News Comes To Paris (Sun. 4/1/07, François)

[Detritus]

You make your way through the Opera Bastille, as you have so many times before, to meet with Charles one last time before you embark to New Orleans. The hall is silent, save for your footfalls, as you approach the mezzanine balcony that is your customary meeting place. Charles is already there when you arrive, outfitted in finery that would suit attendance to a performance here.

"Welcome, my friend, welcome," he says, and rises to give you a warm handshake. "I wish you godspeed in your venture to New Orleans. Fortune already smiles upon you, as I will tell you in a moment. If you would hear it, I have some last pieces of counsel for you, too."

[Brother Brian]

Francois, also dressed in finery appropriate to the occasion, nods his head slowly, and says quietly, “My friend, you have been to me a teacher, friend and in many ways a sire. Of course I would listen to your council.”

[Detritus]

"Please, François," says Charles with a gracious, self-deprecating smile, "you have learned long ago all that I could teach you, save perhaps these last few morsels of information that did not concern your immediate education. Although it may not be the prevailing sentiment in Paris, I already consider us equals. You will have ample opportunity to justify my confidence in you in your trip to New Orleans.

"Gwynnis, Justicar to my clan, has convened a Conclave to meet in New Orleans. Details as to why were very sketchy, but I have heard through... informal channels... that it is in response to the destruction of the Malkavian Justicar in that same city.

"The political structure in New Orleans is very unusual for our kind. None of the offices or roles we take for granted -- Seneschal, Sheriff, Primogen -- seem to exist there. Instead, the Prince of the city, someone also of my clan who goes by Mr. Johnson, has tried to shape the composition of the Kindred there to be only those who are his Get, or are more removed descendants of his line. As you might imagine, certain blind spots in the city's leadership may well have developed by following such a plan.

"I cannot say for certain what this means for the political structure in the city going forward, but this same source suggests that Mr. Johnson may be deposed, and a more neutral Prince and Primogen council installed. Normally an outsider would not have much of a chance to ascend to such a lofty position of leadership, but if turmoil this severe is about to hit New Orleans, who can say what will happen, with a Justicar to enforce her dictates on the scene?"

Charles pauses for a moment to collect his thoughts, evidently trying to figure out how to phrase his next point.

"American Brujah are a particularly fractious lot, a mighty engine of war without a captain, you might say. I cannot say for sure, but an event so momentous as the destruction of a Justicar suggests to me a Brujah clan divided amongst itself. If you find this to be the case, I would implore you to do your best to unite your clan there. Show them, François, show them what it truly means to be a Brujah. To be a leader both in the lofty halls of Elysium, and when circumstances on the street demand decisive action from a man of puissant skill at arms.

"If you can do that, the Brujah will already have their leader, and it would simply be a matter of time before they admit it to themselves. And it would be said across two continents that we two truly are equals, as I already know in my heart."

[Brother Brian]

Francois ponders this, looking away from his mentor.

"This Prince Johnson" he begins, slowly, his tone thoughtful, "is he not loyal to clan or Camarilla?" His tone becomes more animated, while his volume remains low enough to ensure he's not being overheard.

"This complicates things greatly. I will need certain freedoms in order to accomplish that plan which compels me to America. Yet, if I refuse to lead my clan, it will give...him an opportunity to secure foot soldiers, assuming he remains in New Orleans.

"So it seems I have no real choice. I will attempt to do as you advise. Might you know of anyone who can be trusted that I may contact when I arrive? If I am going to politic, I will need to gather some information.

[Detritus]

((OOC - François would have seen the NPC that Charles will refer to from time to time in Paris. No more than a nodding acquaintance, but you would recognize her by sight. Whether she recognizes you, at least at first, is another story...))

==============

Charles gives a sad little shake to his head and says, "Yes, one is forced to conclude that Mr. Johnson's ultimate loyalty is to himself, to disastrous consequence, it appears."

At the question of a contact, a mysterious smile crosses Charles' lips, and he reaches into his jacket and produces a small bottle of Chanel No. 5.

