HOUND SLAYER.

isola affiliated saber ( sétanta ) from fate. selective with indies.

[cufiain]

SABER ( SÉTANTA ) from  FATE / GRAND ORDER ARCADE 

You’ve all heard of the great hero of ulster, that famous Lancer one with the spandex and goes GA SHINDA every now and then, now get ready for baby!  

A smol boy .... The goodest of boys .... Pubby...

Keeps on living on his own terms despite knowing the tragic fate that awaits him in the future.  It’s just something he’ll laugh at in the end.  Can be pretty insightful in regards to this despite his age.

He’s still technically undergoing his training in the Land of Shadows, so he’s actually around his teens.  

Unlike most, Sétanta looks up to adults and teachers. But he’s still very cocky and a wisecrack like a typical teen, so expect to be called some (nick) names.

[ exudes respectful & delinquent energy simultaneously ]

Most voted to be your friend and / or sparring partner.  Lots of fight in this one.

...

Do you hear that?  The salt carried on the wind, whispering: the arcade can never be forgiven...

[cufiain]

scullcss​:

That is a possibility. She never thought of it like that, that even dogs could be frightened and that’s why they acted the way they did. It makes her wonder what are they afraid of? What is this one afraid of? Mirae watches how this brave soul handles the situation. So calm the way he unhesitatingly touches the dog, petting it. Incredible. 

But then….He’s asking her to try and pet the dog too. She’s hesitant, takes a step forward but then stops in her track, “I can’t. I’m not friendly.” She is, but she can’t bring herself to get any closer than she already is. 

“What if it bites me.” It wouldn’t hurt too bad, but it’s still a scary thought. “What if it doesn’t like me. I’m cold to the touch. What if it doesn’t like cold. I can’t touch the dog.”

He silently encourages her on with bright red eyes, watching her hesitation the single step she takes.  Of course, it’s not by much, but acceptable nonetheless.  So Sétanta twists his mouth into a small pout, only wishing to convince her of safety while he is around.  But no human overcomes their fears in the span of a few minutes.

❝ If you weren’t so friendly, I don’t think you’d be afraid of this dog ...❞   he murmurs, running his hand over the animal’s head one more time.  Wouldn’t it have been easier to harm it than standing in place, twisting the ends of her dress?  He reasons from experience.

❝ But if that’s all you’re worried about, you’re fine!  I’m not that warm, either.❞   It’s a half-truth.  Though he may be human-like in appearance, taking on the form of his youth, heroic spirits are still that: spirits.  ❝ Since you won’t pet the dog, do you want me to walk you out of here? ❞   He extends a hand for her to take.   ❝ Like I said, I’ll protect you.❞

[cufiain]

plenoptical​:

“Sétanta.” Light repeats the name, committing it to his memory, as well as the sound of the boy’s voice. “I thank you again for your help, Sétanta. I truly am grateful.”

“As for myself, you may call me Light. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

There is a part of Light that is uncertain about giving out his real name, when it has only been a year since the last time he was kidnapped. He was careful with his identity then, but the longer he stays here, the less this seems like a similar plot as before. He has free reign to go where he pleases, after all, and the young man who just helped him seems kind enough. He chooses to trust him for now.

“I was only taking a stroll, but I meant to stay near my apartment. In retrospect, it’s a bit silly for me to walk on my own, isn’t it?” He laughs softly to himself. “If you don’t mind, I would most appreciate it if you could lead me back to the apartment complex where I am staying.”

❝ Ah, you don’t have to keep thanking me ... ❞   He says, a shy laugh trailing behind his words.  Though the gratitude is accepted, nonetheless.  It would be the least he can do, even if he shoulders the mantle of a hero.  His goodwill is his own choice, and particularly why he readily agrees to the man’s request without hesitation.

