Who: Percy Weasley, Zelda What: Talk about maps abruptly shifts to talk about dating Where: Charlie’s (AU) Cottage where Percy’s staying When: BACKDATED - December 27, 2017 Rating: Low Status: Complete in Gdocs
When Zelda had put down the wishes, knowing how important they could be and how to trust in them, she hadn’t fully expected them to work even though she knew the power in a wish. But in Hyrule, wishing was a lot like praying, and even outside of that the Great Fairies could be found and persuaded to aid in a cause. Here, she hadn’t known of this Santa creature, except now it seemed he was very much real, and very much able to grant the things she had wished for. Some of the money she had used for a warm cloak. She didn’t really need it, but it helped to cover her ears, and keep out the rain.
And it helped to keep both the Harp and the maps she’d drawn safe from the weather. Although she held more worry for the maps. The Harp was a Divine instrument. She doubted much could actually hurt it.
She hummed as she walked, knowing the path to Percy’s home well enough by now. While drawing her own maps, she had memorized the one of the town. It helped in getting around.
She looked up after a while to see the cottage and smiled. She knocked when she arrived and pushed the hood of the cloak from her head. When she saw Percy she smiled at him, and as ever dipped into a curtsy. “Hello,” she offered brightly and warmly. “Merry Christmas. That is what is usual I hope? I have heard many say it in these past days. I must thank you for the gifts. They were beautiful. What is the name of the song the little box makes? I would like to be able to play it.” ---
On Christmas Day, James Potter invited everybody to share what he’d asked Santa to bring - an entire Hogwarts Christmas Feast. The food was as plentiful as it was delicious; there was so much that everybody was able to take home leftovers that should last for days. That was what Percy was preparing for his lunch, warming up a plate of the feast. So, it was no problem at all to make a second plate for Zelda, pleased to have her company again.
He opened the door and smiled to see her cloak - it wasn’t something that was typically worn by the Muggles in Tumbleweed, but it looked like something a witch or wizard would wear in his world, so it brought it extra joy. “Zelda! Come in, come in.” The curtsey also made him smile. “You really don’t need to do that,” he explained. “The curtsey. It’s very cute, but people here don’t usually greet one another that way.” A part of him would’ve liked her to continue with her custom, but he also knew Zelda was keen on learning the customs of this world, and would want to be told. “And yes, Merry Christmas is a perfectly good greeting. Let me take your cloak.” He carefully lifted it off her shoulders so he could carefully hang it up on a hook, by the door.
“The name of the song is Clair de Lune.. It’s French for Light of the Moon. Based on a poem by the same name. Melancholy, but beautiful. Are you hungry? Or would you care to start off with something warm to drink? “
--- He was right, she did want to know and the explanation made her smile. "Oh. Well. It's habit, honestly. In Hyrule, everyone bows or curtsies to me. As I have no title here, it is only polite to do it. Mother would scold me if I lapsed in my manners. How do people greet one another? I see the handshakes often but I'm not too sure of the rules regarding it, if there are any rules. Like who goes first, is it a matter of standing, or something else?"
Smiling she let him take the cloak and brushed off her skirt as he did. "Thank you. I bought it with what the Santa being gave me. It's very warm. I might add to it, but I adore the colour." Once her hands were free she set the harp down on a nearby table. Despite it's age, it showed none of it. She hadn't even needed to tune it. "I will have to search if it can be played on a harp. And a poem you say?" She turned to Percy with a smile, "do you know it?" Then she nodded, "yes, to both things. Is it alright to ask how the holiday was? I've read some of it has ties to religion, and I can never be sure what is sacred and what is not." she knew that there were things in her own world that were sacred and she couldn't share with others. It stood to reason that might be something to look out for here as well.
