875/Geas Of Dun Realtai

Geas Of Dun Realtai
Date of Scene:	29 October 2014
Location:	Dun Realtai
Synopsis:	A man in a black coat comes to the castle. A gunslinger follows.
Cast of Characters:	346, 482, 560, 603

---

Emiya Kiritsugu (603) has posed:
By whatever method is convenient, a message has been delivered that Emiya Kiritsugu intends to visit Dun Realtai in order to speak with Saber and her Master on a matter of great importance. Maiya has come with, but she intends to wait outside during the meeting. It was not strictly worded as a request for permission to come visiting, but it is certainly up to the residents of the castle to turn their visitors away if they feel like it. Whatever the weather may be like, Kiritsugu is dressed in his typical attire. No attempt to dress up for the girl-king's court has been made. Why would he? She's not really a king anymore.

Yet she may hold the key to finding out how to prevent a terrible disaster, save the world, and secure a future for Kiritsugu's daughter. He is currently armed, but not heavily. As he approaches the entrance to the castle grounds, wherever that might be, he prepares to be asked to leave his weapons in the care of another. That much is expected. Because he seriously doubts Saber's Master trusts him even remotely. Kiritsugu does not trust Saber's Master either.

He takes a moment while waiting outside to finish off his cigarette while he waits.

Sir Bedivere (482) has posed:
The weather is surprisingly clear today, after what's seemed like a week straight of dreary rain. Sunlight shines down on the barren hills surrounding the castle. The sky is so crisp and blue it's almost painful to look at, but it's a welcome sight after so much rain. The lord of the castle had received the note and given his permission. Now he's settled in to wait.

He waits today in the great hall, the large room that serves as both audience chamber and living space on the first floor. Long tables and benches line one side of the room; an enormous hearth dominates the other, currently lit for warmth. Various chairs and a table are set before the hearth, and in one of them is Sir Bedivere of Dun Realtai. He's dressed in modern attire this time, a black crisp suit obviously tailored to fit him.

A tea set is ready and waiting on the table, steam billowing from the teapot's spout. Bedivere waits in silence, watching the fire with eyes half-closed. Although he looks relaxed, his Servant and companion would see his unspoken tension.

Saber (346) has posed:
     Even after five years in the multiverse, the revelations of the elder Shirou she had met some time ago, and the fact that he was at least loosely allied with the Union, Saber remained apprehensive about her former Master. She understood his goals, and even why he had reacted the way he had both at her summoning as well as their more recent meeting. It had been the first time she had seen the elder Emiya since the end of the Fourth Holy Grail War.

     Strangely enough, Dun Realtai was, in many respects, neutral ground. At least one Confederate considered it a safe haven enough to have become something of a regular resident of the keep, and another spent enough time in his encampment not far from there, both falling under the protection of Brehon Law and therefore in as much of a safe haven as if in their own faction's controlled lands. Perhaps even more so. Once invited into their hall as a guest, Kiritsugu was as safe as he was likely ever going to be, even if he remained completely unaware of that fact.

     Under normal circumstances, king and knight would have dressed in commoner's attire similar to that of the townsfolk in the village below. Today, however, Saber had donned the black three-piece suit, tie, and gloves with a grey dress shirt which Irisviel had procured for her at the start of the Fourth War, her hair pulled back in a ponytail at the nape of her neck. Like her marshal, her tension was well-hidden behind the familiar masks, resuming something of their roles in Camelot, seated silently beside him.

     The two needed not even speak so much as a word to communicate. But for now, even that way of theirs remained silent as she mulled over what Shirou had told her, as well as what she had observed. Naturally, she had already resolved to tell Kiritsugu of the events of the Fourth Holy Grail War. But would it be enough? Would he even believe it?

Emiya Shirou (560) has posed:
    With news that Kiritsugu is visiting, Shirou's... not quite sure what to do. Having picked up on considerable tension between Kiritsugu and the knights, and now aware of most of why, he's a bit anxious about this meeting.

    But if this leads to helping the situation overall, then he has to make sure it goes well.

    If Kiritsugu's looking, there's a curious sight in the keep's courtyard, propped up against the walls. A crude archery target pinned to a bale of hay... absolutely pincushioned with sleek, arrow-like estocs. Some of them are slowly fading away into prana. Shirou's been practicing!

    But he's inside with Saber and Bedivere. Not standing up shoulder to shoulder with them, but rather further behind them.

