pawnstorm | [semi-open] come, let's fly.

Entry tags:

[semi-open] come, let's fly.

Who: Gilgamesh and various characters
When: Following the latest dungeon.
Where: the Airy, around Polgar, possibly other places
What: Catch-all log for post-dungeon adventures.
Rating: I'll just slap this with the classic "Gilgamesh Deserves His Own Warning" warning. Mentions of rape in Adrasteius thread. Fetish and sex talk in the Kavi thread.

[Custom prompts are below. Feel free to PM me if you're interested in doing something aboard the Airy or in Polgar; I'd be happy to plot with you!]

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[Gilgamesh hustles into a nearby store to make use of their dressing room. Even if he absolutely loathed her choice of attire, just the act of modeling has him chipper. Gilgamesh was something of a fashion hound back home, and adored more than anything to wear what was trim and trendy for the era. Granted, his taste in said fashion wasn't always ideal... so it was for the best that a practical mind picked out clothes for him instead.

And, fortunately, he quickly falls in love with her selections. The robes—a gentle gold with hibiscus print running along the side—are simple yet elegant, evocative of a classy king, set off by a bold crimson sash along his front. As a desert dweller, he's ever appreciative of sandals for freer movement. And, of course, he's fond of his jewelry, with a beaded bracelet and a feathered ruby pendant swaying from his wrists and neck respectively.

All in all, tasteful choices that don't make him feel too poor, either. Gilgamesh comes out with a big smile on his face, and without warning, promptly picks her up and twirls her around. Maybe he's a mere man now, but he's got strength enough to surprise her.]

See us now, we match! We will surely be the envy of everyone this day.

[Gilgamesh rarely expresses his gratitude to anyone for anything, but that's likely as close as she'll ever come to a thank you.]

[And now it is her turn to wait patiently! She watches as the other Airy dwellers and tourists walk on by, sometimes greeting those who look her way (now that she doesn't look like a hero) and wondering if Gilgamesh needed any help. Worst yet, if he even liked what she picked. She tried her best, but she did it all in such a short time. She could already guess he's a fashionista. I mean, fashionmista.

Though, relief was not the first thing that came to her when he came out with that big smile on his face, clearly pleased with the selection. She practically chokes as she sees him, since he looks the part of a fine, elegant noble and is incredibly handsome. It's not out of place, and it's not overdone. She chose a whole lot better than she expected.

And she doesn't even have time to be relieved AND admire him since she's lifted from the ground and finds herself holding onto his shoulders just to keep herself from flying.]

W-we do! [She clears her throat, trying to remain as cool as possible.] I mean, it suits you so well. I am sure the others won't be able to keep their eyes off of you.

[She's being honest, not just fanning his ego! Never mind that she's flushing because he picked her up.]

[A whole lot better than he likely deserved, too. Left to his own devices, Gilgamesh would've gone far too heavy on the gold, gold, gold everywhere, with his financial status in ruin because of it. But here, he looks noble and thrifty, a trait he'd never thought he'd willingly apply to himself. An old dog can be taught new tricks after all, especially with a patient master. And patience, ultimately, was what one needed to deal with the likes of Gilgamesh.

Gilgamesh sets her down again, then shakes his head, now insistent.]

I believe it is time to treat you. If you say you are talented with a needle, I shall put that to the test.

[Loud enough for the whole market to hear, Gilgamesh declares:]

REJOICE! From this point forward, you will serve as my royal seamstress! Are you ready for work?

[Once more slipping into her personal space, he throws an arm around her shoulders and gives her a chummy pat.]

Or, should I say, are you ready for me to drown you in more fabric than you know what to do with?!

[Isn't he lucky that she's used to this? A ruler who is fine and humble looks far greater than one drowning in gold. And also yes, his economy will love him for this. Gilgamesh clearly needs to have a treasury minister.

She's silent for a while, because she's about 100% sure that Gilgamesh thinks a promotion is one way to reward her. Vietnam starts to laugh, more so than usual. But it's pleasant, refreshing laugh, not ridiculous like one where she's laughing at an ugly t-shirt. It's just so strange that she doesn't even mind anyone looking at them. Gilgamesh, at times, can be hideously pure.]

What an honour. [She pats her own chest, and he'll be able to feel her straightening up under his arm, rather proudly.] I will get that vest for you and show you the ways of haggling. But once I start making your clothes, covering with more fabric than you can imagine? [And she's pretty sure he can imagine quite a bit.

She reaches over to smooth out his collar.] You'll never want to wear anything else. I can promise you that.

[Actually, she's half-joking. Because she's sure there are very fine clothes that Gilgamesh will want to wear and she didn't make. The purpose of making him stuff is to stop him from wrecking himself.]

[Gilgamesh, at times, could be a truly horrific person.

But at times, he could be youthful; ambitious; energetic; even compassionate, in small doses, to those who earned his favor. The tales told of a tyrant, but they also told of a man that loved his brother, adored his people, and always sought the spirit of adventure to the very end. An honor, indeed, that Gilgamesh might set aside his surliness and look upon a woman with such friendly eyes—eyes that expected nothing in return.]

I will be a most attentive student. Assuming your lessons are worthwhile, of course.

[He preens when his clothes are straightened, posing for her benefit like the proudest of birds.]

And I shall hold you to it. Let us be on our way, then.

[And so a Hero and a country set off together. Though they pass many stores, Gilgamesh insists on the best. Only when they reach a shop that's overflowing with all manner of cloth and fabric does Gilgamesh see fit to enter, and once he does, he gestures to Vietnam with a sweep of his arm, as if to say it is all yours.

...maybe not all of it. But it's a hidden paradise for any seamstress, and she'll have plenty to choose from within.]

[Vietnam witnessed this, how Gilgamesh punishes. She observed the rest of his replies to others. Saw how vengeful he could be in the dungeon. What she does appreciate about this is that he's honest. He lives freely, and true to himself. When someone can have everything, he can give everything too, no?

Besides, if he could handle orders from a fiercely independent woman such as herself after calling her his royal seamstress, then really, it's not so bad. That and he's completely entertaining.]

You've already been so good thus far, I'm already feeling pressure. But yes, let's. [One would say she shouldn't feel pressure, but even if Gilgamesh was a goddamn saint, she still would. Because she's about as self-critical as he is egotistic. Bleak.

But yes, now he looks very fine, and off they go! There were many shops on the way that Vietnam would say could pass, but if Gilgamesh insists on working with the best, then she is fine with that. As long as they don't end up paying exuberant prices even after they drops it low.

The shop they finally stop in front, however, has her standing there eyes wide before she clears her throat and regains her cool. Goodness, look at that silk. And how can a roll of thread be so fine?!

To roll with Gilgamesh so graciously gesturing for her to enter, she curtseys back before stepping in, checking to see if he follows. Vietnam is a girl of simple needs and simple pleasures, but at the moment, she endlessly imagines what she could make with all of these. They wouldn't need to shop at (Insert various Designer Label lines here) at Blanc!

Right, calm down. Take this one step at a time.]

What catches your eye so far, Gilgamesh?

[Gilgamesh had deduced almost immediately that Vietnam was not prone to the same exuberance as himself; her reactions, though not exactly dull, were more muted compared to his own. Since she represented a country, he has to wonder if she also directly represented its people—and certainly Gilgamesh heard that women of Asian cultures were reserved in their mannerisms. He doesn't hold it against her, but privately decides he'll encourage that quiet excitement as much as possible. It's endearing to witness.]

Hm...

[He pauses a moment, glancing around the various sheets and rolls, then offers his advice. Surprisingly good advice for an apparently lazy King, but Gilgamesh was a bit more talented than his obnoxious attitudes initially let on. In reality, he was good at all kinds of things.]

A sheet of sheer black will serve you sufficiently, as it can be incorporated into many different designs. Next, jewel colors, such as ruby, emerald, and sapphire, look good in nearly everything. As you know, I am partial to gold, but those beneath the level of King do not always wear it well.

[What else? Gilgamesh walks to the wall, where all kinds of patterns are displayed.]

Flowers... flowers are nice. And of course, the classic fleur-de-lis! It adds a touch of refinement to any piece.

[He's right to assume that a country's people also reflects her behaviour, but not exactly in the way it is direct. Taiwan was much more hotheaded and confident than she was, so it's probably due to the influence of the people she's surrounded and raised by when she was younger. It is why that she could still be easily swept up into his pace; her latter, European upbringing opened up her mind to many other opportunities. Like how she would be a suitable anchor for Gilgamesh, he in turn is perfect for opening her up, because she's always wanted to be a little less shy.

All great legends come from great sources, so Gilgamesh's reply is not completely surprising to her. Perhaps how levelheaded he delivered it, but she's sure she just needed to get to know him more.

Besides, his advice was perfection. He might be flashy, but he has his basics covered! He just needs to know that with these basics, he can tone it down.]

Such good thoughts! They have all of those here, so we can look at them one by one. [It's preferable they purchase a decent variety so that his clothes wouldn't be fixed to one design. She follows him as he looks at the patterns, before moving over to the side to lift up the ends of one of the black rolls. There's a very faint floral pattern on it, more clearly seen under the light.]

I think this might look nice on you. For the evening.

[As they stroll along the aisles, Gilgamesh makes himself useful, picking up any rolls that Vietnam motions to and piling them in his arms. By the time they reach the floral pattern, he's already got a good four or five stacked, though he's a strong man even without the aid of the Grail; he carries it all without complaint. He couldn't rightly call himself a King if he didn't treat his kin with the proper amount of respect.

Gilgamesh sets their prospective purchases on a nearby shelf to get a better look at the pattern. He starts to unroll it... and unroll it... and unroll it... and within seconds he's unrolled it so much he looks like he's wearing an evening wrap. He's clearly doing it to get a rise out of Vietnam rather than provide any meaningful assistance, winking with a handsome grin at her.]

Flawless, no? Among the many talents of the King is the ability to wear anything and everything with absolute aplomb!

[Surely he's aware he's just being ridiculous... but with Gilgamesh, who could ever really tell?]

[The type of man Vietnam loves: the ones which holds everything for her, let's be honest here. Gilgamesh is so well behaved, she's just soaring. And he looks excited.

Though typically, he has his moments. She's not entirely sure if it's Gilgamesh, or it's Gilgamesh-picking-on-Vietnam (because everyone picks on Vietnam), or even a bit of both, but seeing him engulf himself in the layers of fabric, looking like a dark king with an incredibly long and elegant wrap (aside from the unkempt edges) has her caught between half laughing and half freaking out at the mess they're going to clean up.

GILGAMESH...WHAT IS SHE GOING TO DO WITH YOU. One of his many talents also needs to include tidiness. Somewhere the npc shopkeeper is probably hoping they're going to buy all of that. That or the npc shopkeeper is a middle aged lady who is probably checking him out. ONE OR THE OTHER.

However, she steps forward and start fixing it, smoothing it over his shoulders and dusting off bits of thread. It's strangely calm, soothing, and there's now a peaceful expression on her face.]

Ah yes...very handsome...

[Until she tightens the wrap around him, grabs their fabrics and tries to pull him along while he's still wrapped up.]

I would like to take this much as is! [She's joking, she'll unravel him soon.]

[And Gilgamesh laughs and laughs. Her smiles are mild things, tightly controlled, but earnest. A strong woman, but also a woman of clear graces. Indeed, they may have been a perfect match for each other, as Gilgamesh's sense of humor didn't always quite strike true... but it seems to have hit precisely the right mark with Vietnam. It bolsters his confidence and makes him smile all the wider.]

Am I not? You know, after this, we should...

[Should what? It's lost to her own shenanigans, as he gets caught up in the roll and... well...]

WAH!

[...wobbles and falls flat onto his face. Don't blame him too much; even as a Servant, his Agility was C-rank at best. He winds up rolling around on the floor helplessly, and that sure presents an interesting image of the so-called King of Heroes. So much for being manly.]

H... hey! That wasn't fair! Now look what you've done, woman, I went and cracked my skull open!

[No, Gilgamesh, your skull is just fine. He's being a big baby.]

[His laugh is contagious, so she would be laughing with him if she wasn't trying to keep it cool. But it's hard not to, which is why she's always slipping. She had tried to seek a way to smile and laugh refreshingly. Perhaps his antics could help her.

Too bad she'll never know what he was about to offer. But at least she's not one to laugh at his misfortune and poor reflexes. In fact, she didn't expect his Agility stats to be that bad, otherwise she would've caught him.

The noise he made was ridiculously endearing, and while she would've thought it was cute, she was also WORRIED THAT HE HURT HIMSELF. Which would be her fault. She didn't catch him in time!]

Gilgamesh! [C-cute...he's rolling. NO STOP NOW IS NOT THE TIME. She quickly kneels down next to him, trying to tug him free from the fabric (this fabric is terribly strong, she's going to really have to buy it for real. It seems to be battle friendly).]

A-ah, I'm sorry, I went too far. Where does it hurt?

[As soon as he has more wriggle room, she cups his face and tries to find where he hit himself. In any case she tries to soothe (randomly) any possible place he may have "cracked his skull" open with.]

[Moaning:]

Everywhere.

[He hadn't even fallen a foot... but hey, if she's going to worry over him this much, he'd be a fool not to take advantage of it. Though it's quite clear he could wriggle himself free if he bothered to make the effort, instead he sits there, and pouts, and blinks ever so coquettishly at Vietnam. Who could resist eyes so red, lips so pert, and a face so handsomely in distress? This is a crisis, and it demands her utmost focus to resolve!

A+ Charisma: activated.]

I require immediate and intimate attention all over my body. At once. Ah, make haste, I am fading from this world...

[And it had been going so well, too. Perhaps the true colors of the King of Heroes are on display at last: those of an irredeemable pervert.]

[He's definitely, completely, utterly fine. Now, she will admit, he is very handsome and charismatic, and even she's drawn to that! And had he played her a little more, she probably would've fallen for it, because she could be incredibly gullible to people she likes (and some may think it's unfortunate, but he's in that list). Which is why--]

A-ah, really? Here let me help... [She gently ran her fingers through his hair, making trying to rub out the pain (what pain) before drawing it down his neck--

Then he had to open his mouth. A mouth she still needs to talk to him about because she still remembers the incident in the dungeon. Yikes. But yes...an uncouth pervert...

Luckily for Gilgamesh, she didn't go straight for the option to strangle or drop kick him, because this was partially her fault.

She hasn't pulled her hands back yet, but her eye twitches.] Is that so? Where does it hurt most?

[Uh-oh. Uh-oh. She knows, doesn't she? That twitch of her eye suggests as much. She's not buying this for a second. If Gilgamesh could turn much paler, he probably would, because he of all people should well know Vietnam was no innocent maiden... the way she'd railed against Moura, all anger, all pure, distilled rage, had proven that. This woman was hell on two very fine legs when she committed herself to it.

But now he's stuck playing his own game, and inevitably losing at it, and there's no clear path out of it so he may as well try his luck at bluffing her even though he will undoubtedly wind up with a very sore face because of it. Possibly sore other places, too, feminine wrath could be rather ill-discerning.

Here goes nothing.]

My cheek?

[So obviously that mean it should be lovingly and tenderly stroked. Might as well try to make the most of this...]

[Gilgamesh gets a YouTried.jpg star. Had he pushed further, he really would've ended up in need of a good heal (surprisingly, she'd be the one to offer it).

He could've said many many things, but of all places he went with cheek. Eyes widen slightly in surprise, because that was a lot more tamer than she expected. She's guessing he's either picked up on her cues, or she's just way too used to expecting worse from living in the house of France. Could even be both.

Hell doesn't have to come immediately, she can see how much further he tries to dig himself out of trouble. Besides, she likes meeting challenges, and really? That's a king bound before her, one trying to get out of trouble, one he probably could easily get out, but he remains. It's working on her subconscious (empowering).

So she runs her fingers up to his face before she cups his cheeks (both cheeks, she's covering both bases), tenderly stroking them. Outwardly, it looks like a simple action, but he should be able to feel all the slight finger movements against his skin, rhythmic and slow.]

Is this better? [Her voice is suspiciously smoother than honey...that usually spells trouble. Good luck, Gilgamesh!!]

[His eyes widen, too, though for a very different reason.

In all honesty, he expected a smack for his provocations. Even he could acknowledge he'd deserved it, wouldn't have complained too much, but instead she's earnest. Painfully so. She's touching him before he gets the chance to protest—and really, how could he—and he's at a loss for words, as well as what to do.

The roll's mostly just for silly show, now. He could easily break free. So his own hands come up, and they grasp hers, and again, he stutters. He stumbles. Nobody ever dared to touch the King without permission, least of all in such a tender area, in such a tender way. Should he scold her? Should he punish her? Should he...]

Your hands...

[...you can do better than that, Gilgamesh. Really.]

They are very honest.

[He favors honest over pleasant. She's no soft, delicate thing. If she represented a country, it meant she had to have the will befitting one. A country waged war, so these hands must've killed before. They must've done great harm, even prior to arriving in Enprise. And yet here, they hold him as though he's precious. It's flattering.

Gilgamesh turns docile in their grip. It seems he may have learned his lesson; that clever poison on his tongue has died down as he stares mutely at her.]

[Honestly, she thought she was eventually going to have to punch him. Apologise after, but really, punch him.

She is usually pretty good with asking permission, but at the same time, when she wants to do something, she'd just go ahead and do it. Her own determination was what pushed a normally shy and humble country into doing many things. If that meant punch or caress a king, then that is exactly what she'd do.

What confuses and surprises her is Gilgamesh's reaction. For some reason, just this one reaction of him grasping her hands, voicing his opinion has her reeling before she calms. She is no longer frustrated at him. There's just something about Gilgamesh, like he understands who she is. She is as gentle as she is fierce. He pushes and he pulls, but not in a way that causes her complete distress.

Vietnam doesn't draw her eyes away. It is gold staring into red, but her gaze, finally, is soft. Outwardly, someone would probably think she's rewarding him now for his good behaviour. But for her, she wants to prove that his own honesty makes him dearer. Her fingers remain touching his face, but her thumbs curl so they can take his hands. Relaxed, and she shuffles her knees just to sit a little closer.]

No one ever said that to me before. [It's true. They say her hands are skilled, but that is all.] But if actions speak louder than words, then I am glad you understand. I suppose the most honest here is you.

[It would be easy to mistake him for a good man, looking as he does now. There's no changing his wicked eyes, reminiscent of a serpent, but here they only reflect a faint warmth. His breathing has slowed, his touch soft against hers. Curiously, he feels her out, and again it lacks perversion; he just wants to know, smoothing over her knuckles, the tips of her fingers, the little grooves in her hands. It is a positive sign, and a sign that he trusts her, touching him so intimately.

Eventually he does pull away, and sheepish, he removes himself from the roll without issue. I suppose the most honest here is you stings a little in this regard, as it's very obvious that's not true and that she's extending him the benefit of doubt he doesn't truly deserve.

But he will remember this. He will remember that she did. And that's what's important.]

I am glad you are trying.

[To understand. Even though she will never.

Gilgamesh picks up the rolls he left behind, and with a short smile, nods for her to continue along with him down the aisles. It seems their bond has grown stronger.]

[As she said, actions do speak louder than words. Perhaps he hides something darker. But here before her is a man who touches her hands so gently, and sinister eyes showing none of that. His hands are warm, they are curious, and it feels...nice. So she doesn't pull away until he does.

Glad that she is trying? She wonders what he means. Vietnam knows exactly what she means though. She may not know how badly he can become, but having observed him through their time together and the network, she knows he has a great number of flaws that could be worthy of judgement. But Gilgamesh has not denied them. To her, that is still honesty.

The fact still remains: he is good to her. And if he reveals himself to be the dark king he is, well, she fears nothing. She never will forget that he is gentle when he wants to be. She doesn't fear the darkness, as long he doesn't betray her. Don't worry, she's played the game for more than a thousand of years.]

I always give my best. And to those I want to give it to.

[Not just to those who deserve it. Vietnam gets up, brushing down her robes to smooth them out. She smiles when he picks up the rolls, and she folds up the fabric that wrapped him up, making note to make him something nice. Vietnam accompanies him, using distractions and quick hands to grab a few other bare trinkets and accessories while he's not looking. It's a surprise.

Because even a monster deserves something nice when he treats her this well.]

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[semi-open] come, let's fly.

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