middaeg | open catch-all + closed prompts for August

[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.]

Ah...

[ Waver looks between them, skirting the waitress's intent stare to glance back over at Ozymandias instead. The former Servant knows Waver hasn't even looked at the menu. There's no way he could have missed the fact Waver clearly hadn't been thinking of getting a drink... unless of course he thinks Waver was waiting for him to decide everything, which might actually be more along the lines of the truth.

Figures.

Waver isn't exactly surprised. He doesn't like beer, but that just means he'll probably be able to get away with sipping it very slowly and letting Ozymandias drink the rest. ]

No.

Whatever you want is fine.

[With that settled, the waitress nods and collects the menu before promising to return with their order shortly. Ozymandias watches her go before sitting back some in his seat, waving his hand dismissively as he seamlessly returns to their conversation prior to the waitress' interruption.]

You say you don't know much about Chaldea, but you more or less just described the situation. One Master, multiple Servants, and a threat against humanity. What more is there really to know?

Er...

[ Well, yeah. Like everything?? ]

It all sounds... impractical to me. How does one Master contract more than a few Servants, at most?

What kind of threat are we talking about?

And what does 'Chaldea' refer to, anyway?

[ Berserker had made it sound like a place, but maybe it's also something else? What kind of place? Please, he's so curious and Berserker is so useless... ]

[Ozymandias laughs as the questions continue, one right after the other.]

It is fortunate that you swore your fealty to Iskandar, boy. I would not tolerate someone pelting me with so many questions before I've had a drop to drink otherwise. [He rests an elbow on the table and his head on a loose fist.] Especially when he has chosen to neglect answering my question to him.

[With the subject drifting away from being focused on Ozymandias more directly and onto Chaldea, his interest wanes and drifts back towards his original question regarding Waver and his participation in a Holy Grail War. Looking at Waver intently now, it's difficult to imagine how this boy might have survived such a thing, but considering the Servant he summoned... Ozymandias smiles to himself. Were he Ozymandias' Master there is no doubt he would have befallen the same fate as his own in Tokyo, but Iskandar would not have allowed for such a thing to happen.]

Slow yourself and I will answer your questions.

Ah...

[ Belatedly, Waver seems to finally become aware of himself, flushing at Ozymandias's observation that he didn't even bother answering him before suddenly having twenty questions of his own. He shifts his weight slightly in his seat, feeling caught-out. ]

Right.

[ Fair's fair. ]

You wanted to know how I came to summon Rider-- Iskandar?

[ That's... a story. One he's not entirely proud of at this point. Waver hesitates, suddenly considering what Ozymandias said about sharing stories before drinking and wondering if it really would be easier after. ]

Like I said, I don't understand the details around your Chaldea, but from what I have learned, it may be something like an alternate or parallel time-space occurrence, as -- so far as I can understand -- the Grail War in which I participated and the ones preceding it didn't happen.

[ Maybe. Or at least not to Berserker's limited knowledge, which might mean little. For all Waver knows, it's in the distant future or something. ]

All this to say... I summoned him the way any mage wishing to become a Master would. The Grail gave me Command Seals in preparation for the Holy Grail War.

[It's not a very full answer, Ozymandias notes, but it is technically an answer. Perhaps with a little alcohol in him, Waver's lips might loosen and he will say more. For now, Ozymandias contents himself with the answer Waver provides.]

You are correct about the existence of parallel worlds, though I suppose I hardly need to tell you that, [he says with a slight gesture of his free hand to their surroundings. If one could still doubt their existence while being here somehow...] The Holy Grail War I was summoned to battle in likely exists no more in your world than it does to Chaldea, but those of us summoned to Chaldea and were summoned to that particular War remember it well.

[The waitress returns with her tray, setting down a glass in front of Ozymandias and then one in front of Waver before placing the pitcher between them. She asks that they let her know if they want a refill or need anything. Ozymandias nods to her politely before she walks away to tend to her other tables.]

Another Servant here participated in the same War as I did. [Ozymandias sits up to begin filling their glasses. He starts with Waver's glass rather than his own, filling it very nearly to the brim.] One of the two Servants that managed to defeat me in a glorious battle that I mentioned earlier. in fact.

[He hums in light amusement as he begins filling his own glass.]

I don't much care for hiding behind class names, but it seems to be his preference to be known as Saber, so I will respect that. If you meet and he provides you his true name, that will be his choice.

[He respects Arthur far too much as both a warrior and as a king to go against his wish to be known as Saber, even if he finds it foolish. Especially now that Arthur can no longer hide his blade. The moment anyone familiar with him or his legend sees that, they will know exactly who they are in the presence of, and all the hiding will have been for naught. But that does seem to be Arthur's way. Hiding.]

[Setting the pitcher back down, he sits back once more with his glass.]

[ Waver's eyes widen slightly in surprise, ears perking forward interestedly at the mention that Ozymandias actually does remember both-- and again at the mention of this Saber-class Servant.

