middaeg | The Harsh Reality of Questing

I can feel it even from here. [perhaps his remark was wrong and it was better to keep his mouth shut. There's no turning back, though, so Archer continues.] I don't think I've seen a witch so full of mana.

[From what he's heard witches need to drain their mana by casting spells to not allow such mana overload to happen. Caster has felt similar before, during their meeting on errand. Now it intensifies to the point Archer can almost taste mana in the air around. Too much unfiltered mana makes witch irritable and emotional.

Is that the reason Caster is camping outside?]

That does not answer my question. [ Caster response is a bit snappish, and annoyed. Perhaps more than the situation calls for it, but the build-up of magical energy is indeed part of what made him so irritable. A small part, tho. ]

I asked, "how"? [ There is a certain answer that could follow, and briefly he remembers the delicate, reddish scales framing the eyes of the man before him. Somewhere in a Dream, once. ]

[There is, indeed, a certain answer. Archer narrows his eyes and looks straight into red eyes of the other Servant.]

I'm a monster, not a witch.

[He accepted the result of Coven's test without many questions. It's not like the witches were able to answer any, being as surprised by this turn of events as the newcomers were. While he's had his own doubts, there was one important fact in favor of what he's been told - the vessel his spirit resides in now is different. If the vessel is bound by the rules of the world he's been brought into, there's no reason to ignore it.

So far Archer haven't noticed any changes outside. Inside is the other matter - these past days he's been aggravated and restless.]

[ Oh boy. Another one. Yeah, Caster did notice the flurry on the network with people starting to, well, change. But that puts a different spin on why Archer invited him, doesn't it? Always the most pragmatic one. ]

I see. Guess that makes sense .[ Monsters feed on magic, don't they? But it's even more curious how everyone arriving are adapted to fit into the system of how this world operates. ]

I'm practicing my spells just enough, you don't have to worry about it. Skipped a few days of lectures— [ Shrug ] —but I needed a break. I'm not going to set your cute little house on fire.

[It's more than just pragmatic reason. Archer would invite him if he's been monster all the same, reasons notwithstanding.]

That's actually the last thing on my mind. [a snort suffices as an answer. Quick rummaging on the shelf produces the item he's been looking for that Archer throws at his companion.] Here.

[Wooden cigarette case adorned with intricate carving of an oak tree, a bit worn on the edges. It's definitely not new, in fact being one of the trinkets that Archer picked during the Haven clean up. Given the place it's been found in, the attic with various relicts of current citizens' predecessors, it's been forgoten for at least a century. Archer cleaned it and filled with cigarettes.]

[ Ifs that so, then why do you even bring it up, man? —Is what Caster is tempted to ask, but then he is handed the case he opens it with a mix of curiosity and suspicion and...

Can Servants get addicted? Because he seriously had missed the nicotine. He opens the window next to him, and flicks a small flame with his fingers. No Ansuz rune but a flame is a flame. It's gone as soon as it appeared while Caster is finally allowed to indulge in this little unhealthy habit.

He lets the smoke out with a soft puff, and then raises the box in his hand and looks at Archer questioningly ]

'kay, I see you're trying to be friends. [ They're not really enemies— Without a Grail War there really is no reason to bash heads. But their personality clashes, and being apparently "cursed" to run into each other forever and ever means they're not exactly friends either. They can work as allies, but this is more than just that. ] Is that for benefit of our Master appearing here someday, or what?

[ He knows you're a cheat! Luckily he's not the UBW Lancer, tho 8) that one would also know you're a schemer ]

Edited 2019-05-26 19:54 (UTC)

['Our Master', huh. So one day he will be summoned to work alongside Caster under the same Master. It's good to know there's something to look forward to.]

There's no reason for us to be enemies. [he glances to the side.] I don't mind your company, and it's better to have someone I can trust nearby.

[Both are schemers, just check how Lancer played Archer into cooking in "Today's Menu in Emiya's household". That's like pot calling the kettle black.]

[ That was a part-time job warranted necessity 8') but yes, also, well-played ]

That I only agree with— [ Same side, means no enemies. Surely no one is going to hold a grudge here for being killed or something? ] —I'm just surprised.

