[ The sun shines. Dazzlingly bright, strong enough to burn. Zelda, Princess of the once-kingdom of Hyrule (for whatever it is now, it's not the place it was before the Calamity) stands in the center of Gerudo Town with her face to the sky and her eyes closed.
Of course, she won't stay long; she's likely to feel its sting soon, but can't stop herself from soaking up moments like these. After everything - after everything - she has finally been able to embrace a kind of freedom that hadn't previously been possible. In that freedom, she makes a point to stop and smell the roses, as it were, at every opportunity. To have the sun, the wind, on her face and really feel it.
After a moment, Zelda inhales, exhales deeply, a serene smile on her face, and opens her eyes. The women nearby, passing her on the street or minding their stalls, watch the blonde vai quizzically, but not unkindly. The princess doesn't know what sorts of stories have spread across Hyrule since the Demon King's defeat, and finds she doesn't care. ]
It's really incredible here. [ She's speaking to Link, who is nearby (always nearby, as the two of them have been harder to separate than ever before). Or, he was nearby before she stopped, unannounced, in the middle of their travels.
Yes, the desert is an incredible place. While it's true she'd say that of most corners of Hyrule - and in sincerity, of course, because they all have wonderful, unique features - this area is blooming with life now more than ever. With the Gibdo (and larger) threat behind them, vai from all corners had started visiting, or moving into, Gerudo Town again. The famous spa is rumored to be doing more business than ever as the fear-weary population of their world is finally able to let out a collective exhale.
Of course, that isn't the reason she and Link had come. Or, it isn't the whole reason: she's more than a little tempted to try Romah's esteemed services. But, the impetus of the trip had been to confer with Riju, to not only catch up with their friend, but also to begin planning for the reconstruction of all that had been damaged or destroyed by the Demon King's influence, and the Calamity before that. The leader of the Gerudo, wise beyond her years, had several ideas for aid within the desert and beyond, to lend support wherever it was needed. She'd also been responsible for supplying the princess with more suitable attire for the visit, remarking (with a knowing smile) that the clothes in which she'd arrived would prove uncomfortable before long.
Well, she'd been right, of course. Zelda can easily imagine the discomfort of her trousers, her long sleeves, while here for any extended period. Instead, when she meets Link's eyes and her smile brightens, she's dressed similarly to the young woman who had provided the outfit. A top of blue and white, cut off just above the navel. A leather belt at the top of a light, white skirt: one with a slit running up nearly to the belt. Gold jewelry and accents throughout: bangles, anklets, bands on her upper arms, a circlet around her head, a collar at her neck that draws the top of her shirt's fabric into its base.
It's...well, a lot, but Riju had been excited, and Zelda had let herself be swept up in the other's delight. ]
[ zelda's noble and devoted swordsman is never far from her side after everything. today is no different. good luck to the poor soul that ever tries to peel him away without permission or a suitable enough reason. not only does he tend to keep himself close but his attention hardly, if ever, wavers away. gerudo town does a decent enough job at trying, what with a shout from vendors to draw buyers or a young vai laughing in the distance in play or the bark of a sand seal ready to race its rider across the desert.
the enticing smells of grilled meat and ripe, fresh fruit might be the most difficult to ignore.
however, it's zelda in breezy, midriff-baring, high-slit fabrics custom for the race works that works the most effectively. link watches zelda but it's never for too long. something about all that skin, her skin not covered up in her typical garb makes him restless and his throat drier than the sand beneath their feet. he fidgets with the sleeve of his own voe armor, dyed a striking blue, that wraps across part of his chest. sayge's wife, senna, said that it brought out the color of his eyes. it must be true because even he isn't oblivious to the stares they get when he strolls about with zelda. they should be used to the one exception to the no voe allowed by now though.
on the other hand, if they're stricken by the image of the princess, then he can't blame them. he is too.
after only being in the sun for those scant seconds, link sees that her shoulders are quick to redden. reaching forward, he takes her elbow and becomes a gentle guide to bring her back into the protection the shade offers. he can't meet her eyes for long, no matter how badly he wants to bask in her smile. the heat in his cheeks he will blame on the sun, though he hasn't set foot out from under one of the palms at the town's center. ]
The canteen is on the north side of the village, princess.
[ large, golden hoop earrings (one of link's own accents) sway as he nods his head towards the direction he mentions, as he drops his hand from her arm and it swings back down to his side. he clenches his fist. ]
Romah is on the way though. She's just behind us.
[ would zelda be able to use his 'skip the wait' pass...? would she want to is the real question. ]
[ Zelda allows herself to be guided gently out of the sun, offering Link a smile before turning it back on the scene around them. Yes, they've gotten some attention, but she's occupied with the bigger picture of the city around them. The chatter - some which she can understand, and some she can't - pulls her attention as she glances around to various conversations: bartering over hydromelon, debating a curfew, arguing about the best technique for winning over a rebellious sand seal.
The princess has been more distractable since her return from the skies of Hyrule, but who can blame her? ]
First? Oh... [ Good question. They'd been with Riju for long enough that she'd lost track of time. Zelda cocks her head, considering. ] ...Well, if Romah stops her services at a particular time, we should go before that. But, if she's too busy to see us today, we can always go tomorrow. [ The princess glances to her companion, expression lifting again, all sun and warmth. ] What do you think?
[ Zelda may have her head in the clouds a little more than before, but she's still the same person. It's more a matter of...slowing down, lately. Trying to drink up every moment.
So, yes, she's noticed Link's...attire, in turn. In the past, they'd both adopted whatever garb most suited the environment, naturally, whether trekking across Hebra or delving into one of the many caves across Hyrule. Still, as is the style here, there's a bit less coverage than their usual. The smallest twinges of a flush bloom in her cheeks, and she looks past him to where he's indicated the spa to be, tucking an errant lock behind one of her ears.
The look suits him, is all. Fitted well, and stylish. Maybe she would even tell him as much.... ]
[ it's happening again, isn't it? after defeating ganon -- calamity ganon -- the first time, zelda got distracted easily just like this. almost like she's taking in hyrule after being gone for one hundred years all over again. maybe she is. link can't fathom the time she spent in a different era. the years she spent in the skies, flying over her kingdom, healing his sword. the master sword. a century-long nap is nothing compared to that. a surge of emotion suddenly wells inside him. her smile and the fact that she's really here have him reaching for her hand to hold instead of only lightly touching her elbow.
what he really wants to do is wrap her up in his arms and bury his face but this is neither the time nor the place or the right weather for it.
to bring her back, link would have done anything in his power. some part of him feared it wouldn't be enough. leftover doubts from failing once already in another life. the one he doesn't remember completely. the possibility that zelda would forever watch over her beloved hyrule from up high in the clouds, immortal and timeless, left him cold and lonely and staring up blankly.
this must be why it's so easy for him to smile back. because she's here on the ground on her own two, hylian feet. his is as bright and gleaming as the gold on their persons. as the sun of her smile and the one high in the sky too. ]
Romah is always busy. [ tugging gently, link starts walking them towards the arch separating the side roads from the main one and speaks over his shoulder. he keeps to the shade as much as he can, mindful of zelda's pale skin. ] But I'll talk to her tomorrow about something. We have a deal regarding the spa plans.
[ a deal he plans to include zelda in on. she is a hero just as much as he is, in his opinion. ]
The Noble Canteen then! [ for a brief flash, his smile widens to a grin that bounds toward excitement. we all know his pick but he always defers to zelda's preference first.
each stretch of hot sunlight they have to cross, link bursts into a bit of a jog to get to the next bit of shade. before long, it becomes fun and he laughs each time they do it until they reach the front of the gerudo's favorite hangout. definitely pyra, sumati, and yaido's. ]
[ His hand slips into hers, and her smile grows as she grips it, feeling its comforting warmth. Link has always had a gentle sort of strength, and that quality is clear even in the way he holds on to her: thoughtfully, almost delicately, but with firmness and stability at the same time. Maybe afraid they'll again find themselves falling away from each other, arms outstretched in futility. Maybe providing her with silent assurances that it'll never happen again.
Zelda shifts slightly, interlaces their fingers. The pair of them had been close for so, so long. Close in proximity, anyway. Her appointed knight, following in her wake everywhere she'd gone. Then: her friend, a champion, and the fated Hero. He'd pushed her behind him to protect her from assassins, they'd grasped hands as they ran through the rain, she'd held his body after he'd collapsed in her arms. After they'd defeated Calamity Ganon, there had been some changes, but a lot had stayed the same. They'd shared the house in Hateno, but had also still been bound by duty, by the work of reconstruction, by everything that came when the Demon King awakened.
Funny. Now, there's still work to do, but it seems to sit easily alongside new desires. ...Well, not really "new," but desires now seen in a new light. They've been through too much for her to wring her hands over being close in other ways. Too much for her to care about what 'impact' it might have beyond the two of them.
Looking at Link, now he's the one who's smiling, and she matches it, nodding at his decision. ]
Lead the way. [ Having been equally happy with the two options presented, Zelda follows where he goes without complaint, looking forward to whatever awaits them at the Noble Canteen, as well as their spa day tomorrow. As they move with purpose, she again starts looking around, hand still in his, mind hungrily taking in as many details as she can.
In her mind's eye, she has two images. What she sees now: Gerudo Town on the ground, up close and personal. And: the sandy expanse from far, far above.
She's distracted from her distraction by their little game, and soon the princess is laughing along with him. The metallic accents and accessories jangle and clatter as they dash from shade to shade, until finally they come to a stop. Zelda looks up at the entrance as the sand settles around their feet, shading her eyes with her free hand. ]
Just in time: I'm in immediate need of a-...what is it called, again? A "Dignified Chase?"
