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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]

[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.

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

A reason for everything. [She repeated him thoughtfully. Interesting. Zelda used to think she had reasons for it all, the way she thought, felt, and dealt with things. She is rapidly becoming uncertain of that.

As it stood now, she smiled softly at him. Smiles came easy for him. Why?

She doesn't press him for information on the why of it; if he wants to tell her, he will.]

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

I should have that. It's necessary to have that outlook. Otherwise, I don't make a good impression for others.

[Trade a secret for a secret, Princess? That sounds like a good trade-off for him. He eyes her quietly and then gives a brief nod.]

You tell me about why you are hiding yourself and I will tell you why I do. How does that sound? Acceptable?

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

[She lets her eyes close for a brief moment while she inhales slowly. He is correct, she knows this. She considers his offer before nodding once.]

I suppose that sounds like a equal trade. [She hesitates before looking down at the cloak in her hands.]

It is only fair, yes? One secret for another.

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

We could make it more interesting, if you would like. You need incentive, I suppose.

[He's thoughtful for a moment, and takes a glance around.] It's just the two of us. Show me what's underneath and I'll show you mine, along with our explanations.

[He arches an eyebrow at her. Are those suitable terms, Your Majesty?]

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

That is…acceptable. [She agreed slowly, her eyes regarding him curiously. This situation felt surreal, almost as though she were dreaming.

Now that was an interesting thought, one that hadn’t crossed her mind yet. She had, of course, pondered the possibility that she might already be dead, and that this was some sort of twisted afterlife that disregarded the boundaries of time and space, but had dismissed it. The Goddesses would not be so cruel. Not to their puppet.

But a dream? Perhaps she was put into an enchanted slumber, something similar to the stories told of ancestors even older than the one that shared the boat with her. Maybe all of this was not real, that regardless of real everything felt, she was nothing more than an apparition, and he a figment of her imagination.

Her face hardened at the thought.]

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

[She really was beautiful when she was thoughtful. Sheik couldn't deny it.

Perhaps she believed her face grew neutral when she fell into contemplation. To a degree, it did. He was able to draw something else out of it, though. At least enough that he knew she was thinking. What about, he was blissfully unaware, but he assumed--and perhaps foolishly--that one day, he would have it all explained to him.

When she made no further movement, he cast another glance around, tipped his head to one side and finally gave her an expectant look.]

Ladies first.

[No matter how pretty he was beneath all of that bandaging.]

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

[She looks at him for a moment, her thoughts clearing and she dismisses her irrationality with a shake of her head.]

As you wish. [She pulled her cloak the rest of the way off, before she’d pushed the hood back and then moved it off her shoulders, but now with the pin gone that held the black velvet around her, the garment billowed to the deck at her feet. She pulls her gloves off and flexes her fingers experimentally.]

One feels safest in garments they are comfortable with, and familiar with. [She idly fingers an ornament on her gown.] These are, of course, things I wore on a normal basis in Hyrule. The royal regalia of the Hylian family…[Things made specifically for her, save the crown.]

This…[She knelt to take the cloak into her hands, eyeing it with an unreadab;e look. Irritation, anger, frustration…]

I wore this as…a mourning symbol, really. For my people, and what they endured. [She stood, then gave a half smile.]

It was also extremely cold in the tower where I was imprisoned.

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

[Her reasoning is far less selfish than his. Sheik expects this, however. She's a leader. The first and foremost thing to her should be her people. For him, he worries mostly about himself. It's tied into his connection, however, his desire to protect his counterpart.

He must always live, so that she always lives. Perhaps it's not so selfish, after all.

He nods slowly as he listens to her and he casually looks her over. It seems like a passing glance, but he's catching every flick of the wrist and every adjustment of her gems. Regalia of Hyrule's Royal Family. Zelda has her own as well. They are similar in that respect.]

So I see... And here you are, still in mourning. Signs of a dedicated and committed leader. I would expect no less. It seems to run in the family.

[He offers her a reassuring glance.]

Are you still cold now?

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

[She secretly fears she will don the black garb for eternity; it does not seem as though she will ever leave the boat, but she will never stop trying. Hyrule is and always will be first and foremost in her mind.]

I will continue to keep this until my people are free from their curse. [She casts him a sidelong look.]

While I do realize Link comes from a time where the Twilight is gone, I fear that I can not say the same. Twilight still shrouded the land when I appeared here; the people still moved in fear as specters, and corrupted beasts still roam the land, and Lake Hylia is still frozen, the Zora trapped in an icy prison until the spell is broken.

[She stops to think about his question. Was she cold? Perhaps mentally, yes, she was. Since her arrival here she has begun to see just how much the circumstances surrounding her previously to the ship have affected her.]

