mun remembered Fate/Apocrypha anime is coming this summer; muse is less than enthusiastic

[onceandfutureknight]

He will not want to see me.

[Saber closes her eyes, expression shifting from hard to softly melancholy.]

That is...for the best.

Comments

[tauraran]

Is it really?

[onceandfutureknight]

The past cannot be altered. Only atoned for.

But I fear, in this case, reconciliation may not be possible. I have caused too much grief and hate. [Her tone is not pained or upset, only resigned. Resolved, even.] I would prefer to not cause more.

[tauraran]

If you have learned from your mistakes, not all is lost. It is their decision whether they forgive you or not. {Some would regret not trying. Thranduil is intrigued by such beings.}

[onceandfutureknight]

That is true. Though-- [Saber pauses, searching for how to explain.]

I would not say a mistake. A misunderstanding. That I will not-- cannot give them what they yearn for is taken in spite.

[With a flicker of a frown, she seems to reconsider.] Perhaps in that futility lies its own mistakes... And we Heroic Spirits, being frozen in time as we are-- [And considering how last they saw each other--] --I feel what I could say has already been said, and far too late.

[tauraran]

Were you honest with them? Did you tell them what you could not give them? Did they take it from you anyway? {In that case, they are in the wrong.}

Heroic Spirits are what exactly? {He paces closer, peering at her, seeking some flaw in her solidity.}

[onceandfutureknight]

[What a series of incredibly loaded questions. The barrage also feels like an inquisition into her own integrity, and she hardens.] Every aspect of my life I have done my best to walk with the utmost of chivalry. To that end, I have no regrets. However, a failure to preserve one's country -- regardless of the circumstances -- is a failure of the king. I shall not deflect a blame which is mine alone to bear.

[As for the other question...] Heroic Spirits are champions of history and legend, whose legacy has had an impact on human history. They are preserved after death, in most cases, outside of space and time where they can be summoned to assist those who might need aid. [At least, that's the most simple explanation she can offer without getting into many nuances and exceptions......]

[tauraran]

{He definitely has a talent for that. Thranduil likes to toy with nerves and pick at threads until someone unwinds. Call it a hobby if you will, but never expect him to be apologetic for it.}

A King does not rule alone. He makes the final decisions, of course, and it is on his shoulders the blame is placed, but he has a council too and the voices of his people. Ruling so simplistically will only ever bring you grief.

{Also... A woman king? Interesting.} They serve willingly? After death, it seems to me, Men have earned a rest; not a summoning.

[ranthatbitchover]

DON'T BE RIDICULOUS!!

Who wouldn't want to see you, King of Knights!?

omg your handle

[onceandfutureknight]

[The boisterous greeting makes her smile briefly, but there's a tired sigh before she replies--]

My son.

LOL glad you like :)

[ranthatbitchover]

[Congratulations Saber. You've just caught Rider completely off guard.]

...your...wait...

[Cue Rider's laughter which is way louder than it needs to be. He claps her on the back.]

WELL DONE, KING OF KNIGHTS! I didn't know you had it in you!!

Tell me, why wouldn't a son want to see a parent such as yourself?

[If anyone knows about tumultuous parent-child relationships, it's Iskandar the Great.]

[onceandfutureknight]

[Steadfast as she was, her solid five-foot-nothing frame couldn't prevent a slight stumble from Rider's enthusiastic pat, and she exhales from the force of it.]

I-is it really so surprising? [Now probably wasn't the time to get into Merlin's....well, for lack of a better word, shenanigans. Though--] I thought all Heroic Spirits had knowledge of others' origins...

[Then again, it would be just like Iskandar to not pay close attention. That being the case, it did mean she'd have to explain. Probably in more than she'd like to.

More recovered, her face returns to its resigned serious expression.]

In part, because I was careless, and distant. Such carelessness that lead to the demise of many... [Her frown tightens, more resolved.] In part because his deepest wish is something I cannot grant. That, too, has caused much grief.

[Like the fact that they both killed each other but you know DETAILS.]

[ranthatbitchover]

Not so much surprising as unexpected!

[Right - exactly. Rider isn't one for remembering details. All that matters is the here and now.]


[Still, he's surprisingly attentive when she explains, and expresses what he perceives is regret.]

And what was this deepest wish of his?

Parenthood is not easy by any definition, Saber. The gods above know I was not the father I could have been. The father I should have been. I was not there to protect my son...and as a result...

[Of course Rider can't help but make this about him - but there's more to it than that. At least here; he's trying to exchange information with her - so that she's not only opening up to him and being vulnerable, he's doing the same.]