The Water Mirror

Chriss lets a laugh out and nods to both kindred when they leave. He stands up at the same moment Duncan does
(Chriss) Have fun over there. See you later then !


Claudia stands up for a moment as well, to wave goodbye. She just shrugs concerning Griffin's motivation mentioned by Miri again.
(Claudia) I'll be sure to tell my grandsire. Thank you once more.


She bows slightly, watches them go, then sits back to discuss with Chriss what he wanted to discuss with her.

When he notices the gesture is directed at him, concerning surprising Claudia, he nods slightly with a certain approval, trying not to interrupt the discussion and not seem too much distracted. He first looked worried, curious, then playful. The words they finished speaking were about Neonates, new arrivals and new born childer to the community.
But the worry he showed didn't went unnoticed. She's been attentive to her surroundings ever since she settled with her Grandsire, to make sure the words spoken wouldn't have broken the masquerade. She turns her head slightly, then her body follows, and when her eyes recognize the person approaching, she smiles with the most inner joy and pleasure, and pats next to her.
(Claudia) Estela ! Come on here. What were you trying to do, hm ?.. Oh, Chriss, this is Estela Aguilar, a new born childe of the Toreador clan, she arrived yesterday. Henri may have told you about her.
(Chriss) He did, yes. The Gangrel sounds slightly suspicious for an instant, but he smiles and he looks happy. Hey. I'm Chriss, nice to meet you. I'm the go-to-guy for the Gangrel. So if you want a tour of the woods...

Estela sends a large, bright smile to the stranger when he gives an approving nod in her direction, a playful spark lighting up her eyes. She takes another few careful steps and just when she was about to jump her surprise on Claudia, the Tremere decides to turn around. Blinking surprised like a deer caught in the headlights, Estela remains standing where she is. Lightly crouched, arms out and fingers bend like claws, her pose was the image of a prepared pounce. The deep breath she'd taken to yell a loud 'boo' in Claudia's ears slowly escape her while the young vampire drops her arms and plops down on the fabric next to her friend.
“Noooothin',” she says in answer to Claudia's question, her face the picture of innocence. “I'm completely innocent of whatever you're trying to accuse me off!” Turning, Estela extends a hand to Chriss while the Tremere introduced her to him. “Nice to meet you too Chriss. Like Claudia said, I'm Estela. The new girl around these parts, that everyone seems to have heard off.” She smiles cheerfully at his offer. “I'm really a city girl, but sure. A tour through the woods sounds like fun. I'll take you up on it some time, after I've settled in a bit.” As she says this, Estela wraps an arm around Claudia's shoulder, pointing at her with her free hand. “Something with which Claudia is going to help me with. That is, when she's got time to spare and doesn't mix up her cellphone with the one from someone else.” Her smile changes from cheerful to almost devilish while Estela turned from the Gangrel to her friend. “I believe he called himself...LD?”

Claudia's smile fades the instant Estela touches her, but she lets her do and becomes less tense. To her proximity, Estela can easily notice her marks and scars. She can't remember having seen those before, even if she saw her with more revealing clothing, but nowadays, foundation and make up can do an awesome job. She's nervous that the subjetc may be brought by the Toreador. Chriss laughs with a certain amusement to the gestures and behavior. He prepares to stand up, putting his hair away from his face to show a wide friendly smile.
(Chriss) Well I'm going to leave you girls alone, I don't think I wanna know anyway. Yes I've heard of you, we're a small community and yesterday was a big date. So information got shared so we'd avoid hunting the new guys because we didn't know you weren't a Sabbat infiltrate.. Got it ? Thanks for having shared a few thoughts with me, Claudia. I gotta find the werewolves now. Don't get intro trouble, girls!
(Claudia) You're very welcome, have a good evening. Yes, it's why we all know each other up to a certain point ; but I prefer less violent outcomes... I think we can manage behaving and survive, but thank you for the advice. My cellphone?

She browses around her to take out her smart phone, which she unlocks, and observes more carefully as she opens messages. If she wasn't dead, she'd turn white. She puts it away quickly.
(Claudia) Ah damn, I took Loïc's phone!

