hadriel_logs | ( closed ) this beach episode brought to you 'this is still a horror game'

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( closed ) this beach episode brought to you 'this is still a horror game'

Who: Irisviel & Saber
What: Hot springs visit, unresolved romantic feelings, food.
Where: Hot...springs.
When: Backdated to pre-squad event, approximately the 13th.
Warnings: A breather episode, somehow, to go with all the murder. Not much to warn for except, like, nudity, I guess.

[She'd come as asked, bringing only herself and some food for them to share. And some linens from the house, of course--what they had as far as bath towels went and some extra clothing in case they didn't want to change back into their old clothes. She wishes she'd thought to get them robes, and mentally adds it to the list of things they still need here.

If they even survive long enough for that necessity. Saber'd scolded her for openly disagreeing with the Null, but Irisviel doesn't regret it even for a second. If she feels strongly about something like that, then she must stand for it at all times. It wouldn't do to forget herself just because it became inconvenient or frightening.

Irisviel's perception of what frightens her has always lagged, though, even after Kiritsugu instilled in her a greater sense of preservation than she was created with. That wild bravery and disregard for danger is why she's pushing the little moped she's taking up to the springs to its limits, practically pushing the speedometer so far the needle cracks. There's no real speed to the little machines, but she has the worrying power to make a few miles per hour look like speeding.]

Saber! [She waves as soon as she sees her, but she doesn't seem to be slowing down...At the last possible second, she pulls up short. No Servants will be getting mowed down today.]

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[ For a moment, Saber looks less King Arthur and more deer in headlights. She could move out of the way, of course, but there's a wall behind her... so she braces herself to snatch Irisviel off the speeding machine instead, feet planted firmly and shoulders ready for impact. No doubt the moped will burst into flames behind her, but she'll launch away in time to save Irisviel from the fire. It'll be very heroic.

... Of course, none of that happens. Irisviel pulls to a stop in front of her, and she just ends up looking very stupid with her wide eyes and combat stance. ]

... Irisviel. [ At least she's safe. That's all that matters, in the end.

Saber's in her suit (because when is she not), fresh from guard duty. She coughs awkwardly, and offers Irisviel her arm, the gesture instinctive by this point. ]

I am pleased you came, my lady. [ Said as if there was any doubt. As if they didn't arrange this entire thing already. But she never expects anything from Irisviel, and her heart always skips a beat when she receives something anyway. ]

[Her smile doesn't falter at all as she hops off the moped sidesaddle, landing in front of Saber with her hands clasped in front of her.]

Of course I came! It'd be hard to turn down an invitation from you.

[She starts gathering her bag and any stray odds and ends from the back of the vehicle, ready to venture into the unknown.]

How was patrol? Nothing's...happened, has it?

[ She shakes her head. ]

Not today. But we must remain vigilant. There have been...

[ incidents, but she trails off, finally reading the mood. Better late than never. Instinctively detecting food within Irisviel's bag, her ahoge twitches in anticipation, and she exhales deeply. ]

... No. Let us not worry about that. [ Read: let Irisviel not worry about that, because Saber can't turn ever that part of herself off. But she'll try and tone it down for Irisviel's sake. ] The two of us are here to enjoy ourselves. And I will see that you do, princess.

[ And maybe Saber will have fun for once in her stupid life. Once Irisviel is ready, she leads her inside, the tenseness slowly evaporating from her body. ]

I believe this will be a first for both of us. [ Irisviel because of being trapped in her castle, Saber because of keeping her gender a secret. It was a risk she could hardly afford. ] Do you have a preference for the temperature? Something milder, perhaps.

[Can it truly be instinct if she already asked her to bring food? Nice try, Saber. Sensing the shift in tone, herself, she tries to avoid speaking about things they both already know are happening.

Clasping the bag with the food and linens packed inside, Irisviel props the moped up in a secure spot and follows Saber inside. Acutely aware of the magic stretching between them, she feels the energy ripple as Saber loses some of that tension.]

