Le Grand Théâtre

As Theodore and Victor near the threshold of The Prince Gosuin's room, Victor sees Laure's charge kneeling before the prince. He looks at Theodore nostalgic.
We have made a great many gesticulations for ourselves in the last two millennia but, few have stood the test of time like the genuflect.
He pats Theodore on the shoulder farthest from his own before stopping a couple of meters short of the threshold.

You are probably right...

Theodore seems somewhat nostalgic to the last he hears and to Victor's words. He waits for Laure and Lauren to step out of the room, giving the Elyseum Keeper a smile, before entering too and approaches Gosuin in the most casual manner. After a long look, the Brujah Primogen addresses the Prince, Victor and Gregory, but doesn't care to be heard.
After all presentations are over, the Primogen have to gather, Gosuin. I will explain the reasons, but they are not hard to guess. Nothing too bothering, but better safe than sorry.

The Prince shows a certain curiosity compiled with a tired look to what is happening in his city, again. He doesn't seem to mind the Brujah not using his title, as they are long time.. "friends". Gregory's sigh shows the same "business as usual" tired attitude, but is not worried that much, either out of unawareness or too much awareness. Doctor makes a move as he hears Theodore speak, and walks to the balconies to take a look at the Comedy plaza. Henri's attention is tickled as the words "Primogen" and "gather" are said not too far apart, but keeps on discussing with the Sheriff. Once the Prince nods in agreement -after all he can't say no to a call for a primogen gathering, Theodore steps out of the room with no more formality.

After having made sure no empty glasses or ashtrays are visible, Celine takes a quick pause, letting other servants to take over the deeds. She gives a polite welcoming smile while respectfully bowing and looking down, as her ghoul condition has teached her over the decades under Gosuin's service, to the Kindred entering or re-entering the Elyseum, and approaches softly Victor. She will wait until he seems to have a spare time to remind him of the favor he gave her earlier.

Franz crosses paths with Alicia, as they discuss the fight, inside, around a table. Her discourse is condescending, full of pity to the Brujah who doesn't seem to care much or to notice the Toreador harpy makes a certain fun of him, but soon enough, eventually they both turn the discussion back to Tremere inability to be honest, straight and trustworthy, even for a duel, that it's all tricks and treachery. Suzannes keeps a respectable distance from both but she is obviously watching out for anything that could happen. She stays alone.

Alicia's companion has came back into the Deambulatoire with Catherina Giovanni, and they speak financial matters in a very light-hearted way, as it is just a game, and even when everything is going down the hill there is still profit to be made. She seems captivated with his knowledge on the subject and maybe something more, but keeps very well her composure.

Laure gives a key to Lauren, whispers something gently to her ear, and lets her go home. [this is to allow the player to come back whenever she'll feel better, so play along... ^^]
Laure takes back her role as an Elyseum Keeper and greets all newcomers with a polite smile and a discrete and unspoken warning to those armed (either true weapons or just visible capacities, so it concerns about everyone). She gives a longer but extremely polite look to Nicholas when he'll enter, as she looks like she recognizes him, or just appreciates his clothing style.
She takes a mental note to the new faces, and once she has a spare time she'll arrange the audiences to Gosuin for the Hospitality Tradition, to facilitate everyone's work and respecting Celine's well deserved pause.

Duncan enters the Deambulatoire, and quickly scans his surroundings. As the Prince greets the newly presented Kindred and shakes her hand (the name he used sounded like 'Lauren', but it was a bit far to be sure), Theodore and Victor are moving toward Gosuin's audience chamber, and others are moving into various positions around the room. When the Brujah primogen moves to speak with Prince Gosuin, Duncan takes a step toward Victor; but he stops as he sees Celine approaching the Malkavian elder. A slight frown develops between Duncan's eyebrows, then he shrugs and looks around again.

As he watches the new Kindred file into Elysium, it seems for a moment that Duncan might follow Miri to the table where she is seated. However, as Laure sends Lauren away, the Keeper looks around once more and sees the new arrivals, and makes a point to greet them all. It's obvious from her scrutiny that they will be presented soon, so Duncan shakes his head slightly and moves his gaze around the room once more. He sees Alicia and Franz speaking, their attention obviously on the Tremere... and then he heads that direction with a smile on his face.