I fear that I will always remain cold after this. [Physically, mentally, metaphorically. She looks at her ungloved hands.] My hands are always cold, now.

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

[Her words bring questions to his mind. What happen if his other half really gives into what it is she wants? She's young. She's fickle. But Jak is serious. Sheik knows that now. Jak is serious. Zelda is serious. They should be given a chance.

He doesn't seem to know of the plans between his Zelda and Bumblebee.]

I seem to recall Zora's Domain being frozen over where I came from. Although the Hero of Time was capable of helping Lake Hylia, I specifically told him that eventually the home of the Zoras would thaw. It seems unlikely in the years that have passed that such would remain for so long. Something must have happened for it to occur again.

Perhaps something to do with the Twilight from when you come.

[Sheik extends a bandaged hand in her direction. It's in the case she's willing to offer him one of her hands. She may not, and that's acceptable, but if she does...

Well, wait. Is that too bold of him? It's a little too late to think about it now. He'll simply leave it out there for her anyway.]

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

[This Zelda would also be mystified as to what his Princess and Bumblebee were doing; she has not yet spoken with the Scout.

She has also long ago abandoned any hope of getting something she wants. From birth, her kingdom had been first. She was a daughter of the Hyrule, and its compassionate, sympathetic, and kind leader. That was what she was always and forever; romance or any such dalliances were out of the question. A suitor would have eventually been chosen by her, though that had certainly been put on hold due to…circumstances, namely the Twilight and Zant’s arrival and demands of immediate surrender. She had had little choice in the matter.

Surrender, or watch her people die.]

Something else has happened, yes. Lake Hylia was not always frozen. [She looks slightly frustrated.] It is…difficult for me to receive word of the outside; messengers risked their lives in order to get to me. [This is something she clearly does not like, but realizes must be done, considering the circumstances.

When he extenders his hand, she does not hesitate. She places her right hand in his; true to her word, she is chilled. The Triforce emblem is clearly marked on the back of her hand; it occasionally burns but the Goddess herself has remained rather quiet. Zelda is unsure if she is still truly holding the essence of her patron. It frightens her.]

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

[Just by holding her hand, Sheik feels like her words travel her veins like blood. He's never doubted her, of course, but he can feel her distress, which is so much worse than simply witnessing it. He's felt this feeling before. He's sat in seven years feeling precisely that, and it was entirely out of his control.

Sheik is typically calm and composed, however, which means that no matter how terrible something may get, he only lashes out in extremes. Unfortunately, the Elegante is full of those. People like Erol set him on edge and he loses the ability to reason properly, concerning over his princess's status and condition. He can't watch her all of the time and that, as a result, causes a lot of distress for him.]

It seems likely that many would risk their lives for you. People should only be so dedicated to die for a leader who does anything and everything for her people. Surely if I were one, I would have done the same.

[He examines her hand and brushes his thumb across the back.] You may perceive yourself as chilled, however, I think you feel entirely fine. [He considers the marking of the Triforce, thinking about his, which is entirely why his hands are bandaged in the first place. Perhaps they are not so different either.

He doesn't speak to the goddesses, however, or even Nayru. He leaves those attempts for the princess, though he's never bothered to ask if she was successful or not.]

I will attempt to alleviate the burdens you carry upon your fair shoulders for as long as we both are here.

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

Many have, yes. [And many had lost their lives as well. Necessary, but incredibly saddening. Perhaps Zelda would wear the black forever, indeed.]

It is good to know that physically, I am not as cold as I feel. [She stares at her hand in his, interested in the way it made her feel. She could not place words on it. Not yet.]

That is...very kind of you. I appreciate it. [More than he knew. Or, maybe he did know. Zelda could not be sure with him.]

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

[Sheik wants to convince her otherwise, if she's insisting on that dark garb. He can't say much, though. After all, he'll probably never be caught dead in informal wear. Ever.]

Even if you were, I would not have any conflict with it. My opinion of you remains unchanged, Zelda.

[That's so foreign to his tongue, like he's doing something terrible. Her appreciation makes him soften his posture, however. He taps her hand lightly and wiggles his bandaged fingers.]

It's nothing. Really.

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

I am glad. [It is, to be frank, nice to know that. It is also nice to hear her name from him. She unconsciously threads her fingers with his, regarding him quietly.]

But it is. [She looked away for a moment.] This place...it requires some serious adjustment. I am uncertain if this is something that I can ever grow...accustomed to. [What she means is that for someone to say that so sincerely...well. It causes her quite a bit of confusion.]

