Almost got that weekly update lol. We have some good news, at least - my health has slowly but surely been improving, so I have more time to actually work on VaM and see it through to completion! (Which I'm very excited about, considering what I have planned for it.)

Great big thank you to you guys, too - you were all so patient and stuck around despite my poor schedule, so hopefully the energy I put into all this makes up for it!


06

Day Two: Night

Bramwell

He wasn't surprised that Assassin was the first Servant to fall. Bram glanced at Archer with his brows raised, his phone tucked between his ear and his shoulder. Ever since this morning's fight at the harbour, they'd been doing their best to stay under the radar.

"Apparently Katayama found his brother," Bram told Takuya over the phone. "Transferred the command spells to him."

"Yes..." Takuya sounded contemplative. "Rider mentioned that he seemed inexperienced despite his age. I'm willing to bet that the brothers were separated, or only one pursued magecraft seriously."

"Shiro did put up a bigger fight than the policeman did," Bram agreed.

"At least now we have an estimate on Caster's power, as well as how long his Master can withstand the strain. I'll look into any other Masters sent by the Association, but I highly doubt that this woman is allied with us."

That'd be right. If someone with a little demon cat in baby booties could steal a catalyst and an accident from the Sasaki family's summoning could happen, Bram wouldn't put it past Caster's Master to oppose them. After the near-extinction of the founding families in the last War, other families based in Japan had wasted no time turning their backs on Association hierarchy.

Archer leaned against the wall of the alley with crossed arms. He watched the streets outside as Bram went on, "So all we have to look out for is Saber, Lancer and Berserker."

"Rider and I are taking care of it. She was curious about looking at the other Servants, and I think it's best to keep our information updated." Takuya grunted, and from the sounds of things he must've almost dropped his phone. "Rider, please be careful—"

There was a screech of a response from Rider, but Bram could make out at least some of what she was saying. She'd spotted a Servant, and from the way Archer bristled and stopped blinking entirely, zeroing in on someone across the busy street, the Servant was nearby.

Bram peeked over the heads of the people walking by. He could see red poking out from above, and he had no doubt that the large man he'd seen outside the convenience store two days ago was staring right back at him. A break in the crowd formed, revealing a much smaller form in front of the man—Berserker?—and all Bram could do was curse.

"I've seen her," he muttered. He looked to Archer, and the man nodded in agreement.

She left with him after you bought groceries, Archer said. Must be his Master.

"Bram, are you there?"

"I'm here, Takuya," he said slowly. He waited as Archer lifted his hood, vanishing from plain sight in an instant. Bram exited the alleyway, and he locked gazes with the small, blue-haired girl. She was only a teenager, he thought with dawning horror. Barely into adolescence. Who would force such a burden on a child? "I'm going to lead them to a more isolated area. They're targeting me, most likely."

"Understood. Rider and I will keep a birds' eye view on you. Don't hang up the phone."

Bram hummed. He turned his gaze away from the girl and Berserker, focused on his path. What was the closest area that would have the least witnesses? He was in the middle of the city, and his best bet was an abandoned complex or an empty office building. Even then, there were squatters and people who worked overtime. Bram chewed his lip and sucked in a deep breath. Think, think.

Construction site, about three blocks away.

Bram felt relief flow through him at Archer's report. Which direction?

Three o'clock. The last worker just clocked out for the night, and he'll be gone by the time you get there if you keep your pace.

Archer, you magnificent bastard. That was a whole weight taken off of Bram's shoulders, and possibly even the Church. If the little girl knew the rules of the War, she'd follow for sure. Bram glanced back over his shoulder, just to check if Berserker had moved in any way; he instead found them on his side of the street, following at a very reasonable distance and watching him with careful gazes. This girl knew the rules, Bram decided, and she was being as cautious as possible with her plan.

"I'm heading to a construction site that just had its last worker leave," Bram reported to Takuya. "You and Rider wait up top for us. They've gotten closer and they'll spot you if you try to intervene early."

"I understand. Rider, take us down to the construction site."

Bram glanced up, spotting the fleeting image of Rider's chariot darting through the sky like a falling star, and he wasted no time hanging up his phone and pocketing it. He approached a crossing, kicked his shoe against the pavement as he waited for the light to turn green. Berserker and his Master were just a few metres away now, within reach if he wasn't careful. Bram cast another glance back at them, meeting the girl's eyes.

