Yay, fluff chapter! lol
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Crisp air toyed with Diarmuid's raven locks, the sky's hue rich in warm colors as the sun peeked over the autumn foliage. From his position atop the highest branch, he enjoyed the stunning view. It reminded him of fond memories of his hunting days among the Fianna, surrounded by friends, music, and the stars.
Music...last night's affairs stole away his source of modern music. What had it been called on that funky little device his Master gifted him? Classical? Searching Grail knowledge, it was a blend of string, percussion, chordophone, and woodwind instruments. That was the only information the omnipotent device granted him on the matter.
His coppery hue drawn to the birds flitting past above him, a smile quirked the corner of his lip. Despite his failure to take down his opponent, the fight itself was exhilarating. Caster's strange yet intriguing combat style proved him to be an excellent opponent.
Disappoint and honor grappled with one another at this thought. Having sworn to avoid the battles of the Grail war to his new avowed Master conflicted with his warrior's heart. He looked to his empty palms with downcast eyes, terrible memories flooding his thoughts like a rampaging tide.
Hair as golden as the sun, eyes greener than the earth, and a fighting spirit that complimented his valor smiled just before his beloved spear skewered his chest. That returning memory hovered over him like a phantom, whispering nasty reminders that honor and glory did not apply to the battlefield of the Grail War. His Master only echoed that fact when they discussed their plans.
Underhanded tactics and unforgiving brutality were the way of the Magi—no, maybe even humanity itself in the present days—so he settled to remain vigilant, to avoid the atrocities that could befall the Lady at any moment. A bullet-ridden, dangling arm imprinted his memory along with his severed dignity that left his body flinching at the thought. The Heroic Spirit could only be glad no tragedy followed when their adversaries separated them. That his Master indeed backed her claim to be competent when a challenge arrived.
Rustling and stirring down at the base of the tree alerted Diarmuid to her wake. Her sleep remained fitful throughout the night. He wondered if that occurred often. Their take to the road happened after she startled awake. Should he discuss it with her? It felt too personal, and it was not as if he had been open to her of his past turmoil, either.
Breaking down into Spirit form, Diarmuid reappeared to Haley on his knee, his head and eyes trained to the dirt, "How are you faring?"
"Still recovering from Briscella's earful about car insurance and having to come up with some story of how her car got involved with the Grail War, but..." She shook her head, tangled chestnut locks catching on her shoulder. "I'm fine," Gloomily, her azure hue lowered. "But thinking about the car, I remembered I had...precious things to me in it. Whoever covers up the Grail War probably confiscated it all, or destroyed it, if the fire from the car didn't make waste of what I didn't have protective spells on already."
"What have you lost?"
"Artwork and quotes I spent weeks on, and some…" The Lady paused as if contemplating her next words and shook her head, "Literature that I learned to read with that eventually gave me hope when trapped in my father's prison."
Lancer presumed her refugee status made it impossible to retrieve what valuables may have survived. To the degree this woman had suffered and to lose what she held most dear during those times because of his failure of not detecting Caster's strike sooner...
"That…" Woefully, Lancer apologized for his incompetence.
Yet, despite her sullen manner and modulation, she did not scold him. Haley only breathed a dejected sigh and spoke softly to either him or himself. "I think I can draw them again, find copies of the stories…" Shaking her head again, she looked at him with grief-stricken eyes and smiled faintly, "I'll worry about it when all this is over."
Diarmuid nodded, refraining from touching upon the sensitive topic further.
"I still wonder how they found us, though. What do you think, Lancer?"
"I am not quite sure, but I suppose I have not concealed myself once leaving your friend's home. It is not impossible that a Servant sensed my presence and trailed us."
The woman nodded, resting the back of her head against the tree trunk, "Maybe." After a small hum, she asked, "Is that taxing on you, being in physical form?"
Diarmuid's eyebrows drew together at the question, "I would not say so, no. I would be more worried for you, as it requires mana to sustain me in physical form."
"I don't feel like I'm being drained of anything," Haley studied her hands for a moment, then returned her curious gaze upon him, "But are you getting enough mana?"
