2ofpentacles

Ask me about Zelkov

[2ofpentacles]

World's foremost scholar on Zelkov and Ivy/Zelkov ship captain

Here is a selection of my fanfics. If you want to look at my fanart, it's under the #my art tag My ramblings and character analysis are under #engage brainrot

This is a general Fire Emblem fan blog, but mostly I post about Zelkov. I'm always open to asks and chatting with people.

I delete things without warning (because I sometimes become deeply embarrassed of everything I've ever said or done)

[2ofpentacles]

Hi Penny :D

What are some of your favorite headcanons for Ivy, Kagetsu, and Zelkov?? I wanna know :3

Oof, I have a lot (particularly about Zelkov, because of course) and most of them have worked their way into fics in one way or another. Some have become such second nature to me that I forget they're headcanons.

Headcanons that I have about Kagetsu... He's very intuitive and has good gut instincts about things. He acts on impulse a lot, but it tends to work out. He ends up as a mediator when Ivy and Zelkov have trouble expressing their issues (because they are Bad at Feelings) and is a little bit the group therapist.

Headcanons about Ivy... She likes to wrap up in blankets as a comfort thing, but hides it because she thinks it's childish. She enjoys dancing and is very good at it. She's actually a good singer too, but she's way too embarrassed to sing in front of people (aside from Timerra forcing her).

Headcanons about Zelkov... Pretty much all of The Eye of Fate (I think you've already read it) is my headcanons about his backstory which includes the significance of his key, the eyes on his coat, and why he speaks French when no other character does. Some general stuff is that I think his coat is full of pockets, and he carries around everything you could possibly need. He has like a dozen knives on him at all times. He has a sofa in his secret sanctum, and that's where he sleeps most of the time.

[2ofpentacles]

what's one thing that Ivy, Kagetsu, and Zelkov each do which you would find obnoxious if you met them irl

Sorry for the lateness of my reply. I'm going to try to keep this strictly canonical, not my headcanons.

I'm a pretty introverted, low energy person, so Kagetsu's excitement and constant need for interaction would get a little overwhelming.

I find Ivy's fawning over Alear to be icky.

With Zelkov, it irritates me when people won't accept kindness.

[esiuollsarchive]

A gift for @2ofpentacles based on their fic Death and the Maiden.

[2ofpentacles]

Someone at IS ships Ivy and Zelkov: A dissertation

I try to be objective and not read too deeply into things when it comes to my ship, but you know what? Screw it. Here's every single scrap of evidence from canon that I can put together to prove that my OTP is in love actually.

It seems like a lot of people watch Ivy and Zelkov's C support and go "I guess they hate each other for no reason" and don't consider it more than that. They're both very emotionally closed off people, so they can never just say what they mean. (These are the only two that, when engaged with Sigurd, replace the word "love" with "feeling" in "If this love is a crime...") You have to read between the lines a bit to catch the shifts in their dynamic. I wrote about my interpretation of their support chain here and how the whole reason Ivy dislikes Zelkov is because she thinks he doesn't like her (and she really wants him to like her). But there are a few other things I'd like to highlight from their supports.

Ivy is the only one who ever gives Zelkov a gift. (Put a pin in that thought.) Zelkov frequently makes and gives things to other people, but Ivy is the only one we see reciprocate. In return for the headache medicine, she gives him a paintbrush which shows that she's made an effort to learn about his interests.

The only time I can think of where Zelkov is at a loss for words is when Ivy praises him. When she says that she respects him for his honesty, (And taking into consideration her upbringing, it's easy to imagine why honesty would be so important to her) it goes like this: Ivy: […] I admit I appreciate your honesty. Many in your position would flatter or lie. You speak your mind. I respect that. Zelkov: I, uh… Ivy: Did you… have something more to say? [Note that she is making an embarrassed, hands covering her cheeks gesture here.] Zelkov: Apologies, Princess Ivy. The sentiment merely surprised me. I will take my leave and attend to my other duties. Rest well.

I mean I guess you could come up with reasons why this exchange is platonic, but like... Zelkov: I hope you will never hesitate to delegate any task to me. I would die for you, my liege, and gladly. Ivy: Gladly? Despite your lack of fond feelings toward me? Zelkov: My feelings… may have changed. [Then of course he immediately backpedals.] I now think of you as an acceptable liege.

I will never get over the way he says "I would die for you..."

Should I bring up the fact that Zelkov considers serving Ivy to be his (current) purpose in life? "So long as I am your retainer, so long as there is work to do… I have a purpose."

