The Tremere Chantry

Code:

William's player has been writing solaris for months and now the storyteller picks said time to correct him. William"s player SMASH!!!!-es his urge to facepalm.

Meanwhile William nods and exits the chantry.

William enters the Chantry, apparently, he shows off something. Maybe t'is his table manners, or maybe something much more dark and sinister.... Or his lack of hat. Everyone needs a hat.

You're an idiot :p


When William steps in the Chantry, the ambiance is a little more tense. Corinna Ansons seems to be discussing something with Mikael Horsman and Dominique Lejeune, in the library. The door is open, showing it's not as private as one would expect. William can overhear Mikael state something in the lines of taking care of the Chantry since the Regent isn't here, which is why he stayed while Tarcisus left the night before.

The tense atmosphere didn't bother William as he made his way through the room as he heard what Mikael was stating. Once he reached his room he entered but didn't bother closing the door as he sat on his bed, relaxing a few moments where he didn't need to keep up the facade as he sighed.

After another minute, the neonate got up quickly enough, took out his laptop bag from the travelbag under the bed, lifted his laptop from his desk, along with a flash drive and the charger and deposited it inside the black carbon bolstered bag. He zipped everything up and studied his room. He briefly wondered when his clothing and equipment whom would have been send later by his sire would arrive, for his stack of clean clothes were thinning, and took a mental note to check tomorrow early evening if it hadn't arrived, which also reminded him to ask his sire about the comments old Tarcisus made about her.
"Maybe I should have warned the hotel? Oh well, no time now."

Once he left the room, he closed his door with a resounding click in the empty room, only disturbed from the murmuring from the older clan members' next door. Curious he walked to the open door of the library and leaned against the doorframe.

Mikael notices as William stops by, he makes sign at him that he can enter.
(Mikael) No good news, I suppose ?

"There still is something out at the Theatre which is setting off supernatural alarms... with our Malkavian, even after the wolf left. Other than that, nothing. We could look up if the name the lupine has given us, see if it strikes any records on Kindred that the Tremere possess. See if it has any connection to our missing regent, but it's a long shot. On matters Artifacts, waiting for the nosferatu to do their thing, I don't particularly enjoy having to rely on their assistance, but thanks to one of the core camarilla rules, my hands are tied. Besides, getting on their good side, how minimal that could be, is still a benefit for the clan."
The neonate explained as he walked into the room, as he halted at the group, he turned to Dominique.

"I'm sorry, where are my manners, William Wolvenheart, recent transfer from Brussels," William said as he gave a bow, "Ohh that reminds me," He turned his head to Mikael, "I've kind of not been presented to the prince yet, Regent Kersten was supposed to do it at the execution tomorrow evening, and he's kind of missing. I've spoken to the prince before briefly after Lord Tarcisus presented the bracelet, and while he didn't comment on it, I do seem to be in a bit of a bind as it isn't something I should delay for too long. Uncaring prince or otherwise."

The three Tremere listen to the discourse with a serious face. Corinna nods, she had given the information the neonate had sent her ; the fixed in line seems to be able to receive SMS.
(Mikael) The name the werewolf gave ?

Dominique nods and presents himself as well.
(Dominique) Hey William. Dominique Lejeune, black sheep of the clan. I'm staying until the justitium is off, but I'm part of Toulouse's Chantry.

He probably means "I'm stuck here", and not really hiding it.
(Mikael) Without Regent Kersten, I will take responsibility and present you properly tomorrow night, then ; yesterday was not a proper night for it. Corinna told me he had given you a token older Kindred could recognize.

Corinna nods and confirms, explaining.
(Corinna) Anyone can forge a letter, so giving willingly a personal object is something some Toreador and Malkavian can sense as a proof of truth behind your presence. Speaking of which, I will need it back once you've been presented officially.

"Yes, Sturbridge, probably english or some bastardisation of a German name. And of course, I wasn't exactly planning on keeping the cross, not my thing, nor my belonging," William said in a matter of fact tone.

Mikael and Corinna quickly recognize the name, and oddly, they look at each other.
(Corinna) New-York City's Regent, she was mentioned by Raekel Montalbain too, on Wednesday. She's a person of interest for the clan, as she's bond to Regent Sturbridge. I researched her when she ruthlessly addressed the Regent about her "common acquaintance"..

The librarian visibly frowns at the lack of proper respect she says Raekel had displayed. Mikael thinks about it a moment.
(Mikael) I don't recall Aisling Sturbridge having any fame among the werewolves, at all. I do remember her touring Europe during the War, and we did welcome her at the time... Why would a Garou mention her ?

