Alfarinn watched Thaddeus with quiet sympathy; his very reserved partner was having to perform something very private in front of others. The others were friends but it was still a bit like standing up in front of a crowd of your peers and speaking about something intensely personal.
It will be okay... you can do this...
He thought it mostly to himself instead of distracting Thaddeus with his sending. Giving his non vocal support in the form of a return squeeze to the hand that reached for him, Alfarinn smiled and waited.
[You'll do fine.]
It was hard to exactly understand what an attack of nerves could mean to a shifter; he did not have any ability that was similar. It was active and able to be controlled by the vampire in a way that Alfarinn's own powers were not.
He wondered about that for a moment. His most active ability happened to be one of his latest and the rest were things that changed him, happened to him, to make him what he was. Thaddeus had several abilities that required his command, not the least of which was command itself; his companion had to exert his will over his talents, learn to mold them and use them correctly, and knowing Thaddeus, morally. Alfarinn wondered just how much that affected the man standing in front of him.
Make that -bird- in front of him. It was hard to focus on the shifting shape. Perhaps even vampire minds could not grasp just exactly what was going on that would allow a full grown man to become something so small and light as a dove. Whatever the reason, to his mind it was a blur of clothes and feathers along with the rustle of fabric and the flapping of wings.
Thaddeus came to rest on his shoulder and Alfarinn turned his head to look at his now avian companion. He gently reached up and slid a hand out for Thaddeus to perch on and then brought him to his chest. Taking advantage of being turned away from the rest of their companions, Alfarinn took a moment to regard his lover in this form. The lighting was far better here than in the sewer and Thaddeus gleamed like a mystical creature so white and graceful surrounded by the dirt and grime of the alleyway.
[You're lovely, you know.]
He couldn't resist sliding the back of one finger along the smooth soft feathers but Alfarinn did manage to limit himself to just one such show of affection before fishing out the camera that the crows normally used.
[ It attaches to your leg and adjusts for size so that it stays pointed in the correct direction. There is a simple catch to release it. I just have to press these two sides of the back clasp and it will come undone. Natt swears to me that it is not uncomfortable. I could call him and you could try to ask him yourself if you like...]
Natt and his family were generally never very far away. Currently the crows were but a block over scaring some pigeons away from breadcrumbs that had been left in the park.
Alfarinn doubted that Thaddeus would be able to communicate with the very different bird but the offer was there anyway. It was unlikely that his brave companion would need Natt's reassurance in any case. He waited a moment and then rested the tiny device against one slender leg. Keeping his mind open and concentrating on Thaddeus's thoughts and feelings, he slowly closed the clasp.
Once it was in place, he rested his hand across Thaddeus's side in a gentle but protective hug. Smiling down at the dove in his hands, Alfarinn spoke to Christian without turning around.
"Alright. The receiver is hooked up to the laptop. Click on the start menu and go to the avian cam program and run it. It should look for the signal on its own from there."Â?
[Artemis has a sense of humor with the names or perhaps that was an assistant.]
He had to let go. It was easier with experience from the other birds in his life. No matter how much you loved them and wanted to protect them, they needed to be free to fly on their own. This one though, was Thaddeus and anything at all could be waiting up there for him in that apartment. A pure white dove was sometimes a sign of a martyr... and Sorin knew what Thaddeus could become.
Alfarinn pushed the fear aside. It did not help either of them to do what they had to do. He would be here; things were different. Everything would be okay.
[Ready?]
He removed his hand and stretched out his arm so that Thaddeus could be free to fly.
Natt, perhaps sensing thoughts resting on him earlier or perhaps understanding something of his friend's anxiety, came to rest on the shoulder that Thaddeus had perched on earlier. They both watched the dove.
((OOC: See what happens when he doesn't get a chance to talk for a while? He rambles. Anyway, if there is anything in there presumed that shouldn't be then let me know.))
North and Seventh
Thaddeus craned his neck up to look at the apartment buildings rising up to either side, remembering the night he had climbed up from the sewers, stood exactly in this way, and began to hatch a plan.
Of course, this time he wasn't slightly drunk, which he imagined would be helpful. Setting aside thoughts of his recent ventures into the land of drink, he turned to his companions. The people who were sticking their necks out to help him. He just as quickly turned his gaze skyward once more, deciding that glance had only made him more nervous.
'They aren't watching me. They're busy with the cameras and the computers, not impatiently waiting for me to shock and amaze them.'
Without looking back, he reached out to give Alfarinn's fingertips a light squeeze before taking a step forward. This would, he reflected, be so much easier with a ledge to step off. Of course, it would also be easier if someone happened to jump out behind the dumpster, where they had been waiting in ambush, but that hardly made it ideal. Besides, it wasn't as though he couldn't change without any provocation...it was just a bit nerve wracking.
Finally, he decided that waiting would only make this more difficult. The plan was set, specific logistics had been worked out on the way over, and now was the time for everyone to get to their respective positions before they aroused suspicion.
[Here goes nothing, as they say.]
He briefly entertained the notion of stealing a kiss for luck and ultimately decided that wouldn't be wise - he'd likely only startle Alfarinn, shock Claire, amuse Palmer, and annoy Christian. Or some combination of those reactions. Repressing a sigh, he stepped forward and closed his eyes, fully aware of how stupid he must look, and focused on the shift.
Rather, he concentrated on falling; he could focus on changing into a bird until he was blue in the face and not get anywhere, but somehow thinking about the thing that oftentimes -caused- the shift worked quite well. He simply had to imagine that there was, quite suddenly, no ground under his feet. This particular scenario was well practiced enough that he actually felt a moment of vertigo before his head tilted back and the world grew alarmingly large. After a brief period of checking to ensure he was properly formed and to assure himself that he was alright, he flew up to Alfarinn's shoulder, pushing his wings through their full range of motion to get out the last of the stiffness changing had caused. The camera would need to be situated before he could -really- take off, though he sternly reminded himself to contain his desire for height and speed in this form.
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Claire
18 years ago
What a fine grouping this must be all standing about in an alley? Oh, yes, officer, we were taking a stroll. Would you believe our friends live just over there? No... policemen did not go casually through this part of town. It fed a vicious cycle she supposed; there was more crime here so the policemen with any sanity and respect for their lives did not wish to be a lone patrol in the area and without those policemen then the crime here just got worse.
What was the solution? An army lining the streets? The government being allowed to keep a watchful and very vigilant eye from somewhere high above? Claire sighed; things seemed so much simpler when the cities were but villages. An illusion, the deceptive allure of the past seen through the rose colored filter of the present. She knew it for what it was and dismissed it.
She felt sympathy for Thaddeus and made herself busy with the folds of her skirt. Her blending was used almost subconsciously to push her presence into the background in the hopes that it made him more comfortable.
Looking up again, Claire watched him take a step away from Alfarinn. For but a brief moment, she thought he was going to fall straight forward and dash his head against the wall. Her hand flew to her mouth in silent alarm but in the span of time it took for such a small action to occur on her part, she could already see that she need not have feared. The change had already begun; Claire found that it caused her to blink and her eyes to water as she tried to focus on the shifting shape in front of her. When she could truly focus again, she smiled. A dove, how beautiful and thoroughly appropriate.
Ah yes, other things to be busy with. She turned and watched Christian setting up the laptop for use.
What was the solution? An army lining the streets? The government being allowed to keep a watchful and very vigilant eye from somewhere high above? Claire sighed; things seemed so much simpler when the cities were but villages. An illusion, the deceptive allure of the past seen through the rose colored filter of the present. She knew it for what it was and dismissed it.
