Place de la comédie

"Quite the interesting pot of many flavors we have here." She runs a thumb along her chin as her lip quirks into a semblance of thought, the rest of her face crinkling in to match. She then looks to Miri, Nicholas, asking, "Perhaps we should see ourselves to the Theatre then? See to the production of our introduction?" Though notably corny in its implementation, she does try to make a lighter situation of things. Still, she does look a bit fidgety.

Auspex 2, Empathy 2+:

Auspex 4:

Duncan moves forward after Claudia finishes and nods a greeting to Raekel... and also to Nicholas, who seems to have drawn a bit closer as Claudia gave her introductory tour.
Good evening. Mademoiselle Montalbain, M'sieur, I am Duncan Oliver. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

He gives a small bow to Raekel, instead of offering his hand. Then he bows in greeting to Nicholas as well.
Pleased to meet you as well, M'sieur. I believe Claudia was right... Now that I see you up close, I think you are known to me, by reputation if nothing more. Perhaps after your presentation, we could talk.

Once the new Kindred have returned the greeting, and/or started to move inside, Duncan will move to Claudia's side. After she speaks with Corinna, but before she actually starts to walk away, Duncan speaks a few words in a low mutter to Corinna and Claudia.

Claudia, Corinna, Auspex 1:

Before the stranger arrives, Corinna gives a nod towards Duncan, looking earnest, but not cold. As it seems, she accepts the apology and, seeing how she doesn't react verbally to it, moves on. Topic closed, everything fine again, that much her demeanor says. She nods again when Claudia mentions her name and gestures in her direction, giving the foreign woman a polite and friendly smile, but not saying anything until her clan sister is finished.

"It's a pleasure making your acquaintance, Mademoiselle Montalbain. I hope you will find Bordeaux to be hospitable for you."

For a split second, she hesitates, then narrows her eyes as if she were absent-minded for a few seconds. As Claudia approaches her, the look vanishes and she turns away from Raekel to talk with her clan sister. Nodding, she hands over the folded sheets of paper she carries around, and looks at her for a moment.

perception + subterfuge > 6:

Auspex 2:

"Yes, I guess you are right. Best not to try your luck, and in case you need any help..."

Her voice trails off, she merely smiles as if Claudia would know what she means. The Tremere then turns back to Raekel and Miri, though she is only looking at the former.

Perception + alertness > 6:

Auspex 2:

"I'm afraid I'll have to leave aswell, though, at least for a while ... I hope both your introductions, Mademoiselles De Boucher and Montalbain, will be smooth and soon, and we'll surely see us again. Maybe even tonight. If not, a good night, Mesdemoiselles, Messieurs."

With a bowing of her head and another polite, friendly smile to everyone in the vicinity, Corinna quickly catches up with Claudia, murmuring something to her while she heads for the Regent's.

Claudia:

Nichoals had let his thoughts drift as the fight began to reach it's sudden resolution. Not so much that the vampire failed to notice the word which left Franz with a wooden cane uncomfortably pressed to his chest. It's relavance wasn't lost on him, Nicholas filing that away for later. Just in case.

Alertness 3:

Nicholas returned the smile that Miri offered. A lovely color about the woman, althought her fangs betrayed the predator's nature beneath. Eyes once again traveling over everyone now that the crowd was mingling more, duel over. Growing more certain that they were all in fact Kindred. They lingered just a moment longer when it came to girl across the street, who was even now approaching Claudia.

Auspex 2:

Catching the intorduction of names by Claudia. Nicholas stopped before them and made a sweeping bow with right fist pressed to his heart. A certain formality to the gesture. Belied by humour that made the lines around his eyes crinkle. The bow was meant for all of them still standing there, including Duncan. "Nicholas Masterson. I must say, this city has proven it knows how to show a certain, flair, to it's hospitality. I can only anticipate what other suprises might lay in store. We shall speak.. And, charmed." The vampire added with a warm smile, eyes tracking across the femine faces gathered there. "To see the cities rumours of beauty are not without merit either."

