[ I'm spamming you because he's still dead, and I'm bored ]
Are you still at the party?
[ Since he listened to Lancer being insistent and returned home, instead of going pub cruising... but if he got levels of energy for a pub cruise, it means he's not going to sleep easily. Especially since his other shinki didn't return with them. ]
[ So Archer is that morning bird. He can be found vacuuming the hall as early as around 7am for god's sake. So of course if he's going to be doing and hanging the laundry early in the morning too.
Caster follows him in silence and observes what he's doing. You know, taking the clean clothes from the washing machine, then to see where exactly he goes to hang it, etc, etc. He's that annoying, silent stalking presence, and he doesn't speak until all clothes are taken care of ]
[...right. Archer knows the moment he feels the stalker what is it about. So Caster checked his stash of clothes and found some are missing. Not that Archer feels guilty for getting rid of the atrocities in guise of hawaiian shirts.]
[ Eventually, when Archer follows his cleaning routine to the fullest and cleans under the bed in his room- or maybe under the table? Or cabinet? Either way, under some kind of furniture-
There is a packed gift, or something else lying there, clearly addressed to him. Inside he will find... a Hawaiian- no, that's even worse, that's an obnoxiously food-patterned shirt. It's absolutely awful and fitting Archer perfectly should he wear it, instead of burning it down.
Yeah, you sure talking your god into getting a job was a good idea? ]
[Once Archer finds the gift he's sure wasn't there in the morning he has a hunch as to what exactly is it. Turns out he's not mistaken, but he seriously underestimated Caster's taste. Or his troll senses, who knows.
Some time later he sends Caster a selfie, wearing his gift while cooking mapo tofu. Sorry not sorry.]
It may have to do with him being from times when bright colors on clothes faded quickly, and patterns weren't as colorful. Usually fade-resistant dyes were available only to kings or person of renown.
[Were you hoping for a history lesson, Lancer? At least Archer notices that he's off topic.]
[[[ ooc: backdated like woah, leggy takes full blame. As they return to the temple after all this stuff ]]]
[ He was carried away from the battlefield, that's not the issue. It happened before, sometimes it's necessary. But just because he can remember it happening, doesn't take away from the frustration he feels to be in this position.
Good thing he loses consciousness often enough to not have a chance to build-up on anger. Next time he wakes up, he realizes that- oh, this is his Temple. They're "home". He can't even tell how many of his shinki are around him, oh great.
But he can recognize Archer is the one carrying him. He stirs in the hold- be it potato or bridal carry he does not care- he just wants to try and stand on his own two feet ]
[Caster feels too light in his arms; Archer carries him carefully bridal style, for once thankful that his god's room is right beneath the roof. Up above no one's going to disturb them, no one will see how exactly he does aid his god. With Caster being so weak after the whole ordeal with the forest he needs blood, and no small amount of it.
Archer can feel his god stir.]
Keep still or we'll fall down the stairs. [he warns, knowing too well that the stubborn idiot will try to stand alone; Caster is stubborn like that. Isn't it immortalized in his tale how he tied himself to a boulder to keep standing even in his death.] You can try it when I tell you, but not right now.
[ Once Kaden's doing better, and once she figures out what to get for people, Alex starts to drop by the temples of those who have helped her out. She'll knock to see if anyone is home. She will leave a box of assorted cheesecakes at the door with a note on it. She did realize that Archer and Ginia live in the same temple, and she didn't want to just give them one thing. There will be another bag with Archer's name on it containing this.
Archer,
Thank you for all your help with looking for Kaden. I'm sorry it took me so long to do this. This isn't enough to show my gratitude, but I do hope you like them. I wasn't sure what you might like so I got different flavors. They even had some treats for dogs.
I hope the apron comes in handy, although you may have one already. I thought this would suit you.
If you ever need help with anything, I will be more than happy to help you in any way I can. You've been so kind to me ever since you got here, and I would really like to repay you somehow. So please, if there's anything at all, let me know.
Thank you again.
-Alex ]
[ooc: Up to you if you'd like this to stay as a note or turn it into an action tag!]
[Not too long after Archer delivers his presents, three boxes wrapped in metallic red wrapping paper and tied off with silver ribbons appear in his room. Taped to the largest box is an envelope with a card inside.]