    "He just said he was coming, and didn't ask?" How impolite....

Emiya Kiritsugu (603) has posed:
Kiritsugu finishes his cigarette, has a small quiet chat with Maiya about this plan, and then puts the cigarette out in a way that will not offend the owners of the castle. And then he knocks on the large castle doors, and waits for admission to be granted, whether that be under his own power or via someone who comes to greet him. One way or another, he winds up inside, and eventually in the audience chamber with Saber, her Master, and Shirou.

Maiya waits outside.

In passing, Kiritsugu took note of the prana-constructs, but though he pays attention to all of his surroundings, his focus remains on the task at hand. "Thank you for meeting me," he offers with perfunctory politeness. He is greeting Saber's Master again, not Saber. But he soon enough turns his attention on her alone, and says, "To put both you and your Master at ease, I have left all weaponry with my companion, who waits outside. You're free to search me to ensure what I say is true. I've come to discuss what knowledge you may have of the Fourth Holy Grail War, or the version of it you might be familiar with. After speaking with Shirou, the possibility of the war ending in a way other than I'd hoped has become known. While it's not certain that my war will go the same as yours or the one in Shirou's past, taking the proper precautions seems wise - and saving the lives of innocent people seems like something we can all agree is a worthwhile goal. At least..." He looks to Bedivere again, though he remains faing Saber and Shirou. "If your actions in that town the other day are any indication."

Sir Bedivere (482) has posed:
Although he occasionally glances to the front door, for the most part Bedivere is silent, looking into the hearth's fire without really seeing it. He isn't wearing his sword belt, but the weapon rests on the floor, leaned against his chair somewhat conspicuously.

He would never breach Brehon Law by using it, but it might make for a convenient visual deterrent.

The violet-eyed knight glances briefly to Saber, but it seems more to offer silent reassurance than anything else. He can sense the tension in her, just as she can sense his. This isn't a meeting he's looking forward to. He doesn't trust the assassin at all, especially not with what he's heard about the man, and what he's seen for himself... but this is necessary.

At first it doesn't even seem like he hears Shirou's question, before glancing up and over to the red-headed magus.

"That seems to be his way. Sit," he adds, finally looking to Shirou, as though only now noticing that he's there. He's not standing at all; seated in one of the chairs before the hearth. He wears no gloves over his hands; Kiritsugu's already seen his command seals, so there's no point in hiding them for what they are.

"I would prefer not to make him any more tense than this meeting will. While I care little if he threatens me personally, I would not have him threaten the people of Dun Realtai, inadvertently or no."

His eyes drift back to the door, violet eyes lifting as their guests enter... or, well, guest. Kiritsugu's companion seems content to wait outside.

Bedivere's expression is impassive through Kiritsugu's speech, violet eyes locked on the magus-killer, boring into the man as though he were looking right through him.

"No." His voice is gentle, though not so gentle as to be mistaken for a woman's; but softer by far than most men of his height. "I will not search you. You are a guest in my hall, and thus I will take you at your word."

"Aye," he says, mouth thinning into a hard line. "We will discuss this matter, but if we are, there are ground rules to be laid. Two of them, to be precise."

"One." The knight raises a forefinger. "My Servant and I are equals." Even that chafes, for he doesn't consider himself equal, not really; but that's probably the best impression to lend with this man. "You will not speak as though she is not present. You will address her with respect. And if I feel that you disregard this, I will ask you to leave."

"Two." Another finger raises. "You are being watched. So is your companion outside. If you should engage in any behaviour I deem suspicious, or if you companion does the same, you will also be asked to leave."

With that, he settles back in his chair, gesturing toward another. "You are here to discuss, and so we will discuss. Sit, Emiya Kiritsugu."

Emiya Shirou (560) has posed:
    Shirou seats himself as Kiritsugu comes in. He offers the Magus-Killer a friendly look from far away, but it's muted. Hard to be very positive when Bedivere's glowering like a baleful, gloomy jack'o'lantern over there. This isn't his business to do much about... he can just listen and maybe have a few things to say here and there.

    For now, though, he remains silent.

    This is Saber's hall, after all.

Saber (346) has posed:
     "Kiritsugu considers this potentially hostile territory," Arturia explained. "I would imagine that he does not wish to ruffle feathers any more than he has need to, but it places us at a slight disadvantage."

     Or, maybe he just has the same lack of regard that he always did, and understood the necessity of meeting with his future-yet-former Servant and didn't bother to stand on ceremony. Saber was somewhat accustomed to it, either way. Even if that made him one of her current Master's least-favourite people to have to deal with. Fifteen years of service informed her that Bedivere was going to be glaring at the magus killer the whole time, and she really couldn't blame him even if she wanted to. Lofty goals or not, he was not the most trustworthy person as he was now.

     But perhaps she had the chance to change things now and prevent the great tragedy to come.

     Likewise, she was in agreement with her marshal. The protection of the village was her first priority, and perhaps in the past, Kiritsugu might have used that as leverage. But the Union heavily frowned on such things, and threatening de facto Union territory would have made things a lot harder for the assassin. Still, she wondered what /exactly/ he planned to do? The idea that he likely thought he would have to pressure her for information did not sit well with her, and the silver-haired knight would be able to pick up on that agitation.

     The knight-king was not surprised Maiya waited outside; in some ways, the two worked together nearly at the same level as she and Bedivere did. His apprentice would be observing even as she waited, gathering more intelligence in the event of a worst-case scenario. What did surprise her was when the aloof magus killer addressed her directly.

     "Indeed," she replied mildly even as her posture remained regal and composed.

     Her second surprise came at Bedivere's first ground rule. His sense of propriety had to have been screaming inwardly at that point, and in all likelihood there would be profuse, stammering apologies at his perceived lack of decorum, regardless of their necessity in the current situation. Though her face was carefully composed in the businesslike mask, inwardly, she was grateful to her marshal. And of course, as proud as always.

     The Servant remained silent as she awaited her former Master's answer. She would be surprised once more if he refused.

Emiya Kiritsugu (603) has posed:
"Those terms are acceptable," Kiritsugu replies with a slow, minute nod in Bedivere's direction, before seating himself. He does send a glance towards Shirou as well, but this is not the time for pleasantries. Even so, having at least one person who seems to be in his 'camp' in this room, at least to a certain extent, should give him options. He came her for diplomacy and negotiations, not to fight, so speaking respectfully - or as respectfully as he is prone to - should not pose a problem. He can work under the authority of others, really. But even the highest and most prestigious ally is another tool to be used. "But I have terms of my own to add."

He reaches into the pocket of his coat and withdraws a rolled up parchment of some kind. He tosses it it into the air and it seems to roll and float and tumble in just exactly the right way to land exactly on the table nearest Saber's Master. "I have prepared an item known as a Self-Geis Scroll. It is a mage contract, enchanted to be completely unbreakable, regardless of any circumstances." If anyone picks it up and unrolls the lengthy scroll, they will discover that it is covered in arcane symbols and writing. Kiritsugu explains further, "You are free to have a qualified magus examine the scroll and determine its authenticity, but its contents state that I will inform those in this room at this moment of the location of Excalibur's sheathe, Avalon, to the fullest extent of my knowledge, as well as its location in the future if my knowledge of its location and status changes to include new information. Further, if I am convinced that it is in my best interest, as it pertains to achieving my wish of saving the world, not to take part in the Fourth Holy Grail War, I shall retire as a Master immediately, and enter my family into protective custody with the Union."

Kiritsugu gives a moment to process that, before laying out what he expects in return. "In exchange, the Servant known as King Arthur, of the Saber Class, will divulge any and all information requested by me, pertaining to the events of the Fourth Holy Grail War, as well as any other related information from events following that War, from the time of Arturia Pendragon's original summoning by an iteration of Emiya Kiritsugu to the present, as well as revealing the true identity of her current Master. Upon accepting the terms of the contract, the affects becoming binding upon me, even beyond death."

He folds his hands and looks upon the others with those vacant eyes of his.

Sir Bedivere (482) has posed:
The knight's violet eyes hood in deceptively sleepy regard. Although he looks relaxed, he deliberately keeps Kiritsugu in his line of sight at all times. He's watching the man without actually looking like he's watching the man. Guest he may be, but this man isn't obligated to honour Brehon Law, and it's just one more reason not to trust him.

Bedivere gives no hint of his discomfort... but he probably didn't enjoy calling the king his equal. It's presumptuous and highly disturbing, but in this case, it's necessary.

He watches as the scroll is tossed, but he doesn't move to catch it. Arturia might catch a flicker of something approaching alarm when it's explained just what it is.

A geas.

"No." His refusal is gentle, in spite of how absolute his tone is. He lets that hang for a few seconds before he cants his head slightly to one side. It seems a subtle gesture of refusal. "You send spies and familiars into my lands, and then you come to my hall as a guest under Brehon Law, only to demand I subject myself and my Servant to a geas, when you simply could have asked for that information? No, I will /not/ accept those terms."

Never does Bedivere so much as raise his voice, but there's a cold, hard tone to it; and something dark flickers in those violet eyes.

"You may ask me your questions, as a guest, and perhaps I will answer them. But I will not subject myself or my Servant to such a thing." Why? Because he hails from the lands those kinds of curses originated in. He knows better than to subject himself to them. They're dangerous, incredibly so, and to dishonour their terms is to invite disaster.

He levels his gaze on Kiritsugu, not quite glaring, but not quite disguising his irritation, either. The knight folds his arms, leaning back in his chair.

"Try again, Emiya Kiritsugu. One more time, without the coercion. I feel we can reach an accord, but I will not give you what you want under threat or compulsion. And you will find I am not a man who is easily threatened."

Emiya Shirou (560) has posed:
    When the scroll is offered, Shirou develops a rather baffled expression at it. He'd never seen anything of the like... but the stated terms sound more like bullying and strongarming than...

    For a moment, it looks like he's going to say something, but he bites down on that urge. It's not his offer to accept or reject. But wait, was Kiritsugu talking about the Avalon in Shirou? Does he know about it?

    This sheath is no end of trouble, for all its blessings are welcome...

    NO, he does have something to say. "... That wasn't a threat..." Mutter.

Saber (346) has posed:
     Saber's expression remained neutral when Kiritsugu revealed he had terms, though she was immediately suspicious of the scroll, remembering full-well how he had outplayed Lancer's Master, the previous Lord El Melloi. And while she doubted that Maiya had Bedivere in the sights of a sniper rifle here, there was without a doubt some manner of loophole in it.

     Not that it mattered. Fortunately, this time she had a few proverbial aces up her sleeve to deal with him on equal terms.

     Or did she? Perhaps he knew full-well that she realised that the Everdistant Utopia resided within Irisviel; in retrospect, her possession made the most sense both tactically as well as explained how she had healed so rapidly from Kirei's attack. And perhaps she even had information he would have little way of knowing, such as that he would eventually use the scabbard to save Shirou's life, and who possessed it even now. Or perhaps, he knew that merely from talking to the young magus and puzzling that out on his own.

     The flaxen-haired knight dared not glance at Shirou, a gesture which would have given her away. Keeping her eyes trained on the magus killer, only the light of recognition flickered in them at the sight of the familiar scroll. The man was nobody's fool.

     But fortunately for her, neither was her marshal. Arturia did not need to infer not to accept, he was already on it, flatly refusing to agree to the terms. She did not so much as reveal that she was already going to divulge the events of the Fourth War, but her pride aside, dealing with her former Master was a dangerous proposition, regardless of their shared goals. He was still playing a long-game of chess, and why wouldn't he? The War had not even begun for him; how was he to know that all his efforts were in vain?

     Her gaze did not so much as flicker to Bedivere, though to him, she might as well have been speaking. She approved, though she would inform him of the details later. /He already knows which loophole to exploit./ She was more than satisfied with how he had laid down the law, the reason for which she had appointed him as her Left Hand, regardless of his commoner and foreign blood. And while it would seem at odds with his insistence that Master and Servant were equals only for her to still refrain from immediate comment, the dynamics were wholly different. Now she was quite clearly delegating responsibility to her lieutenant, as if Kiritsugu was now forced to go through him and unable to access the ear of the king directly.

     She was forced, however, to hide a smile at Shirou's comment. Oh yes, he would make a splendid knight, eventually. Perhaps not the best political ear, but in this day and age, that was not quite as important as it had been. And besides, he still managed to be more discreet than Gawain.

     Her voice, though soft, held the command that she had during her days in Camelot, her posture as regal and commanding as ever. The King of Knights had declared her court open. "I await your answer, Emiya Kiritsugu."

Emiya Kiritsugu (603) has posed:
At the other Master's refusal, Kiritsugu just stares blankly for awhile, listening to the admonishments and flat denial. Eventually, he actually lets out an amused noise in the back of his throat and closes his eyes as he leans back in his chair. Is he laughing at Bedivere!? The smirk fades quickly enough, though only after both Shirou has muttered his own comment and Saber has spoken as well. He opens his eyes, once again looking deadened and emotionless. "Very well," he says. He does not attempt to explain the scroll, to excuse his actions, or in any other way indicate he is sorry for what he did. But he does accept the words without any problem as well, and abide by them. "Then, I ask of you both, to tell me what I want to know about the Fourth Holy Grail War, with only my word that I don't intend to use that information against either of you - my word, that I imagine you never trusted, and trust even less now. If you want something in return, I'm open to negotiation. Or at least..." He pauses and leans forward a bit. "That's what I'd like to say. But while the word of King Arthur is likely above suspicion, without magical binding enforcement, I have not been given any reason yet why I should trust the word of a Master who will not even offer his name."

"It's fine if you don't trust me." He assures calmly. "That's a wise position to take. But it's also one that, no matter how politely you describe me as a guest, makes any agreement made between us immediately suspect, on both ends, as well as any information we might share. Especially since your Servant-I apologize. Especially since her majesty might be Commanded to say or do anything, even if her honor would have her be truthful otherwise. If, in your speeches about conduct, politeness, hospitality, and equality between Master and Servant, you still can not even let me know who my gracious host's name is, when Arthur herself has already done so, at least answer me this." Kiritsugu rises from the chair slowly, and stands there with the flames from the fireplace reflecting in just the upper half of his dead-black eyes, giving the appearance of charred terrain with fire still licking at the ruins on the horizon.

"Where does your affiliation lie?"

While he doubts Saber's Master is in the Confederacy, for all he knows, this secretive individual could be some self-serving individual unassociated with either Faction. It seems he really does have about as much faith in this other Master's word as the other man does in Kiritsugu's. Being without weapons in the home terrain of an unknown individual is probably not doing anything for his trust issues either.

Sir Bedivere (482) has posed:
Bedivere may as well be carved of alabaster for all the movement he gives. The only sign that he isn't a statue is the steady rise and fall of his chest as he breathes. Subtle as it is, he seems calm, untroubled by the tense situation. His eyes are half-lidded, lingering in Kiritsugu's general direction; it suggests that although he isn't watching the magus-killer directly, the man is still absolutely being watched.

He doesn't look away. To look to Shirou or Saber would suggest he knows more than he lets on, and so long as Kiritsugu decides to play games with them, he'll play his own, and deem the assassin unworthy of his trust.

Then again... he trusts so few, anyway.

"You are correct." Bedivere inclines his head in a gesture of concession. "I did not give my name, but it was not a conscious oversight. Honour demands that I must give my name in turn when one introduces oneself, and I did not have the opportunity to."

He stands, and inclines forward in a formal bow -- a curiously anachronistic gesture, given his modern clothing.

"My name is Fionnlagh." Perhaps it isn't the name that might have been expected of him, but it isn't a lie; a name that Arturia would know, but one that Shirou would not. His real name had never survived into the legends, for he had not been a native of Albion, and he had taken the name Bedwyr upon travelling to what would one day become Wales. "I will forgive you your suspicion, for any man who does not give his name is one not to be trusted."

After all, Kiritsugu only indicated a desire to know his name; not who he really is.

"As to what I may or may not have ordered my Servant to do..." He holds up his left hand, baring the intact command seals -- all three marks are there. "Judge that for yourself, Emiya Kiritsugu. I have given her no orders. And you know her identity. She would not obey a request she did not think were honourable or just, would she?"

The seals are far more intricate than Kiritsugu himself might have borne in another world, or than he might be accustomed to seeing; intricate Celtic knotwork forming the stylised image of a sword. Curiously, the sigil is on his left hand, and not his right. Its unusual complexity speaks to the bond between Master and Servant. Whoever he is, these two trust each other absolutely. It must be someone who resonates with King Arthur's own values, or perhaps someone she otherwise knows, somehow.

"My affiliation?" His hand lowers, slowly. "It lies with the king, now and ever. Also, as you have seen for yourself, with the Union; for I owe them something of a debt."

"And now it is my turn to ask questions." He fixes those violet eyes on Kiritsugu, sharp. "Where do /your/ loyalties lie...?"

Saber (346) has posed:
     Jade eyes narrowed briefly before she considered that Kiritsugu's amusement might very well have been upon his realisation that he was facing a tactician like himself. In fact, it was entirely possible that it was only Bedivere's strong sense of chivalry which held him in check, prevented him from employing similar tactics.

     But the fact that Kiritsugu had named himself -- even if Arturia already knew of his identity -- meant that Bedivere was obligated by chivalry to name himself. Fortunately, he used his birth name, the one he had been known as among his Dal Riata brethren. Perhaps they were both somewhat overcautious; after all, he could not possibly have been a mortal Master /and/ the famed First and Last Knight of King Arthur, could he? Then again, in the multiverse, it seemed that very little was impossible, and likely Kiritsugu had learned that.

     In fact, she would not have put it past her former Master to puzzle out Bedivere's identity, eventually. Or, at the very least, that he was one of her knights.

     As before, she remained silent throughout Kiritsugu's not-quite acquiescence and Bedivere's cool reply. For a long moment she did not speak, waiting to hear Kiritsugu's reply about his loyalties. She imagined he would likely be one of the Union's Last Chancers -- as the Hashshashins were -- though that remained to be seen for certain. It behoved everyone involved that she tell him of the truth of the Fourth War, though she remained uncertain how he would use that knowledge. That is, if he decided to acknowledge it as accurate. Nevertheless, it was for the best for the assassin to outright state which faction he was with, just to be on the safe side.

     "I will say this," she said at last, her eyes flicking to Bedivere for a split second before returning to the gaze of dead eyes. "The Holy Grail is not what you imagine it might be. It cannot grant any noble wish, as it exists."

Emiya Shirou (560) has posed:
    Geeze, so much hostility here. Shirou's looking awkwardly between the parties involved, eyes flickering back and forth. Who knew his old man could be this untrustworthy? He obviously feels pretty conflicted over this mess... what with the way his eyes flick about from one person to the next and he's obviously stuggling to not blurt out anything. He eventually just folds his arms over his chest, and breaks it a moment later to rub his cheek. The hearth's heat is a bit uncomfortable when he stays still that long!

    In the end, he just ends up giving Kiritsugu a sort of sour, disbelieving, pressuring look, as if to say 'are you really this paranoid?'

Emiya Kiritsugu (603) has posed:
Kiritsugu finally shows some degree of proper respect by bowing his own head in return to the man now identified as Fionnlagh. The 'loyalty being to the king' statement has the wheels in Kiritsugu's head turning already, especially as he has already realized that Fionnlagh is a tactician like himself, and that despite his honor and code of conduct, looking for loopholes is probably just fine with the other Master - for the right reason. Even so, he addresses Fionnlagh. "You have allayed my concerns somewhat in both cases then, Fionnlagh. So I'll be more forthright with you. Though it would have been reasonable to assume you were Union-affiliated, I couldn't be certain. Now that I know, and since all of the others present in this room are also known to be of the same faction, I assure you that ALL of the others present in this room are of the same faction. I joined the Union as part of their Last Chancer program the day after my first encounter with you and the others at that town. I can't publically divulge that fact, or admit to any connection with the Union, in the presence of non-Union personnel."

He has nothing to say on the subject of a Servant acting against a Command Seal's influence through the sheer power of honor or will. As far as he knows, that is highly unlikely unless the Master is really weak and uses are really vaguely worded and unfocused command. It does not matter how brave or chivalrous the Servant. A tool is just a tool. And tools do not fight against their users, in general.

He does turn his focus on Saber then, however, and says, "Speaking of that, now that we have confirmed that we are all allies, I would like to hear more about this true nature of the Holy Grail." Shirou's discomfiture is probably there somewhere in Kiritsugu's awareness, but surely now everyone can relax and be friends right? Right? Kiritsugu even does his approximation of an archaic, formal bow, as though he were asking a princess to a dance instead of asking a king to tell him exactly why an omnipotent wish-granting device can't save the world. When he straightens up, he says, "Shirou mentioned some things to me already that have had me consider that the way I planned to fight this war might not be the best way to do so, given the potential results. I thought perhaps the problem was with the wording of the wish. But are you saying that the flaw lies within the Grail itself?"

The answer to that question means a lot more to Kiritsugu than anyone else here would comprehend, outside of Saber herself. Kiritsugu hasn't told Shirou. Arturia probably hasn't told Bedivere/Fionnlagh. Where is the Grail presently? This Grail that might be flawed, perhaps dangerous, and dooming at least one person to die even if the wish made with it were to go off without a hitch? Inside the mother of Kiritsugu's daughter. Though he rarely shows emotions that isn't muted somehow, there's a tightness around his eyes. If Saber knows...

