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[Unfortunately for Watanuki, Gilgamesh won't be excusing him for his age, and he has Merlin's word that the inexperience will be remedied to a sufficient point. That reply, however, does make him narrow his eyes - he knows without a doubt that the youth doesn't yet know the full weight of those words, and he returns to observing Uruk's destruction.]

Fool.

Remember this vision well. When this comes to pass in the waking world, the entirety of Uruk will be fighting until the last breath.

[He makes no move to leave, even when he feels the distinct tug at the very edge of his senses - faint. Unspeakably rude with its implied imposition over the will of a king, and he's more than a little irritated.

(This once, he will condone it, even as the line of his mouth thins. Only because he has an inkling this will be important to know.)

Merlin, on the other hand, holds out his hand to catch a petal, testing its softness between his fingers before thoughtfully glancing at Watanuki. No, these aren't from Avalon, and the magic is distinct from his own.

Why, he'll tease his apprentice later for having his own set of flowers. For now, Merlin will let himself be pulled away to wherever Watanuki will take him, regardless of its lack of conscious intention. A small smile curves at the corners of his lips - it's been a very long while since someone's managed to surprise him to this extent, and he hopes this trip will be worth the hype.]

Oh, Watanuki. You naughty boy.

[Between the irritation of the king and Merlin's teasing, Watanuki isn't sure if he should be afraid or irritated. He knows he's inexperienced and has a lot of training to do, but he doesn't see why "hey, let's move somewhere else that isn't overrun with monsters" is such a bad idea.

Luckily he doesn't get a chance to put a foot in his mouth, because while Merlin and Gilgamesh will just feel that faint tugging, Watanuki will suddenly get bowled over by a large amount of sakura petals. So many that he gets knocked to the floor and mostly-covered by them.]

Gah!

[They're trying to swirl him up and drag him back to his own dreamspace and out of the vision. A protection response of some sort, one that Watanuki doesn't have control over yet.

Will Merlin tag along? Or will he stay behind to gossip with Gilgamesh?

(Regardless, as a sign of Watanuki's latent power, Gilgamesh might find a couple stray sakura petals on his pillow in the morning.)]

[Worry not, Watanuki, your first venture in dream land will have accompaniment. Merlin even laughs at the sight of his student ending up in the tides of the petal sea before turning himself into a swirl of blossoms to follow the trail, while Gilgamesh lets out a very, very patient sigh as he summons his tablet Mystic Code to stabilize his own route and - only as a consequence - Watanuki's.]

Idiot. [He reaches over and yanks up Watanuki by the arm, simply because it's inconvenient to step over a limb buried in a carpet of petals. Rise up and meet this with your own will, or else you'll always find yourself being pulled along willy-nilly and cursing your own fate. Are you not learning to control your own power instead of being subject to its whims?

[He'll just go on ahead and walk once Watanuki's upright.]

[Watanuki is yanked up! And he's sputtering a bit, not because of what Gilgamesh just said to him, but rather because he got a mouthful of petals at some point. Subject to his power's whims indeed.]

I'm working on it!

[Oh, there's a bit of his bite. That one is definitely directed at Gilgamesh.]

Just wait until you see the difference between now and when we actually meet!

Hah. [Watanuki might not see it since Gilgamesh hasn't turned around, but there's an approving laugh there. Now, these are words he can accept.] I'll hold you to that, mongrel.

[By the time they get to the other side of this flower path, Merlin's already there, clasping his chin as he surveys the lone sakura tree in the midst of nothingness. If there, indeed, was something dangerous or unstable about this place, he would've done something more to meddle, although with the way he keeps his staff upright, he's still ready to act at a moment's notice.]

Well, the good news is that this space isn't about to fall apart! [He glances at them over his shoulder, automatically stepping to the side as Gilgamesh approaches and looks up at the canopy of pink petals that seem unnaturally bright in the darkness.] Does this tree have any personal significance for you, Watanuki?

[Fortunately the tree isn't dangerous at all. It's definitely Watanuki's tree too, it gives off the same 'pure' energy that his cooking does. Even existing in this space is a bit calming, as if all the negative troubles of the world have been pushed away. There is no worry of outside attack here.

The sakura petals drift off lazily here and there, but even when petals fall the tree doesn't seem to be losing flowers. It's as if it is in a perpetual bloom.]

I...don't know?

[He's frowning up at the tree as he touches its base, face screwed up in concentration. It's as if he's trying to see some minute detail that is just barely beyond his grasp.]

I want to say 'no', but that feels wrong. Being here is... nostalgic?

[A memory long forgotten, so far eroded that only the feeling of 'home' is left behind.]

["Nostalgic," hmm..?

Merlin's gaze sharpens for a moment before he holds a hand up to catch another petal. Yes - it's easier to feel now, outside the bounds of a prophetic dream. This is more like a neutral space that's "in between." And for Watanuki to arrive here now, after all that zoning out in the real world coupled with being faced with a potential threat that he thought might endanger them...

Don't mind him as he, quite cheerfully, places the petal in his mouth. Might help in getting back here should it be needed.]

I see. Well, I can confirm this isn't from Avalon.

Can you try shaping it? [Like Merlin's influenced other dreams in ways that that Watanuki would've seen at this point.] Doesn't have to be spectacular - a bench will do.

...did you just eat that?

[He has to start with that first, because what the fuck Merlin.

He'll try shaping it in a moment but he needs Answers first.]

Your eyes, indeed, have not deceived you.

[He catches two more and offers them to both Watanuki and the king as if they were biscuits instead of, y'know. Petals.]

Care to try?

[Gilgamesh, meanwhile, looks like he's exercising a bit of patience, sniffing as he pointedly turns his head.]

Imprudent as usual. It's not even yours to give, Magus of Flowers.

As imprudent as I may be, o king, even I know better than to snub you. [Without reason.] Anyway, from the looks of things, dare I say you've already guessed its taste?

Hmph!

[Watanuki takes the petal, but he doesn't eat it. He just stares at it for a moment before giving a confused look to Merlin.]

It would taste like cherry blossoms, right? There's plenty of sakura-flavored foods back home, I know what it tastes like.

[This one does feel different, though. It's like if he eats it he'll be gaining back a part of himself, or something.]

This tree is different.

[Not of the mortal plane.

His hand remains still.]

Go on. You might even find it rejuvenating.

[Or so he guesses, going by the quality of energy he tasted.]

[He takes the petal, and he looks it over. He's still not going to eat it, but he'll tuck it into his pocket to hang onto.]

It does have that same nostalgic feeling. Is it my magic?

[Not quite, but it's connected to his magic. Kind of.]

You pulled us here from your dream that joined with the king's, Watanuki.

[That's the thing, isn't it? The sign post that might lead to the true nature of this place. In addition to now suspecting that his student's Origin is "Dreams," Merlin figures that this place - the nostalgia tied to it - factors in to why the one known as "Watanuki" is a Singularity in human form.

Even if something is erased, there is a gap that signifies that something was originally there.]

The obvious thing to say is that this is your sanctuary, but don't you think you're better off discovering the actual why and what for yourself?

Here. [He gestures at the tree.] Try to connect with it.

[And sometimes when you fill that gap, you're left with two of something when the universe only needed one. So what happens then?]

My sanctuary, huh?

[He does feel safe here. Like the branches of the tree will shield him from all harm.

So Wataanuki reaches out again, and he touches the trunk of the tree]

Connect with it...how am I supposed to do that?

[But that's less of a question for Merlin and more of one for himself. In the last couple of months he has started to build an understanding of magic, and he at least knows how to reach out and feel its presence. And when he reaches out with his magic, it weaves so seamlessly with the magic of the tree that it makes him gasp in surprise.

Suddenly he's aware of everything in the space. The two other men, the darkness around them, even the general spherical shape that makes the boundaries of that dream. It's a little disorienting, to be honest, and he really has to lean against the tree to stay upright.

Merlin and Gilgamesh will also feel Watanuki's magic surround them. It's not trying to invade their personal boundaries and take them over though, it's more like the warm hug of a drunk friend who doesn't realize they're in someone's personal space.]

Edited 2021-02-21 15:16 (UTC)

[Why, the universe can be entreated to make room... but that's approaching the realm of True Magic, isn't it? A miracle, in other words, or something like it might be what's required.

But that's for the future, when they might even be able to pick up a few tricks from a Master who's made a little Santa Alter's wish become reality. This particular moment is more in line with finding aspects of magecraft that can't be taught given how innate they are - and what a hug this is, indeed!

Merlin whistles in appreciation even as he draws up his hood, finding this just a little more personal compared to the usual distance he keeps.]

Fantastic. Now try creating something, if you can.

[He hasn't forgotten his earlier instruction for Watanuki to shape something - and, yes, he's expecting some form of effort even if his student looks rather overwhelmed at the moment.

Gilgamesh, meanwhile, has a mixture of patience and irritation in his expression, and he draws out his tablet of a mystic code. Golden cuneiform letters appear around him to act as a barrier between himself and Watanuki's magic.]

Mongrel. What did I say about getting this under control? Be grateful that I'm allowing your oversight this one time. The king does not lower himself to suffer the presence of others - it's the other way around!

Well excuse me for not being an instant prodigy!

[Not everyone can be as talented as Gilgamesh, unfortunately.

The momentary temper flare-up makes his presence push back against both Merlin and Gilgamesh's barriers as well. But after a moment, he tries to pull it back away from them, to try and get it under control. Bring the magic to him, then conjure something.

His mind first drifts to all the sword practice that he and Merlin have had. Swords are becoming much more familiar to him and much easier to handle. Maybe that would be a good thing to summon?

He summons a ladle instead. And while it's made of metal, there's sakura-print on the handle.]

...

[He feels like a fool.]

Insolent fool. [The toothy grin Gilgamesh is sporting, however, is probably a good indication that he doesn't mind the talkback, and the magic circle he's cast only shines brighter in response. This much he can do at the moment - in his time, it's still months before he goes past the point of being a diligent overseer and overworks himself to death.] Don't presume a mongrel like you can ever hope to outclass a king. Instead, work hard and prove your worthiness to serve me.

[Merlin, meanwhile, remains silent until the storm, so to speak, dies down, his rapt attention entirely focused on Watanuki as he also uses his Clairvoyance to get a better grasp of the situation and his pupil. He hadn't even bothered putting up a barrier as Gilgamesh had, and his robe doesn't count. Just how linked is this zone to that youth?

He senses the moment the mana around them shifts to focus on Watanuki's hand - to gather, form, then settle.

...and what a fine thing his pupil's crafted!]

That's certainly an uncommon magic focus [as in 'foci'], but we can make do if that's what you wish.

Shall I begin crafting a giant ladle-staff for you once we're back at Avalon?

[He might be talking shit here.

Maybe.

~~Watanuki is absolutely going to get a second joke wand or staff as a gift. Don't worry, it'll be usable. Just utensil-shaped.~~]

[The zone and Watanuki are intrinsically tied together. This is definitely a manifestation of his magic, some sort of medium by which his magic can flow more easily. One cannot just dump paint on a canvas and call it a portrait, after all. A brush is needed, though this is more of a 'paint roller' than a fine detail brush. Refining magic takes time, but this is a necessary step that will make future attempts easier. The scent of fresh sakura petals will definitely be in the air when Watanuki uses magic in the future, at least until he gets practiced enough to find his actual focus for magic.

Watanuki is already feeling silly for getting lectured by Gilfamesh and for summoning a ladle of all things. Merlin's comment does not help, and in fact it prods Watanuki in just the right way to get him to yell and throw the ladle at Merlin.]

I wish for you to choke on flowers and die!

