Palmer beamed at Claire’s flattering remark, standing a bit straighter and tilting his chin up and to one side.
“An ear, an eye, a nose…I know talent like Lady Day knows the Blues.”
Ah, was she blushing? Palmer thought she was blushing. His smile broadened as he made theatrical gestures with his hands.
“The flute, perhaps, but not the flautist.”
Before he could grow any more shameless in his flirting, though, Rupert entered the room and announced ‘Arin Bjorn and Thaddeus Grey’ so formally that it struck him as funny, and he had to stop talking for fear he would start laughing. Luckily Thaddeus lingered by the door for a moment, so he had a chance to wipe the smirk off his face before anyone saw.
“Oh for pete’s sake, you’ve only just arrived and already you’re acting like a prima donna.”
Giving Rupert a long suffering, ‘do-you-believe-this-guy’ roll of his eyes, his expression brightened considerably when he saw what the butler was carrying.
“You brought the little spoons.” He broke into comfortable laugher. “Check this guy out, brought the little spoons and everything.”
Sorin's Secret Santas (private)
Palmer drifted from instrument to instrument in the music room, touching things here and there but having no real idea of how to play anything beyond one half or the other of heart and soul on the piano. He was restless and, being entirely unselfconscious about such things, had no issue at all with showing it.
The others were on their way and for the time being, he and Claire seemed to come to a silent understanding that it was not yet safe to talk. And anxious as he was to learn more, he had to admit that Claire's somewhat perverse idea of throwing Sorin a surprise production as a cover was both clever and amusing. He was willing enough to ham it up, and chatted contentedly away as he roamed the room. Obviously he had been invited to this little conspiracy purely by force of personality, as he didn't know any musical instruments (though he flattered himself to think he could carry a tune), and so it would not be odd at all to listeners in if his role in this little scheme were unclear.
" I'd imagine we have so many talented people that we'd have no trouble filling whatever spots we need; in fact,"Â? he mock gasped "auditions may be necessary! We wouldn't want just anyone in on our little scheme, after all. Grey can certainly play the piano...the trick would be getting him to play in front of other people. Hopefully that man of his will take our side in the matter. I don't think it's a matter of confidence so much as stubbornness, though you never know with him. Of course, it hardly matters as we all know -you- will be the star of the show..."Â?
Palmer
17 years ago
Claire
17 years ago
Claire smiled and refrained from further disagreement; there was, after all, an insightful saying about protesting too much. She could do nothing to stop the blush that was surely a vivid shade of red as it leapt forcefully to her cheeks at being flattered in such a way. Palmer was going to think her a mere girl if she kept up with this nonsense. Who on earth blushes at such a simple friendly statement? Was she so used to being ignored?
Marshalling up the dregs of some dignity, Claire sat a bit straighter, looking him in the eyes and giving him a full genuine smile.
"Then perhaps I will play for you without accompaniment and you can tell me if the music meets with your approval of talent."Â?
She could not decide whether she was glad of the reprieve the arrival of the others offered or disappointed at not being able to hear Palmer's answer. Reaching up a hand to wipe away a few stray curls that had fallen over her shoulder, Claire hoped that she did not appear as flustered to everyone else as she felt.
Smiling at Palmer's admonishment, She silently shook her head negatively to Thaddeus' light accusation.
"We've were actually discussing...music choices."Â?
Claire pressed her lips together and looked down at her flute case. Looking back up at Palmer when he spoke to the butler, she was confused by the coffee and the obvious enjoyment at the tiny spoons. She gave him an amused but puzzled look and then turned to Rupert to see how whether the poor man was also shocked by the exclamation.
Marshalling up the dregs of some dignity, Claire sat a bit straighter, looking him in the eyes and giving him a full genuine smile.
"Then perhaps I will play for you without accompaniment and you can tell me if the music meets with your approval of talent."Â?
She could not decide whether she was glad of the reprieve the arrival of the others offered or disappointed at not being able to hear Palmer's answer. Reaching up a hand to wipe away a few stray curls that had fallen over her shoulder, Claire hoped that she did not appear as flustered to everyone else as she felt.
