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Sir Bedivere   Despite its small size, the village of Dun Realtai has begun to make something of a name for itself in the multiverse. Discovered and rescued by several prominent knights in the employ of the Union, it has thrived on trade and tourism, even managing to attract residents from the far-flung corners of the multiverse; for those rare individuals who want to just 'get away from it all.'

  According to official information available in the Union, the land is stewarded by none other than Sir Bedivere of the Round Table, and at least two of its known residents include knights who had served in that same place -- such as Sir Gawain, the enthusiastic Knight of the Sun.

  With such champions behind its cause, it's no surprise that the land has managed to drag itself back from the brink of destruction; that its people are healthy and generally happy, fields sown and harvested, when just a year ago it had been little better than salted earth.

  Sir Bedivere is the one responsible for much of the reconstruction efforts, and the townspeople seem to hold him in high regard. Today, the knight can be found in the inner bailey, the courtyard closest to the castle, a vast open commons with short summer grass already fading to autumn, and a gnarled, ancient oak tree whose massive girth is nothing short of supernatural, shedding the occasional brownish-russet oak leaf onto the courtyard.

  Standing in the middle of the courtyard is a pale-haired man; from a distance, he could likely be mistaken for a woman for his delicate features, and his long, silvery-blonde hair. He's dressed in all the finery of a knight, with battered but polished plate armour over reinforced tunic and leggings; and a long, white, much-mended heavy cloak left to fall over his shoulders. It's the same finery he had once worn in his duties as the Left Hand of the King, the master of Camelot's armies. He has in his hand a practise sword of wood, his own scabbarded steel sword leaning against one of the oak's massive roots.

  As of yet, he seems to be alone, silently practising the motions of battle, hawk-like expression one of concentration, as though fighting some unseen and unheard foe.

  Even simply from watching him move, this is not a man of rashness or quick behaviour. His strokes are quick but deliberate, and he seems the type of man who would study and think before acting; cautious, but not fearful -- analytical, and tactical.
Archer     "Are you sure you should even be walking right now?"

     It wasn't often that Archer made a point to openly voice his concern like this. Normally, if people wanted to do foolish things that landed themselves in a worse state, it was their prerogative and not his place to stop them unless it was just too painful - and pitiful - to watch happen. Sometimes he would take mercy on those cases where it was simply beyond his tolerance level to see happen, be it exasperation or annoyance or even simple whimsy.

    However, if there was ever an exception to that rule, it was his Master.

    Walking along with perhaps the barest hints of hesitation in her movements, Tohsaka Rin was relatively fine for someone who had just recently been forced to partly shoulder the collective force of a World's will against her mind - a strain that overtaxed much of her nerves from the sheer sensory overload and ruptured several blood-vessels. If there was one benefit Archer could appreciate the Union for, it was the vast array of medical sciences at their disposal - aside from some aches here and there, it was almost like she'd never been hurt.

     "I'm fine, Archer" the Tohsaka heiress replied, if somewhat sharply - likely annoyed by the comment as if it undermined her somehow. "I've had worse."

     "That's debatable, Master" Archer pointed out. "You never made direct contact with Angra Mainyu."

     "I'm still here, right?" she snorted. "It'll take more then an overgrown patch of dirt, lava and weeds to kill me."

     ... not many people could regard an encounter with a World so offhandedly. But then again, perhaps that was better then focusing on what it was - something to offset the severity of a problem that was far from over. At least for now. Of course, there were still some feint twitches, and once or twice a spasm, but the magus had decided to take it in stride somewhat, using the excuse of 'physical therapy' as a reason for her to explore the village that, for the foreseeable future, would serve as her homestead. She'd already requested several personal items ranging from books to spare gems to magic tools be delivered, so for now she was simply browsing the area. Archer as well was mapping the site out with Structural Analysis, though he knew most mages could probably detect it like the feint pulse of a sonar system amid a lake.

    Still, at the very least it wasn't an act of aggression, so they could likely allow him this much.

    As they neared the courtyard though, the pair stopped at the sight of someone practicing what seemed to be a combat form not far off from a rather large oak. Rin watched him curiously, tilting her head and narrowing her gaze as if trying to place him from somewhere else, his form - or at least his garb - innately familiar. He was certainly one of the knights of this world, but she wasn't sure if it was who she though it was - she'd yet to meet many of the residents.

    Archer in turn recognized it far faster; the armor's make was very much like the style of Saber's... and the form of his combat was similar in a way, yet also perhaps more deliberate; less instinct and more perception, maybe? Or was that just when practicing alone? Either way, Archer could not help but admire the man's devotion to his craft, if nothing else, though he keeps silent at first to wait and see if the man will notice them at any point.

    hough given the pair's red clothes, it seems unlikely they could be missed.
Archer     "Are you sure you should even be walking right now?"

     It wasn't often that Archer made a point to openly voice his concern like this. Normally, if people wanted to do foolish things that landed themselves in a worse state, it was their prerogative and not his place to stop them unless it was just too painful - and pitiful - to watch happen. Sometimes he would take mercy on those cases where it was simply beyond his tolerance level to see happen, be it exasperation or annoyance or even simple whimsy.

    However, if there was ever an exception to that rule, it was his Master.

    Walking along with perhaps the barest hints of hesitation in her movements, Tohsaka Rin was relatively fine for someone who had just recently been forced to partly shoulder the collective force of a World's will against her mind - a strain that overtaxed much of her nerves from the sheer sensory overload and ruptured several blood-vessels. If there was one benefit Archer could appreciate the Union for, it was the vast array of medical sciences at their disposal - aside from some aches here and there, it was almost like she'd never been hurt.

     "I'm fine, Archer" the Tohsaka heiress replied, if somewhat sharply - likely annoyed by the comment as if it undermined her somehow. "I've had worse."

     "That's debatable, Master" Archer pointed out. "You never made direct mental contact with Angra Mainyu's consciousness, or whatever passed for it."

     "I'm still here, right?" she snorted. "It'll take more then an overgrown patch of dirt, lava and weeds to kill me."

     ... not many people could regard an encounter with a World so offhandedly. But then again, perhaps that was better then focusing on what it was - something to offset the severity of a problem that was far from over. At least for now. Of course, there were still some feint twitches, and once or twice a spasm, but the magus had decided to take it in stride somewhat, using the excuse of 'physical therapy' as a reason for her to explore the village that, for the foreseeable future, would serve as her homestead. She'd already requested several personal items ranging from books to spare gems to magic tools be delivered, so for now she was simply browsing the area. Archer as well was mapping the site out with Structural Analysis, though he knew most mages could probably detect it like the feint pulse of a sonar system amid a lake.

    Still, at the very least it wasn't an act of aggression, so they could likely allow him this much.

    As they neared the courtyard though, the pair stopped at the sight of someone practicing what seemed to be a combat form not far off from a rather large oak. Rin watched him curiously, tilting her head and narrowing her gaze as if trying to place him from somewhere else, his form - or at least his garb - innately familiar. He was certainly one of the knights of this world, but she wasn't sure if it was who she though it was - she'd yet to meet many of the residents.

    Archer in turn recognized it far faster; the armor's make was very much like the style of Saber's... and the form of his combat was similar in a way, yet also perhaps more deliberate; less instinct and more perception, maybe? Or was that just when practicing alone? Either way, Archer could not help but admire the man's devotion to his craft, if nothing else, though he keeps silent at first to wait and see if the man will notice them at any point.

     Though given the pair's red clothes, it seems unlikely they could be missed.
Sir Bedivere   The knight in the courtyard brings his practise sword through a low two-handed sweep, meant to disarm and displace, polished wood whistling as he whips it in a vicious horizontal sweep. Without even pausing for breath, he brings the sword around, following through its momentum into another flurry of blows--

  Despite its surety, the stroke flies awry, and a flick of the knight's wrist brings the blade down, where it might not accidentally strike anyone or anything close at hand.

  It isn't the physical approach of his impromptu guests that he senses, but that faint tickle at the back of his mind, that searching sonar-pulse, so faint it could almost be imagined... but he did not imagine it. Frowning, he looks up and over the hillside, searching, but the angle is not quite right to see Master and Servant approaching just yet.

  It may have been Shirou, he reflects, returning to his motions. He hasn't yet had an opportunity to see or feel much of what Shirou can do with his Magecraft, and so he's unfamiliar enough not to be able to recognise its workings from a distance. Or, perhaps the Empress Saber and her Master had come to visit; as he recalls, his own Saber had bade them welcome in Dun Realtai--

  Perhaps it's the snap of a twig or leaf that gives the pair away, or perhaps the knight directs movement from the corner of an eye. He turns, blinking somewhat owlishly at the arrival of his two guests. Sword gripped loosely at his side, for a moment he merely studies them in silence. He features are fine, and his seemingly relaxed regard is almost sleepy; but there's no mistaking the alertness and intention in his gaze. His eyes, perhaps, are the most unusual feature of him, aside from the pallor of his complexion -- not quite violet, not quite grey, with only the barest hint of blue in them.

  Finally, with a flick of the wrist, he reverses the sword so he holds the point away from them, bowing formally, although not in Japanese fashion -- European-style, one arm folded over his stomach.

  "Greetings." His voice is deceptively soft, too, gentle in tone, almost enough to be mistaken for a woman's tone. Perhaps Arturia was not the only woman masquerading as a man in her court? Something in his tone is wary, though, and the way he never takes his eyes off either of them suggests caution, although he does not seem at all hostile. "I bid you welcome to Dun Realtai. To whom do I owe the pleasure?"


