noontime | OPEN POST.

[ As Gawain's been taking in the castle, so too has Fiore been taking in his reactions. While the Master-Servant relationship is largely that of an incredibly powerful tool wielded expertly by a summoner, Fiore couldn't help but think it was better to treat her newest ally and partner with respect and allow a more natural bond to form. If she can't trust her Servant, they'll have a difficult time winning this War.

So she's noted his reaction to both the homunculi and the dungeons, and made sure not to forget them. A knight might have a harder time understanding the more pragmatic nature of a magus, with their code of chivalry, and she needs to keep that in mind. He's observant, and already preparing, which are both excellent traits.

Fiore nods when he speaks up again, simply murmuring a single word to unlock the door in front of her. It swings open without preamble, allowing the both of them access inside.

Her quarters are spacious, but sparsely decorated. A table, a tea set, her bed in the corner, a few matching chairs for guests, a desk piled neatly with paperwork and books... it's different from her workshop, but it's additionally one of the few places where she feels as though she can breathe easy. ]

What was it you wanted to ask of me, Saber?

[ He pushes her inside dutifully, and even though it may be able to be closed through a similar magic word, he also takes care to close the door after them. It may not even be necessary, but he'll take the precaution all the same. Considering what he wants to ask, he wouldn't be surprised if it was something that she preferred privacy with. ]

It may be more in the realm of a curiosity than anything.

[ In her own room, he imagines she's likely fine to navigate on her own. He moves in front of her, since this question is one that he finds important, and therefore suited to say eye to eye. ]

If I may, why are you fighting to claim the Grail? What would you wish of it?

[ In a way, her answer would change little. Even if it was something that Gawain disagreed with, his loyalty wouldn't falter, which is why he thinks of it as a curiosity more than anything. Even if it was something he disagreed with, his personal code of chivalry meant that he would still give his all to help her claim it. ...Of course, that was also something of a bare minimum by his standards. If it was something he agreed with, then he would push himself much harder. ]

… Ah.

[ Fiore's smile turns sheepish as she glances down at her hands, before her gaze shifts back to Gawain's face. ]

It's very selfish of me... but the reason I'm in a wheelchair is because my Magic Circuits are in my legs and have caused a certain disability since my birth. As long as I remain a magus, I'll never be able to stand or walk on my own.

If I removed that, I would be able to, but I would no longer be a magus. I wanted to wish for a way to be able to use my legs and still retain my magecraft.

[ It's nothing noble. But it's what she's wanted, more than anything. ]

[ Gawain's eyebrows raise in open, but quiet surprise. It's not the wish itself. That makes perfect sense to him, and it's one that he'll lend his strength to without question. Rather, his surprise comes from what caused her disability. He's not well versed in magic himself, really only knowing the basics as it pertained to the Grail War more than anything else, so to have Magic Circuits have this kind of unfortunate outcome... Well, it's a bit shocking. He's never heard of such a thing, but he knows that's not saying much.

Still, his expression softens. It's sympathetic, but not condescending in the slightest. ]

Perhaps it is selfish, technically... But I understand it. I may not have skill with magic myself, but I know to lose such a craft would be the same as if I were to lose my training as a knight.

[ An impossible setback, in other words. ]

Thank you for telling me, Master. It may not be necessary for the fight ahead, and I apologize if I overstepped my bounds in any way. When waging a war, I like to know what it is I am fighting for. This is something I have no qualms with, so I shall do all I must to deliver you victory.

[ She's relieved to see that there's no sign of pity on his face, or in his voice. She hadn't wanted that manner of reaction, anyway, and had sought to keep her answer as matter-of-fact as possible. ]

No... I'd already decided I wanted to remain on equal footing with you. I can hardly ask for your loyalty and your resolve if I'm not willing to share such matters with you.

[ Most importantly, he understands how much of a blow it would be to have to give up one thing over another. It's all she could have asked for. ]

... Is it all right, then, if I ask what your own wish would be?

[ He's not surprised that she asks, and he had been ready to explain just this, since it's a perfectly reasonable question to ask of your Servant. However... He knows his answer is odd. Even not having met many Servants (that he remembers, at least), he can't imagine many would share anything similar. It's not something he would begrudge any of them for. ]

I don't have a wish in particular.

[ There's a gentle earnestness to his answer, even if it might not sound entirely believable. From other Servant, it might seem like a lie to avoid the question, but with Gawain, it seems to be quite true. His expression is tinged with a bit of sadness, but it's an old one. His failing is one he's come to at least accept. ]

My wish is to do just this. I was not able to loyally serve my King in life, so I think of being a Servant as something of a penance for that. My sword will always shine brightest for King Arthur, should we ever cross paths again, but in the meantime, I only wish to give my Masters what I failed to give him.

[ Fiore had given him a confused stare at first-- because as far as she was aware, only Servants who held a wish would answer the Grail's call. But as he continues, the perplexity in her gaze lightens, then vanishes entirely.

