2207/Against The Wind

Against The Wind
Date of Scene:	11 May 2015
Location:	Dun Realtai
Synopsis:	In the course of his search, Hiei comes across Dun Realtai and its caretakers, the Servant Saber and Sir Bedivere.
Cast of Characters:	346, 482, 772

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Saber (346) has posed:
     Dun Realtai -- the 'Fortress of the Stars' so named by its new lord in a fit of sarcasm when he could see the stars through the keep's dilapidated roof -- was currently enjoying a pleasant spring season following the brutal natural winter which had come on the heels of the unnatural winter due to the evil magic of its former lord. The presence of the winter witch Alaia, who was forced to assume control to protect the innocent people of the village, further exacerbated the problem. Once she was released from her burden, she was able to return to her lake and the natural cycle returned. Now, the land was slowly recovering, and the townsfolk busied themselves with the tasks of sowing the year's crops in the fields beyond the castle walls.

     Unlike the nobles of the past, the new lord and lady were more involved than simply planning and overseeing the work and logistics. They certainly performed those duties, but to the amazement of the people, likewise lent their hands to the same rigorous work of preparing and sowing the once-infertile fields. At any given time, either one or both could be spotted among the peasants, dressed in much the same plain clothing as the villagers, helping to dig rows and irrigation. For the moment, only the lady was present, leaning slightly on a hoe as she examined a finished field. Though she was dressed plainly, her hair was bound up in its usual braid-encircled bun, which may have been one indication of her true status. But the other indication perhaps spoke louder; the tiny blonde carried herself with an obvious regal bearing even performing such supposedly low work. And those sensitive to the flow of mana would be able to feel that, unlike the villagers, she was not human...at least, not in the traditional sense.

Hiei (772) has posed:
Hiei frequently searches for his mother's Hirui Stone, so occasionally he remotely views a place that piques his curiosity for reasons he can't quite put his finger on. Well, here it's mostly the apparent sign that something violent may have happened in the past.

He's obviously a stranger, and if one can feel -his- energy, he's as far from a human as possible, except in the way that he looks. Though he is wearing a fancy outfit at the moment, since his regular outfit was destroyed earlier in the day:

He looks to Saber, seeming rather casual, then calls her across the field. "You, tell me what this place is."

Saber (346) has posed:
     It was not the best of ways to make a first impression on the founder of the Way of Chivalry.

     The Servant Saber turned her head slightly, a slight frown flickering across her face for a moment before the neutral expression returned. She had dealt with far worse insults to her station, but rudeness was not something she particularly liked.

     "It is called Dun Realtai," she replied evenly, the mishmash of languages perhaps strange. For though the multiversal effect translated her words effortlessly, the actual words spoken were two similar yet wholly different languages. The name of the castle and village were in Gaelic, but other than that, the Heroic Spirit spoke an archaic version of Welsh.

     And in spite of the yokai's brusque 'request', Saber herself was nevertheless cordial, as chivalry demanded. "Have you business here?" she asked in turn, sea-green eyes continuing to regard their newest visitor placidly.

Hiei (772) has posed:
"I saw signs of a past battle here, I wanted to see what kind of place this was." Hiei begins to carefully approach her now. Unlike most people, she can probably easily tell that he conceals a sword under his clothes. He obviously takes no particular measures to hide it, concealing it is simply the only way that his current outfit can be worn. "You don't speak like a common villager. I've clearly insulted you." he decides, taking a quick breath. "My name is Hiei."

Saber (346) has posed:
     Pale eyebrows lifted slightly. "It was some time before our arrival," Saber admitted. So, she was not a native of the village? "The creatures were dealt with some time ago, as well as the source."

     Not moving from where she stood, the Servant observed the yokai, though she made an effort to not make it obvious she was appraising him. He was hardly the first of his kind to visit the remote village, though they were nevertheless rare enough to draw the mild curiosity of the villagers. Yet, they didn't stare, almost as if they were used to outworld visitors.

     And then there were the native versions of the yokai who might be even more apprehensive. But for the moment, the Tylwyth Teg made no signs of stirring.