She frowns, pouts an instant, then sighs and lets it go. Chriss doesn't seem to care, he trades goodbyes and leaves.
(Claudia) I'll get it back later, then, it's not a treat. Is there something you wanted ? I'll need to go and find my grandsire and take him back to the Chantry.

Estela does not seem to notice Claudia's discomfort, for she is simply watching the Gangrel as he raises and begins to say his goodbyes. She tilts her head to the side curiously at the mention of her possibly being considered an infiltrator had her presence not being made known to all the others, her earlier grin fading a little. “Well, then I guess I should count myself lucky for having arrived on a big day then, whatever it was about. Though I really have no clue why anyone would consider ME an infiltrator. When speaking of one, I more or less imagine some shady guy with a poker face professional poker players would kill for.” She frowns a little, then sighs and releases Claudia from her hold, leaning back on her arms. “Still, I'm not sure if I'm all that happy about having everybody around here knowing exactly who I am and where I'm from. Sure, it saves me some introduction problems, but it's so awkward to ask someone's name while the other knows exactly who I am! Makes me feel like I should already know their names too.”

The semi-comical frustration on her face is quickly replaced by open surprise, followed by shocked disbelief at something Chriss said. A bit of a grin returns later, but the disbelief remains visible within her eyes. “Trouble? Now whatever makes you think I'd look for, or get Claudia in, any kind of trouble?” Still grinning somewhat, Estela waves a goodbye to Chriss, then turns back to Claudia. She opens her mouth to say something, but it turns to surprised staring with a half opened mouth. Catching herself, Estela looks a little embarrassed though also somewhat curious. She decides not to act on this though. “Two things. One: Did I hear that right? From Chriss. Werewolves? For real? And, more importantly, two: who is Loic?”

Auspex 4:

Curious about the idea of infiltrator and his description, Chriss shares a look with Claudia when a similar idea cross both their minds. Chriss chuckles and says with a good joy.
(Chriss) That sounds way too much like Mr. Griffin. I do hope he never hears of it, he may make all of us dig a hole to bury ourselves in. Trouble usually comes to pretty ladies, miss ! See you.

He leaves without answering anything else and without waiting for a response.
Claudia's smile shows she agrees with the statement. Claudia takes time to give a certain look to her friend, and offers a smile.
(Claudia) It's true, it does sound like sodalis Griffin. Oh, yes, werewolves. That Underworld movie we saw got pretty close to what Garou are, men who transform into wolves with huge hairy forms, with claws and teeth everywhere. Brr. Chriss is the one who managed to have peace between them and us, providing that we don't meddle in their affairs, they will stay away from ours. I actually never seen one, and.. I'm not really curious. As for Loic... he's my trustworthy friend. He's a friend of mine among the languages section of our University.

She observes a bit more closely her friend, squinting her eyes for an instant.
(Claudia) There's something else.. You can ask me, Estela, I'm still your friend.

Estela:

“Wha?” is the only thing Estela manages to get out when the other two start to mention that her description actually sounds like one of the people in the little vampire circle. After a fair impression of a fish on the dry, she throws her hands up in the air, shakes her head and laughs. “I don't know anything if you don't. I have no intentions of digging my own grave. Really, I had no idea that my description was that accurate of mister, Griffin you said? Perhaps it would be best that I first familiarize myself with everyone living here.” There is a little pause there as Estela gazes off in the distance for a short moment. She then shrugs her shoulders a little and her eyes turn back to focus on Claudia again. “Meh.”

The information about the werewolves is eagerly absorbed, though she still seems a little doubtful about it. “Yea, I remember that movie...but, for real? I mean, I would've said the same about vampires a few months ago, but I find it rather hard to believe. At least we look normal. I can't imagine that THEY can just remain undetected with their forms being all....big and hairy..... Maybe I should take Chriss up on his offer to show me around sooner rather than later and see if he can't show me one of them. I AM curious!” Her grin becomes a little mischievous when she says this. It becomes almost devilish at the mention of Claudia's friend. “And you're suuuuuuure that he's just a friend? What's he like? Do I know him? How does he look? Cute? Handsome? Both? Have you gone out with him? He mentioned that gaming place.” Her cheerful expression falters a little and she avoids looking her friend in the eye for a moment. “Well, it's just....I've....well, I've never really noticed all those marks on your skin before. You don't have to explain those to me. I mean, whatever caused it mustn't have been pleasant.” Estela shakes her head stubbornly, forcing her earlier expression back on her face. “I'd much rather hear about you and Loic!”

empathy 2:

Claudia allows herself one other comment about her clanmate Jean-Pierre with a chuckle.
(Claudia) Sodalis Griffin is member of my clan. He is very serious, with those piercing eyes that stare right into your very soul, making you feel like you were a five year-old who hasn't been respectful towards their parents. And he just so happens to play cards quite often.

