Christian nodded once when it appeared that Claire could indeed carry the device and then paused to pick up the laptop. He could make certain that the camera was working from the vehicle.
The flapping of wings alerted him to the fact that Thaddeus was back safely and when he looked up once more the Anantya was in the act of righting himself. He noted that Alfarinn had reached out to put a protective arm around the other blonde but Christian did not linger very long on the unusual sight of his elder being so personally concerned.
Palmer was headed towards the car, and Christian stood, computer in hand, to follow him when Claire requested assistance with the fire escape. He did not wait to watch the task being undertaken but nodded to the other man as he passed him and headed towards the van.
It was not that Alfarinn was not a caring person, far from it. Christian would surmise that the Norse elder of Evenhet was one of the most caring people he knew. The difference was that Thaddeus was not a cause, not someone to be protected because he was incapable, or a 'project' as Christian had come to consider some of the man's friends., that Alfarinn could help and distance himself from somehow at the same time.
Thaddeus was very different and though he had only seen them together on several brief occasions; it was easy to tell from Alfarinn's manner that his friend was more connected to the Anantya, truly and personally, than he had seen him be towards anyone save his sister. Alfarinn was actually in love.
Christian wondered wryly what the man's teenaged entourage would think of this development.
Climbing into the van, he sat the laptop down on the small ledge and took a seat in front of it. He clicked on the camera software and found the feed for Claire's camera. Frowning at the blank screen, Christian clicked it off and then on again. This time after a moment there was a visual. Claire was walking towards the door, solid once more. He guessed electronics did not work well while being in some state that was not quite matter.
He heard her quiet statement and sent to her in response.
[Alright., the model is an ADT so use the setting button that is the second on the bottom. Hold it high enough so that it can send to the sensor. When the light starts blinking on the box then you can quickly open the door to let the others in. They won't have much time to get in before the motion detectors are active again so you will have to be quick. ]
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.
Christian Bern
18 years ago
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Thaddeus couldn’t exactly articulate his reasons for appreciating Alfarinn’s demeanor, but he felt that appreciation stronger than ever as his lover remained measured while they discussed their current task. This wasn’t just any mission; there was no way this could be described as anything but personal. Even so, the professionalism all around was grounding.
Back in his human form, though, he was not about to object to Alfarinn’s arm around him – on the contrary, he leaned into the touch and briefly pressed his cheek to his lover’s shoulder, assuring himself that the contact was perfectly within the bounds of decorum.
And who would care if it wasn’t?
He was a bit surprised by Alfarinn’s comment, and regarded him with a touch of a smirk. He certainly didn’t –feel- awe inspiring; hell, he didn’t even feel –dignified-, ending up crouched on the ground like that.
[Perhaps I should do it more often – impress and intimidate the young nightsmen.]
The joke was sent a little too dryly – though he’d intended to lighten the mood he supposed his heart wasn’t really in it. He leaned a little more of his weight and slipped an arm around Alfarinn’s waist in return.
Alfarinn explained the plan and for all appearances the others seemed to be carrying it out. Palmer, who seemed in a hurry, started to head off but, surprisingly, turned back. Thaddeus gave him a ‘what’s wrong with you’ look, confused, but as always remembered his manners.
“…Thank you.”
Wondering what was going through his friend’s head, he repressed a shrug and turned to see Christian heading out of the alley. His gaze snapped back to Palmer, who was currently engaged in a very elaborate ladder climb. Hopefully Christian would be alright on his own, though Thaddeus imagined one didn’t get to be security chief of Evenhet by not taking care of himself.
It wasn’t until Alfarinn mentioned their task that he realized he had been watching rather mutely as Palmer made his way up. Well, even if his friend was rather showy, that didn’t make his ability any less impressive. While his own grace and balance was considerable, it did not extend beyond human capacity – vampiric agility was something else altogether.
[Yes, let’s. We’re feeling for what exactly? Some sort of access code?]
He waited until Claire reached the top before turning to Palmer, who would, he assumed, join Christian while they waited at the front door.
“Shall we then?”
That said, he led the way out of the alleyway, heading for the front entrance of the building. While it might be less risky to go in through the fire escape, it would also mean expending valuable time in getting to the box they were meant to sense.
Back in his human form, though, he was not about to object to Alfarinn’s arm around him – on the contrary, he leaned into the touch and briefly pressed his cheek to his lover’s shoulder, assuring himself that the contact was perfectly within the bounds of decorum.
And who would care if it wasn’t?
He was a bit surprised by Alfarinn’s comment, and regarded him with a touch of a smirk. He certainly didn’t –feel- awe inspiring; hell, he didn’t even feel –dignified-, ending up crouched on the ground like that.
[Perhaps I should do it more often – impress and intimidate the young nightsmen.]
The joke was sent a little too dryly – though he’d intended to lighten the mood he supposed his heart wasn’t really in it. He leaned a little more of his weight and slipped an arm around Alfarinn’s waist in return.
Alfarinn explained the plan and for all appearances the others seemed to be carrying it out. Palmer, who seemed in a hurry, started to head off but, surprisingly, turned back. Thaddeus gave him a ‘what’s wrong with you’ look, confused, but as always remembered his manners.
“…Thank you.”
Wondering what was going through his friend’s head, he repressed a shrug and turned to see Christian heading out of the alley. His gaze snapped back to Palmer, who was currently engaged in a very elaborate ladder climb. Hopefully Christian would be alright on his own, though Thaddeus imagined one didn’t get to be security chief of Evenhet by not taking care of himself.
It wasn’t until Alfarinn mentioned their task that he realized he had been watching rather mutely as Palmer made his way up. Well, even if his friend was rather showy, that didn’t make his ability any less impressive. While his own grace and balance was considerable, it did not extend beyond human capacity – vampiric agility was something else altogether.
[Yes, let’s. We’re feeling for what exactly? Some sort of access code?]
He waited until Claire reached the top before turning to Palmer, who would, he assumed, join Christian while they waited at the front door.
“Shall we then?”
That said, he led the way out of the alleyway, heading for the front entrance of the building. While it might be less risky to go in through the fire escape, it would also mean expending valuable time in getting to the box they were meant to sense.
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn watched Christian pick up the laptop as Palmer headed towards them. He was feeling for more comfortable about the situation now that Thaddeus had returned unharmed and a preliminary search of the apartment showed no signs of an awaiting ambush or tricky homemade booby traps.
Now all they had to deal with was getting in.
He gave Thaddeus a smile and a return hug as his companion's arm slid around his waist. They had become so comfortable together so quickly. It seemed so long ago now the times when he would worry that Thaddeus would not ever be demonstrative of his affections either publicly or privately. It was positively ages ago that he had worried that Thaddeus might not even feel as much for him as he had so rapidly come to feel for the Anantya. Yet it had only been months.
