[Open] It's getting hot in here

[showsnopiety]

Who: Caren and anyone visiting the hot springs!
When: Post dungeon, could be right after fail/success, could be days after
Where: Hot Springs of course
What: There's a hot springs, so now there's a hot springs episode.
Rating: Could be a p-13 and beyond because some people are only wearing towels in this place.





[Win or fail, everyone needed a reason and a way to relax. With the fall of the towers, there was all sorts of good things to come from it. Some would say it was the birds; and others would say it was the hot springs.

The large, large pools of heated water. Sure, they could be used as a way to get all steamed up (or even steam punk) but after all that hard work, everyone deserves a break!

Bring your swimsuits, your towels, your drinks and snacks-who knows, you should be able to find them in the bazaars, or even on Airy. It's time to soak in the heat!]

Comments

[cutiepanther]

[ Maki perks up, having been enjoying the water enough not to have noticed the presence of someone else near her. But a quick turn of the head brings a familiar sight. ]

Saber! [ There's a welcome smile from the redhead, shifting a little as she looks down to see.... a swimsuit. Oh, is Maki the only one naked here? Why does that suddenly make her self conscious? Why is she blushing and looking away quickly now?! ]

I-I've been alright. I just needed some time to relax after everything that's happened this month... H-How have you been?

[armorial]

[ She'll come closer to Maki, not pointing out that it's careless to go into the springs. Naked. When it's also mixed. That's all too dangerous in every single way. Instead, she enjoys the girl's company. ]

I am doing well despite all that has happened. [ Shoulder slumping as she relaxes in the spring. ] But I see no reason to reject an opportunity to enjoy the springs.

Did you venture into the dungeon, Maki?

[cutiepanther]

[ It would be incredibly uncouth to wear a bathing suit into a hot spring! Maki's been to many in her life after all, so she knows the rules. ...Though perhaps she's worrying about rules that aren't really in place, seeing how this isn't a real hot spring run by anyone.

But Maki noticed that swimsuit and can only look down at herself quickly. At least she can be happy about one thing, comparatively. ]

I guess it was pretty tough for you too? [ Saber is a teenaged girl like herself, and petite at that, she can't believe that she'd be used to fighting much like this despite the name. ]

I did. I wish I could have picked my party though... [ One of her members was just the worst. ]

[armorial]

[ It's okay, Maki. She's aware of hot spring culture, but it's dangerous!! She doesn't make a comment on her towel or anything and instead focuses on sharing their dungeon stories. ]

Yes. One of the members and I share a rather precarious history, but what's done is done. [ YEAH, ONE OF HER MEMBERS was just the worst. She can empathize on that front. ]

Was your party unsatisfactory? [ Raising her eyebrows at that. ]

[cutiepanther]

[ It's a good thing she has someone to protect her purity here with her then! Or else Maki might have had to get physical with anyone who thought to try and peep.

Her magic has gotten a lot better. ]

History? Someone you came from your world with? [ Maki blinks a few times, placing her hand on the stones beneath her, shifting to turn a little more to face Saber. ]

Yes! The girl I was with... she's a monster! Like a little kid who refuses to even listen to reason! She just fooled around the whole time! [ Who knows how they are even still alive. Maki's healing probably? ]

[armorial]

I can't say we came together, but we are from the same world. [ She turns her head to face Maki, but doesn't change her position. It is... very manly of Saber. Saber might as well be a boy. ]

I see. It must have been trouble. [ She scratches her cheek, as if curious as to who this is. She doesn't ask though. ] I hope it wasn't too taxing to you, but I imagine your magic has gotten better.

[ At least all the handwaved times they studied, she noticed Maki has been progressing. ]

[cutiepanther]

[ So very manly. But yet, Maki feels comfortable around Saber, where she wouldn't around someone male. That might be all just in her own head though...

Maki's interest in someone who makes Saber angry of all people is something she wants to know more about, but she's not the type to pry too much. ]

I think she learned to get along a little better, when she realized she couldn't do everything alone. [ Maki sighs, sitting back and stretching her arms, her muscles clearly sore.

