[So do I]
Of course, he found a lot about Sorin unsettling.
It would seem that Thaddeus was not going to have to face any accusations on his own, not that he would have let him do so either. It was good to see that both Claire and Palmer would claim responsibility and knowledge of the actions they were about to commit. It was, however, frightening that they had brought their friends into this mess with them in the first place but there was no help for it. He would have loved to always be able to take on the dangerous tasks alone but he had learned that sometimes you needed to rely on your friends. It was a tough lesson to learn, especially when things went wrong. Alfarinn was simply determined that nothing like that would happen today. They were close to the end of this matter after all this time. They could not afford to get careless but from the conversation going on around him, they had no intention of underestimating the resources of an Elder of Anantya.
He looked up in surprise when Claire asked if Palmer thought Thaddeus was sub par and felt an immediate urge to defend his companion's ability until he realized she was joking. Smiling to himself, he covered it up with a sip of coffee as Palmer did an excellent job of expounding on Thaddeus's virtues without his help.
[Over achiever? You? I would have never guessed.]
Another sip covered up the mirth he felt at that remark, his Beloved was beyond such a common term. Thaddeus was in his opinion, just perfect.
He looked down at the hand coiled in his lover's lap at the mention of framing him and Evenhet for the murder of Emma. It angered him, it always had. Not for himself, but for his clan and for Emma. The twisted bastard had gotten away with her murder, had lived several hundred more years in whatever luxury he had made for himself while Emma remained unavenged and his clan was commonly thought to be responsible. After all these years though the pain was more of an ache and an added conviction; he could accept the mention of it in silence and go on with what needed to be done.
Christian took the news with the aplomb he expected. It had not been unknown to him as their Security Chief at the time. In fact, when Alfarinn had gotten back from Bulgaria the slight Swiss was one of the first people he sought out in order to explain that “I believe I just did a very stupid thing” by following that note. He had kicked himself for that ever since but at the same time he would not have traded that brief conversation with Emma for even his clan's reputation, knowing it was the last time he would hear her laughter or see her smile as she spoke of the friendly competition and puzzle before them.
Alfarinn feigned an innocent blink at Christian's pronouncement of his criminal appearance and pretended to look hurt by the suggestion. He smiled at Palmer and said
“If juvenile delinquent counts then Thaddeus and I are both on the most wanted.”
He smiled at Claire's offer to help and the display of her ability.
“I think it would. Thank you.”
He bit his lip at Palmer's exclamation and was glad that he had not chosen to take that moment to drink from his cup.
[So, anything you would like to add to this plan, Flying Wonder?]
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
Thaddeus took the accusation of being an overachiever as gracefully as could be expected; with an arched eyebrow and silence. Unsmiling, he sent to Alfarinn with flat intonation.
[I don’t have the faintest idea of what he’s going on about.]
Even the raised eyebrow faded quickly as Claire explained possibilities for Sorin’s point of view, finding he quite agreed with her. Asking Palmer to spy seemed a bold risk, but Claire took that action and dissected it with impressive deftness and constructed scenarios that made good sense.
He gave an ironic smile at Claire’s conclusion, thinking that at the moment he wasn’t really in a ‘glass is half full’ sort of mood and was inclined to believe that Sorin feeling rushed was a very bad thing indeed.
It was somewhat surprising, as well as interesting, to see their friends’ reactions to the news that there had been an attempt to frame Alfarinn. Thaddeus immediately felt silly when he realized that everyone save Palmer was older than he was and likely already knew the details of the controversy from a perspective he had not had the benefit of. Even so, he still found the news disturbing and their calm, even lighthearted reactions were almost out of place if not for the fact that they had simply heard so much upsetting information today. He gave Alfarinn’s hand a light squeeze on the table, deciding it should simply be a relief to be over one more hurdle.
Christian’s remark came as a point of curiosity and he found himself thinking that his lover had chosen well in selecting a security chief. Being able to speak comfortably around authority was likely a very important requirement in such a position, and while Thaddeus might have been uncertain about Christian’s manner with his Elder, he could see how it was necessary. What mattered was that when the joking was done it was Christian who brought them back to seriousness.
