Saint Eloi - the Big Bell

The Regent squints the eyes when he hears Estela's explanations. He then shrugs.
(Lyle) Not "something horrible", but who knows...

He smiles and takes back his seat. He moves the computer bag, not without having a look to it. He stares back at the monitor. He openly avoids the subject of him storming out. The lines full the monitor again, but they are faster and he's obviously not reading them.
(Lyle) Not a bad work, I see... Hm. If he speaks to you again and I'm not here, refuse. It might end badly. Mages are madmen.

He's not dead serious about it, but he is focused on the task at hand. He doesn't sound playful or joking either. Maybe he's saying that warning out of custom.
(Lyle) I should be done soon. I'll guide you out then, and you'll go straight to your haven. It's dangerous to be out there alone and open to Sabbat kids, so you should move safely.


The gargoyle stayed stoic when he was addressed. He just makes a slight head movement as he hears. He doesn't move either when the nosferatu touches him, but he does look at her very carefully, but he doesn't move. Once they are in, the door closes behind them. The lights indeed guide them towards the old ritual room. The walk was a little long, and quite twisted.
It's a rectangle room, wide of about 10 meters and long of about 16. On the long walls there are wood shelves, which seemed to have lots of books some time ago. Under the shelves, are some boxes which contain either small cabinet doors or drawers. In between them there is still a long diner table which was certainly never used for dining, surrounded by some chairs. On the short wall directly in opposition to the kindred is a wall covered in chains, with graved runes all over the stones. Oddly, the stone floor changes to a ground one for the last two meters, under that wall. There are still many tools in the shelves, such as a few old beaker, some knives, and few others idle (or not so idle) objects. There are even some old paper on the table as well as some ink and a few feathers. Some candles and an old oil lamp are also on the table, as if the room was used some time ago.
The most noticeable though is the man staked earlier being attacked to the chains, against the wall, upside down. He is still staked, and he was strongly secured, but the chains of the arms were opened.
Despite the obvious age of the place, it's pristine and clean. It doesn't take away that idea that "this is certainly what a Chantry looks like" whenever the Tremere clan was mentioned to anyone.

science 1 or academics 2:

As Mikael entered the chantry, it took Rufus a few instants to show up through the inner walls to reach what he understood was a Tremere. As he said, indeed, he is one with the stone. As he sees it's Mikael, the gargoyle kneels.

Linguistics : Latin:

Once he has given all information he felt it should, he looks up, waiting for the right to leave and to continue his duties.

The walk down to the room with the prisoner is uneventful, although rather cramped for Duncan-- the passageways were not built for someone 1.83m tall. Yet he manages the journey well enough.

Upon his arrival, Duncan's eyes quickly scan the room. He sees Miri sitting at the table and he smiles, although the smile fades somewhat as he spots the staked prisoner hanging from the chains. The smell of blood permeates the room; if he hadn't been expecting it, this could have had unfortunate side effects.

An examination of the room causes Duncan to grunt in recognition. Hunh... Classical construction. However, he does not elaborate upon his meaning. The Brujah walks up to the table and glances at some of the papers, while he speaks to Miriel and asks her a question.

Hey. Miriel, this is Carrion; Carrion, this is Miriel. Find out anything interesting? Like where these guys have been staying since they arrived? Or what they were after?

Storyteller:

When Mikael arrives, Duncan nods his head in acknowledgement, and turns to face Miri.

Miriel, this is M. Mikael Horsman, the one that Claudia and Regent Kersten mentioned; her former teacher. This is Miriel, of the Toreador clan. Duncan gestures toward the prisoner. I didn't catch that gentleman's name; the last time we met, he was too busy shooting me.

Introductions done, Duncan turns back to Miri. I ran into Lord Tarcisus again when we visited the Setites. He suggested that M. Horsman help us investigate tonight's Sabbat attacks.

Auspex 2, Perception + Alertness > 4:

Miriel slumps in her chair as Rufus melts through the floor, Now I've seen everything.

She turns slightly in her chair to lean an elbow on the table top and touches her hand to her temple. She begins her wait, looking contemplatively at Frederic's upside down body- She begins to look tired.

