Beside Sunny, in how many relationships Leere had ?
This is a fun question to answer. Leere has had plenty of relationships, be them partnerships trying for love or to passion filled hookups, or friends with benefits that turned into simply friends.
Growing up, Leere always had crushes, but never truly pursued them outside the odd kiss with someone her age. Although her parents loved her for who she was, there was still nobility that didn't approve of pansexuality. Having gone over to Danjur for study in her early twenties, Leere found herself exploring multiple avenues. Nothing would stick with the parties she went to, but she was able to find her kinks, her preferences, and her tolerances.
After graduating, Leere would travel and engage in hookups if the mood struck her, such as with the Matriarch Fayruz. Between her 20's-50's, however, Leere felt she was struck with a curse. Any relationship she tried to stick with long term, man or woman, would lead to the death of her partner in terrible accidents on her adventures.
When she discovered the Hive organization under Hyrule, Leere felt comfortable leading a life of excess partying and lust in the company of those who she felt couldn't be harmed so easily. This lead to FWB's with the arachnid twins Blue and White, and a much closer relationship with Bonegrinder. Although never official, and still on friendly terms, Leere hasn't disputed Ralnor calling the Echidnian an ex.
After going through rehab and cutting her more lustful aspects of her relationship with the Hive, Leere found the love of her life in Sunny Ingo. The two now live happily married and have a daughter.
Crushes Leere has fanaticized about are Zarazu, Zolori, her Deku band mate who respectfully shot her down, and after seeing old pictures of her and hearing stories, Midna.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE AND HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY to the lovely writer and meh bestie @ridersoftheapocalypse !!!! Hope you like it~! I know it’s less than last year, but maybe I’ll do more later... ;3
This is based on @ridersoftheapocalypse lovely fic with her OC Zarazu with my Covarog, here is the story. Give it a read, it’s good :3
Rinku is from the awesome comic (seriously give that a read, it’s about ZeldaxGanondorf) from @figmentforms, who is also a very talented and lovely artist :3 <3 <3
Leere Dragmire walked through the construction sight of castle town. Whole buildings levelled and debris being moved away. She wasn't present in Hyrule for the recent invasion by threat whispered as Vul'kar. Her last day traveling through she had encountered an increasing presence of undead Stalfos and other monsters. They were attracted to darkness and death. And very landscapes had been torn apart. Seeing more and more destruction she only hoped her family was alive.
A guard stopped her from entering the castle. "I'm sorry. Due to recent circumstances no citizens are allowed into the castle until the bridge is fixed."
Leere raised an eyebrow and took out a locket, the Hylian Royal Family insignia on it. Just because she didn't happen to look like a princess didn't mean she wasn't one. "Princess Leere honey. Now if you don't mind, I'd like to enter my home."
The guard was confused, and on closer inspection, he wasn't Hylian. Had a darker tone and the smell of ocean. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize the royal family had another daughter. Still getting used to this. Please, follow me."
Leere nodded, grateful to see if her family was finally well. Three years was a little long.
"Zizi, you've already built nearly seventy temporary shelters today. Enough is enough, you need to go rest." Zarazu chided her younger sister gently as she held up some water. "You're exhausted. You only have so much magic to use each day and you're overexerting yourself. Several Zemljas and Kovinas are tired because of all of this. Just because you are my sister doesn't mean you have to do extra."
"Listen to her, Zi." Zolori was holding a basket full of fruits for Zizi to eat. "You've worked all day. You need a break."
"But... but some people don't have a shelter." Zizi huffed as she put her hands on her knees, sweat rolling down her forehead. "Where will they sleep?"
"It's called camping, one night under the stars won't kill them." Covarog assured his sister-in-law. "Besides, we'll have fires to keep everyone warm. Right now, they're handing out some food grown by the Zemljas for emergencies. We were able to salvage some of the fields, but not much."
"Yeah. Looked like everything was torched." Leere stepped into view. She had extremely beautiful pale skin with crimson eyes and dark flowing chocolate hair, while wearing common traveling gear. The second she laid eyes on her younger brother her composure had regained. She knew that he'd keep the rest of the family safe. "Good to see you Covarog."
"...! Leere!" Covarog internally felt a wave of relief. He never did see her among the captives when Vul'kar took so many hostages. He was hoping she was far away and safe. Hurrying to her side, he swept Leere up in a big hug. "Thank goodness you're safe!"
"...?" Zizi exchanged glances with her sisters.
"More or less obliterated by ancient monsters of the deep." Zolori wiped the soot off her hands by rubbing them together. "And you are..."
Leere hugged Covarog as he easily spun her small frame around like a ragdoll. Settling down she turned to the rather good looking blonde, arching an eyebrow after checking her out. "Leere Dragmire. Eldest daughter of Zelda and Ganondorf." She quickly winked to Covarog. "By two weeks against deer Rinku of course." She looked back at the three woman. "And might I know who you all are?"
"Oh..." Zarazu stood there, a bit confused. Covarog never mentioned another elder sister. Then again, there were extended family members and close friends that the Dragmires considered family. Maybe this term was just an endearment. "I am Queen Zarazu Slatki of the Lorleidians."
"Leere, this is my wife." Covarog gave Zarazu a small peck on a cheek. "We were married right before this disaster happened."
"These are my sisters, Zolori and Zizi." Zarazu smiled at Leere. "It is nice to meet you."
"We're just in the process of rebuilding." Zizi explained as she took a seat on a nearby rock, too tired to stand any longer. "It might take a while for Hyrule to return to normal."
"With the dragons' help, it shouldn't be too bad."
Leere processed all of that. She curiously studied them closely. From the look of mistrust in Zolori's eyes and her tight body stance, the dreadlocks in Zizi's hair and her carefree aura, to the tattoos on Zarazu.
She looked to Covarog a bit shocked. "You...you're married."
"Hitched, united, joined in holy matrimony, mated, take your pick."
"Zolori!" Zarazu blushed slightly at that last synonym.
"Just wait until you hear the story of how they met, that's one for the history books."
"Zizi, not you too!"
"What? It's a good story!"
"Actually, it is a good story, ironic too." Covarog chuckled. "What brings you back after three years?"
"You mean besides hearing that Hyrule went to hell? I was worried that Dad might have gone off the deep end or another apocalyptic evil may have hurt you guys. Sorry I was late."
"Apocalyptic? Yeah. Evil? Definitely. Defeated and out of this realm? Check." Zolori checked off her imaginary list. "All thanks to the efforts of my sister, her buff husband and everyone else."
"Princey-Pooh went down once but came back up." Zizi munched on her snack. "It takes a lot to keep him down."
"Zizi, we talked about the nicknames." Covarog sighed in exasperation.
"What? Kingy-Kun doesn't care."
"My father doesn't care about that kind of thing."
"Still. It's cute."
"Kingy-Kun???" Leere snorted. "I like that."
She looks at Zarazu again. The Queen was indeed a fine woman. Smiling she whispers to Covarog. "Popped your cherry huh? Was it everything you imagined?"
"Leere!" Covarog turned red all the way to the tips of his ears.
Zarazu blushed as well, trying to keep her composure.
"Just asking~"
She goes to Zarazu and shakes her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you Zarazu. I'm glad to have another sister."
"And one big scaly baby to boot." Zolori added.
