Finis Chaldea

[Bloodedge]

"I think that is a terrible decision," said Siegfried. Though it was more than flattering to know that she wanted to be seen in his presence, for her own sake, it could bring nothing but judgmental stares. Whether he was imagining it or not, he could feel it now─ the few stray glances from the most random individuals. "The supposed Queen of Saints is keeping rather questionable company," he imagined them saying."Structured, you say. That must have been some incredible structuring," he determined about the way Jeanne and her group of siblings functioned in their previous life. Two, even three of them were very queer now, but what could they have truly been like before? Jeanne seemed the most normal from what he'd seen thus far, at least; he could take solace in that. "I mean no disrespect to the others, but I am very glad you were the one I encountered that day. Queen Artoria may have beheaded me."

Artoria had called upon the knights... quite vaguely. Siegfried felt strangely compelled to follow her as well, managing to refrain due to the fact that he'd come here only on Jeanne's request. He'd do his job, but apart from that, he would only be going where she went. Lucky him, of course, as all of Artoria Pendragon's knights were in for the revelation of a lifetime. She started with an apology? That was strange. Stranger still was the fact that she didn't deny any of their assumptions regarding her relationship with that man, much to Sir Lancelot's chagrin. "My Queen, surely you don't mean you've actually entered any form of relationship with that man? He speaks to you as if you're just a thing!" he griped. From Lancelot's perspective, King Gilgamesh had a desire for the Queen of Knights during her rise, as if he sought some sort of trophy wife. Given the way he behaved, that would have been no surprise at all. "Is it sorcery? Have you been enchanted?" he wondered, completely distraught. Gawain entertained the same idea, but he was not willing to believe their queen had been taken by something like that. "Don't be too hasty, Lancelot. I'm sure there is more to the story than what you're interpreting."

[Apollymi]

"Good thing it isn't your decision to make," Jeanne said these words and meant them. Then again, all of the Hoshimi children had their quirks and though she was nice and well-balanced Hoshimi Emi still wasn't actually a pushover of any sort. She was used to reigning in her siblings, after them, no one was immune to her brand of control. As for the structuring of their family, of course it was quite intense. "Yes, it was, but we aren't really as strange as we seem at a glance," she said carefully. Apparently, with no disrespect intended, Siegfried was happy that it had been Jeanne he'd met first, thinking the Queen of Knights might have beheaded him upon their first meeting. "I am sure she might have beaten you into submission. But even she is forgiving when she wants to be," she said of her elder sister. That last bit was obvious given what her betrothed was like.

Meanwhile Artoria had to calm the fears of her Knights. And this was much more difficult than she thought, especially Lancelot who again was most likely to lodge complaints. He apparently thought she was bewitched given her lack of disinterest in the King of Heroes. Both of the female Knights choked back giggles as they heard this. The Lady Kay thinking only one kind of magic brought women to heel as such and it wasn't anything so bad as anything these men thought. But they were quite protective of their Queen. "He does not speak of me the way he speaks of things. That much will become clear to you on your own... his view of things and his view of me are very different of this I am certain," Artoria said these words and fought the urge to rub her face. Gawain in his infinite calm made her heart sing. He was getting extra dessert. She also noted how quiet her female Knights were, ugh the men in her life truly all saw her as that much of a girl didn't they? "Gawain is right, there is no sorcery. I am not bewitched..." she said seeming to be thinking about how best to explain the situation. The Lady Galahad spoke up for the first time since they'd exited the building. "Well, we do only have your original sentiments about the King of Heroes to go on. Perhaps, if you explained your shift in... perspective, it would help us all," she said softly. Artoria looked at Galahad and found in those purple eyes understanding and softness, she was truly trying to get everyone to understand Artoria's mindset. "I should start by saying that I have seen him since that first statement. About a decade ago, when I took that walk..." she said. That walk. That walk that had her leave with Tristan and come back alone. The walk that had constituted a fortnight total for Queen of Knights and the walk, that had been the end of her sleeplessness.

[Bloodedge]

Being beaten into submission sounded more like a challenge than anything else to Siegfried, but... he was prone to thinking in such ways, in certain situations. However, he was not opposed to the idea of sparring with Artoria Pendragon. "Well, I suppose she would be welcome to try. I feel I could offer a decent challenge," the male surmised. He wasn't exactly sure why, but he felt as if challenging the Queen of Knights would be a worthwhile undertaking. "Anyway, I guess if I'm basing it all on you, the others can't be so odd either. You are... mostly normal."

Artoria disagreed with Lancelot's claim. Strangely, that just seemed to fall directly inline with the idea of something happening between the two. "Not bewitched, huh..." Lancelot mused. He still didn't understand the difference between how Gilgamesh referenced Artoria, and how anyone referenced objects, but he supposed everyone else in the building had been referred to as... dogs or something. They did still have nothing but her original sentiments about the King of Heroes to go by, as Lady Galahad declared. What could have been missing? Well, there was apparently a secondary meeting of the two from... about a decade ago? That was around the time of the first meeting, but mention of a walk... oh. "You mean the same two week-long walk that saw you return without Tristan, and with a random dagger you keep brandishing everywhere you go? I assumed you'd gone on a quest and conquered a dungeon somewhere. What the hell could you have done to make this happen back then?"

[Apollymi]

Ah, apparently Siegfried thought he could offer a decent fight to the Queen of Knights. A wide smile spread across Jeanne's face as she considered such a thing. "I would normally tell you to avoid fighting her at all costs, but she would enjoy a spar as much as the next person. And there is always something interesting to be learned from facing her," she said. "She is a monster though, be careful," Jeanne said she would be worried about the fight between her boyfriend and her sister. Especially when her sister found out this was her boyfriend. She was technically hoping to slide this information in under the bravado of the King of Heroes and lessen the blow a bit. Moving on, it seemed that Siegfried didn't assume too many negatives based on the the way she was and how it could correlate to her family. "I feel like I should question the mostly part, but I'll let that go~" she said with a smirk. Of course, she knew herself to be a bit different from the norm. Still, she felt like she should have been watching her sister explain to her Knights how she came to accept the King of Heroes in any light.

"I am not bewitched, at all..." Artoria said firmly. Ah, the mention of that walk seemed to stir the mind of Lancelot a bit. Apparently, his memory of that walk was pretty fresh even though it had been a pretty huge topic of conversation. Even so, she did not want to talk about it then and if she was being honest she didn't want to talk about it now either. "That is the walk, yes. And I do not brandish the dagger, it is simply really well-balanced..." she said, leaving out the comforting part. Technically speaking she wasn't lying either, that was a really nice dagger. "As for what I did to make this happen, well..." Artoria had to think of a way to phrase her rampage that wouldn't sound as bad as it did to her in hindsight. "First I need to state that this was a decade ago, and I have calmed down quite a bit since then," she said carefully. The Lady Galahad was studying Artoria and saw within the young woman classic signs of growth and regret. Lady Kay saw the childish version of the same girl and figured she'd done something violent. "I went on that walk to find a proper outlet for my rage at cultists and I found myself in Uruk. The King of Heroes explained that situation to me over dinner. I also might have attacked him when he tried to talk me out of it. Again it was 10 years ago," she said carefully. "I should also say he's sort of been proposing marriage to me since that first holy grail war we were both in and I almost killed him then," she said carefully. "Again over a decade ago," she said. "Anyway, I might have ended my fortnight of sleeplessness after failing to kill him that second time," Artoria explained of the situation. "But when I woke up I had breakfast and a long bath and destroyed a few temples with his consent. The dagger was a gift, because he wanted me to sleep without holding on to Excalibur," she said giving a general explanation. "Tristan disagreed with the way I treated the King of Heroes, he claimed I did not understand and that he could not bear to watch something so sad," she said thoughtfully. "I have not agreed to marry him as he wishes but he sees things more absolutely than I do. But I do not dislike him and I am not unsafe in his company," she explained of the King of Heroes. The Lady Kay heard out this story and could only blink a few times. If she understood this story correctly, the Queen of Camelot was being courted by the King of Heroes, this was the most girlish explanation she'd ever heard from their 'King' in her life.

[Bloodedge]

"I certainly imagine she would. I'm very fond of a spar myself, and I am always willing to learn when possible. Besides... I guess she's my queen at the end of the day, isn't she?" Well, life was somewhat strange at times. In his time, Siegfried would have served two queens, after himself being born a prince. The strangest part was that one of those two queens wasn't much of a "queen" at all. Jeanne definitely had no true way to question the "mostly" in his earlier clause while she was the not-queen in question. "And look, the saintly quality shows itself~" he said as she decided not to question things at all. A light chuckle escaped him. "Something to drink?"

Not bewitched, the queen repeated. Lancelot simply couldn't wrap his head around this situation, and frankly, neither could Gawain. Of course, they had very different reasons for this. Gawain couldn't believe the woman was partaking of any relationship, of any sort. Lancelot couldn't believe she would pursue someone so aggravating. Ah, but clarity would soon be given to all. That little walk she'd taken ten years ago was more of a journey, a crusade against whatever sent those wretched men to her bedroom. Suddenly, the amount of time she'd taken on that "walk" made a great deal of sense. The way she phrased a few things, however, made one such as Lancelot assume a few unrelated reasons she might have ended her sleeplessness. "My Queen, are you telling us you went on a journey of vengeance after going without sleep for ages, fought a pompous treasure-hoarder, slept with him, took a gift that you've been coddling for ten years since, and defiled several places of worship?" At this point, Lancelot was rubbing the bridge of his nose. It certainly sounded as if all of his interpretations were true, and worse yet, she claimed her attachment to the dagger was purely because of its balance? "I've seen a thousand daggers that are well-balanced. Why that one? Honestly, if I may be so bold, you sound like a schoolgirl with a crush she refuses to admit she has. Moreover, that was enough to make Tristan leave? What, did he walk in on the two of you and decide he was feeling too envious to bear being around you both?"

[Apollymi]

A chuckle escaped Jeanne as she nodded her agreement. "Oui~, my sister is the Queen of Knights. I am quite surprised you didn't feel compelled to join her when she commanded the Knights to leave with her," Jeanne said wondering if his split allegiance was something to question. "Though I suppose you don't need an explanation for why the King of Heroes speaks to her, in the same way her own knights would need to understand. I imagine that is an interesting conversation~" Jeanne said seemingly amused by the entirety of the situation. "Of course, I am a saint!~" she said seeming to find that amusing beyond all reason. As for a drink, she would definitely have one. "Of course, Sieg. We can have a drink and wait to see how my sister's knights react to her news about the King of Heroes," said Jeanne.

Meanwhile, the female Knights jumped to no such conclusions, but Lancelot jumped quite a few hoops that made Artoria's eyes widen and her face crack just a bit. "Whoa, where in any of that did I imply I slept with the King of Heroes?!" She seemed to be genuinely shocked by the assertion. "No such thing occurred; I said I finally got to sleep. I meant I was rendered unconscious in the aftermath of an actual battle. I slept in that bed alone for three days, that is all," Artoria stated with absolute clarity. Both of the young women in this group laughed again. She definitely had not slept with the King of Heroes. If she had, they doubted he would have been quiet about it. "And I do not coddle the dagger, it is just a really nice dagger..." She could not stress this fact enough. "I have always slept with one, even as a child, even in my life before this one... I am vividly attached to my weaponry. I did not know this was a point worth being confused about," the young queen explained of herself. The Lady Kay spoke up in this instance. "I can confirm that even as a young child, once she was old enough to claim one, Artoria has always slept with a knife on her person... a strange habit, but not one I thought was worth mentioning. The comfort of sleeping with a weapon isn't one I understand, but finding comfort in a gift after experiencing a strange discomfort is not so uncommon," she said. Artoria's gaze shifted; she found it odd that Kay of all people was sticking up for her. This was such a shocking turn of events, she could hardly believe what she was hearing. Taking a moment to calm herself, there was the matter of Tristan and why he actually left. Since she didn't sleep with the King of Heroes, Artoria supposed it was worth explaining. "Tristan left because he heard a declaration the King of Heroes made to me about my potential futures, while I was calmly trying to talk him out of his infatuation with me. Tristan said the King of Heroes' convictions were real, and that I did not understand the hearts of men. He said it was sad to see me behave with such reckless abandon towards the feelings of another person." Artoria admitted these things, and both the young women with her watched as she'd obviously been processing all of that for the last decade, without telling anyone. "I have always told all of you, you could speak freely with me, and I did mean that. I released and told him he could come back whenever he felt like it. I wouldn't punish him for being honest with me. So, Tristan left and I spent a while thinking over his words; that is all. I consider that I may not fully understand the King of Heroes' preoccupation with me, but I cannot rebuke honesty," Artoria concluded.

[Bloodedge]

Siegfried raised a brow to Jeanne's assertion. It wasn't as if he didn't feel compelled to follow the Queen of Knights. "I did, but that is not my place. I am here by your request. So long as you don't want me to go where they've gone, I have no reason to," he said frankly. "Besides, I get the strangest feeling we wouldn't truly get along. Just a hunch. As for why that king speaks to her, I hardly get your meaning. Though, that is also not my place. I'll find some wine; I keep hearing about how incredible it is." With that said, Siegfried bowed once more prior to taking a temporary leave of the saint. He would go on to locate a pair of needlessly ornate chalices, already filled with wine. Many things in this place seemed so ridiculously extravagant, he wondered how much of it actually belonged in the original venue.

Speaking of wondering, Artoria seemed to wonder how Lancelot made such a leap. Well, that much was obvious. "You had dinner, you fought, he presumably kept propositioning you, and you 'might have ended a fortnight of sleeplessness.' The signs are all there; who am I to see anything different when talking about someone who obviously wanted that outcome." As far as Lancelot was concerned, it wouldn't have been surprising if Artoria later mentioned being drugged mid-combat, and taken advantage of in her sleep. Maybe he spent a little too much time in his job as a bartender, back in his previous life. Either way, Lady Kay came to the queen's defense regarding that fancy dagger of hers. Sure, there was nothing out of the ordinary about going to bed with some sort of protection... but it wasn't like he'd seen her carrying it to bed, either. "On her person, yes. That usually doesn't involve the rest of us watching her play around with it, does it?" he asked of the group at large. He'd personally never seen her just fiddling with some random dagger, but maybe he just happened to be alone in this. "Whatever. That part is if no importance. So, Tristan somehow became even sadder, and he left because you turned down someone obsessed with you. You know, just because you can't rebuke honesty, doesn't mean you must bend the knee to it. You tried making it clear to the King of Pomp that you had no interest before, so why would you not make it clear to everyone when he speaks to the contrary? If you'd decided to stop rejecting him, there would hardly be a point to this meeting, no? On the other hand, if you are still rejecting the idea, perhaps this was a story to tell more than just us."

[Apollymi]

Sieg didn't believe he'd truly get along with Artoria and Jeanne could do nothing but agree with that notion. Her sister seemed to harbor a special amount of disrespect for certain people and she wasn't sure what it was that made it so. Still, her elder sister was quite flexible when it came to family and as such Jeanne was quite certain it would be fine. "I suppose you wouldn't get along, well not in the super friendly sort of way. But she would be nice and civil once the shock as worn off," she said seeming to have a unique understanding of her elder sister's personality. Of course, this was due in large part to managing her for so much of her career. "As for the wine, Siduri is probably the best wine-maker to ever exist so if her works are being passed around, you definitely have to have some. I've actually missed having her around since the last time I saw her~" the Queen of Saints had interesting thoughts on drinking and fun for someone who was hailed as a saint.

Artoria for her part in this, had it made clear to her why Lancelot had jumped to the conclusions he did. She supposed outside of the situation was it was, she could see why he would see it that way. Even so, he was still gravely mistaken on the King of Heroes persona. "He isn't like that. I will admit if I heard such a thing I might assume the worst but he is not that sort of man," Artoria said calmly. She was defending the King of Heroes and that in and of itself was surprising. Kay found herself looking strangely at her Queen, for all of this girl's brash attitude she seemed to have a greater understanding of the King of Heroes than she was letting on. Perhaps they truly did have a long conversation. "I noticed that habit while ago. More directly our Queen tends to attack when she is upset and thus feels more comfortable with a weapon in her hands in general. Even right now she is fidgeting," said Galahad who'd remained quiet while Artoria explained mostly to figure out where the mind of the Queen of Camelot was. In those minutes Galahad realized that the Queen of Knights harbored a decent bit of confusion surrounding her own feelings. Lancelot pointed out that she didn't have to return the feelings of someone obsessed with her. And of course Artoria realized that, it was simply more complicated. "I... do not dislike the King of Heroes. I am not bending the knee to his affections. In fact, if you hear him properly I am kicking and screaming and fighting all the way and he is simply accepting that as part of the inevitable. This story is for you all because it is my fault you did not know about it before. The people of his country and the rest of the empire are aware of my existence and his desire to marry me," she said carefully. "I cannot accept how he feels. I do not understand his devotion when I have done nothing to inspire it, and done what I can to crush it underfoot but... the matter is still more complicated than that," she explained. She knew she was going to die, she did not wish to share this information with everyone and leave them hopeless. At the same time, she did not wish to give Gilgamesh hope in her returned affections while knowing her death was permanent. Both her Knights and Gilgamesh were to be in the same boat without her, but at least her knights would eventually have her brother to replace her missing place in their lives. Gilgamesh would be given nothing of the sort and as such she didn't like the idea of presenting him with the blind hope of having her, no matter what he claimed to see of their future. Artoria could see Lancelot's concern, she could understand how genuinely confused he was by her lack of force in this situation, she wished she had a better explanation for her behavior. "You aren't truly considering her feelings, Sir Lancelot. Regardless of the fact that Artoria Pendragon is our Sovereign, she is also still a young woman. You would have her completely embarrass herself trying to explain how she feels about a man while passing negative judgement over him in the same breath? It is fairly unreasonable to ask her something like that in the middle of a celebration of her victory organized by the man whom you hold such a negative opinion of but who rather obviously has nothing but positive things to say about our Queen," the Lady Kay was speaking and as was usually the case when she did, her points were firm. "It seems to me this should be taken rather simply. The King of Heroes is courting our Queen, and in her youthful inexperience she is unsure of how she feels about it. Perhaps it works out, perhaps it doesn't, but isn't it then our duties to stand with her while she figures that out?"

[Bloodedge]

Siegfried and the Queen of Knights would not get along in the friendly way; that information wasn't surprising at all. He expected that she would always be a person he could respect, but never truly bond with on any level. Well, perhaps there were a few levels. The true extent of it all would be something he discovered eventually, possibly even soon when considering they were all inhabiting the same building at present. For the time being, he was content to return to Jeanne's side with wine in tow. One serving was to be passed off to Jeanne, naturally, while the other he kept raised. She spoke so highly of this wine, he absolutely had to try it for himself.

It was strange to see the Queen of Knights defending the very man she spoke somewhat ill of after their initial meeting. It was all a little ridiculous, hearing her both accept and reject the idea of a king who sought her hand. Lancelot was beyond curious. What would she do in the end, after all this talk? Would the Knights of the Round Table have a sudden king in addition to their existing queen? That would be strange, though Lancelot wished he could know ahead of time regardless of any weirdness. Whatever happened, a few things were beginning to make sense at last. Lancelot sighed. "If he's earnestly that attached and you don't understand it, I suppose I understand Tristan's decision." With that said, Lancelot leaned against his own hand, sighing once more. Kay being the one to take Artoria's side so directly was yet another oddity in this situation. Frankly, he understood why she took such a perspective, though he stood firm in his own stance. "Well, someone was going to ask these questions eventually. It isn't as if I require an answer. But, what I've said should be taken into consideration at the very least. I would just like to know if there is ever going to be a second person added to the list of people we swear our fealty to. I swore myself to Artoria Pendragon," he said, his eyes glossing over the queen herself. "I do not want to directly serve that arrogant king, but if you ever decide to accept him, I will make him my... number two option."

Gawain silently listened to multiple sides of the ongoing discussion. His stance was no less firm than Kay's or Lancelot's, though it was of a different nature entirely. "I believe we've strayed too far from the beaten path here. Should it be this relationship, or lack thereof, that we are discussing? Whatever our queen's intentions, we should be grateful that it was brought to our attention when it needn't be. The last decade has not been easy for anyone, but look where we are now. The Round Table is soon to reach heights unknown to most of the world, all because in spite of what is going on here, our queen made it happen. We should be toasting, not debating matters of the heart! Our queen can approach these matters however she sees fit, and if she is in need of guidance, I'm sure she knows we are all willing to assist if asked."

[Apollymi]

Siegfried and the Queen of Saints were now in a position to have a drink. His cup still raised she'd meet it in a toast and enjoy a sip of wine that caused her soul to sing. "Siduri is something else, of this I am certain. Would it be weird to saint a wine-maker because I consider it every time I have one~" Jeanne mentioned but it was not quite as joking as one would have assumed. The Queen of Saints was truly a strange woman but that didn't actually matter.

Artoria on the other hand, found herself and her love life as the main topic of conversation for herself and her knights. As always she would take their opinions under advisement. And it would seem that Lancelot understood the reason for Tristan's leave over a decade prior. "Yes, I also understand that part of it now... even with my own issues," she said carefully. If she were the type to be completely honest, the loss of their resident Archer and one of her closer knights had hurt Artoria's feelings just a tad, but that was why she left him the option of coming back if he wished. She'd never be opposed to the return of the Knight of Lamentation. To Lancelot's real question of his answering to multiple people, Artoria strangely had an answer. "Well, I am the Queen of Knights by title. You swore yourself to me, but even if you did not you would now and always answer to me first," she explained. "There is also still the matter of Arthur Pendragon but I will leave that decision to you. I am sure by the end there will be more than enough knights to go around for you to serve who you want," she answered honestly. Ah but her shining beacon in everything. The sunlight to mirror her own understanding of true darkness, Gawain had something pointed to say. The win of the Holy Grail and congratulatory statements should be what they were after. She'd done what she'd said she would do and was going to lift their kingdom to new heights. A small smile crept onto Artoria's face in that moment. 'I do not care what anyone says... that is my boy! Rie can eat that,' she mused happily. Yes. Gawain was definitely getting extra dessert or something to that effect. Agravain a few moments after their stare down with Gilgamesh, in hearing the full story and coming to a conclusion finally had something to say. "I agree with Gawain. You have done quite a bit my Queen, according to the Queen of Saints you also technically won the previous Holy Grail War, so the world has you to thank for the Holy Knights as well," Agravain's words came with the bowing of their head. The words to be shared later would be a bit less happy, but if the Queen was happy then Agravain could respect the King of Heroes, even while not liking him.

[Bloodedge]

Toast offered, and toast accepted, Siegfried finally had his opportunity to taste of this ultimate wine. With only a single sip taken, he had to admit... it truly was the quality one would expect to offer the gods. That Golden King had his head far enough up his own arse, he could sniff his own beating heart... but with constant access to drinks so divine, surely he had some reason to think himself so high and mighty. "Goodness. Forgive me if I'm being rude, but I think sainting someone capable of making this would be something of a downgrade. This is something beyond humanity," he declared with a strange amount of certainty. Of course, he'd recently claimed something that may have actually been a bit rude. His eyes widened, and he thought to clarify. "No offense, of course! I don't mean to imply that you're any lesser, or anything."

Apparently, Artoria having her current title would mean all knights were subservient to her regardless of any previous allegiances. That was... a bit ridiculous, but also more sensible than anything else Lancelot ever heard. "Is that so? Lucky for everyone you received the title then, eh? I wouldn't want anyone else having that. You're expecting Arthur to be your brother still, yes? I guess that puts blondie at number 3 if that happens." Lancelot recalled mention of an Arthur Pendragon appearing someday, and he supposed he would be just as willing to serve him as he was to the Queen of Saints. That, however, was more a matter of their will being treated as an extension of his queen's own. Such would be the same treatment King Gilgamesh received, if Artoria pursued him at all.

Surprise, surprise. According to Agravain and their greater archive of knowledge from time spent in this realm, Artoria Pendragon had been the technical victor of the previous Holy Grail War as well. Since she felled the King of Heroes, that actually made perfect sense. It wasn't as if she would have come to blows with her sister or anything, so it was assumable they worked together. "Really? So then, we should all be returning to toast our queen's honor, shouldn't we? My Queen, is there anything else you care to share with us? I'm sure all this talk is an unnecessary stress, especially during a celebration meant for you."

[Apollymi]

A laugh escaped Jeanne at the reaction of Siegfried. Moreover his secondary explanation was almost enough to incite glee. "Bwahahaha!~ No, no, you're right. I feel like she deserves every title in the world though~" said Jeanne. Siduri was quite deserving of her own kind of pure and unadulterated worship. Jeanne was sure if this woman wanted to be worshiped as a goddess and many would become her patrons, Jeanne herself included. Whatever the case, Siduri was technically receiving exactly that already, simply by virtue of being praised for making such wine already.

Apparently, it was lucky that Artoria had the title she did. Both the Lady Kay and the Lady Galahad found such a power to be a bit outlandish but apparently one deserved by anyone who could claim a Holy Grail for themselves. The words of Lancelot made a small smile come to Artoria's face, that man was a bit too honest for his own good. As for what she expected from this word Artoria could do nothing but nod. "Yes, I expect the world to still provide my twin his place as he deserves it," she said this as if it was an absolute truth, but given she'd now seen two of her siblings she could at least make assumptions. Gawain seemed to take the news well enough, and the previous win of a Holy Grail was apparently something Artoria was being given credit for, a sigh escaped her. "Nothing else I can think of. Do try not to be too shocked about anything else though...it is still a party we should enjoy it," she offered those words even while knowing she hated these sorts of gathers. And with that she shoo'd everyone back inside and went along herself. The two lady knights and Agravain gave bows and once she reached inside there was a tiny cry. "Aunty!!!" A small blonde with green eyes in a peasant style dress came bounding towards Artoria with near reckless abandon. This would cause gazes to shift upon the Queen of Knights who would find herself opening arms to this lass to catch her in the air. She hadn't expected to see this one, but she supposed it was always possible. "Little Wolf, congratulations, you finished your training!" she said swinging the girl around with a happy smile on her face. "Of course I did, Sir Lancelot helped me, but that isn't important at all!" the small girl explained in the most animated fashion. This one reminded Artoria so much of her younger sister, she'd found herself easily attached to her. "Gareth, you shouldn't refer to our Queen in such a familiar way all the time," said Agravain who was trying not to be childishly jealous at the girl getting away with such a thing. "But, she is our Aunty, and she doesn't mind at all," the other girl said with a pout on her puffy little face.

[Bloodedge]

"I can't really argue. I don't know this Siduri woman, though, so there's not much I can really say," Siegfried declared. With that, he took another sip of wine... and another... and another. It was delectable enough that he simply couldn't stop, and after all, this was a party. Alas, he thought badly of this indulgence. The knight had given his word that he'd act as a form of security here, so he couldn't really afford to drink very much. "Sadly, I'll have to limit myself to this one. I'll keep my wits about me, just incase."

Meanwhile, the Knights of the Round Table were ending their little meeting and returning to the ongoing event. Many cups were raised as Artoria passed by the partygoers, whether words were shared or not. Of the few who spoke, there was one young girl yelling "aunty" at the queen. Stray glances made their way back toward Artoria and the encroaching young knight. Included in those who looked their way, were the likes of Lancelot and Gawain, the latter of whom sighed even while smiling. "She is, Gareth, but Agravain is right. Our aunt is also our queen, and should be given her respectful title... at least in formal venues like this," Gawain offered in addition to Agravain's chiding. He was ever the spoiler with this young one, but apparently Artoria was no better─ if she wasn't somehow far worse. Regardless, Lancelot took pause to express another issue. In all these years, there was one thing he didn't realize at all. Gawain and Gareth were siblings, true. Gareth was the niece of Artoria; he came to understand this in recent times. Since when was Agravain related to any of them?! "Agravain? What does she mean our aunty?! You're in this too?!" he asked, seemingly aghast. Gawain began laughing immediately. How that never became obvious was amusing to him, but he supposed Agravain had always been very... different.

[Apollymi]

"If I see her around I'll introduce you. She's lovely!~" Jeanne only ever had pleasant things to say about the wine-maker, live assistant of the King of Heroes. Whatever the case, it would seem that Siegfried was a lot like the Queen of Knights in his perceived job duties to fun ratio. This of course, made Jeanne scoff, why? Because how could two people be so similar. "Sieg, you're no fun! It's a party and look my sister is smiling you have nothing to worry about~" she said happily. Of course, he didn't realize he'd already taken the first drink and the trap had been laid. By the end of the night she'd see him just as drunk and happy as she had her sister a decade prior. But, she realized in the something. "Wait, did that kid just call my sister Aunty?!" she said.

Meanwhile, Gareth was being scolded by both her older siblings about how she chose to address their aunt the Queen of Knights. "But but..." she was still pouting and Artoria found that adorable. "Leave Gareth alone. She finished her training and she is here. She can call me what she wants. She is right I do not mind," she said giving the child encouraging head pats before plucking her little cheeks. "But no pouting. You should still take the advice of your siblings to heart, they are looking out for you." she finished which had the young girl's face shift a bit but she smiled still. Before sticking her tongue out at Agravain about being told she could still call Artoria's title as she wished. Yes, the Queen of Knights well and truly spoiled children, and that was a thing of note even among the knights. One such knight seemed to not understand what was going on, and that was Lancelot who took issue with the idea that Agravain was part of the immediate family of the Queen of Knights. Gawain seemed to find this funny and Artoria realized why this was the case. Only they were soon being joined and it'd be better to get the whole of the explanation out of the way at once. "Wait wait, Aunty? Eri-nee is this kid your niece... our niece?!" there was near shock in Jeanne as she approached. But in the same moment she could see why Artoria was so nice to this child, it was pretty obvious this kid looked and behaved like Emi did, even to her. "Agravain, did you not see fit to inform the Queen of Saints that you were her niece while being in her care for five years?" Artoria asked, and to Agravain's credit the lass managed to look sheepish. "It did not come up in conversation, my Queen." she managed. "Niece?! Agravain is a girl?!" Jeanne was shocked. "No, more pressing question whose kids are these?" she asked this was a brave new world for the Queen of Saints. "They are Rie's kids. Gawain, Agravain, and Gareth..." Artoria explained. What a revelation, actually looking at Gawain that relation was obvious. He looked like a buffer version of her big brother, to Jeanne. But these other kids, and the idea that their elder sister was here and she hadn't seen her yet was surprising. "RIE-NEE IS HERE!?" Near outrage from the Queen of Saints. "Shit. I forgot to visit," the Lake Fairy said as Artoria pointed to her from this distance across the room.

[Bloodedge]

"I'm sure she is, if you're speaking of her so highly," Siegfried replied, taking yet another swig of wine thereafter. Apparently, he was no fun for refusing the idea of additional drink. He looked toward the Queen of Knights when she was spoken of, and being easily convinced by Jeanne as he was, he was finding himself quickly considering at least a second cup. "Well..." he said. Ah, but that clause would not reach completion. Jeanne had become bothered by something: the address of her sister as "Aunty" by someone. How interesting it was that she didn't know about her own nieces or nephews. Perhaps there was a story behind it? Well, Siegfried would be finding out soon enough, as he followed suit and kept to the Queen of Saints' side.

When Jeanne and her apparently faithful night approached, a very interesting discussion was taking place indeed. Gareth was being allowed to address Artoria as she liked, even in such a would-be professional setting. Gawain expected this, and so did Lancelot. Of course, the former chuckled while the latter sighed. "You know, if not for overwhelming might, your image would be terrible by now," Lancelot commented. More pressing though, was the matter of Artoria's lengthening list of relatives. Who expected Agravain to be one of those siblings, considering their massive difference to the others? Siegfried had seen Agravain a few times in the past half decade; they had even trained together quite a few times. Apparently, some information about their identity had been left out when spending all that time in Jeanne's company... including the fact that she was a girl. He was trying to keep a steady expression when essentially meeting his girlfriend's sister and her crew, but Siegfried couldn't stop a snicker creeping through his nose. "Ahem. My apologies," he said. Meanwhile, Gawain was still laughing at it all as well, though there was one more name Jeanne required on the list of siblings. "And Gaheris. You know how he gets," he stated, knowing how rowdy the male younger than himself would be when hearing his name was left out.

[Apollymi]

Apparently everyone in Artoria's company knew she would cave to the child at her legs. Having placed Gareth on the ground the lass stayed clutched to Artoria's hip which the Queen of Knights seemed not to mind at all. Lancelot's words about how Artoria would be seen given how easily she folded on such matters made the Queen of Knights scoff at the very least. "I wish someone would say something about how I deal with my little ones. I would slaughter an entire country before I let such a thing change my life," Artoria said these words and meant them absolutely. Granted she was also proving Lancelot's point by saying that, but such a thing fell out of her mouth long before she could have censored it. "Eri-nee too violent!" Right, the Queen of Saints always being saintly. "Fine, fine. Less violent," Artoria held up her hands in surrender, such was about the only situation that could make her do so. Of course, the laughter of Siegfried surrounding the Agravain situation and Gawain who would always laugh at such things. Meanwhile Agravain managed to look absolutely bashful in such a moment. "I am a girl, yes. My apologies Queen of Saints, it slipped my mind that it would not be obvious," Agravain apologized hoping to avoid Artoria's wrath for being evasive. It was the one major sticking point the Queen of Knights had about her so she always tried to be good.

At the same time, Artoria now had her eyes on Siegfried and they hadn't moved since laying into him. The Queen of Knights found herself looking up at a rather beastly man. But that wasn't it, there was something about him that innately gave her the desire to fight. To battle him into submission. "I left Gaheris out for a reason. Emi, if you meet him. Beat him into submission immediately. No hesitation. It will save you from something that will annoy you more than I do," she said with a small smile reaching her face. Gaheris was one of the children who had the worst possible attitude. He needed a great deal of tempering, more so than any other. "Eri-nee you know I am not like that. Only you choose violence first," she said carefully. "You will change your mind about that considering your sticking points. Now then what is he," she said about Siegfried. "Oh, this is, Sieg." Jeanne said happily. Artoria had heard mentions of Sieg and now she was looking at him and then back to her sister and she was bordering upon furious but not for any normal reason. "What is the rest? His name is far too short... Look at him, that name is not sensible. Where is the rest of it!?" she said immediately. And Agravain for her part in this began inching away carefully. Oops, there was something else she'd forgotten to mention. "Agravain do not move." A chill went down the blonde lass' spine. She'd stared Gilgamesh in the eye almost unflinchingly but the order of the Queen of Knights put fear directly into her heart.

"Rie-nee no swearing and why haven't I seen you?!" she said looking genuinely hurt. The errant Lake Fairy made her way over with a hand rubbing the back of her head looking rather sheepish. "Look it kind of slipped my mind. But I didn't leave you alone or anything... you've been taking my advice for ages... what do you think your 'angels' actually are?" Vivian said carefully. The angels of Jeanne D'Arc were actually fae, connected directly to herself to share her messages about the future and give advice. She would always help her siblings even while being a bit aloof herself. "Too aloof. You should stop that, and why is Eri-nee raising your kids?!" she asked seeming to find it a strange arrangement. "Because my kids are all pretty powerful and need discipline and I don't not really have time to handle it. Besides, she is so much better at parenting than I can be. It's like one of her best qualities, disciplinarian with a spoiling streak~" said Vivian while opening her arms to her younger sister who would immediately bury herself into her arms. "Ah, there there, no need to be upset. You don't exactly need me or anything," she said.

[Bloodedge]

As if to automatically prove Lancelot's point, violence was Artoria's immediate answer to even the idea of anyone saying anything negative about her behavior. "My point," was all he said in response. There was little else to address regarding that matter. Artoria was, and always had been, some sort of monster whose power and aggressiveness superseded any sort of attitude she could ever exemplify. If nothing else, she should be called a tyrant... And apparently one who had no problem advocating the preemptive assault on her own nephew. Gawain expressed minor shock and moderate amusement, and Lancelot showed only the latter.

Siegfried, however, stifled the coming laughter. He was under the Queen of Knights' scrutiny. It was oddly aggressive, and he, too, felt oddly aggressive. Aloud though, the woman chose to question his name... and existence? What is he, she said. What an interesting way to address a new person. Did he appear monstrous in form or spirit? Perhaps there was something else to it. Whatever the case, she determined that the name "Sieg" was far too short for him, for whatever reason she had. Since Jeanne was conveniently busy talking to her other sibling, he supposed the responsibility of awkward question answering rested on his shoulders. Oh well. A single step forward, and he bowed. "Siegfried is my full name," he said. His introduction was a humble one, but in full, he was hailed as the "Dragon-Blooded Knight" after driving a Holy Sword through the evil dragon Fafnir. He'd bathed in the dragon's blood, drank it even, and developed an invulnerability across his body from becoming Dragon Kind as a result. He was not one to openly talk about all of that, though─ especially given his Achilles' Heel-style weakness. "It's a pleasure, My Queen."

[Apollymi]

"I am aware of your point Lancelot," these were Artoria's words on the matter. She truly was a warlord at heart, might made right, as far as she was concerned. She was surely the type to beat anyone into submission if she needed to and ask questions later. Thus the words about her nephew Gaheris were likely less than surprising to her own knights who knew that particular young man. "Alright, but I will hear nothing about the nature of his mouth. I warned you," These were Artoria's words to the Queen of Saints. If Agravain had Artoria's original assassin disposition, Gaheris had the mouth she couldn't allow herself, and with it the attitude of a teen boy in the midst of puberty. Whatever while Jeanne was being babied properly by her big sister, Artoria was confronted by Sieg. Oh he had real name as it was Siegfried. That was a bit better, still with her eyes on this man she truly wanted nothing more than to fight. Even so, his introduction came with a certain amount of truth that Artoria could not be mad about.

Artoria's scrutiny was physically palpable, but eventually at a bowed introduction only that small smirk she was known for seemed to come from her face. "I see... that is more sensible then. It is nice to meet you." she said ever so carefully. But then there was something else. Artoria was no stupid being she understood the way her sister talked about this man, though she never felt any such inclination herself. She'd sent Argavain to check on the Queen of Saints and assure her safety and this seemed exactly like the sort of thing that should have been brought to her attention. "Agravain, you've known about this for the duration of this decade and felt no need to mention it?" she asked of the girl. That chill Agravain felt had developed into full panic. The blonde lass was sweating bullets and the tips of her two index fingers were tapping together in the most obvious showing that she was a girl in all of her physical characteristics. "I... uh... found... um rather. I was aware of this information my Queen. Sir Siegfried is a very capable individual and moreover the Queen of Saints has him at her beck and call. She truly couldn't be safer unless she was in your care directly," Agravain managed, even while her heart was practically beating out of her chest. The fact that she had such good things to say about the man set Artoria at ease in spite of her own need to dominate as a dragon. The fact that there had been almost a half decade gap where she could have found this out, made the look on Artoria's face shift. "Oh? That is high praise from you Agravain, I wonder what I must do to make sure such things of this magnitude never slip your mind again?" There was a question and Artoria's eyes had lost the energy of the moment, and Agravain knew the Queen of Knights would be putting her through the ringer even if she hadn't said those exact words. "Shit! She's going to kill me. I'm sorry Aunty..." she started which only made Artoria seem to loom quite a bit as her had reached out to pat the other blonde's head. It was such a sweet gesture but it came with full menacing eye contact. "Enjoy your night, Agravain." What a threat such kind words were. Agravain was about to experience physical torture the likes of which those who knew in this world immediately folded under. She knew that the morning would bring the full force of the Queen of Knights upon her for this oversight, she might as well be flogged. All the while Jeanne finally looked back. "Language! Eri-nee, I don't know if a threat like that counts as parenting, but no dead eyes directed at kids." Jeanne said, Agravain flinched and bowed a second time. It was far too late for such a thing. Agravain was feeling despair. "No, no... this is peak parenting. It's great!" said Vivian who also looked at Siegfried carefully. "You missy, have a lot of explaining to do though because this is a beast of a man~" she said shifting all teasing attention towards Jeanne instead of her own daughter. Such would be the only help Vivian could offer her eldest daughter. Agravain had sparking scarlet eyes of her emotional discontent, but felt well loved even knowing her punishments were coming swiftly.

[Bloodedge]

Even two individuals who felt naturally inclined to combat one another could be cordial in a moment of meeting. At least, this proved to be the case between Artoria and Siegfried. He still felt strangely, though. There was a nervousness about Siegfried, just under the surface and brought about not by the queen's standing, but by her relationship to one Jeanne d'Arc. Speaking of relationships with the Queen of Saints, it seemed the one Siegfried maintained with the woman was rather clear to her sister. Given the discussion between Artoria and Agravain, Siegfried was left more nervous and rubbing the back of his neck. Was he being reduced to a schoolboy this day? It certainly seemed like he was picking up a date, having to deal with her parents and so on. He couldn't be sure if the Queen of Knights was giving her approval or still sizing him up, but he didn't enjoy this phase of waiting for no answer. "I uh..." What could he even say? It felt as if judgment was upon him, yet there was an ongoing discussion of a very violent nature (even if somewhat hidden) occurring between the likes of Artoria and Agravain. Could he even insert himself? Would that be a good idea? Why wasn't Jeanne backing him up here?! Siegfried was the largest, most physically intimidating man in the room, bar none... and here he was about to have a mental breakdown over the observations of a small girl. What would his solution be? Well, he'd start by bowing again. "This seems to be a rather meaningful family gathering. I'll be taking my leave for now," he said. It was probably best to just move away from this whole scene, right? Yes, that sounded like a grand idea within the dragon slayer's head. . .

[Apollymi]

Artoria's eyes went back to the hulking man before her. Her younger sister was always a bit strange, but this was outlandish. Of course, given the words of Agravain and her younger sister's own obvious interest she had no actual qualms with Siegfried. Well, aside from that nagging desire to fight him, but she could put that off for a while at least. Besides all that she could see him for what he was, her newest developed hidden skill meant that she fully understood this man's intention, it was hardly worth the extra introduction aside from torturing her younger sister a bit for putting her through so much so recently. "What? What do I need to explain. He's Sieg we talked about this..." Jeanne said to Artoria as if she knew what was going on here and it wasn't worth discussing. "No. No. Sieg is the name of a squire that gets beaten up by his peers and is bullied at every turn. That... is not what that is. That needs a few more syllables, and a title or two..." Artoria said which made the eyes of Jeanne sparkle. "You cannot fight him, Eri-nee," she said with a swift nod of her head. "Of course I cannot, yet. Everyone seems to have taken up the idea of disarming me when I need to behave like I do not have a weapon to draw if I want to," she said the Queen of Knights was practically pouting. "Well, as long as you understand I am not giving you Excalibur until this party is over," Vivian said seemingly pleased with herself. "I still have a weapon. Two if I am feeling it. Do not test me, Fae Princess," she said to her elder sister. Ah, Artoria was coming back into a face that was closer to one which should belong to her base personality. That seemed to be good news, right? But Siegfried himself, seemed content to disappear from the sight of the Queen of Knights. Ah, Artoria, would she torture this man today? She could, but... he was so obviously out of sorts she couldn't actually enjoy doing something like that. After all, she'd been so recently in the same position herself, she'd actually feel a bit guilty doing such a thing to another. "If that is the case I assume you should be here, but... As you like, Siegfried," she offered which was about as free as one like Artoria could be with her approval. She still wished to fight him, but she could hold that off for later.

"Oh? He won over Eri in seconds. You should probably marry him~" mentioned Vivian which made the Queen of Saints blush drastically. "You can't just say things like that!" she exclaimed. That exact reaction made Artoria smile, truly something radiant and blinding enough for her sisters to find it amusing as well. Whatever the case her sisters approving of the man she liked was important to Jeanne regardless of everything else. So it could be called a win for the day. She'd even managed to avoid a fight and let the man keep his dignity this day, that was great. The only thing she couldn't do was save Agravain from her training nor do anything in particular about Artoria's brand of parenting. "You had any wine yet? You should... I mean it is your celebration after all~" these were Jeanne's words to Artoria, of course they were the first real words the girl gave her sister and Artoria could only shrug. "Well, I technically had two before getting here, but if it is my party I might as well have a good time," she said which was enough for Vivian to look at the lass with a raised brow. Where did she get two drinks before she got here, hm?

[Bloodedge]

Luckily for Siegfried, the Queen of Knights was in a mood to accept his sudden exodus. Ah, but there was more to it than that, wasn't there? He referred to this meeting as a meaningful family gathering, and she proclaimed that it was only more reason for him to be present. Oh? He supposed then, he had at least some modicum of acceptance from one of two present siblings. Good... good. The tiniest widening of eyes occurred as he rose from bowing. "Hm. I'll be going then. Anyone may call upon me if I am needed," he announced prior to departure. Siegfried walked off, knowing he would have preferred fighting the Queen of Knights in open combat than what he'd so recently been through. One could never expected to gain fame from dragon-slaying, only to be subjected to a prom night meeting some years later.

Now that the target of Artoria's scrutiny was gone, it was time for her to become the target once more. She'd never let go of that Holy Grail, and now she was commenting on how she could go for another cup of wine. Essentially right in front of her face, there was a Divine Gate appearing just after her words. Gilgamesh had been watching her every move from afar, of course; he'd been waiting several minutes for this very moment. A wide grin was upon the king's face as that portal heralded the descent of... ah, the very same jug of wine he and Artoria shared from after she won her war. Not everyone would be keen enough to look toward the King of Heroes, though. Artoria herself was most familiar with his abilities, but of her knights, only Tristan had seen the Gate of Babylon in action. Lancelot watched a large golden jug appear after Artoria spoke of having wine. Naturally, that meant it was officially his time to speak again after moving closer. "Is there something else about that cup you're not mentioning? You know, I don't think anyone would be upset if you said 'Lancelot may as well be given a beautiful woman with eyes for only him' or something of the sort," he said, assuming this magical wine appearance was the queen's doing somehow.

[Apollymi]

If Siegfried would have enjoyed and preferred fighting the Queen of Knights in open combat rather than their new meeting, she also would have enjoyed the same thing. Strangely enough, they were quite kindred both in their preferred method of chat and their shared interest in her younger sister. Whatever the case, she saw the surprise in his face about his acceptance. A small smirk crossed her face as he replied and ran off immediately. "He is interesting. Combat will be glorious... you are interesting Emi, but if you are happy and safe I am happy for you," she said and in that same moment Jeanne jumped into her arms. Of course she did. That was about what she expected. After she let go and they conversed about the nature of her drinking.

Oh, a golden gate opened and the jug she'd been drinking from appeared. Artoria sighed in the moment, but she couldn't really deny how good of a thing this was to just have on hand. Of course, she reached for the jug and filled her cup, only to have to deal with the confusion of Lancelot. Aloud first and foremost she said only a few words. "You have my thanks," who was that aimed at? Well the King of Heroes. Of course, Jeanne looked at him with the biggest grin on her face. And Vivian's eyes also shifted that way. But the Knight of the Lake seemed to think that this was some power of Artoria's instead and apparently had a strange request. "Lancelot, I was under the impression that you needed no such assistance. And I would never offer it... This cup's abilities are mine alone to use," she said with a full chuckle as she drank directly from the Holy Grail. "But the wine, that was provided by the King of Heroes," she mentioned without any specifics being mentioned. Of course, the Lady Kay and the Lady Galahad both looked at each other and then looked back at their Queen. Oh, this man was very good, for the girly behavior of the Queen of Knights. The Lady Kay upon seeing this fully committed to the idea that the Queen of Knights should continue seeing the King of Heroes.

[Bloodedge]

Huh? Who was the queen thanking so randomly after Lancelot spoke? The male knight stood there baffled by life itself, still mentally accepting that the Holy Grail granted infinite small wishes, or something like that. According to Artoria herself though, he needed no assistance with women, and she wouldn't offer it anyway. "That's hardly true at all. Elaine was an... unexpected stroke of luck. Yes, let's call it that," he stated. Of course, he was partially speaking truths... though he could in fact manage a fling or three here and there. Regardless, he was left wondering how she acquired a random jug of wine after speaking it into existence. Lancelot would not be waiting for long, though. The King of Heroes, she said. Was that who the random words of thanks were meant for? "Is that so? I see." Lancelot spoke dismissively, when in actuality, he only saw the King of Heroes being quick to drunken their queen. There was something untrustworthy of that man; he could feel it in the depths of his soul. Alas, Lancelot had already made the decision to refrain from any naysaying henceforth. In the meantime, King Gilgamesh continued beaming across the grand hall. "H'oh? To deliver gratitude so casually, one might expect something far more meaningful," he murmured from afar. It was quite likely that his words reached no one, but there was an extended hand in Artoria's direction.

[Apollymi]

Elaine was an unexpected stroke of luck for Lancelot? Maybe, but he still had it, Artoria was always aware of the comings and goings of her Knights. It was one of the things she did not care about so long as they carried themselves with respect for themselves and those around them. "Well, even if I call it that it still means you need no help. Do as you wish and behave yourself," Artoria said to Lancelot. Of course, she meant this in the same way one told their friends to behave. She truly did not care about what he did, he'd be fine on his own. What was this, the man in her care was very suspicious after she mentioned where this wine came from. Well, this was her third large cup, and she knew the upper limits of her tolerance given her weekend of drinking with Siduri and the Queen of Saints. "You are so very suspicious, Lancelot. It is a party, have some fun..." she said to the man only to give a head pat to the young girl at her side, sending her to Jeanne to dote upon. "Keep your eyes up. Look for Gawain when you get tired, Little Wolf," she said to Gareth. Agravain still looked spooked but now had a wine cup in hand, figuring if she was going to die tomorrow she might as well live today. "Yes, Aunty! Saint Aunty, Mommy... can I stay with you for a while?" she asked of Vivian and Jeanne both of whom had the widest eyes ever. This child really was cute. "Saint Aunty?! I might love that. I love that... this one!!" she said fully willing to gush for this child.

At the same time, Artoria's eyes shifted towards the King of Heroes who was holding a hand out towards her beaming like he'd won some kind of award. "I am still cross with you, King of Heroes. Approaching you while I am not sure of my reaction does not seem like the best idea..." she mentioned. Still she looked around the room and finally saw tucked in the corner, Siduri and Medusa. What an interesting pair of people to be present but not mingling. "If all of you are waiting for me, you can simply go and have fun. I suppose I should be seen mingling at a party in my honor..." she mused gently. Lady Galahad and Lady Kay both bowed respectfully to go and mingle properly, each grabbing a drink from passing waiters and the like. Both never really lost eyes for their Queen as both had strange things going on in their mind surrounding the sudden girly behavior of the Queen of Knights. Still, though the Queen of Knights seemed to be a bit skittish cup in hand she was in general making her way towards the King of Heroes.

[Bloodedge]

"I'm always behaving myself," Lancelot lied further. He was actually planning to misbehave at some point during this very party, but of course, others didn't need to be involved in that. Well... not more than one or two others, at least. As for this being a party, and him needing to stop being suspicious and have fun... all he could do was shrug. "I didn't say a thing," he claimed. Truly, Lancelot did not intend to let his tongue slip about whatever Artoria and the Golden King did, or didn't, have going on. With a pretend tip of a hat, Lancelot opted to leave the Queen of Knights to her devices. It seemed things were naturally separating by now anyway, and he had a few things to get into.

Speaking of things to get into, Artoria and Gilgamesh were in the midst of a very interesting conversation. Neither party could hear the other, yet they each seemed to understand what the other was saying across the large room. Gilgamesh watched as his future queen mingled about, taking no direct path toward his offered hand. What a troublesome woman she was. "Hmph. Whatever you intend to bring my way, I welcome it with open arms. Just don't think I will take kindly to being kept waiting. You've already proved to me that a road toward my golden majesty is the one you will always take eventually." With that passing comment made, Gilgamesh lowered that hand into his lap. She was shifting about, but still on a path which led to him in the end. Such sweet poetry; the notion worked on numerous levels. But, just as she approached him in a roundabout way during this party, so too would she approach him in matrimony. Both things were only a matter of time in the end.

[Apollymi]

Artoria's eyes cut towards Lancelot. Did he really think his words were believable to her? She had known him far too long for that to be the case. It was fine though, she wasn't his mom, she was his Queen. As long as he followed her orders and carried himself in an honorable fashion she could let him be. "You did not have to, it is written all over your face," Artoria said with the slyest smirk she had in her arsenal. Of course, she understood his worry he was after all one of her longest standing knights and knew her as she was in general. She could see the functionality of worry when her behavior changed suddenly from savage tyrant warlord to unsure girl who doesn't dislike the attention being given to her.

Ah, but that attention and her lack of distaste for it was also still confusing for her. The King of Heroes as so very content, knowing his futures keeping himself busy with the thoughts he had. Artoria could practically hear the smug emanating from his person. "Huh? Did you expect my undivided attention while throwing me a party, that I did not even ask for?" she asked of him. Eventually her steps did take her towards him though, she wasn't really the type to keep anyone waiting, even the annoying Golden King. He had been the one to create this party so she could not truly complain. "How unreasonable, King of Heroes... If I did not say, I will offer you no more indulgences this day," she left enough distance between them that she would not be caught too far off guard. She needed her public face to remain and all the breaking she could take of that was done earlier. All the while the eyes of her Knights that had followed her around the room would scan this interaction with various expressions of curiosity. The Lady Galahad kept her eyes on the Queen of Knights and could not understand she did not see her feelings in this moment. 'Asexual, aromantic and suddenly with an obvious interest. That has to be rather confusing for her. I understand why she is so confused now...' the Lady Galahad had this thought and knew there were only a few methods to fix such problems and one of them was rather directly connected to the King of Heroes. Perhaps, the Queen of Knights would actually ask her for help, that would be most beneficial.

[Bloodedge]

Did he expect her undivided attention? Not at all, actually. He'd thrown this party with the intention of having her enjoy various aspects of it, but she seemed to be avoiding him far more purposely than necessary. Something like that could not be allowed for long, lest she forget that she was destined to be his. On the positive side of things, she did at least seem to enjoy herself to some extent. He, however, could only take solace in the queen herself, of all the riffraff littering this hall.

Finally, she made her way to him. How many seconds of eternity did it take? Too many, yet just enough. It was always such a bittersweet experience, waiting on Artoria, but he had a fair deal more waiting to do overall. Upon reaching him, she reiterated that he would be given no further indulgences. What did she think that would accomplish? "H'oh? This is your reception, Queen of Knights. Any indulgences, as such, are thus yours to be undertaken." Artoria had left no small amount of distance between herself and the throne Gilgamesh sat upon. How coy. Still, the hand of Gilgamesh would be offered yet again, that smirk still upon his face. "It is only by a king's magnanimity that I offer you the very indulgence you denied yourself before we parted. You are curious, no? The feeling of absolute bliss that consumes all that you are, opening the gateway to Elysium through your very loins. Do you not seek it? You should at least be seeking the return of your mortal soul by now. I know your flesh has not forgotten the sensation of that robbery." Always full of words was King Gilgamesh, and never more than when he spoke to this woman. He had so many left for her, he could go on talking for an eternity about all the things he intended with her. Eventually, she may even collapse under the weight of it all.

[Apollymi]

If Gilgamesh thought waiting on Artoria was eternity, Artoria saw the King of Heroes constantly. Actually, it was like he was always there, right in the corner of her eye, just barely out of sight. It was like he refused to disappear. She wondered why that was the case, but also had no one to ask. She wondered gently if she should have murdered him, but also thought it wouldn't have been the right thing to do. The King of Heroes was just the sort of person, who elicited nothing but contradictions from Artoria.

So, what would she get from finally approaching the King of Heroes directly? Well to be told that indulgences were her choice as this reception was for her. That was interesting to know, but still he held out a hand to her. She looked at it for several seconds longer than she should have. She knew what it would mean to take such a hand, and had no intention of ending up so close to him. She exhaled and shook her head gently from left to right. "I have no intention of closing the distance between us," she clarified. "Those words of yours make sense, but I am not so curious as to place myself back within arms reach of you. I would keep my dignity, King of Heroes," she said. "I seek nothing truly. I do not like feeling things I do not understand. I am far too used to not feeling anything, to seek that which has caused me nothing but confusion," she explained of herself ever so carefully. Still she couldn't help the reddening of her own face when she considered her own feelings in this moment. She had not forgotten, if anything she was acutely aware of the effect that the King of Heroes had on her person. And even if it was a simple matter of biology, she definitely could not allow him to have that sort of control over her. "As for my mortal soul, I am quite certain if I do not have it now, I do not necessarily need it. I can leave it in your care... I am sure it will return to me." Artoria's words left her mouth and she wondered if this counted as flirting. She had no intention of flirting with the King of Heroes, and she had every intention of keeping her distance, but this was mostly because she couldn't trust herself within his hands in front of people. The words of Lancelot made her consider that she had no idea what sentences put the wrong ideas into the minds of men. She was quite sure she would seem bewitched if she spent too much time in direct contact with him. No, it was best to keep him at arms length and out of her mind directly. But, she couldn't help but steal a wayward glance or two in his direction as she thought over his previous actions. She was told by the Queen of Queens she didn't need to understand this man's obsession. She was told by her elder sister she could take her time. She didn't know how much she would need but she was quite certain his persistence was just as curiosity inspiring as his choice to search her for such things.

[Bloodedge]

His hand was rejected almost as quickly as it had been offered. That was fine; he didn't even seem bothered when lowering it again. Artoria had no intention of getting any closer, all to keep her dignity for whatever reason she thought that necessary. "I have no qualms with this. You are just as free to meet my embrace when wandering eyes cannot happen upon our combined glory," he suggested. Artoria would begin to ramble then. She did not wish to feel that which she did not understand. The two lives she led thus far had been pitiful, he thought. That, too, was fine. Gilgamesh's hand rose once more, this time with his own filled Grail appearing within it. He would once more offer a toast to the queen. "Are these the words of a sovereign? Ignorance does not suit you, Queen of Knights. If you experience that which you do not understand, is it not your way to dive headlong into the fray, until you've subjugated understanding itself? Rest assured, I will not allow you confusion for long."

Gilgamesh was quite sure of himself, and he had every reason to be when he could see those stray glances returning his way. True to his words, it seemed at least her body recalled their earlier interaction quite vividly. Three conquests was all he needed. The body was beginning to crumble, and the first cracks had appeared in the mind. He would put an end to them, then break down the soul until they could all be rebuilt with an understanding of their belonging. Ah, but she had no use of her soul, did she? "Hoho─ you offer your soul for me to keep, then? My grip is rather firm. You will not have it returned until you accept it under the proper terms. However, you may also attempt to claim mine in return. Our spirits will dance as endlessly as your eyes do now~"

[Apollymi]

Artoria's dignity was something which she kept. Though most saw her as a war-mongering little girl most of the time. She also wasn't at all the sort to be viewed romantically or sexually by anyone. The fact that Gilgamesh did this seemed to cause her overt confusion. "That is more acceptable but still it does not seem like something I should do. I have no faith..." she said strangely that wasn't about him. That was about her. The same woman who'd given her divinity to a spear instead of taking it into herself, could not trust herself in close proximity of the King of Heroes, for her dignity in public and for her own peace of mind in private. She was certain her feelings towards this man were strange. Her sister claimed she liked him, but she did not know what all that entailed, she definitely had no intention of surrendering herself to his mercy. "I am prone to action regardless of my own understanding. Even so, King of Heroes, I would not submit myself to someone else's mercy. I also do not think ignorance suits me, but I am not certain the alternative does either," she said lifting her own cup in the moment. "Those are not the words of a sovereign. I spoke to my sister of my lack of understanding how to deal with you, and she suggested I be myself... which is also a strange concept," the Queen of Knights was without question a set of faces she put together for different functions. She had no idea who she was, and dealing with Gilgamesh didn't help her figure that out at all. Yes, she could get along with Gilgamesh. She could feel relatively comfortable in his presence, she could even come to terms with not knowing how she considered the man.

It would seem the Golden King maybe took her words as flirting. At the very least his own hit her ears that way. Of course, he'd also made the claim that he would have her. So him keeping hold of her mortal soul was hardly worth the extra thought right? It wasn't like she'd ever have to do anything about reclaiming her soul if she let him have it. And Gilgamesh himself seemed amused by the idea of dancing with her soul forever, and offered his own in exchange. Did he really mean that? Well, everything she could see of his intentions said yes, he meant that. "You truly say such strange things to me. And I am certain you mean them. Emotional honesty is not something I am used to... nor is this treacherous body of mine," that last she said both about her physical reactions and her apparent wandering eyes. She wasn't sure she fully understood if she liked this man enough. She didn't dislike him of that she was certain, she could not dive in for him though, she knew what her life was about to be, she knew what she intended.

[Bloodedge]

So, she feared her own treacherous body's reaction to their close proximity, did she? Interesting. Processing that, Gilgamesh would only become more difficult to deal with. After all, who did she think she was talking to? Everything she brought his way was ammunition. "And you think refusing to approach me will make a difference? A funny thing, the mortal body. I already told you, all beings naturally seek pleasure. Do you truly believe you can fight against the natural inclinations of pleasure-seeking when you've already received a sample?" he asked. All the while, the most intense gaze was upon Artoria Pendragon. This new dress of hers accentuated her modest features quite well. Gilgamesh could see every lace being torn away, every fabric being pulled, and the whole of Artoria falling prey to him. At this point, it was not so much a matter of clairvoyant ability, but a matter of strong intentions bleeding through his eyes, just as murderous intent flowed from an enraged killer.

Artoria would not approach him, but her drinking apparatus rose to meet his nonetheless. A break occurred in Gilgamesh's speech as he took a healthy gulp or two, licking the wine from his own lips after lowering the cup. Of course, he only did so in the most provocative manner possible, as per a statement he'd yet to even verbalize. "You've referred to me as something you would rather not put on your plate, no? I should tell you, you've got it backwards. It is you who should be upon my plate, to be consumed as soup for the soul. Voraciously, I might add," he clarified. If she was so certain that he meant all he said, she could be even more certain of what he would do to her... once opportunity presented itself, and Artoria did the same. "Then, perhaps I will punish your body for being so treacherous? No need to worry; it will be only the fairest of punishments."