They're supposed to be quite warm, aren't they? I remember reading about hot springs and public baths, though they blurred together a bit... [And, in fact, a lukewarm bath sounds terrible.

[ She nods. ] There are several, all at differing temperatures. And, as a Servant, my preferences are of course secondary to your own.

[ Since she isn't terribly bothered by temperature. She wonders how Irisviel would cope with anything too warm, coming from such a frozen homeland, and resolves to watch after her carefully. Not that she wasn't already. ]

... Ah. Did you bring towels, Irisviel? [ Her radar only works on food. She can't see what's in the bag otherwise. ] My body is that of a Servant before a woman, of course, but... forgive me. In life, I could not freely bathe due to the people surrounding me, so I am unused to planning for such a thing.

I want to have the genuine experience! [Her free hand clenches into a determined fist.] So we must choose the one closest to that!

[She knew that Saber wouldn't have been able to bring anything extra from her time on patrol. Irisviel lifts the bag.]

They're in here. And something to wear, if we need it. [Her lips pull together.] I thought about bringing some sunscreen, but...

[ Saber chuckles a little, finally breaking through the stoicism. ]

Your enthusiasm is admirable. [ And some of it is rubbing off on her, honestly. ] But I do not think we will require any. After all, there is no sun to take shelter from.

[ Artificial rays, yes, but much weaker than the real thing. It's still cute, that Irisviel might think of it at all, in her effort to plan ahead. ]

The changing rooms should offer adequate privacy. Shall we go together, then? [ She means into the hotsprings themselves, but... it's an easily misinterpreted statement. ]

Still, one can never be too careful! I'm sure I'd burn if we ever went to a tropical beach...

[She pauses, remembering the night they spend on the Fuyuki shore--her first and only large body of water. What a long time ago that's been, now, She hadn't realized it at the time, but it was important, having that moment with Saber.]

You, too! See? [She puts their arms next to one another, comparing the color visible beneath their sleeves (not much, but enough). Of course, there'll be more to compare when they're in the water proper, and Irisviel strolls into a changing room without a second thought.]

Yes, Britain was quite cold. But I do not think the sun would affect a Servant's body in the same way...

[ Shut the hell up you pedantic asshole. Saber follows into the room next to Irisviel, discarding her suit and tying her hair back into a loose bun instead of her usual ponytail. Her ahoge, of course, remains as prominent as ever.

Towel wrapped carefully around her chest, she opens the door and peeks into the main room, seeing if Irisviel has finished first. Either way, she nervously makes her way out, looking a lot more flustered than someone who claimed to not be bothered by her own (semi) nudity. ]

[Of course, it is different for Saber. She hms softly, in thought, and lets it go, sinking into silence as she changes. With fewer pieces and fewer complications, she's quicker to finish the job. Her own hair makes it into an unkempt bun, a few loose strands kissing the back of her neck, looks of hair protruding from the elastic.]

All done? [She smiles, as if issuing an unspoken, playful "what took you so long?"] We'll need to wash off first. It's only polite. Then we'll see how well these hot springs remove stress!

[She reaches for Saber's arm for a friendly grab, dragging her over.]

[ Oh.

It's not right to say that Irisviel is pretty like this, because Irisviel is always pretty. Saber's able to judge that in some vague, objective sense, if nothing else. Some of the ladies at court were pretty. Guinevere was... exceptionally pretty. Irisviel is much the same.

Irisviel just looks different with her hair up, and it stuns Saber for a moment, so used to her usual look. Dragged without protest or words, she only finds her voice after a few seconds of silence. ]

Ah, y-yes. [ She blinks a little, looking at Irisviel's face. ] But, Irisviel... you are already smiling, just from this. I believe the hot springs are already at work.

[ Because it can't be her company, obviously. ]

I'm glad you invited me! [She speaks without hesitation, even as she hunts down a place to wash before they slip into one of the heated pools.] It's nice to spend time with you, even though I'm happy you've found your calling here.