William studied Mikael for a moment, his eyes squinting as he studied the older Tremere.
"Horsman, when was the last time you left the chantry?"

Mikael makes a slight frown, but Corinna's if far more visible. She speaks with far more anger than before, not willing to tolerate the misbehavior anymore.
(Corinna) That's Magister Horsman to you, childe.

She quickly calms down, then stands and leaves them. Mikael shakes his head with a sigh, but speaks with authority.
(Mikael) Watch your words. I left in 1945, and kept informed of everything that has happened in the city ever since. Now answer my question.

Dominique doesn't hide a guilty pleasure he's having, hearing the exchange.

"That was not my question, you misunderstand, and I apologise for talking faster than my mind can form the correctly formed sentances, BUT..."
William sighed in frustration.
"Magister, you were in the very same room as me, the moment, the Lupine whom called himself Winemaker, uttered the name I just gave you, which were the last words of the kindred woman whom they took down after she refused to leave their territory... In fact you were standing right besides me... while he told the story. His exact words were: 'She named a certain "Sturbridge" before I killed her. She had red hair'. Forgive my impertinence, but I was more concerned with the fact that there might have been a fake you at the theatre... Considering both you and Sir Griffin portrayed a form of recognition to the name once uttered."

The ST facepalms, Sorry I was an idiot XD I failed, sorry >_>
Mikael left the Theater just before the Werewolf did. I'll add it to the theater topic. Sorry

Mikael nods, then shakes slightly his head. Then he massages his temples slightly.
(Mikael) No, no, it was me. I must be tired, and was lost in my thoughts, trying to link why some red-haired kindred would mention a Regent of the other side of the world. But once I came back here and asked Corinna about it. It came out that this woman was a Tzimisce under the control of Regent Sturbridge. Raekel Montalbain, then.

William just stares at Horsman for a moment (While the player is silently judging the Storyteller and the character), then turns around, away from the group and rolls his eyes in annoyance with a sigh, to make it appear he was slightly pacing.
"Right, long shot. Unless L-... Regent Kersten is on a little R&R. Still, I guess we should inform her one of her minions got got shish-kebab-ed."
After a brief moment, he turned around once more.
"Well I guess that path is frozen until something new comes up. I shall continue with working on the artifact."

Mikael waves off the Raekel issue.
(Mikael) I'll take care of informing Regent Sturbridge. Good luck with the artifact. I will try with old resources and contacts, see if anything comes up on my side on that matter. Finding regent Kersten is a priority, however, so be aware of anything that could lead us to him.

"Yes sir. Well I better get going, I-"
William read his watch.
"-am grossly overtime. Pleasent evening, Magister, Lejeune."

He quickly left the room and walked towards the exit, looking back he shouted, "My apologies Corinna, please don't curse my room," before quickly passing through the main door.

Aftyer having spent some time in the Hotel, Griffin steps inside the Chantry with a slight bored and unwilling sigh. He states a few vague words.
(Jean-Pierre) I have returned.

Mikael and Dominique, still at the Library, give him a wave as a salute, but they're still discussing.

Corinna walks around aimlessly in her room for a few minutes, trying to find something to tidy up to calm herself. Without success, though, as everything already is neat and clean. When she hears William shout, she grimaces, but finally leaves her room. She steps into the Library, patiently waiting for the conversation to come to an end so she can speak.
"My apologies for interrupting you. Magister Horsman, I shall need to talk to you in private for a moment."
She slightly turns around to Dominique.
"If you wouldn't mind leaving us alone for a minute, Monsieur Lejeune?"
Corinna waits until the other Tremere is no longer within earshot before addressing her sire. Before doing so, she straightens up a little, clasping her hands behind her back.
[Spoken in fluent and accentless German.]
"Magister, I wanted to talk to our other guest, the one that is upstairs." She is obviously still wary, refraining from giving anything resembling precise information. "I thought about taking Rufus with me, just as a ... precaution. May I have your permission to do so? Or would you like me to do something else?"

Mikael nods, understanding her apology for interrupting. He gives a glance at Dominique.
(Mikael) You're entrusted with this mission then.

Dominique gives a look at Corinna, and stands.
(Dominique) Alright, I'll see what I can do with Remi. See you later then !

He leaves soon enough, and Mikael invites Corinna to come closer so she can make her inquiry. He answers equally in German. He observes Corinna with a certain paternalism, as if he were to put his hand on her head to let her know he approves of her.
(Mikael) Yes, you may, it is a good idea ; I did not have the time to worry about him... Call Rufus once there so your safety is assured.