[Apollymi]

Did Artoria realize she was giving this man ammunition to use against her? No. Well, that wasn't entirely true, she had some idea that he was using what she said to the end of breaking away at who she was, she still didn't understand why he found such an activity so very fruitful. Ah, but the words of the Queen of Queen's rang true, she did not have to understand why he chose her, she only had to accept it. No. She could do no such thing... it did not make sense when she considered the truth of his desires. He should be aiming all of that at literally anyone else. "Fighting against my natural inclinations is much easier for me than most things, King of Heroes," she said carefully. "It is the one thing I can absolutely do," she mentioned. What in a sentence like that was true? Well, the Queen of Knights formerly the assassin, Hoshimi Eri, could very easily crush anything within herself she did not need nor like. As she gained more understanding of her feelings she could without fail push out any wayward thoughts about the King of Heroes. But it was also in her natural inclination to reject the unnecessary, so acceptance was technically viable. She had to figure out which of these things was her base, and she could not be sure as it stood.

So much confusion lived within the body of the Queen of Knights. She was an avid contradiction. A knightly, calm, fury-filled, murderer... things she never considered given her own lives so far, was sexual interest for longer than a moment or two. Usually all it took to discourage interest in her, was a look of emptiness, murderous eyes, or being beaten to a pulp. Strangely, the King of Heroes had experienced most of these as well as a straight forward rejection and he kept talking. Artoria looked at this man and heard his most recent sentence. She should be added to his plate, to be consumed, voraciously... she'd been mid-sip when she'd heard this sentence. She almost choked trying to hold on to her dignity. She found a hand upon the middle of her chest as alcohol slipped down her windpipe. Why? Because she understood just what he meant, and she couldn't fathom anyone saying a sentence like that aloud in a room full of people, about... her?! "Who speaks like this? Why are you like this?" Artoria's face was a brilliant shade of red. Why? Because she was inexperienced but not stupid, she understood that this statement was of a sexual nature, she could see his intentions wafting off his person. She'd seen him trying to provoke a reaction from her body. And he'd somewhat succeeded considering the coloration of her face and his follow sentences about her body. "Is this the plan then, King of Heroes? Are you to put strange thoughts in my head to illicit reactions from me?" she questioned rhetorically. She couldn't even be outraged because he was being so very forthcoming she could imagine he would follow through on his words. She'd called his bluff earlier and been met by strange determination, surely she could not continue to do such a thing and kept her dignity, sanity nor chastity. "I cannot continue talking to you," she said. Suddenly she felt as if multiple countries worth of space between them might not be enough to save her from her body and mind spiraling out of her control. Did she dislike his words? No, not really. Not honestly. Did she understand them and why they were given to her. Again, no. It made no sense for anyone to have interest in her whatsoever. But those who advised said she did not need to understand that part. Why did she react to the things he said then? Because they challenged her image, dignity and chastity. Because she wasn't necessarily protecting those things, but they were important enough that she wouldn't have them changed on someone else's whims. The King of Heroes seemed content to batter away at her sensibilities, and she was starting to worry she might let him if she spent too much time in his company. But... her sister said this was normal. Truly it couldn't be. Artoria needed to observe, needed to think. She'd seen others right? Right?

[Bloodedge]

"Oh, I'm sure it is. I very much enjoy the way you fight even against your own senses. I do wonder though, how difficult do you find the battle now?" It could be said that Gilgamesh had a plan, but it could just as easily be said that he was playing this completely by ear. Overall, the only thing that truly mattered was the outcome. Artoria's physical self was quite honest... yet so was her mind. It was so very interesting to see her earnestly confused and disagreeing with her body, while her body almost insisted that she push forward. Which would win? Well, Gilgamesh would see neither as the victor. He would see all aspects turn to the same proverbial page, all for the sake of an overall victory. This was the only true way, as he saw it.

Choking on wine because of something he said? Well, that was going to make for an interesting future. The perverse nature of a tyrannical hedonist was undying, even as he mellowed out. As for putting strange things in Artoria's head to produce reactions from her, it couldn't be said that she was wrong. However, one could not say she was on the right track either. No... it wasn't all about getting her reactions; that was just a bonus. His true purpose was to simply share his intentions as brazenly as possible, until the point stuck. "Do not think so simply. Though your reactions to banter are as precious a sight as an oasis in the infinite sands, there are far more tangible things I would put in your head... among other places," he said cheekily, sipping once more. He still wasn't done with an earlier clause presented by Artoria. Presently though, she claimed she could not continue speaking with him. Lies. She could say something like that as much as she wished, but at the end of it all, there she was... still standing right before him. Moreover, it was true that several countries would not be enough space to keep her from him. Multiple realities would hardly keep him at bay for more than a moment. "You cannot continue talking, yet still you remain. What then? Shall we away to a more private setting, that you might fully gain the understanding you sorely lack? It needn't be said that your thirst goes unquenched. I, Gilgamesh, shall always be ready and willing to fill whichever sort of cup you offer." With that said, Gilgamesh sat in wait. Amusement had never left his visage, and still, he wasn't quite done yet. "But you do not yet seem ready to let your thighs act as the king's new crown. I suppose, for now, I will have to allow something slightly less magnificent."

[Apollymi]

Gilgamesh wondered about the difficulty Artoria had fighting against her nature while speaking to him. Would she answer? She was starting to think she should ignore him? That likely wouldn't work, at least if he was speaking directly to her, she didn't have to worry about being absolutely embarrassing as the topic of conversation. "A battle against my own nature is not so difficult. I have had more than a century of practice... this is more annoying than normal because I do not know what the associated emotion is, so I have not yet figured out how to crush it," Artoria said. She surprisingly found herself answering this man honestly, probably because he was so very honest with her. To be fair, the way of her mind and the way of an assassin was to kill the parts of the self so that you were unaffected by the rest. Strangely this was much easier to do with other aspects of herself. She could technically say she'd had an easier time killing her elder sister than she was having drawing a proper line between herself and the King of Heroes.

Her reactions to his words were precious? Why did he feel the need to say something like that? Every time he spoke sentences to her, she was sure he was trying to convince her of something. "Flowers and then words I am sure should make me attack you. Truly you confuse me," Artoria stated. She couldn't help but wonder why he felt the need to go so far. Truly, until today she hadn't seen him in a decade, and the man had occupied her thoughts for reasons she did not understand. Beyond that, he seemed unable to let go of the idea of her, regardless of her own lack of understanding. They'd kissed and she'd not disliked it, nor had the desire to kill him in the aftermath. He'd gone out of his way to be nice to her, but he said things aloud she absolutely hated the idea of other people hearing, but she herself had no problem hearing. Was this what being a girl was? Was this the natural reaction to a pushy guy one was interested in, truly? Her face was red again. Of course it was, this man continued to say things to her and she did not know how to respond. The nature of her soul said she should challenge, the nature of her body said she should accept, the feelings around her altered heartbeat said she should kill, it was a cacophony of noise she did not need to experience within the confines of her small body. One hand rubbed her face while the other held her cup, like she wished to wash away the heat with her own hand but couldn't manage it. Her mind had jumped to the necessary conclusions, and now there was an image in her head of her legs wrapped around a man's head. Not any man's head, this one. Yes, those eyes of hers closed. "I am walking away now, King of Heroes and you are not to follow. I need so much space and maybe an adult," she said these words with all kinds of emotions playing behind those emerald eyes of hers. Her own visage was far too honest, and his words to her seemed to break at things she did not know her body or mind possessed. It was quite easy to ignore things while the waters of her heart were still like a reflecting pool. Now all of her felt nothing but turbulent anytime the King of Heroes as the topic of conversation. Still, she didn't truly dislike the things he said to her. How was she to deal with that? It was her question to ponder as she put the space of infinite steps between herself and the King of Heroes.

[Bloodedge]

Not so difficult, she said. For something not very difficult at all, she certainly seemed to be struggling quite a bit now. Oh well. Artoria moving through her own internal struggle over him was yet another thing Gilgamesh found appealing. She could do no wrong even in her own self-destruction, after all. "Fuhaha! Queen of Knights, I once compared you to an unreachable star. Did I say? Your existence is tantamount to the life of a star. All your life, your own brilliance will continue to build and build, until eventually... you explode from it. Hear me now, Artoria Pendragon. I will be the one throwing myself head-first into that luxurious supernova as it devolves to consume everything around it, and it will be my entrance which produces the next genesis."

Firm though Gilgamesh's belief was, he had no actual clue how he would go about doing any of the things he said. He did, however, know that he would turn aspiration into reality by whatever means necessary. For the second time, he'd chosen an entity to pursue the remainder of life with, albeit in a different manner than the previous. The second would not be allowed to remain lost. Indeed, Artoria's eventual departure from this world was allowed to be no different than the exodus she intended during this very conversation. She needed space, and she needed an adult. He could easily provide one of those two things, but that did not need saying; there was enough teasing done already. "Hmph. Parting is such sweet sorrow indeed. Very well; I will allow it. The moment desire wells up within until it burns your flesh from beneath, you will have no trouble locating me," he declared. Was this more precognition? He would never say, but every possibility had its place in the world regardless. The king lifted his cup to his lips once more, downing the remaining wine while his eyes remained glued on Artoria. She could go to the ends of the world, but she would never escape his scrutiny. True enough, the only possible escape was acceptance.

[Apollymi]

Laughter. Of course, she'd yet to hear this man laugh directly today, but hearing it now, could almost be called nice. Given what she knew of this man's personality his actual shows of happiness were comforting for some reason. No. That wasn't right, perhaps it was just her trying out empathy that made her think that laugh was anything other than obnoxious. Whatever the case, he had another declaration for her, this one made her eyes widen as she understood its meaning in more than a single way. There was the first way, which once again made it sound like he planned to undo death itself to see her reborn. There was also the secondary way, which made it sound fully like he simply planned to make a woman out of her in the most literal sense of the phrase. "I heard those words yes, I will keep them in mind. Along with all the other outrageous claims you make about me," wait she'd done this before. She would not be giving this man more ammunition right now. No, she would not be explaining the two ways she took his word choice. To do so, would admit to her wandering mind which she had no intention of doing. Besides, it was exactly this sort of declaration that had Tristan feeling she was being insensitive. Even though Gilgamesh himself seemed to acknowledge and understand what she meant about her death.

A problem for a different day. For now, it seemed that the King of Heroes was content to put an end to his bullying of Artoria Pendragon. Of course, this still came with a parting sentence which was enough to make the lass not turn around at all. A gentle wave over one shoulder and Artoria would be found practically fleeing the King of Heroes presence. Too bad such a thing wasn't truly possible. Eventually, the feast would properly begin and Artoria would have to be found at the head of a large table. Of course, it was double throne having head of table, with the King of Heroes within arms reach of the Queen of Knights. She managed to look both simultaneously relaxed and uncomfortable. Of course, while she ate, she didn't seem to mind, it would only be in the soft times that she would find herself glancing at the man to her side. She sorely wished to move but she had a pretty nice view of everyone from here, and she was free to enjoy herself. And enjoy herself she had been doing. Artoria felt very safe today. How safe? Safe enough to drink, her face was almost permanently tinted red as she'd been consuming quite a bit of wine from her Holy Grail by this point. "Hey, make sure Gawain gets extra cake. He deserves it!~" An order from the Queen of Knights which many would find strange, but she'd already decided to treat her nephew for understanding her plight earlier. Yes, spoiled a man who looked quite a bit older than she did, all while someone walked by dropping in front of her a giant dessert bowl of butterscotch pudding. Her eyes practically sparkled at the thing, and this was something obviously noted by the King of Heroes.

[Bloodedge]

There was no need for Artoria to admit to her wandering mind. Without a word spoken, he knew. Since they kissed, he knew. With how much he found her eyes bouncing about as her body demanded glances at him, and her mind demanded that she look away... he knew. Ah, but he would not continue battering away at her psyche. He would do so enough to keep her mind going, but it was never the king's intention to destroy it entirely. Well... perhaps an overload or two could be tolerated, but those were not beyond repair. Whatever the case, she was free of his abuse for the time being.

Sadly for the Queen of Knights, their paths would always converge. By dinner, they were side-by-side at the edge of an impossibly large table that could only fit in the grandest hall. Several of such tables were placed to accommodate all guests, but the largest by far was at the center of five, and there... two thrones sat. Artoria's torment in her drunken state was noted, but Gilgamesh did not seem keen on returning his abuses. No, he in fact seemed... absolutely content. This moment was one he strived for. Amidst all advances both deferred and deterred, there was a moment like this─ a small sample of a future he demanded. The king sat beside his queen, and they dined. She was inebriated enough to be permanently flushed and yelling out orders to have extra cake sent to one of her knights. Gawain himself was both shocked and appalled by this, thinking to speak out against the matter before an entire cake was placed before him. "I... My Queen, I cannot eat this!" he insisted, but it seemed she was far too gone. Gilgamesh was laughing and drinking all the while, focusing his attention on the Queen of Knights as the large pudding bowl was brought in at last. Cheekily, he would take another sip. No words needed saying; it was just another step, as far as he was concerned.

[Apollymi]

Artoria heard that Gawain could not eat the cake. Lies. "You can and you will. Share with the Little Wolf!" she offered, much to the youngest girl's obvious happiness. Artoria herself would spoil her nieces and nephews as she saw fit, and in her own mind, even drunk she remembered that Gawain had been the one to not think too much about her wayward interest in the King of Heroes she was currently sitting beside. No, he'd congratulated her on her victory, actually. "Agravain too, she still looks like a startled deer. It is no good for the one who takes no wounds~" she said. Agravain's eyes also lit up. She would die tomorrow, today she would live. "Aunty~" that one was near tears at the revelation. The Lady Kay watched as Artoria happily gave playful orders, spoiled her family and looked almost star-struck by the dessert placed in front of her. "Oh? He knows her favorite dessert too? Our Queen seems to be a lot more pleased and honest after a few drinks," she mused over her own cup.

At the same time, Jeanne seemed to be having fun as well. "Look at her. I've been waiting for this.~ She's so much more fun this way," she said of her elder sister. She'd seen this one, what she was willing to call the real and happy face of Hoshimi Eri. At the same time, the one known as Vivian found herself at Artoria's rear with a long handled spoon. What would be happening? Well she would be attempting to reach in for a spoon full, but her spoon would be stopped by the one spinning in Artoria's hand. Ah, that habit of eating like a savage teen boy was suddenly making a lot of sense. "Rie, you will get your own..." she mentioned as two spoons repeatedly clashed. Ah, this was something which would happen repeatedly as she fought to keep control of her bowl. "Oh come on. You can let me have a bite. You already killed me once let me have some..." Vivian mentioned as if this was reason enough. "Listen here Fae Princess, I will fucking slay you over this pudding bowl!" exclaimed Artoria having absolutely no thoughts of sharing. "Language. Rie-nee you know only Kei-nii allows you to eat off his plate. Get your own. You two still act like children!" the Queen of Saints chided. "Yes mom." both of the older girls answered as Vivian ran off to try and find out what she had to do to get some butterscotch pudding. Of course that came with a cheeky smile, she knew she could get such an outburst out of her sister. All the while, some wondered how talented people had to be with weapons that she fought off a spoon so deftly even while intoxicated. "That's sisters. I haven't had such a spat since I stole Ronnie's shoes~" said the Queen of Queens seeming to enjoy the show and the drinks. She was also wondering how much the Queen of Knights had to drink to relax so much in front of everyone. And at the same time Artoria took a bite of her well defended dessert, seeming to be adeptly amused, while she did so. Yes, this exact moment was perfect as far as she was concerned.

[Bloodedge]

"I..." Gawain didn't understand why in the world he was randomly receiving an entire cake and being expected to eat it. However, he could easily sigh and give up on the matter by sharing the bulk of it with Gareth. "Very well. Here, Gareth," the Sun-Knight spoke while sliding the full cake aside. He hadn't even finished his meal yet, much less the dessert he already had ready. Chances were, he couldn't go through more than a bite or two of an additional cake. The queen was being rather interesting today. When was the last time any of the knights had seen her intoxicated? Gawain couldn't count a single instance in his memory, but... Lancelot recalled one. "Ugh," he sighed. Things were looking more like what he'd originally thought, especially with the King of Heroes sitting next to their queen with such a smug expression. He was living this up, wasn't he? Someone would have to keep an eye out. . .

True enough, Gilgamesh was relishing in the experience of this dinner. A new side of Artoria was akin to a drink of fresh water when dehydrated. More interesting yet, was the little spoon-sparring match that occurred between the Queen of Knights and the Lady of the Lake. "H'oh?" he murmured as the exchange took place. She was quite dexterous even while intoxicated. Good; that information would come in handy some time after their nuptials. "Quite protective over something as simple as dessert, no? I do not fault you. That is how the queen of Gilgamesh should be," he commented in the most nonchalant manner possible. Another swig down, and a mighty and misty sigh of contentment passed the King of Heroes' lips.

Meanwhile, another of the great kings was hardly holding back his laughter. Ozymandias sat with his queen at the head of a neighboring table, choking down a mouthful of steak before anything left his mouth. "I've not seen something like that, ever. Bree does like trying to ring my head to grab at one of her favorites from time to time, though. I would have lost it long ago if she had skills like that."

[Apollymi]

Gareth for her part in this seemed more than happy to consume the extra cake. Agravain as well, was more than willing to take a bit of extra sugar off the plate of the youngest child. Moreover, Gawain obviously didn't understand why their Queen was spoiling him, but Agravain had a pretty good idea of why. She supposed it was better than knowing that tomorrow morning she was going to be slayed in training. Oh well, cake now, die later. At the same time, the Lady Galahad found herself watching the Queen's behavior. She wondered if Artoria knew her base personality actually existed when she wasn't actively controlling herself, or rather crushing herself into whatever mold she thought she fit in best. "My Queen how many drinks have you had?" Galahad asked mostly to figure out exactly how hidden her personality was beneath the surface of her being. "Hm..." Artoria was eating a bite of pudding seeming to give it hefty consideration. "Six. I have had six of these..." she said pointing to the Holy Grail sitting on the table before her. The Lady Galahad nodded, but seemed unconcerned over how much she'd drank, 'That is buried pretty deeply. Her personality almost exists as part of her subconscious if she has to be six drinks deep to be anything close to normal. Being raised a killer might have done a number on her, in addition to her other issues,' Galahad thought, the intelligence of one of the worlds brightest minds burning behind her eyes. Of course, there was also the stunning matter of her obvious interest in the King of Heroes as she'd had not a cross word to say to him since before the arrival of dessert.

And after getting rid of Vivian, Artoria seemed equally content. "One must draw that line, once Rie starts eating off your plate she will never stop. It is about the principle, besides it is my favorite. Like a grazing deer she just partakes as she pleases, calls it the Big-Sis Tax and acts like that is justification," Artoria said of her elder sister. Still her eyes narrowed at the man sitting beside her. He was so content, she frowned deeply, pointing her currently empty spoon in his direction. "I will not stand for that. And you are nearing a new indulgence with the way you refer to me King of Heroes," she said managing only just barely not to falter. Of course, she went back to eating her dessert with all the childish happiness she occasionally mustered. Luckily enough the King of Heroes would enjoy a brief reprieve from true chiding from the Queen of Knights, in honor of his memory of her favorite dessert after a whole decade of time.

At the same time Nefertari could do nothing but laugh. "That is such a sibling thing to do... and sometimes, food just tastes better when it isn't from your own plate. Shoes fit better when you didn't buy them for yourself. The world will spin regardless, no harm is done," she said with a wide grin. "Still, I probably would have left Ronnie's shoe collection alone if she could wield a spoon so fiercely."

[Bloodedge]

Six. Six Holy Grails filled with wine was what it took for the Queen of Knights to properly open herself. At this point, she was upholding a very normal conversation with Gilgamesh, much to his furthered satisfaction. The analogy she had for her sister bordered upon a brutality. Actually, it sounded like something Gilgamesh himself would have said. Were they so alike? Perhaps. "Hmph. Reality bends to the mighty, does it not? You seem to have plentiful control over that very concept. Such an engrossing method of showing dominance over those who purport to be your superiors. I have been made no less smitten this day," he declared. Every time he even minced words with this woman, he was given a full list of new reasons to pursue her. Rarely was he so specific as to the reasons themselves, but... he'd been through quite a few grails of wine himself.

Now then, what purpose did this spoon aimed at him serve? To draw attention to a point, it seemed. Artoria thought ill of his elation, determining that he was on his way to another indulgence. Ah, but what was this? Could it have been a drunken stupor which caused her phrasing to be so very... specific? "Oh am I? Tell me, what indulgence is it that I tread upon now? Is the thought of crowning your king still stuck in your mind, per our earlier discussion?" he asked. Yes, though he was given some reprieve of her chiding, it seemed her break from his onslaught was at its end.

Much could have occurred between the would-be king and queen of all creation. Progress would see them quite similar to another pair, who shared the most casual banter over wine and dinner. None could question two pharaohs speaking of their previous lives in the middle of the most powerful banquet ever seen in this world. "Better, is it?" Ozymandias wondered as a sly hand made its way toward Nefertari's plate. The male would see himself snatch a strange ball─ merely a combination of dates and pistachios formed into a simple dessert. They looked rather pleasant, and there were none on his plate. Surely this would be the best of desserts by Nefertari's own explanation, no? "The way you speak, Moon of my Life, I shall assume consent."

[Apollymi]

Reality bends to the mighty? Yes, but more specifically as far as Artoria was concerned it bent to her, as all would. "Twice today my ideal of might has been mentioned. I am beginning to believe I am leaving strange impressions on everyone. Especially when you give me compliments over it," she said about her might makes right style of going about things in her life. As for the King of Heroes being made no less smitten by her obvious leaning towards domination and violence she could only chuckle. "My day has consisted of spouting violence and spoiling children, even in the Holy Grail War. Truly you are a strange man, to think no differently having witnessed anything of my day, King of Heroes," she said with a level of certainty most couldn't possess. She was looking at him. She knew he meant those words, she was more than a little aware that he found even her faulty logic attractive for reasons she could not possibly fathom. She'd definitely said she'd kill her sister of pudding, and it was a known fact she'd slayed her sister before this point. Irrespective of that, the King of Heroes was here to offer adoration she did not think of herself as deserving.

At the same time, she was eating when the King of Heroes went back to his normal antics. What indulgence was he treading upon? Well, in truth that was merely a statement about how freely he was referring to her as being his, but he mentioned 'crowning her king' as a statement Artoria understood now as a reference for a sex act he seemed rather keen to show her. A sex act in which her thighs were wrapped around the King of Heroes head, was that something she wanted? It seemed like the sort of thing that could do strange things to her entire soul. And now of course, she was thinking about it actively and that wasn't good at all. Three slow blinks occurred as Artoria processed the information with each one the girl's face gained a more reddened tint. "I said no such thing. I thought no such thing. It is you, putting ideas in my head, King of Heroes. You make me ask the world multiple times a day what I have done to deserve this?" she questioned softly. This assault to her dignity was almost too much to bear, and she could blame no one but herself for thinking about it too much. That was a smidge more dramatic than Artoria normally managed to be, but she was a bit drunk and quite shocked. He'd said nothing particularly offensive, but it was still shocking to her because she knew what he meant. It was like being spoken to in code and the code itself was simply meant to fluster her to death.

Ah, but what was this? Watching the Pharaohs, was like a looking glass into the future. One easily taken in by those with any level of mental acuity. Galahad's eyes moved about just slightly, as she came to realize that the Queen of Knights was on her way to a loving and peaceful relationship whenever she got around to accepting her feelings for the King of Heroes. Nefertari for her part in this was having a howling good time. "Ah, poor Queen... I didn't know what that looked like from the outside," she said of Artoria's obviously embarrassed state. She knew from the depths of her soul the King of Heroes had said something crazy to her that the rest of them couldn't hear, because she'd once been in such a situation. In fact, she was once tricked into the lap of one Oliver Williams before she knew what to expect from such a throne. Regardless, she couldn't help but smile as he reached onto her plate. To take her words as consent was almost outlandish. "My Sun and Stars, all that I have is yours as well... consent is freely given. Always~"

[Bloodedge]

"And twice more, it may be mentioned on a whim. It is not a strange impression you leave, but a brilliant one. To even imagine that I could think less of you by now, is nothing short of ignorance." Once more, Gilgamesh drank between clauses. Artoria would be far from the only drunken mess by the end of this banquet; Gilgamesh was well on his way ages ago as well. Alas, it was the visage of a king which did the work of maintaining stability. Jovial as he was, there would hardly have been a difference between his drunken and sober states anyway. He was, however, managing to be somehow quieter now. "Besides, witnessing your day has been only the finest delicacy from beginning to end. I'm ever so keen to see what the final segment will be like~"

The gears were turning once more, not in the mind of Gilgamesh, but in the mind of Artoria Pendragon. He was indeed just putting ideas in her head. Did that make much of a difference? If one were to ask him, he'd say there was no reason for the image to ever leave her mind's retina. "Yet even now, you do not speak against it. The Queen of Knights, endlessly expressing distaste for an idea presented, yet never for the idea itself. You wear the guise of a ruler in the strangest way, to restrict yourself so thoroughly." Once more, there was a sip that emptied his cup. He lowered the object onto the table, casually waving to have his own and Artoria's filled to the brim again. She thought to ask the world what she did to deserve this. To deserve what, one might wonder? "It is as I have said before. The fact that you were born as yourself, is justification enough that I should desire you as something to adorn myself with. Emeralds sat in a bed of ruby, which itself will be partially draped in lapis lazuli. What more could a king ask, whether for his crown or his loincloth?"

Nefertari was not the only one suffering a fit of amusement by the antics one table over. Had Ozymandias not been shoving some strange Mesopotamian confection into his mouth, he'd have been guffawing into the ceiling upon witnessing Artoria's face. Even resisting that much, the laughter could no longer be stopped. "Hah hah hah! With a face so pale, there's no hiding it from anyone. Those days are my fondest memories. It's almost regrettable that you adjusted so well, but I do fancy the cheekiness of this life. Well... I very much enjoyed the cheekiness of the last one, too," he commented. A few chews later, and he decided this dessert was rather good, yet nothing compared to what they could have back home. There was a distinct lack of sweetness compared to the confections of Egypt, though he did not dislike this strange thing. "Ho. Say something like that again, and you know exactly where the pair of us will end up."

[Apollymi]

"It is not normal to find me too agreeable. It is not ignorance I suffer from but shock every time I receive a compliment where one should find criticism, King of Heroes," Artoria mentioned, even so her reddened face would be going nowhere, if only because the compliments were settling in now and there was nothing she could do to halt her own visage. If she was being honest, the words that flowed from the King of Heroes mouth were a bit more like honey at this point, sweet and sticky. Whatever the case, apparently he'd enjoyed his day in her presence and wondered what its ending was to be like. A shake of Artoria's head happened in this moment. "Avoiding spoilers again, King of Heroes?" she asked most rhetorically. After all, she wasn't keen to hear any inclination of this man and what kind of night he thought they would share. She imagined another reference incoming that would have her at a loss for words.

She wore the title ruler strangely, and restricted herself firmly. Well at least he understood that. Even so he seemed so content to point out her contradictions she had no choice but to defend herself. Even as she finished the large dessert and had nothing left but another goblet of wine. "I am not one to pass judgment over an activity. The restrictions I place are for me alone to bear. I am not so prudish as to hate the idea alone," The words of the Queen of Knights came easily even as she sipped from her chalice once more. She truly had no hard judgements to pass about sexual activity in any way. It was simply strange to her that it was aimed at her. Obviously it didn't matter to her, both of her sisters seemed to be pretty well involved and she had no issues with them. She did not like her elder sister's choice in contributor but that wasn't her business. Artoria was even raising that one's kids. According to the King of Heroes, he needed no other reason than her existence to try and lay claim to her the way she was. Artoria was hardly surprised by this notion but his word choice in the explanation made her shift her gaze towards him as she sipped more from her chalice. He truly just said whatever he thought. "More flowers and some pretty colorful imagery. You truly enjoy placing strange images in my mind don't you?" she asked once more rhetorically. She could not even manage outrage at this point she simply wished to disappear as her face became a shade of red that as sure to challenge his eyes for dominance.

Ozymandias was quite right. Given the coloration of the Queen of Knights skin, she could not hide her embarrassment. "Good thing she looks great in jewel tones, or that would become quite annoying for her," Nefertari said as if it was a true win for the young lass. Truly, Artoria Pendragon seemed to be suffering from a case of tomato face, likely caused by the sorts of words the King of Heroes uttered about her. "Ah, well... I like that I calmed down. I was hardly able to concentrate before, at least now I can get things done without losing focus in the middle of sentences. We even finish meals now~" she said with a small smirk crossing her visage. Apparently, her last previous sentence was enough of a declaration to stir the Sun King. A chuckle escaped her, as she cut those rainbow eyes in her Pharaoh's direction. "Hoh? Well if such simple words cause such an interesting end, I could not be happier. We should do the polite thing though, and give our regards to the Queen of Knights and King of Heroes though, right?" she asked of her husband. "You always accuse me of being not nice after all~" she said of Ozymandias. Besides all of that she needed to accept the King's offer and all of that before they slipped off for their designated after dinner activity.

[Bloodedge]

"Therein lies the ignorance. In truth, there should be no criticism of these moments. Shock should never be a factor, because for you, the heavens themselves should rain down praises for every breath you take." Once his cup was filled, Gilgamesh shooed the wine-pourer and lifted that golden, glorious thing to his face... yet again. To Artoria's question, he remained silent initially. He was avoiding spoilers, yes. When certain landmarks were reached, it had to be under one very specific criteria. "Of course I am! Certainly there were many possibilities in past meetings where I came to know your body on a whim. Those possibilities would mean nothing. Know that when you are finally made mine, it will be done by my merit as a man─ not simply as Hero-King Gilgamesh." There was something beneath the surface of this declaration. He'd been here for so long, unable to speak his original name and never knowing another from their world who could speak it, the name Ishigami Daisuke had long since vanished from his mind. Even so, it would be his crowning achievement to obtain Artoria Pendragon, and furthermore Hoshimi Eri as she lay buried within.

Moving on, Artoria confirmed his assertation from moments prior. She truly did detest the fact that he said such things, while offering no opposition to the things themselves. That sort of candidness could not be faulted at all. The decision itself, on the other hand, was one Gilgamesh would always pass judgment on. Your conflicted nature keeps you from such things nonetheless. Without question, you are enough of a prude that you refrain from the truest spice of life. Do you believe it is altruistic for the Queen of Knights to perish without ever having truly lived? What you call colorful imagery should instead be as the royal carpet upon which you walk a path unending. Instead, you hide behind the bashful visage of a little girl crippled by her own hormones. Tell me, when will the Queen of Knights truly spring to life?"

"It looks to be annoying regardless. If she could get away with a full-speed sprint, I imagine she would," Ozymandias added about the torment Artoria Pendragon seemingly faced. Such a dire situation it was, but people like these pharaohs knew that it could all be for the better, if that lot simply made the best of it in their individual perspectives. "Poor lass. Finishing meals isn't a problem for them at least, though I would wager it may become an issue eventually. My money is on rabbit-level," he quipped while licking residual pistachio dust from his thumbprint. "Those things are pretty good. Still, I'd rather have honey cake. Or... another sort of cake, I suppose." Honesty in its purest form, Ozymandias was yet another who would brazenly blurt out every truth on his mind. As for accusing Nefertari of not being nice, he laughed. "Well you've always been a bad girl, haven't you? Come on then; time for your dungeon trip." With no further need of the food and merriment found in this banquet, the male pharaoh rose from his chair. He'd begin walking toward the obvious future queen of Uruk, and her obvious future king, all while wondering... if it was in good taste to prod a bit. . .

[Apollymi]

The words of Gilgamesh, assaulted Artoria's ears. He had nothing but her praises to sing, and from the most genuine place she'd heard such things. People often adored her, some even thought her great, but to take every aspect of her workings as if she was without fault and speak it as truth aloud was uniquely a characteristic of the Golden King. "I am certain you mean that, as outlandish as it is for you say such a thing..." Artoria managed softly. She found her face in her own cup, sipping behind it and allowing herself the most casual stare at the King of Heroes. What was more, the King of Heroes admitted, no, declared he was purposefully avoiding spoilers of the nature of their meeting. He was certain it would happen but claimed it would be on his merit, not as the Hero-King but as a man, and he would not taint that. Artoria's eyes widened over the edge of her cup. And in this moment she came to realize what it was about the King of Heroes that confused her. His earnest like of her as a person was one thing, forgiven for being star-struck. His willingness to work at her affections and not just purely exert his power over her to claim her, wanting her to like him back... it was something else entirely. No one who wanted to achieve anything by merit alone could be bad at all, diligence remaining in a man who'd had everything already was appealing. "I... do not have words," she managed with softness bubbling up in her soul. 'King of Heroes you cannot do this. I may never forgive you if you turn yourself into this...'

Artoria worried about the placement of the King of Heroes. She would not add him to her responsibilities but that was because she could see it. She could see him telling her exactly the things passing through her mouth. Be more selfish, live for yourself. Accept me and you can have the world. Why can't you take for you? She did not expect anyone to understand truly how she saw herself but she also couldn't help but be honest. "You are quite wrong, King of Heroes. I do not consider it an act of altruism. It is an act of selfishness," she said. She always found herself being overly honest with this man. He already understood her motivations so she was not hiding anything from him to start with. "I do not plan to spring to life. What I am selfishly pursuing is not something I would share here and now," she said carefully, being just as evasive as Agravain had been earlier. If he wished to know the truth she had in store, she would tell him freely, but that wasn't a dinner topic.

"Ah, yes she does seem like she would leave him at any moment she could. Earlier she looked like she might just walk off into the wilderness..." said Nefertari. Of course, she'd seen the truth of this girl in her bath, struggling with her like of the King of Heroes. It seemed over the course of the night she'd lightened up quite a bit. As for their ability to finish meals, that was only properly possible because the Queen of Knights did not like, her appreciation of the King of Heroes. "It will be a bit worse than that. Her whole life will fall apart worse than mine did the first time," said Nefertari she had a lot of certainty. She also slipped out of her chair post downing her last dessert. "Oh? Well, if I have earned my pharaoh's punishment... I will accept it graciously~" Nefertari was on her way to speak with the pair at the center table. "Queen of Knights, you are owed proper congratulations for achieving your goals. King of Heroes, I will take your commission at your earliest convenience. It was a fun night..." she said to the pair making it obvious they were intending to leave. Artoria looked up from her cup and could see by the way they were that they had more pressing matters to attend to. "I see. I would have words with all the cupbearers before we break. I have news I should share before the information is lost. I would rather not interrupt any of you later..." the Queen of Knights stated, she was surprisingly understanding of the situations surrouding both the Pharaohs, and her younger sister. She'd rather not interrupt them later if at all avoidable.

[Bloodedge]

Every time he spoke, she acknowledged the sincerity of his words... Yet every time he spoke, she failed to understand the purpose of those same words being sent her way. Again, it was only a matter of time, and another step would be taken with only another declaration. Artoria was left without words once more, as she had been a number of times recently. These were the signs he looked for, and the more they appeared, the more content he became in his path toward the future. One anomaly remained, though. Artoria saw her own self-destruction not as something altruistic, but as something selfish. How foolish. "Hmph. Is this also humanity? Destroying yourself for your own desires is life in its purest form, I suppose... but it is no way to live," he declared in spite of his own actions to this day. It was quite a shame that neither of these individuals truly knew their own similarities. There were surely others who saw them, though. In fact, perhaps as much could be said about the pair presently stepping up to them, while Gilgamesh offered his final clause. "I will allow your secrecy. Later, we will speak more of this."

With that final phrase given, the pharaohs were upon them. Ozymandias was grinning widely in the wake of Nefertari's most recent statement, but first there was a matter of business between the woman and King Gilgamesh to address. "It is as I thought. Expect materials and remuneration to arrive at your doorstep soon," he said to seal the deal between them. This could have been the end of discussion with the pharaohs, but the Queen of Knights herself had information to share with those who wielded Holy Grails. "Ho ho. I expected someone fighting at the end of this shindig, not a meeting. Still, I'm interested to hear anything that's worth all of our attention. It just so happens that we have the perfect room for a meeting just over here. We left a little VIP section next door just incase it was that sort of party. Shall we?"

[Apollymi]

Gilgamesh questioned whether or not it was humanity that made Artoria think of her impending doom as something selfish. Some might consider it that way, but she thought it was exactly because she was so inhuman that she would see her situation through all the way. "Or it is the only way to live," she countered easily. She was still sipping from her cup, seeming not to care that it was her seventh of such a large drink. It could also be seen as something extra considering it was wine made by the blessed wine-maker and as such actually had a lasting effect even on the monstrous metabolism of one Artoria Pendragon. Much to her own appreciation, the King of Heroes as willing to let that piece of their conversation end for now, claiming she could keep her secret and they could talk about it later. "Oh? Feeling generous today, King of Heroes~" she stated into the brim of her cup.

Moving right along, the Pharaohs were now standing before them. Artoria had been right in her thoughts about the pair of them running off, then again... she could see the motivations of people she was looking at, though she did not need such a power in their case. Of course, the Pharaohs had planned ahead including a meeting room for them. "I'll be waiting on that," said Nefertari. She wondered what all the King of Heroes would commission. At the very least, it would give her an appropriate creative outlet for all of her designs which weren't themed for her own area. The words of Ozymandias hit Artoria's ears and that little smirk crossed her lips as it always would. "Sun King, you wound me... but the night is still young," she joked, though truly she had no intention of fighting anyone in the present moment. "Emi! With me..." Artoria said to her younger sister the Queen of Saints. Of course, Jeanne D'Arc rose without a second thought following heading up to her sister's side with a wide smile on her face. "Oh? Are we having a meeting?" she asked seeming to find this gathering just as strange as the first time such a thing had happened. Artoria nodded, picking up her cup with one hand and preparing to depart to this secondary room with the others.

[Bloodedge]

"We shall see," Gilgamesh concluded. Whether Artoria's choice was a terrible one, or the only one truly worthwhile, would one day be discovered by the pair of them... perhaps. For now, there was no immediate cause for concern either way. There was wine to be drunk, a celebration to finish, and apparently generosity to be offered on Gilgamesh's part. What would he have to say about this notion? "Of course my magnanimity should know no bounds when my darling bride is on the receiving end," he said jovially.

Nefertari was clearly excited to flex her creativity, as some (such as Ozymandias) realized she always was. Perhaps she would be even more elated to discover that the project Gilgamesh had in mind for her was, in fact, not something that anyone without foresight could have anticipated. He sought clothing for Artoria, yes. Some however, were for a physique she'd never possessed, which dwarfed even her physically mature younger sister. Some were for her current physique, but a more magical guise. More were matched to her current physique, but were more suited to an assassin of the night. She would soon learn of what he desired, whenever he gathered the materials and transported such a massive payment. First though, there was apparently a meeting to be had, and still the potential for Ozymandias to witness combat at a banquet. Hope was to be held as five holders of the Holy Grail stood and moved toward this alleged "VIP section" constructed by the pharaohs. Only a few treks from the dining hall was a large room draped in velvet and threaded electrum, with what appeared to be several couches arranged in the center of a round bar. Off to one side was a large harp, presumably from somewhere ridiculous like Gilgamesh's treasury if one considered the fact that it played itself. Ozymandias was the first to take a comfy sofa for himself, stretching an arm across the area his queen was expected to inhabit. "Alright then. What sort of situation warrants five mighty ones?"

[Apollymi]

Ah, right. According to the King of Heroes, they would see, probably when they had a real discussion about Artoria's plans. She felt she owed him the truth of her unavailability. If she gave it to him, perhaps he would be content to leave her to the path she walked, without becoming the only thing she might regret. Apparently, his generosity was there specifically for her, as his presumed future bride. "Oh to be so certain..." she said with a casual roll of her eyes.

Soon enough this gathering was in a nice 'VIP' type of room, with couches and it was obvious that Nefertari was apt to show off. The Queen of Knights current outfit was proof enough to Artoria that such creations were what she loved. Jeanne shared the same opinion after seeing the inside of the Holy Knights Headquarters. This VIP section they were now in was also proof of her creativity. There was even a harp playing itself, in gentle tones. Between the last memory of a room like this Artoria had, and the soft music her heart almost exploded in her chest. What a strange thing to remember, She could hide that though, just a gentle blink as she took a seat on a couch across from the Pharaoh Ozymandias. Artoria would drink out of her Grail now about halfway empty. Of course, Nefertari took her seat in the open arm space provided by Ozymandias, meanwhile Jeanne took a seat on one side of her sister.

Artoria for her part in this only had one way of speaking. Directly and not resting on ceremony with her word choice. Much like she would have spoken about anything with her Knights at her roundtable she had a candid conversation with these four about the nature of their current lives. "All five of us hold what this world considers a Holy Grail, though only four of us have seen the white room, I figured the information I gleaned from the voice within should be shared, at least between us," Artoria said. She sat with perfect dignity like a lady soon after with her hands clasped in her lap around the grail itself. "I asked the voice its origins and its actual powers, as well as about the grails and it enlightened me," she explained carefully. "The voice itself is the Nexus. And those of us with grails possess what it calls a 'key' to access it in some way or another. This is Divinity, above that of world gods or whatever else is naturally spawned within the world," she explained of the situation. "The Nexus itself has the power to change anything about the world, even things it does not truly understand and could not under normal circumstances access. But it is not completely infallible nor all knowing. It depends on those of us with keys to utilize it properly, including sharing the innovations of those of us who have talked with it. Do these things make sense?"

[Bloodedge]

It took less than a minute after entering this room for all to become situated. Ozymandias sat, Nefertari joined him, Artoria and Jeanne sat across from the pair, and Gilgamesh... stood? Yes, strangely enough, the King of Heroes remained standing with one arm akimbo, the other holding up the "Holy Grail" he drank from. He was the one Artoria spoke of─ the one who'd never witnessed whatever this "white room" was. The room, the voice that inhabited it, and even the name "Nexus" were strange to him. Ozymandias however, was still very familiar with all of these things. "Really? Strange, I'd never considered that before. It was very difficult to rationalize things while we were having none of our thousand questions answered," he griped. If not for the satisfaction of winning and sharing a Holy Grail, that would have been a very annoying visit. Oh well. He now had knowledge that he and these other four were above the "gods" of this world with their Nexus-granted form of Divinity. He'd become confident enough to proclaim such things anyway, but the confirmation was infinitely satisfying. "Haha! Hahahaha! Another milestone, and I didn't even know it! If that's how it is, we deserve another ascension! I will be the one to set the foundations!" Ozymandias himself was a bit drunk as well, mentally reaching for heights he didn't truly care for. Egypt was fine, as was the entire situation surrounding it. He was simply... smelling the flowers, so to speak.

As for Gilgamesh, he could easily say none of these things made sense. What Artoria explained was both ridiculous and useless to him thus far. So then, what would he make of it? "I have always been superior to those useless gods, regardless of whatever this Nexus thing is. My existing magnificence aside, the rest of you have acquired the means of altering the world as my envoys. What then does any of this matter? You've yet to give anything that should not already be known by all who sit here, apart from the meaningless name of a pointless and empty room."

[Apollymi]

Artoria continued drinking from her grail as Gilgamesh stood to the side of the rest of them. Her information was taken well enough by the Pharaoh, Ozymandias had something to say immediately, noting the lack of conversation from the voice itself. "I refused to do anything until my questions were answered, but that is my nature. It apparently has been having difficulties because it did not expect to deal with anyone before dealing with whoever it was waiting on," she explained of the Nexus itself. "You all were given fewer choices and lesser explanations. It was basically trying to problem solve and not properly capable of it," Artoria continued to explain. "You said it shared our innovations, what innovations?" asked Nefertari who seemd curious about the nature of whatever had been shared with the rest of the world. "And why did it answer you? I spent a long time in there and basically got nothing from it as well." asked Jeanne. Of course, Gilgamesh's words hit her ears and her eyes shifted over the top of her cup. She would answer the other two while processing some necessary information about Gilgamesh as well.

"The Nexus, King of Heroes, is essentially the biggest god this world can offer. The most absolute, though you should know what it is... that solves that particular curiosity. And explains so much about you..." said Artoria having come to a certain conclusion given her conversations with him and his speech. He knew who she was, but he didn't remember enough of himself. He'd spent so much time up here alone, he was hardly any of the person he was originally. "As for the questions presented," Artoria gave a sigh and lowered her cup. "It shares whatever innovations you had special to your forms when you ascended. It through Emi created Spiritual Foundation and the system of the Holy Knights, and took from me the ability to have a secondary of such a core, Minor Classes, you are welcome. I can assume the grail itself came from the King of Magecraft. As for the pair of you, I assume what you gave was the creation of 'Rulers', so thank you." Artoria said with a straight face. "As for why all of this matters, King of Heroes. The way the Holy Grail works as a system, has rules that extend beyond the barrier and battle. I am here to let you all know you can interact with the Nexus at varying degrees as you all have such divinity within you. And you... King of Heroes should because it has no idea who you are and thinks you stole your grail from the King of Magecraft," she said carefully. "As for why it answered my question, it acknowledges me as its sovereign and wishes to serve me. The other person it acknowledges as such is the King of Magecraft. So, it told me everything I wished to know about this world and offered me anything I wanted so I tested the limits of that..." Artoria explained of the whole situation. "The most important fact here, is that if you lose a fight and someone collects your Holy Grail, they can steal your key, and assume for themselves the power associated with it. This would have been a terrible thing to figure out in the middle of a heated battle." Artoria's words were ones she'd been thinking about for quite a long while. By her own thoughts, she probably owned Gilgamesh's grail after the first holy grail war she participated in, and then subsequently, lost her hold over it when losing a fight to the King of Heroes, granting his back to him. It would be like playing a player versus player match and dropping and picking up the same piece of loot multiple times, by her own reckoning. But this grail wasn't the sort of thing anyone wanted to drop, so she thought to warn them. While letting them know of the potential people who could figure this out if one of them happened to fall.

[Bloodedge]

It went without saying that Artoria Pendragon agreed to nothing prior to the answering of her questions. She exuded that sort of energy with every word she spoke, and even in the way she carried herself overall. "You don't say," Ozymandias said in the most joking form of sarcasm. Whatever the case, he was also made curious as to what sort of innovations the Nexus claimed from them. The identity of the "Ruler" Class made sense of Nefertari and himself. This Saint Graph thing seemed to be popping up all over the place when viewing other warriors as of late, and it made just as much sense that Jeanne d'Arc could be credited for that. As for Artoria's own contribution, apparently there was something about a secondary Class now? Ozymandias hadn't seen a new level in so long, he hadn't even checked for such a thing. "Ho─ that's quite a lot. I was right to deem the pair of you Mighty," the pharaoh proclaimed.

Meanwhile, the King of Heroes heard an explanation one could never have imagined in his position. What did the story of this Nexus explain about him, though? That would be something addressed later, but for now, there was a title of great annoyance mentioned. Some disembodied voice purporting itself a god thought his greatest drinking cup was stolen?! From that person?! Preposterous! "Hmph! As if that mongrel's items would even be half the quality required to enter my treasury. I once thought the Holy Grail was something worth acquiring, until discovering that the things you all war over are all cheap imitations of the Great Grail of Uruk. As always, mine is the genuine article," he said, taking the final gulp from his grail. One might note a legitimate difference between the "Great Grail of Uruk" as Gilgamesh called it, and the items possessed by the others in this room. Gilgamesh's in particular boasted a very different design, or lack thereof. It did not feature certain engravements found in the other grails, though its construction was of a uniquely flawless variety. Its very energy was... somehow different as well, as if it had yet to be filled by the war as those other three had been. "As for this Nexus thing, if it does not know of my greatness, then it is too far beneath me for any concern to be worthwhile."

It seemed a victor against one who wielded the Holy Grail, was somehow entitled to take that which made them so special in the first place. The likes of Gilgamesh and Ozymandias didn't seem very concerned about this at all. Still, the latter of them was rather annoyed to be finding this out only now. "Oh, wonderful! A thing meant to be omnipotent couldn't bother telling us the restrictions of our prize. So then, all of us are Rulers by law of these Holy Grails, but you are the Ruler of the Nexus?" There was a very interesting implication to be made here. Gilgamesh always claimed to be the king of everything, and now Artoria had essentially been deemed... the queen of everything. Surely he wasn't the only one thinking this was preordained by fate itself. Ozymandias even shifted his eyes in Nefertari's direction as if to share his thoughts with her, before clearing his throat and continuing. "Well, ye Mighty, I'm guessing that's the most important information you have for us today? How are we supposed to use this key you keep mentioning?"

[Apollymi]

Jeanne was almost appalled. Much like Ozymandias she found the idea of her sister, not doing what the Nexus wanted until she had her questions answered to be well within her personality in general. Even so, watching this young woman just casually sip wine with a smugness on her face that Jeanne herself recognized as victory was annoying. "It figures. I spend ages telling you to be good, figuring you're going to try and fight a disembodied voice, and you somehow are the only one who it will bend to," Jeanne looked almost adorably pouty making Artoria reach over and flick her nose with her finger tip. "No pouting from you, Emi. The voice itself seems to be trying to grow to accommodate all of us. Besides our patron Saint, you have quite a bit to offer the world, leave wrangling strange voices to me," she said in a moment of sibling bonding that saw the Queen of Saints curled into the Queen of Knights side like she was the smaller of them. Of course, Artoria would go on to drink even with an arm up to pet her younger sister's head.

All the while, Nefertari watched and heard out the information being passed along. It was a lot to take in, but the world did seem to be evolving with every grail won. It would seem like it might eventually become a problem if someone who didn't suit their group would randomly win one. And there was no telling considering how such things took place. She'd give it a bit of thought while the King of Heroes, went on his rampage about his cup and its nature compared to the others. All the while, Artoria took careful sips. She remembered this man descending in golden armor making such claims to her about the Holy Grail she won for her sister with the strangest kind of fondness. "That cheat of yours is probably the main reason for the confusion. The Nexus only seems to understand things that predate it in a strange sort of way," she said with a little smirk on her face. The original form of the Hero-King Gilgamesh was a different man in the other world. Everyone from there knew him and his original playthrough of a game before it was available to everyone else, as such his use of the system did technically predate the proper form of the Nexus. And given he wasn't thinking about this life and its connection to the original game, he might not realize all the nuances. He claimed the Nexus wasn't worth talking to if it didn't know who he was... well, that simply wouldn't do, especially not with the implications the Nexus made. She was sure such a thing could be used as ammunition. "It is fine if you do not wish to speak with the Nexus King of Heroes. But you cannot later be cross when people assume that the King of Magecraft is the match for my sovereign rule," she said before sipping more from her cup.

As if to further seal that thought into place, the words of Ozymandias were exactly the sort of thing to put that idea in anyone's head. "That does seem to be the case, according to the Nexus itself and what I was able to make it give me," Artoria mentioned as if this was a very calm conversation. Was that the most important information she had to give? Yes. Did she know how to commune with the Nexus. "That part is difficult. According to the Nexus each of us should be able to reach it, either in a smaller or bigger way. But I am unsure how it will work for you all, since your divinity is held within your own bodies. I hold a certainty I can force mine through the use of the tool I had my own divinity placed into," she said softly. Jeanne gave it a bit of thought and shrugged. "I sometimes hear the nice voice when I talk to it, meditatively before sparring. Maybe it is a matter of personal choice? And why didn't you have yours put in your body?" Jeanne was practically shocked she'd not placed her power within herself, but the truth of her sister meant she expected her to have had some sort of strange plan when making such a decision.

[Bloodedge]

It seemed there was an excuse for everything. This Nexus didn't know of Gilgamesh because he, or his things, predated it? It had some audacity. Worse still, were things to be assumed by everyone including the Nexus if he did not "introduce" himself to it. Was Artoria egging him on with her speech? There was a furrow to his brow, a narrowing to his eyelids, and an incessant twitch to one brow and the corner of his mouth. That lowly dog with his petty little crafts could never stand where he stood! He could especially never be allowed to act as king to Gilgamesh's own queen. So then... it seems any intended goading was doing the trick. Gilgamesh silently and angrily looked into the grail he held, forcing mana into it as if he intended to burst the thing. As if by sheer will and ire alone, he triggered an activation which would momentarily have the group of five sitting within the very same white room being discussed.

"Starving dogs nipping at the hand of their masters," Gilgamesh grumbled as the Nexus formed around them all. Ozymandias' mouth was open. He had been prepared to speak about the potential uses of these "keys" until... well, there was a sudden showing of one possibility. With that, he determined that the King of Heroes and the Queen of Knights could lord over each other's consciousness in different ways. Oh, they were going to be a fun pair eventually. Whatever the case, it seemed this was the genuine Nexus around them. "You've all returned, as well as another who is..." Another twitch came to Gilgamesh's brow during that disembodied voice's greeting. He would not let that statement finish. "Quiet, cur!" he yelled. There was a sudden hesitation to the Nexus' voice, as if it were a child being chastised. Meanwhile, Gilgamesh continued, even pointing an accusatory finger into the void above. "Hear me, you bodiless tool! I, Gilgamesh, am the one true king of this plane! Banish that bastard Solomon from my domain immediately!"

The Nexus was... confused? It had never interacted with this man before, but the Grail he had was Solomon's... yet somehow older. If it had a physical form at present, it would have been looking toward Artoria pleadingly. "I do not understand. The King of Magecraft is the creator of my keys. He cannot be banished so long as the key is his; however..." To this, Gilgamesh only grimaced further. "You are allowed confusion before my magnificence. Disobedient mutts, however, will be punished accordingly. Tell me, you who purports to be above man and divine... is Gilgamesh not capable of flogging even a formless voice?" Strange. The Nexus was almost quivering. It felt as if this was the one it should listen to, whether his threatening attitude had anything to do with that or not. Either way, what brought about this necessity? "This... does seem to be my King. . ."

[Apollymi]

Artoria sat patting her sister's head, thinking over the right answer to her question that didn't involve telling the truth to everyone in this room about her original nature and why she had no faith in herself as an individual. She gave it a bit more thought and came to an answer that would be satisfactory enough. "I placed it within a tool that cannot be taken from me. It is an item bound to my name, meaning that only its creator or one who shares my name can even bother holding it. I do not have to worry if I fall with it, because only Rie or Kei could even bother claiming it after the fact. It would keep what is mine from the hands of others, and allow the appropriate handicap if I need to be appropriately dealt with," Artoria explained to her sister. Jeanne heard this explanation and sighed. "That is a lot of words to say you do not trust yourself, Eri-nee," Jeanne's words made the Queen of Knights scoff but she only continued to sip from her cup cutting a glance over to her younger sister. "Vigilance has never led me astray, even when myself is the thing I should be vigilant of," Artoria summarized.

But how would things progress from here? A furrowing of Gilgamesh's brow, the twitch in his lip... All things seen before by the Queen of Knights. She'd purposefully provoked him into this introduction and it'd taken less than a few seconds of thought for all present to end up back in the white room as it it was. The voice of the Nexus was the same to all present though Nefertari had something to say. "My Sun and Stars, did she just goad the Golden King into doing something he seemed to have no interest in?" she asked in a hushed little whisper. "And did he then accomplish that task with the grandest bravado?" Ah, yes this had taken a bit of a turn Artoria herself could almost feel the shivering and pleading of the Nexus. "Or apparently we can leave the wrangling of disembodied voices to the King of Heroes. That was a far easier task than I imagined it would be," she said as if this was exactly what she thought would happen. "I had planned to do this with my lance but I suppose finding out the simplest method you can all use is for the best," she said nonchalantly. To the Nexus itself who seemed to have the same quality in it as Agravain did when pleading for her life earlier Artoria had only a few words to share, "I would not have forced the issue, but as I said, I know not your King of Magecraft. Temperament is something that I can only test directly, and faith is only earned in combat. I would not leave the only person who can speak to you directly, to be someone I have never associated with, especially after I figured out why you did not know this one directly. I do hope you understand." she said to the Nexus directly. To Gilgamesh she said something else. "King of Heroes, you cannot think of something a bit more magnanimous than banishment for the man who created the cups which made it possible for us all to progress?" Even drunk Artoria seemed to have nothing but solid points. Her younger sister wondered if she knew she was doing the girlfriend manipulation thing while trying not to be someone's girlfriend. Meanwhile Artoria herself would call her actions something closer to writing a will.

[Bloodedge]

A quiet discussion would take place between the pharaohs taken into this realm. Nefertari's initial inquiry warranted a hushed laugh from Ozymandias before his reply could come. "Yes, she did... and yes he did," he agreed. It was rather interesting to see how things played out between those two; Ozymandias could almost call it a full nostalgia trip. His initial response had come at a near-whisper, but the rest of what he had to say... well, he would speak the words loud and clear. "Moon of my Life, do you recall that day, oh so long ago, when I declared that only one opinion in the world is impactful to me?" When Ozymandias spoke these words, his eyes cut toward one Artoria Pendragon. There was a point to be made involving Gilgamesh's smitten state, as he did still wonder how much Artoria truly realized it.

Meanwhile, Gilgamesh was ready to burst a blood vessel. How dare this thing fail to recognize his greatness? Worse yet, how dare anyone believe even for a moment that someone like that bastard Solomon could take his place? "Of course I am your king! Gilgamesh is king to all; even moronic entities beyond the scope of the world! The Mongrel of Magecraft is never to step foot in this plane of mine again!" Gilgamesh seemed firm in his order, though there was really nothing the Nexus could do. However... "My King and my Queen, forgive me. I cannot keep the King of Magecraft─"

"Mongrel!" Gilgamesh interrupted. "... The... Mongrel of Magecraft from this place if a key is in-use. However, it seems he has recently lost connection. I am unsure why; I once believed it was because his key had been taken. Strangely, that does not seem to be the case with my King here," the voice explained. Gilgamesh huffed, his arms crossing and his head turning from Artoria. "There is nothing more magnanimous than ensuring some insect in need of stomping is kept from the path I walk! No matter. He will not make his way here regardless, no thanks to this useless buffoon at the bottom of our drinking cups. As for that Solomon himself, he merely copied my favorite utensil. Would you give credit to a man who steals technologies, and cannot even make use of the thing he replicated?"

[Apollymi]

Nefertari couldn't help but smile. Such an interesting couple this pair was turning into, whenever the Queen of Knights decided to listen to the combined beat of her heart and body. Ozymandias' first words were whispered, his second were spoken aloud and those eyes cut in Artoria's direction would be met by the Queen of Knights as she heard them. Why would he speak such a sentence, to enforce the idea that she alone could reel in the King of Heroes. Did the Sun King truly think her opinion held such weight? She could more easily assume that he was so furious about the idea of not being first, and because it would seem Solomon had his eye on her as the object of his affections. Nefertari seemed to think on this and smiled along with him, "I suppose I do recall, my Sun and Stars, the day you finally accepted your perfection as absolute fact~" she said her own eyes shifting towards the King of Heroes. Ah, well... they were having fun were they not?

Listening to the Nexus stumble over words made Jeanne feel bad for it. "Aww, but the Nexus is so nice. It doesn't seem like it's something worth being so upset at it over, especially not if it all works out at the end..." mentioned the Queen of Saints. Ever so saintly as to forgive even things that required no real amount of forgiveness. "This little sister, is exactly why you are a saint," Artoria mentioned as she sipped from her cup. Ah, she was approaching the bottom of it, how very sad. Whatever the case, it was Artoria who was asked why she gave credit. It was because she harbored a few beliefs based on her interaction with the Nexus and her knowledge of the King of Heroes' Gate of Babylon, there was also the knowledge she harbored about their previous lives and how easily she managed to hang on to hers, and how little of his own he seemed to remember. "I give credit because he added to the flow of lives, by giving Magecraft to the world. While I knowingly harbor a great distrust of mages, because of the one who had a great hand in raising me, I do understand the usefulness of such tools to humanity," she said seeming to think about it consciously. "Besides, I know a great many things, like the version of Caliburn you possess is obviously different from the one I pulled from the stone. But I also know I did not take yours, nor did I know of your existence here until you appeared before me. I also assume you do not possess Excalibur which I received directly from the Fae Princess..." she mentioned. "I do not understand it in fullness though I likely could, but I would assume you have collected the earliest versions of the world's works. It would mean that though you have your cup. It is very possible that Solomon created his with no knowledge of yours," she explained her understanding. "Does having an idea of something that already exists, nullify one's creation if you did not know about the other one? Not really. One cannot be faulted for a creation similar to one they have never heard of before."

[Bloodedge]

"Hmm yes, it was that day, wasn't it? To think it took that long for you to get the point across. Well... it is only human nature to not see one's own worth," Ozymandias added. It took a pair like them to drive a learned point into the brain of another. Thinking it obvious that the apparent king and queen of the world belonged together, Ozymandias figured there was no harm in a small amount of intervening. Still, eyes likened to the morning sun remained on Artoria. "Oh well. Some things take time and understanding... which itself can take time. If I'd rushed accepting it, I would have become something terrible." Intervention aside, Ozymandias was not one to batter away at the hesitant queen's mind as some others were content to. She seemed to be struggling to rationalize everything, but that was alright. If no one else had made that clear already, he would be the one to do so.

Jeanne d'Arc clearly disagreed with the king's behavior toward this Nexus. He didn't seem to care; it was obviously just some stupid child in need of discipline. The only concern to Gilgamesh presently, was the mentality of Artoria Pendragon. Why did she think to save that bastard of exile? Well, she apparently didn't look upon his thievery in a negative manner. Moreover, the fact that Solomon brought Magecraft to the world was simply pitiful. Gilgamesh had seen Magecraft, and none of it was worth any salt, so to speak. "H'oh? So you praise diminishment as if it were innovation? Magecraft is but a poor replica of Magic. The only weight it holds in the lower world, it does so because I chose to limit the gods' affinity. As a replacement to true Magic, Magecraft is a farce." Ah, he had endless complaints about the one called Solomon. As for his possessions, even Gilgamesh himself hardly knew what was, or wasn't within his collection. The likes of Excalibur could have been floating around somewhere without his knowledge of what it was. Whether Solomon knew of his cup or not, all he managed to do with it was share the original template with this Nexus thing, spreading it to the world at large to claim by merit. "Intentional or not, a fake is a fake. Letting mongrels fight over imitation goblets does nothing but increase my workload each time a victor is chosen," Gilgamesh griped, in spite of the fact that he still took that very work unto himself.

In light of the current information, Ozymandias had a thought or two. These explanations made him think in terms of the video game they all once played, and indeed, King Gilgamesh had every reason to possess literal templates of all things in the world. "Did the King of Heroes not win something like that in his previous life? I remember an announcement about Age of Eternity's flagship player, being offered access to the game's dev room," he mentioned. He wasn't sure whether the man known as Sage-King took that offer or not, but it seemed to go with him into this world regardless. While the pharaoh spoke, Gilgamesh quirked a brow. What the hell was this man even talking about? He had only the vaguest memories of a previous life, but... frankly, it played in his mind more like a segmented dream─ only the best parts.

