Alfarinn gave Nic a raised eyebrow at the complaints and protestations that he spent a great deal of money and time on his shoes; that had never been in question to his knowledge. Theodosia obviously felt that Nic believed his shoes to be damned based on the man saying so and Alfarinn merely cleared up the girl's line of reasoning; after that he, personally, was not concerned with what was done with the information afterwards so long as it did not upset Theodosia.
"I think the point was that you seemed angry at them. If you are not then simply say so."
He shrugged and turned away to a side table stacked with books that made a reasonably level surface and began wrapping the gift that he had picked up. After a moment, he looked back, and with a questioning glance of permission, reached a hand inside Thaddeus's chest pocket for his pen. Writing a brief inscription on the inside front cover, Alfarinn finished with his present shortly, returning the pen with a smile. He tucked the book under his arm and picked up the rest of the roll of paper and twine in one hand, leaving the other free for his companion.
Seeing that the issue with the shoe was done, he handed the roll of paper and twine to Theo.
"Here, these are now yours; I am done with them perhaps you can find a good use for them."
Alfarinn then looked from Thaddeus to the car to Zone and back to Thaddeus again, wondering if his companion was indeed encouraging the man to give another demonstration of the vehicle which was likely to have the thing crawling up his other leg.
"I should not be surprised if it can. Have you tested this on the stairway? Perhaps you should wait until Kem comes back for a visit and you'll have at least one obstacle... or target however you'd like to look at it."
Which reminded him that he needed to see what the Egyptian wanted to discuss.
A Room With A View of the... Mall? (attn: Nic, Dani)
Aishe got into the elevator and pressed the appropriate button. 31 floors was an awfully long elevator ride. She was still feeling unexpectedly happy, and she turned to Dani to mention it.
"I can't believe I'm this excited to be buying pajamas," she confessed. "It seems like forever since anything has felt 'normal,' but here I am hanging out going shopping as if I were a teenager again. Go figure."
When the elevator's smooth ride came to an end 31 stories above the ground, Aishe got out and led Dani and Fatty to the right suite. She opened the door and let them both precede her in. She hadn't been here long, so her things had simply been tossed into the bedroom. In all honesty she wasn't sure how long she'd be staying. Her future was decidedly undecided.
"I'll make it super-quick," she promised. "I'm sure you know the layout far better than I do, so just make yourself at home."
With that she quickly bounced into the bedroom, rummaged around for an outfit that wasn't too horribly wrinkled, and then headed into the bathroom for a trip in and out of the shower.
Alfarinn
19 years ago
Artemis Bellezone
19 years ago
Artemis had not been able to resist pointing out the flaw in the man's logic. He was willing to polish thirsty shoes but not apologize to them? Now that Pak had explained the situation, he realized that what he had assumed was good natured ribbing on Alfarinn's part was actually much more comical. He would have laughed out right if it were not for the young girl that he presumed was the Theo that Alfarinn had told him about. He turned to the girl and smiled kindly.
"It was very nice of you to help this," loafer man "gentleman with his problem. Thank you."
Artemis would have greatly respected anyone who could handle something like this with grace. His opinion of this man was rapidly decreasing. To whine and protest one's innocence was one thing, but to do so and be a smart ass in front of an obviously sincere young girl was wrong in Artemis's opinion. If he did not at least thank her for her efforts, Artemis would not have any respect for him at all. Another look at the girl reminded him of her kindness and that he should be equally so. Amending his thoughts a bit, he decided he should give loafer man a second chance.
Artemis would waited to see what the man would do had he not been easily distracted by the mention of his latest toy. Artemis turned to Thaddeus and beamed with childlike glee. He then looked down at the car and considered the question that was presented. He ran several different scenarios through in his mind, accounting for different variables. handing the control to Pak, he bent down and picked up the car so that Thaddeus could get a better look.
"This design is rather limited. It is meant to use a combination of traction and gravity. When confronted with an obstacle, it uses the traction from the over-sized wheels to maneuver itself vertical. It then allows gravity to do the rest. Like the Slinky, it can go down the stairs quite well. Going up is the problem."
Mindful of the fact that he did not want to be too much of a bad influence, he got a grip on it with his mind. He then lifted his fingers from the surface slightly. The spaces between his fingers and the toy were so small that only those close enough would be able to see that he wasn't actually holding it. To everyone else, it would still appear as if he were. he held this position only long enough to illustrate his point and the resumed holding it with his hands.
"To answer your question, it depends on the operator."
