Debts Repaid

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alfarinn watched the blonde moving in front of him appreciatively, still thinking the lack of the tight leather was a pity but he had to admit Thaddeus looked good. His companion seemed to be feeling better about this trip also. Their purpose here didn't elude him but it was good to see Thaddeus looking more at ease in the place.

The earlier pursuits went well enough though Alfarinn was reminded why he bought his supplies through Meridian. Waiting was an annoying novelty for him. There was no help for it though, they couldn't afford to get everything from Evenhet, in fact, the cameras were plenty. It was interesting to watch Thaddeus with the computer but what the sales representative did not know was just how bright the Anantya was. Alfarinn knew that it wouldn't be long before his intelligent companion was surfing the net and telling -him- things he'd found.

He nodded at Max on the way in, placing a hand on the man's shoulder with a smile as he passed through the door, the problem had been solved and generally Alfarinn wasn't one to hold a grudge.

Staying close to Thaddeus as they entered and headed to the bar, he bent his head down slightly to hear his companion over the thumping music. He resisted the urge to place an arm around him, contenting himself with leaning slightly against Thaddeus as they maintained a place at the counter despite the constant jostle of people.

"Do you now?" Alfarinn grinned. "Are you ordering then?"

Thaddeus tilted his head and looked up at Alfarinn curiously. It was only natural, in his mind, only polite, for him to order drinks. The Evenhet had been kind enough to take care of such matters the first time and Thaddeus would do him the same courtesy. Shrugging internally at the other man's reaction, coupled with that grin, he inclined his chin solemnly and turned his attention to the bar.

The bartender appeared to pay him no mind as he bustled back and forth filling orders. Thaddeus caught on quickly enough; by the time the second person mysteriously pulled ahead of him as he watched, he realized this was every man for himself. He caught the bartender's eye and ordered quickly before he could escape.

Two assisted suicides.

The bartender turned his back to him and began fixing the drinks. He was not exactly sure what he had been expecting in the way of customer service, though he reasoned that it was not as though he wished to strike up a conversation with this man. What would he say? 'How is business?' 'Appears to be quite a crowd.' 'Have you seen a tall man with blue eyes that look like a nightmare?' Unsettled by his own thought, he leaned back against Alfarinn, assured by his presence.

Having limited knowledge of alcoholic beverages, he decided to play it safe and order something Alfarinn seemed to prefer. He did not, however, plan to have a second this time; he had partaken last time more out of nervousness than anything else, and by the time he had, to his surprise, drained the first drink, the second had seemed a good deal more reasonable. A drink in front of him to look less suspicious, nothing more.

The drinks in question were ready soon enough, and he looked back at Alfarinn, raising an eyebrow as he took the drinks in hand.

Lead the way?

Being in the company of a man who stood a head taller than the majority of the other club goers had its advantages, after all. Thaddeus felt they might as well use them; he tended to feel swallowed by this crowd.

Alfarinn watched as Thaddeus stood politely waiting for the bartender to speak to him. He was charmed as usual by his companion's manners and though it would be a simple thing to flag the man down Thaddeus said he was ordering and it would be rude of him to aid in it, besides he knew the blonde would catch the man's attention eventually. Thaddeus was nobility whether he wished to be called such or not, and the air of command came naturally to him, still polite but with the expectation of being noticed. Alfarinn personally believed it would be difficult for anyone -not- to notice Thaddeus. His way of carrying himself seemed to set him apart from the crowd, he was his own person and it was impossible to ignore.

He raised an eyebrow at the drink choice, wondering if Thaddeus had gotten used to them the last time. It seemed to him that his companion had not been very fond of the drinks but perhaps he was mistaken.

Nodding agreement, Alfarinn gently pushed and wound his way through the crowd. He headed for a booth, every now and then looking back to make sure the masses hadn't closed back in on top of the blonde following behind him.

He stood to the side and let Thaddeus enter first before sliding in behind him. Leaning closer than was strictly necessary, Alfarinn said

"Thank you for the drink."

Thaddeus had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from shivering at Alfarinn's voice in his ear. Perhaps, he thought, his own drink would prove useful after all. He took a sip, pulling a face once again at the taste. He had forgotten how those first few tastes had been before his senses were dulled. Recovering with a smile, he turned to his companion, resisting the urge to cover his hand with his own, and leaned in to speak.

I hope it is to your liking.

With that said, he let his eyes scan the club. From this vantage point, he noticed a door that was guarded discreetly by an impressively sized man. He watched for a moment to confirm what he was seeing, then looked over the club more carefully, more at the dark corners and recesses than the people this time. The doors were somewhat concealed; one probably wouldn't notice them if they weren't looking for them. He realized he had been fortunate in sighting the first door; he would not have noticed at all had his eyes been focused just a fraction of an inch in another direction. Thaddeus wondered if they ought to investigate.

This club is larger than I realized. He pointed at the most obvious of the doors, a hint of red in the shadows. Do you know where those lead?

Alfarinn leaned back with a sigh and picked up his drink. It was a comforting weight in his hand, giving it something to do other than reach out and touch the man next to him. He took a sip, contemplating ruefully that perhaps he was mistaken. He might drive himself mad -not- touching Thaddeus.

He smiled in satisfaction as the first swallow blazed a trail of fire down his throat. Not the strongest thing he'd ever drank but those weren't legal and probably not even very healthy for a human. He and Zone, his partner in crime, had decided at one point to see just how much alcohol a vampire could tolerate. It was an interesting week or two...from what he could remember of it.

