Respite in Turmoil [POST AG DUNGEON]

The Twili lowered her head, "... Such records I have locked away, wise one, and few under my previous tutelage had access to them."

Her eyes kept trailing back of the Keaton.

"... Hm... but I wouldn't be opposed to allowing you to see them if I could..."

She looked away bashfully.

"... Um... pet... you..."

"Ah... that thing that few can truly resist, hmm?" Revyn smirked, picking himself up slowly to lay himself a little closer. "Just not the tails, for now," he added, letting that trio of tails come to a still rest behind him for now.

“… As you say.”

She reached out and began to stroke his back, stopping just above his hip before circling back up his spine.

… Soft.

Amelia knelt a little closer, and before she knew it, she had begun to massage the Keaton’s muscles. This went on for another minute before she realized the time she was wasting.

“… Oh.”

She withdrew her hands. “… Sorry, I was getting carried away.”

Even so, her dour countenance had brightened. "I'll bring you to my private library so you may learn all that you can. That goes for you two as well, Vladimir and Princess Rularu."

Well... never minding the others, he himself could've simply stayed there for a while. Particularly as he was recovering besides. Though, well, it was only natural that it was going to end before too long.

"At least to know where it is, yes; I'm sure I shall be spending no small amount of time studying matters in the coming few days," Revyn suggested. "On a different matter for the moment... you stated earlier that you felt uncomfortable here. Shall I guess it has something to do with differences in the flow of magic...?"

“A worthwhile theory, Master Revyn, although I would presume that it has to do more with my newly created ties with the Twilight Realm… or could it be the effect that realm has to the Twili’s composition? The Twili have lived for hundreds of years in that environment, so to step out of it into the Light World would effect them somehow.”

Amelia furrowed her brows.

“… In my case, I have told this to Vladimir, but it may have to do more with what Volk did to me. My shift from Hylian to Twili felt… forced. I don’t know how I survived it.”

"Hmm. I suppose we shall have to find those answers at a later time, then; rather that than to not know what they can do here," Revyn mused. "As to yourself, well... as many likely theories as there may be, I believe it can, at least, be assumed that this Volk had a good assumption that you would survive. He seemed rather too... attached to his work to believe otherwise," he added in some thought.

Ursula shuddered and rubbed her arms at the mention of Volk being attached to her.

"For now, then, that is all I have to ask; the rest, I intend to find through those records, and through some... personal observation," he relatively concluded, at least for his part, before casting a glance to Vladimir and Rularu. "But I suppose you two would likely have more to say? Ah, yes... make no mistake that I, for one, shall be having... some further words for him should I come across him again, to put it lightly. Let us just say, his methods are rather disagreeable to me, in more than a few ways," he offered. "All the same, there will most certainly be plenty to do until such a time."

"If it was forced, then there must also be a way to reverse it too, down the road. Which could open up a slew of assets," Vlad added.

"Maybe..." Ursula stared at the Keaton's tails, then away.

"... But I am not keen on experiencing such pain again just to reverse what he did."

Vladimir shrugged one of his shoulders and nodded. That much was understandable

"To me, at least... I would dare say there are advantages as things are, but we shall have to see," Revyn idly offered. "And give that matter a few days; I shall allow it after I have gotten some of the information I'm after," he added with a small, knowing smirk. "Besides... even just as we have seen it, that realm plainly has rules of its own, removed from what we know. Including how it affects creatures. Much as I would love to experiment with that aspect of it, I'm sure you lot would find the thought rather... unpleasant, so I shall leave it at going alone, given some time."

Vlad nodded. "If there's anything I've accepted, it's that I'm firmly drafted into this mess now. I see things through to the end and from where I come from, going alone is a bad idea. I'd go with you."

The Twili smiled, "... Very well. When I've recovered, I will lead you to where forbidden knowledge sleeps."

With that, she removed her blanket and sat cross-legged.

“… Until then, however, I must also replenish my magic. With my greater reserve duly sealed by the goddesses, I must regain what I can from the residual flow existing in the atmosphere.”

She shut her eyes briefly and breathed in long and deep, and the surface of her body began to glow with a gentle light. While this process continued, she opened her eyes once more.

