Snippet #2488174

Tim blushed but only a little and mostly from the way she was touching his arm and Arey being right there. "I do not think I'd be worthy of honours from you. your majesty." He smiled at her and then looked away, trying to play up his unworthiness at her attention. Inwardly he was trying to bolster himself so that he didn't flinch or pull away. He was with Arey. It was very uncomfortable for him to have another woman so blatantly paw or flirt with him in front of her.

Deirdre moved her eyes from Bal to Arey. She hoped the woman wouldn't get too territorial but she feared that Maighdlin might push things to an extreme and Arey would go off. Can I keep things focused if she does? A bit of self doubt snuck in. Her head lowered a little. [/i]What if I mess this up? Maybe Arey will be able to negotiate this deal and I will just have to stand here. That would be okay. As long as we get Bal.[/i] She looked up at him once more. It is my fault he is here. Doubt and helplessness mixed leaving her stomach feeling ill.

"Undoubtedly." Maighdlin agreed pleasantly as she lifted her hand up to Tim's face to bring it back up to face her. "But I think you would make quite the tantalizing effort." She said stroking his face along the cheekbones where his blush was deepest. "Tell me Sir...Tim you said?" Mai turned her head briefly toward Arey, drinking in the silent waves of anger that radiated off her with satisfaction. "Are you quite skilled in the art of love making?" She queried near his ear.

Tim gasped, eyes wide. He resisted the urge to turn his head and look at Maighdlin to see if she was serious. There was no teasing in the statement but he had not expected her to be quite so forward. Flirtatious, vindictive but this was shocking. Tim's blush deepened, travelling down his neck. "How does one measure their skill in the art of sensual experiences your majesty?"

"Quite precisely." Maighdlin replied with a sly look before slotting her lips over his briefly in a quick and dominating kiss. When she pulled away, it was with a thoughtful look, as if she'd just tasted a wine she was interested in buying and not casually kissed a man. "Hmmm...not completely green, but there is so much room for molding. I will have to teach you at some point."

Arey had to physically restrain herself from blowing her top off in that moment, and the hand Vivienne placed on her shoulder seemed like a lifeline to keeping her mask of calmness in place for a few glaring moments.

Tim held his breath as she kissed him. He kept his eyes forward and hands at his sides. Socks...locker rooms. "I am not sure I would be a worthy student of such teachings from someone like yourself. Surely there are better men than I."

"None are, but I can be generous when the mood strikes me." Maighdlin replied running a hand down his back and to his backside, where it lingered. "You have quite beautiful eyes Sir Tim. I have seen few to truly compare. I can craft you into a better man if I so suit." She smirked.

"Again your words flatter me." Tim adjusted his stance a little. She was getting very touchy and unfortunately there was nothing he could do. Even his slight shift did nothing more than move him against her hand, like a dog pressing in for more petting. "I am sure your majesty is very generous."

"Yes, flattery." Arey said, managing somehow to keep her tone even and calm. "Your majesty is quite generous in that regard. We are, however, not here for the pleasure of your company." Arey bit out, drawing Maighdlin's attention back to her.

"Very." Maighdlin whispered in Tim's ear seductively. "It appears business calls my darling boy. Perhaps later." She said sighing before taking one final squeeze of Tim's ass and turning her attention back to the others. "Oh? I was merely admiring the 'pleasant scenery, as you so aptly suggested.'" She shot back with a crocodile smile.

Tim almost squeaked as she squeezed him. Her whispers had caused goosebumps to form on his arms and neck.

Deirdre swallowed, Here we go, come on Arey.

Arey was pretty sure she wanted to kill her. She could do it too, she had the magic glowing pmsing sword. She could totally shank the bitch. "You currently have a friend of ours. He's bonded with some of us, and providing us with vital information for our struggle against the Unseelie in New York. Respectfully, we ask that you honor his pacts and return him to us." Arey gritted out, managing a somewhat diplomatic tone.