Smiling at Palmer's admonishment, She silently shook her head negatively to Thaddeus' light accusation.
"We've were actually discussing...music choices."Â?
Claire pressed her lips together and looked down at her flute case. Looking back up at Palmer when he spoke to the butler, she was confused by the coffee and the obvious enjoyment at the tiny spoons. She gave him an amused but puzzled look and then turned to Rupert to see how whether the poor man was also shocked by the exclamation.
Alfarinn
17 years ago
Alfarinn winced slightly at Thaddeus' reply, feeling that he could have put his words in a more delicate fashion.
[I do not believe it is you, Beloved, but the situation that annoys him. ]
Taking in the rest of his companion's opinions on the situation, he had to smile and wonder at the same time.
[He must have changed over the years...though I suppose he was always nice to someone that he thought could be helpful later. ]
Shrugging slightly, Alfarinn squeezed the hand in his own. This would all be over soon and they would not have to worry about putting friends and strangers into danger. They could get on with normal things that couples did. Whatever those were.
He raised an eyebrow at Palmer's retort but refrained from comment. Instead he tried not to notice the feelings that surrounded the couple already in the music room. Stepping inside, he moved to stand next to a chair out of Rupert's way so that the man could bring in his burden of hot liquid substances and...tiny spoons.
[I wonder what that was all about.]
[I do not believe it is you, Beloved, but the situation that annoys him. ]
Taking in the rest of his companion's opinions on the situation, he had to smile and wonder at the same time.
[He must have changed over the years...though I suppose he was always nice to someone that he thought could be helpful later. ]
Shrugging slightly, Alfarinn squeezed the hand in his own. This would all be over soon and they would not have to worry about putting friends and strangers into danger. They could get on with normal things that couples did. Whatever those were.
He raised an eyebrow at Palmer's retort but refrained from comment. Instead he tried not to notice the feelings that surrounded the couple already in the music room. Stepping inside, he moved to stand next to a chair out of Rupert's way so that the man could bring in his burden of hot liquid substances and...tiny spoons.
[I wonder what that was all about.]
Butler
17 years ago
Sometimes, Rupert reflected, it was rather difficult not to laugh in the course of his job. He did manage to stifle the snicker that threatened, but could not quite help the smile that crept over his face.
He was certain, though, that it was a dignified, serious, -butler- smile.
“Indeed,” he said with a slight bow before placing the tray on the serving table. And was Lord Can’t Get His Own Coffee Grey eyeballing said tray with interest? Hmmph. That was Mr. Calhoun’s coffee, though he supposed he would want to share. He had brought up a full service just to add to the effect, and went about the business of pouring coffee to the participant’s specifications before stepping out of the way as discreetly as possible.
He was certain, though, that it was a dignified, serious, -butler- smile.
“Indeed,” he said with a slight bow before placing the tray on the serving table. And was Lord Can’t Get His Own Coffee Grey eyeballing said tray with interest? Hmmph. That was Mr. Calhoun’s coffee, though he supposed he would want to share. He had brought up a full service just to add to the effect, and went about the business of pouring coffee to the participant’s specifications before stepping out of the way as discreetly as possible.
Thaddeus Grey
17 years ago
[That is kind of you to say – I was probably taking offense at nothing.]
There were, Thaddeus reminded himself, more important things to worry about than the butler’s good opinion, and he resolved not to trouble himself about it any more. He returned Alfarinn’s slight shrug with a weak smile and shrug of his own; that seemed an accurate enough assessment of Sorin’s character.
He could only assume that his command to Rupert had been successful, though he did feel confident that it had done its work. On the other hand he did seem to get an odd rush of…something…when he used command. Energy. Confidence. He worried that it clouded his judgment. Command was an ability to be used very carefully for so many reasons, though, and he felt he could trust his own discretion in choosing when to use it.