To the most handsome man I know, Merry Christmas. -Ginia
[ It was placed there on December 26th but who knows when Archer will find it because somehow it landed under his bed. Maybe a dog, or maybe just because. There is a linen pouch with a note attached ]
Trees have their roots deep beneath the earth, and their trunks grow towards the sky, leaves touching the heavens.
An unbreakable bond, between us and the world, it's the symbol of all life.
It is also strength, wisdom, and longevity.
Also rebirth.
The other, you will know what it is.
[ Inside there is painstakingly carved tree of life pendant on a leather strap. The wood coming from a branch of the oak, Caster was stealthy about cutting it but the forest is silent at the night, and some here have good ears. the other the message mentioned is a familiar runic, stone earring.
Make no mistake, this is no Christmas gift *mental scoff* ]
[Archer finds it on the evening - he's not the type of person to not check under the bed, since dogs love to hide their pillows there. The sudden rush of feelings is easily noticeable - surprise, warmth, confusion and endearment.
For a long moment Archer sits still, holding the earring. He understands, he understands the implications too well; the earring used to summon Cú Chulainn, a simple token to tie them closer than anything else could. Archer smiles as he pierces his ear; he's going to wear it with pride. As well as the necklace.
Gifting jewellery in Caster's times was an admission of how close you are.]
[Early in the morning, an envelope addressed to Archer gets stuck on the front door of Cú Chulainn's temple. Inside is a note that reads:]
Archer,
You're handsome when you smile; you should do it more often. Never forget you're worthy of good things and you're loved. May the year give you plenty to be happy about.
[It's signed with three hearts shaded to look rounded and bubbly.]
[An envelope is slid under his bedroom door sometime around the morning. Inside are a few pages of writing all in Ginia's neat script. The first few pages are notes on the demonology books in her room; assorted notes and musings and drawings as she's worked through the books. There's a logic and process there and he's probably heard some of the questions over the last few months. The last page of notes has a sticky note attached to it with a short message: he's welcome to turn everything over to Shun if he would rather.
The next page contains directions on what to do with her room with an apology she wasn't able to take everything. If Archer goes to her room, everything she didn't take is neatly boxed up or sorted into labeled piles. The clothes she didn't take - a few assorted suits and formal outfits - can be donated or given to someone else. The demonology books are stacked on her desk with leftover stationary and pens to disseminate as he wishes. There's also the camera he bought for use on their investigations, cables and accessories bundled together, batteries charging. There's also an external hard drive with all the data collected from the investigations. The bedding is stripped down and folded, the floor cleaned. There's nothing to do but either move everything out or leave it as is.
Finally, there's a letter. From the phantom imprints left on the paper from previous pages, the twist of her letters as repetition and time take their toll on the hand writing, it's clear this was not her first draft. He will not find the other drafts, long burned to ash in the fireplace.]
Archer,
I love you.
It's unfair to open a goodbye letter like that, I know, and it's even more unfair to say it through writing instead of in person, but if I didn't say it, the rest of the letter wouldn't make sense.
I love you and I love Cú and that's why I have to leave.
By the time you read this letter, he'll already have released my name. Or maybe you find this letter before I talk to him. It's a possibility I've considered and I suppose I accept that risk. In that case, what happens, happens.
But if Cú releases me before you read this letter, then understand it was never a slight against him or you, but rather the realization what I wanted was different than what he could give, and I wasn't willing to break his views out of my own selfishness. We spoke about this once, of loyalty to a god versus ones own personal happiness. To be sure, I have been happier with no one else and there is still no one else I want to serve more than Cú Chulainn.
But I also can't serve only Cú Chulainn and there lies the problem.
I've been named by Alex and Ebisu. The first god you are probably not surprised by. The second likely is a surprise. All I can say is Alex is someone I wish to protect and through Ebisu there is something I can work toward. I was not coerced into anything, they were choices I made and I stand by them. I am staying at Ebisu's temple for the time being.
I'm sorry. I know I should tell you this in person. You're my friend, my lover, my exemplar. You are many things to me, and I think I was afraid you'd stop me. Maybe you'd change my mind, maybe your disappointment would break me, maybe you'd wall up and accept my decision with an air of indifference. I didn't want to know. Call me a coward, call me selfish, it's true.
