Paul, Palmer decided, seemed polite but somewhat reserved, and he concluded that he was not on the receiving end of a cold shoulder, but merely a somewhat shy person. Even so, the man seemed interesting, reflecting a sort of inward amusement, though he wasn’t certain if that was directed at himself or the world at large. He would admit to finding both Paul and the pale woman at his side even more interesting when she referred to Paul’s ‘times’ and thought to seek out the pair later in the evening in hopes of finding clanmates.
Shalimar, meanwhile, was living up to Mathias’s claims of her social behavior, greeting the red head further down the bar. He managed to catch the tail end of their talk as he moved closer and made a mental note to ask about the House of Pain, and turned to order a drink while there was a moment between conversations.
Bourbon in hand, he turned to lean slightly on the bar in time to see the elegant woman in black winking at him. In response he tucked his chin down in an ‘aw shucks’ sort of expression, though his grin prevented any illusion of timidity.
Deciding, at her question, to go for bold and hope it didn’t backfire too spectacularly, he matched her light tone and answered.
“I was thinking just to the right of you.” His grin broadened and he held out his hand. “Palmer Calhoun; pleased to meet you.”
Something to loosen up (Open!)
Addison brushed back several strands of his hair as they fell in his face. He shouldn't have bothered to straighten it tonight and should have just pulled it back with something. The rebellion of said hair was starting to annoy him...and his nose as it fell across it. With a bright smile, he stepped up to the wet bar set up for this evening and took a quick seat there.
"Two glasses of red wine, please."
While the young man behind the counter moved to fill the request, Addison turned around slightly to see an older man stop by the Tach table, say something and immediately move on. That had to be their host for the evening...although he didn't see like such a people person spending so little time there. Addison spent a moment watching Jan talking to the others before looking around the room. The faces near by weren't recognized...at least at a first glance, so the accountant turned back to the bar and grabbed a few peanuts from the bowl sitting there.
(OOC: didn't see if there was a bar or not, but assuming there would be at a soiree like this)
Palmer
18 years ago
Valentine
18 years ago
The perfect blend of modesty and confidence in response to her wink, at least that is how she interpreted it, was not at all what Val had expected from someone who wore a zoot suit. But that was just the perfect answer. How could you not smile at that?
“I think that could be arranged.”
Accepting the offered hand, still grinning, she too closer stock of him. She didn’t draw many conclusions, just that he was definitely a sharp looking guy.
“Valentine Connor and the pleasure is all mine Mr. Calhoun.”
“I think that could be arranged.”
Accepting the offered hand, still grinning, she too closer stock of him. She didn’t draw many conclusions, just that he was definitely a sharp looking guy.
“Valentine Connor and the pleasure is all mine Mr. Calhoun.”
Addison
18 years ago
Addison's eyes went wide as he was suddenly hugged. Well...at least he knew this woman was human...she'd been outside in the daytime...or at least in the shoe store. "I'd wondered when I might get a chance to see you..." Blue eyes turned from Shay to her fella and he nodded. "A pleasure to see you again. I trust you are doing well...after the changes as of late." Addison briefly wondered if Mathias had been on friendly terms with Ellis before her "death."
However, there was the beautiful woman mentioning her imminent departure. He smiled and nodded, taking a sip of his wine and leaning back against the bar once more.
"Faster still when I've had nothing to eat...which reminds me...I believe they've started serving my table. I should head over before it's all gone." Not that he really had anything to worry about there...or maybe he did...addison didn't really know the people at the table all that well...the best was Carol, and even then...
Ah well, he could change that if he wanted to. Val seemed quite engaged with the young man who'd been at the bar previous, so he didn't want to interrupt. Turning to Shay and Mathias, he inclined his head to the tach table. "Are you going to eat with us? "
However, there was the beautiful woman mentioning her imminent departure. He smiled and nodded, taking a sip of his wine and leaning back against the bar once more.
Be aware, sometimes wine can go straight to your head faster than you know it.
"Faster still when I've had nothing to eat...which reminds me...I believe they've started serving my table. I should head over before it's all gone." Not that he really had anything to worry about there...or maybe he did...addison didn't really know the people at the table all that well...the best was Carol, and even then...
