exsilium | ⚔ ᴠɪᴅᴇᴏ

[ It's been well over a month since Saber's been last seen making her own call and to be fair, that time was only because Shirou thought it to be the proper thing to do. Not that she opposes technology outright, but the last time she associated with a man who relied on it... Well, the memories aren't flattering enough to be remembered in this new realm with her new life. There are things that need to be taken care of, which is why she's chosen to turn on this device and stare it down. The background appears to be the typical assigned bedroom with no embellishments or any sort of personal touch to it. Saber herself has been introduced as a girl before, but the young features of her face make her look more like a boy who has yet to become a man, complete with a solemn expression. ]

Pardon my intrusion, but I have a request, as well as an offer. First off, are there those amongst us who are skilled at the forge? [ Is there even a forge here? That honestly should be her first thought, but she ignores it in favor of not breaking her stoicism. ] I seek a pair of blades for training purposes. Preferably two-handed and not light in the slightest. The pommel need not be fancy, but the hilt should be easy to grip if the wearer has gauntlets or leather gloves on.

[ She doesn't even look like she can hold a rapier, much less the kind of sword she's describing. ] Also seeking a thick armor fit for a young man, preferably leather so there are no complications in our training. Should you be able to provide this, I would be indebted to you. Money is something I do not have, but there are other negotiations that could be had in this realm.

With that inquiry out, should any of you find yourself interested in learning how to properly wield a sword, plans should be made to speak in person. Substitutes will be provided so long as you are willing to take on my current apprentice in your training. [ Funny how she asks for something, but then says she can provide said item for training before acquiring it. There's no confusion in her gaze, so perhaps she does know exactly what she is saying. ] Sessions will begin at 5am after breakfast. Dress appropriately.

[ Content with that, she ends it there. ]

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[He laughs--not cruelly; it's not even intended to be cruel, it's just--a laugh.]

No, that's all right. I don't make a habit of fighting girls, no matter the strength of their armor.

[ Now she's truly torn between her pride and chivalry. A knight ought to not fight a lady, this much is true, but she's a knight. Being denied due to her gender is insulting enough and with Shirou's insistence on her staying out of trouble to add onto this, she can't help herself. ]

Then think of me as the knight that I am instead of just a girl. [ A scoff. ] Unless you make it a habit to also not do battle with knights. In that case, what will you fight?

[think of her as a knight. right. that's difficult, considering... well, everything.]

You should take care, my lady. You do insult to my name with your accusation. I answer any challenge seriously set before me--the challenges of knights most of all--and I would defend my name and my honor--

Except you aren't a knight.

[ Really, her patience is being tried and tested here. It shows easily in the way her face etches in disappointment briefly, before she finds the mental strength to will it away. Between her Master often saying she should not fight and others denying her because she's a lady, it's overwhelmingly offensive in every way. ]

You let looks deceive you. [ It's a gamble to show her weapon, but with the Holy Grail War done and over with, that threat no longer looms here. Off screen she summons it forth into her hand and within seconds the invisible wind that serves as a sheath to keep it hidden disperses. ] I will grant you another chance to change your mind.

[ Angling the netbook, she'll show off the brilliant sword gleaming in what little light came from the device. ] My sword. A proper one for a proper knight. Now will you accept my challenge or will you continue to cower behind this thing?

[ All of this would have been easily avoided if she would just look at the name associated with his netbook. ]

[this is a difficult situation. because he doesn't like that implication, that cowering, because he is not cowering. but he will not fight a woman--chivalry and courtesy forbid it--

yet if she is challenging him, and muddying his name, he must give some answer. his mouth tightens a little in evidence of the difficulty of this, but he makes his answer in a short tone:]

Any one can buy a sword. It is no proof of knighthood. But if you are so insistent to make a fool of yourself--then I have no choice but to accept what little challenge you offer.

Where would you meet me?

A sword this brilliant? [ Glancing down at it with a hint of a puzzled look in her eyes. ] Something so enchantingly beautiful and you think just any man with enough coin can earn it?

[ Shaking her head, she straightens her posture. While a part of her wishes to stand up for herself, for now there are greater things to occupy her time with. ]

Now would not be a good time for battle. Many of the young men and women of this place wish to learn, so this dissension can wait for another day. [ At the risk of being a 'coward' herself, she focuses on what needs to be done. ] If you will, please.

[his eyes narrow at enchatingly beautiful. but it's only a turn of phrase. the sorcery of this place has made him overly wary.]

A fine sword is still bought with coins. A great many coins does not make a knight, any more than a sword. And swords can be traded, or stolen, or found.

[not necessarily an accusation. just a statement. he snorts when she puts off their duel (or the excuse for a duel that they would have)]

I can beat you in combat now, or later. It hardly matters to me. How many do you presume to teach?

[ He speaks the truth, but Saber's not entirely sure it's a wise course of action to show off just how unique this blade is to her. Instead, her pride is swallowed in favor of answering his question. ]

As many that need it. If this place is to be overwhelmed as it was a few weeks back, then those who wish to fight should be capable of it.

[ A pause, almost as though she thought it wise to ask him to aid in the effort as well. Instead, she dismisses it with the shake of her head. ]

We will be in touch soon enough. I imagine it difficult for people to avoid the company of others here.

⚔ ᴠɪᴅᴇᴏ

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