Good morning my friends! Today, Yeto wishes to tell the tale of how he celebrated with tiny red-haired man. Little red-haired man’s name was Tebanam. And he would become good friends with Yeto.
Yeto was going about his day, deep into the snowy afternoon. Yeto needed to find red skinned fish to cook up for holiday soup for wife! Upon going down mountain, Yeto thought he saw struggling dog in the snow. A red manned wolf could make good seasoning, yah? When I got closer, it was instead a man! Had a face as soft as puppy though.
The man looked up and spoke through with chattering teeth. “O-o-oh my g-god. You’re r-real.”
“Ya no look good.”
“H-help me.”
He looked so vulnerable and cute. Like little bunny not wanting to be devoured by wolf. So that’s when I decided to help save little man’s life. Scooping him up was no problem for Yeto to do. Yeto has big, sturdy arms for carrying. Taking young man through mountain, he was safe against Yeto’s fur coat. Fur coat save his life, yah?
Arriving to safety from storm, I opened doors to mansion home. Man was shaking, sneezing, but still alive. Yeto took him to living room, where he could rest by fire. Small wife Yeta, was surprised to see him.
“Yeto. Who is tall, red puppy?”
“Nah. This is human Yeta.”
“He looks cold, da?”
“Ya, ya. I’m going to get small sample soup cooking. He will be guest.”
“Okay. I will keep watch on him, ya?”
Yeto put thick blanket over little human as he got sample soup ready. When he returned, he found the red-haired man gaining more awareness of surroundings.
“Where- where am I?”
His eyes widened with shock when he looked at Yeto. I laugh at his confusion. Was like he never saw Yeti before. Turns out, that wasn’t far from truth. “Hahaha! You almost died! What was tiny human doing out in that blizzard? You are lucky Yeto brought you back home.”
“I was traveling in search of a lost civilization. I got caught in the storm, and as I was running for shelter, my leg became trapped in a snow well.”
“You very lucky indeed. You could have fallen completely in.”
Little man looked at him in observation for a little while more. I don’t know if he was interested in me, but Yeto was already taken with beautiful wife, Yeta.
“My father always told me legends of the Yeti people, but you’re almost a fable at this point.”
“No fable. Real deal we are. Tell me little human, what is your name?”
“Oh! I’m so sorry. My name is Tebanem.” Little Tebanam looked flustered, but Yeto didn’t mind.
“Well met Tebanam! I am Yeto. And this is Yeto’s wife, Yeta! We live together in big mansion deep in mountain.”
“Ya. We don’t get much company.”
“That is because we EAT company! Ha ha. That is funny joke.”
Unfortunately, Yeto doesn’t think landed too well with little Gerudo man. His face looked like scared puppy for a moment before I had to mention it was joke. It was then that he noticed all of Yeto’s decorations around the room. Yeta and I had taken great care in stapling reefs to dangle from ceiling. I was glad that someone could see Yeto and Yeta’s craftsmanship.
“Excuse me, are you two in the middle of something?”
“Yes! We are celebrating Hoopla!”
Yeta did a little dance. She was so cute, lightly tapping her feet outwards. “Yuh, yuh. Hoopla! We share presents and eat delicious foods. Oh! Would you like to stay for Hoopla dinner?”
Yeto didn’t know that humans could be so eager for fun, because a small smile blossomed on little Tebanam’s face.
“I’d enjoy that a lot. I just hope my presence doesn’t disturb any plans you might have.”
“Friend Tebanam! I herby welcome you to Hoopla!”
Yeto gave Tebanam a honourary pat on back, knocking him to ground. Red head man was herby friend in celebrating tradition with Yeto and Yeta!
“Then allow me to finish soup! Then we shall all feast!”
I skip details of Yeta and Tebanam sitting by fire. Yeta tells me that Tebanam is known as a scholar. A man who seeks out information, usually old information and knowledge forgotten to time. Sounds like a fun career! I in mean time had to get gift ready for Yeta to sit atop head and make sure our guest had plenty of soup!
For soup, Yeto took fresh pumpkins ready from his garden, spiced it up with salmon he caught, and add bagels for dipping goodness! Stirring in black holiday cauldron, I stepped out only briefly to inform wife that dinner was ready. It was then she had bright idea to capture moment of new friendship forever!
“Oh! Husband. Why don’t we take picture of you and Tebanam?”
“Oh? You’d be ok with that?”
“That sounds like great idea Yeta! Tebanam! Please take seat! As guest, you may have first bite for Hoopla!”
“Why thank you!”
Little man looked so excited to be here. Going back to kitchen, I made sure soup was fully ready before bringing it out to dinning room. Yeta had camera set up as I brought in the soup and her present on my head. The look on little Tebanam was one I will always cherish in my memories. Was not sure if little Gerudo would like fish and pumpkin soup, but I guess his nose is a good as mine for food, because he lit up like holiday star!
“Oh my goodness! That looks delightful!”
Sitting with the man and my wife, we watched as he gleefully consumed the holiday soup! You will have to take Yeto’s word for it, soup was very good ya!
For that dinner, Tebanam told Yeta and I great tales of Hyrule, his home! Mighty kings, magical people from the sea, scary demons to fight. It was highly entertaining to here! Once dinner was done, he stayed to watch Yeto give Yeta a gift of fancy white mirror! She of coursed loved the gift.
Once the stormed died down, I gave Tebanam directions of how to get back down the mountain safely. He said that he’d be delighted to return, and Yeta and I agreed. Yeto wishes all a happy day for anyone who celebrates Hoopla! Or any other holiday for that matter! Have a good day friends!
Merry Christmas Everyone, and especially to you Sara! I hope you enjoy this short story dedicated to Tebanam and the art that comes with it! Hope that you have not only another amazing year, but a fun new decade to look forward to!
Gift for @s-kinnaly and art done by the talented @dreadlock-detective
Just some reminders like 90% of the cast belongs to @s-kinnaly, @ridersoftheapocalypse, and @mrneighbourlove. Also, this an AU of rider’s fanfiction, where Cass and Ralnor meet and fall in love as kids rather than adults. This is fanfiction of fanfiction-seperate timeline going on here. Just to clear up any confusion. One more thing, I edited the bit in the previous chapter about Ralnor’s skin tone since s-kinnaly is designing him with brown skin and I want to keep my works close to what you see in her art. Okay, enjoy the fic!
As Orana sat on her father’s shoulders, she scanned the crowd, hand over her eyes. “No sign of him here,” she called out.
The king shrugged, "Well it was worth a shot. Keep looking, dear."
"Okay, papa!" Orana replied and looked out again into the crowd.
Right next to them, Zelda held Tebanam, Covarog, and Kanisa next to her skirt. “Mama, how come we aren’t yelling Ralnor’s name?” the princess asked. “Isn’t that what we are supposed to do when we lose someone?”
“I can do that!” Orana declared. She took in a deep breath. However, her father clasped her mouth with his hand, silencing her yell.
“It is true. But we are royalty. That adds on other problems in finding. People could panic if they found out that Ralnor is missing, running around and in searching they might not pay attention and accidentally hurt him. Or people might try to find him, but then hold him for ransom. We are trying to stay as quiet for as long as we can.”
“But I miss him, mama.” Kanisa sighed.
“Me too! We’ve got to get Ralnor back!” Covarog agreed.
“Ral!” Tebanam declared.
“I know darlings. I miss him too.”
“Is he going to be okay, Papa?” Orana asked.
“He will be,” Ganondorf stated, patting her. He then growled, “He will be.”
Zelda walked on over, patting her husband’s side. “Of course he will. We’ll make sure of it. I just can’t imagine what Ralnor is doing right now.
Indeed, with all the Wisdom she held, Zelda would have never imagined her son pulling on a piece of leather with all his might with a Gerudo girl pulling on the other end. All while, her mother narrated the events to a small crowd watching beyond the stall.
“See folks? Resists wear and tear!” Ukuri declared. There were some oohs and awes in the crowd. "You won't find high-quality leather anywhere else!" Then she smirked a bit. "Alright kids, now push!"
Ralnor took a step before straightening up. He looked up at the woman and asked her “What?” However, he failed to look back in time to see Cass ram into him, sending them both into the ground. Ukuri and crowd burst into laughter.
"Well, that's something you don't see every day!” The Gerudo woman chuckled. “So anyone interested in some leathers?”
As the merchant took in some orders, Ralnor watched the little triforce pieces swirling around his head.
“I’m sorry,” the girl lamented, still on the ground and eyes on the ground.
Ralnor shook his head, scattering the pieces away. He smiled, “It’s okay. I’m used to it. Sometimes my siblings and I get excited when it comes to group hugs.”
“What’s a sibling?” Cass asked.
“You know, it’s a brother or a sister.”
“Oh, you sure do know some fancy words Ralnor.”
“Just from books that I read.” The boy blushed, rubbing the back of his head. That is when his stomach gurgled, his cheeks pink. “Sorry.”
“Hey, when your tummy’s hungry its hungry.” Cass shrugged. “No need to blush.”
That is when Cass’s stomach roared, her own cheeks turning pink.
“Whoa is there a monster in your belly?" Ralnor asked.
“Shut up.” Cass mumbled.
“Well looks like I’ve got some hungry little kiddos on my hands.” Ukuri beamed, turning to the kids while filling her bag. She picked up a silver rupee and handed it to Cass. “How about you get us some grub?”
"Okay, mommy."
“Grub? Like bugs?” the boy flinched and twisted
“No, she means food." Cass giggled. "You may know the fancy words, but I guess I know some fun ones. She patted him on shoulder, “Don’t worry, I’ll teach you everything I know." She fidgeted with her belt, revealing a small pouch and slipped the rupee inside. "Any requests?"
“I’ll take some cuckoo. You kids get whatever you want.”
“Yeah!” The girl cheered and took the boy’s hand.
“At least something that resembles real food. Not too many sweets or candy. I will be checking all pockets when you too get back.”
“Ugh! Fine!” the girl groaned.
“Ralnor I think you need to keep an eye on her for me,” the mother commented with a smile.
“Don’t worry ma’am I will.” The boy replied.
Just as the two children slipped out the back, a knight appeared at the stall. Ukuri jumped a bit, then took a deep breath and straightened out her skirt.
“Good day my lord. How may I help you today?”
"Pardon me, ma'am. There is a slight emergency I must announce. There is a missing noble boy and his family is dreadfully worried about him. He has blonde hair and blue eyes and is wearing green clothes. Has anyone seen a child like that?"
The group of customers shook there or murmured no.
Ukuri huffed, “A boy with blonde hair? In this country? Sorry, I think you are looking for a needle in a haystack.”
“Well, keep your eyes open. Any and all information would be appreciated.” The man gave a slight bow and left.
When the crowd left, Ukuri grabbed a rag and rubbed the shelf a little too hard. “Typical. Some rich bastard’s brat goes missing and they’ll send out the guard. Meanwhile, a Gerudo girl goes missing and no one gives a damn.” She then glanced at the door. “Nah, couldn’t be.” She murmured, still scrubbing.
The kids glanced all around at the stalls. Food descriptions.
“See anything you like?” Cass asked.
“I’m not sure…” Ralnor admitted.
“Well, I think I found a stall with cuckoo for Mommy. Maybe there’s something for you here.”
The two children stood in line, glancing at the large black sign with all the foods and prices in white. “Aw sweet! They’ve got onion rings!” the girl declared. “Those are my favorites.”
“Okay…” the boy stared at the sign. His eyes scanning around, not settling on any of those words.
“Anything wrong?” Cass asked.
“Well…I don’t know what any of these things are,” Ralnor admitted.
Cass blinked at the boy and started to laugh her head off. “Aw man Ralnor. You are a riot!" She continued to laugh until she looked at the blank face of the boy. "You are actually serious, aren't you?"
“Yes.”
"Oh, Ralnor. I’m sorry. I mean, I thought you were a rich kid, but wow,” Cass pondered, hand now on her cheek.
“Mama usually only lets us have sweets at fairs or after dinner.” He admitted. “We sometimes can get Papa to give us snacks though when we are working on homework.
“Don’t you worry.” Cass pulled him in, arm around his shoulders. She patted her chest. “I am what you call a cuss-ne-sir of outdoor foods. Just ask me.”
“I think the word is connoisseur.”
Cass smirked, “ Okay smarty pants. Just read off some foods and tell you what they are. I’m sure there’s something you’ll like.”
“Okay…what is…a cheese frit-ter?”
“Oh, that's cheese covered in a batter and all fried up."
“Fried?”
“They take something like grease or fat or butter and boil it, and then they put food into it until gets all nice and crispy. Anything else?”
“What’s a Stuffed Spud?”
“That’s a potato that’s been baked and then put all kinds of good stuff in it. Sour cream, chives, cheese, bacon bits, butter-it’s really good.”
“Uh…I don’t eat bacon…”
“Me neither. Mom says it’s a Gerudo thing. You order your own fixings so it’s fine.”
“Maybe…what are fries?”
“Okay, now I’m starting to get worried about your lifestyle. Fries are potatoes cut up into strips and fried up. They make a great snack and usually come with a lot of meals.”
“So then what’s a grilled cheese?”
Cass sighed, “Let me ask you a question, you do know what a cheese sandwich is right?”
“Of course I do!”
