[curiouskinetic]

@spurhill continued from x

When the man stopped walking Sora started tensing up— only for him to sigh and start to walk past her. Oh. Maybe he worked here? Whatever the case he didn't seem interested in talking, and that was fine with her. She'd just take a few more minutes to finish eating and leave, no big deal.

Just as she was about to take another bite his hand latched on to her shirt and dragged her backwards, startling her and causing her to drop the rest of her food as she was hauled into the office.

"Wha— m-my fries...!" That was just devastating. They'd been so good, too. And after the initial shock of his actions wore off she started to get annoyed. Who the hell did this guy think he was, grabbing someone like this? She was just starting to struggle when his hand was smacked away by... a monkey? Okay, whatever, she'd seen weirder things here.

Quickly rising to her feet she dusted herself off and glared at him, the fur on her tail bristling up in anger. "Wh-what the hell was that for!? I wasn't— I was just trying to eat! I wasn't fighting!" And put her to work? What was that supposed to mean? "Who the hell even are you?"

[spurhill]

He liked many things, but that did not mean he approved of them. For someone raised on the finest dishes the world could offer, home made dishes were often of the passable spectrum. That was to say... it was okay. Not that he would take the time to voice these things, it hardly mattered in the end. As such, he does not grace her response with one of his own.

"Some paltry work of fiction relaying the tale of children enduring quite the amusing hardships at the hand of an older man who desires their fortune. Certainly slaughtering the unneeded ones and imprisoning the remaining child cannot be that difficult."

[curiouskinetic]

As he spoke Sora fully entered the room, able to get a better look at the book's title as she got closer. A series of unfortunate events... what an interesting title. And perhaps all too relevant, given everything that had happened to her today. Unfortunate events indeed.

Hey wait a second—

"You.. want the evil old guy to win?" A baffling take, until Sora remembered who she was speaking to. "Wouldn't that just.. make for a really boring story, though? If it wasn't difficult?" Wouldn't make for nearly as long a book, either, from the look of things.

[wise-innocence]

" May all your trials end in full bloom! "

⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 .𖥔˚◇ Wise-Innocence ┈ independent, selective dual muses for yanfei from genpact and castroice of hsr ┈ please read rules before interacting! Feel free to like/reblog <3

╰┈┈┈┈ㅤ(written by andi, she/her, twenty-two) 𐔌՞. .՞𐦯

[spurhill]

Trinket aside... as someone blessed with status, riches, and beauty, Gilgamesh was never short of things to do. When he grew bored at home, he wandered the world and when he tired of it's pleasures, he returned to his abode. There was nothing he could not do, nowhere he could not go, and whatever he wanted, he obtained.

Bare feet stride over his pleasantly neat floor as the King wanders his home, making for the main lounge where he rests himself upon the world's most luxuriously soft pillows. It is there he idles away with a book he'd found; sparkly trinket forgotten somewhere in the mess of pillows. Something curious by the name 'A Series of Unfortunate Events', and by all means these events were indeed unfortunate.

"Hm?" His attention shifts lazily, head hardly turning toward the source of the sound.

"Finally made yourself useful have you, Mongrel? Should I desire a taste, I will be sure not to set my standards too high for you."

[curiouskinetic]

Despite working in the kitchen for over an hour by this point, Sora expected no thanks and wasn't surprised when she was met with mockery. By now she'd come to understand he was just like that— and while it was certainly annoying, she'd begrudgingly started to grow used to it. As such, she merely rolled her eyes at him.

"Cute. But I already know you like it." He'd eaten it all last time anyways, and he didn't strike her as the kind of person to eat anything he didn't enjoy. Staring at him for a moment longer she noted the book in his hands, head tilting slightly as she attempted to read the title.

"Mm... what're you reading?"

[spurhill]

She watches carefully, intently, as her rock is placed in it's usual spot and only then do her wide and observing eyes blink. Yes. This was good. Soon it will be warmed enough to use again, the rock will gain it's power. Pardu seats herself beside it for a moment before stretching out lazily for a nap of her own. She had been most benevolent today, and it was exhausting.

