Thaddeus gave a slight smile and wrapped his fingers around Alfarinn’s, giving a light squeeze, somewhat shy at the realization of how much he was talking about himself in this accounting.
“I’d like that very much; all the more reason to sneak away for a week or three when we can.”
He chuckled a little at the idea of making an impression on people, something he honestly tried to avoid.
“I look back and can’t quite put together how that happened, though I suppose I must have considering she went out of her way to see me again.” Blushing a little, he added: “As for you, I suppose it was my lovely taste in decorating that brought you around.” He smirked and looked around the apartment, which was gradually going from ‘threadbare’ to ‘minimalist’, and shook his head.
He looked down at the table, biting his lower lip, uncertain of what to say in response to Alfarinn’s regrets. He was, he felt, never very good with offering comfort and had a way of making people feel worse. Possibly because the things that tended to bring him reassurance were just depressing to most people; he wasn’t certain.
“Emma had a way of only telling a person what they needed to know. I don’t think her intention was to be difficult; she was just a very close person. Very independent.”
He took Alfarinn’s hand at the further explanation, brushing his thumb along the knuckles and wanting nothing more than to put his arms around his lover. One of the reasons he had suggested having this conversation over coffee at the dining room table was because he knew it would be all to easy to become caught up in memories and end up curled up in the bed, holding on and getting very little accomplished in the way of discussion. As much as he would have liked to be held the entire time he talked, it just wouldn’t do right now.
He hadn’t, however, expected this strong desire to pull Alfarinn into his arms, to hold instead of being held. He looked down again and collected himself, taking a steadying breath.
“Over that summer I was struggling with the choice to leave my family behind, along with a very close friend, and I ended up going to Emma for advice on the matter. I remember she told me to think about how important it was, but ultimately she believed friendships were best when both parties were happy, even if it meant they weren’t together.”
He raked his fingers absently through his hair, adding in a softer tone.
“I never really put what I felt for her into words…I think she understood, but as you said, there will always be regrets.”
He took a sip of his coffee and tried not to wince when Alfarinn admitted to blaming himself. While he realized that Alfarinn was likely well aware of the futility of that belief, it was something he couldn’t help but relate to. He supposed, for anyone with a shred of awareness and personal responsibility, that it was normal to feel that way, even if it wasn’t in any way justified or fair.
Considering Alfarinn’s suggestion, he set down his coffee cup, tilting his head to one side.
“I think that’s a good idea, actually. I have a fair amount of information on the four families on hand; I was just never certain of what to look for, though if this it in connection to the book I think that’s a starting point. The next time we go to the Manor perhaps I can pick up a few of the books I have.”
He took a sip of his coffee and was surprised to find the cup empty already, though they had, he realized, been talking for a while now.
“And my journals; it might be helpful to have the accounting, to see what happened when. There were several times over that summer when Emma had to go away. She never told me where she was going or what she was doing, and I don’t imagine my guesses on the matter amounted to much.”
He refilled his coffee cup and held the pot out to Alfarinn, not sure if he wanted more.
“Beyond what I’ve told you, though, there is one more item you should be aware of. I never mentioned it only because I thought it was a dead end.” He wrapped his hands around the coffee cup, feeling the good heat on his palms. “You and Emma were not the only ones of our kind that thought Bulgaria was worth a visit. There were four clanless vampires who came to the town for the midsummer ball.” He frowned and turned the cup around in his hands. “They were, naturally, the first individuals I suspected in Emma’s death, but after a good deal of research and a…confrontation of sorts…I believe they are innocent of that particular crime. They left town several weeks before the murder and their location is well accounted for.”
“However, it is highly likely they were less than truthful in their stated reasons for visiting the area. While it is improbable they had anything to do with Emma’s death, they may know something about her search, and yours.”
One lump of plaster or two?
Alfarinn leaned forward and stepped out of the limo then turned to wait for Thaddeus to do the same. A faint grin refused to leave his face at the thought of what a sight they must be. Lykaios's neighborhood was not in the habit of seeing limos and neither was the one at the apartment near the House of Pain. There was no doubt in his mind that two young men covered from head to foot in white dust and looking about as worn out as two prisoners that had been forced to do hard labor on a hot summer day was not the expected image to be stepping out of the sleek vehicle.
