[center] [img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/180524/a3cd9c697651d8ba5d495724c3574201.png[/img] and [img]https://puu.sh/Ax47T/693b4d4f50.png[/img] ~ [i]Girls’ Sleepover[/i] ~[/center] Much of the previous day had gone by uneventfully. Moreover, the two girls had done very little up until the evening. Such was the case of errors in summoning. It annoyed Serafina to no end that they had to waste so much time before evening getting into the bulk of the war, but it was what she got for rushing into things in the first place. If she had thought things over more carefully, they might not have been in the situation they were in at all. At the very least, she was thankful that the Matou Master was more lenient on their terms than she had expected. “Extenuating Circumstances regarding the Summoning” was the excuse Sera had made for a rearrangement of their meeting, and while it wasn’t far from the truth, “A fuck up on the part of the Master” would have been much more apt. It hurt her pride to be forced into changing the times, but it was the price for her incompetence. The rest of the evening had been spent sorting things out, both around the Temple and their room. The two narrowly avoided detection by the awakening Monks, brought from slumber by heroes from the past destroying their property. Whether Yoshiki was suspicious of their involvement or not, Sera couldn’t quite tell, but she was thankful he didn’t question them much at all. From that minute onward she spent properly attuning with her Servant, and figuring out just who the hell had come out of that sword. With that out of the way the two made their preliminary preparations. Cleaned, switched to more appropriate attire for the evening, and continued their minor setups - a couple of bounded fields set around the room, and around the main temple complex, as well as some of the basics for their Workshop. It was far from complete, and the sorry site of a barely even half finished base of operations left Sera in some slight dismay. Still, it was a start, and one they would finish upon returning from the Matou Mansion. The Matou Mansion, the location they were heading. Three girls, something of a mangy dog, and a beefy, insane hero in spirit form behind them; as much as Sofia had wanted to, the dog was ill allowed with in the temple, and thus its coat had remained the same as it had been that morning. Sera couldn’t say exactly how she thought this would go. In her head, things would go swimmingly, and they’d garner themselves an ally early on with which to utilise as a primary asset, but a part of her wondered if that was merely naive optimism. The Matou Master rejecting the proposition entirely upon arrival was still a very realistic belief to follow. [colour=SteelBlue]”You did as I said, right Sophie?”[/colour] she said, turning towards her sister, who made up the middle of their little entourage, [colour=SteelBlue]”It’s important, y’know.”[/colour] [color=7FFFD4]”Yes Sera, everything; I think.”[/color] She said as she raised her hands in front of her face, peering past them to her Saber. [color=7FFFD4]“Let’s hope the Hood works.”[/color] Saber tilted her head to look at what appeared to be a familiar, [color=#FFD700]“You will see soon enough.”[/color] tugging on her plain clothes, she sighed. [color=#FFD700]“This outfit feels...unnatural though, I don’t get the fashion of these days at all. It’s so...unnecessarily flashy.”[/color] because the hood of kismet was still equipped, the [url=https://puu.sh/AH5Cs/21c502591c.jpg]current appearance of Saber[/url] looked nothing like her true self. Sera looked over the two walking beside her and smiled. [colour=SteelBlue]”I’m pretty sure it’ll be fine. The cloak will work continuously until they can figure out how it works, soooooooo as long as they don’t figure that out, we’ll be good.”[/colour] her tone was confident, and she looked it, too, [colour=SteelBlue]”Just, remember, Saber, do as little talking as you can. We’re going for shy, after all.”[/colour] With the Matou Mansion steadily approaching, She turned back to look at the two. [colour=SteelBlue]”Just remember what we discussed and we’ll be good. Berserker, you’re waiting outside. On the off chance their Servant is an Achaean, I do [i]not[/i] need to deal with that right now.”