[And she never would have thought to bring Saber here on a whim like this. She can take her shopping, can take her on adventures into the orchard (it isn't as if there are a lot of places to travel to), but getting her to give into pampering is a fine art.]

Have you decided which one you want to try yet?

Your happiness is my highest priority here, Irisviel.

[ It's not a lie — her country will always have the most of her heart, but Britain is not here. Irisviel is. And, though her duty to the guard is important, she is not sworn to them like she is the woman next to her.

The showers are in separate walled stalls as well, fortunately for Saber's sanity, and she hums as the water washes over her. ]

If you seek the genuine experience, then I will choose the sort one might have found in Britain. Several of my knights commented on those found at Bath in particular, saying it warmed their spirits along with their body. [ Though she's still happy to change, if Irisviel finds it overbearing. ] It would please me if you could say the same afterward.

I heard the Romans even drank from them! [Irisviel calls over the sound of the spray, rinsing herself off as she moves her weight from one side to the other.] I'm not sure I'll be able to do that just yet...That's a custom I know next to nothing about.

[As all customs, in some way, do. It isn't even as though Germany or Austria were all that familiar to her. She knows the snow, knows the ritual...and that's mostly it.

Towel pulled around her, she emerges again, brushing droplets of water from her shoulders.]

Yes, to cure pains and sickness. But your magic is a much more agreeable way of doing so.

[ Still, she's heard stranger customs. As she leaves the shower, her ahoge springs up from her head, sending a small droplet of water flying from the tip. Her body is protectively wrapped in the towel like cloth armour, but even having her arms and legs bare is comparatively strange.

She looks over at Irisviel and smiles. ]

It is not a custom, but please. Give me your hand. [ And, if Irisviel does, Saber will brush her lips over the back of it, like she had at their dance. ] For luck. And to your happiness.

[Of course she offers her hand--without any hesitation. She would happily trust Saber with so much more than her life if given the chance.

Irisviel feels a brief pang of guilt, wondering if she should tell Saber about the dream she saw, the carefully-concealed emotions that came to the surface once she had access to the things that Saber hides in her dreams. To see something so intimate... The choice to reveal it or hide it is honestly vexing. It could hurt Saber to tell her what she'd seen, but keeping it to herself is like lying.]

You know, Saber...Being with you makes me happy.

[ The words make her heart and her smile both lift. But, Saber has no idea of Irisviel's inner conflict, nor does she understand the true meaning of her happiness. ]

Of course. Happiness comes alongside a feeling of safety... I am glad that I can offer you that.

[ Her entire existence is based around keeping Irisviel safe, after all. She releases her hand, then, after a moments hesitation, grasps it again; leading her lady gently into the open area while securing her towel with her other hand. ]

I believe the warmer springs are over there. [ She points with free hand, careful not to allow her towel to slip. ] You should lower yourself slowly. Do not become overwhelmed, or I will be forced to carry you back out.

Yes... Don't worry; I'll be careful.

[Irisviel nearly shakes her head as soon as Saber misinterprets what she had to say. These will be difficult conversations to have no matter what.

But...those feelings are private, so she balks again. It had taken so much convincing to make Kiritsugu see that their love was possible...and even then, it had hurt him to acknowledge it. That pain would break her heart.

In absence of the confession she can't quite bring herself to make, Irisviel vows to enjoy their time together until the joy becomes apparent. Taking care not to slip, she navigates her way over to the hotter springs, standing on a ledge overlooking one that steams promisingly. Though she holds the towel to her body modestly before hand, she drops it seconds before stepping in, leaving it piled on the outcropping behind her.]

[ Saber watches carefully from her position nearby... until Irisviel drops the towel. Then, predictably, she makes a scandalized noise and scoops it up for her, face turning red. ]

Irisviel, y-your towel!