"Not yet," he mouthed at her. Her eyebrows furrowed, but she didn't make a move to close the distance any more. The light flashed green, the crowds either side of the road beginning to cross, and Bram broke into a sprint.

The girl pursued immediately, Berserker thundering after Bram and knocking people over in the crowd. It was slowing them down, for sure, and it gave Bram just a few more seconds to prepare himself. Two blocks, he had to run. That would be manageable, right?

Just barely, he soon came to realise. Berserker may have been big and stocky, but his strides were long enough to close the distance again after only a block. Were it not for the fact that his feet landed on solid earth, Bram was certain he'd have been caught before he could catch sight of the high fencing separating the site from the rest of the city. One foot landed on the ground, a shift in the earth rippling behind him, and the other followed suit.

Spike after spike of dirt jutted out behind him, forcing Berserker to pause to knock them away or simply leap over them. The people in the area were thinning out, and those who were still there hardly noticed the display. Crowds tended to ignore things they didn't want to get involved in, after all.

The signs advising passerby to keep their distance entered his field of vision. Bram continued his sprint, but ceased his manipulation of the earth in favour of a more direct, time consuming approach for the duo. He reached into his jacket and pulled out three Black Keys, each one secured between the knuckles of his fingers. Bram turned on his heel as he ran, stumbling just a little to keep his balance as he jogged backwards.

The girl at least recognised that he was going to attempt something. Bram threw the Keys into the air and yelled, "Set!"

All three grew in size, becoming wide enough to force Berserker to a full halt once they pierced the ground. Bram listened as Berserker snarled loudly, as he bashed at the Keys, and he pushed himself to run as fast as he could onto the site. Bram skidded to a stop on the first floor of what looked to be a second attempt at an apartment complex. Phone in hand once more, he dialled Takuya's number while sending a heads-up to Archer mentally.

"I'm here," he wheezed as soon as Takuya answered. He barely got a response, Takuya hanging up immediately after, and Bram watched from the shadows as Berserker tore through the gate with his Master on his back.

"Be careful, Berserker," he heard her say. Berserker grunted in response, and Bram had to raise his brows at how compliant the hulk of a man was. He'd figured that Mad Enhancement would've made communication impossible, let alone giving out orders without a command spell.

Rider's here, Archer reported. Bram let out a slow, careful breath and pulled another Black Key from his coat. It wasn't often he used them traditionally, thrown like knives, but for once he was glad he carried spares in the event he had to. There was only so much a single Black Key could do on its own, especially against something like a Servant.

Good. Keep an eye on me and have your bow ready. I'm gonna do something a little stupid.

What

"Don't attack!" Bram yelled. He walked out from his hiding place slowly, one hand raised in surrender and the other holding his Black Key out for the girl to see. She turned in his direction and held a hand up to keep Berserker from charging. Bram counted himself lucky that he wasn't mowed down instantly. "Are you Berserker's Master?"

The girl nodded. "Who was yours?" she asked. Bram was ready to give an excuse—that he was connected to the Church, uninvolved with the War outside of providing sanctuary, but she stopped him before he could even form the lie. "Don't even think of saying you're not a Master. I saw him with you."

This isn't a "little" stupid—this is a whole lot of stupid, Master!

I know, Archer, Bram tried.

"Archer," Bram told her. "My Servant is Archer."

"And you're competing for a wish?"

He tightened his grip on the Black Key. "Are you?"

The girl didn't seem to like his answer. She took a step away from Berserker, lowering her hand without even breaking eye contact with Bram. He gawked at her, his attention soon turning for Berserker. The burly man reared back, roaring at Bram in warning, before finally he began to charge—with a weapon drawn, no less.

Bram darted inside the building once more and set the final Key, giving Berserker a mere pebble on the path to kick away in his pursuit. Bram rushed for the stairs, climbing them two-by-two, and his thoughts went haywire with pleads for Archer to take a shot. Bram made it to the second floor, barely pausing to catch his breath. He sprinted for the next set of stairs, aiming for the third floor.

Archer, get Rider and Takuya to meet me at the third floor window.

An arrow flew past him and down the stairs, and Berserker let out a howl of anger.

I'm a bit busy! Archer stressed.

No, by all means, take your time! Bram stumbled along the path leading to the stairs, and almost tripped up the first step he tried to climb. Servant business is time-consuming stuff!

