1903/Love and Eikons

Love and Eikons
Date of Scene:	29 March 2015
Location:	Dun Realtai
Synopsis:	Yari comes to Saber asking favors.
Cast of Characters:	346, 691

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Yari Takane (691) has posed:
It's been a rough couple days for Yari Takane, from a difficult mission to an even more difficult bout of 'training' that she's still recovering from. But after some time relaxing with Lute and Sanary, Yari finally returns to Dun Realtai. And this time, it's on business, if unofficial.

Thus, given the chilly weather and grey skies, Yari has bundled up in a traditional-but-thick white and red kimono with a heavy cloak draped over it. A slightly odd look to be sure, but she'll take that over getting her tail frozen off.

And like any good guest, she lets today's target know she's coming. Choosing to walk today rather than try to take more mechanical mounts, she arrives at the front door to the keep's Hall with little fanfaire. She even knocks on the door.

"Centurion Takane, reporting! Are you in Miss Saber?" Then, like a good conquerer, she opens the door and walks in.

There's still that paleness to her skin that speaks to either recent illness or some sort of trauma, and shadows of sleeplessness in her eyes. Yari's definitely had a rough time as of late.

Saber (346) has posed:
     Life in Dun Realtai had been somewhat busy as of late.

     With the supernaturally-extended winter at last in retreat, the village now prepared for the coming of spring and the subsequent planting season. Yet much more was too be done than in years past; the unnatural winter had sapped the land of life and fertility, and even the animals of the wilds had migrated to more plentiful lands. It would require more than simply waiting until the final frost had passed to begin plowing the earth and seeing the fields. Even before the last vestiges of snow had retreated, work was already underway to restore the vitality of the land.

     Yunomi Stadler, having pledged her efforts to not only reviving the land but also drawing up plans for a greenhouse to extend the naturally brief growing season, was already well into her task elsewhere. The appointed lord of the land, Sir Bedivere, poured over ledgers and work orders, preparing the logistics of their efforts well in advance, leaving nothing to chance and ensuring none of their efforts would be languishing while awaiting the necessary materials. As for the last of the land?

     Currently, the Servant Saber was taking inventory of a delivery of various seeds in the great hall of the keep, a few crates already opened and accounted for, though many had not yet been opened. A ledger of her own last open, the seeds already accounted for recorded carefully. Dressed in a simple, homespun tunic and leggings and soft suede boots, her flaxen hair was bound in it's usual practical braided bun.

     The knight only lifted her head at the sound of the knock on the heavy, carved oak doors, followed by the entrance of one of their growing number of guests.

     "Greetings, Lady Yari," the jade-eyed swordswoman hailed, straightening up from her task. "What brings you to our hall today?"

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
Yari pokes her head in, and then closes the door, spying a familiar bun of hair. Her own twintails fly fairly free, despite the obvious combat problem. One of her few concessions to vanity, perhaps? Or maybe she just apes Jinx's hair these days.

"Actually I had...a favor or two to ask." Comes the woman, losing her usual edge of composure. She frowns briefly, snaps a salute, and then sits down. Her legs cross, and she squeezes her tail just a bit.

Seems the woman doesn't know /quite/ how to start, peering about for convenient food and drink. She'll need it, at least on one of the subjects she's here for. Time to start with the more agreeable one.

"If it's not a problem, I'd like to perform an aetheric scan on you." She lifts her kimono's sleeve on her arm, revealing her magitek armlet.

Then her head tilts as she explains. "If my research is correct, you're known as a 'Servant', yes? A magical being constructed from the essence of a human of your world that passed into legends? In Hydaelyn, one of the worst threats to both sides of the conflict are beings known as Eikons." She doesn't see much point in hiding that fact. It's fairly obvious to anyone who follows dealings in that land.

"And while there's something to be said for certain short-term military gains at this point, I prefer longer views. Eorzea will be Garlean territory eventually, after all." It's said so casually as to be an inevitability. When it comes to her country, Yari can be quite arrogant.

