But those of us, those of us, us of lesser gods

[scatmaam]

Who: Sacthach/Lancer/Shadow/Why Does She Have So Many Pseudonyms and Zelda
When: The firworks of Samuin
Where: The roof of casa del queen
What: A long awaited discussion
Warnings: n/a

[ Cold was the autumn evening air, the sort that would lead one to shiver until presented with a lover or friend to snuggle against. No doubt that fit perfectly well in a city so braced along togetherness as it was, both metaphorically and otherwise. But it had always been like that back home, too, hadn't it? Gathered around the bonfire, the human and spiritual existing as one to enjoy the company of the other. The liminal times when the World's limitations seemed less strict, less like true binds...

Her own moments to once more touch her mother soil, to breathe in the true air. It was something she would never take for granted, having been disconnected from the World for so long as she had. Even when Ritsuka had first summoned her, it always felt like she'd only be there for a brief moment before fading once more back to the ether of the Land of Shadows, not even part of the Throne with her fellow Heroes... longing for a fitting end to her ever extended story. And even in this world...

No. In this world, things had been different. In this world, despite having only spent a comparatively short while, everything had been different. So much of what she knew of the World, of herself, had been shifted and changed and questioned. Even her sense of self, the lunar presence always present in her own mind, had been compromised, shifted, and made somehow less whole. The black city, her feral episodes, all of it...

It was too much. But the idea of surrendering more of her autonomy just to find some peace didn't sit well with her either. What had seemed so easy to accept with Ritsuka back in Chaldea seemed so much more difficult to even conceive of now. And yet there was no denying that as strong as she believed herself to be, she could no longer shoulder these burdens alone. And trust was in short supply.

So now, on this eve of Samhain again, she felt that despite how often she had faced it with melancholy before, she almost welcomed the possibility to once more disappear into the spiritual, to leave the mortal plain of this world, and find her true home once again within the Land of Shadows.

But... but Zelda... she had still stayed with her, against all wisdom, against instinct and her own assessment of herself, had remained with her. Shadow could have killed her. She had stayed. And she still wondered what she had done to truly deserve that. ]

I didn't take you for the fireworks watching sort.

[ Her scent was unmistakable at this point... she'd always know when she was around, climbing up to the rood to join her. ]

Comments

[sageprincess]

[She's... really very close, isn't she. Not for the first time, but without the rush of adrenaline it's impossible to ignore the fluttering in her stomach and the rapid fire hammering of her heart between her ribs. Blue eyes remain wide as Scathach speaks, her fingers unconsciously tightening around the other woman's own, watching... waiting? She feels as though she's being suspended over a cliff, somehow, anticipating a drop her mind won't allow her to contemplate in detail.

It's nothing. She's just seeking comfort, that's all. She doesn't read to deeply into things like this. She has her duty to consider.]

I... hardly feel as though I have done anything, really. I do not know what to do or say that would make this whole ordeal easier on you...

[And that's been her role in the past. She's the one that's supposed to have the answers, the plans, the solutions to problems even if she lacks the ability to see them carried out herself. But here she's just as lost as anyone else...]

[scatmaam]

[ It was... difficult to not be distracted by the story told within Zelda's eyes, a tale she'd seen spun before her plenty of times before, though done so with a much more direct intention of seduction or playfulness. But this was... more real, perhaps uncomfortably real for them both. She'd never intended to tease Zelda like this, she was simply just... like this, with those she cared about. A part of the culture she came up in, the company she kept, and having a life starved of more real affections for so long, between brief periods she could exist within the world proper again. ]

You do not need to do or say anything simply for my sake. Just... being yourself, doing what you decided was right in the moment with out any demands from myself, has brought me ease.

There is no... itinerary for supporting someone you care for, my lady.

[ A sigh, trying to pull her eyes away, knowing it was mostly her own foolish self that had lead to all of this. They were at a precipice, and it wasn't simply courage or trepidation that would guide them in either direction. This was... more difficult than that. ]

Follow your intuition. It will guide you well.

[sageprincess]

That is... something easier said than done, I think.

[Ever since she was a girl, she can remember having a strong intuition-- being able to read the hearts of men as easily as ink on parchment. But it was that same intuition that pushed her down the path that would lead to Hyrule's ruin, and witnessing the consequences of that has left her faith in it in pieces. Wisdom is a double edged blade, one she feels she'll cut herself upon no matter which way she wields it.

It especially doesn't help her here, whispering little questions in her ear that are becoming increasingly difficult to deafen herself towards. She bites her lip, another moment of silence interrupted only by the bursting of the fireworks' finale passing between them as she forces herself not to wonder if she's... special, in some way.]

Would you... want to walk around the shopping district a bit, after the fireworks are over? I imagine there must be at least a few stalls hawking holiday specials for the night.

[A distraction, perhaps, is in order. But one that's among other people, rather than separated from it. ... And one that will allow for a bit more space from... whatever this is.]

[scatmaam]

[ It very obviously was easier said than done, but it spoke to Scathach's faith that she was able to have faith in that, regardless, and allowed it to be left alone for the moment... They could both use a break from the tension as she paid thought to the idea of Bonding with Zelda, after all. ]

Aye, I think I'd like that.

[sageprincess]

[Another sigh passes through Zelda's lips, relief washing over her with Scathach's assent. For once, she feels like she's managed to do something right, and her eyes crinkle around the edges with her smile.]

All right. That is what we shall do then.

[But there's no rush. She pulls her head away only to rest it upon Scathach's shoulder as she turns her attention to the fireworks show that they've mostly missed, soaking up the offered warmth. Because she might as well, right?

Yes, she can be quite content with that, she thinks.]