He spared a grimace for the seats and thought of the cursing that was likely to go on by whom ever had to clean them. It could have been worse; he had emerged from it covered in blood in times past.
The security for the building had been back in place before they left Lykaios's abode. He had nodded slightly to the figure dressed as a drunk,the agent in charge of the building, and flipped him a few coins. The man then accosted him with a slurred request for a dollar or two before ambling around the side of home.
With those preparations taken care of, he wanted nothing so much as a hot shower and a cold drink of something that burned his throat with its passing.
Turning to Thaddeus, he smiled.
"After you."
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn smiled at Thaddeus's retort and looked around the place. Though his companion probably would not understand the reference, Alfarinn couldn't resist making a comment.
"Oh yes, you had me at the foyer."Â?
He realized there might actually be some truth to that remark though the night they realized their attraction was mutual Thaddeus had actually had him before he'd even set foot in the apartment.
Nodding his understanding of what Thaddeus was trying to say, he then shook his head.
"Emma's feelings on the matter weren't ever in doubt. She never had to say anything in order for me to know how she felt but she was not an empath and I should have told let her know how I felt."Â?
Alfarinn shrugged; there was nothing he could do about it know and it was something he could learn from.
"I should hope we never get so comfortable with each other that we just stop communicating or worse feel that there are things we could not tell each other. I don't feel like that is even possible and I have faith that we won't ever change."Â?
Squeezing the hand that took his own lightly, he smiled at Thaddeus for the comfort he offered, especially since it was Thaddeus that had the difficult story to tell.
He grinned slightly at Emma's advice to Thaddeus which sounded so very similar to advice she had given him when he spoke to her about the prospect of leaving Anantya and starting something new.
"I've come to terms with it and I believe that we aren't perfect, things could have gone differently but they didn't. There was no way of knowing and there never is."Â?
He took another sip of his coffee as Thaddeus planned out what books to pick up from the Manor. It had gotten cool in his hands as it always did if he held the mug and did not drink it quickly. It was not terribly cold but room temperature coffee was not something he enjoyed so when Thaddeus held up the coffee pot, Alfarinn held out his mug for more.
Frowning at the mention of clanless vampires, Alfarinn scratched his chin thoughtfully.
"I wonder what they were doing in the area. Do you know if they had been there before Emma got there, as in locals or did they arrive around the same time? I know you said they came to town which would make them seem like foreigners and that is suspicious, very suspicious, but they could still have been from the area. It would be good to try and track them down, they might know something at the very least and now that you know more about the clans than you did and we both know more about the situation, they might have some small vital clue. It is certainly another possible trail."Â?
He wondered what the likelihood was of any of them still being alive. Clanless were the fodder of the vampire world, the homeless, the drifters and just like that forgettable population in human society, they went missing all the time... and very few people cared.
"Oh yes, you had me at the foyer."Â?
He realized there might actually be some truth to that remark though the night they realized their attraction was mutual Thaddeus had actually had him before he'd even set foot in the apartment.
Nodding his understanding of what Thaddeus was trying to say, he then shook his head.
"Emma's feelings on the matter weren't ever in doubt. She never had to say anything in order for me to know how she felt but she was not an empath and I should have told let her know how I felt."Â?
Alfarinn shrugged; there was nothing he could do about it know and it was something he could learn from.
"I should hope we never get so comfortable with each other that we just stop communicating or worse feel that there are things we could not tell each other. I don't feel like that is even possible and I have faith that we won't ever change."Â?
Squeezing the hand that took his own lightly, he smiled at Thaddeus for the comfort he offered, especially since it was Thaddeus that had the difficult story to tell.
He grinned slightly at Emma's advice to Thaddeus which sounded so very similar to advice she had given him when he spoke to her about the prospect of leaving Anantya and starting something new.
"I've come to terms with it and I believe that we aren't perfect, things could have gone differently but they didn't. There was no way of knowing and there never is."Â?