The mention of coffee was enough to sufficiently distract him from his own thoughts, and his eyes followed the tray as Rupert set it on a small table. He had no idea what Palmer was so excited about but coffee would certainly be nice right now. Alfarinn seemed equally mystified by his friend’s odd behavior regarding the spoons, and Thaddeus found his own explanations lacking, though he did attempt to shed some insight.
[Who knows? Palmer tends to fixate on the oddest things.]
A letter discussing the various merits of The Spice Girls came to mind, though he had to admit that they were, if nothing else, one of the few positive things Palmer had to say about his home country.
He managed to stay calm at Claire’s announcement that they were looking over music selections, wondering just what Palmer might have signed him up for without his consent. Finally he asked, too casually.
“Oh? Any ideas so far?”
With Palmer involved in making plans to cloak their true intentions, Thaddeus could end up playing the piano in a ball gown with hundreds looking on. Not that that had ever happened, or anything. It just paid to be wary.
There were, Thaddeus reminded himself, more important things to worry about than the butler’s good opinion, and he resolved not to trouble himself about it any more. He returned Alfarinn’s slight shrug with a weak smile and shrug of his own; that seemed an accurate enough assessment of Sorin’s character.
He could only assume that his command to Rupert had been successful, though he did feel confident that it had done its work. On the other hand he did seem to get an odd rush of…something…when he used command. Energy. Confidence. He worried that it clouded his judgment. Command was an ability to be used very carefully for so many reasons, though, and he felt he could trust his own discretion in choosing when to use it.
The mention of coffee was enough to sufficiently distract him from his own thoughts, and his eyes followed the tray as Rupert set it on a small table. He had no idea what Palmer was so excited about but coffee would certainly be nice right now. Alfarinn seemed equally mystified by his friend’s odd behavior regarding the spoons, and Thaddeus found his own explanations lacking, though he did attempt to shed some insight.
[Who knows? Palmer tends to fixate on the oddest things.]
A letter discussing the various merits of The Spice Girls came to mind, though he had to admit that they were, if nothing else, one of the few positive things Palmer had to say about his home country.
He managed to stay calm at Claire’s announcement that they were looking over music selections, wondering just what Palmer might have signed him up for without his consent. Finally he asked, too casually.
“Oh? Any ideas so far?”
With Palmer involved in making plans to cloak their true intentions, Thaddeus could end up playing the piano in a ball gown with hundreds looking on. Not that that had ever happened, or anything. It just paid to be wary.
Palmer
17 years ago
It was both a blessing and a curse that had brought Thaddeus, Alfarinn, and Rupert to the room at exactly that time. A curse because he had been having such a nice conversation with Claire; though he suspected she preferred Christian the more he thought about it, she was still a lovely lady and it was always nice bantering with someone who could give as good as she got.
It was a blessing, though, because he was stuck on having anything clever to say. That didn’t happen very often and he found he rather liked the novelty, but that didn’t mean he wanted everyone to know Claire had ‘won’ that round.
He raised his eyebrows in an expression of innocence at Claire’s questioning look, then grinned, deciding he felt sort of good right now.
In any event, they had to keep up their little charade a little longer while Rupert served up coffee, but the nightsmen were, as expected, doing a fine job of that. He refrained from mentioning any ideas that involved Thaddeus performing musical numbers in the nude for the sake of self preservation, instead picking up one of the little coffee cups and giving it a stir while Claire explained which music ‘they’ had chosen.
It was a blessing, though, because he was stuck on having anything clever to say. That didn’t happen very often and he found he rather liked the novelty, but that didn’t mean he wanted everyone to know Claire had ‘won’ that round.
He raised his eyebrows in an expression of innocence at Claire’s questioning look, then grinned, deciding he felt sort of good right now.
In any event, they had to keep up their little charade a little longer while Rupert served up coffee, but the nightsmen were, as expected, doing a fine job of that. He refrained from mentioning any ideas that involved Thaddeus performing musical numbers in the nude for the sake of self preservation, instead picking up one of the little coffee cups and giving it a stir while Claire explained which music ‘they’ had chosen.
