Timeskip Log

[oathshackledbird]

Diarmuid Ua Duibhne (Lancer) COURT Seelie (Neutral Leanings) TITLE Knight of the Golden Cadre Maskhunter/Hartslayer Shield of the Cothromach Champion of Redgate OCCUPATION Knight/Trainer ABLE TO FAST-TRAVEL Servant ability to travel at up to 100 times normal human speed. A ring given to him by Alyosha that allows him to teleport himself only pretty much anywhere. A ring given as a boon that will allow him to teleport to the side of any Seelie shardbearer if their life is in immediate danger. COMMUNICATION METHODS A magical compass from Rin. Messages sent by birds. A necklace enchanted by Rin to allow contact with Seelie/Unseelie. RESIDENCE IN 2,701 Cu Chulainn's castle, Dun Dealgan, south of Daonna, his rooms at Alyosha's villa, and occasionally his rooms at Caer Glaem when he is working on his personal training ground. RESIDENCE IN 2,702 His rooms at Alyosha's villa, and occasionally, his rooms at Caer Glaem when he is working on his personal training ground. As of May, he will be invited to move into Flora's villa in Leathann. MAJOR EVENTS MASTER/SERVANT BOND CREATED W/ALYOSHA. [ ✖ ] SETS UP HIS PERSONAL TRAINING GROUND AT CAER GLAEM. [ ✖ ] CSI: DAONNA. [ ✖ ] BECOMES A CAPTAIN IN THE RED HAND. [ ✖✖ ] MAJOR CHANGES POST BATTLE: His right arm is missing at the shoulder. There are several 'bleed over' effects from his Master/Servant bond with Alyosha because various factors. These include: When his emotions are high (especially when he is angry) he will grow fangs and the pupils of his eyes will slit like a snake's eyes. He will crave blood whenever his energy levels are low or whenever Alyosha is strongly craving it herself. This is partly because of her being a vampire, but also because on his world, blood is one of the things that carries magical energy and so he knows it is a source of gaining that energy should he need it. Because of Alyosha's shadow magic, when Diarmuid uses his fire ring, the fire summoned will be shadow tinted instead of normal. Unspecified bleed over from the sigil magic that is so tightly tied to her. POST TIMESKIP: No longer introduces himself as 'Lancer.' Instead, he uses his real name. Diarmuid's fighting style shifts to something reminiscent of Capoeira. His right leg is used as much as possible in place of his missing right arm, and as a result of that, his right leg now is lightly armored from knee to foot with armor that is much like that which was once on his left arm. His boot has also been modified with a hidden blade. The blade can be released with a certain tap of his foot giving him a second weapon should he need it.

