Le Grand Théâtre

Both Gosuin and Gregory let go Miri without further comment, they exchange a certain look showing some complicity between them.

Laure stays focused on Estela, but her attitude shows more suspicion as she hears her voice. She stays calm and her voice stays warm and comprehensive, however she observes with a cold and inquisitive stare.
"It's alright for us to get lost on the beauty of the Theatre... But you are not here for the wonders of our architecture, Estela, are you ?"
She lowers her voice to allow discretion.

Estela, Auspex 1 or Perception 4:

Auspex 2 or Perception + Empathy > 6:

Franz nods in agreement to Duncan's taking into consideration the new information he has given him about the Tremere. He takes a look around as the Brujah counts the newcomers before commenting on his own.
It's good to have new blood. For what I know, Bordeaux's been a hub for much time, so Kindred moving in and out is quite common, but never that many.. I don't know what to think, or if some hand is behind this. We'll see.
When Duncan mentions Alicia's companion, Franz smiles.
That's Adriano Guicciardini. He's an Italian Toreador living in Toulouse, comes and goes for business. Never seen him in Elyseum until now, rumors say he's not really welcome. He doesn't seem to care more than that about the Toreador, their rumors and their internal struggles.
So, those two are truly Tremere ? Franz gives a long look to Andrew, then he gives a even longer look to Elisabeth... Wait, "free them", as if they are newly embraced fledglings ? Franz's shock vanishes when the trail of logical thoughts makes path to him. Well Kersten does consider everyone a fledgling due to him being one of the oldest of the city..

Theodore "jumps" in the conversation with a smile showing both a certain amusement but also some frustration. He speaks to both Brujah. Don't bother with going for Kersten's age, motivations, goals or what he is thinking. He'll lie and you'll buy it, and he'll laugh at you being gullible, at best, and manipulate you to his deeds at worse. I've had less trouble understanding Sheriff and Xavier for the last two centuries than that bloody bastard.


Celine seeing nobody is yet on his way up to the Deambulatoire, and seeing Laure seems busy, she notes Gosuin being "available" (he's discussing architectural urbanization with Gregory, as the Toreador draws him plans on some papers to illustrate how he'd like to renew some older buildings). Because she heard Laure saying Raekel was to present herself next, she approached both her and Miri, and still looking down, with her usual soft, low and respectful voice as she doesn't want to interrupt -but has to-, she addresses Raekel.
When ever you are ready, Miss Montalbain. Mrs. Nolveaux cannot walk you, so I shall be your escort for your presentation.


Lyle reenters Elyseum with amazing silence -Celine had not noticed him, and she should have had. He's taking off the ear-set to put it back in his pocket, and while close to the door, he observes the room as he looks like he is looking for something. A good look shows he's observing all female present in the room, very carefully. He didn't lose his usual amused smile, and it's clear he has a plan in mind.

Duncan sees Laure's expression grow colder after hearing Estela's introduction. He can't quite make out the last part of Laure's reply, but then he doesn't need to... He's sure that Laure is thinking the same thing that he is, after listening to the new Kindred's accent.

Then Franz's reply draws his attention once more. Duncan listens politely, and grows thoughtful. In a low voice, he muses, almost to himself:
Adriano Guicciardini. Wonder why he's not welcome... artistic differences, or something more?

As Theodore adds his comments about Lyle, Duncan nods. He replies in a tone that is meant for Franz and Theodore only.

Theodore, Franz, Perception 4, Auspex 1 (active):

Try as Miri may to break the stare she has locked onto Raekel's cascading hair, she cannot. Miri does as much as she can to resist the trance whenever she is confronted with the oncoming sensation of becoming completely absorbed with things of beauty, but there are inevitable failures.

Whatever it was Raekel had said after untying her hair has clearly gone unheard. She can thank good fortune she remembered to keep her mouth closed, though. As Celine approaches the two, her trance finally breaks.

Miri blushes, feeling slightly ashamed, like for a moment she was no better than a goldfish distracted by something shiny. She uses her returned lucidity to spring up from her chair, grasp the ribbons and gather quickly whatever isn't clipped down of Raekel's luminous red hair into a bun. She takes her time securing it, to allow some slack for the look she was going for. It's not exactly how Raekel wanted, but until her bangs are done being styled, it's close enough.

Miri smiles, seating herself again. She fishes out a small compact from her pants pocket, opens it and holds it up for Raekel to use for adjustments, Sorry about spacing out on you like that; it's just something that happens to me sometimes. She winces slightly from behind the mirror as she smiles, this time as apologetic as she is amused with her own unpredictable behavior.

Raekel reacts as if she'd flushed, not really that a vampire can actually do that, not reflexively, anyhow. She stammers, slightly, at the effect that Miri received in regards to her hair, Celine approaching just as she's finishing the last of her snaps. A soft sigh, relief of at least having something going right, at least remotely, before the inevitable presentation.

"Just one moment."

Perception 3, Empathy 3 or Empathy 3 and looking directly into Raekel's eyes:

Auspex 2:

Auspex 4 (mind reading?):

Taking the offered compact, she goes about the motions of looking it over, not really taking but a moment. A pleased look crosses her face, her body language moving into a fairly placid, sedate state. She returns the compact to Miri with both hands, her head down slightly.

