#Noble canteen

[daeyumi]

Noble Pursuit 🌅✨

[smileythirteen]

thinking about link post-calamity finding comfort in hanging out in gerudo town in his disguise because nobody knows who he is there. instead of being Link, the Hero of Hyrule, he’s just Link, the quirky little hylian vai who runs around buying all the fruit and arrows and keeps trying to convince furosa to finally let her order a noble pursuit from the canteen. but he also surprisingly finds comfort in wearing his lil outfit for other reasons…

[silvereyedowl]

What We Know About Series 14

Doctor Who series 14 is coming up next year. This is a roundup of advance information and leaks about the season and the preceding Christmas special. Sources are at the very bottom below the cut.

CAST

Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor. Unlike his predecessors, this Doctor changes his outfit a lot.

Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday. Like her actress, Ruby is a native of Manchester.

Returning characters:

Jemma Redgrave as Kate Stewart, head of UNIT.

Bonnie Langford as former companion Mel Bush.

Villains:

Jinkx Monsoon as a villain favouring piano-themed attire, described as "the Doctor's most powerful enemy yet". Not everyone survives the encounter...

Indira Varma as the Duchess. RTD: "a whole new audience will be hiding behind the settee when the Duchess unleashes her terror." Varma previously played Suzie Costello on 2 episodes of Torchwood.

Other characters:

Aneurin Barnard as Roger ap Gwilliam.

Jonathan Groff as a "mysterious key" character.

Lenny Rush as Morris, in time for the Doctor's "greatest nightmare". RTD: "But what secrets does he hold? What's secreted in the Segway?! And will his terrifying probabilities be proved true..?"

Jack Forsyth-Noble as Will.

Gemma Arrowsmith and Mary Malone will appear in the Christmas special, while Majid Mehdizadeh-Valoujerdy and Billy Brayshaw will appear in separate episodes.

Also announced to be appearing: Sophie Ablett, Anita Dobson, Michelle Greenidge, Bhav Joshi, Millie Kent, Eilidh Loan, Pete MacHale, Miles Yekinni, Hemi Yeroham. Dobson previously appeared in the audio play "Blood of the Daleks".

EPISODES

There will be a Christmas special in December 2023, followed by an eight-episode season. (The BBC posted that the season would air in spring, but then removed the information.) Russell T Davies is the showrunner.

A guest star from 2005 returned for the special.

Episode 1's title was coincidentally spoken aloud in a third-season episode of Star Trek: Picard. It includes the words roar, Glastonbury, and conquistador.

Episode 2 contains the words Liverpool, legions, and non-diegetic. Scene 10 begins "INT. CANTEEN. DAY."

RTD thinks episode 4 is one of the best things he's ever written. The line "I once went to the top of the Shard" was cut from it.

The script for episode 7 begins with the line "INT. COFFEE BAR, USA — DAY, 1947".

Episode 8 will contain the words kingdom, gold, and Tigella. Scene 73, featuring the Doctor and Ruby in the TARDIS while "enemies are being fought", was the last scene filmed for the season.

There's a 1960s episode, featuring the Doctor and Ruby in snazzy period outfits.

The episode guest-starring both Varma and Groff will be set in the Regency era. "Dress to impress, and beware the Duchess."

CREATOR RAMBLINGS

According to RTD, we will be "staggered" by the 2023 festive season surprises.

There are monsters which are "impossible to describe" without referencing Fourth and Seventh Doctor adventures.

RTD promises that there are "plans still unfurling" which have yet to be made public.

Production designer Philip Sims said he was excited about "designing a new Dalek".

Davies has hinted that the blue doors Michelle Greenidge and Anita Dobson were photographed with are significant.

Script editor Scott Handcock mentioned filming which required nine babies, as well as Ncuti and Millie.

Monsoon's first day on set "teams her with an unexpected name from the Tom Baker era".

Anita Dobson has said she's playing Ruby's neighbour, whose name is either Mrs. Flood or Blood.

RTD used a potato emoji while commenting on publicity photos from the Regency episode (Sontarans?). Davies was also very coy about the identity of Groff's character.

RTD mentioned one episode having gone through three titles with no decision having yet been made. Another episode had "sixpence" in the title for a while, until the coin was cut.

RTD teased a famous guest star appearing in a scene with a giant statue head in the finale.

While writing about the final days of filming, RTD said that "Yasmin Finney wrapped a few days ago".

OTHER

Filming began on December 7, 2022 and wrapped on July 14, 2023.

Block One was directed by Dylan Holmes Williams. Block Two was directed by Mark Tonderai. It included the Christmas special. Block Three was directed by Julie Anne Robinson. It contains "two wildly different episodes, by two different writers". Block Four was directed by Ben Chessell. Block Five was directed by Jamie Donoghue.

Posters of the Doctor and Ruby.

Fifteen will be getting a brand-new sonic screwdriver.

previous

Leaks and sources below the cut!

LEAKS

Michelle Greenidge appears to be playing Ruby Sunday's mother. Since Greenidge and Millie Gibson are different ethnicities, she is presumably an adoptive, foster, or step mother.

Campaign posters for the "Albion Party", with Roger ap Gwilliam as the "Space Saviour", were spotted on location filming.

Jinkx Monsoon is in the '60s episode.

Millie Kent is playing Valerie, and Sophie Ablett is Marti Bridges.

Mel Bush will be appearing in the season finale.

Reports from finale location filming, albeit second-hand, of someone on set saying, "This is where the Daleks come in".

According to his CV, Majid Mehdizadeh-Valoujerdy will be playing Carson in an episode directed by Julie Anne Robinson.

Davina McCall may be the returning 2005 guest star. She will apparently host a genealogy show on which Ruby appears, and will be crushed by a falling Christmas tree.

RUMOURS

UNIT may be getting its own spinoff. (SOURCE)

The DWM production journal has led some fans to theorize Steven Moffat will be returning as a writer.

SOURCES

Doctor Who filming begins with new director

Doctor Who filming in Penarth as Doctor and companion costumes revealed

Doctor Who filming at Capitol Shopping Center in Cardiff

Doctor Who filming with new monster at Swansea Bay Campus

Doctor Who filming in Newport with UNIT, Space Saviour and companion

Doctor Who filming in Swansea: new monster details

Doctor Who filming with Aneurin Barnard at Cardiff City Stadium

Doctor Who filming with Millie Gibson on a moving train from Cardiff

Doctor Who filming at Loudoun Square flats

Doctor Who Filming in Bristol With Millie Gibson, Michelle Greenidge and Anita Dobson

Doctor Who filming in Pembrokeshire with Millie Gibson

Doctor Who filming: new photos of Millie Gibson in Pembrokeshire

Photos snapped of Millie Gibson filming Doctor Who

Doctor Who filming: Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson in Pembrokeshire

Doctor Who filming in Bristol with Millie Gibson and Anita Dobson

Russell T Davies talks “exciting” Doctor Who scenes as programme films in Bristol

Doctor Who filming with Ncuti Gatwa at two venues in Cardiff

Doctor Who filming: Block Three begins

Doctor Who filming: clue found for secret location filming

Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson film 1960s Doctor Who scenes

Doctor Who films in Bristol with Ncuti Gatwa and Jinkx Monsoon

Doctor Who filming in Cardiff with Beatles connection

New Doctor Who photos of Jonathan Groff alongside Nucti Gatwa and Millie Gibson

Doctor Who filming at Margam Park

Doctor Who films more scenes with a Beatles connection

Doctor Who films in Cardiff theatre

Doctor Who films in Cardiff with Ncuti Gatwa and Bonnie Langford

Michelle Greenidge films Doctor Who in Cardiff

Ncuti Gatwa, Millie Gibson and Bonnie Langford film Doctor Who in Cardiff

Millie Gibson and Ncuti Gatwa film Doctor Who at Cardiff City Hall

Doctor Who films scooter stunt on Cardiff streets

Bonnie Langford and Ncuti Gatwa film Doctor Who scenes on a scooter

Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson film Doctor Who in Barry

[marimbles]

A gift for @gathos! This is my first Zelda fic so I hope it's OK 👉👈 Thanks for the inspo<3 I had fun writing this!

Word count: 2.9k

Summary: Riju and Zelda drink Noble Pursuits and talk about a certain noble someone.

A Noble Pursuit

The desert shimmers in the setting sun.

It’s a beauty she can never quite get used to, despite countless hours spent on the back of Vah Naboris with Urbosa, watching the sand shift like water far below them. The desert’s gold seems boundless, stretched out like an open palm to call to the horizon. She used to dream of answering that call—of sailing on the sand-sea to the edge of the world, to discover just what secrets lay beyond it. (Link says he’s been there, and there isn’t much to tell. But still, she wants to see it for herself.)

“Zelda!” Riju joins her at the window, taking her elbow. “Come. Sit. Our drinks have arrived.”

She steers Zelda to the cushioned seats at the end of her bed, where a giant plush sand seal takes up most of the space.

“We have a guest, Nabooru,” Riju informs the seal. “I’m afraid you’ll have to surrender your seat.” She tosses it unceremoniously onto the bed.

