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A LEGEND OF ZELDA ROLEPLAY
Welcome to ZRP! We are an non-canon RP site with an original tale taking place within the
lore of the Zelda Franchise. While the events of this site are entirely non-canon, we take advantage of the canons of other
games to explain its story fully. As such, we are located within the CANON TIMELINE. Do you like what you see? If so, feel free
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11/12/21 GUESS WHO'S BACK! Thats right, and we are cooking up a good ol reset for everyone. Please be patient as things will be a little empty as we archive. Pop into discord if you have questions.
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?"
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?"
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. "
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?"
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."
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?"
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?"
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."
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."
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.
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?"
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?"
Oh how I wish, For soothing rain, All I wish is to dream again
No royalty who valued their life would ever meet a diplomat from an opposing side alone, and the Zora Council knew that this envoy of Eleazar was aware of that. Several days of debate were fought, arguing whether the princess should comply to the requests of this foreign power, but ultimately it was decided that the Leviathan would be too valuable of an asset to give up, for legends spoke of its healing powers. So, placing her queen regent in duty, Cetus left upriver to Castle Town, her guard in tow. Others called her actions desperation, but in her mind, it was destiny pulling her in the direction she needed to be taken. The daughter of Nayru was too precious.
It was one of her guard who spotted the witch, standing along the river, and they went to advance, but Cetus held a hand out, halting them.
"She is alone. Let me handle this."
She emerged from the water, eyes on this foreign Zora, and slowly approached her, the hand holding her trident in a vice grip. Still, she planted it before her, and stepped forward from it, hands open to show he meant no hostility. There was a silence as she looked over the High Mage, before bowing to her.
"You must be the High Mage of Eleazar's court, it is an honor. I apologize for not coming alone, but my council was insistent my guard accompany me. They are... Overprotective. But I'm here to discuss the terms of your treaty, and I hope our people will be able to help each other in this time of crisis. Lay out your terms, and I shall share my proposal, as well."
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.
Oh how I wish, For soothing rain, All I wish is to dream again
"Why must it always be the most inconvenient places that we must find things?"
She followed closely behind Thetis as they approached the skeleton of the great beast, trident clutched in her hands. The heat was much more than she was used to, and she found herself moving more sluggish than she would like.
"I take it we intend on making this quick? We may not be alone, but that isn't exactly a hindrance. What assurance do we have that we were the only ones sent here?"
The rickety bridge brought her no ease, and she was sure to stay as close to the middle as she could, determined to avoid the edges of it. Peering around Thetis, she scanned the interior of the chamber in search for any signs of what they were looking for.
"One day we'll have a rescue mission in a nice underwater cave and it'll be fine..."