The black-haired young woman opened her mouth to speak again, but shut it quietly. No, it was best not to delay in investigating the mansion, understanding the layout of their 'fortress' was far wiser then inquiring about her Master's incomplete thoughts. From there, the tour around the mansion went quickly and without much of a hitch. Saber did not have any specific questions about the layout, though she was recording the details in her mind in order to best exploit them if it was necessary. Ideally the fight would never come here, or at the very least never actually pass the walls of the mansion. Still, it would be impractical not to be prepared would it not? And so she remained silent and observant, only deigning to speak once the tour was over.

"I am confident that the fight will never pass these walls," Saber began, "However, I am glad to know the 'fortress' that I shall be defending."

Now all that was left was to change her clothing and then proceed to the Church. The more quickly they fulfilled this objective, the less likely it was that another Master would choose to target them while they were returning home. Naturally, Saber felt as if she could defend her Master, but it would still be best to avoid a conflict without having prepared a deeper strategy. That being said, in the unlikely event that the enemy was Caster or Assassin, the Servant's opinion on the matter would be reversed. Attacking and eliminating them swiftly and quickly would become her priority.

However, it would only be the most foolish of Masters who would use either of those Servants in such a manner.

@Feyblue

---

"Ah, so you want to take on Saber?" Estelle replied, smiling slyly. To be honest, fighting(and defeating) Saber would be a wonderful prize on the first night of the Grail War. Saber was regarded as the strongest class, though naturally the level of power between classes varied depending on the Heroic Spirit summoned into them. Still, to defeat what was likely to be one of the strongest Servants in the war so quickly... well, needless to say, the diminutive girl would be quite pleased if it came to pass. "I'd like to see the hero of the sword die quickly, too! But if we can't manage that, I'd like to see to it that Caster or Assassin is defeated."

These were also for practical reasons. Assassin was dangerous if left alone to remain hidden, and the longer Caster was allowed to build their workshop the more hazardous they could become. But frankly, any Servant's death would be welcomed. "I'm confident you'll beat anyone we come up against, Rider!"

Confidence didn't mean stupidity, however. The bounded field surrounding Estelle's body was operating at its strongest level, meaning that she was well-defended from direct attack. Choosing to attack while multiple Servants would be heading to and from the Church meant even if their presence was detected it was possible(though admittedly not the most likely possibility) that they would not be recognized as an offensive threat until it was too late.

Finally, well... Estelle had summoned one of the most dangerous Riders she could. Her confidence was hardly unwarranted.

@Blackstripe

Lancer was being uncomfortably close to his face. Edward felt his heart racing from not talking to a girl that genuinely likes him, from the rich boy's point of view. He looked away immediately, flushed that he was about to lose his haughty demeanor, dragging him and the girl inside.

This must be his lucky though since the tables weren't all occupied and that the table next to the wide glass window was free. He pulled the chair out for Lance like the gentleman he is, if she sat down he would move toward his own seat and read the menu (at least trying to).

"Hmph. Until the runes set off, let's get to know each other a little better. You've been clingy lately and I've wanted to know the reason..." His peered down every inch of her body, her erogenous zones, her cute pinch-able face and her overall outfit. He's still a man, so there's some perverse in there, he even took a look around to see if there are any eavesdroppers... after confirming that there are none, he placed his arms on the table, hands clasped and staring down the emerald eyes of his Servant...

"...you're not a gold digger are you? Sorry, if I'm showing offense it's just... odd... especially in today's times where I'm not that prettiest boy on the block." He had to get that out. Beating around the bush is lame and for cowards is what he would say at this time.

Though he might have already regretted saying that as he waits in anticipation. The fact that she's a Servant also exempts her from the Gold Digger thing because... well... all Servants are in a past life and probably have never heard of it... right?

@Feyblue

---

As her Master began to address her, sounding uncharacteristically reserved, Lancer stared innocently back at him with her bright green eyes. To his credit, he only hesitated for a moment before asking a question that no doubt would have terrified any other man to so much as contemplate. To think he'd had the guts to challenge his Servant on such a matter... his courage really was something. And yet, even so...

