Le Grand Théâtre

Duncan returns Mikael's nod, but the Prince and Theodore quickly demand his attention. Gosuin tells Miriel and Duncan to enter, and they move into the room, while Mikael steps out into the Déambulatoire. Duncan bows toward a point somewhere between the Prince and his Primogen. Then he straightens and looks them in the eye, as he answers Gosuin's question.

Nothing serious, sir. The Sabbat were not prepared for any real resistance. I think M. Kersten and his gargoyle friend could have defeated them even without our help.

At first, I thought they were after the Regent, since neither Miriel nor myself had planned to visit St. Eloi until earlier that evening. Yet their obvious surprise at finding anyone in the church suggested they were there for something else. That, plus really bad planning.

After finding out about this artifact they were supposedly searching for, the whole thing makes a little more sense now. I'm told that the object has been in the new chantry for some time. Once word of this gets out, hopefully that will discourage any more attacks on M. Jacob's domain. As Duncan says the last part, he looks at Theodore Jacob.

Perception + Subterfuge > 4, Auspex 2:

Auspex 4:

Miriel acknowledges Mikael's nod with one of her own. She steps into the Prince's chamber with Duncan when beckoned to; she grins openly at Theo's remark, Duncan bows and speaks first. When he says "Nothing serious," she seems surprised at him, but she waits for him to finish speaking before making a remark, Nothing serious? You were shot at. She glances around at those gathered before explaining herself, dismissing her initial surprise, I'll probably never be used to it.

She bows to the Prince and Primogen Jacob before speaking, My Prince, what have you heard so far about our prisoner? From her tone, it sounds like she intends to correct misinformation or fill in any missing details.

Both men listen to the neonates as they speak. They share a look a couple of times, betraying their long friendship (or at least their collaboration). When Miri precises Duncan was shot and that he qualified it as noting serious, both the prince and Theodore mouth a slight "nothing serious", to confirm that being shot happens and it doesn't matter. The Brujah does share a comprehensive look to Miriel's not getting used to it. It's clear Theodore understood Duncan's look, as if he knew already what it meant. The Prince doesn't betray if he caught it, but he ponders the elements given to him.
(Gosuin) I see. It seems now you know why the church and its bell are considered as an intriguing place but no one really approaches it. As for Frederic Vonzel... He presented himself as Ventrue in.. 1965 ? I will double check the date. I granted him the hospitality tradition for his works and he left after a few months. Kersten told me he was in fact a Lasombra, and that he's bring kept in the cellars of the bell. The files the sheriff's agent gave us through Estela Aguilar confirm his clan and his affiliation to the Sabbat. Other than that I do not know much more about him, his friends or his ambitions. Usually the sabbat do not take such valuable elements for a suicide attack, but if he was, indeed, not expecting someone, it may just be bad luck. This means for once we may have a certain luck on our side.

The Ventrue wonders an instant, before asking to both.
(Gosuin) Your presence was a good thing. Kersten isn't a man who takes prisoners. What did you find out ?

Auspex 2 or perception + politics>4:

Duncan smiles at Miriel's reaction to his casual dismissal of the gunshot wound, but he merely shrugs. His feelings on the matter seem to align with Theodore's and Gosuin's views.

Miri, Storyteller:

As the Prince speaks directly to them, Duncan focuses his attention on the Ventrue once more.

Miriel was actually the one who staked Vonzel. I just kept him busy, providing a target for him to shoot at. Duncan chuckles. But you're right; Kersten and the gargoyle, Rufus, weren't taking prisoners.

I wasn't present at the interrogation, though. Miriel can tell you about that.

Duncan looks over at Miriel, as if to say, "Your turn."

Miri listens to Gosuin as he relates what he knows with a pondering expression, nodding to mentions of Vonzel's estimated presentation date, clan and current placement. Mention of the files sparks interest in her expression, as if noting that examining such files more closely would be a good idea, considering their mention of Frédéric in them. She gives a significant look and a nod when the Prince expresses being in the dark about other particulars pertaining to Frédéric Vonzel and being reluctant to believe that his actions were part of a Sabbat suicide attack. He reserves the right to ponder whether it was still an unorthodox attack meant to take place in the territories to demoralize or something other, in the wake of the last attacks. The Prince asks them what they found out and Duncan speaks; Miriel touches a hand to her jawline and strokes her chin thoughtfully while he relates how much he was actually involved with restraining the prisoner and questioning, she smiles as he chuckles about helping by playing target.