She glances up as Duncan enters; she waves, but she doesn't smile back. She spares a soft, welcoming smile to Carrion as she is introduced, Good name.

She spends a long second looking at Carrion, one may have begun to get the impression she was analyzing her, but Duncan asks something about the interrogation, Interesting? I suppose. She sits up, There was no information about where they were staying, but it was found out what they were looking for- An artifact of interest that was rumored to be here, in the old chantry, or somewhere in Theodore's domain. They didn't find what they were looking for, obviously. The artifact is in Tremere hands, but in the new chantry.

This one, she indicates by inclining her head in the direction of the chained vampire, Was supposedly behind the scheming.

She rolls her head around to relax her shoulders, sighing with some sort of tension or unease, He's going to be executed... He wasn't even sure what this thing he was looking for did, he just wanted it. She seems sad to know his fate.

Her features express a queasy kind of acceptance of the situation, But it is confirmed he is Sabbat; Lasombra.

She improves her posture a little more as Mikael joins them. She smiles as Duncan introduces him and makes a small joke about the prisoner; she can't help but to add, His name is Frederic. She appears somewhat bothered to know the prisoner's name, and so she diverts her attention to Mikael after Duncan finishes speaking, Pleased to meet you, M. Horsman. I'm glad to have your help, Claudia thinks highly of you.

“Well, nothing happened, okay.” Her response is a bit touchy, as though Estela feels somewhat insulted by Lyle's words, which she does. She crosses her arms, a light scowl creasing her forehead. “If you so obviously don't trust me on my own around here, why'd you leave in the first place?” The tone in her voice shows her annoyance, but also that she considers the question a rhetoric one. She does however, send a quick, sideways glance to the Tremere to see his reaction, if he even shows one.

When Lyle speaks about Leopold, it seems like the young vampire would stay quiet about it, though her slightly tensed pose and stubborn expression show that she highly doubts helping the mage out would have bad consequences, and that she'd just help him out again if asked. However, as he reaches the end of what he says, Estela visibly flinches and glares sharply at the Tremere.

Perception+Empathy>4:

“What, just cause you say he's mad, I can't help him out?” She pauses for a bit, fuming silently. “Besides, you're a mage too and I'm helping you, aren't I? Even though Claudia told me to stay far away from you.” Estela clamps shut when she says this, looking away from the older vampire. She appears a bit embarrassed that she's let the last part slip out, for she hadn't intended to bring her friend up.

Still angry at Lyle's earlier words, she doesn't take well to his ordering, though she appears more guarded and defensive instead of angry at this. Due to her soured mood, her words come out harsher than they're probably really meant to be. “Whatever the hell makes you think you can just order me around? I know damn well what those Sabbat are capable off, and I can take care of myself. I'm not about to go running back to that hole my Sire left me and hide under the blankets like a little coward.” She almost, almost, growls. “It's not my home! It's not.” Her anger dissipates and the young vampire seems to crumple beneath her own words. The young vampire swallows heavily, wrapping her arms around and resting her chin on her pulled up knee. A shuddering breath passing through her lips. “It will never be my home..” A few red tears begin to streak from her eyes. Feeling the moistness, Estela reaches up with a hand and wipes one away. She stares at the red smear on her fingers in mute shock, then attempts to clear her cheeks from the blood while the tears slowly continue.

ST:

When Duncan steps aside and Carrion comes into view the blonde hair she had has gone and has turned back to the close to the skull shave she had in El Bodegon but her attire has remained the same as when she entered. Her eyes scan the room obviously assessing the room for threats when her eyes fall on Miriel her eye contact lasts for only a few seconds and she gives her a small thumbless wave of her left hand in greeting.

She steps fully into the room silently giving Miriel a quick wink at the comment she made about her name. Carrion is aware of Miriel's eyes on her but doesn't comment. She steps around the table to get a look at the prisoner and lets out a low whistle of appreciation.

Auspex 2 or Perception + Subterfuge >5:

Well now, if I'd known this was your clans usual greeting methods I would have visited years ago. He would look so spiffy on my haven wall.

