The disbelief is enough to crack that smile all the way open, though it morphs halfway through into a grimace at the question. As ludicrous as it all sounds, he's well aware of what Fontaine's legal system might sound like to anyone unfamiliar to it. ]
Actually, you get sent to prison. Usually only for a few days, mind, but a trip behind bars all the same.
[ He shrugs. ]
You'd think a fine would involve much less paperwork, and yet.
[ At worst, Adrian might have expected something like a holding cell, the sort of place that particularly disorderly drunks might be sent for the night to sober up. It's not that brutal punishments are without precedent in Faerûn; he's seen the hands and fingers taken from petty thieves and the like, but even so... This is condiments, pets, and petty amusements. ]
That's outrageous. What justification could they possibly have... Or is it that some tyrant has become drunk with power?
[ That would be a situation he knows all too well. ]
[ Furina, a tyrant. The thought is a little laughable, even if some of her previous actions could have certainly been viewed as such through a particular lens. It's certainly enough to make him smile ruefully. ]
It's a long story, from what I'm told. But I do believe the Palais Mermonia is trying to change things for the better.
[ Whether or not they end up successful though.....Magic 8 Ball says to try again later. ]
Say, you wouldn't happen to have [ what was it again ] a phone, would you? If we're both reading the room right, it doesn't seem as though our gainful employment will be lasting much longer.
[ this is my extremely weak excuse to grab adrian's number so i can hassle him with spam in the future, please indulge me, thank you ]
Then I wish your Palais Mermonia the best of luck. Changing a place for the better is never as easy as letting it fall to ruin.
[ And that isn't just true of Barovia. ]
Oh — yes, one moment. [ Adrian's hands disappear into his cabbage suit so he can root around in his pockets and retrieve his phone. He pokes at the buttons with a clear lack of familiarity, but he can sort of get by. ] They showed me how to add a number to my 'phone book'... strange name, if you ask me, when it's not a book... A useful device, none the less.
[ He'll give out his number without a second thought please spam him and don't mind that it takes him 30 years to write each text message. ] Perhaps we can continue our game another time?
[ Why call it a 'phone book' when it's not a book indeed.... Likewise, why call the little squiggle game on their phones Snake when it clearly resembles a worm more? The mysteries of modern technology.
Regardless, the exchange of numbers goes smoothly despite the lack of familiarity from both parties, and then it's Wriothesley's turn to carefully slide his phone into the depths of his cucumber costume. ]
Absolutely. You seem like the kind of guy with a lot of stories to tell. I'd hate to miss out on any of them.
[ watch me handwave the rest of this so i can show up in your inbox later instead ]
[ So Arlecchino is ready to be spammed with all of his afternoon tea pictures then....good to know. ]
I'll keep that in mind.
[[ He will not be doing that, actually, but the distinction is noted and filed away for later as they participate in their little exchange of phones, with him sliding over his phone for much the same. The information he provides is sparse but satisfactory - just his name (Wriothesley) along with his mobile phone number, all typed in evenly and precisely, though there's a certain look of concentration on his face as his fingers press at the small buttons. It may have been a week or two, but he's still getting used to all these new devices.
If there's room for anything else (address? birthday? what did old phones even include back in the day) he leaves it blank.
The waitress, meanwhile, gets a quick smile and murmured thanks for the tea. Two mugs filled with a dark but still translucent liquid, a slighty floral scent wafting into the air. Nearby are the standard accoutrements he's come to expect: sugar, milk, dainty spoons for stirring. ]
I hope you don't mind earl grey. Though I haven't tried this particular blend yet. Apparently it's a seasonal special.
[ While Wriothesley is polite and friendly with the waitress, The Knave does little more than look at her briefly. Anything more tends to make waitstaff... nervous.
She takes Wriothesley's phone. The buttons being spaced out is more agreeable to her nail situation, so she can type with her actual thumbs, amazing. Either way, it's quick work on her end: the only field she fills on the contact page is her phone number before returning the phone to his side of the table. He can dub her whatever he wishes, be it Knave or Lyney's Dad or Dramatic Edgy Lady. ]
I enjoy classic tastes, but I'm not beyond a little twist here and there.
[ She can't be picky, anyway. Getting dumped with a beater of a motorcycle has taught her that much. If the tea is horrid, she'll simply befriend the milk and sugar instead. ]
Now then. Did you have any propositions of your own?
[ She can be the first to try this new seasonal blend of tea then while he mulls over his own stipulations, of which there are presumably a few but my single-celled brain is struggling to recall them on a Monday morning. Ordinarily they would relate to the Fortress and the residents within, but given that none of that is here right now...
