Unexpected Vistor (w/permission)

Simon was in an unnatural state of rage. He had spent the good portion of his vampire life containing that rage, more out of necessity than his old human tendencies. He gripped the wheel as he thought about the events of the past several hours.

The beast missing. Marthinus having his heart attack. Ellis with Sorin doing or plotting god knows what.

His patience was wearing thin.

He sped his blue jaguar around the corner to the Manor, knowing Alfarinn and Thaddeus would be there and even if they weren't, he needed to find them and at the moment his rage wasn't allowing him to think straight.

Simon drove up the long winding road up to the Manor and slid along the gravel, taking the corners. His foot never left the gas pedal. As he passed the huge trees covering the front of the estate, he spied the front gates. Large, black and ornate.

He finally hit the brakes, stopping just inches from careening into the iron gates. He stepped out and felt the first drops of rain hitting him as he ran up to the security panel. Simon began to pound on it, signaling that there was a vistor at the gate. He did not stop pressing the announcement button until finally there was a screech.

Without waiting he yelled, 'THIS IS SIMON HUNTINGTON. I NEED TO SEE ALFARINN AND THADDEUS NOW. OPEN THE FUCKING GATES.'

He heard the cameras move to focus in on him. He could only imagine what they were thinking as they watched this known Tacharan vampire pounding on the front door of its highest opposer.

Simon didnt care, all bets were off and he would receive his revenge.

The Butler leaned back on the chair, his feet on the desk, and kept his ears open for any movements within the Manor. It would not do for any of the residents to see him lounge, but when one spent every waking hour (and some of his sleeping ones, he was sure) at other people's beck and call, well, frankly one's feet started to hurt.

The Butler was so focused on listening for footsteps that the much louder sound of the intercom buzzer nearly startled him out of his chair. He scowled at his end of the intercom device before picking up the receiver; after all, did these idiots really think pressing the button multiple times would incline him to move -faster-? He paused long enough to hear a screech of feedback, but before he could inquire on what jackass was interrupting his break, the answer came through loud and clear.

'I can hear you just fine. Moron.'

Yet another thought best kept to himself. He held the receiver a distance from his ear and typed in the command on his computer to reposition the camera above the intercom.

'How disgraceful.'

The Butler spoke in his most calm and polite tones, wondering if this Simon character would catch the irony and finding that he did not particularly care.

One moment please.

Just to add insult to injury, the rude jackass wanted to speak to the pompous jackass, which meant the Butler would have the unenviable honor of dealing with 'Lord Grey' as well. He didn't even know if the snot was home; he hadn't seen him around lately, come to think of it. Still, he would make an attempt at contact.

He pressed the intercom button for the little beast's quarters.

Thaddeus Grey?

From the hallway Thaddeus could hear the distant rumble of thunder, and remembered reading the weather report on his laptop. The rain would supposedly not let up until well into the morning. Over the sound of thunder, though, was a more present and consistent pounding, and he realized with dismay that Simon must be knocking loudly on the door.

[What in the hell has gotten into that man?]

Deciding that asking retorical questions of his companion, who walked alongside him, was likely a waste of time, he instead increased his pace.

He walked briskly down the hall and into the foyer, a hundred questions on his mind, and flung the door open not knowing which he would ask first. 'What the hell are you thinking?', 'Are you completely mad?', and 'Why in God's name didn't you just call?' all seemed fitting queries, but when he took in the sight of Simon, dripping wet and looking vaguely...feral...all such questions were driven from his mind.

My God, you look awful.

Simon did not wait to be asked in, but took several steps and almost grabbed Thaddeus by his jacket lapels. His eyes were large and he knew he was an awful sight, dripping water onto the delicate wooden floor.

'Give me the ring, I need the ring. You have to give me the ring now. I need it.' He rambled on like an addict begging for his fix. It was the only thing he could think about, other than Marthinus. He looked at both men, the startled looks on their faces. Thaddeus seemed repelled by Simon's mantra. The ring, I need the ring. I need to save Marthinus.

