Oddity of an Audience [Koru]

[Cetus]

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

The request for an audience wasn't an unusual thing to be asked of the Zora queen by any means, but to receive a request from a ruler of Labrynna was odd, and from a Goron even odder still. Despite relations with Konungr, the relationship of Goron and Zora in Hyrule was a, pun intended, rocky one. But such a request was too unique to pass up, and before Koru was to leave for the end of the Jubilee at Death Mountain, she sent a courier, with a summons to the palace of the Zora Queen.

The proverbial red carpet was rolled out for their guest, with guard standing at attention, armed only ceremonially, and an escort into the palace by the head guard of the queen herself. She had originally planned for a feast to celebrate the esteemed guest, but such a grand showing, she felt, gave the wrong impression. Instead, the Chieftess would be led to the meeting chambers, where Cetus sat at the head of the table in her chair, standing when her guests arrived. She bowed in respect, before straightening and gesturing to a seat near her, with a smile.

"I hope your travels brought you well, Chieftess. It has been quite some time since a Goron has stepped foot in these halls, and I hope it will not be so long until the next time. Get comfortable, I'm having tea brought. What brings you to the Domain?"

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[Koru]

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As Koru strode through the corridors of the Zora Domain, she held her head high with the same self-assurance she’d possess in her our court in the Rolling Ridges. The elegance of Cetus’s display paired well with her own commanding presence and fed her ego well. She was dressed well in silver plate mail. It was a minimal set meant only for decorative purposes as opposed to combat and thus lacked the bulk an effective armor would need. Instead, it was light and well fit so as to give her a formal, yet still domineering. It was also fitting as the engagement that brought her to the country in the first place had been a militaristic one. You wouldn’t even guess she didn’t often conference with other leaders of equal power to herself. She was accompanied by a couple assistants in case she were in need of anything. Her advisors had also suggested she bring a gift of some kind, but she hadn’t felt it sent the right message. Her visit today was to offer the Zora Queen anything. Labrynna had already given Hyrule quite enough, she felt.
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Upon entering the meeting room, she was announced by one of her associates as ”The honorable Chieftain Koru Dugri” before returning the bow. It was a far different gesture than the hardy handshakes and hugs that her tribe exchanged, but she’d done her research beforehand. ”Thank you for your hospitality, your Highness. I’m sure it is an odd occasion to have me here, but I do appreciate your accommodation.” Truthfully, it was an odd occasion for Koru as well. She was vaguely aware that the relation between goron and zora in Hyrule was strained at best. However, Labrynna’s relationships were even worse. Although there was no open hostility between the races, the ocean zora were a secluded and intensely isolationist bunch. Even her fellow leaders in Labrynna knew little about the population. This audience with Cetus was already more interaction than she had with the zora of her own nation.
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Koru settled into a seat opposing Cetus, crossing her legs below the knee and placing her hands in her lap as if it were her throne back in the Rolling Ridges. Without any more small talk, Koru introduced her topic of discussion ”I am interested in your thoughts on the ruling family of Hyrule.” She smiled charmingly, unconsidered with the abruptness of her statement. She answered the Queen’s question with a more straightforward honestly than one would usually except in such a setting. While it couldn’t be described as entirely rude, she had implied there was an unflattering opinion to be had on the Hyrule’s newly reappointed royalty. This was, of course, because that was the opinion Koru had of Princess Zelda and her siblings and she felt no need to be coy about it. After all, it was not uncommon for one political leader to speak with another in order to gain insight on their realm.
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As part of Hyrule’s allies, she’d been loosely involved in the Kingdom’s troubles for some time now, but it would be folly to rely singlehandedly on her own impressions. Thus she was seeking the counsel of someone more familiar with the country and its ruling class as a whole. She’d been close enough to Chieftain Konungr to be familiar with his thoughts without needing to ask. The Jubilee alone made it apparent he was quite ecstatic to have the throne returned to its previous owners. Whether this was a blind loyalty or a more nuanced opinion was unknown. However, Zora’s Domain stood in contrast to this, signaling that it was potentially more critical of the Hyrule family. As such, Koru had sent her courier Queen Cetus, curious cause the zoras to hesitate more than the region’s goron. Asking was undoubtedly the simplest way to gain that insight. To dance around the point would only create obstacles to her goal and the two of them were already such busy people.
 

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tagged Cetus

Note: Hype for tea 

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[Cetus]

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

Such a grand procession to announce the chieftess' arrival coaxed a smile from the queen as she settled in, folding her hands on the table, and watched the chieftess sit, her air of confidence comforting to the queen. This was a woman who knew how to lead, who was confident in what she did. She found that inspiring. and found herself sitting a little straighter.

