Alfarinn smiled as Aishe sat down next to him and kissed his cheek. Setting down his wine glass, he leaned his elbows on the table and placed his chin in his palms. He gazed at the food at the other two place settings, licked his lips and said.
"Oh, you know how it is. I just couldn't decide." Grinning he turned to her and shrugged. "I -might- have ran them off but somehow I suspect that was not the reason for their hasty departure."
The waiter came back and put the two dishes in separate boxes and took them both away. Before leaving, the man asked Aishe if she would like a drink and menu.
Once the waiter was gone again, Alfarinn gestured toward his absent companions. "Your Creator and his new friend." Leaning sideways closer to Aishe, he asked in a whisper. "So...have you met Rowan? What do you think?"
It would interest him whether Crispin had already introduced Rowan to his daughter. It would definitely be a sign that his Security Chief was serious about the man. Alfarinn was also curious about what she thought of the good doctor. Aishe was an empath, like her Creator, but Alfarinn always suspected that she had been an excellent judge of character even before learning to read emotions in auras. He personally always found Cris and Aishe's empathy to be fascinating, so different from his own.
Three Was a Crowd (Attn: Alfarinn, Scott)
Aishe had picked up the habit of making rounds around the Towers, something she tried to do frequently when it was her shift. Her normal course took her past the Tower Lounge and she usually poked her head in. This time she was met with an odd sight; Alfarinn, nursing a glass of wine, sitting at an otherwise empty table that had two full plates of food on it.
She observed for a minute, thinking maybe his companions had just stepped away for a second, but no one seemed to be returning. So she entered the Lounge and walked up to the table. Why was her Elder all alone? Curious, Aishe slid into the empty fourth chair at the table in case the other chairs' occupants returned.
"Did you frighten your company away?" she asked with a mischievous smile flirting at her lips.
Leaning forward toward her Elder she kissed him on the cheek. She loved Alfarinn, in a strictly platonic 'best leader ever' kind of way. Perhaps it was because when she first arrived in Nachton he had been kind and gentle toward her even though she knew how dangerous he could be. It was also clear to her that both her fiance and her Creator loved him as a friend, and those emotions translated to Aishe.
About then a waiter appeared with some take-out boxes and began to scoop the food from in front of the vacant seats into them. Aishe raised her eyebrows at Alfarinn. The meal must have ended early for some reason.
Alfarinn
12 years ago
Aishe
12 years ago
Never one to turn down dessert Aishe glanced around furtively and then ordered a chocolate mousse. Call it a fifteen-minute break. "You're never going to hang on to your girlish figure if you keep eating like this," she said, gesturing to the food the waiter was taking away, presumably to store.
When Alfarinn mentioned he wasn't the reason for the hasty departure Aishe's brows rose. When the identities of his erstwhile dinner companions were revealed she furrowed her brow again. "Oh." Why would they have left in such a hurry? That seemed rude. Cris was hardly the rude type and Rowan had certainly not given her that impression. If something security-related had come up Aishe certainly would have heard of it.
Alfarinn didn't seem concerned though so Aishe nodded at him when he asked her if she'd met Rowan. "Just last week," she said, smiling again. "I love him. He's so colorful. Good colors," she added, just in case Alfarinn misunderstood her. "He changes Cris's colors to better ones too."
She positively beamed at that. She would have liked Rowan anyway but the fact that he made Cris so happy thrilled her. She loved that her Creator was opening up, however slightly, even if it was mostly to just the one person. Cris deserved to be happy.
"How about you? What did you think?" Aishe glanced at the table again. "I guess maybe you didn't get a long time to talk."
When Alfarinn mentioned he wasn't the reason for the hasty departure Aishe's brows rose. When the identities of his erstwhile dinner companions were revealed she furrowed her brow again. "Oh." Why would they have left in such a hurry? That seemed rude. Cris was hardly the rude type and Rowan had certainly not given her that impression. If something security-related had come up Aishe certainly would have heard of it.
Alfarinn didn't seem concerned though so Aishe nodded at him when he asked her if she'd met Rowan. "Just last week," she said, smiling again. "I love him. He's so colorful. Good colors," she added, just in case Alfarinn misunderstood her. "He changes Cris's colors to better ones too."
She positively beamed at that. She would have liked Rowan anyway but the fact that he made Cris so happy thrilled her. She loved that her Creator was opening up, however slightly, even if it was mostly to just the one person. Cris deserved to be happy.
"How about you? What did you think?" Aishe glanced at the table again. "I guess maybe you didn't get a long time to talk."
Alfarinn
12 years ago
Alfarinn looked down at his lanky form and then over at Aishe. "Does this shirt make me look fat?"
He picked up his glass of wine and listened to what she had to say about her Creator's boyfriend. Apparently Cris had introduced Rowan to Aishe. Alfarinn was not surprised with her assessment. It matched his own.
"Yes, I didn't see any colours but the emotions were nice. I approve." Of course he didn't see them long but even Cris let him glimpse at how he felt about Rowan briefly before the subterfuge went back up. Rowan's as well, it was perhaps fortuitous that they both possessed that talent.
Shaking his head, he agreed that he didn't have much time to talk to the two of them. " I did learn he was a doctor. I wonder when Cris is going to tell him that our old doctor passed away and we need one for the Towers."
He smiled over at Aishe. "Dr. Thompson didn't believe in everlasting life. He was steadfast about it. Quite the character." Taking another sip of his wine, Alfarinn leaned back and looked amused. "And conveniently the residence for the doctor is here in the Towers. "
He picked up his glass of wine and listened to what she had to say about her Creator's boyfriend. Apparently Cris had introduced Rowan to Aishe. Alfarinn was not surprised with her assessment. It matched his own.
