vatheon | A cycle of hatred

[Link, somewhat distracted by working on a wood carving, is definitely not expecting that.]

[Glancing up sharply at the sudden movement and noise, his mouth goes dry for a moment.] Shei-- [...Of course not.] Zelda? What's wrong?

[After a moment's hesitation, he reverses the transformation. Just how shaken the princess is is far more evident without a mask.]

Someone from Hyrule arrived in the plaza today. I think they were from the same time as the other Link. He is... extremely violent.

[Link stands immediately, scanning the princess for injuries.] Are you okay?

[If someone hurt her...]

I'm fine. I escaped before he could hurt me.

[Physically, at least. She draws a hand up to her chest.]

He spoke of you as well, or rather... the other Link. He said that we killed his master...

[Link frowns, glancing at the Master Sword resting against the wall.] Maybe... if his master was really bad... [he says slowly,] Like Ganondorf.

That... is what I said, yes. He confirmed that his master was trying to destroy the land.

[He'd actually said he wanted to destroy the goddess's experiment, but Zelda doesn't want to address any issues with Hylia just yet. She raises her head to look at him, steeling herself.]

People cannot be killed permanently here, though. He was very angry - he will definitely pursue a confrontation with one or both of us. I think that we should stick together for awhile, Link.

[Link's shoulders slump, just a little.]

I'll protect you, okay? I won't let him hurt you.

[Automatically, his hand drifts to one of the long scars on his torso, then drops again.]

[At the very least, he'll try.]

[Zelda reaches out and takes that hand, offering him a rueful smile.]

We'll protect each other this time. I can fight as well, now. You aren't alone.

[Link smiles briefly in return, giving her hand a squeeze.] Thanks. I bet it'll be fine with both of us, huh?

[It's... a bit of false bravado, there. Even if death isn't permanent, he has no desire to go through that again.]

And not just us, either. I live with Zelos and Dhaos as well, and there's an entire Defense Force here in Vatheon. Even so, would you mind terribly staying at my place for the time being? If he attacks, I would rather have a united front.

[Stay with Zelda? Link blinks, then nods.] Okay. I'll get my things. [Clothes and weapons, mostly, and the SFC and ocarina - the woodwork stuff can probably stay.]

Let's stop by Duke's place as well.

[Zelda is aware that Duke is quite protective of her, and she knows he holds a lot of power. If she can extend that protection to Link, it would be ideal.]

It's on the way out, at any rate.

[He nods, hastily bundling clothing together, slinging is bow, quiver, sword, and shield on his back, clipping the longshot to his belt, tucking the SFC and ocarina away.] Okay. You'll have to show me where, okay?

He does move around a bit, doesn't he?

[Zelda walks out of the house, waiting for Link to secure the building before moving further. Without saying much else, the princess heads towards Duke's makeshift home in the forest.]

Duke?

[She seems concerned when she gets no answer, since she can feel that his magic is present. Zelda pushes aside the flap that serves as a door and finds... that Duke is comatose, just as she was not even a week before. His squirrels seem quite concerned about the matter. Zelda presses her lips together and turns to Link.]

Perhaps we should borrow a chocobo from the stables to carry him. It seems he's fallen into one of Vatheon's comas. I don't think we should leave him out here.

Edited 2012-07-03 01:41 (UTC)

[What security? His front door is a blanket.]

[Still, once it's 'secured', he follows Zelda out, glancing around almost uneasily. They are very much alone in the forest, right now.]

[At Duke's place, Link lets out a little sigh.] That might be a good idea. Do you think we could carry him that far, or should we get one and come back?

Well, he's fairly light... do you have your gauntlets with you? If not, let's get a chocobo and come back.

[Zelda is unclear on what all Link managed to bring to Vatheon from his impressive arsenal.]

Yeah, I do. [Give him a moment to dig through his bag - there they are. Slipping the Golden Gauntlets on, he straightens up, slinging the bag back over his shoulder.]

[Then he lifts Duke like he weighs nothing (which, compared to the huge columns of rock he's lifted before, he essentially does).]

[The fact that Duke is a fair bit taller than Link... well, it's a minor complication.] Okay, this isn't so bad. Let's go.

[Zelda retrieves Duke's coat and boots, giving a couple pats out to some of the chittering squirrels who appear to be distressed at the removal of Duke. They know who she is, at least. After that, she heads to the stables with Link and peeks in to see if anyone is present to ask if they can borrow a chocobo.

But apparently, some of them are up for adoption anyway!]

Oh... they're adopting them out? You wanted one, didn't you?

[Link blinks, stepping closer to the sign.] Yeah... it says Lea went home.

[He considers for a moment, then, very carefully, sets Duke down so that he's propped up against a wall, fighting to keep the smile off his face.] I'll be back really soon! [And off he goes!]

[Zelda settles down near Duke, checking his vitals while Link goes to bond with the birds. Even in this situation, Link's obvious joy at being able to adopt a chocobo makes her smile.]

[Link returns a short time later, a chocobo trotting at his side. He's chatting to it quietly, giving it little reassurances, pats, things like that.]

[Naturally, it's green.]

Zelda, this is Asi!

It's nice to meet you, Asi.

[Zelda smiles a little tiredly at the bird, standing up and checking it over. It seems like it's in good condition, and animals do tend to take to Duke... it should be alright to carry him, right?]

[Asi lets Zelda check him over, giving a cheery-sounding,] Kweh! [at the inspection. Link chuckles, stroking his neck feathers.]

Asi, we have to take Duke to Zelda's place, okay? [Asi, at least, seems to understand, and is obliging as Link loads the unconscious Duke on his back.] Good!

[Zelda hasn't actually bothered to interact with the chocobos before, but she finds herself having a strange fondness for the large birds. Smiling softly to herself, she leads Link and the chocobo to her house. The Highblood still lives next door, but Ghirahim is a bigger threat - or, at least, he's a threat that's more focused on them.]

The house will be full with you and Duke here.

[She sounds a little happy about the fact.]

I hope it's not too crowded. Did Zelos say it's okay? [And where are they going to put Asi, anyway?]

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