La Victoire Plaza's Macdonalds

Chris seems to think back a little, then lets out a soft chuckle. “Yes, I can imagine that people would want to avoid the Regents. They don't really have the best of reputation.” He shrugs, not appearing to really care one way or the other. “But then, that's not unique to just them.”
He smirks, though despite his relatively lighthearted mood, he's still a little on guard. Though it's probably because it's out of habit than anything else. The vampire doesn't seem to feel any form of threat from the Tremere at his side.

“Aren't we all!” he says, almost cheerfully, on the subject of Lyle being a ruthless monster. “Don't see why just that is enough for such a dislike, but to each his own.”
He listens in silence as Claudia continuous about Lyle, only raising an eyebrow. “Lyle the Regent hm.” Chris pauses for a moment, pretending to be thinking things over. After a moment he shakes his head and sighs as though sorely disappointed. “I just can't see that happening. Besides, I've met your Regent already, around the Water Mirror. He's got a very nice cane, though he's unfortunately possessive off it.”

perception+subterfuge>5:

Claudia nods about the Regents' reputation, agreeing to it without even thinking about it. She seems to cringe a little every time the other uses the Regent's first name to talk about him, giving him a little glare the first time, and then remembering he doesn't care she eventually gives up. She lets out a little sigh.
(Claudia) He is a ruthless monster even by Kindred standards, it's what I meant. It's a complicated and personnal issue. A cane ?

She frowns, thinking, then comes to a logic conclusion, as she had listed in her mind everyone who usually has a cane and seems possessive of it.
(Claudia) In his twenties or forties ? My height or taller ?

She seems almost a little scared.

“Nope, still don't see your point. Like I said before, we're all ruthless monsters. No variations on that definition are possible. To deny that fact is to deny your very nature.” His voice still holds that carefree, almost cheerful tone in it as he says these words. He shrugs after, and continues; “Then again, some are better at lying to themselves than others.” He eyes Claudia thoughtfully as he says this, certainly implying she falls into that category. With a slight, taunting smirk, he looks away from the Tremere again.

When asked about the features of the Tremere he'd encountered before, Chris tilts his head slightly, narrowing his eyes as he tries to recall. “'Bout your height I suppose. And he was somewhere in his forties. He introduced himself as 'Tarcisus', but then you as a Tremere should already be aware of that. It would be a rather shameful thing for you to not know the name of your own Regent.” Again that taunting tone slips into his voice. Probably not by accident either.

Claudia gives up on the subject of being or not monsters. She obviously disagrees and gives a glare when being called a better liar than the others, but she doesn't call out on it, as if she had understood that Chris is the kind to taunt and push the patience of others. She smiles slightly, then loses it when he mentions her Regent's height. She puts het hand above her, at her height, as if to visualise, and rules out Lyle, who's taller, as well as anyone else taller than her that could wear a cane. She finally realizes as he confirms the age, but it's not necessary since he named him. She gives him a dulled look, then lets out a long tired sigh.
(Claudia) Lord Tarcisus isn't our Regent anymore. It's a complicated issue, but he tends to be quite distracted. You saw him at the Water Mirror, you said ? I'll have to go find him then.

She doesn't seem pleased, but she doesn't insist much more. She stops walking once in a intersection, about halway from the Hotel.
(Claudia) I'll turn here to find him, if you don't mind.. You can ask Regent Kersten about his status directly, maybe he'll tell you the truth, but I'm not the liar kind. Oh and he is also far older than you might imagine, as he was here back when our Chantry was newly built.

She seems a little dulled about the situation, but she still has some hope of convincing him. She takes the street, turning right to go towards the docks, not really telling him to go back to the Hotel at 3:30 am, but also not really inviting him to come with her.

“Lord?” Chris raises an eyebrow as he repeats the title Claudia gives Tarcisus. He sounds skeptical, doubting what he is being told. He stops alongside the Tremere, turning to fully face her. “So this Tarcisus is nobility then, hm?” He makes a wide gesture with his arm toward the city around them. “Baron Tarcisus, lord and leader of Bordeaux. Or perhaps Count Tarcisus, the villainous cousin of Count Dracula! Please don't tell me he's the type unable to cross running water or is repelled by holy objects too.” He makes no secret of how ridiculous, and at the same time somewhat amusing, he finds the notion to be.

