Coffee's quite all right with me! In that case, we'll have to agree to a rain check for a proper cup of tea some other time.
[ He looks down at his wrist, slightly nudging the sleeve back to look at the device that was given to him. His meager amount of funds directly correlates to how much mana—Chroma—he has in himself at the moment. It isn't anything fantastic, having come in from basically zero, but should be enough for a coffee. ]
[ Meanwhile, Marie had already gathered quite a bit of Chroma in her system, within just one day, all thanks to her tendency to be touchy-feely towards fellow Moonblessed people who allowed her to get that close. It's not a great amount, but it would get her a load of guaranteed coffee.
She happily nods, settling down properly to get some nice hot caffeine at last. ]
[ Archer's rather grateful to have someone else here who seems much more naturally-adapted to the social expectations. He isn't one for touchy-feely anything, although he can pretend just as well as the rest of them. He watches Marie for a moment, then holds out a hand with the palm up. ]
[ She watches the gesture, but no longer than a couple seconds pass before she recognizes it for what it is and her hand is already extended, fingers delicately touching his palm.
Assuming he's in need of Chroma to spend, she won't be commenting or judging. ]
[ Archer allows the contact as it is, breath deeper for a brief instant as he feels the point of connection thrum through him. Fascinating. And then he turns the wrist of his other hand to observe the Chroma count, watches it slowly rise. ]
It is. Thank you, Marie. Such a thing almost seems too easy!
[ With discretion, she will keep the contact going for as long as Archer needs. It comes so natural to her already, the feeling of delight stirred by a simple joining of hands or even just fingertips. This planet truly is something else, and she loves it already! ]
It's mighty convenient, isn't it? A simple touch, and you'll have enough money to sustain yourself for days!
[ When she doesn't pull away, he simply smiles and holds his hand in place, letting the other arm drop. He won't break first, that much is certain. ]
Of course, we seem to be among a unique niche that are capable of this... but it does put us in an incredible position of power over the locals. Yet their approaches seem earnest and genuine. Are they not? [ He directs the last to her, since she seems to have more experience in this despite the short time they've been here. ]
They must be thinking of us as benefactors, since our affinity to produce energy also helps them. I, for one, find no reason not to contribute. They're all such sweet people!
[ Some look a bit uncanny, but Marie certainly doesn't stop at appearance. ]
It's a shame they can't produce Chroma by themselves. They're natives in such a beautiful city, and yet they can only sustain so much with their own power.
Perhaps that is the thought process of the peaceful at work here...
[ It makes sense, but having Marie think of it for him helps to legitimize the possibility. ]
Yes, we must be like walking generators to them. If they aren't scared of us, it does make sense they might view us as people to befriend, or use for our gifts as it may be.
An ugly word for an ugly thought. It does no one any good to shy away from those truths.
[ He's not being harsh, just realistic. It's hard to say what capabilities these people may have when it comes to dealing with Servants like themselves, but he isn't going to assume they're invincible. Maybe just... comparatively overpowered. ]
Although that would be ideal for them, there's too many variables to say whether that's possible or just a flight of fancy. That's where proper relations will decide quite a lot.
You're absolutely right. There is no telling or foreseeing their actions, but I still trust them and their capabilities.
[ By no means she will believe that the Prismals as a community are completely ill intentioned or evil, just as they're not purely good, either. It's the same with Servants like them, and every living being in existence. With some exceptions, she'd say, but it's not something she'd like to delve into while she's having a good time with a new friend. ]
[ Speaking of, he does finally move his hand somewhat to better hold hers, acting like this is more of a natural motion than any intentional move on his part. It's a crowded day and the line to order isn't exactly moving fast, so they might as well be more comfortable. ]
Then I should hope that trust won't be misplaced. For now, they certainly are acting the part, and I'll be more than happy to take them up on it! It's mutually beneficial, after all.
[ It's such an personal contact to have while they're discussing important matters, but Marie has a feeling it's something that will happen quite often. Getting used to it won't be so hard to her. ]
Mhm! We're working together to make something better out of this situation. Sure we've been taken here against our will, but this settlement makes up for it!
[ Frankly, she biased because there's so much aesthetic in this place she loves. Crystals! Glitter! So much brightness! Getting money out of cuddling people!
[ To be fair, Archer's getting a kick out of the aesthetic, too. He's far too flashy not to appreciate some good flash in return, and Shinjuku prepared him for much of the sentiment even if the styles seem to have gone awry of each other. ]
Then I suppose you were not in the middle of a summoning when drawn here?
[ He seems surprised, then smiles. It's coming together now. Marie confirming Ritsuka's presence brings a levity to his heart, something unwinding just a touch from the vice it had been clamped into once he realizes the feelings had become genuine. ]
No... or, I suppose I should say, I haven't yet. The invitation had been extended, but my time in the singularity where I met Master was at its end. She's here, you say?
[ Marie quietly hums in acknowledgement. She thought the old man was an elusive one since they never met, but that reply makes much more sense. ]
Yes! When we met again, she happily shouted "Vive La France IN SPACE!" at me, and that was when I realized she's the same Master I've always known and loved.
[ A true love story. And since she kind of shouted that line, too, she gets a few looks from the people waiting in the queue with them, but she happily remains unperturbed. ]
[ He lets out a laugh of similar volume, willfully ignoring any further looks. It does sound like her, even if she seemed more tired by the end of their ordeal. Hopefully returning to Chaldea had been able to raise her spirits. It certainly sounds that way. ]
Then I'll have to seek her out sometime soon. Depending on how many other Servants are here, we may have our hands full looking out for her.