[ "Trust" can Servants really trust each other? That's a loaded question. But yeah, in circumstances they're in, a known devil is probably better than unknown. Not to mention Archer always did strike him as someone not very social. Some people of this type do gravitate towards familiar faces ]

Where did you get that? [ Caster traces the engravings on the box. It looks expensive, even if not new. There could be a question, since when Archer smokes here, but it is not. ]

[There's no grudge for being killed several times in their whole shared history. It's also the reason for trust - Cú Chulainn values oaths and promises, always sticking to his code of honor. Archer's trust is centered on the unshakeable part of who the other Servant is and on his loyalty.]

I've found it forgotten in the attic, under at least a century worth of dust. [it sounds a bit silly spoken out loud, but Archer adds with a hint of rueful smile.] Whoever did the engravings did so with care, and would rather prefer it to be used rather than gather dust. It was clearly a treasured posession once, not even damaged despite the wear.

[His own skill may be a simple forgery, recreating what someone has created, but it comes with a hint of pride and appreciation of other artisans' skills.]

[ The box itself is clearly a luxury item, and a very pretty gift. Man, Archer. You're putting him more and more into debt. First the housing, now the cigarettes— ]

If you wanna feel free to— [ Caster opens the box and invites Archer to take one. He's not going to be stingy with a gift. Especially if Archer took it for himself and ended gifting it as an act of good-will. ]

How is it that you're a "Monster", isn't it just something you are born as here? [ Maybe it is a bit uncomfortable topic, but it would be better to have it cleared ]

[Archer considers the offering for a longer moment, but finally shakes his head. He doesn't mind the smoke; it makes him recall a very old, forgotten shadow of his old man.]

No one is sure how it's possible. [honestly, Archer doesn't mind. With Caster being an ally, or perhaps even a comrade, he can speak more freely than with others.] I don't have magical energy. Monsters don't have it, but they feed on it the way we usually do. This means I'm probably going to develop some animal characteristics and am very susceptible to the full moon.

[Here he pauses for a bit to massage his temple.] The last one is true. I'm on the edge for the second day in the row, and tonight is full moon.

[ Ah yes, and there is even a Lancer here who had dealt with Kerrytsugu bullshit. Guess your old man didn't tell you that, huh? ]

Like... horns? [ Or fur, or feathers, those were mentioned too, yes? But the image of changed Berserker flickered in his mind on the mention of a full moon and changes. ] Geez, sounds rough.

[ An acknowledgment of the problem being there is not the same as pity, so no "sorry" or stuff here. It's part of respect, they're both warriors. He wouldn't want pity for a sorry state, he doubts Archer wants it. ]

There are ways to keep this stuff in check, right? Potions and— [ Well, Bonds ]

[Archer can't keep the grimace off his face at the mention of horns. He's not sure how he feels about the whole deal. It's only fair that he gets some new powers, but changing into a monster doesn't make him feel more human. Perhaps it's ironic justice that makes his look much more fitting to what's inside. Honestly he's grateful for Caster's reaction.]

Right. The problem is without a Bond you can't leave the city. Magic here keeps both changes and influence of Cwyld at bay. Without it a Monster can go feral. [the last thing he wants is being coped up in the city when he may have a chance to aid the people here. It has nothing to do with the sense of purpose but a lot to what he truly is. Archer suspects that Caster feels similar, their kind rarely stays in safe shelter if there's a danger ahead.]

It's back to contracts again. Never getting rid of that, eh? [ Bonds are beneficial for Witches too, albeit for a different reason. It still feels like something far away that he hadn't really given it much thought. Perhaps he should ugh, given how restless he feels— ]

We get the benefit of knowing how such deal works, the other poor sods though... [ This might end getting messy. The worst case everyone implodes and the problem (that is them) ends. How many are going to adapt though? ]

Contracts and mana transfer. [Archer supplies dryly. He's asked around to gather more information aside the initial description of Bonds, which actually was detailed enough.] It's necessary to ease the build up or to feed. Coven makes sure to educate every newcomer on the important matters.

[He's not really offering, although it is amusing how similar the Bonds are. Drawing mana is what he does almost unconsciously on the Coven grounds; the surplus coming from all the Withes practicing spells is enough to keep him in shape. The downside is possibility of going feral without an anchor.]