She doesn't mention more the Garou, and dismisses the subject with a shrug. After all, as she stated, she never saw one. She smiles shyly as she does on about her Loïc friend.
(Claudia) Loïc is seventeen, and I'm over a hundred, Estela.. He's a close friend. You may have seen him in the university, he's a small thin guy, with medium long black hair, in the Japanese and Korean courses, always playing on his console. He hangs around much with the Lolita and in the arcade center in the Alsace-Lorraine street. I help him out with his studies and I house him until he finishes his degrees.

She pauses an instant, looking away a few seconds too, then turning back to her friend, she reveals the marks right under her shoulder, slowly, and she shows as she explains. Her tone is way monotone, as if detached, distant.
(Claudia) Regent Kersten is responsible for those, Tremere training, enhancing my abilities, forcing me to focus... The smaller ones in my wrists and the ones in my skull are just... side effects of medical treatments from when I was alive. I don't mind talking about it too much, so you can ask.


Loïc description sounds familiar as "that one genious kid in master's degree even if he's still under-aged". He has a reputation of being way too cool and has always killer results in all his grades, "exam tomorrow, no problem, going by the talent, then off we go to play pokemon right ?" kind of guy.

Estela nods in all seriousness, though it is clearly feigned for amusements sake. “Kay, noted. No playing cards with mister pokerface unless I desire to go completely broke. I will definitely keep that in min-. Oh wait wait wait, over a hundred years old? You're kidding me right?” Even though she asks with disbelief in her voice, Estela seems unconvinced by her own doubt that Claudia could possibly be that old. She had promised to keep as few secrets from the younger vampire as she possibly could the evening before. She shakes her head, surprise open on her face. “That is....wow. Just wow. You're looking good for an old hag then!” She produces a weak chuckle, still stunned by the reveal. “Jokes aside, yea I guess I remember the guy you're talking about. That little genius right? Passing all of his tests without even trying to? But seriously, over a century. Sorry for repeating it like that. It's just....well, a bit to take in I guess.” Almost as though looking for signs of her true age, Estela stares at her friend for several moments. Not finding any, she just shakes her head. “You don't look a day older than 20. Will it always be like that?”

She winces a little when Claudia reveals the marks, clearly having attempted to steer the conversation away from them. Though still curious about them, she doesn't interrupt the Tremere. As she speaks, a mixture of shock and disbelief appear on Estela's face. She looks at the marks, then back up at her friend and then back to the marks for a few moments, eventually shaking her head. Her voice almost quivers when she speaks. “No...No way. Lyle? Lyle did that to you? That can't be....He doesn't seem....” She shakes her head again, barely able to wrap her mind around the fact. “Why? Why would he do something like that?”

empathy3:

Claudia laughs lower then she notices her friend being shocked about her age. She nods to confirm she is, indeed, over 100. She smiles gently when Estela recognizes the man they were talking about.
(Claudia) Yes, that's him. Of Vietnamese origins. And yes, I am that old. But I was.. about 24 when I was embraced. It's true I look younger.. But don't worry about it. I was born in 81. 1881, that is.

She shrugs to Estela's disbelief about her scars, as she hides them once more and puts her hands on her wrists in a certain shyness. Her voice sounds a little harsh, even with resentment.
(Claudia) He did. He wasn't the one holding the needles, but he knew it before giving me away. He staked me with his bare hands, he killed me... He could have tutored me himself, but he didn't, and he knew exactly what I was going through. I don't want you to call him by his name, and I don't want you to get closer to him. He is a monster, Estela, his hands are full of blood and he doesn't see why it's wrong.

