PSL (closed)

[1stknight]

[Honestly, being summoned was quite the surprise to Bedivere. Being a saber, he knew he was at a disadvantage. After all, there were so many more sabers even just from the Round Table who were much more famous, so surely they would have been summoned over him. In fact, he was sure it had happened countless times before. That one master he had met, the one from Chaldea, they had spoken of singularities and grail wars to span several worlds and timelines. And with so many fine Sabers to choose from, he was sure that he hadn't ever been summoned before. The short time between the 'creation of his legend' and 'now' notwithstanding.

It made him feel a touch inadequate, if he was being truthful. After all, he was a simple knight. The master who had summoned him, he deserved better than someone like him. But if he was the one who was summoned, then he would fulfill his duty to this new master. Nothing would be done in half-steps, never again.

So as his form solidified in the summoning circle, Bedivere offered his new master a warm smile. Once again, his life was sworn to someone else's. Whatever his master wished for, Bedivere would help him achieve it.]

Saber, Bedivere. I am honored to be summoned by you. From now on, I shall be your Servant.

['I am honored to be summoned at all' was the truth, but he didn't speak that.

Then he paused, and he took a survey of the situation. The summoning circle was expertly made, but this man in front of him...well. He didn't look like a mage. He looked like a normal person. Perhaps it was a disguise? Or maybe there was more to this situation than he could see immediately. He would have to wait for his new master to respond in order to find out more.]

Comments

[1stknight]

[Magic. It's always magic.

Sort of like how Dazai's touches are almost magic, bringing Bedivere out of any thoughts that might stray too far to depressing. He closes his eyes and presses his cheek against Dazai's fingers, relishing the touch.]

I don't know what to do there. Technically my oath only extended to death, so my life isn't bound to hers anymore. But at the same time, I feel a duty towards her. If I protect her, then it will eventually be the two of us left. If I let her be, she may fall to another foe and I wouldn't have to fight her, but then I would feel guilt over letting her die.

[He's fingers tightened a bit in Dazai's hair.]

I don't know what to do, Dazai. I'm bound to you, but I can't forget my ties to her either.

[neverwashere]

[It's a slight burn on his scalp that he doesn't mind, and Dazai shifts his thumb up to massage slow circles on the corner of Bedivere's cheekbone.]

All I can say is that letting her fall so soon will make defending the city more difficult. [Sorry, but it's the practical side of the situation.] Why not ask her what she thinks about this when we see them again? It looks like she appreciated seeing you, whether or not you're her knight, so she might have similar considerations.

[It's a shot in the dark. Dazai doesn't even know her that well, but he can't miss how warmly she greeted Bedivere and outright angled for cooperation.]

[1stknight]

Mmm, that's a way to do it.

[It's a slightly morbid talk, but it's needed. They need to know where they stand on this Grail War, even if Bedivere wishes he could just forget it all.]

That man who was with her. What kind of person is he?

[He's worried about Arturia having a good master, and if Ango were to mistreat her then Bedivere would absolutely make him pay for it.]

[neverwashere]

Sakaguchi Ango. Or Ango Sakaguchi, to use the Western convention.

[Needless to say, his expression turns a touch... complex. As if he can't help an old fondness beneath a painful memory.]

He works well enough under pressure, and he's sentimental enough to not let cynicism numb him. [It's a begrudging backhanded compliment for sure.] Anyway - you've seen how he stepped in front of Caster. I think it's safe to say she's grown on him.

...really, a righteous person couldn't have asked for a better Master. In fact, I think he'll appreciate having someone who can sympathize with the problems of governance, given how Caster's probably learning the ins and outs of ruling a kingdom.

[1stknight]

Oh? Is he a ruler as well? I had thought he was some kind of clerk.

[Ango definitely had that 'overworked secretary' look. Bedivere could picture Ango following after a king, going on about daily appointments and meetings and making sure that the king stayed on top of things.]

[neverwashere]

He's not a ruler, per say. However, he's high enough to mitigate certain things and pull strings. Ango's officially Assistant Counselor for his department, but he's the one making sure it runs well. Most of the formal and important decisions go to his boss.

[Yes, there's a difference. Also, a beat.]

Describing him as a clerk's not unusual - he used to be one.

[1stknight]

Ah. So he's a right-hand-man.

[That definitely fits Ango's appearance.]

He and King Arturia may be a good match, then. Her warm heart is good at motivating those around her, and she definitely needs help staying on track. Especially at that age.

[neverwashere]

Yep.

[He's not sure whether to be relieved that he wasn't asked the obvious question of how he knows Ango well, down to his history.