"Yes, I didn't see any colours but the emotions were nice. I approve." Of course he didn't see them long but even Cris let him glimpse at how he felt about Rowan briefly before the subterfuge went back up. Rowan's as well, it was perhaps fortuitous that they both possessed that talent.
Shaking his head, he agreed that he didn't have much time to talk to the two of them. " I did learn he was a doctor. I wonder when Cris is going to tell him that our old doctor passed away and we need one for the Towers."
He smiled over at Aishe. "Dr. Thompson didn't believe in everlasting life. He was steadfast about it. Quite the character." Taking another sip of his wine, Alfarinn leaned back and looked amused. "And conveniently the residence for the doctor is here in the Towers. "
Aishe
12 years ago
Aishe giggled softly at Alfarinn. "I don't think even a fat suit could make you look fat."
It was true, there wasn't an ounce of fat on Alfarinn's lean body. Trying to make him look fat would probably produce the effect of, well, a tall skinny guy in a fat suit.
She beamed at Alfarinn's approval. She doubted hers was worth as much but she approved too, of course, having already stated as much upon first meeting Rowan. She very much looked forward to spending more time with him, getting to know him. Briefly she wondered if she was supposed to call him Uncle Rowan? Or something?
At the revelation about Dr Thompson Aishe raised her eyebrows at Alfarinn again. She laughed softly at the very obvious difference in opinion between herself and the departed doctor. She wouldn't trade what she had for anything. Sure, she missed the sunlight every now and then, but when she crawled into bed with Kiamhaat at the end of the night all thoughts of sunlight went out of her head. No matter where they both were in a hundred, a thousand years, it was worth it now.
"So maybe we could have a vampire doctor here at the Towers," she said with a smile. "Why do you think Cris hasn't asked him? Too soon?"
She hadn't really gotten the impression from Cris so far that he and Rowan were taking it slow. "Doesn't Rowan live here at Liefde already?"
There had to be something Alfarinn wasn't saying, to make him look so amused like that.
It was true, there wasn't an ounce of fat on Alfarinn's lean body. Trying to make him look fat would probably produce the effect of, well, a tall skinny guy in a fat suit.
She beamed at Alfarinn's approval. She doubted hers was worth as much but she approved too, of course, having already stated as much upon first meeting Rowan. She very much looked forward to spending more time with him, getting to know him. Briefly she wondered if she was supposed to call him Uncle Rowan? Or something?
At the revelation about Dr Thompson Aishe raised her eyebrows at Alfarinn again. She laughed softly at the very obvious difference in opinion between herself and the departed doctor. She wouldn't trade what she had for anything. Sure, she missed the sunlight every now and then, but when she crawled into bed with Kiamhaat at the end of the night all thoughts of sunlight went out of her head. No matter where they both were in a hundred, a thousand years, it was worth it now.
"So maybe we could have a vampire doctor here at the Towers," she said with a smile. "Why do you think Cris hasn't asked him? Too soon?"
She hadn't really gotten the impression from Cris so far that he and Rowan were taking it slow. "Doesn't Rowan live here at Liefde already?"
There had to be something Alfarinn wasn't saying, to make him look so amused like that.
Alfarinn
12 years ago
Alfarinn laughed at her compliment, at least he thought it was a compliment. He puffed out his cheeks and chest briefly to appear larger, knowing really didn't have much effect other than to make him look silly.
"A vampire doctor wouldn't be so bad. At least he wouldn't have to go outside the building if they needed to wake him up for some emergency during the day."
Staring up at the ceiling with its beautiful art deco tiling and amber glass hanging light fixtures, he mused about Crispin and his doctor friend. "Hmm, well, knowing our Cris, I would say it was one of two things, or maybe a combination of the two." He looked over at her and held up a finger. "One, he thinks its too soon and doesn't want Rowan to believe he's being clingy....or two, he thinks Rowan truly loves his job and he doesn't want him to feel pressured to take a choice that would let them spend more time together but would take him away from a place he loves and that most likely needs him." What hospital didn't need its doctors? And Rowan had mentioned being trained in more than one field. It would make the man a perfect fit to be the resident chief of the medical staff here in the Towers.
"Shame though...whatever the reason." Alfarinn gestured out the entrance and across the lobby. "The doctor, to be more accessible at odd hours, has a home and office right here on the ground floor. Right next to the Chief of Security." He turned to her and smiled.
"I am not sure if he does or not. I failed to ask."
((OOC: Now that we've gotten our gossip going, feel free to jump in any time you like, Scott.
))
"A vampire doctor wouldn't be so bad. At least he wouldn't have to go outside the building if they needed to wake him up for some emergency during the day."
Staring up at the ceiling with its beautiful art deco tiling and amber glass hanging light fixtures, he mused about Crispin and his doctor friend. "Hmm, well, knowing our Cris, I would say it was one of two things, or maybe a combination of the two." He looked over at her and held up a finger. "One, he thinks its too soon and doesn't want Rowan to believe he's being clingy....or two, he thinks Rowan truly loves his job and he doesn't want him to feel pressured to take a choice that would let them spend more time together but would take him away from a place he loves and that most likely needs him." What hospital didn't need its doctors? And Rowan had mentioned being trained in more than one field. It would make the man a perfect fit to be the resident chief of the medical staff here in the Towers.
"Shame though...whatever the reason." Alfarinn gestured out the entrance and across the lobby. "The doctor, to be more accessible at odd hours, has a home and office right here on the ground floor. Right next to the Chief of Security." He turned to her and smiled.
"I am not sure if he does or not. I failed to ask."
((OOC: Now that we've gotten our gossip going, feel free to jump in any time you like, Scott.
))
Scott Kinney
12 years ago
Scott set the alarm on his Mustang and slipped the keys into his pocket. He was lucky to have found a parking spot as close to the Towers as he had. He was just grateful he could park on the main street, and now have to resort to parking in the garage. He didn't like parking garages much.