A flicker of surprise appears in Estela's eyes at the reveal of Claudia's real age, but the reaction isn't as strong as when she'd first heard of the age, for it simply paled in importance and shock factor in comparison to the information she was given on Lyle. Horror works its way on her features, and the girl shudders. Again, she shook her head. “I...I had no idea. I mean...he didn't seem like a bad guy. At all. I would never have guessed.”

She takes in a shuddering breath, avoiding to look in her friend's eyes. Estela chews her bottom lip in frustration, accidentally doing so a bit to hard and almost drawing blood resulting in a wince of pain. When she speaks again, her voice is a mixture of disbelief, frustration and sadness. “When I spoke to him yesterday, he was only friendly. Fun to joke around with. Earlier tonight too, in Saint Eloi. Hell, he even gave me advice on how to avoid angering or generally annoying your grandsire.”

With an almost tired sigh, Estela lets her body fall backwards, stretching out on the grass with her arms behind her head. “Dammit, just my luck I guess,” she mutters, sounding not quite angry but close to it. “I suppose it's useless to ask if he's still like that? He really didn't strike me as the asshole type....”

Claudia:

Claudia frowns visibly, then sighs as she understands her friend saw her sire once more. She looks away with disappointment, before taking time to face her friend with sadness and comprehension. She doesn't raise her voice, but she sounds detached.
(Claudia) Even the most despicable monsters can be social, polite, or even fun to be around. It's just a trick to manipulate you, Estela, he does it for a reason. He's not an asshole, but he is a murderer, a manipulator who gives no care about anyone's life or needs... There's nothing he could do to redeem himself, and he doesn't want to. He sees no evil in his doings, where there before or now.

She offers her hands to her friend with a friendly smile.
(Claudia) This is what our existence is about, and Regent Kersten is the clearest example of what awaits you. It's all a facade, a game... At least with my grandsire it's easy to understand what he wants, what he expects... There are no surprises and no unexpected backstabbing. He is unaware of his surroundings, he may be a little harsh-edged, but at least he doesn't play with you openly. He is a true father to me, a little oppressing and dirigiste... The rule with him was to obey and respect him, never question his word, and he'll love you and let you be.

After having shared a hand contact, she stands up and puts back on her shoes slowly.
(Claudia) I must find him before he gets lost, however. Do you wish to come with me ?

Estela stares up to the sky, her face contorted to show her annoyance and disappointment. She listens in silence to Claudia's words, though doesn't give a lot of outward signs that she does in fact listen. Finally, resignation appears on her face and with a heavy sigh, she pushes herself back up to a sitting position, accepting the offered hands from her friend with a small, forced smile. “Can't say I'm happy about hearing this but....thanks.” While she doesn't sound to grateful about the matter, her words are still truthful.

“Okay,” she suddenly says, voice a little louder than necessary. Estela slaps herself on the cheeks lightly. “No more mopping! A guy I've known for only one and a half evening ain't worth that much energy.” She energetically hops to her feet when Claudia begins to put her shoes back on. “I just have to make sure not to look.....or think of that smile of his.....Which means that I did just think of it.” Laughing a little, Estela shakes her head a little and throws her hands up in the air. Her carefree, cheerful tone finally returns to her voice. “What can I say? I'm just horrible when it comes to that. Just punch me when you think I enter dangerous territory, okay? And sure, I'll come along. All this talk about your grandsire has made me curious, but then, what doesn't these days. I promise I'll be on my best behavior. After that however, you're going to have to help me with something. I'm desperate to get some decent clothes again.” Grinning widely, Estela gives a short, one armed hug to Claudia. “You know, the regent was right about one thing. If I stick around you, things will end up just fine for me.” She winks, half expecting the first punch of the evening already.

Subterfuge 2:

Claudia lets out a chuckle and gathers all objects she puts back on her basket. She then folds the blanket with few gestures, and puts it also in the basket. She lets herself be hugged with a certain uneasiness, but without acting against it.
(Claudia) I'm sorry to tell you the truth this way. I try my best to take only the good sides of everyone, but.. with Regent Kersten it's hard to see what is worthy of saving. If only he was more careful about his surroundings and he would repent.. Only those who want to be helped can be helped, I would guess. I don't know why he said you'd be fine around me, but frankly I wish not to know. Maybe he has reasons to think that...

