( open, may catch all ) you and i were fireworks going off too soon

[lucubrates]

Who: You and the Green Zelda! Fourth wall characters are welcome!
When: Through out Maiurill
Where: Around!
What: May catch all! Birch tree tapping, sword antics, river cleaning. I might update with more open prompts as the month goes along!
Warnings: I will update if anything comes up!



OPEN, CLOSED
i'm on plurk @ hagclub if you would like to plot privately! pm works too!

Comments

OPEN

[lucubrates]

early march, the forest

[lucubrates]

[ Snow melts away finally as spring emerges, but she does not come in vibrant, lush greens and pops of color. Spring splits the snow, showing the mud and dirt beneath the surface, and this is reflected in so many ways as the warm weather settles in. The river's filth is revealed to more than just those water dwelling peoples, and the streams run wider than before. She misses the cries of the ice shifting beneath lakes in Aefenglom, but with the arrival of Spring is a special time.

The forest is home to many things and people and there are remnants of this through out it. On this particular excursion to wherever it is you are going, the path is marked with several strange contraptions hooked up to birch trees. A knife wedged into the bark, a tap sunk into it at an angle, and a bucket collecting the clear liquid that seeps from it. There are multiple set ups like this, at least ten in total if you bother to count. By the last one, deepest in the woods, you'll find that the culprit is a girl with blond hair and long, long ears.

The approach of someone else gets her to look from her work, and ladle in hand, she stops scooping the sap from the bucket to look at you. ]

...Beautiful day, isn't it?

[ Blue skies, just enough warmth for some long sleeved but light. The sun breaks the cold chill so easily. She tilts the spoon, and the water-like liquid splashed into a clear bottle. ] If you're looking for town, it's a few miles back. West, if you'd like a more scenic route. [ She corks the bottle, and straps it into a wagon, already full of similar bottles. ]

Of course, it's a bit longer. You might be strapped for time by now if you'd like to avoid the nighttime out here. The moon's growing, but not enough to illuminate everything yet, you know.

[arturiarex]

[ Saber prefers to take her excursions out into the woods to see nature and maybe allow herself a chance to vent the restless energy that has seemed to follow her since her arrival. Maybe it's her lot as a 'monster'. Besides, it's spring. She can take some time to appreciate the natural beauty of those lands still unaffected by the touch of corruption (at least for now). The winding path has taken her through the trees and it's not until she notices the strange contraptions that she pauses curiously to examine them. Some sort of harvesting operation? She doesn't know - but this certainly hasn't been here before.

She follows them into the woods until she spies a familiar flash of blond hair. Her new wings - well, new as of last month - spread slightly behind her as she comes weaving slowly through the trees. ]

It certainly is that, Zelda.

[ She shades her eyes and glances at the device she's working on. ]

Why are you collecting sap?

[lucubrates]

[ It is a familiar voice that calls out to her, and as Zelda turns back to look at Saber, a smile works it's way across her lips. Her skirts flutter in the wind and she inclines her head in greeting, looking pleased it is only her. ]

Too difficult to stay inside on a day like this. I had the perfect excuse! The birch tree has a delectable and healthy sap, full of nutrients.

[ A ladle full is splashed down into the bottle once more, slightly thicker than water but still clear. She leaves the utensil there, and approaches with the bottom. Stepping closer to Saber, she makes note of the wings and how they catch golden sunlight. It's striking. ]

Your wings have come in so lovely. [ With the smile still in place, she offers the half full bottle to her friend. ]

It's sweeter than you think, though perhaps a bit acidic at this time of year.

[peacewithouttyranny]

[If anyone asked, Soundwave is out in the woods to scout out the area. But truthfully, his real reason was simply to see the nature and meet the woodland creatures living in their natural habitat. Not that he can't do both at the same time, but his motivation is clear.

Spring is the perfect weather for a walk out into the woods, anyway. While appreciating the nature around him, slowly strolling through the trees, he's stopped by the strange contraption hooked to the tree. That doesn't look natural... Looking up ahead, he notices that there are more of these contraptions hooked to other trees. Is there some sort of operation going on here?

Curious, Soundwave follows them deeper into the woods, until he sees the blond hair and stops a fair distance away. Soundwave blinks.]

Ah... I was just scouting the area. Getting a better idea of the land outside the town.

[Though the young "girl" says that, her eyes are turning west. Hmm. He would like to see more of the scenic route, but nighttime could be a problem, he's not foolish enough to put himself in danger. Especially when he just gotten his avatar working.]

Hmm... I am not afraid of nighttime, but how dangerous does it get out here?

[lucubrates]

[ She seems a girl rather quaint and soft, the sort that would be easy prey for a Shade should one turn up. As she speaks, Zelda approaches, getting a better look at her. Though she is no fighter herself, she does know what one looks like— for all intents and purposes, she does not see one in her new conversation partner. ]

It is not something I would recommend unless you are adept at protecting yourself, be it with the help of magic or weapons. Shades are quite common this deep into the woods, miss, and unless you know the path well, it is can be easy to get lost among the trees.

[ She does speak from experience, her gaze serious and voice sure. ]

Have you arrived quite recently to the land?

early march, zelda's cabin, sword antics

[lucubrates]

[ There is a witch's cabin in the woods.

This is not strange, truthfully. Zelda imagines she has neighbors, but she hasn't met them. She should likely make a point of saying hello at some point. After discovering Dantes, too, lives in an abandoned structure, she had considered the reality that she probably was not the only one in the Wilde. This possibility struck her in the morning, when she awoke to find several bottles of birch tree sap missing from her stash.

In the afternoon, the possibility of someone breaking and entering is something that keeps her on edge, though she mitigates it with work. With the snow thawing, there are all manner of things on her lawn that require removal and burning. The bonfires gave her the idea, and she intends to light up the pile of rotten branches and trash that she's accrued.

But she's on edge, listening intently.

From behind, she is a small girl dressed in a flowing skirt that sways with each movement of her body, the blouse she wears loose, as well. As footsteps grow louder, however...

She swivels, and reveals a rapier in her hand.

An eagle eyed swordsmaster might note her posture is quite wrong, so truthfully, she poses little to no threat. ]

May I help you?

[ Her expression is hard, eyes narrowed. ]

[guidance]

[she floats through the air, gliding among the trees in the Wilde without much thought to it. this world, strange and new, and she had said nothing when they asked for this or that. to her, it is a dream, her spirit off to another world while her true form rested. time and space mattered little, only an ongoing tapestry woven by innumerable actions, the ever present song of life and goodness persevering.

when she sees the house, it is only curious to her. yet still, there is a sound, as a rabbit that was feeding on some grass flees as her shadow comes nearer, darting away back into the brush as if pursued. too skittish, while she bears utterly no malice. that someone is coming nearer is evident from their own footsteps, and when she sees that face...

it would be impossible to mistake. she and yet not she, changed in ways that subtly speak to time. another? one from another place, or down the line? Fi couldn't say, and her theories would take up time. instead, to see Zelda, she gives a bow in the air, cloak fluttering a touch in the breeze.]

Your Grace.

[lucubrates]

[ It is foolish to raise a sword to the very one that had saved your kingdom. It is foolish to draw your weapon when the Master Sword is before you. Though she lacks a master, she is given voice and form in kind. The Master Sword shows herself to Zelda, a sore thumb against the backdrop of slowly blossoming trees, steely blue and translucent silver against neutral tones of the forest. She bows, inclines her head, takes a knee before her.

Your Grace, says she. She isn't wrong, Zelda thinks. With her father gone, she is the rightful ruler of Hyrule. She is, despite herself, Hyrule's Queen. Does the Master Sword know this? She is an ancient being, timeless and powerful. ]

I have no kingdom to rule in this land. You may rise.

[ That voice is so familiar. She would know it anywhere. The twinkling nature of it, mechanical, man-made, but with something kind beneath it. In this form, she can hear it even clearer: Link is not here to wield the Sword.

She knows it. Feels it in her bones. Her blood and soul would know it, for her own bond with the Sword stretches aeons... if the legends are true.