Duncan motions that it's her turn to talk, and she drops her hand back to her side with an understanding nod, Yes- So far, so good. I'll fill you in a bit about how Vonzel acted and what he said during questioning, along with other events of note. Maybe some of it will help to better illustrate who this prisoner is for my Prince's understanding.

She takes a calming breath and begins, I understand you intend to have him explain himself before a council before sentencing him; I must caution against this, as he has a horse's ass for a mouth (for lack of a better description, please excuse me.) Allowing him to speak for himself as all stands would be a diplomatic disaster, as in times of pressure, he may choose in fact to provoke his captors, though he still firmly believes he will be executed for his actions. I shall explain more of that later, as I am doing my best to relate a more total portrait of who I met the other evening.

I am glad to see Messieurs are reserved about the sentencing; Frédéric isn't exactly as he seems, as you have suspected. At the start of the interrogation, I fully believed Frédéric to have been what others who have estimated about last night's discoveries may have assumed him to be- A vampire out on the offensive, following up with predatory intent upon Bordeaux's perceived confusion or vulnerability after this winter's attacks, she raises an arm to rub her chin thoughtfully, her eyes softly trace around as she recalls the subtleties communicated through past events, I began the interrogation the only way my shaken constitution could allow- Prepared to use force to get answers. This man and his companions, as I'm sure you are aware from descriptions of the church's damage, entered by using a car rigged with explosives. The fireball made upon entrance was terribly destructive, splintering heavy oak pews and crumbling the stone- As I recall the debris hailing down and the strong stench of burning flesh emanating from the wreckage, I am still painfully aware that had it not been for some happenstance changing of our positions within the church to better facilitate Primogen Kersten's conversational comfort, we all would have been well in the way to be taken up by this fiery entrance. That shock and anger at nearly having been crushed and set fire to carried with me to the interrogation. I assumed the worst of this prisoner as I went with Primogen Kersten, and someone named Fred, to begin. When Kersten lit a lamp in the room, a look of recognition crossed his face as he regarded the prisoner, and smiling, he stepped aside and put the charge of questioning into my hands without explanation. This other Fred concerned himself mostly with asking Primogen Kersten whether he knew of his "lost family," and when Kersten, frustrated, could give him no answers save to stop dwelling pitiably on so much death, this Fred was led out. I digress.

She glances between Gosuin and Theo to reassure herself that she still has their attention before continuing on, Suspicions of Kersten having been aware of the identity of the prisoner were confirmed when, upon removing the stake from him, Vonzel spat and began to curse me, and also to curse at Primogen Kersten by name. Kersten, busied with something already, permits himself to laugh at Vonzel's outrage at capture before resuming his work. Frédéric then made what I assume was an attempt at Domination to get me to release him; the impudence demonstrated therein, coupled with innate anger at almost having been leveled at the church entrance by this man, inspired me to answer his command with a ball-peen hammer across the mouth, frowning softly, she shrugs, seemingly disappointed in her hasty actions in retrospect. She takes another breath and continues, Frédéric began spouting information, most of it untrue. I hesitated to inflict more actual physical damage, and so most of the interrogation continued via psychological warfare.

She sighs, As I am sure you can see, she gestures to herself in totality, I could not be a less intimidating creature, and so further efforts in questioning produced only more lies or dodges of exact truth- My bias of fear on having almost been flattened also barred me from being able to properly gather myself and attempt an appeal to trust, and so, my next action was a shameful one, in light of what they yielded- Enraged by his prodding, his non-compliance, and withholding of truths, I sheared Frédéric's nose off. It was then that the Primogen requested his blood. Contained deep within the stone walls of a removed and dark Tremere fortress, I could only comply with Primogen Kersten's request. It was then that Frédéric's head fell, defeated. After returning from giving Kersten his blood, something Vonzel had mentioned began to sink in and congeal in my conscience, her speech seems subtly shaken, tragic; she carries on, calmly, In between dodging straight answers about his affiliation, he asked despairingly over whether affiliation was really decided by choice. Frédéric then alluded to certain principles of the Camarilla- How it is inclusive and representative of all Kindred. I thought he was being cheeky at the time, but returning to see him defeated at his blood being given to the Tremere, I see that was where a great deal of his last hope for living lay. She pinches her fingers to her brow and rubs her eyes, trying to avoid a mental image; blinking, she looks to the Prince and Primogen before her, continuing to relate events despite obvious discomfort or regret, Primogen Kersten left with his blood to some other space in the ex-Chantry, and feeling rather winded, I collapsed into a chair in front of Frédéric. Defeated, he related that he was in fact Sabbat, and told everything he really knew, which, as it turns out, was not much, she frowns again, He and his companions were not making attempts at attacking the territories in the name of the Sabbat, in fact, they had heard the ex-Chantry was always empty that late at night. Their only aim in the territories was breaking in and searching them for the artifact you have no doubt heard of, she glances to Theo and then Gosuin, then relates with some disappointment, for personal gain.

