middaeg | open catch-all + closed prompts for August

[But you are not my King.]

[Ozymandias does not come to a pause until then. There's something too prideful and protective in his tone for someone possessing the audacity personally insulted at the expectation that he show deference. But what is it? Not even when he finally hears footsteps meant to follow his own does he turn to look at Waver. If he makes it far enough to make it into Ozymandias' periphery, he follows him with his eyes, but he does not turn his head or resume his progress.]

What can you afford?

[He wants to ask what exactly he means by that. What could possibly supersede the authority of the King of Kings, but he doesn't have enough to follow that line of questioning just yet. So, he asks that instead.]

[ He paused, though he didn't look at him; they're both stubborn and prideful in their own ways, it seems. Waver doesn't insist on waiting for Ozymandias to turn back to him before following though, now that he's made his point and tempered expectations.

Really, he kind of wanted to go home first, maybe change out of his work clothes, but it's not as though his regular clothing is any less stuffy than the button-up and waistcoat he wears to work.

For someone with such short legs, he walks pretty quickly when he sets his mind to it, catches up and meets Ozymandias's eyes without any more hesitation now that he knows his title than before. ]

Er...

[ That's a good question, actually. Luckily, he just got paid, but Waver doesn't want to spend all his hard-earned money on some bet, even if he is genuinely interested in learning more about his companion. ]

Nothing too high-end. Actually, if your expectations are too pharaoh-like, maybe I should say you'll have to settle for a commoner establishment.

I don't frequent bars, myself, so I don't really know anywhere good. We could ask around?

[Ozymandias sighs, disappointment at Waver's funds being quite apparent. But at this point, he's used to having to compromise on the luxury he is used to. It's not as though there has been a palace for him to make his own after all. So, despite the sigh, he doesn't complain. Besides, he cannot truly ask Waver to make good on his word at an expense beyond his means. That would be unfair.]

I know of a few places, [he says, walking once more.] I sampled many during the festival.

[Unlike Waver, Ozymandias does like his drink. Be it wine or a good beer, he's interested.]

Oh, good. That makes things easier.

Lead the way.

[ ...though he already is.

Waver is determined to keep up, of course. Let's see how long he can make it trying to keep up with Ozymandias's stride before he gets winded... lucky he's actually gotten a little stronger physically since becoming a turnskin. He won't completely embarrass himself. Maybe. ]

So about this whole... Pharaoh business...?

[ He's come around to the idea that apparently there are a lot more former Servants here from other wars and whatnot than he ever could have guessed, so admittedly that's the first thing Waver thinks of, but of course he's aware that statistically it's still an infinitesimal chance. Especially considering he introduced himself by his name, not a class like all the others Waver's met so far. It's just that he has a hard time wrapping his head around the concept of an ancient king in any other instance besides the one he's now used to. ]

You're... really him? Pharaoh of Egypt on the planet Earth, also know as Ramses II?

[ Because it's that, or he's a total nutcase, and Waver isn't completely discounting that possibility yet either... ]

[Ozymandias might seem like he's made the decision to be polite in ignoring the redundant request for him to lead the way, but really, he doesn't see it as being particularly worth addressing. At the very least, Waver appears capable of keeping up, so Ozymandias keeps at his pace with no signs of slowing down for Waver's sake.]

[At the mention of Pharaoh business, he hums curiously and looks at Waver, visibly perplexed by his labeling it as such until he hears the follow-up questions. Or rather question as they both boil down to the same thing in the end. He huffs a small laugh then. (Relative to him, it's small anyway.) Waver is far from the first to question his identity and will likely not be the last, but it never ceases to be somewhat amusing that his name is the part that's so difficult to believe given everything else about their mutual circumstances.]

And who else would I be? Surely even you, likely born well after my lifetime and the line of pharaohs, can recognize that you are in the presence of the one known to be the King of Kings.

[ Waver peers up at him with interest, though perhaps without the sort of astonishment one might expect if he really does believe what Ozymandias is saying.

The thing is... he believes it, or at least has decided to believe it until proven otherwise, but considering all he's been through and the sort of world they find themselves in, it is a lot easier to go along with than it would have been not that long ago. ]

Hmm...

[ A thoughtful sound, considering it. Outside of the context of a war, in a place where they've met under rather friendly circumstances, Waver doesn't feel threatened by him. He can't help but think back, momentarily, to the King of Heroes: the look in his scarlet eyes, the fear gripping his lungs, leaving him utterly frozen--

Waver falters a step, heart racing involuntarily. Even now, with Iskandar at his side again and Fuyuki City far away, it's difficult to shake the sense of being so small and overwhelmed.