"It is my pleasure to host you and your troupe in our humble domain, Chieftess. Your presence is a great honor we of the Domain have not had in generations."

And Chieftess Koru wasted no time in her reason for being there, sharing her question with no prompt, no small talk. Cetus was briefly taken aback, but found herself putting a hand to her chin, pondering those words.

"You present a question I haven't yet asked myself, allow me a moment to compose my thoughts."

Thankfully, the silence was broken by the servants bringing the tea in, a steaming pot set between the two rulers, two cups placed before them. A fragrant, spiced smell filled the air, and Cetus smiled.

"I find tea imported from the Gerudo Desert helps clear my head best. It's a powerful blend of spices, but I imagine it compares to what you may be used to."

She waited for her cup to be poured, as was Koru's and took a sip, before setting the teacup down and folwing her hands in her lap, looking up to the Goron audience.

"My answer to your question is complicated, I'm afraid. Simply put, we owe the Royal Family a great debt, and our services have been sworn to them for hundreds of years. I personally have not met the current throne, nor her siblings, but it is our duty to them to fight as their vassals. I do have my concerns that the castle poses a threat to the prosperity of our people, but I celebrate their return and look forward to the idea of prosperity. My fealty is of no question. Do you find that answer sufficient, Chieftess?"

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[Koru]

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Koru sat patiently as Cetus considered her question. It was concerning to her that the Queen did not already have an opinion on this matter. Hyrule’s royal family did have a fairly large influence over Zora’s Domain after all. Not to mention, they’d only recently come to the end of a uprising that removed them for a period of time partially due to unpopularity let’s call it. However, Koru also took note that Cetus was a very young ruler. Age was not necessarily an indication of one’s capabilities as a leader, but it also wasn’t not that. The zora was a lot smaller than Koru was when she took the throne and zora lived longer than gorons too. It potentially made sense that Cetus had not thought critically about the Hyrule’s sovereign either because she hadn’t yet thought much for herself or because she simply hadn’t had time to yet. Either way, Koru still valued her input.
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The tea was delicious by the way. It was soft and sweet with a little edge from some of the spicier ingredients. The Rolling Ridges didn’t partake in tea very much. They preferred beverages that were often less digestible to other races: dark, crunchy brews of imported coffee or mineral water with an emphasis on the mineral, if you catch her drift. What tea they did have was intended more for medicinal purposes than as a nice drink, lots of rocks, tree bark, moss maybe. They had an excellent rushshroom brew that encouraged speedy recoveries from all manner of ailments, but its taste was… harsh. This however was more pleasant. ”I think I much prefer the Gerudo’s offerings actually. Gorons don’t have much that is sugared or honeyed like this.” In fact, they didn’t really have a lot of sugar or honey in general. Not many species of cane or bees in the Rolling Ridges, too warm, dry, and high altitude. The region grew some wild mint, allspice, and sage. Mainly, they mined a lot of rock salt and goron spice. What’s goron spice? Well its spice for gorons of course! ”I might like to take some home to share if you have extra. I think my elders would quite like it and it’s only right to return from a foreign country with new thing, but we can discuss that more later.” She gave a side eye to one of her assistants, whom nodded to promise she would remember to look into the matter in the future.
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Koru was almost sad to put down her cup to respond. Thankfully, the only thing she enjoyed more than this cinnamon was listening to her own voice. ”Well I never had any suspicion of your loyalty. If that was an issue, I imagine it would have come to prominence during Zelda’s absence. I’m simply trying to learn more about the Royal Family’s merit as sovereigns. My King has been contributing to the Hyrule since it first began running into trouble some time ago. It was a fair effort since his father had helped to start the conflict.” The late King Galadhion had been an intense monarch to be generous. The validity of his decision was really a second concern to the impulsive and temperamental state he made them in. As any ruler, his legacy went beyond his ill will towards Princess Zelda, but any Labrynnian would have trouble defending his interference with Hyrule’s power structure. It wasn’t terrible idea to use his brief time watching over the country to sink some good hooks within it. The arranged marriage was a good way to make a connection between the ruling parties, if you were one of those power-hungry types like Galadhion was. Koru didn’t personally have the same interest expanding the countries territory without reason, but still, if his intention was to annex the land, the plan had not been flawed at conception. It was his overzealous execution that helped to push Hyrule into a power vacuum that had only recently been completely filled and eventually ended in his death.
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”However, quite a bit has happened since then and only now has Hyrule come to any place of peace again.” That all being said, Galadhion had not been the only contribution factor nor was he the only problem Hyrule had. Zelda’s faking of her death, the military defeat when defending the Kingdom, the (unknown to Koru) manner in which Zelda had lost her people’s respect, and eventually the Rouge Order had all come and done even after Labrynna began supporting it. That wasn’t even to mention Hyrule’s tendency to attract divine wrath of all kinds. The fault of any of these issues was unclear, if it could be assigned to anyone really. The same could be said about a famine or drought and as unfortunate as any such tragedy was to see, it was still responsibility of a Kingdom’s rulers to respond in the best way possible. Koru did not pretend to be privy to all of the details of the situation, but even if Princess Zelda had made excellent political choices during this time, the fact remained that Hyrule had been mess for a very long time. It did not leave a very flattering impression. ”I’m worried about the country’s stability. Granted, I have only witnessed Hyrule in the midst of its disorder so I don’t know enough to judge it fairly. I was hoping someone else could supplement what I have seen to create a more complete picture. Perhaps, you’re too new to your position to much to offer, but it sounds as if you have your own concerns as well” 

