1338/The Castle In The North

The Castle In The North
Date of Scene:	15 January 2015
Location:	Fuyuki Zero <FZ>
Synopsis:	Kiritsugu, Saber, Sir Bedivere, Psyber, Emiya Shirou, and Maya all venture north, to the Einzbern castle in Germany, to find out just how far they'll have to go to stop Jubstacheit von Einzbern. Some familiar faces are encountered.
Cast of Characters:	Maya, 253, 346, 482, 560, 603
Tinyplot:	Fate/Zero Tolerance

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Emiya Kiritsugu (603) has posed:
The Einzbern Castle is located in Germany, in a mountain district near a certain river. Approaching on foot is difficult, due to the uneven, uphill terrain. Other hinderances include the freezing cold, hostile wild life, evil spirits, and Bounded Fields of various kinds. All in all, most 'normal' people can't find the place at all unless led there, due to the suggestion magic that dissuades people from approaching. Those who do make it through somehow tend to suffer very unpleasant fates. Thankfully, there is also a road through the dense forest that surrounds the castle (with its own defenses), so trekking on foot isn't necessary in this instance.

There is presently a snow storm ongoing, cloaking the surroundings with walls of swirling white, and painting the landscape an indistinct monocrhome. Occasional glimpses might be caught of trees or things that might be road markers, but all in all, there's not much to see right now outside of the series of limousines that make their way up the road.

Kiritsugu is in the back of one such limousine, in the same suit and coat he always seems to wear. There's room for all of those going to the castle to be seated along with him, but for those who may object for whatever reason, there's two other limousines available. All three limousines are specially reinforced to be able to endure quite a savage beating, and have at least some attempt made at concealing the nature of their occupants by magecraft (though any skilled magus truly determined to find out who or what is in there would be able to pierce the concealment in short order).

It's been months since Kiritsugu has been back here. He seems to be lost in thought as he gazes blankly into the screen of the cellphone that Saber got him for Christmas. What's on it isn't visible unless someone is sitting right next to him. Maiya Hisau has her phone on her as well, though she is focused on actually driving through this blizzard. The drivers of the other two cars are not as identifiable. Infact, they aren't even people. The multiverse has some amazing technology available, and Kiritsugu was quick to try to adapt it for his purposes. Those two limousines back there? They're being 'driven' by computer. They are, infact, mimicking the driving of Maiya, on a slight delay, so that they are not turning at the EXACT same time, but rather, turning when they reach the place that she began her turn.

Neat stuff.

You know what else is neat?

When the limousines break through the forest line, bounded fields passing over each vehicle in a way that those with magic circuits may be able to detect, and the snow storm clears just enough to see the HUGE CASTLE looming up over the treetops, snow flying every which way. It's at least as big as the one that the Einzberns had transported to Fuyuki City.

This is where Irisviel and Illyasviel von Einzbern were born.

http://tinyurl.com/nf26gpf

Psyber (253) has posed:
    Psyber hates letting other people drive, but it's an imposition he will endure for the sake of not creating waves for what is supposed to be a diplomatic meeting and an alliance-forging trip. Endurance, however, does not mean enjoyment and that shows on his face pretty clearly.

    So he's actually not doing much. He's lounging in the back of one of the limosines with his hands folded behind his head and his eyes shut. He's got a pair of earbuds in his ears and is almost certainly just listening to an audio book quietly. It's pretty low-key.

Saber (346) has posed:
     The leonine roar of a finely-tuned Yamaha V-Max permeated the blanket of silence brought on by the heavy snowfall, but for the lower, more subtle rumble of the limousines already idling. It wasn't a terribly stealthy way to travel, generally...but for the purposes of its owner, it served well enough. Though subtle, that rider could not help but stand out by her very nature. And it was that very nature which had, in part, led her to this isolated castle in the German mountains.

     But even if her magical nature had somehow failed her, memory would not. This was certainly not the first time the Servant Saber, formerly of the Fourth Holy Grail War now being waged, had been to Einzbern Castle. Not only was it the place where the white-haired homunculi were born, but it was the very place she had first been summoned to the modern era, inside the cathedral which lay beyond its outer walls.

     The motorbike pulled forward even through the heavy snows -- a feat only possibly for someone with Riding skill or something similar -- bearing the two riders on it beside the waiting limousines. She only paused briefly to gaze up towards the castle with an expression only readable to her current Master, a fellow knight so in tune with her personality that they had no need of verbal communication at all. He would, no doubt, be able to see past the calm mien and sense her conflicted emotions. And he would sense through that bond that she had been here before.

     While the tall, pale-haired man at her side hardly trusted him, Saber had no particular objections to riding with her former Master. Or rather, the "magus killer" who would /become/ her Master, if events in this War played out as they had in her version if it.

     She entered the car silently, folding her gloved hands in her lap and regarding the occupants neutrally. The little blonde was dressed in the customary three-piece black suit, vest, and tie with a grey dress shirt she wore for business occasions, but with a new addition; a trenchcoat which would have been necessary for a normal human being in this sort of weather. Her hair was pulled back into the ponytail she wore with it, further obfuscating her true gender. As was her custom dealing with the events of her native reality -- or a different version of it -- she wore her neutral expression like a piece of armour, even as she wondered what Kiritsugu's plan was.

Sir Bedivere (482) has posed:
Snow is not a foreign concept to some of the convoy. The hills of Camelot would have been mantled in white, although the hills of Dun Realtai certainly are, and several dozen degrees colder than even the fiercest winter in Camelot. Yet for all that, the winter there seems gentle, beyond the deep freeze; it seems rare that the winds are howling, and snow drifts down gently, almost peacefully. It's a place of rest... and it's a place its lord is reluctant to leave. Chivalry is not an easy path, though, and so it is that Sir Bedivere of Dun Realtai -- or perhaps another, older name, now forgotten by the legends, depending on whom one asks -- rides along with the convoy, on the back of the Yamaha V-Max driven by the Servant Saber.

He is not fond of modern machinery, and prefers nothing more complicated than a horse to ride when he needs to cover a great deal of ground. Something as complicated as a motorcycle is slightly terrifying to him. That might explain why, leaning forward, he has his arms wrapped around the king's waist in a grip that might be uncomfortably tight if she were mortal.