Claire
17 years ago
Claire realized that Palmer was occupied with his coffee and that Thaddeus had asked a question. The music was also her idea for a cover and it was probably best that she explain what she had in mind so that the story stayed as straight as possible.
"Well, we were thinking that my Sire is a man who has everything but he is a lover of music. So we thought perhaps for Christmas some of the musicians from Anantya could put on a performance for him."Â?
Shuffling around the sheet music, she came up with Claire said.
"There were several pieces that I think he would like. Perhaps Holst's Planets? Here is the beginning overture, Mars, the Bringer of War. Its one of the more dramatic pieces in the series and might be a good place to start."Â?
"Well, we were thinking that my Sire is a man who has everything but he is a lover of music. So we thought perhaps for Christmas some of the musicians from Anantya could put on a performance for him."Â?
Shuffling around the sheet music, she came up with Claire said.
"There were several pieces that I think he would like. Perhaps Holst's Planets? Here is the beginning overture, Mars, the Bringer of War. Its one of the more dramatic pieces in the series and might be a good place to start."Â?
Alfarinn
17 years ago
Alfarinn smiled at Thaddeus and agreed.
[Yes, he does. If you get the chance perhaps you could advise him that the lady does indeed fancy him. None of our business, I know, but I think we could interfere in a good way for once.]
The idea of him and Thaddeus playing match makers was amusing enough to make him chuckle and he covered it up with a cough and a quick glance down at the floor.
Seeing the butler back away from the small coffee service,Alfarinn turned to Rupert before the man could vanish in that talented way that butler's had. Moving away from the rest of the group, He spoke quietly.
"There was one more thing. If you don't mind."Â?
He proffered a silver wrapped slender package out to the man.
"A thank you for keeping me company. It meant a great deal to me."Â?
The butler had unknowingly kept him sane while he waited for Thaddeus to return from what proved to be a harmless mission. At the time though he feared that it might have been a trap or that Lykaios was simply waiting for the right moment to pounce on his Beloved. In retrospect perhaps he was more distraught than the situation had warranted but hindsight was ever and always twenty twenty.
[Yes, he does. If you get the chance perhaps you could advise him that the lady does indeed fancy him. None of our business, I know, but I think we could interfere in a good way for once.]
The idea of him and Thaddeus playing match makers was amusing enough to make him chuckle and he covered it up with a cough and a quick glance down at the floor.
Seeing the butler back away from the small coffee service,Alfarinn turned to Rupert before the man could vanish in that talented way that butler's had. Moving away from the rest of the group, He spoke quietly.
"There was one more thing. If you don't mind."Â?
He proffered a silver wrapped slender package out to the man.
"A thank you for keeping me company. It meant a great deal to me."Â?
The butler had unknowingly kept him sane while he waited for Thaddeus to return from what proved to be a harmless mission. At the time though he feared that it might have been a trap or that Lykaios was simply waiting for the right moment to pounce on his Beloved. In retrospect perhaps he was more distraught than the situation had warranted but hindsight was ever and always twenty twenty.
Butler
17 years ago
Rupert was about to slip out when Arin caught his attention and he turned expectantly. This seemed to be his night for presents – first Arran and now Arin. He was much more caught off guard with this gift, though, and accepted the package with perhaps less grace than usual.
“Oh, really you shouldn’t have…this is most thoughtful of you.”
One did not look at the dollar amount of a tip in front of the tipper but gifts were, in his opinion, different – one should open those in front of the giver so they might see your reaction. With that in mind he carefully peeled the wrapping paper away, revealing a book of Robert Frost poetry. Smiling a little, he opened the cover to place the flatly folded wrapping paper inside when he saw the inscription.
~ Enjoy those walks in the sunshine for those of us who can only remember them. Thank you for the conversation. You're friend, Alfarinn. ~
Rupert quietly closed the book again before making eye contact with Arin.
“I will,” he said, in a quiet, but dignified tone of voice. He realized, though, that this was hardly a proper thanks.
“This is…most kind, Alfarinn. I will treasure it, thank you.”
