Arthur
It hadn't been too hard of a journey, but she had felt like it took ages. She was grateful that she had at least managed to tame a horse before they left for Kakariko. She had named the horse Cory, after a plant she recognized in the field she tamed him. *Corydalis.* She was now feeling the excitement over the exhaustion. Iryth couldn't wait to see what this city would look like. 

She hadn't found one of the magical parchments Daphell seemed to carry yet, but she would in due time. She saw the symbol on the banners to the entrance of a passage in between two cliff-sides. She was ecstatic. 

What would the people be like? How would they talk? Would they be kind to her, despite her appearance? Scared? What clothes are standard to the area, what books can be found here, what goods could she collect?? She was going crazy with the questions in her brain, all to be answered in a few minutes. She wanted to bring Cory to a full gallop, just so she could get there sooner. However, she was almost entirely reliant on Daphell to do the talking. She didn't know what was customary, nor what was to be expected. She allowed him to take the lead. 

"I am so excited," She admitted with a wide smile on her face. "Is there anything I should know or look out for before I enter?"
Dorothy
Daphell could see the excitement on Iryth's face as she examined her surroundings and spoke. He softly smiled, knowing well that she'd likely enjoy all the pretty sights of the quaint little town. *Even if there are bits of ruins everywhere...* He thought.

"There are a lot of different people to talk to around here. Back in my world, this place was my home for a while," He said. He didn't want to mention that it was only his home until he was 8, and then after he'd turned 18, but even with those facts resting firmly in his mind he knew most faces around here regardless of if they knew him. *Unless everyone is replaced, which wouldn't make much sense...* 

He patted his horse, who still didn't have a proper name. "It's just around this bend. There are a lot of little things here— there's an archer's store, a general store, a number of different farmers who sell their crops, a shrine to Her Grace, a..." He paused. "There's a graveyard up on the hill," He listed more quietly. He rubbed the bump on his head he'd gotten falling from a nearby apple tree.

He came closer to Iryth on his horse. "Don't worry about fumbling on social stuff— they tend to be more worried about outsiders if they're not with a Sheikah. Which you are... Well, mostly."
Arthur
"I'm sure it's beautiful," She smiles. She listens to him talk about the different shops as they approached even closer to the town. He matched her pace and she nodded. She didn't have to be so nervous. 

As they came around the bend, they were at a high point in the hills, above the village. It was evening time, and the sun was a warm orange complimenting the red banners and yellow lanterns. Her eyes lit up, her smile joining them. She hopped off of Cory, and took him by his lead. She waited for Daphell to speak to what seemed to be a guard, whom looked at her in fear as she towered over him, but didn't move a muscle or say a word.
Dorothy
Daph swallowed as he trotted past the graves at the top of the hill. *I'll come back later, I promise,* He thought as he fidgeted with his ring. *No matter what world it is, you'll always be my mother.* He soon dismounted Horse and walked ahead to speak to the guard, who seemed to be Cado. He had stray cuco feathers caught in his hair.

"Halt!" He said. "State your business."

Daphell bowed his head in respect before continuing. "We came for means of commerce, and to look over the place. My friend here is a traveler who hails from a distant city and there may be resources here she could use in her medicinal arts." *A lotta big words,* He thought. *My social juices are only so much...*

Cado looked at Iryth. "What is your name, girl?" He asked, still at a guarded stance. "Can't exactly know who our company is without a name."
Arthur
She noticed the look on Daphell's face and looked up to where he was also looking—the graveyard. She felt for him, knowing that feeling all too well. She's had many friends she's had to bury because of Zant. She backed away slightly from the guard, listening to Daphell explain their purpose for being in the town.

It wasn't a lie either. She agreed with everything he said, those were their main reasons for their expedition. The guard asks of her name. "Uhm, Iryth, sir." She replies. She was a little impatient, but she wasn't going to try to rush the process and jeopardize their access into the town. However, she couldn't lie that she was getting antsy, and not just eagerness. 

She was anxious.
Dorothy
Cado looked her up and down then did the same to Daph. "Welp, if something happens, I wasn't here," He said. "And you two need to go see Elder Paya before you go poking around. You can leave your horses tied here— they could get stuck down there."

Daph sighed with relief. "Can you tell me, are Dorian's girls here? I know that..." He stopped and thought for a moment, trying to find the right words. "...That *Last time* I saw them they were doing more exploration."

"Hmm... I'll have to check." Cado stood aside. "Go right ahead."

Daph unhooked the canteen from his horse and hooked it to his side. "Thank you..." He said.

He came over to Iryth and smirked. "Welp, we're mostly in the clear. We stop have to talk to P—*Elder* Paya before we can go ahead and wander about. Something tells me she may have a better grasp of what's been happening than most..."
Arthur
"Thank you," She says to the guard, then ties up Cory. She pulls an apple out of her satchel that she picked up along the way. She gives it to the horse, rubbing his neck. "Good boy," She smiles. "Don't worry, I'll come back around nightfall and make sure you have some water and something to snack on," She says to the horse. 

She can't help but hear Daphell ask about the girls. She doesn't mind of course, his personal business is *His* Business. She would be a liar if she said she wasn't curious. She wondered how he had grown up here if he also fell through a portal. Maybe his original realm was parallel to this one. She didn't want to be nosy, but she did want to learn more about Daphell. She recognized that he seemed to have somewhat of a struggle talking about those types of things. But she was in no place to judge him on that end. She was no better, actually... She knew more about him than he knew of her. Even she recognized this. Maybe she should try to open up a bit more. Get to know him better.

She turned to Daphell as he approached, trying to get her thoughts to cease so she could focus on his words, however it lingered without her permission. She looked a little surprised at his response, however. "You seem to really respect this woman," She commented. "Well, then it's settled. Where do we go to find Elder Paya?" She asks.
Dorothy
"Respect? I mean, I guess..." He blushed. "Back before things went South, this was where I lived." He began to walk down the slope. "She and I used to be playmates when I was small. She was a year older than me, so she always made me do the hard work while she commanded me and the other kids around town. It's funny that she grew to be the Chief of the Village, even in this world." He blushed up. "I uh... Made her cry when I disappeared, apparently."

He pointed to the bottom of the slope and to a large building surrounded by a pond. "The big house there is where she lives. Impa used to live there too, but she's probably gallivanting across Goddess Green Hyrule or something." He pointed over to the archery shop. "The guard we spoke to? His ex-wife runs it— she always likes to see archers around, can't get enough of them."

He paused before pointing to a little house in the corner. "And that's... That one is Dorian's house. He's someone I know really well. Has two daughters named Koko and Cottla. Cottla loves to play hide and seek and other games, and Koko likes to cook."

He blushed. "Sorry. I spent, like, *Three years* Training here once I escaped the Yiga Hideout." He sighed. "You know, I don't know all that much about you, Iryth. Don't you have family back home? Or at least someone you miss?"
Arthur
"Ah, I see, so Elder Paya is less of a true *Elder,* More of a... Companion," She smiles. She's oblivious to what she seems to be implying. "It's understandable that she was upset when you disappeared. I did the same thing, with one of my childhood friends. However, I had a bit of... Well, there was absolute certainty that she wasn't coming back. I've made peace with it." She explains. 

She listens with a smile as he positively recounts all of the people he's been close to whilst living here. She's excited to meet them as well. "Don't apologize. I really enjoy hearing about it, don't apologize at all." Her smile quickly fades. She had thought the same thing earlier, but... Still. She wasn't expecting so soon. 

"My mother and father are... I don't know. I never met them. I've never met anyone I was actually blood relatives with, to be honest with you. I was abandoned along a common trail outside of the city I lived in. I grew up there, and met many kind people, but... When we became Shadow Beasts, it wasn't... We all left to *Hunt.* No one was themselves. We all got split up while in this sort of state, and yet Link saved me. When he did I was all alone. I awoke in my true form next to two dead Shadow Beasts. I don't even know which members of my village they were." She explains, her tone staying soft and steady. She was recounting simple details, as if reading off a list of ingredients. She wasn't allowing herself to feel. 

"When I awoke my memories were blurry. I still had many of them, but the farther back in my life I try to remember the less clear it is. All of those I miss are either Beasts or have died as such. I chose not to become attached to anything afterwards, as I walked the lands healing people. It was much too temporary, as was I. I couldn't attach to someone if I was constantly moving. It would be unfair to the both of us. So, I didn't. I traveled alone, fell through the portal, and here I am." She smiles a bland, almost fake smile.
Dorothy
Daphell stopped and listened. As she recounted her own story, of her orphaning and her existence, he felt the energy in the air. No, not felt—tasted. This time, for sure, he knew she wasn't feeling right. Even as she put that smile on her face, it was almost crooked, like a painting that was one tremor away from getting knocked from a wall. 

"Iryth, I know you want to help me, and you want to be strong for others, but..." He bit his lip and smoothed his hair back. "Don't you think it's unfair to you? I mean, to suffer alone so nobody else has to— it's torture. Unjust torture you shouldn't have to bear."

He paused as he finally process what she said about Paya. His face turned pink. "W-wait, Paya?! No, no, being *That way* With Paya would be weird. I mean, our tribe likely has some close-knit blood relations, who knows if she's a cousin or what have you." *And I'm terrible at talking with girls, I almost forgot that...* He thought.