     Was that an apology? It might not have necessarily seemed that way -- and she was silently thankful Bedivere was not present to demand she be accorded the proper amount of respect -- but to the King of Knights, it felt vaguely that way. She decided against being offended. "It was...merely that there are...more gentle ways of asking a question. But I do not take offence at being mistaken for a villager. I am a servant to the people." Not to mention she was dressed like one.

     "Well-met," she answered politely. "I am called Saber."

Hiei (772) has posed:
"I am rather genetically predisposed to aggression, and being gentle does not come naturally to me. Human social norms tend to be a thing that I do not concern myself with, though I do try to treat warriors with some manner of respect. Assuming that they aren't arrogant and prideless wretches." Hiei seems to be assuming she's a warrior, perhaps by the way she carries herself. The same should be obvious to her if she notes the way he carries himself as well, ignoring the whole sword thing. He stares up at her when he's close enough, considering his ridiculously short stature. "Saber. A strong name."

Saber (346) has posed:
     If she remained unsure whether or not Hiei was perhaps one of the Eastern cousins of her patrons, the fact that he admitted that human social norms were not something he could necessarily understand meant she was reasonably certain now. "You are of a yokai race, then," she observed.

     Poor Bedivere. Fair Folk in general made him apprehensive.

     But Hiei was off to a decent enough start, given how she abhorred arrogance. The Servant had certainly seen enough of it during the Holy Grail War. "Arrogance does not befit a knight," she replied, smiling slightly.

     Saber shifted slightly, passing her hoe to her opposite hand. "In truth, it is my class designation as a Servant. But it is as much of my identity as any other part of myself."

Hiei (772) has posed:
"A knight? Interesting. So you embody all that is right and good with humanity." Hiei raises a hand to press it against his chest, looking down as if in deep thought. "My first instinct in the presence of someone like yourself is to spoil and corrupt, but I am not a creature of pure instinct. Humans have trouble comprehending the way that a youkai like myself thinks and acts."

"I direct my instinct. Senseless slaughter bores me. I no longer find pleasure in killing someone without killing intent." He seems to find her interesting enough to open up a bit, at least, and blinks in sudden curiosity. "A servant? What exactly does this distinction mean to you?"

Saber (346) has posed:
     The King of Knights lowered her head slightly, in accordance with Ingenuitas, the Virtue representing modesty, candour, and nobility of character. "It gladdens me to know that what we have sought to accomplish would be remembered," she admitted. "Regardless of our end, we could but put all our efforts into becoming a symbol that the people could look up to. If I was at least successful in part, perhaps that was enough."

     Wait...why was she referring to herself in the past tense?

     She didn't so much as flinch at the admission -- after all, that was precisely what the King of Heroes had intended to do and never wasted an opportunity to tell her. "Yet, to control such urges is a strength of character. I know of others who likewise possess such instincts, yet they see no shame in indulging them." Her eyes became slightly distant, hinting that the disapproving frown was for someone quite specific on her past.

     But the moment passed, and Saber tilted her head slightly in her version of a shrug. "In my country, there is a similar race known as the Tylwyth Teg, the Fair Folk. Their ways are not those of humans, but so long as they are not disturbed, they do not disturb us in kind."

     Similiarly, talk of killing neither made her flinch. "A Servant is a being of magic, heroes summoned from various eras in time by a Master to battle one another in the Holy Grail War. We fight until only one Master and Servant pair remain, who are then granted a wish by the Holy Grail. We are, in essence, not unlike familiars."

Hiei (772) has posed:
"I am hardly what a human would consider good, I'm still a monster in the end. But there is a certain limit to things, ways, reasons, and situations where killing is beneath me." Hiei carefully reaches for her hand. He doesn't seem to be making a violent motion, he just seems to be trying to inspect it. "You would probably be a formidable challenge. But you are far from abhorrent, and you likely have no killing intent. Killing you under random circumstances would spit on everything that you've done."

