Drinks?

Thaddeus blinked in pleasant surprise when Alfarinn put one arm around his waist, wondering at the display of affection. Looking back through the evening, though, he realized that they had been exchanging such gestures all night.

He didn’t know exactly when he had become so comfortable, to the point where such interactions, in public no less, had become the most natural thing in the world. He only knew he was glad of it.

[Only good things. But come, I think perhaps we should make a few new good memories.]

Smiling at Alfarinn’s suggestion, he added: [Ah yes, the many duties of a good influence and mighty slayer of cabinets.]

He gave Pakpao a little bow, trying to place the exact origins of both the name and the costume and deciding he knew what he would do next time he was at the library. Unless, of course, he got the impression it would not be too intrusive to just ask.

“A pleasure to meet you as well, Pakpao.”

He took Artemis’s offered hand in his gloved one, giving a shake and considering how to reply honestly. Pushing back thoughts of his recent encounter and what was still to come, he nodded his head.

“It is tonight.”

It seemed the two Evenhet were all innocence regarding MARI, though he had seen enough of Artemis to know better than to take that at face value. PakPao was quick to dismiss the implied query and Thaddeus could hardly help but smile at the two of them; they seemed quite charming together.

“I had the pleasure of meeting MARI recently; she is most impressive.”

He decided to keep any commentary on Artemis’s dancing to himself, as he didn’t quite know what to make of it.

Chewing gum, really? Pak made a mental note to add a few sticks to cigarette case, it never hurt to be prepared.

Noticing Artemis didn’t defend his dancing Pak had to smile. Damned, she wished she had it on video, just a minute or two all she would have had to have done was stick a cell phone in her belt too. Well she’d get him next time.

Pak noticed the arm around the shoulder, which she had –no- objections too, but made her wonder if the sending was hard for him. Smiling up at him, as it seemed she would be looking up at everyone tonight, she batted her eyelashes and subtly, silently offered him her full class of wine. If he turned it down, she would have no problems finishing it off.

“Thank you, I wish I could take all the credit for her. She is rather unique.”

She boldly made eye contact with Alfarinn as she said that. She also couldn’t help but notice he and Thaddeus seemed to be on quite friendly terms. Of course not having many dealing outside of Evenhet, she really had no basis to judge, she’d simply as Artemis for his opinion later.

Alfarinn quirked an eyebrow at Pakpao at not noticing any problems; perhaps this one didn't need a bad influence and was perfectly capable of pranks on her own. He made a mental note to stay on the lookout while down in the computer complex.

"Really? I've promised to let him dance at events before and he's never been so eager."

He poked out his lip in a mock pout and looked at Artemis with a hurt expression.

"After all this time we've been together too.. Its because I'm taller than you isn't it? I might have let you lead if you had asked."

Looking thoughtful at the chewing gum, he shook his head negatively.

"I am afraid I don't have any. Dani might have some in the purse of wonders. I swear that thing holds everything. Did you invent it or what?"

Reaching down to the top of rim of his left boot, he pulled out...a pen.

"I do have this."

Straightening up, he handed the pen over to Artemis and put his arm back around Thaddeus.

[Damn, I was supposed to be a good influence. I forgot.]

"Nothing is wrong with MARI, what ever gave you that impression?"

Alfarinn smiled innocently and turned towards Pakpao.

"I was just wondering if we could possibly add a remote but I can speak with you about it later."

Artemis accepted the glass that was handed to him. Nodding and silently mouthing his thank you, he took a sip. He was fairly certain she had checked him out earlier, and now Pak was looking out for him. Artemis was now convinced she liked him. All he would need now was a high tech toy or two and he would be happy the rest the night.

Artemis couldn't help but laugh at Alfarinn wanting to dance. The comment was even funnier considering the dancing he had actually done. Alfarinn probably wouldn't be so eager if he had known. Artemis amended that thought, this was Alfarinn after all. Any reply he might have made was gone when Alfarinn produced the pen. Not just any pen, THE pen. Draining the glass he placed it on a passing tray. A wide grin played across his lips. By Zues, Olympus was smiling on him. A toy!!!

Artemis accepted the pen with glee and began pointing it in all directions. It had been tons of fun at Alfarinn's place when he had made it. He had been able to change the music selection and turn of the system a couple of times before Alfarinn figured out what happened and confiscated the pen. Now, the blaring sirens of several car alarms going off filled the air. Mission accomplished, he handed the pen back to his friend.

" It is a mighty pen, saving the world from bad music and ....um....well behaved cars."

Thaddeus raised one eyebrow at Pakpao’s perfectly schooled expression, smiling inwardly. Something about her composure made him think of Anantya, in fact, and he thought for a moment that she might have been well suited to his own order.

“She is indeed.”

[I rather like her.]

