eachdraidh | Video; Dec 3rd; both courts

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Video; Dec 3rd; both courts

Good day.

I'm afraid a mistake has been made. As I understand it, it's the Seelie court which should seek my loyalty, and yet I have found myself among the Unseelie. I intend no offence to members of either court, nor disloyalty to the court I have been placed with, yet it is a perplexity. Simply put, I am left to wonder if this was indeed the intent and there has been no confusion, or if my own confusion is sound. It's...troubling, for reasons I apologise for not detailing.

Similarly, I'm looking for a friend, most likely among the Seelie, if present. He's about seventeen, Japanese, and you'll know him for a foolish innocence and investment in justice. Better still, being terribly easily flustered.

[Giving a name would be better, and it does make it apparent this friend is his Master, to anyone in the know, but it is still even just a little bit safer to keep Tatsumi's name secret. He can't jeopardise the boy's safety.]

Ah, one more thing. I'm a doctor, therefore if anyone is ever in need of medical attention, I am always available, particularly for those outside the courts who may not have access to their infirmaries. I should note, however, my practice may not be up-to-date for some. Although I do promise I don't suck. [He laughs lightly.] -That's right, a name would be helpful, wouldn't it? I suppose it's best to continue with Berserker for now, although I am aware there is another by the name. If that name holds meaning to you, I believe it's important we speak. Perhaps more privately.

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[Saber internally sighed at that reaction. See, this was why she didn't like giving her name out to those that heard her legend when they were growing up. She had changed much from that time and understood now how foolish of a girl she'd been, playing at being king.]

As I am sure you know, legend and reality do not always align. And the Wars have changed me greatly.

Keep that in mind, Doctor.

...Yes - yes, of course.

[Like a child scolded, he casts his eyes downward, pressing his lips together. How rude of him, King Arthur must hate him now. How terrible, that disposition of his really is a problem after all. Is it any wonder Hyde is part of him? (they're not even remotely related) Ah, but there's where he can change the subject, though not exactly better.]

I must, then, warn you of Hyde. In most circumstances, you will know him on sight for red eyes. However, should my Noble Phantasm be used, I shall become a beast, however, it's unlikely the presence should be there. I may hear you speak, but it would be best to simply make an attempt on my life. I have given you my name and this information as I believe I am able to trust you to act as necessary.

I will do what I must should you engage your Noble Phantasm. It is entirely possible that you may be barred from using it here. This place had odd effects upon our prana.

That would be some relief if it were the case. Although I am entirely unable to do battle otherwise, which may be some trouble. But then, little price to pay for the safety of others.

Thank you, Saber.

You are a doctor. Healers are always in need when war wages. You need not fight on the front lines, but see to the injured so they may join the ranks again.

I confess I have no desire at all to take part in the war. For all that I admire the knightly order, I find war exceptionally distasteful. Especially one as this, or the Grail War, in which nothing good can hope to be accomplished. I will, however, certainly be offering my services as a physician to any and all in need of it. A doctor should be an impartial party, after all. Still, should my Master appear, I should like the ability at least to defend him.

You do realize that you will not be able to avoid this war, correct?

Is that a fact? I am entirely aware there is no way to escape it, that it would exist around me, but even so, if I choose not to fight, am I mistaken in thinking I cannot be made to do so? Barring personal provocation, of course. I do not mean to ignore it, but neither do I intend to encourage or help along its way.

I will say that the power the Monarchs possess is great. They may be able to compel us to fight, though the Unseelie pride themselves upon being free to make our own choices.

I simply understand war and how encompassing it is.

...That's awful. Then if one were to be far from any place of battle, or to volunteer instead to give medical treatment? I cannot find myself in the position to do battle, not only for my personal opinion against this war, but that Hyde would surely overtake me for the opportunity.

Such means have not been employed by either side yet. As I choose to fight in this war, I have not looked into those options. But there are others out there that have chosen not to fight. You will certainly find them if you look for them.

Mm, the one part of knighthood I could never quite reconcile. Is there a reason you choose to fight? I can see no good in this war, though I do recognise my lack of knowledge. You might enlighten me.

War is in my blood. As a knight, I cannot stand idly by when there is conflict which could lead to the death of innocents. As a king, I know to limit the impact upon commoners one must have the right commanders in place that possess the right experience.

