Saint Eloi - the Big Bell

Miriel blinks and then winces at Duncan's jab at Mikael; she gives him an incredulous look- The joke doesn't quite fit him. Still, she smiles broadly to him, a low chuckle rising up, I had no idea you were presenting the César this year...

She looks him up and down, from stained t-shirt to jeans, with a sigh and quivering smirk. She nods and accepts what is inferred aside by "I'm not like them" before a new chuckle may well up. Regarding him warmly for his humor, she winks to him before turning to finally observe the trio in the room.

Lyle schools the two neonates about the differences between his rights and theirs, and then commands they leave his sight; casually, Estela gives him a harmless slug on the shoulder and strolls over. Miri steps a bit aside to make way in the corridor, regarding her with a smile that communicates being in better spirits than a bit ago, Missed you.

Perception + Subterfuge>5:

Carrion listens to Lyle her head cocked slightly to one side; she clocks Estela's expression and doesn't even bother to hide the smirk that flashes more of her teeth. When Lyle threatens death she snickers slightly. She watches Estela and Lyle interact passively; she isn't bothered by the interaction. When Estela moves away she gives him a respectful bow but kind of ruins the moment when she speaks [in English] however.

Linguistics: English:

storyteller:

Without another word she moves away to join the others but not before looking at the roof one last time.

Auspex 2 or Perception & Empathy >4:

linguistics: English or int+academics >4:

When Miriel bursts her desire to leave, Mikael slowly take his eyes off the Regent and back to her.
Now now dear, there is no need to curse.

He returns to see the fiasco, answering to Duncan without changing his voice tone or the expression on his face (he still looks like he is having lots of fun).
Performance? I'm terribly hurt, Mr. Oliver, to think you have this image of me.

The Tremere keeps silent for the remainder of the situation, only muttering a few words after Estela and Carrion proceed to regroup, but before they reach them.

Duncan, Miri, auspex 1:

When the group finally reunites, Mikael looks like he really does not want to prolong the fiasco even further, but is still enjoying it.
It has been a long time since I've watched a mexican soap opera as good as this. I am glad we had such a happy ending. Now ladies, considering you've just got kicked out of the chantry by the Regent himself, do you mind if we leave? It's not likely that any of you are getting invited to stay if dawn breaks.

He then proceeds to bow to Kersten and proceeds to the exit, looking one second later to see if the others are following him.

The Regent frowns at both neonates' actions towards him as they move and leave. He did stare at them, when Estela gave him a friendly punch, which seemed to hiss him, and when Carrion bowed and spoke some words. He lets hear a slight low groan directed mostly at himself as he looks away, repressing either an urge or some instincts. He didn't seem to have picked up what Estela told him.

Auspex 2:

Perception + Empathy > 5:

He then turns his back on the door, looking into the walls, as if looking for something. He finally speaks a few words. It doesn't matter much to him that the others can hear him or not.
(Lyle) Rufus ? Find and bring me Claudia.

Estela answers Miriel's smile with a grin of her own, chuckling at the comment she makes. “What, Duncan wasn't able to keep your thoughts occupied during that brief moment I was away? He really should try harder then!” She winks at Duncan and turns to the Tremere that is to lead them out of the Big Bell. His words make her raise an eyebrow for a moment, but his amusement makes her grin return. Adopting a haughty, tired, feigned apologetic voice laced with humor, the young vampire straightens out and tries to keep her face straight while speaking. “I am terribly sorry good sir, but this was the last show of the evening. The stars of the show do require their daily rest. We don't want them collapsing on stage after all. Just the thought! If you enjoyed the performance, you are always welcome to purchase tickets for the next show. And as always, the profits will go to feeding the hungry.”

Perception+Empathy>4:

She follows after the Tremere when he begins to lead them through the corridor, sending only a brief glance over her shoulder to Lyle. Her expression falls, and she still seems worried about him, but the young vampire only sighs and shrugs, resigning to her fate. A second, sharper glance is send when Estela hears the Regent mention Claudia. There's a moment of hesitation in her steps, but she continues following after the Tremere. Another, heavier sigh leaves her while Estela runs a hand through her spiky hair. “Well, there go my plans to meet up with Claudia. Seems like I won't be able to pass on that you wanted to speak to her either, Duncan.”

Carrion seems to be in a world of her own as she follows the group out. Her Obfuscate is still up but it isn't masking her true expression. Wherever her thoughts are they certainly are not on what has transpired or what the others are discussing currently. She seems to be quite serene at the moment and it is unclear if she heard what was being said if she has then she is currently choosing to ignore it.

