Warm Thoughts Scene Summary

Scene Summary: Warm Thoughts

Warm Thoughts
Chronicle	DC Chronicle
Game Date	December 7, 2015
Real Date	May 5-8, 2016
Characters	Casper Iversson Ginevra Bianchi Jonathan Stewart Maeve Glaistig
Locations	National Gallery of Art Ice Rink
Previous Scene	In Want Of (Casper, Jonathan) Special Delivery (Ginevra) A Wing and a Prayer (Maeve)
Next Scene	Errands (Casper) Plumbing the Depths (Ginevra) Lost and Found (Jonathan) The Harsh Truth (Maeve)
Content Warnings	None
Original Scene	Warm Thoughts

Warm Thoughts is a scene from the DC Chronicle featuring Casper Iversson, Ginevra Bianchi, Jonathan Stewart, and Maeve Glaistig. It depicts the vampires going ice skating, chaperoned by their ghouls.

Scene Summary

Casper arrives at the skating rink and watches other skaters for a while, musing about how much he enjoys the weather and how excited he is to see Maeve again, surprised to have feelings about her that he hasn't experienced for years. He buys a cup of cider from an old man at a refreshment stand and chats with him for several minutes. Ginevra, Jonathan, and Maeve arrive in a rented car, squashed together in the back seat, and all get out and straighten their clothes. Ginevra gives Maeve a pair of skates and locates Casper, excitedly pulling Maeve to meet him. As they head in his direction, Maeve thanks Jonathan for coming along as well, although he privately thinks it's more fun to be here than at The Pit.

Casper and Maeve greet one another, and Casper also shakes Jonathan's hand and kisses Ginevra's cheek, startling them both. Jonathan offers to go rent skates for himself and Ginevra, hoping to avoid her seeing him have to pay for them in coins, but Ginevra insists on going with him, explaining once they're out of earshot that she wants Casper and Maeve to get a few private moments. She also tells him that Maeve will pay for their skates as well as food, but they decide to eat later in order to avoid losing track of the vampires.

Casper invites Maeve to skate or else get cider, and she chooses to begin skating and save the drinks for later. They tease one another about not being very good at skating, but Casper turns out to be downplaying his experience and begins helping teach Maeve. Maeve asks why he chose skating for the evening, and he bashfully explains that there was a rink near his home when he was younger and that he'd always wanted to go skating with a pretty girl.

They discuss Ginevra's visible attempts to get Maeve out of the house, and Casper asks Maeve what she most likes to do, a question that discombobulates her as she realizes that she has no hobbies, and she replies that she and Ginevra would probably be watching Netflix. Maeve then explains the concept of Netflix to a confused but delighted Casper, who is embarrassed that he is so obviously older than he looks but excited enough to ask her to show him how it works in the future. Maeve asks Casper what his perfect night would be, and in response he declares that it would be like this one.

Ginevra and Jonathan get their skates on and attempt to get on the ice, but Ginevra, who has never skated before and assumes that it will not be difficult, immediately almost falls, forcing Jonathan to hold her up. Jonathan struggles to keep them both up and tries to slowly teach Ginevra how to balance, but she falls again, this time dragging Jonathan down with her. Jonathan is mildly injured and worried about Ginevra, while she is aggravated and embarrassed by her lack of skating ability. Jonathan gets up and tries to help pull Ginevra up as well, coaching her along the way, but they repeatedly nearly fall back down.

Maeve is pleased that Casper seems so nice and begins to tease him, but then realizes that Ginevra and Jonathan are struggling and points them out to Casper. Casper remarks that they make a cute pair, surprising Maeve, who had not considered that they might be dating before and is amused by the idea of Ginevra being sneaky about her love life. They both decide to go rescue the ghouls, although they agree to pretend that they are not in order to avoid embarrassing them. Casper uses Potence to pick up and steady both Ginevra and Jonathan. Ginevra is worried that Maeve will stop talking to Casper if they distract her, but Maeve declares that she would like a drink and that the ghouls should go eat, giving everyone an excuse to get off the ice.

