formless | open rp post 2017

[ Lancer is from the Throne of Heroes; summoned to do battle for the sake of the Holy Grail. Or at least that's what he's supposed to do. He's meant to be a servant in a clash of power. Self-interested mages vying for power, seeking to destroy one another. It's not exactly ideal at times, but Cú has his own reasons for wanting the Grail and because of that, he'll serve a master and fight for them. being summoned into the world, into a new era, isn't surprising and as he becomes to come back to himself, awareness floods back in.

There's still a faint veil of smoke clearing from the power of the summoning and Lancer straightens with a low exhale of breath, teeth bared in a smile. ]

So. You're my master, huh?

[ Is that... a woman? Interesting. ]

[To start off with, she can explain the weird summoning circle on her floor that looks like she just joined a cult. She's practicing for her sister, Taiwan, who wanted to do some kind of cosplay convention, and she borrowed the circle design from England. But that couldn't just work, right? As far as she knew, she has no magic powers, aside from her natural blessings of enhanced strength and regeneration.

So imagine the look on her face when she stares at the man who stands before her, the smoke dispersing and he straightens to full height. That's right, she stares blankly, at this...stranger who calls her master, right in her lounge room.

And so, like any normal person with any normal reactions, she selects hers from a pool of surprise and picks:]

Excuse me?

[A master? She's what? Did she summon a familiar? Who even summons familiars? Who even knew it was possible? Was she just dreaming all along?

...Is he even real? She tries to touch him, just in case he's a ghost.] Please pardon my forwardness.

[ Wait.

That isn't right. She shouldn't be that surprised. She summoned him. She should be expecting something like this, right? His expression twists in surprise and he blinks down at the (much) smaller woman as she steps forward and reaches out a hand to touch him. He is very solid and real under her hand and he makes a low noise at the back of his throat. A 'tch' that carries across the room. ]

What do you mean, "excuse me"? You summoned me, didn't you? I'm here for a reason, right?

[ This seems suspect. ]

[As soon as her fingers touch that solid body, flesh and blood, she flinches back. Obviously, she's not surprised that he's making such a judgmental sound when he had assumed she knew what she was doing.

And the truth really is, she does not. Looking upwards, she tries to not look too lost. At someone who practically materialised here, and apparently because she summoned him.]

A-ah... [Okay poor start.] I am unsure what I did! I apologise if this offends you, but can you tell me...how and why are you here?

[When in doubt, try diplomacy. Does he need food and drink? Does she need to take responsibility for her actions?!]

...what?

[ He still can't entirely believe this. It's... well. Not unheard of, but it's stupid. Ridiculous. He stares down at her with a mixture of contempt and confusion. He's been summoned to fight and his master doesn't even know who or what he is? What trash. ]

You don't even know that much? What kind of mage are you?

[ How is he going to win with her as his master? UGH. ]

[If she could read his mind, she'd probably have punched him in the stomach right then and there, just for thinking that. At the same time, Vietnam has always thought that being underestimated is the best weapon. Potentially, she could get more information this way.

For example, she has no idea what a mage is.]

I do not. For I am no mage, I am a country. [A pause.] W-whatever a mage is. Why do you think I am asking you? I admit, I do not know much. Please help me understand.

You're a country?

[ Cu leans waaaay down to get a better look at her, one eyebrow cocked. She looks like a person. Aren't countries more concepts than anything else? Then again, he's a Heroic Spirit, so who even knows what's possible and what isn't? ]

If you're not a mage, how did you summon me?

[Vietnam stays still, enough for him to take a look, though she fiddles with the end of her ponytail while he does so. In a way, it means she can get a better look at him too, and she has to admit, she's never seen red eyes so vibrant before. Either way, he's right in his assumptions.]

A country. I am Vietnam, it is nice to meet you. [And she bows politely. Although, seeing as he's already confused enough as it is by being here, she decides it might be easier to just offer an alternate name.] Ah, if it too difficult, you can call me Sen.

But oh! [She gestures towards the circle they're now standing on, and shows him a piece of paper with the lines she recited.] Before your arrival, I was...doing this. Is there anything else I'm missing?

[A catalyst, but she doesn't know the antique earrings she purchased during her trip to Ireland had anything to do with that.]

Look, I know about Vietnam, but - you're not a country, you're a person!

[ He drags a hand down his face. ]

Aw, jeeze, did I get a crazy one...

[ She's right there, Lancer. Don't be rude. He adjusts his stance, lance dangling over his shoulder as his attention snaps back to her. Well, he's just going to have to make the best of this, right? Even if his master is a crazy amnesiac who apparently doesn't know the first thing about any of this. ]

Look, I'm not a mage-

[ This time, anyway. He's a lancer, not a caster. ]

-but you did something right to summon me. Probably whatever chant you've got written down there. Plus a catalyst...

H-hey! I'm right here. And I don't want to be hearing that from someone who just materialised in front of me. I never knew this was possible! [She heard that, Lancer! But she understands his frustration nevertheless, so raises her hand to show him, that yes indeed she is flesh and blood.]

