He's baaaaaack..............I'm SO sorry...

[ranthatbitchover]

Why should you apologize, scribe? Be done with this foolishness of yours! As a Heroic Spirit I am used to lying in wait until my time comes. Besides, I knew you would not be gone long - for who could resist the lure of...

ISKANDAR, KING OF CONQUERORS!!?

I am simply glad to have you back and anxious to get back into battle!!

[It's not 'battle', Rider...]

I fail to see the difference! [Quelle surprise...]

I am also anxious to encounter this Red Saber...I find this 'Nero' rather intriguing...

[...OF COURSE YOU DO. BECAUSE YOUR MUN IS AN IDIOT.]

Comments

[knight_king]

Rider.

[Such serious greeting, but what else can you expect from the King of Knights?]

Why are you seeking Nero? [She used to know one and held her in high esteem, at least, before she departed that island.]

[ranthatbitchover]

Saber!! King of Knights, it is good to see you again!!

[Brace yourself Arturia. You're getting a crushing hug from the King of Conquerors.]

I enjoy this new ruler's company - I seek to make her my bride!

[knight_king]

Hm. You could have greeted me without so much enthusiasm.

[Tiny, crushed king tries to push him off. He looks in high spirits as ever, that she is secretly glad for.

That claim makes her furrow her eyebrows. Because as far as she knows, Nero has left clear she prefers women to men.]

Does she know of your plan?

[ranthatbitchover]

I could have, but what fun would there be in that?? You are worthy of the greeting of a conqueror! Thus I gave you such a greeting!

[He lets go but isn't about to let her get far.]

[And as if someone's opposing sexual preferences are going to stop him...recall that this is Rider we're talking about...]

She doesn't. But when the King of Conquerors pledges his undying love, what woman could possibly resist??

[knight_king]

It is about proper manners, not about fun.

[She scolds and smooths the wrinkles he has left on her blue dress.]

I see. [That kind of thinking seems pretty common in tyrants of old, but she hopes at least he will not be as persistent were he denied.] What if she refuses?

[ranthatbitchover]

Conquerors have no need of manners!! Manners are for the puny and weak who let such propriety get in the way of what they want and deserve!

[Yeah...Rider got a big, fat 'F' in etiquette class...]

[But you've bamboozled him with the suggestion of a refusal, Saber.]

Refu-....

BAHAHAHAHAHAA!! So you DO have a sense of humor, Saber!

For what possible reason might she have to refuse ISKANDAR, KING OF CONQUERORS!!?

[knight_king]

Unlawful barbarians would also refuse to be well mannered, but you are a king and not a ruffian, Rider.

[She still wishes he would be less forceful in general. Unlike her opinion of Gilgamesh, Arturia does not loathe Iskandar.

She frowns when she realizes he has not even considered that option.]

It is a possibility, the Nero I know would not commit herself so easily.

[ranthatbitchover]

That is true, let it not be said that Iskandar, King of Conquerors is incapable of maintaining etiquette when it is called for!

[He tilts a brow though at that latter remark.]

Would offering an empire not be enough to woo her? Shall I make an offering to Zeus and ask his assistance in the matter?

[Been a while since he talked to his 'father' anyway...]

[knight_king]

Nero is an Emperor, I do not know if you can offer her land that also belongs to Rome. [She looks at him confused.] Would you petition assistance from a Divine Spirit?

1/

[whitescalesbigmouth]

...!

2/

[whitescalesbigmouth]

You jerk!

How dare you just up and leave without telling me or anyone else who might care about you?! I was-...We...We were all worried sick about you, idiot!

3/3

[whitescalesbigmouth]

[Aaaaand one short outburst of rage later.]

...I didn't know if you were ever coming back.

[She sniffs and wipes her nose on her sleeve. She really did miss you, you big idiot.]

[ranthatbitchover]

[He...clearly doesn't know how to handle that.]

[Rider moves to grab her up in his arms to bring her up to his eye level.]

Why should such worries enter your mind? Surely you realized I would not be gone forever.

None can stop the King of Conquerors!

[whitescalesbigmouth]

[That's true. It's extremely rare anything would actually have the power to stop the likes of Iskandar.]

You should have least told me where you were going...

I missed you, idiot.

[ranthatbitchover]

A conqueror is never sure where the road will take him, and I will not be accused of lying to you, dearest Saft!

Regardless, I am here, and here to stay, if you will permit it so.

[whitescalesbigmouth]

Of course I want you here, you big dummy!

[Just don't go and vanish on her again, She loves the heck out of you, You big ol' moron. You know how she gets when the people she cares about has something happen to them.]

I'm glad you're safe...like really glad.

But you do know you can talk to me about anything right? If I'm not being the kind of master you want then just tell me! If you want me to be braver or smarter or anything like that I need you to say something.

[ranthatbitchover]

[He frowns and brings a large hand to rest atop her head.]

That is not the attitude of my Master! You could stand to have more of a conqueror's spirit!! But all the same, you must be you, I would not have you any other way!!

[dragonsinmy]

Must you always speak of yourself in such an overpowering voice? Your very presence alone gives credence to what sort of man you are.

As well... given how many Sabers that exist now, simply saying a "Red Saber" could mean two or three different ones, I hope you understand. You clarified who you meant, but it bears mentioning.

It makes one feel a slight bit uneasy with how many people there are that look exactly like you.

[ranthatbitchover]

As it is meant to, Saber! For if a king is not recognized by his presence alone, he is not a king at all!

But now that you mention...you do indeed bear a resemblance to my fairest Nero - I thought something seemed familiar! Your personalities differ to such an extent, I had quite overlooked the physical resemblance!

[...details are not this Servant's forte...even COMPLETELY OBVIOUS ONES.]

[dragonsinmy]

Or the person viewing as such knows not what he sees. Perhaps they may not know exactly what you are, but they would have a feeling.

... You speak of her as one may speak of one they are engaged to.

[ranthatbitchover]

I say again, what reason has she to refuse me?? I may as well call her my bride! We will conquer this modern world together! Emperors, side by side!

[dragonsinmy]

[Really, it's the idea that since Nero looks almost exactly like her...]

Well, from what I recall, the Emperor Nero was said to enjoy the fruits of life, rather than how you took to the world.

... Although, Rome was already in quite a position of power during it's reign.

[ranthatbitchover]

[Gettin' a bit jealous, are we Saber? ;) ]

Very well! Great Nero may choose whatever luxuries she likes, and I will make them hers!!

[...he's just...missing the point entirely...like usual.]

[dragonsinmy]

[How would Rider like it if someone was trying to date a clone of himself?..... don't answer that]

Perhaps I had misjudged you, Rider. I had thought that you, who inspired so many to follow you through your life, would have wanted to attain something with someone... important by your side, rather than merely hand it to them, through one way or another.

[How the hell is Saber giving romantic advice]

[ranthatbitchover]

[A clone of Rider...there's a horrifying thought in and of itself.]

[All the same, he leans in very slowly. He's grinning like a madman.]

If you wish to pursue a romantic path with me Saber, you need only ask.

[...because that's ABSOLUTELY what she meant...]