Perception 3, Empathy 3, Auspex 2:

During a lull in the Tremere-bashing, Duncan will step up to the table and bow his head in greeting to both Kindred, although he will speak to Franz first.
Hello. I don't mean to interrupt, but Theodore pointed you out to me, and said I should introduce myself. I'm Duncan Oliver, of clan Brujah.

Duncan extends his right hand to Franz, for a handshake.

As Raekel enters, she is shutting off her iPhone, a sly but amused smile on her face. She takes in the gathered crowd, looking to see anyone recognizable. As she passes the doors, it's just past the release of the young vampire into the night. She places the phone into her bag, and spies that Miri has arrived just before her. She slinks in that direction, thinking it best to stand with the others who need to Introduce themselves. She then whispers to her, her voice soft.

"Have you petitioned for your audition yet?"

With a purposeful stride Nicholas entered the Grand Theatare. Trailing behind most of the crowd. His eyes swept everything. For a moment, Nicholas even allowed his attention to the occupants to slip. Instead, drinking in the sheer size and scope of the Theatare's archeticture. Being from the America's he had seldom seen such to compare. Anything of this style was seldom well maintined and suffering from times passage back home. As to what they called modernist? Well, Nichoals admired it's functionality. Otherwise though, he found such archetecture to be quite ugly. The name just a thin excuse to throw things up for the least possible cost.

Coming back to the more immediate world. Nicholas offered polite smiles. Mingling but never quite engaging himself. Wondering where he might find the keeper of the Elysium. To his suprise she found him. Offering polite smiles of her own Nicholas understood this Laure Nolveaux to be the one he saught. Nodding back he picked a place, back to the wall. To watch and listen untill the audiences began.

Miri only stirs from her day-dreaming when Raekel whispers to her. She reacts little besides shifting her eyes to meet Raekel's, her passive smile broadening amusedly as her attentions shift from abstract thoughts to Raekel's cute, slightly over-sized glasses.

She shakes her head softly, unfolding her hands from behind her head and resting her arms on the table with a shrug, Mm, no ma'am. Not yet, anyway.

She spends some time looking at Laure before her attention returns to Raekel, smiling as she notes the uncomfortably long second she had spent watching her. She licks her lip and begins explaining, I figure it would be a good thing to do, to wait for yourself or whosoever is not yet familiar enough with those present to be able to pass some time, until their own meeting with the Prince, idly chatting. Hence my... she nods at the table, stationary position.

Also, Laure has personally escorted everyone making their introductions to the Prince this evening thus far, she shakes her head with a distant look, Whether this was a practice of formality or of shepherding, I wasn't sure. She chuckles admitting this. So I haven't rushed up to her, especially while there are still some entering that she must greet or remind to abide by Elysium.

She smirks and looks at Raekel for a long second, thoughtfully, Would you like to go to Laure together? That is, unless you would like to wait here and meet the others with your spare time. Though, I'm sure having the following appointee nearby the next would make Laure's job much simpler.

As she slides into a seat at the table, she nods with a polite laugh. She has a more pleasant look about her than outside, which wasn't outwardly off-putting before, but more inviting than before. Maybe it's something about the place, or the company, or if she were the more devious sort, plans coming together. She's a little bit of an enigma, maybe, or at least, she tries to be.

"Then I suppose we wait. Nice to have pleasant company, as well. I'm sorry about dashing off, but I saw someone I knew, but I guess he didn't know me."

Another light chuckle, and she settles into her seat. She's put her hair up, as much as one can without a mirror, until it makes a messy take on old Victorian stylings. Very messy. Seems she doesn't care too much about a few of the marks upon her. She weaves her fingers together, popping her knuckles then rests her forearms on the edge of the table.

"Too bad, it would probably be inapproriate to play cards with these proceedings."

Her eyes wander after suggesting it, drawing a certain grin to her lips, she obviously considering it.

Franz stands a bit straighter when Duncan approaches him and Alicia, showing a certain old school education and basic respect. He nods and responds vividly and firmly to his clanmate's handshake, but keeps it short. Alicia takes a step back with a very daring stare. Her honeyed voice contrast her attitude as she speaks before Franz.
"Ah, men affairs ! I shall leave you, then. Good night !"