  He's spoken with Archer, and would know that voice, but he hasn't yet laid eyes on them, and neither Master nor Servant have spoken yet... so he will remain suspicious, as is his nature.
Archer     Archer's brow furrows the slightest bit in concertion at seeing the Knight abruptly break off his last strike end his training, the Servant's own gaze inquiring as he observes the warrior seem to scry the area for something.

    A reaction perfectly in sync with the recent use of Archer's Structural Analysis. Far too much for it to be coincidence.

    Would a normal warrior be able to sense that? Or was he touched by magic as Saber and many other Knights of the Round had assuredly been? His armor identified him as having at least been part of the same kingdom, of the markings were anything to go by.

    Perhaps he might even be the one Saber spoke of before.

    Rin in turn had decided on a more sociable approach compared to Archer's silent observation, approaching the Knight as politely as she could - from what she remembered of her studies, it was more courteous to approach a Knight from within their line of sight as opposed to from behind. As she closes the distance, she notes his fair, almost pale skin and the somewhat multifaceted tones of his eyes, like a prism being caught under a certain kind of light.

     Archer in turn takes note of the Knight's appearance himself, noting how very easy it was to compare the other to Saber in terms of potential ambiguity. Though the thing Archer focuses most on is the look of cautious acknowledgement the Knight gives them.

    If that wasn't proof that he had sensed Archer's magecraft, nothing was... and it begged the question of how aware of magic this Knight was in the first place, then. Was he simply sensitive to it? Or... was he an actual practitioner? Such things were frowned upon in King Arthur's time, so it was either very recently that he'd have learned it... or he'd kept it well hidden throughout his life.

     If for nothing else but the sake of formality, Archer follows his Master's lead when she gives a courteous bow, the bowman's own being European-Style like hers in spite of the hints of Japanese features the two have.

    However, he does not introduce himself at first... but he does recognize the voice as one he heard on the Union's radio frequencies not long ago. Thus, he feels more confident he has the advantage in who this person is. Rin on the other hand had not, thus she simply returns the formal greeting with an introduction; "Tohsaka Rin. And this" she gestures to the Red Knight, "is my Servant, Archer. The Lady of this land, Saber - or Arturia I guess, since I don't know if calling her by her servant title is appropriate anymore - once knew an alternate version of me and my sister, Sakura. I'm also a friend, or technically one at least, of the squire for the Lord here - Emiya Shirou. I... well, I suppose you could call me the newest resident here, so I'm taking the chance to see the village for myself more closely." She gives a somewhat more friendly smile, though she's overall maintaining the dignified yet courteous air of a magus for the time being. "Forgive the intrusion - I saw you training and was curious. It's the first time I've seen one of the knights from here besides Gawain. I didn't mean to interrupt."

    For the moment, she is unaware that it was more Archer's magic that originally drew Bedivere's attention as opposed to her approach.
Sir Bedivere   The silver-haired knight remains still as the two make their approach. Rather than the unyielding solidity of a statue, his seems the stillness of a stag preparing to leap. Although absolutely motionless, he is prepared to act, all the same.

  Only his nostrils flare, very faintly, when the two issue their own formal bows, returned in the same style. It's more of a breath than a sigh, a silent acknowledgement of their apparent lack of ill intent.

  There's no mistaking the arch of one brow as she introduces herself, or the recognition in his eyes. He knows that name, although the cant of his head suggests that the information is somehow incongruent. He knows that name... but it does not match the face that he knows. This is younger, and though it's similarly tempered by hardship, that tempering seems somehow different.

  His head arches slightly as they use her name, her true name, but whether it comes as acknowledgement or whether he takes insult by it, it's hard to say. When they speak of the lord of this place, though, it's clear that they don't know who he is. Or, at least, the girl doesn't know him. Not by name, and not by reputation; at least not yet.

  "There is naught to forgive. Dun Realtai is open to visitors, and we do not close our gates for all but those who would shamefully breach Brehon Law or behave with aggression toward this land or its people." His voice is still soft, with an undertone of something that almost seems amusement. "Moreover, I am not of this land, no more than Sir Gawain, although I suppose that is an easy mistake to be made. My fate is now bound to this place."

  He sweeps forward into a formal bow, deep and respectful, although something in the lines of his body suggests he's still watching them; still alert, even as he takes his eyes away from them. "Forgive me; it is impolite to demand the identity of my guests, while withholding my own. I am Sir Bedivere, formerly of Britannia, and now steward of Dun Realtai."

  When he straightens, his mild eyes flick to Archer, studying the Servant. "I am familiar with he; we have been acquainted over the radio." His eyes fall on Rin. "And though yours is a face I know, it is not the same. She is older than you, I would think, by some ten years, if I am any judge of such matters, although I may perhaps overestimate by a season or two."

  Shifting his weight, he turns, white cloak flaring behind him as he beckons for both to follow. "Come; we have much to speak of, but I would be remiss if I did not offer to you tea, or refreshment, or shelter from the wind and chill. Walk with me." His head turns, just far enough to regard both Master and Servant from the corner of an eye. "What brings you to Dun Realtai...?"
Archer     The same as with Saber, Rin and Archer the flickers of recognition in the knight's expression at the sound of her name, though he does not seem to originally recognize her face. However, that could likely be due to the fact that, as he'd just revealed, the Tohsaka Rin that he and Saber had once known was apparently a decade older then her at least.

    Both also note the the reaction to Saber being addressed by her name, though Rin is quick to make her own reply - "Sorry. It's just that I'm not certain if it's disrespectful to address her by a title from the Grail War - the mark of a Servant - instead of as a high lady of the land. If you want, I can stick to calling her 'Saber' - truthfully I'm more used to that."

     This time though, Rin is left blinking away her surprise when the knight introduces himself, visibly taken aback a bit by the fact that she met the Lord of the land without realizing it. "O-oh! I'm sorry - I didn't realize... well, I mean I knew several Knights of the Round had come here, but... I didn't expect what effectively serves as the king to be the one practicing out here."

    Like Rin, Archer privately notes that the comment Saber's version of Sakura had said was rather accurate - given the right circumstances, he could pass for a woman, though at the moment his regalia and demeanor were more suitably masculine, or at least enough to identify him as a male on close inspection as opposed to a distance.

    Rin seems to blink in surprise when learning of Archer's prior, albeit indirect meeting with Bedivere, before glancing at the Servant of the Bow with annoyance. "Oh, really? He /never/ said a word to me about that."

     "I did not think you would want me to bother you with every errant little happenstance on the radio frequencies" the Servant retorts, though his smile is, as usual, sardonically bemused. "Especially given your trouble with most forms of interfaces."

     Rin's angered retort is only barely suppressed, catching on quickly that Archer is simply trying to make her slip up in front of Bedivere. Instead, she focuses on the Knight so as to ignore her Servant entirely - "Yes, Saber mentioned that before, though she never mentioned what the exact age difference was."

    As the pair follow in step with Bedivere - Archer following slightly behind step with Rin - it is Archer who speaks up first before Rin can reply; "My Master has taken up residence here for one, but if you mean the current reason she is here instead of elsewhere... it is /supposed/ to be for her to rest. She was subjected to a rather severe strain in the area of Woodvale. That realm's Gaia - the will of the World - to be precise."

    Rin gives the bowman an annoyed glare, but she doesn't deny his claim. "I can walk just fine, Archer - I don't know how even half that... confounding space-age nonsense the Union has works, but I'll admit it's not entirely worthless."

    Archer blinks in surprise a bit, then gives a mocking smile - "You're actually complementing technology? Now I /know/ you're not well." In turn, Rin's only response is to just barely resist the urge to retort lest she ruin her image in front of Bedivere, though her right brow does twitch noticeably - "Ah, you see Master. Your nerves can't possibly be healed yet if your brow is twitching like that."

    ... perhaps it is the overall calming atmosphere of Dun Realtai itself, or perhaps not. But by some miracle, Rin manages to focus on following Bedivere's lead and on the path in front of her, as opposed to the smug-looking Servant behind her... though the sound of grinding teeth from the magus is still audible.
Sir Bedivere   "If that is her preference, than I do not mind, either. It is simply as unfamiliar to me as the title she bears as a Servant. One does not refer to the King of Britain so casually." The corner of Bedivere's mouth twitches in a half-smile, almost sardonic. "Not unless one wishes to imply rudeness, that is. Were this Camelot, it would be a breach in courtesy... but fortunately, this is not; and she has expressed a preference for her name. Such a title as 'king' is meaningless, here."

  More privately, he's reasonably certain she wouldn't want to be referred to as king. That title and those years were things she regarded as a personal failure, and though she's managed to heal from those scars somewhat, they will always be scars.

  He glances over his shoulder again, regarding Rin neutrally. "No," he clarifies simply. No? "I am not a king. Nor am I analagous to a king. Dun Realtai is not broad enough a territory to be ruled by a monarchy, nor would I willingly accept such a title. I am its steward only; I do not rule, here. I merely oversee, and ensure that this land and its inhabitants remain safe and able to see to their own affairs."

  Thankfully, Bedivere is gracious enough to ignore Rin's almost-slip of temper, and even manages not to show any amusement at the game of bait-and-taunt going on between Master and Servant.

  "Did she not?" he comments, lightly. "I would estimate some ten years. Mayhap a few seasons less, as I said, but in that range. I am not certain; I spoke with Lady Tohsaka, my king's former master, seldom; and I spoke with her sister even less. It is true that we lived 'neath the same roof, for some time, but our paths did not often cross."

  Residence? The knight looks back over his shoulder again, arching a brow. "That is news to me." Perhaps Arturia hadn't seen fit to mention it, thinking it trivial. While he doesn't necessarily feel a compulsion to stick his nose in everybody's business, he does make a point to know what's happening in his stewardship, at the very least. Still, he seems to find no problem with that, as there's no retort following the acknowledgement. He merely nods as he straightens, approaching the door to the keep.