The rapier is sheathed. ]

How did you find me?

[finesseblade]

[ Truthfully, Felix is just surprised that she heard him at all—he's been observing from a distance, trying to gauge whether the quarry he's chasing ended up here or moved on. Somehow, he doesn't think it's her. ]

No. Just tracking something that came through here.

[ It's barely even an explanation, but Felix has never been particularly verbose. Simple question, simple answer.

His eyes sweep to the rapier, and then down to the placement of her feet, which is where they seem to stick the longest before he snorts quietly. ]

...Hope you weren't planning on fighting anyone with a stance like that.

[lucubrates]

[ Rudeness begets rudeness, Zelda muses, and the way her upper lip curls shows her agitation at his words. It is true that she has been... lacking in her combat skills. Perhaps she should ask Nier to show her how to hit, not just block. ]

And if I had been? What of it?

[ She knows well enough she is inviting another smart remark; she still thinks a weapon is a weapon, and something like this... could kill if need be. ]

river cleaning

[lucubrates]

[ She has a growing pile of shards of glass by the river.

It had started with one striking piece, a lagoon blue thing that glinted a pretty mint color when the sunlight caught it, and then she had found something that looked maroon at the edges but pink in the center. And then an hour later, skin pruning, Zelda realizes she has a pile quite remarkable in it's own right. Even when she's helping do something rather mundane in nature, she's exploring.

Perhaps it's that pile that catches your attention.

Just as likely, however, is that Zelda catches your attention when she shouts and goes headlong into the river. ]

Did you see that?

[ When her head pokes back up, hair stuck to her face, she pushes it behind and she gazes up with a laugh and grin. ] Rainbow, I thought I saw... How incredible. Perhaps a rare trout?

[ Suddenly, fishing does sound fun.

You know, for studying purposes. ]

[twilightskey]

Woah!

[Roxas has been helping clean the river nearby, and didn't notice Zelda was here until she calls out. It's a bit of a surprise, the sudden shout and splashing of someone running into the river!]

[But when she pokes her head back, he blinks at her... before letting out a chuckle, smiling at her.]

A trout? That's a kind of fish, right?

[lucubrates]

[ Ever a curious girl, she tilts her head at him. She stands there, against the rocky flooring, and moves her hair out of her face. ]

Yes, that is right.

[ How to ask this... ]

Have you never seen one?

[ Perhaps he's a city boy! ]

CLOSED

[lucubrates]

[ generic wildcard option, feel free to respond here with a starter if you'd none of these ping you. if you'd like to plot, the above avenues are open! ]

CLOSED — VENTUS

[lucubrates]

[ The bonfires grow a little bigger with each item tossed into them. As a ritual, she can see the point of burning something: releasing it into the world, it's essence scorched into ashes. It's purification, in some cultures, and she can respect that. Less respectful, she finds, is the use of drink to make one more open to the idea. Though Zelda takes the drink shoved into her hand, she immediately tries to give it back. The woman refuses, and she settles into her seat to watch the flames grow higher still with a sour tilt to her lips. ]

...As far as a celebration goes, [ She starts slowly, ] I can see the use of spirits alike to... well, lift them, too. [ She sighs. ] Regardless, it's useless to ply me with alcohol. I have little I would look to burn.

[ She looks to Ventus, curious. ]

And I suppose you've found yourself here by sheer force of another's will, as well? [ Joking. She's joking. He's probably here to celebrate the beginning of hot weather, too. ]

CLOSED — NIER

[lucubrates]

[ Agreeing to let him stay as he wished in her cabin had been a quick and easy decision. She had told him once before that her home was as his, and he was welcome to it anytime. The point of giving him a key was just that. On her way from work, she leaves him a message that she was going to the market, a quick trip for eggs since she had run out in the morning, and the pair of them eventually walk along a worn path from the city to the forest. It seems to grow darker as time passes by, and it seems like a lifetime ago that he had saved her life. Still, with Nier, she feels little fear.

When they get home, she stokes the fire to life. It's an easy trick now, an old hat. He already has a set of clothing left out on her bed; something neutral and a bit warm, but she had imagined it wouldn't be of much concern to him, of all people. ]

Have you had pine tea before?

[ She'd gathered some that morning, after retrieving each of her taps from the birch trees. There's a rather sizable amount of them tucked away in the kitchen, and a few bottles left out on the counter tops as she considers what to do with them. ]

It might be a little warm for it tonight, but I thought it would be relaxing.

[ A beat. ]

But, in truth... I have something I wish to show you.

[extirpator]

[ it had been a difficult request to make — but he had little intention of hoarding space when cloud was in dire need of it, or infringing on his father’s (and yonah’s, by extension; looking at her proved to be painful. more painful than he could have expected.)

in spite of everything, it’s a normal day for them. he finds comfort in the fields, at her side, musing over even the smallest of things. he follows her into their cabin and seats himself at the counter. ]

It’s okay, you don’t have to— [ and she does anyways. childishly, he blows and huffs at the steam rising off of his cup. ]

I haven’t. I don’t usually drink tea...

[ and then his ears perk up. ]

What is it?

[lucubrates]

You have been under a great amount of stress, Nier. [ Waving a hand, she dismisses his refusal. ] The pines will rot otherwise. It would be a waste.

[ It's not the most delicious tea, admittedly. Still, it tastes like home, if you're the sort to enjoy the woods. ]

When you're done, I'll be in the yard behind the cabin.

[ Near the lake, as it were. As she puts her boots back on at the door, she turns to him, and motions with such conviction that her ears flop. Just a little. ]

But not a moment sooner than you are done!

CLOSED — STILES

[lucubrates]

[ There is a break in that morning, one with clues that give Zelda pause and make her wonder if her hunch if truly right. One needs to test theories to prove them, and thinking about it logically, field testing could work well in this instance. As it is, however, there's probably a bit more to what more or less equates to a stake out in disguises with no promise of catching the perpetrator than costumes, but Zelda realizes a bit later than intended— a few hours before sundown— that she might want some back up. There are a few people who come to mind, and she decides that there is someone she managed to have a peaceful resolution to a situation involving a pup before...

So she texts Stiles. Has he had anything stolen recently?, she asks, playing curious more than anything, and did he hear about the break ins in (she hesitates typing it, but ultimately does) the slums? She has some information, she teases, and then sends over pictures: A footprint, smaller than her boot. A box at the base of a broken window, which she theorizes was used to go through said window. A description of the missing jewelry: Costume, she exclaims in her text, and very obviously so. Curious, isn't it? She thinks he's clever and she needn't outright say that she believes a child is behind the slew of petty crimes. Perhaps he understands her concern, then.

In other words, Zelda has tasked Stiles with accompanying her on yet another mission involving a child potentially in harm's way. If there's a theme here, she pretends not to notice it. She does ask if he'd like a disguise before asking him to meet her out by the wall after dark, and she does bring it with her if he so desires.

Come nightfall, she's the only elfgirl at the wall. ]

Good evening, [ She says, dressed in deep blues and a brown cloak, hair tucked into an equally muddy looking cap. Who said her disguise was good? Well, with her ancestor around, perhaps someone will assume there's three whole Zeldas around. ] I apologize for the short notice. I thought no one was more suited, however.

[ She pauses to look at him, canting her head. ] I do doubt we will run into much trouble, but do you have a lot of experience among thieves and vagrants?

[ She travels. It's not new to her. But he does have the air of a city boy... ]

ayyyy

[mensrea]

[ Nothing piques his interest more than a case. Zelda may have made short work of the mystery – it does seem obvious that children are behind the break-ins, given the clues she’s shown – yet Stiles is nevertheless driven to help for two reasons. Firstly, he dislikes the idea of Zelda attempting to dig for more information on her own. She’s capable, of course, but perhaps too soft-hearted; if anything happened to her during the investigation, he’d never forgive himself. Secondly, should her theory about kids being responsible be true, something needs to be done to ensure that this ends before the brats are put in real danger. Children don’t resort to petty crime uninspired. Maybe their situation is dire or they’re being manipulated. A strong sense of justice demands Stiles lends a hand either way.

That night, in a personal disguise far more convincing than her own – Stiles is prone to overdoing things, after all – he meets her at the rendezvous. With a quiet sigh, he bends down to run his fingers in the dirt by their feet, then straightens and carefully smears her cheeks. ]

God do you stand out, [ he mutters in faint amusement, trying to transform the natural beauty of a noble-looking face into that of a sad pauper. ] And I’m going to pretend you didn’t just ask me if I’m experienced with criminals. Which, for the record, is yes. I’m shit with kids, though, as a heads up. Maybe that’ll make it more believable?

[lucubrates]

Pardon?

[ His quite quip is quickly lost on her ears, perhaps the intention behind how quickly he continues. Zelda cants her head as she looks up at Stiles, her gaze appraising him for a moment. It has been a bit of time since she's seen him— though the other certainly is capable, she worries regardless. It's a moment before she responds, though she does hear him loud and clear. She takes note of him, and how healthy he may or may not look, before returning her gaze to him. True to his word, it's hard to miss that she looks like she's lived a life of luxury for as long as she's known. ]

You do well enough with children from other species, in my experience, Stiles. I do think that acting natural would be best, however.

[ Not like you can hide Hyrulian royalty, anyway. Why hide being a smart-talking guy who doesn't do well with kids? ] Of course, just because signs point to children doesn't imply that they are...

[ Without another word, she begins walking towards the slums, chin held between her thumb and index fingers. With her free hand, Zelda pulls the Sheikah Slate from her hip pouch in a fluid, practiced motion; if it reminds him of a teenager taking out their phone, Stiles would not be the first one to make that observation. ] Since you are the expert between the two of us, [ Is she teasing? Maybe. ] I don't believe a practiced criminal would be stealing costume jewelry, however. It could mean someone quite new to the profession.

[ She raises a finger. ]

Although, I suspect you have your own theories by now. Yes?

CLOSED — NIER (THE REMIX)

[lucubrates]

[ Despite how much Nier is over lately, Zelda keeps a schedule. She sleeps in the evening, though it is later than usual, and she wakes in the mornings... Again, later than usual. She doesn't mind it. This time, she heads to bed and offers him to join her when he pleases, settling in. It'd be a long day, and after coming in from the lake that evening, her back aches and she smells a little like the Earth and pond water. A hot bath solves that, but it beckons her to rest all the more easily. So she sleeps, even though she fights it a little. Sleep is easy; she wants to speak more, to talk his ear off, and to...

The sunshine is relentless, a white haze reflecting back at her from the surface of the lake. It is startling, rolling over after a long, good sleep and seeing the curtains were drawn before you had time to adjust to the waking world. Zelda squeezes her eyes shut and rolls over in bed, as if that might help.

Eventually, she leaves the four poster bed, something that had been put together by their own two set of hands. A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into that bed, and Zelda had carved the etchings into the wood herself. Her bare feet touch the cold wooden floor, and she looks over at his side of the bed to see it's already been made and judging by how cool it is when she places her hand over his pillow, it has been for a while. There isn't the telltale scents of breakfast, either, so running a hand through her long, long hair, she disappears into the hallway and hears the sound of not one, but two people. For whatever reason, this does not strike her as odd.

But there are a few places Nier would be in this home, and she thinks the patio with the rocking chair he'd put together a few years back would be most likely. They'd planted dandelion seeds in that front yard, and they had planted fruits and vegetables and already she hears excitement about those pumpkins they grow each year. The three of them carve pumpkins every year, she thinks.

The front door opens with a jingle from the wind chime and it is even brighter now, outside, than it had been with the window closed. The lake in their backyard should have made her prepared for such a sight. ]

How long was I asleep? [ Zelda tucks a strand of blond hair behind her ear. ] My bones feel like they've been made of stone for centuries. [ A beat. ] Perhaps you were right, [ She admits lowly, like trying to hide she agrees. ] a new mattress would be the definition of "too comfortable."

[extirpator]

[ he is nocturnal for the sake of convenience — so when sentiment speaks to him more than practicality, he finds himself nestled next to her tonight, the covers draped over the two of them. bathed, of course, he has little intention of sullying her sheets.

the tide takes them somewhere else, somewhere far away. or maybe it’s the lunar tear, or a spring breeze. regardless, the sun’s rays filters through the darkness, reflecting in his eyes as he stands tall before the dirt path leading to their house. he’s older here, more brusque and muscular but not without femininity to his features: it’s in the eyes, mostly, if only because his cheekbones are harsher, his hair is shorter and his stubble is rough against his skin.

there’s a young girl, swinging a book in hand as her Mary Janes rustle against the grass. he watches intently, hands firmly placed against his hips. ]

Easy now. [ the little girl sheepishly slows. and then he turns towards Zelda, head pivoting back — the band on his finger gleams enough to refract light. ] 9 hours, give or take. I thought you could use the rest.

[ the smile he offers her is small and gentle like a wisp, but no less present. ]

Maybe you two could swap beds. I’m starting to think she has too much energy for her own good.

[lucubrates]

[ It might be just before noon, with the sun so high and warm in the sky, golden rays splaying out in the vividly verdant grass. The skies are bluer than blue, and there's a fair few clouds in the sky, white and stringy like still ripples in the water. It might rain tonight, and the thought doesn't surprise her in the least.

She takes the steps one by one, soles meeting dirt as she lifts the hem of her nightgown to meet the pair out in the yard with a smile playful and easy. He teases her but she half expects it. ]

Then what would we do with you? If we're swapping beds, we can hardly leave you out of the fun... But the only bed left is the one out with the flowers.

[ You know, the flowerbed; the one near the pond and the lake where they've grown so many silent princesses and lunar tears that they surely must share roots now. Perhaps they've even become some sort of hybrid on their own. With the distance closed, she lets go of her gown and the hem skirts along the dirt path, dust surely marring the white fabric but Zelda thinks little of it. She places that hand over his cheek, feeling the stubble and his warmth in his face, the corners of his lips just barely raised in a smile. True, both of them are older— Zelda had lost the roundness in her cheeks some years ago, but her ears always drooped and her height stayed the same. It was remarkable what such a small change did for her face, though— where Nier grew into his masculine frame, a hulking bit of man who could easily protect his family, Zelda wore her round frame as softly as always. The change in her face was where she matured; angles where there hadn't been years prior.

Her thumb sweeps from the high points of his cheeks to the corner of his eyes; a plain wedding band is on her finger and she thinks nothing of it. It's natural. ]

I'm sorry. [ Standing on her toes, she places a kiss to the corner of his mouth. ] I didn't mean to keep you waiting. [ She can hardly blame the quip, though she thinks it comes from a place of familiarity and some level of flirtatiousness— it's hardly fair to leave him to take care of their own by himself for a few hours. Nine hours is, to be fair, not at all her usual. ] Hopefully not for too long.

[ That seems largely unlikely, judging by how eager the little one by the time she has emerged from the house. So, sweeping her golden hair back and over her shoulders, she dips to pick her up from the ground, easily balancing the child on her hip. Blonde hair and blue eyes, ears not nearly as long as her own but longer than Nier's; Zelda grunts as she attempts to shift the extra weight.

She knows that is just asking for a comment about how she's getting too old to be picked up. ] Good morning, my little bird.

Let's see what we're reading today... The Tale of Peter Rabbit? [ Part of her wonders if Nier's already read it to her today, or if this was just her own choice. If it's the latter, that's their problem regarding energy. Can you blame a child for being a little mischievous with such literature? ] I do hope we're not getting any ideas. Your father does have a very potent recipe for chamomile tea. Oh, what's that look for? Yes, what do you think we grow those flowers out in the garden for? [ A little white lie never hurt anyone, because the only flowers they've ever grown out here are those that look like lilies in the backyard and the daffodils in their grass— a strategic choice. How can any young girl refuse a day playing among the daffodils?

Hands on Zelda's shoulder, the little girl repels herself, making a face at the thought of medicine, and Zelda laughs at the sight. ] The best medicine is the freshest, you know.