Oh, tales rarely ever bore me! But if you're not comfortable with saying anything, I'll respect it. [ She's plenty reasonable, although a bit disappointed. ]
Master truly is special! I wouldn't have enjoyed my life at Chaldea as much without her around.
Hm...! On the outside, it looks like... a white donut! [ It really does!!! ] On the inside, instead, it's a facility research with very advanced technology! It's situated high above in the mountains. Things had shaken up before I joined Master, but even with few staff member and loads of Servants we're doing fine! Or were, before we ended up here, tee hee.
@ Crime Grandpa
[ How sad that the menu here doesn't live up to the grand environment. Marie lingers on the menu some more, before shaking her head firmly. ]
I would still settle for some coffee instead. Unless you're not a fan of it?
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[ He looks down at his wrist, slightly nudging the sleeve back to look at the device that was given to him. His meager amount of funds directly correlates to how much mana—Chroma—he has in himself at the moment. It isn't anything fantastic, having come in from basically zero, but should be enough for a coffee. ]
Shall we queue?
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[ Meanwhile, Marie had already gathered quite a bit of Chroma in her system, within just one day, all thanks to her tendency to be touchy-feely towards fellow Moonblessed people who allowed her to get that close. It's not a great amount, but it would get her a load of guaranteed coffee.
She happily nods, settling down properly to get some nice hot caffeine at last. ]
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Might I be so forward for a moment?
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Assuming he's in need of Chroma to spend, she won't be commenting or judging. ]
Is this alright?
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It is. Thank you, Marie. Such a thing almost seems too easy!
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It's mighty convenient, isn't it? A simple touch, and you'll have enough money to sustain yourself for days!
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Of course, we seem to be among a unique niche that are capable of this... but it does put us in an incredible position of power over the locals. Yet their approaches seem earnest and genuine. Are they not? [ He directs the last to her, since she seems to have more experience in this despite the short time they've been here. ]
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[ Some look a bit uncanny, but Marie certainly doesn't stop at appearance. ]
It's a shame they can't produce Chroma by themselves. They're natives in such a beautiful city, and yet they can only sustain so much with their own power.
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[ It makes sense, but having Marie think of it for him helps to legitimize the possibility. ]
Yes, we must be like walking generators to them. If they aren't scared of us, it does make sense they might view us as people to befriend, or use for our gifts as it may be.
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[ Her expression doesn't fall, like she'd expected that possibility much earlier. ]
But I also believe in their good heart. I hope someday they find a method to produce their energy without requiring our help any longer.
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[ He's not being harsh, just realistic. It's hard to say what capabilities these people may have when it comes to dealing with Servants like themselves, but he isn't going to assume they're invincible. Maybe just... comparatively overpowered. ]
Although that would be ideal for them, there's too many variables to say whether that's possible or just a flight of fancy. That's where proper relations will decide quite a lot.
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[ By no means she will believe that the Prismals as a community are completely ill intentioned or evil, just as they're not purely good, either. It's the same with Servants like them, and every living being in existence. With some exceptions, she'd say, but it's not something she'd like to delve into while she's having a good time with a new friend. ]
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Then I should hope that trust won't be misplaced. For now, they certainly are acting the part, and I'll be more than happy to take them up on it! It's mutually beneficial, after all.
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Mhm! We're working together to make something better out of this situation. Sure we've been taken here against our will, but this settlement makes up for it!
[ Frankly, she biased because there's so much aesthetic in this place she loves. Crystals! Glitter! So much brightness! Getting money out of cuddling people!
This is just the best to her. ]
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Then I suppose you were not in the middle of a summoning when drawn here?
[ Or, you know, the opposite of one. ]
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[ Oh, right. She quickly corrects herself. ]
I still do have my Master here! I've met her a short while back.
What about yourself? You never frequented Chaldea, did you?
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No... or, I suppose I should say, I haven't yet. The invitation had been extended, but my time in the singularity where I met Master was at its end. She's here, you say?
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Yes! When we met again, she happily shouted "Vive La France IN SPACE!" at me, and that was when I realized she's the same Master I've always known and loved.
[ A true love story. And since she kind of shouted that line, too, she gets a few looks from the people waiting in the queue with them, but she happily remains unperturbed. ]
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Then I'll have to seek her out sometime soon. Depending on how many other Servants are here, we may have our hands full looking out for her.
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[ Obligation, servitude, or plain affection. Whichever way you put it, Ritsuka really is lucky to have so many powerful spirits around her. ]
I assume you know her too, don't you? If it's the case, I'd love to hear the circumstances that had you meet each other!
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[ It's bullshit and he knows it, but Archer is also a gigantic liar lying face who lies, so it's hard to tell. ]
But yes, you're correct. I do certainly know her! She's one of a kind.
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Master truly is special! I wouldn't have enjoyed my life at Chaldea as much without her around.
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[ Then again, if Ritsuka is here, it may not even be his story to tell. ]
Could you tell me what Chaldea itself is like? I have vague knowledge as it pertains to the restoration but nothing too concrete.
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Hm...! On the outside, it looks like... a white donut! [ It really does!!! ] On the inside, instead, it's a facility research with very advanced technology! It's situated high above in the mountains. Things had shaken up before I joined Master, but even with few staff member and loads of Servants we're doing fine! Or were, before we ended up here, tee hee.
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