Alfarinn watched Thaddeus with mixture charmed enjoyment and sadness. This day had been worrying his lover and he knew that it was going to be difficult to get through. There were people to face and explain their theories to and then there was the apartment itself. Who knew what they would find in there? But through all that, his companion looked quite handsome staring absently at the kitchen appliance. His personal thought on the matter was that the waiting was the worst portion of this confrontation and -that- was almost over.
Coming up to stand behind Thaddeus, Alfarinn leaned down to rest his chin on his lover's shoulder. Staring down at the coffee pot, he sighed contentedly.
"Making certain that it is up to standards?"Â?
Not waiting for a reply, he brushed his lips lightly across his companion's cheek before ending the endearment in a kiss.
"I have something for you."Â?
Alfarinn held out the rectangular object wrapped in silver hologram paper that twinkled with multi coloured facets in the kitchen's cheery florescent light.
"Happy Birthday"Â?
Real Estate and Subjective Truths
Thaddeus watched the freshly brewed coffee trickle into the pot, ignoring the theory that one should never watch such machines at work for fear they would do poorly at their task. There was also apparently some concern about radiation but he was reasonably certain that only applied to watching the microwave.
It was twilight now, one of his favorite times of day; either a new beginning or an end, a time for thinking before the movements of the sun provoked either action or sleep. And, as he continued to watch the coffee pot, thinking was exactly what he was doing.
Palmer, Christian, and Claire would be coming to the apartment, and though the original plan when he had initiated his lease was to be able to meet with his 'conspirators', a more basic and less reasonable part of him grumbled at the invasion of what had become his and Alfarinn's space. However, it only made sense to meet here, close to the apartments they would be inspecting.
One in particular.
He was going to have to tell the group that it was Sorin's apartment they would be inspecting, and he looked toward that moment with both dread and relief. Discretion had seemed for the best when the group had met in the church, but since then the secret had plagued his conscience like a gnawing rat. It had nearly come to a head when Palmer told him that he had spoken to Sorin, but at the time he had a bit too much sake in his system to properly explain and in any case he insisted that Claire hear that part of the news as well. He certainly didn't want to have to go through his accounting twice. Once was bad enough.
Sighing, he rubbed at his chin, now staring vacantly into the living room, waiting for their guests to arrive.
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Although Thaddeus was fairly wrapped up in his own thoughts, Alfarinn’s entrance didn’t startle him as he might have expected; his lover’s presence was always welcome, and he leaned into the inviting kiss, smiling at the offhanded comment.
“Mmm…always up to standards…”
He raised both eyebrows in curiosity which was soon satisfied when Alfarinn brought out a shiny wrapped package. His expression turned to momentary confusion until his lover wished him a happy birthday.
He had forgotten, to his chagrin, that his was today.
Smiling, part in pleasure that Alfarinn had remembered and part in amusement that he had not, he turned to kiss his lover properly.
“You have such a way of making me feel special.”
He carefully worked off the tape from the wrapping paper, which was quite nice and seemed a shame to tear, and set it on the table so that he could neatly pull away the present inside.
Which turned out to be a multitude of presents. He smiled at the first DVD, entitled Walt Disney Treasures - Mickey Mouse in Black and White, and kept his sense of suspense in check while he thoroughly inspected this delightfully unexpected gift. Next was an envelope, which he opened with his usual care, to discover a pair of plane tickets inside. To London, and from there, Italy. He looked up at Alfarinn with an expression of speechless happiness, pleased beyond measure, then set the envelope down to hold up the next DVD. To his amusement, it turned out to be Walt Disney Treasures - Mickey Mouse in Living Color Volume I, and he could see that underneath was Volume II.
Setting his gifts down on the counter, on top of the paper, he turned to thank Alfarinn only to find himself still robbed of the proper powers of speech. Deciding there was only one way to remedy that, he cupped his lover’s cheek in one hand and stood on tiptoe to thank him with a kiss. His other hand went up to Alfarinn’s shoulder when he realized there was little chance of pulling away just yet.
By the time he broke the kiss his arms were fully around his lover and his cheeks felt considerably more flushed than they had a moment ago.
“Thank you. They’re wonderful, and so are you.”
Indeed, Thaddeus could not think of anything he wanted more than a reminder that this too shall pass and they would soon see better days.
“Mmm…always up to standards…”
He raised both eyebrows in curiosity which was soon satisfied when Alfarinn brought out a shiny wrapped package. His expression turned to momentary confusion until his lover wished him a happy birthday.
He had forgotten, to his chagrin, that his was today.
Smiling, part in pleasure that Alfarinn had remembered and part in amusement that he had not, he turned to kiss his lover properly.
“You have such a way of making me feel special.”
He carefully worked off the tape from the wrapping paper, which was quite nice and seemed a shame to tear, and set it on the table so that he could neatly pull away the present inside.
Which turned out to be a multitude of presents. He smiled at the first DVD, entitled Walt Disney Treasures - Mickey Mouse in Black and White, and kept his sense of suspense in check while he thoroughly inspected this delightfully unexpected gift. Next was an envelope, which he opened with his usual care, to discover a pair of plane tickets inside. To London, and from there, Italy. He looked up at Alfarinn with an expression of speechless happiness, pleased beyond measure, then set the envelope down to hold up the next DVD. To his amusement, it turned out to be Walt Disney Treasures - Mickey Mouse in Living Color Volume I, and he could see that underneath was Volume II.
Setting his gifts down on the counter, on top of the paper, he turned to thank Alfarinn only to find himself still robbed of the proper powers of speech. Deciding there was only one way to remedy that, he cupped his lover’s cheek in one hand and stood on tiptoe to thank him with a kiss. His other hand went up to Alfarinn’s shoulder when he realized there was little chance of pulling away just yet.
By the time he broke the kiss his arms were fully around his lover and his cheeks felt considerably more flushed than they had a moment ago.
“Thank you. They’re wonderful, and so are you.”
Indeed, Thaddeus could not think of anything he wanted more than a reminder that this too shall pass and they would soon see better days.
Palmer
18 years ago
Palmer had left his hotel room as soon as it was dark enough to do so, eager to meet with Thaddeus and sort through this mess. To his frustration, Thaddeus had been highly uncooperative during the short time they had to speak alone. Evasive, even. Or drunk, which had been a shock in and of itself. The nightsman had seemed annoyed when he mentioned his talk with Sorin, which didn’t bode well.
