Saint Eloi - the Big Bell

Clic me, I'm pictures ^^

Awesome panoramic picture


Everything underlined are links, so click on them


The "Saint-Eloi Door" (Door as in entrance to the city's fortress), most known as "The Big Bell", and the Saint Eloi Church are built against each other. They are one of the older monuments of the cities, vestiges of the Middle Ages. Both were built and rebuilt, and arranger over time, as the walls of the city were destroyed, the expansion of the city continued and so on.
The Church itself (the black roofs on the picture, with that "tower") was half abandoned, half closed to the public ever since the second world war, with squats and pigeons. The City used it as an archive storage, and cult was abandoned until 2002 when it was "given" to the "saint Eloi association" so they could restore it, and is closely linked to the Society of St. Pius X (clic me for more info). Vandalism happened (and still happens) quite often, with graffiti about how people didn't want nazi priests (note : this is actually true). The Mayor and the government has not taken sides, but by giving the church to this extremist, antisemitisic, ultra right wing association, under the cover of "freedom of cult since it's not forbidden", some anger was risen among human rights movements (hence the vandalism, but then again, like everything, it's a complicated issue, it's a judicial mess, since traditionalists have been reintegrated into the Church by Benedict too...). An example was that a mass was celebrated to commemorate the Marshal Petain (which was a WWI French hero, but who then, during WWII, was the collaboration leader during the "Vichy Regime"). This, of course, lead to huge manifestations, which almost turned into riots.

The Church itself (without counting the presbytery and what is behind) is actually very small. It adds to the privacy, the secret cult, and most of the christians that attends the church know each other.




At night, the Big Bell is illuminated.

The secrecy, the rumors, the mistrust and the latin cults scream "Tremere" to all Kindred. Officially, the Big Bell and the Church is not a Chantry anymore, but centuries of occupation do not fade into nothingness that easily. The Big Bell is still closed to the public. Rumors say it's inhabited by "something".
Lyle Kersten goes to the church every now and then, without hiding it to other Kindred, maybe to maintain his circles of influences, maybe to keep an eye on to the cult, maybe because he has duties to fulfill over there... This is why people know that he can be found there.

This Thursday Night, and despite what has happened the night before, has not changed the Regent's plans, whatever they were. Even if it's still early during the night, the surroundings are deserted. One can see a few lights in the residences around the church, and the sound of a tv can be heard from a window opened, but this area is not a "night life" place.
The church's center dark green door is slightly opened. Someone just walking by wouldn't notice, but someone whose goal is to go to the church will notice. It certainly adds to the "secret society" feeling the church has always given to the inhabitants of the city, and on the news.

By entering, the ambiance becomes heavier, only to be broken by some steps resonating among the huge stone walls. It's clear that the Church has been seriously taken care of, it's state is just impeccable. There are half a dozen people inside the church. One of whom is the priest, a thin white man way over 60, with short white hair, who is cleaning up, helped out by the a few faithful pensioners. One of them, a small woman over 70, dressed very chic and wearing a few golden jewelry, with impeccable blond short curls is rehearsing on the organ, which only adds to the ambiance.


Lyle, dressed with a very simple two pieces dark grey costume, stands in front of one of the sides' alcoves, where candles are lighten under a Saint Peter renaissance painting. His hair is tied with a red ribbon, mostly hidden under the curls. Across the shoulder is still his usual computer bag. Unlike usually, he doesn't wear his hear piece for his telephone. The Tremere is lighting candles himself with a long match, with a great care for the gesture itself (to avoid the candles falling, and to be able to light them, because lighting church candles is truly hard), as he observes the painting and the latin verses written around it. He doesn't look totally focused on his action, as if he would be doing it while thinking about something else, or out of "habit". The absence of smile is quite odd, considering Kersten's personality. A keen eye can guess that even if the circumstances allow it, he's not taking part in a rite nor is in the middle of devotion, and hence, it would not be considered rude to interrupt him. One of the retired man helping does so by offering him a snack, which the Tremere refuses with a brief but polite hand movement and eye contact, before going back to his activity.