She felt sympathy for Thaddeus and made herself busy with the folds of her skirt. Her blending was used almost subconsciously to push her presence into the background in the hopes that it made him more comfortable.
Looking up again, Claire watched him take a step away from Alfarinn. For but a brief moment, she thought he was going to fall straight forward and dash his head against the wall. Her hand flew to her mouth in silent alarm but in the span of time it took for such a small action to occur on her part, she could already see that she need not have feared. The change had already begun; Claire found that it caused her to blink and her eyes to water as she tried to focus on the shifting shape in front of her. When she could truly focus again, she smiled. A dove, how beautiful and thoroughly appropriate.
Ah yes, other things to be busy with. She turned and watched Christian setting up the laptop for use.
Palmer
18 years ago
Palmer followed Thaddeus’s gaze upward, taking in the rather ugly view. At least looking up he couldn’t see dumpsters, but even so there was no hiding that they were in the industrial district. In a dark alley in the middle of the night, exactly where he was supposed to be. Ready for anything. Cat-like, prepared to spring into action! He’d never much cared for the board room element of such missions and was relieved to get out in the open and –do- something, even if that meant standing sentinel.
This, however, wasn’t just any mission. They were walking a very fine line here, and only history would say whether tonight the five of them had been traitors or vigilantes. Or nothing at all – with any luck, after all, they would find nothing and avoid getting caught. Funny when complete failure was the best case scenario but there it was.
Thaddeus, meanwhile, seemed to be fixing to shift, and Palmer hoped the blonde wasn’t about to lock up now. He wondered if his friend wasn’t as eager to be moving as he was, though. That idea made him smile – if it were up to Thaddeus, they would all be reading books in their rooms right now, safe and sound, but Palmer suspected there was an adventurous streak hidden away behind all that poise. Not that his friend –liked- danger…exactly. Just that it brought something out in him.
He personally felt, with a touch of regret, that he would have made an excellent shape shifter, though he supposed there was always hope for the future. Of course, he envisioned himself as, inevitably, a black panther – wouldn’t it just serve him right for hoping if he ended up a lizard or something. Thaddeus, on the other hand, had been shifting since day one, or close to it, though he didn’t believe for a minute that the nightsman had first turned into a dove by ‘jumping off a cliff’ as he sarcastically claimed.
He smiled, remembering the first time he had seen Thaddeus change. He’d received no warning of what was about to happen – suddenly instead of a stuck up unfriendly Brit, Palmer was faced with a white dove that landed on his wrist as though it were his personal perch. He’d told the nightsman later that he liked him better as a bird – he seemed so much less inhibited and closed off, however much he insisted that he ‘kept his own mind’ in both forms.
Occupied with such thoughts, he completely missed the change itself, to his regret. However unnerved he sometimes got, Thaddeus made the whole process look easy, natural, fluid. Too fluid – Palmer never quite saw how it looked, always seeming to blink at just the wrong moment or focus on the wrong thing.
Still, at the flutter of white he held out his hand a little, forgetting that Thaddeus would likely go to Alfarinn now. He realized his error quickly enough and pulled back, feeling a little silly. He’d often told Thaddeus that he would like to keep him for an accessory, which was always sure to earn him a scowl, but he fit so nicely on the brim of his hat, or perched on one finger at just the right time to impress a special lady…
At any rate, it was time to take up their assigned duties. He watched Thaddeus rise up in a beating of wings and then turned to watch the intersection, keeping an eye out for trouble while Christian worked on the computer and a little white dove snooped in an apartment window. Alfarinn and Claire would be going to check out the door, though he wondered if the Evenhet Elder might have more trouble leaving the alley than anticipated, what with his boyfriend flying several stories above them.
This, however, wasn’t just any mission. They were walking a very fine line here, and only history would say whether tonight the five of them had been traitors or vigilantes. Or nothing at all – with any luck, after all, they would find nothing and avoid getting caught. Funny when complete failure was the best case scenario but there it was.
Thaddeus, meanwhile, seemed to be fixing to shift, and Palmer hoped the blonde wasn’t about to lock up now. He wondered if his friend wasn’t as eager to be moving as he was, though. That idea made him smile – if it were up to Thaddeus, they would all be reading books in their rooms right now, safe and sound, but Palmer suspected there was an adventurous streak hidden away behind all that poise. Not that his friend –liked- danger…exactly. Just that it brought something out in him.
He personally felt, with a touch of regret, that he would have made an excellent shape shifter, though he supposed there was always hope for the future. Of course, he envisioned himself as, inevitably, a black panther – wouldn’t it just serve him right for hoping if he ended up a lizard or something. Thaddeus, on the other hand, had been shifting since day one, or close to it, though he didn’t believe for a minute that the nightsman had first turned into a dove by ‘jumping off a cliff’ as he sarcastically claimed.
He smiled, remembering the first time he had seen Thaddeus change. He’d received no warning of what was about to happen – suddenly instead of a stuck up unfriendly Brit, Palmer was faced with a white dove that landed on his wrist as though it were his personal perch. He’d told the nightsman later that he liked him better as a bird – he seemed so much less inhibited and closed off, however much he insisted that he ‘kept his own mind’ in both forms.
Occupied with such thoughts, he completely missed the change itself, to his regret. However unnerved he sometimes got, Thaddeus made the whole process look easy, natural, fluid. Too fluid – Palmer never quite saw how it looked, always seeming to blink at just the wrong moment or focus on the wrong thing.
Still, at the flutter of white he held out his hand a little, forgetting that Thaddeus would likely go to Alfarinn now. He realized his error quickly enough and pulled back, feeling a little silly. He’d often told Thaddeus that he would like to keep him for an accessory, which was always sure to earn him a scowl, but he fit so nicely on the brim of his hat, or perched on one finger at just the right time to impress a special lady…
At any rate, it was time to take up their assigned duties. He watched Thaddeus rise up in a beating of wings and then turned to watch the intersection, keeping an eye out for trouble while Christian worked on the computer and a little white dove snooped in an apartment window. Alfarinn and Claire would be going to check out the door, though he wondered if the Evenhet Elder might have more trouble leaving the alley than anticipated, what with his boyfriend flying several stories above them.
Christian Bern
18 years ago
Christian looked around the alleyway critically. Fire escape, two dumpsters, a pile of trash...no aura that he could see but they should probably poke it just to be certain. The windows could have anyone watching and laying it wait for them but if so they would have been already spotted. Alfarinn's empathy was better than his and more useful non line of sight; the elder would likely know if there were people nearby by their emotions.
[Feel anyone?]
He knelt down and began to boot up the laptop, assuming the others would deal with their own part in this while he did so. A quick glance up at the other two blondes showed him that Thaddeus did indeed seem to be preparing for something.
Plugging in the camera's receiver, Christian waited for the computer to recognize the software. The noise that it made annoyed him and if it were not for the fact that they might need the audio later then it would have been muted.
Another glance up and there was a dove. A dove? Hmmph, not something he would have figured for the young Anantya. A hawl or an owl or something, perhaps a falcon, austere,sleek and fast...very noble looking. No, a dove, ah well it was still a useful trait and he fit in better with the city's pigeons.
He started up the software and nodded to Alfarinn.
"Its receiving."Â?
Christian noted that one of the crows joined them as well but it did not appear to be serving in the capacity of second camera. He saw that Palmer was watching the alleyway and keeping an eye on the dove so he went back to monitoring the feed.
[Feel anyone?]