"Beautiful! Thank you, so much, my friend," she replies softly.

Rising from her seat, she speaks to Celine, "Alright, I'm ready," and follows her towards Prince Gosuin's room. Upon arrival, she will respectfully await acknowledgement, looking down until such a moment passes.

The sudden coldness in Laure’s eyes visibly made Estela pause, a look of worry, confusion and curiosity crossing her features. It’s quite clear that while she noticed the change in attitude, she has no idea what caused it. Brown eyes widen just a little when the Esyleum Keeper questions her reason for being in Bordeaux. Laure’s words had struck a chord within the young vampire and that she as such, spoke the truth. The architecture was indeed far from the only reason she’d gone to Bordeaux. The lowered voice and the mild force put behind the three simple, short but very pressing words made Estela flinch a little. “Geez, no need to be so forceful behind it,” she muttered, her voice almost a grumble. “But yea, you’re right. Though I’d almost forgotten.” A somewhat embarrassed and sheepish smile tugs at the corners of her mouth. “Not that I’m very forgetful mind you. I would’ve remembered it soon.” Estela reached into the left pocket of her jeans and, with some trouble because the jean’s pockets were fairly small and not really meant to be used often, pulled a small USB-stick from her pants.

“My….Sire told me to bring this here and give it to the Sheriff.” She hesitates for a moment before tugging the data container back in her pants, eyes turning away from Laure to go through the room once again. Her gaze paused on a very tall person whom just entered the room and was now casually observing everybody in the room…..no not everybody. If her eyes weren’t fooling her, and they rarely were, he seemed to be only looking at the women. Even at her, eventually. Estela quickly turned her gaze away, letting it continue on its previous track along the room. “Uh…yea…The Sheriff. You know who he is, right?”

Laure, Auspex 2:

perception 3:

Both Franz and Theodore exchange a look when Duncan talks about Adriano's reasons not to be welcomed, and both shrug their shoulders for they ignore what they both seem to consider futile Toreador matters.
(Theodore) I don't think Gosuin cares enough for such things concerning who is or isn't welcome in his Domain. However, him being pals with the Giovanni does give me a clue..
The Brujah Primogen doesn't add more. Franz gives a look full of questions, but he dismisses it for later, hearing Duncan's "worry". He lets his Primogen answer, who looks in between amused and worried.

Duncan, Perception 4, Auspex 1 to listen:

Celine leads Raekel to Gosuin's room, but she doesn't enter herself, standing outside in respect. When she sees Lyle, which she has not noticed he had come back, she looks surprised. She goes back to her duties, disappears a few seconds to get back her tray and offer glasses of blood to the Kindred.
Both the Prince and the Toreador Primogen give a look to Raekel as she steps in. The Toreador shows more curiosity in his body language and how he observes the Neonate, and they both wait for the girl to speak.

Kersten, after his long scan of the room, has chosen the female he was looking for ; he approaches Miri with a very intriguing smile on his face. Despite the smile, despite the request, his voice is deep and serious, as so is his direct stare.
"Young girl, I need to borrow something off you. A hair clip, a bobby pin, a bobble, a barrette, a ribbon... Anything will do."

When Celine offers a drink to both Miri and Lyle, Lyle refuses with an amused smile, his voice showing a certain cynicism, and the hand gesture to illustrate.
"No, thank you, I'm trying to quit."

Celine contains well her reaction, but her disbelief is still readable in her manners, probably used to have the Tremere Primogen saying "no" in very expressive ways, and steps away as soon as Miri has either accepted or refused the offer.


Laure takes a certain breath, seeing she might have overreacted. She still stares at the Kindred before her, deeply, just in case her cold reaction was the right one after all.
I beg your pardon, Estela, your accent reminded me of a painful souvenir. To the Sheriff.. She gives a look around her and spots the Sheriff who is still discussing Masquerade matters with the Gangrel Primogen. She stands up and offers her hand to Estela. If it's for the Sheriff, then it's important. Let's go talk to him..

Perception 4, Alertness 2.:

auspex 2:

While a little nervous under the piercing stare of Laure, Estela still found her eyes wandering back to the tall stranger as he walked towards a young looking woman who’d just helped a redhead with her beautiful long hair. She’d continue watching them curiously if it wasn’t for the Esyleum Keeper who calmly continued to talk to her. “No, it’s alright. I suppose I can understand it a little with me being from…well, one of the,” She paused midsentence, a thoughtful frown working its way on her features. Then she slowly continued, speaking the first word hesitantly, clearly unsure if she’d remembered it correctly; “Sabbets countries.” Estela smiled a small smile, though it carries no happiness whatsoever. “I haven’t really heard a lot about them. Just what my Sire told me when he wasn’t doing......whatever the hell he did. Little more than animals according to him. Whatever he did though, those animals didn’t like it.” She trailed off after that clearly unwilling to really finish what she was saying. Though her somewhat mournful tone left little to the imagination.