As they reached the bottom of the slope he tried to go back to the point he'd been trying to make. "If you don't have people to support you, how are you supposed to... How are you supposed to *Heal yourself*? Certainly every healer has a healer to heal them if they can't do it themselves, right?"
Arthur
She didn't put down the wall just quite yet. "I don't know... It feels wrong. I am always fine listening to people. It's nice to be trusted. It's not so easy to trust, because then I am... It is as I said. Everyone I had connection or trust in or care for is gone. I am just weary of it, is all. It's also easier for me. To recount the experience as a story, rather than to feel connected to it. It holds less gravity, less power over me," She explains.

She then goes wide eyed and bursts out laughing. "Oh Goddesses no! That would be *Very* Unfortunate," She's laughing genuinely now. "I am glad you two are not *Involved.*" She allows the laughter to subside as he continues. 

"I feel like everyone should rely on both others and themselves. I have relied on your support immensely throughout this journey. I am very appreciative of you, Daphell. You are someone who... Who truly understands me, even if you do not know the full picture. I just am worried. What happens if you heal me, if you support me emotionally, if I get connected to you, and then you are gone? Or we get separated? I was... After I awoke, I was severely ill. I could not eat, or sleep, I wasn't facing any physical sickness, but I was in such grave emotional turmoil. My parents had never wanted me. They tossed me aside. The people who *Did* Want me, who *Chose* Me? They were all gone. I had no one. And it was soul crushing. But you get used to the pain. The ache. The emptiness in your stomach. You find other things to distract, to give you just a little bit of self fulfillment. Even if it isn't a proper replacement, it's sustainable. It's better than being ill again."
Dorothy
Daphell was in awe. This girl's emotional pain had run deeper than he expected. Sure, the physical brutality of Ganon's cursed power had ravaged them both but... He never went without food, at least not due to any emotional turmoil within. *If anything,* He thought to himself, *The starving came from the Malice.*

He took on of her hands. "Sorry. I... If you don't want me to hold it I'll let go but..." He stopped for a moment and breathed in and out. "I'm not just gonna sit here and let you believe that living that way is better than illness. Because it *Is* Illness itself. And... And it's not your fault what happened to you. None of it is. It's nobody's fault but the man who hurt your people."

He let go of her hand. "But hey, if the sickness of loneliness, if being ill with grief has befallen us, I guess it's okay to be sick together. Quarantine, right?"
Arthur
She was surprised when he took her hand. It was... A confusing feeling. She hadn't had much affection given to her growing up, especially physically. Sure, she had people in her corner, but she never had true family. People didn't hug her or hold her hand very frequently, if at all. But, this was Daphell. This was different. That made her smile a sad, bittersweet smile. "That's okay, thank you," She says. 

She knows it isn't her fault. The guilt comes from the Shadow Beast form, and even that she knows wasn't really *Her.* It's irrational, and that makes her hate it more. She knows it isn't her fault that her parents didn't want her, or that she's never had a true family, she's always been a *Wanderer.* But she still wishes that things were different. 

She smiles a little bit more at Daphell, even as he releases her hand, and she feels the warmth that had previously filled her from the contact drain from her. Quarantine. An interesting word choice from an interesting man. She expected no less from him. "We can try to learn alongside one another, I suppose is the best way of phrasing it," She elaborates. "We can help one another get well," She smiles.
Dorothy
Daphell blushed up. He was touched by the idea of getting well, truly. But at the same time, he'd grown so used to living as a Blight that he wasn't sure how curing him would make his life easier. If anything, he'd have new challenges to face without his powers.

Still, he nodded resolutely. "I promise you that we'll work through it together. And should something happen, should... Should we get *Separated*, I will do what I can to get back. I... I don't like to leave people wondering where I've been."

He remembered the first time the Blood Moon had revived him. It had been a full week since he'd died, and as a result his guardian had simply stayed put and grieved. Seeing Serin cry like that... 

*Nobody deserves to cry like that,* He thought.

"Let's head up to the Chief's house. Hopefully she already knows what's been going on. It doesn't make sense why she wouldn't— after all, Tauro is her right hand man and he's fascinated by weird stuff."
Arthur
She smiled politely at their deal, but she would be lying if she said it didn't make her anxious. She didn't want to lie, she wanted to keep up her end of the agreement, but she was worried that if she did open up to him, whenever he inevitably would be gone, it would be too much to bear. She wanted to trust him, to believe in his promise, but... It wasn't stable. There was no guarantee. That terrified her.

She said nothing. She looked around, enjoying the sights, but after such a conversation she wasn't able to feel anywhere near as excited as she did initially. She was worried this might happen. Once something bothers her, it's hard for her to shake the feeling, or if she just pushes it aside, it's replaced with a sort of numb sensation that dampens all of the positive feelings she had prior. She was dealing with that now. 

She simply followed Daphell, and noticed that as she went through the town, people were looking at her with interest, mixed with fear. They were curious, she was sure, but of course they would feel threatened. She was very odd looking...

 *That* Didn't help her feel any better.
Dorothy
The mixture of discomfort was still there. He tasted it on his breath— the sweetness of honey mingled with apple, the sting of a fully bodied liquor— and he shuddered. "Hey, I'll ask the armory if we can borrow a kimono— a lot of people around here have never seen someone as unique and... Pretty as you."

As he continued walking towards the front of the Chief's home, he was stopped by another guard. His heart sank into his stomach as he caught sight of him, and his breath hitched. He fidgeted with the ring in his hands, which he held behind his back. *Shit, I forgot to account for this,* He thought.

It was Dorian.
Arthur
She was taken aback by the compliment, though she knew he was probably just saying it because he too noticed the stares they were getting. Though, she wouldn't be opposed to wearing the pretty attire of those who live here, at least while she stayed here. They continued walking, and Daphell seemed to go pale from the presence of this new guard. Does he know this man? 

She watched as he fidgeted behind his back, as she had been following behind him, as he led the way. She wanted to make sure he was alright, but she also didn't want to overstep, and especially not in front of someone he was familiar with. He said that he knew these people, but... Did the man recognize him? She stepped closer to the two of them, and gentle put a hand on Daphell's back to signify that she was beside him now, and that she was there *For* Him. No matter what.
Dorothy
Daphell locked up. He wasn't sure where to begin with him. His throat ran dry and his toes twitched in the dirt. His stomach began to turn— he was a loving father, but... This all happened because of...

*No, no!* He thought. *He fell in love, the Yiga did this to him, this wasn't his fault! My capture was THEIR fault! He just...*

His mind began to reel as the dread kicked in, that sickening feeling of being locked in that cell, only allowed to leave for 'training' and for...*The ritual*. Every time he saw the Blood Moon rise he knew that the guard would come around and the sound of the lock unclicking would send him into a panic. And nine times out of ten, when his food was brought to him, it was... Him.

The whispers in the back of his mind began to grow, and as he took a step back from the guard he swore he could see inky black arms in the corner of his vision. He dared not move his head to confirm if they were real, but by Farore did he want to. The 49 were just as agitated by the memory as he was and had been roused. 

*Let us out. Let us out so... So we may rest in peace... Please...* He heard as the lights of the village began to dim around him. His vision was going dark, and the smell of the prison was beginning to seep into his nostrils.
Arthur
The guard stepped forward to speak to the two. He had a more serious nature to him. "Stop at once. What business do you have here?" He is an older gentleman that the guard at the entrance, but that doesnt discourage her. She turns to Daphell, but she can tell he seems distraught. Maybe this is someone he knew in the other realm... He's obviously having a hard time. "We are travelers, we were allowed in to further my resources for my medicinal studies, and to rest from our journey thus far. I come from distant land, but my friend here is evidently of your kind. We were told to speak to one Elder Paya." As she introduces Daphell for him, allowing him to have a moment in his mind, she also tries to reassure him further, and gently glides her rested hand up and down across his back.

Hopefully this will help to ground him, and to ease his anxiety. 

"He does in fact look familiar... I cannot place it. Very well. You may enter." He says, and with that, they are in. She uses the hand on her back to guide Daphell up the steps, past Dorian, but she once they are inside they don't fully enter the main room yet. She stops in the doorway, and places both of her hands gently on the sides of his upper arms, and meets his eyes. "Daphell, is everything alright? You do not look well, do you need anything? I am here for you."
Dorothy
*No, no, no, no,* Daphell thought. *I'm not... WE are not back there. We can't be. I was in the village with Iryth, then I saw my dad, and then...*

The feeling of a hand touching his back— *Caressing* His back— drove the visions into overdrive. The hands that rose around him in the prison cell came up in many distinct shapes from the muck that had appeared in the floor. Hands with long nails, hands with webbed fingers, wings, fists... All of them opening their palms to reveal eyes that were on him, all staring back in anticipation.

There was hot breath on his neck, and as the hand continued to caress, a single voice rose over the rest of them. *"Good morning, Hero,"* He hissed.

