[There were, apparently, not a few things left unmentioned.]
Thaddeus responded with a false lightness, annoyed that Alfarinn had the nerve to rebuke him for not sharing information he himself was not aware of. Defensively, he continued.
[I wasn't aware either, Alfarinn.]
And that was my own fault. I should have asked.
He spoke more sheepishly:
[I did not think to ask Mai if she was seen, or followed, when she brought me the ring. This presents some rather complicated problems, I am aware.
As for hoping...in this I trust to doubt, instead.]
Thaddeus trailed off, musing. Instead of finding something, anything, to lead them in the right direction, this night had, thus far, brought only new obsticles.
It was most discouraging. And what's more, Alfarinn's smooth performance with a man who was "not exactly a close friend" disturbed him. How could he know Alfarinn wasn't putting on the same sort of show for him. Yes indeed...Alfarinn was getting more complicated by the minute.
A Dark Descent
The short walk to the portal into the sewers was quiet and uneventful. Thaddeus did not feel the need to fill this stroll with conversation; in fact, he was rather busy with the effort of keeping calm. The two men removed the manhole cover and looked down into the dark opening as one.
Right. You can do this. It's not that bad.
It was, in fact, exactly as bad as Thaddeus imagined, but he felt his stubborn determination take over as he looked up and met Alfarinn's eyes.
Let me go down first. I'll ensure the bottom is safe and call up to you.
While Thaddeus was far from eager to enter the dank abyss, he felt it prudent to go first; partly for the reason he had stated, and partly so that his progress would not be rushed. Or halted entirely; at the moment the fact that Alfarinn was watching him intently was the only thing keeping him from bolting.
And so, before Alfarinn could answer, Thaddeus lowered himself into the sewers, feeling with his feet until they caught a rung of the ladder, and began his descent.
Even with the thick gloves, Thaddeus was filled with revulsion at gripping the rungs of the ladder, and his senses were assaulted with the filth. He had been forced to stop once, closing his eyes to fight the wave of nausea that overtook him. His progress was slower after that, though thankfully steady, and he was taken by surprise when his foot struck solid ground rather than another rung of the ladder. Still, he kept his balance (if for no other reason than because should he fall in the sewers he would never, ever be clean again), and turned around, looking first one way, then the other, down the tunnel. Seeing no grave dangers (if a smelly disgusting sewer wasn't a grave danger in and of itself), he called up to Alfarinn.
Thaddeus Grey
19 years ago
Alfarinn
19 years ago
Alfarinn sighed. There was no sense in making Thaddeus angry and defensive over it. What was done was done.
[I'm sorry, Thaddeus, I wasn't accusing you. It just came as a shock. We're both having to trust each other here and its easy to think there are things the other didn't mention. We might end up risking our lives in this venture and we're likely to get killed if we're too busy doubting each other. ]
He could say that he didn't have to be doing this. That he was going out of his way and putting himself in danger for something that wasn't even a part of his clan but he'd be lying. Emma had been his clan, at one time, had been a close friend. He'd have done this for her on his own if he'd had the chance. Now he found himself with her child in a strange partnership, he knew they couldn't afford to second guess each other's loyalties.
There wasn't much more he could say to Thaddeus by way of proof so he hoped that time and actions would do it for him before one or both of them ended up dead,permanently.
[I'm sorry, Thaddeus, I wasn't accusing you. It just came as a shock. We're both having to trust each other here and its easy to think there are things the other didn't mention. We might end up risking our lives in this venture and we're likely to get killed if we're too busy doubting each other. ]
He could say that he didn't have to be doing this. That he was going out of his way and putting himself in danger for something that wasn't even a part of his clan but he'd be lying. Emma had been his clan, at one time, had been a close friend. He'd have done this for her on his own if he'd had the chance. Now he found himself with her child in a strange partnership, he knew they couldn't afford to second guess each other's loyalties.
There wasn't much more he could say to Thaddeus by way of proof so he hoped that time and actions would do it for him before one or both of them ended up dead,permanently.
Simon Huntington
19 years ago
Simon considered Alfarinn's response and thought better of persuing it further. 'Aye then, I'll leave you to your business, Alfarinn.' He looked back up at the dove and winked at it.
'Always good to see you doing well, Alfarinn.' Then Simon continued into the darkness. He had business to attend to for Ellis, best not to keep it waiting.
((ooc - out))
'Always good to see you doing well, Alfarinn.' Then Simon continued into the darkness. He had business to attend to for Ellis, best not to keep it waiting.
((ooc - out))
Thaddeus Grey
19 years ago
Thaddeus fluffed his feathers at Alfarinn's unexpected response. He wondered at the other man's ability to sound so sincere, so seductive in his candor and honesty.