He stopped, trying to hold onto what composure he had left. This was unlike them, if not the extreme opposite of his normal self. Cool, collected and to the point, Simon babbled like a baby. Admonishing himself he continued.

'I'm sorry...I...would've called but,' he took out the yellow phone, knowing its color was enough to have him committed at this point, 'my phone broke...I'm borrowing...' Simon gulped, tears now threatening his eyes. He was so out of control, why was he so out of control?

'Please, give me the ring,' he finally grabbed Thaddeus by his jacket, his eyes wild and his fangs pulsing in spite of his sorrow and pain.

Alfarinn would have mentally agreed with Thaddeus's statement but Simon came through the door and grabbed a hold of his companion demanding the ring like it was the only thing that would keep him alive.

He put one hand on Simon's arm gripping more forcefully than normal so that the man might pay attention for a moment and moved himself somewhat between the two of them. He quelled the over protective nature that suggested he do more than that at seeing a near insane vampire with a firm grasp on Thaddeus. This was Simon, Alfarinn reminded himself and this was not his normal behavior. An appeal to what senses the man had left seemed a better road to travel than unnecessary violence.

"Simon." Alfarinn's voice was calm. " We plan on giving you the ring. Slow down and explain what's going on... but not here. Remember where you are, man."

Alfarinn looked briefly around the entrance, knowing there was quite possibly cameras here. Using his other hand, he fumbled for his own phone and called the limo which he had asked to be waiting near the estate.

"The limo will be in a under a minute and we can take care of all this in there."

He regarded the Tacharan thoughtfully before sending to Thaddeus.

[Yes, I'd say something serious happened and he's on the verge of losing that last marble]

Thaddeus tilted his head and frowned softly, taking a step back at Simon's display before he found himself in the Tacharan's grasp. He was somewhat surprised that he did not immediately throw off the grip, even in spite of the other vampire's larger size. Showing up this way, banging on the doors, grabbing him, frantically demanding the ring....it was all so -unnecessary-, the disruption of it, the offense, the risk, that he was shocked into stillness for a moment before he realized what a frightening sight Simon was when he was angry.

A number of things crossed his mind at that point, though his only action was to keep eye contact with Simon. He thought of just how terrible this would all look to a passerby, and the emotion in the Tacharan's eyes, and the ridiculous color of the cell phone, and the ring in his pocket, and found he was quite at a loss for what to do next. His instincts told him to do whatever it took to get this man's hands -off of him-, but in truth he did not know how Simon would react to being pushed away. Or commanded away, but Thaddeus hoped they were not at that point just yet. In any case, there was something so distraught about the Tacharan's expression that he could not quite bring himself to react as strongly as he thought he probably needed to.

Fortunately for all involved, Alfarinn acted more quickly, moving between them with calm ease and speaking in a level tone. He nodded in agreement, calming himself and looking to Simon.

Alfarinn is right; you should not be here, it is not safe for you. We will work this out, trust us.

He looked out the window, watching for the limo, and turned back, straightening his now damp jacket. He was, in truth, somewhat shaken still.

[Anyone would think the man had a death wish, the way he came in here. Hell Alfarinn, I wasn't far from hitting him myself, and some here don't need a reason.]

He trusted Alfarinn's evaluation of the situation; he had, after all, known Simon a fair bit longer than he. Not for the first time, he was quite glad to have the Evenhet with him, for both his own reassurrances and Alfarinn's diplomatic abilities; he only hoped they would be enough to bring Simon back to some level of reality.

Before too long, the shiny black limo pulled up to the curb, behind the jaguar Thaddeus assumed belonged to Simon. He opened the door and nodded to Simon and Alfarinn, indicating they should go.

Simon pulled back, running his hands thru his wet hair, flinging water everywhere. He tried to compose himself, but his eyes flickered about on Thaddeus, trying to search for the ring. He balled his fists and turned, exiting the manor and walked with them to the limo. Settling in Simon caught a glimpse of himself in the reflection of the window. Faint, but clear.

He looked crazed, but it wasn't half of what he was feeling. He set the ridiculously yellow phone down beside him and let himself sink into the plush upholstery. He swallowed once and felt his skin shiver from the cold rain.