To distract herself a little, Estela followed Laure’s gaze towards the big guy she’d seen before and whom she had in fact suspected of being the Sheriff thanks to the description she’d been given. It didn’t stay there for long though. Almost like he was a magnet, she found her gaze trailing back to the tall Kindred with the long, curly hair. A look of utter disbelief and shock replaced her earlier expression at the man’s words before she moved a hand up to her mouth to stifle the laughter that was about to overcome her. Even with her effort, an amused giggle still slipped from her lips. The amusement persisted even as she turned her attention back to Laure, who’d just risen up from her seat and was offering the younger Kindred a hand. “What? Isn’t he busy talking with that other guy right now? I’d hate to interrupt anything.”

empathy 2:

Given that she's sure she's been noticed, even though she's taken in every detail of her shoes for the moment since she arrived in Gosuin's office, she looks up, and takes her initiative.

"Prince Gosuin, I am Raekel Montalbain, a lowly neonate of the New World. I would request that I may offer myself humbly to service to you and to this city under the Fifth Tradition. I call the Toreador my own."

Through the entirety of this, her tone remains humble yet calm and well practiced. As she looks up, she almost makes eye contact, and in fact, to the untrained eye, would seem as if she did. As she straightens more fully from her submissive stance.

Empathy 3, Perception 3:

After Theodore's explanation, Duncan nods in comprehension.
Ah. I thought Franz meant that M. Guicciardini was not welcome among the other Toreador... now I understand.

As for the others... I'll introduce myself to my fellow new arrivals after their presentations, and hear their stories. They should be interesting.

Duncan leaves it at that. He continues to watch the presentations, as Raekel is led to Gosuin's room. Other events will also catch his attention though... such as when Lyle approaches Miri, and when Laure offers to take the young Estela to the Sheriff. Duncan smiles at the reactions of the two young Kindred.

Miri grins, crossing her fingers for Raekel as she returns the compact and departs for the Prince's chamber. She wishes her well.

When she has gone, Miri reclines into her chair lazily and begins contemplating something in the distance. She must be day-dreaming again.

Auspex 2, Perception 3:

When Lyle approaches Miri, she returns eye-contact out of politeness and as a show of respect, but her polite smile seems drawn. For the first time in the evening, Miri looks a bit pale.

Auspex 2 and Perception 3 users from before:

When Celine offers drink, and Lyle declines in his unique fashion, Miri chuckles. The thought of regarding blood like a bad drinking habit to kick tickled her. She also declines, thanking Celine in a much less creative fashion, and as she leaves, she returns her attention to Primogen Kersten.

Her smile is more genuine this time, her nervousness has mostly dissipated, Miriel De Boucher, Sir. She contemplates his request momentarily before reaching to the back of her hair, If anything will do, I have this, she says, unfastening the rather daintily decorated clip holding her bun together. Her hair falls around her shoulders, and she offers it to Lyle, brushing her loose hair behind her ear with her other hand.

Estela's explanation on the Sabbat as well as her ignorance (faked or real, the Elyseum Keeper doesn't know) brings a dry and worn out smile on Laure's face. At least it made her smile, which is.. not bad. She doesn't seem to want to discuss further the matter of the Sire, the Sabbat or the nationality since Estela has given forgiveness to the Toreador for her xenophobic behavior she had just as she heard her accent. She doesn't even reacted about Kersten's behavior towards the Prince's ghoul, as well as most other Kindred present, either because they are used to it or because they didn't hear it. Laure heard it and only gave a dulled look towards him. She shakes her head slightly and comes back to the subject.
(Laure) "No more than animals is an understatement..." Laure sighs in melancholy, then takes back control of herself to a more commanding voice. "Whatever Primogen Bowens is discussing with the Sheriff is certainly not more important than the order your Sire gave you." She pauses, then adds in a lower, more caring voice. "I will take responsibility for stepping in their conversation."
As she speaks so, she takes Estela's arm to walk her towards the Sheriff and Henri Bowens. Both men give a look full of questions to the Elyseum Keeper, who bows slightly in respect.
(Laure)"Primogen Bowens, Sheriff.. This woman is Estela Aguilar, she has information for you, Lambert."
The Gangrel Primogen gives the young Kindred and the Elyseum Keeper a warm smile, then taps the Sheriff's shoulder with a friendly gesture. Even before Henri Bowens has heard the serious tone of the Elyseum Keeper, he understood.
(Henri) "Thank you for your time, Sheriff. Mrs. Nolveaux, Miss Aguilar.."
He leaves after a saluting nod to each of the three and goes to the balconies to enjoy fresh air.
The Sheriff observes him leave, seeming lost in his thoughts, before letting his eyes set back on the young Kindred before him. He is visibly expecting her to explain what the Elyseum Keeper meant. Laure lets go Estela's arm slowly, and slightly steps to the side to let her talk to the Sheriff.