And did he have to be so god damned reasonable on top of that?
[There are. Things we haven't mentioned, I mean. How could there not be? We have been aquainted such a short time, after all.
Alfarinn, I meant it when I said I believed you. And I believe in your good intentions in this matter, or at least I have chosen to believe, which amounts to the same thing. But that trust does -not- extend to your...friends, of which you seem to have many and make easily, myself as a case in point. It is Tacharan I believe it is prudent, necessary to our survivial even, to doubt, not you.
Our fates lead us down the same road. I believe we both chose our path, and now must reconcile whatever difficulties are brought about by that choice.
Just so long as we do not stray from the path.]
Thaddeus shivered when he saw Simon's wink. No, he could not hope for the best in this matter.
And did he have to be so god damned reasonable on top of that?
[There are. Things we haven't mentioned, I mean. How could there not be? We have been aquainted such a short time, after all.
Alfarinn, I meant it when I said I believed you. And I believe in your good intentions in this matter, or at least I have chosen to believe, which amounts to the same thing. But that trust does -not- extend to your...friends, of which you seem to have many and make easily, myself as a case in point. It is Tacharan I believe it is prudent, necessary to our survivial even, to doubt, not you.
Our fates lead us down the same road. I believe we both chose our path, and now must reconcile whatever difficulties are brought about by that choice.
Just so long as we do not stray from the path.]
Thaddeus shivered when he saw Simon's wink. No, he could not hope for the best in this matter.
Alfarinn
19 years ago
Alfarinn sighed and again wished he had a drink. He'd almost contemplate smoking just so he could stand here doing something. He had never been fond of the smell though and gave up the thought as unproductive.
[I know. This is just the first of many problems we are likely to have. I just don't want us to fail before we start.]
He watched Simon's retreating form with reservation.
[I have no idea why he would think I'd know anything about the matter, unless he assumes Evenhet's intelligence is that good.] Alfarinn smirked once. [And we are good but this would not normally have interested us. In fact it doesn't really interest Evenhet. It's personal for me.]
Reaching up a hand to his neck, Alfarinn tried in vain to work out a knot of tension that was forming.
[ We've got to assume that Tacharan will be watching me now.]
[I know. This is just the first of many problems we are likely to have. I just don't want us to fail before we start.]
He watched Simon's retreating form with reservation.
[I have no idea why he would think I'd know anything about the matter, unless he assumes Evenhet's intelligence is that good.] Alfarinn smirked once. [And we are good but this would not normally have interested us. In fact it doesn't really interest Evenhet. It's personal for me.]
Reaching up a hand to his neck, Alfarinn tried in vain to work out a knot of tension that was forming.
[ We've got to assume that Tacharan will be watching me now.]
Thaddeus Grey
19 years ago
[And Mai as well, though I haven't met the army that could match her. I don't know if you really believed what you told Simon...but she's not...like that.]
Thaddeus sighed inwardly. Once again, the people around him were in danger. Thaddeus never planned things that way, never -wanted- things that way...but that's how it always seemed to work out.
He wondered if there was something fundamentally wrong with him, and shook his head to dismiss the thought. Mai and Alfarinn were simply more...high profile than he. And hell, it was his -job- to blend in, avoid direct danger and bring back information. He couldn't do that dead.
And it all sounded like excuses when faced with the facts; Mai and Alfarinn were in danger, and he had put them there, or at least opened the door on their way in.
[Coming here tonight was more risky than I had believed. I had assumed we could pass as unknowns in this place and didn't consider the problems being recognized by third parties could present.
I don't know that we can do this again.]
Thaddeus sighed inwardly. Once again, the people around him were in danger. Thaddeus never planned things that way, never -wanted- things that way...but that's how it always seemed to work out.
He wondered if there was something fundamentally wrong with him, and shook his head to dismiss the thought. Mai and Alfarinn were simply more...high profile than he. And hell, it was his -job- to blend in, avoid direct danger and bring back information. He couldn't do that dead.
And it all sounded like excuses when faced with the facts; Mai and Alfarinn were in danger, and he had put them there, or at least opened the door on their way in.
[Coming here tonight was more risky than I had believed. I had assumed we could pass as unknowns in this place and didn't consider the problems being recognized by third parties could present.
I don't know that we can do this again.]
Alfarinn
19 years ago
[No, I do not believe Mai is like that. She has her own reasons for doing things. They just aren't always everyone else's. Sometimes being tied down to the social conventions of society are a burden and her way of doing things seems to make a whole lot more sense.]
