[@Reflection]

	While the machinery abundant in the observatory did interest Caster, she knew very well that this was far outside her area of expertise. This place was certainly impressive for a place devoid of the usual baubbles of a Magus' workshop, and Caster was glad that the pillows prepared for sitting were comfortable. If it weren't obvious already, it was clear that Aksha was middle eastern in culture, a fact compounded by, in an ironic twist, the master revealing his True Name. Of course, Caster was curious as to how someone from centuries past managed to extend his lifespan well beyond what was normally possible, even with eastern magecraft, but for now that was of little importance. He differentiated himself from the version of him that had become a heroic spirit, meaning that rather than a form of reincarnation, it seemed he had found a way to either duplicate his body, or duplicate his mind. Curious.

His collection of texts had her attention for a moment, but his proposal was far more intriguing to her. Her thin fingers gently traced across the text present in his journal, curiously flipping through a few pages with the utmost care taken to keep from damaging this priceless tome. [color=FF7DFF][b]"I see..."[/b][/color] Caster murmured as she read through his stagnated research. Closing the book, she handed it back before a smile began to tear at her lips. [color=FF7DFF][b]"I see no reason why I shouldn't teach you. Hoarding my secrets to myself will do little good, given that my time on this earth passed long ago,"[/b][/color] she would say as she took a seat upon one of Aksha's many fine cushions, adjusting herself to sit with her knees bent beneath her. 

[color=FF7DFF][b]"However, do be advised Aksha; I cannot guarantee that the answer you seek lies within my magecraft. From the Age of the Gods it may be, but that doesn't mean that modern Magi haven't improved upon some of the basics. For example, my necromancy is likely far slower than the average magus', but it can be said to be more potent in effect. My rituals are specific and lengthy, but I've in my time shrouded armies in the night and resurrected armies at a moment's notice. Flesh is a wonderful catalyst..."[/b][/color] Caster said, tracing the lines of her palm with her index finger. [color=FF7DFF][b]"The secrets of life and death are only my favored part of my magic, however. I can teach you how the world bends to my whims, and the arts that lie within. But, Aksha, I must know: What do you propose in exchange?"[/b][/color]

Humming for a moment, Caster put a finger to her chin. [color=FF7DFF][b]"I've no qualms teaching, but it is only natural for compensation to be provided. Of course, it needn't be something overly valuable to you. Things of monetary value are worthless to us Servants, for the most part."[/b][/color]

[hr]

[@vancexentan]

	Joachim gulped as Anderson detailed the...oddities of Berserker's madness. It seemed she had some obsession with health...was she perhaps some kind of doctor in life? Maybe she and Joachim could talk, then, but for now he'd rather not risk wandering into a mad doctor's office by himself. Leon's suggestion however had Joachim speak up, briefly stating: [color=DBDB97][b]"I can see what Caster can make for our defenses. She's talking to Aksha still, but I'll ask her tonight."[/b][/color] as he dug through his pockets, pulling out a small bronze pocket watch to check the time, before placing it back into his coat pocket. Tacky as it was, it was handy to have a watch on hand since his dad was one of those obstinate mages that didn't believe in cell phones. Still, he thought it made him look a bit sophisticated, and it let him know that Caster had been gone for roughly an hour.

[hr]

	Off within the forest the Greys occupied scurried the little rat recently resurrected on Caster's whim, its fleet footedness bolstered by the lack of stamina required to run its body. The faintest passing of Od through it was rebounded again and again, galvanizing the muscles to move according to Caster's will. She would feel when the rat would die, and as such was using it in a suicide run to determine at what depth into the forests the defenses began. Injury would also alert her, and as the corpse-walking rat stalked through the dead of night into the forest, it sought its second death relentlessly and quietly.