It also didn’t bode well that his friend was constantly surrounded by Evenhet, in his humble opinion. He wished he hadn’t tried to quit while he was ahead with Sorin, but he realized too late how significant it was that the Elder had mentioned evidence against the other clan…and then never elaborated. And later said that Thaddeus had never mentioned specifics of his quest, which now that he thought of it seemed contradictory.
Still, pressing might have been suspicious. He realized that if Thaddeus –was- being straight and there were just some misunderstandings to sort out, which seemed to be his friend’s insistence, he was in a good position. At this point that seemed too optimistic, though.
Not for the first time, he wished he could just stick to his strengths as he knocked lightly on the door to the apartment.
It also didn’t bode well that his friend was constantly surrounded by Evenhet, in his humble opinion. He wished he hadn’t tried to quit while he was ahead with Sorin, but he realized too late how significant it was that the Elder had mentioned evidence against the other clan…and then never elaborated. And later said that Thaddeus had never mentioned specifics of his quest, which now that he thought of it seemed contradictory.
Still, pressing might have been suspicious. He realized that if Thaddeus –was- being straight and there were just some misunderstandings to sort out, which seemed to be his friend’s insistence, he was in a good position. At this point that seemed too optimistic, though.
Not for the first time, he wished he could just stick to his strengths as he knocked lightly on the door to the apartment.
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn smiled and watched Thaddeus carefully dissect the wrapping paper. Tucking a stray strand of hair behind his ear, he switched from watching the package, though why he could not understand it was not as if he did not know what was in it, and his lover's expression.
"Because you are special."Â?
Thaddeus turned and placed a hand against his cheek; Alfarinn's smile softened and his eyes drifted shut for a moment as he leaned into that gesture of affection. He opened them again as Thaddeus moved in for a kiss and reached out to put his hands on his lover's hips. Sinking happily and surprisingly hungrily into the embrace, Alfarinn reminded himself in a mental litany that other people were coming soon, would be here any minute in fact.
His hands slid around Thaddeus's back and pulled him closer.
Any minute... Hmmph, he told his uncooperative mind, Yes, but not -this- minute. When Thaddeus pulled away enough to speak, Alfarinn thought that they would have both been flushed if it were in his power to do so. As it was, the warm glow looked very enticing on his companion...Any minute ...Any minute.
"If I knew cartoons would net me such a wonderful reaction, I would have gotten you a whole library of them."Â?
He smirked happily and gave Thaddeus another kiss, this time on the cheek, just as there was a knock on the door.
Taking a step back and walking across the room, Alfarinn was accompanied by Skodde who had been laying inside the kitchen. He admired the wolf's good sense not to be right underfoot and never understood how some people could put up with a large hyper dog that was always jumping around and demanding attention from anyone and everyone around.
Now the canine's eyes narrowed slightly as he watched the door with open suspicion. Skodde did not growl but looked up at Alfarinn and then back to the door, waiting for instructions. Crouching slightly to look through the small hole in the wood, he saw who was the first to arrive.
[Palmer]
After letting Thaddeus know who to expect, he reached for the doorknob and put the other hand out in a staying motion to the wolf.
"It is okay, Skodde."Â?
Opening the door and stepping back to allow the Anantya to enter, he smiled.
"Welcome."Â?
"Because you are special."Â?
Thaddeus turned and placed a hand against his cheek; Alfarinn's smile softened and his eyes drifted shut for a moment as he leaned into that gesture of affection. He opened them again as Thaddeus moved in for a kiss and reached out to put his hands on his lover's hips. Sinking happily and surprisingly hungrily into the embrace, Alfarinn reminded himself in a mental litany that other people were coming soon, would be here any minute in fact.
His hands slid around Thaddeus's back and pulled him closer.
Any minute... Hmmph, he told his uncooperative mind, Yes, but not -this- minute. When Thaddeus pulled away enough to speak, Alfarinn thought that they would have both been flushed if it were in his power to do so. As it was, the warm glow looked very enticing on his companion...Any minute ...Any minute.
"If I knew cartoons would net me such a wonderful reaction, I would have gotten you a whole library of them."Â?
He smirked happily and gave Thaddeus another kiss, this time on the cheek, just as there was a knock on the door.
Taking a step back and walking across the room, Alfarinn was accompanied by Skodde who had been laying inside the kitchen. He admired the wolf's good sense not to be right underfoot and never understood how some people could put up with a large hyper dog that was always jumping around and demanding attention from anyone and everyone around.
Now the canine's eyes narrowed slightly as he watched the door with open suspicion. Skodde did not growl but looked up at Alfarinn and then back to the door, waiting for instructions. Crouching slightly to look through the small hole in the wood, he saw who was the first to arrive.
[Palmer]
After letting Thaddeus know who to expect, he reached for the doorknob and put the other hand out in a staying motion to the wolf.
"It is okay, Skodde."Â?
Opening the door and stepping back to allow the Anantya to enter, he smiled.
"Welcome."Â?
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Thaddeus chuckled at Alfarinn’s proclamation, thinking to himself that his lover already –had- purchased a library of cartoons, or at least the start of one.
“The best part is the someone to watch them with.”
Smiling at the kiss to his cheek, he gave a little nuzzle in return, thinking that he would be content to play at this all day. Reluctantly letting go at the knock to the door, he moved out of the way so Skodde could get by and took down some mugs from the shelves. The coffee would be ready shortly and Thaddeus was inclined to facilitate talking as soon as possible. Then he followed Alfarinn out of the kitchen, after hearing that it was Palmer at the door.
Some, but not all, of his prior nervousness came back at that, but now that the time was near he was more anxious than anything else. He walked up behind Skodde, resting his hand lightly on the wolf’s neck in the hopes that Alfarinn wouldn’t have to deal with both answering the door and their pet. His lover, however, seemed to handle Skodde fairly effectively, and Thaddeus smiled, amused and charmed to think that Alfarinn was just one of those people animals took to.
Thus he was grinning lightly when the door opened to allow Palmer entrance, managing to look completely and effortlessly nonchalant, most likely because he wasn’t even trying.
“Thank you for coming, Palmer. This is Skodde.”
“The best part is the someone to watch them with.”
Smiling at the kiss to his cheek, he gave a little nuzzle in return, thinking that he would be content to play at this all day. Reluctantly letting go at the knock to the door, he moved out of the way so Skodde could get by and took down some mugs from the shelves. The coffee would be ready shortly and Thaddeus was inclined to facilitate talking as soon as possible. Then he followed Alfarinn out of the kitchen, after hearing that it was Palmer at the door.
