un: Caster | text

[futhark]

Name: Cú Chulainn (Caster)
Date: late-Ieneuer, when the kidnappings related to The Salvation of Geardagas start
Format: text

There's been a word on the streets, of people being assaulted, disappearing attempts of kidnappings— that's not a word anyone who was here a year ago wants to hear again, plenty of us might be already on edge. But whatever is going on this time? Whoever it is? They're not as good as the scum behind what happened a year ago. That means we have a bigger window to act and to protect each other.

My idea is: let's put together a list of Mirrorbounds willing to guard those returning home. Whether it's for those who work far away from the Haven or stay at Coven classes long after its dark or just anyone that would feel safer in the company.

I'll start

I work at Inkchanted, it's located in the docks, near the Slydog tavern. I tend to work afternoons and evenings, so if anyone also finishes their job at docks around that time, I can walk you back to Haven. I could also pick up someone working on the western edges of the shopping district.

｢ OOC: feel free to threadjack each other for bodyguard seeking/service offering ｣

Comments

[futhark]

Oh yeah, here comes the careful dance. Protective dragon, a witch who doesn't want to be protected, finding balance— for once, for once it's easier. Without fireworks or anything because, in context. In memories of what happened to them a year ago.

Cú feels the same. And this is a concession he's willing to make, because it allows him to keep an eye on his Bonded too

On the days you make deliveries? Sure. Hope you don't mind staying late, because it goes both ways. You don't wander on your own either after the streets clear.

Who knows, maybe you'll get to sit down and relax for a while in the back room.

[boneofsword]

[Archer does remember what happened, and understands the need to protect, and to keep close those most important to him. He's slowly learning when to take a step back and let his Bonded care for him.]

Of course. It would be foolish of me to ignore the danger. That's the reason for my offer to accompany others who work the afternoon or evening shift.

Who knows, maybe I will.

[futhark]

Don't sulk.

You had it coming, the turning of tables...

[ Cú is very, happily, smug about this. Guess he's lucky in that Archer is actually willing to accept the protectiveness way easier than he is. ]

But on subjects less dour, good timing. If you're here I bet you've already seen some of the discussions... [ Oh yeah, he's leading that somewhere ]

[boneofsword]

[Huffs]

I'm not.

[You've seen nothing.]

I've seen some, yes. Is there something in particular you want me to check?

private

[futhark]

[ Before he got to reply to that one, he got to learn two shocking news. Like a discord in the melody, his concern and worry shortly echoed across the Bond ]

Forget it, it can wait. I've got more serious family matters to attend to.

private

[boneofsword]

[Archer reaches out to him through their link with calm and steady presence, with hint of concern beneath. Like a reassuring hand resting on Caster's shoulder.]

Of course. Let me know if you need a hand.

[Coming from him it's an offer of help, without assumption or overprotectiveness. While Archer is ready to lend a hand or an ear, he's respecting his Witch's fierce independence and pride, ready to meet him half-way.]

[futhark]

I will.

[boneofsword]

[It takes him a moment to reply as he checks all the conversations under the post. Looks like it's the case of aggresively dissociating along with the past horrors, so this time he doesn't hold back. His side of the Bond thrums with sharp worry and protectiveness.]

Your family has worse timing than I do.

Are you at Inkchanted right now?

[futhark]

[ Caster's side is already chaotic, but when he reads that message, he prickles immediately ]

I am. I do not wish to see you, however.

Your commentary is out of line.

[boneofsword]

[Archer blinks, sharp worry about his Bonded gnawing on him. There comes a prickle of irritation at the sting of Caster's reply. It takes him a moment to answer, though.]

My apologies. It was thoughtless of me.

Are you okay?

[futhark]

[ At least he recognizes enough that stepping back and returning later might be a good idea... ah, no, not really. It's the customer that keeps him busy. ]

It was thoughtless, yes. My family is important to me, and I'd rather know than be left in the dark.

[ Intent also doesn't translate well through text. An example could be seen in his conversation with redwine. He loses it all too easily today ]

I nearly messed up a tattoo. I never mess up.

[ So...yeah. He's not really okay. But the concern is appreciated ]

[boneofsword]

[As much as he does get the worry and care about family, Archer worries about his partner much more. Both of them still have nightmares after what they've been through, and he knows that Caster still feels guilty for leaving him there.]

I understand it. That doesn't change the fact I wish it wasn't right now.

That's why I'd like to see you.

[futhark]

[ Another thing he doesn't talk about, yes. Because how to even touch that. ]

Fate works in mysterious ways— we can't control a lot of what's happening around us. Only how we react.

[ And well, he wasn't his best self, best reacting today. So that's for both of them. A hint of something positive, an amusement, as he addresses another plea to see each other ]



Are you trying to out-stubborn me, Emiya?

[ Progress. That's not a "no" ]

[boneofsword]

[It's something they'll have to talk about soon.]

No, I'm simply hoping that a bit of closeness will lift your spirits.

[Despite all the progress Archer still has trouble to talk about feelings. It's not that easy, not even when he's as close to his Bonded as he is now. Yet he does try.]

[futhark]

Now you're sweet, how dare you—

[ Okay, that truly is a critical hit ]

I've got a break scheduled in an hour. Someone unexpected could always come in, but you're weclome to drop by

[boneofsword]

Thank you. I will.

[And true to his word, an hour later Dragon lands on the middle of the alley. Inconspicious? Nah. He's anything but as he enters the Inkchanted looking for his Witch.]