There is a passage of time, clearly, as the sun beams change in color and move across the floor, before the true owner of the residence enters the room. His brow raises, but there's nothing much to be done. Pardu was in the midst of a nap and if he woke her now, he'd no doubt one of his fine art pieces would see their end. As for the woman, well, he had no particular interest one way or another; he'd had his fun after all.

Instead, he simply wanders to a shelf nearby to retrieve a trinket before leaving the room to find something or someone else to play with.

[curiouskinetic]

It wasn't too long after Gilgamesh left that Sora woke up, feeling a fair bit better than she had earlier. Her injuries weren't completely healed or anything, but the rest had done her a lot of good. She spent a few minutes simply lounging about until a growing hunger compelled her to get up and do something about it.

She was careful to avoid waking Pardu as she got to her feet and left the sun room, wandering the halls for a short while before she ran into Enkidu and could ask for permission to use the kitchen. Her request granted, she could finally set about making something to eat.

And of course she wasn't rude, and would be sure to make enough food for everyone. This wasn't her home and despite the fact Gilgamesh was a world champion at pissing her off she would continue to be a good guest.

Some time later she was finished, and popped her head into the room Gilgamesh was in to let him know dinner was ready.

"Hey. I uh. Made food. If you want some."

[spurhill]

Though Gilgamesh was now busy entertaining Enkidu, a past time in which he was certainly quite fond of in every way and was more than willing to shoulder, that did not mean that the resident critter was also captive. And after some long while of waiting, a furry ear twitches at the sound of an opening door.

The way Pardu finds her is almost immediate, as if she had been waiting for her to emerge from the room she'd been banished from, and she bites onto the cloth Sora wears, tugging, attempting to herd her in the direction she wanted. She will lead her, if allowed, to the best spot in which to soak up the warmth of the sun and also the ideal place to warm her rock which of course has no real bearing onto why she was leading her there in the first place. It's a neat little nook in one of the corners of her prestigious home that got a very appropriate amount of sun for her liking; the plush pillows on the ground making for a pleasant napping spot and a very obvious scuffed area for the particular spot in which Pardu places her rock.

[curiouskinetic]

Sora barely had time to make it to another room before Pardu appeared, as headstrong as always and ready to drag her off to parts unknown. Or, well, try to. Sora was a bit too big for her to move far on her own, but luckily she was willing to walk with the cub to wherever she wanted to go so badly.

It was slow going, but eventually the pair made it. To a wonderful spot that looked so unbelievably welcoming to Sora in that moment. The way the sun poured in from the many windows, the amazingly soft cushions lining the floor... it almost felt like a reward for all she had endured today.

Resisting the urge to simply walk over and flop down on one of the cushions Sora first withdrew Pardu's rock from her pocket and gently placed it on the scuffed ground, where it so obviously belonged. Then she collapsed onto a cushion and curled up, letting out a yawn.

"Thanks, Pardu." She mumbled.

[curiouskinetic]

The last thing Sora wanted to was ask Gilgamesh for more help, but she too did not want to walk around his house completely naked and so sacrifices had to be made. Before she had to stoop to pleading, however, yet another person barged into the now semi-crowded bathroom.

"Ah—" Enkidu? Sora blinked in surprise as they set down some clean clothes and proceeded to pick up Pardu, who batted at her on the way out. While she certainly appreciated the clothing Sora wasn't sure how she felt about more people in this bathroom with her.

"Um, that's— that's alright." She managed to stammer after a few moments. "Thank you, uh, for the clothes." Now she could finish her bath without worrying about what to wear afterwards! If she were ever able to get a moment alone, that is. "I'll uh, be sure to finish up in here soon, ahah..." And then... well, she wasn't entirely sure what she'd do then. Find somewhere to collapse, maybe— today had been truly exhausting.