"Just checking.” The girl stepped back, palms shielding her. “I was starting to think you came from like a different world or something. Well, grilled cheese is basically a cooked cheese sandwich. You just put in a pan until you burn the bread a bit and melted the cheese.”
“Well, I think I’ll take a grilled cheese then. With some fries too.”
“Excellent choice! Trust me, you’ll love it!”
The children ordered their food and weaved their way through the crowd. When the two children returned to the stall, Ukuri sighed. “Thank the goddesses! For a while there I thought I had two lost children on my hands.”
“Here you go Mommy, fried cuckoo wings!” the girl offered up the paper box overflowing with wings and fries.
"Thanks, kiddo. I'll go shut the stall and we’ll dine in the back.”
Right after the woman lowered the blind, closing them off to the word, a large stomping rattled the stall. “Yeesh, some customers," Ukuri grumbled. She then turned to see her daughter starting to take one of the hangings off the wall, food on one of the higher boxes, and Ralnor glancing around, checking the boxes.
“What are you looking for kiddo?” Ukuri asked.
“A napkin,” the boy responded.
“What for? We haven’t even started eating.” Cass stated giving the fabric one last tug before it fell on top of her.
“You can’t eat a meal without a napkin. Maybe a snack, but a not a meal.” Ralnor countered.
“Let me guess one of your mother’s rules?” Ukuri asked.
“Yes, ma'am. Plus I don’t want to get crumbs or stains on the hanging.”
“Kid let me tell you something, I learned when I lived with my mama.” The merchant knelt down, large arm wrapping the child close. “As long as your mama is not around, she won’t mind if you get a little messy. I’ll make sure you’re clean enough for her. Plus, Cass and I eat and sleep on these things all the time. I know how to get any stains out.”
Cass popped her head, hanging wrapped around her . “It’s true,” she declared.
“Are you sure? I really don’t want to make a mess.” He gazed up with wide, nervous eyes.
Ukuri sighed and smiled, “Well, I've got some rags upstairs that will do the job just fine if you want one.
"Yes, please. Thank you.”
“No worries hun. You are so sweet.”
As Ukuri left, Cass commented as she laid down the hanging, "Wow you got one of those strict fancy moms.” She then grabbed the boxes off the boxes and sat down.
The boy sat down next to her, he admitted.“She does kind of get mad when my siblings and I pull pranks or bring mud in the house or when we stay up late. But she always makes us feel better when we get bullied and really loves to help us with our homework.”
“She sounds nice, but I think I’ll take my mom any day of the week,” the girl said and then offered the boy his box.
The boy sat the box on his lap, cautiously took the sandwich with both hands. “I’ve never had anything so…wet and sticky…” He mentioned.
Cass chomped down on an onion ring as she spoke, “That’s called grease. It’s what the cook the food in. Just take a bite, it’s gonna not kill ya. Trust me. I’ve eaten this stuff plenty of times.” She then swallowed, a series of coughs following. Cass pounded on her chest until she started breathing again.
“Okay…” Ralnor glanced at his friend nervously before looking at the dark sandwich in front of him, cheese slightly oozing out of the crust and took a small bite. The gooeyness of the warm cheese and the crunchiness of the bread filled his mouth. After swallowing, the boy said in awe, “This is good.”
"See, nothing to worry about," Cass stated. "Welcome to unhealthy-ish foods.”
“Ish?” Ralnor repeated.
“Because well cheese and bread are good for you, right? But, some people say all the healthy stuff gets lost when you fry foods like this. But I think still think there’s some left. Maybe not that much, but still some.”
Ralnor laughed. “I really like the way you think Cass.”
“Thanks.” The girl admitted, beaming.
As Ralnor continued to eat, he heard something hitting the ground repeatedly. That’s when he noticed the two dogs in the corner of the stall. The large white dog with almost green was wagging his tail, panting at the two of them. The black dog stared silently at them.
“Uh..what’s up with your dogs?”
“Oh, they always do that when it's meal time,” Cass shrugged. “Daddy used to let them have leftovers of their meals, just try looking away and you should be okay."
“Alright,” the prince stated as he turned around and tried to concentrate on his food. However, the sound of panting only got louder. He turned around slightly to see the larger dog right up in his face. "Hi, doggie," Ralnor greeted. Then the tog bit the crust out of his hand, tugging it away. He then sat down and started to chew on the leftover sandwich. “Hey!” the boy cried out.
“You gotta be careful around Noishe,” Cass commented. “He’ll take what he wants without warning. Gotta stay sharp.”
“What about that dog?” Ralnor pointed to the thin, black dog still in the corner.
“That’s Repede. He’s the quiet one. He doesn’t cause trouble much unless you have something you want.”
“Like what?”
Before Cass could reply, the dog slipped over, his head on the girl’s lap. Cass managed to grab her box of food before he could grab a piece.
“Fries for one thing.” The girl muttered as she patted his head. “Come one bro. Mommy doesn’t want you to have too much human food. You are not as young as you used to be.”
The dog growled a bit and started nuzzling her stomach.
The girl started to laugh, “Okay, just one more piece.” And she plucked off a fry and put it right in front of the dog’s mouth. The canine eagerly took the piece and started to eat.
Ukuri walked into the stall, some rags draped over her arm. “Cass, you better not be feeding the dogs cooked food again. You know its not good for them.”
“I’m just showing Ralnor what not to do around the dogs when they want food.”
“Really?” Ralnor asked.
Cass shushed him, “Come on Ralnor, just go along with it.”
“Sure you are, and that is not the sound of the dogs’ chewing.” Ukuri lamented as she sat down handing a rag to her guest. She then reached for her food still on the counter and joined the two children on the mat.
"Well, it's a lesson by trial and error." The girl shrugged.
The woman chuckled shaking her head. “You know Ralnor, I think I might have to save you from my girl. Who knows what kinds of things she’ll teach you if I left you two alone?”
“Like adult words?” Cass suggested.
“What are adult words?” Ralnor asked.
“You know the words that grownups say when they bang their heads on doorways or stub their toes on furniture.” The girl started to beam, “For example…”
Ukuri then picked up her daughter, spilling out onion ring and fry bits and crumbs everywhere, rubbing her hair with her knuckles. “That’s enough out of you!”
"Ack! Aw, come on Mommy! You said it's better to learn now than later! Besides I promised I’d teach him everything I know!"
“I’ll have to put an end to that lesson. For all I know, Ralnor’s mommy might pick me up, put me over her knee, and spank me for letting you teach Ralnor those words. And who knows what she’ll do to you.”
The two dogs eagerly attacked the pieces the food, licking up and chewing on everything they could find.
Ralnor couldn't help but laugh at the scene. He couldn’t help but think, "I still miss Mama, Papa, Covarog, Orana, Kanisa and Tebanam...but Cass and Ukuri they make me feel right at home. I'm really happy I met them. I can’t wait for my family to meet them."
With the sky starting to change into its usual evening red, orange, and yellow, the royal family still didn’t find their missing member. Tebanam napped inside his father’s arms, while the other children clung onto their parents' legs to support them, rubbing their eyes.
“Still no sign of him…” Zelda sighed, patting Kanisa’s bobbing head.
“We will find Ralnor, we can’t lose hope.” Ganondorf countered.
“But we’ve search all over,” the queen retorted. “The only thing left to do is go inside each stall and search.”
“If that’s we have to do, then so be it,” the king commented. “But first, we must take the children home.”
At the mention of them, Covarog, Kanisa, and Orana snapped up. “What?” They all screamed. Tebanam now wide awake by the noise, starting to whimper.
“But we can’t go home yet!” Orana declared. “We haven’t found Ralnor yet!”
“We can’t leave him behind! We just can’t!” Covarog declared.
“We can still help!” Kanisa interjected before a yawn cut her off.
The king smiled, sparing one hand to pat Kanisa’s head. Zelda stroked Orana's and Covarog’s heads. “Yes, but you are also very much exhausted. You need to go to sleep.”
“No, we don't!" Covarog objected with the stomp of his foot.
“Yes, you do." The king then lifted the boy's chin with his fingers. "Don't worry, your mother and I will not stop searching for your brother. We will bring him home. But we also care about you, and you need to get to bed."
“I don’t think that I can sleep…with Ralnor out there….somewhere without us…” Orana sighed, staving off a yawn.
“Well at least, we’ll get you ready and you can try for us? Okay?” Zelda asked.
The three older children glanced at each other frowning. Tebanam grumbled a bit as his father swayed him, calming him down. Covarog sighed, “Okay let’s go home.”
The queen smiled, “I know this is hard. But we will find him soon.”
Covarog took his father’s free hand and the girls took their mother’s. However, just as they started the walk, Kanisa cried out, “That’s it!” digging her heels in the ground.
“Kanisa what’s it?” Zelda asked.
“That’s the stall! The one that Ralnor left for! It’s that one!” She pointed her free hand, bouncing up and down.
“Are you sure Kani? Looks like all the other plant stalls. What makes this one so special?” Orana asked.
“It’s got the most plants! The others didn’t have that many! If Ralnor didn’t go to this stall, then I don’t know about Ralnor at all!” Kanisa beamed.
The parents looked at each other, “Well it is worth a look,” Zelda admitted and the group headed to the stall. A young man stood in the back, pulling down on the tarp while the old lady still sat in her chair dozing off.
Covarog, Orana, and Kanisa immediately dashed into the stall, calling out “Ralnor!" while going around every pot and ducking under every table.
“Children stop!” Zelda called out.
The young man stopped his motion, staring blankly at the commotion. “Something tells me that you are not here for a houseplant.” He chuckled. Then he saw who he was talking to and gave a small bow, “Uh sorry your majesties. What can I help you with?”
“We are searching for our son Ralnor, brown skin, blonde hair, blue eyes, green clothes. He wandered off earlier today and we haven’t seen him since. We think he might have been here for a while. Have you seen him?” Ganondorf replied.
“Ooh sorry to hear that. Hope you find him. What time of day do you think he left?” The man asked.
“This morning. Before noon,” Zelda answered.
“Shoot. I didn’t see him. Most people don’t want to carry a heavy plant all day, so we don’t do much busy in the morning. I left Ma with the stall while I looked around. She might have seen something. Just hope her working ear is working again.” The man walked toward the old lady and started to yell “HEY MA!”
The woman snapped open, drool slipping out. She glanced around, adjusting her glasses “Who said that?”
“HEY MA! DID YOU SEE A BLOND BOY TODAY?” the man asked.
“Oi tone it down, I’m deaf but I’m not dead. You might raise your father back being that loud,” the old lady gristled.
“Ma, these parents lost their boy. He might have been here. Seen him?” her son asked.
“Boy…boy…boy,” the woman wondered.
The adults continued to stare, leaning closer waiting for her next words. But then the woman's head slipped back and started to snore.
“Ma!” the man called out. However, his mother continued to slumber. He sighed, “Sorry about this your majesties. I wish we could help out more.”
Just there was a loud clatter. The royal couple and merchant turned to see Orana, leaning forward with her hand's out wide inches away from a broken pot, laying on its side. Clay pieces and soil scattered on the ground, while a scrub bush lay helplessly on its side, roots exposed. "Whoopsie…" The princess stated.
“Orana!” Zelda called out.
“I’m sorry! I swear I just bumped it!” Orana stated.
“It’s okay, I needed to replant that one anyway,” the man replied.
“We’ll pay for the damages.” The king declared.
“No your majesty, it’s fine,” the merchant insisted.
As the three adults haggled over the pot, the princess made her way over to the little old lady, staring into space. The girl placed her hand on her lap. “I’m sorry I broke your pot. I’ll pay for it with my allowance.” She then dug into a small bag at her side.
The woman turned towards the child and smiled. "Ah what a sweet child. How can I ask money from such a kind soul? After the way you help that little girl earlier too. Don't worry. My son broke many a pot when he was your age."
“Little girl?” Orana asked.
“You know that cute little blonde you ran into. She came in here and you two ran around chasing each other. Then when she was crying you comforted her and took her away. I bet you have been friends for a long time.”
“You don’t think…” Orana glanced at her siblings.
“Can you tell us about this blonde girl?” Kanisa asked.
“Of course! One of the cutest children I’ve seen. Silky blonde hair, gorgeous blue eyes, green clothes, and the loveliest brown skin. Really put my kid to shame.”
"Thanks, mom I feel loved,” the man sighed.
“Where did I…and the blonde girl go?” Orana asked.
“Not sure…just saw you going to the left.” The old woman shrugged.
“Mama, Papa do you think that if we find the other girl we might find Ralnor?” Covarog asked.
"Well, it's the best lead we've had all day," Ganondorf admitted.
“Hope you find your kid soon.” The merchant stated.
“Thank you. Come on kids, let’s find your brother!” Zelda declared.
As the royal family left, the woman adjusted her glasses, sighing “What a lovely family. Mother’s a bit hairy though…”
The merchant laughed and placed a hand on her shoulder, “Ma don’t ever change.”
Ralnor and Cass watched out of the stall window, using their crossed arms as cushions as they rest their hands.
“Still nothing?” Cass asked.
“Yes,” Ralnor sighed.
“Sorry. I really thought we had a good spot and you’d find your family like that,” Cass stated with a snap.
“Well, I’m glad I’m here. If you hadn’t been at the stall, I probably just sat at the stall with that old lady, crying how my family left me. I’ve had a lot of fun today. Thanks for taking me in,” the boy leaned in.
“No problem, what are friends for?” Cass wrapped her arm around him, pulling him closer.