“Er, sorry, Nabooru,” Zelda says.

“Oh, she’s honored to make room for the princess of Hyrule.” Riju gently pushes Zelda onto the cushions and presses a cold glass into her hands. “Try it. It’s a crowd favorite. We’ve just got ice again, and the whole town is vying for a taste before we run out.”

Zelda raises the glass to her lips. The drink is fresh and fruity—sweet, but well balanced. “Mmm. What’s it called?”

“The Noble Pursuit. Palm fruit, hydromelon, voltfruit, and a touch of something apparently even the chief of the Gerudo isn’t allowed to know, unless she takes a part-time job at the canteen.” Riju grins. “Refreshing, right?”

“Absolutely.” Zelda takes another sip.

“Oh, don’t be so princess-y about it. There’s plenty. Go on, drink up.” Riju drains her own glass and reaches for the pitcher on the table.

“Do you think we could deliver one outside the gate to Link?” Zelda asks. “I hate to think of him pacing around the city walls in this heat.”

Riju waves a dismissive hand as she tops off both their glasses. “I convinced him to rest at Kara Kara. I’m sure he can find his own refreshment there.” She sets the pitcher down again. “Don’t worry. He’ll be back to collect you in the morning. But until then, it’s just us.”

Riju raises her glass, eyes bright, and Zelda taps her own against it with a giggle and a clink.

“Ah.” Riju sighs, settling back on her cushion. “Speaking of noble pursuits, I think it’s time for you to spill about yours.”

“Oh, you mean the schoolhouse?” Zelda sits up, eager. “It’s coming along splendidly! Bolson says it should be ready by the end of the month. All the children are so excited. And I think I might be able to persuade Link to help me teach there sometimes. He knows every corner of Hyrule, after all. And while he’s rather modest about it, he is a key point of our history.”

“Undoubtedly,” Riju says. “And that sounds wonderful. But it’s also not what I meant.”

“Oh, then are you talking about the Sheikah technology project? We have almost all of it dismantled and repurposed. Link has been working at it tirelessly. He has just a few more shrines to deactivate, over in Faron.”

“Oh?” Riju fishes a piece of fruit from her glass and pops it into her mouth.

“Yes. We’re going there next week so he can take care of it while I do some research on some local fauna that may have an interesting connection to luminous stones. Anyway, I know it might seem like a waste—the Sheikah tech, I mean, not the luminous stones—although, they do, potentially … well, they produce the waste, supposedly—quite a remarkable kind of waste, in fact. But—but as for the Sheikah parts, we’re trying to be as resourceful as possible. Reuse what we can and safely dispose of what we can’t. We just can’t risk another Calamity, you see. There’s no telling when Ganon might return, and the abundance of ancient machinery leaves us vulnerable. It just seemed like it was tempting fate again. Don’t you think?”

“I think that sounds both wise and noble.” Riju tips her head back to finish off her second glass. “Although I don’t know if I can say the same of luminous droppings.”

“It’s—the droppings aren’t luminous,” Zelda replies with a blush. “Just the stones that produce them. The droppings are gem deposits. At least, that’s what I’ve been told.”

“Interesting. Are you planning on making any jewelry with them, then? We have a fine jeweler here in Gerudo Town.”

Zelda blinks. “Well, no. I wasn’t planning on taking the research materials. And to be honest, I’m not very interested in jewelry.”

“But isn’t it Hylian custom to offer your betrothed a piece of jewelry?” Riju asks, filling her glass yet again. “A ring, I thought.”

“Well … yes, that is the custom,” Zelda says hesitantly. “But I don’t see quite see how that relates to what you’re asking.”

“No?” Riju peers at Zelda over the top of her glass, a smile half hidden behind it. “You don’t see any connection?”

The room suddenly feels rather stuffy, despite Zelda’s heat-resistant outfit and the fact that it is nearly nightfall. The breeze drifting through the windows is pleasantly cool, but not enough to soothe her burning cheeks. She buries her face in her glass and doesn’t resurface until the drink is gone.

“Another?” Riju offers politely.

She really shouldn’t have more. She rarely drinks, on principle—partly because she prefers to be in full possession of her faculties, and partly because she is an embarrassing lightweight.

But Riju has already filled her glass again, and the Noble Pursuit is delicious. So she gulps the whole thing down, trying not to worry about how it will affect her half an hour from now.

“Ha! Now we’re getting somewhere.” Riju seems far too delighted—suspiciously delighted, honestly—and she is quick to pour yet another drink.

“I’m glad you are properly enjoying the tastes of our fine town,” Riju declares. “Although, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were avoiding my question.”

That sly smile is driving Zelda mad. She sucks in a breath, fighting back another blush. “I can’t avoid the question if I don’t know what it is, can I?”

“Oh, come on,” Riju teases. “The princess of Hyrule is famously wise. Legendary in her wisdom, one could say. Surely she can figure out this simple riddle.”

“I’m not in the mood for riddles,” she replies, a bit sourly.

But Riju just laughs. “You, objecting to a riddle? There’s one I’ve never heard before. I’ve never known another person to be so fond of puzzles. Except maybe … Link.”

She’s got Zelda now, and she knows it. Riju’s smile grows practically devilish while Zelda takes another humiliating drink, her cheeks no doubt rivaling than the sinking sun outside the window.

“Let’s seeeee …” Riju props her elbow on the sofa, threading her fingers through the fresh crop of her scarlet hair. “A noble pursuit, hmm? What could that refer to? Is there anything in Hyrule that we might consider noble? Or perhaps … anyone?”

Zelda pointedly looks away from Riju’s grin. “There—there are many noble citizens of Hyrule. Of every race, in every region.”

“To be sure,” Riju agreed. “But wouldn’t you say there is someone who is the most noble? Someone with a very noble heart, and a noble mind, and noble sword upon his noble, and strong, and sculpted back?”

Zelda chokes on a bit of hydromelon, falling into a coughing fit. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“Oh yes, you do. You were ogling him in that voe outfit all afternoon when we went sand surfing.”

“I was not ogling!” Zelda insists. “I was just admiring his form! He’s a very skilled surfer.”

“You were admiring his physical form,” Riju says. “Personally, I don’t see what’s so impressive. For how strong he is, you’d think he’d have more muscle. And height. Goddesses, he’s short.”

“He’s—he’s not that short. You’re just used to all these great, big Gerudo women. We can’t all be nine feet tall.”

“Please. Even for a Hylian, he’s tiny.”

Zelda sits back with a huff. “Did you really invite me here just to make fun of my knight?”

“Oh, calm down. You know I think very highly of Link. I meant it when I said that he was noble.” Riju pauses. “I admit I haven’t had the chance to meet many voe, but I’m positive that he’s the most noble one there is.”

The spirits are already making Zelda feel slightly fuzzy at the edges. “You … you think he’s that noble? The most … worthy voe?”

“I do.”

“So then …” Her head is swimming, and something twists deep in her stomach. “Does that mean you want him as your husband? To rule by your side?”

Riju breaks into a laugh. “Truly, all your royal wisdom is no match for Gerudo liquor, is it?”

“Huh?”

“Zelda, I’m not the one in love with Link. You are.”

Something jolts through her, and Zelda thinks, suddenly, of Urbosa, summoning lightning with just a snap of her fingers. She’s frozen in place, heart pounding in her chest, and the breath feels trapped in her lungs.

“Aren’t you?” Riju asks, softly this time.

Zelda’s eyes fall closed, and in the black he’s there, like always. On the backs of her eyelids, in the cage of her ribs, in the very map of her flowing veins. In every heartbeat, every breath, every silent thought—it’s him, him, him.

For a moment, there’s silence. The last rays of the dying sun slip out the open window. Then Riju sets her glass down with a sigh. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t pry. You don’t have to talk about this.”

“No, I want to,” Zelda whispers. “Because you’re right. I do love him. I …” She swallows. “I have loved him for a hundred years.”

She looks up, and every trace of mirth is gone from Riju’s face. She’s solemn. Gentle. Waiting. Zelda lets her eyes fall to the floor.

“While he slept,” she says quietly, “it was the memory of his face that gave me the strength to keep on fighting. Time passed so strangely in that place … sometimes, it felt like only minutes ago that I had held him in my arms and watched him die. But at the same time, I felt the ache of every hour we were apart. I was determined to be by his side again. And I believed, more than anything, that he would come for me. He always did. He always would.”

There’s a smile in Riju’s voice. “You have so much faith in him.”

“It’s easy to have faith in Link. He has never let me down.” She bows her head, staring into the contents of her half-empty cup. “Though I have failed him every moment since.”

“What do you mean?”

Zelda releases a breath, deep and slow. “I made a promise, before I sealed myself away. I promised that when I saw Link again, I would tell him.”

“Tell him what?”

She traces a finger around the rim of the glass. “That I love him.”

“Why don’t you?”

Zelda smiles weakly. “Courage is Link’s virtue, not mine.”