SUMMARY OF KNOWN DETAILS If Diarmuid was confused going into the battle, he is even more so coming out of it. Both castles lie in ruins, untold numbers are dead on all sides, and who knows how many worlds went with them? What good came of all of it? None. None that Diarmuid can see. As a result, he is pushed even more toward favoring the neutral side. Deep down, he no longer fully considers himself Seelie. The golden cloak that marks him as a knight of the Golden Cadre is not a badge of honor, but a reminder that even knights can take the wrong path. After he recovers from losing his right arm and spends some time learning to fight again, he will focus on strengthening his bonds with his family and friends. It doesn't matter what side they are on for he does not see them as Seelie or Unseelie. They are family. They are friend. That is all that matters. When not helping Alyosha, his new Master, and fighting the Neutral fight, he will also spend time training others, building his personal training ground at Caer Glaem, and...breeding bandersnatches? Well, at least trying. Who knows if the bandersnatches will cooperate... Of course, all of that will be put to the side when it comes time to spoil babbins and mercenar-- Err, wait, that should be spoiling babbins and LEADING mercenaries. That's better... PLANS Recover from his injuries both physically and mentally. Adjust to his new Master/Servant bond with Alyosha and the bleed over. Learn to fight again. (Looking into a new arm will come later.) Work on getting the personal training ground he has been granted built to his specifications. Meet with Lancelot to discuss worries etc about Tarz's tactics. Keep in contact with his Unseelie friends. Find ways to meet with them despite the crack down on cross court interaction. Spend more time with Grainne. Teach fighting and shard training as requested. Tag team fighting with his new Master so they can learn to be badasses together. :-D Do whatever he can to help the Neutral side. Go hunting for new bandersnatch friends with Alice. TIMELINE OF EVENTS Things Occurring THROUGHOUT the Timeskip Working on his training grounds at Caer Glaem. Learning to fight again/Practicing with his shard.(Alyosha and Lancelot will help.) Training others to fight/use their shards. Becoming used to his bond with Alyosha and the overflow from it. SPRING IN 2,701 (Mar, Apr, May) MARCH - Ask Rin to enchant the necklace he got from Merida so he can contact all Seelie/Unseelie with it (Late Feb). Talk to Politezerker about his arm. (Late Feb) Recovery from losing his arm. (Both mental and physical.) Visits the new Barrel. Check in on Kayneth. Meet Gilgamesh. Visit Zuko at Azure to help unfreeze things and for fire training. More unfreezing and fire training with Merida. Finds a strange and very large egg... Begin work on his training ground in Caer Glaem after a handwaved talk with John and Lancelot(Flora will help with terrains). Long talk (and cry session) with Grainne about his arm, her losing the baby, and other things from her time back home (handwaved). Talking to Lancelot about Tarz. Check in with Saber now that she has had time to calm down. Go hunting for bandersnatches with Alice. APRIL - Travel to the Cothromach and renew his vows to it and Sansa. Talk about ferry system work. Meeting Aslan at Caer Glaem (Training Grounds). Teach Hikaru (Lucifer) to use her(his) shard @ the Station. Trip to the Barrel to celebrate his birthday. The strange egg hatches right around his birthday. Congratulations Diarmuid! It's a fluffy green bird?!? Well, at least it's not a dinosaur... MAY - Map out the waterways around the Cothromach for Sansa & the ferry project. Hunt golden swans with Thrall (get at least two--one for Caer and one for Aengus) Start training Oscar the bandersnatch to hunt. Work on the training grounds with Flora. Drop into the Art Gallery Opening in Parrais. SUMMER IN 2,701 (Jun, Jul, Aug) JUNE - Training for those who wish it: Gilgamesh-shard. Goes to the Treun tournament. Observes, but does not participate because of his arm. Bonds with Merida. Meets Javik at the tournament. Acts as Alyosha's witness at the duel between her and Hermione. JULY - CSI: Daonna (Quest)--Sent to Daonna after the hangings to investigate for Waver. Interview Alice, Merida, Faolan. Work with Sara & Politezerker. Lén accompanies Diarmuid to help. AUGUST - Fire training with Merida. Talk with her about battle/Master stuff. Meeting Remus Lupin. Golem hunting with Javik. Visit the Cothromach's Markets. FALL IN 2,701 (Sept, Oct, Nov) SEPTEMBER - Heartbreak: Grainne is sent home from the Drabwurld. Language kerfuffle! Just how close to Gaelic is Drabbish anyway? Help Alice with her orphanage. Training: Gilgamesh/Work on the Training Grounds OCTOBER - Samhain! Meet the Black Shuck Meets Sam. Anniversary of his arrival. NOVEMBER - Hunts inmates. Protects others from the inmates. Meets up with Lancelot to talk. Becomes co-parents to a bunch of mercs with John Grimm. WINTER IN 2,701/2,702 (Dec, Jan, Feb) DECEMBER - Yule! Silliness with Fox Merida. Hunt the White Hart. Slays him with Katsa. Reward: 200 gold pieces, a while cloak and the title of Hartslayer until the next hunt comes around. Anniversary of the Fox Hunt. JANUARY - Shard Training. Working on his Training Grounds. 'Learning' to relax a little with Kaldur. Meeting up with Gilgamesh at Caer Glaem. FEBRUARY - Runs into Grell at the Noa Woods for sparring. Goes to Parrais for the Ostara Feast. 1 year anniversary with Alyosha. SPRING IN 2,702 (Mar, Apr) MARCH - Fight zombies. Visits Lumina's Chocobo Ranch and does some undead removal. Gets a new friend for Aengus? Learning to fight again complete. APRIL - Shelters his fairy groupies to keep them safe. Work on his training grounds at Caer Glaem finishes.

