Saint Eloi - the Big Bell

Duncan expresses interest when the Tremere speaks of where he has been.

I'm not looking to see flames of any kind, holy or not. I'm just curious about whether the rumors concerning Holy Ground are true.

You seem to be very well-traveled, though. St. Peter's, hm? Well, if I were looking for someone with that holy aura I've heard about, I wouldn't start at the Vatican. The more authority a priest gains, the more bureaucratic, and the less 'holy', they seem to become. Although maybe when a mass is in progress... all of the faithful present...

The Brujah becomes thoughtful for a second or two, and then he shakes his head briefly, as if to clear it of any distraction. Then he looks up at Lyle again.

I don't mind giving a few answers, depending on the questions, of course. I may have a few questions for you, as well.

Miri smiles knowingly when Duncan offers her reassurance. It is appreciated and informative, but not what she was looking to hear, It's not the divine I fear, she smiles wider, but the smile takes on a tint of discomfort. She feels silly saying so, It's matrimony. She looks like she's going to laugh, but Lyle has begun speaking. She crosses her arms and gives him her attention, following him as he bade them to.

She mouths something silently when he talks about the few things keeping him from being considered clergy, and listens carefully about the other subjects.

Perception 3:

When he stops, she does. Duncan's comment about the purity of those operating in the Vatican causes a brief smile to twitch over Miri's features, but she is otherwise fixated on still looking around.

She raises a brow to Lyle's question, Hm? and tilts her head, I'll do my best to answer whatever you may ask. A warning, though, she smiles awkwardly, if the questions get too weird, I might shut up from bashfulness.

The Regent doesn't lose his smile and half closes his eyes a few instants before giving some more details. He uncross his arms and puts his hands in his pants pockets.
(Lyle) Holy grounds I have seen none. However, never underestimate the power of mass-hysteria and fanaticism, that is indeed very dangerous. Be it supernatural in nature, that's another story. Maybe is my mind too strong to notice such things. As far as customs are concerned, if you are a devout catholic, you may confess to Father Eliet ; he only knows we exist, that we must drink blood, that we do not kill if we do not wish so, and that we do not die. Know that violating the secret of confession is not in my agenda ; I have far too much gossip that I can handle, and Father Eliet is not under my orders.


He doesn't comment more about the confession, whether the two other kindred do it or not, doesn't seem to matter much more to him. He seems to have felt the need to have passed on the information with a proper level of respect, but himself doesn't seem to believe it more than that. He takes a moment to confirm Duncan's statement.
(Lyle) Traveling is not something we do by choice. Only some Toreador find it pleasurable. But yes, I've been to some places, it was.. interesting. You can ask me anything, after all, there is a reason why you are here, I'll ask you my questions later. There's no need to say that I'll lie to some questions, right ? I'm listening.

Auspex 2:

perception + subterfuge>5:

Int 4:

Etiquette 1:

Miriel glances in Duncan's direction. Seeing he doesn't have a question he's quite ready to voice, she ventures to ask one, as something has just occurred to her. When she speaks to Lyle, her questioning starts out quietly, but becomes surer as she continues, I didn't have much I planned to ask you until I actually got here, she admits, But since here, I've noticed something- Last night, you didn't seem the type to "regularly break" any of the commandments, at least by what I could glean from your aura. She's curious, What's up with that? Did you set record time for corrupting oneself?

She's half joking, I mean- I'm impressed with the transition, whatever the reason. She chuckles softly, trying to stay conversational, Lie if you have to, I'd just like to hear something that might make sense! I'm-- And you may not be surprised to hear this, considering my newbie status-- she begins to smile, but sighs instead, raising a quizzical brow, absolutely confounded. It's not something I've seen before. Ever.

As Miri frames her question for the Regent, Duncan shakes his head a little bit, and cocks an eyebrow at her, before looking back at Lyle.

Well, my main question doesn't involve Tremere secrets or anything -- or I don't think it does. It concerns your sire. As i understand it, he wasn't exactly given the kind of goodbye where they tell you, "Feel free to visit anytime." Yet I hear he's in Bordeaux at the moment. You're not with him either, giving him the honor escort. Isn't his presence going to make some people rather nervous? Especially when they don't know why he's here.