He looked askance at Alfarinn, catching the sight of that absolutely irresistible pout. He was tempted to mention just what he’d like to do with that full lower lip but remembered in time that he was supposed to be acting the good influence.

His amusement with the banter was somewhat quelled, however, by a rather startling realization. He’d never in his life danced with another man in public. And acting silly with his best friend growing up hardly counted toward anything, either. He wondered just what had made him he could pull it off, then just as quickly dismissed that line of thinking as ridiculous; he would be dancing with Alfarinn, after all.

His companion seemed to think he had just caused some sort of mischief by giving Artemis a pen, and, still reflecting on his earlier less than completely wholesome thoughts, he sent:

[Well I hardly see what harm a pen could…]

The sound of alarms screaming through the air interrupted that thought, and Thaddeus winced a little, peering up at Alfarinn with a half pained, half amused expression.

[…do].

Though he could admit it was somewhat amusing to see an orderly rush for the exit as several went to go investigate the state of their cars, he really did hope they didn’t get caught. And thrown out. And arrested. Of course, he wasn’t certain of what the authorities could charge them with, but if making such a racket were actually legal…well, it shouldn’t be!

He looked over discreetly as the pen changed hands, finding his curiosity outweighed his worry if only for a moment. Though his limited experience with Artemis’s inventions proved amusing, he noticed there tended to be a practical purpose behind them and he wondered what the original intent for the pen had been. Perhaps it was some sort of fascinating Evenhet secret. Solemnly, he looked up at Artemis, one eyebrow raised.

“Such things may well make all the difference.”

Pak grinned inwardly at Thaddeus praise of MARI. Maybe he wasn’t as formal as the cloths made him seem. She nodded and returned the thought.

[Then you have good taste.]

Oh, that had been a bit of a slip, best not to say anything and just let the whole subject drop. She was trying to be good tonight… wasn’t she? Pak simply nodded rather non committally at the whole remote idea and looked for a change of subject.

“He’s never offered to dance with you I’m shocked. Maybe I’m just better looking?”

Pak didn’t allow a flicker of smile to cross her face and some how managed to appear about twelve years old and perfectly innocent as she nodded a ‘you’re welcome’ to Artemis.

Pen? What pen? Apparently, it was a damned fascinating pen.

The car alarms verified it was a magnificent pen and Pak couldn’t help but laugh, although she tried to stifle it.

“I think I like the pen.”

He chuckled at Pakpao's statement and straight face as she suggested she was prettier than he was.

"That's it! I'm suing Pantene for their false advertising."

Alfarinn smiled as Artemis took the pen and proceeded to set off all the car alarms nearby. It was made even more amusing by Thaddeus's absolving him of blame with the question of how much harm could a pen do.

[Oh...about that much.]

Taking the pen back from Artemis, he tucked it back in his boot.

"Yes, it is a most noble cause. We are absolutely serious here in our efforts to save the world."

Placing his hand in Thaddeus's, Alfarinn smiled at the two fellow Evenhet.

"Well I'd say now is a good time to dance... also known as scatter and pretend to be innocent. You should see if Artemis has any more lying around, though in his place that could dangerous."

He turned to Thaddeus, and smiled.

"Shall we busy ourselves with a dance and try not to look like accomplices?"

'Accomplices?' Ellis whispered softly into Aflarinn and it followed with a sultry purr, 'I like the sound of that.'

With Simon following behind her, as always, she circled the Evenhet and leaned in close to give him a kiss on the cheek. 'Sweetums, how are you? I haven't seen you since Club E and that frightful human who was celebrating her birthday, was it?' She ignored the company around Alfarinn, waiting graciously to be introduced, but more than likely it was because she reveled in her snotty behaviour. It really did just crack her up.

Simon watched Ellis be her usual social butterfly self and inwardly he groaned. He wasn't exactly sure how he had put up with her airs for so long. He formally nodded to present company and stayed a step behind her, letting her go on with her trivial flirting.

He took a moment to mentally check out of the situation and the first thing that came to mind was Carol. He hadn't seen her return to the Ball, but part of him knew she wouldn't. His eyes grew unfocused as he tried to recall how soft her hair was.

Alfarinn raised his eyebrows at the breathy purr in his ear. It did not take the woman coming around in front of him to match that voice to its owner, Ellis's voice was instantly recognizable all its own.

"Good Evening Ellis. I would imagine you have no need of accomplices. What trouble have you caused tonight?"

That the Tacharan leader was here was not really a surprise; that the building was still standing and no blood had yet to be shed did give him cause to wonder what deviousness had kept her too occupied to be the author of obvious mayhem.

"Oh yes, I had forgotten. Some people can't handle attention I would guess. I believe I saw her here tonight actually... should you wish to renew your acquaintance."

