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Entry tags:
[closed] friendship is magic
Who: Enkidu & Gilgamesh
When: Not really long after his arrival, somewhere late in the afternoon
Where: Aristocratic district, close to the Coven
What: big ol' nostalgic reunion
Warnings: M for Mesopotamians
[Enkidu wraps their scarf around their neck when they leave the Coven. So there isn't a magic spell that can guarantee the return of their fingers and in some way it saddens them. Because this is something they want to leave behind. The last thing they want is to look at their hands and be reminded of those awful humans and their cruelty. They promised them they would replace those fingers with prosthetics and no, that isn't something they want. To be absolutely honest, Enkidu has reached a point where they don't really want to hear about magic anymore, or how to use magic or their duties as a witch. If they were fit to cast spells and practice magic they would've been summoned as a Caster, not?
Even though the bruises haven't faded yet, the pain is less troublesome now. The descend the stairs without much trouble and focus on the importance of getting back to their plants. This entire city makes them feel restless and, really, they want to return to the forest as soon as possible.
Still, it is obvious that it is unusually busy in the streets. Busier than usual and finally they start to realize what is going on... They summoned new people from the mirrors, didn't they? Would that mean they would get rid of the old ones? Or did they deem the old Mirrorbound too broken to function now? It isn't strange to throw away things that are broken.
For a moment Enkidu stops to look at all these new faces. And no, they cannot really help it, they cannot help searching for their friend. All their dreams are about him and meeting him and talking to him. These dreams even managed to push some of the nightmares away.
A soft sigh escapes their mouth when they realize how selfish and utterly foolish they are. They wouldn't want him to see them like this. Not now, not ever. Almost automatically they bend the couple of fingers that are left in order to hide their hands in the sleeves of the coat they are wearing.
And when they look up everything has changed. The street is still busy and many faces are still new ones. But one of those faces is more than familiar to them, a face they haven't seen for many, many years. Ages, even. Eventually they manage to move again, their heart beating in their chest. Even after blinking a couple of times he is still there. Right there. Not far from them.
And when they finally speak up it is nothing like that great reunion they wanted this to be some day.]
You should not be here.
[Enkidu's voice is soft.]
It has been nothing but a selfish wish.
When: Not really long after his arrival, somewhere late in the afternoon
Where: Aristocratic district, close to the Coven
What: big ol' nostalgic reunion
Warnings: M for Mesopotamians
[Enkidu wraps their scarf around their neck when they leave the Coven. So there isn't a magic spell that can guarantee the return of their fingers and in some way it saddens them. Because this is something they want to leave behind. The last thing they want is to look at their hands and be reminded of those awful humans and their cruelty. They promised them they would replace those fingers with prosthetics and no, that isn't something they want. To be absolutely honest, Enkidu has reached a point where they don't really want to hear about magic anymore, or how to use magic or their duties as a witch. If they were fit to cast spells and practice magic they would've been summoned as a Caster, not?
Even though the bruises haven't faded yet, the pain is less troublesome now. The descend the stairs without much trouble and focus on the importance of getting back to their plants. This entire city makes them feel restless and, really, they want to return to the forest as soon as possible.
Still, it is obvious that it is unusually busy in the streets. Busier than usual and finally they start to realize what is going on... They summoned new people from the mirrors, didn't they? Would that mean they would get rid of the old ones? Or did they deem the old Mirrorbound too broken to function now? It isn't strange to throw away things that are broken.
For a moment Enkidu stops to look at all these new faces. And no, they cannot really help it, they cannot help searching for their friend. All their dreams are about him and meeting him and talking to him. These dreams even managed to push some of the nightmares away.
A soft sigh escapes their mouth when they realize how selfish and utterly foolish they are. They wouldn't want him to see them like this. Not now, not ever. Almost automatically they bend the couple of fingers that are left in order to hide their hands in the sleeves of the coat they are wearing.
And when they look up everything has changed. The street is still busy and many faces are still new ones. But one of those faces is more than familiar to them, a face they haven't seen for many, many years. Ages, even. Eventually they manage to move again, their heart beating in their chest. Even after blinking a couple of times he is still there. Right there. Not far from them.
And when they finally speak up it is nothing like that great reunion they wanted this to be some day.]
You should not be here.
[Enkidu's voice is soft.]
