Alliance of Ailing Times [Ati]

[Cetus]

Oh how I wish, For soothing rain, All I wish is to dream again

Ever since the plague had hit, the Zora Domain was in shambles compared to its former glory. None of their greatest healers could do a single thing with the ailed, only keep the well away from them, and even some of the Zora council had fallen ill to the ailment. As such, the princess had made a decision that she wished she didn't have to: mandating a quarantine zone of the domain. But as people wanted to be with their loved ones, she was advised on yet another decision: martial law. The military maintained the quarantine zone to minimize the risk of infection spreading through the public.

But as a result, the Zora suffered. Raids from other groups in Hyrule, monsters popping up more frequently, and strange individuals of power offering healing for too high a price had been causing issues for her people, so the gates to the Domain were closed. 

But resources are never infinite, and Cetus was desperate. The Heroes of Hyrule had gone radio silent, trading with Castle Town was essentially selling one's people into slavery. The Gorons were too far, the Gerudo too isolated. There was really one option left, and as she had no other option, Cetus sent a lone messenger out with a letter to the Rito, his magic giving him the capability to reach their sky-based home. It was a letter of treaty, and a summons for them to send their leader to discuss terms. The return message came relatively quick, and though the leader was not available, the Rito had chosen a champion.

As such, all eyes were on the sky waiting for the designated arrival, and on the day it came, Cetus stood with her meager council about her, waiting outside the palace amongst the rest of her personal guard not on duty. She clenched the shaft of her trident nervously, but tried her best to keep herself composed.

"They are late. Do they intend on not coming...?" 

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[Deleted]

[attr="class","smdbody3"] Diplomacy, was not Ati's strong suit. She was a royal guard, a champion made to defend her people and their home not one for convincing words or trade deals. That was Tiaris's forte, the leader meant to make deals that better her people. But instead she was sending Ati. Either it was because she didn't actually want some treaty with the Zora or because this was less diplomacy and more direct action. Ati didn't know much about the Zora princess, she hadn't bothered to read up on her not that her city possessed much in the way of records regarding other nations. Though Tiaris probably held some sort of documentation on them all. She was running late anyways, no time to try and gather information beforehand. Instead she had lept from the City and sailed down towards that great blue lake with only the knowledge of the plague infesting Hyrule and Tiaris's commands to make peace with the Zora princess in a bid to get supplies for both nations. Her descent down to the Isle was smooth, she sailed downwards following an easy draft of wind before tucking wings and limbs in and practically rocketing down towards the earth. She was to meet the Zoras outside the main palace, so her aim needed to be precise. Just because she was here in good faith didn't mean Ati couldn't make it a show. She was already late anyways, and as she drew closer and closer to the ground the details below her began to take shape along with the small crowd of people gathered below. Once she draws perhaps a smidge too close to the ground, Ati releases her wings angled upwards and coasts downwards before landing firmly on her feet directly in front of the princess. Standing and bowing her head politely, Ati looks up, a windblown mess but in her nicest uniform of the Rito, her red blade slung low across her back and hips. "Your Highness, sorry about being late. It's quite the fall, but I do believe we have some business to talk about." Ati says, smiling her characteristic smart-ass grin. [attr="class","smdtags3"]word count ■ Cetus ■ notes if you want

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[Cetus]

Oh how I wish, For soothing rain, All I wish is to dream again

"I do wish we were meeting in better circumstances, madam. And I regret to inform you as of recent events, it is now your Majesty. However, your presence is appreciated. Please, follow me in so we can be more comfortable. May I provide you any refreshments?"

Highness. It had been a matter of some days since the passing of the Queen-Regent, and but two days since her ascension, and already the trident she held felt like an anchor. The emissary of the Rito had no way of knowing, as the information had been kept under wraps, but it still stung nonetheless. She missed her grandmother, but she had a duty to  country, lest Nayru smite her.

Though that would be a mercy from the stress upon her shoulders. Still, she composed herself, the model of grace as she walked to her private dining chambers, sitting upon her seat and gesturing to the other side of the small table, two guards posting on either side of her.

"Forgive the precautions, but being in a time after war calls for precautions beyond the normal ones. I hope the trip didn't find you coming too far, but I am glad my request was recieved. In fact, a letter from your matriarch did beat you here by a few hours, and I find it most intriguing that Lady Tiaris had a request of me as well. She said you would have the details, Lady Ati, so when you're comfortable, I'm all ears. What can the Zora and Rito do for each other in these trying times?"