Some, but not all, of his prior nervousness came back at that, but now that the time was near he was more anxious than anything else. He walked up behind Skodde, resting his hand lightly on the wolf’s neck in the hopes that Alfarinn wouldn’t have to deal with both answering the door and their pet. His lover, however, seemed to handle Skodde fairly effectively, and Thaddeus smiled, amused and charmed to think that Alfarinn was just one of those people animals took to.
Thus he was grinning lightly when the door opened to allow Palmer entrance, managing to look completely and effortlessly nonchalant, most likely because he wasn’t even trying.
“Thank you for coming, Palmer. This is Skodde.”
Palmer
18 years ago
The Evenhet Boyfriend answered the door and Palmer put his usual smile in place, offering up a ‘good evening’ before his expression faded into bemusement at the sight of the dog. If Thaddeus knew how he looked with one hand on the dog, dressed all in black and grinning, like some sort of evil mastermind, Palmer thought his friend might have laughed.
Then again, didn’t most evil masterminds have cats? He considered this for a moment, but decided Thaddeus was more of the ‘release the hounds’ type than the ‘Mr. Tibbles says we should kill him’ type.
Out loud, though, he kept it simple.
“Good to meet you, Skodde.” He looked up at Thaddeus and Alfarinn. “He’s not going to rip my arm off if I come inside, is he?” Dismissing his own question, he entered the apartment and looked around, noting that after a sniff the dog had apparently decided to leave him alone. He also noted that he seemed to be the first guest to arrive, though he imagined the others would be here shortly. Still, there was the off chance of getting Thaddeus alone before they were surrounded by Evenhet; he wasn’t sure who all was coming from the other clan but if last time was any indication there would be a couple more. He found himself hoping that Christian would be here, and not only because he was curious about the Evenhet’s investigations.
Their apartment struck him as very ‘Thaddeus’ in its minimalism, and he wondered if the pair shared similar tastes or if one had to override the other.
“Nice place. Do I smell coffee?” Continuing to look around, his eye caught the security cameras above his head. “Oh, am I on camera?” He flashed a smile and gave a little wave at one. “That’s a good idea, the cameras; can’t be too careful.”
Then again, didn’t most evil masterminds have cats? He considered this for a moment, but decided Thaddeus was more of the ‘release the hounds’ type than the ‘Mr. Tibbles says we should kill him’ type.
Out loud, though, he kept it simple.
“Good to meet you, Skodde.” He looked up at Thaddeus and Alfarinn. “He’s not going to rip my arm off if I come inside, is he?” Dismissing his own question, he entered the apartment and looked around, noting that after a sniff the dog had apparently decided to leave him alone. He also noted that he seemed to be the first guest to arrive, though he imagined the others would be here shortly. Still, there was the off chance of getting Thaddeus alone before they were surrounded by Evenhet; he wasn’t sure who all was coming from the other clan but if last time was any indication there would be a couple more. He found himself hoping that Christian would be here, and not only because he was curious about the Evenhet’s investigations.
Their apartment struck him as very ‘Thaddeus’ in its minimalism, and he wondered if the pair shared similar tastes or if one had to override the other.
“Nice place. Do I smell coffee?” Continuing to look around, his eye caught the security cameras above his head. “Oh, am I on camera?” He flashed a smile and gave a little wave at one. “That’s a good idea, the cameras; can’t be too careful.”
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn smiled at Thaddeus's remark and envisioned the both of them curled up with a bowl of popcorn...watching Mickey Mouse. Next time they walked the sewers, which he hoped would not be any time soon considering Thaddeus's feelings about the dark dank place with the rats, he would not be considered crazy for calling a rodent Mickey.
Though talking to a rodent might be crazy enough.
Palmer stepped inside and he shut the door. Looking at Skodde and then back at Palmer, he shrugged.
"He might." Alfarinn paused a moment before adding. "But I doubt it"
They really had not had guests so it was hard to say how the wolf would react now that he considered this place his home and them his family. He had been well trained though and that seemed to hold up even without Lykaios's ability to speak with him.
Gesturing towards the table and chairs, Alfarinn looked up at the cameras and nodded.
"Yes, there is a lot that is precious here to protect."
He looked up at Thaddeus and smiled before turning back to their guest. Palmer put on an easy smile and a nonchalant banter but his empathy suggested that there were things weighing on the Anantya's mind. Palmer also did not seem at all sure about him though that was something he would have expected. Thaddeus was his friend and he was seeing a member of another clan and had said that he was in great danger from an unknown enemy. Who wouldn't be suspicious?
Taking a seat and pulling the one next to him out for Thaddeus, Alfarinn looked over at Palmer while they waited for the others.
"How has your stay been so far?"
Aside from being in a burning building and being brought into the middle of a multi-clan conspiracy.
((OOC: empathy on palmer without permission. Unedited because of limited time. Let me know if I need to change anything. ))
Though talking to a rodent might be crazy enough.
Palmer stepped inside and he shut the door. Looking at Skodde and then back at Palmer, he shrugged.
"He might." Alfarinn paused a moment before adding. "But I doubt it"
They really had not had guests so it was hard to say how the wolf would react now that he considered this place his home and them his family. He had been well trained though and that seemed to hold up even without Lykaios's ability to speak with him.
Gesturing towards the table and chairs, Alfarinn looked up at the cameras and nodded.
"Yes, there is a lot that is precious here to protect."
He looked up at Thaddeus and smiled before turning back to their guest. Palmer put on an easy smile and a nonchalant banter but his empathy suggested that there were things weighing on the Anantya's mind. Palmer also did not seem at all sure about him though that was something he would have expected. Thaddeus was his friend and he was seeing a member of another clan and had said that he was in great danger from an unknown enemy. Who wouldn't be suspicious?
Taking a seat and pulling the one next to him out for Thaddeus, Alfarinn looked over at Palmer while they waited for the others.
"How has your stay been so far?"
Aside from being in a burning building and being brought into the middle of a multi-clan conspiracy.
((OOC: empathy on palmer without permission. Unedited because of limited time. Let me know if I need to change anything. ))
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Thaddeus waved his hand at Palmer’s compliment, knowing the apartment wasn’t particularly luxurious. He felt that their home’s true beauty could only be appreciated by those who lived there, but then he was likely biased on that account.