“But what exactly are you afraid of?” Riju leans forward, gaze earnest. “Do you really think he doesn’t love you back?”

Zelda’s cheeks warm. “Link is … reserved. Of course, he speaks more freely now than he did before he lost his memories, but even still, he doesn’t easily express the way he feels.”

“He does to you,” Riju points out.

“Some feelings, yes.” Her blush deepens. “But not … other feelings.”

Riju rolls her eyes. “He doesn’t have to say it. Anyone with eyes can tell.”

“He’s just—he’s noble, like you said. His heart is good, and his loyalty runs deep. But to an outside eye, the line between duty and affection may seem blurred.”

“Are you kidding me?” Riju shakes her head. “He would follow you to the ends of the earth. He is always at your side. In fact, it’s so impossible to separate you that I had to lure you out here to the desert, to the single place in Hyrule where he can’t follow, just to have a private conversation.”

Zelda sighs impatiently. “He follows me because he is my knight. A duty which I have attempted, more than once, to relieve him of—but he refuses every time.”

“Because he loves you!”

Zelda hesitates. “If he loves me, why hasn’t he said it?”

“Why haven’t you?”

She buries her face in her hands. The effects of the alcohol are beginning to come back again, pressure mounting at her temples. (The familiar ache in her chest, she’s sure, has an entirely separate origin.)

“Zelda,” Riju says gently. “You said yourself that Link has never let you down. Why would you lose your faith in him now?”

“This—this is different.” She roughly wipes away a tear. “This isn’t something I can—can ask of him. I can’t expect him to love me. Because—because it’s not a duty to fulfill. Or a service to be rendered. It’s not a feat of heroism. Or an act of courage.”

Riju is quiet for a moment, considering. “Isn’t it, though?”

“What?”

“It is an act of courage, isn’t it? To love someone? And tell them so?” Riju tilts her head. “Maybe this time, you need to be the brave one.”

Zelda’s voice breaks around a sob. “I can’t.”

“Yes, you can. Listen.” Riju straightens in her seat. “Link follows you. Always. But he can only follow where you lead. I think the reason he hasn’t said it is that he’s waiting for you.”

Zelda lets out a sad, desperate sort of laugh. “He can lead the way this once, can’t he?”

“Well, he’s never been a voe of many words.” Riju shrugs. “I think he’s already said it in every way he can. Apart from, well, saying it.”

Zelda bites her lip. “Are you sure?”

Riju snorts. “I’m sure. Honestly, we should bring you both into a ‘Voe and You’ class. So all the vai can see how a voe’s face looks when he’s in love.”

Zelda looks down at her lap, tugging at the end of her long hair. A bubble of warmth swells inside her chest, and she can’t fight back a smile.

“Trust me,” Riju says firmly. “When he comes tomorrow, watch his face. It’ll be there, as soon as he sees you.”

Zelda lifts her head. “And then?”

“And then you’ll know. And you can tell him.”

“What if …” Zelda takes a shaking breath. “What if I’m still not ready?”

A smile tugs at Riju’s lips. “Then I guess a noble pursuit that has waited for a hundred years can wait a little longer.”

————

The desert shimmers in the morning sun.

Link waits by the entrance to Gerudo Town in his blue tunic, quiet and gentle and patient—a golden boy more gilded by the dawn.

(It’s a beauty she can never quite get used to, no matter how many times she sees him.)

His face is smooth and calm, like usual. But when he spots them, it breaks into a smile—something rare and radiant, like a desert bloom, or a diamond geode, or a shining, pearl-sheen shell.

“Sav’otta!” Riju greets him. “How was the trip from the bazaar?”

“Fine,” he says. “It’s still early. Not too hot.”

His gaze shifts to Zelda, and his eyes are bright and soft—smooth-edged sea glass catching sunlight in its hands.

“Right,” Riju says. “Well, thanks for letting me steal Zelda for the night. It was nice to catch up. Good luck with the school and the shrines and the poop.”

Link’s eyebrows rise. “The poop?”

“Never mind about that!” Zelda says quickly, neck burning under her collar. “Um, thank you, Riju. You’re always a lovely host.”

“Any time.” Riju slips a bottle into Zelda’s hand with a wink. “For the road. Safe travels to you both!”

They wave goodbye, and then together, Zelda and Link turn to face the golden stretch of desert sea.

(If he would follow her to the ends of the earth, where else would he follow?)

She swallows, squinting against the glint of the shining sand. Her heart feels caught in her throat.

“Did you sleep well?” she ventures.

Link shrugs.

“No?”

He wets his lips, gaze darting downward for a moment before meeting hers again. “I just rest better when I know you’re near.”

She searches his face. It’s earnest and open—strong beneath its softness, soft beneath its strength. He looks sun-gold and moon-silver and every beautiful thing in between. (And with the way his features soften when they’re turned toward her, she must look much the same.)

How a voe’s face looks when he’s in love.

“Me too,” she says.

He nods toward the bottle in her hand. “What’s that?”

“Oh.” She lifts it to read the label. “It’s the drink Riju and I had last night. I think you’d like it.”

“What’s in it?”

“Fruit. And other things we’re probably better off not knowing.”

A laugh slips free from his lips, and her heart soars. She has loved him for a hundred years, and she would love him for a hundred more. As long as she has heartbeats left, he will live between each one.

“Um …” Zelda keeps her eyes on the bottle, tracing the label with a finger. “I know it’s too early now, but maybe later …” She takes a steadying breath and looks up with a smile. “Link, would you share a Noble Pursuit with me?”

He smiles back, sun-golden. “I’d love to.”

[mistresslrigtar]

“You only live once” - the strokes!

🫡

Written for my 200 follower challenge. Send me a song prompt. I should have stated in the beginning, the song can be instrumental. Those are inspiring, too

Thank you, @bahbahhh for the song prompt You Only Live Once by The Strokes

This was another tough one because this is an upbeat song and I almost used it in my rock star au - so there was a lot going through my mind every time I listened to it. I started writing a one-shot about Link starting a bar fight in the Noble Canteen and bolting, but it felt off. So, after our brainstorm session yesterday I wrote what you said this song brought to mind. Hope that’s okay, because it felt like the right fit. Enjoy!

Excerpt:

Hylia had a sick sense of humor if she’d offered Link a second chance at life only to snatch the one thing that brought him true happiness away. If that proved true, Link was certain he’d lose the last shred of sanity he was holding on to. He’d wind up as mindless as Zelda–just an empty shell who’d spend the remaining days of his life wandering the plains of Hyrule below her.

[askganon]

Have you ever tried a Noble Pursuit from the canteen on Gerudo?

Often. The Noble Pursuit has been a staple refreshment of the Gerudo for a millenia.

[eerna]

me going to the Noble Canteen the second I'm done with the temple bc Link is finally old enough for me to buy him booze

[breannasfluff]

Want a Drink?

Whump Rating: 0.5/5

Kara Kara Bazaar had a delightful new addition; an extension of the Noble Canteen. Most of the Chain were happy to settle in the inn or do a little shipping. Hyrule, though, pulled Wild aside. “Still have those vai clothes?”

The champion lights up. “What are you thinking?”

“Want to go check out the new bar?”

“Yes! Come on, I’ll help you get ready.”

A quick scrub and Hyrule is sliding into silks; smooth and airy against his skin. They don’t need to wear the face coverings here, so Wild dips into his store of makeup. Glitter eyeshadow highlights his eyes and he sweeps gloss across Hyrule’s lips. Then he takes over the mirror to do his own.

“Well? What do you think?” Wild spins to show off the outfit and makeup.

“Stunning!”

“You look like a catch yourself!”

Hyrule smiles at the compliment, but it’s a little tight. The feeling is forgotten as Wild loops his arm in his and pulls him to the door. They have a bar to visit.

The bar is packed with people. Wild and Hyrule squeeze up to the counter and order drinks. People bump up against them and to one side, hylians are dancing. There are a few Gerudo women as well and a couple are chatting with the men.

Drinks in hand, Hyrule and Wild find a clear space and a little table to stand by. It’s barely a minute before two people come up.

“Hi cuties! My friend and I were hoping we could buy you a drink?”

Hyrule looks at the drink in his hand, still full, then at the two hylians. A girl and a boy; both dressed for the desert heat, although not in vai clothes. The girl’s hair is braided and looped up; the boy’s pulled back in a ponytail. They look similar in age to Wild and Hyrule.

“I’m Oshi,” the girl introduces herself, “and this is my friend Koran.” The boy waves.

Wild’s grin is welcoming. “I’m Wild! This is my friend Hyrule—funny name, I know. But ah,” he glances sideways at the traveler. “I think my friend is good on drinks.”

Wait...what? Hyrule looks at his cup and then back to Wild. “I mean, I can have more than one drink.”

The champion’s smile is fading. “I can get you another drink if you want one. Or you can have mine.”

“Oshi and Koran offered?”

The two friends simply smile and wait, not minding the discussion.

Wild nods slowly. “Yes, but in this case I think it would be…rude.”