Auspex 2:

Perception + Empathy > 5:

The Prince observes Raekel present herself, although he glances behind her a couple of times, certainly distracted by the chuckles and the sight of the Tremere Primogen with his hair untied. His eyes set on the Elyseum Keeper for a few seconds, seeing she is escorting an unknown Kindred to the Sheriff, he lets go, knowing he'll have an explanation later. After all, the Prince is always the last one to know, and he has accepted such fate a long time ago. Gregory Darvault's eyes narrowed as he observes the woman talking. Once she has said it all, Gosuin gives a glance to the Toreador Primogen, who gives him back a slight nod with an unsure look. Satisfied, Gosuin gives a polite smile to Raekel before talking to her.
(Gosuin) "You needn't to be so nervous, Mademoiselle Montalbain. This is Gregory Darvault, he represents your kind to the Primogen Council, and he will certainly request a Thaumaturgical test on your blood. In the meantime, I give you gladly the word of Acceptance in my city. Please enjoy this evening."
When Gosuin introduces him, Gregory nods in acknowledgment, but also to confirm the fact that he may request a test. The Toreador does offer Raekel a warm welcoming smile, coupled with kind and paternalistic look, but he doesn't speak.


Hearing the Tremere Primogen getting rid of the Prince's ghoul with his unique way of making himself understood, Theodore cannot not let out an amused smile, but he also whispers something in the lines of "poor girl" to himself. Franz just shows a blasé look, he heard it too, but he moves into something more of a shocked look when he spots the Tremere asking the young Toreador for something for his hair.
Celine walks towards the three Brujah gathered, and offers them blood, looking down as always. Theodore refuses with a smile full of compassion, but Franz accepts. After Duncan has made his choice, Celine walks away to Gosuin's room, crossing paths with Raekel and passing in her discrete and unnoticeable fashion behind the Prince to whisper him a few words. A certain shock can be briefly seen on his face, he dismisses his ghoul with a hand gesture. She goes back to her duties after a small bow to her Domitor.


Frans takes a sip before talking to Duncan.
(Franz) "I was never able to get what makes Toreador hate each other in a bunch of cases, I guess it's because I'm not the most artistically aware guy in town !"
Theodore laughs to the comment, in total comprehension and agreement.
(Theodore) "Maybe I should talk Darvault into giving you classes, you badly need'em."
Franz denies with the head, even if it's obvious his Primogen is joking, the mere idea blocks him in his ideals and it shows.
(Theodore) "Jokes set aside, I do like where this is going."
The Brujah Primogen says so with a voice a bit deeper. He has certainly has something in mind, as he's observing the new faces present in the Elyseum, but also Lyle's act, and Gosuin's reactions towards the new arrivals.

Duncan, Perception + Empathy > 6, Auspex 2:

"That will do."
Lyle doesn't take much time to admire the very feminine and cute pin offered to him by Miri, he takes it, puts it in his mouth. With both hands, he gathers his hair, except for a neck's lock. He uses this lock to "tie" the hair, rounding it around the rest of it, then he takes the pin to secure the whole thing. If it wasn't for the cat pocking out of the curls with dare, it could pass as if he had used any bobble. He gives a small polite smile to the Toreador as a thank you, and then he decides it's a good time for Etiquette. He gives a glance to Gosuin when he hears the word "Thaumaturgical".
"Lyle Kersten, Tremere Primogen, and I'll give this back to you later. Now I must get to Tremere business if you don't mind"

Miri, Perception 3:

Auspex 2:

Politely, the redhead smiles, her features softening. "Well, if that's all I had to worry about," a grin on her lips, "then I should be perfectly fine." She tries her best to shrug off the last of that nervous body-language, hopefully appearing more calm and comfortable than she had just a moment ago. She did catch that wince, something she'll speak with M. Darvault about earlier, but she already has a good idea what he meant with it.

"You will find that once I kick the initial bug of polite nerves, I can be rather personable. I also would have offered myself towards such a test, had I been aware that you would entertain such."

She smiles, pleased that things are moving a lot more nicely than she had initially feared. Gosuin seems to be lacking the tree what had been lodged in certain places from the first Prince she'd made her presentation to, though to what extent smaller the wooden intruder really is, remains to be seen. The slightest flicker of a cringe crosses her lips as she hears M. Kersten speaking with someone, her chin moving almost imperceptibly as she recognizes the partner in the exchange.

With a forced exhale, she looks to Gregory, and then defaulting back to the Prince,"Is there anyone present to conduct such a test? I will gladly submit to it." She straightens at her clothes and hair just a bit, but it's obvious she's still paying attention to everyone around her. She does try to make a good impression, after all.

Corner of Nick's lip raising into part of a smile. He appeared at ease with the seeming innocence of Alicia.. despite whatever unspoken reservations that he might have. A careful observer might think the vampire felt equal parts amusment and pleasure with her company. I can only say a little for now. That Bordeaux is a name that has crossed the lips of others. In whispers, and I like to listen to those. Soft words, others might miss. Unlike Alicia, his gaze was intent. Openly he looked over her once. Appreciative of beauty yet not inappropaitly lewd. Then it settled where their eyes would have met. Were the woman's own eyes not often fleeting. I'm looking forward to learning more during my visit. About the mysteries of Bordeaux.

