El Bodegon

After a few minutes Duncan drives up on his motorcycle and glances around the plaza, searching for anything out of the ordinary.  He parks in the nearest bike and scooter parking area, where Fred and Nyx left their vehicles.  As he turns off the engine and dismounts, the young Brujah waves a casual greeting to those seated in front of the café.  Duncan looks at his companions as he straps his helmet to the seat.

Have you asked them whether it's okay if we go upstairs?  He shakes his head, and adds:  You guys aren't much for mingling, are you?  Ah, well.  I've met some of them, except for the guy across from Chriss and Marc Gillard.  We can go over and talk to them, if you want.

The Tremere looks at Duncan, and responded with a matter of fact tone, albeit slightly laughing. "I make of it no secret, that I share no interest in social dillydally beyond my Chantry, my clan and this coterie. With the exception of a little hint of mischief every now and then with those susceptible." He gave a smile, "Of course if you wish to approach them, I wouldn't stop you and, I would mingle and act my part to be friendly and keep relations from going sour. Although Nyx and Fred weren't exactly jumping at the opportunity to invite themselves to the rendez-vous, so we just kept waiting for you."

Nyx was almost done with the cigarette when Duncan turned up, she had been watching the group but hadn't made any move towards them. She turned to see Duncan when he arrived taking one last inhalation before discarding the low burning rollie.

I haven't met them before.

She shrugged her shoulders and coiled the long scarf around herself some more so it wouldn't get in the way.

Duncan listens to William and Nyx, and shrugs.

In that case, let's go over and talk to them.  It's always good to meet new Kindred, even if you're not a Toreador.  If the place is closed for the night, we can always sit out here and wait, or go somewhere else.  Although I'll warn you, my haven barely has enough seating for four.  One old sofa and a kitchen chair.

After checking for late night traffic, the neonate starts across the street waving for the group to follow.

Ah, the man between Mister Chriss and Mark is called "Karl Nassau", he is the domitor of Laurent de Fonscolombe who owns the Fabrik club down near the harbour.

If we require a haven to reside in, I'd be delighted to share mine, a bit messy though it is.
Fred follows Duncan and Nyx when they start walking towards the group.

"I never understood the need for this Domitor term, it sound like a bad S&M steal, in Dutch we just call them owner or master of said ghoul. Or do they require their own politically correct name these days as well?"
William stated as he followed Duncan with soft taps as his cane touched the concrete and stood closely behind him as they reached the table.

Duncan responds to Fred's information with an interested  Hm.  But otherwise he makes no comment.  He crosses the street with the rest of the group in tow, although he stops a few feet away from the table with Suzanne and the rest.

Hello.  I'm sorry if we're disturbing you, but we came here to wait a while and discuss a few matters upstairs; yet I see the place appears dark.  Is the place closed?  The latter question seems to be directed at Suzanne, whom Duncan knows works here occasionally.

(Suzanne) On some Sundays yeah.

The Brujah just shrugs.
(Suzanne) I think it's part of the vigipirate plan, some decree doesn't allow it to open.. Nor about anything else that involves alcohol and Tweens I guess !

She meets Karl's curious gaze an instant, then she shrugs.
(Suzanne) oh yeah right. Karl, this is Duncan, he's the guy we had mentioned... But these other two I dunno. And Fred, well you know already, right ?
(Karl) Hello. Karl Nassau.

Nassau stands and offers his hand to Duncan to shake without pondering much about it. He's not thrilled but it's mostly because he looks a bit bored.
(Karl) And you guys ?

Chriss just nods hello without much more etiquette, but he is welcoming enough and shows curiosity to Nyx and William, waiting for them to present themselves or say something. The Gangrel did offer a wide grin to Fred and Duncan. Mark doesn't seem to show any interest whatsoever, he seems to be in a stand by mode.

Fred nods a little and gives a small smile upon being greeted.
Good evening.

OCC:

William smiles, "I'm William, and the lady hovering behind us," pointing with his thumb over his shoulder to Nyx, "is Nyx. Pleasure to make your acquaintance."

When  Suzanne mentions the Vigipirate plan as the reason the café is closed, Duncan shakes his head.
Ah yes, let's try to convince people we're in control by over-regulating areas that aren't even related--  Duncan bites off the rant and shakes his head again.  Never mind.  Makes as much sense as the damned 'Patriot Act' the Americans have.

Duncan shakes Karl's hand when he offers it.  Nice to meet you M. Nassau.  I've heard of you.  Always good to meet a relative.  The younger Brujah gives a slight wink at that, but doesn't mention what relation he's talking about... perhaps the clan connection.