Artemis replaced the mini vehicle on the ground. As he stood up, a boyish grin replaced his previous professor mode.
"This one however is just a toy that I picked up at the convenience store. one of the perks for being the Director of Research and Development, I get to play with Tonka toys and call it research. Still something of this nature has some very practical uses and you raise a very good question. There will be many unknown variables, especially with terrain. I will need to develop ways to adjust for them."
Turning to Alfarinn, he smiled and nodded.
"Certainly. When Kem returns, send him my way. I will put him to work."
"It was very nice of you to help this," loafer man "gentleman with his problem. Thank you."
Artemis would have greatly respected anyone who could handle something like this with grace. His opinion of this man was rapidly decreasing. To whine and protest one's innocence was one thing, but to do so and be a smart ass in front of an obviously sincere young girl was wrong in Artemis's opinion. If he did not at least thank her for her efforts, Artemis would not have any respect for him at all. Another look at the girl reminded him of her kindness and that he should be equally so. Amending his thoughts a bit, he decided he should give loafer man a second chance.
Artemis would waited to see what the man would do had he not been easily distracted by the mention of his latest toy. Artemis turned to Thaddeus and beamed with childlike glee. He then looked down at the car and considered the question that was presented. He ran several different scenarios through in his mind, accounting for different variables. handing the control to Pak, he bent down and picked up the car so that Thaddeus could get a better look.
"This design is rather limited. It is meant to use a combination of traction and gravity. When confronted with an obstacle, it uses the traction from the over-sized wheels to maneuver itself vertical. It then allows gravity to do the rest. Like the Slinky, it can go down the stairs quite well. Going up is the problem."
Mindful of the fact that he did not want to be too much of a bad influence, he got a grip on it with his mind. He then lifted his fingers from the surface slightly. The spaces between his fingers and the toy were so small that only those close enough would be able to see that he wasn't actually holding it. To everyone else, it would still appear as if he were. he held this position only long enough to illustrate his point and the resumed holding it with his hands.
"To answer your question, it depends on the operator."
Artemis replaced the mini vehicle on the ground. As he stood up, a boyish grin replaced his previous professor mode.
"This one however is just a toy that I picked up at the convenience store. one of the perks for being the Director of Research and Development, I get to play with Tonka toys and call it research. Still something of this nature has some very practical uses and you raise a very good question. There will be many unknown variables, especially with terrain. I will need to develop ways to adjust for them."
Turning to Alfarinn, he smiled and nodded.
"Certainly. When Kem returns, send him my way. I will put him to work."
Nicholae
19 years ago
Much relieved to have impressed Theo, since she seemed to be the one running the show, Nic remained serious until she completed her ritual, and then accepted the shoe, and smiled.
"Thank you Theo, for solving the mystery of my errant shoe, and helping me atone."
Standing up, he slipped his foot into the shoe, and walked around a bit before returning to the young girl's side.
"Well...so far so good. I think you may have exorcised the bad will away. What can I do to repay you?"
Nic held out his hand, to help her up...if she wanted to stand. Maybe he could buy her an ice cream. It would help him to get out of the crowd now, as hanging around Arin, without dealing with his problem, just made Nic nervous.
"Can I buy you an ice cream...or a cookie?"
Nic had seen such a shoppe on their way to the bookstore.
"Anyone else?"
He looked to Aishe, Dani, Pakpao, and the men as well.
"Thank you Theo, for solving the mystery of my errant shoe, and helping me atone."
Standing up, he slipped his foot into the shoe, and walked around a bit before returning to the young girl's side.
"Well...so far so good. I think you may have exorcised the bad will away. What can I do to repay you?"
Nic held out his hand, to help her up...if she wanted to stand. Maybe he could buy her an ice cream. It would help him to get out of the crowd now, as hanging around Arin, without dealing with his problem, just made Nic nervous.
"Can I buy you an ice cream...or a cookie?"
Nic had seen such a shoppe on their way to the bookstore.
"Anyone else?"
He looked to Aishe, Dani, Pakpao, and the men as well.
Pakpao
19 years ago
Having heard enough to realize the girl’s name was Theo, but not being involved enough to want to jump in with a verbal thank you… ‘thank you for taking over the trouble I caused and make it look like something else entirely’ Pak just smiled at Theo.
Of course now the car was a much more interesting topic, she was quite done playing with Nic, at least she was done for the day. The explanation, however, just made her want to play. Although she did note the momentary floating, Artemis was more dangerous than she thought.