"I hardly care about the fate of humans, but I can respect one who thrusts all of themselves into a goal, and knows who and what they are completely. If I were to kill someone like you, I would want it to be a battle that your people tell stories about. No tricks and treachery that I might pull on lesser opponents." he explains this as if he wants her to -know-, in case it comes up in the future perhaps. "A wish... I wonder, is there a way that I could have a wish?"

Saber (346) has posed:
     "Perhaps," the jade-eyed knight replied. "Ones such as the Fair Folk cannot be measured by human standards. Nevertheless, there is honour, which is a virtue the both of us respect. Though I must naturally oppose that which threatens those under my protection, I recognise honour as one of the sacred Virtues of chivalry."

     Taking her hand was a bit of a surprise, but she made no moves of aggression or even insult. Though small, her hands were calloused from the many years of wielding a sword...yet not as much as one might expect from a swordswoman of her calibre. "The ritual of the Holy Grail War demands that Servants kill one another to obtain the Grail," she admitted. "Yet, my own War has concluded, though I did not obtain it. However, there remains much for me to do. I do not fear death, but there are those I would leave behind. I can no longer forsake them."

     In other words, she had nothing to lose during Heaven's Feel. Now she has everything to lose.

     Saber nodded slightly; perhaps it was not the easiest thing to understand, but she felt as if she might. "The multiverse itself is something of a miracle. I failed to achieve what I had wished for, but in its place I was granted things far more precious, things which were only possible here."

Hiei (772) has posed:
"Fair Folk sound very much like youkai, in that they're varied. Though our attitudes are about as different as humans are from each other. There are youkai who eat human souls, ones who live in peace and never leave our home plane of Makai. Though I believe the ones predisposed to violence outweigh most others." Hiei listens, staring down at her hand, running his thumb over the callouses. "I don't identify with honor and chivalry as a human might, though if I unintentionally qualify as such things, it doesn't concern me enough to dispute it either."

More or less, he's a tsundere and would never admit to being an honorable person.

"There are youkai like you, paragons of good and righteousness. Though I believe it's less appreciated where I'm from." He looks back up at her, from her hand. "It seems like some manner of blasphemy, doesn't it? Creatures like us making contact without trying to murder each other. I'm fascinated that I haven't burned or been struck down by some self-righteous diety yet." He sounds mildly sarcastic and even a bit bitter about this.

He carefully releases her hand, then turns his head and looks off into the distance. "It's a shame, about the wish. I could use one."

Sir Bedivere (482) has posed:
The sound of hoofbeats heralds the arrival of somebody else; but probably not one of the villagers. Only two or three people in the whole of Dun Realtai are actually horsemen, and that narrows down who the new arrival must be... though Saber would know well before the newcomer arrives.

Much like the lady, the figure that rides up to the gathering is dressed in plainclothes, rough homespun; his tunic's been tied around his waist, leggings and boots stained with dust and mud. His torso is crisscrossed in scars both old and recent, tales of the life of a warrior. A few tools are lashed to the back of the horse's plain saddle, and their current state suggests they've just been used. In the crook of his arm is an old, worn harp of wood and wire strings; a harp bag slung over one bare shoulder.

"There is more variety to the Ever-Living Ones than simple predilections or preferences of sustenance." The voice that interjects is a man's, but the tone is naturally gentle. So too is Bedivere's appearance gentle, features clean-shaven, and so pale as to suggest the blood of the northern kingdoms; hair a silvery blonde, eyes a pale grey-violet. He offers a smile that never reaches his eyes. "Yet they are all of them dangerous if treated with the improper respect."

His head tilts, eyes guarded as he looks over Hiei; one warrior studying another. "You are not of the Fair Folk, yet you seem alike to them, to my eyes. Be welcome in Dun Realtai. So long as you engage in no hostilities and offer no threat to the people of this land, you shall be treated as a guest in these lands." He inclines his head, polite but still untrusting. "I am Sir Bedivere, steward and appointed lord of these lands." His eyes flick to Saber, but only briefly; as though he would dare not look away from Hiei for too long. "The southwestern fields are completed."

