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[scionofwisdom]

[Zelda doesn't know why she has come up to the upper decks during twilight again. Perhaps, after the things she has endured, being here she somehow misses the Twilight and the confines of her prison. They say one grows comfortable in their surroundings, and once displaced, they feel more vulnerable than before, even if the previous state was one of imprisonment.

Zelda wonders if this is the case for her. She's managed to find her items that had gone missing, it had taken quite a bit of searching, but they had gradually been located on one deck or another. She donned them all now, even the hooded black cloak she had always worn in the chilly confines of her tower in Hyrule castle.

Her thoughts are scattered with the wind, her mind is a cluster of things she cannot understand, things that she does not know if she wants to understand.

She makes an attempt to clear her thoughts; she does not want to feel such conflict within her now. Instead, she wants to enjoy the setting sun that splashes the ocean with bright orange and red hues that flicker across the water.

She shivers, despite the warm breeze the flickers across her face.]

Comments

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

[He watches her. She moves with elegance and grace. She moves like a flower in the wind, unfurls her petals, and shows those wings. They've been clipped. Like his princess's. She's still so beautiful, though, and it radiates like a glow from her.

He always feels apprehensive when he sees her. Indecisive. Uncertain. He never seems to know what to think. Not when it comes to her. He can pick up certain things about her, but that's about it. He doesn't dare to dig any deeper. If he does, he's likely to cross into things he should avoid. If she wants to let him in, he'll crawl in. Otherwise, he'll steer clear.

Sheik watches her for wordless moments. Then with fingertips, he plays for her, hidden in the shadows, in the crooks of the ship. It's her lullaby. Or the one for his own. Surely it's been passed down to her, however. It seems unlikely his other half wouldn't uphold tradition.

--Even with an ottsel coercing her to Spargus.]

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

[The sunbeams danced off the waves in a show that seemed as if it were only for the princess. Everything was quiet, except for the occasional quiet splash of waves against the side of the ship.

'Beautiful', she thought to her self. 'Little wonder Midna thrives on this.'

She continued to stare out at the ocean, until the soft strains of a hauntingly familiar song reach her ears.

She had thought she was alone.

'Foolish', she told herself 'to ever think yourself alone on this ship.' She steps away from the railing, but she doesn't turn around, or speak.

She has a feeling she knows who is in the shadows of the ship. Her instincts are nearly always correct.]

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

[He's stirred her from her thoughts, or pushed her into other ones. His expression is amazingly soft, and he's relieved that he's managed to find a way to hide that. She doesn't need to see that. She doesn't even need to know about it.

His harp lowers, trailing mid-song, and he tucks it away. A hand lifts and presses to the wall at his back. He slides against it, inconspicuous as ever, snags and tears the farthest from the front of his mind.]

It was not my intention to disturb you, Your Majesty.

[Zelda.

He thinks her name to himself. He doesn't say it often. If ever. He never says it without the title. He can't bring himself to.]

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

[And correct she was.

She doesn't face him yet; she isn't sure if she should even speak yet, though she does it against her better judgment.]

You have far from disturbed me; I find your company most pleasant, as well as your song.

[Against her better judgment indeed. She pushed her hood back as she stared out at the sea, letting the wind ruffle her now free hair.

Freedom, she thinks, is perhaps something she is not altogether familiar with yet. She will never be free, not until her people are as well.]

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

[He finally manages to join her. Sheik is lithe and moves awkwardly. At times he is too stiff, too rigid, and others, it is like he is formless, or that he could simply crawl across the ground and resemble something horrific.

What exactly is he? He asks himself this from time to time, but ignores the question later and its corresponding answer. It doesn't really matter to him. Maybe he's empty. Maybe he doesn't really see anything in anyone. Maybe he really doesn't feel anything. Maybe it's all just a lie.

Maybe he's a lie.

That's terrifying.]

...Few would say that about me. It should be that those words were to come from me and be bestowed upon you.

[He leans against the railing and rests his eyes upon the water. Freedom. He knows the desire well, and will never truly understand the feeling.]

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

Then they do not know the treasure that they have lost. [She finally glances at him, something unreadable in her dark eyes.

She is practiced at hiding her emotions. Remaining blank and expressionless was drilled into her as far back as she could remember from her father.

Dealing with diplomats and dignitaries and the politics of Hyrule itself had taught her the wisdom of such a thing. A person's face is a window to their soul,ti display her emotions would be foolhardy.

She sometimes resents being such a porcelin doll. Her face is a constant mask, and it can be tiring.]

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

[Red eyes meet blue. It's a wonderful contrast. She's quite untouchable, and he seems absolutely primitive beside her. She has a strength about her, however.

It's a façade. Sheik can tell. He wears his all of the time. If anyone is going to know how she pretends, it's him. He's not about to draw attention onto it, though. He's not interested in warding her away.]

What kind words, Your Majesty. Take care in whose shoulders you choose to drape them over. I will consider myself grateful to hear them, never mind that they are meant for me.