[ Her expression is inscrutable; she could be joking, or serious. Who's to say? ]
[ since day one, he wanted to do this. he wanted to hold her hand. the force of that desire surprised him upon entering the sanctum to receive his appointment from the king himself and meet the golden princess. there she stood beside him, drawing all the room's light and looking every bit golden as her title implied. every ray of sunshine coming in from the high arches scrambled to touch every inch of her. she had an aura that drew his mind in blanks and he couldn't take his eyes off her until he dropped into the respectful kneel in front of hyrule's, then, monarch.
hyrule has no monarch in the castle in that sanctum. if there is one, she's here after not one but two calamitous events and she's smiling. link's strength may be gentle but zelda's is unreal. nobody else could have done what she did and came back with all her love and compassion still intact. she's amazing.
she's... calling the noble pursuit a dignified chase. link blinks at her. a second later and he suddenly erupts in a short, sharp burst of a laugh and nearly keels over. laughing at the princess is surely heinous! ]
N-Noble Pursuit, princess. [ joking or not, it's what he needed. how close was he to actually embracing her in broad daylight for the town to see? once he's caught his breath, link guides them up the steps too. their interlaced fingers given another gentle tug. the sensation of the intimate weaving of those digits makes his stomach feel funny and fluttering but he takes his glances back at her as they go -- unwilling to look away but eager to see the expression on her face as they enter the cool air of the canteen. compared to the rest of gerudo town, it's like a shock. ]
Furosa! Hey! [ link calls out, lifting his free hand in a wave and his smile carrying over to the greeting. the bartender looks confused, first, but her withered lips widen in her own crooked smile.
"well, if it's isn't the voe. you brought someone with you this time, huh?"
tucking an arm near his middle, link bows. through his introduction, he grins at zelda from the corner of his eye. ]
Introducing Her Highness, Princess of Hyrule, Zelda. [ once that's over, he takes them to approach the counter. both their heads barely clear the top. ]
Riju said she would pay for our drinks. [ did she? she said she would pay for zelda's. ] Two Noble Pursuits, please.
[ Whether it had been an intentional slip or not, Zelda's smile grows as he bursts into laughter. Nothing he says or does has ever been twinged with unkindness, in her experience, and so no poking fun at what might (or might not) have been a slip could bother her. Naturally, though, she's always eager to play their little games, to tease each other in turn, and so she upturns her nose in an exaggerated gesture and lets out a haughty "hmph!" ]
Well, I must be thinking of an item at another bar, then. The Dignified Chase is known throughout Hyrule, after all, and I couldn't possibly be mistaken.
[ With a half-glance in his direction, and the eruption of another, now-mischievous smile, she allows him to lead them inside.
Immediately, her eyes wander. She takes in the locals who sit on cushioned seats under a canopied roof, quickly reads through the recipe for a risotto that someone has hung on the wall. When Link speaks to introduce her, she turns to the proprietor and inclines her head. ]
It's very nice to meet you. I've heard a lot of wonderful things about this place.
[ Including praise for the titular drink, of course. As they take their places at the counter, the princess leans forward slightly, watching with interest as Furosa mixes them and sets the two glasses down on the counter.
"He may have told you, but this is a very strong drink." The bartender looks at her meaningfully. ]
I understand. [ Zelda replies, holding the older woman's gaze. Seemingly satisfied with the reply, Furosa then glances to Link briefly before sliding the two tall glasses across the bar to them.
It's...pretty to look at, she thinks, curling her fingers around it. Very appealing. A color like the desert sunset, with pops of green - is that mint? - and a wedge of melon hanging from the side.
Well, it's a drink, isn't it? Not a painting. Zelda doesn't hesitate before taking a long sip, savoring all of the flavors that pass her tongue. Sweet, of course, but not sickly so. Light, like a refreshing juice. And...tingly, almost cooling, as it goes down.
Her face lights up with delight and surprise. ]
This is delicious! [ She announces, green eyes wide and bright. She wants to ask if there is, in fact, any alcohol in it, but doesn't. It certainly doesn't taste that way, no matter what Furosa had said.
The enthused Hylian vai looks to her companion, beaming, before going for another taste. ]
[ everything must have started going downhill (uphill) and into teasing at every chance, into games (when they could) after she shoved a frog in his face and told him to taste it...
haughty harrumphs remind him of sixteen-year-old zelda demanding him to stop following her. one of his clearer, older memories is an upturned nose and hands on hips and the agitation coming in waves off of her. back then, he couldn't say her brand of indignation was all that intimidating. confusing? yes, since he was only following orders. (cute, too.)
then again, he didn't say much of anything.
how things change.
link doesn't argue about her being mistaken. sometimes, he's smart too. he gets the feeling zelda isn't serious though, especially with her playful smile.
watching furosa concoct her signature drinks never gets old and link does so with his own muted interest, studying the confident movement of her hands. they're wrinkled and he can see the veins through the leathery, thin skin but it's as if the motions are second nature. he doesn't think much of the glance he's given, already grabbing the skinny stem of the glass and pulling it closer. anticipating the sweet and tart flavor makes him salivate while zelda admires how pretty it is. he will do his best to enjoy this with zelda, however, and not swallow the entire thing in one gulp like some modern frat boy.
there's enough patience in him to behold zelda's happiness. always. instantly, he's smiling back at her and reflecting on her joy. such excitement is always infectious. he hasn't taken one sip. ]
Right! [ that's about to change. his gulp is, predictably, bigger but it's not the entire thing. furosa is watchful but even from here, he can see her faint, amused smile at the two blond hylian. link clears his throat and nods his head to the adjoining room. ]
Do you want to sit down?
[ standing around at the entrance feels weird. awkward. someone could come in and run into them. ]
[ Zelda resurfaces from her sip as he poses the question, golden brows lifted before she nods, looking across the space to the area he indicates. ]
Let's. [ She, at least, is planning to stay for a while. Especially if there are more of these in their future. The princess offers another smile for Furosa before she starts to move, carefully transporting the tropical drink to the other room, settling down on one of its fabric-covered seats.
This is all...divine. Like a dream. The way the gentle warmth of the shade wraps around her like a cozy blanket, the comforting chatter of the other customers. The refreshing Noble Pursuit, of course, sweet just to her taste, and somehow proving to be cool to drink and warm in the pit of her belly. Zelda looks over to her companion, hands wrapped around the base of her glass, jewelry tinkling as she turns her head. ]
So: this is their signature, but is it your favorite thing you've ever had here? [ Are there any secret menu items, perhaps?
This is the other piece that makes it all dream-like: she's here, with Link. Zelda has gotten much better at not dwelling on the many, many trials of their shared past, but that doesn't mean she's completely unshackled by it all. Imagining what he had gone through after they were separated, learning what had become of her and seeing those memories, facing the Demon King... All of that, and then managing to restore her, in the end. To bring her home.
All the while, she'd never technically left Hyrule, but hadn't been able to go home until he'd wrapped her up in his arms and carried her from the water.
Her smile, which hasn't left her face, softens into something deeper. Glancing away again, she takes another sip, humming appreciatively. ]
I didn't want to ask - it seemed rude - but...this is, um - alcoholic?
[ You know, better to know for sure. If it's just a particularly scrumptious sugar bomb, that's also fine in her book. ]
[ the usual three gerudo don't occupy their usual drinking corner today for some reason, but the space isn't utterly empty either. it couldn't be. they all do their best to be discreet in how they watch link and zelda cross over from the bar area to the sitting room to park themselves on plush cushions in another corner, noble pursuits in hand. a couple of vai lift their drinks at the princess and the knight before tucking back into their conversations.
link, as ever, is always at zelda's side and takes his place next to her in a graceless plop. he leans against the cushion behind him, mismatched with the one under his butt, and closes his eyes to keep from drinking too quickly. the tiniest breeze ruffles his bangs and coaxes a peaceful smile out of him. one eye peeks open and glances sidelong at zelda's questions. both open and raise to the fabric over them, granting them much-needed shade while he, obviously, mulls over how to answer. ]
It's really good but my favorite?
[ is it? that's like asking what his favorite food is, princess. how can he possibly choose? particularly when there are drinks on the menu to be tasted. the noble pursuit is the most popular and makes any sweet tooth happy. hence why he chose it for her, for both of them. he's not picky.
is it alcoholic? that's easier. he opens his mouth. ] ...
[ closes it. come to think of it, he's feeling warm. not the warmth that comes with being in the sun all day. they're well-acquainted with that warmth. this warm settles pleasant and low in his belly. his brow furrows as he lifts his drink to look at it more closely. is this why furosa gave him such a meaningful glance?
oh.
his first impulse is to grab the drink from zelda and take it back to the bar because they shouldn't be drinking?! another voice in his head argues why not? they're of age. furosa clearly isn't the type to serve alcohol to minors, either. that was a point she made when he met her for the very first time. despite him being well over one hundred years old... at the time...
he can't protect her under the influence. the second voice reminds him he's already destroyed two ganons. hyrule is peaceful beside a monster here and there, but the monster control crew can handle that much. right? hoz, toren, flaxel: he's counting on you guys! ]
I don't know if it is. [ honest and unsure and nervous, link answers. ] Is it okay if it is?
[ best to leave it up to the princess after all. if she says it's okay, then it's okay.
Oh! [ She looks surprised, then a little sheepish at the reaction, one hand slipping from her glass to rest on her lap. ] I thought Riju...
[ Hmm. Now that she says it, it had been while the Sage had taken her aside to provide clothing options that the subject had come up. Like Furosa, the Gerudo leader had mentioned its strength, though she'd said it with a smile rather than a warning tone. ]
I'm sorry, I didn't realize-... It's all right with me, but if you'd prefer we didn't, I don't mind.
[ Truly! They're here to relax, to avoid worrying as much as possible. If he'd be more comfortable without both of them...some level of intoxicated, then she would certainly understand. If, though, both of them understand the situation, and he would be able to relax more if they imbibed? Also fine.