Alfarinn was not sure what perverse streak in him chose to point out the poor human's presence at the ball or too whom the whom the wickedness was directed.

He looked around at the others and dutifully made introductions.

"Ellis and Simon, this is Thaddeus Grey, Artemis Bellezone and PakPao Metharom. I believe you have all heard of the infamous Ellis of Tacharan. This would be the one and only."

'Praise be to all the gods for that!' He thought to himself as he watched the two Tacharan who joined them. Simon seemed distant but knowing what he did of their last few meetings with the second in command, Alfarinn figured a little distant was the least they should expect.

"Enjoying the ball, Simon?"

"Good Evening Ellis. I would imagine you have no need of accomplices. What trouble have you caused tonight?"

Ellis remembered her oral fixation and brought her cigarette up to her mouth. She gave him a smile and a shrug. 'Nothing. Well, nothing that could be traced back at least.' She nudged him playfully.

"Ellis and Simon, this is Thaddeus Grey, Artemis Bellezone and PakPao Metharom. I believe you have all heard of the infamous Ellis of Tacharan. This would be the one and only."

Ellis gave a grand curtsy and giggled. 'Turns me on when you speak so graciously of me, Alfarinn.' Her eyes narrowed onto the trophy blonde. 'Well, so you're Thaddeus Grey. Emma chose well,' then she looked back at Alafrinn, 'as did you, Alfie.'

Interesting, Thaddeus Grey was Anantya yet here he was with an Evenhet. Inter-clan relationships. And they say I'm not traditional, Ellis thought. Alfarinn asked how Simon was she looked back at him. Her ever present shadow was just staring into space. This is how he had been lately. Not in his usual quiet self but distant. He used to always be close by but now...this is mostly how she saw him when they were together.

There, yet not.

Artemis was going to reply that he did not need to worry because Alfarinn was the one with the pen. That was until the shit hit the fan. Or was that walked by in a corset? What little he had heard about Ellis was not entirely favorable. Still it was enough for Artemis to guess this was probably not going to be pleasant. Lovely, way to ruin a date.

Part of being out in public he supposed was being sociable. He allowed himself a small grin before looking at Alfarinn and mouthing 'Sweetums?' with a raised eyebrow. The woman may be as crazy as he had heard, but he was going to get plenty of mileage out of that one. General amusement aside, he did not know the reason for the visit so he decided it was best to listen and wait for the moment. Believing etiquette to be important in this situation, Artemis nodded a greeting to both new comers.

" Pleasure to meet you both"

Simon's eyes snapped to Alafrinn. Without missing a beat he replied, 'Having a grand time, Alfarinn. ' He nodded his head towards the others. 'Artemis, PakPao,' he looked over at Thaddeus and his expression didn't falter once. 'Thaddeus, it is a pleasure.'

He didn't look at Ellis, who was staring at him now. Her smile seemed to slide off her face when she turned. He could feel her eyes narrow on him so there was no reason to be sure and check.

Thaddeus managed a small nod at Pakpao’s comment, though he was still unnerved by the racket. It seemed to have caused a bit of chaos in the ballroom and he was somewhat relieved when Alfarinn put the pen away.

“It certainly…adds interest.”

Mentally shaking his head at the two Evenhet discussing their respective appearances, the corner of his mouth twitched upward as he looked to Artemis.

“I am content to share the title of ‘luckiest man in the room’ if these two can concede to share the title of ‘prettiest’.”

Grinning full on now, he looked up at Alfarinn in time to nod his head in agreement with his suggestion, quite looking forward to having their dance. Preoccupied with such thoughts, he was somewhat startled when they were approached from behind by a dark haired woman, though he merely turned and raised one eyebrow, giving Alfarinn’s hand a little squeeze. He had only seen Ellis once, from a distance, but she was quite unmistakable, and he found himself casting about to see if Simon was with her. Seeing him just behind Ellis, Thaddeus returned the formal nod before turning back as introductions were made.

He might have been insulted in a stubborn sort of way by Ellis’s implication that he was in any need of her approval, but found her greeting was a bit unnerving, delivered as it was through narrowed eyes. He wondered just what she saw that would give cause to a compliment of that nature when she had only just met him. There had been some interest directed toward him, as Emma’s child, when he first came to Nachton, though he had managed to arrive after the worst of the controversy surrounding his creator’s death had gone down and when it became clear that he had no desire for the public eye interest seemed to wane. Of course, some made it their business to know the goings on of the clans and it didn’t surprise him that Ellis would be one of those people. He just found he wasn’t certain of the meaning of her assessment, and mentioning Emma as bluntly as she had further threw him a bit.

Or perhaps he was reading far too much into the matter and she was merely being civil.