It was while she was thinking how unfair it was that Artemis got to play with toys and she had to duke it out with Silicon Valley yuppies and Microsoft lackeys that she realized she had the controls. After studying them for a second Pak was fairly certain she’d worked out the basics and successfully launched the toy down the stacks. Driving it into one of the shelves she successfully managed to get it to flip over. She was busy driving it in reverse when she looked up.
“Its very responsive. Of course I’ve always liked the one with tank tracks, they negotiate terrain pretty well; the good ones any way.”
Of course now the car was a much more interesting topic, she was quite done playing with Nic, at least she was done for the day. The explanation, however, just made her want to play. Although she did note the momentary floating, Artemis was more dangerous than she thought.
It was while she was thinking how unfair it was that Artemis got to play with toys and she had to duke it out with Silicon Valley yuppies and Microsoft lackeys that she realized she had the controls. After studying them for a second Pak was fairly certain she’d worked out the basics and successfully launched the toy down the stacks. Driving it into one of the shelves she successfully managed to get it to flip over. She was busy driving it in reverse when she looked up.
“Its very responsive. Of course I’ve always liked the one with tank tracks, they negotiate terrain pretty well; the good ones any way.”
Danielle
19 years ago
Seeing that Arin had retrieved the book, Dani decided to go back to keeping an eye on things from a distance and let the little group go about their business since she wasn’t needed. Pushing up, she let Fatty stay flopped on the floor while she walked over to the table where Arin was fixed to wrap the gift, taking out the paper and twine while he took care of writing a note inside the book.
Her swiss army knife proved its use for the millionth time, the little scissors making short work of the wrapping paper and cutting the twine to size.
She grinned when Arin gave the rest of the wrapping to Theo, reflecting that another of the girl’s good qualities was her incredible ability to recycle. The issue with the shoe seemed to have come to a close as Nic was once again walking around normally. Artemis’s car seemed to have drawn a fair amount of attention and she couldn’t help but grin when Pak decided to take over the operation. Artemis really was a good sort, genuinely fun and spirited and brilliant.
Dani wondered if he liked dogs.
“I’ll join you if you want to get something, Nic.”
She wasn’t sure how Theo would respond but thought it might be better to have company either way. Besides, Fatty really did love frozen yogurt.
Her swiss army knife proved its use for the millionth time, the little scissors making short work of the wrapping paper and cutting the twine to size.
She grinned when Arin gave the rest of the wrapping to Theo, reflecting that another of the girl’s good qualities was her incredible ability to recycle. The issue with the shoe seemed to have come to a close as Nic was once again walking around normally. Artemis’s car seemed to have drawn a fair amount of attention and she couldn’t help but grin when Pak decided to take over the operation. Artemis really was a good sort, genuinely fun and spirited and brilliant.
Dani wondered if he liked dogs.
“I’ll join you if you want to get something, Nic.”
She wasn’t sure how Theo would respond but thought it might be better to have company either way. Besides, Fatty really did love frozen yogurt.
Aishe
19 years ago
Aishe had listened to the conversation about the toy car with half an ear, smiling softly to herself when Kem's name had been mentioned. No doubt if he had a chance to see the thing he'd be enthralled. Anything of that nature was interesting to him.
When Nic offered ice cream, Aishe couldn't really decline. She was a sucker for anything chocolate, and her recently-finished muffin hadn't really gone far toward filling her.
"I'm going to have to workout twice tomorrow, but count me in." She grinned at him and stood. "Let me just get the book I was looking at before."
Aishe made a quick trip back to the shelf she'd been standing at when Alfarinn and Thaddeus arrived and located the book that had caught her eye. She paid for it at the counter and placed it carefully in the bag that held her new clothes. Then she went back to where Dani was standing and waited while everyone else sorted out which way they were going.
When Nic offered ice cream, Aishe couldn't really decline. She was a sucker for anything chocolate, and her recently-finished muffin hadn't really gone far toward filling her.
"I'm going to have to workout twice tomorrow, but count me in." She grinned at him and stood. "Let me just get the book I was looking at before."
Aishe made a quick trip back to the shelf she'd been standing at when Alfarinn and Thaddeus arrived and located the book that had caught her eye. She paid for it at the counter and placed it carefully in the bag that held her new clothes. Then she went back to where Dani was standing and waited while everyone else sorted out which way they were going.
Theodosia
19 years ago
Theo grinned as Nic stepped into his shoe and tested it out. It was, she decided, a good solution to the problem and Nic seemed to feel better.
