[video]

[boneofsword]

From: Archer
Date: October 4th late afternoon

[For those familiar with him, Archer's expression is completely blank. There's no frown, or typical sarcastic smirk. When he speaks, his voice is calm and rather detached with underlying coldness.]

Caster is gone.

His temple and the names he bestowed are still here, so he's going to be back. Be aware that he's not going to remember any of you, or anything that happened during his stay here. If my research is wrong feel free to correct me, but that's based on the knowledge I gathered so far.

[Here he pauses slightly and his eyes flicker off-screen.]

I'm still trying to piece together what happened, if anyone comes forward to shed some light on the events that transpired, you will have my gratitude.

[Archer narrows his eyes, for the first time his expression changes slightly.]

If you want to punch him for being an idiot you have to get in line.

Comments

voice,

[minogame]

( Given the timing, Urashima can figure it out. Maybe he doesnt know the entire story but he has an idea. His voice might sound familiar to Archer, even if it isn't as energetic or thoughtful as before. It's a lot more serious and quiet, )

Because of what happened yesterday?

( Is that why he died? )

[boneofsword]

...no, I'm afraid not. [he hesitated for a second, admitting then with a small sigh.] I feel better when I have something to do.

voice,

[boneofsword]

[Archer can recognize that voice. He's glad he can keep this conversation in voice only.]

Yes. He did something stupidly heroic and got himself killed.

video

[boneofsword]

[Archer noticed it, even grief not distracting him enough to stop paying attention to details. It's clear those two have close rapport.]

That is something worth waiting for.

[At least for her. His relationship with Caster, though proffesional, have had been rocky from the very start. To think they'd go back to how it was before wasn't most pleasant.]

[minogame]

I think it's tragic.

( It's less of a legend and more of a tragedy, if you ask him. )

[boneofsword]

It's typical for him.

[Voice]

[boneofsword]

[It's really surprising how many friends and acquiantances Caster has made in here in such short time. Archer wants to pretend he's in control of this situation, that he's not affected by this sudden disaepperence -death- but he doesn't believe in absolute certainity that his god will be back.

But he does try to focus on here and now-]

Hm, the offer is appreciated. Like I said I need information on what happened around Henir's temple.

Of course.

[sing_for_me]

Then-- let's do something! Something you like!

[ She looks up at him hopefully. If it'll make him feel better, of course she'd want to go for it.]

Video

[all_seeing_eye]

Whew... that's a relief.

[She visibly deflates as she sighs.]

Re: [Voice]

[light_of_willpower]

I'll let you know if I do find anything.

video

[boneofsword]

[That's a welcome change talking about someone else than his own problem. Truly, gods are the biggest headaches at time. Are they their weapons or their nannies?]

I'm not surprised you made it through. [it's not an empty praise, more of a genuine professional respect.]

I trust your judgement in choosing the best option possible, but if you ever need help regarding what choice is out there, I will gladly provide you with the information I've gathered.

[He's...not exactly keeping tabs on everyone... no, only on those he met. And if shinki can't stay godless- that info might be finally useful for something. Like making informed decision what kind of god to swear yourself to. He sighs resigned.]

If not for his stunt, I'd probably suggest my own god for the consideration, but since this is the worst way he could make a first impression-- [BY BEING DEAD.] -- I will refrain from that for now.

[waitingforhope]

[Her hand came up to meet his, giving his knuckles a light squeeze in acknowledgement of the gesture. Showing how much she truly appreciated him.]

I know.

[He was always there for her. When she needed him. When she didn't need him, but took comfort in his presence anyway.]

I just...can't stop thinking about the last time I saw him. We...I don't even know if I can call it a breakup. If there was never anything to break up in the first place.

[light_of_willpower]

Whatever it was, it wasn't the best way to part, and you're feeling that more than ever since, in effect, he's died.

[Not that there was much he could really say to comfort her. Nor did he really necessarily want to hear about her and Caster, even though Mai's life was her own. Trunks was just her shinki-partner, after all...

But he didn't like her being upset.]

Would it help to talk?

[waitingforhope]

[Maybe. Except...]

I don't even know what to talk about.

[light_of_willpower]

[Not much to say to that either, so instead Trunks just nods. Keeping that hand on her shoulder, and trying to offer what comfort he can with his presence at least. Silent mostly, except....]

You don't have to figure it out right now. You know I'll help, and listen, whenever you need me to.

[Which was the last he'd say on things for now. Mostly he just wanted her to not be hurting or confused.]

[waitingforhope]

[Not hurting...not being confused...that...was not a possibility right then. Possibly anytime soon. She had been in a rough enough state of mind regarding Caster ever since the banquet, and now...she would never get her closure. Only wonderings and shoulda-coulda-wouldas.]

I know. [She fell silent for a moment after that. During which time, she leaned a little more against him. Not out of any sense of affection. Merely a subconscious means of seeking comfort.] I know you're there. You're always there.

[boneofsword]

[Too bad he's the kind of guy who considered house chores as relaxing.]

Hm, I guess I can cook something. [Archer paused.] Is there a particular dish you want to learn how to make?

[light_of_willpower]

[She's welcome to lean as much as she wants. This has to be hard, and there's nothing but be there that he can do.]

I hope I can always be there.

[It's soft, before letting the quiet reign again.]

[sing_for_me]

[As long as it helped, chores were fine. She knew that those helped her get her mind off of things.]

Oh--could we try that tamagoyaki?

[She peers up at him sheepishly.]