And then just like that, he was violently thrown back into Hateno. He gasped for air as he fell forward, trying to comprehend whatever had just happened. "That voice..." He said, his voice finally breaking free from the rest of him.
Arthur
She removes her hands from his lower shoulders and instead starts to lead him to sit by the steps, as the entry room was empty aside from a single kneeling bench. 

Suddenly, he was gasping and falling forward. She quickly whipped around and held him, steadying him. "What voice, Daphell? You seemed to be having a flashback, but you need to breathe deep, do it with me, you ready? *In, two three four, hold two three four five six, out, two three four five six.*" She says, trying to help him ground himself in the now and steady his breathing.

She didn't know else to help comfort him, did he want to talk? Physical affection? Reassurance? Distraction? She didn't know *How* To help him feel better, she just knew that she *Wanted* Him to feel better. "Daphell, how can I help you? Do you want to sit down? We can start from there?" She offers. Maybe that will help him recollect his thoughts and to still his worries before being faced with another familiar yet unknowing person.
Dorothy
Daphell looked at her and shook. He nodded and began breathing exercises as Chief Paya came down from the upstairs floor. As she spotted the two of them, she paused.

"Did... Did I miss something here?" She asked. "Tauro didn't tell me I'd be having visitors."

As he finished the breathing, Daphell looked at Paya. "N-no, sorry. I'm... Neither of us are from this world, we're... Sojourners." He was panting hard as he looked to Iryth.

They maybe had known each other for a week or less, and yet she was so close to him already. *What am I to do?* He thought to himself. *I doubt she'll believe what I saw... I barely believe it myself. And if she gets close and I lose it...*

All he could think to do was huddle close to Iryth, if only to hide the tears that he knew were coming. "I... I don't like you having to see me like this," He whispered. "I don't know what's happening to me."
Arthur
Iryth couldn't focus on anything or anyone other than Daphell. That's where her head was. She supported him as he started the deep breathing. She didn't know how to greet Elder Paya but she honestly didn't really care about that right now. 

Daphell answered for the two of them—he'd be able to word it better than she could anyway. His breathing still wasn't where she wanted it, but as long as he wasn't hyperventilating to the point where he'd become nauseated or dizzy. She wanted him to let it out but she didn't want his anxiety to escalate due to his heart rate. Especially since this was such a fragile of a situation. One wrong move and the switch will flip, we definitely can't have that here, and hopefully not at all. 

Suddenly, he moves closer to her, leaning into her and sort of holding himself up on her. That shouldn't be his job. She wraps her arms around him, pulling him fully into a supportive embrace, but making sure that although her arms are holding him up, her hands on him are gentle and soft; comforting, not constricting. She heard his whispers and her heart broke for him. 

"I'm here for you, Daph, it's us. We're quarantining, i'm here, you don't have to act tough right now. We both already know how strong you are, you can let it out," She speaks softly in return to him. "I'm not sure what's going on either, but from the looks of it being home is a trigger for you. We can figure this out fully together, we can learn and try to ease some of your worries and your thoughts. We can worry about that in a moment, let's just breathe, and let it out."
Dorothy
Daphell breathed in, then out. He knew he needed to get it together. But he also knew it wasn't right to lie. He thought for a few minutes before he had an idea. Calling over Paya, he asked her to switch Cado and Dorian out for a shift. "Tell Tauro if he wants he can document this. It wouldn't be the first time I've been scrutinized, I'm certain it... Won't be Iryth's first time either."

As soon as he heard the door shut, he sighed. "Iryth, you're right. This is a trigger. But... I shouldn't be having it *This* Bad. It was never this bad back home, or at least it wasn't after I reconciled."

He slowed down. "The man outside, Dorian... He's my father. Or at least, another version of my father. He and his daughters have lived here for a while. My father's former loyalties... It got my mom killed and got me captured. And after that, well..." He shook his head. "Well, you already saw what my body does."

He played with the ring around his finger. "I wish I could've given you a chance to meet my mom. She was the best. Would've cooked a good meal for you."
Arthur
She watches Miss Paya step out of the room before turning all of her focus back to Daphell. He speaks on the intensity of the flashback, then the history of his family. He must be heartbroken, not only seeing them after so long, but also knowing that in this realm all of the memories they shared together are gone. Rather, they were never *There.* That must be contributing to the intensity of the trigger.

She tells him this. "It may be more intense because they cannot give you comfort. You returned home and they recognized you, but here, in this realm, they never knew you... They just wear the same face. I cannot imagine how difficult that would be." She empathizes. "Daphell, I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. I feel as though... How do I put this... I have met your mother, and your father, and I mean *Your* Dorian." She says, placing a hand slowly and gently onto the side of his face. She is a very comforting person. She treats you as if she's known you your whole life. 

"When people love you, they are placing those feelings into you. Especially your family. For me, it was my *Found* Family, but for you, it was your mother, father, sisters. They *Love* You. And the love they have instilled into you doesn't just disappear once they aren't near you. It stays. It lingers in you. You can find it in everything. You pronounce a word the same way, the features you share, a certain food or smell makes you think of them in an instance, the fact that you see sunsets, or flowers, or even stones in the same colors as their eyes, seeing their favorite animal in the wild. Little bits of everyone who has touched your soul with their love is scattered all throughout you, malice or no malice, near each other or far. I've met your mom." She smiles into his eyes. 

*"I'm looking at her right now."*
Dorothy
Daphell didn't even realize the tears were streaming down his face. The Malice within him was writhing, itching with disgust at the thought of this *Kindness*, this... *Sappy... Gentle... Kindness.* His body was begging him to run, but his thoughts were... Quiet.

There was nothing but quiet. The whispers had faded, they'd receded at the mere thought of what she said— that he carried his mother's memory— and that was peace enough. He carefully stood and held out his hand. 

"Then perhaps I can show you my sisters. They like to play hide and seek," He said with a gentle grin. "I promise if you win I'll make you my mom's favorite."

Tauro was standing there, crying. "I dunno what's happening but you say the most beautiful things, Miss."
Arthur
She smiles widely at him. "I have never played such game, but I will oblige." She starts laughing gently, taking his hand. 

She turns to Tauro and becomes frantic. "A,Ah, I'm sorry! Please do not cry, I am sorry!" She feels guilty for making the man cry when he didn't even know the reason they were crying. She wasn't trying to sound pretty, or poetic, she was simply being genuine.

She was seemingly flustered, and awkward. Stiff. What was wrong with her?? She really was poor at social cues in the most basic of times.
Dorothy
Daphell raised an eyebrow. "So I take it Paya already filled you in. Good to see you again, Tauro. Well, not *You* You." He helps Iryth to the door. "Um... I hate to ask, this before we go look around, but... If you see Dorian come down from the pass, could you... Try to word it in a way that doesn't sound weird? Thanks."

He smirked and looked back to Iryth. "Don't worry, those are tears of joy. Humans in this world tend to cry over just about any strong emotion." He wondered if she knew the power of those words, how his mind could be freed by them.

He hadn't thought of the power words could feasibly have on the human spirit, and he began to wonder if there was a chance his curse could be managed. *Or better yet, BROKEN,* He thought. *Words this kind are spoken from the heart but... This is the first person who went through such a transformation I've ever met.*
Arthur
She didn't know how to begin. She hadn't lied or exaggerated, it was truly how she felt. She was really surprised that they were so moved.

"I understand. I'm glad I could bring the both of you some peace at least. It's just how I feel. Everything is made of nature and energy flows within all living creatures. Even if the physical is gone, the energy is still put back into nature, and bits of it are found into where the energy was first place. Like when you truly love someone." She smiles.

It faded when she started to overthink... Was she really scared of hide and seek? But what if she couldn't keep up? There'd be no way for her to find the stealthy Daphell. If she could hide in a shadow of maybe a guard who stood in place, or a townsperson outside of their shop, she'd be entirely undetectable until she came out. Levitating can help her get into good hiding spaces, but she was tall, and her bright orange hair wouldn't be of much help.
Dorothy
Daphell found the girls sitting near the Goddess statue. He was surprised by their age— his sisters back home were well on their way through teenage drama, whereas these ones looked to be about 10-12. Nevertheless, they both looked up at Iryth, a mixture of caution around strangers and fascination of foreigners glinting in their eyes. 

"Lemme see... If I guess your names, will you play hide and seek with us?"

"Dunno, mister," Koko said. "Are you gonna seek?"

"Why wouldn't I?" He said, looking to Iryth. "After all, my friend here wants to look around at all the sights and it'd be a shame to make her wait here at the statue."

Cottla chuckled. "He can't guess our names," She said. "He's new here. Unless you're magic."

Daphell chuckled. "See Iryth, I told you they were silly."
Arthur
She follows Daphell to the statue to the young two girls. She smiles widely. They're beautiful, and she was right—something in the way they smiled was undeniable identical. 

The irony of the situation with the information she knows about Daphell and the girls makes it hard for her not to laugh a little. 

She smiles at their witty remarks. They were cute, for sure. She remembers that age. She wonders what her life would be like if she had ever had a sister. What if she did? It wasn't impossible... No. This moment isn't about her. It's about having fun with Daphell and his siblings.

She smiles even wider at Daphell's note toward her. "Indeed," Is all she says.
Dorothy
Daphell smirked. "You're Koko, and you're Cottla. I know because I have sisters that look a lot like you, and that's what they're called."

