mission ♔ can't rise above this place

[behindcloseddoors]

WHO || Francesca, Arthur, Ethan, Mayor Vladimir Kotko [closed]
WHAT || The mayor's kept them waiting forEVER, but finally arrived to talk to the Knights about this conflict
WHERE || The Municipal Building / Private offices of the mayor, Magadan, Russia
WHEN || Thurs, March 29th.
HOW || Actionspam, don't sweat tag order.

An endless parade of excuses has kept the Knights waiting patiently (or not so patiently) within the confines of the municipal building, for when the Mayor "returns" - a date that's been pushed off and pushed off. At least it's given Sir Bancroft's team more time to search the seemingly endless tunnels below the city and mountains - and discover what Thomas and Christos believe to be the linking points necessary for the drow to enter Magadan, or the sun elf city. It's only a matter of preparing their demolition, and as of yet, the humans have not made a move.

Of course now that the mayor's returned, possibly with plans from higher up to take care of the problem, it's all the more crucial to have this meeting, and ensure the Russians don't ignite a bloodbath.

Mayor Vladimir Kotko is a stocky man of middling height and middling hairline, with a circumference of wiry black hair picked out along his jawline. His eyes are dark and quick, though his smile comes easily as he removes his gloves and places them on the desk, rising to receive the Knights. It's telling, perhaps, that he holds out his hand towards Ethan, with an eye on Arthur, however, rather than directing it onto Francesca, the actual diplomat in charge here.

"I cannot express enough how sorry I am for the waiting," he effuses in incredibly thickly accented Russian. It's apparent that English isn't exactly a strong point for him. "Many important matters of state called, and I could not return at an earlier convenience."

Comments

[socialgraces]

Not with me of course, but with other members of our organization, yes. The progressive attitude of your city has been very much appreciated. It is the 21st century, after all, you think the world would be able to move past such bigotry. [She's challenging him to openly admit his actions are fueled by racism, and even if that's not the reason, she's hoping the statement will throw him off a bit. After a half-second of intimidating eye contact, she shrugs breaking her gaze.] But then something like this springs up and everyone quickly forgets all the strides Shadowkind have made. [She looks and sounds s-so offended by the injustice of this whole situation (Acting check 28; Bluff check 31) and she expertly turns that outrage into sincere sympathy for the mayor.] But then again, it's not so fair to you either, is it? What a sensitive situation for a leader to be in. How do you stand strong and protect your people from the drow without creating a misguided bias against a whole race as result?

But that's why we're here. As an third party we can work as mediator in this whole dispute. Our goal is to end this crisis with as little bloodshed as possible, and we hope finding a peaceful conclusion will in turn foster progressive moves towards Shadowkind assimilation and tolerance in the near future. [We only have noble and just motivations, says her tone (and Diplomacy check of holy fuck 40). We're only looking out for your best interests ;)]

[behindcloseddoors]

[ He certainly doesn't look ready to admit any such thing, but his eyes do dart away, a slight flush creeping up his cheeks at the accusation.

With a diplomacy check that high, he would eat cat poop right here right now if she told him to. So when he raises his gaze towards them all again, there's a new light in them.]

It hardly seems possible ... that your timing would be so fortuitous, but perhaps it is some sort of miracle. Our efforts alone have been rebuffed left and right... you can't imagine the situation this places me in. [He removes a hanky from his pocket, patting sweat off his face.]

But... perhaps we have been too hasty in thinking peace still impossible to achieve.

[socialgraces]

Sometimes it helps to have an outside perspective. [She offers him an encouraging smile.] You have my word we will do what we can to protect your city and bring you some peace, if you can only give us a little time to do so. [She offers him her hand, to make an agreement.]

[behindcloseddoors]

[His eyes flash back to Arthur, and then settle on Francesca, and he relaxes into a genuine smile as he takes her hand with both of his] You'll have it. I'll do everything in my power to assist you.