Zelda offers him a little, reassuring smile. One complimented by tiny blooms of a rosy blush in the apples of her cheeks. She's drunk before. She's been drunk before. Not often, mind, and maybe not advisably so. This is the first time that feels...well, safe. Not because Link is at her side (because he always is), but because they exist now in a Hyrule she'd always believed was possible, but which they'd had to fight, and lose, so much to achieve. A bright, safe world for everyone. One where they could let their guard down and enjoy a day and night spent laughing and drinking in Gerudo Town.
She reaches out to take his hand again and squeezes. ]
But, you know, I think we've earned a break. You most of all.
[ He may have been able to come to the Noble Canteen before, to chat with its owner, its regulars, and enjoy the offerings, but she imagines there was a weight on his shoulders all the while. Now, maybe, he can set that down. Let himself fully enjoy the hard-won fruits of their efforts. Especially fruits this delicious! ]
[ it's alright with her, she says. there's his answer then. truthfully, he isn't sure what his preference is with regard to this. just like he's unsure about his food and drink preferences. the inner voices continue to argue against each other when it becomes apparent she's leaving the choice up to him.
in the end, the answer is obvious. it's how he always deals with her requests. how can he say no? link exhales a breath before he returns to her a surrender of his own smile and a nod, squeezing her hand back. if this makes her happy, then he will gladly imbibe. they have earned a break, a thousand thousand breaks, she's right. the older soldiers at the barracks in castle town would relax like this with their own spirits so it's not peculiar. obviously, the gerudo are of the same mind. link was too young at the time, but the soldiers invited him to join in with raised glasses and flushed faces regardless of his age. inebriated, unaware they were sentencing themselves to penalties if anyone found out.
nobody did.
he, too, has been drunk before; the inexplicable pleasure which rides with being in your cups. a noble pursuit tastes much better than ale or wine. those tend to be bitter. if there's anywhere they could let loose, if there is anyone he could do it with, then it has to be zelda.
(tulin is too young. yunobo doesn't drink. sidon can't drink. riju... does she get drunk? purah?
"linky!"
ah. nope.) ]
Alright, princess. You win. But we should toast to something first. That's a tradition across all regions. [ what though? having her back is cheer-worthy and his first thought. drinking to the defeat of the demon king has merit but that doesn't feel right either. ganondorf doesn't deserve either of them drinking to him in any way.
lifting their glasses to friends, new and old, maybe -- yeah.
link stands and raises his noble pursuit into the air. everyone turns to look. furosa chuckles at the bar. ]
To friends! [ everyone could understand that joy. everyone could be grateful for that. quieter, for zelda, ]
To never being alone. Sarqso!
[ the gerudo around them also raise full, half-full, near-empty drinks, as long as they have something in the glass it's up high. a cheer echoes the sentiment and everyone is tossing back their own favorite spirits. decisions made, link throws every last drop of his down his throat in one, huge gulp. ]
[ Zelda is often compared with the sun, but it's Link who shines now. Rising to toast the room, beaming around at the other customers with the Noble Pursuit in hand, cheering out in honor of all of them.
"To never being alone." Her heart surges. He's...the sun, all right. Blazing brilliantly above the desert, or peaking out after a storm to lift your spirits. Her lips part, awed, as she watches him, so much so that she nearly forgets her own part in the toast. Hastily, without giving it much thought, the princess downs the rest of her own cocktail, albeit not in a single gulp. She barely tastes it, because she's still watching him, feeling fully the emotion that wells up in the center of her chest. Burning, always burning, and carefully tended to.
I missed you. I missed you...so much.
She remembers herself eventually, face settling into something a little softer, though she keeps her eyes on him. Too many times they'd been separated for ages without warning, slipping out of each other's grasp. After all that, she's more liberal with her stares, less careful to guard the emotions in her face. What would be the point? If she can't now be honest with herself, and with him, then...when would that change? ]
Sarqso! [ Zelda repeats more quietly as he sits back down, teeth peeking out in a grin. ] Mm, I may ask you to teach me more Gerudo. I studied once, but...
[ You know. That was before the passing of the century, and then again before the time as a dragon. ]
There's so much I've forgotten. [ She continues, but it's more of a frustrated pout than a solemn lament. ] So many of my journals have been lost, but...well, at least I have some. That's a start. [ A quick turn, and she's looking at him again, and cheerfully. ] And, I have you...and time.
[ Her own time. Not time spent holding off the Calamity, or restoring the Master Sword. Time to start living a life spent in pursuit of happiness.
And other things.
She blinks. ]
...Oh. [ Their glasses are empty. That was fast. ] Should I get us two more? It really was delicious.
[ Not to mention the way it's made her feel: a light, happy buzz.
...Decisive action! Without waiting for an answer, the princess gets to her feet, only swaying the teeny-tiniest bit. ]
I'll be right back. [ She informs him, now sporting an expression twinged with mischief, before walking over to the bar.
One conversation later, in which she'd surprised and somewhat alarmed Furosa, Zelda returns with two new drinks. A sip seems to be missing from each of them. ]
[ she's gone before he can get a word in edgewise and link huffs, smile on his lips. maybe it's the alcohol, maybe it's the honest way she stares at him, but his eyes are drawn farther down her body than usual as she totters off, watching that sway of her h--
a gerudo is grinning at him in his peripheral and he quickly looks away, his face going a bright red. if he thought he could get away with it, then he would bury his face in one of those cushions.
that's what zelda comes back to. a knee bounces restlessly and he makes a point to keep his wandering gaze above her neckline as she rejoins him in their corner. link's sharp gaze doesn't miss how the surface of the drink is lower than how they got it the first time and he shoots her a knowing look. fruit cake and noble pursuits, huh, princess? ]
Yeah. I can see that. [ he's still red in the cheeks but he's looking amused as she sits down, face splitting in a grin as he takes his new drink with another "sarqso" for good measure. what did she ask him before she left? about gerudo, right. he'll start there. ]
I don't remember much Gerudo. Only the basic phrases like "good day!" Sav'aaq! And, um, "good evening!" Sav'saaba. I heard those two a lot when I was shopping in the market. But sa'oten is like saying "ah!"
[ while he explains, link speaks with his hands. with the one not currently holding his noble pursuit, anyway.
I have you. ]
U-Uh. The younger vai have been picking up slang, too. Instead of sarqso, sarq is like "thanks."
[ she does have him. always. why is that now suddenly making his heart beat faster? it must be the alcohol. he scratches beneath his high ponytail, bumping large hoop earrings along the way. ]
[ Ever the student, Zelda nods, listening thoughtfully as he speaks. ]
It's interesting, isn't it? "Ah" is so quick - barely a word - and "sa'oten" less so. You have more to do before you can express the surprise.
[ She chuckles, smiling, and takes another sip of her drink. Mm... It's warm in the bar, but not overly so. Nice - like floating in a pleasant bath. ]
"Sarq." [ Zelda repeats, nodding. ] And the slang is new? Or you've just recently learned about it? [ Every generation has their own unique vernacular, don't they? It wouldn't be so surprising for this one to have come up with their own quick turns of phrase. Zelda wonders vaguely what the older Gerudo think about it; people in other generations can often be condescending about those sorts of things... ]
I do know. [ He's the only voe in town, unless there are any other invited guests, or...well, prisoners. The princess glances back to Link, gaze sticking a bit as she glances across his outfit. ]
Handsome.
[ ...What? Was that out loud? Zelda blinks, growing more red, but also starts laughing, holding a hand up over her mouth. ]
Ah, I meant - it's "man," "man" and "woman." I don't know why I... [ She continues to laugh, now covering a burning face with both hands.
It would be a lie to say she doesn't know what brought that on, and she's not going to lie to him, but she also isn't going to come out with it. So, she just dissolves into more laughter, eventually removing her hands and curling them around the icy glass, staring determinedly down at the drink. ]
More words. Please. [ Biting her lower lip does not stop the impish grin. ]
[ link didn't have that thought (he doesn't have much) but zelda never fails to consider everything more deeply and more profoundly than he does. it's more her chuckle and smile that has his lips tugging up than any intricacy of a dialect he uses because he thinks it's fun and the other gerudo seem to like when he does it. no other reason. he doesn't watch her mouth pucker around the edge of her glass as she takes her sip either.
though he doesn't, he needs a sip of his own too. the dry air must be making him more parched, more quickly, or furosa put something in these noble pursuits that isn't quenching his thirst. what would? a bead of sweat travels down zelda's neck and it must be just as wrong to stare at it as it was to watch her hips move while she went to get them two more drinks.
reasons like this are probably why voe aren't allowed in gerudo town. link tears his eyes away from zelda to focus intently at his drink. he nods, at his drink. yes, the slang is newer. yes, he's just recently learned about it. both, princess. both.
zelda's laugh is the only thing that manages to coax his eyes back on her. although hearing her say 'handsome' while feeling the weight of her gaze on him had nearly broken him, too. he's already been getting more red. after a pause where his lips have parted, link smiles quietly with her laughter and her covering her face. just a little, only by the smallest amount, he moves his cushion closer to her.
they're not alone, he has to remind himself. furosa is at the bar and the other gerudo who raised their glasses surround them. why then? why does it feel as if they exist in their own bubble? why does his grin feel so dumb on his face as he scoots another inch closer? he ducks his head, leaning forward into her line of sight. ]
Sorry. I can't remember the ones I've already taught you. [ link admits, close to laughing himself. his tone is breathless with it. ] Can you repeat the ones you know?
[ The grin on his face is - well, adorable as he scoots closer, and her heart leaps. ...Is he moving closer? Or had they been that close to begin with? Does it matter? He's close now, and that's what matters. Too close? Not close enough? ]
Mm... [ Remember, repeat? Surely she can do that, and without scrambling, too. Probably. ] Well... Sav'...orr, is good night. [ Hmm. Was that one of the phrases he'd already said? ] And vasaaq: welcome. [ Which, er, they'd heard multiple times today. She gives her head a little shake, pulling it together for the last: ] And vure: bird.
