Meeting Hour: Old King Gilgamesh

A loud clock-like device ticks at the edge of the waiting hall in front of the King's throne room. Each click perfectly 'simulated'. Each tick echoeing through the hallway. There's nicely cushioned seats lining this place that are incredibly comfortable to sit on - and made extremely sturdily at that, to the point where a large Were Fang or Salamander could sit on it without any worry of damage.

Then, a loud 'Ding... ding... ding...' The large grandfather clock sounds the whole hour, and the massive doors to the throne room open up - as the two guards push them open with some measure of difficulty.

Out comes a dark haired woman in long white flowing robes, with a pale blue mantle over that - attached with golden rings. She's pale skinned, but by no means frail looking. With dark hazel-black eyes, she turns to those that are waiting in the waiting hall, and approaches them.

She bows her head politely.

"I am chancellor Kaaya, advisor to King Gilgamesh. I am to understand you all wish to see my Lord." She takes a moment to read the reactions, before she proceeds; "I will lead you into the throne room in just a moment. But I need to go over a few rules first."

She pulls out a small scroll, and looks at it for a moment.

"Do not speak unless spoken to, or the King is looking at you directly. It is imperative you do not interject when others are speaking." She begins.

"Do not attempt to give the King any gifts, unless he asks for one." She follows this up with.

"And most of all, remain at least twenty steps away from the throne, and remain kneeled before him upon arrival. You will not rise unless dismissed."

She looks up. "Any questions?"

Standing in the waiting hall, awaiting the hearing of the King Gilgamesh, Zorin reflects on what has transpired so far.

It has been an extremely busy time for Zorin and the newly formed Scale Emblem Alliance. After the formation of the Alliance Misa has been tirelessly coordinating the different guilds into a more cohesive whole, and recently she led the liberation of Tolbana on the First Floor of the Tower. She is also here with him now as they meet with the King. Attempting to assist Zorin took on the task to establish bases of operation out of the Town of Beginnings, Alne, and the Carmina Gadelica Marina; and to also evaluate and coordinate possible larger guard duties and patrols in those regions.

While there are now operation centers for the Scale Emblem Alliance within the Town of Beginnings, Alne, and the Marina; they are still in the early stages of development and coordination with the towns is still being established. Overall, it seems that Hunters Guild has extensive presences in these locations which is also able to sufficiently cover guard duties for those places. Nevertheless, organizing further scout patrols in the surrounding areas and having regularly protected supply caravans between the locations is high on the priority list.

Hopefully the local Landers will be supportive of these efforts. Zorin tried to use the newly forming information and trade network to spread word of the willingness of the Scale Emblem Alliance to work together with People of the Land. It had mixed results. Because it is not fully organized itself some of the information turned more into gossip, and over time the accuracy of the message was distorted to focus on how they planned to establish guard patrols. Which while still planned, was not as ideal an outcome.

One of the main reasons Zorin is present to address the Old King Gilgamesh today is to clear these matters up and seek the aid of the ruler. The Landers may just be NPCs, complex computer programs that are just part of the game, but the Scale Emblem Alliance needed their support if they planned to truly climb and pry answers from the Tower of Aincrad.

Turning to chancellor Kaaya he bows briefly and replies, "Thank you, Kaaya. The rules are clearly outlined, understood, and appreciated."

    Misa had placed Zorin in charge of handling the new security of the area, as suggested during the earlier round table conference. She was still getting to know many of the new Scale Emblem Alliance's members and their capabilities, so wasn't sure how the situation would progress. But so far she has no regrets as she stands in the waiting area, quietly idling.

    The audience with the king is an unusual situation for Misa. She's never really bothered to roleplay the story and lore of Elder Tale Online. Always addressing Landers with the minimum amount of interaction required to progress through their quests. Thankfully she's not planning to get involved too much this time either, leaving Zorin to do the majority of the speaking. Misa is just here to assist. And to act as the representative of the alliance on other matters, should King Gilgamesh require it.

    As the doors open, Misa turns to watch the Lander. They are presented with a few rules, which Misa finds odd. But she's willing to indulge them. She finally responds, "None. They are understood."

    Misa straightens out her uniform-style outfit and adjusts the hat on her head before she moves to follow Zorin inside.

Standing in the waiting hall, awaiting on the pleasure of the local lords, Nureha continues to scribble in a journal for as long as she is unobserved. She came with a contingent of guards that she left before entering, taking a moment before she entered to center herself.

Everyone would be watching. No space for error. No second chances. Just go forwards.. listen and feel out the situation. It would work out. She would make it work out.

It had been an extremely busy time for the guildmaster of Plant Hwyaden. After contributing to the rescue efforts and getting her guildmates safely away from the incident at Ezzo, she had turned her attentions to solving a few of the other.. 'glitches' that were still present in the world changed by the Black Wave.

