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[mandrakes]

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ＴＥＸＴ.

[interpersonal]

Regis, is it all right if I ask you a question? It might be invasive, in which case, you don't have to answer it. ( it's just been on her mind ever since damon mentioned him, and now that she's back and a vampire... )

[mandrakes]

I doubt that there is anything you might ask that I would be uncomfortable in answering. Go on.

[interpersonal]

( he is so lovely ;~; ) Well, Damon mentioned that vampires in your world were different to ours. I didn't want him to betray your confidence if it was something you'd rather keep a secret, so I didn't ask him too many questions.

Is it true you were born a vampire?

[mandrakes]

I was. I have come to understand that that is somewhat unusual when taking vampire origins across different realities into account.

[interpersonal]

Maybe a little. I've associated dying with vampirism for so long that the thought of being born one is really new to process.

[mandrakes]

People unfamiliar with vampires where I come from often hold the belief that they might become one through being bitten or scratched, but no kind of vampire holds that power. We are simply born as we are, and we will die as we are.

[interpersonal]

( oh....... :c )

Vampirism doesn't make you immortal?

[mandrakes]

I will live for many centuries, but eventually, my life will come to a natural end.

[interpersonal]

The prospect of eternity has always scared me. I'm not sure a natural end is a bad thing. ( even if you're a vampire. )

[mandrakes]

I would not call it a bad thing.

Is there a particular reason for your sudden curiosity?

[interpersonal]

( p a u s e ) There is.

But I was curious a while ago, I was just sent home before I could ask you.

[mandrakes]

Ah. Then consider me entirely at your service for questioning.

[interpersonal]

( there's another lag in elena's responses. his forthcomingness has always been refreshing, but she feels honesty begets a little bit of honesty, even if she is aware regis does not require full disclosure for them to be friends. )

I'm a vampire now.

I've been a vampire for about a year. I guess you could say that reignited my curiosity.

[mandrakes]

Ah.

Would you perhaps prefer to have this discussion in person?

[interpersonal]

Yeah, I'd like that.

Damon's bar doesn't have too many people in it yet, if that works.

[mandrakes]

It does. I will meet you there.

[interpersonal]

( she's already manning the bar by the time regis arrives.

damon is in the office, working on something or other, and when that happens, she tends to volunteer taking over. she gives regis a small wave as he steps in, and there's a stool right across from her with his name on it. )

[mandrakes]

[He doesn't keep her waiting long, and smiles when he arrives. The stool is taken, his elbows leaning neatly on the bar. She doesn't look much different, but that doesn't mean he can't see what's changed about her.]

It's good to see you well.

[interpersonal]

It's good to see you at all.

( the admission is given with a rueful smile on her face. ) It's jarring to come back and realize all you've forgotten.

( including the people she has come to care about, like regis. )

[mandrakes]

I haven't had the experience.

[He isn't sure what waits for him back on the Continent, and how far he might get before his deeds catch up to him again. If he makes it to Nilfgaard, out of sight and out of mind, then he will have little to worry about for some time.]

Though, that might be best. [Briefly, he smiles at her.] I trust nothing too untoward happened in your absence?

forward dated to Christmas Day

[blackbirdsing]

[ There is a wrapped present for Regis outside of his door. It's a beveled mirror chess set. It could be used, but it could be decoration, too? There is also a note: Dear Regis, Thank you for your never-ending patience and wonderful conversation. I hope you have a great holiday. Sincerely, Sarah.' ]

11-5 audio; pre Brianna's network post on the 6th.

[beautifullies]

[ As someone Claire considers close to, like a father, really, she has to send him a message, she has to tell him what's happening. ]

Regis, I have some news that's...well. Do you have time to speak?

[mandrakes]

[She's lucky, really, that it is by Jessica's prompting that he now checks his phone more often for messages. It only takes him an hour or so to realise that he has one.]

For you? Of course, my dear girl. What is it?

[beautifullies]

[ She knew to expect a delay, so while she's been waiting she's helped Brianna get settled and she's actually ready to sit and have a conversation with him now. ]

My daughter's arrived. She's here, Regis.

[ And it's such a mixed bag for Claire. The joy is obvious in her voice - her husband and her daughter, both here together - but it's Wonderland. And Claire knows, Regis knows, how dangerous that can be. ]

[mandrakes]

[They both know, and all too well, but he will not quench her joy by mentioning it.]

How wonderful! I trust she is not in the same poor state your husband was?

[There's a quite earnest hope in that question. Having your family is one thing, but to have to see them hurt is quite another.]

[beautifullies]

No, thank God. She's...made a choice we'll have to talk about and deal with but for now, she's just confused. The standard Wonderland new arrival state of shock. With the added bonus of meeting a father she hadn't known about for twenty years.

[ There's a hint of a smile in her voice. ]

You'll have to meet her once she's truly settled, of course.

[mandrakes]

It would be my pleasure.

[After all, any family of Claire's is family of his by default.]

Do let me know when she's settled in.

[beautifullies]

I will, I assure you.

[ There's a slight pause of hesitation before she speaks again. ]

I would like to ask, if it isn't too much, that you look out for her. I'm afraid that with her here if my speaking out against Fitz or telling anyone has given him cause for any sort of retaliation, it would be against my daughter.

[ Jamie, she's sure, could hold his own against the man save him using any sort of supernatural powers which she's sure he doesn't have given his distaste for them. But Brianna is so new and Claire can only do so much.

[mandrakes]

[It isn't a strange thing to ask, given everything that's happened lately, but Regis still shows an expression of surprise at the request. He nods, though, without hesitation.]

Of course. [Her family is as good as his, after all.]

I'll be sure to be discreet about it.

[beautifullies]

Regis, thank you. Truly. You have no idea how much better that makes me feel.

[ Certainly Jamie will look out for her as well, but Regis has been in Wonderland longer and he knows its inherent danger. ]

I'm very grateful for you.

[mandrakes]

And I for you, my dear girl. You have but to say the word and I'll be wherever you need me.

[At the moment, the danger that Wonderland itself can present is not his most pressing concern.]

[beautifullies]

I understand. I won't take advantage of the offer.

[ She won't be crying 'wolf' that is; this gift is important to her, and she won't abuse it. ]