Sir Bedivere (482) has posed:
Now that he no longer has anything to reveal, Bedivere errs on the side of silence. Let his king speak of the war, for the wars he fought in were the wars of the Saxons, the sea-wolves; the raiders who threatened Britain's very existence. His wars were against the rebels and the kingslayer, the traitorous knight who destroyed Camelot. Not this clandestine war amongst the magi.

He is not one of them, no matter how much he may need the training of one. He'll always be a knight, and he'll always fight his battles honourably and with straightforwardness.

When the king looks to him, he meets her gaze for a fleeting instant, calm. There's apparently nothing troubling him, at least any more than the situation itself. He's cool and confident that they can deal with this evasive man, though learning that he's an ally of the Union is... well, marginally helpful. But only marginally.

So, he busies himself pouring tea for everyone present; one cup is slid to Arturia, and one to Shirou. Lastly, one is poured and slid to Kiritsugu with a cool look. Just a hint of amusement is in those violet eyes, as though to say, /No, it isn't poisoned./

That done, he finally pours himself a cup, leaning back in his chair and wrapping long finger around the warm ceramic, studying his king and his 'guest' over the rim.

For now, he's silent. This is Arturia's tale to tell.

Emiya Shirou (560) has posed:
    PHEW.

    Shirou relaxes upon it finally being established everyone's with the UNion. He was probably going to explode if not, should this keep up. After all, they're here to prevent a tragedy like the fire. If pride and paranoia got in the way of it...

    Yeeeeaaaaah.

    "Thanks." He graciously accepts the tea, and takes a sip. Just that seems to symbolize how much he can relax from that crazy tension... mostly.

Saber (346) has posed:
     Saber did not visibly relax, even to Bedivere's keen eyes. Though not quite as on edge as she was moments before, the Kiritsugu before her was nevertheless a cold and ruthless killer. A killer with a goal not unlike her own, but a killer nonetheless.

     She paused to nod to her Master as he served tea; a simple, innocuous gesture...he would be able to sense her gratitude. And not simply for the tea.

     Jade eyes closed, as if carefully considering her words. Her face remained as neutral as ever, but the dull pain of Iri's death lingered. There were almost limitless ways to approach the subject, but she decided against mentioning the eventual deaths of Irisviel, Ilyasviel, and Maiya. Instead, she decided, perhaps the most direct way would be to begin with the Grail itself.

     "The Holy Grail has been tainted. Any wish that is asked of it will likewise be tainted."

     She paused again for another sip of tea, mulling over yet more possibilities. The fact was that there was still much she did not know, and many of the gaps in her first-hand knowledge had only been filled in by Shirou, Rin, and Sakura....and in the case of the latter, something of the shards of the Grail within her previous Master's body. For the moment, it was likely best to continue on about the Grail.

     Her eyes opened then, boring into his. "For example, should you wish to eliminate all wars and conflict, the way the Holy Grail would interpret this wish would be to decimate half the world's population."

     A part of her wished that Shirou was not present, as much as underscoring what Kiritsugu's decisions would lead to was helpful to her point. She would rather not remind the young magus of the end result. "And even then, to try to destroy the Holy Grail will result in a terrible fire which will consume countless lives. And even then, the Grail would not be completely destroyed, resulting in another War ten years later."

     How did she know all this? Would he dare ask?

Emiya Kiritsugu (603) has posed:
Kiritsugu seats himself again, and while he does not seem concerned about the possibility of the tea being poisoned, he also does not make any motion to drink it. When Saber starts to speak, his attention is on her alone. And when the Servant speaks of the results of using the Grail, Kiritsugu makes a noise in the back of his throat and his eyes narrow. He does not say anything else presently. He just listens and considers the information. He still can not be certain what is being said will be the same for him, but again, there are so many parallels... And there is too much evidence that Saber was the Servant of A Kiritsugu. She seems to be too familiar with him otherwise. Fionnlagh seems to have been primed a bit too much on what to expect from Kiritsugu - though he might just naturally be suspicious and untrusting in general, or to have suffered something in his past to make him so, much like Kiritsugu.

He can not be CERTAIN, of course. But the facts are adding up, more and more, and some conclusions are reasonable ones to make. This Saber... He came to her for a reason. He thinks she has the most accurate picture of what to expect - more than Shirou by far, his only other informant presently.