He might have addressed the security chief’s question but Claire got there first, providing an excellent solution. He found that he envied her ease; he might have been nervous about putting on such a display, and in fact had planned to find a chance to change forms when others were not watching.
Palmer of course could be counted on to react in a spectacular fashion, though Thaddeus managed a straight face in response to his friend’s antics. The corner of his mouth did twitch a little when Alfarinn sent, though he thought mostly he was trying to avoid slapping his palm to his forehead.
“Yes, well, as to that.” He offered Claire a slight smile and a nod. “I’d like to fly up and check out the surrounding area first, but I believe you’ve presented an excellent solution.”
He raised one eyebrow at Palmer. “Perhaps the ‘man of steel’ would condescend to keeping an eye out down below?”
[I don’t have the faintest idea of what he’s going on about.]
Even the raised eyebrow faded quickly as Claire explained possibilities for Sorin’s point of view, finding he quite agreed with her. Asking Palmer to spy seemed a bold risk, but Claire took that action and dissected it with impressive deftness and constructed scenarios that made good sense.
He gave an ironic smile at Claire’s conclusion, thinking that at the moment he wasn’t really in a ‘glass is half full’ sort of mood and was inclined to believe that Sorin feeling rushed was a very bad thing indeed.
It was somewhat surprising, as well as interesting, to see their friends’ reactions to the news that there had been an attempt to frame Alfarinn. Thaddeus immediately felt silly when he realized that everyone save Palmer was older than he was and likely already knew the details of the controversy from a perspective he had not had the benefit of. Even so, he still found the news disturbing and their calm, even lighthearted reactions were almost out of place if not for the fact that they had simply heard so much upsetting information today. He gave Alfarinn’s hand a light squeeze on the table, deciding it should simply be a relief to be over one more hurdle.
Christian’s remark came as a point of curiosity and he found himself thinking that his lover had chosen well in selecting a security chief. Being able to speak comfortably around authority was likely a very important requirement in such a position, and while Thaddeus might have been uncertain about Christian’s manner with his Elder, he could see how it was necessary. What mattered was that when the joking was done it was Christian who brought them back to seriousness.
He might have addressed the security chief’s question but Claire got there first, providing an excellent solution. He found that he envied her ease; he might have been nervous about putting on such a display, and in fact had planned to find a chance to change forms when others were not watching.
Palmer of course could be counted on to react in a spectacular fashion, though Thaddeus managed a straight face in response to his friend’s antics. The corner of his mouth did twitch a little when Alfarinn sent, though he thought mostly he was trying to avoid slapping his palm to his forehead.
“Yes, well, as to that.” He offered Claire a slight smile and a nod. “I’d like to fly up and check out the surrounding area first, but I believe you’ve presented an excellent solution.”
He raised one eyebrow at Palmer. “Perhaps the ‘man of steel’ would condescend to keeping an eye out down below?”
Christian Bern
18 years ago
Christian raised his eyebrows slightly at Claire's study of Sorin's behavior and thought patterns. Interesting, did they not trust their own elders or was this just a habit of her's? He had no reason to believe she was incorrect with her assessment, especially when the other Anantya did not challenge it so he continued to sit quietly.
His eyebrows went further into his hairline when she disappeared... or almost disappeared into a misty white form that was obviously not very corporeal. Useful.
It would seem Palmer and Thaddeus joked often as Palmer commented on them all needing to be in mortal fear of Thaddeus and the earlier comment about the blonde Anantya being an over achiever. He suspected that, much like Alfarinn and Artemis, they would still manage to be productive and serious when the time called for it. He was therefore not too worried about the banter.
Christian did cough slightly at the superhero names and the audacity Palmer had in calling himself the "man of steel"Â?; the southerner was certainly not modest by any means.
"Yes, we, Evenhet, will be there to cause trouble and need to be rescued. I do hope you're up to it, Superman."Â?
