1st craft. [video]

[cheir]

[ This is a very solemn-looking young lady!

... Well, before, it was just black and several noises, one of which sounded like a different application opening entirely and some sounds of hushed frustration because you know what, technology can't love all of us, it is a fickle mistress, etc. But it's okay!! Because the aforementioned young lady is here now and looking so serious that she can't have possibly been frazzled six seconds ago!

No one will ever know. ]

Hello. My name is Fiore Forvedge Yggdmillennia, and I have a request for those liste-- ah, watching. I've been here a few weeks, and...

[ A pause. The camera slowly tilts to reveal that Fiore's actually sitting in a wheelchair, and there's a certain tightness to her features for those observant enough. As though she's in pain, but happily determined to ignore it and carry on. ]

To phrase it simply, I believe I'll be requiring quite a bit of Chroma for certain purposes, and as such, I'd like to ask if anyone would be willing to... earn it with me. Hand-holding, specifically, as anything beyond that will be entirely determined by the content of your character and only after a lengthy discussion.

[ Okay, so she might not have dealt with hugs or kisses yet, either. Please help her. ]

I understand that this may seem like a lot to ask from someone most of you don't know, but if you'd be willing to discuss this further with me, I'm sure I can find something to offer in return.

Thank you for liste-- watching.

[ It actually takes her like an additional forty seconds to turn it off after she stops speaking, but she's trying. ]

Comments

[anti_altruisms]

[ ...ah well. Some things never change. ]

You will be assisting me as well so it's hardly an unequal exchange.

[ He needs mana (Chroma) to maintain his body here so it's more than just a currency issue she'll be helping him with. ]

Do you have a preference for where you'd like to meet?

[cheir]

I don't, no. If you can give me your location, I can meet you there in a bit.

[ Again, it's... a while. ]

[anti_altruisms]

[ It's okay. He's patient. ]

I'm in my apartment at the moment, if you'd like to come here.

[ If she agrees, he'll go ahead and send her directions. ]

[cheir]

Thank you. I'll be there shortly.

[ At least she's not as directionally-impaired as she is tech... ]

action?

[anti_altruisms]

[ It's all fine; he's used to this kind of thing with mages... ]

I'll see you soon, then.

[ He'll be waiting for her, along with a fresh pot of tea. ]

action!

[cheir]

[ Fiore is very adept at maneuvering with her wheelchair after a lifetime spent in it, but it's... still very much a wheelchair, so it does take her a decent chunk of time to get there. But it's as prompt as she can make it, and she'll be knocking politely. ]

Archer?

[anti_altruisms]

[ He is waiting.

The door opens, and he looks...as stiff and formal as any butler, really, as he gestures for her to come in. ]

Miss Fiore. I hope it wasn't difficult to find?

[ The apartments they're given are all furnished, of course, but she may note there is...a decided lack of personal effects here. Archer's space is neat and tidy (very clean, too), but there's nothing to indicate his likes, dislikes, or preferences. ]

[cheir]

No, not at all.

[ And she'll just wheel herself in, taking a curious glance around. It looks... a bit like an apartment up for sale. ]

You really keep it organized here.

[anti_altruisms]

[ Archer just shrugs. ]

I don't really like clutter.

[ To put it mildly. Once they're in the living room, he gestures for her to wait. ]

I'll be right back.

[ It won't be but a minute or two before he's back with...a tray of tea and some snacks?? ]

I don't keep very much here, but since you came all this way, I thought I could at least make some tea.

[cheir]

[ That's... so very domestic and so reminiscent of her own Archer that Fiore's laugh is simultaneously surprised and delighted. ]

You didn't have to go that far for me! But thank you, I'd be happy to accept.

[anti_altruisms]

[ Archer for best class, amirite?

He sets down the tray, and though he doesn't look sheepish, he does clear his throat a little. ]

I wouldn't be a very good host if I didn't at least offer something.

[ He can be a jackass, but he also has some sense about him. Pouring a cup for each of them, he offers her the tea. ]

Thank you for coming.

[cheir]

[ She is going to maintain neutrality and not play favorites, because she is a proper young lady and Master and yes, ARCHERS ARE THE BEST.

Not that she says it, but her smile warms as she reaches out to carefully take the cup and sniffs it appreciatively. ]

You say that as though I wasn't the one appealing to you. I'm very grateful, Archer.

[anti_altruisms]

[ Yes, well...she's lucky she's not seeing his bratty side right now.

He pours himself a cup and just...lets out a sigh. ]

That may be so, but as I said before, this is by no means an unequal exchange.

[ Independent Action is helpful, but it can only take him so far. ]

In the absence of a Master, moonlacing serves a similar purpose. Seeing as you're familiar with Servants, I'm sure you understand.

[cheir]

I do... though I do think it might be easier for you to form a contract with someone while you're here.

[ She takes a slow sip of tea, humming her appreciation. ]

Until then, I'd be happy to help.

[anti_altruisms]

[ Ah, yes...a Master. He looks down at his tea, and for a moment, his expression is somber. ]

It would be the practical thing to do, I know.

[ He'll have to do it eventually, most likely, but...it's a difficult thing to think about given how things ended with his previous Master.

Suppressing a sigh, Archer takes a sip of his tea. ]

In the meantime, I am grateful for your help.

[cheir]

So long as you consider it. [ Don't dodge it forever, Archer, or she'll get worried.

But for now, Fiore gently places her cup down on the closest solid surface and offers him her hand. ]

[anti_altruisms]

I will.

[ He is a pragmatist so there is that.

He looks at her hand for a moment before quietly curling his fingers around hers. ]

[cheir]

[ Then she won't worry, just as quietly stroking the back of his hand with her thumb as she gives his hand a little squeeze. She can't even be embarrassed, not when they're both probably drained.

Really, Fiore can only hope that this is enough. ]