middaeg | [closed] MTV cribs but different

[In the aftermath of a Bond broken by circumstance rather than by choice, Ozymandias made the choice to allow himself some space to... Well, grieve might seem a bit of a strong word, but it's not all that far off from it either. But even as he's somewhat retreated to his house -- now empty of any other occupants other than himself -- he hasn't been without the occasional visitor to be sure he's still, you know, alive. Eating. Functioning, etc. (He's doing quite well, thank you very much.) So, the knock at his door doesn't surprise him.]

[What actually surprises him is finding Enkidu standing there, soaking wet and holding their shoes in-hand. Shoes that he can't help but look at for a moment before blinking and looking back at Enkidu properly.]

Enkidu, what brings you here?

[Is this a shoe emergency???]

[No worries, Ozy, this is absolutely nothing close to a shoe emergency. Enkidu just isn't fond of how they feet sop inside their wet shoes.

They feel somewhat relieved when it is indeed Ozymandias who opens the door. It means that they finally found the right large, brick house between all the large brick houses.]

Now all the chaos has settled down I finally have some time to speak to you properly. [They smile a small, tired smile.] It is good to see you.

It's good to see you as well... [Giving Enkidu a brief once-over, Ozymandias takes a step back and aside, holding the door open a little wider.] Would you like to come inside?

[With anyone else, Ozymandias would make the assumption that they would, and it would be a wordless gesture from him to invite them in. But it always seems a little 50/50 with Enkidu if they would understand the gesture or if they need something a little more explicit. Ozymandias opts to err on the side of caution as far as that's concerned and leave little to chance.]

Ah. Yes. I wanted to ask you if I could come in.

[When Ozymandias opens the door to them they step right in and place their wet shoes next to the door.

Even before the pharaoh can speak Enkidu opens their mouth again (how rude).]

When we exchanged messages you mentioned your large house. I replied with a picture. [They show Ozymandias their (very wet) device.] It is in here.

[Ozymandias closes the door behind Enkidu once they've managed to properly clear the threshold, mildly appreciative that they're at least trying not to drag in too much water and mess into his home by leaving their shoes at the door.]

Yes, I remember. Don't tell me you've been trying to find this place for that long...

[He holds up a hand for Enkidu to wait there for a moment as Ozymandias steps away to bring Enkidu a towel.]

It isn't difficult to find this place but a lot has happened. The mist. The slaughter in the streets and the horns on my head.

[They point at the top of their head.]

Eventually I had three. As if the mist wanted me to change back to the beast I once was.

[When Ozymandias turns they wait patiently and, to be fair, the towel is quite nice. It is ridiculously soft and it seems to be effective against dripping faces and wet hair.]

Can I have a coffee with a lot of sugar and milk? [Really, Ozy, don't be stingy with the sugar.] It want something warm to drink.

[Ozymandias opts not to comment on his experiences with the mist. He didn't have as unpleasant of an experience as some as his instincts pulled him more to protect what was "his" rather than to actively seek confrontation. The pull of the moons and mist also masked Saber's disappearance from this world, the weight of the severance of their Bond only hitting Ozymandias once he returned to normal and to his senses.]

[At times, he almost wishes he could go back to that state of obliviousness.]

[But there is no going back. Things are what they are and Ozymandias continues to struggle with finding his energy for people once more. Which is why while he's not about to kick Enkidu back out into the rain immediately, he's not all that interested necessarily in entertaining them right now and contemplates rejecting their request. It's not such an outrageous request though and it puts a time limit on the visit, so he concedes in the end.]

Go sit. First room on the right, [he gestures towards the parlor where there are couches and armchairs for Enkidu to occupy while he heads towards the kitchen to make Enkidu their coffee. Before Enkidu can cross the threshold of the study though, he adds over his shoulder,] Put the towel down before you sit!

[Don't get his furniture soaking wet???]

[To Enkidu it seems Ozymandias is somewhat calm, quiet even. Perhaps he has been affected by the mist, perhaps he has had a couple of horns on top of his head as well or maybe some wings. They remain quiet as the other points out the (really comfortable) seats and nod briefly when they are being told to sit upon the towel.

Now sitting upon the towel would still end up in a somehow wet sofa and Ozymandias does not seem to be in the type of mood to be wanting to handle a wet piece of furniture. So Enkidu remains to stand, using the towel to dry their hair and their face. And after that they spread it on the floor and sit down on top of it.

A wet floor would be less problematic than a wet sofa. Yes, that seems logic.

So when Ozymandias returns he might find Enkidu sitting on the floor, looking at him and really eager to drink some hot coffee.]

I promise I will not stay long but I do have an important question.

[Ozymandias prepares a tray rather than a cup of coffee. He doesn't bother with trying to anticipate how exactly any guest might take their coffee, giving them the ability to make it to their preferences if there is any desire to add milk or sugar. Coming to the doorway, he clearly was not anticipating Enkidu to be on the floor, with every intention of placing the tray on a flat surface near wherever Enkidu decided to settle down.]

[...But he doesn't bother with redirecting Enkidu to sit on the furniture. Instead, he brings the tray to Enkidu all the same, and rather than placing it on an end table or the coffee table, he crouches down to set it on the floor in front of them.]

And what is that?

[Ozymandias asks as he stands back up. He sits on the arm of a nearby sofa rather than on the sofa properly, crossing his ankles and resting an arm on the back of the sofa.]

[Oh, there is an entire tray of things. Enkidu recognizes the coffee and starts to pour a cup for themselves and after that they dump a lot of sugar in it, followed by quite a lot of milk.

Slowly they start to stir their coffee. After that they shove the tray towards Ozymandias.]

Currently I live in one of the free rooms, the ones they have given us upon arrival. But all the humans and other beings are moving away to form bonds and perhaps I should go as well.

[Finally they lean back a little, leaning against the side of the sofa as they sit.]

Do you have a room that I can stay in?

[Ozymandias isn't exactly fond of black coffee, but gods that is a lot of sugar and milk. Can Enkidu even taste the coffee anymore? It's almost a wonder that the mug doesn't manage to overflow. Ozymandias only ends up half-listening to Enkidu as a result and it visibly takes a moment before their question seems to register.]

You would want to stay here?

[It's perhaps not altogether that surprising. Ozymandias and Gilgamesh differ from one another in both significant and not so significant ways, but they are both ancient kings. Even with as little fussing as Enkidu ever seems to make about their conditions, even they must be drawn to something even vaguely familiar in such an unfamiliar world as this.]

[Ozymandias shifts slightly as he considers the question, not offering Enkidu an immediate decision. There is a part of him that wants to refuse. His self-imposed solitude has been what he's needed over these last few weeks and having another person in the house... Well, it makes it a little more difficult to have such privacy. But Ozymandias recognizes that as unfair and that his solitude is not meant to last forever. There is really no harm in allowing Enkidu a place here.]

The bedrooms are upstairs. There is only one other than my own that you may not have, but you otherwise have your choice.

[They sip the drink that has to pass as coffee carefully, hoping that it is not too bitter.]

Yes. [Slowly they put the mug down to add some more milk. That creamy taste isn't entirely good yet.] I do not want to explain myself at this moment.

[To be absolutely fair, they feel lost and without purpose. Next to that they are also dreadfully tired lately, knowing very well that that is because of the lack of a bond. And it happens that Ozymandias is the only one here who is somewhat familiar to them.

When Ozymandias stays quiet they simply wait, stirring their drink slowly. It wouldn't be the end of the world if the pharaoh would say no to their request.]

Hmm...this is a large house and it has to have a lot of rooms. [But eventually they can't help feeling relieved.] You may pick a room for me. All I need is something where I can sleep on. It seems I need a lot of sleep now I am here.

[Well. Enkidu would not be the first of occupant of this house with few preferences. Really with the exception of Ozymandias... At least it won't make it particularly difficult to place them. At the mention of how tired Enkidu has been recently though, Ozymandias cants his head slightly.]

Have you been attending classes at the Coven?

[Ozymandias, himself, was attending regularly until recently. Now he's taken to studying alone in the mansion for the sake of not having to socialize to a greater degree. He'll go back eventually, but he's making decent enough progress on his own. Or, at the very least, he's not stagnating in his progress in controlling flame and sunlight. Hence why he runs a little warmer these days despite no signs of fever or illness.]

[They nod at that question. The lessons are the most fun part of everything. At times they managed to make something work but mostly it proved to be little more difficult.]

Of course. There is an entire library full of books as well. [They utter a pleased sound.] I haven't seen you there at all, Ozymandias. I take it you have already enough knowledge?

[Finally they pat on the empty spot on the floor across of them.]

You can sit down here if you want. It is easier to look at you that way. And I can pour you some of this coffee as well. It is quite good! You must be able to brew it very well.

[An opening like that (read: a compliment paid) would normally get Ozymandias to launch into one of his usual self-aggrandizing boastings. But Ozymandias takes neither the opportunity nor the offered seat, remaining perched on the arm of the couch and addressing Enkidu's question instead.]

Not yet, [he says with a slight shake of his head.] I am merely taking a break from the form lessons for some self-study.

[The reason for which, he keeps to himself.]

I intend to return later in the month.

[Enkidu blinks a couple of times before they respond.]

You seem different. [They stir their coffee in a thoughtful way.] Are you all right, Ozymandias? Or has this place tainted you as well?

[Because, lets be fair, Enkidu isn't doing too great either. They are the worst at witching and very, very lost.]

Let me pour you some coffee and give it to you, then.

[Most would probably not ask such a direct question. Even if they observed something off or different in Ozymandias' behavior, they wouldn't want to run the risk of offending him. But Enkidu is used to tolerating a far more temperamental king than Ozymandias, one who almost seeks out reasons to be offended by those around him, and so, there's very little reason for them not to ask.]

No, the coffee is for you, [he says, holding up a hand. It's probably the last thing he should be drinking with as restless and sleepless as he's been. Ozymandias sighs, clearly reluctant to address the question. But if Enkidu is really going to start staying here, Ozymandias might as well be forthright with them about what is weighing on his mind.] Saber's unexpected return to our world has left me without a Bond. There are...side effects in the Bond being severed so abruptly that go beyond the mere loss of a friend.

[Not that, in some ways, Ozymandias is happy that Arthur was able to return. As much as he would have liked to see Arthur grow beyond his guilt and shame, it was so deeply embedded within the other Servant, it seemed unlikely that it would ever resolve itself without correcting what he blamed himself for.]

I've no idea how long these effects are to last, but I wanted privacy for a time.

[Long enough to figure out how to manage the aftermath and to process the emptiness of the mansion, especially after Berserker also left.]

[Why doesn't that answer surprise them one bit? For a short moment in time the neutral expression on their face turns into a frown and after that they shake their head briefly.]

I wish I could offer you a bond to take that feeling away. [Because it is an awful feeling. It is awful to lose a dear friend. Bond or not.] Yet, I am not able to. [Because it doesn't really matter if Gilgamesh is in Chaldea or in Uruk or at the Throne. Enkidu isn't going to replace him. He is the One True Friend To Rule Them All.]

But if you wish I can help you. I can get you books or food you like to eat. For instance, I like bread and mutton. [And this house needs more plants. You are definitely going to get some plants, Ozy] I know that it will not change that feeling but it might help to focus on something else.

[Like they do. As much as possible. They are not happy, but everyone is kind here.]

As kind of you as that is to offer, I don't care to have another fussing over me, [Ozymandias says with a slight shake of his head. Those he knows have been willing to respect his desire for space, keeping visits minimal or at the very least, brief. But he knows without a word needing to be said that some hold a little more concern for him compared to others. He feels a small amount of guilt for that, making some convincing enough displays of recovery to dissuade them from further anxiety.] As I said, I've kept myself busy with studying on my own.

My attempts at conjuring sphinxes last month did not go exactly as I intended. I've been researching to have better success. [As enjoyable the cubs had been to have around, Ozymandias is a little relieved they didn't stay for too long. They were wreaking havoc inside being cooped up inside from all the rain. There were actually more plants in here, but you know, cats and pots don't mix well.] I've also been working on improving my command over flame and sunlight, though that comes to me far more naturally.

[You'll convince him he's not the embodiment of the sun literally never.]

But as I said, I will be returning to classes shortly. Things will be as they were. [Or close enough to it.] I have no other Bonded, but there are those that I've come to care for here. I would not dwell in self-pity and abandon them.

Helping. Not fussing. [Enkidu looks up at the pharaoh as they sip their coffee.] Because helping another makes me forget to fuss over myself.

[And they leave it at that. And while listening to the other's words they wonder if they could recreate their abilities through the magic offered here. That they would use a spell and could truly feel the ground beneath them. Summon their chains and restore all that has been lost. After all, Ozymandias wanted to get in touch with the sun as well.]

That is impressive. [It is. And it is to be expected from a Heroic Spirit whose laugh is even louder than that of Gil.] Does your magic flows easily through you? That you can summon it when needed?

[Slowly they put their empty mug back on the tray.]

Do make sure you will not explode with magic. It is what happens when you do not bond quick enough. [That is what they have been telling them and they are not sure if they are willing to explode. But they also don't want to bond with anyone either. It is a bit of a mess.]

I am not saying that you are dwelling in your own self-pity. There is no shame in wanting to be alone.

[For a moment, Ozymandias does not speak so much as consider Enkidu. They should be concerning themselves more with their own well-being, addressing their need for a Bond, practicing magic for their own sake... But those sorts of things don't come naturally to them, do they? That's the conclusion Ozymandias arrives at, in any case. Even with as much respect and affection Gilgamesh holds for his friend, Enkidu's natural place and role is always one of subservience. They probably feel happiest when they are able to fulfill that to at least some degree much as Ozymandias always feels a little pleased when others obey his commands.]

[He stands from his perch on the arm of the sofa, stepping around it and walking over to a desk at the far side of the room. Ozymandias returns with a small stack of books. He crouches down where Enkidu gestured for him to sit earlier, setting the stack on the floor beside the tray.]

These need to be returned to the Coven library. [He taps the cover of the top book.] I need the next book in this series. You may go when the weather has calmed itself.

[At this point in the year, it would seem that it is perhaps too much to ask for the weather to stop raining altogether before sending Enkidu out. But waiting for the torrential downpour to lessen is perhaps not.]

[He sits.]

These books are likely too advanced for your current ability, but if you wish to look through them before returning them, I am entrusting them to you. Do with them as you will.

[So what happens to them is on Enkidu as far as Ozymandias is concerned.]

[Enkidu had hoped for some answers. Perhaps a small starter so they could figure out how to start this. But instead of that Ozymandias walks off to return with a stack of books and a couple of requests.]

You should have said that earlier. [Still, they do not mind to do this. If it could ease the pharaoh's mind a little since it is quite obvious that he isn't really in a mood for a talk right now.] Of course. I am not planning to dry up only to be rained on for a second time.

[When Ozymandias returns to sit they focus on the books, reading the titles. It is definitely advanced and not something they understand right off the bat.]

I will return them to the Coven and will bring you the second part of this book right here. [They lean back.] And when I have done that I will pick up my few belongings as well and put them in that room. [And...oh...an important question.] Humans mostly wish to receive gold or money for services like this. Is there a price? [They point to the ceiling.] For the room?

Not for the room itself, [Ozymandias says, shaking his head.] My only expectations are that if there is something you wish to purchase for yourself, you will procure the funds for it yourself, and you will make reasonable contributions for things that the household might use.

[Which at least at present, the household is only comprised of Ozymandias and Enkidu.]

And while I do not have any intention of replacing your king, those that live under my roof are a reflection of me. [...Share a house with Berserker was, uh, interesting at times.] I anticipate that you will conduct yourself accordingly.

Supplies and food. [After saying that Enkidu nods. They can do that.]

Ah. No. You will never replace Gil... [It is said in a bit of a blunt way but well, it is what it is. One friend to rule them all.] ...but I understand what you mean. Worry not, I will respect your rules. As you can see, I have not made a wet mess out of your living room.

[They're a well adjusted lump of clay.]

I am very thankful.

[Ozymandias shakes his head a little.]

Think nothing of it.

[Once in a while, he means that. This is one of those rare occasions where he really doesn't think much of it. It seems the least he can do.]

[closed] MTV cribs but different

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