House of the Iron Rose

December 4, 2011

Only minutes after she had been reunited with her old friend, Saber had insisted that Lancelot join her for dinner at the Tohsaka manor to meet her Master, the girl who had almost single-handedly restored the King of Knights to her previous disposition. Yet, she had still maintained some decorum and reserve, believing that she had an obligation to act as a guiding figure of sorts, even fussing over Sakura when she believed the young woman was doing something dangerous. The cold mask that she had carefully maintained when she had first arrived in the multi-verse was, for the most part, gone. By contrast, what had finally brought her full-circle to the noble knight who had accompanied Irisviel von Einzbern throughout the duration of the Fourth Holy Grail War seemed to happen in the blink of an eye.

The icy mien Saber normally wore had completely dissipated, and the faint smile that she had previously only worn in the presence of her closest friends — Irisviel, Agrias, and Sakura — seemed to be permanently affixed to her face as she returned to what had become a permanent home. It might have been a strange sight to any onlookers; the tiny blonde cheerfully hooking her arm around that of the taller knight, all but dragging him back with her. And what would have been even stranger to anyone who had known the King of Knights for any length of time was that the normally reticent swordswoman was chatting amiably — even if she was quiet and spoke less than the average person. For the Once and Future King of Britain, she might as well been talking the ears off of Lancelot du Lac.

“It was likewise most fortunate that my Master is a skilled cook,” Saber carried on. “Even the finest inns cannot compare to a home-cooked meal skilfully-prepared. It is also most fortunate that my Master’s sister is quite discerning when it comes to her selection of tea. Though I accepted a contract because of their noble spirit, I must admit that I am grateful that unpleasant meals are all but a memory.”

(more…)

Category: Fuyuki City | No Comments »
Tags: Sakura Matou, The Black Knight/Lancelot

November 7, 2011

For perhaps the first time in a very long time, Saber was truly happy. Moreover, it was the far more rare occurrence that her mood actually reflected on her usually stoic mien; she did not so much as attempt to hide the smile on her face as she wandered the foreign city with her usual sense of purpose. Today was a joyous occasion indeed, and she was not about to impose upon the Tohsaka sisters without the proper amount of compensation. After all, Servants were capable of consuming large amounts of food to replenish their prana, and this evening it would be necessary to prepare enough food for two of them.

Lancelot, her dearest friend from her mortal life, had been returned to her. Truly that was more that enough cause for a celebration as far as the King of Knights was concerned.

In fact, her usual regal grace and poise — while still present — was somewhat underscored by an only barely contained, almost girlish excitement as she shopped for the necessary groceries. Not an unusual sight, perhaps, but for the petite knight, it would be something that her compatriots would probably not be accustomed to. Certainly not her companion.

“I am not especially particular about what Sakura prepares, as long as it is pleasing to the taste,” she chatted amiably. “She has never prepared anything that has been disagreeable. I think, perhaps, that she and Shirou ‘compete’ with one another in some regards in their meal preparations… it seems to please her when I enjoy her meals.”

(more…)

Category: Cirrus-Marine | No Comments »
Tags: Fayt Ravus, The Black Knight/Lancelot

