strikelip

[strikelip]

replies will resume momentarily. my kneecaps got taken out by overtime.

[strikelip]

replies will resume momentarily. my kneecaps got taken out by overtime.

[strikelip]

A LIST OF CASUAL YET INTIMATE INTERACTIONS

sender to receiver:

[ HOOK ] sender hooking a finger beneath receiver's jaw

[ PINCH ] sender holding receiver's chin between their thumb and forefinger

[ LOOK ] sender holding receiver's jaw and turning their head to look at them

[ PICK ] sender telling receiver to "hold still" while they remove something from their hair

[ GRAZE ] sender brushes their fingertip back and forth along receiver's jaw while they listen to receiver talk

[ DIRECT ] sender seeing that receiver is going the wrong way, takes hold of their shoulders from behind and turns them the right direction

[ BACK ] sender grabs receiver's wrist and tugs them closer when receiver tries to walk away.

[ TOY ] sender fidgets with something receiver is wearing while receiver talks to them

[ STROKE ] sender absentmindedly plays with receiver's hair while they're focused on another task

[ DEPART ] sender is saying goodbye and kisses receiver's forehead

[ DRESS ] sender without prompting helps receiver put on a jacket

[ UNDRESS ] sender helps receiver remove an article of clothing or jewelry

[ REFILL ] sender refills receiver's drink before they can ask or do it themselves

[ FIX ] sender cleans something off of receiver's face

[ RUB ] sender places their hand around the back of receiver's neck, rubbing their thumb just under their ear

[ PULL ] sender sits next to receiver and places their arm around their shoulders, gently pulling them into their side

[ BECKON ] sender sees receiver and lifts their arm up so they can come hug/cuddle them

[ GLIDE ] sender is gently rubbing/scratching receivers back and rubs their knuckle down their spine to the small of their back

[ CHEER ] seeing that receiver is scowling, sender rubs their thumb over the furrow between receiver's brows

[ TUCK ] sender finds receiver asleep somewhere and puts a blanket or their own coat over them

[ TRACE ] sender brushes their fingers along receiver's forehead, temple and cheekbone

[ BRUSH ] sender brushes their hand up and down receiver's arm as they walk past them

[ KEEP ] sender holds receiver's arm just above the elbow while they're talking or to get their attention

[ LEAN ] sender looks over receiver's shoulder who is sitting, placing a hand on their desk while receiver shows them something

[ NUDGE ] sender grabs the chair receiver is sitting in and pulls it closer

[ LISTEN ] sender is listening to receiver talk and picks up an object that belongs to receiver to fidget with

[ SEARCH ] sender searches out receiver's gaze in a crowded room either for approval or to check if they're okay

[ SMOOTH ] sender smooths their thumb over receiver's eyebrow

[ SLIP ] sender places their hand in receiver's back pocket while they walk together

receiver to sender:

[ HOOKING ] receiver hooking a finger beneath sender's jaw

[ PINCHING ] receiver holding sender's chin between their thumb and forefinger

[ LOOKING ] receiver holding sender's jaw and turning their head to look at them

[ PICKING ] receiver telling sender to "hold still" while they remove something from their hair

[ GRAZING ] receiver brushes their fingertip back and forth along sender's jaw while they listen to sender talk

[ DIRECTING ] receiver seeing that sender is going the wrong way, takes hold of their shoulders from behind and turns them the right direction

[ BACKING ] receiver grabs sender's wrist and tugs them closer when sender tries to walk away.

[ TOYING ] receiver fidgets with something sender is wearing while sender talks to them

[ STROKING ] receiver absentmindedly plays with sender's hair while they're focused on another task

[ DEPARTING ] receiver is saying goodbye and kisses sender's forehead

[ DRESSING ] receiver without prompting helps sender put on a jacket

[ UNDRESSING ] receiver helps sender remove an article of clothing or jewelry

[ REFILLING ] receiver refills sender's drink before they can ask or do it themselves

[ FIXING ] receiver cleans something off of senders face

[ RUBBING ] receiver places their hand around the back of receiver's neck, rubbing their thumb just under their ear

[ PULLING ] receiver sits next to sender and places their arm around their shoulders, gently pulling them into their side

[ BECKONING ] receiver sees sender and lifts their arm up so they can come hug/cuddle them

[ GLIDING ] receiver is gently rubbing/scratching sender's back and rubs their knuckle down their spine to the small of their back

[ CHEERING ] seeing that sender is scowling, receiver rubs their thumb over the furrow between sender's brows

[ TUCKING ] receiver finds sender asleep somewhere and puts a blanket or their own coat over them

[ TRACING ] receiver brushes their fingers along sender's forehead, temple and cheekbone

[ BRUSHING ] receiver brushes their hand up and down sender's arm as they walk past them

[ KEEPING ] receiver holds sender's arm just above the elbow while they're talking or to get their attention

