riverviewlogs | [closed]

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who: Zelda and Link
what: a reunion
when: backdate to 15/01
where: a beach by the river
warnings: none

Zelda's been busy in her first week in Riverview. True to form, she set out almost immediately after arrival to explore what she could of the city. A simple task to her mind, but in practice so much bigger than she had imagined. Nothing in Hyrule was on the scale of this metropolis, even in its smaller, walled-off state. Nor had she ever seen so much advanced technology in one place. The trains were a particular fascination to her - she was delighted when she had her first ride on the transports, and remained delighted on her second, third, and fourth times. She was a bit excited, buying tickets when she didn't exactly have anywhere to go. But no one told her not to, so she indulged in her delight.

Even a soul as curious as Zelda's can become over-taxed, though. She finds herself wandering away from the busy rush of the city proper, and ends up walking along a strip of beach next to the river. It's peaceful and quiet. If she sits here on the shore and looks across the water in just the right way... she could be at home in Hyrule. It's relaxing to think so for a moment, lost in her thoughts and heedless of anyone else who might come across her.

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Link meanwhile had taken a moment to head away from the bustling city to enjoy the river as well. Not only were there fish, but he had found a shop that sold supplies to easily catch fish. (It would be much better than diving into the cold water and trying to catch them by hand like he did before.)

He strolled down the sandy beach, sword and shield on his back like always, and up on his shoulders a fishing pole, on which hung a tackle box and a spool of extra fishing line. With the chilly breeze, he was the only one walking around, though he did spot someone on the opposite bank.

Link almost dropped his fishing gear. It couldn't be. But he knew the rules around here. It was possible. So why was he doubting himself?

Link's heart was in his throat, but he managed to put his hands to his mouth and he whistled to grab the young lady's attention.

Her head jerks up at the whistle, and she looks around in confusion. No one around... it's only then that she looks across the river. And she can hardly believe her eyes.

It's Link. It must be him. Even from across the river she knows the sight of his hair, his stance. Zelda gets to her feet, feeling her breath catch. "Link..." It's just a murmur, then she curses herself because of course he can't hear her like that. "Link!" she calls out, waving to the young man on the other bank.

If she's wrong, then it's worth the embarrassment. If she's right, though, then it's doubly worth it.

Well, that response was enough for Link. He took a step forward, but stopped. No, fording the river wasn't the thing to do, despite the once dormant knightly side of his brain yelling at him to GET OVER THERE RIGHT NOW. He looked around, and thankfully, there was a bridge that wasn't too far away. He made a large waving motion, hoping the princess would get it and meet him over there and hurried over to it.

Meanwhile, his head was racing. When did she get here? Was she from before or after the Calamity? How was she going to react when he told her that his memory was still...fuzzy?

He took the steps up the bridge two at a time and l=glanced back down the river to see how far Zelda had made it.

She follows the direction Link is waving in, and -- ah, yes. A bridge. She remembers seeing it earlier. It's a relief to know it's so close, otherwise they might have to shout at each other over the river. Or worse, swim across.

Zelda heads for the bridge at a run, making it up the steps only a few moments after Link. She comes to a halt in the middle, breathless. It really is him.

"You're here," she says with wonder, taking another step closer. "I heard you were once, but they said you had gone home..."

"I did," he admitted, rubbing the back of his head. "To be perfectly honest, I have no idea how I got back or how I ended up here again." A smile tugged his lips. "Though I am glad to see you, Princess."

Link was glad to see that Zelda seemed happy to see him. In one of the flashbacks he had experienced, she had doubted him and didn't seem too happy that he was around. And then there was the time they had been running from the Calamity...

This wasn't the time to dwell on such things. She was happy to see him, just as he was happy to see that she was safe and well. "How long have you been here?"

It had belaboured her thoughts, the idea of Link going around Hyrule alone again without her there. Even if it wasn't always at the front of her mind, it lingered around enough to creep out of the shadows whenever she wasn't busy.

She nods, accepting his explanation. "It seems no one quite expects to be here, do they? I know that I didn't." She had just decided to make the best of it, until such time she could go home again. "It's been a couple of weeks for me."

"Oh." Link was surprised at how close their arrivals were. He had been told that about six months had passed here since he was last in the Quarantine.

A cold wind blew across the bridge. It wasn't nearly as chilly as the Hebra Mountains, but it still wasn't comfortable. "Maybe this isn't the best place to catch up." The commons weren't exactly close though. "I know there are some tea shops nearby. We can at least get something to warm up."

