Laws and Expectations

[Alessandra]

To say she was surprised would be an understatement. “That’s a great way of looking at it. I look forward to seeing how everyone dresses for it.” It’d be fun. “And scarfs sound like a good way to make sure everyone is included, just in case someone new shows up and all.” It happened.

Nodding, “I believe most can be deescalated by you, I’ve seen the positive reaction others have to you. So I don’t foresee a problem. Just remember that you have the support should you need it.”

Opening another folder, “Now, about those Laws you sent me, did you want to go over them? I have to be honest, that was the first time I saw them.” She says glancing down at them. “Which reminds me, I made mention at the Clan meeting about seeing the notice, and I have to apologize, it was buried on my desk.” A soft chuckle, “So I was in error. Though I can say that it won’t happen again, going to get a better system here.” With some amusement in her voice.

[Mable Wood]

"I know how busy you are. I should have texted you also. I will make sure to do so next time." Mable appreciated that Ale took the time to tel her she had found the notice, she didn't have too and it was appreciated.

"Thank you, I hope others react well to me. I try to keep situations deescalated. It is taking practice, but I feel I am improving. I have been trying yoga of all things." Mable chuckles lightly. She knows this makes her seem more hippy-like.

"Going over the laws would be awesome. I had assumed they were well known, but then I know things got weird before the past Prince left. You wouldn't happen to know why there were canisters of lemonade in the Keeper office would you?"

[Jacque]

Jacque's eyebrow popped into an arch at the mention of it being the first time she's seen Laws the Keeper sent her, "What Laws would those be?"

Nodding to Mable, "You're doing fine. You have a presence about you that naturally helps with that, and when it isn't enough the Archon and the Sheriff are there to help keep the Peace."

[Alessandra]

There was a small nod, “I am busy, but it’s not an excuse. I just wanted to make sure you knew I was in the wrong on that.” What? She could admit when she was wrong.

“Well, we all improve with practice. And you worked hard to prove yourself worthy of the position, so I know you’ll put in as much work in Court. But never be worried about asking for help, I’m there to support my officers when they need it. I might not always step in, because sometimes it’s best to learn from experience, but I’m there.” It wasn’t a sink or swim thing, more a chance to step into the position and not rely on the Prince to save them if it got difficult. An eyebrow raised, “Yoga? The bendy and stretchy thing you see in parks?” didn’t look like fun to her, but hell, whatever works.

She takes out a printed piece of paper as she shook her head, “I’ve never seen these, and I’ve been in the Domain for some time.” But they never had the train wrecks of Court before.

“Lemonade? Oh, that was the previous Keepers thing. Always seemed weird to me, but it was harmless.” Martha was nice, but odd.

“These Laws seem more about keeping things civil in Court, which I agree with. Lately things have gotten a but out of control with the attitudes and thoughtless behavior. So I see nothing wrong with posting these. We’re there any that you had questions or concerns about?”

Looking to Jack, she hands him the print out. “The Law’s aren’t bad, and might keep things more civil in Court.” Probably not, but you never know.

[Mable Wood]

"Thank you, your Grace. I appreciate the vote of confidence and support. I am resilient and flexible," Mable giggles at her double entranda. "Yes, the bendy stretchy thing. It's also about breathing, which seems weird for us, but the exercises do help center the mind."

"I was wondering if we could make sure the Laws are wording the way you would like them to be and maybe discuss each one and your expectations. I want to make sure we are all on the same page."

"I also have a delicate question... Since it has come up... Is there a specific way you would like me to handle it if one of the Court officers are the cause of the disruption?"

[Jacque]

Looking over the document Jacque mentioned, "I believe this is posted in your Elysium, but considering the subject pronouns it is a bit dated. We could perhaps roll it up into a section of your Domain Laws."

He smiled at Mable, "Don't worry, it is an excellent question that needs to be fleshed out." His hand softly flitting with his words, "It is written that the Prince may designate exceptions from the Laws of the Elysium, however I do not believe that the intent is to allow those individuals to make asses of themselves with impunity."

"For example, the situation between myself and my cousin had distinct fault on both sides. I responded to his behavior with anger and frustration, which only served to escalate him further into the foolish path he chose. Had there been a Keeper at the time, I imagine they may have engaged to either mediate or expel both of us as there was arguably not enough effort to maintain civility."

Resting his eyes on Mable, "For a situation like with your Whip, however, you need to evaluate and determine if one or both are serving as the principle aggressors. Merely engaging in a conversation that turns sour does not constitute an offense, but it is how people conduct themselves through the conversation that should guide your actions. Think back to the evening, Keeper Wood. Was one party's conduct more appropriate than the other? Or were they both failing to act in the respectful and gentile behavior that is expected of your guests?"

[Alessandra]

A nod, “Well, I’m glad you’ve found something that works for you.” Her words genuine.

“Most of these,” gesturing to the paper, “should be common sense. But, as we’ve seen as of late, common sense is in short supply. I see nothing wrong with the wording, beside the obvious use of He.” But that was obvious.