In the meantime, he takes back his phone and slips it back in his pocket. He can add a name later. (It will just be Arlecchino, because he doesn't want to have to answer questions if his phone gets yanked from his hands or stolen.) ]
If you could do me a favor and keep my previous occupation under wraps, I'd appreciate it. You know what they say about fresh starts and leaving everything behind.
[ Even if he would still prefer all of this to be a temporary detour on the journey of his life. Sometimes you are still overly cautious in a brand new place where no one knows you or (probably) cares about your history. ]
I'm happy to do the same for you unless you prefer otherwise.
[ She delicately sips her tea. Hmm. Acceptable, all things considered. (Lynette's brews are better.) She leaves the milk and sugar out of the mix. ]
Very well. I accept on both counts.
[ She wouldn't have minded, exactly, if he'd gone around telling people about her and the Fatui. But there may indeed be merit in a fresh start. ]
Next. In the event of a disagreement between us that cannot be reconciled with words alone, let us hold a duel. The manner of duel shall be proportionate to the nature of the disagreement, and the winner will dictate the new "rule" going forward.
[ This is a more unusual proposition, she knows. For now, she'll lay that out and see what he thinks. ]
[ His teacup is halfway up to his lips when Arlecchino proposes her next stipulation, and it hovers there for a good few seconds as he fully processes what's been said before it lowers slowly back down to the table. ]
We can't just play Rock-Paper-Scissors?
[ Just kidding. Though maybe he can propose that as one of the duel methods if the disagreement's minor enough.
No agreement right away as he turns the proposal over in his mind. Having a definite decision made is certainly better than leaving things open-ended, but jumping straight to a fight seems a little excessive. Then again, she never said it had to be a physical duel. (TCG tiebreakers incoming.....?) ]
Is that how disagreements are resolved at the House of the Hearth?
[ She doesn't say yes to rock-paper-scissors, but doesn't say no either. Who knows what the future will hold... While he's thinking, she finally goes for the croissant. Like a civilized person, she cleanly rips off its little croissant head (or tail) and manages to pop it into her mouth flake-free. ]
It's a long-standing tradition in the House. I find it an effective way of managing disputes. Any family will have its share of inner conflict; that much is normal, even healthy. But it is less than healthy when disagreements turn to resentment with no avenue for resolution.
[ The Knave picks up her mug again, resting it atop a black palm. Her expression is even as it has been all this time, her tone matter-of-fact. ]
Competition is the simplest way to address such turbulent feelings. It gives the children a stage on which to express themselves, along with a sense of agency to influence their siblings. Of course, they may challenge me as well if they are dissatisfied with my decisions.
[ There are only so many samples to go around, they would have made it to introductions eventually. And the young woman is pleasant enough company that he doesn't mind spending another twenty minutes or so lounging out here on this random streetside curb. But neither is he going to say no to introductions so, with a small nod of his head: ]
Wriothesley. Yourself?
[ And then a thought occurs to him. They're both something like outsiders here, unfamiliar with the local traditions. It wouldn't be the worst idea to form a couple ties while he's here, have someone he can call up in times of trouble. ]
You wouldn't happen to have a phone, would you? In case I ever stumble across some strange food and need a second opinion.
[ He's mostly joking about this one. ]
i still don't know how to pronounce his name, sobs
[ His name is not one she's heard before, but that applies to many things here, and she's simply accepted that her time in this place is going to be full of firsts. Especially with no clear path for returning to where she came from (whether that's Barovia or Faerûn), she's already wondering just how long she'll be stuck here.
It seems like for most, the answer to that is "forever" — a reality she's still trying to wrap her head around.
Their thoughts seems to be running along somewhat similar lines, based on his premise for asking for her phone number. She blinks once, twice, then leans back to dig into her cloak pocket for her relatively new phone. ]
Just for that? [ She can gather that he's joking, even if he does it somewhat dryly. ] Let me see...
[ It takes some poking at the buttons to re-find where her number is stored within her own phone, but eventually she pulls it up and then turns it around so that she can show him the screen. As someone new to the idea of phones in general, it hasn't occurred to her that someone would abuse having her number — though even if she did think of that, she wouldn't expect this Wriothesley to be the type. ]
[ The dichotomy of the simplicity of Fern vs. the complexity of Wriothesley.
For a moment, he's not sure if she'll agree; they are both strangers to each other, after all, and his appearance doesn't usually inspire trust upon first meeting. She'd be well within her rights to maintain her privacy. But instead she agrees, pulling out the small device he's become so accustomed to seeing around these parts. Likewise he follows suit, tugging out his own so he can store her number and offer up his—though in his case, it's in the form of sending a quick message. ]
This is Wriothesley.
[ Probably a good thing he said his name aloud first before writing it out..... ]
Thanks. I promisen not to send you too many messages.