( codes by whambam )

Comments

[babbylon]

[Pretty little bird, moving so swift to tire him out at this rate. There's the faint sound of laughter, just as easily imagined and yet so distinctive as to draw doubt of it, and then a burst of prana to rival even Saber's own abilities.

He can't sustain a Lancer's speed, but he can close the gap quickly enough to catch up for a decisive lunge. And once he does, he tosses off the cloak of magic and triumphantly announces his presence:]

HAH!

[And goes for the neck. Goes to wring him by the neck in a surging tackle, that is, and bring him down in a playful heap like a fellow intending to wrestle. The laughter was real. It rings all throughout the halls, bounces off every wall and every chandelier. The great King is ecstatic to see his subject again.]

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid could have dodged. He could have shifted into spirit form as well, but he doesn't. Hearing Gilgamesh laugh like that brings such joy to Diarmuid's heart that he can't bring himself to make the golden king miss. This is especially true considering how melancholy their last meeting had ended up being.

When Gilgamesh goes for his neck though, all bets are off.]

You're cheating!

[Laughter bursts from Diarmuid's mouth, though, so it is obvious he is not really upset. Since he has only one arm to work with and a very strong desire not to let the king beat him in a tussle like this no matter how happy he is, Diarmuid very quickly wraps his legs around Gilgamesh and then uses his arm to try and roll them over so he can pin the golden king on his back.]

[babbylon]

[They're just a pile of cackling, carousing Servants now. They tumble down and Gilgamesh makes some sound like an oof with that strength thrown about him, but he lets Diarmuid have his fun and so lets himself get pinned to the golden floor. Fit for a golden King, he supposes, who smiles up at the other man in the highest of spirits.]

Good morning to you, pretty bird.

[Pretty little bird, moving so swift on newly found wings of freedom. Undisturbed by public displays of affection to those he favors, he cranes up and brushes him on the cheek with his lips without a moment's hesitation.]

Will you make time for me today? Even a few days apart leaves me wanting.

[He remembers their last meeting, holding hands by the hallowed tree. Maybe this one would prove a better cause for celebration.]

[oathshackledbird]

And you accuse me of being insatiable...

[Diarmuid leans down to repay the kiss with one of his own and then sits back, offering his hand to help pull the golden king back up into a sitting position. Perhaps he should worry about what others think about what they are seeing, but he just can't bring himself to do it. Especially not with Gilgamesh calling him a 'pretty bird.' It reminds him of the nicknames his father used to have for him--some of the few nicknames he earned that he really likes. It makes him feel warm inside. It also makes it a lot easier to say to hell with what others think at the moment.]

Of course, I have time for you. I always have time for you. What do you have in mind, my dear king?

[babbylon]

Of course! Only an insatiable subject for an insatiable King!

[And that's that. Gilgamesh's system of logic tended to work rather simply—whatever he said was the law, and to hell with everything and everyone else. Like a lord accepting proper fealty, he takes Diarmuid's hand and sits upon the throne of his lap, grinning.

Maybe a bit too wide to play at total innocence. He'd have no problem doing whatever he pleased right here, right now, but... he'll spare Diarmuid this time. Besides, there really are other things on his mind for once.]

Come and play with me outside. Or, I should say, come and train with me, with our shards. I've got something to show you.

[oathshackledbird]

If only it was as easy for me to admit that as it is for you, but I am getting better. Much better.

[After all, here he is sitting on the floor with another man in his lap and not worrying about it at all. It's a step in the right direction.]

I suspect you have more than just one something to show me. You're much stronger now. Much closer to where you should be. What happened?

[Before Gilgamesh can answer, though, Diarmuid laughs.]

Don't answer that. I am being impatient and can wait a little longer. Shall we go outside? Ah, but you will need to give up your comfortable seat so we can do that...

[babbylon]

Oh, what's this? Are you suggesting we act like perverts in public, then? That's cute, Diarmuid.

[It's cute and he's flirting as obnoxiously as he possibly can to compensate, but maybe that's his just reward for hanging around Gilgamesh so much. He slides off of him—though not before wagging a chiding finger in his face—and back onto his feet, hoisting Diarmuid up by the arm.

Even the strength in such a simple gesture proves effortlessly immense. Something's different, alright, despite Gilgamesh remaining infuriatingly tight-lipped about it. There's no hiding that chipper mood, however.]

I don't want to tell you. I want to show you. We'll fight for our pride as Servants. [Teasingly, in familiar sing-song:] If you believe you can handle yourself on such terms, I mean. I wouldn't want to overtax you in any way, oh burdened Lancer of mine...

[oathshackledbird]

You speak as if we have not already acted that way in public. Or does Samhain not count?

[Diarmuid can't help but playfully bite at that finger when it is waved in his face, though he doesn't fight when Gilgamesh pulls him up to his feet. He drops his arm around the golden king's shoulders, giving him a playful grin.]

You know full well you will overtax me as strong as you are now and we will both love what it takes to get me there. This is not me being humble. I am merely stating a fact. Still, I very much wish to see what you will show me and to bask in this great strength that has been returned to you. Perhaps afterward, you can even tell me who I can thank for helping you take such a large step toward returning to your full glory.

[babbylon]

[Oh, Samhain. A time best forgotten and a scar that he can't. Reminders of mortality and promises of death on the Black Shuck's full moon. It's not enough to dampen his spirits, not nearly, but his gaze does turn quietly thoughtful for a moment. A little distant.]

Great strength, huh? I guess you could call it that. No, no... you definitely should.

[Gilgamesh walks side-by-side with Diarmuid, leaning their bodies together so everyone will know that any and all rumors are true, that he is fond of this man, that he bears him affection.

He does speak more quietly. More privately, as these are now private thoughts to share.]

The humans of this world are just as foolish as the last, I've learned in our time apart. I do pity them some. I do wonder if our place in their machinations is not the same as before, built with the same bricks, with a slightly different coat of paint cast upon them.

[Not that Gilgamesh has any place in those machinations except sitting high above. They both know that.]

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid's expression grows confused when he sees how Gilgamesh's own expression changes. He has nothing but happy memories of Samhain--his short interaction with the Black Shuck not withstanding--and is saddened to see that is apparently not the case for Gilgamesh too. Immediately, Diarmuid is curious about what happened, but realizes this is probably not the time or place to ask. Perhaps later.

When Gilgamesh starts to speak more softly signaling that their conversation is becoming more private, Diarmuid leans closer so he can hear clearly and speak softer as well. Just as before, he cares little about what people think of them. If they wish to spread rumors, they will spread them no matter how Diarmuid or Gilgamesh act.]

If you mean that we are tools here just as much as we are back home, sadly, I have to agree with you. Perhaps I am being overly optimistic, but I think we have more freedom to act here. More chances to find another way. We have more time, at the very least.

[Hopefully, it doesn't just feel that way because he has a better master. Diarmuid would really like to think that even if they are tools right now, this place gives them a chance to become more than that.]

[babbylon]

Optimistic onto your undoing.

[It's not stated with cruelty so much as with striking honesty, something Gilgamesh doles out only rarely. Samhain had turned from a pleasant celebration to a harrowing nightmare; even now he must chase it away from his thoughts if the Shuck's warning lingers too long. At least he cannot find shame in the rest of the evening, spent with this man and with others.

This man, so doomed by the actions of his Master. Had Tokiomi cursed the world in his final moments, as well? Did we howl with rage, within his own thoughts, as he sunk silently onto Kirei's blade? A pity he could not read his mind as his very last breath left him.

Gilgamesh would gladly puppeteer this world to its end, guide it along as he pleases. But Diarmuid should be kept separate from it, he's decided. He should find peace. Maybe he's a little closer to it now. Gilgamesh hopes against himself he will.

Brightening again, he pushes past the dreary talk and nudges Diarmuid.]

Well, if I'm to be a tool, I'll settle for the very sharpest one. And you shall tip my spear! How's that for defiance?

[oathshackledbird]

Someone must be, otherwise there is a chance that last bit of light needed to guide another's footsteps as they move along the darkest part of their path may be lost.