He related that his affiliation is irrelevant, as he did not choose it as he did choose to search for the artifact. He seemed more impassioned with a kind of fatalistic pride to accept death for his failure to recover the item than he was ready to accept his relation to the Sabbat. His defeat was twofold, in feeling his failure for not achieving his aim, and in realizing his death would be accredited to the Sabbat and his voteless relation to that sect. There was no indication he knew what he was after was capable of- In fact, there was no other plan at all, save "Get It," since there was no information he had that could prove formative for following actions. He just knew it was of interest. He didn't even know the Tremere had it elsewhere, all along.

She permits some silence to permeate the air before finishing up, In my fear of almost having been destroyed last night, I broke him. In fear, I struck him. In fear, I scared him. In fear, I removed his willingness to accept anything but death. He's certain that there is no way to save himself from punishment, and confident that there is no reputation in him left after the blood test that he may count on to attempt any such appeal. I regret my actions- As they furthered and failed to produce the monster I suspected him to be, I grew sicker and sicker with myself. I have concerns that Frédéric's own fear, similarly, will inspire him to be destructive, acting only to end his life as soon as he may, so that he no longer feels the pain and tedium of himself under a knife's point. I suspect, totally, that unless there is further investigation outside of Frédéric, asking such a man to defend himself would prove entirely fruitless, negating what such an appeal should represent- The opportunity to argue innocence, in this actual case, his innocence in his actions not being directed by the Sabbat, as some suspect. There is much stacked against Frédéric, including his own despair; postponing the execution in the assumption that if he is innocent, he will think to yield something, anything, of consequence on his own would only serve as a mockery of the gesture's meaning and intent within justice and due process. If we really wanted the whole truth and nothing but, we will realize Frédéric's condition, as it stands, cannot qualify for personal appeal alone. This case needs some investigation. She looks to Gosuin, Examining those files again may help.

She looks to the Elders before her, The possibility that Frédéric could in fact be considered ex-Sabbat, or Sabbat with intentions of switching to our all-kindred-inclusive Camarilla society, could become an asset. As it stands, having to execute Vonzel without proper examination would total only in spent resources; that in damages and to cover up the attack's nature, she looks at Theo, and that to provide for the trial, she glances to Gosuin before lowering her eyes respectfully of him, As I have said before, I am glad Messieurs have their reserves about Frédéric—With time, and with investigation, we may be able to change his stance from Condemned to Cooperative. If evidence gathered in investigating proves he was at nothing more than an attempt to steal, I'm sure his sentencing for transgressing against these Domains can be worked with to provide compensation for the damage and losses of the concerned parties, she looks to Theo again, thoughtfully, I'm sure Kersten doesn't care if Vonzel is executed, and may in fact want it, but you were also trespassed and transgressed against. The nature of this particular transgression is nothing new to you, as others in the past had been nosing around in your territory for the same purported reason. Why should it prove wasteful this time around?

With that, the Toreador is done speaking. She glances between the two Elders before her with a solemn expression, very ready to listen to what they have to say.

Both Elders listen calmly, passive but interested. Each ponder elements they feel relevant, thoughtful, curious. Neither seem shocked at the discourse's content, as if it didn't surprise them, even if a hint of compassion can be seen in their eyes sometimes. The Prince shows himself patient and attentive, and talks once she's over with it. Theodore mutters a few words before him.
(Theodore) Fred ? I thought he was dead.
(Gosuin) I was made aware of Fred's existence yesterday by the Tremere librarian, and Lyle confirmed he indeed survived. He precises for the two neonates before him : Laure and him are out on a census of our forces.

