Skalds and Queens (Finished)

[titania]

(Titania's outfit Here.)

Ah, the festival of the gods. It was a time to revel in the majesty of all Hyrule had to offer. And Titania always spared no expense in her dedication during the festival. Of course, the court was always terrified she would misrepresent the fairies in some way, but it was never the case. Her behavior was much more discreet during the festival, that or she was more discreet about when to misbehave.

Her bare feet were tickled by the grass of the field as she moved her way through the crowds. It was a pleasant journey, seeing the stall vendors peddle their wares. Everything from fine sweets to finer jewelry. It tickled her fancies, but she had no need for any of it.

The bards and skalds were out in a meeting place recounting epic tales with musical accompaniment. She stayed to listen to the tales, epic stories of a hero of long ago, defeating an evil king. She couldn't help but laugh, though the story was true. Merik would flip a shit if he heard this retelling, the true one.

[Zenethil]

If Zenethil were any other man, he'd be smitten by the Fairy Queen. She was, after all, a very beautiful woman. Stunning in fact. Even he admired her in that respect. But, stoic as he was, he didn't show it. Or give in to it. It would be improper, and besides, she had something of a reputation as a bit... Free with herself. Despite this, he was trying to at least enjoy the festivities. And most other people he had run in to would bow their heads and walk away. Titania however? As a Queen, she would bow her head to no-one. He moved alongside her, waving off the offer of wine.

Good evening Titania. Why am I not surprised you're out this evening.

His tone was level, with the smallest of smiles on his face. Somehow, Zenethil had the knack of sounding dour and reserved even when saying something relatively informal. Such was his nature, people supposed. He was, first and foremost, a Knight. Then a diplomat. Then a person.

Enjoying the festivities?

[titania]

As she was enjoying herself, a man walked up alongside her. Before even looking to see who it was, she almost wanted to wave him off. It was a night off for her, she had no intention of picking up anyone this evening. Although, she had said that on nights where plans changed.

As she turned to do so however, she was greeted by a mountain. Or rather, that's what Zenethil appeared to be under all of his armor, not to mention he was about a foot and a half taller than she was. She couldn't simply wave off the Knight Captain.

"Knight Captain Zenethil, a pleasure as always." His stoic nature always amused her. He truly was a force, physically and mentally.

"Of course I'm enjoying the festivities. How could I not enjoy the recounting of the valiant hero who fought off evil? I trust you're keeping the streets safe during this hectic ceremony of ours." She looked over to him and smiled. There was a certain privilege to having the attention of the Knight Captain, even if only for a moment and especially even if he was going to be less than exciting about just about anything.

[Zenethil]

A wry smile crossed his face. Ah yes. The Hero's tale. He had been raised on the... Unabridged version of it. The epic. And while the shortened, watered down version was pleasing, it failed to capture the true grandeur of the whole story. Still, it would be difficult to put a nine volume tale into three nights, whilst maintaining an audience. He nodded, a slight admittance of the majesty of the performance. They certainly conveyed the short version well enough though.

It isn't quite the whole story, regrettably. And it is a story that is still being written. The hero is not simply one man, but a concept. The hero within all of us. And evil? Well... I don't need to go into details on the pervasive nature of it.

His expression dimmed for a moment, before turning to Titania, looking her squarely in the eye.

But enough of that. Now is not the time for such things. Nor is it the time for me to go over my preparations of security.

He snapped his fingers, a single gesture, responded to immediately. He lifted two glasses of the fine, red wine from his serving plate, handing one to Titania, who despite being considerably shorter than her, he never once got the impression of looking down upon her. He also tried to refrain from noticing the scantily clad nature in which she seemed to always be dressed. Tonight was no different. He lifted his glass, ready to toast.

To the Goddesses. May Din illuminate this night with her holy radiance.

[titania]

Titania couldn't help but laugh. True it was the short version, but the full version just seemed to drive on and on. After all, nine volumes and counting was quite a lot.

"It would amaze me if any leader of this land had not already been told the full version multiple times. It is, after all, an important part of the history of this land. As for the hero and evil, well, those are ever-changing." She wondered briefly about good and evil, and who would be playing which side, should it come to that.

He certainly had preparations well in hand, indeed. Before long, the wine glasses and red wine seemed to appear almost out of thin air. It was hard to imagine him as a showman, though many inner circles knew of his secret talent.

As he toasted to Din, goddess of power, creator of the red earth, her wings flared out and she fluttered off of the ground, meeting Zenethil at eye level with her glass in the air.

"To Din, golden goddess, cultivator of the land, mistress of fire. May her blessing be upon us during this most joyous occasion." And with that, she clinked her glass against the glass of Zenethil and took a sip of the wine. Not her favorite, but a wonderful vintage nonetheless.

