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...

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?

[scorchedchivalry]

You asked how it could be a strength. And it can be to those who aspire to such things.

I am human, Catarina. When I lay dying, my affection for my land, my people, [and her own regret] is what drove me to offer up myself, to sacrifice all I ever was... for them. And act of pure nobility.

...a foolish act now, but one of strength. And it will still get me what I want in the end, even with my original reason being so pathetically selfless.

[divinitysoiled]

[Catarina looked at Saber, thinking. She didn't exactly understand it. After all, it was human foolishness to her, and not something to be normally paid attention to. But something about it... She took Saber's hand from her cheek, turning to press her lips against the knuckles]

What is it about you that draws me even closer, Saber?

[scorchedchivalry]

I do not know.

[Her other hand comes up to gently tangle her fingers in Catarina's hair, careful not to disturb the pin and dislodge her hair. Though she wouldn't mind. Saber did rather like long dark hair...]

I am certain I am an anomaly. Perhaps it is the impossibility of what I am. All the same, I do not know what it is about you that has stirred such a fondness within me.

[She brings the small bit of hair to her face, drawing in the scent.]

[divinitysoiled]

[Catarina smiled at what Saber said, leaning in to give Saber a little kiss. The location, the talk... was Saber finally going to allow her to feed deeper than this?]

[scorchedchivalry]

[Whether Saber would or not was still in contention, but that little kiss was not left little. No, Saber's hand slid from Catarina's hair to wrap about her and she drew the woman closer, lips softly, gently kissing her.]

[divinitysoiled]

[Catarina made a pleased noise as Saber pulled her closer, her hands going to cup the woman's face. It was such a nice feeling, and Saber was always delicious. She could do this for a very long time, just lightly supping off Saber's prana while engaging the rest of her senses like this. The smell, the feel of Saber... it was beautiful]