“What… Oh, well… Alright,” came the slightly hesitant answer from Estela when the Elyseum Keeper claimed that her business would be more important than whatever was being discussed by the Sheriff and Primogen Bowens. It definitely looked like the young vampire wasn’t quite sure of this. Sure, her Sire had seemed extremely adamant about the importance of his mission and the information he’d gathered, but then he’d been a weird guy and hadn’t even told her what his mission was exactly, let alone what kind of information she was carrying. All in all, she felt like she’d been thrown in the deep with only a little bit of theoretical knowledge on how to swim. The reassurance from Laure that she’d take responsibility in case they did interrupt something important calmed her down somewhat. One less thing to worry about.

When being introduced to the two older, male vampires, Estela gave them a polite and a somewhat charming smile. She tried a half decent bow as well out of respect, but it came of awkward and a little clumsy despite her effort. Her eyes followed Primogen Bowens as he walks away, a look of curiosity appearing in her brown hues. As he disappeared from view, Estela turned her attention back to the Sheriff who was looking at her with an expectant look on his face. “My Sire,” she began, reaching in the pocket holding the USB stick, “Asked me to bring this to you. Or rather, he pretty much ordered me before throwing me out.” Finding the datastick, the vampire pulled it from her pocket and held it out to the Sheriff to take. “My Sire’s name was Fernand by the way. Fernand Lefevre. I do believe you knew him…”

Empathy 2:

Auspex 2:

Miri nods to Kersten's polite smile and his new up-do appreciatively. Its aesthetic style is rough but original, cute cat pin buried within included. She smiles as he begins to introduce himself, Pleased to make your acquaintance, Primogen; and please, do not concern yourself with its immediate return.

She looks to his hair and smiles anew, as if to say 'a cat lost within a dense jungle of hair; it suits you.' She instead bids him farewell, bowing her head, Of course. Sir. Good evening.

Lyle, Auspex 2, Auspex 1 for hearing + Perception 3, Alertness 2 + Perception 3:

Duncan accepts a glass from Celine, and he smiles as he thanks her by name. As she moves off, Duncan will sip the blood and listen to Theodore joking with Franz. After they finish, Duncan will comment with a wry smile:

I'm sure many Toreador think that all Brujah could use lessons in culture, and etiquette. They could be right. However, it's not high on my list of priorities at the moment.

While Theodore looks around the room at the new Kindred, Duncan pays attention to where his Primogen's gaze travels. When Miri loans a hair clip to Kersten, Duncan smiles as the Regent puts it on, and he glances at Theodore's reaction. But Theodore's gaze has moved on by then. With another glance at Miri, and another smile at her reserved demeanor, Duncan continues to scan the room.

When Estela hands something to the Sheriff, it's hard to see what it is; but it's not a letter -- it's small, and thin. As she holds it out, waiting for the Sheriff to take it, it appears to be some kind of flash memory drive. This surprises Duncan slightly; but the look on his face after a moment is thoughtful. One can almost see his ears twitch as she says who the message is from.

Theodore, Franz, Auspex 1 to hear:

Alicia's body language changes into a more distracted one. She looks away, she pouts slightly, she even sighs. Her eyes still show that curiosity and interest, still without meeting eye-contact as most Kindred have learnt to do so for self-preservation, but her voice is in between tired and bored.
You have a certain melody in your way of speaking, honey... Why cut off your sentences like that ?
The mysteries of our city, um.. I have heard a lot of gossip, and I have started some of them too, however I do not believe those are the mysteries you are looking for, aren't they ?

Her distraction attitude is driven by the Tremere Primogen tying up his hair with a borrowed pin, a certain look of surprise, shock and amusement crosses her features, she lets hear a slight chuckle. She lets herself watch more carefully the original proprietor of said pin, Miri, a thoughtful smile on her lips, before letting her eyes follow the Tremere Primogen as he moves.
Now that's interesting..



With Miri's "permission", Lyle walks away without another word, another look or else. He steps in Gosuin's room, much to the Prince's and Gregory's surprise. Neither Gosuin nor the Toreador Primogen take time to answer Raekel's question concerning the blood test. Lyle gives a look to both men, and with a straight smile, declares. "I volunteer to taste her blood, my Prince." To Gregory's surprised look and slightly opened mouth as if he wanted to ask something, he adds with disdain. "Free of charge, Primogen Darvault." Gregory was certainly not thinking about that, but seeing the Tremere has been in a special mood all evening, he obviously chose to keep for himself the doubts and questions. The Tremere browses Gosuin's papers, or rather, he tries to find the table under them, and smiles with satisfaction as he picks a paper knife. He then gives a look much more colder to the Neonate, keeping his smile. There is no doubt he wishes to use that very beautiful piece of cutlery as a mean to have her bleed. As the Tremere does so, the Prince raises his eyebrows and addresses the Tremere Primogen, showing a certain temper in his voice. Lyle's answers are short, clear, with a serious tone, and a bit dodgy, yet full of respect, he doesn't let his eyes off Raekel.
(Gosuin) Primogen Kersten, would you mind explaining this behavior of yours ?
(Lyle) I don't, at all, my Prince. I'm borrowing this for Thaumaturgy's sake.
(Gosuin) Do not play me, Kersten, the Primogen -Ah, yes, take it-, the Primogen Council, was I saying, has been called to have an explanation.
(Lyle) Theodore ! He gives a glance to the Brujah Primogen, as Kersten put two and two together fast enough ; the Brujah was the only one to have known about his two new Apprentices beforehand and he has seen no other Primogen talk to the Prince about it. The Regent's tone is playful. Buy yourself a sense of humor, I was never in a strip-club ! Tssk..
(Gosuin) .. What ?
(Gregory) .. A str- what ?
(Lyle) I lied, what a surprise... Oh, the drunk part is true, I am totally high. Gregory, that other clan sister of yours, Miriel, you won't need a test on her, she is one trustworthy young and naive Toreador. You, now speaking to Raekel, he approaches her with a softer look towards her, and leads her out of the Prince's room, while playing with the paper knife on his fingers, let's get this over with.
Gosuin's eyes widen significantly when Lyle takes Raekel out of the room, he spot the cat shaped pin in his hair and is obviously shocked. He turns to Gregory with the most expressive "what the hell was that ?" look on his face. Gregory just puts his right hand on his face, letting his fingers rub his eye under the glasses, in a very tired look. He then approaches the Prince to whisper him a few words. The shock passes fast enough.