One can almost see a twitch in the corner of her mouth when Mikael calls her plan a good idea, although none but those who know her face by heart might make out such an almost-movement. Corinna gives a little bow with her head after her sire has finished speaking.
"Thank you, Magister. I will go at once."
And that she does, taking a small step away from Mikael before turning around and leaving. She heads upstairs with a resolute stride, and only halts in front of the 'special guest's' room.
"Rufus, I need you."
There is no need for her to raise her voice, as she knows the Gargoyle can hear her anywhere within the Chantry and will respond immediately. Once he appears, she flinches at his sight, though barely visible, before regaining her outward calm.
"I want you to guard me and pay attention to any suspicious movements our guest makes. Be ready to defend me and hold him down if he attacks, but do not kill him. We need him alive."
She notices the irony of her words, but doesn't bother to correct herself. Corinna is sure that Rufus knows what she means. She now opens the door and enters.

Frederic Vonzel has been staked and let on the bed of the room. All curtains and blinds haven been closed. He looks fine, but if he was injured, he had healed himself before being staked.

Rufus appears from one of the walls and listens to the instructions. He nods, understanding.
(Rufus) Very well. This room does not have the material for good interrogation..

He sounds disappointed, he probably likes Saint Eloi better, a "proper" Chantry..
(Rufus) I will stand and watch. Should I free him of his movements ?

Once Corinna confirms she wants Rufus to take the stake out, Rufus approaches the body, turns him, holds him and pulls out the stake. It makes the Lasombra cringe of pain, but he doesn't move, until the Gargoyle has verified he has not frenzied. Rufus steps away and lets the man sit, who gives a look full of questions to Corinna. He sits slowly on the bed.
(Frederic) At least it's more comfortable here. Last living night, uh ?.. Ansons, right ? What do you want ?

He sounds resigned. At least he remembered her name, even if they have not formally met, he probably heard her name before, or they may have seen each other in Elysium when he had introduced himself as a Ventrue back in the 60's or 70's. At least he doesn't seem like in a mood to attack or to flee.

Corinna eyes Frederic suspiciously, watching his every movement. She makes sure that Rufus is closer to him than she is before she closes the door and takes another step into the room. She goes to stand opposite the bed.
"I want information, Monsieur Vonzel, and I shall like you to answer some questions."
Despite her polite phrasing and calm voice, it is obvious that she won't take a refusal. She straightens up, her dark suit accentuating the sharp angles of her shoulders, and watches him for a few seconds.
"You obviously knew about the artifact. How come? What were your sources?"
A frown appears on her forehead, and she crosses her arms in front of her chest.
"And why did you suspect it to be in St. Eloi's?"

The Lasombra crosses his legs on the bed, calm. If he is in pain he's hiding by ego. He speaks with a certain sarcasm and cocky attitude. After all, as far as he knows, she's younger than him.
(Frederic) I can't believe it took so long for someone to ask! Rumors, my dear. In the Sabbat it's a well known fact that there is something, and considering how this one Tremere died, looking for it.. But I am thirsty. Very thirsty. I may name names if you allow me a good and tasty last meal.

To confirm his thirst he shows his fangs. Rufus seems to be ready to intercept what he seems to perceive as a threat (the Tremere are no vessels !), or as defiance towards his masters (how dare you even try to negotiate anything).

Corinna seems to be unimpressed by Frederic's behaviour. She is well aware of the fact that he doesn't have a lot of leeway in his actions, and could only make hollow threats, if he bothers at all.
"Rumors? I find that hard to believe. The information you acted upon can't have come from mere rumors alone. Why bother with only a rumor to back anything up?"
She sneers at the Lasombra's display of fangs. It doesn't surprise her that he is hungry, merely that he makes such a poor effort at getting sustenance.
"Monsieur Vonzel, this is no proper behaviour for a negotiation. Upsetting me will upset the Gargoyle, and I believe I don't have to explain the consequences to you."
Her sneer turns into a confident half-smile. She does not, however, tell Rufus to back down.
"You are not in a good bargaining position. Answer my questions first; if you do so to my satisfaction, then we can talk about your ... last meal."
Corinna uncrosses her arms, even though the tension in her figure never eases and she never stops looking at the Lasombra. Whether she will really grant him his request is doubtful, seeing how he will be executed the next night anyway, and can simply be staked once she is done interrogating him.