▶ 001. video

[anti_altruisms]

Good evening.

[ The video flickers on, and there's a very pale, very fatigued-looking Archer sitting in his apartment. A dragon egg is also visible, nestled in a bundle of blankets next to him. (Is he nesting??)

In any case, he doesn't mince words. ]

Since we're all likely experiencing similar symptoms, I'll be brief - I'm looking for moonlacing partners, specifically hand-holding and basic physical contact. Anything more than that is subject to discussion.

[ He moves a hand, and just for a moment, it almost looks translucent. Or maybe, it's just the crystals staring to form on his skin. ]

Thank you for your time.

[ With that, he ends the feed. ]

Comments

[anti_altruisms]

No, I am not...though it is has been explained to me what Chaldea is.

[ You never know unless you try, Gawain!! Who knows, he might be amenable...

The other's True Name has him looking a little surprised, though, even as a brief pang grips his chest. (Best not to think of her right now...) ]

Sir Gawain...I see. [ He could tell other Servants were in the area, but somehow, it just didn't occur to him that there would be a Knight of the Round Table. ] Is it common practice in Chaldea for Servants not to use their class titles?

[ In the absence of an actually Holy Grail War, he supposes that would make sense, but he isn't quite used to it yet. ]

[galatining]

Oh good, then I will not bore you with the details.

[Yeah he's probably going to try anyways. His cooking is so bad anyways someone needs to save him.]

Well it depends on the Servant. Some are more cautious outside of Chaldea. As for me, I was in a war before Ritsuka summoned me and my Master never made me conceal my name there.

[Maybe a proper Grail War will come along where he has to go all stealth and he can use the cool code names.]

[anti_altruisms]

[ He's kind of hella curious about the details, actually, but that can wait until after he's not suffering from a dragon baby munching on his Chroma.

And he's gonna owe Ritsuka omurice as it is, anyway, so Gawain might as well go for it. ]

I see. In my last summoning to a Holy Grail War, we followed the traditional practice of concealing our names so that is what I am accustomed to.

[ A beat, then- ]

Could you tell me a little about this...Ritsuka?

[galatining]

[Gawain's probably more open about that sort of thing than most Servants.

And be careful Archer, his appetite is big, since he and his king share the same genes.]

A lot of Servants did in the my first war, but my Master was very confident and we made it to the final round.

[And losing wasn't just because of his name being known.]

Ritsuka? It's strange, but she's in many ways the most ordinary girl you will ever meet. Yet she's seen everything through, not matter what.

[anti_altruisms]

[ Gawain can bring the food; Archer can cook it. A perfectly fair compromise. ]

The 'final round'?

[ That's a bit of an odd way to put it. As for Ritsuka...well, that is a rather curios description. ]

I see. How long has she been a Master?

[galatining]

[Yes food happens and it actually tastes good!]

Ah the war I refer to occurred in a place called the Mooncell. Master's are pitted against each other in rounds and have a week to prepare to fight. The losers are deleted, the winners go on to the next round.

[Different than the average holy grail war.]

About a year at his point. She wasn't supposed to be the only one originally.

[anti_altruisms]

[ He's perfectly happy with this compromise!! ]

I see... So you're familiar with Hakuno's Grail War, then.

[ An interesting concept...but not one he likes. ]

And so this singular Master has summoned many Servants, bearing the fate of the world on her shoulders. [ He lets out a thoughtful hum. ] She must be quite special.

[galatining]

[Everyone wins!]

Yes, though certain details are blurry, but I guess the Throne thought it would be useful for me to remember the experience.

[But who knows how the whims of the Throne went. Especially in Chaldea, where the normal rules didn't apply.]

She is very special indeed. She has succeeded against all odds.

[He's very proud of course.]

[anti_altruisms]

[ Yay food!!! ]

I'm surprised you were allowed to keep it, honestly.

[ He doesn't really have anything to show for all his battles -- just the weapons stored in his Reality Marble. ]

Perhaps I'll have the opportunity to meet her while I'm here.

[galatining]

I can certainly not complain about such good fortune.

[It's a kindness of a sort, even if it's mixed with pain as well. Regret so that he can better serve.]

If anything, she will probably greet you first when she sees you. You we know Mother Hens her quite a bit.

[anti_altruisms]

[ Now, wait just a minute, Gawain...!! ]

I..."Mother Hen" her?

[ WUT????? ]

[galatining]

...yes? Almost over protective. You cook her all these good meals and watch out for her. It's almost coddling...

[He's teasing because it's the truth.]