  Several weathered stone steps lead up to the wooden door and the stout stone wall. The door itself is reinforced with iron banding, but it swings open easily and silently on oiled hinges. No creaking; no resistance, and he steps to one side, cloak rustling about his ankles as he holds the door for his guests. "Please," he murmurs. "Enter."
Archer      "Well... truthfully, I'm not entirely sure what her preference is" Rin admits somewhat sheepishly. "Mostly, I call her 'Saber' purely out of habi, since that was the only name I knew her by at first. I... well, I really didn't know her that long to address her as anything else."

    There it is again. That trace of anxiety that seemed to prominently define Rin's memories of the Saber /she/ knew. The Saber that was left little more then a hollow shell by the end. Inwardly, Archer knew that Rin was aware of the difference between this Saber and her War's Saber. But still... while she seemed a bit more at ease with the effective Guardian of Dun Realtai, it seemed that Rin was still at odds with her memory of the black executioner she saw four years ago.

     "Ah, so your role is more utilitarian then autocratic" Archer quips, marking only the second time he's replied to Bedivere. "Though I suppose it makes sense - not even at her hight did King Arthur make a choice without council. Or perhaps it is because of those times that you have taken a new route?" His questions are bluntly honest, though they don't carry any hint of rudeness. "At the very least, the atmosphere is more... passive then what I would expect from a typical kingdom, though it seems well-received."

     While somewhat annoyed by her Servant's lack of tact, Rin manages to keep it subdued - while she had been familiar enough with Saber to let her hair down easier, so to speak, Bedivere was not only a new face to her but someone close to Saber; her Master, a peer on the Round Table to her trusted knights and the martial of Camelot's forces. She didn't want to make a bad impression as an ill-tempere child... though Archer's comments made it increasingly more difficult.

     "I see" the magus says simply. "I guess that makes sense - back then, Saber was probably closer to the one I knew; more guarded and putting duty first and foremost over socialization. Plus, given Sakura's... conditions, she probably didn't want her getting in danger too much."

     "Though perhaps mistaking one of the Knights of the Round for the Queen of Camelot had something to do with it" the Servant questioned, with Rin spinning round to face him in shock and horror, barely able to choke out something unintelligible while Archer ignored it and kept speaking; "Instances like that tend to make it less politically or personally volatile to keep interaction at a minimum - imagine the questions people would ask about whether the story of the King's affair is as different in reality as her gender was."

     "I-idiot!" Rin finally cracked slightly, teeth ground so tightly that they might shatter. "You goddamn idiot! What the /hell's/ wrong with you, saying something like that when he's invited us into his home?!" Her face is starting to flush with anger at this point... and then all the color abruptly drains away, replaced by horror when she realizes what Archer has made her do. Turning on her heal, she faces Bedivere and bows her head deeply, face now flushing red from mortification rather then fury. "I-I'm so sorry for my /idiot/ Servant's horrible idea of humor. I hope he didn't offend you." Archer on the other hand doesn't seem very apologetic if his amused smirk is anything to go by.

    After that... rather embarrassing exchange, Rin can only give a somewhat deflated "Thank you" at Bedivere's invitation into his abode.
Sir Bedivere   The silver-haired knight's regard shifts to the modern-day magus, and though his regard is mild, he seems to be studying her closely. Perhaps he noticed that flicker of reaction under the surface, that subconscious recoiling from whatever her memory of the King of Knights might have been. Apparently he doesn't see fit to comment on it, though, merely filing the reaction away for later.

  "My role is utilitarian, yes." His eyes shift over to Archer, neutral. "In Camelot, my role was of a similar nature, though I was not steward of Camelot's citadel; that was Sir Kay's responsibility. My purview was that of Camelot's armies, its logistics, and its supply. Shifting those skills to suit Dun Realtai took comparatively little adaptation. We do not have soldiers, per se; these are a pastoral people. Knights such as myself will stand in their defense. I do not require militia service of them."

  A handful of multiversal Elite combatants is more than enough to guarantee the place's safety, and if there's one thing this place has, it's willing allies.

  He cants his head very slightly to one side, as though thoughtful about that observation on Saber's methods. "No. My king did not make any decision without due consideration, although she did not necessarily ask counsel of even her closest knights. Sir Lancelot and Sir Kay were instrumental in the consensus of many difficult decisions. I, however, chose to advise her only in military matters. It would have been improper to offer advice otherwise. There were other factors, as well."

  "I took this appointment because that was what my king wished of me." His head cants the other way, slightly; thoughtful, his tone still neutral. Something almost melancholy flickers in his eyes, though. "I would not have burdened her with the governance of this place. Overseeing Camelot was a sacrifice that she was willing to take, but it was not without price, and asking this of her would not have been without price. It would not have been right."

  Not that he wanted to do it any more than she did, but he proved able and willing once it was established that nobody else could do the job.

  "However, allow me to assure you that if there were a threat presented to this place, it would receive the response of no less than several Union Elites, several powerful Servants, and perhaps even a Confederate Elite or two," the knight comments flatly. "Nor would I shirk the front lines myself. Mortal I may be, but that does not mean that I cannot stand with them. It would be my duty to do so. Simply because we are not waving spear and sword about does not mean us incapable of defending ourselves." He smiles, but the expression is cold; wintry. "Perhaps you may have occasion to see this, if I should ever truly feel Dun Realtai's safety threatened."

  The reaction against the aggressor would probably be like a thunderbolt -- Bedivere is aloof, and independent on general principle, but he would not be shy about calling in favours for such a thing as the defense of his home.

  Bedivere only stares flatly at Archer for a few moments after that exchange, eyes flicking for a moment between the sputtering Rin and the smug Servant. His regard is mild enough, head tilting again, in what seems to be his subtle equivalent of a shrug.

  It's a long enough stare to imply that he's not amused, though, even if he doesn't react like Archer's much more hot-tempered Master.
Sir Bedivere   "How was she to know? Lady Tohsaka had never experienced the knights of the Round Table save for that whom she held the command seals for. Although I am to understand that they had shared dream and memory, on occasion, I do not believe that Lady Tohsaka was ever given a vision of the Round Table in its entirety. If she ever had sight of me, it was but once, or twice, at most. An afterthought, at best."

  His attention then swivels back to Rin.

  "I would implore you not to take the Lord's name in vain," he adds, perfectly seriously.

  Then, with a flick of his wrist, he beckons them on to the hearth, where several tables and chairs sit beside the crackling fire. It's a very large hearth, spanning down the wall, and the warmth radiating from it is a comfort in the chill autumn afternoon. Only once they've both taken a seat does he as well, gesturing subtly for a castle servant, who quickly and unobtrusively brings tea and what appears to be a selection of scones.

  "I am not offended. Please, sit." His hawklike regard turns back to Rin. "If you will be taking residence here, however, I would like to question you both on several matters, if that is not disagreeable."
Archer      Archer seems to regard Bedivere's reply evenly, though inwardly he remains slightly skeptical on the idyllic nature of the world lasting forever. At the same time, he can't fault the logic of having a few defend the many instead of conscripting the many to fight for themselves - it was an ideal similar to the existence of the Counter-Guardians.

    But at the same time, the burdens those few had to carry alone, possibly even without support from each-other at points, still left the undertones of embitterment in the Servant's heart.

     Both Servant and Master seemed unsurprised by this, though Archer knew a bit more about the particulars of Saber's complicated political masquerade regarding Gwenevere and Lancelot then Rin did. Rin herself only knew the theories Lord El-Melloi II had on the truths behind King Arthur's affair; a political marriage to maintain the appearance of King Arthur being male, and that it was not a romance between the queen and Lancelot ruining King Arthur's marriage as opposed to the other way around. "I can't say I'd know for sure... but I think I understand. It's hard to offer advice to someone who's goals make them convinced their path is the only way." Her mind flashed back to Shirou - both hers before the Grail War and the one in the Union - before letting out a sigh. "Anyway, I think you made the right choice being there to support her - having that kind of responsibility alone is tough for anyone. And for whatever difference it makes, I think Saber seems to be better off for it - she's more open then the one I knew. Happier too, I think."

     Archer raises his brow when Bedivere brings up the matter of the elites. "You admit though that the threat is always present, though. I suppose that having allies is one benefit of keeping this land neutral... though admitting all, save those truly 'evil', has as much potential for failing as picking a definite side may carry." He tilts his head as well, something else coming to mind. "When you say 'Confederates'... are you referring to Mordred? I'm surprised - while her Master's death makes her neutral now, I would not think you or Saber would tolerate her."

    Rin in turn winced, knowing that the topic of the 'Knight of Treachery' - which she had only learned about from the rather widespread news regarding the death of Mordred's Master - was likely a touchy subject, inwardly cursing her Servant's bluntness before trying to lessen any offense that was dealt - "With all due respect Sir Bedivere, I hope that never comes to pass. I've seen what damage a war can do to people... and if what I've read about the things this place went through are any evidence, these people have had enough for more then one lifetime."

    At Bedivere's request, Rin goes ridged, looking apologetic as she again chastises herself for not remembering in time that King Arthur was one of the more pious heroes of her time - and it seemed Bedivere was less inclined to let the matter slide. In fact, the only reason Saber probably had been so forgiving was because the flaxen-haired Servant knew Rin personally - Rin didn't have that kind of rapport with Bedivere. "I'm sorry. I'll try to be more thoughtful - sometimes I... forget myself. Especially if I'm apologizing for someone else's stupidity" - she glares at Archer, who only shrugs offhandedly.

