#and i 100% promise i am not scoffing at the foolishness of falling for such a completely unsupported idea

[ineffablefool]

The lil corner of the Good Omens fandom that I generally see is getting more and more into publicly declaring that That Theory I Dislike Is Bad And People Who Ascribe To It Should Feel Bad, and I don't know if it's really new, or if I was just lucky enough to generally be missed with that shit the last four years.

Different people's brains work differently, which means they will notice things, form interpretations, maybe come to extremely firm conclusions, all different from each others'. Different from mine, different from yours.

I get that some people think that they have the brain which produces the Objectively Superior theories (and/or which can easily determine which other people's theories are the Objectively Inferior ones). I just really missed the memo where Your Interpretation Is Not My Interpretation (And That's Okay) was dragged out back and fucking shot.

Anyway this blog is an "I may not agree with your theory but you may trust that I won't publicly heap scorn upon the very idea of having it" zone if anyone was wondering.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

tapestry 👑 II

Warnings: eventual dark elements (tags to be added as fic continues)

This is dark!(king)Steve and explicit. 18+ only.

Summary: King Steven had a wandering eye but you never thought it would fall upon you.

This Chapter: The reader finds herself drawn into courtly intrigue.

Note: Here’s part 2. I’m having fun and I have so many ideas for this. Yes, this is inspired by lots of medieval shows like the Tudor and the White Queen etc. but this will be 100% gratuitous whatever I want it to be so hold onto to your panties. I really hope you enjoy. 💋

<3 Let me know what you think with a like or reblog or reply! Love ya!

Rose played with the pearl at her throat. You watched her fingers as she toyed with the small orb. The queen’s voice filled the small chambers as she read the poem in a gentle rhythm. You hadn’t caught enough words to string them together. 

You tore your eyes away and watched your hands smooth out your charcoal coloured skirts. Your drab attire stuck out grossly among the pale silks and rich satins. You father loathed your plainness, your insistence on simplicity. But he hadn’t enough money for seamstresses and you made your own dresses or altered your sister’s worn garments. You didn’t mind simple. You didn’t need beading or gilted embroidery. No pearl or jewel hung at your throat.

The spectre of your father loomed in your mind. You’d received a letter that morning with news of your sister’s labour. A boy. Healthy. Your father would be pleased but when he returned, your own failure would be even more stark in his mind. 

You had no husband, no prospects either. You could not spend your life as one of the queen’s pets. Especially given the events of the banquet. A day passed since but the scene remained in the minds of the court. The queen betrayed little concern but Rose was all too obvious in her newly found spite for you. You only wanted to hide behind your hood and be forgotten.

“My lady,” The queen’s voice drew your attention. She looked at you with kind eyes. Perhaps she didn’t begrudge you the king’s fleeting eye. Perhaps, you reassured yourself, she knew it was little more than a show. “I know you do prefer this ode, would you grace us with a reading?”

You stared back at the queen. She was talking to you but you wondered why. The ladies took turns at recitation but you weren’t a favoured narrator. You liked to listen and found your voice too brittle to compare to Eleanor’s refined evocation.

“As you wish, your highness,” You stood and stepped forward to take the book from her. You cleared your throat and resumed your seat as you eyed the verse. ‘Upon the morrow she waits…’

You kept your voice as steady as you could. Spoke to the room instead of your chest. Your habit of tucking your chin in threatened to lower your head. 

“Listen to her…” The whisper underlined your voice but you ignored it. “Sounds like a dying sparrow.”

You refused to look at Rose as she simpered. As she muttered her displeasure. A hush came from the other side of the room, you suspected the queen’s gentle breath. You were thankful for her diligence.

You spoke to the ceiling, not the ladies. Pretended you were some great jester regailing a tribe of travelling knights. Imagined you were anywhere but here. And when you finished, you were dragged back to the insufferable room of ladies.

You held the book open and offered it back to the queen with a small thank you. She nodded and took it. You sat and held back a sigh. Rose sneered at you from across the room and leaned over to whisper to Beatrice. You turned to watch the queen give the book to Mabel. You folded your hands together and listened.

You lowered your head and the dread rose again. Your father would return shortly and what would he think? You prayed that the voices turned to other matters. That the rumours continued to swirl around Rose and left you alone. She relished in the courtly gossip, eager to be the inspiration for such tales. You wilted at too much light and felt yourself much too exposed already.