It was hard to imagine his lover working his way through this search alone. Not because he couldn't see Thaddeus tediously taking apart the clues that he found one tiny piece at a time, or having the strength to face the realities of the murderer being his brother or his mentor being involved because he knew that Thaddeus could get through all of that, without him. A self indulgent part of himself believed that he offered comfort and support but Alfarinn believed the best thing that he brought Thaddeus was a new beginning.
His companion reaffirmed Alfarinn's belief in his inner strength with his humor that he sent through the bond between them. Alfarinn wondered if Thaddeus sent such light comments in order to reassure him. It seemed to him highly likely and he would have to admit that they were indeed soothing.
[ I am not sure young clan mates deserve the honor of seeing such wonders but I will admit that it would impress... even ancient non Nightsmen.]
Alfarinn had been so caught up in their inner conversation and his earlier pondering that he had not taken full note of Christian and Palmer heading away. He looked up when Claire called to the other Anantya and watched as Palmer climbed the fire escape with the ease of a agile child on a jungle gym. The man made the whole task look absolutely practiced, flawless...effortless.
And then Palmer was once more and the ground and Claire was a figure barely there, something felt but not seen. Alfarinn sensed her tension at the wall and her relief as she passed through it. To him, it seemed to be an old fear that she had a great deal of experience coping with.
Thaddeus spoke and brought his attention back to their purpose. He acknowledged Palmer with a small nod before replying.
“Yes, before Christian starts sending me messages.”
The Security Chief was not entirely as domineering as many of the jokes about him suggested but it was, a perhaps feeble, attempt to be somewhat light hearted in return just in case it helped Thaddeus as much as it did him.
They would need to move up to the apartment. It was entirely possible that they could do that without being noticed at all but they would do better to appear casual than to appear to be sneaking since neither of them quite had Claire's ability to go unseen.
Alfarinn opened the door for his companion, and said for the benefit of anyone who might happen to be listening.
“Let's see if he's in then.”
((OOC: Sensing with permission))
Now all they had to deal with was getting in.
He gave Thaddeus a smile and a return hug as his companion's arm slid around his waist. They had become so comfortable together so quickly. It seemed so long ago now the times when he would worry that Thaddeus would not ever be demonstrative of his affections either publicly or privately. It was positively ages ago that he had worried that Thaddeus might not even feel as much for him as he had so rapidly come to feel for the Anantya. Yet it had only been months.
It was hard to imagine his lover working his way through this search alone. Not because he couldn't see Thaddeus tediously taking apart the clues that he found one tiny piece at a time, or having the strength to face the realities of the murderer being his brother or his mentor being involved because he knew that Thaddeus could get through all of that, without him. A self indulgent part of himself believed that he offered comfort and support but Alfarinn believed the best thing that he brought Thaddeus was a new beginning.
His companion reaffirmed Alfarinn's belief in his inner strength with his humor that he sent through the bond between them. Alfarinn wondered if Thaddeus sent such light comments in order to reassure him. It seemed to him highly likely and he would have to admit that they were indeed soothing.
[ I am not sure young clan mates deserve the honor of seeing such wonders but I will admit that it would impress... even ancient non Nightsmen.]
Alfarinn had been so caught up in their inner conversation and his earlier pondering that he had not taken full note of Christian and Palmer heading away. He looked up when Claire called to the other Anantya and watched as Palmer climbed the fire escape with the ease of a agile child on a jungle gym. The man made the whole task look absolutely practiced, flawless...effortless.
And then Palmer was once more and the ground and Claire was a figure barely there, something felt but not seen. Alfarinn sensed her tension at the wall and her relief as she passed through it. To him, it seemed to be an old fear that she had a great deal of experience coping with.
Thaddeus spoke and brought his attention back to their purpose. He acknowledged Palmer with a small nod before replying.
“Yes, before Christian starts sending me messages.”
The Security Chief was not entirely as domineering as many of the jokes about him suggested but it was, a perhaps feeble, attempt to be somewhat light hearted in return just in case it helped Thaddeus as much as it did him.
They would need to move up to the apartment. It was entirely possible that they could do that without being noticed at all but they would do better to appear casual than to appear to be sneaking since neither of them quite had Claire's ability to go unseen.
Alfarinn opened the door for his companion, and said for the benefit of anyone who might happen to be listening.
“Let's see if he's in then.”
((OOC: Sensing with permission))
Palmer
18 years ago
Palmer watched for a moment as Claire made her way up the ladder, then realized it probably looked like he was trying to peer up her dress from where he was standing. Ladders and dresses...what a lovely combination. Of course, he was a gentleman, and so he backed off, going to join Thaddeus and Alfarinn for the moment. He wanted to get to Christian, who had gone on ahead to the car, but felt it prudent to get everyone to their respective stations first. Go where he was most useful, and all.
Claire sort of evaporated and disappeared, presumably into the wall though it was hard to tell, and Thaddeus and Alfarinn set off to head through the front doors. He stepped out of the alleyway first but then made a sweeping gesture to indicate they should go ahead. After watching the two blondes head through the front entrance, he made his way to the van, the door of which he opened and rolled to one side.
"Just me,"Â? he said as he got in and swung the door shut behind him. "Thaddeus and Alfarinn are inside the building."Â? He nodded to the screen. "So that's what we're dealing with."Â?
Claire sort of evaporated and disappeared, presumably into the wall though it was hard to tell, and Thaddeus and Alfarinn set off to head through the front doors. He stepped out of the alleyway first but then made a sweeping gesture to indicate they should go ahead. After watching the two blondes head through the front entrance, he made his way to the van, the door of which he opened and rolled to one side.
"Just me,"Â? he said as he got in and swung the door shut behind him. "Thaddeus and Alfarinn are inside the building."Â? He nodded to the screen. "So that's what we're dealing with."Â?
Claire
18 years ago
Claire looked at the device in her hand and then back at the box with a dubious expression that was thankfully hidden from view of the camera that was pinned to her lapel. She located the button easily enough and she could see the sensor that she was supposed to point the thing at and the little light on the wall that she was supposed to watch.
It was just that she didn't know precisely what it would be doing and that was disconcerting. How much time would they have? Was it variable? What if it didn't work? What if she held it wrong? Christian seemed to think she was capable and certainly he would give her all the instruction that she required.
Taking a deep breath and holding the small object up to the sensor, She said.
"Tell me when."Â?
It was just that she didn't know precisely what it would be doing and that was disconcerting. How much time would they have? Was it variable? What if it didn't work? What if she held it wrong? Christian seemed to think she was capable and certainly he would give her all the instruction that she required.