When he hears Miriel's question, Lyle seems very serious for a few instants. He stares at her, his pupils narrowing as he focuses. He blinks when he hears Duncan, as if distracted, thoughtful. He makes an effort to sound between sarcasm and faking a shock to play down both subjects. He keeps the same tone all along, and he hasn't moved, his body language being still as relaxed.
(Lyle) Anything can be a Tremere secret, if we chose to present it as such. Why would you think my aura is a Tremere secret? Miss de Boucher, violating the intimacy of my..He seems to have a slight hesitation to say the next word, as if it was alien, as if it didn't fit; emotions, without even asking my permission, how rude! Excellent! The Theatre was never the best place to read auras as far as I've been told, too much interference. I don't know what you saw ; maybe you have an easier time reading the subtleties here, but I wouldn't know since I suck at aura-reading anyway... He thinks about something a couple of seconds, then continues. I've been very careful never to get corrupted, what do you see to make you say so? Have I diablerized someone in my sleep?

Auspex 2:

He shrugs and sets now his eyes on Duncan, to respond to his question. He observes him with the same care as he observed Miri. He lets a laugh out when Duncan says he knows Tarcisus wasn't exactly welcome.
(Lyle) Yeah the goodbyes were not that heartbreaking. Wasn't for the promotion, a blood hunt would have been called. I gave Tarcisus the respect his status asks for ; we high-fived. His smile widens a little, showing, of course, it's probably not how he greeted his Sire. I've told the Primogen and the Prince why he's here, if they don't believe it it's their problem, Gosuin accepted him in town and hence, he has the same rights as anyone else, at least as a visitor, providing he doesn't stay too long and doesn't break any rule. The reasons why I'm not with him are quite simple ; first, I don't want to. I have the highest respect for my sire, sure, but we both have better things to do with our time, we've known each other for centuries already and neither of us have changed. Second, it would look suspicious. I don't need to explain that one, do I? Not that I care what people think, but even I have a certain instinct of survival. Third, Claudia's very possessive of her dear paternal figure, and a woman's will... Again, survival instincts.

He didn't continue the proverb (a woman's will is god's will ; in french it's "what woman wants it what god wants", often just abbreviated "what woman wants" ), probably because it was clear enough. With an clear joy, he asks if they want more details.
(Lyle) Is there something else you'd like to ask?

Perception+Subterfuge>5:

Perception+Empathy>5:

Auspex 2:

I don't think your aura is a Tremere secret, although I can see where it might become a matter of etiquette to admit you're using that ability - admit being the key word. However, the reason your aura might be unreadable could indeed touch on Tremere secrets, and I know how sensitive your people are about that stuff.

I didn't know Tarcisus already had Gosuin's acceptance. I wondered about that. As for his reason for being here... I wasn't copied on that memo. Probably for the same reason I wasn't invited into the meeting where the Primogen discussed the Sheriff's latest spy report. Ah, well; information is like money... it trickles down eventually. And if it doesn't, you simply poke a few holes to make it trickle faster.

Duncan laughs a bit at his last statement.

Miri's eyes narrow at the same time Lyle's do. She is actually thinking on what he tells her, not merely copying him, but her concentration breaks at his calling her rude. A smile that denotes either amusement or bashfulness for having offended anyone crosses her lips; she murmurs a soft, but sincere "Sorry!" in response. She watches him while he speaks, and raises a brow as the Theatre is mentioned in connection with getting a bad aura read.

Seriousness has returned to her features as she contemplates the jumble of almost-information he gives her, but she finds it in her still to join in on the sarcasm, I don't think you could have, in your sleep. Unless you sleep with your mouth slack-jawed and thrown open, she says absently. Shaking her head, she adds candidly, I don't believe I've actually seen the effects of diablerie on the aura, anyway. She wouldn't be the type to accuse anyone of diablerie from either paranoia or know-how.

She stretches her arms briefly overhead, then rests her hands on her hips, pursing her lips with puzzlement while Duncan says his piece. She seems removed with thought while he talks about trickle-down. She looks at Duncan when he's done, reciting her train of thought. She doesn't seem to mind whether or not he takes it into consideration, It wasn't unreadable, just that he was darling with innocence. She glances back to Lyle momentarily as she continues; the flat but jesting tone makes a brief return to her speech, I admit, he does look like such a sweetie, especially while sporting that cat pin, but there's a notable difference tonight, in that there's evident personality. And the general distrust a few kindred have for him, that also seemed contradictory to the results of my initial snooping. She glances back to Lyle, Again, I apologize- It can be rude to pry, I agree, it's just- she doesn't like to admit to her clan as being a big group of nosy types, as her cringing expression shows, habitual with the company I keep. She shrugs slightly, glancing between he and Duncan. Torrie thing.

