OF THE SUN.

          “Oh, uh…” He had hoped his staring wasn’t too obvious, or at least he had attempted to not appear as such. The effort was all for naught however, seeing as how the knight eventually speaks up, offering the chance to gaze upon his weapon in detail. It was polished, had a sleek, not too intricate design. As someone who had wielded multiple weapons of different sizes, he’d admit that he was quite happy by his proposal, and it shows across his features. “I mean… if it’s not much trouble…”

          With that much said, he already begins scrutinizing the great sword without waiting for a response. “… Does it have a name?”

The fact that there is no hesitation in wanting to take a closer look upon being offered is something that the knight can admire. Whether he was an avid sword enthusiast or the blade simply appealed to him, it was no trouble at all to allow him to look. It's only when he asks for a name and the scrutinizing look in his eye does Gawain realize that he may indeed be familiar with this blade in particular but is not entirely sure. "That it does."

"Is there something that interests you about this blade?" Gawain finally speaks up, having noticed the occasional glance in his direction from the young man. While not obvious at first it had become apparent that it was not Gawain that he was looking at but the blade that hung at his side. To that, he greets him with a smile. "Would you care to have a closer look, then?"

     “to think we were of similar mind…” perhaps it wasn’t that surprising, considering that despite being king and knight, artoria had likewise been one of the knights of the round table herself. objectively speaking it was important to consider the security of where you were living. camelot was constantly under scrutiny by the knights back then, all keeping an eye out for any potential risks.

     “based on public records i acquired in the library, there have been more than a few official inquiries made regarding crime in this realm that have gone unanswered, which has no doubt led to the current conditions. whether or not that is intentional, or if the law enforcement do not have the resources to do their job properly, i do not know.” she did, however, intend on finding out.

It doesn't surprise him that she had been quick to look into the matters regarding law enforcement in this city but there's a noticeable change in his expression when she makes her thoughts known. While not directly involved, as a knight, the failings of the city's law enforcement fell on his shoulders as well and so he can't help but feel some shame for the way things have turned out and for everything that has come to light. To her words, he can offer nothing but a sullen expression. "I believe some of it was intentional, my king. This city...has an underlying problem in that not all who seek justice will go about it fairly or ever at all."

      ▲ ❝ I know of the ‘treat’ part of Halloween, but what of the ‘trick’ part? Should I be on alert for various types of pranks on the holiday? ❞

     ✧ Well, at the very least it’s good to see someone being polite to her for once. While it’s not rare, especially in the Shepherd’s army, Nah always expects the worst from others due to her past and own attitude at times. So, for the blond stranger to continue to show her kindness despite her prideful nature means a great deal to the young Manakete… Even if she doesn’t necessarily say or show it.

     ❝ Well… Thank you. It goes the other way, too! ❞ she decides to add, eyebrows furrowing as she gives a more confident expression again.

     ❝ You did? Do you remember her name? Is she still here? ❞ Nah can’t help but ask almost immediately upon hearing the new bit of information, some hopefulness reflecting within her mauve hues. While she doesn’t want anyone else to be stuck here… Well, it would still be nice to see a familiar face or two within this place.

     ❝ Oh–! But Manaketes are… Well, to put it simply; we are a race of dragons. We have human forms but we can still transform into our dragon ones! So, as you can guess, I’m more than capable of looking after myself…! ❞

The hopefulness in her voice is apparent. Gawain almost feels bad for giving it to her considering he's not sure at all what became of the other young lady he had met so long ago. "I remember her name, yes." It was quite a unique one, simple and with its own personal charm to match. "Nah, I believe it was. We shared a few conversations in the past. Though...it was not in this city. I believe it was somewhere far, far away." At least, he can assume so. The other city seems like a long-forgotten dream at times, something that only he and others who were there can remember. "I cannot rightly tell you if she made the trip here, however." And it was so long ago...