November 4, 2011

<J-IC-Moderated> Catherine, not The Black Knight says, “I challenge you to battle my Saber in a duel to the death.”
<J-IC-Moderated> King of Knights says, “Might I ask the purpose of such a battle?”
<J-IC-Moderated> Catherine, not The Black Knight says, “As has always been the case in your life, your existence weakens those around you.  You are proving too much a vexation for my Servant.”
<J-IC-Moderated> Catherine, not The Black Knight says, “One of you must go, and I will let strength determine who it should be.”
<J-IC-Moderated> King of Knights  sounds incredulous. “For such  dishonourable intention, with no tangible prize?”
<J-IC-Moderated> Catherine, not The Black Knight hrmps, “My prize will be a clearer path to the Grail for your demise.  And I’m sure your prize would be the lack of my Servant around to remind you of your failures.”
<J-IC-Moderated> King of Knights quiet for a long time.  ”Neither of our deaths will end this.”
<J-IC-Moderated> Catherine, not The Black Knight rubs her hand over her face, “Ha, even know you won’t acknowledge the worth of your child with a duel? What an honorable King you are.”
<J-IC-Moderated> King of Knights might start to sound just a tad bit angry.  Which is difficult to do if your name isn’t Gilgamesh. Her voice could give icebergs lessons in being cold and hard.  ”He has already proven himself.”
<J-IC-Moderated> Catherine, not The Black Knight says, “Very well, I am taking your say in this matter out of it.  Saber, go kill her.”
<J-IC-Moderated> Catherine, not The Black Knight says, “No.” Catherine says, “I ORDER IT.” The Black Knight sounds strained, “Nnnnn… very well.”"
<J-IC-Moderated> King of Knights tche.

(more…)

Category: Fuyuki City | No Comments »
Tags: The Black Knight/Lancelot

June 24, 2011

“Gosh. With that duo handled, I feel like I can finally relax for a little bit, eh, ‘Mord’?” Catherine’s voice drips with air quotes as the teenage girl folds her hands behind her head and sighs heavily. The futuristic city of Fuyuki is much changed in architecture, but the feel of a bustling city remains the same. As do the street vendors.

Catherine runs ahead of the blonde, suit-clad Servant currently walking behind her stoically, “I suppose. We should remain vigilant, however. It is not unexpected that a Magus would seek help from outside Fuyuki and in the Multiverse at wide. Tactically, that would put us at a disadvantage, as we are only under a cursory association with the Union. Please be more discreet.” The feminine boy advises, frowning slightly as he walks behind the much more relaxed Magus.

“Oh come on!” She says, running back to wrap her arms around his, dragging him along behind her as he looks hesitant at the physical contact while she takes him towards a street-stand restaurant.

“Milady, I don’t think w-” The Saber-class servant is cut off by Catherine poking him in the side, “Catherine. I told you to call me Catherine, especially because of our bond.” She protests firmly, “I’m a professional Magus in many things, but this is my one area I don’t like being called Master or Milady. I am Catherine.”

(more…)

Category: Fuyuki City | No Comments »
Tags: The Black Knight/Lancelot

June 17, 2011

Fuyuki is a cosmopolitan, modern city. And yet despite the contemporary nightlife, there are places which find the night a more quiet, contemplative place. Stars twinkle overhead, while the moon looks down – much of what it sees is typical revelry, though here and there there are points of peace.

One of them is only peaceful on the surface, as Sakura finally makes a decision.

She’d not spoken to Rin since learning the truth earlier. It was something that was a shock to Sakura; she’d been ever so slightly distracted during the day. Thankfully, her sister had taken care of dinner; it allowed the younger Tohsaka time to simply think.

She finally comes back downstairs, dressed a little more formally than usual – Rin, thankfully, is ensconced in her workshop in the basement. Perhaps to draw blood for her gem work…or to create that foul stuff her body needs to keep from rejecting the Crest. It’ll make it a bit easier tonight.

“Saber? Are you around?” A quick flit through the house, looking for the blonde Servant. The Tohsaka mansion lacks the dojo of the Emiya house, and so there isn’t a usual place to find Saber. Sakura doesn’t mind; the lavender-haired magus doesn’t need a lot of time to find the swordswoman.

(more…)

Category: Fuyuki City | No Comments »
Tags: Sakura Matou

June 8, 2011

The door goes down with a kick or two.
The way in is a thin corridor. Barely out of sight are gigantic cookie-men tied to the ceiling with licorice, their heads bitten off. Poor gingerbread men.

Then… the core of the Barrier lies ahead.