Ginevra and Jonathan go to a refreshment stand to give Casper and Maeve some space, and the two vampires discuss the ghouls' possible romance until they arrive at another stand, where Casper buys them both cups of cider, but the vendor embarrasses them both by revealing that Casper was talking about and complimenting Maeve to him before she arrived. Maeve thanks Casper for the compliments, and he argues that he should thank her instead for being the first happiness in his life in a long time. When Maeve asks why, he explains that elder vampires have used him as a pawn for many years and that he is seeking a fresh start, but that he would prefer not to discuss it now.

Maeve apologizes for prying and tells Casper that she hopes things will improve for him, reassuring him when he asks that she genuinely enjoys his company. She thanks him for the evening and tells him that he can always talk to her if he needs to, an offer that Casper finds deeply meaningful. Maeve suggests that they should do something again in the future, and Casper happily accepts, brushing hair away from her face and suddenly distressing her with the intimacy of the gesture. She tells Casper that she has to leave, but offers to meet again soon, suggesting that they set up Netflix for his house. She and Casper establish that they are on a first-name basis, and then Maeve kisses his cheek and leaves.

Casper is upset, believing that he must have made a mistake and driven Maeve away, but also thrilled by her gestures of affection toward him. Once she is out of sight, he takes a box full of a viscous liquid from his pocket and captures a snowflake in it before putting it away again. He uses Auspex to see and hear Maeve and the two ghouls in the distance, eavesdropping to hear whether she is upset with him, but is relieved and pleased that everyone seems positive. He returns to the refreshment stand, where he buys more cider and chats with the vendor as he texts Andres Lund to come and pick him up.

Script Summary

The script summary for this scene pares it down to only dialogue and action directions, allowing for a quicker and easier read through what was actually said and done by the characters. Click on the "Expand" tag to the right to view the entire script summary for this scene.

Warm Thoughts Script Summary

Casper is at the skating rink leaning against a railing as it snows. Several couples skate on the ice. Casper goes to a refreshment stand near the ice and buys a glass of hot cider, which he drinks. Ginevra, Jonathan, and Maeve arrive in a rented car and get out near the rink.

GINEVRA: All right. Here are your skates, try to look like you know what to do with them.

She hands Maeve a pair of ice skates and rubs circulation into her leg.

MAEVE: I do know which part goes on the ground.

GINEVRA: We'll have to go get some rentals in a minute, after we — aha! There he is, let's get you over there and then we'll be right back.

Ginevra, Jonathan, and Maeve walk toward Casper.

MAEVE: It's sweet of you to come along, Jonathan. A little extra company is always welcome.

JONATHAN: No bother, miss.

Maeve waves at Casper as they arrive. Casper kisses both Maeve's cheeks, then both Ginevra's. Maeve kisses his cheek back.

GINEVRA: Mr. Iversson— uh.

CASPER: Ms. Glaistig it is good to see you again. Oh and you Ms. Bianchi... Jonathan yes?

He shakes Jonathan's hand.

MAEVE: Hello, there, Mr. Iversson. I hope we didn't keep you waiting?

CASPER: Oh not at all — I just arrived myself. Thank you again for joining me. I have to say I was happy to hear that you also enjoyed skating — it's been awhile since I've had the opportunity so you'll have to forgive me if I take a few moments to get back in the swing of things.

MAEVE: Of course, thank you for the invitation.

JONATHAN: I can be running to the rentals for you if you like. Let you visit for a bit.

GINEVRA: Oh, no, I'll come with you. I'm not quite sure of my size. You two go, we'll catch up!

She squeezes Maeve's hand and grabs Jonathan's arm. Ginevra and Jonathan walk away toward the refreshment stand.

JONATHAN: Oh, all right then.

MAEVE: I don't think I'll have to forgive you for much, Mr. Iversson. If Ginevra gave you the impression that I'm a frequent skater, I'm afraid she was stretching the truth.

She shakes her head.

MAEVE: I mean, I do know how, but only the basics.

