SECOND WISH ♔ ( AMBER )

[knight_king]

[Saber's face immediately appears on the amber surface and, from behind her, there are glimpses of Chime's recently opened shop.]

Good morning. To those who were not aware, the spirit known as Chime has just opened her shop and brought wares that are not available to us in the tree. [She is inwardly pleased to know that means this creature too can leave the tree somehow, but she will try to communicate with her later.] However, these items are not free and we cannot afford them alone. Their stock seems to be very limited as well. The answer is obvious, many of us surely have concluded that the solution is reuniting with close allies to purchase the desired ware with them, but I will suggest something else.

[She has been speaking about this matter with some people already, but she has had no time to propose an assembly outdoors to discuss the organization overall they could have to improve their lives and call a vote. She pauses to make her proposal.]

There are basic items such as food or the string of yarn, among others, that are of a general interest. Why do not we, the potential purchasers, donate them in benefit of all of us? We should assign a space as a storeroom to keep all what belongs the community and be sure that they are given a fair use.

[If this is accepted, she will bring up the delegated tasks for those who are specialized in different fields to optimize their lifestyles. Because raw ingredients could be better utilized in hands of good cooks than inexpert ones.]

If you do not agree, it is fine. I only wanted to address that, for the time being, we are expected to live together and a cohesive group stands stronger than one that lives with cordial divisions.

Comments

[knight_king]

Why?

[ she looks confused by that question, her perplexity briefly flashes on the amber. ]

Because it needs to be done.

[dragonblood]

[ she notices it only because she's looking so intently at saber. there's a short pause as her gaze shifts to the side, like she's thinking. ] That's what I'm asking. Why does it need to be done? Why are you going through all this trouble? What do you get out of this?

[knight_king]

I suppose [ she thinks about the answer and her resolution. ] this gives me a purpose.

[dragonblood]

It's to satisfy yourself? [ she believes that's what saber meant, at least. she wonders if this is just saber's way of making do. ] Well, that's fine... But don't you want to return home one day? Sooner, rather than later?

[knight_king]

No. It is more a sense of direction. [ although she does want to see people happy. She makes an unhappy huff for that assumption. ] Of course I want to return, but there was not exit available to us yet. Until a feasible solution is found, I would try to improve our circumstances.

[dragonblood]

'Our' circumstances. [ that's the part that makes her frown a little, but it's been obvious for a while now that saber means well, so she'll reign in the cynicism. ] You're too nice.

( 1/2 )

[knight_king]

...

[ she does not remember if she has ever been called "nice". They have called her a just, proud and gallant king, and remarked her loyalty; they have also said she was heartless and couldn't understand human emotions.

Except for Irisviel, Rin and Shirou.

(and her brother Kay too, once) ]

[knight_king]

If you are willing to cooperate, this means that you are as thoughtful.

[dragonblood]

Yeah... [ she sighs to herself. liam would probably lecture her about it, but at least she's given it some thought instead of blindly jumping into things. or so she'd tell him if he were here. ] But I'm getting meat out of it. For no coin. That's something.

[knight_king]

That does not lessen your willingness to help. [ She would have gotten food regardless if she aided or not. ]

[dragonblood]

[ she thinks about that before agreeing. ] I suppose so. But I think you're the most dedicated about it. At least, from what I've seen so far. You don't even want anything in return. Just—improvement. I couldn't be like you. I don't want to.

[knight_king]

I do not expect you to you to be like I am. [ Riona is a better person, because she acts like one. ]

[dragonblood]

That's good. [ and a relief. ] I just hope everyone is thankful. To you, I mean.

[knight_king]

Hm. I would prefer that everyone is content with the arrangement. Gratitude is not important. [ This isn't false modesty, she truly does not care what they feel toward her. ]

[dragonblood]

[ she raises a brow, but doesn't comment on that last part. ] They should be. We may be stuck here but at least we're getting fed. Our captors are oddly considerate.

[knight_king]

Most people cannot help but feel upset in these captivity conditions. I certainly would not hold it against them if the do not think being fed is a kindness. It is only humane to provide food and shelter.

[dragonblood]

Or it could be a lure to make us want to stay. [ she pauses, remembering something bucky told her when she first arrived here. ] But if some people do want that, if they prefer this place to their home, that's fine. For them.

[knight_king]

I see. Have you encountered such people? I would not judge them, but I have not met any with that idea.

[dragonblood]

Thinking it's a trap? [ another pause as she think back. there have been those with less enthusiasm than others and they come to mind now, but they weren't nearly suspicious as she is. ] Not yet. I haven't met anyone who really wants to stay here either.

[knight_king]

No, I simply did not meet anyone who expressed this opinion yet. Nor do I know the purpose of this place or our presence here either.

[dragonblood]

Right. I hope we find out soon. But before that I hope whoever is keeping us won't suddenly change their minds and starve us. We can only last so long on leaves and berries.

[knight_king]

If they do change their minds, there should be sufficient wildlife and flora for us to hunt and utilize as meals.

[dragonblood]

Probably. Plants grow, and there will always be animals around. [ bugs too. they're big enough to eat and be sufficient now. ] But hunting takes practice. [ she isn't very good at it either but she'll keep that to herself.

anyway, she breathes out now. ] It all sounds like a lot of work. Making sure other people are cared for. But it would be nice if things went well. I hope it does, Saber. [ she wonders if this was how liam felt. at least he was being paid to protect her. ]

[knight_king]

Until winter arrives. [ she notes, hoping they will leave before it comes. ] I hunted often during my youth, though I might be out of practice.

[ before she became king, when it was one of the skills that Ector expect her to learn.

she tips her head to a side. ]

Yes, it would be. [ though she knows if there is a conflict, losses are inevitable. That's why she seeks to avoid it. ] As do I.

[dragonblood]

[ she frowns. 'until winter arrives.' she also feels it coming and it may be a season she's loved for her entire life, but living through it here is not something she looks forward to. a sigh is held in while saber continues to speak, though she can't hide the mild frustration in her voice. ]

If we're going to be stuck here until winter, there's plenty of time to learn again. [ her lips push out before she adjusts the amber slice in her hands. ] But hopefully we won't. Anyway—the ice. Let me know when you need it. I'm— [ she briefly considers telling saber where she's staying, but decides against it. instead she taps on the screen. ] I'll be using this.