Duncan also nods a greeting to Chriss and Marc, and continues speaking
We decided to find somewhere more peaceful than the Grand Theatre.  Between a visit from one of the local Lupines, and a badly-planned assassination attempt, it's a little hard to concentrate.

For most French people, a Dutch or Flemish speaking French sound exactly like "a foreigner speaking French" (well, they do notice Latin accents _Spanish, Portuguese and Italian_, but saxon and germanic languages are all the same). So they may think William is German, Dutch, Swiss, Polish, Danish or even further up north.

Chriss raises an eyebrow, seemingly interested.
(Chriss) Lupines ?

Karl nods at the greeting, and sits back. He can't help a smirk when the young Brujah mentions "relatives", but whether he took it more personal than just being of the same clan is unknown. Suzanne makes a vague head movement, inviting the four others to grab a chair and sit as well.
(Karl) A regular Elysium night it seems, he comments on lupines and assassination attempts, jaded. He gives a glance at Duncan then at Nyx and William as he says the next few words. I know you were, but were you both presented in Elysium ?
(Suzanne) Vigipirate is a great way to control domain on the mortal size, I guess- Wait, Lupines ?

It seems the female Calamity finally connected dots and shows a good amount of curiosity.
Marc vaguely nods, looking around. He mutters a few words.
(Marc) If Gosuin had any balls holding his stuff, this shit wouldn't happen and mortals would behave.

Duncan waits until the elder Kindred finish speaking before his response, to avoid interrupting anyone.  He smiles at Nassau's remark about a 'regular night in Elysium', and grins as Suzanne realizes mid-sentence that he'd mentioned Lupines.  He doesn't appear to notice her gesture to have a seat, however; he remains standing.

Duncan seems unsure about how to reply to Marc's muttered comment concerning Gosuin; and Nassau's question was aimed at William and Nyx.  So he answers Chriss' question first.

An old Lupine named 'Winemaker' delivered a bag of Kindred bones to the Theatre.  We happened to be inside near the door when he entered, so I had the dubious honor of escorting him upstairs, while someone else ran ahead and warned the Prince. From his filthy clothes, I initially thought he was some newly-Embraced shovelhead, sent to cause a scene.  The I noticed he was actually breathing.

It seems that some redhead-- most likely a new Toreador named Raekel, from the description -- trespassed in their domain, and ignored his warning to leave.  He also said he tried to find Chriss, but couldn't.  So he brought the bones to the Theatre.  He had some other business too; something about a missing Lupine named Nicole Lemoine.  Another old one, like him, not attached to any pack.  He says they can't find her in her usual haunts, so they said if we can find her he'll owe us a favor.

Nyx remained silent and at the back of the group, she inclined her head slightly in greeting but that was the extent of her communication. She seemed to observe everyone's movements and words with muted interest.

Karl's question seemed to jarr her back to the present, her bloodshot eyes darted back to give him her full attention. She seemed to be inspecting him for a moment and waiting for Duncan to finish talking before she responded verbally.

No of course not, I walk around in the city hoping Lambert decides to take my head off my shoulders for not seeking hospitality or trespassing on Domains. Or ya know, being booted out of my home.

Her expression was deadpan but her tone was laced with sarcasm. Then a smile pulled at her lips as she shrugged obviously not taking any kind of offense or dislike to the question.

Chriss' reaction is quick.
(Chriss) Oh, shit! Really? Vigneron, damn it man!

He mutters a few more rude words as he stands.
(Chriss) Was too busy with the goddamn Setites, no wonder he couldn't find me. I'll go and have a word with him, we probably don't need the Garou Nation as enemies right now. I'll see what he'll tell me about this Nicole girl.

He shakes hands with Karl and Suzanne, then with Marc (who seemed more reluctant). He goes on to offer his hand to Duncan, Fred, William and Nyx (in that order) without distinction or seeming reluctant. Once they've all shaken (or refused), he waves good bye, words out a "Seeya!", and leaves in haste, putting his bag across the shoulder so he could move faster. He leaves towards the main street leading towards the north-east ; to the docks.

The three kindred left observed the scene with interest, connecting it to the words spoken by Duncan. Karl seems the most interested about it, smiling and thoughtful. He first addresses Nyx with an apologetic tone. 
(Karl) Alright, stupid question... Maybe I should get a little more involved in the society's affairs... If a lupine is asking us for help, then we surely must be helpful, right ?

Suzanne lets out a sigh.
(Suzanne) You guys don't want to sit? And who's so dumb? I mean, who the hell tried some bad assassination attempt, and against who? Gosuin?
(Marc) Who cares, they're dead I bet.
(Karl) Was it really an attempt?

