(Southern Miyama, Riverside Cottage - Attic)
It had been perfect – in as much as something can be, anyway. Or, at least, so had he thought.
The brilliant flash had caused him to close his eyes for an instant simply to avoid being blinded, as was natural. When he opened them, however, blinking and noting the silvery smoke that had likely been another byproduct of the summoning, he came face to face with something he did not quite expect.
…He might not have known much about the history of this country, but he had informed himself about the Servant he had elected to summon. He was quite certain none of the texts he had read had mentioned that ‘Yukimura Sanada’ was a woman.
For a second, he did not really know how to react. Had he been misled, supplied a forgery of a catalyst and actually been fooled by it? The mere thought almost caused his entire mood to darken – and were he alone, he would have likely not been able to keep a composed countenance. As it was, however, he tried to show proper decorum.
Appearances were everything, and so, a flawless image must be presented. He lowered his left hand, silently observing the one that would be his partner for the remainder of this battle royale – her clothing certainly seemed to at least
evoke the style of the country and the appropriate period, even if they were not exactly the garments he would have figured a warrior would wear. The symbol she bore lightened his worries, if only slightly.
Having acquainted himself in passing with the history of the Servant he had chosen, he recognized the significance of those six coins, so at least she should be related to Yukimura Sanada… unless history had gotten some facts wrong.
Oh, well, today seemed like a day for impossibilities regardless, did it not? Adding just one more to the pile did not seem all that presumptuous.
He felt the burn of the Command Seal on the back of his left hand, the symbols etching themselves upon the skin, proof of the contract between himself and whatever legend he had managed to summon forth – regardless of it being the one he had intended to or not.
For an instant, he seemed to ponder what to do, as if out of his depth – after all, how does one go about establishing conversation with a warrior from ages long past? Thankfully enough, his Servant was so kind as to provide an opening.
“I am the Servant Lancer! I have answered your call! Would you be the one claiming the honor of calling yourself my Lord?”
He felt his jaw twitch for an instant, attempting to disguise a grimace with what he hoped would come across as a courteous bow. Theatrical, but he figured he might as well play along, particularly if this was truly one of those prideful heroes that would take anything else as a personal slight. A working relationship was paramount.
“Indeed.”, the words left his mouth simply and easily, a smooth baritone carried across the room. Still, Lancer… he supposed it was a rather fine outcome. Master Clairvoyance had offered him an overview of his Servant’s capabilities, and he was suitably impressed – not only had he secured a Knight Class with power above the norm, he had avoided the dreaded Archer Class that might have proven too uncontrollable with their Independent Action. Yes, all considered, he had been dealt a good hand overall. Now what was left was figuring out how to use said hand to his advantage, but first…
Straightening himself, his gaze shifted from the ground to meet his Servant’s eyes. Though respect was indeed important when dealing with such individuals, one must also take care to not let themselves be stepped upon, else risking to lose any influence they might have hoped to hold without needing to bring Command Seals into the equation.
And he would not allow that. He would definitely not allow that. He still had some pride to his name, thank you very much.
“I am David Ríos, and I have called you forth in order to compete – nay, win this Holy Grail War.” Lifting his hand, he showed the sigils now carved upon its back. Whether to glory or doom, this was a path he would tread together with Lancer.
…Preferably glory. He cleared his throat, parched and dry and noting in the back of his mind that he really did need a glass of water, and looked almost as if he was unsure as to how to proceed from this point on. His features turned from stern to a laxer visage, some might say slightly confused, even.
“Well, that said, I must admit I am surprised, Lancer.” He nodded towards the helmet, as though it was supposed to explain it all. “When I thought to summon Yukimura Sanada, I was expecting a man to step out of that circle, considering all texts I read mentioned the Crimson Demon of War as such.”, upon saying so, however, he lifted his hands in front of himself, as if to signal that he meant no offense. “Not that I would doubt the capabilities of a Heroic Spirit because of something as paltry as that.”
Surprised by his Servant’s very gender, said Servant potentially proving a troublesome, if powerful, card and now fumbling over his choice of words in a manner so unbefitting of his upbringing. Truly, his ancestors must be rolling in their graves.
He had envisioned this first meeting going so much better. Oh, well, no plan survives contact – just be content to salvage what you can. Absentmindedly, he also noted that registering at the Church now that he had made his status as a Master 'official' so to speak was of great importance, but first, the exchange of pleasantries with his Servant would need to be completed.
At the very least, he would be able to say it was an enlightening experience.
It was not every day that one learned that a famous heroic figure from centuries past had been recorded by history as the opposite gender, right?