Looking then specifically to Raekel and Miri. "Well, I certainly wouldn't want to keep Gosuin waiting. So if the theatare is where he awaits.. Let me not hold back our arrival any longer."

Alertness 3 or Alertness 2 for Franz:

Claudia chuckles to Nicholas' compliments, gives him a seduced smile, then leaves him, Miri and Raekel alone, with a goodbye nod, as she talks with Corinna and Duncan, rolling carefully the papers her clanmate gave her. She doesn't lower her voice, probably believing this is not important enough to be hidden in secrecy. Her voice shows she is touched and she speaks warmly, but she cannot hide some melancholy. She bows slightly her head as to put more weight to her words, which she seems to speak with a children's sincerity.

You are so sweet.. Monsieur Oliver, I wish not to ruin your night as you become familiar with our city's old and new inhabitants, I was enough a burden to you tonight. How chevaleresque of you, I might just take you by the word if I thought this struggle was something we were able to fight against directly. I appreciate truly your concern, maybe one night... Corinna, I promise I will not hesitate, thank you.

She waves Duncan goodbye, as she walks with Corinna to the Regent Grand Hotel. Once she said what she needed to, she walks away, heading south.

Corinna, cuz Latin:

Franz and Suzanne go for the Elyseum. The male Brujah gives a long look to Nicholas, but refrains to say or show anything. Suzanne gives a curious look to both Raekel and Nicholas as they pass close enough, she then gives them a small smile, probably in sign of welcoming, and steps close behind her sire as they walk upstairs.

As Theodore looks ready to go somewhere, a sound gets his attention as a grey Mercedes passes the pedestrian blocking plot and parks just before the Regent Grand Hotel's door. The drivers steps outside to open the doors, but the front passenger door opens without any help, as Kersten visibly doesn't want to wait for protocol. His curly hair untied gives him some sort of wild look. To the Brujah Primogen's shocked face, the Tremere Regent gives him a wide smile.

(Theodore).. You actually WERE at a strip club ?
(Lyle) Yes I was, and I felt like giving the Embrace.
(Theodore) You serious ?
(Lyle) No I'm not, I'm Regent Kersten.. We've arrived.
(Theodore) Alright, stupid questions, stupid answers...

Raekel turns, looking the Theatre over, eyes slightly squinted and sharp as she takes it all in. She then looks back to Miri and Nicholas. "As you said, we shouldn't keep the man waiting... though as Miri did say... you don't mind if I call you, Miri? She did say that he might be a bit 'booked.'" She quirks her lip, pondering, but deciding to head in all the same. Her shoes tap lightly against the ground, carrying her towards the doorway, where she pauses for just a moment.

"Big place..." She trails off, her mind wandering, wondering, for just a moment.
...
And that moment is gone, as she reaches for the handles, a forced and deep breath taking her. Sure, she didn't need it, but it steels her all the same.


Ah, but that moment did carry something, namely a Mercedez. Such a car seems to stand out in her mind, given the small compacts and eco-friendly hybrids she'd noticed so many of since arrival. She pauses to catch a glimpse, and instantly, a picture she'd seen pops into her head, someone who'd been shown to her slides out of the passenger seat. He might not know her, but she at least knows who he is. Instead of just looking over her side, she pads back towards Regent Kersten, to whom she will now make her introduction, if he would be so kind as to accept it.

"Pardon moi, Monsieur Kersten. Je m'appelle Raekel Montalbain. Comme ce?" She says this as she sweeps into a near perfect curtsey before him. After a moment of stairing at his shoes from this position, she looks up, hoping to not have overstepped her bounds too swiftly, and asks, "Did you receive word from Madame Sturbridge of my arrival?"

And with that, she hangs on the moment.

After Nicholas' introduction, Duncan will give a slight smile in greeting, and a nod of acknowledgment when Nicholas mentions that they will speak later. Then, as the new people turn to enter the Grand Theatre and Duncan makes his offer to escort Claudia, he will listen as she declines his offer of escort, and nod graciously.

