Place de la comédie

The Comedy plaza is that plaza right in between the Regent Grand Hotel and the Grand Theatre. It's always full during the day when the weather is nice enough, with the tramway or people sitting on the steps of the Grand Theatre. Very few cars pass by, since it's pedestrian zone, but a few taxis and car services do stop by the Regent, as rich tourists come and go to the airport or the train station.
This part of the city dies once diner time is over (about 8pm), apart for the occasional evening plays, or the week-end drunks.




Two "tower-clocks" draw the end of the place in front of the Regent Grand Hotel (and they do work !)

Both Franz and Jean-Pierre took off their jackets (and hat concerning the Tremere), letting them on the steps outside the Grand Theatre. Jean-Pierre did keep his cane in his right hand. Suzanne looks at them with the "I can't believe this" look on her face.
(Suzanne) You guys can't do this ! Franz, are you serious ?
(Franz) Shut up and stand back, woman !

As both men step aside, without letting their eyes off each other, a survival thing, they both roll their sleeves. Suzanne looks at her Sire before letting go a sigh, knowing she will not be able to stop the fight from happening.
(Suzanne) Shit.. At least lay down some rules !
(Jean-Pierre) Be the referee, then. Franz ? This ends with first man down. No bloodshed. Do you agree ?
(Franz) Good enough.


Both men stand on the tramway lines, probably to have enough space to move. Both stand in a pose that could be considered a boxing guard ; Jean-Pierre's cane stay in his right hand, alongside his forearm, but on the inside. Both seem to ignore about everything around them.

Suzanne stays next to the entrance of the Grand Theatre.

Duncan steps out of the Grand Theatre with Miri beside him and Claudia on his arm-- and slows almost to a stop, before moving slowly forward. He looks over at Suzanne, and manages to catch her eye.

Here? he asks her. She is too focused on the upcoming fight to do more than shrug in reply.

Duncan shakes his head, and doesn't press the issue. He makes a 'Shall we move this way?' gesture to Miri, and moves off to the side a little ways, a column or two away from the entrance but still on the main steps of the theatre.

Miri, Claudia:

As the two Kindred ignore everyone else and square off astride the tramway rails, Duncan spares a moment to scan the area around the Place de la Comedie for witnesses, either on the ground or in a window overlooking the action. If none are visible, he will shrug and shake his head again. Then his attention will be on the fight, as it starts.

As soon as she is out of the Theatre, Claudia's body language changes to a more tense one, which Duncan can feel even more on his arm as she holds on with much more strength.. Which is still pretty frail.
Scoop doesn't walk out, he is probably watching from inside. Theodore does step out, and walks to stand close to Suzanne, with a hint of a smile on his face, but he not hiding he is in between excitement and disapproval.
Both Jean-Pierre and Franz seem to wait for the good opportunity to strike first, either a distraction. For a good moment, they just gauge each other.
Claudia gives a glance to Duncan as he talks, and lets go his arm as she sees she is still holding it. She steps at a more respectable distance, then offers a slightly enigmatic and somehow sad smile. Her voice is also quite broken.

(Claudia) Regent Kersten has most Kine living and working in the surroundings under his direct control.. She raises slightly her voice, making sure to be heard by Franz and Jean-Pierre. And I am sure these two will not try to kill each other with the full extent of their abilities, will they ?


Jean-Pierre hearing the "council" of his clan sister is the distraction Franz was waiting for, and he jumps right into combat, fists first. The Tremere steps back, uses his cane to keep a longer distance between them, and either dodges or deviates the attacks with either his own left hand, his forearms or the cane. He doesn't strike back. The Brujah shows a very good technique, if this was truly a brawl he would probably do some serious harm, but the fact that Jean-Pierre uses a cane gives him a good advantage in avoidance. Jean-Pierre's avoidance ends with his left hand grabbing the right wrist of Franz, and pulling him away. They change spots as they regained the distance they had in the beginning. They exchange a few words while regaining their guards, Jean-Pierre's voice is extremely calm and cold, whereas Franz's is certainly in the heat of the moment.

(Franz) "What, you're afraid to break it ?"
(Jean-Pierre) "I am afraid to break something, yes."
(Franz) "Fight like a man, Tremere !"
(Jean-Pierre) "You will regret those words."