“Is there a place where I can unfold the maps? I’ve made sure to get all the translations right.” It was odd to know she was, essentially, speaking a different language. To her, everyone sounded the same, and she assumed she sounded like she spoke their language. To help with that, she was learning it, in case whatever magic allowed her to communicate faltered. “Oh, and thank you. For the invitation. Here I am going on about manners and I almost forgot.” ---
Zelda was always so inquisitive and interesting, Percy couldn’t help but be drawn into conversation with her. On the subject of greeting people, “Handshakes? Well, I’d say for the most part, they’re reserved for formal circumstances. Such as meeting somebody for the very first time, or welcoming a business associate, or somebody you’ll be working with. A less formal way among friends or people you see everyday is to say ‘Hello’, or even, ‘Hey’, and and to maybe wave, or simply nod your head. Remember when I told you about the traditions that really aren’t followed so strictly before? There might’ve been more etiquette involved with introductions, but it’s much more relaxed now. The only thing I can say about handshakes is to keep a firm grip when doing so. A weak grip is often taken as a sign of weakness, which isn’t what people often want to show. Let’s go to the kitchen table, you can unfold the maps there.”
As he cleared the stuff off the table to make space for the maps, Percy said, “I’m afraid I don’t know the poem, but we can look it up later on our tablets. As far as the religious aspect of Christmas is concerned, it’s generally viewed as the birthday of Jesus Christ, who is regarded by some to be the son of God by those who follow a religion called Christianity, but the holiday has even deeper roots with religions that hold nature holy. It’s called Yule, and it’s tied more with the Winter solstice. This is where the traditions of bringing trees and other evergreen branches into your house comes in.”
Percy smiled. “You’re welcome! But I ought to be thanking you, for bringing these over. I’m very keen to see what they look like!”
---
She listened carefully, folding the bits of information away. It felt odd there were no real rules to all of this. All her life, she'd lived with etiquette and in any ballroom in Hyrule she could more than hold her own so now not having that was something she'd have to get used to. "Firm, alright." Next time she would try that, at least with someone she hadn't met before. She'd just have to keep those things she was learning for this world separate from the Queen she had to be in Hyrule.
"I read about that, not the Yule part though. It is nice they blended those things together. But in Hyrule there are mysteries of the Goddesses that I know that I cannot share. I was unsure if the same applied to this particular holiday." Smiling she unfolded the first map, showing the larger world of Hyrule. "This is the larger world, although some of the places shown here are sometimes different. Geological shifts." Then she unrolled the second one, one with a bit more detail. "And this is the map of what everything looked like in my time." She motioned to the Zora's area. "and I was right, the Zora do know snow." some of this she hadn't known, not until the Triforce had offered the knowledge. There were times you had to ask for knowledge. "Some of the names Link gave me, and I'm sure he'd be able to fill in any gaps I might be missing but this is as detailed as I could get it." Smiling she turned to Percy. "I hope you like it. It's more or less the gift I can give you. Next time this holiday comes by I'll be able to offer something a lot better." she pointed to where hyrule castle sat on the map. "I should have drawn out the castle as well. but I can offer sketches at a later date if you like?" ---
“Don’t be ridiculous! This is a wonderful gift! Something made by hand is much more thoughtful than one bought at the store.” Percy didn’t always believe in this, but came to appreciate the love put into the yearly Christmas jumpers that his mother made as gifts, particularly after the Battle of Hogwarts, and he realized just how much he missed his family despite the general awkwardness of returning to the fold.
The first map made Percy go, “Ooooooo!” as he looked it over. “It’s so beautiful. You drew this? You’re very talented!” The small illustration of Hyrule Castle helped Percy envision where Zelda was accustomed to living. He adjusted his glasses upon his face and peered closely at the details, then moved on to the second map. It wasn’t as decorative - more… topographical? It was certainly different, when compared with the first, but with the paths and tunnels shown (or what Percy imagined to be paths and tunnels), he could understand how helpful a map like this could be.
“How interesting!” he exclaimed, then realized he wasn’t being such a great host. “Are you hungry? We can eat while discussing the map? I have a few questions. For example,” he pointed to the place on the map, “What is this Temple of Time?” ---
She smiled to the compliment, "Father felt it beneficial if I could draw maps, Mother refined it." It had always been the way of things. Her father would teach her to be Queen, while her mother would fill in the blanks and offer a different perspective. Logic versus creativity. It helped in sorting out the Triforce's influences, at least somewhat. "Thank you for your kind words. It's hardly as good as it could be, but I'm sure it helps."