[Zenethil]

A rueful smile crossed his lips as she noted that most people in a similar position to him would have read or heard the full version. Possibly not to the same intimate and detailed study of it as he, but still, it was, as she said, a vital part of their history. He raised an eyebrow as to the nature of who was good, and who was evil. He wasn't one to ever contemplate evil. After all, his job was to be a force for the Light.

I think it's quite evident where I stand on that divide.

He said nothing more on the matter. There was little else TO say on the matter. Wherever, whoever, whatever evil was, he would fight against it. Regardless of race, gender, even blood. He had no doubt of that. He also had no doubt that the latter would never happen. He'd raised Nairore better than that, and poor little Lorina was struggling against her own inner demons, far too busy with that to contemplate becoming a force of evil. He watched as she fluttered up to his eye level, a good foot and a half from the ground. He smiled a little, clinking his glass together with hers, before taking first one, then two, then downing the entire glass. He didn't like not having his hands free. He set the glass back down on the serving plate the porter had been carrying. He then seemingly vanished. Benefits of having magicians as your waiters.

I have to say, you're the first woman who's ever been able to look me at eye level without outside assistance. I find it... Refreshing. Though, I could never say that I could ever look down upon one such as you.

His smile was sincere, making verbal acknowledgement of her status and demeanour. She certainly wasn't one to look down your nose at, regardless of her... Activities... And dress sense. She certainly knew how to dress provocatively. The vibrant red, the cut of the dress. It was all carefully crafted to both hug her frame generously, and to pull attention to it. Something he noticed as various people walked by.

It would seem that your attire is having the desired effect on the male populace.

[titania]

Titania did the same with her glass, setting it down so that she may have free use of her hands. His servers were always in and out in a flash. She always thought about stealing a couple to work at her palace, their efficiency was remarkable.

"Well all it takes is a pair of wings. As for looking down, I'm sure you have your fair share of people that you look down at as well as the ones you look down upon." He was not only a tall man, but a just one, one who looked down upon criminals and their ilk. A trait perfect for a captain. "Nor could I look down upon you, Captain. You do a fine job." To be perfectly honest, she wasn't sure how fine of a job he did. His knights didn't patrol her area of dominance out of a lack of necessity, unless some career thief was hiding in Faron. But since she hadn't heard of a ton of career thieves recently, his job couldn't have been that bad.

She then smiled back before landing on the ground and fixing her dress, making sure the cut of her dress was visible. As he said, the males were watching, and who was she to disappoint? She wasn't exactly craving the attention, but she dressed to impress, and it was good to know it was working.

"The men have every right to stare, I just make it easier for them. Besides, everyone knows by now I have a love for showing off. What am I if not a people pleaser? Every leader is one, just in different ways, wouldn't you agree?" Though pleasing people the way she did was more the exception among rulers. Usually they tried to please people through beneficial decrees and lower taxes. Titania preferred her own ways.

[Zenethil]

He smiled as she spoke. He was proud of the work he did. Immensely so. He worked his men hard, and expected much of them. But rarely, did they fail to deliver. He could not ask for a more dedicated and competent group of warriors. Despite some of the more... Raw ones, making somewhat improper advances on his daughter. Not that he had to do anything. She had learned very quickly, if not having been born with the necessary skills in dealing with drunken men. Namely a sharp punch to the face. The thought made him smile, as he nodded appreciatively.

I try not to look down upon people, no matter how tempting taking that view may be. And a commander is only as good as the men he leads. I have a fine workforce, and they serve me well. And so, I endeavour to lead them well.

He glossed over the double entendre he had uttered, paricularly concerning the fact that she had fluttered back down to her normal height, and rearranged the dress that clung to her body so flatteringly. While he would not admit it to himself, or to anyone else for that matter, she was, after all, a very attractive woman. Something to be expected from the Fairy race. He controlled his breathing, before looking forward once again, propriety taking over any possible... Urges he might have. Discipline was his life, after all.

You certainly have every right to show off. The goddesses granted you the gift of beauty.

He stopped himself short, taken aback by his forwardness. That hadn't been spoken as he had intended. He had MEANT to simply compliment her manner of thinking, and the openness with which she conducted herself. Honesty, was, after all, one of the greatest traits in anyone, especially a leader. Instead, he'd ended up complimenting her looks. He tried to salvage the comment, clearing his throat, blinking once to clear his mind.

What I mean to say is, your honesty does you credit. Few women are so frank about themselves.

Clearly, Zenethil's experience with women was severely limited.

[titania]

Titania began to laugh as he fumbled through a few words after complimenting his men. She had that effect on people. Seeing how well one handled their mannerisms and their words in her presence was one of the many tests she used to weed out and narrow down those worthy of her time.