Theodore seems to let go his disapproval and smiles, truly amused.
(Theodore) "Your bet, Suzy ?"
(Suzanne) "Fuck you, Theodore"
(Theodore) "So lady-like !.. Claudia ? Your bet ?"
(Claudia) "It's an easy one, Primogen.."



edit because I forgot :
All lights in the buildings are off, apart for a few ones of the Regent Grand Hotel's rooms, behind curtains. Once in a while, some staff of the hotel can be seen through the Entrance, but they do not look outside. The buildings on the south being part of the now closed stores or offices -real estate mostly, but a few stores have various storeys- do look completely empty.

Claudia looks completely amazed, if not chocked by the fight, and only smiles to Corinna after a few minutes, until she finally noticed her. She stays silent as well. She regained this distracted attitude she had earlier, only more so, her eyes wandering here and there.
Theodore and Suzanne seem to enjoy the match before them, up to a certain point. It's clear Theodore is ready to step in if things get too dangerous or too attention drawing. It's also clear it would make him happy if he had to step in.

This time, it's Jean-Pierre who strikes first, he harasses the Brujah using his cane as a sabre (for fencing), forcing him to step back, to push aside, and even to jump out of range. The longer distance gives few opportunities to enter in the Tremere's guard. Jean-Pierre is not the most skilled fighter, but his distance advantage keeps him somewhat safe, which he is probably very aware of. Franz looks quite displeased, not to say worse, at his adversary's technique, and every time he tries to grab the weapon to get rid of it, Jean-Pierre steps back with ease, and harasses some more.

Perception 3 or Alertness 2:

Observers : Brawl 2 or Melee 2:

Miri catches Duncan's mutter and nods, somewhat far away in her thoughts as she watches the fight, crossing her arms, True enough. They are both strongly opinionated with impressive skills to back it up.

Miri tilts her head back and continues spectating, whether this is to gaze below in listless distaste or simply to rest her neck is unclear. She glances momentarily at Theodore and lengthily at Suzanne under lowered eyelids, smiles softly, then returns her attention to Duncan and Claudia.

She allows her smile to broaden as she regards them, Surely the presiding personalities would not allow such a conflict to come to a completed resolution; while the voice of an individual must be tested against their talents, we have too many enemies as a society to afford serious disagreements.

She looks away and thinks on what she says, tilts her head side to side in a comme-ci comme-ca manner and looks back, whispering,

Within earshot of Duncan, Claudia, Corinna, anyone using Auspex 1:

After that, she returns to looking at the fight, her body language as languid and removed as before.

Anyone that heard Miri whisper:

JEAN-PIERRE...
Victor uses Dominate.
You are faster than this.

Nicholas was awash with the strange sensations of a foreighn city. He had a smattering of French, enough to pass in polite conversation. Tonight it wasn't enough. Not to keep track of the sidewalk, the drivers going by with windows down. That left the vampire a little uncomfortable. Still he could hear their hearts beating. Smell the humanity around him, in that particular scent. Every city had a slightly different one. Combining the local cuisine, trending perfumes. Easy for him to pick out despite the car exaust thanks to years of practice. Details, and he excelled at discerning those. Fluency in the local language would follow soon enough.

As a recent arrival, Nicholas was on his way to see about meeting the prince of this place. From what he did know, that meant a trip to the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux. He hadn't expected to walk.. too much time in the America's had acustomed the vampire to traveling by car normally. The distance was short however, his vehicle unnecessary. Leaving the vampire on foot. Coming from the south via cours de l'intendance. Nicholas noticed the small gathering out in front of the Theatre. Curious he ducked away from the main walk, Slipping quietly toward the crowd.

The closer he got, the more Nicholas began to suspect. They were kindred. He would need to get closer to be certain of some. Not the two engaging one another in a fight however. He could clearly make out the little details that betrayed Jean-Pierre and Franz's nature. Anyone who hadn't noticed the new arriaval at first need only glance his way. Nicholas openly picked himself a spot that he could lean arms crossed away from the crowd, to watch. He was wearing black slacks and dress shoes. A tailored suit coat unbuttoned with purple silk shirt showing underneath. Laquered walking stick leaning beside him, within easy reach.

Perception 2 or Alertness 2:

Auspex 2:

Both Franz and Jean-Pierre give a quick glance as they hear the Malkavian's voice, out of surprise. It gives them an opportunity to have something close to a small rest as they retake their positions. Jean-Pierre shakes slightly his left hand, as to get rid of some tension or the pain from the first attacks of the Brujah, before closing it again to a fist. They gauge each other again, letting them to take notice of the changes in the watchers. Franz gives a long and daring stare to both Suzanne and Theodore.