The huntsman seemed a little wary of Skodde, which wasn’t surprising, and Alfarinn wasn’t particularly reassuring. Thaddeus raised one eyebrow at his companion, though he was admittedly amused at his speculative air. Palmer, however, handled himself well enough, and Thaddeus reasoned that even if the wolf –had- tried something, his friend would have made it out unharmed. Tough as nails, that was Palmer.
Unsurprisingly, Palmer hammed up the sight of the video cameras, though in a way he was glad his friend noticed them; it was at the very least proof that they weren’t being –completely- careless. He gave his lover a meaningful look when he explained the need for cameras to Palmer; Thaddeus could not have agreed more.
He was, however, more than a little restless; while Alfarinn and Palmer sat down, he announced that the coffee was ready and he would just get that. He was in and out of the kitchen quickly enough, though he paused for a moment to look down at Alfarinn’s birthday gift and allowed a smile to ghost his features before returning to the company. In two trips, mugs, coffee, cream and sugar were on the table, and Thaddeus took a seat next to his lover in time to hear Alfarinn’s question.
The huntsman seemed a little wary of Skodde, which wasn’t surprising, and Alfarinn wasn’t particularly reassuring. Thaddeus raised one eyebrow at his companion, though he was admittedly amused at his speculative air. Palmer, however, handled himself well enough, and Thaddeus reasoned that even if the wolf –had- tried something, his friend would have made it out unharmed. Tough as nails, that was Palmer.
Unsurprisingly, Palmer hammed up the sight of the video cameras, though in a way he was glad his friend noticed them; it was at the very least proof that they weren’t being –completely- careless. He gave his lover a meaningful look when he explained the need for cameras to Palmer; Thaddeus could not have agreed more.
He was, however, more than a little restless; while Alfarinn and Palmer sat down, he announced that the coffee was ready and he would just get that. He was in and out of the kitchen quickly enough, though he paused for a moment to look down at Alfarinn’s birthday gift and allowed a smile to ghost his features before returning to the company. In two trips, mugs, coffee, cream and sugar were on the table, and Thaddeus took a seat next to his lover in time to hear Alfarinn’s question.
Christian Bern
18 years ago
Christian looked at the apartment address written on his PDA again and then back at the door in front of him. This is the place. He was not surprised that Alfarinn chose to live here. The excesses and the spoiled rich boy routine could easily be stripped away by the elder when there was a need for it. In fact, he was pretty certain that the times when the Norseman was able to get away from all the technology and the media were some of his most content. It never surprised him that Alfarinn continued to go on assignments and do legwork that some of the clan found tedious, to the elder it was an escape.
Alfarinn seemed to be enjoying this particular escape more than most, if his manner with Thaddeus of Anantya showed him anything. Christian smiled at that. It was good to see his friend finally truly happy. Were it Megan who had become besotted with a member of another clan, he might have worried. However, Alfarinn was an empath and there were not many Anantya who could fool one of those. He then could assume, from his own observation and Alfarinn's trust, that Thaddeus truly cared about their elder.
Leave it to Alfarinn to find a way to make love complicated. Chris, poor man, you've been alone a while; love is -always- complicated.
Looking around the doorway showed not much of interest but bending down showed a few long animal hairs against the door frame. He plucked a couple of them and stood up. Each piece had several colours. It was too course to be a long haired cat and from the height that he found them on the door, it was likely something larger. Thaddeus was a dog person? He wouldn't have guessed that. Perhaps they had gotten a... he frowned at the hairs again, German Shepard maybe? ...to guard the place in their absence.
Interesting, a dog would not be much of a threat against a vampire but it would deter human burglars. So they had things inside that they felt were worth the effort of keeping up with a guard dog to protect? Or it was simply the Anantya's pet. He could only guess while standing outside the apartment.
There was nothing else to gain information from. There were no recent forced entry marks, nothing of note on floor or ceiling. Times like this made him wish he had gained psychometry and could add that information to the scanty bits he already possessed.
There was no further use for standing out here. Christian knocked on the door.
Alfarinn seemed to be enjoying this particular escape more than most, if his manner with Thaddeus of Anantya showed him anything. Christian smiled at that. It was good to see his friend finally truly happy. Were it Megan who had become besotted with a member of another clan, he might have worried. However, Alfarinn was an empath and there were not many Anantya who could fool one of those. He then could assume, from his own observation and Alfarinn's trust, that Thaddeus truly cared about their elder.
Leave it to Alfarinn to find a way to make love complicated. Chris, poor man, you've been alone a while; love is -always- complicated.
Looking around the doorway showed not much of interest but bending down showed a few long animal hairs against the door frame. He plucked a couple of them and stood up. Each piece had several colours. It was too course to be a long haired cat and from the height that he found them on the door, it was likely something larger. Thaddeus was a dog person? He wouldn't have guessed that. Perhaps they had gotten a... he frowned at the hairs again, German Shepard maybe? ...to guard the place in their absence.
Interesting, a dog would not be much of a threat against a vampire but it would deter human burglars. So they had things inside that they felt were worth the effort of keeping up with a guard dog to protect? Or it was simply the Anantya's pet. He could only guess while standing outside the apartment.
There was nothing else to gain information from. There were no recent forced entry marks, nothing of note on floor or ceiling. Times like this made him wish he had gained psychometry and could add that information to the scanty bits he already possessed.
There was no further use for standing out here. Christian knocked on the door.
Claire
18 years ago
Claire stood blended and ethereal in the shadows down the hall from the apartment number Thaddeus had given her. It was best if she were seen by as few people as possible, her attire tended to be remembered.
Not knowing what type of situation Thaddeus had in mind, She had opted for wearing a black walking dress which consisted of simple lines and no train. Black fabric covered buttons began just under the collar and crossed to one side and continued all the way down to the hemline of the overdress. The lightweight black underskirt showed a few inches at the bottom of the skirt and was of a comfortable breathable muslin. Her long dark curls were pulled back into a low tail by a black wide ribboned bow. The one thing from eras past that she had managed to be rid of were the hats. They were never her favorite thing to wear and when society ceased demanding them, Claire happily ceased wearing them.
There was a man standing at the door of the apartment. Short in stature, slight in build, blond; he was no one she had met before or seen recently at the Manor. It was likely then that he was not Anantya. She watched as he stooped and collected something that from this distance was difficult to see. Fibers? A piece of paper? The stranger held it up and frowned thoughtfully at it. The thing in his hand was nearly non existent. Hair? Alfarinn had quite the mane but Claire felt she would have been able to see light glinting off a pale blond strand of hair that was the length of the Evenhet's. It could be one of Thaddeus's however.