[Apollymi]

Human nature not to understand one's worth? The words of the Sun King hit the ears of Artoria as she met eyes like the sun with ones made of emerald. How very interesting that he thought to share such information with her. Both of these people intended to clarify the nature of extended relationships with both the King of Heroes and herself. Like older siblings giving advice, "I suppose that is true, even eternity feels like seconds when the prize you've waited for finally gains clarity. It's well worth it, in the end..." those rainbow eyes of hers hadn't left the King of Heroes either. Strange though this pair was, they were good advisors, Artoria might even take their words under advisement. Not that she had any intention to fall for the King of Heroes. She could not do anything of the sort.

The words of Gilgamesh hit Artoria's ears and she sighed just briefly. "You call it diminishment but you live in your own utopia. Sanctuary as even the Nexus refers to it. For those of us who grew bloomed in the mud at the base of this world, who bent the will of reality with our own hands... even something as simple as what you would consider a downgrade is enough to let us grow into something proper, King of Heroes," she said specifically. His life at the top, untainted and unaffected by the movement of the rest of the world. With only the 'gods' who bothered him... that was very different from the lives of the rest of the humans. Artoria did not believe they needed gods, instead she believed they needed tools to handle that which came to them, in whatever form those tools chose to take. "Do not mistake me, I do not care if it is Magic or Magecraft. Mage of Flowers, King of Magecraft, both are names which cause annoyance in the depths of my soul. I only care that it can be used and countered by any who chose to stand against those who would abuse it. This is what Solomon gave so I cannot find fault," she mentioned. As for the extra work of Gilgamesh, he took that upon himself. It could only make her smile as she took her last sip of wine. "It does increase your workload, but you chose to be King of Everything. Wouldn't it be better served to see such things as a mark of your greatness, instead of an annoyance?" Artoria asked. She could be oddly persuasive for one who chose violence before all else. But perhaps that was the drunkenness of her current state. Seven cups of goddess blessed wine and even the Queen of Knights found herself in a fairly good mood.

A work in progress was happening as well. The Sun King knew of the game, he had his wife and held onto himself. Artoria had seen players hang on to themselves easily with the addition of other players, close family members or even just a friend or idea. But the King of Heroes spoke of his one friend and not as if he'd known him outside of this world. As such, she was almost certain he did not have anything holding him on to his previous life. She'd seen those too, people who were obviously based on those from stories in other worlds, unable to become anything but what they were because they had lived a life far too in-depth for their original psyche to bear. "Emi, how do you know who you are? If your first contact with someone who could identify you properly should have been a decade ago when we encountered each other at the Holy Grail War," she asked of her younger sister. "You know full well that we underwent the same training. I can hold on to myself irrespective of anything else in the world. I am always prepared to become someone else to complete the task at hand. I know who I am even when I cannot say my own name, because that piece of me is absolute," she said carefully. "I should be more depressed by that as an idea, but I am sure that is a trait of our family, in its entirety. I am glad you are still you..." she said giving her sister's hair a gentle toss. "Rie was born as my big sister the second time... I have always been identifiable. Even without her being there... I could keep my former life in my head because of the contradictions in my nature," Artoria said still so careful as to not mention what it was they were actually as a family. "I assume you Pharaohs also hold your previous selves..." she said coming to an understanding. Her eyes shifted to Gilgamesh and she fully understood he had not held on to this much of his life. "He probably does not recall that part. But in the most technical sense that would make him the first ever winner of such a thing as a wish that changed the world," she mentioned carefully. She knew what it was to not hold on enough to ones self. She would not be the one to cause him undue stress in a moment like this.

[Bloodedge]

"I call it what it is, and nothing more. What this thing refers to as Sanctuary means nothing to me; it will only be a surplus of mediocrity as these foolish wars continue through the ages," Gilgamesh claimed. In truth, that was the exact future that would come eventually. This Nexus was some sort of idiot, producing a method of raising the lower world's strongest to Finis Chaldea. It would take centuries, but eventually, history repeat itself. Those with power and those who desired it would be melded together, and events the Nexus attempted to spare humanity from in the lower world would occur in their current plane of existence as well. Even now, he could see the possibility several centuries, even millennia after the lower world crumbled. How many realms in the sky would they have to go through for a small section of humanity? "Somewhere within, there is a part of you that understands how disgusting that is. Envy is the fall of humanity a thousand times over. True Sanctuary can only be granted with prejudice."

Artoria found no fault, but Gilgamesh found few things faultless. The pharaohs were remnants of the truth in this world. Jeanne and Artoria were not quite, but certain aspects of each placed them perfectly on the line between. What of the next Holy Grail war this world enabled? What of the one after that, and those that followed even later? The negative paths he saw far outweighed the positives, and that was precisely the reason one such as himself had to mediate further. One day, some lowly dog would rise to Chaldea and need to be stamped out. In fact, he could see it happening a lot. Should Gilgamesh take those actions, and that workload, as marks of his greatness? Perhaps. Did that make it less of an annoyance? Certainly not.

Ah, but these things were featured in those dreams of the past he had. One Hoshimi Eri, and by association the sister always attached to her hip, was most of it... but there were a few more things. He recalled a great victory during a time in which he stood alone. In current life, it was processed as the dreams of an embryo. In truth, it was Ishigami Daisuke who first referred to Finis Chaldea as Sanctuary. When this world was only a video game still in development to people like them, it was his choice to create a realm separating the strong from the weak. Those who reached the upper limits would never know boredom, and those who remained weak would never have to fear the oppression of the strong. Little did Gilgamesh realize, growing up in this world had once turned him into an oppressive force for even the strong ones. Well, that hardly mattered after more recent developments. He eventually became the shelter for an even greater problem than what he was becoming. This life they all spoke of, though... could it have truly been so pitiful? "You speak of past dreams that mean nothing. Live the life you are dealt. Strive for the limits always, but never too far beyond one's own capacity. That is all that must be done. The lives you speak of are irrelevant," he surmised.

Ozymandias could agree with that notion, though he could just as easily disagree. How very conflicting that view was. Artoria had already made sense of it though, hadn't she? He'd never seen Sage-King in a collaborative video or livestream; the most that man had ever done was send his audience to someone else at the end of a stream... usually to the stream of PenDragonWitch and MaidOfOrleans if possible. It was strange to see how this life changed people from an outside perspective. Alas, not everyone could be as lucky as the pharaoh himself. "Interesting. When we appeared here, we were raised together. I was born Ramesses II, and of course... I was elated to discover that Nefertari, my fated wife, was her reincarnation. The only difficulty we had growing up was... well, going from adults to children."

[Apollymi]

Gilgamesh said truthful things, but in the end... his points were both right and wrong. Artoria would be the first to deny mediocrity at its core, but she would not be the one to turn away those who truly wished to work to become better. That was simply outside of her nature. He claimed that somewhere within Artoria she was disgusted by what the world could become if too much went wrong too quickly. "Of course. I never said I was not disgusted... but there is a reason I am always prepared to crush underfoot any whose hearts and ambitions are ill-aligned. Hope and vigilance, that is the crux of a conversation we have had before. I built my table on such a foundation," Artoria said and her sister couldn't even fault her for the logic. The Queen of Knights was allowed to incite a rebellion and murder her older sister as Arthur Pendragon because she was male and the girl was touted as evil. The issues of the world were only solved by those with the power to make it happen. And Artoria would see her own life all the way through to her own utopia.

The lives they had before were irrelevant well yes, but also no. There was a certain pretext that needed to be worked upon and that was that not everyone living in this world would do so in the bubble of their new life. Those with outer knowledge were bound to become problematic as they progressed, and their personality flaws would eventually be on display for all to see. "The lives we speak of, are how we hang on to what is left of personalities this world would have crushed, twisted or changed. It keeps some of us from becoming the worst of ourselves, but in the same light some are bound to become the worst of themselves instead with nothing around to ground them," Artoria said, Jeanne pouted in this moment. "Too pessimistic. People will be who they are, but there are good and bad sides to everything. It seems to me the good in this is those of us who made it here first, can help you... preserve this notion of yours. And that you coming here now, will allow you to make any alterations you seek now that you know how it works. The only remaining question is; Would you not accept the help?" Jeanne's words made Artoria's heartache, yes, the Queen of Saints was truly a saint. "She is right though, given the Nexus would do whatever I ask. I imagine the same would be extended to you... if you wish to keep the changes to your realm at bay, you could consider changes that would make that possible," Artoria mentioned as she'd considered something similar. But she also had the power to control all knights and the necessary knowledge to murder everyone she saw fit. Well, except the King of Heroes, as such there was very little else she needed to make the transitions possible.

The Pharaohs in Egypt lived a love story for the ages. Everyone else seemed to be struggling just to get from place to place. The worst thing mentioned by the Sun King was going through actually being raised a secondary time. And having the mind of an adult in the body of a child. For Artoria this had been worse, because she had the mind of an assassin stuck in the body of a child. There were several points in her childhood if she had been bigger that would have gone vastly differently. "I can commiserate, heartily. Childhood with my true mind was frightening though for what I imagine are very different reasons," Artoria said which made her sister chuckle. Somehow she imagined her swearing elder sister threatening to rain death and dismemberment upon the populace, challenging people to duels and then actually fighting them into submission. At the same time, she imagined the loving couple of Pharaohs, not knowing if they were old enough to continue on with the activities they enjoyed of each other physically.

[Bloodedge]

Not disgusted? It seemed Artoria was unaware of what he actually meant. He saw a glimpse of her future existence, one likely more relatable to her previous self. It still wasn't clear, but that woman was one who would end the many for the few, with neither thought nor regret... and even her own people were not safe from her methods. While viewing this version of Artoria Pendragon, he spoke in the way he would refer to such a woman. "Hmph. Your current resolve and ambitions are mighty, my Lioness, but even you may sink further into tyranny. Perhaps you will see for yourself one day," he ended.

Hanging on to personalities from another cycle of life was such a pointless endeavor. Given what Gilgamesh saw of that life, he regarded it as irrelevant in the greatest way possible. Nothing of that existence could be of use here, where might truly made right. Besides, there was another side to the proverbial coin Artoria spoke of. "It remains without purpose then. Some will be kept the same regardless of their memories, and some will change irrespective of them as well. Place the mind of a goat into the shell of a mammoth; watch it try its hardest to bleat." There was no changing the soul in this world. Those who were corrupt, were corrupt by design. The pure ones would remain so unless corrupted, but Gilgamesh refused the idea that silly memories would negate that change.

Oh well. Artoria did make one decent point. As King of the Nexus, he could do whatever he pleased, no? With that being the case... "Then I tire of this discussion. This meeting's purpose has been served, so all of you, begone." This order was accompanied by a wave from Gilgamesh, which would cause the ejection of the pharaohs back to their own temple, Jeanne to the banquet outside, and Artoria... nowhere. Indeed, he was far from done with her. One side of this debate would be proved truthful eventually, but the discussion itself was one Gilgamesh initially participated in for one purpose: he was waiting for the others' eventual exodus. Was he to make another move on the Queen of Knights? Well, pleasant as that idea always was, he didn't seem keen on doing so immediately. "Splendid. Now we may share a more purposeful meeting."

[Apollymi]

Lioness? Sink further into tyranny? Artoria spent a few moments wondering if she liked that reference for herself, deciding after a moment that she did, but as for the thought that she might sink further into tyranny, nothing but a small smile spread across her face. Why? Well, because there would be no sinking. "I do not think such a thing would involve any real amount of sinking on my part King of Heroes," she said and Jeanne could only nod. It was the truth of the matter that 'tyrant' was simply part of Hoshimi Eri. It was part of her underlying personality there was no downward spiral. She was presently simply a an understanding tyrant instead of a truly tyrannical one. But it was always there just below the surface of her being, but no matter.

As for the matter of the changes in nature of people she truly couldn't argue. Her own existence was one which could not truly change given her own start. She could only live as she wished to and try to force the issues. Still, there were people who would become terrible because they now had the ability to do so, Gilgamesh himself could be considered such an individual. Ishigami Daisuke had once decided to create Sanctuary to protect the worlds low level players from high level bored ones... and he had been the tyrant of his people so high on himself during his isekai adventure that he'd been stealing people's brides from them. "The inverse is also true and leans more liberally towards that problem of envy you mentioned," she said easily. Things that thought themselves bigger than their bodies were bound to be more problematic than everyone else. She sorely wished her cup was still full but it didn't seem to matter.

Ah, the King of Heroes was done with the discussion with everyone. Artoria herself had relayed the information she found necessary, still... it was a little strange to have her younger sister's warm rather suddenly disappear from her side. "That was rude..." she said now holding both an empty cup and a missing warmth. Now they could have a more purposeful conversation? Truly? "And what would you like to discuss, King of Heroes?" she said staring at him the flame of curiosity dancing behind her eyes. She seemed unworried about being alone with him, even though her earlier leave of his person said she would rather not be so. She still did not truly understand how she felt about him, but she was not feeling particularly murderous in the moment so that was fine right?

[Bloodedge]

"Easily said when you have done so much to float upon the surface thus far," he countered. True, tyranny was in her nature; he could see that. Even so, the simple fact that she rose above the level more true to her meant some sort of downfall. Ah, but he never said it was a downfall he would not gaze upon favorably. In the eyes of Gilgamesh, this woman could truly do no wrong. Whatever the case, more points were thrown. Was that comment about the inverse some sort of jab? Well, it wouldn't be wrong. Gilgamesh had so few memories of his original life, he hardly knew what he was like. Perhaps he had been one to fall into depravity through this rebirth. If so, it only meant he was tainted from the beginning... but perhaps his self-alteration spoke to the contrary.

All these things were too much bother for a discussion between the two of them─ at least now that they were alone. Was it so rude that he rid them of the riffraff? He thought not. "Worry not. I willed them to the places they have more comfort. The pharaohs may indulge in each other in their own home, as opposed to breaking in a place I may use as our wedding venue. Your sister, however, has been returned to Siduri and the others. You, Nexus! Fill my chalice." Ending with a demand to the realm around them, Gilgamesh had his own grail topped off. The wine was even sweeter while they were alone and sharing words, and it was clear they both desired another. He would surely have one for himself while Artoria questioned his desired topic of conversation. "The matter is yours, is it not? You were to tell me of your selfish tendencies. That is, unless you would rather christen this empty gutter meant to be our shared throne over all creation."

[Apollymi]

"The restrictions I place upon myself are for the good of everyone else," Artoria countered. Yes, she was floating on the surface of her own tyrannical nature, but she could so easily wrap that around herself, it would be like snuggling up in one's favorite blanket. Right before she picked up a nearby object and slayed an entire room full of people without remorse. Whatever the case, after she called this man rude he went on to explain that he'd simply moved the others to places they would find more comfortable. Her younger sister back in Siduri's care, and the Pharaohs back in their own temple to avoid them 'christening' this venue. "If not rude in the straight forward sense, then at least sudden... but I suppose you are simply like this," she said seeming to accept at face value the way he was even if it did not quite line up with conventions.

Now what were they going to talk about alone in a room like this. He wanted either to know of her selfish tendencies or to christen the room. How very him as a demand. "I will also require another," she said watching as her own cup filled. Once it was full again she brought it up to her lips while giving thought to how to broach the topic of her selfishness. "This is a strange topic to undertake," she said trying to think about how to start speaking on her former life and why she wished to live and die by the rules she set. "I... seek redemption," she said carefully. "In the simplest terms my life was one where I made only one choice of my own. I was in that time, a remorseless and merciless killer, an assassin for hire. I was so much, a killer that the only thing that gave me anything resembling happiness was figuring out how I would kill the next target on my list, cleaning weapons, and my time spent with my family," she said. "I made the choice to be that to spare my brother and younger sister from such a life, and I was fine with that... Both of them are better people than I can be," she gave it consideration while speaking on it, taking a long sip of wine while she considered her stance. She hadn't changed her mind at all. Even know, she'd take on the terrible parts of the story of King Arthur, if only so her brother wouldn't have to bear with the parts that would break him, this was simply the kind of person she was, realistically.

[Bloodedge]

"That much is obvious," Gilgamesh spoke without hesitation. Her restrictions certainly weren't for her own sake; essentially nothing she did could be counted as such. Destroy everything to save everything. That was her way, but even in destroying herself, she refused to save herself. Such fallacy could not stand.

The King of Heroes drank and drank, while hearing Artoria's explanation of her selfishness. So many words passed her lips, and some of them even made sense. However, the whole of it was completely ridiculous. She was a remorseless assassin? Fine. She made only one choice of her own, and it was to dive headlong into the life of merciless killing to spare her younger siblings the same fate? Also fine. She wanted redemption for making that choice? Foolish! Regardless, he let her speak her mind. For every few words that left her mouth, a sip of wine entered his. Artoria Pendragon was far from a fool, despite how easily he referred to any and everyone as such; but he could not find an ounce of wisdom in her current decision. Did she not see? It was clear as the cloudless sky how foolish she was being! "I see..." he said, seeming quite serious after that information dump. Suddenly though, the King of Heroes laughed, as if to mock her stupid decisions. "I didn't imagine even you could be so foolish. Queen of Knights, has your body that refuses to grow managed to impact your mental development as well? Fuhaha!"

Of course, there was purpose to his laughter. It was hilarious, wasn't it? Artoria took the time to say all those things, just to claim that her selfishness was some desire to fill an endless cycle, closing it without breaking the proverbial wheel. "You lived a life, you made the choice to throw it away. You are granted another life by fate, so you choose to do the same thing for redemption? I will not fault your desire for forgiveness, but tell me, what is to be forgiven? Killing, that your loved ones may live in bliss? Even a common beast would do as much. If you believe your life is owed as a debt, it should be considered that your life has already been given twice. If you believe differently, you are free to show me the difference between a man who died and a child never born. Don't bother. The difference is subjective, depending on whether the man lived his life to the fullest. You, Artoria Pendragon, have not yet been born... So why do you not live?"

[Apollymi]

The Queen of Knights went through her explanation and then she drank wine. The words and laughter of Gilgamesh were about what she expected. She knew no one would agree with her on this matter, but that is why it was selfish. She couldn't even help the small smile that formed on her lips in the face of such a thing, as hearing the King of Heroes laugh properly even for just a moment. When did that sound become something likeable? "No, I still have my own brain aside from the rages, I am myself..." she said truthfully. His summary made her sound so outlandish but it wasn't really that big a leap was it? "I gave away a life, on purpose. And I am holding the place of another, incidentally, but I made the choice to live this one in a manner which I could like it," she said that very carefully. "That first decision I made, knowing full well I would never know who that person was. I do not know the girl assassin, or anything associated with her. She was never really a person, she was a tool, her siblings refused to treat as such. Artoria Pendragon, is a person I know and one I can like..." she said of her current self. "I do not expect anyone to understand... but ever since I was born in this world, I have dreamed of a utopia at the end of the world, in the most beautiful and quiet space my life could know. Even more quiet than my brain gets before I kill something... I have never seen that before, it intrigues me," she said this and couldn't help herself but be elated at the thought. "I know it is absolutely selfish, and foolish and stupid, but I want to live and die on the terms I set and then happily sit in the solitude of my own creation, even if it is forever. I will live the life of an upstanding protector, and have an honorable death that does not just drown the world in the blood from my hands," she said with a smirk.

"And the truth of it is, I know that everyone would be upset. And I know that none will understand why I made the choice, but I made it because it is mine to make and I wish to live the way I want and die that way as well. It would not even be anything worth being upset about if it was not the case that I will not return. But I am fine with that as well..." she said. "When I die I will not return so I will live this life on my terms, without regret and create the standard I wish upheld. And then I will die the way I lived and that is something I could not have, without taking it for myself." Artoria's words were foolish. She realized it was flawed and she knew no one would go along with her logic, but it was what she wanted and she would have it. She resolved herself to the life and death of King Arthur even if it meant she had to disappear from this world too... and she would do all she could to walk the line and embrace the death at the end. Strangely, though... the King of Heroes words still resonated with her. Every time he accepted something about her, she found herself, confused surrounding the King of Heroes. 'Are you really so content, to insert yourself into my mind as something I cannot peacefully leave behind? Will you truly set yourself up to be something I regret?' That question danced behind her eyes like a strange flame. The King of Heroes was a person she could not tell her feelings about but at the same time she also could not easily separate herself from him. It was strange. "I live the terms I want. I do not reach for things I do not understand because I will not have my resolve shaken. I am not the sort of person to let go of anything... so to live the way you would define it would open my heart to swaying and I will not allow it."

[Bloodedge]

Artoria would continue sharing her resolve and all the reasons behind it. No matter how much she spoke, it was only words. Sure, those words had infinite meaning within the queen's own mind, but her selfishness was too foolish to be given proper credence. "The choice you've made is the worst choice possible," he commented, though she would be allowed to complete her speech anyway. In her initial life, she let herself inhabit the body of a tool. In this life, the way Gilgamesh saw things, she was doing no differently. No... there was a minor difference; she was a tool she could appreciate the quality of. In a way, one could say she made a trophy of herself after all the madness of previous life. Her dreams were essentially all she had, but why follow a dream when life was right there in front of her? It truly didn't make sense.

The long and short of it all was that Artoria knew her self-sacrificial path was completely selfish, and she knew it was something others would look upon negatively. If nothing else, Gilgamesh could admire her resolve. That attachment to some silly old dream was very possibly her most attractive feature. Even so, it was no less moronic a thing to do. And, of course... there was one important clause she continued to miss. Of all the issues Gilgamesh had with her purpose, one blaring thing stood above everything else. That would be the only matter worth truly discussing. "Very well then. Follow your dream, Queen of Knights, and see the utopia that waits when the bloodshed comes not from you, but from those you've indirectly mobilized to your honor," he started. Gilgamesh himself knew the outcome of Artoria's sacrifice. The battle which saw her fall... there was no honor in it. No glory, no dreams, no satisfaction for anyone involved could exist on that bleak day. However, he had no intention of halting her pursuit of that horrendous fate. "But, you are mistaken. You may go with no regrets. You may die as you wish, having lived this life by your silly terms. You may see the utopia you have dreamed, but you must remember one thing. When you know the satisfaction of utopia, you will take up your place at my side. You and I are kindred, you see. I, too, am not the type to let go of something. There is an unreachable star in my sight, and I fully intend to bypass the heavens to make grasping it with these hands into a possibility. Kick and scream if you like. Your place is with me, not in some endless realm of phantasm."

[Apollymi]

The worst possible choice? Yes, that sounded about right... still the smile on the Queen of Knight's face was so very genuine for just a moment. "Yes, it is. But it is mine to make," she said simply. Just that, the thought of that alone, and a retirement that would actually be quiet and unhindered was enough. The world did not need Artoria Pendragon. Artoria's choice was the one which was the worst. It would under most circumstances break everything. The table she held together by might alone, would likely crumble without her to hold tempers in check. The men she raised from boys would likely turn against each other in a fight for whatever the saw as right. And for a while with no one to bring the light of Excalibur to the land... it was very likely to seem bleak. But, Artoria was a warlord and tyrant. She was not fit to lead the Knights of the Roundtable. She crushed those men underfoot because she needed to do so at the time. Though she'd gained attachment to them, she'd still decided that ultimately they would not need her. There was one better suited to serve than her... and she'd leave the fixing to the one most suited to do so.

Artoria knew there would be a battle the likes of which the world have never seen. She spoiled to death her nieces and nephews knowing at some point the children of the slayed Fae Princess would turn against her. She knew the story of King Arthur better than most, because it was a personal obsession and she could die happily knowing that the hope she held was only borrowed. Ah, but the King of Heroes had something more to say. She could destroy herself, find the death and the honor she meant to take... see the bloodshed in her honor but not by her hand and then... retire. That is what all assassins wanted. A quiet life, in an endless space after two failed childhoods sounded damn good to her, but... she belonged with him? He would not let her go? Even knowing the depth of absolute stupidity she was willing to live and die on? Even knowing she did not understand his obsession with her? He would truly come after her at the end of it all? "He...hehehe...hahaha... Bwahahahaha!~" she laughed over the top of her cup pulling it away from her face in the strangest showing of humor she'd had so far. Her entire face lit up, what kind of tragedy was this? This ridiculous man stood before her, knowing how absolutely ridiculously selfish her hopes and dreams were. He knew now how very contradictory she was, to want to save those below her while wanting to die herself... and still he'd do something so ridiculous as take unto himself the demand to pull her out of her own eternity. According to him she could kick and scream if she liked, because he'd be taking her to be with him regardless. She didn't even have to look at him now to know the strength of his convictions. But as her emerald green eyes danced over his form she knew his certainty and remembered the first time she'd laid eyes on him. If there was anything in this world she could trust outside of her siblings, it was the King of Heroes, even more so than she trusted herself. Ishigami Daisuke, had always been a man to beat, one to topple and one who stood too high for her liking. He was annoying and obnoxious always raiding her streams with viewers she did not ask for and issuing that laugh of his as an emote. Hoshimi Eri hated this man and the attention he tried to give her even then, it always directly contradicted her understanding of her worth as a person. But here and now she felt quite differently. "You are and have always been such a ridiculous man, Ishigami Daisuke."

[Bloodedge]

There was a mighty, and perhaps even meaningful exchange between the two monarchs of the Nexus. From that back-and-forth exchange came a fit of laughter from the former assassin. Did she think his claims ridiculous? Well, then they were both total fools. Each of them had an unwavering resolve, and goals that would be taken to the end of all creation. Both made a decision that would be held onto for an eternity, and strangely enough, those decisions did not clash with one another. Artoria was always free to seek the death she desired, but even in the wake of that death, Gilgamesh would be there to grant the life she deserved─ the life he desired. The time had come to settle, and settle, he would.

Gilgamesh did not dream in the conventional sense; Gilgamesh prophesized. Little did he know, that glimpse of a life he had before this one was very much a dreamer. All of those raided livestreams were an act of reaching for a dream, an innocent wish to be realized and accepted by an absolute star. Little did he know, his current reference for Artoria Pendragon was one he thought up in another reality. She, like himself, had been a star in the colloquial sense to all gamers, yet in a more meaningful way to... whom? Ishigami Daisuke, she said. It was so strange that she even knew that name. Gilgamesh himself had forgotten it some hundreds of years ago, before he even became a man. He became the boy who would be king, and he embodied that fully until the fated day came. So then, how was he to react after the sweet melody of the queen's mirth? How would he accept being called by a name long since lost, and referred to as ridiculous in a life he'd lost all attachment to? Well, he'd take another sip of wine before snorting a mock laugh over his grail. "Ishigami Daisuke, was it? Such a foolish name. It surely could not have been mine."

[Apollymi]

Artoria's mood was strangely good considering she'd just had a massive heart to heart. She considered that this version of the conversation went way better than a similar one she'd had with her sister, around the time she'd discussed her ability to slay her. It made her feel light and kept the smile plastered to her face. Some hundreds of years of his own lifespan before now, the man known as the King of Heroes had been Ishigami Daisuke. She knew this as fact for a few reasons. As mentioned by Pharaoh Ozymandias he was the flagship representative of the gaming community of Age of Eternity, he was always raiding her streams with her younger sister, and to that last end she'd once looked him up directly to threaten him with violence, though she'd been talked out of it. "It really was, I would know, between your being famous and looking up your address so I could threaten you with violence I am uniquely certain..." Artoria admitted without the slightest inkling of shame. She'd already admitted to being abnormally violent as an individual. Initially she thought this man to be hitting on her sister, and thus she was going to kill him to end anything sketchy about his behavior. It had been Emi herself to point out that all of his messages were aimed at Eri. And as such, she'd let him go about his life, while harboring a great amount of animosity about his visits. "Though if it is your preference, I can continue to call you the King of Heroes. I strangely felt compelled to use that name, just then..." she mused as she sipped from her own cup. Here they were comfortably conversing. Sure of the dreams of each other that were strangely not conflicting at all. And beyond all of that drinking and enjoying each other's company, what an absolutely adorable couple. Artoria's eyes would flicker over this man a time or two, did she truly like him? She liked his personality, and the sound of his laughter was growing on her. His diligence and attention were also things to like. But was that enough to define as liking? Well, there was also that kiss... she didn't dislike that, oh she was staring at his lips now. Why was that?

[Bloodedge]

"Famous, eh? Well, I suppose that was me after all. And, of course, it is only fate that you would always approach me with violence and contempt." Another swig followed these words by Gilgamesh. He mulled over the thought of Hoshimi Eri looking him up in the other world, hunting him down and being at his bedside with weapons at the ready when he greeted the morning. He probably shouldn't have found that attractive, but it certainly set fire to his loins. Maybe his view of it was taken from a slightly skewed perspective? Yes, that was likely the case.

Whether Artoria referred to him as Ishigami Daisuke, Gilgamesh, or some other random phrase, he didn't particularly care. Only she could greet him with anything shy of reverence, and earn something other than his ire. What she chose would simply be the trigger for whatever type of meeting they would have thereafter. Artoria's compulsion to address him as that old human name was interesting in its own right, though. What caused such a thing? Perhaps the King of Heroes was making more headway than even he anticipated. Of course, it would even become obvious to him that she was watching his mouth each time the grail he drank from lowered. Surely Artoria didn't think he would go without commenting upon noticing this. "H'oh? And suddenly, the circle completes itself again. Don't tell me you've decided the time has come. The timing would be far too perfect, and reality itself may shatter. Or, did you think you could successfully avoid my gaze this time while gawking at me so brazenly?"

[Apollymi]

Would Artoria always approach him with violence and contempt? Well, he made it easy to do, "Violence is the way I approach most things, especially those I do not understand... But I am not particularly contemptuous," she said these words but there was a smile on her face. To be honest, she only did not follow through on that particular action because it was obvious to Emi that the man wasn't interested in her. Hoshimi Eri would do anything for her family and was definitely the type to kill over her little sister.

Whatever the case, she'd managed not to slay Ishigami Daisuke, she'd managed not to slay Gilgamesh and she was now sitting alone in a room with him, finishing her eighth cup of wine as if this was an excellent idea. That body of hers though was still acting of its own accord, and of course this snippet man would take pride in the fact that she was watching him, and bring attention to it. When they were alone her reaction wasn't quite so starkly negative, but it couldn't be given her own personality, "Brazen gawking? Is that what we would call it? This room is empty and white, we are speaking, quite peacefully I might add, where else would I look?" Ah yes, deflection! That always worked. A bit snarky too... she'd be able to hold her own as long as he wasn't berating her mind with images she didn't need it holding. Of course, she knew it wouldn't last long this confidence of hers, but that was about the best she could come up with on the spot. It was a bit annoying to be caught like a kid with their hand in the cookie jar. Even so, she couldn't really stop what she was doing either. This whole attraction thing was strange, surely, there was a logical explanation for her wandering eye. It couldn't have been something ridiculous like a desire to kiss a man who annoyed her to no end. That would make no sense.

[Bloodedge]

"Hmph." Not contemptuous, eh? What an interesting thing to admit just then and there. The layers of Artoria Pendragon were peeling away piece by piece. The toughest, crunchiest part was all but gone in moments like these. Here and now, all that remained was the soft interior, though even that was littered with brittle chunks. For instance, who in the world did she think she was deflecting against? Yes, they were the only ones conversing in an empty, white space. She wasn't simply looking at him, though; something that simple would have been ignored with ease. No, the part of Artoria's mind that she would rather shut away was at work. She'd woken the part that would one day become his bride, and failing to smother it beneath the pillow. Even her little excuse could have been passable though, if not for the fact that she had nothing but more ammunition to grant the King of Heroes. Another snort escaped the male, and another sip of wine passed his lips. Once that was taken care of, he began staring her down properly. They'd danced this dance before. If Gilgamesh had his way, they would dance it a million times more. "It would be all too easy to show you a better place to look. Magnanimous as I am, I would even be willing to do so even though I've been offered nothing from the likes of you. That is the altruism of a king, is it not?"

[Apollymi]

Artoria didn't like the sound that escaped Gilgamesh's lips. Why? Because it implied a surety that would only end with her embarrassment. Ah, he was still drinking out of his cup. There was a moment or two of silence, oh but he wasn't done. Apparently, he'd held this off just for the sake of turning his eyes towards her. Did she like that? Did she not like that? She wasn't entirely sure. She had an almost innate desire to stare back. Why did this feel like fighting? Was it her fault? Was it violence that was buried deep in her soul? did she not really feel anything else? She wouldn't be surprised, but it wasn't always about violence when she was talking to him... she could at least admit that. 'Why? Why am I always so out of my depth while talking to this man? I am a murderer, this shouldn't be so fucking hard!' Artoria's mind was always full of strange sentences in reaction to the things the King of Heroes said. Why was he always so difficult? "I..." there was a pause.

What did she say that didn't end her up in some strange situation she was not yet ready to face? He said he would show her something she should look at and all she could think is that he was going to take off his clothes. She didn't want that, right? Yes, right... she'd seen him naked. It wasn't necessary. Of course, she also realized that it was much easier to ignore a naked person when you were certain of your lack of interest. No, she definitely did not want him removing anything from his person. All while she thought there were gears turning in her mind, the flames of her eyes flickering as she tried and failed to come to a conclusion. "I have no reason to offer a man who has everything, anything. Especially not on the day he orchestrated a celebration I did not ask for." she said. "Also it cannot be counted as altruism if you are obviously teasing me for your amusement." Yes, that sounded firm. Too bad her eyes hadn't moved at all from this man's mouth since his cup did. Where else would he have her look. If he got naked she should react with anger, as she did the first time, but now she did not trust her body to do the right thing and act as expected. No. She could not risk any of this. She should leave. And place so much space between the two of them it would be a hassle for them to cross paths. Still staring at his lips though, would it hurt anything to go for another kiss? Whose mind was this?

[Bloodedge]

Silence fell. Well, it wasn't quite silence. Artoria spoke a single word, and then there was nothing for some time. All the while, he was most casually sipping wine from the grail. Would she take the bait? He wondered. It was all too easy to plant things in this woman's head, but she tended to avoid being reeled in fully each time the bait was taken. Just once, he'd managed. Even then though, she broke free just before the catch... but what a fight it was along the way.

Speaking of a fight, there was almost one happening right here, right now. He could almost feel the tension of Artoria's very soul as she struggled against him, and struggled against herself. Some time ago, he imagined she would have already assaulted him. Now, the situation was quite unpredictable while he wasn't utilizing the power of his eyes. Now then, what was this about a celebration she didn't ask for? "A celebration you've enjoyed nonetheless. Eight chalices," he counted. More importantly, though he may have been teasing her for his own amusement, there was far more to it than the present moment. She was already right back to playing that little game of chicken they participated in earlier this day. The outcome could be anything, he thought. "Oh, but it can be. I take only a moment of amusement, all to organize the heavenly bliss both of us will know the moment you cease your defiant behavior. Even now, you struggle. I make an offer, and you question its generosity instead of denying it outright? That is a far cry from what I expected of you only a few hours ago, which leaves open many new possibilities. What sort of dance will we have this time? I'm rather excited to find out."

[Apollymi]

Artoria was at war with herself. Everything about her, her words, her reactions and even the count of drinks she'd consumed was being watched with more acuity than could be offered by a hawk. Artoria had a moment of silence all the while she was watching the King of Heroes. Was she interested in him? It didn't seem like that was the right phrase. Ah, but what was this, she'd drank eight of these chalices full since the start of her party? And that was truly the showing of her happiness with this situation. What could she possibly say to something like that being pointed out. "Shit," her eyes widened. "Oops. Look do not tell anyone I said that. And no one can know I had eight cups... I can already hear Lancelot clucking like a mother hen about my bad decisions," Artoria had a single hand on her face but knowing she was already in trouble she went ahead and began drinking from her cup again. 'In for a penny.' The truth of Artoria was that she was always so busy suppressing her base self, that when she was alone or in trusted company she started to crumble. She had sworn more in the King of Heroes presence in the last day, than she'd actually sworn even in her own head in about a decade. "In fairness, I have not disliked today..." she admitted as she was always going to, though she'd wanted no party she could not deny she'd enjoyed the gathering, and the company of the King of Heroes.

Now though she was sipping from her cup and hearing the words of the King of Heroes. He would offer heavenly bliss if she stopped resisting? He was watching her struggle? Her behavior was already outside of her norm? "No one knows more than me how far outside of the norm my behavior is King of Heroes," she nearly snapped. That was like the most obvious statement in the world. "You provoke me at every turn, and it makes me want to fight but you do not simply die or back down. I am not used to being defied!" Artoria could have neared outrage but she also could not. "But I do not dislike such a personality and when I am given honesty as clear as yours, I find myself replying in kind," she mentioned. Her eyes ended up back on this man and they would not move. "Everything about you confuses me but I do not find it to be all together negative. So of course, struggle is inevitable," she mumbled into the rim of her cup. "It is a problem to be this way! And defiance is all I have left," she declared at the end. It had all been much simpler when she'd just kissed him, but she wasn't sure she could win such a battle nor was she sure she could stop her own body from reacting to him. Treacherous beast that it was, she could hardly take her eyes off him already. If he moved for her and she did not back down she'd find herself in another strange predicament. And, if she called his bluff and approached him it would be worse, right?

[Bloodedge]

Once more, the Queen of Knights had only a swear to offer. She made it clear yet again that she wanted none to hear about that, but Gilgamesh's concern was in regards to how he could make those a frequent and purposeful reaction. Surely he could manage that within a matter of minutes, given the right situation. Ah, but this time, it wasn't simply her sister's reaction to be concerned about. She spoke of the knight Lancelot, comparing his behavior to a mother hen. "Fufu... ahahahaha!" he guffawed, having to force himself to stop just to finish his own drink. While he did so, he heard a very familiar phrase from the queen. Infinitely intriguing was the fact that she always claimed to not dislike things, but never claimed to like them. "How reserved. Soon enough, you will have an experience too magnificent that you cannot be silent about loving it," he declared.

Artoria was not used to defiance. In that regard, they were on the same page. Just as he was bothersome for refusing to back down or fall, she was bothersome for refusing to give in. Overall, Gilgamesh could call it the most entertaining courting experience in the world. Yet again, Artoria spoke in regards to her lack of distaste. All in due time. "Your struggle is of your own creation. You needn't be confused. That, too, is something in your path that I intend to destroy." There was again a strange amount of weight behind his declaration. He even stepped forward while she claimed this demeanor was a problem for her. While Artoria was concerned about the outcome of this conversation and the accompanying feeling within, he was in the process of removing the need for consideration. Brazen as he was, there was no hesitation in his effort to snatch the woman by the back of her head, forcing their lips together once more. The first time, he'd allowed her choice in the strangest of gambles. This time however, her desire was not to be questioned. Consent? He received that hours ago, and had no use of it here.

[Apollymi]

Another laugh, Artoria's eyes flickered. His laugh was definitely much better in these sorts of contexts. When did she start liking that laugh? She truly remembered it as being an annoyance before. Perhaps she changed her mind after getting to know him a better? Or maybe this was that biology thing her older sister mentioned? Perhaps it was less annoying overall because... he was appealing to her? Is he attractive? Maybe? She didn't dislike the way he looked she was certain of this. But did she like this? "It is not a matter of reservation, King of Heroes," she managed. Maybe one day she'd figure out how to avoid these sentences which made her stumble over words and not be able to keep straight in her mind moments.

According to Gilgamesh, all manner of her current struggle was her own doing, and he would be breaking it. Her eyes went wide for a moment. What was she supposed to do with this information? Well, there was nothing to be done for her. He was approaching her, even as she told him he confused her and what would he do upon reaching her? He grabbed the back of her head and pulled her in. There had been no bluff, no preparation, he truly just wanted to kiss her. And soon enough their lips were just brought together. What was she supposed to do? She kissed him back once their lips met. Apparently, her body understood its desires even if Artoria herself was unsure of what to do about it. He was so much bigger than her in a moment like this. Men standing over her in such a way was quite normal but why was this making her heartbeat faster and her face heat up? Did she like being held this way? Her empty hand was brought up, she shouldn't allow this right? So why then was her hand currently resting against his chest? Fuck! She didn't understand herself at all.

[Bloodedge]

Twice now, Gilgamesh had been capable of taking bliss into his own hands and having it pass through his lips. Once again, he would not avoid savoring this moment. There was so much more to consume this time. Neither of them had much sobriety to their person, frankly, and there was hardly room to taste anything beyond the wine. Would that stop the King of Heroes breaching that barrier? Absolutely not. Each time they met, Artoria Pendragon became more honest physically, even though her mouth continued spewing falseness and half-truth. That didn't matter too much; her mouth could have far better uses. In fact, he presently found it most useful as lips were puckered against his own. The warmth of lips was not all he felt, though, was it? No, there was something else. Gilgamesh's torso was essentially always laid bare for the world to see, but in this moment, the hand of Artoria was upon it as well. How very... satisfying. Yes, that was how he would consider it. Another instance of throwing himself at this woman had resulted in another step toward tearing down her defensive walls. It was assumable that she could then feel the upturn of Gilgamesh's lips as he basked in elation. She was being far more forward this time, yet also less so. Oh well. Her mind could continue to run backwards all it liked; he was sure her body would continue running the other way to eventually pull the mind and soul along with it.

[Apollymi]

The King of Heroes was kissing the Queen of Knights and neither was pulling away. One because he did not wish to, and the other because backing down did not seem to be at all in her mindset. Actually, given that he'd walked right up to her in such an audacious way, it wouldn't have been too farfetched for her to pull a weapon on him to stop him from this nonsense. Ah, but her body did not agree. She kissed him back fiercely as a matter of course. She had problems accepting this mentally, but that was simply a matter of never having given any man, any such consideration before. As she said, she was not the type to tell other people what to do, but she never considered the need to understand it herself. But that decision was being robbed from her brain in this meeting of lips. That hand against his chest had its finger tips shift. Were men's chest always so firm? If she was being honest she'd never really looked before and while she'd been one briefly she'd not managed to get much muscle as she couldn't grow further. Damn. This was yet another thing her mind would wander over.

That gentle upturn of his lips, should have made her scoff, but instead, she enjoyed it. Was it because of the shared activity? Was it nice to be noticed when what she thought were more worthy women had been walking around? Her body couldn't take this extra heat, her mouth opened. She could not allow him to be smug when he'd started this way. She could not allow herself to be tamed by some man just because he'd figured her out. The absolute audacity he had to make her exert herself in such a way! Whenever she figured out how to make him open his mouth he would be sorry for her approaching her in such a way. These were the thoughts of petulant adolescence, dragon resistance and desire. As her heart pumped alcohol way too much for her tiny form around her body at an increasing rhythm which flooded her ears with the sound. She couldn't even hear the noise escaping her mouth. In the same time she left herself so open her body responding enough to shift that hand of hers to the back of his neck and pull him closer. No, Artoria did not know the meaning of backing down, such was obvious whenever they fought. She did not know defiance, everyone would obey her. She did what she wanted without cease, she would follow through. Even if she had no idea how to do so.

[Bloodedge]

Artoria's refusal to back down would be her undoing... or rather, the cause for her unravelling. She was seeming quite a bit friskier, so to speak. Gilgamesh's eyes opened just slightly, taking in the sight of Artoria's face while so little room remained between them. Was she really trying her hand at being the aggressor this time? How adorable. Well, if she was waiting to find out how his mouth would be entered, she would have to wait her turn. Foolish enough to leave her own mouth hanging open, Artoria was susceptible to the invasion of her own maw by his tongue. Since she was feeling ravenous enough to take him by the neck and hold him in place, surely she was prepared to face the repercussions of challenging him. He'd wrestle her tongue into submission just because he could, because she made it possible for him to do so.

A sharp inhale marked the sudden increase of ferocity to Gilgamesh's approach. How Artoria behaved when the sanctity of her mouth was fully endangered was a point of interest to the king, so of course he thought to violate her orifice thoroughly this time around. It was a dangerous game, rousing the drunken King of Heroes. So long as Artoria intended to play it, however, she would have little choice but to play with high stakes. The almost hungry attack against her mouth was but a step, to which the follow-up was Gilgamesh banishing his own grail to take hold of the woman's face. Though not ridiculously firm, he went after a solid grip starting at her jawline, his hand wrapping itself around her lower jaw from beneath.

[Apollymi]

Unraveling?! Yes, that seemed to be the most appropriate explanation for what happened with someone like Artoria in a moment like this. A miscalculation had occurred, she'd left herself open in the most literal of senses. Her mouth was invaded as a direct result. Why? Why did this happen in such a way? She was almost certain she understood this scenario. She'd used it a few times herself to kill people, but... never had it been something to affect her. Was this the problem? Was it a weapon, sharpened as a skill, used against her? She was unarmed in this case, because her own use of such a skill would be disingenuous... right? Her tongue met another as the King of Heroes tried to wrestle it into submission but it would be a battle. Even unarmed with no wits the Queen of Knights could not fall in battle. No, she'd resist, striking back against her invader with instinct alone, as once completely tentative motions became more relaxed but still fierce.

Oh but this wasn't going to be like last time. The King of Heroes went after her more fiercely this time around. Her eyes opened at the audacity but then so did her mouth a bit more. She couldn't surrender but her body didn't agree. She gave the man more access as he probed he mouth with his tongue. And what was more even as her own lashed out against it, those little moans were his reward. But what was Artoria to received from this action, the gentle throbbing of her own loins and her knees seeming to weaken just a tad. His hand has shifted on her face, why did he hold her like this? And why were her face and body so hot that she was losing track of it. Her grip on his man hadn't changed initially but as one hand had pulled him closer, the other now empty of her grail as she wished a place to put it within this room seemed to find itself once more against his chest on the other side. Did she like this amount of muscle? Was she jealous? Under her fingers she found a firmness that sparked only mental curiosity though her body itself seemed to respond with tingles. Drunkenness was supposed to dull her senses, so why instead did she feel like she felt the sensation of him holding her more. Nothing made sense!

[Bloodedge]

Much to the King of Heroes' satisfaction, this paradisiacal queen of his resolved herself to fight against his invasive tongue as it slathered away at her wine-stained orifice. Good; he wouldn't have it any other way. There was such a beautiful medley of purposes being fulfilled, all entertaining in their various ways. On one hand, he could see this returned aggression as a conscious effort to seek supremacy. On the other hand, he could see it as a subconscious response to the blooming flower of arousal. Just between, and reaching both ends of the spectrum in unison, was the truth.

This poor woman had never known the touch of a man while there was meaning behind the act. To King Gilgamesh, this was the most obvious truth bleeding through her every move when they interacted. She surely had a deposit of knowledge, yet none of the wisdom with which to utilize it. This, too, was strangely satisfying. Those movements of her tongue against his were the strangest blend of reckless and practiced, providing a form of feedback even he and his many conquests had never witnessed. Saliva and wine residue were being swapped to and fro like volleys in a war of cavalries. Artoria's hands were quite busy as well, signifying her further refusal to heel. So, she'd thrown caution to the wind, had she? That was the way Gilgamesh saw things as he made yet another advancement of his own accord, dropping the hand from the back of her head and hooking that arm around her waist. He would snatch at the woman, holding her firm to his fore as if to shun any thoughts of escape she may have in the near future. All the while, the space between their lips continued to be consumed by a protruding tongue whose onslaught offered no room for weakness.

[Apollymi]

So many things swam through the mind of Artoria Pendragon as her mind and body seemed to separate. Her mouth was moving, ah, but there was something in it. Someone else's tongue. She was moving against it, struggling to maintain herself. She was fighting and fight she would. Each movement against her was something to rebel against. She would not be tamed. "Oha~" that little noise that slipped out was an act of rebellion not a cause for surrender. Why was this man's chest so firm?

Wrong question. The King of Heroes grip on her body changed. He gripped her by the waist, her body couldn't move away? Good, she would not be backing down right now. Actually, he was so warm and firm all over. Not just his chest, but his entire torso was filled with muscle, even her own body felt soft against it. She moaned more and melted, how dare her body enjoy this contrast? That was actually pretty terrifying as a thought, since when did she care about winning a battle like this? When did she begin to wonder about the feeling of his flesh against her own? Her body was half-instinct but all fight. This was a battle she would not fall this day. But that build had her legs shift just slightly. Why did she do that? There was an almost electric feeling in her loins. Why did it feel like this? She could only wonder, but having her avenues of exit sealed off she could only move forward. As she kissed she found her tongue so busy that she could not move past this point in her own mouth. Were his defenses really so firm? Whatever, she'd find her footing eventually, right? Whatever the case, her body was still behaving as it wished, that hand at the back of his neck was no longer necessary so her fingertips danced across his shoulders. Much like she inspected weaponry the feeling of muscles beneath the skin became something to be just as entranced by as the heat of his body.

[Bloodedge]

Infinitely interesting was Artoria's refusal to quit. That, too, was a thing to exploit. Any chance of escape had been taken from her for the near future, and what was she to do? She loosed his neck, shifting that hand onto his shoulder instead. With the other still exploring his musculature, it seemed the Queen of Knights had an interest in Gilgamesh's build. She'd only become more familiar with it over time, until none knew it better than her; he would see to that himself. Rebellious as the sound passing her lips may have been in the woman's mind, it only reached the king's ear as an adorable little sign of submission. Even an act of aggression, when contributing to an advancement to Gilgamesh's original plan, could only be his victory. Had the mind finally collapsed? There was a possibility.

Ah, but there was much more still to come. She hadn't seen the last of even his simplest efforts, but with her own advances becoming more common, he broke from her lips at last. This did not equal any form of separation, though. No, his tongue remained extended as he tilted her head, possessively tracing a line up her cheek with that moist, heated muscle. The king was grinning and staring into Artoria's eyes all the while, and once his tongue returned to its home, there were finally a few words to offer. "H'oh? Have you finally come to realize what hilt you should truly be grasping? The one knife handle you are free to grasp as you fall asleep every night? I assure you, taking hold of my divine tool will bring you much more comfort than a man-made one~"

[Apollymi]

Artoria was set in the idea that she would fight this man at every point he presented himself. Of course, this wasn't completely a violence thing, but instead simply the way of her mind. Every interaction was a battle she would aim for victory, supremacy and any other form of domination and tyranny she could manage. Of course, with those things would come her glory whenever she actually managed to do the things she said. Was she interested in his physical form? A bit, at the very least she was curious and every place her finger tips touched made her more so than she was initially.

Ah but he finally pulled away from her mouth and what would he do with the space created? His tongue still protruding a possessive lick came to the side of her face? Why did he just lick her face? She didn't hate it but why do it? How was she supposed to feel about that? All the while the King of Heroes was making eye contact and grinning at the Queen of Knight still held tightly in his embrace. "I... what?" she didn't even really know how to begin asking about that facial lick. And beyond that there was now a huge problem. A tool she should hold while sleeping. His divine tool? She heard these words, processed them, the light in her eyes practically flickering as she figured out his meaning. She was almost unsurprised he meant this statement just as she interpreted it, but more than that... she now had an image in her head. "How? How would I even do that?" she asked. Of course, she asked because she had images in her head, but given how she liked to sleep holding knives, how was she to hold his tool in its place? Were they to spoon, with her as the big spoon? Was she to sleep curled up facing him? Maybe on top of him using him as a pillow? That one could probably work but... "Wait. No. We should not do anything like that. Why would you put an image like that in my head and why did you lick my face? Why does nothing about you make sense to me?!" she wasn't even trying to wrest herself from his grip. Her brain had simply gone too far, and now her face was heated, her loins still tingled, but why did the King of Heroes continue to put such strange images in her head?

[Bloodedge]

Curiosity was expressed once more. This came as no surprise; Artoria never knew the truth of his lesser intentions. Oh well; it only truly mattered that she knew and understood the greatest intention of all, as her doing so was the major key in his acquisition of her. When he spoke on the matter of her holding his tool at night, her first question was in regards to functionality. How would she do that? Oh, he'd have her know numerous ways to accomplish such a thing. She could even fall asleep while it remained inside her, if she liked. Ah... but that was a very separate fantasy and possibility.

Alas, she backtracked as she always would. The Queen of Knights truly thought she could get away with claiming they should do no such thing, when she'd already indirectly admitted to her own consideration. "Why would I not put such things in your head? These images you now have are worth investment. Does it not set fire to your loins just thinking about it?" In the midst of his questioning, Gilgamesh let the hand upon Artoria's face trail downwards. His finger gently slid its way down her cheek, all the way to her chin until it abandoned her flesh completely. She wanted to know why he licked her face? She could know the truth of that as well. "I lash out at your face because it is mine to lick. I would do the same with every last inch of flesh on your form," he declared. That hand wasn't quite done moving either. Gilgamesh may have asked if mental musings affected the queen's loins, but he was not only one to question. No, there was another reaction he thought to test for himself─ the reaction that would come as his descending hand grasped at Artoria Pendragon's womanhood through the ludicrous layers of fabric she wore. Of course, this action took its purpose from the whole of their discussion. "And I will pay special attention here as I'm sure you understand by now."

[Apollymi]

Artoria had fully tried to abandon the extra thoughts she had, but Gilgamesh was content to put more things in her head. Still he answered her questions more honestly than she'd expected. Why shouldn't he put such ideas in her head? According to him they were worth investment? He even questioned if such thoughts set her loins on fire. Hm, that took consideration, would she lie to the King of Heroes? No, that she could not do in the face of his honesty, even so admitting such a thing felt like treason against her person. "You would not for the sake of my sanity. It puts questions in my mind. Of the variety that I have never once given consideration across two lifespans..." Artoria had gone back to being evasive, just a little. She always would when she didn't directly wish to lie, but when telling the truth was not a viable option. She considered it strategizing.

Ah, but what about the licking of her face? Apparently, that was done as a simple mark of possession and he continued to say he would do so with every inch of her body. How strange that was for him to admit. "You realize that is a ridiculous thing to say?! And that is it even more ridiculous to mean it?!" she asked near outrage even as a finger slowly trailed down her face. She should have been more aware of him by now. Every time he touched her, the body she inhabited went more and more outside of her own control. That in and of itself was problematic to the way her mind worked. Where would that hand go once leaving her face? It'd take grip of her womanhood, sending a spike of feeling straight up her spine which made her mouth open. What would she say in reaction to that sensation which was only just shy of something rather new and frightening? A little moan with a single swear, "Fuck." Yes, that was about the right response. The thought left her head without permission and she was still held in this man's grasp. "I... ah, need you to release me King of Heroes. You are too close and I am not in not used to feeling well... anything." Artoria tried for honesty, because she wasn't at all sure of her reaction but she was very certain that she was about to have a heart attack or feel some kind of explosion.

[Bloodedge]

"H'oh?" he muttered against the side of Artoria's face, his lips brushing against her cheek in the moment. She had questions floating through her mind, the likes of which she hadn't experienced in two lifetimes. Good. He was keen to know what these questions were, and how he would exploit their existence with a very physical answer. "And what manner of inquiry do you have? How long you will be capable of holding to your precious sanity? How much of me your tiny form can handle before you snap like a twig? How much of my touch you can tolerate before all other things in existence become mundane trifles? There is validity to all of these curiosities, but worry not. I offer you every chance to take advantage of heavenly bliss, even if it breaks you apart and slams the pieces back together repeatedly throughout."

Perhaps it was ridiculous of him to say he would partake of her every inch. Even in being ridiculous, however, it was very much true. More ridiculous was how she responded to his touch with an utterance so rarely allowed to pass her chaste and chivalrous lips. She demanded releasing? Those lips lied yet again, and after such a truthful moan passed them to boot. How many lifetimes would Artoria Pendragon spend running from part of herself? One might wonder. Nevertheless, Gilgamesh put forth precisely zero effort toward releasing her. She said he was too close, but he would say he was not close enough until they were joined fully. She said she was not used to feeling anything, and he reacted by pressing the tip of his middle finger to where he knew a very sensitive spot would be. She rejected the actions of her own body, and he made an order for the body to fight against oppression. "Then we must simply have you acclimated to feeling everything. The Queen of Knights has spent far too much time playing knight, and not nearly enough time being a woman. Only I am fit to solve this issue you've created for yourself."

[Apollymi]

The air from his lungs moved across her face. Each word he spoke seemed to dance across her skin. She was being made crazy by his words and his supposed questions were not doing much more for her either. He'd allow her to experience bliss. What? The happiness Artoria felt usually did not concern herself. Physical bliss was something unknown to her, unless they were talking about the thrill of victory or the gentle burn after a workout. Ugh, everything about how this man spoke to and dealt with her absolutely confused her understanding of herself. It made her question everything around her. "Those questions sound like challenges or threats... they hit my ears strangely. And I do not know this thing you speak of called bliss," she said. With red hue painting her face and her own breaths coming out in short bursts. What was she supposed to do? Should she pull away? Should she stay? Her body wished to stay, it aimed to sabotage her at every intersection. Even now she could not bring herself to pull away from him... was biology truly so strong as to force this issue?

Her elder sister had given the advice that she should stay and see something interesting and fun happen. She'd taken the opinion that giving another control of her body in anyway was a terrible idea. Even so, her own curiosity was getting the better of her. Artoria Pendragon had never questioned this... and Hoshimi Eri had never experienced anything which made her even remotely wish be in such close company with a man. The King of Heroes, was winning at holding her affections, even if she wasn't quite sure of that herself yet. And he was also rather expertly manipulating her body that she hadn't known the uses of herself. What was happening now? A finger long though it was, pressed against the spot at the apex of her legs. So sensitive this nub was, never before touched with such purpose, even indirectly. How could she do anything but moan as a new jolt of sensation sent a tingle from the base of her spine up to her brain stem. Her body seemed to have lost functionality as gooseflesh spread across her skin. She was so dangerously close to a sensation she did not know how to fight against, it was like feeling herself floating by a thread. "Aaah!~" Well there was no helping that, nor the gentle moisture unknown to her previously leaking from her loins. Still she had not removed herself. She could have. If she truly felt threatened she could have used violence to remove him from her person but she did not want to offer him that... did she wish this experience? Actually, yes... it simply seemed like a lot to undertake when she barely knew how to function while not being someone specific. "You sang to me of moderation, King of Heroes. It is contradictory for you to wish to acclimate me to everything," Artoria's came out in slow breaths as she tried and failed to get her own heartbeat under control. How strange, normally... she was tranquil as a forest stream.

[Bloodedge]

His questions were in fact challenges, but they were no mere threats. Gilgamesh never offered anyone something so simple as a threat. To Artoria and everyone else, he only delivered promises. To Artoria alone, he delivered the promise of everlasting euphoria. "I speak only the future that must be. Worry not. I have already chosen to forgive your ignorance of pleasure. It will function as greater entertainment for me as I explore every fiber of your being," he proclaimed, having decided that no part of Artoria Pendragon, physical or otherwise, would be spared his attention.

The fight was almost gone, and the flight had all but left the room already. In its place was a semblance of the bliss Artoria claimed she knew nothing about. The sound was a melody that could never be replicated by any bard, any instrument. He felt almost compelled to do more when hearing such a thing. In fact, there was an additional twitch of his finger that could only be called instinctual. He may have spoken to her about moderation, but he also spoke to her about indulgence. "Yet still, a woman you are. What sort of woman can you truly call yourself, if you allow femininity to evade you for eternity? Besides... if I am to overindulge in one more thing until it drives me to madness, why should it not be my perfect queen? The same should be said on the opposite end, don't you think?" Ah, the grandiose return to an attack on the mind. He would wear her down eventually. Soon enough, Artoria Pendragon would answer her own thirst for him, and he would rise to the occasion of quenching it with all he had. In the meantime, his own hunger would persist as he attacked these moments of receiving a simple bite or two. "Or do you think you can keep fighting me in addition to combating yourself for all eternity? Your body has yet to reject me, though your words continue insisting that I release you. Perhaps I should be offering you a different form of release? Part of you appears to desire as much."

[Apollymi]

Speaking only of the future that must be? Bloody, Clairvoyant individuals, removing choices from peoples' lives. Of course, Artoria couldn't actually blame that skill for the amount of smug Gilgamesh possessed in this moment. He was rather keenly able to manipulate her body, and seemed to take some strange form of entertainment from being the first to stir her in strange ways. "I... that is... I did not ask for forgiveness." That didn't even sound as forceful as she meant. While looking at him, while dangling on the precipice of something strange and maybe... exciting what was she supposed to say to him? That was scary... and exciting, maybe? Hoshimi Eri was never out of her depth, Artoria Pendragon was sovereign knight-queen of a nation, why did she feel like an embarrassed school girl right now?

Her body was betraying her. Her mind has started betraying her... even her own sense of self was crumbling with her curiosity. What did that little noise escaping her lips give her? It gave her another reflexive jolt caused by that finger tip still pressed against her. A spread of sensation that sent crimson down her face and neck to an extreme she wouldn't have found a way to quantify. And what words would the King of Heroes share, yes he advised moderation, but he also spoke of indulgence. He claimed there was no one else for someone like him to indulge in except his perfect queen and the same should be true on her end. Right. Those things were sensible enough, but she still hadn't agreed to his marriage proposal. She was a woman who did not understand his attraction to her, as honest and obvious as it was, it seemed illogical. Still, it was kind of something. It made her feel strange to hear such words directed solely at her. "Umphf~" those small noises seemed to escape whenever her mouth opened. "I cannot argue against the logic... But I barely considered myself anything until you made it blaringly obvious how you saw me..." she said carefully. He was still holding her body though. He would not release her. Or rather he could offer her a different kind of release? The king for her body, for this tingling feeling she now had with no idea how to deal with it? Would she fight with both herself and him forever? "I am for a battle against a formidable opponent... but I would much rather myself be in agreement about the subject," she said shortly. Still she was dangling on that thread feeling shooting down her body. "I will not deny my own curiosity, though I do not know this desire you speak of. If you would exploit the weakness of my words, I would have no one to blame but myself..." Chivalrous. Or was that a roundabout way of consenting to a release she did not fully understand? A challenge to make her regret her decision? She supposed it could be interpreted many ways but she could not deny liking being held like this, nor wanting her body to stop acting against her. If he could give her any of these things she supposed she would have a greater understanding for their next battle. Oh, but when did Artoria start looking forward to seeing the King of Heroes?

[Bloodedge]

"That is also fine. I will forgive that as well," Gilgamesh said as if he could truly pardon someone for not asking forgiveness. In truth, there was infinite excitement to be found in Artoria's chastity. He would see her every first experience for himself, and enjoy each one more as a result. Even now, even if he couldn't see the truth through his eyes, and even if she hadn't admitted it herself, Gilgamesh could tell he was the first to touch this woman in any way that produced some sort of effect. If her quantity of will existed in contrast to the amount of blood filling her face and neck, she'd have lost consciousness long ago. How exhilarating.