He took another sip of his coffee as Thaddeus planned out what books to pick up from the Manor. It had gotten cool in his hands as it always did if he held the mug and did not drink it quickly. It was not terribly cold but room temperature coffee was not something he enjoyed so when Thaddeus held up the coffee pot, Alfarinn held out his mug for more.
Frowning at the mention of clanless vampires, Alfarinn scratched his chin thoughtfully.
"I wonder what they were doing in the area. Do you know if they had been there before Emma got there, as in locals or did they arrive around the same time? I know you said they came to town which would make them seem like foreigners and that is suspicious, very suspicious, but they could still have been from the area. It would be good to try and track them down, they might know something at the very least and now that you know more about the clans than you did and we both know more about the situation, they might have some small vital clue. It is certainly another possible trail."Â?
He wondered what the likelihood was of any of them still being alive. Clanless were the fodder of the vampire world, the homeless, the drifters and just like that forgettable population in human society, they went missing all the time... and very few people cared.
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Thaddeus refreshed Alfarinn’s coffee and sat back in his chair, rubbing his chin with one hand and thinking. He believed there was a good chance of finding the four clanless vampires with a bit of work; he would have been remiss if he hadn’t investigated them to begin with and imagined they would have enough to go on if they had to search.
“I don’t think they were locals; my impression was that they were…nomadic. Showing up wherever they could, causing trouble, and moving on. I think seeing Emma in Bulgaria was a surprise to them and they left soon after the ball.”
He frowned and stopped rubbing at his chin for a moment.
“In any case, it is certainly worth a try to contact them. I don’t know how receptive they would be to a chat; they seemed to have neither respect nor use for the clans and were not…disposed to be helpful.” He shrugged. “That’s the way of it though.”
He took a long sip of his coffee and rested his elbows on the table, crossing his arms over each other.
“In any case…I mostly wanted to fill in the gaps so that, should we come across more evidence, we’ll be on the same page. I’m sure I’ve left things out…not deliberately, but I don’t want you to think I’m holding out on you. I wish there was more to tell; Emma was very…close at times. I was wrapped up in my own affairs and she would leave for days or a week at a time and never say why or where. There were just things we didn’t talk about. And we spent a week…”
He blinked, remembering.
“We spent a week not talking. I…didn’t think she wanted to see me. She had just returned from one of those aforementioned excursions and was somewhat…” he looked off into the distance for a moment “….emotional. In short I made a mess of things. And then there was a curfew instated…” He shook his head. “One of the girls, Margaret, disappeared on us. We all suspected she had run off to marry some officer, all save Christina. Mrs. Littlebury’s daughter. In any case, I returned from meeting Emma to find that Christina had managed to find Margaret in the ruins of all places.”
He looked up at Alfarinn, adding by way of explanation:
“We generally avoided the ruins. There wasn’t exactly a superstition about them, they were just hazardous, unstable. But Christina was taking a short cut and came across a bleeding and incoherent Margaret, and rushed to get them to help.”
He shook his head and looked up at the ceiling, recalling that rather dramatic night in more detail.
“They were attacked by a wolf along the way…Christina was, you’ll forgive me for saying so, one hell of a woman, scared the animal off all on her own, though both women came to town in quite a state and everyone was so panicked. In a way I was fortunate that my friend, Edward, found me before my parents did that night. Had they known what I was up to they might have reacted quite badly…though I recall that Edward didn’t exactly take kindly to me wandering about at night in the midst of this whole mess....”
He shook his head again and finished off his coffee once again. He considered having another and decided that would likely only make him jittery.
“God…we seem so naïve. Just this group of families finding themselves in the midst of vampire affairs, frightened, not knowing what was happening...never realizing there was this whole other world of conflict.”
“I don’t think they were locals; my impression was that they were…nomadic. Showing up wherever they could, causing trouble, and moving on. I think seeing Emma in Bulgaria was a surprise to them and they left soon after the ball.”
He frowned and stopped rubbing at his chin for a moment.