"Oh yes, that would be lovely. The walk here made me quite hungry. and ask away, this is why I brought them. Trust me, your books gave me plenty of questions on their own." She noted where he motioned and nodded, "ah yes. In old days it was quite the sight but in my time it was ruins. You see it is where a sacred blade is kept, known to us as the Master Sword. It is where the Hero must go, so he can retrieve it. It is the blade the Hero has used since I believe the time of Hylia. I think my ancestor let it fall into disrepair to disencourage anyone foolish enough to test themselves. The Temple...tests whoever walks in." She waved her hand, to emphasize her point. "And anyone who isn't the Hero. Well. Safe to say I never had much cause to try and exhume the ruins. I made sure they were protected, and otherwise left to their own devices. According to Link time, as is apt to its name, flows differently there. He informed me that when he placed the Master Sword within a pedestal, he saw the ruins as they had once been, in our ancestor's times. Then, it had the ability to...move people through time."
She knew that sounded odd so she smiled before continuing. "In my ancestor's time the Hero saw her be kidnapped. He went to the Temple of Time to collect the Sword. But, the Temple found him too young. How could a child fight this war? For he was just a child. It did...something. Not even the Triforce of Wisdom knows exactly what happened. What my ancestor learned is that one day Link came to her and her father with knowledge he could not otherwise possess. To tell them that if they trusted Ganondorf, great evil would be unleashed. So they didn't. He told them that he moved through Time, and combined with what I learned in my own time it does not sound unlikely. One of the many reasons I have made sure it sits undisturbed and few know of it's true history or power." ---
Since they were already in the kitchen, using the table for the maps, Percy didn’t need to go far to retrieve their plates. As he listened to Zelda, he used a simple warming spell on the food to get them to a nice temperature - steak and kidney pies with gravy, mashed potatoes, and treacle tart. “There’s pumpkin juice to drink,” he offered as he brought the plates over and handed one to Zelda.
“The Hero. You speak of this person in such vague terms. Is Link the Hero? Or… could anybody be the Hero, if they meet the right qualifications? Or is the Hero born? You mentioned the Hero being too young to fight at one point. What is the Hero’s purpose?”
This all sounded rather interesting to Percy, who grew up reading Arthurian legends of knights in armor going on quests. As a lad, he fancied himself such a hero, until he grew up and started dealing with more practical responsibilities, but a part of him continued to dream.
--- She accepted the plate gratefully, enjoying the ability to try more things. The one thing she didn't eat was easy to avoid, now she knew what to look for, and trying new things was all part of the experience. "this is lovely, thank you. And pumpkin juice? You'll have to explain that one to me." His questions made sense really. "Link is the Hero, always. It's part of the divine circle. The circle doesn't always repeat itself, usually there are many long years between each time it happens. The one before me happened several hundred years ago. There's always us three. Wisdom, Power, and Courage. The Hero is reborn in the same manner as I am, but his line can be more disjointed."
She knew it didn't explain much so she paused to find the right words. "His purpose is to always fight evil in the form of Ganondorf. And Link is the only one out of the three of us that doesn't have a clear bloodline. If logic held true, because I'm a descendant of the previous Hero and the Princess of that time Link ought to be too. Our lines merged then, and the Link I know carries a lot of his ancestor's features in him, like I carry a lot of mine in me. But beyond the physical features, there's nothing to tie him. I know the branches of my family lineage very well and they never broke. Yet, the Link I know was born on a farm, raised to be humble. I'm always born into royalty, well not me but the role I fulfill. Gandondorf is always born the sole male to his line, and in his own right is royalty as well. Both of our lines are traceable. Link's aren't."
