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[sageprincess]

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End of October

[futhark]

[ Since Caster never really was inside Metis' temple, he can only rely on Heavenly Postal Services if they are there... either way, somehow an anonymous package gets delivered, addressed to Princess Zelda herself.

Never lose sight of summer, with this "gorgeous" Hawaiian shirt. ]

24th November [text]

[futhark]

[ At first, it's just a small series of dog photos. Or rather one dog in process of trying to climb onto the photographer's lap... but being way too big for that. Then it's followed by text. ]

Thank you for rescuing me and everyone else, Princess. And sorry for making you worry.

Sorry this sign of life is so late, I napped for way longer than I expected to.

[sageprincess]

[It... takes an hour or two before he gets a message in return. Her walls have definitely come back up since coming out of the dream, leaving her feeling conflicted when she sees his text, and then she throws herself into her research for a while, as she has been wont to do during the time he's spent asleep whenever she starts feeling things she's not comfortable feeling.

Thankfully, the wonders of texting mean that none of that has to come across if she doesn't want it to. At least there's a few things the people of this "modern" world have gotten right.]

i would think you would have little choice in the matter regarding the length of time you spent asleep. that was what your body needed, so it took it.

[At least it wasn't seven years like some heroes she could name ahahaha--]

still, it is good to know you are up and about again. you are not feeling any lingering lethargy, are you?

Dec 13

[futhark]

[ Your good not-Servant is here after doing some scouting ]

I'm reporting in some interesting tidbits. Less then I'd like to, honestly, I was hoping I'll get a better bite, but something is better than nothing.

[ Also Ginia, ablution, mess of hurt friends ]

So the first thing that I did not get yet to, that is talking with Lady Suijin. I need to make a good first impression, so might take a while.

What I did get, is that Amaterasu was already a child back in April. There aren't that many of us who had been for longer than that, but I managed to narrow down and contact some of them. One of them is not responding, and guess who it is- it's our good friend Add. Apparently, he's been here for much longer than the recent god of fortune Shun. The other god holding that title also has been a long time but that might have to wait a bit.

[ Again, ablution, death, hurt. Ginia might have been severely wounded in the process, but Hakkai lost dear people to him. Last thing one should do is to nag a man in grief ]

I've also got few names, names of people doing their own investigations. In case you ever needed that to compare and share your findings

[sageprincess]

[Zelda is not very well connected to the recent drama but you would have to have been comatose to not hear all the commotion it caused. So yeah, that Caster is not reporting any big breaks in the case is not met with disappointment on her end.]

the old gods do not seem keen on interacting with our number outside of major events like the god meeting, so it would hardly surprise me if it took a few months to follow up with lady suijin or any of the others. i will have to see if i can find anything in the library's records - surely something as major queen of heaven's death and rebirth must have been recorded at some point, though if the public has access to such records is another question.

i know several who have been running their own investigations outside of ours as well - archer and ginia, of course, but also chikusa and shun, and hibiki assisted me a bit a few days ago. i also have been considering the merits of gathering them all in one place to share information. it would certainly help with trying to put together the bigger picture, but i am unsure how amenable to the idea the concerned parties would be.

[why's everyone gotta be so shady]

but, of course, this will all have to wait until after this "resort" getaway, i suppose. i assume your temple received an invitation as well? it seems as though most everyone did.

present; 12/25

[reloves]

[ Minako did want to give Zelda a Christmas present, but she didn't want to use the money the temple has because of offerings for it.. since it'd feel like giving Zelda a present paid for by Zelda herself.

So instead Zelda will find a whole treasure hunt set up throughout the temple on the 25th with Christmas decorations hung up in the shape of arrows, leading her practically all over the temple until she'll find a few shells Minako has found, cleaned up and strung together as a necklace. It definitely doesn't look perfect, but.. it's made with love. Like when a five year old gives you macaroni art.

