"The Breach hasn't been growing for three days now." Cassandra states broadly to the rest of the war table. She grinds her brows with her fingers before continuing. "Whatever the mark did, it has managed to bring a halt to whatever madness has caused to appear in the first place."

Despite the tiredness her posture would suggest, there was very obvious relief in the Seeker's tone of voice at this announcement. It has been three very anxious filled days since the explosion at the conclave, and the appearance of the Breach in the sky. While the hole in reality still hung in the air, its green glow ever so present in the world, its rapid expansion was totally stopped by the Mark and its wielder.

Leliana starts first, "Yes. However, obviously, that doesn't change the fact it remains life threatening to all under it...and that's just one part of the chaos being reported."

That much was very obvious at the world's current state of course, as demons still were more active in this world thanks to the haunting effects of the gateway opened in the sky, and into Thedas; rips in the veil with all matters of creatures appearing all over the world made it very apparent that stopping it from spreading was just step one in all of this.

"There are also the matters of the Chantry." Josephine chimed in as her pen scribbles down the paper attached to the board she holds, "Their continuous acts to try and calm the masses are failing quite badly. Which may or may not have to do with the fact that the majority of its leaders have been killed off in the explosion. Either way, they're not exactly in the most advantageous position at the moment."

"Then there's also the fact that the rebellion of the Templars and the Circles have left the Chantry reeling from quite the blow, along with the damage explosion has caused." Cullen steps forward, "Meaning, we can't exactly rely on them for reigning in the heart attacks occurring all over Thedas."

"And with demons appearing at random corners, coming from rifts and creating panic and death, it is clear that times are becoming even darker now." Leliana added on.

Absolute disaster roams these lands. That is the basic news of current events.

"It needs more power. The Mark that is." As a solution that needn't be mentioned, Cassandra continues, "If the Mark in Arturia's hand is given enough strength behind it, we could have the Breach sealed completely."

Ever since that battle, where Arturia fought valiantly and enrapturing the sights of those who were there, word of the young knight being the Maker's chosen has been spreading like wildfire in a forest all across Thedas; the people are convinced Arturia is a savior sent by the Maker to help in their time of need, related to a divinity. Such beliefs aren't tossed away by Cassandra. What she had saw, there couldn't be any doubt that Arturia had come to help, even if the knight has said to be lost.

"Speaking of her, have there been anything about our 'hero'?" A question Cullen hopes that there is an answer to, clearly heard in his voice.

The spymaster's brows furrowed, as if being faced with uncharted territory, "Nothing. There are no records of Arturia Pendragon, no family with that name or friends. It's if she appeared from nowhere."

"She could be using an alias, but why?" To Cullen, using a fake identity means she is hiding something, as much good affect that girl has made, she was a stranger who appeared in the midst of the destruction and death of Divine Justinia, and from what he has heard, she has yet to reveal where she came from. Such little information about her could only be seen as suspicious. "And what about that sword?"

"Nothing." Cassandra admits, "No elf, magus or dwarf has ever seen such craftsmanship, its unlike any material to ever been seen on the face of this earth." Even Solas had admitted feeling power from it, a holy power that was sealed tight until Arturia took hold of it. By far, it was THE most powerful holy weapon to have ever been seen by any being in Thedas. It was simply without say that such power and work could not be done by any mortal hands, no matter how skilled or talented.

"You mentioned that upon regaining conscious when she was held prisoner that she was in a war?" Josephine remarks, "What war had she participated in?"

"She did not say." Leliana answers.

"Whatever war she supposedly got involved in, how was she at the Conclave?" Cullen rubs his chin, "Too many questions brings me an unease."

"All will be answered once she wakes up I'm sure."

At Leliana's statement, Cassandra responded with that, "We cannot treat her as if she is still a prisoner, she has helped us immensely against that demon, you were there."

"I know, and she is not a prisoner anymore," Leliana assures. "With what happened and many witnesses spreading word of the event, people see her as a light of hope. This can be useful, given what's going on now. Perhaps needed even."

The Antivan pauses in her writing, "What do you propose?"

"...That we support her as the Herald of Andraste, as what the people choose to call her now. In this time, we can rebirth the Inquisition, and have her as our figurehead."

"We know little to nothing of this girl, how can we trust her?" Cullen is close to not agreeing to the idea.

"She may be a stranger Commander, but she is honorable," Cassandra spoke, "I have never met someone so young having such bravery in the face of such madness, or even wield a simple sword before her own with such skills. She went to the front as you have heard and saw yourself, proving her courage, and she has given her word that she will help, I say we trust her."

