[Not at all.] Cris sent to Pak. [We haven't yet released his familiar so that particular game has not begun. We will though. Blaise I do not want to let out anywhere without guards. He asked to join us and while I do not entirely trust him it would be a poor job on my part if I got him captured.] He took another sip of his cookie drink. [unless that was the plan, getting him captured, and he knew about it and had agreed to it. Personally, he is a bit young for all that. He would be hardly more durable than the familiar and about as trained.]
Lost in thought, he rested is hand on Rowan's legs and played with the soft material of his scrubs. [I would be tempted to let Jerrod go. He does not serve any other use at the moment. Of course 'letting' him go would be suspicious. Let him get re-taken...] Cris glanced at Pak. [It is something I am considering. We no longer need him and he might lead us to Alfred.]
He listened to the two of them talk about what was being done. Pak asked whether or not Tristan had been imported especially for the occasion. It was an interesting question and he wondered about the answer.
Poking gently at Rowan's leg, he sent to his husband. [I wonder exactly how one flies an entire lab under the radar.] He had the mental image of an entire building zooming through the air. [You would think something that large would be seen.]
Fetch!
It had taken a bit longer than he thought, to get cleaned up and out the door. Part of that was Tristan had forgotten to get the name of the servant who took his bags and then there was the minor detail of where he was going to stay followed by the arranging for a car. He had, however, still managed to keep his word and was on his way over to the Towers in less than an hour, it was just closer to fifty minutes than thirty.
Now, smelling faintly of soap, and hair still slightly damp he was settled in a car, doing his best to remember to drive on the other side of the road off to meet Evenhet security. The shower and change of clothes had done their job and he felt miles better and slightly more alert. If this meeting went well he'd probably even stop to hunt.
Parking and leaving the car behind Tristan slung his satchel over his shoulder and was thoroughly impressed by the Towers. The Elder was right, they were hard to miss. He couldn't help but look up, and up, at them and admire. For all their hippie tenancies this was not a random collection of vampires. This was a clan, a real one, and they were not to be taken lightly the two giant buildings of glass and steel made that quite clear. Tristan suspected that was quite deliberate on their part.
Rather hoping that security was on the ground floor he walked in and looked about for a 'you are here' sign or something similar. It didn't take long to find a customer service desk and check in. He flashed the woman at the desk a charming smile, hoping it wasn't the Pakpao Jin had mentioned, oblivious to his large teeth. People either noticed or they didn't, he'd given up trying to hide them.
"Evening Miss. I was hoping you could point me to security, my name is Tristan Alpin.â€
His distinctive Aussie accent, Sydney specifically, hardly raised an eyebrow proving that the woman was either very professional or Nachton was so cosmopolitan an accent wasn't worth noting any more. It didn't bother him, he hadn't expected to be met at the front door with a basket of mini muffins or anything. In fact, he was hoping to have half a chance to poke around a bit, or at least dawdle on his way to security or back to the front door. The Towers were like nothing he'd seen in years.
Given his surroundings though, Tristan was glad he'd opted for la long sleeved button down again. It hid most of his tattoos. Those he was certain would have brought some comment or at least note from someone. You could see the edges of some peaking out from around the cuffs at his wrist but people rarely noted those, or at least they rarely said anything. The few that did were usually his students who thought it was very cool to have a Prof with some ink.
Christian Bern
11 years ago
Rowan Murphy
11 years ago
Rowan did his best to follow the conversation; he didn't know every little detail, just what Cris had told him. Just like Rowan didn't tell Cris every single cut he put Neosporin on during his work day, the details of things that happened in Security weren't ones Rowan was always privy to. That was just how it was.
He simply enjoyed the company, watching Tristan from shaded eyes, but watching Pak and Cris as well. Rowan had always liked to observe people, and his grey-green eyes flickered back and forth as he followed the spoken conversation across the table.
He was enjoying, too, the feel of Cris's slim fingers on his legs. Not in such a way that made it difficult to stand, but just in the way that being with Cris always made him happy. They weren't meant to be apart. Rowan believed that firmly.
Cris's sending sent a tickle of amusement through him though. [Bermuda triangle, a ghra,] he sent back cheekily. [Ever heard of it? You could totally have a lab on the sly there. Don't know how mobile it would be.]
One of Rowan's specialties, one that he doubted Evenhet would really ever have a use for but you never knew, did you, was navigating international waters both 'under' and 'off' the radar. [I could totally do it with a decent enough boat,] he mused thoughtfully. [Would depend on the kind of lab they needed...]
He let himself wool-gather for a bit, the scientist inside visually arranging various items of lab equipment on one of his current ships and the pirate inside figuring out how, exactly, to make everything work. He sipped his coffee absently, while the hand not holding the cup rested out across the top of Cris's chair so he could just brush his fingertips over the collar of Cris's shirt along his neck.
He simply enjoyed the company, watching Tristan from shaded eyes, but watching Pak and Cris as well. Rowan had always liked to observe people, and his grey-green eyes flickered back and forth as he followed the spoken conversation across the table.
He was enjoying, too, the feel of Cris's slim fingers on his legs. Not in such a way that made it difficult to stand, but just in the way that being with Cris always made him happy. They weren't meant to be apart. Rowan believed that firmly.
Cris's sending sent a tickle of amusement through him though. [Bermuda triangle, a ghra,] he sent back cheekily. [Ever heard of it? You could totally have a lab on the sly there. Don't know how mobile it would be.]
One of Rowan's specialties, one that he doubted Evenhet would really ever have a use for but you never knew, did you, was navigating international waters both 'under' and 'off' the radar. [I could totally do it with a decent enough boat,] he mused thoughtfully. [Would depend on the kind of lab they needed...]
He let himself wool-gather for a bit, the scientist inside visually arranging various items of lab equipment on one of his current ships and the pirate inside figuring out how, exactly, to make everything work. He sipped his coffee absently, while the hand not holding the cup rested out across the top of Cris's chair so he could just brush his fingertips over the collar of Cris's shirt along his neck.
Tristan
11 years ago
It wouldn't take much effort at all for Pakpao to become rather harsh Tristan decided. She had a very direct way about her and oddly enough he appreciated that. Possibly because so may people who gravitated to The Night could be extremely evasive. Not all of them, just enough that every once in a while you got tired of looking for a secondary meaning to everything.
"Import me?"
Maybe he should have dropped the accent, he hadn't even though of that it was just how he spoke now. Pakpao was smart enough not to define the question, she just nodded.
He couldn't help but notice that both Christian and Rowan were fairly quiet at this point. The good doctor, Rowan might not be a doctor but the scrubs and offer of an IV made Tristan fairly certain he was, he understood. He had his line of work, his husband Christian had another so perhaps conversations regarding security weren't high up on Rowan's list of interests. Maybe Christian had an ulterior motive for letting Pakpao do most of the talking. You could learn a lot by watching after all.
"No. Not as such."
There was a lot Tristan didn't want to admit to here. It was possible Christian already knew but he really didn't want to admit to the fire and a dead Nightsman. He didn't want to show that much weakness or give Evenhet any more information than necessary.
"I'm following up on something for my creator and thought I should make myself useful."
It was a nice blend of fact and fiction decided and didn't give anyone too much detail. Odd, he'd intended to question Pakpao and so far she'd done all the questioning. If she'd been part of Anantya like her maker, she might have promise with The Night.
He'd read the reports, particularly Hoang's, about the whole incident and didn't think anyone had missed a trick. He wasn't going to pull the trick of the cute little old lady mystery writer and ask just the right question to blow the whole case wide open. He'd like to do that some day, but for the most part investigations took a great deal more time, patience and flat out work.
"So... How's Blaise fitting in? Tried to run off home yet?"
Christian probably had more in site on that than Pakpao so it was a rather open question.
"Import me?"
Maybe he should have dropped the accent, he hadn't even though of that it was just how he spoke now. Pakpao was smart enough not to define the question, she just nodded.
He couldn't help but notice that both Christian and Rowan were fairly quiet at this point. The good doctor, Rowan might not be a doctor but the scrubs and offer of an IV made Tristan fairly certain he was, he understood. He had his line of work, his husband Christian had another so perhaps conversations regarding security weren't high up on Rowan's list of interests. Maybe Christian had an ulterior motive for letting Pakpao do most of the talking. You could learn a lot by watching after all.
"No. Not as such."
There was a lot Tristan didn't want to admit to here. It was possible Christian already knew but he really didn't want to admit to the fire and a dead Nightsman. He didn't want to show that much weakness or give Evenhet any more information than necessary.
"I'm following up on something for my creator and thought I should make myself useful."
It was a nice blend of fact and fiction decided and didn't give anyone too much detail. Odd, he'd intended to question Pakpao and so far she'd done all the questioning. If she'd been part of Anantya like her maker, she might have promise with The Night.
He'd read the reports, particularly Hoang's, about the whole incident and didn't think anyone had missed a trick. He wasn't going to pull the trick of the cute little old lady mystery writer and ask just the right question to blow the whole case wide open. He'd like to do that some day, but for the most part investigations took a great deal more time, patience and flat out work.