A note comes with it that just says "Merry Christmas!!!" with tons of hearts, sparkles, Christmas trees and smiley faces drawn around it. (Especially hearts.) At the bottom is seemingly slightly more seriously written sentence that reads "Sorry if it's still a little lacking! If you're still here by next year, I promise I'll give you something much better." ]

Dec. 24th

[purr_ince]

[ That morning Zelda will find an assortment of books wrapped neatly on the steps of the temple; her name written on the ribbon. There's a note on the top book:] Since you seemed to like cooking so much maybe you can learn too. Merry Christmas. -Adrien

27h December

[futhark]

[ Around the temple of Metis there will be a small wooden box, with a few simple engravings, and a note attached that says it is meant for Zelda.

Inside there is a note ]

There was a holiday I do not celebrate for it is not of my people. A holiday you are not familiar with, as it is native to this world.

I am not following that tradition, but I will use this occasion to offer a small gift. It's still a long wait till spring where it starts to bloom, but I hope it will be worth it.

[ That's a lot of words for not a merry Christmas, totally not.

Inside there is a branch formed into an elegant headdress. Closer inspection might uncover intricate rune engravings on the inner side. It is handmade but also seems to be alive - though it will not wilt. Someone might be starting to experiment with runes ]

December 29th

[subtract]

[At some point during the previous night, a small object wrapped in plain cloth appears on the steps of Metis' temple. Attached is a short note written in neat, tiny lettering.]

I don't know if I'm the person you want me to be, but thank you for believing in me anyway.

[... and if she flips it over,]

INSTRUCTIONS:
Press ◈ to activate.

[As for the package itself, inside the cloth is a simple dagger that looks quite similar to the one she lent Add some time ago. There's a small diamond-shaped gem embedded in the hilt below the blade, though, and it feels a bit heavier than it did before... actually, that gem might feel a little familiar if she focuses on it for long enough. Maybe it's taken from inside the void? It's too small to serve as anything more than a rechargeable battery, though.

That aside—if she decides to press it, hopefully she's not touching the blade because it's going to split in half and start shooting sparks like some kind of horrifying two-pronged electroknife. Merry late Christmas, Zelda.]

January 17th

[unlucky7]

Sorry for contacting you out of the blue, but as you were responsible for the meeting in December, I thought it was best to keep you informed.

Shun and I obtained surveillance footage of the area around the forest Votelli resides at in hopes of identifying Sensei or other members of the cult. I haven't had a chance to look through it myself, but if you would like a copy for your own research, I'm happy to provide it. Shun, Hakkai, and Archer also have copies.

[sageprincess]

You need not apologize, Ginia, for I am quite grateful for your generosity and for keeping me in mind. Indeed, I would quite like to see anything that might be considered useful in unraveling the mysteries behind this organization. The more minds working on this, the better chance we have at countering them in the future, I believe.

I just have one question: what is "surveillance footage"?

[she is a medieval fantasy princess give her a break]

29th December?

[boneofsword]

[The same day after proposing to princess Caster will bring envelope containing a written permission and enclosed letter to Zelda.]

[Permission reads as follows:

I'm granting my official permission for princess Zelda to keep Caster, named Cú Chulainn, in accordance to her wishes.

signed: Archer

with a tiny post script in the corner: 'Shouldn't it be the other way around, princess?'

The letter is sealed, marked with 'Princess Zelda' in Archer's neat handwriting.

'Zelda,

I hope that you'll forgive me for not using your title. I'm writing not to a princess but to a person behind the title. Are you truly fine with Caster having others? Please, do consider this carefully. I will understand if you'd rather not share him with anyone else, and will recall the relation that I have with him, aside from being his shinki.

Remember that you deserve love and happiness. He can give you all of that, and cherish the courageous woman that you are. I wish you all the best.

-Archer

P.S. in case Caster ever needs a solid kick in the ass, do send me a note once you're done with him.']

[sageprincess]

[Zelda accepts the permission from Caster and kind of dies a little upon reading it, because she is a pure soul and everything about this is embarrassing at this stage. The letter, meanwhile, waits until Caster has left, as she assumes it to be private, and so a response doesn't come until the next day, when another envelope is sent back with Regal after she makes her routine bento delivery.]