The idea of hair and what might be unusual about it finally created a connection in her mind. Not the men, the wolf. She smirked quietly to herself, wondering if that observation gave the dapper little man a pause or two.
He seemed rather bold for a snoop. Anyone in the hall could see him and the occupants could open the door at any time. It was not even late enough to consider that perhaps they were asleep. As she was wondering what the stranger's reasons were for having curiosity about the place. He straightened and knocked on the door.
Claire stepped quietly from the shadows and walked forward to stand next to him.
"Good Evening. It would seem we are calling upon the same friends."Â?
Not knowing what type of situation Thaddeus had in mind, She had opted for wearing a black walking dress which consisted of simple lines and no train. Black fabric covered buttons began just under the collar and crossed to one side and continued all the way down to the hemline of the overdress. The lightweight black underskirt showed a few inches at the bottom of the skirt and was of a comfortable breathable muslin. Her long dark curls were pulled back into a low tail by a black wide ribboned bow. The one thing from eras past that she had managed to be rid of were the hats. They were never her favorite thing to wear and when society ceased demanding them, Claire happily ceased wearing them.
There was a man standing at the door of the apartment. Short in stature, slight in build, blond; he was no one she had met before or seen recently at the Manor. It was likely then that he was not Anantya. She watched as he stooped and collected something that from this distance was difficult to see. Fibers? A piece of paper? The stranger held it up and frowned thoughtfully at it. The thing in his hand was nearly non existent. Hair? Alfarinn had quite the mane but Claire felt she would have been able to see light glinting off a pale blond strand of hair that was the length of the Evenhet's. It could be one of Thaddeus's however.
The idea of hair and what might be unusual about it finally created a connection in her mind. Not the men, the wolf. She smirked quietly to herself, wondering if that observation gave the dapper little man a pause or two.
He seemed rather bold for a snoop. Anyone in the hall could see him and the occupants could open the door at any time. It was not even late enough to consider that perhaps they were asleep. As she was wondering what the stranger's reasons were for having curiosity about the place. He straightened and knocked on the door.
Claire stepped quietly from the shadows and walked forward to stand next to him.
"Good Evening. It would seem we are calling upon the same friends."Â?
Palmer
18 years ago
Palmer could hardly help but regret the circumstances that brought him here this evening; normally he would be exchanging jokes with Alfarinn (the 'he might' comment in particular needed a volley back) and trying to tease a word or three out of Thaddeus. In spite of his friend's pleasantries and Alfarinn's welcome, though, he could tell tonight was all business.
And who knew what either of these guys were really doing, in any case.
He sat down in an offered chair, nodding in agreement with Alfarinn's statement. See, you think a guy -could- be an evil schemer and then he goes and says things like that...why couldn't the bad guys all wear the black trench coats or something like they did in the movies?
And of course, the moment he sat down Thaddeus left the room; it would look awkward if he followed his friend into the kitchen and there was no cue for him to do so. Instead, he looked to Alfarinn with raised eyebrows, about to make some inane comment when Thaddeus made his swift return....
...only to leave again.
Apparently he wasn't the only person who needed to relax and take it down a few notches. Finally Thaddeus came back and took a seat next to Alfarinn, which was a good thing because the nightsman was starting to make -him- nervous.
Alfarinn asked him about his stay and he -did- laugh at that. This guy certainly did have a hell of a way of breaking the ice.
"Oh, it hasn't lacked for excitement!"Â?
Just then there was a knock at the door. Skodde went back to guard duty, though he didn't bark, and Palmer briefly mourned the death of any chance of corning Thaddeus here.
And who knew what either of these guys were really doing, in any case.
He sat down in an offered chair, nodding in agreement with Alfarinn's statement. See, you think a guy -could- be an evil schemer and then he goes and says things like that...why couldn't the bad guys all wear the black trench coats or something like they did in the movies?
And of course, the moment he sat down Thaddeus left the room; it would look awkward if he followed his friend into the kitchen and there was no cue for him to do so. Instead, he looked to Alfarinn with raised eyebrows, about to make some inane comment when Thaddeus made his swift return....
...only to leave again.
Apparently he wasn't the only person who needed to relax and take it down a few notches. Finally Thaddeus came back and took a seat next to Alfarinn, which was a good thing because the nightsman was starting to make -him- nervous.
Alfarinn asked him about his stay and he -did- laugh at that. This guy certainly did have a hell of a way of breaking the ice.
"Oh, it hasn't lacked for excitement!"Â?
Just then there was a knock at the door. Skodde went back to guard duty, though he didn't bark, and Palmer briefly mourned the death of any chance of corning Thaddeus here.
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn saw Thaddeus's glance up at him at his comment and grinned inwardly.
[I was being truthful, if not exactly reassuring. After all we don't know how he'll behave now that he considers this home and family but he does seem very easy going about the situation. I would guess he was the youngest of Lykaios's wolves. ]
Reaching a hand down to Skodde, he called the canine around the table and over to lay down behind him before the others arrived. Hopefully he would stay there when there was another knock on the door or would at least return there in short order.
Thaddeus walked in and out of the kitchen with a restless energy that was contagious. Palmer seemed to equally ready to begin the discussion but equally apprehensive about it. The nervousness of the others oddly had a reverse effect on him and Alfarinn found that he was calm and rather philosophical about the whole situation. It would be better when it was over and the search would either turn up evidence or help Sorin's case. He personally expected the latter and that gave him a little more confidence than his companion. If Sorin was guilty then his apartment was likely the one in the vision which gave them a good chance of finding some sort of proof. How many other vampires could there be on this block with reasons to kill Emma?
When Thaddeus eventually sat down, Alfarinn reached over and put a hand on his leg.
[Everything will be alright, Beloved, our friends are intelligent and reasonable. Our facts point out that this is the right course of action and after today at least we'll know something one way or the other.]
He smiled up at Palmer's statement and replied.
"Well we do aim to please. Its part of the tourism package."Â?
Alfarinn looked up at the knock on the door. Sighing slightly with a determined air, he thought to himself, Show time.
[I was being truthful, if not exactly reassuring. After all we don't know how he'll behave now that he considers this home and family but he does seem very easy going about the situation. I would guess he was the youngest of Lykaios's wolves. ]
Reaching a hand down to Skodde, he called the canine around the table and over to lay down behind him before the others arrived. Hopefully he would stay there when there was another knock on the door or would at least return there in short order.
