[center][b]Hamel Della Astrologia
[i]Outskirts of Fuyuki[/i][/b][/center]

Cool, damp air blasts Hamel’s uncovered face, a sign of the upcoming winter, and of the hardships he would have to face. Wrapping his dark cloak closer to his body, Hamel could not help but ruminate upon this fate he had chosen for himself.

He had no delusions about the upcoming war. Confident as he was in his thaumaturgy, there was no guarantee that he would walk out of this podunk backwater alive. Rumours they may have been, but the legendary figure he had just summoned was proof enough of the claims put forth. 

Rationally, he understood that such high stakes came with even higher costs, yet, some part of him was still, however, ecstatic at the Servant he had called forth. And with a booming voice, brimming with mirth, he could not help but voice his musings aloud.

“It would seem fate has seen it fit to gift me the grail, no? What do you think about that, Lancer?”

A bellowing laugh filled the murky swamp after the query, a joyous tone in an otherwise colorless land. Yes, the Holy Grail War may yet still extract a high price, and there was much riding upon his back, but when had consequences stopped him?

Not when he was in Clocktower, where he had gained the derisive moniker of ‘Magpie’, and had suffered many a beating in the process. He was a selfish being, ultimately. And while he had some measure of temperance he was liberal with releasing his inhibitions.

And it had seemed the grail saw it fit to grant a servant of somewhat similar disposition. Quite truthfully he found it a bit irksome, it would be troublesome to direct a servant of such free will, and to utilize a command mantra not even a day in would be an act of supreme foolishness. No, he would have to adjust his plans around his newfound familiar.

He cleared his throat. “Lancer, as your master I must insist you stay within the confines of this swamp. It is crucial you defend this area if we are to advance successfully in this war.” A pause for understanding, before he continued onwards. “This will be your swamp, and much like anything that belongs to oneself you must defend it ferociously, else someone else decides to take it.”

Many a magus had made their way to compete for the Holy Grail. Peers and some not so equals will fight tooth and nail for their chance at this relic, for a wish. 

Which was why he had come a week earlier than was necessary. To set up, to scout, to secure every advantage possible beforehand to tip the scales of battle to his favour. Because it would be a gruelling war. But Hamel would be damned if he left Fuyuki without his damn cup secured.

[@Sageage]