Aux Mots Bleus (Griffin's)

Rufus stares at Estela for a long moment, as if not sure what to think or say, until the brief knock on the bathroom door interrupts his thoughts. He barely stirs, though, before speaking quietly to Estela.

"I understand."

The Gargoyle nods, his dull red eyes vaguely reminiscent of a bovine's. He cracks the door open, snags the dressing gown, then hands it to Estela, closing the door behind him.

"A gift, I believe."

He waits for Estela to dress, obviously too distracted by his own thoughts to be paying any close attention to her, then guides her out. He watches where everyone settles, then goes and stands by the door, assuming his stone form for the day.

Getting dressed in the heavy cotton gown after giving it a curious look, Estela silently thanked Rufus for his care to her person then, upon stepping out of the bathroom, follows Griffin to the small bedroom where she sits down on one of the two beds. Him too she thanks for his care, trying to sound a little cheerful again to avoid being made to talk about what had happened.
When Miri arrives and is brought to the bedroom for the day, Estela gives the Toreador a friendly smile, again avoiding any form of explanation about her situation or state of mind. She remains mostly quiet until the dawn starts to approach and forces her into daytime torpor.

Upon waking again, Estela stares up at the ceiling for several long moments, not quite recognizing where she is. Realization dawns upon her, and she pushes herself up into a sitting position in the bed. She looks around, taking her immediate surrounding in before letting out a brief sigh and rising from the bed. With a hand running through her short hair and still dressed in the nightgown given or lend to her by Griffin, the young vampire leaves the small bedroom. Again she looks around, spotting William going over his sheets of notes still. She moves over in his direction and claims a nearby chair. “Found anything of use in that mountain of dust and paper?” Her voice sounds light and somewhat carefree. It doesn't seem like she is overly interested in the research itself, but is just looking for some casual conversation.

Perception + Empathy >5:

William awakes from his Torpor with a soft shake as he opens his eyes. He takes in his surroundings and notices Duncan and Rufus. Going over his person, he checked his pockets to see if he hadn't been frisked or any of his items been disturbed during his torpor. Staring at his hands, he remembered last night.

Auspex 4:

He activates his cellphone with a sigh, whispering into it something that resembles a fast paced song to unlock the device after entering a code.

He explains his findings and passes on copies of the essentials. Keeping a few details secret to himself just in case and waves as Duncan and Miriel go on ahead, sitting back down into his chair as he glances at Griffin before becoming unmoving as he waits for Estela while staring at his notes. He looks up as she takes a seat next to him.

"Morning mylady. Matter of fact, I've found enough dust and cobwebs to makes humans sneeze and cough if you wish to annoy them. Other then that..." he passed a few handwritten notes on a ripped out notebook page to Estela. "Duncan and Miriel left just a moment ago. Once you're not walking in your jammies, we could join them. Or we could go grab a 'snack' somewhere first."

He studied Estela's face for several moments. "Look, don't worry about last night. I don't care what you are or what you do, Rufus certainly doesn't care, nor do I think he even suspects and that pretty much ends the witness list. Unless you brought any ghostly friends with you, but then it is out of my hands." He gave her a smile. After a moment, he patted her on the shoulder. "Come on, I'm starving and I doubt Griffin would have us hunt anywhere near here so we better get moving."

Rufus awakens from his torpor and shifts his body to ease his way into being active again. To anyone observing, it would seem as though the Gargoyle must make a great physical effort to actually rise for the night. Once he seems prepared, he goes to find Estela first. He says nothing to the woman, just seems to take stock of her general state of being. He nods toward her, then moves to William.

"What is our next move?"

Rufus leaves, citing ‘other business’.  Since nobody wants to argue with him, he exits without discussion, taking his usual window route, amazingly without being noticed by the crowd of people under the coffee. Griffin let him go without even blinking, but moving out of his way (even the old Harpy has some survival instincts).

As Estela glances at the notes handed to her, William suggests to Estela that they should feed before they join Duncan and Miriel, after he had finished gathering the information on Vranken's notes.  Estela evades the issue at first and refuses to comment, but finally says she is ‘fine’.  William begins to lecture her about the need to feed; but Griffin speaks up and tells William, “Oh, leave her alone.  She’ll learn.”  William doesn’t want to leave it there, and says that he is afraid she will “frenzy in the streets.”  Yet Estela truly does not seem to be suffering from hunger – at least, no more than the constant hunger common to all Kindred.  Whether due to this fact, or because of Griffin’s intervention, William drops the subject and says that they should leave.