[/colour] and with her little quote unquote pep talk, she continued onto the gate of the Mansion. Within the front yard of the manor, just beyond the girls’ view, a group of worms quietly and efficiently gathered together into a human shape. A perfect likeness of Reiki Matou. Stepping out onto the main path, just behind the gate, it stood in plain view of the approaching group. Although carrying the full appearance of a human girl and even emitting the correct amount of energy, command seals were noticeable missing from its hand and Sofia was able to observe the strange difference in makeup between a continuous set of circuits seen in a normal mage and the large number of separate organisms up the road from them. Before saying a word, it whistled sharply. Shinji, who had seemingly just begun to recognize the neighbourhood around him, perked up, and the small beagle began to run ahead of the group toward the manor. The familiar-body opened the gate just wide enough for the little dog to dash inside, leaving it ajar as it knelt down to stroke its pet and murmur a few concerned words about the state of his health. Shinji sniffed the body’s hand, but did not lick it. Nonetheless, he seemed more content than he had been even in his most peaceful moments at the temple steps. “Reiki” rose to its feet and gazed upon the trio. [color=0054a6]”Good evening.”[/color] The simulacrum spoke through the opening in the gate, [color=0054a6]”Would you, by any chance be the Whitehalls?”[/color] Serafina, in response to the sight of the woman before the gate, accelerated her pace, if only slightly, as to position herself in front of the other two girls. [colour=SteelBlue]”Good evening to you, too.”[/colour] she began, [colour=SteelBlue]”We are indeed, for the most part, the Whitehalls. Might I assume that you are Reiki Matou, then?”[/colour] [color=0054a6]”Essentially, yes.”[/color] The puppet nodded, [color=0054a6]”But what stands before you now is not my genuine body so much as a form crafted out of familiars while I deal with another associate inside.”[/color] She gave a cautionary look over the thing stood before her, her eyes betraying something of a paranoid nature. It was obvious that she was attempting to gauge the threat a form composed of familiars would pose. [colour=SteelBlue]”I have heard minor tellings of your families… unique, shall we say, branch of Magecraft, but seeing it up close and personally truly is something else. I must say I am impressed.”[/colour] she then turned back to her sister, [colour=SteelBlue]”You’ve always had a greater interest, if marginal, around familiars and the like than me. It’s quite remarkable, no?”[/colour] [color=7FFFD4]“Owh wow.”[/color] Sofia’s pure eyes grew brightly as she inspected the familiar. [color=7FFFD4]“There’s so many of them! how do you keep them all in that shape so flawlessly?”[/color] Although this was one of the three great families of Fuyuki, Sofia did not seem to be on guard much at all; contrary to the shy girl that hid behind her, only peeking out to speak with a soft tone. [color=#FFD700]“I-I am Mana, these two girls weren’t very familiar with this town, so I’m acting as their guide for the time being.”[/color] If the hood did its job, then Saber’s disguise as Mana would be impenetrable. [color=0054a6]”Excellent. All of you are welcome to join me in the gazebo.”[/color] Reiki’s form cast both gates open wide. [color=0054a6]”Although I’d like your Servant in the back to materialise if they’re going to be joining us. Also, before you enter you should know that unless this meeting devolves into a battle I will make no moves against you as you return to Ryuudou Temple regardless of the outcome of our talks. I can join you in person if you’d like, but then I’ll have to insist on my own Servant coming as well. On the other hand, if you’d like to hold our meeting entirely with me in this form, you’ll retain the privilege of being able to destroy this form with your Servant and end the discussion.”[/color] Sera placed a hand to her chin, listening to the quote unquote rules of engagement for the meeting. They were reasonable, as to be expected, and eventually she lowered her hand and smiled. [colour=SteelBlue]”You mentioned dealing with another associate at this time, correct? As much as I would prefer to conduct the meeting in person, if your current engagement is pressing I shall settle for this form.”[/colour] then she looked back, towards the group but somewhat behind them, as Ajax left his spirit form, [colour=SteelBlue]”My sister’s Servant is currently stationed back at Ryuudou Temple as a Guard of sorts, and I don’t think Berserker here has particularly good table manners; he will be remaining outside.”[/colour] As she began to round off her list of comments, something quickly occurred to her. [colour=SteelBlue]”Ah, I should probably make this somewhat clear now.”[/colour] she took a step over towards Mana, and placed her hand upon her shoulder, [colour=SteelBlue]”Mana here is a friend of our family, and while acting as our tour guide she is also a backup Magus for myself and my sister.I hope her joining in with this talk won’t be much of an issue?