“… As I do this, I shall attempt to attune my body once more to the Light Realm. Perhaps, over time, this slow, gradual method may change me back… maybe. I won’t know unless I try.”

"We shall see. I shall not make any promises when, but I shall also not deny that I alone would not be able to estimate what effect it may have on creatures beyond myself," Revyn offered with a small nod. "'Forbidden' knowledge, though..." he chuckled. "It would hardly be the first I've gotten a hold of, and it will certainly not be the last. But while you do that... I do have a few other matters to get to. No doubt you shall be hearing from me before long," he offered. At the least, he had the strength left for the rather easier task of lightly hopping down, before he was to begin walking along.

"Speaking of. Where did you learn how to write the proper signs for Ofuda? You Keaton really do get everywhere like the Terminian rumors suggested." Vlad asked.

"Mm? Oh, those things? Down in Ikana Valley; I've paid it really quite the number of visits over my long years," Revyn replied with a little chuckle.

"Brave little guy. We left those things out everywhere some place needed to be protected so... Fair to you." He didn't quite chuckle back, but there was a hint of a grin

"... Hm-hm."

Ursula smiled warmly as she watched the two converse.

The adversity they faced together have forged a powerful bond. Though, it helps that they both have affiliations with Termina... but not so with Princess Groupan.

That being said... she said something about a Death Sword during our topic on the golem.

Ursula looked to the Zoran Princess with an inquisitive look, "... Your Highness, if I may, you mentioned that your opponent, the Death Sword, Gram, you said? Was also attacked by the golem during its escape." She cleared her throat, "I am familiar with records of Gram--he is one of the most ancient demons, bred by war and bloodshed. He was a frightening berserker in his days, spilling blood with each swing of his blade. How did your group manage to defeat him?" She glanced to the other two, "Would it have to do with the... ofuda that you mentioned?"

Vladimir blinked at Ursula then back to the Rularu. "Demons posses numerous things. Even multiple objects and some demons are multiple souls in one. Depends. Can Gram tell us what happened?" He leaned back in the chair as he watched Rularu.

Ursula's concentration broke, the light around her body dissipated, and her expression became bewildered.

The realization (or at least she hoped wasn't the case) dawned on her, and her voice dropped in volume.

"... If this is a jest, it is not funny."

"Ah...right...in all of the chaos, it slipped my mind." She then brandishes her Silver Longsword, which, due to the demon's influence, has somewhat darkened in color. "Our plan was to beat it back and reseal it into the sword we originally found it in after I had accidentally broken the seal...instead, it seems we inadvertently sealed it into my own sword as I landed the finishing blow. So far, it's claimed that it will grant me strength, but..." She let out a sigh "...you can probably understand why I might be a bit hesitant to actually use it. I'm still unsure of what I plan to do with it."

Vladimir squinted at the darkened sword, then tilted his head. "Well. They usually want something in return but never actively say it." He couldn't blame her hesitation. He didn't use weapons but if it were him, he would've put seals on that sword and locked it away until he could find a way to do away with the demon. "I've spoken with demons before and even if they seem friendly, wary is always the best option when dealing with them."

"Blood, in his case..." She comments as Vlad mentions them usually wanting something. "From what I understand, he'll grant my weapon power and make it lighter and easier to wield so long as I shed blood with it...rather grim. I suppose it'd be fine if I merely limit it to fight monsters...but I'd rather not think about what I would have to do should I come face to face with enemies that don't bleed, like the undead we encountered in that tomb..."

"Well I guess your sword can no longer be used as a glorified letter opener." He spoke flatly, with just a hint of joking sarcasm behind it. "But yeah. I'd be careful. Possibly carry an extra weapon around. Fashion one from magic on the spot perhaps."

Ursula pressed her fingers on her forehead and flicked her free hand toward the door, causing a semi-visible screen to form, muffling the sound that would leave the room.

“Tsk… so Gram has decided to occupy your sword to strengthen you and fulfill whatever cravings he has.” She slid off the bed to further examine the longsword. “I doubt he would speak to us while he awaits sustenance, and while I would caution you on its usage, you’ve been given a rather unique opportunity for research into demon-kind, Your Highness.”

The woman knelt forward, and her golden eyes shimmered slightly.