Ukuri stepped in, patting Ralnor on the shoulder. “Don’t worry. We’ll find your folks. I’ve just a couple of things to pack away and the dogs to put upstairs, then we can look around. You two kids head outside.”
"Yes, Ma'am."
"Okay, mommy."
Just as the kid’s reached the outside of the stall, Cass stopped, “Huh…I just realized I never asked what your parents look like.”
"My parents tend to stand out in a crowd, especially my papa. You'd know them the moment you see them."
“Probably, but not all Gerudos look alike. Some are tall, some are really tall, some are thin or fat, but we are all Gerudo. So what do your daddy and mommy look like?"
"My papa…"
“Ralnor!”
The children turned to see Orana and Kanisa running at them, arms open wide.
“Orana! Kanisa!” the boy cheered, opening his arms wide as well.
The two princesses tackled their brother, almost hitting him to the ground, knocking off his hat.
“Oh Ral, we're sorry we left you behind. We thought Mama and Papa knew you were at that plant stall!" Orana explained.
“We’ve missed you so much!” Kanisa sniffled, clutching her brother tightly.
“I’ve missed you too!” the boy eagerly returned their embrace, a few sniffles coming out.
"Sweet! That's one part of your family down!"
The reunited trio turned to the Gerudo girl smiling at them, hands on her hips.
There was a moment of silence before Orana yelled, “It’s a Gerudo girl!”
"Yes." The boy stood up and displayed his hand out. "This is my friend Cass. We met at the plant stall and she and her mama took me in so I can look for you.” He used his other hand to display his family. Cass these are my sisters, Orana and Kanisa.”
“Nice to meet ya.” Cass offered a hand.
Kanisa gaped for a bit, before hiding behing her brother. She still stared in awe of the girl as she sqeauked out a hello.
Orana beamed and grabbing Cass’s hand with both of her own, shaking it violently . "Hi, there! Thanks for taking care of our big bro!"
Cass, still shaking from the girl’s grasp, tilted her head,“ Bro?”
“Ralnor!”
Just then the group of children turned to see Zelda dashing towards them.
“Mama!” he yelled and ran towards her and jumped right into her arms. Now sobbing, he nuzzled his head against her chest. “I’ve missed you so much.”
The force from her son caused Zelda to sit down, cradling her boy, “I’ve missed you too! I’m sorry we left you behind.”
“It’s okay. Next time I’ll double check with Papa.” He raised his head, smiling.
She beamed and kissed his forehead, “You smart thing you.”
The queen set her son on the ground and stood up. He took her hand and led her to Cass. “Mama, this is my new friend Cass. She found me at the stall and let me stay with her mama until I can find you.”
"I am so happy that my son is making such wonderful friends. Thank you so much for helping him." She knelt down, looking the girl in the eyes, smiling.
The Gerudo girl’s jaw dropped. She tugged her hand out of Orana’s and pointed at Ralnor. She yelled, “YOU LIED TO ME!”
Ralnor blinked and squeaked out, “What?”
“You said you were a Gerudo. But you are not!" Cass pointed at Zelda. "You can only be a Gerudo if your mama! And she’s not! She’s the exact opposite!”
“Yes, we are! We are just as Gerudo as you!” Orana declared.
“No, you are not! Besides he’s a boy!” Cass pointed to Ralnor. “There’s no such thing as a boy Gerudo!”
“Nuh-huh there’s Ganondorf!” Kanisa stated.
“Children please calm down.” Zelda ushered.
“Ganondorf’s not a Gerudo! He’s just a monster!” Cass roared, stomping her foot.
“Ralnor!”
The arguing group stopped to see Ganondorf stomping towards them, Tebanam still on his chest and Covarog trailing behind. The king scooped up his son and started to kiss his face.
“Papa!” The boy eagerly wrapped his arms around his neck.
“Cass this is our Papa, Ganondorf.” Orana declared. “So we are just as Gerudo as you!” Orana folded her arms on her chest.
“Yeah!” Kanisa agreed with her hands on her hips.
At the mention of his name, he looked down and saw the Gerudo girl. His jaw dropped slightly and eye widened with joy.
The same couldn't be said for Cass. She started to turn as pale as a sheet. Then let out a blood-curdling scream. Once the royal family could hear again, she slumped over on the ground.
“Cass!” Ralnor cried out. He climbed down his father’s front and knelt next to the girl. He flipped her over and patted her cheek, but she still didn’t wake up.
“What’s wrong with her?” Orana asked.
“Cass!”
The group now saw Ukuri, standing a few feet away from them, holding her head in her hands. She dashed over and picked up her daughter. “Cass, monkey, sweetie. Please wake up!” She shook the girl slightly, but still no response. The mother twisted towards Ralnor. “What happened to her?”
“I don’t know!” He replied anxiously. “She just looked at my Papa and screamed and fell over!”
“Papa?” That’s when the Gerudo woman noticed the king standing before her. She, too, turned and slumped over, still holding her child.
“Mrs. Ukuri!” Ralnor cried out. He then looked up at his father, tears clouding his eyes. "Papa…did you kill them?
"What no!" The king declared but it was too late. Ralnor now bawled his head off.
"We can't leave them like this," Zelda commented. "We'll take them back to the castle."
Ganondorf picked up both Gerudo women in his arms. All along the way back to the carriage and in the carriage ride to the castle, Ralnor kept glancing at his new friends. Hoping they would be alright.
Here’s a link to the previous chapter: Chapter 1 Marketplace
I discovered “A Tale of Two Rulers” by @figmentforms back in May and immediately and uncontrollably began shipping Zelgan. From there I found @s-kinnaly and her AMAZING artwork of the zelgan babies. I am by no means a writer, but I felt the urge to write a light-hearted piece that would take place after “A Tale of Two Rulers” and before “The legend of Zelda and Time Again” by DreamingoftheSea.
All of the characters belong to @s-kinnaly except for Cian and his mother. :)
A Day at Lake Hylia
“Yahoooo!”
Rinku’s voice could be heard over the roar of the wind and water. It was a beautiful summer’s morning and Rinku had taken Kanisa and Tebanam to Lake Hylia for sailing and water sports.
Rinku gave Kanisa a thumbs up.
“She wants us to speed up!”, Kanisa shouted across to Tebanam.
The two Dragmires were aboard the King of Red Lions boat, working the sails and tiller as Rinku skimmed along the water’s surface behind the boat on wooden skis.
The skis and tow-rope were handmade by Rinku and Ralnor with guidance from the town carpenter.
The boat however, called the King of Red Lions, was acquired by Rinku while exploring the Islands of the Great Sea. She said that the people of an island called Windfall Island had given it to her because she was Hylian. Legend has it, the boat had once been alive, an ancient Hylian King in fact! The Windfall Island dwellers wanted her to have it and return the inanimate king to Hyrule. She was humbled and gracious to receive such a lavish gift. Along that trip she discovered her love of sailing and taught the skill to her siblings when she returned home that summer. She even shared the legend of the boat with her family which amused everyone except for her step-father. Knowing that he held the memoirs of hundreds of past lifetimes, she decided not to pry. Not many of her step-father’s past lives held happy memories.
Tebanam trimmed the sails and the boat picked up speed. He looked behind him to watch his sister glide outside of the boat wake and let go of the tow-rope with one hand and dip it into the water, causing a tail of water to spray up behind the outstretched limb. Kanisa expertly steered the boat in a wide arc, allowing Rinku the extra pull she needed to skid even farther away from the wake. The trio made several laps around the large lake, ensuring they stayed a safe distance away from the shallows and beach-goers. They had gotten in trouble earlier that year for not watching where they were going and almost running over a member of the court who was playing in the water at the beach with her family. When Rinku hand-signed that she had had enough, Kanisa steered the boat back towards the beach and curved it away again to give Rinku the momentum to propel herself towards the shore and shallows. Kanisa and Tebanam then slacked the sails and anchored the King of Red Lions near where Rinku had landed.
“Here you go,” Rinku passed up one ski, then the other, and the coiled tow-rope into the boat.
Kanisa leaned on the side of the boat looking at Rinku who was standing in shoulder deep water. “Teb, can we go in a bit closer to shore? I don’t feel like getting my hair wet to-“ SPLASH…. ”Hey! Cough, cough,” Kanisa sputtered, resurfacing from the shove overboard by her brother, “Not cool Teb! Now my hair is going to dry all frizzy.”
Tebanam laughed as he drew back a few steps, ran, and launched himself over the bow of the boat. “Geronimo!” he exclaimed, landing his cannon ball right between his sisters. This didn’t amuse Kanisa either.
“Oh Kani, stop your pouting,” Tebanam teased, “Your spending a day on the lake, what did you think was going to happen?”
Kanisa tilted her head back underwater so her long fiery locks were smoothened out behind her. This took little effort because she too was shoulder deep in the lake. At 16 years old, she was the same height as Rinku who was in her late twenties. She sank lower in the water and turned to scan the crowd at the beach. When her eye caught his, she blushed and spun back around to face her brother and sister. She had a feeling he would be here today.
Twin grins crept onto Tebanam and Rinku’s faces as they regarded one another and then back to Kanisa.
“Does my baby sister have a secret crush?!” Rinku teased a little louder than Kanisa would have liked.
“Shhh, please stop!” Kanisa whispered back, her colour turning a deeper shade of red as she sunk deeper into the water almost hiding behind the boat.
“Tell us who it is!” Tebanam pried, he was looking at the beach goers in the direction that had caused his sister to flush. “Girl? Guy? Noble? Do we know their family?” The questions didn’t stop there.
“Keep your voices down!” Kanisa pleaded, “I didn't want to say anything because I didn’t want anyone to fuss over it.”
“Too late now,” Tebanam crossed is arms over his chest, raising an eyebrow at her. He was one year younger than her but already stood much taller, and the way he raised his brow reminded her of her elder brothers and father.
Rinku climbed onto Tebanam and pushed herself into the boat. When she reappeared over the edge she waved a spyglass tauntingly. “Give us a name and point them out with this and we’ll drop the questions.”
“For some reason I don't believe that”
Rinku’s grin widened, “Good, hahaha, you shouldn’t.”
Kanisa sighed, “fine, give it here. “ She held up her hand to receive the spyglass, which Rinku gave willingly. She gripped it with both hands and ducked behind the boat. She beckoned her siblings to follow suit. No one from shore would be able to see them. Looking through the glass she spotted him again with three of his friends. He was sitting against a tree, playing lazy notes on his guitar, his brown hair tied up in low bun. Kanisa put the glass down. Her siblings were going to eat her alive for this. Without looking at them she flopped a hand over exposing the spyglass for whoever wanted to take a look first. “Brunette, sitting against a tree…with a guitar”
“Oohh Kani, a musician?” Rinku was quicker than Tebanam in snatching the spyglass. “Wait… he looks familiar”
Tebanam grabbed the apparatus from Rinku and laughed when he spotted the boy in question. “Cian? Really Kani?
Kanisa blushed and covered her eyes with her hand.
Rinku looked inquisitively up at her brother. “Refresh me.”
Tebanam placed the spyglass back in the boat, “Cian is Mrs. Glasba’s son.”
“Oh right!” Rinku snapped her fingers as she remembered. Mrs. Glasba was the children’s music instructor. She would often bring her own children to the castle for lessons with the Dragmires. “He was the middle child, right? I remember he barely spoke. A very small, shy young thing, and a few years older than you if I remember correctly.”
“That was ages ago Riri, he’s grown up quite a bit since then…” She bit her lip as soon as the words were out of her mouth.
“Some growing up, which you’ve obviously noticed.” Rinku gave Kanisa’s shoulders a squeeze, and winked at Tebanam.
“Well,” Tebanam began, “are you, or are you not going to tell us what’s happening between you two?”
The cat was out of the bag now, and Kanisa trusted Rinku and Tebanam to keep this between themselves. Besides, it was getting to the point where she wanted to tell someone about Cian… not that there was much to tell really. She lounged back in the water and stared up at the clouds, keeping herself afloat with gentle sculling of her hands. She took a deep breath, “Nothing is …happening. Honestly. Teb, you know how I’ve been spending more time with Mrs. Glasba, right?”
Tebanam nodded and Rinku interjected, “I didn’t! But I’m going to assume you are getting private lessons?”
“In a way. I’ve stopped learning the piano and harp like mama, and shifted my interests into singing and dance,” Kanisa explained, “When I first brought this to Mrs. Glasba’s attention – that I wanted to try something new – she was very happy. Apparently she’s the dance coach in town. I learned that she can sing, dance, and play all of mama’s instruments. She’s a very talented lady!”
“Okay, that’s nice, but where does Cian fit into this?”
“Well, this past month Mrs. Glasba hasn’t been able to make our practices. She has been busy helping her students in town get ready for the Summer Festival, and so… Cian has been tutoring me.”
“And?” Tebanam prodded for more.
“And nothing,” Kanisa shrugged. “He comes to the castle a few times a week for an hour or so. Usually he plays his guitar and we sing together…we sound really good by the way”, Kanisa’s eyes lit up at that and sat up. She saw that Rinku was now sitting on top on Tebanam’s shoulders, one arm draped over his head and the other propping her head up, elbow resting on the other arm.
Tebanam’s mouth fell open as his sister finished her story, “That's it?” he asked.