Thaddeus walked in and out of the kitchen with a restless energy that was contagious. Palmer seemed to equally ready to begin the discussion but equally apprehensive about it. The nervousness of the others oddly had a reverse effect on him and Alfarinn found that he was calm and rather philosophical about the whole situation. It would be better when it was over and the search would either turn up evidence or help Sorin's case. He personally expected the latter and that gave him a little more confidence than his companion. If Sorin was guilty then his apartment was likely the one in the vision which gave them a good chance of finding some sort of proof. How many other vampires could there be on this block with reasons to kill Emma?
When Thaddeus eventually sat down, Alfarinn reached over and put a hand on his leg.
[Everything will be alright, Beloved, our friends are intelligent and reasonable. Our facts point out that this is the right course of action and after today at least we'll know something one way or the other.]
He smiled up at Palmer's statement and replied.
"Well we do aim to please. Its part of the tourism package."Â?
Alfarinn looked up at the knock on the door. Sighing slightly with a determined air, he thought to himself, Show time.
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Thaddeus still suspected that Alfarinn’s sense of humor may have been at play, in spite of his companion’s declared truthfulness.
[I think that’s to your credit more than anything; Skodde really does seem to respond to you.]
Once they were all settled, he poured a cup of coffee for Alfarinn and himself and gave Palmer an inquiring look before pouring a third. He took a steadying sip and tried to just slow down a beat when Alfarinn picked up on his tension. His companion was being perfectly reasonable and Thaddeus knew he was right. They were going to do this, he needed his friends’ help, and he couldn’t apologize for that.
[Thank you, love. You’re right.]
He gave a slight smile at Palmer’s reply, thinking that in the huntsman’s universe ‘excitement’ was a good thing; in his own way the southerner was paying Nachton a compliment. Meanwhile, he was doing his best to keep from daydreaming about a beach in Amalfi, where the only excitement would be in whatever he and Alfarinn came up with. The knock at the door helped keep his thoughts from straying and he got up to answer it, noting that while Skodde had perked up his ears and was watching the foyer, he stayed down and by Alfarinn.
Checking the peephole before opening the door, he was pleasantly surprised to see Christian and Claire both waiting outside. He opened the door with a smile, thanking both for coming and stepping aside so they could walk through.
“Good evening, Christian, Claire; I'm glad to see you’ve met.” Uncertain if this was coincidence or not, he mentally shrugged as he led the pair into the dining room, where coffee and one last introduction waited.
[I think that’s to your credit more than anything; Skodde really does seem to respond to you.]
Once they were all settled, he poured a cup of coffee for Alfarinn and himself and gave Palmer an inquiring look before pouring a third. He took a steadying sip and tried to just slow down a beat when Alfarinn picked up on his tension. His companion was being perfectly reasonable and Thaddeus knew he was right. They were going to do this, he needed his friends’ help, and he couldn’t apologize for that.
[Thank you, love. You’re right.]
He gave a slight smile at Palmer’s reply, thinking that in the huntsman’s universe ‘excitement’ was a good thing; in his own way the southerner was paying Nachton a compliment. Meanwhile, he was doing his best to keep from daydreaming about a beach in Amalfi, where the only excitement would be in whatever he and Alfarinn came up with. The knock at the door helped keep his thoughts from straying and he got up to answer it, noting that while Skodde had perked up his ears and was watching the foyer, he stayed down and by Alfarinn.
Checking the peephole before opening the door, he was pleasantly surprised to see Christian and Claire both waiting outside. He opened the door with a smile, thanking both for coming and stepping aside so they could walk through.
“Good evening, Christian, Claire; I'm glad to see you’ve met.” Uncertain if this was coincidence or not, he mentally shrugged as he led the pair into the dining room, where coffee and one last introduction waited.
Christian Bern
18 years ago
Christian looked up in surprise at the woman who appeared at the end of the hall but quickly regained his composure. A blender most likely, otherwise he should have seen her more sooner or heard her coming up the stairs. He had not seen her aura either, though that could be because she was good at keeping those things inside.
She was dressed in late Victorian fashion though more sensible than many dresses from that time period. Whoever she was, Christian hoped it was a sign that she had a brain in her head despite her obvious quirks. He did not recall Alfarinn or Thaddeus mentioning someone outside of their church group being present. Who was this person and why was she invited to join them? Had the Anantya decided that they needed another member in order to outnumber the Evenhet?
While that thought caused him to be more wary of the situation, he felt confident that he and Alfarinn would still have a fighting chance if it came down to a physical confrontation. Still, Christian did not like the addition of an unknown element. Too cocky tended to get you dead.
Turning to the woman next to him, he extended his hand with a smile, just as the door opened.
"It would seem that we are indeed. I am Christian Bern."Â?
((OOC: Church Group...*snort* It had to be said))
She was dressed in late Victorian fashion though more sensible than many dresses from that time period. Whoever she was, Christian hoped it was a sign that she had a brain in her head despite her obvious quirks. He did not recall Alfarinn or Thaddeus mentioning someone outside of their church group being present. Who was this person and why was she invited to join them? Had the Anantya decided that they needed another member in order to outnumber the Evenhet?
While that thought caused him to be more wary of the situation, he felt confident that he and Alfarinn would still have a fighting chance if it came down to a physical confrontation. Still, Christian did not like the addition of an unknown element. Too cocky tended to get you dead.
Turning to the woman next to him, he extended his hand with a smile, just as the door opened.
"It would seem that we are indeed. I am Christian Bern."Â?
((OOC: Church Group...*snort* It had to be said))
Claire
18 years ago
A small smile graced her features at the look of surprise on the blond man's face. Claire noted that it disappeared within a moment's time but she had caught him off guard. Seeing how rapidly he reacted to the change of events, she thought that it was rare that he was taken completely aback and that it never happened for long.
Such poise and composure was admirable, She wondered if the man was an Anantya she had simply failed to meet. Certainly Thaddeus would not be inviting more humans into this arrangement. Danielle was quite the capable young lady and Claire understood why Alfarinn put so much faith in her but certainly one of her own clan would not approve of many more humans being involved. If for no other reason than dealing in the affairs of vampires was not a safe venture for the more fragile mortals.
He could be visiting them as a friend and the arrival could be just a coincidence. Then why was he snooping around the door? The look of him suggested a person polite enough to call before simply arriving uninvited, of course that was her personal estimation based on his well dressed form and upright stature but her personal bias was all upon which she had to base her opinion for now.
