Princesses and Poachers

Braedynne looked at Mary skeptically. All this.. confidence and decisiveness it appeared the woman once had. Now it had all seemingly been replaced by self-doubt within but a moment.

"Well, maybe you were angry? I understand. But I guess they'll be okay in the end. So..." Braedynne shrugged helplessly. But there was still the problem, that she felt kind of lost in these woods, at the moment.

"The sun set from that direction, and we are going south. So we should generally follow this trail," Mary pointed out. "Actually, the Evenstar will appear soon, so we'll get a surer point of reference then."

Braedynne nodded and said, "Ah, right, of course." She should have known all this already. All this excitement just got her turned all about and disoriented. Sometimes, it felt like she couldn't think straight. It seemed like they would set off towards the village but then Mary interjected again.

"Personally I.... I really want to go with you all the way to Ordon Village, Braedynne. Edelweiss.... I'd feel more at ease knowing you have arrived there safely.... Though I by no means doubt your ability to get there even without my help...." She continued on, but for some reason was implying that her presence would make the trip less safe. It.. rather confused Braedynne. For she wasn't a very judgemental person.

With a slight frown, she said, "Don't be silly. How would you coming along make me feel less safe? I mean, you stood up for me, and, and..  wapow! Those two guys didn't even know what hit them! Well, I guess I didn't really know what hit them either, but that's beside the point."

"Like I said, beside the point!" Braedynne interrupted. "Anyway, you're welcome to come along, Mary. I.. I think I'd like you to, if that's okay. It's a bit lonely out here.. No offense, Eda."

The invitation was clearly open for Mary to come along. It was clear that the Kokiri desired another companion, and didn't seem to have much issue, if any at all, regarding whatever Mary may have felt insecure about. Together, the two, plus fairy and monkey, set off down the trail towards Ordon Village. It was getting colder, but they should at least make it there before the sun completely set. But in any case, they would have plenty to talk about to pass the time and keep their minds off the cold and the recent disturbing turn of events.

Marianne de Hyrule

It's an open table!  Feel free to respond, or ask questions, and get to know each other!

For some reason, the sight of the Kokiri bantering with her fairy and her no uncertain assurance that she was welcomed to come along really brought the light back to Mary’s face. She extended her right foot behind her left and, bending her knees, held up the edges of her cloak in an approximation -but still correct- of a curtsy.

“Thank you for your trust, Braedynne and Edelweiss. I’ll be glad to accompany you to Ordon Village.”

‘Oh wait’, Marianne remembered with glee, ‘Isn’t this just like that time with Sir Tart? Also in Faron Woods but I am playing their role now?’ Funny how life tends to bring balance to all. What taketh, giveth. Sir Tart would be relieved to know that this time, she was the one escorting someone.

They continued their way through the woods, their steps far more relaxed and less wary now. They also freely took more visible trails instead of the obscure ones they had taken. Donna moved energetically on Mari’s shoulders and sometimes left them to travel on the canopy, while Mary kept close with the Kokiri and her fairy.

“Where am I from? I am from Castle Town. I think I mentioned this before.” Mary answered, separating a rather low-hanging branch so that she could pass. “I was travelling through Faron Woods so that I could get back. And my sister- wait, “And even in the dim light, one could see her eyes glinting teasingly. “Why are you doubting that? Do I look like a liar to you? Is that why? Wow that actually hurts....”

But the Hylian did not seemed annoyed, for she soon closed it off with a pleasent chuckle, “I do have a sister.” She answered in a light tone, “And she does have a ranch in Ordon…. Well, not exactly. She lives there but does not own the property. Not yet.”

A crow gawked in a distance, as slowly but surely the sunlight faded. This was a perfect time of the day to travel in Faron Woods, the thought of spending the night in the forest notwithstanding. In this ambient light the trees seemed to be enveloped in soft glow, even as their leaves had started to make way for winter.

“What about you, Braedynne?” came Mary’s next words, “I hope you forgive me for overanalyzing, but from the way you moved with me before I guess this is you and your fairy’s first time coming out of the woods. I know Kokiris have a pleasant home deep in the woods.” There was a reminiscing smile on her face, but she did not elaborate. “So why did you decide to start this journey of yours? What are you hoping to do?”

---

“Where am I from? I am from Castle Town. I think I mentioned this before.” Mary said.