He casually walked up the sidewalk past well-maintained flora, heading for the main Tower lobby.
Scott looked down at himself, wishing suddenly he had brought better clothes. He had dark-blue jeans on - at least they were new, so were SOMEWHAT presentable. He had a black t-shirt, and his Navy sports-jacket. He sighed. An outfit that said, "Please drain me, I am food," probably, but... he had to do this.
And, he wanted to get it over with as quickly as possible.
He walked into the Towers lobby, and immediately made for the front desk. He had been told protocol a long time ago, and he hoped that things hadn't changed since then.
"May I help you?" a clean-cut gentleman at the front desk asked.
"Yes, I am here to see the Elder," Scott answered coolly.
The man nodded, "Your name?"
Scott paused for a moment, before answering. "John Grey of Rotherfield."
The man nodded, tapped a bunch of keys on a computer behind the counter, and waited. After a few moments, he nodded once and then reached up to press on a small device that looked a lot like a Bluetooth earpiece.
Scott breathed in a lungful of air. The receptionist was calling security, no doubt. He assumed not just anyone could walk in and hang out with the Elder. Scott realized that he might even be sent away, and then what? Scott would need to email the Elder, or what?
"It will be just a moment, sir," the receptionist said.
"Um, thanks," Scott replied.
Damn. He was hoping for one of those, "come back in two months," responses that he had seen on TV when the main actor went to visit the scary power-monger in the fancy high-rise. He never thought he'd be told, 'just a moment, sir'.
He sighed, and thought of Miya. That helped steel him quite a bit. He let his senses roam, being an empath... and was surprised that he didn't sense any overwhelming fear as he had expected. Did these people not know that an Elder lived among them?
Patiently, he stepped to the side and waited for security to show up.
He casually walked up the sidewalk past well-maintained flora, heading for the main Tower lobby.
Scott looked down at himself, wishing suddenly he had brought better clothes. He had dark-blue jeans on - at least they were new, so were SOMEWHAT presentable. He had a black t-shirt, and his Navy sports-jacket. He sighed. An outfit that said, "Please drain me, I am food," probably, but... he had to do this.
And, he wanted to get it over with as quickly as possible.
He walked into the Towers lobby, and immediately made for the front desk. He had been told protocol a long time ago, and he hoped that things hadn't changed since then.
"May I help you?" a clean-cut gentleman at the front desk asked.
"Yes, I am here to see the Elder," Scott answered coolly.
The man nodded, "Your name?"
Scott paused for a moment, before answering. "John Grey of Rotherfield."
The man nodded, tapped a bunch of keys on a computer behind the counter, and waited. After a few moments, he nodded once and then reached up to press on a small device that looked a lot like a Bluetooth earpiece.
Scott breathed in a lungful of air. The receptionist was calling security, no doubt. He assumed not just anyone could walk in and hang out with the Elder. Scott realized that he might even be sent away, and then what? Scott would need to email the Elder, or what?
"It will be just a moment, sir," the receptionist said.
"Um, thanks," Scott replied.
Damn. He was hoping for one of those, "come back in two months," responses that he had seen on TV when the main actor went to visit the scary power-monger in the fancy high-rise. He never thought he'd be told, 'just a moment, sir'.
He sighed, and thought of Miya. That helped steel him quite a bit. He let his senses roam, being an empath... and was surprised that he didn't sense any overwhelming fear as he had expected. Did these people not know that an Elder lived among them?
Patiently, he stepped to the side and waited for security to show up.
Aishe
12 years ago
Aishe listened to Alfarinn's speculation about her Creator and his lover, nodding thoughtfully, looking surprised when Alfarinn mentioned the doctor's apartment. She chuckled at that. "A ha. I think you must be right on all counts. After all you know Cris so much better than I do."
She shrugged her shoulders. "Whatever they decide I'm glad Rowan is around. That the first time I ever seen Cris truly happy. So we need to keep Rowan."
She smiled at Alfarinn, pretty sure he would agree on that count. Now, if only she knew of some way to get Thaddeus back to Nachton. She knew Alfarinn must be missing his own partner. But she didn't have answers for that; she knew little about the situation.
She was interrupted in further musings when she heard the chatter over the security channel through her earpiece. Adjusting it she smiled and informed Alfarinn that a certain John Grey of Rotherfield was asking to see him. She saw the waiter returning with her mousse but it would have to wait a moment. She would be right back, after all.
Making her way out to the lobby she located the newcomer based on the description she was given.
"Mister Grey? Nice to meet you. My name is Aishe. If you'll come with me I'll show you to Elder Alfarinn."
She held her hand out to the man and then turned to head back into the Tower Lounge, leading him to where she and Alfarinn had just been sitting. "Elder, this is John Grey. He requested to meet with you."
All things Alfarinn already knew, but for the sake of formality Aishe made her introductions. "Mr. Grey, Elder Alfarinn."
((ooc: We assumed Scott would be following Aishe, since that's why he's here. If that is not the case please let me know and I can fix Aishe's post.))
She shrugged her shoulders. "Whatever they decide I'm glad Rowan is around. That the first time I ever seen Cris truly happy. So we need to keep Rowan."
She smiled at Alfarinn, pretty sure he would agree on that count. Now, if only she knew of some way to get Thaddeus back to Nachton. She knew Alfarinn must be missing his own partner. But she didn't have answers for that; she knew little about the situation.
She was interrupted in further musings when she heard the chatter over the security channel through her earpiece. Adjusting it she smiled and informed Alfarinn that a certain John Grey of Rotherfield was asking to see him. She saw the waiter returning with her mousse but it would have to wait a moment. She would be right back, after all.
Making her way out to the lobby she located the newcomer based on the description she was given.
"Mister Grey? Nice to meet you. My name is Aishe. If you'll come with me I'll show you to Elder Alfarinn."