[ That moment where all Servants are not even phased "ah yes, mana transfer, old news" ]

There's still some time, you'll never know, maybe they will figure out how to send everyone back home. [ He doesn't sound too hopeful, but he isn't sure if he wants to learn where this conversation is going. Sure, it's very pragmatic to have a back-up plan to fall back on, but Caster is not a master of thinking too far ahead.

Sure, Bonds don't include servitude as Master and Servant contracts do, but that only means it's up to both parties to make a decision if they want to enter one. ]

[Archer can understand the reluctance to discuss the topic. Oaths and promises are important and never should be taken lightly. It's too close to the contract both him and Caster know.]

I wouldn't hold my hopes up. With such amount of mana you'll need one sooner than later.

[He hopes it won't be up to him to force mana transfer if all else fails. Even as they are right now Archer's well aware that he's not someone Caster may consider as more than accidental ally. Besides, he's concerned because Caster is valuable help, with knowledge about Celtic culture and the language. Right?]

Edited 2019-06-02 18:30 (UTC)

Aren't you a true mother-hen... [ Well, Archer's concerns were mostly for the Master, and maybe some younger types in Chaldea. Suddenly having it directed at him makes Caster turn everything into a teasing joke. ]

Or are you trying to play a matchmaker for me? [ Is this the moment you start to regret you invited him over? ]

[Caster plz

Archer isn't too content with being called out on his protective instincts. What's worse is that he doesn't realize this instinct is going to get stronger the more he changes.]

I'm not. [a huff.]

Sure you aren't. [ Sure. But at least he's not pressing the matters. ]

Show me when I'm allowed to crash, I could use a nap. [ Or should he really camp in the garden? Kind of doubt, since he just got a fresh set of clothing that are very tailored to his height. Also more into blending in, that's good.

It's still very early, and napping now could be seen as a waste of time. But it's a tad too late to go to the Coven, and too early to go work at the tavern. He will get himself in order in no time (hopefully), but first he got issues to process. ]

[Archer is way too happy to use the offered way out. He has things to do.]

Right. Here are the keys. [he hands Caster the aforementioned item. Not much, really - one key to the main entrance and other to the veranda.

Then he leads to the available room, furnished simply with necessities - a bed, desk and place for personal items. The windows open to the veranda. Surprisingly the bed is covered with fresh linens, and the room is clean.]

I'll be leaving in two hours for my shift. [he adds as explanation.] No curfew here.

I got some more time, but yeah, I'm working the evening.

[ A bed? A whole bed just for himself? Incredible. This is such a nice room, no lie. ]

Thanks for that. I'll leave it as close to the original state as possible. [ He's not a dog, you know. And he wasn't lying when he said he appreciates the offer. Ignore the dreams, the agitation made by magic- he has to find a place for himself if the forest is not an option. ]

[Archer just shakes his head with light amusement. It is a nice room, a guest room to be precise.]

Just in case you wake up to empty house. [a pause] The room is free, there's enough space for your stuff. Keep the keys, they're yours.

[It's an offer in typical archer style, rather awkward and so matter-of-fact. He appreciates the company, so Caster can crash wherever he wants, be it garden or the cottage.]

[ Stuff. He doesn't have much "stuff" The tent, a blanket for a bedding, staff and useless runestones, one set of alternate clothing— maybe few other small things, everything that he can keep in one bag. But it is noticeably more than what he had on the start—

Caster looks at the room again, understanding that he is being offered a home. A place to return to. But is tying down really what he needs?

He tosses up the key and grabs it swiftly as it falls. ]

Got it. [ For now he can use it. ] It's in my keeping until you need it again.

[ So if Archer wants to kick him out later there is still a door open for that. ]

[What he's good at - picking strays. This time it's a wild dog, though, that may be too much to handle. Not that Archer dislikes challenges, or thinks Caster will settle down so easily.]

Right. Have a good sleep. [he leaves the room with parting remark. There's still some time that he could use to update his notes or to run a few errands.

It's late when Archer returns and Caster is nowhere around. He can't say that he's surprised and decides against checking the room. There are chores to do. His desire to get busy has nothing to do with the odd loneliness he feels acutely the moment he notices that Caster's bag is gone.]

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