    Graciously accepting the offer to sit, Rin takes one of the chairs beside the fire, seeming appreciative of the warmth, though Archer initially hesitates, only taking a seat once tea is served. Rin shrugs her red coat off her shoulders and props it up around her shoulders more like a makeshift blanket, courteously accepting a teacup and a scone as she listens to Bedivere's request. "Well... I'll answer what I can, but I can't promise I'll have one for every question."
Sir Bedivere   "Choice?" Bedivere looks back to Rin, regarding her with an intensity that might border on uncanny. "You mistake me, Lady. I did not have a choice in the matter, indeed, as any knight worthy of their vows would have. It would not have mattered if the king's own service were a cause of pain to her or not; she was the king, and as Knights of the Round Table, we were compelled to serve."

  "That she was charismatic and capable of commanding our loyalty independent of our vows was beside the point. We swore sacred oaths to serve, and serve we did, to the ends of our lives." He tilts his head, very faintly. "Is that not so? Or do oaths carry less weight in the modern era than they may have in the time of Camelot? I am sorry to hear that, if they do."

  Sighing very faintly, something in his expression seems to shift at the topic of Mordred, although it's difficult to say what emotion might be passing behind his face. He wears his neutrality like a mask, and it's obvious that he's very good at it. Even Archer's goading seems to have had little effect on him beyond acknowledgement... surely there must be a way to find a crack in the silver-haired knight's armour, but he isn't in the habit of showing those vulnerabilities easily.

  He blinks somewhat owlishly, considering the matter of Mordred. True, he had bade the Traitor Knight welcome, and even expressed an interest in healing the rift between them; if nothing else, for the sake of his health. Yet forgiveness does not come so easily, and he cannot in good conscience trust her when it comes to the safety of Dun Realtai. He's far too untrusting for that, and he had been cut too deeply by her rebellion.

  "I am not referring to Mordred, although we have begun to work through our differences." That's all he says on the matter, and his slightly stiff tone seems to indicate that it's not a topic up for discussion.

  He exhales again through his nose, apparently accepting her apology, and deliberately avoiding mention of the tension that seems to crackle between Master and Servant. Only an idiot would miss it, though. Part of him is surprised that either of them have lasted through whatever their Grail War must have been, given their seeming animosity toward one another. Which brings him to another topic...

  "The Grail War." His eyes settle on Rin, the weight of his regard intense as a bird of prey. "Where do you stand in your own iteration of the battle? If you are to stay here, I will not permit you to continue your war from here. I cannot accept the risk that you will not attract an enterprising foe who would assault you here, and risk harm to this place's inhabitants. Many if not all of them are non-Elite, and they are not capable of withstanding the unbridled strength of a Servant." He tilts his head faintly in what passes for a shrug. "It is nothing I mean personally, of course, and it would sadden me to turn you away. You seem... interesting. But the safety of my people is my primary concern."
Archer      "Well..." Rin gnaws at the inside of her lip trying to figure out the best way to voice it. "I guess I meant more like you know that you /want/ to help but you can't for whatever reason. Though... I went through something like that too, actually." Her expression becomes somewhat solemn, remembering the pacts between her family and the Matou that she'd honored in her younger years, and how her sister suffered because of it.

    "And yes, oaths do still carry a lot of weight in our world, especially among magi... though forgive me for saying so, but I sometimes really wish they didn't."Rin sighs somewhat mournfully, with Archer giving her a slightly concerned yet subdued glance before Rin replied, giving a somewhat apologetic look to Bedivere. "If that sounds personal... that's probably because it is. My sister - both from my world and, I think, the one that served as Saber's Master - might have ended up with much better childhoods if oaths in our time weren't so absolute that not even love and family was worth anything so long as those pacts were upheld."

     "I see" Archer replies after a moment of contemplating Bedivere's reply on Mordred.... though a somewhat bemused smile crosses his features as something else he's wanted to confirm crosses his mind. "Would that have anything to do with how /close/ you must have become to Mordred's 'father' as her Master and partner?" He emphasizes the word 'close' so as to put more focus on it... and see if what Saber had accidentally let slip about her past Master's observations were as accurate as Archer felt they were for Saber's end of the connection.

    The direct question to the Grail War serves to truly bring the anxiety in Rin to the forefront, the magus shifting in her seat uncomfortably at the question. Even Archer seems somewhat hesitant to speak, though his expression is more stone-faced then anxious. However, Rin does ultimately reply; "Well, if that's the case, you don't have to worry. My world's Grail War is four years over and done with, and the Grail itself is destroyed. In fact, the only reason Archer is here is because the Mage's Association - or maybe you know it as the Clocktower - built a system that replicates it's ability to summon Servants, though is made specifically to support their existence as opposed to 'granting a wish,' so it's useless as a prize to fight for." She pauses for a moment, taking a breath to settle any lingering ill memories inside her. "Archer was my Servant in the war too, though he... well, he died during it. I ended up summoning him a second time, miraculous as that might be, though I guess it's because I party knew how to bring him back."

     "Believe me, I was just as surprised" Archer shrugs, sipping his tea - his posture and method of holding the cup both suggest he's not at all unfamiliar with proper etiquette in spite of his cynical, sarcastic exterior. "I figured she would have been past the age where I needed to play the role of her guardian."

     "... wonderful way to thank me, you jerk" the Tohsaka heiress mutters and glares pointedly at Archer, nibbling at her scone as 'subtly angrily' as one can do before returning to Bedivere. "I'm not surprised you're asking me about the war - I figured you would since... well, even though I explained some of the events and causes, I kind of skipped over what happened in the War itself. It's... not a pleasant memory." She lowers her gaze, then sighs and looks back up at Bedivere with a questioning expression. "I'm more surprised though that she didn't tell you, yet - I mean, I'm sure she would have eventually, but... well, I guess she's been busy. Or maybe she needed time to absorb it all."
Sir Bedivere   The silver-haired knight tilts his head as he mulls over the magus' answer, although whatever conclusions he may reach, he doesn't share them. Curious. He can remember Arturia's caution about modern magi, and that they were an altogether different breed than the ancient ones. More self-serving, and less trustworthy, more prone to doing whatever they thought might put them ahead in their striving for the root of all things.

  That's something he'll have to keep in mind, particularly with corroboration from this young magus. He listens, expression mild, as she reveals the truth about her and her own sister. It wasn't a story he was unfamiliar with, although it had applied to a different set of siblings, and the story had been told to him by his king, not the one whom the stories involved. The details had been confirmed in passing by the elder sister, but he had not inquired too deeply into the matter. It would have been improper to do so.

  Archer seems intent on baiting the knight, but the knight seems equally intent on not rising to the bait. He merely tilts his head to regard the Knight of the Bow, blinking and studying the man coolly. His features are strange; dusky skin and white hair, unlike anything he has ever seen before. Might they be Mediterranean, or perhaps even from the Middle East, where stalwart Sir Palomedes had hailed?

  No, probably not. Back to the Servant's words, though, and Bedivere merely tilts his head in semblance to a shrug. There are many answers he could give to this question, and all of them would be truthful.

  "What is the purpose of the question? Of course I am close to her. As Marshal of the Realm, it was necessary that I could anticipate what I would be ordered to do, and infer the orders that I would be given, for there were times when those orders could not be spoken." Bedivere pushes himself up from his chair, slowly pacing before the hearth, folding his hands behind his back, beneath his cloak. "If my king was the sword of the realm, than I was the open hand that offered charity. It was I who led refugees back to safe areas, after the sea-wolves had burnt their settlements to the ground and murdered many of their people."
Sir Bedivere   He turns, walking slowly the other way, armour clanking quietly. "It was I who distributed food and supplies to those who were unable to fend for themselves after their losses at the hands of the raiders from the northern sea. And it was my responsibility to anticipate where my king would choose to send her men to thwart the sea-wolves, for I held a position higher than any general; it was to me whom generals answered, and to me whom the king's military strategies ultimately lay."

  ...Yes, he is purposefully ignoring the subtext of Archer's question -- but really, he's still answering that question, because the Servant had not been terribly specific.

  Hands still folded behind his back, Bedivere slows to a halt, turning only his head to regard Rin with the sharp gaze of a hawk. Now this matter is one that he is deeply interested in, and invested in. The answer they give may determine their fate here in Dun Realtai. "Four years gone. That is a relief." He has to wonder why she would summon Archer again, though, particularly if the war is over and done. The matter of why is a personal one, though, and he apparently feels no pressing need to ask that question just yet.

  It's something to keep in mind for later, not because he has any particular need to know, but because it would tell him a great deal about the mind of this young magus.

  Turning, he faces the hearth, firelight reflected on his pale face. "While I have knowledge of the Grail War, and the business of Masters and Servants, I have not personally participated in such a conflict, nor have I any interest in doing so. It has simply happened that I hold the acquaintance of several Servants, and heard of the matter through the explanations of my king." He lifts his chin slightly, tilting his head to regard Rin sidelong from one violet eye. "She did not tell me of you; we have been much busy in preparing Dun Realtai for the coming winter. It is the first winter this place will have seen since its destruction. We are much concerned with seeing that all of Dun Realtai's affairs are in order."
Archer     Archer tilts his head in return as he observes Bedivere's expression, seeing that the Knight seems to be trying to place the Servant of the Bow from somewhere.

    Ironically, the answer to that would have been the very boy that the steward of Dun Realtai had taken under his wing.

    However, at the same time, Archer cannot help but feel he might have struck a nerve this time as Bedivere got up to pace in front of the hearth, offering up an explanation - or rather, multiple ones that addressed every possible interpretation of an answer to Archer's question.

    All except one, that is... which in turn made Archer somewhat more assured that there was indeed a reason the silver-haired Knight hadn't addressed it. "I see. In other words... you two were already as close as your positions let you be in the past. However, my question was on how that may have changed since she has become your Servant."