“I don’t mind buying Hyrule a drink,” Oshi offers. She bats her lashes; they sparkle in the dim light. “I hope you don’t mind me saying so, but you are gorgeous. Look at your eyes!” she leans across the table, which pulls at her loose shirt.

Hyrule smiles back. “I love your hair braids. Can you tell me how you did them?”

Before Oshi can answer, Wild flashes them a blinding smile. “Give us just a moment, would you?”

“Of course.”

Hyrule glances back at the table as Wild pulls him a few feet away. “You need to stop it,” Wild hisses. “They’re not just being nice, they are flirting.”

“I know.” The traveler stares back, brows crinkling.

“You…do?”

Unbidden, annoyance surges. “I’m not as stupid as you think I am, Wild. I know what flirting is. I know what sex is, relationships, and everything else that goes along with it. Everyone acts like I’m—Wind, too young to hear about it. Just because I don’t want some of those things doesn’t mean I don’t know what they are!”

Wild steps back, hands up. “Woah, okay! I’m sorry! I just…didn’t want you to agree to something you didn’t understand.”

“I know. I know. But you never asked. You just assumed. I know my era isn’t like the rest of yours and there are not a lot of people around but…I like flirting with people. It’s fun. And it’s nice to feel wanted, you know? Even if I don’t want to do anything about it. Don’t you like feeling pretty, too?”

“Of course.” His face falls and he glances at the scars on his side and arm. The vai outfit hides little. “I get it. It’s nice to feel wanted.”

The annoyance vanishes and Hyrule steps closer, laying a hand on the champion’s arm. “I’m sorry I snapped. You were just trying to watch out for me.”

“I’m sorry I assumed. You never seemed interested in any of it before and…well, I guess I fell into the same trap as everyone else.” He still looks subdued.

“Really, Wild, it’s okay. Now, come on, I think we could both use some liquid encouragement to loosen up tonight.”

“Yeah.”

The traveler pauses and ducks slightly to look up at Wild. “Hey, what’s going on? Really?”

His face twists. “I just—I feel so bad for treating you like that. I should know better.”

“Why?”

“Because I…feel the same sometimes. Not always. But I get what you mean, about not wanting all the stuff that goes with being with someone. But sometimes I do want it and—anyway, it’s stupid.”

“It’s not stupid.” Hyrule grabs Wild’s hand and squeezes it. Somehow, this has drawn up more feelings than he was expecting. “You can feel however you want, champ.”

When Wild looks up, tears are brimming at the edges of his eyes. “But when if something’s wrong with me? The shrine messed up and I’m—broken.”

“You are not broken.” The traveler grabs his other hand and gives him a little shake. “Listen to me, Wild, there is nothing wrong with you. I know that’s hard to accept but…everyone is different.

“It took a while for me to realize I didn’t want to settle down and get married, you know? Warriors likes boys. Time is so focused on Malon that I don’t think he realizes anyone else exists in the world. Legend and Ravio are…well, whatever they’ve got going on. We’re all different.”

“But—”

“No buts. You can want someone and change your mind. You don’t have to do anything more or less than you want to. Don’t let anything make you feel guilty for that.”

“I don’t want to lead them on.” Wild lets go to wipe at his eyes, nearly smearing his eyeshadow.

“You aren’t.” Hyrule pulls him in for a hug. “And if they don’t appreciate you as you are, then you probably don’t want anything to do with them.”

Wild squeezes and when he pulls back, his smile is a little stronger. “Thanks for the talk, Rulie.”

“Any time. Now let’s go see if those drinks are still on the table.”

[triforce-of-mischief]

Hi Fable! So why exactly are the Yiga looking for blupee blood?? (And why is it Legend’s problem he looks nothing like a blupee) (unless bunlegend just happens to be hanging out with the blupee s when the plot unfolds and decides to show the yiga exactly why smart people are Terrified of angry rabbits)

“Both of you shut up,” the one holding Legend snapped. “If this is a blupee, the color of its fur won’t matter. It’s the inside that counts.” “Yeah!” the first one nodded along. “Blupee blood… rumored to be one of the most magically potent liquids in Hyrule! Imagine what Master Kohga could do with a store of the stuff!”

an absolutely tragic-funny idea i had is that blupee blood isn't actually magical at all. the yiga overheard a couple gerudo talking about the "wonderful properties of blupee blood" and were completely unaware that they were referring to a drink at the noble canteen. this just means that all of the pain and horror legend is about to go through is for nothing :)

while in wild's hyrule, legend decides to take a quick walk for some fresh air and marches into a puddle of gloom, which transforms him into a bunny. he's about to go back to camp for his moon pearl when some yiga capture him and bring him to their base to harvest his blood.

this is set adjacent to overcome, meaning that i don't feel like squishing this into canon but legend sadly will be the opposite of an intimidating angry rabbit.

*tw needle*

They carried Legend back to the table, firm hands keeping his head and legs in place. His attempts to kick, twist and bite were easily quashed. The realization that he might not be able to escape set in, along with a looming sense of panic. He had forgotten how his rabbit form intensified fear; his heartbeat increased to an unnaturally fast staccato and his senses were more oversensitive than ever. The not-Sheikah arranged Legend on the table, keeping him restrained with pressure on his head, back, and legs. “Hold it still. I don’t want the needle coming out just because you can’t handle a ‘slippery banana peel.’” Legend skipped a breath, a heartbeat. He had to have heard that wrong, there was no way- He managed to turn his head enough to see the third kidnapper, and everything came crashing down.

[sunset-peril]

Guilty as Ganon

She couldn't figure it out fast enough to save her own face, or Link's for that matter.

Rhoam wanted her to confess, in front of all these people, what she had done. He wanted her to submit herself for a public condemnation provided by her own father.

And what a father he had been to her. 

Had Rhoam actually been what he needed to be, Zelda determined after her witch trial was all over, none of this wouldn't have happened. 

She was upset. Okay, upset was an understatement. 

She was downright, undeniably, worthy of all the Gerudo profanity she knew, furious. And in her mind, she had every right to be. She knew what she had done, and the Goddess whom she had gotten ill for time and time again (yet still had somehow ignored her dedication) egged her on to do such a thing as if it was the last piece to finally unlocking the power that she'd lost everything for. And if it were that last step, then condemn the Golden Goddesses above she was going to do it! 

Did Father seek to gain anything by making me look more unworthy for the throne that no one else is able to inherit? By Naryu's name, what could it ever be? By defacing her, a descendant of Hylia and Link, Hylia's hero chosen over and over again, Rhoam was only asking for his kingdom to burn. 

The armor grabbed tight at her waist, worse than that cursed formal dress, but she feared about as much as she fumed.

"And why is that?" Zelda's fists grew tense as the sound of his voice in her mind. "What is more important than training to awaken the power to save all of Hyrule? Do you, Zelda, want Hyrule to burn to ashes along with all its people?"

She wanted to bash that head in over and over again, screaming profanities that matched or exceeded the ones he and the court used to describe her. 

These feelings weren't hers, she tried to convince herself at the beginning. But they were, oh so real, as real as the persistent enduring ache deep in her stomach, belonging solely to her scarred and tattered soul.

It had been so long, if ever, since she had smoldered with such fury. She wanted to let it all out on the person who had deserved it most over these past ten years.

Urbosa had taught her ways to cope with such turbulent emotions, but the one that worked the best was unusable. Whenever she got debilitated by the feelings harbored in her soul, she would always head down to the Noble Canteen for a drink known as a Valiant Cause, which was the exact same thing as the famous Noble Pursuit but minus the alcohol. It didn't exist on the menu, but the bartender began to serve it when Urbosa took Zelda in following her mother's untimely death. Now, with the small but undeniable round in her stomach, she was instantly denied access from the bar without a second glance or eloquent argument. 

"Gerudo law prohibits pregnant vai from any form of access to adult beverages or establishments." That same bartender nearly snapped at her, not even rising from the main desk. "I think of all vai, you should know that, hmm? Come back after you've finished nursing."

The words didn't frustrate her as much as the fact that Zelda's coping mechanisms were vanishing into thin air. She needed something material to work through, whether that was an ancient robot or a nearly frozen fruit punch. She used these material things because she felt like it was unfair that Link was always having to fix her problems, and without them it seemed like he was having to stop more meltdowns than ever before. Most were from her raging hormones, which caused mood swings so bizarre that the emotions came and went before she could even realize their presence. 

She missed Link… 

The poor boy was in the Lockup until Hylia-knows-when. 

Rhoam had sentenced him there until proof of his legal marriage to Zelda was provided. If it became clear that Zelda was pregnant outside of a marriage bond, he'd be sent to the Castle Town Prison for the rest of his days. If the records showed that he was married to her, then no punishment could be done. A member of the Royal Family is above the law after all. 

Sweet Hylia, Zelda wanted a hug. She was balancing on a fence of unbridled violence, but she wanted a hug so badly. 

She couldn't take it any longer. She nearly flew into a standing position, checking to make sure the armor still adequately protected her growing baby from any conflict she might encounter, and headed towards the Lockup.