"So... How's Blaise fitting in? Tried to run off home yet?"
Christian probably had more in site on that than Pakpao so it was a rather open question.
Pakpao
11 years ago
[Well we're ready when ever you want to let her go. She won't be able to hide. Him too.... and he'd have to agree to let us track him.]
Pak was very confidant on that score. She was also fairly certain the tracking they'd done wouldn't be able to be hacked, at least not to the point of giving them a false location. She was a programmer though and did a decent amount of hacking of her own so she'd not say she was completey confidant. There was always someone out there who could think of things you couldn't, or at least hadn't.
It was rather nice of Cris to worry about Blaise, or at least worry about what getting Blaise in trouble would mean for them. It hadn't sounded like a warm and fuzzy thing.
[He is young and they might not be happy to see him... but what were you doing at his age? I know I didn't have it this good.]
That was an unusually harsh position for her to take but Pak hadn't been coddled when she'd first been turned it had been pure survival and hadn't been easy. She'd had no one. Even if letting Blaise go was a risk, he'd have the backing of a clan something she hadn't.
[You want them to storm the castle? Can we get a moat first?]
Pak teased their security chief on that point. It made the most sense of course, when you had the choice of battle field you took the one that gave you the most advantage. But it was still funny. She'd make sure MARI had access to The Princess Bride if they went that way.
Tristan, rather unsurprisingly, didn't exactly answer the question. He came close but missed it by a bit. She sighed and rolled her eyes.
"Do any of you Anantya answer questions directly? Is there something in the water that makes everyone so circumspect?"
That wasn't an entirely fair generalization but there was some truth to it. Everyone she knew from that clan had a tendency to side step answers at least part of the time. Maybe it was habit from not being able to be yourself all the time and having to hide, or at least blend in with humans, but once in a while it would be nice to get a straight answer.
His next question was different. She'd expected him to ask her to go over the whole kidnapping and rescue thing again. Either he didn't care, and that wasn't the vibe she got, or he'd actually read someone's report. That would be a nice change.
"I don't see him much. Cris would know better. He seems fine I guess, maybe a little bit like he doesn't belong."
Pak shrugged, because she wasn't sure he did belong. That he'd just turn his back on his own people so readily made her a bit nervous. But she understood why he'd make that choice and in this instance she thought it might be the best decision. Still, even though she was thinking about liking him again she was still a bit suspicious of him.
Pak was very confidant on that score. She was also fairly certain the tracking they'd done wouldn't be able to be hacked, at least not to the point of giving them a false location. She was a programmer though and did a decent amount of hacking of her own so she'd not say she was completey confidant. There was always someone out there who could think of things you couldn't, or at least hadn't.
It was rather nice of Cris to worry about Blaise, or at least worry about what getting Blaise in trouble would mean for them. It hadn't sounded like a warm and fuzzy thing.
[He is young and they might not be happy to see him... but what were you doing at his age? I know I didn't have it this good.]
That was an unusually harsh position for her to take but Pak hadn't been coddled when she'd first been turned it had been pure survival and hadn't been easy. She'd had no one. Even if letting Blaise go was a risk, he'd have the backing of a clan something she hadn't.
[You want them to storm the castle? Can we get a moat first?]
Pak teased their security chief on that point. It made the most sense of course, when you had the choice of battle field you took the one that gave you the most advantage. But it was still funny. She'd make sure MARI had access to The Princess Bride if they went that way.
Tristan, rather unsurprisingly, didn't exactly answer the question. He came close but missed it by a bit. She sighed and rolled her eyes.
"Do any of you Anantya answer questions directly? Is there something in the water that makes everyone so circumspect?"
That wasn't an entirely fair generalization but there was some truth to it. Everyone she knew from that clan had a tendency to side step answers at least part of the time. Maybe it was habit from not being able to be yourself all the time and having to hide, or at least blend in with humans, but once in a while it would be nice to get a straight answer.
His next question was different. She'd expected him to ask her to go over the whole kidnapping and rescue thing again. Either he didn't care, and that wasn't the vibe she got, or he'd actually read someone's report. That would be a nice change.
"I don't see him much. Cris would know better. He seems fine I guess, maybe a little bit like he doesn't belong."
Pak shrugged, because she wasn't sure he did belong. That he'd just turn his back on his own people so readily made her a bit nervous. But she understood why he'd make that choice and in this instance she thought it might be the best decision. Still, even though she was thinking about liking him again she was still a bit suspicious of him.
Christian Bern
11 years ago
[We will release her soon.] Cris promised Pak. The word was that Alfred was back so they really had no more time to hold her if they wanted to take advantage of his presence in Nachton. He listened to PakPao's thoughts on Blaise and using him as bait. [If he agrees then it is definitely worth considering. I might ask him just to see if he would be willing. It would let me know a little bit more about his character.]
Hiding a smile behind his large cup of frothy Christmas coffee, he answered her next sending. [I was clanless for hundreds of years. I would say being a member of Evenhet is a lot easier.] He had a Creator though and Blaise did not. Cris had taken it upon himself to keep an eye on the guy and had placed him in security for partly that reason. Blaise was young; he would need a mentor to take the place of his unstable Creator. [Easier or not though; he should definitely have the choice to risk his life or not. We would not demand such a thing from our people.] Unless they signed up for such duties...which technically Blaise had, under duress. The man had no reason to risk himself for the good of the clan yet.
He might do it because he wanted Alfred caught but Blaise had to know what that would mean. Anantya was not very forgiving of people who defied them. So he would be assisting in the capture and death of his own maker. That was a tough decision, even if you didn't particularly like the guy.
[I asked for a moat. Megan shot me down.] Apparently it wasn't very friendly and wasted too much real estate. [We will just send him out with a wheel barrow and a holocaust cloak.] He couldn't resist the Princess Bride reference; they had quoted from that movie before in the bookstore when he and Rowan had only newly met. Pak seemed astonished that he would know something so frivolous.
Actually they weren't holding Jerrod here and they could easily move him to a less secure temporary facility or be transporting him to Anantya for questioning...and if the vehicle happened to get jumped and Jerrod escaped...oh no! What ever would they do?!
Cris mused over Rowan's answer, now considering the idea of flying a lab under the radar on purpose. [Okay, you have a point. It could be done but we wouldn't exactly be flying specifically. That makes a great deal of difference.] Boats made much better floating homes or work places that airplanes. They could be docked somewhere if need be and the fuel cost was not enormous for a decent sized boat. The same could not be said for a plane large enough to house a working lab. [If we ever turned to a life of crime, we would be dangerous. Perhaps I will mention this fact to Alfarinn next time I ask him for a raise.] Cris sipped his coffee and watched the conversation between Pak and Tristan innocently.
Tristan asked about Blaise. He shook his head. "No he has not tried to run off. I do not believe he will.†Tilting his head, he shrugged. "I have not spent enough time with him to be entirely sure of his personality but I do not believe he is a quitter once he has made a choice.†That was the risk they were taking with the guy. "He will find his place in time.†Cris said to Pak. "There is a lot of things to get used to about being with a clan. Rules and culture but also having safety and support. It is worth the trade, I believe.†And he would know from personal experience.
Hiding a smile behind his large cup of frothy Christmas coffee, he answered her next sending. [I was clanless for hundreds of years. I would say being a member of Evenhet is a lot easier.] He had a Creator though and Blaise did not. Cris had taken it upon himself to keep an eye on the guy and had placed him in security for partly that reason. Blaise was young; he would need a mentor to take the place of his unstable Creator. [Easier or not though; he should definitely have the choice to risk his life or not. We would not demand such a thing from our people.] Unless they signed up for such duties...which technically Blaise had, under duress. The man had no reason to risk himself for the good of the clan yet.
He might do it because he wanted Alfred caught but Blaise had to know what that would mean. Anantya was not very forgiving of people who defied them. So he would be assisting in the capture and death of his own maker. That was a tough decision, even if you didn't particularly like the guy.
[I asked for a moat. Megan shot me down.] Apparently it wasn't very friendly and wasted too much real estate. [We will just send him out with a wheel barrow and a holocaust cloak.] He couldn't resist the Princess Bride reference; they had quoted from that movie before in the bookstore when he and Rowan had only newly met. Pak seemed astonished that he would know something so frivolous.
Actually they weren't holding Jerrod here and they could easily move him to a less secure temporary facility or be transporting him to Anantya for questioning...and if the vehicle happened to get jumped and Jerrod escaped...oh no! What ever would they do?!
Cris mused over Rowan's answer, now considering the idea of flying a lab under the radar on purpose. [Okay, you have a point. It could be done but we wouldn't exactly be flying specifically. That makes a great deal of difference.] Boats made much better floating homes or work places that airplanes. They could be docked somewhere if need be and the fuel cost was not enormous for a decent sized boat. The same could not be said for a plane large enough to house a working lab. [If we ever turned to a life of crime, we would be dangerous. Perhaps I will mention this fact to Alfarinn next time I ask him for a raise.] Cris sipped his coffee and watched the conversation between Pak and Tristan innocently.