Alfarinn shrugged
[However, that is not one I am good at. I am a social creature and working in the public is what I do best. ]
He sensed unease from his companion and he really couldn't blame him but they couldn't back out now. They had more information about what happened than ever and there seemed to Alfarinn a real possibility of finding the killer given time.
[ We could. We'll just have to do things differently. Watch from a booth inside, perhaps? ] He had reservations about Thaddeus blending in with the crowd that frequented the House of Pain but he was Order of the Night so hopefully he was up to the task. Alfarinn still wasn't sure how much Thaddeus did publicly for them and how much he did that was research. If the boy was simply a book worm then this place was going to be serious shock.
Alfarinn shrugged
[However, that is not one I am good at. I am a social creature and working in the public is what I do best. ]
He sensed unease from his companion and he really couldn't blame him but they couldn't back out now. They had more information about what happened than ever and there seemed to Alfarinn a real possibility of finding the killer given time.
[ We could. We'll just have to do things differently. Watch from a booth inside, perhaps? ] He had reservations about Thaddeus blending in with the crowd that frequented the House of Pain but he was Order of the Night so hopefully he was up to the task. Alfarinn still wasn't sure how much Thaddeus did publicly for them and how much he did that was research. If the boy was simply a book worm then this place was going to be serious shock.
Thaddeus Grey
19 years ago
Thaddeus smiled internally at Alfarinn's evaluation of Mai. It pleased him that he gave her credit for her good qualities, which so many wrote off as oddities.
[I think that may be the best option. Of course we cannot stop pursuing this lead to the killer; I only meant that this particular method is not ideal for us. While I can hide here fairly easily (though the more...subtle minded find my presence odd), it seems you will be noticed. No, our best bet is to...put on a performance.
It seems no one would find your presence inside suspicious in the least. I think a week ago I could have safely said that Anantya would die of shock if they heard word of me inside the House of Pain...but now they might take it in stride, as they likely believe I have a 'secret' interest that I could be meeting there.
People can believe whatever is easiest, and we can sit and watch.]
[I think that may be the best option. Of course we cannot stop pursuing this lead to the killer; I only meant that this particular method is not ideal for us. While I can hide here fairly easily (though the more...subtle minded find my presence odd), it seems you will be noticed. No, our best bet is to...put on a performance.
It seems no one would find your presence inside suspicious in the least. I think a week ago I could have safely said that Anantya would die of shock if they heard word of me inside the House of Pain...but now they might take it in stride, as they likely believe I have a 'secret' interest that I could be meeting there.
People can believe whatever is easiest, and we can sit and watch.]
Alfarinn
19 years ago
Alfarinn moved away from the wall he was standing near and came to a halt under the pipe Thaddeus was perched on.
[I think that is our best option and if people see us together, well, it wouldn't be the first time that clans have spoken or even had a drink with each other. I know Anantya is wary of such things but I doubt there will be as many in the House of Pain to see you and take notice.]
He smirked slightly
[Though there seems to be a bear of a man from Anantya in there now. Neither Simon or I am small so this person must be huge. If he takes a liking to the place you might be recognized. Of course, we'll have to help you fit in. I assume that won't be a problem?]
Alfarinn could foresee the issues this would cause already. Thaddeus wearing tight leather was a vision so out of character that he had difficulties even imagining it.
[I think that is our best option and if people see us together, well, it wouldn't be the first time that clans have spoken or even had a drink with each other. I know Anantya is wary of such things but I doubt there will be as many in the House of Pain to see you and take notice.]
He smirked slightly
[Though there seems to be a bear of a man from Anantya in there now. Neither Simon or I am small so this person must be huge. If he takes a liking to the place you might be recognized. Of course, we'll have to help you fit in. I assume that won't be a problem?]
Alfarinn could foresee the issues this would cause already. Thaddeus wearing tight leather was a vision so out of character that he had difficulties even imagining it.
Thaddeus Grey
19 years ago
[Ah yes, that would be Talon. I am not certain of his business inside, though I suppose it's possible he fancies the House of Pain as his sort of place.]
Thaddeus mentally shrugged and did his best to keep the disapproval out of his voice. The brute was Anantya, after all, and Thaddeus preferred to keep a united front when the subject turned to other Clan members. He imagined the Evenhet would feel the same way.
[As for fitting in, good taste is always acceptable. All the average passerby will see are two well dressed gentlemen in the prime of life enjoying a drink.]
Thaddeus was unconcerned about blending in; his clothing was never outlandish, he was of an average height, and nothing about his appearance, aside from being extremely handsome, drew attention. The only thing that seemed to catch people's eyes in passing was his hair, which he doubted would be of much concern in the dark club.