Lancer laughed out loud, covering her mouth to contain her giggling. "Ohoho~, my dear Master, are you not aware of how ridiculous a notion that is?" She managed to ask through her chortling. "I assure you, I have no need of the treasures of this modern era. While I'll admit, your wealth and status are both highly convenient for me, they have absolutely no bearing on my opinion of you." She might have stopped there, but... If she hadn't chosen to appreciate his naivete, and simply laugh the matter off, that sort of question might have made her cry. She knew him so well - or at least, she'd thought she did... so why didn't he understand her? If he really understood how she felt, there should have been no need for such a question!

"I told you before, didn't I? I know you so well... even better than you know yourself, in fact." The golden-haired Servant sighed wistfully, gazing at her Master as if lost completely in thought. She shook her head, at last breaking her reverie. "But if you really don't believe me... Then I guess I should explain things more clearly. It was not for the sake of mere whimsical fancy that I accepted your summons and arrived in this era. Rather, I came here because you are in danger - more danger than you know." She stared at him, her eyes dead serious now, a frown playing upon her face as she thought long and hard about what to say next. It would be dangerous to say too much, but... this was something he deserved to know, and she'd put off telling him for far too long already. And, maybe... just maybe, there was some selfish part of herself that hoped that, just by hearing her words, maybe he'd realize her real meaning by himself. And then, it would be just like-

"There is a curse upon the both of us - a ruinous fate that will see us parted, no matter the cost. If we fail in this War, and if I return to my own time empty-handed... there will be no second chances." She hung her head in apology. "Unfortunately, the more you know about this curse... about me... the more danger you might be in. I can't afford to risk telling you any more than what I already have." Despite the bleak words she'd just spoken, when Lancer raised her head, there was a fire burning in her eyes. "But don't mistake me upon this matter, Master... I really, truly care about you. Riches, power, status, looks, intelligence, health, livelihood, past and future... Those things don't matter to me at all. Even were there a thousand better masters calling for my service... even were the world itself your enemy... I would scorn all others just for the chance to stand by your side, so that our foes might never overtake us. You are the only man I could ever serve, the only man I could dedicate my life to. That's how it's always been... Don't you see?" She sighed again, seeming somehow sad as she spoke, but she forced a wry smile nevertheless. "I suppose there's your answer. I wanted you to see how I felt, I just... didn't want to have to spell it out like this. That, and... I was just so happy that I got to meet you, Master, I couldn't help myself." She quickly raised her hands as if to console him. "Oh, but... if you really don't like it when I cling to you all the time, then... I'll do as you ask. Just because I love you doesn't mean I won't follow your orders." She said those words so easily, as if she were simply stating a fact. Her earlier monologue about her devotion had been uttered with the exact same level of complete, straightfaced seriousness - something of an irony, considering how its flowery language and grandiose boasts exceeded even her jests in sheer melodrama.

She shook her head, as if forcibly dislodging the grim mood from her mind. "Anyway," She began, her usual teasing grin returning to her face as if it had never been absent from it. "Who told you you weren't pretty? I assure you, it's their taste and not your looks which are lacking. I'd be more than happy to say as much to the face of anyone who dared tell such brazen lies about my adorable master!"

---

---

As she opened the door of her manor and stepped out into the night air, Mira couldn't help but feel terribly out of place. She seldom went out of doors when it was already dark outside... The shadows, the chill, even the sounds of her own familiars scuffling about the grounds set her on edge. But now, wrapped in her trusty fur cloak, with her trademark hat pulled down with its brim covering the upper half of her face, she couldn't afford to be frightened like a child. She was a Witch, and, as of this evening, a warrior to boot. Incidentally, speaking of warriors...

"Umm... That really looks nice on you, Saber," She said awkwardly. She wasn't really lying, persay... and it was only polite to compliment someone on their outfit, right? But... the other woman looked so serious, and coupled with the now quite formal outfit she wore, it was hard to look at her without immediately feeling a little bit pressured by her prim and proper appearance. That much aside, between her black hair and her black dress, she practically disappeared into the night around her, even if she wasn't Astralizing. And she was so quiet... Given her attire when she'd first been summoned, it was obvious that she was from the orient... Was she one of those ninjas she'd heard tell of in pamphlets and books? Come to think of it, she hadn't even asked Saber what her name was... Then again, maybe that was for the best for right now. Trying to bring something like that up would only make things more awkward now that she'd gone so long without asking, right?