Smiling, she stretched out her hand in an overhanded gesture to complete the handshake in whatever manner he saw fit.
"Enchanté Monsieur. I am called Claire Tremaine."�
Such poise and composure was admirable, She wondered if the man was an Anantya she had simply failed to meet. Certainly Thaddeus would not be inviting more humans into this arrangement. Danielle was quite the capable young lady and Claire understood why Alfarinn put so much faith in her but certainly one of her own clan would not approve of many more humans being involved. If for no other reason than dealing in the affairs of vampires was not a safe venture for the more fragile mortals.
He could be visiting them as a friend and the arrival could be just a coincidence. Then why was he snooping around the door? The look of him suggested a person polite enough to call before simply arriving uninvited, of course that was her personal estimation based on his well dressed form and upright stature but her personal bias was all upon which she had to base her opinion for now.
Smiling, she stretched out her hand in an overhanded gesture to complete the handshake in whatever manner he saw fit.
"Enchanté Monsieur. I am called Claire Tremaine."�
Palmer
18 years ago
Palmer chuckled a little at Alfarinn’s comment, studying his cup of coffee but looking up when Thaddeus rose silently to answer the door. Damn, he hoped his friend hadn’t taken offense to that exchange; Thaddeus could be remarkably sensitive about receiving help and his previous comments could come off as complaining.
In any case, there was too much to be concerned with to worry about little things like that, and he could only hope the nightsman saw things the same way. He might have nabbed an opportunity to mention something to Alfarinn…had there been time and just a little more trust…but he did throw a concerned look the Evenhet’s way before pivoting in his seat to greet the newcomers, standing up at the presence of a lady and giving a welcome nod to Christian, relieved the security chief was here tonight.
“Good to see you again, Christian Bern.” Turning with raised inquisitive eyebrows, he offered the lovely lady a smile while he waited for Thaddeus to make introductions.
/ooc lemmie know if I got too far ahead of myself, can edit (as I did above for Thaddeus so things would make sense
)
In any case, there was too much to be concerned with to worry about little things like that, and he could only hope the nightsman saw things the same way. He might have nabbed an opportunity to mention something to Alfarinn…had there been time and just a little more trust…but he did throw a concerned look the Evenhet’s way before pivoting in his seat to greet the newcomers, standing up at the presence of a lady and giving a welcome nod to Christian, relieved the security chief was here tonight.
“Good to see you again, Christian Bern.” Turning with raised inquisitive eyebrows, he offered the lovely lady a smile while he waited for Thaddeus to make introductions.
/ooc lemmie know if I got too far ahead of myself, can edit (as I did above for Thaddeus so things would make sense
)
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn glanced down at the wolf who was the topic of the conversation and then back up to Thaddeus.
[ He had a good personality and a loving home. That makes better people out of all of us, my good influence. ]
Being with Thaddeus had changed him in so many ways. It was hard to take them all in but he was aware that he was growing accustomed to being a family and having this as his home. He no longer lived a bachelor's fast paced life and he had not once regretted its disappearance.
When was the last time he had to pour himself a drink to get to sleep?
He couldn't remember. His Beloved wore him out sufficiently, in the best of ways, for him to fall asleep immediately. It was not just that though, since the beginning of their relationship he had felt less need to drink at all. Having Thaddeus in his life encouraged him to communicate his concerns in the events that have happened since they had been together instead of drinking them into oblivion for a few hours of reprieve. His love and desire for his companion made him want to be wholly there for every minute they had together. And behind all that was the driving need to be a partner in which Thaddeus could be proud.
[Hmm, Well I certainly hope so and I perhaps have a naïve faith in our friends.]
Alfarinn shrugged mentally. He didn't know what would happen but his fatalistic view was calming. It would end up however it was going to end up. He and Thaddeus would still have each other and this danger would eventually be something of the past. The accomplice could not hide forever and when he made a move they would fight that together. Hopefully though, they would find the man first with the help of their friends. One way or another, it did not matter, they would survive this.
He grinned at Palmer's chuckle and watched his companion get up to answer the door. Turning back to the other Anantya he gave him a tranquil smile, hoping to ease the other's worries somewhat.
He stood up along with Palmer to greet both the latest guests.
"How do you take your coffee, Claire?"Â?
[ He had a good personality and a loving home. That makes better people out of all of us, my good influence. ]
Being with Thaddeus had changed him in so many ways. It was hard to take them all in but he was aware that he was growing accustomed to being a family and having this as his home. He no longer lived a bachelor's fast paced life and he had not once regretted its disappearance.
When was the last time he had to pour himself a drink to get to sleep?
He couldn't remember. His Beloved wore him out sufficiently, in the best of ways, for him to fall asleep immediately. It was not just that though, since the beginning of their relationship he had felt less need to drink at all. Having Thaddeus in his life encouraged him to communicate his concerns in the events that have happened since they had been together instead of drinking them into oblivion for a few hours of reprieve. His love and desire for his companion made him want to be wholly there for every minute they had together. And behind all that was the driving need to be a partner in which Thaddeus could be proud.
[Hmm, Well I certainly hope so and I perhaps have a naïve faith in our friends.]
Alfarinn shrugged mentally. He didn't know what would happen but his fatalistic view was calming. It would end up however it was going to end up. He and Thaddeus would still have each other and this danger would eventually be something of the past. The accomplice could not hide forever and when he made a move they would fight that together. Hopefully though, they would find the man first with the help of their friends. One way or another, it did not matter, they would survive this.
He grinned at Palmer's chuckle and watched his companion get up to answer the door. Turning back to the other Anantya he gave him a tranquil smile, hoping to ease the other's worries somewhat.
He stood up along with Palmer to greet both the latest guests.
"How do you take your coffee, Claire?"Â?
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Thaddeus gave Alfarinn a mild smile upon returning, finding his outlook regarding Skodde…interesting. In this matter, at least, it was Alfarinn who was the ‘good influence.’ Certainly, they both contributed to providing a ‘loving home’…but he the one who wanted to calmly snap the wolf’s neck and put him in the dumpster with his brothers. He had reflected that he likely wouldn’t have felt guilty about that at all. If the timing that night had been a little different, if Alfarinn had not spoken when he had, the surprisingly intelligent and protective wolf would have been very much dead.