[/colour] [color=0054a6]”Of course there’s no issue. Anyone who’s a part of your camp for this war is welcome to join the discussion.”[/color] The simulacrum stepped to the side while Shinji followed faithfully at its feet. Overhead, a bird, clearly a familiar, flew off into the night while a set of insects suppressing their buzz carried a small object into the grounds. [color=0054a6]”It seems this place is quite popular tonight. Well, if we’re all in agreement, then won’t you come in? I’ve prepared some light snacks in the gazebo.”[/color] It gestured to a small, well-kept structure a little ways into the grounds lit by candlelight. Even after having been revealed as a fake body, its expressions and movements were absolutely genuine. This was the moment of truth. The building was old, and most Magus families would have had protection inbuilt. One of the Three Families was no exception. Sera gave their host a warm smile, and continued on through the gate, gesturing for her sister, and Mana, to follow suit. The moment she crossed the threshold of the mansion, the presence of Bounded Fields struck her, though it wasn’t exactly a surprise. No sane Magus would leave their territory unguarded. But as she looked towards Reiki, she noticed something odd. [colour=SteelBlue]”The Bounded Fields you have… they’re Rune based, correct?”[/colour] she turned around, taking in the Mansion as a whole, [colour=SteelBlue]”I can see you’ve put a lot of effort into protecting this place. The fields are… remarkable. Truly.”[/colour] as she looked back, she smiled, and continued on. [color=7FFFD4]“You’re such a nerd.”[/color] Sofia jested, as she walked past Sera, and towards the gazebo. It was almost impossible to stay her eyes from the many familiars that littered the place, and thought it struck her as peculiar, it [i]did[/i] seem like they were miss Matou’s specialty. Meanwhile, Mana had followed Sofia very sheepishly, only flinching ever slightly upon entering the bounded field. Her shy nature really shone through as her eyes were glued to the ground, and on Sofia. If Reiki had detected anything related to Mana upon her entry, her familiar body hadn’t reacted. As it led the trio towards the gazebo, Shinji followed at its heels until the door to the manor opened a crack and a whistle sounded from inside, causing him to dash that way. For the moment before Shinji entered the house and the door closed, the girls could make out a woman with dark red hair and eyes with the unmistakable aura of a Servant holding it open. [color=0054a6]”Correct, those are Runes. You have sharp senses befitting your house.”[/color] The simulacrum stepped up onto the gazebo, a fine hardwood piece of construction with a small table at the center and five chairs. On the table lay a tray of chocolate chip muffins, a teapot, and five teacups. The worm-built girl climbed the three steps to the gazebo and stood behind the table with a smile on its face. [color=0054a6]”Please, seat yourselves and enjoy.”[/color] The Whitehall Family may not have been an especially powerful house, nor was it a Noble group, but it had still been their dream for a long time to become one of true note; this wasn’t the first evening meeting Sera had attended, and it likely wouldn’t be the last. Entering onto the Gazebo, she took a small look around the table, taking in the decor and muffins, before seating herself. [colour=SteelBlue]”Five teacups?”[/colour] she said, taking one of the muffins from the center of the table and taking a small, cautionary, but still sizeable, bit from it, [colour=SteelBlue]”Are we to be expecting another guest at our Round Table, of sorts?”[/colour] [color=0054a6]”The fifth seat and cup were prepared for my Servant if you wished to meet my true body.”[/color] The false Reiki picked up the teapot and circled the table to stand by Serafina, [color=0054a6]”Do you take one lump, or two?”[/color] Sera looked towards Reiki as she approached her with the teapot. All she had to hope was that she could remember her “training”. [colour=SteelBlue]”I’ll take two, thank you very much. The flavour of tea without it tends not to agree with me.”[/colour] As Sofia took a seat, she was already chewing on a muffin, as soon as the muffin left the table it was already in her stomach; the Matou’s sure knew how to bake their goods. [color=7FFFD4]“Excuse me! Could I have some tea too; without sugar.”[/color] [color=#FFD700]“And I’ll take 3 lumps in my tea please.”