Shadows (Attn: Leigh,Elle,Reed,Shadow)

Shadow's statement stopped Leighanne in her tracks she could leave it was her choice that calmed her enough that she thought over everything the woman had said she looks at her "OK then maybe you are right, maybe I will see what you can do to help me, but I'm warning you if anyone threatens me in anyway I am so outta here what ever happened to me doesn't like to be threatened or trapped at all and your little helpers need to learn that or they may get hurt if they approach everyone the way they approached me." with that she sat back in the chair and looked at Shadow once more "Maybe I will take that drink after all I'm feeling a bit better maybe I can hold it down."

The tall man comes into the room and places a tall glass on the table next to Leighanne.

Shadow nods. "Good. Drink and relax. I have something I must attend to at the moment. I will be back shortly to check on you and we can talk more about people threatening you then. I will also figure out who would be best to help you. Feel free to roam the house if you wish."

With that, she turns and walks down the hall entering the library where everyone was waiting for her.

"My apologies for making you wait. The young are sometimes more difficult then we expect. Now, Nicolo, since you were the one suggesting a new Harpy for us, I would like to know whom you have in mind for the position."

Leighanne watches Shadow leave the room and she picks up the drink smelling it before putting it to her lips the coppery scent fills her nostrils and and she revels in the smell for a brief moment before downing the entirety of the glass before putting it back on the table.

Getting up she looks around the room she is currently in she decided to head out of the room and down the hall peaking her head in different rooms as she walks she finds one that has a bed in it deciding she wants to do something normal she walks in and sits on the bed a feeling of exhaustion washing over her she lies down on the bed and wills herself to sleep as if nothing has changed and her world hasn't been turned upside down.

Elle looks at Nicolo, having told Shadow at the Court that she believed that Rahyna should remain their harpy.

Neil kept his face impassive unsure of what Nicolo would say but ready to offer support if he brought up a good point.

"Madame Seneschal -- forgive us for taking you away from your duties. I wish you'd let us know so we could have rescheduled. Let me get to my points so everyone can have their say and we can reach a conclusion quickly."

Nicolo did not sit but paced and gestured as he spoke, his eyes animated and passionate. "It is my understanding it is not a necessity that this city's Primogen Council retains a Harpy. After doing some research, I'm not even sure why a Harpy is even necessary for the tasks we have been assigned. If we are to serve the Prince in an advisory position in matters of policy, I am really at a loss as to what we could possibly need an appointed Harpy for.

From what I know, a Harpy is basically a fashionista. A trend-setter. A Kindred elite who is up on who's who of the city and is able to make or break someone's reputation with a whisper of gossip.

The Prince may need his own Harpy for public relations work. In that instance, He can utilize the position to sway public opinion this way or that, but frankly, that is not our job. Our job is to watch for the reality of public opinion, not the manufactured version, and advise His Highness how best he might cope with it.

Finally, the least possible effective Harpy is an appointed Harpy. People see them as propaganda tools or even shills for the Prince or the group that has hired them. A truly effective Harpy attains their influence and position unofficially by their own popularity and the power it brings them, being more respected for it.

Nothing against dear Rayhna -- I am sure she is a lovely girl. But I don't truly believe this council requires a Harpy, and if it did, I'm not convinced that appointing one is the route we would want to take. I'm also not entirely sure having her serve as both the Harpy and the Daeva Pricus is not a conflict of interest."

Nicolo stopped talking and faced the room. "What say you? Have you any thoughts?"

Elle's jaw drops, horrifed.

She doesnt say anything, politely waiting for Shadow to speak.

"Elle? Why do you look so horrified? Have I said something to offend you, il mio caro?" Nicolo grinned. "Surely, the Prince had some good reason for choosing you as one of his most trusted and wise advisors. You must have some sort of opinion you can share. Don't be shy now. It's never seemed to be an issue for you in the past..."