"And this friend is...?" Maighdlin asked sounding bored again. She would much rather be playing with the pretty human with the arm jewelry than listen to this drivel.

"Balthazar." Arey ground out, nodding her head his way.

"Well balderdash, I'm afraid we're at a bit of an impass darling." Maighdlin said without an ounce of sincerity. "Balthazar is a criminal, a runaway slave from his master. My huntress Sybil has gifted him to me for proper training. He is my jester, and an integral part of my court. I simply can not be parted from him to simply give to you."

"We're not overly concerned with his...criminal status." Arey replied tensely. "What exactly would you like in exchange for Balthazar then? To make the parting...easier." Arey asked feeling dirty for it.

Maighdlin looked thoughtful for a moment. "Well, if we are to make an equitable exchange...I'll take him." She replied, running her hand down Tim once again. "I do so enjoy pet projects."

Not a bad trade...Deirdre mused briefly before she remembered what being in Bal's position entailed and that it likely wouldn't be as enjoyable as the woman's caresses implied. She wouldn't wish servitude on anyone.

"No fucking way in hell." Arey bit back aggressively, cool officially lost. Mai's eyes just seemed to sparkle at that, placing her hands in less...appropriate places on Tim's body.

Tim's eyes went wide as Maighdlin touch him. Oh fuck..oh fuck...stop...down boy...socks...dead fish...dead fish... He didn't want his body to react. He blushed from hairline to waist, his entire body flushed. He swallowed hard.

Deirdre stepped forward. "Perhaps we can offer something else in exchange. Something else of more value? You can't simply be satisfied with a plaything in return for your jester and he is Arthur's, a reincarnated soul. To lose him might very well mean failure. And we can't have the Unseelie running amok because one of our court is being lavished with your attention, as much as I am sure he would enjoy that." She kept her voice level and diplomatic. There was no tease, no warmth. It was is if she was speaking of apples and wheat, not people.

Kat pulled on the back of Tim's trousers, yanking him back pretty forcefully behind her with a condescending smile that was all teeth. "Pretty sure our lord and master called hells no there hoebag."

Tim was startled as he was yanked backwards away from Maighdlin.

"Hoe bag?" Maighdlin repeated, trying out the foreign phrase on her tongue. "I say, am I being insulted?" She asked with narrowed eyes.

"If you listen to rap music it's a form of endearment." Kat shot back cheekily. "They call all their hot women hoes."

Deirdre cleared her throat, just a little. Kat was not exactly helping the situation though D couldn't help but be impressed with the girl.

"S'ok toots, I got chu." Kat said with her best hoodlum accent and gave Tim an affectionate pat on the tush. "See, dish my hoe." Kat continued with an unattractive lip curl."And you don't touch my hoe."

Maighdlin just stared at the girl, both utterly confused and conflicted about whether she should be annoyed or amused by her. A bit of both perhaps.

Tim looked over at Kat. He was confused and a little weirded out but he kept his face the same. He didn't want Maighdlin to know she was bothering him or anyone.

"More value you say?" Maighdlin smiled condescendingly. "Then perhaps I'll trade one son of Usige for another. I am so very charitable after all, and your Arin seems quite lacking in his education of his superior heritage."

Deirdre simply blinked, "Surely you jest. You know very well that he is Lancelot and that to have him here rids the world of a great warrior. Why not something that does not put yourself or your court at risk? I know you are simply teasing us. You are far too smart a woman to barter for such important things. Your jester for...." Deirdre looked at Tim. "Those jewels there? Something that you can show off instead of a tired looking jester who does not catch anyone's eye."

Tim looked at Deirdre, "You know these were a gift." His eyes shifted to Arey. "You cannot barter with something that means so much to me and does not belong to you." He put indignation behind his words.

Deirdre waved a hand, "I can and I do. I am discussing a deal with the queen of the Seelie court. One does not offer her things of no value."

Tim shook his head, "That isn't fair. Arey gave these.."