'I'm...' he started to say, then he straighted his shirt and again ran his fingers back thru his hair. He tried to sink back into his normal disposition but having tasted his hysteria, he was now scared as well as angry.

'I'm sorry but this is urgent.'

Thaddeus climbed into the limo after the two men, sitting next to Alfarinn and across from Simon. He looked the Tacharan over carefully, trying to decide if he was any more calm now that they were seated. He was not certain.

He took off his now wet gloves and set them down on the seat next to him, then pinched the bridge of his nose as he listened to Simon's apology and explanation, such as they were. He rather thought Simon had already done a fine job of conveying the urgency of the matter, but kept that comment to himself.

Perhaps you should explain; has The Wolf returned so soon?

It was tempting to fire off more questions, but Thaddeus thought it best to take this one step at a time. He wondered why Simon would need the ring so desperately now, and remembered that the Tacharan was meant to receive something from The Wolf in exchange. Perhaps Tacharan's trials ran deeper than they had appeared from Simon's previous light tone. Or, he reasoned, it could be that The Wolf had proved a troublesome collaborator, and Simon was in a hurry to be done his association with the vampire.

He leaned forward, elbows on knees, and looked in Simon's eyes.

You know we have every intention of giving you the ring.

He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small red bag. He would want to explain the tracking device before handing it over, lest the surveillance equipment cause bad faith, but he thought perhaps seeing the ring in question would ease Simon's mind.

We simply need to know your intentions once you have it so that we can best prepare.

Alfarinn put a hand on Thaddeus's leg and listened quietly. He figured they were better off letting Simon answer however he saw fit, whether that was in short bursts and a rambling rush of words. Something had upset the Brit's normal composure and He could only imagine a few things that would do that.


"Is Ellis alright?" Alfarinn's first conclusion was that something had happened to the leader of Tacharan, perhaps one of the few events that he knew of that would set Simon off like this. Admittedly he didn't know enough about the man's private life to have a better insight on what, other than the very ambitious female vampire, might be important to him.

He then remembered he was planning on letting Simon tell this tale at his own pace and waived his hand.

"I'm sorry, take your time and tell us what happened when you're ready."

With a deep breath, Simon started. 'There has been a bit of betrayal within the clan, which I'm sure wont surprise you,' he noticed his bitter tone and stopped himself. Quietly he continued, 'We have a problem. We're missing a piece of vital equipment. This was discovered earlier tonight and it caused a chain reaction of events that has forced me to take drastic measures.'

His hands balled up again, trying to contain the anger. Lifting his right hand to touch his hair, he knocked Nova's yellow cell phone to the ground. It slid across, right towards Alfarinn's feet.

He sighed defeated, 'I'm sorry, excuse me.' He leaned forward to pick up the phone but Alafrinn beat him to it.

Alfarinn reached down to pick up the small yellow phone and stopped frozen in place where he was. The images coming at him were a blur of recent events made sharp and clear by their frantic nature.

He saw a woman standing in what looked like a hospital using the phone. In the bed next to her was Marthinus, Simon's decedent looking none to healthy at the moment, hooked up to monitors of all kinds, tubes stuck in both arms.

There was a flash backwards, seemingly a memory being played back while someone was using the phone, of an empty warehouse and Marthinus falling to the ground in a crumpled heap.

The woman handing the phone to Simon.

Simon's worried expression turning to anger as he spoke to someone else on the other end of the line.

Simon driving at break neck speeds somewhere, the phone still clutched in his hand.


He slowly leaned back in the seat and took a shaky breath, rubbing his eyes absently as if that would cause the images to go away.


"Marthinus...He's alright?"

Simon gave a rattled sigh at the mention of Marthinus' name. He half started to speak but he shut his eyes and fought the tears back.

'I dont know.' He managed to say. 'He's had a heart attack.'

Simon crumbled and covered his eyes with his hand, running it over his nose and mouth. A sob racked his body and he felt the tears well up in his eyes. The shame he carried all these years dwelled inside him, black and cold. He carried it around every single day of his life, along with regret. He chose Ellis over his humanity...how could any man do that and live with himself?