Cheeky prick.

Berserker burst through the floor of the second level, and Bram actually stopped and gaped in horror at the sight of the Servant clawing his way up onto his feet. The weapon in his hands morphed and shifted in size and shape, until finally what was once a pronged spear was now a bow with a very large, very sturdy arrow ready to shoot.

Berserker pointed the bow and arrow in Bram's direction. Almost as soon as it began to glow, preparing for launch, Bram hightailed it to the third floor and screeched, "ARCHER!"

Bram was really putting his faith to the test with this. He ignored the stitch in his side and sped for the nearest window, feet pounding against the floor as the glow from Berserker's weapon—his Noble Phantasm—intensified. He slammed one foot on the windowsill, hoisted himself up, and in plain view of Berserker's Master Bram flung himself from the window.

He fully expected to collide with the ground and die a slow, probably painful death. But Bram found there were many surprises for the day left in store for him. Not only did he bounce when he collided with something, but he continued to move as the sound of Takuya's voice rang out through the air. Bram opened his eyes, fighting back against the wind whipping his face, and was just in time to witness Berserker's Noble Phantasm be unleashed. The building exploded in a pillar of gold, countless strikes assaulting the structure and forcing the building to crumble atop the Servant. Bram marvelled at the sheer amount of power before him, especially compared to what he knew of Archer's Noble Phantasm.

He pulled himself to the edge of the chariot and climbed down to sit between Rider and Takuya. The duo were already occupied with the possibility of Berserker emerging from the rubble out of nowhere, too much to notice the Master watching them flee already.

Bram focused all his energy on communicating with Archer, delivering one order above all the ruckus: Archer, poison the Master!

There was no response, but Bram knew the message had gone through. As soon as he caught sight of the arrow whizzing in the girl's direction, he knew he'd set the stage for a later victory.

The arrow grazed her arm, tearing at her arm warmer and putting her on high alert. She was becoming sluggish, no doubt drained by Berserker's attack, but she managed one shout of his name before she dropped to her knees.

Poison's been fired, Archer reported. I can use Yew Bow whenever you're ready.

Not now. We need to retreat in case Berserker uses that Noble Phantasm again.

Got it. Archer paused, before adding, You scream like a baby.

Bram buried his face in his hands. He left a small enough gap between his fingers to see Berserker burst out from the rubble, heading straight for his Master and cradling her prone form in his arms. Berserker roared once more, and like a spectre disappeared into the night.

Awkward silence settled over the group on the chariot, and slowly they descended until the bulls were on the ground.

Finally, as though wanting to make the situation even more tense, Rider sighed dreamily. "What a rush," she said.


Casval

"Thank you for allowing me to enter your home, sir."

Casval was met with the steady, cold gaze of Jubstacheit von Einzbern in response. It was a gaze that appraised Casval, and he knew his lineage would prove handy in forming Jubstacheit's opinion. Fausts were knowledgeable, and Casval was no different.

He was led to the nearby table, to the chair at the very opposite to Jubstacheit's, and offered tea by a homunculus maid. Casval politely accepted and waited patiently for her to finish pouring him a cup.

The Einzbern head swept a hand in front of his face dismissively. "Please," he said. "You're welcome to just call me Old Man Acht. Almost everyone else does."

Casval gave him a half-smile and nodded once. "Alright. Do forgive my rudeness, but may we get to the point of why I contacted you?"

Jubstacheit closed his eyes and nodded. He picked up his teacup and took a sip, then turned his attention to Casval again. "Go on," he said.

"I come to you today as a representative of the Faust family as a whole, as is the weight of the title of family head. It's come to my attention that none of the three founding families of Fuyuki are participating in this War, and I wish to restore some order in that respect by allying myself to you."

"I see." Jubstacheit leaned back in his chair. "I'd wondered why a family based in Europe would come to Fuyuki."

In truth, the Fausts had no plan to get involved in the beginning. They'd all be seen sure that the Einzberns would create a Master, or perhaps even hire one again, but once news reached that they hadn't prepared for another War ten years after the last and had lost their greatest creation, Illyasviel, Casval jumped into action. The Einzberns had suffered a very crippling blow, right alongside the sudden silence from both the Tohsaka and Matou families. To simply do nothing from a family also renowned for their exploits with homunculi (among other things) felt wrong to Casval.