When Alfarinn came over to give her a present her eyes widened in delight and she gratefully accepted the paper and twine, though she remembered her manners after she inspected both carefully.
“Thank you!”
Both items felt new-ish and neither spoke to her but there was still a tiny little sense of familiarity and that was nice. She stuffed the twine in her pocket, fairly certain of what she would use it for, and considered the paper a moment longer.
‘Write on it!’ ‘Set it on fire!’ ‘Crumple it and watch bugs crawl through it!’
Shaking her head at the suggestions, she spoke firmly.
“It’s a book cover. But I have to paint it first.”
The paper’s textured surface would soak up colors nicely, she thought, and in the center she could glue a pretty red leaf she had found outside.
After a moment she noticed that Nic was offering her his hand. She hoped that he hadn’t been holding it out long, as she had lost track for a bit, but she shook her head, mindful of the book she was sitting on. She knew she wasn’t supposed to take it out of the store but she wasn’t done with it yet and didn’t want anyone to take it away before she could finish.
She also didn’t want to explain that because then someone might think she was trying to steal it, and she wasn’t. She had tried to forget that it wasn’t hers but Paul kept reminding her. He didn’t say she had to put it back yet though.
She tugged on her hair nervously, uncertain of what to do, and finally explained as best she could.
“I can’t.”
When Alfarinn came over to give her a present her eyes widened in delight and she gratefully accepted the paper and twine, though she remembered her manners after she inspected both carefully.
“Thank you!”
Both items felt new-ish and neither spoke to her but there was still a tiny little sense of familiarity and that was nice. She stuffed the twine in her pocket, fairly certain of what she would use it for, and considered the paper a moment longer.
‘Write on it!’ ‘Set it on fire!’ ‘Crumple it and watch bugs crawl through it!’
Shaking her head at the suggestions, she spoke firmly.
“It’s a book cover. But I have to paint it first.”
The paper’s textured surface would soak up colors nicely, she thought, and in the center she could glue a pretty red leaf she had found outside.
After a moment she noticed that Nic was offering her his hand. She hoped that he hadn’t been holding it out long, as she had lost track for a bit, but she shook her head, mindful of the book she was sitting on. She knew she wasn’t supposed to take it out of the store but she wasn’t done with it yet and didn’t want anyone to take it away before she could finish.
She also didn’t want to explain that because then someone might think she was trying to steal it, and she wasn’t. She had tried to forget that it wasn’t hers but Paul kept reminding her. He didn’t say she had to put it back yet though.
She tugged on her hair nervously, uncertain of what to do, and finally explained as best she could.
“I can’t.”
Nicholae
19 years ago
So Dani and Aishe were a go...but Theo 'couldn't'?
Nic squatted down again, and leaned close to the girl.
"You can't? Can you tell me why? I'd go buy you some ice cream and bring it to you, but they won't let you have food in this store."
He had no notion of what the problem might be, but he was into the part now and really curious to find out. Besides...something about Theo reminded Nic of another younger girl, from many, many years ago.
Nic squatted down again, and leaned close to the girl.
"You can't? Can you tell me why? I'd go buy you some ice cream and bring it to you, but they won't let you have food in this store."
He had no notion of what the problem might be, but he was into the part now and really curious to find out. Besides...something about Theo reminded Nic of another younger girl, from many, many years ago.
Phoenyx
19 years ago
Artemis had just finished his explanation when the little toy car went full speed into the book shelf. After returning his jaw to its normal position, he couldn't help but laugh. artemis made a mental note to give her toys more often. The image of Pak terrorizing the people in her department with a toy car entered his mind. He smiled at her, greatly amused. Artemis looked in the direction of the Geezer to make sure the gestapo wasn't on its way. Despite such actions, she somehow managed to avoid getting the reputation that he and Alfarinn had. They would definitely have to do something to fix that.
Artemis was about to reach around Pak and show her how to make the car spin on one wheel when there was mention of ice cream. Looking at Pak and then at Artemis and Alfarinn.
" What do you say? We could always try the car out on icy terrain."
As entertaining as the thought was, he doubted smearing ice cream all over a table would go over very well. Even if it was in the name of science. Looking over at the man he didn't know.
"Thank you for the offer. " With a nod towards Pak and a grin he added, "She is currently holding my controls."
Artemis was about to reach around Pak and show her how to make the car spin on one wheel when there was mention of ice cream. Looking at Pak and then at Artemis and Alfarinn.