Ah well, he could change that if he wanted to. Val seemed quite engaged with the young man who'd been at the bar previous, so he didn't want to interrupt. Turning to Shay and Mathias, he inclined his head to the tach table. "Are you going to eat with us? "
Shay
18 years ago
When she had made the connection with Addison, Shay looked back and saw Paul going off with one of the women who had been talking to Addison. But at least this time it didn't look like Shay had chased them off.
Shay hadn't been aware that Mathias knew Addison, but could only deduce Addison must be a Tacharan as well. And when he mentioned the recent 'changes', it only served to support a connection with Tacharans. Of course that interesting bit of information also led her to wonder if he was a...familiar...as she herself was, or newly turned. What a small world it was indeed.
"So you know Mathias then? Wonderful! Are you sitting with others of the clan?"
Glancing up at Alexi, Shay tried to guess if he wouldn't mind sitting with Simon, and the others. She assumed that was the table Addison was referring to, as there didn't seem to be any other Tacharans around.
Seeing that Palmer seemed to have met someone to keep him company for awhile, she didn't feel bad leaving him to his own devices.
"I do hope you'll take a few minutes and catch me up on how things have gone for you...that new job you were after...if you've gotten all settled in...if you've met anyone, interesting...you know...?"
It might have been a little weird on Shay's part, but she felt the need to keep in contact with some 'humans', and while many of her new friends might be just that, she was only certain about a handful. Part of it might have been that so much of her life was consumed by time with Alexi, and then of course her book took up a lot of time as well...for the most part she seemed to live and breathe vampires. Yet as she was human, she didn't want to lose that part of herself either.
"Mathias? Did you have a preference for where we sat for dinner?"
Shay hadn't been aware that Mathias knew Addison, but could only deduce Addison must be a Tacharan as well. And when he mentioned the recent 'changes', it only served to support a connection with Tacharans. Of course that interesting bit of information also led her to wonder if he was a...familiar...as she herself was, or newly turned. What a small world it was indeed.
"So you know Mathias then? Wonderful! Are you sitting with others of the clan?"
Glancing up at Alexi, Shay tried to guess if he wouldn't mind sitting with Simon, and the others. She assumed that was the table Addison was referring to, as there didn't seem to be any other Tacharans around.
Seeing that Palmer seemed to have met someone to keep him company for awhile, she didn't feel bad leaving him to his own devices.
"I do hope you'll take a few minutes and catch me up on how things have gone for you...that new job you were after...if you've gotten all settled in...if you've met anyone, interesting...you know...?"
It might have been a little weird on Shay's part, but she felt the need to keep in contact with some 'humans', and while many of her new friends might be just that, she was only certain about a handful. Part of it might have been that so much of her life was consumed by time with Alexi, and then of course her book took up a lot of time as well...for the most part she seemed to live and breathe vampires. Yet as she was human, she didn't want to lose that part of herself either.
"Mathias? Did you have a preference for where we sat for dinner?"
Mathias
18 years ago
In no way did Mathias regret seeing Paul leave,but he was curious who the woman was and how she knew Paul. Nor did he like the idea of Paul and Shay getting together..But it isn't your place to say anything Old man he reminded himself at least until you can figure out why he bothers you.
"Yes Paul, we all simply..must..do something..sometime.."
Preferably involving sharp knives...
Mathias shook that thought out of his head. Ever since they had come tonight he had been on edge. Something didn't 'feel' right and damned if Mathias could place it.
Shay's description of him brought a broad grin to his face. That is was the first time either had spoken publicly about their relationship made it even more special. He returned her loving look with one of his own.
"As always,my love is far too kind. She is the better of us both - as women often are"
Listening to everyone discuss tables and seating reminded Mathias that he had not eaten,and his stomach grumbled as if in answer.
"As long as I am next to you love, I have no preference. But if Palmer and Valentine do not mind I wouldn't mind sitting with them. But do remind me, we should say hello to Simon and Carol later."
Valentine..Valentine..Oh yes, now Mathias remembered her. She was a recent arrival to Nachton and had assisted Ginnie and Alec with the explosives during the raid.
