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[ The encounter with Alucard had turned out decently, all things considered, to the point that Fern's feeling slightly stunned in the aftermath of it. He'd dismissed himself to go find some food (actual food, not the veins of some unsuspecting victim) and she had returned to her darkened room, left to sprawl on the motel bed in utter darkness thanks to the blackout.
It isn't long before she realizes she should warn Adrian. While it's unlikely that he would react that same way she did on seeing a pale-faced man with fangs, it still seems a good idea to inform him.
She tries to write out a message for a good fifteen seconds before she gives up and simply hits the "call" button, as instructed by the merchant who sold her this device.
Ring ring— hopefully the sudden jingle from Adrian's phone isn't too much of a shock. ]
It isn't long before she realizes she should warn Adrian. While it's unlikely that he would react that same way she did on seeing a pale-faced man with fangs, it still seems a good idea to inform him.
She tries to write out a message for a good fifteen seconds before she gives up and simply hits the "call" button, as instructed by the merchant who sold her this device.
Ring ring— hopefully the sudden jingle from Adrian's phone isn't too much of a shock. ]
[ He absolutely drops his phone on the pavement trying to fumble it out of his pocket as it plays some sort of dreadful melody. It bounces into the street and very nearly gets run over by a car, but Adrian manages to snatch it up, holding it a bit away from his face to avoid the grime. If the other person says anything first, he doesn't hear it. His own response is cut off as he finally steps under the awning of a closed storefront to take the call. ]
— forget something about my extended warranty? I'm glad you called again, actually, I was wondering —
— forget something about my extended warranty? I'm glad you called again, actually, I was wondering —
[ When sound comes from Fern's phone, it's a confusing cacophony — she can't quite make out what's happening, but she hears enough bangs and whooshes and other unidentifiable noises for it to be a cause for concern. ]
Adrian? Adrian, are you there?
[ When he does eventually speak up, he sounds slightly harried. He also isn't making any sense. ]
— What are you saying? [ With a frustrated grunt, she pushes up into a sit on her creaky motel bed. ] It's Fern. Can you hear me?
Adrian? Adrian, are you there?
[ When he does eventually speak up, he sounds slightly harried. He also isn't making any sense. ]
— What are you saying? [ With a frustrated grunt, she pushes up into a sit on her creaky motel bed. ] It's Fern. Can you hear me?
Oh! Lady Fern, my apologies, just a moment! [ He casts prestidigitation over his phone to clean it of grime, the incantation likely familiar to Fern by now. When he presses it to his ear, his tone is mildly concerned. ] Is everything alright? I thought I would browse the market on my way back...
[ There's no set time that either of them are meant to check-in, but they still share the same living spaces and keep tabs on one another, for better or worse. If Fern is sending — er, calling him, then it's likely something important, if not dangerous. ]
[ There's no set time that either of them are meant to check-in, but they still share the same living spaces and keep tabs on one another, for better or worse. If Fern is sending — er, calling him, then it's likely something important, if not dangerous. ]
[ While Fern can make out the incantation for prestidigitation even through the phone's tinny speaker, she doesn't know why Adrian would need to be casting it right now. She decides it's better off if she simply doesn't ask.
It's late to be wandering around the market, she thinks, but she's also observed that Panorama is a city that never sleeps. Adrian can take care of himself against the typical riffraff, so she doesn't chide him. But... ]
The power has gone out here. There are no lights, so be careful when you come back. I'm not sure when it will be... fixed. [ She still only has the most basic understanding of how electricity works here.
Adrian has the ability to see in darkness, same as her, so he'll be fine. That's not actually why she was calling. ]
It's late to be wandering around the market, she thinks, but she's also observed that Panorama is a city that never sleeps. Adrian can take care of himself against the typical riffraff, so she doesn't chide him. But... ]
The power has gone out here. There are no lights, so be careful when you come back. I'm not sure when it will be... fixed. [ She still only has the most basic understanding of how electricity works here.
Adrian has the ability to see in darkness, same as her, so he'll be fine. That's not actually why she was calling. ]
[ Adrian makes a tisk sound, more generally displeased than anything. ] That's bound to be trouble. I'll hurry back.
[ Like Fern, he has no idea how long it will take for the lights to come back, and even if the dark doesn't trouble either of them, it invites all sorts of unpleasant things. ]
Were you thinking of moving to another inn?
[ Perhaps that's why she's called? Should trouble come knocking, he would prefer to stay and do what they can for the other people who might not have much of a choice, but he's trying to be at least a bit diplomatic while the two of them are sharing space. It's not as if he can't return to the darkened areas after they've moved their things. ]
[ Like Fern, he has no idea how long it will take for the lights to come back, and even if the dark doesn't trouble either of them, it invites all sorts of unpleasant things. ]
Were you thinking of moving to another inn?
