University Library Finn and Beck.

After sufficient travel time.
Tristan is lead inside to a study where Suibhne waits.

Suibhne puts down the book his is perusing, rises and nods a greeting, "Tristan, glad to see you looking well."

Tristan smiles. "Likewise. It's good to see you again." He sits down opposite Finn. "I imagine you've been keeping yourself busy."

Smile, sit down again. "I have many things to keep myself busy with certainly. My studies and properties take up much of my time. And you, keeping the rebel element in line?"

"Of course," he says. "It's something related to that which brings me to you, actually. What can you tell me about an artifact called the Scepter of the Grand Magus?"

Suibhne sits back in his chair, fingers steapled at his chin, considering the issue at hand. "I am aware of the device; it dates back about thirteen hundred years. It was a prized possession, perhaps even created, or so it was said, by someone in House Tremere, then connected to the Hermetic Order of Mages of course. It was retained by the mages of that house, at least until Tremere himself appropriated it for his own use although my readings suggest he never got it to work properly. I have heard rumours that other kindred did manage to get it to work. however. If I remember correctly, the device was lost, possibly stolen by a gargoyle, after which it turns up in the occult literature and oral tradition from time to time with none will-workings wielding arcane magic. Some of these tales say that the wielders were tremere, sometimes not, but all of them come to tragic results. There is some claims that the device is intelligent in that a voice communicates with the holder. Take that to mean what you will Tristan. There is also said to be a green glow about it when in use which for some means infernalism is involved. Kindred wielding the device, a mages device, is interesting to say the lease given that your avatar is shattered by the kiss. Frankly, I am unsure what the device does - augment arête or something else. Has it turned up again?"

"That is what I need to determine," Tristan answers. "I have reason to believe that it may have surfaced in the city, so I wanted to know what it might be capable of and if it is, in fact, infernal. Do you know if there is a way to authenticate it if found? To cleanse or destroy it if it is infernal?"

"That had occurred to me, of course, but I would prefer not to leave so much riding on speculation. Naturally, the acquisition of such an item would be of great interest to my clan; however, I will not expose them to the risk of infernalism. Once I have found this item, should it actually exist, I wish to know whether it can be preserved or must be destroyed."

He shifts in his seat. "I would like you to do research into this subject. What are its capabilities? Is the entity key to its power or could it be removed safely? Obviously, discretion is key, but knowing more will certainly help me in locating it. If you are able to give me solid intelligence on this item, I will reward you."

Tristan nods, smiling. "I agree." He stands. "Let me know when you have more information or if there is more you need from me. I have to get back to the office now and make sure there are no new emergencies that require my attention."

"Well, just whether you know the names of anyone who came into contact with the artefact?" Suihbne stands as well, folding his long arms behind his back. "Always a pleasure Tristan. We must go hunt down a villainous cretin together as we've down in the past, very exciting times."

"No names as yet, though that should change," he says. "And I'll be sure to let you know when I get a lead on my next villainous cretin so you can help me hunt them down." He chuckles

A knock knock knock upon the door,
And stepping thru the tween place, a beautiful if exotic woman enters.
She bows, to which of you it is unclear, and smiles.
"Greetings, While you are both here, I thought it advantageous to see about entering into an agreement with yonder kindred while our advocate is here to watch over my interests."
She extends a hand.
"You may call me Lady Seria Duviela,..."

Noting her unusual appearance, Tristan discreetly views her aura.

Suibhne nods a greeting and takes her hand, kissing the top in an old fashion display of courtesy, "Lady Seria, a pleasure to meet you. Won't you please come in and have a seat. Tristan, would you mind staying on a moment, I believe whatever the lady wishes to say will have some interest to you - if only in your capacity as a high ranking kindred."

She sits.
"I admit a curiosity about you. Rare is the predator who hunts among his own kind for the weak of character."

Tristan bows his head respectfully. "A pleasure to meet you, Lady Seria."

She smiles.
"And I you. Herr Beck."
...you can tell the german use was quite deliberate.
"I met a curious little fellow who used to repair shoes over night in my travels."
You vaugely recall childhood stories your papa used to tell of such fairy tales, he would even sometimes leave shoes out and a bit of offering to the wee folk a small indulgance in an otherwise serious man, other than of course music.

"I would like for us to get to know one another better. Perhaps we could be mutually beneficial."
She demurely smiles.

"I am certainly open to discussion, though I'm sure you know that my clan has some prohibitions regarding your people," Tristan tells her, making sure to charming.

She nods after a moment.
"No occasion to make the fae seek vengance. Something like that."
She smiles.
She looks to Finn.
"You can navigate these tricky waters?"

Suibhne smiles, "I am too old to ignore, too powerful to antagonize and have been a friend of clan Tremere among others far long enough not to be indulged. Tristan's clan are not fools, Lady Seria, but they have undertaken a near impossible task and have no choice but to be suspicious of all offers of mutual benefit. If what you wish to propose is not unreasonable, however, I'm sure something can be arranged. I have known Master Beck quite some time now, and he is an honest broker."

Tristan nods to Finn with a smile. "I appreciate the character reference."

"Fair enough." she smiles.
"There is a dance in three nights time, if you would be so kind as to be my escort, we can get to know each other then."

Tristan bows. "It will be a pleasure, my lady." He kisses the back of her hand elegantly, says goodbye to Finn, and departs.