Picking up a few things (invitation only)

He smiled at Thaddeus's acceptance of his place, pleased that his companion seemed to find it interesting if not homey. Placing an arm around his companion, Alfarinn held him close a moment before beginning the tour.

"And then you can tell me of these ideas you had."

A voice interrupted their conversation before he could close the door and Alfarinn sighed audibly. Was this going to be like the Manor all over again? Normally MARI would have announced someone coming up to his suite before they got there and he had to wonder what was going on. The address had been awful familiar for an employee. Still the only people MARI would have normally allowed in unannounced would be cleaning staff.

He turned preparing to give the unknown employee a cool reception for being so rude and foward as to interrupt in such a way when he had a guest but found a familiar, if somewhat confusing face instead.

Seeing the figure of Xerxes, his eyes narrowed suspiciously. What was this man doing in his clan area and more over on the floor that contained nothing but his personal residence. The only conclusion that he could make was that he had been snooping, Xerxes had been a part of the Order of the Night though a very distant one and so Alfarinn knew that the man's skills ran towards spying.

The biggest question was why did MARI give him access to the Evenhet parts of the building.

"Is there something that is so important that it requires breaking into my home, Mr Asha?"

He carefully stepped back outside into the hall and brought Thaddeus with him. Shutting the door quietly, he crossed his arms and looked down at the Persian.

((OOC: As is stated in the previous thread by Alfarinn the only thing on this floor is his residence so he has to assume Xerxes was snooping around.))

Xerxes immediately felt quite embarassed and he had no doubt it showed on his alread warming cheeks.

'Quite the way to make a second-first impression eh, Xerxes?'

Drowning out the internal dialogue, he bowed slightly and assumed a carefully respectful, and yet not overly humbling posture.

"I had just left my quarters and must have accidentally gotten off on the wrong floor. I am sort of new to the Towers, you see. I meant no offense."

He tried to smile to ease the tension and even extended his hand, "Sorry, Alfarinn, how have you been?"

(OOC: saw that...AFTER I posted. Sigh. I lose)

Thaddeus turned to face the visitor, who was at the least someone Alfarinn was familiar with, though whether or not they were on friendly terms was less certain. The gentleman seemed amiable towards Alfarinn, but his companion appeared understandably frustrated; it seemed they were fated to never be able to give an uninterrupted tour of their respective quarters. He kept close enough to his companion to touch, though allowed just enough distance for propriety's sake.

Alfarinn seemed more than a little wary of the visitor, though 'Mr. Asha' stated his explanation quickly and seemed honest enough about his confusion. At this moment, though, anything was certainly possible. He frowned for a moment, testing to see if he could place the name, but though it was possible he had come across it before he could not rightly say where.

He wondered if Mr. Asha was here for some sort of Clan business, in which case he should likely wait inside, but he would take his cue from Alfarinn in that matter. Judging by his greeting this could simply be a case of someone stopping by to say hello.

He inclined his chin in acknowledgement of the gentleman and waited to see what would follow.

Alfarinn looked at the Persian in genuine confusion. New to the tower? Well obviously... but why was he here at all? The statement about his quarters suggested someone had sanctioned his being here and there was only one other person who could have admitted him into the clan without his knowledge.

"I was under the impression that Megan wanted you 6 feet under, Xerxes. It would appear then she has had a change of heart."

He mused about that a moment and decided he would have to talk to Megan about the situation in order to feel completely comfortable with it but he did know his sister well enough to know that no one pushed her into anything she didn't want, so for what ever reason, she had to be alright with Xerxes being a part of the clan. You leave home for a few weeks and all kinds of things happen.

Putting a hand on Thaddeus's shoulder, Alfarinn said.

"Thaddeus Grey of Anantya meet Xerxes Asha...of Evenhet."

He still looked a little baffled and so asked.

"What made you decide to join Evenhet? I thought clan life was too full of politics if I remember your reason for leaving Anantya correctly."

Xerxes suddenly understood the Ancient's confusion. So he hadn't heard? Hrm, must have been away on business.

He straightened at the mention of Megan and a soft expression settled over his dark features.

"Yes, we had a heart to heart, so to speak. Seems she couldn't resist my charms," he grinned boyishly,"or more correctly, her ability to forgive is greater then anyone has given her credit for, myself foremost. I, honestly am a bit surprised you hadn't heard." He chuckled then, softly but not lacking warmth. "I am sure you were thinking of all the reasons I could have been 'stalking'," He motioned quotations with his hands, "about in your home."