As Claudia tells him what she's going to do, Chris briefly checks the time on his cellphone, coupling it with a little app to see how many hours and minutes of nighttime he still has left until dawn. He gives no outward sign of acknowledging the Tremere's attempt at telling him about Lyle's age and status. Satisfied with what he finds, he puts his phone back in his pocket. “This is no time for a lady to walk about unaccompanied. Imagine what could be lurking in the darkness! Allow me to escort you and see you remain safe.”

etiquette = 2:

He doesn't even wait for Claudia to give her answer on his 'offer', and merely follows after her, calmly whistling a little tune to himself.

computer>1:

When Chris mentions the title of her grandsire, and compares it to the actual meaning of the title, she can't help a chuckle.
(Claudia) Oh don't even say that... No, no, no. "Lord" is a Tremere title, they are those who oversee Regents. Considering our chantry was a church some time ago I don't think he's affected by all that nonesense.. But he is from Eastern Europe !

She obviously finds the idea of Tarcisus being like a typical transylvanian vampire very amusing.
(Claudia) I suppose it's a good idea not to stay alone.. My night was ruined yesterday anyway so. Mr Kersten arranged some place for you to stay I guess ?... Zelda, really ?

It took her long to recognize but she got it right

Chris listens to Claudia explaining the function of the Tremere Lords, making only one comment on the matter when she is done.
“Pyramids.”

He steps his pace up a little to catch up with and walk besides the Tremere. Her guess to his whistled tune makes him chuckle softly, and he nods unconcerned. “I'm surprised you recognized it.” He briefly glances at his surroundings and takes a moment to adjust the shoulder-strap of his bag.
“As for the arrangements between me and Lyle, I really doubt it is something you should concern yourself with.” His voice lost its carefree edge for a second, growing slightly commanding and carrying a slight threat. He soon enough reverts back to his previous disposition. “But yes, arrangements have been made.”

The Tremere can't help a conforming nod when the other kindred uses the word pyramid to describe their structure. It seems to sadden her superficially, as of it brought memories, but she gets rid of it when the song is mentioned.
(Claudia) Of course I recognized. I'm not living under a rock.. And I spend lots of time with young people.

She walks calmly towards the docks, even if she hasted a little when she felt the potential danger Chris could be. She vaguely nods when she is told she shouldn't care.
(Claudia) I see.

“Still,” Chris says calmly, “It's not often that someone picks up on things like that. But I suppose it helps that you play around with relatively young Kine.” It doesn't sound like he'd see any other reason to stick around humans. Playthings and pawns.
He quietly observes Claudia and her reaction to his earlier words, speeding his pace a little to not fall behind her. He stays silent for several moments, as though weighing his options. He shrugs then, letting out a small sigh. “Nothing personal of course. No need to get so....flighty about it.”

She doesn't seem to react much, as if she was thinking about something else. She vaguely shrugs.
(Claudia) They're useful. I have a good musical memory, that and it played for so many years on consoles... I don't play around them, really, but a kindred gotta feed.

The idea of feeding clearly disgusts her, but she comes around it somehow.
As they walk towards the docks, and pass in front of the closing arcade game center, she gives it a little look, slowing down even a little, before speeding up a little and mumbling something about her Grandsire getting lost.

(go to the water mirror topic ^^)

Duncan doesn't even need to press send as he spots Duncan heading towards el Bodegon. He spots his clan mate and approaches instead. El Bodegon seems to be empty, even in the front.
(Theodore) 'Sup ? The hell you brought with you from Paris, man?

He's fairly amused, since Duncan was presented, so many things have happened...

Duncan snorts as he approaches Theo, almost but not quite amused by the joke.

Huh.  "May you live in interesting times," as the Chinese curse goes.  William, the new Tremere, thinks he's going to be known as the one who always brings bad news into Elysium.  And he won't even be presented officially until tomorrow night, although he's met Gosuin at least twice.

Quick updates... We're finding traces of that missing Nossie, Momo, around the Sheriff's building.  We've got to find out what happened to him before the Nosferatu will escort us down below, to find that Tremere trinket.  Slow going there.

I asked Griffin for permission to check Bordeaux 3's database for clues about those missing students, even though Franz is already letting me look.  That's first thing tomorrow.

Oh, and the dead bones that Lupine brought into Elysium were a Toreador named Raekel -- the red-headed chick presented the same night I was.  The Lupine said she mentioned somebody named 'Sturbridge', and I saw Raekel introduce herself to Kersten that first night, mentioning an Aisling Sturbridge as a mutual acquaintance.  Kersten didn't seem too impressed by the name-dropping, because he took pleasure in hacking her arm to test her blood.