It’s a sea of pastries. Doughnuts, cakes, pancakes, huge jell-o cubes, cookies; you name it, there is one in here SOMEWHERE. There are also giant forks and knives and sporks and spoons, and small tea tables with ridiculously high legs. In fact, there is one such table at the very center of the room.

On one chair, a doll.

On the other, nothing.
Until reality ripples.
Chocolate syrup seems to bleed out of the top of the screen– yes, the screen. It’s a very strange feeling, because it breaks the fourth wall so harshly. And a huge cereal box appears, and slowly, it crumbles, and bursts, and out of it erupts…

And adorable…
Absolutely stunning cute…
Plush toy.

As it plops down on the empty chair in front of the door, it… idles there. Doing nothing but staring at the doll in front of it. The two dolls sit on their table, unmoving. And they have a plate of cake between them.

Cue the runes; the maddening, mind-clawing runes.
This is the Witch.

(more…)

Category: Mitakihara Town | No Comments »
Tags: Ellestaria, Emerald Blade, Himei, Jane Shepard, Kyoko Sakura, Madoka Kaname, Mami Tomoe, Psyber, Sakura Matou, Tendou Souji, Untamed Breeze

December 1, 2010

It was a world of ethereal, mystic beauty of ancient bamboo forests, mist-cloaked rivers, steep mountains, benevolent nature spirits… and vicious monsters and an ancient evil.

Similar to ancient China not only in terms of topography, vegetation, and climate, but in terms of culture as well, this world was, by comparison to others, relatively peaceful. But there were dangers for the people of this world, as well. Great beasts who had become corrupted by the mysterious power and changed into abominations, ruthless brigands, and fanatical cults roamed the land. But there were honourable people was well, martial artists who had become disciples of the schools of the two factions of the land.

For her part, Saber was dressed in the soft blue robes and armour of a Cloudstrider disciple, her hair bound in its customary braid. Strangely, she did not especially stand out; the land seemed to be strangely diverse in terms of race. She had spoken with several different disciples of different schools throughout Iron Claw City, and had learned a surprising amount. They told her of the Golden Dharma King, a man once wise and good but who became corrupted in his search for new knowledge. This man discovered an ancient, evil power and became consumed by his own greed. Soon the darkness swept over him and his kingdom descended into the chaos.

It was a story more than familiar to the King of Knights.

Renting a horse — a comfortable form of transportation she was nearly overjoyed to find — for a few pieces of silver, the tiny blonde rode through the snake-infested Hidden Moon Valley, intending to make her way to the Imperial City to gauge the reception the IPA might hope to receive from diplomatic relations. The Gate itself might be beyond the understanding of the people, but there were perhaps even stranger things in this land.

(more…)

Category: Fantasy Gate | No Comments »
Tags: Gilgamesh

September 14, 2010

It is an awfully busy scene. Crowded, no–There weren’t very many people here, admittedly. Perhaps just shy of a dozen. But that little fact did not make the scene any less busy, for those who were here were those easiest to call to such a task: Those who enthusiascially answered the call for volunteerism and charity, those who had no qualms with putting in a few hours of hard work clearing out the various chunks of debris that still littered the grounds around the old but lovely church, and the shattered clutter of what remained within.

It was a small group. But all important things start such, and all worthy things grow.

For now, they were mostly focusing on clearing out the grounds outside the church–The old gardens, the old lawn–which were now pocked with remains from the neigh-endless battles at the border of the Militarized Zone. Everything from broken glass to great hunks of shattered concrete still laid scattered here, though there was certainly still *progress*.

And throughout those working here drifts a tall and slender figure, a woman who looked… Well, a bit less lovely for the fact her short-sleeved blouse was stained with dust, and her ankle-long skirt had grass stains at the knees. But no amount of hard work could make her look less out of place (and, of course, goodness forbid what one might think if they could the magic about her. No matter.) But if she seems out of place, she seems oblivious to it, for this golden-haired woman weaves between the crowds with nothing but gentle smiles for everyone, as she plainly directs the work. Gesturing here, pondering this. And always, always busy.