In order to do that required resources outside of what Plant Hwyaden possessed at the moment, though they were doing well with the limited gear and items they had to work with during Tower excursions and the clearing of the local monster population. Her initiative to clear the goblins in order to partially fund the rescue was only a trial run of a much larger and expansive network that ran through the crafting communities. Although she had only contacted a few groups, they all suffered the same ignorance. The same stumbling blocks.

Nureha stopped herself from smoothing down the ruffles of her radiant azure gown or fidgeting with the illusory gloves up past her elbows. A ruler does not fidget. She holds herself still, hair bound up in long trailing ribbons. Her eyes sweep the room again, one hand over the other lightly resting on the ring on her left hand. "Thank you, Chancellor. We will endeavour to live up to your rules and expectations. Thank you for taking the time to explain such things." She tilts her head very slightly, gliding against the floor when they are motioned to enter.

    In regards to authority among the Adventurers Shiroe had no special status. He might have once been regarded as someone of well-known prowess but in regards to both guilds and the Round Table Alliance, Shiroe the Enchanter was no one of significance. So why was that he had bothered to come here today? Information. It was almost always for information. So when Gilgamesh had agreed to answer the questions of Adventurers willing to seek him out, it was something he figured was worth doing.

    One the dinging of the clock tolls the hour, Shiroe stands up upon seeing the chancellor, making sure to listen to the rules, while also taking in a group of who mostly appear to be other members of either the SEA or the Round Table Alliance altogether. He really did seem out of place, but that was fine with him. He wasn't here to garner popularity and if this made him stand out, it might even be for the better.

    The only thing I should worry about is what questions to bring up to Gilgamesh. There was the fact that he was- In that moment, the Villain in Glasses finds himself placing a hand at his forehead. "Nnngh..." An intense migraine begins to surface and with it he feels his head absolutely throbbing in pain. "...Now of all times?" He mutters under his breath but keeps his voice down low enough to interrupt the Chancellor or the others as the acknowledge the rules. It was such an inconvenience to have when he was trying so hard to recall what else it was about King Gilgamesh he wanted to recall. Maybe he could figure it out before it was his turn to speak. Of course, he'd have to fight off this migraine as well...It seemed even off the battlefield there was no rest for him...

    With a weak smile he nods along as well, "Understood."

If you asked him, Kaydon was not really the diplomatic type. He was very much a fighter, prefering to solve his problems with his blade and strength rather than with words. But SOMEONE needed to be here to represent Silver Sword. He has opted for something a lot less armored than his usual getup, and is not in his were fang form either, not wanting to have that color the King's opinions.

He listens to the rules, and nods, "Understood." He replies, simply. There's no reason to argue, though he's never heard of these kinds of limitations being put in place to meet with a Lander before, even an important one. Still, having just returned from the first foray into Ezzo, it was important to hear what the other groups had to say.

He was going to let Shiroe do most of the talking for New World, though. No reason to interrupt the Villain when he was on a roll.

Kaaya turns her gaze towards Zorin as he approaches and speaks. "Your acknowledgement is appreciated." She remarks, before motioning her hand to her side. For a moment, she shows a concern for Shiroe, but she doesn't speak to his touch to his head.

Instead, she turns, and leads the way inside.

The throne room is enormous. Far bigger than any one person should ever need. The walls are a beautiful cobalt blue, with golden pictures of animals neatly lined up on various 'levels' of the walls. There are enormous tapestries of Mesopotamian design, displaying battles between man and monster. There is one that displays a lightningbolt striking a tower and a dragon at the same time. There's various other tapestries present as well.

The floor itself is made of that same blue color, with golden 'lines' seemingly indicating the path to travel. Forward, towards the enormous throne statue that the old king sits upon in his golden armor - which shines beautiful luster, cast from the various open holes in the castle that are clearly made in such a way that no matter the hour, light would find its way to the king at its center.

There is an old presence to him, as the gray-bearded and gray-haired king watches them approach with kind, but stern eyes. His gauntleted hands touch the armrests of his seat, and he slowly rises, halting them when they get to the spot they need to stop. Waiting for them to kneel.

And he lets them rest there, while holding his quiet for a minute. Two minutes. Letting time tick away for a bit.

Following Kaaya as she leads the group to the throne room Zorin gazes around at the ostentatious decorations. "(This really is quite something. If only people could have experienced this freely.)" he thinks as he shakes his head.

Upon entering into the throneroom itself he walks along the golden lines that seem to be places to coordinate the movement of visitors. And he silently lowers himself to a knee, careful to respect the twenty step distance and waits to be addressed, gazing at the old kings feet.

"(The things we do.. But I would do much more to return. This is nothing but formality.)" he considers as he waits to be addressed.

