Finis Chaldea

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!"

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.

"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. . .

"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.

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."

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."

"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.

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.

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.

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.