[ "Little bird" floats through her mind. Urbosa's voice, warm and comforting. Her smile softens. ]
That may be all... It's difficult to remember. [ At the moment. What with the delicious, strong drinks, and the...heat, and the...er, heat. Speaking of: she looks back at Link, who is very close. ] I obviously need to spend more time here.
[ Listening, studying, exploring. With him, of course. They could practice together.
Her lips part, just a little. ]
Do you know..."please?" [ It's slow, curious. Her head tilts slightly, the metallic elements of her upper dress clinking as she does. ] I know "thank you," but...it seems useful.
[ Another round, "please." A room for two, "please." - Oh, but they wouldn't need that, would they? Riju had provided space for them already, no need to ask after it. Well, the first application would still be useful, as her second drink is already somehow half-gone. And there are so many other appropriate opportunities to ask for things.
Or inappropriate opportunities. Or appropriate, inappropriate opportunities. Her face reddens again with the hot desert air, with some amount of fluster, with warmth entirely unrelated to the temperature. ]
I like the style here. [ She finds herself saying, gaze dropping slightly to his bare shoulder, where one of her hands seems to have moved, grasping it with a distracted firmness. ] It's very... [ quick, choose a word that makes sense and isn't weird ] suitable...for the weather.
[ Nope. Ah, well, she'd sort of tried. And, can she be blamed for what she says, when he's somehow so especially transfixing, and her thoughts are a little muddled? ]
[ his gaze raises back up from her mouth, where he was watching her talk, and to her eyes.
please.
tension squeezes in his gut. he doesn't know the word for it, which seems like an oversight. with all the buying and selling he does in the markets, a "please" should have come along with a "thank you." that's not what the pressure comes from though. it intensifies when he follows her attention to his bare shoulder and to the hand she leaves there, holding it.
his throat is so dry but he can't seem to lift his drink to take another sip. if he doesn't move, then maybe she'll keep her hand there forever. ]
Y, yeah. [ there's a crack in his voice he's immediately flustered by. which is funny because normally he would be much more flustered by the princess's casual touch on him. he reaches for one of those metallic elements on the upper part of her dress, the ones that clinked earlier, and rubs his thumb across the smooth, glittering gold and the jewels seated there. sapphires meant to keep the body cool with its magical properties.
not like it's helping much. ]
I mean, uh, no. No, I don't know the word for "please." Princess. [ thinking is more of a struggle than usual. there's a sweet lingering taste on his tongue but that bead of sweat on her neck has traveled past her neckline now and --
he hasn't even had two drinks! ]
I like the style too. Very suitable. [ the fabric on her arms is see-through and more airy. breathable. his vai disguise was like that, too. he could use it right now for how hot it is. the sapphires seated in his voe armor don't do much either. the noise of the canteen becomes muffled like he's underwater and link's touch roams from the gold to the bottom edge of her top. knuckles brush lightly at the skin over her ribcage.
[ Here they are: sitting together, one hand clutching something of the other's, the world around them melting into near-non-existence. As if not having a physical reassurance of the might mean it's all a dream, soon to dissolve. More often, these days, she finds she needs those reassurances.
But - the light of day is strong and real. It feels good, and solid, to have her hand on his skin. ]
We'll have to ask. [ Someone. There are people around, and Furosa would be happy to answer, she imagines, but the idea of moving is somehow...unpleasant. And she certainly couldn't strike up a conversation with the women around them as they are, staring slack-jawed. Nearly in each other's laps.
A fresh pink blooms in her cheeks and she finally releases him, withdrawing slightly. Only slightly. Zelda is less concerned with keeping up appearances these days, true, but also isn't at the point where she's completely disregarded the Gerudo women around them, if only out of respect for their very public place of business and leisure. The princess glances past Link for the first time in a while and meets the eyes of one of the other customers, who raises two red eyebrows, smirking with...approval?
Delicately, she clears her throat. ]
Practical and beautiful. I wonder how much it's changed over time, if-...any...
[ His hand brushes the bare skin of her midriff and she's stunned clear out of her line of thinking. The contact is like an icy shock, more so than any sip of their frozen beverages, and her breath catches for a while as the air seems to leave the room. ]
...Daughter. [ Back to parroting, and to looking at him, then. Her lips part, and she adopts another smile. ] Hmm. There's a lot to learn, then. [ There's another thoughtful pause, and it takes absolutely all her willpower not to reach her hand back out, to touch him again, but her fingers twitch longingly. ] And - what about "yes?"
[ point in any direction, follow it, and they would run into a gerudo who could translate "please" for them. zelda won't see link making any moves to do so. not even to lift his finger.
a few more cracks appear in the spell with them finding an increment of their personal space again. link blinks rapidly and reaches up to rub his shoulder, where her hand rested, and rolls it experimentally. he looks at the ground as if it's given him a ridiculously complicated riddle to solve. you know, he wouldn't be too shocked if it did.
while the buzz of alcohol lingers, without zelda touching him and without the smell of her right under his nose, he can... think. sort of. when he looks at her, he's lost the completely lost expression on his face. in fact, he seems happy about the new question. that one! that one he has a word for!
his hand hasn't drifted away from her bare midriff. it's even making slow back and forth, light and barely there, motions against the skin. link smiles back at her, scoots in closer to obliterate that increment of personal space they got back, and is utterly oblivious to his mindless touching of her. ]
Ahah! That's sha. Sha is "yes!" [ or "sa'oten! that's sha." if he would recognize and use any of the things he's teaching her. ] I knew that one.
[ ... what are they learning gerudo for? it's fun and he likes sharing any and all of his knowledge with zelda but -- he finishes off his noble pursuit and finally draws his hand back from her body to wipe at his mouth with the back of his hand. ]
Mine's empty. These are even better than I remember. [ when he's not chugging them while fleeing from a molduga, for sure. ] Would you like another one too, Princess?
"Sha." Easy enough. [ Except she's forgotten one or two of the other ones she'd just learned from him. Hmm...and she'd been so sure that she'd been paying attention and committing them all to memory. Zelda hums unhappily at the loss of knowledge, trying to summon the words again, but it's like trying to catch smoke with her hands. Easier to focus on the present, really, and especially since the present is so lovely. ]
Another...? Mm, no, I still have-... [ Zelda looks to the glass in her hand and blinks. When had she finished that one? The princess lifts her gaze to the rest of the room, and, with a little start, notices the quality of light has changed slightly. There's at least one additional patron in the bar, too...or, one she hadn't noticed when they'd first entered.
Interesting. Troubling? Not exactly. They're safe. She's safe, always safe, with Link. So, she smiles again, turning back to him and nodding firmly. ]
Yes, please. ...Oh! "Sha." [ Zelda laughs like the tinkling of bells and bounces her ankles against the bottom of the bench. ] You know, we...really should have eaten before this.
[ Lunch had been some time ago, though she can't say how long with any precision. What they'd had then has clearly done nothing to absorb the alcohol now. ]
[ her laugh squeezes on his heart and is a thief to all the air around him, humid and heavy as it is. he experienced it with his own eyes, these newer eyes, for the first time after the calamity. on a grassy hill with the petals of the, no longer endangered, silent princess floating around them. truthfully, zelda was a stranger but even so? hearing the chime of her laugh roused an emotion in him he thought he had forgotten too.
it rouses again, it's been roused for years now, but is stronger without inhibitions. thank you, alcohol. it's harder to ignore or bury or say it's the remains of a knight's devotion to his princess or a friend's loyalty to someone they care deeply about. would do anything for.
getting another drink for her is easy. he smiles through this lovely pain in his chest. ]
I can make something if you're hungry. [ he offers as he stands on -- those are his feet, right? the floor is uneven, not him. he makes a point to plant himself, looking down at the ground in consternation. this is leaps and bounds beyond how he felt after having a couple of pints of ale. what's in these, furosa?
more important, is zelda. if he's feeling such a way, then she must surely -- be bouncing her ankles against the bench.
that's cute. she's cute. she's everything.
he wants to kiss her.
-- like a friend! on the cheek. yes, exactly. ] Be right back!
[ he calls, in a rush, and jogs back to the bar area. he only swerves a little to the side as he goes. the gerudo laugh at the spectacle of a tottering hero. while furosa looks hesitant about giving the two hylian another two noble pursuits, they are safe within gerudo walls just as zelda believes. they've earned some time to let loose and have others watch over them. it's better to do it here than anywhere else.
link comes back with another two drinks. he's staring at them with deep concentration to not spill as he takes a much slower pace to get back. not jogging. ]
For Her Highness. [ their third drink for the afternoon is offered before he seats himself beside her and takes a long drink for his perpetually parched throat. ]
[ In response, the princess lifts both hands, waving as if to dismiss the offer. ]
No, no - I only meant it would have been better foresight. It's-... We're okay.
[ Better than okay! Happy as she's been lately, this is the most...floaty(?)...she's felt. And that's reason to celebrate. The world is awash in a gold glow, and she smiles, rolling her head to one side to drink it all up.
...Drink! Link. Link has gone to get drinks. He's gone, though, and her smile fades a touch until she spots him at the bar, doing exactly what he'd just said. With her transient disappointment evaporating again, Zelda shifts so she's sitting with her legs tucked under, and to one side, shoes sitting empty on the ground beneath her.
The hero returns, drinks in hand. She accepts one as it's offered, perking up happily before going for a sip. Mm, same as before: still quite good. Sweet, fruity, cold. There's a contented sigh as the princess settles in against him, her head squarely resting on Link's shoulder. ]
Thank you. I think this may be my new favorite. [ The drink, the bar, or both? Maybe the entire town?