[/color] Mana said with her eyes flickering between Reiki and the floor. The simulacrum poured each girl a cup of tea with the requested amounts before standing up straight. For a moment, the natural appearance of the face became rigid. [color=0054a6]”On the subject of my real body, I’ve just about finished up dealing with another Master I’m working with. If you’re comfortable with me being the only one with a Servant present, we could join you in earnest for the business. My other associate will be staying in the manor and not joining us for this meeting.”[/color] The worm-body’s words rang true as the presence of not one but two Servants emanated from the house. Serafina took a sip of tea. She was right, the flavour wasn’t exactly agreeable. Under normal circumstances, she might have asked for another lump, but instead she let Reiki continue her message, occasionally sipping from the cup as she spoke. [colour=SteelBlue]”Is that so? Well, if you’re finished with your business, I would be grateful to meet you in person. I fear the meeting might have observed something of an impersonal touch otherwise, no?”[/colour] she took a look across the Gazebo, and then smiled at her sister, [colour=SteelBlue]”And, rest assured, we have no qualms with you being the only one here with a Servant. Quite honestly, I had been expecting so from the start, and thus it is the potential risk I am willing to take.”[/colour] although she looked up from the cup towards their host, [colour=SteelBlue]”Not that there is any risk involved, right~?”[/colour] [color=0054a6]”Of course. It still stands that I will not trouble you on your return to the temple no matter how our meeting is resolved.”[/color] With that, the simulacrum set down the tea set and made for the house, standing aside from the door as it opened and the real Reiki emerged along with the red-haired Servant seen earlier. The Reikis nodded as they passed each other and the clone entered the manor. [center] [h1][color=0054a6]Reiki Matou[/color][/h1] and [h2][color=9e0039]Scáthach[/color][/h2][/center] Reiki approached the gazebo and it was hard for the girls to tell if perhaps her hair was a little brighter, her eyes a little more lively. Probably it was nothing more than the psychological effect of knowing what is genuine and what is not. [color=0054a6]”Good to see you in person, everyone. Let me introduce my Servant, Lancer.”[/color] She entered the gazebo and took a seat while her Servant paused at the entrance, seemingly focused on Mana. [color=9e0039]”There is something different about you, compared to the other mages of this time.”[/color] She spoke bluntly. It was a rare talent of royalty to not ask questions, but to make statements that demanded answers. At the same time, although it could not be seen through a Master’s clairvoyance, she was cycling through various Skills for the purpose of magical and mental insight to little effect. Nonetheless, she had detected an entirely distinct energy when this girl had entered her runic bounded field. [color=#FFD700]“O-owh ,there is? I could leave the settlement if my presence is unsettling.”[/color] Mana said with her eyes plastered to the table. Her shyness turned into anxiety as she was not used to these situations; Being singled out by a heroic spirit was a scary thing after all. To see the two Matou Master’s side by side was an interesting experience, to say the least. Sera watched intently as the two passed, and the former, the Ersatz Reiki, left, leaving her eyes to settle upon her true form, and her Servant. Masters Clairvoyance was the first thing she initiated, just to do a little light reading on the woman. [colour=SteelBlue]”Pleasure to meet you too, Reiki Matou. And Lancer.”[/colour] she nodded to both of them in turn, as the Master of the two took their seat. However, she continued to eye the Servant curiously. Not only did they not take their seat, but they addressed Mana of all people. A minor note of disappointment sparked within Sera, realising that their cover may well have been blown. Except it wasn’t. [colour=SteelBlue]”I must apologise, in that case. I didn’t properly explain the situation, and for that, I am sorry.”[/colour] she started, looking towards Mana, [colour=SteelBlue]”Mana here came to be a friend of our family due to her extenuating circumstances. I suppose in some cases, one could call it a Sorcery Trait, although I might liken it closer to a Curse. Her Magic Circuits are unable to properly process and produce Mana, and so her internal systems tend to… while I hate to say malfunction, I would suppose it is the closest descriptor.”[/colour] despite the lie, the look she gave towards the girl was sympathetic, [colour=SteelBlue]”She was brought to my family to see if we could assist in remedying it. We’ve been friends for many years. I do apologise.”