CASPER: Did you want to head onto the rink now? Or would you prefer to get a warm drink first, there is a man over there selling a nice warm apple cider if you'd like.

Maeve gestures toward the rink.

MAEVE: Oh, let's save the hot drinks for later. We'll probably need them after we've frozen ourselves in the wind for a little while. If that's all right with you?

CASPER: That is more than all right with me Miss Glaistig.

They both put on their skates. When they finish, Casper holds out a hand to Maeve.

CASPER: Hmmm well then we will have to rely on each other not to lose our footing.

MAEVE: Thank goodness for each other, then.

CASPER: Thank goodness.

Maeve takes Casper's hand and he leads her to the rink, where they step onto the ice.

CASPER: If I remember correctly... the idea is not to fall.

Ginevra and Jonathan arrive at the shoe rental stand.

JONATHAN: Are we on some secret mission, then, or did I miss something in the way here?

Ginevra digs in her pocket for her wallet.

GINEVRA: No, no. We're 'chaperones', whatever old people like him mean by that, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't have enough privacy to get to know each other. As long as we keep them in sight, I see no reason they can't have their space.

She cranes her neck to watch Casper and Maeve, then points at a pair of skates on the shelf.

GINEVRA: What's your size? It's on Maeve, she said we could get food if we wanted to, also.

JONATHAN: I'm thinking food would be nice, but if you want to keep up with those two, we're needing to get to it.

He nods toward the rink as he chooses skates and takes them from the stall. Ginevra takes hers as well and pays for both.

JONATHAN: Not that there's anywhere really to be going, it's a circle, but in case you need to rap their knuckles with a ruler.

He and Ginevra both sit down to remove their shoes and put on their skates. Ginevra nods.

GINEVRA: I knew she'd be fine. Well, lucky they can't go far and we're out in public. We'll just get right on the ice and catch up. Let's go, then, we'll warm up with something to drink after we're sure they're doing all right.

She gets up and awkwardly walks to the rink and Jonathan hurries after her. On the ice, Casper and Maeve begin to skate around in a circle, hand in hand.

MAEVE: You know, I was going to ask you if you skated often, but apparently it's as rusty for you as it is for me. So instead I suppose I should ask, why did you decide on skating? Or did Ginevra suggest that, too?

CASPER: Oh, I wouldn't call this rusty — in fact we'd probably be able to take the gold medal at this rate.

He stumbles, then straightens up.

CASPER: Honestly? Promise you won't laugh?

MAEVE: Cross my heart.

CASPER: When I was a boy — there was a skating rink by my home every winter. All I wanted when I was a shy young man was to go ice skating with a pretty girl like in the movies. But when the war came, the rink closed down...replaced by a depot of some sorts. I cannot quite remember... I don't know... it seemed... Nostalgic and fun?

MAEVE: That sounds like exactly what it is — nostalgic and fun, although the first, I'm afraid, is only for you. I never skated much when I was younger. It is nice, though, especially on a clear night.

CASPER: Hmm well perhaps one of these days we should do something that you find nostalgic to be fair. I think Ms. Bianchi just said yes to the first idea I had — she seems to want you to get out more often.

A couple skates past them and Casper puts his arm around Maeve's waist, pulling her closer. Maeve shakes her head.

MAEVE: That doesn't surprise me. She thinks I don't get out enough.

She shrugs.

MAEVE: She's probably right, but we did only just get here. Ginevra is very organized and very motivated. I suspect if I weren't here, she'd already have decided upon and enacted an entire social schedule all by herself within the first two weeks.

CASPER: I hope that it's okay that I played into her hand?

Maeve chuckles.

MAEVE: Oh, don't worry. If you hadn't played into her first idea, she'd have gotten you eventually. She's quite determined.

CASPER: Well if it means spending an evening trying to remember how to skate with you — I am glad. Though... I would be curious to know what Maeve Glaistig would be doing with a free evening if her assistant hadn't made plans already.

He flips around and skates backwards, still holding Maeve's hand. Maeve laughs.