Cottla was in amazement, but Koko wasn't buying it. "You could've gotten that from my dad! Tell me what momma's favorite food was."

Daphell swallowed, beginning to fidget with his ring. The question stung for sure, but he reckoned that if he managed to hold himself together for them this long, he could do it a bit longer. He gestured then leaned in and whispered into Koko's ear, looking at Iryth as he did so. 

After all, he said he'd make Iryth his mother's favorite if she won.

"Wow..." Koko said. "Okay!! Cottla, go ahead! Miss Iryth, all you gotta do is hide. When he's done counting, he'll try to find us. If you're found last, you win!!"

The Sheikah man moved a bit closer to the statue and knelt. "I believe in you. Good luck, you have until 200." He tossed her a wink, something he normally would never do, but his in we child was beginning to peak out from the years of exile within him.

"1... 2... 3..."
Arthur
"Oh Goddesses.." She murmured under her breath. He winked at her. She wasn't sure what he meant. Was it more sarcastic? Flirtatious? Certainly not the second option, right?? Her face began to darken, but she shook it off as she ran, trying to find the best hiding spot she could.

She was a *Fast* Runner. Her long legs did her well in that regard. She saw what she thought would be the perfect spot. However, the question was if she could *Fit.*

She pulled up her hood to help conceal her. Her spot was a small opening between two edges of the side of the cliff that was near the back corner of the town. Now, it was getting up to the opening that would be hard. 

She backed up to get a running start, before she ran full speed at the side of the cliff. She jumped up, using her legs to take two jumps up the wall, and then she begins to levitate with her momentum, as if she was flying. This gives her the opportunity to grab onto a rock so she can enter the opening. At the base of the cliff side, the opening was just a crack that ran into the ground, only a quarter would fit inside. But as you got higher up, the two mountainsides separated. She crossed her arms to her chest in a flat X, and used her levitation to place herself into the opening. Her black hood made it look like she wasn't anywhere to be seen, as if she was nothing, just the dark space in between the openings.

She waited, hearing people below passing by but not daring to turn so that her face was revealed. She looked like a black blob, and she wanted to keep it that way.
Dorothy
Daphell continued counting. As he did, he looked at the Goddess statue, her eyes full of life without a single spark of light in them, a mere carving in stone. Though he was still technically counting, his focus flitted a moment to the incense on the shrine that had burnt out long before it was meant to.

He plucked the stick from its perch, lit it, then set it back. "It's... Hard... To pray. Mostly because from your seat at the edge of time, you throw miracles in the path of humans, either of your own free will, or perhaps through the Minish, your hands and feet in this world. Either way, I felt like I've been thrown into... What did the Rito call it... A tailspin?"

He breathed in. "99, 100, 101..."

This girl was willing to protect him, to care about him. And yes, maybe it was her sense of duty but... So was his guardian's, and knowing him he'd be worried sick. And the visions, they made Iryth worry about him.

"Hylia, if you could grant me one wish, it's that wherever the adventure takes us, *Please* Allow Iryth to see that the lighthouse that she guides others with is the same as the one that she deserves. She... Deserves more than the hand she was dealt— you know the cruelty she endured more than I or anyone ever could fathom, so she deserves that lighthouse." He swallowed, a pit forming in his stomach as he spoke. "And most of all, should... Should something happen to me, I at least want to have bought enough time that she has the strength to continue going no matter what."

The statue looked through him for a moment, then the candle of one of the nearby lanterns flickered a bit. He took it as a signal, and it was right on time, too.

"199... 200. Ready or not, here I come!" He said, beginning to break into a run.
Arthur
She didn't dare move a muscle, but she was starting to become anxious. Her pulse became a loud buzz in her ears, and the small space meant she couldn't breathe in fully as she wanted to. She was nervous about the game. She didn't want to get caught. She was nervous about Daphell. She didn't know his intentions, or opinion of her, or anything. She didn't know what he thought of her, felt about her. 

She was beginning to overthink again. This time she was overthinking Daphell's behavior. Was he simply being extra friendly because I spoke with great emotion? She had not a clue, but she tried to slow her breathing back down. It would be much too easy for her to suffocate in an opening where she couldn't even breathe in all the way. 

She was off today, ever since the conversation about *Her,* She hadn't been able to refocus, not on a single thing. She had little to no say. She had a million questions rushing in her head and not a single answer.
Dorothy
After locating Koko and Cottla, he began his search for his friend. "Iryth?" He called, walking up the slope. He knew she had to be here *Somewhere*, but where?

He wracked his mind and tried to figure out if she had some strange power, something that would make it easy to hide. Surely a Twili, a being from the shadows, would have a lot more skill and remaining undetected. Alas, he kept looking, going to the top of the hill near where she, unbeknownst to him, was lying in wait. 

He looked over the town, trying to notice if any shadows were different from the others, but alas, it didn't appear that any were. "Geez you're good at hide and seek..."

A sweet taste filled his mouth, and he grimaced, knowing that it was the taste of worry. Quickly he turned around and noticed just how black the shadow behind him was. It frightened him for half a second as he jumped backwards on his backside, only to burst into laughter. "Hehe, I think I see you there."
Arthur
She heard his footsteps and his voice near her, and for some reason she began to tremble. She couldn't help but feel like pray to an apex predator such as Daphell, with all of his abilities. She keeps her position despite her nature, until he notices and begins to laugh. It eases the tension considerably, and she smiles herself.

She reaches her hands up. The sight of it is creepy entirely, just two grey-blue arms extending from what seemed to be a shadow. However she needs to do this to pull herself out of the crack, to make herself small enough. She grips her fingertips onto the edges of the gap, and then pulls up, giving herself a little boost. In this process, her hood falls off, revealing the back of her bright orange hair. She levitates, slowly rising out of the gap in the rock, no longer grabbing the cliff to pull herself but rather using it to twist her body.

She was very flexible, as she was able to turn at her torso quite a distance to make herself the perfect shape to exit the pocket in the cliff she had hid in. She floats up, now releasing her hands from the cliff and leaving them above her head crossed, and she continues to twist and turn as she escapes. It's as if she is being picked up by some invisible hand, manipulated like some kind of porcelain doll. It was elegant and creepy all at once. She finally landed her body straight, her hair flowing out and then landing back onto her shoulders. "You found me," She smiles.
Dorothy
Daphell watched her movements, graceful and macabre as they were, with a look of childlike wonder. His mouth hung a little open as he watched her twist, pulling herself from what almost seemed to be a crevice no human should really fit themselves into. But they both knew well that neither of them were quite human, were they?

Even as she spoke, he struggled to find the words, and he failed to notice the way his face was beginning to redden like a tomato. Iryth, dainty and pretty as he'd known her, had sprouted from the cliff side like a sprig of swift violet.

"W-wow..." He breathed. Then he caught himself. "I-I mean yes, I *Did* Find you, but I found you last, which means you won." He wrung his hands. "My sense tipped me off, but I never would've thought it would be a space *That tight*. And I'd normally ask if you're okay, but you're clearly..."

He shut himself up as he realized he was rambling.
Arthur
This confused her even further. She had spent every minute in there wondering how he felt about her. She didn't even stop to think about how *She* Felt about *Him.* This made her face darken as well, noticing his reaction and also her own train of thought. 

*His sense tipped him off.* Could he sense her nerves right now? Other feelings that she might not even be aware she has herself?? This was... She didn't know how to process this. She didn't know if she liked it, but it wasn't like she could really be upset at him or blame him for it either. He seemed just as flustered as she was, as she began to nervously adjust every article of clothing, fluffing out her cloak to get rid of some of the dust and dirt on it from the rock. She also began to fix her hair, as if it wasn't already perfectly fine. She really was nervous, and avoided eye-contact with him.

He didn't need his powers to know this, it was written all over her face. "Thats alright," She said softly. "It's a,a shame that I won," She adds, realizing she is being too short with him. "I was hoping one of the girls would win. I know they would feel accomplished. Are they keen on playing again?" She's being much more formal now, and her voice had dropped significantly in volume. She still couldn't meet his gaze. What was up with this random tension? She was unfamiliar to any such feeling, any such atmosphere. She was slightly taller than him, as were most Twili compared to humans, but she felt very small at the moment.
Dorothy
"Actually, Koko realized it was time for supper and got a jumpstart. I told you that I'd make it for you but she insisted that she shows off... And Cottla... She sorta fell into the pond when I found her and got all wet. But I'm sure that after supper they'd be keen, yes." He was about to say more, but a sudden taste flooded his mouth, the same nervous tension that he'd found her with, but now almost swirling in its mental composition. 

He saw it in her adjusting herself, saw it in the way her weight would shift from one leg to the other, the way her voice became so soft. And the way that her face had flushed like his...
 
"I-Iryth, are you okay? It's okay to not be okay. Sure there are some... Quirks that make it detectable, but... That shouldn't stop you from feeling it." *Fuck, I'm burying it deeper aren't I? Shit, what do I do?* He thought. 