Taking a deep breath and holding the small object up to the sensor, She said.
"Tell me when."Â?
Christian Bern
18 years ago
Christian could see Palmer making certain that the alleyway was clear before giving Alfarinn and Thaddeus the go ahead from one of the vehicles side cameras that was displayed in black and white on a tiny screen next to him. The Anantya then headed towards the van.
He smiled when Palmer announced his presence before stepping into the van. There was a man who knew that friendly fire happened. It was nice to know, that even though these were not a part of his normal team the people, that Alfarinn and Thaddeus assembled all knew their jobs.
"Yes, Once Claire interrupts the signal it will allow them to open the doors. They will have enough time to get in and shut it again before there is likely to be any problems. "
It was actually fairly straight forward but they really did not want any problems, especially if this was an Elder of Anantya's secret little hide away. There were at least Anantya involved in the operation but Christian doubted that would make them any less dead should they get caught and have found no evidence to support their theory. They would just be dead along with a few Anantya.
He sent to Alfarinn to make certain they were in place and then sent to Claire.
[Alright. They are ready for you now.]
He smiled when Palmer announced his presence before stepping into the van. There was a man who knew that friendly fire happened. It was nice to know, that even though these were not a part of his normal team the people, that Alfarinn and Thaddeus assembled all knew their jobs.
"Yes, Once Claire interrupts the signal it will allow them to open the doors. They will have enough time to get in and shut it again before there is likely to be any problems. "
It was actually fairly straight forward but they really did not want any problems, especially if this was an Elder of Anantya's secret little hide away. There were at least Anantya involved in the operation but Christian doubted that would make them any less dead should they get caught and have found no evidence to support their theory. They would just be dead along with a few Anantya.
He sent to Alfarinn to make certain they were in place and then sent to Claire.
[Alright. They are ready for you now.]
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Thaddeus had to repress a smile at Alfarinn’s comment, thinking that by a lot of people’s perspective he –was- a young nightsman.
[I could stage a coup based solely on a really impressive ability.]
If Palmer had heard that one he probably would have received a punch to the arm for a really terrible pun. Then he realized the massively inappropriate side to his joke and winced. He was not usually one to speak without thinking but effectually sharing his mind with another person was a little different than a typical conversation. It was, however, time to move on – he could only hope Alfarinn knew what he meant and decided it would be better to just let that go rather than lamely stammering out that he’d only intended to make a bad joke.
He was, therefore, caught a little off guard by Alfarinn’s humor; it managed to get a smile out of him, though, and that was probably a good thing.
And then it was show time – Palmer followed behind as they made their way to the entrance, but managed to look entirely separate from them. He and Alfarinn made casual conversation as they stepped through the doors. Masters of illusion, let the circus begin.
It was, he discovered, a good thing they had an address from Morrigan – without it they would have likely had to waste time referencing floor plans. Even knowing where he was going, it was still a little odd trying to orient himself without an outdoor view. And it would appear they would need all the time they could get – the elevator used a key and was presumably for residents only.
“Ah, it looks like we’ll get our workout for the day – a shame we can’t call up.”
With that, he opened up the door leading to the stairs and held it for Alfarinn before going through himself. Fortunately Sorin’s apartment wasn’t on the very top floor or they might have had trouble, but they still needed to move quickly. Their footsteps echoed in the otherwise empty stairwell.
He made it up to the landing before he was turning around and kissing Alfarinn full on the mouth. Then he pulled back enough to rest his forehead on Alfarinn’s, took a deep breath, and opened his eyes. He managed only a slightly sheepish expression before nodding firmly, as though that settled the matter, and turning around to head back up the stairs.
He took them two at once to make up for lost time, and managed to make it all the way up without any further outbursts.
[I could stage a coup based solely on a really impressive ability.]
If Palmer had heard that one he probably would have received a punch to the arm for a really terrible pun. Then he realized the massively inappropriate side to his joke and winced. He was not usually one to speak without thinking but effectually sharing his mind with another person was a little different than a typical conversation. It was, however, time to move on – he could only hope Alfarinn knew what he meant and decided it would be better to just let that go rather than lamely stammering out that he’d only intended to make a bad joke.
He was, therefore, caught a little off guard by Alfarinn’s humor; it managed to get a smile out of him, though, and that was probably a good thing.
And then it was show time – Palmer followed behind as they made their way to the entrance, but managed to look entirely separate from them. He and Alfarinn made casual conversation as they stepped through the doors. Masters of illusion, let the circus begin.
It was, he discovered, a good thing they had an address from Morrigan – without it they would have likely had to waste time referencing floor plans. Even knowing where he was going, it was still a little odd trying to orient himself without an outdoor view. And it would appear they would need all the time they could get – the elevator used a key and was presumably for residents only.
“Ah, it looks like we’ll get our workout for the day – a shame we can’t call up.”
With that, he opened up the door leading to the stairs and held it for Alfarinn before going through himself. Fortunately Sorin’s apartment wasn’t on the very top floor or they might have had trouble, but they still needed to move quickly. Their footsteps echoed in the otherwise empty stairwell.
He made it up to the landing before he was turning around and kissing Alfarinn full on the mouth. Then he pulled back enough to rest his forehead on Alfarinn’s, took a deep breath, and opened his eyes. He managed only a slightly sheepish expression before nodding firmly, as though that settled the matter, and turning around to head back up the stairs.
He took them two at once to make up for lost time, and managed to make it all the way up without any further outbursts.
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn bit the inside of his cheek at Thaddeus' witty retort and snorted inwardly where only Thaddeus could hear it. He felt his companion's apprehension about the joke but he knew Thaddeus well enough to know in just what spirit the comment had been made.
[So long as your impressive coup has room enough in it for one large raven.]
Which reminded him that Natt was riding his shoulder and watching the proceedings with a curious air.
-Go in?-
Alfarinn sent a reply to the negative and the crow ruffled his feathers in something of an avian shrug before taking off.
-Watch the door from the roof please and let me know if someone follows us in.-
Natt cawed his understanding and flapped his way up to the building's ledge. Alfarinn could sense that he was soon joined by Svarta and some of the others.
Thaddeus quickly made a comment about the stairs that suggested there was a reason for them not to have a key or someone to come and get them.
“Good thing we're not old and decrepit then, isn't it?”
He was grateful for the conversation and to be in the stairwell instead of the main entrance. With a sigh of relief, Alfarinn began climbing the stairs with his hand entwined with his companion's. At the landing he felt Thaddeus pause and so he looked at him curiously. Or at least that had been the intent. Alfarinn found that his eyes closed at the touch of Thaddeus' lips against his own and his hands reached out automatically to pull his lover closer.
