foundfate | private psl

[Pocket's fine. Heck, they could look for cord later, if hanging it around his neck was more comfortable for Watanuki.

Also Watanuki shouldn't overthink why that ring was important. Sure, the Welsh Dragon was the crest of Artoria Pendragon and it was one of the tokens Merlin used to go around the kingdom and bypass certain restrictions and whatnot, but up until the moment he grabbed it off the shelf it wasn't enchanted in any meaningful way. Of course, if anyone happened to sense Merlin's magic on it and think Watanuki was an apprentice, that suited Merlin just fine unless that other person happened to be Morgan le Fay or the Lady of the Lake since that might get Watanuki into a spot of trouble.

Well, whatever. He hasn't seen either of the two since he got himself stuck in Avalon, and Merlin didn't expect to see them any time soon.]

I did, yes. For a while, it was just an endless field of flowers. [And a gated wall.] However, resting on the ground loses its novelty pretty fast, and I thought to myself, 'might as well.'

[Since then, the tower had gained other uses. The twisted shapes of its base and roof above the observational deck weren't accidental.

Interestingly enough: there were actual steps this time at the end of the corridor, leading down to the courtyard.]

Edited (retconning that anglo-saxon bit) 2020-12-08 14:04 (UTC)

[Time to go down to the courtyard, then!]

It does look magical. Some of the places here, they seem to defy science. But that's probably how you fit everything in such a small space, isn't it?

[Less of an accusation, and more of a statement. The tower was larger on the inside, to be sure. And Watanuki walked down the steps as he traced his fingertips over the wall, feeling them as if he were making sure they were real.]

Do you practice your magic up here? Or is that down in the garden?

[He simply nodded - those observations were a good start in identifying when magic was involved.

But that last part? He glanced behind him.]

If you're asking if this is my workshop to run experiments at - no, I'm not as reliant on those like modern magi are. In fact, it's better if you steer clear of most of them.

This is the space where you'll start exercising with and without a sword.

[Once Watanuki got his footing, they'll move to the garden. Merlin suspected the youth would be able to move easier once he had a better grip of his own magic - there had to be a reason for Watanuki's clumsiness. Even Cath Palug, tiny thing, didn't have that kind of difficulty in crossing the field.]

Eh?

[The sword-training he got, Merlin had already explained the importance of that. It was more the first part that confused him.]

What's wrong with the modern mages?

Think of them like scientists, except they're tinkering with magic. There are entire families of them that dedicate their entire lineage to reaching the Swirl of the Root - also known as the Akashic Records.

[Here, he studied Watanuki's expression. While the Root was an obscure term, even ordinary people would've heard of the Records if they looked through the metaphysics section of any regular bookshop.]

Others, of course, are practically married to the branch of magecraft they use.

Most humans would disapprove of their methods. If certain groups of them find you as you are now, you'll find yourself in a one-way ticket to a lab and never see the light of day again.

[Ah. Merlin meant experimentation.

Watanuki did not react to 'the Swirl of the Root', nor to the 'Akashic Records'. He was not one who read metaphysics normally. But human experimentation, that got his attention. And Watanuki looked a touch unnerved.]

Right, okay. No talking to other mages.

[At least it was easy to spook him into behaving? Even if he was standing a bit rigidly now.]

Yes.

[There were exceptions, of course, but it was better safe than sorry until Watanuki learned how to handle himself.]

If you ever need to speak with one, find someone your age. There's a chance that the mentality of their older peers hasn't fully settled in with them.

Mind, by the time I'm done with you, you should be able to either cast something that will make them not notice you, or something that will allow you to defend yourself. Maybe even both. The only time those groups I mentioned actively get involved is if a magi goes rogue or starts practicing magecraft that cannot be covered up so easily.

Of course, it goes without saying that you shouldn't even mention who taught you how to use magic, exceptional circumstances aside.

['By the time I'm done with you'. That sounded foreboding. The training montage to come was liable to be bone-breaking, and that filled him with a fear of just what physical feats he would have to do.]

I think I can avoid them for now, that won't be a problem. Especially since we're in a tower in a garden full of flowers and it looks like I won't be going anywhere anytime soon.

[That last bit, though, that made him curious.]

But won't they realize it on their own? Like, how you can tell where someone trained by their fighting style?

Not in the way you're thinking.

The Mage's Association has three branches. Two of them will not be interested in you: one is involved in alchemy, and the other has made it a point to seal themselves away from the rest of the world. It's the main branch you'll want to avoid, and they're based in the Clock Tower.

[They were also the ones who dispensed orders for Seal Designation.]

The most practical way of doing so is to not go to England at all. Of course, there's always the possibility of encountering one of their overseas associates or agents, but if you take the proper precautions - which we'll go into detail at a later time - you can lessen the chances of being identified as an unknown magic user.

[Yuuko's Shop, incidentally, was a convenient hiding place for several reasons.]

The other issue you might run into [a.k.a. the one related to Watanuki's question] is if there's a magus out there researching my magic, Avalon, or some other magecraft cast by the Lady of the Lake or Morgan le Fay relating to me.

Any magic you personally cast has your own signature. If they have a tool powerful enough to detect traces of magic across continents, however, and they scry for magic connected to myself and the Reverse Side of the World, there's a chance you may show up on their reading if you don't take steps to conceal yourself.

[Sure, that hypothetical magus could think that blip on the radar was a fluke, but there was a difference between being prepared and leaving things to chance, and Merlin had a professional interest in making sure his new student was educated with how magi could be.

Tl;dr: no one alive would remember how Merlin fucked around with illusions, so Watanuki was ayt on that front unless some guy went hunting for Essence of Avalon or if Morgana left some kind of artefact as a 'fuck you and yours Merlin' postcard]

I think I can avoid going to England.

[Since he's 'in another world with my asshole magic instructor'. ]

And I get a feeling that if they are using a tool powerful enough to do that, then I'm going to get found out anyway, so it's probably better to worry about being stronger to avoid getting captured in that situation. Right?

[This Watanuki had yet to learn the refinement of magic. Shopanuki was still a good 100 years off at a minimum.

Still, he walked over to the edge of the courtyard and peered down to the garden. It was a long ways down, and it was quite the sight. He did frown at all the sunlight, though. There really was no night in the garden, huh?]

Right. So when do we start?

Exactly.

[He looked rather pleased that Watanuki reached that conclusion.

Though if his new student wanted to start now...

Merlin looked at him up and down. Time for a litmus test, and he pressed a finger to the center of Watanuki's chest.]

How does this feel to you?

[If Watanuki was either tired or still adjusting to having so much magic around him, the pulse of energy Merlin sent would feel like an uncomfortable zap, as if he ate something a bit off.

If Watanuki was neither, however, that pulse would feel like a pleasant tingle.]

Eh?

[Watanuki pulled back instinctively from the finger, though Merlin would be able to poke his chest for a moment. That moment was long enough for Watanuki to feel the strange buzz of magic, which made him rub at that spot a moment later.]

That ticked, what was that for?

Checking something.

[And if Watanuki didn't seem at all bothered by that, well.

Merlin sat on the closest window ledge, knees spread and staff propped up for balance, and made a mental note to consider if Watanuki needed some sort of foci to better concentrate his magic. Teaching him was different from the other time he tutored someone about magic: that fae already had a good grasp of her own power when she sought him out.

For now, he unwrapped one of the lengths of cloth from his staff and held it out for Watanuki.]

Wrap this around your dominant hand.

[He was, essentially, lending Watanuki his staff. Sort of. Same material, etc. And checking for compatibility at the same time. It won't be exact given how bound that staff was to Merlin, but he was more interested in finding the right material - wood? Metal? Stone?

If wood was the right one, Watanuki would intuitively know and perhaps even get energized by it. Unless he overthought it.]

How about that?

[Curious, Watanuki reached out to take the cloth, and almost as soon as he had grabbed it in his right hand he could feel the magic pull at him.

Wood was...well, not completely right, but not wrong either. A staff was definitely wrong though, the shape was too large and unrefined for his purposes. What would eventually fit his magic was much smaller, and would probably be a mixture of materials. Wood and metal was a likely combination, balancing the strengths and weaknesses of each material off of each other.

Interestingly, the woman who had sent Watanuki to Merlin also used a magic focus made out of both wood and metal. Perhaps they would end up with similar objects?

But Watanuki let out a surprised noise as he felt the magic flow through the cloth. It was like suddenly being aware of something that had always been there, but that he hadn't really noticed yet. And after that initial shock, his face scrunched up in concentration as he tried to figure out just what it was he felt.]

It's...it's weird. Bulky. It's like I'm carrying a too-big suitcase for no reason.

I see.

[Not a sign of rejection, but the sensation of density.

Now, he materialized the sword he usually used and held it out horizontally, so the flat of the blade would meet Watanuki's palms. This steel, too, would have some magic in it thanks to Merlin's shenanigans, although he personally wasn't as attuned to it compared to his staff.]

Use two hands to hold this.

[He hadn't thought to ask for the cloth back yet, figuring that it'd protect one of Watanuki's palms from getting cut.]

[Interestingly, holding both the cloth and the sword at the same time got a reaction. The shape wasn't right, but the material composition was, and it resonated with him in a way just the cloth alone hadn't. It made Watanuki gasp in surprise when he felt it, and he had to fight to keep his hands still so he didn't drop the sword.]

It's-

[His eyes were wide as he stared down at the sword, not yet realizing it was both wood and metal that mattered. Was he meant to be a swordsman?]

But I've never used a sword before!

[Merlin snorted. That much, they've established.]

And this isn't drawing Caliburn from the Stone. [No prophecy to back this one up, luckily for Watanuki.] Even if it were, it wasn't as if King Arthur was restricted to using a sword.

Now. [He held out his hand. Watanuki's expression already pointed to a favorable result, but it was better to be sure.] Hold on to the sword, but hand me the cloth.

Ah- yes.