Some time, during your ruminations, Mabel’s voice was replaced again with the queen’s. Eleanor read another lyric and closed the book. You glanced up as she dismissed the circle of ladies, bidding them to ready for the evening’s meal. No banquet that night, a simple gathering in the queen’s receiving chamber followed by your night prayers.

The ladies stood and you waited for the others to shuffle out. Their skirts filled the space and pressed against each other as they made their exit. You made to follow but a familiar voice called your name. As you turned back, another peeked too. Rose’s blue eye was sharp as she took note of the request.

You turned and smiled at the queen. Your lips quivered nervously as the skirts continued to whish out the door. Finally, the hinges whined and the wood clattered. You were left alone with Eleanor. 

“My lady, would you sit with me a moment?” She asked as she resumed her seat on the cushioned bench.

“Your highness,” You approached and sat next to her. Her green eyes shone like emeralds in her oval face. “I would be most pleased.”

“You…” She paused and her lips parted as she chose her words. “You are a sweet girl. Quiet, naive.”

You swallowed and your smile threatened to crack. You nodded intently.

“That is not meant as an abuse, you understand? I mean it as a compliment. I say it out of concern.” She shifted closer and touched your hand. “Because there are people at this court who should wish to take advantage of such a kind person as yourself.”

“Your highness, I--”

“You’re honest. I’ve always admired that in you. You speak when it is necessary, not merely to please.” The sapphire on her ring finger shone in the lantern light. “So I would ask that you are truthful with me. That you humour me and tell me what it is my husband said to you two nights past.”

“I would never lie to you, my queen.” You pled and your smile fell at last. “I didn’t--”

“I am not accusing you. I know it was not of your desire to draw the king’s eye. I shall listen without contempt.”

You breathed in. So deeply you feared you may faint. You nodded again and mustered your voice. “He...The king asked how long I’ve been at court. I answered him honestly and he… apologized for his oversight. Then he asked after my father. And then…” You thought back and blinked. “He said I did not belong here. At court.”

“Oh,” The queen considered you and her straight brows drew together. “You understand his intent, my lady?”

You stared at her. Too embarrassed to reveal your thoughts. Not foolish enough to think he truly wanted you, but too ashamed to admit that.

“Lady Rose,” She smiled venomously. “He is playing his game with her. My husband may act a stranger but I know him well. He revels in the power he holds over women. I suppose it is why he is not so fond of me.

“And so, forgive me for being blunt, but he would spark her envy by overlooking her for a much plainer lady. A more modest lady. Very unlike herself. So unlike her that she is insecure and his hold over her is reinforced. Do you understand?”

“I do, your highness. I am aware of myself. Of my shortcomings. My station is clear to me.” You assured her. You spoke evenly and without emotion. You looked into her eyes and she smiled. There was something within; a momentary commiseration.

“You’re a very intelligent girl,” She mused as she rescinded her hand. “But you don’t let on.” 

She stood and you did too. She swept away from you and twisted the ring on her finger as she thought. She laughed softly to herself. 

“I suspect you’re smarter than Lady Rose, dare I say it, the king too.” She looked to you again. “My lady, I did not intend this as remonstrance. I hold no ill will towards you, only seek to help you, should you need it.”

“Your highness.” You bowed your head.

“You may go,” She said softly. “I shall see you at supper.”

“Thank you, your highness.”

“Very well.” 

She dismissed you as her attention flitted away to her thoughts. You took it in stride and found your way to the door. You were reassured that it would all soon fade away. That your part in this theatre was done.

The corridor was airy as you strolled through it. The heavy tapestries hugged the stone and the padding of your slippers echoed along the corners. At the first corner, you slid to a halt. A figure in peach silk appeared before you. 

Rose approached you haughtily as she pushed out her chest. She looked down her nose at you and pouted her round lips.

“How amusing,” She purred.

You frowned and watched her slink towards you like an angry cat. “What do you mean?”

“The queen. Does she really concern herself with you? To think you any true contest to me?” She batted he lashes. “Eleanor may think me a fool, but I am not. I know the king was only toying with me.” She smirked. “Though I did wonder if you had wit enough to realize he was also toying with you?”

