Navid raised an eyebrow. Finally she chose to say something. It was a story he'd like to hear, but later. He was just about ready to listen now. But they would save that for a private discussion, given her more relaxed posture she might be willing to talk as well.
This Greer of hers seemed to be a reasonable sort, perhaps a bit romantic but at least he was seeing the big picture. Navid approved. That didn't mean he liked him, he was still a bit cross that Greer had called him on his temper.
"And you intend to be one of those people standing with her?"
He said it non-judgmentally, it was simply a question. Obviously he wasn't going to be able to pull Thérèse out of her, he'd have to help run damage control that was all. Navid could handle a change of plans, he just hoped their grandfather could.
This time both eyebrows shot in the air. Apparently she was serious about this man... it was hard to think of the Sarkis as 'this man' but for his own sanity it would be best for now.
"You are hiding?"
That was not like Thérèse, but it was the last bit of evidence he needed to change his mind completely. If she had truly been making a power play she would either still be trying or she would have returned to Europe when it failed.
Navid sighed. This was getting better every second.
Welcome Home
For as spread out as the R'asa were, if you knew the right people word traveled fast. Both Navid and his grandfather, their Pack's alpha, knew the right people. What they had heard so far was... unique. Interesting. He had no idea what to think of the Sarkis and Savia separating. It was in some respects unnatural. He had never known a man to leave his mate. At least no man other than his father Navid thought with a touch of disgust.
His grandfather, apparently had heard more than he had. He'd heard something of why they had decided to separate. If what grandfather had heard was correct it was unsettling. It was more than that, but Navid was having trouble putting his feelings into words. If she had come between a mated pair... It was hard to believe his cousin would be so stupid, so dishonorable but there had to have been a a catalyst. Something and brought them to this point.
He had arrived three days ago charged with determining the truth of the rumors even the ones that hadn't quite come to light yet. It had taken quite a bit of digging, but he'd found enough to be furious with Thérèse. He had always assumed she had more sense than this. Navid was tempted to simply grab her and shake some sense into her, if not just throw her on a plane and take her home. He could let their grandfather work this one out.
But he wasn't about to shirk his duties. He would much prefer to have this from the horse's mouth. He needed to know what in hell's name she was thinking. He'd arrived to the pack's grounds here for the first time. He knew what time she usually left the museum and when to expect her back here. He simply stretched out under a tree and waited. The sun was setting, he closed his eyes and breathed deeply taking in all the new sounds and smells. It was just after the new moon and very tempting to shift and just run, but business first.
Each time he heard a car door or an approaching person he looked up. This time though, he was her. It was about time. He stood and greeted his cousin, his favorite cousin, without smiling.
"Do you make it a habit to get back this late?"
((OOC... note to those reading or anyone who might overhear -all- dialog is in French))
Guillaume
12 years ago
Greer Grayson
12 years ago
Gris smiled at Therese, happy that she seemed to be thinking with a very clear head for someone in love. She would likely need it. In the same perfect world that would make the whole thing none of anyone's business Therese might also feel free to be madly, stupidly in love without it mattering to anyone but they had already made it clear that no one was living in that perfect world.
He turned to Guillaume and nodded his head. "Yes, I do. I don't think she's wrong. The Sarkis made his own choice. The leadership of the pack is not changing. With time it will become clear that Therese is still happy with him without needing to be the Savia." Gris turned and gave her a smile, sure that it would become apparent to everyone after a while that she had not left even after it was obvious that the way the pack was run was not going to change. It might not look like it now, but Greer thought time was on her side; every day was one more proving that the Alpha and Therese genuinely cared for each other.
"What about you? Do you think that you will be standing by your cousin?"
He turned to Guillaume and nodded his head. "Yes, I do. I don't think she's wrong. The Sarkis made his own choice. The leadership of the pack is not changing. With time it will become clear that Therese is still happy with him without needing to be the Savia." Gris turned and gave her a smile, sure that it would become apparent to everyone after a while that she had not left even after it was obvious that the way the pack was run was not going to change. It might not look like it now, but Greer thought time was on her side; every day was one more proving that the Alpha and Therese genuinely cared for each other.
"What about you? Do you think that you will be standing by your cousin?"
Therese
12 years ago
"I am -not- hiding." She snapped at her cousin. "I am objectively assessing the situation and trying to give the Pack as little ammunition as possible to go after the Alpha with."
Not to mention the press and the mayor. She had no desire to have cheap tabloid journalist camped out at the Arch. Mon Dieu! What had she gotten herself into? With any luck at all this would be, at least as far as Vaughn's mayor face was concerned, this would be very discreet and under the radar. No doubt his press agents wanted almost as little notice taken of this as she did, it was bad enough to be under one microscope, two would be unbearable.