"Link!" She softly called into the cell, three heads turned. 

"Zelda?!" Link cried, stumbling to his knees. "You're not supposed to be here!"

"Hey, it's the Princess!" Another voice called. 

"How are you?"

Link reached through the bars to stroke her face. "I'm fine. You've gotta get out of here. You're not supposed to be down here."

"I'm not leaving. Not yet. I miss you." 

"I miss you too. But it will be okay, Urbosa will provide everything His Majesty wants." 

Zelda aggressively kissed his lips, the others in the cell jumped back in surprise. 

They had known Link was in the Lockup for an improper relationship with the Princess, but seeing her return such ways sent them reeling. Did she initiate the relationship? Was it all her idea? Why was she so upset that he was down there? 

Link tore back for air, Zelda's face seemed like her heart was about to break. "Zelda… please, it's alright. I'll be out soon… But this, this isn't healthy for you."

"Neither of us are alright! We need you!" 

"I can't stop anyone if they react to you being down here. Please… go back to where you're supposed to be… it's safer that way… just for a little while…" He held onto her hand, brushing over her knuckles. 

"I-I can't…" Zelda's voice swung in and out of her controllable range. Her body flopped down onto its side. 

Link's breath caught in his throat as his eyes failed to find the bulge in her stomach. Where was his child? 

She wasn't breathing deep, all her breaths were quick and shallow. He snuck a hand down onto the metal covering her stomach, only then did he find her trapped bump. 

"It hurts… but it's the only thing that feels safe… with this… they can't hurt me as much."

This was enough to put him over. He wanted to rip the bars of the Lockup open and pull her close. He wanted to rip that tight armor off her and replace it with a loose, comforting dress. "Urbosa said she'd be back within forty-eight hours." His voice had become stale. "This will all be over soon…" 

“But…”

“Go. Now.” He rubbed her stomach for a few seconds before pulling away. “Stay with Impa, or Urbosa once she gets back. You don’t have to be alone, you just can't be here.” 

She nearly threw herself against the bars. "Link!" Tears began to pour down her face. "Don't leave me alone… please." 

Link ripped off his white undershirt, lovingly crafted by his late mother, and slipped it to Zelda. "Here… Tide yourself over with this…"

She brought it up to her nose and verified that it smelled like him. "But, Link…"

"You're my wife… what's mine is yours. And besides, you need it more than I do right now. You can give it back when this is all over. Now please go. I trust Impa to take care of you."

"Okay… just promise me you'll come back."

"I have, several times… but I promise again. I'm coming back." 

Zelda clutched his shirt to her chest and jogged back out of the Lockup. 

His cellmates crept up to where he was. "What was all that about?" 

Link slipped the Champion's Tunic back on. "Just doing what I need to do."

"Why would you promise her that you're getting out of here? How could you?" 

"Because we're married." He waited for the gasps to die down. "Once Gerudo Chief Urbosa brings all the proof of our legal marriage before the King, he'll have no choice but to set me free." He looked down at his anklet. 

"So… we're locked up in here with… our prince?"

"Pretty much."

"B-But how did you legally marry Princess Zelda? If King Rhoam had already banned such a relationship, how could you be so confident that it will stand binding in front of him?"

Link chuckled. "Oh, that's a long, convoluted story. But we have time, so let me tell you."

~~~~

"Princess! There you are!" Impa ran up to Zelda in the hallways of the castle. Where on Hylia's blessed land have you been?" 

Zelda began to cry again, snuggling her face into Link's shirt. 

"Princess, it's okay… it's okay…" She smelled Link on the fabric. "Wait. Where did you get this?" She tried to touch it, but Zelda stubbornly protected it. Impa's voice firmed accusingly. "You went and saw him!"

Her sobs became louder, she held one hand on her stomach and the other held the fabric to her chest. "I had to! I need him!"

Impa's anger dropped away. "Princess Zelda…" She stroked her shoulder gently. "It will be okay… Here, let's get you to your room; it's nice and quiet there, and I'll stay with you until Urbosa returns." She led her back to the room, then convinced her to change out of the armor into a loose silk dress. "If anyone tries to hurt you or the little descendant of Hylia, I will defend you. Please make yourself comfortable, you probably haven't been since the last time you trained at the Spring of Courage." 

"Okay… thank you, Impa."

"Of course, Your Highness. I'm always here for you." 

Zelda chose a long blue nightgown, completely lacking of a corset or any tight shapers, and slipped in. As she did so, her hands brushed the new curves of her stomach. The feeling made her weak in the knees, she grabbed onto the nearby dresser. "Impa! My knees have given out." 

"Oh!" She rushed over, helping Zelda over to her bed and laying her down. "Rest, Princess. You've had a stressful few days." 

"...Impa? Would you… mind?" She rolled over towards Impa and carefully showed off her tender bump. 

"You want a massage?"

"Yes… please."

Impa stepped closer to the bed and put her hands on Zelda's stomach, massaging carefully. "Oh… I can definitely feel the baby… They're a lot bigger than when we first scanned you…" She felt Zelda stiffen up. "Hey, Princess Zelda, relax."

"Father won't overturn Mother's pact to keep Link and I apart, will he?"

Massages changed to long strokes down Zelda's stomach. "In all honesty, I cannot see how he could. Your mother was a descendant of Hylia, a mere Hylian like your father cannot overturn her words. Besides, even if he could, we could definitely prove that his actions are intentionally causing harm to you, the last descendant. But I believe he will accept all of this after Urbosa returns. He does not need three more wars to fight.

"Will my baby get to meet their father?" 

"I believe he will be with you for the rest of this journey."

Zelda nuzzled into the mattress next to her head, ready for her husband to be with her again. "I long for him."

"Already? You couldn't have been apart for more than ten minutes."

"I need him to be here, Impa. You don't understand…" 

She felt something twist in Zelda's stomach. "I think I do. I'm going to call a doctor, just to make sure you're doing alright. Please try and sleep." Impa stepped outside, closing the door to keep threats out, spoke quickly with a nearby guard to request medical attention for the pregnant princess, and then returned.

Zelda was blinking slowly, beginning to drift to sleep. Impa repositioned Link's shirt in front of her nose; she snuggled up, sighed, and closed her eyes almost instantly. 

"Sleep well, Princess." Impa wished softly, laying a blanket over her. She sat down on the stool near Zelda's bed until the doctor arrived. 

She was an older, sweet-looking Sheikah woman, a healer badge on her arm and a few instruments in her possession. "Lady Impa, I'm here."

"Wonderful. Would you please check the princess over? She's not looking entirely well." 

"Of course." She walked over to the bed, looking at Zelda with her nose snuggled in Link's shirt. "I must have you know, I am not allowed to refer to Champion Link as her husband until the King has been given satisfactory evidence." 

"Of course. She was asking me earlier, and I would like another perspective, do you think His Majesty will find the evidence satisfactory? I attended their wedding, so I fear a little bias on my part."

"I believe that His Majesty will have no choice but to accept it if even a simple marriage license shows up. The pact between the queens was quite clear that Her Highness could receive any Gerudo ceremony Urbosa or her wished. Although a bit of a loophole, the Gerudo marriage ceremony is permitted under that pact. Because the ceremony was part of Gerudo law and not Hyrulean law, Urbosa had the authority to marry Zelda to whatever man she wished, no matter the tribe or occupation. If a Gerudo marriage document appears before him, that is proof enough." 

"I am glad to hear that. She will be too." 

"I must move his shirt to examine her. Do you think she'll react badly?" 

"Yes. She's incredibly stressed. Her Highness wouldn't settle until she had the Champion's undershirt. I fear removing it will cause her to lash out."

"I'm going to wake her then, so she won't panic as much." She shook Zelda softly, a pair of emerald eyes fluttered open. 

"I am truly sorry to wake you, Princess. I've been summoned to examine you, and I must move this shirt to do so." 

A heartbreaking whimper sounded before Zelda picked up the fabric, smelled it once more and slipped it under her pillow for later retrieval.

"Thank you… You can have it back in a little." She pulled out a stethoscope and slipped it under Zelda's dress. "Little heartbeat…" She stopped to feel Zelda's stomach. "Oh, I feel the womb. You are one hundred percent, without a doubt, pregnant, Your Highness. Do you have any idea how far along you are?" 

Zelda took a few gasping breaths. "Three months… I am three months."

"Well then, you feel normal; carrying pretty large though." 

"In your professional opinion, how big does she look?"

"About two months ahead. She really looks about five right now." She took the stethoscope off her stomach and moved to her back. "Your heart sounds good, is that baby putting pressure on your chest? Your breathing sounds a little strained." 

"It does?" Zelda took a few more deep breaths. "I would guess so then. I noticed I was always feeling out of breath, but I thought it was just because of the baby."

"It is, your body's so tiny, your growing baby's body is pressing against the rest of your organs. If you rest on your side, you'll be able to breathe easier." 

Zelda rolled over carefully. "Oh! Yes, this is much better!" She stretched herself out. 

"You already sound better." She turned to Impa. "Make sure she's eating well, and she doesn't need to be up and working unless she has to. I will tell His Majesty what we've found here. Congratulations, Princess Zelda. I would suggest meeting with a midwife now to discuss a special care plan." 

"Thank you so much." 

The doctor waved goodbye. 

"Well, now the little one is official." Impa looked at Zelda's bump. "I'm quite impressed with your ability to hide this. For you to look five months… and just now getting discovered, that's quite a feat."

"It was tiring…" Zelda pulled Link's shirt out from under the pillow and went back to sleep. 