“In any case, it is certainly worth a try to contact them. I don’t know how receptive they would be to a chat; they seemed to have neither respect nor use for the clans and were not…disposed to be helpful.” He shrugged. “That’s the way of it though.”
He took a long sip of his coffee and rested his elbows on the table, crossing his arms over each other.
“In any case…I mostly wanted to fill in the gaps so that, should we come across more evidence, we’ll be on the same page. I’m sure I’ve left things out…not deliberately, but I don’t want you to think I’m holding out on you. I wish there was more to tell; Emma was very…close at times. I was wrapped up in my own affairs and she would leave for days or a week at a time and never say why or where. There were just things we didn’t talk about. And we spent a week…”
He blinked, remembering.
“We spent a week not talking. I…didn’t think she wanted to see me. She had just returned from one of those aforementioned excursions and was somewhat…” he looked off into the distance for a moment “….emotional. In short I made a mess of things. And then there was a curfew instated…” He shook his head. “One of the girls, Margaret, disappeared on us. We all suspected she had run off to marry some officer, all save Christina. Mrs. Littlebury’s daughter. In any case, I returned from meeting Emma to find that Christina had managed to find Margaret in the ruins of all places.”
He looked up at Alfarinn, adding by way of explanation:
“We generally avoided the ruins. There wasn’t exactly a superstition about them, they were just hazardous, unstable. But Christina was taking a short cut and came across a bleeding and incoherent Margaret, and rushed to get them to help.”
He shook his head and looked up at the ceiling, recalling that rather dramatic night in more detail.
“They were attacked by a wolf along the way…Christina was, you’ll forgive me for saying so, one hell of a woman, scared the animal off all on her own, though both women came to town in quite a state and everyone was so panicked. In a way I was fortunate that my friend, Edward, found me before my parents did that night. Had they known what I was up to they might have reacted quite badly…though I recall that Edward didn’t exactly take kindly to me wandering about at night in the midst of this whole mess....”
He shook his head again and finished off his coffee once again. He considered having another and decided that would likely only make him jittery.
“God…we seem so naïve. Just this group of families finding themselves in the midst of vampire affairs, frightened, not knowing what was happening...never realizing there was this whole other world of conflict.”
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn frowned thoughtfully at the news that the vampires were nomadic. That meant that they were going to be hard to find in the present and had only incidental reasons for being there in the past. They might have seen something or knew something more but he now wondered whether it was likely anything worth taking the time to look for them.
He shrugged at the thought of clanless being less than receptive to chatting with them. There were many different ways of making that happen. They could pose as clanless themselves or if it were absolutely necessary there were simple straight forward interrogation techniques. Those weren't something he liked using however and he could hope that their acting skills would be sufficient to their needs.
Thaddeus regretted so much about the short time he had with Emma, with all the things that were done or weren't done that you can look back on afterwards. They both knew that there was no way to know when something tragic was going to happen. Who didn't? But understanding that concept didn't change the feelings that crept up when you remembered the past. Alfarinn hoped that finally solving the mystery would lay some of the demons to rest. So far though, it had called up a few new ones. He remembered Lykaios with a small shudder.
Listening to the tale of the girl being attacked by a wolf, he shook his head.
"If we had only known about Lykaios's involvement or could have put those pieces together. We might have found him years ago. "
There was no use in wondering about the past though.
He looked up at Thaddeus and smiled.
"He didn't? He was worried about you, no doubt. You can be very determined when you've got your mind set on something, Mr.Grey."Â?
There was a hint of amusement in his gaze, along with love and adoration for his strong, willful partner. He sipped his coffee to hide his quiet chuckle behind the mug.
Alfarinn turned serious at Thaddeus's statement.
"I know. It is regrettable on many levels. It is wrong that humans can be pulled into danger that they are in no way prepared for and that vampires feel it necessary to hide for their entire existence. Its just... It could be different. It could be better."Â?
He looked down at his coffee mug and fell silent. It was the basic difference between their clans and it was easy for him to feel passionate about the need for communication and understanding between the two races that were forced to share this world and that, he felt, needed each other. It was something that could easily come between them if they let it and now of all times was not a good time to argue philosophy and politics.
