A New Leader [Zurok]

Subject: A New Leader [Zurok] Sun Oct 12, 2014 7:14 pm

Nelekar	“Attention citizens of the Southern Water Tribe!” A blue-robed herald stood on top of a short pillar in the middle of the town square, glancing around at the crowd that had massed around him. He held a long scroll in his hand and was reading from it slowly and carefully. “From here on out, the Governance of the Southern Water Tribe will be in the hands of Admiral Nelekar, Commander of the Water Tribe Fleet. All matters of state will now be controlled and regulated by him and his assigned Council. He will now answer any questions you may have.” The Admiral stepped forward from behind the herald, placing his hand upon the man’s shoulder and gently pushing him aside. He wore a thick woollen tunic as well as woollen trousers and thick boots. He ran a hand through his dark brown hair as he surveyed the gathered crowd. ”The first thing I have to say is that this is not a hostile takeover. I would like to personally thank Zurok for holding down the fort while there was no true leadership, but I’m here now to take command properly. I will be taking up residence in the Palace and will begin my role as Chieftain immediately. I hope that the transition will be a smooth one,” he said, with a quick glance around the edges of the square. Several members of his army were dotted here and there, and they were receiving several strange glances from the civilians in the crowd. ”I want everybody to know that any transgressions will be punished accordingly; the law will be upheld and I will personally make sure that any rule-breakers receive their comeuppance. Consider this our first open meeting; does anybody have any concerns?”
Mood: Ready Condition: Perfect	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: A New Leader [Zurok] Tue Oct 14, 2014 4:16 am

Zurok Mia Takamatzu	Zurok had always had a hand in controlling the Southern Water Tribe, and sometimes her hand extended as far as the north. Even when the rival Aowaka Clan thought that they were superior to the Tallarico Clan... well, Clan Tallarico had the Avatar on their side. Needless to say, when the two clans settled their disputes, only the Tallarico Clan remained, and the name Aowaka fell into disuse, and no one remembers it anymore. Why? well... that's the mystery. Zurok certainly isn't telling... but today was different. Today Admiral Nelekar was relieving Zurok of her position as honorary Chief of the Southern Water Tribe to become the full-on chief of the Southern Water Tribe. Well, the old matriarch was fine with this, and so went with no resistance. She was not afraid of this man, however, and she did want to discuss a few things with him as well before he took the throne. Thus, when asked if anyone had any questions or concerns, little Zurok Mia Takamatzu stepped forward, an aura of power and intellect surrounding her. "Aye. I have a few things I wish to discuss with you in private if you do not mind..." she requested, "when convenient for you, of course. Do take your time finishing your ceremony." She stepped back, giving a respectful bow, but otherwise, would be waiting to meet Nelekar out of the prying eyes and ears of the public so they could inevitably discuss... politics.
Mood: Happy Condition: Perfect	Link:

Subject: Re: A New Leader [Zurok] Wed Oct 15, 2014 9:02 am

Nelekar	When the woman stepped forwards, Nelekar immediately locked eyes with her. His subordinates had given him a rundown of what she was like, and after her speech he found that everything he had heard was true. He nodded once and several of the guards from around the square stepped forwards. ”Ah, Lady Zurok. My guards will escort you to the Palace, where we may talk more privately.” As he spoke, the guards cleared a path through the crowd and Nelekar nodded for Zurok to go with them. He placed both of his hands behind his back and looked around the crowd once more. ”Any other concerns can be brought to me directly at the Palace. Good day,” he said, and stepped backwards into the throng of armoured soldiers behind him. He walked through them and they began to follow him towards the Palace, but he paid them little attention. His mind was on the confrontation that lay before him – would Zurok challenge his ascension? He had the power to take over the Tribe, but the Avatar’s Mother could be a dangerous thorn in his side if she wanted to be. Once he reached the Palace, he entered through a large arch and walked straight into the Throne Room, where he sat down on the huge chair made of white stone and engraved with the Water Tribe symbol. He crossed his arms and nodded to the guards at the doors to allow Zurok to come in. ”So, tell me; for what reason do I have this honour?”
Mood: Ready Condition: Perfect	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: A New Leader [Zurok] Thu Oct 16, 2014 7:07 am

