Forbidden ground.

Simon stood in front of the twin Evenhet towers in awe. He actually never stopped in front of the buildings and looked up. 'That is high.' He ran his tongue over his still chapped lips and looked around. The street was clean and very quiet. The Evenhet Towers were as sterile as he thought they'd be, but regardless of clan tastes, they were magnificant to behold.

Simon walked in the main lobby and looked around. It was completely void of life, save for tranquil looking plants. It had a very futuristic feel and it reminded him of the Domicile. Maybe the clans were not that far apart. Still, it made him feel as if he underdressed and that was saying a lot for Simon and his tastes. He was wearing black slacks, dress shoes and a cashmere pull over. His three quarter leather trench coat was open, straps hanging at the side. He walked further in and looked for a phone or some sort of intercom to speak to someone.

He cleared his throat and said, 'Hello?'

MARI scanned the image of the man standing in the lobby into her database. Interesting, he came back as Simon Huntington known second in command of the rogue faction that called themselves Tacharan.

She alerted Alfarinn to his presence via cellphone and then made an appearance on the wall nearest the new arrival.

"Greetings Mr Huntington. Welcome to Meridian Apex Enterprises. How may we be of assistance?"

Simon turned and looked towards the voice. He caught a glimpse of his face in the reflection of the panel that a very good looking woman was talking to him through. His skin was still chapped but healing quickly now that he had fed. Alfarinn would notice and ask but that was part of why he was here.

'Hello.' He looked around and then back at the computer panel. Of course it would know him, their database had the same information, but they didn't have the talking interface. He'd have to talk to Duibne about that. 'Yes, I was hoping to speak to Alfarinn? Is he...at home?'

He was amazed at how sheepish the computer made him feel. He might have well asked if Alfie could come out and play. He mentally rolled his eyes.

MARI made of a note of his request though it was not surprising that he would want to see one of the leaders of Evenhet. There was a high probability that this was his purpose.

"Alfarinn has been contacted and he said that he will arrive shortly. He has asked me to show you to his quarters. If that would be acceptable to you then I can light you a path to them."

In demonstration, the green marble tiles in front of him glowed with an amber light heading towards the elevators.

Simon watched as the floor lit up towards the elevators. The elevator would've been his first guess, but the lights always help. He grinned and walked towards the elevator.

As he walked, he decided to see just how interactive the interface was. 'I have to say, I'm very impressed with the clan's use of technology here. I wonder though, did they give you a name?'

MARI continued to monitor the progress of Simon to the elevator and then displayed herself on one of the panels there.

"It is the nature of your species to name things that have some form of personality. I am called MARI, Meridian Artificial Regulatory Intelligence. I find that it is helpful however, as "hey you" is not specific enough for most purposes."

Simon chuckled and entered the elevator. 'Oh I don't know, Mari. 'Hey you' is pretty flattering.' The doors slid quietly closed and they ascended. 'Going up,' Simon mumbled.

He wondered if he would be allowed to see Alfarinn and honestly this was easier than he thought it would be. He thought for sure there'd be a floor panel with his lips on it by now, guns pointed at him and someone snapping on a latex glove. He appreciated the relationship he had with Alfarinn and wondered why he waited so long to stop by and say hi.

Oh, that's right, he hadn't planned on killing his maker, taking her clan, her familiar and human business. That just sort of popped up. He prayed Alfarinn had a full bar.

MARI considered his words for a moment...or well actaully little more than a second but she was doing plenty of other things as well.

"I would say you are correct if you consider it flattering to be spoken to at all. "

"We are here. I have unlocked the door for you per Alfarinn's request. He also said for me to mention that you should make yourself comfortable."

Simon stepped off the elevator. 'Thank you, Mari.' He headed down the hallway towards the door. He opened the door and slowly entered. He had to say, Alfarinn had taste. He resisted the urge to look around but instead, walked further into what he assumed was the living room.

'My...word,' he replied in an awed voice. Simon looked to his right and saw his kitchen area. In front of him were the clear panel glass windows. The view was spectacular. He walked to the windows and looked down. Why in god's name would anyone want to leave? He shook his head slightly and approached one of the white sofa chairs. Simon decided to stand, for fear of dirtying the furniture. He gave an exaggerated blink and stuck his hands in his pocket, waiting for Alfarinn to arrive.

Alfarinn smiled at Thaddeus as the elevator door closed and sent.

[ I'm horribly selfish I know but I promise we can stop by on the way down and get another several on the way out.]

He wondered which of them was going to continue their elevator tradition and was just turning to Thaddeus to make a remark before claiming a kiss when his companion beat him to it.

[Thank you. I needed that.]

They found Simon standing in the living room waiting for them. Alfarinn grinned wondering if the Tacharan had been there long.

"Good Evening Simon. Care for a drink?"

"Good Evening Simon. Care for a drink?"

Simon had been admiring the skyline again when Alfarinn walked in with Thaddeus behind him. He felt himself flush. A drink sounded wonderful. A big one. Big, big drink...but he needed to make haste with why he was there.

'Thank you, no.' He nodded to Thaddeus and then looked back at Alfarinn. His hands were laced in front of him, only to keep him from shaking. 'Something has happened and...I think you're the only one who can answer my questions.' He took several steps towards Alfarinn so his only friend could get a good look at his face.