He knelt down and began to boot up the laptop, assuming the others would deal with their own part in this while he did so. A quick glance up at the other two blondes showed him that Thaddeus did indeed seem to be preparing for something.
Plugging in the camera's receiver, Christian waited for the computer to recognize the software. The noise that it made annoyed him and if it were not for the fact that they might need the audio later then it would have been muted.
Another glance up and there was a dove. A dove? Hmmph, not something he would have figured for the young Anantya. A hawl or an owl or something, perhaps a falcon, austere,sleek and fast...very noble looking. No, a dove, ah well it was still a useful trait and he fit in better with the city's pigeons.
He started up the software and nodded to Alfarinn.
"Its receiving."Â?
Christian noted that one of the crows joined them as well but it did not appear to be serving in the capacity of second camera. He saw that Palmer was watching the alleyway and keeping an eye on the dove so he went back to monitoring the feed.
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Thaddeus was more than a little grateful to be held away from the rest of the group for a moment, though he resisted the impulse to coo in appreciation when Alfarinn stroked his feathers. He turned and used his beak to fuss with them a little when his lover pulled away, simply because he felt odd when every feather wasn’t in its exact place.
At Alfarinn’s declaration, he gave his head a little bob that bore a slight resemblance to a human nod, then rather vainly preened one of his feathers. He did, however, manage to speak somewhat modestly.
[Well. As birds go…]
The idea of wearing a camera in dove form had seemed perfectly reasonable while he was human, but now it was difficult not to be wary. The device that had appeared so tiny seemed much larger now – he wondered if he would be able to fly properly. He was not, however, optimistic about his chances of communicating with Natt. No, there was nothing to do but suck it up – after all, he knew intellectually that this would work out perfectly fine. If Natt could do it, so could he, never mind that he was smaller. His body was just going to have to trust his mind right now.
[That really won’t be necessary, but thank you.]
He calmly allowed Alfarinn to snap the camera in place and was relieved to find that he could only barely feel it at all. Natt was quite right – it wasn’t the least bit uncomfortable. That only left the matter of flying, then.
Eager as he was to try, it was difficult to remain patient while the technical end of things was sorted out. Still, the hand over top of him was a peaceful comfort and seemed to help him relax…as much as was possible.
[I say we give Artemis credit for that one. It’s quite fitting in any case.]
He responded to Alfarinn’s query by spreading his wings, once, and then he was held out into open air. He had to work only slightly harder to take off, and once he was in the air the camera made only a little difference. Still, even a slight difference in weight and balance was something to account for while in the air. He seemed to do better, as he always had, when he stopped thinking about it so much and simply let his body adjust, but it all still took some getting used to.
The ascent was not long, though, and soon he was landing on the window sill. Had he been thinking less about the camera and more about other matters with regard to his form, he might have been surprised at his own instinctive sense of direction – even though the world looked quite different, he still honed in on exactly where to go with ease.
If he detected any movement he would fly away immediately, as his form could be recognized. He did not, however, see so much as a flicker of a shadow, and so he thought it safe to remain.
A drape covered half the window. This was, Thaddeus reasoned, to be expected – in fact, it was good luck that he was able to see anything at all. After assuring himself that he was unobserved, he flew up to the middle divider of the window, as that would offer a better view through the camera. Before he wasted valuable time hovering at different angles and contorting himself to get every square inch of view, however, he thought to confirm communications with Alfarinn.
[Are you getting this?]
At Alfarinn’s declaration, he gave his head a little bob that bore a slight resemblance to a human nod, then rather vainly preened one of his feathers. He did, however, manage to speak somewhat modestly.
[Well. As birds go…]
The idea of wearing a camera in dove form had seemed perfectly reasonable while he was human, but now it was difficult not to be wary. The device that had appeared so tiny seemed much larger now – he wondered if he would be able to fly properly. He was not, however, optimistic about his chances of communicating with Natt. No, there was nothing to do but suck it up – after all, he knew intellectually that this would work out perfectly fine. If Natt could do it, so could he, never mind that he was smaller. His body was just going to have to trust his mind right now.
[That really won’t be necessary, but thank you.]
He calmly allowed Alfarinn to snap the camera in place and was relieved to find that he could only barely feel it at all. Natt was quite right – it wasn’t the least bit uncomfortable. That only left the matter of flying, then.
Eager as he was to try, it was difficult to remain patient while the technical end of things was sorted out. Still, the hand over top of him was a peaceful comfort and seemed to help him relax…as much as was possible.
[I say we give Artemis credit for that one. It’s quite fitting in any case.]
He responded to Alfarinn’s query by spreading his wings, once, and then he was held out into open air. He had to work only slightly harder to take off, and once he was in the air the camera made only a little difference. Still, even a slight difference in weight and balance was something to account for while in the air. He seemed to do better, as he always had, when he stopped thinking about it so much and simply let his body adjust, but it all still took some getting used to.
The ascent was not long, though, and soon he was landing on the window sill. Had he been thinking less about the camera and more about other matters with regard to his form, he might have been surprised at his own instinctive sense of direction – even though the world looked quite different, he still honed in on exactly where to go with ease.
If he detected any movement he would fly away immediately, as his form could be recognized. He did not, however, see so much as a flicker of a shadow, and so he thought it safe to remain.
A drape covered half the window. This was, Thaddeus reasoned, to be expected – in fact, it was good luck that he was able to see anything at all. After assuring himself that he was unobserved, he flew up to the middle divider of the window, as that would offer a better view through the camera. Before he wasted valuable time hovering at different angles and contorting himself to get every square inch of view, however, he thought to confirm communications with Alfarinn.
[Are you getting this?]
Alfarinn
18 years ago
In answer to Christian's question, Alfarinn sent back a negative. There was no one watching with feelings of anxiety, anticipation, boredom or otherwise. The place appeared to his empathy as deserted as it appeared to his eyesight. There was subterfuge...some people could mask themselves...it would take someone old though. It seemed very unlikely.
Alfarinn and Natt both watched Thaddeus ascend towards the window. His flight had been only slightly less graceful than normal but it would seem that his companion soon got the hang of the matter.
Natt ruffled his feathers in response. -Not easy-
-Hmm, well, why didn't you mention this before?- He half queried the crow while still keeping his eyes on the dove.
-I could do it.-
Thaddeus had reached the window ledge and it was time to turn away. Tearing his gaze away from the white shape above his head was difficult but it appeared that Thaddeus was safe enough for the moment. There were other people to watch him now. It wasn't his job.
-Besides...I fly better than dove-
Alfarinn snorted at Natt's response and crouched down carefully next to Christian. He barely noticed the tightening of the crow's claws on his shoulder as the bird worked to keep his perch.
The camera was showing a dark room. He reached over and clicked the menu options that switched on the camera's night vision settings. Shapes lit up in that odd greenish colour. Dresser, bed, several chairs, a desk... small box on the wall next to the door.
[Yes and there does seem to be a security system unit near the door. Are there any other windows to this apartment that are open enough to see through? ]
Alfarinn pointed to it unnecessarily, and spoke to Christian.
“It would seem who ever owns the place isn't your typical resident of these parts at the very least.”
((OOC: Savage Savant with dashes, Bonding with brackets...please pardon Natt's lack of modesty in his own flying skills. It does not in any way reflect how Alfarinn actually feels in the matter. ))
Alfarinn and Natt both watched Thaddeus ascend towards the window. His flight had been only slightly less graceful than normal but it would seem that his companion soon got the hang of the matter.