Your words are kind, Mademoiselle, but I'm not sure how much chivalry is involved. I just didn't want to leave a job half finished. But if you can... see your way home alone, I will bid you good evening. And good evening to you as well, Mlle. Ansons.

There was a slight emphasis on the word 'see', as he bade farewell to Claudia. Duncan gives a slight bow to both Kindred, as they say their farewells and move off. He will slowly make his way to the Theatre entrance, following most of the crowd heading that way, but he will keep an eye on the two Tremere as well. When they split up and Claudia heads south, he will give a thoughtful glance in her direction.

As Duncan is wondering whether Theodore plans to come back inside, he notices the Primogen's distraction, and sees the gray Mercedes pull up across the plaza. Duncan notes the verbal exchange between the elders without much expression; but he does seem a bit surprised when Raekel turns from the Theatre door and strides across the Place de la Comedie to introduce herself to Regent Kersten.

Victor gives a long look to the woman who makes herself known to Monsieur Kersten. He murmurs to the breeze.
Poor thing...
He finds a pillar to his liking and sits down with his back against the base of it with his feet on the steps of Le Grand Théâtre.
...So many of our women are rightfully effeminate but, you, with your gait heavy on its heels very nearly devoid of the preternatural grace afforded our lady Kindred, with your shoulders rounded forward as though burdened by a heavy yoke, pure and utter shame annihilates any chance of what dignity your breasts could truly win for you...
His lips purse.
...you break my heart...

He reaches into his inner jacket pocket with his right hand.
...Who made your womanhood a burden? Were you born this way dear one, or...
He pulls his right hand out from his jacket, looks down and stares at his upturned palm as he slowly sweeps his thumb across the body on the crucifix.
...were you made so by others?...
He looks up.
...This hungry...ugly world saw your humility and even dared to taste it without your permission. You tasted like weakness to it, and it loved you for it...
His mouth falls open a little.
...Where was I dear one, that I could not stand between you and the world?...
His face is colder now than it has ever been.
...And break its neck.

Victor closes his eyes, crosses himself with his weighted hand, and prays.

Miri blushes slightly as Nicholas compliments she and the other ladies as he introduces himself. She smiles softly at him, and then bows lightly to Corinna and Claudia as they begin to leave. She watches them walk off for a bit, almost forgetting herself, before her attention shifts to Raekel's question,

Hm? Oh, yes. You most certainly may call me Miri; I like to afford a little bit of comfortable informality- it's a rare thing these nights. She tugs at the knot on her tie and grins, walking with the group to the doors, Before Claudia left, she mentioned that Laure- the Elysium Keeper, has probably finished escorting the last Kindred through her meeting with Prince Gosuin; she suggests we go see as soon as we ca-

She stops short so that Raekel may make her introductions to Kersten. She doesn't find her leaving rude, not in the least. She reasons the woman has things to take care of. She decides to use this spare minute before entering Elysium.

She looks back to Nicholas, who was also left behind, and smiles warmly, offering her hand, I didn't get the chance to say so myself before everyone disappeared on me. I'm Miri.

Claudia disappears in a corner, but reappears a few seconds after, pushing a red old-school Vespa and wearing a matching old-fashioned helmed. She gives a look to the Plaza, a few dozen yards away, probably taking note of the return of her Sire. Anyone can easily notice her curiosity in her body language, before she sits on the scooter, turning it on and leaves by Saint Catherine street, with the blue scarf's ends floating in the wind.

Andrew steps out of the car too, very slowly. He looks at the place and the buildings with curiosity and awe, betraying for him too that it's the first time in a place like that. He quickly draws his attention to the people present in the Plaza, letting the visit of the city's landscape for later. He gives a shocked look to Raekel as she steps in to talk to Lyle, probably out of "this would have never happened at home, if it would, it would end up with someone turning into ashes". He steps back away with counted movements and waits until he gets a clue on where to go and what to do next. He gives a polite smile to Corinna as she stares at him.