Looking around at the crowd, he did not spot anyone meeting the description of the large blue eyed man. Alfarinn made a note of the tallest and largest people in the room and eyed them from time to time, keeping it random and quick, lest anyone decide he was asking for a fight.

He glanced over at where Thaddeus pointed and grinned. Leaning back over,he said.

"Private rooms for more...-personal- encounters. Want one?" Alfarinn raised his eyebrows innocently trying desperately to hide the smirk that was threatening to form. Turning more serious he stated. "This club caters to our kind, the establishment, some of whom aren't human, are most accommodating. Many use the rooms for a quick meal. They can then go right back to dancing, no inconvenience to their night." Alfarinn shrugged slightly and looked at Thaddeus. They had never discussed what they were and how it affected their daily lives, aside from their involvement with the clans. He wondered just how his companion chose his meals and how he went about feeding in general. There was drinking blood from a glass but Thaddeus was more sensual than he gave himself credit for and Alfarinn just couldn't see him enjoying such a meal on a daily basis. So that left most likely a human source and he wondered if it would make him jealous to watch. Alfarinn wasn't certain.

I will pass on the room, I think.

Thaddeus allowed himself to wonder exactly how Alfarinn knew the purpose of such rooms before firmly stamping the thought away. There were just some things that were in no way his business. He could not help but cringe a little at the concept in general, though. Something about slipping off to a room to feed in this place repelled him, though he supposed he was unusually particular in that respect.

That thought, though, gave him pause. Perhaps the younger vampire crowd had the right of it; they were eating, staying in good health and not neglecting themselves, which was wise of them. While one would think they could pull away from the club's activities long enough to maintain themselves, perhaps it was an improvement over being so wrapped up in a project that feeding simply slipped the mind.

The idea of feeding being handled with anything other than the greatest of discretion, though, was off putting in more ways than one. His own motives for prudence were complicated at best, but he felt there were reasons beyond the personal for keeping certain vampire ways secret. Private rooms or no, it seemed this crowd had far less concern for revealing their kind than they ought. And that led only to trouble.

The lack of caution worries me, frankly. I shudder to think of the consequences for our kind if the wrong human should encounter this club.

In any case, I suppose there is no need to investigate that area further.

Thaddeus turned the mostly full glass in his gloved hands, anxious to be doing -something-. He had half hoped there would be a reason to explore the club in greater depth just to be moving, rather than lying in wait.

He reminded himself to be patient. Normally he was more disciplined than this, but he felt somehow pressed for time in this matter. He knew this was partly because soon he and Alfarinn would need to reveal their involvement to their respective Clans, which may cause unpredictable results. He was both anxious to have the secret off his chest and concerned about revealing it, and the conflict only made him want to push harder toward their goal.

Alfarinn grinned at Thaddeus's answer, which was as expected. He brushed his hand across his companion's thigh, squeezing briefly before letting go. "Sometimes they are used for private meetings. Discussions that aren't as easily done out here in the open. "

He frowned in thought of some of the things he'd seen in passing behind the closed doors, on his way to a meeting with various people that his duties required of him. Some vampires were more flippant and cruel than they had any right to be. Alfarinn never understood some of the interests of his kind but over the years you had to turn a jaded eye to some of the cruelties vampires committed in the name of feeding in order to save your energy for larger battles. It still always sat wrong with him, humans weren't simply cattle and every undead in the place had once been one. How hard was that to remember?

Turning back to Thaddeus at his companion's words, Alfarinn sighed.

"We are a myth, and many more of the ones prowling around here pretending to bite people and with their outlandish costumes and fake fangs are humans. Most of our kind are more subtle. " He took a swallow of his drink and watched the crowd. "Certainly not all but the very obvious nature of the place covers what we are. You could bare your fangs and declare yourself as an immortal and no one would even blink. Do I agree with such practices? No.. even I, an Evenhet, do not."

He smiled faintly at Thaddeus knowing that here was a core difference in their clans. It was something they would probably never agree on. "It makes us a side show. There is no respect here, we are a spectacle. There cannot be a working relationship between humans and vampires when both are not taken seriously. Humans have rights, they aren't simply food and vampires are more than monsters with bad dental plans. Evenhet tends to be more responsible in its involvement with mortals, we have a very long time to see our plans through and we aren't about to rush into anything. Some though... Youth, they enjoy the power and the novelty. It wears off or it fades. One just hopes they don't cause too much chaos before either thing happens. Sometimes damage control has to be done. " Many times he was the one sent to do it, though thankfully Megan generally took care of punishing the vampires responsible for dangerous indiscretions, Alfarinn was responsible for dealing with the humans of such mistakes, deciding with his empathy and observation how best to handle them. He could go on about the topic of the two races for hours but it was a debate that probably wouldn't ever be resolved with an Anantya and he'd rather not argue with Thaddeus.

"Is there something else you'd like to do? We could...dance, that would allow us to mingle in the crowd."

Thaddeus relaxed at Alfarinn's tactful explanation and quite pleasant touch. When the Evenhet continued, though, he could not help but frown thoughtfully, his mind lingering in particular over the other man's final words.

'Sometimes damage control has to be done.'

Thaddeus could understand that well enough. He had some amount of experience with the consequences of vampires acting recklessly toward mortals. Severe consequences. He had, in fact, dedicated a fair portion of himself to keeping the secrets of his Clan, and by consequence his kind, safe, and had little patience for blatant disregard of their safety.