Zurok Mia Takamatzu	Despite being a good foot and a couple of inches shorter than Nelekar, Zurok gazed up at him with a unwavering glare that displayed no hostility, but also no fear. Zurok was notorious for always being in control of her situation, and this incident was no exception. "Very well then," she nodded appropriately, and followed the new chief into the palace so that they could continue their conversation, which would likely be political in nature--in private. The name Zurok Takamatzu was a well-known one, although there were mysteries behind it. There was no doubt that she was the Avatar's mother, for there were people there who had seen her birth the child. However, the odd story behind why she bore her maiden name while all of the children bore the surname of a father they never knew, was another mystery for the ages. She followed Nelekar into the throne room, seating herself shortly after he did. She might not have been tribal chief anymore, but she was still a respected politician and matriarch, and so she did not feel the need to have to stand while he sat, nor would she ask for that kind of permission. in fine, it appeared that Zurok would not likely be one to take orders without question. However, she stayed as calm and collected as ever in answering the new chief's question. "Oh, I just wished to give you my blessing," she gestured, "I have sat upon that throne in recent months, after all. Someone had to hold the Water Tribes together in the absence of a leader... and so perhaps now I can focus more on the North. Ironic, given that I'm from the south, but I digress." She laughed and then her face straightened. "I am mostly curious as to what sorts of changes there will be around here. the Tribes are currently on very good terms with my friends Tarek Raiden and Meili Zalika, who you probably know are the Earth Queen and the Fire Lord. I do hope that you will continue to foster these amiable relationships with the other nations... you will, won't you?" she raised an interested eyebrow.
Mood: Calm Condition: Perfect	Link: Zurok

Subject: Re: A New Leader [Zurok] Thu Oct 16, 2014 7:25 am

Nelekar	The side of Nelekar’s mouth curled upwards into the slightest of smiles as Zurok spoke, casually dropping in the names of both the Earth Queen and the Fire Lord into the discussion. ”I thank you for your blessing, but it is not necessary – you have been a faithful caretaker to the throne, and for that you have my thanks. However, as I’m sure you can understand, you are not chieftain of the Northern Water Tribe, and as such I will begin to search for somebody to take the throne of our northern brethren. Both tribes must have strong leadership if we are to continue through the struggle that may present itself in the future. The attack on the Fire Nation could work its way to our lands, and I want to be fully prepared for such an eventuality.” A door to the side of the throne room opened, and a servant walked in carrying a tray with two glasses made entirely of ice resting upon it, as well as a decanter of an amber liquid. Nelekar nodded at him before waving a hand, causing both of the glasses to float into the air. One came towards the Chief, and the other to Zurok. ”May I tempt you to a glass? I always find that whiskey helps things move along smoothly.” Moving two of his fingers, he caused a measure of liquid to flow from the decanter into his glass. The servant bowed low and placed the entire tray on a short table that sat at the foot of the throne before leaving quickly through the door, which slammed shut behind him. The chief took a sip of the liquid and let out a soft sigh. ”You are right to be curious, Zurok. Under my leadership, change will come to the tribe – a change of a positive nature, to be sure. As for the leaders of the other nations, I have already invited them to a summit of sorts in which we will discuss our relationships as well as other more delicate issues; be assured that the tribe will only improve under my command.” Nelekar brought the glass to his lips once more and finished the rest of his drink. Even as the warming liquid was flowing down his throat, he was bending more into his glass from the decanter on the table. His eyes, however, never left Zurok. ”I am glad you have come today though, Zurok; it saves me having to summon you personally. Several of my subordinates have told me about your activities within the tribe, and I wish to offer you an advisory role upon my council – it is an entirely honorary title, but you would have the ability to once again have an input on the workings of the tribe. What do you think?” The Admiral was not stupid – he knew that, if she wanted to, Zurok could prove to be a major thorn in the side of his rule. As the old saying went, keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.
Mood: Ready Condition: Perfect	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: A New Leader [Zurok] Thu Oct 16, 2014 7:39 am