He thought of Ellis and how she mocked his pain by using his mortal family as familiars. Simon watched family member after family member give up a child to raise within the Tacharan fold. He watched Marthinus as a child, sit on Ellis lap and be dazzled by her beauty and charm, when all the while she had his life planned the moment he was conceived.

A spark of hate was born just then, in poor Simon. Poor Simon, Ellis called him. Her one rival. Simon thought deeply for a moment and cradled that hate inside him. For so long he kept it safe and hidden but now...Simon let his rage and fear feed it.

With weary eyes he looked at Alafrinn, 'Have you ever hated what you are, Alafrinn? Hated what you've become?' His eyes were pleading. Simon looked at Thaddeus, Alafrinn's companion and saw their bonding. He hoped their love wasn't as empty and heartless as his.

In a monotone voice Simon said, 'I have. All my immortal life.' He looked back at Alafrinn. 'I need the ring to give to The Wolf so I can find Hillman, the man who's stolen our blood harvesting machine.' Simon gave them the truth, letting it spill out of his mouth. He shook his head not believing his own words. 'I need to find Hillman.'

He thought to himself, a deep dark wish. 'Then maybe he'll kill Ellis before I have to.'

Thaddeus rather thought that there was no such thing as 'a bit of betrayal'; you were either betrayed or you weren't in his mind. In any case, Simon's words confirmed his suspicions. Clearly the Tacharan problem Simon had alluded to in The House of Pain had escalated, severely if current actions were any evidence.

He frowned, passing the small bag from one hand to the other. He had hoped for more time, but Simon's help was his own to give, at the time of his choosing, and if he needed to make things happen more quickly for the sake of his clan Thaddeus could hardly fault him for that.

He decided it was best not to pry for specifics on Simon's Clan problem; in circumstances of betrayal suspicions tended to fly, and it made sense to stay out of that particular crossfire. Just as it was in Simon's best interest not to know the Anantya politics involved in their mission, they had neither the need nor the right to know Tacharan's internal business. It was enough to know that by giving Simon the ring, they would be helping each other.

He looked to Simon, nodding in understanding, and would have said as much, but then the brightly colored phone was knocked to the ground, and Alfarinn picked it up with his bare hand. Whatever he was sensing was clearly a cause of confusion and disorientation, but Thaddeus could feel more through the bond; concern and compassion. Perhaps Ellis had been harmed after all, and Simon was not comfortable speaking of it? It was clear that Alfarinn had sensed something upsetting, and he put a comforting arm around the Evenhet's shoulders.

[Are you alright?]

Then Alfarinn spoke a name. Thaddeus was not familiar with the person mentioned, but it was clear enough that this was more than a political matter; somehow, Simon's struggle was personal. The Tacharan's reaction to the query only confirmed that, and he could only feel sympathetic. Simon was clearly affected deeply by this Marthinus's heart attack. He wondered how a human had come to mean so much to the vampire.

[Who is Marthinus?]

Simon's next words brought him out of his musings and sent a chill through him. Oh, he thought he could relate to the man's sentiment, if not its intensity and duration. He imagined most vampires had been forced to come to terms with their nature, and it was a sign of sanity and reason to be self examining...but Simon was being eaten alive. While to some extent such concern was a credit to Simon, caution and introspection had turned to self hatred, which would only lead to madness.

The man seemed, in this moment, to be on the brink of exactly that. However, he continued, and his next statements were somehow more lucid, cutting through the man's pain.

Thaddeus sighed mentally. So much for not knowing too much. Naturally he did not hold that against Simon; the Tacharan was clearly beyond the point of discretion. He simply saw the complications in becoming more deeply involved in a large scale clan matter. He optimistically hoped that the blood harvesting machine was not as...brutal as it sounded, but he had a feeling such hopes were ill conceived. He would let his conscience stew over that particular matter at a later time.

[Clearly this is about more than a piece of stolen equipment, which, by the way, is a matter that concerns me. I do not imagine that Simon would have spoken of it ordinarily.]

We have the ring, and will be ready when you deliver it to The Wolf in exchange for the information you need.