The trouble was, in his eyes, that vampires were at a tactical disadvantage. He personally saw little hope in a situation where humans could, and more than likely would, dedicate their numbers to wiping out every vampire on the planet given the knowledge and opportunity, but vampires could not respond in kind. They simply needed mortals more than mortals needed them. Humans had no real reason to work with Vampires and cultivate better relations between the races, and Thaddeus was suspicious of the idea of any mortal claming interest in cooperation.

Hiding in plain sight cannot last indefinitely. I suppose we can only hope as the current generation of vampires matures, they will see the importance of keeping their kind safe from a human's idea of race relations. While it may be entertaining to some to believe humans see us as a novelty, the hatred for our kind is as real as the contempt some vampires feel for mortals.

He sighed, realizing that debating the matter was likely a losing proposition. Neither man was likely to change his mind in this. Instead, he answered Alfarinn's invitation, as he should have simply done from the beginning.

In any case, I cannot turn down the offer of a dance. It is a weakness of mine, I confess.

This will, you understand, be a new experience for me. Not the first you have shown me by any means. I just feel compelled to forewarn you, or your toes.

Or perhaps my true weakness is simply Alfarinn himself. I must be out of my mind, dancing here.

Thaddeus had no wish to come down on what in Alfarinn's case were truly well intentioned ideals. A part of him hoped the other man could understand his point of view, or at least credit him for being equally well intentioned, but he understood they would not agree on nearly everything. Another part believed that if anyone could manage to make better race relations a reality, it was Alfarinn, though history proved such figures were often too short lived for comfort.

Alfarinn reminded himself again that he was not going to argue. This was a debate that they probably didn't need to have at all, much less have in the middle of a club. He'd far rather, if it were ever to be discussed, that it was done in the privacy of the apartment where he could wrap his arms around Thaddeus and assure him that their differing opinions didn't cause him offense and that he intended none himself. It was just in his nature to love to debate and he knew his companion had a keen intelligence, along with the ability to express himself quite well. Alfarinn would always respect Thaddeus's opinion, he couldn't admire the man as much as he did and not pay heed to his companion's beliefs.

He frowned as Thaddeus's words replayed in his mind, not that they were wrong, on the contrary, there -were- humans that hated vampire kind. It was simply an odd view to take. Not even Anantya's normal stance, which seemed to be 'humans are beneath us', 'not to be trusted' and 'not worth dealing with except as food', no, this was stated as mortals hated vampires and not the other way around. It seemed to Alfarinn that this opinion had to have come from personal experience and it pained him to think what the man beside him might have suffered to have given him such an outlook on humans. There was a renewed feeling of pride along with sadness when he contemplated his companion's past, Thaddeus had been a vampire child, orphaned by one of the worst kinds of tragedies, who's unlife continued to bring hardship and yet he had come through these years with dignity and honor, still passionate, if wary, and so full of life. Alfarinn, who had shut down, and wanted to simply have it all end, was utterly amazed by his companion's inner strength.

He leaned forward, all inclination to debate having vanished with his musing, and murmured in Thaddeus's ear.

"Remind me later to tell you just how remarkable you are."

That Thaddeus agreed to dance with him would have come as a surprise to some, perhaps even to himself at some earlier point but Alfarinn was very much aware that there was no way to label the man next to him, nor did he want to. He smiled quietly and slid from the booth, turning back to reach out a hand to Thaddeus.

Alfarinn led them both to a reasonable gap in the dancing crowd, hoping to at least start with a bit of room before they were jostled by strangers. Placing his hands on Thaddeus hips, he sighed and pulled him close enough for them to occasionally brush together as they moved to the loud driving rhythm.

And then his phone went off.

He wrapped an arm around Thaddeus, not willing to let him go, while he fetched the slender silver device. Reading the caller ID display, caused his brow to crease in concern. He turned the phone around for Thaddeus to read before he flipped it open to answer it.

" This is a surprise. Something troubling you?" Out of habit he made no mention of the man's name though this day and age it rarely mattered when the call itself would be easier to trace.

"This is a surprise. Something troubling you?"

Simon barely heard Alfarinn's voice over the music, although his voice was unblievable loud and in stereo. He blinked and listened into his phone.

He heard music.

'Alfarinn, sorry to bother you but...where are you, are you in House of Pain?' Simon looked around, checking the booths when suddenly his eyes landed on the blonde vampire standing in the sea of gyrating bodies. He was standing close to another man who did not seem to fit the leather wearing type. Simon was most definitely curious.

He hugged Thaddeus reassuringly as his head turned in search for the Tacharan. It wasn't difficult to spot him, Simon was only a couple of inches shorter than Alfarinn and stood out equally well over the tops of most people's heads.

"Why no, I'm sitting at home, getting ready for bed, enjoying a spot of tea. You know me, I hardly ever go out." He grinned over at the man from where he stood.

Alfarinn led them both towards Simon, flipping the phone closed once he'd reached the Tacharan. With a nod of his head, he indicated the booth they had just left, as he continued to pick a path through the crowd.

He let Thaddeus in first and then slid in beside him, laying on hand on his thigh. There was no point in hiding their involvement from Simon who had already seen them, so Alfarinn wasn't going to bother trying, it would only make things stand out more quickly to the Tacharan.

"What can I do for you, Simon?"