[ Wriothesley glances around them, at the flickering street lamps below them and the stretch of tall buildings beyond. Different sights that prompt a different lifestyle. And while he's always been adaptable, these things still take some time. ]
I guess you could say I'm not used to having this much free time. Or used to this much noise.
[ The Fortress is loud and creaking in its own ways, but it's still a different pace from actual city life. Still, he prefers this over the squeaky clean guise the upper levels of the Court put on. It feels a little more honest here. ]
You seem like you've settled in pretty well though. Maybe you can offer up some tips, if you're feeling generous.
[ Brooding hotness aside, the guy looks like he knows what he's doing. (Or maybe it's because of the appeal of said brooding hotness? Who can say.) ]
adrian.
[ lol. lmao, even
The disbelief is enough to crack that smile all the way open, though it morphs halfway through into a grimace at the question. As ludicrous as it all sounds, he's well aware of what Fontaine's legal system might sound like to anyone unfamiliar to it. ]
Actually, you get sent to prison. Usually only for a few days, mind, but a trip behind bars all the same.
[ He shrugs. ]
You'd think a fine would involve much less paperwork, and yet.
no subject
[ At worst, Adrian might have expected something like a holding cell, the sort of place that particularly disorderly drunks might be sent for the night to sober up. It's not that brutal punishments are without precedent in Faerûn; he's seen the hands and fingers taken from petty thieves and the like, but even so... This is condiments, pets, and petty amusements. ]
That's outrageous. What justification could they possibly have... Or is it that some tyrant has become drunk with power?
[ That would be a situation he knows all too well. ]
no subject
It's a long story, from what I'm told. But I do believe the Palais Mermonia is trying to change things for the better.
[ Whether or not they end up successful though.....Magic 8 Ball says to try again later. ]
Say, you wouldn't happen to have [ what was it again ] a phone, would you? If we're both reading the room right, it doesn't seem as though our gainful employment will be lasting much longer.
[ this is my extremely weak excuse to grab adrian's number so i can hassle him with spam in the future, please indulge me, thank you ]
no subject
[ And that isn't just true of Barovia. ]
Oh — yes, one moment. [ Adrian's hands disappear into his cabbage suit so he can root around in his pockets and retrieve his phone. He pokes at the buttons with a clear lack of familiarity, but he can sort of get by. ] They showed me how to add a number to my 'phone book'... strange name, if you ask me, when it's not a book... A useful device, none the less.
[ He'll give out his number without a second thought please spam him and don't mind that it takes him 30 years to write each text message. ] Perhaps we can continue our game another time?
no subject
Regardless, the exchange of numbers goes smoothly despite the lack of familiarity from both parties, and then it's Wriothesley's turn to carefully slide his phone into the depths of his cucumber costume. ]
Absolutely. You seem like the kind of guy with a lot of stories to tell. I'd hate to miss out on any of them.
[ watch me handwave the rest of this so i can show up in your inbox later instead ]
arlecchino.
[ So Arlecchino is ready to be spammed with all of his afternoon tea pictures then....good to know. ]
I'll keep that in mind.
[[ He will not be doing that, actually, but the distinction is noted and filed away for later as they participate in their little exchange of phones, with him sliding over his phone for much the same. The information he provides is sparse but satisfactory - just his name (Wriothesley) along with his mobile phone number, all typed in evenly and precisely, though there's a certain look of concentration on his face as his fingers press at the small buttons. It may have been a week or two, but he's still getting used to all these new devices.
If there's room for anything else (address? birthday? what did old phones even include back in the day) he leaves it blank.
The waitress, meanwhile, gets a quick smile and murmured thanks for the tea. Two mugs filled with a dark but still translucent liquid, a slighty floral scent wafting into the air. Nearby are the standard accoutrements he's come to expect: sugar, milk, dainty spoons for stirring. ]
I hope you don't mind earl grey. Though I haven't tried this particular blend yet. Apparently it's a seasonal special.
[ It's strawberry rhubarb. ]
no subject
She takes Wriothesley's phone. The buttons being spaced out is more agreeable to her nail situation, so she can type with her actual thumbs, amazing. Either way, it's quick work on her end: the only field she fills on the contact page is her phone number before returning the phone to his side of the table. He can dub her whatever he wishes, be it Knave or Lyney's Dad or Dramatic Edgy Lady. ]
I enjoy classic tastes, but I'm not beyond a little twist here and there.
[ She can't be picky, anyway. Getting dumped with a beater of a motorcycle has taught her that much. If the tea is horrid, she'll simply befriend the milk and sugar instead. ]
Now then. Did you have any propositions of your own?
no subject
In the meantime, he takes back his phone and slips it back in his pocket. He can add a name later. (It will just be Arlecchino, because he doesn't want to have to answer questions if his phone gets yanked from his hands or stolen.) ]
If you could do me a favor and keep my previous occupation under wraps, I'd appreciate it. You know what they say about fresh starts and leaving everything behind.