Tristan asked about Blaise. He shook his head. "No he has not tried to run off. I do not believe he will.†Tilting his head, he shrugged. "I have not spent enough time with him to be entirely sure of his personality but I do not believe he is a quitter once he has made a choice.†That was the risk they were taking with the guy. "He will find his place in time.†Cris said to Pak. "There is a lot of things to get used to about being with a clan. Rules and culture but also having safety and support. It is worth the trade, I believe.†And he would know from personal experience.
Rowan Murphy
11 years ago
Rowan snorted softly into his coffee. [Who do I gripe at about a raise?]
It was a rhetorical question, obviously. Cris knew Rowan gave less than two shits about money. He had more than he'd ever need in his lifetime, and given how infinite his lifespan was, that was a lot.
The spoken conversation, meanwhile, had turned to a topic Rowan was possibly even less qualified to comment on. He had belonged to Evenhet for his entire life. Considering he had no notion of any life before being a vampire, that made Evenhet the only family he had ever known and not once in twelve-hundred-plus years had the idea of not being Evenhet ever crossed his mind.
He shook his head silently when Cris said there was a lot to get used to, not sure exactly what he was surprised by. He knew of Cris's past of course, but Rowan was a little bit of a rule-bender (okay, let's be fair, rule-breaker) and even he had never found Evenhet's laws restrictive.
"Nothing so strict that he can't adjust quickly," he said softly, almost under his breath. Where it came to his Clan Rowan was fiercely protective. It was his only family, his only home, and damn it, it would be good enough for everyone. If this Blaise wanted a home here he could damn well appreciate it. His loss, if he did any running off.
Rowan scowled at his coffee for a moment. He hated being argumentative. Had he been argumentative just then? He hoped not. It just rankled, the idea that Evenhet might not be good enough for anyone.
It was a rhetorical question, obviously. Cris knew Rowan gave less than two shits about money. He had more than he'd ever need in his lifetime, and given how infinite his lifespan was, that was a lot.
The spoken conversation, meanwhile, had turned to a topic Rowan was possibly even less qualified to comment on. He had belonged to Evenhet for his entire life. Considering he had no notion of any life before being a vampire, that made Evenhet the only family he had ever known and not once in twelve-hundred-plus years had the idea of not being Evenhet ever crossed his mind.
He shook his head silently when Cris said there was a lot to get used to, not sure exactly what he was surprised by. He knew of Cris's past of course, but Rowan was a little bit of a rule-bender (okay, let's be fair, rule-breaker) and even he had never found Evenhet's laws restrictive.
"Nothing so strict that he can't adjust quickly," he said softly, almost under his breath. Where it came to his Clan Rowan was fiercely protective. It was his only family, his only home, and damn it, it would be good enough for everyone. If this Blaise wanted a home here he could damn well appreciate it. His loss, if he did any running off.
Rowan scowled at his coffee for a moment. He hated being argumentative. Had he been argumentative just then? He hoped not. It just rankled, the idea that Evenhet might not be good enough for anyone.
Tristan
11 years ago
Pakpao's quip made him laugh, especially as it was occasionally a complaint of his.
"We do on occasion but not too often. Ruins the whole 'mysterious' image we like to present and that's all we have left since they told us to stop wearing capes.â€
It was rather nice that no one was being terribly judgmental either about him, or Anantya's handling of this or Blaise. Pakpao had questioned him slightly but even that was fairly mild really. Maybe this was why he liked the hippies. He wasn't even remotely considering defecting and knew that Evenhet had militants and bastards of their own but on the whole he often found them pleasant company.
Everyone seemed fairly willing to have Blaise around, if not openly admit him to their ranks. That was a good thing. Tristan wasn't certain what kind of reception he would have had with Anantya. It probably wouldn't have been much different though, a little rough, a little bit of paying for his actions but as he wasn't running the show he very probably would have been forgiven at a certain point.
It seemed that both Christian and Rowan agreed that the man was better off where he was. Tristan was slightly and momentarily perplexed by Rowan's scowl. The man had been in such a good humor before and certainly the conversation hadn't gotten so dark as to warnt scowling. But he didn't dwell on it and cheerfully shrugged his shoulders at Christian.
"You'd think that wouldn't you? I've noticed some people who have been made in the modern era, a time you can wall yourself off from your neighbor and community entirely, don't always understand the concept of a clan and how valuable being part of one can be. Most of them figure it out quick enough though if they are made and brought in responsibly though.â€
He hadn't done a formal study on such things, just independent observation really. After all, you couldn't publish a paper about this sort of thing so Tristan didn't devote much research or study to vampires. Maybe he should though, someone should any way. In fact, now that he said it Tristan couldn't help but think maybe that was part of why Chloe had gotten into trouble. She was so used to being able to handle things herself that she didn't think to ask for help until it was too late. He frowned a bit himself thinking about it.
"We do on occasion but not too often. Ruins the whole 'mysterious' image we like to present and that's all we have left since they told us to stop wearing capes.â€
It was rather nice that no one was being terribly judgmental either about him, or Anantya's handling of this or Blaise. Pakpao had questioned him slightly but even that was fairly mild really. Maybe this was why he liked the hippies. He wasn't even remotely considering defecting and knew that Evenhet had militants and bastards of their own but on the whole he often found them pleasant company.
Everyone seemed fairly willing to have Blaise around, if not openly admit him to their ranks. That was a good thing. Tristan wasn't certain what kind of reception he would have had with Anantya. It probably wouldn't have been much different though, a little rough, a little bit of paying for his actions but as he wasn't running the show he very probably would have been forgiven at a certain point.
It seemed that both Christian and Rowan agreed that the man was better off where he was. Tristan was slightly and momentarily perplexed by Rowan's scowl. The man had been in such a good humor before and certainly the conversation hadn't gotten so dark as to warnt scowling. But he didn't dwell on it and cheerfully shrugged his shoulders at Christian.
"You'd think that wouldn't you? I've noticed some people who have been made in the modern era, a time you can wall yourself off from your neighbor and community entirely, don't always understand the concept of a clan and how valuable being part of one can be. Most of them figure it out quick enough though if they are made and brought in responsibly though.â€
He hadn't done a formal study on such things, just independent observation really. After all, you couldn't publish a paper about this sort of thing so Tristan didn't devote much research or study to vampires. Maybe he should though, someone should any way. In fact, now that he said it Tristan couldn't help but think maybe that was part of why Chloe had gotten into trouble. She was so used to being able to handle things herself that she didn't think to ask for help until it was too late. He frowned a bit himself thinking about it.
Pakpao
11 years ago
Involuntarily Pak found herself returning his smile and* enjoying his laugh. It was a nice sound, comfortable, friendly and not mocking her for her question. When Tristan responded to her gripe with humor, and the idea of capes she half laughed. It was funny, she thought so any way and something that had been discussed with friends before. It made him less foreign to her.
Not allowing herself to get too caught up by his apparent charm she turned her attention back to Cris and responded to his sending.
[Good.]
Pak answered simply to both the idea of the familiar and Blaise. She was a fan of the idea of ending this whole situation quickly. Ending it on Evenhet's terms might be nice too. Anantya might have started it but they were involved now no reason not to finish it. Although she didn't know how exactly they would end it. It seemed a foregone conclusion that if Anantya got a hold of Alfred he was dead, what if they caught him? Turn him over? Take him out? Pak didn't know. It wouldn't be her call, that was why Alfrarinn and Kem got the big bucks. She wouldn't shed too many tears for the man either way.
Before she could suggest disguising the moat as a koi pond Cris suggested a holocaust cloak and she had to repress a giggle lest Tristan know they were chatting out of ear shot.
[Why didn't you list that among our assets?]
She demanded of Cris. It was an amazing book/movie. Apparently it resonated with children, parents and vampires of all ages. It also had helped to humanize Cris in her eyes. His next revelation helped as well. She raised an eyebrow at the idea he'd been clanless for quite some time. As he was the third, including herself, that she knew had started that way Pak was starting to conclude Evenhet collected lost souls. It had paid off thus far as well, they'd found some good ones. Still, someday she'd ask Alfrarinn if he knew how many strays they'd collected.
Rowan might have muttered but they weren't exactly across a crowded room, he could still be heard. Pak smiled at him and nodded, she happened to agree. it wasn't hard to settle in.
"As long as someone gave him an orientation he should be fine.â€
She agreed with Cris and Rowan. Someone must have too, at least the very basics. Pak didn't want to be the one to do it, but she hoped someone would take an interest in him and see to it he didn't do anything too stupid. The kid needed a home and didn't seem to have one.