"Oh, you did? Hm, right.. well, I guess you did. Sorry. I may as well have forgotten everything you said while those guys were after us.." Braedynne said, feebly trying to excuse herself. Now that she thought about it more, did Mary actually say she was from there? Or just that she was heading that way..? Ah, whatever.

Then Mary teased, “Why are you doubting that? Do I look like a liar to you? Is that why? Wow that actually hurts....”

"Wha- whaaat?? Wait, I didn't - I mean, you..!" Braedynne stammered in a flabbergasted panic. Then she realized it was all a joke. She blushed even more furiously and chuckled awkwardly. "Oooohh... Right, ha ha.."

Edelweiss chimed in, "Given that you mentioned a sister to those ruffians, it might not be a stretch to wonder if you simply made it up to buy time. After all, imagine if you were to tell some wicked strangers about your family just before you thwarted them. You could be putting your family at risk..."

"But that's exactly what she did!" Braedynne protested.

"Yeah, so those guys might just pick on someone else that owns a ranch. That makes me feel better..." Braedynne sighed.

Edelweiss countered, "They might not."

"Well you know what this means, then, don't you?" Braedynne stopped and looked at Mary. The Kokiri pointed at the young woman and said, "It means you're a liar! A lying liar! Because your sister doesn't actually own a ranch! Ha!" Now the eternal youth was grinning from ear to ear. How she managed to not only change the subject but flip her mood 180 degrees is probably a life secret only the Kokiri know how to do.

Hopefully the potential issue Edelweiss mentioned wouldn't ever come up. Yeah. That would be pretty lame. Their conversation continued.

Braedynne nodded along as Mary laid out her observations and knowledge. It was all true. So then that brought us to the question: Why did she leave her home to start traveling?

"Well you see.." she began. "Traveling outside and seeing the rest of the world is something I kind of always wanted to do. Well I guess not always. But it had definitely been gnawing at me for the past several years..."

She walked a bit in silence before adding. "Well. I guess that's it. I guess you could say I just want to see the world and.. maybe there's something we can do to help? I'd.. also probably be lying if I said I didn't worry about our own safety either. From the rumors I have heard.. it makes me wonder if darkness could one day overtake our home as well..."

Marianne de Hyrule

Well, this got unexpectedly heavy again!

Marianne giggled at the Kokiri’s response to her slight tease. Maybe this was how it felt like to have a younger sister? She was the youngest of the three Royal Children, and even within her newly discovered cousins from Termina no one was younger than her. So she sometimes wondered how it would be to have a younger sister of her own. Would it not be nice to be a dependable older sister for a change?

Well, not that she needed any more people depending on her actually -she had enough of that thank you very much. Or the fact that among her siblings she was actually the more organized one. But! A younger sister dependence would feel different, wouldn't it?

Of course, she was privy to the fact that Kokiris lived a long time, and it was perfectly plausible that this young green-haired girl was older than her great-grandmother. So she was extra careful not to think of the Kokiri as a younger sister. It would be hilarious.

She hopped over a fallen log as the fairy and Kokiri continued her banter. Oh look. The Evenstar had appeared. They were going the right way! The fairy Edelweiss mentioned something about her endangering her family, and Marianne couldn’t help but to correct her assumption.

“As much as I am grateful of your concern, Braedynne, Edelweiss, I don’t think it is plausible." She said with a light, easy tone. "I mean, they only knew that I have a sister that owns a ranch. And then what? How would they find her? There are tens of ranch in and around Ordon and sisters don’t always have the same face. How would they find the sister I meant and put her at risk? They didn’t even ask my name! Unless…. they go from door to door asking every ranch owner whether they have a sister who was travelling Faron Woods at this particular night?” Even her tone told that she found this ridiculous, “And even then it is very unlikely to yield anything. I am sure my sister will stay safe.”

Perhaps there was truth in her words. Even the Kokiri and her fairy who had known far more about Mary than the two masked men; if they are dropped In Ordon village now, would it be easy for them to find her sister’s ranch? And they had her name and had seen her face clearly, unlike the men.

And she only offered a smile at the Kokiri’s playful accusation, knowing better than to try to correct the youthful creature over such matters. “Yes, you are right. I guess I really am a liar then. I apologize for questioning your insight about my nature, O wise Braedynne.”