Natt ruffled his feathers in response. -Not easy-
-Hmm, well, why didn't you mention this before?- He half queried the crow while still keeping his eyes on the dove.
-I could do it.-
Thaddeus had reached the window ledge and it was time to turn away. Tearing his gaze away from the white shape above his head was difficult but it appeared that Thaddeus was safe enough for the moment. There were other people to watch him now. It wasn't his job.
-Besides...I fly better than dove-
Alfarinn snorted at Natt's response and crouched down carefully next to Christian. He barely noticed the tightening of the crow's claws on his shoulder as the bird worked to keep his perch.
The camera was showing a dark room. He reached over and clicked the menu options that switched on the camera's night vision settings. Shapes lit up in that odd greenish colour. Dresser, bed, several chairs, a desk... small box on the wall next to the door.
[Yes and there does seem to be a security system unit near the door. Are there any other windows to this apartment that are open enough to see through? ]
Alfarinn pointed to it unnecessarily, and spoke to Christian.
“It would seem who ever owns the place isn't your typical resident of these parts at the very least.”
((OOC: Savage Savant with dashes, Bonding with brackets...please pardon Natt's lack of modesty in his own flying skills. It does not in any way reflect how Alfarinn actually feels in the matter. ))
Palmer
18 years ago
The alleyway was hardly peopled at all, though occasionally a group would stroll out of one of the apartment buildings to catch a cab or get to the corner store. No one noticed them – people kept moving in this neighborhood, and didn’t look for things they didn’t want to see.
Keeping part of his attention on the opening to the street, Palmer opened up the dumpsters just to be sure, then prowled around the debris, looking for any sign of trouble. Not finding any, unless a small family of rats counted (which in Thaddeus’s case, it did), he went back to guarding.
Ah ha, here was trouble. A group of kids, late teens early twenties, walking slow and talking loud. Could they possibly display their massive insecurities any louder? Weighing his options, he ultimately decided it was better to encourage them to move on.
His instincts were right, as it turned out – the group seemed inclined to assemble nearby, on the front steps of a store, to continue their posturing. That is, until they turned the way of the alley and saw Palmer, who seemed to be standing just a little taller than usual. He flashed the boys (and one girl, if he wasn’t mistaken) a terrible grin, and that was enough to get them moving right along. What Palmer liked to call his ‘fuck off face’ was a newer ability to him, but it was effective enough to get people to stay away.
Matters being safe for the moment, he looked over his shoulder to what the others were doing. The bird cam was doing its thing and a contemplative quiet had settled over the group, all being focused on their respective tasks. Palmer couldn’t get a good look from where he was standing but he assumed from Alfarinn’s comment that they were learning something at least.
And why did it not surprise him, that Sorin’s apartment was atypical?
Keeping part of his attention on the opening to the street, Palmer opened up the dumpsters just to be sure, then prowled around the debris, looking for any sign of trouble. Not finding any, unless a small family of rats counted (which in Thaddeus’s case, it did), he went back to guarding.
Ah ha, here was trouble. A group of kids, late teens early twenties, walking slow and talking loud. Could they possibly display their massive insecurities any louder? Weighing his options, he ultimately decided it was better to encourage them to move on.
His instincts were right, as it turned out – the group seemed inclined to assemble nearby, on the front steps of a store, to continue their posturing. That is, until they turned the way of the alley and saw Palmer, who seemed to be standing just a little taller than usual. He flashed the boys (and one girl, if he wasn’t mistaken) a terrible grin, and that was enough to get them moving right along. What Palmer liked to call his ‘fuck off face’ was a newer ability to him, but it was effective enough to get people to stay away.
Matters being safe for the moment, he looked over his shoulder to what the others were doing. The bird cam was doing its thing and a contemplative quiet had settled over the group, all being focused on their respective tasks. Palmer couldn’t get a good look from where he was standing but he assumed from Alfarinn’s comment that they were learning something at least.
And why did it not surprise him, that Sorin’s apartment was atypical?
Claire
18 years ago
Claire continued to stay in the background while everyone else was setting up. She was, as she was well aware, the most conspicuous of the bunch of them. Perhaps she should have asked someone for some modern street clothing. It was too late now and it was not like she couldn't just go unnoticed. That, for her, was always an option.
Staying near the wall, Claire blended against it, however; she made certain not to touch the dirty surface unless absolutely necessary. Claire stood far enough away to give Christian room. Leaning over someone like a great Victorian shadow was terribly rude. Still she could see the laptop's screen from where she stood well enough.
Palmer was going through an inspection of the alleyway and Claire found herself approving of the huntsman's thoroughness. He was all business now despite his earlier banter. Thaddeus was turning out to have the most interesting friends. The other Anantya on the ground watched the sparse traffic as it passed by. One group in particular. Claire watched with interest as the young 'toughs' moved hastily onward after just one glance at the vampire. Interesting, very interesting indeed.
It would seem superman had more than toughness in his bag of tricks. Claire smiled and returned her attention to the laptop.
Staying near the wall, Claire blended against it, however; she made certain not to touch the dirty surface unless absolutely necessary. Claire stood far enough away to give Christian room. Leaning over someone like a great Victorian shadow was terribly rude. Still she could see the laptop's screen from where she stood well enough.
Palmer was going through an inspection of the alleyway and Claire found herself approving of the huntsman's thoroughness. He was all business now despite his earlier banter. Thaddeus was turning out to have the most interesting friends. The other Anantya on the ground watched the sparse traffic as it passed by. One group in particular. Claire watched with interest as the young 'toughs' moved hastily onward after just one glance at the vampire. Interesting, very interesting indeed.
It would seem superman had more than toughness in his bag of tricks. Claire smiled and returned her attention to the laptop.
Christian Bern
18 years ago
Christian glanced up once again to take in his surroundings. Alfarrin finally looked away from the dove and headed his way. He figured that letting Thaddeus be put in any kind of danger was difficult for the Evenhet leader. His friend was a protector by nature and had been known to go out on a personal limb of danger for a clan mate rather than see them in harm's way. He was by far the more people oriented of siblings, the one who got involved with the individuals of the clan.
Thaddeus held a place in the Norseman's heart that he could never remember someone having. He wondered how difficult it was for Alfarinn to watch Thaddeus be in the forefront of danger. He'd have to get used to it; there was no way to protect someone else all the time, especially someone who belonged to a different clan.
His gaze drifted to Palmer and he smiled. The Anantya was carefully searching the alleyway for any other signs of life. Christian decided he definitely liked the man. It was too bad that Mr Calhoun wasn't Evenhet; he would have asked him to stay on in Nachton as a part of the security team.
Turning back to the cameras, he watched the scenery light up when Alfarinn switched on the night vision function. Security system located on the wall. It was the first thing he noticed. When Alfarinn pointed it out, he nodded.
“Yes.”
He looked up at Claire. How did her ability work exactly? Her dress had faded with her...so, if she touched something, carried it, would that work? If so she could carry a device to hook into the door lock and open it. It could be tricky though but at least it appeared that no one was home. They would only have to worry about the police. Trouble was explaining how it worked. Somehow he didn't expect the quaintly dressed woman to be familiar with high tech breaking and entering tools.
First things first though, he needed to find out if she could even get it in there.
“Claire, can you take something with you when you...fade? Something about this size.”
He held up his hands to indicate something the size of a palm pilot.
Thaddeus held a place in the Norseman's heart that he could never remember someone having. He wondered how difficult it was for Alfarinn to watch Thaddeus be in the forefront of danger. He'd have to get used to it; there was no way to protect someone else all the time, especially someone who belonged to a different clan.