He hesitated, wondering if he should say more. He had intended to ask if Simon would be willing to listen in and perhaps provide aid should The Wolf prove difficult, but the Tacharan had his own concerns and he felt uncomfortable approaching him for more help than absolutely necessary. In fact, he was inclined to offer assistance rather than request it.

Is there any more we can do?

Alfarinn took a moment to get orient himself again, the images slowly fading to the back of his mind. He smiled as Thaddeus wrapped a comforting arm around him and he leaned closer to his companion.

[I'm alright. It was just a shock. The images are very fast and vivid when there is a lot of emotion behind them. ]

He remembered what he saw and thought to explain what he could.

[Marthinus is Simon's decedent. He had children before he was turned. I know he cares for them a great deal as is understandable. Marthinus works for Tacharan. I do not know if that is the cause of the trouble or not but I saw an image of him in the hospital and it did not look good.]

There were things that could induce a heartattack or things that could be seen as a heartattack to a doctor not knowing to suspect foul play. Alfarinn wondered briefly whether this unfortunate circumstance was natural or not. Was Marthinus targeted by someone because he was a human working for Tacharan? If that were the case then Simon would certainly blame himself even more than he already does.

Simon's pain was nearly overwhelming to Alfarinn. There was so much feeling that the man normally kept in check and it had all come to the surface one emotion feeding another, the grief, anxiety, guilt, shame and...hate. The last one was confusing but perhaps it was for the person responsible for the betrayal of Tacharan. It seemed so deep though, slow burning like something that had been coiled inside for a very long time and only now managed to reach the surface of consciousness.

He was surprised to feel the tears sting his own eyes, threatening to fall in sympathy for the man's plight and reached out a hand to grasp Simon's arm.

"Yes, I don't think there are many of us that don't regret but it eats away at you if you let it. You care about your family and take care of them the best you can. You'll drive yourself crazy wondering how things might have been different. All you can do is make it better for them now."

He leaned back and glanced at Thaddeus, some of what Simon was saying still confused him. Leaning against his companion's shoulder, he sent

[I agree, he probably wouldn't. I don't like the idea of such a machine either. I like even less that it has gone missing. In the hands of..] Alfarinn gritted his teeth and said the thing that would be contrary to most Evenhet thinking.[humans, this could be a device of dangerous opportunities. People could be turned without the vampire's wishes... an army could be made of unprepared souls. Not to mention that I can't imagine such a thing is a pleasant experience or that it would be used on willing subjects. There is no way that Tacharan would become an official clan any time soon if word got to the elders of Anantya as well as Evenhet that this kind of thing were being done to our own kind by the Orphans. Even worse...they've lost it.]

Alfarinn sighed, that, scary as it may be, was not their immediate concern.

"I agree with Thaddeus. Is there anything we can do to help? And how is the Wolf connected to this Hillman?"

Simon blinked at their questions, feeling numb inside. He had managed to betray himself, his clan, the woman he works for, and presumed to love, in one swift motion. 'Hillman has the machine. He wants in the blood harvesting territory here. I believe he tried to do it financially thru Marthinus and Duibne Industries, but decided take it up a notch and just steal it.'

Simon continued in his monotone voice, 'The Wolf is searching for the link between Hillman and Tacharan. We know it's the Mercs, the newer ones, but not how deep it goes. Ellis is forcing a meeting. She wants to kill him and I'm sure, Hillman wants Ellis dead as well.'

Simon had decided to embrace his hate, his existence and be the man he once was but by going down the road that Ellis knew too well. Only the difference between Simon and Ellis will be knowing when to let that hate go and being able to do it.

He added, 'I want to make that meeting happen. I think certain end results would benefit everyone.' Simon had fully regained his composure, ironically by deciding he'd see Ellis dead after he helped Thaddeus and Alafrinn. He put his hands on his thighs and gave them a strong and determined look.

He spoke quietly and with a hint of his british accent. 'We all need to take care of what's important to us, gentlemen. To keep those things close to us out of harm's way. To walk a path that has meaning. I've been lost all these years, but I think I've finally found my way.'

