The exchange of insults, something to be certain of meeting egos, albeit perhaps it was far better to insult one another outright in lieu of passive-aggressive remarks. The insults served to establish a power structure within the room, making it clear to the lesser vampires the adults were speaking. As such the exchange was a customary as necessary to judge each other's character. It would almost be impolite not to insult each other.

"So Lord Shane, you have gather us here in this backwards country of rebellious ingrates, mind you we would have already won the battle if it were not for this little wanton nation sired by Britannia so hold your tongue against the crown, for the sole purpose of declaring war. I would have preferred Italy had it not been for some business I had with the blood I brought in." The elder vampire tutted and shook his head in disproval. Perhaps it was time for a bit of monologue, a good speech to begin the politics amongst the kin.

They locked eyes as Bedivere gazed into the other vampire.

"You say you are gathering up the elder kin, dare I ask how many centuries has it been for you here walking amongst the herd? In all those years, have you learned nothing of the stupidity of humans? They have engaged in enough wars with their own kind though the ages, and yet still survive on like foul vermin breeding and festering in their cities above us. Wars change nothing, they merely stain the pages of history books with blood for our kind to drink. Did the thought occur to you as to what war actually fulfills save for our goblets? No, an outright war would scare the herd, stirring up trouble and sending them into a frenzy, a fury even, and escalation would cause several losses by both parties to what end? And though in my advanced age, I am more than willing to sacrifice every vampire present and accounted for here for a single day where humanity is placed under the rightful yoke of the kin, I find your lack of foresight more human than vampire. We have years to plot and manipulate, yet here you call for arms thinking it will swift and decisive. But war is long, and arduous, it requires commitment and persistence..."

Then Bedivere turned to the vampiric assembly before them.

"Look at this place, Lord Shane thinks it is possible to exterminate the SOLIDER, and yet here he as called for us deep within the bowels of the earth like meager worms with the excuse of being unable create a more proper base without attracting the attention of the enemy. Night Lords and Dark Ladies, ask yourselves how ironic is it then, that he would overestimate he enemy and underestimate them at the same time. He believes we are ready to war with them, and yet fears that they will find us. He is not ready to die himself, but would rather hide and hope they do not catch us like rats. I suspect he has cowered like the others beneath the earth which was forced upon us by the pact forged. He wants to declare war, but is not willing to commit himself to the possibility of failure.

This is why we are where we are Vampires. We are hunters, not the hunted, it shall be they who shall retreat into the earth where the soil shall become their tombs and cages!"

And now back to Magnus.

"You wish for a blitzkrieg? Then let them know we are preparing for war, let them mount their horses, sharpen their swords and load their cannons. Let them bless their waters, whittle their stakes and silver their bullets. Let them use every resources against us for they know they will not win the war of attrition with their lifespans. Let them be expend themselves to the brink of collapse in hopes of taking us all out with them. Once the mist of holy water and blood subsides, the losses tallied up and the last survivors of the cattle are herded beneath their pens of dark earth so and bred like animals to lose their precious will to rise up against us, is when true victory will occur and night will descend up on Avalon. Then that, will be swift and bloody revolution you seek. Then you may gain my confidence that this war will be able establish any meaningful results. 

But let the other elders speak as they come, and I shall cast my lot after their thoughts on your little war game. I would hope they offer some sense in the matter as I find your line of thinking to be far too human for this meeting Lord Shane. What say you then, shall we say,'Chap' as you so would mock me in saying?"

With a snide smile twisting the corners of his lips did Bedivere finish his overly done production. Certainly it was eloquent and inspiring enough, although the younger vampires may have stopped caring for the subtly of undermining another vampire. And now for a bit of a drink, as he leaned over his conveniently placed thrall and sank his fangs in to feed before producing the silk pocket square from his suit to wipe clean the remnants of blood from his sly grin.