He continued, "I assure you that is the farthest thing from the truth, though I must admit I have been looking for you. Megan had mentioned that with my clan membership I needed to prove my lasting worth to the clan. Make sure I don't do something foolish again like break her trust, or heart."

For the briefest of moments his guilt overtook his stern willpower and grief flashed into his clear brown eyes. Nearly as quickly as it had come it vanished.

Xerxes bowed slightly to the Anantya vampireand honestly smiled.

"Thaddeus, a pleasure, I assure you. Though not a prominant member of Anantya I once served as a part of the Order of the Night." His face became more somber however as he spoke. "I have stumbled upon your name a couple of times recently. I have had," he clenched his jaw, "personal reasons to look into Sorin."

He didn't explain much further, but did decide that he may have seemed a bit rigid.

"But, that is niether here nor there, as they say. I am sure you have much more lighthearted things on your mind then personal grudges and the like."

Xerxes, the once rogue vampire, turned again to his new Elder.

"Belonging. Friendship. Even in the safest of moments alone I had to be on guard, alert. I had nobody I could truely call a friend. And though I have been busy with work, Nachton, and specifically Evenhet have made me the home I refused all those years ago," his thoughts briefly wandered to the two women of his life, Megan, his past, and Oce, his...future? It was far too early to tell, he knew, but he could still be hopeful.

"Living an eternity can be awfully lonely, I have discovered. I don't have to prove to anyone I can make it on my own, but for some reason felt I did. I hope I have matured, though, I am not one to judge my own maturity."

He stepped back slightly, giving the two some room. "I am sorry I must have interrupted. I am sure you have much more important things to do then catch up with me."

Xerxes smiled, but silently hoped Alfarinn would have the time to chat, even something light helped this place feel more like home and he honestly had thought the man that stood before him to be honorable and keen.

Alfarinn chuckled about what a heart to heart with Megan might have consisted of and was tempted to ask how many things she threw at the Persian. He refrained and explained.

"No, I had business away from the Towers recently and was just getting home. I am sure Mari would have given me all the latest news when I got to my home. "

At the mention of proving his worth, Alfarinn understood why Xerxes had been looking for him. Megan dealt with much of the business of both Meridian and Evenhet but it was Alfarinn that dealt personally with the vampires and humans.

"My suggestion if you would like to make yourself useful to Evenhet is to see our Director of Technology and Development, Artemis Bellezone. He would probably be able to find some work for someone with your skills."

Inwardly he said to Thaddeus.

[Zone will -kill- me for sending him someone else to interrupt his lab work.]

The thought made Alfarinn all the more pleased with it. Xerxes would need to get to know Bellezone anyway as he made all the equipment for Evenhet's reconnaissance teams.

Xerxes's next words pulled him out of his thoughts and Alfarinn tightened his grip on Thaddeus's shoulder. He wondered what possessed the man to bring up someone's elder in a bad light upon first meeting them and then to dismiss it again like old news.

[Perhaps there was some politics concerning the Order at the time? I don't remember such. Emma had been his Elder and not Sorin so perhaps it is something personal between the two of them as he stated.]

Looking back at Xerxes he said.

"Eternity can be lonely unless you find something worthwhile to fill the time with. I find myself fortunate in that regard."

Nodding, he added.

"We do indeed have an engagement in an hour or so."

Thaddeus went through his mental catalogue at the somewhat dry mention of Mr. Asha's first name; it rang a bell and if pressed he would put him as an Ancient, possibly of the Night at one point though if he had been Anantya it was quite some time ago.

He smiled inwardly at Alfarinn's suggestion to meet with Artemis and the mental comment that went along with it.

[Hopefully Keri will manage without dropping anything.]

At his introduction he inclined his chin in greeting, still trying to place the name.

"Well met."Â?

He kept his face expressionless at Mr. Asha's somewhat more verbose greeting, though inside his mind was racing. Mr. Asha seemed to imply that he was aware of Thaddeus's position in Anantya, and he wondered in just what context Xerxes had stumbled across his name. The thought made him downright edgy, especially when placed in connection with Sorin. What did this man know of him? It was unsettling to say the least and he wondered if he had made a mistake somewhere along the line to bring undue attention to himself.

Not to mention he seemed to take issue with Sorin, the increasingly controversial Elder. That thought only made him more nervous, though he did not realize just how much until Alfarinn gripped his shoulder more tightly. That was clearly his cue to take it easy and he did try to relax; that was, however, never something he was very good at.

[I am no more aware of any such politics than I am reasons I should be investigated in the course of handling a personal matter.]

Realizing the comment came out a bit more sharply than called for, he softened his tone.

[This worries me.]

