El Bodegon

Claudia seems surprised Carrion even asks about why one shouldn't ask the Tremere Regent.
(Claudia) It's not like any Regent is fond of helping kindred, but if he does so, having to owe him anything is a burden a neonate can't possibly cope with. The sword of Damocles, if you will.
(Theodore) Actually asking Lyle something isn't that scary. It's like you guys, or the Setites to a lesser extend. The favor'll come back and whenever it does, you be sure the payback will cost you.
(Claudia) Hm hm...

The Tremere confirms Theo's view on it. She gives another look to her phone when it bips to warn for a text. She doesn't respond to it.
(Theodore) Maybe he'll forget you even asked or he'll forget he gave you a favor. Who knows, maybe it's true he's drunk !

The Brujah obviously doesn't believe a word of what he says. Claudia can't help a slight chuckle.

Carrion's fingers drum rhythmically against the wall as she listens to Claudia.

What is it with the Tremere and their inability to speak plainly? I swear every one of you don't just beat about the bush, you thrash it.

She quirks an eyebrow at Theo when he comments, then shrugs slightly as she speaks.

Nothing in life is ever free, and I also believe he remembers everything and knows damn well what he's doing. He just likes the gossiping it causes.

Claudia can't help a shrug about the Tremere's way of telling things. She obviously thinks she was quite clear, but it doesn't matter to her. She keeps silent about her sire. Theodore chuckles as he agrees with both statements.
(Theodore) Yeah who knows ! I do think it's all an act to fuck with us and to make neonates laugh, but sometimes I kinda fall for it. Either way I don't hate the guy, but like with the Malkavian, who knows what a Tremere Regent has in their mind. After all they only were one discipline apart, and they do tend to embrace the same kind of people.
(Claudia) You can't possibly compare a Malkavian to a Tremere ! She sounds shocked, but she's not angry, after all, it's known that she was to be embraced Malkavian. I mean, the Malkavian are insane. The Tremere are just power-hungry scumbags. Who have a bigger problem with blood, but we're vampires all the same...

Carrion just shrugs.

Well, anyway, I have to run, the night isn't getting any younger and I'm sure you two want some alone time...

She stays just long enough for them to say goodbye and ask her for something before making her way out back onto the street again and to her scooter.

The Gargoyle can distinctively understand and take into account what is happening in the room where he met Theodore earlier (and that may because one of the windows are open, but also because the isolation of the roof was never that good). It's clear to him that Claudia is already inside, after all, she went there directly from the Arcade, and she is having quite a discussion with the Brujah Primogen. They seem to be alone, and since they believe they are, they're being quite blunt with each other.
(Claudia) I still want to know who the hell gave you that, and why do you even care ? You do know I'm Tremere, this is irrelevant.
(Theodore) Oh don't bullshit me, being Tremere doesn't deprive you of the rest. And I won't tell, I gotta keep my word on this, and I want an explanation.
(Claudia) I can't ! There's nothing to explain. The clan didn't even know.
(Theodore) Then how did you not tell them ? It was your fucking family, your own people !
(Claudia) I just can't !

She sounds desperate, cornered, and even hurt, and he doesn't seem to understand why she is silent about whatever they are speaking about. He's quite insisting.

Rufus overhears the debate down below, and were anyone to see him, seems quite irritable about it. After a few moments, the Gargoyle growls softly, then uses his blood to merge within the scant stone of the building and emerges into the room containing Claudia and Theo. The Gargoyle says nothing, but goes to stand at Claudia's side. He does not puff himself up or do anything even remotely threatening - his mere presence is enough for the intended menace. Rufus even manages a false smile to the Brujah Primogen.

"Good evening, Claudia. May I be of assistance?"

Claudia can't help a genuine, pleased joyful smile when she sees Rufus appear, and accepts him as a savior. She gets closer to him and takes a hold of his arm, as if she wanted to hide behind, as if she was searching some comfort from Rufus. When he notices the Gargoyle merging out of the stone of the building, Theodore steps back, folding the paper he was showing the Tremere, acknowledging he was maybe a little too close to the Tremere ancillae. He doesn't insist, as he puts back into his jacket's pocket the paper.
(Claudia) Rufus! No, thank you... I'm fine.