He explained as such in a concise, neutral statement, and Jubstacheit stroked his beard for a moment. It was hard to get a read on the man's thoughts with such a blank expression, but Casval wasn't going to be deterred. If he and Lancer were going to win the Grail War, they needed the Einzberns on their side.

"Casval, was it?" Jubstacheit asked. Casval nodded once. "I wish to see your Servant."

The request caught him off guard, and Casval blinked a few times as he processed what Jubstacheit had said. He wanted Casval's Servant in the castle? Was this a sign of trust? Or perhaps a way for Jubstacheit to weigh his potential? Either way Casval was getting further than he'd anticipated in this first visit. A minute passed as he cleared his throat and nodded, and he called for Lancer as Jubstacheit watched with careful eyes.

It didn't take long for Lancer to appear by his side, next to an empty seat. The homunculus maid walked over and set down a teacup for her, filling it wordlessly as Lancer passed her own judgements on the room.

The old man isn't as foolish as he seems, she commented. Casval barely glanced at her, keeping his focus on Jubstacheit.

Oh? he prompted.

He has a failsafe in this specific room. Were I to attack, or perhaps abscond with the Grail's vessel, you would be assaulted from all sides until I am unable to keep my form.

So he was still being cautious. Casval felt oddly relieved that the Einzbern head hadn't lost his sense of wariness following two defeats and countless losses.

"A Lancer," Jubstacheit observed. "How did you acquire the catalyst needed to summon her?"

Casval let himself smile knowingly. "Faust family secret," he said. Jubstacheit raised his brows, but he looked amused nonetheless. "Just as the Einzberns have their methods, we have ours."

Lancer nodded once to Jubstacheit as she pulled out a chair and sat down. She barely touched her tea, disinterested.

"I am Scáthach, queen and gatekeeper of the Land of Shadows," she said. Lancer held herself with the utmost grace and pride, almost as though telling Jubstacheit he should be respecting her. Considering how old she was and her legend, it wasn't too harsh a demand. "I had intended to ignore the call of the Grail, but my Master has proven himself worthy of my time."

Jubstacheit looked at Casval with wide eyes. "Remarkable. In all my years, I've never heard of a mage summoning a Servant whose legend regarded them as immortal."

"Therein lies Lancer's wish," Casval said. Lancer nodded in agreement, seemingly pleased he'd remembered her demands should they win the Grail. "But talks of our dedication to the Grail will do nothing to prove our cause. That is why, Old Man Acht, I would like to show you our dedication."

Casval pulled at the fingers of his surgical glove. One by one they fell loose and allowed him to free his hand, until finally the design of his command spells was visible to all in the room. All three were still there, unused—until now.

"Lancer," Casval said, and the command spells began to glow in response to his intentions. "By order of command spell, you are to ensure the wellbeing of the Holy Grail's vessel until the time comes to begin the ritual."

A glow settled over Lancer for a moment. Brighter and brighter, until finally its reach halted. As Casval's hand burned with a command spell fading away, the light around Lancer vanished. He looked at Lancer for confirmation of success, and to his relief he was met with an approving nod and smile.

Jubstacheit clapped once, his smile growing at the display. "Well now," he chuckled. "I suppose I can't ignore your request with a condition such as that."

He clicked his fingers once, signalling the maid to leave the room. She wasted no time exiting through the door behind Jubstacheit, and Casval assumed it was only a matter of time before the Grail vessel would be brought back with her.

"I've named her Rettferkrone," Jubstacheit said. He leaned back into his seat and folded his arms over his lap. "There were... 'demands' made by the last mage I left a Grail vessel in the hands of. However, unlike the leniency I granted with Irisviel, Rettferkrone has not been allowed to become immersed in the outside world. She can recognise danger and assist Lancer in ensuring her wellbeing, but her ultimate purpose is to host the Grail." For the first time during the visit, Jubstacheit actually glared at Casval sternly. A warning. "You are not to indulge her in the experiences of modern society. By handing her over into your custody, Casval, I trusting you to simply keep her under lock and key until you decide the time is right to summon the Grail. Am I understood?"

Casval rose from his chair and tucked it back in place carefully. Once he was a good distance from the table's edge, he bowed to Jubstacheit. "Of course, Old Man Acht. You have my word."