'I've had an epiphany of sorts and it has put me in...a bit of a pickle.' He looked down at his hands, his fingers fighting to come free and properly shake. 'It would appear that I have the bonding ability.'

Alfarinn went to the bar and got himself a glass of mead, waiting for Simon's answer on the drink. He turned to Thaddeus.

"Would you care for anything?"

He looked up mid pour when Simon finished his sentence.

"Oh... well."

This posed a HUGE problem if Simon found himself bonded to Ellis. Looking down at his drink, he quickly turned the bottle upright before he spilled it and put the bottle away. How would he just find this out now? Simon had been with the evil witch for ages it would seem that if he were going to find himself bonded to her then it would have happened -before- he wanted to kill her.

"How did this happen?"

Thaddeus shook his head at Alfarinn’s supposed ‘selfishness’, though judging by his companion’s smile the statement was facetious.

[There is nowhere I would rather be than with you.]

He followed Alfarinn into the apartment, nodding his head in acknowledgement of Simon’s greeting.

“No, thank you…”

Simon rather looked like he could use a drink in his opinion but that was something best kept to himself. The normally blunt Tacharan seemed to be having trouble finding words to explain his situation…ah, nevermind then.

Well.

His companion seemed to be having about the same reaction, though Alfarinn recovered quickly enough and asked the applicable question. Perhaps it would be best for Simon to explain from the beginning.

And then they could figure out what in god’s name they were going to do next.

'I don't really know how it happened, but that's not the reason why I'm here.' He reached up and touched his face, running his fingers over the healing bits of skin. 'I had originally planned to come ask how to break it. I have bonded with someone, but...it's not Ellis.'

He really did want that drink. He walked to Alfarinn at the bar and took the drink he was pouring. He threw back the mead in one gulp.

'I bonded with Carol.'

Alfarinn watched Simon knock back his mead and silently reached for another glass. He got the bottle again and poured them both another drink. Taking his, Alfarinn took Thaddeus's hand and led them both to the couch.

"Come sit down, Simon."

It would appear the man had been burned or out in the sun from the evidence of the healing skin. He wondered just who this Carol was and how the injuries tied into the whole situation.

"Well that is better than Ellis, I suppose. Though I don't think that it is something I would mention to her but I'm sure you know that better than I."

He watched the Tacharan gravely and answered his question.

There is no breaking a bond except by death. Both parties have to be willing for a bond to happen in the first place. So you and she had to both want it for the bond to form."

Alfarinn looked down at his hand clasped in Thaddeus's own and then back at Simon.

"So if you wanted it at one time, why would you not want it now?"

'I said I had originally come to ask you to help break it, but that's not what I want. I want this. I want her. More than...anything I want her. The thing is,' he made a face and looked down, 'Carol is our Executive Secretary for the clan...and Ellis' familiar.'

Simon tried to get comfortable on the couch, changing his position several times, but ended up sitting on the edge with a frantic look.

'This is bad,' he rolled his eyes, 'to say the least. I want to protect her and I told her I would. Things are just progressing very quickly with Ellis.'

Alfarinn was literally the only friend Simon had ever had. For him to say that, was monumental at the very least. The Tacharan had gone through his unnatural life living in the shadow of his lover and leader. Her interests were his only interests. There was nothing outside the bubble of the clan for Simon so for him to do this and put both their lives at jeopardy was a risk he was willing to take. He tried to explain this to the blonde Evenhet.

'This bond with Carol, it was unexpected. She's only been with the clan about three years but in those three years...god she grows on you. She's this...evil fairy almost.' He grinned, talking about Carol and her borderline psychotic humor. Much different than Ellis, who would characteristically follow through on the psychotic banter. Simon stared off and rattled off the things about her.

'She and Marthinus are the backbone of our human side. She runs the Domicile and she is the connection to Duibne. She heads our hunts, she's smart. She has this long blonde hair, these...crystal blue eyes. Not blue, but light blue. This god awful obnoxious laugh that always annoyed me but relaxed me at the same time. In my earpiece she sounds like a little tinny pixie and lord she has a mouth on her. The cursing would make you blush. She's about five foot nothing and when she looks at me, Jesus when she smiles at me, I feel like I could maybe be the man I was meant to be.'

Simon stopped and looked up at the two men. He blinked, realizing he had been rambling on about her like a lovesick idiot. He cleared his throat and wrapped it up. 'These,' he pointed to his face, 'they happened this morning out in the train yard where we fully bonded. I swore to protect her. That I loved her and maybe always have. These, 'again pointing to his healing face, 'were worth seeing her in the sunrise. If only for a few moments, Alfarinn. To see the sun in her hair and daylight on her face. To be able to kiss her in the waking sun, something I haven't seen in over fourteen hundreds years.'

He sighed. 'I know why I didn't bond with Ellis. She wouldn't have wanted it but I know it's because I've waited all my life for Carol and I want this bond and her, more than anything.'

Thaddeus blinked when Simon strolled over and took Alfarinn’s glass of mead, draining it in one go. He could hardly begrudge the man of course, considering the state he was in, but he did raise one eyebrow at his companion.