[/colour] Lancer remained in the gazebo doorway. Mana was inscrutable, but she detected something off about Sera’s response. As she opened her mouth, it seemed likely that she was about to encourage Mana in her offer to leave when Reiki interjected. [color=0054a6]”Lancer, please don’t interrogate our guests. Come and have a seat, won’t you?”[/color] There was no sigh, nod, or hesitation as Lancer moved to the last empty chair. At the same time, it was obvious from the very atmosphere that not a mite of her suspicion had lifted. [color=0054a6]”Now, it’s about time we got down to business and the matter of our alliance in this war.”[/color] She smiled as she poured herself a cup of tea with two lumps, and unlike Lancer who radiated suspicion, it was difficult to identify how in touch Reiki was with the situation. [Colour=SteelBlue]”I think that would be for the best, yes.”[/colour] Sera sipped from her own cup, and addressed the table, [colour=SteelBlue]”I can tell that Lancer here has some… reservation, regarding us. I hope we can iron those out.”[/colour] as she spoke, her gaze drifted to the door of the gazebo, and the mansion itself, [colour=SteelBlue]”Your duplicate referenced a second Servant on the premises. Considering your own Servant, my sisters, and Berserker, does that make this a four-man coalition?”[/colour] [color=7FFFD4]“We’ll be unstoppable!”[/color] [color=0054a6]”That’s exactly right. As far as I can tell throughout the city, there is no group larger than this one would be if we joined forces. With that said, I assume you have noticed the exceedingly large number of participants in this war.”[/color] Reiki set down her teacup and leaned forward in her chair. [color=0054a6]”It’s my understanding that the cap on Servants summoned and Masters given command seals have completely vanished. With that in mind, have you considered having Mana attempt to summon?”[/color] Was that a vicious flash in her eyes as she cornered their deception? No, she looked honestly at the trio with a question on her face. [color=#FFD700]“Well, as Miss Serafina told you, my magic circuits don’t work as intended. Even if I wanted it with all my heart,”[/color] Although she looked timid before, her posture now turned into something entirely obedient. [color=#FFD700]“There is no way that I could summon anything at all.”[/color] Sera simply watched as Mana explained herself as best she could, though what she said left a lot to be desired. She couldn’t help but give a small sigh. [colour=SteelBlue]”The fluctuations in her Magical Energy levels would make summoning a Servant dangerous. Sometimes her levels can be high, while other times they can be dangerously low.”[/colour] she cast a glance towards Lancer, [colour=SteelBlue]”I’m not one to risk the lives of my friends just so they can help further my progress. Mana’s life would be at risk if she attempted to summon a Servant, and as her friend I shant allow that to happen.”[/colour] the eyes with which she scanned both her host and their Servant betrayed a thin line between sympathy and a cold stare. She wasn’t messing around. The expressions of the two facing the trio couldn’t have been more different. Reiki seemed to express that she had made a grave mistake in implying Sera would endanger a friend’s life. Meanwhile, Lancer’s gaze seemed to say [i]unsatisfactory deception[/i]. The question, in that case, was how much information was passing between the two telepathically. Reiki gave a small cough to lighten the mood before speaking up. [color=0054a6]”I’m sorry. Four will be more than enough, you’re right not to endanger your friend. But I’ve gotten ahead of myself in talking about how we should work together. We need to determine [i]if[/i] we can work together.”[/color] She picked up a cookie and took the smallest bite before setting it down. [color=0054a6]”To that end, I’d like to know both of your wishes for the Grail.”[/color] As if on cue, Sofia’s entire posture changed when Reiki asked the question. Slowly, she put a half eaten muffin on the table before peering at Reiki with determined eyes. Completely contrasting her laid-back attitude this entire time. [color=7FFFD4]“I am going to remove the necessity for bloodlines in magi...For as long as I can remember, heritage and family was the most important thing a mage could ever cherish, it defined their future and their past.”[/color] Her words rang heavy with a grudge as she spoke. [color=7FFFD4]“Well when I get my hands on the grail, I am going to eradicate that concept, so no more children would be thrown away or mistreated by their family.”