"From what you have told me, she was quite confused in the beginning, yet very willing to help out despite being so lost. While the question concerning the girl remains, we must show ourselves as allies, not enemies. Remember, she, by the looks of it, is fifteen years old at most. So, she is quite impressionable at such an young age." The diplomatic reminded pointedly, "If we are to truly know her, we must approach Arturia carefully and calmly, or she will most likely shut us out." Josephine presented this before she continues her writing.

"I can begin," Cassandra offers, "We will not have her back away, or have her feel as if she is a suspect. I can say that she may have nothing to do with what happened at the Conclave, I owe her as much."

"And if she DOES have anything to do with what happened, the death of Divine Justinia and many others?" Cullen waits for her answer.

"...I will avenge our Most Holy and all who lost their lives if that is truly the case." The Nevarran swore, no hesitation at all clear in her voice, "But I do believe she truly has no inkling of what has happened to the Divine, she said so herself, and she has been nothing less than forthright during our fights against all the creatures we crossed."

"Then having her as Herald should be put aside for now, we need to know who and what is at our camp, where she came from, her sword." At Cullen's words, hasty knocking sounds through the door, Cassandra mentally begs the Maker that it was not that ignorant Cleric, but upon the door opening, she is relieved to see it was only an elf girl, but then remembered that this girl was tasked to bring water for their unconscious knight, meaning...

"Forgive my intrusions, but she has awaken."

And so begins their preparations, questions in mind.

Though the Seeker can't exactly forget the mystery of the girl and her arrival at the Conclave's destruction, Arturia proved herself to be a knight of her word, and upon her transformation, she may proven herself to be a warrior of anything out of this world. Cassandra has never witnessed such a transformation in all her days and hearing from Solas, neither has he.

It was truly a breathtaking experience; a simple looking girl suddenly became regal and powerful, garbing out of nowhere a battle dress and honestly looking as if she was the stereotypical knight of royalty straight out of a fairy tale Cassandra had once read as a child. With that show of flash and holy magic, Arturia could be possibly a mage of some kind, as Solas explained her hidden power, but she fought absolutely proficiently with a sword, and she went on wielding it expertly in a performance that can only come from years and years of personal experience. Ways in which showed the knight fought in many battles before. For a girl of her age appearance, that was surprising, though certainly her sword may have play a part in it.

As for Arturia's sword, they have it with them. Though Cassandra feels the blonde would not attack them with it - it be somewhat foolish to think so with all that she's done - they had to take it away from the knight as she slumbers so to find out more from it, they have been met with certain people, and they all were blank of information about the sword. Seeing the sword closer now, Cassandra no longer sees this as any mere weapon now.

After the unlocking of its great power, the brunette could feel a deep sense of power and warmth radiating from the sword, only usually possible if it were stained from the enemies blood and yet this blade reeks of none. The memories of its holy effects greatly inflicting its power against the Pride Demon despite its armor was still quite fresh in the mind of the Seeker. Remembering it creating a hole through the creature's chest with a blast of some kind of energy still sent shivers down her spine. It was unbelievable; no sword or magic known to man could achieve such feats.

This sword...That girl.

Arturia has helped them, Cassandra will need to hear her story but she will take in every word with ease, being saved by her requires compensation after all.

At times like this, they need all the power they can get. Though for Cassandra, she has no doubts in putting her faith in the knight known as Arturia Pendragon.


Only one thing stood in the center of the ever still and unchanging white: The Holy Grail.

The wish granting device. It was just at an arms reach. The King of Knights felt relief filling throughout her being. The feeling was almost absolute with her exhaustion of her battles draining her little by little. And now, her Camelot's salvation, her people and knights' chance for a much better life with a better king that is not a failure like her. She only need to reach out and grab it.

But at almost a finger touch to it, she was pulled back by an unseen force. The distance between her and the Grail ever growing larger, she gritted her teeth, she attempted to fight it, the sheer cruelty of her hope going farther away from her grasp, taunting her, she couldn't help but let out a frustrated sound.

No no NO! She was so close! It was right there!

And then it left her sight without a trace left behind.

The Holy Grail, truly gone and beyond her reach now. As so the wish of this lonely king.

And the lonely king could only sob this out:

"I'm sorry..."

Such a simple apology, she knew it wouldn't be enough to give to her people and fellow knights. Her hand still outstretched, reaching for only endless white, and in her view, she saw green light glow from that same hand before it completely covered her very being.


With eyelids slowly parting due to tiredness, emerald irises reveal themselves. Arturia's sight settles upon the ceiling, blurry but she could distinguish it as such still.

She felt something warm down to her cheeks and rubs it off, surprised to find it wet. Her hand slowly descends to her shoulder, the feeling of unfamiliar fabric catches her attention, looking down her wear, it was a simple clothing of a loose tunic and breeches. An odd feeling came to her in wearing this along with a faint realization: it was the first she has worn something of this world that isn't armor. It was refreshing admittedly, comfortable in fact.

