Christian nodded to Thaddeus and entered the room. It appeared that the gang was all here. He was about to come stand next to Claire when he noticed that she seemed, by the dim but swirling colours in her aura, to be embarrassed or perhaps nervous and uncomfortable. It was as if her aura was drawing in on itself to make her as small as possible. Palmer, on the other hand, had a muddy reddish orange that indicated disappointment to him; around the man's head though was a yellow that flickered brightly. It, he normally associated with optimism.
He moved to stand next to Claire and turned to the other two. Alfarinn was a lost cause and he saw nothing more that the mellow blues that were the usual shades he associated with the Elder. Thaddeus seemed more bemused than anything else.
The most vivid source of emotion came from the Huntsman and Claire. What on earth did Palmer say to the woman? He would have expected a certain suaveness from the Southerner and was mildly surprised to find him offending his own clan mate. Perhaps he simply said something off colour. Was he hoping that she would like whatever it was? Christian snorted inwardly... it seemed obvious that she didn't. Poor bugger.
“Good Evening everyone.”
((OOC: Sensing EVERYONE ...with permission))
Making Ready
Alfarinn wrapped the towel around his waist and stepped out of the bathroom. On the nightstand was the invitation that he had received at Meridian. He had been quite surprised and touched to be included. He remembered Fallon and Cyrus from the Mayor's dinner and was glad to see that they were doing well enough to throw a party. Thaddeus had an identical invitation, as did all of the Anantya. It might just be the perfect situation if Sorin also planned to attend.
First things first, he picked up the invitation and read it once more. Tropical attire... He had hoped to convince Thaddeus that a loincloth was required but alas he doubted that his ruse would succeed. Alfarinn laid out his clothes on the bed; he had a pair of white cargo pants and a white loose safari shirt. Not one to consider the autumn air in Nachton to be cold, he choose a pair of flipflops made from rattan.
He pulled away the towel and began getting dressed. Alfarinn wondered if he should leave his hair loose or tie it back. Turning to his companion, He waved in the direction of the still damp strands.
“What should I do with it? Any ideas?”
Christian Bern
17 years ago
Palmer
17 years ago
Palmer grinned at Claire’s quite fair point, amused at the idea of asking Thaddeus to ‘spill’ specifics on his relationship. He was actually surprised by how much his friend had said thus far regarding his recent falling in with the Evenhet Elder and certainly knew better than to expect more. He might have said something light and humorous to go with the grin, but he discovered he was actually a little disheartened by hearing that there might be more to Claire and Christian’s date than convenience. Between her all too polite response and the hints that she might have stolen Christian away…but then she –had- said she was happy he asked…
Then she put her hand on his arm and he looked over, making eye contact with what he hoped was a mild, ‘oh what’s this’ sort of expression in spite of the broader grin. The moment was as brief as the ringing doorbell that interrupted it but he was still moderately encouraged.
He made a show of stepping aside when Christian came in, though he didn’t think any more reference to his falling flat on his face was needed. Self deprecating humor was only charming in small doses, he’d found – beyond that it was just annoying.
In fact, for the moment he’d just as soon be moving on.
“Evening, good evening, wonderful! We’re all here – now what’s the plan?”
Then she put her hand on his arm and he looked over, making eye contact with what he hoped was a mild, ‘oh what’s this’ sort of expression in spite of the broader grin. The moment was as brief as the ringing doorbell that interrupted it but he was still moderately encouraged.
He made a show of stepping aside when Christian came in, though he didn’t think any more reference to his falling flat on his face was needed. Self deprecating humor was only charming in small doses, he’d found – beyond that it was just annoying.
In fact, for the moment he’d just as soon be moving on.
“Evening, good evening, wonderful! We’re all here – now what’s the plan?”
Thaddeus Grey
17 years ago
[Oh dear.] Thaddeus blinked, then added to that initial sympathetic reaction. [And how did I miss this? Did you see that coming?] He wasn’t sure what Palmer might be playing at but he did wish his friend would –tell- him before he did something stupid.
