Thread: To redeem, or to fall? (Saber Arturia x Belle Dujour)

In the long years of his service, Gabriel had learned the ways people faced their death. Some were courageous, defiant to the end and facing the odds head on, even as their demise loomed over them. Others sought to flee, cut down while they hoped for date and luck to save them. By now, such things... Such people were common. Brave knights and bold soldiers, cowardly commanders, wretches who threw comrades in arms behind them just for a running start. And yet, the knight felt the most pathetic of foes were the ones who begged for mercy in any way they could. Money, titles, peace, the finest luxuries... All had been offered to him, all had been offered to stave his blade, to still his hands from inflicting an inevitable face. Hed already sacrificed everything he had to those he served, and as the years wheeled on he had even less need for simple luxuries. Despite being a champion, a knight in service of a higher power, such amenities were wasted on one who was merely a tool. It was these pitiable mongrels that Gabriel felt the most anger over, hose who pleaded bargains and simple cowards. Perhaps that was why the dark gods had seen fit to play such cruel jokes upon him, to test the mettle of their champion, and to simply sink their claws further into him. This war was simple, a kingdom that stood in the way of his masters. Gabriels lands had no king themselves, he was the closest to a ruler they had, and it was little surprise when the bloodied and broken remnants of his enemy withdrew, falling back to the capital in order to secure the ruling family. It made his job simpler, his soldiers spreading like wildfire, doing the work of the masters. Death, sacrifice, pacifying the population in order to serve the dark gods, he had removed the heart of the beast and readied his forces for a final push. At least, till a beaten and bloodied messenger was cast down at his feet, begging for the simple act of mercy. If it was under his will he would have silenced the man then and there... But the gods had a sense of humor, and whispered into the ear of their champion. Let him live. You have done as we willed, humor this one for now. The man spoke of fealty, of surrender, of peace and recompense. The king had little land, little money to offer... But he had something that the dark knight could savor, could enjoy beyond any measure. Again Gabriel desired to raise his blade and simply cut the man down, yet it was not his choice. And if nothing else, the gift could simply be rejected like all the others that had been offered to him over the decades. The man was sent back, with Gabriels word that he would see this gift, would consider it before he came for the king personally. It was evening at the border, the sky turning to a dusky hue while the sun began to set. Banners with a broken shield and blade waved in the breeze, soldiers clad in light armor patrolling the roads around the keep that Gabriel had taken as his. Once the home of opulent nobles, little had changed once Gabriel had taken it for himself. His banners hung high, and the servants worked with fearful eagerness, not daring to upset the new lord. And it was here he waited, the fallen knight briefly watching from the windows...