Arturia preceded to take in her surroundings, which seems to be in a one story house. The room she was in has walls made of wood, lit candles within supports attached to the walls and helping her view this space easier. A narrow open window, though the outside view is difficult to see, there was indeed a bright yellow light, meaning it was day time. Some furs of animals were nailed to wall next the window. A large bird cage sat at the corner of the room next to shelves with potions, books and some other items, which included the blue ribbon that appeared alongside the armor she summoned from her latest fight.

Suddenly, there was an opening of a door to this house, in which a girl with pointy ears walks through, carrying a box of unknown items within. Seeing a person walk in, Arturia sat up as she met the girl's eyes, her golden locks loose from her bun and without her blue ribbon, fell to her shoulders, but her movements were with strained from soreness.

The elf gasps and drops the box, "Ah! I didn't know you were awake. I swear!"

Arturia glances the room once again with a frown, "Where am I?" Her question was firm, easily full of authority from years of ruling.

And that seem to frighten the elf even more.

"Y-You are back in Haven, my lady." After answering, the elf girl dropped to her knees and bowed, greatly surprising the knight and almost breaking her stoic character. "I beg your forgiveness and your blessings, I am but a humble servant."

'Blessings?'

Arturia had not expected that asking and so did not know how to respond. This action was really unnecessary, for this girl looks not like a knight of this world nor was the elf a citizen of hers. Undeserving really, since she is but a failed king.

Once again, the thought brought a sharp pain to her heart.

"Why are you bowing?"

"Th-they say you saved us. The Breach stopped growing, just like the Mark on your hand."

Recollection of her marked hand led Arturia's eyes to her palm, a green glow and harmless sparks radiates from her hand. She had thought that by sealing the Breach, the unknown magic embedded within the palm of her hand would seize to be. But it is still VERY much active. Would this be permanent then? Arturia isn't sure what to think of that, on one hand it seals off the demons gateway to this world, and quite possibly had a whole slot of other locked away abilities she would have to discover herself in time, on the other, it was incredibly painful when she first got here, so she wouldn't have minded if it was gone. On that note though, the Mark seems to have calm down considerably so, making the pros of the situation more, and more appealing to the knight.

The girl continues, "It's all anyone has ever talked about for the last three days!"

'Three days? I was out for that long?' Quite a while and yet Arturia feels that she could rest longer, her muscles ached so, but it wasn't enough to have her feel immobilized . Even if so, she would not be succumbed to it so easily as she was trained to handle much worse. The muscles in her arms and legs though were the ones suffering the most. Not enough to keep her from pushing herself up or - if she could demonstrate - walk around.

"So then..." Arturia began, but seeing the girl still bowing before her, the knight raises a hand, "Stand. There's no need for that." At her command, the girl cautiously yet hurriedly stands to her feet, fidgeting as if any movement could offend the knight somehow. "So then the crisis has pass?"

"The Breach is still in the sky, but that's what they say." She then began backing away, "I'm sure lady Cassandra would want to know you've awaken."

Arturia lifts her head in hearing the recently learned name, "And where may I find her?"

"In the Chantry. With the Lord Chancellor. "At once" She said." And with that, the elf ran out, perhaps to send the word to Cassandra of Arturia's awakening.

Arturia sat for a moment, more than a little disappointed that the Breach is not gone, which could explain the Mark's continuing existence. The blonde let her mind flow away in order to adjust current events, recalling everything now that she has been given a chance to breathe, with no sounds of battle or anything else. Now, she can think over her current position.

She has lost the Holy Grail. Such was an undeniable reality.

The reasons for Kiritsugu's betrayal; still unknown, but in her eyes, the Holy Grail was destroyed by her own hands - forced to true, yes, yet she blames herself for not resisting it or aim elsewhere or very much something. Surely there must be a reason why Kiritsugu commanded her to destroy the Grail...right? But seeing as she is in another place, the answer may forever be in the dark.

Now in thought of the place she is in, it is simply not a place but an entirely other world. How, she is still unaware of. Why would she be here? And why had she heard of Irisviel's voice upon first awakening that dark place where the knight met that woman of light?

Answers still unattainable.

Arturia sighs, calming herself to help ease the growing headache. It's pointless to come up with theoretical answers, Arturia can only accept the facts, it's all she can ever do no matter how difficult and frustrating it is to do so. Kiritsugu ordered her - for some unfathomable reason beyond her now - to destroy the Grail, the amount of power she released in order to do so subjected her to vanish from the blast, she expected to return to her last battle in life in order to repeat her role as a Servant until she won the Holy Grail as her deal with Alaya.