❝ You can count on me! ❞

❝ Just follow me to━━ ❞  He had started forward with a jolt in his step, only to now pause abruptly when the sense of realization hits.  Which apartment complex, he did not know.  Sétanta wheels around, the uncertainty clear in his voice as he questions,   ❝ Where exactly are you staying, Light? ❞

[cufiain]

tilitili​:​

      ☾ Standing still and without much expression, the doll pauses in her steps as a part of a trap whizzes right by her head. Pale eyes following the rope whipping past as her white hair flutters from the movement, her gaze eventually settles on a young boy. As she looks at him now, there is some degree of surprise within her expression that had not been present before; as if he’s not something real and tangible.

     After all, the doll has never seen a human child before. 

      ❝ … You are a hunter? ❞ she can’t help but question, tilting her head slightly as she does so. Though, of course, he is not the sort of hunter she is used to seeing… It’s still surprising to see someone so young in such a field.

      ❝ … Perhaps. These woods, however… Feel familiar to me. They bring a certain comfort, ❞

❝ Not really, but I know how to hunt. ❞   Evident by the boar trap that lies nearby; forgotten, undone, and severely lacking a boar.  He makes a mental note to have it reset later. 

❝ I think many people say that about the woods, you know?  There’s just something about them that brings a sense of ease ... ❞   Sétanta reasons.  Even he feels it in the hush of tree whispers and the reedy songs of noon birds.  Or, perhaps, there’s a stronger resonance now because he’s a spirit.  He finds a divot on the grassy floor and uproots a small rock from its place.  

❝ I used to run around these kinds of places back home and hide from my foster father.  What about you, miss?  I wonder what makes it familiar for you. ❞

[cufiain]

princesselmelloi​:​

A Servant? Reines could sense that much even as her eyes flared up painfully. But a child Servant still rang oddly to her and her former knowledge of only adults filling the role. She hadn’t even been aware it was possible for someone thing young to be a Heroic Spirit.

It was certainly enough to distract her from her daily errands, and that was without taking into account the question directed at her. Speaking of which…

“Unfortunately, while I know two dogs, one is an animated toy and the other ought to be safely at home with my Brother.” Did Svin even count? She was counting him anyways. “Where did you originally find yourself with this tagalong?”

Well, that overrules the notion that she might know something.  But his hopes are not dashed yet.  Sétanta rises back upon his feet and gives the surrounding streets a sweeping glance.  The area is distinctly familiar with its architecture, and there’s a hint of sea salt in the air that is telling.

This must be Golden.  He hums in thought.

❝ Hmm ... just on the edge of the ward with the pools.  Archimedes? ❞   That sounds about right.  He’s still trying to explore the majority of the wards and get their names and layouts down.  Though by far a newcomer, progress has been steady enough. 

❝ I thought there might be posters up, but no luck.  Why’re you askin’?  Got an idea? ❞  

[cufiain]

aprentis​:

   “ these…  squiggles..? ”   she echoes, sneaking him a quizzical look.  that’s certainly a blunt way to put it, no thought to her feelings spared.  she brings her attention back to the shoe and looks at it again.  she blinks, once, twice.  her eyes spot even more small imperfections than last time.   “ eh?!  a-are they really that bad??  they’re supposed to be a lot neater than this, i promise! ”

she pulls the shoe away from his line of sight.  how embarrassing!  it’s not supposed to be squiggly at all!  it’s just–  the variation of the keystones and making sure they’re even across two surfaces…  the wind underfoot sigil is especially tricky in that regard, with its curved, spiral shape.  to make each shoe have a even half of the spell is no easy feat.  not for her, at least.

however, with his mention of runes, he might be the best help she would have given the circumstances.  some help is better than none, isn’t it?

   “ i have a pen, ”   she mumbles, though not too enthused to confess,   “ ink too. ”   it won’t work at all without it, she wants to add, but surely he already knows that.  she sweeps aside her robes to reveal the belt that holds both items.   “ …but, are you sure?  i’ve never heard of a rune before. ”

He lets out a startled noise as she squirrels away the shoe, seemingly guarded against his offer.  The act nearly feels like a scolding flick on the wrist━━ did he say or do something wrong?  His brows knit together, and he reaches up to rub the end of one ear, failing to school his features away from uncertainty.