“Unfortunately.” Kanisa pulled her long hair over her shoulder and began playing with it. “We have fun together, that's all. But when I see him out of lessons I get nervous and tongue tied. Is that affection or silliness? Also, I don’t know if he feels anything towards me, and I’m too much of a cucco to ask.”
“Why don’t you go talk to him now?” Tebanam suggested, looking at the group of guys on the beach. “Tell him and his friends to come over and play…” Tebanam lifted his arms out of the water, grabbed Rinku’s hands from atop of his head and stretched them skyward. With one foot first, then the other, Rinku stood on her brothers shoulders, using his hands for balance. “Cucco! To help you stop being such a cucco”. He beamed at Kanisa.
“Bro, why are you flexing so much?” Rinku toyed. She knew that her youngest brother was interested in his own gender, even if he didn't say it out loud, and by looking over Cian and his group, it was no surprise they had caught his attention.
“It’s because you’re so damn heavy Riri!” he joked back and tossed her off his shoulders. Another show of strength, as it were.
“Yea, you know what, I will go talk to him.” Kanisa gave herself a little pep talk, “What do I have to lose? It’s just a conversation. It’s rude if I don’t say hello, right?”
“We will be over there for back up if you need us.” Tebanam pointed to a spot along the shore and dove over in that direction. Rinku followed and snorted when she saw Tebanam recline in the sand. Thanks to his genetics he was bigger than any Hylian 15 year old, and come to think of it, most Hylian adults. He was also at the I’m invincible stage and knew he turned heads where ever he went. Rinku sat beside Tebanam and watched Kanisa go over and talk to the small group across the beach. She gazed around the beach, to the boat, ending on Tebanam. “Do you want water ski after Kani gets back?”
“Yea, sure! That would be great.” Tebanam rolled on his side to face Rinku. “There’s something Ralnor and I have been working on that I want to show you when we get back home. It’s almost finished. I think we should try it next time we come here”, he smoothed the sand between them with his hand and started to draw using his index finger, “It’s like your water skis, except both feet are strapped onto one wider board. You would lead with one foot and use fins to guide the board’s movement behind the boat,”, he finished drawing the scheme in the sand, “What do you think?”
“I think we should try it. It’s a great design Teb, nice work!” She looked past his shoulder as tall shapes came into view. “Ah, speak of the devil… Ralnor, Covarog, Orana! Over here!” Rinku shouted and waved her hands.
The newcomers joined their siblings and sat down in the sand beside them. Ralnor carried a large bundle in his arms.
“Teb, don’t be mad”, Ralnor began, “I had to finish it. The conditions today are perfect for trying it and then Klinge said you, Kani and Riri were skipping practice to come to the lake –“
“Thanks for that by the way,” Covarog interjected with a smirk, “I was stuck facing off against Klinge all morning since you two and Kanisa didn’t show up.” He lifted his shirt over his head, “So now I’m in desperate need of a dip”
“Sorry! That was my fault,” Rinku said raising a hand, “I asked them to come sailing with me.”
“Here, check it out”, said Ralnor, pulling the sheet off of the object in his arms, revealing a finished board. “I added a water-proofing coat of varnish, and tweaked the foot bindings. Now they will be easy to slip in and out of.”
Tebanam’s eyes went wide. “It’s beautiful! Well done on the designs,” he said, gliding his hand over a wave of Hylian and Gerudo symbols that flowed across the wood. “I love it!”
“Hey Ri, Teb… who’s that lad Kani is talking to? That’s Cian, isn’t it?” Orana nodded her head in the direction across the beach to her younger sister.
Both Ralnor and Covarog turned around in the direction Orana had indicated, eyes squinting in the sun to see better. The elder brothers were very protective of their younger sisters, and felt they had the right to know everything they were getting up to. Especially if it had to do with guys their age and not their sisters’.
“You two can relax,” Rinku assured them. “It’s just a friend who’s helping her with her music.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure of that big sister,” Ralnor said
“Agreed,” Covarog nodded. “Ral told me he walked by the music room last week before Kanisa’s practice to find Cian alone working on a love ballad for her!”
“It’s true.” Ralnor confirmed”, He was figuring out how to ask Kani to go to the summer festival with him in song form. Super tacky if you ask me.” He crossed his arms over his chest and glared in Cian and Kanisa’s direction.
“I’m going to go over there,” Covarog declared, standing up from the sand.
“You will not,” Rinku held a firm grasp on Covarog’s leg. “She’s old enough to make her own decisions. If this boy asks her to the festival, she has the right to decide for herself whether to accept or decline.”
Tebanam looked at Rinku, “You and I both know she is going to say yes—“
Just like that, Kanisa appeared beside the group. Her face was red either from sprinting down the beach to her family, or from containing her emotions. “You guys won’t believe what just happened!” she squealed.
“If you have an escort for the festival next week, I … I mean papa, will not be happy about it.” Covarog said, eyes still shooting daggers at Cian.
“An escort? No, no, no… Cian asked me to open the performances with him!”
A round of congratulations was earned from Kanisa’s five siblings and well as a sigh of relief from Covarog and Ralnor.
“And…” Kanisa continued, “after I said I would sing with him for the opening piece, he was so happy that… “ she looked between Rinku and Tebanam and clasped her hands together.
“Don’t say it”, Tebanam whispered in a warning to her, pointing his eyes up at Covarog who was still standing and listening very intently to his youngest sister.
“he kissed me!”
“I did not see that coming!” said Rinku, surprised. Before she could react, Covarog wrenched his leg out of her grasp and took of sprinting down the beach to a suddenly very frightened Cian.
WARNING! This fic contains: blood/violence, torture & implied/reference sexual assault
If any of these upset you, please do not read!
Conflicting Notions
Blood covered Faris' hands and his chest heaved. He could feel his body shaking from adrenaline as he looked transfixed at the mess that covered his hands. Even with the cheers of the Colosseum crowd, his heartbeat was deafening in his ears. Thumping as he looked down to the ground before him.
A man lay limp at his feet. Curled up with both hands clutching onto the sword that still stuck out from his side.
Dead.
"No . . ." Faris gasped, taking a step back in the sand. "I'm not supposed to be here. N-No I don't-"
Turning around to run, he felt chains hold him still. The echoes of the dungeons in the colosseum filled with wails, pleas and moans of the innocent slaves.
Faris' nose stung of piss and blood making him want to hurl. He was stopped from gagging when a sting so harsh he fell to his knees whipped his back.
Laughter resonated in his ears as the crack and sting of whipping soon left his back warm with his own blood.
"P-Please," Faris moaned, his body shaking in fear. "I d-don't belong here." Shutting his eyes as tight as he could, he prayed to any god, goddess or deity to free him.
The pain stopped but when Faris opened his eyes he wasn't in heaven. But in hell.
Dark and tinted orange by candlelight, floor covered in pillows while the walls were draped with curtains. And a stench of smoke and alcohol made his nose wrinkle. The whorehouse brought a look of sheer horror to Faris' features.
A hand touched his shoulder, roving down his chest and caressing his pectorals. Another followed, combing through his dreads and tugging harshly on the strands.
"S-Stop it!" Faris objected, turning to look at his assailant but only saw dark walls.
Another disembodied hand touched the small of his back, eagerly travelling to touch his rear and-
"Fuck!" Faris swore as he tried to move his arms but felt two strong hands clench his wrists to restrain him. "Don't touch me! Don't you dare!" Faris belowed, fear coating his words.
The hand in his hair pulled harder, making Faris' head sting. What felt like claws grazed along his scalp as fingers tucked under the waistband of his trousers.
"I don't belong here!" Faris declared, trying to look around. But all he saw were the whorehouse walls, seeming to enclose him in the already claustrophobic space.
"T-Teb," Faris whimpered, losing much of his will to fight. "Where are you?!"
He was scared. Horrified. He was like a little deer, shaking in the cold winter with no doe of a mother to care for him. He was a shell of a man. Numb to the whips, the hands and the blood.
"P-please," Faris implored, as he closed his eyes as tight as he could. "T-Tebanam."
"FARIS!" Tebanam shouted, hands clutching at the other man's arms to shake him from his disturbing dream. "WAKE UP, DAMMIT!"
Faris' eyes flashed open as he bolted upright. His lungs gasping for air as he darted his head to look at his surroundings. His skin was cool with cold sweat while his bones felt as jittery as a leaf.
Tebanam, only a shadow in the darkroom took him into a hug. Squeezing Faris as close to him as he could.
"Shhh," Tebanam hushed him. One hand holding the back of Faris' head. "It's ok. It's ok. You're not there anymore. You're here with me."
"N-No," Faris' voice shook as his eyes still tried to look at his surroundings. As if, at any second, they could change back to the whorehouse or colosseum dungeon. "I-I'm not I was . . . I was w-with them and-"
"It was a nightmare, Faris." Tebanam persisted, rocking the horrified man in his arms. "You are far, far away from Al-Daida."
"Y-You're wrong," Faris objected, shaking his head. "I'm a b-brute, a monster, a who-"
"Shut up," Tebanam ordered, squeezing tighter - if that were possible-. "No you're not. You're Faris. You're my love." His voice was shaky, clearly off put by seeing Faris so fear-stricken. "You are none of those things. You are a kind and loving man. W-Who is safe and l-loved." The prince's voice shook on the last words, as his resolution choked at the sight of Faris continuing fright.
Faris didn't try to protest anymore. Shivering in his partner's arms until soon, his stiffened body softened. Letting the warmth of Tebanam's embrace consume him, he felt tears well up in his eyes. For the first time in over a year, Faris cried.
Tebanam didn't say a word, only held him close and kissed him until the sorrowful man soon nodded off to sleep.
"Prince Tebanam!" A loud knock echoed past the bedroom door as a servant's voice called for Tebanam's attention.
"Yes?" The man called in a groan.
"Your highness and . . . Faris have been asked to visit Princess Kanisa for lunch." The voice said, pausing as if to ponder just what to call Tebanam's lover. "She asked for you both to be by her quarters in an hour."
"Thank you." Tebanam responded, waiting for the footsteps to grow faint before looking down to where Faris still lay.
Faris had his eyes shut tightly, as if trying to hold onto the ever so slight chance he could return to sleep. He had managed one proper hour but otherwise, the rest of the night passed in a sort of half-unconscious sleep, where he would faintly feel his mind doze off before a flash of a crowded coliseum, crack of a whip, or the sinister smell of the incense lord Siek had liked before snapping back into dream-riddled reality.
When the bodyguard finally went to open his eyes, he looked up to Tebanam. Faris only needed to give him a glance to know the prince had had even worse luck with sleeping than him. Dark shadows hung under his eyes, clearly visible through the bright light emitting from the curtained window.
The prince was sitting up, book in his lap and back resting on the bed's headboard. When Faris looked to the paperback in his lover's fingers, he noticed he was already three-fourths through the rather thickly paged novel. If he recalled correctly, Tebanam had only just started the book the night before, only finishing a few chapters before having abandoned it for sleep. Clearly, he had been reading all night.
"I'm sorry," Faris muttered, scooting over to rest his head in Tebanam's lap.
"What for, dear?" Tebanam asked, tenderly stroking the side of Faris' face.
"For keeping you awake. You didn't sleep at all after my . . . nightmare, did you?"
Tebanam was silent, whether thinking or still concentrating on his book, Faris couldn't tell. "No need to apologise. I've never been good at falling back asleep anyway."
But still, Faris thought, guilt still weighing in his chest.
"Anyhow, I can just go to sleep early tonight to make up for it." Tebanam said, trying to cheer Faris up. "Besides, we have to get ready to see Kanni."
"What do you think she wants to talk about?" Faris asked, sitting up to allow the prince to get out of bed.
Tebanam let out a chuckle. "She doesn't need a reason, Faris. She's my sister. It's honestly about time we sat down and talked properly. Hopefully, we'll get to see the kids too."
Faris supposed he was right, one didn't need a reason to want to see family. But it wasn't like he knew better. The term family was something that was still very foreign to the man. Especially considering where Faris had come from.
The bodyguard could not help but think of Tebanam's family, how warm and considerate they all were. The Dragmire family was also a tight unit and would very clearly tear the world apart for each other. Faris felt hopeful when he found himself watching Tebanam get ready. His mind wondered if he and Tebanam, if all went well, could create something like that. Create a family. Maybe even with a kid or two. Even with how raw his chest stung from recent events - not to mention the horror of that dream - the concept of Tebanam and him growing old together, happy and content, eased Faris like not many things could.
"Faris?" Tebanam called out, dragging his partner out of his still sleep-ridden stupor. "What's the matter?"
"What?" Faris mumbled, suddenly alert, blinking as he realised that Tebanam was now fully dressed and waiting for Faris to follow suit. "Oh . . . Sorry."
Getting up, Faris caught the look of worry that flashed in the prince's eyes as he watched him get ready.
"You know we could say 'no' to Kanni's invite," Tebanam said firmly, watching Faris pull on a white tunic.
Faris could not help but smile. Even if he dreaded leaving the safety and quiet of their quarters, he knew it was the best for both of them. Even if there was discomfort in the thought of talking to people so important yet so unfamiliar.
"I'll be fine, Tebanam," Faris said, resting a hand on his partner's shoulder as if he was the one that needed comforting. "Besides, I'm sure you miss her. You only managed to talk to her a little bit yesterday, right?"