Perhaps it would have been better had he not mentioned it at all, in hindsight. But it would not have been right to keep it from her either. "She was well when we last spoke, however." Maybe that can serve as some sort of consolation that she was okay, at least. He's sure where ever she is presently that she's okay. "Though I believe you can check for yourself by looking through the contacts of your cellular device. Her name should appear in the directory if she is indeed here."

@galatine  ♛ liked for a starter

     this was a difficult conversation to brooch. she knew the man before her all too well. after all, he was one of the knights of the round table that had so loyally served her during her rule as king, and yet the king herself was an anomaly. this gawain served another king, a king perhaps more deserving of his service.

     but even so, that didn’t change her feelings regarding him.

     “i see you’re doing well sir gawain. has this city kept you in good spirits despite being so far away from our home?”

To Gawain, it made no difference to which king he spoke to. Though each different in their own specific way, he respected each and every one of them the same. While he holds no memory of serving the Lion king in particular, he knows very well of the events that transpired in the singularity and is able to surmise that there is some hint of awkwardness on her behalf because of that. Even still, he greets her with a warm smile.

finally someone to get merlin

     ✧ Squinting for a moment and scrutinizing the stranger, the purple optics of the older teen scan him up and down for a moment. While he seemed to be a soldier of some sort, Nah wouldn’t have assumed him to be an officer of some sort… Though, it quickly occurs to her that he means his current profession within this city and not of his prior one. With that in mind, she begins to wonder if he is originally from a time much like the Manakete’s and if so, how similar their respective realms were to one another.

     ❝ Unfortunately, that’s not entirely unheard of for me, ❞ Nah soon admits with another sigh, shaking her head gently for a moment.

     ❝ However, I’m happy to hear that… That you’re taking your job seriously and helping others, I mean, ❞ all too often has the girl heard and even seen those abuse their positions of power and responsibility in order to get what they want or even to try and contort the legal system in order to suit their needs. Even if it’s only one person in the city with such ideals, that’s still more than enough for Nah to have faith in the people of this world.

     ❝ Oh, but I’m a Manakete… Which, I’m guessing, you have no idea what exactly that is? ❞

"But of course. It is my sworn duty to stand by the people, be they of this land or the one I originally hail from." Whatever distant land he found himself in, he would always take up a similar position. For it is as he said, it is his duty to serve the people in any way that he can. Though at the young lady's words of this being a common occurrence for her does Gawain frown. How terrible for this to be something that she constantly goes through. "I see...unfortunate indeed. Well, if you ever find yourself in trouble of any sort I would be happy to lend my assistance..." It's the least he could do. Though he is certain that she can defend herself, it never did hurt to have someone else looking out for you, especially in this city.

"Mana...kete." 

             With his fists tightening in anger, he watches in silence whilst an individual continues to collect wrappers and other trash thrown at them by another individual within a vehicle. The person in question had presumably been kind enough to volunteer to clean up litter lying around, and so witnessing their kindness being taken advantage of in such a manner stirs something within him. No sooner does he find himself hurriedly approaching them both. “Here… can you hand that over to me? I insist.” Having the grabber and small trash bin in hand, he continues to pick up a few more before dumping the bin entirely within the car through its driver seat window. “There. Now the inside of your car matches your personality.” 

             After saying as much, he promptly passes the grabber and now empty bin back to the volunteer. “Their job is to clean this side of the street, not to pick up after you personally, idiot.”

Littering had been one of the many problems he'd been trying to combat lately. By assigning willing volunteers and assisting them when he could spare the time had worked out well so far. In fact, it had quickly become a productive way to pass the time when he wasn't patrolling the area. It wasn't an unusual thing for some troublesome person to throw their trash onto the ground, though whenever it happened it still bothered the knight all the same. As he watches the scene unfold before him, trash being thrown at the young man who served as a volunteer, he prepares to say something until someone else steps in before he can.