Deirdre put a finger to her lips, "Hush now. We are speaking." She looked at Maighdlin again. "Something of value, fit for royalty?"

"If he is so fine a warrior, why not have him by my side?" Maighdlin countered back, eyes shrewd. "My jester is entertaining, but to add such a...remarkable warrior to the defense of my court would be a reasonable sacrifice."

Deirdre shook her head. "Because his role is to stop them before they set foot in your court. Or do you wish them to grace your presence?" She shrugged. "He will not be able to defend your court your majesty without his king and his king is Arthur. You would be getting a shadow of a man who longs for his king. Ask for another payment. It is a simple jester. Surely the jewels would suffice or do you put such a price on his head that we should think him far more important to you than just entertainment?" She raised an eyebrow at Maighdlin.

"Perhaps I simply find your jewels tacky." Mai replied. "A jester is surely worth more than that, even one so lowly as he. Perhaps if they came with the mortal, I would consider it."

Tim frowned and put a hand on his neck. He looked insulted. "She cannot have them Deirdre."

Deirdre looked as if she was thinking it over. She casually waved her hand. "Hmm, I do not think losing a knight of Arthur's court is a fair trade for a jester...."

"Of course not. To trade a fae for a mortal is charity on my part, even one so finely formed as he." Mai replied dryly. "Knight or not, he is mortal, what chance has he against the unseelie that would not be exceeded ten fold by my jester?"

Deirdre shook her head, "Your jester does not stand at Arthur's side, does not fight with the one who holds excalibur. It is the only thing that can defeat them and you know it. If you wish to weaken Arthur's forces so then perhaps...." Once again she looked as if she contemplated the trade. "No, no I would not weaken the king's position by offering up one of his knight's, mortal or otherwise. It would not be sound strategy. But of course you know that. You are simply testing me by asking for such a thing. A shrewd woman you are. What is it you really want in trade for your jester?" She smiled as if conceding to Mai's superior strategic mind.

Tim stepped forward a little, away from Kat. His job was to distract and he hoped that simply moving would be enough to catch her eye, throw her off as she responded to Deirdre. D was trying to play to the woman's ego, to turn it so that she had to make a decision that would not make her look a fool in front of her court. He wanted to help but feared saying anything would just cause trouble. No foot in mouth now...

"I could bind him to your king if that is your concern." Mai sai offhandedly. "A simply matter really that would hardly leave his position weakened." She countered casually. "As it is, there is something I would rather have. Something that would ensure the safety of my court." She said with a shrewd smile. "I would give you my jester in exchange for Arthur's acceptance of my standing invitation."

Deirdre, "Your jester for Arthur accepting an invitation? An invitation to what exactly? Your bed? Your presence? What specifically is it you wish him to attend?" Her voice was cold still. Again she kept it completely business, not even referring to Arey by her name. She wondered if that would play to her favour. For Arey wasn't just Arthur. Words are weapons....

"Invitation to come to Faery and attend my court as an honored guest. If your...King wishes to join in some recreational activities whilst there, that is her business, but I would have her here. And the sword." Mai reiterated.

Deirdre frowned, "I do not see the purpose for the king spending time in faery when the threat is out here. If the distraction proves too great the unseelie may gain the upperhand. We could not allow the king to get caught up in Faery. You know as well as I that time moves differently. There would be no telling how long the visit might be. I believe if you wish the king's presence and the sword's..." Deirdre let that hang there a moment, letting Mai know it had not escaped her attention. "There would certainly need to be boundaries on what a visit would entail."

"She is welcome to bring with her Sir Tim." Maighdlin offered innocently.

"That does not address the issue of time spent here." Deirdre almost tutted her, but reigned in the desire to scold the fae for being so bold. "A visit to you put too much at risk, time wise. One visit to you, an hours time for your jester."

"An hour by your time, and on whatever occasion that I see fit to extend an invitation." The Queen countered swiftly. "And I'd have your King reaffirm his pledge to uphold the forces of order and light over chaos and darkness."