She doesn't wait before turning her heals away and walks to Nicholas. Franz barely gives her a look, betraying a certain.. Relationship in between them. He brings back all his attention to his clanmate. It takes no skills to notice he is calmer than earlier, and his voice is full of life and passion, as if he had been an orator of some sort before.
"Franz Derijk, and my Brujah blood is no secret, as others must have told you. By the way, I don't know how you managed to make the Tremere witch cry, but good job !"


Celine takes her chances and steps slightly more in front of Victor. She puts her hands in front of her and shows them with very slow and humble movements. Her voice is low and soft, as she has been used to be forgettable or unnoticeable, which are certainly the qualities Gosuin looked for when he Ghouled her. She obviously doesn't want to impose herself, but that is maybe because she just can't. She can't hide a genuine excitement out of having a Primogen's attention for her through her work.
"Monsieur, now my hands are empty.. If that favor is still available, I am ready."

Miri and Raekel do not have to wait too long. Laure Nolveaux exchanged a slight look with the Prince, and with an approval gesture of his, she smiles and walks towards both women. Unlike Alicia's visible superficial behavior due to being a poseur, Laure keeps etiquette and protocol in mind, all the time. She gives both women her warm smile as she talks.
"Miss De Boucher, am I right ? The Prince is ready to receive you. Please accept my apologies for the wait, I had to present my Childe... Miss.. Montalbain ? You will be warned when it will be your turn, I beg your patience."

Laure makes a slight inviting hand movement for Miri to allow her to go into Gosuin's room, who is looking on the paper mess that his desk as become. Gregory Darvault stands behind him, whispering a few advices, looking up once in a while, and when his eyes crosses Miri's, he gives her a friendly and honest smile.

Alicia approaches Nicholas with a very light walk, her presence and natural beauty only enhanced by her out-going personality. She gives him a charmed smile. She puts back a few of her curly ginger locks behind her ear, adopting a certain shyness to her demeanor. It is probably an act but if it is, she is good at it.
"Good evening, I have never seen someone like you before.. I am Alicia Vandenstree, of the Clan of the Rose. Could you make me a gift of your voice ?"

Nick watched Alicia approach. Her beauty and demenour were not lost on the vampire. "Are you so shy my lady? Seeming innocence in that, so delightfully delicious and uncommon these nights. Pale fire cascading down to highlight your soft shoulders. You look comfortable here though.. Innocence is rare. Among our kind, too rare to survive this close to the heart of power for long." It was a thought unspoken. "Nicholas.." Bowing just slightly at the waist. The vampire's voice was deep, his words flowing with a deceptivly educated precision. Deceptive because he had learned to speak so from a love of literature. "Nicholas Masterson of clan Ventrue. You honor me with such a request, from one of your bloodline. Might I ask, does my gift please you Alicia?"

Duncan raises an eyebrow as Alicia leaves. He then turns back to Franz, and speaks with a certain surprise in his voice.

"I didn't intend to run her off. I had planned to introduce myself to her, too. Ah, well; maybe later.

"As for Claudia, I don't think I was responsible for whatever happened to her. It seemed more like a side-effect of some kind... with a delayed reaction added in. At any rate, I have nothing against the Tremere. Theodore was the one who told her to test me, and I can understand his reasons."

As the elder Brujah's good cheer starts to slip a little, Duncan adds: "I've been told the Tremere have an unpopular history in Bordeaux, but most of those involved are no longer here. For me, Bordeaux is a new city, with new Kindred. I'll judge them by how they treat me. For example, the Toreador I met in Paris were all assholes. But I won't blame the Toreador here for the actions of their clanmates in Paris... especially the young ones."

To change the subject, Duncan throws out an observation.

"I watched your duel on the plaza. It could've gone either way. It was rather an unfair trick that he used, but then again, no fight is really fair. The closest you'll see is in boxing, where they match up the fighters so that the match isn't too one-sided, and the odds are fairly close. In your duel, you both knew the score, and you obviously expected him to try something, from the way you were fighting. That's about as 'fair' as it gets. In real life, you try to make the fight as unfair as possible... in your favor!" Duncan grins.