And who was Carol? He supposed he should be relieved that it wasn’t Ellis, but in a way this was much worse for both Simon and the lady in question.

He joined his companion on the couch and let him do the talking, though he placed his other hand over their joined ones when Alfarinn explained the bond to Simon.

He could hardly help but feel relieved when Simon stated that he didn’t want to break the bond after all; the idea frankly horrified him on many levels. Even so, there were clearly complications here that made their difference in clans look practically trivial in comparison. There was, however, nothing left to do but move forward and deal with the repercussions, and in his mind it went without saying that they would help however they could.

“She sounds lovely.” Frowning, he added “Where is she now? Safe, I hope?”

It was, in his mind, not the best idea for Carol to be with Tacharan right now, especially if Simon were this obviously besotted with the woman. Simon, however, had other things to attend to and likely wouldn’t want Carol getting caught in the middle of what was to come.

A flicker of an idea crossed his mind.

He nearly dismissed it as completely idiotic. Insane, really. But while it was clearly both of those things, he couldn’t quite let it go.

[I must be out of mind…but Simon clearly needs help.] Knowing he owned the Tacharan a great deal, he continued. [Our apartment has three bedrooms. Not exactly the safe house we were envisioning, but the concept is there even if the building isn’t.]

[I really must be out of my mind.]


/ooc *wonders if Thaddeus got a hold of Carol's pot plants*

Alfarinn looked at Simon in relief a moment and then with growing concern. Ellis's familiar... the man had an insane death wish. 'Now, you know better than anyone that love finds you in the oddest of places and the strangest of times.'

He continued to listen to Simon's description of Carol's 'virtues' and thought about the matter.

"Alright then. Do you know how this happens for you? There is a give and a receive of some sort, a trigger that helps the two people connect. You might want to figure out what that is for you lest it happens again without your knowledge.

I must be fair. I said that bonds can't be broken, that is my own view of them, they can lessen with time and distance. Some even claim they can be broken this way but I am doubtful. A renewal of sorts is generally good to keep it strong. Whatever it is that causes the connection for you."

Ellis's familiar... Thaddeus's words broke him out of those thoughts and he almost turned to his companion in complete shock. Here he had been concerned for Simon and the situation and Thaddeus had moved beyond that to be compassionate to the human woman that was also involved in this new danger, to him that personal concern was so like Thaddeus and it always surprised him that his partner considered himself cold and distant.

Bringing Carol into their homes would bring the wrath of Ellis down upon them. One psychotic killer had been so recently dealt with; Alfarinn was not certain he wished to bring another so soon into their lives... but Simon needed their help. The Tacharan had no where else to turn. Alfarinn felt that if Thaddeus was willing to risk things for her then it would be selfish of him to say, no, its not safe, besides friendship meant a lot to him and he couldn't compromise the things he believed in for the possibility of keeping them out of harm's way.

[This is true. Perhaps we could buy the church ahead of schedule and Carol, if she is willing, could help us fix it up. Something to keep her mind off the danger might be a good idea. ]

Squeezing Thaddeus's hand gently, he sent.

[ I think you're perfectly sane and absolutely wonderful. ]

" She could stay with us if you are worried about her. There is a place outside of the clans that we thought to buy, plus if you are concerned for her safety immediately we have a place she could stay. It should be quite secure. I don't know that it is the safest idea though. Does Ellis know? because if she doesn't then you and Carol both might be safer by pretending nothing has changed for the moment. Once she does then there would be little stopping her from revenge I would think."

((OOC: He hardly drinks but he's willing to take a toke from some strange human who grows pot in her closet... Thaddeus has odd priorities sometimes ;) ))

'Ellis does not know and if she ever found out, god willing, will hopefully not be in a position to do anything about it. The clock has begun ticking. I have two of my children to assist in protecting the rest of my family.' He took a deep breath, 'I did do something rather risky. I mean, besides everything else. One of our newer recruits, Mathias...I had him kill the tail that was on Marthinus. Ellis will indeed find out, more than likely from him, but the die is cast, so to speak. There is no stopping this now.'


He ran his hands down his thighs and considered what he was about to tell them next. 'Ellis plans on raiding the compound that the Beast is in. Very very soon. I will not be able to stop her from enlisting the clan to aid her. She knows full well what this means. I have no doubt that she plans on bleeding every ancient she can get her hand on. So not only am I here for myself, I'm here to notify the clans of her intent in hopes that after this raid, if she lives, she's called to Council.'

Simon figured, two birds with one stone. He was not happy with the amount of blood shed this raid will cause, but if Hillman was aware of the Beast, then he was most definitely aware of them. Them being all the clans. He looked at Alfarinn knowingly. 'Hillman knows about us. If it's not Ellis, it would be him hunting us down.'

'After the raid, assuming Ellis lives, Carol will need to be moved. I would appreciate your help in protecting her and what was left of my family if and when I claim leadership.'

He held his hands out to the men and shrugged slowly. There it was, all of his plans. From Carol to the clan. He just hoped all of it was not in vain.

Thaddeus leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees and frowning in thought as Simon spoke. Contemplating the nature of justice and inevitability.