I love you. There, I'm being unfair again. But I do. Since my first day, you've always been a presence in my life. You've always been kind, supportive, someone to admire and respect. You were always better than me and I hated that, but it gave me something to work toward. I never wanted to disappoint you or let you down and yet here I am.
My happiest memories are of you. You and Cú, separate and together. Both of you are wrapped so deep into my life I'm afraid what will happen once I leave. But I'm afraid if I stay, my feelings, my wants, everything will turn to resentment and I'll hurt you two. I've seen an ablution, I know how bad it can get, I can't do that to either of you.
So I'm leaving. Let that be a final act of love.
I ask for nothing in return, I have no place to give orders, but please take care of yourself. Take care of Cú, take care of Lancer, but please, take care of yourself. You deserve good things, want something, take it, be selfish.
I won't come by the temple unless any of you will it. I understand if you don't want to talk to me either.
[Archer finds the letter not long after. He quickly skims first few pages until he gets to the letter. This he takes time to read, pausing from time to time. His expression changes - from the surprise mixed with concern at first, through bewilderment to settle on a frown as he reads the final words.
It's unsettling to think someone idolizes him and loves him, perhaps the first more than the latter. There's the old, deep set feeling of not deserving good things, and the doubt if the one Ginia loves is truly him, or some idealized image. There's bewilderment at how things progressed without him realizing. There's also a hint of annoyance at Ginia using his real name that he never shared with anyone but Caster.
'Let that be a final act of love.'
For a long time he just stands here, not looking at anything in particular. Finally he carefully folds the letter and hides it at the bottom of the drawer. Archer leaves the temple with a frown, heading straight to the archery range.
[Ginia was always an early-riser even at Caster's temple, so the message coming in after 6 AM shouldn't be a surprise. It's probably more a surprise she's texting him in the first place.]
[Archer is even more of such early riser, thus 6 am is when he finishes his morning housework. Seeing a text from Ginia is a pleasant surprise, shadowed by a hint of worry. His response is immediate.]
You know that I always have time for you, Ginia. What can I do for you?
[ So Caster might have fucked off to Ireland, citing godly duties as a reason, but he is not going to not stay in touch. In fact, he sends photos from his trip. Those gorgeous wintery sights of nature, towns- and a lot of obnoxious selfies that happen to include sticking his tongue out and making other types of dumb faces- often grins. He even has that photo where he puts his hand, palm upwards and lines it with tiny hooves of tiny sheep somewhere further in the background. So it creates the illusion that he is holding a tiny sheep in his hand.
Next photo is a random one where he accidentally pressed the button, as a stealthy sheep much, much closer, decided that it's time to nom oh his druid garb, and he got startled by sudden sheep-teeth.
There is a brief time of silence when no photos are posted - a day or two, up to you if it's enough to be worrying - and then comes an actual typed message, with several photos attachment ]
Archer,
If you have some time down the line, would you like to join me during this escapade? I know I left you and Lancer with quite a task with managing all of the temple business. I trust you, and I know you're doing great, but if there is any sight of downtime, I'd like to grab you here.
You know, all for myself ;)
And because there is as long as I can avoid the ayakashi here. Yes, they are here, they were not a one-time happening during that day a few months back. [ That day when he returned from being dead. ] They have different names and shapes here, but yeah, still the same menace.
I also wouldn't mind your company, if you get what I mean.
The photos I've sent you this time, aren't the fun ones. You know those charms probably better than I do. Given you still, keep some at the grounds behind the temple. I've found them here, and only on the shrines of the gods that are or were present in the Far Shore.
The last one I can't confirm but one of Caireen shrines, had some weathered paper scraps. Maybe they were something else, but we might as well assume the worst. Other Tuatha Dé Danann shrines I found were untouched. This gives interesting perspective regarding the cult activity, no?
How can they tell which of us are on the Far Shore itself? How far their claws reach. Far enough that I found them here.
I know this message will reach you when you're asleep, which is why I decided to write instead of calling/ But feel free to call me whenever you want. I don't sleep much here.
[It's true that Archer is asleep when the message comes, but he's also an early riser. He checks the photos carefully after he reads the message, a bit of worry fading. Honestly, with all the information Caster gathered Archer feels proud of his wayward god.