It was an interesting observation on his part though. Pak didn't know too many young vampires. Aishe and now Alex were it other than Blaise really and both of them had been part of the clan before being turned. Although, she didn't know Alex as well and it was harder to judge in his case. She did agree though, things were a lot different than they used to be and looking for a broader support system than just yourself or a very small family group wasn't as common as it had been.*
Pak sipped at her hot chocolate and studied Tristan a bit. She wasn't certain, she hadn't known him long, but she might like him. He wasn't bad looking and he seemed nice enough. of course the last man she'd 'dated' had been Blaise and he wasn't bad looking and had seemed nice enough and look where that had gotten her. Nope she was probably better off sticking with her occasional liaisons with Ran than even thinking about a relationship. It was just safer.*
Not allowing herself to get too caught up by his apparent charm she turned her attention back to Cris and responded to his sending.
[Good.]
Pak answered simply to both the idea of the familiar and Blaise. She was a fan of the idea of ending this whole situation quickly. Ending it on Evenhet's terms might be nice too. Anantya might have started it but they were involved now no reason not to finish it. Although she didn't know how exactly they would end it. It seemed a foregone conclusion that if Anantya got a hold of Alfred he was dead, what if they caught him? Turn him over? Take him out? Pak didn't know. It wouldn't be her call, that was why Alfrarinn and Kem got the big bucks. She wouldn't shed too many tears for the man either way.
Before she could suggest disguising the moat as a koi pond Cris suggested a holocaust cloak and she had to repress a giggle lest Tristan know they were chatting out of ear shot.
[Why didn't you list that among our assets?]
She demanded of Cris. It was an amazing book/movie. Apparently it resonated with children, parents and vampires of all ages. It also had helped to humanize Cris in her eyes. His next revelation helped as well. She raised an eyebrow at the idea he'd been clanless for quite some time. As he was the third, including herself, that she knew had started that way Pak was starting to conclude Evenhet collected lost souls. It had paid off thus far as well, they'd found some good ones. Still, someday she'd ask Alfrarinn if he knew how many strays they'd collected.
Rowan might have muttered but they weren't exactly across a crowded room, he could still be heard. Pak smiled at him and nodded, she happened to agree. it wasn't hard to settle in.
"As long as someone gave him an orientation he should be fine.â€
She agreed with Cris and Rowan. Someone must have too, at least the very basics. Pak didn't want to be the one to do it, but she hoped someone would take an interest in him and see to it he didn't do anything too stupid. The kid needed a home and didn't seem to have one.
It was an interesting observation on his part though. Pak didn't know too many young vampires. Aishe and now Alex were it other than Blaise really and both of them had been part of the clan before being turned. Although, she didn't know Alex as well and it was harder to judge in his case. She did agree though, things were a lot different than they used to be and looking for a broader support system than just yourself or a very small family group wasn't as common as it had been.*
Pak sipped at her hot chocolate and studied Tristan a bit. She wasn't certain, she hadn't known him long, but she might like him. He wasn't bad looking and he seemed nice enough. of course the last man she'd 'dated' had been Blaise and he wasn't bad looking and had seemed nice enough and look where that had gotten her. Nope she was probably better off sticking with her occasional liaisons with Ran than even thinking about a relationship. It was just safer.*
Christian Bern
11 years ago
[Er...Would you believe I have been mostly dead all day?] Cris asked Pak while he drank his coffee.
To Rowan, he sent. [So, how do you think The Towers would look with a moat? Pak suggested it and I told her that Megan shot that idea down when I suggested it before construction began. Maybe we can swing it past the current powers that be?]
He was beginning to think that maybe he and Rowan should find another table. The auras on the other two suggested that they might both get along rather well and for the most part they had been intent on questioning each other. Cris wasn't sure he would call it love at first sight or anything but there were more sparks flying between the two than when he met Rowan and he knew how that had turned out.
[Think they'd notice if we sneaked away?] Cris sent to Rowan while sneaking a finger underneath the end of his husband's scrubs. Sadly there was not much access from that end and he was pretty sure that his own security people would have to arrest him if he stuck his hand down the other side while sitting out in the open like they were.
Rowan asked who he should gripe at about a raise. Cris thought about it and then said. [My suggestion would be to send a huge stash of chocolate to Kem and then talk to him. He can add it to his supply. It would be cheaper than buying alcohol to bribe Alfarinn.]
[Or you could try the indirect approach...try to get in good with the Elder's close friend so that he will recommend a raise for you. Then you don't risk looking greedy to the boss.] Cris swirled his straw around in the whipped cream on the top of his drink. [I personally recommend this last tactic.]
The discussion of Blaise and his adjustment brought the thoughts of raises and favors to a halt. Cris listened to Tristan, Pak and Rowan, each coming from different perspectives. "Many don't learn quickly enough. By the time they realize, as a young vampire, that they really need their clan many of them are dead. Being isolated -and- thinking that they are invincible has kept the population down remarkably well.†So many young vampires in this modern time really didn't have a good grasp on their own mortality as a human and then they were made a vampire without ever having any real sense of death. It was so distant now. People died conveniently in hospitals, wars were fought elsewhere, even animals that were eaten were killed by someone else and shipped as unrecognizable slabs of meat packaged in cellophane. Most haven't suffered from serious disease or injury either which further fueled the 'tiny god' syndrome.
He squeezed Rowan's leg. "No, there isn't much to rebel against but I have seen some clan vampires with an idealized view of what it must be like to be wild and free and clanless. No big brother looking over your shoulder.†Cris looked at Pak and shook his head. [Kids these days.] "If they truly thought about it they would realize that clanless have to be more careful, have to follow more rules and precautions because they have not only the humans to worry about but also the clans.†Being alone as a vampire wasn't about living large and running free. That kind of thinking got a clanless vampire dead in less than a month.
"Blaise got the not so standard 'You're in our army now' orientation.†Cris shrugged. "The kinder gentler version will come soon enough.†He was thinking of seeing if Alfarinn and Alex wouldn't mind Blaise joining them from time to time when they learned new vampire stuff. He wasn't sure how much information Blaise got on the subject but Cris knew that he was extremely young as a vampire.
"So does the Anantya orientation have trust tests and clan cheers?†Cris asked Tristan with a completely neutral expression.
((OOC: Empathy. Its what he does, you know when he isn't doing other things. They have been doing most of the talking so he would observe. ))
To Rowan, he sent. [So, how do you think The Towers would look with a moat? Pak suggested it and I told her that Megan shot that idea down when I suggested it before construction began. Maybe we can swing it past the current powers that be?]
He was beginning to think that maybe he and Rowan should find another table. The auras on the other two suggested that they might both get along rather well and for the most part they had been intent on questioning each other. Cris wasn't sure he would call it love at first sight or anything but there were more sparks flying between the two than when he met Rowan and he knew how that had turned out.
[Think they'd notice if we sneaked away?] Cris sent to Rowan while sneaking a finger underneath the end of his husband's scrubs. Sadly there was not much access from that end and he was pretty sure that his own security people would have to arrest him if he stuck his hand down the other side while sitting out in the open like they were.
Rowan asked who he should gripe at about a raise. Cris thought about it and then said. [My suggestion would be to send a huge stash of chocolate to Kem and then talk to him. He can add it to his supply. It would be cheaper than buying alcohol to bribe Alfarinn.]
[Or you could try the indirect approach...try to get in good with the Elder's close friend so that he will recommend a raise for you. Then you don't risk looking greedy to the boss.] Cris swirled his straw around in the whipped cream on the top of his drink. [I personally recommend this last tactic.]
The discussion of Blaise and his adjustment brought the thoughts of raises and favors to a halt. Cris listened to Tristan, Pak and Rowan, each coming from different perspectives. "Many don't learn quickly enough. By the time they realize, as a young vampire, that they really need their clan many of them are dead. Being isolated -and- thinking that they are invincible has kept the population down remarkably well.†So many young vampires in this modern time really didn't have a good grasp on their own mortality as a human and then they were made a vampire without ever having any real sense of death. It was so distant now. People died conveniently in hospitals, wars were fought elsewhere, even animals that were eaten were killed by someone else and shipped as unrecognizable slabs of meat packaged in cellophane. Most haven't suffered from serious disease or injury either which further fueled the 'tiny god' syndrome.
He squeezed Rowan's leg. "No, there isn't much to rebel against but I have seen some clan vampires with an idealized view of what it must be like to be wild and free and clanless. No big brother looking over your shoulder.†Cris looked at Pak and shook his head. [Kids these days.] "If they truly thought about it they would realize that clanless have to be more careful, have to follow more rules and precautions because they have not only the humans to worry about but also the clans.†Being alone as a vampire wasn't about living large and running free. That kind of thinking got a clanless vampire dead in less than a month.
"Blaise got the not so standard 'You're in our army now' orientation.†Cris shrugged. "The kinder gentler version will come soon enough.†He was thinking of seeing if Alfarinn and Alex wouldn't mind Blaise joining them from time to time when they learned new vampire stuff. He wasn't sure how much information Blaise got on the subject but Cris knew that he was extremely young as a vampire.
"So does the Anantya orientation have trust tests and clan cheers?†Cris asked Tristan with a completely neutral expression.