    While the more coy part of her seemed to take interest in seeing Bedivere react more overtly then before to Archer's sniping, another part of her continued to persist with the reminder that Bedivere was not Saber - there was a time and place for that kind of thing. First meetings like this weren't the place to be quite so informal, especially for one as outwardly serious to newcomers as Bedivere was - understandable given how many dangers a literally-infinate multi-reality plane would have.

    Maybe if Bedivere was more familiar with them, like Saber or Shirou were, Rin might have enjoyed it more. But at the moment she was more concerned that Archer might say something the Knight might take offense to. Hence why, for the sake of not causing trouble with Saber's Master, Rin took the chance to actually defend him this time - "Well, it's pretty typical for a Master and Servant to develop a close working relationship. Shirou only knew Saber for a few days and they bonded pretty quickly - three days and they were practically Knight and Squire."

     "Only because the boy was enamored by the fairy-tale nature of a knight who represented the incorruptible image of justice and heroism" Archer deflected, though perhaps a touch more curtly, no longer smiling but instead looking more offhanded.

     "Well, Bedivere was her martial, so of course they'd work together well" Rin shrugged. "Anything else... well, that's their business. If he had anything else he wanted to say, he'd say it, correct?" She gave a small, yet knowing smile to the silver-haired knight to try and subtly let him know she wouldn't just press the issue for now... and also suggest she already was aware of what the situation was between him an Saber.

     "Yes, and good riddance to it" Rin snorts, the memory of the Grail and what it cost leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. "Anyway, the only reason a substitute system was created was because of Unification - the Association was in a panic when they learned the extent of things out here, and after seeing some of it myself I don't blame them this time. In order to have a defense against it, they decided only the strongest existences they could access - Heroic Spirits - would be fit to be representatives for one side. That way, we had someone who could rival Elites if a conflict hit our world, and could, as a member of one side, get the protection of said faction extended to us. I'm basically the test-pilot for that initiative, and Archer's the only Servant so far we've summoned - we've yet to try summoning others."

     "Ah, I see" Rin replied, seeming somewhat disappointed hearing of the oncoming winter. "That's a shame - I rather liked the weather here so far. Though if nothing else, the winter will give me time to read up on recent affairs and get situated, and I wouldn't really be lying if I said I got snowed in and couldn't visit Fuyuki for a while."
Sir Bedivere   Fortunately for Archer, both squire and Servant are dissimilar enough on the surface that Bedivere wouldn't think to compare them. They don't look quite the same after their trials, and the only detail that they seem to share is eye colour. Given the variety of sometimes strange eye colours that occur in the world, such as Bedivere's own odd violet colour, it probably comes as no surprise that he doesn't leap on that singular detail.

  In other words, he really doesn't have any reason to suspect this acerbic individual to be one and the same as his idealistic and dangerously overenthusiastic trainee.

  When Archer gives his acknowledgement, the knight merely fixes the Servant with a bland look. Perhaps Archer might have struck a nerve, but it's a well-hidden one. He merely raises a brow, as though silently questioning -- 'if you have something to say, out with it,' the gesture seems to say.

  Seems he's more interested in sniping and remaining in the back ranks, though. Trust a bowman to take the cowardly approach. Bedivere shifts his weight, turning slightly to regard Archer with a more direct tilt of his head. "That is a more personal question than I would have expected from you. Of what benefit is the answer to you, I wonder? We keep no secrets, if that answer is of any significance to you. I need not carry out my duties by inferrence and unspoken command. We are permitted to collaborate openly on matters involving the safety of this realm. And that includes repelling any foreign Servants and Masters who might seek to disturb this land with their warring."

  Turning, the silver-haired knight regards the hearth again, watching the fire burning low. Embers glow in the heart of it, and slowly, the innermost log crumbles into the heat. One might have the impression that he isn't saying everything, but that isn't surprising. He seems much more reserved than the King of Knights, and much more suspicious of those he deems outsiders, as well.

  Certain details had been lost to the ages, of course. None of the legends seemed to know that Bedivere had been as close to Arturia as he had been; that their thinking had been so alike that king could issue command to her knight without so much as speaking a word. They had been a terrifying force on the battlefield, acting in concert in ways that must have seemed like witchcraft to their Saxon opposition. Certainly his fulfillment of her orders and the kingdom's policies must have seemed that way, too, off the battlefield. Yet the books had never remembered that, and the enigmatic Left Hand of the King had been reduced to little better than a footnote in the books of history and legend.

  Now, with a perspective that allows him to span the centuries between his era and the modern time, he seems to prefer it that way.

  "In fairness," the knight responds somewhat flatly, "it is difficult to ignore the boy. He has an uncanny knack for placing himself in the way of mortal harm, and while it is admirable that his convictions and intentions are so noble, he lacks the strength to uphold those convictions. He must needs learn temperance, or this world will kill him. There is no question of that; merely a question of how, and when."
Sir Bedivere   His mouth quirks at Archer's interjection, and his gaze slides to the Knight of the Bow, cool and deliberate. "That is his perception. Allow me to assure you that the reality was much less whitewashed." He had sacrificed much for that justice and heroism, and it nearly killed him. Never had Bedwyr Bedrydant been corrupted, but it had cost him much.

  Bedivere's gaze flicks back to Rin.

  "Correct."

  There is a finality to the word that borders on chilling, and might perhaps lend pause to his newest guests. Had they truly struck a nerve? Or is he simply being stern? It's difficult to say. In particular, even Rin's effort at friendliness earns a neutral stare, so neutral that it almost seems as though he's denying the matter, as though it weren't deserving of a response.

  When explained the reason for the return of the Servants, he merely tilts his head, as though puzzled. "I cannot profess to know the intricacies of summoning a Servant, as I was granted command seals willingly. However, that seems a great deal of resources, and a great deal of responsibility, laid on the mantle of a very small number of magi." He unfolds his hands from behind him, crossing his arms over his chest. "Is that not so?"

  "Heh." He chuckles, bleakly, at the prospect of Rin being snowed in through the winter. "We are not certain how much the snow will fall; the last winter in this place was one of unnatural proportions. The snow was over a dozen feet high."

  His arms fall to his sides, and he looks to the others. It's his turn for more questions, and so his eyes flick over Archer before returning to Rin.

  "Tell me of your past history with my king." If you guys are going to ask personal questions, than so is he. "There was something in your eyes when you spoke of her. If you are to remain here as a guest in my hall, in association with my king, than for the sake of her safety, I would know what." His expression never changes. "We are no longer in Camelot, but that does not mean an end to the oaths that I once swore. It is still my duty to protect the king, at cost of my own life, if necessary. I would know your history in the matter."
Archer      "You need not worry about that" Archer shrugs, seeming satisfied with what little of Bedivere's composure he managed to strain, even though the knight effectively deflected the bowman's jabs. "In that, you and I are actually rather alike - we are both little more then utilitarian custodians for the people we are sworn to protect." He gives a tight smile, slightly tinged with a hint of cynicism behind it. "After all... what is a 'hero' if not someone who does what is needed simply because it is necessary?"

    Rin fixes him with another glare, disapproving of his attitude, though the Red Knight shrugs it off before answering Bedivere's question "As to why I asked... well, you could say I'm just curious to see if the Saber of my war actually managed to find some degree of the peace Emiya Shirou could never give her."

    He may be speaking about the Shirou of Rin's world... or perhaps he means himself, not that Bedivere would know this. But nonetheless, what looks almost like empathy traces the edges of the steel in his eyes - if nothing else... he does seem to want to know if Saber is happy.

    A hint to his own connection with the King of Knights.

     "I could not agree more" Archer snorted, his subtle yet detectable scorn for Emiya Shioru surfacing again. "Though it is not just strength he lacks, but introspection as well. Even now, the boy cannot conceive of his life being as valuable as those he tries to save - he has no qualms about burning himself out entirely if it achieves his misbegotten dream." He fixes Bedivere with a solid gaze that is more then just confident in his conclusion - it is practically a look of knowing... and the curse that comes with it. "As you say, it's not a matter of 'if'; merely how and when."

    However, he is silent when Bedivere responds to his comment on Shirou's perception of Saber. "Astute as before. He lacks the ability to realize no noble goal comes without some form of cost... and the price is steeper the larger the goal is."

    Rin notes how comparatively curt Bedivere is in affirming her words, though in a way she understands - with Saber, it was easier because she felt more like an old friend. Bedivere didn't know them and, since Saber hand't spoken to him about their talk, he had no reason to trust them yet. In all honesty, she would probably have been curt as well if some relative stranger just started asking these kinds of questions about her sister.

    Rin nods in response to Bedivere's observation of the Grail War. "Yes. And in the end, what they were after was hardly worth the price that was paid by the time it all was over. But as for my own world in the now... well, I guess the belief is that we won't last without any that can match the elites. Hence, I've been made first one to be a Master for conflicts /other/ then one for the Grail."

    But... when asked about her history with the king... Rin froze. It was slight, but visible - the barest recoiling at the mention of retelling her tale of Saber. Archer seems to change as well, though he becomes more impassive instead - his face becomes sterner, as if adamant about not wishing to reveal that detail.

    Or perhaps he simply doesn't want to reveal his own connection to Saber.

    Rin closes her eyes, staying silent for what feels like several minutes... then, after a long moment of hesitation, looks at him with a reluctant, concerned... but ultimately steeled expression. "I could... but it would be easier to show you." She bites her lip a bit at this, fighting back anxiousness. "However... I can't promise you'll thank me. And... truthfully, I'd rather not. I haven't even told Saber yet. And... if you agree to let me show you, then I'd like you to please not tell her yet. Though to be honest... I don't think you'll want to, if I let you see what I saw."
Sir Bedivere   "I do not think so." Bedivere turns to look at Archer, studying the Servant closely for a few seconds. Although his expression is largely neutral, something about it seems almost disdainful. "We are perhaps alike in the most superficial sense of our duties, but I believe that is where the similarities end."