She chuckles and approaches the staked vampire with a small appreciative smile. When she's close enough she uses her right hand to angle his face to get a better look at him. When she's happy with the angle she takes her phone out and takes a picture and lets go of him letting gravity place him back in his original position again. She fiddles with her phone for a few moments obviously sending a text message.

Pierre:

By the time she's finished with her phone and is sliding it back into her inner pocket Mikael arrives. She gives him a polite but small nod in greeting. She seems to want to remain as distant as possible from the conversation so she takes a seat at a reasonable distance so as to not draw too much attention to herself.

The Regent listens to the Toreador's fumes, and eventually turns on his chair to observe her, raising an eyebrow. He observes her, cold and distant, letting her finish what it seems to be an emotional outburst.

Perception+Alertness>4:

Once she is done, he turns back to his monitor. He takes his computer bag, opens it, takes out a handkerchief made of nice white fabric (maybe raw silk or fine cotton), and hands it to Estela. His tone has become much more harsh, and he speaks much more calmly, slower, lower. The first remark is mostly for himself, however.
(Lyle) That was a good advice... Calm down and wipe. I never said I was sane either, Estela, I am not, despite the fact that I am not a mage (I'll explain the difference some other night). He lets out a slight whiz before a sigh. This kind of distraction wasn't what I expected. Now understand that "home" is something that you'll never know anymore. Ever. Toughen up and don't show these weaknesses, these emotions to others or you'll be played with for the rest of your unlife.

Perception+Alertness>5:

He finishes to turn to face Estela again. His tone is slightly softer, he's calmer.
(Lyle) At least you'll be able to confide in Claudia and her friends.

Carrion, Perception>3:

The Gargoyle melts back into the stone at Mikael's words, and basically "follows" him through the passages to reach the room which holds the prisoner as well as the neonates.
Rufus appears back from the wall next to the prisoner after Mikael has entered the room, gives a look at the present, and resumes untying the prisoner as he had been given the order to.

After the presentations, Mikael gave a quick nod to Miriel.
She does indeed. What do you know about the prisioner?

The Tremere then went silent, simply gazed Miriel for a moment, waiting for an answer before turning his head to Rufus and the prisioner.

Auspex 2:

Miriel smirks as she watches Carrion toy around with her phone and then put it up after Mikael's arrival. Silently, she glances back at Duncan.

Duncan, Perception+Subterfuge>5:

She returns her attention to Mikael. Softly, she answers him, One Frederic Vonzel; Sabbat Lasombra, would-be thief of a "nodite artifact" rumored to be here, or in Primogen Theodore's domain. He didn't find what he was looking for, Regent Kersten says it's been in Tremere custody at the new chantry all along. There was no immediate plan of action, save "get the thing, find out what it does later." He awaits execution.

Auspex 2:

Miriel, Perception + Subterfuge>5:

Duncan listens without comment to Miriel's summary of the information they learned from the prisoner. Then he walks over to look at the Lasombra, much the same as Carrion did a minute earlier. However, rather than drag the staked Kindred's head up to get a better look, Duncan turns away and bends his head down to look behind him at the hanging man's face. After a moment, Duncan straightens and looks down at the prisoner, while Rufus unchains him.

Well, he doesn't look like the evil crazed monster we've heard that all Sabbat are. Of course, that's kind of the point, isn't it? However, these attacks certainly weren't very well-planned. In his place, I would want to know what I'm looking for first, to know whether it's worth sacrificing a number of my own people to get it... or worth risking a breach of the Masquerade.

Duncan sighs, as he looks down into the Lasombra's eyes.
A few hundred years ago, you guys were just anarchs. I could respect that. But what you've turned into... you spend more time trying to piss on everything connected to the Camarilla, than you do hunting down your precious 'Antediluvians'. Or is that just rumor? Also, whether it was really you that organized this, or someone else, the fact that you were willing to trade your people's lives for an unknown artifact shows that you are willing to screw each other over for power just as much as any Camarilla elder.