[ LEANING ] receiver looks over sender's shoulder who is sitting, placing a hand on their desk while sender shows them something

[ NUDGING ] receiver grabs the chair sender is sitting in and pulls it closer

[ LISTENING ] receiver is listening to sender talk and picks up an object that belongs to sender to fidget with

[ SEARCHING ] receiver seeks out sender's gaze in a crowded room either for approval or to check that they're okay

[ SMOOTHING ] receiver smooths their thumb over sender's eyebrow

[ SLIPPING ] receiver places their hand in sender's back pocket while they're walking

[strikelip]

The angel would give a hum of acknowledgement at his words. Knowledge of angels being limited was... fairly standard, honestly. And exactly which sect one followed would narrow that information down even further.

　 　 “Most knowledge of my kind was purposely restricted. Once humanity realized we were entities in our own right, they started to focus more on us than our creator himself for a time. Which lead to various religious authorities fearing that we may viewed in the same light as Him. Which wasn't acceptable, since we are not His equals.”

There's no sense of bitterness in her words - only acceptance. But given that she didn't shy away from the topic, meant she felt comfortable speaking on it. Knowledge of her kind was restricted by man - not forbidden by divine law.

　 　 “Of course, exact sects or religions may vary per which doctrine they preach. We are mainly omitted from Christian doctrine, which i believe you may have grown up with.”

She can't be certain - she held no knowledge of a soul's life after they were brought into the world, only the broad strokes of the life they would be born into. Whatever path they ultimately decided to travel, she'd find out upon meeting them at the end of their lifespan.

　 　 “But in truth, we are just glorified familiars created from condensed power. And any humans I had the pleasure of interacting with tended to treat me as such? Or as an extension of my creator?" She'd shrug lightly. "It's not like such thoughts were wrong. Even Abraham -" Oh, that's certainly a name. "- first thought my presence to be a manifestation of my creator proper, before understanding that we just familiars sent to aid him. Didn't stop him from taking him a while before he realized he could look at us directly, despite taking on forms specifically designed for human gaze. His wife wouldn't giving praises for us to relay, as well.”

She's stiffing a giggle at a long buried memory, involving a fairly famous biblical incident. Given her ease of talking about it, these memories weren't affected. Perhaps because they were ingrained in her past?

　 　 “It was mostly just Abraham, though, where i was here as a physical instance. There were others, but with them, it was mostly invocations for knowledge or protection, and less properly summoned for aid. I'm not certain if modern Mages still practice angelology, at least the way they used to. It may be considered magic rather than magecraft now.”

Well... at least she is thoroughly distracted from her anxieties regarded her missing master? Getting her on a topic where she can relay information seemed to have done the trick. Perhaps it's part of her 'coding', so she feels safe defaulting into it?

"Hm… I see." The executioner did pick up on such an odd way to speak. In fact, he had glanced back at her and listened well while they continued on their little journey together. It sounded like she had no distinction in whether she was merely a something or an extension of another's will. To himself, Sanson could only guess but he couldn't help but feel the familiar feeling tug on his mind.

He holds onto the thought in favor of shifting his attention to her acknowledgement on her aid. A small nod from the executioner to show his understanding on her position. Being part of this specific singularity, he couldn't imagine how confusing it must be for her.

"From what you've explained to me, it sounds like it's been quite some time since you had the chance to mingle with humans. My knowledge on angels is only from the church that I worshiped in, so perhaps my vision of them is slightly more skewed compared to yourself. I understand that they are only prominent in specific circumstances, so I would understand how odd your position here feels...."

Sanson trails off before his vision flicks upward over towards a direction he could somehow sense. The shadow underneath himself and his companion continued to provide for them the hidden coverage his assassin skill would provide for them.

Ah, the campsite is just within view in a relatively safe place, too. They should arrive there in no time, now.

"I know you explained earlier before about your feelings about your memory. I recognize that it's probably because of your angelic nature and position. When you mentioned about your master and the previous humans that you have interacted with before, have they treated you any differently?"

He's curious, of course. Not a lot of people could mentally comprehend handling a servant, more or less an angel at that! In fact, he had heard that many people would go mad over seeing something that was utterly impossible to comprehend, but if that were the case then he couldn't imagine that her master and previous interaction would be similar.

Even so, he did wonder how his own Master would take to her and vice versa.

[strikelip]

a comprehensive list of scenarios

feel free to combine multiple prompts or add  “ + reverse ”  to switch roles !   for reference, the one sending in the prompt is the one committing the action.