Archer,

I would hope that you do not think me to be so cruel as to demand such a thing. Perhaps I do not know precisely how deep the bond between the two of you is, and perhaps I never will, but I am as aware that it exists as Caster seemed to believe you were aware of the affection he has held for me. You told me once that you were learning to allow yourself to feel things and sometimes act upon those feelings, and encouraged me to do the same. Would you make yourself a hypocrite, then, by denying yourself the same love and happiness you believe I deserve?

The honest truth is I do not know what I am doing here. I never once believed I would have a relationship like this, for my marriage would offer far too many opportunities for Hyrule to be sacrificed in the name of something as politically inconsequential as romance. And thus what I want from this is as unknown and alien to me as the rest of this world. But I do know that I do not want is to hurt anyone. Perhaps at this time I cannot tell how one person can divide their time amongst several others fairly and without breeding resentment, but if you are willing to work with me on that notion, then it is only fair that I offer the same courtesy.

And  [The ink pools here a bit, like she's left the pen sitting on this spot too long.]  I am going to have to leave, one day. You have the freedom to stay. The importance of that fact cannot be overstated, I do not think.

Should there come a day where these feelings change, I will be certain to communicate it. Until then, this is my answer.

Zelda
Princess of Hyrule

P.S.; Bold of you to assume there would be anything left for you after that point.

[That probably means 'noted, thank you.']

January 20th

[futhark]

[ It's been a few days- well just two really. But it would be probably good to get out of a basement- only to drop into another one. With no less but urging from Archer, to get out- or rather get out somewhere that does not include being stupid and drinking.

So there goes a simple short text ]

Hey, how things are going? Need any help around the temple? [ But after sending it he realizes it is, kind of- you know - self-defeating? What if she says she's busy or she doesn't need help? So he follows that one with ]

I really need to get out of my temple. Give ma reason, pretty please?

[ Much. Better. Hey, at least it's honest ]

[sageprincess]

[Hm, yes, she feels like she knows exactly what this is about, and so she decides to be a bit more indulging than she might otherwise.]

Do not tell Archer, but Jakob left us a box of pastries we have no hope of finishing ourselves. It would be a shame for his work to go to waste.

[...]

Also I would like to see you. Is that reason enough?

starting from 3th February and onwards

[futhark]

[ It's unfortunate that the godly duties calls him away so soon after the dreams. Maybe there are things they have not talked yet, maybe he'd just like some more time to hold her. Maybe he just doesn't want to leave her alone. Thank you Minako for existing again.

But while he's pretty far physically, there is this whole, joys of internet to keep in touch.

He starts by sending her random photos of places he visits. Sometimes it's a beautiful town illuminated by lights, shining all more brightly thanks to the snow. Other times it's a forest and lakes covered in snow. And then people in random places. Or a string of sheep going side a road.

Sometimes it's just photos, but often there is a comment attached. ]

"We have to come here someday, together. This town changed a lot since I was here last time, and I'd like to explore it's secrets with you", "It's beautiful but it's so freezing here! Crystal clear air though.", "I found every one last of the sheep. Do you know how well these critters play hide and seek in the winter?", "Wish you were here"

[ There is a brief pause in photos (and selfies, of course, there are selfies, though not enough of them to be truly obnoxious) and the next message has more photos than usual, and a more somber tone. ]

My dear Zelda,

This is more of a formal matter, but when I compiled my findings I decided it's best to send them right away. I've visited several shrines of Tuatha Dé Danann, they were gods of this island when I lived here, and we have some of them at the Far Shore, well, those taking the mantles of them that is.

The old faith is still alive here, albeit not strong, mostly forgotten. I found the shrines dedicated to big names like Eochaid All-Father, also known as The Dagda is going strong. Angus Óg, Mórrígan, my father Lugh- even if few followers exist, they are calling their names. And names of many others.

However, there were familiar curses I spotted at some of the shrines. [ Here is where the photos of bad luck charms come to be relevant. The same they had found around their own shrines during New Year, and earlier. Surprise, the cult is acting even so far away. ] I've destroyed all of those I came across, but there is a certain pattern I've noticed. They target gods only present in the Far Shore. Shrines to Macha or Aengus Óg were free of them. Not so much with the Dagda's or Áine's.

I will be looking into this further and update as I learn more.

[sageprincess]

[It is indeed unfortunate, but Zelda bears it well enough. Perhaps she had grown a bit accustomed to hearing him and Minako chattering away in the background while she studied, and the weight of his arm around her shoulders as they watched TV, and seeing him at table when she emerged from her bedroom in the morning, but it's not as though she ever expected that arrangement to be permanent. When Caster leaves the Temple of Metis, Zelda sees him off with a smile, and does not expect to hear from him again until he comes back.

Except the next morning she awakens to find a picture and a text, and after the surprise has passed she has to spend twenty minutes trying to suppress her smile before leaving her room to face Minako and her intense curiosity.

It becomes something she looks forward to when she wakes up in the morning (though the "wish you were here" ones break her heart more often than not). She texts back, usually, though the issue of timezones makes having a prolonged conversation difficult, and after about a week she starts sending pictures back as well. Not selfies, never selfies, but things like the koi of her pond grouped together with eager open mouths, or Regal in her living room with a bag of bentos carried carefully between her teeth, or the first sprouts daring to bloom in the thawing heavens.

"My dear Zelda" is a little dizzying, as is the revelation that Caster's father is a god receiving worship as well?? But the matter that follows quickly centers her.]

I am sorry to hear your homeland has been afflicted with this organization's machination's as well. But that is an interesting observation. I must wonder if it is merely because those gods have a sizeable follower base in Japan as well, or if this organization somehow knows which gods have been replaced and is specifically targeting them. If our number had never appeared in the Heavens, would they have ever had a reason to leave the country that is their apparent base of operations?

... I wonder why we appeared in the Heavens in the first place, when the origins of the mantles we have adopted lie so far afield.

[Perhaps it's time to shift the focus of her investigations a bit. The cult has plenty of attention, but why they are even here in the first place...]

Regardless, please take care. If the pattern you have observed is correct, there is no reason to think they have not targeted you as well.

[Stay the hell away from any creepy forests, alright. Don't make her cut you out of a goddamn tree again.]

on the day of the intro log

[reloves]

Zelda, that other guy here who looks like your boyfriend is a huge mean JERKFACE!!!

[sageprincess]

that other guy who what?

somewhere past 22nd February

[futhark]

[ Next time Caster has a chance to visit, he brings souvenirs. Too bad he couldn't know that Metis temple got two additional residents, so here's hoping all the chocolate that both Zelda and Minako's gifts are full of will work for everyone.

Almost all of them also packed very greenly, sometimes with shamrock, sometimes with cute adorable fawn character- either way, that's a lot of green. Why pack all the sweets like that? He doesn't really know either, it's a thing these days.

For the personalized part, there is a collection of postcards, very few showing the cities, most feature nature. Forests, mountains, grasslands and sea-side cliffs. Each with a short and sweet message. He likes the idea of sending such pictures from a trip, but given that Heavens don't really admit post in a normal way... Also since this is a land he is incredibly linked to, and such postcards are small and maybe could have been smuggled between the worlds, she could have something not-suspicious to remember him by.

There is also a small assortment of scented candles in jars, white jasmin, sweet and fruity spiced orange, foresty misty... mountains? The names might be strange, but the smell of the was is pleasant and relaxing.

Between everything, a small triquetra pendant on a chain is hiding, because Caster apparently is fond of gifting her a jewelry. For whatever reason, there might be...

Aaand there is also a tiny and adorable round dog plushie. Upon closer inspection, turns out its origin place is actually Japan, not Ireland. And if unpacked in Caster's presence- well his face will tell that he most likely has no idea how it got there

It's a mystery ]

March 8th

[futhark]

[ There is a box delivered to temple Metis, by- who knows who. Maybe there is a postman in Heavens! It contains a set of hand-crafted paper flower decorations to be used around the rooms. Keeping up with the flower theme, but without withering and dying. ]

I'm leaving this here a week in advance.

No matter what happens on 14th March, I will visit. I might be carrying gifts, as I make a formal request to kidnap you for a day. Shall you allow it- be ready around the evening hours, and make sure to take a lot of rest beforehand. Shall you not, I will bounce off the door, I suppose.

PS: Once it gets warmer, I'll make sure that real deal blooms in the gardens around your lake.

[ Aka live flowers are incoming too. Just you watch. ]

march 25th, action;

[reloves]

[ Usually Minako is at least decently good about not causing a huge ruckus early in the morning and wake up the whole temple that way. She can be considerate! She tries!

But today is a different today. She jumps out of bed, full of energy, and heads to Zelda's room straight away. It's not even really walking - she's practically dashing through the temple on her way over.

She wants to at least try to be a little polite, so she does knock instead of just slamming open the door and entering, but there's definitely something very impatient about it, and the quick tapping of footsteps behind the door like Minako can't even stand still. ]

[sageprincess]

[Luckily - barring magic sleeping sicknesses - Zelda is an early riser herself, though she's become used to taking an hour or so in her room for a little bit of quiet to start the day since it's something of a rare commodity now with the all bustling residents of Temple Metis.

(Believe her, she'd take the three of them over being alone any day of the week, but sometimes you just need to take a little time to yourself before you're ready to face other people in the morning.)

Her door quickly opens, the princess' brow furrowed in concern as she looks Minako up and down. That impatient knocking might have worried her a bit.]

... Minako? What's wrong? Did something happen?

april 2nd

[futhark]

My Princess, how are you holding up? Yesterday was a pretty eventful day, to say at least. I hope everyone of your temple made it out okay.

Anyway, with all that, you got probably a shitton of stuff to keep track of right now.[ No freaking idea how morale are holding there. The operation jpop was at least something that he supposes, her shinki enjoyed. But he's still wondering the hell deal was with that woman and Shun ] What I want to say- if you wanna chat, I'm keeping this device running.

PS: I hope you get a chance to sing again. [ Maybe different type of song, but, well, you know ]

1/2

[sageprincess]

I am never singing again.

action; sometime in March I guess?

[thirdbeauty]

[It's been a little while since she met Zelda through visiting Minako... and even less time since she was named by the goddess. Long enough for the temple to begin to feel familiar, certainly, but not quite enough yet that it fully feels like home. The drastic change in scenery compared to the temples she's used to makes it a bit of an adjustment.

At least Akane the not-so-kitten-anymore seems to have settled in, and is sleeping peacefully in Natsuru's room while Natsuru herself wanders through the temple. She soon finds herself pausing in the library, for no particular reason except being lost in thought.

She's not sure whether she simply didn't notice the presence there, or if Zelda only just arrived. But suddenly, she gasps when she realizes she's not alone.]

Oh! Zelda-sama...

[To her credit, she's mostly uncertain and awkward because of the unexpected encounter. And only slightly because she's still kind of intimidated by the regal, elegant figure of her current goddess. Natsuru is like the opposite of Minako when it comes to boundaries, erring on the side of shyness and modesty instead of outgoing exuberance...]

[sageprincess]

[There is nothing within the library of Metis that will reveal to Zelda how she came to be here or how she can return home, but that is not to say it isn't an extensive reservoir of knowledge in its own right. And the weight of a book or the texture of a scroll in her hands is much more familiar than looking things up on the internet. Her duties and investigations keep her busy, but that doesn't mean she devotes all of her time to them. Just... most of it.

She's returning one of the tomes that has recently caught her interest when she catches Natsuru by surprise. The corners of her lips curl into an apologetic smile.]

Forgive me, am I intruding?

[One could say it's impossible for her to intrude anywhere on these grounds, as it's her temple, but... it's her shinkis' too, and even if Natsuru didn't come into her service in the happiest of ways, she still wants to ensure the girl feels comfortable. Should she desire her privacy, Zelda will leave, easy as that.]

April 16, early in the morning

[chibisu]

[Ebisu's shinki sure work quickly, although, to be fair, they're all spurred by the relief of finding their god and him being in.... Well... He's conscious and functional and perfectly happy despite his situation, so, you know what? They'll take that.]

[Either way, she'll find delivered to her in the morning a large box full of various alcoholic beverages. Notably, there are things like single malt whiskeys, junmai daiginjo sake, and so much koshu wine.]

[Zelda probably only meant a bottle, but she has highly underestimated how much this means to Ebisu's temple.]