In all honesty, it was hard not to say that Saber looked nice. One could say that it was because all Servants were heroes of legend, and many of those legends went to great lengths extolling how handsome or beautiful their subjects were. Regardless of the reason, it was clear that, in spite of her stern behavior and expression, Saber was a highly beautiful young woman. Her long, black hair flowed loosely, now, as she had dissipated the bows keeping it in place. Her features were delicate and fine.

Saber's feelings on the outfit she had been given were rather straightforward. Though it fit somewhat tightly in certain areas, it was roughly the right size for someone of her height and she could move in it easily. She trailed behind her Master in total silence, though with every step her eyes roved over their surroundings. Her senses were on high alert, she was prepared for attack at any moment. They maybe not have registered with the Overseer yet, but that meant absolutely nothing. They could be attacked regardless, and so it only made sense to pay attention to their surroundings. On top of that, this let her familiarize herself with this area.

"... Thank you, Master," Saber said, rather flatly. But this was not out of lack of concern, no. No matter how much she was complimented, it had always made the young woman's heart beat slightly faster and her cheeks color with embarrassment. It was never something she was used to in life, and it remained something she was unable to become used to as a heroic spirit. "... But..."

She hesitated, deciding to focus on some potentially-interesting area of the scenery as she followed her Master.

"... I... would prefer you keep your compliments to my combat prowess rather then my appearance, if possible," she concluded. Given her reaction, it would be clear it was to attempt to avoid embarrassment as opposed to anything else.

@Feyblue

---

Ah... this was Rider's Noble Phantasm, wasn't it? The small girl had felt the impact, but she'd told him. She'd told him that her prana would allow him so much freedom... and it was true. Even if she felt the impact, her supply could handily support it. She was not one of the greatest accomplishments of the Varianbec family for nothing...

... As well as their last member...

She'd been brought into this world after they disappeared. All those who surrounded her were homunculus maids, created in order to help care for her. She didn't know what what happened. But what she had been left with, was the holy grail. The knowledge and power she would need to take it. A catalyst to be used to summon a powerful Servant who would surely win. In all honesty, there was not a single doubt in the small girl's mind of what the outcome of this war would be.

Estelle would take the holy grail. It was what her family had left her with. She wouldn't fail. She couldn't fail. She wouldn't allow herself to.

Besides, who in this war was better-equipped to take it then her?

Nodding to herself, the tan-skinned girl pulled herself into the chariot and settled in.

"Let's go, Rider!" she declared, "We're going to take our first step to victory!"

@Blackstripe

Being a Master that he is, her own perspective about understanding someone like her left him confused. His parents never taught him something like this... at least... not a lot, maybe just vague terms but that's just it. He looked at her with a worried expression, one that might also express curiosity.

A curse she spoke of? He was well and there right up to that point. Being a mage in a modern era where magic is very, very rare he believed witchcraft to be something of an illusion, an obstacle in the way of reaching your dream. With a smirk, he put a hand on Lancer's shoulder.

"Curses? Fate? What a bunch of bullcrap- err... forgive my language." He quickly apologized, Edward, of all people would. Got to retain that noble air after all. "If such a curse has already befallen me, I would never think about that one bit. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity after all and just like you said, there are no second chances." Edward reeled his hand back, putting on the spoon and fork on his plate as he stared right into her passionate eyes.

"I guess I was being a little... selfish, pushing you off of me just because you're clingy. I'm actually expecting you to share your dark secret, even if it isn't the whole story." He looked away for a bit before nodding. "...hm, if you really feel that way about me. Then you are, my very first friend... as such, I will allow you to do best friend stuff with me from now on!"

From the sound of that, it looked like Edward here didn't have any real friends to begin with. Sure there are people who admire him through his wealth, but that would just be it. Only taking him for granted, it actually sounded sad from anyone's perspective, he didn't even know what friends do together. At least now he's a bit understanding of Lancer's feelings while still being somewhat spoiled. Just as he waited though, he glared at her suspiciously about his looks, taking in what she said earlier... he gave a confirming nod.

@Feyblue

You can see the evil in our hearts? A useful ability; it would greatly benefit my conscience if we can win without killing off brats in over their head like this one. The magus responded, storing away that particular piece of information. It seemed that winning without Berserker was less of an option than she had thought, not that it had ever been her goal... an ability like that would be necessary to determine what the current nature of this Grail was, if it could be used. Can you see if other items are inherently evil, or is it just restricted to people?

Despite communicating with her Servant, the woman made a sharp left-turn to face the Overseer, giving a short bow and a simple statement: "As I had said, I have summoned a Servant. Berserker, to be precise."

With that, her attention returned to Elizabeth, still slightly smiling, "Now, I believe we should go elsewhere to discuss this possible alliance and get acquainted. But first, an introduction: my name is Johanna Faust, current Enforcer and formerly a long-term academic within the Clock Tower."

---

They were... friends now? Was that the case? Shifting a bit more, the young girl asked a single question of her Master: Mother, should we stop hiding, now?

@VitaVitaAR@Cu Chulainn@Crusader Lord

For a few moments, Ciel observed in silence. So, this was a Servant, then... the presence was exactly as she had expected. That was to say it was incredible power, the power befitting that which was known as a Heroic Spirit. Ciel understood that she would not win in a battle with a Servant, but she also understood that she could defend herself against them. And she would, if she needed to. Her capabilities were indeed part of why she was selected for this new Holy Grail War.

"I would like to remind you of this Church's function, before you leave," the blue-haired girl began, "If either of your Servants are defeated, you may take refuge here in order to ensure you are not killed by the other participants in the Holy Grail War."

That was all the information necessary, really, to impart to the Masters. Their participation was noted and the offer of safety was made to them should they require it.

@Raineh Daze@Cu Chulainn@Crusader Lord

---

Lancer blinked. What was the word for it in this era, again? She wracked her brains, trying to sort through all the information that had been stuffed into her head upon her summoning.

Ah. Right.

Did I just travel across centuries' worth of time just to get "friend-zoned?"

But no matter how she looked at him, he didn't seem to be pushing her away. He was trying his hardest to appear generous and commanding, but despite his best efforts, he was so obvious... Really, he was just grateful for the attention, wasn't he? Her poor Master... How lonely had his life been up until now that he couldn't even ask for her company without his usual backhanded antics, even when she offered it freely? Of course, the fault was her own. If only she'd existed in this time period to begin with, she surely would have been by his side from his first breath to his life's final end. But her arrival had been late - inexcusably late. She'd lost valuable years she could have spent in his company, and he must have been just as lonely as she was... right? Even if he tried to hide it, she was absolutely certain that this was undeniable proof of exactly what she'd been hoping for. Her Master really did need her, really wanted her and only her to be the one by his side. And even if it was kind of sad looking at the way he tried to tell her that, it was just so cute that she couldn't fault him for it. Even if he was different from the sort of man Lancer was used to dealing with, he was perfect in his own way.

"As for my secrets, I'd... rather not risk divulging them yet. This city in this time is ill-suited to discussing such matters, when enemy Servants still oppose us. But... when the time is right... I promise to tell you everything. Is that acceptable?" She asked. But didn't wait for an answer. It was underhanded not to give him the chance to agree, but if he commanded her to tell him, she'd only be able to obey, and truth be told... She wanted him to come to his own conclusions. To understand her himself. It was a long shot, but if he just thought about it, then maybe...!

"All that aside, however," She pressed on, giving her usual disarming grin. "I must admit, you've piqued my curiosity. What exactly are these 'best friend things' you speak of? They sound fun!" Of course, her knowledge of the time's standards made it fairly obvious what the answer would probably be, but she didn't have to tell him that she already knew. Besides, he might have his own ideas... Especially if he was secretly hoping to take her up on some of her earlier offers? Oh, she hadn't even thought of that! Maybe if she feigned cluelessness she could get him to take her out on a play date? He wouldn't be embarrassed or think she was clingy if she had no idea of the implications of what she was doing, after all...

My own brilliance astounds even me sometimes, She thought, her heart already racing at the thought of what was to come. It was just a shame that before she could really appreciate any of that, she'd have to go kill six of Humanity's strongest warriors in direct combat. That was enough to put a damper on even her spirits.