As quickly as he found himself being embraced it was over and Thaddeus had once more turned away. He blinked in surprise a moment, watching his companion move up the stairs two at a time away from him. Shaking his head in amusement, Alfarinn grinned and made haste to catch up.
Taking the stairs in long strides helped him to gain the time he had lost gawking at Thaddeus and soon they found themselves on the correct floor. It was tempting to return the kiss in kind now that they had slowed down once more but Claire would be waiting and they had little time to spare once the door was opened. Alfarinn vowed to catch Thaddeus by surprise later. It would be something of a personal goal.
“Now I am not so sure I don't want to stay in this stair well a little longer but I suppose we have important work to be doing.”
[i] He opened the door for them both and answered Christian's sending that yes, they were indeed in place.
[So long as your impressive coup has room enough in it for one large raven.]
Which reminded him that Natt was riding his shoulder and watching the proceedings with a curious air.
-Go in?-
Alfarinn sent a reply to the negative and the crow ruffled his feathers in something of an avian shrug before taking off.
-Watch the door from the roof please and let me know if someone follows us in.-
Natt cawed his understanding and flapped his way up to the building's ledge. Alfarinn could sense that he was soon joined by Svarta and some of the others.
Thaddeus quickly made a comment about the stairs that suggested there was a reason for them not to have a key or someone to come and get them.
“Good thing we're not old and decrepit then, isn't it?”
He was grateful for the conversation and to be in the stairwell instead of the main entrance. With a sigh of relief, Alfarinn began climbing the stairs with his hand entwined with his companion's. At the landing he felt Thaddeus pause and so he looked at him curiously. Or at least that had been the intent. Alfarinn found that his eyes closed at the touch of Thaddeus' lips against his own and his hands reached out automatically to pull his lover closer.
As quickly as he found himself being embraced it was over and Thaddeus had once more turned away. He blinked in surprise a moment, watching his companion move up the stairs two at a time away from him. Shaking his head in amusement, Alfarinn grinned and made haste to catch up.
Taking the stairs in long strides helped him to gain the time he had lost gawking at Thaddeus and soon they found themselves on the correct floor. It was tempting to return the kiss in kind now that they had slowed down once more but Claire would be waiting and they had little time to spare once the door was opened. Alfarinn vowed to catch Thaddeus by surprise later. It would be something of a personal goal.
“Now I am not so sure I don't want to stay in this stair well a little longer but I suppose we have important work to be doing.”
[i] He opened the door for them both and answered Christian's sending that yes, they were indeed in place.
Palmer
18 years ago
Palmer raised both eyebrows apprehensively when Christian explained the plan, not feeling exactly optimistic about the latest declaration from the ray of sunshine.
"So the hard part is -after- they get in."Â? He frowned at the screen, thinking of how they might diminish their risk. What was the worst case scenario? They trip the alarms. They realize their mistake, but are trapped inside. Was that likely to happen? Palmer doubted it - this wasn't that sort of system. Okay then...the security system goes off. They -don't- realize their mistake. They all get caught with their pants down.
He kept his voice low and queried Christian, hoping he wasn't interrupting anything.
"We'll know if the alarms go off?"Â?
He assumed they were silent alarms that alerted a watch center but it was possible they gave no indication when they were set off - in fact, that seemed the smart way to do it. Christian would know for sure, he guessed, and imagined the security chief would also know how to counter that. Palmer wanted to know just for the sake of being prepared and knowing what he was up against.
The alarm goes off. They escape and go for the get away car only to be stopped a block from the apartments.
The alarm goes off. They escape, but leave something personal behind that incriminates one or all of them.
The alarm goes off. They escape, but leave evidence of a break in behind, causing Sorin to tighten up his security so much that another chance at investigating is impossible.
The alarm goes...Palmer shook his head. Who was the ray of sunshine now?
Best case scenarios. They successfully break in, have their look around, find evidence that either completely acquits Sorin or completely proves his guilt, and leave without a trace. He wasn't an expert in probability but he thought the chances of that happening went up with each successful step. Right now, though, all he could do was to watch the street and be ready to facilitate an exit. They were already parked ideally to get away from the area as quickly as possible - the hard part would be the initial escape.
He wondered if it was terribly wrong to find this sort of thing ridiculously exciting. He was practically humming with potential energy, ready for anything, in the moment. It was tension, yes, but good tension.
"So the hard part is -after- they get in."Â? He frowned at the screen, thinking of how they might diminish their risk. What was the worst case scenario? They trip the alarms. They realize their mistake, but are trapped inside. Was that likely to happen? Palmer doubted it - this wasn't that sort of system. Okay then...the security system goes off. They -don't- realize their mistake. They all get caught with their pants down.
He kept his voice low and queried Christian, hoping he wasn't interrupting anything.
"We'll know if the alarms go off?"Â?
He assumed they were silent alarms that alerted a watch center but it was possible they gave no indication when they were set off - in fact, that seemed the smart way to do it. Christian would know for sure, he guessed, and imagined the security chief would also know how to counter that. Palmer wanted to know just for the sake of being prepared and knowing what he was up against.
The alarm goes off. They escape and go for the get away car only to be stopped a block from the apartments.
The alarm goes off. They escape, but leave something personal behind that incriminates one or all of them.
The alarm goes off. They escape, but leave evidence of a break in behind, causing Sorin to tighten up his security so much that another chance at investigating is impossible.
The alarm goes...Palmer shook his head. Who was the ray of sunshine now?
Best case scenarios. They successfully break in, have their look around, find evidence that either completely acquits Sorin or completely proves his guilt, and leave without a trace. He wasn't an expert in probability but he thought the chances of that happening went up with each successful step. Right now, though, all he could do was to watch the street and be ready to facilitate an exit. They were already parked ideally to get away from the area as quickly as possible - the hard part would be the initial escape.
He wondered if it was terribly wrong to find this sort of thing ridiculously exciting. He was practically humming with potential energy, ready for anything, in the moment. It was tension, yes, but good tension.
Christian Bern
18 years ago
Christian nodded.
"Yes, after they get inside we will see if they made it in without triggering the alarms. It appears that this model gives a small blinking indicator that the alarm has been tripped while in the silent mode. Not the best security ever but better than nothing at all."Â?
He looked up and smiled at Palmer.
"That is of course much better for us."Â?
Claire would be able to tell quickly enough and so would Christian if the camera continued to be aimed in the correct direction. He would then be able to hop over in the driver's seat and be ready to get them away from the area while Palmer opened the side door to let everyone in. The good thing about a silent alarm was that it wouldn't alert the neighbors and that they knew to look for the indication that it had been tripped. It wouldn't be the best possible outcome but it could be alot worse so he had a good feeling about their chances of success.