She shakes her head to deny her thoughts and to leave them behind. It's clear she's afraid of her sire, as she only refers to him with his title and last name. She lets go another more genuine smile as she takes her basket in her hands and starts walking south along the docks.
(Claudia) Just be obedient and bite your tongue around Lord Tarcisus and you'll be fine. And for clothing.. Well I could help you out with shopping on the internet, but the best to do is find a friend to do all the shopping for you during the day. Or do like me, sew your own dresses !

She illustrates by turning around on her tippy toes and chuckles, sharing a certain joy of being able to talk more freely about unlife problems.

Estela answers the apology with a mild shrug. “Well, if it ain't pretty, don't make it out to be I guess. Brutal honesty and all that. I'll live, don't worry about it. And like I said, you're free to punch me. But, that's enough about him!”

Tugging her hands in the pockets of her jeans, Estela follows after Claudia, taking a few quick steps to walk next to her. Hearing her suggestion draws a bit of a grin from the young vampire, for it is almost the same thing Lyle had told her. The smile becomes calmer when the conversation goes a different direction. “I was hoping for an open shop. You know I like to try things on, even if it's just because I feel like wearing something silly without any interest in buying it.” She looks doubtful at the prospect of having someone else buy her clothing during the day. “Wouldn't that be weird? Getting someone else to buy my clothing? I mean, sure there might be people willing to do that, but I can imagine that questions would be asked. If not immediately, then they will come eventually.”

Hearing that Claudia makes her own clothing surprises her. “You, you make your own clothing? That's actually quite impressive. I can work may way around paint and pencils with ease, but I bet that I'd only end up with perforated fingers if I were to even attempt sewing two pieces of mismatched cloth together.” She looks at the dress her friend wears with renewed appreciation. “You're really good. Though it's still weird to see you wear outfits like that.”

Claudia offers a compassionate look when Estela mentions her plays with clothing. She shakes her head with a sad sigh.
(Claudia) Only supermarkets are open when we can actually shop ourselves, or maybe during the winter right as stores close... Remember that it is some people's job to shop for you, telling them you have no time during the day. Some people also like to spend all day shopping, and given enough money, they'll gladly make choices for you. There is always a way around it..

The Tremere chuckles and shrugs. As she tells, her voice sounds more nostalgic, with a deeper sadness, bitterness and regret.
(Claudia) I only make some dresses, but then again, when I was a young girl, I learnt how to sew. It was normal, at that time, that women would make their own dresses... The clothing you usually see me with, I buy on the internet, and I fix them so that they fit me in width, and that they hide the fact that I'm too thin to be alive.

She points before her the Stone Bridge, then on the tramway station she aims for. She goes on to wait on the tramway dock and waits for it to arrive.
(Claudia) We're going on the other side, on Setite territory. Knowing my Grandsire, he went there to discuss with the snakes. I do hope he had not found them, it would be problematic. What has your sire told you exactly, about clans and other stuff?

Perception + alertness>4:

Estela pulls a face of disappointment. “It's bad enough that this whole thing takes the sun from me and now it also takes shopping.” She rolls her eyes and then grins wryly. “At least it hasn't taken my painting, else I would become real desperate real soon. By now there's not much else it can take. Guess I'll just have to get used to it.” She makes an attempt to keep her voice light, but there's definitely some spite and frustration in her words.

Perception3:

“Although,” she adds suddenly, the edge on her voice lightening up and a smile plays on her lips. “It's also given me something I guess. I got to meet you again!”

The young vampire lets a criticizing eye go over her friend. “Well, whatever you do with your clothing, you're good at it. Maybe I should remember that for when I need clothing fixed in size. I would never guess that you're overly thin if you hadn't told me just now. Is that normal by the way? Becoming thin like that?” There is a little concern in her eyes at the thought of that happening.

She follows the outstretched arm of Claudia when she points towards the Stone Bridge, shrugging a little about her question. “To be honest, not much. He was more concerned about ensuring I knew the immediate do's and don'ts so that I could get here as quickly as possible in a worst case scenario. Which evidently ended up happening. The clans...” In thought, Estela tugs at the silver earchain in her ear. “Just basic characteristics and a few things about their disciplines. I can't say that I paid a whole lot of attention to everything since I was still attempting to understand what the hell had happened.” For a few moments, she is silent, digging through her memory. “The Setites are those snake people right? Who aren't a part of any side -well, aside from their own that is- in this whole fight for power thing, despite a number of attempts?” She double checks her memory to ensure what she'd just said was in fact correct. Satisfied that it should be, Estela nods a little. “Yeah, they're those guys right? That's about all I know of them. Why would your Gandsire try to find them?”