---

---

As Saber looked awkwardly away, Mira's heart sank. She'd been trying to be polite, but... had she made her upset? She didn't want to be complimented based on her appearance, it seemed. It made sense, given how prim and proper she looked, and how intimidating her mannerisms were... Of course a warrior wouldn't want to be told she looked pretty. It had been so stupid of her to assume that her words would be taken as anything but an insult.

"I'm sorry," She apologized quickly, lowering her head in a pseudo-bow before quickly looking in the opposite direction herself, not wanting to meet her Servant's eyes in case she was genuinely angry with her. The two thus continued down the dusty road leading off the manor's grounds and through the Bounded Field that covered it, into the world outside.

Upon stepping over the boundary that denoted her territory, Mira found herself assailed by a gust of wind that felt uncomfortably cold compared to the warm-yet-stale air she was used to. It was as if, by stepping over that unseen line, she'd entered a completely different world from the one she'd just left. She tugged her cloak more tightly around herself and pressed on, gazing in wonder at the now-visible expanse of lights unfolding just a mile or so down the thickly forested hill upon which her manor sat. This was a city? She'd seen pictures, read descriptions of them in books, but... To think that all of that could be real. Even at a distance it was dazzling, like a million tiny candles burning all across the plains below, towers and other vast shapes rising up from their midst.

"So this is Redrock...?" She murmured to herself. She wanted a closer look, so she changed her perspective momentarily, taking in the sights through the eyes of her wandering familiars. Unknown, strange structures, giant stone-like roads, countless flashing lights and other such baffling enigmas... This was even stranger than fiction! No matter how much she'd given herself to contemplation of what the outside world might have been like, this transcended all of her expectations.

"'There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.'" The line came to mind as if unbidden, and she repeated it without thinking. To think her life had changed so much in so little time... to think she'd find herself outside again... to think that she finally had a guest who'd be staying with her... And to think of all the possibilities that lay ahead if she could win this war...

She hadn't the faintest idea where to begin.

At her Master's apology, the black-haired girl raised one hand, attempting to explain... but it lowered, her cheeks still rather flushed with embarrassment. No... Ah, why was she so weak against compliments? Unless it was on her combat prowess, it never ceased to be embarrassing. The words of the noble women, of the lords, they had always sunk into her heart and made her redden and fall silent. If only, perhaps, that had been the worst of it. If all that had come of her lord's words was embarrassment.

Saber shook her head. Now was not the time for such thoughts, to dwell on such sad memories. Now she had to focus on the defense of her Master.

Her silent procession behind Mira was unbroken as they steadily headed through the forest around the mansion. As her eyes drifted from tree to tree, then to her Master, the black-haired swordswoman wondered exactly what her Master was thinking. Even as they walked, the other girl seemed almost... starstruck? As if she had never seen such a sight before. Naturally, neither had Saber, but the Grail imparted her with all the knowledge necessary. Certainly, seeing the artifice of human advancement was somewhat dazzling, but the Servant was finding herself less impressed then her Master was. Was Mira perhaps sheltered? Regardless of the explanation, there was little more time to focus on such things.

As they walked, Saber's attention swiftly returned to their surroundings. She had to ensure that there was no chance her Master would be harmed.

@Feyblue

---

Ah, this feeling...!

Liberation. To be in the open air, the wind rushing through her silver hair, the sensation of being faster then anything else... for this moment, it felt like freedom. Her maids couldn't tell her what to do up here! They were so bossy, sometimes, even if she didn't dislike having them around and they helped out with a lot of things... still, up here, beside her Rider... it was such a feeling that she had never felt before.

The small girl couldn't stop herself from experiencing a pang of disappointment as the ride ended and the chariot alighted upon a rooftop near the Church, outside of neutral ground, just distant enough to ensure that they would be able to attack anyone who approached the Church or left it. Reminding herself of why they were here, the tiny girl nodded to herself firmly and leaned over the side of the Chariot to get a good view of anyone approaching the area...

... What was that? Two girls dressed in black, one resembling a witch, the other with such long, flowing black hair...

"... Rider... what do you think of those two?"