Saber (346) has posed:
     Indeed, Saber was able to feel the presence of Sir Bedivere as he approached through their link as Master and Servant...though that link -- or rather, the nature of that relationship -- was the cause of much embarrassment for the once-Marshal of Camelot. Her head lifted up slightly as she sensed his approach, her eyes slightly unfocused for a brief moment.

     As if to preserve his sense of dignity, Saber refrained from comment on Hiei's not-quite refutation on his inner sense of honour. She could not quite hide the slight smile, however.

     At least before it faded slightly, moving onto the subject of the more violent ones. "There are those of more malevolent intent," she admitted. "One such creature resides in one of the lakes beyond the village, though it has made no move to devour anyone, as is its nature. For the moment, the kelpie seems content to merely observe us."

     As Bedivere arrived, her smile seemed to soften into something that, while subtle, was nevertheless fond. "Ah, that is good news. Progress has been far quicker than I anticipated."

     Her gaze then returned to the yokai once Hospitality had been extended. She was mildly curious regarding the wish, yet she refrained from prying.

Hiei (772) has posed:
"I have no intention of tarnishing Saber's domain. Perhaps the two of us can fight under more appropriate circumstances one day." Hiei stares at Sir Bedivere when he introduces himself. "My name is Hiei. And I'm surprised that you don't simply slay it. I suppose it's so powerful that it would put the village at risk to do so."

He looks between the two for a moment, considering the implications of their higher than normal villager status. "So then, you're some sort of married couple who rules this land?" he asks, keeping his same measured tone, as if it were a fairly simply question that isn't nearly as loaded as it actually is.

Sir Bedivere (482) has posed:
The knight's gaze lingers briefly on Saber, and although his expression never quite changes, there's something of warmth in his mild eyes. He allows himself the faintest hint of a smile when she does; these two, it seems, are more than simply Master and Servant.

His attention is diverted momentarily, though, by Hiei's statement.

"No," Bedivere answers, simply. He shakes his head in much the same manner as Saber, as though in place of a shrug. "The Fair Folk do not suffer aggression or intrusion lightly, and such would be seen as an act of war. While I believe it would be possible for me to dispatch such a creature, with assistance, it is the creature's allies that concern me. These people have no defence against such a variegated people, and I would not endanger them so. Until the beast threatens these people directly, I will take no action."

Maybe it'll just lose interest and leave, eventually.

Yeah, right.

At Hiei's question, though, the knight stares blankly. For a moment it almost seems like he hadn't heard the question at all.

"No." The answer is simple, again. Simple, except he's slowly flushing scarlet, which is incidentally highly visible against his pale complexion. "That is to say, she is my king, and I her knight. I served at her side in life, as Marshal of the Realm, and her chief lieutenant in war; I serve her now, here, as well."

He's still red, though.

Saber (346) has posed:
     As Bedivere explained the situation, the petite knight nodded slightly before she chimed in. "The guardian of this place tasked us with ensuring the peace of the land and the restoration of balance. We must treat the Tylwyth Teg with care, lest, as my marshal has said, they interpret our actions as acts of war. The land cannot sustain any further conflicts."

     Unfortunately for their peace of mind, once the Fair Folk have taken interest in something, it was difficult at best to persuade them to turn their attention elsewhere. And they found outworlders very interesting.

     Like Bedivere, Saber merely stared for a moment as if she hadn't heard the question before her own complexion similarly flared to crimson. "Our relationship is...rather complex. It is true that I am his liege, and he has served in my court for nearly twenty years. Similarly, I appointed him with lordship of this land. I merely...assist in matters of governing and logistics."

     And still as red as her fellow knight.

Hiei (772) has posed:
"I can hardly blame a human for serving one of such pure conviction. The average human runs around aimless, slowly ticking away until death, chasing some false sense of meaning and purpose. Rare is the human who can bring their meaning and purpose to fruition and be remembered throughout history." Hiei does listen to Bedivere's explanation of the creature though, wrinkling his nose a bit. "I suppose the home of the Fair Folk is a little more organized than Makai. We're ruled by Three Kings, and that's mostly because they're the strongest. Nearly every single one of the youkai in their territories would betray them if they felt they had the power to do so."

