As a modern person I do find Aife's situation kinda sorta just a little very fucked up, but the fact that she's able to look at her son and think "Worth it. Worth every bit of it." is actually quite admirable. For children of rape I will never say that the raped mother is not entitled to her own feelings and choices, but for those that find it within themselves to forgive their child of the sins of his/her father and love them as their own I have nothing but respect. That cannot be an easy decision to come to, and it must take slogging through so much pain and anger to come to it.
As for Aife's feeling toward Cu... that's complicated. Her own feelings are complicated. She hates what he did to her tangential to the rape more than the rape itself. He humiliated her in a duel, he completely destroyed the path she set for her life, he marred her reputation and legend, he became a wedge that, as this chapter reveals, was driven between her and her sister, but she doesn't hate him exactly. Because despite all that he did to her she does find him desireable, if Cu was a bit less of a horny dog when he was giving his terms to Aife (or if she had her head a bit more in the game instead of reeling over Sca's personal betrayal) they might still have eventually arrived at Connla by better means. Now is that pretty fucked up? Yes, hell yes it is, but it's not even really that unbelievable. You can find cases of sexual assault today that resemble this, a man taking the quick and illegal path to getting laid with a woman who, with a little work on his part, probably would've been more than willing. And it ends with a very conflicted woman having to process the feeling that if he had just asked she probably would've consented.
Regardless, I expect we aren't quite done with the Aife arc. We just won't be seeing much more of it until America (or summoning Cu).
uh, but cauldrons plans did work, the entire goal was 'make army, hope some cape can do something' and every single decision they've made since then has been to facilitate that, every 'bad plan' or whatever is a step to making an army, and well, by the end there were a shit ton of capes around with combat experience. they didn't do much effectively against scion, and there was infighting, but considering they basically staked their entire hope on some silver bullet appearing from said army and something would work, and that that's exactly what happened... well i'd argue it worked. without the unwritten rules, without interfering with any attempt to snipe capes, without having contessa spent a lot of time keeping the world stable, taylor and many other crucial capes just wouldn't exist as they did. their goal was to get him to die, and their efforts facilitated that, even if they themselves didn't pull the trigger so to say.
I wouldn't really say their plans were what made it a success. Scion's death arguably happened more so in spite of what their plans wrought than because of them. The Case 53 'Irregulars' crash their strategy meeting and kill a good bit of the vital personnel right before the battle with Scion, preventing any coordinated battle plan from being made, as revenge for what was done to them as part of their research into powers. Most of the capes in the army they envisioned ran for the hills and just tried to hide until they were bodyjacked and thrown back into the fight. And their only real silver bullet, the one person they staked most of their hopes of success on, was so mentally and emotionally unstable that it took Scion speaking all of four words to render him practically catatonic, mid-fight.
She who was blessed with nothing at birth except for her radiant beauty.
Charisma, skill at arms, mystical prowess, tactical acumen, leadership — these were all things which she was not born with, but acquired through supreme effort, honed over the course of years and many hours of backbreaking practice.
It is perhaps because she was born so ordinary that the role of steward of the Land of Shadows went to her sister, who overflowed with talent. Then, was it not a foregone conclusion from the beginning? To Aífe, it doesn't matter. Even if the outcome was never in question, she would have raced after that image in her mind no matter what.
Needless to say, there is a strong rivalry between the two sisters. Although Scáthach at that time acknowledged Aífe as the superior warrior, as far as Aífe is concerned, the issue was never settled, and because she is bound by Cúchulainn's geis not to fight her sister anymore, she has resorted to more indirect methods of coming out ahead.
"One day, I will train a student who surpasses your precious Hound. Then, we will truly know who is the better teacher!" is the sort of thing she promises as much to herself as to Scáthach.
Aided Óenfhir Aífe (The Death of Aífe's Only Son) is the story of the tragedy of Connla's death by the hands of his father, Cúchulainn. By the fate forced upon him by the fate forced upon Aífe, Connla met his father, fought him, and was slain by the Gáe Bolg.
It is a tragedy of circumstances of Cúchulainn's own making, a completely avoidable fate brought to fruition by the imposition of a curse. There is no mention made of whether or not Aífe ever learned of what misfortune befell her only child.
However, as a woman who undoubtedly understood what it was she was sending Connla out to do, there is no doubt that Aífe knew from the very start exactly how this scenario would end. No matter how much she taught her son, no matter how far she pushed his skills, no matter how much she helped him to reach his potential, there can be no doubt that the end result was a foregone conclusion from the very beginning.
That there was nothing she could do to stop it… What terrible knowledge for a mother to possess.
Huh, she really does seem super-action-mom-alike, reminiscent of other barely-lewdable female leads with more sense than attitude. The classic comparison is the one chick from the Alien series, and that other gal from the slasher film series everyone knows about from the shower scream jif but never watched unless they are like forty-five years old today.
Imagine being poor. Couldn't be me.