He had to fight a grin at that thought. Back in South Carolina, Palmer had said those exact words to him. As it happened, he hadn’t done anything stupid, but at the time neither had any way of knowing how matters would turn out.
Deciding to continue exercising discretion, he merely pointed a shoe at Palmer when he returned to the living room to show he was now properly dressed. His friend had quite graciously given way for Christian even though it was entirely unnecessary, and he reasoned that was ‘same old Palmer’ up to his usual. Certainly he was a little sympathetic but the huntsman seemed no worse for wear.
In fact, it was Palmer that reminded him to get on to business. Just as well, though he didn’t see why his friend was so bloody exuberant about it.
“Yes, well. We should stagger our arrivals and mingle separately where we can, particularly if Sorin is there before us. I think Christian and Claire should go in first – that way Christian can give us the status first.” Goodness. He was talking about this as though it were a bank robbery instead of a friendly gathering. Shaking off the thought, he continued. “As soon as we spot Sorin and Claire can safely slip away, we’ll need Christian in particular keeping track of Sorin’s every move without being noticed.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth he realized how badly he had just stirred up whatever godforsaken social –thing- was going on between Christian, Claire, and Palmer. And just to finish matters off, he was compelled to add one more thing. “I think Palmer should go with Claire. To keep an eye out while she searches and as another communication point should Claire be otherwise occupied.”
Yes, Thaddeus Grey was a bastard with no regard for people’s interpersonal relationships. They had a job to do and he was already preoccupied enough with the thought of someone on this team getting –killed- to worry overmuch over people’s feelings.
Unless it was Alfarinn’s feelings. He added ‘hypocrite’ to the growing list of adjectives.
There were other reasons to send Palmer off with Claire, beyond what he had already stated with regard to safety and her tracking, but he was much less inclined to admit those. Chief among them was the belief that Palmer would be safer with Claire, even doing something very dangerous, than at the party with Sorin, who might expect to talk to him. He hadn’t been happy when Palmer took it upon himself to get mixed up with the Elder of the Night, though he knew the guilt was mostly in his corner as far as that went, and he thought it best to avoid a recurrence.
He had to fight a grin at that thought. Back in South Carolina, Palmer had said those exact words to him. As it happened, he hadn’t done anything stupid, but at the time neither had any way of knowing how matters would turn out.
Deciding to continue exercising discretion, he merely pointed a shoe at Palmer when he returned to the living room to show he was now properly dressed. His friend had quite graciously given way for Christian even though it was entirely unnecessary, and he reasoned that was ‘same old Palmer’ up to his usual. Certainly he was a little sympathetic but the huntsman seemed no worse for wear.
In fact, it was Palmer that reminded him to get on to business. Just as well, though he didn’t see why his friend was so bloody exuberant about it.
“Yes, well. We should stagger our arrivals and mingle separately where we can, particularly if Sorin is there before us. I think Christian and Claire should go in first – that way Christian can give us the status first.” Goodness. He was talking about this as though it were a bank robbery instead of a friendly gathering. Shaking off the thought, he continued. “As soon as we spot Sorin and Claire can safely slip away, we’ll need Christian in particular keeping track of Sorin’s every move without being noticed.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth he realized how badly he had just stirred up whatever godforsaken social –thing- was going on between Christian, Claire, and Palmer. And just to finish matters off, he was compelled to add one more thing. “I think Palmer should go with Claire. To keep an eye out while she searches and as another communication point should Claire be otherwise occupied.”
Yes, Thaddeus Grey was a bastard with no regard for people’s interpersonal relationships. They had a job to do and he was already preoccupied enough with the thought of someone on this team getting –killed- to worry overmuch over people’s feelings.
Unless it was Alfarinn’s feelings. He added ‘hypocrite’ to the growing list of adjectives.