Let's move on to the main game itself when we first meet the Ivy Trio as enemies. In both of Zelkov's retreat quotes he talks about returning to Ivy. In chapter 9 when Ivy stays to fight Alear despite assuming it will mean her death, she gives him and Kagetsu the opportunity to leave. Zelkov makes the conscious decision to stay with her. He chooses to defend her knowing that he will most likely die because of it. Of course Kagetsu does too (and we love him for it), but right off the bat we see that Ivy cares enough about her retainers to let them go, and they stay because they care about her. Zelkov is with Ivy because he chooses to be.

I don't know how common this is with other lord/retainer pairs, but Zelkov brings Ivy up in conversation multiple times. After chapter 19 his Somniel quote is "The spectacle at Givre Port was disturbing even to me. I am concerned for Princess Ivy." When you return to Elusia Castle, his exploration quote is "The castle has become quite a lonely place. I am concerned about the effect on my liege." In his bond conversation with Marth he says "Fighting for Princess Ivy gives me relief [from emptiness]."

Half of Zelkov's A support with Kagetsu is them talking about Ivy and Zelkov as a unit. Ivy also asks Zelkov to paint the portrait of the three of them, so it's easy to imagine it happening after their own A support. All of Kagetsu's A support could be taken as platonic (or polyamorous if you so choose) but Ivy and Zelkov clearly have built up some kind of close relationship where he is aware of her thoughts and feelings.

Now let's move on the the Fell Xenologue. I've talked about it before, but there is a special dialogue between Zelkov and Fell Ivy that's very different between the original Japanese and English translation. You can read the whole comparison here. (And if anyone can confirm this is an accurate translation I would love it.) In the English version, Fell Ivy calls him her "favorite retainer" and says they'll have to catch up after the battle. In the Japanese version it goes something like this: Fell Ivy: Zelkov!? Ah… It can’t be… If this is a dream let me not wake. If this is a spell then don’t let it break! To think I could see the retainer I love so much once again. Come, you can indulge in my beauty and give me all your love just like before! Zelkov: What on earth…? Did Princess Ivy just say she loves me…? It appears the two of you had a dizzyingly sweet relationship, but I move based on the orders from my own world’s Princess Ivy. I can’t listen to your requests. So Fell Ivy and her Zelkov were in a relationship, and our Zelkov does not react like a man who hates the idea. "Dizzyingly sweet..."

Most recently (which is what kind of inspired me to finally make this post) we have the paralogue in Fire Emblem Heroes where Ivy and Zelkov interact. You can find a transcript here. The most relevant part is after Zelkov gives a (very thoughtful) present to Camilla. Ivy: It is considerate of you. What made you think of such a thing, Zelkov? Zelkov: It is only natural, as a servant to my master, to show the utmost respect for the Hero beside Lady Ivy. Alfred: Don't worry, Princess Ivy, it looks like he also has a present for you! I saw it alongside a gift for Kagetsu. Zelkov: Prince Alfred, is it time to go for a run? I will run alongside you, so let us depart posthaste. Alfred: Uh, I didn't plan on it, but—Hey! Quit pulling me, Zelkov! Ivy: Hm… Camilla: It seems it's just the two of us now. You must be looking forward to a gift from your loyal servant. Ivy: I think nothing of it. Though, I suppose I should prepare something for him in return. So Zelkov gives Camilla a gift just because she's with Ivy. Alfred at least seems to interpret Ivy's reaction as jealousy. When he points out that Zelkov got a present for her too, Zelkov gets really embarrassed and runs off, whereas he had been totally fine giving Camilla hers. Then when Camilla says Ivy must be looking forward to the gift, she replies "I think nothing of it." The only two reasons I can think of for that reply is that she hates him for no apparent reason or she has feelings that she doesn't want to express. (If you can think of a third explanation let me know.) Then, she says "I suppose I should prepare something for him in return." Once again, Ivy is the only one who thinks of giving Zelkov a gift.

Having this be voice acted would probably make the intention clearer, but even trying my best to be objective, it's hard for me to see a non-shippy reason why Zelkov would run off when he's usually confident in talking to people. And Ivy's response is either ice cold or a coverup. I don't know how canon people take FEH to be, but it still feels like someone was implying some romantic feelings to me.

Could some of this have a completely platonic explanation? Yes. Does it matter if my ship is "canonical?" Not at all. (I ship them based on their personalities and drama potential, which I could do it's own post on) But taken all together, there's enough implication there for me to think that someone at IS is shipping them, and I thank that person.

What do you think?

[2ofpentacles]

I've gotten some new evidence to support my thesis thanks to the Fell Ivy Forging Bonds thing in FEH, so I'm bringing this post back out.

Fell Ivy: I still reminisce of the times he would stroke my hair and tell me I was beautiful every day… Zelkov: It sounds like a dizzyingly sweet relationship… Fell Ivy: Not just sweet… It was a devoted partnership.

In at least one universe, Ivy and Zelkov are canonically a couple, so... IDK maybe more people should ship them... I'm just saying...

[2ofpentacles]

So I've talked before about the huge changes to Fell Ivy and Zelkov's conversation, but apparently the English translation of Engage decided to downplay Ivy and Zelkov's relationship in several other instances?

In Japanese (thank you @esiuollsarchive) Zelkov's ending card says something like:

After the war, he continued to serve as Queen Ivy's right hand. Deeply grieved by the war orphans of Elusia, he actively promoted the construction of orphanages across the country. He also adopted and raised many children with great care. Though he was so busy that he had no time for his hobbies at all, he himself felt extremely happy with such a life. His adopted chilren always loved to imitate his tone, saying things that were "enigmatic."

Compared to the English version:

"After completing his work as Princess Ivy's retainer, Zelkov's next pursuit was to create a shelter for the children in Elusia who were orphaned by the war. He and his new family were very happy. It is said that the children all learned to speak in quite a profound and *meaningful* way."

And his epithet in Japanese is Shadow of *Loyalty* while in English it's Mystery Man!

I mean aside from being all like "They downgraded my ship ;_;" it's just... why? Why make these changes?

[2ofpentacles]

Lewyn for @shutupsprinkles! I'm weak for bards with fancy hats

[esiuollsarchive]

"Don't go..."

A scene from my recent fic Touch Me, Trust Me, for which the English translation is available

[2ofpentacles]

A Swan Lake-inspired Dimimari piece for @toon-kirby as part of the @feartscuffle

[alterigo06]

Masquerade Zelkov for @2ofpentacles for FE Scuffle 🖤💜

[2ofpentacles]

Thank you so much! I love him <3

[justrandomgrill]

I was quite surprised to see just how many people had this ship on the scuffle list, but I had a blast drawing them :D Commission status is in my pinned post!

[2ofpentacles]

What is one situation that you would never write Zelkov and Ivy in?

Honestly I never say never because I've written them in some situations that I definitely didn't think I would. I just had to find the right sort of way to spin it.

Y'all send me some prompts you think I wouldn't do

[2ofpentacles]

Jakob made Corrin mad so she's doing this to torture him

[2ofpentacles]

Was replaying Engage and was reminded of how Zelkov comes off to people

Scared two kids, one into thinking he was going to be pulled into a crime, the other that he was going to be literally killed (Clanne and Jean)

Then ended up being the sweetest man on earth aha

I do like his support with Jean. Also him needing to learn the art of *pickles*

Felt like putting some Zelkov thoughts into your askbox :]]

I'm always happy to have Zelkov thoughts in my askbox :)

It's interesting because I think Zelkov actually does care a lot about how he comes off to people, he's just really bad at judging it. You see this clearly in Yunaka's B support.

Zelkov: Please. It is crucial to my *well-being* that I am able to curate the image I present to others. Yunaka: Fine. Look. You're a hunter. Everything you do and say is about the kill. Zelkov: Could you indulge me with an *example*? Yunaka: OK, sure. Take your eyes, for *example.* They're ice cold. Calculating. Normal people don't go around evaluating what folks' lives are worth. That's an assassin thing. You're always probing for weaknesses too. Considering vectors of attack, right? Zelkov: That is *not* what I... Yunaka: Seriously, bud? You're doing it right now! Look at yourself. Tell me you're not poised to counter a knife thrust from my dominant hand. You're constantly positioning to maximize your tactical advantage. Don't think I don't see it.

So I think Zelkov is very perceptive about other people, (that is also shown in his supports with Yunaka, among others) but he's not very good at judging how he comes off to others.

[2ofpentacles]

I wrote this for @ourovalley as part of the artscuffle featuring his OC, Clover slowburn, love after loss Ivy x Zelkov | 7.2k | G archiveofourown.org/works/86147786

[2ofpentacles]

Always thinking about Zelkov Being Sad About That Bird

An attack on geminid for the artscuffle

[2ofpentacles]

Timeskip Donnel as a bowknight for the artscuffle

[punchyemblem]

Day of devotion

[2ofpentacles]

I super love it <3 Their outfits are amazing