❝ Huh?  So ... are they not runes? ❞   Sétanta asks with a careful tilt of melancholy.  It’s a foolish question given that he cannot distinguish the inscriptions.  And, well, she doesn’t know what a rune is, either.  But he desperately holds onto the last threads of reason, hoping that the idea comes across better with a demonstration.

So, he abruptly points at her.  Not to indicate, but rather to feel for the space between them, marking it as an invisible canvas.  There, he draws the sharp lines of a single letter with a soft glow of light tracing the wake of his fingertip, outlining what looks like a slightly skewed ‘f.’  Ansuz. 

❝ They’re cultural symbols that summon spells or curses.  That was one example. ❞   But these did not seem to form or fester into magic here, evident by the ansuz letter crumbling into dying motes.  ❝ Agh, I thought that’s what was on your shoes, but now I’m not so sure.  I mean, what else could they be? ❞

[cufiain]

etyrnitides​:​

like the break of waves against sand glistening shores. perhaps almost benevolent with each arc blessed in baal’s fury however until coming into contact with the supposed ‘dummy’ of choice, bolt timidly thunderous as it rains to the hilt of his makeshift sword. each movement precise with a certain fluidity akin to both his homeland and that of a comrade, distant.

shoulders square with a distinct pause in his venture of practicing, well.. he hadn’t known his performance garnered a show of sorts. ah, then again it wouldn’t be so far from his tales cast in ever excitable youth. his gaze falls upon the one of whom that voice belongs however once his stance is so avidly mirrored with weapon raised at him in turn he beams, excitement radiating across those regal features. sinbad nods before promptly stepping aside. there’s adequate enough room he would wager given his practicing area of choice was tucked away at one of the more obscure and much less frequented coves at the beach.

“ well then! i was beginning to worry no one on this island cared to keep their skills refined, much less wished for a sparring partner. you’re young yet capable, that much i can see from your handle alone. you must have had an incredible mentor. ”

The man must have a distinct eye for talent to notice that much, and he’s glad to be seen for his own in them.  Sétanta glows under the compliment, broadening his shoulders and righting his posture into one that bleeds pride.  But his sword hand never lowers.

While training cannot better a heroic spirit in body━ their cores impervious to physical change in the way a human does━ it can improve their mindset with the necessary experience.  And Saber, one for his class and two for his history, possesses a mind that never ceases to adapt while paired with the vibrancy of youth.

❝ That’s right, my mentor is really amazing.  She might not be here to guide me, but my training doesn’t stop. ❞    He smiles at the words, having filtered out his admiration for the woman carefully.  If they were not face-to-face like this, on the verge of spilling into mock combat, Sétanta might have gushed some more about her. 

❝ I have to thank you for letting me practice.  If I fall behind while in this city ... ❞   If Scathach were here ... Well, that’s a wrath he does not want to witness.  She can also be really scary.  The servant crouches into a battle stance, red eyes fixated upon the other.    ❝ Are you ready?  ‘Cuz I’ll be coming at you! ❞

[cufiain]

scullcss​:

He does. He does approach and he does help. Somehow giving the dog a treat and being gentle has calmed it down. She doesn’t DARE move though. Afraid that if she makes a sudden move the dog will start growling and attacking. Her tension through body language doesn’t loosen. She’s still gripping the end of her dress for dear life. 

Her eyes are now on the one who helped her. She hesitates to speak, afraid that if she does…well, you get the point. She’s glancing at the dog, then back at the person. “They’re scary.” Using one foot, she steps on top the other and twists the end of her dress around her index finger. 

“I’m afraid to move. Will it attack?”

❝ I think they might be scared too...❞   He acknowledges, raising a deep-blue brow at the girl to observe her trembling in motion.  For all of their excellent sense, animals also have a profound awareness often found outside of humans’ scale; this dog being no exception.

While seemingly content with the treat, its body language conveys a certain wariness and rigidity, as if it’s caught between two places; unsure.  Perhaps, they are injured or feeling threatened in her presence, fear feeding off of fear.  Well, whatever the case, it will need coaxing and assurance, coupled with good ol’ understanding to figure out why.