The weather had escaped Zelda's notice these past few minutes, but at Link's comment she glances over the river again, feeling a shiver pass over her. It wasn't unbearable. Yet she couldn't deny he had a point about the appropriateness of their location. They would talk for a while yet.

"A tea shop sounds wonderful." Her smile turns a bit self-conscious, and she pushes some hair out of her face. "I am still not fully familiar with Riverview. It's so much larger than even Castle Town..."

"Yes. There's a lot to get used to." Just the size of the city made Link feel like he was in a forest, just instead of trees it was concrete and stone buildings. Then there were the technological differences and the amount of people. The list went on and on.

Shouldering the fishing supplies he had brought with him, Link led to the way to the coffee shop Akihiko had introduced him to. It wasn't the largest establishment, but it was cozy and had little nooks and crannies for people who wished to enjoy the shop, but not be bothered by other customers passing to and fro. It wasn't far from the river either.

Along the way, Link made sure to point out any other place he remembered visiting during his last time in Riverview. They were all restaurants. Link had gone to other venues as well, but those were located further from the river. The princess likely wouldn't have much interest in them, as they were weapons and sports shops where he could find arrows.

Since the weather was mild, many of the shops had their doors open, letting the aroma of whatever they sold spill to the streets. The shop Link was taking them to was no different, and when they arrived at the doors the smell of coffee and baked sweets wafted through the air around them. "This is it."

She wishes she had a notebook with her. She had her phone device, of course, and the Sheikah Slate hooked on her belt. It was tempting to take photos of what Link points out along the way for future reference. However, Zelda prefers to keep her attention on the knight instead. Her initial shock at his appearance in this place gradually gives way to a more calm relief. Relief to have someone here from home - the only one she knows, really.

Stepping up to the tea shop's door, Zelda takes in the enticing aromas and the cosy atmosphere. She turns to him with a smile.

"It looks very nice. You have been here before, then?" He must have been, she knows. But she'd like to hear what he has to say about it.

"I have. Fairly often, actually." Often enough to now know most of the menu, especially for those sweets. "Have you visited a shop like this yet? The drinks are different from what you can find in Hyrule." At least, what you could find from his timeline. People in the post-Calamity environment didn't have the luxury of such establishments.

He stepped inside the shop and stood in the short line at the counter. "Would you like a recommendation?"

It's strange, she thinks suddenly - to think of Link having a life here on his own. Something she knows nothing about. She had spent so long watching him while he fought his way across Hyrule, after all. Zelda supposes she should get used to that... it isn't as though she needs to watch him now, or even can in the same way.

"I haven't - I've been busy looking at a lot of things, and food shops slipped my mind I'm afraid." Not to say that she hasn't eaten; she's just been more occupied with the sights than the delicacies. Zelda peers around the line to look at the display. Little cakes, scones, some other things she's not sure about. Turning back to Link, she offers him a small smile. "Of course. I'm sure you've worked out the best items here already."

The princess knew Link all too well. He smiled, and pointed to some scones. "Those are really good." He put a hand to his chin. and contemplated. "They have seasonal items that change every so often. I think those are new," he said, pointing to the tarts. "If you're not used to coffee, I'd recommend a latte since they're not so strong." Link's first experience with coffee was...well...an experience. The caffeine had been a little much.

They were next to be helped. The cashier smiled and Link pulled out his wallet. He placed his order and waited patiently for Zelda to decide what she wanted.

"Coffee... no, I don't believe I've tried it." It doesn't sound familiar to her at least. Peering at the case again, she finally nods. When it comes her turn to order, she requests one of the scones and a latte. Such a simple thing, but so meaningful when she thinks back on everything else of late.

Link paid for the orders and stepped aside to allow other people at the counter. They didn't have to wait long for their order, and Link grabbed it and guided Zelda to a hidden but well lit corner of the shop and placed the food and drink on the small table that sat between two large, soft chairs. He placed he equipment down next to them and took a seat, taking his drink and sipping it, though he was too anxious to notice the taste. Despite his feelings, he kept up his mask as he always did.

He waited for Zelda to get comfortable herself while going through the multitude of questions in his head. A part of him felt that Zelda should lead the conversation. She was the princess after all, and coming to Riverview didn't change that. He decided to start simple. "How do you like it?" Not exactly the most pressing question, but it opened it up for Zelda to choose the pace, and that was fine by him.