Knowing that her sister and her man lived in the ranch, and Marianne was sure that they would… be, owning was only a technicality. In fact, she could argue that her sister already owned the ranch. Women over men. Always had been. Always would be~

The dense woods became thinner as they walked, which would mean that they were getting closer to Faron Woods edge and would be able to see the sleepy farmhouses of Ordon Village. That was when Braedynne told her about her reason about traveling. Mary, as was her habit, gave her her full attention.

“I won’t lie,” she sighed, after the Kokiri finished her story, “You picked a rather unfortunate time to start venturing out. I think there is certainly an increase in danger all around Hyrule. Increased monsters activity, bandits gathering together, and all. Just a few weeks ago there was a miasma in Faron Woods which drove the wildlife crazy and even mutated the plants….”

Her voice became softer as she continued, seemingly once again wandering in her own thoughts. “Just a few years ago the King and Queen was slain in Hyrule’s own castle and most of Castle Town and surrounding areas were razed by monsters. The Starlight Tragedy, if you have ever heard about it.” And then she raised her hand, her fingers counting. “And then…. Lets see…. The youngest princess disappeared while leading the reconstruction effort and would not return for more than a year; The crown prince -and current king- went on a vengeful military expedition and scarcely appeared again; The Kingdom's treasury was in shambles; The Zora had a revolution and ousted their tyrant; And then the Battle of Eldin; Dodongos made into war mounts near Death Mountain; Lake Hylia became corrupted recently…” She closed her hand and made a fist, sadly shaking her head“And many other unsavory things. It still baffles me how we got 18 years of peace ever since The Great Disturbance and suddenly it seems like all the evil boxes are opened simultaneously….”

She exhaled, sounding a bit frustrated.

“Something is behind this….”

Clearly, these woes that beset Hyrule one after the other weighed heavily in the young woman's mind. She spent a few seconds walking in silence, seemingly contemplating what she just said herself. But soon she turned towards the Kokiri with clarity in her eyes.

“Though that does not mean it should deter you from exploring and experience the world, Braedynne. Adversity only teaches us to be more careful, not to avoid it altogether! Who knows, you might be the legendary hero we need in this trying times! And with smart Edelweiss with you, I think you can help a lot!” And her smile appeared again, genuine now. “Imagine. A hundred years from now, people will gather at the Grand Theater of Castle Town to see the play recounting the legend of brave Braedynne and wise Edelweiss, the heroes who saved Hyrule in her darkest hour.” A chuckle. “Wouldn’t it be grand?”

---

Though Braedynne did potentially have an infinite lifespan, and she was indeed older than Marianne, or even her late parents, she at least couldn't possibly be older than Mary's great grandmother. It might be hard to wrap one's head around, but considering how sheltered Braedynne's life was, confined to the company of others who also had natural, child-like tendencies, it might not be so hard to believe that they could, quite literally, never really grow up, even after living thousands of years.

Mary waved away the concerns about endangering her family, to which Braedynne nodded in agreement. "That does sound.. pretty far-fetched. Yeah.. I think you're right, Mary. Those guys would have to be batty to even bother." Whew, that was quite a relief. For a moment, Braedynne really was worried for her new friend, or perhaps, necessitating a trip back to that clearing to deal with those bandits once and for all. But it seemed all should be well now! The Kokiri beamed with happiness, but it was all probably hidden under the hood of her cloak.

The two exchanged some playful teasing. “Yes, you are right. I guess I really am a liar then. I apologize for questioning your insight about my nature, O wise Braedynne.” The Kokiri shyly giggled and blushed again. She knew it was all in jest, but it still sounded so grandiose and flattering.. so much so that it was incredibly silly. Cringeworthy, even!

Then Mary began explaining. "Just a few weeks ago there was a miasma in Faron Woods which drove the wildlife crazy and even mutated the plants….”

Braedynne gasped. "I heard about that! We all did! It was.. it was rather terrifying.. the thought of all this being so close to home. We often do venture out, a bit, if only a tiny bit. But with this miasma in the Faron woods, we were all scared to go outside, to leave our homes... Even though the Great Deku Tree promised to still keep us safe. It was.. around this time when I realized, and when I wondered, what if things got even worse?"

If what Mary initially started off with sounded bad to Braedynne, the unbelievable, unsettling thing was how she just kept on going, listing off a dozen grim events. Just hearing this made the Kokiri's face blanche, as her resolve was almost visibly eaten away.

"Three Goddesses.. this.. this is terrible...!" Braedynne exclaimed.