For once, Artoria chose to avoid arguing against something. Of course she would prefer being in agreement to the ongoing situation, but how could one ever agree to that which they knew nothing of? That would have been foolish. As such, Gilgamesh had taken it upon himself to get the proverbial wheel turning. Finally, the walls were crumbling. She said she could blame none but herself if he were to exploit her weakness. Frankly, the clause alone was titillating. The king's loins were set ablaze by the mere presence of this woman, but now, he had a glimpse of the world burning beneath that same inferno. "You speak as a warrior. Where are the words of this world's, of Gilgamesh's queen?" he wondered. His lips brushed her neck, his tongue briefly tracing her climbing pulse while his finger shifted once more. Based on that finger alone, he seemed to be... clutching? No, that wasn't quite right. In truth, Gilgamesh put forth the simple effort of pressing firmly with that finger and dragging it back toward his palm. Of course, it remained in indirect contact with Artoria's genitalia all the while. "Hmph. I wonder if you are even ready to step onto a new plane of existence, far from the meager platform you currently stand upon. You didn't have a proper view last time, did you? The sight of this world's most magnificent form, which you presently seem content to explore with your fingers like a blindman learning to read."

[Apollymi]

He'd forgive her lack of asking for forgiveness as well? Of course he would! Gilgamesh was showing himself to be quite the generous individual when it came to the Queen of Knights. Pompous, arrogant and ornery though he was from time to time, it seemed all that fell away with the notion of pleasing 'his' queen came up. She'd never been touched in a way that did anything for her. She'd never felt anything akin to desire, she still didn't quite know what to call it, even so she was drowning in it, even beneath the layers of clothing she wore. Where were the Queen's words? He wondered. He saw her speech as that of a warrior but that wasn't entirely true. "I--ah~" before she could speak properly a tongue was tracing along her neck. She definitely felt that. The grips of her fingers tightened if only for a moment as her pulse jumped in her throat. "Do not tease me, King of Heroes..." she said carefully. She was wondering plenty. How did she manage even those words? Could she manage more?

No. She had no more words to speak for a moment or two as that single finger pressed against her nether even from the outside seemed to cause the electrical pulses of her brain to cease. It was just a moment, but she could swear, there was something just on the other side of that feeling. Strangely her hips moved of their own accord, her body begging for the release she presently was just shy of, and then that finger firmly dragged towards his palm and her entire life seemed to flash before her eyes. Just an instant of feeling as she held onto him. He was saying something... She'd not seen his form properly? She had interest in it... honest words would fall from her mouth in a moment like this. "I..." she paused a tiny moan would seem to always be interrupting her. "Just maintained a curiosity. I have never really thought about the difference in my own form compared to another. I did not know it possible to feel small or soft until my hand met your chest," she said that part and meant it. "I realize you have no shame but I do not know my reaction to such a thing..." Honest. Artoria was being very honest, as her body bubbled over. What was this wetness she felt in her undergarments? Why were her legs nearly weakened? Why did she feel like she hadn't truly appreciated the sight of his nudity before? Her eyes shifted down his form for a moment and her face gained more blood. Besides her loins and her face she was quite sure her body had no blood left.

[Bloodedge]

Oh? Of all the options she had, she meekly insisted that he refrain from teasing her. Well, it was a cute attempt, if nothing else. He would not be acquiescing. The most he could actually do in response to a demand like that, was... tease her more. Ah, but a single finger was already managing that much. Artoria's body knew it was being led down a path to satisfaction. If that destination was reached, Gilgamesh had no problems with it... though he intended to hear the words of a woman rather than those of a warrior. How would he fish those out? The answer would be discovered eventually.

Artoria's physical self sought more, as it tended to even when she did not speak the words herself. Oh well. He only needed one part of her to agree; the rest would buckle over time. A curiosity, she claimed. Lies. There was no such thing as curiosity. In this world, there could only be desire! "Fuhaha! You will soon learn a multitude of feelings you've never known possible. Feelings unknown to any who walk this world, but first a sight only you have been deemed worthy of. Steel your gaze, Queen of Knights. You alone may witness perfection," he stated. Gilgamesh's arm released its grasp on the woman's back, though his hand did not move from her loins even as his clothing vanished on the spot. His full "golden" form became visible, glowing like well-polished jewels as perfection itself was left on full display. This time around, he used his free arm to gestured down the full length of his flawlessly sculpted torso, all the way down to a prime source of the King of Heroes' blatant arrogance: a firm tool that looked as if it meant to threaten the queen's diaphragm even from where it rested between them. He'd hardly been joking when he spoke of breaking her apart; many minds had been contorted by use of his most personal "treasure" in past centuries. For this woman, he frankly intended nothing less. Naturally, his smugness would only grow the moment he revealed himself. "Hmph. You may gawk and profess how awestricken you are. Marvel, flounder even, knowing my flawless form will be your first and every experience!"

[Apollymi]

Artoria had asked not to be teased. Of course, she came to realize that this likely wouldn't work in her favor. But she could not stop herself from trying. Even as her body continued to be earnestly toyed with, she found herself moving regardless. He'd released his grip on her back, but still he played with her loins. Why was he still doing that? Well, because each movement of that finger was still something she wasn't sure about. Still, it seemed to be clearing her mind in the strangest way. There was a building sensation in her loins, one which she found unfamiliar but she couldn't say she disliked.

Still Gilgamesh spoke, and his next phrase included that laugh she'd come to like but some very strange words. He'd decided only she was worthy of looking upon him? She alone could witness his perfection? Those eyes of hers shifted back to his face for a moment. He truly meant this?! She'd figured this man was some sort of hedonist in truth. She didn't understand his desire to have just her view his nudity, but she supposed that gave a bit of credence to the idea that he wanted to marry her. If her mind hadn't been so full of stuff, and so empty, she might have gotten time to think about that. He wanted to show her his body and her eyes took in his form. Unlike the last time when sheer disinterest had been all she needed to avoid truly looking. Her eyes took in his form properly this time. Golden skin, glowing eyes was this perfection? Well, her eyes had never stayed on any man so long before so there was that. But what was this? She looked down his body as he gestured and she found herself unable to comprehend the sight. What was presented in front of her, was manhood almost larger than her torso could ever be. Artoria wasn't stupid by any means. She knew how babies were made, she knew how sex worked, but... how exactly did he think he would be giving her this. "Ah~" Every time she opened her mouth she moaned, her body was more treacherous like this than it was when she hungered. Or perhaps it was just a different kind of hunger. Still taking in the length and girth of his manhood her understanding of physics was soon challenged. "No. I do not think that will work. This does not at all seem like something that will work the way I understand sex. I cannot fathom." Was that encouraging or discouraging? It was honest.

[Bloodedge]

Now, how would events play out when Gilgamesh bared himself before the Queen of Knights? He did not truly expect excitement; she seemed far too inexperienced for something like that. Actually, he was thrilled by the idea of her fear, her inability to understand how she could even begin to receive him. There did seem to be something of that ilk in the end. Her understanding of sex, limited though it was, could not even be faulted. There were sacred prostitutes within his own great city of Uruk who didn't see the possibility of being penetrated by King Gilgamesh... until they were. Artoria would be no different, though there was one thing strange about her declaration. She wasn't simply showing disbelief for his magnificent stature; she was expressing what she believed to be fact. Well, that was quite different. "Your innocence betrays you. The way you understand sex is more akin to the way a child understands war," he began while taking hold of his own shaft, brandishing it as a fine weapon. "Functionality is not to be questioned. You will understand soon enough, but first, Queen of Knights... you must take up your sword."

Gilgamesh was somewhat insistent in his final statement. It seemed he actually intended to have Artoria take hold of his bare tool, while his own hand kept busy pressing her dress into the space between her legs. He understood that if there happened to be a wall of some sort in this space, he'd already have her pressed against it. He'd have to go about furnishing the Nexus' vast emptiness at some point in the future, if he intended any such thing... but he'd eventually discover why something like that wasn't already done. As none of that truly mattered, Gilgamesh was content to continue his assault on Artoria in a realm of nothingness, until such a time as they could move to better venues.

[Apollymi]

According to the King of Heroes her innocence betrayed her. It did not. Artoria had spent her life as both genders. She understood the male anatomy well enough. Granted she'd never seen such a tool as this she understood the phallus in a general sense. As such she was quite certain her body was far too small to accommodate. He claimed it would work and she would understand but first she had to take up her sword. "Truly?! I own swords smaller than this... and I wield Excalibur two handed for a reason... I am small, proportionately." Physics was not to be questioned. Of course, there was a bit of an instruction or a demand rather. Even as he continued toying with her through her clothes. Her reddened face and the jolts of sensation caused by her loins made her curious.

Yes. Curious. It was obviously curiosity which drove the Queen of Knights. And that nagging sensation of being challenged at the back of her mind that would not let her step away. He was playing chicken with her, and she did not bluff. Strangely, he also did not bluff, nor was he backing down. She liked that didn't she? Not simply as a warrior but as a person. Years of killing had desensitized her, but she always enjoyed the challenge of figuring out a new person, a new target and finding the best way to slay them. This was why she had fun in the game they all played once upon a time, and it was why she found herself reaching out even as her own nether sent strange pulses of sensation up her spine. This felt a bit dangerous but she wasn't the type to back away from a challenge. She reached for it. That small hand taking hold of manhood she would have had to work to close her fingers around. She understood this, as a feeling. Artoria could easily understand what a touch to such an thing could incite. After all, she'd been a fifteen year old boy for a while, she understood that at least. And given the size of it, it was worthy of at least inspection, right? Yes, she'd do that... with the same care she used on actual weapons which bordered upon obsessive. A light touch from her holding above his hand and an upward stroke across the tip. Why was she curious? Well, it wasn't like she'd ever handled anyone else's tool before. Care was to be taken right?

[Bloodedge]

It was fair enough to say Artoria owned swords that were smaller than his member. Alas, now she simply had a larger sword to utilize for different purposes, no? It wasn't as if any other who walked this planet could claim ownership of this divine construct, after all. "Hah! You are free to wield this with two hands as well, if it pleases you," he mentioned. The question at hand though, was whether she would actually take his member into her hand or not. The answer was... yes, she would. Artoria's refusal of backing down from challenges would be her undoing, and the proof of this was no clearer than the moment her hand made contact with his rod. The King of Heroes had never known a moment more exciting. Of course, this showed in the immediate mighty throb that seemed to challenge the queen's dainty touch. Gilgamesh thought to loose his own grip of himself right away, mostly leaving the Queen of Knights to her apparent careful inspection of it.

"H'oh?" Her approach was curious indeed. Never had he witnessed more virginal behavior than Artoria Pendragon displayed here and now, and strangely enough, never did he think it would be a pleasant experience. Perhaps he should have taken more women that were like this? No, that wouldn't have worked at all. He was no stranger to the inexperienced partner, but this was a new breed entirely. So, naturally, Gilgamesh could only prod away with his words even more. "I will forgive your hubris in thinking that will be sufficient. This is not a thing to ponder over, Queen of Knights. You should be preparing for the greatest battle of your mortal life; yet another campaign that will certainly bring an end to you."

[Apollymi]

The Queen of Knights had her hand around a foreign member and that was met by a mighty pulse. That was something she understood as well. Strangely enough, her mind had something else to say about such a reaction, natural though it may have been. 'Impudence.' Wait, why was everything a fight for Artoria Pendragon? It probably had something to do with that surname of hers, that core in her body and her very soul. No matter. Gilgamesh always seemed so capable of bringing such upset reactions out of her. "If it pleases me?" she said that as if curious about it. She didn't know if this should be something that pleased her. She didn't dislike the feel of this in her hands, though she did not understand how it was meant to provide her comfort. Whatever the case since she could not back down it was only appropriate to move forward.

But what was this? The King of Heroes was goading her into actions? Did he not know such things would only work on her so much. Even now... with a mind full of nothing but her own curiosities and her loins tingling by method she did not yet understand. Her reactions could not be so easily manipulated. "You do not have to tell me that King of Heroes. Besides I am allowed whatever preparations I wish... it is not hubris to take a practice swing." Artoria had no idea how to flirt. That being said, aggression in any form was pretty standard to her being, and being a bit cheeky here and now was not entirely uncalled for. Even so, those words probably sounded a lot more flirty than she would have intended, given the flush on her face and those subtle moans still taking place as she was fondled. Oh well, she would meet effort with effort and the movement of that dainty hand in earnest would happen. The King of Heroes threatened to lead her to bliss, she did not know what that meant exactly but she did understand the basic functions of male anatomy and did not think negatively of doing this. One step at a time, as nature intends, do not fight her own body, do not try and be anyone specific. She could technically work within those confines, especially while not knowing what to expect from this new experience. She was a virgin yes, she was inexperienced yes, but she wasn't opposed to this situation as it was unfolding. Even if she hadn't had eight chalices of wine, she likely could have expressed less than disinterest in this case. All of this was the King of Heroes' doing, whether he realized it yet or not.

[Bloodedge]

Ah, it seemed the king's call to action would only work so well in the long-run against Artoria. He could expect nothing less of her than resistance to force; that was one of the reasons she shined so brilliantly. He did not have to tell her, though, she said. Interesting. He could form no earnest argument against her proclamation, though he had every reason to address the "practice swing" she spoke of. "Hubristic though it may not be to take a practice swing, it remains a showing of utmost audacity that you would go to war without proper armor." Gilgamesh's grip of the woman's undercarriage intensified as these words were offered. She had some nerve to take hold of his bare form without so much as freeing a single layer of her own. Oh well; he'd chalk it up to being part of her inexperience. Whatever the case, he supposed he could allow a larger window of opportunity for acclimation. Did that mean he would allow it silently? Well, there was essentially no such thing as silence to the King of Heroes, so... no. He would talk and talk, exemplifying every ounce of pride that welled up inside his soul by the second. At the same time, he would continue making forward progress in spite of the barrier betwixt himself and Artoria. "And yes... if it pleases you. Do you not feel it? Has the thought of this thing invading your own body not yet taken your mind and ignited your femininity? If not, allow it a few more moments. I'm sure it will come naturally soon enough."

[Apollymi]

Artoria was feeling ever so slightly more comfortable. Whether this was because of the moment, the company or simply because she felt less out of sorts as time went on was a question only to be answered in hindsight. Here and now, her hand moved along Gilgamesh's girth as he had no real arguments for her in this moment except to mention her lack of armor for this endeavor. He couldn't have meant that as she would have interpreted it. Was this a reference to his nudity and her own lack thereof? Probably. The nerve of him! Though she was no prude it was a bit outlandish that he made himself superiorly naked and expected someone else to do the same at random. "Umm~" that gentle moan would escape her lips before she could speak properly. Why was he like this? "It seems it is you who lacks understanding. It sounds like it is my turn to offer forgiveness, for the lack of clothing diversity you know. A dress such as this is not the type to be removed of one's own accord. If you wanted me to remove it, I'd have to remove my hands from you..." she said the cheekiest of smirks appearing on her face. The entire blue and gold section of her dress was a single large piece with accessories and a singlet as an undergarment beneath. But it fastened behind her person and thus required either both of her own hands or a spare set of arms for her to free herself. That Queen of Queens, knew what she was doing when creating such a dress, Artoria would have to ask for help or be completely comfortable looking crazed trying to escape this outfit. "The hands you demanded I put on you in the first place..." she stated though that wasn't exact the reason she hadn't removed clothes, she could take a victory if she wished to. "Or there is always the option of you taking such a matter into your own hands, as you have the extended reach I do not possess~" that was definitely flirty. Well, sort of, she still didn't know how much she could say without shifting her own personality on purpose. As for the thought of his manhood inspiring her to femininity and invading her body, she wasn't quite there yet, even as she fondled it directly. "I would say I am still uncertain of how that works, but I'll be gracious enough to allow you to try and make that shift in my mind." Hm, that was definitely her own thought. She definitely meant that, still it was strange. She'd never said a sentence like that before in her life. Being around the King of Heroes did strange things to the Queen of Knights.

[Bloodedge]

With another moan from Artoria, there was an accompanying throb from Gilgamesh. Every time they met, they participated in a different sort of dance. So far, this one was far closer in nature to the type he considered ideal for them. Alas, he lacked understanding about something according to the woman herself. She could not so easily discard her own clothing without either releasing his girth, or having someone else do the disrobing. Oh? She even said as much herself, offering a very specific implication when declaring that he had greater reach than herself. So then, she had some womanly wiles about her yet. That was quite interesting to see from one such as herself. Gilgamesh could express no distaste for this whatsoever─ especially as his body was already responding via the repeated throbbing within her grasp. She even kept going beyond that initial statement, teasing his mind with her words quite successfully. "H'oh? You appear to have awakened a side I rather enjoy," he said as his free hand made its way to her chin. "I will be sure to repay your entertaining banter with a proper ravishing."

Gilgamesh's hand remained on the woman's chin just long enough to tilt her face toward his own. Unbroken eye-contact would ensue as that same hand moved toward that ridiculous dress of hers. He would see it unfastened, but while his hands were occupied, he made another decision for the better of their endeavors. "This place is unfit for our meeting. You, voice! To my chambers!" he ordered of the Nexus. In a blink, the pair would find themselves in a room quite familiar to both of them: the overly-extravagant bedroom of Gilgamesh himself. There, next to that oversized bed, he located the clasps in the neck of Artoria's dress. One by one, they were taken apart until gravity spread her outer top. Too many layers, he thought. Oh well.

[Apollymi]

Gilgamesh's manhood throbbed in the Queen of Knights' hand. Perhaps one day she'd have a full understanding of what such a thing was connected to, but for now, she'd take it as a sign of mutual benefit. Still, she didn't quite understand what the benefit was yet, but perhaps she would soon enough. Whatever the case, it seemed her most recent speech was taken well, as the King of Heroes claimed to enjoy the side of her that presented such teasing. Hm, that was good to know, she supposed. Perhaps next time she'd manage to do so with purpose instead of her words accidentally inciting such excitement. Whatever the case, she was promised a ravishing in exchange for banter. "I somehow feel those things are not at all equivalent," she said immediately. Did she want a ravishing? That sounded dangerous. Still, she could not pull away from the endeavor. As it currently looked she'd end up bedding the King of Heroes because she was curious and found it intolerable to back down.

The King of Heroes' free hand was soon enough tilting her chin, and he was staring into her eyes. Being the sort of person she was she was looking back, she was pretty sure she liked those eyes specifically, at the very least they were interesting to look at. Soon enough though the King of Heroes made his desires of the moment known. Having the pair of them transported back to his bedroom. One of his hands was still busy below her waist while the other took the consent given to pull apart the layers at her neck. It was not at all normal for the Queen of Knights to feel exposed, still she'd not undressed in front of a man she held any interest in before. Her face gained a slightly reddened tint, was this about to be strange? She didn't know. At some points she felt fine and secure at others, she felt quite new and blind. This was a mixture of emotions she was not used to... and there was still that tingling in her loins so very close to bubbling over her entire form.

Still as Artoria's dress fell away, revealing a corset tightened slip of white fabric across her chest and the lightest possible material. There was a sound crossing the space, echoing in the Ziggurat. It was such an intense sound, it could have shattered eardrums and glass but the sound itself seemed to rattle the very foundations of the land. And then the darkened sky, gave way to a giant sweeping laser beam in the distance, somewhere in the nearby desert a battle was taking place. An an inhuman cry that reached way too far, put an immediate stop to Artoria's heartbeat. What was that?

[Bloodedge]

"Hmph. Equivalent they are not. However, I intend to spoil you nonetheless. Tonight is the night your life gains new purpose," the king declared. Truly, he did not plan on stopping with this woman until she lost whatever she currently called sanity. Enough with the crumbling walls; he now had the chance to batter away at Artoria's every defense using his own groin. It was exciting, it was magnificent even as a thought. This was the opportunity of a lifetime as he saw it, and one he would not let slip from his grasp.

Speaking of slipping, there was quite a bit going on already. That blue garment that could be worn so brilliantly by the Queen of Knights was gone, giving way to unguarded shoulders, one of which would quickly find Gilgamesh's hand gliding across its exposed flesh. Such silky skin she managed while being so battle-hardened. There was certainly no point in restraint now that he'd come so far. There were two annoying little buttons on the white dress that remained; that would not be allowed to stand. The dexterity of a bowman was utilized to unfasten those bothersome things with one hand, while still his gaze was fixed on Artoria's face. Just as the efforts of his other hand were picking up below her waist, however, there was a strange occurrence. That sound rang loudly throughout the Citadel of Uruk. Though he normally would have decided it was nothing worth his attention, a vision heralded by the glowing of his eyes said otherwise. Immediately, he wanted nothing more than to blame that harlot, Ishtar. Sadly, she could not be blamed for this. Had it been so many thousands of years already? They should have had more time than this, or at the very least a few more hours. Would he once again have his desires stripped from him by the world?

"Cursed fate," Gilgamesh growled through a grimace. This was not something avoidable. Others inhabiting Chaldea were easily capable of keeping this threat at bay, but they would not be able to fell it completely. It seemed, once more, action was required of him. Begrudgingly, he opted to speak on this matter, even as his motions continued by instinct alone. "It would seem the world itself is in favor of your defiance. The world-ender has arrived for the first time since the Great Divide."

[Apollymi]

"Spoil me?" Those words did not make sense right beside each other. Not as a reference for Artoria herself, of this the Queen of Knights was certain. Still she hadn't stopped her work even as her clothes fell away she seemed to have no real problems with her nudity. Still a strange hand crossing her shoulder was so different. Why was he inspecting her? Did he like her look? Well the firmness of his manhood said he didn't mind. Though she was still just a tad apprehensive about the amount this man seemed to like her when his options were so plentiful. Oh well, she didn't have time to think of it, he was still moving those fingers of his, and his others were popping the buttons of her top. Welp, her clothing started to fall away properly. Slipping away, exposing the shoulders, and more until of course the problem of the world presented itself.

Her whole body was on fire, until the moment her heart had stopped beating she had been prepared to surrender her body completely. No, that was wrong, she was willing to fight him kicking screaming and maybe with teeth all the way to this form of bliss he offered. But it seemed that they would not be breaching such a threshold today. Well, not completely, his motions continued by instinct alone and she was so dangerously close to the edge. The movement of her hand would come to a stop as the name of this creature came out of the King of Heroes mouth. "I have no idea what a world-ender is... but I feel annoyed now so we can go dispatch it," she said the movements of her hands finally coming to a halt. Strange, as she removed her hand from his manhood she found herself a little bit depressed to have stopped. Was that normal as well? She'd think about it while killing something. Finally she tried to remove herself from his person, stepping away and fastening those two buttons back. The blue dress that had fallen to her waist could easily be put back in place now with her own arms up in the air. Yes, the Queen of Knights too was all about her priorities, though she'd admitted she was annoyed by the interruption, perhaps it was a step in the right direction?

Whatever the case, a glowing white titan like creature was wreaking havoc in the desert. Lasers escaped its mouth as it aimed to crush everything it came across underfoot.

[Bloodedge]

Something had a death-wish today. Of this, Gilgamesh was certain. Artoria was already in the process of redressing herself, so it seemed the fun he'd been building up to would have to be set aside at the very least. What a cursed fate this was. He and destiny would have to share a few words eventually, but for now, he was watching the Queen of Knights' clothes move in exactly the wrong direction. When would opportunity strike again? He could not know unless he sorted through the possibilities, though that was something he refused to do. Gilgamesh would have to find out as the common folk did.

He could not disallow the queen's retreat. No, he had to release her and watch as those buttons were fastened, and that outer article returned to its place. After all, knowledge had to be imparted. The "world-ender" as he called it was an age-old god beyond those known to the world. He knew Artoria to be a key piece in felling it this time, and to do so, she needed to be equipped with sufficient information. "It is no surprise that you've never heard of it. Very well. Perhaps regaling you will stave off enough of the fury to help keep the world from burning when I reach that damnable beast," he said. The very same golden armor he'd once used to face Artoria herself manifested on his body as he stepped back, though his torso and arms remained bare. Step in the right direction or not, Gilgamesh continued to wear all of his disgruntled rage as a shameful badge while readying himself. "You have questioned this world, have you not? In truth, this world and the other were once one and the same. This Age of Gods we live in is the aftermath of the Great Divide that split this world into three pieces, two physical and one non. Everything discarded from the three, Mystery and all associated with it, became the Void beyond. The world was split because of a great threat, an extraterrestrial creature that travels the cosmos and consumes all life. Its first envoy was too powerful a foe when Mystery governed the reality of our world, so Mystery was thrown to the Void during the split. That allowed the beast sent by the world-ender to be felled by the former gods, weakened though they were in the aftermath. Such is the reason for my existence: to be the linchpin solidifying the gods' power structure, allowing them to annihilate the returning creature by being mighty enough to do so. Instead, it will be mankind saving itself from obliteration."

Indeed, an act of mankind would be what saved mankind. One-third human though he was, Gilgamesh had made the decision alongside Enkidu ages ago. Now, there were others who could fight. All of Finis Chaldea would have no choice but to rise to the occasion, even by their own decisions to live. To Artoria though, he extended a hand to accompany the unnecessarily-stern expression plastered on his face. "Artoria Pendragon! Will you rise to the occasion of felling a primordial, incongruous god? Your sword would serve well."

[Apollymi]

While she redressed, Gilgamesh did the same. Strangely, Artoria was a bit annoyed by that as well. Still, his chest was bare for her appreciation. Wait. Appreciation? When did she decide she liked looking at him? Her eyes quickly shifted away from him as her hands extended behind her neck and fastened once loosed clasps. All the while, she heard the words of the King of Heroes. She was now fighting something else... that slight ache between her legs, which she was sure she'd never felt before seemed somewhat defiant. Should she seek more of his attention? Maybe?

Whatever the case, she was told the story of this world. Which was the one they came from originally and this one, split into three parts with Mystery cast out into the void. What remained of the worlds was the creative part of the Nexus, the version of the world they'd come from without magic, and this version of the world with it. Fair enough she supposed. The world-ender had showed up sometime before... according to him and the split had been necessary to save the world. Fine, but this time apparently humanity would be saving itself? Interesting. Artoria was annoyed and beyond that a bit excited, she liked fighting after all. Still a very serious Gilgamesh gave her a question which made a smile cross her face. It seemed like he'd forgotten what she'd told him not too long ago. "That is not a real question, King of Heroes. I will always be available to act as humanity's protector. The fact that I get to fight something new is a bonus in this case~" she said. Oh, that was a bit of her real personality. The part of her that enjoyed new challenges and wanted simply to give violence to whatever she came across. Of course, she was still summarily unarmed, but a bit of water would see her sword return to her hand. "I require still water. I would have my sword." Artoria was nearly giddy beyond her annoyance, how long had it been since she'd faced something that would allow her to kill without restraint?

[Bloodedge]

Sadly, Gilgamesh could not pay heed to Artoria's annoyed state past his own grievances. If he had, perhaps that would have eased the annoyance a bit on his end. Alas... there were important things to take care of. It didn't need saying that Artoria would rise to the challenge. Only as a matter of affirmation did he even ask, but there was one stipulation. Artoria had been rendered essentially weaponless since their earlier celebration, so she was in need of still water from which to draw her Holy Sword. His hand still outstretched, Gilgamesh called upon a crystal phial filled with the magical waters of the Faiyum Oasis. Though it was water, its color shifted between every color of the spectrum. He would offer Artoria this to act as her water source. "Pour this, and let it be your scabbard," he said. Little did Gilgamesh realize, there was hardly better water to use. the Faiyum Oasis happened to be so magical because it connected loosely to the inner sea of the planet, from which the Lady of the Lake and other such fairies' power leaked. The only purer source one could have come from Dozmary Pool, where the Lady of the Lake, the Great Mother Fairy herself was most prominent.

Upon handing off the phial, Gilgamesh summoned his golden ark to the balcony just outside his chambers. Perhaps the trip to it could help him walk off an erection before combat was initiated. Whatever the case, there was no shortage of grumbles as the King of Heroes made his way toward the flying device. His eyes glowed all the while, viewing the deeper truths of ongoing events. "Hm. Time has passed differently between here and that empty gutter. It has been half a fortnight since we arrived. Many are already at war with the White Titan as we speak... yet there are no signs of the same gods who claim to protect this world."

[Apollymi]

A crystal vial was provided to Artoria. These waters, they looked and felt familiar... they reminded her of the lake she often visited when first learning of her sister's secondary whereabouts. She'd asked for waters of stillness, and he'd provided. There was a strange bit of satisfaction in having such things happen in a moment. She was used to them as sovereign but it was quite different when dealing with someone who was to be considered your equal. Whatever the case, pouring these waters would allow her to gain hold of her weapon so a nearby empty basin would be filled with this water. Artoria's unarmored hand would reach towards it open as it always was. In the same moment a shimmer would occur across the waters edge. A golden pommel and hilt emerged along with the rest of the blade. All the while on the other side, a certain Fae found it interesting that such waters were being used. Regardless it was far too long her sister had been away, she should take up her weapon. Artoria's hand closed around the hilt of this unsheathed weapon and in an instant a blue and golden sheath wrapped itself around it. "Many thanks, Fae Princess," she said soon after. Only to approach Gilgamesh and offer him back the vial he'd so freely given. "Would you like this back, King of Heroes?" she asked of him, approaching the balcony.

What was he saying? They'd been gone for half a fortnight. More important than the appearance of this monster was the knowledge that she'd been missing for a full week. She could already hear the clucking of her mother hen Knight of the Lake. "Shit, I can already hear the complaints, and gripes..." she swore. She hadn't even done anything worth being upset over this time, and she'd not even seen it to fruition, it would be more than a little annoying to get into a heated discussion over her whereabouts for the last week. It was fine. It'd be fine. What else did he just say, the gods, sworn to protect this world, were apparently not doing their jobs. "It sounds to me like they have outgrown their usefulness. But, one problem at a time," she said. A second or two later she was armored, the pieces fitting nicely over her new dress. She really would need to thank the Queen of Queens for her work. Sword swung over her left shoulder she looked like a happy child on her way to school right beneath the visage of a calm sovereign. Those eyes of hers alight as she prepared to leave this place and head to fight the monster.

[Bloodedge]

While Artoria poured water into the basin, Gilgamesh climbed onto the ark and seated himself upon its throne. He was none too pleased to be moving about beyond the confines of his own chambers this day, but there was truly no avoiding this matter. He sat and contemplated the cruelty of fate the tearing away of another thing he desired just when it was within his grasp. During that time, Artoria collected her Holy Sword and made her way out. She had something to say, something to ask, but did he truly hear it initially? No... it took a few moments for her words to register, and for his gaze to fall upon her. "It is only drinking water," was all he said. In truth, there was a possibility of her needing that phial later. It refilled itself infinitely with water from the planet's inner sea, so one such as herself had far greater use of it than he did. "On the ark."

The gods had indeed outgrown their usefulness... or at least whatever they had left of it beyond the previous calamity. That was something to be dealt with in due time, but humanity had to exist for there to be a point of ending the Age of Gods. Mankind would always find its ways regardless. Even now, as the two who were deemed as the Nexus' Sovereign prepared to enter the fray, a great battle was taking place. A massive electrum pyramid equipped with lasers of its own flew about near what appeared to be a miniature sun brought to Earth. Multiple knights leapt to and fro in their efforts to land strikes on a massive target and even more massive threat. Even a black dragon flew through the skies to rain its mystical breath down upon the White Titan that ravished the land. Strangely, the things being thrown this beast's way were only managing to become weaker over time. . .

[Apollymi]

Silence in the King of Heroes for several moments. Did he not hear or was he thinking something? Ah, he was thinking. What did he have to say to the return of his phial? It was only drinking water? Truly?! Artoria knew this water well, she knew directly what it was by feel alone, it almost smelled like home. Ridiculous was the man to let go of something like this but... he did value things differently from everyone else. "Fine. I will keep it," she said sliding said item into one of the slots on herself that should have been used for an accessory which would keep it on herself. It was time for her to board the ark? He did not need to express this, she was beside his throne in a moment sword in planted before her waiting for their arrival.

Upon reaching the place she surveyed the current goings on. A black dragon, with a rider on its back. "My sister can ride a dragon?!" that was outlandish. Well, that put a damper on things. After seeing another dragon, Artoria had decided she would kill this one too. But if it was her sister's she'd do no such thing. Never take from the baby of the family, this was a rule. A miniature sun brought to earth, would mean her nephew could do a great deal of damage himself. This was a pretty good siege of a great beast, by Artoria's own standard. Her eyes fell to the white titan who appeared to be taking less damage from each attack launched against it. "That is pretty big..." there was a sparkle in the Queen of Knights eye. She was beyond excited fight but annoyed to have left the confines of the King of Heroes bedchamber. Whatever, she'd work out her frustrations here and now. She could no longer wait, she launched herself from the ark. The dash would take her across the air as her sword would aim to penetrate the beast's chest. Of course, it took extra force to break its shell but it would force itself through. The hopes and dreams of the world compressed in a blast from the tip of her blade would stagger this creature as she performed a flip and would land on the ground dozens of meters blew. A smile on her face, as gracefully as ever she seemed so unbothered by her sudden appearance.

[Bloodedge]

Only when the King of Heroes and Queen of Knights arrive to the battlefield did that bunch of combatants stand a chance of truly defeating this beast. Only when the lot of them cleared the way, however, would they really make a difference. An interesting note was one Artoria Pendragon focusing initially on that black dragon... whose eyes were drawn to her as well. "Your sister has arrived," the dragon spoke to the woman sitting atop it, speaking in a roar with words as merely the undertone. Now that they had reinforcements, the dragon descended with haste. "Forgive me," he said while landing. The battle had not been a short one, and he had been in this form for quite some time. The moment contact was made with the ground, the dragon receded into the form of Siegfried. He was fully grounded, pained as he trembled on his knees and elbows. That form was not only costly, but used infrequently. With a grunt, Siegfried spoke again. "I need just a moment. The fight must go on."

Meanwhile, the voice of another would speak out in chiding to the most long-awaited arrivals. It was none other than the voice of Ozymandias, transferred through the flying pyramid. "And what sort of time do you call this, ye Mighty?! The honor and glory would soon go to the Great Ones of Egypt, had you taken another moment!" Ozymandias declared. The miniature sun that floated nearby belonged to none other than Gawain, who did his attacking from his place along the pyramid's side. His arms raised toward that large ball of fire, which was not quite as powerful as it could have been, given the blackened sky above. Weakened or otherwise, a beam descended into Gawain's hands, acting as the hilt of his sword's "true" form. "My Queen! It grows as it eats our lifeforce!" he yelled, preparing for his own final stand against the unknown creature.

[Apollymi]

Artoria landed as the staggered beast tried to recover itself. She noted the sun held by Gawain with a smile on her face. Though that ability was not as strong as she knew it could be, she was still quite impressed he had so much to show for himself. "Look at my boy. I raised that boy!~" she said with a smile on her face and nothing but praise to offer. At the same time, the apologies of a certain black dragon were given as he landed and then transformed back into the base of his body. A man with long white hair and tanned skin. Strangely enough Jeanne d'Arc didn't seem all too uncomfortable from her perch, even as she removed herself from his form. "You did great, Sieg. You have nothing to worry about," she said to Siegfried. "You on the other hand, are late Eri-nee!" she exclaimed with made Artoria hold up her hands in mock surrender. At the same time the emerald eyes of Artoria Pendragon settled on this scene and her left brow rose. "I am more annoyed than I was to start with now. Oh well, I suppose I will not be slaying another dragon this day. I have so many things to say... but I will keep them to myself for now. Take a break both of you. I did not mean to show so late, but time has passed a bit differently for me," she said. There was comfort to be found in that cheeky smirk of hers. She always found herself strangely excited by a new fight.

At the same time the voice of Pharoah Ozymandias came from that pyramid. Artoria's eyes shifted towards him. He wanted the glory and she'd stolen his moment. "Apologies, Pharaoh but I could not have taken another moment," she said with a knowing smirk crossing her face. Now then what was this Gawain was saying? The creature in question was feeding and becoming bigger based on their attacks and life forces? Well it didn't seem to have changed much from the attack Artoria had just launched against it. Given that information the Queen of Knights turned with her sword spinning once in her hand. "If it grows as it eats lifeforce then all of you should be standing behind me, right?" said Artoria as she stepped closer. They could launch their final attacks, they could do what they liked, but this beast was now hers to target and she would be killing it at her whim. Finally the beast stood up again, seeming to have collected itself and Artoria small as she was stood before it pointing her sword. "I will protect humanity from the world-ender. Stand aside... I would have words," Artoria's words made Jeanne smile. Strangely it was always the case, that if her sister said she could do something she believed it with all her heart. Besides all of that, if Artoria faced this in combat she could use more of her strength than normal. That would be fun for her, she'd not cut loose in quite some time. The sword in her hand was glowing quite strongly and she seemed quite pleased to be on the battlefield herself. Whatever the case, she'd have to begin again, until she could charge the attack she would no doubt be using against this creature.

[Bloodedge]

Both Siegfried and Gawain were offered reprieve by Jeanne and Artoria respectively. The former woman seemed to have a a great deal of faith in the latter, who had faith in herself... or an undying thirst for battle. Gawain knew the truth, and in knowing, he lowered his arms. The sun above dissipated, and from its location fell a sword which landed in the knight's open hand. "As you wish," Gawain said. Meanwhile, Siegfried had recently seen the removal of Jeanne d'Arc from his back. In a matter of moments, he had just enough strength to rest on one knee, heaving though he still was. "If I may say, I would rather not be slain. Hopefully that thing up there will suffice as a replacement," said the dragon-knight.

Ozymandias was actually willing to part with the alleged "glory" of victory to grant Artoria Pendragon her chance at the same. He understood Excalibur to be a thing beyond belief, in a very different way to his own great brilliance. He would offer something to assist her maneuverability, however. "Hah! You are forgiven. Here. A show of good faith from the Sun himself, to act as your aide! Wehem-Mesut!" At the pharaoh's command, the King Cosmos Sphinx itself descended from the pyramid, making its way toward Artoria. "The White One is a tricky beast; be mindful of its onslaught."

Onslaught? What pitiful claims. In watching Artoria take charge of the situation, Gilgamesh saw his own spirits lifted. It was not only a sense of duty, but now a sense of thrill that overtook him as he stood on the golden ark. "Hmph! The assault of some hideous cur from the cosmos is not a thing worth concern. Onslaught? It will be I, Gilgamesh, who shows this annoying thing the meaning of the word. Gate of Babylon." Thousands of Divine Gates were to appear across the battlefield. Excalibur was the tool best suited to end the White Titan, but he would allow it little opportunity to make use of the charging time. He'd rain a veritable bullet hell of treasures upon the creature from every angle, leaving only an opening between it and Artoria. "Show me then, Queen of Knights. Show the world why that Holy Sword was born." This command accompanied Gilgamesh's grand assault on the White Titan, which saw no letting up. Time and time again, the sound barrier was broken five times over with every individual piece shot toward humanity's ultimate threat. Throughout the course of this barrage, not one item of the greatest quality repeated itself, even though all would return to the king's treasury after contact was made. Gilgamesh wore a stern, yet arrogant expression while battering a primordial alien with his collection, seeming to grow more attached to this method of attack each time he used it. This made only the fourth time he'd done such a thing... but oh, was it satisfying to watch insurmountable force and quantity being jettisoned at a single target.

[Apollymi]

Gawain. That sweet boy raised by Artoria's own hand, knew the truth of his aunt. She was simultaneously sure of her own strength while also being absolutely battle thirsty. He stood aside with the grace to return his weapon to his own hand. "That is a good lad," Artoria said. Once upon a time such a statement would have been accompanied by a pat on the head. But it had been a long time, since Artoria could easily reach the top of this lad's head. Oh well, nostalgia alone would suffice. Moving on from that point, apparently the Dragon Knight wished to not be slain. Strangely, Artoria truly wouldn't slay him knowing he belonged to her younger sister in anyway. "Worry not, Dragon-Knight... I shall still my heart in a battle against something new. You will not have to fear for your life against me, I fear I spoil my sister too much to truly consider your death an option," she said. Such was about as close as Artoria got to admitting acceptance of any random person. Jeanne's eyes lit up at the statement, she understood it for what it was.

"Oh?" Artoria's eyes widened at the words of the Pharaoh. What would he give to aide her in this moment? A large sphinx even bigger than the one they'd ridden before. She almost squealed, but contained it. This was battle mode, she couldn't girl out on the battlefield but the happiness in her eyes was tangible. This was to help her maneuver as she slayed this white beast. And she was given both forgiveness and a warning in addition to this gift. She was to be wary of the attack of this beast. Fine. "Many thanks, Pharaoh. On my honor, I will fell this beast... as due payment for this favor," she said happily. She jumped atop the beast giving it a gentle pat, ready to rise up to face this creature directly. But, the words of Gilgamesh rang out instead, and the opening of his gates began an onslaught the likes of which the rest of this group had never seen. Even Jeanne who'd seen him in combat against her sister, did not know of the vastness of his treasury. "What? I thought it was a bow and chains... this is... ridiculous!" said the Queen of Saints who seemed genuinely surprised.

At the same time, Artoria could only smirk. "You have seen this light before King of Heroes, though admittedly not its entirety," said Artoria to Gilgamesh. The Holy Sword of the world raised above her head in just a moment, as light began to converge upon the blade. The power of hope and light condensed amassing a pillar of light concentrated at the blades tip. There were no restraints as she took on this titan, she could release all the power it had to offer, and that made her giddy. All in view of this shining light would be granted a nostalgic peace, the hope of a won battle. If something could be called glory it was this lit blade, there was nothing more hopeful and nothing more human than this which solidified hopes and dreams and made them power. In the hands of the Queen of Knights to protect humanity, it could be called awe-inspiring. And what would Artoria do with this, well... she'd chant the words this sword did not often hear from her. "Sheathed in the breath of the planet, a torrent of shining life. Feel its wrath... EX-," the breath which left this lass was one of absolute calm. There was no force greater than the might of Artoria's own will. There as nothing but quiet in her own mind. She could feel the power building up. Even as the white titan was hit by numerous treasures. Even as its body was battered and it was kept away from its target. It charged an attack of its own. It felt the danger of the coming attack. It knew it could be felled. It had too much to do, it had to defend itself. A beam gathered in this creatures mouth. It gave up temporarily the defense of its body to concentrate an attack directed at Artoria's shining light. "CALIBUR!!!" A two handed sword swing in perfect harmony with her body was brought down upon this creature as the beam of power she held aimed to terrorize it. Unsurprisingly enough, that same creature released a beam of its own, aiming to overtake the one that Artoria put forth. It was to be a struggle as the power of these two beams clashed in front of everyone. Which would win, an alien god, or the light of humanity?

[Bloodedge]

"Do you think I would bring some measly bow to a battle that threatens this whole world of mine?" Gilgamesh questioned, almost as if he had a right to be angry at the concept. He asked this while Vimana descended to Jeanne's side, even while the barrage continued despite his lack of attentiveness. "As for Enkidu, it is not yet his time to be put on display. Come. I have use of you," the king continued. Jeanne was not so important a piece as Artoria herself in the upcoming victory, but she was a very close second. Should she board the ark in lieu of her dragon companion, he would take to the skies again. "Hear me, Holy Maiden. Your supportive ability will be needed in a matter of moments."

According to Artoria, the King of Heroes had not yet seen the whole of Excalibur's light. If she thought that much, she was free to offer an example. He began his assault with precisely that intention, after all. Even the lesser form of Excalibur's mighty wave had taken some time to charge, so he imagined this one would be even more ridiculous. Indeed it was. Alas, the wait was very much worthwhile upon witnessing the build-up alone. An entire army of the highest caliber combatants stood in awe as hope itself became tangible. Among them was Gilgamesh himself, who watched not the light, but the woman wielding it. The call of Excalibur was heard by all, but by none louder than he who faced it directly on multiple occasions now. How would it fare against this power from beyond the confines of their world? The White Titan would not go down easily. No, it would kick and scream no less than Artoria itself, lashing out with its own blast. As two powers of great magnitude pushed against each other, Gilgamesh grumbled again. "Ready yourself, Queen of Saints. There will not be much time to act."

[Apollymi]

The King of Heroes seemed offended by Jeanne's lack of understanding of his weaponry. Of course, she could only shrug off his anger in her general way. "Well, I've seen lots of things and not many can even reach the same power as that bow. But if it isn't your preferred method of attack, I get that..." she said. She knew how people could be about weapons. Hoshimi Eri was the sort of person who loved, used and abused any she got her hands on to the point of it seeming almost like some strange love affair. Of course, none of that truly mattered, the King of Heroes had use of her, she would acquiesce as she always would to help out in a situation like this one. "Oui!~" she hopped aboard his ark with her flag in hand. Jeanne was a more than reasonable fighter, but when she considered that her sister was fighting she knew her own strength in that field paled by comparison. So, she figured the King of Heroes had something else in mind for her. And he did, the use of her supportive ability? Ah, she could do that.

In the skies above on top of this ark the Holy Maiden took meditative pose with the flag of her use planted before her. It glowed golden and that golden light seemed to spread from the very depths of her soul. Oh, yes, Jeanne could use her own magic and mana as well as the blessing of the world to protect everyone much easier than she could use it to defeat others in combat though she had the skill for that as well. A shining flag and a grounded light. She only had a short amount of time? She did not need much. "That is fine." She mentioned even as she watched the light of Excalibur clash with that coming from the white titan. Somehow, viewing that always seemed to set her soul at ease. She could not explain it, but it was like basking in the glow of victory, knowing it was assured. Perhaps that is what her sister always was to her, the comfort of a win, even if it was hard-fought. "Here is the work of the world. My flag, defend our brethren..." an incantation so short yet so powerful, a quiet prayer given to the Nexus to work through the Queen of Saints, "Luminosité Eternelle!" A holy light to defend all on their side, the EX level Magic Resistance of the Queen of Saints turned into a defense of all, from the coming backlash...

What backlash? The power struggle between Artoria and the white titan. Two large beams collided but eventually they would have to fizzle out. During the struggle a gentle cracking could be heard as the last of the energy the Titan had gathered rushed against it. Artoria heard it, but did not falter, to do so would mean a world of trouble. And so at the end of this epic clash of lasers, the Holy Sword Excalibur broke into two pieces. Even as the barrage continued, the White Titan had only a large injury to its chest and shoulder already healing to show for its go against the Holy Sword. A grin crossed Artoria's face before her eyes shifted to the blade in her hand. Though her sister's defense wrapped around her like a calm second skin, a broken sword was a bit problematic. "Oh? That is a problem is it not? How dare you break before I even add myself..." she murmured to her sword, her annoyance nearly palpable. She loved this sword too. To the beast before her, she had something else to say, taking its injury as truth. It could be felled. "But now I know your weakness... and that could be devastation," she murmured. On her honor this beast would fall, but what could she sacrifice to get it done? The beast was stunned, unable to move as it tried to recuperate, but that would not last long; it never did. There were only a few seconds which could be taken to figure out what to do about the problem.

[Bloodedge]

"Power?" he questioned further. If the Queen of Saints thought Enki was a tool of power, she'd not yet seen the bulk of what this world offered. Well, he supposed that made some amount of sense. After all, she'd yet to bear witness to his collection. "That was simply a thing of sport, taken with me during a time of mourning. What you see below─ that is power." Interestingly enough, Gilgamesh had no issues admitting to the unbridled might of Excalibur when wielded by Artoria Pendragon. However, it was not Excalibur he spoke of in the moment. The slightest upturn had come to his lips, but alas, the true power struggle was yet to come.

Jeanne raised her defense for the protection of all who inhabited the battlefield, one power clashed against another, and then... the Holy Sword Excalibur snapped in twain. "H'oh? That took longer than expected. I suppose the Holy Sword is owed its credit after all," the King of Heroes mused. At this point, it was time for his proper entrance. Jeanne was to be left on the ark as he leapt off to levitate via an unknown method beside Artoria and her temporary mount. His arms were crossed as he did so, his eyes focused on the beast ahead. "A broken sword does not suit you. Surely that is not the full weight of Excalibur's power." While these words were being spoken, Gilgamesh took note of the rejuvenating beast's behavior. They had only a few seconds? Nonsense. In the middle of its recuperation, Gilgamesh ceased his rain of treasures, sending instead thousands of segments belonging to the infinite Chains of Heaven to bind it. "Shall I offer pity and loan you one of my many tools?" he asked despite knowing Excalibur itself was far from done. How much could Artoria resolve herself to continue using it while broken, though? He was quite curious.

[Apollymi]

Not power, huh? Jeanne gave a side eye of blue sapphire to the King of Heroes in a moment like this one. His bow was apparently a thing of sport, used while he mourned. That made sense she supposed. Even so his further statement about the power seen below could only truly be a reference to her sister. The Queen of Saints understood this for what it was, a smile crossed her face. "I will give that... she is always that~" said Jeanne of her sister. She was happy the lass had found someone who could appreciate her even with her less than charitable disposition. And she broke another sword. "Rie-nee is going to be furious..." was all she had to say about the broken Excalibur. Of course, it had done quite a bit of damage before breaking that was acceptable to Jeanne considering how powerful her sister truly was.

A broken sword, a known understanding of how to kill... an almost assured victory. Artoria could practically see it in her mind. She could have been elated if not for the potential consequence. And now, the King of Heroes was at her side. Artoria narrowed emerald eyes at him from the corner. Even as chains aimed to claim and bind the creature for quite a bit, she couldn't help the smile that came to her face when he asked his question and his assertion of Excalibur. Did he know what she planned? Was he waiting for her to confirm? "King of Heroes, you wound me. I need no pity... I will win." she said this with about as much arrogance as he normally had. "I love this sword, I would not toss it aside without first letting it complete the duty that broke it," she said of her intention to keep using it. "This sword is mine because for the most part, it can handle and channel my energy properly. Being broken means I will lose control over how finite that power is. To fell a beast like this... I would need to add myself to the mix. And if I do... this continent will break under the pressure..." she summarized. "I would let you offer assistance, but rather than other swords, I'd prefer a true strike with that which started this fight," that was Artoria's choice. What would the King of Heroes do? Would he allow her to wreck this entire continent to end this threat? Or would he have something else to offer? Perhaps he already knew the answer and he just wanted to know her resolve to keep Excalibur in her own hands.

[Bloodedge]

Such pomposity. What could King Gilgamesh do but admire a bit of arrogance in the face of a world-ending threat, while wielding a broken blade as one's only offense? More admirable still was the absolute certainty within the Queen of Knights as she declared her impending victory. Even with a broken Excalibur─ no, especially with a broken Excalibur, she would seize victory. What cost would there be? Only a continent. Though that was a measly price to pay for the whole world's sake, Gilgamesh thought a different situation was more ideal. "Dare you speak of sacrifice, Knight-Queen? How disappointing," he stated, a smile on his perpetually smug visage.

Indeed, he did have a better plan. Indeed, he was only inspecting Artoria's resolve. Indeed, he meant to end this without a single thing lost. "Draw your ultimate power, Queen of Knights. Let the whole of your brilliance shine down from that snapped blade, and I... will tell a story." One more thing would come from Gilgamesh's treasury this day. To date, only two who still walked this Earth had witnessed it, including Artoria herself. Gilgamesh thought the other riffraff hanging back were in for quite the display as his mana formed the crimson cuneiform that receded into the first ever "sword" in this world. "I will tell you of the beginning. Heaven and Earth split, nothingness congratulated creation, and my Sword of Rupture cleaved the world!" The sword Ea's "blade" was comprised of three cylinders which began to spin in opposing patterns, producing the winds of genesis. Mindful to space these winds around Artoria as well as himself, he let loose the greatest force of his impossible weapon yet, causing space-time itself to dislocate around the pair. It was with this effect, the vacuum of creation itself, that he would ensure Excalibur's light struck only its target... which would already be in for quite an ordeal when his own attack finally came to fruition. Ah, but he should honor Artoria's incanted use of Excalibur, shouldn't he? Perhaps it was time he utilized the whole of his own chant. "Mortar of the stars, heaven's hell is the eve of creation's celebration. Now you shall die and be silent..."

The cylinders of Ea reached maximum velocity. As the winds spread, silence fell. Chirping birds, crumbling rock, the distant sound of trees wafting─ none of it could exist in this space. Even the struggling of the White Titan could not be heard on the eve of new genesis. "Enuma..."

[Apollymi]

A smile crossed Artoria's face, if he would not let her sacrifice, that was his prerogative. She knew the power she maintained and knew it could kill... though she could protect individuals she could not protect the land. Her sister had taken on part of her burden, it was the least she could do to see the entirety of this creature fallen before her might. "Forgive me, it was my mistake to think the Golden King would give away anything," she said with that same little smirk on her face. He told her to rain down her brilliance upon the world he would tell a story. Oh? That would be interesting, she'd seen what came with stories clashed with light at least once. Perhaps, when they worked side by side the outcome would be quite different.

"Fine. I will finish this... and show you the light of a Queen... unreachable at the end of the world," Artoria herself began to shine in brilliant light which moved up Excalibur as she held it over her hand in that same two handed grip. One was to steady the other for direction and all of her power was aimed, at the bound White Titan. There would be no second act, she would not allow it. And with the winds of Ea whipping up around her, even the land would be spared her particular brand of wrath. Condensing light, she achieved glory... she visualized it. Artoria drew hope into her blade, for every person whose faith was currently placed in her ability. Artoria took that calming breath that coincided surprisingly enough with the complete silence of the world caused by the winds of Ea in this vacuum. What a sight that had to be.. That golden white light, ethereal but full of power, which burst from the end at a sharper and freer angle than normally possible. To call it beautiful would be a mistake... that word simply did not do justice to even this broken blade. Once more the incantation was added, but it seemed this time, to have the effect of amplifying both the power she placed and the power of its mystery. "Sheathed in the breath of the planet, a torrent of shining life. Feel its wrath... EX-"

Various female participants in this part of the war had their eyes on this pair. There was nothing short of shock and awe on the faces of both Jeanne d'Arc and the Pharaoh Nefertari. Both had never seen anything on a scale so ridiculous as what was happening presently between the King of Heroes and the Queen of Knights. "Blimey, that's just not fair..."

[Bloodedge]

By now, Siegfried had become able to rise fully. Awestricken by the display taking place above, he let a hand rest upon the Queen of Saints' shoulder. Sir Gawain and Sir Lancelot both stood nearby, each with a sword planted firmly in the ground as they, too, looked to the sky. Winds that tore asunder even the atmosphere whipped about, and the only thing passing through the space between was Excalibur's unrestrained light. Nefertari's assertion was likely something believed by all─ especially Pharaoh Ozymandias who sat at her side within the pyramid. "You think so? I should have the pair of them for letting the rest of us fight for hours, knowing they could have brought something like this. . ."

Ah, but what of the power brought forth by these two? Surely there was nothing in existence that could stand against it. Soon, all would understand that fully, though the White Titan would not be allowed a chance to gain such knowledge. No, that beast was to be felled right here, right now. It would all begin with two final utterances, the first of which came from the King of Heroes. "ELISH‼" The winds of creation had a focal point at the very tip of Ea, while Gilgamesh held his sword high overhead. In bringing it down, he pointed the full might of genesis at the core of the White Titan. Enuma Elish took the form of a beam when unleashing its stratifications, which themselves would functionally act to absorb with a black hole-like intensity. If Artoria were to utilize her unfiltered Excalibur in close proximity, Enuma Elish would act as its catalyst. The White Titan would feel the full force of creation, and the full force of Excalibur's light─ just as its predecessor did 14,000 years ago.

[Apollymi]

Jeanne had a nice hand planted on her shoulder, she flickered her eyes over and took a single step closer while still looking at the sky. It was a little outlandish that this pair of people were using attacks in such a way. She'd come to expect complete ridiculous behavior from her sister, but to see it from the King of Heroes as well, seemed a little outlandish. At the same time, the Pharaohs looked on and had a small conversation about the power of these two 'Sovereigns' of the world. "I am sure they have a perfectly logical explanation for their tardiness," she said with a cheeky smirk. Of course, she made an assumption that hadn't quite come to fruition for the pair, but wasn't entirely wrong either.

At the same time that beam of Elish, let out a cry from the weapon and a powerful blast of energy. Artoria herself had a cry to release as well as her sword swung downward with glorious purpose. "CALIBUR!!" the light of the Queen of Knights used Ea as a catalyst funneling down onto this creature their combined might. The White Titan did not know humanity had come so far. It had no idea such a combination could exist and it did not know that information for very long. This giant creature hadn't even the time to let out a strangled cry before its body evaporated under the pressure of this pair of attacks. When the dust settled, some moments later the creature would be felled without a trace of it physically and the Queen of Knights would have the biggest smile on her face. She was a lady who loved violence absolutely and there was nothing sweeter than a victory like this.

[Bloodedge]

"Doubtful," was the assertion of Ozymandias. Looking out at the King of Heroes, he could surmise that nothing of proper interest happened between those two. Where they'd been for the past week or so, he had no reason to know or assume. "For my own sanity, I would guess the Golden King went down to Camelot to fetch her. I don't know why that would take three hours, but when those two arrived, he wasn't wearing an ounce of satisfaction on that smug face of his."

Though Ozymandias' words rang true, there was undoubtable satisfaction on his face now. The world's silence broke as the two greatest powers it had to offer were used in conjunction. It was tantamount to a localized Big Bang, but with an added consciousness that brought with it the idea of fantasy. Nothing could survive the combination, and indeed, nothing remained in its wake except a pair of beaming faces, and one sound no one would ever be allowed to forget. "Fufuhahahahahaha!" Ah yes, it was the King of Heroes' laughter. At the precipice of both genesis and hope, he would ensure it was there. Much like his former self, Gilgamesh would greet a new day, or in this case the dawn of a new era, with triumphant laughter. "What say you now, worthless gods?! Can humanity not fend for itself? Even before my aid, fending off the aliens you cower from in your hideaway, it was Finis Chaldea that kept the destruction of all at bay! Bwahahahaha!"

[Apollymi]

Doubtful? The Sun King did not believe the pair had been indulging in each other when it became obvious that the creature was here to destroy all? A trip to Camelot was likely the reason for this particular tardiness. Well, that would be assumable but... Nefertari had seen the look in the face of the Queen of Knights, she was far too pale for the gentle flush of her face to disappear completely. Maybe there was a story there instead... "But her knights were already here, was she really back in Camelot? Either way, I am not willing to completely discount my theories just yet. Girl talk is going to be very interesting later~" she said with a happy smile on her face. Technically speaking the Queen of Queens had missed having friends, and the Queen of Knights and the Queen of Saints were both rather interesting individuals.

Two beaming faces indeed. Both the King of Heroes and the Queen of Knights were absolutely smiling. And the sound of Gilgamesh's laugh penetrated even the hearts of others. Jeanne looked up at the pair seemingly in awe still. "Aww, look at them. They're so cute together..." she said seeming not to care of the potential consequences of earning her older sister's ire. Artoria's eyes shifted in the moment as she heard that sound and her expression softened gently. 'Yeah, I definitely like that laugh...' she had the thought and then immediately turned her head. Yes, she'd been thinking far too much, she definitely couldn't get caught staring at the King of Heroes, his ego would stifle the rest of the world if she did.

What of Gilgamesh's statements to the Gods. At least a couple were sitting in council in Celestia. One known as Kur had appeared in her black cloud of mist only to take her seat rather casually. "He is right. The pair of you told us we should be preparing for that things return. Made it sound like it was a super calamity. And not only did his people fend it off for hours until he returned... but he and the Queen of Knights fended it off in a matter of seconds," she said only to change her mind about her wording. "I'm sorry. I misspoke. They killed it. And with no casualties I might add." The silent woman dressed in blue and white could only look down with her not real eyes and nod her approval. Perhaps the one called Metis had been right, and it was long since time to leave humanity to their own devices.

[Bloodedge]

Nefertari had more insight to offer, which Ozymandias hadn't given prior consideration to. Artoria's knights were in combat with them, so what reason did she have to be down in Camelot? There was none he could think of. He'd have to be attentive whenever this "girl talk" Nefertari spoke of came to an end. "I suppose you're right. I'd like to know the full details whenever you manage to bait them out of the Knight-Queen," he said. Whatever the story between those two and their tardiness was, Ozymandias was content to relax now that the threat was gone. He sank into his throne, he rested against his own fist, and he heaved a deep sigh. "At least it's all over. That thing was quite a problem."

The laughter of Gilgamesh carried on to no end. How could he do anything else? This was the ultimate victory against another creature, as far as this world was concerned. It was as if he'd seen the return of his glory days, but in an even more superior way. Only the gods could have claimed to know such triumph, and even they had made no appearances this time. For all their fear of the alien threat, they hadn't the courage to even rise up! The same could not be said of Gilgamesh, nor of Finis Chaldea! "And what now? Nothing?! Look to the skies, my Chaldea! Look unto the realm of gods that would leave you all to rot and crumble, all for fear of their own lives and livelihood! Is this the thing that incited worship during my upbringing?"

This speech was becoming quite problematic. In Celestia, Kur spoke of the king's accuracy. None perished this day, and indeed the White Titan had been felled like its brother before. The Father, Anu, trembled as he sat in contemplation. "But at what cost? Humans prospering is one thing, but how will we persist in the face of this defamation? I should never have allowed that attack," he stated. Never should Ishtar have been allowed to take the Bull of Heaven down to Uruk; that had been the event to set this all in motion fully. If he'd been of a mind to reject the bratty goddess way back then, perhaps their existence as they knew it would not be endangered by a loss of fiefdom now. Ah, but Enki, who sat in recline, seemed to have a different opinion. "Sounds like Metis got in your head to me, old man. Some of us will be fine regardless, eh Kur? Between the Underworld and my empire down there, Kur and I could hop down to Chaldea whenever we want right now. Get yourselves some nations; this shithole is going south, quick."

[Apollymi]

A smile crossed Nefertari's face. Of course, she would give her husband full details whenever she managed to get them from the Queen of Knights. That was one of the main benefits of being married. "Of course my Sun and Stars," she said with a grin crossing her lips. "I am also quite glad this is all over. It was getting a bit tense there for a moment," she said taking her seat beside him.

The words of the King of Heroes sounded in the mind of Artoria. He seemed to have had a problem with the idea of her clashing with or challenging the gods in anyway when she'd come up here a decade ago. But all that seemed to be forgotten. Good, she still had a bit of a bone to pick with a certain goddess, she'd done the job of running out of Mesopotamia the last time she was here. Still, Artoria could find nothing but amusement in his words, "Careful, King of Heroes, I thought I was only allowed to commit sacrilege in bursts," said the Queen of Knights. She'd lower herself and give quite a few head pats to this giant old sphinx. It'd been rather nice to her. Once on the ground after a thorough petting of this most excellent beast, she'd go about looking for the fallen piece of her sword. After all, she needed it to be repaired at her sister's earliest convenience.

It seemed Anu was a bit worried about the events of the past he'd allowed to transpire. At the same time, the Mother found herself only shaking her head. None of this would have been a problem if he'd simply taken the advice of the embodiment of wisdom when it was given. Too bad, the only one who'd predicted all of this was the only one who'd decided in advance that she wanted no part in this. Kur herself had been set apart, running the Underworld was her duty and task and none could take it from her. Ishtar had ruined her own ability to be part of the regular Finis Chaldea. After demanding temples in Mesopotamia from Anu, she'd lost them all in an incident a decade ago. "It isn't getting into anyone's head. She told us her thoughts and she was ignored. That is the truth." said Kur which made the Mother nod her agreement. "Besides, I can go freely because I've offered no offense to anyone. And the Underworld is not the sort of place I can easily separate from... after it was forced upon me, I made the best of it." she said with a gentle shrug. "Before you go giving advice about starting nations, you'd do well to remember, that all Chaldea answers to the King of Heroes. And that Ishtar can't go to Mesopotamia now because she incurred the wrath of the Queen of Knights. Be careful for your own sake Enki," the girl said. She seemed to have some remaining attachment to her brother, even as Celestia seemed to be falling apart. But where was Ishtar? She paced around her upper temple, not bother to come with the rest to watch the action because once she'd had he crystal ball replaced she'd been watching Gilgamesh. And what she'd seen of him in his bedchamber so recently, made her blood boil. "How fucking dare she, try and take what's mine?! Playing innocent and cute fucking insignificant, flat-chested boy!" Yes that was the right stance. She couldn't face the others right now. Knowing this, and the fact that the girl had ruined her temples so she couldn't even jump straight down to confront her. Yes, she'd sent a pack of rapists after her, but that was hardly a reason to keep her locked up here. Luckily the white titan had attacked when it did, stopping the pair from consummating their relationship. She'd never allow them to do that. NEVER!

[Bloodedge]

Sacrilege in bursts? "Perish the thought!" Gilgamesh said giddily. "There will be no more sacrilege. Soon, there will be no gods standing in humanity's way. The closest thing to a god for the people of this world will be none other than me, Gilgamesh! Fuhaha!" Perhaps there was a bit of sacrilege in the king's speech, but he fully intended to do away with the gods' reign. Whether they were displaced or simply locked in their realm of Celestia for all eternity, he didn't care. Only one had managed to spare herself from his ire, and that one had done so very much indirectly.

As the event of felling the White Titan came to a close, the gods above were discussing... apparently their own fate. Kur followed in the footsteps of her sister Metis, it seemed. Meanwhile, Enki remained indifferent to the overall plight of their family. With Atlantis standing strong in spite of its presence in Chaldea, he hadn't a single worry. "Atlantis answers to no one but me. As long as it stands, and as long as people keep dying, you and I won't get stuck here like the other four. We could start a religion of our own if that happens~" Enki said jovially. As far as he was concerned, the council of the gods was no more, and there was nothing to be done about it. They were all best off cutting their losses and taking advantage of whatever they could while everything fell apart. "Speaking of Ishtar, where have she and Enlil run off to now?" he asked, though he didn't seem to care very much at all.

[Apollymi]

"Oh? Well, who am I to interrupt another's spring cleaning..." Artoria said shrugging off the man's behavior. She only had issue with one who would call themselves a divine. No matter what, she tended to only offer violence to those who offended. Regardless she eventually found that piece of Excalibur and with both it and its lower half in her hands she made her way over to a shallow and empty sinkhole. It would be here, she poured the water from that crystal phial and sent over to the other side of the world, given the nature of these waters her broken copy of Excalibur. In the same moment Artoria took a deep breath and prepared herself for her elder sister's ire. This would happen almost instantly, as the Lady of the Lake emerge from a puddle with nothing but ire, in her eyes and the two sides of Excalibur in her hands. "What the fuck is this?! How? How did you do this?!" she exclaimed looking at Artoria who managed to look completely passive. At the same time, Jeanne called out across the battlefield. "Language!" Much to Vivian's dismay. "No. Not today, did you see this? This is a holy sword, a relic. 14,000 years old you uncultured savage. How did you break it?!" Vivian was furious and though Artoria was stoic in her face, beneath the surface of her person, she was laughing hysterically. Getting under her older sister's skin was normally such a hard thing to do. Aloof and often full of chiding advice it was nice to see her so worked up, at least once in a while. "I used it. It broke. Fix it." Yes, short answers, would only serve to infuriate the Lady of the Lake. "I am an artificer not a miracle worker!"

The words that came from Enki made Kur shake her head. He seemed to be on a bit of a spiral lately. She normally was only one to judge those who acted against her directly, but refusing to admit something so simple was almost suicidal in the modern climate. If he truly gained the ability to be worshipped as a godking... he acted as if he didn't know that he could be slain like everyone else. Whatever, she'd given all the advice she was going to. Kur wasn't Metis, she wouldn't simply talk until her head fell off. "I am not interested. People shouldn't worship death," she said that with a curt nod. "They need only accept it." Yes that was the way Kur considered herself. Because of this she didn't have a problem of followers or anything like that. As for the whereabouts of the others. "I have not seen Enlil in quite a while. I figured he was keeping to himself now. As for Ishtar, she's been trapped up here since the destruction of her temples. I assume she is up there watching the mortals she finds amusing..." she said giving a casual shrug. "Anyway, if there is nothing else, I am returning to the Underworld." Kur's words were final and with nothing else she'd disappear from this room wrapped in shadows the same as she'd arrived.

[Bloodedge]

The send-off of Excalibur did not come without a strange turn of events. Shortly after the broken blade was slipped into the waters, the Lady of the Lake herself emerged in a fit of rage. What sort of problem was she having down there? Apparently, the weapon being broken was quite the issue for her. During Gilgamesh's descent, he snorted. That thing, Excalibur, was broken as any tool would be. He could agree with Artoria's rebuttal undoubtedly. Weapons were to be used until there was no further use of them, and then, they were to be either replaced or repaired. Why did the Lake Fairy have gripes to offer? "You are Fae, are you not? One should consider the Lady of the Lake as close as possible to those who originally forged that blade." Gilgamesh spoke while his eyes were trained on no one in particular. In fact, he gazed quizzically at the space previously inhabited by the White Titan. There was a furrow to the brow above those glowing eyes as he continued speaking. "Take that blade into your lake, and see it repaired. If it is an extensive matter of time, have another made. One would not see the Queen of Knights without her Holy Sword." In these words, there was deeper meaning. The king could see a future threat as a result of this battle's outcome, and for it, Excalibur would once again be a desired thing to have on hand. That eventual future was nothing he cared to discuss presently, though. There was victory to bask in; all things in the distant future were to be saved for another day. . .

As for things saved for another day, it appeared Enki would have to hold off on his plan to bring Kur along to Atlantis. What a shame; she could have saved herself from that boring old Underworld. He'd been thinking of inviting the others along as well, but half of them weren't even here in this meeting. Enlil could never be found unless he wished to show himself, what with his disappearing pocket dimension or whatever it was. As for Ishtar, perhaps she could be located. There was nothing else to see here anyway. "Fine, fine. I'll also be leaving, before I start growing a meter-long beard," the god declared while hopping out of his chair. He supposed then, he'd be headed upstairs to find Ishtar. Sin would neve say a thing, and Anu would be busy trying to keep Celestia as it was. Ishtar had about a thousand issues, but she could at least provide several forms of entertainment, and had no reason to reject his offer. So, he'd go out in search of the goddess already trapped in this realm. . .

[Apollymi]

"Come now Fae Princess, you cannot be this upset." Artoria managed, though she was still more than a bit bemused. Her sister was always like this, pretending not to care about anything, but then being exceedingly upset at the most random things. Here and now it wouldn't just be Artoria pushing her buttons it was the King of Heroes as well. Since when were they so close to being on the same page? "Yes I am Fae, but that is not the point!" she claimed. Of course, she knew it was possible she'd have to repair this blade, but it was still rather annoying to have to do it now. Still the words of the King of Heroes gave the older of the Hoshimi children a bit of pause. If he saw into the futures so well, he should know she was busy. "I plan to, I am just busy and she is always like this!" claimed Vivian who could just see the smug amusement behind the eyes of her sister and it only made her furious. "Busy with what? I am raising your children!" Artoria said with near outrage in her voice at the audacity of her sister. A deep breath from Vivian ensued. "Fine. Point made, I am still furious but you are right. I have been abusing you for free childcare. Just take better care of your weapons, please. It is complicated getting such relics from one place to another..." said Vivian. She sank into the puddle thereafter but not without sticking up her middle finger at her younger sister. "Bite me, Fae Princess." And just like that the commotion settled down. Artoria rolled her shoulders, that was fun. Killed a new thing, argued with her sister, broke another sword. The world seemed to want her to have a bit of a good time.

It seemed that all were gone from this room except for the Mother and Father and then after even a few minutes the mute woman stood and began to walk away from this room. She hadn't been capable of liking being around this man in quite a while, for several reasons not the least of which having to do with his wayward eye. There was no way she'd have a meaningful conversation with him now. In the meantime, Ishtar was pacing around her temple, scheming. She had to figure out a way to get down a level. She needed to be able to send monsters or men or something to attack that cutesy boy princess. She had to keep her away from the object of her affections. He was supposed to be hers, no one else could have him. It didn't matter what he thought he wanted he should and would want her if she removed all other distractions. That is how it always worked. Even that sheep herder had eventually done his part to make sure she rose again. The King of Heroes should acknowledge his place beneath her and acknowledge her as his one and only Queen and Goddess. Then and only then could he have happiness. And she'd be sure he didn't find it at all before then.

[Bloodedge]

The Lake Fairy was... busy, as she put it. Gilgamesh actually had no clue what constituted as business to one such as her. It was surely not something that could affect him, so he'd never care to look. Simply put, she had the ability to make something happen, so the responsibility for doing so would forever be on her. "You being Fae is precisely the point! You have a matter of weeks to fix this issue," he demanded. What he foresaw was close─ too close. The Lady Vivian took her leave, and Gilgamesh was content to let her depart with that information. Things would be quite tedious without Excalibur in the near future. Now then, their victory was behind them, and a new thing ahead. What he desired earlier in this day, or rather... six days before, had been ruined. What would he do about that? Well, he'd leave the matter to Artoria herself. Whatever her intentions, he would go about the normal day-to-day. This event was sure to result in a thousand more tablets making their way to the ziggurat. "Tch."

Meanwhile, Enki was climbing the quarts stairs of Celestia en route to Ishtar's chambers. He'd been doing so well for himself as of late, he thought to enter without so much as a knock. Swaggering his way right in, the divine male even had his eyes closed and a confident grin upon his face. Would he wait for acknowledgement before speaking? Absolutely not. Today, he was victorious. He alone had a method of furthering his (or their) survival at the end of an age, and he alone wielded the sort of thing Ishtar happened to be seeking. "Oh Ishtar~! I hear you've encountered quite the problem. Your king had some little girl ruining all your temples, and you are now the first to be stuck in Celestia? You're in luck. I've come with an offer you can't refuse."

[Apollymi]

Whatever Vivian was busy with, was going to be put on hold while she fixed Artoria's weapon. What was this, she'd need it in a matter of weeks. Ugh, that wasn't nearly enough time for her to reforge Excalibur properly. She'd have to make another one and that was going to be difficult. She paced around in her own lake thinking about the necessity of fixing the old blade and forging the new. Without Mystery in the world, it was impossible to make a blade with the strength and size of Excalibur. It would be unwieldy for the small girl if nothing else. Whatever, she'd have to make due until the re-forging process was finished. And as far as she knew, such a thing would take at least seven years. 'If I put everything I have into it, I can make her a second one in seven days. But it will also set me back on my other project the same amount of time...' she thought. Looking down at a small box which contained the personality of a certain female Knight, taken without her consent during the night of the celebration of Artoria's Ascension. It was tough being the sort of person she was, fine. She was the big sister. She'd make it happen.

Moving on, there were now several matters to attend to. Much like Gilgamesh Artoria saw her problems as six days past, though a nagging annoyance set at the back of her mind. She had plenty to do with her own Kingdom between now and then. Her eyes cut to the King of Heroes for a moment and she remembered everything of their passing time together. She didn't experience regret so much as she experienced shock at her own actions. What had possessed her to think she was ready for such a thing? And why did she still find herself staring at this man periodically? She needed someone to explain this to her, and maybe to get some advice, work up her nerve? Now that she was sobering she definitely didn't have it anymore. Oh and she was unarmed now... that wasn't helping at all. She couldn't help that sideways glance which came with a touch of appraisal on her part. She needed to stop, someone actually might mistake her for a school girl. Where was her dignity? She'd force it here and now. "I am going. I have preparations to make and there is the matter of my nagging knights and my now six day absence to take care of. I will see you, when I raise Albion, King of Heroes." That was her final word on it. That would likely give her more than enough time to work up her nerve and figure out how she felt.

Meanwhile, there was a green haired, green eyed goddess who knew exactly how she felt. Jealous that such an insiginificant little girl had the adoration of the King of Heroes. Surely, it was simply misguided. It was now Ishtar's life work to get rid of the Queen of Knights and make it so Gilgamesh knew she was the only one who could accept his gifts. It would be pointed to realize that she did not love this man nor feel for him particularly. She was attracted to his physical form and wanted all of his love, attention and adoration as well as access to everything he had. He was truly the King of the World and she wanted him to figure out how to get rid of the remaining gods and give her the rest of Heaven and to go along with her need to have everything. But she wanted to do nothing, but sit around and do what she wanted in the meantime. Why did no one get this? Speaking of being ogled the audacious Enki entered her temple no knocking eyes closed and seeming to be smug as all get out. That sort of attitude was normally appealing but Enki was never truly attractive to her, for whatever reason. "That is a boy. It hardly matters," she said her own nose turned up in the air. "If you have something to say make it quick I am busy," she said haughtily, crossing her arms under the ridiculous mounds which were her breasts. Truly she was only busy scheming against her very concept of influence, but it didn't matter, as giving too much attention to one like Enki without him actually being able to provide anything of worth would be annoying.

[Bloodedge]

Yes, leaving matters to the Queen of Knights was the best course of action. Of this, Gilgamesh was certain. He'd done enough pushing, enough proving his intentions. None of that would matter if he only continued pushing until she gave up. A bit of leeway was to be given, all to ensure Artoria made the decision herself, rather than let herself be broken. No shell of a woman could truly call herself Queen of the World. Alas, what was she to do with this freedom? She'd announce her leave right away. How very... annoying. He would not oppose this decision, even though he was visibly displeased. Oh well. Another chance would present itself on one side or the other. He'd see her whenever Albion was risen, he supposed. Nothing more had to be said about the matter.

As for events occurring within Celestia, Ishtar was none too pleased with Enki's entrance. He didn't really seem to care; he finally had the advantages he sought for so long. Even the partial mortal Gilgamesh would mean nothing to him soon enough. Enki's eyes opened and fell upon the green-haired goddess, wasting no portion of his gaze on anything but her impeccable physique. "You can't be too busy. There's nothing you can do but sit here," he countered. Right away, Enki sauntered his way over to the goddess' throne. He did not intend to waste any time, but he was quite thoroughly enjoying himself for having such a leg-up on all of Celestia. "To keep it simple, my influence over my empire is greater than any god's influence has ever been. That little king and the boy-queen you hate so much are going to either take down Celestia directly, or cut all influence it has over the world eventually. If that happens, only Kur and myself will be able to get out of here... and you two don't seem to get along very well at all. Ah, but I miss those temples of yours with all their curvaceous statues. I could spread your name all across an empire in Chaldea, for the right price~♪"

[Apollymi]

Artoria would return to her duties, because she needed to. She also figured Gilgamesh would do much the same. She felt strangely about leaving him... but she also wasn't sure she was in the right headspace to make the decision to stay. Obviously, it was the best decision to withdraw. She needed to strategize, get more information, learn for herself what it was to 'like' someone in the sense she figured she'd started liking the King of Heroes. Maybe then, she could interact with him better. As she walked off she began to wonder, when had she started to care about how she interacted with the King of Heroes? Truly Artoria Pendragon was out of her depth and unsure of herself in a moment like this. Even in the wake of a great victory she needed to figure out herself.

Ishtar was quite used to men's gazes being locked upon her like Enki's currently was. If the King of Heroes had any sense he would be looking at her as such and would have claimed her already. Yes, she wouldn't have allowed him to claim all of her, but not many in any realm could say they'd had the pleasure of bedding the Queen of Heaven. That was title held by the few, a few of which Enki was obviously trying to weasel himself into. "Yes, it isn't like I wish to have pointless conversation either. I'd rather watch the mortals play..." she said scoffing. This man was something of an annoyance. He was never very big and Ishtar often wondered if his attitude was his way of compensating for something he might have lacked at base. Whatever the case, it seemed Enki was feeling talkative. He claimed that if Artoria and Gilgamesh had their way, Celestia would be properly cut off. If such a thing happened the only ones who would be able to get out would be Kur, which made sense given she was in charge of death. Damn shame that, she'd turned down death initially because she didn't want the responsibility of dealing with only dead people. She didn't realize the amount of influence Kur would end up with being in charge of such a thing. And by the time she went to take it from the girl, she'd grown so much nerve that she'd assaulted and killed her. Never again, would Ishtar be stepping into death without losing something so she didn't plan to try using Kur again anytime soon. So instead, Enki was apparently offering to spread her influence to whatever little land he had tucked away for himself. In exchange for something... of course he would be trying to make such demands of hers. People like him always reaching beyond their means, never understood that what they wanted to give they should offer freely, especially when women like her were involved. She was perfection incarnate and he should be vying for her attention, not trying to bargain with her like she was some random prostitutes' roaming the streets. The audacity of this man!!

She stared at him in silence for a few seconds. If he could up her influence even a little bit... she could freely attack the King of Heroes as she wished. Even without her temples a bit of extra power would be all she needed to send her pets forth. And if she could do that, she could at least manage to keep him and the boy-queen separate until she could fully manifest in his area again. Surely he couldn't actually say no to her if she was present again. So then, was this ability to do as she wished, worth going along with whatever little plan Enki had? Not really, she wouldn't accept anything resembling an equivalent exchange... no matter what he thought she was supreme here, he'd need to make proper offerings to her, to get her attention. Just like everyone else. "Oh? It sounds like you've been busy, Enki!~" she said seeming to give it a bit of thought. "Still if you have that much influence and you wanted my attention you probably should have just made a few temples to me to start with. I'm always generous to those who make proper offerings," she said leadingly. "If you really can, I'd definitely be willing to make it worth your while~" she said. All the while she'd crossed the room and had a hand trailing ever so gently up this man's left thigh, of course she'd go on to take hold of his manhood if only to confirm or deny his standing on actually getting anything real out of her. Until then non-committal leading statements, would likely be all he got. "But only if you make it worth mine."

[Bloodedge]

Gilgamesh would indeed be returning to his duties because he needed to. With nothing else to do, he lowered the golden ark Jeanne stood atop to take his place upon its throne again. His disappointment at fate itself was immeasurable, but it, like everything else, would last only so long. Assuming Jeanne d'Arc abandoned Vimana, he would be returning to the Citadel of Uruk posthaste. Many, many tablets awaited him there. Did he have any desire to deal with them now, after all he'd been through today? Not one bit. Still, it had to be done, and he was the one who had to do it.

Ishtar would rather watch the mortals play, she claimed. From the sound of things, she'd just finished storming around the room over the recent events down below. "Boring," Enki said. "You're a goddess, Ishtar. If you're watching mortals, you should be watching them as they crawl over to kiss your feet. That's what I've been doing lately~" he said, ever so satisfied with this truth. What would Ishtar think of his initial offer, though? She seemed to be letting the gears turn in her mind, likely in some attempt to turn things around. Would that not result in precisely what Enki wanted, though? They would soon find out. He'd been busy, she observed. Yes, yes he had been. Ah, but Ishtar went on to claim he should have already erected temples in her honor, and that she was always generous to those who made proper offerings. Nonsense. He would not be giving her any more than she already had without any surety, after all. Only with the belief that he would be victorious, would he be upholding his own end of the bargain. Now, Ishtar was guiding a hand up his thigh, taking hold of his trouser snake upon reaching the bulge that contained it. Was this some attempt to rile him up, or an inspection? Surely it was the former. Surely she didn't believe he could be compared with those lowly mortals who threw themselves at her daily. "Ishtar, I can make anything worth anyone's while. My empire can easily see a hundred temples erected, with statues in your image to strengthen the link. If I were to do that, though, accuracy is a must. I wouldn't see a single curve out of place, so... here I am. The price is simple, no? I gain the knowledge necessary to have your perfect image molded, you have a new link to the mortal world, and then we may both have a way out of Mother and Father's stupid little crumbling heaven. Who knows? Perhaps we can eventually reimagine the heavens and solidify a new seat of power. What say you, Maiden?"

[Apollymi]

Jeanne hopped off Vimana and seemed content to go on about her day. Even so she gave a happy wave to the King of Heroes as he headed off. She knew her sister wouldn't do it, but seeing her reactions recently, she knew this was just a cover. Whatever the case, Jeanne would tend to Siegfried and go back to the Holy Knights Headquarters. After all, there was bound to be a bit of fall out.

But as the citizens of Chaldea seemed to go back to their daily lives. Ishtar was being strangely spoken to by Enki. He knew the right things to say to her at least, that was working out in his favor. At the very least, he understood what it was she wanted out of life. She supposed it wouldn't be too farfetched to use him a bit. At the very least, she could get her own influence up and then she could either take over his land or move on to her own. Actually that didn't sound bad. And having a feel for his manhood at the very least, she could get a decent lay out of it. He wanted to learn her body, she didn't mind having sex. She got free temples out of it and likely the ability to better control this man... was there a loss to be taken here? Not really. Besides, she could definitely use his as ammunition to get him killed later, Enki was about the type to challenge Gilgamesh and lose. She was sure of this. "Hm, well I wouldn't really want to be trapped up here forever... and my form is perfect," she said seeming to give it a bit more consideration. "Fine, I will consider this an offering. And graciously allow you to have your study. My form is perfect it shouldn't be misrepresented," she said. It was as if she was talking herself into something. But that wasn't it, this situation wasn't at all out of her control, laying with her was generally enough for her to gain whatever she wanted from the man in question. Having another god under her control was always a good idea, she probably could have taken it up before. Annoyingly, he wasn't exactly her type, but she supposed she could get away with imagining someone else while he lay with her.

[Bloodedge]

The goddess agreed that her form was perfect, and seemed willing to consider his proposition as... an offering. Strange though that may have been as an idea, it was nothing too odd to divinities of their nature. There were only offerings, and once in a while, those offerings were made in two directions. Enki was in the position normally taken by mortals now, but things would surely invert with the passage of time. "Of course it is. Nothing less from the queen herself, right?" he mused. Enki would not be wasting time with silly banter. Even as a few words were shared between them, both of his hands were already mobile. He took hold of Ishtar's top, constricting and difficult as it was to pull down and let spill those hulking mounds. It was no matter of difficulty to find arousal for oneself when dealing with the sex goddess, even while being divine himself. Of course, being deep into a state of arousal before anything even began would only hasten Enki's efforts to tug that white dress of Ishtar's all the way down the curve of her hips. "I'll be sure to have a thorough inspection. Your statues won't miss a speck of detail," he specified while his hands were caressing the green-haired goddess' sides, as if to truly get a measure of her form.

[Apollymi]

Enki was quite mistaken on how bedding one like Ishtar actually worked. But he would find out exactly what it was he was dealing with in a few moments. Ishtar herself, with her long green hair and perfect mounts had her clothing begin to be stripped away by this man. As if he truly intended to study her form, she was fine with it as a method of appreciation. It would at least do a bit to get her closer to where she needed to be mentally. Luckily enough her own power made it so that she was always ready and willing to accept what any man had to offer, regardless of her personal interest in the act. Nothing less than perfection for her. Yes! Finally some understanding. "Of course, it is good that you understand~" she said as if amused by the statement. Her body reacted to touching by sending a veritable flood to her nether and she had no problem being naked even in front of this man. He seemed to be well on his way of course, men always where when her perfect form was revealed. Her normal relaxing chair transformed into a large bed, fit for such an offering to take place in. As her dress finally fell away revealing her full nudity. She laid against it showing the whole of herself for this supposed inspection, expecting this man to follow as well. "Come then. Learn all you wish of this perfect form. And present to me the most perfect statues I have ever seen~" Yes. She could get into this so long as she thought of everything this would gain her. She could offer a word or two of encouragement to string him along, to keep him going in her favor.

[Bloodedge]

Ah yes, none should understand the functionality of a divine more than, or even as well as another divine. Obviously then, no one in existence should understand better than the divine one who sought the Queen of Heaven's loins with intent. Ishtar's throne took the form of a bed, and she moved to it. Enki followed behind only loosely, taking the time to appraise her from the rear as she moved. On his way, the male stripped away his own garments and bore his tool, eyes traveling up and down the flawless form presented by Ishtar. He crawled onto the bed, his touch beginning at Ishtar's ankles and rubbing its way up the whole of her legs. To touch Ishtar's flesh was enough of an aphrodisiac in its own right to leave even the god of water's groin sore with anticipation. How riveting. Nevertheless, by the time his hands were just between her hips and thighs, he was wondering exactly what sort of approach to go forward with. "Now, how can I even the scales? This is quite the bountiful display laid before me; there may not be much fairness to the exchange here. So... what pleases the Maiden? There are some stories told among the mortals about your former lovers. Shall I become as my own newest symbol, the horse? Or do those stories hold only half-truth?"

[Apollymi]

Enki was now rubbing along her legs, moving his hands up them to get to her thighs and part them. It was obvious he was enjoying himself, anyone who touched her did regardless of any actions she took for herself. He was naked before her and she gave him the general appraisal she gave everyone. He wasn't a bad looking man but he also wasn't the man she was looking for. It was a strange twist of fate that would have her bed him.... all so she could get enough influence to stop someone else from bedding the person she actually wanted. Oh, he was talking again? He wanted to even the scales on this exchange? Did he finally realize how little he was offering in exchange for her? Good for him, perhaps he'd have his uses past this singular moment of influence. Ah, he wanted to know what she wanted out of this, making reference to that ridiculous mortal topic of her and horses. "What pleases me is men hung like horses. My stories have been told strangely over time. I turned that man into a horse only after he proved himself incapable of doing anything but acting like one..." she explained of herself. She wasn't simply having sex with lesser creatures all over the place. There were however a few divine ones she made exceptions for if she found herself lacking in entertainment long enough, but that did not actually need saying. What was she to say... if she wanted to keep him, it was probably best to avoid insulting him. Even so, it was definitely better for her in general if she finished, preferably before she'd be in need of a bath. "I have no problem with what you currently have to offer as far as tool is concerned, but if you'd rather make sure I enjoy myself properly... you are free to offer the use of your face to that space before entering it," she said as if she had little care at all in this way. Hands above her head she made herself an open offering to this man. If he displeased she'd take what she wanted for herself and never bed him again... however if he managed something better than mortals, she might be willing to at least use him when her frustrations were high. What more could any man ask for?

[Bloodedge]

Ah, so there was a bit of embellishment to that tale of Ishtar and the stallion. Apparently, what she sought was men hung like horses as opposed to the beasts themselves. Well, it happened to be the case that Enki could be both. What was the goddess' desire, though? It was not implicitly that he change what he had to offer, though he was not discouraged from doing so either. What she suggested properly was the use of his face. Of course, it should have been expected that the goddess who received infinite tribute from mortals would expect servicing. To this activity, Enki was no stranger. He was even expecting that it would act as some sort of delicacy, and would thus approach it as such. "Oh, where is my brain? I've gone and gotten ahead of myself," he said, seeming oddly pleased with this opportunity. After all, why shouldn't he be? This moment was proof that he stood above mortals and demigods alike, including those who knew not what they could achieve beyond their normally limited capacity. Enki would be sure to take advantage. His left hand traveled from Ishtar's hip onto her pelvis, two fingers carving a path into her dampened crevice before spreading it for his observation. With his other arm curling under Ishtar's thigh, Enki moved himself forward to partake of her divine juices with tongue.

Meanwhile, the one Ishtar seemed to prefer the idea of performing such acts was finally returning to his throne. As he expected, there were full mountains of tablets awaiting him the moment he appeared. He should have flown into a fit of rage. He should have cursed the high heavens for this turn of events, but this work was of his own creation. Begrudgingly, he seated himself to begin work anew. "Siduri," he called out once his rear met the throne. "Are proceedings in order to receive Albion?"

[Apollymi]

Enki asked where his brain was, and to be honest Ishtar had no idea why he didn't think to offer such a thing himself. Even so, she'd never had a man say no to performing such an action so she would not be sparing herself pleasure just for this man to find his. No, her own would come first. He would take time to study her form and then she'd have temples. A man like Enki likely enjoyed the idea of having her, like every other man should, as such he could play into her enjoyment of the moment even if she didn't want to look down at him. How would she balance her desires in this moment? That first lick and hooking of her leg would find her eyes closing. Ah yes, that would likely seem to be from pleasure as that little moan escaped her and her own hips shifted gently to offer easier access. But there was a realer truth of this matter, she wished to imagine someone else offering her this service. Someone with blonde hair and strange blood red eyes with slit pupils. Yes, if she closed her eyes and just concentrated on the feeling she could almost have that.

Speaking of the King of Heroes, he was currently asking his main attendant about a coming arrival. After the white titan was felled there was plenty of clerical duties to be undertaken and though the King did not look pleased, he went back to his work without question. Siduri, had known he'd disappeared from the Queen of Knights party with her. She was also aware of how long both were missing, she wasn't sure if they'd consummated their relationship but she was quite sure it was on the right track. After talking to both of that blonde woman's sisters, as well as the female knights of the round table, she could almost be certain the Queen of Knights harbored at least interest in the King of Heroes. And all he had to do was capitalize on that. "They are ready, my King," she said with a small smile on her face. "I have taken the liberty of having Medusa transcribe the necessary information into the common language. According to the Queen of Saints, the information we require to help settle the new countries can be more easily streamlined if we take it through such a channel. It will also reduce the number of tablets you have to deal with by condensing the information. This of course makes the assumption that Albion will not be the last country to make such a rise, it could be our test case of the new method," she said of Jeanne's apparent ideas given her own transition and her knowledge of administrative duties. To be technical she had all the necessary skills to help such a situation and offered her own advice freely, as well as her surplus crops and the use of her actual knights to fight beasts and patrol. If Siduri didn't know any better, she'd say the lass was used to such tasks well before creating the Holy Knights. "That woman truly is a saint." In all honesty, the Queen of Saints offered up the information to help create more free time for the King of Heroes to be able to spend with her sister without having to catch up on tasks, but no one needed to know that.

[Bloodedge]

Enki would only take the closing of Ishtar's eyes and the moan passing her lips as a sign of pleasure. Why would he think otherwise? He was the one here, the one starting to lap at her loins, and the reason those very same loins dripped so readily. The thought of his victory over all others who could view themselves in the same position was enough motivation to keep him beyond focused. Diving into the undercarriage of a goddess like Ishtar was not something to take lightly, even for him. He wouldn't let himself drop pace for a moment while trailing his tongue up and down that slit. This would solidify his standing. Ishtar, the Queen of Heaven, would soon become the queen of his empire by his own design. What greater trophy could one have? Ah, he could see it all now. The day would soon come when he stood above even Anu, the Father. He'd see Ishtar stand in the Mother's place too, of course, but he could not think ill of having a single equal. So, he'd continue his efforts until Ishtar became satisfied, all as a show of good faith between would-be partners. . .

Everything was proceeding well in terms of preparation for Albion's ascension. There was even better news to be shared by Siduri as well, it seemed. Though the King of Heroes had a particular hatred of snakes after the final moments of his long journey, he'd never been remiss to have brought the one called Medusa back to this great city of Uruk. She'd been the one translating the language of Mesopotamia to the common tongue by Siduri's order, had she? Well then, the pair of them were due proper remuneration for their initiative. The same could be said for that holy woman, Jeanne d'Arc. While Gilgamesh took up the first of many, many tablets, he grumbled his way through the mental acceptance of this. "H'oh? Good. A lighter workload is grounds for efficient work. I will not shy away from it," he declared with certainty. With that out of the way, he thought it was finally time to deal with a... certain matter of great annoyance, before delving into less strenuous things. "Before the rest of this dribble, what word is there from Nippur? I would have the most tedious matter dealt with first."

[Apollymi]

Though his intentions weren't completely unreasonable, Enki failed to realize something about Ishtar. He saw her as a perfect trophy and she was for the sake of being both exclusive and powerful, but she would never consider herself anyone's equal. Not his, not Anu's, not even Gilgamesh's. She was to stand above everyone, her title was Queen of Heaven for a reason. She did not want a partner, she wanted a pawn, who knew their place in the world and would let her do as she pleased while serving only her. She wanted all the things the world had to offer, including sex and service on her terms as well as the ability to be worshipped as the absolute bombshell she was. She couldn't even properly imagine this man at her side in any real capacity, as such she was busy imagining someone else's tongue moving around her folds. She moaned her content as she could clearly have this shifting her hips ever so gently to move herself closer and closer towards completion. One of those hands would soon be found grazing his scalp as she moved for this purpose. Yes, if he kept that up she could definitely get there, and all her actions could be seen as passion, irrespective of how much she actually had for this particular endeavor. He might enjoy bringing her to climax but she would enjoy it only under the guise of enjoying the one she actually wished to do it.

Meanwhile more efficient work was the aim of the King of Heroes. Siduri wondered if he knew fully why such things were being arranged for him, but she wasn't one to tell a man how to run his own life. No, that was a matter for the one person whose opinion would weigh greater than all others. Perhaps, she should take it upon herself to mention it the next time she spoke to the Queen of Knights? Whatever the case, she gave a nod of her head to the sentiment, at least it wasn't terrible, not as terrible as it could be. He immediately asked of Nippur, knowing the amount of headache that place was going to cause. She sighed, trying to take the most careful approach but knowing there was no real way to stop the fury that would ensue that particular request. "The King from Nippur has offered chickens..." she said taking this particular bit of speech in reverse order. "In exchange to unfettered access of the Limestone Quarries," she mentioned turning her head to the side. She knew how outlandish that trade offer was, but she had no idea why this man never wanted to exchange things of equivalent value. It was almost as if he thought he had some reason to gain greater access to the resources, than literally everyone else.

[Bloodedge]

The passage of time only had Enki believing his work was potentially unrivaled. Ishtar's moans were all the reason to perform mental backflips of joy, and the hand reaching to his scalp was a sure sign of her satisfaction and desire for him to continue. At least, this was how Enki himself saw things. There was more fluid leaking from her sex than he knew what to do with; there was naught to do but drink as a horse brought to stream. He could even feel her hips moving, as if searching for that glorious feeling that he was the one to provide. Ah, what a day he was having. None could ever claim to be doing so well for themselves!

Much to Enki's credit, he was at least in a better situation than King Gilgamesh. His ultimate desire born of the last decade was stripped from him for an amount of time he refused to know, and now that he was finally back to the ridiculous amount of work he had, there was business to do with Nippur. What did that bastard king of another city want? He offered more chickens. Good; Gilgamesh could consider their earlier arrangement fruitful on all fronts, forced though it was. Ah, but in exchange for those chickens, there was demand for limitless access to the land's limestone. "I see," Gilgamesh said in the most eerily calm manner. His eyes were on the tablet he held. His mind was so flooded with this, that and the other, he couldn't even focus properly on these ridiculous requests. Soon enough though, the audacity of lesser kings registered. The King of Heroes stood suddenly, brows drawn together as a tablet crumbled between clenched fingers. "THAT FILTHY MONGREL! I'LL KILL HIM MYSELF!" he yelled. It seemed Gilgamesh had every intention to stomp off right then and there, as if to walk his way right into Nippur for a good old-fashioned murder.

[Apollymi]

Enki was the sort of man who when given a chance thought of himself as if he was the ruler of the world. Ishtar supposed this was fine for a while, especially while she was so close to pleased. So long as she did not have to look at him directly, she could definitely reach the sweetest bliss. It was a nice image for her mentally. A blonde haired, tattooed man with a perfect physique licking away at her undercarriage. Her legs were tightening up, she could feel it in her soul the pull of pleasure so nice she could not deny it. Her fingers gripped a bit harder and her body arched upwards and the feeling of her pleasure washed over her form. "Aaah!~ Yes!!~" There it was, she could at least count herself as somewhat pleased, and this man's tongue was pretty good when she imagined it not on his own face. Whatever the case, they were due for a change of pace. "You can make your offering now, I will graciously allow it~" she said with the same haughty attitude she always had.

At the same time, Siduri was pleasantly surprised. The king seemed to be taking the news of the demands of the King of Nippur pretty well. No. That wasn't true at all. He hadn't quite caught up to it yet, and that calm had an extra bit of eerie. And then, he broke. It seemed the words she'd spoken hadn't fully registered in the King of Heroes mind initially. Then when it did he was absolutely furious. A tablet was lost, and he was on the warpath immediately after. Siduri held up her hands and tried her best to talk him out of it. "My King, if I could ask you to stave that anger off a bit. It cannot be healthy to be so angry. I am already in the process of writing back a strongly worded reply. I know an agreement can be met... regardless of his audacious request," Siduri mentioned. Of course, this was more or less the reaction she expected, she simply needed to know what the King of Heroes would exchange for the Limestone if he was willing to part with any for any amount of time. "I simply need to know if, or how much limestone you are willing to part with and how much of it you are willing to exchange?"

[Bloodedge]

Finally, Enki's efforts were paying off in the most magnificent way. A single utterance from Ishtar was all he'd been waiting for. Upon receiving it, he felt the tug of his hair and the tightening of her legs around his head. His satisfaction at this outcome could not be quantified properly. Even better was what came after Ishtar achieved sweet release: the mention of his... offering, as she considered it. She certainly didn't have to tell him twice. Without further ado, Enki was clearing off his own lips and ascending the goddess' body. As per his original "intention", a great deal of physical inspection was performed during this ascent. Then, there was halt. Tall as Ishtar was, Enki's face reached the level of hers only when penetration began. Ah, but it began gloriously. Enki found himself capable of sliding his way home into her nether with ease, yet with no shortage of grip around his girth. He could liken it to equipping a lubricated sleeve perfectly fitted to him, but such was how he imagined anyone who successfully bedded Ishtar would feel. "Oh? I expected greatness, but I still didn't expect this─" he spoke as satisfaction radiated from his person. How did mortals survive this endeavor? He wasn't quite sure, but Enki doubted even he could do so for very long.

Gilgamesh managed only a few steps before Siduri's outstretched arms halted his descent down the throne stairs. "IT WILL NOT BE HEALTHY FOR HIM, I TELL YOU!" was his immediate response to the comment about his anger. Did she think she could stop him? How ludicrous! Luckily for him and his potential blood pressure-related issues, Siduri managed to be the wings at his back, at every possible turn. She was already in the process of dealing with that audacious mongrel in a way that didn't require his own efforts. Tenser than he'd ever been in the midst of combat, Gilgamesh stepped back and collapsed onto the throne again. A decision was made this day. If ever an ill fate was to befall Siduri, continents would burn and crumble. "You spare the undeserving. But, I will allow it," he proclaimed. Now then, what of the quantity of limestone he would part with? For a few more measly chickens, he would offer nothing short of his own saliva─ and even that would be too much for Nippur's king. "If it is stone he wants, then he should cease treating silver as an obese child hoarding meal cake. For a fair trade of silver, I will consider letting the workers of Nippur spend some days mining."

[Apollymi]

Ishtar was a tall woman, she was a goddess, it made sense that she wasn't some little thing that had forgotten to eat enough to be a person. She could even take his inspection of her as a proper tribute to her person, apparently Ishtar lived off compliments. And when Enki finally slid home within her, at least she felt something. That was far better than it could have been. And what was this? He had nothing but praises of hers to sing after finding his home within her person. "Of course it is unexpected. One cannot know such greatness without experiencing it~" Yes, Ishtar was quite full of herself, but in this case she was certain of her quality. Those hips of hers began wiggling just a bit. She might as well get something else out of him. Perhaps he would make it a bit further than mortals normally did. And if she looked up at the ceiling she could probably keep imagining it was the King of Heroes buried within her depths.

The King of Heroes' anger would not be healthy for the King of Nippur. That much was obvious. It wasn't him, that Siduri thought the King of Heroes should be healthy for, it was that she thought the king should be ready for the arrival of his queen. "I would not ask violence be healthy for someone, my King," she said. Luckily enough the rest of her speech seemed to calm him quite a bit. He did not like that she saved someone undeserving, but he'd allow her to work the way she preferred. "As you wish, the ending of that letter will include the counter offer of an appropriate amount of silver in exchange for letting his men work the Limestone Quarries," she said a small smile coming to her veiled face. Of course soon after there were other things to attend to. "With that matter taken care of, what else do you require?" she asked of the King. Of course she was always willing to be helpful to the King. She wished him only happiness and preferred health for when his future bride showed up.

[Bloodedge]

All things considered, Enki could agree to Ishtar's point. True satisfaction could only be known when experiencing it, and here he was, having an experience that was surely rarely known to any in the world. No matter the case, it was now his job and apparent privilege to take full advantage of the situation. Ishtar's hips had already begun moving. His would follow suit immediately, pivoting in sequence. Enki was already having such a wonderful time, he could hardly be silent. Moans and groans escaped him at every thrust. Propping himself up on his elbows was the only way he could keep himself steady, almost as if he felt a need to steel himself against the feeling of penetrating Ishtar. He could certainly outperform any mortal, perhaps even any other divine! Even if he couldn't, Enki felt as if he'd be able to keep pushing beyond his own end. . .

Violence was not to be healthy for anyone, Siduri implied. She didn't know how very wrong she was. Gilgamesh witnessed the violence of Artoria Pendragon, and he felt as if he'd been rejuvenated each time. He couldn't let himself mull over that, though. Work was ahead of him, and more work was ahead of it. That tablet he broke in an outrage had to have a copy floating around somewhere. "See that it is done. I will end matters with Nippur as soon as possible, lest my head burst open from the sheer stupidity," he declared. Apart from this matter, there was little he needed Siduri for. She'd surely done enough while he was absent for the past week or so, and with that being the case, it was high time he picked up the lion's share of work once more. "I have no need of anything else. Take rest, Siduri."

[Apollymi]

Ishtar had started moving her own hips in the hopes of getting what she needed out of this situation. Of course, she couldn't help but enjoy it a bit, even as she hated looking at the man currently inside of her. His groans and moans while generally unappealing were a sign of his appreciation for her. As such she could almost use them as background noise as she worked towards her next end. She knew it didn't matter what she did, men were men, whether mortal or divine. Eventually, enough exposure to a body as perfect as her own would end in an offering to her divinity. Technically speaking if she wanted she could just have sex to increase her power, but... she was quite picky about her bedmates. Whatever the case she worked herself towards the ultimate release all while imagining Gilgamesh propped up and moving in and out of her at such a perfect rhythm. So close, so close. As her body found its perfect beat, the goddess' core began to pulse, she was nearing her own special form of victory and she would have it, in just a few seconds as long as no one stopped.

Meanwhile, Gilgamesh seemed content to settle into work, but not without mentioning eventually cutting ties with Nippur at his earliest convenience. "I will make sure it is sent, my King." she said with a nod. Making sure the King of Nippur stopped overstepping his bounds was a primary goal of Siduri's. She did not understand that man's outright audacity but whenever she sent him a message, he was always amiable by the time his reply came. No matter, it wasn't worth thinking about. Apparently it was time for her to take a break, according to her king, as he was settling in. "As you wish, my King. I shall return sometime later." she mentioned before bowing and heading off to do, whatever it was she did with her time off.

At the same time, Artoria had made her way back to Camelot and found herself in front of the private chambers of a particular Knight. She had questions and she needed someone discrete to talk to... this person she knew to hold a certain amount of confidence even among the others, so she knocked on Lady Galahad's door. This would open and the small room was decorated with neat little bookshelves, a desk and bed and a strange lounge like chair. The pink haired knight was in more casual clothing instead of armor and seemed to be unsurprised to witness the Queen of Knights right before her. "I would have words, Galahad." said the Queen who looked stunningly like a school age girl to the purple eyed shielder. A smile crossed this woman's face as she pushed her hair out of her face. "I assume my Queen, you do not mean the fight, those words normally imply. Come in..." she said. This of course, led to Artoria taking a seat on the couch and beginning a casual conversation with the Lady Galahad about her life, her body and the King of Heroes.

[Bloodedge]

While Ishtar was imagining the motions of another, Enki remained completely unawares. Even if he had an inkling, it would have quickly left him through his own shaft, just as the seed of his loins was threatening to do every time he moved. One of those things could not be allowed to part with him just yet. He couldn't consider himself in such a high position if he lasted only a matter of minutes against another divine, and if he truly wished for success over lesser beings like that damned Gilgamesh, he had to lay claim to the one that man denied, yet didn't deserve. It was a simple task, no? Well... no. But, he would go on acting as if it were. "Bless me, Maiden. Show me this offering is worthy of Heaven's Queen~" he chimed.

Meanwhile, Siduri was taking her leave of Gilgamesh at last. She was more helpful than he would ever admit, but perhaps the time of rest he offered was sufficient enough to keep her satisfied. She reminded him of his own mother at times. When Gilgamesh was not quite where he felt he needed to be, there she was, keeping everything around him together while he worked through things. When he spoke however, he did so in his usual dismissive fashion. "Off with you then. If you happen upon the Dominatrix, instruct her to do the same." Yes, Gilgamesh would approach these matters as he always did. Those who worked so spectacularly in his name would be given rest, while he took none for himself. He hardly thought negatively of this solution. He was two-thirds divine. If he couldn't handle a bit of measly work like this himself, there was no point to all the prestige. Even he would tire, however, as he once learned in the cabin of Utnapishtim. Siduri's departure would leave the King of Heroes to his work in solitude... with eyes that had a treacherous weight applied to their lids here and there.

[Apollymi]

Ishtar was going along her own path. The words of Enki interrupted her thoughts and normally she would have found such speech annoying but... he happened to choose a sentence that didn't hit her ears the wrong way. Bless me? Show him is offering was worthy of her? Ah, that reference as the Queen of Heaven always put her into a good humor. She would be magnanimous this day, and give him words to go along with her finish as it washed over her, as her nether clutched at his loins. "Yes! This offering is accepted~" she moaned as her body sensitivity hit its highest point. Oh, the things she'd gone through to get this far, but she did actually need to accept his seed to complete this act. He'd have to give and she would accept. She didn't particularly like him, but he was an alright lay at least.

Siduri was told to tell the 'Dominatrix' to take a break as well. That reference for Medusa never really got old for Siduri she chuckled as she scampered off. It'd taken this blessed wine-maker no time at all to realize that the King of Heroes was incapable of showing his true feelings about most things. She found it to be acceptable for him to be dismissive because she was fairly good at interpreting the difference between his words and his meaning. After all, unlike most she had a name... "As you like, my King."

The sleepy King of Heroes was a topic of conversation between Lady Galahad and Artoria Pendragon. Or rather, it would be more polite to say one of them was set to listen while the other talked. It was of course, not without a moment or two of explanation from the Lady Galahad. She wanted to make sure the Queen of Knights knew, their conversation was confidential and this space was a safe one. "My Queen, you have not said anything yet... so I will start by saying this..." she said sitting at a smaller chair nearby with a tea kettle on the fireplace. "This place is safe, while we are within we are protected from magical spying as well..." she said carefully. "You are free to discuss with me anything you like and on my honor it will stay between us. Not just my honor as a Knight but my honor as a psychiatrist," she said such a thing made Artoria look down at her hands, currently twirling around that knife she'd gotten from the King of Heroes. But in the moments of the Lady Galahad speaking those emerald eyes of the Queen of Knights had shifted to this woman in her group. She meant her words with absolute sincerity. Anything Artoria chose to say within this space was between just the two of them and she could safely share any information she'd like. "I am at odds with myself. I have never had feelings like the ones I am experiencing and I do not know how to crush them, or even if I want to," she explained as the Lady Galahad poured tea for them to share. "Experiencing new emotions is part of the human condition my Queen. At least a few of us have noticed the smaller changes in your personality. I have a reasonable explanation for your normally stoic visage and why crushing your emotions may not be necessary," she offered. Artoria looked up at Galahad. If she'd been the sort to cry she would have had gentle wetness lining the sides of her eyes. Instead she dropped her knife into her lap and took up a warm cup of tea instead. "I will hear your explanation. And you will speak of these tells you have seen..." Artoria said. At the very least she didn't want to be read by complete strangers when it was avoidable.

[Bloodedge]

Enki knew infinite satisfaction the moment Ishtar affirmed the quality of his... offering. Yes, of course he was nothing less! The clutching of his member as Ishtar experienced her flourish was enough to bring an end to whatever plan Enki had of holding back. If ever there was a mortal who made it this far, he'd be both shocked and ireful. The God of Water would have been capable of managing a bit longer, he thought, but that added grip was far too much friction to bear. Still, he pivoted his way through a series of spurts that would be deposited into Ishtar's entrance with haste. "Hngh! Yes, that's what I like to hear! Have it all!" he grunted.

Another was grunting at about the same time, though it was a grunt of sleeplessness. Perhaps the King of Heroes should have reason to mourn, as he found himself less capable of persisting against fatigue than he was some decades prior. Luckily for him, there was one thing capable of snapping him back to alertness. Suddenly, for seemingly no reason at all, Gilgamesh sneezed from atop the throne. Was he falling ill? No, that couldn't be; the King of Uruk did not know sickness. Perhaps he was becoming delirious amidst all the dilly-dally, and simply imagined himself sneezing? Yes, that was a far more reasonable explanation. . .

[Apollymi]

Oh? He liked hearing that, did he? Perhaps the God of Water was going to be much easier to manipulate than Ishtar originally thought. Irrespective of her future schemes she could at least, enjoy the sensation of being filled and take unto herself the power that such an offering represented. She enjoyed the sensation of his thrusts right up until the time they ended and lay blissful thereafter, having never properly looked at the man she was having sex with during the entire act. That was great, she'd been successful in being able to fornicate with this man without having to think about the fact that it was him. When she opened her eyes though the locks of hair that weren't the golden color she favored made her shudder. "I expected nothing less than your enjoyment. I assume you got your measurements..." she said with the most casual eye roll. Another little motion that could be mistaken for pleasure as she aimed to extricate herself from this man, and lay on her side appreciating the current level of filled she was.

In the meantime, a sip of tea was crossing the barrier of Artoria Pendragon's lips. She was enjoying this cup with just a little milk though she admittedly missed a nice cup of coffee. All the while the pink-haired Galahad decided to share with the Queen of Knights the tells of her change in personality and the base personality that made her feel she was at odds with herself. "In plain terms my Queen, you are or rather were both asexual and aromantic. The first one meaning you had a general lack of sexual interest, even in yourself. The latter meaning you held no true romantic interest in anyone male or female... are both of these things true?" she asked of the lass. Artoria gave such an explanation a moment of thought and then nodded. She never really felt like much of a girl until Gilgamesh became obsessed with pointing it out. And she also never felt very inclined towards anyone at all, until the King of Heroes. "Very well, the signs of this shift happened about a decade ago. When you returned from your... walk. You spent a great deal of time looking at both lady knights and the women around the nearby villages. Both myself and the Lady Kay took notice of this, assuming at first that you may have developed an interest in women, not that there is a problem if you had," she said. Such a sentence made Artoria's eyes go wide. How did they notice her looking?! "Your face is surprisingly expressive when you are not forcing it to be stoic, my lady. Those of us who have been around you long enough, can tell even when you are forcing stoicism because of the changes in the light behind your eyes." Galahad explained. "You also changed the type of dress you wore. As if you became aware of the fact that you were a girl and subconsciously decided to be more girly. This is a normal development and nothing to worry about truly," said Galahad. That made Artoria feel quite a bit better actually. It could have always been much worse. "I did not know I was seen. I was just really unused to anyone taking interest in me, I could not decide why anyone would have such an interest in me. I noticed how stunning the women around me were even and I could not stop myself from realizing how short I fall. My apologies..." she said seemingly embarrassed having been caught looking. Beyond that the Lady Galahad noticed the amount of self-esteem the Queen of Knights had surrounding being a person of the female persuasion. Such a thing was fairly normal, but it was best to break her of self-deprecation as early as possible. "Oh no, that is nothing to worry about either. Girls tend to do that sort of thing. A normal girl wouldn't take staring personally if you did not express any particular interest... think of the way girls compliment each other and understand that none of us have any hard feelings about it. Besides that, you are too hard on yourself. Being petite, with a modest figure is just as feminine in the eyes of certain beholders as more curvaceous figures can be. Though that is also normal, to feel a bit jealous of other women, in your physical age group it is normal until you finish developing. And such feelings are common in those who do not initially understand sexual interest. Give yourself time to develop your confidence, " she offered. The Queen of Knights gave it consideration. She had sisters both of whom also randomly complimented her looks or clothing choices before. Perhaps she was simply ignoring the potential of her attractiveness as a girl because she considered herself a killer first and foremost? She supposed women were generally nice to each other if they could be, even if it was slightly false, so such compliments couldn't have been completely untrue. And then there was the King of Heroes and the physical showing of his attraction to her. Her face reddened and Galahad noticed that as well. Sensing a shift in conversation she sipped tea and waited for the Queen to speak. "I see. So..." there was another pause from Artoria as she thought over how to bring it up. "The King of Heroes..."

[Bloodedge]

It was no surprise that Enki's enjoyment was to be expected. He heard what he wanted to hear, he felt what he wanted to feel, and the overall experience was even greater than he previously anticipated. There was nothing wrong in Enki's personal little world. As far as measurements were concerned though, he did hazard a few squeezes to the goddess' bosom prior to the separation of their bodies. Truthfully, there wasn't much need for the inspection. Ishtar's physique was universally accepted as perfect, by even the world itself. Replicating perfection was simply a matter of having the best possible work done. "Oh, yeah. Everything but the back," Enki stated while lowering himself onto the mattress. He had to catch his breath, but his eyes remained on Ishtar's form. He'd taken particular interest in her lower half, which few managed to witness as she sat upon various thrones and received her favors from only the front. "I should take those as well, for general purposes. Now or later; it doesn't matter when. The statues will be started soon regardless."

[Apollymi]

Gentle squeezes to her bosom took place. What was he a child? Whatever, as long as her temples were built and she was given the necessary power to do as she wished she did not care if he took such a small prize for himself. After all, she'd take him for all he was worth long before it became a problem to indulge him a bit. Now then what was this about the view of the back of her form? "Oh? I may be willing to grant such a thing on my own terms... at a later time," she said these words but they likely would be unclear. She had no intention of letting any random man mount her, but she could easily mount a man in a way that would leave him in full view of the rear of her person. Actually, given how much she didn't wish to see Enki's face, she imagined she would be more satisfied in general if she took such a position. She could literally pretend he was someone else and he would be none the wiser. If she felt like moving right now, she might have done so just to get it out of the way, but she was far too lazy to feel like doing that much work while not in need of release.

While Ishtar lazed about in post-coital recuperation with a man she didn't like, the Queen of Knights tried to figure out how to speak about the man she did. Galahad for her part in this, looked completely impassive waiting in silence with no judgement in her face and soul for the Queen of Knights to say more than three words regarding the King of Heroes. "It is... difficult to explain. I do not know where to begin..." she said her tone sinking. "So, start at the beginning... I told you. You are free to discuss whatever you like here with me. But I cannot comment on that which I do not know," mentioned the Lady Galahad. She could hypothesize based on what she'd seen of the man. She could be reasonably accurate about it, having witnessed the man's behavior at Artoria's ascension festivities. Even so, she could not know how what kind of effect the King of Heroes had on her Queen's current development. But she could guess, given how far she'd come in becoming a normal person. Artoria was back to playing with her knife. That well balanced dagger spinning across her fingers as she tried to find the right words to say. "I do not know how to behave around him. I have not been sure for a long time... I almost killed him in the Holy Grail War that I won for my sister. But in a moment where I thought he could have attacked me... he did not," she said carefully. Galahad watched emotions play across the face of the normally passive Queen of Knights. "He held my face and made claims about allowing me to be defiant. I was not being defiant he was simply standing in my way at the time... But I became curious enough about the lack of violence in response to it being so freely offered... I could not kill him," she said carefully. "Even so, he took such a great interest in me. I got to know him after the event which sent rapists to Camelot and he seemed to care so genuinely about my disposition that he tried to care for me," she said blurting out words as if they did not have enough space in her mind. "I heard his story, I got to know him. I had dinner with him and fought him, violently about my desire to slay the goddess who decided to send rapists after me. And though I acted as if I wanted nothing but his death he accepted me, and my ire... though he had done nothing to deserve it. He gave me this dagger and allowed me to recover mentally from something I did not know could hurt me so much..." she explained of herself. Oh! Recognition played across the eyes of Galahad. She could already understand how the Queen of Knights had come to enjoy the company of the King of Heroes. He'd seen her honestly be vulnerable and showed an equal amount of that of himself. Acceptance for the overly violent Queen of Knights was probably something she did not believe she would have and him giving it to her, sparked affection she did not understand. "Every word he says about me he means, and I was not prepared for that... Galahad I..." she gave pause. She trusted her Knights above many others she would be truthful here. "I am a remorseless killer and I have been since before that was even a reasonable thing to be. I do not have a personality to deal with the way I feel now. I do not even know what to call it. But I was touched when he cared. My heart was happy when he showed up when I won my Holy Grail. When he kissed me my heart beat sped up. I do not know how to be honest with him, and I want to be because he is so honest with me. It frightens me to feel such things." The Queen of Knights was so honest in a moment like this that Galahad could do nothing but nod her head. She understood this situation now completely.

[Bloodedge]

Enki elected to relax with both hands keeping his head elevated atop the mattress, at least while getting his bearings back. Returning to his empire would be a thing he did with all the swagger of a man who ruled the world. Even now, he was stretching out his torso, feeling all tension leave his back as a moan climbed up through his throat. According to Ishtar, she'd indulge his desire to appraise her from behind in her own time. He couldn't complain about that. She was obviously left content by their shared experience mere moments ago, after all! After dealing with mortals all the time, it should be expected that she would not seek overindulgence in his own divine form. Yes, yes, it all made sense. "Mmm, as you like~♪ Now then, onto business. How is your influence doing now? How many linchpins will you need to recover for an escape of this dull old place?" he wondered. As its ruler, he could only hold the greatest influence over the empire tucked away at the edge of Finis Chaldea. With that being the case, he could freely erect a thousand statues and a thousand accompanying temples in Ishtar's honor. "It would do me no harm to have a physical place of worship for you in every city, but... you know mortals and their slowness. If I spread the workers too thin, those little worms may never finish a single one. I want all of AS-IKU to gawk and applaud as you make footfall as the only goddess they should worship. Oh... whether it matters to you or not, Mother, Father and Smith will not be coming, and Kur may as well be chained to her own realm."

[Apollymi]

This man was still making noises, long after their bodies had separated. Ishtar took such things as a sign of devotion from those she enjoyed looking at but this one fell short of her physical requirements. He was also the type to think she was satisfied. Too bad satisfaction of the truest sort never came, and all she got out of offerings like his was power. Which while nothing to scoff at wasn't at all the sort of thing she was interested in doing just for that. Oh, but what was this? He was on to business, asking questions about her influence? Good good. "My influence has dulled quite a bit. Not completely... but humans no longer seem to need me for harvests or having children so they do not seem to care much about my worship. Though every act of conception still helps, it is not nearly enough to leave this place. I also cannot leave to go down to Uruk, nor can I get in direct contact with anyone... it is a bit annoying," she said with a roll of her eyes. "I had seven temples, that number is my preference in general, but I suppose a single temple in a grand city to start with would be enough as long as I had someone to make offerings to me. Oh and make sure they visit it..." she said this with a smirk crossing her lips. Of course, this was all just a plan to be able to further bother the King of Heroes. It should not matter if they didn't go up in their entirety immediately as long as she could gather enough extra energy. "AS-IKU will only know me as its goddess?" A smile spread across her face. For one who did not fit her physical needs this one knew just the right things to say to her. Knowing that Kur would not be coming along, was a bit of happiness she never expected. To be the only goddess was her dream, she'd have wiped out all others to see it happen. "Good good. They will grovel at my feet. I do not care what happens to the rest, as long as Ishtar remains the Queen of Heaven." That statement garnered one of those shrill laughs at the end which seemed to mark her happiness.

At the time of grandest happiness for Ishtar, a young Artoria Pendragon appeared before the Lady Galahad as one teen girl trying to cope with both the weight of the world and being a girl. Neither task was particularly easy. In a moment like this the Lady Galahad completely understood how they'd ended up with the rather broken version of the girl known as Hoshimi Eri, her training as an assassin had created the need for her to dissociate all of her different personalities from the others in a way that was complete. And her identity as their Queen who was unreachable made her unable to reach out even for the sake of herself. "My Queen, many of us have realized what you were at least in part and none of us care. Living in a world like this many of us have come to know the necessity of meting out death," she said that one specifically so she would not feel guilty. "Your previous form of employment has done you a great disservice in causing you to think that any of us would think less of you after getting to know you at all," she said carefully. "As for being honest with the King of Heroes, you seem to be well on your way to that. I observed you drinking and the base of your personality seems to be buried under all the different visages you wear to complete your duties," she said carefully. "I would not tell you that complete integration is possible at this point, but... I would say that the girl you truly are is there... and she is trying to be herself. You should let her, at least around those who have garnered your trust, like the King of Heroes. That would be how you show him honesty besides you like him quite a bit and that is also normal." There was so much earnestness in the Lady Galahad at a moment like this that Artoria found herself staring. She'd been dealing with herself trying to find the truth for so long on her own... she did not know she could have found such peace for as long as she'd had the Lady Galahad at her side. "I..." a pause came from Artoria. "Thank you. I needed to hear that. I do not understand my attraction to him or why he is attracted to me. But I feel strangely when he is around and I do not dislike it," she said carefully. The words of Artoria made Galahad smile, for the first time in a while. "Well I think that takes care of your other issue. I said you were aromantic before, but I am fairly certain the King of Heroes intervention has taken care of both problems. You are both fully acknowledging genders and also have romantic interest in the King of Heroes. You are young and he makes you happy. You can explore that at your leisure. There is no shame found in liking a man you find attractive, mentally or physically or both in your case." said Galahad. But Artoria was not quite done with her explanation but her tea was finished by now. "I am impulsive and my understanding of sex says that we cannot work. I am small and he is... very much not so," Artoria said these words and Galahad had to fight to keep her face neutral. Why? Because that was a hilariously girly problem to have. Teenage hormones combined with inexperience would likely make such a thing frightening. But Galahad could explain at least in medical terms why that wasn't a problem. "My Lady if I may be frank, medically that would be no issue. So long as you are both relaxed and prepared for such an encounter his size will only be something you can enjoy. If you want a more frank description of the possibilities I have a suggestion. The Pharaoh Nefertari seems to be an associate of yours, I am sure she would be an excellent source of non-medical information related to your understanding. Especially when I consider you may not wish to ask your sister the Lady Vivian questions given her tastes," Galahad was nothing if not capable of pointing people to the right resources. The observation and understanding of people was something she'd done for quite a long time. And she was a fan of the Pharaohs of Egypt through another of her clients. She could tell by everything about them that they knew and understood sex at a greater avenue than most. Besides maybe the Lady Vivian but that one was known to participate in some strange things given the look and difference between each of her children. That was definitely a bit advanced for Artoria as she was currently. "I see. Is that really alright though? I mean... I am the Queen of Knights, will that not contradict my image?" This last question was asked and Galahad could do nothing but shake her head from left to right. "I would borrow words from the Queen of Saints. You my lady are a knight, not a nun. You have no reason to abstain from what interests you... even if you are the sort to only seek such interests privately. The Chivalric Codes are of your own creation and do not mention abstinence. Only respect and honor for ones chosen partner. Surely you cannot intend to hold yourself to such a high standard for reasons of your image when you are more the type to command your respect with violence." Artoria smile in the moment. She looked to Galahad and she realized she may have been too hard on herself. She was a private person by her own nature, but that did not mean she needed to feel shame for her feelings. "I... feel better now. I will be going." she said. Strangely, Artoria took about the standard hour session to work through her most recent issues. Galahad stood and gave a bow opening her door. For the young Queen to walk out of. "As you like my Queen. You are always welcome to return if you wish to talk." And that would end Artoria's struggle with her inner turmoil at least for a while.

[Bloodedge]

From the sound of things, Ishtar was indeed in quite the predicament. She had only seven temples initially? What a pitiful number! "Only seven?! Ishtar, that is criminally low. You should expect more of the mortals who worship you," he announced, having far more temples of his own spread about through multiple religions. "Mesopotamia may not be worshiping you well enough now, but some in the lower world have taken to acknowledging you as Aphrodite. It would be nothing to restore your original image with acknowledgement of that in AS-IKU." Though he said this, as far as Enki was concerned, the lower realm meant nothing. It was, however, a decent enough gateway to greater influence for him. Had he not been viewed by some as the god Poseidon, his own power would not have skyrocketed. Regardless, it was time he began moving. Enki lifted his legs and kicked out, launching himself from the bed into a standing position nearby. "Sadly, my plan won't have you as Queen of Heaven for very long," he added. Enki had ambitions that did not involve the heavens as they were. This place they presently resided in would collapse over time, and he didn't really care to maintain it. "At this rate, Celestia will be nothing but a jail for Mother and Father. They deserve it, right? They were going to leave you down there with Kur all those years ago. Wouldn't you like an even better setup? We can go off the beaten path of divinity, and you can become queen of... well, everything. We should even be capable of usurping Mother and Father's authorities, and whatever Metis and Enlil have left."

[Apollymi]

Seven was a low number? She had more temples than all other gods in Mesopotamia until that boy-queen decided to wreck every last one. But perhaps she should have expected more. "Umphf, I should have, they are only mortals... but I should have expected more!" she said her own nose turned up in the air. Yes, she should have more. She was worthy of more! Ah, she could be acknowledged properly as Aphrodite in her many names once her presence was established within AS-IKU. Actually that was a terrible man, she hoped it stood for something otherwise it would become annoying. Whatever the case Enki made the claims that she would not be Queen of Heaven for long. He wished for her to be more. He finally exited her bed, which made her immediately more comfortable as it returned to its state as her lounging couch. She propped her head up on her elbow and lie completely nude with not an ounce of shame in her soul. "They definitely deserve it. How dare they leave me down there... and Kur definitely overreacted," she said as if she had not tried to usurp death as a concept from the girl. Whatever the case. She could desire everything he mentioned even while not truly desiring him. "Yes, I do not know where Enlil resides, nor has anyone seen Metis since her descent, but obviously we can take whatever we want. They do not deserve it..." she said followed by another shrill laugh. She quite liked the way that Enki talked. Perhaps this could work a bit better than most things. All the while Ishtar found herself desirous of a great many things. She wanted power, prestige and undying loyalty. It wasn't too much, she deserved it! She was great enough that everyone should fall on their knees before her!

But what of Enlil? He was being approached by one who bore the visage of a blonde with eletric blue eyes. She was not partly armored now, instead choosing a small blue and white dress that was just barely opaque enough to be called coverage. She carried with her... two pieces of a broken Holy Sword and a look of deep frustration. And she'd come to see the Smith, the one who could be counted as a maker of things old enough and talented enough to help her with her current level of problem. 'Fix it. She says. I'll fix her!' she thought as she rotated her own shoulders. She was so busy and there was so much to be done... she could not afford a setback like a broken Excalibur, especially while knowing exactly what kind of trials were ahead for her younger sister. Where she walked looked almost as a forest did, and she reached it from a pure body of water. She felt almost as if she was interrupting to walk upon such a place, but she did not have time to consider such things.

[Bloodedge]

True enough, Ishtar should have expected far more from the mortals. They were divine, the cause for all things good in the world. There should never be a shortage of worship, even without a few little temples in place. Alas, they currently needed the temples just to keep their specific forms of worship going. That wouldn't be the case for long, Enki believed. "If we take their authorities, temples and linchpins won't be necessary. The mortals will all know who they worship, and our presence will be constant an unquestionable, even to that bastard king. Then, he can finally be punished for what he did." Enki wanted nothing more than to eliminate the King of Heroes as of late. Even while having his own empire, it still paled in comparison to the greater Finis Chaldea. That could not be allowed to stand; the land of an imitation divinity could not be left in a superior state to that of a proper god. In due time, he and Ishtar would stand unopposed. Who could compare to him then? Well, Ishtar herself would surely be able to, but that was fine; he could tolerate that if she were the queen to his worldwide kingdom.

Enlil rested in his usual state of meditation within a realm accessible to the chosen few. Among these few were the Druids of Enlil's own creation, and ones such as the Lady of the Lake herself. He could feel her approach with every footstep she took after exiting the lake. It would be necessary for her to traverse the forest, to its center where the trees formed a thick ring with a single opening. The sunlight shone in rays through the overgrowth, cast down upon the very plant that produced Enlil's physical self. "My Lady of the Other Side visits me. How unexpected," he mused.

Meanwhile, Gilgamesh came to realize a break of sorts was necessary. With all the hullabaloo, he managed to forget an arrangement he had with the Queen of Queens in Egypt. This would set him back even more, but it was time to take a quick trip across the sky. He wouldn't bother calling upon the pharaohs when he arrived. Instead, Gilgamesh chose to open the Divine Gates and drop three mountains of golden treasures around the major pyramid, as well as a fourth mountain of raw materials including threaded gold, lapis lazuli, silk, barley, linen, and so on. Surely the sound alone would alert the woman he had business with, as he hovered over the pyramid atop his golden ark.

[Apollymi]

Ah, Enki was saying things Ishtar really liked. Independent godhood with mortals knowing exactly where their worship should lie. She wanted that... no she needed that. The idea of it made her giddy inside. The only worshipped goddess with so much authority that even Gilgamesh would have to give up his obsession with the boy-queen. It was brilliant!! "I like the way that sounds. Punishment for the non-believers and worship for me~" she seemed very pleased. She wondered of Enki knew they were talking about two very different things. Her ideal punishment for one such as Gilgamesh was his submission to her, so she could further use him. He could even be her favorite, given he fell into her already established preferences. No matter, he didn't have to know until he was done, doing everything in her name. Then he could either fall in line or be discarded like the rest. Truly that choice was one only he could make.

At the same time, there was a greeting made to the Lady of the Lake. And even though she was already annoyed it brought at least a small smile to her face. This forest always brought her a sense of peace and as she stepped into the light of his sacred grove she gave a greeting in turn. "My Great Creator. I am sorry I do not visit more often... I am often more busy than I expect to be," she said producing the two pieces of Excalibur and beginning her explanation. "The Holy Sword is broken, and compared to you... I am just a novice. I cannot force the repair. Could you offer guidance in this endeavor, that I might soon return to my own works?" she asked of him as kindly as one approached a mentor or seasoned professional.

At the same time, the earth of Egypt was shaking. As treasures fell in mountains upon the grounds, one Nefertari stood up from her throne. How well timed, she'd only just returned from her morning wake up routine. Here and now she began walking out of the temple to greet the Golden King and his rather outlandish deposit on his works. "Golden King, I did not expect such a greeting..." she said. "Medjed." Dozens of those sheeted creatures began to move. "Move the gold to the vaults, top to bottom. No avalanches... and this..." to the materials of greatest quality and obviously the base of this wardrobe. "To the workshop." As they busied themselves with the menial labor a sphinx rose to take her to the same level of the King of Heroes. "Do you have any particular specifications or are you letting my creativity reign supreme?"

[Bloodedge]

"Of course. Nothing less will be permitted; you may be certain of that," Enki stated as if he truly would allow nothing else. Gone would be the days of being second-string to the likes of Anu and Ki. He would stand atop the world, and Ishtar would do the same. Yes, he could see it quite clearly now. Governing over the idea of Intelligence was serving him quite well. Sadly, beyond his clouded mind was the unpredictability of a madwoman... but he would learn his folly one day. For now, he would take his leave of Ishtar with one final statement. "Blow my horn when you are ready for the next set of... measurements. I will have seven statues constructed around the Grand Temple of Ishtar, and I will call upon the worshippers of Aphrodite."

Great Creator? Enlil was in no way deserving of such a title, he believed. Nevertheless, he'd once been used to hearing that name from the Fae. "Do not worry, my child. That you would pay this old soul a visit even once in a millennium, is more than enough. Follow your path as you see fit. I must say, yours is one filled with turmoil for yourself and those connected to you," he spoke as the Lake Fairy entered his grove. What business had she come with today, on this most random occasion? The oldest, mightiest Holy Artifact was presented in two pieces. Even with closed eyes, Enlil reacted as if he saw it vividly, his brows quivering in shock. "Truly, this is a cause for great sadness. Caledfwlch was born into this world when I was but a child, no older than you. It was the first creation I had a hand in, and even in my youth, it was not born without great sacrifice. I fear repairing it will be no simple task." Enlil's hand extended, and vines emerged to take up the pieces of Excalibur. He could already hear it weep, but through those vines he gained the physical sensation of its pain. The moment contact was made, a tear of nectar fell from Enlil's right eye. "A body broken, and a soul in tatters. This child may never be the same, but perhaps... If it was broken, it is finally time for rebirth. My child, you must free the soul from the carcass and free it from 14,000 years of terrible memories. Claim from its companion a piece of their own soul, and allow the body to construct a new soul of its own with that source. If there is a true bond between the two, a state of symbiosis will be created. Should this body break again, it will be able to repair itself just as the humans do. Forgive me, but I am... no longer capable of offering aid with my own abilities."

As Gilgamesh hovered over the pyramid, much to his expectation, he was greeted by Pharaoh Nefertari herself. Vimana lowered him to her level, and almost as if to show some form of respect, he stepped off the ark. Still, he stood with crossed arms as he towered over the woman, holding himself no differently than he always did. Two additional gates were opened, and from them came a pair of mannequins. One was a scale model of Artoria Pendragon's body, crafted after her measurements were taken for a certain dress she wore when visiting Uruk. The other, however, was a taller, more curvaceous figure with what one could call "perfect" proportions. "These are your criteria. You are to use every material to construct a wardrobe fit for the Queen of Everything. You will use that mannequin there," he said, drawing attention to the larger of the two items. "As well as the other, though most attention to that one is to be for other bodies. One will be magically-inclined, and another more of an assassin. Be sure to include articles that trace all the way back to infancy as well. The remainder of your payment will come later, perhaps when those ghosts of yours are done with those piles."

[Apollymi]

The grin on Ishtar's face hadn't faded at all since Enki started talking of her greatness. There really was nothing better than a man even one she didn't like appreciating her. Though he could barely count as such while not fitting her exact specifications, she could at least tolerate him if all he had to say about here were good things. "I will, when I have need of you..." that sounded nice enough right? Whatever the case, she would definitely be able to amass enough power with seven statues of her standing in his empire. A grand temple in her honor, such a place would be magnificent. And then, when he saw how great she was, even the King of Heroes would come crawling back to her. A happy squeal left this woman, she'd never been more pleased.

Enlil was always a very understanding and patient man. The fae, the druids and even the dryads often found themselves seeking his guidance whenever they were out of their depths. As the 'fae princess' as her sister called her, Vivian was more prone to seeing this man than many others. There were few people in the world who could even claim to have greater knowledge than herself and he was one of them. He spoke of the path she walked and the smallest smile crossed her face. "I know their paths contain much darkness. My own is much the same, but if I can give them reason to keep taking steps forward, I do not mind the darkness. I will see the light they will bring, eventually..." Vivian was a proud elder sister, she always had been. She'd give anything for her younger siblings, and though she couldn't keep them from the bad things that may happen, she would always be there to nudge them back on track. That was her place in the world and she could accept this with a smile. Still, the sword whose true name was spoken in a moment like this made Vivian's heartache. She knew as well... that it experienced much pain. Though she was detached from it herself... she had at least an idea of what had gone into its making since trying to fix it. What was more, to see the Great Creator shed tears, was a sight none ever wished for. Fae kind held him in high esteem and his sadness was the sadness of all. "In truth Creator, it did what it meant to do. The greatest holy sword wielder did use it to slay the white titan once more. It was misfortune it broke but she did use it to finish that task. She seemed remiss to be without it, so... I can likely evoke that symbiosis," she said with great sadness. "Though doing such a thing in the moment will lose me quite a bit of time on my work. It is fine. She cannot be without a weapon," she said carefully. It was distressing to know that the Creator could not help directly. "Are you well Creator? I should be able to fix this myself, knowing what to do, though my main choice is one which will take a while. Seven years by my approximation to grow the symbiotic relationship between the Queen of Knights and the Holy Sword in both directions...Though I can make a new housing in just a few days as I have already started work on it," she said. Considering her options and her own knowledge. She could place a piece of Artoria's soul within this blade, and move an equal piece of Caledfwlch into another home, binding both with her own blood. Doing so would provide Artoria with a sword that could be called, Excalibur that would grow into a proper housing for the soul of Caledfwlch and it would leave Artoria's original to grow with her, as the rest of her items did.

Nefertari was a goddess and Queen in her own right. She was prepared to meet the King of Heroes but he lowered instead to meet her. Though his arrogance knew no bounds... he was growing on her in a strangely friendly manner. Two mannequins were produced by the King of Heroes, one she recognized as having the proportions of the Knight-Queen Artoria Pendragon, the other... well those measurements would have made any woman jealous. 'Oh? Someone going to grow up eventually? I'm a little jealous... if I am being honest~' she thought with smugness on her visage. His request was clear, outlandish, but absolutely clear. "One Magical Girl wardrobe, one brooding assassin wardrobe, clothing for children of the adorable variety, using the materials you provided and... a few for the grown and classy?" she said with a knowing smirk. "I can handle that... I will store them in my workshop until you are ready to claim them, feel free to pick them up at your leisure." she said. No naysaying occurred, but there was light flashing behind those rainbow eyes. "Nothing for you?" she asked having taken his measurements in the moment just in case.

[Bloodedge]

Such a noble woman was the Lake Fairy. The amount she was willing to do for her family reminded him of his own mother during better times. Another tear trickled down his face, but it was not of sorrow. "You are a rare seed, my child," he asserted. Interestingly enough, Excalibur did its duty before being broken. So many millennia had passed since that sword was created, and it still stood strong against the second catastrophe. "I am sure it is pleased to have been of use for the original purpose. However, this white titan you speak of is not the great threat itself. This one may have been stronger, as the first of Velber's envoys was slain beyond the reaches of the planet, where it fled when our world was divided. If the threat of Velber is indeed growing, I fear the evolution of Caledfwlch will be more necessary than we can imagine."

Vivian questioned the "Creator" Enlil, asking if he was well. What a loaded question. His wellness should not be her concern, though he could only be pleased when concern was shown. "Your worry soothes my heart, but it is unneeded. In truth, I am not well; none of Celestia is. A sickness has overtaken us all. Fearing the worst, I have relinquished my authority to the world by planting myself here. I will join with the planet until my core has been given to the land... or until the right flower blooms. Forgive me. If only I had the power to do so, I could be of more assistance to your cause."

In the meantime, Nefertari expressed understanding of her duties. She did so with a question for confirmation, ending with the idea of... grown and classy, as she put it. Gilgamesh snorted. "Something of the sort, yes. Even better if there is something to set my loins ablaze when I gaze upon it. I trust you are easily capable of meeting expectation," he mused. Did he want something for himself? She asked, but he hadn't given it any consideration. In fact, he was a bit spaced-out when the question was presented, and didn't manage an answer for a few moments thereafter. "Hmph. If you have a desire to make something suited to me, I suppose I would not complain."

[Apollymi]

A rare seed, Vivian was called. A small smile appeared on her face in a moment like that. "I am no such thing, though it pleases me you think so..." she said with an appreciation for this man. He was without question one of the oldest in the world, and one of its fair-minded. If he did not think negatively of her path, she could walk it regardless of the hardships that appeared in her way. Still she was quite miffed that Enlil said the threat was not yet over. She sighed hoping at just once the Hero-King had been wrong. "I had hoped he was just being pompous and rushing me because he is obsessed with my sister. If I didn't think there was validity to a continued threat. I would have spent years slaving away for an answer instead of bothering you..." she said carefully. "I will do my best to see it completed as quickly as I can... the denizens of Finis Chaldea can hold off many threats, but my sister is necessary for the protection of all," she said with a knowing smile.

Still the words Enlil spoke about his wellness made her brow raise. All of Celestia was unwell he claimed. He'd surrendered himself and his Authority to the world, but the sickness that was within them was a problem? "You truly are great it would be a shame to lose you..." she said with all due reverence. "Still I hope that little flower blooms for you, everyone deserves to see something that will grant them true happiness in this life," Vivian mentioned. "There is no need for you to be apologetic, Creator. You have saved me quite a bit of time by giving your answer. I have come up with a working solution to both problems for now, though my sister will not like the version of Excalibur she must wield until hers is finished, she will still be capable of it," Vivian stated. "You have my thanks Creator. I hope your wait is not too long. I will come back and visit... when I am able," she said. In this moment she'd take up the pieces of Excalibur. He claimed all of Celestia was sick, she wondered if that was related to what she'd heard about a goddess sending rapists after people and another building a hidden land full of water? Perhaps there was more to look into to keep her siblings safe than she originally anticipated.

The King of Heroes reaction to Nefertari's question was about all the answer she needed. A grin crossed her face as she fashioned an answer to such an audacious statement. "You have no cause for concern. I will make sure you never wish to leave your Ziggurat again~" claimed Nefertari. Of course, she realized it was very possible he'd feel that way regardless. She'd make sure to upsell him to the Queen of Knights whenever possible. She'd come to realize in interacting with him, he was a lot like Ozymandias but with more added bravado. There was nothing truly wrong with that though. And what was this? Her offer of making him clothing was accepted with enough ease, though he seemed to be looking off into space a bit. "Well men's clothes are usually boring, if lass is being ogled by her chosen bloke, he has to look the part as well. Both of you may never want to leave again~" she said. Oh, Nefertari's mind was abuzz, that was more clear than anything after the slip in her speech pattern. Designing wardrobes for their forms, fitting everyone with new things, that would be the real fun of the world. "Leave this to me King of Heroes. You can stop by and check in on it later. If there is nothing else, I now have work to do~" she offered giving all due respect as she turned to go back to her pyramid. She had no problem at all getting right to work. She was fully invested in this new thing.

[Bloodedge]

Vivian showed rightful concern for the future of her loved ones. Enlil believed it was necessary to be concerned, though he also believed all would be well in the end. The gods of this world would soon fall, but just as the Lake Fairy's worries would be quelled, the lack of gods would do better for the world overall. Even now, both situations were looking up. The gods were not needed for the felling of Velber's second envoy, and Excalibur's chosen one could be given an intermediary weapon in the original's stead. "Take hope on your travels, my child. All will be well, even if it does not seem so. You may not be the wielder of that ancient sword you now hold, but always remember this: it is you who places our original world's last hope in the hands of another, and you who enables the wielder to impart new hope. Stay strong, my Lady Viviane." Sharing these words was all he could do to help. Nothing of merit could be done by Enlil, but perhaps he could provide some comfort. After all, her words were a great comfort to him. He would never abandon this world, even as its inhabitants destroyed themselves and all nature around them No matter what, one day, the circle would complete itself as it always did.

Gilgamesh was told he would never want to leave his ziggurat again. How foolish. The moment the Citadel of Uruk was inhabited by one Artoria Pendragon, his every reason to leave would officially be gone. If he had a bit more motivation to never leave his bedroom, however... that would be an accomplishment indeed. "I expect nothing less than months of debauchery caused by your own design choices. Perhaps I will come to inform you how well-done the pieces are after I've finished ripping half of them apart. Surely you would not be opposed to another arrangement, given your obvious enjoyment of this work you do." While speaking, Gilgamesh had to prevent himself yawning. It was high time he left to avoid being seen in a state of weakness, and luckily, it seemed Nefertari was ready and willing to start her work immediately. "I will return only to deliver payment. I have already seen enough of your work to harbor faith," he concluded, alluding directly to the visions he'd already seen. Ah... but there was one final thing to mention as he boarded Vimana again. "Somewhere in that pile, there is the fur of a unicorn. Use it to fashion a shawl or something, fitted to the large one."

[Apollymi]

Vivian heard the words of Enlil and a small smile came to her face. Talking to this man was a special brand of comforting. She couldn't rightly explain it, but in speaking to him, she always felt that everything would be alright. What a life he must have lived, to be able to evoke such peace in another by mere words alone. She hoped one day, she could be that kind of individual. She knew it was not going to be any day soon but... maybe? Whatever the case she went off to work on Excalibur and its copy.

At the same time, the King of Heroes seemed to be fighting sleep, but still had enough quip left to say some rather cheeky things to Nefertari in the meantime. "You are too much Golden King... the poor Knight Queen will never be able to face any of us again if you do something like that. Still, if you enjoy them so much I'd be willing to put in the work to make sure she always had a fresh ensemble. Like I said, she's one of my favorites~" she mentioned. There were several that Nefertari would give the title muse, and Artoria Pendragon was one. "Of course, I do what I love and it never feels like work," she said of her own desire to create. Speaking of, there was apparently one real request to be given by the King of Heroes, that Unicorn Pelt be made into a shawl or something for the bigger body model. "A shawl?? That is about a medieval as a word can get. I'll do one better when I see it an work with it. I almost thought to question the unicorn part... but I'm done being astounded by anything concerning you or the Queen of Knights." That was a declaration if she'd ever made one. There were two Medjed carrying off those two mannequins and the Queen of Queens was soon off to busy herself with work of the creative type.

An entire day from that point and Artoria would be finishing the training of several young knights. A wooden sword in hand, young Gareth was holding a shield in one hand and a lance in the other. Her helmet perfectly fit and even included little ear protrusions. She was being pummeled by the Queen of Knights but this was all part of her training after being knocked down, Artoria offered the pup a hand up and some thorough advice. "Listen clearly, little wolf, you drop your guard again, and I will ring your head like a bell. Shield up. Wait for the opening then counter, yes?" she asked a little nod came from the lass as she could see those emerald green eyes of hers processing that order. "Good lass!" she said stepping back to begin the onslaught again with a fervor that would have made training with a real sword quite dangerous. Several others including Galahad stood to the side watching such a training session with much interest. The Queen of Knights hadn't forsaken any of her duties since coming back. The last of the preparations were being made at Loch Ness so that she could in good consciousness lift the country.

[Bloodedge]

The Queen of Knights being rendered incapable of facing any of the others was, strangely, a pleasant idea. The flustered expression on her face in those moments was the greatest of sights. It was all definitely going to be something Gilgamesh enjoyed with full vigor, whenever the time came around. To do so however, he had to leave Nefertari to her devices for the tall order he'd so recently made. "On your way then, Puppet Pharaoh. Work those floating rags of yours to the bone," he said through upturned lips. With that, he and his golden ark floated into the distance toward Mesopotamia. There remained much work for him to do as well, but this little intermission would eventually prove worthwhile.

On the next day, Artoria Pendragon's brutal training of a young Gareth was being observed by the dog-girl's usual mentor, Sir Lancelot. He saw better than most, that Gareth would one day become a Lady of the Round Table on par with her brothers and sister... if she didn't manage to thwart the lot of them. He imagined Artoria saw the same, considering the Queen of Knights elected to train her directly this day. Strange, though... Lancelot figured the queen would be busy torturing the torturer, Agravain herself, after the latter's miscommunications about a week prior. Maybe with all that happened, she'd forgotten? Maybe she was simply waiting. Or, maybe something had already been done without Lancelot realizing. Whatever the case, Lancelot was willing to do a bit more than observe; he was also content to chime in here and there. "Will you take that kind of talk, Gareth? Bash her over the head with that shield; show her who rings the bells around here!"

[Apollymi]

The Queen of Knights gave her advice to the young Gareth, and the same young girl also received advice from her actual mentor. The words of Lancelot made Artoria smile, he would be the type to preach the extra aggression while pointing out the sort of dominating she was the other day. Perhaps when she got her own sword back, she'd make sure he was actually punished for his sass. "No, I won't just take it," Gareth said. The Little Wolf had quite a bit of spunk. Of course, Artoria took note of this and of course, she would see that the girl could defend herself as best she could while being so small. Lessons to be learned early to avoid any misconceptions later, besides all of that, Gareth had all the makings of a Knight of the Round Table. Even at her young age, Artoria could see clearly this girl's sincerity and her ability. She'd make sure it was sharpened to a fine point to see this girl sit at her side someday.

And to that end, a barrage of bone rattling hits clobbered that shield. Each one seeming to push back against Gareth. Even so, she did not drop her guard again, instead she waited for what she thought was an opportune moment, and when Artoria's arm was coming down again, she knocked outward with her shield, and aimed to move forward. That move was brilliant. Artoria smiled just a bit but it was too early, for such a move to work against her. Artoria used the momentum of the collision to spin in the same direction, and by the time the girl had moved forward that wooden sword was knocking into her lance and tripping her up. She fell forward into the ground but still flat on her chest. "That was a tricky move, you have learned well Little Wolf," she said as she stood to the side but offered her hand up as she took her helmet off. She couldn't believe she'd fallen over. "Footwork should be your next aim of practice, both armored and not. Be conscious of your weapon and shield both should be used in tandem. Grab a snack, have some milk. You did well," she said giving the small girl a pat on the head. "Thank you, Aunty!" the little girl said with a reddened face from the extra attention. In truth, if she'd had a bit more weight to her, such a move would have thrown Artoria around a bit. But the Queen of Knights was already used to dodging opponents, and using their momentum against them, what she currently had over this lass, was experience. "Lancelot, she is far too small to bash me over the head with a shield you know," she said to the man. "Still, your training has done her the world of good." The Queen of Knights praised this man as well, Gareth was coming along far too nicely to avoid giving praise where it was due. Training was done now, and Artoria had a few more things to do before she raised Albion.

[Bloodedge]

Following Lancelot's goading, Gareth showed precisely the spunk he'd come to enjoy when training the girl himself. That much moxie would serve her well as a member of the Round Table. The Knight of the Lake could foresee the girl being his sister-in-arms within a short matter of years, but alas, she was not yet ready to land a proper blow on the queen. Lancelot winced and inhaled through his teeth as the lass tumbled after a failed assault, though it didn't seem to be a bad attempt at all. After a bit of acknowledgement passed from Artoria to Gareth, the former had words for him as well. Gareth was too small to bash her over the head, she insisted. Poppycock. The girl's size had nothing to do with it, whether Artoria actually believed that load of nonsense or not. "She's not too small to do anything. Give her an inch of leeway, and I guarantee you she'll have you checking the backs of your eyelids in two seconds flat. The girl's got grit, I tell you. Another decade, and I might be asking her for pointers," he said. In all honesty, there was a part of Lancelot that believed his own words there. He had every reason to, after all. "Seriously, I occasionally see the return of a headache from months ago. Never purposely take it easy on that girl."

[Apollymi]

Artoria was told how little room one like Gareth needed to make a complete fool out of a fully trained knight. According to Lancelot one should never take it easy on the Little Wolf, lest they have headaches for months after the fact to show for it. The smirk that crossed Artoria's lips could have almost grown into full blown laughter, but she managed to cover her mouth with one hand and take several deep breaths. After a moment she just looked at the man in front of her and shook her head from left to right. "I know of her grit, but I think I have no need to worry," she said with the utmost care taken to avoid wounding this man's ego further. "While I see her being a great warrior in her own right. I would never be so carefree as to purposefully take it easy on anyone. A victory from me will be hard fought and earned, child or adult," she said wondering exactly how the Knight of the Lake had ended up getting his bell rung by a girl less than half his size.

Strangely, Artoria decided to leave such questions alone. "Tell me Lancelot, does anything else here require my attention or anyone else before the proper ascension of Albion? I would have all my bases covered, but I am not sure what was done in my absence," she said. Having talked to Galahad the previous day the Queen had easily returned to herself settling her own nerves. She'd decided around the time of the ascension she'd make her way to Egypt and speak with the female Pharaoh about her nerves and then she'd steel herself. She'd take up such a cause a bit closer to the time at hand, but if Albion was near ready she could put it off until the right time.

[Bloodedge]

"I'm sure you don't," Lancelot agreed. Of course the Queen of Knights would have nothing to worry about. It didn't need saying that she took it easy on no one, whether in combat or in training. It would take another hundred years for someone of Gareth's level to think of wounding her as a result of that fact. "Oh you don't even have to tell me. Forget the headache; I think my liver is still bleeding from years ago," he said in jest. Moving on, Artoria had business to discuss. She wished to know of Albion's readiness. As he recalled, this was something being discussed amongst the knights quite some time ago. Still, Lancelot gave matters a few moments of consideration. He'd use Gareth as his own mental example, at least when thinking of those who would fight. "Everyone who can fight will be able to perform well. I believe even the children being born of the last year or two are having no problems within the barrier now, so all regular citizens across Albion should be fine as well. If memory serves, that has been the case for about three years now. Early preparation has paid off well."

The King of Heroes had returned to his throne and all the work that accompanied it. There was much to do, far beyond even what hundreds of clay tablets could contain. As he looked to the future, he saw more than a single threat. For a full day, he'd been staving off sleep unseen for several years, building atop the strong walls of Uruk's citadel. No laborers were brought in. They had their tasks on hand already, and this particular job was one Gilgamesh could only do alone for the sake of functionality. What was he building? It would be known one day. Regardless, the only rest he saw during this time had been sitting atop the throne to sort through more tablets. That is until, after several hours of laboring and shifting between matters of defense and matters of state, the king's eyes drew to a close while he sat.

Ah, but Gilgamesh was no slacker. Much like he once told Utnapishtim in the garden of the gods, he experienced only a moment of sleep. This time, those words were true. He napped like a cat, closing his eyes for a matter of seconds before opening them anew. What he saw upon opening them, though, was not the citadel of Uruk at all. He still sat upon a throne, but his surroundings were bleak, not a single sign of life in sight. It seemed almost like a cave, dimly lit by cages carrying blue flame-like substances. Confused, he looked from one side to the next. "Siduri?" he called out, mouth slightly ajar as his visual inspection continued. There was no Siduri here.

It was with a sigh that King Gilgamesh leaned against his own knuckles, closing his eyes once more. Suddenly, he understood the situation. "Hmph. I seem to have awoken from my nap in the depths of Kur." How very calm. Alas, there would be no calmness mere seconds later. Gilgamesh stood erect in an explosion of rage, screaming up into the infinite cave around him. "This is no time for jokes! I really am dead here!"

[Apollymi]

More jokes from the man known as Lancelot, what was this about his bleeding liver from years ago. Oh yes, Artoria remembered they'd fought once and she'd seen an opening in his attack pattern and stabbed into the undefended flesh. It had been a decisive victory for her, but a decent injury for him. What did she have to say to this jest? "What do you mean Lancelot? I did not twist that blade, I am sure it is fine," she said in her own form of jest. Strangely enough that wasn't that much of a joke. In the years prior, it had been much harder for her to stop herself from aiming for blows that killed and ones that would maim permanently. Lancelot had been the sort of person she had not tried injuring permanently on purpose, which was about as much of a handicap as she was ever willing to give. With the jokes aside, according to Lancelot, everyone who could fight would be able to do so normally above, and even the babies of Camelot could breathe so there would be no problems with their integration into Chaldea. "Good. That news is great truly. I would not have anything go wrong and I would prefer everyone acclimate with the greatest of ease," she said thoughtfully. "While I do not expect a constant need for combat, everyone being able to do so would be for the best after that White Titan incident, I find it much more settling that no one will be learning how to breathe," she said. Truly she was quite relieved. Her approach in this matter had been a bit tyrannical, but she would not have people dying for her ambition who did not know what they were dying for. Beyond that even the people and animals were ready for the ascension then there would be no problems for the land either. She could move forward with her plans with a clear conscience. Well mostly clear, there was still the looming shadow of the King of Heroes on her heart and mind, but that was a personal matter for her to work through.

At the same time, the newest entry into the Underworld made his voice know. First he called for the wine-maker of the gods, that one had been banished ages ago, but she'd been in good care. Next he seemed to accept that his death had happened and relaxed back into his throne. But soon after, it seemed he was absolutely furious in the most hilarious way possible. A gentle laugh escaped the young woman known as Kur who appeared in front of him. Her pink locks held together by a dark crown. She had long hair down to her knees at least and a surprisingly happy disposition, even with the black nail polish and assorted gloomy accessories. "Of course you are dead. This isn't a joke worth making, King of Heroes. I would never just pull you down here," she said seeming to think about it more. "Still, I suppose even I have to respect your work ethic, it takes a bit of moxie to work yourself to the point of death by exhaustion."

[Bloodedge]

She didn't twist the blade, she said. That didn't at all mean the very same blade hadn't nearly gone completely through him. "Nor did you have to. If I didn't think there was a chance of me winning that fight back then, I'd still be a little upset over that sort of wound," he added. Thinking back on it, that fight they had so long ago was one of the reasons Lancelot was glad to have the chance of joining the Round Table. "Good on Gawain getting himself kidnapped back then. For a while there, I figured you actually wanted me dead," he recalled further. Based on Artoria's words, it seemed the ascension of Albion was due quite soon. He and some of the other knights had been talking about it recently, and most seemed rather excited to properly experience Chaldea's atmosphere. Of course, much of the cause was the belief that Chaldea's parties were all as incredible as the one they attended recently. "So then, are we rising soon? Gawain and I were talking about testing our mettle against a few of those Medjay."

Gilgamesh was far from pleased. How the hell did he wind up in... well... Hell? This was by far the dumbest turn of fate he'd ever experienced, and he'd experienced fate in the stupidest ways possible! Where was that damned goddess? He could hear her laughter, then suddenly, there she was in front of him. "Of course it is a joke; it must be! I cannot be dead!" he exclaimed. Towering over the pink-haired goddess, an aggressive hand of Gilgamesh's soon found itself upon her head, twisting at the scalp repeatedly. "It is fine. I will allow your pitiful attempt at jest, just this once. But, I have work to do, and this is an interruption I cannot afford! Release me to my citadel immediately; I am not the company you should seek because you have become bored in this gutter."

[Apollymi]

It seemed he took offense to the type of wound he'd taken in their first battle. Artoria could only smile at the memory. That fight was indeed thrilling but she'd never doubted her own victory, the struggle is fun... but there is no satisfaction without victory. "It was not so bad... and who gave you permission to think you could win against me?" she asked with a playful sharpening of her eyes. Artoria remembered fondly the day that Lancelot had returned with her nephew from behind enemy lines. She'd wanted to rain down hell upon the Saxons for daring and she'd been told she could wait by Merlin. "Yes, it was quite good you were there. I did not specifically want you dead, I just did not specifically want you alive near me..." she said only joking. "But I cannot deny I might have gone a bit crazed about Gawain, so I was willing to let you be both alive and nearby, after you saved him. I could not deny the character of a man who would do such a thing with no thought of reward," she said. She'd come to realize she'd been quite a handful when gathering Knights for her table. Even so, she couldn't say she didn't respect every individual who sat at her table. Would Albion be rising soon? "Yes, within the week. I am running my final checks and making sure that Loch Ness is ready to sustain itself for a while. Once I am certain... we will be in the clear. I will use my connection to raise the kingdom and everyone and everything within its borders," she said understanding how it worked. "As for the Medjay, they are quite a talented group. Quick on their feet, be careful if you face any," that was her advice. Of course she'd faced a few while she'd been visiting with her sister, if only to keep herself amused while not being able to draw her weapon.

Meanwhile, Gilgamesh was having a none-too-friendly conversation with Kur. Strangely, the pink haired girl found that this man had the audacity to be rubbing his hand across the top of her head while demanding to be placed back. Did he not hear what she just said?! Why was he being such a bully? Did such actions actually work for him? "It is not a joke, unhand me King of Heroes!" she said stepping back and aiming to smooth out her hair. "I cannot return you. You actually died and you are outside of the reincarnation cycle. Though your actions and that of the world serpent, gave the ability to move between life and death to others at variable exchange rates... you were outside of the world when that change was enacted. If your tale is to be believed, you did what you aimed for and gave the ability to live forever to the people... just not to yourself," she explained of the situation. "You literally died of exhaustion, no food, no sleep, no water, hard work and force-of-will, that has been you, right?" she asked him while shaking her head. "I brought you down with your body, because you do not deserve a life as a soul in a cage..." she stated. "And for the record, I prefer the company of children and animals and as you are neither I would not have brought you here... I also think your purpose is best served above. But I cannot return you..." she said very specifically.

[Bloodedge]

And without a hitch, there was the confidence of Artoria Pendragon that bordered on arrogance... if it didn't cross the threshold completely. Who did give Lancelot du Lac permission to think he could win against Artoria Pendragon? Well, there was a list that he would proceed to give with a raised finger to accompany each member. "Hmm. Me. You, just about. The Lady of the Lake. Me. Oh, and did I mention... me?" Alright, so he didn't have much of a real list, but that didn't matter very much. At this very moment, he considered challenging Artoria to a match just to prove he could take her down without that ridiculous weapon, Excalibur, in her carry. Woe, it was not a worthwhile endeavor; he didn't think such a challenge was in good taste. "There's no need to address my character. I wanted to be a knight; that still counts as reward," he insisted. Now then, it seemed he would be testing his ability against the Medjay of Egypt within the week. By Artoria's own recommendation, they were quite the capable bunch. Good; he wanted nothing less for those he'd be working and training with at some point in the near future. "I will take care, but no promises if you're giving them a ringing endorsement like that. It sounds like something I should be excited about."

Kur was telling no jokes. Impossible! Surely she was still continuing the same dysfunctional jest to keep him entertained. How did she keep up such a terrible joke while keeping a straight face? He had to admire her dedication. "Fuhahaha! You are tenacious, I'll give you that. You make it sound as if that stupid snake shared the spoils of my labor with everyone in the world but me!" Ah, what a good humor this put the king in. Though... then she kept talking. He was exhausted. He didn't eat, he didn't drink; he just kept pushing through several metric tons of work. Was he really so old, that much was enough to kill him? Why wasn't this just another matter of falling asleep for seven days?! Oh... she really wasn't making this up on the spot. "... Hah?" he questioned, outright baffled. "What is the point of keeping a body that has no life?! Fine! If you insist on being too useless to return me, I'll make my own way out! If fate believes death is enough to kill me, then fate will be the next thing I make a fool of! The judges of Irkalla will not hold me!"

[Apollymi]

The list that Lancelot had to give of people who'd made him believe he could win against her in a fight were, himself, Artoria (almost) and the Lake Fairy, but also himself and himself. A wide grin crossed her face. "I cannot say I do not like the confidence, but when all you have backing you is yourself and the Fae Princess you should be a bit more cautious. I never gave you any such hope..." Artoria's words spoke of a confidence she only truly allowed herself in combat. One day maybe, that would leak through to her other actions, but as it stood the part of that conversation went unsaid. 'Even the Fae Princess knows, the only one who can beat me, is me.' The thought, clear as day in the mind of Artoria Pendragon would be one that was acknowledged eventually by the universe, ah but that wasn't entirely true anymore. The King of Heroes had properly bested her in open combat, not that anyone needed to know that. "Wanting to serve me is no reward. It seems more or less a punishment. Any King could have knighted you..." she asserted which was the truth of the matter. Though there were many things wrong in Albion initially, including the fact that aside from Artoria herself many were only taking in the children of nobles to be Knights. Such a dumb rule, right up there with women not being allowed to rule. All the wheels broken by Artoria. All the rules she could not stand rewritten. All the codes of Chivalry condensed to show true goodness. This was Artoria's contribution to the world. Hope. Not just in the form of light shining because of Excalibur but in her very being. "I think it will be good exercise for you specifically. I do wonder how you will handle losing your combat advantage..." she said with a gentle upturn of her lips but no more spoken.

Meanwhile Gilgamesh thought Kur to be telling jokes. Perhaps he'd never met this goddess before, but she did not have that much humor in her soul. The words she'd spoken were nothing but the truth. "That laughter of yours is somehow both annoying and infectious. Is that a skill, how do you do that?" she asked seemingly interested in how he managed to laugh in a way that both warmed her soul and made her want to hook him up with her scythe. "That is precisely what happened. I am explaining it to you," she said... she'd talked to many souls in the moments of their deaths, but none were in a greater state of disbelief than the King of Heroes. The audacity of the King of Heroes to call her too useless to return him. He had no idea the true state of the world and the gods themselves. Kur understood this point ever so gently because of her recent developments. "This is Irkalla. A realm of mine forced upon me by the other gods when I was a child. And what I say is law within the space. So by my Authority this body of yours, was returned to its prime... its life still remaining. Only being here keeps you lifeless in the strictest sense, but... again I can do nothing about that. Sometimes it is better to admit being useless in some aspects, than to let yourself hang on to something you are no longer fit to undertake," she said. Well that was pretty gloomy and ominous despite the juxtaposition of her most cheerful visage. "The judges cannot hold you?" she asked with a raised brow. Oh she had a most devious idea. "Become a Judge then, King Gilgamesh." Kur's words would title this man as a Judge in the Underworld and with that Kur began walking away. "Consider that my last gift to you. I do consider us kindred after all, given the way we ended up with jobs we did not want. I wouldn't be so presumptuous as to try and stop you... not when I think your life is better served above. I cannot violate the Authority of the Underworld but I'm sure since Fate cannot hold you, Death may have to release you from its grasp as well..." And with that the girl with those ever so gentle red eyes seemed to disappear into the darkness of the underworld.

[Bloodedge]

"You didn't have to. I got all the hope I needed before you showed up," Lancelot countered. Truly, he was one who did not rely on the hope provided by Artoria Pendragon for his own sake. That was enough for the fate of Albion thus far, but not for himself directly. As for any desire to serve Artoria, the notion itself was just slightly out of place. "I didn't want to serve you. I didn't even know who you were; I just wanted to be a knight. Careful. You're starting to sound like that king upstairs~" he joked, content to take his leave on that note. If they were rising soon, final preparations were to be made beforehand. Lancelot would move to take some of those into his own hands, though he stopped mid-exit to share another thought. "Oh, but don't get me wrong. When it's all said and done, I'm glad it was you in the end. Anyway, I'm off to the barracks. There are just a few extra things I want to take care of."

Gilgamesh had been returned to his prime, according to the Underworld's mistress. Strangely, he didn't feel very different─ only less tired. That much was to be expected though, wasn't it? No matter. Whether he was in peak physical condition or not, he would be making his way out of the Underworld... though there was something else he could do whilst here. There was a light in the king's eye as he properly realized where he was, and all those who could be found here. Beyond searching for Enkidu, he could find secrets related to the eventual death of Artoria Pendragon. Perhaps this sudden death would be something fruitful. Now then, what was this about becoming a Judge of the Underworld? He had no use for a title like that, but it seemed to have already been imparted. "I did not come here to become a laborer, Irkalla!" he griped. Still, if he was only lifeless by technicality, there was confirmation that he could leave on a whim. He could do so without this alleged gift, but... he'd never been dead before. What would become of Finis Chaldea? Well, perhaps being a Judge would help with that. Surely someone from Chaldea would perish. If they were someone to pardon and send back into the cycle of life, he could send a message with him. Regardless, Kur was gone in a blink, so there was no real arguing with this position anyway. If ever he saw her again though, she'd have to be dealt with accordingly for this little push. Oh well. While here, it was in his best interest to go looking for signs of Enkidu's soul. . .

[Apollymi]

"Good..." she said happily. It was nice to know she wasn't shouldering literally everyone's hopes and dreams. Lancelot's next words though, were strange to hit her ears. "Queen of Knights," she said as if that explained everything. Though that comment about the King of Heroes didn't go unnoticed. Her eyes widened just gently. One day she should do the right thing and beat the hell out of everyone who mentioned that connection. But, she'd grown out of that particular stage of aggression by now. "As you like, Lancelot..." she said as she carried on from that point forward.

Forward. That was indeed the way to go. A trip to Loch Ness? Yes, she checked it was sustainable, even if it was the only place visible in this area it would stand. A walk around to tell everyone the boundaries of their placement when she planned to lift this place. Done. Making sure all crops were where they needed to be and nothing real was going on? Also done. Yes. Days passed in blinks as the Queen of Knights did everything within her own power to make sure that Albion would transition upward with ease. In the meantime. On the sixth day after doing all the things she was doing. She found her way to the Dozmary Lake and stood at its edge. A little fairy in her water goblet had alerted her to her presence being necessary and so she arrived. Still playing with that little dagger even as she stepped out onto the water. Within just a moment the still waters began to ripple and out popped the Fae Vivian. She looked frazzled but in her hand was Excalibur, but not the form Artoria was used to. No, this was a giant sword within its own scabbard, making the Queen of Knights eyes widen. "Fae Princess, what is that?!" she asked seemingly cross. "Excalibur, Little Sister what does it look like?" she said offering it to the lass. The sword itself had a blade so long it was nearly bigger than she was as a person. "It is fucking huge! What am I supposed to do with it?" she asked seemingly upset about the prospect. "It is huge yes, but we no longer have mystery to force big things into small packages. That is as small as Excalibur can be outside of that age. Why do you think the swords I've given to everyone else are so big, it isn't a matter of sexism it is a matter of possibility. So wield it!" snapped the Lake Fairy. "This is payback is it not?" asked Artoria with a pout that was unknown to others. "It is not. I swear I could make it no smaller, and I have spent days trying. Your own is a work in progress but this will work well enough until I can give it back to you. Trust me, Little Sister this is best for everyone," she said Artoria looked at her and she seemed both tired and agitated. "It is still almost unwieldy... I would need two hands constantly," she said trying to be more understanding while pinching the bridge of her nose with her fore and middle fingers. "Or get yourself turned back into a man. Your teen boy self could wield it pretty easily," Vivian commented only to see her sister's eyes open with wild fire behind her irises. "I will never be a man again." What a declaration. Well, it seemed that Artoria had made up her mind about her own gender at least. "Okay, fine, fine. Just use it then. Keep it with you... it's very important that you keep it with you." Vivian commented. This sword was a great sword. Ornate in its own right but not quite the same type of sword she was used to. Artoria had never picked up a weapon she could not wield but... this as going to take some adjustment.

[Bloodedge]

Across a span of six days, Gilgamesh familiarized himself with the realm of Kur. Originating as a thing of Mesopotamian influence, the organization was familiar enough that it nearly felt like a bleak version of Uruk. Sadly, he hardly found the time to search for any sign of Enkidu. The world was a large and terrible place. Like clockwork, souls descended into Kur to be judged. Luckily though, among the many souls he dealt with during the week was one he recognized. A young woman from Larsa was under the king's scrutiny by the third day. Upon inspecting this woman, he found her to be only a normal maiden living her life to the fullest, until losing it in a fire. Of course, Gilgamesh had already discovered that he was the only physical Judge of the Underworld. The other seven were all more akin to automatous functions at each gate, but Gilgamesh had them disabled for the sake of having a citizen of Mesopotamia reach him properly. Besides, there was no point to there being seven artificial intelligences and a Judge with a mind of his own. He could have them enabled again now that this woman stood before him, though. "You, woman. You have done no wrong, and are therefore innocent of any crimes that would have you bound here forever. You will be returned to the world as you are, but hear me. I have a message that must be delivered to great Uruk. You will speak to Siduri, and tell her of the king's eventual return. Tell her that if the queen comes looking for her stallion, she will be able to ride into the sunset in due time."

[Apollymi]

The woman stood before the King of Heroes and knew exactly who he was. The King of Uruk, and he was here... judging the dead?! Her head was bowed but those golden eyes of hers planted firmly on her own feet. Yes, she'd died in a fire, it wasn't a particularly graceful death by any means but she had managed to get out all of the children who'd been staying within those walls. That was well enough. It'd been stated by this man that she could be sent back, as she was even. "I, Adina of Larsa, will deliver your message. And thank you for the favorable judgement," she said wondering what kind of thing that was to make someone else say, but making the assumption that it was best it was delievered with no edits in mind. Perhaps, she'd just apologize before she said it, that way she didn't sound presumptuous. Deeply tan, long haired in a plain bit of clothing. She dressed modestly for the type of place she lived but was not unkempt in any manner. She would see the King of Heroes message delivered and would go on with her life as usual.

"I will keep it with me. Do you know how long it will be before my true blade is returned to my hand?" she asked of her sister while standing aside and giving a few practice swings to the larger blade. It was still well made, and balanced, just quite a bit larger than she would have liked. "I am sorry, but the timing on it is seven years," she said softly. Artoria nearly dropped Excalibur, and had to clutch tighter to avoid losing it in the water. "SEVEN WHAT!" she exclaimed. "Seven years, it is the best I can do. Healing a sword like that one takes time, energy, and strange magic. I am doing my best honestly. Which is why I created the second one," Vivian said. Of course, Artoria looked at Vivian in this moment and walked over to her sister who was a few steps away. "Do not worry. I am sure even a blade this size can become an extension of me in that amount of time," Artoria managed. She looked at her her elder sister and saw earnestness. There was no reason to make her life more stressful on purpose. "Do remember to get some sleep and take care of yourself..." she finished which made Vivian smile. "You do not need to look after me, Little Sister. That is my job. I will take a bit of rest, but I am still very busy... good luck with your ascension. I should be available a bit more often but do not push it," she chided knowing her sister was about to call upon her in just a few short hours. And as such the pair would part, with the Lady Vivian sinking back into the lake. And Artoria heading back to Camelot with that sword strewn over her shoulder, getting used to its weight all the while. "Listen here you unruly brat. I care not how big you are... you answer to me, we shall be the best of friends."

[Bloodedge]

"Good. When you are done delivering this message, remain within the walls of Uruk. Have Siduri arrange a place of rest and work if you are in need. Your remuneration for this task will be granted upon my return," Gilgamesh said to the woman of Larsa named Adina. With that, he would send her on her way via an ascending path of rock, which led those who passed judgement back to the area of their original death. Annoyingly, he could not construct that path for himself, because the Judges in place would not acknowledge him. He could have simply joined Adina on her journey outwards, but what good would that have done? Gilgamesh certainly couldn't expect to follow some random person out of the Underworld whenever he died, and to do so would require that he leave the seven Judges disabled when leaving. There had to be another way... and more importantly, he still had to go searching for Enkidu and any information about the eventual fall of Artoria. Now that the messenger had been found and sent to Uruk, though, the king could at least reenable the Judges and go about his business. How long would it take him to find something? Well, he had little choice but to take the long path to that discovery.

[Apollymi]

Adina was given passage and apparently the ability to seek both shelter and employment within the walls of Uruk. Actually, it was apparently imperative that she remain within for whatever reward she was to receive for delivering that particular message. She walked the path put before her with another bow and headed out. She would appear back near the burned building in Larsa and within a day reach the walls of Uruk. She knew no better place to look for the King's assistant than within the palace so she approached it. Upon entering she saw a veiled woman standing nearby the throne. She bowed to her and spoke to her calmly. "I am looking for Siduri, do you know this person?" she asked. Siduri's left brow rose, and she spoke. "I am the one you seek, what can I do for you?" she said. "I have a message from the Judge of the Underworld, King Gilgamesh..." she explained. "I am Adina of Larsa, and I died in a fire a few days ago," she clarified of her own situation. "Yes, I received word of that... I was sending people to help with that process," she said remorsefully. "Within the Underworld there was a judge who said I could return as I was innocent and told me to deliver a message which I will speak as he spoke it to me," she said as if bracing the woman. Strangely, instead of harboring anything resembling disbelief, Siduri took a deep breath as if steeling her nerve for whatever random thing was about to leave this woman's mouth. "You will speak to Siduri, and tell her of the king's eventual return. Tell her that if the queen comes looking for her stallion, she will be able to ride into the sunset in due time." these words left Adina's mouth with the tone and cadence that could only be spoken by the King of Heroes. The exhale that left Siduri was one of both calm and worry. At least he would be returning but to have to use those words to inform the Queen of Knights of his demise was not something she looked forward to.

"I see, well... Those are my King's words, of this I have no doubt. Stay within the palace. Have bath and food and wine... and if you have interest... I will figure out a task you can undertake until the King's return to reward you..." she said, knowing how the King of Heroes operated in most cases. "He said something similar. I... was a tutor among the children of Larsa. A task like that is one I would both enjoy and be good at," she said quietly. "Oh?" Siduri had a thought. The King was planning to marry the Queen of Knights and have her birth his heirs. She imagined either would teach combat to the children, but common sense was lacking in both for various reasons. "I think I can find quite a useful set of tasks for you. Come we will get you settled." and just like that a new person was added to the King's Household and Siduri would continue the necessary tasks of running the country until one more suited showed themselves.

[Bloodedge]

With the seven Judges reactivated, Gilgamesh went about his search. The Underworld was a vaster land than any on the surface, so his journey would be long indeed. He would not be dissuaded by time and effort. Even dead, the king would work himself to death again for his goals. Perhaps he would somehow die in the Underworld and be reborn where he belonged; wouldn't that be an interesting day? Whatever happened, he would keep moving forward. So many layers existed on this plane of reality; all of them would have to be checked. Gilgamesh saw various places that buried the wealthy but the greatest problem was that Enkidu had no wealth to speak of. Irrespective of Gilgamesh's many offers, Enkidu took nothing, claiming that a weapon needed nothing. With that being the case, he expected his friend to exist only in the afterlife regions of commoners... unless there were areas dedicated to heroes. Finding the answer to this curiosity would be half of the journey, but there was always a chance he would find answers for Artoria's unique situation along the way.

[Apollymi]

Artoria in the time that passed returned to Camelot and upon reaching the foregrounds she stood in the middle of them. Seven days she'd taken to gather everything she needed. To check and double check readiness and now the Queen of Knights stood. The new version of Excalibur planted in the ground beside her, and in her right hand, the Holy Spear, Rhongomyniad. In that perfect blue dress of hers, at high noon, the Queen of Knights was engulfed by light as she channeled her own power into her spear. In exchange, instead of directly interacting with the Nexus she was giving several 'tabs' of information within her vision. She alone decided the lands that would rise in the Kingdom of Albion. And after a few moments with eyes that glowed with divine light, the entire kingdom with the exception of the now village and citadel surrounding Loch Ness rose into the sky. "Albion ascends!" she said offering that little smirk she always did upon the accomplishment of a great task. Albion took a strange place in the sky, directly north east of Mt. Mashu, putting it strangely in range, of the Holy Knights Headquarters, within distance of Egypt and depending on ones feeling within walking distance of Uruk if not for all of them being separate islands.

With this task accomplished, she banished Rhongomyniad not content to hold it for too long and took a deep breath. She'd actually completed the task she'd set out to do. It was time, to see the King of Heroes. Well... not just yet. Without Rhongomyniad in her hands, she freely pulled up the great sword, Excalibur and slung it over her shoulder. "All is done. Settle in, I'm going on a walk!" That was the first declaration of Queen Artoria Pendragon after achieving true greatness. And where was she going? Well straight to a lake, to summon her sister and get passage to Egypt, she would speak to the Pharaoh Nefertari.

[Bloodedge]

On that seventh day, Gilgamesh continued traversing the Underworld. He didn't seem to be making very much headway, if any at all. Numerous cages of souls were opened and manifested. He spoke with many of them, seeking Enkidu and seeking knowledge of the Queen of Knights' downfall. Sadly, he received neither answer across multiple days. Even worse was the fact that thousands of souls and acres were ahead of him. Gilgamesh searched the dredges high and low, hearing more annoying plights of those who thought themselves unworthy of afterlife imprisonment, when they were in fact fated to this place for ages to come. "Damn that Kur. She should have known what I sought, yet she left me here with no knowledge of where to go," he griped as souls, one by one, were shoved back in their places of imprisonment. Surely Albion had ascended by now. If he took too long, the moment of Artoria's passing would be over before Gilgamesh found his way out of this hole. Perhaps it was time for the king to make a choice, between continuing his search for Enkidu and finding answers for the future. . .

[Apollymi]

Finding answers for the future... Artoria had announced her walk and taken off. With Excalibur in her hands, none would question her whereabouts and she wasn't going anywhere unsafe to herself. She had reached the lake, summoned her sister and been given an earful. "I'm not a fucking taxi! You cannot simply use me to come and go as you please!" yes, those were the sweet words that Artoria remembered after greeting her sister. The answer that she was exactly that didn't seem to sit well with the Fae but then rather suddenly, Artoria received an apology from her sister. According to Vivian she was just tired and cranky. How strange. Artoria knew her sisters and brother like she knew no other people in either world. And rare was it indeed for Hoshimi Rie to present herself as anything other than what she wanted to be seen as. What could have been wrong with her sister was the thought which plagued Artoria's mind as she approached the Pharaohs Pyramid if only because it would help distract her from things much more frightening to her. Upon her approach to their shared throne she was alerted to the fact that they were in fact inhabiting a workshop. She was pointed in the direction of this and stopped shy of the open door, not sure she wanted to enter. "Pharoahs, the Queen of Knights wishes to grace you... could you spare a few moments?" she asked ever so politely.

In a moment like this, Nefertari was hard at work. The clothing she pieced together here and now was not for the Queen of Knights and thus she didn't bother hiding it. No, she'd had a bit of inspiration and was working on a male ensemble with a small jacket and strangely open pants on a mannequin. "Queen of Knights, you may enter. We are decent, there is nothing to worry about..." Nefertari answered back. Such put Artoria at ease as she stepped into the doorway. "Good Afternoon to you both, I came to let you know... Albion has risen we are your newest neighbors and a few of my Knights would like to train against your Medjay," she offered normal news initially though obviously there was something else on her mind.

[Bloodedge]

While the King of Heroes trifled in matters even he did not understand, the Queen of Knights took a journey of a different nature. Her path led her to Egypt, where two pharaohs were each in a state of great interest. Nefertari sauntered about as always, piecing together fabrics left and right. In the meantime, Ozymandias would be found in the only place he could imagine himself being: within the very same room. Indeed, Artoria's approach was made while Ozymandias sat at a nearby table. His elbows were propped against said table, his chin resting atop laced fingers. "Welcome again, ye Mighty," he said to the Queen of Knights, though his eyes could never be peeled away from Nefertari at work. He was essentially always smiling throughout life, and those who understood would never have to wonder why. Whether they did or not though, he would be sure they were informed regardless. "You've picked a wonderful time to rise. Gaze upon the phases of the moon, and despair! You are fortunate enough to see greatness this day," he announced.

It seemed the Knights of the Round table desired a thrashing. That would certainly be an interesting thing to watch... Or at least Ozymandias would call it interesting, if not for his present form of entertainment. "Ho. If it is the Medjay they want to give them a thwarting, I believe Renen, Amset and Serenity are in the vicinity right now. Neither of them is the friendliest to face in combat, but it would be entertaining to watch them and your knights learn from each other."

[Apollymi]

Gaze upon the phases of the moon and despair. These were the words of the Sun King as he watched his wife in a rather childish manner. Artoria couldn't help but have to suppress a chuckle at the outlandishness of such a sight, but still she could respect it. Especially given the amount of focus in one like Nefertari as she worked diligently on a piece unlike any she'd seen before. "You are quite right, I have never truly seen work made to look so entertaining," she said with that knowing little smirk. Truly, she'd not seen anyone who seemed to enjoy craftsmanship as much as the two pharaohs did while they were in action. As such she was more than content to watch the pieces be put together. "Well come on give us a hand. Place yours here..." she said waving Artoria over. Strange she was being looped into such a thing, but she supposed she was interrupting it was only right to help. Her hands found themselves against a piece of fabric that could hardly be called a shirt while, Nefertari made sure there was enough space for those hands to fit. "Yes, to die, for~" she claimed.

Meanwhile, Artoria seemed to be blissfully ignorant of whom such a work was for. And instead chose to simply do what the woman said while leaving Excalibur's new great sword form against the table. "Ah, I recognize that one, Renen, I faced a while back. She reminded me a bit of Lancelot. That would be good for him..." she said giving it a bit of thought. "I will pass along those names to the ones interested you have my thanks..." she said having never forgotten the name of a single person she'd faced in direct combat. Ah yes but there was another question. "All done, what do you think?" she asked as Artoria drew her hands back and looked at the ensemble. "It looks mage-like but strangely I find it rather tasteful, even with the amount of skin such a thing would show," Artoria mentioned with a few nods of her head. "Good good," said Nefertari while shooting a wink in the direction of the Sun King. "Now congratulations on your ascension. All is well in Albion, yes?" she asked of the lass which made Artoria nod. "Yes, all is well... I actually came by for guidance of a more specific variety, Pharaoh, could I borrow your wife for a more delicate conversation?" Yes, Artoria was beating around the bush and looked like a child caught doing something naughty instead of like an adult Queen of an entire nation. "Hoh? That sounds like man problems. I'll get wine!~" these were the words of an unknown which made Artoria's eyes shift in the direction of the doorway as a woman with shorthair and tanned skin slipped off only seconds after eye contact was made. "Sorry about that, that was Serenity. She's my big sis, and honestly, one of the best people to have such a conversation with. A bit crude sometimes, but very discrete." Nefertari's words sank into Artoria's ears and with her eyes on the woman, she was quite certain she was being honest about her faith in her big sister. "That is fine, to be honest, I cannot currently speak to my own sister and I would find a bit of advice on the matter comforting," she said the huge grin on her Nefertari's face happened as she left and she kissed the Sun King on her way out just briefly. With the Queen of Knights grabbing hold of her great sword before exiting behind the female pharaoh who went to join the one known as Serenity in a comfortable sitting room. Lounging pillows, dim lighting and three small golden goblets currently being filled by the woman with the short purple hair having apparently decided that she was sitting in on this conversation.

[Bloodedge]

Artoria Pendragon knew of the Medjay called Renen, as stated by the young queen herself. Ozymandias refrained from laughing, hilarious though it was to watch her nonchalantly uphold a conversation while unknowingly helping the stitch of her husband's new wardrobe. "Renan is brilliant. I wouldn't exactly compare her to your Lancelot, but I understand how the conclusion was made. I'll tell her to be alert," he said, mostly talking just to distract himself from the threat of laughter within. Much to Ozymandias' dismay, Artoria's purpose in this visit was to have a discussion... specifically with Nefertari. Aghast, Ozymandias let his mouth hang open in an exaggerated gesture. "You want to what?" the pharaoh asked during this overblown expression of shock. "Every time someone steps into my temple lately, it's always to sweep my wife away! Hmph. The audacity of mankind triumphs over the gods again, it seems." A huff passed his lips, along with mock dejection shown with a turn of his head after Nefertari's approach and kiss. Serenity sneaked her way in as always, even ushering the other women along to another room. The absolute nerve of them! "Fine! I will show magnanimity and allow you a few moments alone with greatness. Do not leave me waiting."

[Apollymi]

Ozymandias could see how Artoria drew likeness between Renan and Lancelot, though he wouldn't himself call them similar. Of course the Queen of Knights realized herself that they were two people standing on opposite sides of the same coin, she would still call them more alike than different. Of course, that was simply her way, as a matter of simplification. They are two people blessed by waters who use them to fight. Too bad, it seemed as if she'd caused mock anger in the Pharaoh as she wanted to whisk away his wife for a discussion. His words about her audacity and his mock indignation made the Queen of Knights face redden gently. "Sincerely, I do not mean such a thing... I just need... what does Galahad call it," she gave it some thought. "A girl's opinion," she clarified. She really didn't mean to leave him out, she just wasn't ready to say the things she wanted to in front of a man. Surely, it wouldn't be so bad. "I will not keep her long..." mentioned the Knight Queen.

Within that space though, she leaned Excalibur against the cushion and flopped down next to it. She managed to look graceful but still completely overwhelmed. "I have never seen man problems so clearly on a girl's face before... even this one was better at hiding it~" Serenity broke the silence and handed the Queen of Knights one of those goblets. Nefertari took one for herself and chided her elder sister. "Leave her alone, Ronnie... our Queen here is pretty exceptional but a bit new to the whole thing," she said giving a bit of reassurance to the Queen of Knights. "So, I should start by saying that I have some understanding, but I have questions... about dating and sex," Yes that was how the Queen of Knights started this conversation and now Nefertari and Serenity were staring at each other with wicked almost animal like glares going between them. "I cannot ask my own sister, because I think she is far beyond my understanding as a person..." she clarified taking another sip of wine. She'd almost been spoiled on wine that came from Gilgamesh but it would be Serenity who spoke up. "Don't worry, I broke out the good stuff. Anyway... what exactly is your question, you almost sound like a virgin trying to understand how it will fit..." Serenity said which made Nefertari nudge her a bit. Artoria managed to look wide eyed for a second but then recovered. "Actually, that is a large part of the question, yes. Most of it actually..." she said. "I am not used to any of this... I lived my original life as one without feelings at all so I am often uncertain. I like the King of Heroes, do not tell him I said that. And previously found myself in a rather compromising position. I am willing to face it now but... it defies my own logic." Artoria's words made both Nefertari and Serenity give her approving nods. "That isn't really so much a problem. Monsters like those can be pretty scary the first time you come across them but you can tame any one you wish as long as you are ready for them," said Nefertari. These words were too flowery for what Serenity would have advised so she said more. "Or to be more clear, just make sure he's done his part to get you to the big finish a few times first. If it's slick just about anything will be able to slide in." Artoria literally choked on wine. She now fully understood, both why Nefertari said this woman would be good for the conversation and why she'd warned her of crudeness.

[Bloodedge]

And so, Ozymandias was left alone in a room with another man's clothes. What sort of situation was this for a pharaoh to be in? It took only a few moments for a sigh of absolute boredom to be heaved. That damn Serenity could have been good for conversation in the interim of this "girl talk" Artoria spoke of, but it seemed she would never be one to leave herself out of that. Actually... now that he was alone, Ozymandias could reminisce a bit. He recalled Serenity, or rather Veronica Corbyn, being overheard during a particular phone call less than 24 hours after he met the woman he wound up marrying in another world. With that memory in place, he laughed all by his lonesome. Someone like Artoria Pendragon would not be capable of dealing with Serenity and her wiles, he believed. Well... maybe he would eventually hear some interesting and hilarious tidbits about the exchange. Even if Nefertari didn't tell him herself, he was quite sure Serenity would be forthright about it.

Meanwhile, the empire of AS-IKU was greeted by its sovereign, the God of Water, Enki. It was high time he checked on the mortals and their progress on the first grand temple of Ishtar. Things seemed to be coming along quite nicely, and there were even several busts being worked on just outside the temple. Satisfied by the meeting of his speed-based demand, Enki thought it was about time he paid a visit to Celestia once more. Ah, but first, a few more moments to bask in his own glory. . .

[Apollymi]

Artoria was still choking with wine definitely in her lungs right now. She now had one hand over her chest and the other holding her goblet. She was trying to take a breath and only succeeding a couple of times through her nose. "Yes, definitely through the nose. It'll get easier..." Serenity said seeming to be only a little amused by the whole of this situation. Nefertari nudged her again, and she pushed back. "What, that was too flowery... she needed to know the truth," she said as if this was perfectly reasonable. "I did need to know the truth. I just did not expect it to attack me like a rampaging bull. I was unguarded," said the Queen of Knights with a face the color of a beet. "Yeah, I did warn you. Anyway, the physical aspect isn't a problem as long as you are ready," Nefertari mentioned going back to her own drink. "So, should I brace?" that was the question of a warrior virgin and both of the women across from her shook their heads in unison, holding up a hand each to emphasize. "Never brace. Not ever, sex does not have to be a battle... and for one who has never before partaken, you should relax..." said Nefertari. Serenity surprisingly enough agreed. "Surrender, might even be a better word. You don't wanna hurt yourself... unless you're into that," said the woman with the shorter hair. Artoria seemed to be processing this information rather carefully.

No bracing, relaxing, surrendering... "To what end? Why should I do these things? What actually happens?" Now both Serenity and Nefertari were choking. The Queen was a virgin in the most absolute sense of the word. She did not understand what it was to have or enjoy an orgasm, no wonder sex did not make sense to her. "I do not understand why you both are choking now..." Artoria said wondering what she'd just said to elicit such a reaction. It would be Nefertari who managed to share the combined disbelief of the former family Corbyn. "We expected that you might not fully grasp sex. We did not expect you to not know why people have sex... aside from making babies it feels great..." Nefertari said honestly. To be as clear as possible there was Serenity who thought maybe the lass was just mistaken in not knowing. "Like a tingling sensation building up with pressure between your legs until it kind of just... releases. Seriously? It's like the best thing ever. It will relax your whole body, set your whole day or night right, make you forgive stupidity, or be stupid... you know anything," Serenity was certain this did not need more explanation than that. Artoria gave it some thought. Seven days prior to this one while they were in the Nexus she'd felt the start of those feelings that Serenity mentioned but not this release. Ah, but the King of Heroes had used that term too... is that what he was referencing. Big finish, climax, orgasm... were these all names for whatever the completion of that feeling was? That all sounded fine in theory but she'd never taken such a thing in practice. "I understand the start... but not the end, we were interrupted by the White Titan..." said Artoria, that clicked within the mind of Nefertari, that did indeed explain both the look on the girl's face and Gilgamesh's discontent upon their arrival. "Damn, that sucks. Nothing worse than missing a good one. You probably wouldn't be asking anything if you'd actually gotten there," said Serenity. She was quite certain nature took care of these questions on its own most of the time. But until it did, she was here to promote positive sexual outlooks in everyone. "You were annoyed, then right? Just a bit with no understanding of why? It was the interruption that did it, whether you realized it or not." Nefertari spoke factual information only. And in hearing all these words she could put into perspective a potential plan of action. She now understood it mechanically. She had a goal in mind to reach, and she knew her partner of choice... now all that was left was... "How do I approach him?"

[Bloodedge]

Enki could not know greater satisfaction if he tried. No, that wasn't true... there was greater satisfaction on its way! All he had to do was seize it, and he would do exactly that. Following a quick inspection of Ishtar's newest temple, he vanished from the offshoot of Finis Chaldea, reappearing in Celestia. Climbing a long stairwell was all it took to reach the chamber of Ishtar herself. In only a week or so, he would enter with a visage full of elation for the second time. "Oh Ishtar~♪ I come bearing the most wonderful news!" he announced within seconds of marching into the goddess' room. She wouldn't be required to remain here for very long; he'd see to that personally.

In the meantime, Gilgamesh walked through the Underworld and sneezed up a veritable storm. In dying, had he become susceptible to illness? That didn't make sense. That whore Ishtar must have been talking about him! Or, perhaps there was a positive reason, like an organized mourning of his demise... or even just the lack of his presence, provided his message was delivered in a timely manner. Nevertheless, he wasn't having any luck at all. He'd decided the search for Enkidu would be a very long one; it would take much more time than he had before sacrificing the future. So, he made the impossibly difficult decision of putting off the past attachment to gamble on the future. How far had he fallen? He couldn't truly believe the ideal future was guaranteed; he simply demanded that it be so. Things hadn't exactly gone according to his perfect plans in recent decades, though, so what if this ended the same? The King of Heroes continued wandering, wondering if his friend would be furious for being abandoned over a gamble... but win or lose, he would return for his brother again.

[Apollymi]

Ishtar was lounging in her temple as she always did. Of course, right at the moment she was eating grapes and watching... Gilgamesh in her crystal ball. What a shame this man had died of overwork. Perhaps if she ever got out of here, she'd make her way down into Kur's domain and free him. He'd have no choice but to appreciate her for coming to get him. Then he would not know what to do with himself. He'd throw himself at her feet! Yes, he'd give her everything and when they showed up back in Uruk he'd have her temples placed back and lock up that boy-king! Hell, maybe he'd kill her, she was an annoyance that Ishtar didn't like, too many men followed her around, what the hell kind of title for a woman was Queen of Knights?! Ugh... as she thought over that little annoyance, a sound was accosting her ears. Of course, she rolled her eyes and shifted the view on her screen, why? Because she knew for a fact that Enki would have issue with her staring at Gilgamesh all the time. It was best if she kept that hobby to herself for a while yet. At least until she was sure of the placement of her temples. "Oh? You have wonderful news? Do tell..." she feigned interest, anything less than she could descend meant nothing but annoyance for her.

At the same time, Artoria's question was being addressed by Serenity and Nefertari. "A date would be easiest. For the type you are, dinner... a walk... something like that," Nefertari offered tangible ideas for an actual date. Of course, Serenity had an entirely different perspective to give, "Look there are like hundreds of ways to get yourself laid, and only about three of them will end badly for you. Just spend some time with him, preferably alone without any potentially world ending threats and let nature take its course," she said taking a sip of wine before finishing the thought completely. "And, if that doesn't work have some drinks. Liquid courage will have you saying fuck the consequences and trying anything your body seems to like~" That was the sort of classic advice given by Veronica Corbyn. Nefertari laughed just a bit. She couldn't help it. "Damnit Ronnie, you can't give someone that kind of advice all the time," she said only to look at the stunned Queen of Knights. "That drinking thing explains so much about my life right now..." she said. Oh right, Nefertari was at dinner when the Queen of Knights had already had six drinks and couldn't keep her eyes off the King of Heroes. "I suppose you did have quite a few at your party, since you are certain before you started drinking this time. The drinks thing isn't terrible advice. And if nothing else it'd help you relax and keep you from tensing up too much..." this was the combined advice of the women. In all of this Artoria could completely understand. Her drink finished she sat her cup down and nodded. "I find all of this helpful. Thank you both... " she said to Serenity and Nefertari. "I am not much for advice, but if you ever need a sword... I will help," Artoria said these words and Serenity smiled. "See, the Queen of Knights gets it. Sometimes you just need someone to ride with you while you do violent stuff!" said Serenity. At the same time Artoria reached out for the hand of Nefertari content to take her back to her waiting husband. "Our Knight-Queen offers the strangest thing. I'd have told you all that for free you know. I'm always willing to help out a fellow Queen~" And with that she returned with Artoria to Ozymandias and her workshop, after less than an hour's time.

[Bloodedge]

Whatever Ishtar had been doing prior to Enki's arrival was none of his business, nor was it his concern. He'd come with the best of news, and he needed Ishtar to confirm exactly how good said news was. As he sauntered over to the woman's fore, Enki plucked a grape from the bundle and held it out toward Ishtar's lips. "Oh I do, and I will. The Great Temple of Ishtar has been successfully completed. Worshippers are beginning to flock and learn your image from the first series of busts. Construction is beginning on the rest, and the busts will become full statues once the rest can be accurately depicted. Can you feel it? I do wait to hear news of your ability to bless those mortals with a sight they don't deserve."

Meanwhile, Nefertari was being returned to her... patiently waiting husband by the Queen of Knights. It had only taken an hour, but Pharaoh Ozymandias was quite dependent. In the absence of his wife, he could find nothing to do but swim around in his own thoughts until... he lost consciousness. Of course, he'd never even left the table he previously watched Nefertari from. His face was buried in the table by the time of return. His mouth was agape, drool slipping past parted lips. He was even snoring, just slightly. If nothing else, he would always use the absence of Nefertari as an opportunity to catch up on his rest─ even if accidentally.

[Apollymi]

Upon entering, Enki took it upon himself to pluck a grape and offer it to her lips. She'd eat it while he explained what was happening for her now. Apparently she had a great temple which had already been constructed. She had a series of busts that were waiting on the rest of her proportions so they could place statues there. Oh? How interesting. Not enough could be said about how much of a boost it was to have someone like Enki serving her. He probably didn't see it as such, but at the end of the day, he was in her room serving her grapes, saying all the work he was having done on her behalf. And if that wasn't service, she wasn't sure she understood the meaning of the word. "That is great news," she said after finishing that bite of grape. "I can feel something... not quite the pull I normally have. But there is nothing I enjoy more than worship~" she said happily. Could she feel it? Almost... there was a gentle tingle, perhaps just a little bit more worship and she'd be able to move forward. Or rather, maybe she was too preoccupied with her own thoughts to concentrate on the words and praises of regular mortals. Maybe she'd give it a test run and port herself to Gilgamesh instead? Yeah, then she could blame lack of worship on her late arrival.

At the same time, Nefertari and Artoria found themselves back at the workshop, while Ozymandias sit... snoring?! Artoria's eyes widened and Nefertari stifled a laugh as she let go of the Queen's hand and motioned for her to watch. She walked over to Ozymandias and pecked his cheek only to begin talking like nothing happened. "My Sun and Stars, I've only been gone for five minutes, was that enough to leave you sleeping?" she asked as if this amount was truthful. Why? Because it was funny and her aiming to wake him in such a way, made the Queen of Knights eyes light up while she covered her mouth, trying her best not to laugh at this woman's antics. Why was she doing this? "I will leave the Pharaohs to their day. I do thank you for parting with your wife, Sun King..." she said throwing that big copy of Excalibur over her shoulder with her other hand she very easily found herself walking away. As always, when on a walk Artoria's adventures would lead her to many places, but mostly she needed some moments of calm thought, she needed to steel her nerve and approach the King of Heroes directly. She would show an interest, maybe have dinner and then... whatever wanted to happen could happen. She would show that man the most genuine version of herself she knew... whenever the jitters stopped.

[Bloodedge]

Great news indeed. Enki awaited the moment Ishtar could be pulled from this wretched room leading to nothing. The moment a path was fully formed between her temple in Celestia, and the temple in AS-IKU, he would know true elation. Ah, it was only a matter of time. "Not enough then, eh? That's no good. There is no point to any of it if your influence isn't even greater than it was before. I will allow nothing less than the sort of improvement I've seen of my own reach," the water god insisted. He could not claim a queen who stood as low as the mortals, or even just a little higher. A goddess should be as such, especially when connected to him at the top of the world. "The completed statues should do a lot of heavy lifting, whenever you are open to another observation. Otherwise, the surrounding lesser temples will have to suffice for now."

Ozymandias had been asleep for the better part of an hour. He definitely felt as if it has been that long when the warmth of Nefertari's lips met his cheek, rousing him from slumber. What was this, though? It had been only five minutes? "Hrmph..." the pharaoh mumbled while peeling open his eyes. "Five minutes? No, surely it has been a month," he argued. One could surmise that he almost believed his own words, considering how long time seemed to drag on when his queen was away. Of course, he was awake now... and that typically meant only one thing. "Fat lot of good that does for a good morning. I should─" Suddenly, Ozymandias fell silent. He could see the Queen of Knights standing within the room, and thought the better of what he'd been prepared to say. Oh. Right. Something had been going on before he lost consciousness. "─ Oh. Right, yes. Think nothing of it," he said in regard to Artoria's gratitude. "Much luck with your... thing─ whatever it was."

[Apollymi]

Enki was talking again, but at least his words made her happy. Yes, he should hold mortals to a higher standard for her sake. He should definitely make sure she had only the best. Her exact placement in the world should only be more elevated than everyone else. She was the Queen of Heaven! And one day that would become the Queen of Everything!! Yes, she enjoyed that. "Well, I've been stuck here for over a decade... I suppose I can make an allowance or two, just for you... that would leave me here a few more days. I am magnanious enough. And I will try to reach the new temples, but I'll need to change my wardrobe a bit... I can't appear in this old thing for new people, nor for you..." Yes, if she put it like that maybe she could get rid of him under the guise of offering him something new to look at before her next showed up in front of her. At the very least, it would give her a bit of time to try and save Gilgamesh and get his loyalty while she used Enki for his extended reach. Eventually, she could see herself easily taking everything from both of these men, but at least Gilgamesh was easy enough on the eyes that she could keep him around after milking him dry.

Five minutes but more like a month? Artoria couldn't help but let out an audible sound at such a ridiculous statement. "Aww..." she managed, sounding strangely like the Queen of Saints. Perhaps that was the place the cutesy noises came from. Observing cuteness was apparently good for the soul. Whatever the case, whatever words were about to come out of the Sun King's mouth he cut off himself. Very interesting and good for Artoria, she didn't think she needed anymore scarring this day. 'Thank you Sun King, on my honor, next time we can all hang out!' she declared in her soul. Ozymandias was the person today who had not scarred her psyche, and thus he was deserving of praise. She raised a hand to the luck and disappeared. How long would it take for her to get her life together? A few hours, but eventually she'd find herself once more in Uruk casually walking towards the Ziggurat. As always she stopped the statue of his friend Enkidu, patted the heads of children, answered questions about her sword and heard strangely the tale of herself slaying the White Titan at the side of the King of Heroes. Interesting. Soon after, she walked up to the Ziggurant only to enter that sword slung over her left shoulder now, and strangely found, the King of Heroes not on his throne. But Siduri still standing at the side of it. "Star-Blessed wine-maker, where is the King of Heroes?" she asked letting her business be known in the most casual of ways. "I would have words."

That was a statement Siduri had heard before. Of all the things she expected, she did not expect the Queen of Knights to show within a week of her defeat of the White Titan. She did not expect the lass to seek Gilgamesh out herself and she did not expect to have to be the bearer of bad news which was still somehow good. "I am sorry my Queen. I have words to share with you... but I fear you will not like what I have to say," Siduri said. Artoria managed to look shocked confusion playing behind those emerald eyes of hers. "You have nothing to fear, Siduri. I will hear what you have to say..." she said, planting Excalibur into the stone still fully sheathed, just so she could approach the veiled woman more directly. She stood arms before her, hands clasped together just like a little lady. Very non-threatening so she'd been told, and as such she expected a bit more confidence from Siduri. "Alright my Queen, just a few things. I need you not to react too loudly. I need to whisper these words directly to you so they are not heard by others and I would prefer you not pick up your sword for several moments after I tell you this information..." she said carefully. Artoria was now infinitely curious. And so she could agree to the terms. What could Siduri possibly have to say. She came close and leaned down whispering strange news into Artoria's ear. As she heard the message her face shifted between several different emotions. The King has died. His body went with him to Kur. He is outside the reincarnation... but he is coming back... eventually. "He. What?" Artoria was trying to remain calm but it was taking all she had not to pick up Excalibur and march into a temple and demand entrance to the underworld to thrash the King of Heroes personally. How dare he die? She took a week to get here... he waited ten years to die in a week?! It was ludicrous. "What I said is truth, a woman who died in a recent fire returned from there with a message for the Queen. It can only be you... if you would like I could have her repeat it to you directly." Siduri's words were addressed to Artoria, but she'd could see the Queen of Knights was struggling with something. That could only be taken as a positive sign overall. She wished she'd seen such a thing in better circumstances. "Bring her." Artoria said these words with her hands still clasped before her. She was doing good, keeping up her mask but... she was furious below the surface. And with that, Siduri called a single name, "Adina."

[Bloodedge]

Ah yes, only he could be given a bit of leeway in expectation. What choice did Ishtar have? Without his aid, she'd already been stuck here for a decade. Without his aid, she'd be stuck here with Anu and Ki forevermore. He had no such sway over Kur's future, but it was clear Ishtar was the one he should be aiming for anyway. No other could solidify his reign so clearly as her. "It will not be another decade, I assure you. Even a few days might be a stretch. Of course, I'd much rather you be able to show your beauty to the mortals right now. But... relying on humans has its limits, sadly," he said with a shrug and a sigh. Ishtar spoke of a change to her wardrobe, for the same of appearing before himself and before new people in general. A new ensemble upon her visage was quite exciting as an idea. Oh, was it her intention to do so now? What an interesting little segue, if so. "Oh? When you talk like that, I fear for the groin of all who see your next appearance─ even myself."

[Apollymi]

Yes, it was rather true that right at the moment she could do nothing but rely on one such as Enki. But perhaps he was semi-reliable to start with, after all... it had been him to rescue her from the Underworld. Of course, that didn't mean she'd be admitting that to him. Ishtar was a firm believer that if you gave a man that sort of control over your even a little, he'd run around as if he was important and to put it simply, she believed him to be doing exactly what he needed to be doing. He was supporting her needs and desires and that was his job as both a man and someone who had any inclination to lay with her. Whether she actually lay with him or not. "Yes, even I can be somewhat understanding at times like this," she said as if it actually mattered. In truth she fully planned to see Gilgamesh before descending upon the rest of the world, making sure he realized that she should be most important in his life before taking over whatever space Enki had for himself. Whatever the case, she could at least take solace in his words. Another of those shrill laughs escaped her as she held a hand up to her face. "Of course they should, any appearance of mine is worthy of nothing short of pain!" she said laughing, still she supposed if she was changing clothes it was about time to get up. "Well go on then... we wouldn't want you ruining the surprise now would we?~" she said being somewhat flirty. Of course she had no intention of giving more of herself to this man without getting more of herself in return. Which in her own mind meant she probably wouldn't have to worry about him again until after she could fully connect to the temples.

Adina a lovely looking young woman with dark hair and golden colored eyes appeared. She had on a light veil now as well and bright intelligence behind her eyes entered within moments of her name being called. It seemed she was prepared for this, but she looked no less worried than Siduri had looked when Artoria first entered. Artoria looked over this woman as Siduri ushered her over. "This is the Queen the message is for," said Siduri. Adina looked at Artoria Pendragon for the first time and even with her tanned skin her own face flushed. Did she really have to repeat such a message directly to her. It seemed almost rude as a thing to say to such a petite and well-put together young lady. Oh well, that was fine right, she'd just preface it as a message from the King and that would absolve her right. "Right... the words I am about to speak are not my own. I should start by saying that..." she mentioned. And in that same moment Artoria went to grasp the bridge of her nose with her thumb and fore finger closing her eyes as if to fight off a building tension headache. Why? Because she knew this woman was about to say something outlandish. "Carry on. On my honor irrespective of my reaction... I will not be upset with you," she said trying to be comforting and wondering if she would succeed. Of course, Adina could see this woman was one of her word and Siduri's silent affirmation made her take a breath and step forward delivering a message the likes of which Artoria couldn't have expected. "If the queen comes looking for her stallion, she will be able to ride into the sunset in due time." She said stepping back and taking a bow. How would Artoria respond to this absolutely Gilgamesh style wording for his return aimed rather directly at her? The Queen of Knights had her entire face to red and she managed to look shocked beyond words. Actually exactly that, she couldn't even help her whispered reaction. "Why the fuck would he say something like that... it is completely unreasonable to expect someone to say something like that to another human being. I will slay him myself!" That was Artoria's immediate resolution. Meanwhile both of the other women laughed. True to her words, Artoria Pendragon was not upset with either of them, and all of her ire was aimed at the King of Heroes himself.

"Forgive me, I should not have said something like that... Thank you, for delivering such a ridiculous message from him. Since we do not know of the King's Return, I will take over his duties until anything is decided between myself and the other grail holders.." Artoria said picking up Excalibur and dragging it up the steps. She'd sit in Gilgamesh's throne and think over a few preparatory things that would need taking care of. "Siduri, I assume you have no problem taking a few orders from me?" she asked of the woman. She would not overwork anyone but she knew Gilgamesh would have left no one in charge, as much of a Tyrant as he played himself up as. "Of course I would be honored to serve the Queen in the King's absence," Siduri noted still standing where she was. "Good, there are several things I need done. I need messages sent to the Pharaohs and the Queen of Saints. If anyone else should be made aware of the situation it should be them. Have them meet me... tomorrow morning. I have no need of rushing on their parts," she said Siduri began writing such notes on her tablet. "It will be done." she said carefully. "I also need to send words to the Knights and let them know I will be staying here for a while. I would have them report here in the morning for training, but this place has no training grounds correct?" she asked of Siduri. "No such place exists, my Queen. Our king does not know that sort of diligence," said the wine-maker. "Fine... there has to be an open spot big enough within the walls I can take control of during my time... what about that spot where the large temple once stood. Surely nothing has been put there?" Artoria posed that inquiry while starting to look over tablets. "That one is open." Siduri liked this new rhythm of work. "Fine, I am taking it. Send word to my Knights to report there in the morning for training. I will take care of telling them everything they need to know myself then. In the meantime," there was a pause from Artoria as she sat one hand in her lap and the other on a on a tablet, "Why is this in Akkadian?" she asked of the tablet. Just then Medusa showed up quickly switching a stack of tablets for the stack where Artoria had just pulled from. "Sorry, I am switching those. It was the last stack. Here are the ones in common. I assume you are taking over for a while," she said to Artoria. "Yes, oh, you are the Rider, what is your name?" she asked of the woman who looked a bit surprised. "Medusa." she said quickly giving a bow. "Thank you Medusa," and just like that Artoria went back to reading the tablet. The information she found was pretty normal. It was daily running of a Kingdom. Easy enough to take care of, she could do this and whittle down the number of tablets until the morning.

[Bloodedge]

"Of course. It is a kindness from the likes of us just to give the mortals some breathing room," Enki agreed. Ishtar would go on to laugh at the thought of putting others into a state of rut, or so it seemed. Enki had nothing positive nor negative to say about this, but it was interesting nonetheless to see the goddess' spirits so high. Personally, he would have been beyond sullen if he were locked away in a place like this. Ah, she was now shooing him. True enough, there would be no point in Enki witnessing Ishtar's change to a new ensemble. The surprise, he was certain, would be worth waiting for. "I should expect no less. Do give me a shout when you've found something, if you are feeling so... generous." With that said, Enki turned on his heel and made way for the exit. He would not be leaving Celestia, but he would be returning to his own temple within it to send orders to his citizens. More temples had to be constructed, and it seemed the busts would not yet be turned to full statues. Those mortals had to be informed as to their next order of business.

Meanwhile, Gilgamesh's journey through the underworld continued. The dredges were no place to find the information he sought, so he was left with two more choices. One he saved for later was the deceased who held great wealth in life while the option he followed first was the lowest of the low. Those who practiced rituals forbidden by the gods, and those who lost their path reaching high above human capacity─ they were his first targets on this leg of the journey. Such souls were kept at the lowest point of the Underworld, where the darkness became thick... almost so thick that he could see nothing ahead and nothing behind him. Alas, this was no journey through the mountain of Mashu; it was almost a sunny vacation compared to that hellish trip.

[Apollymi]

Ishtar was nodding her head and laughing. Thinking only of her improved wardrobe and maybe how it would rouse the loins of the King of Heroes. She could imagine it now... Her descending into the Underworld through their sacred connection. Offering him a way out in exchange only for is unparalleled loyalty and worship. He should kill the boy-queen and then... they could do glorious things together. And since she can appear anywhere that he is, it wouldn't even matter that she had no temples in Uruk. No, she'd turn his great Ziggurat into her temple instead. She could see that too, sitting atop his throne, receiving gifts from all the land. That was perfect. Even more perfect was the idea of Enki leaving. "Yes, if I feel so inclined you will be the first to know..." she said as she began rummaging through things. She eventually found a thing white number. Just barely capable of holding back her massive bosom. It had one of those greek style feels to it, but it was clasped in gold as she would prefer. And with it came the tiniest pair of panties. They were white as well, just enough to be called coverage. They were held together by golden clasps on the side. Actually this whole ideal look would leave here exposed, generally, dressed in white and dripped in gold. It was the perfect compliment to her green eyes and hair. She chose a crown of jeweled flowers with a tiny tiara like forehead piece to toss her locks through. Yes, she looked like she'd just gotten herself together. She definitely looked stunning enough for her king or to sit atop the throne in the Ziggurat. She should take a look at that again make sure it was fit for her pleasure. And then she looked and what she saw, made her blood boil.

Artoria Pendragon sat atop Gilgamesh's throne working rather diligently on the massive array of tablets to be found there. She'd been at this a few hours already and seemed to be making decent headway. But for every stack she cleared, Medusa seemed content to bring her another one. The bits for the ascension of Albion were all but clear already. That had taken little time, but now there was a whole host of other problems to deal with. The blonde lass pulled gently at her collar. Why was it so hot in here?, she could do not but wonder. "Blessed wine-maker, tell me have I suffered a heat stroke?" she asked carefully. Siduri's brow rose. Yes, there was a little heat creeping up the neck of Artoria Pendragon but it was hardly anything more than she was always like. A bath and change in attire would do the Queen a world of good pretty soon. "No, my Queen. You have not suffered anything of that nature..." she said some six hours after Artoria's arrival the sun was finally setting and she had started to breathe a sigh of relief. "So can you tell me why this man in... Nippur is requesting, twenty cows in exchange for a mere 20 shekels of silver? At last check the going rate on a cow was 10 shekels for one." she asked as Siduri sighed. She'd forgotten to slip that one out but, there was no use being dishonest with the Queen of Knights while they were dealing with this problem. "The man from Nippur often makes requests like that... he can be talked down and mitigated my Queen. I meant to take that one myself, my apologies..." Siduri said offering to take said tablet from Artoria but the Queen of Knights would not surrender it. "No, instead of taking on this request. Tell this man to report to me, I would have words. I would see him make such an audacious request while looking me in the eye." Artoria said. What a strange and different request. Siduri was almost uncertain about it. Gilgamesh himself was always on the warpath, but the Queen of Knights didn't seem to be the type. As far as she'd handled the requests coming in, everything she'd offered had been fair with little gripping. Even a few innovative fixes had been offered in the interim. Perhaps this was something to see. "As you wish, my Queen. I will make that request. The Pharaohs and the Queen of Saints will arrive after sunrise. And your Knights will be at the newly coined training grounds at their usual time as well..." she said carefully. "Fine. I will work through this night for the sake of making headway but I will take rest tomorrow," said Artoria. She was not the absolute workaholic Gilgamesh was, she knew better than to work herself to death.

At the same time, after watching a moment too long of Artoria sitting atop Gilgamesh's throne, Ishtar descended into the Underworld. She would be standing before Gilgamesh wherever he was in her new ensemble, seeking both praise and vindication. She would offer him an out to this place, and in exchange he would make sure the boy-queen never sat in her spot again. "Rejoice! I have come to save you... that you might remove that boy-queen from my throne and worship me properly!" said Ishtar. Yes... she was exactly this sort of person Ishtar was. She'd dressed newly for him, she wished to be inspected and praised, and he would definitely do what she wished after gazing upon her newly dressed form.

[Bloodedge]

By the time Ishtar finished angrily observing the actions of Artoria Pendragon, Gilgamesh had passed through the deepest darkness of the Underworld. Torches that should have been blue, were now green around him. Souls that should have been lamenting their fate, were now writhing in agony while undergoing the most brutal cleansing. This was the land of mankind's worst. How fitting it was that Ishtar would appear only when Gilgamesh perused this section. "H'oh? Have I finally gone mad enough to hallucinate?" he wondered aloud, sparing no curiosity about his own state of mind. That little getup was different, but there was no mistaking Ishtar even if one could not see her face. Ah, but her face was no less annoying to look at than it always was. Who gave her permission to stand before him again, and here of all places? He should have prioritized the breaking of that damned link.

Alas, what Ishtar declared during her arrival was something of interest indeed. She'd come to... save him? Did that moronic wench truly have knowledge he did not? The thought of that was infuriating on its own, but there was further mention of some boy-queen sitting atop "her" throne. So, Artoria Pendragon had risen? Good. Nevertheless, now was a time to... regrettably, deal with Ishtar existing in front of him. "You, save me? And what ability do you purport to possess, that you might free another of Irkalla when you, yourself, were once held by its firmest clutches? Speak quickly, for time is short, and my patience is shorter."

[Apollymi]

Those writhing in agony on this level were hardly worth a secondary glance from a Goddess known as Ishtar. Obviously, their bad life choices had nothing to do with her. Instead she would focus her attention on the one thing in the world worth it, the King of Heroes and all he had to offer her. Ah, but what was this? He thought he was hallucinating? Why shouldn't he? She was marvelous? "Hahahahaha!~ Fear not, I am real, you might feast your eyes upon my splendor!~" Ishtar's responses were as they would always be. The sort of thing done because she was easily flattered and lived off attention. Oh, he wanted to know how she was going to help him? And his patience was low? Obviously it would be, he was in a rush to reclaim his throne and serve, as he always would. "Well, I was once in the situation. I am aware of how one can leave without Kur having to allow it. You were made a judge, so you can take hold of the grains and waters of life. Sprinkling them on your body will allow you resistance to the hands that would drag you back into the clutches of death. And if you take them for yourself he Gallu will not follow," she said with superiority in her visage. "Hahaha!~ So, see... it is I, the glorious Ishtar who will be the reason you can leave this wretched place. You may carry us both out now... and sing my praises freely!" she said. Yes, in rushing down here she'd forgotten the only way she'd get out of the Underworld would be to go by similar methods. Or she'd have to die and lost some other piece of herself in the process. But surely Gilgamesh was ready to serve, and being just her type she'd reward him.

Meanwhile Artoria Pendragon worked through the night. When darkness settled in Uruk, she could be much more relaxed. No longer dying of heat exhaustion, she was even having a cup of wine as she read through and gave instructions for tablets. And then when she felt like it was necessary she would question Siduri while she read. "Do you not sleep, Blessed Wine-Maker?" she asked which made Siduri smile. "It isn't as much a necessity for me. I take rest when I need to or when I am released to, but I do wish to make sure you settle well first," she said to Artoria. A small smirk came to the lips of the Queen of Knights. This woman was amazing. Perhaps whenever she came across it, she'd make sure she received an increase in her wages, or a bonus of some sort? Whatever the case she definitely required a lot of credit for keeping this place running while her sovereign was missing. "I will allow this extra diligence, but do not over do it. If you feel tired, you are free to take leave... make sure Medusa knows the same. I will not overwork anyone," she said as she finished yet another tablet. Full dozens of stacks had been sorted handled and moved into storage. But at the same time more would be pouring in. After a while, 16 hours of work, Artoria stood. "You could have your breaks now if you wish. I am going to stretch my limbs and my Knights should be arriving shortly. I'll return within five hours, in time to greet the Pharaohs, and the Queen of Saints." she said as she reached over and picked up Excalibur. She slung it over her right shoulder gripping it with the same hand as she headed out to begin her own exercises that she always took up before training began properly.

[Bloodedge]

If there was any doubt of Ishtar being the one who stood before him, it was all removed the moment she spoke. It seemed she truly believed he was glad to see her, the reason for his many woes and struggles. Well... she was in luck today. Today, Gilgamesh would break his promise of killing her the moment she appeared before him. It was all for the future; any information she had about leaving Irkalla was worth letting her draw a few more breaths. As such, Gilgamesh stood with crossed arms and no excess of patience while she... literally explained the entire ordeal. Where was this foolish goddess' tact? Any leverage she could have had over him, even for a moment, flew out of her mouth with her words. "H'oh? The Gallus will not touch one who does such things? Fuhahaha! I see; I was a fool to not think of it myself!" he announced, laughing hardily enough that he had to hold his own face and abdomen. "To think it would be you, Ishtar, to make my journey all the more easier this time. Very well. One of my worries has been set at ease, so you will be rewarded appropriately this once." How would Gilgamesh offer this alleged "reward" to the goddess Ishtar? He would... turn his back on her. Indeed, she'd surely bought him a few days, weeks, or maybe even months of time. He didn't have to figure out the method of his own exit, so he could continue searching the wretched Underworld for answers that much longer. With that being the case, his gift to Ishtar would be... her continued existence, for a time.

[Apollymi]

Yes, Ishtar had given the information of her plan to free Gilgamesh directly to him. And no, she didn't think of holding back that information for a better time. She gave it because she wanted to be praised, and also because he was her ride out of here. She hadn't forgotten why she wanted to come here. She'd done so because she wished to have him remove the boy-queen from her throne. So, his happiness was followed by mild praise. Surely he would say more, right? RIGHT!? No, his reward was him turning away from her? "What kind of reward is that? I have given you the keys to your redemption!" she exclaimed. She deserved more, she deserved praise and for him to do what she needed him to do. "Now, you will free us from this underworld and go to your Ziggurat and remove the boy-queen from my throne and praise my properly!" The demand was in place and her hands were crossed under her chest. It seemed she'd had forgotten that this man wanted to kill her. Or rather she didn't understand how serious he was about that fact. She'd also inadvertantly just revealed that she could not leave this place while he was also here. Whatever the case, she expected more from mankind. She'd been given every reason to believe she deserved it.

Meanwhile Artoria had gone out to do her morning training. Among the first of the Knights to arrive was Agravain. Who seemed to be ever so nervous. Artoria stood within the middle of this open space she'd cleared out with her own hands. Artoria stood giving two handed swings with this large version of Excalibur and whispering to it, happily. "Oh look friend, our niece has arrived, she looks appropriately terrified," she mentioned as if chatting with her own friend. of course, Agravain looked as if she hadn't slept since the night of the party. At first, she'd thought that Artoria was busy and would punish her later. She'd heard about the fight against the white Titan and figured that the Queen of Knights would punish her the day after. But she'd done her training with Gareth instead. All the while Agravain had become jumpy, irritable and moody. When was she going to strike and punish her for her evasive behavior? She was becoming paranoid all over again. "My Queen please," Agravain dropped to one knee at Artoria's side. "I am going crazy, not knowing when my punishment is coming is too much for my heart to bear. Please, train me today. Fight against me, do something. I cannot take this treatment anymore..." she pleaded with Artoria. In this moment the smallest smirk appeared on Artoria's face and she paused to plant Excalibur in the ground. She reached out and said the words she always found herself saying in moments like these. "Lift your head, Agravain," she said. Which the lass did, meeting Artoria's green eyes with ones that had turned vivid red with her emotional distress. "Now you know the problem with being evasive do you not?" she asked of the girl. "Yes, I understand I should not have hidden it for so long, I am sorry Aunty!" she said admitting defeat and desiring nothing more than getting her punishment over with. "Then you need fear no punishment, but remember this... I will not tolerate such behavior from you again." said Artoria as she patted the lass on the head. This was a relief to Agravain. The lass passed out as her muscles relaxed. She hadn't been to sleep lately either. "Silly girl, you cannot pretend to be so harsh while being so afraid," Artoria picked up the girl like she would carry a small child and laid her off to the side for a moment or two of sleep, completely with Artoria's own cloak under her head. Any others who showed up could receive training and whatever information Artoria had for them. The Lady Kay was running Camelot in Artoria's absence, but otherwise the rest could come and go between Albion and Mesopotamia. In the meantime, Artoria went back to her practice swings.

[Bloodedge]

Ishtar had given him a key. Yes, she had certainly done just that... though it was no key to redemption of any sort. What she granted him was a key he would have discovered the location of eventually, with or without her annoying intrusion. Interestingly enough though, Ishtar went on to admit something she should have kept silent about. Free us from the Underworld, she said. Ah, and with that was a specification that "her" throne was in his ziggurat. So then, Artoria had finally taken up the mantle of queen where she belonged. How exciting. As for the kind of reward he offered, well... "You fool. I have given you exactly the reward you deserve. I told you what would happen if you appeared before me, so of course me turning my back to you is magnanimity in its purest form," he explained. Since Ishtar always wanted to be such a petulant child, though, he supposed it was time he turned around and offered her something more fitting. "What is it you want then, hm? No... I will guess. You want an entire realm crawling to you. You wish to be offered everything that all denizens of the world have to offer, including an offer of my own golden rod to fill your loins until you burst. Tell me, do I presume correctly?" He was quite curious now. If Ishtar expressed such desire, he knew just what he would be doing next. Just thinking of it, Gilgamesh bore the largest grin. Yes, this was worth a brief intermission. "If these are your desires, surely that is why you appear before me wearing those promiscuous rags. You should not have wasted your time. Why should you not appear bare as the day you were born?"

[Apollymi]

Gilgamesh spoke of how it was his magnanimity to turn away given what he'd promised to do to her every time she appeared before him. "But you can't have meant that, look at me..." she said as if it was outrageous. "No man denies me!" she meant this. Truly it was inconceivable that any man would actually turn her down for any reason. Ah, but it seemed he was willing to correct his own error. He was turning to her now! Glorious. He even claimed to wish to guess what she wanted. Ishtar doubted he understood the full scope of her desires, but his following words came rather close to her truest desires. "Yes! Finally I knew you of all people understood my wishes. This is why... you should offer it all to me," she said. Truly she made the assumption that someone knowing what she wanted, should mean they should give it to her. Work was for those who were less perfect, but everything about her was perfection. She shouldn't have to scrape and try and offer, she should just be given and everyone else should be thankful for the privilege to provide. Oh? He'd noticed her change in attire. Obviously, this meant he was looking at her truly now. He couldn't resist her. Yes, she would win over that boy-queen this day and have Gilgamesh all to herself! But what was this, he said she should have appeared before him as the day she was born? Well of course she should have... "Fine! I will show you all of my glory that you might not resist me again!" she said. She stripped off those clothes she'd donned for this purpose. Light fabrics and gold fell from her form as she stood before him in the Underworld completely naked. Yes, in all of her glory head held high. "Yes, I will receive you... you do not have to beg!"

In the meantime Artoria finished her training. Of course, it'd taken quite a bit to get everything together, but, her Knights had taken well enough to her explanation of things. The King of Heroes was out, and she'd taken up looking after his kingdom in his absence. She'd left the Lady Kay one of her most trusted in charge, and sent the Lady Galahad in the meantime to have a look around Mesopotamia so that she could have a better understanding of its people. Artoria returned to the Ziggurat, hot and slightly exhausted. Her arms aching just a bit from the new weight of Excalibur but she was having no problems lifting and swinging it about. In the meantime, the Queen of Saints was chatting with Siduri in the throne room and looked at her sister happily. "Eri-nee!!" she squealed like an excited child as she bounded over. "Good Morning, Emi... I just got back from training do not do this..." she said holding the lass at arm's length. "Well then I guess we'll have a bath together!" she said giving the full hug she'd come in for, squeezing tightly before mentioning anything else. "You really are gross though..." she said finding it funny. "I warned you!" Artoria bit back. The arrival of the Pharaohs, would be all she needed as she kept one hand on Excalibur but in the other summoned the Holy Spear Rhongomyniad. She'd rather have the conversation of the death of Gilgamesh in private.

[Bloodedge]

Allegedly, no man denied the goddess Ishtar. Lies. King Gilgamesh did as he pleased, and few things pleased him more than putting that bitch of a goddess in her place. Now that he understood she could not leave the Underworld at random, he could have even more fun. There was so much he had to offer her; she didn't even know the full scope of it. She'd have an inkling soon enough, though. Ishtar discarded those miniscule strips of fabric that hardly covered an inch of her body, unveiling all of her glory for the king to witness. To her credit, he did take her bare form under his scrutiny. It truly was a shame. Physically speaking, there could be none who compared to the Queen of Heaven herself; that was a fact of reality in this world. On the outside, she could be likened to the juiciest fruit offered to a starving child. Alas, that fruit bore a corrupt pit of seeds that rotted everything under the surface. No matter. It had become obvious ages ago that Ishtar's interior was in stark contrast to her external appearance. Now then, what was all this talk of begging? He'd done no such thing, but as he took measured steps toward the naked goddess, he snorted in amusement. "You've gone senile with age if you thought I would beg, Ishtar. But... since you speak of begging, you are free to do so. Go on. To your knees, Queen of Heaven. Beg your king's favor," he commanded, those slit pupils set in crimson narrowing to blade-like sharpness.

Meanwhile, Artoria's stay in the Citadel of Uruk was to receive not only Jeanne d'Arc, but the pharaohs of Egypt as well. The greatest Cosmic Sphinx landed just outside the ziggurat, releasing Ozymandias from its back upon doing so. He hadn't been to Uruk in quite some time, but he relished in the sun warming his back just as it did back home. Upon making footfall, he extended an arm, knowing Nefertari remained atop the sphinx. "Still no grand ceremony to greet its great visitors, eh? When will these Mesopotamians learn?"

[Apollymi]

Men always came to Ishtar with strange requests. And most of them she denied on the face of audacity alone. But... the King of Heroes was always something she herself wanted... to that end she was always a bit more lenient with him. Yes. That is the way that worked. Obviously, she'd allowed her death before, because he wished to vent his frustrations. Even now, he made demands of her begging and she gave it barely a second of consideration. Something about those eyes of his and words spoken with arrogance of delivery made her want to submit to his will. Her own consciousness would not allow her to full deny her own nature. "I said I wouldn't make you... but," she had already dropped to her knees she supposed she might as well beg a bit right? It'd get her that golden rod of his, and once it was within her she'd have him under her control as well. Yes, that was obviously the plan this was nothing but a necessary exchange to get what she wanted. She'd done worse just bedding Enki. "I beg my king give me his golden rod. I want it more than anything and only I, Queen of Heaven am fit to receive it!" She made this declaration from from below him and found that this angle would be perfect for the inspection of that tool.

Meanwhile Artoria stood side by side with her younger sister. Her arm on the hilt of Rhongomyniad and her other on the giant form of Excalibur. Of course, the Pharaohs had arrived she'd seen the Cosmic Sphnix flying in, she smiled knowing they would soon be with them. Nefertari slid down the side of the creature and into the Pharaoh Ozymandias outstretched reach. "There is hardly a need for such a thing, my Sun and Stars. Besides, it was a message from the Queen of Knights which brought us here, and if we have learned anything it is that she doesn't like a party~" she said carefully. Down down from the Sphinx they would approach the inner Ziggurat's throne room to see Artoria and Jeanne d'Arc. "Pharaohs, I am apologetic calling upon you again so soon. But I have news and you three should hear it..." she said rather evasively for her. The Queen of Knights still looked a bit like she was dying, but instead of wasting time, once they were in range enough she poured herself into the Holy Spear opening up that magical room which she spoke to first. "No funny business this time. I will be returned to the time I left or we shall have problems..." she said to the Nexus. "I did this for our protection during this," she said after banishing, Rhongomyniad from her hand and going back to holding the bridge of her nose. It was annoying to have to explain and her own sister was watching the frustration play across her older sister's face. Whatever she was about to say, she thought needed both privacy and a moment to prepare. "So, I came here yesterday after raising Albion to discover that the King of Heroes is dead. Outside of the normal life cycle and unable to return by normal means..." said Artoria to go ahead and get that out of the way. She was still holding her nose but that was more or less to keep her from exploding into a rage induced ball. "I took over his duties unless one of you would rather, but he sent word he will be coming back eventually. I simply do not wish to incite a panic of any kind."

[Bloodedge]

How would Ishtar be reacting to the King of Heroes' demands? By acquiescing, of course. The foolish goddess was on her knees before she even spoke properly, fully nude and prostrating herself before his golden majesty. Had she appeared to him this way the first time, perhaps she could have gotten something resembling what she wanted. Alas, she dug a hole for herself, and it was nigh time Gilgamesh filled that hole with the burial dirt. Well... first, he had to keep an ear open for the begging. Just as she'd done before, Ishtar spoke the words of her own desire. She wanted his golden rod, and only she was fit to receive it? "Hmph. Very well," he said. With that, the king's arms were open, albeit lowered to leave his hands at hip-level. Ishtar thought herself in position to inspect his groin, and... she was free to try. "This behavior suits you far better, does it not? But, that is not the only purpose of a mouth like yours. Open it," he demanded further. Gilgamesh seemed in position and willing to allow Ishtar's approach, as if she were allowed to claim what she sought of her own accord under implied conditions. Was that the case, though? Well, she was allowed to try. If she were to acquiesce, however, the simple touch of his beltline would be the very moment her wrists and throat were bound by the Chains of Heaven. The only question was: would she have learned her lesson from the last time?

Joined by Nefertari, Ozymandias scoffed at the idea of them receiving no reception. "Sure, she sent the invite. What does that say of Uruk, though? The Golden King has more than enough showboating in his nature to make a scene for special guests. I would expect it from him," he explained. Strange though was the idea that Artoria Pendragon had been the one to call them here. That conversation between her, Nefertari and Serenity must have done the pale queen the world of good. Sadly, that had nothing to do with why she was the one calling them in. Mere moments after their arrival to the throne room of Uruk, they were met by the Queen of Knights herself... and subsequently dragged into the Nexus by her Holy Lance. It took no time at all for the news she had to be given, though it was clearly information she was displeased to share. The King of Heroes was dead, separate from the cycle of rebirth others in this world knew, yet still returning? That was... infinitely strange. Even so, it wasn't too much of an issue in Ozymandias' mind. "Bloody hell, you really don't beat around the bush in normal situations," the pharaoh mused, sighing and scratching his scalp. "So... this is a problem. Somewhat. Frankly, I believe the Golden King will be more pleased than anything to see you on his throne whenever he returns. The rest of us... would not see that sort of reaction, I'm sure. No matter. We have been here long enough, so I am willing to offer the guidance and assistance of the Sun to you, Mighty. I assume your own country is more accepting of being without its ruler's presence for some time."

[Apollymi]

Ishtar had spoken those ridiculous words after going to her knees before the King of Heroes, and he appeared to be acquiescing to her wishes. If this was all it took to get what she wanted she would be getting everything she desired. How short was Ishtar's memory? Too short to remember that a mere decade prior the King of Heroes had murdered her after she said something as outlandish as the thing she just said. Well, whatever. She opened her mouth as he asked and planned to have a look at the rod that would be wasted on that boy-queen if she did not interfere. So what would she do? Well, she'd reach, why wouldn't she. She said it was hers, she was the only one worthy of it, and she would take it. She reached for his belt line with all of the happiness of a small child being given sweets, only she did not receive them. From the second her hand touched his beltline each of her wrists was taken up by the Chains of Heaven. Oh no. Her divinity would be her undoing in this case, as the Chains of Heaven could hold her. But they weren't just around her wrists, one also was wrapped around her throat. She was choking almost immediately after trying to take a breath. "You cannot do this. Let me go, and I'll forgive you for this overstep!" Yes she would say that, obviously she was still in charge here. Yes, she forgot completely the last time she said such a thing she died, perhaps next time she'd remember and stay out of his sight?!

Artoria's conversation with Nefertari and Serenity had done her a world of good. Too bad she hadn't gotten to put that goodness into practice. Instead, she'd wound up her evening with extra work on her hands and more things to do than she originally planned. Nefertari heard the news of the Queen of Knights and immediately felt bad for the lass, obviously she'd made up her mind the previous day and it'd been thwarted by fate itself. "Poor Queen, of course we'll back you if you need us to, but you do not seem the type to require that sort of assistance," she said carefully. Ozymandias' reaction included more shock than normal at the way the girl had blurted out the information she had to say and it made Artoria sigh. "My apologies, I am told I can be a bit too blunt for normal things... so I try not to be, sometimes. I would simply rather have this conversation quickly enough to decide what is happening without extra time being taken," Artoria said heaving a bit of a sigh. "Obviously for anyone who asks the King is on a journey, I do not think telling others that the man who rules the world has died is a good idea. It seems like the sort of thing to incite panic," she clarified what she was actually planning to do. Jeanne had been quiet for several moments seemingly shocked by the information she'd received. "Eri-nee do you need a hug?" she asked of the lass, which made Artoria look at her strangely. "Why would I need a hug? You just gave me a hug..." she said quickly. Oh, Nefertari realized given their previous conversation that this girl didn't understand the point of comforting hugs either. How weird was her life before? "That was a, 'I haven't seen you in a while hug', this one would be because you feel bad and don't know what to do about it... You know, with like back rubs and head pats," The Queen of Saints mentioned. Artoria looked at her sister for several seconds seeming to think over the information. "Maybe later." she said giving all due consideration to a hug for the point of comfort. "Anyway, I do not mind taking over such duties, I have already started technically. And Albion is self-sufficient, I do not know why his kingdom requires so much upkeep. But I am not known for flexibility in the way I operate. I simply meant to warn you in case I find my own antics necessary," she said. Most would know that the Queen of Knights came to rule Albion by leading a rebellion and wrestling the entire country into submission one battle at a time. Though she could easily manage the administration, she had no problem using violence to quiet the masses. "Oh and Queen Nefertari, could I bother you about something to wear, I am dying of heat in this place... I do not understand how any of you manage anything in these desert climates!" Ah, that was one bit of help she'd accept without any fuss. Nefertari looked at her for several seconds and nodded. "Of course, give me a few minutes, I can easily modify you one like what you have on for the heat~" she said gesturing to the woman's outfit. "My thanks, if that is all I will return us to the Ziggurat. I had Siduri prepare breakfast in case anyone else was hungry... you are more than welcome to eat with me," she said. Well, Artoria couldn't be called a bad host, technically.

[Bloodedge]

Just as he anticipated, Ishtar left open her mouth and began reaching for his trousers. She truly was just a common whore under all that bravado, wasn't she? "H'oh? Do you truly think to take it into your mouth in the middle of Irkalla? How indecent," he chided. Gilgamesh seemed oddly pleased when the Chains of Heaven, his own friend Enkidu, bound the goddess by wrists and neck. She would not be getting out of those until he saw fit, but as he was thoroughly enjoying himself by now, it was not his intention just yet. Ishtar wanted to be released, though. That didn't matter. She'd forgive him for this overstep? What a fool. "What overstep? This is the place you belong, Ishtar. On your knees, begging to have your throat filled─ that is your life's one true purpose. Submission is the only thing that suits the likes of you, especially whilst bound by chain." If ever there was a man to rest his groin in the face of a kneeling woman while demeaning her for reasons not sexual in nature to himself, Gilgamesh was that man. Ishtar was such a pitiful existence, she could not even be truly pitied at all. She could, however, be told about herself. "Whore goddess of Uruk, dare you lie and proclaim that restraints do not suit you? If I were to relieve myself using your face, even tightening those chains, would you not achieve release of your own from only that? No truth escapes my eyes, Ishtar. As I look upon you now, I see only a jade whom I could leave covered in the fruit of my loins in the depths of Kur... only to have her satisfaction shining through the milt like a beacon."

Meanwhile, Ozymandias was waving off the antics of Artoria Pendragon. He was shocked by the suddenness of her words, but it was just as much about the information itself. "Save your apologies. I'd rather address important things directly. This is just a lot," he admitted. A nod accompanied Ozymandias' understanding of Artoria's intentions. It would indeed be a terrible idea to inform the masses of Gilgamesh's demise. The King of Heroes had previously taken a journey long enough to be absent during Egypt's ascension, however, so that sort of story would work perfectly fine. "If not panic, then rebellion. Though it seems he tries not to be, the Golden King is still a tyrant. I'm sure there are quite a few who would like to take advantage of his absence this time. I do wonder though, how did he manage to get himself killed?" Ozymandias wondered. He was prepared to vacate the Nexus, but this was a powerful curiosity that had to be answered before he ate anything.

Of course, breakfast itself was first being seen by another individual who entered the ziggurat. Tall, tan of skin, possessing short, dark hair, and accompanied by a large lion of his own was the king of Nippur to answer Artoria's summons. He sported no shoes, red harem pants, a beige wrap slung over his shoulders, and jewelry of pure silver at his waist, ankles, wrists, even draped over his chest. Upon his arrival, Siduri was the first he met... much to his apparent pleasure. "A pleasure as always, wine-maker. Where is the Golden One, and who is this queen your message speaks of? Surely you have not taken the hand of a mad tyrant instead of my own?"

[Apollymi]

Was Ishtar truly planning to have the King of Heroes within her mouth inside of Irkalla? Well, no. It wasn't her intention to do anything other than reveal the man inspect his manhood and make him do what she wished with it. Of course, simply having access to it would have given her all the leverage she needed to have the man at her beck and call which she obviously wanted. But, the King of Heroes had words to share. She was a common whore, submission? On her knees with her mouth open begging for anything? No these weren't things natural to her personality at all. "That isn't it... I was willing to make allowances for you, because you fit my preferences and can give me what I want. You are the one being difficult about it, daring to try and resist perfection for no reason at all. I could have everything I want and you refuse to give it to me!" she said. Her attitude was still haughty as it ever was, but she wasn't really lying. What she allowed those who gave her offerings to do, seemed to relate directly to how much they could give, or how much she liked them. It was obvious to her that Gilgamesh could give her everything she wanted, making her the only god of the world and could give her access to his entire treasury. She wanted everything to have for herself. She wanted to lounge about, have sex, get offerings and lord over everyone. She wanted every other woman to know they couldn't compete and wanted every other man to know they could not have her if she didn't wish it. A pedestal above the rest of mankind was what she wanted with unlimited access to the Golden King when she wished. Why was everyone else so difficult.

Meanwhile Artoria had a healthy conversation with the Pharaohs, and the Queen of Saints while the female Pharoah seemed to be rather quickly piecing together a more desert appropriate outfit for her. "The King of Heroes is indeed trying not to be a tyrant... I cannot discount that effort," Artoria paused. Her own mind did not go to nice place. She was currently not a tyrant, but she'd already reigned in the entirety of Albion. There wasn't a single person who would challenge her for her rule in any case, and she only planned to hand it over on her own terms. A rebellion brewing in Uruk, that made a smile come to her face. "If one wishes to approach the Ziggurat with a rebellion while I sit on that throne they are more than welcome to. I have never seen one from that direction before, and I have not yet given my new friend a proper proving yet~" Artoria said in a manner most casual. "Eri-nee! Too violent!" these were the words of the Queen of Saints, who understood completely the threat of such a statement, which just caused Artoria to shrug. "I am not walking up to their doors starting anything... I feel like I could take it as justification and wipe out more than half the tablets in the process," she said which only made her younger sister look more aghast. "On my honor I will do nothing more violent than I need to while I am in charge, little sister..." said Artoria. "You are no fun," she mentioned seeming not to notice that she was the one who found violence fun. "Queen of Knights, that is pretty tyrannical at face value. Are you sure you're the same lass who came talking to me yesterday?" Nefertari stated as she handed over a dress much like the one Artoria was already wearing. "Absolutely, I am the same person you talked to yesterday...and I never said I was not a tyrant. I have just mellowed out a bit more... thank you abundantly for something so wonderous, Queen of Queens," she said. as if this was a perfectly reasonable explanation. Ah, that last question, how did Gilgamesh die... "All conclusions we can come to say he died of exhaustion... ridiculous man," Artoria's tone didn't hold scorn but instead something akin to admiration. "That is the dining room. I am going to have a quick bath and get changed. I will join you in a few minutes. Feel free to start without me..." she said to the group. Artoria made another door for herself to the baths in the interim. Nefertari went to the dining room along with Jeanne and presumably Ozzy while Artoria had a quick bath to get rid of the morning's training and her previous day's sweat.

The tall dark and somewhat handsome man in his oversized pants was of course happy to see Siduri. She managed to look uninterested even behind a veil but managed to play reasonably nicely just the same. "Rim-Sin, King of Nippur, very nice to see you. You arrived here a bit earlier than expected," she mentioned wondering how he Queen would handle this situation. "I do not have that sort of relationship with my King. The Queen is the Queen she currently sits on the throne of Uruk, she would likely introduce herself and our King is currently on a journey..." clear concise small talk was made until Artoria emerged from the bath a few moments later. Ah, she finally look refreshed. Her golden spun locks up in her bun, a bit less tight than normal but with that added braid on the side. She was wearing a blue dress much like her original one with the large window over her chest, but instead of a big fluffy skirt hers was a bit sleeker now, with high splits up the legs instead. Still rather easy to move in but with a gentle breeze licking her skin in all directions. This of course, included the skin on her back which was exposed down to the small of her back leaving her feeling admittedly less hot even post bath than she had in the previous day. She had long white sleeves on and golden wedged shoes because apparently they were necessary. Whatever the case, she had as always that large copy of Excalibur being carried over one shoulder. "I feel so much better. For the life of me I cannot stand the weather here, but Queen of Queens gets all of the praise and anything she wishes this day. You agree do you not friend?" she asked aloud of her sword seeming to have taking her bonding with it rather seriously. Of course her whispered words would end as soon as this extra body of the other man came into view... she'd never seen this one before she wondered if this was the man who'd sent the rather audacious message.

[Bloodedge]

Allowances. That sounded about right for what Gilgamesh expected of the gods─ Ishtar most of all. Gilgamesh stared down at the pinned goddess, having naught but contempt to offer even behind the smug grin he wore. He wondered... if there was a chance Enkidu was watching from somewhere in this realm. Surely his friend and sworn brother would enjoy these following moments. "Be silent. All this rambling is going to ruin the fact that I've still not given you a more appropriate payment. It just so happens, I've decided to give you exactly what you want... many times over. What say you, Ishtar? Bound and gagged, does not the idea of bending over in Kur's domain sound marvelous?" Gilgamesh moved just slightly again, retrieving fabric previously worn by Ishtar before returning to the goddess herself. He would grant her ample time to answer as a kindness, but he would also use the time of her answer to shove her own clothing into her open mouth. "It matters not. Bend over, whore goddess, and I will offer tribute." What would Gilgamesh do if Ishtar acquiesced to his demands this time? A simple click of his fingers would occur, and the cages within this segment of the Underworld would open. The souls freed from said cages were mankind's worst, and of course, that meant Ishtar's vengeful little cult of rapists and those who were scorned by her in the past were present. The Chains of Heaven would keep her arms pinned to the ground as those souls took forms resembling what they had in life. "Denizens of Irkalla, hear me. How many of you blame this sow for your endless torment? I am the magnanimous King Gilgamesh, and I offer you that which you were promised in life before you were abandoned to your demise. Find peace in receiving that which you were promised for the deeds that ended you." Ishtar was to receive a great deal of pummeling during this time in the Underworld, but not by the king himself. There were probably some kings in the mix of dead closing in on her though, so that was fine, right? Right! One part of Gilgamesh's earlier promise would be kept as a veritable army crawled over to her, even trampling over each other en route until the first of them mounted the goddess. Of course, while penetration was to occur, Gilgamesh took some time to watch in satisfaction. This, too, was where the alleged Queen of Heaven belonged.

Speaking of belonging, Ozymandias learned that the King of Heroes wound up precisely where he belonged; within the Duat after working himself to death. That sort of commitment to work was healthy for no one, and could only end one way. He did expect more of the Golden King, but perhaps that was due only to Gilgamesh's own insistence of his durability. "Hmph. He's as much of an idiot as I thought. A sensible one would at least let himself pass out. Give him hell," he said, implying his assumption that Artoria would be giving the man a rather stern... talking to during his eventual resurgence. Regardless, the dining room called for all but Artoria herself. While she was off to the baths, they were to get started. Ah, but a potential interruption had presented itself. Rim-Sin of Larsa, current king of Nippur, came in response to Artoria's summons. He didn't seem too rushed for time, though. With King Gilgamesh's absence, any agitation he presented faded into the ether as well. Surprise did not elude him, however. "And here I was prepared for annoyance. I came early because I was made curious. When should I expect to see this queen? I've no problem standing around here with you all day, but if that damn Gilgamesh comes back, I don't care to be here."

[Apollymi]

How dare a mortal question her? Why was he always like this, he could have simply done as she asked and everything could have been fine. She could have gotten what she wanted, he could have bedded a goddess and as long as he stayed loyal only to her nothing else would have mattered. Still he told her to be silent and she felt like she should. She could give a bit more and then get everything she wanted. OH? He was going to give her what she wanted, many times over?! That was exactly it. Finally, this ridiculousness was paying off. Defiling the Underworld with the King of Heroes, and maybe taking it over first to put Kur back in her place after all that nonsense with her deaths and requirements? "Y-" she'd been about to speak but her discarded clothing was shoved into her mouth. She couldn't speak around it and it was probably for the best that she couldn't. Asked... no told to bend over she found herself, doing as asked if only because he could only lead her so wrong at this point right? Wrong. He didn't intend to insert himself into her at all. He snapped his fingers and released the cages on this lowest level of Irkalla and souls of the numerous came out. And one of them finally succeeded in penetrating her body. Nothing but a muffled noise escaped her as this happened and the look of smug satisfaction on Gilgamesh's face was something she missed due to her turn around. Her ears worked though, she knew it wasn't that glorious tool she sought. It shouldn't have been like this, she only wanted Gilgamesh why was he being like this. But her body was always accommodating.

Artoria heard words of encouragement from the Sun King and they made her smile just a little. For all of his niceness she could almost think of a man like him as the big brother of the world. Just there with encouragement and good advice. She still wasn't completely sure what she was going to do with the King of Heroes for daring to die in such an abysmal way. "I will..." she gave a firm nod. Soon after in just a few moments she was heading to the dining hall from the baths, but before doing so she went to get Siduri, she wasn't about to have breakfast prepared by someone and not eat with them, that went against her entire code as a human. "Siduri," she started. But upon reaching the throne room with that large sword still over her shoulder she saw a strange man conversing with her blessed wine-maker. "My Queen, this is Rim-Sin of Larsa, King of Nippur," said Siduri instead of answering the man's question on when he would see the Queen. Artoria approached directly swinging the sword over her shoulder and planting it into the ground, knowing that the wine-maker was infinitely more comfortable when she wasn't holding a large sword in her hands while talking to new people. "Oh, I did not actually expect anyone to answer such a summons in a timely manner," she said with nothing but poise in her soul. "I see... I am Artoria Pendragon, Queen of Knights, the one who currently sits on this throne in Uruk," she said while looking at this man directly. Her eyes were on him, shining with emerald fire as she took in the look of him. "So you are the king who made the audacious request for 20 cows for 20 shekels of silver. Going rate for a single cow is 10 shekels of silver, Rim-Sin. If you actually expect to get something so ridiculous I would have words," Artoria said that exactly in such a way that Siduri's eyes widened. Was she just faster about killing people than the King of Heroes when she was annoyed. "So do you, King of Nippur, actually expect such a thing?" Ah, yes, Artoria was the type to cut straight to the chase, seemingly without even the slightest hiccup or pomp. Why? Because she wasn't in the mood. She also had breakfast and people waiting on her, if she needed to slay this man, she'd do so and then go have breakfast.

[Bloodedge]

It was so simple for Gilgamesh to make Ishtar do as he demanded, he wondered if he should have just made a slave of the goddess centuries ago. He could see her functioning as such for someone, somewhere, but any reality in which she lay with him was deleted by Ishtar's own audacious hand. She could have those souls she once promised herself to, though. Many of them were overdue for their payment, and many of them were clawing at Ishtar and each other in their attempts to get it. Ah, that noise passing Ishtar's makeshift muzzle was like music to his ears. It was a far more melodious sound to him than her normal shrill, annoying voice filled with undeserved pomposity. He had to take the time to enjoy this, so the king walked around the horde toward Ishtar's fore, crouching to lower himself to her level and watch her expression. "A fitting turn of events, is it not? What say you now, Ishtar? Does this not please you?" he asked in high spirits, reaching out to pull the gag from her mouth just briefly. In the meantime, that horde was making quick progress. One fallen servant of Ishtar's was pushed back, yet not dislodged from the goddess as another mounted her back. She would soon be pummeled in two holes with the reckless abandon of the angry dead, her mouth only spared by the happenstance of Gilgamesh's oppressive presence. "Today, we will see the true side of the Queen of Heaven. Perform well. My personal gift is yet to come."

Rim-Sin was fated to meet with the queen Siduri spoke of, the very woman who sent for him. She was quite small, yet wielding a sword nearly rivaling the blade of Kish's Aga in girth, and thwarting it in length. Her dress was of a design he'd never seen before, yet strangely regal and demanding attention in its own right. She was a seasoned warrior in spite of her state of dress. By the way she spoke, she was also no stranger to rule. "Artoria Pendragon," he repeated as the feline next to him seated itself at his side, its head being met by his calm hand. "You were there when the great beast struck. I've heard of your exploits. Pleasure," he greeted. Quick to business was the Queen of Knights, though. She wasted no time after introducing herself before speaking of his trade offer. She dared call it audacious? Did she not know upon whose throne she'd been sitting? "Psh! Audacious, me? I don't know why you now sit on the throne of Uruk, or who named you En, but you don't speak as someone who knows of exchange with the Golden One. I demand 20 cattle for 20 shekels because to make a deal with Uruk's Lugal, is to lose. The man who claims to own everything is a hoarder who parts with nothing. If I were to offer 20 shekels for 2 cows, I would hear his endless barking while being offered one thing, not even a cow, and a threat of death. If you are of sound mind and offering trade, Nippur is agreeable to a fairer trade. We have very little to offer besides silver, but any trade of livestock may be viewed as an investment. The grounds of Nippur are fertile and capable of raising many generations of all animals. Are those enough words for you, or do you intend to pick up precisely where Lugal Gilgamesh left off? If that is the case, the time of my trip has been wasted, and I would be left at a messenger's length while either of you sits in this ziggurat."

[Apollymi]

Violated. That was how Ishtar currently felt. Why would he let these things touch her when she was trying to give herself to him? Yes, she would have normally placed such people at arms length while taking everything from them, but that was all they were good for. Why would he submit her to something like their service just because she'd made an empty promise? Granted her body was always accepting of such things, so she was technically enjoying herself. If the state of her depths was anything to go off of, she was never to have a bad time even while taking on such actions. Actually without the care and patience normally taken by men who approached her she could have actually called this suitable. But these were not the men she wanted. Her muffled cries came with large pleading eyes. Eventually one of the men was joined by another. The invasion of her rear caused tears to come to her eyes, it was painful more painful than anything! But... By the time Gilgamesh was removing her gag she was moaning. Of course she didn't like this why would she be pleased they weren't what she wanted. But what was this? Gilgamesh claimed he had a personal present for her if she performed well... so this was all she had to go through to get what she wanted? "I want your personal gift!" That was another demand, but she had actually demanded anything stop. Strictly speaking she did not mind this treatment if she knew she'd get what she wanted at the end, she could look forward to it, and accept this for now. She was strangely submissive when it came to the likes of Gilgamesh in the first place.

In a distant place, the Queen of Knights Artoria Pendragon was meeting for the first time a man who'd sent her the sort of request that had her blood pressure see rise within her first few moments sitting on Uruk's throne. Whatever the case, he knew of her exploits and was pleased to meet her, she reserved judgement on the happiness of meetings until the matters which required attention were dealt with. According to the King of Nippur, she did not know whose throne she sat upon and how much one usually had to go through to get the things they required. "I can see how one might find the King of Heroes difficult to deal with, given what he was like when I met him initially. I can see the potential for conflict, but that is why I wished to see you directly," she said sounding rather evenly minded. Siduri was watching with interest. She did not know what the Queen of Knights was planning when she demanded this man appear before her, and figured she was going to end up talking her out of attacking him. Of course, Artoria was just experiencing a moment of nostalgia remembering that she'd almost killed the King of Heroes for being a miserly hoarder, who wanted her attention. "The King of Heroes and I are different in these particular approaches. So, given what you say... if you are content to not send any more of those violence inducing requests while I sit on the throne, I am content to be amiable in our dealings. " she said once again proving she was raised well despite her violent outbursts. "Those words will suffice in that case." Artoria said these words and meant them, but Siduri had the distinct feeling that she did not expect anything resembling defiance after saying such a thing. Artoria took the logic that if his problem was with Gilgamesh that was for Gilgamesh to fix either by his own actions or own words. She would instead, do what she would to show them the difference between herself and him and a leader, though she found them to be different she realized they were not when it came to using violence to enforce themselves.

[Bloodedge]

Mounted by two spirits, Ishtar wore a pained expression. That was to be expected of anyone having their rectum abruptly invaded, but in the specific case of Ishtar, the removal of her gag was immediately followed by the sound of moaning. Beyond those moans was the sound of wet slapping at her backside, where penetration occurred. How very indecent. Actually, this little show would have been arousing if not for how easily Ishtar managed to disgust him. She could have said anything when that cloth was removed from her mouth. What she chose to say, though, was that she wanted his personal gift. Gilgamesh scoffed. "Of course you do. It is the fate of all to desire Gilgamesh," he said as his eyes adopted that eerie glow. Another spirit was taking its place beneath the goddess. Gilgamesh's presence continued keeping her mouth safe, but that said nothing of her gargantuan breasts that would soon find themselves forcibly squeezed around another thrusting member. "Ah, but you seem so preoccupied that there is little room for the likes of me. I shall offer you a deal. If you can survive this ordeal while falling to bliss no more than seven times, then I, King Gilgamesh, will take you to the heavens in every way possible."

Artoria clearly had not dealt with the same Gilgamesh Rim-Sin and other members of this country did, but even she seemed to understand how he could be such an annoyance. It could be assumed that she had a good head on her shoulders. She expressed there being a difference between them, even offering fairness in trade while she occupied Uruk's throne. Rim-Sin could ask for nothing more, nor would he. No ill-will was held toward this woman; he only detested dealing with Gilgamesh. As of this very conversation, Artoria Pendragon was setting herself up to be his ideal person to make exchanges with. "I have no reason to make outlandish claims for someone who will hear and acknowledge a fair request. As far as I'm concerned, you are Lugal here now. Expect many more offers from Nippur soon; I'd like to take advantage of a good opportunity. On behalf of Nippur, I extend a hand for any assistance you need during your reign. In exchange, I expect notification when the bane of my city returns to the chair he loves so much. You should keep him at bay, though. Mesopotamia would be much better off with someone like you in its largest seat, whether the others agree or not," he concluded, sparing no distaste for the King of Heroes while casually mentioning the varied opinions of the land's kings.

[Apollymi]

This penetration of Ishtar was something she was not used to, but something she came to enjoy rather easily. With eyes on Gilgamesh she could easily feel better about the whole of the situation. She could imagine him stroking away at her instead of however was behind her. She could feel clawing at her body in random places. She'd never been touched so roughly before, how very nice. Even this thing that had climbed up between her massive breasts was touching her in ways she'd never been touched before. She could feel the depth of tingles within her loins which would eventually spill over in a moaning orgasm. Her body naturally tightened around the first two of those specters. But Gilgamesh had nothing useful to say at first. Why was he putting her through this? Oh... it was a test of some sort? He dared to try to test her worthiness. If this went on she only needed to resist a mere seven times, surely after the newness of it wore off, it would mean nothing. "I will accept that deal... there is no way I will enjoy this any more than I already have. You will give me everything I deserve!" A shrill outcry that ended with a rather audacious moan instead. How long could she actually hold out against such a thing? Her tell for an orgasm was rather obvious after that first one. Even if one were lienient with that one. She would reach orgasm from this sort of rough treatment seven times in no less than 40 minutes. Being raped like this was the sort of thing she liked, being used was something she enjoyed but... she wouldn't admit it. Obviously, it was just her body's reaction, obviously there was nothing to be done about it... it would be wrong to count it, right? She should still earn her reward.


Meanwhile, Artoria came to an easy accord with the King of Nippur. Of course, Siduri watched with an easy smile hidden behind her veil. A calmness settled in her soul and she released a breath she hadn't known she'd been holding. After dealing with so much stress surrounding this Rim-Sin's outlandish requests, knowing that it would be no problem for Artoria was calming to the woman. Artoria gave a nod of understanding. "How you deal with the King of Heroes is your business. In the meantime, I can look forward to at least one person not requiring conquering. I will have Siduri here send word when he returns so you can return to your silent feud," she said and then she just relaxed. "It will be done my Queen," she offered ever so respectfully. She didn't care to think any in Mesopotamia would accept her current reign she was actually more prepared for a fight then this easy going truce, but... Artoria had seen many battles already, and while she loved a fight, she could accept peaceful coexistence when offered. "Now that such an agreement has been reached, two things. I want to pet the lion, and we are having breakfast and you are welcome to join us..." she offered the man with her. Siduri's eyes widened immensely. Was the Queen of Knights truly so easy going outside of business situations? Was Uruk truly about to see some great change? Artoria stepped forward truly wishing to pet the lion present. If she was permitted she would do so, and when she was done she'd pull up the sword and lead the way to breakfast. Breakfast was a large spread including pheasant pies, eggs, chickpeas, bread, dates, pomegranates, apples, and a soup of lentils and barley which seemed to Artoria a bit like savory oatmeal.

[Bloodedge]

Perhaps the most foolish choice Ishtar made this day, was appearing before Gilgamesh. The second most foolish thing was easily her agreeing to his little wager, mere moments after experiencing the first of multiple orgasms at the hand of those spirits. He knew exactly how this would end, and he knew exactly when she would exceed the wager's threshold by one. As such, he decided to offer something he would call "kindness", though it was in fact only an extension to his own amusement. The first would be given a pass, as it came just before she accepted his terms. The six that would follow in forty minutes, however, would be his countdown. "H'oh? You would be correct, Ishtar. I will grant you everything you deserve, until it causes you to burst," he promised. Moronic as the goddess was, he doubted she would understand his meaning. He would continue to observe as Ishtar was violated by specters, even as they expelled whatever counted as their seed into, and onto, Ishtar from three chosen locations. Some were becoming antsy enough to take Ishtar by her chained wrists, placing their shafts in her palms with intentions of forcing whatever movements she refused to make herself. Forty minutes passed, and the count finally reached six, with Ishtar coated in the seed of multiple spirits, five at a time in sequence. Five were still having their way, clawing, thrusting, pushing and pulling, while Gilgamesh looked ahead several moments. "Hmph. I offered you reprieve just once. Six times, you have fallen to pleasure. What's the matter? Surely you don't mean to say this is what pleases a goddess?"

Over the course of that forty minute time period, arrangements between Uruk and Nippur came to a surprisingly satisfying conclusion. Rim-Sin could easily respect this new ruler of Uruk, if only for cordial behavior and fair exchange; that was about all he desired to have his city eventually flourish at last. So long as she was in charge here, he would be sending a great deal of offers, barters and so on. Strangely enough, this queen even seemed quite normal under the surface of her official persona. Had he walked into this ziggurat while Gilgamesh sat atop the throne, he probably would have heard some nonsense about his own audacity for bringing a "lesser" lion into the king's midst. Better still, Rim-Sin was offered a meal after making the journey here. "I will enjoy a meal, and by all means, go ahead. He's well-behaved enough," the lord of Nippur stated. And so, the day would begin proceeding as... normal, if it could be called such. A breakfast shared between holders of the Holy Grail was joined by a random Mesopotamian king and a full-grown lion. Such a strange breakfast it was, but... that hardly mattered.

[Apollymi]

Some six orgasms deep and Ishtar was being completely abused by this group of spirits. Even her hands were being used now and she hadn't the strength in her arms to fight compliance. But would she have done so regardless? Probably not. This was what Ishtar enjoyed and she would never be capable of admitting that. Even as she neared the end of her ability to fight for what she wanted, she was coming apart at the seams. Each and every thrust, grab, and usage of her body seemed to turn her into something else entirely. Her already empty mind seemed almost broken by the point of the last release. She held on to the fact that she wanted Gilgamesh and that was the only thing which kept her near sanity. "Of course this isn't what pleases me, it isn't my fault its theirs for being so forceful and..." there was a pause. It wasn't a pause. She couldn't even properly form her argument because her body was now clutching. Between her rectum and her deeps she was sure her whole body had just overflowed with sexual pleasure. Endless tingles spread down her body as she moaned her completion even while trying to argue against Gilgamesh. "Wait, no... that didn't count. It... it..." she wanted to say she was displeased but she'd never felt as good as she did right just now. Staring at a dominating Gilgamesh, receiving raw treatment she didn't have to look at, her whole body being used to the max without all of the softness and fawning with no real appreciation of her. Obviously she wasn't the only one like this. She'd been sending this down on people for ages... so it was only natural she have a response like this. She was a goddess who responded to the depravity of humans.

Having petted a new lion, the Queen of Knights seemed to be pretty chipper with her day. She had breakfast with the Grail holders and the stray Mesopotamian King and then returned to her duties. Nothing was amiss. She sat atop the throne in Uruk sorting through various tablets. Making sure resources were properly allocated where they needed to be. Her new work life, was training her knights in the morning at the place where the old temple was converted into a training grounds, breakfast of various types and sorting through tablets. Every other day, she'd take rest allow both Siduri and Medusa to take rest as needed. It was a strange cycle which only seemed to be interrupted at random intervals, all the while Artoria sat with Excalibur beside her, feeling its presence and seeming to be bonding with it as one would a new friend. At least she was comfortable now, she'd never be able to thank Nefertari enough for this change in wardrobe for her stay here. Still, as time passed she noticed a few things about her work. One that the piles never seemed to end, and two that requests were present for every little thing happening between two lands. "Siduri, I might need a history lesson on this place. Why am I mediating every little exchange between two neighboring lands? These men call themselves king but I feel like the mother of dozens of terrible children," Artoria griped non-specifically. Ah, something that was similar between Artoria and the King of Heroes. Both of them seemed to be capable of making rather outlandish statements sound rather amusing in the moment. "My Queen I can have Medusa pause to translate some older tablets of the time before if you wish for historical context on Mesopotamia. It would take some time... but it would likely let you make proper headway on the stacks," she offered gently. "Well, that would be fine. But tell her it is no rush. I do not wish her any unnecessary strain," Artoria mentioned seeming unhappy to put any extra work on one individual. The King of Heroes needed more trust worthy attendants. His need for solo power construction made his life so much harder than was necessary.

[Bloodedge]

Oh, it was the fault of the spirits that Ishtar was failing, was it? Ridiculous. Gilgamesh had nothing to say in response to such blatant untruth. Ishtar was truly giddy as a hyena while being ravaged by an army of her own creation. She could have known peace if she admitted this preference long ago, but it seemed she wasn't even aware of it beforehand. How pitiful. "It does not count, eh? You accepted the terms, and were already given a pass. What; would you have me count that as six instead? I have no time for this dribble, but let us see." Apparently, Gilgamesh was willing to change the terms of his own arrangement. It would not matter either way. Once more, he would stuff Ishtar's mouth. This time however, he immediately turned away and began walking, letting the Chains of Heaven pull Ishtar along behind him. The spirits would not be stopped. Even as Ishtar was pulled by her neck, arms, and now her legs, she was left spread to be assaulted by every spirit that reached her. Gilgamesh would carry on all the while, continuing to seek answers he would need by the time Artoria Pendragon reached Camlann. All this information about forbidden rituals and the like was, however, seeming to get him nowhere fast.

[Apollymi]

Gilgamesh had no time for the dribble? He wasn't going to give her even a little bit of reprieve. That was absolutely audacious! Instead of doing anything of use, she'd find her legs bound as well, and now she was being dragged through the Underworld by the neck and having her body plundered repeatedly by the angry spirits she'd wronged during their lives. She'd led them to ruin initially but now her body was leading them to bliss. Her own was going there rather frequently as well. How long would she be kept like this? She hardly knew, but her body being forced and contorted into this position allowed for her to be violated without much work involved. All she could offer were muffled moans, occasional cries and screams and the like for all the time her body was being violated as such.

While Ishtar was led around Irkalla by the throat, Artoria swam in her work and schedule. Though this day she'd been seen a tablet earlier that said the lions of King Gilgamesh had become restless. "Siduri, the lions are restless what does this mean?" she asked curiously because the wording seemed rather open-ended. "Apparently, if the King does not visit his brood, they are prone to getting... nippy with their feeders. That was a tablet requesting the King to spend some time with his pets..." she said carefully. "Ooh! I am going to play with the lions then!~" Artoria was way too happy about the prospect. "Oops, I mean. I will take over their care." Artoria said trying to hide her childish glee and failing miserably. A break in monotony to play with lions, that was a strange thing the Queen of Knights wanted. "My Queen are you sure that is safe, I did just say someone was bitten," she said wondering what Artoria intended to do. "Well, yes, someone did just get bitten. Make sure they get appropriate compensation by the way, but I am pretty used to handling animals. I grew up on a farm. I also spend all day running bands of knights like well oiled machines. A couple of playful kittens will be a welcome break in my day," Artoria said. She pulled up Excalibur after sitting that tablet to the side. And Siduri led her to the lion's den. Within there were numerous cats of various sizes and Arotria, sank into full girly happiness. Within a couple of hours all of the cats had been fed played with, petted and Artoria seemed to have gone through therapy. Siduri had never seen anything like it. They were content and so was the Queen of Knights, "I did not know you liked animals so much, my queen. I mean you did greet Rim-Sin's lion but I did not know you liked them so much..." she said finding it to be a strangely endearing trait to have learned about Artoria. "I like big cats. I almost died when I saw the Sun King's Sphinxes. The King of Heroes also let me pet these lions before I believe... his taming of these animals is rather endearing," she said as she stood. "You can put this into my regular rotation of duties, or rather... I will come here of my own accord periodically. It is no problem," she said with the smuggest smile on her face. Lions. Little did Artoria know she was about to find out a problem she didn't suspect in the next couple of days. A dark shadow... on the horizon.

[Bloodedge]

That very same dark shadow took little time to appear. A short matter of days passed, giving way to the form of... King Gilgamesh himself? It certainly seemed so, though a literal shroud of darkness encompassed his form. He looked as he did in his youth, but this was not King Gilgamesh in actuality. This form resembling the King of Heroes was a Heroic Spirit, summoned by a Holy Knight Apprentice through the Holy Grail of one Jeanne d'Arc. It was a simple test of the summoning feature which copied the registered Saint Graph of heroes, manifesting them and binding them to the mana of their summoner. In this case, the person who pulled a card from the Holy Grail was a little too ambitious for their own good. They were lucky enough to receive an Archer Class Card possessing the Saint Graph of Gilgamesh himself, as well as a special bonus attachment. Sadly, the manifestation process itself was tainted by an unquenchable thirst for power, letting the Void's influence seep through the summoner's mana into the Heroic Spirit of Gilgamesh. One Apprentice Holy Knight died that day, being deemed unworthy by the Archer. A veritable rampage would ensue as Archer began moving across Finis Chaldea in full golden armor, seeking the throne he was owed. . .

[Apollymi]

This story of a young knight felled by their own ambition was one which Jeanne did not foresee. Such care was taken when choosing her own group, she could not have known that others would be unable to see people for what they truly were. Perhaps that was too vague. Perhaps it could be said that such a thing was bound to happen as ambition became something insurmountable when not tempered. She'd already stood, finding herself easily capable of traversing Finis Chaldea. She'd find herself in the throne room of Uruk in front of her older sister, Queen of Knights Artoria Pendragon. Who sat at first, finishing a tablet with her sword beside he rnot looking like she did not belong exactly here. She was oddly happy at this sight, and wondered over a future that could bring it to fruition. But first there was a much more immediate problem. "Eri-nee! It's bad. It's soo bad!" she exclaimed! Artoria rose from her seat opening her arms to her younger sister as she descended from the throne. Jeanne d'Arc, in classic little sister fashion, threw herself into this woman's arms and she as she always would aimed to comfort and assure her.

"It cannot be that bad, tell me... what is wrong?" she said her younger sister pulled away looking just a tad sheepish. "So, my Holy Grail can be used to summon Saint Graphs, you know like trading cards, but of people who have participated in holy grail wars. We did a test run today..." she explained of the whole situation. "And an apprentice holy knight, summoned Gilgamesh!" she said seeming to find it crazy. A soft sigh escaped Artoria in the moment. Why? Because of course it would be the King of Heroes that was summoned first by such a ridiculous method. "And?" she asked obviously just a summon of even the arrogant version of Gilgamesh wouldn't be too much a problem. "Well, apparently the ambition of that Holy Knight wasn't properly aligned, he summoned the King of Heroes and the King of Heroes slayed him. Since he is an Archer he doesn't need a summoner to act and... his Saint Graph is tainted. I do not think I can face him, I cannot defend against his onslaught and do enough damage at the same time. And... he's headed this way..." mentioned Jeanne who finally got everything out and had been reduced to tears. Artoria in this moment was hugging her younger sister, rubbing her back, as she'd done many times before. It seemed to her as if the King of Heroes was coming home not as himself and Artoria simply couldn't allow that. "Shh, it is fine, Emi. This is not your fault. Do not worry... I will take care of it," said Artoria. Though she was comforting her sister. Artoria's face had a huge smile on her face, she was going into battle. She wiped away her sister's tears and placed her lips gently against the other girl's forehead. Doing so seemed to calm her immensely and put into the head of Jeanne that her sister really would handle this situation. What a truly doting older sister.

"Siduri, I am going on a walk~ My new blade is about to get its proving~" she exclaimed like a girl on the first day of school. She picked up Excalibur and threw it over her shoulder, and she and her sister began walking together to meet Gilgamesh outside in the desert. The Queen of Knights, donned her armor which still fit perfectly even over her new dress. Out here in the open plains no harm could be done. Jeanne easily lead her to the spot where the King of Heroes would make landfall and seemed content to help in whatever what she could. How did Artoria actually feel? Well, she supposed she'd decide upon laying eyes on the King of Heroes.

[Bloodedge]

That decision would come relatively soon. The visage of Gilgamesh would take little time to land after Artoria and Jeanne's arrival to the open field. He descended in full glory, scowl on his face as he once appeared almost permanently. Who were these women standing in his path? Armed and armored, they seemed ready and willing to present opposition. Fools. There were none who could oppose him! Alas, the king was willing to grant them a pass. Footfall was followed by a series of steps, which ended a few meters away from the sisters. "Rejoice, mongrels! You have the honor of standing before King Gilgamesh. I don't recall granting you permission to gaze upon me, but as I am in a good mood upon my glorious return, I will allow just this one overstep. Flounder before me, offer your submission, and I may allow you to follow. I'm sure my harem is in need of rebuilding by now." Strange. This Gilgamesh boasted the mind and visage of his younger self, a version that existed before the creation of Saint Graphs. Any who knew would have room to assume his current Saint Graph was taken from the time he met Enkidu all those decades ago. It shouldn't have been possible. Just the same, it probably shouldn't have been possible for him to manifest badly with so much of himself in tact. This Heroic Spirit, or Servant, acknowledged himself fully as the King of Heroes, as if he were the genuine article in the flesh. What's more, the memories he possessed were from a time before the second Holy Grail war; he had no recognition of either woman standing before him. Oh well; the more curvaceous one was certainly fit to reinvigorate his harem all on her own. The smaller one could perhaps use some growing, but he thought it would be entertaining enough to break her a few times.

[Apollymi]

The descent of Gilgamesh was about what Artoria expected. Jeanne for her part in this had her eyes widen at this man's words. "I think we are all done judging me for choosing violence the first time are we not?" she asked her younger sister. "Yeah, I don't remember it being so bad the first time... but he's so different from the one we know," she said carefully. "Do you need backup?" she asked of her sister. "This man is not my King of Heroes," Artoria said lightly. The Queen of Knights stared at this man, what was his look? Golden armor, hair straight up in the air, permanent scowl? This was not the face of the man she'd been unable to talk to directly for several days. This was not the man, she'd tirelessly mentally prepared to face for the sake of courtship. No this was the hedonist tyrant with all the mental maturity of a spoilt child spewing nonsense before her. How dare he?! There was abject fury in her eyes now. Oh? She hadn't been angry since, ah yes the night of her attempted rape. But this wasn't the unbridled fury of that time, no... it was something very different. "How dare you appear before me like this?" she said having properly taken a grip of her extended size Excalibur.

"My name is Artoria Pendragon. I do not submit to the poor-quality counterfeit of my King of Heroes..." she mentioned with an unwavering gaze. "Stand aside, little sister. I will not require your assistance for this," she said with an almost sarcastic smirk across her lips. "I am the Queen who has been occupying the throne of Uruk, and you are not fit to take it from me," she said flickering her gaze over this man. Her blade was held sideways and it was already gathering light. Her eyes were firm and her body had already braced itself. If this man was truly the younger version of Gilgamesh, his personality was already known, and a man with his attitude could not stand against her. Hopes and dreams were gathering and the light of Excalibur began to shine even at this horizontal positioning, but there was a reason she chose it. However, Jeanne stood aside as her sister wished, it hadn't gone past her notice that the Queen of Knights had started referring to King Gilgamesh a very different way.

[Bloodedge]

The humans of this era seemed to be made of something very different, very... repulsive. By now, this pair of women should have been groveling at his feet, thirsting for the divine opportunity to service the King of Uruk. They did no such thing, and they instead chose to have a brief discussion amongst themselves. Who was in charge of these disrespectful harlots? The smaller of the two even questioned his appearance, referring to him immediately afterwards as some sort of counterfeit. Never in his time had he heard something so ridiculously absurd. Damned be the more buxom woman; this one had to be taught some manners. Of course, there was one constant about Gilgamesh, no matter the variant. He was always going to be what others could call... an arrogant prick. As such, it was with nothing short of smugness that he acknowledged this Artoria woman. "H'oh? The little girl is the first to volunteer, is she? It will be with great pleasure that I break you, both body and soul. Be loud in your submission, mongrel, as it will be difficult to hear when you are being split in half," he said. It seemed even this Gilgamesh had some very clear intentions with one Artoria Pendragon, though he was at the height of his hedonism regardless.

What she planned on doing with that strange sword exuding some fancy little light show, was beyond him. This Gilgamesh didn't appear very concerned at all, but she was not permitted to act out in physical defiance. Divine Gates immediately around Artoria's person gave way to the Chains of Heaven for the simple purpose of binding the alleged queen. He was quite lacking in hesitation in this case, but the general approach he often had with these chains remained. His binding aimed for the neck, the arms, the midriff and the legs, though there was also attention paid to the sword she held onto this time around. At this time, he continued speaking. "I will permit this outburst and treat it as an act of sheer ignorance. On your knees, little woman. I will allow you to taste of a true king's essence, that you might gain understanding in your feeble mind. Then, perhaps we may speak of how you will occupy Uruk's throne─ only with myself between you and that chair."

[Apollymi]

Of course, a young Gilgamesh would make the assumption that someone was just going to fall all over him. Everything Artoria had read about the King of Heroes in the last few weeks said everything but his child-self and him post journey was just an annoyance and a half. After dealing with Rim-Sin of Nippur, she already knew what kind of man he'd been to his people before. And after fighting him in the Second Holy Grail War, she knew he wasn't used to defiance. She knew standing against him would get her his undivided attention even without use of her special ability. In this case, simply having faced him in combat and knowing his arrogance would make it a bit easier to make sure she had her target hit.

But her special ability would be used, she wasn't him after all, she had no intention of falling short just because she understood a bit about him. It would be annoying to lose to him when he was currently in a way that would sour her own mood. The Chains of Heaven, his friend Enkidu would always be his first usage, he'd aim to bind her but Artoria was lithe and graceful she twisted around such chains using Invisible Air around her sword to increase her movement by beginning the swing sideways. "The counterfeit of the King of Heroes is not allowed to say such things to me," she said truly this man's arrogance was annoying, and at this point she was rather enjoying the idea of slaying him. Thus she'd be allowed to forego binding of herself and her weapon. "EX-!" The spin would send this blade straight into his side, aiming to knock directly into the King of Heroes, even with his armor her physical strength was high enough that she figured it would have cut any normal person in half for him such a thing would have left a greivous wound deep into his side even through his armor. "CALIBUR!" That cry of Excalibur though? That was a charge, a build up for the downward swing she'd manage after completing those dancing spins. Basically she used the physical force of the charging blade, to put her into the position to quickly slash downward, releasing the power of hopes and dreams and her own unbridled fury down upon him. She aimed to wipe out this fake version of the King of Heroes. How dare their first meeting after his death be a fake version of him? And how dare he actually say such vulgar things to her while not being himself. She would not allow it.

[Bloodedge]

Once more, there was the claim of him being a counterfeit King of Heroes. What sort of nonsense was that? There was a single king who stood atop the world, and he was that very king. "Arrogant little worm," he commented. He didn't know who this girl thought she was by evading his chains, though it was no less surprising that she managed at all. It seemed almost as if she knew what to expect. Had he encountered this woman somewhere before? Possibly. Perhaps she was one of the mongrels he let crawl away after one of his laws was broken. Whatever the case, she now thought it was acceptable to approach him. "Perhaps it is best I keep you restrained like the rabid beast you are. That, too, would be quite pleasing to the eye."

Artoria's approach brought a spiraling slash aimed at the king's side. A sword appeared not from the usual Divine Gate; it instead seemed to rise from below, not bearing the typical golden color Gilgamesh tended to use. It was this straight-edged sword which held Artoria's initial slash at bay, but lo... she had another plan. The sword apparently named Excalibur grinded its way along Gilgamesh's summoned sword, sparks spewing between the two until his foolhardy opponent completed her spin, ending in a downward slash that was not at all normal. That sudden influx of mana was worthy enough to widen even Gilgamesh's eyes, but he would not be permitting something so ridiculous. Two segments of the Chains of Heaven emerged between himself and that offensive claymore, crossing in front of the blade to halt its descent. When that beam of light erupted, it did so just over the Heroic Spirit's head, and shot out into the sky from Excalibur's tip. All the while, Gilgamesh seemed the same strange mix of carefree and annoyed that he always was. He took up that summoned sword in his left hand to lunge forward with it, aiming its tip at the queen's liver.

[Apollymi]

Artoria found a strange amount of amusement in battling this younger version of Gilgamesh. She found it, funny that the younger him was so very arrogant that he was obviously upset by just her calling him fake. Ah, she was being called a rabid dog now? Just steadily moving up the food chain by the Saint Graph of the King of Heroes. How long would it take, before victory was clear? She'd keep looking.

For now, Artoria found that she was countered with relative ease, she wasn't expecting that, but the sword produced to block her initial swing wasn't something she'd ever seen Gilgamesh do. "Oh? Am I to believe that even an imitation can show me something new?" The Queen of Knights said seeming to find this interesting. 'Never seen that before, so it is different... also,' A pause occurred in her thoughts as at the end of everything the Chains of Heaven blocked her strike which would have definitely done the job. He couldn't be in charge of that himself, right? He wasn't the sort to block an attack he didn't think would amount to anything. That kind of reaction was like what she expected when her sister was at her back, a reaction to recklessness. That beam from Excalibur just barely missed it was up in the air. "Oh? I suppose it would have been boring if I could actually one shot you," she claimed. Even so, it was far too early for this vestige of Gilgamesh to think such simple sword work was going to end in an injury to the Queen of Knights. "Invisible Air," the active statement as that sword came towards her had her own coat itself in wind based magic which against the chains, given the size of her weapon bounced the small lass about. That sword that would have pierced her body instead barely grazed her, making a shallow lightly bleeding slash out of what was supposed to be a plunge. She flew up in the air by quite a bit only to land behind him after his lunge forward. "I suppose, even an imitation should be mistakable for the genuine article for a time. Maybe he will even prove a worthy opponent for your proving~" she observed, the last bit spoken directly to her sword.

"Eri-nee, you have an unhealthy relationship with that sword..." mentioned Jeanne as she watched. This battle was both similar and different from the first one. How did her sister plan to deal with this man, and why did her words seem to antagonize him on purpose? Besides that, he did block an attack and she'd not actually seen him commit to such a thing before. Even with both hands on that big sword, Artoria Pendragon seemed unbothered. Her eyes were trained on this man and her mind was already working. 'If he were alone he would be dead already... he definitely would not have blocked those attacks. Actually, I could probably goad him into taking one if I tried a little...' she thought that same smirk settling on her face. She did not attack again immediately, she forced herself to be a bit more patient, to aim for accuracy when swinging this large version of Excalibur.

[Bloodedge]

Again, only annoyance fell from the mouth of this woman. At this rate, simply plugging her mouth would not suffice. Would he have to take more extreme measures, and remove his own potential amusement for the sake of quelling this indignation? Perhaps. "You are a fool to believe yourself capable of even reaching me," he grumbled. Never had he met someone so bothersome. Even Aga of Kish, the overlord Gilgamesh himself had overcome, had been less aggravating. Oh well. This girl had some cute little tricks up her sleeve, letting her prance about the battlefield as if her life could not be ended by his whim alone. She landed behind him following an aerial maneuver clearing her of grave injury, yet blood still stained his sword. What was he to do with that blade then? It was sullied, so he tossed it aside as one would a used rag. "Hmph! If you are going to dirty my things, have the decency to die on my blade. Stained tools are unbecoming," he stated, just slightly to the contrary of how his modern self would speak.

Gilgamesh's arms were crossed as he looked over his shoulder toward the Queen of Knights. His eyes were filled with fire restrained by the bravado of a king. Six segments of the Chains of Heaven were shot from over his opposite shoulder, not as bindings, but to use the spear tips as piercing weaponry. They were just nearly released in unison, as if to take advantage of that claymore's weight by targeting her left shoulder, then right thigh, right shoulder, left shin, center torso, and finally left thigh in quick sequence. "Fools do like to dance, I suppose. Go on then. Dance for your king, mongrel," he said while the assault was ongoing.

[Apollymi]

The King of Heroes was grumbling, she was a fool to think she could reach him? That same smile still spread on her face, "I have reached further than you..." Artoria's words sounded wistful but they were pointed to a specific end. "I have reached my King of Heroes, and stood over his fallen body after he stood in my way," she said as if experiencing a happy form of nostalgia. Of course, she just expected these words to stick into him a bit. Even as he cast his weapon away, because it was sullied by her blood, she was only about ten seconds away from giggling at his obvious discontent. "A stained tool is proof it had function. Proof it actually mattered it was in your hands..." she said. This man would not understand her at all, she was more than casually aware of that, even so there had to be a trigger to open the door for her to step through... the assured victory she could have called herself having. "And I do not fall in battle, even when I lose..." she said those words and meant them. She wasn't the sleepless tantruming girl she'd been 10 years ago when she'd showed up at this man's door. And he was not the man she confided in. As such she was only here to make sure he didn't step too far beyond his own means.

Oh, the Saint Graph of the King of Heroes thought himself capable of forcing her to dance? Well, she would have done so anyway, if only because she still hadn't seen the path to victory yet. No, instead she saw only a gentle opening, a space to be moved towards as she did not bother drawing her blade upward at all. Her reaction speed was undeniably quick even with a sword as large as the one she was currently carrying. Instead of using it immediately she moved herself around those coming almost simultaneously released spear tips. Each movement made her take multiple steps as she avoided being run through until the six were handled and only then did she drag her blade upward, having made her way into his direct line of sight, as was honorable. This time pouring only her mana into the weapon in no less quantity than that initial swing had been. She aimed to engulf this man from his feet up through the middle of his body while placing herself in the position to bring down the weapon again if she needed to. "Oh? You are not quite as unwieldy as you always seem. Though you still make me exert myself..." she said to the sword, though she wouldn't be trying to wield it as normal if she could avoid it. "I do not take orders from the forgery of the hero-king."

[Bloodedge]

Useless blabber. Gilgamesh could not condone such lies as what this woman spewed. Just the same, he cared nothing for her perspective on tools and their usefulness. "Delusional as well, eh? To imagine something beyond Gilgamesh, and to believe there is use for a tool that does not remain flawless; these are the ideals of a commoner." Annoyingly, the woman wielding that Holy Sword continued to zip about, running from his chains and looping around to the front of him. What she thought she would accomplish against his divine form was beyond the king. Unrivaled as he was, there was little need to exert himself against some common wench, so... he wouldn't. It wasn't as if some girl could bypass his armor. Since she thought herself so infallible, it was only right that he show her what a true unstoppable force was, and silence her forever.

Another wave was produced from Artoria's sword, and Gilgamesh merely stood in place. His arms were crossed, and his armor was surely beyond the likes of some human's weapon. Little did Gilgamesh realize, he was not the original version of himself reborn into this world. Gilgamesh's golden armor was mighty, yes, but its defensive properties were based only on his own overwhelming might. This Heroic Spirit, summoned by a mere Apprentice Holy Knight, did not have the mana to passively fortify his armor against one of Artoria's magnitude. As had been the case before, arrogance would be his undoing against this woman. The wave of light he thought to shrug off would instead shatter the chest plate of his golden armor. Worse yet, it even managed to launch the king away and char his torso in the process. Needless to say, this was a shock... and a reason to rage. "Don't get cocky!" he shouted, flipping backwards and levitating in the air after recovery. A few dozen portals appeared at his rear, launching an array of bladed weapons as an offensive shower against the swordswoman. "Let me raise my focus. I will show you why it is a moronic notion to make the king exert himself. Your enslavement to my will shall not be a pleasant experience when we are done here."

[Apollymi]

This fake version of Gilgamesh would think Artoria to be a liar but of course she spoke only the truth. She considered the version of the King of Heroes she knew to be superior thus her victory over that one was worth more than this copy could be. Her own ideals about this, had to do mostly her with her ability to come to like that one after she bested him in combat. On the other side of that acknowledgement there was this copy, who she was pretty sure she would have finished killing if he'd been the one she'd originally faced. She didn't have to imagine something beyond this Gilgamesh, she knew something beyond him.

Her assault on this man seemed to be something he thought to take without injury. Of course, given how he was summoned that wasn't the case. If she was being honest, even the real version of the King of Heroes might have been a bit more cautious of her swinging her sword like that. His body went backward, his chest plate cracked and shattered. His skin charred and he was even knocked away from her. A small smirk came to the Queen of Knights face as she took this in. "I do not think you know what that word means. I am not cocky, my victory is assured..." she said happily. Oh, he planned to rain weapons down on her? Well, she was more or less ready for that eventuality. Her eyes did not move from him and in space in the air. How nostalgic, but also how very different. The last time, the real King of Heroes stood above her like this... she'd been surprised by the weapons he'd dropped upon her, but she'd still danced through them. She would now as well, her eyes concentrating on this man those weapons were sometimes knocked out of the way sometimes moved out of the way of at the last possible second, sometimes they were missed by miles. All the while her weapon was still glowing, 'A single moment always decides victory between the two of us,' she mused. Her dodging would eventually lead to her being within striking range of him, and when she was, she'd jump, using her own support skill to defy gravity. At the same time she'd use Invisible Air to bounce the sword higher still in air above the King of Heroes, so that in the second when she grabbed it again it was already on the downswing. "EXCALIBUR!!" a short charge which would blast away at the man at a higher frequency than her previous blast. It was as if she truly intended to shatter him, overwhelm him with power and force him down. Her own power still lie within the blade so the combination might finally be enough so long as he did not move too much to fell him.

[Bloodedge]

"Fuhaha!" the king laughed, finding the notion that this woman had any assured victory beyond amusing. "A statement such as that is mine to make, to the mongrels in disbelief over how much I thwart them." She would learn soon enough. In a matter of moments, Gilgamesh would show this girl the folly of her audacity, and leave her submitting to him in every way possible. Perhaps he'd make sure she never opened her mouth again... at least for the sake of speaking. Watching the shifting mood upon her face, he actually liked the sound of that. "You are in luck, at the very least. I have decided that I enjoy your face enough to keep it intact. Your open mouth will serve only the purpose of pleasuring the king," he declared. Ah, that put him in a good humor. He was snickering to himself as the next feeble attempt at an attack began past his onslaught of treasures.

As Artoria leapt into the sky with him, he scoffed. Defending against such a meager attack would take nothing more than an expulsion of mana on his part, so that was what he chose to do. The energy burst forth from the king's body, certainly repelling that little light show she called an attack─ except... it didn't quite work as it should have. There was no conceivable way some random little girl calling herself queen could produce something stronger than him, yet that beam was undoubtedly pushing beyond his expulsion. 'Impossible!' he thought. The Heroic Spirit of Gilgamesh was consumed by Excalibur's light wholly, jettisoned once more toward the ground. Soon enough, the Golden King would be seen rising to his knee in a small crater, the dust of impact clearing around him. More Divine Gates were produced in the surrounding area as he scanned for the little queen. "Filth. You'll pay the price for this offense with more than your body, you insufferable woman!"

[Apollymi]

He laughed. Artoria's brows furrowed at the sound. "And the counterfeit proves he is not up to par. That laugh is wrong... it annoys me," Artoria found the words of this false king to be the sort she would have expected from Gilgamesh in fights against others. She realized a long time before now, that when he was feeling particularly arrogant he could easily be thwarted. At the same time, given her second fight against him, she realized that sometimes he deserved to feel that sort of superior, the same way she did. And given the fact that he could do something about the sheer destructive power she normally wielded, he'd earned respect. This carbon copy of what she assumed to be his younger tyrant self, was nothing compared to her King of Heroes. "I have already stated the imitation is not allowed to speak to me that way. And the only one in disbelief is you..." Artoria said this with firmness.

Her attack seemed to do its work and while he actually tried to defend against it, he simply didn't have enough power to completely resist her. He was knocked to a crater in the ground and still he had more to say. Gates had opened up behind him, but they would not deter the Queen of Knights. In this exact instance she saw it. Like a flicker of light she saw the steps she could take to find victory. She hopped on one foot taking hold of her sword with both hands and lifting it to her left shoulder. Her elbows back she launched herself forward off the very mana in the sky and aimed to use herself as a torpedo to fly directly into the body of this version of the King of Heroes. At this downward angle with her own body's increased speed she would reach him in almost an instant. She did not aim to slay him with Excalibur's light, though her sword still glowed even now. No, instead she aimed to strike decisively here and now. If she succeeded he would be run through at his heart as his sentence ended, "The sentence for appearing before me in a state so unbecoming is death. But you are closer to my King of Heroes than I gave you credit for, he also finds me insufferable." These were Artoria swords to the man who'd shown up with the face of the one she'd come to respect.

[Bloodedge]

What was all this nonsense? His laugh was wrong? What did she know of his laugh? Again, there was a reference to some imitation. Here he sat though, battered and nearly beaten. He could not truly call himself Gilgamesh while being in such a disgraceful state. Even while he strangely bore his own mind from the memories he inherited, he refused to accept himself as his own identity while being dealt defeat like this. When would he speak on this, though? Well... that would only come after there was a large sword planted firmly in his chest. Where there should have been a heart, there was instead a Spiritual Core. Even though this Gilgamesh had been capable of existing as a spirit with no master, no Heroic Spirit could exist without a Spiritual Core; it functioned similarly enough to a heart for that to be the case. Ah, but he wouldn't fade away so quickly. Spiritrons gushed from his mouth in the form of blood, and he took hold of Excalibur's blade, gripping until his hand bled as well. "Keck! I imagine whatever version you know finds you nothing less than annoying. Losing to a mongrel like you. I shall grant you this. You are powerful. In the next cycle, I shall repay you in full for being such an annoyance," he stated while his body dissipated into particles, scattering to the wind around that Holy Sword.

There was a strange occurrence this day. Gilgamesh vanished, becoming only a card with an insignia belonging to the Archer Class. With his disappearance came the closing of those Divine Gates, and the disappearance of all weapons he'd brought forth... bar one. That bloody sword he threw aside earlier had gone nowhere. Simply put, it was no belonging of Gilgamesh, but instead something that came of the earth itself. As it slowly sank back into the ground below, a slightly melancholic, incredibly androgynous voice could be heard from the somewhat distant sands. A figure was approaching, clearly possessing rather long hair despite being otherwise obscured by the sand. "Haah? I thought it was strange that he'd gotten so weak. I guess that thing having his presence was just a lie after all. What a shame..."

[Apollymi]

Artoria's path was clear and she'd already declared her victory. So when she stopped in front of this man she knew her sword was where it was meant to be. The Queen of Knights looked this man in the eye and felt against her blade, not a shattered bleeding heart, but instead something else. Oh? So these summons shared at least one major weakness with their human counterparts? Well that was good. She was happy in the moment she went for such a death blow... she didn't like wasting so much energy on a single target. In a moment like this something hidden just below her emerald colored eyes shifted. There was something ever so delightful flowing through the body of the Queen of Knights. It was something she felt often when she took a life, when saw utter defeat and surrender at the end of a battle. It was once upon a time, something she enjoyed in her various methods of assassination. But here and now, it could be called the rush of true victory. So, there was nothing but a small smirk on her face when this version of the King of Heroes held onto her blade and had a few choice words to share with her. She was strong? He didn't doubt his other self found her annoying? He would repay her for being annoying in the next cycle. "The collection of such a debt would belong to my King of Heroes, though I am sure he will know..." she said. There was honor in this victory and sweetness in this death. There was a bit of relief in Artoria Pendragon, as her anger at the situation surrounding the death of her King of Heroes finally had an outlet she could take joy in. He dissipated into particles, even though he once had blood pouring from his mouth. And then as the wind blew all those particles away there was nothing left of him but a class card for Archer Gilgamesh. "I see..." she said picking up the card and holding it in her hands. The rest of his attacks also disappeared but that one sword with her blood on it remained a while longer than the others. 'I do not have a good feeling about this...' she thought though she still could not bring herself to do anything but take the first relaxing breath.

Artoria in this moment relaxed her shoulders, throwing her blade over her shoulder and speaking to it in kind as she looked to this card. "Your proving went well... I shall take you and count as one of my favorites until my most trusted returns to me," she said to the sword seeming to find it strong. It did not show the same limits as her own Excalibur she felt the ease of drawing on its power, and knew she couldn't hold it forever but while she could, she would enjoy it. "Not to worry though, I know someone else will also take care of you later. You have no reason for concern," she said to the sword. Only to see a figure approaching in the distance. "Eri-nee it is really unhealthy relationship," said Jeanne about the way she talked to her weapons. Her sister had been like this her entire life and the younger sister of the Queen of Knights wondered if she knew how odd such a thing was. What a strange voice it had... she couldn't make it out from here whether it was a man or a woman but its words were definitely about the fallen card of the King of Heroes. That voice wasn't one she knew, but given the disappearance of that weapon she wondered if something was amiss with the way this system worked. "Who goes there?" Artoria said as she planted her sword before her. She would wait and see. She was at least not the type to attack an unarmed person and not the type to fight anyone unwilling who was also undeserving of ire. Even so... there was a terrible feeling in the pit of her stomach about what was actually approaching her now.

[Bloodedge]

Who goes there, the smaller of two women asked of the lone figure. Inhuman eyes somewhere between green and gold were the first things to become visible on the approaching person. At that point, no further steps were taken. Features were unobscured by the flowing sands over several moments. Those long locks of hair were a beautiful, shimmering light-green, and the figure's ensemble was naught but a plain white tunic. Barehanded and looking none too wealthy, there was something notably unremarkable about this person. Their vaguely childlike features were indicative of neither man nor woman. Their lustrous skin and soft features were reminiscent of a woman, but their loose tunic further obscured their sex by hiding their physique, making it impossible to see their chest and hips, and making it difficult to discern if they were even actually human. They had firm and taut limbs with rough hands and feet like those of men, and their body seemed like a coiled spring ready to rocket forth. Regardless of gender, this person could be referred to as unquestionably beautiful. Even with a face that looked human, it could be called inhuman simply because it was "too perfect" to be such. "Me?" they finally asked as another breeze caused locks with an ethereal glow about them to billow briefly. Their introduction would be a simple one, made while pointing at the card in Artoria's hand. "I am but a tool for that one's use. Though, I suppose those are not the hands that should wield me. I'm almost relieved for that to be the case. And you are? I heard you lay claim to the throne of Uruk. Tell me, is the former king no longer of this world?"

[Apollymi]

Beautiful. That was Artoria's first thought upon seeing this person. She'd recently become very aware of the looks and appeals of others, and as such she often found herself having such mental conversations about the physical attractiveness of others. Green hair, light eyes and a perfect face. Artoria couldn't help but like the look of this person and she found that strange. Jeanne on the other hand saw this person as well and immediately became confused. This person was stunning, but also did not have any hard differentiators. "Eri-nee is this a man or a woman?" asked Jeanne truly a most innocent question. "I honestly am unsure myself... I believe the only appropriate answer is yes," Artoria mentioned with a small smirk on her face. Of course, there was a matter of who this person was, and all the introduction she got was a point to the card in her hand an some information about being a tool for use. Artoria looked at that card and back at the person standing before her. "I see... you are the statue, the one known as Enkidu," she said those words softly stunned by how this man referred to himself. "It is sad to hear you talk about yourself that way, the King of Heroes adores you, and you are his only friend," she commented.

At such words, Jeanne d'Arc snorted casually, "You don't get to say things like that Eri-nee! We've been telling you that exact same thing for years!" the girl claimed which made Artoria look at her sister and sigh. She saw herself as a weapon too, a tool to be used for the sake of ending lives, but her family didn't agree with her ideology. Was this what it felt like for them? "Sssh, we can talk about it later, Emi." Artoria said softly. "My name is Artoria Pendragon, I am the Queen of Knights... I have been sitting on that throne, yes..." she said seeming to wonder how to approach the matter of the King of Heroes. This man was his friend she would not lie to him, perhaps if he encountered him as well, he would help convince him to take better care of himself. "If you seek the King of Heroes, he is apparently vacationing in what this land calls Irkalla. But he is coming back without question. No one else would have sent me such a ridiculous message. And I am caring for this nation in his absence." Artoria was still upset that the King of Heroes died on her but she'd take care of that when he returned. She was less angry now, so perhaps she'd find it easier to avoid trying to kill him when he finally popped back up.

[Bloodedge]

While Artoria and Jeanne were discussing their visitor's gender, the green-haired individual was wondering quite a few things. Why had their friend appeared in such a way? Surely Uruk was not more than a thousand kilometers from their current location, so why could they not sense his presence? Ah... he was truly dead then, as mentioned by the woman who offered her name. Apparently, the King of Heroes as she phrased it would be returning without fail. How very... strange. "Hmm. He finally let himself go, huh? That's a shame," Enkidu stated. As for them being Gilgamesh's only friend, well... that was always a ridiculous notion. They remembered when those words were spoken so many years ago, thinking it was precisely what the King of Uruk did not need to decide. "Ahahahaha!" the weapon in human form laughed. "Did he really stick behind that stupid declaration?" The laughter continued until Enkidu held both their face and stomach, seeming almost pained from the hilarity. "My dear brother, you are this world's greatest fool! Did the words not leave my mouth in those final moments? Who will understand you? Who will march forward by your side? Who will take the steps beyond a mad tyrant and meet the man he guards behind lock and key?" they muttered. Enkidu laughed and laughed, but it was manic and joined by weeping. That stupid old king, what was he thinking?

To the woman who claimed the throne during Gilgamesh's absence, Enkidu had more words to share. "Kur has taken my brother's soul, and you have taken his chair. Artoria Pendragon, was it? I hope my brother would greet you with a thousand praises and hold you high. Tell me, has he put his faith in another? And... tell me, am I truly here? I feel as though I draw breath, but the world is strange to me now. I long for my brother, but I fear this body is the same as that thing in your hand: a mere imitation with memories of a man who once lived."

[Apollymi]

"A shame for him. I am still not sure he will not experience a second death by my hand for allowing such a thing... as his death before I saw him again," Artoria griped. She was obviously still upset, though the death of the card version of him had given her quite a bit of therapy for her unexpressed frustration. She was still heated by the idea that he had died without waiting for her to come to him. It had only taken seven days. He'd waited 10 years for her to win her Holy Grail. The words that came from Enkidu implied that he remembered his life up to his death. Artoria was left to ponder why this one was so much himself and why that version of Gilgamesh was so far back? She could also only laugh at the King of Heroes choices, especially about his only friend. "That ridiculous man, of fucking course he stuck with it!" she chimed in seeming to understand a bit how Enkidu must have felt. Of course, she did. She'd seen how Gilgamesh felt about this person, she could only imagine they both held each other in the same high esteem. When you cared for someone like that, you did not wish to see them falter nor make decisions that were bad for themselves. Even the Queen of Knights understood this. "Language!" spouted the Queen of Saints after Artoria's outburst which only made her wave off the lass. Of course, that would be her problem here. Even so, Jeanne had noticed the nice way her sister had been referencing King Gilgamesh of late. The number of threats aimed towards him for the end of his life, and what was more, the sadness she was sure she felt without her ability to speak to him personally. Her sister was quite obviously in love, whether she knew what such a feeling was herself or not. At the same time, both women saw this individual laugh themselves to tears thinking about the ridiculous decision made by their friend. He wanted better for the King of Heroes, and the King of Heroes wanted his friend. Jeanne found herself tearing up... "They're so sad, Eri-nee... but it sounds like they were such good friends! I want to be happy for them," she mentioned with tears running down her face. She jumped once more and Artoria opened her arms without hesitation. "I feel the same way. Hearing talk of Enkidu is what made me curious in the first place..." Artoria admitted while patting her sister's back.

As for the questions of this weapon, Artoria would answer them honestly. This was the King of Heroes friend and he deserved nothing more than her respect. Besides all of that this one did not maintain the same odd aura of the other card she'd taken. She felt this person's purity in a similar fashion that she felt her sisters. This person did nothing and would get nothing but honor from the Queen of Knights. "As if I would allow such a thing..." she said about receiving praise from the King of Heroes. "Eri-nee, I do not think you can argue about being potentially happy to see him, when you keep referring to him as your King of Heroes~" Jeanne mentioned making Artoria's eyes widen. Surely she hadn't been saying that aloud. In truth she wanted him to show up so she could lecture him on his lack of self-care, she also missed him and was disappointed she did not get to see him. "Moving on." Artoria was always one to put her feelings deep into herself never to acknowledge them unless she had to. "I know not how you quantify faith, but there are at least a couple of people he does not push so far away. The blessed wine-maker, Siduri, who he met on his journey, is a dependable woman with motherly qualities who is capable of reeling him in. And Medusa whom me met in the Holy Grail War both works for him of her own accord. He has done quite a bit for this place in the last few decades, with both of them to lend a hand. The other grail holders have no problems with him, myself, this one... " she said pointing to the girl in her arms. "And the Pharaohs of Egypt, have all given him the benefit of the doubt," she explained of her own knowledge. Ah, but now was the hard question to answer, and though she was honest, it still was not a pleasant thing to have to tell anyone. She gave her sister a little pat to send her back where she had been and faced this individual. Her eyes traced over them and she gave the most honest answer she could. "I do not think you are. While you do not possess the same taint as the counterfeit King of Heroes. You seem to have been summoned into this world by the same method," she said carefully. "You are not living in the true sense, of the word but you are here in this world a long time after you were originally here."