He does consider this for a moment, the Tylwyth Teg. "I'm not one for altruism, nor is this something that you will tell the Confederacy or I will kill the both of you. But if the Tylwyth decides to make trouble, I will attempt to enter its mind and calmly put it to sleep before there is a chance of war." In other words, under threat of death, he doesn't want anyone to know he's offering an act of altruism. He almost sounds like he's completely ashamed of it. "In exchange, I would like to come back to this land. There's something about it that sooths my mind."

Sir Bedivere (482) has posed:
The silver-haired knight regards the yokai for a moment, as though working out precisely how he's been insulted by this statement. Despite that, the knight seems calm, as though accepting of that insult. If Hiei is a yokai, and if these yokai are truly like the Ever-Living Ones, he can no more help his arrogance than Bedivere can help his chivalry. Even so...

"Mind your arrogance so long as you remain in these lands, Master Hiei. I will tolerate a great deal of insult to my own person, but there are others here who will not, and I should not like to see any undue violence in this place." Although Bedivere's voice is mild, there's a core of steel to it. "Dun Realtai has seen enough of conflict."

He shakes his head, moving on. "I know little of the Ever-Living Ones' kingship." Bedivere shifts in the saddle, glancing northeast, towards the distant lake. "I do not doubt that they would be ruled by the one possessed of the most strength, but also the most cunning."

"No," he finally says, simply. "I thank you for your generous offer, but this is my responsibility to manage. You may come and go as you please, for I have extended hospitality, and so you are welcome in my hall as a guest in accord with the ancient laws. But I will not have you interfering with matters of the Ever-Living Ones when the peace of this place hangs in the balance. It is my responsibility, and it may be seen as an insult if I should delegate such responsibility, for they will sense another's magic at work."

Saber (346) has posed:
     Saber was almost of two minds on their newest guest. On the one hand, he sounded nearly identical to Gilgamesh, down to the inability to relate to humans...or, in Archer's case, 'mongrels'. But on the other, the arrogant Servant saw no reason to restrain his savage nature, believing that it was the right of the king -- the first of the hero-kings -- while Hiei was clearly more restrained and discerning of which opponents he chose. She could have a proper dialogue like a civilised person, so she was inclined to treat the yokai with the proper amount of respect.

     "They are a diverse lot, from what I know of them, though I know only the little of what my tutor has taught me," she admitted. Merlin still enjoyed /not/ telling her a great many things. "Some recognise a High King, though others are more solitary."

     She sighed softly. "My marshal is quite correct, however. I appreciate your offer, but it is for the best that we allow them to tend to their own matters, so long as they make no aggressive moves towards the people."

     Her expression softened slightly on her next words, though. "That, more that anything, is the peculiar magic of this place. It is a haven, a place of rest. Though many different sorts pass through these gates with their own lives and wishes and desires, it offers rest, if perhaps temporarily for some."

     Her gaze then turned to her loyal knight. "And for others, a much-deserved and more permanent respite."

Hiei (772) has posed:
"I thought I was complimenting you." Hiei admits, sounding somewhat sincere, though also acknowledging the fact that it apparently didn't come out as such. "As I told Saber, human social conventions are rarely a thing I concern myself with. Though I'll watch my tongue in this particular land, as a courtesy for the privilege of hospitality here."

"A sense of calm is a rare experience for me." He reaches up to remove his white headband, and then a slit on his forehead opens up, revealing itself to be a wide eyelid hiding a large purple third eye. It clearly doesn't match his regular two eyes, nor does it show any particular emotion or movement. Though he closes his two regular eyes, and seems to concentrate with the third.

"This land truly is some sort of haven. It's nothing like my home. If you wander into the forests of Makai with no combat ability, you will be eaten or murdered." He opens his eyes again, perhaps suddenly curious, and he asks Saber, "Are you still considered a human at all? I ask this purely out of curiosity, as I've never encountered anything like you."

Sir Bedivere (482) has posed:
"You were, but it was more of what one might call a left-handed compliment." Bedivere's smile is thin and wry. "You compliment me, even while you insult humanity in the same breath. There are those here who generally do not react well to the insult of their own people, for there are many humans here. And, perhaps, humans may not be as you think of them, for you are dealing now with many other worlds than your own. The rules are different in many places."

