He's not exactly a regular, but Waver has definitely patronized this fine establishment... a number of times. And that's counting only him, and not any of Iskandar's purchases. Iskandar seems to have taken a shine to Mila, the Arachne co-owner of the place, though, so when Waver enters the store and she happens to be working the counter, she raises one of her multiple arms in a jovial wave and calls him by name.
"Welcome back, Waver!"
"Ah... er, hello, Mila. Thanks. Just looking around." He quickly tries to fend off further interaction by ducking behind the lingerie rack to examine some of the offerings with intense scrutiny, already red in the face. He's never going to get used to coming here, even alone.
No, he is certainly not alone. Berserker came here for something fairly innocuous: lubricant. It would have been easy enough to come and go with just that, but he spots a familiar face as he walks in.
Ah...Well, he has no shame in making Waver's life difficult, so he goes right over to him.
Waver practically jumps, muffling a soft squeak of surprise as he turns suddenly, still clutching a pair of fur-lined leather cuffs he'd plucked off the rack near the sequined bras.
"D-don't sneak up on me like that!"
He'd been so distracted and overwhelmed (no matter how many times he comes in here, it's always overwhelming) that he hadn't even noticed the familiar scent. It also smells strongly of incense in here today for some reason. At least it's not a bad smell.
Berserker gives him a flat look -- as if someone as big as he is could sneak up on anyone in a shop. There's a pause, though, as he notices what Waver's holding. A visceral shock hits him hard, his mouth running dry.
"...Why are you holding those?"
They went through the same hell. Sure, it's been nearly a year, but the trauma still feels painfully fresh. Why, then, would he be willingly looking at that kind of thing?
Waver blinks, looking down in surprise, having momentarily forgotten. When he realizes what he's still holding, his ears fold downward, the blush flooding his face.
Berserker looks embarrassed for a moment as he averts his gaze. The way he reacts to things that remind him of his trauma still bothers him -- he should be stronger than that, or at least past it, right? It should be gone by now...That's what he tells himself.
"...Are you okay with being restrained now?"
His voice is low, almost too low, as he asks that.
To Waver, it sounds almost accusatory. But that's just his own trauma-- because less than a year is not a long time at all, now is it?
He shrinks back a little, shoulders up defensively, and unintentionally clutches the leather cuffs to his chest. He doesn't even actually want them. He just didn't expect to be confronted with this question suddenly, by Berserker of all people, in the middle of a public store.
"I'm heading home for the night," Waver announces, packing up his satchel and starting to gather his coat and gloves. It's been bitingly windy out lately, and the cold makes his nose feel weird and numb, the smells all frigid.
Wrapping his scarf around his neck, Waver gives Yona a sharp look, and jerks his head in a nod toward the door.
She'd been curled up at a table in the corner, paintbrush in hand as she carefully etched out and practiced various runes. There is a scattering of papers before her, some with artistic sketches, others with ornate letters or just practice strokes of paint.
When she'd seen Waver start to pack up for the night, she too had started to clean up, letting the papers sit to dry and cleaning her brushes. She's just finishing up herself when he announces his departure and she casts him a warm smile as she reaches for her cloak and hurries towards him.
"I'm all finished now. I appreciated the company tonight, though. Thank you."
"It's fine. I had some paperwork to finish up as well."
He'll wait for her politely by the door while she gets dressed, adjusting his gloves after he slips on his boots. His eyes wander to the now-neat pile of paper left on the table for Caster or Iskandar to find in the morning and go over her work.
"You were working hard. Got some interesting design requests coming in?"
Settling her warm cloak about her shoulders, she steps outside of the little shop and waits for him to lock up, intending to accompany him at least part of the way back. She actually has no idea where he lives, but maybe it will be in the same general direction for at least part of the way back.
"Ahhh, most of it was just practice work, honestly. It's been a while since I've had to use these particular skills, so I wanted to make sure my hand was still steady enough to do them correctly." And she was relieved it seemed to come back so easily and quickly. "But I have gotten to help with a few of the designs so far. Caster and I have adjusted a few of the runes with additional enchantments here and there. Something to strengthen some of them, or deepen the effects."