"Yeah, Ba'puu won't leave Zarazu alone for long." Zizi took a sip of her water.
"It's always nice to have a big family." Zarazu returned the hand shake. "I'll have some others to introduce you to later, but first, maybe we should find you something to eat."
"Thank you. Because too tell you the truth I am famished." She looked to Zolori and Zizi, moving to politely shake their hands. "Nice to meet you two as well."
"Maybe you gained three more sisters." Zizi held up a piece of tangerine. "We don't have any meat at the moment, just fruits, veggies, and some bread. Hope that's okay."
"Pumpernickel or wheat?" Zolori offered a slice. "I think we got some sourdough somewhere."
"You can camp with Zizi and Zolori if you wish." Zarazu suggested. "Covarog and I will stay with Ba'puu."
"Can I say I love your outfits. Wonderful blend of elegant, free, and a dash of sexy~" She smiles at Zolori in particular. "You keep mentioning this Ba'Puu. He a brother of yours?"
"Glad you approve and if I liked the same team, you're easily a ten, but you might be better off approaching another lady." Zolori shook her head. "No, he's Zarazu's baby. Our nephew."
"An extremely clingy, sassiest of sassy, giant water baby." Covarog described Ba'puu with a roll of his eyes. "Refuses to be separated from my wife for too long."
"Now, now, Ba'puu isn't that bad. He was raised by a human, not a dragon so he's bound to be a little..." Zarazu stopped when Covarog gave her look. "... okay, he's a little attached to me at the hip."
Leere picked that up again. "Dragon? You have a baby dragon as a family member?"
"He's an adult now, I took him in as a baby." Zarazu clarified as she put a blanket on Covarog's shoulders. The night's chill was already blowing across the hills. "And growing all the time."
"More like she has an army of dragons." Covarog assured his sister. "Good dragons though. No human eaters. Actually have human riders."
"Huh...I'll go bunk with Zolori and Zizi as I'm guessing my room is probably rubble."
"Everything is rubble." Covarog sighed. "The castle, the town, even the port. It will take a lot of building and patience, but we'll get Hyrule back to its former glory."
"Zizi sleeps in a hammock, so I'll roll out a sheepskin for you." Zolori told Leere. "Unless you prefer a hammock."
"I'm fine with either. Slept in crypts before." She turns to Covarog. "I don't want to wake up being dragged out by you, Ral, or Orana into the crying arms of Kanisa or Tebby Bear."
"Better go say hi after you finish eating then." Covarog told her as he pulled his wife in closer for warmth while the two of them nibbled on food. "Make sure you don't scream if you see dragons anywhere. It will just annoy them."
"Like you screamed around the Redeads~"
"Heh, not much to be jealous of. We have more to the family for you to meet." Covarog was ready to rest for the day. After trying to clear a lot of rubble and talk to the people, he was all for some sleep. Of course, he and Zarazu had no privacy, so there would be no nocturnal fun. "Get some rest, Leere."
"Sure thing 'little' brother." She leans up on her tippy toes to give him as kiss on the cheek. Patrolling the castle she found the rest of her family relaxing with the latest grub. "Hey! How you doing!"
~
It took some explaining and a couple of laughs, but Leere was able to meet her new family members. Cass was proud to introduce little Ukuri, who was already a few months old. She was a happy baby, did not cry much unless she was wet or hungry. Ralnor seemed a bit lighter instead of the usual doom and gloom. Corsaire, the pirate captain, was less of a surprise to Leere. She always knew that Orana would seek out that pirate from the books she loved as a kid. What was surprising was how the two of them took on a kraken together and lived to tell the tale. After saying hello to Kanisa and Tebanam, it was time to sleep.
Leere dotted over little Ukuri. "Awwww. I'm your Aunt Leere. You ready for sleep? Need a sucker for the little sucker~"
"She's still on the breast, no sugar." Ralnor turned his sister away from the baby. "You can coo over her tomorrow. She has a sleep schedule and it cannot be interrupted."
"He's very strict about the sleep schedule." Cass told Leere with a brief chuckle. "No interruptions."
"Still picky over the tiniest things. Never change Ralnor."
Later that same night Leere was groaning in her sleep. She felt restless like this. Having gone to what was left of her room she was disheartened to find her favourite blanket torn in two, along with most of her possessions torn into pieces. Lucky she was able to grab fresh clothing of hers before going to bed for the morning.
Waking up she felt incredibly groggy. "Need. Caffeine...."
"Good thing I grow coffee beans." Zizi was hanging upside down outside of Leere's tent. There was a huge tree, full of swinging vines that Zizi and Skull Kid made a home in for the time being until the forest was healed. She made sure to situate it near her and Zolori just incase she needed. "Zolori can roast them for you."
"Thanks monkey girl..." Leere rubbed her eyes as she got up, putting a clean bra and shirt on. "Don't worry, I can get a kettle or something."
"Good luck finding one in the rubbish." Zizi held out a motar and pestle. "This works just as..." Her sentence trailed off when she noticed the dark magic markings on Leere's back. While Covarog's family still had hints of dark magic usage, it still unnerved her, especially since this one was dealing with necromancy. She recalled Klinge saying something about how he didn't like to be controlled. Maybe this was the person who did such a thing to him. "Well."
"Thanks, I'm pretty handy." She notices the way Zizi is looking at her. "What's up?"
"Nothing, just admiring the ink." Zizi wiggled her left leg, thinking fast. "Got some myself. Zolori is fixing some breakfast too, so help yourself."
Leere smiles to defuse the tension best she can. "Of course. Hope she good at cooking as she is good looking."
Leere gets up and heads out to have some food, waving nicely to Zolori. Too bad she wasn't gay. "Morning."
"She hasn't killed anyone with food poisoning yet, but has a tendency to burn things."
"I heard that!" Zolori yelled from the cooking site. "I like it burnt!"
"Normal people don't!"
"Says you!"
"Says everyone!"
"Oh, go kiss the pranking undead kid!"
"You go kiss Vul'kar's ass!"
"I'll burn your eggs!"
"I'll go find more!"
Zolori handed Leere a leaf, placing some eggs and bread on it.
"Coffee will be ready in a minute."
"Thank you, I'm sure it's fine." One bite into the burnt eggs and Leere's face scrunched up. She contorted a smile as she kept eating it. "V-very nice. Maybe a more rare in the future?"
"... sorry. I think it's a Vatra thing." Zolori switched the eggs out with some ones that were less burnt, taking the burnt ones for herself. "We like things burnt."
"So where's your flint?"
"Flint? Don't need it." Zolori held out her hand, and snapped her fingers. The fire appeared in her palm, swirling there. "Just like Zizi doesn't have a green thumb, she literally is the green thumb."
Leere's eyes glowed with the fire, memorized by the flame. "Elemental magic? Are all Lorliedians capable of magic?"
"Yeah, all of us are. Just appears at different ages." Zolori shrugged her shoulders as she munched on a piece of toast. When the coffee started boiling, she then took it off the flame. Pouring an amount into a clay fired cup, she offered it to Leere. "I was a teen when my flames appeared, Zizi was around seven when plants sprouted, and Zarazu was... three I think? Water first, icy talent came later." Taking a sip of the coffee herself, Zolori then counted on her fingers. "Water, fire, wind, earth, metal, lightning, and spirit. So that's Voda, Vatra, Vjetar, Zemlja, Kovina, Munja, and Dusa. Take your pick."