[/color] And as soon as it came, her determined look faded away, leaving her cheery self behind. [color=7FFFD4]“Though I’d be okay with Sera winning as well.”[/color] She beamed at her sister. Watching her sister act all confident and determined forced a break in character for Sera, dissipating the serious demeanour she was using for the meeting in favour of a light chuckle. [colour=SteelBlue]”You’re funny sometimes, Sophie.”[/colour] was all she said, before she turned back to Reiki, [colour=SteelBlue]”Our family wasn’t kind to Sofia. Honestly, I… No wish I could think of amounted to the same thing she would desire. She deserves the Grail more than anyone I know - her wish is my command.”[/colour] A series of short, light nods from Reiki as she looked back and forth between the two girls. [color=0054a6]”Entirely respectable. I have no problem with that. My own goal for the grail is the salvation of humanity along with the end of all evil and suffering. Technically, the suffering of those in the situations you’ve described should be included as well, but I expect you’d want to do it yourself to be doubly sure.”[/color] Her face fell a bit. [color=0054a6]”That’s important to note. Our alliance is to help each other reach the final stages of this grail war before splitting apart. You should be aware that the other Master I’ve allied with is more directly in my service and has pledged to deliver the Grail to me. Moreover, my other intent in our alliance is to eliminate the more unruly participants in the war, such as those who would wish for mass death, chaos, or their own tyranny.”[/color] Her expression brightened a bit. [color=0054a6]”But as long as your wishes aren’t evil and you don’t expect the Grail from me, I’m more or less ready to discuss terms and plans.”[/color] She looked out expectantly at the trio. [colour=SteelBlue]”So a two versus two scenario, is what you’re saying? It sounds interesting. Of course, we also want to whittle down the number of potential candidates as quickly and efficiently as possible.”[/colour] she smiled as she spoke, taking another sip of her tea, [colour=SteelBlue]”Do you have any terms you’d like to set out immediately, before any kind of forum begins. I think it would be best if we were to all input into this - including you, Mana - as we’re all members of the same coalition. That way our outcome will be much more agreeable between the four, or five, of us, depending on whether you have anything to input, Lancer.”[/colour] [color=0054a6]”That’s essentially correct. I’d like to end the war just among us, and in the meantime a term I’d like to impose is a certain amount of morali-”[/color] [color=9e0039]”There is something more pressing.”[/color] Lancer stood from her seat. Reiki seemed to deflate and give a slight sigh in a way that indicated she had been communicating with her Servant on the subject to some extent. [color=9e0039]”While Mana herself seems quite honest, I am, at this point, quite confident that the previous excuse for her strange aura by Ms. Serafina here was a falsehood.”[/color] There was no spear in her hand, but she radiated restrained hostility. At the same time, she was preparing to engage the gazebo’s defences and using Clairvoyance to watch for the slightest danger. Lancer decided to interrupt the proceedings. Sera was aware that she was suspicious, that much was evidenced by the way she had acted at the beginning of the meeting. That said, she had hoped for things to go on a little longer before she had to intervene. As the Servant stood and confronted her friend, she simply crossed her legs, sighed, and sat back in her chair. [colour=SteelBlue]”We’re going to be allies, y’know, Lancer? We can’t exactly be doing with you accusing us of lying every five minutes, we’d never get anything done.”[/colour] her eyes drifted to Reiki, [colour=SteelBlue]”You look like you agree with that sentiment. Why don’t we hear it from Mana, though, eh? I’d sure to love to hear about a supposed liar hiding within my group.”[/colour] she turned to the girl, with a small smile, [colour=SteelBlue]”Well Mana? Got something to say for yourself?”[/colour] [color=#FFD700]“I w-well, I’ve been befriended to Sofia and Serafina for years...D-do you remember when I tripped on the balcony of your manor, and Sofia tried to catch me but ended up tumbling over with me!?”[/color] [color=7FFFD4]“I did! We were both strapped in bandages for the entire week.”[/color] Sofia laughed. [colour=SteelBlue]”Okay, you two, that’s enough.”[/colour] Sera finally said, [colour=SteelBlue]”You’re really not convincing anyone with that.”