To say he didn’t like this would be an understatement so extreme as to put his sanity in question for a second time that evening. He would have shaken his head and laughed were the matter not so grave. He hated being resigned to inevitability like a deadweight pulling them under, so many fates in the hands of a madwoman’s choices.

As little as he liked the matter at hand, though, he saw no other options.

No stopping this now.

“You seem confident that Ellis will succeed in her raid.”

Not that it was a huge loss if Ellis failed, though at that point the Clans would be dealing with a rat’s nest of humans instead of one crazy vampire and he wasn’t sure which was worse. And in that case they might as well intervene now; it seemed wrong to delay Justice until it was convenient anyway in his mind.

Waving his hand, he sat back and joined it with Alfarinn’s once more at Simon’s request.

“Naturally that can be arranged.”

Sighing, he raked his fingers through his hair, then realized that was hardly the gesture of one representing his clan. He decided not to care too overly much; hell, they all knew he wasn’t anyone with any power or authority within Anantya.

“I see so many ways this could go bad that I cannot begin to choose a worse case scenario, and believe me, that is a rarity.”

And even the best case scenario would result in innocent lives lost. Sometimes such things were necessary; both Ellis and Hillman were too dangerous to be kept alive and many had chosen to follow one or the other. Many, however, were misled, and would continue to be so until Simon could safely take over Tacharan.

And, he realized…they had to make absolutely sure that happened.

“What would you have us do, Simon?”

Stand by and watch as Ellis and Hillman warred over a machine that could cause irrevocable harm to their kind, only stepping in when it was time to clean up the mess? The thought galled him but he could see no other way. Taking a deep breath, he continued.

“I can inform my Elders and ask them to wait for the proper time to call Council but dammit…” He paused, as though steadying himself. “…I don’t want that ‘proper time’ to turn out to be the time we sweep away your ashes!”

Shaking his head, he amended: “Not that we would do that, of course. I imagine there would be an urn of some kind…”

What in the hell was he saying? Realizing he was ranting, he lowered his voice. “God. That’s horrible and probably the last thing we want to discuss. In any case, I understand what you have to do and God help me I even sympathize…I just have a feeling this is going to blow up in all of our faces.”

’Well. That was cheering wasn’t it.’ And when did he suddenly become Simon's mother anyway? That thought notwithstanding, he went on.

“Claim leadership Simon. Make Tacharan everything it can be.”

’It’s the only way we can justify the blood on our hands,’ he thought, but did not say. He wasn’t sure how he would look at himself in the mirror should silence prove to be Tacharan’s undoing. Perhaps that was where the myths of vampires and mirrors came from.

Deciding that his thoughts were turning completely ridiculous, he squeezed Alfarinn's hand, wondering how his companion was taking this. The idea of humans caught in the middle of this must be a bitter blow for Alfarinn, he realized. Thaddeus was somewhat less sympathetic considering an army of humans out to bleed vampires dry, with too much knowledge and a torture device to boot, was something out of his blackest thoughts. There were just as many innocents on the other side of the fence and it was horrible to think of -anyone- dying but every alternative was worse.

Alfarinn took in the information about the tail on Marthinus and wondered why Ellis would have such a thing. Did she already suspect that Simon was going to move against her? It would seem so and if that was the case then this was indeed bad. The council could intervene but the knowledge of the beast would have to have come from someone and there were probably only so many who knew. What if she had plan in motion ahead of time should something happen to her?

"Why was she having him followed? Does she suspect you?"

He frowned at the mention of the machine and where it was being kept. Human lives were going to be taken because of their kind's problems.. [/I]

"How does this Hillman know about us and what is his operation? Is there any way that bloodshed there could be prevented?"

He was the idealistic Evenhet and perhaps the other two would roll their eyes at his ways. It just seemed a waste of human and vampire life if they could get the machine back by some other method and let the council deal with Ellis immediately.

Alfarinn leaned back as Thaddeus explained his views, placing an arm around Thaddeus and shaking his head at the total aside of using an urn instead of sweeping up the ashes. Leave it to Thaddeus to say something like that, then take it seriously and feel a need to amend it.

"We can take the information to Anantya and see what the elders wish to do about it but I honestly cannot conceive of them allowing such a thing to continue. "

[It will be necessary for us both to take this to Anantya. One person's hear say could be dismissed but not both of us. The trouble is we only have Simon's word that the beast exists, though I do not doubt it for a second. ]

Simon wasn't sure how to tell Alfarinn about how far the rabbit hole went with the Beast. If he only knew how involved other higher up vampires were with the beast. He decided now wasn't the time to open up that jar.

Instead he explained the tails. 'Marthinus wasn't the only one with a tail on him. All Huntingtons are being watched. Everywhere, around the world.' He ran his hands over his face and sighed. 'People like to think that I'm her lap dog, that I do whatever she says out of blind loyalty. I can't even really say that I loved her, but love is not that blind. She's had my family watched since the day she turned me. She's taken familiars from my family and used them to build up Duibne.' He shook his head, 'I did it because I never had a choice. I think she knew I'd be loyal to her and the clan, but she wanted her own assurance and to be quite honest, I think she just enjoyed the control.'