@Blackstripe

It wasn't heard. It wasn't seen. Rather, Saber felt it, a roaring, rumbling sensation that spread through her very being before she caught sight of a sudden flash of brilliant light. She didn't waste a second, almost immediately wrapping her arm tightly around her Master and hurling herself out of the way. In spite of her size, she was still a Servant, and thus it was an almost effortless motion to dart out of the way and carry her Master at the same time. She felt it rush past her, felt the tremendous backdraft, and saw the concrete rent from the sheer impact. Even in motion, she recalled her armor, her hakama forming in a blaze of green motes of light and her lacquered protection forming in a verdent flash. Her shoes skidded across the hard ground, scattering sparks as she righted herself, her free hand gripping her gleaming nodachi.

The full length of the blade glittered in the moonlight, clasped in one hand, as the black-haired swordswoman set her Master down, swiftly placing her other hand on the weapon's hilt before she stepped forward and in front of Mira. She had hoped to make it to the church without interruption, but if this was to be the first battle of the grail war, so be it.

Her opponent was a man, astride a chariot drawn by two large horses and wielding a spear. From this, she could not determine his identity, but what she could guess at his class. There were few Servants outside of a single class that appeared astride a beast or other form of transport.

"Rider, I presume," she began, narrowing her eyes and holding her lengthy blade at the ready, "An ambush is the beginning of this war's first battle?"

---

There was that wonderful feeling again... and then they stopped, suddenly. Eyes fixing on her opponent, the magus with the witch-like garb standing behind the sword-wielding Servant(Doubtlessly, it was Saber. What other Servant would begin their challenge with a blade?) She was quick to take in a few details of the enemy heroic spirit as she got to her feet, standing upon the chariot beside her Rider. A Japanese Servant? That was definitely some kind of katana, and there was no mistaking that clothing or that armor. Smiling brightly, her gaze returning to the enemy Master, the childish magus curtsied.

"Estelle Varianbec," she introduced herself, cheerily. She was certain that any magus who lived here, at least, would recognize the name of her family.

"If you surrender now, we'll merely kill your Servant and spare you the humiliation of her brutal defeat~!"

@Feyblue@Blackstripe

Something gave the elder magus pause whilst waiting for her reply, and her head tilted for a second. "As abrupt as this might seem, our introductions can wait for a second. An opportunity for you to learn what this war entails has presented itself. Overseer, should the conflict encroach any further upon the church, I would appreciate a warning if you choose to intervene."

Reinforcement: one of the most basic forms of magecraft in existence. Strength, speed, toughness; three attributes that would get the most attention--and, truthfully, the easiest to work with. Yet with a modicum of dedication and considering the issue, it was possible to affect the senses. With something as constantly fraught as a Grail War and away form any major thoroughfares... why would you refrain from enhancing your ability to detect incoming threats? Through sight, scent, or sound, steps had to be taken to address a magus' inherent vulnerability to stealth attacks. Johanna simply favoured hearing; it was useful to know what those who thought themselves out of earshot would say.

The sound of clashing blades so close could only mean that the war had started in earnest. Berserker, the fighting has begun.

The intervening space wasn't so vast by any standard, after pushing aside the heavy doors. With more favourable terrain, an athlete would have no difficulty clearing it with haste--and the basics, the much-maligned basics that had been so forcefully reminded to her--made arriving before things got too exciting possible. No doubt her Servant would be there as well, unless Berserker was somehow more even-tempered than expected... and Assassin's Master would catch up posthaste, if she wanted

The parties involved were an interesting lot. Saber and Rider, without a doubt--though the Servants themselves were hardly quiet in announcing that fact. The Master... as a person, she was unfamiliar, but the family name was something that she knew--American, unsurprisingly given their location, and relatively important despite that. Not anything she had too much experience with, yet it was unsurprising to find them involved in this war.

"Fighting before introductions are even made? Hardly an honourable cast," the tall magus observed, standing atop a somewhat prominent rock.

@Blackstripe@VitaVitaAR@Feyblue@Cu Chulainn@Crusader Lord

@Raineh Daze@Blackstripe@VitaVitaAR@Feyblue@Crusader Lord

"Oh, you don't have to tell me twice!" Berserker exclaimed to his Master's mental message. While he was about to answer his Master's question regarding his Pure Eyes skill, Berserker was also about to fall asleep. He didn't wish to take part in some boring old check-in, and neutral ground was the last place he wanted to be. The only reason why he stuck around was because he wanted to please his Master enough so that she didn't find a way to activate his Noble Phantasm. Gods, does that thing hurt.