Her voice is a little broken down, distant. She's not fine but she's containing it, and seemingly, blaming herself. The Brujah huffs and crosses his arms. He speaks with a certain openness and honesty, but also some frustration and hasted passion.
(Theodore) I won't touch the sorceress, Gargoyle. You and your secrets and lies, pfeuh.

It's clear the Brujah is biting his tongue not to argue with the Gargoyle about something, to name a problem, but somehow, he's displaying a certain compassion.

Claudia signs Rufus to sit, by pulling down his arm a little, enough so she can get under it and snuggle giants the gargoyle for safety. Theodore watches with a certain interest as she does so, curious and intrigued.
(Claudia) I'll explain another night. For now please keep it silent.. And you too Rufus, I don't want the Regent to find out about any of this. So unless he asks.. Don't tell him, please ?
(Theodore) Nah I won't say anything to your sire but I want answers. As long as I have your word.
(Claudia) I promise I'll explain.

She's not sure exactly how long and how much Rufus has gathered, so Claudia is playing it safe and assumes he knows it all. The Brujah is obviously doubtful yet he seems to be gallant enough, her word being enough of a token of trust to him. They are clearly choosing their wording carefully now, as if the gargoyle's presence made them nervous of what could or could not be find out by Lyle (or by the Tremere clan in general). A thoutgh that freezes Claudia's blood, as keeping secrets and asking Rufus to silence them from the clan could be treachery.

"As you wish, Claudia."

Rufus sits with her as she seems to wish and focuses on Theo.

The Tremere doesn't really wait nor ask permission, once the Gargoyle has sat (or crouched), she climbs up, turns, taps her large shirt and puts it back on her shoulders correctly, and sits on Rufus' leg, to be able to rest against him. She leans the head on his shoulder and closes her eyes. Theodore smiles, almost endeared by the scene in front of him. He leans on the desk, arms crossed, observant.
(Theodore) I wonder where your loyalty goes, Rufus. To her, to your former master, or to the new Regent. After all, if we have to work together about this so-called object gone missing in my territory, I gotta know all 'bout it.

Claudia opens her eyes and chuckles when the question is asked, obviously not believing the Gargoyle could be loyal to anyone else. But she doesn't say a word, letting him answer to the Primogen.

The tram arrives at Place de la Victoire after a fairly short trip, and Duncan steps out onto the sidewalk along with everyone else disembarking here. He looks at his fellow Kindred and points across the plaza to El Bodegon.

Well, I guess Rufus made it there unnoticed, since I don't see a crowd running in fear.

Chuckling, Duncan starts walking toward the bar, assuming everyone will follow. The Brujah positions himself beside Miriel, and makes no attempt to conceal a smile as he speaks to her in a casual & playful tone.

You know, there are at least three or four places within a block of here where one can buy a pay-as-you-go cell phone. Of course, they're all closed by now. I'm certain you could get a pink one, or one with sparkles and a cute kitty on it, since I'm sure that's more important than any features the phone might have.

Arriving at the Place de la Victoire, Estela leaves the tram and stretches before giving her surroundings a lookover. When Duncan points, she follows his outstretched digit to El Bodegon, his remark drawing a slight chuckle out of her. “Perhaps the crowd has already run far away from here, and we just missed it?” The sound of her voice suggests that she doesn't really mean this.
Again, she follows the Brujah, walking a bit behind him and Miriel.

William ignored Duncans joke about Rufus not being so keen to come and assist him. He suspected Rufus had already gone in full detail with the Brujah over the fact that he didn't like William much. Once arrived, the neonate steps out of the tram and corrects his attire, he looked around to make sure they had no prying ears and looked at Duncan.

"Mortals don't spot Tremere Gargoyles without it being the last thing they see, unless there is a Tremere nearby to correct their memory. They were created to fight much bigger creatures then some random pedestrian who happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time."

