CLOSED - forward dated to New Year's Eve

[scorchedchivalry]

Characters: Saber (Alter) and Catarina Amanto
Setting: 11th Floor
Format: Action (cause I'm lazy today)
Summary: A majestic floor, a beautiful woman and the knight that may or may not be courting her.
Warnings: Catarina is her own warning, but nothing expected

[The knight had spent some time trying to find the right floor for this evening, so she had already been through the overwhelming specter of this floor with the flowers along the ceiling, the impossible waterfalls that pooled in the center and the open air about them.

If only it wasn't so cold. Saber wasn't cold, but she was worried about the succubus. That would be why Catarina would find it far warmer when close to Saber than away. The knight extended her prana into the ambient air around her, but without form it was only a few inches from her body.

Stepping out onto the Eleventh Floor and all its beauty, Saber turned and offered Catarina her arm.]

This is our destination tonight. I hope it pleases you.

Comments

[divinitysoiled]

I am not- as loose as to let that slip. [She nuzzled Saber's cheek, her head coming down slightly to nip at her jaw]

[scorchedchivalry]

[Saber hummed in response. She indeed would like to trust that Catarina would not speak of her identity, but she knew the demon's loyalties were to her own survival and if given the choice between her life and the king's identity, she would choose her life.]

Thank you.

Mm. If only the stars were above us and not flowers of impossibility.

[divinitysoiled]

[Catarina's head tilted back with a slight moan, looking up at the sky]

Mm, it is beautiful.

[scorchedchivalry]

That is for the best as, despite all I can do, I cannot bring the stars out for us.

[She takes them away from the spray of a waterfall.]

And then we would have to deal with the specters.

[divinitysoiled]

In... in its own way, fighting such things as specters is fun. But right now- yes, I would rather spend the time as this.

[scorchedchivalry]

And what is this, Catarina?

[A more important question than it seemed on the surface.]

[divinitysoiled]

I...

I don't know. It feels as a- a moment in time that I wanted for a while.

[scorchedchivalry]

What is it of this moment that you've wanted so?

[divinitysoiled]

Saber. Arturia. I simply do not know. Something, something strange and wonderous.

[scorchedchivalry]

Allow me to help clear your head.

[And with that, she scoops Catarina up into her arms bridal style and slowly retracts her prana from about the woman. She was concerned the power of it was becoming too much and muddling Catarina's mind.

...though it felt good to hear her name spoken.]

[divinitysoiled]

Arturia. [Catarina put a hand on her arm, looking up at her] It's something I know I've felt since I first arrived, before I met you. Perhaps before before even arriving here. But it's not a feeling I understand.

[scorchedchivalry]

Perhaps I can help you understand it.

[She leans down enough to press her lips to Catarina's temple.]

[divinitysoiled]

Perhaps. I do wish I knew what this was... and why I feel close to it with you.

[scorchedchivalry]

[Slowly, Saber starts walking toward the shore, keeping Catarina safe in her arms.]

Can you describe it to me?

[divinitysoiled]

It's... as if I've found something. Something useful, and nice. Something that will keep me warm and make me happy.

[scorchedchivalry]

[That's an odd way to describe it, but Saber mulls it over, keeping in mind that Catarina isn't human.]

Mm. My dear, I believe that is affection you are feeling. Emotional affection, not physical.

[divinitysoiled]

... that's... odd. I wouldn't have thought that would be useful to have for a succubus...

[scorchedchivalry]

You are not just a succubus, Catarina. And anyone that feels deeply is capable of it.

[Saber shifts Catarina a bit in her arms to make it more comfortable for the demon.]

Some may claim it a weakness, and it can be, but just the same it can be a tremendous strength.

[divinitysoiled]

Huh. [Catarina looked puzzled at this, her mind searching for where it came from. Certainly, Saber held some of it, and she... might be able to figure out where it came from. A lovely woman, corrupted and strong? Certainly that attracted her. Saber's mind only furthered that. But something about Saber was... not enough. Not what she was looking for]

How is it strength?

[scorchedchivalry]

Affection can bolster morale and dedication. It allows one to face fears and overcome impossible odds.

...it is the basis for love, mercy... and sacrifice.

[divinitysoiled]

Hm. That does sound useful...

[Except that last part] ... sacrifice. Noble actions. Hah.

[scorchedchivalry]

Nobility stems from somewhere, my dear.

[At the edge of the water, Saber steps off it and then casually sets Catarina down.]

[divinitysoiled]

[She settled herself on the ground, closing her eyes with a sigh] Nobility is not something a demon has, dear king. Not those types of noble actions.

[scorchedchivalry]

[Saber brings her hand to Catarina's cheek.]

I do not expect you to have nobility.

[divinitysoiled]

[She cupped Saber's hand, her face softening] Then why mention such a thing to me when it comes to affection as such?