Thanks to the nature of the meeting, he's worn modern clothing; a well-tailored black suit much like Saber's own, and a long coat over that, with gloves and boots suitable for snowy weather. Perhaps out of place amongst it is a blue-grey scarf, obviously hand-knitted, and slightly clumsily at that -- but he doesn't seem to mind. He's a little shaky when he lets himself slide off the side of the motorcycle, staggering slightly in the snow.

But he stands tall when he glances back to the Servant, as she looks to the looming shape of Einzbern Castle. He slides into the car beside her, and if not for his height, gender, and pale complexion, he might serve as the king's double -- stone-faced, calm and logical. His hair, however, is much longer; pale as the snow outside, only touched faintly with blonde. It's drawn back into four braids, two at each side of his head, and halfway down the braids are bound by bronze cuffs; left unbound after that point, while the longer hair hangs at the sides of his face, and slightly uneven bangs over his forehead. His eyes are an odd shade, almost blue-grey, but just a bit too violet to be taken as straight blue.

They're about as welcoming as the snows outside, and they flick briefly to Saber before settling on Kiritsugu, so bland that Saber herself wouldn't mistake his wariness.

Maya has posed:
It is best to not let Maya drive, her world doesn't really have the same concept of road laws that Earth based realities do. Seriously most places go by air even over land most days. So here Maya is here wearing something different than normal.

Today Maya's wearing something quite different than she normally does shes wearing a red sleeveless shirt which leaves small part of her belly expose and her upper forearms. Also she swears a long pair of red gloves made out of the same somewhat shimmery material which go up to her elbow. Farther down she's wearing a black leather belt with some metal studs on it on a slight angle about the short black skirt she's wearing. Finally she's wearing a long pair of black stockings and a pair black low heeled mini boots to finish off the look. Also of note here and there such as on her exposed portions of her body one can spot some of the tattoos she's noted she have what little can be seen? They seem to hint at a tribal design.

She seems fairly she's even got her hair lose today rather than held back as she looks over to Kerry.

"So anything we need to know last moment?"

Maya seems to have no visbale wepaons but she likely has her fate cards on her /somewhere/ and there's that small hair clip which seems slightly out of place with her outfit though.

Emiya Shirou (560) has posed:
    Shirou's used to the cold.

    Or so he thought.

    Nothing would've prepared him for cold like this, so it's good there'd been a memo for 'dress warmly.' He's bundled up somewhat in a thick jacket with gloves and other amenities stuffed in his pockets in case they're needed, but he's basically riding with his eyes glued to the window. "People live this far out in the middle of nowhere? ... there's that other castle in the forest too..." Magi do WEIRD THINGS, no doubt about that. Shirou's amazd, appalled, and frustrated at once. Raising someone so far away from the world... doesn't sound like much fun for a kid...

    "And we're headed right into a Magus' stronghold. Better be ready for anything."

Emiya Kiritsugu (603) has posed:
Kiritsugu looks up from the phone at Maya's question. He flips it closed, and says, "We do absolutely nothing to draw suspicion upon us. If questioned, the Kiritsugu who went to the Mage Association outpost was a different iteration of me. The fact he had two homunculi masquerading as Illyasviel, and there are no such homunculi with us now, is evidence in support of that - as is the existence of a 'second' Saber. There is no chance you will not be noticed as a Servant." This last bit is aimed at Saber, not Maya. "You are under no obligation to share or conceal any information you do not wish to." That statement has many implications. He wouldn't expect Saber to lie to Jubstacheit von Einzbern or anyone else, and wouldn't ask her to. He is leaving it up to her judgement, however, whether to explain the whole story or only what she feels is relevant. The 'don't draw suspicion' part, however, indicates Kiritsugu probably expects people to be honest about everything except the 'other Kiritsugu'. Since Saber and Bedivere were not present for that mission, they can honestly answer that they were not aware of it when it occurred and did not see 'this' Kiritsugu at the site.

But he isn't Saber's Master. And between her and Sir Bedivere, the two knights can determine for themselves what truth is too much truth. They're smart kids.

Speaking of kids, Kiritsugu turns his attention on Shirou. He just looks at him with those empty eyes of his for a little while, watching as Shirou himself watches what passes them by outside. Then a hand comes up and sets itself on Shirou's head, rubbing around and messing up his perpetually-messed-up hair even further. "You're learning after all," Kiritsugu says, not unkindly.

Soon enough his hand is back to his side, however, the brief display of fatherliness forgotten amidst the looming concerns of what they're doing here. As the vehicles continue their approach, they gradually slow down. A large gate lies ahead, which remains closed for at least a minute while the limousines remain idling. Possibly someone inside the castle is verifying the identities of those in the cars, though with the bounded fields recognizing them and granting them access to begin with, that might not be the case. It could, instead, be a form of posturing. Showing that heretical machinery that no self-respecting magus would employ is not free to come and go as it pleases, and that entrance is granted only when the owner of the castle decrees it so. Kiritsugu and Maiya seem unperturbed. Eventually, the gates open, slowly, and the cavalcade resumes its forward progress instead of idling in the snow.

The approach takes them on a circular path around a courtyard. A Mercedes-Benz 300SL is parked near the castle, with a snow cover heaped with powdery whiteness not-quite-fully-covering it. Eventually, the limousines all come to a stop, one after another and the engines go quiet.

A long walkway leads to the front doors, with stairs before them, thankfully shielded somewhat by an overhang, though there is still likely to be some snow and ice along the way. Statues of angels - rather DISTINCTIVE angels, with facial features not unlike a certain homunculus's - line the walkway on either side, seemingly praying.

Kiritsugu takes his time getting out of the car, waiting for others to do so first as he checks something on his phone one last time. What is he looking at, exactly?

Psyber (253) has posed:
    Psyber opens an eye when Kiritsugu starts to go over the plan, tilting his head to the side slightly and asking, "Am I going to have to relinquish weapons at the door? I need to know this, in advance. Being American and all, I have them for very important reasons. Like... what if the King of England shows up and starts trying to quarter soldiers? Or impose serious tariffs on my tea and stamp imports and exports. My guns are very inherently important to me for this fact."

    That one open eye looks to Saber and narrows a bit, "See, we have a King of England and part of the court right there. At any time she might decide to taxate me without representation or close off Boston ports until the Dutch East India Company received proper compensation for tea losses in acts of protest!" Psyber waves a hand at Saber vaguely.

    The general theme of his catty response full of sarcasm and fake protests is that he has nothing further to add to the plan, no objection to the plan, and generally was just making his joke as a way to greet Saber and Bedivere. Mostly, he just gets out of the car when they arrive and looks around, letting out a faint whistle as he draws his coat up around himself. "Bit ostenatious, but, you know, that's castles for you."