Claudia's eyes get attracted by the Malkavian Primogen's voice as he states Jean-Pierre's name. She approaches him, looking down as a respectful gesture towards his status. Her hands on her dress show some uneasiness. Her voice marks the same uneasiness and hesitation, it's clear she has trouble to find her words.
"Primogen.. "Sodalis" Griffin stays in control of the situation.. It is truly a hard exercise, as to maintain our veil. Please, distracting him could be dangerous for all of us."

As she states this last sentence, Claudia bows low, and after standing up again, let's her distracted and wandering eyes to be visible.
Theodore nods at that statement, but he doesn't let his eyes of his clan brother, to whom he offered a smile just as daring when he looked at him. Suzanne elbows his Primogen as to warn him, and whispers him something in the lines of "don't fan the flames". Theodore can't help an amused smile, to which Suzanne elbows him again, frowning.

Claudia approaches some more Corinna with a small smile.
"Corinna, has the Regent told you where he went after.. Er.. "
She doesn't finish that sentence, both because she knows her clan sister will understand what she meant, but also because she gives an interrogative look towards the newly arrived persons. A few steps can be heard on the Grand Theatre's stairs, as Scoop visibly decided to go back to the Deambulatoire.


Franz and Jean-Pierre don't wait longer before jumping to battle again. The Tremere shows himself more defensive this time, using his forearms to block or deviate the Brujah's fists. He makes a slight move as to attack with the cane, and from there, the watchers used to fight as or against Kindred know it's over. Jean-Pierre's move makes Franz's combat instincts take over, and he look at him in the eyes (because this close, he wouldn't be able to defend himself against the hit without seeing the aim), and the Tremere uses this opportunity to Dominate the Brujah with a "Freeze !", as the Brujah only noticed too late the trap. One can clearly read a curse on the Brujah's face when Jean-Pierre grabs his shirt with his left hand, sweeps his ankles with a small foot gesture, and pushes his opponent on his back, to the ground with as much delicacy as a football player. As to confirm the win, the Tremere lets the handle of his cane touch Franz' heart emplacement, without letting him go and without breaking the eye contact.

“Please, distracting him could be dangerous for all of us.”
Victor with his face never more supple and his voice never more peaceful than now, he speaks.
This much is true.
Astonished, Claudia flicks her eyes up at him and stares him in the eye with a furrow in her brow before she relegates her gaze to the ground once more and walks away.

The new female all but claps her hands a couple of times as the fight renews in its vigor. Fascinating, indeed, but no matter. As she breaks from watching, she inevitably misses the coup de tat, speaking in a soft voice, the accent just a little off, but her grammar nearly perfect, though she isn't speaking to one in particular so much as the crowd at large.
"Pardon me, but I find myself new to Bordeaux. I was wondering, per chance, if someone could help me find my way..."

Empathy 2:

Auspex 2:

Corinna stays silent for a long time and almost fades into the background which seems to be the position which she is comfortable with.

Auspex, perception 3, alertness 2:

The Tremere doesn't move an inch before Claudia walks into her direction. When her clan sister approaches her, she somewhat tenses before relaxing again, shaking her head slightly at her question and answering in a low but nonetheless easily understandable voice.

"I'm afraid he hasn't, Claudia. I guess you could ... call him, though, if you want to find out. Why is it that you ask?"

When she notices the other Tremere's eyes get caught by something, she takes a closer look herself and narrows her eyes for a moment, looking at the strangers very closely before turning her gaze back to her clan sister. Corinna steps closer to her and leans to her ear to whisper something in it.

Auspex 1 to listen, academics 3 or linguistics : latin to understand:

Only smiling slightly upon seeing Jean-Pierre win the fight against Franz, Corinna keeps her eyes turned to Claudia, but it is evident that she is still well aware of her surroundings, paying attention to them maybe out of habit or without even consciously noticing it.

"Call him ?"
Claudia sounds almost shocked with the idea, after her weirded out look towards the Malkavian Primogen, and she shakes her head as denial. She gives a small smile to Corinna, Miri and Duncan as she explains.
"You know, well, despite the situation.. I would rather keep the more distance possible between him and I. If I call him he will have his machine say 'Not now, I am dancing with Garou around a bonfire' or anything else..."
Theodore Jacob chuckles hearing the possible excuse Lyle Kersten would give. He renounces to comment, even though he would have loved to do so, to instead make a quick move to approach Franz and Jean-Pierre. With another quick look, Claudia confirms nonchalantly the suspicions with a careless smile.
"Tremere Latin is a not exactly the same as Roman Latin, Mr. Oliver.. But you are right, they both are."
She talks a little louder for the two strangers to hear her, as she addresses them directly, one and the other respectively, with a joyful voice and a friendly attitude. She seems to have forgotten some Etiquette, however.
"Come on closer ! You too ! Mademoiselle, you are in the right place."