Estela changes out of Griffin’s dressing gown and back into the clothes she wore the night before, which by this time are dry (mostly).  She rejoins William, and they go downstairs.  The two Kindred notice that there are a lot of humans about, since the café is still open.  

William calls Duncan.  The Brujah tells him that they are at the Impasse Salé, the dead-end alley that Theodore Jacob had pointed out to them on his big map.  William doesn’t recall the exact location, so he asks for the street address.  Duncan tells him that there really isn’t one, although he gives the Tremere the nearest cross street.  William pulls up a map on his cell phone, and he shows it to Estela.  They climb onto Claudia’s Vespa with minimal sarcasm and away they go, with Estela driving.

After getting out of the car Eric looks at Griffin, even though he never had any problems with the tremere, seeing him reminded him of dark times, shameful times, this shows in Eric's face no matter how well he tries to hide it.
Before they go in he leans closer to his two clanmates so no-one else can hear him
If he agrees to work with us we must be careful, I doubt the prince is unsuspecting of the possibility of a fake and he may not be pleased to know we are aware, let's keep this in mind once we have the information.
Eric knows that one thing doesn't change after ceasing to be human, people don't like to be questioned and doubted, especially those in power
Tarcisus is a problem as well, he is smart he proved that today, I don't think he would be careless enough to let another tremere betray him, we may be doing exactly what he wants.
He suddenly feels paranoid

The café is closed at this time of the night (3:30 am).
Griffin was quick to recognize the car, as well as Armand as he steps out. However he closes the window when he notices there are other kindred leaving the car. Since there are no interphone, it's logical to think the Tremere is getting downstairs to open the door. At least it doesn't worry Armand, who profits from that time to answer the inquiries his clanmates had as they approach the door.
(Armand) If Griffin was a loyal Tremere, he'd be in the Chantry at this very instant. Yet he chose to "take a leave from the clan"... He probably dislikes that guy as much as we do. I do not know Tarcisus as much as you both have known him, so my opinion... isn't as informed.

Right as they approach the door, Griffin has made his way downstairs and opens the door to the three Ventrue. He moves away from the door to let them in in the darkness of the empty coffee, observing the three of them with great detail. Once inside, he closes the door, and locks it, but leaves the key on the handle.
(Jean-Pierre) Please go on upstairs, second floor, to the right.

He is his usual cold self. However, as etiquette asks, Armand and Eric should go first, then Neve, then Griffin (as the host, and as a man, to be able to catch the woman if she falls).

Neve:

Armand, knowing the way, leads them to a sort of living room, quite a big and well filled place (this picture ; http://www.chateau-de-fontaine-henry.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/fh-mobilier-collection-01.jpg ). They can hear the ticks of the cuckoo clock.
There are papers on the table, mostly sorted out, with two hand-writings ; a main one and the second one, more recent, even fresh as the pen and ink on the table betray. The Tremere is working on something ; from the looks of it, it looks like a narration of some sort, and the annotations are ideas, notes, synonyms, and even punctuation.


Once everyone is upstairs, he closes the door, and signs that they can sit around the table. Now they can talk in a more relaxed environment...
(Jean-Pierre) Madame Rosetti, Mr. Artevelt, Mr. Colin.. Surely there must be a reason for your visit ?

He is careful not to sound defensive ; those used to his presence could even notice that he is even not-so-displeased to see them. He sits as well, close to his papers. Armand nods to his words.
(Armand) Well I was coming to discuss with you about our fourth player... Both Armand and Griffin seem to agree that such subject is to be spoken about later ; why would Neve and Eric be present in that case ? Armand goes on ; Since we just witnessed a strange event in the Theater, we thought you might be one willing to enlighten us.

As Armand says so, he gives a look to Eric then to Neve, letting them ask/give details. Jean-Pierre sets his cold ice blue eyes on one then the other, expecting something from them. He seems open enough to discussion, even if he has not been informed that such "strange event" was about Tarcisus. He is even a little curious.