"I believe these creatures may share similarities in construct with yourself and others of your kind I've encountered. I realize this will open you to some risk, and won't say I wouldn't use any methods I uncover against you in combat...but I think removing these creatures would be a boon for everyone involved."

Then, Yari shrugs. "I'd understand if you think the personal risk is too much. You don't owe me anything."

Saber (346) has posed:
     While there were many Elites who might have found the salute disconcerting, or would have been made to feel uneasy and insist such protocol was unnecessary, the King of Knights did not so much as bat an eye. Clearly, she was accustomed to not only military settings, but was comfortable, perhaps even accustomed to being in a position of command. However, the way she ordered servants was not quite in the same way, as if she was comfortable ordering civilians, though she looked them directly in the eye as she did. It might have almost seemed that she was merely making a request as she ordered a tray laden with tea, scones, biscuits, and even small sandwiches brought to the table, even thanking the young woman who brought them.

     Hospitality, it would seem, was taken as seriously as ever in Dun Realtai.

     The request, however, appeared to puzzle Arturia. It was somewhat sudden, to say nothing of what would have been Bedivere's adamant, automatic refusal; as far as the once-marshal of Camelot was concerned, his first duty would always be to his king and her protection. She had always trusted him to advise her in tactical matters, and she was reasonably certain her would have not even so much as entertained the idea. If there was anyone's advice she always heeded, it was that of the knight from Dal Riata.

     And then there was her own clear frown of disapproval at talk of conquering. Fending off wave after wave of marauding Sea Wolves, seeking the peace of utopia all throughout here reign, naturally the knight-king would hardly approve. Obvious aggression of a neighbour-state or tyrant was one thing, but outright conquering of another country was never something she would condone. She had informed the King of Conquerors of that opinion on more than one occasion during the Holy Grail War.

     Nevertheless, there were some points of common knowledge. Though it might, she considered, be a moot point. Her own world, for all its simulators to others, possessed by comparison some very strange physical lass when it came to magic and magical energies. "I am what is called a Servant, yes. However, our existence is somewhat complex, and how magical energy functions in our world -- and worlds similar to it -- would appear to be unique to our shared reality. I am sceptical that knowledge of the precise nature of my existence would be of particular use to you."

     But on the other hand, perhaps it might. Though Saber was not in any particular danger from being scanned -- and there was always the possibility that Yari could also turn to one of the Confederacy's many Servants already among its ranks -- such knowledge might be of some use against beings which were a genuine threat in that world.

     Silently, she considered a possible opportunity. Her personal like of the Centurion aside, the knight needed to think more tactically, at least where her adopted people were concerned. And, she suspected, the dragon-girl possessed something honour. "Very well, then. You may perform your scan, but on one condition. There will, no doubt, come a time when we have need of a favour from you. Will you accept?"

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
Just how different Saber treated her servants versus others is such an odd thing to Yari. Lines of merit and a strict social structure run through everything, and to see something /not/ held to military standards is strange for the young ninjette. She takes the tea and scones without much to say, seemingly lost in thought for a moment as she watches the servants putter about.

"...I'll admit to a certain amount of desperation." Might explain part of why she's come here in the first place.

Yari remains as stoic as ever in that look of discontent. She'd expect such, of course. Saber more than reminded her of the picture of a king to defend her realm taht she's read about in multiversal fiction.

She's used to being the 'villain' by now. Yari gives a swift nod of assent.

"As long as it doesn't harm the Confederacy, my men, or my country, that's fine. A debt, then." She takes her typical greeting most seriously, after all.

"Stand up please, this will take just a moment. Hold still, arms at your side, and breathe normally. Gets the aether all mixed up if you get nervous."

Tapping a few buttons on the thing, a holographic screen pops up in front of Yari. Then she slowly waves her arm from head to toe on Saber from about a foot away. There's a small whirring sound before the light on the end dissappears.

"That's it." Sitting back down, she waits for the little bar to fill up. Her foot taps just a little. She /really/ needs a new armlet for things like this.

Then she's quiet again, and increasingly nervously though she desperately tries to not show it. On to the far more embarrassing option.

"...Are you...experienced in...matters of the heart, and war, Miss Saber?" She's pointedly looking away. Yari Takane is blushing a bit here, and soon quaffing wine as seems to be her go-to embarrassment hider. Her eyes occasionally flick about. Hopefully none of the servants heard that.

Saber (346) has posed:
     In truth, the image she projected in Dun Realtai was a far different one than in her own kingdom, five years gone in her own sense of time. While whether they saw their intentions as noble or not -- nevertheless made them enemies by default. Not unlike fellow Servants during the Grail War, in fact...though that had done nothing to diminish her genuine like and respect of Lancer.

     Regardless, her dream of utopia, somewhat changed now afterthe end of Heaven's Feel, was at odds with subjugation, whatever the cause might be. In spite of that, she held her tongue...there would most likely come a time when that difference of opinion would play itself out on the battlefield. Yet, for now, Dun Realtai was a haven and a place of peace.

     The Servant shook her head."It will not be something with would violate the laws of chivalry, hence will bring no harm to you and yours. Mostlikely, it will be something to the direct benefit of Dun realtai....for example, if the corrupted elementals threaten this land once again."

     The petite knight did not so much asflinch when she was scanned, her stoic, impassive mask in its typical place. She had not previously seen technology of that particular type before, a queer blend of magic and technology. an average magus tended to eschew a certain level of it, and her first master had been odd in that he used cellular phones to communicate with his associate as opposed to some odd cobbling of thaumaturtgy. And there were worlds with nigh-incomprehensible technology with a complete lack of anything resembling magical energy. The Servant found it slightly strange to find both in the same world...or at least technology which appeared to use magicin some way.

     But the earlier mild surprised were nothing compared to what came next.

     Saber blinked owlishly at the question, herstoic demeanour loosening with clear bemusement. She knew about war, certainly...quite well, in fact. "Much of my lifewas surrpounded by some form of war..." she admitted.

     She poured herself a serving of tea, as if to hide her own embarrassment over the first part of the question. "As to the other....I must admit that my experiences are...a rather recent development." In other words, she was still very much green, herself.

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
Never let it be said that Saber isn't who she claimed to be. The pure honesty of the woman is a little off-putting to the spy, and yet endearing at the same time. Chivalry is such an odd concept to her.

Finally the bar fills up, and she pours over the scan. She'll need to run it by a specialist, but the results certainly pique her interest.

'Corrupt elementals' seems to be an oxymoron to the Garlean, but she swiftly nods.

"I'd hate to lose a tactically viable neutral meeting area anyway." She'd likely have answered /that/ call even without a debt in the balance. Win-win in her book.

Yari's face clearly holds a touch of dissappointment, as she rubs the back of her head.

"Mmm. I grew up with war as well. 'Same boat', is it?" She muses with a frown.

Then, with a shrug, she strides forward regardless.

"...How do you keep them apart? When you're away from the one you love and they're on the battlefield. How do you maintain your focus?" Frustration is clear in her voice.

"I've heard her cries more than once, but every time, all that training in discipline? Useless! I'm /weak/. We're weak when we get like that! Tch, what kind of commander risks her men like that!?" It's a surge of emotions, oh-so-new to the young Centurion, that frustrates her endlessly.

Her hand clenches her cup, nearly cracking it in irritation.

"...And I'm not sure if my current 'methods' will leave me sane or not. I thought I could endure it all."

Saber (346) has posed:
     The chivalric Virtue of Fides had not always been one which the Servant was permitted to follow in true spirit. As king, she had been forced to work around it somewhat in order to disguise the truth of her gender, ruling where only men had truly been permitted. As a Servant, she would only give her true name if the Servant she faced gave his first, adhering to chivalry but otherwise maintain a close guard of her identity otherwise. Yet, in her own home, she had little need to hide herself away with quite the same level of caution. It was true that some secrets remained, but what was already fairly open knowledge would not surprise her unpleasantly in the long run.

     Besides which, Bedivere was already properly paranoid for the both of them, as per his duties.

