Heaven's BBS | Video

[futhark]

From: Cú Chulainn
Date: February 21th

[ The video shakes a bit as Caster figures out how to set the phone in a way to catch the view he wants it to show. The room is dimly lit, and those who were in the training room in Caster's temple might recognize the location. Caster is placing three swords wrapped in cloth on the table.

He's oddly serious for him, not even a hint of a smile showing on the corner of his lips. ]

Hey, it's been a while~ Things been crazy lately, so I wasn't able to keep in touch. [ When he's done, he takes a cigarette from a pouch attached to his belt- it's his usual druid outfit, though he had forgone the cape this time. No need for a hood under the roof. He lits it with a rune written quickly in the air and takes a drag before speaking. ]

Some of you may know me. If you don't, then let me allow to introduce myself. One of the "new" gods in the Far Shore, Cú Chulainn- [ There it is, a smile, although a crooked one and disappearing quickly. There is a temptation to leave it as it is. Like Iskandar, drop the class-name entirely and be open that his god-name is the same as his true name. But perhaps, not this time- old habits die hard. ] Or just Caster for short.

I've been traveling all across Ireland in the past month. Sometimes alone, sometimes with a company. I also made contact with the local gods- not sure if it's a common knowledge but they are still out there. [ Another drag of the cigarette but he changes his mind and crushes it, letting it disappear in a sudden burst of flame ] None of the gods that are here are present in Tír na nÓg. Not that they're concerned much. What is a decade for a god, maybe they just went away on business or want some space - they said.

[ You know, that makes sense. A decade is a small amount of time if you were active for over 2000 years. It's like someone taking vacations for a month or two for mortals. ]

Caireen- there was a strong woman who carried the mantle of that name here, she left few months ago. However, the "original" Caireen has not yet reappeared in Ireland. What does it mean, I do not know. It might not sound too hopeful for those of you who wish to return home, but remember this- those gods are not concerned about their brethren disappearing for some time, because eventually, they will return.

[ So, everyone returns home? Possibly?? Maybe weird things happening here, with all those mismatched gods happened earlier too. Happened somewhere else. Alas, that cannot be said for sure without reaching to other pantheons. Time for a topic change-- back to the swords ]

I've brought three gains from my travels, and one loss. And if you think it's imbalanced you're right. The loss is large.

[ He starts unwrapping the first sword and then unsheathes it halfway, demonstrating the black and red blade. ]

This is Móralltach, sword forged by Manannán mac Lir, which he later gifted to Aengus Óg, who in turn passed it onto his son. [ Son's name is conveniently left out. There is no saying if Lancer won't return one day, he shouldn't come across his own name on the network ] It is said it left no strike and no blow unfinished

It was given me for safekeeping. I will keep it guarded. [ He sheaths it back and puts away, now proceeding to repeat the motions with the second sword. Much shorter and blade marked with gold instead of red ]

This is Beagalltach, the sister sword of Móralltach. It was given me for safekeeping. I will keep it guarded.

[ In some twisted way it fits. Druids are keepers of lore and legends, and weapons like these are that in physical form. Not that he ever asked for any of them, but he is honor bound to keep his promise. The third sword he unsheathes fully, and he gives it a spin, as it fits his hand with studied ease. There is a blink-and-you-miss-it weird flash of light or sort of prism-effect in some moves- but surely it must be some camera playing tricks with reflected light, right? ]

This is Cruaidín Catutchenn, sword that sun-god Lugh has given to his son- it has been returned to me. [ In the end, it is not as iconic in his own legend like the certain red spear is. But he fought with that sword, even died with it in hand. He might not be able to call upon all of its powers, Servant-system, locking this kind of abilities besides the class system. Regardless, he would feel good, even proud about having it back, and he will- it is still there even now just dimmed by other circumstances. ]

Weapons like these, they have their own stories to tell. But the stories they tell are about people and incredible feats of their courage. There is a person I'd like to talk about. Today, tomorrow, soon-

Lancer, a man of great valor and honor- my friend, my shinki, has moved on when we were traveling. He's no longer in this world. [ Caster doesn't stalk his shinki, and he knows that makes him unaware of the full scope of people who might have shared a friendship with Lancer. They too deserve to know, to have some closure. Hence the open posting. His expression softens from the previous, solemn one. ]

I will welcome anyone who is willing to give a drink or two to his name and share their memories. Let the best moments be always remembered! My temple is in the Northeast district, but I also know a few nice places around the Near Shore. Be it private or in big gathering- there is always time to honor a friend.


And oh, Ginia? Come by my temple when you got time, I have something for you- yours hands only.

Comments

video;

[repinned]

[Excuse Oscar as he ogles at those magical weapons.]

Whoa...

[futhark]

[ They are a sight, and kids are always kids- ]

Pretty cool, huh? [ Attempt at good humour is a bit forced, but he's good in succeeding at that ] You know there is one more sword Lugh had- maybe it will make it's way to you one day.

[repinned]

--oh, yeah, you did mention him.

[Sorry, cool magical items > yet another name he has to remember means "Oscar Pine".]

Uh. I can't use swords...?

[Action]

[unlucky7]

[Ginia doesn't even finish the post before she's running to the temple, throat closed up, tears filling her eyes. The information, the swords, it's all the background when Caster mentions Lancer is gone.

It's strange. People come and go all the time, but this is the first time it's been someone she's known well, cared about deeply, and now it feels like she can't breathe.

Lancer is, was a friend, the closest to a brother, perhaps.

And now he's gone, he's gone, he's gone. The thought echoes as she bounds through the districts, no longer caring who sees her as she runs along in the uniform of Ebisu's temple.

The winding forest of Dún Dealgan is familiar and unfamiliar, but she's still a friend and it parts to let her through easily enough. She doesn't stop as she enters the temple, not even slowing as Lucky barks and runs along at her heels. Her breakneck pace takes her to the training room and before she can really think about it, she throws herself at Caster in a tight hug.

Another day it would have been for his return. Today it's to mourn the loss of Lancer.]

[futhark]

[ Caster had been arranging things around the training hall- trying to figure out where best to hold the swords. If they should even be here. But he hears the steps, and the only person who could run in the temple now-

of course, it's Ginia. Who else, really. Who else would be running back here at the news. He welcomes her into a warm hug. ]

There's a letter for you.

[unlucky7]

[He's still as solid as she remembers, warm too, the scent of the forest always surrounding him, cigarettes too. It's selfish, but Ginia hugs him a little longer before pulling away and wiping her eyes.

Did Lancer know he was leaving or did he write things just in case? Ginia's hands wring together as she looks at Caster, wondering how he's holding up. It's only him and Archer now and maybe the temple feels a bit too big.

This is not how Caster should have returned. It should have been a happier, lighter occasion. The letter can wait.]

How are you holding up?

[action]

[boneofsword]

[Archer has no idea that Caster is back, not until he sees this post. He understands immediately what kind of loss Caster does mean; then there's the first sword, a glimpse of the hilt is enough. He drops everything and rushes to the training room as fast as he can. Not a second later he's behind his god, pulling him into a tight hug. It's also when he allows himself to mourn the loss of a close friend that Lancer is- was, to think of all the memories, good, bad, and peaceful. To grieve, but not alone.

Archer doesn't break the silence.]

[futhark]

[ Archer gets to him almost a second later as he turns the feed off and clicks post- the message is out and now he's suddenly in a warm, strong hug?

It's sudden and unexpected, especially coming from Archer. But even he can show unrestricted emotions from time to time. He pats the arm around him awkwardly. ]

I've got something for you.

[boneofsword]

[It's going to be awkward since Archer has no idea how to mourn without showing weakness.]

It can wait. [he says softly. That means Lancer knew he's going back and had a chance to say goodbye.

Both of them are Servants, bound to be summoned again and again. Caster remembers, while Lancer does not. Even if he gets summoned here again, he won't remember anything they went through together, making the loss even more painful.]

How are you holding up?

[Video]

[replicatedform]

[He looks on with clear interest at the weapons. But hearing that Caster's shinki left do put a damper on the mood. He remembers waking up and finding out Tsuzuki's gone.]

I'd like to hear those stories about the weapons and their wielders.

[Video]

[futhark]

[ Caster returns a bit later to answer. Someone kept him away from the internet for some time. Someone's interested- that's a good distraction. That's a good way to keep a role up. ]

The third is the one whose story I'm most familiar with- [ Because it's his own, that's why. ] But the first two also have a colorful history. Because of their very nature- they exist as a pair, you see, it's hard to talk about one and not the other.

Where you'd like me to start?

[Video]

[replicatedform]

[He didn't mind the wait, considering the loss.]

The third one. [He doesn't know how to start pronouncing the name.] Since you're familiar with it. I can hear about the other two later.

video;

[roundtablerebel]

[ Condolences for Lancer in a minute, first things first... ]

Three old swords for yourself? Is that seriously all you brought back, Old Man?

[ She thought it was cool until he mentioned he had them for "safekeeping". Now Mordred likes a good stabby instrument as much as the next person but has less appreciation for weapons that won't see use. ]

[futhark]

[ Aah, yes, his favourite Saberface is here ]

Hey, kiddo! [ That's for the Old Man ] You know, they say druids are not supposed to be into those "earthly possessions" thing. I guess if things went better, I would return only with one.