While the persons present in the church give an odd look to Chriss -maybe because he looks young, maybe because they don't remember him, maybe because he looks out of place-, seeing him approach Lyle seems to stop any action they might have taken. Lyle shakes slightly the match he was using to light the candles, as to shut off the flame on the other side. He doesn't give even a look to the Gangrel, while he puts away the stick he intends to keep. He does wear again his usual careless smile, while still observing the painting before him. He speaks low, calm and serene ; sadly, because he is speaking so low, the tone of voice he uses when he mocks people or situations doesn't pops out, which makes him sound so serious even though he might not be.
(Lyle) You shouldn't try and force yourself if you don't believe in the rites, Chriss, but they surly appreciate the efforts in respect to their parish. He allows, now, a thoughtful smile on his face, and to set his eyes on the Gangrel as an acceptance to the "request of discussing". We are speaking, but God sworn me to secrecy concerning His ultimate plans for us, if He's the person you want to talk to me about... Jokes aside, it's about Tarcisus, am I right ?

Lyle raises an eyebrow out of curiosity, observing a little more the Gangrel. He lets his eyes wander a few seconds, making sure he can't be heard by the humans in the room.
(Lyle) I may agree concerning the Lord's expectancies towards us, but the faithful of this church do care for decorum. It's good that mortals are able to keep their certitudes...

He seems to think about something, like if he pondered the request. Or thinking about what will the Gangrel owe him in return. Usually this is when people know that the price is too expensive, but Lyle just closes his eyes as to avoid showing what might be on his mind. His tone is darker, more serious, almost hopeless.
(Lyle) I ordered Claudia to keep an eye on him. None of us want that last fiasco to happen again. He opens his eyes again, just to observe the paint. I will tell you were she is, which should be the same place where Tarcisus is. In return I will ask you to see if my Childe is fine -well, as much as the corpse she now is-, in all secrecy, even from her. Does this sound acceptable ?

Maybe he is acting, but Lyle seems pretty honest about what he is saying, like if he cared. It's odd, and it feels odd, but it could be worse ; he forces himself not to make eye contact, focusing on the St. Peter painting. He surely hides the true reasons why he asks this return of favor, while having himself ordered Claudia to stay close to Tarcisus. Something else must be going on, but it is very probable that he might not be keen into accepting his own contradictions, or talk about it.

The Regent smirks almost instantly to Chriss' serious turn in discussion. He joins to his words a small look, first to the mortals, then to the Gangrel.
(Lyle) Actually, Father Eliet knows... Or maybe he thinks I'm delusional.

He smiles with a certain mystery, but he shows a certain assurance concerning the priest. Maybe he lied plain and simple, though. He goes on with less deepness, but he keeps serious.
(Lyle) Oh but Claudia is safe. She is one very capable Tremere, despite her appearance and naive reputation. I can't say I am worried, however I am her Sire. I was blamed for yesterday's incident, which I doubt now. Of course she doesn't talk to me, so it is impossible to find out the truth. Forcing her is pointless, yet I can't help but think that we all missed something important.

Lyle browses through his pockets for his phone, takes it, turns it on and browses through the applications silently. Once the one he was looking for has loaded, he nods with a smirk.
(Lyle)I would have guessed the Gangrel Primogen would have done his work. It suits him. Claudia, and her grandsire if he has not run away, both should be a few meters south of the water mirror.

Lyle smirks to the Gangrel before turning back to the painting and speaking in a low voice to avoid betraying the truth behind his words, or worse, his feelings or opinion on the matter.

(Lyle) It is -because- they are together that I made that request. Even if I was the one who told her to take care of her grandsire. Alone, Claudia is untouchable, even after yesterday.

He sounded pretty confident with that affirmation. Maybe a little too confident.

Estela stops just outside of the lined up green doors when she arrives at the church. In her hand, she holds her cellphone which is now fully charged again, a text message visible on the display. It is the automated response she received when trying to contact Lyle who was currently, according to the message, at this very church. She lets her eyes go over the church's exterior before turning back to her cellphone. The young vampire flicked quickly through the different messages, until she found one from Claudia, send very early in the evening. With a few presses of the buttons, Estela formulated a response and send it on its way.

text message:

Tugging her cellphone in the pocket of her jeans, Estela walked towards the middle one of the green doors, having noticed that it was slightly opened earlier. Almost unnecessarily cautious, she pushes the door open and slips inside. The atmosphere inside makes her pause and she let her eyes go over the people working slowly to keep the church in perfect condition. From what she could see, they did a great job. A small, almost dreamy smile, appears on her features as her eyes continue their wandering. Then, with a shake of her head, Estela focuses her attention on the reason for her being here: Lyle Kersten. Noticing him, the young vampire's smile widens and she walks towards him.