Nureha drifts backwards, like watching a cloud pass across the sky and while her eyes and face remain turned towards the throne room, she whispers. "Are you alright?" with obvious concern to Shiroe, her face and hands completely still like some statuary in a courtyard they may have passed.

The first thing she reads from the room is disquiet. The proportions of the room are vast, and filled with echoes and hymns to conquest. Her eyes scan the enormous tapestries, squinting at the lightingbolt.. her eyes trace the open holes that cast god rays onto the king sitting in full armor.

This is a stage play. What is this man so afraid of?

The answer would seem apparent from the time they were kept kneeling. Nureha graciously folds into her kneeling position like a wilting flower, a shower of hair covering her face. Still, her expression is a neutral, if respectful one. Not fawning but not aggressive as she tries to quickly calculate the tone and measure she would need to approach this minefield.

    Misa proceeds into the throneroom. As they make their way through it, she glances at the various sights on display. It's a rather impressive structure, certainly the kind of thing one would expect a developer to create for a king. No doubt Adventurers have walked these halls in the past. But has there been any since that eventful day about a week ago?

    As they finally reach the point where they are to stop, Misa takes her place beside but a little behind Zorin, so it's clear from their group who will be speaking. She drops to one knee, watching the king in front of them. An imposing man. It reminds her of someone. She waits quietly until one of them is directed to speak, understanding the purpose behind the wait. It does draw things out a little. But if they don't follow the 'quest' requirements they might end up going down a path best avoided.

    He finds himself pulling his glasses away for a moment as he tries to rub his eyes. It's only in the moment that someone seems to pick up on his issue. With them off it's a bit hard to tell who exactly is asking the question but the voice doesn't immediately seem familiar, "Ah...Just a minor headache. I'll be fine though, thanks. I appreciate it none the less." What made this headache even worse had been how much his glasses had been gleaming the light into his eyes as well. Another reason he had found himself taking them off. But seeing as they were about to enter into the throne room, he should make it a rule not to do anything like mess with his attire while in Gilgamesh presence. So he goes to put them back on as he enters into the room, only to notice something he hadn't before. Something that had always been there but never noticed up till this point...

    As they enter the room, there isn't much need for him to be too awestruck by the elegance of Gilgamesh's throne room. It was to be expected. Though...He does find a bit of the decorum illuminating. Perhaps it was because of how the light was always able to into the room but the glare on his glasses had started to bother him with how much flickering light seemed to be entering his eyes. He doesn't try to pay it too much mind though just trying to simply adjust his gaze. Though he completely forgets about that issue as Gilgamesh comes into presence and gives them the sign to halt. Like the others he drops to one knee, making sure not to make even the slightest of sounds. Being sure to account for the twenty step rule. ...I guess silence is to show he's the one keeping the pace of the conversation. That's fine with me. If we have to be silent for a few minutes I won't mind using the time to try to ride out this headache. Still...What was it I was forgetting...?

Lead into the throne room, Kaydon glances around as best he can without trying to look like he's taking in the area, and thinking about potential escape routes if this turns out to be some kind of a trap. He doubts it's a trap, it's not obviously a trap.

He kneels along with the others when they do, the were fang keeping his head down in reverence. Don't speak unless spoken to, don't address the King unless he first addresses him. Easy enough rules to remember.

The Chancellor has remained behind, and remains at the door. Well away from the Adventurers. It is notable that there are no guards here within the chamber. If they were to attack the King, it very much seems like an assassination would be almost too easy. Yet, the golden armored king doesn't show any fear there-of.

Instead, the weight of his presence falls upon the Adventurers as they are made to wait. No doubt being tested, even in this moment. His gaze slides from left to right, until he finds Zorin amongst them. There's a pause there. Only then, does he continue; "One at a time, state your names, and your allegiance." The man states with a voice that manages to echo amidst these walls. An accoustic effect, no doubt, made available through very specific approaches to the architecture of this great hall.

They all feel his watching eyes come over them. An oppressive presence, almost like something was pushing down on their shoulders, or could steal their breath away. His gaze lingering on Shiroe for a moment, during which his migraine only seems to get worse for a moment.

He then motions a hand towards Zorin. "When all have spoken, I wish for the human with the crimson rim to declare their intent." He then adds, and lays his hands behind his back.

After being addressed by the King, Zorin turns his gaze up to look at the old man's face. He could see the eyes have steel in them, and the lines of his face and long beard show his age. It was fortunate that Zorin had some experience with dealing with executives in the real world, even being a mere NPC this one had presence. There were still a lot of unknowns here, but he had to press forward.

Raising his voice so all in the chamber could hear he spoke, "King Gilgamesh, I appreciate the time you've taken to meet with us. I am Ryusei Ito, also known as Zorin. I am here with Misa Takayama, Major of the Scale Emblem Alliance, and a few others from the alliance." He gestures to Misa and the others in their party.

After the others have performed their introductions and the king addresses him again Zorin once again speaks, "King Gilgamesh, we are Travelers, as we seem to be commonly called here, and have found ourselves is a precarious situation." He pauses for the briefest of moments before continuing, "We have been trapped in this world against our will. Separated from those we love. Torn from our true place in our own world."

He has a pained expression as he continues, "I myself have a wife, Yoshiko; and young son, Matsuda, in my world. It tears me up inside not knowing how they are doing. To miss being there for my son as he grows up. Unable to support my family." He closes his eyes and shakes his head before again looking up at the king and continuing.

"I am but one of countless stories like this. Daughters torn from their mothers. Wives separated from their families. Children just starting their adult lives wrenched from their true world with no known way to return." His gaze hardens and determination lines his face.

"We must find a way home!"

He then sighs deeply, "We've done everything we could think of initially to no avail. Even in death we cannot return, only to find ourselves resurrected. One of our only hints is to climb the Tower of Aincrad to find whatever answers may be within."

He pauses again gathering his thoughts before continuing again.

"We will be here an unknown amount of time, and I believe it is in our best interests to have a mutually beneficial relation. We plan to climb the tower, and we expect to find untold resources, wealth, and treasure there." He pushes up his glasses, "But we are just getting established. We are still staging our operations and establishing our allies. We could use assistance to establish our bases of operation, and cooperation to allow our Travellers to freely move through your territory. Towards this aim I would like you to consider the following proposals, which we can either discuss further now or later -- whichever is more convenient."

He hoped that would be enough to trigger whatever flags were programmed into this encounter to be taken seriously. Now it was time to get into more detail.

Raising his hand, he counts on his fingers, "First, as I mentioned, we seek aid in our initial steps to establish a forward bases in Alne and Tolbana from which we can launch expeditions into the tower, of which we would then repay with a portion of what is discovered as we explore the tower."

"Second, we seek any information you may have of the tower itself, and an agreement towards information sharing in the future."

"Third, we seek an alliance or peace treaty with the goal to continue having a base to operate from in the Town of Beginnings and to allow our troops to move freely within this region. An alliance would mean our forces could more actively participate in the defense and protection of the region, coordinating with your own guards and those belonging to the Hunters Guild which seem to be actively participating in actions along these lines already. A peace treaty or trade agreement would also allow an easier avenue for us to sell the resources we find, potentially bringing greater wealth to your own domain."

After another brief pause he concludes, "I believe any of these would lead us to greater cooperation which would be to our mutual benefit." And with that he is done. Now awaiting the King's response.

    Misa can't help but feel a pressure on her as the Gilgamesh speaks. It reminds her of her early days in D.D.D. before she had come to know the true face of Krusty. She wonders if her lord would be able to give this king a run for his money in the category of most imposing leader. Though Misa suspects that, like Krusty, the king has a side to him that they're not meant to see. Possibly something written into his background. She doesn't dwell on that for long, having no way of finding out now that they're cut off from the additional game resources they once had.

    Once it comes her turn for her introduction, Misa keeps it short and simple, "Misa Takayama, current representative of the newly formed Scale Emblem Alliance."

    The round of introductions pass and it comes time for Zorin to speak first. True to what she had told him on the way here, she leaves him to handle the issue that they were here to discuss. What she did not expect is for him to go into such a long winded explanation of their situation. The sign of a proper roleplayer? To ask for an alliance right out of the gate was also surprising. Misa's eyes glance at Zorin for a moment, before returning to looking at the king to see how he responds.

    He can't imagine anyone of the Adventurers being foolish enough to try and assassinate Gilgamesh. At least those who had come here today. It would have defeated the purpose entirely of coming, and well...No one's trying to start a war with the Landers hopefully. Though if someone had thought of such a thing, he can't imagine that it'd last for long when that heavy presence bared down upon them. His gaze like daggers staring into each and everyone one of them, and when those eyes finally hit Shiroe, once again he feels that stabbing feeling at his forehead again. It's enough that he stifles a breath but quickly collects himself again. It was almost his turn to speak after and to come off as rude in anyway could have lasting negative effects.

    As names come and go, eventually the time to speak falls upon the bespectacled enchanter so with a calm demeanor, the enchanter pushes up his glasses as to make sure they stayed securely atop his head as he began to speak in a way that even with the acoustics of the room being suited to him, his presence would be name. "My name is Shiroe, I'm affiliated to no land, guild, or alliance...But my allegiance is to all the Adventurers who have found themselves in this world."

    It was the best show of his allegiance he could give. He was not affiliated with any guilds, nor lands at this point. So the only allegiances he could find himself aligned with was to the entirety of the player base as a whole. Whether that would be seen as an appropriate show of allegiance though...Well...It'd still be better than none at all he could imagine.

Nureha narrows her eyes as the play continues. The invasive, watching, oppressive presence was no product of her doubts and anxieties. It didn't have the flavor of despair that usually colored it. Why are there no guards? Is all of this simply vanity? The priviledge of the powerful?

Nureha scans and discards any number of initial working theories like flashcards cast to one side or the other. But it was difficult to think, difficult to keep her head up with that constant, aching pressure. A moment of swelling panic, a moment of drowning, hands reaching up to pull her into the floor before her mental landscape twisted away from it's death spiral.

She closed her eyes, listening and still, hands still clasped one over the other. She listens to Zorin's plea and mentally shakes her head, keeping her avatar, her body now, so still that she seems turned to stone. She would learn much by listening to how the king responded to such an earnest and heartfelt plea, but she had her initial doubts. Even with the little kindness and respect they had earned over the last week, it would be only a small jump to smearing all Travelers with the same brush and consider them an outbreak of plague. The Alliances were newly formed and they were all sorting themselves out in this new enviroment. Not every interaction was bound to go well, and she knew how easy it was to ostracize someone.. even for actions they did not commit.

They could very easily find themselves in a position where their monofocus on the tower became a self-fulfilling prophecy, unwelcome in any land outside the ones they established on their own. She approached this from a different tact.

In a soothing, flowing voice she raised her head when it was her time to speak. She did not have to raise her voice to project it throughout the radiant hall. "King Gilgamesh, I am honoured by your patience with us. I am Nureha, member of the Olympus Alliance and guildmaster of Plant Hwyaden."

She had no one else with her. She knelt alone along her spot in the throne room. "And I have come alone because, sir, even in our precarious position, my guild and I would like to pay forwards the grace and charity you have already offered us."

"We are a countless number of stories. Pain. Sorrow. Joy. Tragedy. Love. Pain. We Travelers have know all of these and again.. too few. We are ignorant to many truths of this world, we confess.. but we are eager to learn, to cooperate, to thrive under a guiding hand."

She pauses, as though ticking away the seconds in her mind, pacing her words or even her syllables to a certain elegant, flowing cadence. "We also wish peace and prosperity to flourish in the Town of Beginnings and the surroundings lands, but we wish to do so by supporting our burgeoning industries. We are many and we are.." she tilts her head a bit. "..less prone to the dangers others may face. Let us help you improve your yields. We are preparing a great nexus of goods and services available to all, needing only your permission and interest. Let us help you clear your mines and guard your workers. All we ask is that you use us. Let us share our discoveries with you. Let us not have to decide between better swords or better plows. With an agreement of support and trade between us, let us forge better versions of BOTH."

She wilts back into her passive position as her entreaty ends.

The were fang adventurer waited until it was his turn to talk, listening to the others give their introductions. He has been pondering what to say the whole while. When it is finally his turn, he speaks up, "I am Kaydon, representing the New World Alliance. Silver Sword guild." He doesn't mention a kingdom, since he doesn't have one.

"Our Alliance is doing what they can to work with this world, despite not being from here. We want to learn from the Landers and assist them as best that we can, in exchange for their help with our goals."

The Old King makes a curious sound as Zorin comments upon his own name. "It has always felt strange to me, how you sometimes go twice-named." He makes an observation, and seems to halt as Zorin mentions the word Travelers. His gray expression furrowing for but a brief moment. Zorin speaks of worlds, and it just seems to kind of go over the king's head. Perhaps not even going heard.

"Your land must be far away from this place, for you to be so concerned of your family. I am come to understand that a way has already been presented to you however." He adds, referring to the tower. In fact, as he speaks those words, he gazes towards the largest open portal within the throneroom. The one that looks out upon the massive tower in the distance.

"That Tower has, many times now, held the answers which have been sought. And each time it is challenged, it takes a greater toll, and grows even larger. Not unlike the Deepest Valley of this world."

He turns back towards Zorin as he finishes speaking. Holding his hand up and declaring; "Halt." Not in a chiding manner, but rather to tell Zorin he must now stop speaking.

"Your kind has been with us, off and on, for hundreds of years. Certainly, in greater numbers over the past dozens. You have been welcomed into our cities, and into our homes for all those days. Your people have been given free travel, much like the People of the Land, as long as you abide to the Laws of the Land."

He shifts his legs slightly for a moment, and raises his hand, stroking through his beard in deep thought for a moment.

"You ask for much. So let me refer to them one at a time." He remarks, showing exceptional patience with Zorin having chimed in item after item.

"Alne belongs to the true Travelers. It is not a domain which my troops, or those of the remaining Kingdoms, may tread upon and take. It is to the Hunters Guild, which lies beyond the boundaries of Kingdom, to heed to its protection. Outcasts can find their home there, but we will not move Troops into that place." He expresses, halting for a moment and closing his eyes. His bushy brow furrows for a moment, before he opens his eyes again.

"The matter of information about the Tower will require a Gift from you, equivalent to the information you seek. You will have to come back another time for such a matter." He then adds, before continueing on;

"As for your desire for an Allegiance. These lands outside of Alne, upon the island commonly known as Aincrad Island, are my domain. You may move within this island as travelers. And as members of the Hunters Guild. We will treat you as guests, and will gladly accept your aid in our defense - and repay you through the Hunters Guild. Trade flows freely, especially within my lands. But as the Adventurers are well known to be free spirits, there is no interest in forming an official Allegiance. You are not a Kingdom."

The man's eyes then turns to Nureha, as she entreats him before she's asked to perform this task. He raises his hand, aiming to halt her. Simply staring at her as he keeps his hand up.

"I understand you are new to this land, and that our rules are not yet your own." He declares. "But you must not speak out of place before me." He declares with firmness, his gaze turning stern and harsh for a moment.

"I will forgive this infraction." He then declares.

"My subjects will no doubt gladly work together with you, and assist in business ventures. They pay their fair taxes to me. And as long as you ensure you too pay your fair taxes to me through them, and work through the Hunters Guild, such support and trade is of course welcomed."

Those words spoken, Old King Gilgamesh turns towards Shiroe, the man with the headache, and motions towards him. "Speak. What is it you desire from this Old King?" He asks to know.

    With each word that utters from Gilgamesh, his age and maturity shows through. In truth, while Shiroe may have considered himself to be someone that could handle himself in a mature fashion, he truly did feel somewhat at a disadvantage right now. Yet...

    "King Gilgamesh...Almost nine days ago today, the event that Adventurers have known as the Apocalypse occurred. At that time we found ourselves within your dominion. Yet, even in such a small frame of time, one could already hear the tales of the wise King Gilgamesh who had decided to scale the tower and acquire the answers he sought for himself.

    Though what I came here to acquire about to day is for answers. Just like you who went to the tower for answers, I've come to you on this day for your knowledge and insight in this world. My desire is trade, though not of goods and services. But of knowledge and dialogue. If you would ask for a gift for information regarding the tower, then I'll humbly decline to indulge that question further..."

    He takes a breath for a moment. Honestly, the king had actually already answered a few of his questions such as Adventurers already being a part of this world before. So it was getting a bit difficult to field his questions in a way that didn't seem too forward. So he found himself still trying to assess if he's overstepping his bound, but continues none the less. If only he could recall what else it was he wanted to remember. What was it that was driving him so crazy that he couldn't even think straight with these migraines?!

    "On the day of the Apocalypse, I'm also sure you're aware of the curse that's befallen Ezzo. For us Adventurers it was a day stifled in confusion and disorientation. Which is why I've come here to ask if during that time if anything else of such strange nature had befallen the world us Adventurers had failed to take notice of, that was beyond our scope during the time of the Apocalypse?"

     A part of him wants to continue on, to sell his pitch, but if he did, and there really had been nothing else that had happened on the Apocalypse 9 days ago, he can imagine he'd just sound like he was just flaunting.

The king considers Shiroe's inquiry, and lays his hands together in front of his gold-plated and protected belly. His brow furrows as the man speaks, letting the comment about information falter. It takes but a single nod for Gilgamesh to confirm Shiroe's realization on the matter. A Gift for Information. Such is how it is, and such is how it must be.

Instead, he direects himself to the inquiry about other such events. Or rather, other matters change befell the world.

"During the time of the Apocalypse, that black wave traveled across Yamato." He expresses. "Yet, beyond the matter of the Ezzo Empire, and your own Imprisonment here, there is little we have seen as a change to our lands." The man pauses for a moment, before adding; "You will find that many people in this land, will be quick to judge and point to the Spriggans as the reason you are all trapped here now. I urge you to be patient with them, as they are informed by an event only a few hundred years ago. I believe that the troubles are caused by the Travelers."

He then raises his hand, halting any further question from Shiroe, and turns to Misa Takayama. "Adventurer Takayama." Remembering her name, as it has been spoken. "What is your plea?"

    Misa has been listening quietly to the requests so far, mainly just filing them and their answers away in her mind as important information to be aware of for the future.

    But then she is addressed. Misa had not expected to speak. But now that she thinks about it, she decides upon something that seems reasonable enough and could assist them in the future. To which Misa speaks, "Your highness, my request is simple. As mentioned, we have recently reclaimed the town of Tolbana on the first floor of the tower. Abanadoned as it was by both Adventurers and People of the Land. We request that the People of the Land be allowed to return to the town, populating it once more alongside us. I'm sure both parties will find benefit to this. And the Scale Emblem Alliance will ensure the protection of those who decide to live there."

The Old King quiets once again as he is addressed by Misa. He considers the question posed to him. Or rather, the request. There's a long and thoughtful sound here. It would be all too easy to simply say yes. But there is a lot to unravel on what is being stated here.

"The town of Tolbana. You make an old man's heart weep with remembrance." He remarks. "I may hold this hand as my own, but I can not withhold the actions of the People of the Land. Those that come here are outcasts. Those who do not feel they have a place within the other Kingdoms. If you give them a safe haven, and a promise, I am certain you will draw some of them to come to Tolbana with you. But know this. That Tower has - to my recollection - gone without Landers for a long age now. You do not speak of 'returning' Landers to that Tower. You speak of reintroduction."

At this, the man halts Misa, and looks to Kaydon. "And what of you, Adventurer Kaydon. What do you desire of this old king?"

Okay, he's finally being addressed. Kaydon has been pondering what requests to make. He knows a few things that some of his friends and fellows wanted to have requested. So he finally speaks up, "Several of the Adventurers that I know wish to be able to construct shops. They want to be able to sell their wares, both to Adventurers and People of the Land. We will of course be more than willing to compensate the kingdom for the land that we use, should permission be granted for the construction."

He thinks for a few moments more after that, "Beyond that, we simply wish to work with the People of the Land. We are unable to determine when we will no longer be trapped here, and do not wish to disrupt your kingdom, or the world, more than necessary."

Gilgamesh seems somewhat amused at something Kaydon says towards the end, if the draw of his lips is any tell. But he does not jump to that matter. Instead, he neutralizes his expression, and remarks that; "If you wish to construct a shop in my kingdom, you will have to apply for a Merchant License. The Chancellor can point you to the one in charge of such matters. Though you will find heavier taxation if you are not a Resident or Member of this 'Kingdom of Outcasts'." He points out. "As for construction, I fear that within these walls, you will find little room to construct. The houses are built to their maximum safe heights by our greatest engineers." He adds to that.

Then, after a brief pause, he adds; "Adventurer Kaydon, I believe that Adventurers are Disruptive at their very nature. Both for good, and for bad. The wish to work with the People of the Land has been made clear by your compatriots. But do not make promises you can not keep."

Only then, does he motion to Nureha once more. "I believe I have made you wait long enough. Speak, Adventurer Nureha."

"I have nothing further to add, King Gilgamesh."

Her voice remains steady though the headache and oppressive pressure of her internal screaming has increased. It's started off very quietly, but now the glaring nature of her obvious mis-step is drowning out the outside. "You have been kind enough to educate me and answer my questions beyond my hopes. I will endeavour to foster new life and prosperity here and, with the help of your subjects, bring that prosperity to all of your kingdom. If there are further details that I need to trouble you with, I will send an envoy at your leisure."

Her hands tremble for a moment and then still.

The Old King nods his head to Nureha, as she so politely answers him. No doubt he doesn't understand how much it must weigh upon her, having taken that misstep. The memory of what might have happened to her in a different scenario, had she spoken out like that near that other person. The man then lays his hands comfortably at his hips. But here, her reflection and politeness is appreciated. A subtle nod shown to her to let her know this.

"Does anyone else still wish to ask this King something?" Opening the offer to the rest of the chamber.

The old man continues to look at their faces, before there is a nod. The silence was easy to read for him. "In that case, I grant you all leave. And know that, if any of you desire another audience, to please set it up with the Chancellor. And she will ensure I make time to meet any of you." The man then turns, and steps back towards his throne, where he slowly, calmly, sits down and prepares to bear witness to the retreating form of these Adventurers.

    Misa says nothing as they are asked about any further issues. Once the king permits them to leave, Misa bows her head in parting before standing and deftly spinning on the spot. She calmly makes her way out of the throneroom. Already seemingly lost in thought as she ponders the next steps.

Kaydon rises when they are granted leave to depart, and follows Kaaya out of the door. He exhales a deep breath once they are outside. He needs to get back in his armor and go smash some goblins in the face or something to destress.

The words don't match up with the room that doesn't match up with the body language.

She used to be better at this. Motivations and thoughts and intentions were once as clear to her as ancient amber, polished to a gleaming shine by practice and preparation.

Now everything is clouded and she finds herself grabbing at fragments. Nureha retains her queenly dignity as she rises to her feet, glancing at the supplicants one by one, dropping her eyes and skittering past Shiroe. Her fingers quake, a telltale sign she was on the losing end of her struggle.

She had to move slowly, very slowly until were out of sight. But.. then there were the others waiting for her. She would have to hold together until she got back to her borrowed room. All the more reason to look for a permanent place. A small room ws all she needed. A small room with a locked room, but that wasn't good enough for her people. She had to do better.