She held her hand out to the man and then turned to head back into the Tower Lounge, leading him to where she and Alfarinn had just been sitting. "Elder, this is John Grey. He requested to meet with you."
All things Alfarinn already knew, but for the sake of formality Aishe made her introductions. "Mr. Grey, Elder Alfarinn."
((ooc: We assumed Scott would be following Aishe, since that's why he's here. If that is not the case please let me know and I can fix Aishe's post.))
Alfarinn
12 years ago
He shrugged his shoulders at knowing the Security Chief better. "Years of acquaintance have helped but he has kept that air of enigma around him. He lets it down for some people, like you." It had taken a while before Crispin decided that Alfarinn was trust worthy, reliable...or whatever it was that eventually allowed him to open up and become his friend. The bond between the two of them had helped their friendship along tremendously and they had gotten to know each other much better in the last year than in all the centuries prior.
"I think the keeping of Rowan is definitely up to Cris but I have high hopes for the redhead becoming a fixture in the Towers for quite some time." Alfarinn smiled happily at Aishe.
His companion got that blank stare that security people get when they are suddenly listening to voices other people couldn't quite hear. Then she turned to him and mentioned a John Grey. Alfarinn wondered if the man was any relation to his Beloved but that seemed to be unlikely. Rotherfield was in southern England and though Thaddeus Grey was from London, not very far away at all, he was born several hundred years ago. They were likely a distant relation at best.
"A pleasure to meet you, Mr Grey." Alfarinn gestured to one of the vacated seats across from him. "Have a seat. We were just having dessert." His after dinner treat consisted of another glass of wine but at least Aishe had chosen something more conventional.
"I think the keeping of Rowan is definitely up to Cris but I have high hopes for the redhead becoming a fixture in the Towers for quite some time." Alfarinn smiled happily at Aishe.
His companion got that blank stare that security people get when they are suddenly listening to voices other people couldn't quite hear. Then she turned to him and mentioned a John Grey. Alfarinn wondered if the man was any relation to his Beloved but that seemed to be unlikely. Rotherfield was in southern England and though Thaddeus Grey was from London, not very far away at all, he was born several hundred years ago. They were likely a distant relation at best.
"A pleasure to meet you, Mr Grey." Alfarinn gestured to one of the vacated seats across from him. "Have a seat. We were just having dessert." His after dinner treat consisted of another glass of wine but at least Aishe had chosen something more conventional.
Scott Kinney
12 years ago
Not long after the man at the desk informed him of the short wait, Scott noticed a beautiful woman headed his way with intent. Yep. Just as he thought. *Gorgeous*. Everyone on the Elder's staff, male or female, was likely to be gorgeous. It just seemed to be one of those things that the books Miya read DID get right.
Scott suddenly felt a rush of... inadequacy? Feeling under-dressed as well, he cleared his throat and tried to smile as politely as he could. She didn't appear to be unhappy or anxious, so he assumed that was a good sign that he wasn't going to be thrown out on his ass.
"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Aishe," he said smoothly in return, as he took her hand, and politely bent slightly, raising it gently as he bent over to brush his lips across the back of her palm.
~You don't know what the fuck you are doing, do you?~ he scolded himself. ~She probably thinks you are some relic stuck in the Old World... which, actually, isn't far form the truth,~ he ranted on internally. ~What will you do to the Elder? Bow and kiss his ring? This isn't 'The Godfather', you moron - or is it?~
He gently released her hand. "The pleasure is mine," he added, a slight hint of his English accent surfacing. This surprised even himself - he thought he had long buried it, but tonight he was feeling somewhat... old... for some reason, even though he knew he was about to meet a figure who was far, far older than himself.
Scott readily followed the woman as she escorted him for a few moments to where the Elder awaited. He controlled his emotions as much as he could - he knew if he, himself, was an empath - most likely, there would be others around, as well - and perhaps far stronger than he.
The lady led him to the room where the Elder sat, alone and waiting. Not sure of protocol, Scott did what he thought would be the safest bet - he approached the Elder - but not so close as to be insulting - and bowed stiffly at the waist.
"It is an honor for you to take time to see me, your grace," he said.
When Alfarinn indicated the empty seat, Scott moved to it and sat without hesitation, shifting a bit to get comfortable.
"I apologize if I have interrupted your dinner, your grace. I would happily return at a more suitable time if you wished."
(OOC: Yes Aishe, perfect, he would definitely have followed.
Thanks!)
Scott suddenly felt a rush of... inadequacy? Feeling under-dressed as well, he cleared his throat and tried to smile as politely as he could. She didn't appear to be unhappy or anxious, so he assumed that was a good sign that he wasn't going to be thrown out on his ass.
"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Aishe," he said smoothly in return, as he took her hand, and politely bent slightly, raising it gently as he bent over to brush his lips across the back of her palm.
~You don't know what the fuck you are doing, do you?~ he scolded himself. ~She probably thinks you are some relic stuck in the Old World... which, actually, isn't far form the truth,~ he ranted on internally. ~What will you do to the Elder? Bow and kiss his ring? This isn't 'The Godfather', you moron - or is it?~
He gently released her hand. "The pleasure is mine," he added, a slight hint of his English accent surfacing. This surprised even himself - he thought he had long buried it, but tonight he was feeling somewhat... old... for some reason, even though he knew he was about to meet a figure who was far, far older than himself.
Scott readily followed the woman as she escorted him for a few moments to where the Elder awaited. He controlled his emotions as much as he could - he knew if he, himself, was an empath - most likely, there would be others around, as well - and perhaps far stronger than he.
The lady led him to the room where the Elder sat, alone and waiting. Not sure of protocol, Scott did what he thought would be the safest bet - he approached the Elder - but not so close as to be insulting - and bowed stiffly at the waist.