“… Hmm… to the untrained eye, your sword is rather unassuming, but be wary of Hylia zealots outside of Hyrule City. They’re absolutely and totally hostile to demons, and they make few exceptions even when it comes to the magic of Demise.” She placed a hand on her chest, “I’ve had the displeasure of encountering them in the past. They profess to operate in the name of Hylia, yet their actions display great hatred against Demise mages. Fortunately, they’re not well-received in main cities, but they gain followers from those who have suffered from monsters and people possessed by Demise’s power.” She motioned her head to the sword, “They’re trained to spot Demise users and demons, so if conflict is inevitable, be ready to defend yourself.”

Rularu nods, quietly "Yeah; I'll be careful. I was already planning to avoid carrying it around in public...only take it to places where I know I'll be fighting someone or something. Those zealots sound like a fun bunch..." Naturally, the last sentence was dripping with sarcasm.

However, she found herself deep in thought. "...I won't lie. For a good while, I too believed users of Demise's magic to be inherently evil...of course, I know now how incredibly wrong such thinking is...Marianne showed me that..." She paused quietly, a look of fondness forming on her face.

"Honestly...meeting her made me realize how little I knew...not just about the world as a whole, but myself as well..."

Ursula smirked.

"And you can learn much more, Princess," she said as she returned to her bed, "I would not discredit your teachers; the world believed those who used Demise were minions to his will, and it was so for many years until it was proved to be false."

She lifted her palm and caused small orbs of the five different elements to appear.

"... But now, the Royal Family employs every facet of magic, and know it for themselves. Now that they hold such mastery, there is little reason for a tutor to linger."

She closed her palm, caused her blanket to float, and situated herself back on her bed.

"... Perhaps it's time for a well-needed vacation."

The cloth fell back over her as she laid on her side.

"Mmm. Yup. Once I recover, I'm going to return to my homeland for a little bit. Perhaps take Pallin with me..." Vladimir closed his eyes and relaxed his head down with a sigh, before turning his red eyes towards Ursula. "We all need a vacation."

Ah... another one who knows Dr. Ilisca.

"... At least... I would wait until that greater threat has been thoroughly dealt with and we can allow for some respite to all of Hyrule," Ursula grimaced, "... Not to mention the possessed golem that I must put down." The woman covered her head and turned over, "Ugghh..."

"A vacation...that sure would be nice..." Rularu mused quietly, then watched as Ursula seemingly prepared to go to sleep. "Well, I shall let you rest then. I should probably think about preparing to head back to Zora's Domain within the next day or two. I have...much to consider. But please, if there's anything I can do to help, do not hesitate to ask."

She then pauses for a moment, looking to Vlad and Revyn "That goes for you two as well."

Vladimir grimaced in turn at the mention of the golem, letting out asigh. "I'll keep that in mind Rularu." He mentioned with a wave, already going through options in his head on how you would even try to deal with a possessed golem. Likely like any item.

The professor turned once more to look at the princess.

"... It is enough that you had put your life on the line for the Princess' sake. I also owe my life to all of you..." There was a small twinkle in her eye, then suddenly a number of Impblins crawled out from beneath the blanket, along with the one that had served Vladimir.

"Thanks to you," said a rather robust one, "Our mistress has returned safely, yes-yes! If you so desire, you may bring one of us with you! Speak only a word, and we shall do your bidding!"

Collective yes-yesses and cheers erupted from the joyous little monsters.

"My, my..." Ursula chuckled, "I suppose this shall be part of my gift to you all. These Impblins were bred under mine and the MRC's watch, and are loyal to a fault. They have many functions and will serve you well."

She looked to the Sheikah, "... Do take Runt with you, Vladimir. He has grown attached to you, and I'm certain it would break his heart to be apart."

To Revyn and Rularu, "Go on and pick one to take with you on your journey. They will hide in your shadow until you need their aid. Until then, they are content to travel with you."

"I see...well, I shall accept this gift then." Looking between the impblins, Rularu settled on one that, compared to the others, was a little on the short and stubby side. For some reason, that one in particular impblin resonated with her. "How about, you then? Would you like to come with me?"