He just sorta stared up at her, eyes still wide, almost unable to move. He could almost feel his heartbeat again.
Arthur
"Ah, okay, I understand," She replies. She smiles a bit at this, but her face is still red and she's staring at the ground still. "I hope Cottla has a nice warm bath before she eats," She adds to fill more of the space in between.

"I... You..." Something in her seems to snap, almost. The nervousness is still the most present, but it's mixed now with a bit of conflicting emotions, such as worry and frustration. She looks into his eyes now, her face slowly cooling off, but her eyes have a sort of electricity in them, and her brows are furrowed in frustration. 

"*You're* One to talk, Daphell!" Her voice is higher pitched now that it's filled with frustration. She seems almost annoyed, but there's also desperation? "I have no clue what- I'm- you- *Uggghh!!* Goddess Hylia you are the *King* Of mixed signals!" She runs her hands over her face. "You- I don't frequently *Attach* To people, much less look at them in any light other than friendly, and here *You* Are, comforting me and, and being physically affectionate, and complimenting me all the time, not to mention the *Winking?!* And now, here you are, getting all flustered and embarrassed blushing like a wild berry because of what, I don't even *Know* Why, my ability was impressive to you? Attractive? Shocking? I can't *Read* You, Daphell, but you have powers! I'm an open *Book* To you! It's so... It's so frustrating! I want to know everything you're feeling all of the time and you get to do that for me and yet you're *Still.* **So.** ***Oblivious!*** Nayru help me, you know better of how I feel about you than *I do!*" 

She's out of breath at the end of this, and as the silence weighs heavy on them and the realization kicks in, she covers her mouth with a hand and tears start forming in the corners of her eyes. "I-I, I'm sorry, I didn't, I don't, I need to go, I'm going to go, I'm sorry," And with that, she jumped from the cliff side, her body slowly bring herself to the floor with no effort, before she's gone.
Dorothy
"Wait, Iryth, I..." He called reaching as she ran from him. His eyes pleaded for her to stay, to let him explain. But alas, she had run back towards the village.

As soon as she was out of sight, he swung his hand at the nearby cliff, an action that the Malice within him withdrew from and left him aching as his wrist bent in a way it probably shouldn't have. *Stupid,* He thought as he fell to his knees. *This was a stupid thing to do, wasn't it? I felt normal for once in my life, I felt like someone saw what I was capable of and didn't want to flinch from me. Not like Revali, not like dad, not like...*

His eyes began to well. He pulled himself up and began walking for a bit until he reached the graveyard. *I don't know how to talk to girls, the only ones in my life were Zelda and my mother and sisters. This new feeling is confusing and new and strange, and even though my body is hating every fiber of it, I... I CARE about... Her...*

As he sat down next to where his mother was buried, he began to clean off her tombstone. "Hey mom," He said. "How do I... How do I tell a girl what I feel? Like, how did you and dad fall in love? How did you realize he was the one for you? And..." He began to clutch the parchment in his hands, and a series of teardrops fell. "How do I tell Iryth... That I'm starting to get scared to lose her? Even when we've known each other for such a short time she just... *Gets it*. We both have been through such vile things done in Ganon's name... And she is so... Kind... Even if I wish she'd tend to her own wounds first sometimes..."

He remembered back and the stable, where he'd placed his arms around her to hold her there, and he'd put his chin on her shoulder. He remembered the look on her face when she was locked inside her own mind. He remembered when they'd gotten jumped by the Yiga and she'd gotten the scratch on her that he'd dabbed with his...

He looked down, still seeing the stain on his robe, and began to sob.
Arthur
She had entered shadow after shadow, but it was getting darker out, the shadows weren't strong enough... Finally she just spat herself out near the entrance to the city. She was emotionally exhausted, and felt absolutely defeated. For a moment she just laid on the ground in the grass, listening to the crickets and the passerby's. She realizes that she probably shouldn't have left Daphell alone, especially after dropping something like that on him. But she's never been interested in someone like this before. It happened against her will. She was *Mad* At herself that she had feelings for him. She shouldn't be getting attached, but it's too late now.

She has feelings for him. This thought made her cover her face with both her hands in the grass and roll over. She whisper screamed into her palms, her face flaring up again. She felt like an idiot. She hasn't the first clue of what dating is even like. Let alone here, in this new realm. She didn't have parental figures, and she had lived with an older Twili woman in the village, who was widowed. She never spoke of her late husband. She only cried at his grave when they visited for his birthday. 

She didn't know how to love someone. She didn't know if she should love Daphell. It'd be much to easy for them to get separated, what if he gets injured severely and she's not there? With his malice, she couldn't even be entirely sure he's safe for himself *Right now.* She wants to cure him, but she doesn't have the first clue how. *You need to focus on right now,* She thinks to herself. She just ran off from him, unable to face him, leaving him all alone. But was that selfish? She needed some space herself, but she's leaving the person she... Has feelings for, alone to wrestle with what she said. He even began to respond, and she didn't stick around. She would be lying if she said she wasn't curious.

She's up on her feet again in no time. The sun has practically set, and the darkness is soothing on her skin. 

Her powers are stronger without the sun in the way. She knows she should go and find him. She wasn't sure if he was in the same area, but that's where she last saw him, so that's where she would look. She runs back to the specific cliff side, and uses rocks to push herself up, boosting her levitation, and landing where they had just been. 

He isn't there anymore, but she hears him. She turns and sees him in the distance, sitting before what she's guessing is his mother's gravestone. Immense guilt washed entirely over her. He was sobbing because of her words. It was so potent, she wouldn't be surprised if he could feel her guilt from where she stood. Concern was mixed in, of course, as well as the caring instinct she had for him. But she felt shame, guilt, and regret. A part of her wishes she had just kept his to herself. Or approached it in another way. She had just snapped.

And now, she hurt him.
Dorothy
"I mean, despite being from a realm of shadows I haven't seen anyone *That* Radiant..." He continued. "She looked at me as someone who was hurting rather than someone who could kill. I know this horrible curse may overtake me someday, and I'm scared of what that'll do to her but... She's already strong enough to snap at me like that. Heh..."

He cleared away his tears and removed the ring on his finger. "I kept it all this time. Never knew what you wanted me to do with it, but I fathomed that you'd have told me to save it for something important," He said. "Until then, it's mostly been used to keep me grounded and to tell creeps I'm not single at taverns... You probably would've given me a scolding over that second one..."

He felt the warm taste of a honeyed apple and smiled. "It was your favorite wasn't it?" He said, though he soon realized the sweet taste was more than a simple memory. He turned around and stiffened as he noticed her. How she managed to stay glowing like that— not literally— in the dark shot him through the chest like an arrow. His hands clammed up and he thought for a moment before speaking. 

"I'm uh... Talking to mom. Mostly about how bad I am at talking to girls." He patted the ground next to him. "If you want to. I won't make you."
Arthur
She listened to him as she slowly approached. His story was making her face flush even further. Radiant?What does *That* Mean? Is he talking about her hair??

He notices her, and she nods, finding her spot next to him. "If I may..." She says. She is sitting on both of her knees. She takes a hand and gently places it on the tombstone. Her eyes are closed and her head is bowed, her hair covering her face. She begins to speak in Twili, which was a language indescribable to any other. It was such a tonal language that it was almost like she was singing, but she was simply just speaking in her language. It sounded like she had 2 different voices, with the use of her tonal overtones and undertones. It was beautiful to say the least. 

As if something changed, there's a glowing blue powder that begins to appear on the top of her headstone. It almost looks like... Pollen? She says one more thing, and then she bows her head again, and makes a singular gesture with her hand, releasing the stone. The powder begins to turn into these glowing blue and purple flowers. It is beautiful. 

She sits there with her head bowed for a minute longer, and is speaking in Sheikah?? It's the same thing she is saying over and over again. "Thank you Goddess Hylia, may she rest within you."

After a few times, she fell silent, and sat up. She had completed the ritual she had performed. It was unfamiliar to Daphell, as it was of Twili nature. It was also a shock that she spoke in Sheikah. Does she know Sheikah?
Dorothy
"H-how did you..." He was indeed a bit shocked by the sudden Sheikah she had spoken. He'd expected the Twilit, a language he'd heard before, though the multiple tones rattled him a bit, a cool breeze of a tone set that treated his bones like a wind chime inside, but... The Sheikah threw him off. "Heh... You never fail to surprise me," He said with a grin. "No wonder I'm stumbling like this— every new twist and turn is a gut punch. An *Exciting, refreshing* Gut punch."

He paused. "Sorry, it sounded more violent than it was meant. What I'm saying is that it's really sudden and disorienting the ways you..." He clutched his head and breathed out. "You're *Amazing*, Iryth."

As he scooted his body to face her, his eyes were downturned. "I... Don't know if I'll be able to outrun my fate, all things considered. But... The time I have to spend... I wouldn't mind you being a part of it. You know like... More than you already have. I know that we've only known each other for a little bit but..."

He was beginning to shake, his was so nervous to be honest. But it was what she needed— to not give her mixed signals. "I-I..."