There were other reasons to send Palmer off with Claire, beyond what he had already stated with regard to safety and her tracking, but he was much less inclined to admit those. Chief among them was the belief that Palmer would be safer with Claire, even doing something very dangerous, than at the party with Sorin, who might expect to talk to him. He hadn’t been happy when Palmer took it upon himself to get mixed up with the Elder of the Night, though he knew the guilt was mostly in his corner as far as that went, and he thought it best to avoid a recurrence.
Alfarinn
17 years ago
Alfarinn smiled inwardly at Thaddeus' succinct sum up of the transaction. He turned back to the conversation in time to hear Claire speak up. He raised his eyebrows in surprise at her reply concerning Evenhet stealing all the Anantya. Pretending to nod solemnly, Alfarinn nodded and spoke in a semi-whispered tone..
"You're quite correct. Thaddeus was very determined. He lured me into a trap and then kidnapped me. Days of 'torture' later and I found myself hopelessly smitten with him. He's -very- convincing."Â?
He hoped that Christian hadn't felt odd upon arrival but everyone seemed to be going back to normal fairly quickly so it was unlikely. Alfarinn also fervently hoped that his companion took his light hearted jest in the spirit with which it was given. He felt that was likely since they both knew the truth of the matter but didn't want Thaddeus to be embarrassed by his false personal details.
[Care to torture me some more later this evening?]
Everyone was now ready, he slid an arm around Thaddeus' waist when he came to stand next to him once more. He noted the silent 'see I have shoes' gesture that was given to Palmer and didn't bother to repress the smirk. His partner began explaining the plan's general layout and there was little left to add.
"We should probably come up with a couple of excuses for their absence should anyone be looking for them or ask where they went."Â?
He looked to the two Anantya who would be leaving for something that seemed likely as an excuse.
"You're quite correct. Thaddeus was very determined. He lured me into a trap and then kidnapped me. Days of 'torture' later and I found myself hopelessly smitten with him. He's -very- convincing."Â?
He hoped that Christian hadn't felt odd upon arrival but everyone seemed to be going back to normal fairly quickly so it was unlikely. Alfarinn also fervently hoped that his companion took his light hearted jest in the spirit with which it was given. He felt that was likely since they both knew the truth of the matter but didn't want Thaddeus to be embarrassed by his false personal details.
[Care to torture me some more later this evening?]
Everyone was now ready, he slid an arm around Thaddeus' waist when he came to stand next to him once more. He noted the silent 'see I have shoes' gesture that was given to Palmer and didn't bother to repress the smirk. His partner began explaining the plan's general layout and there was little left to add.
"We should probably come up with a couple of excuses for their absence should anyone be looking for them or ask where they went."Â?
He looked to the two Anantya who would be leaving for something that seemed likely as an excuse.
Claire
17 years ago
Claire pretended to look horrified at Alfarinn's accounting of how Thaddeus stole him.
"He sounds truly fierce but I am certain you put up a good fight."Â?
Doing her best not to consider what that fight might have entailed, Claire turned to smile at Christian as he came to stand next to her. She should really be doing her best to get her mind on their goal for the evening.
Thaddeus listed the plan and it seemed sound and practical. The parts were general enough to allow some improvisation without the entire thing falling to pieces about their ears. The worst possible scenario would be that Sorin came in to find her snooping in his room. She had an excuse ready for such an event. If things went well then that would not be necessary and they would perhaps find some evidence to help plead their case to the other elders.
Alfarinn did make a good point for the rest of them. It was quite possible that someone would notice them missing; especially Palmer who seemed to be appointed body guard and tour guide for their portion of this night's little adventure.
"Perhaps you could tell them that an emergency came up at the clinic."Â?
She reached behind the folds of the sari and pulled out a small phone. It was normally held in a purse but tonight it was clipped to her waist.
"I volunteer at one of the local homeless shelters as a general practitioner. Normally they would not call me but I think that it would be believable for them to do so in the case of an emergency. Perhaps the ever valiant Mr Calhoun offered to give me a ride, as I am afraid that I still have not learned to drive."Â?