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tagged Cetus

Note: 

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[Cetus]

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

"I do have my own concerns yes, though as you astutely noted, they stem from inexperience with such issues. I would like one day to sit down with Her Majesty herself to voice the concerns I hold for my people, for the times they were not in the castle have wrought great tragedy on Hyrule. However, the peace they have garnered since the siege of the castle, though at great cost, has reassured the people of Hyrule, and I hold confidence in their stability."

There was merit to wanting to get insight on the status of Hyrule, for one disconnected from the country, and Cetus found value in the dialogue. It was nice to be able to step out of her comfort zone of blind devotion she had stayed in as a child, and look at things from a critical viewpoint. She took another sip of her tea, eyeing the Goron, and pondered just how Labrynna compared to Hyrule. She must have experience in such anxieties, to be asking such questions.

"Your contribution to Hyrule has been of great help to us, and it saddens me that I haven't had the luxury of seeing your fair land. Would I find it similar to Hyrule, or do you reside in a different beast entirely? Perhaps we can find similarities between our lands that might help us understand each other better, and create a bigger picture overall."

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[Koru]

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Koru nodded over her tea understandingly, ”That is to be expected. Perhaps I should be a bit more sympathetic. I am a guest here after all. I’m sure the whole affair has had an unfortunate effect on your people. Inheriting the throne at such a young age while the country is in disorder must be a difficult card to be dealt.” For all Koru’s complaining about Labrynna’s relationship to Hyrule, her heart wasn’t made completely of stone like her skin. It was still sad to see people fall to misfortune and Queen Cetus certainly had a heavy cross to bear. She wouldn’t prioritize the zora’s needs above her own, of course. The resources she had access to were meant for the betterment of the Rolling Ridges. She wasn’t necessarily against generosity, but it wouldn’t be virtuous to give away what was collected from the goron tribe to someone other than those whom paid into it. A trade agreement or an investment was one thing, but charity was another. If the goron were to show support for such a cause, she’d be willing oblige with whatever the public wished to do with their own funding, but as of right now no such movement existed in the Rolling Ridges. Koru considered for a moment donating out of her own assets, but ultimately wasn’t quite so moved by Hyrule’s plight. ”Your faith in the royal family is kind. I hope they are able to live up to that expectation. I know Hyrulians are a resilient people.” After all, if all went well and reestablishing Zelda wasn’t a mistake, then they should be just fine on their own.
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The chieftain sat back in her chair, somewhat disappointed. She wouldn’t dismiss Cetus’s words, but it wasn’t exactly the intel she was hoping for. Maybe she’s heard that Zora’s Domain might not approve of the Royal Family and gotten excited. Or maybe she’d missed her chance to speak with the Queen whom held that opinion. Then again, the fact that she’d been through two leaders who do have trust in Zelda might mean that the princess was actually a capable ruler and Koru had only seen a bad side of her. It wasn’t impossible, but she wasn’t so sure yet. Princess Zelda had only just been crowned. She may have even less experience than the teenager in front of her. She may one day grow to become an esteemed ruler that Koru would be happy to deal with, but she was not right now and that was the problem. Hyrule was a lovely country with great tea, but it had been a charity case for too long. Labrynna had been pouring aid into the country; expending valuable supplies collected from her and the people she’s responsible for on something that was not giving back. Instead, Hyrule’s failure to handle its uprising had caused their problems to bleed over to Labrynna. Symmetry village was overtaken by a Hyrulian revolve. Her gorons had to put their lives on the line to help contain situation. She had no hostility towards the nation. Misfortune like this was to be expected with a young ruler and foreign interference. Zelda had tried to atone for the damages she allowed to come to Symmetry village and Koru appreciate that, but it wasn’t close to breaking even. There just wasn’t any value in continuing to support a country that could not offer anything in return. If Hyrule grew from is disgrace back to its former glory, then they could open relationships back up then. But until, she thought it would be best for their relationship to take a break. Labrynna had its own problems to worry about.