He clamped down on his sarcastic instinct when Xerxes brushed off the entire matter, though he was on edge enough that it was a near thing. Alfarinn's gracious manners helped keep him in check; he amused himself by thinking that his companion had expected things to be the other way around. Still, he was not on his turf and was best served by keeping quiet.

At the very least, the new Evenhet had cleared up the matter of his name, though that was precious little comfort. He was, in fact, still more than a little disturbed as the Evenhet continued their discussion, though normally he would find the conversation more engaging. He spared a smile when Alfarinn mentioned filling his time and did his best to not let worries get the better of him.

Xerxes smiled apologetically, "And here I am interrupting your peaceful return home. I am most sorry."

Xerxes thought to his most recent return home and the waiting mercenaries. Yes, interruptions can be irritating, he decided.

"I will take your advice, Alfarinn. Not only do you know exactly what I should do, but I suppose your advice has always been rather sound. Is there any specific method to getting a hold of this Artemis? Any channels I should go through?"

At the Anantya's greeting, Xerxes could gain no sure impression of the man; his impassive face a shield from his thoughts. However, it was obvious his mind wasn't as idle as he pretended to be. His gears were turning - but to what end?

Attempting to ease the man's mind he added, "I haven't been prying into your life whatsoever, either. I feel as if my straightforward speech has caused more harm then good. I had just been learning of Sorin's climb to power and had noted another prominent member of the Night. You. Considering the skill of those I worked with, all those years ago, that is no small feat. I am most impressed."

He continued after a pause, "You see, Sorin took something of mine a very long time ago. That action has defined my life since. I can't let it anymore. Rest assured I have no qualms with Anantya, your order, or you at all."

Little did either know, he spoke more truth then he had to nearly anyone else. It seems like he had been doing that more and more often.

He tried to pretend not to notice the worried glances traveling between the pair and looked back towards Alfarinn.

"Indeed, you seem most fortunate in that regard. I have come here with hopes of finding such purposes. In the meantime I have found distractions that may provide me with direction and dedication."

He winked at the Elder, trying to make light of his own past, "Odd, coming from me, wouldn't you say? Xerxes, dedicated? Who knew? Seems like even our kinds are not completely outside Time's power."

Alfarinn pondered the question a moment and then replied.

"Well that depends on whether you want to make a good impression on Zone or a bad one. I personally would just walk in and annoy him but I enjoy that. If you'd like to make a better impression come bearing gifts...preferably from a good year."

He sighed inwardly at Thaddeus and relaxed his grip on his companion's shoulder.

[He always was an odd man. I'm sure his investigation into who you are will come to nothing. ]

Alfarinn mused at the reason for research and added.

[I don't think he knows much about Sorin. I may have my differences with the man but he has never had to climb to power. To my knowledge the man has never been without it to some extent. ]

Of course having power led to wanting more of it for some people but this could remain unspoken. The truth was Sorin had only been somewhat ambitious, to Alfarinn's knowledge the man didn't want to rule so much as have the power to do what he wanted.

[ Flattery will get you...where?] He chuckled inwardly at his companion but added.

[You are known even to Evenhet but I do not feel that it is anything to be concerned about. We know more about Anantya's elders than we do most of the members just by virtue of living among them for so long. I would wonder why he was doing research on the other members of the Night but perhaps he has some theory involved with whatever this personal issue with Sorin is. ]

He smiled faintly at Xerxes and replied.

"Indeed, thank you for noticing. Perhaps those distractions or purposes, which ever you find, will be less dangerous than the last one. "

Shrugging, Alfarinn said.

"Dedication goes with a lasting desire for one thing above all others. May you find what you are looking for."

Still unsettled and mentally going through things that Xerxes might know about him, Thaddeus took Alfarinn's words with some measure of comfort.

[I cannot imagine what might be available to find out in any case.]

He raised one eyebrow at Xerxes's quite unexpected compliment and did his best to keep a straight face at Alfarinn's internal commentary, instead trying to reply graciously while still being somewhat unnerved.

"I was not aware I had a reputation."Â?

It was an honest enough response; in fact, he was quite curious as to what Xerxes might have found out in the course of his investigations.

[That would depend on who is doing the flattering.]

He actually had to suppress a smile at the thought of being known by Evenhet, though he smirked inwardly.

[And here I thought I had done so well at fading into the background. I do wonder what sort of preconceived notions I can expect from your clan. If Mr. Asha's comments are flattery I suppose I can gather that his is not the popular opinion.]

He did wonder what wrong Mr. Asha believed had been committed, but ultimately decided there were two sides to that story. More concerning to him was the question of what Xerxes would do to right the perceived wrong.