It's not as large a wish as she had expected. But he's so earnest about it that there was never any doubt about his sincerity, just a sense of... melancholy, if she had to place a name to it. His own regrets had held him down long past his death, and that's a fate she wouldn't wish hon anyone. ]

I understand. I don't know how many Wars you'll be summoned to, or what relevance this one will hold for you, but as long as I'm your Master, I'll do my best to grant that wish for you.

[ "By letting you serve me to your utmost" sounds like a terrible thing to say, though, so she doesn't. ]

[ She's a kind person, he thinks. Her own sympathy and concern is clear, and for that, he wishes he could dismiss it entirely. So the moment of seriousness passes, at least on his part, and he's back to an easy smile. ]

Now, it's nothing to frown over. It sounds a bit gloomy, but... I do not think of it as such. To serve is my second chance to do right by my oath, and I can think of nothing greater that even the Holy Grail itself could give me.

[ Though he does reach up to idly scratch at his neck, a bit of an awkward gesture, since it's still difficult to explain. He's not sure he would have ever reached this peace about it in life, even if Arthur had somehow miraculously triumphed in Camlann. It comes from a perspective that's distinctly inhuman, that part of him that's now an eternal being rather than one limited by a single lifespan. Even if it's his reality now, that difference is difficult for him to put into words. ]

You needn't concern yourself over me, though your kindness is not something I will spurn. After all, it is just as much my oath to protect a maiden's smile.

[ It's one thing to have him reassure her that his wish isn't anything like a burdensome regret weighing down his shoulders and to let herself completely believe it. Though, at the same time, she doesn't doubt him. It just seems... well, he's right. It sounds gloomy. ]

I can't say I'm entirely like the maidens you were probably familiar with, unfortunately.

But...

[ ... ]

Thank you, for your candor and your sincerity. I do happen to think we'll work well together.

Of that, you are correct. No maiden was ever my master, after all.

[ ...More or less. Technically, his king was, but even knowing that truth now, it's difficult for him to think of her as such. Arthur never showed that side of herself, so she would always be a king over anything else in his mind. ]

That simply makes that oath all the more pressing! I must resolve your worries, both as a knight and as your Servant. [ There's a playful laugh in his voice, but it doesn't really seem like he's joking... It seems that the knights of the Round Table are truly as gallant as stories say. ]

...But I do agree. I hope the same is true of the rest of the Masters and Servants.

[ If she'd ever had any doubt of gallantry, Gawain sure is curbstomping it currently.

Fiore pauses to think of the current arrangement, tapping her chin. ]

I think Berserker will do well with my brother. He's not very delicate, but he seeks to understand and cooperate, so they should be a good match. Lancer is well-respected by his Master, as is Caster... Archer may have some difficulty with Uncle Gordes trying to be too commanding.

[ Haaa. ]

... I, er. Rider may have some trouble, as well, but as a Servant, he should be fine?

[ His attention gets a bit more focused as it turns back to more tactical considerations. He nods along as she explains, since knowing at least the majority of who these Servants are, he can't help but wonder. Frankenstein and Vlad the Impaler are infamous in their own rights, but they're also not noted for their... Well. To even think it would seem like it could invite trouble, somehow. Vlad especially is no king under which he would serve, to say the least.

He's naturally curious about the Caster and Archer, since they're both quite mysterious, if for different reasons. Archer at least gave him the initial impression of being a gloomy, serious fellow, so he thinks they'll get along. It's not unlike another bow-wielding knight he knew in life.

However, any of the questions that would come from that quickly become secondary when it's mentioned Rider might have some trouble. His brow furrows together in curiosity, but his mind doesn't go anywhere near what his trouble might be... ]

Hm? Is this because of his forwardness? I hope he would not be punished for that.

No, it's not a matter of his personality. [ Vlad would have made his displeasure known at the beginning if Astolfo's straightforward attitude was a hindrance. ]

Rather... it's his Master I'm more concerned about. She's, ah...

[ She pauses to clear her throat delicately. ]

... She takes great pleasure in torment, and... [ Help her. ]

In torment?

[ There's definite concern in his voice, since he still doesn't quite get to the right conclusion. Or, well. He's like, half right, but the other half is important... ]

Even if he is a Servant, does that mean Sir Astolfo is at risk?

No, in his case, he could simply snap his restraints, and she won't... hurt him...

[ Gawain, please. She's already suffering. ]

[ His expression stays serious, though confused for a few moments. He's clearly mulling it over, and especially her hestiation, but all of the sudden, his expression brightens back into a smile as he laughs. ]

...Haha, oh! Would you happen to mean torment more... [ Hm, how to put it. ] Well, to be polite, let us just say carnal?

[ Her face? Definitely in her hands now. ]

... In his case, yes.

[ Outright torment for anyone not a Servant, though. Poor things. ]

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