"I suppose . . ." Tebanam muttered, giving Faris a hand as he climbed into the rather tight-fitting trousers. "But if you want to come back here at any moment, just say. It's practically all I can do for you while we hunt down the bastard who let word spread."
"Thank you, Tebanam," Faris said, turning to wrap his arms around his prince's neck and giving him a quick kiss. Now more than ever, he had to make sure Tebanam knew just how thankful he was to be here with him.
Even with the mere twenty paces from their bedchamber door, Faris was grateful this part of Hyrule castle was deserted apart from the skittering of a single servant moving from a distant royal chamber. At the very least, he would not have to deal with hearing the horrible remarks of the other occupants of the castle. He only just had to deal with Tebanam's sister. Easy right?
Well, at first, it was indeed easy.
Kanisa had welcomed the couple into her quarters like they were entering her very own home. Offering them tea and a snack from the assorted platter of baked sweets surely brought up to satiate the growing hunger of her two children.
Kanisa's bedroom quarters was like a mirror image of Tebanam's. Except while the younger brother's windows faced the morning sun, Kanisa's faced the beautiful garden of the castle two floors below. Without even going to see through the glass, Faris could see the tops of high hedges, well-trimmed vines and flower beds full of colourful petals. The only other difference was that there was two doors that connected to the bedroom, one to a bathroom and - from Faris' guess - the children's room.
The sister Kanisa was beautiful, Faris knew that much. Although taller, tanner and carrying much of her Gerudo father in her, the princess's true beauty came from her mother. She had the queen's fine features and kind smile that would have surely been the splitting image of her mother when she was her age. She also had the grace of the queen. She glided more than she walked, spoke kindly but not frivolously and knew the perfect amount of strictness and praise to keep the children from harassing their guests too much. Although that did soon backfire.
Kanisa had clearly invited Tebanam and Faris for the purpose of properly catching up with her brother in addition to acquainting herself with her brother's lover. But no less than ten minutes after first entering, Tebanam had been dragged into a game of knights and dragons with Kanisa's children, Kerugan and Audlin.
Both too young to comprehend or pronounce their uncle's full first name, Audlin called him Teddy, while Kerugan - only a year or two older than Audlin by the looks - felt too dignified to call him by such a baby-like name, as he proudly pointed out, and called him Uncle Teb instead.
Faris, who had worried that since he had never really talked to a child before, had been struck with the horrible realisation that, if the children did not like him, then Kanisa would surely follow? But, thankfully, those fears were soon dashed away. As, after only a few minutes of ogling and invasive yet innocent questions, the two kids were grinning at Faris as much as they did their uncle.
Audlin, who still could not quite enunciate 's' excitedly called him Fairy, with delighted giggles. While the mature acting Kerugan went with Uncle Faris. Although the gesture was small, Faris felt a faint smile warming his face at the nicknames they had given him. The children were so adorable, in fact, that Faris was almost completely fine with Tebanam obeying his niece and nephews demands to play with them. The sight of which made Faris' chest wriggle with a deep sense of love for the man as the prince made the children guffaw with laughter. The only negative to this being now Faris was stuck alone with Kanisa and her surly looking husband, Vidar.
Kanisa, well-trained in the matters of polite conversation, had asked about how Faris was and how he was managing living in the castle - as if this question had not been asked by everyone since he arrived.
Tebanam had let out a playful rawr as his designated role of the dragon and Kerugan foolishly jumped to protect his little sister only to be swiped up in his uncle's strong arms in an act of kidnap. The Fairy Princess Warrior Emperess Audlin had a small thin wooden sword in her hand and she ordered the nasty monster to let go of her big brother or else.
Kanisa was just starting to ask Faris if they had considered traveling towards Uskar when the 'or else' revealed itself to be Audlin whaking Tebanam's shines with her mock sword until Tebanam fell to his knees.
"Kanni! Fairy Princess - ouch - Warrior - Ow! - Audlin is so - oow - cruel!" Tebanam fake sobbed, still holding the wriggling Kerugan above his head so as the child would not be hit by his sister's furious swipes.
Kanisa had given Faris an apologetic look before getting to her feet to help her brother. The mother scolded her daughter for playing too rough, her son for laughing at it and then at her brother for encouraging them. But this did not spoil the fun, as a matter of fact, since Kanisa soon became the new damsel in distress as Audlin said Tebanam was too powerful even for her, so she needed her brother's help.
In spite of how greatly bemusing it was to see Tebanam laughing hedonistically as he buried Kanisa in a pile of the children's soft toys, Faris soon realised he was not alone. Vidar, who had been silent while Kanisa had talked to Faris, still sat in his chair. And, although for a moment, the two men had quietly smiled over their respective partners, Vidar broke his stoic silence.
"I heard those rumours." Vidar said curtly, a hint of an accent in his voice.
Faris stiffened immediately. Taking his eyes away from the heartwarming scene at the other side of the room. And, for the first time, Faris properly looked at Vidar.
With blue-ish skin, dark thick hair in a braid, he most definitely looked like a man from a world very far from the room he sat in. He, like Faris, was covered with scars of a life of fighting. But the bodyguard noted how they were different from his. Mainly of wild animals and other horrible beasts of the northern world, Faris had heard, unlike the man-made swords and knives that marked Faris' forearms and whip slashes in his back. Even so, the man was clearly a warrior, with the heavy muscles that bulge in his Hyrulian tunic and worn, callous covered hands. Although intimidating, Faris had to admit that Vidar was also a good-looking man, even with the slight frown furrowing his brow and prettily embroidered eyepatch - surely made by his wife - covering his right eye.
Faris did not reply to Vidar's words, too shocked to speak but also feeling cautious. He had learned in these past few days to be wary, especially now that there was someone who was spreading his secrets.
Vidar did not seem to need Faris to speak. The sentence appeared to be more of a way to get his full attention rather than to insult or tease him. As he then furthered, "I know it is not anything like what is said about you but I went through very much the same."
Vidar paused to scratch as his well kept beard, and Faris' slight frown was all he gave him. So the Uskarian continued.
"I met Kanisa on the first diplomatic visit of Uskar to Hyrule. We kept our . . . relationship a secret at first. But when I returned and soon took their dear princess away to Uskar, the people of Hyrule made up all kinds of rumours. I was called a rapist, a barbarian, a beast. They believed I had seduced, stole or even kidnapped Kanisa and held her for ransom."
Vidar's body did not betray his anger apart from the deep set frown that adorned his face. "My first time returning back to Hyrule after marrying Kanni and having Kerugan . . . It was awful. I did not fear them but I definitely watched my back at each turn, as if I might do something wrong, more horrible accusations would be made. I can only be thankful those same whispers weren't about Kerugan. They just believed him to be an innocent baby born of . . ." Vidar paused as his lips clenched together in disgust.
Faris, hoping to not force the man into saying anything he didn't want to, spoke. "Then . . . How did they change? I've only heard great things about you."
Vidar smiled for the first time, it suited him much better than the curt look he had shown since they arrived. "Time, mostly. But it helped to have Zarazu."
Faris recalled that Zarazu, Covarog's wife and the future queen of Hyrule, was born outside of the Hyrule realm too. Once an island full of magic, calamity had struck and had forced the already small population of Lorleidians into refuge in Hyrule. A bunch of magic users and dragon tamers, now that Faris thought about it, would have surely been a horrifying sight for the dignified council members of Hyrule.
"As the future queen and mother of Coverog's children, she fought for the first few years to ensure the refuges, both Lorleidians and others were welcomed and treated as fairly as any Hyrulian."
"Just like that?" Faris asked confusedly.
Vidar let out a huff of a laugh, "No, nothing that simple. Although having the queen and Ralnor is a huge help, most of it comes from proving doubters wrong."
Faris did not seem satisfied with this explanation. In fact, the bodyguard frowned. This very same notion had been offered up by Queen Zelda but . . .
"How can I prove I'm not a slave . . . When they are right?" Faris asked. It was the first time he had asked the question that had been poisoning his mind for hours.
Vidar frowned at this. "Are you saying you're still a barbarian then?"
"What?"
"And a murderer? And a slave? And a whore? Are you still those things?"
Hearing the words from a near-to-almost stranger made Faris extremely uncomfortable but he understood Vidar's point.
No, he wasn't anymore. He was a free man. Not just that but a bodyguard to a prince and a lover to that very same man. He was someone who had become a better and a more whole person since those days before Tebanam had freed him.
"N-No," Faris admitted. Looking to the teacups that sat abandoned in their saucers on the table they sat at. The dregs cold yet still making small waves in the cups from the trundling of children's feet nearby.
"Then how are they true?" Vidar asked. Looking right into Faris' eyes when he braved a look at the man. "If you're not any of those things, then prove it."
Faris opened his mouth to question Vidar's logic only to be reminded that, out of all the people who had told him this fact, the Uskarian man was the only one who had actually experienced it.
"How . . . ?" Faris asked hollowly.
How could one prove a negative? When for all tense and purposes, they were true. Faris was disheartened to realise that Vidar had lowered his spirits more than he had raised them.
"It is . . . A grueling task, I have to admit. If it was a fight, I, or you, or Zarazu could easily win it but . . . Living and being with royalty is a fight very different from anything else. Although us partners don't carry the weight of the realm on our shoulders, they do."
Vidar let his eyes drift to look at his wife. Mouth clenched shut and eyes closed, the princess was shaking with repressed laughter as she pretended to be in a deep sleep. Audlin, now the evil witch, had made the pretty damsel fall into a deep sleep and only the brave Kerugan could save her. Tebanam, meanwhile watched, clearly a prisoner that the witch would deal with later.
"Anything we do, whether good or bad reflects back on the family. And endangers or aids them. Whether big or small. It is a reality we have to accept if we want to be with a princess or prince."
Faris was silent. Unsure what to say.
Looking to Tebanam, who cheered for Kerugan as the child defied the evil witch of a sister, he found himself torn.
Faris was in love with the man. The kind, energetic adventurer he had met that hot day in the colosseum dungeons in Al-Daida. The man who had freed him from his masters and promised food, clothing and shelter for only his sword and knowledge of the local culture. The man who had treated him as an equal, a companion and later a lover.
Faris realised that he was not exactly sure if he was in love with the prince. And the thought made him uneasy.
The fact that Tebanam was a prince was, indeed, shocking at first but, Faris might not have completely comprehended what that meant. He had an image of a bright gold crown and matching throne, with mountains of the finest of fabrics, shiniest of treasures and sweetest of delicacies. He had never much wondered or asked about what that life may actually entail.
"What I'm trying to say," Vidar said, his voice calling Faris to look back at him. "Is that . . . Although it's bad now, it will get better. If you are a good and free man, who loves Tebanam, then those rumours will die down. Keep being the man you know you are and people will realise they were wrong . . . or at least not talk against you. It is hard, and . . . tolling at times but," Vidar's eyes flickered again to Kanisa and his two children. "But it is worth it. Every second of it."
Tebanam's laughter was then loud, sounding like the sweetest of music to Faris' ears.
"So don't give up."
Tebanam landed on the ground flat on his ass for the second time that afternoon. Yelping as his tailbone hit the ungiving earth of the training grounds.
The sky was a faint orange, the sun a few hours from vanishing over the castle walls. The area for knights and guardsmen had been vacated as most were still on shift or busy eating dinner. Leaving the sound of two men huffing and puffing to be the only noise apart from the whistling of summer wind through the single tree in the area.
Tebanam, rubbing his backside, was soon covered by shadow as Jazoh stood above him.
Sweat glistened on the nobleman's forehead yet he did not show any sign of being out of breath.
Tebanam let out a sigh. "I'm sorry I'm not much of a challenge for you." A wry smile playing at his lips.
"Not at all," Jazoh smiled back, "I'm just happy you volunteered."
Tebanam snorted, "I volunteered to vent out my anger. Not get my ass handed to me."
"Then why didn't you ask your bodyguard to spar with you then?" Jazoh offered, extending his hand to pull his companion up.
Tebanam ignored the odd choice of word as he took his friend's hand to get to his feet. "Speaking of which, I really should've invited Faris along. At least then you would've had a worthy opponent."
Jazoh frowned slightly as he let go of the prince's hand. "Then why didn't you?" His voice was cold as he turned around to pick up Tebanam's sword, a falchion.
"Well . . . He's been going through a lot at the moment." The Gerudo prince remarked as he took the sword from Jazoh's hand. "He was pretty tired from playing with Kanisa's kids and I don't think he likes the idea of leaving our area of the castle. You know . . . With all the rumours and secrets flying around." There was then Faris' face when Tebanam had come over to him and Vidar at the table, how confused and troubled his eyes were when he looked at him. But he would not tell Jazoh that.
"But that's it, Tebanam." Jazoh said flatly, his eyes not on him but looking at his wooden sword. "They're just rumours. It's the only thing the servants have to do really. Gossip and make up stories."
"But still," Tebanam muttered, frowning as he warily watched his friend. "Those things really hurt him. It's been so long since I've seen him that upset . . . It's honestly taking all my strength not to punch the next person I hear talking about him." The prince squeezed his hands around the handle of his sword, remembering just how shaken his love had been that very morning. It scared him a little, to think a man so strong could become so scared.
Jazoh let out a huff, "Punching is for stableboys and knights who drop their swords." He brandished his mock weapon aloft. "You are a prince. Just say the word and you could get rid of all of them."