Apparently, Waver's just getting surprised all around at this point because Ozymandias also pours his glass first, and Waver's left staring at it, baffled. If anything, he'd been expecting Ozymandias to either wait for him to pour or just pour himself the first glass without waiting, so this show of politeness catches Waver rather off guard. ]

Wait, you remember both summonings? But Berserker said--

[ Waver has no idea if Berserker was part of the same war as this Saber, or even if the Saber in question is the same one he met in the Coven's infirmary recently. All these various Servants from alternate timelines and universes are very confusing. ]

Hold on. This Saber... is he a blond man, green eyes? This place has apparently decided he should be a dragon?

[While Waver is reeling and seems to be struggling with getting his thoughts in order for whatever reason (Ozymandias doesn't care to put too much thought into figure it out), Ozymandias takes a drink from his glass. He nods at his final pair of questions.]

So you've already met! [Ozymandias laughs in his own private amusement at how Waver seems to have a knack for meeting kings of the past. Even if one of them is a false, mad king that should have never been were it not for the selfish wishes of one woman.] He and I do not often agree with one another, but I have a great deal of respect for him. It's near impossible for me not to.

I met him very briefly, through a mutual acquaintance. I...

[ Waver hesitates, not quite sure how to approach this, or if he should be asking Ozymandias instead of Saber himself. But Ozymandias knows his True Name, and it's not as though this is a War where one's identity could pose a disadvantage.

Turning the beer glass around in his hand, Waver wipes at the condensation with his fingers, thinking for a moment. ]

I... recognized his sword. The Saber in the Holy Grail War I participated in used the same blade.

Is that so?

[He doesn't bother with feigning any surprise. The way Waver says it tells Ozymandias it's a different Servant who wields Excalibur in his world, which isn't particularly news to Ozymandias. He says nothing for a moment or two, opting to take another drink instead. When he sets his glass down on the table, it makes hardly a sound.]

Then it sounds to me that you already know who he is. But if he didn't confirm this to you directly, understand that I won't.

[Ozymandias and Arthur first met one another as enemies. Ozymandias sought to heal the world from its ills through drastic actions that Arthur could not abide by and ultimately eliminated Ozymandias from the War. But the past doesn't color their relationship much. Or rather, it doesn't for Ozymandias. The battle proved Arthur's worth and strength, impressing Ozymandias tremendously, but that is where it begins and ends. As for Arthur... Well, his penchant for self-flagellation isn't liable to go anywhere anytime soon.]

[But they've chosen to trust one another. To rely upon one another in this world. Ozymandias will not betray that.]

[ Waver shakes his head. ]

I understand. Don't worry.

I was just surprised to see another Servant holding her sword.

[ Actually, Waver doesn't think he knows who this Saber is; he knows King Arthur's face, after all, and that definitely hadn't been her. Maybe somebody related to her?

He knows not to push, though, and leaves it at that.

Finally, Waver decides to at least try the beer. Ozymandias had even poured it for him, and he'd rather not waste his money by letting it get thrown out. Lifting the glass with both hands, Waver takes a tentative sip--

And immediately makes a face, nose wrinkling, lips pursed. ]

...mm.

[ It's not exactly a resoundingly glowing review. Sorry, Ozman. ]

[Unlike before where Ozymandias has made at least some small attempts to contain his laughter, Waver's reaction to the beer earns an immediate snort that falls almost immediately into full laughter.]

Not to your liking? I commend your willingness to try it, [he noticed how tentative that sip had been,] but if the flavor is too strong, it is your coin. You are free to order something else you might enjoy better.

[ Waver flushes, embarrassed at how transparent his reaction had been but unable to deny it. He shakes his head. ]

I, er...

I don't usually drink. So I don't know what I would even like.

Besides, this is already on the table. I don't want to waste it.

You have little need to worry about that, boy, [Ozymandias says with a laugh. He might not be a giant physically like Iskandar, but he will down the whole pitcher by himself easily.] But if that is your wish, so be it!

[Before he takes another drink from his own glass, he adds,]

You may wish to try a sweet wine in the future if you're unable to acquire a taste for this.

[More alcohol content, but Waver probably won't make a face like that again every time he takes a sip. After he sets his drink back down, he deems the matter settled and refocuses the conversation back to where it was.]

I believe you had more questions for me.

It doesn't have to be that sweet. But something that doesn't taste like--

[ He scrunches his nose again, and stubbornly takes another sip to evaluate. ]

Burning, bitter dishwater?

[ He's not making fun of your taste as a king, just baffled that anyone likes this stuff. That a bunch of people do, in fact. He's had wine before, and it was definitely better than this.

He doesn't even hate bitter things on principle, but it's clear that being completely inexperienced with beer, he's probably not going to be chugging this whole glass.

Waver sighs. Now he just kind of wants something else to wash the taste out, and he's sure he won't be allowed to just get some coffee while Ozymandias drinks. He turns to wave at a passing server, taking the menu again. ]

Maybe I will order something else... Do you recommend anything specific? You said you've been here before.

...and yeah, after that, I still want to know more about Chaldea.

Edited 2019-08-19 19:42 (UTC)

Stay away from any of the other beers if this one is so unpleasant to you.

[Ozymandias moves forward to lean across the table, tipping the top of the drink menu down with a finger. He's having to read upside down, so it takes a moment, but once he finds what he's looking for, he points a small grouping of gin cocktails.]

These right here might suit you. [He sits back down in his seat, straight back into lounging as he was before.] They are neither particularly dry nor sweet.

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