The Prince stands, which makes Theodore take a few steps back, certainly by respect and acknowledgement of his position. Gosuin explains.
(Gosuin) Miss de Boucher, I was never planning on letting him to the whole court. Primogen Kersten already said he didn't need to hear anything else. Only Theodore and I need to hear him before discussing sentences. Just because the Tremere state something doesn't mean I will trust the warlocks' judgement blindly. Primogen Kersten may have his reasons, and while I give him more credit than to a Lasombra, I would rather be too cautious than not enough. I wonder...

The Ventrue shares another look with Theodore, which he addresses by his first name. While Theodore addresses Gosuin by his last name, both Elders address each other in a more familiar manner (they use the "tu" instead of the polite "vous", which both translate as "you" in English ><).
(Gosuin) Isn't it off, somehow ? He glances at Miriel, and reassures her. Not about you.
(Theodore) Hm I kind of guess what you mean. I know you like Kersten, Gosuin, but the Sabbat can't be that stupid. Saint Eloi's notoriously guarded by the Gargoyle, and the Tremere have clearly stated nothing of interest was there. They moved everything here, except for that gargoyle who probably wouldn't find its place between computers and god-knows what else happens there. Either he didn't know they moved, in which case there's no way he expected the church to be empty, or he knew they moved, and attacking the church was just stupid.
(Gosuin) There is that. See, showing mercy and allowing him a place as a Camarilla member is something I could consider. But-
(Theodore) You're not serious, are you ?
(Gosuin) But leading an attack in a Primogen's domain isn't exactly something we can consider as a token of good will. With this, we'll take time to study that file and check with Lambert and Doctor.

Theodore nods, preferring that Frederic wouldn't be granted Camarilla "citizenship", obviously. He wonders and gives a look to both Miri and Duncan, addressing his clanmate in particular but without really excluding Miri of it.
(Theodore) Do you think this occult item was just an excuse ? To keep us busy and divided ?
(Gosuin) That object is just causing trouble and discord in my city.

Duncan listens silently as Gosuin and Theodore discuss the issue. His expression changes at several points during the discourse, as though he wants to say something, but the younger Brujah holds his tongue until Theodore asks him and Miri a question.

From what I've heard, the Lasombra believes what he's said about the artifact; and that the plan to recover it it was solely his decision. That doesn't mean it's true. This Vonzel could have been manipulated into searching for it, either as a distraction like you suggest, or merely to procure it for someone else. By manipulation, I don't just mean Dominated; some Sabbat elder could have arranged for the information to find it's way into his hands, and made him think that he could curry favor with someone if he found the artifact.

However he came to this decision, it sounds like Vonzel thinks he had no other choice but to recover it. If the gargoyle's existence was common knowledge to everyone but the new Kindred, Duncan makes a hand gesture, meant to include both Miri and himself then maybe they thought three Sabbat was enough to handle him... or at least keep him busy while Frédéric looked around the old chantry.

Whether they were really unsure about where the artifact might be located, or whether they just wanted to sow a little chaos to cover their actions, I don't know. But I'll bet their elders wouldn't mind it either way. Even if they were just following a rumor, sacrificing a few freshly-Embraced shovelheads --and one conflicted Lasombra -- to stir up trouble would probably not bother the Sabbat bosses. I'm pretty sure that's what Vonzel's companions were: just fledglings. Maybe the one in the car, too; although he may have been mortal.

With a glance at Mikael, still out in the Deambulatoire, Duncan continues:

If the Tremere do have this artifact, perhaps they can transfer it to another Chantry, and take the heat off of Bordeaux. Or at least put the word out that it's well-guarded. That's between the Prince and his Primogen, of course.

On the subject of sparing Vonzel... he may not want to be saved. His despair might make death seem like the better option. Or, he might regard any attempts at mercy to be proof that the Camarilla is weak, just like the Sabbat claims. Either way, making him want to live might be harder than the decision to trust him, and spare his life. I'd have to talk to him myself to form an opinion, either way.

