sweethymns | ғaтe/alт.dιѕтorтιon

Well.

As normal as conversations about my chest can be, I suppose.

[ letitgo.wav ]

I think it's safe to say that she isn't smitten with you at all then...

A fact I'm glad for, in all honesty.

[ FOR REAL he's not at all unhappy about this development ok ]

[His chest had to come under fire, but it was for good in the end.]

I'll just have to ask her directly next time. [~~I sense a future interrogation.~~]

We're almost at Ryuudou Temple now. [She clenches her fists as if pumping herself up.]

Let's do this.

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[Ryuudou Temple is quite a sight, at least for Ai Thao. Also there are so many stairs leading up to the gate... So many...

By now, the light rain has stopped, creating a very serene atmosphere. Ai looks around in awe.]

What a spiritual place...

Edited 2015-01-23 17:59 (UTC)

[ The awe is at least partially shared, but with it comes a sense of nostalgia— it's nice to see more greenery in a world that seems to have been taken over, largely, by concrete.

The stretch of stairs doesn't bother him in the least, but he matches pace with Ai so he doesn't wear her out with his speed. ]

Are all temples built so high up?

[They're almost to the front of the gate. In answer to his question...]

It's just my guess, but it seems like the important ones are usually situated up on a mountain or hill of some sort. Nature is harder to overcome in such a terrain after all so you might as well keep it around.

In Vietnam, there's all sorts of shrines around the mountainsides when you drive out into the country.

I see. It adds to the mood, if nothing else.

[ Having to scale mountains or hills to find a place of solace; it seems like a running theme. A slight exhale, and he passes through the gate to step out into the broad entranceway leading to the front of the temple proper. ]

—This shouldn't be said in a place of worship, but this is an ideal place for a duel.

There is plenty of room...

[~~There was a samurai here, he's gone now.~~

Ai Thao looks around seeing if there's anyone around. If there is, there's always that spell that causes misdirection where neither she or Diarmuid would be noticed. Right now, there's no resident monks around so there's no need to be concerned with that right now.]

There's also the backwoods and a lake near the temple.

[She falls quiet, trying to concentrate. While she wasn't expecting any immediate signs it comes to her surprise when she finally senses a presence.]

... Into the forest then.

[ Thank god that there are no hapless temple visitors to get stuck in any crossfire that might occur, which is definitely a certainty by now. Diarmuid also catches on to the errant presence, signaling that he senses them by a flick of his head towards the general direction of where the other party would be.

He'd insist on leading, but he's also sure that he can jump in if the enemy tries to "surprise" them. That would be spectacularly stupid. ]

Agreed. It would be a shame to destroy any part of these buildings.

[ yo that would be terrible though ]

[Ryuudou Temple is a treasure.

Ai Thao takes to the path that leads to the back of the temple and into the forest. The scent of the air is clear and clean after the light rain. The trees tower over the both of them, and the stillness makes Ai taciturn.

And then there's a smooth if jovial voice that calls out to the both of them.]

Well, well. I hadn't expected the little Master to be this petite. You have your job cut out for you, don't you Lancer??

[Her Eyes activate, but Ai doesn't make a move. Her gaze moves up towards a rather unusual sight (yes, just a little unusual even for this War.)

A Servant was relaxing on top of a branch of one of the trees. He was very clearly European, with brunette hair and blue eyes and sporting a thin mustache that gave him a mischievous air. His looks were inconspicuous enough, but it was the fact that he was wearing very Japanese robes and sporting two swords at his sides that would be the cause for worry.

He lets out a low whistle, sensing Ai Thao's intent.]

My, my. They said looks could kill and now I'd believe it.

[ Diarmuid also follows her gaze up, and lightly...raises a brow at this guy in what looks like a very traditional Japanese getup. Right.

That's not a reason to underestimate, though, and the provocation towards Ai has him step up and in front of her, vaguely acting as a shield. ]

Take care with your words. I'd think it would be a disappointment for you, if your last words were speaking ill of my Master.