"Indeed, it has been sufficient," Diarmuid flexed his fingers, mentally evaluating how his body felt. Focusing, he realized he felt different. Mightier, even. "I would say I'm most confident in my form," a thought crossing his mind, he added, "What are my parameters, Master?"
The lady's eyes widened a fraction, seemingly perplexed at his inquiry. Was she ignorant on how to use a Master's ability to discern the strength of her and other Servants? Before he could answer, her azure orbs shone bright, her head angling to the side.
"Mmm, let's see. Strength B+, Endurance A, Agility A+, Prana D, Luck E, and Noble Phantasm B."
Astounded, Diarmuid rose to his feet. His rankings—they reflected differently than he remembered. When Sola-Ui and Kayneth spoke of him, he knew them to be lower. Master and Servant; it was not unlikely that whatever factored differently between this summoning from the other would change that, but he had not expected his potential to be so highly altered. He presumed that was a wonderful thing. Gave more reason to have faith in this summoning, if it spoke anything to their unity.
Haley only sighed dejectedly, "I forgot I could do this. Wish I tried it with Caster." She shook her head side-to-side, "What did you think about him? He fought weirdly for his class."
Diarmuid agreed. Caster's method of attack was brazen, and forward despite the rune magic. The Heroic Spirit handled his staff and carried himself more like a warrior than a spell caster. Some wizards used it as a weapon, but not in the way he had.
"He handled his weapon like a spear." He blurted, thinking of how the Servant spun his staff in a way that mirrored his technique.
"I thought so too. I wonder if that stick is his Noble Phantasm, or if it's something more suited to his class?"
Diarmuid thought upon it. It wasn't impossible, but not likely, either.
"Anyway, I hope we never find out, I guess," Haley said, as Diarmuid fought not to frown. Caster's way of battle was fascinating, and a part of him wished she had an interest.
Instead, his Master shrugged and took a final gander at their surroundings before fishing her damaged phone out of her pocket. After pressing a few keys, her face lit with a smile, "Alrighty, I know where we are. Let's get going."
It was subtle, but there was eagerness in her tone. His face revealed nothing of his curiosity but reflected indifference.
To how Diarmuid regarded his Master still warred within himself. Were it not for his subtle concern that his lovespot be involved on account of her doting touches—he would have disregarded hesitation to engage more. The unpredictability that shadowed his charm spell left him weary and questioning his approach to her conduct.
Her affability perdured without question despite the evening's undesirable activities, whereas in other cases he'd expected at least a light reprimand. It was not unwelcome but unnerving in regards to their circumstances. This being her true nature; he feared regardless of her potential, how detrimental the Grail War may negatively impact that quality.
It did him.
Nevertheless, if her character and inner strength remained unchallenged by his recollection of her father's horrors, he was somewhat confident not to stress over it. Still, Lancer vowed to her... interesting companion, to protect the gentle heart that recently appraised, attended, and indulged him. Swore to Haley she was safe, that no harm would come to her. One way or another, he must come to terms with his past, lest it destroys them both.
—
After all the stress, Haley needed to hit the pause button on the Grail war. If the GPS on her phone was correct, she knew just how to accomplish that. Take a break from the bad news that piled on top of them like trash in a dumpster. Maybe even put a smile on Diarmuid's face. It was a rare thing she noticed, only capturing glimpses of that supernaturally handsome face losing its stoicism.
And maybe she was being delirious in thinking fun to be possible, but she would try. Everything else was too taxing, anyway.
Following the map, they traveled the woodlands, filled with towering trees decorated in orange and yellow leaves. Her Servant had been a gentleman, taking her hand in his when guiding her over fallen tree trunks and slippery, moss-covered rocks, and brushing back low hanging branches. In turn, Haley guided the Spirit to the sounds of streaming water, biting her cheek to suppress a smile. This rocky creek pointed them closer to the most beautiful spot.
"We're almost there," she said, patting Lancer on his right, upper bicep.
"You...had a destination in mind, Master?" She felt his inquisitive stare and nodded, kneeling to the water and cupping it in her hands for a drink.
"Yep. I'm sure you're enjoying the hike given your hunting days with Fianna, but I think you'll like where we're going."
