Court: War of the Haunts

[O-Yama]

O-Yama listens to the arguements as they pass back and forth, an unlikely ally rising in the form of Roxie's questioning of Culler. He refrained from smiling when Culler's choice of calling on Dirge turned out to be just another damnation for him. When Culler claims that he henceforth swears to root out the the enemies of the domain O-Yama held himself back, Tempering himself instead of speaking aloud his thoughts. Is that not the very vow you swore when you took on the position as Reeve?

O-Yama waited till Priscus von Schusten had finished, and then he opened his mouth, addressing Clarke's call for those interested in taking on Reeve Culler's position. "I would also step forward to serve in Reeve Culler's stead should you deem him not fit for the position, my Liege." O-Yama says. "I have ever served the domain, and while sometimes my actions have been... rash, my loyalty to the throne has never wavered. I have not been able to serve as much as I would have liked, as my time in Horizon took me away for far longer than I would have cared for, but even there I did what little I could to serve the domain and to protect its people, setting forth the situation that led to Bethem being destroyed in a burst of flame, his remains naught but ashes. If you see it fit that I serve in the position of Reeve, your Majesty, I would do so with no hesitation and to the utmost of my ability." O-Yama says, bowing to Clarke as he finishes.

[West]

Asa listens and nods, unsurprised at those that have stepped forward.

A shame that Dirge is blind... even so, I doubt she would have the forcefulness necessary for the position. Max is borderline in that regard -- but quietly relentless and efficient.

"Very well. The four of you will work under the direction of the Seneschal until one of you distinguishes himself," Asa said. He paused, but decided to leave it at that. The matter had dragged on enough.

"That concludes the official business of Court, unless anyone else has a grievance to present. If not, please enjoy the remainder of your evenings. I imagine, for some, a celebration is in order," he concluded, smiling at the last as he referred to the restored Covenants.

That said, he sat back down, glancing at his Herald and Hound, seeing if either had anything to say about the affair.

[Heathcliff Staley]

Heathcliff is taken aback by the Prince's judgement, but tries not to let the shock show. His work had impressed Clarke, of course, and as the maxim goes, if a man is good at digging holes, give him a bigger shovel. The Reeve position unsettled, four Kindred have come under his command, vampires much his elder, whose strength is known throughout the Domain. This was a precarious position for the neonate Seneschal politically. Thinking back to his work, he had found much that needed to be done, and he needed other, differently-abled hands than his own to accomplish all that had been set before him. Heathcliff's greatest hope was that one would shine head and shoulders above the rest in the exectution of these tasks, so that the choice be made clear to all and he should not require to champion one, especially between two Clansmen he had little faith in tonight.

[Lesingnon]

He had not quite expected Clarke to put the Reeve position up for grabs over an extended period of time, given the troubles yet faced by the Domain. But then again, it was because it had essentially been without an active Reeve for several months already that this trial had ever come to pass. And its greatest foe had still been toppled in that interval. Something that would, hopefully, continue to work in his favor.

He had wanted to be sure to speak to Jayant and Erika when the opportunity arose. But for now, it seemed, politics would have to take precedence. Wilhelm rose from his seat and made his way over to the Seneschal, greeting the Kindred with a polite and respectful nod of his head. "Seneschal Staley, you seem to have given Prince Clarke cause to have quite a bit of faith in you." Though the wording could perhaps be considered a bit ambiguous the tone made it clear that the sentence was a compliment. "And given his decree I felt it prudent to see if there was anything you wished to tell, or ask of, me."

[Phoenix]

Amos listened to the heated debated with detachment. It's not like he could make a good guess to wether the accusation were founded or not or on who would be the best kindred to serve the post.

He listened carefully to each word said. Then finally, the Prince declares the session closed and finished ... unless somebody has other grievances to present. And as the prince said, a celebration was in order. The Carthian were back in the city, which was good news. The stuff about the feeding rights, not so much. But it's allright, there would be time later for this.

