Perhaps it’s fate that smiles on him this day - for it’s certainly not his luck or anything akin to divine intervention that sees Richard alive and whole, neither flayed nor pin-cushioned. Or perhaps it’s the mystery hand of their captors seeking balance in those that stay here, limiting them in such ways. No, no, it’s definitely fate, for why else would they meet here? Even if it’s not the same dour Archer he once knew - semantics, honestly.
“Brave?” He waves his hand as if dispelling the notion. “One or two may have considered me lionhearted back in the day, but I’d say I’m more foolish than anything. Maybe the seasons are kind on me today.” It seems even his golden companion - same class or not - can feel the gentle brush of spring in the air.
“Truly? Does the simple act of changing one’s hairstyle allow for the change of one’s class?” If he follows suit, does that mean he’ll be a Rider? A Lancer? Colour Richard equal parts concerned and curious. “Well, regardless, you’re far more equitable then your Archer-counterpart, at least. Were I to approach in the same manner, no doubt I’d be skewed from ear to toe. For allowing me so much, I offer my heartfelt thanks. And should duly introduce myself, it seems! Saber, of the Snowfield War.”
biting back the urge to proclaim ‘fool’ at a question so ridiculous ( especially when it appeared that the man, this lionhearted saber, was already aware of his stupidity ), gilgamesh instead shakes his head, expression exasperated. ❝ I am aware. Consider him my more youthful counterpart, caught in dreams of the past, unable to move forward. ❞
in a way, the caster felt pity. but only some. the archer was, after all, himself. his misgivings were the sage king’s own a lifetime ago. but to remain willingly tied to them, and to go as far as to allow himself to be corrupted by a poisoned grail, one the hero had thought little more than a dream, a trick of his mind, when he had seen it with his sight — not even his own person was free from judgement. if anything, gilgamesh would always judge himself harshest of all. any king who was unable to admit fault in himself ( however few ) was unsuited to lead.
❝ Servants can be summoned from any period of their life, be it from childhood or their later years. One’s Class can subsequently be influenced by this, as well as by a number of other factors. ❞ as had been the case for that most irritating dragon girl, among others.
❝ Of course, choosing a Class is child’s play for one such as I. Should I wish it, I would not even have to be restricted to a Class. This was purely a manifestation I deemed necessary. For that reason, you may call me Caster. ❞ Snowfield — yet another summoning for that Archer, one unknown to the Caster as he was now. How exhausting. Did that man truly have nothing better to do with himself than to fight pointless wars?