By the way... I was about to text you.  Can I have the Giovanni's phone number?  She owes me some info as part of a deal.  Well, a dead guy owes me, but she's supposed to talk to him and get the information.  It's Thomas Durieux.

Duncan acts nonchalant as he relates the last part, but he's curious to see how Theo takes the information about Thomas.

Theodore leans on one of the tables of the Macdonalds tables. He nods at each information given, with a smile about the Chinese proverb. He seems surprised that Griffin was asked permission (and he seemingly granted it). He recognize the Sturbridge name, and raises an eyebrow about it. When he asks about Catherina's number, he browses his pockets for a small notebook, browses through it, and gives it to Duncan at the letter G : G. Cath. has both a fixed in line and a mobile phone number. Thomas' name makes him frown.
(Theodore) Okay, that's a lot.. Thomas Durieux, uh ? I know no shit about ghosts and dead guys, but as far as I'm concerned, if a vampire dies it's game over. If Durieux actualy became a whatever, it means the poor fucker died twice. It also means we actually still have our souls, but also that the fucking Giovanni can interrogate all the bitches we've killed as kindred... I don't know what to think about this, I'll have to chew on it for some time...

He waits until Duncan has taken the numbers before taking back his notebook.
(Theodore) Claudia was good friends with this Thomas guy. Maybe her behavior lately is related to him still being here for some reason... About this William, his presentation and all, it's all about protocol. Gosuin and, well, whoever is going to present William, are probbaly waiting for proper protocol to make it official. Laure told me he was wearing Kersten's cross, so that makes it enough as an official presence. About.. Bordeaux 3 ? Grffin gave you permission ? Why not, try not to make a mess, you're on his good side and I didn't think he had one. Stay there, 'kay ?

The issue about Raekel made Theodore sigh.
(Theodore) I know this Sturbridge. She was a.. uh.. some sort of the internal police for the Tremere ? I know she's now a big thing in the city of New-York, probably Regent or Primogen or so. She came in during Tarcisus' reign and presented herself for local investigation or so. The new librarian is too young, but Claudia and Griffin probably know more about her. I didn't see much of her because her presence was the same night I told Tarcisus he could suck my balls and he didn't like it very much.

He thinks it was a funny event and smiles about it. Theodore sure likes a certain dose of chaos.
(Theodore) Kersten being a brutal bastard could be not linked to her introduction to him. He would probably have done the same to the others. But if this Raekel chick was nosing in Werewolf domain, that's her own damn fault. But why would she name Sturbridge.. Maybe she was looking for something ?

Nosing around, Tremere involved, getting killed.. Theodore hints that she may have been looking for the infamous artifact too.

Duncan nods when Theodore talks about Thomas, although he waits until Theo is finished before responding.  He's as amused as Theo when the elder mentions telling Tarcisus to suck his balls.  After he writes down Catherina's numbers, Duncan speaks.

Yeah, when I gave Laure Nolveaux a box with some of Thomas' stuff -- that's what he wanted -- she said the same thing... Kindred aren't supposed to become wraiths.  I guess he didn't know that.   Or there are some exceptions.  Good reason to head straight for that bright light when you die, isn't it?

I never did buy that whole 'vampires don't have souls' bullshit anyway.  I mean, I don't feel soulless.  Plus, you hear stories about all of those infernalists in the Sabbat, who have traded their souls for power... if they didn't have souls to trade, how could they make a deal?  I guess now that I know more about all the supernatural stuff that's out there, I'm more willing to believe in souls.

Regardless, Thomas promised some information about the Sabbat if Miri and I took care of some unfinished business, so Catherina is going to act as middle-man and take some of the credit.  I don't care, as long as she and Thomas deliver as promised.

As for Griffin: I asked him about etiquette when dealing with areas of influence, and decided what the hell... I told him where I was going, and asked for his permission too.  He gave it, which was good, because I was going to keep my date with Franz anyway.  If I find anything, I'll share it with Griffin too.  No big deal.

So this Sturbridge is Tremere?  Wonder how Raekel knew her.  Maybe the Toreador thought using that name would impress people; but I don't think it worked for her.  Not with the lupines.    My impression of her wasn't really good, but that was more because of her attitude... I don't think she was Sabbat.  Maybe someone in the Camarilla heard about that artifact and sent her here.  If so, they chose the wrong person.