Diarmuid lowered on his haunches beside her, dipping his fingertips into the brisk water. "Indeed, I am rather fond and most at ease in the woods."
Leaning back and seating herself on the rocks that pebbled the edges of the water, Haley's expression was nothing but nostalgic, "Me too. I'll go to town for necessities but I always find myself returning to the wilderness. Fewer chances of being found, and it offers a sort of peace civilization just doesn't do for me."
Studying her with sympathetic, contemplative eyes, the Heroic Spirit spoke so softly she had to lean forward to hear him. "For how long have you needed to live in this way?"
Too long, she wanted to say. She was barely an adult when needing to flee for her prosperity and future. To only be met with a bounty that either killed her or removed her eyes from their sockets. "8 years, I think," She said numbly, kicking a stone towards the water, "I've managed with illusions and keeping out in places like this. Staying away from people, and getting help from Briscella from time to time."
Perhaps it was the way she spoke, her answer weighed down by the broken feeling that came with it that made Lancer say with such compassion within his tone, "I cannot imagine how difficult and lonely that must be."
Eyelids fluttering closed, Haley smoothed her palms over her thighs. "It can be...but I have Briscella. And I am thankful I can at least be outside, see the world and what it has to offer, even from afar. Anything...is better than being trapped in that dungeon, wondering what limb will be broken next, if I'll ever see the sun again." Her hands squeezed into fists, as she angled her chin to the colorful canopy and blue sky peeking through, "I promised myself I'd never go back. To look at the sky and make the best of every day."
Haley withheld relenting how arduous and daunting that task had been as of late. It wasn't just the Grail War, but instead a combination of struggles that cultivated because of her father's actions, and her inability to do a thing about it. To combat the entire Magus Association was suicide from someone of her standing and despite the years between them, didn't think she could stand before him again.
Diarmuid placed his hand on top of hers, the pressure easing their trembling. "And you will not, though I commend you for your strength."
She almost laughed at how frail her two seemed in comparison to his one, as she leveled her stare with his. "Thank you."
His hand withdrew as promptly as he'd given them, while she stood, ignoring the questions burning her tongue. She wouldn't pry. Just because she was an open book didn't mean he had to be. "Anyway, let's keep going. I can't wait for you to see this."
—
Not too far from the stream, they followed a dirt path that led deeper into the forest. Haley, desperate for conversation, coaxed Diarmuid to speak about his Fenian days, or things that weren't common knowledge. Or to tell her his favorite battles, anything to pass the time.
Surprisingly, he obliged, speaking about talents he had, and recounted verses of poems that Oisin, Fionn's son, had sung but never wrote down. When she asked about his favorite sort of music during his time, he looked her in the eye, gleaming with mischief as he stated, "The music I liked the best, was to be talking with a woman".
Hearing that, she had to pause and look him over, ensuring someone didn't swap her Servant for another. Could it be possible that her Servant was capable of being lighthearted? Her prodding him with her index finger even coerced a chuckle, as he batted her away.
"Rejoice, he can laugh!" Haley cheered, raising her hands to the sky, her heart fluttering at the smooth sound of his continued laughter.
"Is it truly so surprising?" Diarmuid asked, sheltering the back of his head in his hand.
"Nah, I know in all seriousness we're both adjusting to this whole Grail War nonsense, and getting a feel for each other. I get it, I think. I'm not always perfect at talking with people, but I'm trying."
"To be fair, I would not have guessed that you had difficulty speaking to others."
Haley took that as a compliment as they crossed over a bridge that overlooked the harder rushing water, "Thanks, but I guess it's because you haven't seen me exposed to anyone else. I can be shy, or at least, quiet sometimes with new people."
Diarmuid's smirk would have caught her off-guard, and yet… "You, quiet? I suppose that is something that has yet to be seen." It was that comment that made her halt, gawking at him.
"Lancer!" Naturally, a person could be offended by his remark, however, having Briscella for the company gave her thick skin and quite frankly, did shame to his sarcastic banter. Laughing, she poked his rib, "You're two for two, here! Who thought it possible?!"