((OOC: Empathy. Its what he does, you know when he isn't doing other things. They have been doing most of the talking so he would observe. ))
Rowan Murphy
11 years ago
For once, Rowan was happy not to be the center of attention. Pak and Tristan seemed more than capable of carrying a conversation on between the two of them, with occasional input from Cris, and while Rowan found the current topic interesting he didn't have a lot to add that he hadn't already. He'd never been Clanless. He didn't remember his life as a human, so he never remembered anything but Evenhet. His point of view was very different from most of his Clanmates', he knew. He couldn't imagine not being Evenhet. And now that he was married to its very own Chief of Security, it was even more ingrained in him.
Cris mentioned the moat and Rowan snickered to himself. [You kidding? The current powers that be would only be far too likely to like that idea. We'd best be careful who it gets mentioned to.]
When Cris asked if they could sneak away Rowan smiled into his mocha. Tristan and Pak did seem to be hitting it off well enough, and Rowan had certainly made no secret of the fact that he'd prefer to return to work completely fucked. Cris's toying with his scrubs only hardened that resolve. And threatened to harden other parts of him.
[They'd notice but I doubt they'd care. You did what you had to do and you even provided coffee. You're a fantastic host. You deserve to get laid. A lot. I don't even need a raise... not a monetary one.]
Still, like good hosts both, they participated in the conversation. Rowan shook his head at Cris's mention of the clanless. Not in disgust, just with a lack of understanding.
"No reason to choose that," Rowan said. "Even the Tacharan have grouped together. Clan is everything. Family, friends, safety. To consciously choose to be Clanless is asking for it."
He tried to keep any negativity out of his voice, tried not to feel derision or superiority. For some vampires, they felt like they didn't have a choice. He felt pity for them.
"Maybe they have family anyway," he said with a trace, just a hint, of wistfulness. "I just know that without Evenhet I would have nothing and no one, and I've never been the solitary type."
Cris mentioned the moat and Rowan snickered to himself. [You kidding? The current powers that be would only be far too likely to like that idea. We'd best be careful who it gets mentioned to.]
When Cris asked if they could sneak away Rowan smiled into his mocha. Tristan and Pak did seem to be hitting it off well enough, and Rowan had certainly made no secret of the fact that he'd prefer to return to work completely fucked. Cris's toying with his scrubs only hardened that resolve. And threatened to harden other parts of him.
[They'd notice but I doubt they'd care. You did what you had to do and you even provided coffee. You're a fantastic host. You deserve to get laid. A lot. I don't even need a raise... not a monetary one.]
Still, like good hosts both, they participated in the conversation. Rowan shook his head at Cris's mention of the clanless. Not in disgust, just with a lack of understanding.
"No reason to choose that," Rowan said. "Even the Tacharan have grouped together. Clan is everything. Family, friends, safety. To consciously choose to be Clanless is asking for it."
He tried to keep any negativity out of his voice, tried not to feel derision or superiority. For some vampires, they felt like they didn't have a choice. He felt pity for them.
"Maybe they have family anyway," he said with a trace, just a hint, of wistfulness. "I just know that without Evenhet I would have nothing and no one, and I've never been the solitary type."
Tristan
11 years ago
Tristan shook his head at Christian's idea of population control. When he'd been alive life lessons had often been 'life or death lessons'. It was a harsh reality and he was never quite sure where he stood on it. Some young vampires, Chloe for instance, deserved better they had promise and a support system they just made a bad decision. The conversation was centering on the young and clanless though so Tristan shoved thoughts of his creator's youngest out of his mind. Because there were those reckless ones that were a threat to themselves and to other vampires and everyone was better off when they snuffed it.
"I've heard some gamers say 'you can't heal stupid'. Sometimes that is all to the good, but I wish we could do something for the ones who just made one bad call."
Rowan seemed to have rather strong feelings on the matter, and they were feelings that Tristan understood and agreed with, just regarding a different clan. It was also something he'd seen over and over again in his studies. People weren't meant to live apart, they were a social animal and did much better together on all levels.
"You won't get any argument from me on those points."
That's why he'd taken his accidental abandonment so hard and that was why he'd wound up bonding with the natives in Australia. He didn't have a choice really, human contact was necessary. It had been extremely challenging to keep his nature from them but fit into their society. Ultimately he'd had to reveal himself to some of the. The first time hadn't gone well and he'd wound up fleeing for his life.
"It is good to have a home to come back too."
A home didn't have to be four walls, it could be a tribe, a family or a clan. The feeling of relief he'd felt when Anantya had found him again was one that Tristan was never likely to forget.
Christian's observations were such that Tristan did wonder if the blond vampire had been clanless himself for a while. It wasn't a given of course, in his line of work Christian probably did come into contact with a great number of clanless vampires and would know the type.
Alfred seemed to be the rebel type, or at least the kind trying to play both sides of the fence. Ignoring Anatya's rules but still hiding behind the clan's name to keep himself safe from others. It was despicable really. Tristan found himself nodding in agreement with what Christian had said.
"And don't you hate those that try and have it both ways?"
He asked with a rather savage smile, not even attempting to hide his large canines. He was going to be quite happy to see the end of Alfred, regardless of who got him. Cheaters didn't deserve to prosper.
Cocking his head slightly Tristan tried to imagine Christian as a drill Sargent giving said lecture and wasn't having much luck. There was no doubt the other vampire would be able to exude some authority when needed but it would have to be of a different sort that the drill Sargent as portrayed by Hollywood. No the up and in your face would be hard to pull off. Rowan might be able to, he had the size. Pakpao oddly enough might manage it. She was small but thus far he'd seen enough snap to her personality to suggest it was possible. It was an entertaining image.
One that Christian distracted him from. Suspecting that his host was kidding, if he had an open line of communication to the Elder Christian probably knew a fair about about Anantya, but deciding to play along he slipped into professor mode and didn't bat an eyelash as he answered.
"We did for a few years but something about letting yourself fall backwards into another's arms just didn't seem quite significant enough and then I'm afraid we over compensated some by jumping out of buildings. The cheers, however, were struck down immediately the Rose didn't find them dignified at all, but the do have a lovely Power Point presentation, a work book and an on line test about 'Which Order are You'. Very efficient really. I think I can get you a user ID for the Order test if you'd like."
"I've heard some gamers say 'you can't heal stupid'. Sometimes that is all to the good, but I wish we could do something for the ones who just made one bad call."
Rowan seemed to have rather strong feelings on the matter, and they were feelings that Tristan understood and agreed with, just regarding a different clan. It was also something he'd seen over and over again in his studies. People weren't meant to live apart, they were a social animal and did much better together on all levels.
"You won't get any argument from me on those points."
That's why he'd taken his accidental abandonment so hard and that was why he'd wound up bonding with the natives in Australia. He didn't have a choice really, human contact was necessary. It had been extremely challenging to keep his nature from them but fit into their society. Ultimately he'd had to reveal himself to some of the. The first time hadn't gone well and he'd wound up fleeing for his life.
"It is good to have a home to come back too."
A home didn't have to be four walls, it could be a tribe, a family or a clan. The feeling of relief he'd felt when Anantya had found him again was one that Tristan was never likely to forget.
Christian's observations were such that Tristan did wonder if the blond vampire had been clanless himself for a while. It wasn't a given of course, in his line of work Christian probably did come into contact with a great number of clanless vampires and would know the type.
Alfred seemed to be the rebel type, or at least the kind trying to play both sides of the fence. Ignoring Anatya's rules but still hiding behind the clan's name to keep himself safe from others. It was despicable really. Tristan found himself nodding in agreement with what Christian had said.
"And don't you hate those that try and have it both ways?"
He asked with a rather savage smile, not even attempting to hide his large canines. He was going to be quite happy to see the end of Alfred, regardless of who got him. Cheaters didn't deserve to prosper.
Cocking his head slightly Tristan tried to imagine Christian as a drill Sargent giving said lecture and wasn't having much luck. There was no doubt the other vampire would be able to exude some authority when needed but it would have to be of a different sort that the drill Sargent as portrayed by Hollywood. No the up and in your face would be hard to pull off. Rowan might be able to, he had the size. Pakpao oddly enough might manage it. She was small but thus far he'd seen enough snap to her personality to suggest it was possible. It was an entertaining image.
One that Christian distracted him from. Suspecting that his host was kidding, if he had an open line of communication to the Elder Christian probably knew a fair about about Anantya, but deciding to play along he slipped into professor mode and didn't bat an eyelash as he answered.
"We did for a few years but something about letting yourself fall backwards into another's arms just didn't seem quite significant enough and then I'm afraid we over compensated some by jumping out of buildings. The cheers, however, were struck down immediately the Rose didn't find them dignified at all, but the do have a lovely Power Point presentation, a work book and an on line test about 'Which Order are You'. Very efficient really. I think I can get you a user ID for the Order test if you'd like."
Pakpao
11 years ago
Pak grinned at Cris for his quip about mostly dead, but couldn't think of an overly witty comment. She toyed with a few but they all were rejected. She'd give him the win on this one. He'd earned it. Although she'd always known he was a good guy, he must have been or he'd not have been their head of security, Pak was starting to see part of who Cris was. She casually glanced over at Rowan, who hadn't said much was looking very comfortable with his legs sprawled across Cris' lap, and wondered how much of this was the red head's influence and how much was just her being willing to open up a bit.