[ Perhaps that's why she's called? Should trouble come knocking, he would prefer to stay and do what they can for the other people who might not have much of a choice, but he's trying to be at least a bit diplomatic while the two of them are sharing space. It's not as if he can't return to the darkened areas after they've moved their things. ]
[ While it hadn't been Fern's intention to imply that Adrian should hurry back to the motel, she isn't surprised that he comes to that conclusion and doesn't think it will do her any good to argue the point with him. Surely the markets will be closing soon anyhow. ]
No, I hadn't thought of that, though I suppose we could if this persists.
[ She doesn't sound all that bothered by the prospect of waiting out the power outage, however. It's nothing the two of them can't handle.
She turns onto her side on her bed, adjusting her phone against her ear. ]
But while I was exploring the area after the lights went out, I ran into someone — his name is Alucard. More importantly, he's a dhampir.
[ The first one she's met in the flesh, though Van Richten's guide had given her some information to go on, at least. ]
No, I hadn't thought of that, though I suppose we could if this persists.
[ She doesn't sound all that bothered by the prospect of waiting out the power outage, however. It's nothing the two of them can't handle.
She turns onto her side on her bed, adjusting her phone against her ear. ]
But while I was exploring the area after the lights went out, I ran into someone — his name is Alucard. More importantly, he's a dhampir.
[ The first one she's met in the flesh, though Van Richten's guide had given her some information to go on, at least. ]
[ Adrian nods, realizes she can't see him, and then hums an agreement instead. They can cross that bridge when they come to it.
The actual reason for her call soon becomes clear and Adrian's eyes widen as he listens. He holds the phone with both hands, clutching it close to his ear. ] You're certain? Are you safe?
[ She must be, or she would have started with that, but he can't help the instinctive response. ]
The actual reason for her call soon becomes clear and Adrian's eyes widen as he listens. He holds the phone with both hands, clutching it close to his ear. ] You're certain? Are you safe?
[ She must be, or she would have started with that, but he can't help the instinctive response. ]
[ It's understandable for Adrian to be alarmed, but if she wasn't safe then the call would have started quite differently. ]
I'm fine. He was... surprisingly reasonable, as I interrogated him. [ Because of course she did. ] He knew nothing of Strahd or Barovia. Supposedly, he doesn't subsist on blood and he can go out into the sunlight. He's even taken up arms against ill-meaning vampires.
[ Even his own father. That's not something Fern can really argue with, can she? ]
... In other words, if you also come across him, there's no need to be aggressive.
[ That is more Fern's instinct than Adrian's, but still, the point should be made. ]
I'm fine. He was... surprisingly reasonable, as I interrogated him. [ Because of course she did. ] He knew nothing of Strahd or Barovia. Supposedly, he doesn't subsist on blood and he can go out into the sunlight. He's even taken up arms against ill-meaning vampires.
[ Even his own father. That's not something Fern can really argue with, can she? ]
... In other words, if you also come across him, there's no need to be aggressive.
[ That is more Fern's instinct than Adrian's, but still, the point should be made. ]
[ Of course she interrogated him. Adrian is well accustomed to Fern's weariness of strangers, regardless of who or what they might be. She's as cautious as he is reckless. To hear that someone has earned some measure of her esteem is no small feat. ]
That's good to know. [ He replies, exhaling softly as the tension bleeds out of him again. ] ...But you're certain you haven't been enchanted by some spell?
[ Just checking. ]
What did you ask him? What does this Alucard look like? Not that I'm ordinarily inclined to fight first... [ But even Adrian has gained some measure of caution when it comes to interacting with vampires, or anything like them. ]
That's good to know. [ He replies, exhaling softly as the tension bleeds out of him again. ] ...But you're certain you haven't been enchanted by some spell?
[ Just checking. ]
What did you ask him? What does this Alucard look like? Not that I'm ordinarily inclined to fight first... [ But even Adrian has gained some measure of caution when it comes to interacting with vampires, or anything like them. ]
hello again mr wriothesleyy
it is kind of you to check on me i am doing perfectlyy well
so rry for the late hour
i work at the pavilion clinic now
are you safe
did you find other work
adrian
[ He's still learning how T9 works sorry Wrio. ]
it is kind of you to check on me i am doing perfectlyy well
so rry for the late hour
i work at the pavilion clinic now
are you safe
did you find other work
adrian
[ He's still learning how T9 works sorry Wrio. ]
[ Fern rolls her eyes as Adrian asks that, even if she can understand why. It's not like she expected to be giving grace to some dhampir either. ]
Quite certain, but you're free to double-check when you arrive.
[ Still, he's asking worthwhile questions and so she's quite willing to answer them. She pushes herself up into a sit on the bed, leaning up against the wall. ]
As you might expect. Long, almost iridescent white hair, pale skin, and fangs. I confirmed that he has no craving for blood, and asked him where he was from and for some of the details of the vampire plot that he helped to avert.