Theodore lets his eyes wander between the two Kindred that got off the car after Lyle, and then he gives Lyle the most genuine "what the hell ?" stare, but renounces to even try to understand or ask the Tremere, who just smiles back at him with mystery before letting his attention be drawn to Raekel. Theodore walks away to the Grand Theatre, letting the Tremere have their own affairs, with his own plan in mind. He stops close to Victor, and offers him a hand to help him stand up.
(Theodore) Hey, let's head upstairs, Victor, I'm calling in the Primogen Council and Prince Gosuin will certainly need your opinion on this mess.


Lyle observes Raekel head to toes, then toes to head, and gives her a cold smile. His tone of voice is not as soft or light as it is usually, but he is not as aggressive as he could.. or should, to some of the most traditionalists or educated minds.
That Scarlet witch... I know who you are, but I am not the one you should present yourself to, young girl. I will test your blood once you have have had your audition with Gosuin, and then we will have a talk. On your way now, missy.
He makes a hand gesture to the Grand Theatre to put weight on these words, before turning to Elisabeth and Andrew.
You two, the Elyseum is over there, take the stairs to the second floor. I will be right up to free you both so we can all go back to more useful activities... Go on. First, he adds with a softer voice and approaches Corinna, offering her an amused smile. Miss Ansons, yes I know about Griffin's dealing with the Brujah, yes I will explain about these two, and no, I am not drunk, nor was I at a gentlemen's club.
He puts back his hair away from his face, letting his voice show some more seriousness, and even a certain dose of compassion... Or is it that he's just tired ? At least he's attentive and he does seem to.. care. As much as the word means to an Elder, anyway.
There is something else, right ? I am listening.

Taking in both of the strangers that stepped out of the car, Corinna does not bother with an introduction yet, merely nodding in their direction after looking them over to memorize their appearance and then focusing on Kersten again. It doesn't take skill to notice that she is quite interested in what he has to say to Raekel, even though she acts like it isn't obvious.

When she is addressed by the Regent, the Tremere takes a step forward into his direction, listening to him before she even opens her mouth to start talking. The only visible reaction she gives is a nod to the information, then she hesitates for a second.

"Yes, Regent, there is something else. I am in doubt, though, if I should speak right now or rather later."

Again, it doesn't take skill to notice she is hinting at possible listeners, not only the two apprentices in the vicinity, but the Kindred still on their way back to the Theatre, too. Nevertheless, she starts to talk again, only in a hushed tone.

Linguistics latin, or academics 3:

She stops talking, throwing a short glance towards the other apprentices, then looking back at Kersten, obviously awaiting his answer.

Andrew steps away and waits for Elisabeth before following the other Kindred's path, obeying Lyle's "order" and following his instructions. He seems to respect the Regent and Corinna's privacy, at least he acts like it. He moves slowly and very carefully.


Lyle listens carefully to Corinna's words, without showing any reaction until she is done exposing the problem. He then offers a thoughtful smile and looks away a moment before letting his eyes observe methodically the librarian. He choses to answer in French, with a tone of voice that is nothing determined, but at least he seems to take Corinna seriously. That doesn't mean he takes himself seriously, even if he acts like it.

I will have a few words with him. As for the rest, between the Clan "testing" me and their visit, I will certainly have to give a plausible lie -I mean, explanation- to the Prince and to the Primogen, and better give them a good story before they start thinking on their own and uncover the next Tremere megaplot to take over the world. Either you will have to wait, or send me an e-mail.

"Thank you, Regent. I guess I prefer to wait, though. It would take too much time to write the second topic in its entirety, so it would probably be better to just leave it be. It is not urgent, I assure you."

Taking a small step back, as a sign she doesn't want to take up more of Kersten's time, Corinna bows and then smiles politely.

"Again, thank you, and should you find the time to talk, I will be in the Library. Until then."