I am a country in human form. As in, I think it is best to consider me a spirit, one that exists alongside a country's history. It is hard to explain...but I function like a human. Feel free to ask me questions.

[Because lord knows she has many for him. With that out of the way, she looks around, thinking. Circle, chant, and a catalyst? What is on her that she might even use as one? What did she leave...wait!]

Give me a minute. [She rummages through the junk around, which is barely because she's quite neat.] England--...a-ah, Arthur, they say he is a mage. I heard a rumour that he summoned someone using catalysts before. So I am guessing that if it is true that England has magic, maybe Ireland, his brother, does too. [And voila! Antique earrings.

Her hypothesis is close, but not quite the same. She only heard of this, she never knew they had magic. Still! She holds the earrings out to show him.]

I had these here when I was practicing, since I haven't finished unpacking since my trip to Ireland last week.

Edited 2017-12-15 00:07 (UTC)

That-!

[ OK, that actually makes sense to him. Sort of like a heroic spirit, but for an entire country? It makes sense... sort of. Then again, if people like him can exist, why not her? His brow furrows and he frowns. Just because he kind of gets it now doesn't mean he's happy about the situation. Especially because she starts talking about other countries and then whips out some familiar-looking earrings. ]

Ireland? That's where I'm from-

[ Wait a minute. ]

And those look like mine.

[Indeed! But that will be for another time, considering that he doesn't seem to be question it anymore, now that she's talking about a potential catalyst. After all, she's owned a lot of these items for a long long time and no convention practice has ever lead to this mess.

But as soon as she had these earrings, this happened.

So imagine her surprise when he tells her those earrings were his.]

What?! I bought them from an antique store.

[She holds them up, out towards him.]

Are they yours? You should have them back then...I mean, I believe you. If you're here.

[There is no reason to doubt him when he materialised RIGHT HERE. And thinking about it, as she holds them up...they look like they suit him.]

Tch-

[ He half turns his head so the earrings he's wearing glint in the light. He doesn't really need them right now, does he? He's a heroic spirit, not a human being. ]

I don't need that pair. I'm surprised they still exist in this day and age, though. I thought they would've buried them with me or something...

[ Being dead is kind of a drag, honestly. ]

Besides, it's not like I'm going to be able to take them with me when the Grail War is over.

[SHE COULDN'T SEE BECAUSE SHE'S TOO SHORT. No just kidding. When he turns his head, she can definitely see; they definitely look like they're his, really. How did they end up with her? In an antique store, in her hands, in a summoning circle that called him. Either way, they suit him well.]

Ah, they're really yours. But...I'm not sure how there are two pairs now, but I guess if that it is made for you--wait, buried with you? You were once...[THINK THINK THINK. Where did you go prior to the antique store? Well, Ireland spoke nonstop about C--...Vietnam stops.]

Who are you? [Other than knowing he's some dead guy, and he's Irish. She can't actually blurt it out without being certain, could say the wrong name and all.] And what is this Grail War? Will you disappear once it is over?

[Her hand grips his earrings tight. It kind of sucks to be summoned and then have to go soon after.]

Eh, the ones I'm wearing aren't... they're a part of me. It's complicated.

[ Look, he doesn't have time to explain everything to a complete novice. What's more, a complete novice who has no idea what she's even competing in, let alone how Heroic Spirits work. ]

Lancer-class. But in life, I was Cu Chulainn.

[ His grin spreads wide. ]

Heard of me?

[ Why is he always summoned in Asia, of all places? In Europe or Ireland, he'd be way more powerful. ]

Mmm...[Looks like something she'll learn about in due time, like how his clothes work as well. In that case... She puts his earrings on. Ta-da! Sen isn't too sure if this is too bold though, but she did pay for these.

Either way, she's actually a military captain. She'll figure it out as they go, when it comes to war. She'll keep calm enough even if the magic will SURPRISE her. Because what is that.

Especially when "Lancer-class" made no sense to her.]

Lancer-class... Wait. [His name. So what Ireland was talking non stop about?

She moves closer to him excitedly, starry eyed and in awe, trying to look him all over, considering--]

I know you! I heard many things about you when I was on my trip! Ah, Cu Chulainn in the flesh? How is this possible? But it is an honour!

Eh? You've heard of me?

[ That brings more of a smile to his face - a smug grin that seems to grow as she says it's an honor to meet him. He laughs and waves a hand, starting to look a bit more comfortable. Well, if she's heard of his legend, she can't be all bad. But still...]

But don't tell me you don't know about the classes or anything else? How did you even summon me if you're not in the Grail War?

[She nods again and settles back onto her heels. Though not exactly how she would imagine Cu Chulainn to look, he is the picture of a warrior: Tall, muscular, and as Ireland said, very handsome. Apart from him being blunt, he's got a pleasant laugh too, so maybe he'll be easy to get along with. Or so she hoped, anyway.]

I have. It's nice to meet you, really, Cu Chulainn. [Obviously, if she knew about the classes, she wouldn't be calling him that.] But I really do not know a single thing. I do not know how I summoned you either, or why. Just that you are here.