Saber (346) has posed:
     It simply would not be possible for the Einzberns /not/ to notice she was a Servant...that was common enough knowledge. "There are wards around the castle, and they have doubtless sensed my presence even from this distance."

     However, that was not to say the group did not have at least one advantage, in that regard; they would not know of Saber's true identity. She intended to keep it that way. "All they would know, however, is that I am a Servant. Perhaps my class will not remain unknown to them for long. But they need not know that I am the Servant they intend to summon." That is, if Kiritsugu's own astonished reaction after summoning her had been anything to go by.

     She merely nodded in agreement with Shirou's assessment before her eyes flicked to Bedivere. It wasn't difficult for her to pick up on his uneasiness, and her hand touched the top of his just briefly in reassurance. Though the gesture was subtle, it was far more than she ever would have dared in their previous lives.

     After the limousine pulled into the courtyard, sea-green eyes flicked to the familiar Mercedes-Benz 300SL. Strangely, the Servant's complexion appeared to pale briefly -- perhaps from some memory which disturbed her even now -- before an expression of some feeling between sorrow and regret flickered across her features. But that, too, was quickly replaced by her stoic mask as she slipped out of the car with a deliberate, continuously-practised grace which might have betrayed something of her noble status. Yet, it was not something she could simply hide; for too many years, she had constantly projected the image of the perfect king. But then again, she could very well be one of any number of Heroic Spirits. Hiding identities behind aliases was just as much to protect them from other Masters as well as Servants.

     Saber straightened her gloves, extending her senses outward to feel the delicate winds of prana. She had no need to order Bedivere to do the same; most likely, he was already doing so, perhaps even studying the castle's physical defences at the same time. More than ever, she was thankful that she had the foresight to have appointed him as her marshal...and even more grateful that he was her Master, now. There would certainly be more than a few surprises, but they would be less likely to be caught completely off their guard.

Sir Bedivere (482) has posed:
The pale-haired knight seems content to watch the scenery go by in silence, the world cloaked in a silencing veil of white. Such weather is strangely comforting, although he might prefer conditions with slightly more visibility. There's no telling what it is they'll walk into.

"I am unfamiliar with the Einzbern fil--magi," Bedivere corrects himself, glancing to Kiritsugu. "Is it possible they may recognise a Master, as well, perhaps through proximity? I am unfamiliar with the techniques of modern magi. While it may be a safe assumption that a Servant would be recognised by a skilled practitioner, I would sooner know what to expect."

His eyes flick back to Psyber, as though he were trying to figure exactly what the half-angel's up to with his antics. In fact, most of what he's talking about earns a blank look. What?

So he clears his throat, awkwardly. "Greetings, Master Psyber." His eyes turn to the castle itself, and he frowns. "Aye. And large, for so few people. A stronghold this size should comfortably house hundreds, perhaps even a thousand... yet it seems empty." He reaches up, absently tugging at the red stone stud in his left ear -- a gesture of unease, to those that know him. "I would presume that House Einzbern has other means of defense. Hm."

His eyes drop to the hand over his, and is that just a touch of colour across those high cheekbones as he looks back out the window? Surely just a trick of the light.

Following Saber out of the limousine, he immediately sets to studying the courtyard -- not from a supernatural perspective, but simply a visual check; memorising their surroundings if they should need a quick exit. His eyes drift then to the castle, looking over its fortifications for what seems a very long moment, thoughtful; he straightens his own gloves, and then adjusts the lay of the hand-knit scarf over his neck, hand lingering on it a moment as though fondly.

After a moment more of studying the castle, his voice drops.

"These walls were never intended for physical defense, and they are not designed appropriately for a stronghold expecting siege." His voice carries a slight, unfamiliar lilt to it; a mark of his native Gaelic, instead of the courtly Welsh. He must certainly be feeling uneasy, walking so knowingly into what must surely feel like a trap to his instincts. "We can safely expect that they will rely on other means of defense, although I suppose that much is obvious. I will be on my guard." His voice drops. "Sir Psyber, may I expect that you will withhold some manner of weapon from their inspections? Something concealed? I would feel more comfortable, in that case, for I have not carried any myself."

Emiya Shirou (560) has posed:
    Buah! Shirou wasn't expected to be treated like a kid all of a sudden. He ends up acting out of some childish reflex moments after the fact to push away Kiritsugu's arm with a snort. "What's that 'after all' part for, old man?" DENSE AS EVER, this kid. Oh he's learned.

    Mostly because he's been stabbed a lot by now.

    "If something bad happens and we need weapons, I can Project people some blades. As long as they're not Noble Phantasms they should last a while." He offers, hoping that will reassure Sir Bedivere.

    "I'm just hoping Kiritsugu's plan works and we don't have to worry about that."

Maya has posed:
Maya notds to Kerry as he give sher the information.

"I understand and hopefully now I don't look to be from a wasteland I won't be noticed either and I do have confirmed alternates that are a matter of public record."

She's even friends with one oddly enough. Either way she's here ready to go as they head up towards the castle she ttakes s good look and will pull on a winter jacket as he moves to follow along with Shirou's Father seemingly lost in thought.

Emiya Kiritsugu (603) has posed:
Kiritsugu nods in agreement with Saber, offering a 'hm' of affirmation. To Bedivere, Kiritsugu offers, "The Einzbern magi have focused all their efforts into alchemy. The study and manipulation of the flow of matter. It's not suited to direct combat, but that does not make them weak. They have many methods of fighting or dealing with attackers if they have to. I taught Irisviel how to protect herself, but she is an exception when it comes to fighting. The full scope of what the Einzberns can do is unknown. But given that they can create life itself, they shouldn't be underestimated."

Kiritsugu does not respond to Shirou's protest, even after they're out. The boy knows quite well what Kiritsugu meant by 'after all', given how much he had to be stabbed to start thinking instead of just ACTING. Once everyone is out of their vehicles, Kiritsugu and Maiya also exit. Maiya scans the area, and Kiritsugu - though seemingly disinterested in his environment - is doing the same. Trained eyes take in the partially-obscured surroundings, even with snow blowing in their faces... Checking the places that would make obvious sniping locations, trying to detect familiars or other magical surveillance, etcetera. Much like Bedivere, and Saber, they are keenly aware of their surroundings.