Of course there's video call incoming, of Archer in casual clothes, the background being his room - a bit spartan save for large bed on which Archer's sitting.]
Caster. [he says, and it's clear to see he's enjoying the chance to chat with his partner.] Good to see you're having fun. I'm glad to hear you're mixing business with pleasure.
[On the morning of the 14th, a small box wrapped in red foil wrapping paper and tied off with a purple ribbon is left in the kitchen where Archer is certain to see it. Inside are four chocolate truffles topped with dried raspberries.
Someone's also tied a bow with the same purple ribbon to Lucky's collar and there are new chew toys for the dogs. Weird.]
[On Caster's desk, there are three letters, signed to Archer, Caster, and Ginia. When Archer receivers her letter, with a red stamp on it, it will have the following inside:]
Dear Archer;
It is good to write to you, my friend. Caster’s Exemplar. You have taught me so much that I was not aware of. Cooking and laundry are some of your many, many talents, and I wish to thank you for showing me the way through all of them. Truth be told, you were always the Shinki that I wished to impress the most. Your kindness shows through, even though your exterior is harder than most people may expect.
You are the one Caster depends on the most. Certainly, he does depend on me as I do depend on him, but there is something special in you that I feel attracts Caster to you. And you return that by keeping him mostly in check (though I do understand that Caster is his own person and will never be kept in line, and for that, you have incredibly strong patience).
You are a strong, kind, patient soul who I am grateful to have met and gotten to learn from, more than anyone else. Your heart is always in the right place, as are your words, as cutting as they may be. Much as with Caster, if there was anything you required from me, I would be more than happy to do so. Our training sessions were always something I enjoyed, and I thank you for all your hard work in keeping our weapons properly taken care of.
I know that you, of all others, are the one that anyone can depend on. Be it from our own Temple or from another. And for that, I thank you. I do not think I have all the words to properly thank you, so I hope you will accept this letter as my appreciation for all the hard work you do.
For now, stay strong. Keep your head up. And smile, for your smile is one of the most charming I have seen in a long time.
Archer!! You're the biggest cooking expert I know, so I need to ask you a question. For.. a friend. A friend of mine. Who has a problem. Which is certainly not my problem.
[ Judar is not yet up, but Caster recovers after the ablution much quicker. Of course the temple is in order, of course everyone are attended to, because of course someone is running this place.
He's not sure if he's happy or just annoyed. Which is why when his stomach rumble, he... sneaks into the kitchen via teleporting in a blind spot next to a fridge. Which he then will try to silently, very silently open- ]
[Too bad that the kitchen is Archer's usual haunt, and with another inhabitant their food intake will be higher - which is why the fridge is stocked with ingredients as well as something ready to eat, cold or easiest to reheat.
Of course Archer is there, with his back turned to the fridge and apparently not noticing anything odd. He's unpacking and sorting the nicely sized collection of tea and coffee blends. Looks like the newest addition is limited to several blends of coffee.
It's no surprise, considering how one of Judar's possessions is espresso.]
[ooc: So uh just imagine each ( ) is a separate text bubble) ]
( Hey Archer )
(Can I ask your help with something? )
(I was assigned a new shinki recently, and he turns into an eagle. He says I need a gauntlet? Or something for him to land on. Do you happen to know how to make one? )
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
September 4th
Archer, get back to me when you can, it's important.
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What happened.
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text; backdated to late night October 1st/ early morning October 2nd
Are you still at the party?
[ Since he listened to Lancer being insistent and returned home, instead of going pub cruising... but if he got levels of energy for a pub cruise, it means he's not going to sleep easily. Especially since his other shinki didn't return with them. ]
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No. Sauna atm
[Good thing that Archer returned home too, trusting Lancer to drag
or carryCaster back home. He's actually taking some time to rest.](no subject)
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how fast I can turn a thread to trash, a saga.
we're in the same handbasket, so
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October 17th - action
Caster follows him in silence and observes what he's doing. You know, taking the clean clothes from the washing machine, then to see where exactly he goes to hang it, etc, etc. He's that annoying, silent stalking presence, and he doesn't speak until all clothes are taken care of ]
Oh, is that all?