She waves it away, supposing for nothing could take forever. She turns back to Lyle to ask something that matters more, now that he mentions it. He's got her very curious now, How would the Theatre have interfered with my reading?

The Regent fakes an obvious thoughtful moment as he is attentive to both kindred before him. He takes his hands out of his pockets to reach for his bag as he seems to be remembering something. He browses through it calmly as he speaks, a little lower, and with a more serious tone. He almost sounds between broken and disappointed. Because he's looking at his computer bag and not at the kindred, he sounds not as threatening as he could.
(Lyle) Well, asking a magician's trick is a don't. You know you won't get an answer and may be banned for the next show.. I've seen murders for far less than that, and that's about how sensitive we can get, and of course, blame it so to get rid of a rival. New times, really, which is only good if you ask me. In anyway, sometimes, the solutions is far more simple than one would think. But habits die hard, they have all the right in the world to distrust me. I wouldn't trust me if I didn't know myself so well, after all, I tend not to act my interests and this helps.


He found what he was looking for. He pulls out the hair pin borrowed the night before, warped in a small piece of blue cloth. He takes away the tissue, puts it back on the bag, and hands the kitten pin to the Toreador. At first glance, it looks identical. Nothing is missing and nothing has been added, the texture looks and seems the same.
(Lyle) Here. I didn't have the time to make it a powerful thaumaturgical focus to manipulate you like a puppet, pardon me to disappoint you, I had better things to do. Interference.. Really, I couldn't tell, I'm not good at aura-reading even if the circumstances are the best. But between us, and Obfuscate users, and ghouls, and the noise... I don't even try. Concerning Tarcisus, yes I had to wring the Prince's acceptance, I admit he wasn't too happy about it, but he couldn't refuse me that favor, even if it pissed Jacob and Darvault. Oh, about the Sheriff.. I'm still puzzled why he went as far as to change those files before presenting them to the Prince. I'd guess Scoop recovered the original file as well. This would explain why Igor's still not here begging to be able to borrow a book.
.
He shrugs and puts back the bag on his shoulder and his hands in his pants pockets. He observes much more carefully the two vampires, as if he expected something, as if he was curious.
(Lyle) The questions I had concern your goals here, in this city. What do you wish to happen? Neonates usually don't have a chance to speak in our country, so I'm listening.

Miri accepts the returned pin. She looks on it while Lyle talks, smiling when he mentions not having had the time to do any funny voodoo business to it. She looks up at him as he continues.

When it's his turn to ask questions, Miri pays especial attention. She's pleased with the impression his curiosity about them has on the surface; he sounds like a politically interested scholar, a person interested in more than just taking a census, Well, she begins, I'm not entirely sure what I want to see happen. I've just arrived to this facet of existence, she refers to vampirism, from a point in the modern adult's life where the majority aren't sure what they really want, either. She shrugs, For the past few months, I've just been trying to get boarding down. She chuckles softly, but isn't indicating that means the question is somehow less important because she hasn't thought on it before.

She pauses for another moment, her eyes glint with soft movement as she tries to articulate her thoughts. It's clear from the length of the pause she doesn't take a lot of time in getting in touch with her inner thoughts and feelings, especially sharing them, but she is trying, I left- Or rather my sire did- during a time where I had some serious... she looks for the word, imbalances, in the ways I acted, things I chose to do. I wasn't thinking at the time. I'm not ashamed for doing some of the things I've done, but I did see consequences. So now I'm trying to strike a balance, she winces slightly, thinking, It feels like acting recklessly is much more dire and dangerous than it used to be, considering our condition. It's so easy now, to actually be a monster.

She's uncomfortable, and seems to blurt the summation of her 'goals' at this last minute, I'm just trying to be someone I can respect. If I have a shot at living forever, I owe that. She crosses her arms over her chest, glancing around, avoiding eye contact.

Duncan listens as Lyle and Miri discuss reading auras, and he finally shakes his head.

You're discussing shades of blue in front of a blind man. It sounds like a useful skill to learn someday, to surprise my enemies -- as long as they don't know about it. But for now, I'll settle for reading people the old-fashioned way. As for the magician's secrets... learning the trade is not one of my goals. But secrets are always valuable to someone. Guard them well.

The Brujah pays close attention as Lyle returns Miri's hair pin. He makes no comment as the Regent jokes (?) about turning it into a Thaumaturgical focus; he merely looks at Miri and stays silent. Duncan's attention is quickly drawn to talk about the Sheriff's information.