Thaddeus flew? Obviously they weren't considering a helicopter or something large and mechanical in the alleyway and the nickname suggested it was an ability of some sort. It could be a toy or remote plane like Artemis used or maybe it was some super secret Anantya satellite technology they had yet to catch on to for all he really knew. At any rate a plan was forming. Thaddeus would check the place out from the outside before Claire went in and they would ... stand around the bottom and gape.
Well that wouldn't be productive.
Claire's form wasn't likely to trip any security alarms but they would need a way in if it turned out to be a room they needed to search. It did not appear that she could carry anything like she was but perhaps she would be able to give some detailed descriptions about any security devices.
"Can you send us camera images, Thaddeus? Alfarinn and Claire could be taking a look at the feed back for anything useful from your search before she goes inside. No need for her to risk it if we don't see anything of use...unless it is to take a closer look. Still the footage might help us decide that."Â?
Looking over at the 'man of steel', he smiled.
"Palmer and I can stand look out since I don't believe either of us have much knowledge of Sorin and could potentially miss some valuable clue."Â?
His eyebrows went further into his hairline when she disappeared... or almost disappeared into a misty white form that was obviously not very corporeal. Useful.
It would seem Palmer and Thaddeus joked often as Palmer commented on them all needing to be in mortal fear of Thaddeus and the earlier comment about the blonde Anantya being an over achiever. He suspected that, much like Alfarinn and Artemis, they would still manage to be productive and serious when the time called for it. He was therefore not too worried about the banter.
Christian did cough slightly at the superhero names and the audacity Palmer had in calling himself the "man of steel"Â?; the southerner was certainly not modest by any means.
"Yes, we, Evenhet, will be there to cause trouble and need to be rescued. I do hope you're up to it, Superman."Â?
Thaddeus flew? Obviously they weren't considering a helicopter or something large and mechanical in the alleyway and the nickname suggested it was an ability of some sort. It could be a toy or remote plane like Artemis used or maybe it was some super secret Anantya satellite technology they had yet to catch on to for all he really knew. At any rate a plan was forming. Thaddeus would check the place out from the outside before Claire went in and they would ... stand around the bottom and gape.
Well that wouldn't be productive.
Claire's form wasn't likely to trip any security alarms but they would need a way in if it turned out to be a room they needed to search. It did not appear that she could carry anything like she was but perhaps she would be able to give some detailed descriptions about any security devices.
"Can you send us camera images, Thaddeus? Alfarinn and Claire could be taking a look at the feed back for anything useful from your search before she goes inside. No need for her to risk it if we don't see anything of use...unless it is to take a closer look. Still the footage might help us decide that."Â?
Looking over at the 'man of steel', he smiled.
"Palmer and I can stand look out since I don't believe either of us have much knowledge of Sorin and could potentially miss some valuable clue."Â?
Palmer
18 years ago
Palmer gave a nod of agreement at Thaddeus's expansion on the plan, amused at his friend's casual way of bringing his own abilities into the mix. He wondered if the nightsman still got stage fright when it came to shape shifting but of course he wouldn't ask him about that right now; contrary to popular belief, Palmer did occasionally know where to draw the line on teasing.
Instead, he chuckled at Christian's remark and looked down in mock embarrassment.
"Well shucks...I always thought of myself more as a 'good' Human Puck..."Â?
He gave another nod to Christian's assignments, liking his place in things just fine. Watch their backs. Check.
"Can do. Do we need to get some gadgets then?"Â?
Cameras seemed to be the last step in their little plan - once they had those Palmer saw nothing standing in their way.
Instead, he chuckled at Christian's remark and looked down in mock embarrassment.
"Well shucks...I always thought of myself more as a 'good' Human Puck..."Â?
He gave another nod to Christian's assignments, liking his place in things just fine. Watch their backs. Check.
"Can do. Do we need to get some gadgets then?"Â?
Cameras seemed to be the last step in their little plan - once they had those Palmer saw nothing standing in their way.
