#007 Chasing Fairytales [PLOT]

[Cetus]

"Legends speak of Zora of past times closely connected to the Goddess Nayru, powerful mages with talent in performance and magical arts. Some even were capable of calling forth the spirit of the great beast born of the Goddess' will, a great dragon of the ocean, in times of great need. The dragon of Nayru was known in some stories as Naydra, and in others as the Leviathan. The Sea of Storms in Labrynna was claimed to be made by its rage. Some stories claimed that it laid a single egg every 100 years, passing on its spirit to its descendant when it died."

"No one has seen it for centuries. I'm going to go find it."

A deep breath came from the girl's mouth as she breached the surface of the water, ripples circling around her. She looked around, spotting the shore, and dove back under, strong strokes of her arm sending her carving through the water. With a final push, and a slight bit of magic, she breached once again, higher this time, and landed with the soil under her feet. A shake of her head shed the excess water from her hair, and she shook her hands off.

When their princess came walking back to the palace, they looked at her, expectantly, but all she could give them was a shake of her head. An attendant came with her dress and gown, changing her into them, and she wrapped them around her, before walking to the throne room. As expected, members of her council stood in attendance, awaiting her news. She sat  upon the throne, folding one leg over the other, and rested her chin on her hand, before sighing.

"It was not found. We have exhausted all options. I'm afraid the stories were inaccurate. And with recent events, we can't contact the Zora of other kingdoms. I'm afraid if we want more information, we only have one source to go to, but with our recent backing of the Heroes of Hyrule, contacting Eleazar would be a death sentence. Our cause is lost."

She sat in quiet contemplation, eyes downcast as she considered her options. There had already been an offensive move on those that had put their support in Zelda's cause, and it was only a matter of time before Eleazar made his move on her. The Zora had to be ready. She looked around the room, for Thetis, but she wasn't in attendance yet. Normally she took the council of her grandmother, but this was a state of emergency. She sat straight, eyes scanning her council.

"I am calling an emergency vote. As Queen Regent of the Zora's Domain, it is my duty to protect you as my people, and as such, can call to mobilize forces in defense if needed. As such, I propose we ready ourselves. The threat of war looms, and it's time we do what is right for us. All in attendance, by show of hands, raise your hands if you agree."

Not a single hand stayed down. With a nod to her council, she stood, grabbing her trident from where it leaned against her throne, and stood, back straight and chin raised.

"Assemble the mages and warriors of the Zora's Domain. We stand together, and we fall together."

[Deleted]

"And what is it you plan on risking our armies for?" the Queen Regent swept through the hall proudly as she strode in her granddaughter's direction. Many had gathered with news of their progress in finding the Leviathan, however taking note that their Domain wasn't shaken with the retrieval of a giant beast, she had figured their was no luck. Seeing her granddaughter making decisions without her council... while it relieved her to see that Cetus had finally grown a backbone, she worried for what grave consequence should come if she were to make one mistake. She feared for the integrity of their people should they ever be faced with a choice that is honorable beside one that is easy. She looked to those who stood at firm attention before taking her stance beside her child, her lips pursing before making quiet conversation out of reach of wandering ears. "With Eleazar's forces taking action upon the troops of not one, but two nations, we cannot risk to allow our people to go extinct in battle as well. People are dying, my child. What is it that you intend to do with our troops? We are already on full alert at the risk of an attack, but to call such a conspicuous action will surely raise Rogue Order's suspicion."