But that did not come to be as she is in another world, which is facing peril on a level never before seen. And it seems that only she has the power to help these people while also been given a true second life. Her powers as a demi-dragon still remains with her thanks to Excalibur along with this new magic in her hand, completely different from the likes she has ever seen.

Nothing classifies her as being the Servant Saber anymore. She is without support except her own, and she seems to be doing fine.

Emotionally...she has no time to take note of or deal with this, and thus, she did what she always did in both life and after: buried it deep within her.

That still begs the obvious question: what is she to do with her situation? Her only solution would be to search for answers, yet doesn't know where to start, but even this is not the first course of action. The Breach is still in the sky, its unholy power currently affecting and disrupting the lives of these people, and she is so far the only one known to have the power to seal the rifts where demons may come and continue to break into this world. Arturia has given her word to Cassandra that she will do what she can even if she is a foreigner of this world. As a true knight of her word, she will be hellbent on keeping that as promised. It is unknown for how long this may take, but by the end of it, she can search for answers or may even find some along the way.

Yes. This is will be what she must do for now, and in between, she can gather as much information as she could about this new world.

With a resolve that can only come from a new mission given, Arturia moves her feet off the bed and to the floor. However, her body continues to moan in silence at soreness ever so present, though the worse of it all is felt in her torso, which by the minute is growing more bothersome,"The fight with that Pride Demon was worse than I thought..."

This confused her however as she recalls the incredible healing potions of this world. Perhaps it doesn't work when she is unconscious? Still, she did remember being totally healed from Excalibur's powers before taking on the Pride Demon personally without taking any more lasting damage from the monster. So why in the world did her nerves feel like they were being set on fire? She pulls the collar of her shirt down to see and assess the damage herself, also expecting some newly formed scars and wounds from her multiple fights against the demons.

However, instead of the expected fresh scars or even a hideous bruise from the battle, she was stunned to the core at what she saw in place of those. Arturia abruptly stands, wincing as she removes the upper part of her tunic completely as she needed to see this better.

Tattooed onto her skin were strange pattern of jagged, dark jade lines, wrapping her entire torso. It starts from below the collarbone and stopping just above the pelvis, the design calling to mind some sort of order out of chaos itself. Directly over her heart however, the design differed, the lines becoming wavy and blurred, as though a green fire blazed there. Arturia stared, gaping in an equal mixture of awe and horror, at this monstrosity, feeling the lines simultaneously itch for a few seconds and -to her added shock-lighting up slightly as if it were alive somehow, and though not in the usual fashion that gives off light as other magic she had seen before always seemed to do.

What in the world is this?! From these markings, no human body could ever have...whatever this was! Does this mean that this is no human body she was given? Of course she knew she wasn't fully human due to the crafted circumstances of her; the draconic side of her always being something ever - so present and festering within her since the day Merlin awakened her Magic Core - the sum result of her having so many Magic Channels that it would be completely inaccurate to call it anything else really - in what seemed like a lifetime ago. But this...this was a sign far beyond the realm of typical mortal understanding, a fact that was as clear as the giant scar of unmatched magic embedded across the sky.

What was she then? Was she a heroic spirit given form or an ascended mortal chained to this world? Was she something else entirely? Just when Arturia believed that there couldn't be anymore questions, now here's this! Whatever this is, whatever she is, she cannot be human in anyway or part with markings like these! She could just FEEL it in the very essence of her soul that she wasn't! Just wha-

Stop.

Arturia. Calm yourself.

The knight sat back down to the bed, deeply breathing in and out. Any King worth her salt mustn't lose their composure no matter how unexpected or even over...this. Surely she can deal with having no answers for a while, but she feels it's necessary to find out about these markings very soon. It has to come to her one way or another, certainly she would find some sort of explanation for this.

A thought came to her, for Arturia to be wearing a new set of clothing, someone must have changed her while she was out, if so, have they seen this? Could it be that this was the reason that girl was so frighten over her? She may have acted so in seeing Arturia some sort of benevolent being but that might not just be the case. Then again, if Arturia would be so unnerved by this, then she would imagine that she be behind bars, or it could be that she is being treated so well because of the Mark within her hand.

Though Arturia would like to be direct, it was wiser to keep it to herself until someone brings it up, revealing their acknowledgement of it. If not, then she will have to bring it up at another time.

Excalibur's wielder felt that she spent enough time in this room, so she stands from her bed, puts on the shirt again and adjusting it briefly to it's previous state. It's time to go and search for Cassandra.