Before the Heroic Spirit could retort, Haley turned on her heel and pointed towards the end of the trail. "Anyway, we're here!" She said, bouncing on her toes, "Are you ready to see something beautiful?"
Nodding, Lancer followed her lead, as they wound through the thin trees to the roaring sound of falling water. At 90 ft tall, rushed New Jersey's largest waterfall. It's water-white, raging down a lush green, boulder-strewn slope that ended in a shallow pool. Trees lined the sides of the rock formation and beyond the horizon was the vivid view of the hillside, and to their right, stood a wooden platform for viewing.
At her side, peering over the ledge, the Heroic Spirit whispered of its beauty, but it was not just the waterfall that Haley wanted him to see. Before he could protest, she took his hand, tugging him with her to the edge of the rocky slope.
"Lancer, I want to show you something I can do...but I need you to trust me. What do you think?"
She expected his decline, as Diarmuid considered it. Cautiously, he dipped his head in approval, encouraging her heart to sputter to an irregular beat. Not giving any thought to her nervousness, the Psychic inhaled deeply and focused on her psychic power. Mentally manipulating a person required focus, and the more a target weighed put a slight strain on the mind.
It was a power mastered due to years of strengthening exercises her father conjured up. Despite that, if this man was giving her his trust, she'd proceed with caution. She lifted him in the air, and slowly let his body drift down the cliffside. In retrospect, a Servant's superhuman movement could have settled him on the same rock she did, but it'd have to be a quick maneuver, unlike the slow, hovering descent her power granted. This allowed her Heroic Spirit to weave and glide his outstretched fingers within the water.
Leaping off the peak, Haley landed next to the sitting spirit, feeling the heat in her cheeks. "I hope that wasn't too much."
Unphased, Diarmuid spoke an octave louder to avoid the falls drowning out his reply, "It is with great skill you move things with your mind. I thank you for showing me your power."
"I can do more, but I wanted to have fun while showing you."
"Fun…" He echoed slowly as if tasting the word for the first time. Aside from the crashing waves, an uneasy quiet followed before he turned and faced her, "Master, are you able to utilize the skill to share my vision?"
Haley cocked her head to the side. She knew the magic bond of Master and Servant made it possible, however, it was purposeful when the Servant was afar. "Right now? I mean, I can, but why?"
Diarmuid hesitated before standing and offering his open palm, "Trust me."
Well, there was no denying him now. She placed her hand in his, taking extra care in her stance to avoid sliding down the slippery slope of moss and rock. Tapping into magical power as she closed her eyes (so as not to see herself staring back), she activated the sight sharing. Around her waist his arm curled, bringing her into his side as he clasped his other hand tightly around hers.
Even without seeing it, she was certain her face was redder than a tomato. This was the first time he'd allow them to be so intimately close, the proximity causing her heart to thrash in its cage.
"Hold tight," Lancer instructed, and she heeded his warning, pressing further into his torso before a cold, sharp wind slapped her face as they plunged to the land below.
Water kicked up upon their landing, saturating her legs. Not missing a beat, Lancer had them springing into the air. Haley fought the urge to screech like nails on a chalkboard, as the imagery flooding her senses was too beautiful to ignore.
Adrenaline pumped her veins, extinguishing the shock from being carried at inhuman speeds along the hillside. The waterfall was long gone, replaced by new heights she wouldn't dream of climbing but rather use her hovering techniques. Thanks to Diarmuid's supernatural sight, vivid, glorious autumn leaves raced past, as well as open fields of grass, and unventured trails.
Her Servant's velocity could accelerate higher although she wondered if they were moving at mundane limits. "C-Can you g-go, faster?!" She sputtered, wind stealing her voice and air from her lungs.
I can, but utilize telepathy to speak. He paused, then added. Do not let go.
As if! But this is awesome!
It was like her Servant was an accelerator and her the engine. Diarmuid definitely could go faster, and it took all of her strength to cling to him like he was salvation on earth. But the imagery! Even if her organs felt like liquid fire, the clarity in which she saw the ripples in the ponds and brooks, the animals tucked away in the treelines and rocky formations buried the feeling.