Miriel listens carefully to the two Elders. She displays a puzzled, but attentive smile when Gosuin interrupts himself to clear up that it is not her story that is off, but the particulars of Vonzel's strategy. She nods in understanding as Theo postulates.

He then poses a question, to which Duncan lists several possibilities and his opinion. Miri observes and then speaks last, precising a little about Rufus, Whether the Gargoyle should have been expected or not, it was late to show up to defend the ex-Chantry. Something I find strange, considering... She glances to Duncan, trying to gauge whether he recalls.

She looks back to Theo and Gosuin, her shoulders rise and fall in a small shrug; she speaks earnestly, I... wouldn't be able to think up further reasoning behind Vonzel's "search" attempts, at least not without finding and searching information leads. There's a lot that argues that Frederic was tricked to cause disruption as you say, and there's a lot that also argues that he made a bold and foolish independent move, as he insists.

When Miri mentions that Rufus was late to help against the Sabbat, Duncan nods and offers a few brief comments, after making sure Gosuin and Theodore aren't about to speak.

At the time, I also wondered why Rufus didn't help sooner. Yet after witnessing a few things later that evening, it's obvious the gargoyle has a certain... connection to St. Eloi. Perhaps he was stunned for a few moments by the explosion, and the damage it caused to the church. Or he might have been injured himself in some way. When Kersten scolded him for being late, Rufus seemed to feel rather chastised.

Given all of that, I don't hold the gargoyle's late appearance against him. He did his part, taking out that last Sabbat.

Both Elders seem curious about the Brujah and the Toreador's reactions. Gosuin himself nods and confirms.
(Gosuin) I thought about manipulation too, be it supernatural or not isn't relevant at this point. I discussed the issue about this object with Kersten just earlier, and Mikael Horsman here gave us a few details as well.

The Prince hides in his tone of voice the double language about the occult artifact, but his body language he shows to both neonate doesn't let any doubt ; he doubts the Tremere have it. Theodore adds.
(Theodore) I could care less, if they'd asked gently and had respected my Domain, I would have let them do their researches back then. That old bitch had it coming.
(Gosuin) Concerning the Gargoyle, I'm curious about meeting it. The few non-Tremere who tried were usually chased out or killed for breaking into a chantry. If the opportunity presents itself, I'll welcome it into my city properly, it's about time... even if the thing is older than me. If you cross its path again, tell them they should stop by.
(Theodore) I've heard and seen a little about Rufus, that seems to surprise Gosuin, who allows a slight quiet "oh?" towards the Brujah Primogen, I'd guess it's a ritual thing. Maybe he's a little slow, but it seems the guy's a tough one.

Theodore shrugs, showing he's not that much into the occult and the Tremere ways either. He does seem to respect the fact that he may be a good fighter, at least as far as he knows.
(Gosuin) As far as the Lasombra is concerned, the Council will take the decision after I've talked to him. If there's something which may be of some use, we'll take it into consideration. For what you tell me, it seems like he had no choice.. Again, be it supernatural or not.

The Brujah sets his eyes on Miriel, then on Duncan, speaking a little deeper, lower, and making sure it's clear that everyone notices that he is weighting every word he speaks.
(Theodore) I advise you, even if you seem resourceful and you must probably know this already, to learn from this. Our brains have not changed much, our mere existence has only transcended to a state we can't possibly fully understand. But we were humans, and we are at risk of being used and manipulated against our wishes. Be careful not to be lead into the kind of situation this guy has been led into.
(Gosuin) Theodore is right. Now that this is done, you had something in mind, didn't you ?
(Theodore) Yes ! See, Mike told me about something Walter told him just before the other attacks, the ones we had in December. Mike investigated it a little and that's why I asked Franz to have a look ; it seems someone in the army's armories has been sneaking out certain weapons. I found a few in tonight's attacks, at least those in my domain. Either way Franz told me he found a few bodies (actually that will help us cover up that shit in the news). Here's the catch, those places used to belong to Gosuin until Adrien (I can't pronounce his last name) came and held a very aggressive buy out-
(Gosuin) He allied himself with that.. shameless Joseph Gilon and his wretched ghoul De Fonscolombe. Obviously the reminder seems to annoy the Prince, and Theodore openly ignores the mutter.
(Theodore) And now those places belong to the Giovanni, or at least what's left of them. You'd like to go and ask Catherina 'bout if she has a proper 'security service' ?

