Laurel Hensley: She makes her way to Urian's building, shivering just a little in the cold air, despite her warm state of dress. She's wearing a bit more then usual, dressed in a green cashmere sweater and jeans, with a dark chocolate Toscana shearling coat over it. Her hair is pulled back into it's usual ponytail, the glasses on instead of the contacts. Usual light make-up. She moves to the front door and pushes it open, moving into the lobby.

Urian [Apex Advertising]: The same woman is sitting at the desk. She smiles toward Laurel and steps from the desk toward the elevator. "Is he expecting you?"

Laurel Hensley: "I..." She flushes a bit and shakes her head. "No. He's not busy, is he? I can come back..."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: She shakes her head. "He's just wrapping up for the day. I'll put in a call to him once you're on your way up. He won't mind.. I'm sure." She swipes the keycard to give her access to the top floor, then moves over to the desk to make the call.

Laurel Hensley: "Thanks." She smiles a little bit to the woman, and makes her way into the elevator. As the door shuts, she takes off the coat and folds it over an arm, leaning against the back wall on the way up. Once the door opens, she slips through the door into the office.

Urian [Apex Advertising]: Urian is sitting at his desk, sleeves rolled up. Speaking to a man sitting on the other side. She's seen the man before. A gangly European, Emil. He drove the convoy to the group home. They both look her way when the elevator door opens, standing. Urian speaks "Melioth.. good to see you out and about."

Laurel Hensley: She smiles faintly to Urian, nodding to him as she moves further inside. "Urian." She nods to Emil too, briefly, then looks back to the Devil. "How are you?"

Urian [Apex Advertising]: "Doing well.. All things considered. Working on a fairly substantial project for one of my more prominant clients." He looks to Emil, handing him a file folder. "Looks good. Print it up and we can go over it in the morning." Emil nods and filters off.

Laurel Hensley: "That's good." She watches Emil leave, and then moves to take a seat in the chair opposite him. "Productive, then? That's good."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: He nods. "Lucrative. Almost the same." He takes his seat once again, after she does. "How've you been?"

Laurel Hensley: She shrugs a little. "I imagine you've heard that we got Ana back, which is good. She's...not incredibly responsive, but she's not in our new Defiler friends' hands, at least. Beyond that...I've been better, I suppose."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: "Mimi informed me that Ana was safe. Always a good thing." He folds his hands in his lap, leaning back. Watching Laurel.

Urian [Apex Advertising]: d10: per+emp: 2,3,5,3,5,1,

Laurel Hensley: ((Wait a minute...I thought that was supposed to be what LAUREL rolled for Per+Emp! *S*))

Urian [Apex Advertising]: (the dice are being unusually cruel to me today)

Laurel Hensley -> Urian [Apex Advertising]: She's fine...just fine. Maybe a bit tired is all...certainly no worse then other recent times, at all. Possibly overstating things? Damn dramatic Ishhara...

Urian [Apex Advertising]: He gains a subtle smile, looking over the woman. Glad to see that she's alright.

Laurel Hensley: "So." She smiles with a touch of wry irony. "Victor's left the Court. Apparently, he couldn't handle the fact that I had the audacity to be angry at him when he confessed to his plotting against me."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: He gives a quiet laugh. "I can't say I'm very surprised. He's a predictable type.."

Laurel Hensley: She smirks a little bit. "Yeah, well..." She sighs some. "Urian...if I ask you something, can you promise me that you'll answer in all honesty? I don't doubt you will, but...of everyone I know, you're the one who's not blinded by one thing or another, or who's motives I distrust."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: His smile widens, a casual look toward the woman. "Oh.. so I've moved up in the world since first arriving. I see. Speak freely, Melioth. You know I'll not spare the sting when it comes to being honest with the tyrant of the city."

Laurel Hensley: She nods a little bit and purses her lips, taking a deep breath. "Do you--in all, brutal honesty--believe I'm performing as I should, as far as my duties as Tyrant?"

Urian [Apex Advertising]: "No." He states simply, without skipping a beat.

Laurel Hensley: She nods, taking that in remarkable stride. "How am I failing?"

Urian [Apex Advertising]: "You're not a leader, Laurel. I don't expect that you should ever mystically become one. You hold the people under you in high regards, which is admirable. But assuming that things will fall into place.. and that people will respect you as their tyrant.. and act accordingly is a naive notion. You choose to sit back.. and wait for information to fall in your lap without giving the proper recon orders to gain said information. You spend a bulk of your time locked away in a neutral venue rather than securing a stronghold for the court proper.." He pauses, trying to guage how she's taking it.