Absentmindedly, she reaches at her side, expecting Excalibur there, but without the feel of her blade by her, she searches the room for her sword. A moment later and there was no sign of Excalibur, upsetting the knight to frown. Most definitely the people here took her sword again, Arturia had thought that she has gained their trust, she was nothing to fear unless they give her a reason to retaliate, it be greatly inconvenient if they plan to hold her holy weapon unless they need her to wield it's power, she will have to convince their minds someway. Of course, this is her only sword and nothing else while being in this world, so she will have to approach them reasonably about this if she desires to get it back.

Grabbing the blue bow from the shelve, Arturia preceded to tie it, but not in the way usually seen on her. No, she twisted the fabric into tying her hair into a tomboyish ponytail instead of the more seen regal bun, just the way her beloved wife did it when the two were alone, separated from everyone else; just the pair of them away from the rest of the world...

Guinevere...

The Knight shook her head as she completed the hair job, "Best leave those thoughts alone for now." She whispered to herself before the emotional pain came creeping back once again. After finishing up, Arturia walks to the front door of this house, mentally figuring ways how to convince the people here to return her sword, pushing the door and steps outside.

Just a step pass the doorway, and Arturia froze.

Dozens of people were outside, they were not facing her, but they indeed expected her, how so? They all had their hands to their hearts, soldiers and folks stood still and facing sideways in Arturia's view, but were aligned so that an open path is there for her to walk through. They were stoic yet still kept a posture that speaks volume of their unfathomable respect for Arturia. Perhaps not unfathomable, she has assisted them but...

They are treating her as if she was King. Such actions only brought a painful guilt to her heart, and she knew it was not because of her alien marking this time around. She was proficient in keeping her emotion from reaching bay and so to the people who would of faced her, they would of seen the fleeting expression of gaping shock before she bit her lip to close her mouth. With a faint frown, the knight walks across the opening between the people, her eyes forward. She hears whispers of awe and tones of hope as she passes by them, as well comments of her action against the Breach, and calling her...

The Herald of Andraste? That title was rather unfamiliar, and an unease swirls in her stomach, but she did not show it though.

She reaches to a building larger from the rest, and approaches a woman dressed in apparel fitting for a nun, asking if this was the Chantry. After confirming that it was, she was informed that she needed only to walk straight ahead, and Arturia proceeds to do so. Through the big open doorway, she walks across a hallway, a long and wide rug set on the floor, lights of small flames in candles in supporters attached to the old stone walls, barrels here and there, doors and open ways leading to other places, and at the center end of this hall is a door. Upon getting closer to the door, she hears an argument within the room, but sitting aside and wait for whatever it was being dealt with inside would be time consuming, and Arturia is only answering the call for herself, so she simply opens the door and walks right in.

Inside, two soldiers in armor were in between the way she is coming through, at the center of the room was a table with books, candles and a mug, surrounding the tables were three people, all which Arturia recognizes as Cassandra, Leliana, and the man who wanted her to be executed immediately. They all turn their heads in acknowledging her, and the Clerc looked at her in antipathy.

"Chain her." He commands the guards, "I want her prepared for travel to the capital for trial."

Cassandra immediately countered the man, "Disregard that, and leave us." It was good that she responded quick, as Arturia would of been prepared for a struggle.

The soldiers saluted to Cassandra and left the room. "You walk a dangerous line, Seeker." The Clerc, Roderick, warns.

"The Breach is stable, but it is still a threat. I will not ignore it."

It seems Arturia is still a suspect, at least in that Clerc's eyes, she had to respond, "Is this suspicion of me going to continue, or do you see that by risking my life for everyone that I couldn't possibly be responsible for what has happened?"

"You are in no position to speak," Roderick responded, "You're guilt is as clear as that chaos in the sky."

"She is not a suspect. At least, not anymore" Cassandra states.

Leliana walks to Cassandra's side, "Someone was responsible for the explosion at the Conclave. Someone Most Holy did not expect. Perhaps they died with the others-" her eyes narrow at the Clerc, "Or have allies who yet lives."

"I am a suspect?" Roderick sounds as if they had the nerve to make such an accusation.

"You and many others."

"But not the prisoner?!" He glares at Arturia. "Her survival, that thing on her hand - all a coincidence?!"

They did not mention the markings on her body, could they have not seen it then? A relief, if true.

"Providence." Cassandra states, resolute to her answer, "The Maker sent her to us at our darkest hour." Her eyes softens at Arturia, truly in belief of this. Arturia wasn't sure just who this Maker was, sounding very similar to God, it seems in this world the religions differ possibly greatly than the world she was from. Even if Arturia wasn't entirely convince that this providence may be the case, she appreciated that Cassandra is no longer looking at her accusingly. "I admit that I was wrong about you." The warrior woman then goes to one of the shelves in the room.