Suddenly a little flustered at the idea of being the center of attention, he gave a slight bow to the room and backed out, but not before another solemn thank you to Mr. Bjorn, who was, he felt, one of the classiest people he had ever met, human or vampire.
/ooc Rupert out
“Oh, really you shouldn’t have…this is most thoughtful of you.”
One did not look at the dollar amount of a tip in front of the tipper but gifts were, in his opinion, different – one should open those in front of the giver so they might see your reaction. With that in mind he carefully peeled the wrapping paper away, revealing a book of Robert Frost poetry. Smiling a little, he opened the cover to place the flatly folded wrapping paper inside when he saw the inscription.
~ Enjoy those walks in the sunshine for those of us who can only remember them. Thank you for the conversation. You're friend, Alfarinn. ~
Rupert quietly closed the book again before making eye contact with Arin.
“I will,” he said, in a quiet, but dignified tone of voice. He realized, though, that this was hardly a proper thanks.
“This is…most kind, Alfarinn. I will treasure it, thank you.”
Suddenly a little flustered at the idea of being the center of attention, he gave a slight bow to the room and backed out, but not before another solemn thank you to Mr. Bjorn, who was, he felt, one of the classiest people he had ever met, human or vampire.
/ooc Rupert out
Thaddeus Grey
17 years ago
Thaddeus listened somewhat absently to Claire’s suggestion, accepting his coffee cup with a slight nod and thinking that his fellow nightsman had come up with quite a convincing façade. Was she also speaking in code, though? She had spoken of beginnings and a start, and of war – did that indicate that she had discovered something that meant they should begin proceedings against Sorin? They made a good team, but they hadn’t worked together long enough to nail down the subtleties. Perhaps she meant that if they started anything it would lead to war. That couldn’t be good.
“Apt choices, to be sure.”
Thaddeus was not sure how he felt about Palmer’s interest in Claire, considering he had never known his friend to like the idea of getting serious about a relationship and he somehow doubted Claire would stand for that. For tonight, though, he was willing to be lighthearted about the matter.
[I don’t know – I think it might do some good to make him sweat a bit and perhaps that’s just what Claire has in mind.] Yes, he was –such- a good friend; but what else were friends for save to garner some amusement from their love lives? [Although perhaps a little nudge in the right direction is all those two need…]
Really, Thaddeus had a soft heart. He did little to hide his grin, masking it as enthusiasm about their performance.
“I’ve always enjoyed Mercury, myself…I do wonder if perhaps Mai might have an opinion?”
Perhaps (he thought but did not say, being a soft touch and all), Palmer could perform an interpretive dance of the music. In any case, he hoped that was clear enough – truth be told he was not all that confident of his own interpretation of Claire’s message. If there even was a message.
Alfarinn was quite splendidly distracting Rupert at just the right time, though Thaddeus did look over in curiosity at the sound of tearing paper. Tilting his head to one side, he peeked at the cover while the butler read the inscription.
[I’ve missed something, I think.] He smiled, the soft smile that seemed especially reserved for Alfarinn. [That was very kind of you.]
Rupert stepped out with many thanks soon after, but Thaddeus, nervous that the butler might inadvertently overhear something, made a gesture to keep the conversation going in code a little longer.
“Apt choices, to be sure.”
Thaddeus was not sure how he felt about Palmer’s interest in Claire, considering he had never known his friend to like the idea of getting serious about a relationship and he somehow doubted Claire would stand for that. For tonight, though, he was willing to be lighthearted about the matter.
[I don’t know – I think it might do some good to make him sweat a bit and perhaps that’s just what Claire has in mind.] Yes, he was –such- a good friend; but what else were friends for save to garner some amusement from their love lives? [Although perhaps a little nudge in the right direction is all those two need…]
Really, Thaddeus had a soft heart. He did little to hide his grin, masking it as enthusiasm about their performance.
“I’ve always enjoyed Mercury, myself…I do wonder if perhaps Mai might have an opinion?”
