Excalibur, Caliburn and the King of Knights

[Amaterasu]

"Nobody knows what Fate has in store for them, Saber. Not even the kami. Perhaps it is decided by a power higher than all of us, but it is wrong to grief over them as a result. You have to remember, all of us will one day end their lives, it is not something that only befalls some of us - and it is something quite natural. As it is natural of you to make mistakes, Saber." She moved closer and, ignoring that they had only just met, wrapped her arms around Arthuria in a warm hug, to hold her against herself. "Perhaps I will understand it better once I know the entirety of your story, but let me tell you this. Nothing is ever made to last - even the grandest kingdoms will fall, even the mightiest Tenno will one day have to cross the Sanzu river and be judged, even the highest of all kami will not live eternally. And it is good that way, as change drives us forward... and mistakes are used to learn. The mistakes you made, your successors will learn of - hopefully. And like a felled tree will nurture new saplings, your children and those of your subjects will establish new empires on what is left behind." She let Arthuria go, though if the other held on she would wrap her into her arms again. "And Saber... no single being can take responsability for everyone, for the weight will inevitably crush them. Your intentions are good, but there are too many things beyond your control that you will take upon yourself, and nobody will gain anything from it, yourself least of all."

The next part caused her to fall silent. Arthuria's words struck her harder than she could admit, making her wonder... what had she gone through? Nothing pleasant, that was for certain. It was a simple concept, it seemed, but nontheless she frowned. "So if I understand correctly... this Holy Grail you spoke of is an item that grants you a wish if you win it in a combat between other Heroic Spirits. A mage summons you as their Spirit to fight that combat, and you think of yourself as a tool because of this." She crossed her arms and her smile faded as she looked back at Arthuria. "Forgive my disrespect, Arthuria, but if your wish is to change the past in such a way, you are either a coward, or you are dumb. Who says that the person that would be "King" in your stead would do better than you? Who says that they would not have driven your land to ruin and destruction much sooner than you? I doubt that you can foretell... basing yourself on the assumption that everything will be better with someone else is discarding the responsability for your mistakes - and I want to emphasize, yours. Not those of your knights or subordinates. If indeed you wish to free yourself of the burden that you placed on your own shoulders, I have to call you coward. If you only believe that somebody else will do everything better than you, you have not thought this through." She disregarded the part about Arthuria having been chosen, as she didn't understand the concept of an object "choosing" its owner - perhaps some coronation ritual? She did not know.

Finally, her face turned milder and she began walking down the pathway. They had already been staying here for very long, she did not want to delay their departure any longer. "Perhaps the Kings of your land are different than the Tenno from my land, but one thing has always held true... you cannot lead others if you aren't like the others. You can of course be Tenno and order people around, but for them to truly follow you, they must know that you are like them." She tapped her chest. "My land holds many stories of Tenno that have disguised themselves and wandered among their subjects to know what they felt. One can lead people properly if these people accept that person as their leader. And they will only accept someone who understands them. Only a blind man can lead a group of blind men, for he knows what these blind men feel. Someone who can see would not understand how it is to be blind, and thus would not be a good leader to them." She smiled again and folded her hands behind her back whilst looking to Arthuria and waiting for her to follow. "It may of course not hold always true, but many a time you will find that it aids. If ever you get the opportunity to change things, think about it, Saber. You are very strong... stronger than you may think. Now, shall we get going and leave this place behind? I am eager to find out about this world we are stranded in... and if indeed we are to fight one another as Heroic Spirits."

Amaterasu silently wondered about Arthuria's reaction. Some of the subjects that she had brought up had driven the Sun Goddess angry at moments, but the other one certainly had a point. She was an interesting partner to talk to... and if indeed they were to engage each other in battle, she was curious who of them would win. She hadn't seen any of Arthuria's combat abilities, but if she was as strong as her will suggested, she would be a very challenging opponent indeed.