The pirate captain and Gilgamesh's newest acquisition were off to feast, leaving the king himself in the throne room with only Orihime and Siduri. The former expressed shock over the quality of her new items, while Gilgamesh seemed completely indifferent. "They are trinkets," he said with a sigh. The overvaluing of common Artifacts was something Gilgamesh could almost view as an epidemic. All of his possessions were of the highest quality, and the people beneath him would be no exception to this law of reality. These newcomers would understand soon enough. Moving on, Orihime spoke of her intention to change out of those rags. It was about time she chose to be more presentable. He would not keep her from a visage befitting one of his own underlings, but there was one additional thing he required of her. With said thing in mind, he spoke while waving the girl off. "Off with you then. When you are done, I will need you to speak with the next girl to join these ranks. She is to be brought here immediately."
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The King of Heroes claimed that the things he gave were mere trinkets. Though he did not seem the type to change his mind, both herself and the new girl Belris were mages. As mages they both were both aware of how truly outlandish the items they had received were, perhaps it was different up here? She was certain of this even without speaking directly to Belris. Maybe people here were all really strong, never faced anyone who could harm them easily or something like that. Whatever the case, she could only commend his attitude. Right now, even so deep into his roleplay, he truly was a cut above the rest in this reality. She couldn't fault him for that. She was now being shooed away to dress and make her announcement, but beyond that point there was apparently the desire to have her speak with the girl that had been identified by Belris. "Hai, I'll be ready for that..." Those were the final words of Orihime spoken aloud as she went back to her rooms to change into this new clothing of hers.
By the time she left only Siduri and Gilgamesh were left in the room. He'd mentioned that mage being picked up with haste, and it made the veiled woman wonder who would be going to fetch her. Obviously Siduri could and would do so if he desired, or he could send someone else to get her regardless. It did not really matter. Overall, the woman was just happy to see the man interacting with others.Comment
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"Good. I will be watching your progress closely," said Gilgamesh as the girl departed. Things were looking up as of late. Artoria could go about enjoying her little war, and he would continue making preparations for the day she finally crossed the threshold of his chamber door. The one called Yamuraiha would be among the most necessary acquisitions for the sake of advancement. She, combined with the likes of Belris and Orihime, with Siduri heading the lot of them in his absence, could easily maintain Uruk without the sense of Gilgamesh's abilities missing very much. So, he would keep the throne occupied for the time being, letting his new forces work for the better of all, including themselves. Within a day, Yamuraiha would be brought in just as the other two had been, becoming Uruk's artificer. Within two days, a young male named Kalim was brought in to act as master and handler of beasts, as well as the new leading cook of the citadel. On the third day, he acquired the alchemist Sumai. Four days passed, and the final addition to his ranks for the moment appeared. Akeem, a wandering Druid of Chaldea in recent years, was called upon to become courier and rune-caster to aid the artificer. Then, the fifth day was upon them...
On that fifth day, eight total nights had passed over the battlefield of Artoria Pendragon and Lucius Tiberius. This land would know no fertility for quite some time. Grass appeared only in patches consisting of a few blades, if every inch of the earth hadn't been overturned already. Trees were fallen, broken and splintered. Dark splotches littered the land as days-old blood coagulated and settled to stain dirt and stone. Lucius, however, bore only a single wound. He presently bled from his chest, which had been left covered by only a few shreds of fabric after numerous lacerations that had since healed themselves. After an entire week and then some managed to pass him by, he was quite low on mana to fuel his blade, and all too satisfied to be in such a situation. Alas, Lucius Tiberius was never low on strength. Even now, he was managing a mighty descent of his blade. The wind howled just as he did, screeching around his sword as it cleaved through the air. The emperor's aim was to split Artoria's head here and now, dragging his sword through the whole of her body to end this encounter at last.Comment
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On the same day she'd gone to change clothes, Orihime, had given a single broadcast. An announcement addressing the 'War' in Albion. All in Chaldea could bear witness to the young woman with her orange hair in an acutely designed outfit. A vertical window in her cleavage, puffy sleeves and large brown eyes. In a moment she seemed to gain the whole attention of the world as she explained the situation. She spent some time explaining the nature of the battle and that the whole of Chaldea's upper echelons knew what was going on in the Queen of Knights country. Instead of making it sound like something dangerous and hopeless, her address sounded rather hopeful and put a lot of faith in the Queen of Knights based on her own feats. The woman who slayed the white titan, who called the Knights of the Round Table her subjects, the one who brought her country up of her own accord winning two holy grail wars in the process. She was not a woman to be worried about, she was a woman to have faith in. "You do not have to worry for the sake of the Queen of Knights nor those who sit at her table. Look forward to her victory."