He's asking openly, but he is not demanding it at all.

When Theodore asks about talking to Catherina, Duncan shrugs.

I can talk to her. My guess is that her security can't be that great, or she wouldn't come hide in Elysium to avoid the Setites. Just so that I understand you: Are you wondering if she made a deal to let the Sabbat take weapons out of the armories? Or merely whether her security is up to the task of keeping the weapons safe?

Duncan thinks a second, and turns to Miriel. Is she going to that female Kindred power meeting? If so, maybe you would have better luck finding her, and asking her this stuff.

A soft smile settles on Miriel's lips while Duncan supposes whether the Gargoyle was late for good reason. She simply shrugs, smiling and adding with nonchalance, He seemed like a real mover to me when he melted through the floor to answer yours and Carrion's visit.

She drops the subject until Gosuin mentions having an interest in welcoming Rufus personally, should one of them see it again; she gives a small bow in acknowledgement, I'll be sure to pass it on. The Brujah Primogen's opinion of the gargoyle inspires a more genuine smile from Miriel- It's cute, this "tough guy" brand of respect.

Gosuin and then Theo address she and Duncan about Frederic's potential manipulation. She listens to one and then the other intently, and without her usual smile. Theo's words are considered carefully.

He changes the subject with Gosuin's help. Tilting her head slightly, she trains her ear on Theo, to be sure he is heard correctly. She hears a fragment of a name that sounds familiar, Adrien? As in Adriano Guicciardini? Body language shows she is familiar with the name, or has met such a person, but nothing more. Theo's point materializes, and he wonders whether the two young kindred would like to check up on Catherina.

Duncan is the first to offer his help, but not without wanting more details about the nature of their future visit. He tries to precise Catherina's position by recalling the feminist's club's meeting with Miriel; she tilts her head, thoughtful, Not sure if she'll be there per se, but I was supposed to meet Suzanne, who is a contact of hers, at this meeting- Which has already started, according to recollections from Paul. Miriel will assume Theo knows who she refers to as Paul and help shed some light on where the meeting actually may be.

Theodore ponders and wonders about Duncan's words. He gives a look to Gosuin, hoping he'd answer. He does so with spitefulness.
(Gosuin) Yes that rat.. Guicciardini. He bought it all back, all those companies, when the Giovanni left, leaving only their ghoul to watch over their main influences (some prostitution and certain crimes, but those I've been able to limit out and the Setites are quite territorial about those). I can't prove anything, but I'm certain the Toreador didn't give "a better offer" as I was told. They couldn't keep it with my aggressive takeovers, so they gave it away to an ally instead.
(Theodore) I wouldn't be surprised if Catherina had some spare keys anyway. But to be honest Duncan, I'm not sure if it's voluntary or not. I don't see her working with the Sabbat but I admit I suck at reading people.
(Gosuin) She wouldn't work with the Sabbat. It would give me a very good reason to call a blood hunt on her and she knows the mere faux-pas will be fatal... She's been perfect for the past forthy years, and there's no way she'd outsmart us and risk her life for her clan's interests.

The Brujah nods in agreement and gives back a look to the Neonates. He can't help an amused smile when Miriel speaks of the meeting as if it was a true meeting, with formality.
(Theodore) It's true the feminist club, or what's left of it, could be of some use. I don't think Suzanne's meetings are what you'd consider a meeting, but don't worry about being late or early. She should be with Victoire in front of the Judaique Pool, on the Judaique street. Can't miss it. I'll call her telling you're on your way (without telling her why exactly, you guys handle that.
(Gosuin) If you find proof she's involved somehow, let me know. Anything that can be of use to get me rid of either her or that rat will make my night. And yours.

The Ventrue surely wants to get rid of Catherina and Adriano, for similiar reasons, but Theodore disapproves of the method. Somehow, Gosuin doesn't seem to imply they have to find proof, but if they do, it will be used. The Ventrue keeps his priorities and responsibilities in check, this is why he hasn't taken direct action against neither of them on a whim... Or so it seems.

Duncan:

Miriel's eyes shift softly from elder to elder as they speak, she raises a brow as she hears more about Adriano and his connection to the armory and Catherina. The fingers of her right hand drum idly, her palm resting on her abdomen as she ponders.