We’re gonna melt down Gonna disappear into the sun into the sun Gonna burn down together like fire We can’t get enough no no no We’re tied like White roses Cetus

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[Eleazar Velyris †]

I AM THE MONSTER IN YOUR HEAD, AND I THOUGHT YOU'D LEARN BY NOW, BUT IT SEEMS YOU HAVEN'T YET; I AM THE VENOM your skin Cetus Circe @thetis

In the distance, a roaring thunder of drums approached. The army moved as one, a sea of shimmering armor, as if there were just one brain instead of many. Those without horses were in the front. The right legs moved in unison and then the left legs. With each step the sound of the boots on the cold tarmac was like the warning thunder of a coming storm. Slung about their shoulders were swords and bows. Each face was grim against the frigid wind and on every hand was a black glove. The army sought to subdue with a show of power as an opening tactic, the right display of might could save them the bother of going into attack. So many battles had been won with an impressive display of horses and well woven banners. The more they won the further their reputation spread, the more cities fell without so much as a whimper. Those that fought they wiped off the face of the map save a few to spread the tale onwards. The king wanted a kingdom and he wasn't much bothered how he got it. Flanked on each side of the tyrant were two, incredibly large horses with men in suits of armor so thick, their faces were hidden in the shadows of their helms. In the center, with banners draped over his steed, Eleazar made his arrival, thousands of men surrounding him. The only announcement of his arrival was a slight drop in the air temperature and the descent of absolute silence. He was there, pale in the shadows of the castle entranceway. His voice came, eerie and cold, "I request entrance to speak with the Princess."

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[Circe]

She Who Wields Fire

THEY CALL Me the witch, AND YOU SHOULD BE AFRAID

Long had Circe admired shows of power and strength. And today was quite the show. The witch had pledged an amount of loyalty to Eleazar, knowing it would only serve to bolster her own standing and power. And when she had been told they were riding to the Zora's Domain in Hyrule, well she couldn't help herself.

The rhythmic march, the sea of black and waving banners, pristine armor; to show off power. She herself, wore similar, though her abilities lied in her inherent magic gift, Circe was no stranger to a fight. And should one start, she was prepared. The tight-fitting scaled armor of gleaming black, contrasting to the spill of white hair that flowed over her shoulders. She had grinned, atop her horse just behind the self-proclaimed king, over the sea of soldiers. Red lips pulling back in a wicked smile.

They were here for something big. A ploy to gain another part of this kingdom, to gain something of power. He was here to speak with their princess and force them to surrender to him, or die. In situations like this, something she had never quite seen before until now, Circe's magic was on edge. She'd spent the better part of their planning for this delving into the well of her magic, preparing for a fight, for some display of her power. A tactic to incite fear in the Zora. To claim the title they spit at her.

When the marching stopped, they had arrived. And the air was silent. Circe could feel the buzz of energy among the soldiers and the king against her skin. Her own power flickering under the surface of her skin, but the air around them was still as the grave. And only Eleazar's voice snapped it, an invisible line of tension between the entry way of the castle and their sea of soldiers to their backs.

And it begins... the witch thought to herself.

WORDS: || TAGGED: || MUSIC || NOTES:

Table by Nightwing™

[Cetus]

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

Cetus listened as her grandmother spoke in her ear, sighing and pinching her nose as her closest council gave her advice on what to do, but she nodded.

"I have considered the consequence of these actions, grandmother, and I agree. But living in terror is not a-"

She was stopped by the sound of armored suits running to the throne room, and stood from the throne as her personal guard ran into the throne room, breathing hevaily, as her mages followed. They needed not to say anything of what was happening, the fear painted on their faces was evident. Her lips pursed, and she half turned to look back at her grandmother.

"It seems our haste was not enough. What does he request of me?"

The last question was to her captain, and he straightened, saluting, before stepping forward to hand her a letter. She opened it, eyes scanning, before she sighed and handed it back. She turned to grab her trident, facing her most beloved family member, and met her eyes. There was fear in those blue eyes, a deep-set fear, but determination as well.

"He has requested that he speak to me. It is in our best interest that I comply. I trust you shall accompany me, grandmother."

She turned, sighed deeply, and snapped her free hand, snapping her guards to attention. As she walked between her council, they all cast gazes at her, and she clenched her trident harder to hide the tremors.

Confidence. Confidence will get you and your people through this.