[Not for the first time, Diarmuid can't help but be tempted to ask Gilgamesh about how the war ends for him. The golden king obviously knows from the things he has said--the hints he has dropped. Wouldn't it be better to know instead of finally learning the truth at an inopportune time?

Even if he still believes nothing is set in stone?]

Maybe you can tell me sometime.

[Diarmuid doesn't explain the softly spoken statement beyond that. He has a feeling Gilgamesh will understand the invitation even without further explanation.

That said, he is more than willing to change topics. He even chuckles softly.]

I cannot help but wonder which spear it is you wish me to 'tip' more...

[babbylon]

[Rare it is that Gilgamesh drops riddles and derision for the truth, and rarer still does he feel any form of sympathy for anyone else. That too was reserved for someone very far away, very dear to his heart. But Diarmuid—the honorable Lancer who only ever wished to please his Master—should hear of it eventually, if not from his own lips, then someone nearly as worthy.

The war he helped create. The war that he worsened. Gilgamesh feels no sorrow and no regret over it, but can so declare without an ounce of doubt: Diarmuid deserved a better hand than the one fate dealt him.

Gilgamesh reaches to wrap fingers around Diarmuid's wrist. They will speak of lighter matters, but that solidarity yet remains, as two Servants cast aside from their rightful place in the world. I am here, they say. I am with you.]

You are growing bold, indeed. Not so long ago you flushed when I so much as batted an eyelash at you.

[But Gilgamesh sounds awfully proud of this, encouraging only the finest attitudes in his subjects... or the most depraved.]

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid tilts his head so he can wink at Gilgamesh.]

I did say I was getting better, didn't I? I swore I would and I will not let you down.

[Besides, he has always enjoyed joking with others. He just hasn't always felt like he can joke freely. With Gilgamesh, though, he feels like he can and, more importantly, should. There is no reason to hold back when he is with the golden king.]

Exactly how far out do we need to go? Are we going to just be making a little mess or trashing an entire area?

[Deep down, Diarmuid can't help but wonder if he is about to see that amazing sword again that he was shown for such a brief time during their first training session. The idea makes him even more excited than he was before.]

[babbylon]

I don't care.

[That's his reply, once they reach the outdoors, the crisp winter's air wrapping familiar about them both. But it isn't callous or the slightest bit cold; his words are warm and freeing to spite the weather, and he repeats himself.]

I don't care. I just want to run.

[Reaching up to the ribbon tying his trailing braid back, he unwinds it and lets it go on the wind. All the golden hair comes tumbling down his shoulders, along his back, and he watches the ribbon disappear with the broadest of grins, as if he's never been so happy in all his life.

Why shouldn't he be? There's no reason to hold back anymore.]

I want to run, and I want you to chase after me, and we can decide whatever we'd like then.

[oathshackledbird]

Well, it is a good thing I like to run so much, hu?

[Diarmuid turns his hand to give Gilgamesh's a squeeze and then he gently frees his hand. After that, he reaches out to catch some of that long golden hair between his fingers so he can bring it to his mouth and press it to his lips.]

We will fly free as the wind and go wherever we wish. You know I will chase you anywhere.

[He weaves his fingers through the man's hair for a few more moments before reluctantly letting it go.]

Perhaps I should grow mine out too. What do you think?

[babbylon]

I think you're an idiot.

[Which of course he breathes with the greatest of fondness. This would've been unthinkable so many months ago, to tread upon the same ground as one so lowly and to call him subject, but now it feels like second nature.

It feels like second nature to spend time with Diarmuid. It feels fun and most importantly it feels correct, like this was something he was always meant to do. The man doesn't tarnish and shame him in the slightest, doesn't slow him down or question him overmuch. If he cannot have an Enkidu, he thinks, at least he might have a Lancer.

And maybe, in this case, a Lancer would serve him far better than a Saber ever could.]

But I also think that's enough talk for right now. Come!

[He's off! Sprinting around pointed towers, bounding over walls to make it past the castle limits. It might be more of a challenge keeping up this time.]

[oathshackledbird]

Ah, but I am your idiot, so that makes it all right, yes?

[This is not the first time Diarmuid has heard the word used as a term of endearment. In fact, in the past he has used the word in just such a way to refer to someone who meant just as much to him as his family as his wife ever did.

Oscar would laugh so hard to hear Diarmuid being call it now.

When Gilgamesh takes off, Diarmuid doesn't immediately follow him. Instead, he waits a few precious seconds so he can just admire the golden king's skill and agility. Only after he gets his fill of that, does Diarmuid give chase. Quick, graceful moves takes him to the wall and over it not that far behind Gilgamesh. He is a Lancer, after all. Speed and agility are his stock and trade.

Hopefully, Gilgamesh's boost in power is enough to bring him up near a Lancer level when it comes to speed or else this chase will be a short one.]

[babbylon]

[Damn right you are, Gilgamesh stops himself just short of saying.

Gilgamesh has to watch himself, too—has to avoid watching Diarmuid in his prime. Archers were built for short bursts of speed, but Lancers were endurance runners, clearing miles at a time without issue. Without their peerless agility, there wasn't much else to fall back on. He doesn't expect to match Diarmuid on natural ability alone; even Gilgamesh's ego doesn't extend quite that far.

That's why he won't play fair. Not now, not with the promises he's made. A trump card exists in that bond between Master and Servant, in the artifact from which they both drew their strength. Bottomless mana. Infinite regeneration. He could blow out his tendons and still keep right on running.

So he lets Diarmuid get close, lets him think he's caught up, then powers himself ahead with a massive burst of prana. And then another. And then another. And then there's no need to worry for Gilgamesh's chances at all.

Like this, he could wrangle Diarmuid into chasing him for days.]

[oathshackledbird]

[Diarmuid is indeed in his prime. Sometimes, he just runs to keep up. Other times, he uses acrobatic tricks to get himself closer to the golden king. He is almost certain the chase is going to end quickly, and then suddenly, Gilgamesh starts using those prana bursts...

Well, that was unexpected!

To try and catch up, Diarmuid taps his shard's power to boost his own speed and agility further. However, any ground he makes up is lost again quickly when Gilgamesh just uses another prana burst. Where is all this extra energy coming from?

Just who is his new master?

That has to be it, Diarmuid decides. It's the only way Gilgamesh could be using so much energy and not be exhausting his own energy supplies. But who has so much energy that it can be used in such a way without care?

One of the monarchs? An ancient shardbearer? The choices are limited, but still many. The only way to find out is to ask Gilgamesh himself and that requires catching him. But how?

Well...if Gilgamesh is going to cheat a little, is it all that wrong for Diarmuid to cheat too? He closes his eyes and then triggers his teleportation ring so that he teleports and ends up running right beside the golden king.]

Fancy meeting you here, King of Heroes...

[babbylon]

[After a while, Gilgamesh's feet no longer even touch the ground, or else move so fast they give the illusion of it. He glides as if on air, as if a road has been paved by his own will stretching on forever. His laughter echoes, just like from the halls, and he runs, and he runs, and he runs, the King in golden armor who'd never dream of doing this back home, who revels in it now. Like he was born for it, sprinting across the snowy plains with not an ounce of shame to show for it.

Diarmuid, of course, ranks among the sharper Servants and so refuses to slouch on any front. He closes the gap through clever means, and what would've once earned fierce rebuke just gets a cocky grin pitched at him now.

Still, Gilgamesh won't give in. He challenges him at the top of his lungs:]

You won't catch me with cheap tricks like that!

[...but really, it's more like overt courtship with how he dances around and behind him, just out of reach. He's showing off, the gracefulness of his class, that boundless energy which won't allow him to tire for anything or anyone. The mana surrounding him swells again, then he's rocketing off in a completely different direction.

He could be leading them to nowhere else save the spot of that heated encounter, the spring. On occasion, Gilgamesh can hang up his tyrannical coat to don a far more romantic—and borderline sentimental—one.]

[oathshackledbird]

They are not cheap tricks! They are strategy!

[While Diarmuid tries to give Gilgamesh a stern look, the good humor in his eyes ruins the effect completely. He laughs and then joins the dance, trying though a series of graceful and agile movements to catch the golden king. Though he knows he will not, Diarmuid still enjoys trying and pushing himself to come up with new creative ways to snag a hold of the king who is--perhaps fittingly--always just beyond his reach.