[ Something is clearly missing. ]
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Are you looking for something?
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End of the month October
There is a packed gift, or something else lying there, clearly addressed to him. Inside he will find... a Hawaiian- no, that's even worse, that's an obnoxiously food-patterned shirt. It's absolutely awful and fitting Archer perfectly should he wear it, instead of burning it down.
Yeah, you sure talking your god into getting a job was a good idea? ]
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Some time later he sends Caster a selfie, wearing his gift while cooking mapo tofu.
Sorry not sorry.](no subject)
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After Caster's Gift
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[Were you hoping for a history lesson, Lancer? At least Archer notices that he's off topic.]
May I ask what did you get?
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Nov 14
[ He was carried away from the battlefield, that's not the issue. It happened before, sometimes it's necessary. But just because he can remember it happening, doesn't take away from the frustration he feels to be in this position.
Good thing he loses consciousness often enough to not have a chance to build-up on anger. Next time he wakes up, he realizes that- oh, this is his Temple. They're "home". He can't even tell how many of his shinki are around him, oh great.
But he can recognize Archer is the one carrying him. He stirs in the hold- be it potato or bridal carry he does not care- he just wants to try and stand on his own two feet ]
tw: blood, mild gore, disturbing imagery
[Caster feels too light in his arms; Archer carries him carefully bridal style, for once thankful that his god's room is right beneath the roof. Up above no one's going to disturb them, no one will see how exactly he does aid his god. With Caster being so weak after the whole ordeal with the forest he needs blood, and no small amount of it.
Archer can feel his god stir.]
Keep still or we'll fall down the stairs. [he warns, knowing too well that the stubborn idiot will try to stand alone; Caster is stubborn like that. Isn't it immortalized in his tale how he tied himself to a boulder to keep standing even in his death.] You can try it when I tell you, but not right now.
ah, how cute
that's Servants for you o7
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Backdated af to Nov 27th [Note or Action ]
Archer,
Thank you for all your help with looking for Kaden. I'm sorry it took me so long to do this. This isn't enough to show my gratitude, but I do hope you like them. I wasn't sure what you might like so I got different flavors. They even had some treats for dogs.
I hope the apron comes in handy, although you may have one already. I thought this would suit you.
If you ever need help with anything, I will be more than happy to help you in any way I can. You've been so kind to me ever since you got here, and I would really like to repay you somehow. So please, if there's anything at all, let me know.
Thank you again.
-Alex ]
[ooc: Up to you if you'd like this to stay as a note or turn it into an action tag!]
Dec. 24th
Merry Christmas, Archer.
-Alex
[ It is up to him whether he opens it now or on Christmas day. Inside he will find this as well as a small box containing this. ]
December 24th
-Ginia
[Inside the largest box is a red overcoat and a pair of black leather gloves. The smallest box contains a watch, and the third box has a cast iron pan and a set of trivets.]
Dec 26
An unbreakable bond, between us and the world, it's the symbol of all life.
It is also strength, wisdom, and longevity.
Also rebirth.
The other, you will know what it is.
[ Inside there is painstakingly carved tree of life pendant on a leather strap. The wood coming from a branch of the oak, Caster was stealthy about cutting it but the forest is silent at the night, and some here have good ears. the other the message mentioned is a familiar runic, stone earring.
Make no mistake, this is no Christmas gift *mental scoff* ]
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For a long moment Archer sits still, holding the earring. He understands, he understands the implications too well; the earring used to summon Cú Chulainn, a simple token to tie them closer than anything else could. Archer smiles as he pierces his ear; he's going to wear it with pride. As well as the necklace.
Gifting jewellery in Caster's times was an admission of how close you are.]
December 31st - Early Evening
January 4th
Archer,
You're handsome when you smile; you should do it more often. Never forget you're worthy of good things and you're loved. May the year give you plenty to be happy about.
[It's signed with three hearts shaded to look rounded and bubbly.]
January 17th
The next page contains directions on what to do with her room with an apology she wasn't able to take everything. If Archer goes to her room, everything she didn't take is neatly boxed up or sorted into labeled piles. The clothes she didn't take - a few assorted suits and formal outfits - can be donated or given to someone else. The demonology books are stacked on her desk with leftover stationary and pens to disseminate as he wishes. There's also the camera he bought for use on their investigations, cables and accessories bundled together, batteries charging. There's also an external hard drive with all the data collected from the investigations. The bedding is stripped down and folded, the floor cleaned. There's nothing to do but either move everything out or leave it as is.