" What do you say? We could always try the car out on icy terrain."
As entertaining as the thought was, he doubted smearing ice cream all over a table would go over very well. Even if it was in the name of science. Looking over at the man he didn't know.
"Thank you for the offer. " With a nod towards Pak and a grin he added, "She is currently holding my controls."
Artemis Bellezone
19 years ago
Artemis had just finished his explanation when the little toy car went full speed into the book shelf. After returning his jaw to its normal position, he couldn't help but laugh. artemis made a mental note to give her toys more often. The image of Pak terrorizing the people in her department with a toy car entered his mind. He smiled at her, greatly amused. Artemis looked in the direction of the Geezer to make sure the gestapo wasn't on its way. Despite such actions, she somehow managed to avoid getting the reputation that he and Alfarinn had. They would definitely have to do something to fix that.
Artemis was about to reach around Pak and show her how to make the car spin on one wheel when there was mention of ice cream. Looking at Pak and then at Artemis and Alfarinn.
" What do you say? We could always try the car out on icy terrain."
As entertaining as the thought was, he doubted smearing ice cream all over a table would go over very well. Even if it was in the name of science. Looking over at the man he didn't know.
"Thank you for the offer. " With a nod towards Pak and a grin he added, "She is currently holding my controls."
Artemis was about to reach around Pak and show her how to make the car spin on one wheel when there was mention of ice cream. Looking at Pak and then at Artemis and Alfarinn.
" What do you say? We could always try the car out on icy terrain."
As entertaining as the thought was, he doubted smearing ice cream all over a table would go over very well. Even if it was in the name of science. Looking over at the man he didn't know.
"Thank you for the offer. " With a nod towards Pak and a grin he added, "She is currently holding my controls."
Pakpao
19 years ago
Doing her best not to giggle madly, Pak remembered she was in a bookstore and looking vaguely guilty brought the car to a halt in front of her. She did need to get a new car, these things were fun.
Ice cream? Maybe, one could cause a great deal of trouble with ice cream. With perfect seriousness, she cocked her head thoughtfully.
“Soft serve won’t work, we’ll need a gelato or something.”
Now she wished she knew more about ice cream. It was an interesting problem, one they weren’t likely to solve but… wait. Did she hear that right? Was that, not quite a double entendre but at the very least, it had a bit of a dual nature, she hoped.
Smiling sweetly at Artemis, she tossed the comment back to him.
“Does this mean you want them back? Or did you want to take me for ice cream?”
Ice cream? Maybe, one could cause a great deal of trouble with ice cream. With perfect seriousness, she cocked her head thoughtfully.
“Soft serve won’t work, we’ll need a gelato or something.”
Now she wished she knew more about ice cream. It was an interesting problem, one they weren’t likely to solve but… wait. Did she hear that right? Was that, not quite a double entendre but at the very least, it had a bit of a dual nature, she hoped.
Smiling sweetly at Artemis, she tossed the comment back to him.
“Does this mean you want them back? Or did you want to take me for ice cream?”
Thaddeus Grey
19 years ago
Thaddeus listened with interest to Artemis’s explanation, pulling his attention away only when Alfarinn had need of his pen, which he relinquished with an affectionate smile. He raised his eyebrows and grinned at the conclusion to the Evenhet’s explanation.
“I suppose that would be true of many things.”
He left that thought alone as Artemis continued, nodding in agreement.
“Enjoying one’s work is a sure sign of your devotion to it.”
Wondering what he might have missed regarding Kem but hoping he hadn’t just involved an innocent bystander in serious scientific experiments, he gave Alfarinn a slight smile and reached out to recapture the now once again free hand.
“I should hope there are obstacles more suitable to the task than your fellow clansmen. Although now that you mention it I can think of a few of my own that would fit the bill nicely…”
If this car could get by the mountain that was Talon it was doing fairly well in Thaddeus’s mind and he could imagine that the vehicle would drive Chryseis’s dogs up a wall…literally.
He winced a little when the car suddenly crashed into a shelf, thinking any moment they were certain to get kicked out of the store, but it seemed the others were making plans to move on in any case.
Of course, making messes with ice cream was liable to get them kicked out of the next place they visited as well, but he and Alfarinn likely needed to move on and could thus remain blissfully ignorant of any mischief.
And in that case…
“Perhaps a sorbet would serve the purpose.”
He had the grace to blush a little at his own audacity and turned toward Alfarinn.
[I think I just managed to scandalize myself.]