One of those 'impblin' things, hmm... well, Revyn couldn't exactly pretend they wouldn't have their uses to him. Perhaps him especially, for as much as he tended to operate on his own... even leaving aside certain other matters, that a few bits of info were keeping him from, for the moment. "Well... come along, then. Though do not expect that I shall not keep you busy," he offered, giving a little wave of his tail to one that remained, for it to then linger in his shadow.

Shadows, hmm... well, there were several things he would need to begin picking up soon.

Marianne nodded to Vlad, and to Rularu. Perhaps to Revyn and Ursula, too.

"I am glad. Everyone is quite alright...."

She swept her gaze through each of them.

"...Please take care and don't push yourself."

And her eyes stopped at Rularu, who was on her way out when she arrived. She gulped.

"Ruru, are you... going back to Zora's Domain... soon?"

Rularu nodded in response to Marianne's question. "Not immediately, but I do intend to begin preparing for the trip back as soon as possible. If nothing else, I want to at least send a message to my father that I'm alive and that our mission was..." She paused "...technically a success..."

Boy did that "success" come with a lot of strings attached. But she shook such ominous thoughts out of her mind for now. "Either way, I'm probably not going to go actually head back for at least a couple days...that is, of course, if my staying here won't be an inconvenience..."

"And as to you, then... if, as she suggests, you are indeed heading out, then do of course pass a few messages of what happened. And, shall I say... do not wait too long to say what you need to say, hmm?" Revyn suggested as he looked to Rularu, a small, knowing smirk forming on his face.

Ursula breathed in deeply.

“Let no one dissuade you from staying for as long as you need. You are all welcome as cherished allies to the Royal Family.”

Marianne nodded, agreeing with what Ursula said. "How could you think that way Ruru... Please.... never think that way. You and the Zora people will never be an inconvenience for us...."

Her eyes softened.

"...especially not for me. Please don't hesitate to use anything Hyrule Castle are able to offer for your preparation...."

'And I want to spend more time with you before you go.' But it was not spoken.

Rularu couldn't help but smile at both Ursula and especially Marianne's response to her comment. "...truth be told, I was worried about wearing out my welcome...but if you insist, then...maybe I will stay a bit longer."

Ursula looked to the ground.

“As for myself… perhaps it would be well if you to address the Bulbos in the room.”

Her eyes wandered to the Princess’ hand.

“… Are you suspicious of me, Your Highness?”

And then.... this was it, then. Sharp as always. Her mentor did see through her gesture and hesitation. When the Twili's eyes wandered to her hand, her eyes in turn seek her face.

But there was no hesitation in Marianne's answer.

"I am.

I... wish to speak with you privately, Mrs. von Brandt. Just you and me." She glanced at the others. "But I am willing to wait until you have finished your conversations, worry not. I apologize for coming in as I did."

In a tidy, perfect manner, she folded her hands on her lap and waited.

Vladimir shrugged a single shoulder, carefully raising up to his feet and then looking to Revyn, pushing the chair a little closer to the bed as to make an extra step down. "I'll see you guys around, more than likely." And then made his usual, silent exit.

"I shall, perhaps, wait outside, then. Given some recent circumstances, there may be much here that involves me yet," Revyn offered, carefully hopping down from bed, to chair, to floor. Of course, Marianne would be the only one with an idea of what he meant... but the rest would come in time.

So, for now, the keaton made his departure.

With a nod, Rularu heads toward the door. Just before leaving, she says one last thing to Marianne. "I'll be around if you need me."

"Thank you, everyone." said Marianne

The raven-haired girl's eyes followed Vladimir, Revyn, and Rularu out of the room, not moving from the bed beside Ursula's which she had plopped upon.

A distance within an arm's reach, but a distance still.

When Vladimir, Revyn, and Rularu left the room, Ursula folded her fingers, and the door to the room closed. Marianne, in turn, waved her hand, and a thin veil glimmered on it before turning invisible, and so was the window. No sounds would escape the room.

A silence would follow.

And, eventually, the professor made eye contact with the princess.

"... Go on."

Marianne returned the eye contact. On her lap, her left hand tightened.

"May I hold your hand?", she asked, extending her right hand towards the Twili.

There was no hesitation on Ursula's part.

She released her fingers and opened her palm toward the girl.

"Of course, Mari."

This she spoke almost in a whisper, but truthfully, an emotion reawakened itself in the woman's chest.