He's an idiot for dismissing the idea of meeting a Pharaoh like this. He should know better by now than to get caught up in his own pride.

Waver exhales shakily. He's already a little out of breath, between the exertion and mentally tripping over the not so distant past. ]

I- I see. It's just a bit of a surprise for the exact reason you're saying.

[ Though perhaps at this point... it really shouldn't be. ]

[It seems similar to what Ozymandias observed that night. Waver appears to have his moments of bravery, of pride, and seems perfectly in control and capable. But then something slips and there's a more vulnerable, child-like emotion that emerges where his confidence falters. This time his momentary weakness manifests in a slight stumble as he scurries to keep pace with Ozymandias.]

[It's a display of weakness in the end, but at the very least, it would appear Waver finally understands who he walks alongside. And Ozymandias quite clearly glows under the recognition.]

I do not fault you for being overwhelmed by my radiance, [he says with a wave of his hand.] I imagine it is far beyond your imagination that you would have the opportunity to encounter me.

[He grins at Waver.]

And at least now you understand the importance of keeping your debts to me.

[ Waver's lips purse faintly in annoyance, meeting that grin with a flat look. ]

Don't get ahead of yourself... You don't know anything about me, [ he reminds, pointedly. Really, he knows he shouldn't annoy someone like this -- for his own sake, in case it turns out to be far more troublesome than it's worth -- but he's annoyed now too. The attitude is at once kind of familiar, and grating. ]

You're not the first Pharaoh I've met.

[Now it is Ozymandias' turn to begin suspecting what Waver might be. He did not, after all, deny that he is from a much more modern era than Ozymandias, and yet he has possessed the honor of being before another pharaoh before Ozymandias? He cants his head as his pace slows and eventually comes to a stop. It has the benefit that Waver will be given a moment to properly catch his breath. However,]

Show your face to me, [Ozymandias says this as he grabs Waver's chin, tipping his face towards his and leaning in a little closer. It's really less his face that Ozymandias wants a closer look at and more his eyes, which he believes wholeheartedly reveal all about a person. While there is obvious intelligence in Waver's eyes, perhaps even a touch of cunning, he sees nothing that reflects the strength or might of a king. If his newfound suspicions were correct, Ozymandias would never accept him as his Master.]

[But simply because he is the exemplar does not mean that all within the long line of pharaohs would necessarily reject this boy. Some might take pity upon him, others wish to take advantage. Some may even want to guide him, push him until he finally sheds the last vestiges of boyhood with his clumsiness and insecurity, to stand as tall and proud as a pharaoh might.]

[Ozymandias hums lightly, and releases Waver's chin, righting himself once more.]

Tell me, which Pharaoh was it that you met? And by what means is it that someone like you came to meet them?

[ Waver stops alongside him, not breaking eye contact-- and though he tenses in surprise when he's grabbed, clearly uncomfortable judging by the way his newly doglike ears press down against his hair and his hands clench into fists at his sides, it seems he knows better than to fight back or pull away too roughly. Nor does he look away. Waver stares back up at him, lips pressed into a hard line to keep himself from saying anything to make this matter worse.

For a few moments, he just forces himself to take a couple of measured breaths in silence, letting Ozymandias observe what he thinks he needs to. Then, once released, Waver takes a half-step back only after Ozymandias himself straightens. He's never been very good at hiding how he feels, and his new animalistic features make it even harder, but despite being clearly flustered, Waver doesn't try to put more distance between them.

His reply is firm, and proud. ]

Iskandar, King of Conquerors. I am his vassal.

[ And so, as he'd told Ozymandias: he serves another King. ]

The way we met might be out of the ordinary, if you aren't familiar with a certain summoning ritual for a certain... war between mages, back on Earth. So explaining it to you might make no sense.

[ He's watching Ozymandias's face though, intently, waiting to see any spark of recognition. ]

Unless you already understand...?

[It starts extremely quietly at first. Ozymandias covering part of his face with a hand as he starts snickering. It's not because of Waver's loyalty, his claim to be Iskandar's vassal, or Iskandar himself, but because it makes immediate and complete sense to Ozymandias. Of all the pharaohs, Iskandar would be the one to accept this boy as his Master wholeheartedly. He has that way about him, of inspiring others to fight for themselves and if they lack the strength, to find their means of gaining it. By the time Waver asks him if he already understands what it is he's referring to, Ozymandias can't contain his laughter anymore and throws his head back with it.]

[It takes him a few moments to regain his composure again, but he manages to catch his breath and claps Waver on the shoulder before resuming his progress.]

