[center][h2]Theseus[/h2]
[h3]Shinto Town, Jigen Saito’s Household[/h3][/center]

“Hm...The one near the mountain appeals to me more than the promise of battling a mad warrior,” He spoke simply. “Both of them will be frequented to be certain, but perhaps that one will be calmer than whatever parade to brutality that “strongest Berserker” and their Master will cook up. With that kind of confidence, I’d be surprised if it isn’t the first to turn into a disorganized melee.”

He made his observations while stroking his chin, looking on toward the other side of the river without giving much away. He turned toward his master, once again marveling at the comfort these “sweatpants” and the accompanying sneakers that had been provided.

Sadly, it appeared his frame was too much for most shirts, so they had to make do with what his master had called a tank top. At least this one was not torn to shreds every time Saber so much as moved his upper body.

Saber gave a confident smile.

“You handled yourself well on the bridge, and I agree with saying no to that particular magus for my own reasons — but do not be so quick in writing off all offers. For all you know, we may find someone that we can truly entrust our backs to. And if we make it to the end and I have to fight their Servant, so be it — I will be content if you remain unharmed, and someone that can stand alongside me must be strong, no? I’m sure it will be a battle worthy of song.”

He laughed, and it was perhaps in that laugh that the true difference in the values of the Servant and the Master — no matter how agreeable one found the other’s personality to be — could be found. 

The premise of the Holy Grail War meant that any alliance made would have to be dissolved come the end. That was a truth that one had to accept from the outset if they desired the Grail. Saber had already decided that protecting the kid was a larger priority, but that did not mean he would simply roll over for someone else if the chance presented itself.

And, in his opinion, so long as the terms and conditions were made clear from the start, then that “end” could not be called betrayal. It was simply the nature of war — yesterday’s friend could be today’s enemy. Accept it for what it is and give them the respect they deserve as warriors.

“—Regardless, we should begin moving, indeed,” He picked up the pace, an all-too-eager smile on his face as he ran possible scenarios through his head. “I’m really interested in knowing if any familiar face is around, and we should avoid giving up the initiative considering our current situation. Staying in one place all night is not ideal, Master.”

Perhaps an easy enough fight — something to introduce his Master to the nature of the Holy Grail War, a small skirmish or somesuch, would be useful. Though he would not mind quiet nights, it was unlikely that such a thing would happen while this particular storm hovered over the city, and the sooner his Master understood what awaited them in the coming days, the better he would develop.

...Perhaps he should look into teaching him some self defense just in case. Well, he did invent a martial art, so passing it on should not be difficult.

[b]Shinto Town, Leaving the Household => En route to the Banquet[/b]

[@Yankee]