Finally, there's a letter. From the phantom imprints left on the paper from previous pages, the twist of her letters as repetition and time take their toll on the hand writing, it's clear this was not her first draft. He will not find the other drafts, long burned to ash in the fireplace.]
Archer,
I love you.
It's unfair to open a goodbye letter like that, I know, and it's even more unfair to say it through writing instead of in person, but if I didn't say it, the rest of the letter wouldn't make sense.
I love you and I love Cú and that's why I have to leave.
By the time you read this letter, he'll already have released my name. Or maybe you find this letter before I talk to him. It's a possibility I've considered and I suppose I accept that risk. In that case, what happens, happens.
But if Cú releases me before you read this letter, then understand it was never a slight against him or you, but rather the realization what I wanted was different than what he could give, and I wasn't willing to break his views out of my own selfishness. We spoke about this once, of loyalty to a god versus ones own personal happiness. To be sure, I have been happier with no one else and there is still no one else I want to serve more than Cú Chulainn.
But I also can't serve only Cú Chulainn and there lies the problem.
I've been named by Alex and Ebisu. The first god you are probably not surprised by. The second likely is a surprise. All I can say is Alex is someone I wish to protect and through Ebisu there is something I can work toward. I was not coerced into anything, they were choices I made and I stand by them. I am staying at Ebisu's temple for the time being.
I'm sorry. I know I should tell you this in person. You're my friend, my lover, my exemplar. You are many things to me, and I think I was afraid you'd stop me. Maybe you'd change my mind, maybe your disappointment would break me, maybe you'd wall up and accept my decision with an air of indifference. I didn't want to know. Call me a coward, call me selfish, it's true.
I love you. There, I'm being unfair again. But I do. Since my first day, you've always been a presence in my life. You've always been kind, supportive, someone to admire and respect. You were always better than me and I hated that, but it gave me something to work toward. I never wanted to disappoint you or let you down and yet here I am.
My happiest memories are of you. You and Cú, separate and together. Both of you are wrapped so deep into my life I'm afraid what will happen once I leave. But I'm afraid if I stay, my feelings, my wants, everything will turn to resentment and I'll hurt you two. I've seen an ablution, I know how bad it can get, I can't do that to either of you.
So I'm leaving. Let that be a final act of love.
I ask for nothing in return, I have no place to give orders, but please take care of yourself. Take care of Cú, take care of Lancer, but please, take care of yourself. You deserve good things, want something, take it, be selfish.
I won't come by the temple unless any of you will it. I understand if you don't want to talk to me either.
Goodbye, Emiya, I love you.
Ginia
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It's unsettling to think someone idolizes him and loves him, perhaps the first more than the latter. There's the old, deep set feeling of not deserving good things, and the doubt if the one Ginia loves is truly him, or some idealized image. There's bewilderment at how things progressed without him realizing. There's also a hint of annoyance at Ginia using his real name that he never shared with anyone but Caster.
'Let that be a final act of love.'
For a long time he just stands here, not looking at anything in particular. Finally he carefully folds the letter and hides it at the bottom of the drawer. Archer leaves the temple with a frown, heading straight to the archery range.
He's going to practice for a very long time.]
[Voice] January 17th late afternoon
Archer? It’s Alex...Is it okay for me to come over..?
[Voice]
Of course, you're always welcome here.
Re: [Voice]
Text, February 5th, early morning
Hi.
Are you busy?
Text, February 5th, early morning
You know that I always have time for you, Ginia. What can I do for you?
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from 3th Feb and onwards
Next photo is a random one where he accidentally pressed the button, as a stealthy sheep much, much closer, decided that it's time to nom oh his druid garb, and he got startled by sudden sheep-teeth.
There is a brief time of silence when no photos are posted - a day or two, up to you if it's enough to be worrying - and then comes an actual typed message, with several photos attachment ]
Archer,
If you have some time down the line, would you like to join me during this escapade? I know I left you and Lancer with quite a task with managing all of the temple business. I trust you, and I know you're doing great, but if there is any sight of downtime, I'd like to grab you here.