Simon could see Alafrinn's partner eyes darting around. Inwardly he smiled embarassed as he sat down across from the two. He was checking for the exits, Simon concluded. He put his hands up on the table and turned his palms up. They were empty, no guns, no daggers and it hoped it would put them at ease.

'I was curious about something from the other night.' He leaned forward so he didnt have to raise his voice too high. 'Its regarding what I asked you about in the sewers.' Simon then turned to look at Alafrinn's companion. 'Let me first introduce myself to your friend, I dont believe we've met.' Reaching out, Simon offered his hand to the other blonde. 'I'm Simon Huntington of Tacharan.'

Thaddeus raised an eyebrow, surprised and somewhat relieved at the show of good faith. Of course, he wouldn't lower his guard, but such displays should be reciprocated if either party hoped to accomplish anything. He slipped off his right glove and took the offered hand.

Thaddeus Grey of Anantya.

He let the handshake linger, pulling his fingertips along the inside of Simon's palm, taking in the texture of his skin.

Not him. Directly, anyway. But there is a reason he is so concerned with that ring, even if he did not touch it himself.

Well met.

He removed the other glove and rested both hands on the tabletop. The ground was as equal as he could make it; he wondered what Simon would do with it.

Alfarinn was comforted by the hand covering his own, at least Thaddeus wasn't going to push him away this time, right now he could use that small bit of contact. He didn't expect there to be trouble with Simon but the man would do anything for Ellis and if there was one person on this earth that could cook up a scheme, it was that woman. So, he'd rather have Thaddeus close to him, able to signaled if they needed to leave in a hurry and reassured if necessary. Plus, it helped him think, not that he could forget the blonde was sitting so close to him but the tactile reminder let his brain know that he couldn't afford to play as fast and loose, caution to the wind, as he sometimes might.

He watched them both as they got their introductions out of the way, each seeming to take the measure of the other, Alfarinn was darkly amused at how their kind always seemed to circle each other like wary animals. Being a creature that hunted as a necessity made one wary...or dead. Trust was earned, not assumed, such was their way.

"So what about the other night?" Alfarinn took another swallow of his drink and held it up to Simon in question. "Can we get you anything?"

Simon's eyes flicked towards Alfarinn when Thaddeus mentioned Anantya. He watched Thaddeus take off his black glove and then shake his hand, lingering as he pulled away. He had seen that before and he was pretty sure he had seen Thaddeus before, only as a small white dove in an otherwise dank, dirty place. Thaddeus was psychometric or an empath, he hadn't quite decided yet although he didnt know of any Anantya that were empathic.

Simon laced his fingers and smiled. 'I can only imagine why the both of you would want the ring as well.' He paused. 'But let me assure you, Tacharan does not want it but we were inadvertently drawn in by another source. I just want to know what is going on and how it will affect us.'

Alfarinn blinked once in shock, processing what Simon just said. He -did- say what he thought he said?...yes. What in all hell was going on here? It seemed like everyone knew about this and the two people most unaware of what was taking place all around them were him and Thaddeus. Alfarinn was getting the uneasy feeling of a person who was being played, he didn't like it at all, and it was time to end the game if at all possible.

"Unfortunately, I don't have it. I believe you know as well as I do that Mai found it. It is still in the hands of Clan Anantya."

He sighed and thought about his answer a moment, squeezing Thaddeus's hand gently in reassurance. 'The truth shall set you free' Alfarinn mused dryly, before saying.

"My own involvement came about because I knew the owner of the ring." And was a prime suspect, odd how these things turn out. " Perhaps we can help each other out?"

He concentrated on sensing his companion before saying anything more, this affected Thaddeus most of all, the ring in question was his now, not to mention, he had the most at stake, in Alfarinn's mind. Simon might be able to give them the information they were looking for and he already knew about the ring, there was not much reason to withhold anything else. Still Alfarinn would rather know his companion's thoughts on it so he knew just how much to say.

Again Simon opened up his hands, facing the palms up. 'I dont expect all to be revealed here, but Alafrinn you and I have known each other a long time. I may be Ellis' pet, but I'm no liar and scheming just doesn't do it for me.' He grinned.

'I offer quid pro quo.' Simon wasn't sure just how valuable his information would be to Alafrinn but he had no loyalty to The Wolf. He would let the motherfucker swing and do it with a smile. 'First, what is the ring's importance?'

Thaddeus took a moment simply to recover from the shock of Simon's blunt statements before he could think beyond that. His information came as both a devastating blow and the first ray of hope in this investigation. Simon knowing his other form stung, and he could only imagine Sorin's reaction to that piece of bad news. His mention of a third party, however, was more than noteworthy.

Well. He cut to the heart of the matter.

He couldn't help but wonder, though, if Simon was really as direct as he seemed; underneath the forward leap in conversation was a silver tongue. He was fortunate, then, that Alfarinn was just as clever with his words. Neither party, at this point, was giving away more than they had to in order to get something in return; a careful give and take could prove beneficial to everyone, but the conversation would be more delicate than either man's bluntness appeared on the surface.

Thaddeus turned his hand over and laced his fingers with Alfairnn's before speaking to Simon.

I do not pretend to know what your 'source' told you, but the ring benefits no one save its owner. I am afraid without knowing the exact nature of your involvement with the ring, there is little else I can tell you regarding how it will ultimately effect your clan.

Simon leaned back and propped one arm over the back of the booth. He shrugged. 'I was only asked to help recover it for someone. Tacharan is not interested in the ring, only why the participants involved seem to find it so important. We didnt ask to be brought in but now that we are, its my duty to make sure there is no black lash for the clan.'