He followed the Brujah's lead as they traversed down the street towards the cafe, as he was close behind, he walk walking next to Estela and was listening to the joke Duncan made about the Toreador's lack of cellphone, he looked at his own device's screen.

Storyteller:

William looks at his phone right before they enter the bar.
"We got like... 4-5 hours left of night, should be do-able."
He said to no one in particular, as he entered, he studied the room and it's occupants, lingering for a moment on the barkeeper as he noticed him studying their entrance. Going with the flow, he followed the group to the back and up to the stairs to the more private area.

William has no comment about Duncan's tardy gargoyle joke, so Miri says nothing, offering the Brujah an amused and knowing look instead.

They arrive, and Duncan is cracking wise again. Miriel smiles, chuckling at the exchange, especially to Estela's suggestion about having simply missed the chaos.

It isn't until the phone issue comes up again that she makes her own wise remark, adding affirmatively, Oh, you know how I am about pussies. She looks, tongue-in-cheek, over at Duncan. When they catch each other's glance, she crinkles her nose playfully to him, though never actually comments about getting a phone. She follows Duncan when Paul signals their admittance upstairs.

Duncan just shakes his head at Miri's comeback, as the group of Kindred enters El Bodegon. He nods a 'Thank you' back at Paul as the bartender unlocks the door for them. The Brujah then leads everyone upstairs, to the main lounge area.

As Duncan enters the room and sees Theodore Jacob, he gives the elder Brujah a deferential nod of the head. The neonate then looks at Rufus and Claudia, the Gargoyle standing in what seems to be a protective pose and the Tremere leaning tenderly against his shoulder. Duncan says nothing though; he merely raises an inquisitive eyebrow and looks back at Theodore.

Since there does not appear to be any conversation at the moment (or it stopped when they entered), Duncan takes advantage of the silence.

Hello everyone. Excuse us if we're interrupting anything. Theodore Jacob, allow me to introduce William Wolvenheart, of the Tremere clan. I believe you already know Mlle. Aguilar, from her presentation the other night. And Mlle. De Boucher, of course, needs no introduction. Duncan gives a slight bow in Miri's direction, and a flourish of his hand toward the Toreador.

So, now that that's out of the way, what's up?

Theodore observes when the younger kindred enter, and smiles at Duncan. Claudia raises a little but doesn't move from her position, giving them a smile as they enter. She seems surprised to see Estela, and shows she's quite embarrassed. Keen eyes will soon notice that the Tremere isn't wearing make up. They can easily notice the marks on the back of her neck, as well as on the visible parts of her chest, her shirt being too big for her. Of course in comparison to the Gargoyle, she looks so thin and small.
(Theodore) Not interrupting anything, don't worry, we were waiting for you anyway. The Brujah waves off the apologies and smiles openly, making a point that it's fine. So you're William. Very well ; Yes I remember you ; miss Aguilar.. Estela right ? Miriel, good seeing you again. Now it's obvious he's being vaguely polite about introductions, maybe an old custom of his, dating back to where it was far less acceptable.You guys all know Claudia I guess ? And that's Rufus. What's up ? Frankly not much more. Carrion's out to the journal to have an eye out of the recent activities, who knows what she'll find out, but frankly, kine and this shit don't seem related.

He obviously isn't naming the subject why they came in to begin with, as a precaution ; He doesn't know Estela and Miriel are aware of the situation. The Tremere raises a little, curious about the words spoken, she nods to confirm most of the information given, as well as Estela's identity to Theodore. She gives a look to William in particular, and passes on a message she believes he'll understand.
(Claudia) We talked a little..