MAEVE: Show-off. I'm beginning to suspect you of having been better at this, remembering how or not, than I ever was to begin with. Obviously I'm at a disadvantage.

CASPER: I am as surprised as you are to be honest, but you're doing fine. Better than fine. Magnifique.

MAEVE: Flatteur. Don't go telling everyone I let Ginevra run my life. It'd be all gossipy.

Casper mimes zipping his mouth closed.

CASPER: Your secret is safe with me. I'd like to know a little more about the real Ms. Glaistig, what's a perfect night look like for you?

MAEVE: I'm not sure anyone really ever has a perfect night. If I weren't here, I'd probably just be at home. Probably with Ginevra, watching Netflix and listening to her tell me all about her adventures with the other assistants. Maybe drinking a bottle of wine, if we felt adventurous. Nothing very interesting, I'm afraid.

CASPER: There is nothing wrong with a quiet evening at home, if you ask me those relaxed nights without having to do the dance are little treasures that should be cherished. Though... I am not sure what Netflix is... is it a television show?

MAEVE: Oh, sort of. It's...

She shakes her head and blows hair out of her face.

MAEVE: It's a service that you can get that allows you to watch movies and television shows at home, through the internet. Ginevra would be better to ask about it, she set it all up. As far as I can tell, it just means that we don't really have to leave the house to watch whatever we're in the mood for.

CASPER: That sounds fantastic! The internet is really amazing — you'll have to show it to me sometime!

MAEVE: If you like.

CASPER: I'd like that — it's always fun to learn something new. Knowing what it is and how to get the darned thing to work are two very different things... practice though. Goodness, I must sound ancient.

Maeve chuckles.

MAEVE: No, not ancient. I mean, you do know what the internet is. I don't imagine we could say the same for every member of the city. So, since it obviously isn't that, what would you be doing? What would Casper Iversson's perfect night be, then?

CASPER: Tonight is pretty close.

MAEVE: I called you a flatterer too soon, I see. You are very sweet, Mr. Iversson.

Ginevra and Jonathan reach the rink. Jonathan steps onto the ice, then turns around.

JONATHAN: Och, sorry, lovely girl, need a hand down?

GINEVRA: Yes, thanks—

Jonathan offers Ginevra both his hands. Ginevra takes them but slips as she steps onto the ice, squawking and grabbing Jonathan around the middle. He grabs her as well and they stabilize. She tries to let go of him but nearly falls and grabs his jacket.

JONATHAN: Oof. Okay, I'm guessing you're not skating all that often of a winter's night.

GINEVRA: I'll just — hnnnoh god. Okay, I just need a minute to figure this out, and we'll — keep an eye on them, where are they?

JONATHAN: They're over that way, don't fret. Okay, look, lovely girl, I'm going to back up a little, all right, and you keep your hands in mine. We'll get you upright in no time.

GINEVRA: Okay. Yes. Good.

Jonathan takes Ginevra's hands and begins to slowly back up, pulling her along. Ginevra wobbles.

GINEVRA: Just... okay, slow down, Jonathan, they're right there, we don't have to chase them.

JONATHAN: Don't—

She tries to stand up straight, then flails and falls, dropping her phone and pulling Jonathan down with her. They land in a heap and Jonathan bangs his head on the ice as Ginevra swears. Across the rink, Maeve puts a hand over her mouth.

MAEVE: Oh, dear. I think one or both of our friends might be even more out of practice than we are.

Casper chuckles.

CASPER: They certainly are cute together are they not?

MAEVE: They are, aren't they? He does come around an awful lot. Usually, he says, to check on us. Which is of course one of the ways you might guess a gentleman has an interest.

CASPER: It's usually a good sign, yes.

He rubs the back of his neck and flips around to skate forward again.

CASPER: ...Should we go help them?

MAEVE: Maybe we should just swing past them, see if they want help. If not, at least we can wave as we go by, and they can pretend that nothing embarrassing has ever happened to either of them.

CASPER: As you wish Ms. Glaistig, I will be sure to put on my most 'we didn't even see you fall' face.

MAEVE: Very gracious of you.