Deirdre narrowed her eyes. "An affirmation of his pledge. For a jester?"

"Do you claim your King serves the forces of chaos and darkness then?" Mai said with a raised brow. "I simply see this as a timely opportunity for her to do so, now that our courts have been reunited again in friendship."

Deirdre shook her head, a slight smile there. "No, no I do not and have not claimed such a thing. I simply feel that perhaps a reaffirmation, a visit to you that lasts an hour in our time is worth your jester and a pledge that Arthur's court is to be left in peace when the pact is complete."

"To that I can concede. The seelie have no desire to harm they who wields the sword of light, or its protectors." Maighdlin continued. "But I would have others of your court come as well. To...enjoy our hospitality."

Deirdre thought it over. "A reaffirmation of Arthur's pledge. A visit once a month, an hour our time and Arey brings whomever she chooses with her. In return we get your jester Balthazar and a pledge that the Seelie will leave all of Arthur's court in peace when the pact is complete. It is understood that Balthazar is one of Arthur's court once he is handed over to us and thus is granted the same protection upon completion of the pact."

She raised her chin a little.

"Agreed, so long as I choose with whom to seal this pact." Maighdlin replied.

Deirdre turned her head to look at Tim. "Agreed. We accept the deal as stated along with your right to choose who to seal it with."

Tim paled a little. Oh fuck no... His gaze flickered to Arin. Shit on a stick...

"Wait, I offer myself to seal the pact if it would so please the queen." He knew it would piss Arey off and he hoped that it would be enough to make Mai want to choose him. Viv did say she liked to go after the things she couldn't have. She liked to claim them. Sealing the pact would give her a bond with him that Arey and he didn't have. Maybe it is enough of an enticement.

Arey's gaze flicked to Tim's a little conflicted as her lips thinned into a hard line, but she kept herself from saying anything, despite her sudden urge to punch something. Saying no now would only make her want to pick Tim more. She still hated this though. Maighdlin having access to her boyfriend's head? Another freaking bond? Shanking that bitch just continued to seem like the most appealing plan here.

Maighdlin's eyes flicked over to Tim, lightening to amber as they seemed to exude and extend pure sensual heat. "I find that offering most...agreeable." She husked, beckoning him forward with her finger.

Tim moved forward at her call. "I am at your service your majesty." He kept his voice low. His mind wandered to Arey before he forced it back on the queen. D had made a good deal, more than they had discussed. He couldn't fail them now. "How do you wish to seal the deal?"

"I like to hear that. I will be sure to call on you then the next time I find myself...in need." Mai replied with a sly grin. "I am the queen of the seelie darling, I only seal deals in one manner."

Tim's eyebrows raised at her statement. "And that would be my lady?"

She didn't reply immediately with words, but with two hands that slid into place to grab two generous handfuls of Tim's rear, and her mouth slip into place on his throat, biting and kissing a mark into place. "By taking from you that which I desire." She husked into his ear, projecting out her natural un-glamoured essence toward him.

Tim bit back a groan as her lips marked his neck. He felt her teeth and he shivered. His knees almost buckled as she unleashed her aura on him. He kept upright though. His breathing grew heavy. "I am honoured that you would find me so deserving of your desire."

"You should be." She husked back. "I do not bother myself with mortals often." Her hands shifted, one exploring up his back while the other shifted to play in the front. "We will share a bond you and I. I will enjoy having you this way more often."

Tim's abdomen tightened as she touched him. Her hands wandered and it was all he could do not to make a noise. He looked down at the fae woman and nodded slowly. "Of course your majesty."

Deirdre cleared her throat, "Our deal is sealed then?"

"You may be Arthur's, but you're mine now too." She husked in his ear before bringing her lips up to Tim's in a bruising, claiming kiss. "You'll dream of me." She promised, biting at his lower lip. "Call out to me and beg." Her hands were gripping, exploring everywhere as she weaved her bond. She ignored Deirdre as she continued on, being...thorough.