Laurel Hensley: She nods slightly, looking down to her lap and taking the criticism calmly. She even smiles faintly. "You know...you're the first person to actually give me any real criticism, beyond 'joke,' 'cuddler,' or 'Brady Bunch.' Thank you."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: He nods, gaining a tiny smile himself. Speaking casually. "I've seen it happen before. It's not uncommon. One of two things will happen. You'll wear yourself out until you finally snap and decide to step down. Or you'll be overthrown by someone who feels they can perform more suitably than you can. HAve you considered this?"

Laurel Hensley: "I have." She nods a little bit. "Which is why I'm doing the smart thing before I snap. Assuming I already haven't."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: He nods. "Should you decide to retire from your reign.. I've already made preparations to step into the position. I've seen this coming for some time and don't much care for being blindsided. Does that offend you?"

Laurel Hensley: She chuckles a bit at that, and shakes her head. "Urian...why do you think I came to speak to you about it? I made this decision a while ago. I just wanted someone to be honest about it, and that was the person I planned to hand over to."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: He grins, rising from his chair. "Fair enough. In that light.. would you like the first tour of the new court facility?"

Laurel Hensley: She frowns a little, and looks back to her lap, reaching a hand up to curl a lock of hair behind her ear. "Urian...I need to be honest with you before you offer something like that, for reasons regarding your Court's security. I don't...know that I'll be staying with it."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: "Why is that? Have you suddenly developed an underlying apathy for the state of this city?"

Laurel Hensley: "Hardly." She shakes her head. Her jaw sets, and she closes her eyes, still looking down. "But I can't take any more pity, Urian. I was driven to the point of madness by it when I was Tyrant. And...I won't..." She stops, restarts. "I can't bear to have people look at me like they will. Hear the whispers and know what they're saying. I know I've failed everything. I don't need them to reinforce it."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: He frowns, looking down to her. "Then.. do something about it. Step into a position that you can handle.. and prove to the others that you're worth a shit. Sniveling about how you're pitied and stepping away does nothing to solve the problem, Melioth. All it does is prove to them how weak you are. And I happen to know for a fact.. that you are not.. weak."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: d10: manip+leadership: 2,5,3,10,6,6,5,2,2,7,

Laurel Hensley: d10: Willpower: 5,5,7,6,7,

Laurel Hensley: She looks up at him, still with a bit of a set to her jaw...but it's vastly diminished. "You need your Court to have confidence in your ministers, Urian. Which is something I'm seriously lacking in, when it comes to the others."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: "Then that's a burden that ~I~ will bear. As the tyrant should. Let me handle the others, Laurel. It is important for you to do what you feel is right. Walking away.. isn't the right choice. Not now, especially. Unless you want to validate their claims."

Laurel Hensley: She looks away from him, rising and moving to the window, to look over the city silently for a moment, lost in thought.

Urian [Apex Advertising]: His gaze softens on the woman. Stepping up behind her. He puts a hand on her shoulder, but says nothing.

Laurel Hensley: She shuts her eyes when she feels his touch on her shoulder. "I did everything for this city, Zaramyhel. I sacrificed far more then I care to think about for it. And I hate politics...with an absolute passion."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: He nods, giving her shoulder a sturdy squeeze. Letting her know that he's there. Not that she couldn't already tell by the hand and the reflection.. but still. "I know, Melioth.. And if there's anything I can do to compensate you for your efforts.."

Laurel Hensley: "I don't want reward." She shakes her head. "I didn't do this for power. Any of it." She lets out a long, slow breath. "I need to think about this."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: He nods, retracting his hand. Simply standing behind her. "You're allowed as much. Just don't let anyone else make the decision for you. You'd be a valued asset to any court. Deep down.. I think you realize that."

Laurel Hensley: She smirks a little bit and opens her eyes again, looking over the streets below. "I should ask before I go to consider...what position are you considering me for?"

Urian [Apex Advertising]: He smirks back at her. "Oh? So now you're interested?" He chuckles. "I'll give you three guesses."

Laurel Hensley: She shrugs. "I'd like to know what I'm getting into before agreeing to it. Let's see. I'm no fighter, and I'm not a tactician...that's obvious. So Aurochs and Lions are out. You'd do much better with a Fiend in Eagles if you don't keep Baby. That leaves Dust, which Eli already has, or your just-recently vacated spot."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: "Quick on the draw.. I like that. I can't think of anyone better for the position, honestly."

Laurel Hensley: She nods faintly. "You'll have your answer by the weekend."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: "That'll do. Don't stress yourself over it. Have Mimi and Eli look after the girls for a night or two.. Go out. You look like you could use it."

Laurel Hensley: She nods slightly. "Yeah...I probably could. And should, before I get sick of the sight of the place. Even the roof is getting monotonous." It's a slight joke. She nods and turns her head, looking at Urian. "No matter what my decision...good luck, Urian. You have my absolute best wishes and hopes."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: He nods, casting a soft smile to the woman. "I know. Thank you. If there's anything I can do for you.. please.. let me know."

