[he takes the bottle and pries off the cap, breathing in another long drag of smoke. this one is almost done, and he knows he's fully stocked. but his stress levels could change that quickly.]
You're right on that front. I endeavor to give my guests a remarkable experience always. Though I would not usually entertain in a place like this, you must forgive my inability to fully accept the witches' charity. To a degree, yes, it is inevitable. But to entrust my being in my vulnerable hours to walls they will vouchsafe? No. Never. These are poor conditions to be a guest - and yet somehow, I wonder if you truly mind.
[the butt of the cigarette is stubbed out in the bottle cap and set aside, and his eyes go back to the other Servant.]
[He opens his own bottle in the meantime and takes a swig immediately. Despite his small stature, Andersen's more than capable of handling his alcohol.]
I can't deny this place could do with some renovations.
[Though this theatre is buried beneath dust and darkness, he can still see traces of its former glory. The gold-trimmed curtains, the comfortable furniture in this room, old posters of shows no longer playing. It depresses him.]
My ideal workplace shall always be indoors with a hot mug of coffee and central heating. But I'm a man accustomed to working in all sorts of conditions. This is far from the filthiest place I've relaxed in.
[He leans back in his chair.]
Your paranoia is not completely unfounded, given what I've heard about Dorchacht.
Yes, I also heard that name in my observations. And those here consider themselves above such acts? Man does not change in his atrocities no matter the world he sets foot in. For now, they believe themselves above such actions, but the foundations are already set in place in their society to allow it, should they tighten the screws more on the populace. They are not any better than the worst that roams the streets - I cannot in good conscience accept their gifts, until I know them.
[the theatre could be beautiful, if it was only tended to. if it was brought out of where it was hiding. but would he do it, or would he simply wander freely> he didn't know, yet, and sips the beer in contemplation.]
What is your opinion of it all so far? [this city, these people, these conditions. however he took the words.]
You're asking for my opinion when I'm not even a third of the way through the book.
[It's too early to say. He's only seen a small portion of this world. One city does not define a civilization. But if it's a matter of their situation... Andersen idly swirls his beer about.]
It's a stroke of poor luck that we were brought here, though it's perhaps this planet's intent. Certain Servants act as a Counter Force for the World. It could be this place attempted the same - only its magic was capable of reaching beyond dimensions.
[He gives a long, long sigh.]
I see the Coven as running around like headless chickens. We aren't much better.
[he gives a thoughtful hum, but doesn't speak immediately. being a Counter Force was somewhat better than being forcibly summoned - and indeed, he doesn't feel the same pull on the magic to strike a contract or find a Master. no, but there was that Bond business to deal with.
Dantes takes a drink and exhales sharply.]
With mages, I tend to assume they know more than they want to let on. Acting blind and stupid could be a diversion.
If that were the case, I'd think more of the Servants would be openly rebelling. Not many of them are the type to accept the yoke of a questionable Master.
[...]
From what I heard, at least one of them is happy with their life here.
At least six. Perhaps seven or eight, not including us. A woman I met said she was a former Master and referred to an Archer and a Lancer running about. I haven't met them in person, however.
[he frowns at that, falling into a bit of thought.]
...Then perhaps it would be wisest for me to conceal my own identity as such. With that many about, surely at least some information about what exactly Servants are is let loose. It is an unnecessary vulnerability to have immediately after arrival.
I get it. I'll keep my mouth shut, since you went out of your way to service Shakespeare and I.
[The coffees were a small gesture, but they did not go unnoticed.]
In any case, what will you do about this Bond business? If you're going to be concealing your identity, it'll make finding a partner all the more difficult.
I suppose I shall have to manage myself until I find one soul in this city who proves themselves adequate for me to propose a Bond. I certainly cannot trust a stranger immediately to enter into such vows. It would be a preposterous leap of faith. I must know their character, must know their trustworthiness, and to know that they would be willing to feel the heat of the flames of hell from what I do, without a sign of shirking.
[when he feels like he can entrust his name to them, then he'll know.]
[the disbelief is clear in his tone and the sharpness of his gaze. surely, Andersen had heard what the Coven said about Bonds, and the closeness therein.]
You don't even know the half of what you'd be getting into.
You don't know me as well as I know you, Edmond Dantes. If you did, those words wouldn't leave your mouth so easily.
[Andersen's read his story. Despite the hell Avenger crafted for his foes - despite the vengeance he exacted without mercy - his kindness cannot be erased. Maximilian. Louise. Mercedes. Haydee. At the end of it all, he was only a man. No demon.
(andersen has served a true demon before and he knows that, were it not for ritsuka, he'd be willing to do so again. he's grateful he isn't in that position.)]
[the words drip with venom, the name unspoken between them.]
What makes you think you know me well enough to form such a contract? If we do, I shall not let you change your mind so easily. If I need to plunge into the darkness in this city, I will, and you shall have to keep up, and learn to see without light. Hell has no mercy on those who dawdle behind.
Where do you think the material for my fairy tales come from? The Fir Tree, the Little Match Girl? I am not a man who sifts through heaven to find his inspiration. I have lived through and seen hell. I've waded through the filthiest pits of human depravity.
[He meets his eyes.]
My powers lie with my writing, and even those have been stripped from me. As a Witch, my sole saving grace is to be a living battery. You've treated me well at Chaldea. I did not forget that. My mana should go to someone who'll make good use of it.
[That laugh earns a sharp smile from Andersen. He chuckles.]
Did you expect anything different from me? I am as persistent and constant as a cockroach - you of all people should know that!
[This is more than an ideal arrangement for him. He didn't fancy combing the city for a monster and he knows Avenger, to an extent. He knocks back the rest of his drink before declaring:]
Watch your tongue, the genre of our agreement falls strictly within the realm of fantasy. The way you're prattling on makes it sound like a romantic comedy...
[Even as he complains, he's getting up. Where Dantes goes, he'll follow.]
[his eyebrow raises before he laughs again. what a ridiculous man he was going to Bond to.
but, given their personalities, they have something or other to bicker about the entire way to the Coven's main building, all the way inside until they find where they can get a Witch to set up a circle for their ceremony. they look a little askance at the pair, who have to pause their discussion long enough to confirm this, but if they're sure...]
[They must be quite a sight to see: an intimidating figure cloaked in black walking side-by-side with what looks to be a blue dwarf, trading barbs rapidly. The rhythm of the conversation comes naturally. Andersen has always been partial the argumentative, long-winded types - why else would he get along so well with someone as unpopular as Shakespeare? - and Dantes fits that criteria.
When the Witch checks in with them, Andersen puts his hands on his hips.]
Of course I'm certain! I have a lot of work to do, I'm not going to waste time personally interviewing every Monster I come across. Avenger - [he holds out his hand] - take it.
[stepping into the circle, Dantes extends his hand to grasp Andersen's, inhaling and straightening up to show that he was as serious about this as one could be. a Bond. the Witch presiding nods, and indicates that they should make their vows. as the circle illuminates beneath their feet, he feels a slight warmth in his chest, where he thinks his spiritual core would be in his usual body.]
I tether myself to you as my partner to fight alongside, to stand against the mysteries of this world, to aid and abet each other in due course, through the flames of the abyss, the depths of the sea, and the blackest of nights. This I swear as Edmond Dantes.
[names give things power, and he places his in this to make it as true as he can. even with his reluctance earlier, this would run deeper than disguising it from the world.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[he takes the bottle and pries off the cap, breathing in another long drag of smoke. this one is almost done, and he knows he's fully stocked. but his stress levels could change that quickly.]
You're right on that front. I endeavor to give my guests a remarkable experience always. Though I would not usually entertain in a place like this, you must forgive my inability to fully accept the witches' charity. To a degree, yes, it is inevitable. But to entrust my being in my vulnerable hours to walls they will vouchsafe? No. Never. These are poor conditions to be a guest - and yet somehow, I wonder if you truly mind.
[the butt of the cigarette is stubbed out in the bottle cap and set aside, and his eyes go back to the other Servant.]
no subject
I can't deny this place could do with some renovations.
[Though this theatre is buried beneath dust and darkness, he can still see traces of its former glory. The gold-trimmed curtains, the comfortable furniture in this room, old posters of shows no longer playing. It depresses him.]
My ideal workplace shall always be indoors with a hot mug of coffee and central heating. But I'm a man accustomed to working in all sorts of conditions. This is far from the filthiest place I've relaxed in.
[He leans back in his chair.]
Your paranoia is not completely unfounded, given what I've heard about Dorchacht.
no subject
[the theatre could be beautiful, if it was only tended to. if it was brought out of where it was hiding. but would he do it, or would he simply wander freely> he didn't know, yet, and sips the beer in contemplation.]
What is your opinion of it all so far? [this city, these people, these conditions. however he took the words.]
no subject
[It's too early to say. He's only seen a small portion of this world. One city does not define a civilization. But if it's a matter of their situation... Andersen idly swirls his beer about.]
It's a stroke of poor luck that we were brought here, though it's perhaps this planet's intent. Certain Servants act as a Counter Force for the World. It could be this place attempted the same - only its magic was capable of reaching beyond dimensions.
[He gives a long, long sigh.]
I see the Coven as running around like headless chickens. We aren't much better.
no subject
Dantes takes a drink and exhales sharply.]
With mages, I tend to assume they know more than they want to let on. Acting blind and stupid could be a diversion.
no subject
[...]
From what I heard, at least one of them is happy with their life here.
no subject
[what is this, Chaldea?]
no subject
At least six. Perhaps seven or eight, not including us. A woman I met said she was a former Master and referred to an Archer and a Lancer running about. I haven't met them in person, however.
no subject
...Then perhaps it would be wisest for me to conceal my own identity as such. With that many about, surely at least some information about what exactly Servants are is let loose. It is an unnecessary vulnerability to have immediately after arrival.
[his eyes snap up to Andersen.]
As is a True Name.
no subject
I get it. I'll keep my mouth shut, since you went out of your way to service Shakespeare and I.
[The coffees were a small gesture, but they did not go unnoticed.]
In any case, what will you do about this Bond business? If you're going to be concealing your identity, it'll make finding a partner all the more difficult.
no subject
[when he feels like he can entrust his name to them, then he'll know.]
no subject
Don't you play hide-and-seek with Nursery Rhyme and Bunyan, O terrifying demon?
no subject
no subject
no subject
[the disbelief is clear in his tone and the sharpness of his gaze. surely, Andersen had heard what the Coven said about Bonds, and the closeness therein.]
You don't even know the half of what you'd be getting into.
no subject
[Andersen's read his story. Despite the hell Avenger crafted for his foes - despite the vengeance he exacted without mercy - his kindness cannot be erased. Maximilian. Louise. Mercedes. Haydee. At the end of it all, he was only a man. No demon.
(andersen has served a true demon before and he knows that, were it not for ritsuka, he'd be willing to do so again. he's grateful he isn't in that position.)]
no subject
[the words drip with venom, the name unspoken between them.]
What makes you think you know me well enough to form such a contract? If we do, I shall not let you change your mind so easily. If I need to plunge into the darkness in this city, I will, and you shall have to keep up, and learn to see without light. Hell has no mercy on those who dawdle behind.
no subject
[He meets his eyes.]
My powers lie with my writing, and even those have been stripped from me. As a Witch, my sole saving grace is to be a living battery. You've treated me well at Chaldea. I did not forget that. My mana should go to someone who'll make good use of it.
no subject
It seems your stubbornness is undiminished, Caster! Some things shall remain constant in this world as well. It delights me to know of it.
[setting down the alcohol, his expression is more weighing and considering, before he comes to a firm decision.]
Very well. As soon as you would, we'll to the Coven and take the ceremony to seal our fate.
no subject
Did you expect anything different from me? I am as persistent and constant as a cockroach - you of all people should know that!
[This is more than an ideal arrangement for him. He didn't fancy combing the city for a monster and he knows Avenger, to an extent. He knocks back the rest of his drink before declaring:]
Why not go now? There's no point in dallying.
no subject
[he'll save the rest of his drink for later, and sets it aside on one of the old tables.]
Come then! The night is young enough that we might say our vows before the strike of midnight!
no subject
[Even as he complains, he's getting up. Where Dantes goes, he'll follow.]
no subject
but, given their personalities, they have something or other to bicker about the entire way to the Coven's main building, all the way inside until they find where they can get a Witch to set up a circle for their ceremony. they look a little askance at the pair, who have to pause their discussion long enough to confirm this, but if they're sure...]
no subject
When the Witch checks in with them, Andersen puts his hands on his hips.]
Of course I'm certain! I have a lot of work to do, I'm not going to waste time personally interviewing every Monster I come across. Avenger - [he holds out his hand] - take it.
no subject
I tether myself to you as my partner to fight alongside, to stand against the mysteries of this world, to aid and abet each other in due course, through the flames of the abyss, the depths of the sea, and the blackest of nights. This I swear as Edmond Dantes.
[names give things power, and he places his in this to make it as true as he can. even with his reluctance earlier, this would run deeper than disguising it from the world.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)