Fate/stay Night: War across time
Chapter 6: Magic, cooking and Mordred
Shirou saw Merlin releasing some doves through the window when he entered the tower. Shirou reckoned them to be the familiars Merlin sent to find the portal. Merlin turned around when he heard the door close.
“Ahh, there you are. Are you ready for your lessons?” Shirou gave a firm nod. Then Merlin's expression darkened a bit. “I heard you had met Sir Mordred. I will give you some advice: stay away from him! That man is trouble.”
Shirou stared at Merlin silently for a moment. “Really? He was a bit strange, but he didn't seem such a bad guy.” He retorted.
“Mordred was born from Morgan's plotting. He is Morgan's son and can not be trusted.” Merlin declared coldly.
“He is also Arthur's son, and just because his mother is bad doesn't mean Mordred is bad.” Merlin could not help but smile at those words.
“True enough. Any way, let us begin your training. Please take a seat.” Merlin motioned to the stool next to him. Shirou did as Merlin instructed.
“Now, you had told me of your dangerous training method. Well forget about that! From now on you will not be using it ever again!” Merlin said firmly, causing Shirou to tense up a bit.
“Now look Shirou, a Magus already has a Magic circuit since birth as do some normal humans. However, the difference between a Magus and such person is that the Magus can activate the circuit at will. To do this they use a mental image as a trigger to activate it. This image differs from person to person.” Shirou listened attentively to Merlin's lecture.
“It is obvious that you have never done this before. So I will help you activate your magic circuit for the first time. Remove your tunic please.” Shirou removed his tunic. Merlin walked up to him and took up position behind him. He laid his hand on Shirou's back.
“Now focus, Shirou. Try finding a image that suites you and focus on it. At the same time concentrate on activating your circuit. I will send some of my magical energy through your body to help you open it. I warn you though. It will be a bit unpleasant.”
Shirou focused. An image that he could associate with activating his circuit. He thought deeply and an image of the hammer of a gun appeared. Yes! Like how you unleash so much power with such a small thing. Now, while holding that thought, he tried to activate his circuit. “Trace on.” His body began to feel warm. He could feel the magical energy beginning to flow. Then Merlin send his energy through Shirou's body. It felt like he was being cooked. Then as suddenly as his body heated up it cooled back down. Shirou fell on his knees gasping for air, drenched in cold sweat.
“Success!” Merlin voice sounded elated. “That was good, Emiya Shirou. Here have some water to cool down.” Merlin took a mug of water from the table and handed it to him. “When you have rested a bit, we will examine your origin and element. Then we are done for today.”
“Is that all we are doing today?”
“Eager, aren't we?” Merlin chuckled. “Activating your circuit for the first time has drained quite some strength from you. So yeah, that will be all for today.” Shirou took a big gulp of water.
“What do you exactly mean by Origin and element?” Merlin had expected as much. Nevertheless he could not help sighing from disappointment.
“I see. So your father did not even teach you that much.” He scratched his head. “Well first let me explain to you the concept of the Elements. There are basic elements: Fire, water, earth, wind and void. Usually a Magus has an affinity with at least one of these. There are off course other elements besides the five previous mentioned, but they are rather uncommon.” Merlin paused for a moment while, allowing it to sink in.
Shirou closed his eyes for a moment, pondering about what Merlin had told. “Let's say that if I had an affinity with fire, then fire magic would be the magic best suited for me.” She
“Indeed, you catch on quickly.” Merlin stroked his beard and smiled approvingly. “There are also those who have an affinity with more than one element. Those who have an affinity with all five elements are very rare. That is about the basics regarding elements.” Merlin filled another mug with water and drank some.
“Moving to Origins. Elemental Affinity indicates a Magus' general alignment and not all Magi have one. An Origin however gives precise details about a Magus and not only for a Magus. Even animals posses an Origin. It defines one's existence and directs one actions throughout life from the moment they come into existence. If one's Origin is strongly expressed outwardly, than their Origin can become their alignment. Thus replacing their original alignment.” Merlin was really getting into the flow. “Most of the time they merely get removed somewhat from their normal alignment. However... when their Origin becomes their alignment, they become extreme specialists. As such they can potentially reach higher grounds than normal magi and overcome great obstacles in some cases.” Shirou was listening intensely to Merlin's lecture which obviously amused Merlin.