He listened quietly as Alfarinn wished Xerxes well, somewhat distracted by the new Evenhet's statements but beginning to turn his attention back to the evening ahead.

Xerxes smiled at the two as the conversation wound down.

He nodded at each in turn.

"Alfarinn, nice to catch up with you, if only briefly; I hope that regardless of our past we canwork well to further Evenhet. Have a brilliant evening."

"And, Thaddeus, it was a pleasure. Enjoy your evening and your company."

With that, Xerxes turned to leave, his pace smooth and graceful. He knew he remained somewhat mysterious and perhaps confusing, but, that was teh type of man he ahd always been.

(OOC Xerxes out, pending comments)

Thaddeus nodded at Xerxes's departure and gave his farewells.

"Good evening."Â?

He covered the hand on his shoulder with his own with something like relief and turned to look up at Alfarinn as Xerxes made his way out.

"That was interesting."Â?

He spoke mildly, though he was in truth still concerned. At the moment, though, he was not in a position to do anything about it and he was well aware of that.

Giving way to impulse, he pulled the glove off his left hand and reached up to run his fingers over Alfarinn's cheek, leaning forward and speaking softly.

"Now. Where were we?"Â?

"Thank you." He replied to Xerxes, nodding his head in assent to trying to work together. Watching the Persian leave, Alfarinn looked around a moment wondering if anything else was going to surprise them or if they'd have better luck than they did at the Manor.

He sighed happily and closed his eyes a moment at Thaddeus's gesture of affection, covering the hand on his cheek with one of his own. Alfarinn reached behind him and pushed the door open without moving away from Thaddeus and smiled.

"I do believe I was going to show you around. Perhaps we should lock ourselves in quickly before World War III, or whatever other emergency can be thought up, comes to interrupt us?"

He stepped backwards into the suite, pulling his companion gently by the hand.

"So.. anywhere you'd like to see first?"

Once Thaddeus was past the entrance, Alfarinn leaned forward and shut the door. He then pressed his companion up against it and leaned down to kiss his neck.

[This, by the way, is the door.]

Thaddeus found the smile came easily to his lips as Alfarinn led him inside. He was not certain of just how his companion was able to make him feel so at ease, but he decided it hardly needed to be overanalyzed; he felt better just being near Alfarinn, and that was enough.

"Well, after all it is your...place."Â?

He faltered somewhat in his polite statement as Alfarinn pushed him up against the door, and could not rightly recall exactly what he had been saying when his companion leaned down.

[And an excellent door it is. I don't think World War III stands a chance.]

Thaddeus found it was extremely difficult to think clearly when leaning against a door as Alfarinn kissed his neck, though he knew there were important things to be done. He let his eyes slide shut and lifted his chin, resting his head against the door as his conscience told him he really should be focused on the evening to come.

He never thought he would willingly say this out loud, but felt it was necessary to mention.

"We really should...get you dressed."Â?

His voice came out more breathless than convincing and he further depleted his own argument by sliding one hand up Alfarinn's back and pulling him closer, tilting his head to capture his lover's mouth in a kiss. Still, he felt he had quite nobly remembered his obligations, and reasoned that surely such discipline should be rewarded at least a little before they got down to business.

Alfarinn growled softly as Thaddeus pulled him closer while mentioning that he needed to get dressed. He had been uncertain the good influence would win out as this adventure began and with Thaddeus's lips on his own he was pretty damn certain they were in for trouble.

[At this rate I'm not sure I want to get past the undressing.]

He pulled back a bit with a sigh.

"I suppose we should get on with that tour."

Grinning at Thaddeus, he reached around his partner's waist and lifted him up. Leaning in for a kiss, he then concentrated on walking up the stairs to the loft area which started with his bedroom.

Alfarinn layed his companion gently down on the bed and leaned over him.

"And this is the bed."

Thaddeus was not particularly convinced by Alfarinn's insistence on a tour, and his lover proved him right when he lifted him off the ground. Wrapping legs around Alfarinn's waist and arms around his neck, he felt it best to occupy himself on the short trip up the stairs by running his tongue along the convenient pale white throat in front of him.

He promptly found himself on a bed with Alfarinn overtop of him, and made a passing effort to look around, taking in the colorful photos and elegant bookcase with a smile before propping himself up on his elbows.

"I think I shall require a most thorough tour of the bed, Alfarinn. It is quite important."Â?

That pronouncement made, he pushed himself up a bit further and lifted his chin to Alfarinn's neck, nuzzling tenderly before starting on the first button of the silk shirt. This he tugged gently with his teeth, managing to undo it with only a moment's struggle.