Ah, forget it. I'd do you a favor and kill you now, except that the Prince might be mad if it was done without his permission. So I guess you're out of luck all around.

Carrion listens passively eyeing the prisoner as if he may move even though she knows he won't or rather can't. She listens silently and watches Duncan as approaches when he's done she reclines in the chair so she can watch everyone with more ease.

She begins to frown slightly after a couple of minutes and pulls her phone out again tapping on the buttons randomly. She growls her anger and frustration when she obviously can't get the phone to work.

If the others were watching Carrion when she was using it the first time then they would notice that before she wasn't really looking at her phone when she was using it and now her focus is directly on the phone she's noticed a problem.

Anyone else having problems with their phones? Mine seems to have died on me...

Auspex 2:

Duncan turns to watch Carrion fuss with her phone, and this seems to cheer him up a bit after his monologue to the prisoner.

Tremere magic. Probably no signal down here anyway, with all the stone. I'm sure it'll start working once we leave.

The Brujah watches as Rufus finishes unchaining the prisoner, and carries him out of the room. Duncan looks curiously at Mikael, and then at Miri.

Um... Is he putting the guy in storage, or in the pantry?

Mikael watched Carrion's attempt to turn on her cellphone with half a smile on his face.

Brujah is right, the wards that protect this place won't allow your cellphones to work, as with some other technological devices. But feel free to keep trying, dear...

Mikael turns to Duncan and shrugged.
I couldn't say for certain, really.

Carrion smiles when Mikael confirms Duncan's theory but obviously wants to say something instead she asks a different question.

Why are the Tremere so paranoid about mobile phones?

Carrion gives up with the phone and puts it away while watching Rufus work on moving the prisoner. She gives a small smile at Duncan's pantry comment.

Seems a shame to hide him away...

Estela accepts the handkerchief handed to her but hesitates for a bit before actually using it to clean the red streaks from her face. “Distraction is distraction, no?” She finally says in an attempt to lighten the mood. The humor in her voice is forced though, and her attempt at a smile is nothing but a light quiver of the corner of her mouth that falls quickly. The young vampire sighs and looks away, fingers idly folding the stained handkerchief then turning it into a ball. She doesn't appear to be doing this consciously.
“I'm sorry. I didn't mean to...well, break down I guess. It's just...” She shrugs helplessly, trying to put her thoughts into words. “Well, I haven't had much time to think of my situation until now.” She flinches at the harshness in the Tremere's words, her grip on the handkerchief tightening.

perception+empathy>5:

auspex 2:

She smiles a little when Claudia's mentioned. “Maybe I will call her in a bit. See if she's got some time.” Estela runs the handkerchief over her cheeks and past her eyes one more time, then holds it out for Lyle to take back if he wants. “Thanks for letting me borrow it...sorry for making it a mess.” Her words are genuine.

“So, what'd you mean when you said you weren't sane? You seem pretty normal to me. Well, vampire things aside.” Her tone suggests that the young vampire is slightly curious about this, but her primary reason for asking is to change the subject away from herself.

The Regent doesn't take back the tissue. He openly avoids looking at the handky. His voice is even a little stressed.
(Lyle) You may keep it.

He stares a few more seconds to the monitor, and then turns slightly to be able to see the Toreador and offers her a slight predatory smile.
(Lyle) You'll have to get used to it, to being a corpse. Never show these doubts to others, or you'll be a target of mind games. I will play with those doubts, be warned. We all have our problems, Estela, but don't be fooled : I am a monster and will always be. I'm just quite lucid about it.

He stands up, and puts his phone in his pocket. He also puts his computer bag on his shoulder. As he stood up, the monitor shut down.
(Lyle) I'll take you to the others, to discuss future moves. You'll have to wait to be outside to call Claudia.

He waits for her to be ready ; he makes a slight move to make Estela know he wants his Ipad back, by pointing at it. Once she has given it back, stood up, Lyle guides her into the corridors of the old chantry to reach the others into the old ritual room.

