1632/Garleans Upon Dun Realtai

Garleans Upon Dun Realtai
Date of Scene:	21 February 2015
Location:	Dun Realtai
Synopsis:	A Garlean Trooper has taken up Dun Realtai's hospitality, and Centurion Yari Takane arrives to assess the state of her man and repay a debt. She finds good food, good wine, good company, and perhaps good friends.
Cast of Characters:	346, 560, 691

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Yari Takane (691) has posed:
Centurion Takane is as good as her word. Arriving atop three chocobos outfitted for the weather, Yari and her two fellow soldiers pause through the crunching of snow. Yari is dressed, rather than her usual legion-color leather armor, a black and red formal uniform. She's missing the magitek arm as well, and even her blade. For once, she's not sporting any hidden weaponry, aside from a few smoke bombs just in case.

Her two compatriots are both human, with blonde hair and green eyes. Young, likely not much more than seventeen, the two are bedecked with packs, potions, and other supplies. Not a weapon on the two. It's a risk, but Yari's research and the ways of those who greeted her on the radio have her extending trust.

The trio simply wait even as they announce their arrival on the radio. Wincing a little after the long chocobo-ride agitating the gunshot wound to her right side, she can't help but rub it a little as she awaits. There's a zippo extended from a soldier. Yari gives a tiny nod, pulls out her pipe, and lights up with her companion's help. Smoke and frosty breath fills the air as they await their escort(s).

Saber (346) has posed:
     The weather in Dun Realtai remained generally unforgiving, a harsh and dangerous place to become lost. The otherwise dead and barren land showed signs of what had once been vegetation, lost to an unnatural, artificial winter when its winter guardian was forced to assume responsibility for the land and its people until the arrival and appointment of their current lord. Villagers remained indoors for the most part rather than risk exposure to the extreme cold and winter storms. In all, a bad place to become stranded...except for the fact that Dun Realtai lay beyond the warpgate. And according to both chivalry and the ancient laws the guardians followed, no one in need could be turned away.

     The Centurion's subordinate was tended to with care by healers from the village, and no questions were asked. Therefore, it was somewhat surprising when Arturia Pendragon heard over the radio that their guest's superior had finally found their wayward scout and requested a visit. And as per their own rules, she could not turn her away.

     Dressed in a leather jerkin and trousers with her ermine-lined cloak thrown over her shoulders, the King of Knights rode a large grey mare out into the snow-covered lands to meet their new arrivals and escort them into the keep. "Greetings," she hailed as she arrived, her voice quiet yet somehow carryiong with the rest of her regal demeanour. "I am Saber, the one you spoke with over the radio. I welcome you to Dun Realtai."

     And with that, the group was under the absolute protection of the lord and lady of the land so long as those laws were observed.

Emiya Shirou (560) has posed:
    Emiya Shirou doesn't like sitting idle. When he hasn't been learning riding from Sir Bedivere or practicing Projection elsewhere with Iianor's support, he's been...

    ...hauling firewood all over the place, checking on people, doing handyman work all over the place to keep the cold out...

    As usual, he doesn't spend practically ANY time on himself.

    Disturbing.

    he's in the keep though when the King of Knights and her entourage arrive, hanging up his own jacket...

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
Trooper Julus is lucky to be alive. A dark skinned, tall elezen man, three arrows and an unfortunate encounter with an Ochu left him poisoned, half-dead, and at risk of losing an arm. After fever, chills, and a bit of work from the villagers?

The young scout is alive, healthy, albeit missing a pair of fingers on the left hand. He's proven a good guest: amiable, quick with a joke, and full of fanciful tales of questionable truth. While not the best scout in the unit, his effects on morale and skill with numbers makes him invaluable. It's part of why Yari has risked freezing weather and wound aggravation to come collect the man.

She simply refuses to leave someone behind if she has any choice in the matter. Especially those that prove their worth.

The two Troopers beside Yari straight up in their saddles as the King of Knights approaches. Yari herself is a little slower on the uptake, visibly flinching as she moves into a smooth salute. The pipe, in its red and black, is then flicked empty and stored in her belongings. Embers quickly burn out in the snow.

"Lady Saber. Centurion Yari Takane. These are the medicae I spoke of."

The twin healers give swift nods to Saber, with sharp 'Ma'am's'.

"My thanks, and that of the Legion, for taking in Trooper Julus. How is he?" In a quiet, but firm tone, she swiftly moves to the topic of her wounded soldier. Looking the King of Knights over, measuring her up, she then spies Shirou. A blink, and a nod to the man.

