bakerstreet | The Master/Familiar Love Meme

The Master/Familiar Love Meme

"In European folklore and folk-belief of the Medieval and Early Modern periods, familiar spirits (sometimes referred to simply as 'familiars') were supernatural entities believed to assist witches and cunning folk in their practice of magic. According to the records of the time, they would appear in numerous guises, often as an animal, but also at times as a human or humanoid figure, and were described as 'clearly defined, three-dimensional… forms, vivid with colour and animated with movement and sound' by those alleging to have come into contact with them, unlike later descriptions of ghosts with their 'smoky, undefined form[s]'."

Everybody needs a sidekick. This includes those who may have a little help of their own in the form of magic - witches, warlocks, mages, sages, casters, magicians...whatever you want to call them, they have a bit more juice than your average Joe. Luckily, the job comes with a built-in assistant: a familiar, or a helper spirit. The familiar serves as a guide to their magical "Master" of their choice, helping them out of tight spots and being their companion for life. Sometimes, they come in the form of animals, like dogs and especially cats. Some don't bother with this, though, and just stay in their true humanoid forms. The bond between familiar and master is one of intensity, and they know each other completely. Most familiars even have a telepathic link to their masters. That helps them keep an eye on them. Of course, given this closeness-beyond-closeness, it's easy to imagine a master and familiar as soulmates, and with familiars having a human form...well, intimacy seems like a natural option.

Too bad relationships of that kind between master and familiar are strictly forbidden. Surely, that rule is always followed.

HOW TO PLAY

Comment with your character, stating your preferences (ex: F/M, open to all, etc). Also, be sure to remember and put whether your character will be witch/master, familiar, or if they can serve as both. There is no "set" type for any of the roles. Masters don't have to be dominate (ineffectual witches have always been a cute trope), familiars aren't passive or submissive, and so on. It's not the same as BDSM...though your character could bring that into it if they'd like.
Comment around to other characters, playing out your forbidden master/familiar ~love~ or what have you.

PROMPTS

The Familiar Chooses the Master: The first meeting. You may be new to the craft (or someone who needs a new familiar), and someone has been drawn to you.
Setting the Ground Rules: You need to figure out how this is going to work. Where can you hide this woman/man in your apartment, if need be?
Getting to Know You: Magic/power isn't all fun and games. You need to find out how to work together so you don't accidentally blow everything up in your faces.
Helping Out: Familiars have a lot of neat powers that can be a boon around the house...and around the town.
Danger Zone: Your feelings for each other are blurring, which is a big no-no. Do you even realize that the bond is deepening to a new level?
Confession: Things have gotten heavy and you have to let your bond mate know you see them as more.
Bad Romance: The familiar in this relationship isn't treated as equal. They're a slave to their master!
Telepathy: The mental bond between. Explore it or use it to get out of trouble...
Trouble is a Friend of Mine: Speaking of! Your familiar/master is danger, and there's nothing that can keep you from saving them.
Intimacy: The obligatory smut option. Though romance between familiar and master is not allowed, many find the allure too much, and the bond does lend itself to members seeking comfort in each other. After all, they know you better than anyone else.
You're Taken?: You're in love with a master or a familiar...they're just not yours. Oops! Maybe you can find some way to break your bonds so you can be together.
Breaking Up is Hard to Do: It is hard, especially between master and familiar. In fact, it can be downright painful...physically and mentally!
Sending You Away for Your Own Good: You're distancing yourself from the other member of your bond, and it's because you're headed towards destruction.
Everybody Knows: The other members of your community have found out you've broken the ultimate taboo and are WITH your master/familiar. This is bad. This is very, very bad. Punishment bad. Separation bad. Perhaps even death bad.
Happy Ending: Somehow, you've escaped the confines of the world that doesn't understand, and you're able to live together without fear.
WILDCARD

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( Servants -Heroic Spirits summoned to battle- are familiars ).