     Saber smiled; though it was one that would otherwise be a warm, friendly one, the undercurrent suggested she knew all too clearly the realities of war...even the generally cold one waged between Confederacy and Union. Though neither she nor Bedivere had particularly planned for events as they had occurred, Dun Realtai's nature as neutral ground in spite of being technically Union-controlled as well as a safe haven had made some Confederate interests vested in keeping it that way. Nearly everyone, it seemed, had more use for it as neutral ground than as territory. "Dun Realtai has little in the way of resources, and even at its peak will not be especially useful in terms of agriculture, livestock, or mining. What likewise makes it useful is also what protects it: neutrality."

     The diminutive swordswoman tilted her head slightly, her equivalent of a shrug, but her expression turned thoughtful. "To some degree, perhaps," she replied. "My kingdom was in turmoil for a very long time, though I admit that for the earliest years of my life, I was rather sheltered. I knew only peace until my fifteenth birthday, and soon thereafter involved myself in driving the invaders from our kingdom and quelling the chaos of the land." So that was it; personal experience driving off invading forces. Small wonder she seemed to take invasions somewhat personally.

     Arturia sat back into her chair, her finger idly tapping the side of the porcelain teacup. How, indeed. She herself was still coming to terms with many of the same problems. "When we fought Odin," she mused, and perhaps that particular name might ring a bell or two for the Garlean, "He took us by surprise with a magical attack. We had no time to prepare, and though I cannot be harmed with most forms of magic, I had no time to properly guard my Master. He was rendered unconscious, and I simply...reacted."

     In other words, she went berserk, her draconic blood overriding her normal personality, and pressed her attack against the Primal Elder, only calming once Bedivere awakened long enough to assist her final attack and all but collapse in her arms afterward. "Whatever discipline I honed from the time I became a squire�s apprentice to my entrance to the Fourth Holy Grail War, it mattered not. I risked our mission because I lost control."

     The little blonde shook her head, speaking after a long moment of silence. "It would appear that there is no easy answer," she replied at last. "However, it does become somewhat...perhaps 'easier' is not the correct word, but one becomes more acclimated to it, over time. It is like any new form of discipline, I believe it will take time to learn how to overcome it, and to rely on one another as we have always done."

     But in their case, it might not be so easily done; Bedivere, for his part, had always been possessed of a berserker rage when it came to seeing his king fall.

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
Yari's head tilts in thought as she listens.

"More or less true. But I think you're forgetting something. Dun Realtai's ultimate worth is it's people. And not just the Elites here. Tough, strong people like that...I'll admit, if this wasn't a neutral area, even a tiny village like this could prove useful. But I guess I'm being rude. Sorry, being a 'civilian' doesn't sit well with me."

Manners is still something that Yari's working on. There's such thing as /too/ much honesty.

The ninja is busy drowning her sorrows, but never once looks away from Saber. It's a skill honed by being in rooms full of subordinates likely more intoxicated than you are.

Eyes widen a touch as it all clicks. She'd not heard of the invasions, and it certainly explains /why/ she finds conquerers so distasteful. There's a hint of sadness in her eyes for a moment. Yari had, and to a degree still does, hold out the hope of besting the woman and adding her to the Empire's forces like so many before her. But it's a thinning hope indeed. She may just be /too/ virtuous and strong after all.

"Eikons aren't something to be underestimated. Or trusted." Comes the woman with the type of scorn the good Marshal might reserve for herself.

But she softens a touch, leaning her head on her hand.

"...I had a feeling you'd say something like that, but...I guess there's no easy path to anything, else it wouldn't be worthwhile. No merit or strength in it." Then she goes silent. Her mind races a moment, and then the lizardes leans forward. Personal space isn't something that one often considers in a cramped airship or in a military camp.

Old habits die hard. "This might be an opportunity, then. Miss Saber. I'd start making sure your lover isn't just going soft in a place like this. I'll be doing the same. Because when we meet in battle? I want to see what you /and/ yours are capable of. Sanary and I won't dissappoint." There's something challenging in her voice, the Centurion poking at that knightly pride.

Maybe it'll help all four of them, after all.

Saber (346) has posed:
     The knight-king folded her hands in her lap, giving more of an appearance of a refined noblewoman than the ruler of a country. "The people of a land are a resource unlike any other. Subjugate them, and either their spirit is broken to little more than machines, or else they rebel. The only wy to truly make the most of people is to approach them with respect; offer them treaties, alliances, and trade. They can only be useful to another country so long as their own sovereignty is respected." Or, in the case of certain two Knights of the Round Table, bring aid and be tasked with watching over them by the land's winter spirit. The Centurion did have a point,however; lord and lady of the land valued its people above all else.

     Though she kept her face placid, inwardly the Servant wondered if she would need to tap into more of the buttery's stocks. on the other hand, that much wine couldn't be good for anyone.

     It was just as well that the pieces had fallen together for the Garlean. It wouldn't have been the first time someone had become fond of the idea of besting the Saber and inviting her to join another army. Fortunately, she hadn't voiced it; aside from her duties to the Union, her allies, Dun Realtai, and above all her Master and the lord she appointed over the lands, there was still the matter of kingly pride. She had already warned Iskander off it during the Grail War, her previous smile fading into a stern rebuke: /I would punish you for that another time, Rider./ She was a knight, but she was more than that the King of Knights, and would never submit to the rule of another.

     "And they are similar to Heroic Spirits? Elementals after a fashion, I assume?" There remained a great deal she still didn't know about the beings in question, and though she doubted they might find their way to the remote village, there was nevertheless the possibility. Best to prepare for any potential problems.

     "Unlike many other problems, it is not something which can be trained for..." she began before there was suddenly a ninja in her personal space.

     It would have been unthinkable in the days of her reign, when she had needed to maintain the necessary space to protect her identity. Fortunately, it was no longer Camelot, and said ninja was not a lecherous Pokemon trainer with no concept of chivalry. Likewise, Bedivere would have broken Hospitality again to defend his king, regardless of intent or not, and as luck would have it embroiled in his battle with paperwork. Yet the Saber for all the world did not so much as move, like a novice Lancer facing down a rival.

     What might have been most surprising, however, with the faint smile, a mere suggestion of what might have been a wolfish grin in another. Perhaps to some, that challenge might have been an insult...not to the Servant Saber of the Fourth Holy Grail War. "Oh? Then I shall look forward to such a time, then."

     If one didn't know any better, the other dragon had finally bared her fangs....and actually /enjoyed/ the prospect of a test of strength and skill. For all her otherwise peaceable ways, Yari had encountered a warrior.

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
Yari isn't quick to reject Saber's ideas. After all, the woman is more soldier than politician. No, she seems to ponder the whole thing as though she's toeing into waters clearly unfamiliar.

"...Broken, or remade? I'll admit that your ideas are the 'ideal'. For a country to lay down its arms willingly is always preferred. After all, like you said, rebellion is always a factor in people worthy of joining an Empire." Seems the ninja is a bit blind that way, not able to see too far past what she's been raised in.

"But reality isn't so sweet. Maybe your realm had that kind of time. We Domans, we Au Ra, lost a lot when we were conquered." There's no hatred in her voice, simple historical fact.

"But men and women like me found a new strength. Discipline. Honor of a sort. And a way of living better than what we came up with." Then she shrugs.

"But I'm not really good at this kind of thing. Politics, I mean. If you want a /real/ representation of our people, have a talk with Lord van Baelsar. Hard man to get to know, but...I think someone like you, Miss Saber, might just be capable of it. You're an easy woman to talk to when swords aren't involved." There's a sudden burst of amusement in her eyes, and a bit of worry. Saber's charisma, after all, is infectious.

Definitely not good for her. Yari'd be well on her way to horrible consequences if it wasn't for Confederate technology. Sadly, she's learned early on to drown her pain in drink. It's, sadly, symptomatic of someone who drinks to forget.