[She gives him a look over again, curious. Wars aren't foreign to her, but this one might have her in over her head. And yet, she fears nothing.] Is this war important to you? In which case--

[Immediately she stands up to attention, straight back, legs together, hand on her chest. The tone of her voice is firm, and her eyes darker.] What would you want me to do, comrade? Tell me everything, if we are to be partners. I summoned you, no? Then I will do my best, for you are now under my protection.

[It was just for a minute, but she breaks position.] Unless you prefer to settle down first? You only just got here.

That's - and I just told you my true name. Great.

[ He sighs quietly and lifts a hand to rub at his forehead. Just his luck. His terrible, awful luck. His expression settles into a frown as he listens to her. At least she's enthusiastic and apparently willing to learn, but - man, she's strange. It's hard to get a good feel for her magic circuits or anything else about her. There's a sense of power, but not quite the same as any other magus he's encountered. ]

Well, since I'm here, I assume there's a Grail War on, right? Which means that we're going to be fighting six other masters and their Heroic Spirits for possession of the Holy Grail, which has incredible power. And there must be something you want form it, or you wouldn't be here-!

[ He reaches out to grab her wrist. ]

Hey, lemme see your hand.

True name...[That must be his name Cu Chulainn, but it appears she should not be using it.] Then I should refer to you as...?

[She tilts her head, frowning because he's stressing out. But, now with the explanation, it makes a bit more sense. Well, enough sense, but not completely. She has questions about these other masters, their Heroic Spirits. This Holy Grail, which she only knows from Arthurian and religious legends. And if they're trying to fight for the Holy Grail, then obviously, even if she didn't want it, they would be after her and Cu anyway.

She's quiet, her words short, as she tries to process this.]

So it's a war, seven fronts. And I have a Lancer, a hero of old as my army? [She taps her chin in thought.] As for what I want from the Grail, not that I know of. [However, she does have a lot of ambition, so it could have triggered it.] I mean, who doesn't have hopes and dreams? But...[Should she be fighting for something that sounds like it's pitting others against each other in order to give them something they want? Sounds a bit suspicious.

Either way, she lets him look at her hand, her wrist easily taken and on it--]

Wait, that wasn't there before.

[The red marks on her hand that unfurls like a flower in intricate strokes.]

[ Then again, maybe it's one of those weird wars where there's seven to a side, but that would imply there were other people around. Instead it's just her and it's just him. He's still frowning, but there it is - a flower of command seals on the back of her hand. He stares for a long moment, brow furrowed as he tries to collect his thoughts. What the Hell - a mage who doesn't know she's a mage. Who has basically no magic circuits.

This keeps getting weirder and weirder. ]

Command seals. They're proof that you're my master - that you're involved in this thing.

[ Hmmph. He's not sure whether he's relieved or just irritated. ]

Do I have to explain these, too?

[Exactly that, she is wondering, who else is involved? She hasn't felt, heard anything, but considering that he's only just appeared, perhaps information will come soon. She will try to figure it out, step by step. After all, he looks distressed. Is it because she knows nothing? Those who partake in this war must know everything there is to know. To be a magi.

Her hand clenches in his grip, trying to look at her markings.]

Command seals... [She repeats, but it's true, she knows nothing about it.]

I am thinking it is something to do with commanding you. [Her eyes suddenly narrow. After all, she doesn't like the idea of enslaving someone, even if they are now bound.] Please. I need to know if I have to use them.

I guess I'll do you a favor and fill you in. Even if you seem useless.

[ He should do something else. Kill her, find another master, because a part of him is sure that she's just going to get him needlessly killed. She understands nothing. Tch. ]

When you use a command seal, I have to follow the order. I'm compelled by magic, even if it would result in my death. But you only get three - so if you want me dead, you make sure it sticks. Or I come back and take care of you.

Hey! I heard that again!

[He just called her useless, right to her face. She scoffs to herself because in all honesty, she does seem that way, doesn't she? She's small, slender, and doesn't look like she could hurt. But that's exactly how she wants to appear. So she doesn't argue, yet.

So despite looking a bit pouty, she listens carefully. And now she looks at the markings on her hand, it's pretty definite there are three.]

So that is what it is. I am not willing to try nor use them. You are bound only to your own choices, whether or not you wish to work with me. [She crosses her arms and taps her chin, until suddenly she smiles. It's eerily sweet, as small as it is, since this is someone who doesn't often smile. It seems like he pressed a particular button.]

So I won't try to command your death, I promise. Besides, can you really take care of me? I can't die. At most, you'll just hurt me in the worst way possible, and then I will heal and stand up. [Good ol' immortality by being linked to the world.]

You're an idiot, then.

[ He scoffs and drops her arm with a shake of his head. ]

Just because I've been summoned to serve you doesn't mean we get along. Or that I'll even see you as worthy. Servants kill their own masters sometimes and try to set themselves up with another magi. Or sometimes they just don't like their master. And we're usually more powerful. Those seals - those are your insurance policy against people like me.

[ He seems not a wit affected by her declaration of loyalty. Or her implication that she can't be killed. ]

Do you want to test that? I'd rather not stain my spear with the blood of my master just yet, but...

you know what this is

H E H

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