“I have no intent towards the king. No misconceptions. And no obligation to you, my lady,” You replied. A surge of anger, unfamiliar and uncomfortable, straightened your spine. “You might lay with the king but it does not make you a queen.”

She scoffed and her delicate features contorted. “Rest assured he hasn’t any intent towards you either. Be it known that it was my bed he visited last night. Not yours. Not his frigid queen’s. Mine.” She gloated and stepped closer. 

“I know as well as the rest of court of your liaisons,” You were surprised by yourself. “If you’re fortunate, some countryside earl may not have heard and may even marry you on the promise of a new mare.”

Rose’s face paled and her hand grasped her chest with a gasp. “You’re vile.” She spat. “I always knew you were a beast. You can fool the rest of them but not me.”

You stared at her. You shook your head and grabbed your skirts. There was nothing to say to this woman. So self-assured, so convinced of her own importance. Let her think what she may, it did not change what was.

“Where are you going?” She whined as you sidestepped her.

“To ready for supper,” You didn’t stop, nor did you look back. “I am much too hungry to listen to your tripe.”

����

You were quiet at supper. That wasn’t unusual. The tension, however, was. Before you weren’t concerned enough to notice, but now you were the crux of it. Eleanor maintained her usual stony demeanour towards Rose but Rose made no pretense of restraining her irritation with you. You weren’t a queen, thus she could openly display her displeasure.

Her whispers carried. You acted as if you couldn’t hear them as Eleanor sent an empathetic glance your way. She could hear and she easily changed the discussion to the harvest celebration. The first day of autumn approached and was to be marked with yet another feast.

You were thankful for the diversion but it did nothing for your mind. You thought of your father’s reaction. He’d surely hear about his daughter dancing with the king and even if it meant nothing, it would to him. It meant that you could be the enemy of the queen. And to follow in the footsteps of a dozen women before you would ensure your failure as his daughter.

When at last the meal ended and you said your prayers, you were dismissed. You returned to your chambers with the ladies. Those yet to be wed, shared their board. There were three other girls in your room; Joan, Sybil, and Marion. Rose roomed with Beatrice and Mary. She snarled as she passed your door.

The door was barely closed when a knock sounded. You looked to the other ladies and Joan opened the door. Without, a slender man stood patiently. The king’s footman, Hugh, was short and his dark hair was laced with silver. The wrinkles under his eyes betrayed his endless duty.

“Mister Hugh,” Joan greeted, confused.

“My lady,” He bowed his head cordially, “The king has sent me to bid for the lady.”

“Have you the wrong chamber?” Joan smiled. “Rose--”

“The king does not seek Lady Rose.” Hugh interjected. “Forgive my interruption, lady, but he calls for another.”

You looked to the other women. Each of you baffled though the tickle along your spine nipped at your doubts. It couldn’t possibly be you. After such an uneventful dance. A whole day between without disturbance. It must be a mistake.

Hugh said your name firmly. He looked to Sybil, blonde and beautiful, but was surprised when you stepped forward.

“That would be me,” You said. “May I inquire as to why the king requests my presence?”

“I am merely the king’s messenger. I only know he wishes a private audience with the lady.” Hugh said dimly.

It was as if he was used to the routine. The none-so-subtle invitations. You’d seen him before at the next door as he awaited Rose; at this very door when her predecessor had slept there. You pushed your shoulders back as you sensed the other ladies listening.

“Private audience?” You repeated, “Well, sir, you can return to the king and inform him that as a lady, it would be improper for me to attend an audience with him unaccompanied. So it is, I must respectfully and regretfully decline his invitation.”

Hugh look as if he’d been struck. For the first time his grey eyes lit up and his surprise deepened his wrinkles.

“My lady?” He blinked. “You would refuse? A king’s invitation?”

“An invitation, not a command, as I understand it.” You remained stern. You thought of Eleanor, of how she would hold herself, how she would speak. “So it cannot be treasonous. But I will not risk my honour as a lady. As a maiden.”

The man frowned. Then he nodded as if only then understanding you. He hooked a thumb in his belt and bowed his head. “Your lady. I shall carry your answer to the king. I apologize for disturbing you.”

“Thank you, Mister Hugh.” You bent your head and watched him turn slowly down the hall. He walked stiffly as if fighting himself.

You closed the door and leaned against the inside. Joan was awestruck and the other two ladies shook their heads, astonished. You kept your head up and went to the chest at the end of your bed.

“You just...refused the king?” Joan said at last. “You...no one says no to King Steven.”

“It was...just an invitation,” You said as you opened the chest and took out a sleeping gown. “It wouldn’t be proper to accept.”

“Proper? It is a slight to deny the king.” Joan cried.

“My father would not approve. And as custom would have it--”

“Are you daft?” Sybil spoke up. 

“Not at all,” You dropped your nightgown on your bed. “In fact, were I to have accepted, where do you think that would get me? Even if it was not for illicit means, it would be interpreted as such. I will not marry a second son, not if I can help it.”

“You’re mad,” Marion hissed. “Absolutely mad.”

“Perhaps, but with my honour in tact.”

👑

The night was sleepless. Even after the other ladies settled down and finally blew out the candle, you couldn’t sleep. The more you thought about it, the worse you felt about your refusal. Not because you wanted to meet with the king, but because you only then considered the consequence of it. Or that you didn’t know exactly what that would be.

It was an hour, maybe two, after the ladies started to snore. What if the king was angered by your response and exiled you from court for not playing along? What if he waited until your father returned and punished him? But what if you had said yes?

A knock came at the door. Soft. You weren’t sure at first if it was truly a knock or your imagination. Then it came again and you slowly pushed yourself up. You listened, a third rap, and urged yourself to rise. You took the dressing robe from over your chest and pulled it around yourself. 

Could you refuse the king’s footman a second time or would your anxiety eat away your resolve?

You went to the door and unhooked the latch. You eased it open, just an inch to look through into the corridor. You kept your body hidden behind the door as you peered out at your visitor. You gasped as the king’s hand grabbed the door and kept it from closing. The lantern he held shone down on you through the crack of the door.

“Your highness,” You whispered sharply. 

“My lady,” He greeted coolly but something about his demeanour seemed riled. “Did I wake you?”

“Yes,” You lied. “But I would not begrudge you for it.”

He nodded as his eyes searched yours. As he tried to see through the wood that separated you. 

“Why did you refuse my invitation?” He asked suddenly. “Did I offend you?”

“No, you’ve not offended me, your highness,” You said. “Did your footman not convey my reasons? It wouldn’t be proper for me to--”

“Propriety?” He grumbled and rolled his eyes. He wasn’t the cheerful king who stomped the boards at feasts or harried his steed at the hunt. He was upset and it was your fault. “I requested an audience, my lady, not your virtue.”

You gulped at his insinuation. You pushed on the door but he held it in place. “Your highness, you must understand my need to protect my reputation.”

His eyes narrowed and he tilted his head. His middle finger tapped on the wood of the door as he frowned. “Will you not come out to speak with me? I would hate to disturb the other ladies.”

“I am not in a state to come out, your highness.” You protested. “If you would wait for me to dress--”

He sighed. “You distrust me. You treat me as a lecher.”

“It is not distrust, your highness. Merely caution.” You returned. “If any, I distrust the court and the rumours they would dispel at anything so innocent as a conversation.”

His blue eyes flicked up and he thought. His jaw squared and he hesitantly removed his hand from the door. He looked at you again and the tension left his face. The sparkle returned to his eyes and he bowed his head. 

“You are wise, my lady, to keep yourself above disrepute. It is admirable.” He stood straight and his broad figure cast a shadow over you. “I apologize for my impropriety. Forgive me.”

“Your highness, I hold no displeasure towards you.” You assured him. 

“I am thankful for your benevolence,” He backed away. “Perhaps we shall meet in more tolerable circumstances...Good night, my lady.”

“Good night, your highness.” You mimicked him softly.

He turned away and you closed the door. The click was terribly loud as the dark embraced you. You leaned against the door and listened for his departure. His footsteps tarried, just a moment, before he carried on. You let out your breath and felt your way back to your bed. The ladies snored still but their soft snorts offered little comfort to your racing heart.

[newobsessioneveryweek]

If You're Thirsty Have A Drink, Just Not This One

Chapter 3: Zumi & Rola

Previous | First

Sorry for the immensely long wait. I've been busy writing a game for the LU AU. There's a link in my description if you're part of that fandom and want to check it out.

Anyway! Here's the story.

A blue force engulfed the pair of travellers and before Sidon could comprehend the bizarre weightlessness he felt he and Link were deposited onto the platform of Monya Toma shrine a little ways away from Serenne stable.

Prince Sidon took an unsteady step off of the dais and took in the vista; a declining hill with sparse trees dotting the area, the stable below and little ways to the right. Link hopped down next to him and pulled out two shields from his slate. Sidon was curious.

"Pardon if I'm being foolish Beloved, but what are those for," Sidon said, pointing at the shields in Link's hands.

Link didn't answer immediately. Instead he gave Sidon one of the shield and placed his own on the ground facing down. He then brought up his hands to answer Sidon's question.

'They're for shield surfing,' he signed with a devilish smirk. Sidon looked horrified, yet eager. He'd never done anything as daring as shield surfing and was excited to try it. But there was also a reason for staying away; it was an awfully dangerous activity. 'Don't look so nervous. It will be fun. I promise,' Link signed, excitement written plain as day on his face.

Sidon tried to keep quiet about the last time Link promised something would be fun. He still couldn't look at hylian rice without gagging. He decided to entertain Link's enthusiasm for a while.

"A-alright Dearest. I trust you, somewhat" Sidon said, whispering that last word to himself. "As long as you return me in one piece to my father."

Link waved his hand dismissively and nodded. The gesture seemed like it was out of annoyance, but Link had a smile on his face which said otherwise.

He showed Sidon how to adjust his stance on the shield before he whizzed off toward the stable at a great speed.

Sidon tried to keep up, but his delayed start left him metres behind Link, travelling at a pathetically slow, stuttered pace due to his inexperience. When he finally reached the bottom he failed to slow his momentum and rammed straight into the fence, pivoting over by his abdomen and ramming his face hard into the fence and flipping all the way over until he landed painfully on his back

Link failed miserably to keep his composure and burst out laughing so hard that tears pricked at his eyes.

Sidon sat up shakily and glared intensely at Link, though without much anger. He got to his feet and walked over to Link, who was still killing himself laughing. He lifted Link's head up by his chin with one claw and looked straight into his eyes. Link stopped laughing, but had a slight, almost imperceptible smile on his face. "That," he said with false venom, "was not fun."

Link snorted and once again started laughing, nearly falling on his back due to Sidon's attempt at being intimidating. Sidon immediately gave up the pretence and started laughing as well, tackling Link to the ground and lying down next to him, both of them cracking up at what they had experienced.

After the pair calmed down they headed to the stable to take out two of Link's most beloved horses. Before they reached the counter a tall blonde girl trotted over to them. She stopped in front of Link, a hair's breath away from his face.

"Hey Link! Here for a visit," she moved away from him and giggled to herself and whispered behind her hand, "You should probably stay here forever just to be safe," she giggled again.

Sidon strained to hear, but when he did he was appalled.

The gall of this woman!

"I beg you pardon?"

"What," she asked carelessly.

Sidon realised his tone was a bit more harsh than he intended but he didn't change it. He huffed. "N-never mind," he said, thougg with a slightly embarrassed tone.

Link probably didn't even hear what she said... or maybe he did and was just thinking over her offer!

Sidon fumed. He did not find this girl very endearing at all given her disregard for other pateons and her blunt nature.

"Excuse me, but we have more important business to attend to," Sidon said putting his hands on Link's shoulders and ushering him away from the girl.

Who does that girl think she is? Stay here forever? What kind of fool's question-

Sidon's train of thought was interrupted by the girl calling out to them.

"H-hey! Wait," she began and ran after them. "Who even are you? I was talking to Link," she said angrily.

Sidon turned around sharply, "I am Sidon, the Zora Price." He folded his arms and Link just stared at the rivals, dumbfounded.

She scoffed. "Oh yeah. And I'm Zumi, the stable queen," the girl said undeterred. "I'm not buying your little act fish boy."

Link stepped between the two people who were getting dangerously close to each other the louder they argued. Link spread his arms, separating the warring people. When he was sure they wouldn't continue he began signing, "Enough, the two of you. Sidon," he turned to the prince, "you are a prince, conduct yourself accordingly. Zumi," he turned to Zumi, "How dare you treat a prince with such disrespect. I'm disappointed in the both of you," Link said taking turns to look each of them in the eyes. When they both looked rightfully ashamed Link dropped his scolding attitude and put on a smile. "Well! Now that that's sorted, me and Sidon are going to saddle up. See you later Zumi," Link picked up Sidon's hand and darted for the counter. Zumi just stood there in shock then huffed and walked away angrily.

Once Link selected their horse he introduced Sidon to his stallion."This is Price," Link signed, gesturing to the pure white horse he offered to Sidon, "He's a descendant of Princes Zelda's horse from 100 years ago. I think he'll take to you nicely considering the shared title," Link snickered.

Sidon accepted his horse and petted the creature's flank. He wondered about Link's chosen steed; a mare with a stunning white main contrasted against her brown body. She had white fur on her legs that looked adorably like she was wearing socks. "And your horse Dearest?"

"This is Epona," Link stated with a sweet smile gracing his features, "The horse of Legend. She was meant for me apparently, and I can understand why," Link said in almost a dreamy state as he reminisced. He petted his horse lovingly and fed her a swift carrot. He gave the other carrot to Sidon to give to his horse to help Prince trust Sidon before instructing him to climb on.

With much difficulty, and a lot of help from Link and the stable keep, Sidon was situated in his saddle and ready to go.

"We'll take the scenic route; it's also the shortest route to Rito Village. We should get there in a few hours if monsters don't bother us on the way. If that's the case it might a whole day. Don't worry though. I took care of all the monsters en route after the last blood moon so there shouldn't be any trouble," Link signed.

Sidon was grateful that they wouldn't have to account for monster attacks, but he was still on guard nonetheless.

0_0_0_0_0_0_0_0_0

Rito Village, the village in the sky, looked stunning from Rito Stable stable.

Sidon and Link boarded their horses and prepared for a long, boring meeting with the village elder.

They made their way across the three bridges connecting Rito Village to the main land. When they arrived they made a beeline to the hut situated at the very top of the impeccably built structure against the monolith.

Once at the top the pair greeted the elder with the due respect and introduced the reason for their visit; building alliances for the benefit of both parties.

The elder was delighted at the proposal and allowed the Prince and the Hero to plead their case.

A proper meeting with the village council was agreed upon to solidify their new alliances.

0_0_0_0_0_0_0_0

Sidon breathed a long sigh of relief once the meeting was over. He'd always hated long meeting with council members (everyone disagreeing with everyone, long, unnecessary tangents, and, worst of all, making arrangements).

A break was needed, desperately. But, damn was it freezing."

"Beloved, do you perhaps know where I could acquire some warm clothes?"

Link was wearing his snowquil outfit, but had completely forgotten about Sidon. "I'm so sorry! I totally forgot." He hurriedly apologised. "There's a clothing store you can go to. It's called Brazen Beak. I'll take you there."

Once there Sidon bought himself the same snowquil outfit Link wore, save for the headdress, as Sidon didn't have any hair to tie the ribbons around. Instead he borrowed Link's Ruby Circlet that he bought in Gerudo Town.

"Now that I'm warm Dearest, is their anything recreational you'd like to do during our stay?"

Link thought for a moment before responding with an eager nod. "I want to go shooting at the flight range. It's just by those mountains over there," he said pointing at a distant mountain range.

"Over yonder? That seems a bit far wouldn't you say?"

Link shook his head and brought out his slate, an indication that there was a shrine situated near the location of interest. He tapped the tablet a few times and before Sidon could protest they were being transported to the Flight Range via strange harnessed technological energy.

0_0_0_0_0_0_0_0

When Sidon and Link climbed the ladder up to the small stilted hideout a white Rito was sitting next to a fire with a hatchling.

"Ah Link, it's good to see ya. How've you been?"

"Link," Tulin exclaimed excitedly.

"Hi Teba, hey Tulin. It's going great. This is Sidon," Link gestures to the Zora and sat down next to the Rito.

"So what are you doing here. It's been a while. Come to test your skills?" Link nodded. Sidon had been meaning to see Link's archery skills in action. "Well, you're in luck. Tulin's been looking for a teacher. Care to help him brush up on his technique?" Tulin nodded excitedly from his place at the fire.

"Sure thing, Teba." Link grabbed a bow and quiver from his slate and nocked an arrow. "Ready Tulin?"

"Ready," the little hatchling called out.

The two archers made their way to the platform. Link drew his paraglider and Tulin spread his wings, and the pair took to the sky.