Zelda rolls her head to gaze up at him, her heart swelling fit to burst. He's so close, and he...smells really good, actually. Not like any particular scent, really, but so solidly like Link that she breathes deep, oddly comforted. Doesn't hesitate or blush much before lifting herself just a little to leave a little kiss - a peck, really - on his jaw (the closest thing to her) before snuggling back in. ]
- Oh! [ And she sits bolt upright suddenly, hand snapping out and latching onto the closest thing to it (his thigh). ] I almost forgot...Riju said we absolutely needed to see the sunset tonight. From somewhere high up, of course.
[ Link has maybe seen this, whether in Gerudo Town specifically or the area around it, but the princess does not look as if she'll be swayed. Her eyes are sparkling with purpose, expression alight with excitement and urgency.
She'd seen it, too. Many times, from above. The memory is grainy, and she hastily brushes it aside from her mind's eye. However grand a sight, the vantage point of a dragon is lonely. ]
Though - later. [ Zelda presses. Later: after they'd finished their drinks, and when it's time. She's certainly not in any rush to leave at the moment, not in a place as nice as this, with-...oh, her hand is on his leg. She considers this, looking down at it, and decides to leave it there. The solid reassurance of him stokes the pleasant warmth in her belly, the pinpricks of something in her chest. ]
[ zelda never needs to express her gratitude to him, but he basks in her happiness like she did a moment ago in an aura of gold. it's enough to have her lean against him to use him as her pillow. he shares her sentiment about the drink being her new favorite, though, and is inclined to agree. favorites don't exist with him. link doesn't do favorites. not before sampling the entire menu.
he's left staring at his glass after the peck to his jaw as she cuddles up. link barely turns his head in her direction as she settles into a comfortable position. perhaps one millimeter. from the corner of his eye, just enough to catch a glimpse of her face. although not that noticeable, her legs are.
should he give her a kiss on the jaw in return? those thighs look quite soft, though. what if he dug his face in and -- ]
Wah!
[ with her sudden movement to sit up straight (and grab his thigh), link shouts and bolts up too. until she explains, every muscle in his body is tensed. if only this irrational restlessness would bleed out with the tension as it leaves. he exhales. he smiles.
sunsets are stunning in the gerudo desert. riju's idea isn't a bad one. temperatures are just right as the sun starts to hide behind a flat horizon and all the effort it put into making the dunes a heat haze disappears. with the rise of the moon, the sands are quick to cool. from there, the desert transforms into a canvas of color with no mountains or buildings to obscure the panorama. gradients of the softest pink to the warmest and deepest reds as far as the eye could see and flecked with stars like tiny glittering diamonds. ]
Okay. I know a spot. [ an easy promise. taken as he is with those same diamonds in her eyes, he doesn't hesitate. anything she wants. even the hand that doesn't leave his thigh doesn't keep him from making it. he couldn't return her kiss but he lays his hand over hers on his thigh. ]
We'll have to string travel to get to it, though.
Edited (MY FUCKIN TRIGGER FINGER HIT POST REPLY WITHOUT BEING DONE!!!!) 2023-08-09 06:08 (UTC)
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link in vai (or voe since he's allowed) thing zelda in vai noble pursuits lost inhibitions UST they are Living their best lives now
let's fuckin goooooo
Of course, she won't stay long; she's likely to feel its sting soon, but can't stop herself from soaking up moments like these. After everything - after everything - she has finally been able to embrace a kind of freedom that hadn't previously been possible. In that freedom, she makes a point to stop and smell the roses, as it were, at every opportunity. To have the sun, the wind, on her face and really feel it.
After a moment, Zelda inhales, exhales deeply, a serene smile on her face, and opens her eyes. The women nearby, passing her on the street or minding their stalls, watch the blonde vai quizzically, but not unkindly. The princess doesn't know what sorts of stories have spread across Hyrule since the Demon King's defeat, and finds she doesn't care. ]
It's really incredible here. [ She's speaking to Link, who is nearby (always nearby, as the two of them have been harder to separate than ever before). Or, he was nearby before she stopped, unannounced, in the middle of their travels.
Yes, the desert is an incredible place. While it's true she'd say that of most corners of Hyrule - and in sincerity, of course, because they all have wonderful, unique features - this area is blooming with life now more than ever. With the Gibdo (and larger) threat behind them, vai from all corners had started visiting, or moving into, Gerudo Town again. The famous spa is rumored to be doing more business than ever as the fear-weary population of their world is finally able to let out a collective exhale.
Of course, that isn't the reason she and Link had come. Or, it isn't the whole reason: she's more than a little tempted to try Romah's esteemed services. But, the impetus of the trip had been to confer with Riju, to not only catch up with their friend, but also to begin planning for the reconstruction of all that had been damaged or destroyed by the Demon King's influence, and the Calamity before that. The leader of the Gerudo, wise beyond her years, had several ideas for aid within the desert and beyond, to lend support wherever it was needed. She'd also been responsible for supplying the princess with more suitable attire for the visit, remarking (with a knowing smile) that the clothes in which she'd arrived would prove uncomfortable before long.
Well, she'd been right, of course. Zelda can easily imagine the discomfort of her trousers, her long sleeves, while here for any extended period. Instead, when she meets Link's eyes and her smile brightens, she's dressed similarly to the young woman who had provided the outfit. A top of blue and white, cut off just above the navel. A leather belt at the top of a light, white skirt: one with a slit running up nearly to the belt. Gold jewelry and accents throughout: bangles, anklets, bands on her upper arms, a circlet around her head, a collar at her neck that draws the top of her shirt's fabric into its base.
It's...well, a lot, but Riju had been excited, and Zelda had let herself be swept up in the other's delight. ]
So, ah - where was it, again?
🍒 is mine
the enticing smells of grilled meat and ripe, fresh fruit might be the most difficult to ignore.
however, it's zelda in breezy, midriff-baring, high-slit fabrics custom for the race works that works the most effectively. link watches zelda but it's never for too long. something about all that skin, her skin not covered up in her typical garb makes him restless and his throat drier than the sand beneath their feet. he fidgets with the sleeve of his own voe armor, dyed a striking blue, that wraps across part of his chest. sayge's wife, senna, said that it brought out the color of his eyes. it must be true because even he isn't oblivious to the stares they get when he strolls about with zelda. they should be used to the one exception to the no voe allowed by now though.
on the other hand, if they're stricken by the image of the princess, then he can't blame them. he is too.
after only being in the sun for those scant seconds, link sees that her shoulders are quick to redden. reaching forward, he takes her elbow and becomes a gentle guide to bring her back into the protection the shade offers. he can't meet her eyes for long, no matter how badly he wants to bask in her smile. the heat in his cheeks he will blame on the sun, though he hasn't set foot out from under one of the palms at the town's center. ]
The canteen is on the north side of the village, princess.
[ large, golden hoop earrings (one of link's own accents) sway as he nods his head towards the direction he mentions, as he drops his hand from her arm and it swings back down to his side. he clenches his fist. ]
Romah is on the way though. She's just behind us.
[ would zelda be able to use his 'skip the wait' pass...? would she want to is the real question. ]
What do you feel like doing first?
ooh mister darcy
The princess has been more distractable since her return from the skies of Hyrule, but who can blame her? ]
First? Oh... [ Good question. They'd been with Riju for long enough that she'd lost track of time. Zelda cocks her head, considering. ] ...Well, if Romah stops her services at a particular time, we should go before that. But, if she's too busy to see us today, we can always go tomorrow. [ The princess glances to her companion, expression lifting again, all sun and warmth. ] What do you think?
[ Zelda may have her head in the clouds a little more than before, but she's still the same person. It's more a matter of...slowing down, lately. Trying to drink up every moment.
So, yes, she's noticed Link's...attire, in turn. In the past, they'd both adopted whatever garb most suited the environment, naturally, whether trekking across Hebra or delving into one of the many caves across Hyrule. Still, as is the style here, there's a bit less coverage than their usual. The smallest twinges of a flush bloom in her cheeks, and she looks past him to where he's indicated the spa to be, tucking an errant lock behind one of her ears.
The look suits him, is all. Fitted well, and stylish. Maybe she would even tell him as much.... ]
and i will leave my master sword on
what he really wants to do is wrap her up in his arms and bury his face but this is neither the time nor the place or the right weather for it.
to bring her back, link would have done anything in his power. some part of him feared it wouldn't be enough. leftover doubts from failing once already in another life. the one he doesn't remember completely. the possibility that zelda would forever watch over her beloved hyrule from up high in the clouds, immortal and timeless, left him cold and lonely and staring up blankly.
this must be why it's so easy for him to smile back. because she's here on the ground on her own two, hylian feet. his is as bright and gleaming as the gold on their persons. as the sun of her smile and the one high in the sky too. ]
Romah is always busy. [ tugging gently, link starts walking them towards the arch separating the side roads from the main one and speaks over his shoulder. he keeps to the shade as much as he can, mindful of zelda's pale skin. ] But I'll talk to her tomorrow about something. We have a deal regarding the spa plans.
[ a deal he plans to include zelda in on. she is a hero just as much as he is, in his opinion. ]
The Noble Canteen then! [ for a brief flash, his smile widens to a grin that bounds toward excitement. we all know his pick but he always defers to zelda's preference first.
each stretch of hot sunlight they have to cross, link bursts into a bit of a jog to get to the next bit of shade. before long, it becomes fun and he laughs each time they do it until they reach the front of the gerudo's favorite hangout. definitely pyra, sumati, and yaido's. ]
it was amazing (the end)
Zelda shifts slightly, interlaces their fingers. The pair of them had been close for so, so long. Close in proximity, anyway. Her appointed knight, following in her wake everywhere she'd gone. Then: her friend, a champion, and the fated Hero. He'd pushed her behind him to protect her from assassins, they'd grasped hands as they ran through the rain, she'd held his body after he'd collapsed in her arms. After they'd defeated Calamity Ganon, there had been some changes, but a lot had stayed the same. They'd shared the house in Hateno, but had also still been bound by duty, by the work of reconstruction, by everything that came when the Demon King awakened.
