Le Grand Théâtre

Ghouls and servants prepared the Déambulatoire with tall round tables and seats.

The gathering gains another addition as a man steps onto the floor of the main room. He scans the room in one, languid pass before lazily walking to the least-occupied corners of the place. From his spot, he resumes his vigil, his serious eyes lingering on the new arrivals to their undead society.

Thank you...
A glass of sangre lights upon the table over Victor Sainte-Croix's left shoulder.
...Please excuse me, Claudia...
With a speciously puckered grin, he turns his attention from his consort to his boisson and takes a sip, all without looking at Celine. She waits for his assessment.
...Mmmmm. Perfectly agglutinated as always, dear one...
Having met his approval, Celine smiles at Victor and scurries away.
...Honestly Claudia. I can't tell which impels the strain in this one's eyes...
From under his eyelashes, Victor stares at the one which this gathering has gained, the man who prefers haunting empty corners.
...Is it impertinence, or is it...flatulence? Heh-heh-heh-heh. Mlle. Vonigner, would you happen to know his name? I think I'll say hello. Excuse me.
Victor leaves his seat and walks toward his curiosity.

Claudia wrote:

Laure saluted all entering Kindred, but when it was Jerôme, she kissed him hello, as she had kissed Claudia as fellow cotery members.

Jérôme returns the gesture with a small smile. Good evening, madame Nolveaux. He continues on to his spot.

Claudia wrote:

Claudia didn't seem to notice much yet, but once she seemed present again, she saw Jerôme and gave him a cute smile, and a little hand-wave to say hi to her clan "sister".

The tall man silently returns the friendly wave, another quick smile revealing itself. He rests his hands behind his back and slowly walks along the wall, putting him on a direct course to meet Claudia. But after only a few steps, another kindred grabs his attention. One who is walking straight at him. A flash of recognition graces the Toreador's face as he comes to a halt.

I believe I have the pleasure of greeting our city's youngest primogen, do I not? The glass blower politely inquires, his voice not a few decibels above a whisper.

It takes only a couple of minutes for Celine to go back to Oliver Duncan and invite him to go to the Prince's opened room, in which Lyle is showing something to Gosuin on his IPad. Celine's voice is soft and low.
Please, when you are ready...


Claudia didn't respond, or even payed attention to Victor's words, and she only reacted after he had moved away. No need of Auspex to see she got clueless. Anyone having seen that doesn't need Auspex to comfort himself in the idea that Claudia is just a pretty plant. She doesn't even insist in recovering what she didn't get and just lets out a sigh.
This was enough to get Theodore's attention, who approched the Tremere. She didn't even have time to move or avoid the Brujah Primogen, as he put his hand strongly on her shoulder, a crack was clearly audible. Claudia just smiled and healed her broken bone, although she could not leave.

Ah my cute little Sorceress ! Come righ here we have to talk.

Theodore's voice is strong, and quite intimidating, but it might not be conscious. Claudia does seem like a kitten carried by the neck, but she doesn't really seem scared, just tired of trying to fight back.

But.. but.. Let me go ! We will talk, but you have to let go ! Ouch !

Claudia wrote:

It takes only a couple of minutes for Celine to go back to Oliver Duncan and invite him to go to the Prince's opened room, in which Lyle is showing something to Gosuin on his IPad. Celine's voice is soft and low.
Please, when you are ready...

Duncan nods, and follows Celine to the doorway of Gosuin's audience room, where she stands aside, allowing him to pass. He moves until he is standing a respectable distance from Prince Gosuin, and then bows. As he straightens and speaks to Gosuin, Duncan doesn't shout, but he can be heard clearly by those near the audience room. To those listening, Duncan's voice will have a slight Parisian accent.

Greetings, Prince Gosuin. I am Duncan Oliver, of Clan Brujah. I call upon the Fifth Tradition, the Tradition of Hospitality, and humbly ask your word of acceptance into your domain, for without it I am nothing.

Laure walks towards the Brujah Primogen, but takes the time to approach Lauren. She points Jerome Lehin to her, while he is talking to Victor.

That person is the one friend I could not present you last time we came. We will take time to meet and talk after our meeting with the Prince, a bit later..

Laure goes on to try and talk Theodore into letting her friend go, but Claudia just says it's ok, as he takes her to a quiet corner.


When Duncan enters, Gosuin lift his eyes and shows interest in his presentation. Lyle observes Duncan with staring and direct eye contact, then nods to the Prince, before going back to his iPad. Gosuin gives a smile, stands up to offer his hand to shake. He seems quite warm and down to Earth.