Her guard assembled behind her, four and four, with her archmages trailing in the back, down the long hall of the palace, and to the front doors. At her command, they were opened, and the sight before her was... Well, to put it lightly, her worst nightmare. Soldiers assembled, rank and file, and him standing before them, another near him. A woman, clad in armor.

Another Zora.

IShe stepped outside, atop the staircase, and stopped just before the top stair, planting her trident. her guard and mages assembled behind her, as she took a deep breath, then looked up into Eleazear's eyes.

"I was always raised to believe that it is rude to keep guests waiting, milord, but I don't remember inviting you for deliberations. But one does not bring an army to discuss diplomacy. Word has reached us of your other exploits, and this is not... Unexpected. But we are of the same blood, both born of the water, and you must know the tenacity of a Zora. You have come here to proclaim something, lest you would have just slaughtered my people. Name your terms, milord, and let's not waste time."

MADE BY ★MEULK

[Deleted]

She waited to get an answer from her granddaughter, but before they could even hold the conversation, they were met with an onset of frantic men delivering a message. No one could speak, but their eyes showed enough to reveal what was happening. "And now our fate is sealed, is that what you think? We had nothing to do with Prince Gael's death! It's his own fault he died. He shouldn't have raised his men to advance. Not only did he get himself killed, he got the Queen's sister and her attendants killed as well," Thetis protested. "His audience is uncalled for. We have done nothing to aid either side." Sure, they gave allegiance to Zelda, but who would have told that to Eleazar? They were as quiet about it as any other region would be. Only the Zoran council knew... There must have been a traitor. While the thoughts tried to process in her head, Cetus had read the letter the attendant handed her, before she turned to speak once more. "You better hope he doesn't say anything stupid. I'm not afraid to speak my mind," she growled quietly. "I'm not afraid of that little boy." If she could just be in a room with him alone for five minutes, she'd have him cowering in the corner with his tail between his legs. She accompanied her granddaughter at the top of the stairs, looking down as the doors opened slowly. In behold was a man of cerulean hair, and piercing yellow eyes. She had never seen him in person before; but from the way people spoke of him she pictured him to be... well... not this. Despite being of royal blood, she assumed him to look rugged, even scrawny. Unkempt and without manners. But before her was a man that truly was a prince. Handsome, confident, an aura that held radiance and attraction. He didn't look like the merciless tyrant people spoke of. "Are you sure this is the same Eleazar that killed dozens of Gael's troops?" she raised a brow at the nearest mage.

We’re gonna melt down Gonna disappear into the sun into the sun Gonna burn down together like fire We can’t get enough no no no We’re tied like White roses Cetus

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[Eleazar Velyris †]

I AM THE MONSTER IN YOUR HEAD, AND I THOUGHT YOU'D LEARN BY NOW, BUT IT SEEMS YOU HAVEN'T YET; I AM THE VENOM your skin Cetus Circe @thetis

The double doors swung open slowly, revealing a large stairway where Princess Cetus, the Queen Regent, and others were situated at the top, watching for his entry. Before he moved forward, Eleazar waited for the princess to speak. A smile curled on his lips - one of charm, rather than deceit. He nodded before lowering his head to nod in respect. "Milady, If I may," he began before dismounting his horse. His voice had changed. His words were like vanilla, sweet, yet with formality -- it was the richness of his tones – luxurious and warm. He looked to the others, hand taking hold of his sword before setting it over the saddle of his steed. Unarmed to show he would not try anything, he then motioned for Circe to move with him. The others would stay behind at attention. Turning back to face the princess, he gazed upon her silver hair and cerulean eyes carefully. He could tell she cared deeply for her people, and would do anything to keep them from harm's way. "Gaelio Undine was a fool for his actions. Should he have followed my instructions, his people and our dear fallen Queen's sister would be left unharmed. I am a man of honor. My word is my promise so long as you do not double cross me. The fate of Labrynna was only as it may because they attempted for my assassination," he stepped up to the doorway, one hand over his heart while the other straightened at the small of his back. "I do not come here to fight or to succeed you. Quite the opposite, in fact," he paused, looking over the many faces that gazed upon their interaction. "Perhaps there is somewhere we may speak in private. My fellow council member and I would like to come to an agreement with you and your grandmother."