The compliment on her magic ability though makes Maki stiffen, quickly looking away as a glow appears on her cheeks.. ] I-It's only natural that I'd be able to pick something up like that easily...

You've been improving too, right?

[armorial]

That reminds me of someone I know. [ It's almost uncanny, but the man is still insufferable. ] It's good that they've both learned their lessons.

I can't say that I've been improving exponentially, but I am practicing on my own. [ She nods a couple of times. She can't always bug Maki about studying together all the time, so she has taken it upon herself to do it in her own free time, too! ]

I can't say that I'm fit to be any kind of mage, however.

[cutiepanther]

[ The one thing Maki has going for her so far, is that there haven't been any insufferable men in her life either at home or here. But she still sympathizes with Saber, as a good friend would! ]

If either of them go back to their old ways then we'll just have to teach them again, won't we?

[ There's a small smile on Maki's face, as she's feeling more relaxed, more confident, around Saber. At least for the moment. ]

You're more of a Knight, I'd say. [ Why? Just because! ]

[armorial]

Sometimes I wonder if that's our responsibility...

[ This is actually a serious inquiry of some kind. Saber seems rather troubled about it?? But she glosses it over when Maki says the last part. She looks surprised since she has heard the same thing before, but only from those that know her and her past. ]

You are quite intuitive, Maki.

[cutiepanther]

W-Well, no one else is going to do it, right? So then we might as well be the responsible ones.

[ After all, to Maki, Peacock is basically a little kid. Though she can't be sure what Saber's problem is like, she still thinks that Saber ought to scold him. Though she really has no idea...

As far as that last compliment goes, Maki's eyes open wider, as if she were surprised to hear that. For a moment, she feels her ears pounding louder, but ignores it. ]

I-It's not like I know you that well, it's just... given all the ranks you can get, you seem like the protective sort. [ She's already twirling her hair. ]

[armorial]

Yes, but some need to learn through making their own mistakes. [ It may be harsh, but sometimes covering up for other people is hard, Maki. She doesn't want such a young girl to burden herself more than she has to. There is also no use scolding the King of Heroes, history's biggest bully. ]

That's true, we do not know each other too well, but I can divulge you some knowledge. [ It really isn't anything secretive, either. ] Back in my world, I was a knight--I still see myself as such even as a mere pawn.

Though, not in the sense of the rank itself. [ More like code of honor. ]

[cutiepanther]

[ It seems her situation is a little different than Saber's. Maki can't help but feel like she can do something to fix Peacock. The girl is so young and just needs a mature, responsible hand to guide her! On the other hand, someone else being an ageless spirit well, she has a lot less experience with that kind of thing. Sorry Saber. ]

..I wouldn't want her to get hurt.

[ Maki's already decided apparently. ]

Really? [ A few blinks, and Maki leans forward, as if to get a better look at the other girl. ] You were? Like with a sword and shield?

[armorial]

[ This is where they differ... While Maki has some hope in Peacock if she were to meddle, Saber keeps to herself often. Gilgamesh is also an adult. It is okay, Maki. She understands her point of view.

She was once like that, too. ]

I'm sure you'll be a great role model for her. [ A nod. ]

Yes. Though I didn't use a shield, I wielded a sword and wore armor. While I did not arrive with my sword, it does not change who I am.

waahh actually is this ok?? if its not let me know!

[cutiepanther]

[ Even for Maki, trying to scold an adult into proper behavior is a bit out of her league.

...Good luck with everything, Saber.

Blond, sword, armor.... there's a few things that makes Maki only think of one thing. ]

Are you European? I've been there, a few times, with my family for holidays. We even went to see a castle in England.

IT'S COOL

[armorial]

[ That assumption is something common... Japanese are always keen on foreigners and Saber's appearance is the complete opposite of most Asians. She merely nods. ]

Yes, I am. It may be coincidence that your family chose to visit England, but that's also my homeland.

