"I don't think they're inherently tropey; I just didn't have a better word for the thing."

(Ancora keeps veeeeery quietly playing.)

Cam nods. Picks up the violin line.

Midway through the song after next, they declare (over their continued playing), 'From the information I have available there are at least no obvious candidates for potential basement blood banks.'

"...good?"

'Yes.'  Cello cello.  'Though this is not entirely sufficient to rule out the possibility.'

"I mean, I could conjure for it, but it doesn't seem like an especially efficient use of time."

'I suppose not.

Should all instances of blood-drinking give both parties magic, in your opinion.'

"I... guess? If the magic is otherwise patched."

'I was also concerned with the potential mistreatment of vampires,' they attempt to justify.  'And I am uncertain that blood drank indirectly will provide enough magic to the system as a whole for two people.'

". . . Is sipping blood out of a wine glass really so much less appealing to you than - " she mimes the awkwardness and hesitancy she exhibited when drinking from Cam towards her own arm.

Can they winghide standing up yes it transpires they can what a useful innovation.  Their bow sticks out through their secondaries.

'Yes.'

"Why?"

"If you don't have insight into this that's fine, I was just curious."

'I do not believe I have insight into this beyond that it is inherent to my essence.'

"If it's ever important we can try querying you with slightly varied scenarios and seeing what improves and what worsens the aesthetic." Shrug.

'I understand the content of my own aesthetics.  If not their origin.'

"If it's ever important to communicate it, then."

Unwinghide.  Nod.  'Communication is much more difficult than understanding, in this field.'

Nod nod.

They play for a while longer before putting down the cello, performing a likely-unintentionally-cheerful wave, and teleporting out.

". . . Guess they didn't actually feel like talking about how to fix their magic system right now."

"It would seem not. At some point we could remind them that you are mortal and potentially stircrazy and time is a factor."

"I mean, magic can do aging and stuff; it's not that urgent.  But next time you see them maybe remind them that they had a few questions for you about Clippy - probably don't call it Clippy to their face.  Or mask.  Thing."