Casper and Maeve skate toward the fallen Ginevra and Jonathan.

JONATHAN: Mary mother of Christ. You all right then, lass? All your bits and pieces together?

Ginevra swears in Italian and gets to her hands and knees.

GINEVRA: Of course, I'm fine.

She reaches for her phone, but loses her balance as she grabs it and falls on Jonathan again.

JONATHAN: Oof.

Jonathan sits up.

GINEVRA: You okay?

JONATHAN: Yeah, yeah, I'm good.

GINEVRA: Okay, let's try that again, but more successful. How are you supposed to get up on these things if you fall down?

Jonathan coughs.

JONATHAN: Well, with a hand would be the best way.

He crouches, then stands up and dusts himself off.

JONATHAN: Here, use the part at the front of your toes, like a little digger, and not that I mind facedown on the ice, but don't pull too hard, all right? We'll get you steady yet.

Ginevra takes Jonathan's hand and gets up, then loses her balance, squawks, and falls, grabbing Jonathan again to stay upright. She puts her phone away and makes a thumbs-up at Maeve as she and Casper approach.

GINEVRA: Try to look nonchalant.

Jonathan mumbles.

MAEVE: Maybe a little rescue is in order, if you don't mind. I think I might rather like that drink you promised earlier, Mr. Iversson. I may be just a little chilled. Ginevra, did you and Mr. Stewart end up getting anything to eat?

JONATHAN: It's a kind offer, miss. Maybe something solid in your belly to help weigh you down, hey, girl? To give you some balance in your legs, I mean.

MAEVE: Of course.

GINEVRA: Oh, yes, good!

Casper chuckles. He lets go of Maeve's hand and uses the Potence discipline to pick up both Ginevra and Jonathan, setting them on their feet.

CASPER: Let me lend you a hand there. There we go, now just grasp each other's hands and use one another for balance. Something warm sounds like a fine idea.

He takes Maeve's hand and helps her off the ice. The wind blows Casper's hat off and he catches it in a hand. Jonathan helps pull Ginevra to the edge of the rink and they also get off the ice.

GINEVRA: Yes. We'll go get something to eat, you two go have a drink. I'll be a few minutes, you go on!

She unties and takes off her skates. She puts her shoes back on and then takes Jonathan's arm.

GINEVRA: We'll just go find something to eat, we'll be right over there.

She pulls Jonathan away toward a refreshment stand.

MAEVE: Well, then, Mr. Iversson, shall we?

She and Casper begin to walk toward another refreshment stand.

MAEVE: Ginevra is the dearest of friends, but she is not very good at subtlety. It seems that you might be right. Maybe she'd just like a moment or two with some good company. Which, luckily, we also have. I would like that something warm, though. I'm afraid I get cold rather easily.

Casper laughs.

CASPER: I know the feeling, but I am sure it comes from a good place.

MAEVE: It does.

CASPER: I hate to sound selfish but I do hope though, you're not spending time with me just to make her happy.

MAEVE: Of course not, Mr. Iversson. I am spending time with you because you asked me to, and because I like you and you're very good company. I hope that's all right.

CASPER: More than alright. Well when I met them at the coffee shop on their little date the other night, I did kind of take away some of their alone time so I kind of owe them a private moment anyway.

He shrugs.

CASPER: I guess a strange foreign Kindred showing up put her a little on edge. I suppose I can be rather intimidating.

Maeve hums.

MAEVE: I had no idea they had a date! After the way she's always chasing me around about what I'm up to, she's been, why... sneaky, hasn't she? I'll have to ask her about it later.

CASPER: Ginevra? Sneaky? Well she certainly isn't hiding it that well. You'll have to tell me what you find out then.

MAEVE: That's why I'm surprised. Maybe Jonathan's just that much better at it than she is.

An old man turns around as they arrive at the refreshment stand.

VENDOR: Oh it's you! Is this the pretty girl you were telling me about earlier? You were right she is a pretty thing!

CASPER: Uuuh... ahem... Yes, this is Miss Maeve.

