[OPEN] SOUTHWARK TERRITORY CLAIM

[baisant]

[ooc note: this is an open post for jean-claude's move on the territory of southwark. there are many threads within, some closed, some open. even if your character may not have participated in the claim itself, there is still opportunity for them to participate either talking to jean-claude before or after the claim, or just celebrating their victory with them! if you have any questions pleas private message me or private plurk me on lycanthropy101!]

Comments

[longterm]

Cesare smirks, sitting down on one of the couches and swinging his arms backwards to rest on the back cushions to get comfortable.

"Nothing underhand, I hope?" Although from the way he says it, it's pretty clear that he's not averse to clandestine dealings. Cesare has been around for a while and doesn't have a particularly pure or innocent history. When it comes to factions, houses and alliances, he more than understands that sometimes under the table negotiations are in order.

[baisant]

The look Jean-Claude gives Cesare in return makes it very clear that he knows the other man is not opposed to making less than savory deals with people far less reputable than Jean-Claude himself, thank you very much.

He moves to take a seat himself, his movement far more careful and poised than the other man. He was trained in the old French courts, after all, it is hard to beat some of the old court habits out of himself. Like putting on a pretty face no matter what.

"I would not insult you to suggest that you did not already have some notion as to why I might not want a gathering of my people being public knowledge amongst all of our kind," he says instead, rather pointedly.

[longterm]

Cesare shrugs as if he doesn't understand Jean-Claude's statement, but his words are a different matter.

"The faction is splitting," he says calmly. "Although I must admit, I'm not all that surprised. Certain leaders can be...polarizing." Personally, Cesare is fascinated by it. Raymond Harris is a hoot and Cesare is old enough that he enjoys a good change every so often. The drama that he's causing is great to watch.

[baisant]

Jean-Claude inclines his head at the other vampire in response to his words. "How very tactfully put, mon ami," he replies. "Polarizing is certainly one way of putting it. Raymond Harris has promoted open slaughter in the streets. You and I both know that such a thing will not last. Even if no one within our own faction does anything, it is only a matter of time before the city unites against us."

He tilts his head at Cesare. "I do not know about you, mon ami, but I would rather not let things progress to that level. Again."

[longterm]

Cesare pouts a little, deliberately playing devil's advocate just to tease.

"You are far more diplomatic at your core than I am, Jean-Claude." After all, Cesare is not a man who's spent his life earning his power through the consent of others. Most of his time his power has either been given to him by his contacts or in a deal, or he's snatched it. He doesn't have a strong history in playing fair with other people, but instead in silencing them. This could easily be seen as another opportunity for that.

"We've both been in wars before. If another happens, what makes you think we might not win?"

[baisant]

Jean-Claude inclines his head at the other man. He does not doubt that he is more diplomatic than Cesare is. That is why Jean-Claude is vying for the leadership of the nest, while Cesare is more content to manipulate the people in power into giving him what he wants. He understands and even respects this in the other man, really. They had spent some time together, back when Jean-Claude had first been released from Belle Morte's grasp, after all. But that sort of life, that sort of mentality. It wasn't for him, in the end.

"We, mon ami?" Jean-Claude hazards. Is Cesare alluding to where his allegiances lie then?

[longterm]

Cesare can perhaps see where this conversation is going. Unfortunately he's not going to make it quite that easy. If Jean-Claude wants to form some sort of understanding or allegiance, he's going to need to put more on the table, or at least be open to offers. Cesare doesn't come for free.

"Yes," he answers as if the reply is obvious. "Us, the vampires of Islington Nest. We've outlived a plenitude of witches and wolves. What makes you think we can't do it again?"