These two aren't fooled for a moment. Even if Kiritsugu is supposedly allied with the Einzberns, this is the stronghold of a magus, and not being aware of the danger they could be in at any moment would be foolish. Kiritsugu sidles up next to Psyber and offers, "I can't promise you'll be allowed to keep your weapons. But modern technology is considered an offense to most magi. I had to fight quite a bit with Jubstacheit just to get a phone line and power generator installed. Strangers, even those supposedly here seeking an alliance - or perhaps ESPECIALLY such - are unlikely to be permitted anywhere near Jubstacheit von Einzbern while armed." Maybe Psyber was joking, but it's an actual important concern that needs addressing either way.

After taking his own time looking around, now keeping those within the castle waiting, Kiritsugu looks towards Saber and Bedivere briefly, particular the latter, taking in his appraisal and offering a small inclination of his head - either in acknowledgement or agreement - before starting the walk up the long pathway to the front door. It's cold to the point of the wind and snow biting the flesh painfully. Maya is probably going to be quite uncomfortable, even with a coat, until they get inside. But at least it will be warm when they get inside probably.

Emiya Kiritsugu (603) has posed:
Upon reaching the front doors, they start creaking open before the group even reaches them. Opened by magic or mechanism, the result is the same. The entry hall beyond the doors is empty aside from marble columns set into the walls, reaching up, up, into the vaulted ceiling. It's designed to impress upon visitors the sense of sheer SCALE. To make them feel small, or at least to awe them. Even Kiritsugu acknowledges the design, though he is as much paying attention to the columns on either side as the decor. Pedestals with pottery or statuary line the hall, off to the sides where they won't get in the way, but only a few. This is an entrance, not an art museum.

Once everyone is inside, the doors close behind them. And the room ahead, beyond the long hall, could easily serve as a ballroom. It's huge, with a sweeping staircase leading up from the velvet floor to a balcony that then has more stairs sweeping out to the east and west, and the floors on each side.

A crystal chandelier lies above, glowing within inner light. A window on the wall behind the balcony shines with the reflected line of the snow storm outside. And in front of that window, a human silhouette becomes outlined. The silhouette slows to a stop in her movement, pausing as she catches sight of the visitors. She is a woman in a white and gold gown, with pale skin, long white-blonde hair, and red eyes.

She is looking at all the visitors in surprise. Irisviel von Einzbern. Once she sees Kiritsugu, though, she smiles brightly. "Kiritsugu!" she greets simply before grasping her long skirts in one hand and starting to descend the stairs rapidly - using the carved handrail with her other hand.

There is a short time before Irisviel reaches the group. And during that time, Kiritsugu turns his attention on Saber. He has picked up bits of behavior before. He has heard at least enough of Saber's story to know terrible things happened in her timeline. And, if his conclusions are correct, then Iri meant something to Arturia Pendragon. Something important.

And so, he says quietly, "I told you your present would be late." And then, "Merry Christmas, Saber."

Then Irisviel is upon them, and hugging her husband happily, while still paying attention to the ecclectic assortment of others with him.

"I'm Irisviel von Einzbern. It's a pleasure to meet you all. Are you friends of Kiritsugu's?" she asks without any sign of guile or suspicion.

Maya has posed:
Maya does find it remarkably cold until they get inside and it should be warm inside she's somewhat used to the tempatures and understood part of the cover would involve this as she comes on in she. Thakes moment to try and warm up a bit before she follows along with everyone else she bows slighly for a moment she smiles at Irisviel and bows slightly and says.

"Thank you it the same and Yes we are friends of Kiritsugu. You can call me Maya Artisan."

Saber (346) has posed:
     Saber suspected that, in his own way, Psyber was doing the same. Or preparing, at least. The antics scored a slight shrug from the Servant...at least, her equivalent: a slight sideways tilt of her head. It was the Einzbern's funeral if they wanted to separate loving owner from his guns.

     On the other hand, Bedivere's suggestion was probably right. Perhaps it might be pushing the envelope on what was considered "honourable", but the half-angel said it himself; he was no knight. He was under no obligation to follow their strictures any more than the Hashshashins were.

     Her glance at Shirou contained a flicker of uncertainty; the red-haired magus had been training hard, but Projection was a severely taxing form of magecraft. More than likely, if talks broke down, the violet-eyed knight would be better off snatching a display sword from one of the various suits of armour in the hallways. While meant for display, one of them should hold up in a fight. Hopefully, it wouldn't come to that.

     Unfortunately, the nonverbal communication between knight and king had its limits, such as when Saber had to explain something for which Bedivere had no frame of reference for. "Irisviel was...is skilled in the use of silver threads to form alchemical constructs capable of attacks," she explained. "Doubtless, the other members of the family have even stronger forms of magecraft."

     The Servant remained as cautious as ever, not daring to drop her guard even a fraction. But what finally threw her off was something that she would scold herself later for. She really should have been better prepared, having experienced this strange phenomenon in the multiverse before. She knew what to expect....and yet, nothing can truly prepare someone for this sort of surprise.

     Even those who did not share Bedivere's special insight into her character could see the naked surprise on Saber's face at the sight of the red-eyed homunculus. Kiritsugu's instincts had indeed been correct. She could only tangentally acknowledge the magus, her eyes flicking sideways at him, trying to speak before before returning to Irisviel. Fortunately, she had regained her composure by then...at least, for the most part. Her fellow knight would easily pick up that it took significant effort to control her emotions.

     "Well-met, my lady. I am called Saber," she replied evenly, bowing European-style at the waist with her arm folded over, reverting to gallant knight. "It is an honour to meet you."

     /To see you alive again/ was her unspoken thought.

Sir Bedivere (482) has posed:
"Would that it were something suited to direct combat. We would know, then, what to expect." Bedivere sighs and shakes his head, but there's no use dwelling on that now. The best he can do is to remain observant. Thankfully, he can't just turn that ability off. "Very well. And that would be appreciated, Master Shirou, if it should come to that, but it is my hope it does not."

The knight's violet eyes flick back to Kiritsugu just in time for that appraising nod, and though Bedivere's expression never changes, there's somehow a hint of disapproval. Perhaps their methodology may be similar in certain respects, with a focus on tactical thinking, but he can never fully approve of such a dishonourable man.