Manipulation+Subterfuge>5:

Players:

Eric, happy to see his friend knows his way around the Tremere feels a little more at ease, but all tremere are careful and crafty, and are known to guard their secrets quite well.
Mentioning Tarcisus appearance at the start is not wise, even if he may alrady know about the event, he smiles and proceeds
We have witnessed a transaction earlier this night, an artifact was given to a member of our clan and it is supposed to have great value as it is a seemingly powerful item, we would like to ask for your expertise in verifying whether the item is a fake or not.
Eric remembers a time when Griffin was not happy with Tarcisus, he hopes to pick the tremere's interest with his purposely vague description, but he is counting on his partners who know Griffin better than he does to get him to agree.
He looks to Neve so that she may continue with the explanation as she sees fit

Griffin nods when Neve tells him it's good to see him, and by this gesture, he confirms and says to her that it's good to see her too. The Tremere listens to the tale with a certain interest. "Nyx" doesn't seem to ring a bell, and curious about it, the Tremere glances at Armand, who picks up the unspoken question.
(Armand) The childe of Igor. She was just presented by Doctor.
(Jean-Pierre) Ah.

That seemed enough as an explanation for him.
(Jean-Pierre) Protection against ghouls, hm ?.. Was Celine all right ?
(Armand) She was shocked but she pulled through.
(Jean-Pierre) I see.

While his care could be genuine, in truth, the Tremere could just have been polite about the Seneschal's well-being. Who cares about ghouls, right?
The harpy thinks about the situation, adding the details given to him by Armand. It seems the younger Ventrue didn't need to correct Neve's sayings (and even if he should have, he wouldn't have, no one corrects an older Ventrue, especially not a Harpy !). Jean-Pierre observes with inquisitive eyes his fellow harpy as she unveils the object is a bracelet, and it was given to Gosuin. Not that there are many other Ventrue that it could have been given to.
(Jean-Pierre) So it was given to the Prince. I doubt it is a fake object, as Celine is smart enough not to find herself in a position to be Dominated, Conditioned to react this way when touched by her Domitor. Her pain must have been real. Yet the Prince preferred to give it up to the Nosferatu instead of keeping it, so it must have come from someone whom the Prince mistrusts (which should include everyone, but in fact, if it had come from Theodore Jacob...). I suppose it was given by a member of my clan. You three wouldn't be here if it was someone like Vonigner or Ansons, nor if it was Primogen Kersten.

Armand nods, confirming the deductions of the harpy. If it was Lyle, the three of them wouldn't be here, after all, Lyle Kersten is the kind to shock the court often enough so it doesn't surprise anyone. It's clear the Tremere dismisses the fact it could have been someone from another clan, it just couldn't be someone else. Griffin prefers to be blunt and ask directly
(Jean-Pierre) So who was it ?
(Armand) It was Tarcisus.

The Ventrue took upon himself and answered in a semi-hushed tone. Griffin doesn't seem surprised, nor shocked, as his right hand puts back some of his hair behind his ear.
(Jean-Pierre) Certainly the Prince considers it unworthy, be it because it came from his hand or because he doesn't have any use for it. I am afraid I can't help you without seeing the object, and without acting against my clan's interests.

Perception+Subterfuge >5:

It's a fact that Gosuin, being a gun merchant in his living days, would rather fight with firearms than being up close, so the deduction that such object wouldn't be useful for him isn't too far off. Thinking about "why give it away", the Tremere gives an idea.
(Jean-Pierre) By giving it away, he hits two birds with one stone : he gets rid of it and gains a boon from a neonate.

Wits + politics >5 or intelligence+investigation>6:

Eric listened quietly to Griffin, despite his refusal he has some degree of respect towards Griffin for his loyalty towards his clan, which gives him an idea
Mr. Griffin I admire your loyalty towards your clan, I would feel the same way, but you know Tarcisus better than any of us, if he gave a fake or if he is planning something against the prince it would hurt the Tremere's current standing with Gosuin, surely you understand that sometimes it's more important to protect the clan than to listen to what your clanmates think.
If you still think you can't help us, maybe you can at least tell us something about Tarcisus that wouldn't betray your clan's interests but still be of use to us?
Eric knows that Griffin is not particularly fond of Tarcisus, if he can be convinced that Tarcisus represents a threat to his clan he might agree to help us