"That's amazing. So much life in your magic. So in tuned with the Earth." She takes the coffee and smiles. "This is damn good coffee."
"Glad you like the coffee." Zolori extungished the flames with a wave of her hand. "You think that's something, just wait until you meet an elder. Much more impressive stuff." Standing and stretching, she then said, "Might want to check with Covarog to see where you can help. I'm stuck with helping Kovinas salvage metal. If you need anything else as far as food goes, just check with Zizi. And watch out for Mask-For-Faces, he's gotten wind that you're back."
"Skull Kid? He's just mad I seduce everyone he likes~" After the coffee she sets her cup down. "Thanks. I'm going inspect the castle and later the countryside for damages."
"Well, more specifically casualties."
"Heh, let me know when you and Rinku save the date." Zolori sighed and then frowned. "We found most of the bodies, but feel free to knock yourself out and dig through rubble for any belongings."
"Yeah. I'm sure you were very precise." She walks to the castle and lays a hand out on the rubble. Concentrating she closes her eyes. The cold flesh buried underneath, alone and, for now, preserved by rock and wood and metal.
"I'll start digging. I want to talk to your sister sometime. Get a better feeling on her."
Zolori felt a chill travel up her spine. Dark magic, Lorleidians were super sensitive to it. The sole existence of the Lorleidian people was to balance the light with the dark. Still, even after all this time of combating it, the magic still gave her the creeps.
"Zizi? Or Zarazu?"
"The one who's married to my brother honey." She starts crawl around the rubble.
"Zarazu?" Zolori wondered what Leere's intentions were. "Anything you wanna ask that you think she might not answer?"
"That's for her, not you. No offence." Leere gets close to a buried body and starts digging.
"If you wanna know how much they fuck, that's easy, like... oh I don't know. Every day?" Zolori was trying to think of a number and found she couldn't, but it was in at least double digits. "Though you should know, Zarazu's a kind soul until you mess with someone she loves. That's all I can really say. Otherwise, feel free to question away."
"Good. Then you won't mind getting her for me."
Leere tore some wood beams away to discover a young girl. Just a poor little maid. Taking a deep breath she laid her fingers on the frame of the deceased's skull.
She saw the darkness over taking the sky, felt the fear that the young girl felt that turned into utter panic when she saw an Abyssian. It was such a contorted creature. She ran away as fast as she could, only to look up as the ceiling came down upon her.
Sighing Leere remained neutral, closing the girls eyes. "Be at peace...."
"Zarazu's helping get some fish right now for eating, but you can talk to her after that."
"Very well. Tell her I'll be waiting by the courtyard."
~
And that she did. For two full hours. "I bet Zolori didn't even tell her. Freaking blondes..."
"Zolori did tell me, though there is such a thing as having to cater to your people." Zarazu finally appeared in the demolished courtyard. She smelled like fish and had her hair pulled back from her face. After distributing the food to her people, she took the leftovers to the dragon mothers who were unable to hunt because of watching their hatchlings. "I apologize for taking so long. Is something amiss?"
"No. No. I just wanted to get to know you a little better is all. After all, you're married to the man who I had to read bed time stories to."
"Heh... well, I'm not occupied for the next couple of hours." Zarazu was exhausted and simply sat down on a free patch of grass. "I'm sorry I'm not more presentable."
"That's alright. You look fine to me. It wouldn't be inappropriate to ask for your tailor would it?" Leere sat beside her.
"We actually make our own clothes and patterns." Zarazu laughed softly. "Let me know which pattern you like and maybe when I get my hands on some materials, I'll show you how."
"Thank you. It has a much more elegant belly dancer look to it." Leere took a breath of the air. "Thank you for protecting the people of this land to the best of your ability. I regret heavily not being here."
"To be honest, I was at odds with Ganondorf at first but... sometimes, it takes two people to right the wrongs of the past." Zarazu had nothing to hide. "Slowly, but surely, this became a new home where we could grow and... surprisingly, I found love."
"Yeah. How did you meet my brother?"
"That's the ironic part actually..." Zarazu admitted sheepishly. "We tried to kill each other at first at his birthday party when I took back the artifacts Ganondorf took from my people. Then when he followed me to Lorleidi, we um... were better known with each other during a week or so. Got past the bias, and talked... then Vul'kar happened."
Leere snickered loudly at the party. "That's too funny. I'm sure it was a very romantic first impression. So Vul'kar. Big scary demon I'm guessing?"
"Abyssian." Zarazu was not sure how much she should elaborate. "Locked away wrongly for loving someone and creating the first mixture between light and dark; the Twili. Went insane, attacked the whole world for what happened to him. Wanted it to be swallowed in the darkness he knew."
"Good job on stopping him. How about a lighter mood." She grins from ear to ear. "You got to tell me, did you make the first move for nocturnal activity? I couldn't see Covarog being brace enough to move in on a woman of your caliber~"
Zarazu's face turned redder than a strawberry.
"... yes." She couldn't look Leere in the eye.
Leere tips Zarazu's chin to look at her. "Cute. Very cute~ Can see easily why he fell for you." Tickling her chin Leere leaned back with a chuckle. "So I guess you and Covarog will be the new sovereigns in a few years? Maybe a couple kids?"
"I... suppose." Zarazu really was not sure how ascending the throne worked in Hyrule. "When Ganondorf and Zelda are ready to retire, we'll take over of course, but... as far as children, we're waiting for Hyrule to be stable again. It wouldn't be fair to a child to neglect it over the needs of a kingdom. I know Zelda has her ways, and has spoken of nannies, but in Lorleidian culture, the mother cares for the babies unless she's unable."
"Very noble. Must be a little hard though, what with Cass taking the lead."
"No, I'm happy for Cass and Ralnor." Zarazu smiled. "Covarog is delighted for his brother. He swears Ralnor smiles more often now, and there's actually a light in his eyes. I'm in no rush. Besides, I have Covarog to focus on right now. A baby will come later."
Leere nods in happiness. "Wise for such a young woman."
"You raise two sisters and a baby dragon, you learn some things.”
"I bet. So as Queen of the Magic Islanders, got anything cool?"
"...? Anything cool?"
Leere shrugs. "You know. Relics, magic, other worldly powers?"
"Oh! Well... I'm a Leden Voda." Zarazu held out her hand, touching Leere's coffee cup. The liquid instantly turned to ice before returning to a normal liquid. It sloshed around a bit before resuming a calm state in the cup. "I can control water and ice. Most Vodas only control water and can move ice, but cannot form it."
Leere takes a sip. "Your iced coffee is something to be desired. Anything else? How'd you get your tattoos?"
"This is a tattoo of a whirlpool that I had done myself." Zarazu pointed to her stomach. "The ones on my arms are from the Seven Siblings, the spirits who granted us these abilities. Each tribe has their own type of tattoo to honor the spirit from which has blessed them."
"May I feel them?"
"Of course." Zarazu held out her arm. "Don't be alarmed if they glow. It's normal."
"Better then my tattoo." Leere felt them, surprised by how smooth her skin was. "Very moisturized. I like that. I can tell you'll be naturally young for years to come."