After a few seconds of having the Brujah under his control, Jean-Pierre pulls him back on his feet with his grab, and releases him by pushing him away, almost gently. The Tremere breaks eye contact allowing Franz to move again, then takes a few steps towards the Theatre, unrolling his sleeves. He crosses paths with the Brujah Primogen without a look, and put back his vest and hat. He gives a stare to both Nicholas and Raekel, giving each a polite salutation nod, still as cold as ice, then another stare to Suzanne, who doesn't hide a certain malaise, tainted with some admiration, then a small smile and respectful bow to Victor, and finally the Tremere walks the other direction, to the Regent Grand Hotel. Suzanne takes Franz's vest and carries it to him.

Franz looks shocked, and was about to attack again as Jean-Pierre passes close to him, when Theodore puts a firm hand on his shoulder.

(Theodore) You lost, Franz, fair and loyal !
(Franz) Fair and loyal ?! How can you be cool with that ?
(Theodore) Ah well he got you, in a fight the goal is to win no matter the tricks and treachery. You stepped in his game, all alone.
(Franz) Oh screw you Theo, you talk honor and loyalty in combat, and then have the opposite discourse when it fits your agenda.
(Theodore) There's no honor in fighting a Tremere in duel, you should have known better ! Plus, he was merciful, considering.. You must let it go, past is past, they've been punished for that. If you let it consume you.. Hey I'm not saying you should become friends with any of them, you shouldn't ! Just get over it.
(Franz) You can't be serious ! You forgive them so easily ?
(Theodore) I did not, but the main guys were punished well enough. You have to learn to watch beyond looks and beyond their act. Besides getting an open war with Lyle is not the smartest move when we have both Villon and La Mano Negra on our backs looking for a mistake. Oh by the way, where's Lyle ?

Franz listens, even if it's clear he disagrees, as Theodore would probably finish the job if he did not listen, while putting the vest back on without a look to Suzanne. The Primogen shows a certain compassion or even understanding, but he is also harsh and intimidating towards him, probably for his own security. Theodore taps Franz's back a couple of times, once he is sure he's calmed himself down.

Auspex 2:

Perception 3, Alertness 2:

Corinna doesn't wince at the reaction of her clan sister, although she raises an eyebrow and nods slightly, as if to confirm a thought she had had before. From the way she said it, it's obvious she doesn't like the idea of calling the Regent very much herself. If that's because she merely dislikes talking via mobile phones or because she doesn't want to speak to Kersten right now ... who knows?

"Yes, well, I guess the Regent has his reasons to be absent ... perhaps there will be an opportunity to talk to him later."

The Tremere only throws a short look towards the Brujah Primogen upon hearing his chuckle, then focuses her attention on Duncan. She doesn't look very pleased with him joining in the conversation without invitation to do so, and it may or may not have offended her a bit - she doesn't show, in either case.

"Without a doubt, we will soon know for sure, Monsieur Oliver."

Auspex 2:

To Claudia's invitation, Corinna stays silent, only clasping her hands behind her back and looking expectantly into the direction of the strangers. Her attitude is a bit reserved, judging from her bearing, but her face doesn't give the sense of iciness that Jean-Pierre exhibited a few seconds ago; instead, she only seems a little guarded, and otherwise neutral and quite a bit interested.

Duncan notices Corinna's displeasure at his comment, which followed so soon on the tail of her whispered conversation to Claudia. He will bow his head a little, and spread his hands a bit in a gesture of apology.

Je suis vraiment navré, Mademoiselle Ansons. It was not my intent to eavesdrop, and despite my proximity I could not really hear what you said; merely enough to guess the language. However, your interest in the two newcomers was obvious, and I was concerned about their status... and whether they should be welcomed, or persuaded to leave. I thought perhaps one of you three ladies could settle the matter quickly. Thankfully Mlle. Vonigner answered my question... and here they come.

Duncan watches as Raekel draws a bit closer and makes her introduction. He will listen with interest, but allow those senior to him to answer Raekel's question.

When Duncan whispers, Miri crinkles her nose and smiles. She leans and whispers something to him.