Under other circumstances she would have been amused by the two men trying to feel each other out. Some wolves could be very prickly about their place in the pecking order and it was always a bit of a challenge for a new comer to figure out where they stood. Navid was used to running near the top of the pack and undoubtedly was feeling, regardless of his hurtful attitude, a bit protective of her. So his instinct would be to challenge Greer. But they were apparently sorting out how they should work together.
"Do you think that is wrong?"
The question was addressed to both men equally. She hadn't even dared be seen with Vaughn as she didn't want to rub people's nose in the situation. But that would also undoubtedly create the impression that she was timid and cowardly. It was a no win situation as near as Thérèse could tell.
Not to mention the press and the mayor. She had no desire to have cheap tabloid journalist camped out at the Arch. Mon Dieu! What had she gotten herself into? With any luck at all this would be, at least as far as Vaughn's mayor face was concerned, this would be very discreet and under the radar. No doubt his press agents wanted almost as little notice taken of this as she did, it was bad enough to be under one microscope, two would be unbearable.
Under other circumstances she would have been amused by the two men trying to feel each other out. Some wolves could be very prickly about their place in the pecking order and it was always a bit of a challenge for a new comer to figure out where they stood. Navid was used to running near the top of the pack and undoubtedly was feeling, regardless of his hurtful attitude, a bit protective of her. So his instinct would be to challenge Greer. But they were apparently sorting out how they should work together.
"Do you think that is wrong?"
The question was addressed to both men equally. She hadn't even dared be seen with Vaughn as she didn't want to rub people's nose in the situation. But that would also undoubtedly create the impression that she was timid and cowardly. It was a no win situation as near as Thérèse could tell.
Guillaume
12 years ago
"As you say."
But Navid's lips twitched with amusement. Yes the situation was serious and yes they needed to handle it carefully but something about Thérèse's adamant denial of hiding tickled him.
He did not, however, like her uncertainty in this matter. Granted it was uncharted territory but she had to at least appear to be confidant or it was all for naught. She had at least one person on her side and that was a start. Navid half glared at the blond, that he would dare doubt his commitment to family... although, he -grudgingly- conceded it was possible it didn't look like he had Thérèse's best interest at heart just at the moment.
"Of course."
When he was younger Navid had run to Thérèse for shelter and stability. It seemed now it was time to return the favor.
"You cannot..." He considered his words for a moment, "objectively assess forever. You will eventually have to be somewhat visible."
But he didn't know when or how soon. He'd only been here a few days and had not interacted with the Pack at all. Navid found himself turning to Greer for an opinion.
"I do not know how those here will respond... you have an opinion on this?"
He was just barley able to make it a polite question rather than a moderately irritated question. Apparently they had one common interest and it would pay for them to be polite to each other and at least attempt to work together.
But Navid's lips twitched with amusement. Yes the situation was serious and yes they needed to handle it carefully but something about Thérèse's adamant denial of hiding tickled him.
He did not, however, like her uncertainty in this matter. Granted it was uncharted territory but she had to at least appear to be confidant or it was all for naught. She had at least one person on her side and that was a start. Navid half glared at the blond, that he would dare doubt his commitment to family... although, he -grudgingly- conceded it was possible it didn't look like he had Thérèse's best interest at heart just at the moment.
"Of course."
When he was younger Navid had run to Thérèse for shelter and stability. It seemed now it was time to return the favor.
"You cannot..." He considered his words for a moment, "objectively assess forever. You will eventually have to be somewhat visible."
But he didn't know when or how soon. He'd only been here a few days and had not interacted with the Pack at all. Navid found himself turning to Greer for an opinion.
"I do not know how those here will respond... you have an opinion on this?"
He was just barley able to make it a polite question rather than a moderately irritated question. Apparently they had one common interest and it would pay for them to be polite to each other and at least attempt to work together.
Greer Grayson
12 years ago
Gris smirked slightly at Therese's objection to the idea that she was hiding. Guillaume appeared to have hit a nerve there but at the same time it would seem to be true. It didn't mean that it wasn't a wise decision despite the fact that it was galling to any of their kind to consider a retreat from confrontation. However, they weren't animals...most of the time, and with higher intellect came the understanding that some things couldn't be faced head on. Her way was best, for now.
He shrugged at Guillaume's question. "I have no idea. I have not been here very long myself." Gris snorted. "My family thought I was the perfect person to send to Nachton...so here I am." Because they didn't want him at home and this way his father could get some use out of him without ever having to look at him. He frowned thoughtfully. "I have learned that the Sarkis and Savia are very much loved. Both of them, they are well thought of by those here who have met them. The Savia is said to be a force to be reckoned with and a good counterpart to Emiliano's more quiet strength."
Gris placed a hand on Therese's shoulder. "I know you might not like that they are going to continue working closely together but I think its good for the pack. That seems to be the opinion I've heard so far when the news came out."