So, Sétanta remains upbeat in his speech and actions, trying to diffuse the tension in the only way he knows how.  But, for caution’s sake, he stays crouched beside the animal should there be any changes to their behavior.

❝ Don’t worry, it won’t attack.  And, I’ll be here to protect you, anyway. ❞   He reaches out and sets a careful hand against the matted brown fur.  The dog eases into a marginally temperate mood, giving a soft snort in approval.   ❝ See?  Here, why don’tcha come try petting it, too?  It’ll help teach them you’re friendly. ❞

[cufiain]

aprentis​:

writing?  no, no…  then again, it’s better to call it that than what it really is.  and yet, this world is so strange and fantastical, would the knights moralis really condemn her so for exposing the secret in a place like this?  she’s not even sure as to how she got here!  things operate so differently, there are things she’s seen beyond her comprehension–  even more so than things back at home.

   “ my shoes… ”   she grumbles, the argument storming on in her head unable to resolve.  it’s an obvious answer, but still objectively correct.  she’s aware it isn’t the most astounding, it would barely sate her curiosity at all if it were an answer she received, but it is all she can reply in good conscious.   “ they’re just a contraption, something that’s supposed to let me fly… ”  

she slips one shoe back on and quickly shifts to yank the other off her foot.  she spares a moment to take a closer look at the spell this time.  it’s rather shakily drawn.  guess hurriedly scribbling it on after ending up in a strange new place does a number on the nerves.

   “ they’re not the most reliable, ”   or so she claims, skirting around the fact that the mishap was entirely her fault,   “ if they get scuffed up, sometimes they don’t work right, which can lead to…  oh!!  i’m sorry if i startled you! ”

❝ ━━Oh, so you’ve finally noticed me here? ❞   He bends at the waist and pulls a frown over his expression in mock offense.  Of course, she has been answering his questions, so it’s only a joke.  Sétanta breathes out a curt laugh and returns to his joyous demeanor. 

❝ Flying shoes, huh?  That sounds like fun, ❞   he adds.  The question to see them in full action begs to be asked, but it’s clear that wasn’t going to happen.  Not especially while she continues to grieve over the ruined sole.

He takes the opportunity to look over the ‘writing’ on her other shoe, and they are the most complicated-looking runes he’s seen.  And by that, they’re drawn entirely different from the eighteen he knows.  Sétanta squints at the glyph, trying to make sense of it.  Are the arrows tiwaz?  And, maybe the triangles, purisaz?  But then there’s the centerpiece that throws off his entire deduction to squat. 

❝ If they got scuffed, you just gotta rewrite these squiggles, right? ❞   Simple enough, and he’s got a drawing hand to boot.  One of which he extends in an invitation.   ❝ Give it here.  I’ve been practicing rune techniques, so I’ll help ya out!  Just need somethin’ to write with. ❞

[scullcss-deactivated20211027]

@cufiain​

She doesn’t remember where this fear for dogs came from. She just remembers it being with her since her creation. Maybe it’s from when she was alive or maybe it’s from a memory she chose to lock away. EITHER way, it doesn’t change the fact that she does her best to stay away from them. Today is just not her lucky day. She was no where near the medium sized dog, but they were not having it. She’s not moving, Mirae is frozen in place and even if she wants to run her feet are planted tightly onto the ground. She’s scared even if she doesn’t seem it. 

She whispers under her breath, but it’s incoherent. Whatever she’s saying is drowned by the sound of this scary dog barking at her. The snarling, growling and the body language of this dog is TOO much. 

Go away, go away, go away…

Another presence brings the dog’s attention to them, but even so Mirae doesn’t move. She knows that if she were to run the dog might come right after her. She’s gripping tight onto the end of her dress, causing it to now be wrinkled at the bottom. Lifeless brown eyes does move to where the dog’s attention is. Someone’s standing right there. Will he help her? 

[cufiain]

He can’t tell if she’s frightened from this spot, but the girl is stock still, and the dog is frenzied, surely to bite at any moment.  Which certainly wouldn’t be pleasant to watch.  Sétanta immediately closes in on the scene to provide help.