You know, all for myself ;)
And because there is as long as I can avoid the ayakashi here. Yes, they are here, they were not a one-time happening during that day a few months back. [ That day when he returned from being dead. ] They have different names and shapes here, but yeah, still the same menace.
I also wouldn't mind your company, if you get what I mean.
The photos I've sent you this time, aren't the fun ones. You know those charms probably better than I do. Given you still, keep some at the grounds behind the temple. I've found them here, and only on the shrines of the gods that are or were present in the Far Shore.
The last one I can't confirm but one of Caireen shrines, had some weathered paper scraps. Maybe they were something else, but we might as well assume the worst. Other Tuatha Dé Danann shrines I found were untouched. This gives interesting perspective regarding the cult activity, no?
How can they tell which of us are on the Far Shore itself? How far their claws reach. Far enough that I found them here.
I know this message will reach you when you're asleep, which is why I decided to write instead of calling/ But feel free to call me whenever you want. I don't sleep much here.
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Of course there's video call incoming, of Archer in casual clothes, the background being his room - a bit spartan save for large bed on which Archer's sitting.]
Caster. [he says, and it's clear to see he's enjoying the chance to chat with his partner.] Good to see you're having fun. I'm glad to hear you're mixing business with pleasure.
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February 14th
Someone's also tied a bow with the same purple ribbon to Lucky's collar and there are new chew toys for the dogs. Weird.]
February 21st
Dear Archer;
It is good to write to you, my friend. Caster’s Exemplar. You have taught me so much that I was not aware of. Cooking and laundry are some of your many, many talents, and I wish to thank you for showing me the way through all of them. Truth be told, you were always the Shinki that I wished to impress the most. Your kindness shows through, even though your exterior is harder than most people may expect.
You are the one Caster depends on the most. Certainly, he does depend on me as I do depend on him, but there is something special in you that I feel attracts Caster to you. And you return that by keeping him mostly in check (though I do understand that Caster is his own person and will never be kept in line, and for that, you have incredibly strong patience).
You are a strong, kind, patient soul who I am grateful to have met and gotten to learn from, more than anyone else. Your heart is always in the right place, as are your words, as cutting as they may be. Much as with Caster, if there was anything you required from me, I would be more than happy to do so. Our training sessions were always something I enjoyed, and I thank you for all your hard work in keeping our weapons properly taken care of.
I know that you, of all others, are the one that anyone can depend on. Be it from our own Temple or from another. And for that, I thank you. I do not think I have all the words to properly thank you, so I hope you will accept this letter as my appreciation for all the hard work you do.
For now, stay strong. Keep your head up. And smile, for your smile is one of the most charming I have seen in a long time.
Yours dearly;
Lancer – Diarmuid Ua Duibhne
february 21st, mid-day
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May I ask if it's just Caster being himself or something a bit more serious?
[Archer's well aware that if it's really serious Zelda can deliver the ass-kicking by herself.]
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February 21st, Evening (Text)
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backdated to before march 8th (also this is so late i'm so sorry ;;)
[ Certainly. ]
it's okay!
Of course. What do you need help with?
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March 24th, 2017
I just need to confirm something. Are you and your god invited to attend some kind of questioning today?
[ She's curious if it's just Iskandar or did someone else got hit with it too ]
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We are. I think every new god received such courteous invitation.
[She's someone able to grasp the sarcasm hidden in his words.]
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March 17th [backdated; action]
He's not sure if he's happy or just annoyed. Which is why when his stomach rumble, he... sneaks into the kitchen via teleporting in a blind spot next to a fridge. Which he then will try to silently, very silently open- ]
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Of course Archer is there, with his back turned to the fridge and apparently not noticing anything odd. He's unpacking and sorting the nicely sized collection of tea and coffee blends. Looks like the newest addition is limited to several blends of coffee.
It's no surprise, considering how one of Judar's possessions is espresso.]
Do you want a hot meal?
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Text (Backdated April 23rd)
( Hey Archer )
(Can I ask your help with something? )
(I was assigned a new shinki recently, and he turns into an eagle. He says I need a gauntlet? Or something for him to land on. Do you happen to know how to make one? )