"I am under the impression you are a member of the Union, Lady Saber? Even so, so long as there's no harm to Empire or Confederacy, we will repay your kindness." Here, she bows just slightly as her tail curls.

The trio are already starting to usher their chocobo slowly forward, ready to fall behind Saber should she lead on. One of them noticably takes stock of the area, seeming a bit curious. Yari's own eyes flit about at village and keep alike.

Saber (346) has posed:
     The jade-eyed knight acknowledged not only Yari, but the accompanying healers in turn as they rode through the village. Most of the villagers peered with a mild curiosity out through heavy glass windows yet remained inside, though not out of fear or apprehension of anything other than the weather. "Well-met. Your man is well...I have seen to it that he has been tended to until your arrival. The winter here is a harsh one, yet he seems to not have suffered from anything more severe than frostbite."

     A pair of stablehands come to collect the chocobos as well as Arturia's mare as she rode into the bailey and dismounted, somewhat surprised by the large birds and mildly curious, but otherwise rather calm. It would seem that they had become accustomed to the odd outworld guest or two.

     From there, the flaxen-haired knight leads the group through heavy, intricately-carved oak doors into the blessed warmth of the great hall. Saber shrugged off her cloak after leading them to a table and benches near the hearth as servants brought bread, cheese, and spiced wine. As in the case of the other villagers, the aura was of calm, mild curiosity.

     "We are of the Union, yes," the Servant explained. "However, all are welcome within the walls of Dun Realtai so long as the Laws of Hospitality are observed. We are bound to protect you for as long as you remain a guest here." Apparently, this meant even Union members had to behave themselves, whether or not they felt an attack was justified. "As we are likewise bound by chivalry to never turn away any who are in need."

     When she caught sight of Shirou, the otherwise stoic mien shifted slightly into a faint smile. "Good afternoon, Shirou," she greeted softly but with an undercurrent of warmth. "Have your studies been well?"

Emiya Shirou (560) has posed:
    Oho, Chocobos! Shirou spotted them through a window moments before everyone arrived. Seeing the birds always put him in a good mood. They're so full of life!

    ... MAYBe that explains the faint smile he's showing when the group enters and Saber greets him. The young puts a hand on his hip. "Nn! Next time there's another feast I'll ride circles around Mordred." Well that's clearly a joking boast. But he CAN ride somewhat now, at least! ... Around town, anyways...

    His gaze sweeps over to Yari and the twin healers. "This is the first time I've seen the Garlean Empire's people in these parts. Just what happened wit this soldier? I didnt hear anything about this until now... have been busy around town."

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
The journey through the village proper slowly melts the facade of soldier-like perfection in the two Medicae. The pair quietly converse in whispered sub-tone over their linked devices. One even gives a friendly little wave to a young girl smooshing her face to the glass of a window curiously. Yari, for her part, remains as formal and rigid as she has since arriving. Indeed, it might mirror something of the good King's own mask, though far, far less practiced. Beneath it all, little subtle facial cues of curiousity, but mostly /worry/ are etched there.

It only lessens slightly at the news.

"Mmm. Better than expected. It seems our preparedness for..." She pauses, coughs, and lets the thought drop. She'll have to re-think her Multiversal Scouting Strategies later.

Chocobos properly borded and 'kweh'ing happily, the trio enter the hall. One of the troopers openly gasp. Warmth, food, and a harth. It's a little vision of heaven for tired and wounded troops.

A look to Saber questioningly, and then, a nod to her troopers. The duo look quite happy to accept the offered victuals; tucking in with efficiency and gusto. Yari is far more reserved, taking her seat in measured paces after removing her own cloak.

She's notably quick to pour herself some wine, sipping it down and letting out a sigh of relief. Only now does it become apparent the cold hasn't done well for her at all. She moves slightly closer to the hearth.

But her eyes never seem to leave Saber, studying her increasingly openly.

"I am unfamiliar with these Laws. Please explain?"

A glance to Shirou, and the voice is recognized. "Squire Shirou. Greetings." Then, the lizard-soldier looks to one of the Medicae. "Trooper?"

Gulping down a slice of cheese, the human turns to Shirou at the question.

"...Well, Julus loves hunting. We had been on a tour of duty, supplies running low. So he goes out to bag something edible. Next thing we know? Bunch of bandits show up. Julus leads some of 'em off while we fight the rest. Made the rotters flee, moved on, tried to find 'im. Last tracks at a warpgate, and blood. Probably got hit, ran to the nearest gate. Just chose the wrong...heh, or maybe right one. Going from forest to cold isn't good for you."

The man had been likely put up at the Inn, and only recently was awake enough to toss his superior a message.

Yari looks to Saber as she finally starts making herself a sandwich.

"You and yours have encountered our troops before?" Asks the Centurion conversationally, a quick glance shot to Shirou.

Saber (346) has posed:
     For all their isolation, the villagers hardly seem the insular, suspicious sort; reserved, even perhaps cautious, but not the suspicion normally associated with such apparently isolated communities of cold climates. As if the people were well-used to foreign visitors...or had full confidence that their guardians had their protection well in hand. That confidence was certainly not in the half-ruined walls around the village, where something had clearly rammed into them. What work that had been done on them had evidently been halted once the inclement weather set in. Likewise, there were no signs of arbalests, trebuchets, or turrets from which archers could rain arrows down on armies laying siege to it. Either there was no perceived need for them, or what there had been was destroyed some time ago, and the efforts to rebuild had been entirely focused on the village, where most of the buildings were clearly recent. In spite of the mediaeval style of architecture, there were signs of modernity; the occasional LED light, indications of indoor plumbing, and modern insulation.

     The keep likewise appeared to have been rebuilt recently; newer stone had been laid atop old from whatever damage the rest of the village had suffered. Timber was replaced completely -- some of which with, strangely, what seemed to be bamboo -- and some sported what appeared to be Celtic-style knotwork. Some benches and chairs boast woven cushions of wool either plain or dyed modestly, with similar Celtic patterns.

     Waiting until the weary soldiers have seated themselves and gratefully partaking of the offered hospitality, the diminutive knight explained. If she was troubled by the scrutiny, she didn't reveal it, her stoic mien unwavering. "Were we are from, there exist the Brehon Laws." Was the knight not from this land, then? "Among them, there exist the Laws of Hospitality. Once a guest has been welcomed and offered hospitality, the host may take no aggressive action against them. Likewise, the guest is expected to honour that same agreement, and take no action of aggression against his host."

     With a languid yet graceful movement, Saber claimed a scone from the tray in front of her. "Moreover, the code of chivalry likewise forbids it, as well as demands that we never turn away someone in need. In this weather, there have been more than a few who have had need of the shelter we offer freely."

     She nearly grinned at Shirou. "I have heard that Sir Bedivere has been teaching you," she replied. "I shall look forward to it, then."

At Yari's last question, she shook her head. "I have not personally," she admitted. "I am familiar with the chocobos you have ridden, though...the ones I have experience with have been rather...spirited." Ivalican chocobos, apparently, the mean bastards.

Emiya Shirou (560) has posed:
    Ack, now the spotlight's on Shirou. The look he returns to Saber is a little bit sheepish. Like he can really ride circles around a Heroic Spirit. Well, he's willing to try!

    Or at least not make a fool of himself next time.

    "A few times." Shirou answers cautiously. "With the interests of figuring out what's happening in Hydaelyn and ending that war as fast as possible." He's carefully omitting the fact that he's been against them several times.

    They aren't exactly happy memories or worth bringing up now. "But let's leave the war at the door. It can stay outside along with the awful cold."

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
Even if she's here for peaceable reasons, Yari is too much of a soldier to /not/ guage the defenses. She takes in every detail, lips pursing slightly. A village such as this could likely be taken without a single blade drawn with her unit alone.

Judging by the defenses. In the warmth of the hall, with such kindness laid to those who would in theory be enemies, the thought threatens to push the Centurion into a spiral of depression. How many kind, good folk had died by their Empire's hand? An all too sobering thought. But one that's dashed by belief. An unfortunate sacrifice, but a necessary one for Hydaelan. She notably consumes her wine with indecent haste, thoughts of war and death clouding her features in sadness. Then she slams down a now empty wine bottle looking slightly more stoic as she draws on that mask from the sudden haze of depression.

Thankfully she holds her liquor well.

"Mmm. These terms are agreeable. Medicae? As soon as Trooper Julus is recovered and further tended to, you will assist the villagers with any illnesses that you can treat. Do not fear to hold back supplies, or assist in other matters. Bring the Empire honor and glory. Do not tarnish the Emperor's name. Understood?" The two troopers swiftly salute.

Then she's looking to Saber. "If that is agreeable, of course. As I am currently on light duty after an injury, I too will offer what help I can." Comes firm words, the soldier straightening up in her chair.

Yari's lips budge upwards. "...War chocobos are often that way. Several in our unit are enough to unseat all but our best riders." There's a hint of mirth in her voice, and perhaps self deprication. Yari is /not/ one of those best riders.

A small nod offered to Shirou. So too does her exterior crack as cold limbs warm and the feeling of /safety/ enters her. For a ninja, it's almost shameful. For the woman called Yari Takane, it's a vast relief to feel that way.

"Yes. The topic was foolish. My apologies." His answer earns him a tilt of Yari's head, tail swaying just a bit more.

"However I wouldn't turn down to discussing your perspective on it at another time." Yet another of her small, formal nods, and she finally lets out a breath.

"I am curious about this village. It's not unlike certain villages in the Empire. Was this technology pre-existing, or the work of those arriving after?" Here, she sounds honestly curious. The place is a backwater by her standards, but that just gives it a charm of its own.

Saber (346) has posed:
     Were she in a similar situation, Arturia would have been engaging in much the same, she realised as she observed the ninja appraising the state of the village and keep. So too, for that matter, would her marshal, the Left Hand of the King, now Lord of Dun Realtai. It was only in what had become their home where they could truly allow their guard to lower and their stoic masks to slip. Yet, they remained vigilant per their chivalric code, and with good reason. There would always be threats even to remote villages such as this, and their first duty was to protect the people.

     Similarly, she knew of a similar depression, though hers she was forced to hide behind the mask of the ideal king. Wars had constantly harried Britain, driving her to seek the utopia of peace. She was never able to realise that dream...at least, not in Britain. But Dun Realtai was another matter. They had been able to realise something of their dreams in this deceptively desolate land. And woe be unto anyone who decided to intrude upon that peace.

     But for the moment, Saber merely performed her duties as a proper king, knight, and hostess. "That is agreeable," she replied with a slight nod of her head. "However, there is no need to repay us. I ask only that, should you see fit to help the people in any way, we would be most grateful." And, of course, Saber considered herself in the personal debt of anyone who chose to help those who had become, as far as she was concerned, her people.

     On that topic, the flaxen-haired knight-king lifted a teacup to her lips before responding, which the servants had brought her knowing of her proclivities. "The more modern technology was brought here by relief teams," she explained. The truth of how they came to be there was not of any particular tactical advantage, so there was little harm in it. It did, however, affirm that they were not, in fact, natives of the land. "Dun Realtai had been devastated following its previous lord going mad and corrupting ice elementals, which were responsible for devastation of the land. We felt that the people would resent too many changes, and so we have only introduced enough to improve the quality of life for the villagers." What went unsaid was that the lord -- himself from a similar time frame -- was more comfortable that way, as well. As a Servant, Saber was comfortable in more technologically-advanced settings, but the idea was to provide him a place to heal just as much as for the people.

Emiya Shirou (560) has posed:
    "I went and brought it up." Shirou counters apologetically with a shake of his head. "but sure. There's a lots of questions that need answering."

    "We should bring in some bicycles once the snow melts," He suggests in an aside to Saber a few moments later.

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
And an excellent hostess she is. The two medicae eat as though they haven't had food of this quality in weeks (likely true), and drink with reserved gusto. They need to be somewhat sober for seeing to their charge here, after all. Yari, being on semi-leave as she is, is far less restrained. She's already on her second bottle, and third plate. This one can eat. Being a ninja requires quite a few calories to defy laws of physics.

"Your selflessness is admirable, Lady Saber. The honor of the Legion demands repayment, however." She states quite simply, as though the matter were closed. It's a bit forceful for one with such a quiet voice. It's a skill perfected by chastising Troopers.

The matter of technology is torn into, curiousity clear in her eyes. Yari's no engineer, but she's used to Garlean life enough to be familiar.

"A neutral village, rescued from a madman, and reinforced by relief teams presumably from both sides. In a...'multiverse' of war, this village is an oddity." She states, before devouring a slice of cheese.

"...Mmm. Credit to your cheesemaker. Perfect texture, good consistency, not overly aged." Yari pauses, coughs, and continues her thought.

"...Apologies. The atmosphere of this place is relaxing. I may stay a day or two, duties allowing. I wish there were more villages like this." It's an honest thought, ended with a sigh. And more wine. When she's had her fill, the Centurion leans back in her chair. The two medicae excuse themselves.

Taking out her red and black pipe, with some fumbling, she sets about seeing to her vices.

A glance to Shirou. There's a tiny, bitter little smile, but it passes. "Squire Shirou. Forgive me if it's too forward, but why do you wish to become a knight?" She asks suddenly, lips thinning to a line as though the question was awfully important.
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Saber (346) has posed:
     At Shirou's suggestion, the Servant frowned thoughtfully. "Hmm," she mused, tapping a finger on the side of her teacup. "The pathways and roads would need to be mended first, however, that is an agreeable idea." Not that she nor Gawain had any problems guiding their motorbikes over the terrain, but then again, they possessed high Riding skill. Normal people would have more difficulty.

     On the subject of war, however, her expression turned sombre. "My kingdom was constantly plagued by wars," she reflected. "It is our intention for this to be a land of peace...the peace we were unable to realise for my kingdom." She was not as secretive as she once was, and saw no need to conceal what was, if she was to be completely honest with herself, fairly common knowledge. She referred to herself as "we" now rather than "I", having appointed Bedivere as lord of Dun Realtai and took her place at his side as his lady. Yet, she was in many ways still a king, and carried herself such. In fact, she simply didn't know /how/ to stop being a king. At times, it seemed completely out-of-place that a woman who had ruled a kingdom behind an impartial and aloof mask would lower herself to the status she now held, but the people had noticed how much /relief/ it appeared to bring her. She was still a knight and followed the Eight Virtues as absolutely as always, but the once-broken king had been slowly healing.

     "I would expect no less, for those who hold honour in such esteem," she observed, and she did nothing to keep the slight tone of approval out of her voice. "However, any kindness paid to the people is a kindness unto me. You are welcome as a guest within these walls for as long as you desire."

     As if to underscore her point, servants led the healers up to the upper floors of the keep where the guest quarters were, whether they preferred the open-bay hostel accommodations -- not entirely unlike military barracks, likely for housing the keep's guards when there were any -- or private rooms, and shared Roman-style baths as if to declare the evening's luxuries were still to come.

     "It would be an oddity in many worlds," Saber admitted. "We had no wish to disturb the livelihood of the people any more than it was already, yet it became much more, in the process." It had become their home, and a refuge for a number of people on both sides of the battle lines. And she preferred to keep it that way.

     "I shall inform her," the Servant replied with a slight smile. Though they had brought in what could not be replicated, many people were determined to return to their work, as if to forget the pain of losing loved ones or else simply to reassert their independent spirit. She had found it was better to simply bring in more livestock and allow the people to perform their own milking and preparation of dairy, rather than import everything outright. It was quite refreshing for her and her marshal both.

Emiya Shirou (560) has posed:
    "--eh...?" Why does he want to be a knight?

    Well for starters Shirou doesn't really want to be a knight per se, so the question at first leaves him staring much like a deer caught in headlights.

    Yet he has to answer honestly. Especially with Saber right here. Not going to be any dodging this one.

    "It's not quite that I want to be a knight specifically." He begins cautiously, for it would be very bad if Sir Bedivere heard him say this the wrong way.

    "Braving challenges that need to be overcome, saving people who need to be saved, helping people who need to be helped... before I came to the Multiverse I was training to... for that kind of work." No he's not gonna say 'to be a superhero.'

    "... for one world it's emergency workers or superheroes, for another it's knights... the Knights of Dun Realtai are the best example of such a thing I've seen and have my complete respect. Why wouldn't I want to be like them and protect the Dun Realtai too? Learning to be a Knight, I think that will put me on the right path."

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
Yari goes utterly silent as Saber speaks of her kingdom, and peace. There's a small breath, somewhat uncomfortable, even as there's a contemplative look on her features. Another deep drag of pipe, a breath, and she ends up with a frown.

"...It's unfortunate. There are so many who want peace. I cannot say that I really know what peace is." Offers the woman somewhat timidly. It's odd, to share honest words with an enemy. But the offering of Saber's own life is returned in kind.

"I was an orphan. Taken in by the Empire. So all I have known is war. And I won't presume to speak for the Emperor. But I think our purpose is to achieve that thing called peace. I will not sit here in this hall of good people and say what we do to acquire peace is just, or maybe even right. But I believe only the strongest and most skilled can make unbreakable peace. That is why we take and conquer. So that one day Hydaelyn can be free. To subdue without dishonor to the defeated..." She straightens, mask of neutrality slipping back on. Her head is fuzzy.

