(open | november log)

[fulgency]

Who: Ozymandias + you (some closed starters as well)
When: Noveuer
Where: Aefenglom (Residential, Aristocratic, and Entertainment Districts), Mhysadei (farmland beyond the Wall), & the Wilde
What: Ozymandias starts surveying and problem-solving for the issues of overcrowding in the Residential District, suffers tea time with old rich women, and tries to do his best taking care of a farm that was left behind. He also has some private 1:1 chats with some folks.
Warnings: Animal death (via hunting) with the Wilde prompt; will update as needed

residential district | aristocratic district | entertainment district (closed) | mhysadei + the wilde
((ooc: feel free to riff off any of the open prompts if you would like. if you need/want to run something by me before you do that, you can either pm this journal or shoot me a message on plurk [rebreather]. same goes with if you would like to have a private starter!))

Comments

entertainment district (closed);

[fulgency]

(closed to gilgamesh)

[In their lifetimes, it would be somewhat unheard of for two men of their standing to come together like this. It would more likely that intermediaries would speak on their behalf to the other, relaying various expressions of genuine respect or perhaps even backhanded compliments. But it has been so very long since that time, and it really is not the most effective means for either one of them to communicate. And so, all it took was the King of Heroes making the request for some of the King of Kings' time to explain what it is he has missed in his time away from a political perspective. Normally such discussions should perhaps take place over a fine meal and even better wine, but if they were to abandon other trappings of formality, they might as well do away with the whole of it.]

[And so, they are seated amongst the pillows, each with a kitten or two occupying some part of their body.]

I was surprised they were so supportive of the garden. Much of the aristocracy of this city have their own private gardens and what they cannot provide for themselves, they receive from the outlying farms or purchasing through the markets. So, they've little need for a communal space.

But I believe some perceive themselves as charitable and are willing to act with whatever minimal amount of generosity is required to maintain such a perception.

[He pauses a moment there to allow the King of Heroes to mull over his words and take a sip of his coffee, which he has been balancing on a raised, bent knee with his free hand. The other pets the kitten that's decided to occupy the c circle of his folded leg and sleep soundly, exhausted from its earlier play.]

(closed to sylvia)

How are you, Sylvia?

[Ozymandias recognizes that the question is likely a loaded one for a number of reasons. For one, he is her boss and any question he asks seems to come with a certain degree of implicit pressure to her. For another, it is his understanding that one of the recent losses among the Mirrorbound employees was known to her. (Ozymandias never quite sussed out how they knew each other, of course, finding it to be hardly a concern of his, but he at least noticed their familiarity with each other.) So, he does not anticipate an easy or quick answer from her even with a small lull between rushes. It still seems important for him to ask, however, and that is precisely what has him leaning on the opposite side of the counter from her to ask.]

[stardustish]

[ Sylvia is pretty out of it while working during this particular shift. Yoosung was her housemate and someone she considered a friend, and given the amount of housemates she's lost recently (on top of other things) she's really not in the mood to talk about it much. Still, though, she finds it hard to lie to Ozy since he's her boss, and she's in the middle of drying one of the dishes when he addresses her. ]

How am I?

[ A pause, then: ]

I'm alright. Hanging in there, haha -- but that's like everyone else, right?

[ These past few weeks have been a lot. ]

What about you, Boss?

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias trusts her answer. Not that it's the full truth necessarily, a true full inventory of her life as it stands right now, but this precise moment that she is alright. So, he doesn't scrutinize it or press for more, nodding instead to her question.]

I am doing well. I have quite a bit to occupy my time.

[Staying busy, he finds, always helps with grief. Gives it somewhere to place the energy. But in general, for Ozymandias, he does not do well with remaining idle. Sylvia herself has perhaps observed on a few occasions where Ozymandias seems to look for things to do even when he already has something before him.]

There is something I would like your assistance with as my time is somewhat limited right now with my responsibilities to the Council, but I acknowledge that it may be a bit of a sore subject for you right now. You need not accept it if you truly do not feel able right now.

[stardustish]

Huh? Really?

[ No, wait, that sounded bad. ]

I mean -- yeah! Of course I'll help out. I'm sure I can handle whatever it is.