Armand nodded at Eric's words, confirming, but he didn't say much more. He did show a slight smirk, noticing the game unfolding under his eyes.
The Tremere ponders a moment, listening to the flirting arguments of his colleague, then to the political arguments of Eric.

perception+subterfuge>5:

Neve:

Griffin shakes his head slightly, closing his eyes an instant.
(Jean-Pierre) There is something you must understand about the chantry and my relationship to it : about two hundred years ago I've made it very clear to everyone that their games did not interest me, which is how I became Harpy. Tarcisus never really paid attention despite the complains, and was too busy or not interested enough to even bother. Primogen Kersten and I have an unspoken deal : he leaves me alone, and I leave him alone, which is why I am not informed about my clan's plan. I must also say I trust him to control his sire...

He adds, after a slight pause.
(Jean-Pierre) As his.. coup showed during the War, and as you have probably noticed, he is incompetent, and he has no understanding of concepts such as compromise or respect. He is demanding, despotic, and cunning. However he is not an idiot, and I will tell you the true story about his presence here : he was worried about Vonigner's outburst of blood on Wednesday. It is a simple as that, an old kindred who has a soft spot for his precious little girl, coming to see if she is safe and sound.

Neve:

He gives a look to each Ventrue, and continues with a slight smile.
(Jean-Pierre) The man is more simple than what one would expect of a Tremere Lord. So I do not think he has any plans concerning our city, he has new toys to play with in his current occupation, and as far as I can tell, he really just came because he was worried about his descendant. Do not amuse him by being stressed and worried that he might do something, it just might give him ideas. Do not give him such satisfaction.

He leans back on his chair, showing barely his worry about the fact that the old Regent might actually get ideas.
(Jean-Pierre) I might be wrong, as I've told you, I am not in-the-know about what happens in the Chantry. Claudia and I decided to run our own paths, for different reasons, yet she is more informed about clan matters, as her rank in the Pyramid is higher than mine.

He puts a hand on the papers next to him, gives it a glance, then lets out a slight sigh.
(Jean-Pierre) As for the artifact, it must have been the one my sire was looking for in Primogen Jacob's domain, which costed her her life. By showing it to the court and giving it to the Prince, Tarcisus was looking for peace, and obeyed the common sense's order : calm down the situation. It must have pleased Theodore Jacob to know he wouldn't have any more Tremere stalking his domain.

The explanation given by Griffin seems sincere, and it is quite rational, Eric believes he is telling what he knows, he clearly has no issue speaking ill about Tarcisus which makes him feel like Griffin is opening up to them.
True, he had heard about the outburst, maybe they should check on Claudia if they want more information although he doubts she will tell them much more than Griffin
I thank you for your help, all information helps understand things, I guess I was just taken by surprise by his appearance at the theater, the shame he made me feel during the war still stays with me.
I believe, as Armand said earlier, that you may be correct, maybe Tarcisus truly has given up on the city, again thanks for your help and if you ever find yourself in a position where you may need the help of a ventrue don't forget I owe you, I always help those who've helped me.
With this Eric smiles in appreciation and lets the others speak

Armand can't help a smile when Eric mentions shame, and uses those memories to tease his clan brother.
(Armand) At least, Prince Gosuin and I refused to give him the satisfaction and prefered not to show up, rather than stay and obey, serving that... Hm. Please accept my apologies, Mr. Griffin.
(Jean-Pierre) That despotic scavenger. I do not care, but I do advise you to forget about this. After all, keeping tabs for so long could only lead to a cataclysm.

Griffin makes a slight pointing gesture as Neve raises the issue of how Tarcisus got the item. He then observes as his fellow harpy puts on more scent, his eyes narrowing a little.
(Jean-Pierre) That is one important question. I don't have an answer. He gives a few side words to Neve. Madame Rosetti, you certainly do not need such artifices..