[ Even if he would still prefer all of this to be a temporary detour on the journey of his life. Sometimes you are still overly cautious in a brand new place where no one knows you or (probably) cares about your history. ]
I'm happy to do the same for you unless you prefer otherwise.
no subject
Very well. I accept on both counts.
[ She wouldn't have minded, exactly, if he'd gone around telling people about her and the Fatui. But there may indeed be merit in a fresh start. ]
Next. In the event of a disagreement between us that cannot be reconciled with words alone, let us hold a duel. The manner of duel shall be proportionate to the nature of the disagreement, and the winner will dictate the new "rule" going forward.
[ This is a more unusual proposition, she knows. For now, she'll lay that out and see what he thinks. ]
no subject
We can't just play Rock-Paper-Scissors?
[ Just kidding. Though maybe he can propose that as one of the duel methods if the disagreement's minor enough.
No agreement right away as he turns the proposal over in his mind. Having a definite decision made is certainly better than leaving things open-ended, but jumping straight to a fight seems a little excessive. Then again, she never said it had to be a physical duel. (TCG tiebreakers incoming.....?) ]
Is that how disagreements are resolved at the House of the Hearth?
no subject
It's a long-standing tradition in the House. I find it an effective way of managing disputes. Any family will have its share of inner conflict; that much is normal, even healthy. But it is less than healthy when disagreements turn to resentment with no avenue for resolution.
[ The Knave picks up her mug again, resting it atop a black palm. Her expression is even as it has been all this time, her tone matter-of-fact. ]
Competition is the simplest way to address such turbulent feelings. It gives the children a stage on which to express themselves, along with a sense of agency to influence their siblings. Of course, they may challenge me as well if they are dissatisfied with my decisions.
fern
[ There are only so many samples to go around, they would have made it to introductions eventually. And the young woman is pleasant enough company that he doesn't mind spending another twenty minutes or so lounging out here on this random streetside curb. But neither is he going to say no to introductions so, with a small nod of his head: ]
Wriothesley. Yourself?
[ And then a thought occurs to him. They're both something like outsiders here, unfamiliar with the local traditions. It wouldn't be the worst idea to form a couple ties while he's here, have someone he can call up in times of trouble. ]
You wouldn't happen to have a phone, would you? In case I ever stumble across some strange food and need a second opinion.
[ He's mostly joking about this one. ]
i still don't know how to pronounce his name, sobs
[ His name is not one she's heard before, but that applies to many things here, and she's simply accepted that her time in this place is going to be full of firsts. Especially with no clear path for returning to where she came from (whether that's Barovia or Faerûn), she's already wondering just how long she'll be stuck here.
It seems like for most, the answer to that is "forever" — a reality she's still trying to wrap her head around.
Their thoughts seems to be running along somewhat similar lines, based on his premise for asking for her phone number. She blinks once, twice, then leans back to dig into her cloak pocket for her relatively new phone. ]
Just for that? [ She can gather that he's joking, even if he does it somewhat dryly. ] Let me see...
[ It takes some poking at the buttons to re-find where her number is stored within her own phone, but eventually she pulls it up and then turns it around so that she can show him the screen. As someone new to the idea of phones in general, it hasn't occurred to her that someone would abuse having her number — though even if she did think of that, she wouldn't expect this Wriothesley to be the type. ]
i don't think anyone does so it's okay
For a moment, he's not sure if she'll agree; they are both strangers to each other, after all, and his appearance doesn't usually inspire trust upon first meeting. She'd be well within her rights to maintain her privacy. But instead she agrees, pulling out the small device he's become so accustomed to seeing around these parts. Likewise he follows suit, tugging out his own so he can store her number and offer up his—though in his case, it's in the form of sending a quick message. ]
This is Wriothesley.
[ Probably a good thing he said his name aloud first before writing it out..... ]
Thanks. I promisen not to send you too many messages.
jason.
[ Wriothesley glances around them, at the flickering street lamps below them and the stretch of tall buildings beyond. Different sights that prompt a different lifestyle. And while he's always been adaptable, these things still take some time. ]
I guess you could say I'm not used to having this much free time. Or used to this much noise.
[ The Fortress is loud and creaking in its own ways, but it's still a different pace from actual city life. Still, he prefers this over the squeaky clean guise the upper levels of the Court put on. It feels a little more honest here. ]
You seem like you've settled in pretty well though. Maybe you can offer up some tips, if you're feeling generous.
[ Brooding hotness aside, the guy looks like he knows what he's doing. (Or maybe it's because of the appeal of said brooding hotness? Who can say.) ]