"It is an honor for you to take time to see me, your grace," he said.
When Alfarinn indicated the empty seat, Scott moved to it and sat without hesitation, shifting a bit to get comfortable.
"I apologize if I have interrupted your dinner, your grace. I would happily return at a more suitable time if you wished."
(OOC: Yes Aishe, perfect, he would definitely have followed.
Thanks!)
Aishe
12 years ago
Aishe merely smiled and nodded at the idea that Cris was the one who decided whether or not to keep Rowan. Personally, she thought it might just work if nothing unforeseen got in their way. She did try to hide her blush when she was labeled one of the people allowed "in" to Cris's inner self. She adored her Creator and hoped she would never take that privilege for granted. Fortunately she was able to hide her blush when she realized she had a task now, with their guest.
Aishe would be a poor Security member if she didn't use her abilities to gauge Scott's emotions and intents, so as they neared the table where Alfarinn sat she took a look at his colors. She saw nothing alarming; mostly the sharp-edged yellow-green of anxiety. He wasn't afraid, he was just nervous. Aishe understood that; it wasn't every day you presented yourself to the leader of your Clan. As he came closer the emotions seemed to draw closer to him as he sort of gathered them in. Aishe smiled; he apparently didn't want to come off as anxious.
She sat when Scott was invited to, as well, making a brief happy face at her chocolate mousse before digging delicately into it. She gave it plenty of attention, trying to be unobtrusive and let Scott and Alfarinn have their conversation.
She couldn't help glancing up through her thick black lashes, however, at Alfarinn when he was addressed as 'your grace.' On the one hand she found it highly amusing. On the other, she was aware that she was still a very young vampire and perhaps she had missed some lessons in etiquette? Both Kiamhaat and Cris were Alfarinn's friends. Perhaps they had decided to forego a title of respect that Aishe herself should have been using. She resolved to ask Cris about it at the very next opportunity.
Aishe would be a poor Security member if she didn't use her abilities to gauge Scott's emotions and intents, so as they neared the table where Alfarinn sat she took a look at his colors. She saw nothing alarming; mostly the sharp-edged yellow-green of anxiety. He wasn't afraid, he was just nervous. Aishe understood that; it wasn't every day you presented yourself to the leader of your Clan. As he came closer the emotions seemed to draw closer to him as he sort of gathered them in. Aishe smiled; he apparently didn't want to come off as anxious.
She sat when Scott was invited to, as well, making a brief happy face at her chocolate mousse before digging delicately into it. She gave it plenty of attention, trying to be unobtrusive and let Scott and Alfarinn have their conversation.
She couldn't help glancing up through her thick black lashes, however, at Alfarinn when he was addressed as 'your grace.' On the one hand she found it highly amusing. On the other, she was aware that she was still a very young vampire and perhaps she had missed some lessons in etiquette? Both Kiamhaat and Cris were Alfarinn's friends. Perhaps they had decided to forego a title of respect that Aishe herself should have been using. She resolved to ask Cris about it at the very next opportunity.
Alfarinn
12 years ago
Alfarinn smiled at the newcomer, holding up his hands at the title. He was very, very glad Bellazone was not around or he would be called "Your Grace" for the next century and a half by that damn Roman. He wondered how much blackmail would be necessary to keep Aishe from mentioning it to Kem or Cris. Quite probably a waste of time and chocolate since she would just tell them anyway.
"Just Alfarinn or Arin is fine. Hey You works also but it might get confusing."
He watched Aishe enjoy the mousse, happy she was getting a chance to eat it and that the security chatter was not something more dire.
Turning his attention back to John, he said. "No, this is an excellent time." It was the rare opportunity these days when he was not running around somewhere for something. Luckily things with the clan and company had been relatively peaceful but he had still been away and there was still so much to catch up on and things to change within the company and clan.
"Was there something important you wished to discuss?"
The waiter arrived, taking the new occupant in stride and asking him if he wanted anything to drink or a menu. Alfarinn wondered if the kitchen staff was keeping a running count on the number of people coming and going from the table.
"Just Alfarinn or Arin is fine. Hey You works also but it might get confusing."
He watched Aishe enjoy the mousse, happy she was getting a chance to eat it and that the security chatter was not something more dire.
Turning his attention back to John, he said. "No, this is an excellent time." It was the rare opportunity these days when he was not running around somewhere for something. Luckily things with the clan and company had been relatively peaceful but he had still been away and there was still so much to catch up on and things to change within the company and clan.
"Was there something important you wished to discuss?"
The waiter arrived, taking the new occupant in stride and asking him if he wanted anything to drink or a menu. Alfarinn wondered if the kitchen staff was keeping a running count on the number of people coming and going from the table.
Scott Kinney
12 years ago
Scott opened his mouth to respond to the Elder, when the waiter looked at him and asked if he had any requests.
"Um... a bottled water, if any is available. Otherwise, tap is fine," he said with a slight nod to the waiter. Then, he turned his gaze to Aishe, then back to Alfarinn.
"Yes, your g-.... Alfarrin. I shall remember that," he replied with a deep nod.
"The purpose of my visit was threefold," he began.
"First, I believe it is proper to pay respects to one's Elder when visiting the same area they reside in."
"Second, I felt it proper protocol to inform the leadership that I plan to take my first - and only - Familiar within the next few days."
"And lastly... I might be staying in Nachton for awhile, and was simply curious if I might find out about any dangers, concerns... places I should not visit, that sort of thing, so I can avoid trouble."
He took a deep breath, hoping he did not sound too demanding or silly. He then watched Alfarrin and Aishe for any response.
"Um... a bottled water, if any is available. Otherwise, tap is fine," he said with a slight nod to the waiter. Then, he turned his gaze to Aishe, then back to Alfarinn.