Simon looked back and forth between the two men. 'You would do the same.' He wondered just then if Sorin's conversation with Ellis would lead to blood shed. He mentally rolled his eyes. Of course it would with those two. Simon knew Sorin. If there was a counterpart to Ellis, it was Sorin. The two mixing would be very bad.

Alfarinn mused over what Simon had said and quite frankly he had no idea why someone would want it. The ring passed hands from one man to another after Emma's death. Someone wanted it but why? The only thing Alfarinn could think of is that it was known to be hers, he would have thought it was simply proof of a deed done. So why is someone looking for it now? The only conclusion he could draw was that they were hoping the ring would lead them to the lost heir... Thaddeus. It scared him and he tightened his hold on his companion until he realized what he was doing. They thought they were looking for someone that might be looking for them but in all honesty Alfarinn had believed the murderer was not so dedicated to the search after all these years. He felt that eventually if they were not careful the killer would be on to them and they'd be in more danger. This was much worse than that, the killer or the second man was likely to be actively pursuing Thaddeus. His overly helpful mind supplied the fact that if something happened to the Anantya then he, dealing so closely with him and being suspected of the first murder, would be one of the best people to frame. That wasn't going to happen though because he wouldn't allow any harm to come to the blonde, even if he had to follow him 24/7.

"I don't see the importance of it, truthfully. It was meant to be passed down from one generation to the next. It wouldn't do anyone else any good. Thaddeus is quite correct and honest there. Would you happen to know why they wanted it? As for Clan Anantya's reason, it belonged to an Anantya and has been returned to them. Evenhet has no quarrel with that, nor any caring to claim it. We are here to clear our names with any involvement in the whole situation regarding its disappearance from their clan." He looked down at the hand entwined with his own. It might have started out that way, though Emma was his friend and he would have chased this killer down for her sake without Evenhet being the one blamed for it, but it has become so much more. Alfarinn ran his thumb along the inside of Thaddeus's palm thoughtfully before looking back up at Simon.

"So yes, I'd do the same. I know you'd deal fairly with me, unless it was necessary for Tacharan that you did otherwise. I think that would be a rare situation and one I'd prefer not to see. So perhaps we should pool our resources here?" At this he looked at his companion. "If that is agreeable to everyone involved. I feel we each have a piece of a puzzle that we are trying to make sense of."

Simon considered Alafrinn's words. He would much rather be in league with the devil than be The Wolf's lackey. What a strange sight they must've made. The Evenhet with his Anantya chatting with the foul Tacharan.

Yes this arrangement would do.

'The source seems to think that the ring is lost from its owner and that it,' his eyes went from Alafrinn to Thaddeus, 'belongs to him.' Simon brought his arm down and put both his hands in his lap. 'He has promised us the names of,' he looked around, trying to think of the word, 'undesirables amongst our ranks.' Simon bristled at the thought. 'Tacharan is in a bit of a pickle, so to speak. He is helping us rectify a misfortunate act of betrayal.'

He had already decided from the beginning he would be honest with Alafrinn. A forked-tongue was not his strong suit. That worked for Ellis, but for Simon his honor carried more weight than his fist. At least he hoped it did.

Thaddeus felt the pressure of Alfarinn's grip on his hand, and wondered if the other man was somehow sensing his darker thoughts. He almost wanted to pull away, to spare the Evenhet, but he, with a sense of admitted selfishness, held on.

He let the two men's words wash over him, his head bowed in concentration. It was somewhat less complicated for Alfarinn and Simon to enter into an alliance; they had a history together, and were both leaders of their respective clans. Thaddeus was not, and as he mulled over the implications of the two men's comments, he began to realize that he was, perhaps, deeply in over his head.

Simon's source did not want the ring. Thaddeus thought it clear that the Tacharan had been misled to believe that for some manipulative purpose. The source wanted something else.

Thaddeus thought he had a reasonably good idea of what that might be.

First Evenhet is framed for Emma's death, and now Tacharan enters the fold. And someone is coming for me. Who will Anantya blame for my death? Who would believe Simon if he claimed he intended to reward a killer with a useless ring?

He halfheartedly reminded himself that he was not going to die. In fact, dying right now would be incredibly inconvenient for vampire kind at the moment, considering it could very well cause a bloody clan war the likes of which eternity had yet to witness.

He was not entirely certain of how much of this he should share with the two men. Alfarinn would be concerned, and who knew what Simon would do? Strike preemptively?

He lifted his head, looked up into Simon's eyes, and spoke, almost tiredly.

You were misled.

He should take everything to the Anantya Elders. The entire plot. He had been foolish to think this was no more than a personal mission, and the scale of it had blown up in everyone's faces. He had no right...

Didn't he, though? It was not as though Simon and Alfarinn could simply walk away from this now, much as Thaddeus regretted their current situation. Should he hand this over to the Anantya Elders now, they would be trapped in an endless circle of mistrust.

No. Thaddeus had put them into this situation, and he would do what he could to see them out of it as well.

Your source is possibly quite dangerous indeed. I do not believe he intends to help you, at least not in the scheme of things. He has lied to you about the ring; it does not belong to him and holds no use for him.

He paused to gauge their reactions. He had little doubt that they would make the connection eventually, but it was best to tread very carefully right now. Avoiding all out war was a delicate matter, after all.

