[closed] Freeze the arrow in the air

[boneofsword]

Who: Archer and Caster
When: Aguril 2
Where: Lunasa festivities
What: Bonding, Fate style
Warnings: n/a for now



Lùnasa is in full swing, with crowds that make the proposed challenge much tougher. Archer doesn't mind as he keeps looking for Caster. Keping his blue hair uncovered would make the hunt too easy, so it's most likely hidden. Instead he focuses on the familiar gait and all the details he tends to notice. The promise of a hunt makes his heart beat faster and his pace to fasten. It adds a thrill, one he's too aware of. Yet another change.

So far Archer has managed to avoid the tailors, but he pauses when a flash of dark red catches his eyes. Perhaps it's better if he changes too - he's pretty sure that Caster did. It doesn't take long to obtain simple yet tasteful outfit in blood red and black. Oh well, time to continue the chase.

Comments

[futhark]

[ Those hands are still linked and Caster fans his fingers at first and then laces their hands together. How romantic— if not for the fact that he would put a blade between their hands to mix the blood.

They enter the Coven and get the arrangements rather quickly. Due to the festival, there is more Witches on Bond duty so to speak. Someone comments on Caster's outfit, someone else wishes them luck— everyone is so very supportive that it kind of gets weird.

Not weird to call that off but enough to make Caster a bit fidgety when they are put before the door and told to wait for few minutes. He gets that vibe of "finally, marrying him off worked" that happened to him once.

First, his reputation as a troublemaker (talented, but troublemaker) can't be that bad... can it? Second, he never made it that much of knowledge that he is unbonded. On the other hand, the side-effects had gotten pretty bad eventually. ]

They're being weird, aren't they?

[boneofsword]

[What is more romantic than a blood oath?

It's easy to notice all the extra attention they get. Archer himself is a bit on the edge; it's not everyday that he binds himself to another. Last time was his Master, and the time before that— he forcefully pushes the thought away and focuses on the man he's soon going to swear himself to.]

It can be the celebration. [he observes as he squeezes Caster's hand in attempt to put him at ease.] Only those who treat the Bond seriously chose today.

[On the other hand he's sure they know that he's been here often to get the Bonding potions. Dragons are rare and considered the most powerful, even not fully turned like him. No wonder they man be anxious to see him safely bound.]

[futhark]

I can hear the tongues waggling even from here. Sheesh. [ Caster's presence in Coven is already a... special one. On one hand, he napped on classes, on the other hand, he pursued runic and enchanting knowledge relentlessly to the point he stayed after those classes to cram more.

And he might have been asked with polite concern when he is going to Bond a few times. So yes, that's going to be funny ]

[boneofsword]

[Seriously, though. Archer knows him enough to take a guess why such reaction. Caster may not be Heroic Spirit anymore, but that doesn't change his innate talents for doing everything well and learning fast. His friendliness tends to draw others close. In fact he can have anyone that he wants, be it for the night or the Bond—

yet oath is a serious commitment, a decision not made lightly.]

I can imagine. [Archer mutters with a roll of his eyes and is stopped from adding more remarks by the approaching Witch who bids them to enter.

At the first glance his attention is drawn to the magic circles carved into floor. They're told to enter one and join hands. Archer glances at his partner as he tugs his hand and hopes that his own anxiety doesn't show.]

[futhark]

[ Caster appears on the opposite of anxious. His resolve strengthened, a smile confident if a bit sheepish. Archer is so serious, so of course, mismatched as they are Caster has no doubts. He wouldn't ask if he had doubts.

Suddenly their hands are tied with a long, embroidered ribbon. That is enough to throw him off a bit, and that's when he notices who the Witch in charge of the ceremony is. He rolls his eyes, and hisses ]

Teacher..! [ Really? The Witch laughs and says it's per ceremony, it's Lùnasa, what did they expect if they waited for this? But then she grows serious. It's a celebration, it's an important ceremony— but a smile still tugs at her the corner of her lips. ]

One thing before we start with the vows— [ Archer's hand gets a good squeeze as if he's giving him the confidence ] I have one request, so hear it out. I want the Bond to be forged on our True Names. I won't settle for anything else.

[ So... that's not a request. But a statement. ]

[boneofsword]

[That surely is a surprise. Archer takes a breath and forces himself to calm down. It's his choice, and he's going to follow until the end. Caster's gesture surprises him slightly, the encouragement and affection not lost on him. He just wishes to be worthy of it all.]

So do I. [Archer waits a moment, his voice firm as he speaks.]

I swear to never slow you down. To watch your back and guard you to best of my abilities, to be there whenever you have a need for me. To catch you if you fall. To have faith in you no matter what happens.

I swear myself to you, Cú Chulainn, known as the Child of Light and Hound of Ulster.

[futhark]

[ The spell that will link them has already started to be weaved, Caster realizes. Their words are beginning of it. This how and where they form the Bond, the finalization of the spell by the third person is to complete it, neatly tie in the bow at the end. Without this exact moment, it couldn't happen. ]

You ask for nothing, yet you're giving it all... [ It sounds more like a combination of love confession and swearing an oath. Their fates already intertwined earlier. Now that he knows just what a role he had played in making the Counter Guardian.

This ceremony, this decision— it feels right even against better judgment. ] I will respond with nothing less.

I accept your vow, Emiya, my equal— [ That's something he feels is necessary to say aloud. To make a point. He is not a Master, nor a commander to swear a vow to. They're both on the same level ] — and give you mine in return.

