[video]

[eatsfish]

[ When the video began, those who were watching would be greeted by the sight of a man who looked just a bit off from the norm. He was short in stature with unruly hair that he had obviously done his best to tame, but the most noticeable thing about him was not his exceptionally fancy clothing but rather the strange stance that he took. One of his feet was angled oddly to the side, and the cane he was leaning on confirmed that he undeniably had an usual gait. Still, he held himself with an undeniable air confidence that reflected in his voice despite the politeness he was exuding. ]

Genessia! Hello, hello. Please do forgive me for my belated introduction, but I assure you it comes with good reasoning which I will delve further into in just a moment. My name is Oswald Cobblepot, and where I come from I was fortunate and blessed enough to serve as the mayor of a very unique city known as Gotham. That name may mean little to most of you, but do believe me when I say that while Gotham was a place in need of much help and reform, it was my home and I was proud of every single step towards betterment that it took.

[ Bending his free arm behind his back, he straightened just slightly as he began to reach the heart of his message. ] Today, I stand before you all because I have seen a similar need here in Genessia. While I freely admit I haven't been here long, I have seen more than enough to know that Everglade is a place that desperately needs help. Truly, my heart goes out to them -- and quite frankly, I am outraged. [ In a mere instant, Oswald's entire demeanor abruptly shifted from amicable to stern and serious. His stance once again shifted slightly, and it was very clear that he now meant business. ]

From where I am standing, it is high time for some serious change. Those who desire nothing but the simple right to live their lives have faced trials and turmoil that has shaken me to my core. Do we not all desire the same thing? Do we not all deserve equality? That such a seemingly undeniable right has been alienated again and again is both shocking and heinous.

Even as shortly as I have resided in this place, one doesn't need to listen carefully to hear their outcry and discontentment. While I mean absolutely no disrespect to those who have given their efforts until now, their mistrust in the system present is well placed and I certainly do not blame them for it. I may not be the same as you, friends, but I have heard, and staying silent while you scream for justice is something I simply cannot and will not endure. What Everglade needs is a future and someone who can give it to them, and that is why I, with you all as my witnesses, have decided to announce my candidacy for Guardian of Everglade.

Stating my intentions coldly and formally is, however, not how I wish to begin my campaign. Saying that I wish for justice and unity isn't enough, when undoubtedly you have heard these words many times in the past. Instead I would ask to hear from the people, no matter where you come from or who you are. Your concerns are my concerns, and your questions are ones I will freely and honestly answer. Time and again I have found that communication is the foundation of success and progress, and I sincerely hope to engage in dialogues with many of you in the near future. To all others running, I wish you nothing but the best of luck. I thank you, Genessia, for your time, and may the best men and women win.

Comments

[Video]

[aurabble]

[The first to respond is a young man, even less articulate than usual. His speech is a bit slurred and he raises his hands.]

Oh my god it keeps happening.

[Video]

[eatsfish]

[ A drunken teenager. How nice. Not at all how Oswald wanted to start things, but... well, he had said he wanted to hear from everyone. All things considered, this was likely one of the lesser things he would have to endure. ]

I'm afraid you're going to have to be a touch more specific as to what you're referring to.

[Video]

[aurabble]

I mean every corrupt politician from goth city is showing up at once.

[Wasn't it obvious, Oswald?]

[Video]

[eatsfish]

[ It was a good thing he didn't freeze at that accusation. Even a second of uncertainty would have been enough further strengthen the boy's ideas, and that was something he couldn't afford. If one person got the wrong idea then his feelings would surely spread. Barbara Kean had absolutely nothing to gain from slandering him, so he could only reason that the boy was paranoid and perhaps a bit too drunk to use his brain. ]

I don't know what behavior I've exhibited that has led you to believe I've taken any part in corruption, but if there is something I can do to put your mind at ease then please, by all means do tell me. If Miss Kean is the other politician in which you refer to, I would like to note that our common city of residence does not make us the same people; though, I would very much appreciate if you didn't speak ill of her, especially when she isn't here to defend herself.