Short of myself, you could not have chosen a better Pharaoh to serve, boy! [Never mind that Ozymandias would have rejected him outright as his Master. Details.] Iskandar's radiant light will no doubt lead you to greatness. You shall learn a great deal from serving him.

[He does pause to look back at Waver.]

It also appears he has chosen well in you as a Master and vassal. That you would risk defying my divine right as king to all, knowing full well who I am, in the name of your fealty to him...

[He laughs again, not mockingly, but quite clearly pleased as he turns once more and continues walking. Waver does well in his courage and his loyalty to bring glory to Iskandar's name.]

[ Waver isn't sure what he'd been expecting, exactly-- maybe for Ozymandias to get annoyed or even angry, to try to insist on his greatness over Iskandar's or something ~~in some pointless kingly pissing contest~~ or even to ask who that is, considering Iskandar was Pharaoh much after Ozymandias's time, and Waver hadn't been entirely certain if it was truly a Heroic Spirit he was dealing with. But the laughter? That, he's wholly unprepared for.

And the longer it continues, the more genuinely upset Waver looks, and angry. Is Ozymandias laughing at him? Or at Iskandar? The first thought is extremely unpleasant and makes him bristle for sure, but the second is even worse. He's just trying to decide how to ask and what he's supposed to do in a sudden situation like this, which has never happened before, of someone disrespecting his King...

When Ozymandias claps him on the back with enough enthusiasm to send Waver staggering forward several steps. ]

Waah--?!

[ Aaand he's already walking away again. Waver regains his balance, blinking after him, mouth hanging open. What the hell is going on?

He doesn't like having to jog to keep up, but what is he supposed to do? This conversation isn't over!! ]

S-so you do understand! [ Aha. A Heroic Spirit, after all! His instincts had been right, but Waver doesn't really have the time right now to bask in the satisfaction of being Correct. He has to keep up with this long-legged idiot if he wants to hear what's being said. ]

I'm not-- I'm not his Master. Despite the circumstances of the War in which we met, I mean- I did summon him, but--

[ He'd foolishly tried to be, but now he knows that was never really the case. He'd never been cut out for it. He hadn't been able to do anything-- ]

Please stop laughing!

[ At this point, Waver has no idea if it's laughing at him still or just laughing in general. Either way, it's embarrassing and confusing, and he's a bit overwhelmed swinging so quickly between being furious at Ozymandias's disrespect and now trying to figure out how to weather his praise. It's a lot!! ]

I will do no such thing when I am in such high spirits!

[Much of Ozymandias' laughter has settled down from where it was in the beginning, but it shows very little sign of truly stopping even as it's quieted some. It's only because Waver asked politely for him to stop that he even bothered to acknowledge the request.]

You must tell Iskandar of our meeting when next you two meet. And that you will have the honor of sharing a drink with me.

Ah, but you must also send along my warm regards for the King of Conquerors.

[~~Say hi to Iskandar for Ozymandias, Waver.~~]

[If it seems to Waver that Ozymandias is simply brushing right past his protests at not being Iskandar's Master, he would be correct. Regardless of what happened during the War, he was the one to have summoned Iskandar. For him to have sworn fealty, they clearly spent plenty of time, which would indicate that the contract was accept. The particulars beyond that matter little to him.]

[He stops outside one of the taverns finally, and gestures to the building.]

What do you think? Something you can afford?

[ It's at least good to know they apparently get along. Then again... it's difficult to imagine Iskandar not getting along with most people. ]

Er-- Y-yeah, I'll let him know.

[ Sharing a drink with him more like buying him a drink... at a dive bar?? The tavern doesn't look that reputable from the outside, at least according to Waver's sensibilities (he doesn't know shit about bars, actually), but on the other hand that hopefully means it's cheap.

At least he doesn't have to keep half-jogging to keep up anymore. It's embarrassing, especially for a Turnskin, that he's actually a little out of breath. In this case, at least he has the excuse that it could be in part due to the emotional excitement too. ]

I- I think this should be fine. [ not that he's looked at the menu yet... ]

Have you been here before?

[Ozymandias looks down at Waver and nods. He notices that Waver's out of breath, but has no inclination to say anything of it. If he failed to keep pace, that would have merited a remark more than the simple fact of being slightly winded.]

It's surprising that a place like this would be worthy of my patronage, I know, but don't let their appearance fool you. [He looks back up at the building.] This isn't a tavern near the Harbor. The drink here isn't cheap swill meant to fill your belly midday while you work the docks. It will be worth your coins.