Wits 3, subterfuge 3 or Manipulation 4:

Called out by Lyle, Theodore just laughs it off with a dismissing hand movement, he certainly called in the Primogen Council for something else than Kersten hanging around strip-clubs. The Brujah doesn't seem to worry about it much more than that, he adds to Duncan's comment.
(Theodore) Not all Toreador are condescending and useless, at least not here. Top priority is to know when someone's playing with you, if you're not aware of that, it doesn't matter how strong, combative or intelligent you are, you're dead. Franz, you got it radical by keeping your distances, and Duncan, I'm sure your Sire made you figure it out the hard way.
After a grin, the Brujah Primogen gives a quick look to the Sheriff, Estela and Laure, and he sighs with a certain despair, this looks like routine for him.
(Theodore) I guess I will know soon enough.
Franz nods quietly to his Primogen's words. He takes a look around, obviously bothered by the situation in general, then makes a wave to both Brujah to confirm his leaving.
(Franz) I'm going home.
(Theodore) See you later, then. Theodore signs goodbye back, he approves his clanmate decision to leave.
Once he has Duncan's goodbye out of basic politeness, Franz leaves the Elyseum.


The Sheriff takes the object handled to him and observes it with curiousness, opening it, closing it, putting it in front of his eyes, and doing so continuously. Laure dares a question.
(Laure) Who is this man ?
(Sheriff) Neh, nothing you have to worry about, Laure. The Malkavian puts the USB key in his pants pocket after having played enough with it, and he observes head to toes then toes to head Estela. You've made your Sire proud by obeying his orders, good job, young girl. Even if he's dead now, mmmh ? Don't worry about it, life sucks, then you die, then your un-life sucks as much and you meet your Final Death. Laure, you mind walking her to have her accepted in town ?
(Laure) Of course Sheriff.
Laure shrugs her shoulders, she obviously trusts the Sheriff's judgment enough, she gives a more calmed and warmer smile to Estela as she offers to walk her to Gosuin's room.
The Sheriff just doesn't to care, his voice is as monochord as it could get, but he does seem sincere about it, and he's not hiding it.

Henri comes back in the Deambulatoire, refuses Celine offering him blood, and walks to talk with the Nosferatu.
Catherina stands up, and after a polite nod and smile to Adriano Guicciardini, she moves on to leave the Elyseum.
Igor, his curiosity tickled, follows her without much discretion, he seems to want to talk to her outside, and she allows it.

As Franz takes his leave, Duncan gives his fellow Brujah a respectful nod of the head and a slight bow-- nothing fancy, just enough to be polite.

I'm sure I'll see you at El Bodegon before long. Good night.

After Franz departs, Duncan will face Theodore.

From what I just heard, I think you have Primogen business that demands your attention. So in case I don't see you again tonight, it was good to finally meet you after only hearing about you by reputation; and I will probably see you in a few days at El Bodegon. I'll be looking forward to that... I hear the dress code is more relaxed. He displays a small grin. Until then, I think I'll mingle a bit, and meet a few more of my new peer group. Good evening, sir.

Duncan will give another bow, but this one is a bit more formal than the last one -- more a bow given to a feudal lord, rather than a peer.

Etiquette + (Perception or Intelligence) > 4, if you witnessed Duncan's presentation:

With the whirlwind of chaos sweeping about her since her last question, she has very, very little to say. She accepts the tall Tremere's gaze with a matching one of her own. It's somewhere between shock and awe at the chaos of the situation. Given the exchange, she's curious and that's a fact. As she watches and listens to the interchange of words, she cocks her head to one side, a brow raised. When finally he leads her outside, looking at the knife now in his posession, she can't help but wonder how he's going to go about this.

Auspex 2:

Auspex 4:

Raekel follows the wild-man with the jungle's mane, it sports a kitty after all, and even in all the confusion, she couldn't miss that. Finally finding words, she speaks to him in a fairly hushed tone. She shows no true inclination of resistance, only the look of being a little rushed. After the whisper is parleyed, a few steps later, she says in a more normal tone, "Can't a girl even take a breath before being whisked away by a tall gentleman?"