He looks up and around as they file into the castle, noting the chandelier and the cold, almost sterile look of the castle. It isn't decoration he himself would be familiar with, and so he ignores much of it, choosing instead to focus on what is real to him -- physical spaces, and the arrangement of the rooms. Of the Union party, one can almost see the wheels in his head turning, playing out scenarios of possible defensible places.

When Irisviel addresses them, he takes no step forward, his expression stony. Harmless and polite as she seems, there's still a wariness in his eyes, like an animal that knows it's been trapped in a cage.

"No," he says simply, turning violet eyes to Irisviel at her question. He does not bow, perhaps thinking it better to obfuscate the era from which he hails, but he does incline his head. "At least, not I. I am but an acquaintance. Nonetheless, I have heard of you, and I am honoured to make your acquaintance, my lady." His words are subdued, and the accent he carries is a rich lilt, quite blatant, somewhere between an Irish lilt and a Scottish brogue -- not something many of those gathered would have heard before, save perhaps Arturia. A purposeful attempt to hide his identity? Still, he has to give a name, since Irisviel introduced herself; honour compels him. "I am Fionnlagh."

He doesn't look at Saber directly, but he studies her from the corner of an eye. With a single subtle motion, he takes her hand in his; offering what comfort he can -- he can sense this is an emotional meeting, for her; although he never knew the full story behind Irisviel von Einzbern. And, sensing that, his first instinct is to comfort her in whatever small and subtle way he can.

"We are honoured to make your acquaintance," he murmurs, then, to Irisviel.

Psyber (253) has posed:
    "If they try to take my weapons, I'll probably attempt to conceal one or two things, yeah. I'm remarkably hard to disarm fully, because I can produce weapons in unorthodox manners," Psyber reassures to Bedivere, smiling widely and adding, "Though I hope it will not be necessary, as this was supposed to be a peaceful negotiation. Really, you'll probably be of greater use than someone like me. I'm just the muscle to make sure no one tries anything."

    Finishing up that thought, Psyber lets out heavy yawn that he stifles with a sleeve of his jacket and rubs at his eyes a bit. Rummaging around in the depths of his coat, he produces a silver can and opens it with a 'fsst' noise, starting to sip from the energy drink as he walks along.

    "I'm more of what you can call a repairman," Psyber answers in a vague sense to Irisviel. The half-angel reaches into his jacket to pull out his latest cover ID: He has a badge and ID that identify him as a member of the United States Central Intelligence Agency, "Agent McGroyn, US Intelligence. You can just call me Holden if you like." Psyber says with a serious look on his face, "Nice to meet you, maam."

Emiya Shirou (560) has posed:
    As always, Emiya Shirou's in way over his head. But anyone would be stunned speechless at seeing Irisviel the first time, wouldn't they? He stares. She is very much like Illya and Chloe indeed.

    And seeing Kiritsugu go from such a sullen, business-like guy to a huggy husband in the blink of an eye? ALSO worth going wide-eyed.

    Shirou ends up smiling. A rare thing for him. A real, happy smile!

    "E-... er.. Shirou. Kiritsugu and I met in the Multiverse! Nice to meet you." he quickly gets introductions over, showing some sudden cases of the nerves when it's time to say his name. Don't want to make anything too weird... who knows what anyone else overhearing might make of that?

Emiya Kiritsugu (603) has posed:
For his part, Kiritsugu demonstrates he is not entirely heartless and cold after all, as some here might sometimes imagine, and returns the embrace that Irisviel delivers to him. "It's been too long," he mutters into her ear. Iri closes her eyes blissfully, only to open them when Kiritsugu finally withdraws somewhat, maintaining a hold on one of Kiritsugu's hands even after they seperate. Kiritsugu allows everyone to introduce themselves, and Irisviel to take all this new information in.

Irisviel's attention is focused on Saber in particular, it seems, though she takes everyone into account. Half is due to politeness, the other half due to curiosity. She has never seen this many new faces all at once in her entire life. Maya, as well, seems to get an interested look when she introduces herself. "Miss Artisan," she acknowledges. Maya and Saber are the two most magically powerful people in the room, (at least as far as Irisviel can tell), so that may play a part, but Maya's unusual wardrobe may also be a matter of scrutiny.

She pauses when Saber introduces herself, tilting her head to the side and saying hesitantly, "Sa... ber?" as though trying to pronounce it right. Then she smiles and giggles a bit, her eyes squinting as she says, "That's an unusual name, isn't it? I like it though!" She is fully aware of the Class system of the Grail War, and probably realizes Saber is a Servant. But Irisviel is not treating her differently because of it. If Saber's name is Saber, then that's who she is. If there's something more to know, she's sure Kiritsugu will tell her - or Saber herself, if she chooses to. "It's an honor to meet you as well, Lady Saber" she says as she curtsies before Saber.

Bedivere's admission he is no friend of Kiritusgu's initially draws a curious look from Iri, but she 'ahh's when he explains. "An honor to meet you then, Mister Fionnlagh. Acquaintance or not, you are welcome as a guest of the Einzberns." The accent is not one she is familiar with. She is speaking perfect Japanese, presently, but her accent is slightly German. She was prepared to speak English as well, if needed, but it seems that's not needed. Though... She is a bit puzzled by being able to understand Saber and Bedivere (or rather, 'Fionnlagh'), it seems, despite not seeming put-off at all. She doesn't speak or understand old Gaelic dialects. Except apparently she can understand it just fine!? What's going on here?

Emiya Kiritsugu (603) has posed:
Psyber's introduction has her hesitating in a similar manner to when Saber introduced herself. "'Holden McGroyn'...?" she asks. Before turning away and covering her mouth with one hand to contain her laughter. Naive? Ignorant of what it's like outside of the castle aside from what Kiritsugu has told and shown her? Perhaps slightly too trusting? Sure, sure, sure. But she isn't dumb, and apparently she has a dirty enough mind to find something amusing in that name. Kiritsugu actually sighs in exasperation. And Irisviel apologizes while wiping tears from her eyes with the back of her pale, slender hand, "Sorry, sorry. That's also a very interesting name, Agent Holden. Repair men for the U.S. government are also welcome as guests."

Shirou's introduction gets a somewhat unusual response from Irisviel. She seems just as pleased to meet him as the others, of course. "Hoooh~. The Multiverse, was it, Mister Shirou?" She's all smiles, but there's... A slight impression that maybe she doesn't really get what that means. Time for Kiritsugu to step in here. He gestures around, and says, "These are representatives of a group known as the Union. I have, on occasion, worked with some of them." Kiritsugu's empty gaze seeks Bedivere's, disapproving or not, as he says, "I consider them trustworthy. The Union as a whole is not involved in our War, but some representatives have accompanied me, as I intend to discuss with your great grandfather the possibility of a conditional alliance."