Claire gave a little shrug but looked down, putting her phone away in the process. She then glanced around at the assembled group to see whether or not that met with approval.
"He sounds truly fierce but I am certain you put up a good fight."Â?
Doing her best not to consider what that fight might have entailed, Claire turned to smile at Christian as he came to stand next to her. She should really be doing her best to get her mind on their goal for the evening.
Thaddeus listed the plan and it seemed sound and practical. The parts were general enough to allow some improvisation without the entire thing falling to pieces about their ears. The worst possible scenario would be that Sorin came in to find her snooping in his room. She had an excuse ready for such an event. If things went well then that would not be necessary and they would perhaps find some evidence to help plead their case to the other elders.
Alfarinn did make a good point for the rest of them. It was quite possible that someone would notice them missing; especially Palmer who seemed to be appointed body guard and tour guide for their portion of this night's little adventure.
"Perhaps you could tell them that an emergency came up at the clinic."Â?
She reached behind the folds of the sari and pulled out a small phone. It was normally held in a purse but tonight it was clipped to her waist.
"I volunteer at one of the local homeless shelters as a general practitioner. Normally they would not call me but I think that it would be believable for them to do so in the case of an emergency. Perhaps the ever valiant Mr Calhoun offered to give me a ride, as I am afraid that I still have not learned to drive."Â?
Claire gave a little shrug but looked down, putting her phone away in the process. She then glanced around at the assembled group to see whether or not that met with approval.
Palmer
17 years ago
Palmer chuckled at Alfarinn's tale of woe and nodded in agreement with Claire, looking to Thaddeus and tilting his chin out as he spoke.
"What Alfarinn forgot to mention was that the 'torture' consisted of reading 'Principles of Economics' out loud until he went insane from the boredom."Â?
Thaddeus revealed 'the plan' and Palmer paid strict attention, trying to refocus. Well, alright, he didn't pay -strict- attention, as he was at least in part trying to see if Christian and Claire were holding hands or doing anything that would indicate interest, but he heard the plan. Show up at party, play it cool, leave with Claire...
...oh great. Now it would look like he messed things up for her after getting turned down. Well he could hardly be held responsible for Thaddeus's crazy schemes! He'd had no part in this twist and made a point of raising both eyebrows in surprise at this bit of the arrangement.
Luckily Claire came up with an idea for why they might have slipped away, because he had been seconds from saying something that would likely get him slapped. After all, what sort of wardrobe malfunction could you have with a sari? His only regret now was that no one would ever know just how well he was behaving.
"That sounds perfect,"Â? he beamed "And very -me-."Â? He nodded solemnly. "Especially the 'ever valiant' part,"Â? he added, smirking at the irony of heaping virtue on himself when it was Claire who was volunteering at a shelter. "I doubt anyone would come right out and ask why you didn't leave with Christian but it never hurts to be prepared...he looked to Christian...perhaps making yourself difficult to find while she receives a phone call would be sufficient, as this -is- an emergency."Â?
"What Alfarinn forgot to mention was that the 'torture' consisted of reading 'Principles of Economics' out loud until he went insane from the boredom."Â?
Thaddeus revealed 'the plan' and Palmer paid strict attention, trying to refocus. Well, alright, he didn't pay -strict- attention, as he was at least in part trying to see if Christian and Claire were holding hands or doing anything that would indicate interest, but he heard the plan. Show up at party, play it cool, leave with Claire...
...oh great. Now it would look like he messed things up for her after getting turned down. Well he could hardly be held responsible for Thaddeus's crazy schemes! He'd had no part in this twist and made a point of raising both eyebrows in surprise at this bit of the arrangement.
Luckily Claire came up with an idea for why they might have slipped away, because he had been seconds from saying something that would likely get him slapped. After all, what sort of wardrobe malfunction could you have with a sari? His only regret now was that no one would ever know just how well he was behaving.