Of course, he remained cordial, keeping such thoughts guarded as always. Alfarinn was keeping the conversation lively enough, a thought for which he was quite grateful if a touch uncertain of Ellis's familiarity, but he did add his own greetings.

“Good evening.”

He took a moment to glare at Artemis with a look of warning that said 'say it again and I'll find something equally bad' not that the inventor was likely to listen. There was a brief moment of reflection when he considered how likely it was that he could get PakPao to call Artemis something like "Pumpkin" publicly and within his hearing but it was stalled by further comment from the Tacharan.

Alfarinn forced a grin when Ellis commented in a suggestive manner and hoped his companion did not take her seriously. Wouldn't it just make her day to manage to cause strife between them? Thaddeus did not seem to be alarmed by it though he did sense a certain amount of disdain from the Anantya; well that was hardly a surprise all things concidered.

Her attention on Thaddeus was enough to make Alfarinn want to pull the blonde closer to him but such a reaction would only make her laugh and he no wish to amuse her by letting her know that her words got to him in anyway. Smiling down at his companion, he said

"Indeed, Thaddeus is a credit to his family and I am proud to be with him."

Turning to Simon, he grinned but could tell that something, and he figured he could guess what, was bothering the man.

"Ah well it was the indecent display of joy that tipped me off. You really should try to reign that in people are watching."

((OOC: Not so much sensing Simon as assuming he knows what's bothering him. He'd be wrong actually, but oh well.))

Why did this feel like an extremely bad idea? She’d just been settling in to playing with Alfarinn and Thaddeus and now she had new people to figure out and given the little she had heard about Tacharan, she didn’t want to figure them out.

All she could manage was a polite smile and a nod.

She tried not to look too longingly at the cigarette Ellis had lit up. That was going to be a very good idea here in a second she was sure.

Ellis felt the uncomfortable feeling emitting from Alafrinn and his friends...and she loved every second of it. 'So, everyone having a hoot? I'd have to say who ever catered, I must steal.' She winked at Thaddeus. 'So tell me Thaddeus, what's it like to be in the same Clan as Sorin. I bet its terribly exciting and full of intrique.'

Speaking of Sorin, she wondered where the Wolf was. Not usually the social fellow, but she wondered if he would've made an appearance to just shop around for clanless to bite on.

Again, Simon groaned. He honestly did not know how she did it. She could find a bare nerve on a skeleton and make it twitch if she wanted to. Simon looked at Alafrinn and he hoped the expression, or lack thereof, was clear to his Evenhet friend.

The quicker she dies, the better...it what is said.

Well, there you have it. Ellis had gone and said the one thing that would convince him the rumors were true. Sorin. This was the one subject that could cause him to lose all sense of logic or reason. Artemis casually looked down as he took a moment to ensure his features remained neutral. She spoke of Sorin so easily, as if they might know each other or even be friends. Clearly this woman was not only a bit long on the vine, but was the spawn of evil.

In the midst of debating with himself whether Sorin was actually Ellis's sire, it occurred to him that she had posed the question to Thaddeus. He decided that was an answer that he also wanted to hear. Placing an arm protectively around Pak's shoulders, he waited for Thaddeus to respond.

Thaddeus gave Alfarinn a nearly imperceptible smile, finding he was genuinely pleased with the compliment offered. Coming from the man he loved the words meant a great deal to him.

Simon, it seemed, was not even a little cheered by Alfarinn’s dry comment; if anything he seemed to look even more distant than before. Not surprising under the circumstances but Thaddeus wondered if Ellis would be concerned. Deciding Simon came off as grave often enough that those who knew him well would hopefully dismiss it, he turned his attention to Ellis just as she addressed him.

He raised one eyebrow at the mention of Sorin, wondering if Ellis was aware of the bad blood between Alfarinn and the Elder of the Night and if so what on earth possessed her to bring him up. Deciding that no one on earth could possibly be that rude deliberately, he chose to give her the benefit of the doubt; she must not have known the discomfort mentioning Sorin would cause. Much like the flirtatious comments and the somewhat unusual compliment, Ellis was likely being social…perhaps to cloak some scheme or perhaps not.

He of course now had his own concerns regarding Sorin, but as far as the rest of the world knew he was a loyal member of Anantya and the remark should not cause any strife on his part. Even so, he held a neutral expression where only a short time ago he might have smiled at the mention of his Elder.

“Sorin does have a way of making things exciting. Odd that we haven’t seen him tonight, in fact.”

Hoping the slight stiffness in his shoulders could be written off as formality rather than tension, he gave his companion’s hand a little squeeze and resisted the temptation to bite his lip. Now that he thought about it, he wondered why Sorin was absent; Thaddeus would have thought the Elder would enjoy such a gathering, though perhaps he was caught up in some distraction of music or art.

Other types of distractions did not bear thinking about at the moment.