[spurhill]

While Gilgamesh was thoroughly opposed to these circumstances, he didn't at all fight the grasp he found himself in. He was allowed to wander where he pleased whenever he pleased! He speaks knowing full well his words will not be heeded. "Release me, I am allowed wherever I roam in my own abode."

He was in fact not released, and the words his companion speaks next aren't even directed to him.

"Not at all, take your time. I'll be sure to entertain these two properly so you can have your space." There was little here that they were there for other than to retrieve the two troublesome fiends in the first place. Pardu gives Sora a stare, one that demands she takes care not to chip her rock as Enkidu turns and begins dragging Gilgamesh out. Once the door is shut behind them, the King's fussing can be heard, though it does lose volume as he's pulled along down the hall.

It would seem as though she would have peace for now, but once she escaped the restroom, well.. who could say?

[curiouskinetic]

What a hero. As soon as the group left the room Sora felt herself decompressing, her stress starting to melt away at last. It was so relaxing, in fact, that she could feel herself starting to fall asleep as the minutes passed. Rousing herself to finish getting clean and leaving the tub was one of the hardest things she'd ever had to do, but somehow she managed.

She was sure to collect Pardu's rock, too, seeing as how the cub had wanted her to "use" it so badly. Sora wasn't sure what it's purpose was but she could tell Pardu had been trying to help, in her own way. The least she could do was return it to her.

From there Sora dried herself off and got dressed in the clothing Enkidu had provided. They were a tad big for her (and did not have a spot for her tail to come out so she would have to be careful), but they were comfortable enough, and she was just happy to have something to wear.

Finally, she emerged from the bathroom and glanced around. No sign of anyone else, but she doubted that would remain true for long. Resting in the tub had somewhat improved her condition, too, though she still walked with a slight limp as she looked for a place to rest.

Let's see... I should be able to curl up on a couch or something just fine.

[spurhill]

To bleed everywhere, interrupt Pardu's mealtime and request his clothing? Does her greed know no bounds? Gilgamesh sighs, though it really would be better than having her stride about in the nude; that privilege was reserved for him and a select few people. Arms cross and he opens his mouth to speak again before a hand is set against his head and moved to the side.

"Hello again," a gentle voice sounds, and with it comes hands that place some long and flowy garments down on the small table nearby, something much like their own. "Pardon the intrusion and my friend, here. I would say he means well, but.. he'd be quick to correct me." Enkidu wanders toward Pardu who seems content to sit still long enough to be hoisted up. Their presence was comforting to her, so she is behaving for now, though her paws do reach out to pat at Sora's head when she's brough close enough.

Their other hand is quick to grip Gilgamesh by the collar and tug him close.

[curiouskinetic]

The last thing Sora wanted to was ask Gilgamesh for more help, but she too did not want to walk around his house completely naked and so sacrifices had to be made. Before she had to stoop to pleading, however, yet another person barged into the now semi-crowded bathroom.

"Ah—" Enkidu? Sora blinked in surprise as they set down some clean clothes and proceeded to pick up Pardu, who batted at her on the way out. While she certainly appreciated the clothing Sora wasn't sure how she felt about more people in this bathroom with her.

"Um, that's— that's alright." She managed to stammer after a few moments. "Thank you, uh, for the clothes." Now she could finish her bath without worrying about what to wear afterwards! If she were ever able to get a moment alone, that is. "I'll uh, be sure to finish up in here soon, ahah..." And then... well, she wasn't entirely sure what she'd do then. Find somewhere to collapse, maybe— today had been truly exhausting.

[spurhill]

Excuse her, that is Pardu's personal sun warming bath rock that she is very protective about. Her paw swipes at Sora's hand until the rock tumbles back into the water, and she stares at her intensely; wide eyes observing her until her ear flicks toward the door, as does her head a moment later. The door that soon opens without any announcement or fanfare.

"So this is where you were, Pardu, I have been calling for you for ages, come." A yap is what he gets in return, before she shuffled around to the opposite side of the tub. "Pardu, this woman is filthy, let her bathe in peace. You will have your time for a bath soon enough, but for now it is meal time." Gilgamesh glances at Sora.