[ That's a warning. ]

[The Servant moves so he's squatting as he assesses his two opponents.]

Now, now. I don't mean any ill will at all, especially not towards a lovely lady I've just met.

[Her Eyes fade and Ai grimaces at him.]

... Are you protecting your own Master??

[He raises a brow and shrugs.]

My Master is one of the pious men who resides within the Temple. You can either attempt to root him out or simply face me in the clearing that's nearby.

Either way, I would like one good fight in this dear country I've loved all my life.

[ Is this guy flirting with Ai... this nonsense. Lancer shifts a little so that he's almost completely in front of the smaller figure, not to be patronizing but because he's not too thrilled with whatever...this is. Chivalry!!

The other Servant does get a few points in favor of being forthcoming, though, which is something Diarmuid notes with a humility that's completely divorced from the slight indignance. ]

A fight, then. If anything, your honesty is commendable.

[~~Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.~~

Ai Thao peeks from behind Lancer (still in serious mode, mind you, she gets that he's just protecting her).]

A fight it is. And you have my word as Lancer's Master that I will not attempt to invade the temple to find yours.

[The Servant nods in approval at Ai's conduct.

But don't think he didn't notice Diarmuid's slight shift in movement though. His sharp eyes glance between the two of them. The knight and his young Master. A young lady no less.

Look, it doesn't take a genius to tell that they've formed a close bond. He's silent for a moment before answering.]

Edited 2015-01-28 05:00 (UTC)

Well! It's settled then, isn't it?

[He gives Ai Thao a rather charming smile.]

Je vous aime bien! You are a noble Master. Your gaze may cause death, but within it, your honor burns brightly and vividly.

[Ai Thao is thoroughly taken aback by how friendly this Servant is and for a moment she's at a loss.]

Oh! I... Er. Thank you?? Merci???

[Oh, he's French...]

Edited 2015-01-28 05:02 (UTC)

[ Al...right. There's nothing particularly wrong with what the Frenchman is saying, but shouldn't they, you know, hop to it???

He won't say anything about the compliment paid to his Master's honor (it's good that someone is acknowledging it, if anything else), but man, stop... now's not the time, bro.

Let's mosey on over towards the front of the temple, then. He's quiet for now, shooting the other Servant a look before he summons his weapon in his hands and gets himself situated. ]

Whenever your spine settles and you get tired of banter. I'll be here.

[ A bit of a taunt, really; honorable as he is, he's not above that. (seriously man stop flirting...) ]

[~~Oh no... They're those kind idiots, thinks the Servant...~~

The warrior follows Diarmuid's suit as he moves to the front of the temple, jumping down gracefully from the tree. Right now, Ai's just wondering what kind of hero is French, but has Japanese swords... Weird... (Also was it just her or did the mood change? NAH.)]

My spine's been rather relaxed this whole time. Although it's good to know I'll have someone who will assist me in maintaining its health.

[Granted he can tell that Diarmuid's no joke as a fighter; that would be stupid, but it doesn't stop him from having the slightest touch of an acerbic tone.]

Don't worry Lancer! I doubt my attentions would sway your Master, not when you have such a firm hold in terms of charm.

[Oh god, Ai was feeling kind of ok about this guy and now he's just teasing them (NO ONE IS SUPPOSED TO POINT THAT OUT) and she wants to fume, but MUST. BE. COMPOSED.]

Edited 2015-01-29 05:09 (UTC)

[ COOL IT MAN... the other Servant uses the term "charm", and he shoots a sharp glance before letting his expression soften into something close to... pity? Condescension?

Amber eyes close, and he shakes his head once, as if to briefly lament having had to hear such nonsense. ]

You underestimate her, then. The curse I bear hasn't been an issue since my summoning.