As he opens the door to enter, the Regent gives a look to each and everyone of them. As he notices Mikael, he approaches him and offers him his hands, in the exact opposite way Claudia did (palms down instead of palms up). He doesn't look particularly glad, but he looks severe, serious, and gives the gesture a certain importance.
(Lyle) Evening Mikael. Excuse my absence at your arrival earlier.

perception+subterfuge>4:

perception+alertness>4:

Auspex2:

Estela looks at the stained handkerchief in her hands. After a moment of hesitation, she places it in a pocket of her pants. To Lyle's advice and warnings, she just nods halfheartedly, looking away as she does so. While appreciative of his words, she doesn't seem to be taking them to seriously for some reason. “Thanks. I guess....”

auspex 4:

When Lyle moves to stand and the monitor shuts down, the young vampire takes that as them leaving and stands as well, handing the Tremere's Ipad to him when he gestures at it. Muttering an 'alright' at his mention of her having to wait until outside to contact Claudia, Estela follows the older vampire out the room and through the hallways until they reach their destination and Lyle opens a door. She follows him inside and lets her eyes go through it, noting both the room and the people inside. Her gaze momentarily lingers on the Nosferatu, but quickly moves to the others.

Perception+alertness>4:

Perception+Empathy>4:

Miriel brushes her hair behind her ear as she watches Duncan approach Frederic. She listens with interest as he talks, but raises a brow, seemingly with some distaste, at his comment about pantries. Still, she yields to him begrudgingly an amused smirk, shaking her head all the while. She catches a second glance from Duncan at that, and so rises from her seat as Frederic is removed from the room.

Carrion's comment about Tremere paranoia wins an almost inaudible chuckle from Miriel, but she still says nothing, pacing softly and further away from the table.

Lyle and then Estela arrive. She gives a nod to Lyle in greeting before smiling and mouthing a hello to Estela, cheerily. Her eyes fall back onto Lyle, who approaches Mikael. She studies him for a time before deciding to approach Estela after the Regent has left her side. Her walk, and her demeanor for that matter, is calm and understated.

She stops just a few feet away from her, in front and a little to the side, so as to keep from obstructing her view of the others, Hello. Her tone of voice is soft and smoky, warm but worn, I remember you from the other night. She smiles and extends a hand to Estela, My name is Miriel.

Toreador, Perception 3:

Mikael ignores Carrion, not by rudeness, but simply because he felt it was an retoric question.
When Lyle and Estela arrives, Mikael greets the regent in the Tremere way, with his palms turned up.

Evening, Monsieur Kersten.I apologize for not being in the chantry, but I am under Lord Tarcisus orders to help with the investigation of the attackers.

And I seemed to have arrived just in time for this...little party
Mikael looks at the non-Tremere when he mentions 'party'

Auspex 2:

When Lyle enters and looks at each of them in turn, Duncan will bow his head a moment in respect as the elder Tremere's gaze meets his own. He does not interrupt the Regent's ritual greeting to Mikael, though. Instead, he follows Miri over to Estela; and after the Toreador introduces herself to the new Kindred, Duncan offers his own hand in greeting as well.

Good evening, Mademoiselle Estela. My name is Duncan Oliver. Like yourself, I'm new to Bordeaux, yet I bid you greetings. I didn't have the pleasure of meeting you last night, although I caught your presentation to the Prince. I understand you brought news of some importance.

Duncan waves a hand at the room, and his gesture seems to take in all of the Kindred in it, as well as the situation in general. He smiles, as he makes a brief comment.

I see you've wasted no time diving into the thick of things. I admire your initiative.

Estela shifts her weight and brushes a few strands of hair behind her ear when she is approached by two Kindred she'd seen but not really met the night before. She smiles out of politeness and nods to the other female, accepting the extended hand and shakes it. “Yes, I-I remember seeing you as well. Pleasure meeting you. I'm Estela.” Releasing the hand, the young vampire smirks wryly. “Though I guess you might have already known that? It's starting to feel like everybody in town already knows.” At those words she casts a meaningful glance at Duncan when he approaches and introduces himself as well. Like with Miriel, she accepts the extended hand. “Good evening to you too, Duncan.” She shrugs uncomfortably at the mention of the information. “Honestly, I have no idea what the information is about, in case you were wondering. I was just the messenger.”

perception+subterfuge>4 or perception+empathy>3:

“As for being new to Bordeaux, well that depends on how you look at it. I know the city itself quite well since I've studied here for several years not to long ago. Though I never would've guessed what went on behind the scenes, so to speak... So yea, in that sense, I am new to Bordeaux.”