He curled into a bow. "I'm smitten. Forgive me, I can fathom that it can bring you anguish... Attachments certainly make me nervous but... I can't help it. You just... Get it. You get how awful it feels to take satisfaction in pain, you get what it feels like to be stared at warily, you *Get me*. And if I could feel my heart beating right now, it would be racing."
Arthur
She looks over at him, only turning her head. She smiles. "It is a Twili ritual, said to bring peace to the soul of whomever has passed. I do not actually speak whatever language I just spoke... I cannot even recall the words. It is a sort of magic... You just open your mouth and the person's native tongue comes out, or the language of their ancestors." She explains. 

She was confused at what he meant by *Stumbling.* Was he referring to his mistakes? He feels like he is making mistakes because everything she does is a punch to his gut..? An exciting, refreshing kind? She was deeply confused now.

He returns to the topic, and reiterates his words. Ah, she understood now. She kept him on his toes, and he found it to be entertaining. She's glad she could make him feel- *You're amazing, Iryth.* She looked at him with eyes wide now, as he turned to face her but didn't meet her eyes. She slightly turned, still on her knees and shins, and held her hands in her lap as she sat on the backs of her heels. She was approaching that burgundy shade again in her face, and had no means of stopping it. 

He was worried about his remaining time alive. This made her stomach drop with fear, anxiety, concern. It was palpable. Until it began to settle itself in the background, as he spoke of spending his time with her. She would ensure that he had the rest of his life to spend it with whoever it was he wanted to. She would make sure he lived a long life. She would help expel the curse, or at least dampen it, make it sustainable. She would ease, diminish, or hopefully remove his discomfort. She promised this in her mind, and she'd make it happen.

Smitten. He... She heard him correctly. He was bowing, but she covered her face anyway. She was a dark shade of maroon now, not only on her face but also her ears. She was so flustered and yet she found joy. She felt genuinely... Excited. She felt relief, that he was interested in her as well, and was sure he could feel it coming off of her.
Dorothy
Relief. That was the feeling, like the last slice of pie being eaten, but so satisfying because everyone got to share, and nobody needed seconds. His mind shrugged off how tangled his senses were and focused on her, raising his head to stare at her blushing face. A voice seemed to whisper from the wind, an airy sound that he knew too well but dared not believe. 

*Well,* He swore he heard, *Ask that question.*

"I-Iryth?" He asked her. "Um... What do Twili do when they want to show affection? I know what Sheikah and Hylians do but... My guardian has never documented anyone from your realm. I'm at a loss for what to do to make you feel at home while being true to this feeling in my chest..."

He carefully picked up the ring from the grave and placed it back on his finger. Giving it a few twirls, he blushed and smiled. *Thanks, mom,* He thought. *I have someone I will fight for now. And all it took was being honest.*
Arthur
She didn't know what to say now. She was going to respond with her feelings but couldn't work up the courage to move her hands from her face. She heard him call her name and opened her fingers slightly, revealing her eyes through the cracks. Like a child.

He asked a question she wasn't entirely sure of the answer to. "I,I'm not fully sure... I mean, hugs, but that can be a familial thing, it's not super... A-and then, uhm, well shadow-sharing exists, but that's *Much* Too intense, and you cannot enter shadows," She explains. Her voice begins to break, becoming squeakier. "I'm not sure... I do know that... As do Hylians, Twili also..." She didn't know how to say *Kiss* Without her brain entirely shutting down. She was much too embarrassed. She rarely even hugged people, much less something so passionate and intimate such as *Kissing.* Her heart is pounding like crazy. She needs to divert this somehow. She removes her hands from her face, revealing her dark maroon warmth, and takes his hands into hers, but does not say a word, nor does she make eye contact with him. 

She lifts one of his hands and leans forward, softly pressing her lips to the back of his hand, closing her eyes, before pulling away from it. She finally looks up at him, her facial expression still reflecting her embarrassment, but it's more of an affectionate gaze now.
Dorothy
Daph listened as Iryth explained as much with her culture as she could. *Shadow sharing,* He thought. *I can't imagine how strange that must feel, to become so flat, to meld with another being so intimately. It must be an experience...*

He caught himself and redirected his focus towards Iryth as she, without a word or a glance, slowly raises his hand to her lips. He'd barely even felt her reach for it in the midst of his racing thoughts. Was she really about to...

As if the blood in him couldn't rush to his head any faster. He was now at the maximum red he probably could've become as she pressed her lips against the back of his hand. They felt like rose petals gently caressing his skin, firmly embracing the area right behind his knuckles, the same knuckles he'd nearly broken a moment ago. He could hear his breath beginning to speed up, even without being able to feel it. This was... Really happening.

And when she pulled away, it was as if there was one element missing, something that he was supposed to do back. He looked at the hand she'd kissed for a moment. "You missed," He said with an airy chuckle.

Carefully, he reached up and touched her face. Her eyes twinkled bright in the night as they caught the moonlight like a dewdrops in a spider's web. He had one chance, and he wasn't sure if she'd even be receptive— he was afraid she might pull back at the advance— but he had to try.

He leaned forward. "This is where you're supposed to kiss, silly." And with those words, he leaned in to kiss her, locking with her for a brief moment. 

*Please let this not be too far,* He thought. *She... Deserves love.*
Arthur
She watched his reaction, unable to look away from him now, a stark contrast to her inability to meet his gaze just moments prior. She was happy with his reaction, to say the least. She found the blush on his face quite beautiful, as it was such a potent color in comparison to his white hair. 

When she pulled away, he extended his hand to her face, and she couldn't help but melt at the touch. It was the warmest feeling, sending a sort of electric yet comforting sensation through her. Everything was so awake, but extraordinarily secure. *Safe.* She heard his words and tilted her head in confusion a bit. She hadn't missed. She had purposely aimed for the back of his hand, a sign of affection. Did he think she didn't mean to? 

Suddenly his face was very close to hers. She couldn't keep her eyes from naturally flickering to his mouth. Such proximity... She realized what he had meant now. She allowed him to lean in forward, meeting him there as well and closing her eyes, being as gentle as she possibly could as their lips met. 

It was an indescribable sensation. It made her want to dance, and cry, and laugh, and melt, but more than any of those she wanted to remain. She brought herself closer to him slightly, without breaking the contact, and placed a hand onto his chest to help steady herself. Her head was fuzzy, and warm. She was entirely new to this sensation, and was entirely sure on how exactly to kiss someone, so she didn't change a thing, she just enjoyed the moment. She would allow him to take initiative, as he seems to be infinitely more experienced.
Dorothy
As he broke away from her at last, he breathed in the evening air. It felt... Clear. Clean even. No sign of worry or woe, even if only it were to last this this moment it would be enough. *She* Would be enough. 

*Oh, by Hylia— I... I have to protect her now.* His eyes began to water but he quickly wiped the tears away. *But... She knows how to fight when push comes to shove. I know it because I've seen it, and because she's fights her own worst enemy when the past catches up... She's one tough gal.*

He smiled and stood up before offering a hand. "We... We shouldn't keep the girls waiting. Besides, they're uh... Gonna flip out if they knew we kissed in front of their mom."

His words were calm but jovial. "Besides, all that running probably has you starving, right? I made sure Koko made Mom's favorite— Honeyed Apple. I... Used those apples I fell out of a tree to get earlier."
Arthur
As he pulled away, it hit her. She felt an immense amount of emotion, an indescribable concoction of feelings. There was such a refreshing silence over the two of them for a moment. She just observed him, mesmerized by both the experience and the person in front of her. He had always been this beautiful to her, she was beginning to realize.

She saw his outstretched hand and took it, gently standing up. His tears didn't go unnoticed to her, and she wiped one that he had missed himself from his cheek. "Yes, that would be wise," She smiles at him in return. He mentions the kiss and her face darkens yet again. "I suppose so," She laughs softly. 

She listened to his observation and agreed. She was indeed feeling hungry. She hadn't eaten much throughout the day, if she was being honest. She neglected it. "That sounds lovely, Daphell," It was a bit of a stretch... She wasn't sure if she'd enjoy the Honeyed Apple, but she would eat every bite of it. He had worked for it, and it was his mother's favorite. She would be a fool not to finish her plate, on his behalf. She wasn't one for sugary food. She enjoyed the more bitter berries over the sweeter apples or candies. She was more enticed by earthy flavors, particularly vegetables. She especially enjoyed stew, as mundane as it sounded. It was a warm, delicious meal she had enjoyed in her realm. 

One day, on a rainy, cozy evening, she would cook some for him, with all of her favorite spices.
Dorothy
As he walked down to the house, he looked at Iryth and smiled. "I... There are so many people I wish you could meet. Like, *Still alive* People from my world. The Princess would have loved to learn about your people, and my guardian... He would've loved you. He makes strange tinctures out of rare plants and keeps them for his own use, though his prized one..." He shuddered. "It's a nasty little concoction, that one. I've had it used on me multiple times when I... Couldn't keep myself under control. It's kinda embarrassing what it does..."

He rubbed the back of his head. He realized if Kyneri found out he'd chosen a girl to... Have these feelings towards, he'd get nosy. *Thank the Gods he isn't around, otherwise... Oh, the embarrassment mind lock me up again. I love the lil guy but... He has no filter with me and I'm unsure if Iryth is ready for that...*

As he reached the house, he felt a man come up behind him. "Daphell!" A stern voice said, a voice familiar to him—Dorian's voice. "I was caught up to speed on everything but... Welcome anyway!"