“That is about the most important things you needs to know about Origins. While we are waiting for you to recover a bit, would you mind telling me a bit about the magi from your era?” Merlin was looking hopeful and curious.
“Well, I will try. But you should know that I don't know much about it. Other than my father, I didn't know any other Magi. Neither did he tell me much about the world of magi.” Shirou took another sip and stretched himself. He wasn't sure of what to say, so merely told Merlin what he remembered from what his father told him.
“According to my father magic has declined over the past thousand years, viewed from my time of course. So in order to safeguard the magical arts the magi banded together and formed the Mage's Association. Their main goals are to conceal, control and develop Magecraft. My father always said that I should stay clear of the association.” Merlin leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. His eyes gleaming from curiosity. “The Magi in my time keep themselves and magic hidden from the normal society. As long as a Magus doesn't do anything that draws to much attention or break any taboos, they are free to do whatever they want, no matter how evil their deeds.” Merlin listened silently to Shirou's explanation. The more Shirou told him, the darker his expression grew.
“I don't really like what you just told me. You said that magic has declined that much?”
“Yes, I don't think there are many magi that can stand up to magi from this time.”
“I, as some other Magi, have already come to understand that Magic would decline, but still … And judging from what you told me, I can garner that the Magi haven't changed their ways either. Not surprising.” Merlin's face turned sad for a moment and took another sip. “We will continue on this topic some other time. How do you feel?”
“Better. Are we now going to determine what my Origin and Alignment are?” Merlin nodded.
“Let's begin. First a question: Is there anything that interests you? Something that attracts you to the point that you even see it in your dreams?”
“Well, there is something.” Merlin held up his hand. He moved himself in front of Shirou. And placed his hands on Shirou's forehead and hearth.
“I want you to close your eyes and focus on that. I will use a spell that will help me identify you Origin and Alignment. Shirou did as he was told and concentrated on it. The image of the golden sword he had seen in his dreams countless of times. Sword's had always fascinated Shirou, although he never figured out why. He could hear Merlin recite his spell and he could feel the magic working.
“You can open your eyes again.” Merlin removed his hands. “It seems your Origin is 'sword' as is your alignment.”
Shirou looked at Merlin's troubled face. He was lost in thought. “Is there something wrong, Merlin?”
“Hmm, what? Oh no, there is nothing wrong. I was just .. eh .. surprised by your origin.” Merlin still looked troubled though. “When a person, a Magus, has dreams like those you have, it can be a possible indication of ones Origin. That makes finding ones Origin and Alignment a lot easier.”
“I see. So what now?” Shirou put his tunic back on.
“Now I know what you Origin and Alignment are, I can determine how I can properly teach you how to use your magic.” Merlin brushed his beard. “Since your Origin and Alignment is 'Sword', I would suggest to pick up some sword training. If my suspicions are correct, which they are most of the time, it will be wise for you to do so. But for now we are done and I don't want to tire you too much today. I am looking forward to tonight's supper.” Merlin sounded eager to try Shirou's food.
There are a couple of hours to spare before Shirou would have to go to the kitchen so he decided to explore the castle a bit. During his exploration he ran into Arthur.
“Your majesty. How are you?”
“I am fine, Shirou. But what are you doing here? I thought you were supposed to be training under Merlin's guidance.”
“Yeah. Today Merlin only activated my circuit for the first time and looked at my Origin and Alignment. So now he is trying to find an appropriate training method for me. Since there is still some time before I have to go to the kitchen, I decided to explore the castle a bit.”
Arthur looked at him unblinking. “I see. Would you like to accompany me for a while? I have finished all of my important duties for today, so I now hast a little time on my hands.”
“Okay. If I can please his majesty with my presence, I will.”
Arthur raised an eyebrow. “There was no need to be so stiff. When we are not in the throne room or in the presence of important visitors, you can be a little less formal.”
“I'll remember that.”
“Good. Why don't we go to the terrace? I would like to know more about you and your country.” Shirou followed the king to the terrace garden. They met quite some people along the way. Everyone bowed when the king passed, but nobody spoke to the king. Somehow that annoyed Shirou, though he could not quite determine as to why it bothered him. When they arrived at the terrace, they sat down on one of the stone benches overlooking the country side. In the bright midday sun the grasslands looked like flowing gold.
“Tell me, Shirou. I know you have only been here for a short while, but how does it feel living in this time and age?”
“Well, the beds are some getting used to since I prefer to sleep in a futon.”