It has been nothing but a selfish wish.
no subject
this version of himself is no Caster and has no desire to be. his associations with Casters, moreover, are not much more favorable than his associations with Assassins... both, to him, are classes comprised of trickery and fools who lurk among the shadows. to think that continuing with his reputation as the hero-king means to disgrace himself through such methods... to think, moreover, that he is reduced to a mere novice here... well, perhaps his mind has not fully processed this, and perhaps it is only beginning to do so. Servants are inherently stubborn by nature, summoned as they are into containers of a certain frame of mind in their lives, and none more so than Gilgamesh.
but however difficult he may be to placate, the fact remains that even were he removed from this outcome, much of his vault had already been depleted by recent actions. were he still in the world he and Hakuno had journeyed to, he would still be without access to most of his treasures, having thoroughly exhausted his powers during the Holy Grail War against the omnipotent wish-granting and all-seeing eye of the Moon Cell. as the King had once told his friend, when faced with a worthy opponent, he would not hesitate to throw away his innumerable treasures... and his adversary, in this case an adversary no less than the functional force of the Grail and all its millennia-old systems itself, had certainly merited such an extreme outcome. it is for that reason that, though he is displeased on principle with this "Witch" title, he does recognize, though he may obstinately hesitate to say so, that it is a means, and perhaps the sole means now, of regaining at least a facsimile of what he has lost. viewed from a certain angle, the world itself could also be a new adventure. unfamiliar terrain.
it is fitting that Gilgamesh, like Enkidu, is alone with these thoughts as he walks the streets, having presently traded his armor for the black novice robes of the Coven, and having smoothed his hair down, a gesture which always lends itself to somewhat less extreme expressions. he no doubt looks every inch as contemplative and withdrawn as his friend.
words can scarcely do justice, then, to the overwhelming shock that Gilgamesh feels when, as if from out of a dream -- an echo of that which he experienced just prior to his arrival here, almost forgotten now, as dreams always are and must necessarily be -- he hears that smallest of murmurs, that voice he would know anywhere. it cannot possibly be.
he freezes in place, body stiffening to pure rigidity. then, ever so slowly, he turns to face the direction of that voice. ]
Impossible... [ not a very dignified look on his part, eyes going wide and eyebrows going all the way up in surprise... not that he notices, or cares, stricken as he is with the overwhelming shock and Everything of the moment. it is not... it cannot be, and yet. it must be, because Gilgamesh of all beings had the strongest will in reconciling his own feelings, and had never once been deluded by lies or visions or hopeful dreams.
that bold reality he sees before him, however, paralyzes him. even the King of Heroes.
it is momentary of course, but it is a very long moment for someone entirely without such moments, ever. ]
Is that truly you? Ah. [ he shakes his head, shaking that disorientation away, and finally smiling. well, truly smiling. ] If this is some spell to deceive me... ah, yet that is impossible. My eyes can see through any falsehood. Look at you. But -- just what are you keeping your distance for?
You fool, approach me this instant!
no subject
But they also know that a king could not wield a broken weapon. It would not be fair to him or his pride.
Enkidu can see how surprised he is and it seems he has to establish his own truth about this sudden meeting. That this isn’t just another dream. Perhaps he dreamt of them the way they did about him. About reunions and words that were left unspoken. And they’re sure his dreams are less selfish.
It is difficult to find a balance between being a weapon, acknowledging the existence of other friendships, their own existence as a witch and working with magic, living without the purpose they were created for, not being able to feel the earth beneath their feet anymore and, last but not least, being on the receiving end of torture.
Enkidu knows they should tell him and allow him his own growth. But on the other hand there is a fierce longing for his presence at their side. Some sort of certainty.
How foolish and selfish.
Yet when he smiles they start to smile as well. They feel relieved and it shows how their shoulders slump a little and how they tilt their head a little.
Perhaps Gil can forgive them for their selfishness and maybe, one day, they can forgive themselves as well…]
It seems that dream has been some sort of premonition. One born from my own selfishness.
[Finally Enkidu comes closer, the smile on their face growing brighter with every step they take. And no, their doubts do not disappear. But they do manage to push them aside for the time being and allow themselves to revel in this joyous moment.]
You’re here. [And no, they don’t show him their hands and maybe they turn their head away just a little to hide the bruise on their cheek. But they do wrap their arms around his neck and allow themselves to voice their happiness.]
Ah…my friend… [Enkidu’s embrace tightens when they notice how real this is.] …there are no words for this… [Words would come later.] …but allow me to express my joy like this.
no subject
there certainly are a number of questions that must be asked. why is his friend here? how did such an event come to pass? this is clearly no Grail War, even if Gilgamesh has encountered an unusually high number of Servants and Masters. and as with all other Servants he has encountered, these dead heroes revived, there is no sense of mana here; the flesh pressing against him does feel solid, warm and alive, but the spiritual signature is absent.
under other circumstances, the conversation might move immediately to such questions. and indeed, they must be asked. yet there is something else, something more pressing. did you really think you could hide it from him, Enkidu?
no sooner has he passed his touch down the curve of that beloved back and taken hold of those thin shoulders than Gilgamesh's hand suddenly moves up, cupping Enkidu's chin delicately, fingers on either side, turning their face towards him. ]
Enkidu.
[ that deep, often pitiless, penetrating red gaze scrutinizes, missing nothing. perhaps his eyes widen only slightly, but with the set of his mouth, it is an absolutely frozen and merciless expression, Gilgamesh at the moment of his most tyrannical wrath. ]
Who did this to you? Speak their name plainly that I may blot it from existence upon scattering their ashes to the winds.
no subject
And in the face of such a reunion the atrocities done by the Rathmores mean nothing anymore.
For now the pain inflicted by their knives and their words disappeared. The memories are gone for a moment.
At least until they can feel his hand sliding from their back to their shoulders to their chin. There is the sound of their name and ah. Really, Enkidu doesn't even have to look at his face to know how it looks like. Anyone with a right mind should fear that look.]
Ah, Gil, please do not worry yourself over these. Wounds and bruises heal. [Green eyes meet red ones and there's a hint of hesitation before they place one of their hands on his cheek. Truly, they wish they had more fingers to feel his skin.] The Rathmores have tainted this city with their presence long enough...I would not want them to ruin this reunion as well.
[Enkidu realizes that they should've believed his Master when she told them about him being here. How foolish were they to lose hope like that?]
Ah...I am so glad... [And it shows on their face. Their eyes have brightened and their cheeks are slightly more red.] ...this is truly a wonderful day. [The three fingers on the hand that isn't resting on his cheek curl into the fabric of the robes he is wearing.] I have missed you, my friend.
[Finally they inch closer and press their lips against the corner of his mouth.]
no subject
their bond is such that he should have immediately sensed Enkidu alive somewhere in the universe. a Mirror would not be necessary for Gilgamesh to come here; he would feel his friend and return of his own volition. in fact, perhaps he has felt them, even though it was not so conscious as it should be; perhaps he took Hakuno here for a reason. Gilgamesh's expression softens against the exploratory fingers that now caress his face. ]
Tch, listen to you. Still trying to tell a King how to conduct himself. [ -- it may be that they are correct, that his anger can wait. gradually, the tension seems to subside somewhat. he raises his arms, embracing them properly. ] But now you know not to be so absurd as to doubt my presence. I am always by your side.
[ those lips are quite soft.
Gilgamesh reciprocates, pressing back and deepening that kiss. it must be acknowledged by any who know him that there is very little warmth to be found anywhere in this man. there never was and it is doubtful that there ever shall be. even such a concession to gentleness is punctuated by a sort of intense possessiveness; the chaste nature of the kiss lasts mere seconds before already his naturally possessive, primal nature rears up and he holds them quite firmly, pushing for deeper and more intimate access, as though he were going to drink the air from them so deeply that they might never taste another name besides his. that little fond sigh of his becomes something of a purr, almost a low growl.
he pulls back momentarily, breaking to say -- ]
Let us venture somewhere more private that we may reunite properly.
no subject
There will be a trial. They will be punished for what they have done. Just allow these humans to be the ones judging those who were at fault. [Still, trusting said humans is an entirely different thing.] I have been without your presence for quite a long time and... [Enkidu pauses briefly so they can brush some hair out of his face, gazing at him with a soft look on their face.] ...dreams are just dreams.
[Enkidu utters a soft noise when Gil deepens the kiss almost immediately. There is warmth, more relief and a certain sort of thrill. And of course, the possessive undertone doesn't go unnoticed. Both of their hands move through his hair now and they try to return the kiss the best they can. Where he is possessive they realize they are somewhat desperate. As if they have to determine that he is truly here over and over again.
The moment Gil breaks the kiss they lick their lips, humming softly.]
Ah... [Private. Yes.] ...Ozymandias has given me a room. But it will be better if... [An inn? While half the city lies in ruins?] ...we find an alternative. Perhaps the barracks will do. [Their hands drop down to his shoulders.] It isn't a place fit for a king...but it will do.
<3
to hear Enkidu saying they have been without his presence is almost unthinkably strange. it is somewhat less strange, but no less difficult, to hear this plea for his Judgment to be cast aside in favor of the judgment of mere commoners. it is Gilgamesh's place to Judge; he was created by the gods themselves for that purpose, and he has carried it with him for as long as he has existed, which is after all very long indeed.
reluctantly, he concedes, though it is a quiet sort of concession, implicit only in that he allows himself and the topic at hand to be redirected without further comment. ]
Do not mind about that. As I told that Master: to complain about inadequate housing is one of the joys of travel.
[ besides, he would be with his Friend, so. you know, priorities.
Ozymandias? Gilgamesh did recently meet that heroic spirit. hm, so he and Enkidu are acquainted to that degree? clearly they have quite a lot of catching up to do here. ]
Very well. I permit you to show me any location you desire. It is your right as my friend. [ he still looks over them, assessing those injuries; Enkidu may not wish for him to do so, but sorry, claybae, the missing fingers are Kind of A Lot. ] To think that any could harm you, who has no weakness... even if you to say to put the offense aside, it is clear that I must force these wretches to repair this... by whatever magic arts they possess, or by whatever medical services.
To hurt your body is an offense against me, the King of all creation. Were you any of my subjects, I should be remunerated for this loss, but as you are more than that, no rumeneration shall satisfy. They must repair this violence, or else my anger will never be quelled.
[ Enkidu, however, is clearly in a much softer mood right now... and that is fine, too. it is unfortunate that Gilgamesh's wrath must contaminate the joy of their reunion, but even if he might put aside his desire for retribution, there is no overlooking the need for healing, one which he must also see to as immediately as possible.
he shakes his head. he can pull off Softer... in private. ]
Yet, if you would insist upon putting the matter aside for the future, then I shall do so. Simply show me where you wish to go.
massive tl;dr incoming
And they know that it will become an issue eventually. There will become a point where they have to make an important choice. Take some sort of stand.]
This place isn’t like anything we are used to. [Enkidu steps away and finally moves to take hold of his hand, their fingers carefully curling around his.] There is solace in the purpose we are given, yet that purpose does not matter now we’re here. Many other Servants embrace their new lives, glad to be something close to a human being. To be able to cast away the contracts that bound them. Some have rejected their Masters out loud.
[Enkidu starts to walk, leaning into their friend a little.]
Asura once said I need to forge myself anew since I cannot be the same weapon I once have been. And perhaps I need to do so…still, my soul needs to grow to allow it to be that way.
[A soft sigh escapes their mouth and they squeeze his hand. When they speak the tone of their voice is soft but somewhat firm.]
It has been a long time since I’ve felt the earth, heard the songs of nature, listened to the sweet words coming from the animals around me. [They pause briefly and look up at him with a fond expression on their face.] Please Gil, be aware of the fact that you will not be able to get access to your vaults, to your treasures. Your armor might not work the way it used to. The ones who have wounded me were humans with simple knives. They were also the ones who chained me and beat me. [Still…] But knowing your strong will, knowing the strength of your soul…I am sure you will overcome this.
[The barracks are close to the harbor and Enkidu knows the way. After all, all the stray dogs and cats live in the harbor. And they are the one who feeds them twice a week.
They find an empty one and close the door behind it. Truly, it is nothing more but a tiny room with a bunkbed, simple blankets and a small table in the corner. But to Enkidu it is enough. It is more than enough for them to pull their friend into another embrace. It has been so long and in a way they feel like a lost soul who has finally found their home.]
Forgive me for my foolishness, Gil. [And they kiss him again. Maybe a little more eager than before. Because all they truly need right now is to verify that he is truly here and that there might be a chance that he will be here the next morning. Maybe even the rest of that day. Or the week.
Still, they do not entirely dare to hope. It is better to make it last.]
looses some teal deer back onto your lawn
Gilgamesh does seem to be listening. considering. absorbing those words. all the anger has dissolved now, replaced with a calm, contemplative expression. one might say it is uncharacteristic, but then, he was after all both the hero-king and the wise king, and even if this summoning of him represents one facet of his being, the potential for both faces always existed within him, from the moment of his creation. even in his more tyrannical incarnations, there could be slivers of that deep wellspring of solemnity; one need only ask Hakuno about their journeys, or Iskandar at the moment of defeat during the Fourth Grail War. and Enkidu would know better than anyone that there is more to the King than one might assume, beyond all his frequent petty outbursts and foul moods.
once in the bed, he allows himself to be embraced and kissed. unhurriedly, he reciprocates the embrace, holding Enkidu near and closing his eyes, seeming to bask in the languid solitude of the moment. his fingers press into Enkidu's shoulder blades, kneading the muscles there. soon enough, his eyes crack open, and he smiles, stretching out on this peasant bed, rather like a contented cat. though he is a little more subdued in returning that kiss, his red eyes are filled with a deep, private fondness, impossible to deny. ]
Ah, so it is like that, then. [ he says, finally. his gaze moves around the room almost curiously, before settling on Enkidu. ] Heh. As it happens, I had already depleted ninety percent of my vault prior to arriving here. [ there is no anger whatsoever in those words. ] Did I not tell you once? If an opponent is worthy, if a cause exhilarates me, then I should not hesitate to throw my treasures.
[ he says it so simply, as if his obsession with all the valuables and objects of worth since the beginning of time really meant absolutely nothing to him at all, despite being known to all, even himself, as the King who loves only treasure, never people. ]
Never mind about such things. This is merely a new journey.
Tell me, my friend. Do you know of the continuation of my legend, after your part?
[ there is obviously reticence in saying after you died, but it is not only the pain of the memory which drives him to euphemism; it is also that recounting it seems almost sacrilegious with Enkidu clearly alive and warm against him.
but the point here, as they both know, is not to dwell on the past. rather, they have much catching up to do. and this conversation is making Gilgamesh recall another, far more pleasant memory -- the sound of water and of his own laughter, so long ago. a transcendent moment in time that he recalls vividly, yet has so rarely spoken of. a sort of epiphany, but one which his friend had not been there to share. ]
Let me tell you of it.
no subject
Enkidu returns the favor the best they can by kissing him and humming softly as they slowly curl their body around him, their head resting on his chest.]
Hmm...it is. [Enkidu tilts their head a little to look at him. After that they chuckle softly.] Gil, I have not forgotten how fond you are of your treasures. But you must have faced an impressive foe if it took you ninety percent of your vault to defeat it. [Slowly they place a hand on his cheek and busy themselves with stroking it in a soft and gentle way.]
A new journey... [Enkidu smiles. They like that idea.] ...a next chapter in our story. That warms my heart.
[Well, they know a little but there's nothing as good as listening to his voice. They smile and nod afterwards.]
Please do.
no subject
You might say I did battle with the Holy Grail itself. Hah. ... My foe was known by many names: the Moon Cell, the Eye of God, the Divine Automatic Recording Device... created 4.6 billion years before the Age of Man. It watched the Earth since its creation, even before my -- our -- civilization.
[ and why had Gilgamesh gone against such an enemy?
it tried to delete his Master, the undisputed victor of the Holy Grail War. ]
But we shall discuss this in time. [ they have time, after all. Gilgamesh presses himself quite shamelessly into those touches. his reactions are somewhat more subdued, perhaps unsurprisingly, but he presses one of his hands to the one touching his face. it is a small, whimsical, playful gesture, his fingers stroking over those which touch him now. ] Hm, as to the matter of my legend... well, I shall say that I came to fear death. It is nothing I say with pride, yet it must be confessed. I sought a potion of immortality, and in doing so, I journeyed for untold years... for the whole length of my life prior to that, I journeyed.
[ so much happened, and Gilgamesh is summarizing it all very briefly. he wants to speak far more deeply about these matters, and soon, perhaps he shall, but he currently has a point to make. ]
In the end, what did I hold? Nothing! The elixir I gained from the Underworld was stolen from me by a mere snake.
[ he laughs, softly and with quite genuine mirth. ]
It was then I realized my own foolishness. I felt a great joy then, realizing the futility of such desires. Such loss, that is what it means to be human. In that moment, I came to realize I was.
Ah, but why do I tell you this now? Hm, it was a thought I had, I suppose. I should not mind about setbacks. To emerge victorious from any setback -- that is the nature of the King, one which is inherent to me, not reliant upon any power nor treasure.
no subject
[Enkidu repeats his words softly. They cannot really picture how that would be, to battle the grail itself. Of course, there have been servants corrupted by a grail but they weren’t the grail itself. Yet it isn’t a surprise to them that Gil would be able to oppose such an entity.
They shift a little, trying to ignore the pain the bruises give them. Slowly they wrap one of their legs around him and moves to adjust the blankets.]
Very well. [Enkidu buries their face in the crook of his neck.] But you must understand that I have quite some questions about how such a situation came to be. Did your master use a command seal to force you to? [And even though Gil might think there is enough time, Enkidu doesn’t see this as a new forever and always. A new journey, absolutely. But the time they have is borrowed.
A soft smile curls around their lips when they notice how he leans into their touch. Perhaps they would be able to sleep again tonight, not haunted by vivid dreams about them being trapped inside small cages or how the ground falls away under their feet. The familiarity of his presence puts their mind at ease.
While he tells about the things that happened after their death they gently place a kiss underneath his ear.]
Gil…I am glad my death made your soul grow in such a way. I hope you come to embrace humanity. [They look up now and smile brightly at him. And finally Enkidu cannot help a small chuckle.] Still, for you to be tricked by a snake. It must have been a very cunning creature. [Still, they do not speak about the merits of humanity, of the beauty of humans. The Rathmores have tainted them a little when it comes to that and they still find themselves unable to process what has happened to them. What has happened to their friends. It has left a mark and it is a new sort of thing to them.]
Still…you must know that only ones who have been fools in your legend are the gods who misjudged you. All I feel is pride and happiness.
[They curl their fingers around his hand and move to kiss his fingers one by one.]
no subject
[ actually, when they met on the Far Side of the Moon, Hakuno had promptly sacrificed her original three command spells for the opportunity to speak with Gilgamesh and ask him questions. a bold move, it must be admitted. even Gilgamesh could appreciate how well she had prostrated herself before him and how hard she had worked to come to know him better. well, he can appreciate it privately. he is hesitant to fill that mongrel's head with praises; she might grow conceited, were he to do so. ]
My Master and I did battle with a rogue AI, that Moon Cancer, BB. This being had become the Moon Cell, and most of Earth's life would have been eliminated had her plans come to fruition. Well... I did my duty in preserving the planet. Yet it came at a cost to me. But as I said, that is no matter. Ahahaha, rather, it was exhilarating! To strike death upon a newly born goddess... what could please a man's heart more?
[ smug-ass shitlord look intensifies...
still, he sighs ever so softly, a little wistfully. what a grand journey he and Hakuno had taken. it had been worthy of Gilgamesh's legend. if only his friend was there... but then in one sense, they were, appearing as they did in a dream. and now the two have a proper reunion, which is more than either could have asked for.
is their time indeed borrowed? as Servants, they should normally be immortal, appearing again and again with each new summoning. there was always a chance that the two of them might cross paths thusly. yet it would have been within the context of one of those tedious Grail Wars, and that would have been temporary. yet... now, their bodies are flesh and blood once more. this might add both more and less permanence: they are not bound by the limitations of summonings and command spells and mana. yet the way of all flesh is... well, it need not be said. still, Gilgamesh does not dwell upon such matters. perhaps they might both live long within this Geardagas. any world with his friend within it is one he shall be happy to make a home of, no matter what other circumstances appear. ]
As to that snake, the folly was mine, for I had gone to bathe in the river. Naturally, for a body so beautiful as my own, vanity may perhaps be an original flaw. Ah, well! Let that creature enjoy its reward...
[ he pauses a moment, contemplating. ]
Besides, in the end, I returned to the Underworld and retrieved that potion. Hmph... if I should ever need to become a child again, I could do have done so, yet it is not here. Well, never mind about that.
[ now Gilgamesh is just rambling. the potion was not actually for immortality, as it turned out, but de-aging. too bad it is gone, though... Enkidu might perhaps have enjoyed a certain amount of interaction with his younger self. but all of Gilgamesh's vault is now beyond his reach. is there any chance of attaining it once more? he shall certainly try, no matter how impossible they say it is.
but what can the King say to such sincere words offered so warmly? it is -- a strange feeling; familiar, from long before, yet strange nonetheless. for untold centuries he has kept himself absolutely isolated. he has paid the price for revolting against those very gods. in his great isolation, his temper has only increased in proportion to his need to assert himself absolutely against all beings, absolute offense and defense that he must carry with him at all times and against all with whom he interacts. yet, though he would never say so, there is a certain impossible burden to his own existence, to the person with god-like appetites and antagonism set in a human vessel. unable to live with either the gods or humans. this was his path, and to deviate from it, or to complain -- well, that would be unworthy.
yet to be so genuinely acknowledged, to be understood as only they understand one another -- Gilgamesh feels a deep well of pleasure surge up within him. he still shall not complain of his burdens or his roles; he takes them on gladly, but it must be said that it feels wonderful to be seen and understood. there is a sort of comfort and joy there which he is simply unused to feeling. ]
... hn. Do you try to make me blush, saying such things? Those words must necessarily embarrass a man, Enkidu.
[ but, you know, that smugface.jpg is only intensifying, though his voice is tinged through and through with fondness.
it is no secret that Gilgamesh is a particularly feline sort of entity, and you are practically making him purr with all of this attention and all these doting caresses. his own half-divine blood stirs powerfully and possessively at these feelings. it is rather like kindling a fire within him... though he suppresses his urges, to some degree, knowing Enkidu is in no shape for what would normally be proper love-making between them.
nevertheless, Gilgamesh sits up, pulling his shirt over his head and tossing it aside. because, you know, getting closer to nudity is just his natural trajectory anyway, and he is particularly greedy for that skin contact. he lies back down heavily, lying Enkidu on their side and pulling them firmly against him, red eyes boring into their own. his arms embrace them, locking them against him. ]
Yet, if you wish to continue to show me such attention, I shall not tell you to cease.
no subject
And they were right.
There is no other place they wanted to belong.
While he speaks they do not stop with kissing the skin in his neck. But finally they stir and look up, long green hair falling over their face and shoulders.]
Hakuno. Is that your Master’s name?
[There is a tired undertone in their voice but they do their best to not get lost in the warmth of his body against theirs.]
I met her. She was the first one who recognized me at first sight and who wanted to find you. She told me that you had to be here, that she was sure of that. [A soft laugh escapes their mouth.] Perhaps I should have believed her. Tell her I am sorry for not being able to hope for our reunion.
[The Rathmores managed quite well with beating that out of them.]
The great king of Uruk does not blush but I know he smiles and I remember he knows joy as well. Perhaps my words will bring back those fond memories. Images, sounds and smells, each and every one of them able to make us realize how real this is.
How wonderful will it be to wake up next to you when the sun comes up.
[When he moves to take his shirt off Enkidu finally starts to realize that something has been stirring inside of them as well. Their hands drop down to the hem of their own shirt but they stop halfway. No, they could not show Gil their bruised body. Not now.
Instead of that they allow themselves to bask in his presence, smile at the strength in the way they are holding him. Now Enkidu has never had a good grasp on time but what they do know is that this has been very long ago.]
I will not cease. My heart goes out to you, Gil.
[They ignore the dull ache of their muscles when they kiss him fully. And no, they don’t hold back. Enkidu kisses him as if more than four thousand years have passed.]
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threading his fingers through Enkidu's glorious hair and holding them against him, he pushes back into that kiss with all of the strength still possessed by this body. even if it is not the same strength as his form might contain in his prime as a proper Servant, he is still the demi-god King of Uruk and a man known for his indomitable will. as soon as Enkidu offers these passions, Gilgamesh reciprocates and deepens the kiss, plunging his tongue into his lover's mouth. there is intense possession here, drinking the breath from them and inhaling their sighs and sounds. it is an intimate and loving intensity, a natural determination that no part of his beloved friend should go without the pleasure of his caress. but there is also hunger, built over more than four millennia of longing and loss. the King's style as a lover is of course to drown, to intoxicate. he kisses breathlessly, only pausing ever-so-briefly and only punctuating these movements to allow for a few shallow intakes of air; even then, those are short-lived. the entire world melts away, leaving only the sensation of their embrace. and that is as it should be.
their coming together was meant to upend kingdoms, shatter worlds, and overthrow gods. it must be a magnificent occasion no matter the surrounding circumstances. when Gilgamesh finally allows their lips to separate from his, if only a little, he growls in a deep, rumbling way, the force of his body vibrating against them, a lion in the process of sating itself. deep contentment swells within him, obvious from those throaty sounds. he bites Enkidu's lower lip in a deeply proprietary way, reminding them of who they belong to, as if they could ever forget. but the gesture is also playful -- a punctuating and soft nibble, gentle despite the aggression that his figure practically radiates. ]
Mm, my friend. I want to embrace you. [ again, there is that deep note of longing in his voice.
Gilgamesh may be a somewhat indolent sort of creature by nature, but the dormant embers within him are stirred by these kisses. his hero's passions having awakened, he presses against Enkidu, already hard and rubbing against their thigh. of course, he is mindful of their injuries -- Enkidu knows him well enough to realize that even now he is holding back, not allowing release or vent for his full and forceful energies. there is great care alongside great intensity -- it is like feeling the tip of the iceberg, with much still beneath the waters.
upon seeing the way Enkidu hesitates to remove their shirt, his eyes flash with renewed fury. ]
To think they did this much. [ he shakes his head, a little breathless now, and those intensely angry eyes soften a little as he caresses their face with the back of one hand. ] Yet I am here now... and I shall wait for when you are ready to take me fully.
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But now they know how stupid that has been. To think that it is so easy to hold this world responsible for the fact that they’ve just been longing for a reunion with their oldest and truest friend. The one who knew them better than each and every one here. The one who called them his equal.
It is that possession, the strength in his touch, the fierceness of his kiss, the familiarity of his presence. Everything seems to fall together, all pieces clicking into place. There’s just him, all the time they’ve just been waiting for him. Their friend, their king, their equal.
So they answer that kiss with the same intensity, aware of how it brings out a certain urge to battle but also a certain desire they haven’t felt for a very long time. While he claims their mouth they make sure to return the favor the best they can. They might not be in a condition to properly battle him but they sure can give him this. Their longing, their nostalgia and all that pent up desire.
Enkidu finds themselves breathing heavily when the kiss breaks. Their lips are a little swollen and they lick them slowly, still wanting to taste him.]
Gil… [They move their hands through his hair while pressing their forehead against his.] …you’re already like that…
[Enkidu hums softly when he presses against them, pushing back immediately to grant him the friction he deserves.]
…Bruises heal… [They whisper softly, not stopping with combing their fingers through his hair, nails raking over his scalp.] ...but I desperately want to feel your hands on me…it is as if my body… [Their smile broadens.]
I cannot wait for that. I remember that feeling quite well. The only moments that are sweeter than that is when I get to face you in battle… [Their eyes close while one of their hands drops down to his chest.] …your ferocity and your strength…
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And where do you wish to feel my hands on you?
[ it is pertinent to ask, given everything. he does not wish to cause them any more harm. still, at the willingness of the friction, he pushes back, already beginning to breathe more heavily at the contact. the denial almost attains a sort of sweetness of its own; wanting so badly to feel their insides clenching around him tightly, reclaiming them as his, but knowing he cannot yet fully do so. the denial adds a sense of urgency to the embrace as it exists now, as he greedily writhes against those exploratory hands, encouraging them shamelessly to caress him, even going so far as to guide them lower as he looks into their eyes with rather heated suggestiveness.
you know, his own body is completely, absolutely, utterly responsive now, and every single gesture is encouraging Enkidu to push aside the remainder of his clothes and touch/taste as much of its expanse as they might want. ]
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[And for a small moment in time the smile on Enkidu's face changes into a mischievous one, a smile belonging to someone who knows quite well what they are doing.
Four thousand years or not, it is as if they've never parted at all. They know his body. They know what muscles to trace, what spots to kiss. Really, they haven't forgotten anything.]
Perhaps it is better if I show you.
[Enkidu moves to press their lips against the skin in his neck, shifting a little so they can slide their knee between his legs in a careful way. It is more than obvious that Gil craves his release and Enkidu will be the last one who will deny a great king like him such a thing.]
Gil, you can move against my knee until my mouth reaches you. [The words are murmured in a soft way while they start to kiss his chest, paying extra attention to his nipples.]
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see, that is really, genuinely true, because friendship is Gilgamesh-ese for Unique Affection. this is the horniest possible friendship. that whole sickeningly in love thing. if he cannot touch their stomach or chest, he can touch lower, caressing their thighs. he also guides their hands a little lower reciprocally, but he gives them the freedom to roam, only suggesting a general direction. and of course he takes Enkidu's offer, thrusting against their knee and moaning, perhaps with a little mischievous theater, at that first caress of their mouth.
he is a very, very playful lover, you know!! going to tease with those slutty sounds. that is what we are all here for. ]
Of course. How generous of you, for your King.
[ don't mind if he selfishly imbibes all your attention. a lot of catching up to do, here. ]
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I think generosity is in order.
[After all, so many years have passed. It is time to let all of that pent up generosity out. When they feel his hands on their hips the chuckle changes into a soft humming sound. His hands feel firm and sure on their body. Also so very real.]
Ah... [Enkidu realizes they're getting more drowsy and they linger a little longer when it comes to kissing his stomach. Finally they look up, fingers hooking around the waistband of his pants. It is still somewhat amazing to see him, to feel him and be able to speak to him. To have him back. As if someone had listened to the song they sang when captured.] Have you ever dreamt about this, Gil? [They lick their lips briefly as they tug gently at the fabric of his pants, slowly tugging it down further.]
My body might have changed a little, but I think I still know how to sate you properly.
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though his friend asks such a question in the spirit of play, it is inevitably a deeply solemn topic. Gilgamesh's breath is almost imperceptibly more shallow; Enkidu perhaps will feel it as they inch their way down his belly and begin to uncover him. his eyes drift from the ceiling to the top of their head, anticipating that he will soon witness their beautiful mouth working upon him; he savors the thought with a sudden, sweet purr, rocking shamelessly against their hands so that they can feel him firm beneath.
there is not much outward reaction otherwise. not yet. this stage of the reunion is still early, and he has let Enkidu take the pace. so of course they must work for these sweet rewards. ]
So what if I have, hm? [ after a few quiet moments, the smirk quirks back into place and Gilgamesh pillows a hand beneath his head as he exhales another barely-breathed sigh, one that will be audible only because Enkidu is against him.
as he once told another heroic spiric -- ]
Dreams fade at the moment the dreamer awakens.
[ Gilgamesh puts no stock in dreams, only in reality. if reality allows Enkidu back to him, then as the absolute realist and absolute arbiter of the world, he shall accept what he sees before him as the truth. ]
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[The feeling of his hand on their head is a strangely reassuring thing. A certainty, something they can feel. That is there.]
Perhaps a certain color. A scent. A sound. [Enkidu hums a little as they finally free his erection.] It is all you need to remember a dream. Even when you do not want it to happen. [Slowly they curl their fingers around the base and look up to it.] Now I cannot say that I have dreamt about this part of your body. But I have dreamt about you a lot. [They kiss the tip of his cock lightly.]
Hmm...and I longed...
[Another kiss.]
...and perhaps I wanted as well...
[A lick.]
Ah...for a mere weapon to want... [When they gaze up at him again the look in their eyes is sharp and there's the slightest hint of a certain sort of mischief that hasn't been there before.] ...perhaps you could remind me of what you want, my king.
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[ really, what mongrel trash were they even thinking about instead ??
well, he looks down, his eyebrows knitting even as he does seem to be focusing a little more intently on Enkidu's playful ministrations. ]
Tch, clearly what I want is for you to focus all your energy upon me and ignore that foolishness of the outside world. Look to me alone and continue what you have begun.