~~~~

"Champion Link?" The doctor walked into the Lockup.

He had pressed himself up against the door of the cell, laying down but wide awake. "Yes? Who are you?"

"I'm a healer. I just came from examining Princess Zelda."

Link perked up, so did the other prisoners. "You did? How is she? Is she alright?" He grabbed her sleeve and yanked her towards him, concern and fear sparkling in his eyes. "How's our baby? Are they okay?"

She blinked in confusion. "You already know she's pregnant?"

"Yes! I've known for about two months now. Are they both okay?"

"I've asked Her Highness to meet with a midwife for a more reliable evaluation of her pregnancy, but she is doing alright. She's very stressed, however, and her body is already feeling pressure from the child. Her womb seems to be pushing up against her lungs."

His tears started falling down. "Will she be alright?" 

"All of Hyrule knows how much we need this child. We will take care of the Princess and ensure she delivers a healthy infant safely." She dried his tears. "You're sweet and tender-hearted… I can see why she fell in love with you." She unlatched the lock. "Now will you come here? His Majesty has demanded a health check on you." 

He approached slowly, looking around for anyone who would attack him. 

"You're both nervous wrecks aren't you?" She slid the door closed behind him before any of the other prisoners could get out. "Come up here, I won't bite." She chuckled a little at his uncharacteristic nervousness. 

They arrived at a private room where she examined him, finding him to be in perfect health aside from his nervousness and his few scratches. She took him back, then returned to King Rhoam. 

"You say both of them are in perfect health?"

"Perfect physical health, yes, Your Majesty. Her Highness needs a midwife to examine her overall health, as her pregnancy is confirmed. Champion Link is still shaken from his imprisonment." 

Rhoam sighed in displeasure. "This is a mess… and why is he so shaken? He knew of the consequences for pursuing an inappropriate relationship with my daughter!"

"He truly believed himself married to her, and he might be able to sense her unease." 

"But in even pursuing that marriage, he violated the highest laws of Hyrule!" 

"If Her Highness spoke the truth, then she believed she legally could marry any man she desired. By association, she believed she could pursue any of the steps needed to make that decision. Regardless of reason, all we can do is wait for Chief Urbosa's return." 

~~~~

Upon Urbosa’s return, she delivered all records to His Majesty, then made a beeline to the Lockup and Zelda’s bedroom. 

“I’m here, little bird…” She ran her hand up and down Zelda’s side, feeling her bump. “I’m here… It will be okay…” 

She cooed sleepily, responding more as Urbosa leaned towards her ear. 

“He wants you to know how much he loves you.” 

"Tell him I love him too… so much… and that I miss him…" 

"Of course, vehvi." She played with Zelda's long hair. "How are you feeling?"

"Stressed… kind of sick."

She pulled another blanket over. "Rest."

A maid knocked.  

"Enter!" Zelda called out, she stepped in. 

"Your Highness, His Majesty has announced that yours and Champion Link's trial will occur in two days. You have been asked to complete an evaluation with a midwife prior to then." 

Her voice shook under her breath. "Without him?" She glanced towards Urbosa.

"Thank you." Urbosa replied, watching the maid walk out. 

"I have to do that… without him?"

"Little bird… We'll do what we must in order to make your father happy… he is the one on the throne." 

She sighed, rubbing her stomach. "Okay…"

"We'll get it done tomorrow. For the rest of today, Impa and I will make sure you are not bothered. Please rest, and we are here to talk if you need us." Urbosa put a few pillows underneath Zelda to prop her up comfortably.

~~~~

Hyrule's Final Stand

[voices-of-hyrule]

The noble pursuit is a well-beloved beverage originating in Gerudo bar culture but popular throughout Hyrule. It is believed to have been invented at the Canteen in Gerudo Town, where it is still made by Furosa to the original recipe; one can still order it there by its original Gerudo name, voë-yelgeti (literally "she meets [a] boy"). It is typically garnished with an assortment of fresh fruits and traditionally served with ice, making it a cool respite from the heat.

[twothpaste]

chapter opener i finished recently, featuring a tazmily town hall meeting where lucas n' his neighbors debate the fate of chimeras in a postgame world :')

When Porky took Leder, there'd been no place left for him anyways. His bell tower soon to be razed, and paved right over. His memory, ironically enough, soon to be unceremoniously dissolved. Surely his height marked him as an untenable outlier. His sealed lips, insubordination of the highest degree. Silence was heresy back in those days. It branded little Lucas a black sheep, too. Sob your guts out, or concede there was nothin' left to say. Either way, you're outta line. Y'couldn't win, with neighbors turned swine.

Kid had proven his heart the biggest outta all of 'em. Did it long before layin' hands on any o' those Needles. Stop short at the crossroads, to take an upward gander. The tall, vast, heavenward gap between six years old n' twenty feet tall. He'd shield his sun-dazzled eyes, lifting a freckled forearm. Wave his spare hand. Sway its precious cargo.

"Hiya, Mister Leder. How're you today?"

A smile flittered down, carried by the mornin' shine.

"Eheh. M'glad to hear it. Psst. Hey. I gotcha summ'n…"

A hesitant hand descended. All taffy-stretched bones, and veins, and worn crinkles. Lucas raised the loaf as high as his tiny hands n' tippy-toes'd go. Nuts n' bread were a dime a dozen, o' course. But couldn't no one else bake a batch so scrumptious. Good ol' Missus Hinawa Westwood was in a league all her own.

Maybe this'd never been any place for either of 'em. Or her. Or the lot of 'em.

Or. Maybe his apocalyptic pessimism was just gettin' the better of him. As it's wont to do, every now n' again.

The honorable judge presided now over his four hundred and seventy-second hearing. He remembers 'em all, if you were curious. In excruciating detail. From Eaglelandian war crimes to White Ship spats. Humble as he may be, there's a good reason Tazmily chose him for his noble task, besides sheer verticality. Madman's got a Betamax for a brain. Be it a blessing or a curse.

"… management, maintenance, n' rehabilitation. As Nowhere's Ranger Service, really, our goal is gettin' back to where we were, erm. Before." Isaac nudged his glasses up the bridge of his nose. Voice like ashes crumpled underfoot. He'd put up a noble speech, to be sure. Albeit punctuated by his pensive pause.

Lucas, all anxious nerves, reputation rubbed raw, nonetheless held his place beside him. Stalwart pillar of sticks n' stones. The hero who wore no cape nor shining armor. Just a scrappy flannel, over lanky arms. And a half-chiseled, acne-addled countenance.

When he spoke - in that low, steady, novel rumble - the paternal resemblance gave even Flint himself goosebumps.

"People n' wildlife can coexist. Like we used to. If we're willin' to put in the work."

Turn your stovetop knob, and heat the town hall's bustle to a low boil. There were Betsy n' Jackie, murmuring amongst themselves. Biff n' Butch, doin' the same. To the tune of Jill's silencing snap. Most folks had filed into these creaky old seats with intent to vote "present." But one could hardly ignore the Ostrelephant in the room. Jonel would be its bullhorn.

"That's precisely the issue. Chimeras aren't wildlife." And the sky isn't pink. He stood, proudly, for such things. Atop creaky knees and shins. (Though Dona did have to help him clamber to his feet.) "You expect us to coexist with monsters? Forever? It's childish at best. Lucas, I can forgive your naivete. But Isaac? You ought to know better."

"'Scuse me?"

"Order," Leder croaked. A singular raised index finger, a sip from his water canteen, and a hush over the hall. No gavel strike necessary. "Order. Jonel?"

"Pardon," Jonel said. (Though he wouldn't beg.) "There's only one solution for the menace infesting our woods. Anyone who says otherwise? I believe they're kidding themselves. That's all."

Their elder's dissent, and subsequent descent, were met with no protest. Just Isaac's steely frown. And Lucas' deep, focused, evenly-paced breaths.

Let it.

A psychic, had any others attended, would've felt the aura's feverous simmer. But Tazmilian politics're no place for his sister. She'd proclaimed so herself. Andonuts had installed a calendar program in his brother's left brain, years prior. Claus marked the date. Highlighted it - a bright, cautionary red.

And took a shift at the wind farm.

Can't blame him.

Magenta, magenta, yellow.

"Have we any further thoughts?" coaxed Leder.

"Well."

Even standing, Andonuts was far too squat for most to see, across a field of perked heads. The Doctor's accent would have to suffice. Paired with his quaint, crinkly, nonagenarian timbre.

