They're locking up the sun, they have their chosen one-

[gerechtigkeit]

WHO? Siegfried and WHOEVER
WHAT? Dreams/nightmares like everyone else
WHEN? Hotspots, man
ANYTHING ELSE? cw: death and violence, mostly

[He's not one to linger in places for long, but that doesn't mean the hotspots don't find him. Against one of the hallway walls, by the door to the mess hall- even in his bedroom. Despite his best efforts, sleep does come for him, and when it does, his dreams are nothing considerably tame in the slightest.

i. The cut and jagged edges of a cavern are your home for this dream. Buried within a mountain that time has forgotten the name of, you'll come across stones and walls that bear scorch marks and deep gashes. There's spare light here and there, though it's obvious enough to hear from the noise that's not too far that someone or something is definitely here with you.

It doesn't take too long to parse what's going on- there's very clearly a battle happening, and seconds later, heat fills the small pathway as a jet of fire streams past an opening further down. That's when a figure pushes through, barreling towards you before skidding to a halt.

It's Siegfried- but he has no sigil. His chest is completely bare. He looks absolutely incredulous as he speaks.]

How did you- [A loud and furious roar is heard from around the corner, and Siegfried tries to shove you away from where the both of you are standing.] It doesn't matter, move! He'll find you otherwise!

[ii. The forest surrounding you is vast and gentle, and there's sunlight that seeps through the trees. Two men with horses are by a stream, talking about something- you can't quite make it out. Moving closer proves that one of them is Siegfried, and he seems pleased to be speaking with this person. The other hands him a water skin, and the hero smiles, moving to the water and kneeling to get a drink.

As he does, the other man pulls out a blade, unique in its shape, and drives it straight into Siegfried's back.

Siegfried, caught unaware, yells out in surprise, but makes no move to resist. Not even as the blade twists further into him and he coughs up blood, clearly in pain. If anything, his hands curl into the ground as if to steady himself, and simply accept his death. This is what he wanted, after all- if he died, the problem he had caused would end, and his people would be safe. That is what he truly believed.

There is a weak but audible sentence as he speaks- "Thank you, my friend"- and Siegfried collapses facefirst into the stream, blood beginning to pour into the water as his friend vanishes like fog in the morning. His death would be mourned and bring about further tragedy, as told in his legend.

After a moment or so, there's slight movement from Siegfried, and his arms twitch, almost as if in an effort to try and push himself back up and out of the water. A gurgled cough confirms that he's alive for the dream, at least, but he might need help getting back up on his feet.

iii. This place, at least, is more modern. While it's still a fortress, the inside has been lavishly adorned with the symbol of the family known as the Yggdmillenia, a conglomerate of smaller and lesser known mage families. These families once had reputations, but eventually lost them, or became forgotten with time. Within the halls a very familiar figure can be seen following after a short and stout man, who seems to be very intent on speaking with him. Several other voices can be heard from somewhere else, easily complaining. Statements such as The nerve, just because he has a Saber; who does he think he is? and Good riddance, it's gone to his head all seem to echo out of nowhere, and then easily vanish as the two continue on. In fact, the man leading Siegfried doesn't stop until it seems like he's out of earshot from whoever else might be around- except for you.

"Saber, you are not allowed to speak unless to use your Noble Phantasm or I give you my permission. Do you understand?"

The man holds up his fist, almost as if he's threatening Siegfried, who stands there quietly and stares back down at him. After several seconds of uncomfortable silence, he simply bows his head, and nods in agreement. His Master looks incredibly pleased.

"Hah! Good. With me, Saber."

..........did he just.... agree to remain silent from a man who is easily dwarfed by him?? What???????? Siegfried doesn't refuse- he goes to follow after his Master, but something makes him pause.

And then, he turns and notices you. He opens his mouth to say something, but then remembers the order given to him, so all you get is a furrowed brow and a massive headtilt.

How are you even here?]

(if you'd like to hash out something different, you can find me on plurk at chromadestino! COME AT ME BROS.)

Comments

[gerechtigkeit]

[Have some pride. It shouldn't stop him in his tracks to hear that; he's simply helping where he's being asked to help. Pride has nothing to do with it. It shouldn't.

But it stops him anyway.

Siegfried pauses in his step, looking at Mordred as Gordes continues down the hall, oblivious to him not being quite behind him anymore. His brow furrows and he struggles with the thought of actually having pride- it's obviously something he has, he knows this. His pride comes in his fighting, mostly. His ability to survive and do well against those that oppose him. That is pride, right? What else could it be?

So why does he simply agree? Because he's a hero. This is how heroes are supposed to be, aren't they? To give and help and not want selfishly, to assist whenever asked- to sacrifice, utterly and wholly. Isn't that how he should react, how he should be in general?