[Video]

[aurabble]

[Just a little paranoid. And drunk.] Do I really need to go into detail? Pretty sure showing up and caring about a city you just found out about would set off alarms for anyone. But maybe they don't want to see it.

[He takes another sip of something.]

Don't tell me what to do, Oz. You said you wanted to hear. So I'm talking.

[Video]

[redcinemareel]

[Snappy dresser. Confident. Well spoken. Her sort of opponent. Grell gives a smile, although it hides a lot of what she's choosing not to say. There isn't a reason to be impolite, nor argue. Everything he said is very much true, and it seems as if they had the same goals, but probably will have different means of getting there.

There's so many possibilities...]

It's so very good that someone is as concerned and passionate as I am about the happenings in Everglade.

[Video]

[eatsfish]

[ Though he hadn't given it a direct reply, Grell's own announcement had certainly been intriguing. Her views and approach were in many ways different than his own, but she was shaping up to be a very interesting competitor. ]

How could one not be? I imagine only decidedly heartless individuals wouldn't be concerned. [ He shrugged just slightly, giving a well mannered smile. ] To be honest, I was hoping this would lead to an opportunity for us to speak, Miss Sutcliff. Not every person I've met in my political career has been dedicated to the cause of betterment. I'm glad that you and I share similar sentiments in that aspect.

[Video]

[redcinemareel]

Heartless, or blind.

[Hearing that he had hoped to speak with her catches her by surprise a bit.]

Is that so? Then I must be doing something right. [She adjusts her glasses, mostly to look cute, but they were slipping down.] Would you want to speak in person? In a more...comfortable setting?

[And private, but that goes without saying.]

[Video]

[eatsfish]

Perhaps both. [ He tilted his head and rolled his eyes slightly in a subtle effort to show his disapproval of how things had been run thus far. Grell seemed the type that would understand what he meant. The hint of surprise was noticeable, but he simply continued to smile -- until her offer, that is. That made him raise his eyebrows for a moment, but in the sort of way that showed unsuspected agreement. His smile widened considerably. ] How could I decline such a generous offer? I would be honored.

[Video]

[redcinemareel]

[Oh, she liked him!

Reading between the lines is what she excels in, so she gives a light chuckle at his retort. Her sentiments exactly.

At his acceptance, Grell nods once with a bright smile.]

Excellent! Whenever you're available, we can speak in my shop in Fayren. We won't be disturbed.

[swordprincess]

Hmm...

[Color her curious. Let's see if this guy has any better ideas...]

And what exactly are your plans to unite humans and any other species that may feel alienated?

[eatsfish]

I have many plans on that front. [ This was a good kind of question to be asked, even if it was one of the more difficult ones to answer. He seemed quite confident about answering. ] Since shortly after my arrival I've been doing what I can to become educated on the various types of non-humans that inhabit Everglade, but it's also my hope that I could hear directly individuals willing to share their concerns and opinions. Gotham didn't have people quite like the ones here, but we did have many with abilities and skills that were ostracized for their differences. So, I do understand to some extent.

Of course, I would also speak to humans living in Everglade. You can't resolve issues with only one side represented. Seeking common ground would be my first step, but in areas where agreement cannot be met I would think carefully on compromises that facilitated hope rather than the sense that someone isn't being listened to. This is the most simple way of putting it, of course, and there is much more than what I mentioned here to be done and put into consideration but I hope I've shed some light on my intent.

[swordprincess]

[She smiles. This is probably the most even-minded candidate for Everglade so far.]

I'm glad that someone is willing to represent both sides. The past laws made in attempts to give the Everglade creatures more rights mostly favored them over humans, and basically robbed humans of their rights. Such as the previous curfew, where humans were forced to waive all their rights if they were outdoors at night and were attacked by the creatures. There was one night when I found myself stranded in Everglade's streets at night and was forced to cut down the creatures who attempted to prey on me. Thankfully, one creature was kind enough to escort me out of the city, however.

Now, even Grell Sutcliff's idea of moving all humans out of Everglade seems to favor the creatures more than the humans, but...given the dangers, it may be a necessary move? Perhaps I may not be seeing it clearly...