I give my honesty freely, but you will have my loyalty. You're a worthy rival and a worthy companion. Should you choose to fight, I will fight along with you. In the darkness, I will bring you the light. In the light, I will stay by your side and remind you of your humanity and to treasure it.

[ Caster feels the pulse of magic around them, and he wonders how much of it can Archer feel. The soft incantations raise the raw power but there is more to that. Their breathing becomes aligned. And so does heartbeat. ]

I will exasperate you— but that's the price of my fondness for you. Because I won't stop challenging you as I please, and I welcome you to do the same. We might not always see eye to eye, but in the end, we will always meet somewhere in the middle

With this Bond, I am yours as much as you're mine.

[boneofsword]

[It's not the same, but Archer can feel the magic around them. Can feel how intense it grows with each verse of chant. Can feel it in the air he breathes, in each word of the vow spoken, can feel it pulse in the thrum of his heartbeat.

Cu Chulainn's vow shocks him. Not as much the promise itself as acknowledging him as equal. During their last fight when he tried to drag his opponent down to his level, Lancer made it clear he's never going to consider him as such. To hear it now—

He can't show how much it affects him. He can't show how the sliver of hope threatens to undo him. Archer forces himself to keep his poker face, but to no avail. Already he can feel an echo of not his own feelings, the presence easily settling somewhere near his heart.

For the first time he doesn't regret his choice.]

— [yet Archer hesitates. It's a bit unfair, for he knows both of his partner's names. Oh damn it. Without releasing his hand he yanks Caster close and kisses him hard.] Emiya Shirou. I'll kill you in your sleep if you use this name, though.

[futhark]

[ Okay, now surely they are going to talk. When you make a move like that everyone will see it as more than just a Bond. Not that Bonds are ever "just" but— That surprises Cú and he follows his first instinct, that is to bite back playfully. ]

Now I know your childhood's name... [ He snickers quietly, and whispers. Filing away that knowledge somewhere to use in the future. Maybe. ]

[boneofsword]

[Archer sends him a glare, softened a bit as he feels an echo of his Bonded's emotions. Caster's presence warms him from inside, ensures that he doesn't feel alone. It's— odd. A good kind.

Sudden clearing of throat makes him realize that the incantations have ended, and so has the ceremony. Archer sends a similar glare to whomever chose to interrupt him- them.]

Congratulations!

[futhark]

[ Caster waves his hand dismissively at the Witch and with a tired expression sigh. They can't escape that, so it's easier to just roll with it. If you make a fuss about something, that's how it gets remembered forever (he knows). ]

Thank you for your assistance— [ All tiredness has gone, a very professional smile and equally professional thanks. He might have been channeling working as waitstaff and doing it on purpose.

He turns to Archer. ] Let's go,——————

[ For two seconds his expression freezes, lips formed as if he was just about to let a "shi" sound out. ] Let's go, the festival is still there. Unless you want to keep holding me like this?

[boneofsword]

[Archer waits as their bound hands are freed, but doesn't release Caster. With their breathing and heartbeats aligned it truly feels as if they've become one. It's definitely odd feeling, something Archer never did expect.]

Let's go, Cú. [he agrees and tugs his hand. For now he decides to overlook the blunder.] The night is still young.

[Perhaps with their fates entwined he's bound to be summoned again and again, until the cursed spear finally reaches its target. Here, though, they can be something more for a short moment. Archer wants to treasure it.]

[futhark]

[ There is no cursed spear, at least no in Caster's hand. Doesn't mean the curse doesn't linger, since fate threw them at each other just as readily. Getting used to the Bond, it will take time. Caster the one more experienced because of his Bond with Lex already in place.

They hands do not separate and it makes a lot easier for the magic to flow between them. Once they're outside, moving back to the festival Caster inquires ]

How do you feel? [ He is Archer's first Bonded, and the Red Knight had went alone for as many months as he did. But Witches experiences are different than Monsters ]

[boneofsword]

[It's true that he did resort to temporary bonds out of necessity, to stave the risk of going feral. While it did help, it never had a feeling of a true bond, the one he's experiencing right now.

Archer gives it a serious consideration. The main difference is warmth and certain awareness of Cú. Instinctively he touches his chest right where it seems to rest.]

Better, and much calmer. It's easier to keep my instincts at bay. [he answers after a moment. Suddenly someone pulls him - or rather them, for Archer isn't ready yet to let go of his Bonded's hand - into a ceremony, someone else notices their joined hands and offers congratulations and well-wishes, as well as a drink.]

[futhark]

[ Something could be said about, how it will truly be seen during the Full Moon. But that's a faraway problem, and now they are dragged into festivities again. Little does Caster remember that the free clothing he wears is actually ceremonial so— there is a good reason everyone is guessing their circumstances right. No, they don't have anything written on their forehead.

Caster passes the glass to Archer and raises his own in a toast ] Sláinte!

[ Now he realizes, did he ever saw Archer drink alcohol? ]

[boneofsword]

[Never, and for a valid reason. Archer isn't good with alcohol, so most of the time he merely tastes it instead of drinking. Tonight is an exception. Perhaps it's the Bond, perhaps it's Caster's presence encouragin him, but he does answer the toast and intends to drink.] Sláinte!

[Perhaps he does trust Caster as much to get inebriated in his presence. In reality two glasses of strong ale will be enough— ]

[futhark]

[ And these are large glasses, pints to be exact. Caster drinks half of it easily after the toast. With a laugh and bits of airy foam left around the top of his lip. He gives Archer's shoulder a friendly punch to encourage his companion (his Bonded) to drink. ]

I can't believe my eyes I see you drinking.