Transitioning

[Jacque]

The Lord nodded, "I do not disagree. It was designed well and quite detailed. Given the variables in play at the time of its original writing, I can see quite clearly the merits of why it was written as such and ratified by the then Judex. With that in mind, I have no qualm with you or any other sworn by that Oath to choose to retain it as written. I am referring to the future."

He leaned back as she looked to him with inquiry, "My frustration was that I could not simply *act* in the best interests of the Invictus or the Domain- even as Seneschal. The Breach was only one of many examples where reason and rationale would lead to the conclusion that the mortal would need to be handled, yet even though the Seneschal of Sacramento herself asked me to do so I simply could not and had to be vigilant in making sure that each of my actions would not constitute a conflict of my Oath. Even with her expressed permission, if the situation evolved I would then be just as shackled to address new variables without an expressed revision of permission from the Prince." He waved his hand off in a signal to digress, "The bottom line is that I believe the Invictus should be sworn to the Invictus and the advancement of the First Estate's interests. Just as the Prince did not want me both as Seneschal and Judex, I do not feel it is necessary for each of our membership to be sworn to the city any more than any other covenant. If the Prince feels someone such as Mister Heinrich are risks without such an oath and then she and the Seneschal are both very capable of handling those situations on a case by case basis. For my purposes, I only need to know if someone intends to plot against the Unconquered from within."

"Good to hear," the Lord nodded with an approving smile. "I personally enjoy a highly engaged Seneschal, though there will be times when the Prince will... forget you are there to serve in certain capacities. Gentle reminders are an art I'm sure you'll master."

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Jennifer nods slightly to show that she was actively listening. She had worked on the Oath with the Judex, former Prince Asa Clarke. She agreed somewhat with what Jack spoke.
"That could be something that we could discuss." She looks at Jack for a moment.
"You require that the Oath that all members of the First Estate swear should be changed to swear loyalty to the First Estate. A change from the current Oath where the First Estate swears loyalty to the Prince, and to follow her Laws." Jennifer clarified, to ensure that she knew exactly what Jack would require her to change.

"The transition of power," Jennifer detailed. "- that you believe I should know to serve her Grace, the Alder Prince, properly. I would like to discuss the Reeve Helen Kingsley. I do not believe I was sent any information from you on what the Oath entailed.
What was the nature of the conversation with Reeve Kingsley?
Were there other matters that you were addressing?"

[Jacque]

The Lord nodded in confirmation, "That is correct."

Another nod at shift in topic, "Ah yes, the final matter in our transition." The Lord rose and opened the armoire, producing a quality sheet of parchment with blood still wet from loyalty. As he returned to his desk, he set the sheet in front of Jennifer so that she may read it.

"The conversation was fairly straightforward as I recall. She had some questions about the difference between the Hound and the Reeve's responsibilities. There were also so concerns regarding the finality of capital punishment but the manner in which it was discussed left me confident that if she had to do it for the proper reasons that she would act on her duties," only a brief pause, "If it was ever her duty to do so." That was when they had a Hound, at least. "I had no qualm with the questions she had and it left me with the impression she was going to take her responsibilities seriously. I did make sure to impress upon her the importance of regular updates. I did receive this..." he opened a drawer and pulled out a file with three envelopes of notes. "I assume you have the same from her given the timing. It was very close to our transition so I believe she wanted to make sure all bases were covered."

"I believe those were the only outstanding items."

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Jennifer took a moment to visualize the change of wording to the Oath. She nods agreeable to Jack, signalling her agreement.
"I shall write that presently."

Jennifer read the Oath carefully. Her brown eyes found Jack's as she completed reading the Oath.
"I can understand the caution around that. Having taking part in the resolution of the criminals with her Grace, the Alder Prince, it does remind one of our eternal Danse's limitations.

"I am quite pleased with the Reeve's performance. There has been a lot of hubbub going on and I believe that she has enlisted assistance to address every loose end.
Yes, I have receieved reports. I have scheduled a meeting with the Reeve to go over what is currently on her plate. If she requires assistance, I hope she will tell me then.
I was rather impressed by Priscus Baker's handling of the prisoners. The one exception being requiring my aid to get them inside in the first place.
I believe that we shall have the future scenarios buttoned up with the changes that we have discussed."

[Jacque]

"Indeed," the finality of it all, even though we dream ourselves immortals. "It took a few months for her to settle in, but I am too. So far one of the better we've had in the last handful of years."

The Lord nodded, "An unusual scenario. I wonder what happened with Mister Wells that night. Thankfully I was available to at least resolve the breach. I would have been concerned with his addiction to our blood but with no chance to encounter the source in the future it should wear off with time without further incident."

"Were there any other matters you wished to discuss?"

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Jennifer gave a slight nod to show that she was actively listening. "Yes, it did. Reeve Kingsley has taken initiative in solving the investigations promptly. I appreciate that. " Jennifer agreed.

"It was a strange situation. Priscus Baker is not the ideal candidate to escort several combative prisoners, yet I am glad that it worked out. Yes. I plan on looking around to see if he is enmeshed in an investigation. Mister Wells was helping in the Forten situation. Yet for him to miss Formal Court," A small shake of the head. "- suggests something more dire than whatever I could imagine occuring with the tasks that were assigned to Mister Wells.
No, I have no other matters to discuss this evening."

[Jacque]

He rose, a signal of esteem for his guest this evening. "It was a pleasure as always, Seneschal. Please enjoy the rest of your evening,"