"As it so happens, I can supply you a letter of introduction of sorts to one of Gwynnis's agents. Her name is Bonnie, whom you even may have seen a few times here in Paris, and this is her favorite fragrance. Do you recognize it?"

[Brother Brian]

Francois sniffs at the bottle, and stares down in thought.

"I believe she is the one with *the almond eyes, in shape and shade, ever stylish in dress, prefering as I recall darker, natural fabrics*. I shall make it my first priority to meet with her.



---

OOC: The description would be whatever is correct, in the style written.

[Detritus]

"Keep the bottle, and present it to her when you meet. Unopened, and discreetly. While she does prefer the scent, that is the lesser attraction of the fragrance to her. Few now know that in life, her given name was Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel. Coco, while she breathed, and now Bonnie. I believe that is Gwynnis's idea of a joke." Charles makes a wry face of disapproval.

"She will appreciate the gesture. I suspect she will not remain in New Orleans much past whatever political turnover happens as a result of the Conclave, but that should be enough for you to gain entreé into the correct social circles. Indeed, if what I have heard about the city is true, you will be a part of their formation.

"Is there aught else I may answer for you?"

[Brother Brian]

Francois accepts the bottle from Charles, and upon seeing the Chanel name on the bottle, understanding lights up his face.

"Ah, I see now of course. I thank you for this most appropriate letter of introduction. As for your generosity, you have done quite plenty for me already Charles. Yet there is one more thing that may aid me.

"When the Prince discovered Rochette's treason, Amaranth was decreed. By the laws of our kind, such Blood Hunt is only binding within the domain of the Prince who ordered it, unless other prince's choose to abide by it.

Whereas I would not, if given the choice, become a criminal in the eyes of the Camarilla, I will need to obtain the support of at least the Prince of New Orleans, whomever that may end up being. My position will be much more defendable if I were able to say that a Blood Hunt still is extant against the Comte d'Rochette.

Can you confirm for me that as the hunt was never listed, it is still in effect four centuries later?"

[Detritus]

"So long as Rochette lives, or at least is not confirmed destroyed, the hunt remains in effect. This is true.

"Since you will be attending a conclave, you may have an opportunity to extend, or perhaps even eliminate, the boundaries within which the hunt may be prosecuted. While there will be a specific matter for which the conclave was convened, once addressed, nearly anything may be brought up for consideration. A Justicar would have the authority to extend the boundaries of the hunt up to and including the entire globe. And even if that does not work, you would still have recourse with the ruler of New Orleans."

[Brother Brian]

A smile turns up the corners of Francois mouth, but it doesn't touch his eyes, which show no humor, only a steely determination. He clasps Charles by the wrist and shoulder.

"I have come to that moment when the well of words has run dry my friend. No pretty speech will adiquately express the affection and esteem that I have for you.

I can but hope that my actions can in some part repay your kindness. For while Rochette would have stolen my life, his efforts would have stripped you of your honor. And for that, moreso than other reasons, must I feed upon his heart. Thus can honor be satisfied.

Until we speak again then my friend, know that I remember the old ways. And though we are the last of our kind, I have not forgotten. As when we served the king, so is today. I call you brother, and my spirit ever fights beside you."

[Detritus]

"When words fail, then all that remains is to do the deed at hand. I believe this will be your finest hour. Godspeed, dear friend, and be sure to send news of New Orleans once you are established there."

You rise and share an embrace, and then Charles exits the balcony, with one final affectionate look over his shoulder.

[Brother Brian]

Francois stands silently for a moment watching his friend disappear bit by bit down the grand staircase and sighs wistfully. He speaks, so quietly he is not sure he hears himself. "Now I must leave my only home. Another debt I will collect from you Rochette."

After a moment he breaks his near silent reverie, and starts down the staircase to the lobby. He removes a cell phone from his pocket, and presses a few buttons before holding it to his ear.

“Andre”, he says, his tone one of command now, different entirely from his conversation with his friend, “I will be at the airport in 45 minutes. Have you confirmed the arrangements in the US?” Francois never breaks stride as listens to the response. “That is acceptable. Be ready to take off upon my arrival.” Francois slides the phone back into his jacket pocket as he steps out into the Paris evening.