Maeve blushes. The old man fills two cups with hot cider and serves them. Casper hands Maeve one cup and takes the other as he pays for the drinks.

CASPER: Thank you sir — bye — keep the change.

MAEVE: Thank you. And thank you. You're very sweet, Mr. Iversson.

They begin to drink the cider.

CASPER: I... well... I don't know about sweet...

He loosens his scarf, then sits down on a nearby bench. Maeve sits beside him and arranges her skirt.

CASPER: ...But I should be thanking you. I have not had reason to really smile in a long time.

MAEVE: I don't know why you'd thank me, but you may if you like. But, if you don't mind my asking... why not?

CASPER: I have been in the personal employ of some older Kindred for a long time... they tend to dictate a lot of your life. But that chapter of my life is behind me — it ended rather abruptly and harshly... I am here now though. If it's alright with you, I'd rather not go into too much more detail tonight. I don't wish to ruin a pleasant evening after all.

MAEVE: Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pried.

Casper shakes his head and puts his hand on Maeve's shoulder. She covers it with her own.

CASPER: No, no, don't be sorry, I promise... I just want you to know, the kindness you've shown me... well it means a great deal.

MAEVE: Well, I hope for more kindness for you, then. I should be thanking you, though. I've been... well, we all have our sorrows, but it's been nice forgetting about them a little while with you.

CASPER: I will tell you more another time. The fact that you cared enough to ask makes me all the more sure about you.

MAEVE: Well, you certainly don't have to. I'd be happy to listen if you like, but I know some things... are just better left as they are.

CASPER: I appreciate that Ms. Glaistig, it's just not something I've really talked about with anyone before besides Andres, again, thank you.

He squeezes Maeve's hand, then lets go of her.

CASPER: Besides... if it wasn't for what happened, I'd have never met you, and I am glad to hear that my company has not been a nuisance.

Maeve laughs.

MAEVE: A nuisance, never. I've had a lovely time with you this evening. We should do something like it again some time, maybe.

Casper tucks a lock of hair behind Maeve's ear.

CASPER: I'd like that, very much.

MAEVE: I should head home. But maybe some time this next week? If Ginevra wouldn't mind helping, we could maybe come help you set up movies at your house, if you like.

CASPER: Oh... Alright... That sounds nice.

Maeve stands and turns to leave.

MAEVE: By the way. You may call me Maeve. If you'd rather.

Casper nods and stands up as well.

CASPER: Thank you Maeve, I had a lovely evening. You can call me Casper, and feel free to call on me whenever you'd like.

He bows and Maeve kisses his cheek.

MAEVE: Thank you, Casper. I will if I need to. Ginevra will call.

She turns and walks away. Casper watches for several minutes and covers his cheek with his hand. He takes a plastic box from his pocket and opens it to reveal a clear liquid. He captures a snowflake in the box and closes it, then uses the Auspex discipline to eavesdrop as a distant Ginevra, Jonathan, and Maeve talk as they leave the area. Casper returns to the refreshment stand and buys another cup of cider, which the vendor adds rum to.

CASPER: Thanks, Jacob, right? ...You were telling me about how your father opened this place back in the 30s?

He takes out his phone and texts Andres Lund.

Translations

Trivia

• The performance at Limbo that Casper avoids bringing up and later flashes back to was seen in In Want Of.
  
  
• As Maeve correctly assumes, Ginevra did not know whether Maeve could skate when accepting Casper's invitation in The Spill: Open Mic Night; Maeve is not an especially good skater.
  
  
• Casper's misidentification of Ginevra and Jonathan as dating is due to his having seen them previously at the Spill, where they met to discuss their employers. (Jonathan's very visible crush on Ginevra may also have something to do with it.)
  
  
• The elders in control of his life that Casper alludes to are Anne d'Arpajon and possibly his sire, Ivar Ragnarsson.
  
  
• The time Casper recalls that Maeve was called away by the Prince has during the events of Nordic Fog.
  
  
• The box full of liquid is revealed to be a method of making jewelry immediately after this scene in Errands.