The Clock Tower -- Bluhen, Gilgamesh

Summary
Gilgamesh attempted to convince a guard to let him through, with no success. Bluhen took advantage of the distraction to inspect the ruins surrounding the clock tower, and due to his familiarity and time working as an apprentice priest, noticed some similarities between the ruins and the Temple of Auri.

Transcript
PANDOR. Exploration commenced. Blühen Blühen crosses his arms as he gazes up at the clock tower. A soft sigh passes from his lips before he looks over at Gilgamesh - coming here with someone else wasn't exactly his intention. But, so be it. He'll get more done in numbers... hopefully. He proceeds to rest his hand on his waist, tilting his head a little, giving the tsundere king a smile. "So! I guess you're going to be stuck with me now, huh~?" He looks the other over for a moment, considers holding out his hand for a handshake... but. Probably not a good idea. "I don't think we've met yet, though... greetings! The name's Blühen! Let me guess - you want to try to get inside, don't you?" After giving Gilgamesh an airy chuckle, he looks back over at the clock tower. "Why's that place so guarded anyway? They must be hiding something vitally important in there."(edited) Gilgamesh Gilgamesh sneers as he eyes the other man warily. He only relented and allowed for him to accompany him since he figured he could get some use out of him. As from what he gathered from what he saw of the other in the chats, Bluhen seemed quite capable and powerful in his own way. In short, he seemed so bland, but was interesting enough to be considered worthy of GIlgamesh's presence. That's all! Of course, he wasn't going to let anything stop him from being able to explore for the first time in what felt like forever. He stares at the outstretched hand as if it was something foreign, and laughs. "I'm aware of who you are. And you are aware of who I am, surely... if you mess up, I suppose I have no choice but to back you up. I am a fairly generous king when I want to be, after all." He scoffs, but deigns to wrap his hand around the others. "Of course. They're hiding something real special in there, otherwise there would be no point in having guards there constantly." He glances over toward the clock tower, anticipation bubbling up inside him as he thought of the secrets he could explore there-- of course, its architecture fascinated him as well. And above all, he wondered if there was a hidden mechanism that could make the clock start moving again-- really, it was strange that this mere clock was the one determining the passage of time! He steps closer toward the guards, not waiting to see if Bluhen was following or not, and then starts to think about how to approach the guards. Bribery should work fine, right? His gate won't be of any use here, but it's not like he would be able to simply throw around the jewels in there since they belonged to Ishtar, for the most part. Well, it's time for a King's charisma. "Do you lot intend on denying a king passage?" PANDOR. The guard seems younger, perhaps new to the job, and definitely more than a little taken aback by the aggressive nature with which he was approached.

"A, uh-- you're-- I-I'm sorry, friend, I don't know nothing about no kings... Are you-- I mean, we don't have kings here, just the priestesses but... I--"

He clears his throat and tries his best to look resolute, but there is a noticeable shake in the hand that grasps his spear.

"I... I am sorry, Your... Gracely... Highness? But there are no exceptions, I'm afraid. That's the rule, it is." Blühen Gilgamesh's loving and caring treatment certainly didn't go unnoticed. After the rather forced handshake, Blühen shook his head, laughing to himself some more - oh, how amusing all of this was. "Haha, of course, of course. Surely someone of your generosity and splendour wouldn't hesitate to aid the weak if he was needed, wouldn't you?" He raised his hand to his mouth, seemingly in thought, gazing up at the clock tower every once in a while. "I suppose you're right. Still, how are you even planning on getting inside--" His question was promptly answered when Gilgamesh decided to make a beeline towards the guard. He let out a quiet sigh and followed him without much of a word, observing as Gil initiates his master plan - intimidation. It seemed to have gone surprisingly well, according to the stuttering in the guard's voice, but... not well enough. He approaches the two, though he decides to stay uninvolved for now, just watching instead. Staying at a distance to hopefully... look more like someone just attracted by the commotion, instead. Surely Gilgamesh had a plan beyond just throwing the weight of his title around? Gilgamesh Gilgamesh rolls his eyes, "A king's generosity is only for his people. I don't intend on showing this kindness unless you prove yourself worthy." He huffs, shooting a glare at the other to quit his laughing. He tries to ignore him as if he's simply just tagging along, and continues to go about his business. Although, it seems like he's intending on letting him handle everything. Of course, he can't blame Bluhen for letting a king take charge. Perhaps he may have some worth after all if he knows his place. This guard, however, is rather cowardly. Unlike Uruk's fierce and stern guards, this one was weak in his willpower. Pathetic. Although, he gives him credit for still attempting to stay firm. If only Gilgamesh had access to his gate, then he would be able to bribe his way through-- he really just has to keep relying on his charisma, huh? "Hooh. No exceptions, you say!?" Gilgamesh barks, "then tell me, mongrel. Do you know why this place is so well-guarded?" PANDOR. Despite Bluhen's lack of affinity towards more stealthy efforts, he does manage to look convincingly unassuming, perhaps due to the way others in the vicinity follow suit in the wake of the loud and rather boisterous figure approaching the ruins. The citizens keeping an eye on the situation do so from a far greater distance, however.

As for the guard...

...He seems to be slowly regaining his composure, clearing his throat a little more than is necessary, taking a deep breath and trying to stand in some kind of... convincingly confident stance, in spite of his apparent intimidation. "It's dangerous, it is. All kinds of ruins around the base, right ready to crumble if some lot tries heading in there and touching things that ought not to be touched. Can't have people getting themselves all busted up if something decides to crumble all a sudden, y-yeah?" Blühen Well, the guard didn't seem to notice much. Either that, or he was still wholly preoccupied with Gilgamesh. That was probably the more likely scenario. He'll leave the two to their own devices... He'll just walk around the clock tower instead, examining its outsides and taking in the sight and architecture of this building. He's not really that obsessed with trying to find a way in... maybe he'll find something a tad bit more interesting outside of it, then. Just a loop around, trying to stay within earshot of two's bickering so he could interfere if need be... he hasn't been here yet; he knows for certain he's going to see every last part of this tower. At least, what he's allowed to see. He's not planning on getting into trouble just because of his curiosity. But maybe he should have gotten involved... still, that might just have proven to be a bit of a hassle if he did. Mr King can probably handle himself just fine, and forcing himself into the conversation would just add another variable to the mix that he'd have to keep in mind... needlessly complicating, really. He'll just see how things are going to play out for now. Gilgamesh Out of the corner of his eye, he notices that the other man slipped out gracefully to examine the clock tower on his own. So he's leaving Gilgamesh to distract the guard? Really, it should be the other way around-- however, Gilgamesh is willing to acknowledge that Bluhen was wise. It wouldn't be efficient if he tried to help out, anyway. Gilgamesh can handle this on his own! And he will get inside this tower if it's the last thing he does. It's regrettable that even if he did regain his powers again, he sealed whatever would help him get to take a closer look at the clock tower, anyway when he became a Caster. Gilgamesh would've opted to investigate the surroundings instead, but what if this other mongrel accused him for copying him? Doubtful, considering how saccharine sweet that child was, but Gilgamesh is determined to see this through. Although, it seems like the guard gained his backbone back. "Hah. I see that you're more assertive now. So you're saying the integrity of this place isn't safe for any normal human?" He scoffs, "well, don't you know who you are talking to? I am a Heroic Spirit-- meaning I'm stronger than your average human, fool! These dangers you speak of is nothing-- as someone interested in architecture myself, I'd like to see what these ruins are about. Know that you'll be awarded greatly for your cooperation." PANDOR. As Bluhen slowly paces the perimeter, another roving guard does seem to notice him. However, they seem more concerned with the other newcomer currently berating their new recruit. Looking around the outside of the clock tower, he sees a large relief carving of each of the members of the Pantheon of Time on one of its four faces. Surrounding the base of the clock tower are the ruins the guards speak of. Crumbled marble wrapped in vines, cracked and broken and stacked in ways that do, indeed, appear less than secure. But more importantly, as someone who has spent a great deal of time in the Temple of Auri, even through the damage and overgrowth, Bluhen is able to recognize some similarities between the stone used in Her temple and the ruins around the tower.

The guard remains in his stance of tentative determination, though it is tinged with a hint of confusion. "I, uh... I don't know nothin' about no Heroic Spirits. I just know we ain't supposed to let no one in. And, uh, I don't mean no offense or nothin' but you look a good bit human from here." To his credit, he does look fairly nervous about what he has just said to Gilgamesh, but he says it nonetheless.

"Hey mate, I just landed this job, yeah? I'm the new guy, 'n all that. Not in my job description, decidin' who can come and who can go. I just make sure no one gets in." Blühen Of course, he expected this place to have more than just a single guard. But as long as he keeps himself restrained, radiates an aura of curiosity instead of mischief, it shouldn't be too bad. Trying to break in and explore the ruins is the issue here. Watching it from afar surely couldn't hurt, now could it? He nods with a smile at the guard as he's noticed. The first step is to acknowledge authority, and not be a giant and boisterous mess of arrogance, unlike someone over here. They definitely weren't kidding about the danger, at least. It all seemed quite unstable. One wrong move could knock something over... he stops and lingers at the carving of the Pantheon, taking extra care to look it over. It was quite beautiful. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't curious enough to check it out more closely, but he'll restrain himself for now. He's got a reputation to keep up, after all. ... he hopes he has a reputation, at least. The similarities between the stone used here and in Auri's temple makes him wonder... he crosses his arms, then rests a hand on his mouth as he falls into thought. Was it supposed to be a temple to some god as well? Perhaps it was a collective temple, surrounding the tower that was the pride and joy of this city... but then, why is it destroyed? Could it possibly be related to... He shakes his head. He'll have to ask later. For now, bothering the guards doesn't seem like a good idea while Gilgamesh is out there being the center of attention. He draws his attention away from the clock tower, deciding to examine the ruins themselves more closely now. Or, at least, as closely as he could without getting too close. Maybe he'll be able to find some sort of structure or layout in there... anything that could hint towards what it used to be. Gilgamesh It'd be stupid of him to continue harassing this guard for his entrance, considering the fool now had the audacity to suddenly start doing his job again after overcoming his initial hesitance. He's impressed, in a way that these guards reminded him of his own in Uruk. Humanity, even here, is quite amazing in its own way. He doesn't want to concede, but it seems like he's unable to do much with just charisma-- perhaps that younger version of himself would be able to force his way through even without his powers. He scoffs, and folds his arm as he glances at the guard. "You're quite uncooperative, mongrel. Fine! I will concede just this once. Next time will be different!" It's not as if he would be able to demonstrate his powers to convince him, so he resolves to return later. As for that, he decides that's he's had enough of distracting the guards for Bluhen, and glares into the other man's direction. He then follows up on that, marching over to him and he frowns. "You. What did you find out while I was talking to that foolish guard?" PANDOR. Bluhen manages to notice something akin to stairs, and perhaps a loose decorative brass cog here or there among the rubble and vines, but before he can get much closer, Gilgamesh storms away from the junior guard, who resumes his patrol... and it seems that his route sends him right in between Bluhen and the ruins he is observing, preventing him from getting much closer. Under his breath, you can hear the guard muttering something about 'not getting paid nearly enough' and 'he called me a Gods damned mongrel, he did'. Clearly, he is not having a great day, at this point. Blühen Stairs? This clearly needed a closer look... just the mere presence of stairs can be a helpful sign. The decorative cogs too... the stone that was used combined with all these aspects must mean that this place was of quite some importance. Especially if it surrounded the clock tower... Though before he could get much closer, Gilgamesh storms off in a hurry, and all the commotion seems to lure the guard right to him. Great. He carefully backs off, trying not to look too much like a haughty, attention-seeking mongrel poking his nose into businesses where it doesn't belong. He laughs and crosses his arms as he looks over at Gil, smiling at him with his eyes closed. If this was a video game, you could probably see the sweat emojis rolling down his face. Sadly, this isn't a video game. So you don't get to. "Well..." He opens his eyes again, stares at Gilgamesh. "You couldn't have kept him longer?" Then, he glances back over at the ruins. "It's a bit hard to get close enough for a good look, I'm afraid... they'll chase you off even if you're not intent on touching anything. Ah, nonetheless..." He stops for a moment, but then shakes his head. He'll make the king regret it sooner or later if he dares to misuse the generosity he's been granted. "These ruins must have obviously belonged to a building of great importance. There are decorative gears strewn about here and there, and the stone used displays a lot of similarities to that used in Lady Auri's temple... which obviously means it was sacrosanct in some way. It just makes me wonder why it's been destroyed..." Could it... possibly have to do with what He said? He'll have to figure it out on his own later. Turns out Gilgamesh can't even be useful when he needs to be. Gilgamesh Gilgamesh rolls his eyes, scoffing as he averts his gaze from Bluhen's. "It was simply not worth my time. Be grateful that I bought you this much time already." Equally irritated by the guard and now Bluhen blaming him for everything... ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. "It does seem like you've discovered at least that much. Fuhahaha, but it clearly isn't enough! Listen, you fool! What I did was calculated! I conceded before I compelled the guard to obstruct me even further. We have all the time in the world, so it's not as if we should be rushing!" In reality, he shoved in as many slightly complex words as possible to potentially confuse Bluhen of what his true meaning is... either way! He strokes his chin in thought as he does hear from Bluhen his observations, but he genuinely soaks up the information. He's not acquainted with Auri's temple like Bluhen was, but he supposed the other man was around longer than him. Hooh, he does like a good mystery, but he'd rather be an observer as he watched those more invested unravel it all. Gilgamesh then nods, and opens his mouth, "Oh? I see you've gleaned some information. Fuhahaha, it seems like I underestimated you!" Not like he's going to offer any commentary, but either way it seemed like Gilgamesh doesn't know anything. He totally know things! He's just going to let Bluhen figure it out, since... well! It's not Gilgamesh's business to solve. However, the curiosity still beckons... "Perhaps there were happenings in the past. Well, now you need to look elsewhere for clues, yes? There's no use on trying to distract anymore guards, unless you intend on me using myself as bait again!" He narrows his gaze, "mind you, you wouldn't dare do that, yes?" Nonetheless, Gilgamesh glances around to discern if there is anything else that is accessible for either of them and can be of interest enough even without having to get too close... PANDOR. A cursory glance of the clock tower and the ruins surrounding the base don't provide you with much more than you've already noticed. Speaking of noticed, the presence of two newcomers bickering on the fringes of a restricted area does draw the attention of one more guard. They approach the one Gilgamesh spoke to earlier, and the two seem to be exchanging words that you're too far to pick up, never taking their eyes off you two. Blühen "Haha... it was calculated? It's alright, dear Mr King. You can just say you gave up. ~ I won't judge you for it!" He chuckles a bit, looking over at the guards in the distance and turning around to get ready to walk off. "Haha, maybe we do, but we don't right now. We're not wanted here, and we won't be able to do anything under constant surveillance. ~" He stretches, pockets his hands and starts walking off. "Of course not! You'd probably do an even worse job at it the second time, either way. ~ I'm glad you realize that much, though! We'll have to look elsewhere, and it's not here. Though if you have any wise ideas, you're free to stay. Just know I'm not responsible for whatever happens to you. " His last words are spoken with a rather cheery, sing-song voice considering the circumstances. That's just how he always is, I suppose. Gilgamesh "I didn't give up!" Gilgamesh retorts with a frown, but reluctantly nods along to what Bluhen was saying. As much as he hates to admit it, the other man was right. If he's taking the time to do it, he only wished that there would be something more worthy of noting. However, the fact still remained that they were under surveillance by these damn guards. "You must come with me the next time I try to come here, because I will show you how powerful I am!" Oh, he would at least have enough to knock out these guards once he regained access to his gate. The other's mockery made him even more motivated. "Hmph, you think I cannot handle myself? I am a king, you know." He sends one last glare in the guards' direction, and then turns around. "... I will make a note to come here disguised next time," Gilgamesh mumbles, knowing fully well that he might be blacklisted by default. PANDOR. Exploration ended.