"Thanks. If you want a tattoo later, I'll hook you up with Kolkov. Looks like a brute, but is the best one we have at tattooing." Zarazu offered. "Lorleidians usually live long lives anyhow. Current age to beat is 131."
"Impressive. I'm sorry you lost your home, but I'm glad your culture survived. Your sisters told me that your magic covers all the elements of the Earth. I respect the light in that type of magic you have."
"Lorleidians exist to keep the balance. That's what I've always been told." Zarazu then asked. "I'm glad that you returned home safely. I know that when a family member is away from others, it makes them worry about you."
"Indeed. My work and quest for knowledge keeps me far from home. They also bring me hope when I need it the most."
"Now you're making me feel like an old sage." Zarazu knew that wisdom came with age but she supposed her experiences resulted in her gaining some earlier than normal. "
"You're not old yet. Take it from me." Leere looked around her surroundings. "How do your people deal with life and death?"
"Life and death? We do belief in the afterlife and death is just another part of the journey, if that's what you're asking." Zarazu clarified. "We have the God of Life and Goddess of Death, stories going back as old as Hylia and Demise."
"Interesting. What are their names?"
"Heh... ironically enough, Ba'puu and Zarazu. My father had a... twisted sense of humor."
Leere held her hand gently. "I understand. My birth father named me after emptiness. I'm not actually Hylian."
"I could kinda tell that from the skin and the hair... and the eyes." Zarazu remarked with a slight chuckle. "Not Hylian, not Gerudo... maybe... this legendary Garai tribe that Tebanam insists exists?"
"Did some tracking down, but part of a people called the Mortuus. Very vague though on who they are, except the name. Don’t think it matters though." Leere took a deep inner breath. If she was family now, she'd need to know.
"How do you see dark magic, especially around death?"
"Dark magic is, was, the sole purpose of why my people were created." Zarazu regretted to look on Leere's face. "Lorleidians are here to keep balance. Our job is to eradicate dark magic, especially if it is a threat to others. Since joining the Dragmire family, I've gotten used to seeing other sides of dark magic, but... some of my people..." She sighed. "Since Vul'kar and his blackness, they're more on guard than ever. I understand that some dark magic can be used for good, it's just... when you see it being used for evil so much, it's difficult to accept. I hope you understand that I'm trying my best not to be biased."
Leere nodded understandably. Was going to be harder then she thought. She stood up and looked down at her. "How much do you know of necromancy?"
"I haven't had much experience with necromancy." Zarazu was honest. "Most of Vul'kar's magic was just... brute power. Mind tricks, nightmares, controlling against the will, even necrosis."
"Do you know what necromancy is?"
"The use of the dead... to..." Zarazu thought about how to word it. "Carry out said person's wishes?"
"Very textbook. Necromancy allows you to control flesh, blood, muscle and bone once the soul has passed. It lets you connect with wandering souls on a spiritual level. Construct and summon creatures, sometimes demons of the dead and darkness. And if you are willing to sacrifice, bring back those that have long since been gone."
"And I'm assuming that bringing someone back is a big risk?"
"If you aren't willing to sacrifice other lives that is."
"A life for a life... it makes sense."
"It's a cost I'd never take..."
"I don't think I could either if I had that sort of magic." Zarazu thought of all the people she lost in the battle with Vul'kar and old Pojiji. "There are many people I miss... some I didn't even know that I wanted to. Though the only comfort I have is that one day, I'll see them again. No pain, no tears... just joy."
"I hope I get that chance, if my soul isn't dammed." Leere held her heart. "Zarazu. I'm a necromancer. Hyrule's strongest, and most knowledgeable. Even able to perform taboo blood magic."
"... in my culture, a soul isn't damned unless they’re willing to turn to evil." Zarazu thought about her words before she spoke. "So unless you're planning on raising an undead army to conquer the known world... in my book, I think you have a fair chance."
"I could do that. Even have the knowledge to transfer souls. It's about a willingness to do so. You aren't...weary of me are you?"
"I'm not weary, just cautious of your power." Zarazu admitted. "I've dealt with a lot of dark magic before concerning Vul'kar and his lackeys. I've seen what dark magic can do."
"Of course. Wise Zarazu. I can do much, but my specialty it summons. Used to place zombified heads around to scare my siblings. Would you like a quick demonstration?"
"I think I'm good with the demonstration of zombie heads." Zarazu quickly dismissed that idea with a weak chuckle. "I could deal without a scare."
"It's not too bad. I could range from a few Dead Hands, or less scary spooky skeleton warrior. Also have a pet Wall Master I nicknamed Lefty." Leere gave a warm inviting smile. “Just to show its not entirely bad.”
"Let's just do whatever is less... scary."
"Skeletons it is!" Leere took a few steps back and grinned. Raising a hand she effortlessly summoned a few skeletons. Their bones cackled as they rose from the earth, but were clear white. With additional effort she got them to dance. "Does the fair Queen like her show?"
Zarazu jolted, unable to help her reaction. Experiencing Vul'kar was one thing, but this was a whole new area of dark magic. Try as she might, the queen was still unable to be completely at ease. While the dancing was... impressive, for lack of better word, Zarazu knew she would feel much better once the skeletons were back in the ground.
"I think---"
Before she could deliver an answer, Ba'puu made his presence known. He was never too far from his mistress. Zarazu told him she would be by the lake for a visit after a meeting with another member of Covarog's family. However, it looked like she was in trouble with dark magic. He could sense it. He could sense her unease. Vul'kar came close to killing his mistress. Never again would he allow someone to hurt her. As long as he was alive, the water dragon was going to ensure his beloved human lived to see old age and be happy with all her years. With a roar, his mighty fore paw slammed the woman into the ground.
Leere felt bad for Zarazu, could sense her discomfort. The poor thing must have been through a lot. She was about to release her grip on the two jolly skeletons when her body was slammed down from behind by an unknown force and her small frame was easily knocked out as her head cracked against the ground, bleeding her forehead from the impact. The skeletons crumbled away back into the earth as her mind momentarily slipped away.
"BA'PUU!!!" Zarazu shouted at his sudden attack, standing over the exposed portion of Leere's pinned form. "NO! No, no!"
"It's dark magic! Undead magic!" Ba'puu roared. "I won't let it hurt you!"
"She's not an enemy, good spirits, let her up!"
"What do you mean she's not an enemy?! I saw the skeletons! She was going to attack you!"
"No she wasn't, it was just a demonstration!"
"What?!"
"She's the other sister that Covarog was telling me about!"
"That's not Orana or Kanisa."
"She's adopted! Let her up!"
"... are you sure? I could crush her right now."
"NO! No crushing, let her up!"
Leere's magic started to stir her awake in an unconscious state, a protective safeguard against sudden trauma. A few dead hands rose from the ground, albino white with patches of blood and unnatural finger tips, and they clawed and nudged him to let go, others trying to get a grip and pull him off. Luckily they only scratched at his scaly and well protected arm. Leere groaned heavily in a concussed haze. The hands kept slowly rising, their only will to protect their injured master.
"... fine... but one wrong move, and she's a pile of ash."
Ba'puu reluctantly lifted his paw and easily crushed the hands, still too paranoid about the latest events.