[Right, the cloth. He shifted his hands, moving the sword to one so he could hand Merlin the cloth with the other. But as soon as the cloth was out of his hands, it felt weird again. It was 'close, but not quite right'.

Watanuki, befuddled by the sudden change, just stared down at the sword. What even was going on there? Why did it change all of a sudden? Magic was confusing!]

What did you do? It changed again.

Me?

[He bunched up the tail end of the cloth and brushed it on Watanuki's cheek, just because.

Metal and wood. That metal should, preferrably, be silver - it was the best conduit for magic. For the wood... hmm.]

That was all you! Now you can sigh in relief, student mine, and celebrate your narrow escape from living a life with only the sword in hand.

Gah!

[He stepped back a half-step from the cloth, visibly annoyed.]

So what, it's going to be a sword and a piece of cloth? Or something like a fan?

[Metal blades with fabric between them, that makes sense. Even if he really doesn't want to fight people with a fan, of all things.]

Dance well enough, and you won't need to cast a spell.

[He's terrible that way.]

Not that you're limited to that! You can have bracelets, rings, parasols, staves... even a ladle.

[If any metal and wood combo would do.]

Walking canes don't look like a fit, and wands are terrible. [Not for any magic-related reason.] That said, the shape should be something that comes naturally to you.

Meditate on it before going to bed.

I'm sure I'll dream up the right answer.

[Watanuki, an unknown prophet, making fun of what will eventually be one of his signature skills.

But with that said, Watanuki offered the sword back to Merlin. It seemed like the test was done, no more need to hold onto it, right? Plus, it was heavy.]

Why would it possibly be a ladle though? Because I like to cook?

[After taking the sword by the hilt, he turned it over, catching his own reflection on the gleaming blade before letting it dissolve into sparks.

Nothing really changes in Avalon.]

Because for training, any form would do as long as you have the right wood paired with silver, although something with a point would be easier to direct energy through.

[Named artefacts or other fae-crafted items could wait until much, much later. Giving a novice that kind of tool was about the same as giving a first-year student a bomb: it wouldn't do anyone any good, when the student knew neither how to diffuse, improve, or plant it properly.]

Besides, it's unexpected, and the shape is perfect for smacking anyone who gets too close.

The expedient option can be more useful. In combat, casting time is a magic user's weakness. This is especially true for spells that require long incantations, moreso if their wordiness is just there for the caster's ego compared to actual use.

[Let's face it, some people get drunk off power, and part of that population already ran on delusions of grandiosity before attaining it.]

Ah, just don't go claiming that your fighting style is one of those fancy super technical things you learn from a blademaster or anything, hmm?

Do you really think anyone would believe me if I said it was?

[And he just. Gestured at himself. Noodle boy with no muscles has obviously not trained under a blademaster.

The thought of a hidden weapon, though, that suited Watanuki more. He would train physically, because Merlin had sold him on the idea, but he really wasn't too keen on actually fighting anyone. He wanted to learn control to keep the ghosts away, not to use his magic all the time. His plan at the current moment was to learn control and practice just enough to keep his skills sharp, and then go off and live a normal life otherwise.

He was wrong, of course. There was no way that would actually happen, he was destined to get dragged into fights frequently. But it would be years later before he realized just how wrong he was.]

A ladle would still be suspicious if I carried it everywhere. What about a pen with a casing made of silver and wood? That's something I would actually keep on me at all times.

[Nevermind that it would be hard to actually use a pen in a fight, if it didn't change into an actual weapon via magic.]

Ask yourself that again in a few months.

[Watanuki might never have Gawain's muscle mass, but that didn't mean his arms would remain noodly after the exercise he was going to be put through.

By the way, the ladle thing was originally an off-hand comment, so he was surprised Watanuki even considered the practicality of taking it everywhere. Watanuki also ignoring the option of jewelry was of interest: Merlin began to suspect that Watanuki had a strong preference for working with his hands that went beyond cooking.]

A penknife might have more utility.

[A pen, by the way, is actually viable as a weapon, but a knife nut might give better tips for that.

The original purpose of a pen, however, did remind Merlin of something, and he rubbed his chin.]

Unless... [He blinked and abruptly stood.] Follow me.

[Back to the study! And once they were there, he'd grab sheaf of parchment from one of the shelves and a quill and inkpot from another. On it he inscribed one character from each set: fairy runes, the Elder Futhark, an alchemical symbol, Old Hebrew, Fulu, and the I-Ching. Next, he took the loose cloth from his staff, wrapped one end above the hilt of a dagger that served as a glorified all-purpose box cutter, and held out the grip to Watanuki.]

Might as well, if you want a writing implement as an option.

Point the tip to each character and think really hard about wanting the ink to light up. If it doesn't, move on to the next.

[Another affinity test. If none of these worked, that was fine. Either the set Watanuki was most compatible with wasn't amongst the four, or that glyphs weren't the best medium for him.

Of course, Merlin could only really use one of these systems. If Watanuki had an affinity for something that wasn't within Merlin's scope, he already had a lesson workaround in mind.]

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