"Valentine,my apologies - how are you this evening?" He bowed slightly at the woman
Where IS your mind Mathias?
"Yes Paul, we all simply..must..do something..sometime.."
Preferably involving sharp knives...
Mathias shook that thought out of his head. Ever since they had come tonight he had been on edge. Something didn't 'feel' right and damned if Mathias could place it.
Shay's description of him brought a broad grin to his face. That is was the first time either had spoken publicly about their relationship made it even more special. He returned her loving look with one of his own.
"As always,my love is far too kind. She is the better of us both - as women often are"
Listening to everyone discuss tables and seating reminded Mathias that he had not eaten,and his stomach grumbled as if in answer.
"As long as I am next to you love, I have no preference. But if Palmer and Valentine do not mind I wouldn't mind sitting with them. But do remind me, we should say hello to Simon and Carol later."
Valentine..Valentine..Oh yes, now Mathias remembered her. She was a recent arrival to Nachton and had assisted Ginnie and Alec with the explosives during the raid.
"Valentine,my apologies - how are you this evening?" He bowed slightly at the woman
Where IS your mind Mathias?
Addison
18 years ago
"Yes, I'm over with the others. You should come sit with us. I'll introduce you to Jan, if you haven't met him already...he's...." Addison looked around, blue eyes searching for the youthful young man. "He was just here a moment ago...must still be outside with his clove...."
"It was great to see you again...Shay, do you have quarters in the domicile? You should stop by mine and visit you know...but I think I am giogn to sneak back to the table and grab a bite to eat." [i]Addison smiled at them both and gave a little wave to Valentine, hoping they'd sit with the rest of tach.[i/]
(OOC: Addison out)
"It was great to see you again...Shay, do you have quarters in the domicile? You should stop by mine and visit you know...but I think I am giogn to sneak back to the table and grab a bite to eat." [i]Addison smiled at them both and gave a little wave to Valentine, hoping they'd sit with the rest of tach.[i/]
(OOC: Addison out)
Palmer
18 years ago
Palmer’s smile broadened when the lovely lady seemed amenable; he had thought the best he could hope for was a good, if dismissive, laugh. He was beginning to feel beaten at his own game of being the boldest in the room and couldn’t say he had any complaints.
After a flourish filled kiss to the hand, he asked:
“And can I get The Lovely Miss Connor a drink before we sit down?”
At that question, he raised his eyebrows and glanced over at the rest of the group, wondering if the others were ready to sit as well. Mathias seemed to think this was a good plan, and it appeared there was a chance of meeting even more people later on. Palmer was pleased with himself; it would seem he chose wisely by introducing himself to the couple.
“Mind? Perish the thought!” He set down his glass long enough to clap his hands together before offering his arm to Valentine. The red headed gentleman apparently had to take his leave and Palmer gave a cheerful wave as he walked away. Mathias seemed to want to catch up with Valentine as well and it seemed the four of them would make for a quite lively table. At any rate, he imagined they should probably get their drinks and be on their merry way, lest the ballroom fill up to such an extent that it was difficult to their group to find a table.
After a flourish filled kiss to the hand, he asked:
“And can I get The Lovely Miss Connor a drink before we sit down?”
At that question, he raised his eyebrows and glanced over at the rest of the group, wondering if the others were ready to sit as well. Mathias seemed to think this was a good plan, and it appeared there was a chance of meeting even more people later on. Palmer was pleased with himself; it would seem he chose wisely by introducing himself to the couple.
“Mind? Perish the thought!” He set down his glass long enough to clap his hands together before offering his arm to Valentine. The red headed gentleman apparently had to take his leave and Palmer gave a cheerful wave as he walked away. Mathias seemed to want to catch up with Valentine as well and it seemed the four of them would make for a quite lively table. At any rate, he imagined they should probably get their drinks and be on their merry way, lest the ballroom fill up to such an extent that it was difficult to their group to find a table.
Valentine
18 years ago
It was an easy habit to get into, listening to a number of conversations going on around you. Often it had excellent benefits. And while she wasn’t working with any ulterior motive today, at least she was learning names.
Dropping the slightest hint of a curtsey at Palmer’s gesture,
“Please call me Valentine, or Val.” She dismissed his formality, aware that she had started it by calling him Mr. Calhoun. But somehow that had seemed the appropriate form of address at the time. However, Valentine was unwilling to let that go on. “And thank you, I wouldn’t say no to another Manhattan.”
Discreetly she returned Addison wave. She did want to talk to him later, if nothing else to find out just what was going on with Jan.
The pray in Latin before the raid. Yes, she remembered him and knew she had seen the woman with him at the meeting afterwards.
“It has the making of a lovely evening but please don’t apologize. There isn’t anything to forgive, because I don’t think we’ve ever been formally introduce. Neither circumstance has been well suited to social niceties.”
Taking Palmer’s offered arm she smiled at the woman, Shay, was willing to be lead to whatever table had been scouted out. She hadn’t thought quite that far ahead, but she was pleased to have fallen into such company.
Dropping the slightest hint of a curtsey at Palmer’s gesture,
“Please call me Valentine, or Val.” She dismissed his formality, aware that she had started it by calling him Mr. Calhoun. But somehow that had seemed the appropriate form of address at the time. However, Valentine was unwilling to let that go on. “And thank you, I wouldn’t say no to another Manhattan.”
Discreetly she returned Addison wave. She did want to talk to him later, if nothing else to find out just what was going on with Jan.
The pray in Latin before the raid. Yes, she remembered him and knew she had seen the woman with him at the meeting afterwards.
“It has the making of a lovely evening but please don’t apologize. There isn’t anything to forgive, because I don’t think we’ve ever been formally introduce. Neither circumstance has been well suited to social niceties.”
Taking Palmer’s offered arm she smiled at the woman, Shay, was willing to be lead to whatever table had been scouted out. She hadn’t thought quite that far ahead, but she was pleased to have fallen into such company.
Shay
18 years ago
A little sorry to hear she wouldn't be able to talk to Addison, Shay mentally shrugged it off. Maybe she was trying to make a friendship somewhere it really wasn't going to take hold. Then again, maybe he had found someone special, and wanted to spend the evening with that person. Shay could certainly understand that. Given the choice between a quick chit chat with a basic stranger, and much more intriguing possibilities with Alexi, there was no choice really.
Unable to contain herself, Shay put a hand on Alexi's chest, and stood on tip toe, to kiss him. It was just a quick expression of her love and affection for her partner, but one she hoped she never got out of the habit of. Lightly rubbing her thumb across his lips, to remove the slight trace of gloss, she grinned, and turned to Palmer, and his new lady friend.
"Then good, we shall get to know our new friends, and visit our old ones later."
Not that anyone Shay knew in Nachton could truly be considered an old friend...she had met the Tacharans before Palmer, and...holding out her hand, she spoke to the woman.
"I'm sorry, I was so distracted at seeing Addison again, I've forgotten my manners. My name is Shalimar, but I usually go by Shay. That is unless you have an accent as delightful as Palmer here has...then you can call me whatever you please."
Shay wound her arm through Alexi's, and looked out over the tables. The fact that Alexi hadn't introduced her to 'Valentine' hadn't even crossed her mind. In fact, with everything that had been going on over the course of the past several minutes, she was surprised she had even thought to introduce herself.
"There is an empty table over there, to the left of the Tacharan table..."
She wasn't sure if that would matter, but most of the other tables seemed to be filling up quickly.
Mathias
"As long as I am next to you love, I have no preference. But if Palmer and Valentine do not mind I wouldn't mind sitting with them. But do remind me, we should say hello to Simon and Carol later."
Unable to contain herself, Shay put a hand on Alexi's chest, and stood on tip toe, to kiss him. It was just a quick expression of her love and affection for her partner, but one she hoped she never got out of the habit of. Lightly rubbing her thumb across his lips, to remove the slight trace of gloss, she grinned, and turned to Palmer, and his new lady friend.
"Then good, we shall get to know our new friends, and visit our old ones later."
Not that anyone Shay knew in Nachton could truly be considered an old friend...she had met the Tacharans before Palmer, and...holding out her hand, she spoke to the woman.