Nureha walks, one very slow and elegant foot in front of the other, out of the Throne room, through the waiting room and out the door unless she is stopped.

It was interesting to hear the other proposals brought forward to the king by the other players. There were different approaches to the situation. Zorin was especially interested in learning more about the apocalypse from within the game, but unfortunately little further detail was revealed. Lots of focus on trade, which was understandable. He didn't see the end game of some of the proposals, or how they would lead to a final solution to get them out of this digital prison. That is all he really cared about. "(I suppose they decided it would be useless sharing those details with a mere NPC.") he considered in understanding. He really had gone out of his way to try trigger quest line flags.

After being formally dismissed, Zorin climbs to his feet and gives a brief nod to Misa as they make their way back out of the chamber. As he follows Kaaya through the palace the slightest smile reaching his face as he considers what was discussed.

The king had formally acknowledged they were allowed movement freely within these lands and to conduct business pretty much as they desired, so long as the established laws were followed. Good. That aspect of the game had not changed. Perhaps slightly disappointing that the area couldn't be claimed through an NPC 'alliance' for his own player alliance, but that was a pretty far stretch at the best.

Knowing quests would continue to be available through the Hunters Guild was also good.

The information about Alne was mixed. They wouldn't receive any support, but they were free to work on it themselves. Much to consider there.

And finally receiving a new quest line update which could potentially reward information about tower itself had a lot of value.

More things to add to the todo list. Why did it seem like that list kept growing longer?

They would need more help. A lot of it.

"(Time to see which other players are willing to get involved in these quests I suppose.)" he considered as he prepared for the meeting with Misa he knew was coming.

    As Gilgamesh gives them permission to leave Shiroe finds himself rising with the rest. A part of him still trying to figure out what it was that he was trying to figure out. Why was it that he couldn't recall that information? What was it that he was missing? Was it even that important if he could recall it? For now all he really could do was walk out and evaluate with the others if they could really consider this meeting progress. Something he was sure he would be able to do with Misa assuredly, or at least, that's what he intended.

    It's only by coincidence that he sees the quaking fingers of the woman who walks out of the room with that regal gait. Yet even with her steps seeming so collected, her hands just seemed so...He couldn't put a word to it. As they come out of the room, he finds himself reaching out towards her once again.

     "Oi, don't him spook you too much. I know that there was that fumble, but I believe you handled yourself incredibly well in regards to setting a foundation down for your cause. I think you can be proud of what you did today."

    When it came to the emotions of others sometimes Shiroe could be rather hit or miss, but it did seem like in some way Gilgamesh had shaken the woman who had reached out with concern for him prior to the meeting. It only made sense he return the same courteousy right.

     "I'm sure in the future it'll be easier for you to build a rapport with him." He's not sure if his words would have meant much, but well...He did want to give some encouragement if he could. It just seemed right in given the situation.

Don't turn. Don't react. Don't breathe. Don'tdon'tdon'tscrewthisupyouknowbetterthan--

She turns with a soft smile, her eyes glimmering with mischief. "Thank you, my dear." she takes in a short breath, holds it, lets it out and any trace of her distress evaporates like miasma curling away from her body.

"I am well aware that a little vulnerability goes a long way to softening a difficult conversation. Nevertheless it was.. charming of you to be so gallant." She inclines her head towards him, reaching up to pull the tie of her hair loose enough that it falls from it's tightly braided state into a looser formation. "And I think we can all be proud of what we accomplished here. Including King Gilgamesh. This was obviously set here for us.. and managed carefully.. but why.. I wonder?"

Her mischievous smile fades several notches. "Good luck, Shiroe. I know you.. of anyone.. might be able to find out." She gracefully curtsies to him and leaves to rejoin her retinue.

    Shiroe finds himself...At a bit of a loss. Her eyes give no indication to how she seemed if not moments ago. Her response to him also makes it seem like the doubt she had were but a farce. Evening being comfortable enough to call him something so intimate like 'dear' was quite astonishing, and definitely something that Shiroe was unfamiliar with... He finds himself slowly pushing his glasses back into place as she inclines her head in his direction. His eyes averting from her gaze as she starts to loosen her braid "It's something that I'm sure will be known with time..."

    He knows that he was trying to be somewhat as she had put it 'gallant', but was it worth that much praise? The way she spoke just really did make it feel like she had known of him. Though nothing comes to mind of her when he sees her face, nor the name he has to recall of her introduction given to Gilgamesh in the throne room, Nureha. Perhaps she had just been familiar of him from his days back in the DTP or something of the like? It felt the most reasonable an answer. Though as she gives him a curtsy, he finds himself still a bit unbalanced. His migraine doing him no favors as well. Only able to give the Caith Sith a nod of recognition as she takes her leave.