'Your source is possibly quite dangerous indeed. I do not believe he intends to help you, at least not in the scheme of things. He has lied to you about the ring; it does not belong to him and holds no use for him.'

Simon nodded, 'Yeah I hadn't guessed he was being truthful. I dont see why a raging psycho vampire that has a penchant for killing his own kind would want a ring.' Again Simon put his hands on the table and turned his palms up.

'So the question is, why would he want me to tell him who has it and more importantly, why does he want that person dead?' He looked at Thaddeus. An uneasy feeling was telling him that the person in question was him. Simon could see the affection between the men. He also saw the pain of possible loss shadowing them. It didnt take an empath to see that this was not a casual fling between them.

'Wouldnt it also be safe to assume that someone has put this idea in his head and again...who was that person?' Simon shook his head, 'No this man is led by deceit and anger. Someone fucked with it like a kid with a stick and a wasp nest.'

Alfarinn realized that the emotions he was feeling had a mirror in his companion. He didn't know what Thaddeus was thinking but it was likely similar to his own line of reasoning which was a disturbing conclusion. He wrapped his arm around his companion's shoulders, taking his other hand off his glass and entwining it with Thaddeus's

Listening to the tired resignation in the Anantya's voice was painful, he could only hope that Thaddeus wouldn't do something rash in this, the man had an incredible sense of responsibility which might even go too far and he didn't want to see him decide to save them all trouble by putting himself at risk instead. Alfarinn then reminded himself that this was his foolish habit and not the Thaddeus's.

" So you think someone is using this person, who kills his own kind?" Alfarinn shivered slightly at the thought of such a mind and whatever trauma would make such a person.

"Its possible...hmm...You're supposed to return the ring. What if we had a duplicate made? Unless they had someone able to sense such things they'd never know. We could see what your source did with it once you gave it to him -if- it is the ring he is truly after. If not, then we can watch what happens next. Either way, this person would have to eventually lead us to who ever he is working with if this is not his own plan."

This was turning out better and worse than he'd thought. Alfarinn just hoped that with their combined information it would be enough to lead them to the murder and his accomplice, if that is what the second person was, before the killer got to them.

Thaddeus wondered when he and Alfarinn's show of affection had changed from an act for the club to an open comfort, and decided it likely did not matter. Maybe it never was anything else. Simon did not seem offended, or interested really, and at this point Thaddeus wasn't certain he would have let go if he was.

He inwardly flinched at Simon's statements. Cutting to the heart of matters once again. Still, the Tacharan seemed to be handling things with patience and thought, which was assuring. And Alfarinn was still as sharp as ever, which is what they all needed.

He wondered at the theory that the source was working with someone. Thaddeus supposed it was possible, reasonable even; Simon had described this man as a "raging psycho,"Â? not at all the sort who could meticulously plan this out himself. Driven by deceit and anger...Thaddeus frowned. It would explain a great deal if this source turned out to be the killer they were looking for initially; the killer and his accomplice had tried to frame Evenhet once before, which could have led to war. This seemed like more of the same, and gave a clear motive for Emma's death. Still, a plan of that scale and with that amount of time between killings seemed somewhat far fetched. Thaddeus put that thought to the back of his mind to allow it time to simmer, and looked up Simon.

An accomplice is a good possibility, though you know your source better than I.

He looked to Alfarinn.

A duplicate is a good idea. However...Thaddeus bit his lip thoughtfully before he remembered that Simon was across the table watching his nervous habits. A part of him was protesting that what he was about to propose was simply not an option, but he would and had given up more....I know I certainly would not want to be the once facing this source should he have an ability to judge a fake.

I think we should explore the possibility of giving him the real thing. This source clearly takes no issue with killing vampires and has, if Simon's beliefs are correct, done it before, and...

Thaddeus cut himself off, realizing what he was saying. 'An accomplished killer.' Was it possible....

...it doesn't seem worth the risk when we have safer bait to begin with.

I would, of course, have every intention of getting the ring back to its proper place. In the scheme of things, though, it is...Thaddeus would have said 'a small price to pay,' but the idea rang so false in his thoughts....worth it.

How much time do we have, Simon? When is your source expecting results?

Alfarinn looked down at Thaddeus. He had not offered the use of the ring because it was not his to bargain with but he was touched that Thaddeus would care for even a stranger's life enough to part with something of that much value to him. It might be returned but it might be lost and yet his companion was willing to part with it to keep Simon safe... or safer, anyway.

"That is perhaps the wisest plan, It is good of you to be willing to consider that option. I know that it has been lost for a long time."

He gave Thaddeus a slight sad smile, Alfarinn was proud of him, as always. This was the man who once told him he was unkind? Alfarinn felt this is one of those times that proves he was correct in believing otherwise.

"We'd need to know who we are following, of course, if the ring is to be given up, so that we have a way of getting it back. This would solve your problem in the deal you have with this person. He will then be obligated to help you with the traitors in your midst once you give him the ring, at which time, you've done your part. If he should later lose the ring..." Alfarinn shrugged and smiled. "It would be no fault of Tacharan's.

Simon thought over the time frame. The Wolf would probably be back in several days, maybe a week or two at the latest. He made a face and said, 'Considering he just left here not a half hour ago, I'd say no more than 2 weeks.'

Simon was perplexed by the fact that they had not heard of The Wolf and his antics. He was a vampire killer. Maybe Tacharan was as seedy as people said it was. Then again, why would an ancient and an empathic know about their killing lifestyle. He would have to tread carefully, but hiding information wasn't going to help them.