Changed the files? I suppose the Sheriff could be trying to protect sources still undercover; but still... Duncan says no more, but he doesn't have to -- it's obvious to all present that the Sheriff's actions were odd.

When Lyle asks about their goals, Duncan will think about the question a moment while Miri tries to explain her feelings on the matter. As she mentions trying to be someone she can respect, Duncan will mutter softly:

Hear, hear. It's obvious that this was meant for Miri's ears, more than Lyle's. As the latter's eyes turn to him, Duncan moves on somewhat self-consciously, to his own goals.

I guess my short-term goals are to establish myself in Bordeaux. Not only does this mean gaining sources of revenue, and setting up a haven; but also presenting myself to the elders of this city as one who can get things done. Sitting around for a hundred years, waiting for my elders to take me seriously, is not something that strikes me as a fun thing to do.

Now, my long-term goals? That's a little harder to define. I know all Brujah are supposed to have a 'cause' that is near and dear to their hearts, but I'm not ready to put that out there just yet. For now, consider my raison d'etre to be Bordeaux -- helping to make it a place I want to live. That means keeping the Sabbat at bay, as well as Prince Villon. If this brings my efforts to the attention of the Prince as a Kindred whom can be relied upon to defend the city, so much the better.

The Regent listens and watches with a certain distance what is being told to him. He nods slightly to certain words, without interrupting, and thinks. It's clear he's not showing compassion, but he does seem to understand and to know what they are talking about, on different levels. He doesn't need to comment on aura-reading, nor on the Sheriff's changing the file, which he seems to take lightly (maybe a little too much). He openly disregards Duncan's mutter and doesn't interfere. Maybe he doesn't understand it. His approach and understanding of the young's plans seem secure as he nods and says ;
(Lyle) I see.

He observes Miri's behavior as he talks to her, noting certainly she avoids it ; it doesn't stop him from talking to her. He doesn't hesitate as he addresses some of the subjects named.
(Lyle) Miss de Boucher, choices and doubts will be with you at all times. Asking yourself questions and being confused is more of a strength than a weakness, the hard part is to pull through. However, you're certainly not a monster yet, at least not to Elder standards ; the mere fact that you are recognizing it, understanding that something is wrong, it's not something most of us can do. Darvault will certainly help you with those issues, at least he can be of some use.


While he's condescending towards Gregory Darvault, he's not hateful. Lyle probably looks down on his peers, he's "not part of them". He sets his eyes on Duncan.
(Lyle) You have a clearer idea, certainly because you were older -more secure and established, I mean- and your Sire was probably smart enough to present you the world in a more pragmatic way; did you ever feel the need to question yourself, apart from the "being dead, vampires exist, we were all peons, and now I'm one of them" part? It's not a trick question, really, some do, some don't. I've known your Primogen for about two hundred years, and frankly, it seems he's just been doing what he did alive. I don't think he ever stopped to think about what he was doing, but it hasn't kept him from being an intelligent man who eventually takes good decisions for his clan, and even be of relative good company- OK, I admit I love to fuck with him when I get bored, but his responses are worth it. And he fights back, which makes me even more happy. On the other hand, Jacob always had a certain ideal of honor in mind at all times, which has probably kept him from giving in to the Beast. I find it quite awesome, in fact, and he might not even be aware of it. Knowing the guy, I don't think he'll chaperon you through this "Brujah cause", and to be honest he probably won't think any less of you if you don't chose to go that path.

He almost sounds disappointed when he speaks about Theodore, he sighs sometimes, he looks around, he shrugs. His tone becomes more joyful as he continues.
(Lyle) While she thinks she needs to work on herself, you want to work on your surroundings, in a certain way, am I right ? Attracting the Prince's attention may be a whole new problem, but that's another subject. See, there's a reason I like talking to the youngest, you probably already noticed ; I'm not your classical Elder. Damn it, Elder, really... I just don't get the "young versus old" struggle. Being Tremere I never formed a coterie, but I've noticed as the years passed that I could only talk to either Tarcisus, or the very recently embraced kindred of other clans. Tarcisus, if you meet him you'll soon notice, doesn't listen, unless the subject interests him. For a long time I couldn't afford to discuss matters with neonates, and now that I can, well, you can imagine it looks suspicious. Sure, it's not pro bono... But there's just so much we could all learn. Other elders don't understand your strength, having grown in an environment you naturally understand. The world has changed so much just in the last thirty years, and each year now we discover something new. And neonates don't tend to understand why we are what we are, really, you have no idea what the environment was at the time we were alive.