“Good evening, Lyle,” she starts, taking him up on last night's offer to just call him 'Lyle'. “Can't say I expected that I could find you here. Well, before I got that text response of course.” She makes a small gesture at their surroundings as she continues, “It's a beautiful place. More so than I thought it'd be. Are you here often? Ah, you don't have to answer of course. I'm just a bit curious.”

subterfuge 2:

Due to Lyle's presence, it seems the Church's usual volunteers are used to seeing people coming in and out to talk to him. A slight curious look happens every now and then as the doors reopens a little wider to let someone new enter. Lyle does himself give a look as he hears a voice he recognizes, forgetting an instant about the Saint Peter painting in front of him. He turns towards the voice's owner with a slight smile, as if pleased (or at least it seems so). He speaks low, and his voice is about as warm as the precedent night.
(Lyle) Lower your voice a little more, young girl, it is still a place of cult. Yes, I come here sometimes, Father Eliet says I should come more often, something about confession and saving my soul. I am still a Christian despite it all...

He shrugs and smiles a bit more, observing the girl.
(Lyle) It's indeed a beautiful place, with faithful and valuable followers who are taking great care of the walls and the story. He makes a small gesture to illustrate. The actual spiritual council can be of use of you are a catholic fundamentalist. Other than that, it is also a strong safe place, since it's still a Domain under my clan's watch.

He looks down an instant, then sets his eyes into the ones of his conversational partner.
(Lyle) What can I do for you ?

Estela's mouth opens a little as she's requested to keep her voice down just a bit. She glances around somewhat embarrassed and nods with a sheepish smile. Heeding his advice, she continues with lowered voice. “Ah. Okay, gotcha. Sorry about that.” She pauses a bit as his words sink in, after which she finds herself chuckling a bit. With her right hand before her mouth, the young vampire makes an attempt to stifle the sound. “I don't know why, but I find it a little hard to imagine you as a devout believer. But then, maybe that's just my own view of believers being quite wrong in several aspects I bet. Churches and I never really got along. To dull and silent, you know the serious and important kind of silent. Though I love the way religious buildings look. Especially when they're as well kept like this one.” The mention of the church being under Lyle's clan protection surprises Estela, but she doesn't comment on it.

perception+empathy>5:

At the Tremere's question, it takes a few seconds for Estela to answer him. “Well I...I just...I was wondering about a couple things I don't quite understand yet. Claudia send me a mail about some of the basics. She also told me where she'd be, along with a warning that she'd be with her grandsire, and that I'd have to be careful with my words around him. So, I hope you won't mind if I play it safe and ask you, then pretend to be a little genius around him?” She sends him the most charming smile she can create.

auspex4:

The Regent doesn't contain an amused and curious smile and look as his beliefs are asked about, as well as Estela explains her relationship to Churches. He let go the lowering the voice subject, as if he didn't mind that much to retain the information or to talk about it any further. He smiles a little wider as he shows some more of his usual humor.
(Lyle) Oh, heretic you are ! And you question my faith on top of it !

His look indicates he's joking at all levels. He takes his hand to the front of his neck to catch a thin silver chain and pulls it until he reveals a small matching simple and sober cross. Once his point made, he puts it back under the shirt as it was before.
(Lyle) Of course I believe. Back when I was still breathing, it was the norm and Faith was the only answer we had until quite recently. My faith adapted as the world evolved around me, but I guess that to mortals, I am way too hard-core. In my times I wasn't considered particularly devout. Habits die hard, and we take to this existence what we had before. There is a reason why our society is still very feudal and gives care of some things that are considered nowadays as obsolete. Like titles... I consider myself a progressist by all means, but I am an exception. Certainly I ditched the idea that the Sun goes around the Earth through the action of Seraphs and God's Will, but I can assure you some others still have a hard time accepting the idea of relativity, atoms and even some aspects of genetics.

