Finis Chaldea

[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.