Perhaps (he thought but did not say, being a soft touch and all), Palmer could perform an interpretive dance of the music. In any case, he hoped that was clear enough – truth be told he was not all that confident of his own interpretation of Claire’s message. If there even was a message.
Alfarinn was quite splendidly distracting Rupert at just the right time, though Thaddeus did look over in curiosity at the sound of tearing paper. Tilting his head to one side, he peeked at the cover while the butler read the inscription.
[I’ve missed something, I think.] He smiled, the soft smile that seemed especially reserved for Alfarinn. [That was very kind of you.]
Rupert stepped out with many thanks soon after, but Thaddeus, nervous that the butler might inadvertently overhear something, made a gesture to keep the conversation going in code a little longer.
Palmer
17 years ago
Palmer nodded in agreement with Claire's choice, his expression entirely solemn.
"I suggested Jingle Bells. This is much better; I think we can safely say who the smart one is."Â?
The piece seemed familiar to Thaddeus at the very least, so there was discussion to be had even if he wasn't in the middle of it. That was okay; he had coffee in little spoons. But then Alfarinn busted out the shiny present and, being shamelessly nosey, he couldn't resist taking a little peek. Having no idea what the occasion was, he merely stood on his toes and peered as Rupert carefully unwrapped the gift.
Hmm, interesting. Palmer considered delivering some quip or other but it actually seemed as though Rupert were having a moment, so he kept his comments to himself. Instead, he looked to Thaddeus, who was making a rolling gesture as Rupert stepped out. What, drying his nails? He sniffed a little, knowing exactly what the nightsman meant by that gesture - that he was paranoid as all get out and some things never change.
"I suggested Jingle Bells. This is much better; I think we can safely say who the smart one is."Â?
The piece seemed familiar to Thaddeus at the very least, so there was discussion to be had even if he wasn't in the middle of it. That was okay; he had coffee in little spoons. But then Alfarinn busted out the shiny present and, being shamelessly nosey, he couldn't resist taking a little peek. Having no idea what the occasion was, he merely stood on his toes and peered as Rupert carefully unwrapped the gift.
Hmm, interesting. Palmer considered delivering some quip or other but it actually seemed as though Rupert were having a moment, so he kept his comments to himself. Instead, he looked to Thaddeus, who was making a rolling gesture as Rupert stepped out. What, drying his nails? He sniffed a little, knowing exactly what the nightsman meant by that gesture - that he was paranoid as all get out and some things never change.
Claire
17 years ago
Claire gave the scene with Alfarinn and the butler a side glance but kept her direct attention on Thaddeus. From the soft focus she used to keep a watch on the pair she could tell that Rupert had been given a package that contained a book. What it was more specifically was not a present concern to her.
Thaddeus seemed to put more stock in her choice of composition than she had herself. His questions were pointed and she considered whether she could relay some of the news despite having those nearby who should not know the truth of the situation.
With a pensive look at the music in her lap, she replied.
"Venus would be appropriate to add as well. I think it would be a reminder of more pleasant times from the past. This is a wonderful idea. There is definitely a tangible element of love in the gift of artistic effort from so many friends. I do feel that he will appreciate the combined effort of people who have found the time to give him something unique."Â?
Claire grimaced inwardly at the sweetness of her speech, disliking the use of love and gifts as a cover for something cruel and hurtful. She was very unlike her Sire in that respect but hoped that her fellow Nightsman understood her meaning.
"I believe we should let Mai in on the gift as well. Her help would be most welcomed."Â?
She chuckled at Palmer and placed a hand on his knee. Giving him a warm smile, Claire said.
"You are welcome to play jingle bells if you like. Would you prefer wine glasses or barking dogs?"Â?
Thaddeus seemed to put more stock in her choice of composition than she had herself. His questions were pointed and she considered whether she could relay some of the news despite having those nearby who should not know the truth of the situation.
With a pensive look at the music in her lap, she replied.
"Venus would be appropriate to add as well. I think it would be a reminder of more pleasant times from the past. This is a wonderful idea. There is definitely a tangible element of love in the gift of artistic effort from so many friends. I do feel that he will appreciate the combined effort of people who have found the time to give him something unique."Â?