A small smile appeared on Neil's lips as he sees Elle speechless for the first, and probablt last, time "Well..." Neil paused as he considered his words carefully "You certainly bring up interesting points, and while I may argue certain specifics I think you may be right in the conflict of interest. I may be wrong but I'm not sure if our harpy should be a Pricus of any clan" He looked at the others taking in their responses so he could plan his next move.

"I'm sorry, Madame Seneschal. You addressed those statements to me, let me have my rebuttal before turning it over to someone else. I did explain to you the difference between the Prince's Harpy and the Primogen's Harpy. There should be one person controlling His Highness' PR. We should not have our own PR. We are simply advisors to The Crown, not our own entity to indulge in our own press.

If Karsh needs an extra set of hands, let him have an assistant Harpy so that he may control the press and make sure it's consistent, rather than having it come from two different sources and risk it being contradictory and making His Highness look foolish and weak.

If the populace needs to speak with us, do not put a layer in between us and them. Let them come directly to us. I do not see the wisdom in making things more complicated, making them jump through hoops, or risking their concerns be muddied by an "interpreter" put between us and them.

If you need a private secretary, then hire one.

If you want to continue to work with Rayna, then do so. No one is stopping you. But I maintain, I do not think we need a Harpy."

Nicolo's eyes flashed dark as he maintained his focus on the Seneschal.

Nicolo stands his ground, folds his arms over his chest, gives her half a smirk, and prepares himself to listen.

Neil looks to the others, considering what he has heard. One thing was certain with the exception of Nicolo the others seemed adamant on keeping Rhayna and this was not a battle he felt needed to be fought. He looks at Nicolo for a moment before shaking his head "Well as I said before some stability in the time of change may be useful and I have heard nothing but praise. So unless anyone can give a solid reason against her my vote remains as I stated at the meeting."

The prince told us to select a harpy, not to make our own decision on whatever the fuck we want. Perhaps you didnt not hear his instructions because you were too busy cuddling up to Bella. It is completely insane to go against the princes wishe's. I would just love to see what the Prince thought of you blatantly ignoring his instructions as your first act as a Primogen. It is not our job to decide whether or not we need a Harpy, it's our job to pick who it is.

If the fireworks werent enough warning? I think we are all very lucky that the rest of us are more apt to follow the instructions of our prince.


Rahyna. That is my vote.

She says, leaning back in her chair.

I certainly do not have the power, I was just mentioning what could happen. But, as you wish Lady Shadow, I will choose my words with the utmost care and diligence so we do not have a repeat of the current situation. she nods.

I have nothing else that needs to be addressed... Elle comments, rising.

Nicolo smiled. It never occurred to Elle that he had spoken to His Highness privately and had already secured permission to not fill the position of Harpy if they so chose. But she was such a hopped-up little fool, she would rather jump to conclusions than ask a simple question. Or maybe she just needed a fix... How the Prince ever thought she could keep her mind straight enough to make even the simplest of decisions or recommendations was beyond him. And already she seemed to be making careless mistakes simply bringing in a neonate. Well, there you had it; the shining jewel of the Primogen Council... The Crown must be swelling with pride.

It was obvious he was to be a loan wolf among pups on leashes. And again he wondered what he was doing here. Why was he wanted to actually think when it was obvious they just wanted a Council that would rubber stamp the status quo? Well, nothing could be done about it now.

"I appreciate you all hearing me out. I'm sure Rayhna will continue to make a fine Harpy. I have nothing else either so I will bid you all a sera fine. Madame Seneschal, would you like me to wait while you finish with your other business? We can take care of your confession here if you like?"

Elle rises and heads out, nodding to Neil, Erica, and casting Nicolo a slight glare, hating a smug look on anyones face, the girl loathing being out of the loop.

"I'm so sorry to hear that. In that case, I wish you much patience and peace." He smiled at her genuinely, gave her a wink and headed toward the door, anxious to make sure the 430 was OK, having not left her in anyone's hands.

Neil left with only a few words of farewell he was not sure how he felt about tonight but he knew he needed to speak with Nicolo, he would do that soon but for now he had other plans. Hoping in his car he drove off thinking about his next step.