Finis Chaldea

[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."