The Harsh Reality of Questing - catch'all

[futhark]

Who: Caster (Cú Chulainn), Alex Benedetto, Archer (Emiya), Oda Nobunaga, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, princess Zelda whoever else wants?
When: second and third week of May
Where: Outer City, Haven, Coven
What: Wilde Quests #1-2, Full Moon meeting, some Coven lessons of various disaster levels
Warnings: Will be added if necessary

｢Note: prompts are added in comments, so let me know if you want anything in particular, wildcards also welcome ｣

Comments

[futhark]

[ And here Caster strayed just for a second to pick up a long piece of juniper-like hardwood that caught his eye. That's enough for Archer to get attacked apparently. ]

Hey-! [ He picks up a shorter branch and throws it, aiming it at the big black bird that suddenly decided Archer is a worthy enemy to peck at. ]

[boneofsword]

[The bird screeches and flies away, not liking the sudden two-against-one change.]

Thanks. Looks like we're nearby. Such bird Shades often have nests around flowers with strong and pleasant scent. [Archer scans the foliage above their heads for possible danger.] At least from what I've heard from guards.

[futhark]

Here— [ Caster returns on the path and puts the hardwood into Archer's hands. He can recognize it's flexible enough that it could be used for making a crude bow- or after more refinement into a serious bow. ]

Don't let them get so close. Throw rocks at them if you can. [ And true to his words, Caster does start collecting rocks as they go. Next time he is going to prepare a slingshot, seriously ]

[boneofsword]

[Archer raises a brow when Caster hands him the piece of wood, his expression turning into a softer, grateful one as he examines it. It is flexible enough and good length for a short bow. ]

Perfect. [he flashes Caster a rare, honest smile, and then nods.] Stones, huh. Are you thinking of making yourself a slingshot?

[Archer does pick up several stones, weighing each one in hand. He keeps glancing up above their heads, trying to spot any Shades.]

[futhark]

[ Archer without a bow (or another ranged weapon) isn't an archer. Of course, this particular one prefers sords anyway so the point is moot, but STILL. That's a useful thing to have in handy ]

Maybe... You'd be surprised at my aim! [ Well, there is a legend about him defending a keep with nothing but slingshot. How much of that legend is true, is of course, shrouded in mystery. ] But no time for that right now, let's grab the flowers and go back.

[ The infection aside, it's not because he is worried but because— ]

I'd rather return for my shift, you know.

[boneofsword]

[Somehow Archer isn't surprised. He nods in understanding.]

Same. I'm allowed to be a tiny bit late but not much. [as a responsible adult he found a job or two. He eyes the trees around and then throws two stones in rapid succession, a loud screech proving his aim true. To the left of the path are fiery glimpses from behind the shrubs, most likely the flower-vegetable they're looking for.]

Let's grab a few for ourselves.

[futhark]

[ Caster hands Archer the stones he collected and flicks a small sickle-like blade out of one of the pockets of his robe ]

Keep these things off me. [ And he kneels to get better access to the herbs. Their smell is quite strong and colour makes them easy to find. So there is at least that. His moves are quick and efficient as he cuts the Flaming Lips off, saving as much of the stem as possible and neatly collects them in a pouch. Gotta channel all the druids he used to know.

He pays no attention to the shades, counting on Archer to do what he asked. ]

[boneofsword]

[Archer does as he's told, keeping his eyes on the possible danger and the winged attackers. While he doesn't manage to hit two birds with one stone he's surprisingly good at keeping them away from Caster, and no stone lands anywhere near the fiery flowers or the druid. The screeches and shrieks intensify, and he puts some distance between himself and his charge to draw the birds away. It also gives him a chance to restock his ammo.]

I'm running out of stones.

[futhark]

[ Caster doesn't look up but casts a scrutinizing glance at the bush they had found. How much time does he need to get more of the Flamings? Three minutes, max. Two if he can be quicker.

Enchantment spell. This would be so freaking easy if he had his runes, but hey gotta practice the new spells. He calls on "Uruz" rune in a whisper, without writing it, (since he knows it won't work) to channel simple spell enhancing quickness of movement... the words are easier here for beginners. ]

I'm-sure-you-can-handle-it. [ He doesn't realize it but along with swiftness of moves, his words come in a quick string. ]

[boneofsword]

[There is an urge to lob one of the remaining stones at Caster's head - the blue annoyance doesn't have his ever-present Protection from Arrows here. Archer aims for the Shade that's interested in the provisional druid instead. Talk about wasted chances.]

I'm touched by your trust. [he snarks]

[futhark]

[ Damn these birdshades, real team players they are.

Caster is about to cut the last herb (flower? vegetable???) when the bird in true divebombing fashion attacks his head, tangling its talons into his hair briefly. Enough to pull his head back, to cut himself with the sickle and then throw his arm wide in defense, and to ]

Damn-it!! [ He grabs the pouch filled with the loot and gets up. ] More-in-coming!

Archer, you had one job!

[boneofsword]

[Meanwhile Archer has his hands full with two or more Shades, having to resort to his sword. What he's going to need the most are leather gloves, most likely enchanted. He's getting annoyed, and it shows in a sudden ruthless force of his attacks. One of the Shades loses its talons and the other part of the feather.]

One job and not enough stones. [he growls.] Get out of here, I've got your back!

[futhark]

[ Man, this is... embarrassing. They are being chased away by birds. Okay, kinda corrupted kinda undead birds but— but you know. Birds.

Whatever, time to Disengage C from the feathery menace. Since the simple "haste" enchantment still works on him, Caster is really swift in his falling back to the strategically chosen position.

He also picks up another branch (no time to look for rocks) and throws it spinning at the shades, giving Archer chance to fall back as well. ]

[boneofsword]

[What makes those birds annoying is how small and swift they are. Sure, they're weak and more of a nuinsance than real threat, but in group? Like a swarm of mosquitoes.

No wonder people hire help to gather ingredients outside.

Archer dives low to dodge the birds and retreats. The further he is from the spot, the less Shades flies around.]

Next time I'm not going anywhere without a bow.

[futhark]

[ Caster finds another stick and finds it- huh, quite straight, without much of side branches... hmmm. He throws it as if he was throwing a javelin and manages to pierce one of the bigger shades wing, which sends it spiraling down. ]

Watch out, someone might get a wrong idea and think you're an archer or something. [ Of course, he has to make fun of him. ]

[boneofsword]

[Nice shot, Cu, worthy of your legend. Archer smirks at the jab.]

Are you telling me I should stick to being saber while you play caster? [his voice carries a thicker veneer of sarcasm this time, as he weights a stone in his hand and then takes aim. It bounces off the bigger Shade's head, stunning it for a bit.]

Looks like they're tougher than what they're based on. I recall the ones in a dream shattering if damaged hard, letting out a white light. [he thinks aloud throwing another stone.]

[futhark]

｢ ooc: sumanai for the delay, hiatus for the trip got to me earlier. I think we can work to wrap it up soon, since they got what they wanted :) and embarrassed themselves enough :') ｣

[ If you carry two swords and use the bow only occasionally... But Caster doesn't let himself get dragged into the discussion who plays who (if he was called out on playing Lancer, that would certainly piss him off) ]

Or you were just more powerful in the dream. [ Not back to lvl 1 like here. ] I'm outta here, but you can keep playing with them

[ The haste works and makes his legs quicker. Their job is done here and information gathered will be very useful next time. ]

[boneofsword]

[Being back to lvl 1 is making him salty, so true. Archer turns around and follows. The path back, that is. If he makes haste he's going to have enough time before his shift to briefly note all the curiosities, including the Shades.]

Thanks but I'll pass. Time to go to work.