'I'm curious.' He started slowly, 'I assumed you both knew who I was referring to.' His eyebrows furrowed. 'You are aware of The Wolf, correct?'

Thaddeus regarded Alfarinn's somewhat sad smile with a vague sense of guilt. He hoped his offer did not pain the Evenhet too much, considering he had known Emma so well. He realized that it likely brought Alfarinn some happiness to see the Maker's Ring in its rightful place. Still, the Evenhet seemed to understand the need and put his own feelings aside, which is what Thaddeus needed. He had to admit that Alfarinn's support was a relief.

He shook his head at Simon's query, perplexed.

Not I.

He looked over at Alfarinn, confusion marking his features. Clearly this was an individual of some notoriety, yet he had never heard that particular pseudonym before. Then, he generally stayed out of those circles, at least in recent years. Sorin would probably know of him, and Thaddeus once again contemplated getting the Anantya Elders involved. At the very least Mai.

Frustrated that they had been so close to seeing the source face to face, he paused long enough in his mental cursing to take a sip of his still mostly full drink.

Alfarinn fought the urge to pull Thaddeus closer to him. He hadn't heard much of anything about the man called the Wolf and that was the problem. He wasn't an idiot, Megan kept things from him, her dealings that she felt he was better off not knowing. It left his conscience free, in her mind anyway, He fought her on it a long time ago but realized that he really was better off -not- knowing, she was right, as usual. Megan's choices were hard and some things weren't exactly upright or just but she did them for her clan. Her means may not always be his but Alfarinn knew where Megan's heart was and that was with her clan.

When Alfarinn heard hushed mention of the name it was purely by accident, a slip of the tongue from an aid when explaining to him why Megan couldn't meet with him. Casual inquiries didn't tell him much other than the man was dangerous, a killer, short term thug, not to be trusted. After that.. Alfarinn didn't -want- to know. Now he wished he'd paid more attention and he hoped the price for his semi-clean conscience wasn't going to be too high.

"Very little, reputation only. We did not know who was after the ring only that someone was." Alfarinn sighed and took another swallow of his drink, staring at the glass thoughtfully for a moment before asking. "Can you tell us more about who we are likely to be dealing with?"

Simon sneered and that wasn't even 1/10th of what he felt about who they were dealing with. 'The Wolf has a penchant for speaking in third person. "The Wolf needs help. The Wolf needs the ring. The Wolf wants its precious." It's seriously very annoying.'

He lifted his hands and sighed. 'He's very much the demented soul. Vengence is his life. Retribution is all he seems to think about and his need to kill vampires,' Simon shook his head and sat foward. 'Listen, we all know how dangerous it is to be a clanless vampire. Hunted down and harvested is a walk in the park compared to The Wolf's need to feed on vampire blood. He has this...innate desire to decimate his own kind and for whatever reason, he wants whoever has the ring and he will not stop.'

Leaning back Simon looked at both the men. His heart, what was left of his human heart, went out to them both. He wasn't aware of Alafrinn even having someone for something other than just company. He knew Alafrinn would want to protect Thaddeus.

Simon shook his head slowly, 'The Wolf is very old. The ancient stink about him is thick.' He paused. 'He also can summon a pet. We're dealing with the devil's plaything and I can only imagine who's holding the leash.'

Alright. We know what we're dealing with.

Thaddeus had expected to feel some twist of fear at Simon's description. Perhaps he was merely stunned at the horror the Tacharan described. He mentally pinched himself. It was somewhat odd to him, to be discussing his potential killer calmly over drinks in the House of Pain.

He did rather wish Alfarinn hadn't heard that, but so far the Evenhet had been so focused and helpful, and being near him kept him in the needed frame of mind.

He bit back a barb about the company Simon chose to keep, though he wondered what the Tacharan could have been thinking.

I can see why you would want to part company with him. He seems to be a very...he gave Alfarinn a pointed look...bitter vampire.

Thaddeus was becoming increasingly suspicious. Simon's description sounded very much like a bitter killer who murdered vampires for personal reasons, which is just what they were looking for.

He was strongly tempted to ask about The Wolf's eyes, but realized that he might not get the accurate reaction he was looking for. It would be better to keep the questions general and not lead Simon into an expected reaction. If The Wolf was indeed Emma's killer, his eyes would be remembered without Thaddeus pointing it out, he was sure of it.

Is there anything else of note regarding The Wolf?

'Is there anything else of note regarding The Wolf?' Asked Thaddeus.

'Well he's about six foot or so. Black hair, blue eyes. Fairly well tanned for a vampire.' Simon shrugged, 'He has a tracking ability but I would assume he's of Anantya blood. Like I said he can summon and is very old.'

Simon snapped his fingers, 'His name is Lykaios.'

I do not recognize his true name, and I know Anantya lineage overall with an intimacy few others can claim. Nor do his features stand out to me in particular.

In any case, we have at best a fortnight.

Thaddeus blinked, the discussion with Alfarinn coming back to him.

'Mind keeping me to yourself for a fortnight?'

He shook the memory away and pulled his notepad out of one of his cargo pockets, his pen out of the other, and wrote out his mobile phone number, sliding the paper over to Simon's side of the table.

So you can contact me when The Wolf returns. I will give you the ring to give to him at that point, if we are agreed that giving him the ring and hoping he leads us to his conspirator is the best option.

And I would lay eyes on him for myself.