1.  GUEST :  for one muse to offer the other a place to stay. 2.  STORM :  for both muses to find shelter from a severe storm. 3.  MEDIC :  for one muse to show up at the other’s doorstep injured. 4.  SURPRISE :  for one muse to come home and find the other already inside. 5.  TRIP :  for both muses to road trip or travel together. 6.  BABYSIT :  for one muse to help the other home while they’re drunk. 7.  INSOMNIA :  for one muse to find the other still awake at 3am. 8.  AMBUSH :  for both characters to come under attack by the same enemy. 9.  DANCE :  for one muse to ask the other to dance at a party. 10.  STRANDED :  for one muse to help the other who’s stranded on the road. 11.  SERVICE :  for one muse to cover the cost of something for the other. 12.  SAFEGUARD :  for one muse to save the other from being hit by a vehicle or from some other life-threatening event. 13.  DAZE :  for one muse to wake somewhere and find the other hovering over them. 14.  STOWAWAY :  for one muse to find the other hiding on the same ship. 15.  TAXI :  for both muses to share the same taxi ride. 16.  MAKEOVER :  for one muse to help the other with a new outfit or hairstyle. 17.  LIFEGUARD :  for one muse to rescue the other from drowning. 18.  DISASTER :  for both muses to work together to escape a fire, flood, or other disaster. 19.  TRANSIT :  for one muse to sit next to the other on a public transport. 20.  SPRAIN :  for one muse to carry the other after spraining their ankle. 21.  EMPLOY :  for one muse to be hired as the other’s bodyguard, tutor, assistant, etc. 22.  QUEST :  for one muse to help the other with a task in exchange for compensation. 23.  SOOTHE :  for one muse to calm the other during a panic attack. 24.  RECOVER :  for one muse to return the other’s lost belonging. 25.  UMBRELLA :  for one muse to share their umbrella with the other on a rainy day. 26.  HEAL :  for one muse to nurse the other back to health from a sickness or injury. 27.  NIGHTMARE :  for one muse to comfort the other after a nightmare. 28.  REUNION :  for one muse to run into the other again after a long time. 29.  PRIZE :  for one muse to win the other a prize at a carnival. 30.  NUDE :  for one muse to walk in on the other while they’re changing. 31.  BED :  for both muses to wake in the same bed, naked or fully clothed. 32.  TRAIL :  for one muse to notice the other has been following them. 33.  EVADE :  for one muse to pull the other into an alleyway to escape their pursuer. 34.  THIEF :  for one muse to confront the other after having something stolen by them. 35.  CAUGHT :  for one muse to walk in on the other singing / dancing. 36.  FESTIVE :  for both muses to decorate for a special occasion. 37.  PRESENT :  for one muse to give the other a  (birthday)  gift. 38.  WEARY :  for one muse to wake up after falling asleep on the other. 39.  CAPTIVE :  for one muse to hold the other against their will. 40.  SNAP :  for one muse to yell at or push the other out of frustration. 41.  SLEEPOVER :  for one muse to stay the night at the other’s place. 42.  TRESPASS :  for one muse to trespass on the other’s property. 43.  BREAK-IN :  for one muse to discover the other robbing their place. 44.  MERCY :  for both muses to come across an injured animal. 45.  UNKNOWN :  for both muses to wake and find themselves in a strange place. 46.  ACCOMPLICE :  for one muse to assist the other at the scene of a crime. 47.  ASTRAY :  for both muses to take a detour and lose their way. 48.  RELAX :  for both muses to share a hot tub or hot spring. 49.  MUSE :  for one muse to model for the other’s art project. 50.  ACCOMPANY :  for one muse to give the other an extra ticket to an event. 51.  SALVAGE :  for one muse to retrieve the other’s belongings from a thief. 52.  MEAL :  for both muses to prepare and share a meal together. 53.  CEMETERY :  for one muse to find the other at a gravestone. 54.  REFUGE :  for one muse to shelter the other from enemies. 55.  ARRANGED :  for both muses to date or marry out of convenience. 56.  FAVOR :  for one muse to owe the other a favor. 57.  VACATION :  for both muses to book the same hotel on vacation. 58.  DEFEND :  for one muse to save the other from one or multiple assailants. 59.  CATCH :  for one muse to return the other’s pet that escaped. 60.  RESTRICTED :  for both muses to sneak into someplace they’re not supposed to be.

[strikelip]

The angel would give a quiet hum, her brow furrowing in thought again. The headache isn't as hard, unless she's trying to focus on specific Names.

　 　 “There were other servants, i'm certain of that. I cannot recall Names, but I know they existed... and that some are already gone." Caster is on the tip of her tongue. She's not sure why, but she feels like that was important. Like their death had lead to her current situation. "The others may have been taken out during the destruction of the city. Though they could have survived if they were outside of it.”

Mortal bombs may not destroy a servant, but a noble phantasm like hers was a different story. Whether or not others survived was a matter of whether they got out in time. She was still within - that it didn't take herself out as well was a stroke of luck.

(why the hell did she drop it while she was still in range?)

　 　 “It hurts, but in a way that's like attempting to access information that is no longer there. Or which I do not have permission to access.”