He observes the reactions with a smirk, and takes off his hands from his pockets to cross the arms.
(Lyle) We were all the offspring of our times and society in a certain way. Both of you were right to come to Bordeaux. Apart from myself and the Venerable, Bordeaux's Kindred are quite young. Prince Gosuin understood it when he became Primogen and this is why he's staying in charge. He forces himself to disregard the oldest customs and conforms himself to new politeness scales. It's just a facet, really, he hates this decadence with all his heart. I really don't understand why, he wasn't a noble in life and, at the time of his embrace...

He lets understand that it wasn't pretty. However, Lyle shows no compassion whatsoever to Gosuin's past. He's even quite harsh, almost as if he had rancor. He changes the subject fast enough.
(Lyle) The Venerable was in torpor for quite long, Xavier was only interested in medicine's advancements (that, and the usual danger of engaging conversation with a Malkavian), and Tarcisus was never interested in something else than his experiments. I don't think Madame Rosetti was ever interested in anything else than her own self... Darvault and Jacob may give you both quite an nice intake. And me too, if you accept that I'll gain something from it and that you'll serve my purposes.

Int+subterfuge>6 or Science/Academics>2:

Perception+Alertness>5:

Duncan will look at Miri briefly, then back at Lyle, as he replies to the Elder's statements.

I can admire trying to improve one's self. I guess I'm already pretty much the person I want to be; the trick is to not become jaded, and bitter, and sadistic, like some of the older Kindred.

I think one way to do that is to keep learning new skills, and ideas. Like you have, Regent. You seem to be quite familiar with technology. Maybe that's the way you fight the Beast. I don't know you well enough yet to know your 'true face', so to speak, yet you seem very... approachable, I suppose that's the closest word.

Miriel smirks at the small stab Lyle takes at Gregory, but nods to confirm understanding with what he has said. She doesn't feel like sharing much else, but listens when he talks further. She thinks on how fickle the world is, her features expressing more interest than discomfort, as Lyle goes on. She understands how the old and the new must check and balance against each other to coexist, nodding again while Lyle describes Gosuin's mode of etiquette as an example to the old catering to the new for benefit's sake, as opposed to offering the strict, personal disagreement one should expect from opposing ways of being. The interplay goes both ways to maintain any sort of mobility for the whole. She accepts the last of what he says about he and some other Kindred for granted, to consider in the future.

She tilts her head and nods unsurprised after he mentions his expectant gains, should they find themselves needful of tasks or talk, Ah, she waves away such notice, and doesn't seem bothered a bit, Not surprised. I appreciate the heads' up. We'll probably see a fair bit of each other, considering. She nods, referring to the 3-to-4 ratio of mentioned elders willing to take much care to interact with she and Duncan.

Duncan says he admires self-improvement, and calls Lyle "approachable," both of which makes Miri smile, but she doesn't smile for long. She glances around the walls of the church, alerted of something. She glances between the walls and the Regent- Lyle doesn't seem to have noticed the same thing, which is strange to her, but little else shifts in her features besides the look of vague disquiet.

I think Duncan's got a point, she forces something to say out, if only to dull her senses slightly with distraction, Adapting constructively keeps an individual from conforming to this "young versus old" schtick, which leaves the individual capable, instead of stuck with one shiftless group over the other. Her tone was flat and forced, but it was an honest thought. While the Regent does or doesn't decide to respond more directly to Duncan about how he "fights" his Beast, Miri winces slightly, waiting for eye contact and a chance to ask something of her own. When she gets it, her eyes widen momentarily as she realizes she has his attention. She asks rather quietly, Are we being observed?

The Regent squints slightly his eyes to Duncan's response. He wonders openly, before smiling and confirming.
(Lyle) Jaded, bitter and sadistic, uh... Yes, keeping track of mortal advancements in technology and using them is an occasional occupation of mine. I won't say it helps me fight the Beast, but it keeps me busy and entertained. The Tremere, at least in this city, tend to have a more.. drastic approach when it comes to keep the Beast leashed.

He nods to Miri's explanation of shiftless groups.
(Lyle) Exactly that. To be honest I don't really care to be mistrusted, hated, loved or liked. As you age, as the beast grows stronger, you also grow a huge ego. I've managed to stay smart enough not to become blinded by it, when it comes to engaging a conversation with the youngest. Plus, when you spend hundreds of years taking part of the most atrocious acts of all kinds, speaking to neonates isn't something I'd consider as "too low" to be worth my time. I'm not afraid of getting dirty. Being in a good mood, I'll unveil a secret : I hate boxes.