“Futon? Is that the traditional type of bed in your country?”
“Yes. Although we have similar beds as here, brought to our country by western immigrants. The traditional Japanese bed is quite different. The futon consists of a bottom mattress and a stuffed quilt and is simply put on the floor. Other than that I kinda miss the daily conveniences which I have always taken for granted. It is all making me realize how good we have it in my time.”
“Hmm, I see. What is a Japanese house like?” Shirou told her about how in a traditional Japanese home, how everybody sits and sleeps on the floor. Explained about the design and such.
“Interesting. But why do Japanese people sit and sleep on the ground?” Arturia looked inquisitively as she folded her hands.
“Uhm...I am not sure myself. But I believe that it has to do with the fact that Ancient Japanese houses were built over a platform. And the entire house was pretty much considered a bed.” Shirou thought about it for a moment. But he believed that it was about right, if he remembers his history lessons well enough.
“That is certainly very different from our living style.” Arturia put her fist on her chin and nodded as she thought about it.
“You can say that again.” Shirou looked at Arthur with a peculiar stare.
“Why do you look at me like that? Is there something wrong?” Arthur put herself a little on guard.
“No, nothing. I still can't believe that the legendary king Arthur was actually a girl. That certainly was a surprise. It is amazing that nobody realized it.”
“Shirou, you have recognized me for what I truly am, but I want you to keep it a secret.” Arthur said firmly. Her eyes gazing at him intensely. “I am indeed a girl. However I want to make it clear that I am a knight and the king foremost. My gender is of no importance!”
Shirou frowned. What Arthur just said didn't sit right with him. “I can understand that you have to conceal your gender, so I'll keep quiet. But since you are a girl, would you mind if I call you Arturia when we are alone?”
Arthur sighed. “I rather not. It is important that this remains a secret. So I must incist that you don't call me that.” She urged him.
Suddenly they heard the doors open. They turned around to see lady Guinevere and Sir Lancelot. Sir Lancelot bowed in greeting the king. He bid lady Guinevere good day and left.
“Does Guinevere know that you are a girl?” Shirou whispered.
“Could be. I never revealed it to her. I also never slept in the same bed, so she might have some suspicions. Regardless, I know she understands her position as queen regardless.”
Shirou made a sad face. “Must be hard on her.”
“I agree. She has Sir Lancelot supporting her. For which I am glad.” An expression of shocked recollection suddenly appeared on Shirou's face. According to the legend Lancelot had an affair with the queen which didn't end well.
“Is something wrong, Shirou?” Arthur looked a little disturbed when she saw Shirou's troubled face.
“Ah...uh, well...no. No, nothing is wrong.” Shirou averted his gaze.
“Hello, my king.” Guinevere had walked up to them. She was smiling brightly, but despite of that Shirou could swear he saw a hint of sadness in her eyes. In any case he was glad for Guinevere's interruption. “Mister Emiya, how fare you today?”
“Fine, milady. I was telling the king about the traditional houses of my country and such. How was your day?”
“Fine, mister Shirou. Nothing really important happened. Sir Lancelot was so kind to provide me some company. By the way, I believe it is only a short time before supper.”
Shirou looked at the steadily setting sun. “Is it that late already? Thank you for reminding me, milady. Well then. I shall be going. Shall we continue this conversation another time?”
“We will. I'll let you know that I am looking forward to try your cooking.” Arturia gave him a meaningful look. Shirou gave a nod and left.
When he arrived at the kitchen Everill and the other cooks were waiting for him. All the fires were already burning. Everill was clearly annoyed.
“Ahh, there is our 'master cook'. We have been waiting for ye.” Everill said with sarcasm. “Is the kitchen to your liking?”
Shirou had told them to clean the entire kitchen and fetch some additional ingredients earlier today. When Shirou checked the kitchen he found it above satisfactory.
“Hmmm, good work. A good cook should always keep his kitchen as clean as possible. So, before we begin: has everybody washed their hands?” Everybody looked at Shirou with surprise.
“No, we haven't.” One of the servants responded. Shirou shook his head.
“Ok, let's do that first. When cooking, it is important to clean your hands before you start. That is healthier and cleaner. So everybody wash your hands in, preferably, hot water. Make sure to clean under your nails as well.” Everybody was looking at each other in confusion, but they did as Shirou said.
“Ok, now we can begin in earnest.” Shirou gave various instructions. The cooks were skeptical at first about Shirou's methods, but soon began to see the use of it. Methods like cooking the chicken before roasting it. Shirou decided to make several dishes with pork, veal, fish, venison and poultry. There was a large pot of vegetable soup, and several pots with sauces. Shirou was a bit worried at first. He didn't know if the cooks and servants would cooperate. He did criticize their cooking quite a bit. But the longer they worked, the more they came to realize the truth of Shirou's claims, albeit begrudgingly. At one point Everill suddenly walked up to Shirou.
“Emiya Shirou, I would like to apologize.” He said with a small voice. Shirou blinked his eyes at Everill's words. “I never knew that there was such a way of cooking.”
“Ahhh...uh...No need to apologize Everill-san. I too should have been more polite in my criticizing. I'm glad I could help. This reminds me a bit when I taught Sakura to cook.” Shirou had to smiled at the memories and turned his attention back to the mushroom sauce.
“I thank you, Emiya Shirou.” Everill smiled. “By the way is this Sakura a girl perchance?” Shirou looked at Everill and nodded, to which Everill grinned before returning to his kettle. “Oh... What does san mean?”
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Meanwhile at the dinner table, the king, the queen, Merlin and the knights were awaiting dinner. The table was already set. Shirou had arranged for chopsticks, since it would take a while to fashion forks for everybody, which peaked the curiosity from several people. Guinevere was talking with Merlin and sir Lancelot. The other knights were discussing different topics ranging from stories of bravado to the recent bandit activity. Bedivere and Kay were talking with Mordred.
“So, Mordred. First time seeing some part of your face.” Kay looked Mordred in the eyes, which were normally hard to see under his horned helmet. He noticed Mordred's familiar-looking green eyes. Eyes like those of the king. Mordred was wearing a simple helmet with a visor, leaving only his mouth and chin uncovered. A parts of his armor had also been removed, like the gauntlets and tassets. His arms and hands were surprisingly slender.
“I must say it does feel rather odd, not wearing my full face-covering helmet.” Mordred took a sip of ale. “Well, I am curious about what mister Emiya is going to cook for us.”
“It was quite a shocking revelation when you revealed yourself as the king's son.” Said Bedivere. “I never realized.”
“Neither did I, until mother told me. But all that is meaningless since the king rejected me as his son.” Mordred's voice a rose a little. Kay and Bedivere noticed his hand, holding the goblet, trembling for a moment. They glanced at each other with meaningful eyes. Both held suspicion for Mordred ever since he revealed himself to be the king's son. Suddenly the doors opened and servants entered the dinning chamber, carrying plates and kettles laden with food. Everybody's mouths started watering when the smell reached their noses. Shirou entered the room lastly.
“Good evening everybody. I thank you all for your patience. Before we begin, I have arranged for everybody to be provided with chopsticks. The two sticks on everybody's right. These will make it easier, or at least make it cleaner to eat. I'll give you a quick demonstration of how to use them properly.” He took out his own chopsticks from his pocket and showed them how to use them properly. Most of them got the hang of it quickly. Although some of them had some trouble with it.
“Now let us begin. For starters there is a simple vegetable soup. Next we have various dishes consisting from fish, poultry, venison, pork and veal along with vegetables. And without further delay, everybody enjoy the food.”
The servants started pouring the soup. Shirou took his place next to the king. Everybody was a exited. They looked at the king, waiting for him to take the first bite. Arthur took her spoon and scooped up the soup. She brought it to her mouth and tasted it. She was momentarily stunned from the taste.
“Delicious!!!” She exclaimed. “This is really good.”
This prompted the others to taste it as well. It was just a simple vegetable soup, but with the right mix of herbs it tastes so much better. Everybody clearly enjoyed it with many calls for seconds which delighted Shirou very much. Some still had trouble with the chopsticks though. As was evident when Kay simply stabbed them in the meat and how Galahad kept dropping the food each time it got anywhere near his mouth.
“This soup is great, Shirou.” Mordred was clearly savoring the taste, as he was eating it at a rapid pace. “You did really well.”
“No argument there, sir Mordred.” Bedivere joined in. “Simply delicious.”
Shirou smiled from satisfaction. He looked to Arthur, who was busy with her second serving of soup. She sure was eating fast too. By the time they finished the soup, it was time for the main course. The venison and the fish were the most popular. While most people at the table managed to use the chopsticks, some still had trouble with it. It was quite funny to see some of them struggling with it.
“Great cooking, Emiya Shirou.” Gawain grinned as he patted his stomach, feeling saturated. “I did not know one could prepare food like this. I mean... I always liked the food they served, but this really is exquisite!”
“Well thank you, sir Gawain. How many servings have you got?”
“Two for the soup and venison and one for the poultry. And some bits from the other dishes.”
“you always were the biggest glutton at the table, sir Gawain.” Bedivere smirked. “I only had one serving of soup, pork and veal and I am already full.”
“Excuse me, but may I say something?” One of the servants interrupted suddenly. Shirou, Bedivere, Mordred and Gawain looked at the servant questionably.
“What is it that you want to share with us?” Mordred asked while chewing on a piece of veal.
“Pardon my boldness, but as someone who hast served at banquets numerous times, I normally would agree that Sir Gawain's appetite is indeed the largest at the round table.” He cast a glance at the king. “But seeing how the king has consumed three servings of soup and is now busy with his third serving of the main courses, I think Sir Gawain has just lost in terms of appetite.”
They looked at the king. She was eating rather fast and enjoying it all the way. “This is great.” She took another serving of food on her plate. Shirou made eye contact with Guinevere. She, as well as Merlin and Lancelot, were rather surprised by how much the king was able to eat.
“I am glad to see that your majesty is enjoying the food.”
“Ah, indeed. I must say, I am impressed by your cooking. It seems you claims about cooking were valid.” The king nodded in approval.
“Thank you, your highness. I couldn't have made this much food without the help of Everill and the others. They adapted quite fast, and you will surely notice the improvements in their cooking before long.”
The meal went on for another twenty minutes or so. Once everyone finished, Arthur stood up to make an announcement.
“I know that we can all agree that tonights feast was exceptionally good. Never had I, or anyone else here, tasted such delicious food. Therefore I want to make a toast to Emiya Shirou, for allowing us to experience such delicacies. And to the cooks and servants for aiding him in creating this feast. Emiya Shirou, you and the others have done marvelous work.”
Arthur raised her goblet and everybody else followed her example. “A toast to Shirou and the cooks.” This marked the end of the meal, after which everyone started to slowly leave the room.
“The food was delicious, mister Emiya.” Guinevere smiled warmly. “I hope you would grace us with more of your cooking in the future.”
“Off course, milady. I like cooking a lot, so I don't see any problem.”
“I thank you, for accepting. Now, if you would want to excuse me, I will retreat to my chambers. Sir Lancelot, would you escort me to my chambers?” Guinevere offered her arm.
“Of course, milady Guinevere.” Lancelot made a bow, and took her hand. “I bid you good night, mister Emiya.” Guinevere said before they left.
“As do I. It was a great meal, mister Emiya.” Lancelot gave Shirou an approving smile, as he escorted Guinevere.
“Good night to you too.” Shirou looked behind him, when somebody suddenly laid a hand on his shoulder. It was Merlin. He was holding the notebook in his other hand.
“Here. I have taken all the information I needed from it, so I am returning it.” Merlin handed the book over to Shirou.
“Thank you. I will see you tomorrow for training then.”
“Indeed. I thank you for the wonderful food.” Merlin patted his stomach and grinned. “I have barely slept last night, so now I will turn in early today. Good night.” Merlin suppressed a yawn.
“I also want to remind you of my advise to find someone who could instruct you in the way of the sword, as I know that it will prove extremely valuable in the future.”
“Thank you, Merlin.” Shirou took the notebook. Merlin smiled and patted him on the shoulder before leaving.
“That was a delicious meal, Shirou. I hope you could do it again sometime.” Arturia said.
“The queen asked me the same thing before she left. Of course I will cook again. Perhaps as a farewell, when I return home.” Shirou noticed they were alone. “So, king Arturia. What are you going to do for the remainder of the evening?”
Arturia lifted a brow and sighed. “You really are determined to call me that, aren't you? I still have some things to do before I will go to bed. What about you?”
“I think I will take a stroll around the castle. Go outside for some fresh air and then get some sleep.”
“Very well. Don't get lost. The castle is rather huge.” Arturia turned around and walked to the door. Shirou followed her through and went the other way.
“Good night.”
“Good night.” Arturia gave a final nod before she disappeared through another door.
While he was walking through the corridor he recalled how during the feast virtually no one talked to her. Shirou was only here for a day, but he got the distinct notion that nobody ever talked to the king unless spoken to, or when they needed to discuss important affairs.
He quickly removed the thought. After all he had only seen her a couple of times. Surely people spoke with her when he wasn't there. Yet for some reason, the suspicion didn't let him go. Shirou shook his head, as if to clear his thoughts.
He went through a door and found himself on the western battlements. The moon and stars were shining brightly. A couple of guards greeted him as they passed by. Shirou found a bench and sat down. He gazed at the stars when somebody suddenly appeared next to him. It was Mordred.
“Good evening Shirou. Gazing at the starts I see.” Mordred was once again wearing his horned helmet. “Mind if I joined you.”
“Sure, I don't mind.” Mordred sat down besides Shirou.
“So, I hear you are going to practice magic with Merlin tomorrow.” Mordred shook his head chuckling. “Be sure to prepare yourself. Working with a Magus is not easy, especially if that Magus is Merlin.”
“You seem to speak from experience.”
“Ay. I was raised by my mother, Morgan le Fay. She is my father's sister and she hates him the most.” Mordred explained casually. In the legend of Arthur Morgan was the witch, who was regarded as king Arthur's most hated enemy, Shirou remembered. That was not what surprised him though.
“Wait. Morgan is Arturia's sister?” Shirou blurted out. He knew that Morgan was Arturia's enemy, but the fact that she was also Arturia's sister was new to him.
“Yeah, I know what you mean. My mother put a spell on father so she could obtain some of my father's seed. And Shirou... it is King Arthur, not Arturia.”
“No, your 'father' is definitely a girl. Even though nobody seems to recognize that.” Shirou couldn't see Mordred's expression, but he guessed he was annoyed at the notion.
“Why do you always wear that helmet?” Shirou tried to change the subject.
“I guess I can tell you that. My mother wanted me to usurp the throne, so she gave me this helmet, telling me never to remove it. Doing so would reveal my heritage.”
“But didn't you revealed yourself as Arthur's son? So why keep the helmet on? I would say that your helmet doesn't have any use anymore.”
“True. I did not even know that I was Arthur's son myself, until my mother told me. Afterwards, I revealed the truth to my father and he rejected me quite clearly.” Shirou noticed how Mordred clenched his fists when he said that. As well as the bitterness and anger that permeated his voice. The event clearly troubled Mordred greatly. Not really a surprising. Being rejected by your own father was nothing to be taken lightly. Shirou couldn't help but feel sorry for him.
“But as to why I still wear it. Mostly just the force of habbit. The day will come when I will remove my helmet. Some day ...” Mordred looked at the stars for a moment, seemingly lost in thought. “Maybe if you prove that you can be trusted, I might show you my face someday. But enough about that. Let us discuss something else. Do you know what your alignment is? Do you have an Origin?” Shirou could feel Mordred's curious gaze boring into him.
“Uhm ...well I do. My Origin and alignment are both the element 'Sword'.”
“Sword, you say? That is rather unusual.” Mordred sounded intrigued.
“You seem to know a thing or two about Magic. I take it you learned that from your mother?” Shirou turned himself more toward Mordred.
“Naturally. She thought me thing or two about Magic. Mainly to combat enemy Magi as I have no aptitude for it.” Mordred tapped his fingers on the bench. “In any case, you said that your Origin and Alignment was the element Sword? That is really interesting.”
Shirou nodded. “That's why Merlin advised me to learn the way of the sword.”
After hearing this, Mordred became a little excited.
“Interesting. What would you say if I offer myself to be your teacher?”
“Wait! You want to train me as a swordsman?” Mordred nodded in confirmation.
Shirou thought about it for a moment before he answered. “Why not? I accept your proposal. I have magic practice with Merlin in the afternoon so how does tomorrow morning sound?.”
“Good. That is settled then. I will see you tomorrow after breakfast in the training hall.” Mordred said with a joyful tone and clasped his hands together. “Well, Shirou. I think I will turn in for to night.” Mordred gave him a firm smack on his back, causing Shirou to cough.
“Yeah,I think I'll go get some sleep too. Good night, Sir Mordred.” Shirou replied coughing. Mordred gave a nod and walked away chuckling.
Shirou finally stopped coughing and looked after Mordred. He sure was a feisty one.
Shirou stretched himself and made his way to his chambers.