Well, it's not the later - that's a different kind of hurt. The sharp warning of error that occurs when accessing something locked behind a clearance level - instead of just the kind of error that warns you that something is missing.

It was a difference between error codes. The later was akin to if she'd tried to touch the Tree of Life herself, instead of letting Gabriel hand her a soul. While the former was akin to the difference between peering into a soul that had been granted it's destiny, and one that had not yet been decided.

　 　 “I'm certain it's missing data, and not a restriction. I'll run a proper diagnosis on my saint graph once we're in a safe location, and see if I can self-repair. But most of my current pain is due to failing at my primary task. It is... hard, since guarding humans and ensuring they live safely is what i was created to do."

Her choice of wording had to be giving this poor man a headache of his own. But it's not like she had any better ways to say it. Angels were not living beings - they were more akin to machines. And the task given to her upon creation was to be a guardian - to fail at the one task expected of was a special kind of hurt.

　 　 “... It is possible that my master had permitted me to feel a level of ease, at least in a way my purpose does not typically allow. But i would not know for sure. I am unsure what it means to feel human, as I am not one... and my kin are not allowed to live their type of life.”

She's not elaborating on that. Instead, she'd tilt her head in thought, analyzing his praise of his current master. To generate enough mana to keep multiple servants summoned at the same time sounds like a remarkable amount of technology - she's curious how they achieved it.

Though, given it's mages, perhaps she doesn't want to know the answer to that. They were not known for their ethics. Many don't even treat their familiars as human... which, given that his master seems to treat him as such, says something.

　 　 “But I'm glad that they've given you a chance to walk a new path. Your master doesn't sound like the typical mage, so I'm glad that they seem to break the mold, and in turn granted you the chance to experience things you could not experience in life.”

It was... a quality she felt a bit envious of. Angels were nothing but familiars themselves - they were set entities, destined to perform the roles they were created for. Humanity's freedom of free will - to live however they like - was not something that was equally given.

But she'd smile none-the-less, glad that one of her previous charges was able to relive a life they previously could not. She may not be able to experience the joy of being human herself, or living life like they could... but she could live vicariously through their stories.

　 　 “I have not aided a human properly since the Age of Gods…. so i would certainly enjoy working alongside you and them, for whatever time we are permitted to have. Perhaps I'll get a chance to answer their summonings in the future, if their goal is the benefit of humanity.”

"Hm… Then it isn't too out of the ordinary to expect that other servants like yourself were summoned here along with the presence of the grail. Even if we don't know the identities of the servents in question, aside from Lancer, then it shouldn't be an issue. We'll just have to be careful since there's no telling what may happen now that we're here to take a look into this singularity." The assassin's attention turns back to his companion while continuing forward. Eyes watching her for a moment, noticing her reaction when her words suddenly became drifting in the middle of her explaination.

When he turned to gaze forward, Sanson felt himself begin to focus. Being an assassin meant that he can sense ambushes a mile away and, thankfully, there was nothing that would come up to surprise them. So far, so good. It shouldn't be too long now.

"A temporal network sounds accurate. It's more like a complex system that has enough mana storage to keep and retain a very large amount of servants without the wear on one mage. You might be surprised if you see it, but it's something unlike I've ever seen before when I was first summoned in it." He does recall the very memory when he first opened his eyes in the summoning chamber of Chaldea. The faintest of memories speckled from many different situations, but the important part was when he first saw his Master for the first time.

"I remember being very quiet. I never was the kind to be social and I never would have thought I could feel many of the emotions I've felt since then. I accepted my fate as executioner, even acting on it now despite having passed a long time ago. It was my fate that, no matter what would happen, that I would always take the head of those that I had served." It happened a couple times, so what was one more to him?

"…but, I realize that was not the mindset I needed to hold onto. My Master had taught me many things. To feel many things. For the first time, I felt like I had become… human." To be looked at as someone who was cared for, instead of revered for the blood staining his hands.

"I wonder if you had ever felt the same to your master, if you recall at all? I notice that you look pained earlier when you were speaking. Does it hurt at all, to recall?"

[strikelip]

Lailah is absolutely a sweet ditz of an angel and a completely lost roomba when left to her own devices, so she's all fun and games throwing her into Chaldea... until they have to visit her in her OG grail war and they've been dropped into the middle of a french town in the western front of WWI, where the Lancer is using the war's casualties as an additional boost to the grail to power his wish. And her master is a small child looking for their parent in the middle of all of this. .... said master does not realize that parent they're looking for is another master in the war, who after losing their own servant has no qualms about killing their 'back-up heir' and taking their command seals to steal lailah, if given a chance. Lailah's No Good Really Bad Summoning

[strikelip]

The angel would blink at the cold feeling, head tilting in a sense of ease and familiarity. A novel experience, that's for certain - she's not used being the one protected, rather than the other way around.