"I'm sorry, I was so distracted at seeing Addison again, I've forgotten my manners. My name is Shalimar, but I usually go by Shay. That is unless you have an accent as delightful as Palmer here has...then you can call me whatever you please."
Shay wound her arm through Alexi's, and looked out over the tables. The fact that Alexi hadn't introduced her to 'Valentine' hadn't even crossed her mind. In fact, with everything that had been going on over the course of the past several minutes, she was surprised she had even thought to introduce herself.
"There is an empty table over there, to the left of the Tacharan table..."
She wasn't sure if that would matter, but most of the other tables seemed to be filling up quickly.
Palmer
18 years ago
“Very well; Valentine, The Lovely it is, then, and I must insist you call me Palmer.” He gave a solemn wink. “But I’ll leave the epithet up to you.”
He turned to get Valentine’s drink and picked up both in his hands, looking to Shalimar and Mathias for direction in time to catch the compliment to his accent, which he took with a grin.
His entire brow shot up when Shalimar mentioned the Tacharan table, and he looked from one person to the next before giving a mirthful laugh.
“Why Shalimar! Mathias assured me you were quite the socialite but I had no idea!” He shot a smile at Valentine, shaking his head at the three of them. “Were you all in on the surprise?” He laughed again, eyes sparkling with amusement. “Goodness; yes, let us sit next to the Tacharan table.” Still chuckling, he made to follow Shalimar and Mathias’s lead, thinking that he was going to have a very interesting letter to send home. He imagined his new found friends must hail from the same clan, or they would have likely sought out the Evenhet or Anantya tables to sit near. He was quite game to accompany the young rogue clan though, thinking it was sure to prove interesting, not to mention he liked his current company.
He turned to get Valentine’s drink and picked up both in his hands, looking to Shalimar and Mathias for direction in time to catch the compliment to his accent, which he took with a grin.
His entire brow shot up when Shalimar mentioned the Tacharan table, and he looked from one person to the next before giving a mirthful laugh.
“Why Shalimar! Mathias assured me you were quite the socialite but I had no idea!” He shot a smile at Valentine, shaking his head at the three of them. “Were you all in on the surprise?” He laughed again, eyes sparkling with amusement. “Goodness; yes, let us sit next to the Tacharan table.” Still chuckling, he made to follow Shalimar and Mathias’s lead, thinking that he was going to have a very interesting letter to send home. He imagined his new found friends must hail from the same clan, or they would have likely sought out the Evenhet or Anantya tables to sit near. He was quite game to accompany the young rogue clan though, thinking it was sure to prove interesting, not to mention he liked his current company.
Mathias
18 years ago
FEAR
They were getting ready to move to a table near Simon and company. Someone brushed by Mathias and every alarm bell went off.
FEAR
Their heartbeat was like thunder in his ears. Pounding,Pounding,POUNDING...hammering,thundering.....
FEAR
The smell...dear god,their scent threatened to overwhelm him..he almost gagged on its musky odor.
FEAR
Mathias turned,spun,trying to focus and find the source,who was it..where were they?
Every sense was on edge, HE was walking a razor thin line...something was wrong,horribly terribly WRONG
Shay
It took Mathias a moment to realize he was gripping Shay's arm. forcing himself to relax,Mathias whispered to Shay.
"Something is -very- wrong here...we need to get to Simon and company quickly."
He turned to Palmer and Valentine,and in his calmest,most level voice addressed them.
"We need to move,and quickly. I can't explain much beyond that,but I think our best plan is to gather by Simon,Carol and assorted."
Mathias began moving towards the Tacharan table,trying to keep himself between Shay and any potential danger.
((OOC - Mathias and Shay out,hopefully Valentine and PAlmer are following
))
They were getting ready to move to a table near Simon and company. Someone brushed by Mathias and every alarm bell went off.
FEAR
Their heartbeat was like thunder in his ears. Pounding,Pounding,POUNDING...hammering,thundering.....
FEAR
The smell...dear god,their scent threatened to overwhelm him..he almost gagged on its musky odor.
FEAR
Mathias turned,spun,trying to focus and find the source,who was it..where were they?
Every sense was on edge, HE was walking a razor thin line...something was wrong,horribly terribly WRONG
Shay
It took Mathias a moment to realize he was gripping Shay's arm. forcing himself to relax,Mathias whispered to Shay.
"Something is -very- wrong here...we need to get to Simon and company quickly."
He turned to Palmer and Valentine,and in his calmest,most level voice addressed them.
"We need to move,and quickly. I can't explain much beyond that,but I think our best plan is to gather by Simon,Carol and assorted."
Mathias began moving towards the Tacharan table,trying to keep himself between Shay and any potential danger.
((OOC - Mathias and Shay out,hopefully Valentine and PAlmer are following
))
Valentine
18 years ago
“Palmer it is then.”
Maybe she was too reserve, too cautious, but Val very rarely mentioned her clan affiliation and so blinked when Shay brought it up so casually. Still she hadn’t elaborated, just that she was looking at a table near the rest of the clan.
“It sounds like a fine Irish name but it is a mouth full and since I’m lacking an accent we’ll make it Shay.”
At Palmer’s surprise, she smiled broadly, letting her large canines make themselves known. She could always pass them off as a genetic fluke later.
“I’m not sure about surprise but it is a fine coincidence isn’t it?”
Although lacking in empathy or blood lust her life made Val alert to certain queues. Mathias’ manner had shifted enough that Val was alert, uncertain what was happening but aware that they might have a problem.
Although her eyes and tone were serious, she looked up at Palmer smiling.
“I’m inclined to believe him.”
((OOC... not that any one has ask but Palmer has permision to move Val as he sees fit.))
Maybe she was too reserve, too cautious, but Val very rarely mentioned her clan affiliation and so blinked when Shay brought it up so casually. Still she hadn’t elaborated, just that she was looking at a table near the rest of the clan.
“It sounds like a fine Irish name but it is a mouth full and since I’m lacking an accent we’ll make it Shay.”
At Palmer’s surprise, she smiled broadly, letting her large canines make themselves known. She could always pass them off as a genetic fluke later.
“I’m not sure about surprise but it is a fine coincidence isn’t it?”
Although lacking in empathy or blood lust her life made Val alert to certain queues. Mathias’ manner had shifted enough that Val was alert, uncertain what was happening but aware that they might have a problem.
Although her eyes and tone were serious, she looked up at Palmer smiling.
“I’m inclined to believe him.”
((OOC... not that any one has ask but Palmer has permision to move Val as he sees fit.))
Palmer
18 years ago
Palmer shook his head at Valentine’s smile, still more than a little amused, and looked around the room, reevaluating it with this new knowledge while speaking quietly, almost under his breath.
“Yes, though I count it as a lucky coincidence.”
A tall gentleman with brown hair stood up, looking over at another table, and the shift of people was enough to bring another person into view. Well well well. Thaddeus was here after all. And someone was touching his shoulder, that wouldn’t go over…well.
Surprise was the only thing that registered for a moment before he quickly turned back to the group, frowning as Mathias spoke. He looked back over toward Thaddeus and found himself meeting grey eyes across the room. Oh, he was going to treasure the look on his friend’s face, especially as he turned away to smile at Valentine.
“Naturally; it seems our brilliant plan shall have to be rearranged.”
With that, he followed Shalimar and Mathias to the table.
/ooc Palmer and Valentine out, thanks for permissions (wasn’t sure which way he’d go until I started writing it :X)
“Yes, though I count it as a lucky coincidence.”
A tall gentleman with brown hair stood up, looking over at another table, and the shift of people was enough to bring another person into view. Well well well. Thaddeus was here after all. And someone was touching his shoulder, that wouldn’t go over…well.
Surprise was the only thing that registered for a moment before he quickly turned back to the group, frowning as Mathias spoke. He looked back over toward Thaddeus and found himself meeting grey eyes across the room. Oh, he was going to treasure the look on his friend’s face, especially as he turned away to smile at Valentine.
“Naturally; it seems our brilliant plan shall have to be rearranged.”
With that, he followed Shalimar and Mathias to the table.
/ooc Palmer and Valentine out, thanks for permissions (wasn’t sure which way he’d go until I started writing it :X)