She follows Link to the table, some guilt stinging at her for not paying for her own food. There will be time enough for that later, she supposes, when she's properly begun her work at Gramarye. It's strange enough to think about payment other than rupees, let alone having her own wages.

Zelda seats herself, placing her hands in her lap. Not half an hour ago she was sitting by the river, contemplating this world she had found herself in, and now she's with Link. A familiar island in a foreign ocean. It's both heartening and confusing - now what? She starts a bit at his question, then laughs self-consciously.

"It's cozy in here. I can see why you like it." Picking up her coffee mug, she watches the steam trail off it for a moment. "I must admit... it's a relief to see you again." It's easier to say so while not looking at him. "I was prepared to go through all this on my own, after being here for these two weeks already."

Link's eyes were also averted. He stared down into the contents of his own mug, breathing in the sweet and spicy aroma of his drink. "I'm relieved too," he admitted before looking back up at her. "If you had to be anywhere on your own, I'm glad it's someplace like this."

He took another sip then absentmindedly swirled the cup a bit, watching the contents follow the same motion. It was his turn to feel a twinge of guilt about the princess being left here alone, though it was nothing compared to what he felt about the events back in Hyrule. At least here, he could remind himself that there were plenty of good people around.

He now kept his gaze down and went silent. His tart stayed on the table, being uncharacteristically left alone. For once, he didn't feel hungry.

"It hasn't been so bad," she says, quick to assuage any fears Link might have. "I've met some good people here, and they've been happy to show me how it all works." She's been touched by the kindness of strangers. Even in Hyrule she was essentially a stranger to the people who live there now, and a little of that fear had carried into Riverview. To no real cause, she found. It's no substitute for a real friend, though.

As silence falls between them, Zelda takes up her tea to sip, wondering what next. What to say. "Though it did startle me..." she muses, half to herself. "Finding myself so far from Hyrule, when it feels I'd only just managed to return there."

She had never actually left Hyrule during those long years, she knows. But she had been separate - half caught in another realm. To hold the Calamity back had required a binding beyond that of the mortal world. It had felt like coming home, to stand on Hyrule Field again and feel the wind in her hair. And now... here she was, on a moon somewhere. It defies belief.

Hearing that she had an easy time in Riverview did help Link feel a little better. His own experience here was proof enough that the majority of the residents were more than willing to help others.

Link gave her a puzzled look. He wasn't quite sure what she meant. She had never left Hyrule to his knowledge, unless she meant...

"You mean you returned from fighting the Calamity?"

He hoped that was what she meant. Not that he had much doubt in his abilities or those of the spirits of the Champions or even the princess herself, but there had been so much at stake. Perhaps he could let himself relax a little in regards to the situation he had left in Hyrule.

Zelda glances up then, slightly confused. "Well - yes, that is what I mean. It hasn't been so long after all, and now we're suddenly here."

Life was rarely simple, it seemed, even when the great story they were part of ended.

"I see." Link swirled his cup again. A part of him was really quite relieved. While it hadn't happened for him yet, it was good to know that the Calamity had been taken care of, and even better to know that Zelda came out of it in one piece.

Now that that was out of the way, it was his turn. "Had you heard anything yet on how time works differently here than it does back in Hyrule, and how it's different for everyone that comes here?"

She's uncertain why Link would have asked that question... but before she can follow it up, he asks another. And this, fortunately, is one she's got some clues about already.

"I have, yes. One of the women on my housing floor was telling me that she and her friends were from the same world, but from different times. That she had experienced things that had not yet happened for the others." It had been a strange conversation, and Zelda feels a bit for Amilyn, to be put in such a situation. She had the impression it was not easy to manage.

The fact that Zelda had both heard of the issue and spoken to someone who had experienced it on their end made things a little easier for Link. "I think we're in the same situation." He keeps his gaze down. "When I was pulled through the portal, I hadn't yet been to the castle, let alone dealt with Ganon.

The equipment Link had with him would provide further proof for this. He always carried a sword, shield, and bow on him, even in the city out of habit. There was no sign of the Master Sword leaning against the chair he was sitting in.

Taking a chance to look up at the princess, he continued. "I was on my way towards the west to find the third Divine Beast."

He was hoping that Zelda would put all the pieces together and realize that he hadn't recovered all his memories without him having to say anything. She was smart, but he wasn't sure if she'd want to accept any of this.