Irisviel seems a bit surprised. She hasn't known Kiritsugu to be the type to casually form alliances - and he hasn't taught her to enter such alliances casually either. She knows when to be suspicious and when to be trusting. For instance, when dealing with rival mage families. To whoever these people are... Either they actually are trusted, or there's something else going on.

Oh, also about the question of detecting Masters, Kiritsugu would have shaken his head. Either the answer is no, or he doesn't have the answer. "Well, I'll go let great grandfather know you're here," she offers with a hesitant smile. Kiritsugu is reluctant to let go of her hand when she moves to pull away, but allows her to slip from his fingers. "And when I get back, you can tell me what the the Multivese is," she calls over her shoulder as she heads back towards the stairs. "I'll return shortly, everyone~!"

Maya has posed:
Maya does notice sthe look but she's well dressed to get a bit of attention for once and she is being polite she can't hide her self magically and will not deny she's some sort of magic user. She looks at them for a moment and she smiles poloitely she does like what she sees of Kerry's wife she's also taking a moment to take in the inside of the castle the old bulding was impressive. She nods as their host heads off for a moment.

"Very well then."

Psyber (253) has posed:
    At her amusement to his cover ID, Psyber merely responds to her with a bright smile and a nod of his head, red eyes flashing a bit as he says, "Thank you. It's a name I've become very fond of," He states politely, rocking a bit on his feet. He doesn't have too much else to say to her at the exact moment, though. So he kind of falls silent and lets Kiritsugu explain some things.

    He gives her a faint wave as she heads off to go let the head of the household know that they've arrived. He shifts his footing a bit, sipping from the can of energy drink in his hand and yawning again. Reflexively, his hand tightens on the can and he yawns once more, "She seems like a nice lady," He remarks as she leaves.

Saber (346) has posed:
     Once she had recovered from her initial shock at seeing Irisviel alive again, the Servant's expression returned to a relatively neutral one. Yet, it was not entirely neutral as it had been before, not with the slight smile on her face. It was the same one she had worn while escorting Iri through Fuyuki City, even if the white-haired alchemist would not have remembered it. Such a thing might exist in her future...but it was in Saber's past, over five years ago.

     No, this was the same Irisviel she had known, the one who had treated her as a human being, even a cherished friend. Her smile might have been slightly wistful, even indulgent.

     She remained silent as Bedivere gently took her hand, though her fingers tightened slightly in response. It was what he would understand as a gesture of thanks and gratitude. And to others, it might give a slight feeling similar to that of Kiritsugu and Irisviel.

     /I shall explain in detail later,/ she reassured him silently.

     White the Servant didn't distrust Kiritsugu in quite the same way as Bedivere did, she knew that his loyalties were not quite set in proverbial stone. He had no reason that she could see to betray them at this point in time, but neither did she pretend that he wouldn't throw them to the metaphorical wolves if there was a chance to save the world, in spite of having seen his warmer side well before this moment, not only with Irisviel, but with their daughter. Not that he could afford to rely on the honourable side of others all the time -- she certainly never had -- but he should have more faith in his allies to come through, at least. Certainly, he should have had more faith in her, his own Servant.

     But that was all in the past, and she need not concern herself with it and could afford to let go of that trace of bitterness. She could ally with the assassin once more, but she no longer needed to place any blind faith in him, not the way she had given her absolute trust to Bedivere.

     As surprised as she had been over Irisviel's appearance, the Servant did not so much as bat an eye when the otherwise sheltered homunculus got Psyber's little joke. After all, she'd certainly read one of her own into something completely innocent remark Saber had once made. Was that a tiny vestige of a smirk on the blonde knight's face? It might well be.

     Once Irisviel departed, however, the smile seemed to fade from her face, becoming carefully neutral again. "Indeed. She is an honest soul, innocent. Yet, it would be a mistake to underestimate her. Not only in battle but in negotiation," Saber remarked quietly, recalling the truce the homunculus had negotiated with Tohsaka Tokiomi. In the end, it might have come to nothing,...but then, even his own mentor had not anticipated Kotomine Kirei's betrayal.

Sir Bedivere (482) has posed:
"Just 'Fionnlagh' is fine," Bedivere murmurs, gaze briefly sweeping past Irisviel before seeking out the corners and the top of the hallway. Although he doesn't outwardly act anxious, his eyes never quite settle on one place for very long. The tactician in him can't shake the feeling that they've walked directly into a trap.

He glances back, and something stirs in those violet eyes when he's formally welcomed as a guest. Perhaps they may have invoked Brehon Law with that statement, the Laws of Hospitality, but he doesn't trust them to follow those ancient and time-honoured laws. The modern world is a very different beast than the era originally hails from. Many don't even seem to honour such arrangements at all, or even know what they mean. The knight's gaze flicks briefly to his companions, before eventually settling back on Irisviel again.

For a moment he just watches her. There's no mistaking the discrepancy in speech, and he seems to pick up on her fleeting instant of confusion. Perhaps he should have tried to speak English, but he isn't comfortable enough with it yet to handle it outside of a written medium. It's too foreign to his tastes; more restrictive than the natural flow of the Gaelic he was born and raised on, or the courtly Welsh he had forced himself to learn.

His lips thin, momentarily indecisive, though it falls away in an instant when Kiritsugu's empty eyes turn his way. His own gaze meets Kiritsugu's, somewhere between that bland neutrality and a faint hint of disapproval. He simply cannot bring himself to accept that man, nor trust him. Indeed, he's only here for Arturia's sake, and his other Union allies.

Eventually he looks to Irisviel, watching her reactions when she expresses her surprise. His own expression is bland, purposefully so, presenting as non-threatening an exterior as he can -- a somewhat startling change from the stern, unsmiling Left Hand of the King of Camelot. Indeed, he looks almost meek, unassuming and soft-spoken, with a voice so gentle it could never be strong enough to bellow orders across a battlefield.