It was Cris' other sending she answered.
[They have no idea how good they have it.]
Pak really didn't begrudge anyone a good turning and a healthy introduction to being a vampires. It actually gave her faith in their kind that her situation, Kem's and maybe Cris' were the exception rather than the rule.
"Sometimes it just seems safer though, you don't know who to trust other than yourself."
She answered Rowan softly, almost muttering into her nearly empty chocolate cup. That had been her problem. Pak had been so very scared of so much and terrified that the man who'd made her would come back that she'd probably wandered alone much longer than she needed too. Thankfully that was all behind her now and she'd not go back to it for anything.
Rather than dwell on it, she was getting much better about not getting sucked into her past, she rolled her eyes at the 'army' comment.
"You don't even wear camouflage. Is it really and army? It is more like Men In Black."
Privately Pak wondered if they didn't have a flashy memory eraser gizmo that she'd not been made aware of. Scary thought.
Tristan was apparently not all sweetness and light as he flashed a rather menacing grin at Cris. Not really a surprise though. You didn't live for decades at a time without developing a few layers. He proved that by neatly countering Cris with the idea of cheers and online tests. She couldn't for a second imagine Bao or Amir doing any of those things. Maybe shoving people out of a building but only under the right circumstances.
Refusing to be the one who caved first she kept her meeting face on and tried to call Tristan's bluff.
"I'd be curious to see that test about the orders. When you have time."
It was Cris' other sending she answered.
[They have no idea how good they have it.]
Pak really didn't begrudge anyone a good turning and a healthy introduction to being a vampires. It actually gave her faith in their kind that her situation, Kem's and maybe Cris' were the exception rather than the rule.
"Sometimes it just seems safer though, you don't know who to trust other than yourself."
She answered Rowan softly, almost muttering into her nearly empty chocolate cup. That had been her problem. Pak had been so very scared of so much and terrified that the man who'd made her would come back that she'd probably wandered alone much longer than she needed too. Thankfully that was all behind her now and she'd not go back to it for anything.
Rather than dwell on it, she was getting much better about not getting sucked into her past, she rolled her eyes at the 'army' comment.
"You don't even wear camouflage. Is it really and army? It is more like Men In Black."
Privately Pak wondered if they didn't have a flashy memory eraser gizmo that she'd not been made aware of. Scary thought.
Tristan was apparently not all sweetness and light as he flashed a rather menacing grin at Cris. Not really a surprise though. You didn't live for decades at a time without developing a few layers. He proved that by neatly countering Cris with the idea of cheers and online tests. She couldn't for a second imagine Bao or Amir doing any of those things. Maybe shoving people out of a building but only under the right circumstances.
Refusing to be the one who caved first she kept her meeting face on and tried to call Tristan's bluff.
"I'd be curious to see that test about the orders. When you have time."
Christian Bern
11 years ago
"On the Dark Side we don't have stupid.†Cris said quietly and gave Rowan a half smile. They had played Star Wars together while Rowan was recovering and trying to get decent sleep again. His favorite doctor had been the healer and he was in charge of charging in head long and making everything angry with threats and flashy lightsaber maneuvers.
[True enough, maybe no moat.] He sent to Pak next [Rowan said no moat. Ixnay the moat. Oh well. I suppose there is a reason they do not let Security Chiefs and Programmers decide these things. It would also have a large wall or a giant force field if I had a say.]
The spoken conversation became more serious about Clans and Clanless. He had opinions about modern vampires in general that came from a jaded point of view. So many didn't understand that modern life was a wonderland in so many ways for a vampire.
He squeezed Rowan's leg and smiled softly at his loyal Evenhet husband. They agreed wholeheartedly about their clan despite their different experiences and he loved that.
Nodding to Pak, he agreed with her also. "I am glad to be here and I am glad you are here.†[Being without a clan and a home makes me appreciate Evenhet that much more.] Cris was sure Pak would agree and; though they were not close friends, he was glad that Anantya didn't have her. He would have spared her the crappy Creator if he could but at least she had found a place to call home. She even had her own version of a castle and computer programming minions to do her bidding.
Pak did not agree with his speech to Blaise claiming that he didn't have an army. Cris raised his eyebrows at her and then smiled smugly. "See, this works really well.†He gestured to the suit. "Urban camouflage.†The security personnel had been described as MIB's before and he could see the resemblance so he did not argue. A suit was way more comfortable, even with the occasional bullet proof vest, than chain mail and leather any day.
Cris listened to Tristan's version of the Anantya orientation, nodding occasionally. "I can see where the building jumping might be problematic. Interesting though and we are well suited to it here.†They had the tallest buildings in Nachton, of course jumping from them would kill even a vampire unless they were outfitted with a parachute. Cris doubted Kem would be in favor of this idea, especially if they wanted Elders to set an example. He laughed at the idea of their Order of the Rose deciding that cheering would be undignified and the resulting solution was quite clever. Tristan was clearly good and thinking up creative things on the fly; it reminded him of a certain redhead with colorful stories of his forgotten past. "Excellent, Hunt or Night...It would be a tough choice. My Hogwarts house was clearly and predictably Gryffindor.†He sighed softly and looked at Rowan and then Pak. "You? Surely you both have taken that quiz.â€
[True enough, maybe no moat.] He sent to Pak next [Rowan said no moat. Ixnay the moat. Oh well. I suppose there is a reason they do not let Security Chiefs and Programmers decide these things. It would also have a large wall or a giant force field if I had a say.]
The spoken conversation became more serious about Clans and Clanless. He had opinions about modern vampires in general that came from a jaded point of view. So many didn't understand that modern life was a wonderland in so many ways for a vampire.
He squeezed Rowan's leg and smiled softly at his loyal Evenhet husband. They agreed wholeheartedly about their clan despite their different experiences and he loved that.
Nodding to Pak, he agreed with her also. "I am glad to be here and I am glad you are here.†[Being without a clan and a home makes me appreciate Evenhet that much more.] Cris was sure Pak would agree and; though they were not close friends, he was glad that Anantya didn't have her. He would have spared her the crappy Creator if he could but at least she had found a place to call home. She even had her own version of a castle and computer programming minions to do her bidding.
Pak did not agree with his speech to Blaise claiming that he didn't have an army. Cris raised his eyebrows at her and then smiled smugly. "See, this works really well.†He gestured to the suit. "Urban camouflage.†The security personnel had been described as MIB's before and he could see the resemblance so he did not argue. A suit was way more comfortable, even with the occasional bullet proof vest, than chain mail and leather any day.
Cris listened to Tristan's version of the Anantya orientation, nodding occasionally. "I can see where the building jumping might be problematic. Interesting though and we are well suited to it here.†They had the tallest buildings in Nachton, of course jumping from them would kill even a vampire unless they were outfitted with a parachute. Cris doubted Kem would be in favor of this idea, especially if they wanted Elders to set an example. He laughed at the idea of their Order of the Rose deciding that cheering would be undignified and the resulting solution was quite clever. Tristan was clearly good and thinking up creative things on the fly; it reminded him of a certain redhead with colorful stories of his forgotten past. "Excellent, Hunt or Night...It would be a tough choice. My Hogwarts house was clearly and predictably Gryffindor.†He sighed softly and looked at Rowan and then Pak. "You? Surely you both have taken that quiz.â€
Rowan Murphy
11 years ago
[That might be best,] Rowan said with a little mental laugh. Their Evenhet Elders weren't exactly the most straightlaced. On simple observation one might not believe that of Kem, but a closer look (or sometimes just a drunker one) would show the truth.
When Cris squeezed his leg, Rowan smiled at him and adjusted his legs to make sure he wasn't pressing down too much on his husband's. Sipping at his mocha again he caught Cris's eye and raised his eyebrows at him. Then he tapped at his bracelet under the table where the other two couldn't see. He wasn't sending a message to Cris via the jewelry, but rather touching it to indicate to Cris to send to him again. When his husband did just that Rowan sent, [The kids seem to be hitting it off just fine. This Tristan guy seems okay. What are the odds of me getting to drag you back home for a little while? I wasn't kidding before. I want your cock in my mouth, like, half an hour ago.]
He smiled into his drink and sipped again, nodding at the conversation. He laughed when the Hogwarts houses were mentioned.
"Well I can't deny it since we took it together. I was only barely Gryffindor with a large side of Ravenclaw. You were made for Gryffindor though."
His smile was brilliant when fixed on Cris. His husband was brave, loyal, strong, and determined. All excellent Gryffindor qualities. Rowan looked up at the other two. "Come on, so which house?"
When Cris squeezed his leg, Rowan smiled at him and adjusted his legs to make sure he wasn't pressing down too much on his husband's. Sipping at his mocha again he caught Cris's eye and raised his eyebrows at him. Then he tapped at his bracelet under the table where the other two couldn't see. He wasn't sending a message to Cris via the jewelry, but rather touching it to indicate to Cris to send to him again. When his husband did just that Rowan sent, [The kids seem to be hitting it off just fine. This Tristan guy seems okay. What are the odds of me getting to drag you back home for a little while? I wasn't kidding before. I want your cock in my mouth, like, half an hour ago.]
