[center][color=00aeef][u][h3]Vladimir Moroz[/h3][/u]
[u]Santa's Favorite Helper[/u][/color][/center]

[color=00aeef]"Why did they request me? I can't stand people."[/color] This was the tenth time that hour he had said that. He had probably said it more to be quite frank, but he hadn't been counting after the first five times. His assistant though, standing by his side, was used to such behavior. The man had walled himself off from society. If she hadn't made sure to feed him regularly he might have starved. Each day going into his work, and then scrapping it all when nothing came of it. Only to start again from a different angle. Returning to old ideas too frequently to count. The only change to his routine in over two years had been the message from the Clock Tower. Requesting him, though probably because of his former years, than his more recent madness of the last 10 years. Crowds had begun to make him nervous after all. Too many mouths, they could tamper with his work without realizing it. 

[color=7bcdc8]"My Moroz, you know what you stand to gain if you win."[/color] The white haired girl spoke softly. But it was cold. Like ice. After all, she was not human. And he was not human. Vladimir was said to be descended from demons after all. They were an odd pair, and several students of the clocktower had stopped to watch them. Vladimir stomping back and forth, constantly stopping before the doors, and ready to turn back home. But he had taken a lot of time getting here. Maybe he should participate in this war? It hardly mattered, his life was one of studying anyway. The Greys could wipe the map clean, and he would remain at home attempting the same alchemical formula at different temperatures in different corners of the room. 

[color=00aeef]"And yet I am putting aside research for this. It is a squabble! Clocktower versus mages who summoned servants. I only just managed to get my artifact before I left. How am I sure it's any good?"[/color] 
[color=7bcdc8]"You will manage. Because you are my Moroz. You are more talented than any other mage in that room. I'm sure you will do well. And I can protect you."[/color] Her cold voice was rather refreshing, and gave him a bit of strength. There was a sigh, and he pushed open the door.
[color=00aeef]"You made sure my alchemical supplies are all packed, correct?"[/color]

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[i]"Perhaps I should have been more specific with my question, right? I was—am—more interested in the reason why I—or rather us—were summoned here instead of being sent straight away to our destination. Is a briefing really necessary when the situation is this clear cut?"[/i]

He made his entrance on that line, adjusting his coat and tapping his cane as he did so. [color=00aeef]"It is simple. It is because it is traditional, rather than pragmatic. The Clocktower has always loved tradition over simple solutions."[/color] He didn't have much to say about Orsen. The two had a long... And complicated history between them. If not for the fact he was marching off to war soon, they would have a lot to talk about. But in such a crowded space, he dare not speak. 
[color=00aeef]"I am Vladimir Moroz. That is all each of you must know. Now, let us skip other pleasantries, and summon the servants we have been gathered for."[/color] He held up his artifact, a ring. Old, and he dare not speak of its origins. A beautiful ring, and one he had managed to find amongst his vast collections. He had figured it held a power, due to who it was connected to. A man who could not love. Perhaps at a time he figured he could find a way to undo that, and unlock the secret of love. But like all of his research, it resulted in nothing.
Perhaps... This grail war might help. If he could stomach working with others.