Thaddeus tilted his head to one side, perplexed by Simon's statements. It seemed the Tacharan had calmed himself some, and was speaking with more clarity, but his words were somewhat of a mystery to Thaddeus.

[I've heard nothing of blood harvesting, much less territories for it. I can't imagine Sorin would keep me in the dark about something this significant...do you know what Simon is talking about?]

The talk of killing over land and machines did not sit well with him; he understood that Simon was at a point where he would go to any means necessary, but the Tacharan had spoken so casually and bluntly about both Hillman and Ellis's intent, and that disturbed him. That he was willing to encourage a meeting that had a very good chance of ending with one or both parties dead was an even darker thought, and Thaddeus found himself wondering what end results Simon was hoping to achieve.

[Surely he does not mean harm to his Maker...]

To say the idea offended him would be an understatement, though Thaddeus knew of no other way to put the shock he felt at that thought into words. Surely he had misunderstood.

I understand the sentiment; indeed, we do what we must for our own. I am, however, not certain I follow your meaning in this instance...

He trailed off, hoping Simon would clarify. He wondered what road this man had found, and just what darkness may lie along the path.

Simon looked at Thaddeus and gave him a small smile. 'Ellis plans on harvesting ancients.'

He could not be plainer in his words. Everything was falling into place now and it was all so clear. For years he used his love for her as a reason to stay compliant and kill on her command. To let her farm his family to further her profits and power. Simon had been the backbone for Tacharan. Why? For Ellis? Simon slowly shook his head, both in response to his own statement and for his lack of courage.

Simon, a man of constant sorrows, finally saw the benefit of hate and he relished it. He would mourn his humanity later. Now was time for him to avenge it.

Alfarinn had heard rumors that clanless vampires were being taken down for their blood. It was suspected to be some new human menace but nothing more than vague whispering at best. That this -was- happening and more alarming that it was organized, worse yet by vampires themselves... Alfarinn was still in a state of shock. He looked at Simon long and hard as if focusing on the man would make the details he had just been given make more sense.

[I..don't know. I've not heard of this...nothing so organized...its staggering to think of.]

He frowned in thought, the anger in Simon seemed to have won over the rest. Alfarinn was surprised to find that the man was casually talking about a situation that could mean Ellis's death. It was almost as if he wanted it to happen. Did this situation finally break a hold on Simon that had been slowly weakening over time? It was not unheard of, it was just that the Tacharan across from him had always been so fiercely loyal. Things were changing so rapidly, they needed to get a hold on the new pieces to this situation before it slipped out of their control.

[It does seem that way. As if he doesn't care...I'll admit I don't understand it.]

Alfarinn looked up sharply at Simon's reply.

"Ancients?" Alfarinn almost snorted at the thought. "Dangerous prey and very few that aren't clanless... she's likely to start a war. If she doesn't get herself killed first." But he doubted Ellis would fail. If an ancient was what she had in mind, she'd use the necessary force to take one down. It was a frightening concept and it meant than any of them could be a target.

"Do you plan to get this machine back for her, Simon? Is that what the ring will help you do?"

Simon laughed just then. Even if he did get The Beast, there was no turning back. The information he was giving them would result in Ellis sanctioned death. Although if it didnt, he have to do it himself.

'Not at all. I want the ring so I can do the right thing, Alafrinn.'

The right thing was now to save what dignity and honor he had left. He let Ellis taint his soul and family for far too long. If either asked, he'd explain but for the moment he held this opinion close to him, using it to fuel his inner war.

My God.

Thaddeus could think little else for a moment, and it was not until Alfarinn began to speak that his shock wore off enough for Simon's statements to register. And the Evenhet was right; even -thinking- what Ellis had planned would be enough to incite a war.

And now they knew. They knew more than Thaddeus ever wanted to know, but he could no longer be innocent of the knowledge, much as he would have liked to forget what he had just heard.

[Simon is not in his right mind. It would be unethical to use this information against Tacharan, but they -must- be stopped and it is our responsibility...]