His gaze drifted to Palmer and he smiled. The Anantya was carefully searching the alleyway for any other signs of life. Christian decided he definitely liked the man. It was too bad that Mr Calhoun wasn't Evenhet; he would have asked him to stay on in Nachton as a part of the security team.
Turning back to the cameras, he watched the scenery light up when Alfarinn switched on the night vision function. Security system located on the wall. It was the first thing he noticed. When Alfarinn pointed it out, he nodded.
“Yes.”
He looked up at Claire. How did her ability work exactly? Her dress had faded with her...so, if she touched something, carried it, would that work? If so she could carry a device to hook into the door lock and open it. It could be tricky though but at least it appeared that no one was home. They would only have to worry about the police. Trouble was explaining how it worked. Somehow he didn't expect the quaintly dressed woman to be familiar with high tech breaking and entering tools.
First things first though, he needed to find out if she could even get it in there.
“Claire, can you take something with you when you...fade? Something about this size.”
He held up his hands to indicate something the size of a palm pilot.
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Thaddeus was not in a good position to see what might be happening down below, and while he had every faith that everything was going as planned and his companions were at the ready, there was an edge of tension to everything he did. He could hope that he would know of any trouble almost immediately through the bond with Alfarinn but what if he didn’t? He could imagine situations where Alfarinn was forced to keep his emotions suppressed, and while he wasn’t sure if sending could be dangerous he supposed that there was the possibility that his lover might be concentrating on other things. Even the knowledge that there were four of them down below did little to ease his worries.
And then there was the frustration of getting a good view – he could barely see inside the apartment and that curtain was blocking half of the dim glimpse he managed. He was quite surprised to hear Alfarinn respond by telling him there was a security system until he realized with a blend of exasperation and dark amusement that of course they could, and not only because it would just figure that people on the ground could see better than him. The camera could likely view in a large range of spectrums and they could adjust the viewer to offer more light. Not to mention they could zoom in and out. Technology really was an amazing thing, when it could make his eyes obsolete. He wasn’t sure whether to be annoyed or simply relieved that the cameras had occurred to first Alfarinn and then Christian.
[I think the window further on belongs to the same apartment; I’ll investigate.]
Before he did that, though, he turned around so he was facing out and carefully panned the view out into the city. At one point he paused, perhaps overly long, then continued on his way.
[Look familiar?]
That one point certainly did to him, and he had a good visual memory. Something went tight in his chest but he ignored the feeling, instead briskly flying out and around to the next window.
This was almost entirely blocked by a curtain, but there was a small gap at the top. He flew up and attempted to look through, but this room was even darker than the previous one; all he could make out were shapes. Giving up on that, he did his best to hover so the camera could get a good look, a difficult and awkward task from which he had to stop and rest twice before he was certain they had seen everything they would be able to see.
[This is the last window – the next belongs to another house. I’m going to come down…unless there’s anything else worth checking out up here?]
In hopes of answering his own question he flew out a ways to look at the roof, then decided to do the thing properly and did a flyover. Then he made his way around the building, getting a good view of the surrounding area, before spiraling back down to where the others were waiting.
And then there was the frustration of getting a good view – he could barely see inside the apartment and that curtain was blocking half of the dim glimpse he managed. He was quite surprised to hear Alfarinn respond by telling him there was a security system until he realized with a blend of exasperation and dark amusement that of course they could, and not only because it would just figure that people on the ground could see better than him. The camera could likely view in a large range of spectrums and they could adjust the viewer to offer more light. Not to mention they could zoom in and out. Technology really was an amazing thing, when it could make his eyes obsolete. He wasn’t sure whether to be annoyed or simply relieved that the cameras had occurred to first Alfarinn and then Christian.
[I think the window further on belongs to the same apartment; I’ll investigate.]
Before he did that, though, he turned around so he was facing out and carefully panned the view out into the city. At one point he paused, perhaps overly long, then continued on his way.
[Look familiar?]
That one point certainly did to him, and he had a good visual memory. Something went tight in his chest but he ignored the feeling, instead briskly flying out and around to the next window.
This was almost entirely blocked by a curtain, but there was a small gap at the top. He flew up and attempted to look through, but this room was even darker than the previous one; all he could make out were shapes. Giving up on that, he did his best to hover so the camera could get a good look, a difficult and awkward task from which he had to stop and rest twice before he was certain they had seen everything they would be able to see.
[This is the last window – the next belongs to another house. I’m going to come down…unless there’s anything else worth checking out up here?]
In hopes of answering his own question he flew out a ways to look at the roof, then decided to do the thing properly and did a flyover. Then he made his way around the building, getting a good view of the surrounding area, before spiraling back down to where the others were waiting.
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn knew that Christian had seen it. Now they just needed it cracked. Looking up at Thaddeus, he smiled faintly. It seemed there was little trouble to be had yet and soon they would all be back together to face any that might arrive in the future.
He quickly looked down again when his companion queried him on the view. Alfarinn peered at the laptop for a moment before replying. Closing his eyes and trying to accurately replay the image impressions he received, Alfarinn sent.
[Yes, it would seem so. What do you think?]
Could he be expecting it to look the same? At this point wasn't he sure they would find Sorin guilty? Alfarinn really didn't know the answer to that but they would not condemn the Roman on his remembrance of an impression. It was oddly comforting. In the past he wanted to know the truth even if he could not prove it enough to comdemn the guilty. Now he wanted there to be some shred of real evidence to show for the risks they were taking. Please, let it all be worth it.
Christian was busy questioning Claire about her ability. Alfarinn mused about the room.
[ It is pretty sparse from what we can see on the screen. It would probably take us going through there. I just hope that if we do find something that its substantial so that we can be sure one way or the other.]
He hoped that made sense to his companion and that Thaddeus didn't believe he wanted Sorin to be found guilty. That was strangely not the case anymore; as much as he personally disliked the man, he really hoped that he was innocent because there were those that cared about the wretched bastard who would be devastated by such an outcome.
The next window did not show him anything of interest. He was beginning to wonder if they were putting their necks and their friend's necks on the line for nothing. Alfarinn shoved that worry aside the best that he could. There was no use in dwelling on it until they had exhausted their search or were caught.
[ Alright. I don't think so. ]
He watched with a stab of anxiety as the dove fly up higher and further away. Though even then he could not fail to notice that Thaddeus did look graceful in the air. He watched the blur of white as it circled and returned,feeling better the closer his Beloved got.
He quickly looked down again when his companion queried him on the view. Alfarinn peered at the laptop for a moment before replying. Closing his eyes and trying to accurately replay the image impressions he received, Alfarinn sent.
[Yes, it would seem so. What do you think?]
Could he be expecting it to look the same? At this point wasn't he sure they would find Sorin guilty? Alfarinn really didn't know the answer to that but they would not condemn the Roman on his remembrance of an impression. It was oddly comforting. In the past he wanted to know the truth even if he could not prove it enough to comdemn the guilty. Now he wanted there to be some shred of real evidence to show for the risks they were taking. Please, let it all be worth it.
Christian was busy questioning Claire about her ability. Alfarinn mused about the room.
[ It is pretty sparse from what we can see on the screen. It would probably take us going through there. I just hope that if we do find something that its substantial so that we can be sure one way or the other.]
He hoped that made sense to his companion and that Thaddeus didn't believe he wanted Sorin to be found guilty. That was strangely not the case anymore; as much as he personally disliked the man, he really hoped that he was innocent because there were those that cared about the wretched bastard who would be devastated by such an outcome.