Isn't the point of Fate Media to advertise the cool heros to attract whales? Why are precious precious words being wasted on someone who won't bring in revenue.
James could learn something from 80s cartoons.
She could also still be level 1, stage 1? I mean, does Taylor even know what an Ember is yet? Maybe that's why they keep nearly dying! Someone go wake up Prometheus!
She could also still be level 1, stage 1? I mean, does Taylor even know what an Ember is yet? Maybe that's why they keep nearly dying! Someone go wake up Prometheus!
Even if it's just a warmup, I'll try to enjoy this.
Skill 1
I'll put in at least this much effort.
Skill 2
I see through you.
Command Card 1
Understood.
Command Card 2
Of course.
Command Card 3
I'll handle it.
Noble Phantasm Card 1 (Gáe Bolg)
The result has already been decided.
Noble Phantasm Card 2 (Rígan Bíasta)
My chariot is ready.
Noble Phantasm Card 3 (In Glenn Mór)
Shall we show them the spirit of Aífe's warriors?
Attack 1
Ha!
Attack 2
There!
Attack 3
You're open!
Extra Attack
Are you even trying?
Noble Phantasm 1 (Gáe Bolg)
Pierce! Bloom!
Kill the enemy with a single thrust!
Gáe Bolg Prototype!
With this spear, even a flesh wound is fatal.
Noble Phantasm 2 (Rígan Bíastae)
Charge forth! Bán Epona! Rúad Étaín!
Trample them beneath your hooves!
My valiant steeds, my unstoppable chariot!
Rígan Bíastae!
Noble Phantasm 3 (In Glenn Mór)
This land, where I trained my students.
This land, the home of countless battles.
Come forth, In Glenn Mór!
Now, my brave warriors! Crush them without mercy!
Damage 1 (From Noble Phantasm)
So this is your strongest attack…
Damage 2
Kuh!
Incapacitated 1
Damn it, not another cheap trick…
Incapacitated 2
Ah, it seems I went too easy on you…
Victory 1
Ha… Just when it was starting to get good.
Victory 2
You have a long way to go before you can even dream of matching me.
Level Up
You want me to stop holding back?
Ascension 1
Ascension, is it? Bringing me closer to my full power. Very well. If that's what you want, I shall allow it.
Ascension 2
Closer, and closer, and closer still.
Ascension 3
No, could it be…? I underestimated you, Master. To think you would go this far…
Ascension 4
Ah, this feeling… With this, my fist could even kill a god. Master. What you have done for me today is something I'll never forget.
Bond Level 1
Hmph. Even if you're hopeless, I can still make something of you. Prepare yourself. I won't accept any slacking.
Bond Level 2
Affection… Of course, I cherished all of my students. That was why I absolutely pushed them as far as I could. You are no different, Master. If you want my acknowledgement, you must shine brilliantly.
Bond Level 3
Persistence is a trait I find most admirable. The will to keep going, no matter what, the drive to push past all of your limitations in order to reach what you're chasing… Yes. That's the kind of person I like best.
Bond Level 4
Are you familiar with the traditions of the Celts? As both a teacher and a queen, my students and their education are my responsibility. All aspects of their education as warriors and as men are mine to impart. You understand what I'm saying, yes?
Bond Level 5
I have never loved a man before. No, not even once. There were many who sought the affections of Aífe the Handsome, but of all of them, there was only one… Yes, only the one that I ever loved.
Conversation 1
Do you intend to laze about all day? If you have the time to rest, you have the time to train. Saving the world requires your best effort.
Conversation 2
I don't mind following your orders, if that's what you're asking. On the battlefield, at least, command me as you will and I shall obey.
Conversation 3
No, I have no problems. An adventure of this scale naturally has the most challenging fights. What more could I ask for than that?
Conversation 4 (Scáthach)
My sister, Scáthach. My rival. The only one who ever gave me a good fight. I'll have to challenge her to a spar, sometime.
Conversation 5 (Assassin Scáthach)
That manner of dress… Do you mean something by it? Perhaps what you're trying to say…is that if I don't feel inferior, I should have no trouble dressing like that, too, is that it?!
Conversation 6 (Skadi=Scáthach)
Ho? My, my. What an undignified fate has befallen you, dearest sister. In that form, you are nothing more than a goddess's meat puppet. How the mighty Witch of Dún Scáith has fallen.
Conversation 7 (Cúchulainn)
That man is here, too… Heh. I've really…been looking forward to a rematch. This time, I will absolutely…
Conversation 8 (Cúchulainn Alter)
How unsightly. That you would allow yourself to be overcome like that… In that form, you're nothing more than a beast.
Conversation 9 (Herakles)
The mightiest warrior the Greeks ever produced. The most skilled fighter, the strongest man to ever live. Heh. My blood is burning just thinking about matching fists with him.
Conversation 10 (Fergus mac Roich)
That buffoon, huh? I have no patience for his antics. If he tries to woo me, I shall introduce him to my fist.
Conversation 11 (Medb)
Ah, her. Really, now. What standards are there, that even that useless harlot can become a Heroic Spirit? On what merits did she ascend, the strength of her thighs?
Likes
What I like? My chariot and horses, of course. A challenging opponent, above all else.
Dislikes
Something I dislike… Yes, absolutely, I despise cheap tricks. A duel between warriors should be decided by skill alone.
About Holy Grail
My only wish is to train a student who can surpass Cúchulainn. There's nothing else I could ask for. I have no need of a trinket to achieve that.
During an Event
Oh? It seems there is something interesting happening, Master. Do you intend to get involved?
Birthday
Congratulations, Master. You've gained another year of wisdom. May you gain many more.
Summon
I am the Servant Rider, Aífe. A warrior without equal, a queen without peer. From this day forth, my spear is yours.
…Hm. It seems there is more to you than is evident at first glance.
This was posted back in the Essence thread, but since it was requested, I might as well post it here, too.
Persistence is a trait I find most admirable. The will to keep going, no matter what, the drive to push past all of your limitations in order to reach what you're chasing… Yes. That's the kind of person I like best.
Also, some "Other Servants talk about Aife" would be nice.
Couple examples:
"We both did what destiny required of us. That is all. Anyway... why the long face? If we're fighting for humanity, we might as well grin and bear it together, eh?" (Lancer Cu)
"Only a matter of time before Emer shows up... when that happens, there'll be nowhere in Chaldea for me to hang my hat on." (Lancer Cu, when you have Aife, Scathach and Medb)
"Ah, my dear sister also found her way here. It has been quite a long time since... Master, what do you mean? You say 'her fist is crying'? I see... so even frivolous things have their own way of imparting wisdom." (Scathach) [yes, this is a Mobile Fighter G Gundam reference, couldn't resist making one]
"Keep this in your confidence, Master. My sister looks very endearing in her attempts to try and acquire something for the summer. What do you mean, she's trying to surpass me?" (Scathach [Assassin])
"Just glad to see you're here to fight for humanity. That's all." (Caster Cu)
"I don't like the way you look at me. You want a scrap? Master, start the simulator." (Cu Alter)
"Huh? Oh, it's you. Still with the same stick lodged up-- uh, my apologies. Didn't mean to step on a nerve. Heard you were wondering how I made it here. Curious? Ask Fergus. Would do you a lot of good too-eek!" (Medb)
"That woman seems like she knows me from somewhere. 'A doll'? Is that what she thinks of me? What is there to do or say that will change her first impression of me? That is the question my heart asks..." (Scathach=Skadi)
"Every time I see her, I feel a deep well of sorrow within her, reaching out to my own. What, I should not approach her carelessly? I should throw what you call a... pajama party, then. Have her join in. There will be small talk, ice cream, and..." (Scathach=Skadi [Ruler])
"Looking at you, I'm not surprised why he was acting strangely around me back then..." (Bazett [ascension 1/2])
"99% of the way towards reaching the realm of the gods isn't failure. Don't dwell on the 1% you can't reach." (Manannan mac Lir [Bazett ascension 3/4])
"Master, why is that lady giving me strange looks? It's like she's halfway between wanting to strangle me or pat me on the head." (Setanta)
"Eh? Angry? I was just about to go the simulator! Tell her to meet me there!" (Asvatthaman)
One final question: who's your imagined seiyuu for Aife? I'm partial to Shimizu Kaori (because she does sound a lot like Noto Mamiko), with Romi Park a close second.
Seiyuu is a hard one, because I don't keep super close track of them. I know a handful that I'd recognize, but not enough to cast based solely upon that.
I have said before, though, that I imagine Mary McGlynn doing Taylor's voice. I especially like the incongruency - here's this tall, skinny beanpole, and when she opens her mouth, out comes this really mature, calm voice that belongs a femme fatale in a gritty 90s action movie.
"Every time I see her, I feel a deep well of sorrow within her, reaching out to my own. What, I should not approach her carelessly? I should throw what you call a... pajama party and have her join in. There will be small talk, and ice cream..." (When you have Scathach=Skadi or Scathach=Skadi [Ruler])
Ah, her. Really, now. What standards are there, that even that useless harlot can become a Heroic Spirit? On what merits did she ascend, the strength of her thighs?
That manner of dress… Do you mean something by it? Perhaps what you're trying to say…is that if I don't feel inferior, I should have no trouble dressing like that, too, is that it?!
Ah, her. Really, now. What standards are there, that even that useless harlot can become a Heroic Spirit? On what merits did she ascend, the strength of her thighs?
This, on the other hand, is hilarious. I have a soft spot for Medb after a quest on this forum, but she's absolutely the sort to say something like: "These thighs slayed ten thousand men! And quite a few women, too~"
"…Hm. It seems there is more to you than is evident at first glance." - Alfie
"Yes, but if you want to find out you will need the Director permission. She told me to not reveal certain things from my past as that would get me in trouble. You do know what Mages of the Clocktower are like, don't you?" - Taylor.