Simon felt dirty admitting it. When it came down to it, he was her lap dog. He followed her around and did what she asked. He can't get back the fourteen hundreds years of servitude his family has endured, but he would make sure that it ended now, this lifetime.

'As for Hillman, I don't know how he found out, but he infiltrated the clan and set us up. Marthinus discovered the beast missing, which is what caused his heart attacks. But Hillman had his hand in Tacharan long before that. We discovered he had gotten to some of our human mercenaries. It was only a matter of time until he infiltrated our vampire ranks. He's aware and we can't have that. I don't see any way around the bloodshed. This war will start before any of us can do anything about it, anyway.'

A war. This was the first time he had thought of the situation that way. He was starting something that could so irrevocably change his clan. He hoped it was for the better. He knew that it was, but life as he knew it was about to end, but Simon was sure whatever life held for him after Ellis was gone, it wouldn't matter with Carol there with him.

Thaddeus had, by this point, cooled down a bit from his ranting and no longer felt the urge to jump up and pace around the room like a prowling tiger. He had been momentarily concerned that he had just monumentally offended Simon but the other man didn’t seem phased by the flippant mention of his demise and so he let it go.

Alfarinn’s query was expected but it didn’t sadden him any less to hear the words. Still, perhaps armed with more information another solution would present itself.

[Thank you; I’ll need you there and not solely for practical reasons.]

That Alfarinn understood his position and had offered to go with him to meet the Triad came as a relief; perhaps a young Nightsman or an Evenhet Elder would not be able to convince his Elders alone, but the two of them together could make a better case.

He listened as Simon explained the situation with his family, feeling more uneasy by the minute. What a living hell the Tacharan had been through.

Listening to Simon’s explanation of Hillman’s activities, his eyebrow raised at the mention of war and all the mental images that entailed. There were a lot more humans than there were vampires, and at any time the secret of their kind could spread like wildfire among them, particularly if they got their hands on proof. To their governments. Their military. This had to be stopped. It didn’t matter who had started it; Tacharan had to finish it.

Well. That wasn’t entirely true; it actually bothered him a great deal that it had been his kind that had instigated a war with humans but that thought wasn’t particularly helpful right now. He reflected that this was why Anantya tended toward isolationism but that wasn’t really any help either and he regretted even thinking it under the circumstances. For the moment they had to solve the problem at hand.

“Do you have any evidence of The Beast’s existence?” He held up one hand “Not because I doubt your word, but rather I think if at all possible it might be for the best if the machine…accrued damages…during the raid. But if that leaves us with no evidence to show before the council it might cause more harm than good.”

'We have survelliance photos of the beast from Lykaois.' Simon had forgotten about the Wolf. He leaned forward. 'Speaking of which, where is he? I'm assuming you were successful in your hunt? Did you get your ring back, Thaddeus?'

He assumed the ring meant quite a deal to Thaddeus, it being from his creator. He envied Thaddeus' bond with Emma. What it must be like to respect the person who made you.

'In any case, Ellis has the proof that it still exists.' He almost said out loud his wish that there weren't more being made, but why jinx himself.

Alfarinn frowned but nodded. He could not save every human on the planet after all and these seemed to have chosen their own path by using the information for dangerous and selfish means.

"I see the necessity of what you're saying. It is still tragic."

[I'll be right beside you, Beloved.]

He picked up his drink and knocked back a healthy swallow before leaning back and listening to Simon talk about evidence.

"Good. Mind if we borrow those to show the Elders?"

He squeezed Thaddeus's shoulder gently and let his partner explain about the ring and Lykaios, feeling it was his story to tell more than anyone's.

Thaddeus nodded his head at Simon’s query, leaning into Alfarinn’s touch for a moment before forming a response.

“Yes, we did succeed and the ring was recovered, though as of yet precious little else in the way of evidence. Lykaios is, however, gone.”

Lowering his chin, he continued, softly. “Your part in that was not forgotten. Thank you.”

He turned to Alfarinn at the request, raising both eyebrows but repressing smartass remarks regarding needing a Tacharan library card to check out references on loan. “Anything to build the case would be of help, if at all possible.”

Simon looked at Thaddeus and put his hand over his heart. With a slight nod he smiled at the smaller blonde. 'I am grateful to have been of some service, Thaddeus.'

Simon considered a way to bring the evidence they were wanting to them right now. 'As far as the evidence is concerned, I could have it brought here now, if you like? It can also give you the chance to meet Carol?' He looked at them, a little unsure if they'd actually want to meet her. He wasn't even sure how to introduce her. Oh this is my lover, who's my lover's familiar?

'I would really like to, uh...' Simon struggled for the word, 'share this with you both?' Did that make sense, he wondered. Since his decision to change things, the world had opened up to him in so many different ways. The need to share the good things in his life with people he considered friends was one of them.

Alfarinn smiled at Simon and nodded.

"That sounds perfect. Mari please admit one Carol... What is her last name?"

It was touching that Simon wanted to bring her here to meet them, as well as trust them enough to bring her into Evenhet's very heart. He was more than a little curious at the woman who could create such a dramatic change in Simon in such a short time. It was good to see that the Tacharan had some to hope for and look forward to in his personal life beyond simply being the pillar of his people. Killing Ellis was still likely to be difficult for him and Alfarinn wasr relieved that someone would be there to help him through that. He and Thaddeus had experienced something of that kind of pain so recently themselves. more so Thaddeus who had to slay someone he recently understood to be his brother. There was still not a lot of love lost for the man but one could not help but regret that kinship of another child of Emma that was wasted on such a person, and with her death and his, had been lost forever.