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

[That's an awkward feeling for him, holding hands with someone like that. Intertwined fingers. He doesn't withdraw, however. Perhaps all she needs is for someone to offer her the kind of reassurance she's never had back in Hyrule.

How can he deny her that? Easily, he can't.]

I think it would be better if you remained just you. Of course, you may decide over time that you wish to change yourself, whether in small ways or larger ones. This sort of place gives you an odd type of freedom you will not find back where we come from.

[That's right. He's telling her that like his own Zelda, her position chains her to obligation and duty. She may come to find that she enjoys the taste of freedom.]

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

[It is odd for Zelda as well, and after a few moments she releases his hand completely.]

I...am fine with the way that I am. [It was true, in a way. Stoic, guarded, yet in many ways still so young and able to see hope.

For now.]

I am afraid I know little of freedom. [Translation: She does not know what to do with it.]

Enough of me. What about you? Why do you choose to hide...?

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

[He's fine the way she is too. He wants her to be however she wants to be, though. One day he may simply say that. Perhaps. Just to catch the glimpse of change in her face. He enjoys that alteration. He enjoys catching her by surprise.

Sheik doesn't reply immediately. Lifting his free hand to his face, he draws down his mask. He's so feminine beneath that mask. It's strange. And it shows his youth far too easily. He dislikes letting anyone see that. Even Jak hasn't seen it.]

Surely you can see why.

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

[And he’s caught her by surprise yet again, and it registers on her face. She is capable of showing so much emotion in her features, yet all she seems to radiate to others is power, and perhaps sadness.

Zelda was not expecting what she saw; though to be honest, she wasn’t sure what to expect to begin with.

She studied him intently, taking a step closer in order to see him better.

Feminine yet…not completely. She likes what she sees strange or not, this much is evident.]

I suppose. Though I confess that I am at a loss as to what you are thinking about it. [She cannot know his exact reasoning unless he tells her. If he tells her.]

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

[He adjusts to allow her to see him better. For anyone else, it would last only a few moments and then he'd quickly hide away again. Well, assuming he showed it. He'd had to eat in front of Bryn and Haine, but held a hand up the entire to shield his face, unsure if he should have been eating in the first place.

He draws his fingertips over his bare chin. He always feels so young without that guard up. It doesn't help that he knows he bares some resemblance to his princess--in little ways here and there.]

Hm. I come across as composed and collected for the sake of protecting the princess. At times I can be harsh and judgmental. Few would take me seriously if they knew that I looked this way beneath. As a result, for her sake, and for my pride, I choose to hide myself.

It is a bit more selfish than your own selfless actions for your people.

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

I see. [She tilted her head to look at him again, clasping her hands together in front of her. He does bear a resemblance to the princess, this does not escape Zelda’s notice. ]

Harsh and judgmental? [She repeats him softly, eyes briefly narrowing in thought.]

While I do not doubt what you say, I find it difficult to believe since you have not come across as such to me. Perhaps I have not given you reason yet. [Zelda herself is a bit different; throughout Hyrule she is known as a kind and compassionate leader. Honest also, but oftentimes her words have double meanings that one must search for.]

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

[He offers her a look. It's serious, but not anything chiding or scorning. Instead, it's simply stern perhaps.]

You know as well as I do that we cannot always hold people in compassion. At times, it is absolutely essential that a line be made and people to be aware of it and the consequences should it be passed.

[He's thinking about Erol here, and his sick perverted desire for both the Sheikah and his princess. There's no doubt that if he figures out the connection between the Zelda's he'll go after Her Majesty as well. Sheik can never let that happen, but he also can never allow himself to bend his will to the Havenite's repulsive desires.]

What must be done, must be done. It sounds so black and white, but there are places where shades of grey should not and cannot exist. Forgive me if I come off too strongly.

Consider it the stance of a hardened guardian.

[scionofwisdom.livejournal.com]

[Zelda held up a hand as if to fend off any the look.]

I did not say that I did not believe you. I said I found it difficult. [Her face hardens, though it isn't for him.]

I know very well that actions bring consequences. [The very worst kind sometimes. Surrendering to Zant had been one of the hardest things she had ever done.]

I have no guardian such as yourself where I come from. [Bodyguards, yes.] Forgive me if I do not completely understand.

[oblique-wisdom.livejournal.com]

[He feels a little sheepish by her response. Erol has Sheik on edge. Big time. So much on edge, that he feels like he could fly into rage. Erol and Meth Rezza. Sheik wants to get rid of both of them. For different reasons. They both have the ability to send him into a state where his demeanor crumbles into nothing.]

Well, you had no guardian where you came from.

[He eyes her closely.] I wish to be your guardian. [Sheik's never been once to mince his words when it's not necessary.]