Thaddeus paused for a moment, frowning. Simon had not said 'Tacharan plans on harvesting ancients.' He had mentioned Ellis by name. Was it possible Simon was not supportive of Ellis's plans?

When Alfarinn asked Simon his intentions once again, Thaddeus felt something within him grow cold. There were a great many things he was willing to do for the sake of this mission, but assisting with the return of an instrument of torture and destruction to be used on ancient vampires was so far over the line that he could not begin to see it as a possibility.

[That is not an option. I am not saying we should walk away from this, Simon is clearly misguided and needs our help, not to mention that like it or not, we now know that Ancients are in danger, but I will not help him in that way.]

But Simon merely laughed at the suggestion. What exactly did -he- think the 'right thing' was? Thaddeus held the opinion that that monstrosity they called a harvesting machine should be destroyed, should have never come into existence in the first place, but somehow he doubted that was what the Tacharan had in mind. It seemed he did not want Ellis to succeed, but as Alfarinn had stated, the woman would either fulfill her plan or die trying.

[My God. He wants to stop her. Stop her in the only way he can. He...wanted us to know.]

He looked Simon in the eyes, this man who seemed so close to the edge, and surprised no one more than himself when he began to speak, candidly and with no hesitation.

I know something of taking dark measures to do what you believe is right, Simon. I am not certain you would care for what you become when your hand is forced this way. Yes, I think I understand your position well.

He leaned forward, his elbows again on his knees.

Let us help you. There must be a path that will not...he paused for a moment, looking for words....will not make you something you are not. I believed you when you told us you were a man of honor.

[I am not certain of what road we need to walk at this point...I only know that I cannot stand idly by and watch Simon destroy himself, just as I cannot ignore the fact that Ellis seems hell bent on destroying us all.]

Alfarinn nodded to Thaddeus, understanding where his line of thinking went.


[I'm still not understanding how she plans on getting ancients without being noticed. We aren't that many and most of us are in a clan. Clanless don't tend to survive long enough to be ancient.] He was struck by his companion's morals, which in this case echoed his own but Thaddeus had a great deal more to lose by not helping Simon. Alfarinn admired the strength of his companion who would put aside even this plan in order not to aid in something so against his ethical nature.

[I'm not so certain that his thoughts were so clearly defined as all that... at least not at this moment. Perhaps it was a matter of not being able to speak to any Tacharan about this and its been eating at him until now. Certainly a machine like that would be a cruelty that I could not see Simon allowing, much less engaging in. ]

Alfarinn spoke quietly after Thaddeus.

"I agree Simon. Lets get the ring to the Wolf and see what he tells you. If the information leads you to Hillman then lets us know. We'll need to come up with a plan from there. Certainly Ellis will want to track him down and get this thing he stole but we can't let Tacharan keep such a device in good conscience and We both would rather you not destroy yourself in this battle. Tacharan should not take to fall for this plan if at all possible. I think we need to find out what we can from the Wolf and use that information to decide where to go from there. Unless either of you have some ideas."

He looked questioningly at them both personally at a loss for where to go from here other than to follow their original plan.

Simon had his hands on his knees and he lifted his fingers, tapping them back down. 'The die is cast, so to speak, gentlemen.'

Just then the yellow phone rang. Taking the cell phone back, he checked the caller ID. It was Carol. He lifted a finger to signal to the men to hold a moment and answered.

'Carol did you get in touch with him?'

Her fairy like voice filtered through. 'He called me back and says he has some information if you have what he wants.'

'Thank you Carol. Is there any additional word about Marthinus?'

Carol paused noticeable and with a quiet voice, 'Simon...I'm sorry but...he's dying. It's congestive heart failure. They're talking about doing a bypass on him but it looks...bad.' She whispered the last word.

Simon's face flinched at her words. Closing his eyes he regained his composure and hung up. He touched his mouth with his hand and covered it, staring at the ground. Simon knew what would happen now. Ellis would offer to turn him and move Jacob into place. He felt his stomach lurch at the thought. He was running out of time.

Simon looked up and cleared his throat. 'Sorry to force another cliche quote but time is of the essence, gentlemen. I will speak to you as soon as I hear from The Wolf.' He held up the yellow phone with an embarassed look, 'I'll have a replacement by then.'