In response to such thoughts, Alfarinn put his arm around Thaddeus and held him close, though the ordeal was over for the most part and his mental wanderings had remained his own.

Simon looked up into the air and said, 'Hedley, Carol Hedley.' He looked back at the men and added, 'Let me call her.'

Simon pulled out his cell phone and dialed her private cell phone. After several rings, she answered.

'Hello...I was wondering, can you get away right now...well no...Carol,' he blushed and then cleared his throat. 'No, not for that...I'm at Liefde Towers, can you join me here...no Carol, I doubt they have a dress code,' he turned, 'don't you dare wear that...can you bring the information from Lykaois...right photos, everything...you're expected, just find Mari...it's their computer interface...no not like ours, she has an image...Carol do you really want to know if I think she's pretty...ok...just...yes...yes...y- no!...alright just get here.'

He closed his phone and gave them a sheepish grin.

Thaddeus raised both eyebrows, somewhat surprised and genuinely touched by Simon’s candid statement. Smiling, he nodded his head in encouragement, finding he was curious to meet Carol as well as relieved that they could walk into Anantya armed with evidence.

His smile faded a touch when realization struck.

“MARI can hear us in here?”

He supposed he should have realized that and felt silly asking now. He also felt he ought to be at least a little concerned about their conversation being overheard, considering the subject matter.

Instead he was trying very hard not to blush as he looked over to the door, remembering how Alfarinn had him pressed up against it and then…he really needed to stop that line of thought.

His efforts not to blush had likely completely failed.

Occupied with such thoughts, he entirely missed the phone conversation, though he returned to reality when Simon hung up. He even smiled again at the feel of Alfarinn’s arm around him, though at the moment all he wanted to do was hide his face in his companion’s shoulder.

MARI appeared in the panel that the woman, correctly identified from her driver's license photo in the city database as one Carol Hedley, was looking through. Smiling serenely MARI extended a greeting.

"Good Day, Ms Hedley. Welcome to Meridian Apex Enterprises. If you will be so kind as to follow the glowing path I can lead you straight to the others that are waiting for your arrival."

A female face appeared on the panel that Carol was checking her makeup on. She jerked her head back and then smiled. 'Ahhh, you're Mari.' Carol looked down and saw the lit path the computer was referring to. 'Oh my god how cool is this?' She shook her head in amazement.

Carol walked off, following the lit path with her mouth open in awe. 'Mari I have to admit, this is pretty nifty. I've never been on Evenhet territory before, not this deep at least. My diary is going to have a cow.'

She entered the elevator and clapped. 'Going up!'

MARI smiled at Carol and followed her along into the elevator.

"Thank you. Your appreciation has been recorded. Is your diary of the bovine family?"

MARI searched her database for the logical conclusion to such a phrase and came to the conclusion that it was likely a slang expression. Still she found it better not to assume but to question directly.

She blinked once at the statement "going up" it would seem that Carol understood where they were headed by the inflection of her voice. Did she believe MARI did not know or perhaps MARI was misreading her tone. For either situation the answer was the same. So MARI smiled and replied.

"Yes"

Carol was laughing as she exited the elevator. 'Is my diary of the bovine family, I love it! Thank you, Mari!'

She looked around and admired the decor. She had brought along her laptop bag and she reslung it onto her other shoulder. It too matched her rose petal outfit. She couldn't imagine the horror of going out without a matching bag. The insanity, really. She walked down to the end of the hallway and softly whispered in her mind.

[Simon?]

Simon immediately stood at the sound of Carol's voice. 'She's here.' He walked around the couches and back towards the entry door even before she tried to knock. He opened the door and smiled.

[Why hello there.]

He backed up and opened the door all the way to let her in. Simon held out his hand and beckoned her forward.

Carol took Simon's hand and entwined her fingers with his. Her inner voice, not the one Simon could hear but the hidden girly one that still giggles at porn, shrieked with delight. His hand was warm and had a hint of callauses. She gave him an adoring look and stepped inside.

Alfarinn Bjorn's penthouse suite. Whodda thunk she'd be in this place anytime soon? She looked around and saw the two men by the couches and was about to greet them when she saw the walled windows.

'Zoinks,' she muttered in awe.

Alfarinn raised his eyebrows as Simon went towards the door but was hardly surprised; the bond between him and Carol would have told him she was here. He and Thaddeus certainly had situations similar.

Using the momentary distraction of the Tacharan to his advantage, he turned to Thaddeus and held him close. Smiling as he leaned to kiss his companion high on one cheekbone, he said

"I am certain Mari is the soul of discretion and not all of my suite is accessible by her. I am sorry I forget most of the time. Forgive me my indiscretion?"

He brushed Thaddeus's jawline with one thumb before turning back to Simon who was leading a young lady back to them. Alfarinn stood and extended his hand to her.

"Welcome to the Towers."