This is Lyle Kersten, the Tremere Primogen. The Brujah Primogen is Theodore Jacob, who you may recognize easily. Do not hesitate to talk to any of them if you have any questions. Welcome to Bordeaux, Mr. Oliver, and enjoy.

edit:

Duncan moves to shake the Prince's hand, although he doesn't cling too long. Brief, firm handshake, then release.

Thank you, my Prince. I believe I will find Bordeaux most stimulating.

To Lyle Kersten, Duncan nods his head in greeting. Primogen.

To both Kindred: I will not take up any more of your valuable time. Thank you for your welcome, and we will meet again.

Duncan bows, and backs a few steps in respect, before turning and leaving the audience room. With a brief nod to Celine, he is back out among the other Kindred.

He will look around for a second, before setting eyes on Theodore, the Brujah Primogen. Duncan starts that way, but when he sees the 'discussion' in progress between Theodore and Claudia, he alters his path and stands at the side of the room, looking at the various groups who are standing together.

Victor, feeling the sting of disadvantage, unwittingly tugs at his belt, and wipes away the flicker of a furrowed brow and flaccid mouth with a wry grin. He bows to the wallflower.
Indeed I am Victor Sainte-Croix, Malkavian Primogen de jure. So you know me? Then you must also know better than to let such an exquisite ensemble be wasted on the shadows...
Victor sniffs.
...Ah, Eau de Cologne. Purported to be aged three centuries, The Prince Gosuin was given this as a gift. Yours smells like his exactly. You two must have someone in common then? Mystery, beauty, good taste, I find myself enamored of you. Come now, give the gift of your name and your company.

After a brief discussion.. orders ? Claudia lets out a despair sigh. Laure leaves Theodore and Claudia to their business to go back to Lauren
(Claudia) Fine, I'll do it, but you owe me big time ! You're a pain, Theodore.. You could have asked the Regent for this, or Corinna.
(Theodore) And let you be the decorative furniture you want us to beleive you are ? Nah this is way more fun.

Duncan doesn't need to wait very long, as Theodore walks towards him, holding Claudia by the arm. Now Neve Rosetti laughs at the situation.
(Neve) Oh poor little bullied victim !

Claudia turns her head to Neve, with a very black stare, now she's angry, but her voice is low, articulate, slow. Before Neve could continue on to public humiliation..
(Claudia) Be silent.

Neve turns and leaves the room, affected by the first level of Dominate. To this, Theodore lets go Claudia's arm, and pats her shoulder, without breaking any bones this time.
(Theodore) A bit like killing a fly with a bazooka, my cute little sorceress.

Claudia doesn't even take note, she borrows a glass of blood from Celine, drinks it, and keeps the glass empty to approach Duncan. She calmed down and recovered again her happy face.
(Claudia) Excuse-me.. Would you mind loaning me some of your blood for a small test ? I promise it won't hurt, if you don't move.


Laure talks to Lauren.
Whenever you are ready, we may go and meet the Prince.

Auspex 2, Empathy 2:

Auspex 3, Sixth sense:

I'm hardly a mystery worth solving, Jérôme replies wistfully. His eyes flash from the kindred before him to Claudia as Theodore "guides" her away. Only a second passes before he gives Victor his full attention. But if you must have my name to satisfy your curiosity, I am Jérôme Lehin, Mandataire of Clan Toreador. Are you enjoying tonight's festivities, Primogen? He questions, using Victor's title respectfully.

Lyle Kersten closes his toy and lets it on Gosuin's desk, to join the room. He walks calmly, avoids Duncan, Claudia and Theodore, to stand next to Corinna, in a way to be able to keep an eye on the scene.

It is a pity that Miss Rosetti is not present to see this. Maybe the assembly will understand now why Miss Vonigner is of the Tremere.
Miss Ansons ? I know you never had the chance to see her trainings under Mickael's tutoring. If you want to ask me any question, now is the moment.


The curiosity gains some Kindred, as the public use of Thaumaturgy is rare.

Yes I am. Very much so. Thank you M. Lehin. Heh-heh-heh-heh. With your name, I am more than satisfied. But, before you give chase to that, "sleeping lion-in-a-shift dress" I have a reward for you, a secret...
Victor moves toward Jerome's ear, raises his chin, points his toes like a premier danseur, and whispers.
...God has no name because he has no limit. Anything that has a name, has a limit. Anything that has a limit can be conquered...
Like his pointed toes and raised chin, Victor's whispering has disappeared. He smiles.
...Claudia is yours.
Victor gives Jerome his leave with the appropriate gesture and turns, walking back to the table and sits where he once sat.

Claudia wrote:

Duncan doesn't need to wait very long, as Theodore walks towards him, holding Claudia by the arm. ...Theodore lets go Claudia's arm...

Claudia... borrows a glass of blood from Celine, drinks it, and keeps the glass empty to approach Duncan. She calmed down and recovered again her happy face.
(Claudia) Excuse-me.. Would you mind loaning me some of your blood for a small test ? I promise it won't hurt, if you don't move.

Duncan has been watching this little byplay. He keeps a wary eye on the glass, but he smiles slightly to Claudia, while glancing at Theodore, who is slightly behind Claudia. He does not offer his hand for Claudia to shake.

I'm afraid I can't spare any blood at the moment. I'm rather ticklish anyway... drawing my blood tends to provoke a reaction that is totally out of proportion with the force used to draw it.

As Duncan says the last part, he is looking directly into Claudia's eyes... and the smile is not there. But then he smiles again, and looks between her and Theodore.

But we haven't been introduced. My name is Duncan... Duncan Oliver, of Clan Brujah. (He gives a slight bow; not much more than a nod of the head.) And you are...?

The calm, and seemingly-content expression on Jerome's face never wavers as Victor finishes his piece. The only reaction the Malkavian is able to elicit is a raised eyebrow at the mention of Claudia. As the primogen makes his way back to his seat, the Toreador resumes his slothful pace around the room, studying and watching as before.

Oh, I forgot my basics !
Claudia shakes her head in shame. And she stares right back at Duncan, but she's still smiling.
I am Claudia Vonïgner, of the Tremere House.. I understand your denial, but I must insist..

Theodores gives a nice smile, as he gives his hand to shake, and interrupts Claudia who seems to have a hard time finding her words.

I'm Theodore Jacob, the Brujah Primogen, and her request is actually mine. I was told to expect you, but last time someone was expected, a Sabbat Nosferatu killed the guy on his way and took his place. I will not say that the Tremere are trustworthy. They're not, but to be honest, no Kindred is trustworthy. And I think Claudia will not dare do anything else than the lineage test, will you ?

Claudia stands up straight, then sighs ans looks away, defeatist.
Either way I will have a Brujah giving me a hard time tonight... I must do this test, and it will be done right here, in front of everyone. Please, accept the test, I would hate to see it happen without your cooperation.

While asking to accept, she bows quite low. She could seem sincere about the test happening without cooperation, as Lyle's predatory smile creates a couple of chills in the room.

Duncan takes the hand that Theodore offers, shaking it warily, as if expecting some test.

Ah. Now I understand the reason for the request. If my Primogen insists, for security reasons, then of course I will comply. With the understanding that the glass, and any 'leftovers', will be handed to me after the test is complete, yes? This seems reasonable.

As Duncan finishes speaking, he looks at Claudia with an eyebrow raised, awaiting her answer to his condition.

Auspex 2 or Empathy 3:

Theodore has a quite aggresive hand-shake, but he does seem to control his strenght. No show-off however.
Claudia gives a surprised look about the condition.

Well.. Well of course ! It is your vitae, it never even crossed my mind to keep it, Theodore would destroy us if the Tremere were having any funny business going on. Again..

Both Theodore and Claudia force a laugh about the past of the Tremere clan in all ex-Nazi occupied Cities, which is commun knowledge, and Claudia puts the empty glass on the nearest table, and sets herself next to it, facing Duncan, but about 10feet (~3 meters) away from him.

auspex 2, empathy 2:

Please do not move while I extract it, it won't last long..

While gaining a serious face, she points slowly at the Brujah with both index and middle finger. She starts pointing at the feet, then goes up slowly, draws his left arm, then circles around the torso, and she continues to the right arm, all the way to his hand. She stays pointing at the hand a few seconds, before lifting her arm in a fast mouvement. This causes small drops of vitae, almost a mist cloud, form around Duncan's fingers, which leave slowly to form an arc from his hand, to follow the drawn path, over Claudia's fingers. Like a silky bloody ribon, the vitae follows the curves drawn by the Tremere, to stay floatting, until the mist is finished "exiting" Duncan's body. She then slowly moves her fingers towards the glass, as the vitae follows to lands softly in the glass.

The mouvements themselves and the procedure is quite graceful, although a bit scary, very visible, and it screams Masquerade Violation as much as Vampire dying turning into dust would.

She recovers her happy, naive face when she shakes a bit her hand, to retreive the glass with her left hand, and she dips the very end of her right hand's pinky finger inside. She then puts it to her mouth to taste it, concentrated.

Occult 1:

Duncan or Occult 3:

Toreador: