legitlessgrump: (nervous; head scratch)
[personal profile] legitlessgrump posting in [community profile] ofmasksandmagic
Atrum Galliasta. Oh there were certainly more people deserving of hatred. That's what Hei initially thought of the man at first. Likely just some spoiled brat using his wealth to his advantage and all for a harem. Most of that was most certainly true. He just didn't expect so many orphans within his facility.

Poor children, he thought. He was no stranger to taking a life, even that of a child. Used right, even a child soldier could be one of the deadliest forces on the battlefield. Underestimating your foe was a mistake, and it was how he remained alive all these years. However, that was years ago. The longer he kept dancing to the same tune, the more he hated killing. All those feelings had to be buried. Yet there was always someone who was able to push the one button holding him back.

So he went undercover as one of the new members in his staff. Surprisingly, not easy to do. Some of them were indeed trained assassins, much like himself. He had to give some details of his fighting talents away sadly. But his bumbling nature act seemed to be the real winner, getting mocked almost as much as the Servant summoned to this war: Medea.

Not hard to figure out. Based on the details of the ritual and overhearing the conversations, he could put two and two together. Researching was another matter, and one he dug into when he should have been sleeping. She possessed the greatest challenge yet. One wrong move, and he would die, surely. Something seemed wrong however the more he watched the two, noting the outright abuse she suffered under his watch. Only a matter of time before she plotted gaining revenge.

Time was good for no one involved, as he overheard Atrum brag about getting a new Servant and disposing of her, making her kill herself out of spite. Medea was no saint, but compared to Atrum, who would casually kill children for a lousy crystal, she might as well be. Combined with his own anger, there laid only one path to take. No doubt a stupid plan. He had to put faith in someone who threatened to turn him into a toad for being unable to get her some wine. And yet somehow, this was an improvement from many of his other contracts with normal people and mages.

So he planned on getting close to her. Doing so casually was impossible. He needed a good reason to see her. So Hei lied, telling a story of how she might be hungry at least. Doubt would be natural, yet they let him do so, teasing that he just wanted to "sleep with the witch". Had to follow along, avoid rolling his eyes all the while. Truly, everyone here tested the limits of his patience. He wouldn't miss them if this plan worked.

And so, there he was, right in front to the door to her room. He knocked on the door casually, holding up a bag and a bowl with a lid on it.

"Um, miss Caster?" He called out in a familiar nervous voice. "I uh, it's Li! You remember, potential road victim? I was wondering if you would like some dinner I made. Um, it's only fried rice since uh…well you know how those people are. But it's special and I have some unique sauces if you wanna mix it up?"

He paused for a bit, pulling out from his jacket a rather large bottle of wine. Not cheap either, quite expensive looking. His voice lowered as he got closer to the door.

"I also stole some wine from Atrum's storage. I'm of course prepared to take the fall for this!"

(no subject)

Date: 2022-08-22 03:54 pm (UTC)
colchismagecraft: (Oh this will be fun)
From: [personal profile] colchismagecraft
Ah, yes, Atrum Galliasta.

He was exactly the sort of wretched, obnoxious Magus who Medea had come to expect from her summoning. A man who, like so many before him, sought to exploit her for her magic and then discard her once he had what he wanted- but she'd thought that, perhaps, he'd be better at hiding his intentions. At least put on a show of respect.

But the scowl he'd given when she admitted that she couldn't control the dragon of the Golden Fleece told her all she needed to know.

She felt for the children she'd seen in his workshop as well. Even before she could complain about how pathetically inefficient his techniques were compared to her own, she knew that the little ones didn't deserve to be sacrificed so needlessly. And besides, despite what her legend suggested, she had no wish to resort to this if it could be avoided.

...It was all to return to her homeland, she told herself. She'd string this Master along as long as she could get away with, and break their pact before he could eliminate her. Oh, yes, she was well aware that could be her demise in this war, if she wasn't careful.

She'd been considering her options when she heard that knock, turning the twisted ritual knife that was her Noble Phantasm over in her hand. Rule Breaker. That would be key to her escape.

"Ah. You. You are aware my threat still stands, aren't you?" That was- ah, yes, she'd threatened to curse him, hadn't she? Medea hadn't paid the rest of the staff at the facility too much mind, but his bumbling demeanour had certainly made him stick out, for better or for worse.

...Wait, did he just say he'd stolen some of her Master's wine? A small smirk came into what could be seen of her face beneath her hood. Now that changed her mood. Her own voice lowered- still with that same chill as it had before, but there was an amusement creeping in now too.

"Haha...you actually stole from him? I didn't think you had a backbone. Well then-" dismissing the knife with a wave of her hand "-do come in."

slowly emerges from hiatus

Date: 2022-12-20 07:44 pm (UTC)
colchismagecraft: (Neutral/Watching)
From: [personal profile] colchismagecraft
As he started setting out the food at the wine, the witch's eyes watched his movements carefully. Even a bumbling idiot could try to turn on her, after all, and as such, nothing about these actions really took her by surprise. At least, not until he told her what he'd managed to steal from Atrum. She'd give the food the attention it deserved in a moment, but the wine was what she focused on first.

"Assyrtiko? Interesting choice." How long had it been since she'd had decent wine like that? It wasn't Colchian of course, but Greek wine was still familiar and appreciated.

Part of her did wonder if this was a hint. An indication that he knew who she was, perhaps- but Medea didn't ask the question. That would only serve to tip her hand if he hadn't figured it out.

For now, she walked over and took the cup in a gloved hand, taking a small sip. A quiet moment followed- to both appreciate the taste, and hopefully keep him just a little ill at ease in her presence.

"...Yes, that will do quite nicely."

/waves!!

Date: 2022-12-20 08:17 pm (UTC)
colchismagecraft: (Raised hand)
From: [personal profile] colchismagecraft
"I can think of at least a few words for them...the staff and my Master both," she said cooly, taking another sip of wine. "Still, to be so considerate about what happens to me here, you are a persistent one, aren't you?"

Was that really the truth, though? Was he desperately scrambling to repair relations with her out of fear she would follow up on her threats?

...No, if that were true he could just avoid her, or help Atrum get rid of her.

So, that left the question of what exactly he wanted. After all, there was no reason for a man to be kind to her without some sort of ulterior motive. Her challenge now- as she carefully took the plate of food and floated into a sitting position to try a taste- was to work out what that motive was.

/Spongebob voice 'One eternity later'

Date: 2024-03-26 10:41 pm (UTC)
colchismagecraft: (Soulless Witch)
From: [personal profile] colchismagecraft
"It is hardly unfamiliar to me. Most of those who call on me seek to exploit me and my magic for their own ends, and then discard me when they have what they want. That is the way of things," A scowl came into the Witch's face. Even in Medea's lifetime, it was the same, wasn't it? Jason only used her so long as he needed her help in his wretched quest- "You speak as if you know of that, yourself."

Sorry, 'Li', but as he would soon discover, this Caster's moods were rather volatile.

But on the other hand, that did play into his hand once she tasted the food, expression brightening just slightly beneath her hood. She had...almost forgotten what a home cooked meal tasted like. Simple though it was, it tasted good.

"Well, I have no objections if you want to talk." At least, she wasn't going to chase him out with her magic! She paused, then, adding with a smaller voice; "...Come to think of it, I think this is the first thing I've eaten since I was summoned to this war. I suppose it wasn't something I thought about."

(no subject)

Date: 2024-03-27 01:18 pm (UTC)
colchismagecraft: (Serious business)
From: [personal profile] colchismagecraft
“I remember, yes… I imagine the Master is already plotting to dispose of me, but you’ve managed to play things quite carefully, haven’t you?”

Medea helped herself to a little soy sauce. Not a confirmation she thought his bumbling was an act, she wasn’t sure of that herself, but he had been able to toe the line enough to stop himself getting killed by her or by her Master. That meant he couldn’t be entirely brainless.

“…If you hadn’t stolen his wine, I would wonder if he’d sent you here to get rid of me in his stead but- no, that arrogant man probably wants to do that personally. To finally get an upper hand on a Witch whose magic far outstrips his own.”

A twisted, bitter little smirk. It seemed, the more he was willing to open up, she was more inclined to do the same in turn. After all, Medea had a tendency to mirror how she was treated.

“…I doubt he’d need much excuse to try and do the same to you. We both know how he is.”

Caster stop it

Date: 2024-03-29 11:57 pm (UTC)
colchismagecraft: (Caster's power)
From: [personal profile] colchismagecraft
'And a man willing to sacrifice children, and for paltry gain, isn't worthy of your time or power.'

Well, that sure was a claim, wasn't it? Yes... she did loathe the Mage's actions, even before their inefficiency frustrated her, but Medea tried to read deeper into the comment. Given the nature of her legend, it was an ironic statement, and she could not be sure if he had done that intentionally at this point.

And then he stepped closer. His expression was far more serious now, and when his hand moved-

"Μαρδοξ." A quick spell, bolstered by her high-speed divine words. To cloak her body in shadow and product her manifestation. All the while, her keen eyes focused intently on his actions.