The whisper! Perc 3, Alert 3:

Auspex 2:

Estela frowns a little at the way the Sheriff took the USB and played with it like he did, a flicker of annoyance in her eyes for the briefest of moments. Something about his behavior didn’t seem to sit well with the young vampire. A feeling that only increased when the Sheriff continued on about her Sire being proud of her and the rather emotionless way he spoke of his death. She was actually quite shocked he spoke so casually about it, like life, or unlife, had no meaning whatsoever.

Auspex 4:

“Yea, my Sire met his Final Death. Got blown to bits by the Sabbat. Oh but, why would anyone care, cause unlife sucks as much as life? For the record, my life only began to suck and get confusing when I grew fangs.” There was quite a bit of resentment in her voice as she all but spat the last words out. Realizing what she’d said and to whom a second later, Estela had the decency to look embarrassed at least, though a close look would reveal that she wasn’t all that regretful about her words. Merely about the way they’d escaped her. “Um.….yea, I didn’t really mean to say it like that. It’s all quite a bit to take in, so…. I hope you’ll excuse me for that?” She smiled a little nervously, not sure whether or not she was in trouble for what she’d said, but hoping that her slip of the tongue would be forgiven.

At the offer to be walked to the Prince’s room, Estela nodded gratefully to Laure. Even though she’d only just met the Elyseum Keeper, the young vampire began to feel at ease around her. An idea struck her. “Oh, Laure, you wouldn’t want to help me a bit with all this vampire or Kindred stuff or whatever? I learned a few things, but it was all taught to me in a really rushed way and I forgot more than half of it before I even reached this place. I know you probably have a ton of other duties, but I’d appreciate it big time.”

Intelligence 3, Empathy 2:

Laure, perception 2:

It's not like you need to breathe, right ?
Lyle responds so to Raekel's "protest" with a very amused and light-hearted tone. He catches a glass of blood on Celine's tray as she passes by, leaving the ghoul confused about the Tremere wanting or not wanting blood after all. Once he has lead Raekel far away enough of Gosuin's room and in the Deambulatoire, Lyle shows her a seat to one of the tables. As himself seats in front of the shown chair, he puts his computer bag on the table, slightly to the side as it doesn't stays in between the two vampires. He puts the glass in front of her, signs she has to drink it, and then puts his left hand, palm up, right in front of him and Raekel, as if it was waiting to hold Raekel's hand. His voice turns a bit warmer, but not especially low as he doesn't especially need to act secretive, and his eyes are still cold and distant.
It's been a while since I last did this, so it may hurt. Now that's the most honest thing he has said all night, and he probably means it too. You don't mind, do you ? After all, you've been under Sturbridge's orders.
He gives a look around him with a certain curiosity, as distracted by someone's attitude, and with his right hand, armed with the knife, he points at Theodore and speaks loud enough so the Brujah can hear him Oh, Primogen Jacob ? Don't even dare thinking about approaching my new apprentices ! You can play with Claudia as much as you want but those two are under true traditional Tremere protection. He sets back his attention to Raekel. Oh, where were we ? Ah, yes, give me your hand.

Empathy 2 or Perception 3:

Auspex 2:

The Sheriff gets totally disinterested with the situation he faces, he looks away on a regular basis. He answers with a certain coldness, but he's quite blend and passive about it.
(Sheriff) I did feel his Death. He adds so with a slight movement to touch his own heart. The mission I gave him is a mild failure, which is not bad. It failed as it should have. It could not end another way. Meh. Feel free to use his haven here in town for a few days until you're settled, if you're planning on staying, I'm sure he gave you the key and the address, if he was smart enough. I'll get to work on this, after all, we're talking Sabbat plans...
He says so probably meaning the study of the USB device given to him. He steps away after giving a slight nod to Estela and the Elyseum Keeper, and walks towards Doctor. Once Laure is left alone with Estela, she talks to her with a warmer, more reassuring voice.
(Laure) Oh, disregard the Sheriff's quirks, he's quite nice once you can get over his compulsive behavior. Goes with being Malkavian, after all !... I'll gladly help you out, however I may have not a lot of time. Here, follow me, so to present you to Prince Gosuin. As she walks, she adds some spare, but needed details on what a Presentation should sound like. Um.. Look down, bow low, be polite, state your name, your clan, your lineage if you want to, and ask for the word of acceptance under the Hospitality Tradition, since "without it, you are nothing".
As she speaks, Laure walks towards the Prince's room. Once inside, and once the Prince and Gregory are observing both Kindred, Laure gives an encouraging smile to Estela, so she can enter and present herself. It's not clear she is overseeing Estela's presentation out of compassion, to be forgiven for having shown herself aggressive to Estela's accent, or to be able to act if she was right to begin with, in case Estela is a Sabbat agent and decides it's a good time to go on a suicide attack against the Prince.
The Prince looks curious with what is happening before him. He seems open and almost friendly in his body language, in total trust before the Elyseum Keeper's action. Gregory Darvault stays behind as a witness rather than implying himself. He doesn't look as curious, but he is interested. He gives a warm and friendly smile to Laure, due to them being both of the same clan, but also showing they are not enemies unlike other Toreador can be between each other.