"Yes, after they get inside we will see if they made it in without triggering the alarms. It appears that this model gives a small blinking indicator that the alarm has been tripped while in the silent mode. Not the best security ever but better than nothing at all."Â?
He looked up and smiled at Palmer.
"That is of course much better for us."Â?
Claire would be able to tell quickly enough and so would Christian if the camera continued to be aimed in the correct direction. He would then be able to hop over in the driver's seat and be ready to get them away from the area while Palmer opened the side door to let everyone in. The good thing about a silent alarm was that it wouldn't alert the neighbors and that they knew to look for the indication that it had been tripped. It wouldn't be the best possible outcome but it could be alot worse so he had a good feeling about their chances of success.
Claire
18 years ago
Claire nodded and then realized Christian wouldn't notice the gesture.
"Alright, pressing the button now.. to do whatever it is that it does."Â?
There was a little flicker to the light and Christian's voice in her head told her to open the door NOW. Claire jumped slightly but was glad that his mental voice, while commanding and confident, was also calm. She decided that her nerves were simply on edge with the waiting for that one right moment.
She opened the door as quickly and smoothly as she could, trying to calm herself so that she did not fumble with the lock. Once open, Claire stood back to allow the two men to enter and then quickly closed the door once more.
"Are we good?"Â?
Claire looked up anxiously at the steady little green light. That meant everything was okay, did it not?
/ooc Christian's sending with permission
"Alright, pressing the button now.. to do whatever it is that it does."Â?
There was a little flicker to the light and Christian's voice in her head told her to open the door NOW. Claire jumped slightly but was glad that his mental voice, while commanding and confident, was also calm. She decided that her nerves were simply on edge with the waiting for that one right moment.
She opened the door as quickly and smoothly as she could, trying to calm herself so that she did not fumble with the lock. Once open, Claire stood back to allow the two men to enter and then quickly closed the door once more.
"Are we good?"Â?
Claire looked up anxiously at the steady little green light. That meant everything was okay, did it not?
/ooc Christian's sending with permission
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
It all happened so quickly that Thaddeus hardly registered his own actions; one moment he was standing outside the apartment, pulling off his left glove and slipping it into his pocket, dimly aware that his nerves were starting to make their presence known, and the next Claire was opening the door, urgency in every gesture, the air thick with it, and he and Alfarinn were practically sucked in before the door closed behind them.
Thaddeus gave Claire a clipped nod and turned to the box as he answered, not realizing her question wasn’t meant for him.
“We will be.”
He spoke as he flipped open the panel to reveal a number pad along with several other keys underneath. Feeling he was safe in assuming that Christian would know what to do with those other keys, he reached up to feel the numbers, his other hand reaching for Alfarinn’s as contact seemed to improve both their sensing.
He ran one finger over each individual number, utterly absorbed in his senses, relaxing completely and fully letting down his guard to glean every drop of information from that keypad.
Not nine. Not eight. Not seven. Not four.
There he is.
“Five.”
Not six. Not three. Not two.
Again. “One.”
And again. “Zero.”
He spoke the numbers in a voice that to his ears sounded nothing like his own even as he felt again to reaffirm, still completely focused and single minded. This was often enough the way he worked, when he was in the company of those he trusted – taking advantage of his friends’ protection to fully use his abilities. He trusted that Claire would pull them out if there was a problem and had every faith that Palmer and Christian were carefully monitoring down below.
Thaddeus gave Claire a clipped nod and turned to the box as he answered, not realizing her question wasn’t meant for him.
“We will be.”
He spoke as he flipped open the panel to reveal a number pad along with several other keys underneath. Feeling he was safe in assuming that Christian would know what to do with those other keys, he reached up to feel the numbers, his other hand reaching for Alfarinn’s as contact seemed to improve both their sensing.
He ran one finger over each individual number, utterly absorbed in his senses, relaxing completely and fully letting down his guard to glean every drop of information from that keypad.
Not nine. Not eight. Not seven. Not four.
There he is.
“Five.”
Not six. Not three. Not two.
Again. “One.”
And again. “Zero.”
He spoke the numbers in a voice that to his ears sounded nothing like his own even as he felt again to reaffirm, still completely focused and single minded. This was often enough the way he worked, when he was in the company of those he trusted – taking advantage of his friends’ protection to fully use his abilities. He trusted that Claire would pull them out if there was a problem and had every faith that Palmer and Christian were carefully monitoring down below.
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn quickly but carefully followed Thaddeus inside, not wanting to push or stumble into his companion but at the same time wanting to hurry through the door. Thaddeus was swift enough and had already begun taking his glove off before they got into the room.
Christian sent him a message saying that the alarm had not been tripped and he relayed it on.
"We made it inside in time. Christian says the alarm has not gone off."Â?
Now to figure out the code...just in case. Alfarinn gently touched the pad that Thaddeus opened. Unlike his companion's methodical search of each key, he laid his long fingers lightly over all the pad at once and over the top of Thaddeus' moving fingers.
Bowing his head, Alfarinn closed his eyes and let the images come.
He could see a hand punching the keys. The hand was not old or very young; it definitely belonged to a man.
There was another image of another set of hands on the buttons. These were younger looking and there was a sense of urgency about the way the hands frantically pushed at the keys. Had someone else tried to break into here?
The first set of hands were back as the images grew faint and finally faded. These hands were the owner's. Alfarinn could tell there was a sense of these hands touching the key pad many times.
"First one number at the top. It appears to be hit twice and then the one next to it and then one lower down."Â?
He replayed the image again in his head. Punch punch, the number next to it and then one in the middle. Thaddeus had spoken the numbers and registering what his companion said he was able to give the code.
"Zero, zero, one, five."Â?
Deciding that he would take the blame should their impression be wrong, Alfarinn reached forward and pressed the code. He was fairly certain it was correct anyway, after all Sorin was almost...but not quite as old as he was.
He watched the little screen and light carefully. It announced on the LED that the security was now offline. Heaving a sigh of relief, Alfarinn leaned his forehead on Thaddeus' shoulder.
"Oh good. At least there will not be a need to jump out of any windows to make our get away just yet."Â?
((OOC: sorry he was pushy there I suppose. ))
Christian sent him a message saying that the alarm had not been tripped and he relayed it on.
"We made it inside in time. Christian says the alarm has not gone off."Â?
Now to figure out the code...just in case. Alfarinn gently touched the pad that Thaddeus opened. Unlike his companion's methodical search of each key, he laid his long fingers lightly over all the pad at once and over the top of Thaddeus' moving fingers.
Bowing his head, Alfarinn closed his eyes and let the images come.