[ Listen he knows that that's not the actual topic at hand but shh ]

Oh, that much is certain. Yet another reason for her to gain my admiration in my humble opinion. It settles my heart knowing that there are still women in this age who aren't afraid to show their pure emotion and heart so easily.

[Meanwhile, cue Ai feeling that faint sense of guilt knowing the Servant isn't completely inaccurate on another note...]

So blades against lance is it? [He nods looking pleased.]

Ça n'est pas grave. Lighten up, Lancer. Nothing wrong with pre-battle banter, now is there?

[They're at the front of the temple where Ai distances herself away from the two fighters. Two blades... Ai's somewhat worried since there's only one class she can think of that they haven't faced yet that uses those weapons.]

... Lancer.

If you need this... [Ai holds up her hand with the unused Spells.]

Give me a signal.

[ What is happening here... one second he's here to get shit done and now this Servant is testing his patience by being flirty towards his Master and weird?? This isn't what Diarmuid signed up for.

A sharp glare, held for a moment at what he assumes is this guy trying to be patronizing. ]

Only if you're willing to take responsibility for the words that come out of your mouth.

[ The glare turns into something a little more challenging, frown curled up into a fearless smile this time around. He glances at Ai when he's spoken to, softens his expression slightly. ]

Understood. Don't doubt that I'll win this fight for you, Master.

[Ai smiles back, giving Lancer a resolute nod.]

I'll be watching closely! Don't hesitate.

[The Frenchman clucks his tongue, clearly amused by their simple exchange. This Servant's past life had consisted him of traveling to new and wonderful places beyond the countryside of France, observing all his eyes could devour with its sight. He had grown to admire the Land of the Rising Sun and its people, learning their customs, their way of life, taking their values in swordsmanship to heart, and even participated in a war that wasn't his own. Seeing this young woman and knight who were separated by origin and country made him feel nostalgic. After all, wasn't it a heartwarming miracle that the Grail granted, allowing two completely different people to forge a connection with one another? An overly sentimental and romantic notion for sure, but why not?

It's partly why he wanted to tease his way too honorable and stoic opponent. The knight could afford to open his eyes a little more instead of the narrow focus of winning this so-called War.

Ah, but the War; yet another that was not his own. He positions himself, hand over one of his blades and aura increasing steadily.]

Well, then??

Edited 2015-01-30 08:12 (UTC)

[ Ai's smile and acknowledgment is enough for him; any residual dubiousness about his enemy dissipates (whoever this is, he's honorable, yes; but with a slight teasing that he can't quite rest easily on), and his twin lances position themselves in the thin fog of the temple, cutting through it in gold-and-red lines of light. ]

Those blades... would it be safe to assume that my opponent is Saber?

[ He settles into something more familiar, like a hunting dog that's found a scent; eager to fight, but controlled. ]

As one Knight Class to the other; don't let my Master's loveliness distract you.

[ listen man he can do this teasing thing too!!!! ]

[WAIT WHY IS SHE THE ONE BEING TEASED HERE and now Ai feels her head SPIN when she hears what Diarmuid says.]

I-... Wha...!!

[But she snaps out of it because the sound of sharp metal is being unsheathed on the other Spirit's end.

A few long seconds pass and he grins at Lancer. And mockingly, under his breath he whispers...]

En garde.

[Fast.

He disappears. Ai Thao wonders if he actually drew his sword or not, but he's suddenly in front of Diarmuid, closing the distance and testing his opponent's mettle with his lightning draw.]

[ This, this is a lot easier to handle than all of the talking, in all honesty. His opponent is fast, but Diarmuid is also top-notch with respect to speed alone, not to mention that he also has experience with swords; he sees the incoming draw, knows how to block it from years of training.

A flash of red, and Gae Dearg catches the end of the other Hero's sword, while Gae Buidhe cuts a smooth arc from the side to his enemy's flank. It's a distinct advantage to having two weapons to work with, that he can defend and attack at the same time. ]

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