Extracurricular Studies

[everdistant_utopia]

Character(s): Saber and you!
Location: The Library
Rating: PG
Open/Closed/Finished: Open
Summary: Feeling inadequate yet again and trying to catch up to others, Saber reflects on the wonders of the modern era, such as mass-produced books and widespread literacy.

This day found the girl who was once called the Once and Future King of Britain in the Garden's library. Though she had some passing familiarity with an era over a millennium into her future, she continued to find certain things about it marvellous. One of these was the proliferation of written texts.

They were a far cry from the comparatively unwieldy codices of her day, and far more accessible. Instead of being written by hand, these texts were mass-produced via printing press or, given the advanced technology of the Gardens, an even more efficient means. It meant that now, books were no longer reserved for the clergy or wealthy. Now, nearly anyone could own one.

On the other hand, the books of the Library were for all to peruse. Another aspect of the current era was that everyone seemed to be literate regardless of station, necessitating such places where anyone could read whatever was stored on its shelves. It had been something she could only dream for her own people during her rule, even as she rallied her armies to fend off invasions and civil unrest alike. The current era was hardly the paradise she envisioned for her country, but it was nevertheless an improvement if even the poorest person could read.

Fortunately for Saber, she'd received all the necessary schooling for a king, and was able to study the many books she had stacked in front of her. Without a Holy Grail to impart instant knowledge of the world she now found herself in, the petite blonde had to take command of her own learning. The academy itself existed for that very purpose, but she couldn't help but feel lacking, somehow. It was a good thing for the Library, indeed.

Comments

[shiest_sunbeam]

Ronnae beamed proudly and nodded, "He was one of a kind, and not just because he was my father mind you." she said with a cheerful smile. "He reached the highest rank of Blood Knights, which is are the knights of his people the Sin'Dorei. But then went on to join the Argent Crusade which are more of the world's knights and there he achieved the highest rank amongst the Paladins that one could achieve and was offered to join and follow the Knights of the Silver Hand which in turn was an elite group within the Argent Crusade."

Can you tell that she's really proud of her papa?

"He got in a lot of trouble with mama though," she mused a bit awkwardly. "He was always pretty selfless so he spent a lot of time on the field helping the people of Azeroth. Those in need and those who couldn't defend themselves. Mama thought he should be at home more.... I didn't mind, I always looked forward to hearing his stories about the field."

[everdistant_utopia]

To Saber's mind, he almost sounded like the only true friend she had as king: Sir Lancelot du Lac. And that was another source of endless agony for her that she buried to remain focused on her goals, both in her natural lifetime and their final battle as Servants.

"My own knights were similarly dedicated," she reflected. "It was difficult for their families, but I am confident they were proud of them. Certainly, I was."

[shiest_sunbeam]

Ronnae nodded and smiled. "Well, the world certainly needed them that's for sure. If it wasn't for people like them, like your knights, like you? Who was going to give hope to the weary, the defenseless, the innocent?"

Which was one of the reasons she wanted to continue her journey as a warrior, to hopefully be able to do the same that Knights did for the people, and not the combat.

[everdistant_utopia]

Only rarely was her path of chivalry respected, but even then, it was rarely understood. Yet Ronnae clearly understood what their purpose had been, and what she had tasked the Round Table with.

"When I was told that I was the true heir to my kingdom, my country was besieged with chaos. There were invaders from across the ocean, and no longer a king to lead armies to repel them. I was told that it was within my power to stop it...and so I did."

Though she continued to regret her failures and the rule marked by them, at the time it was all she could do to bring peace to the land.

"After that, however... the dangers persisted, or new ones arose to take their place. I formed the Round Table to address those, and picked those knights trustworthy enough to protect the people."

[shiest_sunbeam]

"It must have been rough." Ronnae started with a knowing look before turning to look up in thought.

"It seems that there will always be something more to threaten the lives and stability of your world... It certainly was for Azeroth... But that wasn't going to deter those who wanted to protect from keeping on trying!" she added with a smile.

"And I know you weren't going to give up either no matter what. I can see that."