"Good man." The door behind Jubstacheit opened again, and the maid entered once more—this time with a tall woman in tow, her face exactly the same as the maid's. Typical of a homunculus, she was pallid and red-eyed, with snow-white hair that, unlike the maid's long braid, was cut into a short bob. Her expression was blank, but she was more than aware of what she was doing as she approached Jubstacheit while the maid returned to her cart.

Lancer stood up and moved to Casval's side. All that was left was for Rettferkrone to leave with them.

The homunculus moved her gaze from Jubstacheit to the duo, and she was quick to pinch the sides of her skirt and curtsey. "I am Rettferkrone von Einzbern," she said monotonously. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Master and Servant of the Sixth Grail War."

"I trust she will be safe in your home?" Jubstacheit went on. Casval nodded. He put his surgical glove back on before offering a hand for Rettferkrone to take.

As she moved forward to take it, he told Jubstacheit, "My study has a safe room built into it. While my home is protected by a bounded field, the safe room will be suitable in keeping her safe. Even if someone were to attempt to break in, they'd have to deal with Lancer first."

With a final nod of approval, Jubstacheit dismissed the trio.


Evangeline

"Duchesse, Sabre," Puss whispered loudly. Evangeline jolted upright at the sound of his voice, and she was soon overtaken by elation. If he'd come back, he'd found somewhere for them to hide just a little while longer!

"Over here, Puss," she whispered back. Saber sat beside her, his silver arm clutching his injury as he tried to hide his exhaustion. "What'd you find?"

The cat pounced through the bushes, landing on all fours in front of them. Evangeline had played around with his appearance this time around, changing him from a short-haired tabby to a long-haired, blue Persian. At least anyone looking for him didn't know what he looked like now.

"There are considerable stairs to climb, but I found a temple," he reported. He reared back up on his hind legs and gestured up behind Evangeline, where the foliage became thinner and the night sky was just a little more visible. "'Tis abandoned. More so, there is a garden that seems to have overgrown since someone last lived here—the weather tended to it, I suspect. We needn't leave for supplies and endanger ourselves until Sabre is in better health."

Instead of jumping for joy like Evangeline was ready to, Saber gritted his teeth and forced himself to speak. "Why was it abandoned?"

Puss tilted his head to the side. "That, I do not know. There are traces of... something in the air, like a calamity had befallen the previous residents, but there is no attempt from the government to keep anyone away."

She looked at Saber for his reaction. If there was something keeping other people away, then maybe it wouldn't be such a good idea to go to the temple. She loved the idea of the temple being a substitute for a tower, the ominous feeling replacing a dragon—but if it would slay her knight...

Evangeline shook her head and jumped to her feet. No. This would work out. If there was one thing she'd make sure of, it'd be that her fairytale hideaway would become a reality.

She helped Saber to his feet. Evangeline was met with a surprised expression, Saber lost for words as she held onto him carefully. "We'll be okay," she decided. Saber looked ready to argue, but stopped himself rather fast. Instead he smiled weakly and nodded before another spike of pain shot through him.

"I will guide you both there," Puss offered. Evangeline shook her head.

"I need to give as much mana as possible to Saber. I'll call for you if something happens, Puss."

The cat bowed and vanished without another word. Evangeline let out a slow breath. She and Saber wandered just towards the outskirts of the forest area before they were forced to stop, and neither could help the dismayed stare they aimed at the summit of the long, steep stairs.

There was no way she'd be able to carry Saber up all these stairs, and if he dematerialised then how well could she keep an eye on him? As much as it would be easier, Evangeline just couldn't bear the thought of accidentally leaving her injured Servant behind. She sucked in a deep breath and closed her eyes. She supposed she had no choice in the matter, even after saying she didn't need Puss around.

"Master?" Saber asked. Evangeline didn't respond. She instead focused on the various fairytales she'd grown up reading, every creature and demon and saint that appeared in them. She sifted through their titles—Snow White; The Seven Ravens; Rapunzel; The Wedding of Mrs. Fox—until finally she found something that would work for their situation.

She recalled the tale of The Two Brothers. She recalled the brother who rescued the princess with the help of the animals he'd encountered along the way: The hare, the fox, the bear, the lion.

Evangeline pictured the lion perfectly in her mind. She could see its beautiful mane and powerful claws. Distantly she could hear its low rumble of a growl—and when she opened her eyes, suddenly more drained than before, it was before her.