Mary said, “Though that does not mean it should deter you from exploring and experience the world, Braedynne. Adversity only teaches us to be more careful, not to avoid it altogether! Who knows, you might be the legendary hero we need in this trying times! And with smart Edelweiss with you, I think you can help a lot!”

Reluctantly, Braedynne had agreed with her friend's sentiments. Despite how terrifying these events seemed.. it was all the more reason to be more proactive - if for any other reason, because maybe there wouldn't be a world left to explore for much longer. But Braedynne grew more confused when Mary started saying the young Kokiri could be a legendary hero. And the weird part was, Mary really didn't look or sound like she was teasing.

Braedynne was utterly flustered and speechless. "Uh..  wh-what?" Edelweiss was smart. Quite knowledgeable, sure. But me? A brave, legendary hero? What was this nonsense? Why would they have a play with me and Edelweiss? Couldn't I just like, be there and tell stories? And-

After being so lost in thought and only managing to blink at Mary, Braedynne carelessly tripped over a root and nearly fell flat on her face. Good thing she had really good reflexes.

Braedynne clambered to her feet, with her skirt and gloves a little scuffed up, but she was hardly even bruised. She had stopped walking, however, to address Mary directly about the subject.

"I don't know how you got such a crazy idea, Mary. Sure, it would be 'grand'. But I think it's also delusional..." She sighed and shook her head. "I'm not a hero, Mary. I'm just.. just... a naive traveler. And I couldn't even take on two guys that you dispatched with a flick of your wrists."

It was a pretty idea, but Bokoblins would probably fly before Braedynne became a hero of any sort.

Nodding slowly, Mary replied, "Yes. What happened in that place -now called Forest Temple- is something that had never happened before. I am grateful that it is over."

Her voice became softer as she continued, seemingly once again wandering in her own thoughts. “Just a few years ago the King and Queen was slain in Hyrule’s own castle and most of Castle Town and surrounding areas were razed by monsters. The Starlight Tragedy, if you have ever heard about it.” And then she raised her hand, her fingers counting. “And then…. Lets see… ... ...."

Braedynne accepted Mary's help up after falling with a little bit of a grunt. "Thanks.." she said.

Braedynne explained her reluctance to the whole idea of being a hero, and then Mary rebutted with.. some interesting facts and encouragement. Or at least, it seemed factual enough to the naive Kokiri, in any case.

"So to be a hero, all I have to do is the right thing?" she mused with a small grin. She chuckled. "Well, you might not be wrong, but.. I think maybe you're using that word a bit too loosely? A good person does the right thing. But a hero, well.. I guess a hero does great things, and brave things, too."

The fact that this green-haired girl was able to so eloquently partake in a philosophical debate of sorts would have clearly demonstrated an intelligence and cognitive ability far exceeding that of a typical ten-year-old. Nevertheless, her emotions had calmed down and she smoothly changed to another subject.

She also later asks, "What about your monkey friend? Is she like.. a pet? Or.. perhaps more like a companion, like Edelweiss to me?" She was also just, really curious where exactly Donna came from and how they came to be together, but that was probably going to be too many questions to process all at once.

The two were now very close to Ordon Village, if not already in it. They walked along a dirt road, which was often lined by simple fences, passing by fields and simple dwellings, both near and in the distance.

Maybe a little more Q/A, then let's find a nice cozy inn to settle into! I know Braedynne would have started to get tired...

Mary smiled. "You are right. Then again, it might be that you used the word too strictly, Braedynne. Great things. Brave things. They are all subjective to the one using it. Would it be wrong that a girl consider her father does great things by fixing their rooftop, and thus consider him a hero? In the same vein, would it be wrong for me to consider a Kokiri leaving the safety of the forest to try to see what she can do to help, already brave enough to be a hero of her own? It is just a matter of perspective, I think."

But perhaps realizing that she had became rather spirited, the woman Mary gave a small chuckle. "But look at me, being so high-handed. You are only curious about the world outside your forest, and I already bombarded you with such heavy notions!" A dry branch was on her path and she inadvertently stepped on it, making it snap. "I... guess.... It is not every day I get to meet a Kokiri on their first trip out of the forest.... It made me remember the tale of The Boy Without A Fairy that I -might- have fancied to be in an important junction of Fate.... Silly me...."

She was talking, of course, about the famous Hero of ages past who once saved Hyrule from great calamity. He emerged from the Forest, completely unknown, but went on to made his mark on history and legends. It was one of the most famous tale known by any Hylian children everywhere.

"I...guess what I really wanted to say is so that you will not be afraid to continue your curiosity of the World outside The Forest, Braedynne, despite the state you found it in. You already had one of the worst start possible so I... might have been carried away in my encouragement. I apologize...."

But from her tone before and how she seemed to genuinely believed in the potential of anyone to become a Hero, one could not help but wonder whether she was the one who was desperate for a hero herself. Could it be that this woman was someone who loved her land very much; someone who was so disheartened from the many calamities her land endured which she was powerless to stop, that her subconscious latched to any idea, any faint hope that a hero of her legends would  arrive and put a stop to all the land's woes? Could it be that she was in such despair that she felt compelled to ease a complete stranger of any potential doubt, in the slight chance that the legend she knew so well would emulate itself in the present?

It was certainly an interesting thought.

Donna joined Mary's shoulder again as they finally emerged out of the woods, and into the expansive ranches and farms which dotted the outskirts of Ordon Village proper. The stars had come out in full right now, blinking and glittering in the clear early winter night. The dirt road they were following was a fairly deserted one, owing to their misadventures carrying them far from the usual busy Faron Woods exit to Ordon. There were no lights around and no people, although fences dotted the side of the road here and there and there were some dwellings with the light on from the distance. If not for the rather bright night light, it would be hard for them to even see where they were going.

In the distance, though, a cluster of buildings illuminated by streetlight beckoned. It would not be very far before Ordon Village's Gate would be coming to their view.

Braedynne asked her even more question, which made her chuckle. "You are very inquisitive for a stranger you met in the woods for the first time. Is this a Kokiri trait?"

But Mary did not seem that reluctant. In fact, she replied rather handily. "I do a lot of things, really. Reading, training, attending gatherings here and there, helping my brother and sister- yes I have both back home." She smirked, "Also auditing reports! I am rather good at spotting mistakes, if I may say so myself. And Donna I met her in Faron Woods, actually!" At this she gave the monkey a pat, which made her grunted happily. "She helped me a lot and we just sort of clicked, and then she was kind enough to follow me back to my home. We understand each other, too."

Of course, without Donna's intervention, the Forest Temple search party would perhaps never find the entrance to the Temple, and thus the Mirror Shard would still spread its foul miasma by now. Marianne liked to think that she was the princess of the mysterious pack of monkey in the temple. From Donna's behavior and intelligence so far, she had every reason to believe she was right.

The sound of a cow mooing at the far distance could be heard, and Mary seemed like she suddenly remembered something. "That reminds me. When you get to Ordon Village, do you have a place you are planning to stay at? If not, I can direct you to my sister's ranch- sorry. The-ranch-where-my-sister-currently-resides," she grinned teasingly, "It is way too late for a guest, but I assure you they will be willing to let a good Kokiri and her fairy stay for a while-" and she stopped walking and turned towards the Kokiri with a smile, "-because this is where we part ways, Braedynne and Edelweiss."

They had arrived. Over their head, illuminated by two small lanterns on their side was a rather rickety sign which straddled the small dirt road with the words 'Ordon Village' painted on it. They had reached one of the borders to Ordon.

And a rather deserted one it seemed, for apart from the fences beside the road there was no sign of dwellings or people nearby. But just yonder the dirt road, the warmly lit houses of Ordon Village awaited, like a welcoming fireplace, safe and protected from masked men shooting arrows and the howling beasts of Faron Woods. Framed against the starlit sky, the village was a heartwarming invitation to all.

Geeze, Mary sure wasn't letting this hero thing go, was she?

Braedynne sighed and said, "Okay, you have a point. A lot of it is subjective, but.. I think when we talk about heroes - especially legendary heroes - there's a sort of.. public perception to it? I think most people would say the father taking care of his family's roof was just being responsible. And as for me, wandering from my home for the first time.. uh, well... it's a start?" The Kokiri blushed a bit and shook her head.

The tale of the Boy Without a Fairy.. huh.  Braedynne had never heard that one. If it was such a wide-spread legend, shouldn't she have? Maybe some of the elders where she lived knew about it... Braedynne supposed that maybe there was never any reason to bring it up. And if Edelweiss knew something about this, she was staying pretty silent.

"Wait. So, have you met others of my kind before?" Braedynne asked. It almost sounded like Mary was implying she met some of her brothers and sisters in the past? In any case, it seemed that Mary obviously knew of her people, at the very least.