Tebanam should be surprised by Jazoh's threatening words but he knew better. He did not mean kill them, just punish or confront. A younger Tebanam might even agree with him. Yet, he felt uncomfortable with his friend's idea of stopping the whispers. Enough so for him to end the conversation.
"Another round, then?" Tebanam asked as he eyed the sword the nobleman clutched in his hand. "Go easy on me?"
Jazoh gave a handsome smile that wrinkled the beauty spot under his eye. "Oh my dear Tebanam, you told me to never go easy on you, why should I start now?"
"Because my ass hurts and I've already been brutalized by my niece."
Jazoh let out an airy chuckle, "Audlin?"
Tebanam let out a laugh too, "Yeah, how about you teach her a few tricks?"
"Tempting," Jazoh remarked with a look of consideration, "Then again, I'd have to get past that father of hers."
"True," The prince agreed, "Although, I have a feeling Vidar would happily have his kids taught by you."
"In any case," Jazoh said, breaking conversation. "Shall we begin?"
"Lets."
Just as the words left Tebanam's mouth, the shorter man striked. His thin rapier blade jumped out to hit Tebanam in the chest to only, by the last second, be blocked by the back of Tebanam's sword. The clunk was loud in the empty grounds as Tebanam used his strength to parry the frail sword away. Sadly, his reflexes were nothing like Faris'. Who would be in for the attack as soon as the Hyrulians' guard was down. Instead, Tebanam had taken too long to move, giving the expert swordsman time to find his balance and fix his stance.
"Not bad . . ." Jazoh muttered, looking over Tebanam's form. "I can tell you've had practice. You're definitely stronger." The Hyrulian then rolled his right shoulder, the one that had felt the full blow of Tebanam's parry.
The Gerudo grinned, proud to hear Jazoh's hint of surprise. "I have travelling to thank for that. Carrying all my things on my back every day turns out to be a really good way to gain muscles. Well . . . That and fighting off thieves and monsters and so on."
"Don't get too cocky, Tebanam." The nobleman said sternly. "I don't want to go wounding this new pride of yours."
"Oh please," The prince laughed, "I've still got a few tricks up my-"
His opponent was suddenly gone.
Taking a stride much bigger than one for his size, the man moved to Tebanam's left.
"Shit!"
With his sword not in position to block - as he had stupidly let down his guard to quip at him - Tebanam had no way to stop the sword from slicing him half open. So all he could do was dodge the surely painful swipe from the would-be blade. Feeling the faint whoosh as the sword cut through the air where Tebanam had previously been.
Jazoh, expecting a definite hit, had not been ready for the unexpected swerve out of reach and followed through. His sword going past his front to swing around to his side.
This was his chance.
Taking the needed two strides to reach him, Tebanam took it in one. Pulling back the wide-bladed wooden sword to cut at Jazoh's weak point.
But just when Tebanam's first win against his ex-sword teacher flashed before his eyes, it was gone.
His blade had been stopped.
Not by the expected clothed side of the nobleman but rather the slender blade of the Hyrulian's rapier. The sleeves of his freshly pressed tunic rolled up neatly to his elbow, Jazoh's thin yet defined pale arms jittered slightly under the impact of the larger man's cut. But he held steady.
Tebanam knew, then, that winning by brains was impossible. He had never outsmarted the man, both in sword and in wit, ever since they were boys. But Tebanam had something he didn't have last time.
The muscles of the prince's arms ached from the previous fights but he demanded them to hold. Pushing his fake falchion against the rapier, the thin sword shook under the newfound strength. Tebanam could see the man sweating, gritting his teeth as he tried to hold his ground. But Jazoh's grip on the blade was weakening. By the second, both hilts shook as the smaller man strained to keep the prince's blade from going any closer to his yet unhit body.
Tebanam, perhaps too hopeful at attaining his first win at last, forgot a simple lesson.
When it came down to strength, committing to pushing the opponent down to submission only worked when done quickly. At this rate, Jazoh would find a way to escape-
Just as the thought came to mind, the force that had once been pushing back against his falchion was gone.
Jazoh had released the weakened block and as quick as ever, moved out of Tebanam's way. What with the prince's weight and stance leaning heavily forward, the Gerudo found himself falling forwards.
Quickly, he ducked his head and Tebanam had just enough time to tuck his body down and roll on the ground. Nonetheless, he only had a moment to get back on his feet before Jazoh was onto him once more.
The nobleman knew that anymore moves that challenged Tebanam's sheer strength would result in his loss. For that reason, Jazoh went with a barrage.
Leading with the blunt end of his slender sword, the Hyrulian swordsman tried to poke right past Tebanam's guard to hit him in the chest. And the prince's only saving grace was that the width of the side of his blade was enough to hinder the individual jabs. The falchion, however, did not stop the opponent from nearing and forcing Tebanam to retreat with each painful looking thrust.
While Tebanam was focused on blocking each of the well intentioned hits, Jazoh was taking it all in his stride. Even beginning to talk to the prince as the air still filled the clunking, whacking and thumping of the two swords clashing.
"Sometimes I wonder what would've happened if I wasn't sent away." Even with the din of the barrage, Jazoh's voice was clear.
It took all of Tebanam's effort to listen to the man while still keeping his focus. But even with his brain frantically instructing his arms and legs to react to each trying jab, his mind still questioned why Jazoh was talking about such a topic so suddenly. The prince could only think that this was one of his friend's backhanded tactics, just like the swipe at Faris' legs and the kick of sand he had seen just two days prior.
Hoping to use this same trick against him, Tebanam indulged in the conversation. Even as his feet still took cautious steps backwards.
"No, I haven't really thought about it," Tebanam said gruffly, blocking a particularly energetic cut near his shoulder.
"Would it be rude for me to say I did?"
"No . . . Especially from how hard your life would've been on that farm, I wouldn't blame you for wondering."
"Well, if you don't mind me saying, I believed-" Jazoh paused.
Tebanam had taken a lucky chance to parry when he caught sight of a weaker strike. This had turned out to be a faint and the prince had played right into the nobleman's hands. Jazoh let the parry miss his blade to leave Tebanam unguarded and the wooden rapier's edge at his throat. It looked like only a twig up close but the Gerudo had a feeling that even a needle would be deadly in the experienced hands of Jazoh Spegeil.
"- that we would still be together." Jazoh continued calmly. As if Tebanam had merely interrupted him with a sneeze rather than a try to win the losing spar. "And by that, I mean still in love."
The game had been won. Why Jazoh continued on with this conversation, Tebanam did not know. But he had a feeling that this was his friend's way of finding where they stood.
It worried him to think this may cause Jazoh to feel hurt or upset. But the prince knew it was best to speak clearly and honestly now, or he may as well never speak at all.
"You think so?" Tebanam asked. Letting his sword hang at his side. Indicating that he would yield. "I honestly wouldn't know."
The prince fanned himself, the overexertion of the fight soon leading to a loud thumping of his heart and for the heat of his racing blood to catch up and starting to heaten his skin.
"Why?" Jazo inquired with the slightest of frowns.
"Well," Tebanam began, looking down to his attire.
With most of his clothes having been disposed of when his mother caught sight of the pile of worn and staining clothes he called his closet, the only remnants of the collection he had left were on his person. A worn old pair of shoes that Tebanam had implored his queen mother to leave only after explaining how new shoes would bring blisters and calluses before fitting, and thick heartily-sewn trousers a brown so dark the queen looked over them as new. The tunic he wore was new, however. The fabric so soft and new that Tebanam sweated right through it. The prince had also worn a vest which lay under the shade of the single tree after being abandoned after only a few minutes into sparring.
Walking to the lonely shade of the tree, Jazoh following beside him, Tebanam continued.
"Well, I still wanted to leave. To travel, you know." When under the refuge of the leaf-heavy tree from the hot setting sun, Tebanam pulled the tunic over his head to free his clammy chest to the occasional wind that blessed the grounds. "I always wanted to go. Eventually. You leaving was a catalyst for it. It gave me an excuse to leave and chase my dreams."
Tebanam did not look at his companion. Busying himself with folding the found vest and sweaty tunic into a pile in his lap. He took his time with it, too guilty to look his old friend in the eyes.
Even without looking to Jazoh, he could hear his hurt. Or maybe it was anger? The prince could not tell, as he could only note the flicker in his voice because his words did not indicate much. "And you believe you would leave me here?"
"Well . . . Not for long. I would've visited like I do now. Besides," The Gerudo braved a look at Jazoh, hoping this would give him some sort of comfort. "I would've let you come with me, if you like."
There it was, that furrowed brow again. And the dark, almost cold look in his eyes as he looked at him.
"I don't quite understand." The Spegeil said, raising his head to the castle walls that surrounded all sides. No, he was looking past that. To the world outside of Hyrule castle. Maybe even outside Hyrule itself. "I don't understand what you like about leaving here. I mean . . . What's worth leaving all of this?"
"That's where you're getting confused, Jazoh." Tebanam said, keeping in mind to sound kind as he spoke. "It's nothing about leaving or losing. I'm free out there. With a hood and modest clothing, I'm just a tall stranger in the crowd. A man with just a little more gold in his pocket and just a little more knowledge. And in any case, I gain so much from going out there." Tebanam could not help showing the excitement, remembering just how much of the world he had not yet explored. "There are whole worlds full of history, culture and stories. Although I search to recover the histories of my people, the lands and people I meet along the way teach me so much more than any of the books in the castle's library could ever offer."
The prince had let his eyes trail off. Looking, just like Jazoh had done, over the wall. To the cities, towns, shrines, caves and crypts he had yet to explore. The thought of Faris being there beside him. Protecting him when his idiocy got the better of him, telling him off when his eyes wondered on either men or a useless expensive item, laughing at his jokes and his foolishness, blushing at his compliments and kissing him back when Tebanam kissed him.
When Tebanam looked around, Jazoh was so much closer than before. Or at least he thought he was. A man could surely sit in the middle of them earlier, in the space Jazoh had left between them, now Tebanam could see very well the details of his once lover's face.
He was very good looking, the prince was reminded. With the obvious beauty spot under his eye standing out on his pale, yet faintly freckled face.
A younger Tebanam may have almost swooned at the sight of the mature and cool looking nobleman before him. Now, well, when he saw how close the Hyrulian was he almost jumped out of the way. And by the manner those dark eyes darted between his own to his lips, made uncomfortable goosebumps wriggle up the skin of his arms and neck.
Turning his head, he quickly got to his feet.
"Welp, we uh better get cleaned up then if we don't want to miss dinner." The prince said, trying to feign an air of indifference. As if he didn't notice Jazoh moving in for a kiss. "Will you be joining me in the bath house then?" Tebanam did not look at his companion, not wanting to see whether disappointment or annoyance lingered in those handsome eyes.
Jazoh only needed a moment before replying. "Yes, I suppose we shall. You go on ahead, I'll clean up."
Tebanam had the thought of offering to help or just wait for the Hyrulian to finish but the concept of staying any longer with Jazoh alone made him apprehensive. Especially when he thought about Faris, alone in their quarters. So Tebanam only nodded and made his way out of the training grounds.
Not once looking back.
Jazoh's prince left his shirt and vest behind. Surely so desperate to leave that the striped clothes had slipped his mind. The Spegeil did not mind, however.
He waited until the footsteps of Tebanam were gone before picking up the two pieces of clothing. The vest was a dark blue with gold embroidery around each hole and button. It had suited him very well. With his white tunic and dark pants, short red hair and brandishing his sword in their first of multiple bouts, he looked like the prince he should rightfully be.
Then again, the same design had been worn by that barbarian warrior Tebanam saw fit to call his love. The thought of that man dancing in a blue this shade, with the Hyrule prince in his arms made Jazoh want to rip the very cloth apart. But he knew better.
Tebanam was not stupid enough to forget his clothing.
Laying the vest on his lap, Jazoh took up the tunic.
It was a common nobleman style tunic, of a fine enough fabric it could only be owned by the higher class. The strings that had been untied dangled over the fabric as the nobleman remembered just how handsome the prince looked for the few moments without his shirt on.
Once again, the thought of Faris, getting to see Tebanam in such a way caused a venomous fury to bubble in his chest. And once again, he did not let his hands tear the fabric in his frustration.
Instead, he lifted the sweat infused top to his face and breathed in the scent of it.
Jazoh could not quite explain the scent but whatever it was, it smelled like Tebanam. Not of some musk or perfume or the reek that surely emintated from Faris' diritied pores. No, it smelled just as he remembered.
It was the same as the last time he had detected it. The last time they had embraced.
Foolish teens thrilled with the idea of being heard but never caught, suspected but never seen. Kissing and fondling even as footsteps approached. Adventurous hands and gifted soft moans as a door flew open.
The recollection made him both sad and angry. How foolish he had been.
If he had only tamed his own daring and convinced the prince to not take the risk. Tebanam's bedchamber would have been the headquarters of years of such activity. And yet, they had been caught. And Jazoh was sent away. The last thing of Hyrule he saw was the peak he could see through the carriage window before his father had hit him. It had been of the sun rising on the intimidating build of wood and stone that he would not return to for over five years.
Jazoh could easily recollect what he had thought then.
I'll be back. I'll be back for you.
Even after finding himself back in the mirrored halls and tall walls, Jazoh still had not achieved what he had sworn all those years ago. But not long now. It was only a matter of time.