Actually... it was not the same, surely, but she had to wonder. This feeling of secrecy he had granted, was it similar to the kind she likely granted to those sheltered beneath her own wings? Hidden safely away from the nastier things which lurked in the Darkness she'd been created from? That she'd been created to protect humanity against?

A curious thought, one she'd file away for later pondering.

　 　 “I can agree to this strategy - while I am best at range, my own abilities are defense-oriented, so your own flank will be well covered. Lets just... try to not engage in melee, if we can. I cannot guarantee I wouldn't also hit you, if i had to properly go on the offensive.”

It would be a mistake to reveal her own attributes, if this were a normal grail summoning... but clearly things had long since gone off course. But ah - he had just asked about the grail itself, hadn't he? What servant wouldn't know about it? Was that not the reason they were summoned?

... but that's not what he'd asked. He'd asked if she'd seen it. Fishing her memory, she assumed - seeing what all she could remember, and scoping out the situation at hand. A good tactic - she'd give a nod in approval.

　 　 “I have, but not the kind that we are summoned to fight over. But even if I had, these false grails would pale in comparison to the real thing.”

Well isn't that telling to her true nature. Though it's not like it was easily hidden, given her armaments. She already gave the designation His creations had given her, which could have also been a giveaway... though she far lesser known than her superiors.

　 　 “There is likely a grail here. My memories aren't fuzzy regarding my summoning... I still have most of my knowledge of the era and why i'm here.”

Even if she can't remember who summoned her, she recalls the feeling that she answered the summoning willingly. Weird. She hates (apologies, strongly dislikes) how mages typically treat their children - she has no reason to answer them. So why on earth would she do that?

　 　 “I wouldn't be surprised if the bloodshed of this era was giving it amplified power... the other participants are currently fuzzy, but i distinctly recall Lancer being particularly zealous about it. I never faced him... directly... like some... of.. the others...”

She should stop being chatty, or at least stop pressing her memory - it's making her head hurt, by the way she'd start pressing her palm against her temple. According to her self-scan, the missing pieces weren't uniform or patterned. Like a giant chunk had just been ripped out of her memory bank. Maybe this wasn't her skill, her afflictions were usually much more precise.... or blanketed. She should diagnose her core once they were safe, make sure it wasn't damaged.

She'd give a light hum, tilting her head to the other side in further thought. This 'Chaldea' seeks one of these false 'holy' grails... and there's a tug in her core that says she should try to take it for herself. (She's going to ignore that urge. Surely a quirk of the magi's summoning system, it must have implanted that urge in her vessel).

But she knows better than to actually pursue it. Her wish cannot be granted - not without guaranteed retaliation.

　 　 “So you were summoned into a sort of temporal protection network, then? " The angels who oversee time must be having a field day. "If your Master wishes to take it, I have no reason to object. I have no wish it could grant. And if this era is some sort of quantum abnormality, then it would be better put to use in your hands."

A failed duty of some sort? Not to mention with no master around and the worst to be expected, the assassin could only close his eyes in sympathy to the angel. It would be like if he would've lost Ritsuka, the results would be a lot more dire than they are now. Still though, he fought off the pessimistic mindset in favor of staying hopeful. A small flickering candle in the otherwise massive chaos of debris and broken buildings. All too familiar sites for him, unfortunately, made his voice a lot more quiet than usual.

"I'll keep us safe, just stand behind me as much as possible. My own noble phantasm doesn't provide protection from being seen, but its effects do act as a slight cover." As if he had said this, his own shadow began to widen slightly. It felt cold for a moment, but with each step they both took the soles of their shoes would be met with absolute silence. Strange, how useful he could use his mana to this extent.

"I'm not normally in the front line of fighting, so I have plenty to work with. A small trick I had learned while being a part of Chaldea. Speaking of which," He turns his head slightly to catch her attention at the edge of his vision. His lips forming a slight frown as he observes her for a moment. She looks very lost, hopefully we can find a resolution for her in this mess.

"You're right on assuming that mages normally do not work together during a grail war. Usually they defeat or kill either each other or win against their servants in order to fully obtain the grail that they desire. This is not my master's goal, persay. We do seek out and obtain the grail, but for an entirely different purpose."

His attention moves back up to the front of where they're walking. Watchful as he continues speaking.

"…My master is known as a powerful mage. Chaldea, a place we protect and use as a hub for the servants that are summoned, keeps track of abnormalities that come from events called singularities. A small bubble of an alternate timeline that houses a grail, normally the source of this singularity. It's not always the case, but it's more often involved in places like this one. Have you ever seen it before, the grail? Or is that also a fuzzy memory for you to recall?"

[strikelip]

Her mana? She was an Archer - why would that be a concern?

　 　 “I have Independent Manifestation." Not Independent Action, like most Archers - her nature as an Angel overrode it. More well-known angels likely had it at a much higher rank, but hers still wasn't shabby. "My mana is.... low.... but so long as I'm strategic with what I have left, and don't use my noble phantasm, I should be fine for a little while longer...”

