[Gilgamesh is no stranger to magic, but he's never quite seen it cast this way. Simplistic as it is, the spell catches his attention, and he watches the poster float and seal itself into place with a flick of her wand. The casual familiarity of it tips him off that she's talented, indeed.
That and he's a natural bloodhound for any form of mana. Though he politely refrains from snacking on her, stepping up to the poster instead.]
Interesting... so it's his hand in this too, hm? [Glancing back over at her.] What do you make of that man? Dorian Gray.
[ Her eyes flicker up and over the poster, the nicely designed colours and the message of ease nudging them towards either of them for more information. The question doesn't surprise her, as she imagines anyone would want to know more about the people on the poster, but he seems like he knows Dorian already. ]
I like him. He's been nothing but good to me - and he's incredibly smart and talented.
[ She isn't sure why the stranger seems so... Particular about him. ]
[Gilgamesh's catty grin suggests that the innuendo was very much intended, but he's breezing past it fast and turning his attention upon Hermione faster still. He studies her through bright, lively eyes, countenance chipper.
They're also very, very red and very, very arresting, in a way that could also be said is quite Particular.]
That leaves one Hermione Granger. I don't believe we're acquainted, so you may call me Gilgamesh.
[ She frowns, feeling something flush over her cheeks before she stands up a little taller, lifting her chin and crossing her arms over her chest. He's certainly... Unique, but she'd doing what she can to not let that bother her.
[5,000 years of immortal life, and women still huffed and puffed exactly the same way since the dawn of civilization. He laughs a little, but he does take the hand in good spirit, tracing fingers over her palm.]
Ah, so it is! Magic flows strong within your blood. I thought as much, but yours is... different, you might say.
[Giving a tap, tap with the pad of a finger, a pleasant warmth spreads from Hermione's hand to her wrist. Magic of a "different" sort, too, not so practiced and refined. Raw and pure and deeper than the core of any mere wand.]
That must've been your catalyst just now. And your specialty must be alchemy and transference. Correct?
[ She stares at her hand as the feeling of warmth spreads along her skin, her eyes widening a little before she jerks her head up. It's different from her own, vastly, and she shakes her head, as curious as she is on edge. ]
My world is probably a bit different than yours. The magic is unique compared to others.
[ The power of it makes her want to ask a thousand more questions, to learn more about the things from his world. ]
My wand? Yes. I don't really have a speciality, but my favourite magic was always charms and enchantments.
[Gilgamesh quietly registers Hermione under the ever esteemed category of adequate sources for emergency mana. Also known as: food. Continuing to smile with all pleasantness, he lets go.]
A worthy field of study, yes, among the many that exist.
[To the poster, he gives a knock, knock with those same fingers. A golden glow surrounds its edges, and its surface sparkles with a fine sheen. He looks pleased with his work, beginning to read its fine print.]
Now, let us see... one gold coin for services rendered... these compasses look useful. What of those?
[ She tilts her head, curious even as he lets go, crossing her arms again. She could go off and lose herself in talking about magic, so it's a good idea that he's only talking about it in passing. ]
It's not the thing I use most here, not really, that's reserved for potions, but my magic has been incredibly useful.
[ Looking at her poster, Hermione smiles, pleased. It's doing it's job already. ]
They're a lot like the lockets that the monarchs give us, able to access the network, but they can be used far more privately, too, and they still work even though our lockets aren't right now. I enchant them all with magic to keep them protected, too.
[No hesitation, no hard sells, no further haggling necessary. Gilgamesh consents with almost overwhelming immediacy. He leaves with clear agendas just as he arrives with them, and this meeting was no mistake... and certainly no accident.
He does hum over that price, though.]
I may compensate you through traditional means. However, I'm told that among magi, knowledge is prized above all else. And my knowledge is very valuable, you see, so if you have some degree of aptitude already, I'm curious if you might make better use of a lucrative offer best suited to a lucrative individual such as yourself.
[...which is all a very lucrative way of saying this stupid world half-bankrupted me, I'm not letting go of the other half that easily.]
[ Is that an order, she thinks? She knows this is a business and she wants customers, but she is the one with the talent and the capability to make them, alongside Dorian. Being ordered to make one doesn't sit well on her and her hands rest on her hips, mouth pursing before she breathes out.
There's no need to get into a fight about it. He wants a compass and he's rude, she can manage that. She's managed Malfoy before. ]
A trade would be fine if a gold piece is too much. What do you think you can offer, then - or, I suppose, what would you like to offer?
[ Hermione isn't really in this for the money, after all, she's in it to help people. ]
[Malfoy was also never king of an empire, thankfully.
