Place de la comédie

William responded to the smile with one of his own, but on the inside, he hadn't forgotten the stories about Tarcisus during his regent days, so he remained very careful.
"Well... if I don't ask and this blows up, Lyle would probably have my head on a plate, most likely with an apple in my mouth and those little veg- I'll make it quick."
He shook his head, then glanced around him.
"I'm looking for a possible name or even locations of one of Theodore Jacob's streets on which Elisabeth Vranken was working on, which is currently forbidden to the clan."

Auspex 2:

Auspex 4:

The old Lord can't help a chuckle.
(Tarcisus) That would be "Regent Kersten" to you, o tempora.. Oh he would not be as subtle as that, a good old vivisection followed by a clear decap- Yes, right.

He clears his throat and nods, going back to the subject at hand. He waits a few seconds, then seems surprised.
(Tarcisus) Oh, but you are serious ? It was, what, 150 years ago or so ? Even if I remembered the name of the street, urbanization certainly changed that. Many streets were renamed, if not destroyed. To be honest, Vranken didn't give me a roadmap each time she went to hassle the Brujah's domain. Have you asked her Childe about it ? Her journals should be stored somewhere, and she was not the kind to stay in the Chantry.

He is making an effort to think about it. He frowns, calling back memories, crossing the arms.
(Tarcisus) I recall this one vellum she showed me when she took control of the universities, which ended up having her find her own final death...

It's probable he speaks about that same vellum the Regent sent a virtual copy to William.

William looked dumbstruck.
"She had a childe?"
He face-palmed, almost knocking his hat off in the process and it was even audible.
"And nobody though they should mention that... Well except you of course my lord. Thank you for your time, have a nice evening."

He turned around, walking around the pillar, visibly cursing, almost bashing his cane into the ground.
"She had a bloody god damned cursed effin' frikkin childe..."
He took out his cellphone once more, and with a loud sigh, entered another message to Lyle.
"If I'm interrupting his sexytimes, he can suck it."

Lyle Kersten:

Storyteller:

The Lord's smile widdens. He keeps silent seeing the neonate's surprise, but he does answer to him before he leaves.
(Tarcisus) She had two. We'll see each other later !

The Tremere walks out towards the Chapeau Rouge (street just south of the theatre) and towards the docks.
As William walks back around the Theatre, seeing the kine starting to go back inside to the second part of the play, he does notice Estela walking out of the Theatre, and he will also spot Mikael Horsman who left the Theatre and is walking back to the Hotel.

William's phone:

William returned from his conversation with Lord Tarcisus, mumbling to himself, he was typing on his cellphone, after a few moments, he placed it back into his coat.

Auspex 2:

Auspex 1 || Perception + empathy + awareness >= 5:

He looked up, noticing Estela, then briefly behind her, as he noticed Horsman returning to the Chantry, then studied the Fledgeling once more and smiled, he walked up to her and gave a small bowing gesture, accompanied by a deeper nod of his head.

"Well if it isn't the painter I keep encountering everywhere ever since I came to town. Claudia's friend right? I don't believe we've been formally introduced, my name is William, pleasure indeed to finally meet you face to face. I see you've managed to escape Lyle, off to enjoy the rest of the evening?"

His attention slightly shifted as his phone vibrated, he gave it a short glance, typed a short responds and placed it back into his coat once more.

Text Message Lyle Kersten:

Auspex 4:

Auspex 2:

Estela notices Horsman ahead, leaving the Theatre. Not entirely sure of how to greet the older Kindred, she chooses to send him a friendly smile and acknowledging nod of the head. From the pillars, the young Kindred also notices the approaching form of the Tremere she'd seen before a few times. She studies him a bit as he looks at her, answering his smile with an open, curious one of her own. His bowing gesture is met with some surprise. Clearly, she's not really familiar or used to the frequent usage of somewhat outdated gestures in Kindred society.

“I'm sure it's just coincidence, but yes, we do seem to run into one another quite a bit,” She answers with a light, amused chuckle. “And yes, I am a friend of Claudia. Met her back when I studied here in Bordeaux, back when my life hadn't taken such a drastic turn. Name's Estela, nice to meet you too.” At the mention of Lyle, Estela half turns to look at the Hotel behind them. She gives a small shrug, not feeling much inclined to talk about the Regent. “Guess you could say that.” Tugging her hands in the pockets of her jeans, the young Kindred turns her sharp gaze back to William, head tilted slightly to the side in curiosity. “You seemed a bit frustrated earlier. Everything alright?” She hesitates a little after the question, like she's thinking a few things over. Then she shrugs. “Anything you need a hand with?” Her offer sounds genuine enough.

auspex 4:

William sighed at the question about his woes.
"Nothing too serious, facepalming at people leaving out important information, just have to send out a few texts."
He considered her proposal for a moment. He didn't really have need for a painter, but then again, he presumed she'd be a toreador, and one could always have use for a Toreador when dealing with people, especially with how his night seemed to play out. He suppressed a sigh, he was not really a people person and tonight's dealing were using his savings from all the years of quiet chantry laboratory nights.
"Well, I could always use an extra pair of hands and eyes. Besides, you look a lot more fun to talk to then Rufus. We're looking for a heirloom of sorts, it's part of a set, and what Lyle wants, the newbie has to get it seems."
He shrugged while grinning.
"Interested? You would get around I guess, I seem to have a knack of meeting all the important people around here, if you know what I mean..."

