|
Leila Zaki:
Leila had texted her sire the night before, the father figure she goes to for all her advice. She subtly texted too late in the night to be able to handle it that night so she would have time to prepare mentally.
And as such, she arrived not too terribly long after sunset at his home. So early was possible because they lived in the same section of the city. And of course, she knocked.
Alexander Tarek:
The timing was...curious, but Alexander didn't question it at the time. When the knock rang through the door the elder Shadow answered it in short order, giving her a brief once-over to ensure that she was not injured or the like before moving aside to let her in. "Come in. Everything is alright, I hope?"
Leila Zaki:
She wasn't hurt, at least none that still persisted that he could see.
"Yes, I am quite alright, abi."
She steps in and takes her shoes off, all lady like.
"I just wanted some of your advice, if that is alright."
Alexander Tarek:
"Of course." He nodded, leading her into the living room area so they could sit and talk. "What troubles you?"
Leila Zaki:
She follows along, having lived here for two years meant she gathered where he may be going, and follows suit, sitting down on the couch.
"Less troubling. More so wishing to know if the decision my heart favors is a wise one. Dame Knight Morrigan and Vincent both reached out to me after the Circle's gathering on the Equinox."
Alexander Tarek:
Cue a curious arch of the eyebrow. "Is that so...what did you discuss?"
Leila Zaki:
A hesitation. He can deel her apprehension building.
"They are both unsatisfied with the state of the First Estate within Philadelphia. They consider it too old and noninclusive for their tastes. In their own words, of course."
She hesitates, not finishing the thought yet
Alexander Tarek:
"I would agree with them on that front." He nodded quietly, watching as her hesitation grew. "I take it they discussed how they would change that going forward?"
Leila Zaki:
"Yes. And acknowledge I have a love for structure and order in my routine."
A nod before a deep breath, not needed by the young neonates lungs.
"Dame Knight Morrigan asked if I were interested in such changes to the local First Estate."
Alexander Tarek:
There had been an inkling in the Mekhet's mind of where exactly this conversation was heading, and as Leila finally voiced it he sat back in his seat, watching her for a long moment. "I see." He finally offered, his tone neutral. "How do you feel about the idea yourself?"
Leila Zaki:
Leila doesn't like the neutral. This wasn't a scripted conversation and now she was maybe a tad worried.
"Intrigued. I am not good at people and connections. The Invictus are, which is very useful should a Strix make an appearance. And it would give me a chance to influence them should the goal be to replace Family Wright, which is a logical conclusion from Dame Knight Juliet's goals of making the Invictus more inclusive. Harold Wright is not known for his inclusivity."
Alexander Tarek:
"Do you believe they would respect your opinions, or simply use you as a 'diversity hire' to use the more modern term?"
Leila Zaki:
"Juliet seemed glad to have more members to join her cause. As well as I could start on the outside if I wished and then work my way in if I were still interested. Like a cloister would."
A pause.
"And Vincent doesn't know I am making this decision, but as Vincent is, seemed excited to offer that I would make a good member of the Invictus. My first loyalty is of course remaining to you and the Crone."
Alexander Tarek:
Alexander nodded, looking her over. "I have my own feelings about the Invictus, as you know. If you feel like you can bring change to an otherwise static organization then I say it is worth the effort."
Leila Zaki:
"I am aware, but I do hope to make a change. Cause them to be less static, as you said."
A pause.
"You would support me, then? In my attempt at this?"
Alexander Tarek:
"I trust your judgement." He replied with a quiet smile. "If you feel it is a good path for you to walk then I will support it."
Leila Zaki:
She nods, switching to the language that, to their knowledge, just they know in the city.
"Thank you, dad. I will do my best to make you proud."
Alexander Tarek:
"I know you will." He replied in kind, the smile still in place.
Leila Zaki:
She nods her head. Back in English.
"I believe that is all I had...unless you would like to continue talking about this."
Alexander Tarek:
"I am curious of what her ultimate plan may be for the covenant here, I will admit. She seems an...interesting sort."
Leila Zaki:
She looks curious.
"I would like to know your trepidations so I may also look out for them."
Alexander Tarek:
"Her discussion with Lethia during the eclipse gathering was my first proper introduction to her, and that was a curious exchange in my opinion."
Leila Zaki:
"It was, yes. I had forgotten most of it. The dance at first was...rather embarassing. But it was better in time "
Alexander Tarek:
"Getting into sync with someone can be a process, especially if they move to their own rhythm. I would say that Vincent is certainly such a man."
Leila Zaki:
"Indeed. It does not help that I am not a fantastic dancer. It was certainly easier when we had a common song to dance to."
Alexander Tarek:
"You seemed to enjoy yourself once you got into the groove, though." He said with a small smile.
Leila Zaki:
"I believe I did, yes. It was nice once I could fully focus on it."
Alexander Tarek:
"Good to hear." He nodded quietly. "How do you think he'll take your stepping in with the covenant?"
Leila Zaki:
"Well. He commented on it already, he thought I would make a good member of the Invictus. I did not comment as to my intentions as I wanted to speak to you first."
Alexander Tarek:
He gave another nod, watching Leila for a moment. "I hope this step forward serves you well, and with any luck makes the so-called Unconquered here a little less like those I remember."
Leila Zaki:
She sits rather still, seemingly maybe a bit anxious, but most of it has passed.
"I hope so as well. I remember stories you have told of them. Please do not think I made this decision lightly, abi. I hope it gives me connections I need and I can in turn direct the Unconquored towards a less...outdated path."
Alexander Tarek:
"I do not, no. You think things through, and as I said, if you think this is a good path for you I hope that it proves you right."
Leila Zaki:
She nods, pausing.
"Would you be willing to play a game of chess?"
Alexander Tarek:
Alexander watched her for a moment before smiling softly, having a good idea of what the request truly was. "I would, yes."
Leila Zaki:
She nods, getting up and claiming the board, beginning to set up the pieces.
"I've started being able to beat Amira more at this. Perhaps I will win this time."
|