[IC] Swords Beneath the Starlight

The safe return of their allies puts a smile on Casey's face. It's a relief that they'd made it through their half of the conflict unscathed. His smile curls into a knowing smirk at Dermid's mention of the word 'charade', but he quickly puts on a serious expression when he realizes how afraid Lain seems, of all of them. The revelation over her identity comes as little surprise to him, his suspicions having been laid the last time they'd spoken. Even so his trust in her and her allies has grown, now that she's decided to forego the deception. Given the present situation, it only makes sense for someone in her position.

Lysistrate's identity however does manage to shock Casey. Her position as Cloistered does explain her demeanor. Casey knows little of that particular cultural practice, Lain's explanation covering more or less everything he does know. Learning that Carlyle had also been an alias is somewhat intriguing, but idle questions of Taras' origin are quickly swept aside as the Fragarach grabs his attention. Not long ago, the idea of a weapon left behind by the goddess would've seemed completely ridiculous to him, but today? More than enough strange things have happened to loosen Casey's skepticism, not the least of which being the fact that this sword is taller than he is. He stares a moment longer, as Lain comes to her conclusion. 



"There's safety in numbers, right? So long as our goals are the same, I don't see any reason to refuse." With his thoughts made clear, Casey turns to Lain.



"In any case, I'll be sticking with you," Casey tells her calmly. "That is, so long as Car -- er..." Casey turns to Taras, back straight and shoulders squared. "Taras, that is. So long as you've no objections."