[video] Technology: 1; Crotchety Old Man: 0

[theblackstaff]

[when the video blinks on, the only thing visible is a white ceiling, and the sounds of somebody moving around in a room]
Fool thing, what's wrong with a communications spell...

[the camera shifts, but instead of focusing on a face, all you see is some hair, and then an ear, pressed against the camera. There is also an overly loud, overly enunciated

Comments

[charityandfaith]

Your phone was set to video, not voice, Mister McCoy. Everyone is looking at your ear.

Since both my home and my Church are a couple of miles into the fog, I may consider your offer, but only because Harry Dresden vouched for you.

[theblackstaff]

[grumpy old man grumble and now it's a view of the ceiling] Fool technology.

Harry Dresden's got a good heart. And a good head if he can keep it on his shoulders. [does he sound a little annoyed there? maybe.] But the Blackstone's as safe as I can make it. You have my word.

[charityandfaith]

I know that. Even if we haven't always seen eye to eye. And he'd better keep his head on his shoulders. [she will match the slight annoyance] It would break my husband's heart if anything happened to him, and I don't know that anyone else would vouch for my daughter against the Council. [little hint of bitterness here, but her next words will be genuine.]

Thank you.

[theblackstaff]

[wordless snort. He can place the voice now] There's other people who would've, and maybe made your daughter less enemies on the way. But no better teacher.

If you need an escort here, Mrs. Carpenter, let me know.

[charityandfaith]

Maybe. Regardless, he saved my little girl.

I did learn something in the past twenty five years; an escort would only be necessary until I acquired something more formidable than a frying pan to defend myself. I just need a place to work for a couple days or so first.

Voice

[becauseimboring]

Miss Carpenter... This all makes sense to you?

[charityandfaith]

Missus. Yes, it does. There are some strange things in the world. How else could we explain all of us suddenly ending up here? I just found out about some of those things a little bit sooner, and I know how to deal with a few of them.

Are you okay, Clare?

[becauseimboring]

[charityandfaith]

It's general, rather than vague. I can tell you about some of it, if you're sure you want to know.

I can't imagine anything or anyone with the power to bring us all here. Everyone is equally in the dark on that except for whoever is responsible. If I knew any way for it to be fixed and us to be back home, I wouldn't hide that, and neither would any of the magic users I know here. It's not that no one was bothering to tell you. It's just that most people can't believe even when they are told, regardless of any evidence to the contrary. A lot of people will think you're insane if you start talking about things like magic and wizards.

Where are you? I'm going to bring you over to the hotel. We can have tea or something to eat and talk, alright?

We have to have faith. Everything will be alright.

[becauseimboring]

[theblackstaff]

Plenty of spare rooms here for work, Mrs. Carpenter.

Don't mean no disrespect, just thought Hos-- Dresden might appreciate his friends not getting molested by unsavory types on their way to a safe place.

[charityandfaith]

Alright. I'll pick up some supplies and bring them over then. I'll just have to be a little more careful with the space, since it isn't our garage.

Of course. I appreciate the thought.

[theblackstaff]

I'll ask the staff to keep a look out for you and anybody you think needs a place to stay. Ma'am.