Miri smirks as Raekel seats herself and relates to having met Primogen Kersten, Ah, she clicks her tongue and shakes her head, M. Kersten seems like a hard person to know. Her eyebrows furrow slightly as she recalls Lyle's unsettling, disappearing/reappearing smile, If a person should want to know him. She almost shivers.

She regains her composure and returns to smiling warmly toward Raekel, I have not met him formally, but I'll be honest; he seems very interesting, and is- proceedings this evening have left me with little doubt tonight, a very important and capable man; but he gives me the creeps, she laughs nervously, tousling her hair lightly with a free hand. Whether I'm feeling some sort of primal uneasiness or the beginnings of a deeply-rooted respect for his intriguing balance of humor and continued silences, I'm unsure. She wrinkles her nose, smiling, And I think he would prefer it that way.

Miri's eyebrow arches with interest at the mention of cards, Too bad indeed. She returns Raekel's devious smile.

She sighs deeply and reclines in her chair wistfully, Too bad that I am better at throwing cards than I am at playing with them. She starts to pout, but begins chuckling. She was over-acting that time, and had to laugh at herself a little.

Miri's laughter cuts short, as Laure has arrived. Miri stands and offers a small bow to Laure, Yes, madame. You are correct, she replies graciously, And no ma'am, the wait was nothing; I have had wonderful company. Miri looks to Raekel, her eyes smile in a 'pardon me; I shall return,' sort of way as she begins to follow Laure.

When she arrives at the Prince's chamber, and sees Gregory, she smiles broadly, glad to see him.

She finds her best manners and bows deeply and gracefully to Prince Gosuin and to Gregory in turn, Sirs.

When she rises, she introduces herself to Prince Gosuin, Pleased to meet you, Prince Gosuin. I am Miriel De Boucher, of clan Toreador. I am humbled by your great city, she looks to Gregory and smiles, and by the graciousness of your colleagues. It is in this humbleness that I ask for your word of acceptance to stay in your domain, under the Fifth Tradition, the Tradition of Hospitality. Without your word, I am nothing.

"See, that's exactly the problem with him. Instant shut-down. Known a few like him in my time."

Her brows furrow slightly, looking intense, and showing both frustration and slight whimsy over the situation.

"I do suppose it to be for the best, though."

As Laure makes her presence known to this duo, Raekel appears to have opened her mouth to say something snide at the mention of Miri's capability.. or perhaps lack there-of, but she closes her mouth. The look only ends up appearing playful anyhow.

"Until later then."

She offers a rather soothing smile in turn, knowing that like her, she's about to do the same thing; meet the Prince for the first time. Since cards are on her mind, she settles in, gets a bit more comfortable, draws a deck from bag and shuffles them, though hardly even daring to bridge them to break the carefully balanced white noise and silence. Now is the time to settle in for the short wait...

Alicia listens closely and very attentively to the Ventrue as she gets the response she wanted. As most Kindred, her eyes wander here and there, avoiding eye contact -most Kindred do so to preserve themselves from Dominate-. As he speaks, her hands move on her hips, then on her arms, then re-arrange a few locks of hair, her eyes blink, she moves her feet and legs.. Vulnerability shows through her body language, and Alicia tries to hide it (or is it that she is faking both ?).
She somewhat looks a bit more distant as she responds. Her voice betrays something close to disappointment, pouting or boredom, but she veils it with her elitism behavior (to which Nicholas may feel included, after all, both are of the high clans) and her still charmed smile.
It does, it does pleases me, Nicholas ! Please, do tell me more...