Funny. Now, there's still work to do, but it seems to sit easily alongside new desires. ...Well, not really "new," but desires now seen in a new light. They've been through too much for her to wring her hands over being close in other ways. Too much for her to care about what 'impact' it might have beyond the two of them.
Looking at Link, now he's the one who's smiling, and she matches it, nodding at his decision. ]
Lead the way. [ Having been equally happy with the two options presented, Zelda follows where he goes without complaint, looking forward to whatever awaits them at the Noble Canteen, as well as their spa day tomorrow. As they move with purpose, she again starts looking around, hand still in his, mind hungrily taking in as many details as she can.
In her mind's eye, she has two images. What she sees now: Gerudo Town on the ground, up close and personal. And: the sandy expanse from far, far above.
She's distracted from her distraction by their little game, and soon the princess is laughing along with him. The metallic accents and accessories jangle and clatter as they dash from shade to shade, until finally they come to a stop. Zelda looks up at the entrance as the sand settles around their feet, shading her eyes with her free hand. ]
Just in time: I'm in immediate need of a-...what is it called, again? A "Dignified Chase?"
[ Her expression is inscrutable; she could be joking, or serious. Who's to say? ]
SMOULDER.....
hyrule has no monarch in the castle in that sanctum. if there is one, she's here after not one but two calamitous events and she's smiling. link's strength may be gentle but zelda's is unreal. nobody else could have done what she did and came back with all her love and compassion still intact. she's amazing.
she's... calling the noble pursuit a dignified chase. link blinks at her. a second later and he suddenly erupts in a short, sharp burst of a laugh and nearly keels over. laughing at the princess is surely heinous! ]
N-Noble Pursuit, princess. [ joking or not, it's what he needed. how close was he to actually embracing her in broad daylight for the town to see? once he's caught his breath, link guides them up the steps too. their interlaced fingers given another gentle tug. the sensation of the intimate weaving of those digits makes his stomach feel funny and fluttering but he takes his glances back at her as they go -- unwilling to look away but eager to see the expression on her face as they enter the cool air of the canteen. compared to the rest of gerudo town, it's like a shock. ]
Furosa! Hey! [ link calls out, lifting his free hand in a wave and his smile carrying over to the greeting. the bartender looks confused, first, but her withered lips widen in her own crooked smile.
"well, if it's isn't the voe. you brought someone with you this time, huh?"
tucking an arm near his middle, link bows. through his introduction, he grins at zelda from the corner of his eye. ]
Introducing Her Highness, Princess of Hyrule, Zelda. [ once that's over, he takes them to approach the counter. both their heads barely clear the top. ]
Riju said she would pay for our drinks. [ did she? she said she would pay for zelda's. ] Two Noble Pursuits, please.
Re: SMOULDER.....
Well, I must be thinking of an item at another bar, then. The Dignified Chase is known throughout Hyrule, after all, and I couldn't possibly be mistaken.
[ With a half-glance in his direction, and the eruption of another, now-mischievous smile, she allows him to lead them inside.
Immediately, her eyes wander. She takes in the locals who sit on cushioned seats under a canopied roof, quickly reads through the recipe for a risotto that someone has hung on the wall. When Link speaks to introduce her, she turns to the proprietor and inclines her head. ]
It's very nice to meet you. I've heard a lot of wonderful things about this place.
[ Including praise for the titular drink, of course. As they take their places at the counter, the princess leans forward slightly, watching with interest as Furosa mixes them and sets the two glasses down on the counter.
"He may have told you, but this is a very strong drink." The bartender looks at her meaningfully. ]
I understand. [ Zelda replies, holding the older woman's gaze. Seemingly satisfied with the reply, Furosa then glances to Link briefly before sliding the two tall glasses across the bar to them.
It's...pretty to look at, she thinks, curling her fingers around it. Very appealing. A color like the desert sunset, with pops of green - is that mint? - and a wedge of melon hanging from the side.
Well, it's a drink, isn't it? Not a painting. Zelda doesn't hesitate before taking a long sip, savoring all of the flavors that pass her tongue. Sweet, of course, but not sickly so. Light, like a refreshing juice. And...tingly, almost cooling, as it goes down.
Her face lights up with delight and surprise. ]
This is delicious! [ She announces, green eyes wide and bright. She wants to ask if there is, in fact, any alcohol in it, but doesn't. It certainly doesn't taste that way, no matter what Furosa had said.
The enthused Hylian vai looks to her companion, beaming, before going for another taste. ]
Re: SMOULDER.....
haughty harrumphs remind him of sixteen-year-old zelda demanding him to stop following her. one of his clearer, older memories is an upturned nose and hands on hips and the agitation coming in waves off of her. back then, he couldn't say her brand of indignation was all that intimidating. confusing? yes, since he was only following orders. (cute, too.)
then again, he didn't say much of anything.
how things change.
link doesn't argue about her being mistaken. sometimes, he's smart too. he gets the feeling zelda isn't serious though, especially with her playful smile.
watching furosa concoct her signature drinks never gets old and link does so with his own muted interest, studying the confident movement of her hands. they're wrinkled and he can see the veins through the leathery, thin skin but it's as if the motions are second nature. he doesn't think much of the glance he's given, already grabbing the skinny stem of the glass and pulling it closer. anticipating the sweet and tart flavor makes him salivate while zelda admires how pretty it is. he will do his best to enjoy this with zelda, however, and not swallow the entire thing in one gulp like some modern frat boy.
there's enough patience in him to behold zelda's happiness. always. instantly, he's smiling back at her and reflecting on her joy. such excitement is always infectious. he hasn't taken one sip. ]
Right! [ that's about to change. his gulp is, predictably, bigger but it's not the entire thing. furosa is watchful but even from here, he can see her faint, amused smile at the two blond hylian. link clears his throat and nods his head to the adjoining room. ]
Do you want to sit down?
[ standing around at the entrance feels weird. awkward. someone could come in and run into them. ]
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Let's. [ She, at least, is planning to stay for a while. Especially if there are more of these in their future. The princess offers another smile for Furosa before she starts to move, carefully transporting the tropical drink to the other room, settling down on one of its fabric-covered seats.
This is all...divine. Like a dream. The way the gentle warmth of the shade wraps around her like a cozy blanket, the comforting chatter of the other customers. The refreshing Noble Pursuit, of course, sweet just to her taste, and somehow proving to be cool to drink and warm in the pit of her belly. Zelda looks over to her companion, hands wrapped around the base of her glass, jewelry tinkling as she turns her head. ]
So: this is their signature, but is it your favorite thing you've ever had here? [ Are there any secret menu items, perhaps?
This is the other piece that makes it all dream-like: she's here, with Link. Zelda has gotten much better at not dwelling on the many, many trials of their shared past, but that doesn't mean she's completely unshackled by it all. Imagining what he had gone through after they were separated, learning what had become of her and seeing those memories, facing the Demon King... All of that, and then managing to restore her, in the end. To bring her home.
All the while, she'd never technically left Hyrule, but hadn't been able to go home until he'd wrapped her up in his arms and carried her from the water.
Her smile, which hasn't left her face, softens into something deeper. Glancing away again, she takes another sip, humming appreciatively. ]
I didn't want to ask - it seemed rude - but...this is, um - alcoholic?
[ You know, better to know for sure. If it's just a particularly scrumptious sugar bomb, that's also fine in her book. ]
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link, as ever, is always at zelda's side and takes his place next to her in a graceless plop. he leans against the cushion behind him, mismatched with the one under his butt, and closes his eyes to keep from drinking too quickly. the tiniest breeze ruffles his bangs and coaxes a peaceful smile out of him. one eye peeks open and glances sidelong at zelda's questions. both open and raise to the fabric over them, granting them much-needed shade while he, obviously, mulls over how to answer. ]
It's really good but my favorite?
[ is it? that's like asking what his favorite food is, princess. how can he possibly choose? particularly when there are drinks on the menu to be tasted. the noble pursuit is the most popular and makes any sweet tooth happy. hence why he chose it for her, for both of them. he's not picky.
is it alcoholic? that's easier. he opens his mouth. ] ...
[ closes it. come to think of it, he's feeling warm. not the warmth that comes with being in the sun all day. they're well-acquainted with that warmth. this warm settles pleasant and low in his belly. his brow furrows as he lifts his drink to look at it more closely. is this why furosa gave him such a meaningful glance?
oh.
his first impulse is to grab the drink from zelda and take it back to the bar because they shouldn't be drinking?! another voice in his head argues why not? they're of age. furosa clearly isn't the type to serve alcohol to minors, either. that was a point she made when he met her for the very first time. despite him being well over one hundred years old... at the time...
he can't protect her under the influence. the second voice reminds him he's already destroyed two ganons. hyrule is peaceful beside a monster here and there, but the monster control crew can handle that much. right? hoz, toren, flaxel: he's counting on you guys! ]
I don't know if it is. [ honest and unsure and nervous, link answers. ] Is it okay if it is?
[ best to leave it up to the princess after all. if she says it's okay, then it's okay.
it's okay. ]
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[ Hmm. Now that she says it, it had been while the Sage had taken her aside to provide clothing options that the subject had come up. Like Furosa, the Gerudo leader had mentioned its strength, though she'd said it with a smile rather than a warning tone. ]
I'm sorry, I didn't realize-... It's all right with me, but if you'd prefer we didn't, I don't mind.
[ Truly! They're here to relax, to avoid worrying as much as possible. If he'd be more comfortable without both of them...some level of intoxicated, then she would certainly understand. If, though, both of them understand the situation, and he would be able to relax more if they imbibed? Also fine.
Zelda offers him a little, reassuring smile. One complimented by tiny blooms of a rosy blush in the apples of her cheeks. She's drunk before. She's been drunk before. Not often, mind, and maybe not advisably so. This is the first time that feels...well, safe. Not because Link is at her side (because he always is), but because they exist now in a Hyrule she'd always believed was possible, but which they'd had to fight, and lose, so much to achieve. A bright, safe world for everyone. One where they could let their guard down and enjoy a day and night spent laughing and drinking in Gerudo Town.