Marianne nodded, moving her arm to hold the Twili's hand. "Mrs. von Brandt, I told you that I once harbored quite a strong feeling for someone. The first time I felt so, in fact."

Her fingers wrapped the Twili's own. "Perhaps you know who am I speaking about?"

The Twili would feel the warmth of the Princess' hand.

Ah... good... I'm not dreaming this time.

"... Yes," she replied, "It was Dr. Pallin bas Ilisca that you had confessed to me before, though that feeling has since changed, yes?"

Marianne nodded again, a bit softer this time. She closed her eyes, keeping her hand connected to Twili's hand, and fell silent for a moment.

When she opened her eyes again, there was a thin veil of tears hiding their argent glow.

"It really is you...." she sniffled, "I knew it...."

A bright and delighted smile crossed Ursula's face, and she let out a small laugh.

"Oh, Marianne... did I not also teach you the means to detect a doppelganger from the real thing?"

Marianne laughed in turn, but hers was a more restrained one. "I still have much to learn, Teacher...."

Ursula passed her a curious look, which turned to a mischievous one.

“Don’t you mean ‘mother?’” She wiggled her finger teasingly, “Don’t think I’d ever forget that. You’re such a sweet child.”

"Ehehee~" she giggled, slightly embarrassed that Mrs. von Brandt remembered that scene.

'But... if you know who I really am and what I have done.... would you still allow me to call you even that...'

Something simmered on her left hand. An elegant rapier formed from thin air: Queen Celeste's own Svitani, The Sunrise Blade, which had been kept invisible by a spell. Perhaps that was one of the reason she had kept her distance from the others too.

She put the rapier on the bed beside her. "I won't be needing this, then." Glancing at Mrs. von Brandt, she projected a thought to her, allowing her to hear what she was speaking.

'Severa, you can call off The Guards. I shall speak to Mrs. von Brandt a little while.'

There was silence. A thin smile formed on Marianne's lips.

'No. No. I meant it. Please let everyone get dinner or something- No Severa that is an ord- Well, you can stay if you want. But please get a blanket or something- What? No of course I am not under a spell! You, of all people, would have detected that already....'

After a few more seconds of silence from the princess, she finally sighed, turning her face towards Mrs. von Brandt.

"Please forgive me about this, Mrs. von Brandt.... I trusted you, bot not everyone does. In fact, none at the castle currently thought of you as one of our own. Save for Professor Morte d'Artur -he is very fascinated, by the way. I would advise to steer clear of him for some time."

Her eyes hardened.

"As far as we all know, the Twilis are our enemy. And the Twilight Curtain currently spreading from Arbiter's Ground certainly did not help matters. I hope you understand, Mrs. von Brandt...."

Ursula released a sigh and brushed the Princess' hair with her free hand.

"That's understandable. In fact, I find it more likely that any lord opposed to my influence prior to the past few months would find an easier case to expel me from my position."

A mere shrug of her shoulders, "However... there are many things I must share about the Twilight Realm, for while I was yet controlled by Volk, I could still remember everything I saw, as well as the people I had met." She shook her head, "The Twili are heavily oppressed by Raalk, and resistance has formed. I've unwillingly fought against them and discovered their desire for true freedom."

She frowned and bounced her finger in the air, "Remember... you fight only against Raalk, Mari, and not the people crushed beneath his feet. They were the ones who helped me escape the Twilight Realm when the chance presented itself."

Evidently far gladder than when she came in, she stood up and sat beside Mrs. von Brandt's bed, leaning closer. The hand which was brushing her hair she received with tender affection. She would sniff her hand like a puppy would if she could, but a princess could not do that, could she?

But at the mention of Twilight Realm, something lit up behind Marianne's eyes. The way she shifted her face to stare at the Twili seemed almost too energetic.

Volk... Raalk... Resistance... People crushed beneath his feet....

"You saw it then...." she whispered, breathing heavily, "How is the Twilight Realm, Mrs. von Brandt? How are my- How are the Twili people doing? Please tell me more. We... we may be able to... to use any info to our advantage."

She bit her lip. Slipped like that. Careless. She was always weak in self-control when she was excited about something. This had to change.

“Hmm… it was dark, yet bright, as if transfixed in perpetual sunset. Neither too cold, nor too warm. As one who dwelt in perpetual darkness, I found it comforting… far more so than in the Light Realm.“

She cleared her throat.