She did not think her Master had sent this one to kill her, but she was still cautious all the same. At least until she got gauge of who she was dealing with. Was he a potential ally, or a threat to them both?

"Yes, I saw his callously inefficient use of Magecraft. That on its own frustrates me. His methods deserve all the distain that can be given." She spoke coldly, but kept her own cards close to her chest. "...But tell me, why are you telling me this plan of yours?"

Her expression twisted then, from serious to a dark smirk. "Haha... you really have no idea what you're dealing with, do you? Or are you really here to remove the both of us? To take out that vile Magus and his Witch, for all of their evils?"

(no subject)

Date: 2024-03-30 12:43 am (UTC)
colchismagecraft: (Anticipation)
From: [personal profile] colchismagecraft
The aura of darkness around her didn't fade, but Caster still did not turn the wrath of her magic upon him directly.

It stung.

She knew that her Master was planning on getting rid of her. Knew he resented her, even, and that feeling was certainly mutual. And although she wasn't sure what that device of Li's did, she knew that his words meant she had even less time than she thought. If she couldn't find a way out of her Master's trap, she would almost certainly be dead before morning came.

The witch took another sip of wine, then... as if trying to savour what might be the closest she'd ever be able to get to her wish in this war. A wish that felt so painfully far away at that moment.

...It was a small relief that the hood of her cloak partially covered her. Concealed the bitterness and anger and grief that washed into it- but perhaps, as he looked right into her face, he would see shades of that regardless.

So this assassin had it all planned out, then... and he needed her magic for it all to come together. Yes, if she helped dispose of her old Master, she would need a new pact- but 'mutually beneficial'... ha. As if she would believe that.

All the same, she couldn't help but glance to the plate she was still holding- to the meal she had half eaten already. He hadn't needed to do that, had he?

"And you expect me to believe that you won't toss me aside once you have what you want? It wouldn't be the first time, for me." For all she tried to hide her expression, the hurt tumbled out in her voice all the same.

As it was, though, it was painfully apparent that she needed to cooperate if she wanted to survive tonight. And that aside, she recognised it. That desperate, all-consuming vengeance in his eyes. One so intimately woven into her own being-

"But... if you are looking for someone to help you carry out bloody vengeance, well, you might find that I'm the right woman to have on your side, after all."

(no subject)

Date: 2024-03-30 12:55 pm (UTC)
colchismagecraft: (Soulless Witch)
From: [personal profile] colchismagecraft
"So you are intending to fight in the Grail War yourself, hm? Good."

And it seemed this one intended to follow through, unlike her current Master. That increased her own chances of being able to have her wishes granted, if he was true to his word. She couldn't be sure on his own wish, but perhaps if he got his vengeance, that would satisfy him.

Another sip of wine, listening carefully to what he had to say. The bitterness, the pain- that was clear in his voice. And just as her own composure had wavered, Li's did as well.

That was new information about the Grail, wasn't it? About the end of the last war...information that raised a great many questions about what this meant for her quest for the Grail, and for his. But right now, that was not an immediate problem.

...Because yes, she did know what it was like. All the same, it felt tactless to admit such a thing- after all, her brother had died by her own hand, not that of others. Comparing that to his sister's death would be callous, even for her.

Medea put the plate aside for the moment, expression harder to read as she reached over with a creepy, gloved hand--

And rested it on his shoulder, if he'd let her, giving it a little squeeze. She doubted it gave the man much comfort. Nothing helped ease a pain like that, not really. But the tiny part of her that still held warmth in her heart wanted to try.

Yes. She knew what it meant to lose everything.

"...then, you want to see them destroyed for everything that they've taken from you. I can understand that."
Edited Date: 2024-03-30 01:05 pm (UTC)

(no subject)

Date: 2024-03-30 02:48 pm (UTC)
colchismagecraft: (Serious business)
From: [personal profile] colchismagecraft
She moved her hands close to her chest after that, mentally scolding herself for getting distracted.

They didn't have much time.

But still... it did give more evidence to the idea he wouldn't harm her immediately. He could have easily driven one of his hidden knives into her the moment he got close, right?

"People who insist on such things rarely understand, do they? That once vengeance is all that is left to us, we will do everything in our power to achieve it."

Medea sighed. If he was being honest about his intentions, she should do the same. Come to think of it... her Master had never even asked her that much, had he?

"As for me...I intend to win this war with whatever power I need to call upon. What becomes of this city, of the other Servants and their Masters, that matters little so long as I can claim the Grail for myself. I can't do that with the Master here."