@galatine

      ✧ ❝ I could have handled that! ❞ the exclamation comes quickly from the Manakete’s lips, quickly turning to face the taller man now. While he had pretended to know Nah in order to get the two strangers bothering her to leave the girl alone, it seems she had another idea in order to chase them away… Namely, utilizing her dragon form to strike fear into their hearts.

     She always got a kick out of that in battle; suddenly transforming and seeing how terrified her enemies were at her new form.

      ❝ I’m small but I’m not powerless! Er… Though in any case, thank you. I haven’t even been here for an entire week and I’m already getting harassed… ❞ she says the last part quietly, tacking on a sigh soon afterwards.

Though she seems quite sure of herself in being able to defend herself, Gawain cannot help but question whether or not that's entirely true. But if there's one thing the knight has learned in his time through this city, it's to never judge a book by its cover. Small as she may be, perhaps her words held some truth. Regardless, he does not regret stepping in for even if she were as powerful as she claimed, it was an unfair fight nonetheless. "...Even still, two against one does not exactly strike me as fair play. My apologies, young miss."

         “The dark…? —!” It dawns on him once he repeats the word; this was the man known as the knight of the Sun, and as he recalls some scriptures have even described him to be one who gains strength when the sun’s rays are at its brightest. Despite realizing it so soon, he chastises himself for not grasping the fact sooner. “So then… there truly is a physical connection between you and the Sun…?” Intrigued though he was, he refrains from saying anything else regarding the matter—the situation before him took precedence, that and of course, tossing out inquiries to sate his own curiosity would be inappropriate, rightfully so. Still, thinking as much doesn’t stop his inquisitive mind from pondering a bit. It’s only when he hears Gawain’s weakened voice that he in turn pulls away from such thoughts. It’s soft due to its volume, yet one can easily detect the anguish in the knight’s tone, no doubt a result from his current state; it was very likely he felt ashamed of it, after all. “Oh! You needn’t apologize. I’m actually quite relieved I can offer some assistance to you.” 

         The question of whether or not he was an asset to him in the past did come to his attention a few times, including right this moment. Those are, however, more thoughts he promptly pushes aside. Just as he does, he immediately takes notice of Gawain’s figure inclining forward—towards him no less. The instinct to back away rapidly grows, especially since it was an action he hadn’t expected in the least. In spite of that feeling, Goro manages to hesitate, however he doesn’t move from the position, he remains entirely still. No sooner though does Gawain pull back, using what seems like some or the last remainder of his strength to stand straight. “Alright then… if you find it taxing to stand on your own… then please let me know.” With that much said, he shifts on his feet to guide them back to his assigned housing, making sure to stay close to the knight all the while.

         Ordinarily the walk over would have taken three to five minutes, yet due to the situation, it takes about seven. Fortunately no one else had been present in the house as of that moment. “Here we are…” For a while, he thinks to instead offer the knight to rest on the three seater sofa placed in the drawing room; the thought of letting him into his room had bothered him more than he would like to admit. The room however, lacked any personal possessions—in fact, nothing in their suggested it was his room. That fact in mind, he finally leads him to the the correct room with a gesture. 

         “Please… make yourself at home. I’ll go grab some water and few towels.”

"That's correct." A quite literal connection to the sun. While it may have been a bit exaggerated in his first life, it had certainly taken it's toll upon him now. For the Knight of the Sun to be seen in such a state is disgraceful all on its own. The feeling came and went, some times were felt more than others. This eclipse, though, for whatever reason had managed to take its toll on him. Perhaps it could be blamed on the sudden arrival to this strange new land but whatever the case, Gawain could feel himself slipping in and out of consciousness at different intervals and try as he might to stay at least somewhat alert, it was a task that even he found difficult.

Thankfully, Akechi doesn't ask much after him. Gawain isn't sure he'd have the strength to answer him, as things are now. Though he can sense the concern the other must feel as he uses the last of his strength to stand upright. When they finally make it to Akechi's assigned housing, Gawain's strength is all but spent. He lifts his head, taking in his surroundings. It was bare, a sign that no one had fully made themself at home yet, Akechi being no exception.