Gilgamesh cocks his head at Hermione, then up his brow goes in playful challenge. Well, she's got sass to her. Time to test how much he can stoke the flames before they burn themselves out. All confidence, he too rests a hand on his hip and fires back:]
So you don't want to learn more about magic? Surely I did not judge wrong, that you were an individual of reasonable skill? Coin couldn't possibly be worth more than what you'd stand to gain from the secrets of time immaterial.
Her eyes narrow as she watches him, expression stern and hard, and she shakes her head. ]
I'm sure whatever you could offer me would be very interesting and absolutely worthwhile, but if it means I have to put up with someone acting like a high and mighty prat then I'd rather just give you a compass and be done with it.
[Gilgamesh has suffered enough blows to his ego by now—Flower Child being chief among them—that he simply takes the sourness in stride. So he must bow to a false Saber and kneel before a false king, so he must negotiate with silly tarts on what he's duly owed.
Holding his hand out to the side, his smile thins.]
I am indeed the mightiest, for I am indeed the first. The first of many things.
[Above that hand, a small pool appears, magical, infinite in nature. From it drops a single gold coin.]
Did you ever have a favorite fable growing up, Hermione? A legend you enjoyed, or a hero you admired? Consider me curious.
[ She will admit to being a little enchanted with his magic. Wandless, obviously, but so much magic here is wandless or without incantation that she isn't sure that's a good measure of judgement.
Whatever is going on, though, she's sure she hasn't seen someone so in love with themselves since Lucius Malfoy graced her with his presence. ]
Of course you are.
[ Not in her world, of course, which is a point she's going to be sure to make if he keeps going on like this. She's frustrated and starting off a conversation with something rather snide about one of her friends hasn't really set the tone. ]
I did, actually. There was a story of a little girl called Matilda that could move things with her mind - and when I tried it I was sure I did the same thing. It was only when I was eleven that I found out I had magic.
[It's not really said with any derision, unlike before. Back home, stories were power—the bigger, the better. Even modest figures from childhood could occupy a space in the Throne of Heroes alongside a King.
Gilgamesh turns the coin over, this way and that, smiling at his reflection in its polished surface.]
And all stories originate from the same source. They sprung from human imagination, to address timeless questions of courage, strength, and wisdom. So too from that there was a beginning.
[To Hermione, he holds out his hand with the coin. Little by little, bit by bit on his skin, his attire transforms into something better befitting his claim.]
I am that beginning, as King of Heroes, Gilgamesh.
It is, yes. I thought it was a very important story myself.
[ Hermione watches him, not particularly amused. He's looking at his own reflection and smiling to himself - and she just shakes her head, arms crossed.
Still, she shakes her head, her eyes flickering over him before she bites back a little smile, actually sort of amused. ]
Well, King of Heroes. I've never heard of you - so I suppose your world's beginnings are very different from mine.
In my world, those stories are given power that's very real. It's why I'm still alive, you see.
[But enough of that. Gilgamesh nods to the coin, in acknowledgement of wit that could hold the great King's ego at bay. She earned her gold this time, and he won't run circles around her any longer, not even to argue the point.
After all, he has schedules to keep, too. A busy girl, this one, and someone worth keeping an eye on. She'd learn of his true legend soon enough.]
It's yours. It was a worthy exchange. [Tilting his head:] When might I expect this done, then?
[But this conversation has reached its end. Gilgamesh has no desire to push his luck too far; this is a useful connection to maintain, a useful girl to tap into later on for a variety of reasons. The more time he spends in this world, the more he realizes a delicate approach can be quite effective.
He nods to her answer, amenable, and then moves to address one last matter.]
I have a special request. Of this object's make, I mean.
[ A pause before she nods, glancing up. She has her coin, now, and while he grates on her a little she can keep her head held high and give him what he needs. Allies and friends, whoever they are, are always useful here in the Drabworld. ]
Of course. I'll do whatever I can to make it how you want it.
[ She reaches into the bag at her side, pulling out notepad and paper. ]
As long as whatever you want has a flat, metallic surface for videos it should be fine.
I should say, it's more of an inscription than anything. Here, as follows...
[Apparently Gilgamesh has little use for traditional pen and paper. He simply takes her by the free hand, unfurls it gently finger by finger and starts to trace a series of symbols upon her palm. They are simple shapes, short in number, and yet more intricate than they would first seem; it is his name, written in cuneiform. GILGAMESH.
Over and over he traces with the tip of his finger. She may write it down if she so wishes, but this must be memorized into her very skin, which he seeks to do.]
Those. Etched on the very bottom. I leave the shape up to you, but they are the sacred letters of my tongue. I must have them.
[ She nods her head, looking down at her hand and letting her eyes flick over it before she purses her lips. At least she recognises that it's not going to last forever. Her memory is rather good and she nods her head before she looks up. ]
Alright, I can do that. I'll make sure you have it in a few days.
[In a fluid gesture, he bends to bring that same hand to his lips, brushing his mouth across the back of it. For all his lack of manners, there are some hints of chivalry in the bow that follows, in that softer smile and in softer words.
Or perhaps, more simply, this shining knight is simply a very good liar, and a very charismatic fellow all around when he's not busy shoving his ego everywhere.]
Then I will eagerly await the fruits of your labor. Have it sent to my study within the Citadel.
[And thankfully, blessedly, he lets go, and passes her by.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
That and he's a natural bloodhound for any form of mana. Though he politely refrains from snacking on her, stepping up to the poster instead.]
Interesting... so it's his hand in this too, hm? [Glancing back over at her.] What do you make of that man? Dorian Gray.
no subject
I like him. He's been nothing but good to me - and he's incredibly smart and talented.
[ She isn't sure why the stranger seems so... Particular about him. ]
I couldn't have asked for a better partner.
no subject
[Gilgamesh's catty grin suggests that the innuendo was very much intended, but he's breezing past it fast and turning his attention upon Hermione faster still. He studies her through bright, lively eyes, countenance chipper.
They're also very, very red and very, very arresting, in a way that could also be said is quite Particular.]
That leaves one Hermione Granger. I don't believe we're acquainted, so you may call me Gilgamesh.
no subject
It's not like that.
[ She frowns, feeling something flush over her cheeks before she stands up a little taller, lifting her chin and crossing her arms over her chest. He's certainly... Unique, but she'd doing what she can to not let that bother her.
Eventually, she holds out a hand. ]
It's nice to meet you, Gilgamesh.
no subject
Ah, so it is! Magic flows strong within your blood. I thought as much, but yours is... different, you might say.
[Giving a tap, tap with the pad of a finger, a pleasant warmth spreads from Hermione's hand to her wrist. Magic of a "different" sort, too, not so practiced and refined. Raw and pure and deeper than the core of any mere wand.]
That must've been your catalyst just now. And your specialty must be alchemy and transference. Correct?
no subject
My world is probably a bit different than yours. The magic is unique compared to others.
[ The power of it makes her want to ask a thousand more questions, to learn more about the things from his world. ]
My wand? Yes. I don't really have a speciality, but my favourite magic was always charms and enchantments.
no subject
A worthy field of study, yes, among the many that exist.
[To the poster, he gives a knock, knock with those same fingers. A golden glow surrounds its edges, and its surface sparkles with a fine sheen. He looks pleased with his work, beginning to read its fine print.]
Now, let us see... one gold coin for services rendered... these compasses look useful. What of those?
no subject
It's not the thing I use most here, not really, that's reserved for potions, but my magic has been incredibly useful.
[ Looking at her poster, Hermione smiles, pleased. It's doing it's job already. ]
They're a lot like the lockets that the monarchs give us, able to access the network, but they can be used far more privately, too, and they still work even though our lockets aren't right now. I enchant them all with magic to keep them protected, too.
no subject
[No hesitation, no hard sells, no further haggling necessary. Gilgamesh consents with almost overwhelming immediacy. He leaves with clear agendas just as he arrives with them, and this meeting was no mistake... and certainly no accident.
He does hum over that price, though.]
I may compensate you through traditional means. However, I'm told that among magi, knowledge is prized above all else. And my knowledge is very valuable, you see, so if you have some degree of aptitude already, I'm curious if you might make better use of a lucrative offer best suited to a lucrative individual such as yourself.
[...which is all a very lucrative way of saying this stupid world half-bankrupted me, I'm not letting go of the other half that easily.]
no subject
[ Is that an order, she thinks? She knows this is a business and she wants customers, but she is the one with the talent and the capability to make them, alongside Dorian. Being ordered to make one doesn't sit well on her and her hands rest on her hips, mouth pursing before she breathes out.
There's no need to get into a fight about it. He wants a compass and he's rude, she can manage that. She's managed Malfoy before. ]
A trade would be fine if a gold piece is too much. What do you think you can offer, then - or, I suppose, what would you like to offer?