[/colour] she took another sip of tea, and turned her attention back towards Reiki and Lancer, activating a single Mannaz Rune on her body, [colour=SteelBlue]”Therefore I suppose it comes to down to who believes who. We can’t really have a coalition where nobody trusts each other, right Lancer? I don’t want us to fight.”[/colour] her smile was warm and confident, although her eyes betrayed a certain curious look to them as they watched the Servant, as though waiting for some kind of signal or action. [color=#FFD700]“Wrong, this coalition could provide stability and safety for Sofia and Serafina, and I won’t allow that opportunity to pass by.”[/color] Mana said as she adjusted her stature from a shy girl to a bold stance, revealing her real attitude. [color=#FFD700]“I am Sofia’s servant Saber, and though my intent was to stay hidden, I feel that switching that advantage for this alliance will be worth it.”[/color] Saber took a step towards Scathach. [color=#FFD700]“Lancer, your ability to notice me is nothing short of remarkable, and I commend you for acting on it; although my intentions were not hostile, I understand your eagerness to protect your master.”[/color] Saber took a seat once more, gesturing for the meeting to continue. [color=7FFFD4]“Saber…”[/color] Sofia seemed a bit surprised at Saber’s sudden reveal, but quickly regained her composure. [color=7FFFD4]“Well I’m actually kinda relieved, subterfuge and secrets are fun and all, but building an alliance really only works with truth and trust, don’t you think Reiki?”[/color] She smiled. Reiki, it seemed, had fallen into something of a grim acceptance as the alliance seemingly crumbled around her. Once the Saber was revealed, however, she brightened up quite extremely. [color=0054a6]”Yes, I think that’s right. I appreciate you revealing yourself, Saber, and I promise we won’t share this information with anyone outside our faction. Right, Lancer?”[/color] She looked up to her Servant. Lancer, for her part, seemed to have relaxed somewhat. A thousand potential deceptions had turned into one concrete fact before her. There was still a chance Saber had lied to her, but the response of her Master seemed entirely genuine. The eyes that fell on Saber were unmistakably those of one warrior judging another. [color=9e0039]”Indeed. With that, I have no further terms for the moment.”[/color] She returned to her seat. [colour=SteelBlue]”Well, that didn’t go to plan…”[/colour] Sera sighed, giving something of a half hearted comment as she slid back into her chair, only to quickly sit back up, [colour=SteelBlue]”Ah well, can’t fault a girl for trying. Gotta keep your purse at least partially secret, right?”[/colour] she smiled and laughed at Reiki, as though she hadn’t just tried to deceive her on a massive scale, [colour=SteelBlue]”So, where were we on the whole terms thing?”[/colour] [center]~[/center] Later, information had been exchanged and terms agreed upon. The candles of the Gazebo burned low as the Masters and Servants exchanged goodbyes. [color=7FFFD4]“Alright then, I’ll head into town immediately; we can’t let that thief run around doing whatever he pleases.”[/color] Sofia said as she stood up from her chair, and started walking towards the exit with Saber in tow. [color=7FFFD4]“See ya.”[/color] She waved to Reiki and Scatach as she left the compound, giving a small smile to Berserker as she passed by. Sera stood back, watching and waving as her sister left Servant in tow. As she exited, she turned back to Reiki. [colour=SteelBlue]”I think we can all agree that that went well.”[/colour] she smiled, [colour=SteelBlue]”I’ll let her deal with that problem. I think some reconnaissance is due. This is the first night of the war, after all. There’s bound to be some interesting battles on going.”[/colour] and with that, she turned to walk away, [colour=SteelBlue]”Later.”[/colour] As the last of her visitors left the manor grounds, Reiki closed and locked the gates behind them. Purely for visual effect, of course, as the real protections could not be seen so much as felt. [color=0054a6]”That was a great outcome, actually.”[/color] She looked pleased as she turned back to Lancer and the two began to make their way inside. [color=9e0039]”That girl made a good point at the end, Master.”[/color] Lancer opened the door and held it open for Reiki, [color=9e0039]”This is the first night of the war, and therefore no time to be lounging around.”[/color] [color=0054a6]”Good point. We’ll discuss moves with Benita inside once we’ve filled those two in on the new alliance.”[/color] The door closed behind the pair, and the candles in the gazebo were snuffed out, leaving the yard dark and quiet.