[He claps Waver on the shoulder again in a gesture of reassurance, gentler this time now that he's not succumbed to a fit of laughter, and moves towards the door.]

Come then! If it is suitable for your means, then we waste time standing out here simply looking at it.

[ Hey, at least it's less, uh, enthusiastic this time. Waver only staggers momentarily instead of pitching forward like before.

He follows Ozymandias in, letting him go first less out of deference and more because he actually knows where he's going. ]

All right, all right.

[ ...when is the right time to admit he's an absolute lightweight?? it's fine, right? he's just buying Ozymandias a drink or two, never said anything about buying himself any. ]

I'm sure your standards are discerning and all that. As long as it's reasonably priced for those standards, this looks perfectly fine to me.

[ Heck, if it's actually good... maybe he'll ask Iskandar if he wants to go sometime... ]

Edited 2019-08-14 04:29 (UTC)

[Oh, Waver. You are Boo Boo the Fool if you really think you're not drinking, too. Ozymandias said sharing a drink for a reason. Granted the lack of plurals on that may be a little misleading, but even so!]

[The interior of the tavern is roughly what Waver might have expected looking from the outside. While it's clean enough and nothing is in blatant shambles, it's obvious that both tables and seats have seen their fair share of years in service of the patrons of the establishment and they've seen some fallen or misplaced brethren as well with sets occasionally appearing mismatched.]

[This time of day, the bar has not yet begun to fill with customers, which can easily be told both by sight and sound. Conversation among coworkers and friends who have, similar to Waver, completed their shifts for the day already fills the bar, but it is not so impossibly loud that one must shout to be heard even just seated across from one another.]

[There are a few pauses in the conversations as some of the patrons look over at Ozymandias and Waver as they enter the bar, likely out of curiosity who else might make an appearance and if it's anyone they know. When it's not, everything picks right up without missing more than a beat or two. There's a sit wherever you like, boys, and I'll be right with you from behind the bar from one of the waitresses, who is in the middle of pouring drinks for a group clumped around the bar. Ozymandias nods in acknowledgment though he was already in the process of leading Waver towards a booth.]

[It likely comes as no shock to Waver that Ozymandias makes himself right at home in his seat by more or less sprawling into it, posture completely relaxed and slouched. He gestures for Waver to sit across from him, which is really the only place he could sit. Ozymandias' leg at this point is occupying the other seat next to him.]

We should perhaps wait for our drinks, but I am immensely curious as to how it is you came to be Iskandar's vassal.

[ Waver is actually rather relieved to see the inside of the tavern looks about the same as the outside led him to believe it might; he hopes that also means that the prices are about what he envisioned too.

And no, it's no surprise at all when Ozymandias makes himself right at home, stretching out and lounging and taking up way more space than any one person should be able to get away with in polite society. Stifling a sigh, Waver takes the seat across from the Pharaoh as bidden and folds his hands on the tabletop.

This isn't the sort of conversation he'd thought they'd be having, and he feels like he may have accidentally gotten himself in over his head (again), considering what kind of being he's dealing with... but at this point, it's also oddly familiar. Even without knowing Ozymandias personally, there's plenty Waver can extrapolate from his previous dealings with ancient kings and knights and whatnot. ]

I don't mind telling you. But I'm also curious... [ he admits, honestly -- and thinking Ozymandias won't be able to resist a chance to talk about his own accomplishments. ]

Were you summoned to a Holy Grail War? Or under... different circumstances of some sort?

[ Waver still doesn't really understand what Berserker's circumstances were either, but he is definitely more aware now that there are other instances in which Heroic Spirits can be summoned. ]

[Waver's assumption that Ozymandias cannot resist the opportunity to talk about himself is a safe one to make because it's absolutely correct. He grins at the question before nodding. For the moment, he's distracted from Waver's lack of an answer but not ignorant that he's not really provided one.]

Both. But as it turns out, it was not the will of the gods that I would be the one to save humanity. My Master didn't survive and I was summarily defeated within my own temple by two noble and brave Servants. [He says none of this with bitterness or regret. If anything, he sounds...proud of it. Which, if there was any question of that, he chuckles.] While it pales in comparison to the eternal life I was entitled to as Pharaoh, but it was a glorious battle and those I've participated in since have been worthy of my involvement.

[They are momentarily interrupted as the waitress comes over asking if they need the food menu. Although food and drink certainly go hand-in-hand, for his part, Ozymandias raises his hand as a wordless no. Waver only agreed to drinks, after all, and Ozymandias will not take advantage of him making good on his word that way. Waver is, however, able to decide differently for himself.]