Perception 3:

Claudia shows a compassionate look towards her friend as she understands what not being able to act during the day means. She doesn't comment on it, but she does smile from within in appreciation about her friend being glad to see her again. She puffs slightly her dress, taps on it because she was sitting for too long, and smiles again.
(Claudia) I'm thinnest because I didn't grow up as a teenager in a proper environment. This had consequences in my body, but nothing that keeps me from functioning. But we all become thinner, yes. Goes with our organs being useless and shrinking, or something like that... It's why I don't wear skinny clothing, ever. However you can't guess people's age by their size, after all, we mostly stay in the state we were at the time of..

She means of course "the embrace" or "the death", but she doesn't say it. As the tram stops in front of them, Claudia gets in, at the very first wagon, and bips her wallet. She then browses through it and pulls out a 10-travel ticket she validates for her friend as she enters. Being Thursday, the tram is full of half drunk to totally drunk people going clubbing or taking the party somewhere else. The Tremere doesn't sit, she leans against the opposing door and holds her basket in front of her, with a serious and thoughtful face. She signs her friend that she should do like her.
(Claudia) Yes, they are the guys. Here, they are expected to obey our rules and our traditions, like, Siring and all that. My grandsire spent a lot of time with them, he liked them and they were allies in politics and else. For him, they were a curiosity, I think. They are mostly in the drugs and sex sectors, so you can guess how their world is very different than my own.

Claudia tries her best to ignore all chants and drunk talk in the tramway, but she is obviously not in that kind of fun. A good ten minutes of ride and after crossing the river, Claudia gets off at the very next stop after the bridge. It's a huge plaza, with much more modern buildings and it's dark, kind of dirty, and oddly, quiet. Most bars and clubs were either just before the bridge, or much farther in the tramline, around the highways.

Estela follows Claudia in the tram, looking a little put off by the idea of her very organs shrinking away inside her body. She even looks down to her own body and then back to her friend with a slightly worried expression. “That sounds rather painful....” Her voice is soft and from the tone it is clear that she doesn't really expect an answer to this.

Leaning in much the same way as her friend, Estela looks through the busy tram. She appears a little uneasy about her surroundings, but makes a fair attempt to keep it to herself. “Well it sounds like they're only missing the rock 'n roll part then.” A faint grin is visible when she says this in a half joking manner. “If they got that part in their lifestyle or whatever, then they could start a band, tour the world and try becoming famous.” She idly runs a hand through her spiky hair, incidentally making it stand up even straighter. “They sound like a cheerful bunch.” Not.

Claudia:

When Claudia leaves the tram, Estela is only a few steps behind her.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Because it's not too far off and not quite accessible from the Theatre in car or bike, due to the enormous amount of people in the streets and the different restaurants and bars, Laure Nolveaux decided to walk to the Water Mirror. She's careful when she crosses the street, waiting for the light to be gren, and being careful with the different broken glass bottles of beer spread everywhere by the students ending (or starting) their night before heading to a club (or after having left one).
She checks on Fred often enough, offering him a polite and understanding smile every now and then.
It's easy for both kindred to spot Victor de Sainte Croix, leaning on the ramp above the Garonne, as he's the only one that's quite well dressed, but also, that's probably not drunk. The young Primogen offers Laure a smile when he notices her blond weavy long hair that approaches him in a determined pace, then he notices Fred and raises his eyebrows. He waits for them to be closer.
(Victor) Fred ! I thought you were dead.

Laure lowers the head in respect, without being able to actually bow in public, she does acknowledge his position despite her being older. The Malkavian Primogen acknowledges her with a slight nod.
(Victor) Madame Nolveaux. I take it that this poor childe was declared dead by mistake ?
(Laure) Primogen. It seems to be the case indeed. She gives a look to Fred, full of compassion that his situation has to be explained to every other kindred they cross. She does smile to the fact that everyone accepts it without being too much of a hassle. I humbly ask your help concerning this matter, as there could be other mistakes. A gallant like yourself certainly has contacts with others, and you had a very good view of the attacks. Would you tell us what you witnessed, and who you saw ?

