Mathias listened to Simon's speech, and felt..nothing. It was not truly a surprise - it only confirmed his misgivings..and shed no new light on the supposed evidence of Ellis' betrayal.
Ginnie's oath was unsurprising, and honestly he could see how some might react in that manner. The albino..Winter was it? Now that was an unexpected surprise. He echoed many of Mathias' thoughts although he was unsure if Winter shared his concerns or merely was stating the obvious.
Shay's hand gave a warm glow to Mathias as he squeezed it briefly before standing.
" I would not oppose you Simon. And yet, I am troubled. You say Ellis betrayed us, that she sold us out. That Carol found evidence of this. That Ellis herself admitted this to you. "
His gaze drifted to Carol before settling back on Simon
"And yet where is this evidence? What proof beyond your word do we have that it is legitimate? Where is Ellis to answer for the crimes she is accused of? Ah yes..how convient. The accused is not here - by your own admission you allowed her to die in the compound. Allowed a woman you say you loved to burn."
Mathias voice grew calmer as he continued to look at Simon.
" Ellis betrayed the clan - so you felt she had to be punished. If we were so grievously lied to - should she have not faced us? Stand before those she hurt? No,that is not to be for Simon Huntington is judge,jury and executioner. How odd that you felt the need to kill Ellis out of loyalty to the clan,but not give us a chance to decide if she was even guilty. How..convient"
"You will go before the elders - a group that despised Ellis as much as she despised them. And will answer for what we did. And Ellis will be blamed, and she will be the martyr for our and your sins. "
The rest of the room faded out to only Simon and Mathias he spoke his last words.
"Understand this Simon Huntington. You say that Ellis betrayed the Clan. If so, then you betrayed your heart and your soul. If she betrayed us, then by your own admission you betrayed her. Which is the greater sin Simon? What makes you any different than what you accuse Ellis of being?"
Leadership - open to all clan members
Carol whistled as she walked leisurely down the hallway to the Stadium. At least, that's what she called it. The Stadium was one of the luxuries of being a vampire, she thought. A state of the art theatre with stadium seating (hence the name) that could sit 50 comfortably. There was a raised platform and a movie screen that was about 1/4 the size of a full screen. Leather movie chairs, lots of leg room and a little snack bar stuffed, of course, with M&M's - Ellis' favorite treat next to smoking.
Her happy stride faltered as she recalled that little bit of information till finally she stopped just before the double doors into the Stadium. Carol missed her, at least, she missed the fun things about Ellis. If anyone could do evil 24/7 it was her but admittedly, she didn't. There were good times but all things, good or bad, must come to an end.
Pushing the doors open, she walked inside and up the back through a hidden door. Up the spiral steps was the projection room although all now digital. She flipped on the lights at the bottom of the steps and the movie theatre come to life.
She walked back out to see one of the Abbatoir's staff bringing in water and other types of beverages. She grabbed a cup of english toffee from the portable coffee dispenser. Cutting down the aisle she moved across till she was in row 3 of 10. Plopping down, she put her sandaled feet on the chair in front of her, exposing her legs and hiking up her little bit of skirt. She would of course sit properly when the other's arrived.
Well, more than likely.
Mathias
18 years ago
Simon Huntington
18 years ago
Simon opened his hands, seemingly welcoming the questions. Winter's response did not surprise him, however Winter saying it did, but his love for Ellis did not go unnoticed. She had that affect on people, but in that respect, the clan saw what it wanted to see. The mother queen who provided a home, a sanctuary, a reason for an existence, if only to kill.
'Information was found by Carol's merc team and by Alec who retrieved files from the compound. They were analyzed at Duibne. You're welcome to them, Mathias, but I wager any proof I show now will only be looked at as tainted.'
'If you think I stand before you all thinking I am untainted and pure...believe me, I'm far from it. Any atrocities Ellis had a hand in, I helped. She herself said, where she did not lead personally, I would. I'm guilty of many things. Many deaths, many underhanded deals...I am also guilty of never doing the right thing.' Simon's voice went low. 'We all have our guilty secrets, Mathias, I don't deny that, but Ellis' treachery...I have more than just my word on it.'
Simon slipped his hands back into his pocket and shrugged. 'What makes me different than Ellis? Between the clan and her...I finally chose the clan.'
'Information was found by Carol's merc team and by Alec who retrieved files from the compound. They were analyzed at Duibne. You're welcome to them, Mathias, but I wager any proof I show now will only be looked at as tainted.'
'If you think I stand before you all thinking I am untainted and pure...believe me, I'm far from it. Any atrocities Ellis had a hand in, I helped. She herself said, where she did not lead personally, I would. I'm guilty of many things. Many deaths, many underhanded deals...I am also guilty of never doing the right thing.' Simon's voice went low. 'We all have our guilty secrets, Mathias, I don't deny that, but Ellis' treachery...I have more than just my word on it.'
Simon slipped his hands back into his pocket and shrugged. 'What makes me different than Ellis? Between the clan and her...I finally chose the clan.'
Shay
18 years ago
It was the appearance of Simon, that interrupted Shay and Alexandra's conversation. Once again Shay had missed finding out anymore about a Tacharan.
Her curiosity was quickly replaced with respect and admiration for the new Tacharan leader, yet she showed nothing...it was not her place to do so. That he took the time to even notice she and Alexandra showed he had more concern for the clan as a whole. Had it been Ellis standing down there, she knew the lowly familiars wouldn't have been given a second thought. It was a miniscule issue, but when added to Shay's gut instincts, and some of what Simon was now saying, it added up.
The man in the back of the theater appeared to have no trouble stating his concerns. It seemed obvious he was more inclined to believe as Alexi did. But the man words seemed to hold more than sarcasm, and disbelief at Simon's contentions. Shay didn't know him from Adam, but those infamous instincts of her's made some of the hairs on the back of her neck stand up, as she listened to him.
When Alexi stood to talk, Shay held her breath, until she realized she was doing just that. Alexi needed more than words...Simon's words. Ellis, bitch that she was in Shay's book, had given Alexi what no one else at the time had offered him. He, being the wonderfully honorable man that he was, still followed her in almost blind loyalty. Until someone showed him some truly damning physical evidence, Shay didn't think anything would sway his beliefs in Ellis.
But Simon said he had such evidence...and that Alec had even found part of it. She wondered when Alexi did actually see the files, and whatever other information they had, would he still feel so strongly about Ellis' innocence, and Simon's betrayal of her? The fact that Simon wasn't trying to pass himself off as anything divine...and was admitting his faults...showed Shay that he had a lot more value as a leader than Ellis would ever have had.
Almost as blindly as Alexi believed and trusted in Ellis, Shay distrusted, and believed the opposite of the dead clan leader. She hoped they could keep this mutual opposition from effecting their relationship. She would certainly do whatever she could to not let it contaminate their love.
When Alexi ultimately sat back down, Shay quickly squeezed his thigh, and took his hand back. She had to show she supported him, even if she didn't believe he was right.
Her curiosity was quickly replaced with respect and admiration for the new Tacharan leader, yet she showed nothing...it was not her place to do so. That he took the time to even notice she and Alexandra showed he had more concern for the clan as a whole. Had it been Ellis standing down there, she knew the lowly familiars wouldn't have been given a second thought. It was a miniscule issue, but when added to Shay's gut instincts, and some of what Simon was now saying, it added up.
The man in the back of the theater appeared to have no trouble stating his concerns. It seemed obvious he was more inclined to believe as Alexi did. But the man words seemed to hold more than sarcasm, and disbelief at Simon's contentions. Shay didn't know him from Adam, but those infamous instincts of her's made some of the hairs on the back of her neck stand up, as she listened to him.
When Alexi stood to talk, Shay held her breath, until she realized she was doing just that. Alexi needed more than words...Simon's words. Ellis, bitch that she was in Shay's book, had given Alexi what no one else at the time had offered him. He, being the wonderfully honorable man that he was, still followed her in almost blind loyalty. Until someone showed him some truly damning physical evidence, Shay didn't think anything would sway his beliefs in Ellis.
But Simon said he had such evidence...and that Alec had even found part of it. She wondered when Alexi did actually see the files, and whatever other information they had, would he still feel so strongly about Ellis' innocence, and Simon's betrayal of her? The fact that Simon wasn't trying to pass himself off as anything divine...and was admitting his faults...showed Shay that he had a lot more value as a leader than Ellis would ever have had.
Almost as blindly as Alexi believed and trusted in Ellis, Shay distrusted, and believed the opposite of the dead clan leader. She hoped they could keep this mutual opposition from effecting their relationship. She would certainly do whatever she could to not let it contaminate their love.
When Alexi ultimately sat back down, Shay quickly squeezed his thigh, and took his hand back. She had to show she supported him, even if she didn't believe he was right.
Alec Devereaux
18 years ago
And the drama unfolded.
Simon had told it like it was. It was now up to others to accept it or not. "Simon's got goddamn balls of steel. I sure as hell wouldn't have said a fucking word if I'd killed a clan leader, no matter how guilty they were." Alec considered his cowardice a moment, and decided, no, he was QUITE comfortable with it. Balls of steel or no, he couldn't imagine that Simon was happy with the way the dice had fallen...he was just man enough to take his lumps. "Maybe in a thousand years I'll be that much of a confident badass too, but I'd like to reach that ripe old age first. Still, you have to respect that...even if it somewhat flies in the face of DO NOT GET CAUGHT. Hehe."
He was surprised when Ginnie'd been the first to stand. He knew she was pissed about the whole Hillman thing, but he'd figured her pretty heavily in Ellis' camp and then a possible x-factor on this meeting. It was good to see that his worries were unfounded. It also moved "Not pissing Ginnie off" up to the number three slot on things to avoid at all fucking costs chart, just above going in against a Sicilian when death is on the line, just below finding the divine presence and giving it the finger. It was always nice to know where things stood with your lover.
Winter's reaction...worried the hell out of Alec. He still didn't know what to make out of Godzilla, but he knew that he'd escaped the compound without injury, and that was no small feat. Crazy or no, the man was good at what he did, and frequently that involved putting people off of both of Santa's lists. Alec knew there would be bad news today, and that sure seemed to qualify. He wasn't quite sure what he was talking about concerning Carol, but that was moot. If Simon had taken her on to protect her from falling to another crewer, that was all to the good in his book.
When Mathias stood, Alec frowned. Had to be someone he liked on the "Mad at Simon" list, but things had been warming up between them and hopefully this wouldn't set them too far back. At least he wasn't straight up opposing Simon, that was good, but it left open the opportunity for him to be drafted into a rival camp from afar. That sucked. His points were valid, but ultimately moot. Tacharan was founded on bloodlust and had been rife with internal struggle until Ellis had finally killed off all of her other siblings and the majority of elders not firmly backing her. 1955 was only a few minutes ago percentage-wise to some of these guys when compared against Alec's short span of memory, but they still seemed to forget. Funny how that happened. If nothing else, it simply proved Simon was a Tacharan traditionalist in at least one way.
Standing, Alec spoke his brief piece.
As far as I am concerned, things are business as usual...but there are plenty of other ways Simon is different from Ellis that he might not realize or be too humble to note. He develops us youngers and makes sure that we'll live to see a later night. He finds people with like talents and philosophies and makes sure we blend for the growth of the clan. He makes sure all of us are prepped for what we are going into and generally plans well ahead. He carefully weighs and measures all sides of an equation and makes sure that Tacharan comes out ahead of the game. He looks to get us a seat at the table and is disappointed when things further marginalize us...whereas Ellis brought each and every one of us into that building with the intent to bleed us dry. Which is the truer leader?
Nova, love the shirt, by the way.
Sitting back down, Alec slouched discontentedly. He knew that his opinion mattered little, since in the grand scheme of things he was younger than Carol and even the dangerously open-minded Tacharan were still somewhat agist, but at least here he could say his piece. That was something.
Simon had told it like it was. It was now up to others to accept it or not. "Simon's got goddamn balls of steel. I sure as hell wouldn't have said a fucking word if I'd killed a clan leader, no matter how guilty they were." Alec considered his cowardice a moment, and decided, no, he was QUITE comfortable with it. Balls of steel or no, he couldn't imagine that Simon was happy with the way the dice had fallen...he was just man enough to take his lumps. "Maybe in a thousand years I'll be that much of a confident badass too, but I'd like to reach that ripe old age first. Still, you have to respect that...even if it somewhat flies in the face of DO NOT GET CAUGHT. Hehe."
He was surprised when Ginnie'd been the first to stand. He knew she was pissed about the whole Hillman thing, but he'd figured her pretty heavily in Ellis' camp and then a possible x-factor on this meeting. It was good to see that his worries were unfounded. It also moved "Not pissing Ginnie off" up to the number three slot on things to avoid at all fucking costs chart, just above going in against a Sicilian when death is on the line, just below finding the divine presence and giving it the finger. It was always nice to know where things stood with your lover.
Winter's reaction...worried the hell out of Alec. He still didn't know what to make out of Godzilla, but he knew that he'd escaped the compound without injury, and that was no small feat. Crazy or no, the man was good at what he did, and frequently that involved putting people off of both of Santa's lists. Alec knew there would be bad news today, and that sure seemed to qualify. He wasn't quite sure what he was talking about concerning Carol, but that was moot. If Simon had taken her on to protect her from falling to another crewer, that was all to the good in his book.
When Mathias stood, Alec frowned. Had to be someone he liked on the "Mad at Simon" list, but things had been warming up between them and hopefully this wouldn't set them too far back. At least he wasn't straight up opposing Simon, that was good, but it left open the opportunity for him to be drafted into a rival camp from afar. That sucked. His points were valid, but ultimately moot. Tacharan was founded on bloodlust and had been rife with internal struggle until Ellis had finally killed off all of her other siblings and the majority of elders not firmly backing her. 1955 was only a few minutes ago percentage-wise to some of these guys when compared against Alec's short span of memory, but they still seemed to forget. Funny how that happened. If nothing else, it simply proved Simon was a Tacharan traditionalist in at least one way.
Standing, Alec spoke his brief piece.
As far as I am concerned, things are business as usual...but there are plenty of other ways Simon is different from Ellis that he might not realize or be too humble to note. He develops us youngers and makes sure that we'll live to see a later night. He finds people with like talents and philosophies and makes sure we blend for the growth of the clan. He makes sure all of us are prepped for what we are going into and generally plans well ahead. He carefully weighs and measures all sides of an equation and makes sure that Tacharan comes out ahead of the game. He looks to get us a seat at the table and is disappointed when things further marginalize us...whereas Ellis brought each and every one of us into that building with the intent to bleed us dry. Which is the truer leader?
Nova, love the shirt, by the way.
Sitting back down, Alec slouched discontentedly. He knew that his opinion mattered little, since in the grand scheme of things he was younger than Carol and even the dangerously open-minded Tacharan were still somewhat agist, but at least here he could say his piece. That was something.
Carol
18 years ago
[Well, you're down 2 but breaking even, I think.]
Carol gave Simon a sympathetic look. He looked at her but his expression did not change.
[I didn't even think of what the clan would say about Ellis' familiars. They must think you've taken us under your protection. But it's not like you've had familiars in the past...so I'm not sure what Winter was implying. If Ellis didn't know, then I know for damn sure no one else has known.]
Carol waited to see if anyone else would have something to say.
Carol gave Simon a sympathetic look. He looked at her but his expression did not change.
[I didn't even think of what the clan would say about Ellis' familiars. They must think you've taken us under your protection. But it's not like you've had familiars in the past...so I'm not sure what Winter was implying. If Ellis didn't know, then I know for damn sure no one else has known.]
Carol waited to see if anyone else would have something to say.
Simon Huntington
18 years ago
[Mathias I expected, Winter is still a bit of a surprise but it makes sense.]
Simon's expression, or lack thereof, had not changed when Carol started to send to him. He had no idea how he was going to broach the subject of the familiars, much less Carol.
Simon's expression, or lack thereof, had not changed when Carol started to send to him. He had no idea how he was going to broach the subject of the familiars, much less Carol.
Nova
18 years ago
Nova rested her elbows on her knees while Simon spoke, occasionally looking around the room but, save her loud shirt, she kept it low key. There were no real surprises in Simon’s speech and at the moment she was far more interested in the reactions.
Ginnie spoke first, seeming hella pissed and for good reason. Nova gave Simon a little nod after that speech, as though to say ‘see? we’re with you’. She reflected that perhaps she had been over confident when Winter spoke, and Mathias’s contributions only made her more nervous. She was hard pressed not to resent the comment about taking Carol as a trophy, her feminist side twitching in annoyance on Carol’s behalf. She briefly considered throwing her shoe at Winter as he walked away…then thought better of it.
He was –so- on her list, though.
She looked down at the floor for a moment to keep from snorting at the idea of being the Tacharan Santa Claus. Coal for the ones who didn’t accept Simon, candy for the ones that did. Ho ho ho!
Still, she kept the list on the brain as Alec stood and spoke. If she didn’t know he was a good sort before now his statements would have sealed the deal. She shot him a wide grin at his compliment.
Yeah, he gets it.
Hmm…was everyone meant to make a speech? Nova shrugged, lifted her hand to her forehead, and gave Simon a salute.
“You know I got your back Simon. So, not to put you on the spot or anything, but is Alec right? Are we back to business as usual? I appreciate that there’s going to be damage control with the big wigs and it’s going to take time for things to settle down…I’m just anxious to get back to work. I’m sure we’re all anxious to have our lives back and wonder when that’s going to happen.”
For more reasons than one; not only did she have some interesting developments from Hillman’s lab, but she was beginning to grow restless in a general sense. Break time was over; it was time to do something productive. She was half tempted to go back to her Arizona lab and knew she couldn’t, that it would look like she was dicking Simon over and turning her back on the clan, and in spite of the ‘I don’t give a fuck’ deal she projected this shit mattered. Things were getting a little too real on all fronts; all this shit going down with her ‘family’, Evans, politics…it gave her an itch to run for it. But this mattered, this was important, and it was time to nut up and stick around.
Ginnie spoke first, seeming hella pissed and for good reason. Nova gave Simon a little nod after that speech, as though to say ‘see? we’re with you’. She reflected that perhaps she had been over confident when Winter spoke, and Mathias’s contributions only made her more nervous. She was hard pressed not to resent the comment about taking Carol as a trophy, her feminist side twitching in annoyance on Carol’s behalf. She briefly considered throwing her shoe at Winter as he walked away…then thought better of it.
He was –so- on her list, though.
She looked down at the floor for a moment to keep from snorting at the idea of being the Tacharan Santa Claus. Coal for the ones who didn’t accept Simon, candy for the ones that did. Ho ho ho!
Still, she kept the list on the brain as Alec stood and spoke. If she didn’t know he was a good sort before now his statements would have sealed the deal. She shot him a wide grin at his compliment.
Yeah, he gets it.
Hmm…was everyone meant to make a speech? Nova shrugged, lifted her hand to her forehead, and gave Simon a salute.
“You know I got your back Simon. So, not to put you on the spot or anything, but is Alec right? Are we back to business as usual? I appreciate that there’s going to be damage control with the big wigs and it’s going to take time for things to settle down…I’m just anxious to get back to work. I’m sure we’re all anxious to have our lives back and wonder when that’s going to happen.”
For more reasons than one; not only did she have some interesting developments from Hillman’s lab, but she was beginning to grow restless in a general sense. Break time was over; it was time to do something productive. She was half tempted to go back to her Arizona lab and knew she couldn’t, that it would look like she was dicking Simon over and turning her back on the clan, and in spite of the ‘I don’t give a fuck’ deal she projected this shit mattered. Things were getting a little too real on all fronts; all this shit going down with her ‘family’, Evans, politics…it gave her an itch to run for it. But this mattered, this was important, and it was time to nut up and stick around.
Lotus
18 years ago
Lotus watched the meeting unfold from the projection booth. Being so new to the clan, she didn't quite feel comfortable being in the middle of something this big, this important, especially since she wasn't there for the raid. She never met Ellis, and she barely knew Simon. She couldn't form an opinion on the matter. Simon seemed like a genuine caring guy, but people are full of deception.
As they congregated, Lotus focused on the chatter, trying to catch their names. Ginnie.. Alec...Shay.. Mathias. Noted. Lotus would inevitably have to crawl out of her little world and be part of this clan, she just always took comfort in knowing as much as possible without asking. Her mind started drifting away from the chatter and she started thinking about how different it was, being in a 'family'. Was it a family? Or were these people merely co-workers of sorts. It had been so long since Lotus had a family. She felt a tug deep in her mind, drawing her back to the memories of Joseph. She hated when this happened, the feelings of dispair and loss always lingered, leaving a bad taste in her mouth.
She saw the doors open as Simon quietly entered and waited to gain everyone's attention. For someone who'd just lost a leader, he didn't look very stressed or worried.. or sad. He didn't look very anything really. She shifted her weight to the other leg. She had been putting all the pressure on one foot and now it was tingly.
She listened as Simon recited the events of the raid, his last moments with Ellis. Wow. Lotus's mouth fell open just a little bit. Simon *let* her die. She didn't know the details of this so-called betrayal, but she could only imagine it had to have been horrific. Ellis was an ancient, and if what Simon says is true, and he'd been with her all that time, that makes him a near ancient. That's a long time. Disdain for Ellis must have been brewing in Simon for awhile if he just *let* her die.
Hearing an angry female's voice snapped Lotus out of her thoughts. Boy that girl was pissed. But not at Simon... at Ellis. It made her stop and think, how glorious they made Ellis sound overseas. She decided perhaps she should forget everything she heard. These people obviously knew a very different Ellis.
A pasty kid started speaking then, seemingly to himself, but addressing Simon. He kind of had a point. Lotus cocked an eyebrow at his next actions. "Ok, well he's really weird." she wrinkled her nose, totally not the kind of person she wanted to call family.
She shifted again, listening to Mathias speak, rather grateful he didn't bust out into song and dance. She picked up the religious words. Seemed odd to her that a creature of the night would be god-fearing. Simon's words signalled regret, but as far as appearance and mood, you'd think he was discussing finances or something equally boring.
Lotus sat down, finally taking the pressure off her feet, taking it all in. Boy did she pick a bad time to show up. She was sure this was barely the tip of the iceberg.
(ooc out)
As they congregated, Lotus focused on the chatter, trying to catch their names. Ginnie.. Alec...Shay.. Mathias. Noted. Lotus would inevitably have to crawl out of her little world and be part of this clan, she just always took comfort in knowing as much as possible without asking. Her mind started drifting away from the chatter and she started thinking about how different it was, being in a 'family'. Was it a family? Or were these people merely co-workers of sorts. It had been so long since Lotus had a family. She felt a tug deep in her mind, drawing her back to the memories of Joseph. She hated when this happened, the feelings of dispair and loss always lingered, leaving a bad taste in her mouth.
She saw the doors open as Simon quietly entered and waited to gain everyone's attention. For someone who'd just lost a leader, he didn't look very stressed or worried.. or sad. He didn't look very anything really. She shifted her weight to the other leg. She had been putting all the pressure on one foot and now it was tingly.
She listened as Simon recited the events of the raid, his last moments with Ellis. Wow. Lotus's mouth fell open just a little bit. Simon *let* her die. She didn't know the details of this so-called betrayal, but she could only imagine it had to have been horrific. Ellis was an ancient, and if what Simon says is true, and he'd been with her all that time, that makes him a near ancient. That's a long time. Disdain for Ellis must have been brewing in Simon for awhile if he just *let* her die.
Hearing an angry female's voice snapped Lotus out of her thoughts. Boy that girl was pissed. But not at Simon... at Ellis. It made her stop and think, how glorious they made Ellis sound overseas. She decided perhaps she should forget everything she heard. These people obviously knew a very different Ellis.
A pasty kid started speaking then, seemingly to himself, but addressing Simon. He kind of had a point. Lotus cocked an eyebrow at his next actions. "Ok, well he's really weird." she wrinkled her nose, totally not the kind of person she wanted to call family.
She shifted again, listening to Mathias speak, rather grateful he didn't bust out into song and dance. She picked up the religious words. Seemed odd to her that a creature of the night would be god-fearing. Simon's words signalled regret, but as far as appearance and mood, you'd think he was discussing finances or something equally boring.
Lotus sat down, finally taking the pressure off her feet, taking it all in. Boy did she pick a bad time to show up. She was sure this was barely the tip of the iceberg.
(ooc out)
Simon Huntington
18 years ago
Simon waited a moment longer for everyone to give their opinions and then continued on.
'There is the business of Kyle Evans, the human that I owe a huge debt of gratitude to. He is, as some of you may know, a reporter from the Nachton Times. I have no idea what he was doing in the compound at the time, but I do know that he was tortured while there. He is no friend of Terrance Hillman, but he is a friend to this clan.'
Simon looked each member in the eye. 'Kyle Evans is not to be touched.' He said it slowly and as clearly as he could. 'He walks unfettered in Nachton, by Tacharan and by any other vampire. I am holding the clan responsible for his protection. Because of his heroism, he is in Duibne suffering from Eternity addiction. The clan will take care of him and Nova has already looked into keeping Evans comfortable while he is in rehabilitation. And as some of you who look into the information gathered at the compound will find out, he is privy to several comments Ellis made on the way out. He is, quite frankly, priceless to me. Any vampire that touches him, will deal with me personally.'
Simon was in a position that he was not familiar with and that was being immensely grateful to a human. He could barely recall anything but the pain of the sun and explosions all around him, but Simon remembered Kyle giving himself freely to him. To drink from him and pull Simon from the brink. Simon owed Evans his life and he would see to it that Evans would have the protection of the clan on him and his...always.
'There is the business of Kyle Evans, the human that I owe a huge debt of gratitude to. He is, as some of you may know, a reporter from the Nachton Times. I have no idea what he was doing in the compound at the time, but I do know that he was tortured while there. He is no friend of Terrance Hillman, but he is a friend to this clan.'
Simon looked each member in the eye. 'Kyle Evans is not to be touched.' He said it slowly and as clearly as he could. 'He walks unfettered in Nachton, by Tacharan and by any other vampire. I am holding the clan responsible for his protection. Because of his heroism, he is in Duibne suffering from Eternity addiction. The clan will take care of him and Nova has already looked into keeping Evans comfortable while he is in rehabilitation. And as some of you who look into the information gathered at the compound will find out, he is privy to several comments Ellis made on the way out. He is, quite frankly, priceless to me. Any vampire that touches him, will deal with me personally.'
Simon was in a position that he was not familiar with and that was being immensely grateful to a human. He could barely recall anything but the pain of the sun and explosions all around him, but Simon remembered Kyle giving himself freely to him. To drink from him and pull Simon from the brink. Simon owed Evans his life and he would see to it that Evans would have the protection of the clan on him and his...always.
Alec Devereaux
18 years ago
Frowning for a moment, Alec piped up again.
Regarding Kyle...wouldn't it be safer to just bring him completely into the fold? I am a little apprehensive about having a reporter back on the street with so much of our very private business, let alone existence and personal descriptions. What are the operating parameters he'll be given in regard to what he's allowed to chat up and what he has to hush up? Or would becoming a familiar be complicated because of the affect of the Eternity addiction?
That also brings up another point of interest - can you clarify the protected statuses of Ellis' former familiars for everyone?
He was guessing from Winter's hand that Carol would go to Simon, but that still left Marthinus and Addison unaccounted for, and those were just the ones he knew. He could see Nova taking care of Marthinus - they seemed close, but Addison was so new there would be no clear successor there. He'd seen him with Jan a couple of times, though.
Alec stopped thinking about that quickly, though. If he got a Nova-Marthinus-Jan-Addison image in his head he'd get the jibblies in the middle of a clan meeting, and that was simply not done. Ugh.
Regarding Kyle...wouldn't it be safer to just bring him completely into the fold? I am a little apprehensive about having a reporter back on the street with so much of our very private business, let alone existence and personal descriptions. What are the operating parameters he'll be given in regard to what he's allowed to chat up and what he has to hush up? Or would becoming a familiar be complicated because of the affect of the Eternity addiction?
That also brings up another point of interest - can you clarify the protected statuses of Ellis' former familiars for everyone?
He was guessing from Winter's hand that Carol would go to Simon, but that still left Marthinus and Addison unaccounted for, and those were just the ones he knew. He could see Nova taking care of Marthinus - they seemed close, but Addison was so new there would be no clear successor there. He'd seen him with Jan a couple of times, though.
Alec stopped thinking about that quickly, though. If he got a Nova-Marthinus-Jan-Addison image in his head he'd get the jibblies in the middle of a clan meeting, and that was simply not done. Ugh.
Ginnie
18 years ago
Ginnie had to stifle a laugh at Alec's concern over Kyle's reporter abilities. She was curious about him, but took Simon at his word and would protect him if the need arose. However, she felt the need to give Alec a little lesson on Kyle. So she leaned close and spoke so that only he could hear.
"Kyle, is nothing to be concerned about. He's a good writer, a damn good one, but that's all he is. He's a conspiracy theorist, and has been spouting about Vampires for years, no one will believe him, no matter what he reports."
She settled back into her chair, for she too was interested what would be happening to the familiars.
"Kyle, is nothing to be concerned about. He's a good writer, a damn good one, but that's all he is. He's a conspiracy theorist, and has been spouting about Vampires for years, no one will believe him, no matter what he reports."
She settled back into her chair, for she too was interested what would be happening to the familiars.
Nova
18 years ago
Nova tried her best to look innocent when Simon made it perfectly clear that Kyle was not to be touched. She’d only smacked him around a few times and he’d given back in turn but that fact might not go over so well considering.
She also thought that if Kyle found out about this little rule it was going to make her threats rather obsolete.
She considered Alec’s contribution for a moment, then piped up.
“Evans is a self admitted hack reporter whack job that no one listens to, but…Alec might have a point. Not that I think he’s going to hurt Tacharan, but he has a way of getting himself into some pretty stupid situations. He just wandered on into Marthinus’s hospital room not too long ago and I tell you what, if I had been in any worse of a mood I’d have…well anyway, he takes risks. He’s got a big mouth and tends to get in people’s faces. Be easier to protect him if we had some sort of standing agreement. Ought to be some way to keep him and us both out of trouble.”
She shrugged, not sure if she had said anything particularly helpful. “Anyway, he’s not going anywhere for a bit. Took a turn for the worse, we’re still working on the whys.”
She also thought that if Kyle found out about this little rule it was going to make her threats rather obsolete.
She considered Alec’s contribution for a moment, then piped up.
“Evans is a self admitted hack reporter whack job that no one listens to, but…Alec might have a point. Not that I think he’s going to hurt Tacharan, but he has a way of getting himself into some pretty stupid situations. He just wandered on into Marthinus’s hospital room not too long ago and I tell you what, if I had been in any worse of a mood I’d have…well anyway, he takes risks. He’s got a big mouth and tends to get in people’s faces. Be easier to protect him if we had some sort of standing agreement. Ought to be some way to keep him and us both out of trouble.”
She shrugged, not sure if she had said anything particularly helpful. “Anyway, he’s not going anywhere for a bit. Took a turn for the worse, we’re still working on the whys.”
Simon Huntington
18 years ago
'I have yet to speak to Mr. Evans regarding his new, and more than likely, unwanted position within the clan. I would be surprised if Mr. Evans would be so quick to turn against the people who helped him in his time of need. Hopefully Nova and I will be able to impress upon him the importance of staying quiet.'
Simon paused a moment, trying to gather his thoughts for his next statement. The question of Ellis' familiars had come up again and they had every right to know what would become of them, Carol being held in high regard with the clan members, they'd want to ensure her safety.
'The issue of Ellis' familiars is a simple one. They're to be released. I have no plans on taking any personal posessions of Ellis by default, nor is taking a familiar something I have interest in...but with that being said, something has happened. Something you all need to know about...something that might be disturbing for some considering the recent events.'
Simon looked down at Carol and held his hand out.
Simon paused a moment, trying to gather his thoughts for his next statement. The question of Ellis' familiars had come up again and they had every right to know what would become of them, Carol being held in high regard with the clan members, they'd want to ensure her safety.
'The issue of Ellis' familiars is a simple one. They're to be released. I have no plans on taking any personal posessions of Ellis by default, nor is taking a familiar something I have interest in...but with that being said, something has happened. Something you all need to know about...something that might be disturbing for some considering the recent events.'
Simon looked down at Carol and held his hand out.
Carol
18 years ago
[You're doing this...right now?]
Carol's eyes went wide but she hid her expression as she leaned forward and stood up. Walking out of the row and up to Simon, she reached out and took his hand. She looked at everyone in the theatre who were looking right back. She took a deep breath and opened her mouth.
'Uh, hi. Um...I'm with,' she cleared her voice and in a high pitched, nervous voice said, 'I'm with...him...now?' Carol blushed and looked down embarassed, mortified but mostly...really fucking scared.
Carol's eyes went wide but she hid her expression as she leaned forward and stood up. Walking out of the row and up to Simon, she reached out and took his hand. She looked at everyone in the theatre who were looking right back. She took a deep breath and opened her mouth.
'Uh, hi. Um...I'm with,' she cleared her voice and in a high pitched, nervous voice said, 'I'm with...him...now?' Carol blushed and looked down embarassed, mortified but mostly...really fucking scared.
Simon Huntington
18 years ago
Simon grinned at her, tucking her hand into the crook of his arm.
[Gosh, babe...well said.]
Her touch electrified him and having her by his side, in front of the clan, he could not have loved her more. Simon put his hand over hers and nudged her happily. Looking back at the clan members present, he stood tall and very proud.
'Carol is not my familiar and never will be. This happened within the past several weeks. It had nothing to do with my decision to let Ellis go although I'm sure that is now a very hard thing to not assume. Believe me when I say, my world is the clan and Carol is a part of that, as are all of you. If you are to judge me on my ability to lead, consider who has fathered most of you and who has kept your interests safe. If you choose to judge me, do it after you read the proof.'
Shaking his head, Simon spoke softly, 'My decision to do what I did was one I have contemplated for quite some time. What stopped me was...well my love for her. Fifteen hundred years I was by her side, protecting her interests and running her business.' Simon stopped suddenly. He felt a wave of nausea come over him as he thought about what Ellis had done to his family. He had no reason to hide it since it was the reason why he finally acted.
'Marthinus, as some of you may not know, is part of my human legacy. As was the CEO before him. And the CEO before his grandfather. You see...Ellis has controlled my human family since she turned me. There wasn't anything I would'n't have done for her. She had my love and loyalty...but it wasn't enough. She used my family to farm her familiars and further advance her business holdings, thus Duibne Industries was created.'
Simon turned and looked at Mathias. 'Mathias I owe you an apology and my gratitude. The vampire you killed was in fact working for Ellis. He was Marthinus' would be assassin. ALL Huntingtons world wide have been living in fear. I apologize for lying to you.' He nodded at Mathias.
'You live in servitude for a millennium before anyone here judges me. You feel the humiliation of having your love ridiculed by your Mistress. Ellis never loved anything or anyone, especially me. It's taken a long time for me to realize that and to take back my life. Live my life, before you judge my actions.'
Simon then fell silent.
[Gosh, babe...well said.]
Her touch electrified him and having her by his side, in front of the clan, he could not have loved her more. Simon put his hand over hers and nudged her happily. Looking back at the clan members present, he stood tall and very proud.
'Carol is not my familiar and never will be. This happened within the past several weeks. It had nothing to do with my decision to let Ellis go although I'm sure that is now a very hard thing to not assume. Believe me when I say, my world is the clan and Carol is a part of that, as are all of you. If you are to judge me on my ability to lead, consider who has fathered most of you and who has kept your interests safe. If you choose to judge me, do it after you read the proof.'
Shaking his head, Simon spoke softly, 'My decision to do what I did was one I have contemplated for quite some time. What stopped me was...well my love for her. Fifteen hundred years I was by her side, protecting her interests and running her business.' Simon stopped suddenly. He felt a wave of nausea come over him as he thought about what Ellis had done to his family. He had no reason to hide it since it was the reason why he finally acted.
'Marthinus, as some of you may not know, is part of my human legacy. As was the CEO before him. And the CEO before his grandfather. You see...Ellis has controlled my human family since she turned me. There wasn't anything I would'n't have done for her. She had my love and loyalty...but it wasn't enough. She used my family to farm her familiars and further advance her business holdings, thus Duibne Industries was created.'
Simon turned and looked at Mathias. 'Mathias I owe you an apology and my gratitude. The vampire you killed was in fact working for Ellis. He was Marthinus' would be assassin. ALL Huntingtons world wide have been living in fear. I apologize for lying to you.' He nodded at Mathias.
'You live in servitude for a millennium before anyone here judges me. You feel the humiliation of having your love ridiculed by your Mistress. Ellis never loved anything or anyone, especially me. It's taken a long time for me to realize that and to take back my life. Live my life, before you judge my actions.'
Simon then fell silent.
Valentine
18 years ago
Val listened to everything very carefully. She had suspected what they’d done wouldn’t be well received, but the rest was rather surprising. Losing the clan leader before you officially met her, that wasn’t something that happened everyday.
Sitting quietly she learned who fit where, who fell on what side of the argument, all the while thinking she’d picked a very bad time to come to Nachton.
Oddly enough, it was the albino’s argument that made the most sense to her, even if it was a little eccentric. Right now though, it was all talk and certainly, something like this wouldn’t be resolved with a meeting. Not in a clan like this.
Right, don’t touch Evans. Currently that was the simplest order/idea of the evening. The familiar issue seemed simple enough, although she felt a bit bad for Addison. Poor guy, it had to come as a shock to him even if he was new. However, she silently raised an eyebrow at the clarification on Carol. That was truly interesting and added another dimension to this whole mess.
Although she’d had no idea, that Ellis had held Simon and his family. Yet, more information to be added to this puzzle, weighed, and try and make some sense out of it. No, he was right, she wasn’t going to judge Simon; not yet. Not since her loyalty was for the clan rather than an individual leader. It would just have to be a wait and see situation. She hated waiting.
Sitting quietly she learned who fit where, who fell on what side of the argument, all the while thinking she’d picked a very bad time to come to Nachton.
Oddly enough, it was the albino’s argument that made the most sense to her, even if it was a little eccentric. Right now though, it was all talk and certainly, something like this wouldn’t be resolved with a meeting. Not in a clan like this.
Right, don’t touch Evans. Currently that was the simplest order/idea of the evening. The familiar issue seemed simple enough, although she felt a bit bad for Addison. Poor guy, it had to come as a shock to him even if he was new. However, she silently raised an eyebrow at the clarification on Carol. That was truly interesting and added another dimension to this whole mess.
Although she’d had no idea, that Ellis had held Simon and his family. Yet, more information to be added to this puzzle, weighed, and try and make some sense out of it. No, he was right, she wasn’t going to judge Simon; not yet. Not since her loyalty was for the clan rather than an individual leader. It would just have to be a wait and see situation. She hated waiting.
Alec Devereaux
18 years ago
Alec squeezed Ginnie's hand lightly when Carol stepped up. A shit eating grin spread from ear to ear. "So...the mighty Carol finally rendered speechless...Simon fucking rocks."
With the addition about his human family...that really irritated Alec. It was such a petty thing for Ellis to do with all of the humans of the world to choose from. Well, the Bitch Queen was dead, so it was a moot point anyway. Now they could all move on, a bit safer and perhaps a bit more deserving of a spot at the table.
But it still looked like the clan would bleed a bit before all was said and done. Worrisome. He'd have to talk to Ginnie about rigging some surprises within their apartment in case things got ugly within the facility. That was the difficulty with internal power struggles - security was open to the enemy as well.
With the addition about his human family...that really irritated Alec. It was such a petty thing for Ellis to do with all of the humans of the world to choose from. Well, the Bitch Queen was dead, so it was a moot point anyway. Now they could all move on, a bit safer and perhaps a bit more deserving of a spot at the table.
But it still looked like the clan would bleed a bit before all was said and done. Worrisome. He'd have to talk to Ginnie about rigging some surprises within their apartment in case things got ugly within the facility. That was the difficulty with internal power struggles - security was open to the enemy as well.
Ginnie
18 years ago
'Well hot damn. It's about time those two got something good out of life...death...yeah.' Ginnie sent a smile at Simon, that slowly faded as he continued to talk. That was low, even for Ellis. You just don't hold a man's family hostage, his word should be enough, and if it is not, then you take him out. Family is much to precious to be used as leverage.
There was going to be some trouble and Ginnie knew it would be rough for a while. She'd need to talk to Alec about securing their apartment a bit better, and she would need to tighten security on the lab. Her lab could become a hot button to anyone with ideas of a coup.
There was going to be some trouble and Ginnie knew it would be rough for a while. She'd need to talk to Alec about securing their apartment a bit better, and she would need to tighten security on the lab. Her lab could become a hot button to anyone with ideas of a coup.
Shay
18 years ago
It wasn't difficult to sit there and listen to what was being said, even if it all seemed to go against what Alexi was feeling, and believing. For Shay, it was a matter of time before he accepted the things everyone else was saying. To remain loyal to someone he credited with saving his life, was not only understandable, but expect from a man of his caliber.
She would be concerned only if he never saw and accepted that the truths about his mentor, as he saw them, were far from correct. To Shay, it was only a matter of time.
She would just bide hers, and be there for him.
The news of a reporter being involved in this whole fiasco caught Shay's attention. In fact, her mouth almost began watering at the idea of interviewing someone like that. This...Kyle Evans person must have a huge wealth of information that she could incorporate into her book, if she could find a way to talk to him. The fact that he wasn't being held...that he could 'walk unfettered in Nachton', confirmed that Shay would try to meet with the man soon. She couldn't imagine any reason why he wouldn't talk to her.
Alec's comments weren't surprising, at least not from what he had already said. Nova...Shay didn't know the woman, but for Simon's sake Shay was glad to hear Nova seemed to support the new leader as well.
But it was what Simon kept saying that really impressed Shay. Even knowing there was dissention in the ranks, he maintained his calm demeanor, and never seemed to waiver from the contention that he was all about the clan, and the people in it. He appeared to have humanity within...something Shay hadn't seen a glimmer of, in Ellis.
His treatment of Carol, as he announced their 'connection' was more confirmation to Shay, that the man had a soul.
His mention of the fact that Carol would never be his familiar, hit a small chord in Shay, painfully. That he could consort with a human, and not need to make her his familiar, yet offer her clan protection, gave Shay pause, and time to wonder if the same arrangement could now be possible with her and Alexi. Not that she minded sharing her blood with him, but to not be made to feel like a second class citizen within the clan, would certainly make her association with them a lot more palatable.
When Simon spoke directly to Alexi again, Shay hoped his words were accepted. She realized she was gripping his hand so hard her nails were digging into it, and immediately lessened her hold. Putting her other hand across the top of his, she caressed it covertly, wanting nothing more than to keep him in touch with her, and her love. She knew none of this would be easy for him, and if she could offer the tiniest bit of reassurance, her goal would be fulfilled.
The auditorium was now quiet. A lot of data had been given, and Shay had to guess that some of it was so surprising...so out of the blue, that it would take everyone just a bit to grow accustomed to.
Not that it would probably matter much, but she felt she had to speak to Simon before they left. She wouldn't say anything too overt, because it would never occur to her to do anything else but remain loyal to Alexi. The clan had no need to know she felt otherwise.
It was just proper to acknowledge Simon, since she was a member of the clan, and he was the new leader.
She would be concerned only if he never saw and accepted that the truths about his mentor, as he saw them, were far from correct. To Shay, it was only a matter of time.
She would just bide hers, and be there for him.
The news of a reporter being involved in this whole fiasco caught Shay's attention. In fact, her mouth almost began watering at the idea of interviewing someone like that. This...Kyle Evans person must have a huge wealth of information that she could incorporate into her book, if she could find a way to talk to him. The fact that he wasn't being held...that he could 'walk unfettered in Nachton', confirmed that Shay would try to meet with the man soon. She couldn't imagine any reason why he wouldn't talk to her.
Alec's comments weren't surprising, at least not from what he had already said. Nova...Shay didn't know the woman, but for Simon's sake Shay was glad to hear Nova seemed to support the new leader as well.
But it was what Simon kept saying that really impressed Shay. Even knowing there was dissention in the ranks, he maintained his calm demeanor, and never seemed to waiver from the contention that he was all about the clan, and the people in it. He appeared to have humanity within...something Shay hadn't seen a glimmer of, in Ellis.
His treatment of Carol, as he announced their 'connection' was more confirmation to Shay, that the man had a soul.
His mention of the fact that Carol would never be his familiar, hit a small chord in Shay, painfully. That he could consort with a human, and not need to make her his familiar, yet offer her clan protection, gave Shay pause, and time to wonder if the same arrangement could now be possible with her and Alexi. Not that she minded sharing her blood with him, but to not be made to feel like a second class citizen within the clan, would certainly make her association with them a lot more palatable.
When Simon spoke directly to Alexi again, Shay hoped his words were accepted. She realized she was gripping his hand so hard her nails were digging into it, and immediately lessened her hold. Putting her other hand across the top of his, she caressed it covertly, wanting nothing more than to keep him in touch with her, and her love. She knew none of this would be easy for him, and if she could offer the tiniest bit of reassurance, her goal would be fulfilled.
The auditorium was now quiet. A lot of data had been given, and Shay had to guess that some of it was so surprising...so out of the blue, that it would take everyone just a bit to grow accustomed to.
Not that it would probably matter much, but she felt she had to speak to Simon before they left. She wouldn't say anything too overt, because it would never occur to her to do anything else but remain loyal to Alexi. The clan had no need to know she felt otherwise.
It was just proper to acknowledge Simon, since she was a member of the clan, and he was the new leader.
Shay
18 years ago
It wasn't difficult to sit there and listen to what was being said, even if it all seemed to go against what Alexi was feeling, and believing. For Shay, it was a matter of time before he accepted the things everyone else was saying. To remain loyal to someone he credited with saving his life, was not only understandable, but expect from a man of his caliber.
She would be concerned only if he never saw and accepted that the truths about his mentor, as he saw them, were far from correct. To Shay, it was only a matter of time.
She would just bide hers, and be there for him.
The news of a reporter being involved in this whole fiasco caught Shay's attention. In fact, her mouth almost began watering at the idea of interviewing someone like that. This...Kyle Evans person must have a huge wealth of information that she could incorporate into her book, if she could find a way to talk to him. The fact that he wasn't being held...that he could 'walk unfettered in Nachton', confirmed that Shay would try to meet with the man soon. She couldn't imagine any reason why he wouldn't talk to her.
Alec's comments weren't surprising, at least not from what he had already said. Nova...Shay didn't know the woman, but for Simon's sake Shay was glad to hear Nova seemed to support the new leader as well.
But it was what Simon kept saying that really impressed Shay. Even knowing there was dissention in the ranks, he maintained his calm demeanor, and never seemed to waiver from the contention that he was all about the clan, and the people in it. He appeared to have humanity within...something Shay hadn't seen a glimmer of, in Ellis.
His treatment of Carol, as he announced their 'connection' was more confirmation to Shay, that the man had a soul.
His mention of the fact that Carol would never be his familiar, hit a small chord in Shay, painfully. That he could consort with a human, and not need to make her his familiar, yet offer her clan protection, gave Shay pause, and time to wonder if the same arrangement could now be possible with her and Alexi. Not that she minded sharing her blood with him, but to not be made to feel like a second class citizen within the clan, would certainly make her association with them a lot more palatable.
When Simon spoke directly to Alexi again, Shay hoped his words were accepted. She realized she was gripping his hand so hard her nails were digging into it, and immediately lessened her hold. Putting her other hand across the top of his, she caressed it covertly, wanting nothing more than to keep him in touch with her, and her love. She knew none of this would be easy for him, and if she could offer the tiniest bit of reassurance, her goal would be fulfilled.
The auditorium was now quiet. A lot of data had been given, and Shay had to guess that some of it was so surprising...so out of the blue, that it would take everyone just a bit to grow accustomed to.
Not that it would probably matter much, but she felt she had to speak to Simon before they left. She wouldn't say anything too overt, because it would never occur to her to do anything else but remain loyal to Alexi. The clan had no need to know she felt otherwise.
It was just proper to acknowledge Simon, since she was a member of the clan, and he was the new leader.
She would be concerned only if he never saw and accepted that the truths about his mentor, as he saw them, were far from correct. To Shay, it was only a matter of time.
She would just bide hers, and be there for him.
The news of a reporter being involved in this whole fiasco caught Shay's attention. In fact, her mouth almost began watering at the idea of interviewing someone like that. This...Kyle Evans person must have a huge wealth of information that she could incorporate into her book, if she could find a way to talk to him. The fact that he wasn't being held...that he could 'walk unfettered in Nachton', confirmed that Shay would try to meet with the man soon. She couldn't imagine any reason why he wouldn't talk to her.
Alec's comments weren't surprising, at least not from what he had already said. Nova...Shay didn't know the woman, but for Simon's sake Shay was glad to hear Nova seemed to support the new leader as well.
But it was what Simon kept saying that really impressed Shay. Even knowing there was dissention in the ranks, he maintained his calm demeanor, and never seemed to waiver from the contention that he was all about the clan, and the people in it. He appeared to have humanity within...something Shay hadn't seen a glimmer of, in Ellis.
His treatment of Carol, as he announced their 'connection' was more confirmation to Shay, that the man had a soul.
His mention of the fact that Carol would never be his familiar, hit a small chord in Shay, painfully. That he could consort with a human, and not need to make her his familiar, yet offer her clan protection, gave Shay pause, and time to wonder if the same arrangement could now be possible with her and Alexi. Not that she minded sharing her blood with him, but to not be made to feel like a second class citizen within the clan, would certainly make her association with them a lot more palatable.
When Simon spoke directly to Alexi again, Shay hoped his words were accepted. She realized she was gripping his hand so hard her nails were digging into it, and immediately lessened her hold. Putting her other hand across the top of his, she caressed it covertly, wanting nothing more than to keep him in touch with her, and her love. She knew none of this would be easy for him, and if she could offer the tiniest bit of reassurance, her goal would be fulfilled.
The auditorium was now quiet. A lot of data had been given, and Shay had to guess that some of it was so surprising...so out of the blue, that it would take everyone just a bit to grow accustomed to.
Not that it would probably matter much, but she felt she had to speak to Simon before they left. She wouldn't say anything too overt, because it would never occur to her to do anything else but remain loyal to Alexi. The clan had no need to know she felt otherwise.
It was just proper to acknowledge Simon, since she was a member of the clan, and he was the new leader.