Estela smiles sympathetically at William's reason for his frustration. “If there's one thing I've learned so far,” she says, still smiling warmly. “it's that people love to keep all the secrets and little bits of information to themselves, even if what they know might be just what the doctor ordered for another.” She shrugs in a halfhearted, somewhat helpless manner. “All you can really do about that is pester people until they finally give up and tell you all you need.”

Her smile widens in a cheerful way when the Tremere accepts her help/companionship. “Then it's decided! Hmm. Rufus?” A thoughtful frown creases her forehead as the young Kindred tilts her head and places a few fingers at her chin. “You mean that big block of walking stone I saw you with earlier, right?” She lowers her hand again, folding them behind the small of her back. “Yea, I'll tag along. Don't blame me if I accidentally piss off some ancient, mummified corpse just because I looked at it the wrong way though! Or said the wrong thing.”

William smiled At Estela's comment about people always lying.
"That's what Dr. House keeps saying, people lie, even if it kills them, that's why we're here.... "
William paused a moment.
"It's a television show about a super smart guy with a cane and limp whom is the boss of some super rare disease department. And yeah, pestering them seems the only viable solution, shame I can't just give them a swipe with ye older cane."
He regarded the silver wolf-head of his cane, if one would hit someone with the snout, it would be sure to leave a bruise or broken skin.

William had to suppress a snicker at Estela's comment about Rufus.
"Well, he isn't exactly made of stone, but don't worry, he's like a puppy... With wings... And fangs... Okay maybe not a puppy but he's very well mannered and... Very well mannered.... "
He couldn't however suppress the laugh on the mummy comment.
"Don't worry about it, where we're going, we'll be dead before I get the chance to be angry at you."
He laughed as he placed a soft hand on Estela's shoulder and waved towards the theater across the pillars.
"That was a joke of course, after you... we're meeting Rufus in the Elysium"

Estela can't help but burst out in laughter when William goes as far as to try and explain a television show to her. A quite famous and well known show at that. With an amused twinkle in her eyes, she lets a hand rest on a hip, head tilted to the side as she speaks. “I do believe he also said that truth begins with lies. You don't have to explain House to me William. And as far as the cane goes...” She winks playfully. “House'd whack them without a doubt. But then, he's always high on painkillers.”
Her eyes follow those of the Tremere down to the cane in his hands to regard it with curiosity and appreciation. “I've never seen a cane like that before. Is it...silver?”

The young Kindred seems intrigued by what William tells her off the gargoyle, giving a small chuckle at the way he tries to describe the huge creature. “He sounds very interesting.” Estela laughs again at the Tremere's jest, following his gesture for a moment before looking back. “Hate to break it to you, but I do believe that we're dead already.”

perception+empathy>4:

Still carrying a grin on her features, Estela begins to cross the distance towards the Theatre.

William laughed as he shrugged.
"Sorry, I guess I spend so much time along old statues that I sometimes forget that people other then my sire actually watch television."
He lifted his cane on the next question, grinning.
"It's stainless steel actually, made to look like silver. I'm not exacly a busybody, but I like my things to be build to last, silver isn't quite up to the job. It's a matter of practicality."

William tilted his head to the left as Estela seemed to hesitate in her chuckle.
"Relax, I doubt we'd really encounter any mummies, it's the fleshy ones we need to be careful off."
Making sure his hat covered most of his face in shadows, he lead Estela back into the Theater.

William followed the group outside and smiled at Duncan as he walked up to him, and gave a soft laugh at his question.
"Well, I happen to more of a both sides of the coin kind of guy. I'm very proficient in modern day technology but I'm also quite accomplished in more... how should I put it.... old-fashioned knowledge?"
He pondered a moment.
"T'is a matter of practicality, both ways have their advantages or disadvantages and as much as I love my computer, I do like my shiny spells. How about you? I've noticed your Laptop bag, are you a man whom enjoys the comfort of the age of Information?"

Duncan shrugs at William's question.

I guess I'm a product of the age I was born into, like your Regent said of himself a few days ago. Computers and smartphones are handy tools, and I've never been the outdoorsy-type. However, I'm not into all of the social media... I don't find it necessary to post an update every time my mood changes. You also get a lot more out of a conversation when it's face-to-face, rather than online--or even over the phone. For some situations, I prefer to be "hands-on".

The Brujah chuckles at this not-so-private joke; then he continues:
So I suppose I can appreciate both sides of the coin as well.

Duncan smiles at Miri's comment, but he makes no reply.

As the group nears the tramway stop south of the Tremere Chantry, Duncan looks at the other group members and says: Excuse me a moment.
He then walks over to the automated ticket machine by the covered seating. The Brujah feeds a few euros into the machine, and after a few muttered curses -- and a few more euros fed into the machine -- he returns to the group with a ticket in hand, and an angry glare on his face.