It doesn't take long for Diarmuid to realize where they are heading once Gilgamesh begins running again. At first he is confused. Why the hot springs? But then it strikes him that there is an area to fight nearby and the springs do hold a good deal of good memories for them. Thinking of such memories causes a warmth to fill him. It is good to know that Gilgamesh thinks as fondly of that time as Diarmuid does. With all those who fight for the golden king's attention, Diarmuid can't help but wonder how much of it one lowly knight can hold.

Not wiling to give up the race, though, Diarmuid focus his attention back to catching up with the golden king yet again. However, as he is running, something strikes him. Yes...that just might work...

Since he knows their destination now, Diarmuid teleports ahead to the hot springs and then turns to make his way back toward Gilgamesh. When he spots the golden king, he leaps for him.

One good tackle deserves another, right?]

[babbylon]

Strategy my ass! Cheater!

[So one might say he's having a good time. Maybe. Possibly. The smile that's about ready to fall off his face gives him away.

Gilgamesh loves things rather than people, now; he loves parts of them, their little pieces that make them who and what they are. He loves Kirei's total dispassion, he loves Saber's unquenchable drive, he loves Dorian's endless thirst for beauty, and he loves the heart that beats inside Diarmuid and yearns for freedom—freedom which he displays in elegant twists and turns, fluid and fast, and more than a bit distracting if he's being honest with himself.

But Gilgamesh plays to win, always, and he's confident in his own strategy... at least until Diarmuid figures him out and bounds on ahead. The teleporting throws him off, clipping his speed slightly, though only long enough for him to grin and dig his heels into the dirt. It meant giving up the chase, sure, but the ultimate prize would be more than worth it.

With all his strength braced in one place, he spreads his arms and catches Diarmuid sailing through the air. Tackle successfully foiled, and instead he's drawn into an embrace, a tight one. A protective one. He has become far too fond for his own good; he has fallen too deeply in love with that freedom which speaks too close to his own heart.]

I caught you. I win.

[Your consolation for losing is a peck on the cheek, Diarmuid. Lucky you.]

[oathshackledbird]

I am a knight! I would never cheat. I just use everything that is available so that I can be victorious!

[Because winning is the goal... Actually, that is wrong. Making people happy is the goal, and as Diarmuid flies into Giglamesh's arms, it is impossible to miss just how happy the golden king is. Maybe Diarmuid hasn't won the chase, but he is happy to lose if this much joy comes from it. His arm goes around Gilgamesh's waist and he presses a kiss to the king's jaw.]

Win you have. The power you possess now is insane as is fitting for the King of Heroes.

[Diarmuid snuggles closer as if he wants to pull some of that power into himself. He remembers well how it felt to take energy from Gilgamesh's blood before. Now...he can't even begin to imagine how good it will feel.]

What will you claim as your prize now, my dear king? Tell me and I will give it to you.

[babbylon]

[Insane is certainly a word for it. Grounding and destabilizing all at once. It chipped at his pride to take a Master in some ways and bolstered it in others, as he's never felt so spirited, so ready to tackle the world's challenges. No longer does he observe from a lazy throne on high, like their wayward monarchs. He is an adventurer, a hero, a true King of the people. He was a man worthy to lead a knight of Diarmuid's station.

There's the briefest brush of skin together, of lips trailing over Diarmuid's forehead as if to whisper I will keep you, before he's breaking away from him. Weaving their fingers together, stepping out as far as he's able with a coquettish glance over his shoulder. The King courts his mate, and proudly so. He shall let him see the beauty few others will ever gaze upon.]

I strike free the shackles upon your soul and claim you for myself. Let us fight as we were destined, as we could not before.

[Diarmuid gets his wish. He holds his free arm out, and in his fingers manifests none other than Ea itself, summoned by the unyielding strength of Gilgamesh's will. It looks natural in his grip. It looks right. It is right.

All of this—Gilgamesh, Diarmuid, Ea, them together—was right. His desires are just. And he will never be told otherwise by anyone ever again.]

Let it be your final test, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, that for you I draw my grandest weapon of all.