[ Her knights likely bathed nude as well, but they hardly discussed such matters with the king. She glances around, making sure they're still alone before continuing. ]

Is this a custom I am unaware of? ... Of course, one normally bathes in the nude, but not where others might see. I do not wish to intrude on your privacy.

[She doesn't look stymied in the least. Irisviel understands modesty and mores. She has little worry about her own nakedness, but now would she go parading around without clothes on. But there's no worries about Saber seeing her like this, either.

In this, at least, the safety provided by her company is real, too. There's no humiliation or self-consciousness to be had.

The scandalized panic in her Servant's voice has Irisviel chuckling, though, and she turns to look over one shoulder at her, keeping her back pressed to the wall of the pool.]

We don't want to get the towels wet, do we? Beside, I'm sure this is how it's done at those springs in Japan.

Yes, but...

[ They could obtain fresh towels. Or dry in the sauna. Of course, if they got sweaty, they'd need to wash again, and that would lead to the same problem all over again. Saber sighs, admitting defeat, and places Irisviel's towel back down. ]

Very well. Nudity poses no issue to a Servant, so there is no problem on my end.

[ Her blush says otherwise, though. She moves about a quarter of a circle away from Irisviel along the side of the spring; then drops her own towel and almost nervously climbs in, arms instinctively crossed over her chest.

It feels... surprisingly good, once she's actually in. Properly submerged, she lets her arms float free, and leans back against the rocky wall as well; only her head and shoulders above the surface. ]

Hm... this is rather relaxing. I see I was not misinformed. [ By Henry, or her knights. ]

[She gives Saber some privacy when she steps into the pool, sensing her discomfort. As much as she might want to catch a glimpse of her muscles, Irisviel can't be so invasive and inappropriate. It would ruin the trust between them. So, she focuses on the water until Saber's completely submerged, then slumps down into a low seated position.]

It really is nice... [Her eyes drift closed, as if she could doze off right here in the water.]

Doesn't it make you wish that we could truly make this city a comfortable place to stay? I'd come here every week with you if I could.

Perhaps it will be, one day. Once the Null are defeated, and with the help of the gods, reconstructive efforts would prove fruitful.

[ She's still not their biggest fan, but some, like Hope, are more agreeable than others. And though this place has kept Saber from her duty, it has given Irisviel a second chance at life. One she deserves every moment of.

Eventually, she lowers herself more, until only her ahoge rises above the water, like the periscope of a submarine. She resurfaces ten or so seconds later, hair clinging to her face and shoulders. ]

It is strange to be in the water, and not just on the surface of it. [ Only Saber would find this weird. ] This is not quite the ocean, but I am glad we can experience this together.

Have you really never been in the water before? [She knows that Saber has no trouble moving across the top of the water, having witnessed it herself in the middle of battle.

But Britain isn't a landlocked country. Being that close to the sea on all sides, Irisviel thinks, she wouldn't have been able to avoid wanting just a glimpse at the water, some time spent in its embrace when the weather was warm.

At least the pools are shallow enough that Saber's not at any risk of getting in trouble in the water.]

Your hair's come down... [she murmurs softly, eyes drifting closed again as she slumps back.]

There was never an occasion. I could hardly do so in full armour, and I was rarely alone.

[ On rare occasions, and strictly in private, she could bathe safely in a tub, but anything outdoors would have been far too risky, both because of her gender and her failings. Of course, Irisviel doesn't know she can't swim, and Saber plans to keep it that way: it's a little embarrassing to have such a major weakness.

She reaches up to touch at her hair at Irisviel's words, noticing the loose strands, then sighs and pulls it out of the bun entirely. There's no harm in letting her hair down around her Master, both literally and metaphorically. ]

And what of yours, Irisviel? I do not recall seeing your hair like this before. [ Saber drifts a little closer to Irisviel, reaching out with her hand, but not actually touching it. ] I believe it suits you quite well. As does your usual style, of course, but there is something charming about this.

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( closed ) this beach episode brought to you 'this is still a horror game'

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