[closed] I could be your welcome

[ua_duibhne]

Who: Diarmuid and Archer
When: Mid-July
Where: Archer's cottage
What: An Archer and a Lancer hang out only it's not the Lancer you're thinking of.
Warnings: N/A

[It's been two weeks now and yet the thick layer of snow blanketing the ground has yet to melt; on the contrary, there seems to be more on the way judging by the snowflakes beginning to fall all over again as Diarmuid makes his way up to the cottage where Caster and his elusive roommate have made their home. All this time and he's never visited... really, it's poor manners on his part but he aims to remedy that today.

And so, here he is. Wrapped up warmly with only the upper part of his face showing over his scarf, the Lancer's braved the blizzard to drop by with some books that he thought might be of interest to the other witch. Admittedly, it's just an excuse to catch up but he's sure he won't mind. Or, in the unlikely event that he does, Diarmuid's pretty sure that the teacake he's also brought with him will lighten the mood. God knows he needs it at the moment after screwing up so majestically with Berserker and Waver.

It's a surprise, then, when he's greeted not with a familiar, blue-haired mage but someone he doesn't recognise. White hair, tan skin- so, this must be Archer. What he knows of him is somewhat limited; he's the one who puts together Caster's lunches (which are, he's found out from stealing a sandwich or two, delicious). A Servant, he assumes, and one with a connection to him that's carried over into this world.]

Ah, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude. Is Caster home? [A pause- then he tugs down his scarf to give Archer a small smile. His loose curl is still caught in his collar.] We haven't been introduced yet, have we?

Comments

[boneofsword]

[Archer isn't expecting any visitors, so it's a surprise to see a guest. He can take a guess it's Servant from the same land as Caster, the one he mentions with fondness.

He's looking a bit different from before, though. There's a faint shine around the outer corners of his eyes, and he's wearing his hair down.

However Archer isn't the only one in the welcome gang. Several cats show behind Lancer, watching him warily. If the guest is allowed inside everything is fine. If not, he's theirs to handle]

Come in. [Archer invites, opening the door wider.] Caster should be back soon.

[ua_duibhne]

[Diarmuid tilts his head, glancing at the cats waiting behind Archer like a very fluffy, suspicious trio of bouncers. Hopefully, he'll pass their test.]

Ah, grand. My thanks.

[With a nod, he steps over the threshold and into the hallway, careful to kick the remaining snow off of his boots before shutting the door behind him. Now that he's in the warm, he finally gets a chance to address his host properly in between freeing himself of his impressively long scarf.]

Lancer. [He tugs off his gloves and extends a hand to Archer.] It's good to meet you finally.

[low key he's also getting a good look at u dude]

[boneofsword]

[When Lancer is allowed inside the cats vanish. It's all because Archer keeps feeding strays, and the strays guard the place. Sometimes a few sneak into the cottage to warm up, but never stay for long.]

Archer. [he accepts Lancer's hand with firm handshake.] It's a pleasure.

[Archer has to admit that he's a bit curious about another warrior hailing from the emerald island. It's good that Caster has found someone with close kinship. Lancer clearly is built more for agility than strength, is surprisingly attractive and has a kind smile. It must be the ancestry that makes those guys look sexy.]

Would you like something warm to drink?

[ua_duibhne]

[Maybe he'll see if he can lure one of them out later with treats...

There's a subtlety to the way that Diarmuid sizes him up. Dressed for the cold weather, it's difficult to get a read on his build but his handshake is strong and the inch or so he has on him in height feels like more with those broad shoulders. It's hard to imagine that he's the one that's been putting together all of Caster's lunches but the image is just as endearing as it is surprising.

Archer. Caster. Lancer. Berserker. Saber. That makes five now, doesn't it? For all he knows, there are other Servants here that he has yet to encounter; they could have a full set without ever being aware of each other.]

Please. It's blowing a gale out there.

[His boots are left in the corner and his coat hung up but he brings his satchel with him as he follows Archer further into the cottage.]

[boneofsword]

[It's hard to imagine any kind of domestic Archer, though. Someone of his build would look much more in place in the barracks, or even in the forge.

The living room Archer leads him into is simply furnished but comfy. Personal touches show in various books (mostly history) stacked neatly and warm throw blankets draped over the armchairs. Honestly, it's a bit surprising how homely the room feels.]

Make yourself comfortable.

[Archer doesn't waste time. Tea is ready, so bringing another cup and some slices of seed cake takes only a moment.]

[ua_duibhne]

[Diarmuid follows him with great curiosity, peeking at shelves and into other rooms on the way into the lounge. One of the two of them, it seems, has been researching the history of this place but the smell of cake is as good a distraction from that as any. By the time he takes a seat, sinking into the blanket pooled over his own chair, he's already considerably warmer than before but that doesn't stop him from putting a generous teaspoon of sugar in his tea as well.

Really, it's not too surprising that the cats haven't followed them in; they can probably smell dog all over him courtesy of Waver.]

I'm not sure about how these things are handled yet but... would it be discourteous to ask what you're becoming? If you know, that is.

[His gaze comes to rest on the light shimmer around Archer's eyes. Scales...?]

[boneofsword]

[The joke's on Diarmuid - strays are both of feline and canine variety, but they change. Some come often, some vanish for days to return missing part of ear.

Lancer's question surprises Archer. It's a reasonable question, and he doesn't begrudge such bit of curiosity.]

I'm not sure. Some kind of reptile is my best guess.

[It takes a conscious effort to push away unwelcome thoughts about the changes. Archer doesn't want to dwell on it.]

It must be tough to get used to casting spells.

[ua_duibhne]

[that's fine the joke's usually on him anyway]

I see...

[There are parallels he wants to draw between him and Berserker, questions he wants to ask about the transformations- but he can sense that the subject has already outstayed its welcome, even if Archer's too tactful to say it out loud. Instead, Diarmuid lets the topic swing around to himself without argument, even giving him a self-deprecating smile.]

Mmm. I've never had any direct control over magic- my spears and blades were always more conduits than anything. I'm not much of a witch. [A pause- and then that smile turns into a michievous grin.] Be honest- how is Caster fairing? He'd never admit it to me if he were struggling.

[boneofsword]

I understand. Being a fresh mage and trying to get a grasp on newfound skill can be hard.

[He's grateful for not continuing this topic. With encouraging expression he listens to Diarmuid describing his trouble, his face brightening with a smile when Caster is mentioned.]

I tend to ask for his help in various tasks that may require it. [his smile becomes rather impish.] Last time it was fine control over campfire for roasting meat, to not turn it into charcoal.

[However his smile fades a bit, a hint of worry taking its place.]

It's testing his patience to be thrown back to the very beginning and having to master it again. He's tenacious in his pursue of the studies, though, and often goes for challenges far above his current level. His fails tend to be quite explosive.

[Archer shakes his head and gives his guest a bright smile.] I'm glad that he has a friend to learn and train with. It's what he needs the most, someone that challenges him to get better with spells and wields the same magic. How lucky that both of you hail from Éirinn! [a pause, as his smile turns sheepish.] Caster mentioned that you come from the same place, but nothing more. I apologize if I overstepped.