He means, of course, putting people into boxes and simplifying people's personalities. His attention is drawn by Miri's question. He looks around as she did. He doesn't seem worried as he shows a smile.
(Lyle) .. Observed? Ah, it's certainly Rufus, who must have seen Father Eliet leave. Yes it's Rufus. Usually no one notices him, consider me impressed, miss de Boucher.

He vaguely signs towards the entrance as he indicates it's the gargoyle. There's nothing there.

Perception 3:

wits 3:

empathy 1, subterfuge 2:

Miriel smiles and nods at Lyle's explanation and play compliment, Rufus, the nodding gives way to a slight shake of her head. She glances around again, still not seeing a thing, but is still satisfied it has been identified, Good to know the sensation wasn't without a root.

Ah, boxes, Miri's brow rises, forgetting about the extra eyes for the time being, Yes, things in boxes don't get to enjoy that extra, vital dimension that really stretching out and exploring with one's limbs might give. She nods; stretching may simply mean actual physical exploration, or metaphorical 'stretching' and spanning of a mind around the scale of morality and spectrum of expected behaviors.

She smiles softly, I don't care for boxes much, either, and changes the subject with a smirk and a nod toward Lyle, But you like gadgets more than you admit.

Rufus? Duncan glances around, now that the unseen watcher has been brought to his attention. Friend of yours?

With a frown, and another look around the windows and ceiling, Duncan brings his attention back to Miri, and her talk of 'boxes'.
Nobody likes getting boxed in-- unless they've made the box themselves, to keep them safe from the outside world. And that seldom works.

So, Regent Kersten... What are your goals? Aside from world domination, that is; that's a given.

The Tremere nods to the gargoyle's name. He sounds half surprised, as Duncan asked him about it.
(Lyle) That's usually the very second thing Bordeaux's Kindred tell about the Tremere ; there's a Gargoyle in Saint Eloi. The first thing being that we are all dangerous nazis (I'm paraphrasing).

He expects it to be enough concerning Rufus. He approves the box talk with a vague positive "hm". The question about his goals, and world domination, makes him smile thoughtfully.
(Lyle) I said I hated boxes.. World domination is so overrated, and again, my ego is big enough to flatter itself without the help of any subject. I admit, yes, gadgets are my thing. But you're talking to a guy who lived while the Thurn and Taxis system was a new risk and was heavily criticized.

He's certainly disappointed and in total opposition of the resist change. He smiles widely as he gets to his goals.
(Lyle) My goals are to preserve my interests and get my fix every other night, why do you ask ?

He sounded slightly sarcastic, but he has kept a certain openness about his responses. He's certainly dodging the question but still answering it. Certainly he has worked for microsoft at some point ? Reference!

The "feeling" of being watched ends in a brutal way, causing a certain relief to the church's ambiance. But it also has lost some of its life.

Actually, I think the term 'ex-nazi' was used; but none of my clanmates mentioned the word 'gargoyle.' Hmm.
Duncan looks around the windows again, now that the feeling of surveillance has faded. He shrugs, and turns back to Lyle.

Last night, you mentioned complicated, long-term plans to take over the world. Ah, perhaps you were teasing the new person.

As for myself, I merely asked your goals because you asked mine; sort of a 'conversational riposte', if you will. I didn't really expect an elder to tell me all of their interests and plans merely because I posed the question. Duncan laughs. I can see it now -- "My plans were totally secret until I accidentally revealed them to that neonate! Curses!" Another chuckle follows.

My main interests tonight have been your sire's reason for visiting Bordeaux, and visiting this church. You've already told me as much as you are going to about your sire, and my questions about the church were answered when I was able to step inside. I'm sure there are other questions that I should ask, which will only occur to me once I leave this place. Yet they can wait until another day.

I'll probably visit other churches in Bordeaux as well-- Sainte-Andre, Sainte-Michel, perhaps the Synagogue de Bordeaux. There's even a Church of Scientology here, I understand. But one experiment in holy combustion is enough for tonight.

She looks at Lyle and then Duncan as they discuss Lyle's goals. She mutters a small, earnest "Those are good goals," when Lyle tells he's mostly interested in getting to do his interests and keeping his cravings satiated. She keeps mostly quiet, except to ask aside, Fixes? The usual sanguine type, or...? It's semi-conversational, as she knows a thing or two on the subject.

...He left, Miri says wistfully, as the feel of other eyes on the group leaves. She probably wouldn't be ready to see a gargoyle up close, anyway, but her curiosity makes her feel it a pity to have missed the chance. Silly girl.