The second one, he found, was a bit easier.

[And yes, naturally we will have to get you undressed first.]

Alfarinn enjoyed the feel of Thaddeus's legs around him and it brought back to mind the time he'd asked his lover not to let him go. There was something both comforting and arousing about having Thaddeus pulled so close this way.

He knelt on the edge of the bed and smiled at the statement

" Very important. I'd have to say yours at the Manor was one of my favorite sights on that tour."

Alfarinn forgot whatever else it was he was going to say or even do when Thaddeus started pulling open his shirt with his teeth.

"Mmmm.." He watched Thaddeus through eyes half closed in pleasure and ran his hands through his companion's hair as he progressed through the buttons.

"Thank you. You are always so considerate, Thaddeus."

Thaddeus nipped playfully at Alfarinn's chest as he made his way down, reaching up to undo the lower buttons and meeting in the middle. His eyes were closed in pleasure at the feel of hands in his hair, but he managed to open them to take in the sight when he finished at last. He pushed the silky fabric off Alfarinn's shoulders in a lingering caress before taking care of the final buttons at the sleeves and removing the shirt completely. Setting the shirt carefully to one side, he wrapped his arms around Alfarinn and pulled him close, running his hands down that smooth back as he kissed along the now exposed collarbone.

[Well it is important to be helpful.] He leaned up to continue the kiss up Alfarinn's neck.
[However, I cannot help but think that it would be terribly rude to have you undress and not do the same myself. Fair is fair, after all.]

He finished the path upwards and gave Alfarinn's ear a light kiss before pulling back and tugging off the newly purchased shirt. While a somewhat awkward action given his current position and the amount of room, or lack thereof, he was willing to dedicate to the task, he managed well enough and cast his shirt to one side with considerably less care than he had taken with Alfarinn's a moment ago.

Then, because Thaddeus was a firm believer in fairness, he pulled close and turned his attention to Alfarinn's ear once more, sliding his hand up into blonde hair and relishing the feel of bare skin on skin, interrupted only by the jade turtle around his neck.

[Much better.]

Alfarinn raised an eyebrow at Thaddeus's explanation of fairness. He grinned and continued to hold his companion lightly, removing arms only to aid in the taking away fabric.

"Your sense of fairness is truly noble and I am grateful that you are thinking of my comfort by not allowing me to be naked alone."

He reevaluated the idea of fair when Thaddeus began kissing his ear. Pulling his companion closer a moment, he enjoyed the feel of Thaddeus's warm skin against his own. It was a shame they couldn't take as long as they wanted to tease and explore. Alfarinn noted that it seemed that lately they were always on borrowed time and he planned on spending at least one long night when this was all over to take his time and give his lover the attention he deserved.

Following his companion's excellent example, Alfarinn leaned down and took the button of Thaddeus's pants in his mouth, He moved his hands down to Thaddeus's hips in order to hold him still while he slowly worked down the zipper and ran his cheek over the silk boxers beneath.

[I really enjoy these, you know.]

With that mentioned he took the waistband gently into his mouth and slid his thumbs under the edges of Thaddeus's clothing and slowly slid them off.

Thaddeus whispered in Alfarinn's ear between delicate kisses that grew to playful tugging nips as his hands made their way down.

"What can I say? I do my best to be a gentleman."Â?

Cut off from further playful banter for a moment when Alfarinn moved down to the button of his new pants, he reflected on how little time he had ended wearing his purchases with amusement. He closed his eyes and sighed softly at the feel of cool skin over silk, reaching down to stroke the cheek left exposed when Alfarinn turned his head.

"I must admit I'm developing a whole new appreciation for them myself."Â?

His mouth curved into a smile as he leaned back on his elbows, lifting up his hips to allow Alfarinn to pull away the last of his clothing and enjoying the feel of cool hands and the touch of soft hair over naked skin.

When he was free of his pants, he offered one hand to Alfarinn, pulling his companion back to him with a softly spoken 'come here.' He took Alfarinn's chin in his hands, framing his face and meeting gray eyes before leaning forward and kissing his lover soundly as his hands found their way to the remaining clothing between them.

Had they but a little more time, Thaddeus believed he would be quite content to kiss Alfarinn for hours; there was something absolutely intoxicating about those cool lips and warm tongue and building desire until he could hardly bear it, though he had never really been inclined to try. They did not, however, have all night to themselves, and Thaddeus did his best to keep this in mind as he put some measure of attention to getting Alfarinn out of his pants.