And "at that age..?" Dazai has to grin.]

Is she really so distractible, Sir Bedivere?

[1stknight]

[That question will come later, when Bedivere sees how strained their friendship is. For now, the explanation of "work acquaintance" is enough. Plus, talking about Arturia is plenty distracting.]

She can be. She is quite young here. No doubt she is just a student right now.

[neverwashere]

Ah, yes. Even legendary Kings have to start somewhere.

[He's teasing a bit - honestly, it's rejuvenating to see a tale where a leader is trusted this much by their subordinates, and vice versa, to set aside that mess with Mordred.]

Were beaches trips and zoos not a thing in your time? I recall a few monarchs keeping exotic pets of all sorts.

[1stknight]

[While Bedivere would like to believe everyone trusted Arturia as much as he does, he also knows it's because of his staunch adherence to the code of chivalry. And because Arturia impressed him enough to earn his loyalty.]

No, she wasn't one for the exotic animals of the zoo. Horses, dogs, and cats were common, sure. Hawks as well, though by trained masters only. But not chameleons or alligators or monkeys.

itt: arturia stans. in the other one: the darker side of arturia stanning

[neverwashere]

[Honestly, Bedivere's new fondness for chameleons is adorable.]

I'm sure if you ask, she might conjure one for you. [He's teasing. And curious if she can actually do it.] Well, I don't see the harm. It's also not a place where someone like Ango's expected at, so it'll work out.

[Ango's also going to receive a few costume disguise suggestions in the morning.]

two sides to the same gacha coin

[1stknight]

[He just thinks they're neat, ok?

But now Bedivere is looking a little embarrassed and he cracks open an eye to peer down at Dazai.]

Are you suggesting I ask her to conjure up a chameleon for me?

"gacha coin" ldkfjaselfja;

[neverwashere]

[omg

Also, someone has a silly smile on his face.]

That's what I said, yes.

[He'll have his smartphone's camera prepared. Ango can judge all he likes but Dazai's willing to bet he'll be tempted to ask for pictures if they feature Arturia.]

[1stknight]

I'm not going to ask her to make a chameleon for me.

[The answer is a little flat, and he's letting go of Dazai's hair to poke his cheek.]

If I survive the War, then I will get one. But not before then.

[neverwashere]

[The poking is accepted. He might be scheming something for that chameleon... well. If Caster and Bedivere turn out to be the final Servants of the war. Should Bedivere ends up winning, it'll be something to remember Caster by. If he doesn't, then Dazai has a pet to give a silly nickname to and look after.]

Alright.

[Dazai turns his head to kiss the tip of that finger.]

Have any names for your lizard friend lined up?

[1stknight]

[A chameleon to remember Arturia by. How sappy.

But with that kiss, Bedivere stops poking Dazai, and instead lets his hand rest on the bed next to his head.]

Probably something dignified. Agravain, perhaps.

[He could already imagine the real Agravain being Upset at having a lizard named after him.]

Bedi proving once again how savage he is

[neverwashere]

[Shush, Dazai isn't sappy. Just ask the matchbox he carries around with him.]

Agravain... He was Sir Gawain's brother, yes?

[Look who's been reading.]

He has his moments lol

[1stknight]

He was, yes. His eyes also resembled that of a chameleon's.

[Bedivere, out here throwing shade.]

[neverwashere]

[waitasec

He squints down at Bedivere. That smile and those words don't quite match.]

Well that's one of the most questionable compliments I've ever heard. Is that a show of spite or affection?

[1stknight]

Dazai, how could you even ask that of me?

[He's still smiling though. Sorry, Agravain is agra-vating.]

[neverwashere]

[What a cute devil. Dazai muffles his snickers on Bedivere's shoulder.]

Oh, silly me. Of course, I've forgotten who I was talking to.

But what was he like, really?

[1stknight]

[Bedivere doesn't often let his mischievous side show, but it's there. It's something that will grow much more in the near future, when the War is over and things change in Yokohama.]

He's a very honorable man, but perhaps a bit too uptight. He cares more about the letter of the law than the spirit. And when he gets upset, his eyes tend to bug out.

[neverwashere]

[In other words, not the type of person Dazai would get along with, and Bedivere might feel a faint echo of grim amusement.]

I see.

Are you really okay with naming a beloved pet after such a person? The poor chameleon might develop the habit of protesting frequently to match its namesake.

[1stknight]

Are you saying Agravain isn't a beloved member of the Round Table?

[He's reaching his hand up again, this time to tuck a bit of hair behind Dazai's ear. There we go, let's look at that beautiful face.]