(no subject)

Date: 2024-04-07 02:35 pm (UTC)
colchismagecraft: (Unimpressed)
From: [personal profile] colchismagecraft
So there was still something in him- something that wanted to protect the people of the city. Strange, for a self-proclaimed assassin, wasn't it? But surely by the same card, it was strange for a witch to want to release the children who were being held here. Especially given her legend.

"Then, if you want to minimise bloodshed, you'll have no objections in me releasing the children held here and destroying his workshop for good measure, I take it?"

Well, even if he had objections, she had planned to do such a thing for good measure regardless.

"So long as our goals align, I suppose I can lend you the strength of my magic. As it is, we both have the same enemy, here."

At the very least, he was offering her the Grail.

She would come to see in time, if his words were to be trusted. All the same- his promise to serve and protect her- that made something stir up inside her before she could help herself. A little warmth, in the cold night.

No. Be careful. Don't let this man's words disarm you.

Caster's glance followed his hand to the half-finished plate. She collected it again, although wondered how much time she would really have to indulge in such a thing before they would need to act.

She'd acknowledge his skill, all the same;

"...You are. Yes. And...I do want to see what you can cook if we can get hold of a wider variety of ingredients."

Was that a strange thing to think about, under the circumstances? Well, he had brought the topic up to start with. Perhaps that was, for her, some desperate attempt to latch onto a hope they would both survive another day.

(no subject)

Date: 2024-04-07 03:52 pm (UTC)
colchismagecraft: (Raised hand)
From: [personal profile] colchismagecraft
Good. It was an alliance, then- and in turn, a little smile formed on the witch's face as she took his hand. Whatever was to come after this, it was a relief to have someone alongside her she could rely on tonight. Now, it was just a matter of dealing with her Master, and then-...

"Hei, then...hm." Her hand tightened it's grip, just a little, as his words distracted her from her thoughts. Was it not strange, to trust her with a secret like that? And his expression, there was no trepidation in it. Even if she did not know what sort of a person he truly was just yet, she could tell he was opening up to her.

And Caster- Medea- was someone who reflected how she was treated.

"Most would call it foolish to trust the Witch of Betrayal so readily." A jab that almost sounded playful, before her voice turned serious once again. His promise of food was very much appealing, yes, but there was something that had to be taken care of before anything else, wasn't there? "Well...if we're doing formal introductions, I suppose I should oblige in kind."

"I meant it when I said that if you needed someone to enact bloody vengeance, I would be the right Servant to have on your side. After all, my name was written in legend for such a thing, when I made certain the wretched hero who wronged me had everything he cared for burned to the ground."

"If you truly know what you're getting yourself into, you may have realised by now, but; I am a magus who hails from the Age of Gods, the Colchian Sorceress, Medea."

(no subject)

Date: 2024-04-07 05:58 pm (UTC)
colchismagecraft: (That was unexpected)
From: [personal profile] colchismagecraft
The Black Reaper and the Witch of Betrayal, was it?

"A pleasure to meet you as well. Hmhm, we make quite the team, don't we?"

But the time for discussion was over, for now. Whatever that device of his did, it made it very clear that they needed to act immediately. Medea nodded quickly, an expression of surprise coming into her face for a moment. He knew her legend, and yet;

"...Yes, if you trust me with such a thing. I should be able to make quick work of things there, and deal with the Master when he inevitably comes running."

She was sure that as soon as he realised his workshop was under threat, the Master would act quickly- but she had a plan.

1/2

Date: 2024-04-07 06:48 pm (UTC)
colchismagecraft: (Dragon tooth warriors)
From: [personal profile] colchismagecraft
Medea took another quick mouthful of food, before putting the leftovers aside. Time to get this done and be rid of her wretched Master...and hope that, in the aftermath, they would be able to make it out quickly. She gave him a nod in agreement.

Taking some dragon fangs into her hand, she scattered them to the floor, getting a few skeletal familiars to rise up around her. They would help guard her in the darkness.

"Of course. Well then, do try not to get yourself killed."

And with that- the witch made her exit just after him, an ominous ritual knife manifesting in her hand as she did so.

Time to get this done-
Edited Date: 2024-04-07 06:49 pm (UTC)

True... and injury tw

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Slides in a tag before bed

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2am smut as promised- I need smut icons

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Late? Me? Never

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I'm innocent!

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Slides in a tag before bed

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It's late night smut tag o'clock!

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Exactly!

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A soft tag before bed

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One more lil tag before sleep

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Oh no her one weakness

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RIP Caster

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