  The knight doesn't elabourate beyond that. He wouldn't compare himself to such acerbic and cynical person. Even at his most despairing, when all had seemed lost, he had not let himself fall to such cynicism. He had not lashed out so, even if he might have been justified in part, having lost everything and everyone he had ever known. Such conduct would have been a slight against his knightly vows.

  He does mull over Rin's answer, frowning slightly. Had the King of Knights found some measure of happiness? "I believe that she has," he says, slowly, as though he were choosing his words with care. "I have heard much of her story, however, and I can tell you that Emiya Shirou was not her Master. It was Emiya Kiritsugu. There was little resemblance beyond the name, for I have met Emiya Kiritsugu, and I have also met Emiya Shirou." He shakes his head, folding his hands behind his back again. "The two are as the wolf and the dog. There was little similarity between them that I could observe, at least in methodology."

  Turning, the knight begins to pace again, although his steps are slow and deliberate. His armour clatters softly with every movement, and every step placed against the citadel's flagstones.

  "I have been told of that as well," he murmurs, "of the Holy Grail's irrevocable taint. In the end, the battle was no more than a sham. It would have granted no wish of theirs, and if it had, it would have been twisted nearly beyond recognition; a Pyrrhic victory at best."

  His cloak flutters behind him as he stops and turns to walk the other way. Although he doesn't stop walking, his eyes slide to regard Rin sidelong, suddenly sharp.

  "No. I will not permit that." Not once does his voice raise, but there's a steely edge to the tone that hasn't been there until now. Here is the Left Hand of the King in his stern and unyielding aspect; the aspect that the Knights of the Round Table had seen and lived with every day of their lives, that of the confident tactician and military leader. "I will allow you to remain in my hall as guests, but I know what you are, and you will not exercise such witchcraft as that against me."

  Curious; had it not been 'witchcraft' that he had seemed to sense at Archer and Rin's arrival? Or is he merely cautious because he knows that she's a magus?

  "Furthermore, this land is home to the Ever-Living Ones, and it is a delicate balancing act to avoid offending them." One hand flicks in a northerly direction, the plates of his gauntlets rattling quietly. "Indeed, the rightwise guardian of this land is one of the Ever-Living Ones herself, and I should not risk offending her, or her ilk. That includes the working of significant powers such as that would require. Already they grow restless that so many humans have come to their lands, although as yet our accord remains a peaceable one."

  Crossing his arms, he looks from Rin to Archer and back to Rin again, shaking his head. "Very well. I will not ask that of you now, but know that I will have that information from you, if you wish to remain here. I would be remiss in my duties if there were information necessary to the protection of this place and its people, and I did not ask." His expression is both dubious and stern; caught somewhere between the two. Yet, when he speaks again, his tone gentles. "Surely you must understand, magus, that I am bound by my duties."
Archer      "Perhaps" the bowman shrugged, regarding Bedivere impassively through his gaze. "But perhaps that is more then enough."

    Archer knew this type of mindset all too well - he had seen it from Saber. Had carried it himself to a degree... and as a result he knew how inflexible it could be - how it could not only break but shatter to pieces if bent too far.

     At Bedivere's reply, both Rin and Archer seem to narrow their gazes in contemplation, both actually having the same exact thought - though Rin was the one to voice it; "She was Emiya Kiritsugu's Servant in the Fourth Grail War, yes... but in my timeline, Saber was also a Servant in the Fifth War. The same Servant in two wars - and both times under an Emiya; Kiritsugu and Shirou."

     "The difference is that the Saber you know now never made it to the Fifth War as ours did" Archer interjected. "As a result though, because our Saber was fresh out of the Fourth War, we have a good idea of what yours must have first been like."

    It might only be barely perceptible, but Archer's brows seem to furrow the slightest bit at the description of the differences between Kiritsugu and Shirou, his gaze seeming to harden the slightest bit more then before. "Indeed. Another example of the contraction between the boy's dream and reality."

     The Master and Servant both agree on Bedivere's description of the Grail War, Rin adding a simple line of commentary to it; "That's putting it kindly."

    Bedivere's reaction to Rin's offer however causes a difference of reaction in the two - Archer's brow rises inquiringly, curious as to how Bedivere can reject 'witchcraft' when that very thing is what binds him and Saber to keep her in existence. Then again, perhaps the actions of Morgan le Fey against the kingdom of Camelot had given the silver-haired knight an understandable prejudice against the efforts and offerings of mages.

    Rin, for the first time herself, responded with shock, her mouth slightly agape at the rejection before her own expression hardened as she tried not to look agitated by the reply. "What I 'am' is a mage, but I'm also a person. Besides, you're partly guilty of that yourself - you can't be Saber's Master without having a link to her that is practically 'witchcraft' itself."

    Taking a long breath to expel any strain caused by her temperament. However, she seems a mix of anxious, relieved and reluctant at having it put off for now, yet must verbally recount it at some point, giving a nod of acceptance. "That's fair. And I understand your circumstances. I'm not... not really /against/ telling you if you really want to hear it. It's just... well, it's hard for me to put into words. Not that it's much of an excuse, I know, given the bad times you must have seen yourself are probably as bad or even worse then mine."

     ... truthfully though, only half her true; It wasn't really that Rin didn't know how to articulate an explanation.

    More rather... it would be harder for her overall to have to verbally recount what she experienced, even if she didn't do more then explain what had happened. It was a selfish desire and she acknowledged it as such, but it was a bad time she'd overall buried and tried to let it heal. As such, while it would have been hard to show and relive the memory... talking about it at length might have been worse.

    However, Archer remained weary of Rin's feelings on the matter... and if Bedivere really wished to hear the tale, Archer had already resolved that /he/ would be the one to tell it, if for no other reason then the fact that Rin might hesitate at crucial points.

     ... besides... she'd already have to recount it to the boy when she eventually got around to telling him about it. It would be unfair to let her have to undergo that strain repeatedly.
Sir Bedivere   The ideals of a knight were a difficult thing to hold. It took a great deal of strength to cleave to such uncompromising ideals, but even so, the knight has not yet been broken down. He had been through trials and torment that neither the foreign Master nor Servant could dream of, and he had survived. Perhaps he had not survived unscathed, but he had survived. His losses after Camlann had nearly been the end of him... but he had survived.

  "So it would seem." Bedivere tilts his head in a gesture as much acknowledgement as it is thoughtful gesture. "Although we knew of Emiya Kiritsugu, I did not know of Emiya Shirou until he came here to Dun Realtai. She had heard of the Fifth War through Lady Tohsaka, for they had also been through their own version of it, and had similarly mistaken my king for that which they'd thought they had known."

  "Indeed." The word is thoughtful as he turns away from them, plated sabaton scuffing on the flagstone as he rubs thoughtfully at his chin with one gauntleted hand. "I can surmise her behaviour would not have been agreeable. She would have been freshly betrayed by Emiya Kiritsugu, demanding the destruction of the Grail. It would have been her last hope at setting history aright, and so you can imagine how betrayed she felt. To my knowledge he had never so much as hinted that he would ultimately order her to destroy the Grail."

  "She would have felt betrayed, and disinclined to trust anyone who so much as diverged from her beliefs and her views." He looks to the hearth, watching the glowing embers. "Or so I can imagine."

  It was how she would have behaved by the standards of his anticipation; had he been analysing her behaviour in Camelot, or fresh from Camelot -- the cold mask of the king that he had known.

  Turning slightly, he fixes Rin with a look over his shoulder, regarding her from the corner of one greyish eye. "Yes, you are. But I have met you less than a day prior. It is true that I have met others like you, but they were not you. My king will be quick to point out that I am slow to give my trust -- to any." His tone gentles, as though to take the sting out of his refusal. "Do not forget that it was my duty to remain suspicious in Camelot, and it was not only expected, but necessary. I am sorry if I have given offense, but the reality is that I know nothing of you. I have met those like you, but they are not you. And I must be cautious if I am to keep this place protected."

  "Perhaps in time, but I prefer more mundane means to situations. Words will suffice, for me; if not now, than later." His eyes settle on her again, studying. "You are correct, and yet you are not. I have bound myself to her out of necessity, and were it not for great need, I would not have accepted such a bond.

  "I have never been a magus. I have never been a warlock. I have been a knight, and I have been suspicious of such things since my arrival in Camelot. With good reason," he adds, pointedly. Can you say 'Morgan le Fay?' Because that is totally an excellent reason to be suspicious. Bah.

  The silver-haired knight folds his hands behind his back. His eyes flick to Archer, as though studying what the Servant's reaction might be. The bowman seems altogether calmer than his Master.

  At length he dips his head to both, although the gesture seems to be primarily towards Rin. "Even so, I do not wish to cause any offense. And in exchange, ask of me what you will, and I will answer to the best of my ability."
Archer      Watching the sliver-haired knight carefully, Archer wondered just how much Bedivere suspected he knew about Camelot's past. Granted, he had never seen the entire picture, but the memories he'd glimpsed, coupled with Saber's own recounting, had given a young Emiya Shirou enough of the key details to know the gist of what hardship had brought about it's fall.

    It was perhaps the few, if not the only, memories of Emiya Shirou's life that Archer retained of his own volition, the rest either forgotten or long buried.