In truth the evening had already been stressful enough that it was a relief to think of less consequential things but he really ought to remember that he was representing his clan and should be on his best behavior.
“I suppose that would be true of many things.”
He left that thought alone as Artemis continued, nodding in agreement.
“Enjoying one’s work is a sure sign of your devotion to it.”
Wondering what he might have missed regarding Kem but hoping he hadn’t just involved an innocent bystander in serious scientific experiments, he gave Alfarinn a slight smile and reached out to recapture the now once again free hand.
“I should hope there are obstacles more suitable to the task than your fellow clansmen. Although now that you mention it I can think of a few of my own that would fit the bill nicely…”
If this car could get by the mountain that was Talon it was doing fairly well in Thaddeus’s mind and he could imagine that the vehicle would drive Chryseis’s dogs up a wall…literally.
He winced a little when the car suddenly crashed into a shelf, thinking any moment they were certain to get kicked out of the store, but it seemed the others were making plans to move on in any case.
Of course, making messes with ice cream was liable to get them kicked out of the next place they visited as well, but he and Alfarinn likely needed to move on and could thus remain blissfully ignorant of any mischief.
And in that case…
“Perhaps a sorbet would serve the purpose.”
He had the grace to blush a little at his own audacity and turned toward Alfarinn.
[I think I just managed to scandalize myself.]
In truth the evening had already been stressful enough that it was a relief to think of less consequential things but he really ought to remember that he was representing his clan and should be on his best behavior.
Alfarinn
19 years ago
Turning to Dani, he gave her a small hug and a smile. Speaking quietly to her, he said
"Thank you for the help, we're off to see Thaddeus's relatives for a bit should have need of me."
Alfarinn looked up and grinned at Artemis, nodding an affirmative about sending Kem to him. He wondered if the Egyptian would actually make it to the lab before being attacked by some new invention.
A faint smile touched his lips as his hand was taken once more and Alfarinn sent.
[ Are you ready to head out then, barring something major?]
Smiling at Theodosia, Alfarinn was glad to see that the paper and twine would be put to good use.
"You are most welcome."
Seeing that Nic seemed to be interested in being elsewhere, he guessed that whatever Kem had mentioned concerning the man was not life threatening. Though the absent Evenhet had said it was urgent and while Kem's humor was as strange as some of the rest of them he doubted the Egyptian would make up an emergency. It was possible, odd but possible, that Nic thought it was more minor than Kem. He'd have to look up Kem as soon as he could get the time to visit the man's house.
Theo, by the looks of it, was not interested in going, actually she said that she couldn't. Alfarinn wondered if she had gotten thrown out of the yogurt shop but did not remember hearing such a thing. It must then be her own reasons for not wanting to go. That was good enough for him and he turned back to the others in the group who seemed to be deciding on which way they were going.
"Tell me how the test on ice goes but unless there is something urgent, we need to be heading out."
He blinked once at Thaddeus's helpful suggestion and then raised an eyebrow at Artemis.
Chuckling internally, he sent.
[We'll make a troubler maker of you yet. Anantya really does need a few more since Artemis and I left. No doubt everything is quiet and calm over there now. ]
Of course that had not seemed the case the last time he had been there but that could have been a fluke.
"Thank you for the help, we're off to see Thaddeus's relatives for a bit should have need of me."
Alfarinn looked up and grinned at Artemis, nodding an affirmative about sending Kem to him. He wondered if the Egyptian would actually make it to the lab before being attacked by some new invention.
A faint smile touched his lips as his hand was taken once more and Alfarinn sent.
[ Are you ready to head out then, barring something major?]
Smiling at Theodosia, Alfarinn was glad to see that the paper and twine would be put to good use.
"You are most welcome."
Seeing that Nic seemed to be interested in being elsewhere, he guessed that whatever Kem had mentioned concerning the man was not life threatening. Though the absent Evenhet had said it was urgent and while Kem's humor was as strange as some of the rest of them he doubted the Egyptian would make up an emergency. It was possible, odd but possible, that Nic thought it was more minor than Kem. He'd have to look up Kem as soon as he could get the time to visit the man's house.
Theo, by the looks of it, was not interested in going, actually she said that she couldn't. Alfarinn wondered if she had gotten thrown out of the yogurt shop but did not remember hearing such a thing. It must then be her own reasons for not wanting to go. That was good enough for him and he turned back to the others in the group who seemed to be deciding on which way they were going.
"Tell me how the test on ice goes but unless there is something urgent, we need to be heading out."