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Koru was pulled out of her thoughts by her hostess. A laugh or two escaped her lips as she put her attention back into the conversation. ”You’re curiosity is endearing, your highness. Labrynna and Hyrule are allied so you are able to visit anytime you like, you know.” She considered how to describe her to the young girl. ”I think you would find it to be very different from what you are used to, where I am from anyways. There’s not so much clear blue cascading water in the Rolling Ridges. It is much drier, but that can be attributed to a difference race and it is still beautiful in its own right. The mountain range is colored red like rust and it’s dust will mixed with the sunlight to make a rainbow of colors. Our mountain is not volcanic like Death Mountain, so were safe to carve into it as deeply as we like for mining or homemaking. In fact, there are dozens of carved gorons everywhere you look. And from the mountain’s peak, even just the balcony of my throne room; you can look over the entire nation.” She sighed to herself nostalgically. She did so long to return home and not have to worry about anything outside of her small sphere of influence. Alas, things kept coming in and disrupting the her efforts.
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”Thankfully, my tribe was a fair distance away from any kind of conflict so we were not in any threat of harm, but we shall see what changes the future brings. We too have only recently acquired a new ruler. The late King Galadhion certainly let his greed near the end of his life, but for the most part his reign was still peaceful. He promoted wealth and prosperity, mainly for the upper class, but not wholly. His son King Perseus, however, is an unknown case. We in Labrynna never saw much of him before his father’s passing. I don’t know how involved he’s been in governing until now. He doesn’t seem to have his father’s temperament, which is good, but I fear he’s a bit of a bleeding heart. He might be more concerned with appearing like a good, generous person to others than he is with leading a kingdom. The sentiment is very nice, but there’s more to ruling than throwing money at the commoners.” She shared a knowing look with Cetus, expecting her to understand what she was meant as a fellow leader. The specifics of Koru’s implications may be lost on the youngling, but at least it would come across that the goron didn’t entirely approve. ”We will simply have to see in time if he does actually put thought into his actions or not.” 

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tagged Cetus

Note: She has opinions 

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[Cetus]

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

"Labrynna sounds like a beautiful land, perhaps I will make it a point to plan a visit of diplomacy there eventually. Circumstances in the past have made my desire to visit nonexistent. Being promised to a Zoran prince from Labrynna when your interests align to the other extreme tends to put a bitter taste in your mouth. Thankfully, I have no reason to worry about such concerns before, and I think a proper visit to meet the rulers is in order."

She remembered finding out her promise to the prince, none too fondly, but that was in the past, and the present was what mattered. As Koru spoke of her home, she found herself enamored with the story, her tea gone by the time the chieftain was finished.

"Beauty is not exclusive to the ocean, this I have learned well in my life. Your home sounds like it holds its own charm, and it would be an honor to see it. But it would be cruel of me not to share my own domain, in exchange. Come."


"She dabbed at her mouth with a handkerchief, folding it next to her teacup, before standing, gesturing for Koru to follow. The room they met in had two doors leading to a balcony on the outside, and a cool ocean breeze came in as she opened the doors, offering the Goron to go through first.


"No Goron in centuries have laid eyes on this view. May I present the Zora Domain, for your viewing pleasure. My words don't do it justice, so let our ancestral home speak for itself.

It was an alien beauty for the Goron, but beauty was an apt description. Much of it was above ground, but there were buildings that submerged into the water, walkways paved with canals that Zora moved to and from freely. The walkways shone with mother-of-pearl, and at the far side of the domain were docks, leading to the gentle, lapping waves of the great ocean. Many statues stood, depicting Zora heroes of old, and one before the palace of Queen Cetus herself. The domain was rife with life, and as Cetus stepped forward to stand alongside Koru, she smiled, looking over her subjects.

"The fact that a ruler should win the hearts of their people with service is noble, and I whole-heatedly agree. I would give my life for any one Zora in this Domain without hesitation. My life is to serve them, before all else. I'm sure this is something you can understand, I sense a similar conviction in you. Am I correct, Koru?"