A slight sense of relief, as she came to that conclusion. Her noble phantasm was locked down so long as she didn't have a master and wanted to stay manifested. She didn't mind that. A bit of a relief, honestly. It was simply too dangerous to use, unless the circumstances were dire enough.

... But there's a nagging feeling in the back of her mind, like there's something obvious she should know. Like there was another restriction on her Noble Phantasm as to why she shouldn't use it ... but also that such restrictions were no longer relevant? Something to do with her missing master? Did they forbid her from using it, or was that a secret vow of her own?

Furthermore, there's a vague pit of dread pooling in her stomach at the thought... the all-too-familiar feeling of failure, the kind that cannot be salvaged or reversed. The marks of destruction across the city weren't helping to settle it.

　 　 “I'm... not sure we are going to find my master. The damage to this part of the city... and my directives involving a designated charge... if I am here and they are not, then... then i must have failed in my core duty. Keep hope, but I'm afraid that we may need to expect the worst.”

She doesn't like admitting that, the words bitter in her mouth. Her internal calculations were running overtime, wings tightening around her body in spite of her calm response. His realization of where they were located is lost on her currently - her headspace too focused on running mental checklists, actively warring against her memory's debuff and trying to clear it out.

　 　 “So long as we move at night, my wings will help keep us hidden.”

The way she'd stated it, as if it were a matter of fact - it'd be downright helpful, if not for the fact that sky was hidden under smoke and dust.. and salt? Yeah, that was her noble phantasm all right.... If it had just dropped recently, then it was likely after dawn.

Let her just... fold those wings away with a sigh, her form shifting ever so slightly to look as if she were a completely normal human. She was no Assassin, so stealth wasn't her best quality... but if they want to move without notice, not having multiple wings would help.

　 　 “It... is not night. I'm afraid I will have to rely on your eyes to remain undetected." Oh, she sounds like a kicked puppy having to say that. "This Chaldea of yours - mages do not aid others unless they have something to gain, and I see little left here but ash and death. So why have you come?"

Not connected to their master? That was unheard of- and even if the other's master was missing there had to be a way to find them. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to be sustain herself too long without one. Right? A light frown creases his lips as he slowly nods in response.

"I agree. If we're to somehow find your master then we will need to regroup and figure out where they could have went off to. From what I understand, this could have some sort of influence from the fact that it's a type of singularity…" His voice trails off before his vision grazes over the ruined buildings around the area. Sirens blaring off with an incredible loud croan. The streets broken and empty, no single sight of humans in the area at all.

In fact… he suddenly feels himself tense slightly. He recalls what this location is. Almost like a realization, Sanson then feels himself tense at the thought that they were definitely in an area recognizable despite becoming completely ravaged.

"How well off is your mana? If you're able to hold off, we should be able to arrive at Chaldea's camp nearby. It's a little away off from where we're currently at, but I believe we can make it if we remain in the shadows." As an assassin, that should be a walk in the park. The same couldn't be said for the Archer, although he could be wrong in that mindset.

[strikelip]

.. Right, a grail.

Recognition would flash across the angel's eyes at that word, a slight look of shock as if she were admonished she'd even forgotten such a thing. Her memory wasn't back (yet), but it didn't need to be to recognize what that meant. Whatever was here obviously wasn't the one blessed by Him... but it was certainly powerful enough summon her under the right conditions.

... but, if it did, why did it not summon her as a Ruler? Why box her into an Archer?

　 　 “... No. I'm not being supplied by a grail. If it were, it would not have summoned me as an Archer." Not unless it had enough sentience to want a laugh at her expense. "Someone here must have summoned me, but I'm not currently connected to them.”

Her brow would furrow further, clearly upset over this revelation. She'd never abandon her charge, not unless she had no choice. Or unless she had already failed. Well, maybe if they weren't worthy of wielding her.... but if that were the case, why was she still here?

Multiple sets of black wings would fold and wrap around her body, the shifting lights within dimming slightly. Her arms would follow, one wrapping around her torso while her other rested on her mouth, teeth biting her finger in agitated thought.

Hesitantly, she'd give another glance at their surroundings - streets littered with debris and barbed wire, skyline filled with smoke and the sound of far-off, broken sirens, buildings toppled.

There's no sign of human life in this area, beyond the two servants - not that the angel could detect. A civilian city turned a warzone - and the damage looked hauntingly familiar. She was no stranger to war... but the damage to these buildings... it looked like her Noble Phantasm.

... She didn't. Did she? But if she did, then why would she..?

　 　 “I don't... like the implications. As pleased as I am to meet a friendly soul, perhaps we should regroup with your company? Rather than offering to bring me aid, if there are others who can still be saved, I would rather wish to assist them as well.”