"Yes, your g-.... Alfarrin. I shall remember that," he replied with a deep nod.
"The purpose of my visit was threefold," he began.
"First, I believe it is proper to pay respects to one's Elder when visiting the same area they reside in."
"Second, I felt it proper protocol to inform the leadership that I plan to take my first - and only - Familiar within the next few days."
"And lastly... I might be staying in Nachton for awhile, and was simply curious if I might find out about any dangers, concerns... places I should not visit, that sort of thing, so I can avoid trouble."
He took a deep breath, hoping he did not sound too demanding or silly. He then watched Alfarrin and Aishe for any response.
Aishe
12 years ago
Aishe smiled encouragingly at John. She had been very nervous meeting Alfarinn that first time, too, for different reasons. She thought it very respectful of him to come and greet his Elder.
She remained quiet, however, and simply paid most of her attention, or at least appeared to, to her little dessert glass of chocolate goodness. She was very well aware that she was simply a bystander in this equation.
She was definitely going to have to call Alfarinn "your grace" a few times though. It didn't seem like she had missed an important lesson on how to address her Elder.
While keeping half her attention on her dessert Aishe scanned the restaurant as well. She wasn't Security for nothing, after all. Granted, she didn't expect any trouble here but she had learned to be vigilant everywhere. And that meant at home too.
She remained quiet, however, and simply paid most of her attention, or at least appeared to, to her little dessert glass of chocolate goodness. She was very well aware that she was simply a bystander in this equation.
She was definitely going to have to call Alfarinn "your grace" a few times though. It didn't seem like she had missed an important lesson on how to address her Elder.
While keeping half her attention on her dessert Aishe scanned the restaurant as well. She wasn't Security for nothing, after all. Granted, she didn't expect any trouble here but she had learned to be vigilant everywhere. And that meant at home too.
Alfarinn
12 years ago
Alfarinn smiled at the man and nodded. "So I'm told. I've tried sneaking through several cities to avoid a fuss...its frowned upon even by me." He made a face and sighed with an air of martyrdom. Recently he and Cris had gone through a large number of cities without informing their people they were there. It was by necessity and they usually didn't stay for very long, not with Megan constantly on the move ahead of them.
He nodded his head about the familiar. "Just tell record keeping so we'll know who belongs with whom." They liked to keep tabs on those kinds of things. In order to make sure that if there was ever a dispute on someone's ties that it could be sorted out fairly and to make sure that the vampire is treating their familiar well. Hospital reports and other signs of abuse would be noted and the vampire would be questioned and likely held responsible one way or the other, either for committing the violence or not protecting their familiar properly.
The last question needed more thought. Alfarinn sipped his wine and said. "If you go to the House of Pain then remember there are clan areas so be careful and don't stray into the wrong one. Also, keep an eye on your familiar while there. Someone alone there looks like a free meal. The jazz club Shades is a violence and hunting free area. Don't be caught trying to feed in that block of the strip or you'll likely run into trouble. Lastly, during the full moon stay away from the Park and Preserve. Its not safe." He shrugged slightly. "I think that's about it. So what brings you to Nachton?"
He nodded his head about the familiar. "Just tell record keeping so we'll know who belongs with whom." They liked to keep tabs on those kinds of things. In order to make sure that if there was ever a dispute on someone's ties that it could be sorted out fairly and to make sure that the vampire is treating their familiar well. Hospital reports and other signs of abuse would be noted and the vampire would be questioned and likely held responsible one way or the other, either for committing the violence or not protecting their familiar properly.
The last question needed more thought. Alfarinn sipped his wine and said. "If you go to the House of Pain then remember there are clan areas so be careful and don't stray into the wrong one. Also, keep an eye on your familiar while there. Someone alone there looks like a free meal. The jazz club Shades is a violence and hunting free area. Don't be caught trying to feed in that block of the strip or you'll likely run into trouble. Lastly, during the full moon stay away from the Park and Preserve. Its not safe." He shrugged slightly. "I think that's about it. So what brings you to Nachton?"
Scott Kinney
12 years ago
Scott nodded politely as the Elder explained his thoughts on the etiquette of announcing your presence in different cities.
"I shall indeed inform your record-keeping department about my Familiar. Not a problem at all," he said in response to the Elder's comments about that topic.
For a moment, his mind drifted back to Miya. Warm thoughts, happy and content drifted from him, though he resisted a smile. His eyes darted to Aishe and then back to Alfarinn.
"Thank you for the warning about those places. I had visited the park earlier this evening, in fact, with my soon-to-be Familiar. It had ... an odd feel to it. I couldn't place why. You mentioned not going there during the full-moon... is there any particular reason for that, sir?"
He paused as he listened to any further explanation, and then addressed the Elder's next question casually.
"I was summoned here by... a woman," he said with a smile. "My Familiar to be. She is... incredible. I honestly don't know if I will stay long, but... I had entertained the idea of moving here, if I can find work, of course."
"I shall indeed inform your record-keeping department about my Familiar. Not a problem at all," he said in response to the Elder's comments about that topic.
For a moment, his mind drifted back to Miya. Warm thoughts, happy and content drifted from him, though he resisted a smile. His eyes darted to Aishe and then back to Alfarinn.
"Thank you for the warning about those places. I had visited the park earlier this evening, in fact, with my soon-to-be Familiar. It had ... an odd feel to it. I couldn't place why. You mentioned not going there during the full-moon... is there any particular reason for that, sir?"
He paused as he listened to any further explanation, and then addressed the Elder's next question casually.
"I was summoned here by... a woman," he said with a smile. "My Familiar to be. She is... incredible. I honestly don't know if I will stay long, but... I had entertained the idea of moving here, if I can find work, of course."
Aishe
12 years ago
Aishe continued to watch John's aura, noting the more affectionate hues it presented when he spoke of his familiar. Even though the expression on his face didn't change, the emotions inside did. She smiled slightly to herself, wondering whether it was pride that kept him from any outward display or some other concept.
Still she remained silent. None of John's questions were addressed to her, nor could she possibly hope to answer any of them more thoroughly than Alfarinn could. So she enjoyed her little dessert break and paid more attention to the conversation than it appeared.
When John mentioned looking for work her eyes darted to Alfarinn, over to their new Clanmate, and then back down, the only outward sign of her interest. She knew they often found work for those who wanted it. She wondered what it was he did and if he would be opposed to a job change. After all, she was proof that you didn't always end up in the field you studied for, and she wouldn't change a thing. She adored working for Cris - for the whole Clan really, but it was Cris she modeled her own work ethic and tactics after.
((ooc: assumed continued permission for empathy; please let me know if that's not the case.))
Still she remained silent. None of John's questions were addressed to her, nor could she possibly hope to answer any of them more thoroughly than Alfarinn could. So she enjoyed her little dessert break and paid more attention to the conversation than it appeared.
When John mentioned looking for work her eyes darted to Alfarinn, over to their new Clanmate, and then back down, the only outward sign of her interest. She knew they often found work for those who wanted it. She wondered what it was he did and if he would be opposed to a job change. After all, she was proof that you didn't always end up in the field you studied for, and she wouldn't change a thing. She adored working for Cris - for the whole Clan really, but it was Cris she modeled her own work ethic and tactics after.
((ooc: assumed continued permission for empathy; please let me know if that's not the case.))
Alfarinn
12 years ago
Alfarinn was glad that John cared so much about his familiar to be. It was a good sign that he would be protective and supportive.
He listened to their guest talk about his visit to the park. Alfarinn frowned slightly. "There was an odd feel to it?" Personally, he had never had any trouble there but it stood to reason that the largest park area in Nachton would be an unsafe place during the full moon.
Looking over at Aishe, Alfarinn asked. "Have you been there lately? Have there been any problems reported?" Security would certainly know if anyone did.
Turning back to John, he said. "There has been some violence there during that time of the month, perhaps something ritualistic or gang related thing going on. Not any of our people have been involved but I would still advise against being there."
This tale of John's sounded like it was perhaps the reverse of Aishe's own story; hopefully the man did not have to travel all the way from Egypt to find his love. Still however far he had to go, they seemed to have reunited and intended to stay together.
"What kind of work do you do? Perhaps we can help you find something."
He listened to their guest talk about his visit to the park. Alfarinn frowned slightly. "There was an odd feel to it?" Personally, he had never had any trouble there but it stood to reason that the largest park area in Nachton would be an unsafe place during the full moon.
Looking over at Aishe, Alfarinn asked. "Have you been there lately? Have there been any problems reported?" Security would certainly know if anyone did.
Turning back to John, he said. "There has been some violence there during that time of the month, perhaps something ritualistic or gang related thing going on. Not any of our people have been involved but I would still advise against being there."
This tale of John's sounded like it was perhaps the reverse of Aishe's own story; hopefully the man did not have to travel all the way from Egypt to find his love. Still however far he had to go, they seemed to have reunited and intended to stay together.
"What kind of work do you do? Perhaps we can help you find something."
Scott Kinney
12 years ago
Scott listened to the Elder speak, his yes intently upon him the entire time, respectful and attentive. He also took an occasional side-glance at Aishe, who seemed to almost stalk her desert before diving into it.
He felt a very slight shiver down his back. Something told him he should be grateful that he wasn't chocolate mousse.
Scott nodded at the Elder's question. "Yes, sir. I can't claim to have seen anything, it was just... an eerie feeling. Like the hair standing up on the back of my neck. That is all. Probably nothing more than a cat or something in the darkness. I will certainly avoid the place near the full-moon."
He listened to various words shared between Aishe and the Elder.
"Occupationally, I am currently a professor of romantic literature, but my degree is in History. I can teach just about any period in history, but more specifically, the 1300's, the Hundred Year's War, etc. I am qualified to teach elementary and secondary schools as well, any subject except math, probably. I've been a substitute teacher several times."
Scott paused, wondering if accepting help from the Elder would precipitate 'owing' the Elder something more than his allegiance.
"If there is nothing available, I do have a means to live, so I wouldn't be out on the streets or anything. So please don't work over-much to find an opening for me. I am sure something might come open in the future."
He felt a very slight shiver down his back. Something told him he should be grateful that he wasn't chocolate mousse.
Scott nodded at the Elder's question. "Yes, sir. I can't claim to have seen anything, it was just... an eerie feeling. Like the hair standing up on the back of my neck. That is all. Probably nothing more than a cat or something in the darkness. I will certainly avoid the place near the full-moon."
He listened to various words shared between Aishe and the Elder.
"Occupationally, I am currently a professor of romantic literature, but my degree is in History. I can teach just about any period in history, but more specifically, the 1300's, the Hundred Year's War, etc. I am qualified to teach elementary and secondary schools as well, any subject except math, probably. I've been a substitute teacher several times."
Scott paused, wondering if accepting help from the Elder would precipitate 'owing' the Elder something more than his allegiance.
"If there is nothing available, I do have a means to live, so I wouldn't be out on the streets or anything. So please don't work over-much to find an opening for me. I am sure something might come open in the future."
Aishe
12 years ago
Aishe swallowed the mouthful of mousse she'd been savoring to look at Alfarinn. "No sir," she said with a bright smile. "None of the activity there involved any of ours, and it's been very quiet there for several months now." She looked at John. "Still, it's best to be on the safe side. You would do best to stay away, as Elder Alfarinn said."
She smiled when John revealed his profession. "Really? I was an archaeologist before coming to Nachton. Specializing in Egyptology."