Hair whipping in a frenzy, more angles of the forest she'd never see if not for him continued. Haley tucked her face into his rib cage, completely overwhelmed with saccharinity and a feeling she couldn't place. He must have glanced at her as she did, considering she saw a glimpse of herself before the landscape took over again. To think, her Servant who had been nothing but reserved and hard to reach would share this uniquely candid spectacle in this way with her. It made her happy. Gave her the tiniest bit of hope that they could at least be friends while he stayed in this world. And maybe, she could see and learn more about the Legend that inspired her.
—
Plateaus ripe with fall's colors stretched across the fading, blue horizon. From the sky, Diarmuid viewed the spectacle, courtesy of Haley's incredible ability. It was not quite flying, as it was hovering. How she managed to maintain them both was beyond his understanding, though he wouldn't question it. His decision to transport his Master across the forest he would, though.
He convinced himself he just wanted to replace that disconsolate disposition his Lady acquired when speaking of her past. What he couldn't formulate into words about his deep understanding of her pain, he managed to redirect that instead to having, "fun". And since she admired nature as much as he, was it so terrible to give her that experience?
No, he supposed not. It was a break they both needed, and he had her to thank for the idea. "Master, I must thank you."
Turning her head away from the view to him she asked, "For what?"
His gaze remained on the setting sun. "For this," he waved his hand to the grand terrain, "And all you have done in attempt at making my summoning a pleasant one. I...may not say it, but I have taken notice of your effort, and appreciate it."
From the corner of his eye, he could see a soft smile take to her lips. "I'm glad, and thank you, too. This...was probably the most fun I've had in a while and the most incredible thing I've ever seen. I'll never forget it, Lancer."
He turned to meet her regardful gaze, and returned her smile, admitting to himself that he was starting to believe her worthy of his loyalty.
—
"Finally," Haley gasped, hands on her knees, "I'm starving."
Across the clearing of trees, Diarmuid could just make out the black tips of a road that led into a small town. Briscella had come through for his Master yet again, calling a place for her to stay for a few days.
Given his Master's attire, and complaining during the evening, he was glad she'd have a warm place to sleep. She seemed overly ecstatic about it, skipping to the forest's exit, chattering excitedly about lying in a bed, and eating food other than deer meat until her belly bulged.
Lancer couldn't chase his grin away. She was a cheeky lass.
Rays of orange and gold light peeked through the trees, the air warming with the rising sun. Catching in the light was a gleam of silver. Diarmuid brandished his spears in alarm. "Master, behind you!"
"Huh?"
The ringing of metal sounded as Gae Dearg slashed in an upward swing, colliding with the edge of a golden blade that disappeared, turning into wind. Gae Buidhe sliced across the weapon in a quick sweep, knocking back the sword's wielder, who held a baffled expression.
"L-Lancer…?"
Diarmuid froze, gripping the hilts of his spears so tight his knuckles turned white.
"Saber…"
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Been awhile! Hope you enjoyed the chapter. I feel like my writing has been struggling, maybe I'm wrong. Anyway, every since I learned about Masters able to see things through their Servant's eyes, I wanted to do something with it. This, cute little bonding moment between Diarmuid and Haley came to mind. I think It'd be cool to see how the Servant's do! Imagine having your Archer's eyesight, which is supposed to be the best of all the classes?!
Also, if you're wondering why Diarmuid's parameters are higher, its due to compatibility. Just like how Saber is her best with Rin, in my mind, Diarmuid is at his peak with Haley. Knowing his legends, Having his strength and endurance skill be so low makes no sense. The man fights a wizard for 3 days without relenting, gets shot with poisonous darts and still skewers a lady right in the eye by throwing his spear, fights an army of 1800 and then right after another, stronger army of 1800 in the span of 4 hours, climbs a mountain so steep no other Fenian Warrior could scale it, Fights a giant, gets beaten half to death, yet still manages to kill said giant with his own weapon, need I go on!? lol
And that last scene, I've been dying to get to it! They meet again, oh booooy. This is the drawing to go with it. You can also view it on my tumblr, JelliedFox.
If you want actual visuals of where Diarmuid and Haley were, look up Buttermilk Falls NJ! :D