[ At least, that's what she wants to think. She doesn't want to let Boss down, after all. Sylvia wipes the other side of the dish idly, eyes still on Ozymandias. ]

What's going on?

[fulgency]

You did well in looking after the cafe in my brief absence.

[This is not likely news to Sylvia as Ozymandias already once made mention of his appreciation for her hard work upon his return. And by once, it's more accurate to say that it was three or four times. Coming from anyone else, it would probably seem disingenuous, but he just has the habit of laying it on thick when he is pleased with others.]

I am very pleased to know that my trust in you was not misplaced and that you are someone that I can depend on to act in my stead when the need arises.

And– [He pauses there for a moment. Interrupting himself to say,] You might want to put the dish down, Sylvia.

[Because she's a Puca and she might freeze. Also, it's probably plenty clean, but mostly the former. He'd rather she not accidentally break a dish and feel terrible for it. Ozymandias waits until she has a chance to put it down.]

And so, I would like to place you in charge of finding and hiring new employees for the cafe.

[stardustish]

O-okay?

[ Said in response to Ozy's request for her to put the dish down. So, she does, setting it on the counter, though the towel is still draped over her hand. She's already a little flustered from the compliment, even if she's heard it before.

What does, indeed, get her to freeze, ears pointed straight up and all, is what he asks of her. That's a lot of trust and responsibility he's giving to her, and she just stares at him with those golden eyes of hers in silence and shock.

Welp. He'll need to shake her out of this. ]

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias waits a moment, not jumping to the immediate conclusion that he's triggered a freeze response. But that moment needn't be over long before he notices how very still she is. One would almost question if she was still breathing she is so still.]

[He tries at first with just a verbal attempt to bring her back, gentle as he can be about it.]

Sylvia... [He waits again, but there's no immediate reaction, so he repeats her name a little louder.] Sylvia.

[Sighing a little, Ozymandias pushes off the counter to step around to her side of it to clap his hands just in front of her face. Hopefully both the motion and sound will snap her out of it.]

[stardustish]

Hah-!

[ The clap startles her and brings her out of her stillness. She blinks once, twice, then clears her throat as her cheeks color. Oh god. How embarrassing. She definitely wasn't expecting to freeze here, but his request caught her so off-guard that she couldn't help herself. ]

Sorry! Sorry, uh... [ She straightens up, trying to regain her composure. ] Finding new employees! Yeah, I got it!

[ She looks nervous but she nods at him anyway. ]

I'll work real hard at it, promise! We'll get back on our feet in no time.

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias thinks nothing of the freeze response on the whole. At least not to the extent that Sylvia does. He's able to be empathetic to the fact it's not something she can truly control, after all. So, he instead smiles as she accepts this new responsibility.]

Excellent! [He gives her a (gentle) clap on the shoulder.] All I ask is that whoever you hire is hard working. Experience means little if one is unwilling to actually put in the work necessary.

You have been working here long enough to know if someone will be a poor fit, so I trust your judgment.

[gilgamess]

[ indeed, this manner of political transaction, were one to classify such a casual-seeming encounter through the language of formal terms, would be highly unusual in Uruk. though both men are given to indolence and pleasure, a meeting of Kings would occasion finery and luxurious indulgence -- wine, feasting, entertainment from singers and dancers, to name merely a few of the pleasures that two kings might enjoy when conducting a political correspondence between their nations in more ancient times.

in Geardagas, Gilgamesh is, once again, bereft of his vault and his wealth. of course, viewed from another perspective, these are merely physical trappings: no worldly power may remove what makes the core of a man, and the King of Heroes is far more than glitter and gold. as one who ruled in his earlier life as an autocrat, he is also unused to playing nice with others. but he is (for all that it might not be readily apparent, given his demeanor) more than capable of pragmatism when necessity dictates. the King of Heroes can acknowledge that this Mirrorbound Council is, at the least, an intriguing experiment on behalf of many who were once kings and emperors in their own lands, as well as certain among the citizenry who simply evince a desire to bring about change to the city. there is a certain ambition to that which stirs his own interest.

