[video]

[sicharia]

Hello. [The person seated in front of the library terminal is a pale, white-haired woman dressed in something reminiscent of a nun's habit, though there's nothing to cover her head. One of her yellow eyes is covered with an eyepatch. She tries to smile and does about as well as one might expect of a person in her situation, the expression both pinched and weak.] My name is Claudia Kotomine. I've—just arrived.

[There's definitely some uncertainty in her voice about how she should describe the situation, but nonetheless, she carries on.] If there are any other members of the Holy Church here, I'd like to hear from them as soon as possible. Or— Anyone else I'm acquainted with. And, mm, even if there aren't...

[She trails off momentarily, her one visible eye flicking away from the terminal as she considers something. Her lips purse together for a moment, and then she sighs. Well, she doesn't want to be ungrateful—at least she's able to eat—but—]

Ah, it's just that the kitchen seems equipped to do a lot more than it currently is! [She laughs, but the sound is nervous.] Is the food always in the state that it is now? I just thought—if there are better ingredients around anywhere, I could make something nicer. I'm more than willing to share with anyone who helps me with this, so...

...Ah, in any case, thank you for your time. [She forces another slight smile.] If there's anything you would like to ask of me in turn, I'm happy to assist or answer you to the best of my ability.

[For those that would prefer action, immediately after this she can be found browsing the library (and frustrating herself with her inability to find anything of immediate use), and later on she'll be investigating the thirteenth floor/the cathedral.]

Comments

[video]

[doesnotgetit]

Koto... mine?

[Whoa hey that namedrop catches Hakuno's attention pretty quickly. This lady's appearance doesn't ring any bells, but even so...]

Do you know a Kirei Kotomine, by any chance?

[video]

[fionnuisce]

...Kotomine?

[Hadn't some conversation with Diarmuid brought up that name? Waver cursed his own lapse in diligence as the magus in dark green flipped through a small notebook. That was definitely the name of the Fourth's mediator, but hadn't he mentioned someone else with that name was a Master?]

[Damn. He hadn't written it down and things had been so chaotic since that Waver couldn't clearly recall. He closed the notebook and adjusted the sunglasses on his head, glancing back to the terminal.]

The cafeteria's usually a little better than that. As it stands, one would have better luck hunting on a few floors.

[sicharia]

[And Hakuno's namedrop catches Claudia's even quicker, her brow frowning for just a second. She doesn't recognize this girl, either, but she supposes that doesn't necessarily mean anything. In any case, she answers truthfully.]

That was my husband's name. Did you know him?

[sicharia]

Yes, Kotomine. Does that mean something to you?

[People recognizing that name... This is a bit strange, to say the least. In any case, she listens to his answer quietly.]

"Hunting"? I doubt I'd have much luck with that, unfortunately.

[Maybe if she had Assassin at her side, but she doesn't.]

[fionnuisce]

It sounded familiar, though I can't recall you and I having met before.

[He had already assumed they were from the same world--probably not the same exact world, but a similar one all the same. The question was how to go about determining specifics when the name 'Kotomine' was setting off the vaguest alarms in his head.]

You're hardly alone in that. I'm not exactly skilled in that department either.

[doesnotgetit]

[... Wait. What? Her... husband?

... The thought of Kotomine having a wife is a very frightening thought. That someone could like such a horrible man enough to marry him...!]

Not... really well, no. [The hesitation is clear in her voice and face. She's trying not to let the shock get to her, but it's a little hard.] But I ran into him often. Not here though.... back home.

[sicharia]

I'm afraid I don't recognize you, either. I suppose saying it might just be a coincidence is being too optimistic?

[She sighs faintly.]

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to complain. Maybe if several of us banded together...

[sicharia]

Did you? [Hakuno's uncertainty is fairly obvious, and Claudia picks up on it. She can't help but find herself curious. Considering that he's been dead for three years... She hasn't quite grasped the alternate realities thing yet.] Under what circumstances?

[fionnuisce]

If you're part of the Church, I'd unfortunately have to say it's likely no coincidence.

[Sigh.]

That might be a good idea. I've little talent for hunting, but I know a few more skilled than myself.

video

[puppy_lancer]

The Church, huh? Been a long time since I've met one of you guys.

[He smiles as he looks at her image on the feed.]

And a beautiful woman to boot. Much better than the priest I ended up saddled with.

[sicharia]

[At first, she blinks, her expression blank. Then, she smiles, but the expression doesn't seem particularly warm.]

Is that so? I'm sorry for your great misfortune.

[sicharia]

Hm.

[The sound is toneless. She doesn't ask exactly what he means by that, but she has an idea... And still she doesn't recognize him.]

Mm, and I suspect working as a group would be more efficient for everyone involved, too.

[puppy_lancer]

He was a creepy ass.

...But I haven't seen him or any other Church people in this place. Nobody actually calling themselves a priest or a nun, anyways.

[fionnuisce]

That much, I think, would depend on the group.

Text

[scorchedchivalry]

Do you have any relation to Kirei Kotomine?

[sicharia]

Yes. That was my husband's name.

You are the second person to ask.

[sicharia]

That's not quite what I meant, but I apologize if one of my fellows has caused you any discomfort.

[The response is delivered somewhat stiltedly, but it's polite enough. Her next words are perfectly genuine, though.]

I see. Thank you anyway.

[sicharia]

[When she chuckles this time, it's more genuine.]

Yes, I guess that's true, isn't it? But if you had one team for hunting, one for dressing or transporting the meat, and one for cooking...

[scorchedchivalry]

I was unaware he was married. He was a priest.

[sicharia]

Yes, he was a priest.

What was your relationship with him?

[scorchedchivalry]

Nothing I care to speak about.

[sicharia]

I see. Perhaps you should not ask questions when you are not prepared to respond to the ones you yourself raise.

[scorchedchivalry]

You misunderstand. I am not unprepared to answer your questions; I refuse.

[sicharia]

Your refusal is not more admirable.

[puppy_lancer]

...If you need anyone to protect you or show you around here, I could always help with that.