Fucking thing ripped me off. Those ticket machines don't like me. The last sentence is directed at Miriel, although Duncan doesn't seem to expect a response; he's just blowing off steam. I know; I should get a pass.

Estela follows behind the others, out of the Theater, hands tugged casually in her pockets. She briefly tilts her head upward to look at the sky, then back down to follow the conversation between William and Duncan. She smiles at both their reactions, but appears most in agreement with what the Brujah says, nodding slightly at his words. “I'm with Duncan here. I'm familiar with using a computer, and my phone sees, or saw at least, quite a bit of use. I'm used to having technology around me, available whenever I need it, though in terms of conversations, I prefer face to face because it just feels much more personal. Can't say I'm not at least somewhat interested in the history some people have though. The whole 'old fashioned' thing and all that. I mean, they must have a lot of stories to tell, and even more information to share.”

She watches Duncan move to buy the ticket, laughing slightly at his disgruntled return. “Oh it can't be that bad. Just offer a smile the next time, instead of a scowl.” The young Kindred winks playfully. “It might just work!”

William laughs as he takes out his phone and browses the local bus service website and locates a number.
"Or you could just text the right number and acquire a digital ticket which usually costs a lot less. We had a similar system in Flemish Belgium. There we go, just in time."
As the tram came to a halt, the neonate lowered the front of his hat to conceal his pale white skin as a bunch of mortals stepped out. As he got in, he flashes his screen towards the driver and took a seat near the back, crossing his legs and looking at ease, as if he was very used to taking public transportation.

Miriel responds to Duncan's ticket machine problem with a sympathetic pout. It's only when Estela finishes saying what she will about his problem that Miriel feels the need to jest, adding, Yeah, just smile and stay on the machine's good side. This particular vending machine seems especially ornery, do whatever you can to keep your bad luck from triggering the war between man and machine. She doesn't sound a bit serious.

After William offers his advice on tickets, and the tram arrives, Miriel steps up beside Duncan and takes him gently by the arm before they board, Don't worry, we'll get that bully robot who stole your pocket money later. She pats his shoulder reassuringly, Gotta find me a bat, first.

Duncan gives every amateur comedian an under-the-eyebrows look that says, "You're not funny," although the corner of his mouth curls up in a half-smile that belies the unamused look.

The Brujah answers William with a snort of derision.
Or I could just take a shortcut down Rue Sainte-Catherine and get there in about the same time... although jogging down the street this time of night might draw unwanted attention. After a moment, he glances at the driver and the few other passengers and adds: However, considering recent events, maybe it's better that we travel together.

To Miri, Duncan responds a little more kindly toward her offer of help.
Thanks, I can fight my own battles. If we weren't right by the Grand Hotel, with cameras no doubt everywhere, that ticket machine might be-- well, out of order right now. They're notorious for that anyway.

As he and the other Kindred settle onto the train, Duncan gives another glance at the driver and other passengers, then turns to William once more and asks a question. The neonate takes care to keep his voice low, and his question generic.
So, what does this thing even look like? If your people told my, uh, boss during their respective briefings, he didn't pass this on to me. Maybe that's why he wants to talk to us.

William leans in, no matter how isolated they seemed, it was better to use caution then have it bite them in the asses later on.
"Well, as far as I'm aware it looks somewhat like a bracelet of sorts, most likely the artifact was intended to be worn. It is also quite old, some sources indicate at least as far as the roman empire so I guess we could expect it to be inscribed with either Latin, old Italian or even occult markings. Come to think about it, wherever it's kept, it hasn't been seen in quite a while, so it might be misshapen or damaged. While the form itself is of no relevance, actual damage however might make it either more dangerous and unstable or completely useless. Either way, the first one to find it, hands off till I'm sure you get to keep your hands after touching it."
William shrugged.
"And I ain't hauling our ass out if you're missing a leg or 2, you'll have to ask Rufus."

Duncan listens to William's whispered description without any comment, until the Tremere warns about loss of limb. That causes Duncan to chuckle.

No scary warnings necessary; I have no desire to touch your trinket.

Or were you referring to other dangers? When I said it's better that we travel together, I didn't mean for my safety. Others will be looking for your little antique, and Miri is the only one of you that I know can handle herself in a tough situation. Rufus probably can't go everywhere we'll be going.

The Brujah grins at William.
You rely on your friend Rufus if you want. I wouldn't count on him rushing to your aid, though.

Duncan laughs. He grins at Miriel, as if sharing some private joke.

Estela follows the others inside the tram, pulling the ticket Claudia got her the night before from her pocket. She walks past the machine, smiling at the slight jokes going on between Miriel and Duncan. “Careful Duncan,” she says with a mild grin. “You might want to hide when Skynet's born. If normal machines already give you trouble, imagine what an intelligent, learning robot will do.”

perception+alertness>4:

She listens attentively as William describes how he believes the object may look.
“Hm, I dunno,” the young Kindred says thoughtfully, though also amused when Duncan makes his remark concerning the gargoyle. “Flying around on the back of that...it...him? It might be worth the temporary loss of a leg.” Though she doesn't sound to serious about her, the idea of flying with Rufus seems to intrigue her.