moreover, whatever tension they may hold as former Servants who might have faced one another in a Grail War, as well as ancient heroes and kings with enormous and often conflicting egos, Gilgamesh does respect Ozymandias as much as he is capable of respecting a man. considering all of this, and considering that there is no other immediate method for effecting change within the city proper, he is willing to attend such an audience. his abrasive temperament may seem to soften, if slightly, amid the ambience of the coffee smell (a drink which he also partakes of) and the soft purr of the kittens. ]

Ah, but that is to be expected, is it not? [ for his own part, Gilgamesh's pose looks something like this, as he unhurriedly strokes the cats, often looking down at them as his hands brush over their heads. ] In your own kingdom, Sun-King, though many of your monuments may have been to your own glory, certainly many among your public works were done with some thought towards procuring loyalty among the lower classes.

[ though it was a different context, of course. as a God-King, Ozymandias would have been worshipped by his people regardless.

still, even if they may be tyrant-kings, a tyrant-king who cannot sate at least some of his citizenry's appetites is likely to meet a gruesome end. history taught that lesson well enough. Gilgamesh has no higher opinion of the Parliament than Ozymandias does, but from a strict longevity perspective, it would be foolish not to at least cede some measures to the poor and to orphans. one need not be particularly generous or warm-hearted to see the social value in doing so. thus, in one sense, Gilgamesh is not surprised by this outcome. ]

That said, I shall grant you congratulations on your success, Sun-King. It would seem that this Parliament can be quite resistant to accommodating the efforts of the Mirrorbound Council.

[ now that he is here, Gilgamesh thinks... well, he intends to bring his own sort of rhetorical force and social persuasion to bear. and just how that will turn out... remains to be seen. ]

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias rests his forearm atop his knee, allowing his hand to tip slightly downward with the weight of the mug in his hand. While they may share in proclivities to a great extent, the differences in their philosophies at times appear vast.]

[God-King though he may be, Ozymandias has never viewed his authority as existing independent from the divine will of his gods. Unlike Gilgamesh, he always sought to serve his purpose rather than fight against it or completely recreate it. Thus, it is never a matter of loyalty when he makes the decision to do some form of public work that enhances the lives of those with the least. He is simply upholding ma'at as he was always intended to do.]

I would never tolerate any official under my rule to behave as those within Parliament do. I am not naive enough to believe that they never behave in a selfish manner, but those they have authority over are under their primary responsibility. To abuse them in such a manner as Parliament has those within the Outer City would not stand.

[Even the lowest of peasants still had the ability to petition against the landowners in Ozymandias' courts. And they would be listened to just as seriously as those landowners.]

[gilgamess]

[ their perspective is actually not entirely dissimilar. to the extent that one could say Gilgamesh loves humanity, he loves it in a cynical manner. this is a man who would bribe a goddess with gems if the outcome meant saving the whole of the human race from eradication at the hands of the mother goddess. he is the bratty child of the gods, but Ozymandias is the loyal child of the gods -- one who harmonizes them and the people.

where their perspective is not entirely dissimilar is that Gilgamesh is, nevertheless, a big believer in natural role ... it is simply that his natural role is in the comprehension and assortment of chaos, not order, between humans and gods. so his methods of connecting with the goddesses and gods and with the humans of his kingdom, well, even in the best of times, they would have a sort of crudeness. and he had been known for this. yet there is a reason his name is remembered in the earliest history and there is much he left to posterity, so in a sense, he thinks he knows how the people of this Parliament think... perhaps. that sort of brutishness, the matter of the end justifying the means.

but. then again. ]

I have spoken to many about the conditions of those within the Outer City, yet each conversation simply circles around itself. The Natives abuse the Mirrorbound because there are too many of us.

[ it is a tautology in reasoning, and that is unsustainable. ]

A lone tyrant, even one of full power, may not hold out against a population under absolute duress. Yet the way you speak of this Parliament, it is as though the more Mirrorbound enter, the more they become a pack of tyrants over a populace that they do not reflect. If it is as bad as you always seem to indicate, as I always hear, then there is little save ceding some ground or preparing one's self for another revolt.

[ and there has already been violence here. when Gilgamesh first entered, there was an execution of a number of powerful families. to say these were dangerous times... well. yet perhaps this orphanage... perhaps this ground that Parliament has given, it may be some small olive branch. ]

Even I would know... well, it would be something like the predicament in the Cedar Forest, you see.

[ he just looks knowingly at that allusion. or, you know, something like Moses's God -- and the parting of the sea: an inexorable force, a determination beyond even the powerful. this Parliament, if they continue to oppress the Mirrorbound, to keep the poor down forever, then certainly, they are playing with that same old fire. ]

[fulgency]

We shall have to see what it is they do. But we are not only beset by disdain from some of those within Parliament. The very people we seek to aid trust us little more, perhaps even less than those who have always been within the Wall.

[The Outer City's opinion of the Mirrorbound has plummeted to such a point that Ozymandias would not find it at all surprising if some believed it to be beyond repair. He doesn't share that opinion, of course, but it would not be surprising to hear it from anyone at this point. The difference between Parliament's disdain and the mistrust of the Outer City, however, is that the Outer City lacks any and all power. Truly, the Mirrorbound could just ignore them for the duration of their stay in this world, and there would likely be no harm to come.]

[But such a choice would be unjust, it would be a violation of ma'at, and so Ozymandias refuses to lose sight of what they need. Even if he must turn his attentions elsewhere in the city for a time to make change even a remote possibility, he will not let this one go.]

[gilgamess]

These children within the Outer City are essentially feral.

[ that term is no insult. Enkidu had been feral once, and many a lovely creature of the Wilde is feral... lions... well, Gilgamesh is a fan of those. though he rather likes bringing such beautiful beings under his sway. he is the one who tames.

but for these children, a gentler approach is in order, perhaps. ]

But, it is something like Butter Cake... you show them love, kindness... I read that a man named "Linden" is tutoring those children. So that would sweeten the relations of the Outer City. The children will perhaps thank their patriarchs, their benefactors, do you suppose. Aristocracy... basically, this is a seedy form of charity. That Parliament hopes the children will simply see your Mirrorbound Council as proxies for their good deed. They are financing you, after all. It's their coffers. That's greed... you simply have to ensure that these children think for themselves, you know.

[ but Ozy was very good at being stubborn and writing his own curricula, yes? ]

[fulgency]

I tasked one of my lovers to be the primary educator for this project. [But this is not a case of nepotism as Ozymandias continues to explain.] She already has experience in establishing an education system in this world. After the refugees from Dorchacht arrived, they were not to be granted access to the educational systems here in this city. They were too far behind and lacked the financial resources for even a basic education.

She produced great results in a very short period of time. Those fortunate enough to possess guardians have nearly all been able to enter into a formal education within the city, and those without would have the academic skill by now.

And the children adore her. There has hardly been a time in which I have spent time with these children that they have not had some form of present they request I deliver to her when I might see her next.

[As Ozymandias speaks, it is obvious how great his own affection for this woman is. A light begins to grow in his eyes and although it is subtle, his expression somewhat softens. Even in the presence of another king, Ozymandias feels no particular need to tightly control or mask such feelings.]

If there is one who might encourage the children to not think unkindly of Parliament, but not to feel beholden to them, I believe it is her.

[gilgamess]

[ Gilgamesh takes another sip of his coffee.

over the rim, his smile spreads -- slow and indulgent, the King of Heroes listens as Ozymandias speaks as a great King does of his lover.

Gilgamesh is not, habitually, one to talk of his own lovers with such unguarded fawning; his affection, you could say, is of a sharper sort... apart from his friend, and even with the two of them, their relationship is premised upon being equals in conflict.

yet for a man who is highly fond of his own voice, the King of Heroes naturally has a certain understanding of and appreciation for such open expression; sonorous and eloquent, more so than a commoner, are the words of a god-king of many lovers. if nothing else, Gilgamesh feels correct to be present amid such company. ]

And who is this lover of whom you speak so highly, Pharaoh?

Perhaps I should like to meet with her.

[fulgency]

Ursula Callistis. I am certain that an opportunity shall present itself sooner or later for your paths to cross.

[For as vast as Aefenglom was, after all, the Mirrorbound were ultimately a small community. And with so much overlap currently in Ozymandias' current political interests with Chariot's occupation, it was likely inevitable that Gilgamesh should be afforded the chance to meet the woman who has managed to earn so much of the pharaoh's praise.]

sphinx kitten rescue!

[velvetshot]

( Yazoo is met with the pleasing aroma of tea and fresh pastries when he steps into the Purramid Cafe, a relatively content, gently twinkling sphinx cat nestled into the cradle of his arms. He isn't entirely sure what he'd expected but it certainly hadn't been this: a light, cosy establishment with floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of open space, busy enough to feel lively but clearly a place that people come to study as well as to work. When the stranger who stopped him had directed him to the "cat cafe" Yazoo's stomach had immediately sunk, but this? This is nice.

... The sphinxes are even nicer. It isn't the prospect of giving up his new (and in his mind, first) friend that had encouraged him to pay the cafe a visit, but rather an unusual sense of responsibility towards it — and to any brothers or sisters that it might have. Yazoo's understanding of family is perhaps a little different to the more usual definitions, but something in his blood pulls at him around these silly creatures in the same way it does around Loz, Kadaj, or even Sephiroth. While it doesn't yet make much sense to him, it's an instinct he's been unable to ignore.

The dark slits of his pupils widen visibly as he takes in the sight of more sphinx kittens bounding around what appears to be a purpose-built cat tree. The bundle in his arms seems to shiver with recognition as its decorated head turns towards the glitter of the other kittens, and Yazoo has to shift just a little to keep it in the wrap of his arms. As he does so, he's distracted by a flurry movement over by the tree, and he lets his attention drift towards a man with golden eyes being warmly greeted by the sphinxes.

Hm. Perhaps he'll be of some use.

Yazoo crosses the cafe floor, a streak of black and glossy silver against the otherwise light decor. )

... Excuse me.

( Soft, but cool. Yazoo tilts his head just so as he continues: )

Are you familiar with these creatures? They seem to like you.

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias offers his hand to one of the kittens that quickly scales the tree to be close to him. The sphinx does not even bother with sniffing his hand, setting right to full-body rubbing on it. One of its siblings makes the bold leap from tree to Ozymandias' shoulder followed quickly by another while one on the floor winds itself around his ankles. Familiar as the sphinxes are with him, it appears that he is also accustomed to this level of attention from them as he scarcely seems to mind those on his shoulders or the one making it impossible for him to take a step further if that was Ozymandias' intention to do as much.]

I should hope so. I am the one who summoned them. [He turns his gaze from the cub on the tree and over toward Yazoo. He does not think much of the kitten within his arms since it is roughly the same size as the sphinxes currently invading his personal space. For all he knows and without counting the kittens, Yazoo merely picked the sphinx up from elsewhere in the cafe before approaching.] I take it this is your first time visiting?

[velvetshot]

( That gets a raised eyebrow from Yazoo, who looks on coolly as he lifts a black-gloved hand to cradle the kitten's head. )

If that's the case, you should take time to practice your summoning skills. This one was delivered to my doorstep.

( And for the time being he doesn't look as though he's planning on relinquishing it to the cafe! Still, Yazoo pleased to have managed to find the person directly responsible for bringing them into being, if only because he's now certain he'll be able to get tips on how to care for it. As for whether or not this is his first time ... )

... Someone told me I might find more of these kittens here.

( A paw finds its way into his hair, patting and playing with the tips. Yazoo merely presses on: )

Can you tell me how to care for it?

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias' expression does not become unpleasant per se, but his brow furrows the moment Yazoo mentions finding the kitten upon his doorstep. What he says makes no sense, and Ozymandias more or less dismisses everything that is said after that point. Taking the hand away from the sphinx who was rubbing himself all over, Ozymandias holds it up in a wordless gesture for Yazoo to slow down.]

What do you mean delivered to your doorstep? The sphinxes I summon cannot be summoned more than a few feet from my person. Any further and it would not be possible for me to manipulate the mana necessary to create their form well enough for it to hold.

And those within the cafe do not... The doors are carefully monitored by my staff, and no one is allowed to leave with them other than myself or Leslie.

[velvetshot]

( That gets a curious tilt of the head from Yazoo, who appears to be considering this revelation before choosing how to best continue. The idea that these kittens might not be real is an interesting one — one that pulls at that strange part of him determined to care for them — and he offers a soft "hm" before holding the sphinx in his arms a little closer. )

That can't be right.

( Ah, there we are. A good old flat-out rejection. )

This one was addressed to me, specifically. I didn't take it from here.

( Although the person who directed him to the Purramid Cafe certainly seemed to think he was committing some kind of kitten heist. Silver brows pull into a barely-there frown: )

... So it must be mine.

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias scoffs at the notion, not out of disdain or even insult so much as it is extreme self-confidence that he knows the truth.]

That is impossible! [he says, an edge of laughter to his voice.] The only one to hold command or claim over sphinxes is myself as part of my pact with the king of their species, the Sphinx of Abu el-Hol. A pact, mind you, that has existed for millennia. These cubs are normally clones of him, created from his summoned form and my own magic. Unfortunately, I am unable to summon him here in this world, but I am still able to replicate them near perfectly with the mana that exists here. No one other than myself knows the spell.

And considering that I do not know you, [Ozymandias says with a shake of his head,] I would not gift nor entrust such a creature to you as there is no guarantee that you are capable. It does not belong to you.

[Ozymandias does not reach for the kitten, but he does raise his chin, standing a bit taller. There's nothing about his tone that suggests harshness, but he is being incredibly firm at this point with his authority over the brood of kittens.]

Now, I am willing to consider this an honest mistake provided that you correct it and return the sphinx to me willingly. Force me to command it to my side as proof of my connection to this divine beast, and I cannot guarantee that I shall be so forgiving in my opinion of you.

[velvetshot]

( There's a beat of silence after Ozymandias has finished. )

You talk a lot. ( Those feline eyes narrow ever so slightly. ) So perhaps you'll indulge me: what exactly does being unforgiving look like on you?

( Not that it's his plan to goad him on, exactly, but rather Yazoo is used to the people of Gaia talking big a big talk with very little to back it up. Apparently people are different here — not everyone is human, and some people have abilities he might even consider impressive — and Yazoo is learning to choose his battles more carefully than he would have when Mother was all but within reach. )

I'm—

( But he catches himself before he can confess to his imagined connection with the kitten. Yazoo hasn't yet taken himself along to the Coven to confirm what kind of Monster he's turning into, but he's beginning to suspect ... )

I kill people who interfere with my family. ( Which could very well be a strike against him, but he says it off-handedly enough to suggest that it isn't controversial in his eyes. ) I can protect it. I am capable.

[fulgency]

[Ozymandias' expression shifts at this point. Whatever warmth was in his expression has chilled considerably as he's seemingly reached his limit for what he is now taking to be insolence.]

To me.

[The cub in Yazoo's arms shifts around then, pushing and wriggling until it can set itself loose and leap down to the floor. It doesn't aggress toward his new friend should Yazoo provide any resistance or attempt to grapple the kitten firmly back into his arms, but neither does it seem particularly keen to acquiesce to any such attempts and disobey Ozymandias' command.]

[Once the sphinx is on his way over to Ozymandias, Ozymandias kneels down and allows the kitten to jump into his arms. There's a soft chuffing from the kitten that sounds near a purr as Ozymandias rises once more to his feet, cradling the sphinx. The sphinxes on Ozymandias' shoulders carefully lean down to sniff at their brother, who bats at them playfully. Ozymandias lifts his gaze from the sphinx in his arms to Yazoo once more.]

As I said, he does not belong to you.

He belongs to the third king of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt, the Great God-King of the Sun, the King of Kings and of Construction, the one whose legacy has made him worthy of having bestowed upon him such names as the Great Ancestor by those of the modern era of his land and Egypt Sunshine Ramesses by Mirrorbound of worlds far-removed from his own, Pharaoh Ozymandias.

I do not fault you for recognizing this creature for the splendid being that it is or for growing attached to it. However, I shall not tolerate you questioning my authority or attempting to lay more claim than myself to this sphinx any further.