Armand smiles as Neve asks him, he bows the head politely, and thinks about it out loud.
(Armand) I do not think the man had the time to find it, say, between Wednesday and today. As far as I could notice, Theodore Jacob has a good control over his territory, but he can't possibly have his eyes everywhere. Surely he has his own servants guarding, be it ghouls or mortals that work for him, but they don't know all of us, or even, they may be incapable of noticing who is and who isn't Kindred. His domain is now fully part of the city, and the borders are blurry... One can't control who is inside the bus or the tramways. Having a Tremere, or someone working for the Tremere turn stones in his domain isn't so unlikely. I must say I do not think Tarcisus would do it himself.

He pauses an instant, looking at Griffin, who gives him a vague approval ; it's not his style, he's too noticeable. Armand continues.
(Armand) Now, was it found before or after Tarcisus' departure could give us a lead.
(Jean-Pierre) Mr. Colin, the number of artifacts traded with other chantries over the course of a year is equal to the number of books we can gather : I do not have a constant eye on the logs as it's by far one of the chantry's most prolific activities. I doubt Ansons will let you check those logs, and if there really is something there, if you ask her, she is likely to lie or refuse to answer.
(Armand) And if I'd ask you to have a look..
(Jean-Pierre) I would refuse.

A definite no, Jean-Pierre is willing to help, but not to spy on the chantry for the Ventrue. Armand doesn't insist.
(Jean-Pierre) I will give you something. You may have noticed back then that Mikael Horsman, Tarcisus' assistant, is a craftsman by nature, and making such mystical items is one of his specialties. And as you mention it, Mr Artevelt, I may have a favor to ask..

Armand shrugs, and gives a look at Jean-Pierre : the Ventrue doesn't know, so he asks the Tremere.
(Armand) Did the Primogen know ?
(Jean-Pierre) Primogen Jacob knew she was "looking for something", but asking him directly might be a wiser move.

Armand nods, understanding, after all asking Theodore about what happened is more relevant than asking a third party.
The Harpy allows himself to observe with more detail Neve as her demeanor changes, and he even smiles a little.
(Jean-Pierre) Neve.. I wish to ask you to check on Claudia, as she isn't answering her phone. Moreover, you both need to talk, it is probably time for reconciliation. I am sure Mr. Durieux would have liked such gesture.

His wording suggests he wishes to ask something else to Eric and Armand, as if he had one favor to ask each.

Wits + Etiquette = 5:

Eric smiles when asked for a favor, it is always interesting to see what other kindred need help with, it helps understand them better and if one helps it helps create a useful relationship for both parties, he was expecting to be asked a favor when he offered, it made him feel good to know he could still understand others
As I said Mr. Griffin you helped so you shall be helped, what is this favor? I'll help however I can.

Griffin nods as Eric accepts.
(Jean-Pierre) Certainly you would not let Madame Rosetti go alone. Please accompany her, and make sure both women avoid jumping at each other's throat...

He smirks, gives a glance at Neve, then back at Eric.
(Jean-Pierre) If you cannot help it, take pictures. Mr Jacob might be more talkative if you provide him with such tokens of respect. Be sure they are in their undergarments for a greater effect on the Brujah.

Of course he is joking but he acknowledges some sense of humor.

Eric laughs quietly, the idea of presenting such a gift to the brujah amuses him
Very well, we will go see Claudia, I was thinking of visiting her too, whenever you are ready Madame Rosetti we will depart.
Eric feels like he is being asked to leave, surely he could have asked Armand to accompany Neve, so perhaps he wants to discuss something in private.
Still, the situation works for him, he may be able to get some information of Tarcisus from Claudia.

(Jean-Pierre) 17, Chartrons' dock..

The Tremere gives the haven's address as if he knew it by heart. He stays very passive at the Female Ventrue's caress, but follows her with his eyes. In Elysium, he doesn't touch anyone and he doesn't let anyone touch him. Intriguing.
His following statement is more mystical than factual, as if he meant that because they are of the same lineage, Tarcisus, Lyle and Claudia have something in common, which is why he warns the two Ventrue about it.
(Jean-Pierre) Be careful as she is made of Tarcisus' and Kersten's blood. Now, Mr Colin... Our game.

Armand nods when their affair is mentioned. They wait for the other two to have left to discuss.
It takes Armand a mere two minutes to come down, after having finished his discussion. He joins the other two with a smile.
(Armand) That was not too bad, was it? I have some affairs to take care of, my presence won't be useful to talk with Miss Vonigner. Shall I drive you ?