MADE BY ★MEULK

[Koru]

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You can stand me up at the gates of hell

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Having finished her cup, Koru sat attentively holding her hands in her lap and leaning on one arm against her chair. Marriage was a tricky subject for nobles because it served both a government and societal role. While the idea of marriage as a purely romantic endeavor is growing in popularity as time goes on, it’s origin as a financial union hasn’t yet faded. Marriage does still involve legal processes such as the combining of wealth, the payment of dowries, the expectation of heirs, and so on. Many upper class families still only idealize things in those terms. After all, with proper arrangement, huge conglomerations of affluence and power can be collected into an ever singular family and she didn’t necessarily disagree with that perspective. As long as marriage remains a specific legal status, she thought it was only natural for people to want to utilize it to its logical end. It was the same in any other financial system, taxing or stimulus programs or elsewise. Someone always tries to game the system and so long as everyone consented it wasn’t really her business why people got together. However, there were some limitations. Why on earth Cetus’s family tried to set her up with someone so outside of the girl’s interest was beyond her. Surely, there was no hope of childbearing or anything of the like? It seemed obvious the arrangement wouldn’t work out and held no value, but nobles did strange things to satisfy their greed she supposed. It could be so tiring. They should at least put some logic and thought behind their actions, but that oftentimes seemed like too much to ask.
[break][break]

Her puzzlement showed on her face as she thought through the ridiculousness of the situation. ”I hadn’t heard about the Labrynna zora prince having a marriage arrangement but I suppose I wouldn’t have.” She wondered if she should try and find more out about her water-bound neighbors. They didn’t seem keen on outsiders though. Maybe she could send a spy. Then again, if she got found out, it probably wouldn’t be appreciated. ”It sounds as if the union wasn’t meant to last though.” she downplayed the problem into a fairly agreeable statement, not wishing to comment too much on a situation she didn’t know much about.
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Cetus had earned a great many brownie points for indulging Koru’s sentimental homesickness. There was a lot of value in showing respect for someone’s culture, even if it was purely a tactical strategy. She didn’t get that impression from the Queen, but still. It was only fair she express the same consideration and thus followed at Cetus’s beck and call. Stepping out to the balcony filled her with a similar sense of grandeur that she’d get at home; although the view was much different. It was cool-colored in all the places the Rolling Ridges were warm. The underground dwellings were replaced with underwater homes and dusty trails were flowing rivers. It was truly a marvel of city planning; perhaps one that the Rolling Ridges could take some notes from. For all of her occasional complaining, Koru did find some enjoyment in seeing new places, if only for the novelty. She had a good appreciation for natural beauty and Zora’s Domain complimented their landscape well.
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She leaned against the rail and looked out with captivation, taking a long moment just to take everything in. ”It’s exquisite.” she said mesmerized. With a charmingly soft smile, she turned to her hostess, ”You have every reason to be proud.” She noticed the fondness in which the Queen observed her dominion. It was a little unlike the Arrogance she often felt looking out from her own throne room, but not entirely dissimilar. It was clear Cetus had a lot of pride in her people, that she was eager to fulfill her position, even if she seemed a bit confused by Koru’s standards. Still, it struck an interest in the chieftain.
[break][break]

She stood up straight, placing her hands on her hips, and thought out loud, ”Perhaps… I would like to think so. I think most people would say so, but honestly, I’m not sure I’m so selfless. Not that it matters much. It is not my obligation to die for anyone. Someone may certainly kill me as a chieftain regardless of if I want them to or not. Powerful positions come with their dangers, but it seems no more relevant to ask me that than say a school teacher or a doctor. Perhaps they can find their peace with that, perhaps not, but ultimately neither of their occupations depends on it. Their jobs are to teach or to heal. It is a soldier’s job to die, to put their life on the line. It is my job to lead and I can’t very well do that if I’m dead.” She sounded a bit harsh, more so than she intended. There was a cold objectivity in her voice, as if she considered her statements to be clear truths, self-evident to anyone if they cared to look. It was Koru after all. Of course, she was certain she was right. ”There is a reason you are surrounded by countless armed guards, by the best trainer fighters handpicked for their loyalty, and by tall thick walls for defense, your highness. Your people do these things because they think you are best kept alive and they are correct. You saw firsthand what happened to Hyrule without a leader. You do your kingdom no favors by denying your value.”
[break][break]

She too watched the zora citizens below, going about their days. They lived. They worked. They bought and sold. They immigrated and emigrated. From each other they sought tolerance and connections. Some would start families with children whom needed education and space to grow. From their government they sought safety and protection. They hoped for normalcy and consistently during the worst of times, assistance and accommodation. And during the best of times, they demanded freedom, opportunity, equality, social mobility, prosperity, and innumerable other things. She almost had to laugh. Dying is easy. Governing is hard; if you choose it to be. There were plenty of rulers who opted to delegate their responsibilities to others or twisted them to fit their own gain. She was the one making things difficult but trying to do a good job, but she guessed that Cetus was trying to make the same choice. ”Die if you want to, your highness, but if your purpose may be to serve your people, then there are much better ways to go about it.” 