"And you, stop indulging her, she is going to miss her meal because of you."

[curiouskinetic]

Well, apparently Sora was going to bathe in Rock Water today. That was what Pardu seemed to want and she was simply too tired to care either way. Another small sigh escapes her as she slumps back down into the tub.

"Alright, alright, no need to get upset." And for the third time as Sora closed her eyes to attempt relaxation again, she was confronted with yet another interruption. "Hey—" Too late. The door to the bathroom swung open and Gilgamesh just walked in like it was no big deal. Sure, it was his home, but was nothing sacred? Not even bath time?

Were it not for the fact there were plenty of bubbles on the surface of the water obstructing his vision, Sora might have been more upset. Instead she was merely bewildered, glancing between the two of them as she struggled to think of a reply. "I— I'm sorry?" She didn't understand how this was her fault, but again, far too tired to argue.

"Oh, I— I wanted to ask, uhm, if you had any clothes I could borrow? I uh, forgot I didn't have anything clean to change into." And besides being dirty her old clothes were also a little. Shredded. Probably best if she didn't get back into them after her bath.

[spurhill]

The hand that touches upon her most adorable crown is moist, causing her to squint lightly, a small rumble coming from her chest as she complains, but it was better than having no affection at all or being flat out ignored, so she accepts it. Pardu can see Sora isn't at her best at the moment, but that is none of her business. For all she knows, she was like this when she arrived and therefore none of it was her fault, so why should she be concerned. Sora will live, surely, at least long enough for more pets.

The cub rests on her haunches for a couple of moments, inspecting and not really listening but at least it sort of looked like it, probably, before she runs off to the corner of the room to begin rummaging through some things. Upon her return she once again tiptoes to the bath and proceeds to drop an item into the water.

[curiouskinetic]

Sora closed her eyes as Pardu ran off, only half listening to the rustling sounds she made as she searched for... something. Sora was in no mood (or condition) to play with her right now, so it was probably best she found something to entertain herself with.

She once again, however, was given little time to relax before Pardu continued with her antics. Barely a minute later she had returned to the bathtub and dropped something in, which Sora ignored for as long as she could until she felt the object touch her, at which point she sighed and opened her eyes.

Figures I wouldn't get any actual peace here, either...

Reaching for the mystery object and pulling it out of the water she stared at it for a few moments, then glanced at Pardu, puzzled. "You guys keep... rocks in the bathroom?"

[spurhill]

Once the doorway has been opened, Pardu is quick to enter, shuffling about at speed and observing everything and everyone (there was only one) but all things needed to be witnessed by her and approved before being promptly ignored. The cub hustles over with a displeased grumble, ears rotating as she listened to what was undoubtedly some kind of excuse for something she wasn't actually paying attention here, but what she did know is that this one had entered her territory without so much as a greeting to her! Unacceptable.

Pardu leans on the tub and is quick to voice her complaints for naturally her own problems are more pressing than anything else. She knew the secrets of her palace inside and out but would not part with them until she got the acknowledgement and praise she feels she deserves. She huffs at Sora loudly, demanding her attention.

[curiouskinetic]

Sora hadn't been expecting a response to her question, but it was amusing all the same to see Pardu all fussy as she jumped up and huffed at her. "Ah... is this because I didn't find you to say hello first?" Seeing as this was usually how Pardu greeted her when Sora came to visit it seemed likely.

Smiling fondly, Sora reached out to gently pet the cub, giving her scritches and pets in all the spots she knew Pardu liked best. Her movements were noticeably stiffer this time around, however, and she couldn't keep it up for as long as she normally might. A mere minute later she was already sinking back into the tub, too tired to continue.

"Sorry, little one. I'm... not feeling the best." She'd only just begun to rest when Pardu showed up, it would take a while longer for her energy to return. And while movement was going to be more of a problem until then, talking was a fair bit easier. "You look like you're having fun. Go on any adventures today?"

[spurhill]

Gilgamesh had no interest in Sora beyond general amusement, so once she was escorted to the bathroom with thankfully little water trailing behind, he was swift to make himself scarce in favor of other things. In fact, by the time Sora had realized she was in need of other assistance, he had nearly crossed to the other side of the building and most definitely wouldn't turn back if she called for him.

There was, however, a blessing or curse in disguise. One that came in the form of a snoot pressed against the door and aggressive sniffing from the space below. Pardu is here, and she smells familiar smells, smells she is determined to investigate and no door would stand in her way. A long, whining grumble comes from where she rests, complaining loudly to whomever is inside and demanding that they allow her in to inspect the room and themselves while she was at it.

[curiouskinetic]

It was harder to enjoy her bath now, knowing she might just have to walk around in nothing but a towel when she got out. Still, the water was hot and the soap had a gentle, pleasant scent that helped soothe her frayed nerves, so it wasn't all bad. Unfortunately the silence didn't last long. Mere minutes later Sora heard a snuffling at the door and turned to catch a glimpse of Pardu's little snout from the crack under the door.

Well, so much for some quiet time. Sighing, she used her power to open the door from where she was, allowing the cub to tumble inside before shutting it again. Despite her exhaustion, though, she had to admit it was nice to see the little one again. Scooting to the edge of the tub she crossed her arms and rested on the side, tired eyes glancing over her guest.

"Hey, Pardu. It's uh, just me in here." She fell silent for a moment. "Don't suppose you know where some clean clothes are, do you?"

[spurhill]

While he didn't particularly mean any harm to Sora, he sure wasn't willing to take the chance of allowing his nice flooring and bathtub to be stained with her blood; so if anything, she should be thanking him for cleaning her up enough to enter his abode at all. After the hosing, he checks her over, eyes scanning her closely to see if he'd missed any spots. She was bleeding again, which was undesirable, but if she were fast enough, he wouldn't need to make her mop after herself later.

"You are most welcome. Be sure to go straight to the bath, understood? I would rather not have you dripping everywhere if I can help it." He would not promise privacy considering Pardu was free to venture wherever she please even if it meant interrupting one's bathing time. She was the queen of this land after all... or rather that's how she most definitely saw it.

"Make sure you make yourself presentable."

[curiouskinetic]

The way he looked at her was never really pleasant, but it was especially annoying now see0ing him stare her down looking for flaws when he had just caused more harm to her. Unintentionally, sure, but still.

Thankfully being annoyed didn't stop her from being polite, and she remembered to nod along as he listed instructions. "I... right. I'll try." Though she still didn't entirely understand why a bit of blood or dirt in his house bothered him so much, she understood she was a guest here so she would abide by his rules.

With the aid of her abilities she was able to remove enough moisture from herself so as to not leave puddles everywhere she walked after being soaked, with only a few drops (of water, thankfully) left behind here and there. Her limp had worsened on the way over, but she still managed to navigate to the bathroom without too much trouble.

A short while later after she'd filled the bathtub and at last gotten the chance to sink down and relax into some warm, soapy water, she had a devastating realization.

Wait. I don't have any clean clothes to change into when I get out—!

[spurhill]

"Well of course. The only one allowed to be filthy at times is Pardu, you will most certainly need hosing down before entering my abode." That was to say, before she even gets to the bath, she would need to be rinsed off for the most part to be rid of most anything that would stain his floor or tub.

Gilgamesh does traverse his territory with efficiency, though, finding his home with ease before simply setting her down on a grassy area next to an overly extravagant water hose which he is very clearly reaching for.

"As amusing as your current appearance is, what is not amusing is getting my home dirty for no reason. Do not worry, Pardu does not enjoy it, either." With that, she is blasted with water... he was absolutely not being as gentle or kind as he would be with the cub.

[curiouskinetic]

Hosing? Did he really just say hosing? Sora was still struggling to come to terms with the suggestion by the time they reached his home proper, and by then she had seconds to come to terms with what was going to happen as he was already reaching out for the hose.