❝ Stay ...❞   He coos, a hand extended before him as he crouches down to the dog’s level, showing he’s of no threat to it.   ❝ It’s all right. ❞

The snarls continue, this time directed at him.  But it doesn’t scare Sétanta in the slightest. Instead, he angles his head a bit to assure the girl was still present before focusing on the agitated animal.  It’s not clear what is wrong to have upset it, but they seem as frightened as the girl and are just being vocal about it.  Maybe a snack would work.

From his pockets, the boy produces a white rawhide treat and sets it down.  The dog whines into silence, tail still tucked underneath but occupies it’s attention on the bone, sniffing it thoroughly before proceeding to busy itself with chewing. 

That should do it.  For now, at least.

❝ Heh. ❞   Sétanta turns towards the other, grinning.   ❝ See, not so bad now, right? ❞

[cufiain]

❝ ━━Uwah, Saber? ❞   The name is blurted out with a tone of mixed incredulity, loud enough to turn startled eyes in his direction.  But there is no mistaking the shines of silver and blue he’s become acquainted with. 

Sétanta sets down the food crates in his arms and jogs up to the swordswoman, propping his hands on his hips with a bright smile.   ❝ Man, am I glad to see a familiar face! ❞

There are so many things he wishes to ask━━  is this an anomaly in summoning?  Or, perhaps a singularity?  Has she seen the master?  But he isn’t sure where to begin.  Banners of red and gold flitting overhead in the breeze draw his attention back to their surroundings, where a crowd starts to file their way center-stage for the upcoming event.  

He quickly shelves away these topics as he pieces together Saber’s presence here.  It would make sense━━  he was just helping with stock for the game, after all.  Thin brows fold into a defeated expression.

❝ Hold up, don’t tell me you’re here for the eating contest ... ❞

@sanctummilitis​​​

[cufiain]

plenoptical​:​​

This is twice now that Light has been pulled backwards by someone who’s voice he doesn’t recognize, apparently out of the way of that god forsaken pit. Usually he’d get rather frustrated with how many people have been grabbing at him lately, but he can’t really complain when it’s for the sake of making sure he doesn’t take a quick trip to the bottom of an endless hole.

Light lets out a small sigh, straightening his jacket and turning to the sound of this stranger’s voice.

“No need for apologies. I’m grateful for your help. I… do believe I’ll be staying away from this area in the future, though, seeing how this keeps happening…”

He smiles lightly, the tension in his frame slowly leaving. “Might I inquire who it is that I am thanking for saving me?

❝ ‘Keeps happening’? ❞   Well, that is a problem.  He gives the other a once-over, angling his head to take in their features, only to stop short upon their eyes.  The boy begins to lean forward in closer observation until he is asked for his name, forcing him to shy away.

Would it be right to give his class name, despite there being no apparent grail war ?  He would have to introduce himself as Saber.  There are risks involved for a heroic spirit to give their True Name, but this man doesn’t seem like another servant or a master.  Sétanta hums in thought, a slow frown pulling on his face as he tries to make sense of the indecision.

Ah, forget it!  He dismisses the thought away with the shake of his head.  There is no point in worrying about it now.

❝ I’m Sétanta, ❞   he declares and smiles back at the stranger,   ❝ Were you headed somewhere, mister?  I may not know the city too well, but I’ll make sure you stay away from that pit ... for now. ❞

[sufferedsuggestion]

no matter what this world brings, i will protect you.

[cufiain]

It’s not the most terrible thing.  No, he’s practically used to this, given the memories of his childhood are forever with him.  But it becomes vexing enough trying to walk these vast city streets with an extra shadow tagging along, worst of all being barred entry from specific locations because of it.

It’s about time he parts with his persistent companion. 

The servant picks out a random individual for questioning, which happens to be a blonde girl who looks like she knows her way around.

