The Culture Tour

[Jerome Price]

Jerome nods to Lady Grace, “yes, I have heard a great deal of your clan’s history but I have yet to see the balance of that evidenced as much against the ... more primal aspects. But with those of you here in Aquae Sulis that is slowly changing.” He gives a smile and turns to Dukes.

“The Comedy of Errors is a play written by William Shakespeare. It is indeed quite funny, there is actually a joke in this one. As is the tradition of these plays, they are often performed by a solely male or female cast, tonight we are fortunate enough to enjoy one of those performances... all the parts will be played by men this evening.”

As the group reaches the Parade Gardens Jerome pauses, calling for a halt and raises his voice again. “We should be able to wait here for the tram, it will be along shortly, but while we wait we can at least enjoy the view and any who wish to take a wander through the gardens can, I will hold the tram until everyone had returned from their wandering. The gardens were only constructed at the start of last century just as the influx of the elite started coming to enjoy the spa, this was the garden the kine used to relax after a long day of soaking.” He gestures beyond the gardens. “The river is just beyond, some of you may be unaware but the river here was connected via canals with the Thames over the last century too creating a direct link between Bath and London. And beyond the river are some of the more industrial parts of the city, a whole different class and culture within spitting distance.. but both of these and the tram show the developments that the city has undergone in just the last century. Impressive, at least I think so.”

[Madam Zaragoza]

Hermina smiles at Aurelia, “Yes, my name does rather give away where I am from, doesn’t it? I am always happy to find a fellow countrywoman. Sadly it is a very long time since I have seen Espana. Perhaps you and I could meet up sometime and reminisce? I would like that very much indeed.”

She listens to Jerome’s description of the nearby park and surrounds, including the canals and factories.

After he finishes his grand speech, Hermina walks up beside Jerome and whispers in his ear.
“Mi amor, really with all this enthusiasm for kindred industry I may confuse you Macmillan... and *that* simply would not do.”
She gives him a wink and steps back next to Aurelia and the other Elders.

[Posh-Tim]

It's quite impressive how many expressions cross Keanes face in short succession. Most definitely losing any kind of composure he has so recently found, there is panic, blind anger, dissapointment and confusion that all ultimately simmer down to general irritation.
" Biskoazh C'hoazh!"
He settles himself down and hisses at Raife.
"What on earth took you so long to get by here? I told you we would be leaving earlier."
He calms further and putting on the best face he can turns to the others assembled.
"To those of you that were so interested earlier, can I introduce my Childer, Raife."
At Jerome's mention of the Teams, Keanes face finally falls in defeat.
"Oh, those horrible metal trollies" He says quietly.

[Jean-Jacques]

Whilst the group await the tram and wander the gardens, Jean-Jacques seeks a moment where Raife and his sire are detached and approaches

He stands and bows in silence to the elder and fixes Raife with a stare.

“Raife, you should ‘eed ze vords ov your sire and elder ‘ere, lest you be found alone in zis city and be mistaken for a renegade and be subject to ze laws of ze sheriff, ‘is deputies or gorse, ze scourges.”

He let the sentence resonate for a moment,

He turns back to Elder Keane, bows once more,

“Elder Keane, I am at your serveece.”

He bows once my and fixes his gaze open Raife.

[Raife Black]

Raife winced and cast his eyes away from Keane as he scolded him, dutifully nodded and muttering his apologies before being introduced. However, he rallied quickly and when Keane woefully declared the trams to be horrible metal trollies, he had a hard job hiding his smile behind his hand.

Raife turned and stared blankly as Jean-Jaques addressed him, his expression somewhere between bored and amused.

"I didn't catch a word of that, I'm afraid." Raife lied and looked back over to Keane, ignoring Jean-Jaques' fixed gaze.

"Sire, would it be rude for me to speak to this fellow in French? He's obviously from that part of the world but I find his English harder to understand than your- ah. Hard to understand."

[alanwrotethis]

Dukes whistles, and Sophia takes flight.
"She wouldn't like the tram," he says by way of explanation.
He turns to Keane.
"Jean-Jacques was graciously reminding your childe that all kindred, especially those unfamiliar to a domain, need heed the territories of clan and personal haven, lest they be mistaken for an intruder. Last time I made that mistake I counted coup against half of the Gangrel of Britain."
He smiles.
"We worked it out, I have my charming moments. Still, not everyone has my reputation or raw social acumen. Neonate Jean-Jacques has been very kind in reiterating this, these small counsels from the foundation of a good education in kindred etiquette. I am sure, with the aid of a translator, Raife would be happy to know that those recognized by the court have his well-being at heart."

[Jerome Price]

Jerome nods to Dukes’s response his eyes latching onto Raife, when Dukes has finished he adds “Indeed Sheriff, to insult one officer of the court in their duties is to insult us all. Elder Keane, should your charge forget their manners in Elysium then I shall only be too glad to provide some more ... memorable tutelage.”

[alanwrotethis]

Dukes waves a hand.
"Of course, there is no insult here. We understand that young Raife's ears are not as linguistically nimble as those of a well-travelled kindred, and that his suggestion to speak in French is an effort at courtesy. I for one am always flattered by offers to speak in my mother-tongue, lest we forget the perils that Angle-ish bestows on everyday conversation."
Dukes turns to Raife, eyes locked on a space above and to the left of his face.
"I am happy to see an improvement in his demeanour. There is much to learn but I trust that the childe of Keane will learn... quickly."
He smiles, still not making eye contact.

[Madam Zaragoza]

Hermina walks over to Raife, puts a hand on his shoulder and looks directly at him.

“Darling.. Raife is it? It is difficult when one is so young and everything so very new and different. But there are some rules that must be remembered and adhered to. A neonate who does not learn this quickly may find that they have no time to learn at all. Do you understand me? I would to hate that you have caused any difficulties for my fellow clan mates.”

She steps back and smiles, looking for some sense that the neonate understands.

[Jean-Jacques]

Jean-Jacques relaxes his gaze upon Raife with a returned smile before bowing to Elder Keane, and Elders Dukes, Price and Zaragoza in turn and moves away and towards the other brujah.

As his back turns his body seems to relax, he hadn’t even realised himself how his blood had risen at the perceived challenge and he is glad to be free of the confrontation.

As he spys Lady Grace he smiles warmly and approaches and stands quietly awaiting the tram.