He blinked once at Thaddeus's helpful suggestion and then raised an eyebrow at Artemis.
Chuckling internally, he sent.
[We'll make a troubler maker of you yet. Anantya really does need a few more since Artemis and I left. No doubt everything is quiet and calm over there now. ]
Of course that had not seemed the case the last time he had been there but that could have been a fluke.
Aishe
19 years ago
Aishe was sorry to hear that Alfarinn and Thaddeus wouldn't be joining them, but it seemed that Pakpao and the black-haired toy car driver would be along. She couldn't remember ever having heard that man's name, but he seemed like a decent sort. She reminded herself to watch out for errant toy cars underfoot.
Nic was still engaged with Theo, apparently hoping she'd come along as well. Aishe thought the girl seemed sweet, but she could understand how the girl might not be inclined to hang out with a group of mostly-strangers. Aishe herself probably wouldn't be here if she weren't acting a bit more outgoing as of late.
Standing next to Dani, she glanced at the other woman out of the corner of her eye, then down to the dog at her feet.
"I don't suppose dogs eat ice cream, do they? After all, I almost dropped my muffin for him before and since I didn't, well, I feel like a tease."
Aishe grinned down at Fatty, who was crashed out on the bookstore floor with all apparent contentment.
Nic was still engaged with Theo, apparently hoping she'd come along as well. Aishe thought the girl seemed sweet, but she could understand how the girl might not be inclined to hang out with a group of mostly-strangers. Aishe herself probably wouldn't be here if she weren't acting a bit more outgoing as of late.
Standing next to Dani, she glanced at the other woman out of the corner of her eye, then down to the dog at her feet.
"I don't suppose dogs eat ice cream, do they? After all, I almost dropped my muffin for him before and since I didn't, well, I feel like a tease."
Aishe grinned down at Fatty, who was crashed out on the bookstore floor with all apparent contentment.
Artemis Bellezone
19 years ago
Artemis smiled at Pak. He had asked for that hadn't he? Honestly what do you say to that in front of all these people. Not the least of which was Alfarinn ready to torment him for the next millinium. Everything he would normally say, now sounded really bad. You can hang onto my remote for awhile. You can play with it a bit longer if you like. I like it when you have the control. Choclate or Vanilla? Artemis could feel the heat rising. He knew he should say something before it became too apparent. He flashed Pak his most charming boyish grin.
"You want to take me for ice cream? That sounds delightful. I accept."
With a wink, he casually draped an arm around her shoulder.
"You drive."
"You want to take me for ice cream? That sounds delightful. I accept."
With a wink, he casually draped an arm around her shoulder.
"You drive."
Pakpao
19 years ago
That seemed distinctly like a pause, but apparently, she'd failed to trap him and would have to try harder in the future. Giving Artemis a bit of a speculative look Pak wondered how close he'd come to saying something more memorable, or incriminating, before returning the grin.
"Then it's a good thing I offered."Â?
Even without ammunition for future teasing, she couldn't help but be pleased at how the outing was shaping up; especially when you considered it started with thought of random acts of hostility against perfect strangers.
Although the others were quite capable of fending for themselves Pak, who hadn't quite mastered the controls and was still occasionally running into things, in this case the door (it did help to open it first) had a momentary bout of conscious and looked back at the others.
"Are we waiting for them or running away?"Â?
"Then it's a good thing I offered."Â?
Even without ammunition for future teasing, she couldn't help but be pleased at how the outing was shaping up; especially when you considered it started with thought of random acts of hostility against perfect strangers.
Although the others were quite capable of fending for themselves Pak, who hadn't quite mastered the controls and was still occasionally running into things, in this case the door (it did help to open it first) had a momentary bout of conscious and looked back at the others.
"Are we waiting for them or running away?"Â?
Danielle
19 years ago
Dani grinned at the little hug Arin gave her, amused by the relative’s comment. Like a couple of kids, those two.
“Sure thing. Be safe, okay?”
Switching her purse to her other shoulder, she added:
“You’re taking the limo?”
She wasn’t trying to go all ‘mom’ on Arin, but she felt better knowing there would be someone waiting for the both of them and making sure they were getting where they were supposed to. Normally she didn’t fuss over her boss so much but considering he’d been a bloody mess not all that long ago…she supposed she was still worried.
“Yeah, Fatty likes frozen yogurt…he gets the brain freeze and everything, it’s so cute.”