"Then we will see what may come," he says in response to Saber. His fingers lace with hers, a simple gesture of reassurance, though his eyes still roam the foyer, always on alert for the slightest thing out of the ordinary. If, indeed, anything in this situation could be called 'ordinary.' "I trust her to remain honest, but I cannot say the same for the Einzbern patron." His voice drops, so quiet that only Saber would hear it, or anyone standing immediately beside them. He dips his head over her, addressing as close to her ear as he can without actually slouching; brow furrowing for a moment. "I do not like this, my lady," he murmurs. "I cannot dismiss the feeling that we have walked directly into a trap. I will remain alert."

His eyes lift to Psyber, as though silently prompting the half-angel to keep an eye out, too. He trusts Psyber's acumen when it comes to the supernatural. If anything's out of sorts, he'd know. Bedivere himself can't even rely on those fledgling senses of his is too risky. While he can still plausibly deny being Saber's Master right now, revealing that he's some kind of magus -- albeit one very bizarre by modern standards -- would be the nail in the coffin-lid.

Emiya Shirou (560) has posed:
    Whatever funny thing Irisviel's found in Psyber's false identity is lost on Shirou, who's utterly terrible at english.

    The still smiling redhead takes some time to look around at the sterile, old, faaaar too empty castle and frowns. It's too empty here. Too lonely. Too cold in spirit.

    Enough to wipe his smile away in a hurry....

    He strolls over to Saber and Sir Bedivere, whom he knows best out of this group. "Have you noticed how empty this place is?" Who COULDN'T notice that, really?

Emiya Kiritsugu (603) has posed:
Kerry doesn't even bother to acknowledge the words of the others at this point. That bried time in his wife's presence has made him feel even more hollow and pained. That reunion only served as a reminder that she isn't going to be around much longer. Even if he doesn't fight the Grail War, even if he does as Chloe and Illya's Kiritsugu did and 'dismantles the Einzbern family', he will have started the process too late to save her. Too many years have passed, and a homunculus's life span - even without having to serve as the Grail's vessel - is limited. He pushes this out of his mind. If he starts dwelling on it now, it will interfere with the mission. He just allows the pain to stay there and fester, and focuses on the task at hand. That seems to involve going west, towards a pair of large wooden doors, and then pushing one of them open. "It would be best if we waited here," Kiritsugu announces to everyone.

Sure, the place is really empty. Like, so empty that if it weren't kept so clean, it would appear uninhabited. What warmth and humanity that Irisviel brought to the place seemed to leave with her. The new room that Kiritsugu is trying to lead everyone into is definitely the kind of room one would entertain guests in. It's big, with a fireplace crackling with flames that appear to be burning without fuel in one wall. A series of at least fifteen tall, sectioned windows line the other wall, facing out on the snow storm that seems to continue on without respite. There's a variety of furniture, decorations, paintings on the walls, including one of a woman who looks a lot like Irisviel without actually being her. Her wardrobe is quite different as well. More formal, or ceremonial... Kiritsugu just moves to stand near a marble coffee table balanced upon delicately curled silver 'legs'.

He's looking at the screen of that phone again. What IS so important that he's spending all this time examining it?

It is at this point that people may realize that Maiya isn't with them. Did she even enter the house or did she stay outside? People have time to mill about, be seated, discuss matters among themselves, and so on, before any concern over the phone or Maiya's presence may be washed away on the tide of yet another new arrival.

Illya and Chloe are small for their age. But as the sand of foot falls thumping across the floor outside the room come closer and closer, it should become evident that they are still quite a bit bigger than the tiny micro-Illya who bursts through the doors with excitement all over her face. Dressed in a manner similar to her mother, Illyasviel von Einzbern pauses, breathlessly, in the door way after pushing one of the doors open with both hands. She's so tiny. So young. Then a smile stretches across her face as she charges for her father, and tackles one of his legs. She barely even budges him with her light frame. Kiritsugu smiles down at her, and Illyasviel smiles up at him. Then she says, "Welcome home, Kiritsugu!"

Saber (346) has posed:
     The petite knight shook her head at Shirou. "It has...perhaps been that way for a long time." It might seem she was vague on purpose, obfuscating for any primitive familiars listening in. But she needed no special senses to affirm that; someone with a critical eye would have made such an observation. Still, the kid was learning.

     Her eyes flicked to the magus killer; at least he had found her Christmas gift useful, though she did wonder what he was hoping to find on it. Her first guess was a text of some sort; perhaps Maiya was somewhere outside -- either guarding or actively searching for something -- and her partner was waiting for some sort of signal from her. That was how they had operated throughout the war, and Saber had little reason to doubt that teamwork would have changed.

     She didn't entirely trust speaking freely as long as they remained within the castle walls. Had the been elsewhere, she would have appraised the other members of their group of what she knew....from her perspective, that is. In truth, Kiritsugu had a far better idea of what was going on, at least in the present. Saber's usefulness existed only in that she already knew how this war would end.

     Once more, the Servant did not seem surprised in the least by Ilyasviel bounding into the room with a laser-like focus on her father, not his indulgent smile. She had witnessed a familiar scene before at the window of one of the upper floors where she and Irisviel had tea, as the two played in the snow outside. It had surprised her then, and she had remarked to the homunculus that his personality then had been so completely at odds with the cold demeanour he otherwise projected the rest of the time.

     Now, she said nothing, seating herself quietly in one of two adjacent chairs, leaving the other for Bedivere to take up his usual station at her side.

Sir Bedivere (482) has posed:
The pale-haired knight glances back to Shirou, regarding the youth thoughtfully for a moment or two. He doesn't speak right away, instead considering that statement. True, Einzbern Castle has seemed unusually empty. Not just because of the empty halls. The very coldness of it, even on a spiritual level, chills the bones.

"Too empty," Bedivere murmurs, even as he follows Kiritsugu into the sitting room. He regards the room with the same neutrality that he had studied the rest of the castle, violet eyes hooded. His countenance might even seem sleepy, but those who know him likely know better. "The stars are warmer than this place."

Saber might realise he's not talking about the stars, poetically or literally. He means Dun Realtai... the Fortress of the Stars. That place has more warmth than this, and it's still coming back to life. This place just feels like a husk, an empty shell. If anything it seems to actively reject such things, as though Irisviel's warmth and life were a fundamental insult to its very nature.

His eyes linger for a moment on Kiritsugu's smartphone, and there's the slight hint of a frown crossing his face. What could possibly be so important on that device? Is he contacting his assistant? Surely she must have established some kind of perimeter, or she's making herself useful in some other way. He can't imagine either of those two sitting idle.

