tvk | ⚔ 002; [text/action]

[A; text; morning]

I hope everyone's doing well after all that's happened. Given the current situation, I'd like to offer combat training to those who need it. If there is anything I can do to help in that respect, let me know.

[B; action; late afternoon]

[Lancer had gotten himself a part-time job at a bookstore under the name 'Diarmuid Campbell' some time ago--aside from the obvious need for some source of money, there were things about this era the Grail hadn't seen fit to give him knowledge of. What better location than that to fill in the blanks and be a little less clueless about how to seem like a normal human.]

[Admittedly, the wire-framed glasses he was currently wearing may have been overdoing it. His eyesight was fine and the lenses did basically nothing. But Lancer had assumed two things: gold eyes weren't normal and so perhaps this would make the color a little less obvious. Secondly, someone in glasses might have seemed completely harmless. If there were people like the Master of that deplorable Servant Caster in the city, maybe being a little more subtle for now was the best plan.]

[He walked back in the direction of the hotel with a couple of books under one arm, in civilian clothes and trying to look as unnoticeable as possible. The former Servant felt defenseless without his Noble Phantasms or superhuman abilities, especially knowing someone like that was in the same city at that moment. Though he didn't much like the plan of hiding out until a better option presented itself, as a human in this situation there was little other option.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[He refused to look directly at her, though the sudden contact had admittedly been a surprise.]

I..how can you...after everything I said, how can you say I'm truly blameless here--?!

[If he compared the pain of his own lance with how he felt at that moment, Diarmuid would have chosen the blade that took his life without hesitation.]

[ Squeezing his fingers within her own, Saber shook her head. There is no way she can say he is truly without blame, but: ]

We cannot change the past, Lancer. [ Her entire struggle.

Her desire for the Holy Grail.

It was all to change her past and give Britain a king worthy of ruling them. ]

...you're right.

[Lancer stared at the ground, still not daring to make eye contact with Saber.]

I don't know if what the Grail has apparently become is my fault or not, but if it is... [He didn't know how to finish that sentence. As she said, he couldn't change the past. And back in Fuyuki, he had been dead for ten years. Without a way to fix what he was certain he'd done...he would just have to keep moving forward and atone for it the best that he could.]

...I'm sorry. I have no right to ask for your forgiveness, but I have to apologize regardless. If I can not change what I've done, then please allow me that much.

I have no forgiveness to give because you have done me no wrong, Lancer.

[ A calm voice, the situation reminding her all too much of another close to her heart. Why must history repeat itself? ]

Saber...I don't understand. After all this, you truly bear no resentment towards me? How rashly I spoke and all that I said, and still you can say that with such honesty?

Shirou taught me that I should not hold the past in contempt, but instead look towards the future with hope.

...I see. I don't know who Shirou is, but I suppose I owe him a small measure of gratitude. That's likely a good philosophy to have.

But...I have to ask, if only for the sake of curiosity. Do you think the corruption of the Grail was my responsibility?

[ Oh! She spoke of him by name as her fingers tense up around his own, nervous suddenly. ]

Shirou... was my Master during the Fifth Holy Grail War, Lancer. He was unique.. nothing like the previous. We destroyed the tainted Grail together.

[ Meaning.. she sacrificed herself. The way she speaks of him shows her strong fondness and to give herself up so easily.. ]

It is. I had no reason to change the history of my kingdom because of it.

[ Letting go of his hand with one of her own, she'll turn partially away from him. ]

No, I do not believe it to be. [ Because she can not think horribly of another knight. ] I just wish I knew the true source of it's corruption so that I may set your mind at ease.

You're fortunate to have had a Master worth trusting, then. [Had that sounded faintly bitter? If it had, Lancer covered it up with a small smile as he finally looked back at Saber.] I'm glad to hear it.

...thank you. If nothing else, knowing you don't believe me to be at fault is reassuring.

I was. If it were not for him, I do not know how I could live with myself now.

[ Pulling her other hand away, she gives a comforting nod. ]

Of course, Lancer. Do not think of it anymore.

I'll make my best effort not to, at least.

...Tell me, how did the fifth war play out? Now that you've mentioned it I have to admit I'm somewhat curious.

I will be here to set you on the right path with your thoughts if you dare stray from them.

[ Curious? Well, she'll tell him everything that she knows. ~~Which this mun will not type out in case we inspire people to get into this fandom.~~ Including Gilgamesh..

She does not mention anything that has to do with her heart or falling in love with Shirou, but there are comments about how he tried to fight in her place. ]

[Lancer listened to Saber's words attentively--it was interesting, to say the least, to learn about a Holy Grail War other than the one he'd fought in. And though he did attempt to hide it, he started looking progressively more fascinated with each mention of the fifth Lancer.]

Amazing... [It was an assessment of both the war as a whole as well as several specific details. And though he was interested in hearing more about most of the other Servants, Diarmuid couldn't help but focus on one.]

So you've actually met Cú Chulainn himself...? I wouldn't believe such a claim had I heard it from anyone else.

Edited 2011-08-09 05:59 (UTC)

That I have.

[ A curious look appears in her eyes. ]

Do you admire him?

Well...yes, of course. I've heard stories of him since I was a child--Ulster's prince of light was surely the greatest knight Ireland has ever seen.

I only wish I could have had the honor of facing him in combat myself. But I suppose sharing a class with him is an honor in itself.

Perhaps the opportunity will present itself. I am here, am I not?

I hadn't really thought of it that way. But now that you mention it, it's more than likely possible, all things considered.

Do you feel better now?

[ Yes, she's concerned. ]

...strangely enough, yes.

Are you actually worried?

Do you think I would ask if I was not?

Of course not, but there's no need to be. Distressed or not, I am still a knight just as you are. I can handle myself well enough.

Even knights look out for their brethren, Lancer.

...yes, you're right. Either way, I do appreciate your concern.

If you falter even once, do call for me.

[action]

croibhristeoir - 2011-08-09 13:56 (UTC) - Expand

ex_cashcow493 - 2011-08-09 14:02 (UTC) - Expand

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