[ First two of them are for safekeeping, third is his and he intends to use. Besides, how you can triple wield sords? You can, just google one piece ]

[roundtablerebel]

What did you just call—!

[ Mordred makes a face at being called "kiddo" but she bites back a retort because, well, she kinda deserved it. She's not really mad about it though because she missed the big blue idiot while he was gone. ]

I don't get it, how is it better to come back with one instead of three? Doesn't that mean they trust you more?

[ Zoro it up, Caster! ]

video

[fauxcalibur]

I wouldn't mind a few drinks if you wouldn't mind usually quite poor company.

[futhark]

Richard, it's been ages! [ Caster is happy to see him, but it is a happiness strained by loss. Wow, being a god really makes you busy. Where are the times of lazing around had gone? ] Drinks are on me! So it means I probably should let you pick the place

[ No, it doesn't- but he also wouldn't mind ]

How things are going. [ Go on, dish it out, he can listen to everything ]

[video]

[heptagram]

[Admittedly, this is not an area she's good in. But also, now she is curious.]

If these weapons have rather not-widely-known histories, you have my attention.

...I guess you still do even if it is something I can scrounge up easily. Just not as much of it, perhaps.

[futhark]

Widely-known history is a relative thing, don't you think? The world is big, a famous story here, might be unknown on the other side.

[ They can be googled, there will be bare bone info about them, and the wielders might get revealed. But yes, he expects he knows way more about his sword than the internet. The other two are more of a knowledge gathered from other sources- thanks Grail- as they are younger than him. ]

Tuatha Dé Danann has forged many famous weapons, but tales about most of them had turned to dust. [ Along with people who told them. The price of having oral, not written, tradition ]

video;

[reloves]

[ There's a lot she could comment on - like all the important information he's giving out, or even Lancer being gone.. But this is Minako, and of course she doesn't like to dwell on things that are too heavy. Besides, even if Caster is talking about it relatively lightly, or at least not in a way that's too sad, you never know what someone could really be feeling under their outward appearances, right? She doesn't want him to have to think of it even more in case it's tough on him.

So-- ]

Aren't you supposed to bring back gifts for other people after going on a trip instead of gifts for yourself? [ Even though he's just keeping them for safekeeping.. Ssh, sshh.. ] I think you got the whole idea wrong!

[futhark]

[ Bless you, Minako. Grief is private, you don't air in the network. It was probably made more to honor what Lancer left behind than make a show how sad he is after he left. Besides he is good in accepting whatever fate brings, mourning and loss is one of those things.

Still, the smile he returns is a little strained. ]

Ooh? Who said I didn't bring gifts-! Souvenirs are kept a surprise until the person in question gets them. [ A beat ] So, what you're hoping to get?

[ Irish omiyage, what a trip ]

[Text]

[towards_okeanos]

[Is Iskandar ignoring the shiny, magical swords on purpose? You'd bet he does. What's worth any magical trinket when you lost a friend? Nothing. He was wondering why Caster didn't reply to his last letter. This, he didn't expect.]

Bitter tidings you bring from your homeland. I shall come, just state time and place.

[Text]

[futhark]

[ Thanks for going with text, that's easier. ]

Much appreciated. I'm thinking somewhere on the Near Shore, for the sake of variety and good drinks. If you want to bring company, go for it.

Unless you want to use it also as a chance to discuss some private matters.

video | from: Obi

[yasei]

[ it looks weird to see him not smile. Not that serious looks bad on him though.

Also, something he had not realized before: Cú Chulainn's name is the same as his god name. Now that is interesting. ]

Sorry to hear that you've lost a friend. I've met him but it's not like I knew him so it might be weird for me to drink to his memory, but I can still bring over something if you'd like. There are so many different kinds of drinks in this place and all.

Was your trip otherwise good?

[ He is so curious about this Ireland and the people and weapons but. He does have some manners at least and he is able to contain himself in the tree he sits in. ]

[futhark]

[ Caster makes a small wave at the screen and puts the sword away. Hey there, fellow tree climber. ]

Otherwise-- yeah, otherwise it was good. [ If not for ending in such sad fashion ] Winter really isn't the best time for traveling, you gotta be pretty crazy to choose that time of the year.

[ Of course, modern inventions like trains, cars, and teleportation make getting around a lot easier. ]

But it's worth it. That island is beautiful no matter the time of the year. [ It's obviously his nostalgia speaking, but he won't be shamed for that. ] The "Heavens" work a bit differently there- but I could get used to it.