Canon is Berserk

[white_phoenix]

You had my gratitude. [The passive tense being of great importance.] Are you not my prison, my guard? Torture aside, the hours - the days - become tedious. We are not fit partners.

[His flat, unenthusiastic stare says he doesn't think his words are going to do any good.]

I can't think about any of them. I won't in this state.

Comments

[knight_king]

It is futile to reason with them.

[She has tried and it always proves to be a waste of her time.]

[white_phoenix]

Spoken as a fellow soldier? Or are you a fellow King?

[knight_king]

Spoken as a fellow captive. [She's quick to clarify.] I do not know you. It seems your "guard" must have a looser tongue than mine.

[white_phoenix]

A temporary condition. [He waves it off.] I would trust her with no secret.

I am Griffith, Founder of the Band of Hawks.

[knight_king]

For your sake, I hope it shall be a brief one.

[Hers has been a long "captivity". She pauses when he introduces himself, it seems pointless to use her Servant title if he knows.]

Arturia, child of Uther Pendragon, King of Knights and ruler of Britain.

[white_phoenix]

Unlikely. It has been two years.

[He knows vaguely - it won't do to disrespect someone in the position he aspires to.]

The pleasure is mine, King Arturia.

[knight_king]

I see. My condolences, then.

[She means it, for he must yearn to return to his people.]

You said you were a king as well, Griffith?

[white_phoenix]

I have been told this is better than what is in store for me.

[No, seriously, it is. We will not speak of that transition. Thank you, Berserk.]

I aspire to be one. [He smiles charmingly.] One day, I will have my kingdom.

[knight_king]

Truly? This is what they claim?

[She sounds and looks skeptical, raising an eyebrow at that statement. But when he tells his aspirations, her features become neutral again.

She is not very expressive, not when she is the king.]

Why? Forgive me, though you must have a reason why you wish to be a king.

[white_phoenix]

It is a strange claim, though not without merit. [He had been caught in a dubious act and imprisoned. He knows ill awaits him unless Guts returns and the Hawks break him out.]

I have dreamed of being a King since I was a child. It is my only dream. I know I could be good.

[knight_king]

I understand. I shall not doubt this ominous claim.

[And yet she wonders if exist for the amusement of someone is not the worst of fates.

She seems to consider his answer. It isn't completely satisfying, but she asks something else.]

What would you do as a king? If you do not mind me to ask, I would like to know, if you become a ruler, how will your path of kingship be.

[white_phoenix]

[The torture he endures is far worse than existing for someone's amusement.

Though he doesn't always think so.]

I will rule with strength and mercy. My kingdom will boast the strongest army with the most able of men and women. They will help me keep the peace.

Furthermore there will be a great wall encompassing my land, so that even the lowliest of farmers are protected. We will never be without food or water. I am willing to trade with other lands to ensure so.

[knight_king]

[She silently listens. There are a few differences. Britain was an island, it needed no walls, but there are enough similitudes to see an old aspiration reflected in those words.

"How long do you think this will continue? This age in which men and women live in fear of hunger, death, and the flames of war?" She has asked Sir Ector once.]

The land and the people must be suffering in the hands of tyrants if no one rules justly. I hope for your success, Griffith.