( ooc: Hello there! I'm fairly certain I tagged you once before, but the thread never got off the ground due to my never tossing up a starter; allow me to apologize for that. Would you have an interest in trying again here? )

( YES! But I warn you this week and next are hell on earth, so I will be very slow :( )

( That's absolutely fine! Real life happens. But thank you for letting me know! :D

Any prompts you'd be interested in specifically? )

( 13 sounds... fitting, unless you want to go for a happier scenario )

( I would be down for 13, perhaps leading into 6? Also, I'm caught between setting this up around when they move to their new base of operations, or when Irisviel passes out after Lancer's defeat. Any preference or different ideas? )

( Yes! That'll be great. )

[Though Irisviel had done her best to hide her deteriorating condition from Saber, such a breakdown as this was inevitable. The Grail continues to gain power with every Servant defeated, and when the energy of the third -- Lancer -- had been absorbed, it was all Iri could do to remain stable against the car and lucid while Saber and Kiritsugu verbally clashed over their ideals. Soon enough, however, everything became blurry, muddled; she could hardly even pick out the sound of the SUV Maiya pulled up in to retrieve Kiritsugu. The homunculus' only clear thought as her balance gave out was the regret she felt for having Saber suffer such shame.

Now, as her sense slowly comes back to her, the first thing she feels is the hard, chilly floor of the storehouse, and a red light fills her vision as her eyes crack open. It take but a moment for her to recall her last moments of consciousness, and naturally, the first person who comes to mind is the disgraced King of Knights.]

Sa...ber...?

[Despite how she had apparently accepted Irisviel's excuses about her worsening health, Saber was worried underneath her calm and unflappable visage. Something was wrong with her because she was a homunculus? She did her best to silence her tongue and prey further about ways to help her. She knew, however, by her own experience with Mordred, that the lifespan of homunculus was different than other human beings. She had vowed to remain supportive in her silence until she saw Irisviel faint in front of her. Arturia wasted no time when her light shake did not stir her, when her calls were not heard. In an instant, she had picked her and carried to their car to drive her back to their new headquarters and to deposit her on the circle the knight had carved for her days ago.

She stayed knelt beside Irisviel, holding one of her hands between gloved ones, looking at her with worried eyes.]

Irisviel. [Saber whispered her name, feeling as if a heavy weight had been lifted off her slender shoulders. Immediately, she let go of the lady's hand to place her black jacket on her shoulders, thinking it would help to keep her warm. Arturia had caught the slight shiver when she awoke. Because she was a Servant often forgot how weather took a toll of those who weren’t. Her oversight had been inexcusable.] How are you feeling?

[At the sound of Saber's voice, pale fingers wrap unconsciously around the knight's palm. Although Irisviel's grip is weak enough that Saber most likely won't feel it before releasing her substitute Master's hand to shed her suit jacket, simply having felt those warm, familiar leather gloves is enough to allow Irisviel to take a breath of relief.

As Saber drapes the jacket over her torso, Iri lifts her head just enough to allow her gaze to meet the Servant's, expression tired despite the effort to assure,]

Ah... Thank you, Saber. I'm feeling better, now that I've been able to rest here.

[Using one hand to hold the jacket to her shoulder, she flattens her opposite palm to the ground to push herself upright. Halfway to a seated position, she looks to Saber once more, this time with an apologetic smile.]

I hope I didn't worry you too much.

[Her grip was nonexistent which only served to deepen her concern. She seemed even weaker than before. That Irisviel had appeared strong and endured Kiritsugu and her bickering in front of her worsening state filled Arturia with shame. How could she not notice the woman’s fragility until she collapsed?

She tucked her within the folds of her jacket and watched try to shift in order to sit.]

Please do not push yourself if you have not rested enough.

[She urged her, rising to walk toward the openings of the shed, closing the windows and the door to stop the winter wind to blow inside. Immediately after this, she returned to her side, kneeling in front of her. She could not lie to her. She was worried. She had looked so pale when she carried her.]

The other day, you said a doctor cannot heal you, Irisviel. I want you to be honest with me: Who can help you with your condition?

[If she needed to return to her home, she should leave. She could use Maiya as a substitute Master to follow Kiritsugu's plan.]

Edited 2014-12-09 06:47 (UTC)

[Settling to rest on her hip, Irisviel shakes her head softly at Saber's insistence, red eyes following the Servant as she stands.]

I'm quite alright, Saber, honestly.

[Iri would never blame Arturia for her ignorance; after all, she's done everything in her power to keep her plight hidden from all but Kiritsugu. However, the care that the knight demonstrates -- the responsibility she adopts for her "princess'" well-being -- causes the homunculus' heart to both warm and ache. Impersonal chivalry though Iri believes it to be, even such a small kindness as shutting a window to keep out the cold means the world to her when it may be last comfort she experiences in this world.

However, the king's next words cause her to look down and away, expression torn. Should she continue to lie, to pretend this is simply something normal for her to go through? Or should she reveal the secret Kiritsugu instructed her to keep, that she is the Grail's vessel and this is part of her breakdown? He'd reasoned that Saber having such knowledge would concern her, cause her focus to cloud, but seeing the Servant so troubled... Yes, there is the matter of uncertainty causing more damage than reality would, but even more than that, it upsets Irisviel to know she's causing Saber such worry.

With a resigned sigh, she raises her gaze to Saber's once more, smile soft and sad.]

...I suppose I couldn't hide this for very long either -- not from you, Saber.

But—
[Saber wanted to protest, but what she could do if Irisviel did not want to share what was wrong with her. If she was alright, she would not have fainted like that. She suspected she was hiding something important and felt impotent when she did not trust her with her secret.

Was she mistrusted this much? That stung her, but she did not harass her sick princess with her questions. If she could be permitted to accompany her during this difficult moment, then she should be grateful she would rely on her for small things. She expected no answer from Irisviel until her comment had brought a painful expression darkening her valiant lady’s face.]

Forgive me, I did not mean to upset you.

[She had hurried to apologize sincerely; she did not need to know what ailed her if she was not willing to share it. She did not want to put Irisviel in a more compromised position. Perhaps Kiritsugu told her to not tell me anything, she reasoned. That would explain many things. Irisiviel was loyal to her husband, even if she sometimes did not approve of his actions. Biting her bottom lip, Saber was about to give up when she spoke again and what she said surprised her.

Ah? Arturia met Irisviel’s gaze, dreading inwardly the meaning of that sad smile.]

Irisviel?

[She asked concerned. What ‘secret’ she had kept from her? Her searching look carried all the questions she wanted to ask her.]

[If Irisviel had seen the pain of believing she is mistrusted come to Arturia's expression any sooner, the homunculus' resolve to follow her husband's instructions would have crumbled that much faster. However it is only now, as red eyes meet green again, that Irisviel realizes just how her actions -- or rather, inactions -- have hurt the Servant. Heroic Spirit or not -- King Arthur or not -- the woman before her is still human, even when Saber made it so often unbelievable.

In an attempt to comfort the knight, Iri shifted her weight so that she may extend her now-freed hand and lay it over Arturia's.]

You've not upset me, Saber. All I ask is that... you not let what I am about to tell you change your resolve to obtain the Grail.

[Saber did not believe it herself, how much she was hurting because of her humanity. Humanity stirred within the merciless heart of King Arthur after taking Mordred’s life. The lament and grief that overwhelmed her above the pile of corpses, with her hand still holding the spear plunged into her child’s heart - those cries that called out and summoned the World for a contract. The reasons of her actions would not be acknowledge besides the cold logic of a king.

She could not permit herself to crumble in her role. Yet the cracks in her armor were evident, they opened anew when Irisviel treated her like no other treated her since she pulled Caliburn from the stone. She had treated her like a person with feelings and she could not bring herself to correct her because of her deference to her.

Her action right now slightly ashamed Arturia. In this dire moment when her body was failing, Irisviel had to move in order to soothe her injured ego. Immediately, Saber’s other hand covered the lady’s to reassure that the sentiment was mutual.]

…My resolve to win the Grail? This is a strange request for you to make of me.

[She confessed, lips turning downwards and eyebrows cocking pensively. Why such promise needed to be made? Irisviel knew how badly she sought the Holy Grail. She felt the apprehension gripping more.]

Irisviel, I—

[She paused and added decidedly. If her lady was telling her a painful secret, she should be honest too. Irisviel had never asked how strange was for Saber to be unable to cancel her material form even when it was convenient and wise to do so. A mistake of her summoning was the explanation and she had not corrected it.]

I cannot give up in seeking the Holy Grail. Unlike the other Servants summoned to battle, I had a choice in this matter.

[A strange request, perhaps, but one that is entirely necessary. If Irisviel had any reason to believe that this revelation would plant doubts in Arturia's heart, that it might make her put down her sword, then she would not be able to confide in her Servant -- her friend. However, that assertion briefly brings a calm, albeit resigned smile back to her lips; she knows the King of Knights will not go back on her word. Her fingers squeeze lightly, gratefully around Arturia's hand.]

...I'm glad.

[Now comes the difficult part, though it does not take long for Irisviel to find the words -- almost as though she'd scripted them previously, hoping that she would eventually be able to tell Arturia the truth.]

As you know, I am the homunculus charged with the protection of the vessel which will become the Holy Grail. Though that is true, it isn't... the entirety of the truth.

[She pauses to take a steadying breath, then locks her eyes to Saber's, expression serious to the point of nearly being grave.]

Saber... I am the vessel.

[Irisviel’s squeeze was disheartening weak, but she pretended she did not sense that, she gave a smile in return as to reassure her brave princess she could trust her. Her heart was in winning this war for the sake of her people because Britain needed this, in her grieving standpoint.

She waited patiently for Irisviel to be ready and explain herself never releasing her hand. She felt like she needed to be hold like this, even if it should be her husband’s hand the one she should be gripping. (Had she been like this with her wife, Guinevere?).

As she started to confide in her, the beginning of her secret already seized her heart with uneasiness. What was she saying? Could it be—? She asked while Irisviel paused; she asked even if she saw her answer unspoken in her willful gaze. No, please do not tell me.]

—The entirety of the truth is…?

[She gasped, eyes widening as she confirmed it. The Holy Grail. Irisviel was the vessel of the Holy Grail?]

Why—? [She choked a question and muffled the despair she was experiencing to hide it from her. How and why did they make the relic a person? It was… impossible.] Irisviel… does this mean that you will [She paused to gather her courage.] Is there a way to save you?

[Kiritsugu had a wish. What about his wife and child?

(What about Guinevere and Mordred, king Arthur). She understood, paralyzed like that what he intended to do. He was going to sacrifice her.]

[Though Arturia is successful enough in wearing her shock over her despair, the way the knight strains to speak is enough for Irisviel to know she must steel herself.]

With every Servant defeated, my body will continue to lose its human functions until it is ready to take the form of the Grail. There is no way to change that -- to save the woman named "Irisviel".

[The fact is, the woman named "Irisviel" was born to die. She was an object, a tool -- knowledge she carried inside of her from the moment of her creation. That she was able to become more than that was a miracle unto itself, and in gratitude, she would give her life gladly to fulfill the wish of the one who raised her up. Indeed, it is painful for her to leave Kiritsugu and Illya, but Iri decided to love them both knowing her death was inevitable.

However, the homunculus did not expect to have another find their way into her heart. She tells herself she must remain strong for that person's sake, but deep inside, her resolve is wavering even though there is no going back now.

She isn't prepared to leave Saber.]

[But why would anyone make the vessel sentient, Arturia wanted to rebuke against the cruelty of her fate and her family's twisted plans, but she held her tongue when it could hurt her pride and feelings. Irisviel's voice and her explanation were full of sadness and of an unparalleled bravery. It was painful, but she seemed so fine with it that she could not know if it was determination or resignation.

Perhaps it was a little of both.]

A miracle could save you.

[She uttered under her breath, but unable to complete the phrase. A miracle no doubt would save her even if her body changed into the Grail. Kiritsugu would wield a miracle if they won, then—

This is why he has refused her company in this journey. He knows he is asking her to die for the sake of his goal. Could Saber hate him for this when she would do the same if she continued pursuing the Grail to save Britain? No, she had no choice but to continue, Irisviel had asked her to not let her strength falter and the doubts. She had bargain her eternal servitude in exchange of the relic that would save her people? Why was her heart hesitating for? A king did not have human feelings?

Mordred's dying face flashed in her mind. In the last moments, she had turned and glanced at her child's face, a mirror to hers, and how life was extinguished from her gaze. She too was a homunculus, a 'copy' of a human being that had the purpose to destroy her. That cruel fate assigned by the ones who crafted them. I gave my word, she thought bitterly. She made so many oaths already, she could not even grant Lancer the duel he wanted. So then, she would again lose someone she was supposed to protect?

(Who treated her not as an idol but as a person, for the first time since she pulled that sword; leaving a lasting mark in the king's hidden heart).