Duncan's laughter causes Miriel to smile reflexively. She openly laughs the more he goes on about the preposterousness of Duncan poking holes in Lyle's "plans" by simply posing questions, but only because the more he talks about it, the more ludicrous it sounds that this was never the goal of one or more persons who have had Q and A time with Lyle.

She sighs and wipes a non-existant tear at "Curses!" still chuckling and thinking on an uncertain number of hopefuls whose curiosity he has expertly dashed and avoided throughout the centuries, "Can't a guy be a night-stalking bloodsucker in peace? Geez!" she jests, mostly because no one, not even fellow night-stalking bloodsuckers trust the night-stalking bloodsuckers to live out unlife according to their natures. She laughs out loud again; if the predicament isn't considered uproarious, it would simply be sad.

She clears her throat, trying to stay serious and conversationally oriented, You really like churches, Duncan? She hasn't met many, living or dead, who are, Is it churches or just holy things?

It's not churches that I'm interested in, per se; it's the idea of holy ground. I've heard anecdotal evidence that Kindred can be repelled by people wielding crosses, or unable to set foot inside a church; the Regent here claims to have seen it as well. I'm simply curious, and want to see for myself. It's not something I plan to devote my every waking moment to; but if I'm visiting a church anyway, like tonight, I can satisfy my curiosity at the same time.

I was joking about the 'holy combustion', by the way. I've never heard any stories of Kindred bursting into flame -- although if I ever feel anything unusual in a church, I won't be touching any holy items, just in case.

Kersten doesn't lose the joyfulness nor the lightness of the tone.
(Lyle) At least they consider it "ex", some progress has been made! Excellent. Yes, I was teasing you, but I was also acting as others expect me to act. Throwing some sand in people's eyes... They expect me to be the Tremere Regent, so I'll be the Tremere Regent they want me to be. Now that I think of it, you can use my name and not my title. Of course I have my little schemes and plans, and of course, I will not tell you about them. Nothing out of the ordinary.

He smiles almost sincerely, and prolongs a little the revealing plans joke
(Lyle) Oh if you knew... Do not overestimate the simplest tricks ; Kindred, especially elders, tend to be so full of themselves that they'll reveal their plans to their enemies and then asking some peons to finish the work instead of simply getting rid of them. They're so used to the most elaborate plans than they do not expect a simple basic approach. They are far less intelligent that you can imagine. Except me, obviously, but I'm an egocentric scumbag so what do I know.

He's a little more serious as he goes on.
(Lyle) They just have more experience. Our society eventually gets rid of the less talented ones. But some have made awful deadly mistakes and have stayed... Anyway it's always just a question of time.

The Tremere shrugs and changes the subject.
(Lyle) My fixes can be of several kind but unlike some of your clan mates, he addresses Miri with this "your", so he means the Toreador clan, I am not able to enjoy mortal vices and foods anymore. So yeah, sanguine fixes they are. Oh, indeed, Rufus is gone. I'm too used to its presence ; I've given Rufus domain over the church and the Bell, but when I'm here...

It's obvious Rufus isn't going to deny the Hospitality right to his Regent, and of course, to anyone coming to see him. Maybe he came to see if the Tremere was alone? The Tremere seems a little thoughtful.
(Lyle) I think you should ask Doctor about this death wish you have. He knows the city's history the best, and the Nosferatu tend to try and get their noses everywhere, especially in weird places. Igor may know, too, he certainly has good knowledge in theology and I wouldn't be surprised if he knew about all kinds of beliefs present in our city. There are also a couple of temples, he certainly means a Protestant temple, Anglican churches, some mosques too.

While old and in a very conservative extremist church, Lyle is certainly very tolerant to other faiths. He puts his hands together an instant, as if he had an idea.
(Lyle) By the way, have you heard about this... probability of a traitor among us ? Some doubts have been raised yesterday night, and not the usual random reputation bashing talk. Well, we would all cut each other's throat if given the opportunity, but I'm talking infiltrators of the Sabbat here. I've got a few ideas, but as you'd imagine, unless I bribe or threaten Gosuin, I wouldn't be believed. Tell me about your impressions, they may be more accurate and objective than mine.

Duncan:

Miriel smiles to hear about progress with Lyle's and his clan's public image. Quickly enough, she covers the smile, touching her fingers to her lips. The motion was meant to curb laughing out loud while he speaks further. She regains a cooler composure as she continues to play along with him, No, nothing out of the ordinary- Secretive and full of nasty surprises, just as we like to expect it. She crinkles her nose from how silly it sounds and the smile returns, which she does not bother to obscure again.