He smiled into his drink and sipped again, nodding at the conversation. He laughed when the Hogwarts houses were mentioned.
"Well I can't deny it since we took it together. I was only barely Gryffindor with a large side of Ravenclaw. You were made for Gryffindor though."
His smile was brilliant when fixed on Cris. His husband was brave, loyal, strong, and determined. All excellent Gryffindor qualities. Rowan looked up at the other two. "Come on, so which house?"
Tristan
11 years ago
Tristan gave a half snort half laugh sound into his coffee cup. He got the reference, he'd even played the game some but only much it hadn't been his favorite. Truthfully, although he liked both, he preferred Star Trek to Star Wars, it was a slightly more optimistic view of the future eh they could all use a little optimism now and then.
"So long as you have cookies its all good.â€
There was no way he could misunderstand that, Between Pakpao and Christian it was extremely clear the small Thai vampire had been clanless. What the hell?! That blew his mind. There was no excuse for an Anantya created vampire to be left on their own. It seemed especially repugnant as it had been done by a member of the Rose, the Rose who were supposed to be the organizers and leaders. The only possible excuse was that Pakpao had run away from Hoang and that wasn't even much of an excuse. Tristan's first instinct was to find Hoang and punch him in the nose. Granted it wasn't any of his business but Tristan very much wanted an explanation for that. It was something he'd remember to look into without making a note.
Fortunately the conversation turned to something lighter and he was happy to take that conversational queue. He shuddered to think about base jumping from the Towers. He thought his idea for just jumping around the Manor was scary enough., it was something he'd not try unless he had no doubt about his partner. He wouldn't mind catching though.
"I think you might be -too- well suited to it here, you might want to modify it to base jumping.â€
Not that a parachute would make him feel any better about jumping between the two massive towers.
Apparently everyone at this table was happy enough to play rather than be serious and he appreciated that. It was relaxing, This bantering and the caffeine was just what he needed to help settle him into Nachton. As long as he didn't get too comfortable and loose his edge before the job was done.
He flashed a smile at Pakpao and really wanted to flirt. He didn't think it was just being careless and jet lagged either, she really was attractive.
"I'll have to pull in a favor with The Rose but I'll see what I can do.â€
He hadn't known her long enough to guess where she'd fit. If she'd been held hostage by two less than trained vampires he was going to guess not The Hunt though.
Slightly reluctantly he gave his attention back to Christian and was amused by the question. Not all self respecting Anantya would admit to having taken a Sorting Hat Quiz but he didn't mind fessing up.
"Gryffindor more often than not, depends on the site that did the quiz.â€
Ravenclaw came up now and again. When he saw the results broken down, X in Gryffindor, Y in Ravenclaw etc, he almost never had any answers in Slytherin but a few popped into Hufflepuff. Of course, Hufflepuff was a highly underrated house to his mind, solid reliable, good people were harder to find than they should be.
It had been much easier to find his Hogwarts house than his Order. That had taken a few years and a number of arguments with Fadil. His maker had some odd blind spots and had felt that with his lack of culture and education Tristan wasn't suited to the often delicate work of The Night, he'd wound up having to prove himself more often that he'd planned on. It was one time that Fadil had admitted to being wrong and Tristan was grateful for it.
"I might have a house scarf that I wear on occasion. Not knowing I was headed right back to winter I'd put it away for the season though.â€
Shame too, but last second packing meant you didn't always have -just- what you wanted when you wanted it. He was rather used to that though.
"So long as you have cookies its all good.â€
There was no way he could misunderstand that, Between Pakpao and Christian it was extremely clear the small Thai vampire had been clanless. What the hell?! That blew his mind. There was no excuse for an Anantya created vampire to be left on their own. It seemed especially repugnant as it had been done by a member of the Rose, the Rose who were supposed to be the organizers and leaders. The only possible excuse was that Pakpao had run away from Hoang and that wasn't even much of an excuse. Tristan's first instinct was to find Hoang and punch him in the nose. Granted it wasn't any of his business but Tristan very much wanted an explanation for that. It was something he'd remember to look into without making a note.
Fortunately the conversation turned to something lighter and he was happy to take that conversational queue. He shuddered to think about base jumping from the Towers. He thought his idea for just jumping around the Manor was scary enough., it was something he'd not try unless he had no doubt about his partner. He wouldn't mind catching though.
"I think you might be -too- well suited to it here, you might want to modify it to base jumping.â€
Not that a parachute would make him feel any better about jumping between the two massive towers.
Apparently everyone at this table was happy enough to play rather than be serious and he appreciated that. It was relaxing, This bantering and the caffeine was just what he needed to help settle him into Nachton. As long as he didn't get too comfortable and loose his edge before the job was done.
He flashed a smile at Pakpao and really wanted to flirt. He didn't think it was just being careless and jet lagged either, she really was attractive.
"I'll have to pull in a favor with The Rose but I'll see what I can do.â€
He hadn't known her long enough to guess where she'd fit. If she'd been held hostage by two less than trained vampires he was going to guess not The Hunt though.
Slightly reluctantly he gave his attention back to Christian and was amused by the question. Not all self respecting Anantya would admit to having taken a Sorting Hat Quiz but he didn't mind fessing up.
"Gryffindor more often than not, depends on the site that did the quiz.â€
Ravenclaw came up now and again. When he saw the results broken down, X in Gryffindor, Y in Ravenclaw etc, he almost never had any answers in Slytherin but a few popped into Hufflepuff. Of course, Hufflepuff was a highly underrated house to his mind, solid reliable, good people were harder to find than they should be.
It had been much easier to find his Hogwarts house than his Order. That had taken a few years and a number of arguments with Fadil. His maker had some odd blind spots and had felt that with his lack of culture and education Tristan wasn't suited to the often delicate work of The Night, he'd wound up having to prove himself more often that he'd planned on. It was one time that Fadil had admitted to being wrong and Tristan was grateful for it.
"I might have a house scarf that I wear on occasion. Not knowing I was headed right back to winter I'd put it away for the season though.â€
Shame too, but last second packing meant you didn't always have -just- what you wanted when you wanted it. He was rather used to that though.
Pakpao
11 years ago
Why didn't it surprise her that Cris would play Sith? Well good guys needed to act out too at least a game was a healthy way to do it with no real lasting consequences.
[What?! No moat? You know we could disguise it as a koi pond or a water feature maybe even put some toy boats in it.]
Pak tried to sell the moat idea. A draw bridge would have been silly but a moat that could be practical and attractive. Although Cris' idea about the force field distracted her rather thoroughly. She didn't have the right skill set to make that happen. Pak didn't have the formal education some did, she was primarily self taught and picked up a lot on the job so it seemed unlikely she'd ever be able to create a force field, by she might do some reading about that over the next few nights.
[I like that idea. Who do we talk to about force fields?]
Coloring slightly at Cris' words Pak didn't say anything. It was part of her she'd shared hesitantly and absolutely didn't flaunt. She'd be happy enough to have any attention drift away from her.
[It should make anyone appreciate Evenhet more. I'm glad you found your way here too.]
They didn't know each other as well as they might, but it didn't take a genius to see the impact Cris had on the Towers and the clan. They needed him.
Tristan had a nice smile, fangs and all it was just open and honest and he seemed to use it often. He'd probably smiled more over one cup of coffee than she had all day. It was refreshing and infectious. Pak didn't want to think about that though.
When the topic changed Pak analyzed each answer based on what she knew of the people. Gryffindor absolutely suited Cris. It made more sense than Ravenclaw for Rowan, more to the point Huffelpuff and Slytherin would be totally wrong for him. She hoped that he'd been 'sorted' into Gryffindor was a good thing regarding Tristan. He might have been going along with the crowd but he seemed so natural when he brought up the scarf and Pak could just see him wearing it.
It took a second for her to realize she was the only one that hadn't answered.
"I guess we have a house table then.â€
Pak came up like Rowan had said, Gryffindor with a large side of Ravenclaw. Just because you didn't have a bunch of letters after your name didn't mean you didn't enjoy learning after all. Pak did, however, leave out her occasional Slytherin tenancies. Of course Gryffindor and Slytherin were more alike than most people might think, good and evil , like love and hate, were only separated by a thin line. Which went back to Cris and Rowan playing as part of the Dark Side on line.
[What?! No moat? You know we could disguise it as a koi pond or a water feature maybe even put some toy boats in it.]
Pak tried to sell the moat idea. A draw bridge would have been silly but a moat that could be practical and attractive. Although Cris' idea about the force field distracted her rather thoroughly. She didn't have the right skill set to make that happen. Pak didn't have the formal education some did, she was primarily self taught and picked up a lot on the job so it seemed unlikely she'd ever be able to create a force field, by she might do some reading about that over the next few nights.
[I like that idea. Who do we talk to about force fields?]