"The Breach remains," Leliana spoke to Arturia, "And your Mark is still our only hope of closing it."

"This is not for you to decide," the Clerc insisted.

Arturia is coming close in having it for the Clerc, liking him less and less, she however remained mature and stoic, a facade that she has managed to master over the years of dealing with such frustrating individuals like him.

Cassandra returns, a thick book in her hand, she slams the item on the table, making Arturia and Roderick jump in surprise, and points to it, looking at Roderick. "You know what this is, Chancellor. A writ from the Divine, granting us the authority to attack. As of this moment, I declare the Inquisition reborn."

The Nevarran then advanced on Roderick, who backed up as she got closer. "We will close the Breach, we will find those responsible, and we will restore order. With or without your approval." She punctuated her sentence with a jab of her finger to Roderick's chest

Such resolution. Arturia found herself impressed by Cassandra's words, and to speak against the Clerc, confront him and having him back away as she edges closer, by the sound of it Roderick is in some kind of a higher position if he could continue to make orders until now, meaning by acting so, Cassandra has risked herself.

What courage then. Arturia couldn't help but smile, founding herself captured by Cassandra's attractive words.

...Wait. Attractive?

Well, there couldn't be any better words to describe it. Yes, she was only thinking of what is the appropriate description, sure Cassandra is a attractive woman but that was only a fact as the same could be said for Leliana herself, not from any sort of personal interest of course in either women, as there obviously couldn't be anymore than that. Of course not.

Of course not.

The Chancellor restrained fury cast glances at the women of this room and then leaves. Shutting the door behind him. Arturia gave the man not a second glance, instead she focused on the writ with interest, "What is this?" She asked.

Leliana answers, "This is the Divine's Directive. Rebuild the Inquisition of old. Find those who would stand against the Chaos. We aren't ready. We have no leader, no numbers, and now no Chantry support."

"But we have no choice," Cassandra approaches them and looks to Arturia, "We must act now. With you on our side."

Arturia nods in understanding, but a frown is still in place, "I understand your need for this ability in my hand. But there are many things I don't know, what is the Inquisition of the Old? A Crusade?"

"It preceded the Chantry: people who banded together to restore order in a world gone mad." The hooded redhead explains.

Cassandra continues for the spymaster, "After, they laid down their banner and formed the Templar Order. But the Templars have lost their way. We need those who can do what must be done under a single banner once more."

Arturia finds herself nodding in approval, "A worthy and difficult cause, without a doubt. Though from what I understand, without the support of this Chantry, this will be harder then, no?"

"The Chantry will take the time to find a new Divine, and then it will wait for her directions." Leliana responded.

"But we cannot wait. So many Grand Clerics died at the Conclave..." A hint of grief passes her tone, and she shook her head, "No, we are on our own. Perhaps forever."

Despite the ruff introductions, Arturia sympathizes the two women at this revelation, to fight against such unyielding chaos with no one but themselves to support the other's weight. A heavy burden. A reason why actions like are not required should they have a leader, for it is the leader who must lessen the burdens of others, but they have none. Yes, Arturia greatly sympathizes them, reminding herself of the people of Britain and the darkest times before she held Caliburn. Because of this feeling, Arturia felt obligated to help any way she can, it is a knight's duty after all.

"All we ask is for you assistance." Leliana watches with subtle, hopeful eyes.

Cassandra walks closer to Arturia and faces her, giving her hand. "Help us fix this before it is too late."

Arturia needn't a minute to understand what must be done, though she hesitated due to conflicting feelings, she cannot ignore the cry for help. Looking into Cassandra's eyes, she grabs and firmly shook the hand, "I have given my word. I will do all that I can." Then she was reminded, "However, there is something I would like to discuss. It concerns my weapon."

Cassandra nods, as if she expected the knight to bring it up, and looks to Leliana, the spymaster leaves the room.

"I haven't had the chance to thank you for your efforts at the battle." Cassandra said.

Arturia was a bit surprised by her gratitude, she regained herself professionally and responded, "I should also thank you for all your acts in defending me. You are very skillful Cassandra."

The Nevarran smiled slightly at the recognition given, "I try my best. Though that does led me to wonder who taught you how to wield a sword?" Cassandra asked, careful not mention the holy sword the younger looking girl wielded, as it was obviously too scarce to bluntly bring up as a subject at the moment. Such a conversation for later, after Arturia has completely recovered and in a more indulging state of mind, "You are much more skilled than the vast majority your age, so it is a wonder who was able to give you such skills on the level you've displayed back at there."

