At the mention of bringing sweets back to Princess Hilda emerald eyes lit up in delight. Sweets were very rare within Lorule unless you lived in the castle or baked them yourself, and even then they couldn’t be called sweet. They were a bit sour in their taste and could make ones stomach easily upset, or at least that was Ravio’s experience anyway. So he had no doubts that something that was truly tasty would brighten up Hilda’s mood and the excitement at it hopefully bringing a smile to her face was something he longed for.
“She’d love that! I know she would!” Nodding his head he couldn’t wait to see his princess’ expression at the sight of sweets, and it would be all thanks to Hyrule once again! If the merchant had to be honest every time he visited he only became even more grateful than the last for all that the kingdom did for him and his land, especially with it bringing the Hilda he knew and loved back to him.
It was then as a larger merchant had stepped in their way did Ravio let out a squeak in surprise as he almost rammed right into him. The cheery attitude that he held had vanished as the color drained from his face. As much as he wanted to stand strong and hold his ground he felt his composure faltering as he flinched at their insult towards his merchandise.
“I-It wasn’t my intention.” Panic rushed through him as he sunk back into himself. His heart began to race in fear at the agreement of the others around them and part of him wanted to run. To hide and just disappear from the scene like he had done when frightened, but hearing Princess Zelda defend her choice eased him a bit. He hadn’t known her very well but he knew that she was all to kind. She didn’t have to step in, but he was glad that she had for he feared it could’ve turned out worse than just mere words being thrown in his direction.
Listening to her go on only for the burly man to snap back at her caused something to change within Ravio. That same defensive manner that’d come over him to protect Hilda rushed through him as hearing people speak illy of those he cared for was the last straw. Even if he still felt timid and scared he had spent enough time around his own princess and heard stories about Princess Zelda to know that neither of them were just children.
“How’re you to say that? She’s more than capable to make decisions on her own, especially on things that she wants to buy.” Hands were now balled up into fists as he did his best to stand his ground, though on the inside he was still shaking in his boots. He may have been a coward and was unable to fight but he at least had a voice and he planned to use it. “Besides, she’s made many choices that even you wouldn’t be able to comprehend. So please, I suggest that you don’t say anymore and kindly step back.”
Zelda glanced towards Ravio as he spoke up to defend her/ There was no surprise in her face, just a warmth. Ravio was just as much brave as Link, and she knew it. He simply expressed it in a different way. Though this was a tricky situation, he still found the nerve to defend both himself and her, though there was nothing to gain from it. Nothing that could be valued in rupees, that is.
The man was at first taken back by the bunny merchant’s verbal retort, not really expecting Ravio to do much but cower behind the princess. Unfortunately, though, he did not stand down, only getting more angry by the second. His face was turning red and he pointed an accusatory finger at Ravio. “You stand there barking behind the princess when she was just kind enough to take pity on you and buy something! And now you’re going to buddy up to her just because she happens to be soft! This is exactly why little girls can’t run a kingdom! She’s so foolish, you could stab her in the back any moment.” he snapped back, spraying spit as he yelled, eyes turning back to the blonde girl and grabbing her arm tightly, something that severely surprised Zelda as she hadn’t expected him to touch her. “Now give me that stupid trinket and I’ll tell this bum to fuck off! I’ll even give you something of mine that’s even better.”
The princess forcefully pulled her hand away, just wanting to be out of the other’s grasp. She didn’t think about the precious she’d been holding, which fell to the ground quickly as it slipped out of her arm. Zelda noticed too late, but she knew it must have broke. Blue eyes glance back up to the man, “You may believe whatever you wish, but I’m doing my best for Hyrule.” she replied, biting her lip and kneeling down to lift up the boxed gift. She stood again, not wishing to open it, “If you have grievances then make them at the castle...you are correct, I am too young, but I must do what is necessary. I am the only child of the King and he has left the responsibility to me. Now, please, would you just leave...? I can hardly stand this anymore. Please just go...I don’t want to have to call for guards to come. Please just go back to your business.” Her voice has quieted, it quivered at the end of each word. She always tried her best to be kind and conscious of others but, there was only so much a fifteen year old could handle. If this wanted to be stubborn then she nor Ravio could say enough to change that.
