Finis Chaldea

[Bloodedge]

The one to answer him was not the very same one he'd offered the question to. More importantly, the answer was not at all an affirmative one. Hope, she spoke of after her lips gently met his forehead. Hope, she'd use in regards to any potential heir. It would be best stated that hope was something she applied to the future in its entirety. Gilgamesh did not share this hope. Matters were black and white, depending on which future he moved toward. Perhaps this clash of ideals would pave the way to something new─ something exhilarating. "Hmph. As you wish," he said.

Whether the queen's hope was something worthwhile or not, the immediate future was something determined by both parties in this room. He was to make an 'offering' as deeply as he could, according to the woman herself. How pointless; that instruction wasn't the least bit necessary for him to do so. Without hesitation and without fail, Gilgamesh would plunge one final time, breaching the final barrier to a new home. Not a drop would be wasted as it escaped his tool, even if it remained plentiful enough to flood the womb and flow back around his girth. Gilgamesh gleaned a strange amount of satisfaction from this feeling. In all the centuries of his life, and countless bedroom escapades, he'd never seemed so thoroughly pleased. This was something Gilgamesh himself took note of, and as such... he'd never let himself settle for life without the experience.

[Apollymi]

Hope was what she offered, and it appeared it was accepted. Technically speaking it was fine that they would not always have the same kinds of thoughts surrounding every single moment. As one without foresight nor the ability to choose the best path, Artoria had always walked towards her desired future one step at a time. She'd take the same approach to any random thing she thought about, regardless of the potential outcomes.

In this moment however, the outcome was as clear to her as it was to him. A filling she'd requested and one she would be provided as soon as he breached that final wall of hers. That feeling gave such satisfaction, a minor hiccup left the lass. That strange and warm sensation made her nether pulse and convulse as she reached the ultimate level of ecstasy. Was this something she could ever ignore after knowing how good it was? Maybe not... even so, she'd resigned herself to the care of Gilgamesh, she supposed it was fine to depend on him to deliver if she found herself in need. A giggle escaped her soon after, as many battles as she'd fought in her life, as enjoyable as she found the glory of combat, this was something she could enjoy just as much. "Hehe... hahaha... Hahahahah!~" she seemed to laugh harmoniously though almost hysterically for a few seconds. "Alright, I will admit... that is good and so are you," she mentioned as her body began to lose all tension and those legs of hers had their muscles jump without her consent or understanding. Oh... that's why they were going to be useless.

[Bloodedge]

In the wake of his final expulsion, there were many reactions Artoria Pendragon could have. The list was long, so long, and yet... there was only one reaction worth any salt. The very same way she ended the most enjoyable battles, was how she chose to end several days of fornication. She... laughed. It was pleasant to the ears, yet all too crazed for the consumption of normal individuals. Luckily, Gilgamesh was far from those normal folk.

It seemed something else new was to occur this day. Though the words weren't precisely what he'd been waiting to hear, it was the same in essence. Naturally, he could accept that level of admittance. "You've yet to see more than the first sample. I assure you, there will be no shortage of even greater satisfaction in our future. I have seen the rainbow bridge, and I will take a leisurely pace in crossing it to reach all creation." One final explanation of his plans was all Gilgamesh had left to offer. He was content to move on, at least for the time being. Now was the time to clean up, rest, take court again, and permit the festival of Uruk that would now serve the secondary purpose of a celebration. So, of course, his first move would begin by the act of extricating himself and... worry about the destroyed bedroom some time later.

[Apollymi]

That delighted little laugh left light in the emerald green eyes of Artoria Pendragon. Of course it would, after a strong battle there was no better elation than victory. And though she'd not been the dominating force in this... she did still consider this scenario a win in her favor. What was more, there was no commentary about the oddity of that laughter she'd given allowed to leave her face. But, Gilgamesh had previously spoken of not seeing negatives in her odd behaviors. What was more he declared this to be only the beginning of their combined journey towards satisfaction. Strange, she understood he meant this and could not even argue against it.

"I suppose leisurely is about the right pace to take..." there was a pause as he extricated himself. Even without being able to properly feel her legs, her body did not agree to him leaving. It tensed around him as he withdrew. If her body could have vocalized the desire for him to remain she knew it would have in such a moment. "Fu---" she seemed to exhale as that withdrawal was made and she was left feeling the absentee sword missing from its sheath, so to speak. "I am going to need a tub. A deep one... I am quite certain my legs will not agree with being used..." she said still feeling those strange jumps in muscles she was quite sure were abnormal to her person at first. But if this was all she had to deal with in the aftermath she supposed there were worse things to feel. "Oh and food and wine too~" how strange the lass had become oddly comfortable in the King of Heroes presence. They could spend this evening like that, before life picked up again for Gilgamesh. Artoria though... would be spending a bit more time off her legs than she initially realized.

[Bloodedge]

That additional grip had not gone unnoticed. Had he successfully cemented himself as an addictive substance, even if only to the body? Time would tell, but if that were the case, his victory was more assured than ever before. Artoria didn't need to fall head-over-heels for him so soon, after all. What he needed was simply for her continued movement along a path that led back to him. The rest... would fall in place with time. "Yes, it is an acceptable choice, isn't it? I would say the same should be true of your pacing. You need only choose to cross the right bridge."

A bath, food and wine was quite the wonderful idea at present. Besides, something had to be done about the bedroom if rest was on the agenda. He hadn't fully released Artoria yet, even as his fingers snapped once more. That very same heated pool from days prior materialized beneath/around the pair. He'd let the woman down directly into hot water, while lowering himself as well. "I do not speak in conjecture. A fortnight. Even as the festival carries on, the likes of Artoria Pendragon shall be incapable of walking from one stall to another. What we've done, is not how the inexperienced should become the experienced... though you were warned many times."

[Apollymi]

According to the King of Heroes, her own pacing should and could be just as slow. Apparently all she had to do was choose the right bridge to cross. Her own body had chosen, her mind had chosen as well... the rest, she still did not fully understand but she was not the type to be completely unaware for very long at all. "I will choose what I feel like..." she mentioned ever so contrarily. She was not currently purposefully trying to go against her own feelings... at this point it was simply the most natural response she owned. Moving right along, he'd not placed her down yet, and once he did it was within that same tub they'd bathed in before. The heat of the water felt great against her skin and stopped those still jumping muscles for a few seconds. But what was this?

Gilgamesh claimed that she'd come into her newfound knowledge in a way she should not have. He knew her legs would not work for more than two weeks and had warned her of such for an extended period of time. "Urusai, I do not need an I told you so right now," she said as Holy Grail appeared in her hand and she held it out to be filled. "It is far from the first time I have learned something in a way I should not have..." she mentioned. "Besides, I am fully willing to blame you for this predicament," she said seemingly cross about it but there was still light dancing around in those eyes of hers. "What festival?"

[Bloodedge]

"H'oh?" was the king's kneejerk response to Artoria's insistence. She'd choose what she felt like... Yes, it appeared she would. "Well, if it is feeling you answer to, then your preferred path is made clear by the decisions of your own body. Be sure your eyes are opened enough to see it." Ah yes, feeling the proper route. There was only one end result to their alone time now, provided Artoria avoided the foolish choice of denying her own desires. Time would tell how long it took for a full acceptance of her future.

At present, two Holy Grails were materialized. Over each was a Divine Gate, from which wine poured directly. While this occurred, it seemed banter was in order. "Cast blame on me as you wish. I will treat your crippled state as a badge of honor. You should do much the same. It is no small feat to make Gilgamesh lose restraint," he admitted. As for the festival, he supposed it was something he hadn't explained to the likes of Artoria yet. Perhaps he'd been too excited by the purpose of her arrival. Oh well; now was as good a time as any. "Mahrajan! It is a food festival, letting the people relish in the absence of Ishtar! The first festival of the Age of Man shows the people there is no need of a deity's blessings for them to flourish. Farmers bring their freshest crops, with some even competing to prove their ability. Hunters and butchers bring forth kill and carve, and provide to chefs who fashion signature dishes. Best of all, this time... those with combat ability will be actively sent to slay great beasts across Chaldea─ creatures large enough for a grand feast that all festival-goers may participate in when night falls. It is quite the spectacle."

[Apollymi]

Snark. Of course, that would be how Gilgamesh replied to her reactive statements. Strangely enough, Artoria did not mind this, it was to be considered a very pleasant moment. "I will do what I wish..." she said with a terse sounding noise. As they bantered pleasantly, her grail filled from one of his divine gates. She could not deny the usefulness of such an ability. She sipped wine as Gilgamesh admitted that it was a great feat to have him be without restraint. Accordingly, she should somehow take it as a victory. "I have already accepted my victory this day. I do not ask for another, especially one which comes with a lack of use of my legs," she said with a smirk. Still she wasn't actually mad about anything.

Moving on from this point, Artoria received an explanation of Mahrajan. A food based festival, not about Ishtar for the age of man. A party of sorts complete with fresh produce, fresh meat and a hunting competition? "I find no fault in this. I am sad, I want to go slay a great beast... " she said. Remembering one of a few pleasant moments for her. Of course, she would like that part, that fit her own joy in life. She'd slayed a great many flying bison in her day for the Yule festival. She also remembered reinstating it after calming Camelot, given it'd once been stopped by Uther during his mass hatred of magical creatures including the Fey who were worshipped during it. Whatever the case, she imagined the people would enjoy it and it could potentially be a great time to be had. She'd sip wine and think it over for just a few moments.

[Bloodedge]

"Keep that in mind, when your wishes are for something you wish they weren't," he said, having a fair understanding of the deviance beneath her surface layer. There were some things of great interest floating around in Artoria's subconscious, whether she'd ever admit any of them or not. He'd have much fun peeling back the layers over time. "Do not renounce victory because you've hit some imaginary quota, Artoria Pendragon. I shall claim all that present themselves to me. Besides, should your incapable legs not be equated to the fatigue of great effort? I've always been under the impression that you working types enjoy such a thing," he mused between sips of wine.

Upon receiving the explanation of Mahrajan, Artoria lamented her inability to go beast-slaying. Frankly, Gilgamesh would have enjoyed seeing something like that as well. Was it necessary, though? Well, no, considering... "You've tussled with enough great beasts for one month, haven't you? It seems you couldn't even slay the one you so recently fought. Should you not focus on the next arduous battle, and try your best to truly bring down that which felled you this time?"

[Apollymi]

Words of wisdom. According to Gilgamesh she was to remember she was going to do what she wished, even when the things she wanted to do fell outside of her expectations for wishes. "My nature is rather contradictory... I will not make promises," she mused between sips of wine. She could truly sit in this warm water forever and feel great. Of course, they'd keep talking because it was one of the things they did most. It seemed they didn't agree about the notions of victory surrounding her present condition. She couldn't help the snarky words which would fall from her face in a moment like this... "Of course you will claim victory. You have literally already admitted to claiming anything you view as worthwhile," she chided. "My work ethic is not to be questioned. But the price for diligence usually is not weeks of recovery. A few days is normally the maximum and I usually have to do something ridiculous," she gave pause to that thought. "Actually, it makes perfect sense, carry on."

Ah, but as she avoided making a very obvious joke, a different one was being made by Gilgamesh instead. She wished to slay beasts and join in the fun of a festival, but according to Gilgamesh she'd already been tussling with a beast and she'd not managed to slay it. Several emotions played over her face as she realized the words being spoken to her. She opened and closed her mouth several times, not being able to decide what to say in direct response. And in the end she laughed. "Hehehe, hahahahahaha!~" pure and innocent laughter at a joke, at her expense was about all she could manage. When she finally stopped she sipped from her goblet and pointed towards Gilgamesh with outrage. "I really fucking hate you..." she said those words precisely but... nothing in her visage nor the tone of her voice implied hate at all. Truth be told she was beyond amused and obviously did not hate Gilgamesh, but feelings and words often got confused when dealing with her mind.

[Bloodedge]

Contradictory was about the perfect way to describe Artoria's nature. When it came to matters of state or combat, it could be said that she wore her heart on her sleeve. In more nuanced things such as romance and the like, however, there were numerous walls of steel between her and them. Well... Gilgamesh had overcome worse defenses before. One day, he'd hear something truly satisfying as it passed those lips. In the meantime, he'd take the victories he earned. Yes, that included the victories he presently claimed over Artoria, which she was so content to spite. She apparently had nothing to say regarding the purpose of her gimped legs. That wasn't the whole truth; she did have something to say, but she gave up after only a few sentences. Very well.

Whatever the case, Artoria accepted his final words with the initial response of... nothing. That nothing was soon followed by laughter most genuine. Apparently, she hated him; that was a blatant untruth. Surprise, surprise─ the stoic Knight-Queen had a healthy amount of humor in her soul yet. With that acknowledgement, Gilgamesh took another hefty swig of wine. "What you should hate, is the amount of training you will need to best this beast of burden. Though, I do believe it has taken a liking to you, even if you've yet to master the art of riding," he quipped in response. Moving on, there would soon enough be food to accompany bath and wine. When cleansing and consumption both reached their end, he'd be bringing another bed from the treasury. It would take some time to make a selection; he wasn't going to be settling for less than the original. In the end, he'd choose something even better. A very large frame of the World Tree's wood supported a mattress that was... shockingly light. Atop it were pillows filled with the down of a phoenix-like bird, and crimson-dyed sheets radiating as much magical/divine energy as the other features. Gilgamesh assembled the bed directly from his treasury, and looked upon it somewhat judgmentally. "Hmm. That should do for something rudimentary. Now is the time for the greatest rest in this lifetime."

[Apollymi]

The walls between Artoria and her true feelings were nothing new to her. She claimed her nature was contradictory and she meant it. She knew the things she said did not often align with how she felt. Just the same she also knew that honesty came with her actions. This had always been the case, even when she was simply a murderer for hire. Whatever the case, honest laughter and drink were a good way to end this long night of theirs. Beyond this there was the matter of what she should actually hate, according to Gilgamesh. In his own words she should hate the amount of work it would take to best the beast he kept within his pants. Though he quite humorously mentioned it'd taken a liking to her regardless of her less than mastered riding. A smirk crossed her face in this moment. "You continue to talk, but I know better than others, that the moment diligence pays off is the sweetest, and all training leading up to victory is just added flavor~" she commented while taking a large sip of wine. Still she had more words, these were to share with one individual in particular and that was not Gilgamesh himself. "I should add, I do not take impudence from anything that belongs to me, least of all my newest and most unruly weapon to date!" Ah that declaration would come before food and calm. Of course it would, strangely it was also a sign that Artoria herself had no real intention on giving up her current bouts with this questing beast.

Eventually after more feasting and banter there would be a bed. Of course... Artoria watched this construction with an interested gaze as she sat in a tub brushing tangles out of golden locks. Of course, she knew sleep would come eventually, even so she thought at least a little about lodging some kind of protest. She'd slept in the King of Heroes bed before, but never while she was in it. She did not share beds with people... it was a direct contradiction to her to be in such close quarters without her wits about her. What if she needed her gun hand? While gave this thought, she became distracted by this man's words and judgmental look about his bedding. Confusion spread across her face and her brows drew together. She wanted to know but she also knew he usually said outlandish things as well. "That sounds harsh, and I am curious but also trying to talk myself out of the curiosity. What about this bed do you find rudimentary?"

[Bloodedge]

By the time their would-be bed was assembled, Artoria battled with herself over a line of questioning. She'd previously shown curiosity regarding his pieces, but her inquiry was somewhat different this time. This time, she made a stronger effort to talk herself out of curiosity, in her own words. Artoria instead questioned Gilgamesh's own statement, in which he seemed less than satisfied by the bed itself. "It is rudimentary because I'm sure there are better things that could go into it. None of these things do more than accumulate dust within the treasury, however, so I suppose this will serve some purpose," he rambled while still looking over the bed.

One day, perhaps he'd find better treasures with which to construct a bed. For now though, this would certainly do as an improvement to the previous furniture. What would he do with the rest of the room, though? Nothing─ at least nothing at present. The whole of this room was useless for the time being, so he only returned all other things to the treasury. Of course, this included the hot spring he'd made use of twice in this very room. "No matter. By your ridiculous reaction, I assume you find it suitable," the king spoke further, reaching out with every intention of lifting his queen then and there. He wasn't going to watch her stumble about like an infant deer; he'd much rather cut out the middle by placing her in bed himself. The action wouldn't seem very gentle at all, but... in all technicality, he would be dropping her on a literal cloud.

[Apollymi]

There were better things he claimed. These would be doing nothing but collecting dust he said. Scoff. All Artoria could do was scoff at these notions. "If you think about everything with that much skepticism, you will never like anything..." she stated. As one who never liked things, she was certain of her statement. Strange though it was, she figured he'd tell her this was made of some kind of extra outrageous thing in the moments that followed. Given just the way it looked and smelled she was quite certain it would be fine for sleeping. Still the bath disappeared from beneath her and she was left sitting where she had been on the floor. Ah, she'd have to stand up, she was not looking forward to that.

"Eeep!" Rather suddenly she was in Gilgamesh's arms again being lifted and carried towards this bed not even leaving her time to think, fuss or even be upset about the movement properly. "My reaction was nowhere near ridiculous. It was normal... usually when I ask you things you say something outlandish and I almost have my brain explode from lack of understanding," she chided. Before she could even continue chiding this man about his random handling of her person she was practically tossed into this bed. "Whaah! Haha..." she practically laughed but this was far from funny right. She'd all but forgotten she'd intended to lodge complaints about the pair of them sharing a bed. Ah but when her body made contact she felt nothing but softness. It was like landing in a solid cloud. "I was going to complain about many things, not the bed itself at all though. Still this is like landing in a cloud. It is so soft... I could just sink... It is a cloud is it not? Fuck. And it smells really sweet, like Ash wood but... no that is not right... it only smells like ash wood but it definitely is not that..." her head fell back into the pillow. She recognized down pillows for what they were but she knew bit by bit these pieces were well beyond normal. "I am going to yell again, am I not? You do this in purpose I am sure of it. You figured I would protest this sleeping arrangement so you decided to blindside me with something so ridiculous I would not know what to complain about... You wanted me to shock myself to sleep. I am on to you Gil, and I will not stand for this fuckery!" Ah, yes, her consciousness was still slipping ever so gently between faces. Those swears were still free flying...and her level of outrage was still far beyond what she normally reacted to. She still wasn't at all okay with the idea of sharing a bed, but the ridiculousness afoot was too much for her heart to bear.

[Bloodedge]

"It is not skepticism. My coffers are too bottomless for even me to know their depths and content. It is only natural that I should expect an improvement to everything I retrieve on a whim." Certainly, Gilgamesh knew this would be the greatest bed the world had ever seen thus far. Still, there was a chance for improvement somewhere down the line. To call this one rudimentary was a simple matter of thinking it would suffice.

Now, onto the bed Artoria went. She had complaints; of course she did. Never had he pulled something from the treasury without her thinking it ridiculous, or in some way unnecessary. This, surely, would be no exception to that norm. Multiple comments were made when the queen landed─ one was even an accurate assumption. As expected, Gilgamesh would speak on the materials used. "It is a cloud, yes. Jindouyun, or Kinto'un, the cloud belonging to some monkey calling himself a king. The scent is that of Yggdrasil's wood, combined with the down of Huma and the wool of Capricorn. I thought to make an arrangement like this before, but of course I would not allow a bed to detract from our experience of one another. In the afterglow, however, I shall allow it." As he spoke, Gilgamesh moved forward still. He'd be joining Artoria in bed, making no fuss about it, and taking none as well. He'd lie flat on his back, one hand between head and pillow as he threw the blanket over himself. Just then, the king yawned and closed his eyes. "If you intend to protest, do so when you've woken. I will have none of your naysaying when it is time to rest."