Braedynne nodded to herself as they silently walked along. Admittedly, all the news of recent happenings was extremely disturbing. And then, to go on to speculate that Braedynne could just magically fix everything, somehow was.. well it was more than a little cuckoo. Maybe the princess was feeling desperation, at the end of her rope, turning toward a stranger she had never met before for hope. A stranger who was, in fact, more like the girl she appeared to be despite age, who had never done a 'heroic' thing in all her life before.

Braedynne wrinkled her nose. "Emm. Not.. really? We all have our quirks and personalities," she said with a shrug. "But I'm not being too nosy, am I? I mean, I know we haven't known each other long, but you did save my life, sort of, and.. I thought.. we were friends?"

Mary explained the kinds of things she did, vaguely. Braedynne nodded along, listening intently of course but not really thinking anything of the finer details.. such as auditing reports? To be fair, Braedynne didn't even know what that was supposed to mean. Then Mary turned to her.

Braedynne shook her head and began, "Um, no. I heard you folks usually have places called an 'inn' that takes travelers..."  Though the thought of staying with Mary's sister did sound like a great idea!

Braedynne stopped and turned to Mary with surprise. "Wait.. What?? Aren't you coming, too? It's dark, and cold, and.. and it can be quite dangerous at night!" she protested. Though a lot of Braedynne's arguments would have made sense, mostly, she was just disappointed and hurt. Why did Mary want to leave her, all of a sudden? Maybe.. maybe she had other important things to do at Castle Town? But that was so far away, and it was late...  It still didn't really make sense.

Was Mary just going to throw Braedynne to the wolves? Metaphorically speaking. She wouldn't feel right going up to her sister's house without said sister...

Mary nodded. "Exactly. Like you said, Braedynne, it is all subjective and based on perception. For the father, if most people said he is only being responsible but he is a true hero in his children's eyes, would you say it makes him any less of a hero? How do we define public knowledge or fame, anyway? If a thousand people know about him? Or a hundred? Or even just one? If your kind Kokiri has a legendary hero -I've never heard of one but you'll have to tell me sometimes!- and I have no perception of them, would it strip away their status of a legendary hero, then?"

A rustle of leaves above told them that Donna was nearby. "That was why I said that you used a more restrictive term of the hero, while I prefer to see it in broader ways. I think none of us are wrong. I think everyone can be a hero, even if no legends recorded their deeds. Even if he or she is the only one who knows that they have done the right thing. And for the record-" she smiled praisingly, "-I' think you are heroically brave already for choosing to wander from your home the first time, Braedynne. Edelweiss. If I were a Kokiri like you, I might be too scared to even think of leaving." She smirked. "So please don't sell yourself short. Have confidence!"

And here she thought Edelweiss seemed to be the unrelenting one. Another thing to learn about the Kokiri Braedynne, it seemed. As always Marianne's words and actions always had a hidden reason for it.

But perhaps realizing that she had became rather spirited, the woman Mary gave a small chuckle. "But look at me, being so high-handed. You are only curious about the world outside your forest, and I already bombarded you with such heavy notions!" A dry branch was on her path and she inadvertently stepped on it, making it snap. "I... guess.... It is not every day I get to meet a Kokiri on their first trip.... ... ...."

"Wait. So, have you met others of my kind before?" Braedynne asked. It almost sounded like Mary was implying she met some of her brothers and sisters in the past? In any case, it seemed that Mary obviously knew of her people, at the very least.

"I have. As you said before, some of your kind have already left your home to wander." There was a certain wistful sadness in her tone, but Mary did not elaborate, and did not sound like she would, even if asked. "I...guess what I really wanted to say is so that you will not be afraid to continue your curiosity of the World outside The Forest, Braedynne, despite the state you found it in. You already had... ... ...."

Braedynne asked her even more question, which made her chuckle. "You are very inquisitive for a stranger you met in the woods for the first time. Is this a Kokiri trait?"

Braedynne wrinkled her nose. "Emm. Not.. really? We all have our quirks and personalities," she said with a shrug. "But I'm not being too nosy, am I? I mean, I know we haven't known each other long, but you did save my life, sort of, and.. I thought.. we were friends?"

The last words seemed to elicit an emotion Braedynne had never seen from Mary before, but the experienced woman expertly covered it with a smile before it could even began to show. "I know some people who would consider you nosy. But I myself do not mind."

