slice of pizza on her plate. She was quite pleased with its taste and she had to almost force herself to set it down.

She looked back up at the vampire across the table, "I like the city from what I've seen of it. Now as to the other leaders I haven't met them yet so I cant form an opinion." She had of course heard from others about the heads of the other clans but without meeting with them face to face there was no real telling what was truth and what wasn't. With a bit of a sigh she began to explain what was going on with her. "As for me I'm still having trouble with some of the wolves specifically the male ones. I'm trying to avoid bloodshed but I'm afraid that's what it'll come down to. The others simply accepted me with some reservations I'll admit but damn. In the end I'll do what I have to, they will either submit, leave or die by their choice." It was entirely up to those boys and what they could live with and if that meant thinning out the ranks then that was what she would do.

[Eliachem]

"I haven’t had much time to laugh recently. Care to enlighten me as to some of the more absurd rumors. I am all ears." Eliachem smiled to show he was genuine. He wanted to hear as well as this while seeming innocuous meeting was in his estimation a telling bit of how the city would form up around him. Making inroads with the lycanthrope leaders would only serve to strengthen his position. Many in the kiss as across the world believed the clans were merely second class chattel. He didn’t see them quite so lowly but he did see them as a necessary tool every city needed to prosper. Whether they meant to be or not often the various clans acted as daytime protectors as well as shock troops amongst the wars of the damned.



To foster his openness he made an offer and joke all at once, "While wolves are not my animal to call I would love to help you secure their loyalty and obedience if I can. While cats are usually the ones mentioned when it comes to skinning wolves have pelts as well." He knew the humor of his statement would not be missed but to drive home the humor he brightened his smile allowing his mirth to sit in his eyes.

[Jezebel Kendrick]

She almost choked at his words because for some reason when he mentioned that he was all ears the only thing that came to mind was him sitting there with dumbo ears. She hated the movie but to see Eli with such large ears in her own head was just to much even for her. She had to clear her throat and blink away the tears before she could give him any kind of answer. Hopefully he wouldn't ask what that had been about, and if he did? She would probably fall out her chair in both amusement and embarrassment. "Ah well lets see here. One of them is that you are a zombie loving dirt bag which doesn't actually make sense and another is that you are into young boys." With that particular bomb being dropped she gave him a meaningful look. She hadn't asked where either had come from and hoped that last one wasn't true.

Trying to keep the mood light she giggled lightly "Well that is nice to know and I'll let you know if I need any help. But if you know anything about weres you should be aware that if I asked for help in dealing with my pack I wont be leader for much longer." And she'd be damned if anyone was going to take her place from her. It would literally have to be pried from her dead cold fingers.

[Eliachem]

He ignored her pique of humor. Something had caught her funny bone and she suppressed it. He wouldn’t dare pry lest she gave him reason. So he smiled obligingly asking her to soldier on.

"Certainly colorful. I can see where the zombie loving insult came from but the pederasty that is a new one. I suppose it was only a matter of time before such accusations made their way to light." He knew refuting them would be pointless once heard such allegations were either believed or ignored. He wasn’t entirely sure which Jezebelle was more prone to do. In the end the gauge here was not what he would do to refute but how they sat with her as a microcosm of the city. To which ends he asked, “Do you believe either possible?” He didn’t ask her opinion of veracity in the allegations that would be far too much as in truth they had just met. It would be asking to build what could be on lies which was a horrible way to do business of any sort. Aeolas would have prospered with no defenses against him. Lust was a heady slave-mistress but Eliachem had rage, anger, and the understanding of what power really was. He would play at the game of kings though silently and far more surreptitiously than anyone would ever be able to account for.



He wasn’t vainglorious but he knew what he would bring into being would be as unheard of as the taking of two cities without bloodshed and open war. It was especially unheard of as his lines penchant for siege warfare was an avocation that all who knew of them would expect to be the first last and only gambit run by them.



"Yes that is often the case but my help and aid could be relatively circumstantial. After all your pack is by far my most favorite considering the others have taken to operating like phantoms as they were so closely tied with the former Mistress of the city." He would eventually have to do something about the loose packs roving the fringes of the city carving out territories as if they were mortal gangs and simple criminals.

[Jezebel Kendrick]

That was the question now wasn't it. Did she believe the rumors or did she think they were totally off base. She looked the vampire over trying to imagine what he was like or what he'd done once upon a time. She knew next to nothing of him and while either could be a possibility she just couldn't or wouldn't see it. Jez shook her head "no I don't see it. I'm not saying neither is impossible but I wont make the mistake of believing in rumors. I'm one of those people that judges you according to what you do or as the case may be don't do."

Leaning back in her chair she got a little more comfortable. Crossing her legs she eyed him dubiously. His most favorite pack? That was a little weird to her even though she couldn't explain to herself why that was. She was curious as to how there could be so many other wolf packs in the area as there should have been no more then one or two at the most. Now if he was talking about the other clans then she didn't have an answer as to why none of them had come forward. Maybe they needed some prodding. "Well if I really need the help I'll call." That was best she could do on that one because she wouldn't unless she absolutely needed to. "I'm not sure why the other clan heads haven't come forward but maybe they all need some prodding. Just something to get their attention." She would leave that up to him unless he decided he wanted help but he was the vampire. She was pretty sure he had the man power to bring the others out into the daylight.

[Eliachem]

"I like being judged by my actions not the perceptions of those unwilling to do." He chuckled easing into a smile before going on. “How would you like to do something together. A small hunt if you will. Just a few wolves that need sheep-dogging. It would help the both of us and yet could strengthen what is growing here.”



He was playing far more coyly than usual because of the few stronger lycanthropes she was the first to seek him out instead of simply attempt to wait out what was befalling the city. He wanted this burgeoning friendship to grow as he knew from his past that a strong lycanthrope community meant a stronger city. With the five boroughs run as individual lesser cities of the whole it was a more difficult task to unify the bulk into a strengthened whole but if anyone was up to the task it was he.



He was a small bit more hopeful even as she didn’t have an understanding of the outlying packs that roamed flitting as they were wont. He would take them on but in the meantime he hoped to have her apply her strength and either absorb them into her pack or drive them out.

[Jezebel Kendrick]

Her brow furrowed at his suggestion but she liked what he was asking her to do. "I'm always up for a hunt but will it just be us or a couple others as well?" It could very well turn out to be a nice bonding experience for the both of them just as friends of course.