She met her gaze again. There was no going back, was there? If this war would seal her death then, Saber asked something she should not have asked.]

Is there a way to stop this war before "Irisviel" disappears?

[ She had said she could not help but to look for the Holy Grail, though the relic she was seeking was not supposed to be a person. This could be her last chance though she also recalled another vow.

The vow she would protect Irisviel's life and ensure her to return to her daughter.]

Irisviel, I must know if there is nothing we could do to save you.

Edited 2014-12-25 09:01 (UTC)

[Every thought Saber voices rips into Iri like a blade through tissue paper, every word slowly peeling away that facade of bravery. It was immeasurably easier for her to give herself to this fate when she knew nothing other than her purpose and Kiritsugu, but now... that Arturia would even think of using the miracle she sought to save her country to save Irisviel instead, or even of forgoing the War and the miracle due the winner, makes pangs of regret ring through the homunculus' chest.

No matter what she tells herself, now that she's come to love another, she wants to be saved -- wants to live to spend peaceful days with her knight, the way she had with her husband for the past nine years. Perhaps it would have been best for her to run away when Kiritsugu gave her the chance so long ago... The irony, however, is not lost on her: without the Holy Grail War, Irisviel never would have met Arturia Pendragon -- the King of Knights or the person beneath -- but it is that same War which brought them together which will tear them apart.

Though she can feel her throat tightening, Irisviel tries desperately to hold herself together, fingers beginning to tremble as she strains to speak.]

Saber, you mustn't let this deter you...

[After all, once the War started, there was no going back; wishful thinking will do nothing but pain them both now.]

I have upset you. This was the last thing I wanted.

[This was the first thing she can say, recognizing the suppressed quiver in Irisviel's voice. She had hurt her with her words and her questions, insulted –most likely– her determination and courage to do what was right for her husband and the world they lived. But what else could she say? She had come to look for the Grail and the king who conducted herself as heartless as Kiritsugu in her own more honorable way would have sacrifice her for the sake of Britain, despite of her feelings.

Nothing could be protected with human emotions; that is why the king had given up her heart to rule. Irisviel had treated her not as a king, but as a person and friend. She didn't even treat her as a Servant. She was the knight she had always wished to be near her. But she had not realized the weight of her feelings or the weariness of her heart or the true meaning behind the cries and lamentations on that hill of fate. Mordred's last words, her vain attempt to reach for her father had awoken that heart that should not exist and Irisviel had filled it again.

Ignoring this turmoil, there was at least something she was certain of. ]

How can I wish for something that will dirty me? Taking your life in exchange? The Grail I am seeking cannot be borne of a person.

[It was supposed to be a holy relic! She wanted to shout but she kept her calm, even with her tumultuous feelings.]

You did not answer me when I asked if there is a way to stop this.

[Why, if Irisviel became the Grail, the ritual had to take place in this faraway land? She was not a magus, but she knew they would not abandon terrain advantage if it was not for a good reason.]

[Het only, please. Diavals from canon only. Open to others from crosscanon.]

_{[This particular Gamzee is a practitioner of Haitian Voudon, and while it has nothing about familiars in its practice, he could definitely attract himself something or other playing with his juju.]}

Edited 2014-11-14 06:21 (UTC)

[could be either]

[ooc: Familiar]

[ Master, probably. ]

(ooc: familiar)

(OOC: 21+ OTA for cross-canon. Among canonmates, no minors, no blood relations, nobody that's been with his son, and nobody that fell out of Cora's devil-chute)

[Most likely the familiar, but he can be a master too.]

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The Master/Familiar Love Meme

SABER [Arturia Pendragon] (Fate/) ♔ Open to All

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Maleficent | Maleficent

Gamzee Makara (4chords/humanstuck) | Homestuck | OTA

Zeus • Greek Mythology • Familiar • OTA

sarah williams :: labyrinth :: ota

Sarah Manning || BBC || Orphan Black || F/M

Scott McCall (rule 63) ✦ Teen Wolf ✦ OTA

Haruki Suzumiya | Haruhi Suzumiya (AU) | M/F

Bucky Barnes | MCU | open

Rumpelstiltskin | Once Upon a Time

PETRE ( oc )

Captain Jack Harkness || Torchwood/Doctor Who | Master

Vanille | FF13 | ota

Terra Branford | FF6 | Familiar