video; all courts.

[babbylon]

[The feed opens to a bustling scene, and one on the move. Men and women in drab clothes are hard at work hauling packages, hammering away at planks, and hoisting up scaffolding. Gilgamesh had rushed to the aid of his beloved Leathann not moments after the great Gem spat him out, and there he strides now, observing the populace and doling out orders as he sees fit. He seems completely at ease and the citizens do not question him; there's no one left to anymore.

After a few minutes of this guided tour, Gilgamesh addresses his audience with a broad grin.]

Greetings, citizens of every stripe, including those I could not hail before! I hope that this new world, born of our wishes and dreams, suits you. It will take time, I suspect, for all of us to find a place within it... but as you can see, my place remains in Leathann, as its just and proper king.

[His not so subtle way of announcing I'm in charge now. But he doesn't dwell on it, immediately leaps into another, more pressing matter.]

As my first official decree, I'm throwing a party! A festival of sorts, doubling as a celebration of Leathann's artistic community. You're all invited.

[Gilgamesh produces a rose from his robes and winks at the feed. He scoops up a rambunctious child running past and laughs; he is with his people, he is happy.]

Join me a week from this date, at sunset. Dress to impress, as only our best will be on display! Your contributions are welcomed and appreciated.

[Gilgamesh gives a little nod of acknowledgement, means to sign off... then pipes up with something else at the last second.]

Oh! And if you haven't visited Leathann already, simply utilize one of the fairy rings. Until then, I'll be looking forward to your visit, everyone.

Comments

video;

[colorofthesky]

[ ...now, there's someone he wasn't sure he would see again. Still, he's happy and relieved.

Still, he is surprised. He'd landed pretty far out so he hadn't heard about the fate of Leathann. ]

So the island came, too...

[ A soft note of wonder. He's a bit dirty and doesn't exactly looks his best, but he didn't exactly land somewhere friendly. Still, he smiles. ]

I'm glad you made it.

[babbylon]

[The corners of his mouth crinkle with a fond smile. Hello, Zack. He's endlessly pleased to see you.]

Was there ever any doubt? The will of the people has prevailed. As has yours, that we might meet again in good health and good fortune.

video;

[independant]

I'd like to attend, but I'm afraid I have nothing new to wear.

[ Has he grown tired of this yet? ] I suppose I'll have to wait around for a fairy godmother or something to turn my cindered rags into something beautiful.

[babbylon]

[The bid proves successful...]

How fortuitous that I already know your sizes, then. I'll send something suitable over straight away.

[...but maybe you were better off not asking in the first place.]

» video, private

[skjalf]

( It is good to see him so happy, compared to the last time they'd spoken when he had been run nearly ragged. That had not suited him at all. And for that, at least, Elizabeth might allow herself to feel a little joy.

She has not reached out, not spoken to anyone yet. But as she recalls, this King had been among the first to do so for her following her initial arrival. It is perhaps fitting, that she does so now in kind. )

Your Grace. It seems it suits you quite well, indeed. I am gladdened that your efforts have produced so rich and just reward for you. You truly have earned it several times over.

( Tilting her head, she allows herself a small smile. The warmth cannot carry into her eyes, but her expression is no less friendly. It is the best she can manage, and for his sake, she has made a great effort. )

I will, of course, attend. But I would visit now, if I might. Now that I might be able to enjoy your company without repercussion.

( She needs to talk shop, but also; frankly, seeing him so cheered is uplifting. And she would be near to such energy, to perhaps take some of that joy into herself. )

private;

[babbylon]

[Ah, how wonderful it is to hear Your Grace spoken to him, and with such sincerity. It is a rare thing to humble Gilgamesh but perhaps there is a glimpse of it when he bows his head, both in acknowledgment and in greeting.]

My lady. It pleases me to hear your voice, and I thank you for your praise.

[He does note a bit of strain to her features, but he neglects to comment. It isn't his business. And speaking of business...]

I would be happy to see you whenever you are available. My offices are always open to you.

video;

[enthraller]

[...The world just conspires to make his life as hard as possible, doesn't it?

At least he's tactful enough to wait until after he's done groaning to actually switch on his video feed.]

Even the end of the world couldn't keep you away for long, I see.

[Polite and ambiguous as ever, of course.]

[babbylon]

You.

[Uh-oh. Uh-oh. Does he know?]

You owe me a date.

[He knows.]

video;

[uptowngirl]

[ Somehow...it really doesn't surprise her that he'd find himself king of, well, anything, although she has to wonder if he was offered the position or if he claimed it.

None the less, it's actually comforting in a strange way to see a familiar face. She definitely never thought she'd be relieved to see Gilgamesh, but the Drabwurld is a strange place. ]

Well, I can't say that you haven't earned it.

[ She's looking a little more disheveled than usual, but her hair is somehow still perfect. As always. ]

I know large groups of people came back with all of us, but an entire island...?

[babbylon]

[Likewise, though Gilgamesh had always looked upon Asami with favor. She was industrious sort, which also meant she was the useful sort. So too he hoped that she would prove her mettle in this world and be of benefit to him once again. Time would tell.]

Indeed, it is a miracle beyond miracles. Even in my greatest adventures, I had never achieved anything as stupendous as this.

[That's no exaggeration, either. Even he's boggled at what's been accomplished. The Drabwurld truly was a wondrous place.]

video;

[conqueress]

[ Another man who would name himself king. All worlds have their share of claimants, it seems.

She sits in a lilac gown fringed in gold, a hand running over the head of some cream-colored beast in her lap. Viserion's ridges and eyes gleam an even brighter gold than her fringe, and smoke drifts gently up from his nostrils. ]

It sounds lovely, your Leathann. [ It's delivered politely enough. Having arrived in the Drabwurld after speaking with the other court was deemed treasonous, she's heard little and less of what happened among the Seelie. And this self-proclaimed king was Seelie; she needn't even ask. ] I was Unseelie, and news of Seelie deeds reached my ears slowly, I fear. How did you come by this city to claim it for your own?

[babbylon]

[A dragon? A dragon! Such a magnificent beast, and she wears it well, like it were a natural piece of her, already so beautiful and fair. Immediately, Gilgamesh finds himself enchanted and answers with a noticeable bit of breathlessness. It is hard to astound Gilgamesh, but she has managed it.]

I shed the title of Seelie long ago. Let us not worry over the past, but look ahead to the future instead.

[An olive branch extended, essentially, just in case ill feelings lingered. As for the city...]

It is something of a tale to tell. But with aid, I was able to lift Leathann, imperiled by the Void, into the sky, where it now rests. The people accepted me as their savior and their king, and so I rule. Before then, I earned their trust for deeds performed throughout the realm. They know me as a great hero.

Video;

[dayknight]

After everything that's happened, that doesn't sound like a bad idea.

[ALSO HI I GUESS IM GLAD YOU'RE STILL HERE OR SOMETHING baka.

Sir Gawain knight of the tsun.]

[babbylon]

[No tsun to speak of here. It's all dere, all smiles.]

I am pleased you are with us, Sir Gawain. It is good to see you.

video

[starspangled]

A party?

[There's a hook in Steve's eyebrow. Parties have never really been his thing, he's just as content with a book or an old 78.

But maybe he could make an exception.]

Guess I could dust off my dancing shoes for the occasion. She still airborne?

[babbylon]

[Some said true heroes were modest souls, keeping to themselves when not aiding others and staying out of the spotlight. Whether or not Gilgamesh agrees with that, he isn't surprised that Steve sounds a little skeptical, but he laughs all the same.]

A celebration, if you prefer. We are celebrating you—your efforts, along with those of everyone else who led to this miracle.

[Maybe if he rephrased like that, it would seeem more appealing, and exceptions could be made.]

And she is indeed. We've landed ourselves just off the northwestern coast of Troichean Tir, by the looks of it.

/action/

[erythristic]

[some things a woman held onto. seeing Gilgamesh speak reignited a sentiment she had let collect dust in its impossibility and the rather more pressing concern of living as well as ensuring her friends had survived - or praying for those that were not there. but absent the demanding circumstances, there is literally no one to stop her from her aim.

so it is to Leathann she teleports, head held high and making no attempt to speak with people or not move with her speed to remain relatively hidden. no, she has the luxury of being single minded. and when she finds the golden King on the edge of the island, then her purpose is clear, and she moves in.

it doesn't matter that he is Gilgamesh, ruler of Leathann. what does matter is the way she strikes him full force in the face, as quick as she would have lashed out in the heat of battle and carrying her strength behind it.]

How. Dare. You.

[if he doesn't remember, she'll happily remind him.]

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh remembers what he has done.

He remembers, and so when he sees her, when he senses her, he knows what's coming. And he lets it happen. He stands there, almost stupidly, and suffers the blow; he looks back at her, or rather doesn't, with downcast eyes. He bears his shame. He bears the burden of what he has done and allows Grell her vengeance without offering a single complaint. How could he? This was punishment well-deserved.]

I am sorry.

[He says nothing more. It will have to begin with an apology, and it will have to continue on her own terms. He recognizes this and stays silent.]

video »

[unsolitary]

The island came along for the time travel, I see. ( there's relief in what she says. ) I'm glad that the efforts of everyone weren't lost in the shift.

I think I may come to the party, if only to finally meet you in person. A little weird that the only interaction we've had is sending you blood via courier.

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh dips his head in a rare moment of earnest gratitude. Her gift has not been forgotten; her generosity he looks upon with fondness.]

Regardless, I would thank you for your service to Leathann. Please, allow me to introduce myself properly—I am called Gilgamesh, Flower Child, He Who Flourishes, King of All That Blooms, Hero of the Garden, and any number of other titles you might prefer.

[Gilgamesh laughs off the list in good humor, and his eyes shine brightly as he sets formalities aside.]

You are most welcome among us. Clarke, was it? Perhaps we may finally speak on less dire terms. I look forward to it.

video

[brainiest]

... You're here.

[ Is she relieved or exasperated? Even she doesn't know, and she's... Cooler, now, than she was before. ]

I'll have to come and check on my house.

private;

[babbylon]

[Oh, Hermione. So many things to say, so little time to say them, even with all of it in the world. Respectfully, he flicks the feed to private.]

Hermione.

[I'm sorry. I'm not. What did you see? What did you feel? Are you mad? Do you hate me? Will we speak again, as we once did? Did you mean it, did you not, that we are still friends? May I touch you, may I hold you, will you spur me now? All of these thoughts run together, and ultimately, he says nothing of them at all, blanking.]

action;

[wwjd]

[Hm. There are still so many things Kirei finds humorous about the King of Heroes—how he sees it fit to outright declare himself a king, how his very first order of pressing business is to throw a celebration, how he charges full force into luxury and extravagance as if the reversed world was made just for him.

But, he would have it no other way. Nothing else suits Gilgamesh more.

Smiles come easier to Kirei now, and he wears one as he approaches and lightly encourages the Servant to drop the antsy child eager to return to playing.]

Let them be, Gilgamesh. If you insist on picking them up, they will never stop hounding you about your being a Hero.

[The child is clothed in bright colors; so too, is Kirei. His priest robes are well-designed and stylish, echoing the brief renovation of the First Holy Church of Leathann in time for the festival, and the entire outfit is topped off by a pair of glinting diamond earrings, leaving no doubt to his acceptance of his new Court.]

[babbylon]

[Gilgamesh abides Kirei with a bright smile of his own, setting the child down and rounding upon him with arms spread wide. At this point, all of Leathann knows his relationship with the priest, so he embraces and kisses him openly without any concern.]

And who says I wouldn't enjoy such attention? You may cling to that humble facade of yours, but the life of a King... it's meant to be lived boldly.

[Some things change, others don't. Gilgamesh would remain his own radiant ray of sunshine to beam upon the world. At least he includes Kirei in his light. He takes a proper moment to appreciate his attire, running his hands along elegant designs and fingering an earring playfully.]

I see you already took dress to impress to heart, dear priest. I like it.

video;

[fulminants]

A party, huh? I'm always up for that. Count me in!

Never knew Leathann had a king.

[babbylon]

It does now.

[And doesn't that just say all it needs to?]

[Video]

[desperate_times]

So the island made it. That's good to hear. Before things went all to hell, I helped remove some of its people when the Void was closing in.

[She's glad to hear it's still in one piece, though the flying part was not something she had a hand in.]

[babbylon]

Then you have my thanks.

[Neither her face nor her voice are familiar, but he has no reason to distrust what she says, and so offers a grateful smile. Handsome.]

Do you know where they've settled? I'd like to provide refugee assistance, if possible. Perhaps make their new lives a bit easier.

[Or lure them back to said island. Gilgamesh rarely operated in kindness without an ulterior motive.]

» video, private

[ex_halberd259]

I'll make it suit me, one way or another. But the abundance of open water pleases me. ( A low hum, and a little smile. ) So does the fact that you survived to boast of your victory.

( Which he is already aware she believes to be well-earned. Her glance roves over him and then settles upon his face, appraising. )

If you wish, you can speak plainly before me. What is the state of your kingdom? I imagine there's much work to do before you host this gathering. My people are well in hand; so if you need anything, well.

( Her smile broadens into a half-grin. ) I'm here.

I'll be bringing a cask of mead to this event, and drinking horns for us. We never did get to toast your victory, did we?

[babbylon]

Lagertha.

[His head bows, not in submission, but in mutual respect. For himself, there was never any doubt she would survive. That's just the sort of person she was.]

I would not call it a state of absolute ruin, but it's need of serious renovation. If you could spare a few pairs of hands to make good on the preparations, I would be most appreciative. I can manage the rest.

[As for lighter affairs, Gilgamesh grins at the thought of finally breaking bread proper with this woman. The flames of deceptive youth flicker in his eyes, and would they be reunited all the sooner he'd share a glass or two right now. He could certainly use it, and perhaps she could as well.]

For you, fair warrior, I would bring my own wine to celebrate. The wine of the gods. You've not tasted anything like it, I assure you.

video

[notavirtue]

[What kind of king threw a party as his first decree?]

I did not expect the island to appear as we left it in... in the future. [It sounded so stupid when he said it out loud like that.] Has the city remained largely intact? What of the Tower of the Oracle?

[babbylon]

[The King of Heroes, of course! ...better not express that sentiment out loud, Javik, the answer's going to sound pretty damn stupid, too.]

All have been restored. It amazes me as well, but luck was on our side.

video;

[notyetlegend]

I think a party is exactly what we need. Especially since we missed Samhain it seems.

[There's no small amount of pride or excitement in Merida's voice, clapping her hands in a way that makes the braids at either side of her head shift with the movement. She smiles warmly, gladdened that the island is still flying.]

I'm glad you're still here, ghiran.

[babbylon]

I think so, too. Perhaps some would call the timing in appropriate... but it's in the most uncertain of moments that we need reprieve most.

[That and, well, Gilgamesh just wants an excuse to drink himself silly. Considering how long it had been since he'd even got the chance, he feels it's a break well-earned. It would be nice to relax again, and reach out to those he'd never got the chance to court proper.

At her compliment, he dips his head. Always he is humble before Merida, always.]

And I you, atmu. The sun is nothing before the beautiful bird that flies beneath it.

video; private

[chromosomes]

How's your curse?

[ Blunt as always, but John has reason to ask. He's still a Son of the Shuck, after all. ]

[babbylon]

[...oh, damn. That rattles Gilgamesh like nothing else and he tries to stave off a cold sweat.]

It's gone. Please... please send my sincerest regards to your sire for his generosity. Yes.