Part of him hopes Gawain doesn't talk to this fellow; the Knight of the Sun is by far more passionate and less inclined to thinking things through. It would probably end with Bedivere cleaning up Gawain's mess, as usual.

Harness jingles as he shifts in his saddle, carefully cradling the harp tucked at his elbow. He regards Hiei with what almost seems a sense of melancholy. "Mm. Aye. Such calm is a rare thing for many. You are welcome here as long as you abide by that which we have set forth." Again, that faint smile, although it doesn't quite reach his eyes. Perhaps he's unsettled by that third eye. In fact, he's very pointedly looking away from Hiei.

The Lord God could only imagine what that thing looks like with his magic circuits active. He doesn't want to find out. He'll let Saber answer the question, though, falling silent.

Saber (346) has posed:
     Saber had seen many strange things even in her own world, and even more after Unification. But even if she had not, the little knight was very good at concealing her emotions. Thus, at the sight of the third eye, she seemed unperturbed by it. "I take no offence," she admitted, followed by another admission. "There are Servants...arrogant and insufferable...who try my patience and insult not only my path of the king, but my path of knighthood. The latter is unpleasant enough, but the latter is unforgivable."

     She smiled again, faintly. Though not the same smile she directed at Bedivere, it was nevertheless a genuine one. "You have accorded a rare respect for both. For that, you have my gratitude," she said with a slight bow, her arm folded over her torso. It might be enough to overwhelm a poor tsundere.

     She hadn't missed the comment about the Confederacy, however. "Worry not," she assured him. "There are others of your faction here, but what secrets they impart to us remain within these walls and between us. Morever, it would be a breach of chivalry to impart such secrets to others."

     She nodded as Bedivere added his own thoughts, sea-green eyes flicking to him briefly. "Indeed. The people here are farmers and craftspeople, but they are a resilient, independent people. They are proud, and have insisted upon reclaiming their lives with their own hands. It is our honour to serve them, and I believe they represent the best of humanity."

     The Servant considered the question with a slight tilt of her head. "I am...perhaps, an elemental spirit of humanity. I protect the people...and though that does not blind me to the faults of others, I believe as I did then that it is my duty. As a knight, as a king, and as a Servant."

     "But more than that, while the other Heroic Spirits have died to become what they are, I alone remain the sole exception. I yet live."

Hiei (772) has posed:
"I see. A complicated state of existence." Hiei concedes, as it's clear he doesn't -entirely- understand, but he accepts it. He does, however, look to Bedivere, perhaps sensing his uneasiness on some level. "I'm looking at the land, all of it, with my Jagan. I was not born with it, it was something I gained to find something important to me. Consider the latter half of this a knightly secret."

"Hmph... you chose the difficult path. I've seen supposed great beings come and go. Those who would drink the blood of thousands and consider themselves the greatest warrior of all time. And then they were simply cut down by my blade, another wretch who confuses the quantity of their kills for their own personal power." This largely seems to be a response to people insulting Saber's path.

He slides his hands into his pockets, taking a deep, calm breath. "These people feel so confident in their easy kills, find righteousness in the things that they do, because they cannot resolve that they are no better than a creature like myself. But a human like you, and perhaps even him." He nods over to Bedivere. "You've overcome the violence and cruelty shown by so many human and youkai rulers, and those who would consider themselves to have power."

A slow blink, and he turns his head in the vague direction of the castle. "While I have nothing against violence and cruelty, you chose the -difficult- path, the path of sacrifice, of personal rules to live by, the burden of the people on your shoulders. I never would, but unlike many others like myself, who believe themselves to have power, I know that it's simply because following your path would be too difficult."

Sir Bedivere (482) has posed:
"Few things are as simple as they appear." The harper-knight shrugs one shoulder in noncommittal gesture. "Such is the nature of the world, and the multiverse beyond. I would be surprised if anything were exactly as it appeared."