"Dammit old man!" Daphell quietly screeched, kicking in his grip. His heart began to race, and the air that was rushing through his lungs picked up.

*Wait,* He thought. *Why can I feel my heartbeat again? And my breath? Is it... Because of Iryth?*
Arthur
She listens to him with a sort of subconscious smile on her face. She was smiling softly without even knowing it. It was impossible for her *Not* To smile while listening to him ramble. 

She listens to his recollection of the supplement he speaks of. Tincture, huh? She hasn't heard someone use that word in a while, and she hadn't partaken in any of such beverage herself. She knew that they existed but...*Those* Types of drinks were usually reserved for the upper class in her realm, specifically for their parties. She knew of different plants with different mental effects, as she uses some for sleeping, and general relaxation, but she's never made anything strong enough to affect *Mood.* It's usually just heart rate, muscle tension, and fatigue. He speaks on the embarrassing effects, and she knows what he means. She's seen the elders under effect of such products during holidays. Curiosity floods her, it's potent enough that he would sense it, and she recognizes this, but doesn't care. 

She wants to see him in every state. She's seen him happy, sad, angry, even bloodthirsty, scared, but she's never seen him frustrated, she's sad that she missed out on his surprised expression when he found her hiding spot. She wants to see him half-asleep, caught in the rain, shocked, content, hysterical with laughter... She wants to see all of it.

When his father from another realm catches up to them, she's a little worried. She quickly places her hand on his back again, but tries not to be obvious about it, continuing to give the attention to Dorian. She's trying to show him that he'll be okay, that she's here for him. She felt his chest rise and fall rather quickly, and decided to slightly rub his back, to help ground him in himself while he faces the unpleasant feelings from earlier.
Dorothy
Daphell continued to breathe through this feeling. Dorian was clearly made aware of who he was and what that meant, something that meant he needed to play it cool. Yes, his presence was concerning, considering what had happened earlier, but even as Iryth placed a hand on his back to remind him of her presence, this feeling was different. 

It was terrifying, like his soul was being rended from his body. This... Was wrong, *Disgustingly wrong*. The whispers he tended to hear were less numerous, less claustrophobic within his slender frame than before. While he wanted to chock it up purely to the element of affection that had been given to him, and him to her, something else was in play. 

Dorian set him down. "We've got supper ready, boy. And you, Miss Iryth? You're welcome here too." He went on ahead over to the stewpot.

Daphell dared not question what he was feeling, not on an empty stomach, but as he felt the air tingle with a strange energy, a single word from the parchment managed to ring through.

**"...Deal."**

As soon as the word reached him, something shattered inside, or perhaps merely slowed down as though a sledgehammer had been taken to the glass of a grandfather clock. Still ticking, but sluggish and weaker.

"Iryth... As soon as we get done with dinner," He said, his tone grim. "We need to talk about something. It's nothing you've done, it isn't anything anyone on that sheet of paper did... Maybe... But something feels off about the air tonight."
Arthur
She felt him tremble, and saw the look on his face as Dorian passed, heading forward before the two of them. She was starting to feel the tension in the air herself, and she felt protective over Daphell. He was seemingly irked about something, but she didn't know what. 

His words after Dorian was out of earshot secured this idea in her head, but she was worried further now. He was being vague, but maybe it's because he didn't feel safe speaking about it in this environment. Something was amiss, and he wanted to know what. She felt a myriad of different things. She was scared, of course, but also concerned for his mental state, as well as disappointed. She was hoping that eating his mother's staple recipe prepared and alongside his siblings from another realm would at least give him some comfort, some closure on the trauma's he's endured and also the fact that he is in a different realm now with no clear way of leaving it. 

"Of course," Is all she responded. She continued to walk with him, and they approached the pot. She was standing closer to Daphell now. They had shared a romantic moment, confessing, and she knew that these feelings were entirely exclusive toward him, she knew her loyalties, but she also knew that they hadn't even come to a conclusion on their relationship. Travel companions with something further? Would he remain exclusive with her? These aren't things she should be worried about, but she couldn't help but let her thoughts go there. Obviously a more pressing matter was about, but she wasn't sure if she should be affectionate or comforting toward him so publicly yet, as they hadn't put a name to what they were to one another. Despite this, she wanted nothing more than to hold his hand and try to ease some of his anxieties. Instead, she simply walked a bit closer to him, before they all gathered around to find a place to sit and eat.
Dorothy
As she moved closer, he instinctively held her hand, rubbing his thumb in a heart motion on the back of her hand. He whispered something in Sheikah for a little bit, then swallowing his spit he held her hand tight and led her to the fire. "I shouldn't be able to feel my heartbeat like this," He whispered to her. "I haven't felt my heartbeat or the air rushing through my lungs in 15 years. Not since before those rituals I mentioned."

He tried to pull himself together. "Right now, I need to have a moment of solace. With my family and my... I still don't know what this arrangement will be. I know should we be sent back to our worlds, it would mean bidding each other farewell, but..." Daphell paused. 

He'd never used the term 'girlfriend' before. *Lover sounds too... Passive, too... Impersonal. Girlfriend can be taken so many ways, some of which are platonic.*

As he wracked his brain, Koko grinned and held out a dish to Iryth. "Here ya go!! It's stuffed pumpkin, but I used fish instead of regular meat! Daphell said you didn't eat that so hopefully this works better."
Arthur
She was pleasantly surprised that he took her hand. It's as if he read her mind. She loved to listen to him in Sheikah, although she didn't understand a lick of it. The ritual allowed her to speak that singular phrase, but she doesn't even remember it without the magic she used. She smiles, but it's fleeting when he begins speaking. Solace. He needs to be alone. She understood, and tried not to be hurt about it, until he started using "We," And she realized she had been included in this list of people to confide in. 

"I understand what you mean. We have no reason to worry of such things so soon. Our time is limited, so we should take advantage of every moment together we have the opportunity to share." She felt better, now knowing that she wasn't the only one confused on what to call the arrangement. 

"Daphell, I see you as my- O-Oh, Koko!" She was unable to finish her sentence. She hears the description of the food and smiles widely. "That very sweet of you honey, thank you." She smiles at the girl. She's always had a soft spot for kids, she's amazing with them. She didn't mean to use the term of endearment, but it was entirely natural, and sounded just as such. She was happy at the very least that she was being shown such an innocent kindness despite the short duration of their familiarity.
Dorothy
"Bondmate?" Daphell asked. The word sort of came out naturally. "It's um... It's one of those Rito terms my guardian liked to go on and on about, it's similar to a lot of Hylian terms for a couple. Unless you have something more appropriate, I mean... I don't want to make every decision."

He took his plate and began chomping through his food. He could feel it in his mouth, the goulashy texture of the baked pumpkin, and he wasn't sure whether to be happy to the point of tears or very afraid. He didn't know what to feel about his sudden ability to feel his own lungs, or heart, or even his throat as he swallowed. Before, his insides had been nebulous, like an inky nothing that functioned as it should just "Because". But now? 

He watched Iryth eat. Something about how dainty she seemed made him want to slow down, if only just to stare a little longer at her.
Arthur
"I haven't ever heard such a term," She admits. "Bondmate. It is interesting. Is it similar to something such as a... It is a bit of a struggle, naming such things. Companion is too loose, lover sounds... It sounds too casual. I'm not sure what words here are customary, but I'm not sure fully of where you would like this to go, either, in all honesty. I am... Well it is fully exclusive and committed on my end..." She trails off, beginning to flush in the face again. "I would say if you feel the same, then I would be considered your lady, your belle. You would be considered my beau, my man." Her face heats even further. "I'm sure there are more current terms that I'm not yet aware of, but..." She's trying to salvage her presentation, to look less embarrassed than she is. 

It isn't really working.

She turns to her food as well, to distract herself from the somewhat awkward conversation. She eats slowly, she likes to savor every bite. And this pumpkin was delicious. She was enjoying it a lot. It was evident in her expression as well. She turned to look at Daphell for a moment, in between bites, and noticed that he was already staring at her. Observing her eat. That only made her more embarrassed, but she didn't hide with it this time. She simply smiled at him, despite her burgundy shade. She turned back to her food, and continued on with it, until she was finished.
Dorothy
"Well, you *Would* Still be my lady, but the term when referring to both of us is the tricky one. And yes, I'd like to remain exclusive, at least as long as fate does not separate us. After all, I..." He began to redden up. "I don't exactly have the most smooth technique to my feelings."

Koko brought out the honeyed apples, which were cut into slices. Daphell was still working through the rest of his pumpkin as he scratched something into the parchment, leaving qualitative so that it would be voiced in the other end. He could see the letters from everyone else flooding as they scrambled to figure out what was happening.

He nodded. "So there's something going on in Hateno. I know that it's still soon to be leaving when you haven't gotten your shopping in, so I want to figure out how we can coordinate." He holds the parchment out to her. "Scrunch it a bit to adjust the volume, it's... A little loud usually."
Arthur
She was beyond confused now, but she was glad that she wasn't alone in the exclusivity aspect. She took the plate from Koko, thanking her immensely. She also took Daphell's plate to hold onto until he was finished with his writing. She wasn't quite sure how the parchment worked yet, and she was still waiting for hers, but for now she was okay with it. 