Claire grimaced inwardly at the sweetness of her speech, disliking the use of love and gifts as a cover for something cruel and hurtful. She was very unlike her Sire in that respect but hoped that her fellow Nightsman understood her meaning.
"I believe we should let Mai in on the gift as well. Her help would be most welcomed."Â?
She chuckled at Palmer and placed a hand on his knee. Giving him a warm smile, Claire said.
"You are welcome to play jingle bells if you like. Would you prefer wine glasses or barking dogs?"Â?
Alfarinn
17 years ago
Alfarinn smiled at Rupert and replied.
"You are most welcome."Â?
He took a seat in one of the chairs once the butler had left and smiled up at Thaddeus.
[You have? Rupert kept me company the night that I waited for you to return to the Manor. I was quite anxious so the diversion was most welcome. He mentioned a poem by Robert Frost while we chatted so I felt the book was appropriate.]
Turning his attention to the rest of the conversation going on in the room, Alfarinn felt that he missed something important.
[What was this about music?]
"You are most welcome."Â?
He took a seat in one of the chairs once the butler had left and smiled up at Thaddeus.
[You have? Rupert kept me company the night that I waited for you to return to the Manor. I was quite anxious so the diversion was most welcome. He mentioned a poem by Robert Frost while we chatted so I felt the book was appropriate.]
Turning his attention to the rest of the conversation going on in the room, Alfarinn felt that he missed something important.
[What was this about music?]
Thaddeus Grey
17 years ago
[That was good of him; I suppose I should be thanking Rupert as well.]
Thaddeus listened carefully to Claire’s answer, nodding in agreement at all the appropriate places and hoping he was parsing this correctly. Alfarinn came back to the conversation and he took the opportunity to test his theories.
[We’ve selected pieces from Holst's Planets but I think it’s mostly smokescreen. Claire seems to be saying that she’s found something in her search and we should tell Mai with the intent of taking action.]
“That sounds like a wonderful idea.” Then, to confirm his suspicions, he went on. “When do you think we should schedule the performance? I’d hate to wait too long but I don’t want us to be unprepared either.”
How long had Rupert been gone? Perhaps they keep this up a little longer, just to be sure. He ignored the voice in his mind telling him that he was stalling the inevitable. They had been sure for a bit now that Sorin was guilty but every step still cut like a knife.
[Can you sense anyone other than us nearby?]
He wasn’t entirely certain of Alfarinn’s ‘range’ or whether he could even tell distance at all, but he thought some measure was better than none at all.
Thaddeus listened carefully to Claire’s answer, nodding in agreement at all the appropriate places and hoping he was parsing this correctly. Alfarinn came back to the conversation and he took the opportunity to test his theories.
[We’ve selected pieces from Holst's Planets but I think it’s mostly smokescreen. Claire seems to be saying that she’s found something in her search and we should tell Mai with the intent of taking action.]
“That sounds like a wonderful idea.” Then, to confirm his suspicions, he went on. “When do you think we should schedule the performance? I’d hate to wait too long but I don’t want us to be unprepared either.”
How long had Rupert been gone? Perhaps they keep this up a little longer, just to be sure. He ignored the voice in his mind telling him that he was stalling the inevitable. They had been sure for a bit now that Sorin was guilty but every step still cut like a knife.
[Can you sense anyone other than us nearby?]
He wasn’t entirely certain of Alfarinn’s ‘range’ or whether he could even tell distance at all, but he thought some measure was better than none at all.
Palmer
17 years ago
Palmer turned to Claire and peered curiously, rather confounded by her little speech. She was laying it on awfully thick and he didn’t see how that was necessary. He assumed she was just trying to be believable but to go to such lengths struck him as quite odd. It was only because he was paying such close attention to Claire that he observed her posture, which, while always impeccable, could now be described as almost rigid, with stiff shoulders and a tense appearance. Something was getting to her, he thought.