"I suspect the reason is that if Link was raised in a manner like me or Ganondorf he could be...spoiled. Easily corrupted." She shrugged. "I cannot guess why the Goddesses have Link be born in the way he is born. Logically, his ancestry makes very little sense. As for why I speak so vaguely of him...I don't know him. Not well. I know he's kind, generous, courageous and reckless all in one and will always, always rescue me but in this lifetime I spoke with him all of a handful of times. Once to guide him to the Master Sword, and once when Midna was ill. I know his legend, I know what he is and his purpose. I know that there have been times when the Hero and the Princess loved one another but in my time this isn't the case. We are...bonded through our souls, by the divine circle. But I don't know him. It's a very strange feeling, to know someone and to not know them at all. And very hard to explain. But to answer your other question, no. Not just anybody can be the Hero. It's very specific. It is the same with my role. There have been other Zelda's, but whatever circumstances need arise for the Triforce of Wisdom to awaken are...circumstances I do not know. I do know that there can never be two of us. The previous bearer of Wisdom must pass before a new one can awaken. It is a small comfort, honestly. My own children won't carry this burden, but theirs might. Or the ones after them. It is part of why I am looking for a way to break the cycle, or make it easier to bear. Waking one day with the knowledge that there will be a day a creature made of darkness and evil will find you and either kidnap or try and kill you is not something I would wish on anyone least of all those who come after me. I would do the same for Link but," she shrugged again. "His is a life filled with complications" ---
“Do you have plans for New Year’s Eve?”
The words were hastily blurted out, apropo of nothing. Percy had begun listening to Zelda’s answer, nodding his head, interjecting with a “Uh-huh” and an occasional “Yes” to let her know he was still with her, but as she continued on, his mind started to wander. She was so intelligent and refined, what would happen once she because familiar with this world’s culture? Would she realize that he wasn’t all that special, and not on her level? Would she decide she didn’t need to come to him with her questions, which really could be answered by just about anybody. Would Percy miss the chance to be with the most interesting person he’d met in a long while? That’s when he panicked and said those words before his mind could censor his mouth.
Immediately surprised and embarrassed by his behavior, Percy began to blush, his jaw slackened. He had to fix this somehow, try to be more suave, but his brain wasn’t working. “Urm.” Finally, he stumbled through his next sentence, “What I mean is… in your world, if a man wanted to ask a woman out, how would he do so?” Oh yeah, that was much worse, and his stomach twisted in a knot. “Sorry.” ---
His question surprised her, it seemed to have no ties to it. “The celebration to celebrate the new year, yes?” she had been looking at the festivities she’d need to keep track of, and their purpose. There were similar things in hyrule, to celebrate a new year but it wasn’t quite the same. “No.”
But then she watched him and with the words he was saying the pieces slide together. For a moment she felt terrible. There were a dozen or more rules regarding courtship in Hyrule, especially to her. She knew those, knew how to work in them and how to anticipate things. Here she felt she suddenly missed something. She didn’t let herself get too caught up in everything, instead she simply set her plate down and went to set her hand over his. “If you are asking me to accompany you to these celebrations, I would be glad to.” This she knew. Due to her title, she always made such moves first. She hoped she wasn’t crossing any rules about that here.
“This is not Hyrule,” she offered with a smile. “And...I am sorry if I unintentionally caused any pain or worry by not seeing if this was a wish of yours.” Generally she was pretty good about at least noticing interest. ----
Percy had wondered whether or not it would be improper to ask a queen out on a date, but Zelda had said that her title meant nothing in Tumbleweed, and that she wanted to learn more about how people interacted here. It’s what made him think he had a chance. But her apology made Percy frown.
“You don’t have to say you’re sorry. How would you have known? You haven’t caused any problem at all.” Well, at least nothing above the usual emotional disturbance of trying to date somebody you liked, hoping that they liked you back.
“I’ve heard of a few parties that were being thrown in-town, but I thought we could do something a little more… personal?” Private? Maybe even romantic?
-- “Courtship is something I know, within the circumstances of home. Generally, I can at least be aware when interest is shared.” Unless she had it very wrong, and while she’d be very embarrassed it wouldn’t be too terrible. “I did not truly expect anyone to have interest.” Which sounded terribly arrogant to her and it made her make a face. She knew what to expect in Hyrule. Here, there was a difference. Or it felt like there was.
Smiling she nodded, “I’d love to. What do these festivities entail?” She’d heard something about a ball being dropped, that it was midnight that rang in the new year rather than the sunrise of a new day.