In the same manner as the Brujah did, Claudia doesn't speak about the subject ; she's not sure if Duncan was informed, she's not sure how much information he has if he was, and she obviously didn't expect anyone else but him and William.
She pushes herself away from Rufus to approach them, putting her hair behind her ears, and holds a hand towards Estela.
(Claudia) I think we need to talk.

perception + empathy/subterfuge >4:

auspex 2:

William looks around, noticing Claudia being cuddled by Rufus as usual, he rolled his eyes. As he had already met the girl, he ignored her and her pet teddybear for a moment to study more pressing interests. He took in the so called Brujah Primogen and studied his appearance. He gave a polite bow of his head at Theodore's greeting, and a swift nod at Claudia's message. He coughed once Claudia finished her request, taking the attention away from the 2 female kindred to give them some privacy should they prefer to talk on the other side of the room instead of taking it outside.

"Yes, it's a pleasure to meet you, Primogen. I presume you've already pieced a lot together through Duncan and Claudia. We're looking for the final Artifact which is hidden in your domain before the Sabbat get their little paws on it and do more harm then good. T'is the same piece which has gave you quite the little history I hear with a Tremere called Vranken I believe, now I'm not the oldest among my kind by far, but I do know how the world works outside the safe confines of a laboratoy, and thus hereby I'd like to request your permission to pass into your lands and retrieve and disarm said piece before it harms us one way or the other either through the Sabbat, or a poor fellow who happened to find it by accident."

Auspex 2:

Miriel wears a cordial smile while Duncan begins his introductions, but begins to cringe with anticipation at something as he arrives at her name , smirking awkwardly just as he gestures to her. She hides this as graciously as she can, but the curtsey that follows the Brujah's flourish is obviously done in jest, in contrast to her informal attire and personality.

She nods in greeting to Theo, and watches Claudia and Estela as they separate. She seems rather preoccupied, up until William begins debriefing about the artifact, which causes her to tear her attention away to give him a startled look, Kersten lied!?

She waits for significant pause or reaction before waving nonchalantly, lighting a cigarette, Kidding. Carry on.

Miriel's curtsey shows that she takes Duncan's teasing with good humor, but the Brujah grows more serious after that, as if he embarrassed her more than intended and is trying to make up for it.

Duncan also takes note when both Theodore and Claudia avoid talking about the search for the artifact, uncertain of who is in on the secret. Yet he says nothing immediately, since it becomes a moot point after William's speech. The Tremere neonate makes no attempt to dance around the topic.

After Miriel feigns surprise at the Tremere Regent's earlier misinformation, Duncan smiles.

Yeah, real shocker, huh? Although, since the truth came out fairly quickly, I guess maybe Kersten just considered the information 'need to know' only-- and he didn't think we needed to know, at first. Not flattering, but no real surprise, either

Duncan then turns to address Theo.
I told Rufus and William what you said about 'magical shit taking priority'. William said Estela would be joining us, and I think he assumed that Miri would join us too, since I said she was in on the questioning of that Lasombra. So we all pretty much know what's going on, except for a few details maybe.

The Brujah neonate glances over at Claudia and Estela, and adds: However, maybe Estela has other plans now. We'll see.

Estela gives a small, almost reminiscent smile as they enter the bar, her eyes going over some of the tables that still have discussing students, and the bar itself. Her expression falls a little when they move up to the second floor. The young Kindred lets out a small sigh and head-shake, though her expression soon returns to somewhere between neutral and curious.

streetwise > 1:

Once they are in the second floor room, Estela returns the smile send their way by Theodore, nodding in confirmation to show he remembered her name correctly, before curiously turning her attention to the seated gargoyle, inevitably noticing Claudia as well. She looks away from the female Tremere after a moment, finding her shoes a lot more interesting for several seconds.

Auspex 2/perception+empathy>4:

When the reason for their arriving comes up, she looks up again. She listens how both Theodore and Claudia try to skirt around the issue, a little puzzled by it. William's contradicting frankness makes her grin, amused.

Claudia's approach to her makes the young Kindred shift her weight on her feet, not entirely at ease with the Tremere though it's not out of any type of fear. She looks at the outstretched hand instead of meeting her friend's gaze. Her own remain in her pockets for the moment. She doesn't answer immediately, the silence an awkward one. “About what?”

perception+subterfuge>4:

auspex 4: