A Dark Descent

The short walk to the portal into the sewers was quiet and uneventful. Thaddeus did not feel the need to fill this stroll with conversation; in fact, he was rather busy with the effort of keeping calm. The two men removed the manhole cover and looked down into the dark opening as one.

Right. You can do this. It's not that bad.

It was, in fact, exactly as bad as Thaddeus imagined, but he felt his stubborn determination take over as he looked up and met Alfarinn's eyes.

Let me go down first. I'll ensure the bottom is safe and call up to you.

While Thaddeus was far from eager to enter the dank abyss, he felt it prudent to go first; partly for the reason he had stated, and partly so that his progress would not be rushed. Or halted entirely; at the moment the fact that Alfarinn was watching him intently was the only thing keeping him from bolting.

And so, before Alfarinn could answer, Thaddeus lowered himself into the sewers, feeling with his feet until they caught a rung of the ladder, and began his descent.

Even with the thick gloves, Thaddeus was filled with revulsion at gripping the rungs of the ladder, and his senses were assaulted with the filth. He had been forced to stop once, closing his eyes to fight the wave of nausea that overtook him. His progress was slower after that, though thankfully steady, and he was taken by surprise when his foot struck solid ground rather than another rung of the ladder. Still, he kept his balance (if for no other reason than because should he fall in the sewers he would never, ever be clean again), and turned around, looking first one way, then the other, down the tunnel. Seeing no grave dangers (if a smelly disgusting sewer wasn't a grave danger in and of itself), he called up to Alfarinn.

Alfarinn snorted softly to himself as he watched Thaddeus climb down into the tunnel. See if its safe? Who would he be protecting exactly? Rather noble in a odd sort of way, it had been a long time since a vampire sought to protect him, an ancient and an elder.

Reaching into his pocket he took out a leather thong and tied back his hair to keep it out of the way before climbing down the ladder a few steps. He then replaced the cover and the continued his descent. He hoped Thaddeus wasn't going to be upset with the darkness. Alfarinn decided it was probably best for him to get down quickly, just in case.

"Ready?"

"Yes, it's clear"Â?

Thaddeus managed to croak out the words, and god, he could even taste the stink of this place. It was darker now, he assumed due to Alfarinn closing the manhole behind him. He reminded himself to breath as his eyes adjusted to the dark. Then he realized he was breathing too quickly, in little hitching gasps, and forced himself to calm down. He could hear the other man climbing down the ladder, and the last thing he wanted was to be found unconscious from hyperventilating at the bottom of the sewer.

You can do this. Remember why you're here.

It seemed to take an eternity for Alfarinn to finish his descent and reach the gritty ground of the sewers, though in reality he had probably been much quicker than Thaddeus. He could see the outline of the taller man, and meager light reflected off his light blonde hair.

Do you feel that? I think we want to go this way.

Thaddeus pointed to the left, in what he thought was the direction of a loud, repetitive thumping. The nightclub. The House of Pain.

Alfarinn smiled and was glad that it was too dark for Thaddeus to see it clearly. He took a short look around to remember the exit from this side.

"Yes, I'd say that was a safe bet."

They were going to have to find some place near the entrance of the House of Pain that they could stay and watch. That wasn't going to be easy with guards at the doors. They could go a small way up the entrance but the two of them lounging around in the sewers was going to cause suspicions. He supposed they could dress as bums though the thought of being so grimy as to be unrecognizable was offensive. Contrary to popular belief the Norse bathed daily unlike some of their European counter-parts who thought this was necessary only once a year. He shuddered inwardly remembering how difficult it was to find a clean meal. He'd traveled east for a while for just that reason.

Still being dirty, itchy and smelly would only be an inconvenience for him. He wasn't so certain about his companion. Alfarinn was still not certain what it was about the sewers that distressed Thaddeus. He could sense easily enough that it did. While someone else seeing the man's composure might take it for simple distaste, Alfarinn knew Thaddeus was working through something more frightening to him.

Alright feet, let's get moving.

For some reason Thaddeus felt uncomfortable with standing in one place, as though the filth would find it easier to permeate his skin if he didn't move. He began walking slowly and carefully in the indicated direction, speaking as he went. It was illogical, he knew; the more he talked the more of this foul air had to be taken into his lungs, but somehow talking made this easier for him. In silence, he was trapped in a dark world of revolting smells and grating sounds. At least when he was talking he thought a little less about his surroundings. Still, it wouldn't do to make too much noise, and so he spoke quietly, just above a whisper.

The entrance proper will naturally be guarded, and we can't rule out the possibility that guards patrol the tunnels leading up to it as well. We should be a block and a half away at present; I think we'd turn right up at this intersection if we wanted to go to the club. I don't know that we could realistically loiter in sight of the guards for long, unless we were to act as two club goers waiting to meet a third...

He turned his head around, and, catching a flash of white that could only be Alfarinn, turned back to continue his progress. He thought he was holding it together quite well; already he was feeling a little less nauseous, and his focus for the mission at hand was coming back to him. Oh, sure, he was babbling like an idiot, barely aware of what he was saying, and if he wasn't careful he might work himself up to hyperventilating, but he felt overall this wasn't beyond him.

That's when he saw the rat.

Thaddeus stopped dead in his tracks and held up a hand in warning to his companion to do the same. Maybe, if they just stood very, very still...it would just walk away. He tried to match a verbal warning with the gesture, but found his throat had gone dry.

And the rat, as if in direct defiance of Thaddeus's wishes, stood under the small circle of a utility light and cleaned his whiskers, ignoring the pounding of Thaddeus's heart, the sweat that had begun to bead on his forehead.

Alfarinn walked along behind his companion listening to the quiet chatter. Thaddeus seemed to be getting calmer so letting him whisper of plans wasn't such a bad idea if it kept his mind focused on something else.

Standing around like they were waiting for someone had merits, except for one thing. They knew the killer at least knew what Thaddeus looked like, or it seemed pretty certain that he did. The other person must know him and Mai also if they had purposefully dropped the ring. Standing around might cause their prey to not go into the club but turn around before they even had a chance to glimpse them.

Another concern of Alfarinn's would be Thaddeus. If the killer thought Thaddeus could identify him perhaps he had gone into hiding this whole time, shunning clan contacts in order not to be recognized as the assassin but if he could kill the Anantya there would be no one to make him answer for Emma's murder.

Deep in his own thoughts, Alfarinn nearly knocked Thaddeus over when the man suddenly stopped in front of him. He looked around quickly wondering what he might have missed. There was no one there. Finally, Alfarinn looked down and saw the rat. Oh...

"It's ok. I'll take care of it."

Alfarinn pushed past Thaddeus and moved to scare off the little rodent.

Thaddeus felt the taller man collide into him, nearly putting him off balance and startling him much worse than he really had a right to. He shifted his weight to stay vertical, but could not tear his gaze away from the rat, even to shoot Alfarinn a poisonous glare.

And oh, he badly wanted to glare when the other man brashly declared that he would "take care"Â? of the rat.

Eyes still fixed on the rat, Thaddeus reached out his arm to block Alfarinn's progress.

Was the man insane? Rodents were entirely unpredictable, startling it would likely send it running straight for him!

Staying perfectly still, dry lips barely moving, he whispered shakily to Alfarinn.

Just...don't...move...maybe...he'll go away...

Alfarinn stopped short when he felt Thaddeus's arm hit him lightly on the chest. What? Didn't he want it to go away? It seemed unlikely that the man would have a rapport with rats not with the fear that seemed to be coming from him.

Listening to Thaddeus's halting advice, he shook his head slightly in amusement but stood up and waited for the rodent to leave of his own accord.

"Alright then. Mickey, would you mind moving along so we can be on our way?" Alfarinn whispered to the rat in a conversational tone.

Alfarinn waited for the rat to leave, watching it patiently. When it finally scampered sideways into a pile of debris, he turned to Thaddeus with the intention of asking whether it was ok to move now.

Thaddeus wasn't looking at the rat, he was staring at him. Alfarinn saw the expresson of sheer terror that crossed his face for a brief moment... and then it was confusion. He blinked rapidly trying to make sense of the change. Good grief! Thaddeus could have warned him before doing something like that unannounced in the middle of a dark tunnel! He wasn't afraid of rats but someone altering before you eyes that you couldn't see clearly did tend to make a person jumpy.

Alfarinn took a deep breath to calm himself. He understood better than anyone except for Thaddeus, himself, that the man was afraid.

He tried to focus on the space that Thaddeus had occupied. What the hell was he any way?

Then the flutter of wings clarified that question a little more but before he had time to get a good look, the white bird flew up to his shoulder and hid its head.

Alfarinn stood very still and regarded the bird with curiosity. Carefully, picking him up off his shoulder he cradled the dove in one hand to his chest and whispered down to it.

"You know... you could have told me about this from the beginning and saved yourself a lot of trouble."

((OOC: Permission granted to move Thaddeus))

Alfarinn stopped before coming too close to the entrance. He took a moment to look down at Thaddeus and ponder their situation. He could go into the club, though he wasn't wearing anything close to what he'd normally want to be seen in. They could wait out here and he could watch the entrance which might be better all things considered, The assassin and the accomplice were not likely to know he was involved, certainly not at this early stage. Alone, he would not need to be avoided.

He stroked the bird in his hand absently with the back of one finger while he thought... until it dawned on him, this wasn't one of the normal birds he communed with, this was Thaddeus. His hand stopped abruptly and he looked away embarrassed.

What his little companion didn't know was that Alfarinn did have a rapport with birds, ravens and crows specifically but he doubted Thaddeus was so far away in mental form that he wouldn't be able to understand him. He was not certain how communicating with a vampire in bird form would feel though. Not being a shape shifter, Alfarinn had no way of truly knowing how much like their animal form they are. He had heard of vampires spending so much time in their others forms that they started taking on animal behavior traits and found it difficult to change back. That would take months at the very least and so did not concern him.

Communicating with Thaddeus did. He reached out to make the merest of mental brushes to the dove in his hand.

[We're all full of surprises tonight.] He waited quietly for whatever shock that was going to cause before sending anything else.

How odd. He could hear Thaddeus clearly far more clearly than he normally heard or understood a crow. It was something to be expected, while Thaddeus looked like a bird and certainly was one for the moment but he retained the mental capacity of a man. It was just not the clarity of contact he'd grown used to over the years.

What he heard was like flickers of thought for the most part, nothing solid until Thaddeus chose to send to him. Then he heard that clearly, the more focused the thought, the louder it was to Alfarinn.

What... He raised an eyebrow.

[Just how would you care to proceed? You won't be recognized in your current form and I can wait here for my 'friend'. I am not known to be involved in this so I might go unnoticed by the people we are looking for. Or you can change back and we can try this some other way. Your choice.]

Thaddeus fluffed his feathers, considering the question he was reasonably sure Alfarinn had asked him. While this arrangement obviously held clear advantages, he wanted to make sure he was considering all of the possibilities.

He tilted his head to one side. He wasn't sure how complex his replies could be, or whether Alfarinn could clearly understand his responses. He cooed in the affirmative and did his best to convey that yes, staying in this form was best, and then concentrated on projecting his query, which was punctuated by more soft cooing.

[What do you want to do if we run into trouble? Aside from our mutual enemy, I mean. I can change forms quickly and easily, but it does not seem wise to do that in front of any spectators. Still, part of the point of both of us coming down here together rather than taking turns was to look out for each other, and I am at a significant disadvantage to give aid in this form.

I suppose the question is, how do -you- feel about being, for all intents and purposes, alone down here?]

Alfarinn pondered the question a moment. He hadn't really thought of his own safety. Not surprising but he tended not to believe anyone would be stupid enough to attack him. Still some might wonder how he made this far in life with such assumptions.

He frowned and then thought about the arrangement with a sigh, he explained.

[I'm never alone] Ok, so he didn't explain. [I come here often enough that the bouncers and even the young vampires know not to mess with me. Only the young are likely to try anything and they are easily dealt with. I am sure you remember what its like being young, Thaddeus, you tend to think you're invincible. Though Megan would argue I've never grown out of this trait.] This thought was accompanied by the mental equivalent of a snort. [Still someone barely created outside of this century is hardly a match for either of us, let alone both of us. I have a feeling that the person we are looking for would not care about me one way or the other.] He shrugged. [We'll see]

Alfarinn wondered just how this was going to look. He was standing there holding a bird. Not the black ones he'd been known to feed or talk to. This one a stark white dove. Great he probably looked like he was going soft in his old age...mentally soft at that.

It was hard not to automatically smooth the feathers of the creature he was holding. It was habit. Alfarinn wasn't sure how Thaddeus would take the gesture but he doubted it would be in any way that was good, bad enough that he'd already done it once.

[Not that I mind holding you but perhaps it would look less odd if you could find a perch somewhere.] Alfarinn held his hand out and kept it firm so that Thaddeus would have something to push off on.

Thaddeus snapped out of his reverie and took the opportunity given to spring off Alfarinn's hand and fly to a nearby pipe that hung from the ceiling. While not quite as comfortable a perch as his companion's hand, it offered a good vantage point and made it difficult to be seen. And he would no longer suffer the indignity of being petted like a common household pet, though he did have to admit...

Well no, he didn't have to admit anything. Best just not to finish that thought. Instead, Thaddeus preened his feathers and looked about thoughtfully. Suddenly a thought occurred to him; would Alfarinn be able to "hear"Â? him from this distance? And would he be able to "hear"Â? Alfarinn's response?

Deciding to test the theory, and this time without cooing, he "spoke."Â?

[Alfarinn? Can you still hear me?]

Alfarinn stopped himself before he leaned back against the wall. No telling what it might have on it. So much for lounging comfortably. He wished he had a drink. It would at least give him something to hold and something to do.

He was pondering asking one of the bouncers if he wouldn't mind making a little trip inside and getting him a tall glass of something cold when he heard Thaddeus.

[Hmm?] He almost didn't hear it with the distance and with not paying attention but Thaddeus much easier to understand than a normal bird so it did manage to get to him well enough. [Yes, I can hear you. Its harder but not impossible, just focus on what you want to tell me and we should be fine.]

[Good then]

At ease in the knowledge that he and Alfarinn could still communicate, he went back to watching and preening his feathers, being careful to stay out of sight.

For some reason, though, he felt a restlessness that he was unfamiliar with. He was quite used to waiting patiently, watching, laying low...

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.*

Thaddeus smirked inwardly at the remembered quote; he's always found it fitting, having been forced to be a "harmless dove"Â? many times in the course of being Order of the Night.

So why the sudden restlessness when I've done this, sat in solitude for hours and hours...

Oh. That's it. I'm not in solitude.

Thaddeus wondered if he should make some effort at conversation. Was that what one did when one had a partner? He wasn't sure; while Mai followed him often as not, they seldom needed to talk even if they had the means; conversation wasn't so much expected.

Just as he was about to make some effort at inane small talk, he heard a commotion from further up the tunnel.

[Someone's coming.]

/ooc *Matthew 10:16

Alfarinn had gone back to pondering the drink when he heard the sounds of someone or several someone's headed this way. Obviously Thaddeus had heard it as well. There was not really anywhere for him to hide so he did his best to look like he belonged there waiting for someone.

[Well this could be interesting. Not much to do but wait and see]

((OOC: Keep it up and you'll be Rev. Grey ;) ))

You there! Max the bouncer pointed a meaty finger at Alfarinn.

What are you doing standing about? There's no loitering here; in or out, what's it going to be?

Thaddeus felt his feathers ruffle around him instictively.

[What a rude and unpleasent man!]

He hardly realized he had thought that particular sentiment so directly. He waited on the pipe, watching closely, ready to jump off and attack should Alfarinn need assistance.

Alfarinn moved forward and eyed the bouncer thoughtfully. We'll try polite and see how it goes. He moved into the light where he could be seen and potentially recognized.

"I'm waiting for a friend and he said he'd meet me outside."

He tried not to chuckle at Thaddeus's mental comments but did offer his own analyses to the mix.

[I agree. He's a big man...maybe he's making up for a lack of something somewhere else.]

Thaddeus snickered internally

[From that glazed over look in his eyes, I'd say his mind could -use- some compensation. Either that or he's just had one too many donuts.]

Max appeared to mull over the simple statement for a disproportionate amount of time before replying,

I don't see no friend. Maybe he went in without you, seeing as how there's no loitering out here.

The arguement clearly won, Max crossed his arms with a satisfied and victorious expression.

Thaddeus watched the ape mull this over and observed how, after his reply, he crossed his arms, which had the undesirerable side effect of causing his shirt to ride up, revealing an expansive and quite hairy gut.

[Ugh! My eyes! That was more than I needed to see!]

Thaddeus had little doubt that Alfarinn could handle the situation, though he was still ready for action just in case. Dealing with gorillas like the one below him was usually a simple matter of outwitting them, something he was sure Alfarinn was more than capable of.

[Yes, he is most definitely lacking in the head. It would seem there was not enough muscle mass to spare when making him to give him a brain.]

Alfarinn nodded as if he understood completely. Yes, no hanging about outside. I understand.

"No, he said he'd meet me here."

Alfarinn did his very best not to laugh out loud at Thaddeus's exclamation. The man...or bird... was going to get him punched. The bouncer may not be the brightest thing on two legs but Alfarinn was pretty sure that he'd not take kindly to someone chuckling at what would seem to be his comments.

Besides big bad man was supposed to be scary so he was doing his best to appear respectful and wary of the guy.

"I understand that you've got to make sure there are paying customers out here and not just people hanging around to cause trouble." Alfarinn pulled out his wallet and held up a hundred before sliding the wallet back where it belonged. "See, a paying customer. Think this would allow me to wait out here for my friend?"

He chuckled inwardly and thought to Thaddeus.

[Well actually that fashion is all the rage.... amongst teenage girls.]

[Yes, apparently he missed the line for social graces and hygeine as well.]

Thaddeus tilted his head in approval at Alfarinn's handling of the situation.

[Good thinking. That ought to shut him up. And ugh, don't get me started on teenage girls; did you see that one in the group just now? That outfit looked like a bunch of socks tied together!]

Max stared at the currency greedily and pondered the offer. He was no one's fool; if this fellow could offer him that much money, surely he could offer him twice that much just as easily.

Eh, might be, might be. Should be enough for you to wait out here, say...20 minutes?

Max said this with a what he felt was a sly tone of voice, and crossed his arms more firmly over his chest, awaiting a reply to his clever negotiations.

Alfarinn snorted softly at Thaddeus's comments and covered it up with a slight cough.

[ I believe that was a bunch of socks tied together and not a one of them matched either.]

He did his very best not to roll his eyes at the bouncer. Alfarinn tucked the money in the man's shirt pocket and moved back to where he had been standing.

"Good, I'm sure twenty minutes should be plenty. Thank you for being understanding." With that said he turned his head away from the man and started watching those who approached. Obviously looking for his 'friend'.

[This guy doesn't look bright enough to count to ten much less twenty. I could probably stay here all night.]

Simon leaned back against the back of the elevator, taking a moment to close his eyes and ponder this Clan business he was being called away for. His thoughts strayed back to the feme' fatale that was stalking Talon. 'Simply beautiful', he mumbled. But aren't they all these days, he asked himself.

The elevator door opened and he made his way to the sewer entrance. Coming up behind Max, he heard part of the conversation he was having with someone else. '...you for understanding.' Ah that voice, he recognized it. Max turned and saw Simon approaching. He stepped aside for the Tacharan and lo and behold.

With a grand smile, Simon greeted the other vampire. 'Alfarinn, you old dog.' Never one to carry clan grudges, Simon reached out to shake Alfarinn's hand. He had met the ancient several lifetimes years earlier, ironically at another red light district called White Chapel.

Alfarinn turned back around and noticed Simon. Ah, one of the very few Tacharan he could stand speaking to for any length of time. Ellis was at least creative in her barbs but confrontational would be putting her mildly. The younger members all seemed to have something to prove as well but Simon seemed past all that. In truth, He thought the man had never been of that nature to begin with.

Simon always made Alfarinn a little sad, regretful really. It seemed like he would have made an excellent Evenhet. Someone with an interest in moving things forward without killing everyone that got in the way.

When it came to clans they simply disagreed but He and Simon didn't speak of such things. It was better for their health and peace of mind.

"Good evening to you, Simon. Have a good time?" Alfarinn asked nodding his head back in the direction of the club.

With a sheepish grin, 'The youngin's are always an interesting bunch. I just met a rather large Anantya.' Simon held his arms up, simulating Talon's girth. 'A lovely little thing was following him. Lucky man.'

A soft flutter brought his attention upward. He saw the pristine white dove sitting prettily on the filthy waterline above them. 'Well now...what have we got here?' A dove, in the sewers? Simon looked at Alfarinn and his face turned inquisitive. Softly he leaned closer to Alfarinn, 'Oy, something's afoot. Ellis told me she ran into Mai down here and there's something about a ring the little one found?'

Alfarinn chuckled at the description of this Anantya that according to Simon seemed to be huge.

"If he's as big as you say then I wouldn't be surprised if more than one is following him before the evening is out."

He winced inwardly when Simon looked up towards Thaddeus. Alfarinn glanced up to where his companion was perched and then back down at the Tacharan.

Ellis knew Mai found the ring?! This didn't sound good at all. Not if they took it to mean anything.

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully and appeared to ponder the matter.

"Could be. When are Anantya not plotting something?" He smiled at Simon. "Still with Mai its hard to tell. Most likely if she found it here then it was probably dropped by some drunken patron that didn't have enough sense to notice it was missing. A shiny thing for a collection, nothing more."

Looking more intently at Simon, he asked quietly.

"Why? Have you cause to believe its something important?"

'I didnt until you just said that it wasn't important.' Again Simon looked up at the dove. He wasn't a stupid man, he was looking at a shape shifter, unfortunatley he didnt know which shape shifter. 'No matter, Alfarinn. Anantya business is their own. Ellis has,' he paused, tilting his head in thought, 'grander plans for herself right now. I doubt the ring concerns us in the least.'

He looked at Alfarinn, his expression unreadable. Hundreds of years playing the game of probability and statistics hones that skill. Their friendship never strays into their clan dealings and is probaly the only reason they remain neutral, yet arm length friends.

'I can't help but be curious, Alfarinn. What brings you here?'

Alfarinn frowned to himself. Damn Simon for being one of the smarter of his clan. One of the younger ones would be easier to fool.

"Simon, I am pretty sure that I've been Evenhet for a long time now. I even have a membership card and everything. So do tell how I would know why Mai of all people would consider a ring of importance. Had you said Morrigan or Sorin then I would have certainly said it was odd and that there is something definitely going on but this is Mai. You have to entertain the high probability that she simply found it pretty.

He sighed and continued.

"Which does not mean it is nothing, merely that there is a good chance. Which is what was actually said."

Ellis having plans... of course when doesn't she? He could not be troubled right now with the thoughts of what big plans the Tacharan leader might be cooking up.

Alfarinn waved his hand to indicate the bouncer.

"As I told the gentleman I am here to meet a friend."

Thaddeus was about to reply with another quip about that ridiculous bouncer when a stranger exited the nightclub and approached Alfarinn. A stranger that Alfarinn greeted like a friend.

There is, he reminded himself, a lot I don't know about this man.

Questions raced through his mind as he listened to the conversation. The Anantya could be none other than the brute, Talon...now what could he be doing there? And a young thing? Surely not Mai...

And then the man Alfarinn had addressed as Simon turned and looked his way. Thaddeus concentrated on looking as dove like as possible, but either the man would know him or he wouldn't, and he could not control what Simon chose to do with the knowledge. Flying off or changing would only make matters worse, and Alfarinn did not appear to be in any danger.

He nearly changed despite his resolution when Simon mentioned both Mai and the ring in one breath.

[Not my Mai.]

It was a whisper of a thought, a litany in his mind that played over and over as he listened, driven to distraction now, to the conversation.

While Alfarinn seemed to be avoiding the issue with a silver tongue, and perhaps building up to gathering more information for their cause, Thaddeus was of the opinion that the man would need to do some explaining in the near future. While he understood that Evenhet held much more liberal views on associating with those of other clans, Thaddeus was generally wary of -anyone- who appeared to be everyone's friend. He had certainly worked his way into Thaddeus's trust much more quickly than was typical for him, and now he began to wonder if he had been a fool.

Still, Alfarinn had done nothing in this instance to indicate he was not trust worthy. Quite the opposite in fact. While a great deal of suspicion surrounded this man, Thaddeus had known from the beginning that he would have to have dealings with some unusual people. It was no secret that he traveled a dark trail indeed.

He had just hoped Alfarinn would be...

Would be what? He's an Evenhet, through and through, he even said he carried a membership card. Whatever that was. Why didn't Anantya have membership cards? Thaddeus mentally shook his head to clear the stray thought. No, he wasn't quite -that- foolish...this man was just more complicated than he expected, and not for the first time, Thaddeus wondered what he had gotten himself into.

Thaddeus tilted his head to one side in thought. The conversation seemed to be heading for safe waters, to other matters between clans, and while he listened, he was more relieved than anything else. Still, he feared certain matters, his presence, the ring...they would lay in wait to cause mischief.

wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Thaddeus remained quiet, listening, and wondering where this twist in the trail would lead them. He tried not to think too long on the fact that their fates were tied in Alfarinn's answers.

Alfarinn wondered what Thaddeus must be thinking of all this. There was no mention of Ellis knowing about the ring. That would have been good information to have... ages ago.

He sighed and thought to his companion

[Simon isn't exactly a close friend. He's Ellis's second in command. One of the few Tacharan that doesn't shoot first and ask questions later. So I speak to him, mostly we don't refer to clan matters. Its better not get into those discussions.

[ You didn't mention Ellis knew. I don't know what else there is to do about the situation. Hopefully they won't make too much of it.]

[There were, apparently, not a few things left unmentioned.]

Thaddeus responded with a false lightness, annoyed that Alfarinn had the nerve to rebuke him for not sharing information he himself was not aware of. Defensively, he continued.

[I wasn't aware either, Alfarinn.]

And that was my own fault. I should have asked.

He spoke more sheepishly:

[I did not think to ask Mai if she was seen, or followed, when she brought me the ring. This presents some rather complicated problems, I am aware.

As for hoping...in this I trust to doubt, instead.]

Thaddeus trailed off, musing. Instead of finding something, anything, to lead them in the right direction, this night had, thus far, brought only new obsticles.

It was most discouraging. And what's more, Alfarinn's smooth performance with a man who was "not exactly a close friend" disturbed him. How could he know Alfarinn wasn't putting on the same sort of show for him. Yes indeed...Alfarinn was getting more complicated by the minute.

Alfarinn sighed. There was no sense in making Thaddeus angry and defensive over it. What was done was done.

[I'm sorry, Thaddeus, I wasn't accusing you. It just came as a shock. We're both having to trust each other here and its easy to think there are things the other didn't mention. We might end up risking our lives in this venture and we're likely to get killed if we're too busy doubting each other. ]

He could say that he didn't have to be doing this. That he was going out of his way and putting himself in danger for something that wasn't even a part of his clan but he'd be lying. Emma had been his clan, at one time, had been a close friend. He'd have done this for her on his own if he'd had the chance. Now he found himself with her child in a strange partnership, he knew they couldn't afford to second guess each other's loyalties.

There wasn't much more he could say to Thaddeus by way of proof so he hoped that time and actions would do it for him before one or both of them ended up dead,permanently.

Simon considered Alfarinn's response and thought better of persuing it further. 'Aye then, I'll leave you to your business, Alfarinn.' He looked back up at the dove and winked at it.

'Always good to see you doing well, Alfarinn.' Then Simon continued into the darkness. He had business to attend to for Ellis, best not to keep it waiting.

((ooc - out))

Thaddeus fluffed his feathers at Alfarinn's unexpected response. He wondered at the other man's ability to sound so sincere, so seductive in his candor and honesty.

And did he have to be so god damned reasonable on top of that?

[There are. Things we haven't mentioned, I mean. How could there not be? We have been aquainted such a short time, after all.

Alfarinn, I meant it when I said I believed you. And I believe in your good intentions in this matter, or at least I have chosen to believe, which amounts to the same thing. But that trust does -not- extend to your...friends, of which you seem to have many and make easily, myself as a case in point. It is Tacharan I believe it is prudent, necessary to our survivial even, to doubt, not you.

Our fates lead us down the same road. I believe we both chose our path, and now must reconcile whatever difficulties are brought about by that choice.

Just so long as we do not stray from the path.]

Thaddeus shivered when he saw Simon's wink. No, he could not hope for the best in this matter.

Alfarinn sighed and again wished he had a drink. He'd almost contemplate smoking just so he could stand here doing something. He had never been fond of the smell though and gave up the thought as unproductive.

[I know. This is just the first of many problems we are likely to have. I just don't want us to fail before we start.]

He watched Simon's retreating form with reservation.

[I have no idea why he would think I'd know anything about the matter, unless he assumes Evenhet's intelligence is that good.] Alfarinn smirked once. [And we are good but this would not normally have interested us. In fact it doesn't really interest Evenhet. It's personal for me.]

Reaching up a hand to his neck, Alfarinn tried in vain to work out a knot of tension that was forming.

[ We've got to assume that Tacharan will be watching me now.]

[And Mai as well, though I haven't met the army that could match her. I don't know if you really believed what you told Simon...but she's not...like that.]

Thaddeus sighed inwardly. Once again, the people around him were in danger. Thaddeus never planned things that way, never -wanted- things that way...but that's how it always seemed to work out.

He wondered if there was something fundamentally wrong with him, and shook his head to dismiss the thought. Mai and Alfarinn were simply more...high profile than he. And hell, it was his -job- to blend in, avoid direct danger and bring back information. He couldn't do that dead.

And it all sounded like excuses when faced with the facts; Mai and Alfarinn were in danger, and he had put them there, or at least opened the door on their way in.

[Coming here tonight was more risky than I had believed. I had assumed we could pass as unknowns in this place and didn't consider the problems being recognized by third parties could present.

I don't know that we can do this again.]

[No, I do not believe Mai is like that. She has her own reasons for doing things. They just aren't always everyone else's. Sometimes being tied down to the social conventions of society are a burden and her way of doing things seems to make a whole lot more sense.]

Alfarinn shrugged

[However, that is not one I am good at. I am a social creature and working in the public is what I do best. ]

He sensed unease from his companion and he really couldn't blame him but they couldn't back out now. They had more information about what happened than ever and there seemed to Alfarinn a real possibility of finding the killer given time.

[ We could. We'll just have to do things differently. Watch from a booth inside, perhaps? ] He had reservations about Thaddeus blending in with the crowd that frequented the House of Pain but he was Order of the Night so hopefully he was up to the task. Alfarinn still wasn't sure how much Thaddeus did publicly for them and how much he did that was research. If the boy was simply a book worm then this place was going to be serious shock.

Thaddeus smiled internally at Alfarinn's evaluation of Mai. It pleased him that he gave her credit for her good qualities, which so many wrote off as oddities.

[I think that may be the best option. Of course we cannot stop pursuing this lead to the killer; I only meant that this particular method is not ideal for us. While I can hide here fairly easily (though the more...subtle minded find my presence odd), it seems you will be noticed. No, our best bet is to...put on a performance.

It seems no one would find your presence inside suspicious in the least. I think a week ago I could have safely said that Anantya would die of shock if they heard word of me inside the House of Pain...but now they might take it in stride, as they likely believe I have a 'secret' interest that I could be meeting there.

People can believe whatever is easiest, and we can sit and watch.]

Alfarinn moved away from the wall he was standing near and came to a halt under the pipe Thaddeus was perched on.

[I think that is our best option and if people see us together, well, it wouldn't be the first time that clans have spoken or even had a drink with each other. I know Anantya is wary of such things but I doubt there will be as many in the House of Pain to see you and take notice.]

He smirked slightly

[Though there seems to be a bear of a man from Anantya in there now. Neither Simon or I am small so this person must be huge. If he takes a liking to the place you might be recognized. Of course, we'll have to help you fit in. I assume that won't be a problem?]

Alfarinn could foresee the issues this would cause already. Thaddeus wearing tight leather was a vision so out of character that he had difficulties even imagining it.

[Ah yes, that would be Talon. I am not certain of his business inside, though I suppose it's possible he fancies the House of Pain as his sort of place.]

Thaddeus mentally shrugged and did his best to keep the disapproval out of his voice. The brute was Anantya, after all, and Thaddeus preferred to keep a united front when the subject turned to other Clan members. He imagined the Evenhet would feel the same way.

[As for fitting in, good taste is always acceptable. All the average passerby will see are two well dressed gentlemen in the prime of life enjoying a drink.]

Thaddeus was unconcerned about blending in; his clothing was never outlandish, he was of an average height, and nothing about his appearance, aside from being extremely handsome, drew attention. The only thing that seemed to catch people's eyes in passing was his hair, which he doubted would be of much concern in the dark club.

Alfarinn, on the other hand, with his tall frame and long hair, simply wasn't made to blend in. Thaddeus reflected that even knowing the other man such a short time, he would know him anywhere.

[Alright then. Shall we head out of here for tonight and come back soon?] Alfarinn pondered the idea a moment. [I can obtain some suitable clothes and bring them by the apartment when we decide to meet next. Having been there I believe I can find things that will allow us to go unnoticed by most.]

He looked up at Thaddeus again. [If you're ready. I'll take us out of here.]

Thaddeus struggled to process the information Alfarinn presented to him. He hardly knew where to begin. Buy clothes? Ready to wear? And -Alfarinn- wanted to pick them out?

[What's wrong with the clothes I have? Anyway, that would just slow us down; takes -forever- to get a simple pair of slacks back from the tailor, even these days.]

The matter settled, he fluttered down to Alfarinn's shouder and perched there expectantly.

[And yes, thank you. Let us go before the ape over there tries to eat me for a snack. I certainly wouldn't put it past him, he looks hungry.]

Alfarinn sighed inwardly and began to head towards the exit, careful to keep steady for the bird on his shoulder.

[Well... Oh, never mind. You'll see.]

There was simply no used explaining any further. He'd simply bring clothes to fit the man and have that discussion when the time came. Perhaps he should bring photos of the interior of the House of Pain just so he was not disbelieved because Alfarinn could already sense that coming.

" This is no time for pranks, Alfarinn. Now, really get dressed so we can head out."

Sometimes he wondered just what cave the clan Anantya hid themselves in but then he remembered quite well what it was like. Alfarinn had always kept up with the times, studying for months if he had to. Getting down the speech and dress of each new age. He was a rarity among ancients though and he knew it.

He twisted is way over debris and puddles of water, hoping they could make it out without encountering any more rodents.

Now what is that supposed to mean, 'you'll see'?

Thaddeus didn't feel like arguing the point; it was more important to focus on staying on Alfarinn's shoulder, in his mind. He was eager to get out into the open air again and away from the sewers; the thought was almost enough to quell the feelings of disappointment with tonight's results.

Well. At least we know what -not- to do.

/ooc Thaddeus out with Alfarinn