The Ones Who Write [open]

The sound of someone climbing the cliff behind the Zora could be heard, coming closer and closer towards the white sage. From the footsteps they made they seemed to be of someone light in stature. A bit weak on the physical side,judging from a few huff she made -yes, that voice was definitely a female- but the well-trained rhythmic movements showed that she was someone who was accustomed on long travels. And she did not give a threatening feeling at all.

From the cliff there appeared first a sweet face, small and sharp in shape. Two intelligent, silver eyes gleefully reflected the light of the sun gliding westwards, while her cheek were slightly reddened by the exertion. Shoulder length-hair with red at the tips framed that face, which made way to a rather scrawny body bundled in a faded-red cloak, covering a comfortable attire made for walking. A few extra details on the lace and silver seams on her fabrics made an impression of someone with at least some wealth, even more so with that ruby clasp which held her hood, carved in the symbol of Hyrule Royal Family. Although there was something not quite right about her looks. Rarely a wealthy lady looking like she regularly skipped meal and sleep.

“Ana, then.” The girl bowed politely, almost more Zora-like in mannerisms than Hylian-like. Whoever had taught this girl about the various customs and nuances of the many cultures of Hyrule had done a really good job. “My name is Marianne. Marianne de Hyrule. It is an honor to meet The Great Liberator of Zora People.”

This girl called Marianne was honestly pleased, that much was certain. She really felt it was an honor, and it seemed because of that she was a little more formal than she should be, as if she was afraid she would offend Ana somehow if she showed a slip in manners. Then she noticed the unfinished sketch on Ana’s table and her eyes widened “I am very sorry. Have I disturbed you?” she said, a tinge of guilt in her voice.

At Ana’s comment the princess seemed to be a little ashamed. “Ah, umm… I do have an escort. They are just not… seen…” She hung her head. If anyone had ever heard about the Sheikah Guardians of the Royal Family, it was easy to imagine them keeping watch on Marianne even while staying hidden all the time. “I do hope this doesn’t bother you…?” She perfectly understood some people might be wary of being watched by unseen eyes, but at the same time she wished to convey to Ana that, for the most part, they could be safely ignored.

And she was evidently glad that she seemed to had not disturbed Ana’s work at all. This princess seemed a rather peculiar person. Very polite and respectful. It brought to mind an image of a scared kitten.

“Sure. I am to call you just Ana, right?” she answered, naturally coming closer towards the journal they were sitting in front of, “Were you, um, sketching the scenery, Ana? This cliff commands such a beautiful view….” She was curious, but her gesture also showed that she would not want to be seen as intrusive. It seemed that she was just a naturally curious individual, someone who liked to know just for the sake of knowing.

At Ana’s answer the princess smiled. “Thank you. You really are as wise as people said you are.” It was clear that The Princess held the Zora in high regard. No doubt helped by rumors and second-hand stories she might have heard about The Great Liberator.

The princess followed Ana’s hand towards the distance and she immediately understood. One could even imagine as she looked back towards the sketch that the smart girl had already formed a few ideas of her own. Planning and supervising projects were things that the princess knew very well. From a simple extension of the castle wing to a major repair of all the roads in one province to a new observatory -she had handled them all.

“You are very meticulous,” she praised, moving closer towards the sketch, though she kept a respectful distance from the Zora. “I can tell that when the rebuilding is complete, there will be more public spaces for every citizen. And I like how you recorded every important detail. May I sit with you?”

Facing the vista of The Domain, the princess’ spirit seemed to be lifted by the obvious signs of progress she was seeing. For a time she fell silent, taking all the scenery before her as if committing them to memory. A gentle breeze blew past them, bringing with it the salty aroma of the sea. “You really love your home, the Zora Domain, don’t you?”

---

Marianne's eyebrows raised a little at Ana's response. But strangely, the princess did not seem at all surprised. No. In fact, one could say that, for just a fleeting moment Marianne looked relieved. It quickly reverted back to the polite interested expression she had been using, however, offering just a glimpse of what was in her mind, like a moonlight peeking behind a drifting cloud, before the serene darkness resumed. "I see."

Of course, there was a reason why the princess of Hyrule wanted to meet and talk face-to-face with The Great Liberator. If the Zora had been someone she could easily read, she would not have bothered. The soft breeze played with her highness' hair, while her gaze continued to wander around the landscape of the Domain spread before them, its residents tiny specks moving about. "Then, if I may ask, Ana.... Why did you do... what you did?"

She drew her knees closer to her chin as she continued, still watching the Domain. Curled up like she was right now one would realize that the influential and powerful princess of Hyrule was, in reality just a small, vulnerable girl. "Why risked your life and your reputation for those who gave you bad experiences? The liberation could have failed and you could have lost everything, when you could have stayed put and had a contented life before.... Why would you feel selfish if you didn't?"

There was no judgment or even a slight pretentiousness in Marianne's voice. It was simply pure, innocent curiosity. For someone whose sole life was shaped by what she ought to do rather than she wanted to do perhaps it was not surprising for her to feel curious. It would also come as no surprise that Marianne knew Ana's position as the previous king's scribe, and perhaps a thing or two of how the other Zoras regarded Ana before the  eventual liberation. After all, precious little escaped the princess' notice and those of her people.

Duty? Honor? Or was it simply because they don't want others to experience the same things they had? Marianne felt she could learn something from this wise Zora.

---

Marianne’s eyes didn’t leave the vista in front of her, even though she nodded now and then to show the Zora that she was listening. Her silver eyes seemed to gaze distantly, but alert. She was definitely interested.

However, when Ana mentioned that she had been abandoned, the princess turned her face to look at her. Her gaze moved emphatically to their anklet, nodding politely. “I am sorry to hear that, Ana…. May I ask what happened…?” This was something rare, to be able to learn about the formative experience of a person from the person themselves, rather than from reports from her agents. Marianne, as always, was a curious sort of person. However she seemed to acknowledge that Ana was not the type who would talk about a painful experience out of the blue. Her tone showed that she would not push the matter, should it be uncomfortable for Ana.

---

Marianne’s gesture showed that she indeed would not pursue the matter further. She gave a light nod. “I understand. I am sorry for asking.”

Her chin returned to rest on her knees, as her gaze was focused once again the Zora Domain before her, as if in contemplation. Hearing Ana mention of the food, though, brought a light chuckle to the pensive princess. “I’ve tried that dish before. I prefer the baked carp, but I do quite like the taste.... No, I really came here looking for you, Ana. I had to meet His Imperial Majesty earlier this morning, and since I will be leaving tomorrow I thought I would try to at least meet The Great Liberator before I go.” At this her eyes slowly turned back to Ana, admiration etched in their depths. “I have heard about your exploits ever since I returned, but I haven’t had the opportunity to actually meet you…. I found your deeds to be very fascinating….”

A sad sigh escaped the princess. Her eyes shifted languidly towards the Zora Domain once more.

“Something I want to understand, I guess….” she added, as if in afterthought.

Under the red hue of the sunset the princess’ withdrawn body looked like someone who was rather lost. Someone who seemed to need to talk to someone but was never actually heard. Like the waves calling out as it faithfully crashes onto the beach time and time again, but no one answers its call.