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[Circe]

She Who Wields Fire

THEY CALL Me the witch, AND YOU SHOULD BE AFRAID

She watches as the first, the youngest Zora girl approaches out the double doors. Clutching a trident, Circe can practically feel the fear radiating off of her, though how well she hid it was rather admirable. Circe noticed how the eyes of the princess fell upon her and she gave the girl a rather cunning smile; inclining her head at the notice. Then the second woman approached, older, clearly less than willing to talk. She seemed surprised at who stood at her doorstep, though by her words it was clear she knew who he was. It would be difficult to find someone in this realm who didn't. 

It's when the girl speaks, diplomatic as a queen, trying to ply some form of empathy from Eleazar with talk of how they were all Zora. All born of the water. Circe felt that fire under her skin, and mentally she declined such an idea. She may be Zora, but there was not an ounce of that gift of water in her. Nor did she want one, it was too late for these people, supposedly her people, to try and appease the damage done. Circe saw a woman buying time for her kingdom, for herself, using every ounce of diplomacy she knew to try and speak with a known tyrant. She thought the girl was smart, if a bit naive.

Circe dismounts her horse as Eleazar does, a fluid motion that barely shifts a hair on her head, and she's on the ground just behind him. Her hands clasped loosely behind her back as she stares between the two silver-haired women. Gold eyes sweeping over them and their guards with brutal effience. She follows Eleazar quietly, simply staring at those around them as she walks behind him. Barely a whisper of movement from her armor.

And because she was in the presence of royalty, her natural enemy now or not, Circe is nothing if not polite when needed. She inclines her head and shoulders gently as Eleazar asks for them to speak privately and she finishes her approach.

WORDS: || TAGGED:Cetus @thetis Eleazar Velyris † || MUSIC || NOTES:

Table by Nightwing™

[Cetus]

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

"For one so noble, you've quite the backbone to march your army in my domain expecting to just talk. For such an impressive display, this is awfully... Cautious."


Her gaze was still leveled on him, eyes focused in an attempt to quell the growing anxiety, but she knew that letting it overtake her meant he won. This was a delicate game she had to play, and though defiance showed a strong character, there were some things she was unable to do in the best interest with her people. Wish a sigh, she turned to her guard behind her.

"Ready the throne room for audience with our honored guest. Bring seating, food, and drink to ensure his comfort."

The guard nodded, walking back into the palace behind her. As he did, she turned to face Eleazar, noting that the Zora next to him was watching her. There was a distinct wearing around her eyes, though Cetus couldn't quite place it. All she knew was that she was being judged.

Good. They at least respect you.

Another guard took her trident from her when she held it out, and she walked to the edge of the stairs, head lifting as she looked down at the invader. There was another wave of nerves, but she pushed hard to repress it.

"If you enter this palace, we are issuing an immediate truce, until deliberations have concluded. Your troops are permitted to stay, provided they lay down arms as well. They must have walked far to get here, permit them rest for some time. Come"

With that, she turned on heel, walking back into her palace, motioning for her guard and grandmother to follow. She let out a shaky breath once flanked by her guard, out of sight of the tyrant, and dug her nails into her palm.

Be brave... Be brave...

MADE BY ★MEULK

[Deleted]

