The Board of Directors - Marrisa

[Ac1ds0ld13r]

Julie shrugged. "I imagined as much. I am flattered, but much like the Prince's ideas for this new Elysium I have some very specific criteria. One of which, is being well removed from interlopers. The kind an Elysium in the same building as my haven would attract." She had a point. If your hotel was accepted as an Elysium, while that would have some excellent benefits for havening there, it also meant your haven, and your unlife, would be under scrutiny far more than they would normally be. "And to be frank, I was thinking more of a loft. I would prefer something smaller. Easier to secure, and more private. Do you think you could find something? Admittedly Pietra and Lars are better at these kinds of things, but I had you in mind when I voiced my wishes at the meeting."

[dejavue]

"I think so." I nodded at her and smiled at her friendly. "There are a few things I would need to know before I start looking." I pulled out my Ipod ready to take notes. "Do you have a particular area or areas that you would like to look at? Location after all is everything. Also do you prefer high rises, or more simple buildings? As you already said security is very important as is privacy." I was already jotting down a few places that I knew of to begin with.

[Ac1ds0ld13r]

She nodded. "For this one I think I'd like something in the Meatpacking District, or SoHo. Though I would prefer the Meatpacking District." She thought for a second. "Either one works for layout. I'm not picky. The haven itself doesn't need to be huge. I just need a secondary." She crossed her legs under the table and rested an elbow on her chin and pursed her lips thinking. "Something with other people in the building isn't out of the question."

You knew Pietra and Lars both had substantial portions of SoHo for themselves, as well as some of the younger Toreador. The Meatpacking District, which is the GLBT community capitol in NYC was almost completely controlled by the Toreador after a decade of pushing hard to change the area. That would get you pointed in the right direction at least.

[dejavue]

"I'm flattered that you would give me this chance Julie." It was a genuine response and completely heartfelt. I needed as many friends and allies as I could get and this was another moment where I had that chance. "But why me? I mean as you said yourself Lars and Pietra have tons more experience in this." I suddenly realized how I might be sounding a bit nervous and suspicious and quickly continued on, "Oh please don't think I'm not grateful, I am. I'm just a tad bit curious is all."

[Ac1ds0ld13r]

Julie's response was frank, "I already owe Pietra and Lars a few boons and I'm just not inclined to put myself further into debt with either of them. You on the other hand come boon free. After all, you get plenty of status out of making this work, and I get what I want. Seems a fair compromise, wouldn't you agree?"

She had a point. You would stand to look really good if you managed to do this, and given Julie had more status than you it was rather unbecoming of you to expect a boon in the first place. If she wanted to she could probably argue you owed her a boon for the opportunity to gain status by helping her. Which would suck. The way it stood though it was a fair deal.

[dejavue]

I nodded, "Very fair and totally understandable. And since we have this moment to speak in private, would you mind telling me what it is exactly what sort of preparations need to be made for the transition from hotel to Elysium?" I sat back and flipped through the internet on my Ipod looking for any potential havens for Julie.

[Ac1ds0ld13r]

Julie looked up in thought then responded, "I think Kelly, the Toreador. She's His Majesty's Keeper of Elysium would be a fine place to start. I know there are security concerns, both safety-wise and considerations for the Masquerade. If you look the most prominent Elysiums are places we can speak freely. Conducting business is easier when we can mention positions and names and clans. I would imagine you'll also have to consider events. All kinds. Take The Society of Nod for example. They're constantly hosting events as well as the Tremere. It falls to the Keeper to manage those events." She thought a little longer. "Nigel might also be a good source of information. He works closely with Kelly so he might have some ideas. I've never filled the role however, so I'm speculating. I'm sure there's quite a bit more to it than that. I've only been in the city a few years and Kelly has stepped down once from the position only to be appointed again a year later. I'm told that happens quite often. A good Keeper of Elysium will hold the position a few times in a short amount of time. John likes her though, and she's renowned as a Keeper here in the US. I know she's managed at least one conclave for John, and I believe he took her to one in Brussels a decade or so ago to assist with one there."

That left you with more questions than answers. Still, it was a good starting point.

"Come to think of it maybe some of the Society could give you some ideas for what they look for?" She finished.

[dejavue]

I listened to everything she said, making mental notes of who to contact. Kelly was my first choice as to who to contact first. As a former and current Keeper herself it only made sense to start there. Nigel was fairly approachable, he would be second if for no other reason than to get a good understanding of the security I would need. The Society was last on my list. Some were more approachable then the others and easier to work with. I would have to play those cards carefully. Whereas Julie wasn't asking for a boon, there was no guarantee that one of them wouldn't. Lars was another that I could speak with. Having known John for so long, he would have a good understanding of what John himself required beyond the obvious one already pointed out by Julie.

"I appreciate the input Julie. And now that I have a better understanding of the task I have taken on, I have at least a rough outline of where to start. Speaking of tasks, I think I have a few leads on possible havens for you, but I would like to inspect them myself before showing you. If you would give me a contact number I'd be happy to let you know as soon as I find something for you to see."

[Ac1ds0ld13r]

Julie wrote down a number onto a scrap of paper, tore it off and handed it to you. "That's my personal line. If you need any help or have something you want to show me I can be reached there. I've never been one of these Kindred who hang out in Elysium all night so unless something major is going on I won't likely be there." She smiled as she handed it to you. "I'm really looking forward to working with you."

Julie sat back and smoothed the jacket out on her suit. For the first time she seemed a little uncomfortable in it. "Did you need or want anything else dear? I haven't fed tonight and would like to get something before my next meeting." Her tone wasn't unpleasant, nor rude, but merely straight forward.

[dejavue]

I took the number she gave me and placed it in my pocket, "Seems we have something in common.. I've never been big on the whole Elysium scene myself." I stood up and checked to make sure I had everything in hand, "But don't let me keep you from dinner. I should have a place or two for showing soon enough. In fact I already have an idea where to start looking." I was about to turn and start walking when I thought of one more thing to ask, "I do have one more little question, if you were me, how would you address the situation with Fiona? I don't mean to sound so naive, but you have known her far longer then I have."