It is Theo's smile at mention of the "meeting" that draws a reflexive smirk back onto Miriel's features. She smiles larger in appreciation to Theo's help, though also embarrassedly, learning she needn't feel so pressed to be on time, as the club is more informal in nature than previously thought. She speaks a soft, genuine, Thank you, when he says he will make the call.

She looks back to Gosuin as he speaks last, nodding again in understanding, I shall see what I can find out for you. She thinks for a moment, and touches her palm to the back of her neck before speaking again, hesitantly, earnestly, And if you also need help following leads to turn up more information pertaining Frederic, the prisoner- Let me know. Helping to find out anything, whether it proves he is a victim or not, would help bring me some closure. It's evident that she's still affected by events during the questioning that night, but she leaves it at that.

Duncan listens as Miriel talks about the meeting; and as she offers to help investigate Vonzel's case, Duncan gives Miri an odd look, yet stays silent. Only after she is done talking does he say anything more.

Miri, Auspex 2:

I doubt I would be welcome in the Ladies' Club, so I think you're on your own there. That's okay; I have a few things to do anyway. The young Brujah looks back at the two elder Kindred and asks: Is there anything else you gentlemen wanted to know?

Gosuin's body language and glance for away that while he did listen to Miri's inquiry, he's pondering whether he'll accept it or not. He says a small and classical "I will think about it" to dismiss the subject. He shares a look with Theodore when asked if there was anything else, before giving back a look to Duncan.
(Gosuin) None that I can think of. We will make sure to contact you if there is something else. Thank you for your help. You may both leave.

Once they are back into the Deambulatoire, a slight strange movement of reflections is noticeable by both Neontes in one of the golden-colored frames of the windows as well as on the actual glass. Mikael just stepped on the balconies as he seems to enjoy the sight, and didn't see it. It's like if someone ran in front of the window and the lights reflected, but there is no one in the room and it cannot be done by neither Miri nor Duncan because they are too far away to reflect there. A strong uneasiness is to be felt in the room.

Miri nods affirmatively, seriously, despite Gosuin's canned answer. Duncan sizes up plans; they guess they part ways here. When they are dismissed, Miriel blinks softly where she stands, still smirking from Duncan's comment about the Ladies' Club and his lack of "qualifications" to be permitted. She follows him out into the Deambulatoire after he leaves the Prince's chamber.

Her eyes flash to follow the reflection that bolted past the window. She steps forward and then beside Duncan, Catch that? Her voice is low and barely audible, seemingly to not attract the attention of the Elders they just left. Her eyes trace the room.

Story teller:

As Duncan walks out into the Deambulatoire and looks around, he sighs, and almost seems to be daydreaming. Yet when Miriel steps up to join him, and asks her question, he answers in the same low voice, although his tone almost seems bored.

Yes. I'll wait for you by the door. Do what you have to, and let me know.

Auspex 2:

Duncan walks over to the doorway, and he turns around to face the room. The Brujah stands patiently in the entryway, right hand idly clasping his left wrist in front of him. With a sigh, he looks at Miri, waiting.

Storyteller:

Miriel doesn't blink as her eyes begin to screen around the room. She tenses, fixating on something directly in front of her before her eyes widen with alarm and she looks toward Duncan. She signs something frantically and tries to warn in her hushed tone, Duncan, watch- but because she can't sign well, or perhaps it was just too late, whatever she was looking at darts fully in Duncan's direction, passing through.

She mobilizes immediately, running up to the Brujah's position. She puts a hand on his shoulder and grasps softly, concerned, asking aside, You okay? She glances past him, still trying to discern whether she can track it, but makes checking up on Duncan her priority.

As Miri tries to give her warning, something obviously affects Duncan... judging by the wary look on his face, it doesn't seem to take him totally by surprise. Yet he suddenly flashes his fangs in a snarl, hands curled into fists, as he tries to shake off whatever just happened. He turns quickly and faces the stairs, as though someone was there, although nothing is readily apparent.

Duncan turns to Miri as she runs up. His fangs are under control, but he is still angry at something. He speaks to Miriel in a low tone.

I'm fine. That was our target, I assume? Without waiting for an answer, he turns again to look at the stairs.