Saber stared with wide eyes down at the lion. It stared back, though made no move to attack. Evangeline sagged against Saber and let out a small, innocent laugh despite herself. He knew this was another demon she'd summoned, but he was still surprised by the sight of it.

"Hello, Mr. Lion," she said. The lion's golden gaze landed on her, and its head nodded once in greeting. "Can you please help us up these stairs? Saber's injured and I can't carry him on my own."

"I don't mind simply—"

Evangeline shook her head, stopping Saber before he could finish. "I'm scared I'll lose you if you dematerialise. At least this way I know you're still by my side."

Her response clearly bewildered him. He hesitated to even respond until finally, to Evangeline's inner glee, his expression softened and he smiled down at her. "If that's what you want, Master."

Saber climbed atop the lion and made sure to leave enough room at the front for Evangeline. She grabbed his prosthetic arm and was hoisted effortlessly onto the lion's back, hands buried in its mane while Saber held her steady from behind. The lion paced itself at first, taking careful steps up the stairs, but it soon broke into a light run that threw the cold night air in Evangeline's face.

They would make it to the temple Puss had described in no time. At least now they had a solid place to stay for the night, and maybe somewhere to establish a home base for the time.

They rode in silence for a while, but eventually Saber brought a conversation to light. He never usually started a chat with Evangeline, but something about his opinion of her must've changed today. Evangeline felt hope rise in her chest—did he see her as noble? Princess-like? Princesses were usually delicate, yet full of pure intentions and concern for their loved ones. Had he seen that in her tonight?

"Master," he said. "Why do you seek the Holy Grail?"

Evangeline pushed a few blonde locks out of her face and tucked them behind her ear. Did she even have a wish anymore? She knew she'd come into the War with one in mind, but the last two days with Saber had her wondering if it still warranted granting.

"My wish..." Evangeline chewed her lip. She leaned back against Saber and tilted her head back, trying to look him in the eye. She got an awkward view of his chin and nose instead. "Saber, how do you feel about me?"

He seemed caught off-guard by the question, but still did his best to answer. "You are a thoughtful, caring Master," he told her. One hand came up to pat her head as he smiled down at her. "I find myself blessed to have been summoned by you, even if only for a time. You don't seek to harm others, nor do you wish to carry a weapon that may do so unintentionally. That alone is worthy of a knight's respect."

She beamed up at him. "Then I already had my wish granted. I've always wanted to have a knight in shining armour by my side, one who loved me enough to protect me."

Once again she surprised him. Instead of letting it show for long, though, Saber broke out into a large grin and began to chuckle.

"I suppose that renders the Grail obsolete, then," he laughed. Evangeline giggled along with him.

The lion slowed its pace, finally close to the top of the stairs. Evangeline watched as they passed through the gate of the temple, and she didn't have it in her to hold back the uncomfortable chill that went down her spine. It was an otherwise normal temple, some parts destroyed and sectioned off by police tape, but it felt so off. Like something made of hatred and despair had made its home here, and its mere presence was enough to keep anyone away.

This was Ryuudou Temple, she guessed. According to the locals it used to be a community of its own, always so clean and welcoming to the public. But now look at it—it was a shell of its former self, the warm feeling replaced by only a deathly chill.

The lion came to a halt near one of the rooms that were still intact. Saber climbed off first, then helped Evangeline. She wasted no time asking the lion to watch the gate while they rested.

Like the night before, Saber draped his cloak over her as a blanket to keep her warm. Evangeline leaned against the wall and did her best to go to sleep right away, but her mind was abuzz with excitement.

Saber cared. Saber enjoyed being her Servant. Saber was, as he said, the one wish she'd had for the Grail. He believed he wouldn't be with her for long, though, and it made her worry. What would she do if she lost Saber? Would she be okay? Ever since leaving her family, trying to live alone and keeping her crest safe, the true fairytales had been far and few between. All she had were her demons, summoned in the image of her beloved fables.

Evangeline leaned against Saber's shoulder as he kept watch of the doorway. Maybe she did have a wish for the Grail still. Maybe that wish would be to have Saber by her side, no matter how much time passed.

Yes, she thought as she closed her eyes. An eternity with her knight, granting her a happily ever after, was the perfect wish for the Grail.