[ Waver, a cheapskate and an absolute buffoon, politely declines to order any food either, and the waitress leaves only the drink menu, giving them time to choose. Waver nudges it toward Ozymandias. ]

Both? What does both mean?

[ Waver doesn't seem surprised that Ozymandias isn't upset by an honorable defeat, especially considering he just humble-bragged that it took two other Servants to take him down after his Master was gone. Considering how well-known a historical figure he is, and how old, Waver imagines he must be rather powerful indeed. ]

What class were you summoned as? [ he adds, purely out of curiosity. ]

[Although it's unnecessary to pass the menu to Ozymandias -- as he already knows what he wishes to order -- Waver is wise to pass it to Ozymandias first. He accepts it given Waver's effort towards the proper order of things, but only idly looks it over rather than truly reading as he addresses his second question first.]

I am summoned as a Rider class Servant. One of my Noble Phantasms is a Divine Beast, the Sphinx of Abu el-Hol.

[Similar to the way Ozymandias does not bother with withholding his true name to anyone, he does not bother with disguising his Noble Phantasms either. There is little point in obfuscating anything here, but that simply is not Ozymandias' way. As far as he's concerned, declaring himself Rider and refusing to speak of his strength would be an act of cowardice.]

As to your other question, it appears my assumption that I was meant to protect humanity was not entirely incorrect. I was merely mistaken about the timing and context. The Master who summoned me did not do so for the sake of the Holy Grail, but to ensure the future of humanity.

[He slides the menu back to Waver.]

It's the same reason your king was also summoned by the very same Master.

...huh?

[ This is making less and less sense the more Ozymandias explains it. Waver stares at him, ignoring the menu being slid back toward him. He hasn't even looked at it. ]

Ensuring the future of humanity...

[ There was someone else who was telling him something similar, though Waver hadn't been able to get many details out of him. ]

Does this have anything to do with, er... Chaldea?

[ And Iskandar had been summoned again to do this other Master's bidding, someone who had contracts with many Servants for the purposes not of a Holy Grail War but something else entirely. Waver really doesn't understand how any of it works (and apparently neither does Berserker, for all that Waver had tried to pester him about it) but the thought of someone else summoning Iskandar feels a bit unpleasant. It's not that Waver is naive enough to think he's the only one ever, of course, but... still. He manages to keep it to himself. ]

[For the first time, Ozymandias' somewhat unflappable demeanor seems to give way to a look of surprise. He shifts slightly, almost sitting up but not quite committing to the action as his eyebrows raise. Waver is intelligent and obviously, know a few things given his involvement in a Holy Grail War, but Chaldea doesn't seem to be as equally commonplace knowledge even among the Servants.]

You've heard of it? [But then he seems to remember himself and settles back down. Waver has obviously run into other Servants here besides Ozymandias and Iskandar. (But there goes his thunder in getting to explain it... He wants to know who would dare steal it from Pharaoh, but it's not that important. Probably.) With a dismissive wave of his hand, he continues,] Excellent! Then I won't need to waste my time explaining it to you.

[ He's surprised. Waver catches it, cocking his head very slightly as he watches Ozymandias shift in his seat. ]

Wait-- huh?

[ No, this isn't what he wanted! ]

You misunderstand. I've only heard of it, but I don't know much about it. Something about a Master with a bunch of Servants trying to save the world...?

[ He can't quite keep the skepticism out of his voice, muttering: ] It sounds like a bad superhero movie...

Superhero movie?

[Ozymandias frowns not because he's upset with Waver's mumblings to himself, but he's trying to remember what exactly a superhero movie is. Movie, he understands, but superhero? What was it...?]

[Unfortunately, there's not much time for Ozymandias to figure it out or Waver to supply the answer as their waitress returns. Ozymandias sits up then, both feet firmly on the floor as she asks if they've decided what they would like. Ozymandias quite cheerfully puts in an order for a pitcher of a particular beer they have on tap. Waver may notice that Ozymandias requests two glasses to come with that pitcher, but if he somehow misses it, he can't likely ignore Ozymandias' sudden shift in his gaze from the waitress to Waver.]

Unless you already decided on something else to drink.

[While his tone is still friendly, still just as cheerful as when he placed his order, Ozymandias very intentionally leaves little room for Waver to say no. He didn't even frame it as a question let alone leave any room to say no to partaking in the drinking. It's either agree to the beer or order something else. There's no third option of disagreeing. Especially since the waitress shortly thereafter follows Ozymandias' gaze and is now looking at him expectantly, too, though with far, far, far less implicit pressure.]

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