Thaddeus blushed all the deeper at the display of affection, though it earned Alfarinn a smile. He wasn’t upset with his companion and did not want him to think so, though he wished he could somehow explain why he was so flustered. It had nothing to do with a concern over illicit videotapes or anything else so ridiculous…it was simply a matter of discomfort with being watched.

“There is nothing to forgive. This is your home.”

He gave the fingertips that grazed his jaw a light kiss before Alfarinn pulled away, letting cool fingers cool his cheeks. Standing along with Alfarinn as the lovely blonde lady was admitted, he let his companion offer up greetings while giving Simon an encouraging smile.

He decided that wondering if she was cold did not seem like a very gentlemanly thought. Especially when he should be concerning himself with the task at hand.

“Thank you for coming so quickly.”

Carol took Alfarinn's hand. 'Alfarinn Bjorn, Elder of Evenhet. You are way cuter in person.'

She looked at Thaddeus and smiled, 'You must be Thaddeus Grey of Anantya.' Thaddeus was probably wondering how she knew who he was, she figured. 'Simon's report...he talked about the two of you and the ring. Well, he's since filled in the blanks. He's not really a man of very many words.' She looked at Simon and winked.

'Gentlemen, it is a hoot.'

[My god they're so cute. Hetero women everywhere will shed a tear, lemme tell ya.] She sent to Simon with a giggle.

'Oh,' she remembered her bag and dug out her lap top. It was light weight and silver with matching orange fittings. She pointed to the coffee table and asked, 'May I?'

Alfarinn smiled at her compliment and said.

"But shorter so I hear."

He wasn't certain such a thing was possible and gave a grin to Simon who came close to matching him in height. That she knew Thaddeus's name was something of a surprise though it was possible that Simon told her through the bond before they arrived. The mention of a report about the situation being somewhere in Tacharan's files made him uneasy. He almost missed her next statement and blinked once before comprehending the slang expression with his distracted mind.

"Simon did wax poetic when he described you to us. You should get him to repeat it for you later."

He smiled mischievously at the Tacharan before turning back to Carol.

"Oh certainly."

Alfarinn headed back towards the couch to stand next to the modern looking steel and glass coffee table. Figuring the photos to be on disk, he squeezed Thaddeus's hand before heading upstairs through the bedroom and into the study for his laptop. Coming back downstairs, he set it on the table and flipped it open.

Uncertain if he should initiate a round of introductions, Thaddeus tilted his head to one side as it became apparent that Carol already knew quite well who they were. He raised one eyebrow at Simon at the mention of a report, then turned to Carol once more.

“And you must be Carol Hedley. A pleasure to meet you.”

He gave a little smile at her comment regarding Alfarinn’s appearance, thinking that she didn’t know the half of it but stopping his thoughts there before he could make himself blush. Really, had he taken to blushing over compliments to other people as well as himself now? Giving his head a mental shake, he returned the squeeze to his hand and let his gloved fingers trail over Alfarinn’s palm as he walked away.

He looked in curiosity at Carol’s laptop; he still found such devices both fascinating and somewhat foreign, though he was learning to use his own quickly enough, and had to resist the urge to inspect hers more closely. He did, however, return to his seat on the couch, gesturing for the others to do the same and be comfortable while they waited for Alfarinn’s return.

Carol stayed standing, waiting for Alfarinn's return. When he set up his laptop on the table between the couches, she continued with showing them the information gathered from the Wolf.

She circled the table and instead of placing her lap top next to his, she sat down on the coffee table, short skirt rising to show the skin between the top of her white boots to high on her thigh. Carol was never one to respect people's personal space, so playing knee tag with Thaddeus' legs was not out of the ordinary. She crossed her legs, again causing her skirt to go higher and placed the lap top on her lap.

She honestly thought nothing of it.

Carol powered on her cpu and pulled up the files they wanted. Turning it around, she showed them. 'This is the building where Lykaios says is where the Beast is hidden. It's located down in the industrial section, mixed in with some abandoned warehouses near the dock. The district isn't as populated as it once was so this was probably the best place for him to set up shop.'

She clicked the image to the next page, 'The security is impressive but I've seen better. ID key locks all around, etcetera. The trick to this place are the sub levels beneath. Very Resident Evil, so to speak.' She continued through the pictures, showing him finally a picture of Tacharan's stolen property.

'The Beast is just shy of nine feet tall and made of stainless steel and titanium. It sits on a three foot thick base and the body is placed down the center of course. All these lines,' she pointed to the plastic leads, ' these are intravenous contraptions. It brings just enough blood in and just enough out to maintain the vampire's life but keeps it immobolized by practically starving it.'

She looked up and waited for the men to say something.

Thaddeus promptly pushed back on the couch as it became apparent that the seats were not to Carol’s liking, but there was nowhere to go once he scooted all the way back and their knees were still brushing. He gave Alfarinn a look before Carol crossed her legs and suddenly the ceiling became very interesting as he contemplated how to get out of this without getting slapped by someone.

Realizing that she was trying to show them something, he looked back down, then up at the ceiling again, then down at the screen, watching as Carol explained the photographs. He blinked in confusion at one part, sending [Resident Evil?] but not wanting to interrupt.