A look of conflict crosses his face, Siegfried frowning as he mulls it over. He has pride, it has to be pride. But it is not pride in himself. For that, he has none. He finally headtilts at her, exhaling and forcing a breath through his teeth. He's not a dog, but he doesn't want to cause trouble. His Master wants help for the War, who is he to deny his request?

But it's obvious he doesn't quite as firmly hold to it, as he goes to speak and stops himself again. There's hesitance in doing so, this time. Mordred is forcing him to think about himself over the wants of other people is honestly new, and it's not easy to break a habit like that with someone like him.]

[bloodings]

[ She can see his expression change, see the conflict start to expose itself. Honestly, she finds no joy in his struggle — only frustration. Something so pathetic can't be anything else. ]

Think about it. What hero ever fights in forced silence? [ Mordred's no hero, but her father was. He could rally his troops with a cry, move the unmovable with his speeches. He supported his men as much with his words as his deeds. ] He's treating you like a fool. Being a Servant doesn't make you worthless.

[ Maybe she's projecting a bit. But, honestly, nobody should be treated like that. To order him not to unleash his Noble Phantasm is one thing, but to take away his voice, to humiliate him, digs at something inside her. ]

[gerechtigkeit]

[It's funny- what may seem so simple a question to her, and the answer just as easy, for him it's incredibly difficult. Forcing him to actually focus on his own well-being, or even his own confidence, isn't something Siegfried is used to, and it shows.

She has a point. What hero ever fights in forced silence? Even in his life, he had spoken when he had wanted to, had led armies with words of courage and with his actions, had given hope to people despite being reticent. It strikes a chord in him, and he openly exhales at it, the first vocal thing he's done in this dream since Mordred's arrived. Would he have agreed to this in his life? Would he have simply done as he was asked now? He doesn't know. A part of him automatically says "yes," but a deeper part of him pushes against it, argues for his own sake. How long will he keep his word for this? Why? What would it do, to speak of his own will, against his Master? How much more ridiculousness is he willing to deal with?

And at what point will he say it's enough?

He knows. He knows being a Servant doesn't mean he's useless- but being a Servant does not change that he brings tragedy with him, and he will never outrun that curse. The weight of that always drags him down, refuses to let him see any of the good he does. Until he gets past it, nothing will change.]

Saber! [Gordes yells at him, Siegfried turning his head to finally notice his Master a bit further down the hall, looking irritated.] Why did you stop? You're supposed to be here, with me!

[Something flickers on Siegfried's face, and it darkens quickly. He doesn't move.] Saber, come to me. Now!

[He still refuses to move, instead looking back at Mordred. Looks like her words are starting to stick.]

[bloodings]

[ Siegfried might still be silent, but Mordred isn't. She leans to the side and yells down the hall. ]

Shut your trap, fat one! [ It doesn't matter if Gordes can actually hear her or not. The words are for Siegfried, so he knows they're not done here. ] Listen. I don't know what your wish is, but the Holy Grail isn't worth giving up your identity for.

[ Nothing is. She'd have killed her own Master for less, knowing it would cost her the war, and she isn't even a true hero. ]

... Well, it isn't my problem. I don't know why I'm even telling you this. [ She sure cares a lot for something that 'isn't her problem'. ] But you should still think about it. At least do that much, okay?

[gerechtigkeit]

[Her yelling at his Master causes him to blink, staring at the both of them for a very long moment before he goes back to listening to Mordred. It takes a moment, as if he's debating on something, but-]

I don't. [Ah, he actually speaks, at that. Meaning he has no wish, but he doesn't clarify. Gordes practically bristles at hearing Siegfried openly speak to... nothing at all. He can't see Mordred whatsoever.]

Saber, what did I say about speaking?! [Siegfried ignores his Master's angry call, and focuses back on their conversation. She may say it isn't her problem, but there's still some sort of concern from her- even if it really isn't concern at all. It's... touching, in an odd way, because Saber of Red has been nothing but a bit of a brat since he's met her. He shakes his head.]

It's... not easy for me. But I will.

[He'll try to consider it. Try to be considerate about himself more than in just a passing thought.]

[bloodings]

[ She can't help it — when he actually speaks, she laughs. Not the rude, almost insulting laughter when she'd first seen him ordered around by Gordes, but something genuine. ]

Ha! Now that suits you, Saber!

[ She's even being gracious enough to use his title again instead of some rude nickname. It won't last, of course, but she's... weirdly proud of him. She waves him off, then crosses her arms. ]

Go follow that idiot. Just... don't let him push you around this time. [ It won't change the past, of course. But they're all long-dead ghosts living temporary lives, so maybe, just maybe, it'll help him anyway. ] Oh, and don't mention this when we meet again. It's weird.

[ Read: caring about people, even rudely, makes her uncomfortable. ]