[And there goes a wave of sakura petals, flying right at Merlin without Watanuki really meaning to do it. Don't worry, it won't actually kill Merlin even if it hits him. At most it will slap him in the face before swirling off again. Watanuki's anger is like a flash fire: it burns white-hot and only lasts for a couple seconds before dissipating.]

[Someday, maybe Watanuki will learn to distinguish the nuances in Gilgamesh's moods, down to the occasional backhanded compliment that tends to lead back to pointing out what's in service to him. It's precisely because he's demanding that he will only have the best serving under him, and they are thus counted amongst his treasures.

He may or may not be looking forward to seeing what this mageling makes of himself once he's polished.

As for Merlin - he ducks his head and manages to smack some away, but still ends up playfully staggering backwards with a faceful (and mouthful) of flowers.]

Bwuh.

[Gilgamesh snorts.]

Keep this up and I may yet grant you both the position of jester instead of court mage. [The tablet book in his hand closes with a snap.] Your audience with me is over. Head back to your tower.

[That's what he intends, at least, as he turns around to find his way back to Uruk. Will Watanuki's dream let him leave, or will he have to wake himself up?]

[Watanuki's dreams are not yet powerful enough to force someone to stay, especially not someone as strong as Gilgamesh. There may be a token amount of effort needed to leave, but it's not unlike having to push a curtain aside to step through a doorway.

That also seems to be the trigger to get Watanuki himself to wake up too, because as soon as Gilgamesh walks off Watanuki wakes up in his bed, blanket askew and limbs thrown out dramatically.]

...eh?

[He's not going to cook breakfast first today. Unless Merlin makes himself known right away, Watanuki is going to go looking for the mage instead. He has Questions about that dream, as well as the vision he saw.]

[Quite the jarring exit from the dreamscape there, but if the master of the realm's gone, there's nothing that an incubus can do about it.

Merlin settles back into his own body once more, although he doesn't open his eyes yet. Instead of being in the study, he's back at his regular haunt at the platform, the same one he swept up Watanuki to on the first day.

...of course, his student will have questions, and Merlin will be quite aware of Watanuki's search - it's his tower, after all, and he sends a thought downwards that will audibly echo in the corridors:]

Topmost floor.

[At the end of the lengthy corridor from Merlin's study, there will be a series of flat ascending steps leading to the ladder beneath the trapdoor.]

[When Watanuki eventually learns to use his dreamwalking to travel while awake, then these hikes up to the top of the tower won't be so bothersome. But for now, he's left griping and complaining as he goes up all those stairs and then eventually the ladder.

It's familiar, Watanuki hasn't forgotten his first day at the tower after all. But he's still annoyed.]

Don't tell me you slept out here.

[He won't believe it for a moment, it's too bright.]

[Merlin chuckles. Spreads the arm that isn't twined around his staff, and his eyes are still closed.]

Where do you think I spend most of my time on this tower, o student mine? This spot still provides the best view.

[And that's the truth, regardless of what Watanuki believes. There's a reason why, by extension, Merlin's become accustomed to sitting on floors, and with his outstretched hand, he gestures to the spot next to him.

He can wait until Watanuki figures out what he wants to ask.]

You're an all-powerful magician and you never thought to summon a chair up here?

[Merlin please, don't sleep on the floor.

But Watanuki does take the invitation, and he sits down on his knees next to Merlin. This way of sitting is comfortable for him, though he might shift to cross-legged if they end up being here a long time.]

What are you looking for out here?

Nope!

[Look, he didn't have to build a prison tower on the patch of land he's stuck in, but he did so anyway. Near the bottom, in a room Watanuki hasn't seen, lies a jutting rock lit by sunlight streaming from barred windows. In comparison, his viewing platform's an improvement!]

If I'm not looking at the flowers, I watch the world of humans. Seeing all of you... them from this distance [a correction since Watanuki's essentially stuck in Avalon for the duration of his studies] is quite different from being amongst them.

I suppose you can say it's a matter of Sight.

[With a capital 'S.' He has no doubt his student's here to ask about that vision and Merlin's appearance in the dream.]

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fantastic description. time to go drinking wata

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