In a blink of an eye, Berserker had dashed away, seemingly transforming into some sort of animal... a hawk wearing a golden chain on its neck, and a golden furred tail, the same one he sported in his normal form. He flew outside the church, ascending high into the sky, and flying in a circle as he watched the two Servants carefully while trying his best to stay far enough to remain out of sight, or at least irrelevant. He knows he won't be able to tap into the talents his martial arts entails in such a beastly form, so he could only hope his brief attempt at espionage goes unnoticed.

Before he jumped in, he wanted to know how exactly each of his enemies fought. From the surface, he was able to determine what class these two Servants were; a charioteer challenging a swordswomen. A Rider challenging a Saber. Hawkserker's eyes glowed with a golden flame as it flew in the sky, watching both Servants.

---

If she hadn't been currently observing her surroundings through the eyes of her familiars, she wouldn't have even realized anything was happening before it was too late.

One of her ravens observed the flash of light the moment the chariot launched, and Mira herself was just turning to get a closer look when something slammed into her from the side and she felt herself being violently yanked off her feet. By this time, her brain had managed to comprehend that the light she had seen was an attack, but it took her a few fractions of a second longer to realize that the "something" that had grabbed hold of her was her own Servant. At this point, she began to think of the possibility of defending herself, but by this point, she was already out of the way. Just like that, faster than the blink of an eye, her life had been endangered and then saved. It was an utterly unreasonable fact, and yet it was undeniable. Even though she'd known that Servants were on a completely different level... Was this really the kind of enemy she'd have to face?

As her Servant exchanged words with the enemy - Rider, it seemed - the enemy Master shot back some kind of jab addressed at her, but she was still a bit dazed from the adrenaline coursing suddenly through her brain. The words she heard seemed as though they came from a great distance, and her thoughts were still racing with the singular knowledge that her death had just been a distinct possibility. So, this was the terror of a fight to the death. This was the Holy Grail War.

This was bad. A direct fight so early on, while it would be a good opportunity to test her Servant's abilities, also carried with it far too many risks. Out in the open like this, on unfamiliar terrain, she couldn't use her own abilities to their fullest. Besides, wouldn't other Masters likely be in the area of the Church? If things kept up like this, they'd end up surrounded and picked off the moment they began to tire out... and Rider's master didn't seem willing to back down, either, regardless of the risks. Still, if there was one thing Mira was confident in, it was her magecraft. A crisscrossing array of circuits pulsed outward from her heart as she primed her Magic Crest with Prana, searching through it for the information she'd need to do battle. It didn't matter how highly this girl thought of herself... Mira was a peerless Witch, the likes of whom could not exist within this world! And if it was a battle of attrition, then the Servant she herself had summoned couldn't possibly be worn down!

Although the bond between them was a new one, Mira wasn't unused to dealing with familiars. Their perceptions were shared just like they were with her crows, but she could now transfer information both ways. So, reaching out with her senses, she addressed her Servant from within the depths of her mind.

Saber. I will not ask you to go all out, or to overexert yourself. I'll give you as much Prana as you need, so just don't lose to them, no matter what, alright? If we slip up against this opponent, we'll be picked off by whoever else comes looking for a fight, even if we bring him down with us. Do you think you can do it?

"I didn't... I didn't summon a Servant just to give up," She said quietly, her voice almost drowned out by the wind in the wake of Rider's immense attack. "I won't cower before the first self-proclaimed enemy who arrives to confront me!" Her voice built quite sharply, as if the very nature of her being had changed in an instant. This was the demeanor not of Mira, the isolated girl, but that of Mira, the mighty witch. Parroting back lines from a play she'd read in script recently, she adopted old-fashioned words to suit the old-fashioned persona she had so painstakingly crafted. 'Ambition should be made of sterner stuff!' 'There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat, and we must take the current when it serves, or lose our ventures.' Saber! They'll come not one pace closer, understood?"

"I would not be much of a warrior if I could not protect myself or my Master from a surprise attack," Saber began, still standing at the ready. She would not allow herself to fail, so she could not let down her guard.