Yari has a few too many regrets that she'd rather not face, even in all of her duty. "You could call them Elementals, though not how Gridanians think. I'm not privy to but so much. I just have a few contacts, that's all. Creatures of magic that only want to gain 'followers'. And I don't mean gently." It's all she can say, but a significant tip. From what she's gathered, the Primals piss off Saber almost as much as Yari wants to stab them clean through.

"I don't like to say this much, but they're all better off dead. Permanently." Her eyes narrow meaningfully. Perhaps the Servant comparison is apt.

Yari leans back finally. She'd expected insult. What she got was a grin and an agreement.

The woman rarely laughs. But she belts out a loud, curious little laugh. The lizard nearly falls over. By the time she controls herself, there's tears in her eyes.

"You know, I half expected you to punch me for something like that. Maybe too much time in a bar."

Then she slowly stands. For some reason, she looks much, much better.

"...I appreciate it, Miss Saber. You'd make a fine Legatus." There's something of a smirk at the end, a gentle nudge. Then she's waving.

"Let's both hope that some day someone finds out a real answer to all of our questions. Even for someone like me, it all sometimes is just a damn tragedy. Goodnight, Saber." With that? She walks towards the guest quarters, filled with questions, and maybe an answer or two for once.

Saber (346) has posed:
     Saber shook her head. "What is broken cannot be remade in the same way...what rises from ashes is a very different creature. What arose from the ashes of mine was no longer what I could call Britain, though the country bears its name, still." Perhaps more than she would have otherwise have revealed, yet the Once and Future King had seen the pattern at least once before. Though she herself had no inclination towards conquest, it had been a common enough theme throughout human history not to remark upon it. "And the, even what might seem a small rebellion is enough to spark that flame which brings a kingdom to ruin.

     On that point she certainly had seen events first-hand.

     "Perhaps, she acknowledged. "I ruled for a scant decade and one half. Had my reign been of fewer years, we would not have stemmed the tide as we had."

     Battle, politics, charisma...Saber had ample experience with both. as a king, she had needed to possess it, to say nothing of appointing the right men to the right positions within her court. It would seem the Centurion might have gotten more thaqn she bargained for.

     She certainly recognised the name; though she had not faced Gaius van Baelsar in combat, she had at the very least opposed him in the curt of the Dawn King. Strangely, the king of that particular realm -- in spite of being a Confederate, himself -- seemed to agree more with the King of Knights than the commander of the Garlean forces. Arturia was not entirely certain how that perticular discussion would go. She doubted it would end as poorly as the Feast of Kings had, but she was not entirely certain she would be able to hold her tongue for very long.

     There was much the Au Ra wanted to forget, she could see that well enough. But it would not keep the ghosts away for long, though Yari might have to discover that for herself.

     As for the Primals, Saber's expression remained dark, having faced at least one already. They were nothing to trifle with, but she would oppose them wherever they chose to appear. Odin's destruction was clear enough indication on what would happen if they ran unchecked. "It goes without saying that they have no place on this plane of existence," she agreed. "They cannot be permitted to wreak destruction on the people."

     Though she prefered more peaceful means such as sparring, the truth was that Saber did very much enjoy tests of strength and skill. As repugnant as the Grail War could be, there was some measure of enjoyment testing her mettle against other knights throughout history and legend. Death threats were more of a point of honour; she met Lancer's promise to take her head with that same faint, wolfish smile, honestly glad to have been able to met such a skilled and honourable Servant. Death for them had no meaning; he was already dead, and she would be soon enough. Their promised duel had been cut far too short, a regret that she still harboured even after five years.

     Yet, times were different now, and she could no longer take quite the same risks. The Servant was now more careful; her new duties to her friends, allies, her new home, and her lord and Master demanded that she refrain from throwing herself into every battle. But there was the truth that they were on opposite sides in a war which ran cold and hot depending on the circumstances, and it was nevertheless better to have honourable, skilled opponents. "It was merely missing the promise to take my head and serve it to your Master as a prize," she quipped softly, her smile never wavering.

     It did, however, soften as Yari took her leave. "There are times when tragedy turns to triumph. I have seen it with my own eyes, so do not lose heart, Lady Yari."

     With that, the Once and Future King of Britain returned to her work.