He could see a hand punching the keys. The hand was not old or very young; it definitely belonged to a man.
There was another image of another set of hands on the buttons. These were younger looking and there was a sense of urgency about the way the hands frantically pushed at the keys. Had someone else tried to break into here?
The first set of hands were back as the images grew faint and finally faded. These hands were the owner's. Alfarinn could tell there was a sense of these hands touching the key pad many times.
"First one number at the top. It appears to be hit twice and then the one next to it and then one lower down."Â?
He replayed the image again in his head. Punch punch, the number next to it and then one in the middle. Thaddeus had spoken the numbers and registering what his companion said he was able to give the code.
"Zero, zero, one, five."Â?
Deciding that he would take the blame should their impression be wrong, Alfarinn reached forward and pressed the code. He was fairly certain it was correct anyway, after all Sorin was almost...but not quite as old as he was.
He watched the little screen and light carefully. It announced on the LED that the security was now offline. Heaving a sigh of relief, Alfarinn leaned his forehead on Thaddeus' shoulder.
"Oh good. At least there will not be a need to jump out of any windows to make our get away just yet."Â?
((OOC: sorry he was pushy there I suppose. ))
Palmer
18 years ago
Palmer nodded in tense silence when Christian explained that they would indeed know if they'd screwed up right away. That was something, anyway. He guessed they had gotten lucky with the security system - it could have been much worse. Like trying to break into Thaddeus and Alfarinn's apartment, for example. Now those two had gone all out.
He spent the long seconds between Claire pushing the button and Alfarinn declaring them safe tapping one foot on the floor of the car, not realizing until after the moment had passed that such behavior was probably -really- annoying. His only respite in the whole mess was Thaddeus's 'we will be' comment, at which he had rather openly snorted. What a maniac.
Grinning, he muttered to the screen, mostly under his breath.
"Nice work guys."Â?
Then he turned to Christian, still glowing with nearly palpable relief.
"Do we want to hang here or get closer?"Â?
He voted for staying here - they had a good hiding place close to the get away that everyone could meet at should things go wrong, plus here was where all the cool toys were. No reason to crowd the apartment up - it left more room for error in his mind. Still, being closer meant they could respond to situations quickly, should they arise. Maybe they should split up? That seemed like a bad idea, though he would admit that was mostly because he didn't want to miss anything going on and end up a blind dangling eyeball in some apartment hallway.
He spent the long seconds between Claire pushing the button and Alfarinn declaring them safe tapping one foot on the floor of the car, not realizing until after the moment had passed that such behavior was probably -really- annoying. His only respite in the whole mess was Thaddeus's 'we will be' comment, at which he had rather openly snorted. What a maniac.
Grinning, he muttered to the screen, mostly under his breath.
"Nice work guys."Â?
Then he turned to Christian, still glowing with nearly palpable relief.
"Do we want to hang here or get closer?"Â?
He voted for staying here - they had a good hiding place close to the get away that everyone could meet at should things go wrong, plus here was where all the cool toys were. No reason to crowd the apartment up - it left more room for error in his mind. Still, being closer meant they could respond to situations quickly, should they arise. Maybe they should split up? That seemed like a bad idea, though he would admit that was mostly because he didn't want to miss anything going on and end up a blind dangling eyeball in some apartment hallway.
Christian Bern
18 years ago
Christian did his best not to notice Palmer's tapping while he watched the screen intently. They had gotten in safely enough or so they were led to believe. Were it his security system then it would be made to appear more harmless than it was and if mucked with it would have told them they had been successful. Then it would have alerted him and his staff. Not the police. He would want to deal personally with anyone who felt confident enough to try their hand against his defenses.
It was shaping up to appear that Sorin, if this was indeed his place, did not take such precautions. He had always heard the man was over confident but canny. It is possible that the place had nothing of real value in their search, perhaps there was no evidence here at all.
Alfarinn and Thaddeus touched the number pad together as he watched and they made an excellent sensing team. Christian spared a second to consider placing some of his search teams in pairs to augment their abilities; before they had most often used small teams with unique skills that did not over lap in order to maximize the function and versatility of the team while minimizing the number of people required to do the job.
His fellow Evenhet punched the numbers into the device and seemed satisfied with the readout he received. They appeared to be nearly home free at this point. Which meant he and Palmer needed to be all the more alert. The ones in the apartment would now consider themselves safe to begin their search and that left watching their backs to Christian and Palmer.
“Here is fine. Natt is on the rough by the entrance.”
He leaned over to point upward at the gathering of crows on the buildings roof.
“That leaves us watching the back way in. Natt will faithfully mention everyone and probably everything that goes into the building to Alfarinn.”
It was shaping up to appear that Sorin, if this was indeed his place, did not take such precautions. He had always heard the man was over confident but canny. It is possible that the place had nothing of real value in their search, perhaps there was no evidence here at all.
Alfarinn and Thaddeus touched the number pad together as he watched and they made an excellent sensing team. Christian spared a second to consider placing some of his search teams in pairs to augment their abilities; before they had most often used small teams with unique skills that did not over lap in order to maximize the function and versatility of the team while minimizing the number of people required to do the job.
His fellow Evenhet punched the numbers into the device and seemed satisfied with the readout he received. They appeared to be nearly home free at this point. Which meant he and Palmer needed to be all the more alert. The ones in the apartment would now consider themselves safe to begin their search and that left watching their backs to Christian and Palmer.
“Here is fine. Natt is on the rough by the entrance.”
He leaned over to point upward at the gathering of crows on the buildings roof.
“That leaves us watching the back way in. Natt will faithfully mention everyone and probably everything that goes into the building to Alfarinn.”
Claire
18 years ago
Claire heard the confirmation that had gone well with a sense of relief. Her portion of the job now over, she was certain that she was merely in the way. She took a step back and watched the two men work their magic on the little box mounted on the wall. It was best to be silent and out of their working area.
Thaddeus spoke numbers that she would assume were the buttons that he felt had been pressed. Alfarinn then gave a sequence. Claire smiled, at least it was a number Sorin was likely able to remember. It was, of course, yet another reminder that this was very likely an apartment rented by her Sire. The evidence, by this point, was too great to ignore.
This was his place, for whatever purpose; there was no denying that fact. Claire waited until they had successfully disarmed the security to speak up.
"I... will be just outside here, watching the entrance. Let me know if you need me."Â?
It sounded plausible, even reasonable but she was not certain that it wasn't an excuse not to have to look. It was not the full fledged flight like last time but she had time to come to terms with the possibility of her creator's guilt. It was why she had come back, to find out the truth and deal with the answer.