Victor crosses his arms and looks away, almost pouting, as if bored by the subject. He then smiles and addresses Fred.
(Victor) I do wonder, how come you didn't come and see me, to let your representative in the Council know you're alive ?

Fred follows short by Laure, staying behind her at all times, with the exception of the traffic lights were he stands beside her. When Laure smiles at him he offers a small one back in turn.
When they reach the Mirror and meet up with Primogen Sainte-Croix; Fred lowers his head much in the same way that Laure does and lets her do the talking to the point were Victor directly addresses him.

After the battle I was quite depressed and overcome with feeling of guilt and unworthiness, the only time I felt I could leave my old home with Robert and Marie was when the monster wouldn't stop screaming.

It took a long while before I felt I could leave again.. The player is too lazy to write the backstory to date yet again and thus makes a generic timeskip emote for his own convenience.. After speaking with Mister Kersten we decided to leave the hotel and walk directly here as Mrs. Nolveaux felt that by this point in time you should by all means have arrived as was agreed upon.
I'm terribly sorry for not informing you, Primogen Sainte-Croix.

Auspex 4:

Ah! I asked M'sieur Pierre to inform Mister Xavier of my survival earlier today, I thought it would be good to inform you of this.
Fred removes his beanie and shifts his gaze between Sainte-Croix and Nolveaux.

Auspex 2:

The ST accepts the laziness and laughs ;-)

Laure looks aside when Fred tales the tale once more. She pities the Malkavian for it. Victor listens with a hint of boredom coupled with curiosity, and nods to show he is attentive.
(Victor) I see. So Xavier is still priority to inform over your Primogen, not a change really. I forgive you for that, this once. It's a shame the outcome of last december's attacks were taken so lightly, it's a mess Madame Nolveaux.
(Laure) Please forgive our non-perfect beings. We had to worry about mortals and the sun-
(Victor) No excuses ! The Primogen interrupts raising the voice a little, not enough to draw too much attention, but enough to look annoyed and angered by the Toreador and her reasons. I forgive you too, but consider it a warning. I will aid you for the sake of the Camarilla, and as to celebrate your non-death, Fred. But I will only answer to you.

A bit creeped, Laure steps back and lets the men discuss the issue, since the Pimogen stated he would only respond to Fred and not to her. She doesn't insist with Victor, letting him get away with it.

Fred becomes somewhat nervous when Victor speaks about how Xavier seemingly takes priority over himself.
Ah. Rather than priority I reckoned that we were to meet later on at any rate, thus I asked Pierre to inform Mister Xavier as I would inevitably inform you in person of my survival.

Fred lowers his gaze somewhat, raising his beanie closer to his face as if he wishes to hide behind it.

Auspex 2:

When Laure steps back at Victor's words, Fred becomes increasingly nervous, having largely relied on her to do the important talking and telling Fred whatever he needs to say so far.

Um.. Ah, yes! But.. it uh.. I feel it will be quite difficult to proceed with our task if we cannot hear the information and opinions Mrs. Nolveaux possess. Forgive my boldness, but I humbly wish to request that if she cannot speak for herself directly, that she can speak through me as I feel she would make a better addition to our investigation than I would.

Fred raises his beanie further up to the point were he covers his mouth.
It's pretty obvious that he is fearful at this point.

Auspex 2:

The Primogen dismisses the subject of him being informed after, he accepted it and shrugs it away. He gives an inquisitive look to Laure, who just looks down and waits, then goes back to Fred.
(Victor) Nonsense, you are a full-grown capable man, and kindred. I will ask her if necessary, when I'll allow it. You wished to see me about the attacks we had in December, right, what did you want to know ?

The Primogen insists that Fred only ask the questions. Even if Laure is older than him, he acts much more to older standards than she does. It's curious to see how well she bends to the rules of before, even if she doesn't like it, the Toreador keeps calm and distant, accepting the games and extravagant behavior of the ones with more Status than her. But she's a fierce one, she'll probably pester later.