middaeg | The Harsh Reality of Questing

['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.]

[ It is very late. Tavern doesn't really close until all patrons leave. So it's probably well into the night, if not close to the dawn when Caster returns. The bag was gone, but a lot of its content actually hidden in the cabinet. He needed the clothing for a change and all that stuff.

Not returning to Coven is a new thing, but he is courteous enough to try and not wake his host. ]

[A dim light is still on when Caster returns, giving the small cottage a warm, welcoming look. Archer is just leaving the bathroom, wearing only loose pants and in process of drying his hair. There is a momentary flash of surprise (no, he didn't check Caster's room, he respects his privacy) followed by a softening of his expression.]

Welcome back.

[ There goes all this sneaking around... ]

Huh. You're a night owl— [ Caster blinks and stifles a yawn. He didn't expect to meet Archer at this hour. The guy seems like someone to wake up early. ]

I couldn't sleep. [Archer shrugs one shoulder. It's true, even if the reason for his inability to fall asleep is suddenly gone. He notes to himself to be quiet in the morning and let Caster sleep longer.] You won't usually find me up at this hour. Nevermind, get some rest. Goodnight.

[Archer goes into his room, leaving the door open a crack. He prefers to hear any uninvited guests.]

Goodnight~ [ Caster waves his hand as he disappears into his own room. Huh. Own room, huh? Guess it's settled. He's really staying here, at least either until he gets kicked out, or something makes him leave.

He's tired but he gets the "can't sleep" there are some things he'd rather not dream about. He ponders about just barging into Archer's room for some late night idle chatter but decides against it.

That doesn't mean he stays in his room, just the reason why he knocks on Archer's door is different. ] If you still can't sleep, I think I can help.

Hm? [Archer opens the door wider. It's clear from his expression that he didn't expect the offer, but he does invite Caster inside.

The room is very similar to Caster's, sparsely furnished but clean. Only personal touch is a fresh outfit laid out on the chair and several notebooks on the desk.]

What do you propose?

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