Alfarinn, on the other hand, with his tall frame and long hair, simply wasn't made to blend in. Thaddeus reflected that even knowing the other man such a short time, he would know him anywhere.
Thaddeus mentally shrugged and did his best to keep the disapproval out of his voice. The brute was Anantya, after all, and Thaddeus preferred to keep a united front when the subject turned to other Clan members. He imagined the Evenhet would feel the same way.
[As for fitting in, good taste is always acceptable. All the average passerby will see are two well dressed gentlemen in the prime of life enjoying a drink.]
Thaddeus was unconcerned about blending in; his clothing was never outlandish, he was of an average height, and nothing about his appearance, aside from being extremely handsome, drew attention. The only thing that seemed to catch people's eyes in passing was his hair, which he doubted would be of much concern in the dark club.
Alfarinn, on the other hand, with his tall frame and long hair, simply wasn't made to blend in. Thaddeus reflected that even knowing the other man such a short time, he would know him anywhere.
Alfarinn
19 years ago
[Alright then. Shall we head out of here for tonight and come back soon?] Alfarinn pondered the idea a moment. [I can obtain some suitable clothes and bring them by the apartment when we decide to meet next. Having been there I believe I can find things that will allow us to go unnoticed by most.]
He looked up at Thaddeus again. [If you're ready. I'll take us out of here.]
He looked up at Thaddeus again. [If you're ready. I'll take us out of here.]
Thaddeus Grey
19 years ago
Thaddeus struggled to process the information Alfarinn presented to him. He hardly knew where to begin. Buy clothes? Ready to wear? And -Alfarinn- wanted to pick them out?
[What's wrong with the clothes I have? Anyway, that would just slow us down; takes -forever- to get a simple pair of slacks back from the tailor, even these days.]
The matter settled, he fluttered down to Alfarinn's shouder and perched there expectantly.
[And yes, thank you. Let us go before the ape over there tries to eat me for a snack. I certainly wouldn't put it past him, he looks hungry.]
[What's wrong with the clothes I have? Anyway, that would just slow us down; takes -forever- to get a simple pair of slacks back from the tailor, even these days.]
The matter settled, he fluttered down to Alfarinn's shouder and perched there expectantly.
[And yes, thank you. Let us go before the ape over there tries to eat me for a snack. I certainly wouldn't put it past him, he looks hungry.]
Alfarinn
19 years ago
Alfarinn sighed inwardly and began to head towards the exit, careful to keep steady for the bird on his shoulder.
[Well... Oh, never mind. You'll see.]
There was simply no used explaining any further. He'd simply bring clothes to fit the man and have that discussion when the time came. Perhaps he should bring photos of the interior of the House of Pain just so he was not disbelieved because Alfarinn could already sense that coming.
" This is no time for pranks, Alfarinn. Now, really get dressed so we can head out."
Sometimes he wondered just what cave the clan Anantya hid themselves in but then he remembered quite well what it was like. Alfarinn had always kept up with the times, studying for months if he had to. Getting down the speech and dress of each new age. He was a rarity among ancients though and he knew it.
He twisted is way over debris and puddles of water, hoping they could make it out without encountering any more rodents.
[Well... Oh, never mind. You'll see.]
There was simply no used explaining any further. He'd simply bring clothes to fit the man and have that discussion when the time came. Perhaps he should bring photos of the interior of the House of Pain just so he was not disbelieved because Alfarinn could already sense that coming.
" This is no time for pranks, Alfarinn. Now, really get dressed so we can head out."
Sometimes he wondered just what cave the clan Anantya hid themselves in but then he remembered quite well what it was like. Alfarinn had always kept up with the times, studying for months if he had to. Getting down the speech and dress of each new age. He was a rarity among ancients though and he knew it.
He twisted is way over debris and puddles of water, hoping they could make it out without encountering any more rodents.
Thaddeus Grey
19 years ago
Now what is that supposed to mean, 'you'll see'?
Thaddeus didn't feel like arguing the point; it was more important to focus on staying on Alfarinn's shoulder, in his mind. He was eager to get out into the open air again and away from the sewers; the thought was almost enough to quell the feelings of disappointment with tonight's results.
Well. At least we know what -not- to do.
/ooc Thaddeus out with Alfarinn
Thaddeus didn't feel like arguing the point; it was more important to focus on staying on Alfarinn's shoulder, in his mind. He was eager to get out into the open air again and away from the sewers; the thought was almost enough to quell the feelings of disappointment with tonight's results.
Well. At least we know what -not- to do.
/ooc Thaddeus out with Alfarinn