He shrugs and offers a slight smile, in between being impressed and being sinfully amused and curious.
(Lyle) It's a smart move to do, so I don't mind and I will help you play it safe, then. Claudia was right to warn you about her Grandsire but I'm certain she doesn't get the actual reasons... Habits die hard, I told you, and when one's mind is so affected by aging, I guess the least you can do is be careful with words and gestures. If you ever watched movies about Louis XIV, then act if you were a noblewoman from that era, without caring for the clothing of course ! Jokes aside, use ultra-polite words and simple phrases with proper old vocabulary to its rightful lexical meaning ; like if you were speaking to your great grand-father who would only think about how he lived through last war and who has no idea what technological or social progresses are, while being angry if you didn't show proper educate manners. Is it helpful enough ?

Estela couldn't really stop herself from sticking her tongue out at Lyle when he calls her a heretic. She attempts to also look mildly insulted, but the smile and amused light in his eyes make the feigned look fall quickly and she grins broadly instead. “I reserve the right to question anyone's faith. I'm a heretic already, why not live up to it while I'm at it?” Her eyebrows raise in surprise when the Tremere actually pulls a small cross from below his shirt. “Well, that's certainly a surprise,” she admits. Once he finishes explaining how many Kindred still look upon the world, Estela can't help but chuckle a little, partly out of amusement but also out of disbelief that anyone could deny knowledge that seems so common and normal to her. “Why not let them bisect a chicken's leg or cow's eye and look at the different types of tissue below a microscope. Maybe that seeing the cells in their different stages of splitting and what not will change their view on things.” She tilts her head as though she just realized something before continuing with a heavy sigh. “Then again, they could very well call it.....what was it called again?... A Tremere lie?”

Despite having spoken with a soft voice, Estela glances around to the people that continued their routines in the church, unsure of how freely she could speak here. Though Lyle seemed to have no problems whatsoever, for he merely continued by giving her the advice she had technically asked for. She looks a little lost at what he tells her. “Well, I suppose I kinda get what you mean... though it doesn't really help a lot, considering I have no clue how to speak the way you just told me to. One of my great grand-fathers, from my mom's side at least, was a strict Muslim, but I doubt you'd want me to praise Allah around the grandsire. Never really met him since I was a little kid when he died, but I heard he was a real ass.” Estela shrugs a little, a light grin tugging at the corner of her lip. “Soooo, I'd love it if you could give a few pointers, else I'll just follow the age old method of shutting up, biting my tongue and nodding politely, while trying to keep a straight face.”

The Regent listens carefully as the vampire before him suggests a way to show other kindred science. He smiles at the idea. It seems that, for him, the low tone of voice combined by the organ practice and the fact that the elderly are doing their things is enough to be explicit enough, as long as it's only discussion.
(Lyle) It is quite amazing to observe the cells indeed.. Every night, they surprise me with new findings and more facts which only blows my mind. No I do think they have a certain understanding of the concepts but they are just not curious enough to use those tools as they could be, or see their potential. I am more interested in technology myself... Especially informatics. It would be like trying to explain the relativity theory to monkeys.

He shrugs with disdain and uncare, but totally open to the idea that Estela's ancestry were of a different faith.
(Lyle) Who said anything about religion ? No, my Sire isn't a faithful person, at least in religious matters, he's a scientist. He's not hard to please, let him talk, agree at all times unless he asks for your opinion, stick to safe trivia topics.. And try not to get too much in disagreement when the culture shock'll happen. So yeah, shut up, bite your tongue, nod, and mimic Claudia's behavior around him. Girly stuff... He'll probably speak to you as if you were a five year old, so put your principles, individuality and personality aside. Technically that's how the Camarilla works in some way and how most Elders act.

Lyle offers a quite frank smile and shakes his head slightly as if saying no.
(Lyle) Except me but I'm totally wasted so take everything I saw for what it's worth... A Tremere lie.

Estela gives a barely noticeable shrug, showing her disinterest. “If you say so. I never found cells all that interesting. Didn't really strike me.” Realizing something, she chuckles softly. “I guess this is that 'culture shock' thing you spoke off? The oldies finding things that are completely normal either very interesting or absolutely horrible?”