He shrugged at the thought of clanless being less than receptive to chatting with them. There were many different ways of making that happen. They could pose as clanless themselves or if it were absolutely necessary there were simple straight forward interrogation techniques. Those weren't something he liked using however and he could hope that their acting skills would be sufficient to their needs.
Thaddeus regretted so much about the short time he had with Emma, with all the things that were done or weren't done that you can look back on afterwards. They both knew that there was no way to know when something tragic was going to happen. Who didn't? But understanding that concept didn't change the feelings that crept up when you remembered the past. Alfarinn hoped that finally solving the mystery would lay some of the demons to rest. So far though, it had called up a few new ones. He remembered Lykaios with a small shudder.
Listening to the tale of the girl being attacked by a wolf, he shook his head.
"If we had only known about Lykaios's involvement or could have put those pieces together. We might have found him years ago. "
There was no use in wondering about the past though.
He looked up at Thaddeus and smiled.
"He didn't? He was worried about you, no doubt. You can be very determined when you've got your mind set on something, Mr.Grey."Â?
There was a hint of amusement in his gaze, along with love and adoration for his strong, willful partner. He sipped his coffee to hide his quiet chuckle behind the mug.
Alfarinn turned serious at Thaddeus's statement.
"I know. It is regrettable on many levels. It is wrong that humans can be pulled into danger that they are in no way prepared for and that vampires feel it necessary to hide for their entire existence. Its just... It could be different. It could be better."Â?
He looked down at his coffee mug and fell silent. It was the basic difference between their clans and it was easy for him to feel passionate about the need for communication and understanding between the two races that were forced to share this world and that, he felt, needed each other. It was something that could easily come between them if they let it and now of all times was not a good time to argue philosophy and politics.
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Thaddeus held out his hands, shaking his head before wrapping his fingers around his empty coffee cup.
“If only.”
His mouth curved in a smile when Alfarinn weighed in his thoughts on Edward, though it was somewhat odd to remember that incident with such fondness. He certainly hadn’t been feeling fond of Edward when he returned home only to find his friend ranting and raving about just how worried he had been. It had all come to a head when Edward decided to end the conversation with a mean right hook.
“Edward had a unique way of showing his concern. But then, I suppose our friendship in and of itself was unique. And I was a great many things at that time, though I’ll admit the determination stuck.”
The mention of how things could be different between humans and vampires brought on a wave of sadness, though he did his best to shake it off.
“I imagine if anyone can make things different, it’s you.”
There was no one else he felt could be trusted to accomplish what Evenhet was trying to do, but while he truly understood the need for Alfarinn’s clan, he worried, sometimes, about the disappointments, and worse, the dangers, his lover was bound to encounter along the way.
Underneath that, though, was a darker sense of hopelessness along with the thought that it only took one wrong human.
Feeling suddenly protective, he reached out and took a strand of long pale hair in his fingers before running his fingertips along the clean line of Alfarinn’s jaw.
“I think you know just about everything else. Eventually I learned what Emma was and she agreed to turn me…she took me to her home afterward; I think she was scared. I woke up the following evening to find her gone, though I know she stayed with me during the day. Assuming she had decided to return to the gazebo, as that was our traditional meeting spot, I went to find her.” He looked down for a moment, biting his lower lip. “Well. You know what happened next. I didn’t stop for anything; I left that night with an ornery horse and little else, not daring to stop by home. I wasn’t exactly thinking clearly.”
That was an understatement, though he continued on in any case. “Along the way I met the four clanless vampires again, which is how I learned what little I know about them. Mai found me later, after I had made my way to Amalfi and simply didn’t know what on earth to do next.”
He smiled gently. “But that is a whole other story, and you have matters to attend to.”
His worries came back with his own reminder and he sighed lightly before remembering there was one more matter he wanted to speak to Alfarinn about. Unfortunately he wasn’t quite certain of how to go about asking.
“There was...one other matter. I’d be more at ease knowing your wishes on the subject.”
He looked over to the doorway, where Lykaios’s backpack still rested inside the coat closet, with his gloves inside.
“Psychometry is a rare ability in Anantya, it seems, or at least in Nachton. I think…the gloves we found could be a strong clue, if we could seek out more help in sensing them. I understand if you’d prefer to keep your clanmates away from this entire situation. I just thought it might be helpful.”
“If only.”
His mouth curved in a smile when Alfarinn weighed in his thoughts on Edward, though it was somewhat odd to remember that incident with such fondness. He certainly hadn’t been feeling fond of Edward when he returned home only to find his friend ranting and raving about just how worried he had been. It had all come to a head when Edward decided to end the conversation with a mean right hook.
“Edward had a unique way of showing his concern. But then, I suppose our friendship in and of itself was unique. And I was a great many things at that time, though I’ll admit the determination stuck.”
The mention of how things could be different between humans and vampires brought on a wave of sadness, though he did his best to shake it off.
“I imagine if anyone can make things different, it’s you.”
There was no one else he felt could be trusted to accomplish what Evenhet was trying to do, but while he truly understood the need for Alfarinn’s clan, he worried, sometimes, about the disappointments, and worse, the dangers, his lover was bound to encounter along the way.
Underneath that, though, was a darker sense of hopelessness along with the thought that it only took one wrong human.
Feeling suddenly protective, he reached out and took a strand of long pale hair in his fingers before running his fingertips along the clean line of Alfarinn’s jaw.
“I think you know just about everything else. Eventually I learned what Emma was and she agreed to turn me…she took me to her home afterward; I think she was scared. I woke up the following evening to find her gone, though I know she stayed with me during the day. Assuming she had decided to return to the gazebo, as that was our traditional meeting spot, I went to find her.” He looked down for a moment, biting his lower lip. “Well. You know what happened next. I didn’t stop for anything; I left that night with an ornery horse and little else, not daring to stop by home. I wasn’t exactly thinking clearly.”
That was an understatement, though he continued on in any case. “Along the way I met the four clanless vampires again, which is how I learned what little I know about them. Mai found me later, after I had made my way to Amalfi and simply didn’t know what on earth to do next.”
He smiled gently. “But that is a whole other story, and you have matters to attend to.”
His worries came back with his own reminder and he sighed lightly before remembering there was one more matter he wanted to speak to Alfarinn about. Unfortunately he wasn’t quite certain of how to go about asking.
“There was...one other matter. I’d be more at ease knowing your wishes on the subject.”
He looked over to the doorway, where Lykaios’s backpack still rested inside the coat closet, with his gloves inside.
“Psychometry is a rare ability in Anantya, it seems, or at least in Nachton. I think…the gloves we found could be a strong clue, if we could seek out more help in sensing them. I understand if you’d prefer to keep your clanmates away from this entire situation. I just thought it might be helpful.”
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn watched Thaddeus remember his friend with a smile and thought that it was good that there were happy things to remember about the time. He was not sure how this friend had shown his concern but memory seemed fond enough for Thaddeus.
Alfarinn merely smirked and raised an eyebrow at the admission of being determined so long ago.
The other eyebrow followed the first at the vote of confidence in his ability to change the world. He laughed softly and grinned at his companion.
"Your belief in me is touching. I just hope I'm up to even a portion of the challenge. We have a lot working against us but time, for our kind, is not one of them. I think the growth of humanity and their understanding has helped. They are less superstitious these days, more connected with each other and more curious. But I could on forever on the possibilities of such a partnership. I think right now -this- one is the most important."Â?
He reached out and took the hand that had just brushed his jaw to clarify.
Frowning, he nodded and was serious once more as Thaddeus mentioned what had happened just one night after his turning. What hell to be put through when your world was already off balance by such an enormous life change. Thaddeus was made of pure strength and will to be able to escape Lykaios and continue to survive until he was found by the small elder of his clan. The softer side of his lover sometimes hid the steel the lay within his character but Alfarinn never forgot it was there. Thaddeus was in many ways like the rapier he carried, full of agility, finesse, and quickness, but sharp and strong at his base.
The change of topic threw him a moment and he paused to consider it.
"We could take them to Theo or Kem if you like. Theo might be a wise choice. She is very gifted with her psychometry and it is unique to both of ours."Â?
The younger Evenhet would probably be very glad to help; Alfarinn sometimes believed Theo did not know how much her work for the clan was appreciated by them but he thought she was very precious, and not just for her abilities. Kem would also be helpful but he was dealing with his own set of problems these days and might not be available to help.
Looking back at Thaddeus, he was still caught up in the admiration of his partner, Alfarinn leaned forward and gave him a gentle kiss, pulling back with a slight smile.
"You are remarkable...in case I haven't mentioned yet today."Â?
Alfarinn merely smirked and raised an eyebrow at the admission of being determined so long ago.
The other eyebrow followed the first at the vote of confidence in his ability to change the world. He laughed softly and grinned at his companion.
"Your belief in me is touching. I just hope I'm up to even a portion of the challenge. We have a lot working against us but time, for our kind, is not one of them. I think the growth of humanity and their understanding has helped. They are less superstitious these days, more connected with each other and more curious. But I could on forever on the possibilities of such a partnership. I think right now -this- one is the most important."Â?
He reached out and took the hand that had just brushed his jaw to clarify.
Frowning, he nodded and was serious once more as Thaddeus mentioned what had happened just one night after his turning. What hell to be put through when your world was already off balance by such an enormous life change. Thaddeus was made of pure strength and will to be able to escape Lykaios and continue to survive until he was found by the small elder of his clan. The softer side of his lover sometimes hid the steel the lay within his character but Alfarinn never forgot it was there. Thaddeus was in many ways like the rapier he carried, full of agility, finesse, and quickness, but sharp and strong at his base.
The change of topic threw him a moment and he paused to consider it.
"We could take them to Theo or Kem if you like. Theo might be a wise choice. She is very gifted with her psychometry and it is unique to both of ours."Â?
The younger Evenhet would probably be very glad to help; Alfarinn sometimes believed Theo did not know how much her work for the clan was appreciated by them but he thought she was very precious, and not just for her abilities. Kem would also be helpful but he was dealing with his own set of problems these days and might not be available to help.
Looking back at Thaddeus, he was still caught up in the admiration of his partner, Alfarinn leaned forward and gave him a gentle kiss, pulling back with a slight smile.
"You are remarkable...in case I haven't mentioned yet today."Â?
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Thaddeus gave the offered hand a light squeeze, trying not to think of the other kinds of ‘progress’ humans were up to and, like Alfarinn, focusing on the relationship in front of them.
He nodded in agreement with Alfarinn’s suggestion, adding:
“I wasn’t sure you would take to the idea of bringing Theodosia in, but I think it’s a good plan.”
Standing up to take the coffee cups and pot to the sink, he met Alfarinn’s kiss halfway, setting down what was in his hands to run his fingers over one cheekbone. He lingered a little before pulling back, picking up the coffee items once more and heading to the kitchen.
“One of these days that will go straight to my head and I’ll be impossible to live with.”
He smiled as he rinsed out the cups, shaking his head lightly.
“For the moment, though, I suppose we have business to attend to.”
He would likely go to his clan while Alfarinn went to speak with Simon, however uncomfortable that arrangement made him. Even so, he would be glad to see Mai and had a way to occupy his time.
/ooc Thaddeus and Alfarinn out
He nodded in agreement with Alfarinn’s suggestion, adding:
“I wasn’t sure you would take to the idea of bringing Theodosia in, but I think it’s a good plan.”
Standing up to take the coffee cups and pot to the sink, he met Alfarinn’s kiss halfway, setting down what was in his hands to run his fingers over one cheekbone. He lingered a little before pulling back, picking up the coffee items once more and heading to the kitchen.
“One of these days that will go straight to my head and I’ll be impossible to live with.”
He smiled as he rinsed out the cups, shaking his head lightly.
“For the moment, though, I suppose we have business to attend to.”
He would likely go to his clan while Alfarinn went to speak with Simon, however uncomfortable that arrangement made him. Even so, he would be glad to see Mai and had a way to occupy his time.
/ooc Thaddeus and Alfarinn out