This fic is based on the Zelgan au by @figmentforms
The Zelgan babies & granbabies, as well as Faris and Jozah, are created by @s-kinnaly and @ridersoftheapocalypse
And special thanks to @ridersoftheapocalypse for writing the main fanfic about Tebanam and Faris, which inspired this fic
As well as @quietpastelcolours for their writings on Vulkar and Kanisa
I highly recommend you look at their content on this to have a better understanding of the story
WARNING! This fic contains: attempted roofying/drugging & attempted sexual assualt
If any of these upset you, please do not read!
Also available on AO3
This fic was commissioned by @mrneighbourlove, thank you so much for the support and giving me the chance to write about your character!
"Shit, come back here!" Leere called out to the small figure she was chasing down the busy market streets of Oshmel.
Five minutes after entering the town and she had already gotten lost as well as got her bag stolen. It was rather embarrassing. She might have the thought to shame herself for her naivety if she weren't pelting after the little thief.
Leere had been walking down the crowded streets, map in hand. She had been trying to find her accommodation for the coming evening when a young child had approached her. Clearly a local, the kid offered his help in leading Leere to her destination. She wasn't one to object to a kind offer, especially not when she secretly needed it, so she let the boy lead the way.
Leere had just started thinking about giving the youth a few rupees for his trouble when another kid jumped her. Snatching her rucksack with all of her things and running off, while the first boy vanished into the busy streets.
Although it did take her moment to realise just what had happened, she was soon in hot pursuit of the second child. She might not be able to punish the bait but at the very least she could recover her things
For how much she was growing to hate the brat, she didn't want to endanger him or other civilians around him by using her magic. She would, unfortunately, have to do this the hard way.
The kid quickly turned out of the busy main streets and ducked into a quiet alleyway. Leere had thought this would give her an advantage with her long legs but the child seemed to have knowledge with the area and still kept a good distance between them.
"Stop! Thief!" Leere called, hoping she might grab anyone's attention. "Get back here dammit!"
The kid kept close to the left side of the alleyway, clearly ready to skid into a turn down a different laneway in the next few paces. But to Leere's great relief, a tall man poked his torso out from the corner, to see what all the commotion was about. And the kid crashed right into him.
Leere restrained a smile as she caught up to the rascal. Catching her breath, she made sure to first snatch her bag back before the little kid could scuttle off.
When Leere turned to thank her unexpected aid, she noticed the stranger seemed unfazed by the collision. He really was also very tall, with at least two heads more height than Leere. Unrecognizable, it wasn't until she looked to the man's face - marked with a wide, excited grin - that she realised who he was.
"Teb?" Leere asked, pleasantly surprised to see her youngest adoptive brother in a place like this.
"Leere!" Tebanam grinned widely, sweeping his older sister into a hug. "What are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same thing!" Leere answered, welcoming the embrace.
"So you were going up to Kahmel as well?" Tebanam said with surprise as he finished his meal. "Don't tell me, you were going after the rumoured treasure in the town's shrine."
Leere let out a chuckle, "I'm guessing you had the same idea?"
"Well yeah," Tebanama nonchalantly nodded. "But I was also going up there for research."
"Oh?" Leere said, pausing the forkful of food she was about to eat. "This is about that distant relative of the Gerudo, right?"
"Yeah, the Garai."
Oshmel, the city Leere and Tebanam currently occupied, was a border city. Just a few minutes by cart from the perimeter of Hyrule, this town was a mix of all cultures. It was a city filled with locals, travellers and full of people from nearly every race in the land. The settlement lived at the summit of a great mountain, one which hides within its craters an old, deserted tribal village, known as Kahmel. Some people believe the people who had occupied the village died by a plague, others by wild animals and others still believed they had been cursed. Either way, no one bothered going up the mountain. After all, nothing was up there accept the sad, abandoned ghost town.
For all the travelling the two of them did, this was their first time meeting on the road. Perhaps it was only a matter of time until Leere would run into Tebanam but it did come at a good time.
About half a year ago, Tebanam and Leere - as well as all their other siblings - had returned to Hyrule castle to celebrate the birth of Covarog's first two children. Leere loved being home with her family, she would stay there forever if she didn't feel the call of adventure.
It had been two years since Tebanam had lost Jazoh - a noble boy taken away from court for being caught having a sexual relationship with the young prince - and Leere and her fellow adopted sister Rinku had only meant to help Tebanam.
For being away from Hyrule for so long, the youngest son of Ganondorf had not seemed to recover from the loss of his partner. The sister's had sought to help Tebanam and comfort him. But at some point, they must've upset him.
Leere could not remember the exact reason but Tebanam had stood up - towering over his elder sisters - and looked Leere right into the eyes and spat, "You're only depressed simply because you want attention! My feelings aren't something I can easily turn off like yours, Leere!"
Rinku, furious at Tebanam's statement and intending to defend her sisters, had countered, "She's only trying to help you, Tebanam! You only travel because you lost your fuck toy! As if that's a good way to cope!"
Tebanam had looked furious, but the pain of hearing his eldest's sister's words cut him deep enough to shut his mouth. He only huffed and stormed out of the room, choosing to leave before he said or heard anything more he may regret.
Leere had left before confronting Tebanam about it. Although she didn't say those things, she still should've at least given him a positive farewell.
However, Tebanam happily talked about his travels, Leere could tell that he did not hold any sort of grudge against her.
"Remember that set of armour I gave papa?" Tebanam asked his pompous smirk wide. "He keeps it on display in his office, y'know." Leaning back in his chair, the half Gerudo man puffed out his chest in pride.
Leere let out a snort, "Not last time I was there. Yours was missing the greaves, remember? So it's an incomplete set." Leere loved teasing he brother and by the pitiful bummed out look on his face, she was looking forward to giving him worse. "Mama likes the golden fan I gave her."
Tebanam snorted, "Yeah but what's the point of a fan if you're not going to use it? Mama's not a shower like Papa either."
That shut Leere right up, not that she minded.
Hyrule castle held the largest collection of armour, antiques and artifacts in the land. All starting with King Ganondorf, the passion for treasure hunting had been passed down to many of his children. Both Leere and Tebanam were both proud competitors of a non-existent competition to see who could bring back the best discovery for their parents. As if her parents could love her any less for not finding a prettier treasure than Tebanam, Leere still could not quite let this immature contest go.
"I have a . . . question for you." Tebanam said, distracting Leere from her walk down memory lane. Leere gave an inquisitive look, which seemed enough for her brother to continue. "You know how you can transform, right?"
Leere frowned, she could almost see the gears in Tebanam's head whirring. "Yeah? What about it?"
"Would you be able to say . . . transform into a man?"
"Well yeah, it's a pretty easy spell actually. Even Mama can do it."
"Although the idea of our dear Mama as a man sounds really funny, that is a subject for a different conversation." Pausing to hear Leere let out a chuckle in bemusement, the brother than continued. "Do you still remember it? As in, can you still do it?"
"Yeah . . . I guess." Leere's eyes then squinted in suspicion. "Where are you going with this?"
"Well . . ."
Having found Tebanam's hotel, they had retreated to his room.
It was rather small, what with the large king-sized bed taking up a large amount of space. But Leere didn't have time to judge Tebanam's choice in accommodation when her brother was hurrying her along.
"Alright," Tebanam said, locking the door so no one could enter. "Now let's see what you can do."
Although still unaware of Tebanam's plan, Leere obeyed her little brother's wishes. With a string of non-Hyrulian words, it only took a few seconds before she disappeared behind smoke - an aftereffect of shape-shifting magic. Once the smoke cleared, Leere spoke.
"Did it - Woah!" Leere began before clutching at her throat. Her light and effeminate voice was now low and gravely. "My voice!"
"No way!" Tebanam said, his face covered with shock and awe. "It worked! I mean, you look exactly the same but . . . But a man!"
Going to the hotel room mirror, Leere was greeted by an adult man in her reflection. Her face was just as pale, eyes just as red and hair just as long. She even still had the beauty spot below the left side of his lip. But there was no mistaking it, she had become a man.
A tuft of brown facial hair covered her chin, a strong jawline and obvious Adam's apple made her look like a normal Hylian man.
"I'm honestly surprised," Leere said as she turned around in front of the mirror. "I haven’t used this spell in years. Not since I was a kid."
Then again, that was when she was young. Where there wasn't really a lot of difference between a prepubescent boy and girl. But looking at herself now, she would honestly not recognise herself.
She could already tell she was a bit taller but only a little, as she compared herself to her mixed-raced younger brother. Leere also felt stronger too, her arm muscles easily bulging out of the shirt she wore.
Now that she mentioned it, her clothes did seem rather tight. Especially around her crotch.
"What the heck?!" Leere shouted at the sight she saw under her pants and underwear.
Tebanam did not seem to feel any shame in joining in and sneaking a peek. And before Leere had the right mind to slap him silly, he was cackling.
"Bahahah!" Tebanam roared, holding his stomach. "I-It's like an acorn! Ahahaha!"
Leere glared at her brother, "Shut it! I'm not a giant Gerudian like you, OK?!"
But nothing seemed to reach Tebanam. He was in a fit of uncontrollable laughter, hunching over as he almost seemed to be in physical pain. Even with Leere - softly - punching him, it took Tebanam a good few minutes to recover.
Wiping his tearing eyes, the young prince sighed. Standing tall, he gave Leere another look over.
"Man, you really are a man, huh? I wouldn't even know it was you if I saw you."
Leere couldn't help but feel proud. Raising an arm and flexing her new muscles. "Are you doubting my magic, little brother?"
Tebanam chuckled, "As if, I know my place."
Leere huffed, "So you should."
"But I've gotta say," Tebanam said, walking a circle around Leere with a hand at his own chin. "You look like the sort of guy I would go after."
"Ew, gross." Leere frowned in disgust.
A look of excitement grew on Tebanam's face. "You know what?" He said excitedly, his eyes wide with excitement. "Let's go out!"
"What?" Leere blanched, "Why?"
"Why not!" His voice filled with enthusiasm. "Let's see how long your spell lasts!"
"How?"
"Let's go to a gay bar!"
"Wha-" Leere began but then shook her head. "No way! They'd definitely know."
"Trust me," Tebanam said, patting his, now, brother on the shoulder. "They won't notice a thing!"
"Wait a second," Leere said, stopping Tebanam in his tracks. Pointing a finger defiantly at her brother, "This was what you were planning from the start!"
"Nu-uh!" Tebanam objected, "I want to . . . test your magic and . . ." He was clearly fumbling for an excuse worthy of his plan but with no success.
Leere crossed her arms over her chest. "Come on, what's going on?"
Tebanam sighed, lifting an arm to ruffle his short, bright orange hair. "Well, I may have, kinda, sort of, got on the bad side of a bartender at the gay bar and got into a fight."
Leere let out a long sigh, shaking her head. "Should I ask?"
"Let's just say that you should never hit on a bartender's sidepiece."
Leere shook her head in disappointment. But this did sound a lot like what her brother would do.
"I'm not going, Teb." Leere said, not helping but sounding sympathetic despite Tebanam's stupidity. "I'm not going to be your bodyguard just so you don't get your ass beaten."
"C'mooooon," Her brother drawled, "Pleeaasee? Have you never wanted to experience what it's like to be a man? Better yet - a gay man? Besides, I'm sure it would be fun!"
Leere pursed her lips and tried to stand for her own convictions. But - for some unknown reason - seeing her fully-grown baby brother plead and implore her made her question her own decision.
Letting out a long exaggerated sigh, Leere rolled her eyes. "Fine! But I'm not the one who's going to save you if you get into any trouble."
On the other side of town, surrounded by brothels, bars and shifty-looking hotels, Oshmel's gay bar was alive with raucous laughter, chatter and music. Men of all ages and races gathered in and around the building. All seeming to be having a great night.
Leere shuffled where she stood at the entrance of the gay bar. She wore a spare pair of Tebanam's old clothes. A bit too big, Leere had made do and created an outfit that suited her new physique.
Leere felt nervous. And she didn't usually get nervous. In circumstances like these, Leere would be excited to go in and have a good time. But with her being under an enchantment, she had a fear that her magic could soon vanish and she knew the many patrons of this male exclusive bar wouldn't be welcome to a woman among them.
Besides, she didn't really know how men, more specifically gay me, flirted. She could use her feminine wiles to make men, and even more women, fall to their knees but she had doubts on her skills as a man.
Luckily, Tebanam - while holding back his clear excitement - comforted her. "You'll be fine, Leer. I promise, if anything happens, we're out."
Leere did not seem convinced, giving her brother a doubtful look.
"Alright, alright." Tebanam said, "I'll pay for your drinks too."
Leere was not one to ignore a free drink, so she grabbed onto Tebanam's wrist and lead the way inside the busy bar.
The gay bar was a nice establishment. With many tables filled with patrons, outside veranda and large dance floor, it was definitely a place Leere would happily go to. The building was dark apart from the candles or torches scattered about, making the mood of the building one of flirtation and mischief. A live band played cheerful yet slow music, a beat perfect to dance to as some patrons were demonstrating.
Going to the bar, Tebanam ordered two of the house's beer. The man behind the bar was quick and settled the two flasks on the bartop for the two siblings to take.
Leere took a hearty sip, welcoming the bitter taste like an old friend, watching over the joyful crowd.
"Hey, is Rukah here?" Tebanam asked the bartender, leaning over to see past the staff behind the bar.
The man shook his head. "No, it's his day off tonight."
Tebanam's said a quick thanks before looking to Leere with relief.
"Let me guess," Leere smiled with bemusement and took another healthy swallow of her drink. "He's the bully you're trying to avoid."
Tebanam nodded, "Trust me, I am not at all sad he isn't here."
Leere's brother then turned back to the bartender a telltale smirk on his lips. He's on the prowl , Leere thought. Not much caring, however.
Both of them finished their first drinks and quickly got a second. Whether that was on Tebanam's tab or the flattered bartender's, Leere didn't know but she was thankful nonetheless.
Just enjoying the amazing vocal acrobatics Tebanam did in flirting with the staff, Leere almost didn't notice a man take the spot on the other side of her at the bar.
"Hey, handsome," The good-looking Hyrulian said with a kind smile. Leaning onto the bartop and looking Leere over.
Tall and decently muscular, Leere would consider him as being a rather attractive man. He had short, blonde hair and soft blue eyes that crinkled when he smiled. Maybe it was just Leere's paranoia but the man looked shifty. Her suspicions didn't seem enough to think twice on it, however.
"Oh," Leere said outwardly, surprised someone would come up to her so soon after arriving. "Hey yourself." Giving her normal flirtatious smile.
It seemed to work a treat, the man only smiled wider. "I've never seen you around here before. Traveller?"
"Yeah," Leere answered with a nod, finishing the last drops of her beer. "Passing through to Kahmel."
"Kahmel?" The man repeated in surprise. His eyes not restraining from looking Leere over again. "By yourself? You must be stronger than you look."
Leere smiled, knowing well that the assumption was based on her still obvious height difference with the stranger. Only miniscule compared to that of her Gerudo siblings, clearly, it was something the man had to note.
"Trust me, I can handle myself." Leere countered, giving a wink for good measure.
The man let out a chuckle, "Oh? Can you handle another drink, then?"
"Easily."
The man got a bartender's attention, ordered and within a few minutes another pint of beer was in Leere's hand.
With already half of her third beer past her lips, she felt a hand go around her waist. The man only smiled, shuffling closer to where she stood at the bar.
"So tell me," The Hyrulian began, his voice low yet very audible over the throng of the bar. "What's your name?"
"Leere." She said, curious to see the man's reaction to her effeminate name.
He didn't seem to falter, only smiling further. "Well, Leere, I'm Rukah."
The name sounded familiar but Leere just took it to just be that it was a common Hyrulian name. Raising her glass she nodded to the man, "Nice to meet you, Rukah."
Finishing her drink in one final gulp, the hand at her waist tugged her ever closer to Rukah's side. "What are you doing after this?" His blue eyes seemed to glow in the dark lighting of the bar, making goosebumps rise on Leere's forearms.
"Well I'll probably go home with my-" She turned to point to her brother but found he was very clearly occupied. Leaning over the bartop, he had snagged a quick kiss from the bartender who seemed more than happy for another. " . . . Friend." She finished lamely, impressed yet annoyed by how distracted her brother had gotten in the mere minutes after arriving.
Rukah chuckled, clearly seeing why Leere paused, "Well it looks like your friend is preoccupied at the moment."
Just as Rukah spoke, the music in the tavern changed. Although the same upbeat tempo as the last hymn, this one was lead by a flute. Clearly a favourite of the patrons, the dancefloor was soon stuffed with new dancers.
Rukah seemed to have the same idea, turning to Leere after looking at the crowd. "Would you like to dance?"
Leere didn't need to look over to her brother to know he was still engrossed in seducing the staff so she shrugged. "Sure."
Joining the ever growing group of occupants on the dancefloor, Leere easily found her rhythm. Dancing and swaying to the beat of the song, she was a bit too inebriated to care if she was giving herself away by the rather erotic way she danced. Rukah seemed impressed and no one seemed to be planning to make a big deal out of it.
Leere had found her stride in regards to flirting as a man, easily knowing when to give Rukah or one of the customers a suggestive glance, when to graze her hand or rear against someone else's. Overall, she was having a good amount of fun.
Sadly, the song had to change and although many people still stayed to dance to the new tune, most opted to retreat back to their tables or the bar. Rukah was one of them, offering Leere another drink before leading the way out of the thinning crowd.
Leere could not see Tebanam at the bar, perhaps already having escorted that bartender back to his hotel room. Leere did feel hurt but seeing the newest pint in Rukah's hand, she easily pushed such thoughts aside.
Leere lifted the drink to her lips and gulped nearly half of the amber liquid down before realising something was off. There was this tang at the back of her throat, something that really should not be in a normal beer.
Looking to Rukah, the Hyrulian man seemed to be looking over cautiously, as if expecting something to happen.
Shit , Leere thought. Quickly trying to take a step towards the bathroom and away from the stranger. Intending to throw up the contents of that beer, Rukah grabbed onto her wrist as soon as she turned away from him.
"Hey now," He said, putting on a look of concern. "What's wrong? Where are you going?"
"B-Bathroom," Leere uttered.
The lights seemed to be going brighter as if someone put fuel to the flames. Her legs soon felt weak, her knees eventually feeling unbalance just by standing still. Something was wrong. Something was in that drink.
"C'mon," Rukah tried to soothe her, reaching out his other hand to take Leere's freed wrist. "Don't you wanna dance a bit more?"
"N-No," Leere weakily shook her head, trying but failing to pull out of the man's grip. "There was . . . There was something in my drink."
The world was beginning to spin, disorientating Leere with even the slightest turn of her head. Whatever was in her drink, it was spreading. Pumped into the bloodstream it made quick work with the alcohol. This wasn't an accident, this was done on purpose and Leere knew just who the culprit was.
Taking a step back again, Leere tried to escape from Rukah's clutches but instead lost her footing. Perhaps due to the sticky floor near the bar or just her now feeble legs, the ground came out from under her.
But two strong hands caught her before she landed on the ground. With what strength Leere had, she looked up.
Tebanam was back and he looked worried. Placing a hand on Leere's forehead, he checked her temperature. "Hey, you ok?"
"N-No," Leere said shakily. "Something was in my-"
"He's fine." Rukah interrupted, taking back Leere's wrist and giving it a soft tug. "We were just thinking about going back to my place."
Tebanam frowned, looking from his weakened sister to the stranger. "I don't think so." Easily grabbing onto the Hyrulian's wrist, he squeezed the shorter man hard enough to recoil from his grapple on Leere, who welcomed the protective arm of her brother around her.
"W-We were having fun!" Rukah stuttered, trying to defend himself out desperation. "He'll be fine, I'll look after him. Why don't you go back to chatting with Tirill?" Nodding to the bar, clearly speaking about the man Tebanam had been flirting with. "You two were getting pretty familiar, it'd be a shame if-"
Rukah paused his rambling to scowl. Looking up, he squinted at Tebanam's face as if recognising him. "Wait just a moment . . . Do I know you?"
Even Leere could feel Tebanam stiffen. His arms squeezing ever so tighter around her shoulders as if to keep her from slipping away.
"No you don’t," Tebanam obviously lied. "I'm just a-"
"Yeah . . ." Rukah interrupted, raising a hand to point at the tall man. "Yeah, I know you alright! You're that prick who went after Rilon!"
"Y-You're wrong, I don't know a Rilon." Tebanam continued, taking a cautious step back.
"Don't you bullshit me!" Rukah angrily shouted, catching bystander's attention. "You were here before! Going after him when you knew he was mine!"
"Well, m-maybe I did," Tebanam admitted, "But I didn't know he was yours."
Leere, perhaps too out of it to truly understand the context of this fight, could not help but spare a thought of bemusement. Seeing her tall half-Gerudo brother almost cowering from the puny Hyrulian that stood in front of him.
"Shut it!" Rukah said, clearly intoxicated and visibly angry. Reaching out he grabbed onto Leere's wrist. So tight that is it made her grunt in discomfort. "Imma take your boyfriend and we'll pretend like this never happened."
"Boyfriend?!" Tebanam said, tone heavy with shock and disgust. "He's my sis-brother!" Leere could feel her younger sibling take a step backwards, trying to make space between them and the Hyrulian. "Now let go of him!"
"No way," Rukah said, shaking his head as he closed the space between them again. "I work here, remember? So you better play nice."
With one strong yank, Leere had slipped from Tebanam's safe embrace into the stranger’s arms. Holding both of her arms behind her back and with Leere's symptoms only worsening, there was no way she would have the strength to free herself.
"I'll repeat myself only one more time." Rukah said, a half-crazed smirk curling his face. "You get out of my club and leave your . . . brother with me."
With all the strength she had left, Leere crouched in her assailant's grip. And before either her brother or her attacker could say a thing, she jumped upwards and slamming the back of her head into Rukah's chin and nose.
Leere felt the arms that had been restraining her loosen and took the needed steps to get back to Tebanam's side. Rukah was on the floor, falling onto his ass from the force of the hit. He let out a pathetic groan, clutching at his face as he wriggled to get back up to his feet.
To Leere's dismay, three men separated from the onlooking crowd to join Rukah by his side. Clearly not there to negotiate.
Leere swore under her breath. Knowing her condition, she would only be able to fight off one of the newcomers. But Leere then felt the hand that held her close squeeze her. Tebanam was still with her and clearly, he'd be able to handle the rest of the rabble.
The newcomers were the first to move in. All at once, all three lept to separate the siblings. Leere kicked one in the shin, causing the man to topple. Tebanam used his large forearms to careen across and smack the other two away.
In the ensuing chaos, Leere quickly had her opponent groaning from a broken bone and Tebanam had left the other two men unconscious.
Thankfully, that seemed to be the only people who were planning to side with the now bleeding Rukah. So before any more people got any ideas, the siblings quickly pushed through the onlooking crowd and left the bar in a run.
The night sky outside of Oshmel was beautiful. Without the lights of the city brightening the heavens, the navy blue was dotted by bright stars. It was also silent apart from the soft running of the nearby river flowing through the grasslands and the soft chirping of local insects.
Too bad that was ruined by Leere heaving up the inside of her stomach into the river. Trying as best she could to get rid of any last remnants of whatever Rukah had slipped into her drink. The only comfort being the soft, comforting pat of her little brother against her hunched back.
With her stomach feeling empty and throat sore from choking, Leere laid down in the grass to rest and to stop her head from spinning.
"You feeling better?" Tebanam inquired, sitting next to her and looking over the meadow-covered scape.
"Not a lot," Leere muttered and lifted her had to squeeze it into a fist. "But my energy is coming back."
"Good," Tebanam sighed in relief. "I'm sorry, by the way. I really should've kept an eye on you."
"Yeah, you should've." Leere said dryly but then nudging Tebanam from where she lay to tell him she was joking. "But it's not your fault. It's that son of a bitch Rukah who should by saying sorry."
Tebanam let out an understanding grunt but didn't seem to quite like he had understood that he had been forgiven. Guilt still twinkled in his orange eyes as a frown played at his brow.
"Listen . . . I'm sorry for what I had said. The last time we saw each other, I mean." Tebanam muttered, pulling a blade of grass from the stem to fiddle with it in his fingers. "It was uncalled for."
Leere shrugged, sitting up to watch her little brother twist and tug at the leaf. "It's fine. Me and Rinku weren't really helping things. I don't really know where it all came from but . . . we really shouldn't have ended it like that."
Tebanam nodded, the blade of grass now tatters in his lap. "Yeah . . . me neither."
Nudging her baby brother again, Leere smiled to him. "As if I could ever hold a grudge against you, Teb."
Tebanam could only smile, reassurance being all he needed to let him relax where he sat. "We better get going then." The brother said before getting to his feet. "You can stay in my room tonight."
Leere stood up on her feet but soon felt her knees shake under the pressure of holding herself upwards. Tebanam seemed to see her dilemma and smiled.
"C'mon," He said, crouching and offering his back for her to climb onto. "I'll carry you."
Leere restrained a smile and obeyed, quickly getting into Tebanam's back. She was having a strong sense of nostalgia. They had used to do this when they were kids, only it had been the other way around. Tebanam sobbing from a grazed knee and Leere telling him off for not being careful.
"Goddesses, you're heavy." Tebanam groaned as he steadied himself.
Leere playfully hit her brother, "That's no way to talk to a girl."
"But your not a girl," Tebanam retorted, smirking at Leere's still transformed appearance.
"Oh yeah!" The sister gasped, quickly muttering the needed incantation under her breath. She soon felt lighter, her clothes loosening and her chest quickly weighing her down. "Better?"
"Much so," Tebanam answered mid-chuckle.
For that one night, the town of Oshwel was treated to the sound of adult siblings laughter as the two of them, with only one trail of footsteps, ran down the empty streets.
This fic is based on the Zelgan au (and Rinku) by @figmentforms
Tebanam is created by @s-kinnaly
Leere is created by @mrneighbourlove
Towns and other minor characters are by me
I highly recommend you look at their content on this to have a better understanding of the story
2019 updates of Tebanam, Faris and Teb’s ex lover, Jazoh. Got inspired by “Not Meant to Be” . A lovely story about Teb meeting his ex lover while also being with Faris. Please check it out and support :3
Doodles of the adventures with Tebanam and Faris~ Here’s a chapter of them if anyone wants to read :3 “The Lost Tribe” written by the lovely @ridersoftheapocalypse
Comments, reblogs are extra appreciated~! <3 <3 <3 I also love to read tags :3