Theodore laughs as he imagines the students and usual clients of El Bodegon with an imposed dress code. After all, he himself is not respecting the usual dress code in Elyseum with his street clothing style, and it probably suits him best.
I'm sure you will have plenty of fun in a more relaxed ambiance. I'm old and influential enough not to care about dress code, though ! Well, still have work to do as you said. We'll meet another time, and if I'm not in there for some random reason, the waitresses usually have my number, so feel free to ask them.
He looks at Lyle as he's called out once more, this time with a certain surprise. He answers but more to himself rather than to the Tremere Primogen who is not truly waiting for an answer. He snaps his fingers as in a damn-it-all-I-failed fashion.
Crap, was I so obvious about it ?... Well, Duncan, have fun with the new guys !
With a wide and clear smile on why would waitresses have the Brujah's number, as well as to show he doesn't "care" about Kersten's warning, even though it's clear he wanted to bother the two new apprentices, he nods as to allow his new clanmate to "leave". Himself walks away to join the Sheriff and Doctor.

Auspex 2, Perception 3:

Alicia moves on to sit in front of Miri, with a certain curiosity in her green eyes. She smiles with a certain sarcasm and laissez-aller, she wields superficiality as a very visible act, in her idea of fun.
Hi ! We have not met yet, am I right ? I'll be the one that'll crush you in public if you mess up or just if I feel bored. She offers her hand. At least, she's clear about it, she shows her cards right up front. Alicia Vandenstree, of the Toreador clan, and Harpy of Bordeaux's Elyseums.


Andrew, out of curiosity, approaches Lyle and Raekel, he probably feels "safer" if he moves closer to the Regent, and it reads easily. He sits at the table, but at a longer distance, looking tired. Lyle doesn't seem to mind the intrusion.

OOC:

Miri's eyes tear annoyedly away from their initial fixations and land straightaway to Alicia as she approaches; she immediately returns Alicia's smile as she speaks and listens to her intently, nodding graciously at anything she says.

After she introduces herself, Miri is still smiling in a way that is every bit as plastic as Alicia's smile. In fact, it's so fake, she seems to be making it a point to keep her eyes eerily widened, unblinking and focused on Alicia. She isn't particularly looking Alicia in the eye, either; she seems to be staring right through her body to the other side of the room.

Miri returns the introduction with wide eyes and a syrupy sweet kind of enthusiasm, speaking at a volume that is obnoxiously loud enough to cut across most of the deambulatoire, Ohhh! My dear! No, ma'am, we have not yet met! SO pleased to meet you! Oh, mah DEAR, how could you EVER be bored? What with all the time you spend making such loverly introductions to people, it's a WONDER how you even found a SLICE of time for little ol' me! How positively WONDERFUL.

She emits a girlish gasp as she motions to herself with a hand splayed on her chest, Ms. Vandenstree, I'm Ms. Miriel De Boucher, she rises from her seat slightly, leans over and grasps and shakes Alicia's hand with a disproportionate vigor. Though you might have expected her to giggle with mirth as she spoke initially, the last of her sentence sounds sour and falls extremely flat, Toreador nobody.

She finishes rising from her seat and offers Alicia a pitiful, almost imperceptibly shallow bow, and leaves to find Duncan.

Alertness 2, Perception 2, Auspex 1 hearing, Subterfuge 2:

Duncan nods in agreement with Theodore's parting words, and turns to face the room. He watches with interest as Andrew walks up and sits tiredly at the table with Lyle and Raekel; but he makes no move to join them.

Auspex 2, Empathy 2, Perception 3:

The young Brujah also glances at the elder Kindred gathered around Doctor, the Nosferatu Primogen. First there was the man Laure had called 'Primogen Bowens', whom Duncan took to be the Gangrel Primogen (by process of elimination) -- Bowens had joined Doctor and his clansman (a nondescript man in what looked to be a pizza delivery uniform) while Duncan had been talking to his fellow Brujah. Then the Sheriff had joined them, followed shortly by Theodore Jacob. Curiosity is written large on Duncan's face, but he shrugs and continues his scan of the room.

Duncan spots Miri stiting by herself, and smiles slightly. Having made his decision, he takes a few steps towards her table, but stops as Alicia sits down and makes her 'introduction'. A frown appears on Duncan's face as he hears the tone and content of her speech. However, at Miri's reply, Duncan seems to find the bottom of his goblet of blood quite interesting... he drains the rest of it in one long swig.

Auspex 2, Empathy 2, Perception 3 (if watching Duncan at that moment):

As Miri heads in his direction, Duncan lowers the glass and does a discreet pass with his left hand over his mouth, to make sure there's no blood on his lips. Then he smiles at Miri and moves to meet her halfway, depositing the glass on a side table in passing.

Hello, Mlle. De Boucher. I was just coming to see if you'd join me in talking to some of our fellow neonates, unless you were otherwise occupied.