Thaddeus had mixed feelings about the whole matter. In any case, now was not any time to sort out that mess, nor would it be for some time as far as he was concerned; he and Skodde could continue keeping things at arm’s length while more important matters were taken care of.
And to start off said ‘important matters, he’d need to introduce Palmer and Claire. Hoping that the huntsman would behave himself and refrain from flirting to excess, he gave a respective nod to each party.
“Claire, this is Palmer Calhoun of the Hunt; Palmer, Claire Tremaine of the Night.”
He would let Palmer fill in whatever else he liked; he imagined his friend would not have been satisfied unless he had managed ‘This is my dear friend and trusted correspondent Palmer Calhoun, from the fair city of Charleston, South Carolina, and in the honorable service of The Order of the Hunt’ all in one breath, but he had never been one of extravagant speaking. In any case, Alfarinn was offering coffee and people seemed to be getting settled; after inviting everyone to have a seat around the small dining room table, he took his place next to Alfarinn once more. These were the friends they were putting their trust in, at the moment, and he for one certainly hoped they weren’t being naïve.
Thaddeus had mixed feelings about the whole matter. In any case, now was not any time to sort out that mess, nor would it be for some time as far as he was concerned; he and Skodde could continue keeping things at arm’s length while more important matters were taken care of.
And to start off said ‘important matters, he’d need to introduce Palmer and Claire. Hoping that the huntsman would behave himself and refrain from flirting to excess, he gave a respective nod to each party.
“Claire, this is Palmer Calhoun of the Hunt; Palmer, Claire Tremaine of the Night.”
He would let Palmer fill in whatever else he liked; he imagined his friend would not have been satisfied unless he had managed ‘This is my dear friend and trusted correspondent Palmer Calhoun, from the fair city of Charleston, South Carolina, and in the honorable service of The Order of the Hunt’ all in one breath, but he had never been one of extravagant speaking. In any case, Alfarinn was offering coffee and people seemed to be getting settled; after inviting everyone to have a seat around the small dining room table, he took his place next to Alfarinn once more. These were the friends they were putting their trust in, at the moment, and he for one certainly hoped they weren’t being naïve.
Christian Bern
18 years ago
Christian smiled at the very ladylike turn of her hand. When had he become accustomed to shaking a woman's hand as the appropriate gesture? At any rate, there was still a lady waiting for him. The head of Evenhet Security gently clasped her hand and bowed over it, not quite touching it. He was a gentleman after all and not a flirtatious rogue.
"At your service, Madam."Â?
Straightening he turned and greeted Thaddeus before following Claire inside.
"Good Evening, Mr Grey. We have just met."Â?
Palmer was already inside and Christian wondered how long the Anantya had been here before they had arrived. He certainly hoped that they were sharing the information equally between the clans. The cooperation seemed balanced and forthright if somewhat guarded during their meeting at the church. Christian expected the situation to be made more clear here today or at least that was the hope.
"It is good to see you again as well, Mr Calhoun."Â?
Thaddeus introduced Claire and Palmer to each other. She was another Anantya but it would appear that the Anantya from Charleston had yet to meet her. So why was she here? At least it appeared that the only two with the full knowledge of this situation was Thaddeus and Alfarinn and that the members of the other clan were as in the dark about what was going on as he was.
[Was the woman someone you knew to be arriving? And cream and sugar please. ]
"At your service, Madam."Â?
Straightening he turned and greeted Thaddeus before following Claire inside.
"Good Evening, Mr Grey. We have just met."Â?
Palmer was already inside and Christian wondered how long the Anantya had been here before they had arrived. He certainly hoped that they were sharing the information equally between the clans. The cooperation seemed balanced and forthright if somewhat guarded during their meeting at the church. Christian expected the situation to be made more clear here today or at least that was the hope.
"It is good to see you again as well, Mr Calhoun."Â?
Thaddeus introduced Claire and Palmer to each other. She was another Anantya but it would appear that the Anantya from Charleston had yet to meet her. So why was she here? At least it appeared that the only two with the full knowledge of this situation was Thaddeus and Alfarinn and that the members of the other clan were as in the dark about what was going on as he was.
[Was the woman someone you knew to be arriving? And cream and sugar please. ]
Claire
18 years ago
Claire smiled at Mr Bern's polite greeting and curtsied gracefully in reply. Thaddeus had opened the door and she nodded at her clan mate and quickly stepped inside so that Christian could follow and the door could be shut.
“It is as Mr. Bern said but we have made do.”
There was another stranger sitting at the table but Claire was certain she remembered seeing him at the after party of Fallon's Initiation. She smiled and gave him another curtsey as Thaddeus introduced him as a member of the Order of the Hunt. This situation must be more serious than she guessed if it required a member of the more martial Order to guard them. Was Christian then Evenhet's version of the Hunt? He was slight and the shortest of stature in the room but something about him suggested to her that he should not be so quickly over looked as incapable. Though a body guard? That might be giving him a little too much credit. His observations at the door seemed to suggest someone along the lines of the Order of the Night but perhaps clan Evenhet did their business differently.
“It is a pleasure, Mr Calhoun.”
She smiled up at Alfarinn and admitted to her coffee preference.
“I take sugar and cream if that is alright.”
Claire found the drink was rather harsh without something added in to make it more palatable and was glad that he asked so that she did not have to interrupt their discussion to request them. She took the seat that Palmer pulled out for her and favored him with another warm smile.
“Merci beaucoup.”
/ooc Palmer's action with permission
“It is as Mr. Bern said but we have made do.”
There was another stranger sitting at the table but Claire was certain she remembered seeing him at the after party of Fallon's Initiation. She smiled and gave him another curtsey as Thaddeus introduced him as a member of the Order of the Hunt. This situation must be more serious than she guessed if it required a member of the more martial Order to guard them. Was Christian then Evenhet's version of the Hunt? He was slight and the shortest of stature in the room but something about him suggested to her that he should not be so quickly over looked as incapable. Though a body guard? That might be giving him a little too much credit. His observations at the door seemed to suggest someone along the lines of the Order of the Night but perhaps clan Evenhet did their business differently.
“It is a pleasure, Mr Calhoun.”
She smiled up at Alfarinn and admitted to her coffee preference.
“I take sugar and cream if that is alright.”
Claire found the drink was rather harsh without something added in to make it more palatable and was glad that he asked so that she did not have to interrupt their discussion to request them. She took the seat that Palmer pulled out for her and favored him with another warm smile.
“Merci beaucoup.”
/ooc Palmer's action with permission