Such an interesting message delivered to the masses seemed to calm them in some ways. But one who wasn't calm, was the Queen of Knights herself. She'd been fighting for over a week, and seemingly only making progress a single cut at a time. Even so, she still had a smile on her face, a battle like this was a struggle and the struggle was the most fun part of the battle. She could not wear out this man physically, instead this became a race for mana which was strangely one she thought she could win in most cases. She'd once been awake for a fortnight straight. She'd fought against the Chains of Heaven for three days straight and this fight which marred an entire battlefield and decorated it with the blood and clothing of two would see an entire eight of that same pair dancing. And what part of the dance had they come to? The blade of Lucius was descending upon Artoria with just as much power as he always possessed. Excalibur was moved to be held horizontally protecting her from this downward strike. The currently visible blade glowing in her hand as she forced mana into it, and her upper body augmenting her physical strength against his strike. If their blades were normal, she didn't doubt they would have broken over the clash, still she aimed to push further, push through. Her own blade seemed to gain sharpness as the wind-based mana flowed through it, augmented by her own holy magic. She aimed to eat away at that blade she'd seen the truth of. And if she managed to break it, she'd follow through the only way she could, one clean stroke decapitation. It was Artoria who sought this victory, but would she claim it?Comment
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The message of Orihime reached the whole of Finis Chaldea. Even the knights observing Artoria's battle had received it. Lancelot observed the display with great interest. There was a newscast in Chaldea now? Nice, he thought. Whoever this reporter was had been an excellent choice as well, but he'd concern himself with that later. More days of battle were to follow, until a single moment finally decided things.
That moment was soon to come. A single strike attempt resulted in a clash of swords. Neither party would be giving any headway; this was soon to end one way or another. Though Lucius' entire life purpose had been the slaying of Artoria Pendragon, he didn't care about that at all. No, this was a far greater use for his existence, discovered over a glorious eight day battle. He'd kill her if the moment arose, and if he died instead... he'd come back to try again. Nothing could top this! In fact, as he felt the pressure of her sword against his own, Lucius came to a realization. If he split the woman in twain, what then? When would he receive such a challenge again after this? Well, surely they were similar enough that she would come back to chase victory as well. Yes, that was sensible.
Whatever the case, it seemed he wouldn't have to give it much consideration. Even as his remaining mana swelled and passed through his blade, Lucius could feel severance coming. He felt the start of his own sword being cut, and the following second seemed to occur in slow motion. Realization struck without regret; a smile even grew on the emperor's face. 'So that's what it is,' he thought, knowing his blade would not meet flesh again in this life. Instead, Artoria's wind-sheathed tool cleaved through his own to carve a clear path to, and through, his neck. Mere seconds of consciousness remained in his mind alone. Half of Lucius' sword fell, followed by his head and body, separately. Just like that, the empire of Roma would come to an end with the fall of its emperor. Perhaps he'd go for a different focus in the next life. Either way, his goals had already been determined. . .Comment
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A decisive clash finally occurred for the battle between Artoria Pendragon and Lucius Tiberius. Strangely, even while realizing such a moment would happen, and knowing she would not find hesitation in her soul at the moment of victory... she could honestly say she'd grown to like the man fighting against her. In the moment where her blade was still moving forward through his broken sword, Artoria found herself smiling at the man as well. Fire in her eyes as she watched the recognition of this moment play across his. "That was fun, come back soon, friend." Those few whispered words happened as his sword and body parts fell separately on the battlefield. That smile on Artoria's face remained for quite a few seconds as it turned into gentle giggles. That was well and truly challenging, if he came back she'd have to make sure she was ready to face him again. There was an amused light in her eyes as the dust settled. Her hair was loose, it'd popped free of that bun sometime in the last few days. Her sword was dirty, she'd have to take care of that. Her own face was also filthy but her body had no wounds to show. Even that dress now connected to her mana, seemed to have repaired itself. Her sword rose in the air shining like a beacon of her victory before she straightened her posture. Oh, she was comfortable now... she walked back towards the waiting men here and now, and those of Lucius' army who remained, while stepping over his body.
She planted Excalibur before herself as she addressed the crowd of the now fallen Roma, "Hear me now, soldiers of the lands below and spread it to your so-called kings and emperors. You will rise to this plane in peace... or be sent back down to the ground you crawled up from in pieces. These declarations of war will not be tolerated. You have been warned you will not be again." the Queen's proclamation came and Mordred seemed almost excited. Such a clear declaration. It was amazing. "Take your Emperor and bury him properly, and leave my land in peace. I will not make such an offer a second time." Mordred was practically jittery. Was this what the Queen was? A powerhouse who killed in one moment and offered benevolence and dignity in the next?! Was this what happened when one wore the visage of an almighty ruler. 'She's so cool! I want to be just like her!' these were the thoughts of a young knight. With that one cleared Artoria turned back to her own knights approached first and foremost, Gareth. "I require a ribbon do you have one?" she asked of the girl who removed her wrist guard and offered one pristine white ribbon. "Thank you, Little Wolf~" she mentioned. "We ride for Camelot. Ready yourselves..." Artoria said but she was still smiling. in a surprisingly good mood as she put her hair up in a casual ponytail to keep it from bouncing around her shoulders while she rode.Comment
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On the lower world, an era was coming to its climactic end. The empire of Roma had once consumed the supercontinent below, and the individual continents after breaking apart would have eventually been reined back in. None of that would come. Lucius Tiberius would not be the returning soul, and it could be assumed that none below could pick up the empire as it was. One more thing tacked onto the record of Artoria Pendragon, it seemed. By the time of the queen's return, Lancelot was clapping slowly. He'd been awake and watching for eight days, unlike Galahad who currently slept on horseback. "Good show," the older knight said in the moments following Artoria's declaration. In the meantime, former soldiers of Lucius were carrying off body and sword, making their way back to the lower world. "I think I'll wait a while on that next training session. That's enough action even for me," Lancelot concluded while hopping onto his horse, nudging Galahad awake. "Oi, move it!" he said, having the smaller male shift until there was room to occupy the horse.Comment
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A slow clap greeted Artoria as she approached her group. Of course, Lancelot always had something interesting to say when he witnessed such moments. What would it be this time? Artoria kept an ear open after sheathing Excalibur, while tying her hair up. Good show, but he would be avoiding his next training session for some time to come? "As long as you do not allow yourself to rust away. I suppose a bit of rest is in order for the lot of you," she said knowing they'd been fighting for a long while of the time she'd been missing. Having handled this particular problem she also had something she rather swiftly needed to do... she was about a thousand years late on a night out she'd promised to attend and was still in possession of the Golden King's Armor. Everyone was soon up and Artoria was content to ride back to Camelot. Victory was upon the Knights of the Round Table and all of Camelot and it was time for a feast and relaxation for all present.
Mordred remained mostly silent but one could practically see the sparkles coming off that young knight's head piece. They were star-struck weren't they? Yes, that was probably the most accurate way to describe the feelings of Mordred. In that person's eyes, Artoria Pendragon was the perfect Queen and could do no wrong. eight days of fighting before decapitating a man in a single moment and then, the dignity to send off his men with his body and a declaration. Poise, kindness, unreachable might and then a return to her normal slightly distant relationship with her Knights. Giving them time off after she'd carried the whole of that fight's effort on her own? Too nice! What did they actually mean she was inhuman? That was the most humane end to a warlord that could happen. He got to die in battle and Artoria got to fight him to the death. And then they all were able to travel back home. Mordred would spend the night's feast simply looking pleased while staring at the queen. At the table all were eating and it was all well. Artoria spent time with them in the guise of peace as they'd not done so properly since her return. And because later she'd be announcing a walk.Comment
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While the Knights of Camelot had their feast in the wake of Artoria's victory, the soldiers of Roma were only just returning. News of an emperor's fall would spread quickly in the lower world, even reaching the first king of Roma who was approached to pick up the war effort against Albion. A man tan of skin with dark blue hair received a request from a very small group of individuals who knew he remained alive from previous wars, even though they knew not where he'd disappeared to. To think that others expected him to take up a war effort when he knew the stupid cause behind it, the man could only laugh at his own people. "Roma is the world. The world is Roma. Tiberius is no longer Roma, so Roma should not act on his desire. Besides, it was never his to begin with. Let it end," he advised, abstaining from any return to rule. He was, however, made interested in the goings-on of that land in the sky. He'd once had the opportunity to rise taken from him. In the aftermath, there had been a different sort of ascension not for Roma, but for the man himself. He would one day unveil glorious purpose, but... it would not be today, nor would it be for the purpose of a false god.Comment
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So, all would end. War, feasting, and even the praises and questions of everyone present. Eventually, Artoria would clean her sword and prepare to embark on a journey. When sleep found her she woke the next day stretched and prepared. She'd given the knights a day or two of reprieve and they could go back to their duties as they wished in the next week. Beyond that point though, Artoria was prepared for her walk and she would be taking it very soon. In fact, she announced such a thing in front of most of the Knights with a smile on her face and very little by way of resistance. "I am going on a walk!" she proclaimed with finality. The Lady Kay looked at the young woman taking in her appearance. Hair perfect, the lighter version of her normally super layered frilly dress, that tiny bit of gold peaking out from under her collar, and a strange light in her eyes. There was only one place the green eyed lass would be walking to at a time like this. Still, Kay couldn't resist a bit of teasing. "Like a real walk where you come home with a body? Or the other kind where you come home having been given presents?" Kay asked seeming to be amused beyond all reason. A scoff escaped Artoria as she managed only to just hold her visage a bit. "I am returning something..." Artoria managed, only barely to not touch that little piece of gold which was visible under the collar of her dress. "I have had it in my possession for a few months. I will not be returning with haste though... would it be too much to ask?" Artoria said tentatively. A grin spread across the older woman's face. "Absolutely not too much to ask. I am sure after knowing about your victory over the Sword Emperor it will be a while yet before any cross Albion without the best of intentions. Go and have fun... we await your return," she said.
Mordred found the announcement of Artoria strange. She was going on a walk and not taking anyone with her? Was that truly alright a thing to do? Shouldn't they worry? "Is Father truly just going to leave without escort or even someone to defend her on her walk? Surely, if she is only returning something someone should go with her..." asked Mordred, seeming to find the whole of it strange. Mordred would have gladly accompanied Artoria anywhere she wished to go. Their Queen was perfect and none could stop her from undertaking what she wanted to do.Comment
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Artoria announced her 'walk' in usual fashion, though with a hint of something... more than the usual combat-based expedition. Some understood the purpose of this, some did not care to think of it, and some (Yes, Gawain) believed it was not their place to pry regardless. The youngest member of the Round Table, however, seemed to have the wrong idea in their head. Mordred thought some sort of escort should be required during this trip, but the experienced knights who followed Artoria Pendragon had known better for... well over a millennium. It would be Mordred's own brother/cousin who spoke immediately after the young knight. "I last wondered that sort of thing long before I was a knight. If Unc─" He paused, clearing his throat quickly. "If our queen desired an escort, I am sure she would say so. If there is anything she should be defended from, it would take enough of us that it wouldn't be called a walk." Gawain recalled the few times it had been necessary for others to accompany Camelot's queen. Most recently, the only required assistance came with the presence of a world-ending alien deity. With that thought in mind, Gawain rose from his seat, thinking to take a trip to the kitchen. "Come, Mordred. Has anyone told you about the White Titan yet? I'll tell you all about it while I prepare lunch."Comment
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Many wouldn't be questioning the Queen of Knights. Gawain was among those who chose not to do so for the sake of simply believing in her. Mordred considered that brother of theirs to be a bit of a 'uncle's boy' always seeming to go along with whatever Artoria said. Even so, this mention of confusion surrounding the actions of this supposed walk were apparently something they could explain. The queen according to him, would ask if she wished for an escort. He made the claim beyond that if there was something she would have required assistance to handle it would have required more than one of them to deal with. What did he mention to entice Mordred into hearing out what sort of things he meant? A tale of battle! Well, Mordred had recently been there to observe the queen fighting, of course... the tale of this particular battle was not one they were familiar with. "Never heard of it. Well, it was mentioned in that broadcast that she was part of the effort but... I don't even know what that is," mentioned Mordred. They would contentedly follow Gawain off to hear stories of the queen's glory all the while being almost obsessive about learning everything they could about the perfect queen.
At the same time, Artoria dispensed with the apparent teasing of her person. Gave a nod of understanding to Kay and headed off on her particular adventure. She walked initially to a quiet lake, mostly as a method of calming herself because she was in fact rather excited by her own nature. But by the time she reached the lake, she dropped in Excalibur as if nothing was amiss. It would return from the depths in the hands of Vivian who managed to look surprised but not truly. "Ah, look at you! Hot date tonight?" she asked seeming to find amusement in the immediate reddening of Artoria's face. "Shut it, Fae Princess..." she snapped quickly which only caused laughter. "Aww, don't be like that... I was only teasing. You do look pretty cute though~" she said giving it a bit of thought. "If you are going to do the thing you do not wish to actually discuss with me though... you should probably hand me Avalon," she said carefully moving around the subject. Artoria looked at her older sister with skepticism but saw no deception in her words. "Why would I do that?" she asked seeming to not understand as she was about to sink her sword back into its sheath. "Because Avalon passively heals you at a greater speed than most damage you can take. I am sure you realize how sex would actually work for a virgin like yourself... unless you are trying to develop a chocolate level of kink, you probably do not want to experience being a virgin repeatedly while being in the company of your King of Heroes~" she teased just a bit. And Artoria looked at her sister a bit stunned. Her brain started moving. Sex involved penetration. She'd seen the size of his 'divine tool'. Did she want to potentially heal something so painful to experience it again?! Artoria's face immediately reddened. "I am never speaking of this again," she said, but she still handed over Avalon without a second thought. "Why chocolate?" that was the follow up. She'd never heard such a reference before and was now experiencing a new level of confusion.Comment
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Into the kitchen Gawain went, taking a moment to peruse the available ingredients across various cabinets. As he did so, he considered where he should begin with the tale Mordred knew nothing of. She heard only the broadcast, Mordred herself said. Ah yes... her. As the oldest of knights who shared their bloodline, he had an eye for the secret natures each of his siblings possessed. Mordred was an especially strange case, but... he'd also been the one to know Artoria when she was Prince Arthur. Whatever the case, it was time to begin the story. "It was hundreds of years ago now; probably over a thousand. When Albion rose, I believe only a week passed before all of Chaldea and the world below were endangered by a giant, white creature. That thing was a monster. Every movement shook the continent, and it could have easily killed anyone it hit directly. Our queen was away for a short while when it happened," Gawain explained, pausing as he pulled an old radish from the pantry. He sighed, tossing the thing into a waste bin. These people needed to eat more vegetables. "More gone to waste. Can anyone eat something besides meat? Percival makes too many exceptions," he complained as if saddened.
Rummaging for more choices, Gawain thought for a moment about where he'd left off in the story. Ah, yes. "Anyway, we fought and fought for a very long time. We the knights, the great Pharaohs of Egypt, even the Holy Maiden and her... dragon companion, fought our hardest just to keep the world safe from it. There was nothing else we could do. It was not until our Queen Artoria and King Gilgamesh of Mesopotamia returned that it could be felled. Suddenly, an impossible victory became a walk in the park. Our queen broke her sword initially, but that didn't prove much of a problem in the end." While Gawain spoke, he searched and search. Eventually, a twinkle appeared in his eye as he pulled from the pantry... a very large leek. "Leek soup? What do you think, Mordred?"Comment
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Mordred sat in the kitchen atop a counter as Gawain explained the nature of this fight against a white titan as he called it. The power of such a creature made it seem truly frightening and though his story was broken up by various mentions of food related issue, the core of it was still the same. The Queen had shown up during a fight where recognized good fighters could not win and achieved victory though impossible. 'So cool!' Ah, but there was another mention in there that she did not understand. That King Gilgamesh from Mesopotamia, who was that and why was he included in this moment of the Queen's glory. "I'll eat leek soup but, could I get like some steak or something on the side?" she asked as if this was a perfectly normal request to make. "I don't know of this King Gilgamesh either. He was mentioned then too... but why? You make it sound like he is in some way comparable to Father or on the same level. I don't like it." There was a certain bratty pout accompanied by such a statement as arms crossed over armored chest. If a face had been visible there would have been a clear pout present complete with poked out bottom lip. Mordred did not like the idea of anyone being truly comparable to the Queen. They'd reached a strange point in their idolization and would not let the imagine they had be tarnished by riff-raff.
Meanwhile, Artoria was about to be schooled in the nature of sex by her older sister. Or at the very least be given the answer to the question of why her older sister referred to such a thing as constant virginity as a 'chocolate kink'. Vivian could only smile as she thought of the first time she'd seen herself having this conversation with her sister. She'd never imagined the day would actually come. It was quite exciting, "Well, little sister since you asked..." Vivian stated preparing to blow the girl's mind. "Sex is like Neapolitan ice cream," she said which made Artoria look at her strangely. "Go on..." she said not getting this food reference. "It has three distinct flavors in separate stripes all in one. And most times, you choose your stripes and you do not tarry too far outside. Vanilla would be like the sort of things they show in PG-13 to R rated movies. Simple, innocent free of anything extra, all romance-filled but sweet." Vivian explained as if she'd put a great deal of thought into it. "Then there is strawberry for those who like a little bit more excitement. Not the sort of thing that could count as odd, just a little spicy, ya' know? Still sweet but less innocent... you know a bit more flavorful, props, dress up, the kinds of things you find in romance novels~" she explained of the second flavor. "Chocolate is for the special few. You do not get chocolate unless you go looking for chocolate. And if you are going looking for it, chances are you are already into it. Cursed tags, things that require safe words and their own language... chocolate kinks aren't for the faint of heart and you have to develop those... you don't usually start with them," she said. "Understand?" That question made Artoria look at her sister in sheer shock. "Actually, yes I am pretty sure I understand, in theory at least. That is a very strange metaphor, but... surprisingly concise. You have my thanks," she said to her sister. A second there after, Vivian took her hand to drop her outside of the Kingdom of Uruk, knowing her sister would prefer to walk up herself.Comment
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Leek soup was a go, according to Mordred. Excellent! It was about time this band of knights shoved something healthy into their faces! Sadly, Mordred requested steak... as a side. What sort of question was that? Well, there was a need to balance the meal, but he noticed that despite there being no shortage to speak of, there was les red meat than he believed they should've had available. "I swear, what has Percival been allowing lately? Given the amount missing, I would think twice about serving red meat at all today, much less for lunch. I know you are still young, but wouldn't you prefer fowl?" he asked. As Gawain saw it, this group needed something lean now and then.
Mordred spoke of King Gilgamesh, whom she had no real knowledge of. Frankly, Gawain doubted anyone outside of his own country knew much about that man, bar what appeared on the surface. As for why he was mentioned, there was only a single fact to be given about it. "Ah. You still don't have your own sword; I'm sorry for not explaining. If you are acknowledged as a high-standing member of the Round Table, there is a chance you'll receive one of Excalibur's sisters. They each function somewhat differently, with Excalibur itself channeling power through its tip. When it broke, our queen kept using it. Its attack without a tip though, was something wild and uncontrollable, if not for the use of King Gilgamesh's... I'm honestly not sure how to put it. It was like a red wind that sucked in everything, including the White Titan and Excalibur's light." In the middle of this explanation, Gawain went about collecting leeks, potatoes and garlic. He still wasn't completely sure about the meat that would accompany this dish, but he was keen to start preparation on the soup itself. "Would you like to help, Mordred? I plan to use the tops of these leeks for the stock," he asked, willing to accept the younger one's aid if it suited her. "I don't know how those two compare to one another. Uncle won the Holy Grail War they fought in, though she didn't seem as pleased about it as she normally does after winning a great battle. He is apparently the ruler of the world, though, and... Uncle's future husband, if you were to ask him. Rather, you wouldn't have to ask him. Just put our queen in the same room, and I am sure you would hear something along those lines from him regardless."Comment
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