She reaches out to take his hand again and squeezes. ]
But, you know, I think we've earned a break. You most of all.
[ He may have been able to come to the Noble Canteen before, to chat with its owner, its regulars, and enjoy the offerings, but she imagines there was a weight on his shoulders all the while. Now, maybe, he can set that down. Let himself fully enjoy the hard-won fruits of their efforts. Especially fruits this delicious! ]
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in the end, the answer is obvious. it's how he always deals with her requests. how can he say no? link exhales a breath before he returns to her a surrender of his own smile and a nod, squeezing her hand back. if this makes her happy, then he will gladly imbibe. they have earned a break, a thousand thousand breaks, she's right. the older soldiers at the barracks in castle town would relax like this with their own spirits so it's not peculiar. obviously, the gerudo are of the same mind. link was too young at the time, but the soldiers invited him to join in with raised glasses and flushed faces regardless of his age. inebriated, unaware they were sentencing themselves to penalties if anyone found out.
nobody did.
he, too, has been drunk before; the inexplicable pleasure which rides with being in your cups. a noble pursuit tastes much better than ale or wine. those tend to be bitter. if there's anywhere they could let loose, if there is anyone he could do it with, then it has to be zelda.
(tulin is too young. yunobo doesn't drink. sidon can't drink. riju... does she get drunk? purah?
"linky!"
ah. nope.) ]
Alright, princess. You win. But we should toast to something first. That's a tradition across all regions. [ what though? having her back is cheer-worthy and his first thought. drinking to the defeat of the demon king has merit but that doesn't feel right either. ganondorf doesn't deserve either of them drinking to him in any way.
lifting their glasses to friends, new and old, maybe -- yeah.
link stands and raises his noble pursuit into the air. everyone turns to look. furosa chuckles at the bar. ]
To friends! [ everyone could understand that joy. everyone could be grateful for that. quieter, for zelda, ]
To never being alone. Sarqso!
[ the gerudo around them also raise full, half-full, near-empty drinks, as long as they have something in the glass it's up high. a cheer echoes the sentiment and everyone is tossing back their own favorite spirits. decisions made, link throws every last drop of his down his throat in one, huge gulp. ]
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"To never being alone." Her heart surges. He's...the sun, all right. Blazing brilliantly above the desert, or peaking out after a storm to lift your spirits. Her lips part, awed, as she watches him, so much so that she nearly forgets her own part in the toast. Hastily, without giving it much thought, the princess downs the rest of her own cocktail, albeit not in a single gulp. She barely tastes it, because she's still watching him, feeling fully the emotion that wells up in the center of her chest. Burning, always burning, and carefully tended to.
I missed you. I missed you...so much.
She remembers herself eventually, face settling into something a little softer, though she keeps her eyes on him. Too many times they'd been separated for ages without warning, slipping out of each other's grasp. After all that, she's more liberal with her stares, less careful to guard the emotions in her face. What would be the point? If she can't now be honest with herself, and with him, then...when would that change? ]
Sarqso! [ Zelda repeats more quietly as he sits back down, teeth peeking out in a grin. ] Mm, I may ask you to teach me more Gerudo. I studied once, but...
[ You know. That was before the passing of the century, and then again before the time as a dragon. ]
There's so much I've forgotten. [ She continues, but it's more of a frustrated pout than a solemn lament. ] So many of my journals have been lost, but...well, at least I have some. That's a start. [ A quick turn, and she's looking at him again, and cheerfully. ] And, I have you...and time.
[ Her own time. Not time spent holding off the Calamity, or restoring the Master Sword. Time to start living a life spent in pursuit of happiness.
And other things.
She blinks. ]
...Oh. [ Their glasses are empty. That was fast. ] Should I get us two more? It really was delicious.
[ Not to mention the way it's made her feel: a light, happy buzz.
...Decisive action! Without waiting for an answer, the princess gets to her feet, only swaying the teeny-tiniest bit. ]
I'll be right back. [ She informs him, now sporting an expression twinged with mischief, before walking over to the bar.
One conversation later, in which she'd surprised and somewhat alarmed Furosa, Zelda returns with two new drinks. A sip seems to be missing from each of them. ]
They're both very good: I checked.
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a gerudo is grinning at him in his peripheral and he quickly looks away, his face going a bright red. if he thought he could get away with it, then he would bury his face in one of those cushions.
that's what zelda comes back to. a knee bounces restlessly and he makes a point to keep his wandering gaze above her neckline as she rejoins him in their corner. link's sharp gaze doesn't miss how the surface of the drink is lower than how they got it the first time and he shoots her a knowing look. fruit cake and noble pursuits, huh, princess? ]
Yeah. I can see that. [ he's still red in the cheeks but he's looking amused as she sits down, face splitting in a grin as he takes his new drink with another "sarqso" for good measure. what did she ask him before she left? about gerudo, right. he'll start there. ]
I don't remember much Gerudo. Only the basic phrases like "good day!" Sav'aaq! And, um, "good evening!" Sav'saaba. I heard those two a lot when I was shopping in the market. But sa'oten is like saying "ah!"
[ while he explains, link speaks with his hands. with the one not currently holding his noble pursuit, anyway.
I have you. ]
U-Uh. The younger vai have been picking up slang, too. Instead of sarqso, sarq is like "thanks."
[ she does have him. always. why is that now suddenly making his heart beat faster? it must be the alcohol. he scratches beneath his high ponytail, bumping large hoop earrings along the way. ]
You know voe and vai.
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It's interesting, isn't it? "Ah" is so quick - barely a word - and "sa'oten" less so. You have more to do before you can express the surprise.
[ She chuckles, smiling, and takes another sip of her drink. Mm... It's warm in the bar, but not overly so. Nice - like floating in a pleasant bath. ]
"Sarq." [ Zelda repeats, nodding. ] And the slang is new? Or you've just recently learned about it? [ Every generation has their own unique vernacular, don't they? It wouldn't be so surprising for this one to have come up with their own quick turns of phrase. Zelda wonders vaguely what the older Gerudo think about it; people in other generations can often be condescending about those sorts of things... ]
I do know. [ He's the only voe in town, unless there are any other invited guests, or...well, prisoners. The princess glances back to Link, gaze sticking a bit as she glances across his outfit. ]
Handsome.
[ ...What? Was that out loud? Zelda blinks, growing more red, but also starts laughing, holding a hand up over her mouth. ]
Ah, I meant - it's "man," "man" and "woman." I don't know why I... [ She continues to laugh, now covering a burning face with both hands.
It would be a lie to say she doesn't know what brought that on, and she's not going to lie to him, but she also isn't going to come out with it. So, she just dissolves into more laughter, eventually removing her hands and curling them around the icy glass, staring determinedly down at the drink. ]
More words. Please. [ Biting her lower lip does not stop the impish grin. ]
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though he doesn't, he needs a sip of his own too. the dry air must be making him more parched, more quickly, or furosa put something in these noble pursuits that isn't quenching his thirst. what would? a bead of sweat travels down zelda's neck and it must be just as wrong to stare at it as it was to watch her hips move while she went to get them two more drinks.
reasons like this are probably why voe aren't allowed in gerudo town. link tears his eyes away from zelda to focus intently at his drink. he nods, at his drink. yes, the slang is newer. yes, he's just recently learned about it. both, princess. both.
zelda's laugh is the only thing that manages to coax his eyes back on her. although hearing her say 'handsome' while feeling the weight of her gaze on him had nearly broken him, too. he's already been getting more red. after a pause where his lips have parted, link smiles quietly with her laughter and her covering her face. just a little, only by the smallest amount, he moves his cushion closer to her.
they're not alone, he has to remind himself. furosa is at the bar and the other gerudo who raised their glasses surround them. why then? why does it feel as if they exist in their own bubble? why does his grin feel so dumb on his face as he scoots another inch closer? he ducks his head, leaning forward into her line of sight. ]
Sorry. I can't remember the ones I've already taught you. [ link admits, close to laughing himself. his tone is breathless with it. ] Can you repeat the ones you know?
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Mm... [ Remember, repeat? Surely she can do that, and without scrambling, too. Probably. ] Well... Sav'...orr, is good night. [ Hmm. Was that one of the phrases he'd already said? ] And vasaaq: welcome. [ Which, er, they'd heard multiple times today. She gives her head a little shake, pulling it together for the last: ] And vure: bird.
[ "Little bird" floats through her mind. Urbosa's voice, warm and comforting. Her smile softens. ]
That may be all... It's difficult to remember. [ At the moment. What with the delicious, strong drinks, and the...heat, and the...er, heat. Speaking of: she looks back at Link, who is very close. ] I obviously need to spend more time here.
[ Listening, studying, exploring. With him, of course. They could practice together.
Her lips part, just a little. ]
Do you know..."please?" [ It's slow, curious. Her head tilts slightly, the metallic elements of her upper dress clinking as she does. ] I know "thank you," but...it seems useful.
[ Another round, "please." A room for two, "please." - Oh, but they wouldn't need that, would they? Riju had provided space for them already, no need to ask after it. Well, the first application would still be useful, as her second drink is already somehow half-gone. And there are so many other appropriate opportunities to ask for things.
Or inappropriate opportunities. Or appropriate, inappropriate opportunities. Her face reddens again with the hot desert air, with some amount of fluster, with warmth entirely unrelated to the temperature. ]
I like the style here. [ She finds herself saying, gaze dropping slightly to his bare shoulder, where one of her hands seems to have moved, grasping it with a distracted firmness. ] It's very... [ quick, choose a word that makes sense and isn't weird ] suitable...for the weather.