“That’s not to say that I would forgo duty for comfort. However, the Twilight Realm causes strange things to happen to Light Realm dwellers. Most subjects become spirit-like and fall to despair, while some… and this happened often, transform into animals. Those individuals were swiftly taken away to captivity to be experimented on by Volk…”

The woman hung her head, “… Some he has turned into mindless monsters to be fodder for the army, and it is massive. Hundreds of thousands of Twilit beasts await Raalk’s beck and call, and they are so numerous that they patrol the main roads. The Twili people remained indoors, watching the world go by with dwindling hope. Those in the resistance party were kind to me, and offered me shelter until we were discovered.”

She shook her head sadly.

“I have no idea what became of them. With the advent of Raalk upon the Light Realm, I am hopeful that the focus would have been shifted and they were able to escape, but…”

Marianne listened to the description about Twilight Realm with hardly any surprised look. Surely Marianne had done her research, as usual. "The Twilit Beasts...." She wiggled her head, so that she brushed her own hair against the Twili's hand, "So they are Light Dwellers who have been brought to Twilight Realm and experimented upon? The Twili themselves, none of them became Twilit Beasts?"

"I'm afraid that's not the case, Mari. According to the resistance members, more than half the population have been used to create the army."

Ursula shut her eyes and bit her lip.

"... It was the price of dissident thoughts and behavior. The few that remain unchanged are branded as rebels and criminals to Raalk's regime. Those who have bent their knee to him have either shut themselves away in their houses by decree or joined his military to aid him."

Sadness. Sadness was evident in Marianne's eyes. But for whom, it was unclear.

"I see..." Her voice was soft. "You are right.... It is this Raalk who we have to stop at all cost....

And if there is no turning back for the Twilit Beasts, the least we can do is to give them the reprieve they deserve...."

The Twili would press up against the bed and pat her thighs for the Princess to rest her head upon.

"This dour news aside... we need to catch up after these last couple months... I've had a terrible life without you around."

Marianne obediently took up the offer, leaning her head on Mrs. von Brandt's thigh with a serene expression. And almost immediately, she gave one big yawn.

"I am sorry...." she said, rubbing her eyes, "True sleep has eluded me ever since I saw that hand... that hand...."

She gulped, unable to continue. That scene in Forest Temple would haunt her dreams still.... Settling cozily on her lap, she picked Mrs. von Brandt's hand by her own and put it on her head. Tonight, Marianne de Hyrule wanted to be pampered, and she did not hesitate in showing it.

"Months ever since you were gone.... It was filled with preparation for the Gerudo Desert offensive, I guess.... I dare say you did not miss much, Mrs. von Brandt.... Oh! I met a Great Fairy. A real one. I also organized a Hot Spring visit for Miss Merrows -Selene? Aunt Theia's daughter, if you remember? I do hope she enjoyed it... I also met her younger sister Eosine. She reminded me of Beatrix, heehee~ I am sure she is staying in Castle Town somewhere.... "

'There is this interesting stablehand who I met. And a Lizalfos-man? Also I kind of exterminated a Bulblin Camp with some villagers... but that's details.

She lifted her face to look at the Twili.

"I... I'd not ask what you have been doing these last couple of months, Mrs. von Brandt.... I am not sure I can handle the... the details...."

Ursula smiled as the princess shared the experiences she had during her absence. Even so, she felt certain melancholy for not having been involved in any of them...

Ah, well. Things could have been much worse.

Yet, as the topic came back to her, her shoulders would sink slightly.

"... Yes. It was a harrowing and... demeaning experience. There's no telling what they would have done to you if they captured you instead of me." Her hand gripped the girl's a bit tighter.

Perish the thought.

"... That aside, for now, if I may be selfish, I wish to relish in having your presence once again."

Slowly, Marianne nodded. "We... we will go through it slowly... later... when you are well-rested and willing to, Mrs. von Brandt...."

Returning the grip, Marianne closed her eyes and rested, savoring the presence she was afraid she would not be able to meet again. But inside, her mind was spinning.

What they would have done to you....

"Mrs. von Brandt...." she muttered suddenly, "What do you know... about me?"