Griffin opens again the window, and the three Ventrue can hear the Cuckoo announcing it's 4:30. The sun will rise around 6:30.

Eric opened the door to let Neve in, but his mind was elsewhere, Griffin mentioned he was playing a game with Armand, that intrigued him, what could this game be, clearly it was important enough to be discussed privately.
Only two hours before sunrise, this would have to be a quick visit to Ms. Vonigner.
Let's go then, time is of the essence, thanks for the lift Armand.

Armand bips to unlock the car so it would open, and he does it with a smile. He speaks to both Ventrue when Neve mentions being a little thirsty.
(Armand) I would gladly let you have access to my vessels, but I am unsure they would be of your taste.. And even if they did, I wouldn't want to jeopardize myself by stumbling on such vital information, which could put me in great danger.

He's logical in his argument, while finding out a Ventrue's taste is a great asset to act against him, if that Ventrue finds out someone else knows, the Ventrue will take quick action against the person knowing his most valuable taboo : his feeding preference. Even finding out "by accident" could be a true double edged sword, and Armand doesn't believe he'll be capable of using such information against his Elders... At least not in the current situation.
He sits at the driver's seat with a nod, opens the GPS of the car, but he doesn't enter the address. He'd rather un-zoom and check the map, making his own route, and starts to drive, the shortest route. Once on the docks, the two Ventrue in his car can see how well the childe of the Prince can drive : he's smooth, at ease, attentive, and of course, to avoid drawing any unnecessary attention, he respects all codes (which is quite complicated for Elders, as the driving rules tend to change very often : speed limits, turning lights, new symbols...). As he drives, he gives his opinion oh "miss or mrs" about Claudia, and the little time they have left.
(Armand) I'd say "Miss", the Tremere do not tend to engage in something like marriage, and I doubt this one Tremere ever left childhood. Despite her being older than me. I'm sure she is educated enough to offer you Hospitality, if time runs out. If you would allow me an advice, I would, however, call a taxi beforehand just in case, depending on how far away you live...

As he mentioned marriage, Armand lifter his left hand, showing the white gold wedding ring at his hand. After all, Armand was embraced in his late 20's to early 30's, it's only logical that he was married. Claudia on the other hand was in her late teens or early twenties, so Armand's assumption is that she was never married. The fact that she was found in an mental asylum only adds to it.

Eric thinks for a moment, this is not Griffin after all, she may not like being asked about her clan's actions
I guess we should ask how she's been, but not mention her outburst, she may be sensible about it.
We can let the artifact for later and ask her first about Tarcisus, after all his presence in town is obviously known by her, specially considering that Griffin said he may be here because of her, if we get her comfortable enough by talking about that we might be able to ask her about the artifact safley.
Not the most elaborate of plans, but manipulation is largely based on improvisation, and if Eric remembers correctly she was not exactly fond of Tarcisus, but things may have changed.
We must be careful not to offend her in any way, unlike Griffin we don't know her very well, but if she doesn't know about the artifact we could try to make her feel left out by her elders, maybe then she'd tell us something, what did you have in mind?

In truth it seemed Claudia didn't agree much with Tarcisus as a Prince, but she seemed to like her grandside enough to let him go all "my favorite grandchilde !", pats and grabbing her cheeks. At least she seemed passive enough to it. In truth only her coterie (Laure Nolveaux, Jerome Lehin, both Toreador, and Thomas Durieux, Ventrue harpy deceased recently) seemed close enough to her to know more of her, as in Elysium she was always mostly understanding, a little childish but polite. This is why she is mostly known for her empathy.
Armand smiles as he drives and listens to his two clanmates, and eventually gives his opinion.
(Armand) As far as I know, this Tremere is very perceptive and will likely see through if you aren't careful. I remember overhearing she was a very talented user of Auspex. She stroke as a friendly-type to me, so I suppose if you avoid subjects close to her heart you should be fine. After all, Mr Griffin also seems to think so, else he wouldn't have given us her address so easily.

Common knowledge for someone used to hanging out enough and often enough in Elysium. Neve certainly knows this.

Soon enough Armand turns around on the docks, slowing down a little as he reads the numbers. He parks on the empty streets, putting the warnings.
(Armand) We have arrived.