[He fingers the railing in quiet contemplation.] This light. [He gestures to the sunset.] It suits you.

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

[She's quiet for a moment while she holds his gaze.]

I do not toss words about casually. [Her eyes flick back to the water and she straightens her shoulders. She goes silent once more; her brow wrinkle slightly in quiet contemplation before smoothing once more.

The Twilight suited her. Fitting somehow, she thought.]

It is Twilight. [Her hands fell lifelessly at her sides.] Have you ever felt...sad as dusk falls?

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

[He wants to touch her. He wants to know she truly exists and that she's not some great mirage, some great illusion his mind has created. Is he going mad? No. Of course not. That couldn't be.

He smiles vaguely, well aware it's hidden beneath those bandages of his. One day he will let her see it. Perhaps.]

Of course you do not. [Neither does his. Neither does he. Saying anything to anyone is a very important situation. All things need to be said appropriately and to the appropriate person.]

......?

[Sad? Sheik doesn't feel regret or remorse. He doesn't have fear. He doesn't have anger, or hatred. What he expresses is meant to throw others off. And he's convincing.] I suppose I have. A natural experience, I assure you.

[Then he pauses.] Is there anything I can do to alleviate your... concerns?

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

IT is said that dusk is the only time when our world intersects with theirs. [She exhales slowly and pauses, then lifts her hands to rest on the railing, gloved fingers gripping it a little harder than necessary.]

They say it is the only time that those still among the living can feel the still lingering regrets of spirits who have long passed from our world.

[She shakes her head, allowing a forced smile to cross her lips.]

Forgive me. I ramble. This place has...confused me, it seems. My concerns are insignificant. [Her concerns...what are her concerns, now? Before it had been Hyrule above all else. The land and her people, both she would gladly give her life for.

Here, she is no more a Princess than the captain.]

Will you...[She hesitates, then locks her eyes on his again.] Will you please call me Zelda? ['Her Majesty' implies a title she has not yet received, and...titles here were little more than words.]

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

The lingering regrets of spirits...

[How spiritual are the Sheikah? They are like guardians of the dead. He seems to remember that, as well as he remembers Impa, and she is a permanent imprint in his head. Her face, her hair, her stance, and her request.

"Don't let anything happen to her."

His Zelda, of course, but does it really matter? Anyone in that innocence needs to be protected. It might not be by his hand, but it should be done. He tips his head at her curiously.

Then he shakes it.] You should speak freely with me. Worry not of this 'rambling'. I hardly see it that way.

[Her request, however, shakes him to the core. ...Really? For a moment he says nothing. He's surprised. Can he really do that...?

Once more, there's that ache to touch her, to realize dreams.]

Verily then... Zelda.

[And it sounds beautiful.]

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

That is what is said, yes. [She watches him for signs of...something. She is unsure as to what, exactly, she is looking for. It bothers her to be unsure. She likes to know, to be in control.

Feeling helpless is a foreign feeling and she dislikes it.]

I have already spoken freely. If it does not...hinder or frustrate you in any way, then I will continue to do so.

[When he doesn't respond to her request right away, she is afraid he will decline, but when he speaks her name...

Well. That is a different story altogether. He receives the first genuine smile that she has given in a very long time. It is enough to change her demeanor for one swift moment before she retreats into the calm, cool, and collected mask she normally wears.]


...Thank you.

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

[He's studying her, just as she is him. It's strange, he thinks. They're doing the same thing to one another. They're acting in likeness. It's like she mirrors him. And he's attached to one who's less mature? Honestly? He doesn't understand the logic behind that at all.

Sheik nods to her, as though to offer reassurance. She doesn't need that from him, though. She doesn't need a prince. He can't play that part anyway. He's sort of pathetic in that respect, not that she needs to know about it. He's far from perfect. Or perhaps he's so perfect that it renders him imperfect.

He seems to relax when he sees that upturn of her lips. It's appropriate on her. He feels as though he's been given some wonderful present.]

You must not be aware of how aesthetically pleasing you look when you do that. Otherwise, you would do so more often, perhaps.

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

[His words make her cheeks feel warm, and she can feel her lips begin to curve into a smile again.

...Curses. What is this madness?]

I...have been told that before. [Midna had informed of this, in fact. On Zelda's first day, on her first meeting with the woman who was so drastically different from when Zelda knew her. Odd how this place worked.

She releases the rails of the boat, flipping her hands and then spreading her fingers out to stare at her palms.

Focus, Zelda.]

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

[There's a part of him that enjoys that reaction. Or perhaps it's simply how it radiates. She's so pale compared to him. She really does resemble a doll, but he knows better. She's much more than that. He'd hate to consider her anything less. She deserves something a little... more.

He edges closer cautiously as she adjusts her position. He's looking at her hands as well. Mentally comparing them to his of the bandaged sort. His fingertips are delicate, too feminine to some degree, thanks to Zelda's influence.]