Tim trembled in her touch. "Yes your majesty." Her mouth was hard on his, her words and hands leaving him incredibly turned on and terrified.

Maighdlin's lips came back down to the mark she'd made on his throat, licking and nipping at it with her teeth. "Say my name." She demanded in a husky voice. "Who am I?"

"You are my lady." Tim managed to get the words out. "Maighdlin, queen of the Seelie court..." He felt dazed. She played at his neck and Tim closed his eyes.

"Yes I am, and you want me. Say it." She demanded, gripping again at his backside as she trailed kisses down his throat and lower.

"I-I want you..." Tim was still trembling under her touch.

"Then as your lady I claim you Sir Tim, and our pact is complete." She husked, though didn't release him from her grasp.

Deirdre inhaled slowly. "Our side of the deal then? You are to release Balthazar to us."

Tim simply nodded. He couldn't do much else at that moment. She was still holding onto him and he didn't dare move away.

Arin came back to himself at that moment and sought out Arey. He looked at her and shrugged lightly. He had no idea what she'd hoped he'd accomplish, but other than talking Bal through a tough time, it wasn't much.

"He's yours." Maighdlin replied with a sly look, her hands still roaming over Tim as she snapped her fingers, the chains holding Balthazar in place dissipated. "Now I will take what is mine and leave this place." She said simply, her grip on Tim like steele.

Tim swallowed hard and waited for her to let him go. The way she held onto him he worried that she wouldn't let him go when she left. Not part of the deal....right? His mind went over everything D had said and he couldn't find the loophole that said she could take him with her.

Deirdre looked over at Balthazar. She closed her eyes briefly as the chains disappeared. He is free. "We appreciate your discussing things with us Maighdlin, queen of the Seelie."

"Oh course." Maighdlin purred, nipping at Tim's ear. "You will be coming with Arthur to Faery the next time I extend the invitation." She husked, more order than request.

Tim inhaled, "If Arey chooses me I will be here. As the deal states it is up to her..."

"Then I'll extend one to you too." Maighdlin said easily. "You can be your own honored guest. She could hardly oppose having an extra loyal guard now could she?"

Tim shook his head, "That is nice of you, your majesty but I will abide by the deal that is set and attend if Arey chooses. I do not think it is a matter of opposing my lady. Simply sticking to the deal as it was stated. The offer is appreciated but unnecessary."

Maighdlin was almost pouting, but didn't press the issue further as she leaned up for one more bruising kiss. "I'll have to see you by other means then." She murmured with a sly look, running a hand down his face before disappearing with the rest of the court.

Tim inhaled slowly, his body shook almost violently. "That woman...is...no boundaries!" He looked at Arey.

Deirdre rushed over to Balthazar. "Bal...oh Bal...."

Arin relaxed the stoicism. He looked around.

"Arin, help me with him." Deirdre looked over at Arin as she tried to help Bal.

When Deirdre called him over he nodded and headed that way, "So, how'd to go then? I missed a bunch."

Her eyes met Arin's, "I-I think I did okay...Arthur's court..including Bal have protection when the pact is complete." Her teeth bit down on her lower lip. She was holding back a rush of emotions.

Arin smiled at her as he leaned to help Balthazar up, "Sounds like you got what we talked about. Can't complain too much about that."

Arey hadn't really moved since Tim had begun to seal the pact with the Queen. She still didn't trust herself to move or say anything, because all she wanted to do right now was start laying into that stupidly perfect face and ruin her perfect stupid teeth and pull out her hair, maliciously. Kat had already begun to edge away from Arey the 'shits about to go down' look playing on her face.

Bal was kind of out of it as he lulled his head back against the tree.

Deirdre put one of Bal's arms over her shoulder as Arin did the same. "Bal...oh Bal I am so sorry...."

Tim felt like an idiot as he looked at Arey. Immediately his shoulders drooped, he is dropped and looked down. "Arey..." He moved slightly closer to her. "You are mad, I know and I wish..." The words died on his lips. He had upset her, angered her and it crushed him.