Claire
18 years ago
Claire had been mostly quiet since the display of her ability. The others around her took it in stride; though to be honest she could not see why they wouldn't. It was a matter of personal privacy perhaps, or it seemed as though she were performing a parlor trick or heaven forbid, one of those late night show acts. Whatever the case, she still felt quite silly.
Snorting inwardly at herself, Claire imagined how being 'particle girl' would go over in the 'stupid vampire tricks' routine. She did smile and glance sideways at Palmer's little names for them all and held various more risque thoughts of what the 'man of steel' might also mean to herself.
Yes, right, coffee. It suddenly became very interesting. Sipping the last of it, she listened quietly to the plans of the rest of them. This Bern fellow did seem to be all about business; she noticed he had more of a herding method of bringing the conversation around to the important topic at hand. Claire wondered how much patience he truly had and thought it would be an interesting thing to test some time; assuming there would ever be a future opportunity to observe the man.
It seemed their places and jobs were organized fairly quickly and all she would need to do was wait until she was needed to go search the place and open the door.
Snorting inwardly at herself, Claire imagined how being 'particle girl' would go over in the 'stupid vampire tricks' routine. She did smile and glance sideways at Palmer's little names for them all and held various more risque thoughts of what the 'man of steel' might also mean to herself.
Yes, right, coffee. It suddenly became very interesting. Sipping the last of it, she listened quietly to the plans of the rest of them. This Bern fellow did seem to be all about business; she noticed he had more of a herding method of bringing the conversation around to the important topic at hand. Claire wondered how much patience he truly had and thought it would be an interesting thing to test some time; assuming there would ever be a future opportunity to observe the man.
It seemed their places and jobs were organized fairly quickly and all she would need to do was wait until she was needed to go search the place and open the door.
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn caught himself before smiling at Thaddeus's mental tone and denial of the statements being made about his character. They were, for the most part, being serious and had a potentially dangerous situation to deal with so appearing to smile at it would not be the best way to look trustworthy to those who didn't know him.
He raised his eyebrows at Christian's retort. Mr Business just said the Evenhet would be trouble... adding himself into the mix along with Alfarinn. Wonders never ceased. He was not so sure about this needing to be rescued part of the situation. An image of himself sitting at a window in some impossibly high stone tower lowering his hair down for Thaddeus to climb came to mind. He was tempted to send it along to his companion with a coy question or remark but decided they would be better off if one of them could manage to stay focused on the task at hand.
Christian had remained on track despite his earlier quip and had laid out a decent plan for everyone to follow.
"We have some small cameras from Artemis that will be of use. We can send the video to the laptop easy enough. That will be a start and if we need more equipment or to come back later then we'll regroup and deal with that as it comes up."Â?
Pushing his chair back, he rested a hand on Thaddeus's chair for a moment and smiled at his lover before looking at the others.
"Well, shall we go? We're burning moonlight."Â?
With that he stood up and waited for everyone else.
((OOC: I believe everyone will be out at this point ))
He raised his eyebrows at Christian's retort. Mr Business just said the Evenhet would be trouble... adding himself into the mix along with Alfarinn. Wonders never ceased. He was not so sure about this needing to be rescued part of the situation. An image of himself sitting at a window in some impossibly high stone tower lowering his hair down for Thaddeus to climb came to mind. He was tempted to send it along to his companion with a coy question or remark but decided they would be better off if one of them could manage to stay focused on the task at hand.
Christian had remained on track despite his earlier quip and had laid out a decent plan for everyone to follow.
"We have some small cameras from Artemis that will be of use. We can send the video to the laptop easy enough. That will be a start and if we need more equipment or to come back later then we'll regroup and deal with that as it comes up."Â?
Pushing his chair back, he rested a hand on Thaddeus's chair for a moment and smiled at his lover before looking at the others.
"Well, shall we go? We're burning moonlight."Â?
With that he stood up and waited for everyone else.
((OOC: I believe everyone will be out at this point ))