Act as a mirror? That wouldn't be the weirdest thing that Sanson would've fought before, although with the way she seemed to have hesitated he would've thought that there was more to them than that. Nodding in understanding of her explanation, the executioner turns his attention from her to the sudden tiny pinpoints of light, then at their foe. He assumed a defensive stance when a sudden flood of light rained down on their opponent, finishing them off within a burst of energy.

With their foe vanquished, Sanson felt himself relax slightly. It seemed like the danger around them had calmed down for now, thanks to her attack. With a flick of his wrist, Sanson dispelled his executioner's sword and proceeded to turn his attention to his new companion.

"It's an honor to meet you then, Miss Lailah. I assume that your situation is particularly peculiar." He tilts his head and observes her for a moment. A hand coming up to his chin to rub thoughtfully until he finally nods.

"Masterless, hm? I wonder how that may be… or, perhaps your situation is quite unique. If you're summoned here as a servant, yet have no master, then maybe that means you were summoned here by special means. Perhaps a grail..." He trails off in mid thought. This situation truly was an enigma.

"...Until then, I wonder if you're in any need of assistance while you're here? My own Master is not too far off, although I was sent here to scout in order to see if there were any stragglers that needed help. It sounded whatever monsters or creatures that were here had targeted civilians, but it seems like we handled everything without an issue..." Which was odd, but Sanson would take it as a victory on their part.

[strikelip]

The angel would give an appreciative hum at the healing touch, the stars within the void of her wings shining ever so slightly brighter. She hadn't felt injured, nor did her dress look worn... but there was no doubt the aid helped.

A fact which just raised more questions.

Was she fighting for long before this? Before Sanson intervened? Why was she fighting in the first place? Where was her master? She couldn't feel the anchoring presence of one... so had she been summoned as a stray?

More problems to address when not in combat. Right now, 'obviously not an enemy' was all she needed to hear. Even if she could not remember how she got into this situation, it gave her a clearer picture of what should be done. Which meant... it was probably alright to admit her theory.

　 　 “I may have an inkling of what happened.... but if I am correct, be careful. These enemies may..." She'd stall slightly in her explanation - how does she word this in a way that makes sense? "...act as a mirror in regards to detrimental effects.”

It could have just been the one that Sanson had already cut down - that skill of hers is close range. But that didn't mean the others weren't the same. Well... that may mean she may simply have to brute force it. She wouldn't enjoy it, but she could draw upon that power.

Pinpricks of light would ignite in a halo around her head, as she pointed towards another incoming creature - what even were those? Not something human, that's for sure. Perhaps they had been once, but not anymore. And it wouldn't be anything in a moment, as a single shooting star fell it in a blink.

　 　 “Apologies... I know your name, thanks to my skill, but I do not believe I have given my own. If we are allies, then it is only fair - this vessel is an Archer, designation LAILAH. If you are primarily a healer, stay beneath my wings... but I do believe I am currently masterless, so I apologize if I cannot fight at my fullest.”

She didn't remember, then? He wouldn't be able to deduce if the cause of this memory loss was through blunt trauma, or through other means. Considering that she was still standing and coherent, it had to be something else. Right?

Now's not the time to dwell on it too much. The assassin kept his gaze locked up at his surroundings, although took one step closer to her. He wouldn't leave someone defenseless and at an unfair advantage, even in the middle of a frenzy.

Sanson readied his sword.

"I'm at your command, then. You're obviously not an enemy, and it wouldn't sit right with me to leave you to struggle. You may guard me if you wish, but my duty is to heal and execute. Your neck is what i'm protecting, so if I may..."

His hand began to glow green and, without looking, he reaches back to touch her seemingly on the arm.

Healing energy would flow through her. It wouldn't help her memory or anything that would ail her, but it did help any painful joints and injuries that she would have acquired earlier if she had any.

[strikelip]

"The symbol of hope and guiding light. That's what many humans have decided when constructing buildings and works of art dedicating these divine beings. I'm sure you've seen some before. In fact, I wonder what your thoughts are when it comes to something more than just mere arcitecture. For example… my guillotine is carved with depictions of angels, a symbol meaning for acceptance at death's door. Do you see that same imagine upon my weapon as a means for hope, or something else?" Sanson asks Lailah while he glances at her, his face unreadable except for the light frown.

The angel would tilt her head, listening to his explanation. Her gaze unreadable, affixed to an imaginary point in the distance. She was clearly in thought... but from the lack of furrowed brow, her answer would inevitably sound detached. Resigned.

　 　 “What I see... is human desire. On one hand, I see hope - that He may grant mercy in their final moments. That His grace will bring them salvation in their final moments, and their soul will be safely brought to it's destination... but I also see spite - that whether the soul be blessed or damned in the end, it's fate is a forgone conclusion decided by Him and Him alone, and the hands of the living have nothing to do with how that soul is meeting it's end.”