Franz dismisses the Alicia subject with a hand movement.
That's how Alicia is, don't mind her.
Franz listens without showing too much emotions, yet his hate of the Tremere can be read through. He stays reasonable and calm about it, strangely.
A shame, really, that her crying out was not your doing ! He smiles in amusement, and adds. I don't know Paris' Toreador other than by reputation, but ours are about as shallow as they could get. Mrs. Nolveaux is high on Theo's scale of respect, I guess that's because she can actually fight. I couldn't care less about them, even though I have good talks with Alicia.
The problems all Europe had with the Tremere.. Well. I hear some others going for the "the past is past" talk, but still. Apart for the secretary girl who was sent in just after Gosuin took Princedom, all others Griffin, Kersten, Horsman, Vonïgner, they all worked in on Tarcisus' putsch, enforced his decisions and obeyed blindly. The only punishment they got is only a "don't touch mortal politics" law. I'd think they would have all get a blood hunt and worse, but somehow, Kersten's more tolerated by the Primogen and he cheated his way into protecting his clan from Gosuin's ire. I didn't mind Theo's paranoia on getting you tested, he's a smart guy, plus he kept that Claudia girl under surveillance during the whole thing. She's the frail one that can do no harm. His hatred shows some more anger in that very last sentence, as it's possible that he doesn't think of Claudia as being frail. Either way, he's not saying it all. Franz chooses to go on with the subject of his duel, hoping it could pass through without being noticed.
Both you and Theo are right, I know it, it was unfair but that's what un-life is all about. Dominate's a bitch, especially when we're used to fight with eye contact, plus I wasn't all clean either. He obviously believes his loss is only due to Griffin having used Dominate. Maybe with good reasons. Despite he won, I think he's the most hurt of both of us.. With a certain pride in his smile, he refers to physical pain of course, but he's not naming the shame or the self confidence issue one could have when one loses. Franz may have it harder on his dead heart than he shows, or maybe he is not aware of it.


When he sees Laure in his range of vision, Prince Gosuin leads his interest away from the papers under his eyes to show a certain care to this Neonate entering to introduce herself. Laure stays outside, observing the Deambulatoire, and notices another newcomer, and walks to welcome her. Gregory stays back, listening carefully to the exchange of protocol between the two Kindred. One can read he's overseeing it with kindness. Gosuin gives a quick look to Gregory Darvault, whose smile confirms whatever he was thinking of, and then he observes carefully the woman before him as she speaks. He stands up before speaking in return, with the exact same tone he had when he welcomed Duncan. However, he shows a little less seriousness in the protocol and in his choice of words, probably because he reads Miri as being more on the superficial and festive side of (un)life. He offers her a seductive and seduced smile, certainly charmed by the Toreador's manners and fine appearance.
Word of Acceptance given, Mademoiselle De Boucher. I shall not introduce you to your Primogen ; I understand you already know him. I hope you will find my city as beautiful as you were told it was by your Clan. Please, do enjoy your stay and consider yourself welcome.


Laure Nolveaux keeps an eye on Estela, but before she actually approaches her, she approaches Raekel, to give her a quick information. She does seem sincere while she apologizes.
When Miss De Boucher is done, please, walk in, Miss Montalbain. I must welcome these other newcomer as well, I'm afraid I will not be able to walk you.

Once she is sure Raekel will be ok on her own, she walks towards Estela. Laure observes Estela's reaction to the surroundings, and because she is Toreador, she shows a certain comprehension on what she believes is the common behavior of her clan. For appearances' sake, she takes Estela's arm gently and pulls her with her away from the entrance, and inside the room, to one of the high tables so she could speak with her in a more discrete way, trying to break the awe. She speaks with a very warm and caring voice.
Calm down, I know it's a beautiful place. I am Laure Nolveaux, the Elyseum Keeper.. Please, who are you ?


Victor responds to Celine's request. He takes both her hands, makes her approach him some more, and gives her a light kiss right on the corner of her lips. Once she's shocked enough, he lets her go, gives her a smile, and leaves to enter Gosuin's room. He'll probably cross paths with Miri, but he will not have a look for her.
Celine, turned bright red to the fact that the Malkavian kept his promise and to him doing so in public, takes a few seconds to regain some composure. She takes a look at the room to see what has changed, and chooses to relay Laure at the entrance, to welcome whoever will enter the Deambulatoire.


Andrew follows closely Elisabeth as they both enter the Elyseum. Celine welcomes them while looking down to hide her still being red, and she takes mental notes of their names and clan so she can work on the schedule of the presentations with Laure and Gosuin. She gives both a strange look when she hears they are of the Tremere Clan, as if Tremere neonates did not exist, but she quickly recovers a smile and bows so they could go on and enjoy the night before being called in to present themselves.

Engrossed in her observations of the exquisite art around her, Estela remained oblivious to a woman approaching her until her arm was taken in a gentle hold before the vampire was guided along inside the room, towards a set of tables. Eyes travel down to look at the back of the head of the woman guiding her along, a look of embarrassment visibly forming on her expression. There would be little doubt that she’d have turned a bright red color had she still been capable of such things.

