What a Little Moonlight Can Do

[chanson_de_maupin]

Saber returns from the library with her head swimming with stories--noble soldiers and wise strategists and villainous bandits, archers and swordsmen and murderers of renown. She sifts those stories carefully as she returns to Kirsikka's lodgings, seeking a match for Rider and Lancer and Archer.

Archer, I think I know, she decides, swinging in with a song humming through her and her eyes mirth-bright. "I'm home," she calls, like a husband returning to his surly bride. "I'm home, and I've learned all kinds of things--"

Comments

[girlwiththegandrshot]

"Reading you know I approve of -- but the rest -- ! An Englishwoman? Another Master? A Priest? What is all this, where have you been?"

[chanson_de_maupin]

Sweetly, "The library. And before that, the forest where I met Archer and her Master." She sets the familiar down again in Kirsikka's lap. "Such a busy morning!"

[girlwiththegandrshot]

"And such busy places you frequent!" she exclaims, cradling the docile familiar up with her arms.

[chanson_de_maupin]

"And can I help it? I shine like a beacon in this sleepy town; we all do. They're drawn to me."

[girlwiththegandrshot]

"Yet somehow, I can imagine you saying that even before you became a Servant."

[chanson_de_maupin]

"You have a good imagination, Mademoiselle Edelfelt."

[girlwiththegandrshot]

"Naturally I do. But not so good it doesn't need the meat of fact to feed on ... Tell me more of your encounter with Archer?"

[chanson_de_maupin]

"We met in the forest, as I said, and she and I measured blades and throwing knives--of course, neither of us showed the true extent of our strength, but who could be expected to, at this early in the game? She was pleased with my manner and offered an alliance, but her Master refused; they agreed instead that we wouldn't interfere with them, nor they with us."

[girlwiththegandrshot]

"Of course she would be impressed with you," she praises her at last. "You are a Servant of the Saber class, after all. Even at half-strength, yours is the strength of a true hero. And you've found her name, as well? That is good news."

[chanson_de_maupin]

"The priest might be troublesome, but after I tossed him at the Tohsakas, he'll probably trouble us last. Why, if we just sit on our hands for a bit, the Church might handle our enemies for us! It would be the first useful thing they've done in centuries."

[girlwiththegandrshot]

"Or the Executors will be crushed the moment they try to interfere with our War -- I admit I don't know which one I'd like to see more. The Church is ever the enemy of us Magi, you know."

[chanson_de_maupin]

"I played the penitent a little with him; priests will salivate over a pretty young woman's guilt! But whatever I play, he will always be my enemy so long as he's yours." She pauses, hands on hips, to regard Kirsikka with the light of inspiration in her eyes. "What shall I do next, Master? Wait for the Church to move, or quench my thirsty sword with an enemy's blood?"

[girlwiththegandrshot]

And Kirsikka shines with pride for her Servant, which is really her pride at being called Master. "I'll be coming along, of course, to witness your next battle, and to heal and aid and order you."

[chanson_de_maupin]

"When should that be? Whom should we fight? Only name an enemy and tell me when I should strike--!"

[girlwiththegandrshot]

"Why, let's storm the city tonight, and see who's bold enough to challenge you -- unless you're too wearied from your excursions?"

[chanson_de_maupin]

"I'll rest close to you and be fresh for the fight." She leans in to kiss Kirsikka's cheeks. "I do so enjoy storming the city."