Duncan, anyone standing close who is using Auspex 1:

She returns to her upright posture and nods to Duncan graciously. Miri allows herself to chuckle when Claudia jokes about Kersten's voicemail, but doesn't add anything to conversation, to avoid being rude. She shifts in place momentarily, but her attention is soon caught by a question from one of the new arrivals. She waits for Claudia to answer and break the ice, then offers a welcoming smile to the both of them.

She listens to Raekel make her introduction with interest, and then speaks, For your official introduction to the prince, we should make our way back into le Grand Theatre, she nods in the direction of the entrance behind her, Though I'm sorry to report there is a wait... I myself haven't made my presence in Bordeaux official. She raises her eyebrow and chuckles, seemingly embarrassed at her out-of-order introductions throughout the night. I am Miriel De Boucher, of Clan Toreador. She looks Raekel and her controlled demeanor over and smiles, extending her hand to her, Most people call me Miri, though.

Taking the hand offered forthwith, she smiles and gives it a good shake. "It is a pleasure, and good to see that I am not the only one arriving unannounced.. though.. it's hard to say how unannounced." After releasing her hand, she rights her glasses, which seem to fit a bit loosely, as they constantly slide down her nose. "It would be rude to jump in line, anyhow, so I shall wait my turn." She glances to the others gathered, then.

perception 3:

"Would you happen to know the others gathered, good Mademoiselle? I gather as everyone looks to her," as she gestures to Claudia, "she holds a fair amount of clout." All this is said with a pleasant studiousness to her voice, yet a measured canter to her words show she is careful to step outside her boundaries and state her assumptions. Her brows furrow as something else rattles in that brain of hers, "And a brawl, if you could call it that, so close to the place what the Prince calls home? I do wonder what that's about." And with that, she trails off, lost in thought, until spoken to.

Claudia looks around, and frowns a little as she hears her Sire's name out of Theodore's mouth. She then realizes, with a sigh..
.. I am the older one.. Oh wait, you mean me ?
She closes her eyes one minute, then reopens them, and smiles to the newcomers, and talks, slowly, with hand gestures to illustrate about who she talks about. Now she minds etiquette, with great care.

All over there, the man with the long hair is Theodore Jacob, the Brujah Primogen. He is scolding Franz Derijk, and the, she hesitates a little to the following word, barely noticeably, woman with them is Suzanne Gourand and are both of Brujah blood as well. Over here, the man who looks younger than me, is Victor de Sainte-Croix, who represents the Malkavian Clan in the Primogen Council... The man who was dueling Mr. Derijk -please, that was not a brawl-, is Jean-Pierre Griffin, and this is Corinna Ansons, both being my fellow sodalis. This is Duncan Oliver, of the Brujah clan, who is also a newcomer to our city. Miriel de Boucher has already presented herself to you. I do not know yet this man, she says so with a polite gesture to Nicholas and a friendly inviting smile, however he looks somewhat.. familiar. And I am Claudia Vonïgner, of the House of Tremere.

With some luck, Miss De Boucher, Laure would have managed to present her Childe to Prince Gosuin.. The word of Acceptance and the Becoming are not the same protocol, especially with a Ventrue Prince and the prestige of being Toreador.

She turns to Corinna, offering her a warm but worn out smile, she offers to take back the drawings.
I must go.. I have to try something with these at home.. Plus I don't think my blood would handle entering the Elyseum again tonight. She adds with an uncaring gesture to her eyes, before arranging the big blue scarf around her neck.


Theodore draws a cellphone from his pocket, with still a hand on Franz's shoulder, visibly goes to repertory and hits "call". He waits for an answer that doesn't come, as his phone bips back, and he opens widely his eyes as he sees the text message. His jaw drops as he rereads, shocked, as he talks to the phone in his hand.
(Theodore).. Drunk and enjoying a lap-dance ?.. What.. THE FUCK ?
Suzanne smiles to her Primogen's reaction, to avoid a laugh, ignoring the evil glare Franz gives her
(Suzanne) I think that means he's not available.
(Theodore) Asshole old bored warlock...
He puts away the phone with a resigned sigh, lets go Franz and finger-frowns for an instant to try and forget the mental image of a drunk Kersten surrounded with half-naked girls.
(Theodore) Franz, head back to Elyseum, I think Alicia will want to make a fool of you so give it to her good. Suzanne, you keep an eye out for unnecessary brawls, and warn me so I'll turn them into a necessary one. I'll try to figure out what is Kersten up to, this is obviously wrong.

Corinna:

Victor, Duncan (through Sire's connexions):