House of Pain / Debts Repaid / Thaddeus Grey 18 years ago

Debts Repaid

It was, all in all, a bit easier to enter the House of Pain on the second trip. The bouncer, Thaddeus noticed with not a little amusement, was quite courteous this time around, both to Alfarinn and himself.

Additionally, he had to admit...he looked good, and that helped his confidence somewhat as he and Alfarinn made their way through the crowd to the bar. While he would never dream of wearing such things anywhere other than this club, he could not help but notice that his new clothes were flattering. He was beginning to think there might be something to modern fashion after all, though some comfort appeared to have been lost in the design.

Already it had been a full evening, moving from store to store to pick up needed items for their search. Their ventures, in the end, had been fruitful, though the laptop would be delayed a day or so and the tiny stun gun would have to be picked up later. Hence their visit to the club tonight, rather than investigating apartments. It seemed no matter how many crisp bills Thaddeus put on the counter, the arms dealer would not budge on the needed paperwork, which took time. The computer store where they had selected the needed laptop was equally immovable, though Thaddeus thought in this case it was a matter of availability. He had been offered the computer on display, but had declined. He supposed the sales person thought him odd, judging by the looks he gave Thaddeus's gloved hands as he experimentally tapped at the keyboard, but did not press the issue.

To compensate for the current lack of weaponry, Thaddeus had a rather impressive dagger tucked conveniently in his boot. Modern weapons, it seemed, were another item to be considered, though he sincerely hoped such protections could soon be placed in a locked drawer and forgotten. In any case, Thaddeus was not even sure it would occur to him to use the weapon; it was somewhat against his instincts in the first place, and it was much easier to forget he carried anything at all.

Having made it to the bar without incident, Thaddeus leaned over and spoke.

I believe I owe you a drink. What would you like?

Alfarinn 18 years ago

Simon

'One more thing.' Simon was wondering about an ancient that Ellis mentioned in her conversation with Sorin. 'Why would Morrigan bring up Emma to Sorin?

Alfarinn had up until this point been calm enough in the whole proceedings, mostly worried about the conversation's effect on his companion and what it brought about for their future but -this- was simply uncalled for. It was obvious to him that Simon knew who Thaddeus's creator was and who's murder would likely have brought three clans into this intrigue along with a hired killer. It was not necessary to pull out some pretend conversation just to confirm the truth of the matter. He could have just simply asked.

He was going to speak but Thaddeus chose that moment to reply. It would seem his companion didn't think much of the supposed conversation either. Morrigan and Sorin despise each other, Ellis knows this...hell, everyone knew this, so -if- such a conversation took place it was doubtful to have meant anything at all, especially since Thaddeus did not mention the ring to either elder.

Seeing that familiar gesture of unease from the blonde pulled at him, Alfarinn squeezed his companion's hand gently in reassurance his full attention on given to him at the moment. All things concidered, he was handling things quite well, this rational conversation about a man trying to kill him and the death of his creator all mentioned within several breaths of each other, Alfarinn was certain he would not have been so calm. He really would have to tell Thaddeus later how remarkable he was.

And Thaddeus continued speaking, telling Simon what he needed to know, and then some. He said Morrigan and Sorin weren't involved in the matter, which undercut his authority as speaking for his clan, and making it obvious that this was a personal matter for him, the Anantya in question, and therefore the one with the ring. A thing Simon likely knew anyway, so it was callous to drag it out of him like this.

He listened incredulous as Simon had the audacity to be upset with Thaddeus over his handling of the situation. Had the man lost all his heart, had Ellis finally stamped it completely out of him? He shook his head sadly in disbelief. He spoke so lightly of how he wouldn't hand Thaddeus over pointing out yet again that he knew the truth of the matter before asking the question and yet he wanted them to believe he wasn't playing games...

Simon's last words invoked a sharp stab of fear out of his companion, bringing him out of that detached fatalistic haze of calm but alarming Alfarinn all the more for it. He pulled Thaddeus closer, caring not one bit whether anyone in the club took exception, not that they would in this place.

Looking at the man across from them, he frowned and said.

"So long as we are being plain. That was uncalled for, as you know it was. It is no secret who his creator is just as it is no secret who holds your chain and yet you made him speak of it. You'll pardon me if I am surprised that you take exception to his tone of voice. You are after all speaking lightly of a person he loved more than life itself. I doubt you'd be so calm if it were you in his place. " Simon was well known as was his devotion to his own creator, if anyone should be able to understand Thaddeus's love for Emma, it would be the man across from him.

" He told you this was a personal matter for him, the ring was Emma's. The only death in these recent years that could have possibly brought us all together. I was her friend, just as I consider myself yours. Our clans do not matter. He does not know you well enough to trust you, he's trying, You'll have to forgive him if trust doesn't come easily amongst our kind and that the entire matter is difficult for him."

Alfarinn had the urge to run a tired hand through his hair and realized that they were both occupied, he smiled slightly, and looked up at Simon.

"Perhaps you meant no offense, for the sake of our friendship, I'll assume that is the case. You are a man of honor and have always behaved as such. Perhaps you'll forgive me as well, I am a bit protective." He looked down at Thaddeus with an apologetic smile, not sure how his companion would take his words either.

((OOC:Thaddeus's feeling sensed with permission ))

Thaddeus Grey 18 years ago

Oh. There is the fear.

It was actually an odd relief to Thaddeus to feel -something- in the course of all of this, and the striking knowledge that Simon's source and the killer were one in the same certainly had an impact.

Thaddeus wondered how Simon could stand to speak to The Wolf at all, much less offer to work with him to their benefit. Those eyes...he wondered if he was alone in finding the killer so deeply frightening, but when Alfarinn put his arms around him he realized that the Evenhet would feel that fear whether it was his own or not.

He put a hand on Alfarinn's thigh and did his best to calm himself. The delicacy and the sensitivity of the situation, not to mention the inherent danger, were clearly taking their toll on everyone. Simon seemed genuinely offended by what could be construed as a backhanded compliment; the Tacharan had certainly been effective in getting under his skin, after all. That was the way of these matters, whether he liked it or not. And had he not received the information he was looking for, either from Thaddeus or his sharp intuition? And yet he spoke of honor and individuality as though Thaddeus had insulted each. Was this more of the same? Another ploy to reveal something?

Alfarinn's words only confirmed his suspicions that Simon clearly knew more than he let on. Thaddeus supposed, at this point, that it mattered little and was not anything he could control. At the very least, in a convoluted way, they were all on the same page. It cost them little for Simon to know the truth about Emma; Thaddeus had simply thought it unnecessary to reveal that, and was not in the habit of giving out information frivolously. Information was a powerful thing indeed, and the more Simon knew...Thaddeus did not want to finish that thought, but his mind was already a step ahead of him.

The more Simon knew, the more information could be brought out of him should Thaddeus die. It would only confirm the Tacharan's guilt if he knew more than he should, more than he possibly could were he not involved.

He raised his eyebrows in interest at the mention of Simon's creator. It was so like Alfarinn to see the good in people; clearly he saw a similarity between his feelings for Emma and Simon's feelings for his Maker, a small piece of common ground. He went on to say that Simon was honorable. Thaddeus was once again amazed by Alfarinn's well spoken ways. He struck a delicate balance of explaining one vampire to another, acting as a bridge over violent waters. Perhaps now Simon would understand his sensitivity to the matter at hand, while Thaddeus could now understand Simon's generally good intentions. While there might have been a tone of rebuke in Alfarinn's words in the beginning, he ended in good grace.

Thaddeus looked up at his lover and smiled gently. Alfarinn was, indeed, being protective, and while this worried Thaddeus to some extent, he could not help but feel comforted just the same. He turned his attention back to Simon, trying and likely failing not to blush.

I think a little benefit of the doubt could go a long way for all involved. Clearly there is a great deal at stake here and at times we will all get carried away with the stress of that. Regardless of how we got there, though, I am under the impression we are now, for better or worse, all in possession of the facts of the matter, or what few facts are known.

Now it is up to us to decide what to do with that information.

Simon Huntington 18 years ago

Simon waited for Alafrinn to finish admonishing him. His initial reaction was a knee jerk reaction that he managed to contain but he could not stop the furrow of his brow when he spoke about Ellis. Some loyalties were earned, other's were held hostage, but Simon decided to let that one go.

