middaeg | [closed] Tiny Catch All

[Enkidu moves to lean against the tree and cocks their head a little. It is obvious that the small girl in front of them is struggling a little. Trying to do something her body might not be made for.

In a way it is fascinating and endearing at the same time. To witness such a display of fierce will. It piques their curiosity.]

Ah… [Finally they step forward.] …I do not think it will work that way… [Maybe she should strap inflatable objects to her body but maybe…] …But perhaps there are spells that can make wings grow… Or make people float…

[A soft smile appears on their face.]

I think wings would look good on you. [A pause.] What sort of beast are you about to become?

[At this point, Akko's begun to work up a sweat. Which frankly, feels a little uncomfortable with all her fur growth on her back and arms, but still she perseveres. Over and over again, she tries to will the broom she's currently straddling to lift her and take her into the air, and but, of course, nothing happens. Not a single thing happens.]

[But still, she tries, shouting the incantation over and over and over and over and over again. Tia Freyre! Tia Freyre! Tia Freyre! and Akko remains firmly on the ground until she begins jumping, as though the physical act itself will somehow inspire the broom to respond to the command. But whatever her strong legs are able to give her for height is all she gets, and she certainly doesn't stay floating.]

[She stops for a moment when Enkidu makes themselves known, her head snapping to look over her shoulder at them. Frankly, her expression is not particularly warm and welcoming like it normally might be. She's a little too used to having to defend her efforts for flight at this point that she can't help but feel like Enkidu is two seconds away from doing the same. Her expression softens a little at least when they smile and it doesn't seem to have an edge of cruelty to it, looking at them warily rather than ready to throw hands.]

I'm not a beast, [she says, crinkling her nose.] But I'm a Puca.

[Hence the ears and recently developed buck teeth she's sporting.]

A Puca it is.

[Enkidu slowly comes closer, aware of the wary look on the girl's face. But then again, they figure it isn't common that strangers look at her from a distance and call her a beast when approaching.

But she has been uttering something that could be a spell just yet, not? Something that sounded like 'freje'. That, and the fixation on a broomstick. Could it be that…? Perhaps she wanted to be a witch instead of a beast. And that is something they can understand. After all, they would not have minded to become a beast themselves. Being a witch is far more difficult.]

It seems you like to be more of a witch than an actual...Puca, is it not? [They gesture at the broomstick.] Witches do tend to fly on broomsticks. [Perhaps they should look into that. Flying. They could fly beyond these forests and discover new lands, and, most of all, new plants!]

I am a witch. [There's a beat of silence before she begins correcting herself.] Well, I was one where I'm from. Er, well, I was a student to become one, anyway.

[The point is, it's not just hopeless wishing on Akko's part as far as being a witch is concerned. Akko dismounts the broom, holding it upright by the handle.]

Flying is kinda basic for witches in my world, but it was something I always struggled with. [Akko shrugs her shoulders a little.] It's not the only thing I ever wanted to do, but it was one of the things I really wanted to do ever since I was a little girl. So, even though it was hard, I kept trying.

[She smiles, the look a little wistful for a moment. Akko only started having success with the spell just a little before she found herself in Aefenglom and that maybe made it a little unrealistic for her to hope that if any spell came back to her, it'd be this one first. But it had been a dream for so long and it'd been such a great achievement when she was able to get off the ground... It's hard for her to not want it back.]

I know it's probably dumb for me to keep trying, but I'm not going to give up on it.

[Enkidu silences for a moment, eyebrows rising for a moment.]

You are a witch turned into a beast? It is the first time I have heard of that… [They place a hand against their chest, still looking somewhat surpised.] I was once a beast and now I am turned into a witch. It is exactly the opposite.

[They move to sit down on their knees, right besides her.]

There is nothing foolish about wanting something. I think it is admirable to never give up on the things you truly want. Because one day, you will find yourself able to do all those things. The will of a human soul is very strong.

[Something appears to visibly relax in Akko's shoulders upon hearing all of that. Whatever suspicions she had about being potentially made fun of for her efforts seems to go away, too. There's really only been a limited number of people willing to say what they just said out loud even if they offered silent support.]

[Although...]

You don't exactly look like a beast.

I chose to take the shape of a human. It would be odd to choose to side with humanity and not know how to be one, not?

[They still don't entirely know, but that's not the point right now.]

But when I came to be I was quite a mindless beast. Mindless enough to make the gods pity me. [A pause.] Are you still able to perform the spells you did as a witch?

[Most of what Enkidu says doesn't make all that much sense to Akko. Gods and siding with humanity is all a bit beyond her, honestly, and she doesn't really know how much of what's being said is literal versus hyperbole. (And frankly, she'd err more on the side of hyperbole than anything being actually grounded in reality.) To their question though, Akko shakes her head a little.]

Not really. I mean, I guess Puca magic's kinda similar to something I was good at, but it's not really the same thing either. I don't know how to explain it.

I do know of chimeras, vampires and dragons but I have never heard of a Puca beast. Tell me about how it is to be one. I think the change from witch into a beast must be difficult for you, not?

[Despite the neutral expression on their face there is a glint of curiosity as well.]

Ah...before I forget... [They move to extend an arm, offering her their hand.] ...my name is Enkidu.

I'm Atsuko Kagari, [Akko says, shifting her broom around to free up her hand to shake Enkidu's offered one. She smiles wide likely out of reflex more than anything.] But you can call me Akko like everyone else.

[She lets go of their hand.]

I don't really know how to describe being a Puca though. I feel like I barely am one.

[Enkidu shakes her hand right back. And while she smiles brightly, their smile is small but definitely pleasant.

They're curious about this witch turned into a beast who wants to fly this badly. In a way they're sure that she'd possess enough willpower to make it happen. And perhaps they could be of help.]

You may call me Enkidu, Akko. Or Lancer, but I do not think my class would matter here.

[That answer doesn't surprise them. After all, they do not know how to be a proper witch either.]

Should I help you? [A pause, followed by a long hum.] Perhaps we can help one another. Since we both seem to have changed into something we should not be, not?

That'd be really nice, but I'm not sure I'd be much help for you bein' a Witch. [Akko smiles crookedly.] I was only really just starting out back in my world, so it's not like I know a whole lot for myself.

[She also wasn't particularly all that good at it either. Or, well, it didn't come all that naturally to her, anyway. It was maybe a bit unfair to deem her not good at it just because it took a little more work. In her eyes, anyway. Others probably felt differently.]

[Luna Nova's grading system certainly did.]

It's nice to meet you. I think I'll stick to calling you Enkidu, if that's okay.

[She doesn't understand what they're talking about with classes and Lancer sounds a little funny for a name, if she's honest.]

I am not a good witch either. But I remember I have been quite good at being a beast. I am still very fond of running through the forest barefoot. Hmm...there isn't a better feeling than earth between your toes.

[Really, they look genuinely excited when they speak about it.]

Once, a while ago, the earth spoke to me as well. I could feel its tremors, where the water was flowing, where animals walked.

[Ah yes, the benefits of being made of clay and divine spit.]

Should I teach you how to be a beast? [They have never done such a thing and the entire prospect makes them happy. To be able to learn a human something instead of learning from them.] Or at least be more comfortable with your new form?

That is okay.

[Akko looks down at the ground beneath them as Enkidu talks about their connection with it. Or, well, what it used to be like. She tries to imagine what that must have been like to feel that connection with something that was to her and so many other people a commonplace thing. Sure, it was living and everyone recognized that, but they never really took notice of it like that. She also really can't think of an equivalent for it either. Even being as sensitive as she is to the magic around here, it doesn't seem like it's the same thing. She only feels the magic, not every living thing in it or using it.]

[She looks back up at Enkidu.]

You know things about being a Puca?

[Well, no, they don't really know much about Pucas. But they do understand what it is to be more of a beast than a human. There are instincts and habits that do not allow themselves to be ignored.]

I have to be fair, I am not very knowledgeable about Pucas. In fact, I have never seen one before. [But they're curious and well, they would like to be of some help. After all, they aren't meant to be a witch while she is meant to be one. There is something unfair about it.] I know there are a lot of books in the Coven's building. Perhaps they have books about your species. Have you looked at that?

[Perhaps they are going to grow wings.

Um.

[This is one of those questions that adults ask that Akko knows she shouldn't say no to or give any kind of indication that she doesn't have any intention of reading if she can avoid it. But that's also the truth. She shifts a little before shaking her head a little.]

My professor might've. Or maybe the girl I'm Bonded to, but that kind of stuff is boring to me.

[Books? Boring? Enkidu blinks a couple of times.]

I do not understand why humans find knowledge boring. [More blinking.] But...if you wish I can read the books for you and tell you about them. I do not mind gaining such knowledge.

[Akko shakes her head a little.]

I don't find knowing stuff boring, I find books boring. But you don't gotta go out of your way to do something like that.

[They've only just met one another, after all! Akko would feel bad cursing someone she knows really well with having to read a bunch of books, never mind a relative stranger.]

Most knowledge comes from books and...perhaps...from what you are doing now. [They gesture at her.] Trying to fly. A pucca beast on a broom can't fly. But perhaps, they can fly separately from one another. After all we need one thing that can fly, isn't it? And that is something that might be described in a book.

[Even though it would be difficult to get the broom to fly, beasts do not do magic.]

I don't find books boring.

Edited (i am so dutch today, holy shit) 2020-08-10 12:36 (UTC)

[The bathroom is filled with a scent of lavender, spices and grilled meat. Because yes, taking a bath with your best friend is even better when there are delicious chicken legs nearby. Just in case they grow hungry while getting clean.]

The bath is rather big… [Enkidu gestures at the tub.] …and I’ve filled it with lavender I grew myself. But also… [They take a couple of steps forward and scoop up some suds from the water.] …look…the water has produced some foam as well.

[Enkidu is wearing a simple shift and a pair of wide pants, their hair tied up in a pony tail.]

I have asked Caren if we can use it for a while. She has more baths so it wasn’t a problem at all.

[ that the bath exists at all in such a form is a testament to their industry, both Enkidu's and Aefenglom's.

as the King of a city-state, Gilgamesh acknowledges his friend's efforts in preserving horticulture and agricultural growth both through innovation and through their magic as a Witch. the meat, moreover, would be far more scarce had he and his friend not acted to save the farms from those devils, thus preserving poultry for the masses, a resource which might well be depleted by the depredations of the creatures in this world.

to preserve plants, growth, life, and farming and industry; it is a King's duty to oversee all things, though not only does Gilgamesh act with concerns for power and for maintaining what he has come to see as his, but performing an act of grand heroism is its own reward. ]

That other former Master of mine is a generous woman, it would seem.

[ there is still much that Gilgamesh would wish to know of her, and of their history that she remembers and he does not. ]

Obviously I shall not reject the opportunity for luxury and rejuvenation.

[ he is a hedonist, after all.

his golden eyelashes press together as his eyes flutter closed; that lazy little smile never stops playing around his lips as he approaches, letting his robes drop around his waist, falling to the floor and baring him quite fully in the light of the bathroom. ]

Edited 2020-05-19 14:05 (UTC)

I do not know that but we mesh very well as bonded. I teach her how to tend to her garden and in exchange she makes me food and gives me access to her baths.

[Also, this is the bathroom they like the most. The bath is nice and spaceous, the colors are calming and the water seems to be just a little more warm than everywhere else in the house.]

I would be surprised if you would. [A hum.] I would probably wonder if the Cwyld would have gotten to you head.

[Enkidu watches their friend taking off his robes and decides to take their clothes off as well. Slowly they step out of their pants and pull their shirt over their head. After that they pick up the plate with chicken and move to sit in the bath.]

Gil, if you turn your back towards me, I can wash it for you.

Regardless, it is good to see that some peasants in the modern world still remember the rite of hospitality.

[ much has changed over the centuries, but the King of Heroes may still acknowledge a fine host when he sees one. Caren has merit in this regard.

Gilgamesh takes a step into the bath. the water is warm. unhurried, the King immerses himself slowly, leisurely; a bath is one of life's small pleasures, a reminder that you are alive. or are they? he and Enkidu both are human now -- or something like human. the muscles of Gilgamesh's body -- his abdomen, biceps, calves, flex and twitch against the water, tension unfurling.

here, he is not the serious and aloof king. he is not the king made of stone and gold, the hard-hearted king who loves only treasure. here, he is simply a man at home in the element that filled the rivers in his, the first kingdom, the land between the waters. it is always good to be with his friend. to be with Enkidu is always to be completely bridged with his own past, and Gilgamesh feels this at rest as he does in battle. ]

Of course you may do so. Hah, you know very well of your talent in that respect. You must not be modest about this.

[ so he pre-empts.

Gilgamesh makes a show of sinking into the water and stretching out, back exposed. it is smooth and without scars, though the red tattoos are visible; alongside the gold, they seem to glow with the light of water droplets. the red dot beneath his neck is a singular mark. he reaches back, pushing aside those wet golden strands, exposing his spine and his neck. subtly vulnerable. ]

Hmm...I would not call Caren a peasant. After all, she has been the Master of your younger self.

[The tone of their voice is light and a little playful. Yet there is also a small hint that implies that Caren really isn't a mere, simple peasant.

Despite that it is pleasant to see how he relaxes the second his skin touches the water. They can see how he stretches himself a little and finally moves to brush his hair aside. It is a pleasant sight and Enkidu takes their sweet time to watch.]

Oh no, I am not modest at all. [Enkidu chuckles softly before they move to settle behind their friend, stretching their legs so they are at either side of him.] I know very well how good I am at this. [Finally they hum a short song, reaching out to fetch a washing cloth.]

I will wash your hair as well.

[After that they put their words into action, rubbing his back clean in a firm way. And of course they cannot help themselves and start tracing the marks on his back and those firm, sturdy muscles. They know Gil likes to be admired and, to their eyes, he really is quite admirable.

He always seems to shine, even when the sun isn't out.]

Lean forward a little, Gil.

It is good that you are not.

[ modest, that is.

through their Bond and through their interactions in this world, Gilgamesh has felt ... emotions from Enkidu. Feelings of doubt. Uncertainty.

when his friend died, they spoke the words which Gilgamesh has never forgotten. for millennia, the King of Heroes has remembered Enkidu's self-effacement and he has continued to feel the pangs of those words. there are memories he will forever hold close to his heart.

To say that Enkidu was merely a weapon, a tool, another treasure -- his friend had uttered that opinion of their own worth.

yet Gilgamesh overruled that sentiment long ago. as the King, his is the final word.

therefore, why has Enkidu behaved so strangely in this world?

--ah, but that is a matter for later consideration. for now, Enkidu is happy. they acknowledge their worth, or at least their talents, in this moment. ]

... hm. [ Gilgamesh lifts his hand, combing a few strands of hair behind his ear such that they do not fall over his eyes. soaked by the water, his hair hangs longer, limp and wet and framing his face. ] ...tch. Master of my younger self...

[ he seems to be considering something, though not in the all-confident way he usually does. one might even say there is the tiniest hint of discomfort to his voice, an inexplicable and extremely subtle note of indignation. he allows himself to be lulled into his friend's touches, leaning forward as they insist so that they might have access to different points on his body -- their hands are talented indeed -- yet a certain matter occurs to him. ]

I have no recollection of that child. That boy had just as well be another person to me.

[When it comes to their abilities they've never felt any doubt. A weapon knows their limit, their functions, their strength. Same when it comes to washing Gil. After all, they know his body quite well. They know what he likes and dislikes, what scents he prefers, how warm the water should be.

They have not forgotten that. Even after all those years that have passed.]

He was another person. When I first laid eyes on him I could not believe the gods saw him as a threat to their existence. I thought they were wrong.

[They start to massage his shoulders slowly, doing their best to loosen those muscles a little.]

And in the end...they were still wrong...

[A pause.]

Should I tell you of him?

[closed] Tiny Catch All

For Akko

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this is very late, sorry

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idk what i was doing: the sequel

For Gil

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