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

[ Almost like. Asuna wouldn't forget the things he said any time soon. It's just now isn't the time or place for bringing it up. More than that, she doesn't care what he does. She can't rightfully deny he doesn't have interesting things to say at other times.

Although Asuna wouldn't say it aloud, she noticed that nearly every Hero she's met stood out physically. In Japan, she certainly stood out among the people in her class, too. Both in intelligence and in looks.

Asuna doesn't have legends about herself but she was much more than a pretty face. The look she gives him is unsure. ]

Why are you asking─ [ There's a pause and a sigh. ] It depends on what you think is interesting. [ He said he wanted to learn about legends and stories. Her arms fold and she turns her head away. ]

... I liked the legend of Gladia and her rival Cherima.

I am a guardian of knowledge, so of course I would ask.

[Just because Gilgamesh came across as ignorant didn't mean he was in reality, at least regarding intellectual pursuits. He would not pay these gods and goddesses any mind, no, would never kneel before their shrines, but it didn't hurt to commit their own stories to memory. The details may just come in handy someday, and Gilgamesh couldn't afford to overlook an advantage, however slight.

Again, there's that jarring contrast between what he's said before and how he's behaving now, between the man over the network the man standing in front of her—upon mention of Gladia and Cherima, Gilgamesh lights up like a child himself.]

Oh? Tell me about them.

[It didn't even matter if he's heard it before. Every storyteller was unique.]

[ In the stillness of the temple, her retort to that is plenty audible. ]

I thought you were a king.

[ It's not biting or sarcastic or even angry. It's said plaintively as she keeps her eyes away from his. Maybe she had gotten out all her anger prior, maybe she just doesn't have the energy for it now. Maybe she's matured in some way.

Or maybe it's the aura he gives off now compared to the one she had seen on the network. Why does he want her to tell him about them? Although she doesn't appreciate being told what to do, her serious disposition kicks in and she answers. ]

Gladia is the goddess of war and luck, the patron goddess of the Alfersa. Cherima is the goddess of success and peace, one students pray to for passing exams. [ It makes her think of all the exams she's missing back home. Her hands fold behind her as she speaks, filling the temple with her clear voice. ] It's obvious why they were rivals, isn't it? War and peace are like two sides of one coin. So, Gladia often challenged Cherima in different ways and Cherima always accepted. They did this so much that it's in a lot of legends.

But they were on good terms, despite being rivals. It makes you think that sometimes people can bond through fighting and they can overcome their differences and learn to respect one another. They were like opposites but they're friends, in their own way.

[ Okay, now she does look at him. ]

Interesting enough?

[War and peace... it was true, they were even more closely tied together than Asuna herself likely realized. Servants lived and died on the basis of both; they were forever bound to the Holy Grail, which oversaw everything. Certainly, Gilgamesh understood their nature, and why it would lead the two goddesses to conflict.

And though he'd never experienced it himself—Gilgamesh viewed nearly all his opponents with the same amount of derision—he'd heard of Servants reaching concord, even on the battlefield. Finding resolution between each other, even as they fought to the death. It still sounded like a much nicer world than the one he'd left behind, as Gilgamesh somehow doubts the gods squabble over a twisted cup here.

Belatedly, Gilgamesh answers her earlier observation.]

King of Heroes, and a keeper of all mankind's treasures, the sum of their toil and triumph. That is the territory of He Who Saw the Deep, Gilgamesh.

[And as she is neither sarcastic nor angry, he is neither boastful nor smug. Just a statement of what is before moving on.]

Great rivalries have drawn great renown for centuries. These Alfersa appear to respect balance above all else; one must admire that way of living.

[ She has a pretty good idea how closely tied they are. She may be a child at heart but she's an intelligent girl. What interests her the most is how they were able to get along. It makes her think of Blanc and Noir and she wonders why those two sides of the coin can't follow the example of those goddesses and those legends.

He who saw the deep? Ugh, he's talking weird again. Sure, Gladia and Cherima were almost extreme opposites but they understood each other. Asuna isn't sure if she'll understand this king.

At least he's not being an annoyance. She'll let him have his titles since it doesn't stop her from doing anything. She just doesn't like the other things.

Asuna doesn't think of balance when she read about the Alfersa or even being in the heart of Polgar. Especially with the way they were mostly dominated by female warriors. But he does cause her to think of something else. ]

I wonder how the people of Noir live.

[ Two sides to every coin. ]

[Not all balances were even, Gilgamesh would be the first to tell her. Gilgamesh would claim to live by balance, too, except for the fact his own reign had been ruled by greed and tyranny. Sometimes it was simply a matter of perspective, and the Alfersa seemed to believe very much in the lifestyle they'd carved out for themselves—although he would be inclined to agree that their society's balance, as it were, wasn't exactly tipped in his favor as a man.

But he doesn't look concerned. He rarely does, though his expression grows sterner speaking of Noir.]

Poorly.

[For what other reason would they be drawn to war? Even if their streets were paved with gold, they obviously wanted for something to draw blades against Blanc. No one warred just for the sake of it, unless they counted themselves among the ranks of Iskandar. No, what they clearly wanted was...]

Power is what they seek. Power, and revenge for a slight, even if it is only perceived. War warps even the just into the most wicked.

[ Asuna doesn't want to agree but she does. First, because she had told Gil that people should live the way they please and second, she just doesn't want to agree with Gil on something again. She's childish. But Noir certainly didn't live virtuously and in any respectable way. At least, their army didn't. They attacked innocent civilians and children, something she couldn't forgive easily. Or at all.

If they do agree on this, she has to reevaluate her opinion on him.

Power is usually what people sought in wars, superiority. Asuna sought power too but for betterment of self, not for the purpose to stand above others. If anything, to be able to protect people. This world and some of the people she's met here. ]

Is that why you told me the weight of war will crush me?

It could.

[Gilgamesh doesn't retreat from what he's said, nor does he apologize for it. Like much of what comes out of his mouth, it simply is. But getting to see her face to face was a bit different, as it must've also been for her; a video feed could only tell one so much about another person. Gilgamesh could be tyrannical and fierce, unforgiving and cold, but he was called a charismatic king for a reason—much of that revolving around the glow he tended to exude up close.

Gilgamesh glances to the sword sheathed at her side, considering a moment, before his eyes flick back to hers.]

Or it could make you strong. As we discussed, Heroes are driven by their will, so if yours proves formidable...

[A shrug, not beholden to anything in particular. Would she live, would she die? It didn't matter, as he'd observe all the same.]

...you could accomplish more than even Gladia herself.

[ She nearly mouths off that it won't, all over again. Her jaw tenses in irritation instead. She doesn't need to repeat herself. Besides, she doesn't want to get into an argument that will lead them nowhere. Asuna knows she will fight and she's told Gil as such.

As long as he knows that, then the rest didn't matter.

Or so she thought. Her icy stare flickers and her delicate eyebrows raise. Her foot stumbles back a step. ]

Wha─

[ Who is this person?? Was he just in a bad mood when she met him on the network? She's still unsure, shooting glances at him and the statue of Gladia he's near. If anything, it causes her to be on her guard even more. He's unpredictable. ]

I-I have no plans to accomplish more than a goddess, thank you. Besides, they're likely capable of incredible things beyond normal means. Even for this place. [ She's just glad she's able to defend herself and her beliefs, her friends. To be able to fight. ]

[Perhaps less a good mood now and more a sign that he's learning, little by little, how best to manipulate her. Gilgamesh was often a hard man to say no to; his reputation did not come about all its own, but rather because he was used to—and marvelously good at—getting his way. He just smiles faintly at her stammering, hands drifting to his pockets. He doesn't at all regret this meeting, as she was even feistier up close. A worthy target of his interest.]

You'd truly believe such a thing, hm? Then let me tell you the truth, within this sacred shrine.

[His smile turns the slightest bit sharp. Defiant.]

Gods are weak. Mankind holds much more potential, enough to someday surpass them. That's why... I believe in you to do so, Asuna.

[ Maybe she's not at his level with all those years of experience, she's only fifteen, but she also knows a thing or too about getting what she wants. It's less about manipulation and just knowing what to say. Besides, her reasons aren't nefarious.

If gods bring her here along with everyone else, Gil included, she does believe that. If she was able to do what gods could do, then she would have found a way to go home already. To save this world and stop the war. Asuna knows limitations but she pushes herself to overcome them within reason. For example, not being able to fight with a sword but having Setsuna start apprenticing her. Learning about magic and theory and training every day.

So it was potential he was looking for when she spoke to him first.

She inhales sharply. Gil's belief in her isn't warm like Setsuna's is or even earnest like Yata saying she was cool. It doesn't make her heart skip beats or for it to swell. Eyes hardening, she doesn't take the bait, she straightens her shoulders. ]

Would you kindly take me a bit more seriously?

[Gilgamesh's belief stems solely from a place of selfishness. From perversion, and from a wish to entertain himself at someone else's expense. If she died, so what? Maybe she'd go down screaming to the very end, which would also serve to amuse. If she didn't, then he'd be proven right, that there was more to her than the childish little girl she seemed. Her humanity is what wins him over and makes him despise her, all in the same breath.

At her curious request, he seems taken aback. Blinking a few times, he folds his arms, and how he looks at her now... it's like he's standing on the other end of a lion's cage, trying to figure the beast out. At least it's some small victory as she appears to have stumped him.]

Have I not?

[Tilting his head, his eyes land upon her sword again.]

Hm... tell me, girl, what do you know of swordplay?

[ His reaction baffles her too but she wonders if he's putting up an act. He doesn't actually believe in her, does he? He doesn't know her so why would he? Asuna may be serious 99% of the time, but she has no idea when it comes to Gil.

He doesn't have a vibe that leads her to believe he exactly trusts in people unconditionally. Especially for a King who seems to look down on others.

So no, she doesn't think he has been taking her seriously. Before she can tell him that he hasn't, he points out her sword. More than that, he calls her girl.

Yeah, definitely not taking her seriously. ]

My name is Asuna, Gilgamesh-san. [ Subconsciously, her hand brushes the hilt of her rapier. She comes back at him with another question. ]

What do you want to know?

So it is.

[But whether or not Gilgamesh will respect that assertion remains up for debate. Even if he doesn't, he's at least somewhat impressed she would even stand up to him at all. Perhaps it was because he didn't command his full extent of powers here, which would've had her kneeling in seconds...

Or perhaps she really did have a superior sense of spirit. Either way, Gilgamesh will ferret it out.]

I will make a deal with you. When you feel you are comfortable enough with the sword, reach out to me. We will have a match.

[Again, with that slippery smile, tilting the corners of his mouth up.]

You need not win; only hold your own. If you can manage to do that, I will, as you say, take you seriously.

[ There's that smile she had seen before. Like it had done on the network, her skin crawls. Snake, it screams. Why does she have to prove her worth to him, anyway? Just so he can take her seriously?

She tries not to lose her temper.

She's somewhat proud of her prowess now. Training with Setsuna every morning has made her much more comfortable with handling a weapon, her sword. She's a fast learner and even more of a perfectionist. Although she doesn't have the experience that Setsuna does, she can hold her own.

Or so she thinks.

His over-confidence rubs her the wrong way and before she knows it, she's agreeing. If he wants a duel then that's fine. ]

I won't have a match with you with the intention of holding my own. I'll have a match with the intention to win.

I'm ready when you are.

[Gilgamesh leans on the hilt of his own sword, sheathed at his hip, and wonders if she really and truly understands what she's getting herself into here. While he was no swordsman himself, he favored a blade as his ultimate weapon back home, against his enemies. He had some degree of familiarity with one that surely such a young girl could not boast of... or could she?

Hm. Alright. He's got nothing else to do and nowhere else to be, so he'll indulge this. She'll either walk away having learned a serious lesson or he'll have his curiosity sated in knowing that she was stronger than innocent appearances implied.

Gilgamesh walks past her and gestures for her to follow.]

They've a courtyard towards the center of the temple, dedicated to the goddess of war. I'm certain they won't mind a spar in the spirit of her station.

[They have actually taken notice of what's going on. A group of bright-eyed Alfersa appear to be staring at Asuna from around the corner, inquistively.]

[ There's a chance both of those things could happen....

Asuna follows, even if she's biting the inside of her cheek. If they spar, she'll have a chance to put all her frustration into her swordplay. Ah, that's not how she was taught though. She has to keep a calm mind or she'll make mistakes. So as they walk, Asuna trailing behind Gil, she takes calming breaths.

... First one here, huh? If he knows there's a courtyard, she wonders if she actually was or he was just trying to make conversation. Why? She can't wonder about it when she feels eyes on her. Glancing over her shoulder reveals that they're being watched and she tenses. This kind of duel doesn't need an audience.

She jogs to catch up with Gil, so she's not just following him and walking at his side. ]

If you weren't certain, there's a chance to ask.

[Gilgamesh stops, and miraculously, seems to heed Asuna. He turns to the group of Alfersa that had been tagging along behind them, supposedly on the sly. They all freeze in place and squeak, but a more daring member of the pack clears her throat and tells him quite bluntly, "Yes! Asking permission would be best, stranger! Especially such a..."

Gilgamesh raises an eyebrow, but as he has company, decides to entertain this.]

Such a what?

["Such a... such a.. such a rude male, accosting the fair lady!"

Gilgamesh quirks a smile. Yes, maybe this was what Asuna meant, questioning his claims of balance. In a word, the Alfersa were... well, sexist. They did not look kindly upon men in their midst, and certainly not men like Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh wouldn't mind putting them in their place, ordinarily, but it was their territory. He can respect that much, at least, and so bows at the chest and inquires with his most charming smile:]

May I use your courtyard, then, for the purposes of exhibition? I am certain the lady Asuna will put on quite a show for you.

[The supposed leader of the group looks to her comrades, gnawing at her lip. "You promise no undue violence against her?"]

Not outside the scope of combat. It would be rude of me.

[They glance and mumble among themselves for a moment, then all nod together. There you have it, Asuna. Permission acquired... and a small audience, at that.]

[ Asuna stops too, half-turning to regard the Alfersa. She's kind of on their side, he is a rude male okay. What she knows of him. Before now. But she watches Gil and his reaction as subtly as she can.

She goes a bit wide-eyed when he BOWS. TO THEM. Last thing she expects from the egotistical king, actually. She holds in her sputters by holding her breath, keeping her looks between Gil and the girls as they converse. They're talking as if she's not here, irritating her. If this guy put any undue violence against her she would just RETALIATE. The girls are probably well-intended, she knows that. Even so...

Asuna gives the girls a small nod of acknowledgement too anyway. She doesn't want an audience but there's not much she can do about it. They still watch over Asuna protectively. They can't be blamed, Asuna doesn't really look like a warrior at first glance.

Then she's back to settling her attention on Gil. ]

You're not going to put on a show?

[Gilgamesh just smiles at Asuna.]

Do I not simply put one on all the time?

[And that answers that.

It's a short trek to the courtyard in question, a pretty players of flowers and greenery. Statues of the Alfersa's beloved goddesses are littered about the area, and there's plenty of space for the sparring in question. Asuna's little cadre settles around the edges and look to her hopefully, as if to say don't let this arrogant male get the better of you. They'll be rooting for her, most assuredly.

Gilgamesh assumes a position on the opposite end of the courtyard, leaning on the hilt of his blade and sizing Asuna up. She didn't seem like much, but he's already learned there's a lot of spirit in that pert little body of hers. Perhaps she'd provide him adequate challenge after all, though he doubts it.]

I propose we fight until first blood has been drawn. Since it's only a spar, we each should be able to heal such a wound sufficiently, so there is no risk.

[As easy as it would be, he feels, to tear her apart. As before, with the Alfersa, Gilgamesh bows before his opponent, though it's hard to say how genuine it really is. Kings bow to no one, in truth, and Gilgamesh was no exception. If she wanted his earnest respect, she'd have to fight for it, as with everyone else.]

I cede right of first move to you. Show me your best, Asuna.

[ For some reason, his smile doesn't give her chills but she still doesn't TRUST IT so she narrows her eyes. ]

I would say you put on an act...

[ Stop sassing Kings, Asuna. After that, they make it to the courtyard. Asuna tries not to get all big-eyed at all the flowers and greenery but she's a hippie so she can't help it. ]

Oh!

[ A small sound leaves her in a breath and she looks around. The Alfersa definitely do well to worship their goddess. There's even a flower crown on one of the statues. The reminder causes her to look towards the small audience again and she can practically read their minds. Once she looks at Gil again, she tries to school her expression back to something more serious. Even if he wasn't arrogant, or male, she won't let anybody get the better of her. For the most part, she can pretend they're not there.

Once she gets psyched up for the duel, anyway.

Since he takes the other side, Asuna stands in her spot with her hand gripping her sheath and her other arm stretched across her body to grip the handle of her sword. He looks so relaxed and she feels her jaw tense. ]

That's fine. Also, I propose we don't use any magic. This is purely a test of our blades. [ She doesn't want this to be a fight to the death or anything. As he bows, Asuna draws her rapier and gets into a stance that might be very familiar to him -- as she learned it from Setsuna. Even the expression on her face is very calm and focused.

First move, her best. She inhales slowly, exhales. Then, her coiled muscles explode and her Pawn speed moves her fast enough that she's in front of Gil in almost the blink of an eye, her sword glinting ferociously and it comes at his shoulder first. ]

[A maiden, tried and true, he thinks, hearing that little oh of wonder and watching her gaze about in evident wonder. It draws a soft chuckle from him, and for once it isn't derisive and mocking; he's genuinely amused by her reaction, as well as the band of followers she's gained for herself. That certainly hadn't happened by accident, so maybe, just maybe, there was room for a revision of opinion here.

But she'd have to earn it. Indeed, Gilgamesh looks ready, and has been for this since the moment of their first meeting.]

I agree to your terms. Melee only. A test of pure skill.

[And so Gilgamesh lowers himself into a defensive position and prepares to accept the first blow. Much to his surprise, she's fast. Certainly no faster than the monsters he'd encountered in the dungeon, nor the men and women that fought alongside him, but fast enough to draw some shock from it. He recovers quickly, though, just in time to raise his own blade in defense. Asuna hits him hard, and his heels dig into the grass to keep him level.

This is when the fight truly begins. His eyes gain a feral crimson glow, and he stares at her has he never has before. Not like a King, but like a monster, like something bestial and deadly that she's not yet encountered. He says nothing, but his lips move. If she reads them, she will see you shall not survive. He's trying to scare her, to intimidate her before she can even so much take another swing at him. For now, he just anchors himself to her, and waits for her to cower. To surrender.

If she so much as hesitates here, it will be over. Gilgamesh bares fangs, and they will dig in if she does not hold firm.]

[ Asuna had seen the brief widening of his eyes and she resists the urge to grin confidently that she's made her point that this will be much more than holding her own. The meeting of their swords creates a loud clanging but all other sounds are drowned out, even any the Alfersa make when they see Asuna go for Gil with all the speed she can muster.

Like Gil, however, she's taken aback by the glow that happens in his eyes like a predator looking down at prey. She looks the rabbit, just like her carrier, since she's not prepared for it. She keeps their swords locked, pushing against each other and reads his lips. Stunned, she grips her sword harder.

Then suddenly, her eyes flash and burn with a fire too. There is one thing that's kept her going, a sentiment she heard from one of the first people she met in Caissa. But living on, that is a fight on its own. One of the first things Setsuna said to her. Asuna fights. She wants to survive so she can go home.

The blades grind against each other as she twists her wrist, both tips pointed towards the ground. Then she pulls herself free, dancing back a few steps and holding up her sword again, expression stolid. It's all in the pale red fire of her eyes. ]

[She's fierce, too, he thinks. For someone so small, so seemingly delicate and unknown to the ways of the world, she has a fire burning in her he can plainly see. So be it, then. This battle will not be won through intimidation tactics alone, and that's for the best. He would've been disappointed to have him time wasted in a such a pitiful fashion on such on a pitiful girl. He might've even killed her on the spot for daring to do so, so hot the King's wrath would've blazed.

Asuna withdraws. He cannot call it a proper retreat, because they both know that's not what she's aiming for here. Gilgamesh takes a moment of his own to prepare, then rushes forward much as she did not moments go, sword swinging violently. He does not aim for any spot in particular, but rather seeks to force an opening however he can, as was his style: direct, damning, devastating. There's a lot of power being thrown at her and a lot she's going to need to defend against, but maybe...

Maybe she can handle it. Maybe she can impress him yet. He was a heartless King, but he still held some love for humanity and their potential, however faint.]

[ Asuna doesn't have to wait long before she sees Gil coming with a very direct approach that should be easy to block and then parry. But the force behind his swing makes her arm tremble, tremors traveling through to her shoulder that makes her gasp. This clang of tempered metal meeting each other is louder than the last, but she holds her ground by reaching up with her other hand so she's holding her rapier with both hands to fight against his power.

Even if she had no plans to underestimate him, now she had an idea of what he's capable of.

It's not the proper etiquette to hold a rapier with two hands, not something Setsuna taught her, but she's going to have to cut this corner. Her teeth grit and she pushes against him, breaking free again so she can step back, retreating, before going in again.

It's a dance for her. Back and forth, light on her feet, her sword flashing as it cuts at him again. This time, vertically, at his chest. ]

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

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SWOOPS IN HERE AGAIN

ONLY IF YOU HAVE STARBUCKS

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smh

dont shake your head at me

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