'Alafrinn I thought you knew me better.' Simon permitted a slow grin to form at the corner of his lips. 'Have I ever uttered a word just to hear my melodious voice? I think you might be confusing me with Ellis.' He looked down at his chest, 'Although I'm not sure how.'

Lightening the situation was best, he decided. It had turned very emotional, very quickly.

'You assumed I knew Thaddeus' creator before tonight. How is that possible when this is my first time meeting your friend?' He shook his head, 'I've never been one for clan gossip or royal court bickering. If I offended, I do apologize.' Simon dipped his head respectfully.

To this point Simon had ignored the paper Thaddeus had slid across the table to him. He reached out and took the paper, folding it once and slipping it his pocket. 'I believe a conversation is starting to run in circles. Shall we bottom line it, so to speak?'

'Bring me the ring, I bring you The Wolf.' Simon once again opened his hand, palm side up on the table. 'Alafrinn knows how to find me. If nothing else?'

Alfarinn 18 years ago

Alfarinn looked from one to the other and had the grace to look embarrassed. Reaching out, he touched the man's wrist briefly, meeting his eyes. "I'm sorry, Simon. I figured it was something you had heard of."

Leaning back, he tucked a stray strand of hair behind his ears and smiled faintly. It would seem Evenhet knew more about the situation, he figured they all would have looked into it but then perhaps Tacharan simply didn't look as deeply to hear of Thaddeus but Emma had been his personal friend, he kept looking for details long after other people in his clan had ceased to be interested, something Alfarinn forgot. Ellis was also the one more inclined to pick up all these facts and put them together into something of use to her, perhaps she didn't share everything she knew with Simon. The man in front of him was more interested in caring for his family than the schemes of the rest of them. Alfarinn -knew- that, he really was edgy to be taking offense before finding out the truth.

"Imagine that! The empath misreading the situation." He laughed somewhat darkly at his own failings. "I am not at my most objective, for that I apologize and,no, it would be hard to confuse you with Ellis. She looks better in a dress."

He grinned at the man across from him. Simon was actually quite attractive but hardly fitting for something red, velvet and strapless.

"Is there anything else in this that we might be able to tell you? I think you know as much as we do at this point but perhaps there is something I've forgotten."

Thaddeus Grey 18 years ago

Thaddeus nodded his agreement with Alfarinn, though in truth he had no opinion on Simon or Ellis in a dress. Clearly the matter was somewhat smoothed over in any case. It was a relief to see that Simon and Alfarinn's friendship had not suffered serious damage; he would have regretted being the cause of bad blood between the two men. And he saw no reason not to believe the Tacharan when he claimed no knowledge of Emma's story.

Indeed. I am not trying to be uncooperative here, and if you have questions you are welcome to ask, though I cannot promise I will know the answer. In any case, we can also meet again should some question arise.

Thaddeus kept his darker thoughts to himself. Simon had been around long enough to know the consequences of too much information, and he could ask at his own risk.

Alfarinn and I can handle the logistics of trailing The Wolf, I believe.

Simon Huntington 18 years ago

Simon decided to take his leave. 'Well then gentlemen, I wont interrupt your evening any further.' He stood and straightened his jacket. 'I'll be in touch.'

Simon bowed slightly and turned towards the exit of the House of Pain. He was not sure how much he would tell Ellis at this point, but would be very much interested to hear what she would have to say about her next meeting with Sorin. He thought briefly of Alafrinn and his new lover. He forgot to ask, if Thaddeus was psychometric or empathic. He'd have to remember to ask the next time.

((ooc - Simon out))

Thaddeus Grey 18 years ago

Thaddeus leaned on Alfarinn's shoulder as he watched Simon exit the club. His mind was racing with all of the things that would need to be done in the next few days, but for the moment he let those details brew as he regarded his companion.

He wondered how the Evenhet was taking the revelations of their conversation. Alfarinn seemed quite calm, which Thaddeus was glad of. He needed that reliability right now; it was about the only thing that made any sort of sense.

He gave Alfarinn's thigh a light squeeze.

I suppose there is no reason to stay here now. Perhaps we could go somewhere a bit more quiet to talk.

Thaddeus waited for Alfarinn to rise, then followed after him through the crowds and out the exit.

/ooc Thaddeus/Alfarinn out