Auspex 2 or Perception + empathy > 4:

As the Gargoyle lands with great discretion on the top of the tower, Claudia tenses again. She's afraid and she can't truly hide it. She waits to be freed to touch the small doors next to the bell, to enter the old chantry.
(Claudia) Thank you... I'll join the Regent. I'll.. probably sleep here as well.

A bit resigned, she enters the chantry to go to the old ritual room and join Lyle. She moves slower than usually. Rufus can easily follow her progress both because of his link to the stones, but also by "moving" into the stones and physically following her.
As she enters the old ritual room, she spots Lyle. She puts her basket on the floor next to the door and approaches slightly. She was to speak when Lyle interrupts her, without even looking back. He hasn't moved from earlier, watching over the chains.
(Lyle) You're late.

She has a surprised movement, as he sounded quite bestial and harsh on her. She's already naturally afraid of her sire, but his voice scared her.
(Claudia) I was.. out. I only just knew about the attacks, when I crossed paths with the young Brujah..
(Lyle) It doesn't matter. Come closer.

Lyle turns to face Claudia as she approaches, reluctant, eyes low, fingers tied up on her dress.
(Lyle) I need your help for something.

The Regent is certainly aware that Rufus is there, somewhere. He may not be attentive to his actual presence, but it wouldn't surprise him to see the gargoyle step in. He takes a step to stand closer to his childe, facing her. While Claudia is certainly afraid of her sire, she tries to contain it as much as she can. He looks away and takes off the lace sleeve she has on her arms, just the left one, to turn her wrist up. She certainly understands what her sire wants (maybe she has done so before, maybe she was dominated, or maybe it's pure guess through what she just observed).
Of course this gestures grows a reaction on Lyle, yet not the expected one. On a fast movement, he slaps her with the back of his hand, sending her away. Before she falls, however, he catches her by the hair and lifts her so he can meet her eyes. He speaks low, containing himself, but he's harsher, as if he was insulted.
(Lyle) You'd think I'd lower myself like that ?! Look at me.

Claudia has the typical kitten reaction ; she loses all muscular tension and basically becomes a rag-doll. She obeys and looks up to her sire, hiding all signs of pain and discomfort. Her voice betrays those feelings much more than her body language, however. She responds to her sire's inquiry.
(Claudia) I thought-
(Lyle) Don't think.

He pulls her closer and wraps his free arm around her shoulders in an obvious desire to secure a prey. He could have gone for the neck much earlier, or he could have bitten her arm as she offered him, so he's still quite well in control of himself. He's in a hurry but he's trying to take his time. This leaves Rufus time to intervene if he feels he should. Yet, the Regent's fury resulting an intervention at that one moment may have heavy consequences. It seems safer to act after, just to be sure he wouldn't drain her, or frenzy while drinking (as he has made his decision and she has agreed to it, even if she didn't really have a choice).
After a few painful seconds of such, as if doubting, Lyle pulls his Childe's head to the side, way more gently than his hold on her may suggest, and bites her on the hollow of the neck. Claudia closes her fists and awaits for it to be over, although the pleasure of the vampiric kiss does affect her as it would affect a mere mortal (which only makes it more frustrating, it seems, as she's fully aware of what is happening to her).

Rufus will certainly have to step in before it becomes too dangerous, and knowing an elder's appetite, it should be soon.

Rufus watches the display in agonizing silence. After what feels like an eternity, the Gargoyle bursts forth from the wall and lays a clawed hand on Kersten's shoulder.

"Master..."

The first instinctive reaction the Regent has when he is touched us to hold on with more strength to his prey, which lets out a hushed sound of pain. Under the Gargoyle's hand, the Tremere is tense, which is normal, after all, he is feeding. He releases violently once he fought against his basic instinctive reflex. He lets Claudia go by pushing her away, without measuring his strength and despite his fangs in her flesh, and causing the wound to open some more. As she moves away in fear, crawling under the table and shaking because of her own beast, Lyle cleans himself and calms down visibly. He seems to cope better with the hunger despite the smell of blood, as he's observing his childe move away and her blood staining her dress, without healing yet. Yet he sounds so hateful, so bitter and merciless.
(Lyle) Take her to a room and watch over her, she'll sleep here.

He turns to face Rufus, finally breaking eye contact of her childe. He lets out a slight sigh, more calm, and addresses the Gargoyle in a less commanding way.
(Lyle) I'll go to the Chantry and move a few strings so mortals wouldn't stay too long in the church. I'll keep you informed on the situation with the Sabbat. Do you have anything to say ?