There's a spark of sudden, nasty jealousy as he listens to her talk about strengthening her magic, before it fades into the usual dull sadness and ache of nostalgia.
It isn't the same. No matter how far they've come and how much he's tried to build on his skill as an alchemist in lieu of being able to actually use the mana of this world himself, it won't ever be the same as the feeling of actually casting.
"I'm sure he appreciates your help."
And speaking of her help...
Waver turns down the street alongside her to start walking back toward the main part of the city from the harbor. They're going in the same direction, at least for now, toward the Haven.
"...it's pretty cold tonight, isn't it? Want to grab something hot to drink on the way back?"
She misses that spark of jealousy in him. Lacking that close connection - and really, she's still getting to know him and it doesn't even occur to her that perhaps she should move carefully around some subjects - she just smiles at him, looking pleased at his words. She ducks her head, humming a little.
"I hope so. I'd like to be of help to him." Caster had helped her learn so much since her arrival here, she didn't even know where or how to start to thank him for it.
But Waver's sudden invitation gets a slightly surprised look shot in his direction before her expression lights up. "Oh, that does sound lovely. I'm still not used to the weather being this cold here. It was only like this in the mountains, in my lands. A warm drink sounds lovely right now." And she was touched that he'd invited her along, as well.
"Yeah... I understand that feeling. Wanting to be useful to your Bonded. That's... kind of what I wanted to talk to you about, if that's all right."
He has ulterior motives for inviting her, true, but spending more time in Yona's company is something not unpleasant to him either. They're still getting to know each other, but so far, Waver's found her to be a hard worker and relatively calm, down to earth presence -- especially when it comes to being around Caster and Iskandar all day.
Diplomatea has been one of his favorite haunts for a while since Diarmuid started working there, as a good place to do some reading or a little bit of off-desk work. Even when Diarmuid isn't on shift, it's a nice place to sit and enjoy a well-prepared cup of tea.
So when he and Saber are trying to decide on a place to meet up for the afternoon and catch up, it's his first suggestion.
Waver already has a cup of strong black tea to sip on as he waits, a book open on the table in front of him to discourage unnecessary chatter from the wait staff and distract himself from the twinge of nerves; he feels a little guilty for having declined the last few practice sessions Saber had suggested. He knows he needs to explain why, and normally wouldn't be worried about offending someone, but by now, Saber's a little more than an ally. He never thought he'd actually consider her... if not a friend, then close to one. But that goes for many of the others too. Frankly, the feeling of actually having... friends... is still something Waver keeps getting used to.
He arrived early on purpose; he doesn't mind spending some time alone until the agreed-upon time arrives. As it does, though, he starts to look up from his book more, keeping an eye on the door.
She's wanted to see Waver again; he's a friend, after all, and someone she feels like she ought to look after. So seeing him at Diplomatea seems only natural. She's been there before, it's a staple of the city. Why not there?
She feels as if she's running a bit behind, however. Saber tends to be very punctual, though, so what feels late to her probably isn't to quite a few other people. Still, she feels the need to apologize as she swings the door open and pauses until she can spot him. She hurries over with a nod.
Waver lifts his head at the scent of her approaching, before she even speaks, reacting instinctively. His ears swivel forward, full attention on his newly-joined companion.
He shuts the book, setting it aside.
"Not at all. I wanted to get some reading done, so I've been here a bit, but it's not like I was waiting with nothing to do."
"Ah, good," Saber smiles. Like most of her smiles, it's a little small and controlled, but there's some genuine joy in that expression. She's loosened up quite a bit from her first days here (or the Grail War, for that matter). She pulls her seat out and settles in, wings tucked to avoid hitting anyone (or anything).
"How have you been? It's been a while since we spoke."
He answers more quickly than perhaps expected, with more conviction. Shoulders and ears relaxed, a faint smile crossing his lips, he truly looks like he means it. All things considered, despite a couple of things along the way -- like what had happened with Morgana -- the last couple of months have been very good to him.
"But you're right... been a bit busy. I figured you have been too."