Looking to Thaddeus, it appeared that his friend was taking this all in stride, keeping the conversation going easily, though upon closer study Palmer thought he could detect that faraway look the nightsman got when he was listening very intently or thinking very hard. Mai was mentioned by both parties…what the hell were those two doing?
Thinking he’d had quite enough of this cloak and dagger business, he shifted his weight, ready to say something, when Claire put her hand on his knee. Now see, that was just unfair, because she did that and he felt a little less like going off on a rant. Maybe that was the point.
“Wine glasses, I believe – not that I –dislike- dogs, but think of the mess they’d make!”
It was, he decided, sorely tempting to cover her hand with his own, but he thought he should give her a chance to pull away if she wanted to – it wouldn’t do to make her feel trapped when she gave him a friendly gesture. His almost perpetual smile did, however, broaden a bit before he attempted something resembling gravity.
“In all seriousness, though.” he gave an opened handed gesture. “What are we doing here?”
He made a show of looking around the room, then gave a little shrug as though to say ‘nobody here but us chickens’.
Looking to Thaddeus, it appeared that his friend was taking this all in stride, keeping the conversation going easily, though upon closer study Palmer thought he could detect that faraway look the nightsman got when he was listening very intently or thinking very hard. Mai was mentioned by both parties…what the hell were those two doing?
Thinking he’d had quite enough of this cloak and dagger business, he shifted his weight, ready to say something, when Claire put her hand on his knee. Now see, that was just unfair, because she did that and he felt a little less like going off on a rant. Maybe that was the point.
“Wine glasses, I believe – not that I –dislike- dogs, but think of the mess they’d make!”
It was, he decided, sorely tempting to cover her hand with his own, but he thought he should give her a chance to pull away if she wanted to – it wouldn’t do to make her feel trapped when she gave him a friendly gesture. His almost perpetual smile did, however, broaden a bit before he attempted something resembling gravity.
“In all seriousness, though.” he gave an opened handed gesture. “What are we doing here?”
He made a show of looking around the room, then gave a little shrug as though to say ‘nobody here but us chickens’.
Claire
17 years ago
Claire nodded at Thaddeus' question and agreed.
"Indeed. I think preparation is key but we still want the piece to be fresh. The longer we take to prepare and the more people are likely to find out about our little surprise. I'm sure it would be better kept a secret for the short time until its revealed to everyone."Â?
She brought her other hand to her mouth to cover the laugh that came bubbling forth at Palmer's reply. It was very helpful instrumental in easing the tension that this whole situation had caused her. Claire's laughter died down and she breathed in with a deep refreshing sigh. Palmer had gotten serious once more and it was time to explain to everyone the results of their search. With a final reassuring squeeze she let go of Palmer's knee and gave him a smile.
Turning back to the others, she pulled a small bundle from her pocket.
"I believe I can make a convincing case for adding Venus into the performance."Â?
She carefully opened the pouch and slid out its contents.
"The Goddess has many charms..."Â?
/ooc: For those that have no clue what those might be I refer you back to the thread in the Manor called "Room Service" Permission to out everyone from this thread. Consider them all out!
"Indeed. I think preparation is key but we still want the piece to be fresh. The longer we take to prepare and the more people are likely to find out about our little surprise. I'm sure it would be better kept a secret for the short time until its revealed to everyone."Â?
She brought her other hand to her mouth to cover the laugh that came bubbling forth at Palmer's reply. It was very helpful instrumental in easing the tension that this whole situation had caused her. Claire's laughter died down and she breathed in with a deep refreshing sigh. Palmer had gotten serious once more and it was time to explain to everyone the results of their search. With a final reassuring squeeze she let go of Palmer's knee and gave him a smile.
Turning back to the others, she pulled a small bundle from her pocket.
"I believe I can make a convincing case for adding Venus into the performance."Â?
She carefully opened the pouch and slid out its contents.
"The Goddess has many charms..."Â?
/ooc: For those that have no clue what those might be I refer you back to the thread in the Manor called "Room Service" Permission to out everyone from this thread. Consider them all out!