Video

[misskringle]

[Another face Kristen is sure she knows but how? So cue semi dazed woman with a ponytail and glasses peeking onto the screen.]

And for those of us just dropped into all this how about the short version of recent events?

Video

[eatsfish]

[ Kristen Kringle. Of course. He'd known he would have to speak with her eventually, but most certainly was not an occasion Oswald had looked forward to. But Ed had vouched for him, hadn't he? Of course he had. Treading lightly was still necessary, but it didn't seem she had any immediate negative reaction. He would play along, then. ]

Well, ma'am, that would depend on your definition of recent. I can, however, tell you that we are currently amidst election season. [ There. He was even managing to politely smile at her. Easy. ]

[fade_to_black]

[ A younger, past Blake would have been more trusting and optimistic. Unfortunately, present and faded Blake knows that words are just words. He could be sincere. But he could also make a totally different play when he's actually in power.

Her expression is guarded.]

I don't think I've seen you before.

[Why would a new comer feel so concerned about Everglade suddenly?]

[eatsfish]

[ The people around here definitely weren't as easily swayed as those in Gotham, yet he didn't find himself deterred. The climate there had been much more suitable for political change. Genessia left him in more than one position of disadvantage, but if these people could think more for themselves it may actually turn out to be a good thing. ]

I am a recent arrival, I confess. I would invite you to ask what you would regardless of how long my residence has been, but considering the circumstances I would like you to know that I am open to anything you feel needs to be discussed.

[Video]

[shy_mage]

[Man, was he not the sort to get into politics. Too much innuendo and lying for him to keep track of. But, he was certainly invested in the betterment of Everglade, and listened as best he could to the speech.]

D-Do you think you could make E-Everglade safe for my friend? H-He's not feeling very good, and I get worried th-that he's in Everglade...

[Video]

[eatsfish]

[ Well, this sort of response was unexpected. A good one, though. One that might provide opportunity. ]

Safety is among my many goals so you needn't worry about that. As for your friend's situation I would need you to be a bit more detailed before I could offer specified aid, but rest assured that I would do my very best to help in any manner possible.

[Video]

[shy_mage]

U-Umm... Well, he runs a shop in Everglade. A-And he's really nice.

[Just wait until Mr. Cobblepot saw how loose his definition of 'nice' was.]

He... He wants to stay there and r-run his store, but I get worried because he's sick, a-and, I don't want him to get eaten.

[Video]

[eatsfish]

He's very fortunate to have a friend that cares so much for his well being. [ No lies in that. ] Personally, for those like him, I would propose a safety law that protects the sick. It's hardly fair to fight someone who can't defend themselves.

[black_black_heart]

[Tannusen watches the video very closely, eyes slightly narrowed behind his spectacles.]

You look... familiar.

[Oswald looks like a Sluagh's human mask. Tannusen is doubtful that the newcomer is another Fae, but wouldn't that be something? The possibility alone is worth poking at, like a bored cat.]

[...Which, after all, he is.]

[eatsfish]

[ It was good, then, that Oswald had more than his far share of experience in being stared at. That didn't phase him.

The possibility of being recognized, however... that could be a bit of a problem, but no need to jump to conclusions. Not yet. ]

Unless you've been to Gotham recently, good sir, I think there's a very good chance you may be mistaking me for someone else.

[black_black_heart]

I can't say I've ever been there.

[He squints some more. There's no way to ask if someone's a Changeling, not really. They're all so used to hiding among the humans that one would reflexively deny it even if it was true. And he can't perform a Kenning over the phone. So, have more squinting.]

[Even the guy's fancy digs and talk fits the profile of a Sluagh!]

Well, you know, good luck.

[eatsfish]

Mistaken identity it is. Mystery solved! [ He threw up his arms in an exaggerated shrug. It was a little hard not to test this guy for reactions at this point. His eyebrows remained raised inquisitively at the staring, but he didn't say a word further until the other man did. ]

Thank you very much. One can always hope for the best results.