She took a moment to consider. Her life had a rather straight path back in Hyrule. She had duty and obligations. But this wasn’t her world. Perhaps it was a selfish thing, to see if such a thing like happiness could be found. And Percy was kind, gentle, and they had many things in common. She could keep walking the secure path, only experiencing the small things this new world had to offer with the thought that everything she did was for Hyrule, or she could take chances. So she took one of the many bands around her front braids off and went to set it in Percy’s hands. “I know this world probably does not do favours, in terms of those you wish to...court?” Smiling she shook her head. “Which is probably not the correct term. But this is what I know. I know it is not much. But keep it as you like.” ---
“Courtship?” Percy looked at the band that Zelda had placed in his hand, then back up at her, a little worried, a little confused. The only place he’d ever heard the term used before was in his books of Arthurian legend - knights asking for lady’s hands. Even the giving of favors was not unfamiliar, for knights would wear their lady’s favors in battle or in competition. But something about the term worried Percy - and before he would go on further, he wanted to make sure he understood.
“What do you mean by courtship?” What he had in mind not be what Zelda thought, and he didn’t want there to be any misunderstandings.
---
She frowned, wondering if she had seen it wrong. If she had, she would learn from this. It would sting a bit, but that’s the gamble anyone took on a road one didn’t know. She took a breath, then frowned again. Trying to find words when before anyone she’d give this to would know the meaning was harder than it sounded. It said something about taking things for granted. “I think you’re kind. Sweet. You asked to share these festivities in a personal manner so I am, currently, assuming you wish to know me better. In way that is different from being friends.”
She added, “I do not know if there is a different way, in this world or yours, to offer a token of interest in such things. To see if fondness can grow, a different one then friendship. Should I have read that wrong in your question, I am sorry. I don’t know if my words make sense.” She glanced down with a soft smile, “Perhaps, what do you wish?” ---
“Oh!” Percy exclaimed out of relief. “I understand. That...that’s what I was thinking, too. Getting to know one another and all. It’s just that… the word sounds so formal to my ears. The term we use here is dating.” He flashed a smile at her, feeling more relieved. Percy was afraid that this meant she was expecting something more serious, as if they were practically engaged. He blushed again and pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose with one finger. “"There's really nothing that's comparable to giving one another favors that I know of," he said, looking down at the hair band again. "But who says you have to adjust everything to this world's customs?" He smiled softly. "I like the idea. It's very chivalrous. Now I need to give you something in return."
His brow furrowed in thought for a moment, then reached into the pocket of his trousers and pulled out a handkerchief he kept there. “It’s clean,” he commented, just in case she was worried. “It’s not much, but it’s all I have on me, now.” Although, he rather liked the idea of giving it to Zelda - it reminded him of stories of how ladies would give their favors in the forms of ribbons to knights, who would in turn tie them on their armor or lances as they went to joust. ---
“I suppose it must, yes.” That much she could relate to, and she was glad she hadn’t completely seen things wrong, or did something that crossed too many boundaries. “It can be, but not currently.” She tilted her head, noting the word. It sounded odd, but not bad either.
She smiled and took the handkerchief. He was more right then he might think. Small favours that were quietly personal, and held a gentle meaning. “No, this is perfect. Thank you.” she offered with a smile. “What does this dating entail? In Hyrule, it is mostly spending time together. Learning of one another.” Granted that was less needed there, but this was different. There was always an end in Hyrule she knew to expect. This time she wasn’t sure what this road would bring but she liked Percy enough to see where it might lead. If there was ever a time to grasp the not knowing with both hands it was now. ---
Pleased by Zelda’s satisfaction, Percy’s confidence began to return. “Yes, well, there’s that.” Spending time together and learning of one another was essentially what they’d been doing before. “But dating also entails going out together to different places, doing things together. Such as this New Year’s Eve. Like I mentioned before, I was hoping… wondering… if instead of attending one of the parties in town, you might like to go out to dinner together? I found an advertisment for an event at some hotel ballroom outside of Tumbleweed. Dinner, dancing. Live music. They’ll be playing big band, which is a form of jazz. Unless… you’d be interested in something else?”