Theodore ponders the situations exposed with a certain care. He even frowns as his trail of thoughts take him somewhere else, listening as well.
(Theodore) Well we got scientific proof souls exist. You're in for a Nobel prize.

He can't help a chuckle, and goes on.
(Theodore) "Wraith", uh. Well the infernalism stuff and the Sabbat, I think it's all propaganda, I don't really believe in that shit but I admit I'm not the most informed guy around in that field. I'd love to point you out to someone informed but apart from the guy who's going to die tomorrow. You'd risk going and ask them in Spain?

Obviously he's not asking seriouslu.
(Theodore) Remember before you got here, I was speaking with Claudia, she said the Theater was occupied by some other force, which is why she had bled after testing you. Was probably his presence then. We'll have to be more careful in Elysium, who knows the Giovanni's spying on us. Damn. 'Bout Griffin, I think you did a good move. He's good his idea of honor and respect. Honestly I think he's secretly a genuine nice guy, but I saw him bash and slash people in court. Who knows... I'd love to know more on his reactions outside of Court, though. We might need some input of what's happening in their hotel or so. Seems Kersten's housing someone as well, or at least, before he decided not to pick up his phone.

The situation seems to annoy Theodore. He mumbles a few curses about Lyle being a fucking asshole.
(Theodore) I'd guess that they met in NYC. Wasn't she Canadian or something ? She had that Celine Dion accent. It's stupid to use the name of a Tremere in ex occupied territories and hope it's going to shine a good light on yourself. Stupidity does kill, after all.

He's not sorry at all, of course. He shrugs about it.
(Theodore) Wonder if she was manipulated, dominated, blood bond or something. I guess we could ask the Giovanni to examine her remains ? Since we have souls, their Necromancy shit works on our remains, no ?

It's a long shot, he's unsure, but it's clear Theodore has a quite a good working logic. Intelligent man who links facts together quite well..

If Gosuin is curious enough, he has the remains.  He can deal with the Giovanni himself.  I don't want to owe that bitch any favors.  Besides, I hear she's got the Setites ginning for her, and if that really was her at Lambert's place, she might have the Sheriff after her too.  I want to get the info she and Thomas owe me while she's still among the living.  Unliving.  Whatever.

Duncan smiles a bit as he continues.
As for the Nobel prize... I'll pass.  If they had a category for 'Occult Knowledge', I'd be competing with all of the Tremere trying for the same award.  I'm not Igor.  That guy is going to get the Tremere on his ass someday.

The younger Brujah doesn't comment about Claudia's knowledge of the ghost in the Theatre.  Instead, he changes the subject to Griffin, and other matters.

I have no problem with Griffin.  He seems kind of hard, but fair.  I'd rather not get on his bad side, which is one reason I decided to ask his permission.  Another reason is that it was too minor an issue to bother sneaking around.

Kersten's hiding someone in the hotel?  I hadn't heard about that.  I'll tell you though... once we found out that Kersten was trying to keep hidden for some reason, instead of being in trouble, my interest in finding him approached zero.  I know Horsman would be a pain to deal with if he's in charge for long, but I'd rather not get Kersten angry at me for blowing his cover.  Well, not without a good reason, like being ordered to by my Primogen.

Duncan gives Theo a pointed glance, with a raised eyebrow, as if to ask, "Am I being ordered to?"

Theodore can't help a laugh when Duncan mentions he thinks the Giovanni won't survive, and nods, more serious.
(Theodore) It's a stupid move, to come and stab some guy at Lambert's domain. But if she didn't notice you guys, and if Lambert finds out, you'll be testifying to prove she was really the one who did it. Cuz, even if he's the Sheriff, Gosuin may want another layer of culprit on her face and call a properly defensible Blood Hunt that her allies won't be able to deny.

He seems fairly annoyed at the idea of the Giovanni getting a blood hunt.
(Theodore) She seems like a nice girl, unlike the Snakes she wasn't bothering me with shit and else. To be frank, her presence suits my needs, but if it can't be helped it can't be helped.