She shakes her head when Lyle mentions that the grandsire isn't really religious, though smiles when he says that her method was in fact one of the better ones. “I wasn't really serious about the whole religious thing. Would never be able to get that out of my throat correctly anyways. If he's a scientist than all the better. I can always feign interest in those things like I did to get through middle school. The rest.....well, that will be just a bit tricky I think. I tend to voice my opinion, whether it is wanted or not.” A pause. “Can we bruise? Because if so, I'll no doubt look quite purple at the end of the night cause of Clau's elbows. That is, if she continuous with the elbowing like she did yesterday. Whenever I'm about to say something wrong -jab-!” She mimics the movement of jabbing her elbow in the ribs, slightly exaggerating it.

Shifting her stance, the young vampire let her eyes go through the church and then back on Lyle. “Well, thanks for the tips, Lyle.” She smiles as she says this, her gratitude true. “I'll put them to good use when bothering Clau. Which is what I'm going to do now.” Estela turned around and began to walk to the still slightly opened door. After a few steps she pauses and appears to decide on something. She turns to face the Tremere Regent and grins, though there is some uncertainty in her eyes. “And hey, there's no reason why being a little crazy is wrong. If you're normal, think of the horrible state the rest of the world's population is in!”

The Tremere gives a curious look when Estela claims biology never stroke her. His smile widens as she goes on and speak about the culture shock.
(Lyle) It's true for younger ones like yourself that science, mathematics, astronomy.. It's all granted, it's all normal. I cannot help but to contemplate it sometimes, when I remember past times. Then I get wasted and get back to business instead of being mind-blown.

He makes a slight letting-go movement with the hand when the young vampire mentions her leaving.
(Lyle) I would guess Claudia's behavior among us and among mortals is very different. Whatever she does is usually with everyone's best interests in mind... or what she thinks they are. Getting ashed by my Sire is certainly something she'd like to avoid for you ! He chuckles about it, as if it was nothing, as if it was normal. He adds a few words, concerning normal people and craziness. I'm not into metaphysics, yet, I've got no time for that, so I'll leave it to you. Bother her good, then come back and tell me all about it, would you ?

He waves a slight farewell, as if he didn't need an answer, showing that actually he doesn't care that much.

Estela's phone:

“Granted, normal and booooooring,” Estela says with a laugh. “Give me a paintbrush, some paint and a clean canvas, and you won't hear me for the rest of the day. Nothing else necessary I'll be busy the rest of the day.” The young vampire ponders the Regent's words, tilting her head from side to side and lips slightly pursed. “Well, I don't know Claudia well enough to say how different she is now compared to when I was....studying here. But I'm glad she's willing to look out for me the way she is. I think I'm even glad that there's a familiar face in all this, even if it's a little disturbing at the same time.”

Feeling the vibration of her phone, Estela pulls it from her pocket and flips it open. She reads the message, her eyebrows raising in surprise, followed by a rather intense curiosity and a mischievous grin. With the same grin still in place, she tugs her phone back in her pocket and turns her attention back on Lyle “Oh I was intending to bother her good, but I doubt you'll be interested in it. I am planning to go on a shopping spree with her. If I can free her from.....wait your S-?” Estela blinks a few times, before shaking her head with a half laugh. “Can't believe I didn't realize that on my own. Anyways, if there's anything that I think you would like to know, I'll tell you. First thing would be getting her real birthday okay?” Grinning, the young vampire waves her own farewell and leaves the church, making an attempt to make as little sound as possible to not disturb anyone of the church's people with her leaving.

Miriel arrives just outside the entrance, Duncan in tow. While he mutters something and admires the skyline, Miri smiles, half listening, and drops the last of her cigarette onto the street. She puts it out, crushing it underfoot until all that remains of the cigarette is ash and small bits of tattered paper that scatter in the wind. Looking up from the street, she sees one of three green doors cracked open and approaches, interested by what might be on the other side.

Seeing it's the church, she enters, pausing just inside to let Duncan decide when he's finished admiring the architecture and ready to check the building out.

When he joins her at the entryway, she's looking around at the inside of the church, scanning over its sanctified decor. She notes his presence, asking in a quiet tone, Any more tidbits for this tour? Your discourse on boobies and Louis XV's Lamborghini has left my brain salivating.

Duncan joins Miri in the church, the frown on his face highlighting his annoyance that Miri didn't listen to what he was saying before. Yet once he is inside, his attention is focused on the architecture, so much so that he is lost in thought for a moment. Anyone close enough can hear him murmur a snippet from a song, before Miri draws his attention.