Waiting for Kersten to dismiss her, the Tremere stays where she is. As soon as he is finished with the formalities, she will disappear into the Regent's, should there be nothing (and nobody) else to hinder her.

Like the others Nicholas notices the new arrival. However he keeps to himself. Content to observe the increasing tension among some. It was subtle, but in his line of work. Subtle shifts in a room could mean so very much. Thus the vampire had taught himself to look for them. Further observation would be too obvious however, as the kindred he was standing beside turned to introduce herself.

"Ah, un plaisir de vous rencontrer, madame. Je suis charmé, de toutes ces jolies femmes pâles. Votre beauté excède la beauté de la lune cette nuit."
Nicholas replied while raising her hand to his lips. Brushing them against the back of her knuckles. Gaze holding hers for several moments. Enough to be firm in what he said. But not so long as to seem improper or impolite. Returning her smile than as Miri slipped away to go inside. Nicholas followed, seeing the rest of the kindred around him retiring inside. There were introductions to make. And more to learn about Bordeaux.

translation + claudia edit:

Lyle gives a longer, naturally intimidating, look to Corinna when she refuses the e-mail option. This look is nothing oppressing like it could be, however, he just doesn't comprehend why she doesn't want to use the computer as an acceptable and reliable tool. Maybe logic (as Kersten understands it) will strike her one day, for now he has chosen not to force her. He allows her to go with a hand sign, matching a worn out voice. He sounds distracted, maybe he's thinking of something else.

I will meet you there later, then. Ah ! I almost forgot.
He takes his bag and pulls a package from inside, and hands it to Corinna. He recovered an amused smile and his usual care-free tone of voice as he adds.
This is for the Chantry, a gift in exchange of having thrown me new apprentices. I figure it's a book so its place is in the Library.

At least he does acknowledges Corinna's duties on being the Chantry's Librarian.
He turns away with a satisfied smile on his face, if the package was truly a exploding prank by Elisabeth's Sire, Lyle got away with it. He walks to the Theatre with his bag on his shoulder, but is interrupted by his phone buzzing in his vest pocket. He pulls the ear-set and picks up while walking, with a very tired sigh. He disappears into the Theatre, after Elisabeth and Andrew have stepped in to the Elyseum.

From what can be seen, Corinna doesn't move an inch under Kersten's stare, looking neither intimidated nor anything else - except maybe politely attentive. When she sees his gesture, she bows once more and already wants to turn around when she is given the package. She holds it in both hands, weighing it for a second and gently tapping at the surface, as if to probe what the contents could be, then smiles broadly.

Empathy 3, Auspex 2:

"Ah, I see. I will add it to the Library; thank you, Regent. Until then."

With another bow - this time more hurried, though, for whatever reason - she finally does turn around and disappears into the Regent's with a fast and determined pace.

William studies the couple, but dismisses them once Lord Tarcisus began moving, he walked at a brief pace, but none too fast to draw attention. He angled around the Tremere, so the Lord could see him coming up to him. As he reached the older Tremere, he gave a soft nod of his head with a hint of a bow, but kept it normal as to avoid drawing attention of eventual nearby kine. He addressed Tarcisus with a hushed tone.
"Greetings Lord Tarcisus, could you spare a few moments of your valuable time and allow me to ask a few questions about... those items Lyle Kersten wishes for me to retrieve? Sir Horsman indicated that you might be able assist me in the matter."

The Tremere Lord seemed quite in a good mood just before he noticed the young man walking towards him. He switched to a questioning and curious behavior. It takes him a few seconds to recognize the Tremere, this recognition translating to a wide and open franc smile. He listens with interest, before he sighs with boredom. He shakes slightly his head, standing still between the pillars of the Theatre, but away from the few spectators of the play who stayed close to the entrance.
(Tarcisus) Oh, that again. I suppose I can. It's an old subject already, I've made a little something for them to use while the clan looks for it. Is it really necessary, I wonder. What did you wish to know ?