video; seelie + unseelie (hermione-net.)

[babbylon]

[The feed opens to a broad view of a dilapidated Leathann. The buildings no longer shine with pristine gold; the people no longer laugh and smile and conduct their business in the market square. Instead, there's a large crowd that's gathered around him, and an even bigger one working in the background. Hauling off rotten pieces of plywood, handing out strange necklaces of ground blood and feathers, and doing whatever they can as fast as they can for the sake of the island's survival.

And in the middle stands Gilgamesh, clad in his gilded armor, as he addresses both the remaining citizens and the compass, suspended before him by magic. For those who've seen him recently, they'll know he's at the end of his figurative rope; none of that exhaustion shows through now, however.

Now, he radiates only confidence and strength and so wields the full force of his Charisma for all to behold.]

People of the Drabwurld, hear me. I address you in the hopes I find sympathetic ears and minds, undeafened by the pull of the Void and unclouded by improper judgment. I have decreed it that Leathann shall not fall. Not to looming apocalypse, nor anything else.

[Sharp eyes lift to scan across the faces present. These are the few, the faithful. The ones left behind. He speaks to them as much as his outside audience.]

I am the Hero of the Garden. I alone may till it as I see fit. I will not abide another power, some rival god or false messiah. I will not abide an end that comes without my authority behind it. What of fate? What of destiny? I curse them both and pursue my own path, as should you.

[Some scattered cheers rise up, but Gilgamesh ignores them, and confronts those tuning in proper.]

I call upon each and every one of you to assist me in this endeavor! See that Leathann lives and that we all may face tomorrow, together!

[Gilgamesh clenches his fist and shouts; even over a distance, the force of it nearly can be felt.]

Rally to me! The time has come, the miracle descends now! The miracle Gilgamesh has wrought, which shines beyond the darkness! IRNITTU!*

[Is he aware of how ridiculous he sounds? Probably not. The feed remains on and follows Gilgamesh about his rounds as he pitches in his own efforts in various ways. He's open to discussion, but don't expect much in the way of listening to any disagreement. He's effectively immune with his current mood.

*"Victory!"]

(( Accompanying log here! ))

Comments

[transmarine]

[Arthur raises a brow in response. Well, he's taking this leadership position better than most, himself included.

Except Arthur hadn't exactly wanted the crown and the kingdom at first...]

You sound like you've been doing this for some time.

[babbylon]

[There's the flash of a boyish grin and a break in that kingly aura as he allows himself a childish moment of self-centered glee.]

I'd certainly hope as much! In my world, all heroes originate from my legend. I'm not called the "King of Heroes" without reason.

[transmarine]

[Arthur smiles, despite himself. He's already learned not to consider anything impossible, and yet...]

I guess King of Atlantis and the Seven Seas just doesn't cut it anymore these days.

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh plays along and lets out a considerate hum.]

I would be amiss not to acknowledge my fellows. Of the sunken kingdom, correct? State your name that I might recognize your crown.

[transmarine]

[One that sunk itself, and not by the will of the gods.]

Arthur Curry. I've been told most places don't overlap. You may not know my name or my Atlantis.

[babbylon]

I know Atlantis. I do not know your name, true, but these become muddled over time.

[Gilgamesh dips his head to his compass in a moment of rare graciousness. He's wielding his ego proudly, but not out of any real aggression.]

Hail, Arthur Curry, King of Atlantis. I regret we've met under less than ideal circumstances; I shall owe you a proper toast over wine.

[transmarine]

As I've already seen and learned.

[Indeed, Arthur can tell Gilgamesh owns up to his ego in a spectacular manner. He's simply that sort of person.]

I regret it as well, though I'm surprised that you'll have the time for wine. After this battle, then, we can make up for this less than ideal meeting. [A beat.] How bad is the situation?

[Arthur is too new here, and this war is all but clear to him, outside of the obvious fight the Unseelie. He doesn't trust the monarchs or anyone related to them. He'll learn more through the people.]

[babbylon]

It's the end of the world.

[An honest question receives an honest reply. Gilgamesh sees no point in lying or otherwise evading the topic; he takes hold of the compass, holds it high, and thus gives Arthur a direct view of the swirling Void right at Leathann's doorstep. No better answer than the direct one.

It's the end of the world, and this was the man who sought to stand against it]

We will know for certain soon enough if our efforts have borne fruit. Then I might break away for some reprieve.

[transmarine]

[There's too much Arthur could say. Evacuating won't stop the Void, not that he can tell. This is world-bending magic and power at its finest. The likes of Darkseid could almost compare.]

We're not intended to survive this, are we?

[It's not fatalist, it's how Arthur sees this. This war is cyclical, and they're drafted on the basis of saving their loved ones and their homes.

It never meant they'd go back.]

[babbylon]

If you believe the Seelie credo, all shall be reborn with the Void's coming.

[It should go without saying that Gilgamesh remained skeptical. Not as a matter of disbelief, but rather of stubbornness, of a refusal to let go of what he's earned. He never claimed not to be a selfish man, not once.

He still remembers Solais' warmth, brushing over his hands. The memory makes him shudder.]

But I am unwilling to idle about and find out. No what matter happens, Leathann lives. It shall not be swallowed up so long as I draw breath.

[transmarine]

[So it goes. Arthur doesn't feel as if it works so well. Maybe it's true, but what he doesn't stand for those caught in the crossfire.]

Do you have people to stand with you?

[More of a genuine curiosity than anything else. He's going to have his hands full with the evacuation, and he's more than sure that there are enough fighters to defend Leathann.]

[babbylon]

[Simply and firmly:]

I do.

[transmarine]

I'll be helping with the evacuation, but if you need more help, tell me.

[babbylon]

[This one is sincere, Gilgamesh thinks; this one I have use for. He nods, and for a moment Arthur will see him with his layers stripped down. Someone who, at his core, honestly just wants to see his home safe. The selfish tyrant that acts out of selflessness.]

I shall not hesitate to do so. Await my success, Arthur Curry. Let that power stand proof of my worthiness to hold the title of king.

[transmarine]

[Arthur is not a selfish man, not entirely, but he only wants the same thing. He wants not just Atlantis, but Earth and all of his universe safe.

Somewhere, he could hear Batman seething about taking this matter into his own hands about the safety of the universe.]

I'll wait for it, Gilgamesh. I've heard the stories, and I'll believe them soon enough.