Miri, Auspex 1:

At Miri's comment, Duncan returns to the here and now, and smiles down at her. He replies in a soft voice:
Sorry. The setting reminded me of that song... from a video game, no less. And for the record, the boobie comment was a quote from Theo. Besides, we're not supposed to mention boobs in here. It's called a 'bosom', and there's nothing sexual about it.
The Brujah chuckles silently; yet he is not so distracted that he hasn't noticed Lyle, talking to a priest. He indicates them both with a slight inclination of his head, although Miri has almost certainly noticed them too.

The silence of the church is easily broken as the footsteps echo to the bricks. Even if each and everyone speaks low, it resonates strongly. It doesn't allow someone to actually understand what is being said, due to the steps and the other words spoken, but a trained ear, maybe, might discern a few words and compose with the tone of voice to guess the subjects spoken.


It takes a few instants for the Tremere to notice Miri and Duncan as they enter in that one order. He gives them a quick look to make sure they are who he thinks they are, which draws the priest's attention. The clerical member gives a look himself, exchanges a few words with the Tremere. Probably something about confirming he knows them ; the Tremere seems to respond to a few questions before they exchange farewells. The old man nods as the Tremere gives him something out of his computer bag's side pocket. At first glance, it could be a checkbook, or maybe a small notebook of some sort. The priest accepts it and puts it away, before starting to walk towards the two newcomers.
As he walks, they can easily see that he is actually not walking towards them, but towards outside and the door. He does stop close to the two kindred and offers them a resigned smile. His traits do show that he's been through a lot in life. The Tremere seems to be waiting for the two other kindred as he rests on one of the columns, facing the outside doors, with a devious smile. The priest addresses the two kindred with a low voice and making a slight movement towards the Regent, understanding he's not the main goal of their visit. He is, however, quite inviting and will certainly discuss with them if they wish so.
Apart from his clerical robe, the priest is also wearing a warmer coat he put on when the others left. This also indicates he was aiming to go out to begin with.
(Father Eliet) Is there something I could do for you, children?

Miriel looked over to Duncan just before asking her smartass question. She catches a glimpse of his frown and winces, cringing slightly at having annoyed him. She would have said something, or mouthed an apology, but he speaks, or rather sings, which distracts her from feeling awkward about having breezed past him and right into the church.

She looks at him, smiling, then grinning with mounting amusement. She shakes her head, I have no idea what you're on about, but that was lovely, Duncan. Thank you. She chuckles softly while regarding him. She seems less amused at his expense, and more charmed with hearing him hum along to something drawn up from nostalgia.

His actual response causes Miri to narrow her eyes slightly, but she notes the priest approaching and changes her expression to one of a pleasant smile, fit to greet people with. She glances downward and says something aside, to Duncan.

Duncan, Auspex 1:

Miriel notices the Priest is wearing his coat and that the two are obstructing the exit; she steps aside while she responds, Ah, no Father. We were just looking around, but we have just seen someone we recognize, thank you, she smiles and glances over to Lyle, who is leaning against a column, grinning deviously. She regards his possibly dangerous expression with her own rather blank, vaguely surprised or confused sort of expression. She maintains the poker face for a few uncomfortably long seconds.

She remembers the priest, But M. Oliver may have a question or two about the church. She looks over to Duncan, her smile returning.

Duncan steps to the opposite side of the aisle from Miri, to allow the Priest to pass.
Thank you Father, but I don't want to keep you from your sleep. We're just here to speak to your other guest. A gesture toward Lyle indicates whom Duncan refers to.

The priest forces a slight laugh when both Kindred make understand that their visit was, as he had guessed, for Lyle. He nods in acknowledgment.
(Father Eliet) Alright then. He pauses, as if he was thinking about something. He sighs and shakes slightly his head as if his inquiry would not be met, and speaks with a resigned tone. Just... Don't make too much of a mess while I'm not here. Have a good night, My children.