When he gave her the parchment and gave information, she was confused. "Oh, my shopping can be done in the morning, if we need to leave by tomorrow." She explains. "I believe it's a bit too late in the day now, no? Won't the stores be closing?" She asks. She then brings the parchment to her ear, only to hear the very loud sound of... Wedding bells? She jumped, startled by it, and made an audible squeak of surprise. "A-Ah, I don't think I understand..." She trails off. She hands him back the parchment and turns her attention to the apple slices in her lap. They look appetizing, so she wasn't as worried if she'd like it or not. She was still a little concerned if it'd be too sweet.
Dorothy
"Pops— crap, forgot. Not my world. "Can you try to convince them to leave it open a bit longer? I know it's an ask but..."

He sighed. "I know I have to be there. With whatever is happening, if Malice is involved, they're gonna have a lot to fight against. I don't want to leave you alone, though, and I know that this place may have things you need. Not to mention with your healing, you'd be helpful to the rest..." He clutched his head. "Iryth, I have a bad feeling about all of this."

As she squeaked at the paper, he took it back and listened. "Really? You're planning on a wedding in the middle of a... Oh for fecks sake..." He frowned. "I'm already horribly aware that these nameless personalities have dubious teamwork depending on their—"

He forced himself to calm down. If he stayed calm, Iryth could stay calm. He needed to contain himself before he could even consider what the plan would be moving forward. He sighed and moved closer to Iryth as he took his apple slices. 

"It feels like fate is already starting to test this relationship, Iryth," He quietly admitted. "Something happened and everyone began to worry about monsters disappearing. So my gut is telling me something awful is on the horizon and I'm just... *Locking myself up again*. I don't want that, not after I felt what I did with you tonight."
Arthur
She nods. "I don't need much. A few books and a bow with some arrows. Maybe some new riding shoes, and depending on where we're going I'll need a coat. It was really cold in the mountains." She explains. She's now locked into problem solving mode, and it's evident in her tone and expression. "Actually, it isn't quite dark yet. The doors are still open now. You stay here, spend time with the girls. I'll go and pick up a few things." She smiles. "The apple is delicious. You can have the rest of mine." There are only a few slices left. 

"I... I feel the same way," She smiles at him, though the determination she's feeling is clearly taking over. "We'll find a way, Daph." She places a hand on the top of his head. Usually ruffling it would be affectionate, but not where she comes from. She simply leaves her hand there, before sliding it down to hold the side of his face in her palm, near his jaw. "I really, really care for you. It will be alright, we can set out as soon as I have purchased everything I need. I have plenty of coin, so don't worry. Meet me by the entrance to the city. Consider speaking to Paya before you go, but if there isn't any time we can always come back." She smiles. "I'll meet you there, by the horses." 

With that, she takes off. She's not running, it's almost like she's incorporating the levitation into her steps, gliding across the path but still appearing like she's walking a normal tempo. It doesn't go unnoticed by the onlookers, the residents. She enters the first store, to purchase her bow and some arrows. She wishes she could try them out before purchasing them. She knows which style she prefers, but it's different here. Not quite the same. She picks up a beautiful longbow, gliding her fingers along the wood. She feels the weight of it, the bend. It's this one. She also purchases 30 arrows. This only leaves her with enough money for one book, but it's worth it. She makes her way over to the bookstore.
Dorothy
Daphell sighs. Such a fun night cut short by war. He shouldn't have been sad, he shouldn't have been worried, but... No, this...*This* Was neither of those things. This was stern *Determination*.

He finished up his apple and looked at Dorian. "I guess it'll be a while before I see you again. I think I'm gonna need a piece of gear or two. From the old days."

Dorian blinked a few times. "You mean my—"

"Yes. As much as I hate them, there's a good likelihood they're gonna need someone to keep tabs on their little posse. I don't have too many things on hand aside from a crescent blade, so... I want to ensure that—"

"The markings on the masks will give you away," Dorian said. "Don't be rash boy— I know you wanna repay your mother but if you're doin' anything with those scoundrels... You're gonna have an easier time finding the ones that jump you on the sides of roads. They're gonna be less easily identified."

Daphell nodded. "Koko, Cottla?" He said. "Make sure mom's grave stays swept— I had to clear it off myself and she always liked things clean. Make sure to take care of each other, and don't forget to let your dad take care of you as well."

Dorian gave him a strong pat on the back. "I'll admit— I'm still shocked there's another me out there, and one with a son, but... Well, I'm glad her ring didn't get lost in at least one world. You should save it for yer beau, you know."

Daph blushed. "Y-yeah, perhaps," He said. "Though right now my thoughts aren't on choral bells, unfortunately. We just got together."

He noticed Iryth hurting to the bookstore and stopped her. "Hey, uh, Iryth? I uh..."

He dug into his pocket, then through his own leg to the jar he'd held there. Retrieving it was markedly more of a struggle but he got it loose and showed it to her.

"They're yellow pico blooms. I forgot what property the nectar has but... I mean I'm not exactly using them right now so..." His face starts to go red yet again.
Arthur
She seems to be doing well in her shopping, her bow and a full quiver on her back. She was also holding a new book in her hand, and it seems she traded in her old pouch for a larger one and a thicker hooded cloak. It'll help with her energy, blocking out more sunlight than the previous one had and keeping her warmer when necessary. She could always take off her detachable under-sleeves if she got too hot in it. She smiled at him as she put her book into the larger satchel. She felt something unfamiliar, and pulled out a rolled up piece of blank parchment. 

*Is this what I think it is?!*

Her face lights up with excitement, before she puts it back into her pouch and takes the jar from him gently. She notices his shade and laughs gently. "Thank you, ̴̓͋ ̶̎̔ ̶̧̓~̸̆ͅ^̸̉̚+̸̛͌.̵́'!." She had called him something in her native tongue, but it was obviously completely different from anything he's heard, aside from the ritual. Whatever she said though, seemed to be second nature, because her eyes widened and her face flushed. She clears her throat. She wasn't going to reveal to him what she had called him. She wasn't sure if it was even a word that was translatable into Hylian. 

"W,We should get going. I have a parchment now, so I will ask about the need for any healers. If I am not needed, I can journey alone for a while away from the battle if it'd make you feel any better," She offers, pulling out the scroll. She writes, tentatively. She isn't sure how she is supposed to greet anyone. Or who she should even speak to. 

She's just going to throw it out to anyone.
Dorothy
"I-I'm... Scared. Of you going somewhere on your own. What if you're jumped? What if... What if the people who are doing this get ahold of you and..."

He paused. "Deep breath, remember from when you were 10. ...And out..."

"Okay, let's get going." He whistled for his horse and it came blazing down the path. "I... I think I found a name for my horse. I... It's Utpala, or just "Pal". It's... A type of sacred lotus." He noted the bluish grey spots on his quarters. "Yep, definitely a fit."

He smiled. "Maybe one day I'll tell you about the significance of that flower. It has its roots in quite a bit of Sheikah history, after all." 

He was still wondering what she had called him. He paused for a moment and tried to imitate the word, but realized there were probably things she was doing with her vocal cords that no man would be capable of. Still, his mispronunciations must have been at least *Somewhat* Amusing, if not silly.

"We're off to Hateno, where a lot of the major coordinators have been holed up. Wild and Champion were the best ones to speak with. I'm likely to get an assignment apart, so... I won't be able to stop you if you decide to wander. But please— be careful. What happened tonight, I... I want that more than once. With *You*."

He's subconsciously leaning in towards her again.
Arthur
"Oh, I,I'm sorry, I thought it might ease you if I was away from the combat, but I understand what you mean," She replies. He was right. Danger was everywhere, and at least if she faced it near him he could be there, and vice versa. It would eat her alive if he got hurt in combat and she wasn't there to heal him.

She smiled at him. "I would like that, whenever you're able. Maybe on our journey we can speak on it a bit. Now both of our horses are named after flowers," She smiles widely. Then she heard him try to replicate the sound she had made when speaking in Twilit and she flushed again, and couldn't help but retain her smile. "You... I said... It doesn't quite translate into Hylian... It's like... It is a descriptive word when something is undeniably beautiful." She was flushing darker now. "Uhm... I suppose the closest word would be *Lovely.* But as a name rather than a description." She said sheepishly.

"I wasn't keen on wandering, honestly, and I even reached out in the parchment. There is a place for me to help. I want to help in any way I can. I offered my medicinal capabilities but I also offered some... Weapons, tools if you will. Different herbs and minerals react with one another, and they can create different effects. Strong scents, smoke or steam, even some that can render one unconscious if applied to the tip of an arrow, or a blade. I don't believe in creating things that are...*Lethal,* But I do understand that in certain cases sacrifice is necessary. I will not go against my own code, but I do not judge or blame you for the things you must do in the name of peace and security." She replies. "From what we experienced with the Rito, I understand that these are a dangerous group, and if it is them or you... Well the choice is blatantly evident." She seems concerned now, but stern. Driven.