Duncan:

wits + alertness >4:

Nyx was in the process of extracting her phone from her pocket when Chriss got to her, swapping the phone to the other hand she shook it but it was obviously an unfamiliar gesture for her.

She watched as he left, then looked at the screen of her phone for any messages, again Karl dragged her attention back to the present.

...No need to be apologetic...

With what she wanted to say said she turned her attention to her surroundings for a moment, observing, though for what wasn't immediately obvious.

Suzanne's offer to sit was politely declined with a head shake as she found a comfortable spot to lean against a wall but still be able to get a view of what was going on around her.

"Sadly, for me anyway,The current acting Regent of the Chantry won't be presenting me to the Prince during a nice execution party tomorrow evening."
William said with an annoyed sigh, although his Coterie members could notice it was a mock one.

Once he was offered a hand, he polity shook it while giving a small laugh about Nyx's comment. Once asked about a seat, he took one at a respectable distance.
"I was told the assassination attempt was done by a ghoul with a knife. Either a despiration attempt, poorly planned and misinformed or it was to send a message. The Ghoul could have been manipulated."

Fred shakes Chriss' hand when the latter prepares to leave.
He is still standing, letting his actions speak for his declination to sit.
Travel safely.

Ah, about the theatre I saw miss Vanderstree's car by the back entrance, but I could not get a very good look before it drove off.
If I may offer my own opinion; I do not believe her to be responsible as it would surely be too unwise a move from someone of her intelligence.

Duncan shakes Chriss' hand when it's offered; he raises an eyebrow at the Gangrel's sudden departure, but doesn't say anything.

The Brujah neonate also seems a bit surprised by Fred's revelation about the car; but he nods in agreement with Fred's opinion.

Hadn't heard that part.  I ran inside when I heard gunshots; but it was only Gosuin and Celine taking out Alicia's ghoul.  Even Gosuin commented on how the attempt on his life 'excelled at failure.'  If it was meant to send a message, that message would be, "I tried to kill you; come kill me."  I doubt anyone that stupid would rise to the position of harpy.

Duncan looks at Marc as he adds:
As to whether it should have succeeded... I'll just say that I don't like tearing something down unless I have something better to replace it.  In this case, I don't.  I saw a lot of Brujah in Paris who were eager to kick out Villon; but I think the only one with any clue about what would happen afterwards is Roland Daxhelet, Theo's sire.

The Brujah neonate turns back to Suzanne and shakes his head.
Thanks for the offer of a seat, but we need to discuss some stuff.  I'm not sure whether we'll do that here or go somewhere else.

(Suzanne) If you gotta discuss stuff, you can enter and stay inside, if you'd like.

She says so, showing the keys.
Marc and Karl both nod about the prince position, and having something better to replace it.
(Karl) He's our only option for now, I fear.
(Marc) Well he better get his shit together. He gives a glance at Duncan and adds. I meant the ghoul was dead, not Gosuin. If the Ventrue had died, I would care a bit more.

Suzanne seems to agree with Marc, but she doesn't word it.
(Suzanne) If something good can come out of this mess, the Sabbat moves and shit, it gotta be Gosuin stepping up to the job. As for Alicia, well whatever, maybe she switched sects? Or maybe she has something to lose/proove? Even the smartest do stupid stuff.
(Karl) She seemed bright enough in society, indeed, when I met her.

She shrugs, just wording an idea out of random. Neither Brujah seem to know enough Alicia to hazard an educated guess and they generally agree with Fred and Duncan's opinion on the Toreador Harpy. The name of Roland seems to interest both Karl and Marc, but Suzanne doesn't seem to know it.
(Karl) It's always the issue: breaking the system is a nice idea, but we need to have something else ready to be built just after. Costs and Benefits...

Karl gives another look at William, curious about a detail he mentioned, and raises an eyebrow.
(Karl) "Current acting Regent"? Was Kersten fired or something? I heard Tarcisus was in town, should we get torches?

Without Missing a beat after the question William shook his head smiling, leaving none of his coterie the opportunity to attempt respond.
"No, Lord Tarcisus has already left the area. Those pitchforks can remain in their sheds. As for Regent Kersten, he's currently out of town for personal reasons, thus Magister Horsman is temporary in charge until he returns."

Duncan laughs.
Sorry; I just found the idea amusing -- the torch- and pitchfork-wielding villagers rising up against Tarcisus.  Hell, he's probably been through that before.  Careful though; the old bastard might be fireproof.

Although he appears thoughtful for a moment, Duncan shakes his head at Suzanne's offer.
Thanks again, but I don't want to take your keys... or have to lock up after we leave.  We'll either sit out here, or find some other place.  He glances around at his companions.  What do you think?  Here, or somewhere more private?  Fred offered to let us visit his place.