A friend.... She did not show it, but Marianne regarded what the Kokiri said highly. Friend.... Had someone ever said it matter-of-factly to her face that they considered her their friend before? She shied away from being the center of attention in her formative years, both for being bullied by her noble peers and being self-conscious that she should not share the same stage with her radiant, full-blooded royal half-siblings. And even after she was forced to take the kingdom's reins in recent times, she was such an inflexible upholder of rules that no one wanted to seriously consider herself as a friend. She even almost condemned this "sister" of hers in Ordon to death as per the nobility rules, although thankfully circumstances and a little loop abuse in her part prevented her from making such a painful decision (link)

This little debate of what it meant to be a hero was starting to make Braedynne's head hurt. Too many nuances. Too many fuzzy definitions. And did it really matter?? As Mary said, both of them were right, so she decided that they had might as well leave it at that.

Considering that Mary had met other Kokiri.. it seemed the young woman was not only pretty well-traveled, but quite lucky. Just by itself, it was very lucky that Mary happened to come upon those suspicious men in the woods and follow them, shortly before they accosted Braedynne. It was definitely lucky for Braedynne too. And maybe unlucky for the goons. Maybe the luck cancelled out? Still, there was a hint of sadness to Mary's voice that gave Braedynne a bit of concern. Did something happen? And yet.. somehow, it seemed her new friend had many secrets. And time was running too short to coax them out of her.

Something seemed to elicit a response in Mary when Braedynne said she thought they were friends. "I know some people who would consider you nosy. But I myself do not mind."

With a wry smile forming on her face, Braedynne retorted, "Well, chances are, I wouldn't think of them as a friend, then."

- - -

The realization that Mary was leaving was.. almost crushing. And it seemed there wouldn't be changing her mind.

Mary explained directions to three different places, but perhaps due to Braedynne's emotional state, she didn't really absorb it all. She stood there, almost like a statue, seemingly staring through the young woman who.. perhaps did not feel the same thing she did.

Braedynne looked up, kind of confused, and turned to look at her fairy, almost as if gazing at her for the first time in her life. "Hm?"

"But.. but Mary, why? What could possibly be so important that you have to travel at night, without rest, with - without.." A friend? "Oh, forget it!"

Braedynne whirled around and began stomping her way into the village proper. It seemed Mary wouldn't budge, no matter what she said. No matter how dangerous or foolish it was to travel at night. Braedynne was sad and disappointed, and it seemed her only other alternative to this was anger. Something else must have been soooo important, that it was worth dying for!  And it couldn't even wait until tomorrow!  ... either that, or maybe Mary just didn't really like Braedynne at all...

As Braedynne walked down the empty street, she rubbed some tears from her watery eyes. 'This is stupid. Why am I so upset?' she asked herself. Sure, there was a lot of disappointment. But she had been disappointed by other things before. It had been a long time since she was this worked up. Maybe that disappointment was just too huge. She was really looking forward to sharing a meal, meeting new people, talking near a fire, just.. spending the night with Mary...  The way things were going, it seemed she would have certainly had a pleasant first night away from home.. Now everything was uncertain again. She didn't know anyone in this village.

And honestly, insecurity gnawed at Braedynne as well. She couldn't fathom the reasons Mary would have to, in her eyes, just abandon her out of the blue. She had no idea she was a princess, and literally the entire realm depended on her. Maybe that little bit of important information would have been a good idea to share, but the opportunity had already passed.

The girl looked up at her fairy, pulled out of her thoughts. "Um.. y-yeah..."  She sniffled a bit and nodded.

She nodded again.

Silently, Edelweiss guided her ward to the inn. She did not mention that Braedynne didn't even say goodbye to Mary. That probably would have broken her heart even more.

To  her credit, Mary did realize that Braedynne did not really listen to her explanations as the Kokiri's expression immediately became withdrawn. Worried that she might end up lost, she made sure that her fairy at least remembered what she had said. The clever fairy committed her words to memory, thankfully, so at least she could return with a sense of assurance. Braedynne should consider herself lucky to have such a dependable friend.

...It was so nice having a partner to do everything together, wasn't it?

And the Kokiri's next words made no secret of her displeasure. "But.. but Mary, why? What could possibly be so important that you have to travel at night, without rest, with - without..."

If Braedynne had not been so focused on anger, she might have noticed the sorrow that swept over Mary's face as the Kokiri's angry tone seemingly pierced her like icy daggers. There was an utter dejection on her expression as she raised a hand and seemingly tried to say something.