I have been asked by High King Reul to join his personal order of knights. I have accepted. I fight for him, not the High Queen.

Yet are not most called here innocents? If they may be forced to fight beyond their wishes? As to the High King and Queen, is there a difference between the two, such as in terms of morality?

I do not consider shardbearers to be innocents. The shard grants them all power commoners of this land cannot even dream of. All shardbearers are tied to their respective Courts in some fashion or another.

It is the common people here that are innocents in this war. When one has the power to fight and chooses not to fight - and I do not necessarily mean fighting for the Courts, but something more ambiguous - they cannot be considered innocent.

As for the High Queen and High King... I cannot speak upon their morality. They are fae and their morality will never be something we can compare our own properly to. But they have their own methods which reflect upon them. The High Queen's tactics and style are not ones I will bleed for.

I will bleed for the High King.

I don't believe the possession of some amount of power is inherently equal to a lack of innocence. Certainly, those without, the common people, are more so due to vulnerability. However, just as the common people are needlessly affected by a will that is not their own, so too are those who are forced into the ranks. Despite having been drafted as soldiers, this war should have nothing to do with us, outsiders should never be dragged into the fray, and I find it difficult to reconcile that fact with any other. I should rather put an end to the war - this or any other - to protect every one of those people. Native commoners and shardbearers alike.

Still, I must respect your stance. Although I disagree on the side taken, I do agree with the reasons given. It may not be the route I would take, but even so is filled with honour and justice.

The longer you are here, the more you may see that may change your opinion. I do not care if you disagree with my stance; we are of the Unseelie and free to choose to stand where we wish.

But understand that I will not abide anyone that stands by when an innocent gets hurt when they have the power to try to stop it. As a doctor, I expect that you understand that notion.

[Berserker is taken aback - of course he understands, protection of innocents is exactly what he wants! Does she think his reasons for opposition to the war are out of self-preservation or indifference? For his insecurity in his own morality, and the common perception of him, that's the way he takes it. When he speaks, he does so hastily, trying to mask the offence he takes, though there is still a sharper edge to his tone.]

-I hope you do not mean to imply I would condone such an action, nor that I would myself, and I shall try not to read such a meaning into your statement.

[Ah, passive-aggressive Victorianism.]

Of course as a doctor, my priority is the good health and safety of others. If I may speak frank, the one thing I truly despise are those who would harm the innocent. Not only through physical means, but through tyranny and oppression. To stand by and allow such actions is hardly better. It's true that in the past, in my folly and weakness I have done just that! In fact found fascination in watching and allowing my other self to commit unspeakable acts! Yes, even a sort of pleasure! But I--

[Suddenly he realises what he is doing, in raising his voice and carrying on, especially to a king, for most likely misconstruing the meaning of a single statement. He stops, paling for his embarrassment.]

--Forgive me my impertinence. I did not mean- that is to say, what I do mean, is I am not that sort of man. I have sworn to the protection of those who cannot protect themselves, and so I do indeed understand.

[That outburst garnered Jekyll a raised eyebrow.]

I did not say you would do so, only that I expect you to understand why I cannot abide it. It is to caution you to not mistakenly attempt to intervene should my wrath fall upon one who has done such.

[His voice becomes soft, to contrast his outburst.]

No, no I wouldn't think to intervene in such matters. I would be more inclined to fight alongside you. That is the circumstance under which I will fight. It has become part of my purpose in the Grail War, after all.

[But still, he attacked that child. If it hadn't been for Saber, he would have killed her - but that was Hyde...]

You must have had an interesting Master if that had been your purpose, being of the Berserker Class.

Well, as you can see, I am not mad under normal circumstances. Being able to communicate freely cuts out much of the trouble of the class. Although I can't deny he's really very interesting.

[He has to smile again for the thought.]

He means to end the War. On top of that, the boy is quite young, and no magus. He is an incredibly good person.

The Master that summoned me to the Fifth was young and no real magus. He had a good heart.

Is that so? Then you might understand the closeness and admiration I feel? He wasn't called Kitano, was he?

[The last question is added with a light, joking tone. Too many allies of justice for the world to handle.]

I am afraid not. His name was Shirou.