[closed] hands on the clock

[ua_duibhne]

Who: Diarmuid and Enkidu
When: Early Noveuer
Where: Diarmuid and Berserker's apartment
What: clay and clannad green lancer meet and greet!
Warnings: n/a

[Whenever Enkidu decides to drop by the apartment in search of a certain bundle of chaotic, draconic, celtic apathy, the fates will have conspired to make them wait just a little longer. It shouldn’t be all that surprising, really; while Berserker lives with Diarmuid close to full time now, he’s as unpredictable and hard to actually pin down as ever. In fact, as much as his presence would be appreciated given the task at hand, the Lancer himself isn’t sure where he is right now either.

Regardless, he’s the one who answers the knock, giving a call of-]

Just a moment!

[- before setting his broom aside and unlatching the door. Who could it be? Speaking of the man himself, Berserker would have no need to knock and Rider's would be a grand, drumroll announcement of his presence, which leaves either Waver or a complete stranger as his immediate guesses.

A sweep of green hair, calm eyes, beautiful but unreadable features- just as he suspected, he has absolutely no idea who it is he's looking at right now. Not that it’s an unpleasant discovery; although Diarmuid’s a little confused- a sentiment betrayed by the slight, curious crease in his brow- he’s quick to open the door completely and give his visitor a smile.]

Can I help you?

[The sleeves of his shirt have been rolled up to the elbows and his hair, still on the longer side where he hasn’t had time to cut it back to its usual length, is braided in a short, scruffy plait but it’s the dust-cloth tucked into his waistband that most gives away what he’s up to. Enkidu’s walked in on cleaning day.]

Comments

[enkidoh]

[The first thing they can hear is that voice on the other side of the door isn't the one belonging to the one they seek. Despite that they wait patiently, watching the shoes they are wearing. The 'leather trappings of civilisation'.

When the door opens they look upon a familiar face. One they've seen in Chaldea. Could this be the Lancer Cú told about? The one he bonded with? ]

I am here to see Cú. I wish to know if he is all right.

[There's a faint scent of something fresh and pleasant coming from the house and Enkidu definitely starts to move his nose into the air a little so they can sniff properly.]

I have stayed at his side when chaos washed over this city.

[ua_duibhne]

[Now that isn't necessarily a surprise, though it does prompt a curious tilt of the head. Berserker seems to have made allies of a great many people whether or not he means to and it's kind of endearing, really. No doubt the stranger in his doorway is one of those people- a suspicion immediately proved right as Enkidu further explains themself.

Diarmuid's eyes widen just a little.]

Ah... you mean what happened last month? [He steps back, gesturing for them to come inside.] Then you have my thanks as well. He's not here right now but if you'd like to wait, please make yourself at home.

[That isn't to say that they're exempt from his studious gaze; as Enkidu passes, they'll feel Diarmuid looking them over with great interest, almost like a boxer sizing up their opponent from across the ring, albeit with none of the hostility.]

Coffee?

[enkidoh]

[The longer they're here, the longer they realize they really missed out with not talking to every servant residing in Chaldea. Each and every one of them had such interesting backgrounds, such wonderful things to say. And some of them used to be human as well. While thinking about that they smile silently, making a mental note that when they return to Chaldea that they should really do that.]

Yes. [They nod briefly.] It seems to have caused a lot of suffering. It is odd to see that one day you are enjoying festivities with the other humans and the next day they slaughter one another. And we lose control over ourselves. [Enkidu realizes that there is something there. How these humans abandoned their abilities to grow and allowed themselves to get overwhelmed by chaos. They have seen it a couple of times and it still somewhat unsettling.] That is kind of you, Lancer. [They step inside and look around themselves.]

I would like that. With lots of sugar. [Because the drink itself could be awfully bitter.] And milk.

[ua_duibhne]

[There's uncomfortable truth in his guest's words and Diarmuid initially makes only a soft humming sound in response, turning his attention instead to preparing drinks. Only when both mugs are set up and the coffee brewing does he finally give a real reply- although it's with a decidedly heavy sigh.]

Things can turn quickly here- and without warning. Whenever you think that you might have found some kind of peace...

[It's Dorchacht weighing on his mind rather than the events of the last month- he can't say that his experience as a Faun was especially traumatising, after all- but he's quick to catch himself before the conversation turns too maudlin. A little self-conscious, he laughs and shakes his head.]

Where are my manners? Aplologies, I didn't catch your name.

[enkidoh]

[Instead of sitting down, Enkidu keeps on standing to look around. They remember what Andersen said. About how the way people decorate their rooms and how it reflects their souls.]