Then, Lailah would close her eyes, taking a silent breath before reopening them with finality.

　 　 “An angel is a tool - nothing more, nothing less. To depict them implies intent to use them, metaphorically or physically. They have no other purpose. But since that means their meaning can be quite variable, determined only by the individual beholding them... I suppose their meaning ultimately depends on the ones not only viewing, but also wielding, the weapon.”

And with that, she'd look Sanson in the eye, clear irises reflecting the many colors of stars above. Her gaze neutral, non-judging, but expecting.

　 　 “An angel will see their own depiction and see that there is a prayer to relay, regardless of where it is or what it's on... so when you see the angels engraved on your blade, which has no other purpose than to bring inevitable death... what prayer is it that you wish to send to the Creator? The salvation of the soul you have to take? Or forgiveness for the sin of having to be the one taking it?”

[strikelip]

We need to start making angels with “wings” on their back that are not from birds. I wanna see bat wings, spider legs, tentacles, bone spikes, ink jets, giant fingers, fungal colonies, trees, water in zero gravity, EM radiation zones, mini thunderclouds, insect swarms, statistically unlikely combinations of sunbeams, antlers, there’s plenty of possibilities you can give them more than just feathers!!!!!

[strikelip]

✱˚｡⋆ ↪ 𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒 . ( a collection of dialogue prompts based on varying types of demands &. requests . adjust phrasing as necessary . this prompt WILL likely be updated in the future . )

don't say a word .

don't leave me here .

meet me at our spot tonight .

follow me and stay close .

don't beg , it's pathetic .

can you ( tie / zip ) this for me ?

stop lying to me . tell me what you did .

put that down , you don't know what it ( is / does ) .

get out of my sight .

stop pretending you know what's going on .

find a first-aid kit . quickly !

don't get yourself killed .

leave them to me , just go .

just admit that you love me .

just admit that you hate me .

come here , let me look at you .

( name ) , don't make me do this .

drop your ( weapon ) .

stay here and wait for my signal .

don't just sit there , move .

take this and run , don't let anyone have it .

pretend you're my ( partner / girlfriend / boyfriend ) .

don't look , you'll give us away .

don't say another word .

stop pretending like you care .

go make sure the coast is clear .

take this with you . it's a good luck charm .

don't tell anyone about this .

if anybody asks about today , lie .

stop looking at me like that .

tell me you love me .

just kiss me , already .

keep your eyes on the road .

stop crying and calm down .

come with me . there's so much we could do .

wear the ( dress / tie / item ) i gave you tonight .

show me how you like to be touched .

hold my hand .

kiss me , make it look real .

look at me . how many fingers am i holding up ?

will you marry me ?

just slow down for a minute . what's going on ?

take a deep breath , you need to calm down .

get out of here , ( name ) !

draw your weapon .

go rest . i'm not asking .

take a step back .

give me a straight answer .

be polite to our guests .

look me in the eye and say that again .

put your feelings aside for a moment .

keep close to me .

here , let me see that .

look up at the sky .

get out of here , i don't want to see you right now .

stand up , this isn't over yet .

close your eyes and count to ten .

smile for the camera !

keep your head down .

( name ) , let me past .

listen carefully to what i'm about to say .

don't just stare , come in .

stop laughing , this isn't funny .

take this and hide it .

don't make a sound .

put your hands up .

quit causing problems everywhere you go .

just admit that you don't know what you're doing .

stop right there , i mean it .

don't say that name aloud .

just trust me , okay ?

stop acting so childish .

call the police . now .

tell me you love me , even if it's not real .

take a good hard look .

stop the car , ( name ) .

don't make eye contact .

stay out of trouble .

just do it already , we've waited long enough .

hold me tight , and never let me go .

finish what you started .

tell me what you know .

just stay away from me .

turn around . slowly .

don't be scared .

put it down before somebody gets hurt .

stop pretending , i'm tired of the pretending .

grab me my ( item ) , will you ?

don't make assumptions .

put this over it to stop the bleeding .

get to safety !

wipe that look off your face .

secure the area .

keep an eye on them .

look at yourself in the mirror .

run . run and don't stop .

eat . you haven't touched your food in days .

[strikelip]

lailah's still heavily active in my headspace, so give this a like for a small starter.

[strikelip]

casual reminder that even though i'm willing to touch upon dark/uncomfortable/sensitive topics with my muses or in my threads, as per staying accurate to any fairytale/folklore/historical origins or references with any muses in question, i don't do so on a whim or for enjoyment of those topics. I am a horror writer and enjoy some good old angst as much as the next person, but i'll only dive into such topics if absolutely necessary to explore character history and development. And most importantly, consent is always key.

[strikelip]

activity will return momentarily, june has just been Really Busy irl. i thought it had calmed down, but i got gutpunched with more things that need my immediate attention. replies will resume soon, i just need to. catch my breath.