Earlier that day....
--- Caster of White ---
It truly is a strange blend of hesitance and eagerness. The constant clash of these two opposing traits, flickering on and off like a flame in the dark… there was a certain preciousness to this sight, one that Caster found rather endearing.
Without warning, but still in the gentlest of manners, Caster reaches for Aila’s downcast head and pats it.
Perhaps that it simply was part of her reflexive nature as a Mother, one that took care of many children.
“Have no worries Aila, though you may have misgivings about your physique, I believe that there is beauty in it -- everyone has a beauty of their own. I am nothing more than an ideal molded by a God, so there is little need for you to compare your appearance to me.”
Putting her hands around Aila’s cheeks, she raises the young girl’s face so that once more the two may look at each other eye to eye, as equals. Indeed, the downcast look, the avoidance of locking stares, it reminded Caster of her days as a ruler, where no one other than her husband and those close to her would dare to look at her in the eye, so much was her subjects awe and respect for her.
Here, though, in this time, in this life, there was no need for such things.
“Look up and smile, for though you may be a young girl, a young woman... even the youngest child can possess an inkling of wisdom, worth more than a kingdom’s treasures. That wisdom, I am certain that we will both need it in our trials to come.”
Gently letting go of Aila, Caster accepts Aila’s gift.
“Ah, thank you. I shall cherish this.”
‘Alice in Wonderland’ was written on the old and worn leather cover. Upon seeing this offering, Caster seemed quite happy. Was it because she knew of the book’s contents, or was it some other reason? Maybe a bit of both -- the greatest discovery here, was that such a gift helped her understand Aila more, or rather, reinforce her impression that she had had of the girl.
One who loved to read, not because litterature fascinated them, but because litterature was their window unto a world very different from the reality they were trapped in…
To dream, to soar, to be free, that is what litterature represented to Aila, most likely.
At least that was Caster’s impression of her Master. She could perhaps not relate to this love of literature, but certainly she could appreciate it, for in the end this longing for freedom could be said to be a shared desire of the pair.
“I would give you a gift in return, but I suppose that this will have to wait a bit.”
Nodding, Caster did a little gesture with her hand, as if conjuring something. In an instant, reality responded by shrouding the book in light and making it disappear. A Space-time distortion? This was most likely some fancy way to access her own personal storage of sorts -- she was a thaumaturge from a very ancient time, one should expect the likes of her to be able to pull off such simple tricks.
“Well, Aila, I suppose that I will let you guide me for now. What plans do you have in store for us?”
--- Aila Einzbern ---
What what what!? What is all this!?
She touched my face. What did she do with my book? What exactly is she trying to say? Also what else can she do? Was that magic? Was it thaumaturgy? Or is it some kind of grand ritual that skirts the lines of magic? I mean, it’s not like stuff like that doesn’t exist, but boy does that seem like something that would be super useful for modern magecraft. I wonder if she’d teach me how it’s done. Or maybe I should just try to see if I can examine her spiritual vessel at some point. Might be faster…
But all that is besides the point.
Though Caster’s royal standing and upbringing definitely shows, it seems as though she is more than willing to cooperate with me. And while I don’t feel like I’m the most proper of people, I believe what Caster is trying to state is that I should disregard any prior notions and set out as equals.
Awkward introductions are exchanged. A basic understanding of each other’s personalities obtained. Once all is said and done, Caster looks at me expectantly and asks for our next course of action. Assuming she has no pressing motives of her own, I suppose I should come up with a plan with that in mind.
“Hmm. Well I suppose the best course of action would be to first scope out the area. This isn’t my home turf and it would be good for me to obtain a basic understanding of the immediate area. Furthermore, it would also provide and opportunity to see how the enemy responds. Granted, it’s a bit risky. Still, I’d like to see if our opponents are opportunists. Surely there are a few that would not turn a blind eye to a Master walking around at night.”
It’s a basic strategy, but probably the best one I can come up with on my own. While it’s true that I could send out familiars or the like to scout in my place, the opponent is less likely to respond unless they are tantalized with the appropriate bait.
“In the meantime, I also hear that there is a museum nearby. If at all possible, I’d like to venture over there and see if there is anything that catches my eye. With any luck, it might be possible to obtain several boons at once. Though this is just wishful thinking.”
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Caster of White
15th of December, 2004
Night (Phase 1-3)
And so she found herself in this rather interesting situation. For Caster to be stepping unto a place like this, a physical embodiment of the world's rejection of the likes of her... this was either a very daring plan, a display of utmost confidence, or perhaps, a plain and simple show of stupidity. Before they even stood at the gates of this place, Caster could already feel while approaching the oppressive aura surrounding the Science Museum, its anti-magic nature wrapping itself around the Servant like a python constricting their prey, squeezing out all of their strength. Yet in the face of such adversity, when surrounded by darkness, it would only be natural that being the Sun herself, she would shine the strongest -- keeping her head high and shrugging off the air of anti-mystery, Caster wordlessly kept company to her Master.
Yet, is this really the right thing to do?
In truth, there were many more places where they could have gone to look for a fight. Using her magic, Caster could have easily set a 'trap' to attract opportunist enemies, or even, made better use of the time expanded here securing nearby Leylines instead; yes, while she was setting up her Temple back at Aila's base, Caster had indeed begun mapping the surroundings, and while doing so, she had already noticed the presence of multiple leylines nearby...
... but that is how Caster would have approached this situation back then, as a methodical and pragmatic leader; the fact stands that the woman who was and the one that is right now, are different. Rather than lead, she now follows, doing her best to fulfil her partner's wish and ambition, rather than bringing about the realisation of her own -- yet one must not mistake her for a sheep following a Shepard... rather she is the Shepard, gently accompanying the sheep as it strays into dangerous territories.
For who is the best teacher, other than experience itself?
As the scene with the guard unfolds, Caster remains in spirit form, eyeing Aila, Lapis and Ushabti to see if her intervention was required. It would be very easy for her resolve this issue, but Caster is confident that Aila will be able to handle it. Rather, there is something else which Caster feels that she needs to address, and that is the fact that they came here blind. Such a conundrum should be sorted out as quickly as possible. Yes, the fact that it even happened already could be thought of as quite embarrassing.
Distancing herself momentarily as to not interrupt Aila's interactions with the guard, making sure that no one can see her, Caster takes form for the first time since she left Aila's base of operations, the Servant leaving her spiritual form as to be able to cast spells. Caster utters words in a language that was never spoken upon British soil, and in fact, one that the World most likely hasn't heard in a very, very long time:
" |
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" |
As caster opens her palm, a mystical light forms out of nowhere and begins weaving into various shapes, shapes that are the instilled with life upon reaching completion.
What are they? It should be quite obvious:
Any self-respecting magus should be able to conjure familiars of their own, though those that Caster created are on a level mages of the present cannot even fathom of reaching -- their quality, their construction, the finesse with which they are woven together, it wouldn't be inaccurate to claim that only a God could achieve such levels of craftsmanship.
As they are given life, these familiars, in the form of mysterious birds seemingly formed of sunlight, lose their glow as to adjust to the nighttime environment. Caster wordlessly nods, and this single action seems enough to guide the birds to their next task -- gather information, and keep a good watch of the area.
With all of that done, as seamlessly as she had left, Caster returns to Aila's side in Spirit Form as to not disturb the guard.