And just as the knight resigns himself to spending his time on the sofa does the other start to lead him to a more private room. Even through his exhaustion, Gawain can't help but feel surprised at this. He had always considered Akechi to be a private sort of person and so to let someone into what was supposed to be his personal space, well, it meant...something surely. With a nod, Gawain follows him into the room and seats himself on the bed, eyes closed and head pressed against his hand as he takes a moment to relax and recuperate. "...Thank you." He says, voice steadier now than it was earlier. Not better by any means but certainly much more stable.

His words — even if they had been spoken purely to console a stranger — comforted her. Whatever his motivation, the effort was appreciated. And truth she knew there to be within them. Not the first time was this they had been separate, and yet dwelling seemed to come so naturally; for one who grieved over her parents for a decade without moving forward a step, the repetition of falling to her knees might be a weakness in need of addressing. True, too, was it that her beloved could never want for her to stand in place and lament without finding something that might bring her joy. Which made louder the cursing within that to seek out that something feel such an enormous ask when her body and heart refused to cooperate.

“Thank you,” she spoke to the knight, taking in his form properly. A faint smile upon her lips reinforced her gratitude, even if feebly. “I hope that you can be reunited with whoever you’re here to send your thoughts to as well. That aspect of this scenario is something I’ve never truly been able to get used to”.

He shook his head. There was no need for thanks, he only spoke the truth of the matter and that his words could serve as even a small bit of upliftment is enough for him to be satisfied. While it's true the loneliness of separation may become too much sometimes, it's good all the same to know that one isn't alone when dealing with such things. That, Gawain thinks, is what should matter most. "I simply spoke my mind just as you did. Think nothing of it."

"...Yes, I hope so as well." Though as much as he may want her to be here with him, was it really right to wish for such a thing? Just as the young lady before him, it was a rather complicated matter but he smiles in return, appreciating her well wishes for she had only said them in her own attempt at offering encouragement. "I would find it strange if most of us had gotten completely used to the ways of this city, truth be told." It was never good to get too comfortable when trapped, even if being treated decently. "...But enough of that. Your loved ones, I would hear of them if it does not pain you to do so."

It was only natural to find a woman like her– regardless of her Servant status–to be among the same sorts who flocked to the Golden Ward’s casino. In a place that was filled with dubious people and their similar behavior, Medb would both observe and participate. It simply depended on the day; on this particular evening, she was indulging in more so of the former. 

Alcohol was typically well suited for such establishments, and the casino was no exception. Maybe that was why Medb was stationed at the bar, a glass of wine in hand. Scanning the area, watching people indulge themselves as they pleased; it wasn’t hard for Medb to notice a fellow Servant. Even if the man wasn’t another Servant, she would have picked him out of the crowd quite easily anyhow– he stuck out well enough, after all.

She saw no reason to approach him herself, as she assumed he would take the initiative. As he did so, she smirked at him.

“And if I do?” Medb chuckled, taking a sip of her wine before continuing. “Perhaps, but I have no problems with this place.”

“A better question, if I may be so bold, is what are you doing here?”

He is not surprised by her usual nonchalant demeanor at being approached by him. Her expression betrays no suspicious behavior, at least none that he can readily make out. At that, Gawain relaxes a bit more or at least as much as he's allowed to when in the presence of other servants, her especially. He keeps his gaze focused on both his surroundings while also taking care to pay close attention to her as well. After all, it would be rude to not give her his proper attention.

At her question, however, he once again raises his guard. By, all things considered, it was a rather harmless question and yet with the type of woman she was, he would rather not lay his cards out completely on the table. "Scouting." he answers, it's not exactly a lie but it isn't the whole truth either and before she can ask him to elaborate on what exactly that means does he speak again with a bit more openness, "Police business, I should say. I'm afraid that is all I am allowed to divulge."