"I'm afraid I must concur with the former point. Chimeras were not designed to integrate into natural ecosystems. Ha! Quite the contrary! Many were reconstructed with the explicit intent to cause as much disruption as possible!"

Jonel glanced about, eyebrows perked. Ed's faint murmur, "Right outta the horse's mouth, huh…" caught his nodding attention.

"… That said, with regards to chimera research, my student and I have been making great strides. They can be pacified. And relocated, to environments that better suit them. I daresay, there may indeed be sustainable solutions. If Tazmily were to establish this Ranger operation, the two of us would be more than happy to collaborate."

"And, if not? Or, if these Rangers fail to keep the chimeras in check?" Ed inquired, with a raised hand. Jonel would push the bill a step further.

"Would you also be happy to assist in their extermination, if it came to that? Doctor?"

"Mm… If we do find ourselves in an otherwise untenable scenario? Perhaps, yes."

Andonuts spent his golden years an eccentric recovering centrist. Claus forgave him ages ago. Lucas makes his best efforts. This recollection, in particular, still demands he strain his mercy through clenched teeth.

Like their father, he said nothing. You can call it patience.

"That just don't seem right, is all…"

A couple dozen turned to size up the latest opinion. 'Course, Abbott's no easier to spot beneath a crowd. Those nearest would see Abbey risin' to his side. N' the smiley-faced bairn - an absolute tater tot - strapped snug to his chest. 'Course, no sooner than Abbott opened his mouth to stake a humble point, little Abelle piped right up. Drawing him instead to gently shush her bubbly baby babbles. "Oh, sorry, sorry. Gosh, what'samatter, lil' bits? Shh. Shhh…"

(Unbeknownst to anybody at all - the invisible strands she was pawin' and hawin' at were, in fact, magenta-yellow wavelengths.)

"What Abbott means, I reckon," Abbey volunteered, "Is that it'd be awful cruel to.. well. To do away with 'em. Don't get us wrong - we've dealt with chimera attacks as much as the rest o' ya. N' we want Nowhere to be a safe place for our daughter to grow up, o' course. But… ah.."

Her eyelids slipped faintly shut. Only a moment. As if recalling some long-bygone horror. With no hummingbird egg nor ringing bell to keep the smog at bay, it had all come seeping back. Couldda taken the shape of a TV news report. Rigor mortis. Perhaps a mushroom cloud. Whichever. Every scathing scrap, beheld by the big, teary doe eyes of a mere fawn.

".. This world's seen far too much killin' already. I think."

"Agreed," said Flint. His sole verbal contribution. Upon his neighbors' silent judgments and sympathies, he pulled the brim of his hat lower. And cleared his throat.

Brief as it was somber, a smile flickered - cyan - past Lucas' ramparts.

Abelle quieted down. With a giggle. Much to Abbott's grinnin' relief. "Heh - erm. Yep.. Agreed, indeed." He cast a warily appreciative gaze toward the hulking, skulking cowboy. Then extended an arm around his wife's shoulder. The lot of 'em hunkered back into quiet obscurity.

"It's like stray cats," came Nana's contribution. Hand raised high, outta the wild blue yonder. "Or. Maybe not, exactly. We had a colony of them, living under the post office. And they were real ornery, wouldn't let you near. Bateau told me to stop feeding them, after they caught one of his doves." Cue the rolling eyes, and yawns. Elbows n' palms propping up bored-already chins. "But they'd only come close if I fed them, see. Only when they trusted me enough - then I could get them in carriers, and move them to the woods, by the crossroads. And so long as I make sure they stay fed, they won't need to come back to the post office, or hunt Bateau's doves, or cause trouble for anyone."

Bateau - arms n' legs crossed, camped out somewhere far in the back - huffed a sigh so dramatic, you'd think he was a Shakespearean actor.

"So. Maybe it's like that. Every animal has needs. Even people, and chimeras. If the Rangers can take good care of the chimeras, maybe they won't be as much of a bother."

"Yeah. That's, ehm. That's the idea…" Isaac murmured.

Jill stood up to contend. "Or maybe that'll get 'em too familiar. And then they'll come closer to town. Stir up even more of a ruckus. Don't you know, they used to warn you about this exact thing, with bears. You kids're too young to remember. Had to shoot the poor things, when they got too comfortable with people. I think Jonel's got a point. It all comes back around to--"

"-- This is different."

She stopped short. Left her big mouth hangin' wide open. 'Cause it sure as hell ain't like Lucas to interrupt.

"… Sorry," he said. With not quite a fist, clutched almost to his chest. "Sorry."

"No, no. Do tell. Go on." Jill conceded, with both hands raised. A hint of snark on her lips. Wouldda made Lucas wince, if he were five or six years younger. Still stung just the same.

Leder's eyes were sympathy incarnate. His spectacles, however, hovered impartial atop the proceedings. He'd hold his tongue. This time.

"It's.. different. The way we're doin' it. Isaac used to be a park ranger. We know all that, already."

Rather than elaborate, Isaac opted for a gingerly nod. Leave it to two of Tazmily's most tormented introverts to deliver a founding presentation. Lucas would steady his spine, though. Stand firm before the naysayers. Nerves ablaze. It doesn't get easier. Nor any less vital.

"Look. Nana's right. They ain't monsters. They're livin' creatures. Got needs that ain't bein' met. We took -- agh. Porky, took 'em… Tore 'em up, put 'em back together, n' set 'em loose to fend for themselves."

And then Tazmily deliberated their fate, over an open floor, as if it were all some absent hypothetical. Some game, just to square their morals. Like he didn't have the bone fractures to show for it. Like the beast that impaled his mother hadn't been a shambling centrifuge of absolute agony. Like his brother wasn't out there, bustin' his ass right under their stuck-up noses, mis-matched hands buildin' their newfangled comforts, their future, they --

Shh.

And something stirred within his guts. Softly as fresh bedsheets, or honeyed tea. Prompted an exhale. A pause. Yellow.

You wanna talk about planted seeds? Hinawa's got a whole garden in there.

Lucas takes great care to tend it. Food, and water. And silence. And words. Like so:

"… Chimeras don't attack people outta some kinda malice. They're.. They're scared. They're hurt. In their shoes? You'd prob'ly do the same." Evidence he carried in spades. There's a scar on his ankle, from his first reluctant bout with a Slitherhen. And another on his forearm, where a sparking blade once braced. He'd locked eyes, just above it. Met tears with tears. Somethin' yet darker - or brighter - than primal terror.

"They've got just as much a right to life, as anyone here," he concluded. Shaking his head. Glancin' downward, at the millimeter gaps in the hardwood.

"Well. I reckon that might be goin' a bit too far," Jill replied. Oblivious to the glares she'd just earned, from about half the crowd. As well as the sage nods, from the like-minded remainder. Biff, cowering beside her, fell into the former camp. Butch, the latter.

Jonel would grab her coattails. Ride 'em, valiantly, into one last round.

"Lucas. You've got your mother's bleeding heart. I respect it. Truly, I do. And I do believe there's a sanctity to our forest, our wilderness, the creatures with which we share these Islands. But these chimeras? Please understand - we'd be doing them a great mercy."

Mercy?

The word - which he mouthed, but did not echo - was Antarctic permafrost to his tongue. Shiver down his spinal fluid. The winding cockles of his brain. How love could erupt into a blinding nova. Turn harsher than steel. Become his fiercest weapon, pulled blood-soaked from his own chest.

Magenta. Yellow. Cyan.

"It's simply unnatural," Jill n' Butch concurred. "Un-natural."

"Tragic shame they're here at all," Ed mumbled, from afar.

"They never were supposed to be here, to begin with," Jonel insisted. Lucas thought, for a split second, Mom forgive him, his throbbing head might just up and explode then and there.

But.

Isaac stepped forward. The forest warden. The hermit. The boot-licking traitor. Who'd shirked his pig's mask, his calamine uniform, his pride - for an old vest that reeked of forest fires. N' a rusty badge. Gold to bronze. Turns out Zeus, and the Commander, ain't the only ones with a penchant for amends.

Wasn't often that someone stood up, in Lucas' stead.

The kid stared. Frozen stiff. Reconstructed Caribou in the headlights. As his fellow amalgamation declared:

"Neither were we."

And if you were seated amongst the crowd, you'd've felt it. The seasick lurch. The tide's tousle, at the rickety feet of every chair. Hardwood floor transfigured, in all of an instant, into a White Ship's deck.

No one - save for little Abelle - had the stomach to pipe up, after that.

Leder's hoarse murmur would follow a queasy, stagnant silence.

"Ehm.. If there are no further objections, or endorsements?"

And there were none.

"Then. Regarding the establishment of Nowhere's Ranger Service… All in favor - say aye…"

[alwaysaqueene]

Hunter usually envied his younger brothers.

From the beginning It seemed they always knew what they what they wanted to do with their lives, while he had absolutely no clue, but on days like these, he was perfectly content with his job as simple stable boy.

The man was tending to the animals as the rest of the royal staff scrambled around, preparing for Queen Relta to arrive and, according to the servants, she could bring a very power alliance that their small kingdom desperately needed.