"Fer wha?" Bal slurred as Arin and Deirdre pulled him. "S'not yer fault Mai's a fuckin' bitch..."

Arey was angry. Most of that anger was directed at Maighdlin, but there was a small part of her that was really not okay with Tim kissing her, offering himself up for the job. Arey would have done it. She'd have much rather dealt with the queen herself than constantly have to worry about her messing around in Tim's head. Who knew what the hell she'd make him see? Nothing good, that was for sure. Listening to his talk to her that way, call her his Lady, that really chaffed. It wasn't fair to put that all on Tim, but he didn't have to look like he enjoyed it so much either. "Can we go home now?" She managed to grit out. Containing her rage until she could find something safe to pummel.

Tim closed his eyes. He had done what he thought was best for everyone and it had hurt Arey. He stood silently. No one seemed to think the same thing he did, that Mai was going to choose him or Arin and a bond of the fae queen to Arin was not a good idea. She already had power over Arin because he was seelie, Tim taking the seal meant Mai didn't have more leverage. Doesn't matter. I fucked up.

"Oh Bal if we hadn't gone...if I hadn't wanted to repay the debt when I did...if I was stronger...." Deirdre shook her head and tried to get the man onto his feet.

Arin leaned over to Deirdre after seeing Tim and Arey, and whispered, "What's the deal? Why are those two giving each other the eye now? Also, stop berating yourself." He looked to Balthazar and spoke normally, "Tell her. Doesn't matter how strong she was, none of us, or even all of us together, were stopping that Sybil bitch. We did all we could to get you back but we couldn't stop it from happening."

Deirdre looked over at Arey and Tim. "Maighdlin was feeling up Tim. When it came time to seal the deal she wanted to choose and Tim offered himself knowing she liked him. It meant playing to our advantage and I don't think Arey is at all happy with him right now. Or maybe any of us...me....I don't know." She once again lost all confidence. She had made a deal, the deal they wanted plus a bit more and yet she felt like she was the cause of so much anger and hurt. Some things never change in this life, just like in the past.

Arin looked confused, "I thought that was the whole plan... It sounds like we executed the plan to perfection. That's almost unheard of."

D closed her eyes. "Yes but we never planned on the sealing part and Tim played it the best he could. She wasn't going to seal it with me or Arey. You....that would have been bad. " She shook her head. "Tim did what he thought was best and I didn't stop him. Now..." She opened her eyes and looked at Arey. "Now there is that."

"Don't blame yerself..." Bal slurred out. "She did it...to mess with you. S'what she does..."

Arin's eyes flickered to Balthazar, "So I've heard." He looked over to Tim, "Thanks. You stood up, took the hit. I appreciate it."

Tim looked at Arin. "I-" He nodded. "I did what I thought was best. She is a conniving bitch who was going to take the advantages she could get. You would have been one of them and that wasn't alright." He shrugged as if it was nothing. He felt lousy and while Arin's response made him feel like he accomplished something, Arey's anger and hurt towards him was crushing.

Deirdre looked at Bal, "Come on, let's get you to a bed. I made you part of Arthur's court now. You are protected once we fulfill our side of the deal. No more chains."

Arin shook his head, "He doesn't want a bed." He looked at Balthazar, "There's still the matter of your order. What'll it be?"

"Order?" She looked from Bal to Arin.

Arin looked at Deirdre, "He's what? Nice work."

"Jack, gimme the whole damn bottle..." Bal slurred as his head lulled to the side onto D's shoulder. He was mentally exhausted, and things he'd spent centuries burrying felt too raw and close to the surface.

Deirdre looked down, smiling. Arin seemed proud of her. "I couldn't bare the thought of him like that again. Her free hand went to Bal's cheek. "Let's get you home." Her eyes moved to Arin. "I did what I could..."