     "Yes - when first meeting her, she was largely emotionless as was demanded by her code of conduct" Archer mused, arms crossed. "The only thing she had left to her was the Grail at that point... and in the end, it never could have granted her wish. She was disinclined to trust any, pragmatic in general and cordial at the best of times."

     "Still, even with Emiya-Kun as a Master - and I use the term loosely, considering the state he was at when he was in the Grail War - Saber was still pretty deadly even with a practically-nonexistent prana-source" Rin apprised, no less impressed by what the King of Knights could do even when arguably at her weakest. "Even in that state, she survived the curse-lance strike from our war's Lancer - Cu Chulainn - and nearly killed Archer in their first encounter all in the span of half an hour after her summoning. After that, she went toe-to-toe with Berserker for a short time - and considering our Berserker was Heracles and was the Servant of the Einzbern Grail Vessel and her near-infinite prana-supply, that's pretty impressive.

    Archer's frown seemed to deepen a bit at the mention of how Saber had nearly slain him in only the second battle of the War he'd been in, but he couldn't bring himself to object in this case. After all, he would be lying if he claimed Saber wasn't as skilled as Rin made her sound - if anything she was more then that, as she had not been summoned at her peek nor fought at it.

     ... at least, not when she was Emiya Shirou's Servant.

     Rin seems to understand Bedivere's reasoning, though she still seems a bit weary. Archer on the other hand seems to pick up on the undertone well enough, revealing a bit of his knowledge on Arthurian legend in the process - "I'm not quite as surprised - considering your kingdom's experiences with mages - both those who were welcome and those who were not - I suppose it would be hard to trust a Magus at first glance, even if they were a friend or even family to the King."

     The hints to the two mages Camelot was inhabited by - and in other cases plagued by - is rather obvious. Rin in turn catches this rather quickly, knowing enough about the legends to be aware of how a mage's power games had largely caused Camelot's fall. "I guess that would make anyone weary" she admits, gaze falling for a moment. "G... well, I know all to well that trusting some magi, especially selfish and ambitious ones, can just end with everyone suffering."

    However... much to Rin's relief - and concern - Archer in turn makes a concession this time; "Though given that stance, perhaps you would be more comfortable with one who /can/ speak more freely." He pauses, then lets out a short sigh. "if you truly wish to know why my Master regards Saber the way she does... then I shall be the one to tell you, if you do not want to put it off. But I ask that we do so alone, as it is quite obviously an event she does not wish to speak of." The Servant gives her a glance that most would normally call condescension, as would his sentence of "She can be annoyingly more fragile then she lets on."

     ... and yet, the way he went about stepping in like that... made it all too clear that he was shouldering the burden for her. Even though, given who he was, it ought to have been just as painful for him to recount the tale.

    But... same as always, him having to suffer had never stopped him from stubbornly protecting her... regardless of what form he took.
Archer      Watching the sliver-haired knight carefully, Archer wondered just how much Bedivere suspected he knew about Camelot's past. Granted, he had never seen the entire picture, but the memories he'd glimpsed, coupled with Saber's own recounting, had given a young Emiya Shirou enough of the key details to know the gist of what hardship had brought about it's fall.

    It was perhaps the few, if not the only, memories of Emiya Shirou's life that Archer retained of his own volition, the rest either forgotten or long buried.

     "Yes - when first meeting her, she was largely emotionless as was demanded by her code of conduct" Archer mused, arms crossed. "The only thing she had left to her was the Grail at that point... and in the end, it never could have granted her wish. She was disinclined to trust any, pragmatic in general and cordial at the best of times."

     "Still, even with Emiya-Kun as a Master - and I use the term loosely, considering the state he was at when he was in the Grail War - Saber was still pretty deadly even with a practically-nonexistent prana-source" Rin apprised, no less impressed by what the King of Knights could do even when arguably at her weakest. "Even in that state, she survived the curse-lance strike from our war's Lancer - Cu Chulainn - and nearly killed Archer in their first encounter all in the span of half an hour after her summoning. After that, she went toe-to-toe with Berserker for a short time - and considering our Berserker was Heracles and was the Servant of the Einzbern Grail Vessel and her near-infinite prana-supply, that's pretty impressive."

    Archer's frown seemed to deepen a bit at the mention of how Saber had nearly slain him in only the second battle of the War he'd been in, but he couldn't bring himself to object in this case. After all, he would be lying if he claimed Saber wasn't as skilled as Rin made her sound - if anything she was more then that, as she had not been summoned at her peek nor fought at it.

     ... at least, not when she was Emiya Shirou's Servant.

     Rin seems to understand Bedivere's reasoning, though she still seems a bit weary. Archer on the other hand seems to pick up on the undertone well enough, revealing a bit of his knowledge on Arthurian legend in the process - "I'm not quite as surprised - considering your kingdom's experiences with mages - both those who were welcome and those who were not - I suppose it would be hard to trust a Magus at first glance, even if they were a friend or even family to the King."

     The hints to the two mages Camelot was inhabited by - and in other cases plagued by - is rather obvious. Rin in turn catches this rather quickly, knowing enough about the legends to be aware of how a mage's power games had largely caused Camelot's fall. "I guess that would make anyone weary" she admits, gaze falling for a moment. "G... well, I know all to well that trusting some magi, especially selfish and ambitious ones, can just end with everyone suffering."

    However... much to Rin's relief - and concern - Archer in turn makes a concession this time; "Though given that stance, perhaps you would be more comfortable with one who /can/ speak more freely." He pauses, then lets out a short sigh. "if you truly wish to know why my Master regards Saber the way she does... then I shall be the one to tell you, if you do not want to put it off. But I ask that we do so alone, as it is quite obviously an event she does not wish to speak of." The Servant gives her a glance that most would normally call condescension, as would his sentence of "She can be annoyingly more fragile then she lets on."

     ... and yet, the way he went about stepping in like that... made it all too clear that he was shouldering the burden for her. Even though, given who he was, it ought to have been just as painful for him to recount the tale.

    But... same as always, him having to suffer had never stopped him from stubbornly protecting her... regardless of what form he took.
Sir Bedivere   It's possible the former marshal suspects nothing of Archer's prior knowledge; if he does, he doesn't reveal any acknowledgement of it. Then again, he seems a difficult one to read, just as adept at concealing his emotions and reactions behind a mask as Arturia Pendragon ever was. Indeed, it had been as necessary for him to do so as it had for her. More necessary, in some ways.

  "Indeed, she would have been." Bedivere's agreement is slow; thoughtful. "She was never one to show emotion in Camelot as a matter of necessity. The king was required to be impartial, and show no favour to any one group over any other. Such was her duty, and such was her introduction to the multiverse, I believe."

  He glances over sidelong at mention of CĂșchulainn, narrowing his eyes slightly. There's obvious recognition of the name -- although one may wonder how a knight of Camelot could know of it. After all, the Hound of Ulster predated the Christianity that had been so pervasive in the kingdom of chivalry.

  He only shakes his head at mention of the rest, though; of Berserker and the Einzbern heiress. The Fifth War is beyond his experiences, and largely unimportant to him, given as his own Arturia had not had any stake or role in it.

  Archer is given a level look, although it's so bland that it's hard to say what he might mean by it. Obviously Archer knows the story of Camelot; that much is patently obvious from his pointed words. Still, what the former marshal might think of that, and how he might react to that, is carefully guarded. Maybe he's just filing the knowledge of Archer's knowledge away for later.

  He folds his arms, tapping the fingers of one arm against the plates of armour against the opposite forearm.

  "Mm. That would be acceptable," he answers, in response to Archer's offer. "If your Master consents to this, I would accept that." To the matter of fragility, he merely tilts his head slightly, and something a little colder seems to enter into his passive gaze. "Everyone has their breaking point, Servant. It reflects poorly on a man to judge others by theirs. And if her experiences are as those I had heard about, the other Tohsaka Rin, she has already endured much."

  Shaking his head, he turns from them, to face the crackling hearth.

  "Stay as long as you require; you will be welcomed as guests here. But consult with me before you should invoke any or far-reaching great Magecraft. I should like to ensure that it would not offend the Ever-Living Ones present in this area." He inclines his head toward a vague northerly direction. "And be wary if you should venture near the lake. There is one such creature inhabiting it. It has thus far been peaceable, but as of yet we do not know its intentions."

  Apparently they have no questions for him, though, after his offer. He tilts his head again in that funny little equivalent of a shrug he and Saber seem to have. "Oh... and a word of advice," he adds, half-turning toward them to ensure they're listening.
Archer     In truth, any would probably have expected Saber to have told her Master and comrade Archer's identity, among other things. However, Archer could understand the reasoning somewhat.

    Granted, that reasoning operated under the belief that it was not just the oncoming winters that prevented Saber from speaking... rather the connection Bedivere had with Emiya Shirou. Or perhaps a combination of the two, among other factors.

    And if it was true that Saber had hesitated for more then just the winter preparations... it might have also added to Bedivere's cautionary stance with them. Though that was more speculation on Archer's part then anything else.

    Nevertheless, Archer was perhaps a bit more accustomed to the stoic mask worn by a Knight of Camelot, replying evenly to the former Martial's words - "She could hardly afford to do less, given what she was seeking."

     "Still... it felt like she was unapproachable at times" Rin intoned, seeming somewhat thoughtful yet slightly reluctant. "I only knew her for a few days overall, so a lot of my impression of her never made it past that exterior. I do know she had a softer side, though - she showed it to Shirou as they were partners." She then gives a small, nostalgic, yet almost sad chuckle - "She also became quite the gourmet after being spoiled with Shirou's cooking, and she had a pretty big appetite - though I think that might have partly been due to being starved for prana." The last part, while added in smoothly, is still somewhat tacked on so as not to imply that Saber was a glutton.