For now, he has nothing to say. But the Magus-Slayer is thinking very heavily about the ramifications of this information.

Sir Bedivere (482) has posed:
For the time being, 'Fionnlagh' remains silent, sipping at his tea. Outwardly, he looks like the perfect picture of calm. He's learned over the years to control his reactions and hide his vulnerabilities. That also means hiding his unease.

He does listen to what Arturia has to say, but he has little and less interest in a cursed relic like the Holy Grail. Man was never meant to wield that kind of power. As it is, he can barely accept that he's to learn how to wield magic, for magic is another one of those forces that can't be tamed... not really.

One eye closes as he looks down at his tea, frowning slightly; a subtly odd but thoughtful expression. He'd almost be willing to wager that there were forces well beyond even Merlin's control, and the king's advisor had been without doubt the most potent magician he had ever seen.

Something to think about...

Emiya Shirou (560) has posed:
    This topic has Shirou drifting into thought himself. Saber explained many things recently, and all of them still have his head whirling when he lets them get out of control. Urgh... is Sakura really involved in magic? He hopes not. He really hopes not.

    "Preventing that fire from happening again's something anyone should want... the more I hear about the Holy Grail War the less I like it. The disaster's definitely the worst, but fooling everyone into a deadly battle royale over something that isn't what they want is disgusting!"

Saber (346) has posed:
     For the moment, the Servant waited, allowing her words to sink in. She had always found her former Master difficult to read; indeed, she had spend most of her time during the War with Irisviel, rather than Kiritsugu. But from what she could gather, her recollection did have some effect. Perhaps their worlds were different, and perhaps this version contained an untainted Grail. However, Arturia doubted it.

     The petite knight turned slightly to face Shirou when he spoke up. "You are quite right, Shirou. The War itself is under false pretences. I was informed...." Saber grimaced slightly from merely the thought of Gilgamesh but also from the uncomfortable fact that he was right, "...from a source who, for all his many flaws, is not the sort to lie. It was never intended to grant an impossible wish."

     Her gaze dropped to the dark liquid in her cup, as if attempting to scry something within its depths. "However, the truth is that it had become tainted, and should not be summoned at all, unless a way to destroy it can be found..."

     For a moment, a fleeting expression broke through the calm mask, a flicker of what was clearly regret. Irisviel, whom she had come to care for as a friend, had sacrificed her body for a Grail which would bring tragedy. And though she had only caught glimpses of the young Ilyasviel, the death Shirou and Rin had spoken of was a terrible thing. As much as she still did not quite trust her former Master, she was not cruel. He should know what would happen to his wife and his daughter.

     "...a way must be found that will not demand the sacrifice of Irisviel and later Ilyasviel. Otherwise, their deaths would be for naught."

Emiya Kiritsugu (603) has posed:
Kiritsugu is silent throughout the rest of Saber's explanation. Shirou's statement appears to be validated by the rest of what is said. The whole time, Kiritsugu is thinking, analyzing, considering possibilities. He needs more information. More than this. Even if he is told everything that Saber knows, she does not appear to know of a way to eliminate the Grail on a permanent basis - solely that its destruction is difficult, and that if it is attempted by whatever means she knows of, it will result in disaster. The deaths of thousands. Kiritsugu lifts one finger off the table as though to begin tapping it on the surface idly, but then puts it back down. Instead he rises from his chair again, calm once more, and says, "Then I have no choice but to participate in the Fourth Holy Grail War."

Wait, what?

"If it's not I who obtains it, but someone else, the results will be terrible beyond imagining. And if destroying it will cost the lives of thousands, but spare billions, only to lead to another war a decade later, then even 'cleansing' it of its corruption is not enough." The fact it will also cost Irisviel and Illyasviel their lives is not mentioned in his reasoning, but it no doubt weighs heavily on his mind and heart. "But even if all of this is accurate, the other Masters are unlikely to believe it. They will fight, and they will seek to claim the Grail themselves. And to claim it, they will have to obtain it from the grail-bearer."

Kiritsugu turns away from the others present and says, "So I have to fight, and I have to eliminate any other Master or Servant who challenges me. I have to keep Iri alive until a way to destroy the Grail permanently can be found. And hopefully, a way to save her." He then starts to walk out. "Thanks for the tea."

The tea remains untouched, right where it was served.