To the matter of the secret, Bedivere only inclines his head in silent assent. He will keep those things indicated to him as secret, if only because he has given his word that he will.

"All knights choose the difficult path," he comments, looking over to Hiei again, eyes lingering on some spot just aside from him. He still won't look directly at the yokai. "Our lot is one of loyalty and sacrifice, for we are servants of the people. Arrogance has no place in one's vows to adhere to the Eight Chivalric Virtues."

He studies Hiei for a moment, thoughtful. So, he's had some experience with the bad sort of rulership. Maybe that's why he thinks so little of humanity. It's up to the knights, then, to show him that that isn't what humanity is like; that they can be capable of great goodness and great deeds.

"Hm." A thoughtful sound. "At least you know of this limitation, and seek not to push beyond it, for that would be to the detriment of those subject to your rule. I respect that."

Saber (346) has posed:
     "Our universe is rather...complex," the Servant admitted to both Hiei and Bedivere. "There are those who have dedicated their lives to exploring its mysteries -- the magi -- and yet one lifetime is not enough to do so. The Holy Grail War was intended, apparently, to offset that. Many Masters do not so much seek a wish as to find a pathway to the Root of all existence, where I imagine their questions would be answered."

     Now that secret was something she understood very well. "Not unlike my own quest for the Holy Grail, it would seem."

     "It /is/ a difficult path," she agreed. "I do not expect many to follow it because it is so difficult, and there are many who simply lack the strength and resolve to follow it. Or, they simply do not see the purpose...oft-times, those we try to save or protect can be ungrateful. Yet, we submitted to Chivalry because it was necessary, and because no one else would. All knights must follow this path of hardship and this conviction...it is no mere title to be bestowed simply by virtue of high birth."

     And she truly believed her words and her convictions, that much was clear. And like Bedivere, she committed to set an example even for those who could not follow that path for various reasons. To set a righteous example so that the afflicted would be comforted...whatever that affliction might be.

     "Yet, it is not only knights or those like them who know honour, or righteous rule. One need not be a knight to follow a difficult path. It is those who follow at least similar tenants, or hold a respect for our way, which earn our respect in turn."

Hiei (772) has posed:
"What exactly are these Eight Chivalric Virtues?" Hiei asks, suddenly curious about that now. "I tend to keep my own path to myself, as it is extremely personal. Despite my violent tendencies and death battles, most of my goals have nothing to do with these things." He continues staring away from them. It may be a thing of note that his third eye doesn't, well, blink, or do anything really. "Largely, my life is without true direction. Once I reach my goals, I have no idea what I'll do next. In the grand scheme of things, one could say that my goals are quite petty. But there is very little that one can do when most of what life has to offer are rage, violence, and isolation. Even most of my own kind grew to fear and reject me quite quickly."

He starts to turn around, beginning to walk away from them, though it's not clear if he's actually leaving. He's more than close enough to respond to them. Perhaps there's some regret that he's been so open.

Sir Bedivere (482) has posed:
Bedivere shifts the harp in the crook of his arm. His horse shifts its weight and snorts contentedly, swishing its tail. He hoods his violet eyes, and without so much as hesitation, addresses the question. His answers are in Latin, rather than the archaic form of Welsh he'd been speaking, but thankfully the translation effect affords them an approximate meaning.

"Militia." Courage, bravery, military spirit, and willingly accepting difficult work. "Exercitium." Proficiency, skill, training, and practise. "Fortitudo." Strength, courage, and valour. "Fides." Faith, loyalty, honesty, and trustworthiness. "Generositas." Generosity and charity toward those less fortunate. "Pietas." Piety, loyalty, responsibility, and a sense of duty. "Humanitas." Kindness and courtesy to one's fellow man. "Ingenuitas." Nobility of character, candor, and modesty.

"These are the tenets by which a knight must live, if he is indeed to be called 'knight.' All are expected to display these eight virtues in their daily lives. Some, of course, gravitate to some virtues more than others; rare are those who exemplify all of them in equal measure." He shakes his head, faintly. "Yet some is still preferable to none, for such values temper the selfishness and greed of the aristocracy."