"I-"

"Oh, forget it!"

But before she could say anything, the Kokiri whirled around and stomped into the village. Mary's extended hand grasped empty air as the Kokiri quickly went out of her reach, leaving the red-cloaked figure standing alone outside the village boundaries, motionless and alone. The lanterns above the sign flickered sadly, as if reminding the escort that was deserted between light and dark that she was, after all, merely an escort.

Donna cooed and snuggled close to Mary's neck. She reflexively gave her a caress, still watching the Kokiri's shadpw marching alone on the empty street.

"For a moment, I really thought I have gained a real friend...." She whispered sadly, still standing like a forlorn statue. "But she did not need a friend. She needed a companion in her journey....

As always, Princess Marianne de Hyrule's audience chamber was one of the busiest rooms in the whole Hyrule Castle. With the throne mostly empty nowadays and with such a sharp-eyed Princess who was quick to spot any inconsistencies in any proposal or report, the ministers and the influential guild leader had long ago accepted this humble room with a large oak table was practically the second center of the realm. It also helped that the precocious princess was both The Chancellor and a member of Ruling Council. If she demanded that a project needed her approval before being considered, it would be that way.

This late morning also, the princess and her staffs were busy as usual. Important people came and went from her room like buzzing bees. And in the center of it all was Princess Marianne, looking tired as usual.

"... Yes that is correct. Please tell Lord Darrin that I found The Stone Masons guild that I found their price ridiculous. Please refer to my written notes. And to Professor Resmowr, while I agree in principle to support his idea for renovation, he still has to ask the approval of Royal Academy members first. Please tell him that. Also, regarding the Road Repairs in Ordon I must say that I am disappointed of the progress. Tell Lord Rufus that I am expecting him this evening for-"

"Your Highness?"

Marianne turned towards the door. Her personal aide slash nagging mother slash Hyrule Spymaster Miss Eva the Sheikah was there, in her black dress as usual.

The clerks and attendants which had been busy passing off parchments and papers as per the princess' instruction paused, also looking at The Sheikah.

"Your Highness, may I have your ear for a moment?"

All the people in the room was summarily dismissed. All was left was the sheikah and the -suddenly nervous looking- princess.

"Good morning, Miss Eva...?"

The sheikah stared at her sharply for a few seconds. Marianne gulped.

"Don't good morning me, Mari. Where were you last night?"

"..."

"..."

"...I, umm, went on an errand...."

"That is not a surprise for me. You seemed to have an errand every night. No. I meant, why did you not sleep at all last night?"

"I... I did! I...."

"Please, Your Highness. I know your bedroom better than you do."

Defeated, Marianne averted her gaze.

"Yes. I didn't. I returned too late. I am sorry, Miss Eva...."

"That would make it three hours in as many nights. And then you went straight to work?"

"I couldn't help it! The Taskforce for Great Library renovation waited for me today and Lord Haakon-"

"Marianne, I am cancelling your meeting with Lord Rufus and The Fishermen Guild later this day."

"W-What? But-"

"And I want you to use the time to sleep early. Really, Mari, it will not be the Twilight Army which would kill you these days. It is your tendency to overwork yourself!"

"I-I can't! There are so many holes in the proposal and I want to know how they could arrive at such price-'

The sheikah exhaled, her stern demeanor melting away.

"Listen, Mari," she explained patiently, "Sometimes, you just have to trust others. Your insights and negotiating ability are unmatched, yes. And the Kingdom had been doing three times better with you returning. Although I am sure sounded like a self-repeating-cuccoo at this point.... But it won't help any of us if you work yourself to the ground."

"That also sounds like a self-repeating-cuccoo...."

"Which just illustrates how frequently we've been having conversations like this and how you've never listened. Your people need you, Mari. But they also want you take good care of yourself. Sometimes you have to trust less critical matters to others."

"I.... Oh alright. I know when I am beaten when you make a face like that, Miss Eva."

"Wise as always, Your Highness. Give me your annotated draft. Yes I know that you've been secretly working on it although I remembered personally telling you not to bother."

"I did find a critical mistake in how the land was planned without accounting the-"

"Yes yes and yes. Which is why it would be a waste -figuratively and thousands ruppee-literally- if we don't put your review to good use. Give me the draft, and I'll read in the meeting in your place and made sure your concerns are duly addressed."