He looked up at Guillaume. "There is some muttered disapproval about the divorce, of course, plenty of it from what I've heard but that all seems overshadowed by a relief that the leadership is staying the same." It helped being an outsider here but still a member of the pack. People talked to him without really demanding his opinion in return. Who was he? The new guy. So what would he know about it? Nothing.
He shrugged at Guillaume's question. "I have no idea. I have not been here very long myself." Gris snorted. "My family thought I was the perfect person to send to Nachton...so here I am." Because they didn't want him at home and this way his father could get some use out of him without ever having to look at him. He frowned thoughtfully. "I have learned that the Sarkis and Savia are very much loved. Both of them, they are well thought of by those here who have met them. The Savia is said to be a force to be reckoned with and a good counterpart to Emiliano's more quiet strength."
Gris placed a hand on Therese's shoulder. "I know you might not like that they are going to continue working closely together but I think its good for the pack. That seems to be the opinion I've heard so far when the news came out."
He looked up at Guillaume. "There is some muttered disapproval about the divorce, of course, plenty of it from what I've heard but that all seems overshadowed by a relief that the leadership is staying the same." It helped being an outsider here but still a member of the pack. People talked to him without really demanding his opinion in return. Who was he? The new guy. So what would he know about it? Nothing.
Therese
12 years ago
Thérèse narrowed her eyes and Navid. She briefly considered some rather childish retaliation for that smirk on his face. But she just couldn't muster the energy. She would get him back later.
"Patience is a virtue, posses it if you can. Found seldom in a woman, and -never- in a man."
She quoted to her cousin. It was something he'd often heard her say. He was right she couldn't stay hidden forever. While she wasn't in favor of rushing things she also didn't believe Vaughn would marginalize her like that, she knew she wouldn't allow it not long term. But she wasn't about long term just yet. She'd settle for a date. In fact she might temporarily be bought off with thirty minutes in a broom closet, but that was another story.
Placing her hand on Gris' she rolled her eyes, just before pinching the inside of his wrist rather hard. "Not like" was mild. Thérèse didn't begrudge the Pack stable leadership, nor was she looking to oust the Savia, she was however a bit on the jealous side and was a little leery of Vaughn spending long hours alone with any woman but especially one he had a history with and they must care something for each other. But that was her problem and she would just have to cope with it.
"If it is a choice between me being a bit put out and possibly a tiny bit jealous and disrupting the Pack or not having him... I will take being put out. I can be graceful about it and accept it, but I do not have to like it."
She growled the last few words. This was going to be a challenge, but she was equal to it. It would work.
The little bits she had half heard here and there seemed to support what Greer was saying. Thérèse suspected it would be the older are more traditional members of the pack that would disapprove most and while they might forgive the divorce because it was the Alpha's choice they would undoubtedly frown on her as the one who destroyed the marriage.
"Patience is a virtue, posses it if you can. Found seldom in a woman, and -never- in a man."
She quoted to her cousin. It was something he'd often heard her say. He was right she couldn't stay hidden forever. While she wasn't in favor of rushing things she also didn't believe Vaughn would marginalize her like that, she knew she wouldn't allow it not long term. But she wasn't about long term just yet. She'd settle for a date. In fact she might temporarily be bought off with thirty minutes in a broom closet, but that was another story.
Placing her hand on Gris' she rolled her eyes, just before pinching the inside of his wrist rather hard. "Not like" was mild. Thérèse didn't begrudge the Pack stable leadership, nor was she looking to oust the Savia, she was however a bit on the jealous side and was a little leery of Vaughn spending long hours alone with any woman but especially one he had a history with and they must care something for each other. But that was her problem and she would just have to cope with it.
"If it is a choice between me being a bit put out and possibly a tiny bit jealous and disrupting the Pack or not having him... I will take being put out. I can be graceful about it and accept it, but I do not have to like it."
She growled the last few words. This was going to be a challenge, but she was equal to it. It would work.
The little bits she had half heard here and there seemed to support what Greer was saying. Thérèse suspected it would be the older are more traditional members of the pack that would disapprove most and while they might forgive the divorce because it was the Alpha's choice they would undoubtedly frown on her as the one who destroyed the marriage.
Guillaume
12 years ago
Navid rolled his eyes and the -very- familiar quote. Thérèse and thrown that old chestnut at him more times than he could count. However, he did acknowledge that they might both be right. It was far too possible, should this go badly if Thérèse was too visible undoubtedly the pack would turn on her rather than turn on the Alpha.
He snorted as Thérèse not only showed signs of jealousy but took Greer to task for it too. That was something he would expect from his cousin. Perhaps the rumors were unfounded. Although, so far at least part of what had been heard was true. No, he couldn't leave yet there was more hear than met the eye.
If Greer was new here who had he formed such and attachment to Thérèse? She was not exactly warm and fuzzy and certainly didn't take people into her confidence easily. Navid made a note to speak to the man later, with out his cousin and when Greer had pants on.