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[Deleted]

[attr="class","smdbody3"] Ati makes a bashful face of surprise. She was little for tact and the finer points of conversation often alluded the brash young woman, but she knew a tragedy when she heard one. "My apologies, and condolences," she tells Cetus, Her Majesty Cetus. That was unexpected, and now Ati was beginning to really think Tiaris was crazy for sending her in her place. They wanted an alliance, which required diplomacy, not a sword. Still, she was determined to see this through, Tiaris's face of disappointment would be unbearable if she failed. "I suppose congratulations are also in order, I imagine this must be quite a time. So, uh, thank you Your Majesty, for meeting with me today." she presses her fist to her chest, just over her heart and gives Cetus a bow, though rather stiffly, and when she stands straight again, the young Rito motions for Cetus to lead them in. "Anything but tea, please," she answers as they enter the private dining space, and Ati takes the time to look around the Zora palace in curiosity. Her gaze eventually lands on the young queen, and Ati had always considered Tiaris to be graceful and regal. Cetus was a whole new level of it, a different sort of grace than what the Rito had, and she was rather pretty. Good traits in a queen, Ati imagined. She coughs shortly, behind her hand, but takes the proffered seat at the small dining table with a nod. The two guards flanking her are a bit unnerving, but as Ati sits she shifts the blade she wore across her hips and is just thankful they did not try to take it from her. "Thankfully I enjoy traveling, the journey was no problem. Especially when the destination is so fine a place and company," Ati gives the young queen a wide smile, and her tone is polite if bordering on flirtatious. Cetus really was rather pretty. "It is, uh, a trying time for all of us. My people outgrow the City in the Sky. Chief Tiaris has asked me to negotiate a trade of sorts, a hope that our two peoples can live together in harmony and survive these awful times." it is a rehearsed line, one she'd gone over mentally in her head on the flight down, and while she still stumbles through the words, Ati does her best to make the request to Cetus. [attr="class","smdtags3"]word count ■ Cetus  ■ notes if you want

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[Cetus]

Oh how I wish, For soothing rain, All I wish is to dream again

Subtlety was out the window in the span of a breath, and Ati could see Cetus' guards share a look of concern between themselves. It was made clear that no one was to woo Cetus when she was a princess, her grandmother was very clear about that, so much that she threatened bodily harm more than once, if it was pushed too far.

"Ma'am, I'm afraid-"


They fell silent when Cetus raised a hand, a smirk dancing on her lips as she leaned forward, chin resting on folded hands, elbows on the table before her. The look she was giving Ati was testing, but curious as well. These were unknown waters, so she decided to try her hand at diplomacy.


"Guards, I trust our guest here. You may take the lady's beverage request to the kitchens, and retrieve my normal, if you please."


Another look between them, before a quick salute, and they vacated the room, door sealing with a soft click. With a sigh, Cetus, leaned back in her chair, running a thumb along her trident out of the anxiety of doing her job - and the prospect before her.

"Were it my grandmother who heard you speak as such, Ati, you'd have recieved a verbal lashing at best. But times must change, and the I commend your... Boldness. From what little experience I know, it seems to be a trait of those who inhabit the sky. But the matter at hand is negotiation, so let me ask you two questions."


Another smile, sly yet innocent, and the briefest moment of eye contact. She was testing unknown waters, and she knew now shouldn't be the time for it, but the exhilaration of the taboo fueled her.

"What is your lady's request, and just how persuasive are you?"

MADE BY ★MEULK

[Deleted]

[attr="class","smdbody3"] There was some custom that Ati had stepped on, she could sense it immediately. The guards shifted in place and looked awkward, even Cetus looked surprised for barely a moment. "Dammit, Tiaris, I knew I shouldn't have come," she thinks to herself, but as the room falls silent and Cetus sends the guards out, it feels that not all is lost. Ati raises an eyebrow silently but says nothing until the guards have left and the door is shut behind them. "Your trust is not misplaced, Your Majesty. But you should know that I am my Chieftan's personal guard for a reason, those guys were just for show, right? It makes sense, our people have never had the need to mingle until now." she says, and relaxes back in her seat some, a rather casual pose considering she was dining with a queen. Though, she supposes Tiaris is something like a queen, and she was far more casual with her in situations like this. The Zora were strange, Ati thought, very strange. The smile is still on Ati's face, though it falls slightly at the mention of a tongue lashing. It would not have been the girl's first one. But this was not Cetus's grandmother, and the young queen before Ati seemed a far different person than the Zora matron she had heard about. "We certainly try not to get bogged down by strict rules and hierarchy, I've been told that I am considered bold even for my people. I consider it a good feature." she's practically grinning at the queen now. This queen was far more than what she appeared, Ati could see that. Perhaps Tiaris knew what she was doing sending her here, though counting on it being Cetus over her grandmother had been a gamble. Still, they were here for a reason, and Ati was a pretty good multitasker. "Our people need room, that should not surprise you. The City in the Sky is becoming too small and ill-equipped for the Rito as they are. Chieftan Tiaris is asking, that in return for supplies and aid to Zora's Domain that we might find space for our people to live down here, in harmony with your people. It would be a cohabitation of benefit, our people are warriors and excellent tradesmen." Ati explains, and she leans forward ever so slightly, resting an arm on the table in front of her. "As for my persuasiveness, you should know that I am no diplomat. I am a soldier, but you will never meet a more dedicated soldier than I. But I have been told in the past that I am quite good at talking my way through problems," she says, and there's a proud look to her, accompanied by another playful smirk. [attr="class","smdtags3"]word count ■ Cetus  ■ notes if you want

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[Cetus]

Oh how I wish, For soothing rain, All I wish is to dream again

So that was it, refuge for Rito citizens. And Ati was laying her "diplomacy" on thick, something Cetus wasn't opposed to. She knew what she had to do, but there was no harm in humoring this, right?


"You've a skilled tongue, that's for sure, but that's not a request I can take lightly. The Rito and Zora have a history of working hand in hand, but for us to mingle is unheard of in our history. Though... Perhaps having a Rito nearby would benefit Zora like me."


The meaning behind her words was clearly twofold, and she winked before pausing, looking to the door, and clearing her throat. There was a brief scurrying outside, and she smiled, relaxing again in her chair.


"The guards were listening, as I thought. They've been at my side since I was a little girl, and my grandma's methods had me very sheltered. But I'm looking to... Branch out, so to speak. What you're bringing to the table is... Tantalizing, so I'll ask you this. Why should I play along?"


She never made it clear whether she meant the proposal, or the flirting.

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[Deleted]

[attr="class","smdbody3"] Perhaps Ati was wrong about Cetus at first, she had expected more prim and proper a ruler of the Zora. Rarely did Ati enjoy being wrong, but it seemed to be one of those times. At the very least, the negotiations have gotten quite appealing. Tiaris should send her on more of these missions, clearly, she was capable of getting some kind of result. "I suppose you just have to ask yourself, what do you have to lose?" she asked, her smile easy and bright at Cetus. "Just because something hasn't happened before does not mean it shouldn't be. You know what I've come to ask of you and your people, but what exactly would you ask of mine?" Ati's eyebrows raise quickly, and her head turns to look back at the door, where the awkward shuffling emanates from behind. The young queen was hardly ever alone so it seemed, Ati imagined that would be quite annoying. Even she left Tiaris at times, not that she was ever unsafe, but neither needed to feel suffocated. It was not like the Rito to be so strict or cloistered. She turns her head back to Cetus, resting an elbow on the table. "Clearly they mean well, but everyone deserves the freedom to do what they want. Even princesses and queens. Perhaps it is time to branch out, discover new options out there, I cannot imagine a scenario that we both don't benefit from," that was flirting more than negotiating, but perhaps the two weren't so different. "Playing along is far more an interesting prospect than sitting out entirely, and you Your Majesty, look like you deserve some fun." [attr="class","smdtags3"]word count ■ Cetus  ■ the gay is showing

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[Cetus]

Oh how I wish, For soothing rain, All I wish is to dream again

"I, too, feel that change may be for the better. We can house a small regiment of Rito in our homes, so long as they are to pull their weight just as any other Zora should. Be it as it may, good faith and old relationships are a start, but the Zora are a people of action. Something that I'm seeing from you, emissary."


She knew that the issue at hand was more important, but something about this girl had her hot under the collar, and she found herself biting the hook that had been laid out of the sheer curiosity. Ati was easy on the eyes, and diplomacy could be simple, just this one time. Perhaps it was her time to be blunt in return.

"As for what you're asking for behind your words, Ati, I must admit my experience on the matter is limited. But I would be a cruel guest to not hear what you have to say, or... Propose. Our people's relationships are important, but I have to wonder... What do the Zora you've talked to so far make you feel? It takes confidence to proposition a queen, or idiocy. I hope it's the first one, you are very nice to look at outside of a cell, and you don't seem an idiot to me."

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[attr="class","smdbody3"] “My people are one of community, and they are brave soldiers. We know how to pull our own weight.” She replies smoothly, leaning forward and resting her elbows on the table. Idly she wonders where their drinks were, or if they would ever be getting them. “Consider me an excellent example of my people then, Your Majesty.” Ati’s easy grins and casual posture are perhaps unusual for an emissary or a diplomat. But perhaps it was working, if they both were comfortable enough this alliance would be smooth sailing. It did not help that Cetus was rather attractive. She wondered if all princesses and queens were? If so, she’d ask Tiaris to send her on more diplomatic missions more often. “I am nothing if not confident, Your Majesty. And I admit, I do not know many of your people, but I can say honestly I look forward to changing that. Starting with you, should you permit me,” all subtlety was gone, if Cetus intended to play coy or shy, it was not the same for Ati. [attr="class","smdtags3"]word count ■ Cetus  ■ the gay is showing

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[Cetus]

Oh how I wish, For soothing rain, All I wish is to dream again

"I get the feeling my permission is plain on the table, so the wordplay has done it's work. Come, I want to show you something."

She pushed her chair out to stand, and beckoned for Ati to follow, walking slowly to the open balcony that overlooked her domain. Looking down on the people, the buildings, watching her domain begin to thrive again, was calming, but it was also mystifying. The sea was calm and beautiful, calmly lapping on the beaches on the far end of the domain. She sighed, and looked over her shoulder, giving Ati a small smile.

"This view, I find it to be the most beautiful thing in the Zora Domain. Looking over this reminds me what we can be again. Every potential thing to happen in my life can be seen from this window. So... If there's some part of that you want to start yourself, I suggest a hands-on approach."

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