He was... so much more charming than she had expected. She couldn't quite explain it, but she was surprised he wasn't the egomaniac many had made him out to be. Perhaps he was wearing a facade... she never trusted politcal figures. She listened to his words carefully, smirking as lightly as she could as she closed her eyes. She wanted to laugh at his explanation as for why he had his men kill so many. It was as though he was writing his manifesto of the world, and why he deserved everything on a golden platter. That's what she could make of his grandeur speech, anyways. Now their only hopes of continuing the alliance of Zoran blood was crushed, because this brat felt like he deserved more. "Why so many men? Are you compensating for something?" Thetis stated plainly after his admission to not coming for succession. "Trying to maniuplate our ethics by scaring us with your power?" Her granddaughter spoke with much more respect and formality with her voice. Thetis found it hard to do the same. Still, if Cetus was willing to hold the audience, then she would hold her tongue to the best of her abiliy. Whatever it meant to keep her family safe, anyways. She'd gotten rid of Eleazar's father, she could do the same to him. She followed Cetus into the throne room. Sighing and shaking her head as she caught up beside the young princess, she narrowed her eyes. "I don't like his tone of voice. He's hiding something ugly behind that prince charming visage."

We’re gonna melt down Gonna disappear into the sun into the sun Gonna burn down together like fire We can’t get enough no no no We’re tied like White roses Cetus

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[Eleazar Velyris †]

I AM THE MONSTER IN YOUR HEAD, AND I THOUGHT YOU'D LEARN BY NOW, BUT IT SEEMS YOU HAVEN'T YET; I AM THE VENOM your skin Cetus Circe @thetis

"One must always be cautious when the allegience of others holds uncertainty," Eleazar promptly responded to her words before settling his gaze further into the young princess's. His eyes then darted to the queen at her response, narrowing slightly, but holding their composure. She was testing him, and he was aware of it. He had to choose his words carefully. As the princess turned to face the guard, he closed his eyes as tension loosened over his expression, beholden to her acceptance to the audience. "My men will stand down unless harm comes any of our allies, rest assured," he nodded in her request. He slowly followed her up the stairwell, awaiting for Circe to follow his lead before ascending into their main hall. They strode toward the large room before making note of the Queen Regent, who was eyeing him carefully. He couldn't read what she was thinking, but half expected that she was analyzing him carefully. From what he remembered in his youth, there was a point in time where Thetis Kelpia was once a frequent visitor to the Labrynnan Zora. She stayed close to the princess, and he lost his line of sight of the two as guards flanked to their sides. He paid no bother to it though, waiting patiently as they strode toward the throne room.

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[Circe]

She Who Wields Fire

THEY CALL Me the witch, AND YOU SHOULD BE AFRAID

Circe was the only one of this party who had not been born royal, or the mindset to become one. Though she had spent much of her time in recent years reading on the nobility all over the isle, how they spoke, and what they meant. She knew they they minced their words, spoke in circles; they took their time with their true thoughts and always had another angle to press. None of this interested Circe, she was blunt, upfront and thorough in her thoughts and plans. Her enemies knew exactly what she meant for them. But watching Eleazar, though she was sure these Zora knew what he intended, he played his charm and wit to its best. Never quite seeming to answer the whole truth to what the Queen Regent wanted. And it infuriated the woman, which Circe found delight in.

When motioned for, Circe followed, her footsteps silent on the stairs and as they entered the palace. She stepped up closer to Eleazar, only just behind him in her pace as she watched the guards that flanked Cetus and Thetis. She memorized to herself what armor they wore, weak points she could find, what weapons they bore, and tried to judge by the size of them how easy they would be to take down. Even if a truce had been called for this meeting, she wouldn't take the chance of being caught unaware.

With the two Zora royalty out of earshot, Circe keeps her voice low, "The Queen Regent is going to be a large thorn to contend with, should her granddaughter heed her words," she says.

WORDS: || TAGGED:Cetus @thetis Eleazar Velyris † || MUSIC || NOTES:its short and shit sry

Table by Nightwing™

[Cetus]

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

"I don't trust his words quite yet, either. He has more cards than he's showing, if the rumors are true. His attendant unnerves me, as well... But we'll have to play it by ear. He wouldn't keep us alive if we didn't have something of use to him."

She spoke to her grandmother in a whisper, quietly, as they came to the throne room doors, which already laid open. Inside, her council was looking on in shock, but she waved a hand at them.

"Leave us. Take refuge with the guard in the quarters until this has blown over."

With a hesitant bow, many of them began to file out, some rather quick out of fear, until the throne room was void of all except her guard, herself, and their guests. She walked up to her throne, planting the trident against the chair, and sat, folding one leg over the other. The shallow pool that her throne sat in rippled with small disturbances. If there was one thing she had learned from watching her grandmother atop this throne, it was that there was one way to do when scared.

Pretend not to be.

"You advance on Zora land with Zora blood on your hands, Eleazar. A valuable alliance could have been had with your brother, but you kill him and advance on me with an army. A crueler ruler would have your head for such an act. But, I am not such a ruler, and I recognize a move of... Shall we call it desperation?"

As she spoke, she kept her gaze level on Eleazar, but it was to look attentive, as she let a brief pulse of her magic flow through the water throughout the city, catching flashes of imagery from the aquatic life, seeing what they saw, willing them to surface and look upon the citizens. They seemed safe, and there was no harassment from Eleazar's guard. But still, she had to be cautious. The spell took a mere ten seconds of her time, and when it was done, she leaned her chin on her hand, making it seem as if she had intended to drive the point in.

"I suppose it would be best to make this quick. You are in the court of the Zoran Princess, and as such, you shall present to the court. Acquaint yourself and your comrade formally, and present your arrangement. I and the Queen Regent will hear what you have to say, and go from there."

Her hand lifted, a gesture indicating for them to continue, as Cetus began to plan. There was a way of escape, via the pools, but they were Zora, too. Escape from them would be hard. Her eyes looked to the side, ever so briefly, to her grandmother, and she made eye contact, hoping she had a plan of some sort.

MADE BY ★MEULK

[Deleted]

"His attendant looks like a grumpy old woman. She should smile so she doesn't look so aged," Lady Thetis smirked as the two strode into the throne room. As the guards bowed and left them behind, the two of them made for the chair. Cetus took her seat, and Thetis stood to the side, next to her to keep close. "I cannot say I'm disappointed in the boy's loss. He was dull and impulsive. However it does put a break in whatever alliance you plan to prove is worth seeking with us." She wanted to know more. Why did Gael die the way he did? Why did Kura have to die as well? What went through the tyrant's head as he allowed these two allies to go so painfully? She tried not to think too heavily on it - that was not why they were here. Eleazar was here for something more. What was it?

We’re gonna melt down Gonna disappear into the sun into the sun Gonna burn down together like fire We can’t get enough no no no We’re tied like White roses Cetus

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[googlefont=Dancing Script]

[Eleazar Velyris †]

I AM THE MONSTER IN YOUR HEAD, AND I THOUGHT YOU'D LEARN BY NOW, BUT IT SEEMS YOU HAVEN'T YET; I AM THE VENOM your skin Cetus Circe @thetis

"Let her try and talk her way out of this one. I have something they want," Eleazar replied quietly to Circe as they walked behind the royal guard carefully. They proceeded into a large throne room, where Cetus and her grandmother were sat at the throne, watching over them carefully as the guards then left their sights. She looked firm, but he could see a sliver of apprehension that clung to her like sweat over flesh. "M'lady, if you're asking me whether I killed him for absolutely no reason, I'm afraid you're not going to get an answer you like. He came into my home where I requested a temporary weapon free environment to negotiate, and was then overtaken by rage to not only me, but his own high King as well. Ask King Perseus yourself; the prince was branded a traitor before I took his life. His death was justified." "Even if you believe their alliance would have been useful to you; let me ask you this. What exactly would you have gained out of making enemies with me? In fact, that is why I came here; to announce that you are not my enemy at all--quite the opposite!" He turned on his heel to breathe in for a moment, choosing his words carefully as he looked to Queen Thetis, and then to Cetus. "I've come to ask your hand in marriage. You have something I want, and I have something you need." Slowly, he took a knee to the princess before holding a blue sapphire necklace up to present. "You have a thriving city of Zora who are threatened with the unity of the Hyrulean nations. I wish to correct that. And I have the precious beast that you have been searching for."

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