"That sounds perfect,"Â? he beamed "And very -me-."Â? He nodded solemnly. "Especially the 'ever valiant' part,"Â? he added, smirking at the irony of heaping virtue on himself when it was Claire who was volunteering at a shelter. "I doubt anyone would come right out and ask why you didn't leave with Christian but it never hurts to be prepared...he looked to Christian...perhaps making yourself difficult to find while she receives a phone call would be sufficient, as this -is- an emergency."Â?
Christian Bern
17 years ago
Christian listened to the plan unfold. It was good enough until they got to the part where his supposed date left the party and left the uninvited Evenhet alone to mingle amongst the Anantya. Not that he was worried about not being able to handle them, he'd take a few of them before he went if it came down to a fight, but it was somewhat socially awkward.
However, there were good reasons for it and he'd just have to make do. Claire's explanation for why she had to leave early at least gave them all a reasonable excuse but as Palmer pointed out, people would wonder why he didn't take her himself.
Raising an eyebrow at Palmer moment of self adoration, Christian stated calmly.
"Well obviously we took a limo to the party. She would have needed to find someone without that luxury or she would have wait for the limo to come back and pick us up. I suppose this was seriously life or death and you, being ever so valiant, decided to play cabbie. You're a true friend."Â?
He gave Palmer a smirk when he was done, having not intended anything more than a slight jest. Palmer had access to The Manor and could have chosen to ride in the same luxury with equal ease and he wouldn't have teased the man about it if the situation had been otherwise.
However, there were good reasons for it and he'd just have to make do. Claire's explanation for why she had to leave early at least gave them all a reasonable excuse but as Palmer pointed out, people would wonder why he didn't take her himself.
Raising an eyebrow at Palmer moment of self adoration, Christian stated calmly.
"Well obviously we took a limo to the party. She would have needed to find someone without that luxury or she would have wait for the limo to come back and pick us up. I suppose this was seriously life or death and you, being ever so valiant, decided to play cabbie. You're a true friend."Â?
He gave Palmer a smirk when he was done, having not intended anything more than a slight jest. Palmer had access to The Manor and could have chosen to ride in the same luxury with equal ease and he wouldn't have teased the man about it if the situation had been otherwise.
Thaddeus Grey
17 years ago
Thaddeus was not certain of the full context of Alfarinn’s ‘accounting’ and wondered how the topic of what he assumed was ‘who seduced whom’ came up, but at the moment there wasn’t much he could do save turn a little red around the ears and try not to shuffle his feet.
[Do I –have- to read ‘Principles of Economics’? How about ‘The Evolution of Man’ instead?]
The group finalized the plans into something respectable while keeping everything simple enough to manage, and Thaddeus imagined they might even make good party guests as well. He felt a little guilty going to a friendly gathering with ulterior motives but it wasn’t as though he didn’t wish Cyrus and Fallon a happy new home as well.
Palmer made a rather hammed up bow at Christian’s remark and Thaddeus shook his head, inwardly glad that in spite of a few bumps the team wasn’t too tense to joke. With a comment along the lines of ‘Now can we go to the party before they close the doors and kick everyone out?’ they were out the door and headed to their respective vehicles.
/ooc Everyone out! out sheep out!
[Do I –have- to read ‘Principles of Economics’? How about ‘The Evolution of Man’ instead?]
The group finalized the plans into something respectable while keeping everything simple enough to manage, and Thaddeus imagined they might even make good party guests as well. He felt a little guilty going to a friendly gathering with ulterior motives but it wasn’t as though he didn’t wish Cyrus and Fallon a happy new home as well.
Palmer made a rather hammed up bow at Christian’s remark and Thaddeus shook his head, inwardly glad that in spite of a few bumps the team wasn’t too tense to joke. With a comment along the lines of ‘Now can we go to the party before they close the doors and kick everyone out?’ they were out the door and headed to their respective vehicles.
/ooc Everyone out! out sheep out!