There's still a menu on the table. Waver slides it over to her.
"What'll you have? I've got it, by the way. My treat."
"You look well," Saber replies with a little smile. She glances down at the menu as he offers to treat. Maybe he shouldn't have done that... or maybe she should control her appetite. Hmmm. She scans the menu and then nods.
"...I think I shall have the black tea. And several scones to go with it. Maybe the bacon-maple?"
Waver has several scarves wrapped around his face, despite the relative warmth of the Wilde. He frankly looks ridiculous.
But it seems to be working okay, at least so far; his sense of smell is dulled, and though that's kind of annoying and makes it difficult to navigate where they're supposed to go, he hopes it will protect him from the worst effects of the plant they're searching for.
Some villagers on the outskirts that they'd spoken to had informed Waver and Caster that they'd seen a whole cluster of the large, creepy-looking flowers nearby, not too deep into the relatively cleared-out portion of the Wilde near their home. Now, those villagers have been forced to relocate for bit due to the uncomfortable effects of the pollen.
Waver is, of course, happy that this will help them. But in all honesty, he's largely here to get otherwise expensive ingredients for some... slightly unorthodox requests that have been increasing recently.
Inkchanted only had to agree to one raunchy spelled tattoo request and suddenly word travels like wildfire among others with similar interest, apparently.
Waver supposes he can't complain too much. People will pay a hefty price to enhance their pleasure in bed, and he's certainly not above charging high premiums for such truly frivolous asks. As they say: sex sells.
What's worse these little bastards have irregular life-cycle. If the weather ain't right, it might take them a few years to bloom again. And Archer already made a comment that if they preserve dried stock, it will be worth more the longer the time goes. Or some other crap, like that.
So now they're trying to kill two birds with one stone, help the villagers get rid of the horny weed, and make it into a potent ingredient.
Cú doesn't answer immediately as he focuses on finishing weaving the spell first. The magical energy released all around him at once, colours with bright, shimmering light the vitality of the large plant life around them. Healthy trees shine brightly, but—
"There, a darker spot" Caster points in the direction where the trees seems to, quite literally, lack the spark. "These flowers can wrap themselves around the roots, like parasites right? So the trees they grow around must be weakened"
The shimmer isn't going to last for long, so Cú starts moving while adjusting own scarf around his face.
"I'll go first. We can retreat here if things get too heated"
Luckily for him, Waver doesn't catch the accidental innuendo. He's too lost in thought considering the best methods for picking, packaging and preserving various parts of the plant. For this task, he's brought a rucksack with supplies, various containers and spelled seals. Waver hitches it up on his shoulders more comfortably with a grunt, heading after Caster deeper into the woods.
"Yeah, I guess. It's a start. Hopefully it doesn't just lead us to infected trees instead. Apparently, we should be careful of territorial bucks around here too. And I can't really smell them, so keep your eyes peeled."
"Crap, I must have missed the part about the bucks. We could hunt one or two after the job." Mix fun of a hunt with the work with plants. Get lots of food as a bonus. He's a carnivore and enjoys game meat.
But he didn't take the right weapon.
And they don't have to walk into the shade of grove too far to find the first ... specimen. Large blooms springing from underbrush, and nearby the tree's roots. Caster throws his arm out to stop Waver following behind.
Waver stops short as soon as he sees Caster's arm go up in warning, ears springing up to assess the danger before he notices the flower. Ah. There it is.
"Wow, it really is much closer than expected... No wonder they're causing such a mess. And there are a number of them too. C'mon, let's grab some specimens and take care of the rest."
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OPEN | worse dragon.
"Welcome back, Waver!"
"Ah... er, hello, Mila. Thanks. Just looking around." He quickly tries to fend off further interaction by ducking behind the lingerie rack to examine some of the offerings with intense scrutiny, already red in the face. He's never going to get used to coming here, even alone.
...well. He thought he was alone.
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Ah...Well, he has no shame in making Waver's life difficult, so he goes right over to him.
"Looking for something for yourself?"
Immediately teasing.
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"D-don't sneak up on me like that!"