Then it must be true. I can speak having no personal bias. After all, I hardly know you.

[Or so he would like for her to think.]

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

[She makes an indistinguishable noise that commits her to nothing. She doesn’t respond to him immediately, instead she continues to study her hands. When she finally does speak, her voice is soft and thoughtful.]

Considering we have known each other a very short time, under normal circumstances I would be inclined to agree with you. [No one really knows Zelda; not even her family. Letting people in is a great weakness, something her father made her swear never to do.

‘Hyrule, your land, your people, that is what is important. Never let your /feelings/ guide your actions, Zelda. Think with your mind, not with your heart. Following your heart can easily be your downfall.’]

However…[She turns to face him directly, studying him. She does not finish her sentence aloud.]

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

[He turns as he listens, resting an arm against the railing. His posture is less than perfect and any other time he would fix it immediately. For once, he doesn't. Perhaps he's considering her words. Perhaps he's thinking about the way she's phrasing things.

Maybe she really does have an idea of that bond between him and the princess. But if she does...]

Yes? [His tone is nonchalant, in some ways hollow as though there's nothing else there. He's just a body. Nothing much past that. He wants to think otherwise.]

However? Please. Continue.

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

[Zelda is always careful about the way she words things. Words have loaded meanings, and often times her words can be interpreted differently, depending on who she is speaking with.]

While I cannot claim to know every thing about you based on a few conversations, you seem to…[She pauses, thinking carefully before she speaks.]

You seem to be someone I find myself extremely comfortable around. [She is not used to that.] I feel as if you somehow already do know me, regardless of how few conversations we have actually had.

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

[He takes delight in how cautious she is. It's endearing. It's strange how he feels alive with her. He doesn't understand how that's possible. He likes the feeling, however, and it's ready to give it away so easily. He'll cling to it for as long as he can, and that's a secret meant to stay with him.

Sheik nods to her kindly, understanding very well what she's trying to say. She succeeds, and she's right, of course. He does know her. She just doesn't know how. He won't be telling her, however. Something about the mystery should be just enough to captivate her.]

Intuition. That is what I would call it. Reading you is like leafing through an enjoyable book. At times, I feel as though I could very much dive into your soul.

[In a perfectly innocent manner.]

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

Intuition. [She mused to herself, unable to stop a faint smile.] I see. Your intuition, then, could be considered formidable. I confess it is delightfully unnerving. [Odd how those two words went together in this situation.

She finds herself gravitating to him, and she rather feels as though there is nothing she can do to stop it. Something is at work here that Zelda cannot pick apart and analyze. It is frustrating, yet the mystery draws her like a moth to a flame.

She does not know how to take the second part of his statement; she has often been referred to as a rather stoic ‘brick wall’ by her father and handmaidens, and even once by Ganondorf himself. No one has ever been able to read her quite like he seems to be able to.

It is rather refreshing.]

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

[Delightfully unnerving. He's never thought to consider it that way, but she's right. There's a strange type of thrill that he gets, being able to string her along, being able to have something he thinks is one-sided.

He likes being in control over whatever it is that's between them. He likes pulling her toward him with the information he has. He likes drawing her to him, but he hasn't really figured out why just yet. He just knows he enjoys it. Or perhaps he just enjoys her.]

Yes. It could be. I imagine everyone aboard this ship who knows of me would agree with you. I agree with you.

I will, however, attempt not to... 'unnerve' you too much.

[He smiles, a hidden kind of smile and straightens his stance.]

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

It is...not a bad thing. [She words her phrase cautiously, clasping her hands together in front of her.]

Unless you want it to be. [Zelda s that she has to break his gaze, and she manages to do this rather nonchalantly by distracting herself with shrugging out of her cloak. She is no longer shivering, and she finds that despite the coming evening air, she is not chilly.]

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

[What does she mean by this? He doesn't seem to understand, even though they're speaking the same language. She's lovely, even when cloaked, although he has difficulty seeing her in anything other than the dress he'd brought for her before. She's something else, something pretty, something extravagant--truly a sight to behold aboard a ship that has next to nothing special on it.]

Tell me. Is there a reason you are hiding yourself from the world? It would be a shame to hide something so beautiful on a ship that truly deserves to take in that radiance.

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

[Zelda smiles secretively, sensing she has slightly stumped him.

She smoothed nonexistent wrinkles of her gown (she had found it, thankfully) before staring at him once he spoke.

Why was she?

Zelda isn't sure she has an answer. At least, not one she is ready to gives. She dodges his question, though a blush warmed her cheeks.

Again.]

Is there a reason that you yourself cover your face?

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

[Bazing.

Ding, ding. We have a winner. Tell Zelda what she's won! ♫

He's quiet for a moment, unsure of what to say. Does he answer her honestly? Or does he evade her question? He's good at evading. But... It is Zelda. He doesn't even like lying to his own, or withholding information.]

Of course I do. I have a reason for everything I do and think.