     Archer in turn notes how, while he seems dismissive of Berserker, Bedivere seemed to give a more straightforward acknowledgement of their war's Lancer. Unsurprising in hindsight though, since Saber had recognized Cu Chulainn as soon as she knew the name of his spear. Still, it was somewhat curious that Knights of Camelot would know of the hero when he was before their time and traditions - simple acknowledgment and respect for warriors of all kinds, perhaps? If nothing else, the so-called 'Child of Light' had been an honorable and straightforward sort, if not a bit too eager for battle - not exactly the kind of person who a knight would find disagreeable as far as battlefield standards went.

    Though by that logic, Archer figured that his own knowledge of Camelot's legends wouldn't be enough to identify him. Rather, the only way anyone likely could do that would be if either Saber told Bedivere herself... or if Archer performed projection magic in front of the knight - after all, if Emiya Shirou was his squire, it would be impossible for the observant knight to miss the connection between them in how they shared the exact same magic. Still, for the moment at least, he was a ways off from crossing that bridge it seemed.

     While initially somewhat anxious about the proposal, Rin eventually takes a breath, lets it back out to expel her concerns, and gives a nod. "Yes. Besides, I... think Archer would have an easier time not omitting or pausing at the details compared to me." After a moment though, she gives what seems to be an amazed, yet solemn smile when hearing Bedivere's description of what he believes her circumstances to be... and he was not that far off, either. "Thank you. And don't worry - I don't have any plans to just start casting spells or suddenly setting up looking glasses or the like without permission. Unlike back home, I don't have to worry about getting a Sealing Designation if I ask the town steward about setting up a boundary field or the like - not that I plan to set one up at the moment, though."

     Both Master and Servant tilt their heads toward the silver-haired knight - a sign that they are listening.
Sir Bedivere   Certainly the King of Knights would keep no secrets from her most trusted lieutenant. More likely the matter of Archer's identity had simply not been relevant until now, and with winter approaching, that self-same lieutenant has been quite busy, courting exhaustion in his preparations to ensure the village is prepared for the coming storms.

  If the winter is anything like the previous one, he has his work cut out for him -- ferocious blizzards, sub-zero temperatures, and enough snow and wind to drive even the most patient of men to despair.

  Although he doesn't respond to Archer's confirmation, he does incline his head faintly, a gesture of acknowledgement in turn.

  "It was her preference that others not approach her," Bedivere confirms in turn, turning slightly to regard Rin. "In Camelot, it was necessary to maintain the appropriate distance between subjects and king; not because she felt herself better than they, but because she wished not to lend an impression of partiality. It was necessary that she remain impartial." He looks away. "Her rule was one plagued by political unrest, I fear, and in a time of general unrest; we were beset upon by the Saxon sea-wolves, and then later by Sir Mordred's rebellion."

  "She could not afford to show her humanity. The people could not see her as vulnerable in any way."

  And that was why her marshal became an extension of her will. Where she held the sword, he would offer the open hand of chartiy; where she made the decisions that were knives twisted in her heart, he would seek to heal some of that damage by taking the charitable course, and assisting those whom he could.

  It was not possible to help everyone, of course, and there were battles both literal and metaphorical that even Bedivere could not win with his cunning and his determination. Yet even he likes to think that his efforts were towards something, even if it was only helping an elderly peasant or child survive the winter.

  He exhales softly, what might be a laugh in anyone else. "Do not mistake her love of well-prepared cuisine for a lack of prana. Although it was her right to partake of the rich foods available to the nobility, in truth, she is fond of simple and humble meals. It is not the richness of their ingredients that she treasures, but the consideration in which they are prepared." More emotional sorts might say the stuff cooked with love, but that's just not his style. He does manage a faint flicker of a smile. "In truth, she is also fond of the things that were difficult to come by even in Camelot's era, such as rich seasonings, particularly the hotter spices that would have been extreme luxuries available only to the most wealthy. Even salt was a delicacy, used rarely for cooking, because it was far more valuable as a means to preserve food."
Sir Bedivere   He shifts his weight, armour clanking softly. "Very well. I do not think tonight would be wise for such a tale, but some time soon, most definitely." He glances over his shoulder to them, regarding both Master and Servant from the corner of an eye. "As for my advice... one of the residents here in Dun Realtai is none other than Merlin." Yes, /that/ Merlin. "He is... given to... a particular irreverence. And he is quite fond of the company of young maidens." His nose wrinkles in an expression of abject disdain, but it fades, sobering. "More than that, he is a magician, not of the likes of the magi of your era, and he does not look at the world as we do. Tread cautiously. I do not think he will be dangerous, as I still consider his counsel valuable, but... he is... ah... 'particular.'"

  Shifting, he turns to face them fully, offering a bow that is neither short nor deep; polite, but not self-effacing. "If you will pardon me, however, I have reports to deliver to my king. If you will excuse me."

  And, with that, the silver-haired knight takes his leave, cloak swirling at his ankles as he turns to cross the room, and climb the stone stairs at the far end of the hall.
Archer      Archer seems to take Bedivere's response in stride - perhaps because, more then most, the Red Knight can make the claim of knowing how necessary impartiality was in making the correct choices.

    To truly embody the existence known as the 'hero'... one could not be human. They could not be partial to anything beside justice and the greater good - the many over the few. They could not be selfish, nor demand or take any reward for their services.

    Not even simple joy.

     "It was the correct choice for her people, in terms of what they required" the bowman finally replies evenly, draining his cup of tea with a final sip and leaving the matter be... though whether it had been what Camelot or Saber herself /needed/ was another, unspoken question entirely.

    After all... that which was inhuman was ultimately, inexorably ostracized. /Always./ And, as he'd noted before... one could not possibly be a hero without becoming something outside the boundary of 'humanity.' That was, in all fairness, an irrevocable fact.

    That, however, was a discussion for another time. And not around his Master - the magus likely had heard enough of his beliefs for a while.

    Rin nods as she listens to Bedivere's commentary on Saber's tastes, catching the barest hint of a smile in his features. "Well, I suppose that might have something to do with it. I mean, Emiya-Kun - or the one from my world at least - is a pretty good cook, but him always putting his heart into it might have been why Saber was so willing to eat anything he made." She gives a small smile of her own at this. "I mean, it was one of the few things he was really passionate about - even when Saber said she could make due with base meals, he'd go out of the way to cook something nice for her."

    Of course, this half-recalled memory - something she's only glanced once or so - caused the twinges of sadness to ebb through her nostalgia, the magus letting out a sigh and falling silent as the memory's strength slipped away. This in turn leads the Tohsaka heiress to give a somewhat-thankful nod of affirmation. "Yes, I think that would be best. Whenever you feel you have time, you can contact Archer or me and I'll send him out." At the same time though, Rin felt inwardly guilty - as if she was delegating a rather important, if not sensitive, issue onto Archer that she should be handling herself.

     And yet... at the same time, his connection to Saber, and his status as her Servant - both in the present and in the war before now - made it just as much his right to speak in a way.

    At the very least... she hoped that Archer would be somewhat tactful, even if he would't shy away from telling the truth.
Archer     The warning regarding Merlin - especially about his apparent status as a womanizer of sorts - left Rin blinking in surprise for a few moments before her expression became one of constrained revulsion. "Well... yet another historical figure in myths isn't what legend makes of him."

     "In all honesty though, Merlin was indeed regarded as a crafty one and found of tricks" Archer interjected, arms crossed. "Though he sounds more like a prankster in this case."

    Rin scoffed, before giving Bedivere an expression that all but vividly painted a picture of what she might do if made the victim of his games, the magus looking very unamused. "Thanks for the warning. I'll be sure to keep it in mind if I meet him."

     When Bedivere gives his farewell, Rin - finishing her tea off with the last bit of her scone - returns the bow alongside Archer before making for own abode, the magus pulling her coat back on, much of her prior muscle soreness having faded from the short rest. Though the momentary stiffness somewhat ruined the trade-off in her mind.

     "That went well, all things considered" Archer supplied, casting a final glance to the castle.

     "In spite of your best efforts otherwise" Rin deadpanned - though she was hardly in the mood to ask why Archer felt the need to needle Bedivere like that. She could guess well enough anyway. "I should have been the one to tell him."

     "You have enough to worry about" Archer supplied, albeit nonchalantly. "As a fellow Servant, Saber's fate is more my responsibility to inform him of then yours. If anything, you hold no obligation to anyone but the boy - and only because you choose such."

    Rin snorted but offered no comment on that part, instead focusing on the matter of discussion itself. "Just... be careful in how you go about it, Archer. This isn't the same as Emiya-Kun - he may know Saber, but he didn't stand through the rise and fall of her life like Bedivere did. What you say might have more impact on him then it would for Shirou, even if it's not outwardly obvious - especially since Bedivere is her Master."

     "It was hardly much different for Saber" the Red Knight replied. Nevertheless, he gave the most affirmative shrug he could - "You needn't worry, Master. I will be the picture of tact when the time comes. It's not as though the demand is unreasonable, after all."

     A pause... then a sigh. "No" Rin finally admitted, though her unease at what the formal Martial's response would be was still worrisome. "I suppose not. But... that doesn't mean I want to affect his bond with Saber. "She cast a glance across the village, once again taking in the sights of Dun Realtai as they returned to the cottage Rin had taken lodging in - a village as close to the kingdom Saber said she'd wanted as she could have had... shared with someone who may very well soon learn just how far the King of Knights could have been forced to fall when without aid. "She deserves some happiness for once. And I don't want it to be spoiled by this."

     ...

     This time, Archer didn't offer any counterargument to that. There was none he could or would give.

    After all... for once, she couldn't have been more right.