A smile forms Arturia's lips, nostalgia coming to her from the old times of her much younger days. "A man, Sir Ector, raised me and train me in swordsmanship. I had my brother Kay as a sparring partner and trained throughout my years until I turned fifteen. Ector taught me all I need to know about the way of the blade." She recalls feeling the need to become stronger every day, and how in her training it also involved pulling aside the horses, the sweat coming down her forehead as she was eager for self improvement in her capabilities. Though adopted, she truly saw Ector as a father and Kay as her brother, and wishes well for their souls.

The Seeker nodded in acceptance, noting to herself to tell Leliana about this information later on, before asking what should have been her first question,"How are you feeling? Any lingering pain? Though our healers confirmed your state with no wounds."

Arturia hid her frown well, recalling the abomination embedded all across her torso, "I am fine. Thank you for caring for me as I recovered."

"You have been asleep for three days, I take it that you must be hungry?"

Once Cassandra said those words, Arturia remembered that upon first awakening to this new world, her first feeling was hunger. Now, she was absolutely famished.

Cassandra starts to the door, "I will order the guards to lay a message to Leliana in meeting is to the area where they serve food."

Arturia attempts to protest, for as hungry as she is, she would prefer to wait until she reclaims Excalibur, but then a certain sound stirs in her stomach.

Hiding the complaint of her stomach which sounded much like the growl of a lion, Arturia coughs loudly as her cover until the sounds subsided. Needless to say, she failed quite horribly.

"...I HEARD that." The brunette was, to say the least, baffled.

There was a poke to the knight's pride but Arturia remain compose rather than to be embarrassed, even though this is what she felt.


The smell of warm meat, stew, and bread greatly satisfy the nostrils of Arturia, closing her eyes and barely holding back her smile, she follows Cassandra to a new, much larger room where a long table is set and soldiers are seated to take in any of the available food. As each were given one plate of equal serving. After a brief word of parting, Cassandra leaves, Arturia was directed to the line and she goes, her stomach giving low rumble at the sight of much needed nourishment.

Simply getting a plate for herself was not as so, men and women took notice of her arrival and they quickly stood from their seats and saluted as she saw the people from outside the house where she awoke did, she was only ten feet away and yet they made room for her to pass, even people who were in line got out of it just so she could be the next to obtain food.

'Honestly, this is getting a bit ridiculous.' She mentally groaned as she walked up to the serving area. While she does not wave off their show of respect, as being King she had always took it constantly and appreciatively, she couldn't fight down the wave of unworth because of her failures that from before. With a plate of evenly proportion in hand, Arturia goes to sit on a spare bench and does well to savor her meal once she begins eating. She noted that where she sat it was farther away from the rest here, and that seem to leave a message that she preferably likes to eat by herself, that was not truly the case but Arturia does nothing about it, as she prefers to be alone with her thoughts right now anyway.

Arturia couldn't help that ,while eating, she was a little discouraged at the amount of food given to her. She understood the concern in rationing food at a time of chaos and lack of resources at the moment, yet the Knight knows what she was given could not fill her empty stomach even if she was given extras - which she has, the people serving the food recognizing by word of her appearance and so gave her extras - in fact by normal servings given to a human being, Arturia's case was that she must be given a serving times five at the very least, but it was too trivial to even be brought up as a thought.

After finished eating, she spots Leliana walking in and the spymaster saw her as well, the woman held a wrapped in leather weapon. By feeling a connection to it alone, Arturia knew that it was her Excalibur, her emerald eyes glued onto the covered blade of the Faes as Leliana approaches, Arturia standing up as a response, "I believe this will be the last time you will be given back your sword." Leliana said, hoping that by her words she has shown herself trustful, even if a little.

Arturia nodded in gratitude, eyeing her sheathed sword, she reaches out and takes back her holy sword. Somehow, regaining the sword, it was almost as if she has regain her arm, as if something was missing until feeling the grip of Excalibur. "Am I free to walk around? There are things I need to...assess."

"Of course. You are free from guilt, are you not?" It was a relief for Arturia to hear that, though she has heard this from Cassandra, the knight needed to be sure if they ever do plan to have her in one place, it would be greatly unpleasing if so, "But we may come to you if important matters arises. For now though, there are preparations that needs to be made upon the Inquisition's rebirth," the redhead explains, "If you wish to rest more, the house you just awoke from is yours."

Arturia is reminded of her still tired condition, but she would like to become more adept with this Chantry.

"Until another time then, Arturia." The Knight bid her parting gesture by bowing her head and leaves the dining area, feeling Leliana's eyes on her leaving form the whole walk through.


Arturia walks down the nearly empty halls of the Chantry Building, passing by people who saluted her. A row of windows for the view outside to be seen, from here the knight watches the people move about before continuing down the hall, her personal thoughts about the current situation once more taking precedence in her mind.