He'd been so distracted and overwhelmed (no matter how many times he comes in here, it's always overwhelming) that he hadn't even noticed the familiar scent. It also smells strongly of incense in here today for some reason. At least it's not a bad smell.
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"...Why are you holding those?"
They went through the same hell. Sure, it's been nearly a year, but the trauma still feels painfully fresh. Why, then, would he be willingly looking at that kind of thing?
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Waver blinks, looking down in surprise, having momentarily forgotten. When he realizes what he's still holding, his ears fold downward, the blush flooding his face.
"I-- Just- just looking."
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"...Are you okay with being restrained now?"
His voice is low, almost too low, as he asks that.
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He shrinks back a little, shoulders up defensively, and unintentionally clutches the leather cuffs to his chest. He doesn't even actually want them. He just didn't expect to be confronted with this question suddenly, by Berserker of all people, in the middle of a public store.
"Th-that's not-- I wasn't..."
He swallows, breathing faster uncomfortably.
"Is it really any of your business?"
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for Yona.
Wrapping his scarf around his neck, Waver gives Yona a sharp look, and jerks his head in a nod toward the door.
"You should too so I can lock up. Come on."
shows up incredibly late with starbucks
When she'd seen Waver start to pack up for the night, she too had started to clean up, letting the papers sit to dry and cleaning her brushes. She's just finishing up herself when he announces his departure and she casts him a warm smile as she reaches for her cloak and hurries towards him.
"I'm all finished now. I appreciated the company tonight, though. Thank you."
!!!
He'll wait for her politely by the door while she gets dressed, adjusting his gloves after he slips on his boots. His eyes wander to the now-neat pile of paper left on the table for Caster or Iskandar to find in the morning and go over her work.
"You were working hard. Got some interesting design requests coming in?"
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"Ahhh, most of it was just practice work, honestly. It's been a while since I've had to use these particular skills, so I wanted to make sure my hand was still steady enough to do them correctly." And she was relieved it seemed to come back so easily and quickly. "But I have gotten to help with a few of the designs so far. Caster and I have adjusted a few of the runes with additional enchantments here and there. Something to strengthen some of them, or deepen the effects."
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There's a spark of sudden, nasty jealousy as he listens to her talk about strengthening her magic, before it fades into the usual dull sadness and ache of nostalgia.
It isn't the same. No matter how far they've come and how much he's tried to build on his skill as an alchemist in lieu of being able to actually use the mana of this world himself, it won't ever be the same as the feeling of actually casting.
"I'm sure he appreciates your help."
And speaking of her help...
Waver turns down the street alongside her to start walking back toward the main part of the city from the harbor. They're going in the same direction, at least for now, toward the Haven.
"...it's pretty cold tonight, isn't it? Want to grab something hot to drink on the way back?"
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"I hope so. I'd like to be of help to him." Caster had helped her learn so much since her arrival here, she didn't even know where or how to start to thank him for it.
But Waver's sudden invitation gets a slightly surprised look shot in his direction before her expression lights up. "Oh, that does sound lovely. I'm still not used to the weather being this cold here. It was only like this in the mountains, in my lands. A warm drink sounds lovely right now." And she was touched that he'd invited her along, as well.
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He has ulterior motives for inviting her, true, but spending more time in Yona's company is something not unpleasant to him either. They're still getting to know each other, but so far, Waver's found her to be a hard worker and relatively calm, down to earth presence -- especially when it comes to being around Caster and Iskandar all day.
He smiles slightly, leading the way.
"You like tea, right? I know a place."
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for Saber.
So when he and Saber are trying to decide on a place to meet up for the afternoon and catch up, it's his first suggestion.
Waver already has a cup of strong black tea to sip on as he waits, a book open on the table in front of him to discourage unnecessary chatter from the wait staff and distract himself from the twinge of nerves; he feels a little guilty for having declined the last few practice sessions Saber had suggested. He knows he needs to explain why, and normally wouldn't be worried about offending someone, but by now, Saber's a little more than an ally. He never thought he'd actually consider her... if not a friend, then close to one. But that goes for many of the others too. Frankly, the feeling of actually having... friends... is still something Waver keeps getting used to.