Taking in the rest of the group, it looked like everyone was ready to go…except Nic and Theo. She hoped there wasn’t a problem but the girl most likely just wanted to do her own thing and Nic was trying to be nice. Theo looked a little tense, pulling at her hair, and Dani reasoned that she’d say something if things escalated at all.
“Sure thing. Be safe, okay?”
Switching her purse to her other shoulder, she added:
“You’re taking the limo?”
She wasn’t trying to go all ‘mom’ on Arin, but she felt better knowing there would be someone waiting for the both of them and making sure they were getting where they were supposed to. Normally she didn’t fuss over her boss so much but considering he’d been a bloody mess not all that long ago…she supposed she was still worried.
“Yeah, Fatty likes frozen yogurt…he gets the brain freeze and everything, it’s so cute.”
Taking in the rest of the group, it looked like everyone was ready to go…except Nic and Theo. She hoped there wasn’t a problem but the girl most likely just wanted to do her own thing and Nic was trying to be nice. Theo looked a little tense, pulling at her hair, and Dani reasoned that she’d say something if things escalated at all.
Theodosia
19 years ago
Theo frowned at the question and gave her hair another tug. She had tried to explain but that hadn’t gone very well; Nic wasn’t satisfied with the answer. She considered making something up but his feelings would be hurt if he found out and Theo didn’t want that. It didn’t help that the voices were chiming in with things like ‘kick him in the leg and run away!’ and ‘cover your ears and scream.’ Of course she knew better than to do such things but sometimes she got so upset that she couldn’t help it.
Finally deciding to try again, she shifted over to pick up the book and stood up.
“I’m going to go over there.”
With that, she walked over to the bookshelves and settled between the first two once more.
‘But Ferdinand would shake his head. "I like it better here where I can sit just quietly and smell the flowers." ‘
/ooc Theo out pending responses
Finally deciding to try again, she shifted over to pick up the book and stood up.
“I’m going to go over there.”
With that, she walked over to the bookshelves and settled between the first two once more.
‘But Ferdinand would shake his head. "I like it better here where I can sit just quietly and smell the flowers." ‘
/ooc Theo out pending responses
Thaddeus Grey
19 years ago
Thaddeus put on his best ‘I’m innocent’ expression and looked to Alfarinn with a tranquil smile.
[Troublemaker? Me?]
Giving his head a little shake, he decided it was passed time to refocus on the evening ahead of them.
[Yes, we need to go.]
At some point before they arrived at the Manor they would need to discuss just what they would tell Sorin, if anything, the circumstances being what they were. Regardless of what else was happening, Sorin was the Elder of the Night and this information was too significant to keep from him. On the other hand, Sorin was also the Elder who was least likely to listen to him and Alfarinn and perhaps there was a better time and place to communicate the goings on.
[Troublemaker? Me?]
Giving his head a little shake, he decided it was passed time to refocus on the evening ahead of them.
[Yes, we need to go.]
At some point before they arrived at the Manor they would need to discuss just what they would tell Sorin, if anything, the circumstances being what they were. Regardless of what else was happening, Sorin was the Elder of the Night and this information was too significant to keep from him. On the other hand, Sorin was also the Elder who was least likely to listen to him and Alfarinn and perhaps there was a better time and place to communicate the goings on.
Nicholae
19 years ago
Well then, that was that. Nic was shocked to find he actually cared that the girl had chosen not to accompany them, but what could he do?
Standing up and moving to allow her room to walk away, he turned towards the group and smiled. Somehow he felt a failure, but quickly realized that was just stupid. I had to be the fact that recently he had made such a mess of his life, that now he was going to question everything he did...and yes, that was plain dumb. He had existed all these many years without horrible incident, he was going to now just trust that everything would find a way of working itself out.
"All right then, I guess we're ready."
He spoke to the group, but smiled at Dani and Aishe. He glanced quickly at Arin, and hoped he would either get a chance to speak to the man soon, or that Kem would, and relay his findings. Living under the knife like this was hard to bear.
Standing up and moving to allow her room to walk away, he turned towards the group and smiled. Somehow he felt a failure, but quickly realized that was just stupid. I had to be the fact that recently he had made such a mess of his life, that now he was going to question everything he did...and yes, that was plain dumb. He had existed all these many years without horrible incident, he was going to now just trust that everything would find a way of working itself out.
"All right then, I guess we're ready."
He spoke to the group, but smiled at Dani and Aishe. He glanced quickly at Arin, and hoped he would either get a chance to speak to the man soon, or that Kem would, and relay his findings. Living under the knife like this was hard to bear.