The Brujah just dislikes the general idea but he won't take a direct action against it, it's a minor hassle. The current situation just really arranges him.
(Theodore) Don't worry about Igor, that guy's a fucking survivor. You know he met a Werewolf, like, before our little peace agreement ? Almost eaten by the wolf, but he survived it. He also survived asking the Queen of Hearts about getting his ass into the library just like that, in public, for everyone to hear. And he was really serious about hoping he could actually get that privilege. Maybe he'll ask Kersten, if he does I'd love to watch his reaction.

The idea of Kersten telling Igor a very very sneaky "no" amuses the Brujah, he smiles about it.
(Theodore) Yeah he's housing some guy. Aggressive kind too, I saw him when he, uh, kinda came to present himself, or so ; he tended to use the same vocab' as Kersten, so they must be.. uh.. "friends" ? He says so making the inverted commas with his fingers. I dunno if he's really hidden, maybe we'll know tomorrow, you know, he's got a shot of presenting himself at this moment. I believe too his "going missing" is an act he chose to do, now that I think about it.

He raises his eyebrow in response to Duncan's silent question. He words out the glance he gives back.
(Theodore) So you'd actually, like, obey orders and shit? Just cuz the guy with the title nobody was mature enough to inherit wants?

He smiles widely, he has no plans of ordering Duncan to continue his search.
(Theodore) Nah I think making Kersten an enemy is Darwin Award material. I'm sure Ansons and Claudia will slap him in public for having deserted. If he actually deserted, I mean, who knows, he might actually be staked and in torpor in Claudia's basement whose getting revenge for killing her, or in the house of some mercenary ghoul for Vitae ! Everything's possible.

No doubt, Theo doesn't believe in any of those options. He thinks Lyle's buried himself somewhere, guy will come out when he will want to come out.
(Theodore) Horsman's going to be a pain regardless of what he does, but don't worry too much ; he's going to be a pain for us in the Primogen and for his own clan, you're probably not really concerned. Power and responsibilities and stuff. I hate that prick, and I hate Kersten, but between this one and the other, I prefer the one who makes me laugh. But Horsman is far more predictable... Well shit.

The Primogen crosses his arms, seemingly pondering the dilema. It's an act, clearly.

I'm not one hundred percent convinced it was Catherina.  Nyx heard her voice, and William only saw her walking away; he commented on her Italian heels.  It could've been someone disguised as her I guess, a Nosferatu... Setites can do that "Look like someone else' trick too, I hear.  Hell, even Lambert could have done it, if he has that level of ability.  But why?  And if it was a frame job, I think they would have taken more trouble to be seen, instead of stealing that day's video tape and slinking out.  No, it's probably her.

I guess if it's a choice between a sleazy Italian chick and Setites, I can see why you'd prefer her.  But I don't feel like protecting her from her own stupidity.

I'm glad Igor is smart enough to keep his head.  I like him.

Maybe we'll find out about Kersten's guest tomorrow.  Speaking of tomorrow, when is the big trial and execution?  I'm not eager for the entertainment, but I figure the Prince will want people there to witness it.

When Theo expresses surprise that Duncan would follow orders, Duncan shrugs.
If I respect the guy giving the orders, and it's not a suicide mission, why not?  I'm glad you don't want Kersten found that badly, though.

Duncan looks at his phone.  It's getting late.  I need to call the Giovanni, and get home.  Anything else?

Theodore seems intrigued that it might be someone else. He thinks about it a moment, then nods.
(Theodore) I'll ask where was she at the time of you nosing around there, with Suzanne and else. Better find out if she's got an alibi, because if someone's fucking with our senses we'd better be aware of it. Tomorrow, uh, I'd guess around midnight or so, to let people do their thing. He told me he'd open early after having taken care of his own thing, so by nine or so Celine would have started welcoming everyone. And yeah you should be there, I mean, you're concerned. Without Kersten, You and Miriel are the only ones who can testify they attacked, right ? I mean, the Gargoyle's nice but its objectivity is questionable...

He gets a bit closer, as to whisper an undeniable truth.
(Theodore) I think Igor's a nice guy.. Nah, we'll see each other tomorrow anyways, plus you have my number. Don't worry, I tend to warn about all risks that I know of. I'm a nice guy too, right ?

He laughs it off, and signs he's going to get going too, unless Duncan has anything else to tell him as well.

Not too nice, I hope... for your own sake.  I'll be there tomorrow.  See you then.

Duncan raises a hand in farewell as Theodore Jacob continues on his way.  The younger Brujah waits a minute before using the numbers that Theo gave him, to call Catherina Giovanni.

ST: