Le Grand Théâtre

Jerome finished his good-bye to Gregory with a thankful nod. He turned to Miri and listened to her as she said her piece, a smile on his face. After she finished, he let out a deep, quiet peal of laughter. I told you you didn't need to be overly concerned. After all, you seem to be getting along just fine with his childe.

Victor glances at the smoldering stub in the ashtray and then looks at Alicia's companion. He drops his chin as a grin peels across his face at the sound of being rebuffed ever so slightly. He eagerly flicks his chin at the man's offer.
Yes. Please...
Cigarette in hand, he walks to the other side of the man so that the ash tray is between them. After double-inhaling his first drag, Victor brings his cigarette up to his eyes and looks at it.
"...Mustard gas, candle wax, peckers in the pleat. Puff-puff, puff-puff, puff, puff, puff. Scream to route, burn me out, oil on the feet. Puff-puff, puff-puff, puff, puff, puff. Charging time, hold the line, blood all in the ruts. La Grippe, La Grippe, let go, let go..."
Victor smiles most ingenuously and takes another drag.
...Heard that from an American soldier who was a Princeton, “yell leader” among other things. We were both entrenched near Montdidier. We grew so close that, eventually, I had to wipe his face from mine. I tried laughing at the both of us in the mirror, “Get out of my hair!” until my comb found a tooth...


Victor remembers to flick his ashes.
...Honestly, no matter the effort...
He takes another drag and exhales.
...I can't remember his name – candy corns!...
He places his cigarette in the ashtray.
...Their flavor remains the same now as when our lungs breathed air. Atrocious, little, candy corns! I call them, “Sidonie” like I did the enemy Deutschlanders during our previous engagement. Heh-heh-heh-heh. It makes me laugh...
He sighs.
...Ah, well. Alicia's been buzzing around our petals for some time now. So I thank you for your ear and I will take my leave. Until next we meet.
Victor smiles, makes the appropriate gesture, turns and walks back to the table where he once sat.

Jerome, who was facing away from the party, frowns as the vocal woman goes silent and serious. He turns and notes that it was the Tremere Primogen's footsteps which were approaching. He stands in respect, his hands falling to their usual place behind the Toreador's back. Is there anything we can do for you, sir?

The question is merely a formality as another, more honest question stares out with Jerome's eyes, searching the Tremere for an answer.

For the very known languages, and since the very first thing one learns in a new language is how to curse, Lyle cursed in English, French and German, at least. Being Tremere, one of the other languages used could have been Latin.

Igor bows slightly to respond to Duncan.
Ahh the Tremere Regent.. What I'd give to enter his Chantry for two hours ! But he never wanted to.
I am fully satisfied ! If you need or have any information in the fields of what is occult, do not hesitate to come to me.
I have no more questions, thank you for your time.


Lyle Kersten observes both Toreador a little instant, then nods. He does seem to weigh his words with great care, even if he is not the very sensitive type.
As a matter of fact, there is something. I have a rather inappropriate question for you, Mr. Lehin, concerning the Childe you lost a few months ago. It doesn't please me, but I do need an answer.

Duncan returns Igor's bow.

You're quite welcome, M'sieur Igor. Thank you, as well. I'm certain we will speak in the future. Until then, good evening.

As Igor takes his leave, Duncan glances at the Regent and the two Toreador, although he doesn't stare. He takes the opportunity to walk across to where Griffin is seated. With the Tremere Primogen still in his field of view, Duncan speaks to Griffin.

Good evening. I hope I'm not interrupting anything. I am Duncan Oliver. May I know your name, M'sieur?

Despite Lyle's attempt at civility, the Toreador takes the question almost as though it were a physical blow, his face scrunching with pain, his once straight posture wavering. His hand grabs onto the seat he was just sitting in and uses it to support himself. His head is bent downward as his fingers massage his temples. He takes an unusual deep breath before looking at the Regent, slightly more composed. What do you wish to know, Primogen?

Igor leaves after a small bow with the head, and approaches his Primogen.

Griffin takes out his hand off his forehead as he ears Duncan. He has as before his very serious, unengaging face, and observes a couple of seconds the Brujah before offering him the seat in front of him with a hand gesture. His voice is cold, but not aggressive.
My name is Jean-Pierre Griffin. Can you play French Tarot, Mr. Oliver ?


Lyle seems to notice the Toreador's reaction, and he waits a little before asking. He seems about as serious as when he sent Claudia and Corinna to the Chantry.
Before you knew.. Before you came and saw what had happened, did you feel something out of the ordinary ?


Alicia's companion gives a smile back to the Malkavian Primogen, but he doesn't say a word.
Alicia and Franz both decide to sit down together and she seems to listen to him as he rants about when Tarcisus, the old Regent, kicked Madeleine, the old marquise Childe of Villon, out with the German and how despotic a Prince he was.

Claudia wrote:

Griffin takes out his hand off his forehead as he ears Duncan. He has as before his very serious, unengaging face, and observes a couple of seconds the Brujah before offering him the seat in front of him with a hand gesture. His voice is cold, but not aggressive.

My name is Jean-Pierre Griffin. Can you play French Tarot, Mr. Oliver ?

As he takes the proffered seat, Duncan nods his head in thanks.
Thank you, M'sieur Griffin. No, I'm afraid I don't play the game. All I know of Tarot cards is that they are used in fortune-telling, as well as gaming... and not much more than that.

I was sorry to see your clanmate Claudia having some sort of trouble, earlier. Despite the... test that she performed on me, my first impression of her was that she is a nice young woman. Almost too nice to be one of our kind, in fact. A pleasant personality often seems to be one of the first casualties of the Embrace.
Duncan makes a pointed glance over at Miri, the young Toreador speaking with Jerome Lehin, and faces Griffin once more.
It's good that there are some willing to take a fledgling under their wing, for a time.

At any rate, please tell Claudia that I hope she fares well.

Griffin distributes the cards. He first forms six piles of 4 cards in front of both players, the top card being face visible, then he distributes three by three the 30 cards left. He takes his 15 cards as a hand, classifies it and shows it to Duncan. First the trumps, from one to 21 then each color, from ace to king, although Griffin has no spades in his hand.

Tarot is an easy trick-taking game, about gathering points by taking the most tricks. The values are from ace to king. The winner of the trick, whose card is higher, choses the next card, either from his hand or from his table. The figures, which are the kings, queens, knights and jacks are worth the most points, with the three oudlers. The fool allows one to chose not to participate in a trick, and gives instead an already won card from his pile to excuse himself. The 1 and the 21 of trumps are the other two oudlers. All other cards are worth half a point, but we will count later. The trumps, or major arcana, are used if we cannot play the asked color, and they win over the color.

Griffin takes the king of spades from Duncan's visible cards and puts it in the center of the table. He then gives his 4 of spades from his visible game, takes both cards, and puts them to Duncan's side. He turns the pile's face down cards to be visible. He takes Duncan's 8 of spades from his visible game, puts it in the center, and he plays the 2 of trumps from his visible game since he can't play any spades. He takes both cards, and puts them at his side, and then turns the facedown cards of the piles. Griffin plays from his hand the ace of hearts, and lets Duncan make his choice, as any heart card would win over the ace. He offers the dialogue as both play.

Miss Vonïgner is a nice girl with a good heart, even if that had nothing to do with her Embrace. She is older than she looks, as most of us, so calling her a young lady might be wrong. She will be fine, and you will probably be able to tell her your sympathy yourself later tonight. The test is a necessary evil, but better by her hand than by our Primogen's.

It is a common demeanor by Childeless Sires, and new blood is most of the time a good thing, so it is a win-win deal. Welcome to Bordeaux.

When Griffin begins to teach Duncan the game of French Tarot, Duncan gives a wry smile, but he makes no comment as the rules are explained.

Auspex 2:

Since there are no hearts in his visible game, Duncan plays the lowest heart card from his hand, the five of hearts. He places both cards in his 'Win' pile.
Thank you for your welcome.

Claudia is probably older than I am, but I am talking more about her behavior... the face she shows the world, so to speak. Besides, I would call any female Kindred a 'young lady', unless her actions suggested a more appropriate title, like 'old bitch'. I prefer to be polite, unless the situation dictates otherwise.
Duncan sets out a card from his pile; the jack of clubs.
I am glad she'll be alright, though.

As for Jerome, I didn't know he'd lost a childe. Was it in the recent Sabbat attack?

The puzzled expression on Jerome's face is more telling than the words that flow from his throat. No, sir. I've never had a strong empathy for the more mystical side of our existence.

Auspex 4:

Lyle frowns in a slightly noticable way to the Mandataire's response, he seems to think about it an instant. He then shows a polite smile and nods as aknowledgement of what has been said.
Nothing. I see.
Well, thank you for your time, and sorry to have interrupted both of you. Have a good night.

He takes a step back, ready to leave, but he seems to let time for any questions to be asked.


Griffin smiles to his cards, while listening to Duncan. To the Jack, he sacrifies a 6 of cloves, only clove of his visible game. The Ace of spades appears underneath when he turns the pile card. He shows it with his index.
Here, save your Jack. If you have any Spade court card, now is the moment to save her.
Old bitch, eh.. We had some of those. But in which category do you classify Calamity Jane, if I may ask ?

His tone becomes more serious as talking about Annabelle's death. He nods to confirm Duncan's guess.
Hm, hm, the Toreador Mandataire lost his Childe during last Sabbat raid, as she was defending the Elyseum with the Sheriff ; Us Tremere were in the Chantry to cast a.. hm, sounds and lights ritual, the Brujah and the Elyseum Keeper were fighting them outside. I recall the Prince, his Childe and the Malkavian Primogen were shooting from the balconies.
Her loss is deplorable, her voice was so enchanting.

Duncan looks at the cards for a moment, puzzled; but he responds to Griffin's question first, with a half-smile on his face.

I would classify her simply as Suzanne, since I found her to be quite civil. She classifies you as a 'reasonable Harpy', which is why I came over and introduced myself, because I've never met one of those.

His expression turns grim as Duncan hears about the battle with the Sabbat.
I'm sorry to bring up unpleasant memories; I won't mention it again tonight.

You'll have to excuse my confusion, but are you saying I should play a spade court card? I would think playing my lowest spade was more logical, to save any court cards for later. Or am I missing something?

Auspex 1, to anyone behind Duncan:

Miri bows her head and smiles faintly as the Regent begins to excuse himself. Good night, Primogen.

She has no questions, but maintains her polite smile as he stops before leaving.

Miri's good night is echoes by the older Toreador. Good night, sir. May all be well by next evening.

Griffin lift his eyes from his cards a couple of seconds, with a slightly amused expression on his face.
A reasonable Harpy, uh ?
Despite that her Sire Embraced her to parody the feminist movement lead by another Brujah.. I classify Calamity Jane as, let's say, "one of the boys". Some Kindred have still their old human thoughts on gender weaknesses. The other harpies did seem to find it an excuse to sharpen their tongues.
I could care less about their fights, it's completly ridiculous. Kindred have no gender, for Christ's sake.


He then shows his hand, still no spades. He also show the last trick he took : 8 of Spades, 2 of trumps.
You saw me "cut" your eight of spades earlier, but now I have a spade, it is safe to play your court card as I cannot play a trump to take the trick. Have you played it earlier, I would have used a trump, and I would have won the trick and its points. Use your unworthy spades to make me waste my trumps, and use any opportunity to take a court card, either by stealing mine or by saving yours.
Taking his cards back, he offers a light smile, as he continues to explain in a more general way. His words are meaningful, and he probably isn't really talking only about cards.
To sacrify worthless cards allow you to see through the game of your opponent. You will lose a couple of points to test him and his limits, but it will make your opponent waste his ressources, and you will end up winning, with tricks whose final value is higher than what you have wasted.




Lyle lets himself observe both Toreador when they speak, then nods. His voice gets a bit darker as he speaks, and he seems thwarted by the information he got.
I hope it will, Mandataire.
The Regent turns to leave the Elyseum, mumbling some what could be Latin words.
Igor watches him go with a very, very visible curiosity.

Duncan nods at Griffin's explanation, then uses the queen of spades to take the trick.
I see your logic now. I was thinking about other games of this sort, where there are no trump cards that sidestep the normal rules. That adds a new variable. I'll take that into account in the future.

He turns over the 4 of cloves from his pile cards, and places it between them.
I don't know about Kindred having 'no gender', though. I still consider myself to be male, despite the fact that reproduction is a thing of the past. But I will concede that gender differences mean much less now than they did before. Suzanne is no doubt stronger than I am. Some might consider that 'unladylike', I suppose. I try not to let traditional gender roles color my thinking, especially now.

After giving his ace to the queen of spades, Griffin puts down from his hand the king of cloves, and takes the trick. He keeps playing as he talks, he does not play any diamonds yet, as it composes half his visible game, and he has at least a couple of them in his hand, he probably will use them to force Duncan into playing his trumps.
Griffin doesn't let himself to be distracted by his Primogen, but he did listen to his words. As he talks, his tone is very monotone, calm and quite cold.

This game is usually played by three to five people. Without visible cards... And with bets and alliances. I will teach you if you would like, in better conditions.
Suzanne is young. But she sure is not as delicate as Miss Vonigner, and she is not afraid to enter a street fight. Or to start it. The Brujah clan and the Toreador clan are probably the closest to their stereotypical image, in Bordeaux. As for gender.. Some older Kindred or the most fanatical ones have a very hard time with female Kindred, or their ambitions for power. You seem young, so recall that for some of us, women voting is quite disturbing. Franz Derijk is an excellent example.
The Tremere House never cared much for their members' gender, as long as they are intelligent and competent. The malevolent laugh is not mandatory anymore, too. Both Miss Vonigner and Miss Ansons are very different but gifted Tremere, as much as Suzanne is good fighter, and Laure Nolveaux an excellent jeweler and goldsmith.

I am not the more social kind, but I do appreciate a good card game. Feel free to ask me whatever you like.

Duncan gives some consideration to the cards he plays, glancing between his hand and the visible cards with a thoughtful look. He is not so lost in thought that he does not talk to Griffin, however.

I wondered about the layout. While I am not much of a card player, I have seen people playing the game, and it looked different. I might take you up on that offer, once I am a little better... situated in Bordeaux. There are lessons to be learned in many everyday activities.

With regard to stereotypes, I have been told I seem more like a Ventrue than a Brujah to some Kindred. I don't let it worry me. A few of the anarchs in Paris expressed their dislike for my appearance. After a few brief discussions, it was no longer an issue.

Women in power don't bother me, as long as they are competent, as you said. That goes for men, as well. I will miss the malevolent laugh, though. Duncan looks around, before leaning in and speaking to Griffin in a low voice. I'll wager your Regent could do an excellent one.

I won't badger you with questions tonight. This is more of a social occasion... meeting the new neighbors, as it were. There is time enough for history lessons some other night. I will say that I do appreciate the offer.

simison wrote:

Jerome slides back into his chair, and lets his head fall back onto the chair's back. His eyes are half-open, staring at the ceiling. He takes another, very-human breath.

Miri is still smiling softly, even after the Regent takes his leave.

She leans back in her chair, crossing one leg over the other, lounging. She lets a couple of silent seconds pass between she and Jerome before she recalls their previous conversation.

I had no idea M. Darvault was your sire. She tilts her head back slightly as she regards Jerome in his rag-doll-in-a-chair position.

Her lips curl into a more pronounced, perhaps amused smile. It makes sense now, how you were so comfortable with helping to introduce me so quickly.

Yes, being the primogen's childe has its advantages. Jerome tilts his head forward slowly until he's looking at Miri. He is proof that not all elders are power-hungry backstabbers.

For a moment while listening to Jerome, Miri has her tongue in her cheek, but she nods slowly as she listens.

Auspex 2:

She raises an eyebrow, flicks her tongue before speaking and returns to smiling that same amused smile, I'm positive that even if your sire was a stereotypical "power-hungry backstabber," the combination of having met his charming childe and having received such a warming welcome still would have left me with little will to protest. She jests, laughing softly and wrinkling her nose, though half of what she said is a genuine compliment. She looks relaxed again.

Auspex 2:

Auspex 4: