Being Seen
Sorin looked around the crowd for someone worthy of their attention and did not see anyone that fit that description. Instead he pulled two glasses of champagne from a passing tray and handed one to Fiona.
Moving slowly towards their places at the tables, he paused here and there to greet the human elite and a few of his clan underlings. Introducing Fiona as he went. He was certain she could ascertain their importance by the difference in the length they were spoken to. It was wonderful to have an escort that understood this game and how to play it well, especially one that sparkled in the limelight as much as Fiona did. He could have and perhaps should have taken his daughter, Claire. She knew how to play the game with exceeding skill but for her it was a different method and one that did not suit his needs. His daughter deferred the attention to whomever she was with and learned all that she could from these social braggarts with ease because most were willing to speak, some endlessly, about themselves. It was not always so easy and the quiet French woman had a way of getting information out of even those who would normally be closed lipped about their personal lives. He appreciated her talents but that did not make her a good date. Far from it, his Oubliette was far better in the shadows. He wondered briefly whether she would find a date to bring to the event but decided that was her problem and not his.
His attention was caught by a tall blonde head of hair in a grey tux. So... Alfarinn did survive the encounter with the Wolf. He was here and Sorin did not see Thaddeus nor did he expect to. He wondered what the little Anantya would have made of this. It certainly appeared that Alfarinn weathered the trauma of his passing with ease. Thaddeus obviously didn't mean as much to the play boy as he thought he had. If only his clan mate had listened to him; he would be here still. Poor young Thaddeus had been played and played well. Sorin was surprised to feel something like anger over the situation. How dare Alfarinn abuse one of his own, his most talented even! The man would pay for the loss of their fallen Nightsman and dearly.
Finishing his drink with a final large swallow, he snapped his fingers at one of the servers. Taking a glass, he smiled at the man's glower and leaned to Fiona as he left.
“So hard to find decent help these days. I think we should have turned an entire household of servants back when they knew how to do the job well.”
It had occurred to him that Lykaios had possibly not yet done his job but it seemed unlikely. Had he not said do it soon? The Wolf was many things but stupid was not one of them. Besides that was part of their original disagreement on the first task he had assigned the man. Lykaios knew not to repeat it. No, it seemed reasonable to assume that the attack had taken place. He would have seen Thadeus by now if he were still alive. They were in the same Order after all.
((OOC: Claire's background with her permission ))
Turning to Thaddeus as the next nearest target of opportunity, he struck up 'conversation'.
"So, Thaddeus how has your endeavor been going? Oh don't misunderstand me."Â? He held up a hand to forestall the frowning response that he could guess was coming. "I do not need the gory details. I am merely asking how you are doing and if you are pleased with your progress."Â?
Yes, do tell us, how chasing down a large killing machine is going. Has he found you yet and somehow you've managed to survive? Find anything interesting? How soon will we have to work on killing you again?
Sorin wondered if Claire could be a useful tool. Certainly he would not be able to tell her what she would be helping him with but she might know a decent way to end the blonde's life without too much attention coming towards him or perhaps he could simply maneuver her into place to take the fall for him. Both options had merit.
He smiled gently at Fiona and slid his hand into the one that found its way into his lap. Calling over a waiter with a tray of champaign, Sorin pulled another down for the lady and another for himself.
"You're friend did not mention she was in Nachton the other day? Or was this a sudden trip?"Â?
And then on to a table that seemed to have attracted some of the more prominent... and eldest... residents of Nachton.
"Mr. Lazarovici, Mr. Bjorn, Mr. Grey. So kind of you to come. Such a worthy cause, don't you agree?"
He offered a smile to Mr. Lazarovici's companion. "Madame, we are honored by your presence. Please, please, enjoy yourselves! Thank you for coming!"
And with that he was onward again, almost as full of himself as the ballroom was of stuffy old people who smelled like mothballs and cheap perfume.
((ooc: in and out, carry on!)
She returned Sorin's smile and accepted the champagne, giving his hand a gentle squeeze in thanks. Sighing softly at his questions she gave him a rueful look, shaking her head slightly.
"If she had been here that night, she would have suggested dinner or some such. If I were to guess, she decided within moments of hanging up. Of course, I did not tell her I was coming in advance, so I suppose all is even. And this is the sort of event she would enjoy, it being for charity."Â?
Maeve knew, however, that Fiona was not fond of surprises. Unless she was the one instigating them of course, but still... not having any real desire to dwell on the Highlander, she shrugged and sipped the champagne, her mood lifting almost to where it had been before the interruption.
Only to be interrupted again with the presence of the Mayor. Amusement crossed her face at the man's behavior, though if she hadn't known he was controlled by the Clans, she would have avoided him without question. The man was obviously full of his own importance. She actually felt sorry for whoever had to deal with him on a regular basis.
Sorin seemed less than thrilled about being within a group of Evenhet. It amused him and so Alfarinn ignored the snide remark concerning his invitation to every member of his clan. The other couple left and they were once more evenly split between the two groups.
It did seem though that this favored Sorin as he knew Alfarinn's fellow Evenhet better than anyone save Maeve from the looks of things. The pair of them appeared very comfortable with each other. That was something the Roman was a master of faking but in this case sensing Sorin proved that he was indeed closer to her than he had seen the Anantya in a long time.
Sorin asked about Thaddeus's personal matter and it made Alfarinn wonder just how much the Elder of the Night knew. His companion said that he had not shared the details with Sorin but that did not mean that the other man could not guess some of what was going on. If he were guilty of being a part of the crime then he likely knew far too much.
Fiona was looking mildly interested and expectant as the other couple waited for Thaddeus to answer. He felt she did not know much about the situation but had a 'game face' on. That was something he was not certain about though and even if she did not know anything now she could certainly be filled in later. He did know what the Anantya would gain by telling her or gaining her support since she had little established connections within her clan but Sorin could find uses for anyone. The whole connection between the two across from him was unsettling.
Squeezing Thaddeus's hand under the table, Alfarinn smiled his support.
Awaiting a lull in the conversation he stepped forward and spoke to the table. "Good evening, my appologies should we be interupting."
Turning towards Thaddeus rather than the entire table, Cyrus bowed and then offered a hand to shake. "Pleasure seeing you again Thaddeus, I hoped to introduce Fallon Tierney to you."
"Fallon, may I introduce Thaddeus Grey."
She still hadn't seen Aishe, and had to wonder if the girl wasn't going to attend. Fallon believed Aishe would have made a much better impression upon people at this type of function, than Fallon might ever dream of. But, Fallon was enjoying herself, and hadn't seemed to done anything embarrassing yet. And Cyrus was being more than attentive, so she would continue to enjoy herself, and let the rest of the world take care of itself for a bit.
It struck her how young so many at the table appeared, especially the two men sitting together...one of which Cyrus just introduced her to.
She immediately held out her hand, and again felt the desire to curtsey, but refrained this time.
"Mr. Grey, it is a pleasure."
She wasn't sure what else to say, and hoped it hadn't sounded too formal calling this boy by his surname. At the time it seemed appropriate.
“I suppose I’ll know better in hindsight if my progress thus far has been worthwhile. These things have a way of going up in smoke and what seems like a landmark now may only prove to be a new beginning.”
He noticed Fiona seemed interested in his answer as well, which was all the more reason for his admitted vagueness. Even so, he wondered what Sorin might have told Fiona; in truth there was little to tell for certain, but that he had been mentioned at all seemed significant. Of course, she might merely be interested purely for reasons of proximity.
He twisted his fingers in Alfarinn’s under the table and gave a light squeeze, trying not to get carried away with mind wandering and scenarios. This goal was helped along by the arrival of Cyrus and his companion, and he favored both with a smile as he stood.
“Not at all; it is good to see you again, Cyrus.” He shook Fallon’s offered hand. “And a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Tierney; please, call me Thaddeus.” It seemed Cyrus hadn’t yet met Sorin, or he imagined the Nightsman would have introduced him as well, so he took up introductions around the table. “And this is Sorin,” he shot Cyrus a significant look, hoping he recognized the name if not the face “…and the lovely Fiona, and this is Arin…” It felt strange to introduce his companion as such but for discretion’s sake it seemed the best course of action. He didn’t know where Fallon stood as of yet and Cyrus might have sought to introduce her to him for any number of reasons. He was curious enough to want more information.
“Won’t you join us?”
He looked at each table member and then closed his eyes to try and remember his speech.
'Ladies and...gentlemen, from the bottom of the Mansion's staffs hearts' the waiter's voice cracked noticeably, 'we present you with your appetizers for this evening's dinner.' Pointing at each treat, he named off the ingredients with a trembling voice.
'Here we have cucumber slices with salmon mouse..I mean mousse.' At this point the waiter stopped breathing. 'Shrimp and crab crostini if seafood is your delight. Stuffed mini red potatos...stop staring,' he cleared his throat, 'they're delicious! And a bleu cheese baguette spread!'
He whispered behind a white gloved hand, trying not to make eye contact with the one called Sorin. Instead he looked directly into the clevage of the female...whatever at the table and continued. 'Try each one but save room for the next courses...soups, salads and all made by our very snotty french chef.'
With a smile the waiter took a step back and gave the table a very regal and deep bow. 'Please enjoy your meal.'
The waiter scurried off like a scared mousse...we mean mouse!
Holding out the chair for Fallon at Thaddeus' side, he took the one on her side, closer to his other clanmate.
"Sorin Lazarovici! I have not seen you in centuries. How are you?" He knew the comment was quite revealing but most people would take it as just a long time not reality.
Oh for the love of all the gods! Who the hell are these people? Sorin clinched his teeth as yet another unknown couple swept up to their table. Picking up his glass, he hid his annoyance behind a healthy swallow and raised his eyebrows at Thaddeus being introduced to the young woman. The man doing the pleasantries moved to where Sorin could see him better and so he was unmistakable. The Mongol still managed to look every inch the predator even in a tuxedo.
Though he had no use for most Order of the Hunt and their more barbarian ways, he did appreciate those who understood what they were and made no apologies for it. Cyrus was just such an animal, a graceful hunter even in human form. Their jungles were different though and he was surprised to see other Anantya here tonight.
Turning to Thaddeus, he caught the answer to the question he had asked. It was predictably vague and unhelpful.
"Yes, that is sometimes the way of things unfortunately."Â?
Smiling at Cyrus and his companion, he gestured to the table.
"Yes, do join us. Quality conversation is hard to find at these functions so it is good to see a 'friendly' face. It -has- been that long, hasn't it? I was not aware you had come to Nachton. I've been so preoccupied lately, forgive me for not welcoming you when you arrived."Â?
Turning his attention to the young woman, Sorin wondered who she was and just what was the story behind her accompanying the Mongol. She could be human and an unknowing snack for later. Why bother introducing her if that were the case, she would then be a mere accessory? Perhaps Cyrus would clear things up and if not there were ways of finding out the things he wanted to know. He gave a questioning glance to the Asian before turning back to his companion.
"Cyrus here, is one of our own. It has been a very long time though. It seems the night for old friends to show up as a surprise."Â?
“And a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Tierney; please, call me Thaddeus.”
Whatever his age, Thaddeus seemed genuinely friendly, and Fallon smiled at his offer of familiarity.
"Thaddeus, if you will call me Fallon?"
She turned to the others as they were introduced to her, and then took the seat Cyrus offered. Never in her life had she felt in so far over her head, and yet not that uncomfortable. However, she knew had she been there by herself, she would have undoubtedly still be standing behind a plant, or hanging around outside in the garden. It was sheer will and support from Cyrus that kept her standing, and not faltering over her words.
As Fallon listened to the waiter, she hid a giggle behind her hand. She could identify with his sense of nervousness, and she tried to give him a kindly smile in understanding, but didn't think he noticed.
The man, Sorin, seemed quite imposing, but because he also seemed to hold Cyrus in esteem, Fallon liked him. Since he did not address Fallon directly, she let her eyes move to the woman at his side, and found her to be almost as imposing as the man next to her. The feeling of being overwhelmed flared up again, but Fallon managed to remain still in her seat. That she was picking at a hangnail, under the table, was the only outward appearance of her nerves.
The arrival of yet another couple caught her attention. It appeared that sitting at the same table as an Elder had both advantages and disadvantages. The chances of actually maintaining a conversation of any importance were almost non-existent, yet she was beginning to appreciate the chance to see how Alfarinn was viewed and interacted with. And so she was surprised when the newcomer addressed Thaddeus instead.
Arin? Oh ~ Alfarinn. She vaguely recalled that Maeve’s date had used the same name. She would assume that was his current alias, which meant Sorin had known him for quite some time to have not used Arin.
The thought of Maeve triggered another line of thought. Her original intent in coming to Nachton had been very simple: learn what the clan knew about the whereabouts of Philipe, if he even lived. That would have taken a few days and she would have returned to New York and to deciding what to do next with her life. Instead, she had meet Sorin, who to all appearances seemed to share many of the same opinions and preferences. He had access to what she wanted and was a most enjoyable companion in and of himself.
But she suspected that association with the Anantya was not winning her any points with Evenhet’s Elder.
Alfarinn would be talking to Maeve to see what the Highlander knew, which in and of itself did not concern her. Maeve knew nothing that Fiona would not have told him anyway, had she gone straight to Evenhet. Meeting Sorin had been a stroke of luck, though she still didn’t know what game he was playing. And that was the source of the problem. Without that information, she didn’t know whether she was helping or hindering. Or if the game was worth it to her. Thus far she was unimpressed with Evenhet as a whole, but still… her place in this game was not yet assured so it seemed she would have to be nice to Maeve and keep her irritation to a minimum, at least for the time being. Well, it wouldn’t have been the first time cross words had been exchanged, but Maeve’s surprise at Fiona’s apology would be worth not expressing her irritation.
She brought her thoughts back to the present in time to be introduced to Cyrus, who, based on Sorin’s comments and Thaddeus’s look was also Antantya. The woman was pretty enough, though seemed a bit overwhelmed by the company she found herself in, which made Fiona wonder if she was also clan, or simply a human brought for lack of a better option. Turning her attention back to Cyrus, she tried to place his nationality, but it eluded her, which came as something of a surprise. He almost appeared Asian, but there was something a bit off with that assessment.
“Enchanté, Cyrus, Fallon.” She laughed lightly at Sorin’s comment. “Yes, it has been quite the evening for surprises.” And would it please god, there would be no more for awhile, so they could eat. The food actually looked edible, though she had had to bite her lip at the waiter’s “snotty” French chef bit. As nervous as he’d been she would have ended up wearing the entire platter if she had given him the look he deserved for that one. “Please join us.”
Cyrus nodded politely to woman with Sorin. She was not someone he recognized unfortunately. Though the man next to Thaddeus looked very strongly familiar.
"Alfarinn Jarlsen?"
The name was more question than statement. It certainly was a night to reconnect with past acquaintances.
"A pleasure to meet you, Ms Tierney."Â?
Grinning at Cyrus, he nodded.
"Yes, the one and the same. Only the names have been changed to protect the guilty."Â?
His companion wished to join Anantya? Interesting, was Cyrus her creator then? Certainly he would have approached them before making her but there could have been circumstances that would have made that impossible such as injury or accident. It happened from time to time.
He gave the new vampire a reassuring smile as standing in this crowd would have been overwhelming to even an older vampire. He could hope for her sake that she had no idea how old and established the people at this table were lest it be something that made the situation even more awkward for her to deal with.
((OOC: Permission granted to know the infamous Cryus!))
Fiona was quite cordial, and Fallon found herself reassessing her, finding her less imposing than she initially thought.
She also gave 'Alfarinn' another look, when Cyrus seemed to express such an interest in the man. He too had been most welcoming of Fallon, and she had acknowledged his greeting with a smile, and another request to be addressed as just 'Fallon'. He had kind eyes, in Fallon's opinion, and that helped put her a little more at ease.
She could only hope whoever she had to talk to about becoming part of the clan, would be as nice and friendly as these people had been. With the exception of the one Cyrus called Sorin. He still seemed imposing to her.
"Are all of you part of Anantya?"
It would stand to reason, if that was the case. It also wouldn't seem strange that Cyrus didn't know them all either, since he reportedly didn't get around much.
He was relieved to note that Cyrus and Sorin appeared to both know and like each other, but the real pleasant surprise was that the huntsman was acquainted with Alfarinn as well. He thought it was a nice stroke of luck that someone on good terms with both Elders had come to the table.
In the back of his mind he wondered what Sorin had been so preoccupied with, though of course that could merely be a reference to his normal duties as an Elder, which, to be fair, kept him busy enough.
He nodded his acquiescence to Fallon, finding he was more comfortable with everyone at the table being on equal ground as far as addresses went. He did raise one eyebrow at Cyrus when he explained Fallon’s goal, curious to know more. Such matters were better conducted with more privacy but he wondered if Cyrus had sought him out in hopes that he would be another voice to vouch for the woman. It made sense; he was known for being somewhat wary and stand offish of strangers but it meant his word carried some weight, or at least that’s how he saw it. Of course, now that they had the ear of the Elder of the Night they would hardly need him, but it didn’t mean he would turn his mind off.
A slight grin crossed his features when he noticed Alfarinn’s smile, directed at Fallon, and wondered if Sorin had caught the look as well. That his lover had passed up a chance to throw Sorin’s barb at him and behaved graciously instead was not really a surprise, but it did bring his affections to the forefront of his mind.
At Fallon’s question, though, he shook his head, not unkindly.
“Sorin and I are; Alfarinn and Fiona are Evenhet.” Thinking to explain further and thus avoid the suspicious food a little longer, he added: “Sorin heads the Order of the Night and I serve under him.”
His mind was barely on his food; instead he was listening to the conversation around him. Raising an eyebrow at Cyrus, he turned his attention back to the woman next to him. She wanted to become one of them did she? Well, she'd have to prove herself worth the time and effort and so far she was not making a spectacular showing of it.
Sorin cast a smug glance at Alfarinn though, in the hopes of making it clear that it was not uncommon for vampires to want to join their ranks. He was just in time to catch the Norwegian's smile. Was Alfarinn hoping to charm her into changing her mind, especially if he found her lacking? He'd just see about that! Besides it would make claiming Fiona for Anantya less of a coup if the blonde managed to snatch someone away in return.
Thaddeus was plodding on politely with explanations. The boy was always too worried about other people's comfort level to be good at the social game. The large hearted sentiments had no place amongst their field and it was perhaps the one thing that held Thaddeus back from being a truly outstanding member of his Order.
Sorin paused in his slow attempt at eating to take up his glass, watching the reactions of the women to the clarification of clan and rank with the lazy satisfaction of one who was well aware of his established place in the world. Of course this was an appearance that came quite naturally to him because it was true.
Fiona now knew who her companion was and probably had some idea of his status within his clan even though she might not understand the nature of the Orders. Fallon was likely warned about who's approval she would need to join Anantya by Cyrus and therefore was now probably very much on her guard. This could entertaining.
"So you wish to become one of us. Has Cyrus explained the Orders to you?"Â?
She leaned over his way a bit more, and asked him to pass the dish to her. Maybe if she took a bite and survived, he might be willing to give it a try.
"Thaddeus? Would you please pass me that dish?"
Maybe he would even see it as a sign of bravery, if she tasted it first. She grinned as she waited.
"So we have two clans represented here. Is there something I should know about the Tacharans, and why none of them have joined this table?"
The question was asked in total innocence. She really did think it a little odd that she had yet to meet any Tacharans. Of course Fallon had heard from Cyrus that the Tacharans were the rebels...their clan being the newest. Panos had his colored views as well, but hearing someone else's perspective was always nice. Especially when that other person seemed as down to earth and logical as Thaddeus.
Sorin, on the other hand, was making Fallon nervous, and partially because she imagined she felt him looking at her. The other part of her reason was she knew Sorin had to hold a position of power in Anantya, and she suspected he would need to approve of her petition to join. She had no other ideas about the process though, not having had a real chance to talk to Cyrus about the procedure.
When he spoke, she was glad to have been so aware of him, as she didn't startle. Instead she raised her eyes to him, and smiled.
"No sir, I'm sorry but we haven't had time to discuss all the intricacies of the clan Anantya. I am hoping to learn though."
She wouldn't presume that he would take the time to tell her what she needed to know. But trusted Cyrus to, at a later time, when the setting was more suitable.
Sorin was the head of the Order of the Night. The Order that Thaddeus belonged to. These two thoughts spun through her brain as she continued to listen and smile at the others as they talked. A few other pieces of earlier conversation fell into place. Thaddues was Sorin's Nightsman. That was not a term of brotherhood exactly, as she had assumed earlier. It was literal.
And who was this Tacharan that Fallon had referred to? Sorin had told her there were only 2 clans. She was missing something here.
If Sorin kept shifting the board around like this, she was going to have a headache of monumental proportions by the end of the evening.
His rank in Anantya was higher than she had thought, though this didn't exactly come as a surprise. She had suspected as much; she just hadn't suspected enough. Most of her wanted to laugh in pure pleasure at realizing what had just been revealed. The rest wanted to smack him for not preparing her for this little tidbit. She settled on pinching his thigh gently, amusement clear as she looked at him sideways. He deserved a little teasing for this. Didn't mean everyone else had to know she was doing it.
Taking a small, neat bite of the crostini, she settled in to hear an explanation of the Orders, wondering if Evenhet had something similar. And with any luck, someone would offer an explanation of Tacharan as well.
(OOC ~ Sorin abused with permission... )
Realizing his manners were slightly very lacking with his previous bite he put the knife down. Pushing the last appetizer away he looked around the table. It appeared no one else was very enthralled by the food.
"Is it just me or is this really the worst food possible at an event such as this."
Realizing that he had not paid much attention to the conversation he shut back up and watched the interaction. While he had described the orders, he did so very minimally so it would probably be very helpfull for an elder to explain in depth.