Footfalls. He turns, narrowing his eyes at the door. Too light and too fast to be an adult. Children? This place doesn't seem the type of place to--

Definitely children. Bedivere raises his brows when Illya bursts through the door, eyes widening a little in subtle, but clear, surprise. Kiritsugu hadn't seemed the type of man he would have figured for a father, and indeed, he looks almost confused at that fatherly display when he smiles that warm smile. It's almost a disturbing change from what he's seen.

There's something heartwarming about it, at the same time. Despite his own cold mask in Camelot, he'd had a soft spot for children. Sometimes he would watch them play in the fields, or he would help those villages that had been hit hard by the Saxons -- with his own clumsy sewing, he had once left a poorly-sewn doll for a little girl whose entire village had been destroyed. She hadn't found it until after he'd led her people to a new location, of course, for he had 'accidentally' left it behind for her.

Yet he had always harboured a soft spot for them. Seeing the little girl so affectionate with a man he had resigned to a cold-hearted, dishonourable murderer is an odd dichotomy.

A brief look is flicked toward Saber when she seats herself, but it seems she has no input for him, spoken or unspoken. He lets go of her hand reluctantly and takes a seat beside her, setting aside his coat and straightening the hem of his suit jacket; raising his hands to adjust his scarf. It dangles down to his lap, and while he sits, he idly wraps his hand into the soft and slightly haphazardly-woven wool.

But he doesn't interrupt that fatherly moment of Kiritsugu's. Even Bedivere isn't so cold as that.

Maya has posed:
Maya looks to Shirou for a moment and nods to him.

"It's less lively than some ruins I have explored to be sure it doesn't ... feel like a home or a place people live really to me."

She wonders about that she'd almost ponders sensing this place with a spell but it would be rude at best and hostile at worst.

So she behaves and waits for their host to return. At this point she wonders what he's looking at but choses not to well say much for a moment longas until their host greets them and she looks at Kerry's daughter. While she does shis, Maya has the look of someone whose a mother or has raised childten when she watches the young girls.

Emiya Shirou (560) has posed:
    "Growing up here can't be very fun for anyone... how do they even get food and water out here?" To say nothing of the other needs of life. But well, magic. Shirou knows little of it.

    Then... ADORABLE LITTLE GIRL. Shirou ends up smiling again! Especially since this Illya's even cuter. This just redoubles his feelings about the place... it's nowhere to raise a kid. What kind of person would?

    "Good evening, Illya!" Shirou greets her with plenty of wamth and friendliness in his voice to spare! Although on second thought, that might've been a bit too familiar.

    Darn Multiversal different iterations making everything weird.

Emiya Kiritsugu (603) has posed:
Illyasviel doesn't appear to notice the others present right away even if she ran right past them. Or maybe they just didn't register. But shortly she is turning her red-eyed gaze on all the new faces. "Haaah!" she lets out in dismay as she releases Kiritsugu's leg, props one hand on her hip, and points with the other. "Who are all of you!?" she demands. Kiritsugu puts a hand on Illyasviel's head and ruffles her hair in a similar manner to how he did with Shirou, while his other hand puts away his phone. Illyasviel's so light that her head actually moves around in a circle from the gentle pressure. She folds her arms over her chest and puffs her cheeks out in annoyance. Kiritsugu explains, "These are some guests who will be staying here for a little while. They're helping me out with something." He indicates each person in turn, as he identifies them - or at least by the name they have chosen to go by. "Saber, Fionnlagh, Agent, Maya, and Shirou." Yes, he just introduced Psyber as 'Agent'. That's his first name, right? Right.

Illyasviel goes, "Hoooh?" and gets a devious little smile. "If they're going to be staying here then they have to do what I say! I'm basically in charge around here after all!" Kiritsugu humors her and just says, "Of course, of course." Illyasviel then holds up her hands as though expecting a present, smiles, and says, "Great grandfather asked me to get all your weapons. I'll keep them safe for now!" She says it so sweetly. But basically, Jubstacheit von Einzbern just used Illyasviel to make sure he hands over all the weapons on his person. If he does as requested, he'll be disarmed. If he doesn't, or conceals any weaponry, he'll be guilty of deceiving his own daughter.

Kiritsugu's smile doesn't falter, and he just removes the hand guns he has from his coat, making sure to unload them first, and then hands them over. Illyasviel carries one in each hand, as she then goes up to Saber and Bedivere next, and asks just as sweetly, displaying a certain cleverness one wouldn't expect from such a small child, "May I have any weapons you have too? I wouldn't want to treat guests any differently than Kiritsugu. That would be rude." Saber and Bedivere probably aren't carrying anything, but she makes the rounds, going to Maya, and Psyber, and Shirou (who receives an odd look due to his familiarity. Does she know him? She returns the greeting easily enough, even if she seems a bit curious now), and making sure to guilt each and every one of them with her bright eyes and innocent smile, until she is confident everyone has done as requested. Even if she may wind up leaving the room with her arms full, and not a lot of strength to carry them all with.

Emiya Kiritsugu (603) has posed:
On her way out of the room, she spins around the call out, "I'll be back after I put these somewhere safe! I want to tell you all about how I was able to help great grandfather!" Yeah. Kiritsugu isn't supposed to know about that yet, according to the story he's going to be going with. But he found out all too much about it already.

Kiritsugu just smiles and nods to her. Jubstacheit is the sort of man who will use children as hostages if it will achieve his goal. Speaking of whom... Just as Illyasviel is resuming her exodus from the room, Irisviel is coming in and has to sidestep her daughter in surprise. She is carrying a silver tray with a teapot, tea cups, sugar, and so on. She smiles after Illyasviel when she gets over her initial surprise, and then continues on into the room. And right behind her is a man. A man who is old and yet seems rather fit and graceful for his age. His white beard almost appears as a frozen waterfall. His presence is imposing, and there is a pressure felt in his gaze if anyone meets it. This is no senile old fool. According to Kiritsugu, Jubstacheit von Einzbern is over 200 years old, and yet he appears to be quite sharp of mind. His gaze travels around the room, taking the measure of each person in turn, though some appear to accrue more scrutiny than others. Namely, Saber. Eventually, the 'old magus king' of the Einzbern castle focuses solely on Kiritsugu. Kiritsugu meets that gaze head-on, and there is no more smile to be had on his features.

"I hear that you have been asking some interesting questions," Jubstacheit says. He is not asking if the 'rumor' is true. "You and your companions will, of course, stay the night." The magus's eyes narrow. "We have much to discuss."