Zurok Mia Takamatzu	Zurok chuckled. She felt as if her authority was being challenged, although unlike many other pompous politicians, Zurok simply took it in stride and had remarks of her own to go with it. "I do also suppose that military takeovers are only necessary in dire times such as these, given how different the know-hows of military and politics can be. I can assure you that my rule has helped maintain strength and stability in both tribes." "After all..." she put her hands together, smirking. "I do not meddle in politics. I *am* politics." A subtle warning, perhaps? Zurok was not normally one to back down from positions of power unless there was an ulterior motive. Needless to say, it was clear that she was not about to let her influence in Water Tribe politics disappear completely. Zurok smirked at the notion of whiskey. "Aye... I will take a glass." It wasn't like she was going to get drunk. the diminutive woman had a decent tolerance for the stuff after all. As a waterbender herself, she twirled her own fingers to 'pour' herself a glass, raising it to her lips gently, licking said lips as she placed the glass back down. This was going to be a battle of wits. The matriarch crossed her legs at the knee and kept her gaze on Nelekar. "many leaders have said those exact words, and a similar number have fallen into ruin themselves. Do not take it as a threat, but rather as a warning from one tribesperson to the other. my daughter seems to have quite the way of, erm... "keeping balance"... when a leader is unpopular..." It was no mystery that Zulera had been the bane of many tyrants in all nations, including the Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom. Zurok did not appear to be trying to use her daughter as a threat, but rather reminding the new chief of her presence. Zulera was a difficult one to control, and the popular belief was that she took orders from no one. "an advisory role, you say?" her eyebrows lifted just a slight bit, as her lips curled upward. "I think I could agree to that. My presence and influence would remain in the tribal government either way, but an official position, honorary or not, would save me a lot of walking!" she laughed. Really, all they needed to do now was play a game of chess as they spoke or something. that would complete the scene.
Mood: Calm Condition: Perfect	Link: Zurok

Subject: Re: A New Leader [Zurok] Thu Oct 16, 2014 8:06 am

Nelekar	The new Chief’s face remained stoic as Zurok spoke. ”Leadership is not a popularity contest though, Zurok – I’m sure you know that. Leadership is sometimes about making the unpopular choice for the good of the people, and I won’t hesitate to do such. If your daughter judges balance by how popular somebody is, then I’m afraid I may have a disagreement with her. I did not take this position so that I could gain popularity – I took it because it was necessary.” Nelekar let go of his glass, but it continued to float in the air, held in place by the Chief’s waterbending. ”Of course, you will not be the only advisor. I have already contacted and appointed several others, both from within the military and outside of it, and they have agreed to serve upon my council. I trust all of them and know that they are capable of following orders – but what I want to know is this; are you capable of doing the same? I hope you will be able to put aside any quarrel you may have with me in the name of the Tribe. Your family may be a powerful one, but, if necessary, I will not hesitate to discipline anybody who disrupts and opposes the workings of the tribe.” It the threat was veiled at all, it was veiled very thinly, but Nelekar did not mind; he was putting his pieces in place, ready to commit to a checkmate without hesitation. ”Remember also that if the Avatar or anybody else were to intervene in such a personal rebellion, any action would face the full force of not only the Water Tribes, but the Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation as well; such is the nature of the current alliance between our nations.” The chief sipped from his glass again, purposely taking time over his words. ”I have fought many battles, Zurok, and I know how to win wars. I would much rather have you as an ally, but if that cannot be them I must ask you to either live in peace or leave this place. But know this; if you choose another path, I will not be brought down. I will fight to the last man if necessary, but I will maintain my rule. I hope you understand my position.”
Mood: Ready Condition: Perfect	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: A New Leader [Zurok] Thu Oct 16, 2014 8:26 am