Rufus watches with obvious discomfort as Kersten mistreats Claudia, but makes no other move against the Regent. The Gargoyle nods in understanding as Kersten gives his commands. At the Regent's question, Rufus slightly nods his head.

"Yes, Master. What would you like me to do with her? Is she allowed to leave? Or shall I keep her here until I hear otherwise from you?"

His eyes quickly dart toward Claudia, almost as if to say something for her alone, but then his attention returns to Kersten.

The Regent follows Rufus' eyes as he asks him. For a small instant, he almost shows compassion, even some sadness and understanding. He looks away and confirms.
(Lyle) She can only leave tomorrow evening. Keep her safe until then. Anything else ?

Claudia finishes to step out of the table, moving carefully away from the Regent. She moves to the exact opposite of the room, crouching, shaking, but observing the Regent and the Gargoyle as they speak about her. At least, she isn't under the effect of the Beast anymore, but she is still shocked.

"Your wish is my law, Regent Kersten. It shall be as you desire."

The massive Gargoyle awaits the departure of Lyle, while his eyes remain fixated on Claudia.

Rufus watches Kertsen leave, then shifts his inhuman gaze to Claudia. After a long, uncomfortable silence, he slowly moves toward her. When he reaches her, he offers his arm to her.

"Feed, Mistress Vonigner."

Claudia observes Rufus as he approaches her, she then smiles slightly. Her fangs show a moment before she speaks, and looks away. She finally heals up her wounds.
(Claudia) I.. Can't do that. Rufus, I'm fine. He.. didn't take that much.

She's lying, she's thirsty, but she's managing way better than her sire, probably because she's younger. She gives a look over to her picnic basket, then smiles slightly. She points to it, but doesn't move.
(Claudia) I still have some in that. And... I'm not sure I could even bite you. I mean, through the thick 'skin'... And if the Regent found out, we'd be both dead.

She sounds and act a little embarrassed as if it was somewhat her fault. She's shocked, scared, but much less about the fact that she was bitten than how it happened. She knew from the beginning that her blood would have be taken away, she just didn't prepare on the how. The harshness of her sire is what seemed to shock her the most. She touches slightly her neck where Lyle sank his fangs, thoughtful, a bit worried, as of she had seen a truth she didn't want to see, or if like reality wasn't as she had hoped or imagined.
(Claudia).. Can you bring me that basket, please ?

Rufus seems disappointed by her rejection of him, but he nods at her request and immediately retrieves the basket for her.

"I'm not allowed to let you leave for the night, but there are rooms more comfortable than this if you prefer, Mistress Claudia."

Claudia smiles openly when Rufus gives her the basket. She puts it on the table to open it and retrieve the only bottle who still has some vitae in it. She opens it and drinks it from the bottle, hastened by the thirst. It's barely a few gulps, but it's enough to delay a thirst problem. She puts everything back in the basket and closes it, letting out a sigh. She gives another look to the gargoyle, her fangs still showing of the thirst and the fact that she just drank.
(Claudia) Let's move to my old room, then.. I don't like it much, here.

She gives a slight look to the chains and wall, as if she remembered it from her training. The memories seem painful to her. She takes her basket in one hand and moves towards the exit to move to the old apprentice room she used before moving out in the early 1910's. By talking she tries to ignore what just happened, both because she served as a vessel but also because the gargoyle offered her his blood.
(Claudia) ... Just "Claudia", please. Are you fine ? I mean, with.. how the church was attacked. Duncan said he and Regent Kersten was shot.

Mentioning her sire's name by his title and last name is her way out of fear and distancing herself. In private, usually, all Tremere use first names, but Claudia never said "Lyle", even before he was regent. It was either Mister Kersten, or Soladis Kersten. Never "my sire", either.
Claudia never hid these feelings. At least it seems she has a reason to.

Rufus watches Claudia drink, absently licking his own lips, what with having not fed in a bit. The Gargoyle moves himself between Claudia and the chains so as to block her view of them, though he never says a word. When asked about the attack, Rufus slightly growls.

"I was too late to provide assistance to the Regent."

He seems starkly offended at himself, and it's obvious that he considers himself a failure for this act. When she mentions Regent Kersten, he is too oblivious to react appropriately. He half-leads, half-follows the Tremere to her old quarters, holding doors open for her along the way, though he is still quite obviously distracted by his thoughts of failing the church and the elders.