Spinning a Yarn

When everything clears, an imposing woman stands at the center of the summoning circle. Not because she seems particularly threatening, but due to the air of otherworldly superiority. The natural sort that made you want to up rather than the condescension that was felt when they looked down. Everything feels too serene. Disturbingly so. Being someone who felt so secure in her own abilities that the most harrowing situation struggled to raise her heart rate, it didn't make her feel any more at ease than she already was. However, it did make her feel content — an almost foreign sensation.

"You're the one who summoned me." It's not a question, but a statement. Whatever perceptive abilities the Servant may have aside, it wasn't as if anyone else was around. Yingyue had specifically chosen an unused part of the manor and ensured that no one would disturb them. This was quite an intimate matter, after all. She'd even set the stage for a nice dinner so that she and her Servant might start off on the right foot.

Yet, as obvious as it seemed, it wasn't true.

Yingyue chuckles softly and brings her pipe to her lips, taking a few drawn-out puffs. "No, I don't think it's proper for us to say that. I initiated the summoning ritual, yes. However, I had no intention of summoning you. It would be more correct to say you invited yourself, don't you think?"

She was neither an easily surprised woman nor an easily impressed one. but this whole scenario had truly caught her off guard. As much as she greatly disliked things not going to plan, it was difficult to be upset when she'd gotten far more than she asked for. Looking over the impressive spread of Maitreya's parameters as they present themselves to her as an assortment of disorderly glyphs that beg to be configured into something with meaning, Yingyue is overjoyed. She doesn't show beyond the usual smug look she wears, however. Buddha or not, a woman of her stature didn't need an especially powerful Servant to seize victory, and she wouldn't allow her to believe so.

The Servant, Maitreya, offers a smile in return as she begins to inspect her Master's abode. She was clearly no ascetic judging by the lavish interior. Paintings, a large fireplace with various curious set on its mantel, tall shelves filled with aged tomes, statues, and displays of artifacts both mundane and mystical — though anything of true worth naturally wasn't out to be freely viewed even within her own home — were all dotted around the manor. Of course, the extravagant feast that has been laid out is decorated with dishes that must have taken a considerable amount of prior coordination to have prepared just for this day.

"I do hope that isn't too disappointing. It's not in my nature to ignore lambs in need of guidance."

"There is one thing I find...curious, but I suppose I can't judge you too much. No, rather than disappointed, I find the situation quite amusing. It is a shame that some of my preparation will have to go to waste, but that's a minor issue." With her free hand, Yingyue draws out an envelope with a broken seal from her dress pocket and looks it over. Inside were instructions on how to engage the Servant she intended to summon so that their partnership could start off on the right foot. Of course, none of it was especially beneficial now that the requisite circumstances had been altered. She'd have to do her best to dispose of the gift she'd secured without causing friction between them. So, with a sashay, she makes her way to the crackling fireplace to toss the envelope into the flames before grabbing a pair of glasses and a bottle of wine. "The dishes may not be exactly to your liking, but I invite you to enjoy yourself all the same. At the very least, I hope you won't make me drink alone."

Maitreya turns away from her perusing and joins Yingyue near the table, taking one of the glasses in her hand her Master finishes pouring. "Why prepare a feast for a spirit? I'm sure you know that I don't require it for sustenance."

"Of course, but a humble mortal like myself dines for greater reasons than merely satisfying my hunger. Sharing a meal is a ritual; It binds people in business and camaraderie. The summoning has designated you as my Servant and I as your Master, but I desire to make us into friends." As she speaks, the Magus moves around the table picking out items to place on a pair of plates. The second plate is quickly filled up with as much as it can reasonably hold so that it contains a little of everything on offer before it ends up in front of a seat across from Yingyue's.

"Very well, child. If we are to know each other, answer me: What dream have you decided to risk your life chasing?"

"Straight to the point, I see. I hoped we might discuss our preferred authors or even perfumes first." Yingyue hums as she considers her words, her smile unwavering. Truthfully, she considers whether or not she can successfully lie to a Buddha as every fiber of her being rejects the idea of giving her a forthright answer. It wouldn't do well at all to be caught in a lie during their first meeting. "All I wish for is to improve my craft. My research has met with...complications and the Grail is the surest way to resolve them. I hope you don't find that too disappointing. I am but only a Magus, after all."

The Buddha eyes her Master closely as she sips from her cup. "Then this research of yours must surely be something special."

"As special to me as any Magus's research is to them. I can explain all the little details if you're curious, but I doubt someone of your caliber would find the meager offerings of this age impressive."

Silence hangs between them, only disturbed by the sounds of the fire and their consumption. The best method of concealment is simply to be open and confident. It didn't hurt that Yingyue's answers weren't untrue — they just weren't the whole truth. Hopefully, they would give the impression that she had nothing to hide. The only risk was that her Servant might press on and urge her to reveal more of her true intentions. There were a few directions they could go from there, and the command seal on her chest was always an option if they devolved, but dinner would certainly be ruined.

However, if Maitreya sees through Yingyue's misdirection, she doesn't make it known. "Another time. There are topics better suited for dinner. I believe you wanted to discuss perfumes."

Yingyue titters. "Only an example. Instead of perfumes, why don't we discuss you? I'm in no rush to engage in the barbarity of the war, and Oxford is still beautiful. You must have a wish of you came, but what else would you like to do while you're here?"

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Pub: 16 Dec 2024 01:01 UTC

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