[h1][color=00aeef]Ernest LaCreux[/color][/h1]


The searing light of the summoning ritual faded, and Ernest beheld the impossible figure before him. The ritual had succeeded. Deep within Ernest, a long dead voice made an exclamation of triumph. [i]'I've done it, Marie. I've actually done it.'[/i] The magus himself, however, barely seemed to react at all despite the great accomplishment. Ernest surveyed his Servant with a discerning eye. The great Hunter was every bit as impressive as his legend suggested. With such a Servant, even the most absolute of obstacles might be challenged. The magus' hands fell to rest upon the head of his cane.

Nimrod's initial threat was met with little more than the slightest twitch of the eye. Such behavior was to be expected. One did not summon a man hailed as a veritable god of rebellion expecting subservience. No, if anything Nimrod's attitude was reassuring. No mistakes had been made. After a moment, Ernest raised his eyes to meet those of his Servant and gave a courteous bow before making a sincere effort to straighten his posture. “I appreciate your interest... and your cooperation.” The words were somewhat stiff, as if they had been practiced time and time again. Ernest's eyes remained focused on the towering man that stood before him, as if he was still trying to discern something. After another moment of silence, Ernest nodded. “Yes. I am your Master. My name is Ernest LaCreux.” He tapped his cane against the floor of the basement. “Welcome, King of Babylonia.” 

As Ernest welcomed the arrival of Nimrod, the two Thralls crossed the room, taking positions on either side of the magus and kneeling before the great hunter. It was difficult to make out their features beneath their hoods, but they moved as one unit, with machine-like rigidity. Ernest maintained his stiff, overly aristocratic stance, a stark comparison to Nimrod's relaxed posture. Despite the success of the summoning, there was one thing that still troubled the mage. His modifications to the ritual had allowed him to summon the specific Servant that he had sought, but the King of Babylonia had an extensive reputation, and the question of what class of Servant he had materialized as was still uncertain. “But, King of Babylonia, your reputation is storied and extensive... Your feats are numerous, so tell me, in which class have you been summoned here?” The question risked an appearance of foolishness, but it was necessary nonetheless. Surely Nimrod qualified for a number of classes, and while Berserker or Assassin was incredibly unlikely, any of the other classes seemed quite possible. Going by Nimrod's legendary hunting ability, Archer or Lancer seemed the most likely.