There was really no other way to be certain of The Wolf's identity and whether he was also responsible for Emma's death.

In the meantime, I suggest we come up with a method for following his movements once he has the ring in hand, and use what time we have to make arrangements.

And I will have arrangements of my own to make. Just in case.

Thaddeus felt his jaw tighten in determination as he regarded Simon.

You should know that I have every intention of seeing that ring back in Anantya's hands. Furthermore, I will do everything I can to ensure The Wolf's target survives. I would suggest ensuring you are quite thoroughly done dealing with The Wolf before the ring exchanges hands. He may well be of little help to you when this is over.

He gave Alfarinn's hand a squeeze that he hoped was reassuring in spite of his darker words.

'One more thing.' Simon was wondering about an ancient that Ellis mentioned in her conversation with Sorin. 'Why would Morrigan bring up Emma to Sorin? It was something Ellis mentioned regarding her conversation with Sorin tonight.' He never heard her mentioned before and Ellis just said it in passing. He wondered if she had something to do with the ring possibly since it seemed Morrigan made it a point to mention Emma to Sorin. If only as information to tuck into his mental file about Anantya, he was now curious about all the names being uttered in this wild weave of intrigue.

Simon grinned, 'Quid pro quo, gentlemen. I have been more than gracious with my information here tonight.' He held his hands open again, waiting.

And the silver tongue strikes again. What does he know?

Thaddeus might have been angry if not for the oddity of the question. He scanned his memory of the conversation, trying to recall if Emma had been brought up, but he was certain neither Alfarinn nor himself had mentioned her by name. Was this an innocent non-sequitur? Thaddeus doubted it. Simon knew something, though what, specifically, was difficult to say. Why were Sorin and Morrigan speaking to Ellis? He was surprised to find himself more mystified than annoyed, though there was an undercurrent of irritation in his answer.

And yet it would seem you know more information than you let on. Interesting, that.

Thaddeus reasoned that the same could be said of him and Alfarinn, but dammit, Simon did not need to know about this. However, he was not really in a position to dictate what Simon "needed to know,"Â? and he knew it. If Simon knew something about Emma that he did not, it was critical to get that out in the open.

Thaddeus pinched the bridge of his nose in distress, realizing now that it was probably a mistake to snap at Simon. The topic of Emma had a tendency to make him less than rational and this slip in decorum could prove detrimental indeed. The best he could do was to offer what scant information he had as a peace offering. He schooled himself to be calm, and found that he already was.

I could not tell you why Morrigan mentioned Emma to Sorin, particularly in Ellis's presence, without knowledge of the context of the conversation. I would venture to guess it was more of their usual idle banter.

In any case, I doubt the conversation was relevant to the topic at hand. Neither Morrigan nor Sorin are aware of the ring's current situation. This began as a personal matter between Maker and Descendent, not an Anantya issue, and it has, to this point, remained so. And I would assure you, Tacharan has no reason to be concerned over Emma. She passed quite some time ago.

He mentally apologized for the blunt eulogy and hoped that answer would satisfy Simon. Without knowing what the Tacharan already knew and what he might want to know specifically, he was not sure what telling the entire story would solve except to kill more precious time. Additionally, Thaddeus felt he was already going out on a limb by essentially admitting that he did not have the Triad's backing. Simon likely -did- need to know that, though, and the part of him that wasn't busy feeling slightly ill at the turn this conversation had taken was relieved he had told the Tacharan where he currently stood with his Clan.

Simon sighed. Being Tacharan automatically labeled him as a forked-tongue devil with selfish desires and wants. Never thinking of anyone but himself and having no honor.

'You do me a disservice, Thaddeus.'

For years Simon has tried to be a model of a true Tacharan. If only for appearance sake. 'My clan is not my image and I do not wear it like a badge of honor. Nor do I think it gives me certain privileges being it's second in command. I would trust Alafrinn here could explain that I am a man of honor. Scheming and treachery are not my long suit. So I would ask you do me the favor of treating me as a man, rather than a vampire as I have done for you.'

Shaking his head, 'I do not trust your clan. Probably as much as you do not trust mine but know this. I have no desire to hand you over to the Wolf and gain empty favors for Tacharan.'

He looked Thaddeus in the eyes and in a soft, sad voice, 'If I could change things...really...change things...I would. This isn't about Tacharan or Anantya or even Evenhet. I am offering my help, do me the courtesy to see me for what I am, not what I'm labeled as.'

Simon again leaned forward, 'And I will do the same.'

Simon straightened and wiped the tops of this thighs, looking down a little flushed from his speech. He did not like the tone the young one was taking with him, but accepted it since Thaddeus had quite a bit more to lose trusting the wrong person.

Simon paused a moment, remember something The Wolf had said.

(previously from 'Cocktails and pain with The Wolf')

"A Ring belongs to a Wolf,"Â? The Wolf repeated, bitterly. "The Maker gave a Ring to a Wolf, but The Supplanter stole it from him, stole it and kept it for many years."Â?

Simon cleared his throat and continued. 'You said The Maker and the Descendant. He said the same thing, but about The Maker and The Supplanter. That the Supplanter stole the ring and kept it from him.'

Simon was growing tired of the cryptic phrases and mistrust. He wasn't sure this conversation could progress further, but waited on what Alafrinn would say.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oh. There is the fear.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

((ooc - Simon out))

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

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

He gave Alfarinn's thigh a light squeeze.

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

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

/ooc Thaddeus/Alfarinn out