Well, it did bear repeating: All important things started small, and clearing a garden was still a worthy task.

(more…)

Category: Northwestern Warzone | No Comments »
Tags: Myria

August 30, 2010

A lazy evening spreads across Fuyuki, brought about by unseasonally temperate weather that’s taken the recent hot, humid weather and turned it quite pleasant. The Tohsaka mansion in particular, in its veiled glade atop the hill, is placed well to take advantage from a mild breeze and the setting sun. Around the mansion, Sakura’s been taking advantage of her day off and cataloguing a number of items from the attic – virtually all of which remain where they are, but the magus turned soldier turned office clerk at least wants to document it.

For family history, ostensibly. And to see if she could locate a certain photo album, which remains yet hidden.

But that was earlier in the day, and Sakura is taking a bit of a break while Rin and Shirou are out – they’ll be gone for a little bit, so dinner will wait a bit – though that won’t stop her from preparing a little snack, for herself and for the blonde woman she serves.

She glances around, holding the tray with two servings of salmon maki as well as some condiments. A little wasabi and soy sauce won’t hurt Saber’s figure at all, and it isn’t as if she didn’t do some hard work herself! So it’s okay to have a snack for now, isn’t it? Making her way through the house, she calls out to the Servant.

“Saber? Are you here? I’ve made something to hold us over, for dinner…” A small smile; it shouldn’t take too long for the King of Knights to appear. Settling in the dining room, with a chair pulled out already for her companion, the magus sighs softly to herself. There’s some questions, perhaps…that she’d like to ask. Ones related to dreams, errant ones that she knows aren’t hers. They aren’t the same as the nightmares of greek beaches she’d had with Rider, but yet…

…at the same time, there’s much that Sakura has wished to ask. And it’s taken her this long to work up the courage to approach Saber and speak them – and can’t help a little bit of guilt that she’s virtually luring the other woman in with food. W-well, it’s not as if she meant it that way!

(more…)

Category: Fuyuki City | No Comments »
Tags: Sakura Matou

July 7, 2010

It all came from a dream. A strange one, not typical of the young magus’ subconscious. It involved a number of people that in her dream were so familiar, but Sakura knew none of them. What there was, however, was feasting. Feasting and celebration, in some sort of a great hall, one decorated with armor and swords and the artifacts of great quests.

Years had passed since Sakura had shared the dreams of another, but she knew it after waking. It was something from Saber, a sharing that was probably accidental and certainly far more than the stoic woman would ever have allowed normally. Like Rider’s, yet different, it stayed with her, especially the detail.

The celebration was for Saber herself, her knights around the great table partaking in the birthday festivities of the ever-youthful king. And that it was today.

And so the Servant had been shooed away, with a promise to return later – the blonde woman did have her own life. Hopefully it wasn’t too suspicious, but some risks could be taken in a case like this. A few surreptitious phone calls, and the magus got her way to an early start in the kitchen, and a long one.

Of course, an equally surreptitious trip to the store was in order, just in case the Servant was around Fuyuki instead of through the hub somewhere. Besides, it wasn’t as if the Tohsaka food supply typically extended to such things as veal and pork, but some of the recipes that the magus had found were extremely tempting – and not, conceptually, all that different from the kinds of meat buns she’d grown up on.
Even if they were called pies or ‘hattes’ instead.

As things are prepared in the kitchen, she finds herself wishing she’d had a little more time…with so much invested in cooking, and arranging some of Saber’s friends to visit the mansion at the last minute, she’d not been able to find something suitable for a gift. But her Christmas dilemma recurs – even if she’s a friend and role model, what do you get a king for her birthday?

(more…)

Category: Fuyuki City | No Comments »
Tags: Agrias Oaks, Blue Beetle/Jaime Reyes, Fate Harlaown, Sakura Matou, Shane Fitzgerald, Tsubaki Yayoi