He blinks when the yokai starts strolling off, looking briefly in askance to Saber, brow furrowed in puzzlement. It seems Hiei's decided his audience with them is at an end.

"Are you leaving? Farewell for now, then," he calls, just a little uncertainly.

Saber (346) has posed:
     As was expected, Bedivere listed the Virtues without so much as a pause or hesitation. All of her knights had memorised them and followed them, but the Left Hand of the King was exemplary even among the Knights of the Round. In spite of how much he shrank away from praise and almost wilted whenever she spoke highly of him, Arturia was nevertheless proud of him, obviously so. he more than simply honoured her and credited their Order.

     "Indeed, a man who fails to live up to these standards cannot be truly called a knight. And if he understands which of these is his weakest, he takes steps to strengthen it. For example, if he is disinclined to Exercitium, he practises his swordplay well beyond when others have retired. If he lacks proper Generositas, he gives twice as much in alms."

     Saber tilted her head slightly, uncertain on her own part. Hefting her hoe, she followed a few steps behind, surveying the work that had been completed. If it was indeed regret she was witnessing, that was something she knew all too well. Her entire reason for becoming a Servant in the first place was her intense, overwhelming regret. And though Rider had insisted that the King could never regret, how could she /not/? The entire purpose of her life had been for the sake of the kingdom; she had sacrificed everything to protect them and lead them to Utopia. Yet, in the end, not only had she failed, but her kingdom ended as well. Everything had been reduced to ruin, and Camelot became something only spoken of in tales and poems in the years beyond. But even though she had relinquished her wish to save her kingdom by undoing what would eventually become her legend, she nevertheless found that there were entire /worlds/ in need of the sword of a knight.

     "There is no simple, easy answer," she replied thoughtfully. "When one's purpose is complete...or one loses one's purpose...there are many others eager to take its place. My kingdom is gone. Fallen, lost to the winds of time. Yet I have found purpose here, in this place. There are many who still need the sword and shield of a knight."

     Her gaze fell back to Bedivere. "And there are miracles which would otherwise be impossible which can be realised, things greater even than dreams. The impossible is now possible."

Hiei (772) has posed:
"Four out of eight aren't bad, I suppose." Hiei says, without being particularly specific, and without looking back. He continues to walk, his head lowering. "Knights are something else. One has to envy your sense of direction and purpose. But I believe I've overstayed and become too comfortable. I'll return in time. Remember, this was all confidential." Then he just sort of vanishes. Though perhaps they can follow his ridiculous speed, it's certainly well beyond the capabilities of the average human's perception.

Sir Bedivere (482) has posed:
"The man who fails to live up to these standards is no true knight." Bedivere only shakes his head, glancing over toward Saber. He offers no further commentary, though, frowning slightly, perhaps sensing her uncertainty.

His eyes flick back to Hiei as the yokai takes his leave, frowning once again at the sudden speed. He wouldn't be able to follow without activating his Sight, and that seems like something in remarkably poor judgement, and so he leaves the yokai to vanish.

He does reserve a faint smile for Saber, though, once the yokai's gone. "Miracles, indeed. Shall we retire for the evening, then, my lady? We have done all we can do for the day, I think, and the light will soon be gone." He offers his free hand, so she can vault up onto the saddle behind him.

He doesn't do so without a last look over his shoulder, though, in the direction Hiei had departed. What a strange being.

Saber (346) has posed:
     "For one who is not a knight," Saber replied, "It is not bad, at all. To follow even one proves too difficult for many."

     Was there a smile in her voice? There might have been as she acknowledged the rather unorthodox farewell. "You have my word as the King of Knights."

     Though she could indeed follow the yokai's impossible speed, she made no move to follow. Strange, but far from the strangest she had ever encountered. Not to mention far more pleasant than others, considering the sense of honour he tried to keep hidden.

     The last vestiges of her reserve slipped away as she smiled back at her love. "I agree. Let us return home," she replied, taking his hand, vaulting easily into place behind him.

     Fortunately for the both of them, from that position he would be unable to see the flush of her cheeks as they returned to the keep.