When they stop near one of the large wooden tables that were scattered about the room and the woman before her introduces herself as Laure Nolveaux, Estela attempts a friendly smile. While her lips definitely curve in a smile, it barely reaches her eyes and comes off as strained and nervous. The latter is only emphasized by the nervous shuffling of her feet and fidgeting fingers. “Ah, I’m sorry for that…I probably look like a bit of a weirdo now. It’s just that…well, I’ve never seen the Theatre from the inside.” A short pause followed her words before she softly continued, eyes traveling through the room once again; “It really is beautiful.” As she turned her attention back to the Elyseum keeper, Estela raised her left hand and let it run through her short, spiky hair, making it even messier than before. “Pleased to meet you Miss Nolveaux. I’m Estela. Estela Aguilar.” There was another silence, almost as though she was trying to decide on whether or not to continue talking and if so, what she had to say.

wits 3:

empathy 2:

perception 3, alertness 3:

Duncan keeps Prince Gosuin's audience room in his field of vision, so that he can watch the new people being presented. He nods in response to the words Franz says, but shows little emotion.

I'd heard Lyle Kersten was part of the old guard, but I didn't know so many other Tremere were here before the war as well. I'll take that into consideration.

That concession is all Duncan will say about the Tremere. As Franz seems to still harbor some bitterness about the duel, Duncan will let that subject pass, as well. In a tone low enough that it doesn't disturb the presentations, he will change the subject yet again.

There are certainly a lot of new Kindred in Bordeaux. I wonder if we were sent here to bolster the city's defenses, after the recent Sabbat attack? If so, it shows that not everyone supports Villon's opinion of Bordeaux. I had thought the decision to come here was my own, but now I'm not so sure. Perhaps the situation here was described in such a way that my interest would be piqued.

Let's see... including myself, that's one Brujah; one Ventrue; two, perhaps three Toreador; and possibly two Tremere -- the pair that just entered Elysium drove up in Lyle's Mercedes, just before I came inside. I didn't speak to them, but Kersten sent them in here, and said he'd follow them shortly and 'free them' -- I assume he meant that he would present them.

I'm not sure about the woman who entered before them... She's obviously not Nosferatu, but all I can tell so far is that she admires the architecture. I also get the impression that the dark-skinned man with Catherina Giovanni is new, but I know nothing about him either, except that they were discussing money matters when I walked in. He was with Alicia, earlier... did she mention anything about him?

Duncan continues to watch the room, and he notices as Laure takes the new woman's arm and leads her aside. Her accent as she speaks to Laure makes him raise an eyebrow, but he makes no comment.

Raekel nods, a small polite smile for Laure. She gives her a good look-over, not sure of her name, but doesn't offer any semblance of disrespect in giving the wrong one in her parley.

"But of course. All seems moving smoothly, it shouldn't be long for waiting."

She settles into the seat moreso, allowing her shoulders to drop into a more relaxed stature, and crossing her feet beneath the table. She crosses her hands in her lap, over her purse, her chin resting just below her collar-bone. With her eyes closed, sitting like this, she looks for all intents and purposes, asleep yet vampires typically don't do that til morning.

Alertness 4 unless actively watching Raekel, then Alertness 3:

Miri had begun smiling reflexively as Prince Gosuin did, but her smile grew as words of acceptance passed his lips. She responds glowingly in recollection of the evening and of mention of the beauty of the city, Bordeaux has been like a dream.

She sighs, returning to the familiar tone Gosuin has taken with conversation and looks Gosuin and then Gregory in the eye in turn, showing a degree of respect and trust. Her voice is soft and more personal, I thank you, Prince Gosuin, for your acceptance and with meeting me. And you, Primogen Darvault; you are both very honorable men.

She smiles, bowing one last time before showing herself out into the Deambulatoire, Good evening.

Miri exits the chamber as Victor begins to enter. She smirks passively, but doesn't look at him directly.

She returns to the table Raekel sits, and smiles at her when she takes notice. Miri takes a small cat-shaped hair clip from her front pocket and begins putting her hair up into an untidy bun as she shares mutual eye contact with Raekel, asking harmlessly, almost playfully, Whatcha doin'?