Zurok Mia Takamatzu	Zurok laughed. "oh, it's not a matter of choosing a celebrity to sit on the throne... but popularity also stems from how you run your country. Politicians are generally seen as some of the most vile creatures on earth. I evaded that judgment by appealing to the people without violating the common good. I work to make the world a better place, one step at a time. My methods are without flaw, and I have the history to prove it." Such was Zurok. Cunning, confident, and the résumé to back it up. Zurok calmly took a sip from her glass, utterly unintimidated. "I am just like my daughter. I follow orders if the orders are beneficial both to myself, the tribe, and the world around me. Similarly, my loyalty lies with those types of people. Remember that the authority comes from the people. There is no such thing as a born ruler, nor do any accomplishments outside of the political. leading an army and leading a country are two very different things--and the folly of one of our previous chiefs was that he did not understand that difference." she smiled sweetly. "But of course... I wouldn't be here if I didn't have faith in you that you would not fall into that trap. Do not worry." "Personal rebellion?" Zurok chuckled, putting a hand to her chest, "are you implying that you will become a tyrant? for if not, there will be no reason for a rebellion. A level head and a fair sense of justice will propel you far... and reduce the chances of rebellion from the locals... or from the avatar... significantly. She might be my daughter, but the avatar is a grown woman. She makes her own decisions and I am not held accountable for them. While I can promise that I will try to take the peaceful option in the unlikely event of a dispute... I cannot guarantee that she will do the same. Do not take that as a threat, however. Perhaps the next time she visits, you can confront her about it?" Zurok was being completely honest here. Zulera did her own thing, and it was beyond Zurok's control most of the time. Finishing the contents of her glass, Zurok crossed her legs the opposite way this time. "I am happy to be your ally as long as your policies are just and your mindset remains reasonable. If you stray too far from the path of truth, and let greed or personal gain cloud your judgment, however..." She leaned forward, putting her hands together. THIS was where she would issue her checkmating threat. "...Then I will do everything in my power to ensure that you and anyone involved is stopped dead in their tracks." she leaned back a moment later though. "but I do not think it will come to that. Keep a level head on your shoulders and do not let selfishness cloud your judgment. It is sound advice that even I could learn from... so my so-called threats are far from personal. Surely a wise and intelligent man such as yourself could understand such reasoning, aye?"
Mood: Calm Condition: Perfect	Link: Zurok

Subject: Re: A New Leader [Zurok] Thu Oct 16, 2014 8:55 am

Nelekar	”What one man may see as a tyrant, others may see as a wise leader – it all depends where you are viewing the action from. I do not plan to become a tyrant, but I will treat any kind of insubordination harshly. Do not be fooled – we are at war. The threat we face is real and large, as shown from the Fire Nation Capital. Until such a time as I can be assured of peace, I will be treating the tribe as under military lockdown. Your agreement with this isn’t necessary, but I hope you can understand where I am coming from on this point.” When the matriarch began to speak of the Avatar coming to the Tribe, Nelekar shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He wasn’t afraid of Zulera, but he knew that she was one of the few people with the power to not only remove him from the throne, but also remove his life. Nonetheless, he maintained a neutral expression and nodded. ”I was planning on meeting with the Avatar anyway – there is a lot to discuss in regards to the Spirit Portals. If you have a faster means of contacting her than by messenger hawk, then I would ask you to summon her here,” Nelekar said, barely managing to supress a smile. In actuality, he had no power over the Avatar, but perhaps a summons would remind her of her roots in the Southern Water Tribe, and that the Chief was in control of her birthplace. He nodded again at the last comment. ”Selfishness is not within my being – my entire life has been given to the military, and now it has been given to the Tribe in service. Hopefully my legacy will be that of a fair yet just ruler. I will reward those who deserve it, but will equally punish those who seek to undermine my laws. Sure we can both understand that reasoning.” Nelekar leaned forwards on his throne so that his face was even closer to Zurok. ”Now, there is just the small matter of your allegiance; would you rather swear fealty to me here in private or in public? Don’t worry, I won’t force you to bow,” he said, his face completely serious. ”As a show of support for my rule, I have already asked several of the larger clans to swear fealty to me as Chieftain – a purely symbolic gesture, but an important one nonetheless.”
Mood: Ready Condition: Perfect	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: A New Leader [Zurok] Fri Oct 17, 2014 5:45 am