Claire was just not certain how she expected to do that now. Had she expected to walk up and ask him? Or to just know the answer by being around him again? She was a long time member of the Order of the Night and she was good at what she did but her duties rarely consisted of spying on one of her own. For what ever it may be worth, Sorin was her closest family. She would let the others search the room, cowardly as that might be, and she would stand watch. Perhaps she would have been able to search the room alone but doing so with others was like a raiding party pilfering through someone's panty drawer and she could not yet bring herself to be so irreverant. They were more suited to finding useful evidence anyway and perhaps they were looking for something specific that she was not aware of.
With a nod to them both, she vanished through the door and stood just to one side of it, blended carefully so that no one could see.
Thaddeus spoke numbers that she would assume were the buttons that he felt had been pressed. Alfarinn then gave a sequence. Claire smiled, at least it was a number Sorin was likely able to remember. It was, of course, yet another reminder that this was very likely an apartment rented by her Sire. The evidence, by this point, was too great to ignore.
This was his place, for whatever purpose; there was no denying that fact. Claire waited until they had successfully disarmed the security to speak up.
"I... will be just outside here, watching the entrance. Let me know if you need me."Â?
It sounded plausible, even reasonable but she was not certain that it wasn't an excuse not to have to look. It was not the full fledged flight like last time but she had time to come to terms with the possibility of her creator's guilt. It was why she had come back, to find out the truth and deal with the answer.
Claire was just not certain how she expected to do that now. Had she expected to walk up and ask him? Or to just know the answer by being around him again? She was a long time member of the Order of the Night and she was good at what she did but her duties rarely consisted of spying on one of her own. For what ever it may be worth, Sorin was her closest family. She would let the others search the room, cowardly as that might be, and she would stand watch. Perhaps she would have been able to search the room alone but doing so with others was like a raiding party pilfering through someone's panty drawer and she could not yet bring herself to be so irreverant. They were more suited to finding useful evidence anyway and perhaps they were looking for something specific that she was not aware of.
With a nod to them both, she vanished through the door and stood just to one side of it, blended carefully so that no one could see.
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Thaddeus could hardly help but be impressed with just how in sync he and Alfarinn had become, moving and thinking like one being. He affectionately rested his cheek on Alfarinn’s head, breathing in deeply and exhaling his stress away.
Well, some of his stress.
A sliver, at least. Even with this success he could hardly be expected to be elated. He focused on the weight of Alfarinn on his shoulder and the smell of his lover’s hair for another moment, then pulled away, turning to Claire, who seemed ready to make an exit.
“Thank you, Claire.”
That hardly seemed sufficient, no matter how sincerely stated, but he wasn’t sure of what else to say; they owed her so much and she had been so wonderfully strong and brave through this entire mess when she had so much to lose. Watching her leave was a hard blow to the veneer of professionalism he had put up to keep from thinking about the personal aspect of this search, but somehow he felt that was…appropriate. He –should- be thinking about his years of serving under Sorin and those times he considered the Elder more than just his superior. He just wasn’t sure exactly how one went through with such things with that on their conscience.
He supposed he was about to find out.
Taking in the room for the first time, he rested his hand lightly on Alfarinn’s arm, unconsciously seeking contact. He wasn’t sure what he had expected, but this room gave no indication of its owner. His mental image of Sorin simply didn’t fit with this cheaply furnished room in this low rent high crime neighborhood; he tried to picture his Elder standing in here and failed utterly. Sorin would be larger than life in this room – his presence would crack through the walls.
Annoyed with himself for heading into sentimental territory, he turned to Alfarinn and spoke quietly.
“Let’s start in the back and work our way up?”
He’d been torn on that – after all, what if they found something in the living room that inconclusively proved Sorin’s innocence? But in the end he’d had to accept the fact that they needed to be thorough, less they end up never having another chance and wondering for the rest of their days.
Well, some of his stress.
A sliver, at least. Even with this success he could hardly be expected to be elated. He focused on the weight of Alfarinn on his shoulder and the smell of his lover’s hair for another moment, then pulled away, turning to Claire, who seemed ready to make an exit.
“Thank you, Claire.”
That hardly seemed sufficient, no matter how sincerely stated, but he wasn’t sure of what else to say; they owed her so much and she had been so wonderfully strong and brave through this entire mess when she had so much to lose. Watching her leave was a hard blow to the veneer of professionalism he had put up to keep from thinking about the personal aspect of this search, but somehow he felt that was…appropriate. He –should- be thinking about his years of serving under Sorin and those times he considered the Elder more than just his superior. He just wasn’t sure exactly how one went through with such things with that on their conscience.
He supposed he was about to find out.
Taking in the room for the first time, he rested his hand lightly on Alfarinn’s arm, unconsciously seeking contact. He wasn’t sure what he had expected, but this room gave no indication of its owner. His mental image of Sorin simply didn’t fit with this cheaply furnished room in this low rent high crime neighborhood; he tried to picture his Elder standing in here and failed utterly. Sorin would be larger than life in this room – his presence would crack through the walls.
Annoyed with himself for heading into sentimental territory, he turned to Alfarinn and spoke quietly.
“Let’s start in the back and work our way up?”
He’d been torn on that – after all, what if they found something in the living room that inconclusively proved Sorin’s innocence? But in the end he’d had to accept the fact that they needed to be thorough, less they end up never having another chance and wondering for the rest of their days.
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn smiled when Thaddeus rested against him. He was content to stand still and take this brief moment of respite. They had cancelled the security and while Christian might maintain in his cynical way that there was no guarantee that they were out of danger; Alfarinn believed otherwise.
He was most worried about them being able to find something conclusive. They needed something they could take to the council as evidence or they needed a new trail or clue. There was, as always, the war inside him that said, please don't let this be a dead end and the other portion that said, please don't let this hurt Thaddeus any more.
And Claire.
Alfarinn looked up and she turned to leave. He could sense her turmoil and felt for her. Sorin was her family more than he was anyone's to Alfarinn's knowledge; this was hard on her and yet she was going through it bravely. He knew that it was not for their sake but because she must feel that there was a good chance her creator was guilty. That was a heavy weight to bear.
He reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"We will be quick."Â?
It was all he could say really, the smallest of comforts, but perhaps it was something. They did not want to be here either nor, each for their own reasons, did they wish to find Sorin guilty. Once she had faded away and left, he turned to Thaddeus once more.
He gave his companion a quick half hug in reassurance before nodding and heading towards the back.
"Its probably best to be as organized as we can."Â?
((OOC: sensing with permission))
He was most worried about them being able to find something conclusive. They needed something they could take to the council as evidence or they needed a new trail or clue. There was, as always, the war inside him that said, please don't let this be a dead end and the other portion that said, please don't let this hurt Thaddeus any more.