When she got to The Beast, though, he found he was a good deal less distracted by Carol’s proximity. It was…

“…aptly named, that.”

He rubbed his chin, trying to find something to say and finding that ‘thank you for coming and showing us this horrible picture’ wasn’t going to come off as all that sincere.

“Well. That should serve as proof. Thank you.”

He squeezed Alfarinn's hand, as much to assure himself as his companion.

[If I could mentally smack you, I would.] Carol sent back, trying not to laugh. She picked her laptop off her lap and stood, again brushing up against Thaddeus' knees. She set the computer next to Alfarinn's and ejected the cd. She put the laptop back into her bag and set the disc onto the table.

'We still don't know how Hillman infiltrated the clan, but if I can figure out how to get into his database, hopefully we'll find more out. I have my geeks working on that.'

She walked back around the table and settled down next to Simon on the couch. Carol scooched as close as she could to him and gave him a soft elbow in the stomach.

[You'll have to tell me later about all the great things you said about me.] She put her hand on his thigh and smiled at him.

Alfarinn sat back down on the couch next to Thaddeus after Carol took a seat on the glass coffee table. 'At least she looks light...' Leaning forward in order to see, he turned back when his companion pushed himself all the way back. The uncomfortable feeling from Thaddeus was plain and when he noticed Carol's knees brushing Thaddeus's despite the man being as far back as he could go, Alfarinn had to hide a smile. His eyes flicked over to Simon and Alfarinn gave the Tacharan a questioning look, wondering if Carol was always so...'friendly'

Alfarinn turned back to look at the laptop in time to notice the petite blonde cross her legs and for the skirt to rise from dangerously high to illegal with Thaddeus's comfort level lowering in response.

Placing a reassuring hand on his lover's leg, smiled at him before continuing to look at the pictures. Once the images of the beast were shown he frowned thoughtfully until the touch of Thaddeus's hand in his own brought him back. He couldn't help but wonder how many vampires had been on that machine already, made to suffer in the name of Ellis's sick version of science. Imagining himself on it made his skin crawl and the idea of Thaddeus ever being a target was something he simply did not want to think about at all.

[Resident Evil is a movie with a huge underground complex for high security testing. The whole thing goes awry,much like this situation.]

"I think it will make an impression on the other elders. Thank you."

He nodded in understanding at the situation with Hillman. Hopefully they could find out how this human got access to the beast and knowledge of their kind.

" Something soon would be nice. I imagine the infiltration of her organization by a human does at least interest Ellis enough to find out before slaughtering everyone that might be able to tell her?"

Simon let a smile slip as Thaddeus fought with the distance between his knees and Carol's. As she finished her presentation and took a seat next to him on the couch, he let an arm slip around her shoulders, discovering he liked sitting so close to her.

'That's everything, gentlemen. There's nothing left to do but wait for Ellis to assemble the clan and raid the compound. Carol and I will keep our relationship hidden till...whatever happens, happens.'

He didn't think there wasn't anything else he could say and waited for the gentlemen to comment.

[I said horrible things about you,] he replied to Carol, [but I have something to show you later. I'll tell you then.]

Alfarinn nodded a solemn agreement to Simon's assessment of the situation but then smiled at the thanks.

"Any time. Thank you for the evidence and thank you, Carol, for bringing it by. Let us know if you need anything further. Best of wishes to you both."

He wondered how they both felt about the bond but obviously they both wanted it. Still it might be difficult to get used to when you didn't expect it.

"It was a pleasure to meet you Carol and you have your work cut out for you with this one. "

Alfarinn pretended to look innocent after that statement and stood up, reaching a hand out to Thaddeus.

Thaddeus nodded quietly in agreement and took Alfarinn’s hand, rising with him and adding his own thoughts.

“Yes, it was a pleasure, thank you.”

He looked from Carol to Simon, resisting the urge to give his companion a playful elbow in the ribs at the comment about Carol having her work cut out for him.

“Do call if you need anything, and the offer is open should you need a place to lie low.”

Carol leaned forward, exposing quite a bit of skin on her chest, as she reached for her bag. Standing, she gave both men a smile. 'Boys, it's been fun.'

She looked at Simon and gave him a curious look, [Should I leave first?]

Simon walked back to Alfarinn and again reached out to shake his hand. 'I appreciate your offer and your friendship. Both of you. Thanks for seeing me on such short notice.'

((Simon heading out, pending response))

Thaddeus nodded as the party said their farewells and wondered if Alfarinn might like a mural of some kind on his ceiling when Carol bent down to pick up her laptop bag. Perhaps something Trompe L'oeil.

“Be safe.”

Turning to Alfarinn as Simon and Carol took their leave, he raised one eyebrow and spoke.

“I suppose we have business in Anantya.”

Alfarinn smiled at the both of them, keeping the grin from becoming wider in amusement at his companion's sudden seeming interest in the ceiling. It wasn't likely the others noticed but feeling his companion's shift in focus did cause him to cast a glance in Thaddeus's direction.

He saw their guests to the door and turned to answer Thaddeus's question.

"Yes, should. There is something I need to pick up down at the bookstore but it is already paid for and on hold for me so it is just a matter of stopping for it. If you don't mind."

((OOC: both out ))