He arrived early on purpose; he doesn't mind spending some time alone until the agreed-upon time arrives. As it does, though, he starts to look up from his book more, keeping an eye on the door.
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She feels as if she's running a bit behind, however. Saber tends to be very punctual, though, so what feels late to her probably isn't to quite a few other people. Still, she feels the need to apologize as she swings the door open and pauses until she can spot him. She hurries over with a nod.
"I hope I didn't keep you waiting long."
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He shuts the book, setting it aside.
"Not at all. I wanted to get some reading done, so I've been here a bit, but it's not like I was waiting with nothing to do."
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"How have you been? It's been a while since we spoke."
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He answers more quickly than perhaps expected, with more conviction. Shoulders and ears relaxed, a faint smile crossing his lips, he truly looks like he means it. All things considered, despite a couple of things along the way -- like what had happened with Morgana -- the last couple of months have been very good to him.
"But you're right... been a bit busy. I figured you have been too."
There's still a menu on the table. Waver slides it over to her.
"What'll you have? I've got it, by the way. My treat."
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"...I think I shall have the black tea. And several scones to go with it. Maybe the bacon-maple?"
That will do for a start.
"How is Rider doing? Is he keeping busy?"
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for Caster.
Waver has several scarves wrapped around his face, despite the relative warmth of the Wilde. He frankly looks ridiculous.
But it seems to be working okay, at least so far; his sense of smell is dulled, and though that's kind of annoying and makes it difficult to navigate where they're supposed to go, he hopes it will protect him from the worst effects of the plant they're searching for.
Some villagers on the outskirts that they'd spoken to had informed Waver and Caster that they'd seen a whole cluster of the large, creepy-looking flowers nearby, not too deep into the relatively cleared-out portion of the Wilde near their home. Now, those villagers have been forced to relocate for bit due to the uncomfortable effects of the pollen.
Waver is, of course, happy that this will help them. But in all honesty, he's largely here to get otherwise expensive ingredients for some... slightly unorthodox requests that have been increasing recently.
Inkchanted only had to agree to one raunchy spelled tattoo request and suddenly word travels like wildfire among others with similar interest, apparently.
Waver supposes he can't complain too much. People will pay a hefty price to enhance their pleasure in bed, and he's certainly not above charging high premiums for such truly frivolous asks. As they say: sex sells.
Now, they just have to get enough ingredients.
it's been 84 years...
So now they're trying to kill two birds with one stone, help the villagers get rid of the horny weed, and make it into a potent ingredient.
Cú doesn't answer immediately as he focuses on finishing weaving the spell first. The magical energy released all around him at once, colours with bright, shimmering light the vitality of the large plant life around them. Healthy trees shine brightly, but—
"There, a darker spot" Caster points in the direction where the trees seems to, quite literally, lack the spark. "These flowers can wrap themselves around the roots, like parasites right? So the trees they grow around must be weakened"
The shimmer isn't going to last for long, so Cú starts moving while adjusting own scarf around his face.
"I'll go first. We can retreat here if things get too heated"
Wording.
it's ok <3
"Yeah, I guess. It's a start. Hopefully it doesn't just lead us to infected trees instead. Apparently, we should be careful of territorial bucks around here too. And I can't really smell them, so keep your eyes peeled."
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"Crap, I must have missed the part about the bucks. We could hunt one or two after the job." Mix fun of a hunt with the work with plants. Get lots of food as a bonus. He's a carnivore and enjoys game meat.
But he didn't take the right weapon.
And they don't have to walk into the shade of grove too far to find the first ... specimen. Large blooms springing from underbrush, and nearby the tree's roots. Caster throws his arm out to stop Waver following behind.
"Careful— Looks like we found it already"
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Waver stops short as soon as he sees Caster's arm go up in warning, ears springing up to assess the danger before he notices the flower. Ah. There it is.
"Wow, it really is much closer than expected... No wonder they're causing such a mess. And there are a number of them too. C'mon, let's grab some specimens and take care of the rest."