Coloring slightly at Cris' words Pak didn't say anything. It was part of her she'd shared hesitantly and absolutely didn't flaunt. She'd be happy enough to have any attention drift away from her.
[It should make anyone appreciate Evenhet more. I'm glad you found your way here too.]
They didn't know each other as well as they might, but it didn't take a genius to see the impact Cris had on the Towers and the clan. They needed him.
Tristan had a nice smile, fangs and all it was just open and honest and he seemed to use it often. He'd probably smiled more over one cup of coffee than she had all day. It was refreshing and infectious. Pak didn't want to think about that though.
When the topic changed Pak analyzed each answer based on what she knew of the people. Gryffindor absolutely suited Cris. It made more sense than Ravenclaw for Rowan, more to the point Huffelpuff and Slytherin would be totally wrong for him. She hoped that he'd been 'sorted' into Gryffindor was a good thing regarding Tristan. He might have been going along with the crowd but he seemed so natural when he brought up the scarf and Pak could just see him wearing it.
It took a second for her to realize she was the only one that hadn't answered.
"I guess we have a house table then.â€
Pak came up like Rowan had said, Gryffindor with a large side of Ravenclaw. Just because you didn't have a bunch of letters after your name didn't mean you didn't enjoy learning after all. Pak did, however, leave out her occasional Slytherin tenancies. Of course Gryffindor and Slytherin were more alike than most people might think, good and evil , like love and hate, were only separated by a thin line. Which went back to Cris and Rowan playing as part of the Dark Side on line.
Christian Bern
11 years ago
Pak's idea to disguise the moat as a large koi pond was amusing. [Hmm, that has promise.] Of course she liked the idea of a force field also. Cris had to wonder if the engineer types could make that happen. [Someone in research and design. I'd imagine. Maybe if we both went in and made big puppy eyes at them...They would probably claim that of course they could make it but that they wouldn't be allowed because it would be a hazard to local avian wild life. Little guys knocking themselves out on it and falling to their deaths or something. Alfarinn in particular would be against that.] And Natt and his family were pretty cute. The little guy brought him a quarter the other day and seemed to think that was pretty hilarious for some reason.
[Yes, I do not think he is going to be less than a gentleman and if he is then MARI can inform on him and we will take it up with his clan.] Cris didn't believe that would be necessary. Tristan seemed like a nice guy and his aura suggested that he wasn't faking any of the friendly attitude toward Pak or the rest of them. Plus the guy didn't appear stupid; pissing of Evenhet members in their own home would be poor form and pure crazy. Pak was plenty safe to drink coffee with the guy without chaperones.
They determined that everyone involved would be in the same Hogwarts house despite clan differences. "Should there ever been new Potter related books or films someone should organize a house against house series of competitions. They could start it by officially sorting people.†They would all likely live to see a remake and perhaps the author would eventually decide to capitalize on her early success with more from the magical world she created but claims to want no more part of.
He stood up and reached out a hand to Tristan. "It was nice to meet you, Mister Alpin. Please give Jin my regards.†Cris smiled at Pak and then looked at Rowan. "We both need to be heading back to work soon and I have some coffee to deliver.â€
Making their farewells, he and Rowan headed to the counter to order drinks for Ume and Becky. He sent to Pak one last time before they left Barney's entirely. [If he so much as looks at you wrong then let me know. I'll make sure he doesn't do it again.] Pak was a sender herself and plenty capable of silently calling for all kinds of help but here in the building he was the one best able to respond with whatever appropriate force was necessary from one guard to an army...dressed in urban camouflage.
((OOC: Cris out pending repsonses. ))
[Yes, I do not think he is going to be less than a gentleman and if he is then MARI can inform on him and we will take it up with his clan.] Cris didn't believe that would be necessary. Tristan seemed like a nice guy and his aura suggested that he wasn't faking any of the friendly attitude toward Pak or the rest of them. Plus the guy didn't appear stupid; pissing of Evenhet members in their own home would be poor form and pure crazy. Pak was plenty safe to drink coffee with the guy without chaperones.
They determined that everyone involved would be in the same Hogwarts house despite clan differences. "Should there ever been new Potter related books or films someone should organize a house against house series of competitions. They could start it by officially sorting people.†They would all likely live to see a remake and perhaps the author would eventually decide to capitalize on her early success with more from the magical world she created but claims to want no more part of.
He stood up and reached out a hand to Tristan. "It was nice to meet you, Mister Alpin. Please give Jin my regards.†Cris smiled at Pak and then looked at Rowan. "We both need to be heading back to work soon and I have some coffee to deliver.â€
Making their farewells, he and Rowan headed to the counter to order drinks for Ume and Becky. He sent to Pak one last time before they left Barney's entirely. [If he so much as looks at you wrong then let me know. I'll make sure he doesn't do it again.] Pak was a sender herself and plenty capable of silently calling for all kinds of help but here in the building he was the one best able to respond with whatever appropriate force was necessary from one guard to an army...dressed in urban camouflage.
((OOC: Cris out pending repsonses. ))
Rowan Murphy
11 years ago
Rowan was more than happy to head out with Cris. He hadn't had to conduct any business with Tristan but it had been nice to meet the Anantya. Pak seemed to get along with him fine and Rowan had an agenda with Cris.
They bid the two farewell, got their to-go orders, and headed out. Rowan let Cris carry the drinks in their tray in one hand, but claimed Cris's other hand for his own. He threaded his fingers in with his husband's and sauntered happily back toward the elevators with him.
((ooc: Rowan out, too))
They bid the two farewell, got their to-go orders, and headed out. Rowan let Cris carry the drinks in their tray in one hand, but claimed Cris's other hand for his own. He threaded his fingers in with his husband's and sauntered happily back toward the elevators with him.
((ooc: Rowan out, too))
Tristan
11 years ago
The idea of house games within the clans was far more amusing that it should be. It would probably be a fair few years before anyone tried to tackle the franchise again so they would have time to plan, but Tristan was trying to work out what set of abilities would be best suited to substitute for a sorting hat. Perhaps if an empath and a psychiatrist got together they could organize a small series of tests and sort based on reactions.
He stood when Christian and Rowan did, first off because it was polite and second because he thought he might be showing him the door. He wouldn't have left a stray member of another clan, no matter how friendly, on their own in the Manor.
"Nice to meet you too Mr. Bern. Thank you for the information. I'm sure it will be helpful and I'm certain the Elder would send his regards as well."
The good doctor hadn't said much but Tristan said farewell to him as well. He seemed like a good sort and it was a little bit of a shame they hadn't had a chance to talk more, but perhaps later, or perhaps not.
This left him alone with Pakpao, which wasn't an all together disagreeable situation. He just wasn't quite sure how to proceed with her. The Elder had warned him against flirting and he didn't want to grill her about the abduction, undoubtedly she was sick of that discussion.
Strange, although he wasn't exactly a ladies man it had been a long time since Tristan had been quite this at a loss for something to say. Which was further compounded by the fact that he wasn't sure she wanted him to stay, or if she needed to leave and get back to work besides.
Noticing his coffee was gone seemed to be the excuse he was looking for.
"Did you want another cuppa?"
She looked down at her own cup noticed it was empty and nodded.
"Yes please. Hot chocolate?"
Tristan couldn't help but grin, he hadn't expected that, some sort of low fat soy milk complicated concoction had been his thought. Apparently though she wasn't as trendy as her appearance lead one to believe.
"Here or to go?"
Even not having any idea what he was going to say to her he was very much hoping she'd say 'here' but he had a feeling that offering a 'to go' option had been the right move.
He stood when Christian and Rowan did, first off because it was polite and second because he thought he might be showing him the door. He wouldn't have left a stray member of another clan, no matter how friendly, on their own in the Manor.
"Nice to meet you too Mr. Bern. Thank you for the information. I'm sure it will be helpful and I'm certain the Elder would send his regards as well."
The good doctor hadn't said much but Tristan said farewell to him as well. He seemed like a good sort and it was a little bit of a shame they hadn't had a chance to talk more, but perhaps later, or perhaps not.
This left him alone with Pakpao, which wasn't an all together disagreeable situation. He just wasn't quite sure how to proceed with her. The Elder had warned him against flirting and he didn't want to grill her about the abduction, undoubtedly she was sick of that discussion.
Strange, although he wasn't exactly a ladies man it had been a long time since Tristan had been quite this at a loss for something to say. Which was further compounded by the fact that he wasn't sure she wanted him to stay, or if she needed to leave and get back to work besides.
Noticing his coffee was gone seemed to be the excuse he was looking for.
"Did you want another cuppa?"
She looked down at her own cup noticed it was empty and nodded.
"Yes please. Hot chocolate?"
Tristan couldn't help but grin, he hadn't expected that, some sort of low fat soy milk complicated concoction had been his thought. Apparently though she wasn't as trendy as her appearance lead one to believe.
"Here or to go?"
Even not having any idea what he was going to say to her he was very much hoping she'd say 'here' but he had a feeling that offering a 'to go' option had been the right move.