Link adjusted Tulin's grip while flying next to him, his quiver hanging by his hip and his bow held between his right hand's thumb and index finger while he held onto the paraglider. Link let go of the paraglider, the object disappearing into blue light and Link loosed and arrow, nailing a target in the bullseye. The paraglider promptly reappeared in Link's hand and he continued to make adjustments to Tulin's hold of the bow and his aim.

Sidon was flawed by Link's mastery. He continued to do this for two hours, showing Tulin examples until his arrow supply ran out and he finally returned to the platform.

"Well Teba, it's been fun but I gotta restock," Link signed with a smile.

"I get it. Thanks for the lesson. I'll see you next time-"

"Yeah, thanks Link," Tulin interrupted as he gave Link a crushing hug. Link returned it and the two went on their way.

0_0_0_0_0_0_0_0

"There are no arrows stocked in the market. We'll have to go elsewhere," Sidon stated.

"Yeah. We could make our way to Kakariko Village to talk with Impa. While we're there I can buy some arrows. Ready for round four of Warp Travel," Link asked with a smirk.

Sidon swallowed hard then nodded.

Link held out his hand for Sidon to hold and Sidon took it. As Link pressed the button to activiate the warp feature Sidon leaned down and laid a small kiss on his beloved's forehead to remind himself that he was safe.

0_0_0_0_0_0_0_0

Sidon stumbled gracelessly off the platform. His stomache did a somersault in his abdomen and he deeply regretted his decision to travel all around Hyrule.

Link snorted at Sidon's misfortune and walked over to him. He mocking kissed Sidon's hand in a motherly action to 'kiss it better'.

Sidon retracted his hand and started down the hill. Link followed.

Once they were down they made their way to The Curious Quiver. Sidon thought the name was a bit strange until he saw the owner; a woman, dark of complexion, with dark hair and a creepily enthusiastic smile. She spotted Link as he walked in and waved him over.

"Link! You're back- I-I mean welcome to The Curios Quiver."

Link waved at the woman, "Hi Rola, what's your variety look like?"

"Oh, um, mostly fire arrows. Why? Interested in renewing our little challenge," Rola asked with a not-very-subtle wink.

Sidon, once again, for the second time that day, was appalled by a woman's bluntness and audacity. Not only did she completely ignore him, she was actively flirting with his lover!

How dreadfully rude.

"I'm sure my beloved has business to attend to with me," Sidon put emphasis on the word 'beloved' when he spoke to make sure this 'Rola' didn't mistaken their relationship as that of friends.

What was this 'challenge' anyway, Sidon wondered.

Judging from the way the woman said it and then winked it sounded awfully risqué. That definitely did not calm Sidon's nerves.

As Link bought his arrows Sidon grumbled audibly to himself. Link giggled at that.

The pair walked out of the shop, Sidon forcing his hand into Link's as a display of ownership to his 'challenger'.

Link couldn't contain his laughter for the second time that day and burst out laughing at Sidon's jealously. "Ok tough guy, what was that about," he asked, although he already had a very obvious clue.

"Hng, it's just, why do so many people in this goddess-forsaken land want you so badly? I mean- I completely understand, but since you fail to make this relationship public, they take the liberty to assert themselves and 'make their move' as people say. Why don't you stop them," Sidon complained.

Link just stared at him, a softness in his features. He smiled lightly."Because I love you, and that cannot be changed. No matter how many people push themselves on me they cannot change how I feel about you. I don't stop them because I know that they know that too; they can see it in the way I look at you, because when I see you I see the most amazing, caring, and kind person I've ever met. You don't have to worry because that will never change."

Sidon and Link just stood there at the goddess statue, staring lovingly into each other's eyes.

"And because I like seeing you get jealous," Link signed and ran to Impa's house.

"Wha- hey!" Sidon began running after Link. "That's not very kind of you, Beloved."

The pair barged into Impa's lodging and Sidon unwittingly tackled Link to the ground and they tumbled forward.

"Zora Prince, Hylian Champion," Impa said and the hero and prince promptly looked up at her. "I believe you have come to make a proposal. Am I correct?"

Aaaaaand DONE! Finally. I'm so sorry about the long wait, but wait no more!

It's not that great of a chapter, but I'll try to make the next one better.

Original post by @hylianfury