[ Nope. Ah, well, she'd sort of tried. And, can she be blamed for what she says, when he's somehow so especially transfixing, and her thoughts are a little muddled? ]
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please.
tension squeezes in his gut. he doesn't know the word for it, which seems like an oversight. with all the buying and selling he does in the markets, a "please" should have come along with a "thank you." that's not what the pressure comes from though. it intensifies when he follows her attention to his bare shoulder and to the hand she leaves there, holding it.
his throat is so dry but he can't seem to lift his drink to take another sip. if he doesn't move, then maybe she'll keep her hand there forever. ]
Y, yeah. [ there's a crack in his voice he's immediately flustered by. which is funny because normally he would be much more flustered by the princess's casual touch on him. he reaches for one of those metallic elements on the upper part of her dress, the ones that clinked earlier, and rubs his thumb across the smooth, glittering gold and the jewels seated there. sapphires meant to keep the body cool with its magical properties.
not like it's helping much. ]
I mean, uh, no. No, I don't know the word for "please." Princess. [ thinking is more of a struggle than usual. there's a sweet lingering taste on his tongue but that bead of sweat on her neck has traveled past her neckline now and --
he hasn't even had two drinks! ]
I like the style too. Very suitable. [ the fabric on her arms is see-through and more airy. breathable. his vai disguise was like that, too. he could use it right now for how hot it is. the sapphires seated in his voe armor don't do much either. the noise of the canteen becomes muffled like he's underwater and link's touch roams from the gold to the bottom edge of her top. knuckles brush lightly at the skin over her ribcage.
what were they talking about? gerudo words. ]
Vehvi is "daughter".
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But - the light of day is strong and real. It feels good, and solid, to have her hand on his skin. ]
We'll have to ask. [ Someone. There are people around, and Furosa would be happy to answer, she imagines, but the idea of moving is somehow...unpleasant. And she certainly couldn't strike up a conversation with the women around them as they are, staring slack-jawed. Nearly in each other's laps.
A fresh pink blooms in her cheeks and she finally releases him, withdrawing slightly. Only slightly. Zelda is less concerned with keeping up appearances these days, true, but also isn't at the point where she's completely disregarded the Gerudo women around them, if only out of respect for their very public place of business and leisure. The princess glances past Link for the first time in a while and meets the eyes of one of the other customers, who raises two red eyebrows, smirking with...approval?
Delicately, she clears her throat. ]
Practical and beautiful. I wonder how much it's changed over time, if-...any...
[ His hand brushes the bare skin of her midriff and she's stunned clear out of her line of thinking. The contact is like an icy shock, more so than any sip of their frozen beverages, and her breath catches for a while as the air seems to leave the room. ]
...Daughter. [ Back to parroting, and to looking at him, then. Her lips part, and she adopts another smile. ] Hmm. There's a lot to learn, then. [ There's another thoughtful pause, and it takes absolutely all her willpower not to reach her hand back out, to touch him again, but her fingers twitch longingly. ] And - what about "yes?"
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a few more cracks appear in the spell with them finding an increment of their personal space again. link blinks rapidly and reaches up to rub his shoulder, where her hand rested, and rolls it experimentally. he looks at the ground as if it's given him a ridiculously complicated riddle to solve. you know, he wouldn't be too shocked if it did.
while the buzz of alcohol lingers, without zelda touching him and without the smell of her right under his nose, he can... think. sort of. when he looks at her, he's lost the completely lost expression on his face. in fact, he seems happy about the new question. that one! that one he has a word for!
his hand hasn't drifted away from her bare midriff. it's even making slow back and forth, light and barely there, motions against the skin. link smiles back at her, scoots in closer to obliterate that increment of personal space they got back, and is utterly oblivious to his mindless touching of her. ]
Ahah! That's sha. Sha is "yes!" [ or "sa'oten! that's sha." if he would recognize and use any of the things he's teaching her. ] I knew that one.
[ ... what are they learning gerudo for? it's fun and he likes sharing any and all of his knowledge with zelda but -- he finishes off his noble pursuit and finally draws his hand back from her body to wipe at his mouth with the back of his hand. ]
Mine's empty. These are even better than I remember. [ when he's not chugging them while fleeing from a molduga, for sure. ] Would you like another one too, Princess?
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Another...? Mm, no, I still have-... [ Zelda looks to the glass in her hand and blinks. When had she finished that one? The princess lifts her gaze to the rest of the room, and, with a little start, notices the quality of light has changed slightly. There's at least one additional patron in the bar, too...or, one she hadn't noticed when they'd first entered.
Interesting. Troubling? Not exactly. They're safe. She's safe, always safe, with Link. So, she smiles again, turning back to him and nodding firmly. ]
Yes, please. ...Oh! "Sha." [ Zelda laughs like the tinkling of bells and bounces her ankles against the bottom of the bench. ] You know, we...really should have eaten before this.
[ Lunch had been some time ago, though she can't say how long with any precision. What they'd had then has clearly done nothing to absorb the alcohol now. ]
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it rouses again, it's been roused for years now, but is stronger without inhibitions. thank you, alcohol. it's harder to ignore or bury or say it's the remains of a knight's devotion to his princess or a friend's loyalty to someone they care deeply about. would do anything for.
getting another drink for her is easy. he smiles through this lovely pain in his chest. ]
I can make something if you're hungry. [ he offers as he stands on -- those are his feet, right? the floor is uneven, not him. he makes a point to plant himself, looking down at the ground in consternation. this is leaps and bounds beyond how he felt after having a couple of pints of ale. what's in these, furosa?
more important, is zelda. if he's feeling such a way, then she must surely -- be bouncing her ankles against the bench.
that's cute. she's cute. she's everything.
he wants to kiss her.
-- like a friend! on the cheek. yes, exactly. ] Be right back!
[ he calls, in a rush, and jogs back to the bar area. he only swerves a little to the side as he goes. the gerudo laugh at the spectacle of a tottering hero. while furosa looks hesitant about giving the two hylian another two noble pursuits, they are safe within gerudo walls just as zelda believes. they've earned some time to let loose and have others watch over them. it's better to do it here than anywhere else.
link comes back with another two drinks. he's staring at them with deep concentration to not spill as he takes a much slower pace to get back. not jogging. ]
For Her Highness. [ their third drink for the afternoon is offered before he seats himself beside her and takes a long drink for his perpetually parched throat. ]
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No, no - I only meant it would have been better foresight. It's-... We're okay.
[ Better than okay! Happy as she's been lately, this is the most...floaty(?)...she's felt. And that's reason to celebrate. The world is awash in a gold glow, and she smiles, rolling her head to one side to drink it all up.
...Drink! Link. Link has gone to get drinks. He's gone, though, and her smile fades a touch until she spots him at the bar, doing exactly what he'd just said. With her transient disappointment evaporating again, Zelda shifts so she's sitting with her legs tucked under, and to one side, shoes sitting empty on the ground beneath her.
The hero returns, drinks in hand. She accepts one as it's offered, perking up happily before going for a sip. Mm, same as before: still quite good. Sweet, fruity, cold. There's a contented sigh as the princess settles in against him, her head squarely resting on Link's shoulder. ]
Thank you. I think this may be my new favorite. [ The drink, the bar, or both? Maybe the entire town?
Zelda rolls her head to gaze up at him, her heart swelling fit to burst. He's so close, and he...smells really good, actually. Not like any particular scent, really, but so solidly like Link that she breathes deep, oddly comforted. Doesn't hesitate or blush much before lifting herself just a little to leave a little kiss - a peck, really - on his jaw (the closest thing to her) before snuggling back in. ]
- Oh! [ And she sits bolt upright suddenly, hand snapping out and latching onto the closest thing to it (his thigh). ] I almost forgot...Riju said we absolutely needed to see the sunset tonight. From somewhere high up, of course.
[ Link has maybe seen this, whether in Gerudo Town specifically or the area around it, but the princess does not look as if she'll be swayed. Her eyes are sparkling with purpose, expression alight with excitement and urgency.
She'd seen it, too. Many times, from above. The memory is grainy, and she hastily brushes it aside from her mind's eye. However grand a sight, the vantage point of a dragon is lonely. ]
Though - later. [ Zelda presses. Later: after they'd finished their drinks, and when it's time. She's certainly not in any rush to leave at the moment, not in a place as nice as this, with-...oh, her hand is on his leg. She considers this, looking down at it, and decides to leave it there. The solid reassurance of him stokes the pleasant warmth in her belly, the pinpricks of something in her chest. ]
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he's left staring at his glass after the peck to his jaw as she cuddles up. link barely turns his head in her direction as she settles into a comfortable position. perhaps one millimeter. from the corner of his eye, just enough to catch a glimpse of her face. although not that noticeable, her legs are.
should he give her a kiss on the jaw in return? those thighs look quite soft, though. what if he dug his face in and -- ]
Wah!
[ with her sudden movement to sit up straight (and grab his thigh), link shouts and bolts up too. until she explains, every muscle in his body is tensed. if only this irrational restlessness would bleed out with the tension as it leaves. he exhales. he smiles.
sunsets are stunning in the gerudo desert. riju's idea isn't a bad one. temperatures are just right as the sun starts to hide behind a flat horizon and all the effort it put into making the dunes a heat haze disappears. with the rise of the moon, the sands are quick to cool. from there, the desert transforms into a canvas of color with no mountains or buildings to obscure the panorama. gradients of the softest pink to the warmest and deepest reds as far as the eye could see and flecked with stars like tiny glittering diamonds. ]
Okay. I know a spot. [ an easy promise. taken as he is with those same diamonds in her eyes, he doesn't hesitate. anything she wants. even the hand that doesn't leave his thigh doesn't keep him from making it. he couldn't return her kiss but he lays his hand over hers on his thigh. ]
We'll have to string travel to get to it, though.
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it finally happened... i wrote "adurable" instead of "adorable"
just as keikaku
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when you have a paid but used the same icon twice that's an oof lmao
unforgivable crimes
put me back in jail
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