----
She recalled that he mentioned he’d liked that sort of music. She didn’t know much about it, but this would prove an ample opportunity to learn. “I would love that,” she offered with a smile. “I would not know what else to look for, so this is a rather wonderful idea. Is it a formal event?” She’d have to find something appropriate to wear. She was adding more of what this world called normal to her wardrobe, as she didn’t think the gowns of home were really something to wear for every day. “I liked dancing with you before. You will have to show me the steps, I doubt the ones I know are really the same.”
She thought for a moment, considering the things they had in common and could therefore share. “Oh, you said this world had those museums correct? We should make a day of that as well. I will look for one that is nearby. Your ability to, what was the word, apparate? Do you need to know where to go?” It was incredibly useful. She was sure there would be ways to travel around in a more mundane way, but to her using such abilities was hardly out of the normal. ---
“I’d say semi-formal,” Percy said. “Which means, nice, but not as fancy as the Christmas Ball we attended.” Having her mention dance made him smile broader. “You’re probably right about the steps. There are a few different types, each with a special music to go along with it. But I don’t want you to ever think it’s all one-sided!. I’d be as equally happy to learn from you.” It was important to Percy that Zelda knew this.
“Yes! There are many museums that come to mind, most of them some distance away. Unfortunately, apparation only goes so far, and it does require I know where I’m going or else I could accidently splinch ourselves… uh…. I mean appearing on the other end inside a wall, or a piece of furniture, or Merlin forbid another person that I didn’t know would be in that exact spot. However, there are ways around the problem. I’ve been told that there are people living in Tumbleweed who have the ability to teleport, and for a small fee will take us where we need to go.” In the long run that would be the better option, because Port Keys had their own hazards, which Percy didn’t feel like getting into.
--
"Thank you," she offered at his explanation. This way she could figure something out. There was plenty of time for that. She smiled to his offer, "I hardly know what court dances could be used for, but one never knows. I'd be happy to show them." It could hardly hurt after all. His explanation of apparition made her a bit hesitant about it, but it was good that she knew. All things had some consequence, at some point. Now she would not go in blind. "Oh Goddesses, that sounds...unfortunate at best. Yes best we not risk that. I much prefer not having part of a chair or something stuck through me."
"Good, I enjoy things like art and histories. I will do some research and see if anything is near and look at those individuals offering their services to be taken there. That does make a lot of things a lot more easy. I do not wish to take up too much of your time so we can schedule something say a week after the new years festivities? We could have lunch, or dinner as well depending on the time then too. Does that sound agreeable to you?" ---
“There’s a whole staff of Healers at the magical hospital in my world that deal with Splinching. It’s pretty painful, but it can be fixed, but generally only by experienced Healers. Unfortunately there aren’t any here.” He thought for a moment, then said, “I don’t know what sort of dancing you do, but I do know that some people like folk dancing. If you offer to teach anybody who wants to learn, we could form a group that meets on a regular basis. We could do different dances that way!”
Smiling, and calmer than before, Percy said, “That’ll be great.” He then looked at the kitchen table, then back at Zelda. “Why don’t we finish our lunch and then we can go back to the map?”
--
She wondered if that could be learned. Accidents or mishaps could happen at any turn, and he was hardly the only one here of his world. She had a somewhat vested interest in seeing him well, but she also cared for others. “Can it be learned? Or is that something that only has a field of knowledge in your world? I would not wish to see you injured. Plus if it is something that is lacking here, perhaps it should be filled. In as best a way as one can.” Smiling she folded the handkerchief up and placed it in one of her pockets. She’d find a safe place for it back at her lodgings. “Your world sounds fascinating, in truth. I wish I could see it, and that I could show you Hyrule. In the meantime, we can share the beauties of this world.” She grinned, “my dance teacher would be flattered by that. Perhaps, I’m not good at teaching. Plenty good at explaining things and going off into tangents but teaching? Not a strength I possess. But it is not a bad offer. I will consider it.” “Alright,” she added while going to take his hand. It was spending time together, so she figured this classified as what he said ‘dates’ were. And she liked being able to share these things in as best a way she could. It was rather a very nice way of spending time with him. ---