Hunter continued his chores until asked to bring the visiting noble's horse in as the royal carriage arrived.

[Hunter from sprigdragonheirs]

@sprigdragonheirs

Queen Relta arrived, seeing Hunter tending to the horses that were meant to pull her carriage. She’d beaten it to the stables, along with her ladies-in-waiting. “Hello, may I presume you’re the stable boy? Your horse simply looks thirsty,” she inquired, pointing out how its lips were slightly dry.

She walked over to the horse, taking a canteen out of her vast pockets and pouring some water into her hands to offer the horse before Hunter could act. Relta wasn’t wearing her crown, or Crown Jewels, so she could be mistaken for a lady of the court with ease.

“Nice to meet you, sir,” she curtseyed after watering the horse.

[burnwater13]

Concept art by Anton Grandert, depicting multiple Sand People standing on top of a transport speeder. Image from The Book of Boba Fett, Season 1, Episode 2, The Tribes of Tatooine. Calendar by DateWorks.

'Grogu could feel the sands of Tatooine stinging his face, as the harsh winds drove them down the canyon. He wished, for the thousandth time, that he had a beskar helmet like his mentor, but, as a Jedi Knight, he was compelled to face the harsh environment with only the Force to shield him. He wished, also for the thousandth time, that the Force would do a better job.’

Grogu paused what he was doing just long enough to get a drink from his canteen. He smiled grimly and continued his work.

‘The Sand People had made a special request that he and his mentor travel to their current location, somewhere in the Dune Sea, and assist them with a problem they could not solve themselves. Grogu found it hard to believe that this tribe couldn’t solve a problem. They had very effectively ended the reign of Jabba the Hutt as soon as the old worm began introducing the spice trade to their beloved planet.

He recalled the Daimyo telling him the story of how his friends had taken down a speeder transport train of illicit goods with just their know how and a couple of blaster rifles. It had been an amazing and heroic act that didn’t just preserve the life and culture of Tatooine’s most famous nomads, but also protected the farmers, ranchers, and simple folk who eked a living alongside them. 

If Grogu hadn’t known them so well, learned from them, sat at their fire and traded stories with them, he might have found the Daimyo’s account of the event somewhat hyperbolic. But he did know them. They had been just the partners he and his mentor needed when the town of Mos Pelgo was attacked by two monster krayt dragons. They had been able to lure the wily critters into the same canyon, an almost impossible fete, where Grogu and The Mandalorian had met them, one Jedi Knight and one Mand’alor, working together to protect the guests and the tribes of Tatooine. It had been crushingly hard work and Grogu hoped to never face such a set of beasts again, but with the steadfast resolve that only a Jedi Knight developed through years of training and quick thinking of Mandalore’s greatest warrior, they had bested those noble creatures and provided food, shelter, and riches to the tribes and people for years to come. It had been in balance with the Force.’

Grogu opened his canteen and poured the last drops of its life preserving liquid into his mouth only to spit it out again. Dank Farrik! Sand got everywhere!

‘The trip would have been faster if The Mandalorian had been keen on using a speeder bike, or even a land speeder, but being a true friend of Tatooine they sat on the broad back of a bantha that had been gifted to them when they rescued several children of the tribe from the tentacled grasp of sarlacc. Grogu loved critters like bantha and eopie and was glad to have it as a companion during the cold nights in the middle of the vast desert. But on a trip of this magnitude he’d hoped The Mandalorian would relent and let him use his new flight pack. But no such luck. Mentors taught you lessons you needed to learn, even when you didn’t want to learn them. That was their Way. 

A Jedi was taught that patience was a virtue and Grogu knew it was one of the virtues that he’d rarely met. That is why the Mand’alor was his mentor. They had been friends and then allies for many years. Grogu had seen the simple wisdom employed by the beskar encased warrior many times. It had saved them from dangers undreamt of by the Jedi. Grogu knew that he should learn more from the aging Mand’alor and requested that Din Djarin become his mentor, cementing the relationship between the New Jedi Order and the Peaceful States of Mandalore for years to come.’

Grogu searched his equipment, supplies, and materials for another canteen. He was parched because that’s what happened when he did this sort of work and he knew that to complete it he would have to find more life sustaining liquid. He called to his friend and mentor. Perhaps they had something left in their own canteen. 

“Grogu? What in the seven hinges of the Helsparian are you doing? And why is their broth all over this table?”

Grogu looked up at his dad and shrugged. He thought it was the best way to keep the Mandalorian at bay. 

“Are you still writing that story about the Sand People? I’ve told you a thousand times, write the story, don’t live it on the table. We need to eat dinner in a few minutes and it’s a mess.”

Grogu nodded with grim resolve. He would help his mentor clean up and then, after dinner, return to writing his historically accurate report of spending time with the Daimyo: ‘My life on Tatooine, An Adventure, Barely Survived, but Blessed by Friendship’. 

[impossibleprincess35]

The Echo and the Stain | ch 11

[Excerpt:]

As Qui-Gon headed back in the direction of the cockpit, Obi-Wan jumped up out of his chair and walked over to the kitchenette to grab his canteen where he had been refilling it with their water stores. He took a sip and then flopped down on the sofa behind where she rested at the table, and he asked bluntly, “Is he always like that?”

Satine lifted her head and turned to lean against the back of her chair as she glanced in his direction, “Almec? Always. He’s made it no secret that he thinks I’m too young.”

Obi-Wan rolled his eyes, “I’ve met princesses younger than you who have more of a backbone than that man. Funny how age seems to be a qualification for capability.”

Raising an eyebrow at him, Satine responded with genuine curiosity, “Younger than me? How much younger?”

Thoughts of Princess Fanry of the planet Pijal came to mind and Obi-Wan thought for a moment before he stated, “I believe she was only fourteen.”

“Hmm,” Satine considered the girl’s age with a nod and looked aside. Fourteen was young, not that it reflected poorly in her mind upon the girl Obi-Wan was referencing. Rather, she wondered if the fourteen year old had been well-supported, or had she been thrown into her noble place and abandoned?

Obi-Wan noticed her silence and stretched out on the sofa. There was little to do on the voyage. He had already fumbled through their supply stores in the cargo hold to double check and then triple check the quantities. The engineering bay was the same as it always was. With nothing more to do, the padawan appeared to be committed to a fleeting moment of laziness.

Long and lean, Satine stood from the table and stretched, and then walked to the kitchenette to make a cup of tea. She busied herself there and ignored him, lost in the scent of loose tea and honey, as the kettle began to boil.

“Did you always know that you were going to be the ruler of Mandalore?” Obi-Wan asked out loud, glancing over at her.

Satine paused and although her face never changed, and not a hint of emotion danced upon her features, she was thinking to herself. Her hands resumed expertly handling her tea and she shrugged, “Yes and no,” as she waited for the kettle to finish.

Turning onto his side so he could better glance at her from the angle at which he was lying, Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow. He wondered why she couldn’t just answer the question straight-forwardly. Why did everything with her have to be complex? “Yes and no? You’ll need to be clearer than that, Duchess.”

The whistle of the kettle finally sounded, and immediately, Satine removed it from its heat source and poured the water over the infuser of tea leaves. Gesturing with the kettle, she asked, “Want some? I’ll make it for you,” but he declined. She glanced down in her mug and watched the drink begin to steep, and then continued, “The answer you’re looking for is complicated. I could explain it if you want, but do you care to know that much?”

Shrugging, he said, “I don’t have anything better to do.”

--

Chapter 11 is up.

I loathe Almec. He's a punk ass. (He gives off real strong Senator Xiono vibes YKWIM.)

[atwas-meme-ing]

Spookiest Shrine Award has to go to Misa Shae in Gerudo Desert. Cuz, like, you get there and there's this girl there, collapsed over the shrine controls so you can't get in, and she's crying that she wants a Noble Pursuit. And if you haven't tamed Naboris yet, you're wondering why and how she's here and hasn't been electrocuted yet. So you go back to the Noble Canteen and from there you go to the Northern Icehouse and do the whole quest where you have to carry the ice block (which is absolute horror if you're like me and you cheated by teleporting up to Gerudo Tower and gliding down to the icehouse instead of taking the long way and clearing out the monsters before getting the ice, because now you have to carry the ice block past all the lizals and bokos without letting it melt in the heat of the sun's rays, which means you have no time to stop and fight, you have to try to go around them without getting killed).

So you complete the quest and go back to tell the girl that had been collapsed and on the brink of death that there's "the best Noble Pursuit ever" waiting back at the canteen and all of a sudden she's like "oh, cool!" and freaking sprints all the way back to Gerudo Town. And all you're thinking is, "whatever, at least that's done, but if this turns out to be a major test of strength after all that, I will flip."

And you go in, and it's one of those, "Just by coming here, you've already proven your worth. Take the treasure and go."

And you're like, "Dude. You were mummified in here 10,000 years ago. How tf could you possibly have known there would be a collapsed girl and an icehouse quest?"

Spooky times 1000