“I would hope none of my officers would be the cause of the disruption and would know better. But, things happen.” No one was perfect. “Though I would ask and consider, what constitutes a disruption? A simple disagreement? A raising of voices? A threat of violence?” she asks. “I would say a raising of voices, and a warning should be given. To both involved. If the matter is not settled, then both can leave. But I expect my officers to hold themselves to a higher standard and not engage to the point of causing a disruption. And I’ll make sure I make that clear to each officer.” Dark eyes moving from Mable to Jack. Might as well start with them. “Though I think you will learn when deescalating situations, there is no room for loyalties to Clan or Covenant. The Laws have to applied fairly and justly to each involved.” It’s why she couldn’t play favorites.

Back to Jack, “That would be a good way to make sure they are seen. Perhaps we also make sure each Priscus has a copy of the Laws and goes over them with their Clan as well. I’m sure this won’t be the first Domain where someone simply skims the Laws and moves on.” Though that would be on them if they broke a Law.

“It certainly isn’t.” she agrees with Jack with a chuckle. “An officer of the Court should know the Laws and display appropriate behavior in Court. But should I decide someone is exempt from the Laws, I will make sure I let you know Keeper Wood. I do not intend to change things without talking with you and keeping you in the loop at all times.” They needed to be on the same page.

[Mable Wood]

"Jack, if you really want my response, both were failing to act respectful in different ways. But both managed to disengage before getting to far out of hand. I appreciated that. And see it as no harm done."

Mable then turned to the Prince. "I was trying to figure out if say the Harpy does something wrong or the Sheriff for example. Are they completely exempt or do they need to be reminded that the behavior is not acceptable. If it escalates I am assuming I would turn to you since they are your court officials. Would this be correct procedure?"

[Jacque]

"Keeper Wood," an emphasis placed on her title to subtly remind her to use his own as appropriate. "Please refresh my memory. At what point did I do or say anything more than passively correct your cousin when he tried to put words in my mouth and calmly and politely point out where he was making vast assumptions with information he could not have?"

His eyes sat squarely on Mable's features for her response while calmly adding, "The entire conversation I was pursuing his perspective so I could understand the perceived slight and work towards a better working relationship with a better understanding of him. He vehemently refused to explain how holding everyone to the same standards was offensive to him. My refusal to just give him the Minor boon he was seeking without that understanding is what drove him to the brink of rage. That is a bit excessive, even for the stereotypes of your blood."

Shaking his head, "No, I believe that most of all, he was upset that I was unmoved by his attempts to intimidate me with his growling and posturing. Perhaps he saw me as a coward that would submit to his demands at the first sign of aggression and when he discovered he was wrong, his beast became unstable."

Looking back to the Prince, "I am not sure if it is envy or just a lack of self control from others but I am growing tired of the incessant prodding that has come from most every conversation I've had in these social gatherings since the night with my cousin. I approached my conversation differently with Mister Madcap, remaining passive and seeking better understanding of his point of view yet the result was the same. I even ignored his highly inappropriate slights of calling me an honor-less Weasel and a Gnat and allowed the Keeper to handle it as she saw fit instead of allowing my engagement in that to be distorted as participation in some kind of dick measuring."

Shrugging his shoulders, "So pray tell, what could I do differently, short of just giving anyone Prestation that wants it for any imagined slight? I would like to avoid the embarrassment of being thrown out by the Keeper because someone else can't control their temper or simply want nothing more than to measure dicks since your desire is to have both parties thrown out for such occurrences."

Please cite post sources and keep in mind that per my minisheet:
Goes by Jack. Has never introduced himself to anyone as Jacque.
Educated, scholarly, lawyer, scientist.
Jack's outward demeanor and tone are a baseline of respectful and calculated.
He actively debates, persuades, negotiates and even at time tries to intimidate, as core skills of any lawyer worth his salt.

Also, Jack is observing for deception/if she really feels Jack was being disrespectful to Madcap

  3 successes

Date		Action		Roll		Result
2019-06-08 12:54:07		Jacque rolls 7 to detect lies/deception from Mable (WIT+SUB+DS) (10 Again)		3, 8, 3, 4, 2, 10, 10, 2, 6		3 successes

[Alessandra]

An eyebrow raises, “I’m curious, how was Herald Jack and Mr Madcap both being disrespectful?” she need to see where Mable’s head was at in the matter.

Shaking her head, “No one is exempt from the Laws of Elysium. Feel free to remind them if needed.” She didn’t hold anyone above the Laws. “You can certainly contact me if you wish, or Archon Twist. But the other officers should respect your position and accept if you decide to remind them of where they are.” But she could see how it might be better to have the Prince step in.

Oh, they were back to this song and dance. Though it being with Madcap this time and not Arturo was interesting. Though she did have to wonder what was the driving point behind the clashes? Was she missing something?

For the moment, she was quiet, listening, and watching the two. But in the back of her head, she wanted to know what the sudden hard-on for Boons was. While she understood the reason for them, she didn’t see the need to offer them at every perceived slight. She had an assumption about Madcap, but she kept it to herself for now.

But seems she was going to have to speak, “What the Kindred of the Domain need to learn is that officers are my Court are do be treated with respect. Name calling is simply petty and childish and speaks more for the character of him than you. But I will not tolerate disrespect of my officers in Court.” She looks to Mable, “Rather it be from a Cousin, Covenant member, or other officer, it is not to be tolerated.” And it needed to stop.

Oh how she wished she was drunk.

“I believe that the Kindred who raised their voice is the one who should be escorted out. These Laws,” she taps the folder, “state that a visitor shall not raise their voice and use coarse language. This give you the answer as to who should be removed.” It was cut and dry to her.