"My apologies. Your wine is too enticing, I did not mean to ramble on meaningless subjects."

There's a look away from the duo, and then back. Her lip is bit for a moment, and then she lets go. "...I will report to my Legatus that this land possesses no tactical worth, and that its status as a neutral ground will be beneficial in remaining so." She says quietly, with a nod to Saber and Shirou. Not an unfair judgement, but Saber's cause here is one she can get behind.

"I simply ask that you show me what 'peace' is. I doubt that I will see that in my own world in my lifetime."

Her words of honor have Yari tugging lip-corners but she's otherwise silent. A small nod of assent, conceding victory in the battle of honor as it were.

Then Yari once again focuses on Shirou. His answer has amusement tickling her features, and a bit of sorrow.

"Respectfully, Squire Shirou, your life I think will be a painful one." She starts honestly.

"You wish to save. But there will always be loss. The path you wish to walk is not knight, or warrior, or soldier. No, I have not met one who walks the path you wish. There's always a greater goal other than saving." Then, she pauses.

"But if there really is a path like that, I would like to see someone walk it. If we meet on the battlefield, I will be interested in seeing what someone of your intended path is capable of." A tilt of the head, curious, and then respect. Her tail curls.

Then she's devouring another wine bottle. Her features soften, shame and confusion in them. Why was she being so open and honest? Only with Sanary has she been so forward.

"...Too much wine, I speak too freely. My words are the wind. Ignore them, Squire Shirou. Mmm?" A hand goes to her ear, and her features light up. She calms with a breath, and stands.

"It seems Trooper Julus is awake. Excuse me, I should see to him. My men and I will make use of your baths as well. Thank you both. Please let us know how we may assist. Good night. I..." She looks away, then back to the pair.

"It's a pleasure and honor. This Multiverse possesses wonderful people." A formal salute, and the soldier is off, full of thoughts of these two new lives, and the paths of all within.

Saber (346) has posed:
     If Shirou was concerned that Saber would be dissatisfied or disappointed in his answer, he needn't have worried. Her smile was faint, almost secretive, as if privy to something which his answer had reminded her of. "Have no fear of that," she reassured him. "In truth? Sir Bedivere had not wished to be a knight precisely, either."

     That might stun the red-haired magus to learn, and she was not going to go into much more detail than that, but there was the simple truth he needed to hear: not everyone who had become a knight did so to become one specifically. "The wish to serve the people, to protect them and possess the strength and discipline necessary to do so...that is what it means to truly be a knight."

     To Yari's musing that she never knew what peace truly is, she responded with a soft, contemplative 'hm'. Jade eyes became slightly unfocused, staring down at her teacup without seeing it. Instead, she mulled over Camelot and her dreams for it...dreams which were never to be fulfilled. "I only knew peace for a short time, and I wished it for my kingdom, though that meant no longer knowing what that meant for myself. I was not to know it again until I Unified, and I had given up on having a true home until I came here."

     She regarded the ninja thoughtfully, seemingly without expression or judgement. "I knew another who spoke similarly...though he never sought peace. But his armies were made from those he had conquered, and who joined him to pursue their course wherever it led them. Making war is not necessarily evil, in and of itself. But to do so means never being able to truly rest." Not that Iskander had any inclination to, not when the ocean lay beyond the lands he rode into with his Companions at his side. But, she suspected, she and the Centurion were cut from very different cloth. Perhaps those she served were, as well.

     "It may be," she mused, fingering the handle of her cup, "That the means to bring true peace to your world might lay here. This is a place of peace, but it is also a place of healing, of learning. Stay a while, and you may yet find what it is that you seek. And for yourself, as well."

     /In Vino Veritas/, as she had discovered for herself, her dignity long fled when it had come to those times with Bedivere when mead or Mjod was involved. But typically, those times were a needed release....and ihe same might possibly have been true for Yari, as well. Whatever the case was, Saber merely shook her head, as if to imply not to worry about it. "No words will pass beyond these walls. What is said here remains here." As she said, it was a place of healing, of release.

     "Of course," she replied as Yari made to check on her Trooper, standing as she did. "Have you need of anything, ask of one of the servants. As it has been said, you are welcome to stay for as long as you have need." Whether that need was physical or spiritual, Arturia left that up to Yari.

     Folding her arm at her chest, the knight rendered a formal bow. "As it was for me, as well. Welcome, my lady, to the Fortress of the Stars."