"Then that is workable, with any luck it is more a matter of time than anything. So long as she can be kept from doing anything stupid."
Oddly enough instead of protesting or snapping at him Thérèse paled slightly. It was an odd reaction, was it the loss of the child or something more? He frowned slightly wondering what more there was to this tale.
He snorted as Thérèse not only showed signs of jealousy but took Greer to task for it too. That was something he would expect from his cousin. Perhaps the rumors were unfounded. Although, so far at least part of what had been heard was true. No, he couldn't leave yet there was more hear than met the eye.
If Greer was new here who had he formed such and attachment to Thérèse? She was not exactly warm and fuzzy and certainly didn't take people into her confidence easily. Navid made a note to speak to the man later, with out his cousin and when Greer had pants on.
"Then that is workable, with any luck it is more a matter of time than anything. So long as she can be kept from doing anything stupid."
Oddly enough instead of protesting or snapping at him Thérèse paled slightly. It was an odd reaction, was it the loss of the child or something more? He frowned slightly wondering what more there was to this tale.
Greer Grayson
12 years ago
Gris looked down at his wrist when Therese pinched him. Someone was just a tad cranky. The Alpha better take her on a date soon because someone needed to release a little tension.
He laughed softly and then nodded at Guillaume. Yes, the whole thing did hinge on whether or not Therese could keep from doing anything stupid. He, personally, had faith in her.
There seemed to be no reason to stay now that it seemed the argument had calmed down. Gris looked from one of them to the other. He held out his hand to Guillaume with a smile.
"Welcome to Nachton. I hope the rest of your time here goes better."
Giving Therese a small squeeze on the shoulder, Gris favored her with an encouraging smile. "I am sure you two have plenty to talk about. I think I'll go find my clothes now and grab a shower. You have both distracted me quite well from Mr Puckerman and his intolerable behavior and boring case. I suppose I should thank you for that."
He flashed them a grin before trotting towards his pile of belongings.
((OOC: Out Pending Response ))
He laughed softly and then nodded at Guillaume. Yes, the whole thing did hinge on whether or not Therese could keep from doing anything stupid. He, personally, had faith in her.
There seemed to be no reason to stay now that it seemed the argument had calmed down. Gris looked from one of them to the other. He held out his hand to Guillaume with a smile.
"Welcome to Nachton. I hope the rest of your time here goes better."
Giving Therese a small squeeze on the shoulder, Gris favored her with an encouraging smile. "I am sure you two have plenty to talk about. I think I'll go find my clothes now and grab a shower. You have both distracted me quite well from Mr Puckerman and his intolerable behavior and boring case. I suppose I should thank you for that."
He flashed them a grin before trotting towards his pile of belongings.
((OOC: Out Pending Response ))
Therese
12 years ago
"Go enjoy the rest of the night."
Thérèse shooed her friend off. She was very lucky and very grateful he'd come along. She might owe him. But that could be determined later.
She breathed a sigh of relief when Navid shook Greer's hand. All it really meant was Navid wouldn't attempt to kill Gris or attack him but it was a start. Her cousin came around to things in his own time, but he was apparently going to take the time. He nodded, and it was almost friendly she noted.
"And you. It was good to meet you."
The both watched Greer go and when her friend was out of ear shot she looked to her cousin. They were both relaxed this time.
"Are you ready to listen now?"
Thérèse couldn't help but smile as he chuffed, trying to appear irritated but nodded slowly. He wasn't ready to apologize, she could see that and the odds were he wouldn't, not directly and not any time soon but she would take what she could get.
"Come inside then. I don't care to meet up with any gossiping grannies."
Navid offered her his arm, she took it and they both returned to the asylum and what privacy they could find. She might not have totally convinced her cousin but she had him thinking and that was a clear improvement.
((OOC... both out))
Thérèse shooed her friend off. She was very lucky and very grateful he'd come along. She might owe him. But that could be determined later.
She breathed a sigh of relief when Navid shook Greer's hand. All it really meant was Navid wouldn't attempt to kill Gris or attack him but it was a start. Her cousin came around to things in his own time, but he was apparently going to take the time. He nodded, and it was almost friendly she noted.
"And you. It was good to meet you."
The both watched Greer go and when her friend was out of ear shot she looked to her cousin. They were both relaxed this time.
"Are you ready to listen now?"
Thérèse couldn't help but smile as he chuffed, trying to appear irritated but nodded slowly. He wasn't ready to apologize, she could see that and the odds were he wouldn't, not directly and not any time soon but she would take what she could get.
"Come inside then. I don't care to meet up with any gossiping grannies."
Navid offered her his arm, she took it and they both returned to the asylum and what privacy they could find. She might not have totally convinced her cousin but she had him thinking and that was a clear improvement.
((OOC... both out))