[Premsyl]

Arnold tears the ridiculous wig from his head and leaves the podium, withdrawing to the dressing room where he disdainfully tosses the wig and robe in a heap on top of the box he had found it in.

O-Yama, predictably, had been easy enough to refute. The Samurai, obviously, had not thought far enough past his initial grievances to consider what the Reeve's own argument might be. He had been less prepared to face the questions of the newly appointed Regent and the Mekhet Priscus.

And then there was the matter of Dirge. Arnold's fists clenched in fury as he considered the pretty little haunt with her big words. He had called on her, simultaneously praising her in front of the entire Domain for her efforts, and she had used the opportunity to shit all over him. If she thought that this wouldn't return to her then she was indeed blind. For someone who was so notoriously easy to miss, she certainly had made powerful enemies.

Perhaps, if I am unseated, moving my Danse beyond the eye of the public would make it easier to avenge myself on my enemies?

One had to stay positive.

Moving back out into Court Arnold is stoic as ever. He approaches Heathcliff and Wilhelm and smiles "Hello Seneschal Staley. Priscus Von Schusten. It's truly a wonder to see so many so interested in the security of the Domain. It's really quite refreshing, especially after my letters were met with such a mediocre response."

Looking to Wilhelm he adds "Anyway, I wanted to let you know, Priscus, that there are no hard feelings between us. I know where your interests lie in this matter, and I know it is nothing personal."

Now to Heathcliff "Seneschal Staley, this is quite a development considering the conversation we had the night you atoned for your crime at the petting zoo. The Danse Macabre does indeed move back and forth. I'm quite eager to see what you do with this new power."

[Michael Hall]

Michael approaching Arnoud

With Court dismissed and now the possibility of Sheriff being one of four people, Michael is starting to wonder the state of the city considering it was in much more disarray than he thought. First it was O-Yama against the Reeve, now it was Dirge who also had a beef with Culler. Not that I'm exactly heart broken if he should lose the title. The less power the Invictus have the better but of course we need to play that attitude in a subtle manner.

Approaching Arnoud again he says "Well that was quite the debate, what are your thoughts on the matter..." he let's the last part trail off as he wonders now if Geissen will reclaim the title of Prefect now that the Carthians are back.

[West]

Erika Brady
Striking Looks •• (Green-eyed Irish redhead)
Mask of Tranquility

with Conner Greyson

Erika swivels to face Conner, straight-backed as ever.

"Good evening, Mr. Greyson. I wanted to speak to you about perhaps negotiating an arrangement," she said, waiting to see if he would be receptive.

Arnoud Giessen
Blood Potency ••

with Michael Hall

Arnoud smiled politely as the man continued to mercilessly probe him for weaknesses. Now that the ploy with the woman had failed, he was going to see which of the possible Sheriffs Arnoud was familiar with, or which one might be a possible ally against him. Clever, clever.

"I wouldn't presume to know more than the Prince, who seems to find all points equal," he replied carefully. No point in giving the man an easy accusation of treason.

"Actually this has all been a night of surprises... at least, to me. It will take some time to digest," he added, the hint of an apology. "Your family seems to be... quite active in Domain politics."

Two could fish.

[Heathcliff Staley]

The Seneschal answers both Von Schusten's praise and Culler's reminder/veiled insult/threat with the same weak smile and nod. He was sitting so close to Arnoud he had inadvertently mimicked the man's paranoia. Perhaps, given the current circumstances, this was not a bad thing. "Gentlemen," Heathcliff says as he stands from his seat to lead the two prospective Reeves toward a more private juncture, the good that it would do them amongst a lot of vampires. He motions for the attention of both Hatori and Heinz, that the last two candidates join them, all the while thinking, Who would know if one were listening in? Does the Priscus demand such respect from the Mekhet Clan that his brothers would not be curious and...let's say 'enterprising'?