Father Eliet offers a comprehensive smile, but he's also a little distant and paternalistic as it would be expected from an old catholic priest.
He walks past the two vampires and before he leaves, he turns and signs to Lyle that he should close the doors behind him. The Tremere visibly shows that he understood. Lyle waits for the priest to have left through the doors to walk towards the two kindred, with that same smile on his face. He salutes with a certain joy, before going to the door to close them.
(Lyle) Mr. Oliver, Miss de Boucher... I suppose you're not here for a blessing, are you?
He observes an instant the two Kindred as he pulls the distance block that is used to close the doors from the inside. He signs on the other side of the church, towards the unseen sacristy, as to indicate there is another exit and that he is not, in fact locking them up.

Miri waves as the priest leaves. She turns to face Lyle as he addresses Duncan and she. Smiling at his joke as he walks by, she acts as if she's unsure she heard him correctly, Blessings?

She shakes her head and laughs suddenly as the joke seems to sink in, Oh God, no! She chuckles, then remembers to lower her voice while in the church. She coughs softly and recomposes herself, *Ahem*- No. I'm sure there's not a lot that would actually cause me to erupt in holy flame, with the possible exception of receiving such a "blessing," but, she clicks her tongue, I won't test it.

She watches him lock up. She only appears puzzled briefly, as Lyle draws the other exit to their attention, We're just making rounds, mostly. She looks to Duncan. She smiles as little memories from earlier in the night come to mind, I've managed to ambush this one earlier this evening and twist his arm somehow into letting me tag along. She looks back to Lyle, offering a better summary, Day-tripping. Her expression denotes an understanding that it's not the best word for it, considering their "condition," Eh, you know what I mean. She waves the thought away, not particularly caring to find a better suited word.

As Lyle speaks, Duncan feigns an expression of mild surprise.
A blessing? But the priest is gone. Unless you're ordained, Regent?

With a glance at Miri that seems to offer support, without being patronizing, Duncan will shake his head and smile ever-so-slightly.
I'm not worried about bursting into flames from a random blessing, and I don't think Miri has anything to fear either. I visited a number of churches in Paris, and came away unsinged. In fact, that's one reason I'm here. I was curious about whether St. Eloi had any noticeable aura of faith about it.

Also, Miri expressed interest in seeing a few of the tourist sights... and talking to a few people she didn't have long conversations with last night. I'm not sure whether she's the one tagging along, or I am. But it hasn't been boring so far.

Lyle lets out a small laugh when he hears both Kindred speak about flames and blessing. He makes sure the doors are well closed and turns back.
(Lyle) Holy flames, I am not sure. Tremere ones, however, give me a call and some blood, and I'll be your man. Apart from the diploma, I could be very well ordained. Well, there's the diploma, and the fact that I break on a very regular basis all ten commandments... No, I think me blessing anyone would have no value. Council, however, that I give often enough, for what it's worth. I've helped Father Eliet


He walks away from the door and takes the right-side alley, inviting the other two to follow him as he shows a little around.
(Lyle) Faithful auras.. Look, I've been to the Vatican, I've stayed in Jerusalem some time too. Christ, I've even murdered people in San Pietro. Nothing happened ; well, nothing by God's hand. But I have seen Kindred go nuts whenever they saw a cross, or a member of the cleric. My theory is that it's either all in their minds, or some mortals have so much conviction that they affect us in a similar way the discipline of Presence does.

He shrugs as if he didn't care, as if it didn't affect him, as if he observed the phenomenon as an outside entity. Lyle certainly has a very scientific approach of his surroundings.
(Lyle) Saint Eloi has no reason to be faithful anyway. It was considered holy until the Revolution, but then it became everything but a church until a couple of years ago. Then again, we never wanted too much publicity here, after all, it was our Chantry. If you want truly odd places to visit and feel like you'll get ashed if you step on the wrong stone, try Aachen. The Celestial Chorus will gladly make you meet your maker.

Oddly, he uses the English/International name of Aachen, and not the French one (Aix-La-Chapelle). He stops in front of the pastor with children statue which has a dark red curtain behind it (it's a link and it's not Rick roll), then rests on the barrier, eyeing around him. He puts his computer bag at his feet and crosses his arms, in a certain nonchalant and comfortable way.
(Lyle) See, I love neonates. I'll always make time for people like you, because it helps me in a way. I was hoping you'd come visit me. You may have understood that I have nothing in common with other Elders. Hell I never had anything in common with anyone in centuries. Would you mind if I asked you both a few questions ?

auspex 2:

perception+subterfuge > 5: