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Enkidu opens his eyes. He was in incorrigible pain just a second ago as if his life force was slipping from him, yet all of a sudden the pain melts away. He is staring up into an odd ceiling. It isn't the City Palace.

"Is this the Underworld?" Slowly Enkidu sits up. His body feels light and surprisingly refreshed. He's definitely not in the City Palace in Uruk. "Where are the unquenchable fires? Why didn’t I cross the river?"

He looks around and notes immediately that there is a distinct lack of gold. He doesn't mind, but if Gilgamesh were here he'd certainly make an aft comment about how modest this room is. The bedding is surprisingly comfortable, however. He hops off the bed, and it bothers hiim how light his body feels. He takes a deep breath; the air is a little stuffy but clean and he smiles widely, enjoying the richness of his sudden vitality. He celebrates with some whoops and some jubilation, prancing around the room and vaulting off furniture.

His hip checks into a small table next to the bed, knocking the phone on it off the stand.

~

[ The video blips on and it's on its side. The setting is familiar; a hotel room like which one wakes up from when arriving. There is laughing and happy cheers as a young man with long, dark brown hair and mocha skin bounds around the room. He is smiling and certainly happy. ]

I am hearty, healthy and hale again! The illness is gone!

[ He continues laughing as suddenly a foot comes down and steps on the camera. The man immediately takes his foot off and the celebrations end. Several moments pass before he picks it up, holding it upside down with fingers over the lens. The camera shakes unsteadily as the man's hands readjust around the phone, causing the camera to panning around the room and over his body several times. He is naked. It steadies again with the shot mostly finger-less as the device is held close to the man's face. His eyes are a clear gray-blue and they glare at the lens. ]

What is this?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

That man is a fool. To think he can lay claim to me as his bride is insulting to my pride and to have others claim he is the greatest king? He is hardly fit to rule as he is now!

[ Saber went there. ]

[ Enkidu smiles. ]

Oh? His bride? You, Arturia of Pendragon?

[ He stares for several moments, nodding at the end. ]

Though I cannot measure your worth through this... thing... If Gilgamesh has chosen you for a bride, then surely you must be a woman to the finest calibur. Gilgamesh seeks only the exceptional to surround him.

...

[ He frowns for a bit. ]

Though it seems that Gilgamesh has gone back to his old ways...

Do you know of his legend, Arturia of Pendragon? Of how the tyrannical king Gilgamesh became the wise, beloved king, who ruled his people with compassion, who had the acclaim of every loyal subject? He who has inspired nightly feasts and reverie from the richest noble to the most common of man?

Who he was in the past matters little as it stands. He has grown different and you will see just with your own eyes, if you truly know of him, just how low a man can sink.

[ ... maybe telling him that Gilgamesh chose her for such a role was a bad idea. Will he forever refer to her as such? ]

I deny his advances. I have no interest in a man with such cruel intent and arrogance.

Ahh, but he was like this before, Arturia. With gentle guidance he can become a truly great king.

[ He smiles warmly. ]

Though my words are just words. As warriors you and I we know that actions determine one's valor, otherwise words are meaningless... I will return Gilgamesh to his golden glory and he will take you as his betrothed, and it will be a momentous occasion.

...

Now I am unsure if we should wrestle...

You will witness it soon enough for yourself.

[ The effects of that mud from the Holy Grail. Yet, now that she thinks about it, would the effects be gone? Much like her Heroic Spirit status? ]

It will hardly be anything of the sort. Archer and I will cross blades again. I will claim victory once more.

[ Then he will say something stupid to make her second guess herself. Like:

]

You will retract a challenge? That does not bode well for your word nor your actions.

Edited 2011-08-16 05:41 (UTC)

[ Enkidu laughs. ]

Gilgamesh loves a good fight. I'm beginning to see why he chose you.

[ Note: Enki thinks Gil is infatuated with Saber for her strength. Not... whatever Gil likes Saber for. ]

I mean no slight, Arturia of Pendragon. Such a challenge makes me eager with excitement. Yet Gilgamesh chose you as his betrothed, and I dare not slight my King. I am a fierce and proud warrior and I am sure you would find me as a strong, swift opponent. But I am a loyal warrior, and my loyalties lay with Gilgamesh.

W-what!? Do not say such things!

[ ... didn't he pretty much CHOOSE her for her strength? He's totally into girls that squirm and resist him. ]

If your loyalties do lay with him, then you understand above all else that he will be upset with you for backing out of a spar. Am I no longer a fit challenge?

[ He chuckles. ]

Unguarded tongue, sharp wits...

[ He shakes his head a little. ]

I, Enkidu, Descendent of Anu, formed first by the god of storm's hands from mire and the ground itself, will engage you in a challenge, after and only after receiving my good king's blessings.

Surely you would agree to that?

Hardly without guard. I just know when to use it as a weapon and when to use it as a shield.

[ Enkidu... Now that is an interesting name. A story from the past that even she knows, but yet she says nothing of it. ]

Very well. Obeying your king is something I can not fault you for. Not when I would have held my knights to the same standard.

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