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tagged Cetus

Note: They're friends  

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[Cetus]

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

Her ears burned at her philosophy being met with such a response, and she stammered for a second, looking to the side. She had been taught that a queen would give life and limb for country, that her people came before her, and nothing was more important than their prosperity. But to hear validation that her life was important was a shock to her philosophy, but not entirely unwelcome. She composed herself, looking forward with a small smile.

"You carry with you a perspective very against our ways, but it is a sentiment I appreciate. My life is still on its dawn, and though I would want to do whatever I could to protect my people, you are right. I'm better to them alive. Perhaps... It's time for a new dawn for my people."

She looked up to the Goron chieftain, nodding her head in basic respect, and her look was pure admiration. Meeting with Koru had proven more beneficial than she had thought it would, and she found herself, for the first time in a very long time, finding comfort in the presence of an equal, a new friend. She felt happy.

"You have a way with saying what one needs to hear, I think. I apologize if I speak too flowery, but being a lady was my upbringing. But you've challenged my upbringing, helped me challenge my feelings on me, my people. I appreciate it, Koru. It may be forward of me, but I think assuming you a friend of my Zora isn't outside the realm of reason. "

(Notes: She's gay and grateful)

MADE BY ★MEULK

[Koru]

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The honorable chieftain returned the smile with equal respect. She liked Cetus. The queen was young and very naïve. She sounded as if she had thought of the some valuable thing she owned, her life, and assumed the best thing she could do was sacrifice it for her people. Her efforts were a touch misplaced, but it was clear she truly desired to fulfill her role to the best of her ability. That was an admirable goal. Koru estimated that her biggest disadvantage was simply a lack of opportunity. She hadn’t yet started make her own decisions or question authority figures even now that she had become one. Whether it had to do with her young coronation, Cetus hadn’t gotten the chance to grow into her position, to learn the ins and outs and processes. The first couple years were certainly the most difficult, but with the right direction, the Zoran queen could make an esteemed leader. She just needed a bit of guidance and luckily, Koru knew someone whose perspective on ruling she valued highly.
[break][break]

”The feeling is mutual, sister! I hope you do come to visit us in the Rolling Ridges. I think you have the potential to become an amazing queen and I would like to encourage that. I may not be very far into my own reign, but my five years still beats your one so I think I can be of some assistance.” She joked in such a way that her experienced sounded like an obvious advantage. At this point, Koru especially pitching her consultation services to the girl. ”I’ll guide you so that you can serve Zora’s Domain in the best way you can. Your people will find prosperity.” That being said, she wasn’t leaving a lot of room in her proposal for questions. She was stating more than asking. Cetus could still decline if she disliked the idea, but only if she realized that was an option. Often time, Koru was a bit too self-assured and assertive for people to remember that she could be refused. She dared to put a hand on girl’s shoulder. It was a more intimate gesture than was really appropriate in the setting. Yet, if her hunch was correct and there was the painful absence of a parental figure for Cetus, either out of cruelty or death, then she hoped the sign of affection and positive attention would seal the deal. ”Consider it an investment in your future.” 

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tagged Cetus

Note: Bait prepared, trap set 

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[Cetus]

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

"An investment much appreciated, I can assure you. Your offer is... Kind, and I would be a fool to turn down such generosity."

There was a hand on her shoulder, and she felt her face burn again as she answered, but she cleared her throat and composed herself, taking one look at her domain before hearing the soft click of a door shutting. She looked back, seeing a servant filling their teacups once again, and gestured with a hand back to the table.

"Perhaps I may pick your brain for insight from your experience, Koru. I wish not to keep you too long, but I do think we have some time left in the day. If you so wish, I can have something more casual than tea brought. Zoran wines are our pride, and you might find a wine of the sea a rarity. Let us have a bottle and two glasses, just in case."

The last line was to the servant, who stood, bowing, and left the room silently. Cetus took her seat at the table again, daintily taking her teacup, staring at it as if contemplating her next words. She didn't drink, just studied. Her words had to be composed, but she felt the hand on her shoulder again, and her cheeks went red briefly.

It wasn't a gesture she was used to so casually, but no offense was taken. It was just... Exciting, somehow.

"Well, five times longer than me leading must sew some seeds of insight that are common knowledge. What is the best you could offer to such a young bud like me?"

MADE BY ★MEULK

[Koru]

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Koru perked up at the sounds of tea. Not to be basic, but she really had liked it and she’d be happy with another glass. She followed Cetus back into her parlor and returned to her seat. ”I would love to. I’ve actually heard recommendations for Zoran wine. People say it’s much more flavorful than other alcohols. But of course it’s not my intention to overstay welcome. You’ve already been a wonderful conversation partner.” As well as interesting potential acquisition. Between the zora queen, the Hyrulian goron tribe, and perhaps the Holodrum tribe in the future, Koru was making quite a few friends across the Isles. It was kind of odd. She’d never spent a lot of time on diplomatics before this. Usually, she was more of an isolationist, valuing self-reliance and all that. But now, she might end up procuring all the major rules in Hyrule without ever meeting the royal family. That might be the ideal way to be involved with the kingdom actually.
[break][break]

Although, that wouldn’t prevent Cetus and Zora’s Domain from being effected by the royals’ decisions. If she was going to gamble on the youngling, she’d want to start by protecting her against poor leadership. To that end, her first piece of advice was ”Begin thinking for yourself. It’s easy to rely on the wisdom of others and at your age, most people still do. However, you have a greater responsibility and were something to happen, much great consequences for mistakes. You value the wellbeing of your citizens, which is great, but keep in mind that no one else will share that goal with you. “ She spoke frankly. Her eyes wondered around the room and she wore an almost bored expression. Yet despite her informality, she did consider what she was talking about to be important. ”Most of the ruling elite is motivated by greed or ambition, but even the benevolent few have their own people to care for, who’s prosperity they put above yours. The royal family is responsible for all of Hyrule’s citizens. If a situation were to arise that pitted the safety of zora’s domain against the rest of the kingdom, who knows that decision they would make.” It might also be good inspire some mistrust in Princess Zelda. It would help to be critical, whether or not Koru’s skepticism ended up justified.
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”That isn’t to say you can’t trust anyone. It’s not unreasonable for other leaders to have their own concerns and there is a lot to be gained from coordinating with other lands. I’d like to think us a good example. However, you will have to be the expert on what is best for Zora’s Domain, because you are likely the only one working towards that. There won’t be anyone you can differ to without risking your kingdom being shucked to the sidelines in favor of bigger priorities.” If Cetus wanted to start her critical thinking lesson now, she might question Koru’s motivation. After all, the chieftain had more or less just admitted that she isn’t interested in the welfare of her kingdom, which was true. She only proposed this relationship under the estimation that it would benefit the Rolling Ridges. Like she’d said, this was an investment and ideally investments paid out in the future.
[break][break]

She paused to take a sip of tea, but thought of something as she was drinking, ”Mm! and that goes for moral quandaries too. I fear it may come across as cold or uncaring, but there’s a difference between being nice and being a good ruler. Oftentimes they are the same thing, but not always. Much like being a parent, it’s sometimes best not to give the citizens exactly what they want or be more aggressive, but you’ll have to decide the extent yourself, of course.” She returned to her drink. She was more interested in being a guide than just telling the girl what to do. Unless she starting moving in a direction that would act against Koru’s own self-interests, then Cetus was really free to do whatever she wanted, good or bad.
 

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tagged Cetus

Note: She sure does love to talk 

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[Cetus]

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

"You've narrowed down quickly our greatest flaw in this culture. We are a people of tradition, and maintaining the status quo that we've enforced for generations. I have made effort to challenge my grandmother's rule, but there are steps she left behind, and those before her, that I have followed too closely. Such as support in the royal family. Our domain has been closed off to most until recently, and even now I see no bannermen of the royal family coming to pay their dues. It is an interesting moral dilemma to face."


The tea was still there, and reflexively, she took a thoughtful sip, pondering the Chieftain's words carefully. She spoke from experience, but Cetus couldn't shake the feeling there was something else behind all this. Perhaps... A lesson?


"But then that raises the question. We've no contact with our brethren in Labrynna, let alone have worked with Goron in any extent for millennia. You offer kind words and advice, but I get the feeling the goodwill of my domain doesn't particularly matter to you in the long run.  If I am to take your words to heart, then I presume I must ask myself what benefit you see in something so inconsequential to yourself."

A door opened, and the servant returned with the wine, pouring each of them a glass before bowing and leaving them be. She cast her tea aside, instead taking the wineglass by the stem, eyes on the crimson liquid. It swirled, round and round, before she paused to take a drink. Definitely something more. She just had to get that last puzzle piece.

"Though, with the advice you've given me, I can't help but feel that you've sown the seeds of doubt on purpose. This may be humoring me, what if I was right, what endgame might you be playing at with these talks?"

MADE BY ★MEULK

[Koru]

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You can stand me up at the gates of hell

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But I'll stand my ground.

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I won't back down

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Koru nodded along politely. It seems the Zora Princess, in fact, had a lot of thoughts on her position. Perhaps too many for her to sit with comfortably. It was now that Cetus’s true individuality was shining through. Every ruler had their own perspective on leading and here the princess was trying to find her own. Granted, the child was still a fledgling, fighting against the opposing ideas around her and too insecure to push decisively in one direction. But it was that skepticism, that hesitation to stop and consider that was catching the chietian’s interest.
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Already that quirk was paying off. While Koru had quickly recognize the intelligence Cetus held, her initial impression of the girl was none-too flattering: emotionally stunted, seemingly inept or at least untalented, easily influenced, and transparently vulnerable Part of the reason why she pushed to start a relationship with Cetus was simply because she showed herself to be an easy target. If the girl blossomed into a capable person with real value to offer her then that was great. If not, it wouldn’t be too hard to use their relationship to her advantage one way or another. Having control over one of the rulers of Hyrule would have endless uses. That idea, however, proved to be an underestimation when Cetus challenged her back.
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The opening Koru had given Cetus hadn’t been particularly well hidden nor difficult to contend. It was a soft underhanded pitch of a test, it was more than she had anticipated all the same. Cetus identified her hypocrisy and went on to address her attempt at manipulation. It had caught her off her guard and impressed her in a way that deserved praise. Thankfully, Koru was more or less an open book so she had no qualms discussing her ambitions. Perhaps Cetus wouldn’t be so befitting as a puppet after all
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”You’re absolutely correct,” she beamed sincerely. ”I have no concern for Zora’s Domain or its wellbeing. I certainly don’t have anything against it. I wish you all the best of luck, but whether or not you succeed has no effect on me.” Her cool-headed mannerisms remained unchanged. She spoke about her indifference with fellow royalty as well as any other topic. “What I am interested in is what Zora’s Domain can bring to the Rolling Ridges, namely intel and influence over Hyrule’s political affairs and maybe some wine while I’m at it.” she joked honestly with a chuckle. “However, that doesn’t mean I have to pursue a malicious means of obtaining it. It seems obvious to me that the best way to reap the most reward from our relationship is by encouraging the growth of Zora’s Domain so that it may come to possess the things I want from it. In the same way that the best way to []. Oftentimes the simplest course of action is the most effective and it does me no good if you collapse before anything comes of our agreement. Mind you, there are other ways I can go about things, but this is the method I’ve chosen and I think you’ll find it mutually beneficial. To that end, I would have you steer clear of the Hyrule Royal Family.”
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She’d modestly avoided bringing up her feelings on the matter out of consideration until someone prompted her. Now that she had, there was plenty she could say. Although, she still chose to keep her opinions softer than usual. ”I think they’re heedless, self-important rulers that Lybranna would be best to pull away from, lest we be pulled down with them and I fear that you’ll likely be tripped down the same sinkhole. Queen Zelda has come into power under more difficult circumstances than most, but this doesn’t change her inability to take control of her kingdom. Quite simply, Hyrule has nothing to offer Lybranna and it doesn’t seem like it has much to offer you either, aside from trouble.” she mad many more thoughts on Lybranna’s relationship to Hyrule and the wasted aid they were currently supplementing them with, but she didn’t want to get angry and scare the doe in front of her
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”I, on the other hand, have extended my knowledge and expertise as an investment in your country that I hope will eventually help my own. I consider this to be of equal worth and you do as well since you’ve already expressed as much. With that in mind, I think it’s a fair trade. You may accuse me of being biased, but I don’t lie much. Even still, in respect to your independence of thought, you’re welcome to disagree and voice your own opinion” Koru eyed Cetus with a weighty curiosity. If the child had been looking for missing puzzle pieces, then she was happy to fit them into place for her. She was confident that her stable country would make a better partner than Hyrule’s turmoil regardless of how you looked at it. But even without comparing the two, she hoped Cetus was able to recognize the potential assets the Rolling Ridges and Koru herself could provide. If that wasn’t self-evident then Cetus couldn’t be the protege she’d wanted anyways. 

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tagged Cetus

Note: Congrats, you impressed her 

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