She listens to his advice, nodding slightly here and there. She does not stop nodding when he calls himself an egocentric scumbag, even continuing to nod after that is said. Part of her effort to keep the humored tone going along.

When seriousness is brought back into the fray, the idea of time makes Miri a little uncomfortable. She looks puzzled at some idea for a long second.

Auspex 4:

Lyle speaks again, changing the subject. Her attention returns to him. She licks her lip idly as he discusses her clan and of his vices, which don't seem to be especially particular, except for blood, Ah, yes. As I recall it, you did say you were cutting back a bit. She says this without any particular emotion, or rather without indication that it's an unusual concept at all. She bites at her lower lip slightly as he goes on about Rufus, deciding finally to apply some chapstick she keeps in one of her jean pockets. She closes the cap, and pockets the chapstick. It, like her smoking, is useless to her now, but habitual. She notices she's been holding her pin for too long, which she simply clips to her belt. She shows she's been mindful of Lyle's conversation by saying, Glad we visited on a night you were actually here, then. It's true; they'd probably be hamburger, otherwise.

She sputters slightly at "death wish," and shakes her head at metaphorical noses in strange places. This guy-! Funny. She does her best to supplant the need to laugh out loud with a steady grin. She decides the conversation has reached it's quota of hilarity, and adds nothing.

Lyle clasps his hands, and she banishes the silliness from her expression, replacing it with attentiveness as he frames a new subject of conversation, Doubts? She's interested in hearing what he means by doubts being stronger than the usual distrust, but thinks on what it is he has asked to hear from them, I've been in town two nights, she shakes her head, So if you're asking me to go along with my gut feeling... She winces with thought, but then only shrugs, I haven't the foggiest. Is it the newcomers that are falling under these doubts, or someone who isn't new in town?

When Lyle mentions Duncan's 'death wish', Duncan ignores Miri's grin and sighs -- a holdover habit from life, since he doesn't need to breathe any longer.

It's not a death wish, merely curiosity about a reported phenomenon. I don't feel like one of 'The Damned'. I might indeed talk to Igor, though.

Duncan listens as Lyle talks about the possibility of a traitor. Duncan is about to respond, when he gets a distracted look, and pulls out his phone. He looks at the phone for a few seconds, and gives a very brief reply while Miri asks the Tremere a question. Then Duncan puts the phone back in his pocket, and adds his own comment.

Storyteller:

I was surprised when I overheard the Sheriff talk about the possibility of active Sabbat cells in the city, and the idea that there might be a traitor among Bordeaux's Kindred. Yes, I admit I was paying more than a little attention to the Prince's audience chamber when the door was open... I was curious about Estela's information.

However, like Miri, I'm too new to the city to hazard a guess about who the traitor might be.

Lyle offers a meaningful smile to Miri as she seems to approve anything he says. He looks like he's glad she is not kissing his feet by telling him that no, he is not a scumbag. Certainly he appreciates she's playing along.
(Lyle) Rufus' role is to keep people from entering. If they do manage to enter, its role is to keep them from exiting. Of course this comes with one unique warning. God help you if you ignore its "quo vadis".

He lets go the subject of blood but takes time to address the death wish topic, slightly disappointed.
(Lyle) It's not a death wish on its own, but faith and beliefs are taboo subjects in the Camarilla. Giving a hold over your interests and doubts is a death wish.

The Tremere doesn't explain more, knowing that the usual paranoia and distrust would be clear enough.
(Lyle) Well the Sheriff changed lots of information concerning his agent's findings. It is true that some cells have been spotted and destroyed every other year, yet, his agent seemed to think their activism was lower than what the Malkavian told. I've run a program to restore the file, if you want it, you could investigate on your own. And compare to the file he presented.

He pauses for seriousness, and theorizes about traitors, in a very neutral, uncaring and distant tone.
(Lyle) Concerning the plausible traitors, well, there's always those who agree on the ideological level, those who disagree with every other option, and those who have no choice, be it conscious or not. I didn't ask to take a random guess on who may be on the other side, after all, I could flip a coin and it would be as accurate, but you saw behaviors that may have been noticeable, which older kindred do not notice because they are too implicated or too blinded.


He sighs with a certain frustration.
(Lyle) The fact that Lehin's Childe may not have been killed, worries me to some point. Having a Toreador do something stupid out of love or rancor is not something we could really afford.

Perception+Subterfuge>5 or Int+politics>4: