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crearuru · 3 years

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Bravely Default II, Martha x Adelle Chapter 1?

Spoilers for Chapter 3 through the end of the game chapter 6. Word count: 3,113. A lot. Like a lot. I'd count but tumblr wont let me copy paste the whole thing at once and its 4 am

Everyone knows Rhimedhal's winters are colder than the deepest ocean, and that the freezing winds could cut with a fury matching the most skilled skilled of mages. Of course, reading about it was one thing, but to a certain fairy from as sheltered and temperate an environment as Mag Mell, the thought to dress properly for the cold came far too late.

I knew it would be cold, but this is just ridiculous! If my wings were out they'd freeze before I could even get off the ground... Adelle pondered if keeping her disguise intact was worth the freezing cold. Surely, no one being around would allow her to drop her guard... but could she ever truly know who was watching? She'd set out to find her sister knowing she would need to lay low, but dressed for warmth as she was, and with such low visibility, she admitted she desperately needed shelter. She couldn't risk alienating herself from any nearby humans who might spot her braving the storm.

Even the monsters are hunkered down, she thought bitterly to herself. And where was this Rhimedhal town supposed to be, anyways? Surely she should've reached it by now... But she had to keep moving. Had to find somewhere to rest. The wind buffeted her, the ice it carried leaving shallow slices across her exposed midsection. The blizzard had arrived so suddenly, and her memory of the beautiful, gentle snowy night that it interrupted was far from a priority now. Leaving the Wayward Woods was something she needed to do, for her sister, but it was too late to return and beg for more supplies. She wondered how she would ever find those flowers she promised to bring back for her dear friend if she froze out here.

Is that... A cave? A section of darkness ahead, when the blinding white snow clung to everything else brought Adelle's heart a renewed vigor. She would not fall so soon into her journey, not to something as simple as the weather. As she tucked into the Serpent's Grotto, she lit a small fire and set up a tent. She would need to hunker down until the storm passed, which could take anywhere from hours... to weeks. As she regained feeling in her extremities, she realized the wind would blow out her fire if she did not go deeper.... and monsters within the cave may ambush her if she did not take caution. But first... she needed rest. Just an hour or two, and she would be fine. She wasn't in direct path of the wind, for she was behind an outcropping in the cave. She had some time to recover before pressing on.

And so, Adelle slept. Cold, hungry, and exhausted... But not alone. She dreamt of brown hair, of eyes locked upon her with a determination that matched her own, of flashes of silver and pink just out of the fire's light...

And the subject of these dreams knew she was there. Martha had asked Master Gwidyion if someone was coming, and he more than confirmed it. But was the stranger friend, or foe? That is what Martha set to find out. As she prowled the Grotto, her jaw firmly set, her eyes sharp and focused, she wondered if this visitor understood the ground upon which they trespassed. Were they here for the Lord of Dragons? To help? To harm? Master Gwydion had been sick for a while, and Martha worried he may not have much time left. Gwilym was next to inherit the position, but he was young. Needed time. Martha had served Master Gwydion for most of her life, as did her father before her, and his father, and so on. To neglect opportunities to extend his time on Excillant would just not do.

Having taken care of a few troublesome spirits, Martha reached the entrance to the cave. She saw a gray haired girl, in blue and grey, around her age, who she was surprised to see had not succumbed to the cold. Wearing a short shirt and loose pants in a blizzard? Sure, Martha wasn't exactly the picture of bundling up right now, but that was the result of the Dragoon asterisk! She wouldn't leave her midsection exposed to the cold if she weren't the Dragoon guardian, especially not going out into the blizzard full force. Looking closer, she noticed the girl was cut up something awful. The ice in the air had done quite the number on her face and torso. Foe or not, Martha knew she wouldn't likely make it without treatment. Not without some severe frostbite, at least. Eyeing the girl curiously, she picked her up and set her upon her broad shoulder. They would both do nicely with a warm cup of the good stuff in Gwydion's chambers. Then maybe she could ask about the intent behind her trespass.

Adelle opened her eyes to a brightly lit room, filled with greenery, sunlight coming in from the top of the chamber. It was so... warm. She smiled for a moment, content and warm, before feeling the bandages upon her face and stomach.

"Where... Where am I?" Adelle wasn't really expecting an answer, but she heard a calm, regal voice echo in her head.

"You are safe, child of... No? How very... interesting..." Looking up, Adelle saw a massive, silvery dragon, looking down upon her with piercing, yet gentle, red eyes. He seemed almost to take up the whole chamber, and yet he did not feel imposing. The weariness in his voice softened his aura considerably. Her mouth agape, she patted herself along her upper and lower back, wanting to ensure her wings were still hidden. After reassuring herself she would have felt herself revert to her true form, she turned her gaze back to the dragon. "Are you a..."

Martha, piping up from beside the massive beast, let out a quick laugh. "A dragon? Why yes, he is. This is Master Gwydion, and I am his guardian and caretaker, Martha." The brunette smiled, and despite the protective aura seemingly emitting off her, it was a kind and sincere one. But there was an edge to her voice as she continued, "You are trespassing on sacred ground. None are permitted here, in order to keep Master Gwydion, Lord of Dragons, Lord of Rhimedhal safe. State your business, or I'm afraid my act of bandaging your wounds may go to waste."

So it was Martha that bandaged these... Adelle idly traced her fingers along a particularly long stretch of red on her bandaged torso. She must have got cut up worse than she had thought from that ice. "I thought dragons were supposed to be creatures of myths to-" she caught herself. She did not want to find out if humans still carried murderous intent towards her kind. She had heard they would lie, cheat, betray and attack. But this one had bandaged her wounds...? "I thought dragons were supposed to be creatures of myth."

Gwydion's laughter rang through the chamber. There was no malice in it; it was a laugh like that of one who has reconnected with a long lost friend. "I am not the only one here who could claim connection to myth! But, I shall keep this secret for the time being."

Shit, Adelle thought, he's onto me. But at least... she turned her head to look at the woman beside the massive dragon. She definitely appeared to be human. The village fairies had told her that humans had "genders"; "males" were broad and deep of voice, "females" supposedly higher and... Well, there were many differences purported between the two. Adelle observed Martha's strong arms, her tender grip on her spear, the sparkle in her eyes. She couldn't see anything that would help her confirm or deny the accounts of the village fairies. "Men" were "he", "women" were "she"... Maybe asking along those lines would help her keep things straight for maintaining cover.

"Martha?" The brunette looked deep into Adelle, unblinking pools of emerald green. There was caution given towards the fairy in disguise, although she of course had no reason to believe Adelle was anything other than human. Rather, she suspected her motives for coming here. Perhaps there may be something she could do to-

"Martha!"

Martha snapped out of her brainstorming of ways to prove good or ill will for a moment. Her gaze had been returned this whole time.

"Yes?" She asked Adelle through her teeth. Surely no one would come to kill the Lord of Dragons without so much as a winter coat, right? But that brings up the question of what kind of person could make it this far into the Rhimedhal region without freezing to death or prepping properly. The girl's fortitude was certainly-

"Are you-" Adelle caught herself. She needed to phrase this in a way that wouldn't make her look like someone who doesn't know what a "woman" is. "What are your pronouns?"

Martha took a moment to process this. Just what kind of girl gets all cut up in the ice and wind, collapses on sacred and forbidden ground, gets brought to see a dragon, a DRAGON, a deity on earth, and takes the time to ask someone's pronouns before addressing any of the above! Was she trying to strike a nerve? Had she simply forgotten to shave? Martha knew the Dragoon outfit might make her look like a tryhard, some had gone so far as to whisper she was a... a... there were some rather unkind statements going around about her appearance since she'd been dressed in Dragoon, but she was a priest! ....a priest... Right. And should priests not assume sincerity until proven otherwise?

Martha took a breath, then let out a long, slow exhale. "I appreciate your consideration in not assuming. It's quite... modern of you. But, as I've drilled into the townsfolks' heads already, I am a woman. She/her is fine... What about yours? And your name? I can hardly dance around saying it forever."

Adelle was no better off than she had been before. She knew fairies couldn't tell men and women apart, but had she commited a faux pas? Maybe humans and gender weren't so straightforward as the texts implied. Gender was certainly seeming more and more to be more trouble than it was worth. She looked herself over, then at Martha. They both had similar figures, would it be a mistake to use she/her as well? Fairies had "Queens", and "Ladies", which texts about humans her sister Edna had shown her seemed to line up with she/her. She'd planned to go by that set since she set out, but seeing a human be so testy about it was giving her second thoughts.

"My name is Adelle. I am... also a woman. She/her is what I use as well." Phew. Nailed it. Martha's face had softened, and her cover wasn't blown.

Martha was perplexed. Something about Adelle's response gave her pause, but she was at least glad that she hadn't been incorrectly assuming. Those who live in Dragon's Grotto should not throw stones.

"So, Adelle... What business leaves one so woefully unprepared for the cold as yourself frozen half to death on the Lord of Dragon's doorstep? Why didn't you go to town first, or button up?"

There it was. Her first test of her cover story. Heavens only knew how the human would react if she found out Adelle was a fairy.

"I'm... A travelling mercenary. I'm looking for my sister, Edna. She ran off from our hometown, and stole some... very important town heirlooms. Leaving town is not something one normally does, but I needed to track her down. I need answers."

That should be good enough for Martha, right? Adelle stared intently at her, just waiting to see how she took the bait. She hated lying, but... There was a lot more in her future. She would just have to suck it up. She noticed the light shift as she looked over Martha, the twinkle gleaming off her armor, the tail protruding from her back that swayed as she shifted her weight from one leg to the other, the tone to her voice that reminded her of the wind through holes in trees, or water running down the river, the way her emerald eyes looked like the bottom of her favorite crystal clear, mossy lake. She looked so much... prettier, than she expected humans to be. Humans were supposed to be scary, and while this one had indeed made implications of a threat, she had not attacked. She had even bandaged Adelle's wounds...

"Adelle, are you listening?" Adelle snapped out of her trance. "What, Martha? I just responded, d-didn't I?"

Martha shook her head, her long brown hair falling in front of her face, obscuring a soft grin. "I said, what hometown would leave you unprepared for the cold? You could have frozen to death."

"We're... An isolationist town. Not on any map. We stay in one place, so I was not expecting the cold to be so... Penetrating. Reading about it is different than the real thing.

"What do you mean, reading about it? Have you never seen snow before?"

"No, I'd only ever read about it."

Martha's heart sank for the poor girl. The snow and cold were bitter, and deadly if not respected, but to live a life without snow... Without seeing the mountains in spring, as the snow atop the permafrost melts and feeds small rivers... It simply would not do.

"That settles it. As soon as this blizzard ends, I need you to do me a favor."

Adelle hesitated. She really needed to get back to finding her sister. There's no telling what could go wrong if she couldn't track down the asterisks. Though, Martha's outfit seemed familiar somehow...

"I need you to go east, and collect some herbs for Master Gwydion. His health is fading, and these herbs can extend his time left on this plane. But if you bring them back, we will each bestow upon you a favor.

Gwydion spoke, softly but firmly: "I believe I know the service you wish me to provide, Martha. I can provide it. Adelle, if you can bring me these herbs, I will have enough strength left in me to scout for the potential whereabouts of your sister. There are some familiar feelings your presence brings that reminds me of Martha. I'm certain your sister will provide that same trace."

Martha was unsure of the "energy" her Master was talking about, but she did feel an attachment to Adelle. She was quite pretty, yes, but it was more than that. Her asterisk... Adelle and the Dragoon asterisk both gave Martha a sense of.... she.... she couldn't find the words for it. She had guarded Gwydion for years, for juuuuust under a couple decades, even, but the Asterisk was a recent acquisition. The Archbishop had given it to her just a half year ago, and it had given her a sense of self that mere satisfaction with one's purpose could not.

"Master Gwydion is correct, for the part I know he can provide. But I have something to provide as well. If you retrieve the herbs we need, I will show you a beautiful sight. You must see the snow from the way I can see it."

Adelle was confused. The way she could see it?

"And until the blizzard dies down... I hope you don't mind me offering, well, your own offering, but i rummaged through your tent before bringing you in here, and well... I saw you brought firewine."

Damn it! Adelle cursed herself. She knew she should've remembered to take a swig before passing out. No wonder she looked and felt so cold. Not to understate how cold it was outside, but firewine definitely would've helped warm her up inside the cave.

"Would it be alright if we shared a bottle? I see you've definitely stocked your supplies before this journey, oh ho ho!" Martha winked as she said this, to indicate the teasing nature. She... Some part of her wished to extend goodwill towards this trespasser. She had not yet made a move of hostility to Gwydion, nor his son sleeping near his tail, and she was, frankly, dying for company. Tending to the dragons was her life's work, and she would not trade it for the world, but living on sacred ground was terribly stifling to one's social life. The pleasures of the flesh, such as fine food, wine, even the touch of another human's hand on hers... She missed them. If only she knew Adelle wasn't a human, ah?

Adelle's stomach rumbled. She was cold, but no longer freezing. The innermost chamber of the cave was warm enough to support plants, but the chill from her stint outside had yet to fully leave her. She dreaded to think of what she might let slip after partaking, buuuuuut.... It was good to get some practice in. If she really planned on getting work to support her sister-hunt, she would need to get as much practice in with humans as possible.

"What the hell, sure. To a hopefully well spent winter?"

"To a winter well spent, indeed." Martha began to pour them each a glass, and they began to dine. There was fresh meat, berries, fruit, and edible flowers (Martha understood the meat, but wondered how anything else could be this fresh at this time of year). A few glasses in, they both loosened their tongues some. Martha told of the years spent training for the role of Guardian from a young age, and Adelle came up with fantastical stories about the escapades of her and her best friend from Mag Mell... She of course left out any identifying details of fairy status, or names. Flight stories were out as well. Humans walked everywhere. It was slow and exhausting. They dranks and sang, ate, partook in games, danced... and danced, and danced, and danced. There was something about their eyes meeting, the tipsy laughs they shared... Adelle thought that maybe humans aren't as scary as they were led to believe. She knew her sister loved humans, and she could see why. Spinning Martha around until she got dizzy was a real hoot. But when the night was done, they did not retire to bed, so much as fall down one after the other, asleep. Gwylim tried to wrest at least Martha to her usual patch of moss, but they had collapsed over one another and were snoring soundly. Surely, if Martha had reservations about Adelle, they would be gone on the morrow.

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an-oger-in-the-wild · 4 years

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Children Shouldn’t Play with Undead Things

So here’s a fun little team-building exercise I threw at three of my PCs who met a couple in-game days before the official start of the campaign / meeting of the rest of the PCs. The summary? Three unlikely people meet on a coastal beach and end up hanging out in a coastal town’s tavern, chatting the night away, until they - along with the other patrons of the tavern - start getting attacked by an unknown and unseen source: a poltergeist. The three PCs in question consisted of an aasimar warlock, a half-orc cleric, and a wood-elf druid, so some really cool and interesting social and debuff spells (like Detect Evil and Good, Faerie Fire, and Message to name a few) were available for use that didn’t have to be damage-focused, teaching the group early that you don’t necessarily have to only have combat spells equipped in order to overcome obstacles or solve problems.

If you’d like to use this encounter for your 1st, 2nd, or even 3rd level (like my group was) party, you’ll want to be sure to lay a good foundation of visual descriptions - little things that are actually Easter eggs for the party to remember later, realizing that they were actually clues.

QUEST LEAD: This encounter takes place in a small tavern called Bottles & Drafts. You can read this little block of text to introduce your characters to the first NPC in this encounter; or, alternatively, you can use your own tavern or NPC if you already have a place in mind:

You see, as you enter, a pleasantly-lit tavern, complete with a small hearth, two long tables, three smaller round tables, and a neatly-kept bar with stools. Looking around, you notice that the dining area is rather saddlery-themed with things like horseshoes, halters, and old bridles hung on the wall for décor, befitting of the inn’s adjoining stables out back. Near an entryway to a hall at the far end of the room, you see a physically imposing grayish/green-skinned woman - about 6' 1" - with short, chipped tusks protruding from her lips. She wears a brown tank top with olive-colored cotton pants, and her light-brown hair is kept short on top and shaved close on the sides. She's standing on a small ladder, hanging a new item on the wall: a black leather horse whip (or some might call it a crop). She's mounting it to the wall as best she can, but it keeps falling off the wall each time she gets off the ladder, making her visibly frustrated as she repeats the process three times in the time it takes you to find a seat.

This is Jacoba, a half-orc (use stat block of berserker) - she owns the inn, Bottles & Drafts (named thus as your adventurers can both purchase a night’s stay there or take a trip around back to its stables to purchase a mount, such as a draft or riding horse). Today, your party happens to walk in on her hanging a whip...little do they know that this is the item to which the poltergeist has attached itself.

Part 1: a Start to an Exciting Evening

Be sure the party knows they are not the only ones in the tavern! Three other patrons sit in different areas of the inn (each to themselves):

Roberick Zemony, male human (looks visibly intoxicated)

Tawnel Ostoro, male half-elf (dressed in the uniform of the local guards)

Baerla Flaskbraids, female dwarf (has a small rabbit familiar with her)

While the party sits around conversing - probably around a meal or a few drinks - have some strange things happen as the evening approaches:

Random drinks sitting in front of patrons at the bar tip over onto their laps, soaking them.

Patrons go to sit in their chairs...but right before they sit down, the chair is just a little too far from them and they fall to the floor on their asses.

The whip will continue to fall off the wall, usually AT Jacoba as she walks by with a plate of food or a platter filled with drinks.

She will eventually give up on trying to mount it and will make a scene as her barbarian temper gets the better of her: describe her as being close to raging mad over the “stupid whip,” picking it up (perhaps putting the strap in her mouth and gnawing at it for a moment) then violently whipping a vacant spot at the bar with it a few times before throwing the whip down the hallway and heading back behind the bar.

If the party tries to interact with Jacoba or ask her about the whip, she can explain that the décor is a collection of old pieces that have either been found by patrons who frequent the tavern or are left behind after a rental horse or carriage is returned. This most recent piece was actually given to her earlier today by a tradesman who came through for a drink (while nothing more has to come of this mention, you could always develop this out into an extended quest).

With a good enough Charisma check, Jacoba may also tell the party what she knows about the other three patrons left in the tavern if they get inquisitive:

Roberick Zemony, male Human (nightly patron; commoner, middle-aged; "dad bod," thinning hair; lazy-sounding drunken voice)

Tawnel Ostoro, male half-elf guard (off-duty but still in his regalities; just got off his guard duty shift and likes to come up for a quick sip or two before he returns to the barracks for the evening; condescending)

Baerla Flaskbraids, female dwarf (a scout passing through on her way back to her guildhall north of here; just finished clearing out a pesky infestation of stirges and is staying the night before heading back in the morning)

Part 2: It Begins

Once it’s officially evening, the party sees Roberick get up to go to "water the flowers" (at which Jacoba threatens to kill him if he does).

As he stands to leave, the flames in the wall sconces all extinguish at once and the sound of Roberick screaming in pain and then moaning fills the room.

(HE DEAD, Y'ALL.)

Jacoba will quickly try to relight the sconces if no one casts a spell before this is done.

Once there is light, everyone will be able to see Roberick's dead body on the floor, a knife stuck in his chest.

If no one revives him, proceed to Part 3.

If someone casts Revivify or Speak with Dead, he won't know what hit him or killed him.

Part 3: a Murder Mystery

Before Tawnel (the half-elf guard) allows anyone to move, he will swiftly walk over to the door (the only exit) and bar it shut, stating that "no one will be leaving here until I find out who killed this man."

Investigation checks can begin to be made against the dead body (DC: 13).

On a success, they can tell from the angle of impact and the blood splatter that the attack had to have come from the direction of the bar and that the knife had to have been flung at him from a distance.

If investigating for magic, use the same DC for an Arcana check; however, no magical aura is detected around the body or the knife.

If spells like Detect Magic or Detect Evil and Good are cast, assume that the poltergeist will not be within the 30 foot radius in this one instance; after the party has made some good detective work headway though, feel free to reward smart casting by allowing the undead creature to “light up” as it were. Those spells last 10 minutes unless dropped, so you can toy with them by having the poltergeist move in and out of the range of the spell occasionally.

Insight checks can be made against the NPCs for added intrigue if the characters are suspicious or on-edge:

Tawnel (the half-elf guard): this is probably the most exciting thing he's ever seen as a guard of a relatively uninteresting city, so he's hoping that getting to the bottom of this murder will help him climb the ladder of success

Alibi: he's "one of the good guys" and just wants to figure out what happened…he was sitting in the corner reading smut (but he won't want anyone to know that this is what he was reading).

Motive: everyone - including Tawnel - knows Roberick…he's the town drunk and tends to get into trouble when he drinks: Tawnel has arrested him on a couple occasions for indecency in front of children and found him no better than the dirt beneath his boots - Jacoba has heard him say before that “it would be a better world without Roberick in it.”

Baerla (the dwarf scout): has only been seen thus far to be talking to her rabbit...plus she has a longbow on her back and a sword at her side - seems strange enough to draw some attention, right?

Alibi: she knows no one here - why would she kill someone?...she was busy scrolling a message to send with her animal messenger (a rabbit) back to her guildhall to inform them of the completion of her job; her rabbit is "gone now though."

Motive: Roberick was being loud and obnoxious and (per Baerla) was making fun of her height earlier that evening.

Jacoba (the half-orc tavern owner / berserker): normal day, just got a new shipment of food today as well as a few new bridle materials, some new tankards, that kind of thing; a tradesman bartered with her for a new item for her tavern - the whip.

Alibi: she was serving drinks when the lights went out and Roberick dropped dead.

Motive: Roberick was behind on his tab by several months - Tawnel knows that this has really been bothering Jacoba lately.

Part 4: Further Bloodshed

The poltergeist will become enraged by any light-based spells or by radiant damage (clerics and paladins BEWARE!).

It will also get increasingly angry if the whip is in any way touched or damaged. If someone moves within 30 feet of the poltergeist’s area, it will become aggressive and throw things using its Telekinetic Thrust (+4 to hit, 2d4 bludgeoning or piercing damage, depending on the item); if they get reeeeally close, it will use its Forceful Slam attack (+4 to hit, reach 5 feet, 3d6 force damage).

NOTE: If you really want to freak the party out, try throwing them around with its Telekinetic Thrust by rolling a contested Strength (the PC) versus Charisma (the poltergeist) check to see if the undead creature can “hurl the target up to 30 feet in any direction, including upward,” causing 1d6 damage per 10 feet moved - I wouldn’t recommend this unless your group can handle these amounts of damage though - always playtest before playing!

Part 5: Reclaiming Serenity

There are a couple of ways this can go:

If you have a party who loves to get stuff done by way of combat, you can certainly take the most direct route by allowing them to work through the difficulties of waging war with a creature who never turns visible. As mentioned in my opening paragraph, debuff spells like Detect Evil and Good, Faerie Fire, or See Invisibility are great uses of spellcasting while in combat with an invisible creature. Additionally, you may have a party member who thinks outside the box and has the idea to try to destroy the item to which the spirit is attached - this is a great idea! A low-level encounter like this is a nice way to condition your party for battles that cannot simply be won by hacking and slashing.

If you have a party or party member who wants to make the world a better place with a more passive approach, you could delve deeper into the backstory of the poltergeist, giving it a history that shaped it into a malevolent spirit. Use the whip as inspiration: did the whip belong to the spirit in its previous life? Was it sentimental? Does it need returned to someone in order for the spirit to find peace? Alternatively, does the whip have a darker connotation - was it a weapon used against the spirit in its former life? Is the spirit seeking an unattainable revenge on innocent victims? Ponder these things and come up with a flexible and easily improved story in case you have a tenderhearted sorcerer or a righteous paladin with high charisma who want to try to reason with the undead creature. Allow a series of Persuasion checks to convince the poltergeist that they don’t need to act violently or to help the undead creature to pass on into the next life: this can make for a really memorable role-playing moment that will change the normally black and white outlook most parties have on undead creatures.

Thanks for reading, guys! If you like this post and would like to get more encounter idea inspiration like this one, let me know by asking to be included on my Enticing Encounters taglist!

#dnd #dnd encounters #dnd encounter building #encounter of the week #TTRPG #BtFM #Enticing Encounters #undead #poltergeist #this literally took forever because tumblr posts are annoying to format

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camomills · 6 years

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Title: Guardians Fandom: Dames and Dragons (Podcast) Word Count: 1,288 Summary: Moments of respite between a teenage Goddess and her friends. Notes: I want to write Maeri interacting with all of the Guardians so this will be a three-parter eventually, probably. It’s my first time writing for these characters so I hope they don’t come off as overtly OOC. I kinda only remembered that Laika is not supposed to know Maeri’s sign language too well in the middle of writing it (oops) so sorry if that aspect seems wonky.

Also, if you’ve never heard of @damesanddragons ,I recommend it.

AO3 Link

The smell of battle follows them long after everything is over.

It sticks to their hairs and their clothes and burrows itself in their minds. Burnt manflesh is an odor that’s easier to wash than to forget, Fran soon realizes; after the fourth time she’s rinsed herself off, she notices she’s not sensing the smell, but reminiscing.

It’s been a long march since the fall of the temple of Iol. Dozens of tieflings with fractured limbs and broken wings trek along in the large pack of wounded soldiers, seasoned veterans following the steps of four insolent teens.

As the hours pass, Maeri feels the eyes of her guardians drilling into the back of her skull, senses their disappointment, their anger, their broken expectations weighting on her shoulders. She feels unworthy of looking at them in the eyes after what she’s done. Her walk is peppered with an uncharacteristically ungraceful shaking as she unconsciously tries to distance herself from them, her scurrying brought to a halt as she feels something tug at her cape.

Turning around, she’s greeted by Corbin’s dark eyes, his brows knitted in worry. As she turns the others, she sees their eyes warm not with scorn, but with care.

“Maeri?”

“Crazy Maeri, you’re heading too far from the group! We already had enough excitement for today,” Fran says, teasing.

Laika simply steps towards the goddess silently, an armored hand draping over the shorter girl’s shoulder. “Maeri, c’mon.” Maeri casts her head down again, this time to hide surfacing tears of guilty relief.

They’re still willing to stay by my side.

They continue on marching, the four of them, together.

The sun descends at an agonizingly slow pace, but it descends nonetheless. With the lowered visibility brought by the settling night and the piling fatigue of hours of walking, the troop decides to stop and rest at the breezy field past the mountain until dawn.

It’s a rare moment of reprieve where Laika gets to doff her armor and let her hair down, her beaten, stained gray gambeson less regal but more comfortable than heavy chainmail. She doesn’t mind how her long, dark hair gets entangled in her horns as she’s slouched lazily under the shade of a great oak tree, the thick, grizzly fur of a gigantic wolf chafing against her skin. She scratches Zarun’s neck, commending her grandpa for his bravery back at the temple, sending his tail into a frantically lethargic wagging only a wolf his age can produce. He trots away as Gingie beckons him to join her in hunting something in the nearby woods, leaving Laika by herself.

Shortly after, Laika sees a short figure climbing the hill.

It greets the girl lying down with a sheepish, nervous wave, and Laika responds in kind.

“Hey, Maeri,” she greets with her husky voice.

Maeri approaches Laika and sits by her side, perhaps more awkwardly than intended; she avoids looking into her eyes and kicks the grass before sitting - she doesn’t know why she does that - and knocks her head against the tree trunk as she lowers herself down. Laika shoots her a look as if to ask “did that hurt,” and Maeri shoots a string of hand signals so chaotic amidst her nervousness she could as well just be flapping her hands

Maeri raises her hand again after her hand flourish, but keeps it still for a moment. Laika stares at her, expectant but calm. Even bloodstained and sunken-eyed, Laika has a gentle aura about her; something about the spark in her eyes , Maeri thinks to herself.

There’s a couple of seconds of silence as her hands don’t say anything. She trembles for a second before gesturing. I wanted to talk to you, she signs , about... back at the temple. Laika nods, and Maeri’s hands weave intricate patterns through the air.

Back then, Corbin warned me that you were in danger, that you could - her motions halt for a second, and she looks pained, - that you could die. And I went ahead and ran anyway.

Her toes clawed at the damp soil beneath them, Maeri’s nails caking with dirt as she fidgeted around with her hands before resuming.

I- I don’t want you to think that is because I don’t care. I’m sorry, so so sorry, and I’m so glad you’re alive but that doesn’t change the fact you might have not made and I ran away and--

Laika squinted, trying to parse out the quick hand gestures like she was speed reading. She’s been getting better at understanding some of the signs composing the Goddess’ elocution after a certain time under Corbin’s tutelage (a surprisingly good tutor, really), but it was still like reading with holes in the page. She seemed to get the gist of what Maeri meant, though.

“I was pretty mad at you back at the temple, not gonna lie,” Laika interjects, and Maeri bites her lip so hard it hurts.

“But I already gave you an earful about that.” She pauses, and taps her fingers against the ground, pensively. “Listen, we- we need each other, Maeri. Me, Fran, Corbin, we can’t do this- whatever this is, without you, and I get you can’t do this without us.”

Maeri raises a hand and prepares to sign, I know, I know, I’m sorry, so sorry --

“But I guess that that’s scary, like, being a God and all that, and you were going through a lot. So when I tell you that you have to do better, I ain’t just talking about doing stuff for us. I’m talking about trusting us.” Laika sets a palm over Maeri’s shoulder. “Trusting us to carry this burden with you, and stuff.”

Perhaps Laika realizes how mushy she’s sounding, because she averts her gaze, glad her face can’t grow any redder due to her carmine complexion.

“I mean, that’s my duty after all.”

This awkwardness reminds her of their first meeting, how she freaked out seeing Maeri’s godly figure before her then. She doesn’t see her as such an imposing figure now - she’s grown too familiar for that, - but the fact she still finds her looks to be smiting remains the same.

Maeri can’t help but chuckle at Laika’s unexpected bashfulness, and she squints away tears that welled up in her eyes without her notice. Your duty as my guardian? She signs. I told you don’t have to worry about that anymore.

Laika needs a few moments to process Maeri’s hand motions again before replying. She looks unsure, whether about her sign reading or what to say, before replying, “I mean as your friend.”

Maeri couldn’t understand it - Laika’s kindness, or any of her guardians’, for that matter. Their patience with her seemed to be infinite. At that moment, Maeri, too, was glad her skin tone doesn’t give away her face might have grown a bit hotter.

The much-taller girl extends her hand. It takes Maeri a moment to understand as she releases a gentle gasp of “oh, got it!” and performs the super cool handshake she came up with together with her friends in what feels like ages ago. A goofy grin tugs at both of their faces.

I’m really glad that you’re alive, she signs.

“Trust me, I’m glad I’m alive too,” Laika quips, and the Goddess smiles even warmer this time.

They spend a while admiring the view of such a beautiful place after witnessing so much destruction - the soothing breeze, the rustle of emerald leaves, the pair of huge wolves running close to the river’s margin. It helped remember they were fighting to keep places like this from suffering the same fate Iol did.

Fatigue eventually takes the best of Laika and she dozes off on the prickly grass. Maeri smiles at her, and gently waves her goodbye before going back to check on the others.

She signs to Laika, even though she’s sure she couldn’t see it.

Rest well, Laika.

#Dames and Dragons #fili writes #filipe talks things

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princelesbian · 7 years

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Sidlink Fic: Connecting Chapter 2

Ao3

Chapter 1 // Chapter 2 // Chapter 3

“It is good to see Link again. After all these years it seems he is still the same, reckless as always. It seems that he is happy.”

Mipha turned to face Zelda, her features soft and kind. She rested a hand over the Hylian princess’ own.

“He has been taken care of, yes?” Mipha looked down. “Not to say that I do not trust you. I worry about him, I cannot heal from such a distance. He was always one to get hurt due to his need to be heroic.” Mipha dropped her hand, smiling softly.

“I fear he does not like me very much, Lady Mipha. He has spoken not a fair word to me since our meeting though he has saved my life. I understand that I was cruel, but despite my efforts nothing has changed.” Zelda sighed, leaning against the brick of the wall. Although she had not known the Zora princess long, she had seemed to emanate a comfortable aura. It was refreshing to meet a friendly face amongst all those who sought to only oppress her and use her as an item of a long foretold legend.

“He has a good heart. If your intentions are true, then give him time.” Mipha touched the Hylian princess’ arm lightly before turning to leaving as she came; on an air of grace.

Zelda closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the watchful gaze of her knight return. He was ever-present, and silent as the wind. To the expressive princess, it was disconcerting.

There was a light tugging at her sleeve.

“Hey Princess!” A Zora child bounced up and down in front of Zelda, grinning broadly. She recognized him as Mipha’s young brother, Sidon.

“Yes?” Her brows furrowed as she recognized what he held.

“Princess! I hope you don’t mind but I looked through your things because it’s all really really cool! I found this book, is it your diary? You write really pretty. Mipha has a diary too, how come you both talk about Link so much, huh? Sister says says I shouldn’t-”

“Give me that!” Zelda grabbed the book quickly, holding it closely to her chest. Her cheeks flared an embarrassing shade of red as she hunched into the book as if trying to encase it in her body.

“Are you upset? I just thought maybe-” Sidon began with widened eyes, fumbling slightly over his words. The Hylian princess stormed away in a flurry, chewing on her lower lip and fuming.

Sidon stared after her, a confused expression crossing his features. The Princess’ knight lingered back with the young Zora. He came forward from the wall he had watched on from, kneeling in front of the Prince to match his height a little better.

“Link? Link! It’s been a really long time since I’ve seen you! Do you wanna play?” The young prince completely lost his confusion, full attention now on the Hylian Champion. Link shook his head, and Sidon’s expression dropped.

“Awe, why not?” He pouted, arms crossed.

“You really hurt her feelings, you know.” Link said, looking in the direction Zelda had left in. Sidon’s shoulders slumped, and his gaze fell.

“I did? Oh no! I just wanted to be friends with her! What did I do!?” Sidon snapped up, frantic.

“You really shouldn’t look through other people’s things. It’s not very heroic.” Link rested his hands on the Zora’s shoulders, assuring.

“It’s not? Link, what am I supposed to do!?”

“Apologize to her when she’s calmed down.” Link said, giving his shoulder a squeeze. Sidon nodded vigorously.

“I wanna be a hero, just like you, Link. One day I’m gonna be big and strong and I’m gonna be just like you. I’ll help lots of people and I’ll fight for my people, and I’ll be a nice king.” The Prince balled his fists, eyes sparkling. Link chuckled, standing.

“You want to be a hero?” He asked. Sidon nodded again, determined.

“Of course I do!”

“You need to remember one thing while you’re fighting for what’s right, Sidon. You need to in order to be a brave hero for your people and your sister.”

“What’s that? Anything, I’ll do it.”

“Show the enemy no fear.”

~*~*~

“Firstly, the remaining camps will need to be cleared. If not by the Zora warriors then by some other means.” Zelda frowned, still displeased with the outcome of the council.

“We cannot afford the labor, we need the Zoras.” Impa tapped her chin lightly, gazing tiredly at the fiery princess.

“We will find a way around it.” Zelda huffed.

“Very well then. We will also need the Gorons to help restore the remaining foundation of Castle Town after the camps are cleared.” Impa noted. Zelda nodded, jotting something down with her pen.

“I will write to Bludo promptly, then. We should also recruit the Rito to carry materials over water and across towns. The Gerudo women may be of use to provide supplies, material, and general craftsmanship. Many however will not appreciate the weather.” Zelda spoke absently, writing in her book. Impa leaned back slightly.

“And what of your findings with Vah Ruta?”

“Vah Ruta was not functioning as reported. I am working towards discovering how to get it working once again, although I suspect it may have something to do with inner damage to the orbs on it’s back from the force of the blast it gave to Calamity Ganon. I would not be surprised if similar reports were made on the Divine Beasts, but I will do my best to properly restore them.”

“Very good, Zelda.” Impa nodded approvingly. Zelda smiled slightly at the praise.

Link entered almost silently. The Hylian princess looked up.

“Oh, Link, I need to ask you a favor.” Zelda spoke, burying her hands into her pile of papers.

“What is it?” Link asked, nodding to Impa in greeting.

“I need you to deliver this letter to Prince Sidon at Zora’s Domain.” She adjusted the stack, handing Link a creamy envelope sealed red with the symbol of the Hylian royal family. Link studied it for a moment.

“Did you decide how you were going to respond to his offer?” Link furrowed his brows. Impa sighed as Zelda whirled around, expression nearly furious.

“Yes, I did. I decided to tell him that I would not and never would marry him and especially not for convenience. After all we’ve done for them, they can’t even show the slightest hint of courtesy. I swear to Hylia that the next monster that appears I will personally send it upon them with my own fury. And marriage! What is he thinking! I have my freedom at last, I cannot afford to be tied down as a dainty wife. I have a kingdom to build, not a husband to coddle. Stuck up, inconsiderate people like him make it an embarrassment to be royalty. There must be another way around this, I will make sure of that!” Zelda fumed, clenching her fist tightly. Her cheeks were dusted rosey as she turned back to her notes, scowling.

“I - okay, I’ll just deliver this letter than.” Link held his hands out in defense, eyes wide. Impa looked on apologetically, waving him out of the room before he could cause another outburst.

~*~*~

As Link settled onto Ayla’s saddle, he sighed contentedly. The familiar scent of leather and hay lingered, and he found that he had missed riding the past days he had been stuck in Kakariko. He was glad for an excuse to be back on the road, despite having to camp out the nights of the long travel.

Arrangements for his departure were made the day after the Princess’ request, and he had spent the day packing supplies. The journey would not be a long one, but a vigorous one nonetheless. Link patted down the saddlebag making sure that he had enough food, flint, and wood to last the nights. The letter was tucked securely into a pocket of the bag.

Over the course of the next three days, he had traveled across bridges and ruins, through forests and around lakes. Link had most of all missed relying on horseback rather than the Sheikah Slate to travel. While the device was useful for it’s purpose, he had no real need of it with the threat of Calamity Ganon no longer lingering. It was tiring and it always took longer, but the scenery and ride was always worth it. Winding down the trails and caves, Link made no haste, rather basked in the surroundings of one of his favorite places in Hyrule. Zora's Domain.

Ayla’s hooves clicked over the smooth stone of The Great Zora Bridge, alerting the guards of their presence as they neared. Link dismounted, giving Ayla a pat and slipping her an apple. He turned to Rivan.

“Master Link! We were not expecting you back so soon!” The Zora guard started at the sight of the Hylian Champion, a smile growing nonetheless.

“Zelda asked me to deliver something, but it’s always nice to be back.” Link smiled back, handing Ayla’s reigns to the Zora. Rivan nodded, a happy expression in place.

“Of course, you're always welcome here. We’ll be happy to take care of Ayla for you.” Rivan nodded, taking the reigns. Link gave him a nod before turning his attention to the Domain itself, scanning the ethereal river kingdom for a certain red-scaled prince. When his sight didn't catch the Prince, he entered the Domain, letter clutched in hand for fear of losing it.

Link wove around his old friends and acquaintances, tired from the journey and not caring much for excitable conversation for the time. Up the steps and into the throne room where King Dorephan always sat imposing and regal, a watchful gaze cast over the entire court. His stern expression loosened at the sight of the Hylian Champion.

“Ah, Link!” His voice boomed throughout the room. “It is unusual for you to make several visits in such a short span of time! I imagine it has something to do with the Princess’ request?” The King leaned forward on his chair, smiling greatly.

Link nodded, holding up the letter. “She asked me to deliver this to Sidon.”

“Of course. He should be in his study, you know where it is.” The King said with a wave of his hand, leaning back. Link bowed forward slightly before making his way to a door tucked away off to the side behind the throne room.

He paused in front of the door he knew to be Prince Sidon’s study. He knocked on the door, and stretched his aching limbs as he waited for the response.

“Come in!” The Prince’s muffled voice rang out from inside the room. Link pushed the door open with little resistance. It seemed almost strange to see the large and energetic prince seated still at a desk, papers and books spread before him yet neatly arranged. Link didn’t even try to stifle the chuckle that escaped at the sight.

“Oh yes, laugh it up Mu-” The Prince began, eyes stilled glued to his work. As his eyes trailed up, however, he choked on the word. He stared at the champion, mouth gaping for a moment.

“L-Link! What brings you here so soon?” Sidon jumped up from his chair, knees knocking into his desk and hands splayed flat. Despite the fact, a broad and bright grin stretched across his lips.

“Zelda asked me to deliver this to you.” Link said, grinning himself. The Zora prince’s happiness was always infectious. He outstretched the letter in his hand. Sidon paused, excitement faltering.

“Oh, yes… Thank you.” He stared at the letter for a moment before taking it from the Hylian gingerly, meeting Link’s gaze as he tore it open deliberately.

As the Prince scanned the contents of the letter, his expression sobered. A long sigh escaped him as he slumped back into his chair. Link watched him, surprised. He’d never seen anything get to Sidon, his expression always a happy one.

“Sidon?” Link asked quietly, peering up at the Prince. Sidon looked at him crestfallen, his eyes deep with worry. Link felt a pang in his heart.

“I… do not know what to do.” He said, his frown deepening. “This was the only way I know to unite our people. The elders will not sway, and now I fear Zora’s Domain will only suffer for it.”

“Zelda will find another way.” Link said firmly, placing a hand delicately on Sidon’s arm. Sidon shook his head.

“Any document she needs will surely be destroyed or outdated. I thank you for your support nonetheless.” The Prince made an attempt of a smile, facing the Hylian fully. Link looked at him, dispirited and somber. Link thought frantically for an answer, anything to restore the happiness he had come to grow used to. He was never good with politics, but seeing the Zora prince in such a state was almost painful, and he was willing to do anything to put a smile back on his face.

“I’ll do it.” Link blurted suddenly, not really registering what he was saying. Sidon looked up, confused.

“You’ll do what?” he asked.

“I’ll marry you.”

“Oh! I’m flattered, truly... but what will this accomplish?” Sidon tilted his head. Link thought for a moment, unsure how it would himself. Suddenly, the Prince gripped Link’s shoulders, eyes widening.

“Wait a moment. As Princess Zelda’s personal knight you are from an esteemed family of royal knights, yes? That would make you at the very least a minor aristocrat. But not only that, you are a Champion, which makes for even closer connections to the royal family. My people value you greatly, and trust you not only as the Hero who saved us from Vah Ruta and defeated Calamity Ganon, but as their revered friend.” Sidon shook the Champion's shoulders slightly, smile growing with each point.

Link looked up, surprised. “And what does that mean?”

Sidon stood up quickly, looking down at the Hylian Champion brightly.

“It means this might work, even better than the Princess herself I daresay. You'd do this, Link? You'd do this for me!? Ahah! You truly are my most treasured friend, you do not cease to amaze me!” Sidon gave an airy laugh, pulling Link off his feet in a hug. He spun him around the room, clutching him tightly close. He set Link to the floor after a few moments, smiling apologetically. Link stumbled on his feet, the floor moving beneath him.