Raekel's eyes flash open at the sound of familiarity, at the sound of Miri's voice. She offers a grin in her direction, sitting up in her chair and looking over the table to Miri, her glasses having slid down to the tip of her nose like reading glasses. She straightens her gloves and looking over her glasses directly into Miri's own eyes, she delivers in as deadpan a voice as she can muster,

"Same thing we do every night, Pinky."

She covers her mouth in her fist as she looks down, laughing uncontrollably. Her body rocks at this, lips contorted and drawn in her fits of humor. As her laughing finally starts to fade, she stretches, spreading her fingers, arms outstretched to her sides.

"Seriously, though, I was just listening to the voices mingle into something unintelligible. Maybe I'm weird but I find it soothing, knowing I'm not the only one out there."

She fusses with her hair a moment, her eyes wandering, as if she were reading something up near her hand, her tongue appearing off to one side, biting down on it a little as if she's concentrating hard on getting it just so. Suddenly, she looks directly into Miri's eyes again, saying,

"Does this look alright? I'm trying to get a messy, but old Victorian look to it, but with my straighter hair."

Her throat rumbles lightly, in thought, starting to feel about it to make sure it's standing out just so, not sticking out all wrong, and down where it should be.

Empathy 3:

Auspex 2:

Auspex 4:

Miri's nose crinkles slightly in an amused sort of cringe; she doesn't laugh yet, though she smiles. She seats herself a quarter of the table away from Raekel, shaking her head at the tid-bit of 90's pop-culture. She seems to react like she's heard a bad pun, but she does appreciate her sense of humor. It's refreshing to be able to relate to something relevant by twenty or less years.

Her tongue flicks her teeth in a wry expression as she recites reflexively, 'Try to take over the world.'

She chuckles along with her, grinning somewhat bashfully at having memorized things cartoon lab mice say. After the slight blush of embarrassment passes, Miri also takes a moment to listen to the chatter in the Deambulatoire. Her stare grows distant as she focuses on listening in just the way Raekel described,

...Bit like the ocean roaring, isn't it?

She looks back to Raekel as she asks hair-styling advice from the Toreador. She smiles politely, looking her over and says simply, Well, you've got 'messy' down pat. Miri stifles a chuckle, biting her tongue to show what she said was only in good humor.

Seriousness returns to her face as she studies Raekel's hair, A simple way to get what you want is to fix the bun properly, she mimes instructions by actually fixing her own bun into a tighter, tidier one, but then loosen the hair tie or clip or what have you, she doesn't do this part, very gradually, so that the hair looks affected by gravity instead of unkemptness. Because your hair is straight and long (and therefore smooth and heavy), it'll do most of the settling-in work on its own, but you will have to style your bangs as you please manually, since most of your hair will be pulled back, she nods, eyes still on her hair. She almost seems to lapse into a trance looking at it, but blinks and smiles, focusing back on Raekel's presence as a person instead of presence of luminous, unnaturally red hair.

A flash of the puzzled, a look of consideration of something she hadn't really considered. A good musing, that, and one she could definitely appreciate. The instant of thought passes to be met with another smile as she shifts to get a little more accomodated. She really is a slight woman, in build, and it shows in her bone structure.

"I hadn't really considered it, but you are right. I was thinking more of echos in a dark cave. A sound to guide you nowhere and everywhere at once."

She pauses after saying it, thought still on her lips, then she nods. Seems she's satisfied with what she had said. After slipping that in while Miri is assessing her wild festoon of raucous hair, she listens to the instructions. She lets her hair loose with one hand, slipping her clips into her lip one by one. While giving her mane a good shaking out with her head and combing her fingers through it with her left hand, she dips her hand into her bag for a few bits of black ribbon.

"Would you be a dear and help me tie it up into a bun? I fear she will be back soon, and I'm likely the next to be presented."

She speaks out of one side of her mouth, sounding not unlike a soft-voiced, cigar-smoker, what with their cigar still resting between their lips. Her hair is actually very full, and falls down her back in an almost silken sheet of red. Now that it catches more ambient light, it is almost like a candied apple, its sheen almost making it look wet. She begins clipping her bangs to one side, straightening them out to a smoother shape.

"This might would be easier if I could see what I was doing."

Her voice drops slightly on that note...