The next window did not show him anything of interest. He was beginning to wonder if they were putting their necks and their friend's necks on the line for nothing. Alfarinn shoved that worry aside the best that he could. There was no use in dwelling on it until they had exhausted their search or were caught.
[ Alright. I don't think so. ]
He watched with a stab of anxiety as the dove fly up higher and further away. Though even then he could not fail to notice that Thaddeus did look graceful in the air. He watched the blur of white as it circled and returned,feeling better the closer his Beloved got.
Palmer
18 years ago
Palmer kept one ear on the conversation while the rest of him focused on keeping watch. The average person just getting from point A to point B wasn’t generally inclined to go looking down dark alleys, and because one end was fenced off this would make a poor shortcut. All that didn’t make it any safer for them, though – in fact, in some ways it was more dangerous because the only people who would come down here were the types who were up to something.
Just like them.
The people surrounding the laptop were talking strategy and Palmer wondered if there was anything he could do to help. Really, though, he thought he had described his abilities fairly well to the team – what you see is what you get, pretty much. He could take a punch and he could give as good as he got. There were really no new insights to add. Breaking and entering…well, that would be all Claire. When he thought about it, he realized this was a well assembled group with a good mix of skills – shame a couple were from the wrong clan.
He turned his head and registered the blur of white that meant Thaddeus was returning. A thought that sounded suspiciously like ‘showoff’ entered his mind and fled just as quickly, leaving only a little tinge of green behind.
Just like them.
The people surrounding the laptop were talking strategy and Palmer wondered if there was anything he could do to help. Really, though, he thought he had described his abilities fairly well to the team – what you see is what you get, pretty much. He could take a punch and he could give as good as he got. There were really no new insights to add. Breaking and entering…well, that would be all Claire. When he thought about it, he realized this was a well assembled group with a good mix of skills – shame a couple were from the wrong clan.
He turned his head and registered the blur of white that meant Thaddeus was returning. A thought that sounded suspiciously like ‘showoff’ entered his mind and fled just as quickly, leaving only a little tinge of green behind.
Claire
18 years ago
Claire watched the screen and noticed the little box that Alfarinn pointed to. It would be no difficulties getting into the suite. The problem would be allowing the others access. She could hope that the security system was for show and not actually armed. However, it was a dim and feeble hope.
The other possibility would be that she could think of what Sorin might use for a passcode but she would probably only have so many chances to get that right. Somewhat startled out of her thoughts by the returning of Thaddeus into the alleyway, she almost missed Christian's question.
"Pardon? Oh, It is only that which is touching me or surrounding me and it seems that complexity is also of importance, that and weight. I can take small objects if I hold them but I cannot take another person or even an animal."Â?
She looked at the size that he indicated.
Oh, well then so long as its not a miniature poodle then I should be fine."Â?
The other possibility would be that she could think of what Sorin might use for a passcode but she would probably only have so many chances to get that right. Somewhat startled out of her thoughts by the returning of Thaddeus into the alleyway, she almost missed Christian's question.
"Pardon? Oh, It is only that which is touching me or surrounding me and it seems that complexity is also of importance, that and weight. I can take small objects if I hold them but I cannot take another person or even an animal."Â?
She looked at the size that he indicated.
Oh, well then so long as its not a miniature poodle then I should be fine."Â?
Christian Bern
18 years ago
He had turned slightly and the arrival of Thaddeus was only noticed as a rush of air and the flapping of wings. Alfarinn had looked up though and could be counted on to be watching the Anantya intently and even though Palmer was watching the streets; there was no doubt he noticed as well.
All in all they had a very workable team. It was rather surprising for a group that was just formed within the hour. Alfarinn and Thaddeus seemed to know their friends well and their friends all seemed to know their jobs.
Claire explained her ability and its limitations. He nodded in understanding and went back to the van. Bringing back the small device and a small pin on camera, Christian explained his plan.
“This will allow you to open the door.” He held up the box with its wires and the handed it to her. “And this will allow us to see the box and guide you on how to use it. I will be able to communicate with you if you allow it. Or I can go back and get a couple of mics if you prefer.”
He probably should just go back and get the small mics and ear pieces. It was not like they were not conspicuous enough as it is all standing in this street. Mumbling at his pc and explaining wires would be not much more noticable.
All in all they had a very workable team. It was rather surprising for a group that was just formed within the hour. Alfarinn and Thaddeus seemed to know their friends well and their friends all seemed to know their jobs.
Claire explained her ability and its limitations. He nodded in understanding and went back to the van. Bringing back the small device and a small pin on camera, Christian explained his plan.
“This will allow you to open the door.” He held up the box with its wires and the handed it to her. “And this will allow us to see the box and guide you on how to use it. I will be able to communicate with you if you allow it. Or I can go back and get a couple of mics if you prefer.”
He probably should just go back and get the small mics and ear pieces. It was not like they were not conspicuous enough as it is all standing in this street. Mumbling at his pc and explaining wires would be not much more noticable.
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Thaddeus tried to contain his pessimism when Alfarinn asked his opinion on the view, thinking that it just wasn’t helpful to let that recognition embed itself so deeply in his mind that he started jumping at shadows, which, admit it or not, he was prone to do anyway. His answer was contained, academic.
[Yes. Even if we hadn’t known this was Sorin’s apartment, we would have investigated.]
It wasn’t like that was justification and really, it didn’t make him feel better at all. He was, however, glad that Alfarinn had thought to keep him informed while he was in the air – that was both practical and considerate, and so like him, really. Even if he wasn’t optimistic about resolution, he could, along with Alfarinn, hope for something unequivocal.
[I suppose we have our next step then.]
He landed with what grace he could manage onto Alfarinn’s shoulder, then immediately fluttered down to one hand. Carefully, he twisted around to release the catch on the camera with his beak, aware that he probably looked in a rush to get the thing off his leg. It took some bending about, and while in this form it was more natural to use his mouth as a tool he still wasn’t all that comfortable with the idea. In any case, he managed the device with only these minor difficulties, then puffed up his feathers before taking flight once more.
It was always slightly more physically difficult, and slower, to turn from bird to human, though mentally it was actually easier. There was no need to trick his mind into believing he needed to be a human, as he did when he wanted to be a dove – he was much more able to exert his will. Why it didn’t work the same both ways Thaddeus didn’t quite understand, though he assumed he simply had to appeal to the dove and the human in different ways – however nonsensical that sounded to his logical mind.
One thing he had not, unfortunately, quite mastered was how to end up standing at the end of the change. His center of gravity was simply altered too much, he supposed. In any case, when he transformed he generally ended up crouched, feet far apart, with one hand splayed in front of him for balance. Not exactly dignified.
He got up quickly and brushed his gloved hands together, his shoulders coming up in a gesture that was not entirely unlike the feather puffing of a moment ago.
Looking to Palmer, it seemed the huntsman had things well in hand – Thaddeus knew his friend would let them know if they needed to move on right away and so his feelings of nervousness and exposure were somewhat quelled. Christian and Claire seemed to be discussing communications, though he had missed part of that discussion and didn’t want to slow down planning just so he could be brought up to speed on things he may not even need to know. Instead, he looked to Alfarinn, raising his eyebrows to punctuate their recent exchange.
[Yes. Even if we hadn’t known this was Sorin’s apartment, we would have investigated.]