[ Hermione isn't really in this for the money, after all, she's in it to help people. ]
no subject
Gilgamesh cocks his head at Hermione, then up his brow goes in playful challenge. Well, she's got sass to her. Time to test how much he can stoke the flames before they burn themselves out. All confidence, he too rests a hand on his hip and fires back:]
So you don't want to learn more about magic? Surely I did not judge wrong, that you were an individual of reasonable skill? Coin couldn't possibly be worth more than what you'd stand to gain from the secrets of time immaterial.
no subject
Her eyes narrow as she watches him, expression stern and hard, and she shakes her head. ]
I'm sure whatever you could offer me would be very interesting and absolutely worthwhile, but if it means I have to put up with someone acting like a high and mighty prat then I'd rather just give you a compass and be done with it.
no subject
Holding his hand out to the side, his smile thins.]
I am indeed the mightiest, for I am indeed the first. The first of many things.
[Above that hand, a small pool appears, magical, infinite in nature. From it drops a single gold coin.]
Did you ever have a favorite fable growing up, Hermione? A legend you enjoyed, or a hero you admired? Consider me curious.
no subject
Whatever is going on, though, she's sure she hasn't seen someone so in love with themselves since Lucius Malfoy graced her with his presence. ]
Of course you are.
[ Not in her world, of course, which is a point she's going to be sure to make if he keeps going on like this. She's frustrated and starting off a conversation with something rather snide about one of her friends hasn't really set the tone. ]
I did, actually. There was a story of a little girl called Matilda that could move things with her mind - and when I tried it I was sure I did the same thing. It was only when I was eleven that I found out I had magic.
no subject
[It's not really said with any derision, unlike before. Back home, stories were power—the bigger, the better. Even modest figures from childhood could occupy a space in the Throne of Heroes alongside a King.
Gilgamesh turns the coin over, this way and that, smiling at his reflection in its polished surface.]
And all stories originate from the same source. They sprung from human imagination, to address timeless questions of courage, strength, and wisdom. So too from that there was a beginning.
[To Hermione, he holds out his hand with the coin. Little by little, bit by bit on his skin, his attire transforms into something better befitting his claim.]
I am that beginning, as King of Heroes, Gilgamesh.
no subject
[ Hermione watches him, not particularly amused. He's looking at his own reflection and smiling to himself - and she just shakes her head, arms crossed.
Still, she shakes her head, her eyes flickering over him before she bites back a little smile, actually sort of amused. ]
Well, King of Heroes. I've never heard of you - so I suppose your world's beginnings are very different from mine.
no subject
[But enough of that. Gilgamesh nods to the coin, in acknowledgement of wit that could hold the great King's ego at bay. She earned her gold this time, and he won't run circles around her any longer, not even to argue the point.
After all, he has schedules to keep, too. A busy girl, this one, and someone worth keeping an eye on. She'd learn of his true legend soon enough.]
It's yours. It was a worthy exchange. [Tilting his head:] When might I expect this done, then?
no subject
[ She reaches out and takes the coin, shifting a little awkwardly before she shoves it in her pocket. Better to get this over and done with.
Breathing out, she looks up at him and manages a smile, as best she can. ]
A few days. I can get a fairy to deliver it to you.
no subject
[But this conversation has reached its end. Gilgamesh has no desire to push his luck too far; this is a useful connection to maintain, a useful girl to tap into later on for a variety of reasons. The more time he spends in this world, the more he realizes a delicate approach can be quite effective.
He nods to her answer, amenable, and then moves to address one last matter.]
I have a special request. Of this object's make, I mean.
no subject
Of course. I'll do whatever I can to make it how you want it.
[ She reaches into the bag at her side, pulling out notepad and paper. ]
As long as whatever you want has a flat, metallic surface for videos it should be fine.
no subject
[Apparently Gilgamesh has little use for traditional pen and paper. He simply takes her by the free hand, unfurls it gently finger by finger and starts to trace a series of symbols upon her palm. They are simple shapes, short in number, and yet more intricate than they would first seem; it is his name, written in cuneiform. GILGAMESH.
Over and over he traces with the tip of his finger. She may write it down if she so wishes, but this must be memorized into her very skin, which he seeks to do.]
Those. Etched on the very bottom. I leave the shape up to you, but they are the sacred letters of my tongue. I must have them.
no subject
[ She nods her head, looking down at her hand and letting her eyes flick over it before she purses her lips. At least she recognises that it's not going to last forever. Her memory is rather good and she nods her head before she looks up. ]
Alright, I can do that. I'll make sure you have it in a few days.
no subject
Or perhaps, more simply, this shining knight is simply a very good liar, and a very charismatic fellow all around when he's not busy shoving his ego everywhere.]
Then I will eagerly await the fruits of your labor. Have it sent to my study within the Citadel.
[And thankfully, blessedly, he lets go, and passes her by.]
Look after yourself in the meantime... Hermione.