“That’s good?” Link said, unsure and wobbling. Sidon nodded enthusiastically.

“I must present this idea to my father. We have no rooms prepared for you, you would not mind staying at the inn tonight, yes?”

“Of course not.”

“Excellent! Come, come. We must make haste.” Sidon grinned, ushering the Hylian out of the room. He gave Link a bright smile. “I will come for you tomorrow. For now, go rest. Truly Link, thank you.”

Link nodded, fuzzy. What exactly did he just offer?

~*~*~

Sidon stood upon the petitioning dais before his father, hands folded behind his back as he stared up, a stoic expression in place. King Dorephan watched him curiously, leaning on the arm of the throne and tapping his cheek lightly. The elders of the council sat before as well, Muzu standing post as head of the council. All but the King himself seemed unsure of the situation.

“My son, you have called for council. I presume it is to do with the return of the Hylian Champion and the letter you had received this morning?” The King asked, looking down. Sidon squared his shoulders, tilting his chin skyward. A low chatter broke amongst the council members.

“Yes, Father. I have received a letter from Princess Zelda regarding the unity proposal. She firmly refused, and insists on finding another way. However I do not think she will find another feasible solution.” Sidon began, speaking detached and to the court.

“Then she will not have her agreement, it is simple, Your Majesty.” A member of the council, Seggin, spoke quickly. Sidon shook his head, turning directly to face the council.

“I am afraid it is not that simple. For the past century, since the first appearance of Calamity Ganon and fall of Hyrule, we have been on a decline. In order to return Zora’s Domain to it’s former glory, a unity with the Hylians is essential. They were before and once again will be the center of commerce, and the correlation between their success with ours will be undeniable. Our resources as a majorly isolated kingdom are limited as they are currently. It would be wise to form this connection if we are able.” Sidon spoke, loud and unwavering. King Dorephan took on almost a pleased expression, while the council members grumbled amongst themselves in distaste. The information wasn’t news to the council, though it had not been brought up in detest for the Hylian race.

Trello stood from his seat in the council, expression twisted bitterly.

“My Prince, while this may be true we cannot simply ignore tradition. We have been doing well as a race thus far, and to throw away thousands of years worth of tradition for such a thing would be foolish. If we must, we will find another source of trade.” The elder Zora defended his position feverently, nearly shaking where he stood. Sidon nodded along to the spiel, knowing full well they would not find another source of trade as they hadn’t in one hundred years. The Hylians were vital to the economy, that much was true as could be seen by the lacking within the past century.

“Your highness, it seems we are at an impasse once more as when Princess Zelda stood in our court not a week ago. Continuing like this does not seem to be doing anything for the matter.” Muzu spoke up, irritated.

“Ah, Muzu, this is where you are wrong. While in my study this morning, the Hylian Champion Link delivered Princess Zelda’s letter. We spoke about the matter, and he came up with a marvelous idea to create that connection between our kingdoms.” Sidon said, a glimmer appearing in his eye as he spoke. King Dorephan leaned forward curiously.

“Go on, Sidon.” The King nodded, a gesture for him to continue. Sidon bit in inside of his cheek, it was now or never. He breathed in deeply, smiling for confidence.

“There is another better suited to be wed to me.” He said, a little too quickly.

“And who might that be?” The King asked, though a sort of understanding appeared on his features as he leaned back. Sidon’s eyes flicked to the door.

“Link. Not only was he an aristocrat of sorts before Hyrule had been destroyed, he is a Champion. As such, his connections with the royal family are clear. He is a hero who has saved not only us Zora, but the every other race as well. Our people love and trust him as a treasured friend as it is. I would argue that he is a better choice than the princess herself.” Sidon gave strongly, his head held high.

“An aristocrat, you say? In such a case he may very well be in line to take the throne after Zelda, as all known royalty and descendents were destroyed during the Calamity.” King Dorephan pondered, tapping his fingers on the arm of the chair.

“Have you forgotten something, my liege? A throne needs an heir to sit upon it.” Seggin huffed once more, his voice haughty. The King remained silent, and Sidon mentally berated himself for not thinking of such an issue sooner. He grappled for anything that came to mind, searching frantically for a solution.

“Surrogacy?” The Prince cleared his throat to hide the desperation in his voice. The court remained still, though the more time stretched on the more valid an answer it seemed. “It is not an unheard of solution, though not ideal. I am sure there is record of the Royal Family using surrogate mothers due to infertility.” Sidon added.

A low hum of voices echoed throughout the hall as the council debated the subject. King Dorephan sat back in his chair and smiled. Many of the council members aged faces were lined heavily with distaste. Muzu looked at Sidon curiously.

“It seems to be a valid solution.” He said. The King nodded.

“The court is dismissed for now. We will discuss the possible arrangement of this at a later date.” King Dorephan boomed. The council members stood to leave, grumbling. “Sidon, stay. I wish to speak with you.”

Sidon stood still at the dais, staring up at his father. King Dorephan remained silent until the throne room was empty.

“My son. We were faced with a delicate issue, and you solved it in stride. You took great care of the opinions of the council and traditions of our people, but Sidon. Are you sure you want to go through with this? It will be a political marriage.” He said, his rough tone softer than usual. Sidon took a deep breath and conjured an image of Link in his mind, lopsided grin on his face and mirth in his eyes. Sidon smiled softly, posture relaxing.

“I am sure. It is what’s best for our people. I am confident in this unity.” Sidon told his father, looking him in the eye with an overflowing confidence. The King watched him for a moment intently, before his expression changed and he gave a nod.

“I am proud of you Sidon. You will make a good king one day.”

“You mean it..? Thank you, Father!” Sidon jumped up, excitement from the praise rising in his voice. King Dorephan laughed, his deep voice booming through the hall.

“Of course, my son. I will send for Princess Zelda immediately. You are free to go.” He said with a gesturing wave. Sidon bowed forward before walking out of the throne room with a newborn fire. As soon as he was out of sight from his father, his walking turned brisk as he made his way towards Seabed Inn, a skip in his step.

As he spotted Link in front of the inn with Kodah, a wide smile stretched across his lips with barely contained happiness.

“Say hey there!”

Chapter 3

#sidlink #botw #link #sidon #myfic #connecting

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