"Right. JD. Easy done." Arin looked Deirdre in the eyes, "You did a lot. I think more than we thought we could get." He looked back to Balthazar, "Looks like we're stuck with you now."

Tim just looked at his feet and waited for everyone to be ready. He wanted to go to Arey, wanted to hug her but feared being pushed away. His jaw clenched and he fought back tears. He hadn't been this upset in a long time.

Kat was the first one to approach Tim. She didn't like seeing him like this, and she shot a bit of a reproachful look towards Arey before going in and hugging him herself, all platonic like and everything. "Come on toots, lets go get you some extra strength soap and a hot shower. We'll wash off the smell of bitch no problem." She said gently with a small encouraging wink.

Tim swallowed against the knot in his throat as Kat hugged him. There was no weirdness, no awkwardness just comfort the that he so badly needed. He couldn't look at her though. He nodded and started walking. Every step felt like his feet were cement. She hates me.

"Guys, I got the keys to Galaxy. I can explain a few bottles and cover the cost. What do you all say we grab drinks and settle nerves?" Arin carried Balthazar, with Deirdre, toward Vivienne. "Mom, you think you could get us the quick trip?"

If I go to her she is going to think I am needy. I can't apologize. I can't explain it away. The more he thought about it the worse Tim felt. Arin said something about drinks and part of Tim wanted to shower and crawl into bed. The other part just wanted to get so drunk that the world disappeared. It was like the car accident all over again. He could have done more to prevent it but he hadn't.

"Can Tim at least shower and change first?" Kat said quickly, recognizing he wasn't in a place to ask for things himself. She was also pretty sure he wasn't interested in staying in that getup any longer.

Arin nodded emphatically, "Yeah, yeah. This isn't a timed invite. Well, other than the fact I'll be going home at some point and locking up. But, whatever. I'm not going to be insulted if you all just go home. Bal and I have a date with Jack and Johnny. So... whatever."

Tim looked up at Arin, "Thanks man. As much as I want that drink I just want to go home. I don't think me and booze is a good idea right now." There was an edge to his voice. He was so very close to breaking down and so very close to getting very angry. Drinking wouldn't help either of those.

"Not legal." Kat piped up quickly, staying glued to Tim's side as she turned down the invite that probably hadn't included her to begin with.

Deirdre looked at Arin, "Am I invited or is this a private thing? I can go with them if it is."

"Invite was open to anyone who could hear me." Arin shrugged. "Pretty sure Bal isn't going to argue. I doubt he wants private time with me soooo badly."

Deirdre smiled at Arin and gave Bal a kiss on the cheek, "Well thank you for letting me tag along." She laughed lightly. Her attention went back to Arin, "Bed though...you will still....?" She really didn't want to be alone and wanted to be as close to Arin as she could. The day had been rough to say the least and she wasn't feeling entirely confident about all her decisions. Talking wasn't on the list for tonight but maybe in the morning he'd be willing to let her babble a bit, to work things out in her head.

"I'd rather just go home." Arey said after a moment. Alcohol and anger was a bad mix. She rather go to the training room right now and spend an hour hitting things until she was too tired to feel angry anymore. She didn't want to hurt Tim by ignoring him, but she was afraid she'd say something that would hurt him more if she tried to talk to him right now. She needed to work it off, get her head on straight first before she tried to talk to him again.

Tim looked up at Arey. There was still anger in her voice. At least at home he didn't have to worry about things attacking her but then again she'd have been with Arin so that worry was moot anyway. Tim's hands went out in a slightly helpless gesture as he worked through his thoughts.

Arin nodded, "Right." Obviously more than a little stress from the events of the day and his offer wasn't what people were looking for. He promised Balthazar a drink and he was going to do it. Especially after what he knew Bal had been through. Yet, seeing those two so distant didn't sit right. Not that it was his business. "Fair enough. You guys... do your things. If you care what I think, take a moment to talk and figure things out. But, that's me."

Tim cared what Arin thought and he would love to talk to Arey but everything that radiated off of her said stay away.