This place is not at peace.

[Finally they move to stand next to the other, watching curiously as he prepares the coffee.]

Hmm? [They look up when he mentions manners. Were those really bad manners? Really, Enkidu never knew that and they make a mental note to remember that.] My name is Enkidu. [They pause for a moment. Perhaps it is important to let them know they're a Lancer as well.] Lancer class.

[And what's also very important...]

Ah, please put more sugar in the coffee.

[ua_duibhne]

[It's curious to think what this apartment might say about its occupants. Small as it may be, it's comfortable rather than cramped, with a peculiar array of knick-knacks on display. Diarmuid's signature crimson spear nestles in a stand by the door alongside an umbrella with runes glowing on its handle. Meanwhile, in the corner, a hefty bookcase shows off both an array of books and a small arrangement of animal bones. But perhaps the most unusual features aren't the objects within it but the marks that the two of them have unwittingly- and quite literally- left in it; a small burn mark darkens the wood flooring by the kitchen (a spell gone awry, it seems) and, above one of the doors, two grooves indicate where Berserker's horns once accidentally caught the frame.

Lancer class.

Diarmuid looks up abruptly. It shouldn't really be surprising anymore but finding another Servant always catches him off guard- and it's only the second time he's met another of his class. Slowly, he lowers the spoon.]

... I see.

[A proper introduction is in order. Regardless of his conflicted feelings on revealing his True Name here, Enkidu has been honourable enough to reveal their own: his pride as a knight demands Diarmuid do the same.]

Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, first spear of the Fianna. Lancer. [A short but elegant bow.] Good to meet you.

[And don't worry- he's adding more sugar right now.]

[enkidoh]

[Perhaps this is what Andersen meant when the interior of a house reflects the soul. It seems like a perfect collection of how Berserker and their bonded live their lives here. How they grow and become more than a Servant contracted to a Master.

So they take their time gazing at the objects but also the marks of burns on the floor and scrapes on the wall.]

I like how you have put your belongings inside this house. [They hum softly before turning around again, facing the other while he introduces himself.] It is good to meet you as well. [After making some hesitating movements they extend a hand so Diarmuid can shake it. It is the most human greeting they know of.]

You may shake my hand if you want. And then I want to drink the coffee.

[ua_duibhne]

[There's something quite peculiar about Berserker's new friend, though not in a disagreeable way; their speech and movements, though natural and easy, have an innocent quality, like someone just learning how to interact. How peculiar- and endearing, actually.]

Thank you. Please excuse the mess- you caught me in the middle of my chores.

[Diarmuid immediately takes their hand, giving it a firm, friendly squeeze before drawing back so that he can press the mug into it instead. Sweet and milky, just as requested.]

How did you cross paths? If it was to do with the mist, it can't have been a pleasant first meeting but I'm curious.

[enkidoh]

[A mess? Enkidu blinks a little.]

I have seen messier places. I think you are doing quite well with keeping the mess at bay.

[For someone who has lived a large part of their life between trees and mud they are quite disturbed at the sight of mould or filth. Really, Diarmuid, you're fine.

After shaking the other's hand they sit down again, patiently waiting for the much wanted creamy, sweetness that is called coffee.]

Ah no. He did not shred me to pieces or anything like that. I helped him overcome his feral tendencies and he told me about bonds in return.

[ua_duibhne]

[There you go, one cup of coffee. Diarmuid studies Enkidu curiously as he sits opposite them, letting his own drink warm his palms. It's not hard to imagine that they would be a soothing influence on a rampaging dragon with that calm, impassive aura.]



Did he now? I hope he spoke well of them. It's been a difficult process but... [With a small, almost coy smile, he tucks his hair behind his ear.] But I think it's been good for both of us, even outside of the practical benefits.

this is STILL the sweetest thing I have ever seen, you're amazing! <3

[enkidoh]

[Enkidu cradles the mug between their hands for a couple of seconds. Then they put it down to fill it with a ridiculous amount of milk and sugar. And when that is done they bring the mug to their lips and take a careful sip. Too bitter? Too sweet? Or just that perfect, milky sweetness they like so much?]

He is very fond of you and holds you in high regard. [Enkidu looks up from their coffee and frowns a little. It needs more sugar. When they are done making an absolute travesty out of that coffee they speak again.]

It seems these bonds are quite personal. Beyond that of a Master and their Servant. [For a small moment in time they frown.] Is your bond unique or is this what mostly happens?