▶ 001. video

[anti_altruisms]

Good evening.

[ The video flickers on, and there's a very pale, very fatigued-looking Archer sitting in his apartment. A dragon egg is also visible, nestled in a bundle of blankets next to him. (Is he nesting??)

In any case, he doesn't mince words. ]

Since we're all likely experiencing similar symptoms, I'll be brief - I'm looking for moonlacing partners, specifically hand-holding and basic physical contact. Anything more than that is subject to discussion.

[ He moves a hand, and just for a moment, it almost looks translucent. Or maybe, it's just the crystals staring to form on his skin. ]

Thank you for your time.

[ With that, he ends the feed. ]

Comments

[gwenhwyfar]

You, first. Otherwise, I am feeling absolutely wonderful and I could be of great assistance to you.

Your pick.

[anti_altruisms]

Yes, clearly, you're feeling very helpful.

[ Doubt. So much doubt. ]

In fact, I'm sure you're relishing the thought of holding my hand right now.

[gwenhwyfar]

Aside from being a haughty man? Yes, absolutely. And I'm feeling incredibly generous, as well. Besides... I have higher stamina than a human does.

[ What she innocently means she could stay up all night holding a hand but one can also see it another way. ]

[anti_altruisms]

[ Yeah, he doesn't look impressed. ]

I find that highly unlikely.

[ That she's feeling generous, that is. ]

Oh? Am I supposed to be impressed by that?

[ He's not human, either, okay. ]

[gwenhwyfar]

Do you want to rely on humans?

[ From what she knows in this world, white hair isn't necessarily an indicator of something otherworldly or other half-demons. For all she knows, he is a human. A little of that disdain seeps in her voice. If there is one thing she can be proud of. It is trekking through the frozen highlands during winter and surviving, unlike some of her former human abductors. ]

I'm sure they don't have as much energy to spare, unlike some of us. And do not speak like you know me; if you need another to hold your hand to stop you from dissolving, I would think that this is an easy solution. Unless you prefer that, then... by all means. As I said, your pick.

[anti_altruisms]

I have relied on humans before, and they have relied upon me.

[ He doesn't hate them or look down on them. Certainly, humans have their faults, and he's sick of cleaning up after them, but that's not the same thing. ]

You make it sound as though no one else has contacted me or exhibited any willingness to assist me. I'll accept your offer, if it's genuine, but I will not suffer your presence if you merely think you'll use the time to mock me.

[gwenhwyfar]

Then I am happy for you.

[ To say that she hates them would be an absolute lie; only the ones that hurt her or her own kind are a different story. But as for mocking- ]

I have no intentions of harming you; doing so would cost me. [ And that is true but Archer will not hear the details of that. Only Dante will know as far as she's concerned. ] So as long as you aren't seeking to mock or belittle me, then I will not do the same.

[anti_altruisms]

[ Archer scoffs. She may not have designs to harm him, but she can certainly make herself insufferable. ]

All I'm seeking are partners willing to moonlace with me. If those are your terms, then I agree.

[gwenhwyfar]

Indeed, they are.

[ And this is only the beginning. ]

I'll even make it easier for you -- I can come to you. [ Which she's never willing to do. KILL BILL SIRENS. ]

Give me the place.

[anti_altruisms]

Hmph.

[ Archer sends her an address...that is NOT his apartment. ]

I'll see you in an hour.

[gwenhwyfar]

[ Somewhere, out there, Gwenhwyfar is laughing at him, fully expecting this not to be where he actually resides. It isn't as if she has anything better to do. Fortunately, for him, she does, at least, find him within an hour.

She likes to think she's not that mean to leave him hanging. ]

[anti_altruisms]

[ He honestly wouldn't shed any tears if she didn't show up.

He's sitting on a bench when she finds him (with his egg, naturally). He still looks fatigued, but the crystal growths, at least, seem to be gone. ]

[gwenhwyfar]

[ When she does arrive, Gwenhwyfar is exuding a small demonic presence, completely contained, thankfully. ]

Well.

[ The egg with this type a man, a rugged man as far as she can tell, is an adorable sight. When it comes to personal boundaries, Gwenhwyfar either ignores them or is unaware of them. Though the first seems more likely, ever comfortable with sitting beside him, tossing her hair over her shoulder. ]

You certainly look better.

[anti_altruisms]

[ There is no doubt he makes a bit of a humorous sight -- such a serious demeanor, and yet his egg is nestled comfortably in a sling he's fashioned. Maybe he's just like this, or maybe it's the same instinct that wouldn't allow him not to take one of the eggs and care for it.

Either way, he notes that slight demonic presence but says nothing about it. ]

I've had some help.

[ Thankfully. He's still fatigued and may very well be until this is over, but he is out of the woods, at least. ]

These creatures are no less demanding, however.

[gwenhwyfar]

Of course they are.

[ Joking and tormenting aside, Gwenhwyfar's demeanor changes as she starts to chide him. ]

They're infants and besides, how else will they hatch if they don't have someone to keep them both safe and warm?

[anti_altruisms]

[ Archer just gives her a Look. ]

You sound like you're quite fond of them.

[gwenhwyfar]

You haven't been around children, have you?

[ To which, Gwenhwyfar meets him back with an equally stern look, herself. ]

[anti_altruisms]

No.

[ It's not like the Throne of Heroes keeps a stash of toddlers. ]

[gwenhwyfar]

You should acquaint yourself with them; you can learn a lot from them. They're wonderful, they are not held down by responsibilities or the pessimism that adults harbor. Children can get back up and brush themselves off. Although-

[ Gwenhwyfar gives him one look over before she perks up, genuinely happy. ]

Yes... you're almost like someone I know. Although, he tends to be a bit more approachable, he doesn't scowl as you do. Same disposition, always willing to work himself to death, that one. But his daughter...! I think she would like you, Galahad has a deep admiration for warriors, like her father. It's unfortunate that neither of them is here. She would change your mind.

[anti_altruisms]

The nature of my existence doesn't allow me to spend much time with children.

[ He doesn't particularly want to elaborate on that point, but something else in that speech grabs his attention. ]

Galahad... [ A beat, then- ] The Knight of the Round Table?

[gwenhwyfar]

[ And just as Gwenhwyfar is about to ask about what the nature of his existence is, she looks surprised.

Well, sure, the Galahad she knew wanted to become a knight, much like her father. She already knows the nature of Gawain, Mordred, and Tristan. ]

I don't think her father would allow her to be one yet at such a young age. You've heard of the Round Table?

[ Her Arthur had shown it to her, once, but... Archer doesn't look like he is a knight, himself. ]