Laurel Hensley: "I will. Thank you." She takes a deep breath. "I...should go. Would you prefer I made the announcement, or would you like to do it?"

Urian [Apex Advertising]: "Whichever you're most comfortable with. It would probably go over better if you made the announcement, so that it will be painfully obvious that it was your choice.. and not something done as a matter of force. I'm fine with either, personally."

Laurel Hensley: She nods. "I'll tell them." She turns to face him, leaning up to kiss his cheek. "Good night, Urian. I'll speak with you soon."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: He casts another warm smile to the girl when she kisses his cheek. "Do you want me to have Hugo take you home?"

Laurel Hensley: "If you would, please."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: He nods, reaching over to the intercom. "Hugo.. prepare the car at the front door. Laurel is on her way down." He smiles back over to the woman. "Be safe. And take some time for yourself for a change. Not for the girls.. or Eli.. or even me. For Melioth."

Laurel Hensley: She considers that, with a bemused expression. "I...wonder what that will be like." A slight nod. "I'll try it. Thank you." She gives him a last smile and makes her way for the elevator, slipping her coat back on as she does.

Urian [Apex Advertising]: He watches her. Quietly.

Laurel Hensley: Once in the elevator, she waits for the door to close before steeling herself. She will remain calm about this, at least until she is home. She heads down through the elevator and out to the car.

Urian [Apex Advertising]: The girl behind the counter stops filing her nails long enough to cast a friendly smile. Hugo is waiting outside with the bmw, willing to take her wherever she wants to go. Quietly, as always.

Laurel Hensley: She directs Hugo to take her back to Jarod's old apartment, and looks to the window. "Ouestucati...I'm going to be out for the night. I have some things to think about. I'm fine, I promise, I just..." She shrugs. "I need to think."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: Eli is downstairs in the club, socializing with a flock of men in the lounge. He nods, but doesn't make any other sign that she was even heard. A cover, maybe.

Laurel Hensley: She lets it drop and leans back, shutting her eyes and letting the limo take her to his old apartment. Once they arrive, she thanks Hugo and slips out of the car, heading inside. Only then, curled up, does she allow herself to fall apart. Half-relief, half-dispair.

Urian [Apex Advertising]: Hugo drives off after letting her out. After about thirty minutes, she'll get an invocation from Ouestucati, having gotten a minute to herself.

Urian [Apex Advertising]: "Melioth.. love.. are you alright?"

Laurel Hensley: She rises from where she curls up on the bed, wiping at her eyes...attempting to compose herself a bit before responding. "Ouestucati...I..." She shrugs. "It's done. I'm...vacating."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: Eli frowns. He's sitting on the stairs that lead down to the basement. Alone. "Love.. You're.. not leaving.. are you?"

Laurel Hensley: "Leaving...here?" She frowns, coughing a couple times before she reaches for her cigarettes. "I'm not leaving the city, love. And I'm not leaving you. I never would."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: He runs a hand through his hair. An absent gesture. A confused look about him. "Then.. what're you vacating?"

Laurel Hensley: She lights up the cigarette, coughing out the first drag and wincing. "The Tyrantship. I'm...stepping down as leader of the Court. Urian's taking over."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: His face drops a bit, leaning back on the stairs. "Just.. like that? Why? Things were going so well.."

Laurel Hensley: She shakes her head, leaning back against the wall. "I was driving people away, love. Baby." Her jaw sets. "Victor." She shakes her head and takes a drag off the smoke, letting it out slowly and calming her breathing some. A hand absently rubs at her streaked cheek. "I couldn't have made it as far as I did without your support, love...but you, Urian, and Phillip were all the support I had. I...I meant what I said a while back. Things have to change. Dante wasn't willing to accept that. I'm not making the same mistake he has."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: "You're nothing like dante.." He muses quietly.

Laurel Hensley: "No, I'm not." She shakes her head. "And I just proved it." She half-shrugs. "I'm not a leader. I tried, but...I failed. And I won't...let the Court keep failing. I can't."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: "What makes you think that Urian can do any better?"

Laurel Hensley: She bites back the first response of 'Can't do much worse,' and just smiles weakly. "I just...I think he will. He has the experience. And I have hope. Because...I just can't do it anymore, love."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: He goes quiet, staring off down the stairs.

Laurel Hensley: "I'm sorry," she murmurs, shutting her eyes. "I tried...as hard as I could. I wanted to do right, but..." She gives a shaky sigh. "I'm sorry."

Urian [Apex Advertising]: He shakes his head, slumping a bit back against the steps. Still staring down. "Just.. call me when you're ready to come home.." He says quietly. And cuts the invocation.

Laurel Hensley: Her breath catches and she nods as the invocation fades. She crushes out the cigarette and doubles over, sobs shaking her upper body as she curls into a ball on the center of the bed. Where she'll fall asleep, eventually.