Week Nineteen: Thursday
Who: Henry, and Vallis When: Thursday late night Where: The Halls of Halcyon What: Vallis has been hiding for too long.
Having one childe within close range was one thing. Having two however, well, that could present a greater problem. To each, he was a different man, to each, he was the same man. Never once had he kept company with more than one at a time. He never planned to sway from that. However, here he was, in such a mix, and with no real way to extract himself from it. Of course, Henry was not aware of his presence, he could so easily just keep his distance, and maintain the appearance of being a stranger. Yet, Vallis was curious. Curious to see what sort of man his son had become. Unlike Lily, whose mind was so easily tapped into, Henry shielded his, with impressive talent at that. Vallis could not learn about the man from his memories, or thoughts. Nor could he trust what he knew of him some three centuries before. A vampire changed greatly in an extended period of time, he had. They became new people... chameleons. The changed when it was needed, and adapted. Each evolution did have some effect on the core of their personality.
Not even his curiosity had him pushing eagerly for a reunion. Not once had he even glimpsed the man, in his time at Halcyon. Sensed him, yes, but not witnessed him. Even now as his fingers danced across the keys of the music room piano, he felt the slightest draw to the north of him. The playing slowed, his head turning ever so slightly away from the music, and the young woman he was entertaining with the piece by Beethoven. Which was difficult to do, considering she was straddling his lap, and sucking at the skin of his neck rather enthusiastically. He wasn't even sure if she was a student, or not. A young fae, he knew that much, and the need to no more was not present. "You know, mon cher... that talent, would be of better use, below my belt." Yet when the woman slid down towards the floor, he used a foot to brush her aside. "Not now. You will know for next time. As for now, you will leave." His attention was now else where, and she wasn't fetching enough to sway his attention.
Vallis' eyes remained fixed on the black, and white keys, while the woman rose from the floor, and moved to the door, and exited. It wasn't until her footsteps finally faded out of range down the hallway, that he allowed his hands to fall from the graceful intrument. The sensation was growing, nearing... he would have to face him, or completely give into the truth that he was a coward. Which he was, but he would never admit to it. He lowered the key cover, and rose from the varnished black bench. Upon reaching the doorway, he leaned back against it, watching as the figure of a tall man approached. Why was he expecting him to look different? Aside from the lack of a beard, he hadn't changed. He was a man of this age. A chameleon vampire. Just what he should be.
"You are the grounds keeper, no?" Vallis called out, enticing the man into conversation before he had the chance to pass him without a word passed between them. He was curious to see if the thick English accent remained. His own, at the time of their first meeting had been painfully thick, not to mention his English had not been supurb. Now, it was perfect, and only a hint of his home country remained, lining each word. "Henry... Tanner, I believe they said. It would seem that you are as trusted in this place, as I am. Funny... we have the same young woman to thank for that." He smiled, tucking his hands into the pockets of his trousers. "Tanner... when did you stop going by Lytton?"