"Zenethil, hearing those compliments from you, a man of such tact, and stoicism, goes a long way. That's why your men respect you. At least the ones I've spoken to." At that moment she realized the implications of what she had said. True, there was the occasional knight who desired her, but it was not a regular occurrence for her to make time with the knights.

It didn't take a genius to realize Zenethil was married to his work, and therefore probably didn't know women nearly as well as some others. But it mattered not, he was a man of principle, not of passion, and that was fine.

"Both are true. Indeed I do have beauty, but one must know how to effectively display it tobe beautiful. I am fortunate to have the fairies, who are masters at such a craft, supporting me. Besides, all leaders must look well. Well, maybe the Poe King is an exception to that." She laughed to herself, wondering how the other leaders were doing, especially her majesty Princess Zelda, the architect behind the festival, or something like that. It was on her land after all.

[Zenethil]

He smiled as she spoke. It pleased him that his men respected him enough to say so. Especially with her, as she put it, beauty, distracting them. Though, considering some of his Knights predilection for women, evidenced by their continued pestering of his daughter, it was probably less distraction, more complete intoxication. He continued to smile as he thought on the fact. He would probably have to speak to them on the matter. Despite his slight distraction by Titania at the present moment. At least he was able to maintain coherent conversation.

We are all but men. We can only behave as such.

He contemplated the statement. It was a statement that could be said in so many situations. But right now, it was in respect both to his somewhat forward comments, and also his acknowledgement of his Knights praise. His pride in their abilities, and of their reserve was clearly well founded in this instance. He tried to instill the same sense of duty before desire in the others. Even in the presence of a woman like this. There was something to be said about that red dress.

Your clothiers have done magnificent work on this particular garb. Elegance in simplicity. Firesilk if I'm not mistaken. I have my artisans to thank for the work on my armour. Regrettably, the nature of my presence here prohibits me from wearing something more fitting for the celebration this night.

Despite this fact, because of the comparative rarity that he was seen in it, he may as well be wearing something specific for the night's frivolities. He looked forward again, watching the display before him with a great measure of pride. His people had demonstrated on this night that they honoured the Goddesses, and in spectacular fashion. Few nations could put on such a spectacle. Few nations had the space to hold them.

I hear that Elohim dresses in a manner more lavish than almost all others. I suppose when you're dead, you probably hanker after more mortal niceties.

He wondered what his opinion of Titania was. Probably scathing. From all he had heard of Elohim, he had little to no respect for the living. But if his evident love of beauty had demonstrated anything, he was surprisingly attached to the corporeal pleasures. His statement of 'we are but men' seemed to apply to Elohim as well.

[titania]

Titania was amused by his statement. He seemed to have gotten the hint, and more importantly he didn't seem to take it poorly. An angry Knight Captain was never good for whoever was the target of his wrath.

She was also conveniently amused by his statements about her dress and his armor. Her mother had ceremonial armor. Titania had never tried it on, it was too big during the coronation years ago.

"I think the armor looks good. I don't know if you keep ceremonial armors for your knights but your armor has always had a fancier feel to it. The only reason you look out of place is because you're a foot taller than everyone else." She arched an eyebrow and shrugged at him. On a bright day, he could win battles by blinding people with that armor.

Her hands wound up on her hips and she looked at him skeptically. "Elohim? Fancy? Never seemed like much to me, but I've never really met him. He tends to have diminishing opinions of me due to my...carnal nature." A couple men turned her away at the word carnal. She looked their way and shook her head. Not gonna happen.

"Elohim's opinion of me has never concerned me. Ruler of the dead seems like the biggest formality of a title I've ever heard. I've never heard him do anything of merit." Perhaps he was important, but were the Poes ever anything more than common spooks?

[Zenethil]

A few things stood out, grabbing his attention more than they normally would as he spoke to Titania. The first, her compliment of both his height and his manner of dress. It was a simple compliment, and yet, it somehow rang sharper in his ears than usual. It was possibly her frankness. Most women said nothing other than 'Yes sir', 'Thank you sir' and 'By your leave sir'. Which got a touch annoying after a while. While he understood the formality, he was a Captain, not a deity. He couldn't help but smile slightly at her words. Few dared to be so bold.

This was crafted for me upon my ascension to becoming Zelda's chosen champion. It's ceremonial, but as is our creed, even our ceremonial armour can function as well as our battle garb. We would be remiss to be caught within such events unprepared for hostility.

He smiled at Titania, his great height accentuated by the diminuitive Fairy Queen next to him. He wasn't used to being quite THIS much taller than people. It was a somewhat disorienting experience, considering not two minutes ago she had been at eye level. He smirked at the thought. Any woman of his height would be blessed indeed. He laughed lightly as she spoke of Elohim, scathingly, before looking at her, as she uttered that one word, that caused heads to turn. Carnal.

Elohim is something of a paradox, I must admit. Scathing of life, yet seems to cling to its grandeur with the intensity of a wildfire. So it surprises he isn't attracted to you. I've yet to find a man who isn't.

He paused at his words, not really contemplating what he had actually said. He rarely actually had to contemplate such things, as such things rarely presented themselves in conversations. The Princess of Light was hardly someone who commented on 'carnal tendencies', and diplomats spoke of little but the dealings of the day.

I have heard little of him myself, save that he was once Sheikah, and has been, as far as is recorded, the only Lord of the Dead who has ever made himself known publicly.

He had to admire Elohim for that. He had carved a name for himself out of nothing, using the fear that surrounded him as the ruler of the restless spirits of the dead to cement his own personal authority. His ego, however, grated on him immensely. As did the idea that his own beloved Knights would eventually, as he would, fall into his dominion.

[titania]

It made sense that the armor was functional. Even if it looked nice, it would be useless if it couldn't defend against an arrow or a blade. But it was flashy as well, and being fancy and functional made it a good set.

As for Elohim, she had little information on him. Least, probably, out of all of the leaders in existence, if you can call it existence. Maybe a half-existence. Soon she'd be there, though she still had good decades left in her life. Then again, she said the same thing about her mother, and she died before her golden years.

"I don't know if Poes even have a libido. Truth be told, I have little experience with the dead. I have enough problems among the living that I have trouble giving time to them, let alone what I would have to do to accommodate the dead. You can still say, however, that no living man hasn't been attracted to me, though in all fairness, that is also not true. Some men actually prefer women who are more battle-hardened. I think someone like that would suit you as opposed to someone like me. Someone who would be willing to charge into battle alongside you. Think about it." She could have elaborated, but the next line she had in mind would likely upset him, knowing his horrendous yet understandable dislike for the Gerudo. She did think about it and smiled at the idea. It was a tad ridiculous.

[Zenethil]

Zenethil was coming to a very rapid conclusion. There were three types of women in this world. The meek. The open. And Titania. He coughed slightly at her almost casual reference to 'libido', not really accustomed to hearing anyway, let alone a lady of such high standing. Something he'd have to get used to he supposed, particularly as long as Titania was Queen of the Fae. Her next words were wise, but dismissive. Understandable, Elohim was an abrasive person, and his attitude made many apprehensive of dealing with him. And truth be told, she, along with Zenethil, Zelda, as well as, likely, all leaders of their people, were most likely, similar to her, too busy dealing with those alive to have the time to accomodate for the dead. But then, was that not why someone like Elohim existed? To rule over the immortal soul for eternity?

He raised an eyebrow, however, as she pressed the idea of 'carnal tastes'. He looked at her for a moment, weighing his answer carefully. He understood the subtle hint that she made, that he assumed was in jest, and teasing. Despite this, his customary fury at the thought bubbled up, and he bit back a bitter reply. Instead, he played the diplomat, shaking his head slightly.

I've lived a life of war. Of conquest. I would not like to be reminded of it on the rare occasion that I am not leading my men. As for suiting me, I think my armour does far more credit to my physique that I truly deserve. My medium is spells. Not the blade.

He smiled softly, having successfully defused his brief moment of rage, that so often seethed within him, buried under years of discipline and temperance. He would not break that now, not in the presence of the Fairy Queen. And most definitely not in response to what he assumed was idle jest.

Warrior I may be, but there is something to be said for gentleness, diplomacy and wisdom. It is something I try to live my life by, even if my circumstances do not always permit it so.

[titania]

Titania took a brief pause in her jest to step back, just in case her little teasing set him off. It appeared he had a grip on his emotions though, and he wasn't going to blather on about his distaste for the red-haired tribe of the desert.

"Surprising, that the captain of the knights would love his spells so. Judging by the blade that has been passed down I always thought one was forced to be a swordsman first and a spellmaster second. Though I guess bandits would be unaware that a man with such powerful garb would be so adept at spellcasting, and therefore be a powerful dual threat." She shuddered briefly, both at the thought of facing Zenethil in open combat, and the thought of undue violence in general. The threat of war was never nice, though a rocky peace was still in place for now.

"You're still a warrior though. Talk all you want about being wise and diplomatic, if you find yourself a woman you're going to need a topic to hit it off with, and you're the Knight Captain, if there's one thing you know, it's combat. Talk strategy, perhaps a famous battle, you can do it diplomatically, but it's something you know really well. That or you could always serenade her. Women love being serenaded." Yeah she knew of his secret talent, which she also knew would come in handy when it came time to woo women.