☆ // master of tartarus

[fionnuisce]

WHO: Waver + semi-open
WHERE: The network/his apartment
WHEN: over 5/18~5/20ish
WHAT: he might have been asleep since the bossfight
WARNINGS: None yet, will mark subject lines appropriately

[5/18 action; closed to diarmuid]

[For not the first time, the world was the black of a dreamless sleep pulsing red agony with the rhythm of a heartbeat. Burning heat--of a lessening fever, not a cataclysmic inferno. Agony, but of a deep full-body ache rather than a narrowly averted death; the kind that warned him not to move, because he still had strength enough to do that. The pull of a contract like an anchor around his neck; still there, which was all that mattered to him.]

[What was it that had happened? Somewhere between sleeping and waking, Waver tried to piece together what he could remember. A knight in silver? No...no, this wasn't the pain of mortal injury and broken bones., but the exhaustion and burn of mana deprivation. If he focused on that, he could start to recall what had transpired-]

[Hear the song of fury-]

[--The tower, the Shadows, the Black Order, that goddamned clown. Reality began to creep its way back into his head as he stirred with a quiet groan of pain, arm draped heavily over his eyes.]

...did we win?

[Early into the evening on the 18th, a quick sign of life popped up on the network:]

un: silverrose

still alive

glad to know thats settled with minimal casualties

things will get worse before they get better so be cautious

[5/20 action; closed to ritsuka]

[Once he was actually able to move safely, a little bird flew its way to Hyrule--Diarmuid had told him where to find her, and it was an easy enough path to trace from the air. Easier still where letting the curse take over meant he didn't have to walk.]

[However he got there, the small phoenix fluttered in and landed on the ground before transforming in a flash of fire, back to a worn out-looking Waver in casual clothes and with a bag hanging off his shoulder.]

Hey, kid. How're you doing?

Comments

[hoshikiri]

[... Which would in practice, make for a "terrible mage". A worthless one that had no future if a man like Kayneth Archibald had his way. Like trying to make a Hyuran child cast a Fire IV spell with no training.

Again, his tail thumped. He despised this system. And even more did he despise that world for making such a thing its law. It fit with what Takame knew of the world, what he believed of the world.

But he... he's begin to hate that belief since meeting people like Waver. He has for a long time. Because despite the risk, Waver still did what needed to be done.]

That's what you meant when you said he knows when to hold back. If he did not, it would risk both your lives.

[Hells.]

... You've overcome it thus far, and perhaps I've no right to speak on the laws of your realm... but I dislike them.

[fionnuisce]

Improving even with limited Circuits is possible, but intensely difficult. I've managed to increase my magic capacity over the past years, and ultimately it all comes down to adapting rather than remaining stuck in the mindset of an archaic mage. I can outmaneuver most of them, but in matters of straightforward power I don't stand a chance.

What I mean to say is there's no reason to complain about the biological aspect; it is what it is, and there's no changing that even if it is patently unfair. What I can change is how others approach it. Even a mage with a handful of Circuits can equal the heir of an ancient family if they're allowed the chance to improve enough to try.

[hoshikiri]

I see.

[That was... something at least. Not that Takame expected people like archaic Mages to take this into consideration. He's had the image of them as the worst of Garlemald's worst for the longest time. Where Waver was like Hina, one in a thousand.

One strong enough to bring about a shift.]

You have what it takes. I know that you do. [He shook his head.] My apologies, it seems I've, ah... stronger feelings on this matter than I realized.

[But then again, Waver's seen hints of Garlemald.]

[fionnuisce]

...It's okay. Maybe it's better someone sees this from the outside, to tell me when something's crazy or not. Things like this are just...normal, for me. I barely even notice the feeling of my Circuits activating anymore.

[hoshikiri]

Ah, I... understand that. There have been times where I've spoken of experiences that were easy to pass off only for the one I am speaking with at the time to regard the experience with... horror and concern.

[He's still going to worry for you, sir.]

Mm, another perspective... can help with that matter.

[fionnuisce]

It can't really be helped--we just have to be cautious and adapt. He knows exactly how much to hold back to avoid seriously hurting me, and we both agreed the risk was necessary for dealing with that fucking clown.

I don't mean to concern anyone. I've long since learned to live with it, so it's not an immediate pressing concern or anything. This was an exceptional circumstance, that's all.

[hoshikiri]

Mm. All the better if it means he'll never show his disgusting self to the world again.

[There's a sharpness to that comment. Anyone's guess as to why.]

I'm sorry... I cannot stop myself from worrying for you. You are family, Waver.

[fionnuisce]

I know, I know.

[He sighed in exhausted resignation, again pushing his hair back over his shoulder. Damn, it was always so annoying when he didn't tie it back.]

I'll be fine after a while. And now we know where our respective limits are, for if and when things get this difficult again. I'll be able to better prepare in advance, and be more cautious about my own energy usage.

[hoshikiri]

I understand. If there is anything you both need, I will do what I can.

[He'll also pull out one of three hair ties he constantly keeps in his pocket and give Waver a Look offering to use it if needed.]

[fionnuisce]

[He looked to the offered hair tie with a small smile; grateful, but about to explain something that skewed towards embarrassment.]

You're going to think this is stupid. [Probably because it was.] Magic Circuits travel through the entire body--a lot of mages wear their hair long because tying it up serves as a small amount of energy left in reserve. Undoing it lets that spare energy flow more freely.

[hoshikiri]

Ah.

So... It isn't an aesthetic choice? Or a different manner of utilitarian choice?

[Aka, long hair get everywhere. Takame's is also always tied back so he thought????]

[fionnuisce]

Well, I don't mind it. [He shrugged, twisting a few strands around his fingers.] I wore it a little long as a kid anyway. But after the war I just decided to let it grow out so I could take advantage of that.

It isn't as if I have some weird hangups about my general presentation. That's probably the one thing I'm not insecure over.

[hoshikiri]

I... see. [Well now he feels a little bit silly.]

I've grown my hair for the past decade myself, and I am aware of how... it can get everywhere. That's all.

[No one make him cut it.]

[fionnuisce]

Oh, sure, I mean--in that respect I hate leaving it down. Gets caught on every damn thing in existence, but since I can't really cut it... [A shrug.]