[ And she lived in a castle. ]

Though I imagine it may be different in your world and time. Which castle did you visit?

aww thats great!

[cutiepanther]

[ Blonde in Japan just meant foreigner. That's how it worked, for better or worse. Ignoring her own hair color obviously. ]

Really? Well, we've been to Italy and America and France too. But we never left Paris to see anything like the castle we saw in England.

[ She's a rich girl and a jetsetter, all at the age of 17. ]

I think it was called Warwick Castle? It's the most popular castle for tourists, apparently. You're not.. from 2015 though are you?

[armorial]

Yes. I'm familiar with that castle. It's good to visit other countries--it helps you understand different cultures. [ She remembers it clearly, but it probably looks different now. She hasn't had the chance to visit for obvious reasons.

She doesn't seem fazed by Maki's extravagant trips. Rin is also rich, obviously. Rich girls in Saber's life. ]

I can't say I am. Most would say I'm a figure of legend.

[cutiepanther]

I agree. It's nice to be able to see how other people live outside of Japan. Papa is even pushing me to do a semester abroad once I get into University.

[ She's only just starting her second year and already her dad wants her to do that? Well, it should be no surprise her rich parents are also a little tough. ]

"Legend?" [ Maki tilts her head, hair dipping into the water, as she looks over the other girl. ] Wh-What do you mean?

[armorial]

That would be a good opportunity. [ But she can't say more than that. She understands it might be a lot for Maki, especially at her age, but...

An opportunity is better there than not having it at all, she thinks. ]

Many know me by the name King Arthur.

[ She says this as serious as possible. ]

[cutiepanther]

[ Despite everything, Maki could almost be impressed that Saber understands college, and studying abroad, and even Japan, of all things. Of course she doesn't know about Servants or anything else from any ancient visual novels.

Like right now, when she hears that, Maki's eyes squint just a little as she wonders if Saber is playing a game with her. ]

The King Arthur?! But you're--

[ The words "a woman" are almost out of her mouth (and she actually does look down to glance at Saber's chest awkwardly) before she realizes something. ]

W-Wait, are you like Oda-sama?!

[armorial]

Ah, you know Nobunaga. [ She's surprised and a little concerned. Saber is quite familiar with women of Nobu's caliber, but she might be overwhelming for someone like Maki.

... Maki is strong though, it's okay. ]

That makes this easier. Yes, I am in a similar predicament as Nobunaga.

[ Not like Nobunaga, but yeah. ]

[cutiepanther]

We've become... acquaintances. [ Maki is scared to say friends. Because she considers Saber a friend, after all they can work together and study together and eat together and aside from a few... things, it's relatively normal!

Around Nobunaga, Maki always feels like she's on the defensive one way or another. ]

I guess if she could really be the Oda we learned about in history class... then... [ She stares again for a long time at Saber, this time managing not to look down. ]

...you're really King Arthur? L-Like with Excalibur and everything?

[armorial]

I see. That is good to hear. Sometimes... She can be a little overwhelming. [ An understatement, but she wants to paint Nobunaga is a good light somewhat. Just so the girl can make friends despite her blunt attitude. ]

Yes. However, I was not allowed to bring Excalibur with me, it seems. [ A frown and obvious disappointment. That sword held everything she believed in. ]

It isn't that much of a hindrance...

[ It really is. ]

You need not treat me any differently, Maki.

[cutiepanther]

[ So Oda and King Arthur are friends? The idea is strange for Maki to even imagine, especially given both historical figures now in her mind are women. Surprisingly... handsome women, if Maki were able to be honest with herself. ]

I-I guess no one was able to bring anything of theirs from home. [ Not that Maki had a legendary weapon herself from back home, but she did talk to others who had the same problem as Saber, so she understands that much. ]

B-But, you're royalty! Arthur....sama... [ She tries that out, trying to be formal even though Saber just got done explaining she didn't have to be. And yet here Maki is blushing and hiding her face as she looks at the reflection of the moon on the surface of the water. ]