[ His specificity with all of that had certainly helped a great deal in shifting her perspective of him, allowing her to realize that maybe not all creatures of the night were like Strahd and his ilk. ]
Quite certain, but you're free to double-check when you arrive.
[ Still, he's asking worthwhile questions and so she's quite willing to answer them. She pushes herself up into a sit on the bed, leaning up against the wall. ]
As you might expect. Long, almost iridescent white hair, pale skin, and fangs. I confirmed that he has no craving for blood, and asked him where he was from and for some of the details of the vampire plot that he helped to avert.
[ His specificity with all of that had certainly helped a great deal in shifting her perspective of him, allowing her to realize that maybe not all creatures of the night were like Strahd and his ilk. ]
I just might.
[ He's only half joking.
Since it doesn't seem like she's in immediate danger, Adrian glances around once more before stepping away from the closed storefront to carry on his way again. ] I don't think I've seen anyone like that as yet... Confirmed how? What did you learn? What did you tell him?
[ He's only half joking.
Since it doesn't seem like she's in immediate danger, Adrian glances around once more before stepping away from the closed storefront to carry on his way again. ] I don't think I've seen anyone like that as yet... Confirmed how? What did you learn? What did you tell him?
I clarified with him that he had no cravings for blood. He seemed sincere in his response, though yes, it's possible he was deceiving me. I just...
[ Fern trails off for a moment. She considers herself a decent judge of character, but then again, she hadn't known how much trouble Adrian was going to be when they first met, so that's a count against her. Not that she's going to voice any of that, but the more he questions her judgment, the more frustrated she feels by it. ]
I wanted to inform you — I didn't realize I'd be interrogated in turn. I can tell you the rest when you get here.
[ On one hand, it's fair for him to be so thorough with his questions. On the other hand, this phone is getting hot against her ear. ]
[ Fern trails off for a moment. She considers herself a decent judge of character, but then again, she hadn't known how much trouble Adrian was going to be when they first met, so that's a count against her. Not that she's going to voice any of that, but the more he questions her judgment, the more frustrated she feels by it. ]
I wanted to inform you — I didn't realize I'd be interrogated in turn. I can tell you the rest when you get here.
[ On one hand, it's fair for him to be so thorough with his questions. On the other hand, this phone is getting hot against her ear. ]
[ help me ]
It's alright.
Medicine is an all hours job.
I hope you're still getting enough rest in between shifts.
I'm still looking but I'm sure something will turn up.
Nothing strange has happened to you lately?
It's alright.
Medicine is an all hours job.
I hope you're still getting enough rest in between shifts.
I'm still looking but I'm sure something will turn up.
Nothing strange has happened to you lately?
it is okay i have a lot of mister energy drink and it works very well :) [ This is the Victorian child they give coffee and sugar to in all of the memes. ]
do you need help looking.?
i am okay. nothing worth speaking of.
i have been tending to patients with unusual symptoms but my magic is not strong enough to help so i am looking into it
you did not answer the question. are you safe?
do you need help looking.?
i am okay. nothing worth speaking of.
i have been tending to patients with unusual symptoms but my magic is not strong enough to help so i am looking into it
you did not answer the question. are you safe?
Interrogated..? [ Adrian fights a smile despite himself. He knows Fern well enough that he can't be offended by her assumption. ] Lady Fern, I assure you I am only glad to hear you've made an acquaintance. We can speak when I return, yes. I'll bring some of that "meat munch" snack you like so much. Oh, it seems my reception is going—
[ And before she can argue that they don't have the funds for treats, he'll hang up. It's fine. This is why he's working all those extra shifts. ]
[ And before she can argue that they don't have the funds for treats, he'll hang up. It's fine. This is why he's working all those extra shifts. ]
Edited (the way i forgot they have beef jerky in dnd) 2025-07-16 20:41 (UTC)
Safe is a strong word to use when all manners of strange things are happening.
But you don't need to worry.
I'm safe right now.
I've got someone helping me with the source of my problems.
[ 'helping' might also be a strong word but eh... ]
Is there anything I can help with?
But you don't need to worry.
I'm safe right now.
I've got someone helping me with the source of my problems.
[ 'helping' might also be a strong word but eh... ]
Is there anything I can help with?
[ very normal things to ask your very normal friend ]
Of course.
Though I admit I might struggle to find one in the first place...
Unfortunately I'm not around enough magic users to know the finer details.
Some of them do use catalysts, while others require specific incantations.
Still others are born with magic in their blood and require nothing more than to imagine what they wish to do.
Of course.
Though I admit I might struggle to find one in the first place...
Unfortunately I'm not around enough magic users to know the finer details.
Some of them do use catalysts, while others require specific incantations.
Still others are born with magic in their blood and require nothing more than to imagine what they wish to do.
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