It wasn’t like that was justification and really, it didn’t make him feel better at all. He was, however, glad that Alfarinn had thought to keep him informed while he was in the air – that was both practical and considerate, and so like him, really. Even if he wasn’t optimistic about resolution, he could, along with Alfarinn, hope for something unequivocal.
[I suppose we have our next step then.]
He landed with what grace he could manage onto Alfarinn’s shoulder, then immediately fluttered down to one hand. Carefully, he twisted around to release the catch on the camera with his beak, aware that he probably looked in a rush to get the thing off his leg. It took some bending about, and while in this form it was more natural to use his mouth as a tool he still wasn’t all that comfortable with the idea. In any case, he managed the device with only these minor difficulties, then puffed up his feathers before taking flight once more.
It was always slightly more physically difficult, and slower, to turn from bird to human, though mentally it was actually easier. There was no need to trick his mind into believing he needed to be a human, as he did when he wanted to be a dove – he was much more able to exert his will. Why it didn’t work the same both ways Thaddeus didn’t quite understand, though he assumed he simply had to appeal to the dove and the human in different ways – however nonsensical that sounded to his logical mind.
One thing he had not, unfortunately, quite mastered was how to end up standing at the end of the change. His center of gravity was simply altered too much, he supposed. In any case, when he transformed he generally ended up crouched, feet far apart, with one hand splayed in front of him for balance. Not exactly dignified.
He got up quickly and brushed his gloved hands together, his shoulders coming up in a gesture that was not entirely unlike the feather puffing of a moment ago.
Looking to Palmer, it seemed the huntsman had things well in hand – Thaddeus knew his friend would let them know if they needed to move on right away and so his feelings of nervousness and exposure were somewhat quelled. Christian and Claire seemed to be discussing communications, though he had missed part of that discussion and didn’t want to slow down planning just so he could be brought up to speed on things he may not even need to know. Instead, he looked to Alfarinn, raising his eyebrows to punctuate their recent exchange.
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn felt a sense of relief as Thaddeus agreed that,at the very least, the place looked close enough to their vision to warrant further investigation. He knew this was difficult on his companion; it was a slow realization with ever mounting evidence that the mentor you admired was not who he pretended to be. Not at all.
[It would seem so]
Turning to look at the dove on his shoulder, Alfarinn attempted to focus on the white shape that was close enough to brush his cheek. He reached up to undo the clasp but Thaddeus had already bent around to grasp it himself. Soft feathers brushed against his ear as his companion fought to grasp the device. It unlatched soon enough and he held up a hand to take it before it could fall.
Natt was watching the procedure with interest. -Come off? You want it come off?-
-Yes, he's done now. It can come off-
-Natt try!-
-Next time- Alfarinn chuckled at the crow and then turned to watch Thaddeus change forms. It was so amazing to know that a person in front of you could look so very different. He never grew tired of watching it happen...or at least attempting to watch it.
[That is awe inspiring every time I see it.]
He slid an arm around Thaddeus' waist when he came to stand beside him. Despite finding transformation and the ability to fly wondrous, Alfarinn still felt far more comfortable to have his normally shaped lover standing next to him.
[I believe the plan is for Claire to take a look at the inside and then Christian is going to tell her how to open the lock. The security is going to be a problem though. ]
It was possible that one of them might be able to catch the password via psychometry once the door was opened. They would have to be quick and there was no guarantee that they would be able to get that image...and in time.
[We should probably be reading to try to feel the box once she opens the door.]
[It would seem so]
Turning to look at the dove on his shoulder, Alfarinn attempted to focus on the white shape that was close enough to brush his cheek. He reached up to undo the clasp but Thaddeus had already bent around to grasp it himself. Soft feathers brushed against his ear as his companion fought to grasp the device. It unlatched soon enough and he held up a hand to take it before it could fall.
Natt was watching the procedure with interest. -Come off? You want it come off?-
-Yes, he's done now. It can come off-
-Natt try!-
-Next time- Alfarinn chuckled at the crow and then turned to watch Thaddeus change forms. It was so amazing to know that a person in front of you could look so very different. He never grew tired of watching it happen...or at least attempting to watch it.
[That is awe inspiring every time I see it.]
He slid an arm around Thaddeus' waist when he came to stand beside him. Despite finding transformation and the ability to fly wondrous, Alfarinn still felt far more comfortable to have his normally shaped lover standing next to him.
[I believe the plan is for Claire to take a look at the inside and then Christian is going to tell her how to open the lock. The security is going to be a problem though. ]
It was possible that one of them might be able to catch the password via psychometry once the door was opened. They would have to be quick and there was no guarantee that they would be able to get that image...and in time.
[We should probably be reading to try to feel the box once she opens the door.]
Palmer
18 years ago
It seemed matters were being worked out between Claire and Christian as far as the initial break in went, and now that Thaddeus was back there was no reason to hang around in the alley. Palmer considered their options for a moment – would they be better off continuing their discussion and planning out here or elsewhere? He didn’t want to drag anyone out of the frying pan and into the fire, as it were, but this really wasn’t the ideal place to linger longer than necessary.
Thaddeus changed back with much greater ease than the last time he saw him, though he still ended up sort of on the ground. Or maybe he did that on purpose to look cool; Palmer didn’t think so though. There were a lot of words to describe his friend but ‘cool’ wasn’t usually one of them. In any event that effectively killed his thoughts of suggesting Thaddeus stay as he was until they figured out what they wanted. No matter – there was probably no more use for a dove in their party anyway.
He returned his gaze to the street while Christian and Claire worked and Thaddeus and Alfarinn cuddled. Alright, so they were probably being useful too, but really, it wasn’t like Thaddeus had just run through a war zone – he’d risked the wrath of angry cats and had flown around looking pretty for a few minutes was all.
It was time to get this show on the road. Christian seemed to be thinking along the lines of going back to the car first, but either way now was a good time to step out of the alleyway and go –somewhere-. The street was clear and quiet, less likely that their exit would be noticed now.
“We should go then.”
He started to lead the way out, then looked over his shoulder and beamed a smile.
“Welcome back Grey.”
No reason to be a jerk after all – he was glad to see his friend back to his old self too.
Thaddeus changed back with much greater ease than the last time he saw him, though he still ended up sort of on the ground. Or maybe he did that on purpose to look cool; Palmer didn’t think so though. There were a lot of words to describe his friend but ‘cool’ wasn’t usually one of them. In any event that effectively killed his thoughts of suggesting Thaddeus stay as he was until they figured out what they wanted. No matter – there was probably no more use for a dove in their party anyway.
He returned his gaze to the street while Christian and Claire worked and Thaddeus and Alfarinn cuddled. Alright, so they were probably being useful too, but really, it wasn’t like Thaddeus had just run through a war zone – he’d risked the wrath of angry cats and had flown around looking pretty for a few minutes was all.
It was time to get this show on the road. Christian seemed to be thinking along the lines of going back to the car first, but either way now was a good time to step out of the alleyway and go –somewhere-. The street was clear and quiet, less likely that their exit would be noticed now.
“We should go then.”
He started to lead the way out, then looked over his shoulder and beamed a smile.
“Welcome back Grey.”
No reason to be a jerk after all – he was glad to see his friend back to his old self too.
Claire
18 years ago
Claire considered the device that Christian held out. It should not be difficult for her to carry. Nodding in understanding, she carefully picked up the item and held it close, crossing her hands over it and tucking it like a book beneath them. She was not illiterate of technology despite what her preferred dress might lead one to surmise but Claire did hold a wary appreciation for new electronic things.