She was sure he could hear the faint lingering traces of her childhood accent in her voice. It was soft but still there. "You just never know when you're going to fall into something else though."
Aishe tapped the earpiece she wore. She enjoyed working for Security. She did help Kiamhaat in the archives or in collections from time to time to keep her hand in but mostly, she stayed with Cris's department. She liked it there.
John seemed to be a little less anxious although he was every bit as formal now as he'd been when he joined them. Aishe wondered if that polished, somewhat rigid demeanor ever dropped. Surely it must. She shrugged inwardly, to herself. It was neither here nor there. He seemed nice enough, for a Clan-brother, and clearly he was not here to cause trouble.
She smiled when John revealed his profession. "Really? I was an archaeologist before coming to Nachton. Specializing in Egyptology."
She was sure he could hear the faint lingering traces of her childhood accent in her voice. It was soft but still there. "You just never know when you're going to fall into something else though."
Aishe tapped the earpiece she wore. She enjoyed working for Security. She did help Kiamhaat in the archives or in collections from time to time to keep her hand in but mostly, she stayed with Cris's department. She liked it there.
John seemed to be a little less anxious although he was every bit as formal now as he'd been when he joined them. Aishe wondered if that polished, somewhat rigid demeanor ever dropped. Surely it must. She shrugged inwardly, to herself. It was neither here nor there. He seemed nice enough, for a Clan-brother, and clearly he was not here to cause trouble.
Alfarinn
12 years ago
Alfarinn listened to Aishe's report, expecting the bright young woman to be on top of such news and not finding himself disappointed. "Thank you."
He turned his attention to John's current occupation and smiled. Not knowing how much his clan mate knew about Evenhet's main financial venture, Alfarinn explained a bit if its background. "Well, Meridian has always been first and foremost in the business of history. We collect it, preserve it, loan it out to museums, occasionally sell it." He made a face a that but shrugged; sometimes it was necessary. "We also make replicas...although to be honest, I'm not sure if it could be truly considered a replica if the blacksmith making it also made many of the originals. Still we're known for quality and accuracy." Since then Meridian had branched out into many things, medical research, technological advancements... the whole idea was to be focused not just on the past but also the future.
"Archives works on restoring and translating and..." Alfarinn looked over at Aishe. "She would be better able to tell you more about that. Aishe runs the one running the department." He winked at her, knowing it was far from true but unable to resist the joke all the same.
However, that didn't help them get a history teacher a job doing what he wanted to do unless he was willing to use his knowledge in some other capacity. Alfarinn rubbed his chin thoughtfully, in an unconscious echo of Thaddeus, and finally said. "Well, here in the Towers themselves there are probably plenty of children who could use tutoring. Also we could talk to the local schools and see if anyone is in need of a teacher. Do you prefer college or younger?"
He chuckled softly at the idea of John being homeless if he couldn't find employment. "I don't think it would come to that unless you preferred living on the streets to living with your clan. We do try to provide for our people." Alfarinn glanced around the Towers. "And your familiar would be perfectly safe here. Anyone living in the Towers knows better than to assume a human is free for the taking. Such things are..." He spread his hands and finally said. "Well lets just say that Security takes any reports of abuse against our human members -very- seriously." It was imperative that the humans who lived and worked in the Towers felt safe among their vampire brethren; if they didn't then the idea of both races working together as equals would be doomed before it ever had a chance. For this reason crimes against humans were taken almost more seriously than the ones against another vampire, at the very least the punishment tended to be harsher and more public.
Looking over at Aishe, he narrowed his eyes. "Hmm, I didn't think you fell into Security. I always assumed Cris knocked you over the head and conscripted you."
((OOC: Sorry work happened and then a time consuming wasabi peanut experiment. ))
He turned his attention to John's current occupation and smiled. Not knowing how much his clan mate knew about Evenhet's main financial venture, Alfarinn explained a bit if its background. "Well, Meridian has always been first and foremost in the business of history. We collect it, preserve it, loan it out to museums, occasionally sell it." He made a face a that but shrugged; sometimes it was necessary. "We also make replicas...although to be honest, I'm not sure if it could be truly considered a replica if the blacksmith making it also made many of the originals. Still we're known for quality and accuracy." Since then Meridian had branched out into many things, medical research, technological advancements... the whole idea was to be focused not just on the past but also the future.
"Archives works on restoring and translating and..." Alfarinn looked over at Aishe. "She would be better able to tell you more about that. Aishe runs the one running the department." He winked at her, knowing it was far from true but unable to resist the joke all the same.
However, that didn't help them get a history teacher a job doing what he wanted to do unless he was willing to use his knowledge in some other capacity. Alfarinn rubbed his chin thoughtfully, in an unconscious echo of Thaddeus, and finally said. "Well, here in the Towers themselves there are probably plenty of children who could use tutoring. Also we could talk to the local schools and see if anyone is in need of a teacher. Do you prefer college or younger?"
He chuckled softly at the idea of John being homeless if he couldn't find employment. "I don't think it would come to that unless you preferred living on the streets to living with your clan. We do try to provide for our people." Alfarinn glanced around the Towers. "And your familiar would be perfectly safe here. Anyone living in the Towers knows better than to assume a human is free for the taking. Such things are..." He spread his hands and finally said. "Well lets just say that Security takes any reports of abuse against our human members -very- seriously." It was imperative that the humans who lived and worked in the Towers felt safe among their vampire brethren; if they didn't then the idea of both races working together as equals would be doomed before it ever had a chance. For this reason crimes against humans were taken almost more seriously than the ones against another vampire, at the very least the punishment tended to be harsher and more public.
Looking over at Aishe, he narrowed his eyes. "Hmm, I didn't think you fell into Security. I always assumed Cris knocked you over the head and conscripted you."
((OOC: Sorry work happened and then a time consuming wasabi peanut experiment. ))