"H-hey—" It was too late. Not that her protests would have mattered anyways, but somehow allowing him to do this without voicing any just made her feel worse. It was another round of humiliation— and a painful one at that.

To Sora's credit she didn't flinch or shy away, instead standing tall and rigid. It hurt, and the rough handling reopened one of the wounds on her back, but she stood firm. A small victory, but an important one.

A small, tired sigh escaped her after it was over. ".... thanks." At least being soaking wet didn't really bother her— even if it surely didn't help her appear any more dignified. "Can I take an actual bath now?" A nice soak in some warm water— and some privacy— would do wonders for her right about now.

[spurhill]

Ah, there was nothing quite like humiliating a strong willed woman. The sound of her please, reluctant though they may be, sparked joy in his chest and soon hearty laughter bubbled forth from him, brows raised in delight. The sound continues for a full minute, joyous and full as his strides slow to a stumble now and again.

How pleasant. How lovely.

"Oh, so you can be fun to have around, this is good news indeed. I'll be sure to remember this." If he could think up more ways to corner her, maybe he'd have more fun playing with her in the future.

[curiouskinetic]

Each second of his laughter was a dagger in the heart of her pride—and by the end of it there wasn't much left. She wasn't even sure if she had convinced him to not spread those photos around. What a mess.

"If you're going to keep making fun of me can you at least like, take me to a shower first or something?" She muttered. "I'd like to stop being covered in blood." She was already miserable and in pain, she didn't have to keep being dirty, too.

And for now she was electing to ignore his last comment. The last thing she wanted to think about right now was any future bullying he had in mind. Dealing with the current bout of it was more than enough for her.

[spurhill]

Their 'walk' is simply Gilgamesh leading them back toward his own lands, the expansive territory not quite far from their current location, but he sure is taking his time leisurely. Of course, her sudden desperation earns a sharp bout of laughter from the King, who seems to find her renewed distress just as amusing as before.

It was worth it indeed to capture these images, and he may yet hold onto them still, but even if he were to delete them, he'd never say. It was far more fun to keep her on edge like this. He never said what he wanted them for, and he never will.

"Oh~. I quite like when you beg, your voice grows much sweeter. Do it again."

[curiouskinetic]

When he'd first picked her up with the chains Sora had wondered where he was planning on taking her. Walking into a more public area like this would probably raise several alarms among the locals, so when she noticed they were instead heading towards his home she couldn't really be upset. Her natural healing had at last staunched the bleeding now that she'd been given a chance to rest a little, and it wasn't like she was at risk of actually dying from her injuries in the first place.

She might still die from embarrassment, though. Or humiliation. She hadn't meant to beg like that, the words had slipped out before she could really think about them, and of course that kind of thing would please him. The thought of doing it again, intentionally, was even more humiliating.

At the same time, she really didn't want those pictures getting spread around, so...

"P— ugh... I... please?"

[spurhill]

As the man turns and begins striding away, the hovering chains follow, floating her along beside him. It would seem as though he was willing to relocate her to somewhere a bite more comfortable, maybe even get her medical assistance if she were lucky. Though considering she had helped him before, this would count as more of a debt repaid rather than simply gaining a debt from another.

"If you prefer I can simply pin them to the lamp posts like those people who have lost their pets do. I am certain it will get to your eventually, so there is no need to be concerned." Of course, it wasn't like he were being charitable in any sense, he was just saying whatever came to mind in the moment.

[curiouskinetic]

Well, apparently she was going for a walk now— or a float, more specifically. She sighed, but didn't protest. She'd never admit it to him but it was actually kind of nice not to have to walk herself to somewhere safer, especially with a leg injury. And just as she was finally starting to relax a little, he went and said something that jolted her back into wakefulness.

"Wha— n-no! Don't— please don't do that." It was bad enough just knowing he had the pictures on his phone, she didn't want other people gawking at her at her lowest. Surely he was just joking, right? "Also you didn't— you still haven't said what you even want them for?"