Zurok Mia Takamatzu	"Ah..." Zurok steepled her fingers, "but what one man sees as a wise and just leader, others might see as a tyrant. the road goes both ways. However, war or not, it is no excuse to oppress the common citizenry. Ruling a country with an iron fist is a delicate scheme, perhaps ironically. Great lengths must be taken to keep it in place, and even one chink in the system could bring it crashing down. I do not wish for an untimely end..." she took another drink. Zurok was sometimes quite the conniving little bastard, especially with how she wielded her daughter the Avatar to great effect. While there were unverified rumors, Zurok would never tell anyone that she was the one person in the world that Zulera would listen to without question. "I shall summon her. I believe mother and child have a few things to discuss as well, and her opening of the spirit portals is surely a critical subject, given that she alone can open and close them, yes?" That was a crutch. If someone wanted those spirit portals closed, they had to get Zulera to do it, and may likely need a convincing argument. The matriarch hummed softly at the thought of loyalty and devotion to one's people. Was it jingoism? Perhaps it was, given the nature of military rule, but that was not her place to judge. On the other hand, Zurok herself was no civillian. Her list of accomplishments was rather large, and the rumors of her being a powerful bloodbender were also floating about. Zurok's own influence had prevented the art from becoming illegal, although that could easily change with Nelekar's rule--not that Zurok would let herself be bothered by that, however. Raising a hand rather calmly at his last request, Zurok smiled sweetly. "I, Zurok Mia Takamatzu, do swear fealty to you, Chief Nelekar as long as your laws are just and your moral path is straight." she promised, "I do hope that it suffices." Nelekar would be in for a disappointment if he expected unquestioning loyalty. Zurok was never one to blindly follow anything or anyone before learning the truth--not even the Avatar. Speaking of which... "Although I cannot promise that my daughter will make the same agreement, simply because I am not accountable for her actions and longer. I will not do anything to sway her either way, but I do imagine it will come up during your meeting, and if it does, I do wish you the best of luck to earn her support." She was being sincere with this remark, not wanting to brew further tension.
Mood: Devious Condition: Perfect	Link: Zurok

Subject: Re: A New Leader [Zurok] Fri Oct 17, 2014 5:55 am

Nelekar	The Chieftain nodded at the act of fealty. He had hoped for more, but certainly hadn’t expected it. ”I understand that the Avatar will not want to be seen to show favouritism towards any one world leader, and as such I will not pose the question of fealty to her. I know that she will guide her own fate as long as she sees fit.” Just then, the door on the side of the hall swung open once more. One of Nelekar’s Rear Admirals rushed in, before saluting and approaching the throne. “Sir, your guest has arrived. He awaits you in your chambers,” he said, and Nelekar waved him off. He moved quickly out of the room, the door closing shut behind him and again leaving no trace of its existence. ”It seems my next appointment has crept up on me. I wish you well for the future, Zurok – if you would, send word of when the Avatar wishes to meet. I am willing to accommodate to her wishes if needs be.” The large male rose to his feet and nodded at the smaller woman. Two men rushed in through the main doors and stood beside her, but Nelekar waved them away as well. ”I’m sure the Lady Zurok knows the way back into the village on her own; good day.” Walking briskly, the chief made his way towards the hidden door in the side of the room. Rather than opening it, he waved an arm and turned it into liquid water before passing through. He emerged on the other side completely dry, and re-solidified the wall behind him. He walked along the small corridor for a while before coming upon his room and entering. His guest stood inside; tall, bald and powerful, he locked eyes with the Chieftain instantly. ”How was your meeting with the Avatar’s mother?” ”As well as could be expected. But there is greater news; the Avatar is coming here to meet me. Our time is almost at hand, my friend.” He stepped forward and clasped hands with the other man. ”We are almost there, Elegys.”
Mood: Ready Condition: Perfect	Link: Character Sheet

Subject: Re: A New Leader [Zurok] Fri Oct 17, 2014 6:03 am

Zurok Mia Takamatzu	The beauty of Zurok's promise was that while she did mean it, she had purposely left it open for loopholes, specifically in case Nelekar's moral path went in a direction that Zurok would not follow. However, as long as he remained true to his word, Zurok would not find any reason to stab him in the back or anything. Still... she kept her friends close and her enemies closer. Zurok Takamatzu was a dangerously smart woman. "Very well," she smiled, "I will inform her as soon as I am able. She is fairly flexible with her scheduling as long as she is not busy with her project..." She would not go into detail on this project of Zulera's, but rest assured it was pretty much the equivalent of a career or occupation. either way, Zurok would be summoning Zulera later today as soon as possible. Hopefully she was close. as Zurok left the palace though, her mind was already working a mile a minute, scheming things. She might have sworn some degree of loyalty to Nelekar, but the way he justified tyranny was a red flag for the old matriarch, and so there was more than one reason to summon the Avatar at this point. After all... Zulera Joanna Tallarico had eliminated several Water Chiefs in recent years. If Nelekar went down a foolish path, he very well could just be another number...
Mood: Devious Condition: Perfect	Link: Zurok

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