She came from an age where things, even new inventions, were understood in time. Most equipment, little of it that there was, had moving parts that you could see and comprehend. These days she was no more in the dark about her cell phone than most humans. One would do just as well to call it magic. Press these buttons in this order and you could speak to people across the globe.
Christian would talk her through how to use this new thing and all she had to worry about was not being seen. For that part of the job, Claire was particularly well suited.
She smiled shyly at the others, realizing that it was no longer Thaddeus' time in the spotlight but her own.
"I will just go and... take that look around now."Â?
Regarding the apartment for a long moment, Claire found there was a problem. She would either have to go into the apartment complex now or use the fire escape. The wrought iron contraption was the lesser of two evils but she would not be able to reach the pull down ladder without jumping up and catching it with both hands.
Going to stand underneath, Claire looked at the first rung and then over at the group of people waiting.
"Mr Calhoun, Might I ask for your assistance?"Â?
She came from an age where things, even new inventions, were understood in time. Most equipment, little of it that there was, had moving parts that you could see and comprehend. These days she was no more in the dark about her cell phone than most humans. One would do just as well to call it magic. Press these buttons in this order and you could speak to people across the globe.
Christian would talk her through how to use this new thing and all she had to worry about was not being seen. For that part of the job, Claire was particularly well suited.
She smiled shyly at the others, realizing that it was no longer Thaddeus' time in the spotlight but her own.
"I will just go and... take that look around now."Â?
Regarding the apartment for a long moment, Claire found there was a problem. She would either have to go into the apartment complex now or use the fire escape. The wrought iron contraption was the lesser of two evils but she would not be able to reach the pull down ladder without jumping up and catching it with both hands.
Going to stand underneath, Claire looked at the first rung and then over at the group of people waiting.
"Mr Calhoun, Might I ask for your assistance?"Â?
Palmer
18 years ago
Palmer looked over his shoulder when the group didn’t seem to be following, only to crack a grin when he realized Claire was considering the fire escape. –And- she had asked for his help. Not the cool blondes. Him.
Yeah. He had some game.
Though it might have been easier to have Thaddeus fly up. While he could force the ladder down from below, it would involve a lot of noise and he’d probably break the catch. Instead, he gave an elaborate bow before turning to regard the lowest rung.
“Not a problem at all, my lady.”
Feeling rather gallant, he jumped up to catch the bottom rung, climbing up the first few rungs hand over hand before swinging to use his feet. He looked pretty damn impressive, he was sure - wirey and agile, moving like quicksilver up the ladder. He made it to the landing easily and let go of the ladder, flipping himself neatly over the ledge and landing silently on the other side. With a light grin, he paused before leaning over and releasing the catch on the ladder.
He’d practiced that move.
He held onto the top rung as long as he could in the hopes of staying quiet, but eventually had to release it completely and hope for the best. His task done, he vaulted over the ledge and landed neatly on the asphalt below, his legs bending to absorb the impact. Smiling, he gestured to the ladder and gave Claire a slightly less elaborate nod.
“Your ladder awaits.”
/ooc OMG ham!
Yeah. He had some game.
Though it might have been easier to have Thaddeus fly up. While he could force the ladder down from below, it would involve a lot of noise and he’d probably break the catch. Instead, he gave an elaborate bow before turning to regard the lowest rung.
“Not a problem at all, my lady.”
Feeling rather gallant, he jumped up to catch the bottom rung, climbing up the first few rungs hand over hand before swinging to use his feet. He looked pretty damn impressive, he was sure - wirey and agile, moving like quicksilver up the ladder. He made it to the landing easily and let go of the ladder, flipping himself neatly over the ledge and landing silently on the other side. With a light grin, he paused before leaning over and releasing the catch on the ladder.
He’d practiced that move.
He held onto the top rung as long as he could in the hopes of staying quiet, but eventually had to release it completely and hope for the best. His task done, he vaulted over the ledge and landed neatly on the asphalt below, his legs bending to absorb the impact. Smiling, he gestured to the ladder and gave Claire a slightly less elaborate nod.
“Your ladder awaits.”
/ooc OMG ham!
Claire
18 years ago
Claire watched as Palmer swung himself up the fire escape with practiced ease. He was as graceful as a panther and she found herself idly wondering whether he had just such a form; a shifter like Thaddeus but a hunter. It would suit him or so it seemed to her.
She blushed and coughed slightly when he had once more brought his attention back to her. Oh yes, back to business. Claire made her way carefully up the ladder but came to a halt before reaching the first window. Here, she concentrated on being one with her surroundings and felt herself become more a part of them. That was how blending worked for her; she made herself small and unnoticeable as she had done all her life.
Once she had reached the correct floor, Claire touched the wall, placing both hands on its rough brick surface. Closing her eyes, she began to slowly seep into it. She had to know that there was another side coming up quickly and had to go by feel, telling herself that it would end shortly; otherwise the feeling of being smothered by the brick was too great and she found that she had trouble controlling her form. Ironic that she would, in fear, choose a more solid form than the one that would most help her out of such a situation but human habits were hard to break.
The wall passed quickly enough and once she no longer felt its surface brushing her consciousness, Claire opened her eyes. The room was sparsely furnished. She suspected by its cheap make and shabby condition that it might have been in the room prior to the apartment being purchased. There was no one in this room, no traps that lay in wait that she could detect.
Moving on to the bedroom, Claire found this room equally barren of very many personal details. There was a box on the dresser who's quality looked more befitting Sorin's taste but that was hardly conclusive. The bed was a old brass frame that appeared to be one night shy of complete collapse. She moved over to stand beside it. The sheets were pristine, new and luxurious. That was more telling, Claire sighed; her sire would never have deigned to sleep on threadbare linen that had been previously used by the heavens only knew who else.
She mechanically checked the closets, bathroom and kitchen and then moved to the door. The small white box on the wall looked very harmless with its little glowing green light that said everything was on and secure.
"I'm here."Â?
No doubt the camera showed that all just fine.
She blushed and coughed slightly when he had once more brought his attention back to her. Oh yes, back to business. Claire made her way carefully up the ladder but came to a halt before reaching the first window. Here, she concentrated on being one with her surroundings and felt herself become more a part of them. That was how blending worked for her; she made herself small and unnoticeable as she had done all her life.
Once she had reached the correct floor, Claire touched the wall, placing both hands on its rough brick surface. Closing her eyes, she began to slowly seep into it. She had to know that there was another side coming up quickly and had to go by feel, telling herself that it would end shortly; otherwise the feeling of being smothered by the brick was too great and she found that she had trouble controlling her form. Ironic that she would, in fear, choose a more solid form than the one that would most help her out of such a situation but human habits were hard to break.
The wall passed quickly enough and once she no longer felt its surface brushing her consciousness, Claire opened her eyes. The room was sparsely furnished. She suspected by its cheap make and shabby condition that it might have been in the room prior to the apartment being purchased. There was no one in this room, no traps that lay in wait that she could detect.
Moving on to the bedroom, Claire found this room equally barren of very many personal details. There was a box on the dresser who's quality looked more befitting Sorin's taste but that was hardly conclusive. The bed was a old brass frame that appeared to be one night shy of complete collapse. She moved over to stand beside it. The sheets were pristine, new and luxurious. That was more telling, Claire sighed; her sire would never have deigned to sleep on threadbare linen that had been previously used by the heavens only knew who else.
She mechanically checked the closets, bathroom and kitchen and then moved to the door. The small white box on the wall looked very harmless with its little glowing green light that said everything was on and secure.
"I'm here."Â?
No doubt the camera showed that all just fine.