Duncan's comment about her supposed initiative brings out genuine chuckle. She jerks her head in the direction of Lyle, pointing at him with her thumb as well while she speaks. Some good humor returns to her voice. “Sorry to crush your hopes and admiration, but me being here at this moment is entirely thanks to him. Or to be blamed on him if you feel that's more appropriate.” She grins almost playfully. “I was merely passing by the church and paused a little when I saw what happened to it. Lyle just happened to be showing somebody else out, and noticed me.”

Carrion doesn't seem to be offended that Mikael doesn't answer her question.

When the new comers arrive she observes the Tremere greeting with an expression of curiousness but says nothing on it for the moment. When they are fully in the room she bows her head in respectful greeting; after which she pulls her knee up to her chest and holds it in place by interlacing her fingers across her shin.

Perception+Alertness >6 / Lyle:

Auspex 2 or perception+subterfuge >4:

Estela:

She doesn't interact with the others but rather just observes them introduce themselves to Estela; her seating making it possible to watch all of them with little difficulty. Her attention seems to be more focused on the Tremere than the others once they start conversing.

Meeting everyone's eyes clearly give away that the Regent isn't in a good mood. He doesn't seem angry, and his Beast is clearly under perfect control. It's something deeper.
Mikael's words manage to draw a smirk on Lyle's face. He lets go his hands after he had finished speaking, and nods slightly.
(Lyle) I don't need your apology, Mikael. We'll discuss hierarchy and following orders another time. Things have changed a lot, but do not worry, I'd never endanger the clan's secrets. Rufus has clear orders concerning this place. Don't worry, we made sure our nuclear bomb was moved away.

Obviously he doesn't have a nuclear bomb, it's an image. Whether he means something specific, or he means just whatever is sensible Tremere secrets is unsure.

Mikael:

The Regent approaches and gives a look to the chains with a certain disdain, detached attitude. He moves them slightly, thoughtful. He then looks back at the others. He addresses everyone and no one in particular
(Lyle) Very well then. Most of what happened tonight has been covered, I'm certain Gosuin and Jacob gave all phone calls necessary, but I'll have to keep an eye out on the web, create rumors. I may have to work with Doctor on that one. You guys do what you have to do.

The idea of working with the Nosferatu Primogen doesn't seem to please him much, but there's a certain understanding and respect about the Primogen's capacity.
(Lyle) Tonight you will have quite a short time to take action, so discuss your plans and go rest. By all means you can reach me through email.

It's not certain whether the Tremere wants them to stay in the room to discuss said plans, but his body language certainly indicates he wishes to be alone.

Mikael:

Estela, Perception+Alertness>5:

Players:

Duncan listens to Lyle's statement, and he seems to understand the non-verbal message as well. He turns to face Miri and Estela, and smiles.

I think we're being told that church is over, and we need to leave. I suppose Miri and Lyle got everything they could from the prisoner; and since he's been put into storage, there's nothing else we can do here tonight.

We could all go somewhere else and discuss this stuff, I suppose; but I have a couple of things I have to do before I sleep. Others probably have business to care care of before dawn, too.

He looks at Miri and raises an eyebrow.
I definitely want to get with you at some point and share some information. However, I don't want to do it over the phone. No offense, but I doubt the phone in your haven is a secure line. Besides, my cellphone isn't that much better. Maybe we could talk privately for a few minutes after we leave here?

Duncan turns back to Estela:
Sorry; I'm not ignoring you. I just missed Miriel so much, since I haven't seen her for a couple of hours. Duncan leers at Miri for a moment, and then grins.

The Brujah looks around the room, to see what everyone else is doing after Lyle's announcement.