Thaddeus looked out the window, feeling that it would be rude to listen in on Simon's conversation, and did his best to tune out the Tacharan's voice. It was, however, impossible to miss the final query and subsequent flinch at the apparent bad news.

He thought over Alfarinn's suggested course of action, and could think of no better plan. They would simply have to hope that Simon contacted them after obtaining The Wolf's information rather than doing anything foolish on his own. He lifted up his hand to rake his fingers through his hair, but stopped himself. It was somewhat frustrating that Simon continued to be so vague about his exact intentions, but in spite of his vocal ambiguity Thaddeus was of the opinion that the Tacharan could be trusted not to deceive them.

He turned his attention back to Simon when he cleared his throat.

I believe that is the best course of action. In fact, we may have a good solution for communications, though I imagine a new mobile would be of use.

He reached under the seat of the limo and pulled out his laptop bag.

We had the ring fitted with a tracking device in order to follow The Wolf's movements. He looked up at Simon. We can begin tracking as soon as the ring is in The Wolf's hands. Additionally, he pulled a small case out of one of the pockets in the bag we can listen to each other via wire taps, if you are willing. I know such things can be somewhat...invasive, but it would speed up communications and we would know immediately if you were in harm's way, and vice versa. I think it is in both of our best interests.

In any case, do not hesitate to contact my mobile at any time should a need arise.

Harm's way, Simon thought. He's been in harm's way the moment he pounded on the front door of the Anantya manor. Simon reached out and took the ring and wire.

'Aye, backup is always good.' The Wolf was an ancient, so Simon knew any battle with him would be one sided. He'd have to look into the Duibne research and development department for new toys. Any upperhand he could get, let him live a little longer.

Simon safely tucked the ring into his jacket. All this over a little ring. He shook his head, not understanding the ancients and their grudges. Ah well, he thought, to each his own misery.

Alfarinn watched Simon put the ring away. He seemed somewhat calmer than he had been when he arrived at the Manor gate. If the Tacharan were anything like himself though, a plan did a great deal to ease his nerves, so long as there was something to be doing other than waiting. For that reason, and the fact that Simon was in a hurry, it was probably best not to delay him any further.

"Be careful Simon... and good luck"


It was now their turn to wait while the Tacharan met with the Wolf and gave him the ring. He looked over at Thaddeus and sighed.

Simon looked out the window and watched the limo pull up next to his jaguar. The limo stopped and their door opened by the driver. As they exited, Simon turned to Alfarinn and held out his hand.

Simon sighed as he shook Alfarinn's hand. The steady grip gave him some comfort as he looked into the eyes of the enemy he called friend. There were very few that Simon trusted, so he found it ironic that the one he trusted the most was an Evenhet.

Quietly he said, 'Alfarinn...I dont have the words.' They disengaged and Simon put his hand over his heart and gave Thaddeus a short bow. 'Thaddeus.'

Simon then opened his car door and got in.

((OOC: Permission to move Alfarinn and Thaddeus. Simon out pending response))

Alfarinn smiled somewhat sadly at Simon as they said their goodbyes. He still felt the hate coming from the Tacharan and from the conversation he could guess who it was towards. That emotion had gone from a raging anger to a determined hate. Simon seemed very focused and he feared for anyone who dared get in his way.

"No words are needed, my friend."

Alfarinn put his arm around Thaddeus as they watched Simon's car pull away, glad for the company in the face of a loneliness that wasn't even his own.

[I guess there is nothing left to do but wait]

((OOC: permission granted to sense Simon))

Thaddeus inclined his chin in response to Simon's farewell, and watched him drive away.

[I suppose so. Wait, and hope.]

He rested his head on Alfarinn's shoulder for a moment, slipping an arm around his waist and wondering what the future would bring.

[I suppose this is all the more reason to build a safe place for our kind.]

He sighed and raked his fingers through his damp hair, then realized it would be much more effective to go inside and out of the rain.

Shall we? I don't imagine you are in the mood for a tour, but while we are here I might as well have a look in the library.