And Claire.
Alfarinn looked up and she turned to leave. He could sense her turmoil and felt for her. Sorin was her family more than he was anyone's to Alfarinn's knowledge; this was hard on her and yet she was going through it bravely. He knew that it was not for their sake but because she must feel that there was a good chance her creator was guilty. That was a heavy weight to bear.
He reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"We will be quick."Â?
It was all he could say really, the smallest of comforts, but perhaps it was something. They did not want to be here either nor, each for their own reasons, did they wish to find Sorin guilty. Once she had faded away and left, he turned to Thaddeus once more.
He gave his companion a quick half hug in reassurance before nodding and heading towards the back.
"Its probably best to be as organized as we can."Â?
((OOC: sensing with permission))
Thaddeus Grey
18 years ago
Thaddeus gave a slight nod and followed Alfarinn to the bedroom where they would begin their investigation. It appeared that it would be easy to keep Alfarinn’s word to Claire – there was so little to examine that their investigation should be fairly brief. A desk on one side of the bed, a dresser on the other. A closet, and a bathroom. And of course the bed itself.
He took in the room itself before honing in on anything specific, inspecting quickly but carefully along the walls, in corners, and around the bed to both to ensure he hadn’t overlooked anything major and to check for evidence of moved furniture or repaired spots. Satisfied with the scope of their task, he found he was drawn first to the dresser and approached it with a curious frown.
There was something about that box…
He reached out a hand, then hesitated. This box didn’t fit the décor – if it were tampered with it was more likely to be noticed. Still, he couldn’t help but feel there was something important about this box – perhaps because it was the only thing in this godforsaken apartment he could conceive of Sorin having in his home.
The moment he touched it, he felt like a fool. Of course he felt drawn to the box – he recognized it.
After all, at one time it had belonged to him.
He pulled back before his sensing could take over too strongly – he’d barely registered anything specific at all but touching had been enough to jog his memory. He thought it would be prudent to explain his prior knowledge to Alfarinn so that they might delve into the unanswered questions surrounding the box together.
“I gave this to Emma to hold all the little trinkets I would give her when we would meet…” He moved closer, an expression of, not quite happiness, but wonder, coming over him. “I had believed it lost. I went to look for it…her house was completely empty by the time I returned to Bulgaria. I suppose, believing as I did, that I simply forgot its existence.” He lightly touched the catch that kept the box firmly closed with his gloved hand, and spoke in just above a whisper. “But…” He frowned, leaving hows and whys unasked and reaching out with his bare hand.
“Look with me?”
This wasn’t something he wanted to sense alone; he knew that instinctively in spite of his private nature, particularly with regard to his relationship with Emma. This wasn’t a wound he was accustomed to opening and he still found it somewhat surprising that he felt so comfortable discussing it with Alfarinn. In this case, though, there was something too strong and sad about that box to even doubt that it was better to sense together.
He took in the room itself before honing in on anything specific, inspecting quickly but carefully along the walls, in corners, and around the bed to both to ensure he hadn’t overlooked anything major and to check for evidence of moved furniture or repaired spots. Satisfied with the scope of their task, he found he was drawn first to the dresser and approached it with a curious frown.
There was something about that box…
He reached out a hand, then hesitated. This box didn’t fit the décor – if it were tampered with it was more likely to be noticed. Still, he couldn’t help but feel there was something important about this box – perhaps because it was the only thing in this godforsaken apartment he could conceive of Sorin having in his home.
The moment he touched it, he felt like a fool. Of course he felt drawn to the box – he recognized it.
After all, at one time it had belonged to him.
He pulled back before his sensing could take over too strongly – he’d barely registered anything specific at all but touching had been enough to jog his memory. He thought it would be prudent to explain his prior knowledge to Alfarinn so that they might delve into the unanswered questions surrounding the box together.
“I gave this to Emma to hold all the little trinkets I would give her when we would meet…” He moved closer, an expression of, not quite happiness, but wonder, coming over him. “I had believed it lost. I went to look for it…her house was completely empty by the time I returned to Bulgaria. I suppose, believing as I did, that I simply forgot its existence.” He lightly touched the catch that kept the box firmly closed with his gloved hand, and spoke in just above a whisper. “But…” He frowned, leaving hows and whys unasked and reaching out with his bare hand.
“Look with me?”
This wasn’t something he wanted to sense alone; he knew that instinctively in spite of his private nature, particularly with regard to his relationship with Emma. This wasn’t a wound he was accustomed to opening and he still found it somewhat surprising that he felt so comfortable discussing it with Alfarinn. In this case, though, there was something too strong and sad about that box to even doubt that it was better to sense together.
Alfarinn
18 years ago
Alfarinn looked around the bedroom and was disappointed by the lack of potential evidence. The camera footage had been sparse but he hoped for something more laying beyond the scope of what they could find just inside the window.
Thaddeus had headed towards the dresser so it stood to reason that he should take the other side of the room. Heading towards the desk, he thought that it looked old and worn and yet still somehow out of place for the room. It was a small wooden pupil's desk whose dark stained legs and top showed signs of much use in the forms of nicks and scratches in times past. There were even the initials P L + C J scrawled painstakingly on the top.
He was just about to reach over and lift the lid when Thaddeus' comments stayed his hand. He paused mid reach and looked over at his companion staring down at the dresser. Thaddeus recognized the box and it had once belonged to Emma. It seemed such a violation of his lover's privacy for an intimate gift such as this to be here in this shabby impersonal room.
Alfarinn crossed the room and stood next to his partner, putting a hand on his shoulder. He looked down at the box and back at Thaddeus. He had expected this to be difficult for his companion to do but he had never expected there to be such a personal challenge as the tiny memory filled object that sat before them.
"Of Course"Â?
Thaddeus had headed towards the dresser so it stood to reason that he should take the other side of the room. Heading towards the desk, he thought that it looked old and worn and yet still somehow out of place for the room. It was a small wooden pupil's desk whose dark stained legs and top showed signs of much use in the forms of nicks and scratches in times past. There were even the initials P L + C J scrawled painstakingly on the top.
He was just about to reach over and lift the lid when Thaddeus' comments stayed his hand. He paused mid reach and looked over at his companion staring down at the dresser. Thaddeus recognized the box and it had once belonged to Emma. It seemed such a violation of his lover's privacy for an intimate gift such as this to be here in this shabby impersonal room.
Alfarinn crossed the room and stood next to his partner, putting a hand on his shoulder. He looked down at the box and back at Thaddeus. He had expected this to be difficult for his companion to do but he had never expected there to be such a personal challenge as the tiny memory filled object that sat before them.
"Of Course"Â?