❝ Oi, know if there’s anyone missin’ a pup? ❞   He gestures leisurely behind him, where a speckled puppy happily trails his footsteps.  It gives an energetic yip before trotting up to his ankles, expectant of some form of praise.   ❝ It’s been following me around, and doesn’t look like a stray ...❞

And yet, despite his ‘protest’, Sétanta still kneels down to ruffle the small dog’s fur. 

@princesselmelloi​

[cufiain]

❝ Wow, awesome! ❞   He blurts out, eyes glinting with admiration at the man’s swordplay and exuding all the childish eagerness he was desperately trying to hold back.  The fluidity comes from obvious expertise and experience, boasted with flashes of what seemed like electricity.

❝ ━━ And done with a wooden sword, too.  How cool ... ❞

Motivated by the display, Sétanta unsheathes his own blade from his hip, cutting through the air with sharp jabs and swings.  Though he would prefer using his quarterstaff ( wherever it may be ) in the least, this could serve as a suitable replacement for training purpose━━  a thought which kindles an idea into his mind like a flame.

❝ How about it, mister? ❞   A sly smile curls upon his lips as he aims the sword at the other.  Surely his mentor would approve of this initiative, and Sétanta is confident he’ll match, too.   ❝ Let’s spar! ❞

@etyrnitides​

[cufiain]

The soft crunch of leaves alerts him of a presence nearby, the boy leaping to his feet in a soundless crouch.  He’s been waiting for most of the afternoon for a good catch.  The poor old man by the shore has been waiting a great deal of time for some boar pelt, promised to be delivered by nightfall.  This had to be the one !

As the steps creep on closer, Sétanta takes out his wooden sword, dull against the deepening orange sunlight.  His other hand reaches for the loose rope, ready to spring the trap as soon as what he hopes is a boar crosses the other side of the bush. 

He only has a moment to take the figure in, to avert the rope’s trajectory as the makeshift trap whistles when undone, just missing them by a hair’s breadth.  Thankfully, too, because they are not a forest creature.  Whew.

❝ Haaah, and here I thought it was a boar for once. ❞    He laughs sheepishly before beaming a smile.    ❝ Yo! What’s a lady like you doing out here on your own?  These woods can be real scary at this hour. ❞

@tilitili​

[aprentis]

@cufiain​.

with a press of her feet, a gust of wind forms beneath her feet and coco is sent sputtering forward.  nice, so it does still work, thank goodness!  wait–  forward?  she’s supposed to go up!  with a swell of surprise and equal hesitation, coco’s feet are quickly spread apart.  she promptly tumbles to the ground–  though not before nearly colliding with someone.

   “ ooof–  i’m alright, i think, um… ”   but coco bites her tongue before she can finish.  her face dons an awkward expression as her brow creases in thought.  one of the keystones must be uneven…  well, that’s her best guess, anyway.  she did draw them on quite hastily, and this is only the second time she’s managed it.  she ought to have expected it.  she also ought to have tested them out in a quieter area.  oh well, that can’t be helped now.

she leans forward, grabbing at her right foot and pulling it closer.  she pulls her shoe off and quickly rubs away the markings drawn underneath it with a sigh.   “ …i was just testing them out, and that’s…  not how they’re supposed to work, eheh. ”

[cufiain]

His brows rise with awareness, readily taking a step backward in time to avoid the collision.  It happened so quickly━━ a blur of greens and blues rushing forward before the colors settled into the shape of a girl with a thoughtful gaze pressed onto her features. 

❝ Hey ━━ ❞   Sétanta begins, but she appears to be preoccupied with something or another.  A shoe ?  Whatever it is, it seems to be much more important than his wellbeing.  Now it’s his turn to look deeply reflective as he studies the other with hands propped upon his waist.  Well, he’s been looking for something to busy himself with; poking his nose into her business seems fun.  Outside of training, that is.

❝ Is that writing on your soles? ❞   He questions with a lilt in his tone as if it were a joke.  Still, he cants his head to get a better look at the glyphs, but they’re wiped away too quickly.  Only from a brief glance did they closely resemble the runes he’s been studying.  Sétanta hums to himself.

❝ What’re you trying to get working, anyway? ❞