"Leere! Oh my spirits, I'm so sorry!" Zarazu helped Leere roll over and looked at the bleeding gash on her forehead. Taking the sash from her waist, the queen used it to press against the cut. It was all she had here and was not sure if her healing magic would help since it was light magic. It was better to be safe to avoid an adverse reaction. "Are you okay?! Do you have any broken bones?! Can you understand me?!"
Leere looked around as her vision was blurry. Her hand lowered the Dead Hands to retreat back into the Earth, at least for now. "What...the fuck...happened....Was I…stepped on???"
My dragon happened." Zarazu shot Ba'puu a look.
"I was protecting you, I'm not going to apologize." Ba'puu chuffed, still standing with his tail flicking back and forth angrily. "What the hell is that woman?"
"If I knew you practiced dark magic I could have told him but I didn't know---damn it, I'm so sorry about this."
Having met a Hylian Dragon once she learned about the telepathy of Dragons and their kin. This particular one had an annoying arrogance in his voice. "You...asshat. Go fly into a hornets nest. What kind of child attacks a woman from be-" Leere lurched up and threw up some bile. She needed immediate medical attention. Magic preferably. "Fountain....take me to the fountain south of the castle, under the cave."
"Too big for a hornet's nest, dumbass." Ba'puu snorted. "I do whatever is necessary to protect my mistress."
"I can heal but it's light magic?" Zarazu then heard Leere's instructions. "A fountain? I can summon water here!"
"Or I can dunk her in the lake."
"Ba'puu, hush."
"Fuck you fatass. I can see you eat too much to be small." Leere put her arm around Zarazu for support. "It's a healing spring. Hidden. I think you'll like it."
"... never mind the lake, I'll just take her to the deepest depth of the ocean."
"Ba'puu! You're not helping!" Zarazu apologized for her dragon. "I'm sorry, he's usually not like this at all, he's just spooked by the dark magic."
“I’ll take your word about him with a grain of salt for now.” Leere groaned as they made their way. "Should have adopted a Dinosaur. So much cooler."
Weeks passed. The queen was still incredibly weak but at least now she was out of danger. Her body was in stable condition, but the magic had not returned to her. She was able to stay awake now for longer periods of time. Little by little, she could move her arms. It was still a chore to try to sit up on her own, yet, she could feel nothing in her legs. Doctor Boveir wondered if in his rush to save Zahirog if he possibly damaged some nerves or if the poison did. Either way, therapy was a must. It was long, grueling hours and trying to move, the process pitiful to watch. While Zarazu was known for being tough as nails, this was something which made her eyes water. It was like fire coursing through her veins. Needless to say, it tugged at Covarog's heartstrings to watch his wife struggle. So purposely, Zarazu tried to schedule her sessions while Covarog was in meetings, having Malik at her side instead.
And once again, she fell flat on her face, attempting to walk.
"Come on. You've been through this before. You can manage again." He helped her up and brace her on his chest. "I could get Asa to construct you a pair of braces if you still feel too weak."
Zarazu was sweating from the effort just to walk a few steps. The pain shot up from her feet to her thighs. Each step she took felt like walking on pins and needles. Breathing heavily, her nails dug into Malik's arm, eyes watering. She tried her best to keep her composure, but this was pure hell. No magic, no strength, no possible way to protect her children? It frightened her being an invalid.
"I could try..." Zarazu said in-between breaths as he balanced her weight. The queen still had the resemblance of a corpse but at least she was starting to regain some of her color. Little by little, she was eating more and trying her best to recover. "It's... I have no feeling and when I do feel anything, it's just... raw, nerve wracking pain."
"That means your alive. You'll get through this Zarazu. Think of your children. Have that give you strength."
"Heh... since when did you get so optimistic?" Zarazu willed her left leg to move while holding onto Malik for balance, grimacing loudly. This was going to be one of the biggest struggles of her life. Biting her lip, she awkwardly tried to get her right leg to go forward, it merely dragging along the floor. It took a moment for her to angle her foot the correct way once more. She started to ask Malik how Asakonigei was fairing with the morning sickness when she heard commotion in the halls.
"Just put one foot in front of the other. And soon you'll be across the floor. Just put on foot in front of the other, and soon you be walking out that do-" Malik was cut off from the nursery song he practiced to give Revan one day. The commotion got him unsettled. He hurried out with Zarazu placing her down when they found the call of distress.
"Malik? What's going on?" Zarazu held tightly to his arm so she would not lose her balance. Her knees wobbled a bit. For a moment, she feared the worst, clutching to her friend tightly.
"My queen! Lord Malik!" Tulilad was rushing through the hallway. "We just received a report from the plantations! It's on fire!"
"What?!" Zarazu exclaimed. "My... my sister! Zizi works there!"
Malik went into military mode like a switch. Setting the Queen down he snapped his armour on. With all the attacks he didn't rule anything out. "We must find Zizi immediately! Get a group of firefighters to put the flames out! Have someone stay with the Queen, I'll go immediately."
"Oh spirits, please let her be all right." Zarazu prayed as Tulilad stayed by her side as Malik went to investigate the fire. Soon enough, a group of Vodas used water to put out some of the fire and Vatras extinguished it. Many people were rounded up to help with the fire. Some Zemljas tried to do what they could, covering the fire with earth. Yet, the damage was done. At least a fourth of the plantation was gone. Zizi was in tears. A lot of her hard work was still here but some of the fire consumed plants of rarity.
Malik's eyes were wide from the destruction. Flames crackled as priceless flora burned away. "What happened?"
"We're not sure as of right now but we suspect arson." A guard informed Malik. "There had to be an accelerant used because the fire could not have spread this fast without it."
"We're lucky no one was hurt." A worker in the field told Malik. Soot and ash covered him from the fire. He had been trying to help put out the flames. "We noticed it early enough to control it but we still lost a good amount of crop."
"I want people searching wide for a suspect. This has the potential to happen again. Finish containing these flames. NOW!!!"
As the men followed his orders, Kelly found Zizi and brought her to Malik. The Zemlja was glad no one was hurt, though the loss of the plants still upset her. This was her work, her job, everything she poured her heart and soul into over the years. The herbs brought healing and the tea was a wonderful export.
"Who could have done this, Malik?" Zizi wiped at her eyes. "This benefits all of Hyrule... how could someone want to take it away?"
"I don't know..." Kelly sat beside Zizi holding her hand. "I'm so sorry sweetie. We'll find who did this I swear. Would you like some tea?"
"I think... I think I just need to try to salvage what I can." Zizi told Kelly as she looked over the fields. "Maybe I can regrow some of the plants that are still clinging to life." She turned to Malik. "Please don't let Zarazu stress over this. She already has enough on her."
Malik simply nodded. Kelly got Zizi some tea. "Doesn't mean we can't burn him to stake."
Covarog was doing his best to try to handle the mess with fire in the plantations. Many of the guards were trying to get to the bottom of the situation. The king was thankful that no one was hurt. Some of the crop was still salvageable. The rest would definitely have to be discarded and new plants in the place of the old ones. He tried to focus on the positive. This would be easy to repair. The rare plants would simply be reordered and gathered as trips to other kingdoms ensured.
The news from Glacier's Forge was less well received...
~
The crew of the Black Manta had touched down in Glacier's Forge. Captain Adam Kantus stepped off his ship. Breathing the cold air through his helmet filter was enjoyable enough. But now was not a time to take in the scenery. He was payed handsomely to carry out his mission. The money was enough. His crew would enjoy the pleasure enough. Zolori, a hot tempered blonde. Strong in fire magic, but if pounced quickly, would fall like any woman. He had 50 of his men head out with him to spy on Zolori. When she was alone, they'd surround and take her.
Glacier's Forge was a stronghold. Since the alliance with Hyrule, the Direnors had strengthened their boarders and the ports. However, since imports and exports were now a large part of their trade, this meant more strangers were coming into the land. It was easier for people to come and go. The High King and Queen were still wary of newcomers but understood that in order for the kingdom to grow, there had to be some changes. Zolori, present at Ragnvald's side, was in charge of helping Kanisa with trade.
"Well, who knew there would be such a demand for fur?"
Captain Kantus kept his distance, but his crew had found their target. They assumed necessary positions, appearing as ordinary civilians. Slowly they got closer to Zolori.
"It seems it is our biggest export right now as well as the bones from any of the Frost Ones we collect." Ragnvald told his wife. "Glacier's Forge is becoming more and more prosperous as the years pass. What should we check on next?"
"We need to see if the spice imports have arrived yet?" Zolori asked him. "I don't recall seeing any of Corsaire's ships this week."
The crew was completely around them now. They appeared to be trading with each other, while other members got weapons ready.
Ragnvald suddenly felt uneasy. He could feel his hair standing on the back of his neck. Taking in his surroundings, the Direnor prince could tell something was amiss. That animal sense of his allowed him to know when maliciousness was afoot. Holding onto Zolori's arm, he whispered under his breath.
"We need to leave."
Before they moved a muscle the crew attacked. Using clubs they beat at the Direnor and the Lordeilian's legs to knock her down. Twenty men moved right away, another twenty five surrounding for back up.
Zolori went down when the club hit her knees but quickly surrounded her body with fire. Ragnvald, sensing there were too many, transformed into his giant bear form. The other Direnors were quick to react as well, jumping into action. If someone messed with one of them, then they messed with the whole lot. Zolori did not know why these men were after her and Ragnvald, but she was not one to give up without a fight.
Captain Kantus watched closely. His crew was getting beat down pretty bad. With a hand gesture he commanded the second wave to up the attack. They brought out their guns, a wave of fire pelting Direnors.
Ragnvald spotted the guns out of the corner of his eye. Tackling Zolori out of harm's way, the huge Direnor covered her with his large body. His pelt was thick and would shield her from any array of bullets. A bit stunned at first, Zolori took a moment to get her bearings. Angry, the Vatra decided enough was enough. If the men wanted to play dirty, then she would as well. Looking out to port, she knew the one way to cripple them was to burn their ship. Summoning a fireball, she hurled it onto their boat, the flames spreading quickly.
Captain Kantus decided enough was enough. A little fire wouldn't be a problem but he sure as hell wouldn't approve of it. With a flurry of hand gestures his crew got the message. The cannons opened up and a the shipyard exploded into even more chaos, gunpowder ripping Direnor's to pieces. Looking to his first mate he made the gesture for a hostage scenario. A child would do. Hoping down towards the fighting now he shot a poisoned dart at Ragnvald, and afterwards, drew a jagged machete, perfect for cutting flesh and making victims bleed. His suit protected him from most blows, made from tough Lynol skin, and his helmet would keep him safe from Zolori's petty flames. "Come with me woman."
The poison dart did not pierce Ragnvald's thick skin. It was tougher than a normal bear's. However, when the man grabbed a small little girl, both of them stopped in their tracks. Zolori did not want an innocent hurt because of her. Ragnvald did not want his wife in this situation. With that unique suit, the Vatra would not be able to burn him. Exchanging glances with each other, Ragnvald was shaking his head for his wife not to move. He would not lose her. Seeing movement in the water, Zolori knew that could only mean one thing. So she took one step and then another, really slowly...
Captain Kantus nodded to his first mate. He had done well to take the child as a meat shield. He looked back to Zolori. "Alright Vatra, unless you want this girls blood spilt across the snow, surrender yourself to me and my crew. I trust you are familiar with Pirates?"
"I know your filth all too well." Zolori held up her hands as she took another slow step forward. The pirates had surrounded her on all sides now. She had to stall, just for a moment longer. "And you should be familiar with the tale of the Sea Witch and her Serpent."
"Enough stalling. Now if you don't want this child dead and your protector blasted apart by canon fire...strip."
"Well, I just wanted to give you a fair warning..." Zolori started to take off her top, seeing the water's movement cease. That was a sure sign. The sudden ripples and then the dead stillness. She had to keep the pirate's attention just for one more second. She left her top fall to the floor. "Cause that serpent spawned some deadly hellions."
With one giant burst from the water, Na'seema sprouted forth with jaws open. She snapped on the leader's head with one bite, ripping into his flesh as she pulled him into the water. Kantus did not even have time to react properly, his gun shooting straight up into the air from the shock. The first mate and child, unfortunately, got the blunt of Na’seema’s tail. Both were in the freezing water as well. Zolori dove in after the little girl, wrenching her free.
Kantus screamed with rage as he felt teeth claw into his skin. Desperate, he used his machete to stab at the more vulnerable parts of Na'seema's neck. "Damn BEAST!!!"
Na'seema let go when the sharp sword connected against her neck, but swiped Kantus hard against the chest, snarling at him. She intended to drown him, her tail wrapping around his ankle as she continued to pull him down into the icy depths. Zolori surfaced with the little girl in an arm, coughing the water out of her lungs. She was not the best swimmer like her sister, but she was not going to let the little one die.
Kantus knew that while his helmet hadn't cracked, the cold water with his suit ripped could kill him. One last resort then. Looking at the Dragon's head and pressing the side of the helmet, beamos and old Shiekah technology allowed him to fire a devastating beam. If hot plasma didn't make the beast let go he wasn't sure what would.
While her scales protected her, the blast hurt. It caused her scales to flake and exposure to vulnerable skin. Na'seema had no choice but to let go. Ragnvald pulled his wife and the child from the water, most of the pirates spooked from seeing the dragon. Half of them had never seen such a beast before. Zolori used her flames to warm herself and the people quickly took the little girl to safety.
Kantus emerged from the water and took a couple breaths. Zemalocke wouldn't be pleased, but as long as he killed the bitch it would be good enough. "Open fire on them all!!!"
While Na'seema was hurt, she was not done. With her head emerging from the water, she sprayed the lot of the pirates with her icy plasma. It caused some to burst into a thousand pieces and others to scream in agony as their limbs fell off their bodies. Having a dragon as an ally was wonderful. Yet, having a Vatra as an enemy was quite a fool's choice. Seeing the rips in the suit, Zolori took the open advantage and doused him in fire.
Kantus screamed in rage and retaliated by fire a laser as here and the girl she protected.
Ragnvald was quick to get his wife and the girl out of the way while Na'seema closed in to finish the job. With one mighty roar, she roasted Kantus with her plasma.
His suit melted into his skin and his helmet tried to blast against the flames of the dragon, but Na'seema's plasma pressed the Captain's back. He fell into the water a twitching mess, and his helmet melted off in pieces. "How...can this...be?"
"Hm... not even worthy for the fishes to eat." Na'seema swam up beside of him. "I'll deposit you in the forest. The Frost Ones will make a meal of you." Dragging him along in the snow, she took him deep into the woods where he would not be found.
"Ha...he'll never...stop...."
Zolori had no idea what prompted this attack. Hardly anyone had enough gall to attack the land of the Direnors. Unless someone paid them a hefty sum, she doubted there was any real motive. Looking at her husband, Ragnvald put a fur coat around her shoulders to keep her warm.
"This was no random attack... someone was behind this."
~
Lord Malik had found the person who started the fire in the fields. It took a while for the criminal to talk until Zizi suggested using one of the very plants he destroyed. It was a healing herb from the petals but a poison in the roots. A deep burning pain seared in his skin until he confessed.
"... he's lucky I didn't stuff nightshade down his throat."
"He's just rambling on and on that is was the will of the gods, and he was told by a priest to burn the vegetation down. I'm sorry I don't have more Zizi."
"It is all right," Zizi sighed as she looked at the burnt fields. It made her feel sorrowful to look at all the ash covering the dirt. "We will get closer and closer as time goes on. For now, I just want my sister to recover and for the culprit to be found."
"I as well. I can only hope-" A soldier suddenly came bursting in. "My Lord! We have confirmation of a second blaze being set at the rest of the plantations!" Malik's eyes widened. A partner? He should have suspected with how fast the first blaze went there should have been more then one culprit at work. "Zizi we-" She was already gone. Malik followed Zizi's lead and ran out.
~
"Do do do do dooooo! Everything burns down, down, down, down, dooooooown." The pyromaniac broke into song as he used his fire sword to set the plants ablaze. One slash, two slash, and the whole place brights up!
Zizi had used the trees to navigate to the plantation. She saw the arsonist. Normally, Zizi was carefree and forgiving. This time, she was far beyond either of those. Was it a combination of almost losing her sister and newborn nephew? The cries from the plants reached her ears. Wriggling her fingers, she caused the plants to grow and spread dirt over the growing fire. Then, twisted briars, the size of jungle vines grew from the earth and stalked the arsonist...
"So pretty. Soooo so pretty." The Pyromanic threw a couple fire bombs out at random, their detention frying plant life to ash. "Well, doesn't this all look grand? Onto the next one."
One briar grabbed his left leg, while the other grabbed his right. The thick and sizable thorns dug into his body. Zizi rose out of the ground from the very earth. With a flick of her wrist, the Zemlja had him restrained and up off the ground.
The Pyromaniac was confused. What the hell happened. "Bah, BURN! BURN!! BUUUUUURN!!!" He swung wildly at the vines with his fire sword, the hit blade cutting through the vines like apples. "Hahahaha, plants are useless! Just good for kindle!"
Zizi had enough. Her hands repeated the motion that Zarazu once used against Lord Malik when he was once Klinge. Except there was no ice coming up to encase the arsonist. No, this time something alive came up out of the ground. It was a plant, a carnivorous plant. As the mouth opened, the plant was full of teeth.
The pyromaniac wasn't sure what he was looking at as the plant came up. Furious he stabbed at it. "What! What is this?!"
“Plants are only good for kindle, huh? Well the only thing your body is good for, is being fertilizer." Zizi said bitterly as the plant advanced on the pyromaniac. The vines wrapped around his legs, preventing him from going any further. Those prickly vines, full of thorns, containing a paralyzing sap. It was like a helpless bug in a fly trap. Those huge teeth clamped down on his lower half, nearly shredding him in two.
The pyromaniac screamed, his sword flying out of his hand, and unable to reach his grenades. As the teeth and the acid sunk in his eyes widened. "No! MERCY I BEG YOU!!!"
"Mercy? Did you show mercy to my plants?" Zizi asked him in a grim monotone. "Did you even think about the people who could have died in the fields? Whoever hired you probably mentioned Lorleidians did not like violence... that doesn't mean we don't use it when necessary." With that, the plant started to swallow the pyromaniac whole. It did not take long before there was nothing left of him but blood staining the ground.
Malik arrived to hear the muffled screams of the pyromaniac as the plant finished its meal. It was startling to see Zizi so bloodthirsty. His feet made mind to watch the flowers that were still intact as he made his way forward. "Zizi...I could have killed him."
"Hmm... you could have, yes. Though, Ve'nusa here needed a snack and he seemed like the perfect choice." Zizi told Malik as the plant moved with the vines, acting like tentacles. There was blood all over the flora, those razor sharp fangs still dangling pieces of flesh. "He took many lives so his was taken as payment."
She patted the giant carnivorous plant as if it were a pet.
Malik studied the plant with a poker face. His metallic helmet starred her down. "He could have told us who hired him. Did he talk?"
"Aside from screaming for mercy, no. Though it was obvious that he was insane from his words." Zizi shrugged her shoulders as she gestured for Ve'nusa to return to the ground. The plant belched out a piece of parchment before it crawled back into the earth and settled there comfortably. It was going back to a dormant state until needed once more. Picking up the paper, Zizi handed it to Malik. "Though this might help."
“I'll look over it." He gives Zizi a different look behind his helmet. "Zizi, was this the first time you've killed?"
"... no. I've fought before and killed before." Zizi shook her head lightly. "I don't like it. I was absolutely terrified the first time I was met with an enemy. If Zarazu had not killed that pirate that had me in a headlock, I'd be dead. I couldn't move. I was only twelve years old then."
"I see. What was your first time. The Pirates? Vul'kar?"
"Harpies." Zizi told him with a frown. "They attacked the island from time to time. Then again, I suppose if you're asking if I've killed a person, then that would be Vul'kar. I don't like killing people or hurting people, Malik, I'm a Zemlja, we're a tribe of the earth, keepers of peace... it's not like us to be violent."
"No. I suppose it's the world we live in. It worries me to know that, inevitably, my own children and Zarazu's will undoubtedly have to have blood on their hands."
"Unfortunately so." Zizi sighed heavily as she looked out over her now barren fields. "Though like the earth... it gets burned and then regrows. We'll have to do the same."
~
Malik made his way back to the palace when he saw Covarog distressed about something. He held a letter in his hands. "Troubling news?"
"Someone hired pirates to attack the port at Glacier's Forge. The target was Zolori." Covarog told Malik, rubbing his forehead. "First Zizi, now Zolori... Zemalocke is trying to make Zarazu snap completely. I haven't told her what happened to Zolori. She overheard about the fires in the plantation but she knows that Zizi is all right."
Malik shook his head in disbelief. "How many casualties at the Forge?"
"Eleven. A little girl was almost injured, but Zolori pulled her to safety." Covarog tossed the paper on his desk. "We have to do something about this, Malik. If this continues, then everyone is going to be in danger, not only Zarazu's sisters. My siblings, their spouses, their children, even you and Asa will not be spared."
I know Covarog. But what can we do without proof? Even though it's clearly the bastard, we can't make a move against him without proof."
"Do you think he'll even slip up? There has to be someone that has a grudge against Zemalocke that wants to see him go down." Covarog tried to think of a solution so many times, but there was nothing there. "At least Zarazu is recovering as the days pass. She is starting to show a few signs of magic even though her legs are still weak."
"That's good to hear at least. So should we tell her what happened to Zolori?"
"... I'm not sure if she would take it well." Covarog knew what happened when Zolori was young. "You know what pirates did to her once."
"I do. But she needs to know what happened." Malik crossed his arms.
"You're right..." Covarog reluctantly agreed. "I'll tell her after she's done with her therapy. She's advanced to crutches now, but still has to use the wheelchair not to overtire herself."
Shame that she has to go through such an ordeal. Even twice now in her life."
"Zolori is quite capable and strong. I think she'll be okay, she'll just be spooked for a while." Covarog looked at the time. "I need to take the twins to their lessons. Will you check on Zarazu for me? She's visiting with Zahirog right now in the nursery."
"I will. And I'll deliver the news as well."
Zarazu still looked like death but was slowly getting stronger as the days passed. While she could move her upper body, her legs still refused to comply. It reminded her of when she was so weak and Covarog helped her walk. Yet this time it was different. What if the poison took her legs forever? What would she do then? Still, being negative was not her cup of tea. The queen continued therapy and tried her best with little to no success. Still, she would not give up yet. The surgery stole her strength and the poison took her magic. Even as persistent as she was to heal, the queen could not keep a calm face forever. There was a twinge of fear in her heart now. With no way to defend herself, Zarazu felt nervous. So, she focused her attention on her little newborn.
"At least you're eating better now, yes?" She shushed Zahirog's fussing. "Gained a bit of weight, and your cries are a bit louder. We'll have you better in no time, yes we will." She sighed. "If only your mother was her old self, she'd throttle the man who did this to you."
Malik knocked on the door to her chambers. He knew Covarog was still up in the air about letting his wife know what the situation was in her state, but it had to be done. Besides, if used correctly, maybe Malik could give her the motivation Zarazu would need to recover. Or maybe he'd shatter her spirit even more. "My Queen, I have some urgent news I need to speak with you about."
"You can come in, Malik." Zarazu told him as Zahirog held onto her finger while observing the world with bright eyes. When he informed her there was urgent news, the queen perked up slightly. "Did you find the person responsible for my damaging my son's lungs?"
"No. No I have not. Prince Ralnor have our suspicions but no evidence, and we are working around the clock."
"Well when you do, I want to kill him myself." Zarazu had that flare of anger in her eyes. "What news do you have for me then?"
Malik decided to be forward and blunt. Best way really. "Savage attacks have been made against both your sisters. Zolori was attacked by an elite group of pirates, and by her accounts, their intention was to rape her. Many Direnor's were killed in this attack. Zizi had most of her green houses burnt to cinders by a pair of pyromaniacs. Each for the most part are physically fine and no one in their immediate family has been killed."
"... wha... what?" Zarazu looked absolutely stunned. No one in the castle had relayed anything about the fields being on fire. She never heard any flurry of words or concerns. Plants on fire, pirates in Glacier's Forge, there was danger everywhere it seemed. Who was so cruel to attack her sisters?! Her family was no part of this grudge against her! "Are Zolori and Zizi all right?!"
"Like I said, physically. Although with Zolori's history with pirates and Zizi...feeding on of her attackers alive to a plant, I don't know how they are mentally. I believe they were target to accelerate the stress in you and have the poison take its course."
"Zizi summoned Venu'sa?!" That really caught Zarazu off guard. Her youngest sister calling forth that deadly plant had only been done a number of times that she could count on one hand. Zolori, on the other hand, Zarazu worried about her encounter with the pirates. While she was sure Ragnvald would protect her sister, and she could use deadly fire magic. Though, those nightmares would haunt her forever, how she'd scream at night. "Oh spirits, Zolori..." The queen ran her hand down her face. The worry was evident on her face. Trying to compose her nerves was difficult. "... I don't know what to do, Malik. I can't... I can't do anything like this."
Malik placed a firm hand on the Queen's soldier. "Fight against this. I believe the son of a bitch you put you in this state was responsible for your sisters attacks. Are you going to let him win? You're my closest friend Zarazu. I know you can succeed in your recovery. You will stand above this sociopath victorious, and with your own two feet. So tell me, are you going to get off your ass and fight this?"
"You know I'd be looking alongside you right now if I could move these two legs of mine." Zarazu rested her hand on top of Malik's with a faint smile. "You know I'll fight, I've never given up before. It's..." She swallowed back her emotions. "It's hard to think someone would be so cruel to target another person just because they're different... and to go after my Covarog, my twins, my unborn son... and now my sisters? I... I don't understand this hate, Malik. I never have. We didn't have this in Lorleidi. We were all equal and now..." Taking a breath, she had to hold back tears. "... why did the gods and goddesses create such a lethal feeling?"
Malik held her hand tightly and slightly lowered his metal dome. "Hate, Envy, Malice....they are all to familiar things shot against me. I don't think the gods would create such things if they exist. I think it's something the devil brought. Or more likely, it's something we have to fight against in all of us to make sure we are not corrupted by it. These evil people...they are all around us, keeping us vigilant. But we are stronger them Zarazu. Our love makes us persevere." He stands up taking both hands with her, lifting her up and supporting her. "We will bring a future of acceptance and be a beacon of hope. We just need to keep our resolve strong against those who would stamp us out. Then, and I promise you this. We will burn them away and grow that future upon their ashes."
Zarazu was still unsteady on her legs, having to hold very tightly to Malik's hands. Her legs chose to be awkward, having to place one hand steady against his chest to keep her balance. The pins and needles sensation started but dulled within a minute. Malik's promise brought a tired smile to her face. The future of the new generation would never have to worry about such trivial things, she hoped. There would be acceptance like on Lorleidi, no matter what tribe, or love, or place a person shared.
"... your dragons inside of you have been fighting a long, long time Malik." Zarazu told him softly. "Our ancestors, even Pojiji told me the story of good and evil inside the soul of every single person. Two dragons, constantly fighting for dominance. I think at first, your evil dragon had the good one in its grasp, waiting for the chance to strike. Yet, I see now that the good one was only waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike."
Malik chuckled. "I think their has only been one dragon. He's has just taken every road. Now. Walk with me."
"A dragon that Asa has managed to tame." Zarazu teased slightly as Malik urged her to walk. There was that look of dread on her face. She hated the therapy with a passion, falling on her face more so. "... don't you let go."
Here are more exploration of the Northerners, :3 Here we have the High King and his family and Vidar with his parents. That’s Zolori, by @ridersoftheapocalypse next to Ragvald, second son of the High King.
She and @quietpastelcolours have been discussing about shipping these two together in the future chapters, so this is just to show their height difference :3
Eh, this isn't really NEW new art, just a touched up sketch because I kind of ran into a creative wall with the prompts today.
I had an idea, but I couldn't seem to make it work, so I just did this so I'd still have a submission of some kind, because that's the real goal here; to submit something every day.
The only prompt represented here is Rabbit, since that's what Zolori (mostly) is, so that's the gist of it. D:
I apologize that you can't really see Zo's nose and mouth, but I didn't want to redo it or I'd just get frustrated again and not post at all. I'm going to post something everyday this month, even if it is just a bad pen doodle.
Today's main themes were Tranquil and Seasonal Clothing. I chose Zolori mainly because I don't draw them enough, and also my green pen is too dark for Minnoli.