The Knight wonders if she has any right to really help these people, she is after all an alien to this world, yet despite that, these people even if not her own were still people that are in trouble. No matter what dimensional boundaries were passed, the Code of Chivalry she was raised by would not allow her to be apathetic to what was going on around her. This eruption of destruction and death, in comparison to what she's battle for her life after pulling Caliburn from the stone, this is far more disastrous, even comparing the...

The Holy Grail War. Well, in terms of damage, the war she participated took a toll on her energy while this one took a toll physically. Yet in truth, which one is she recovering from still?

Even now, she oddly can't find herself controlling her emotions like she's been able to before for years on end, feeling herself failing on holding back the discomfort of mentioning that war and remembering what happened. How is this happening? She has fought many battles and wars before; she could not remain so shaken. It is unfitting for a knight and more so as a King - calling herself such because she can't change it now, losing her chance of doing so before landing in this world. In truth, it was understandable, failing to obtain the Grail was almost as if she failed to stop the ruins of her kingdom again, and all that she has done to get so far.

Walking to a corner and now by herself, she grips her sword, much tighter than she would consciously allow, yet Arturia would not allow herself to let her holy weapon be taken again.

The Knight stops, she lifts her sheathed weapon and stares at it, her emerald eyes very much unblinking as they stared at the blessed blade before her. She then began to remove it's leather wrappings and revealed her weapon in it's gold and warmth. Arturia doesn't believe she has ever felt so...attached to her sword. It was a confusing feeling. Yes this sword is her most powerful weapon and it was the key to unlocking her powers, thus helping her survive, but there was something else that had her transfixed by her sword, and it was far too long ago when this feeling first arise, like looking upon this sword for the first time.

The blonde found herself thinking her situation once more. She is a lone knight lost in this world, and in her hands is the one item that was also from where she came. Just her and this sword, a momentum of who she is, her ideals, her kingdom, her knights. All those things were of memories attached to this sword, the only thing that is also foreign and distinct, much like her. Perhaps she was very tired, but she somehow felt comfort, as if she wasn't alone here. Much like how a lone person is lost in the middle of the sea, they find comfort in the fish's company.

The Knight couldn't help but smirk bitterly at the sheer amount of ridiculousness and irony of this feeling, "I'm clutching to the one thing I hadn't mind for another to wield." She whispered, her sound of voice almost in disbelief at such a notion. Since if she had her wish, another chosen soul would be King, and they would be wielding this sword in her hands, and to feel comfort in not being alone when she herself was a King who insisted such a person must be alone. She must be very tired still.

"Well of course anyone would feel down in losing something so great as myself!"

The knight jolted at the voice. She turns to face the speaker, but there was no one. Arturia looks around until she spots a person, but none were seen.

"But if you were less foolish, then you would not have lose me so easily!"

This time, she knew where the voice is coming from, but it was as if the person was right in front of her. Her sensibility refused to acknowledge where the voice had actually came from, it was too sudden that it passed by her and leaving only a blank, because...it just couldn't be.

Finally, with a short moment of calming her mind, she once again takes note in where exactly she hears the voice, she follows it but not by moving.

She simply looks down to what she holds.

"I have the right mind to hit you in the head! Silly girl! Stand up straight, this is NOT how the King of Britain should be!"

Arturia drops her holy sword. It couldn't be. That did not just happened. She did not just hear this!

Her Holy Sword. Her Excalibur. It spoke to her.

Arturia staggers back when the sword moved by itself and stood with it's tip to the ground.

"FOOL! A King doesn't lose her composure so quickly! Rather a King stands tall and confronts whatever the trouble is!"

It is speaking to her.

"I have been silent for far too long, as the proud weapon of King Arturia. I, Excalibur, am now free to speak my mind! So listen well!"

...Was the events of the Holy Grail War so damaging that it affected her mentally? How severe were the wounds she received from the Pride Demon? Just how much was the abomination on her torso screwing with her senses? Or rather was there actually something in this healing potion that was spiked? Has the King of Knights gone insane?!

Her Sword of Promised Victory, Excalibur, is alive!


Surprise! Arturia's Excalibur is alive! And if you ever watch Soul Eater, this sword will have the same personality as the Excalibur from that show but with memories of being wielded by Arturia, so it is NOT the same Excalibur from Soul Eater. How it came to be alive, Arturia's Excalibur will explain in the next chapter, though here's a hint, the Mark can do many wonders.

The now living Excalibur is essential to this story as Arturia's crutch for her mentality and emotions, basically help her heal after all the crap she's gone through since the end of the Fourth Holy Grail War and her lifetime as King.

Please leave a kind and honest review!