In return, please stay out of this battle. I will ensure you are not harmed, was her swift response to her Master. She did not want to place Mira at risk if it could be avoided, and the black-haired swordswoman felt certain it could be at this time. Her blade still glinting in the moonlight, the Saber-class Servant prepared herself. There was no point in attempting to obfuscate her class, but in that regard they were on equal footing. She knew that her opponent was Rider, and he knew that her class was Saber. Nothing thus far, aside from perhaps her manner of garb, would hint at their identities. And so at the moment things seemed quite equal.

Still, there had been a great deal of power behind that approach... as expected from a Rider-class Servant's steed. She couldn't be certain what its functions are, but she also knew that a Rider-class Servant's best asset was their Noble Phantasm. Still, this figure seemed to radiate power. Certainly she was up against a heroic spirit with a powerful legend.

But Saber was nothing if not confident in her skills.

And yet, at that moment, abruptly, another Master seemed to appear from out of no-where, atop a large peak of rock. It could be assumed her Servant was nearby. This conflict was becoming more complicated by the second.

"There is little time for introductions when one is ambushed," was her only retort, her focus swiftly returning to her opponent. But now she would have to keep an eye on multiple directions of approach...

"... Rider, we are both heroic spirits bound to these class containers," she began, "As such, I should hope you would respect a request from one hero to another. If you do not target my Master, I shall not target yours. Let this be a battle between Servants, and no-one else."

It was what she hoped for. Truth be told, it was unlikely she would be able to bring herself to attack Rider's Master. A child, even in the caste that she was not truly a child... to raise her blade against one such as that was heartlessly cruel.

Of course, anyone able to observe such a thing, such as a certain Berserker, would be able to note-

Alignment: Lawful Good

But at last, her Master's orders...!

"Understood!"

---

The other Master wasn't responding? So she didn't want to surrender, it seemed. Oh well, she'd rather watch Rider destroy his first opponent rather then a simple surrender and slaughter. Smiling brightly to herself, Estelle folded her arms across her chest as she hopped off of Rider's chariot. However, as she did so, she noticed that another magus. They were likely another Master having arrived on the scene perched atop a rather large rock... The small, dark-skinned girl narrowed her eyes. She'd never seen that person in real life before, but she'd seen images. In preparation for the Grail War she had learned about the previous attempts, and indeed the way that the Fuyuki Grail had ultimately been dismantled.

"Johanna Faust?" she asked, cocking one eyebrow as she spoke. "Are you here to watch the first battle of this war? Or should I say the first slaughter~"

Estelle giggled to herself, one hand placed to her lips. So one of her opponents was the disgraced Enforcer? How interesting. She'd win, of course. She knew she would. But the enforcer was a very powerful opponent. If they fought, Estelle would have to potentially work hard to overwhelm her.

But for now, her attention had to be on this battle.

And her enemy had finally replied?

"Fufufu, you're funny," she said, letting out a chuckle once more as she eyed the witch-hat-clad magus, "I'd volunteer to help you get to the Church when you've lost, but you were on your way already!"

@Blackstripe@Raineh Daze@Cu Chulainn@Feyblue

"Watch the slaughter? Is that what you thought made me come out?" the older of the two said, looking down at the child. With her apparent age, there was only one reason that she could be taking part in a Grail War such as this--she had to be a homunculus. No real child would have the abilities and confidence necessary to go along with such a brazen attempt at not only participating in the war but cutting down one's enemies at the first attempt. It also fit with what little knowledge of the Varianbec family Johanna possessed.

But more importantly, it set this Master as one that was completely off limits in a fight. If this was based off of the Fuyuki wars, then its creators would understand the problems inherent in a stationary, vulnerable grail. If such a thing existed, it would have been placed with that Overseer where it would be free from harm. As it was not, then the Grail Vessel could only be a person and with a homunculus before her...

"No, I came just to make sure that no Masters pay the price for entering this conflict without knowing what it entails. Naivety should be punished with failure rather than death. If we could get through this war without a single death, then it could be said that we have seen the Grail War to its intended completion and more; a wish gained at no loss of life and even the losers come out richer for the experience," Johanna continued, sliding down to sit on the rock, one knee raised to serve as a rest, "It would be a more ideal result than the inclusion of Assassin promotes.

"Though we both know that this is impossible, do we not? The minimum body count is one. Such a cruel family, to bring you into this world only to die serving a purpose that you cannot partake in."

@Blackstripe @Raineh Daze @Cu Chulainn @Feyblue