Silence falls between them as Link's words sink in. No, that can't be right, Zelda thinks, staring wide-eyed at the top of the knight's head. They had won - Link had come to the castle at last, and faced down the Calamity. Her mind doesn't want to let go of that.

But if he says he was on his way to find the third Beast... then he doesn't know that. He doesn't remember it.

May I ask... do you really remember me?

For a moment it pierces her heart, and she almost panics, thinking he doesn't remember at all. Yet she's got composure enough to bite her tongue, and chastise herself for her own foolishness. Link had been the one to call out to her. There had been recognition in his eyes. Still was. He remembers some things, if not how it all ended.

Yet she can't help the startled, almost hurt look that comes over her face. "You-- you haven't been to the castle yet?" It's almost absurd to grasp on that as an anchor point, but it helps her to understand. To process it.

Link shakes his head and takes a tasteless sip of his drink. He didn't know what kind of reaction he had been expecting. What he certainly hadn't been expecting was the pang of guilt and helplessness that clutched him. It wasn't something either of them had any control over, and since Zelda was from his future, he at least knew now that they were successful. Logically, it didn't seem like such a big problem, but then, Link wasn't the one who had to suffer looking into a friend's eyes and realizing that that friend didn't remember them.

"It's good to know that we succeeded," he said quietly. The silver lining for him was knowing that there was a good future ahead of him when they were eventually sent back to Hyrule, though he didn't like how one-sided this all was. He chanced another look at Zelda, trying to read he expression.

Zelda bites her lip, some shame creeping in at Link's downcast expression. This wasn't his doing. It wasn't as though he had intentionally come from some earlier time. Now, belatedly, she understand why Amilyn had spoken of it as a difficult thing to manage. Should she tell him how it all happened? Or would that be worst, to know your future before it even happens?

She curls her hands into fists atop her knees, and decides against telling him. It will happen, no matter what. The fact that she sits here in front of Link is proof enough that the defeat of Ganon is real. Link would go home eventually, and do what he needs to do. She can't - shouldn't - fault him for not being there yet.

After a moment, she lets out a breath, and tries for a smile. "Yes. We did. You need not worry about that. I was just... not expecting it to be this way."

Link meets her gaze and returns the smile. It seemed that the worst had passed, and the weight on his shoulders lifted a little. He placed his mug down and leaned back in his chair, thinking.

So, he was here with the Princess, who was from a time he hadn't experienced yet. What did that men for them here? He knew he was her escort before, but she didn't seem too thrilled about that from what he remembered.

"Now that's we're both here, should I go back to being your escort?" A part of him didn't even want to ask. He still didn't know what events took place exactly when he had fallen, but leaving Zelda on her own was certainly something his instincts were against. Then again, this wasn't Hyrule, and there was no Calamity Ganon here to threaten anyone. He gazed back at her, brow raised in question.

"My escort?" The question shouldn't surprise her, but it does a little. If only because she thought they were past all of that. It occurs to Zelda though, as she frowns down at her teacup, that Link isn't going to necessarily know all that she herself assumes. He had been with her when she got pulled into Riverview, at her side the way things used to be.

Zelda picks up the cup again and has a sip of the tea, collecting her thoughts. "If you would like to. I'm not sure how much you remember, Link," and here she has the grace to look a bit sheepish. "Even further ahead when I'm from. But you were my appointed knight all those years ago, and that has not changed. I will not make you do something you're unsure about though."

She had watched Link in his journeys across Hyrule to free the Divine Beasts, of course. Yet her watchfulness wasn't complete, the way someone watching a person in a field might be. So much of her attention had been focused on continuing to bind Ganon that she could only spare fleeting moments of direct sight, and a more general awareness otherwise.

"Hm." He looked back down at his drink, pondering his own question. With his fragmented memory of his time as the princess' escort, it was a little difficult for him to make a call. As he thought about, he realized that there were other things to take into consideration.

"Well, it's much safer here than Hyrule. I've joined the Perimeter Guard, so they'll want some of my time." He looked down at the Sheikah Slate on his hip. "There's also the network, so even if we're separated we can still contact each other." He gazed back at her. "What do you think?"

Oh, that's something! She smiles, setting her teacup down. "You're a part of the Guard? My job requires that I accompany Guard members to perform research and collect specimens. We could do that together."

It seems an easy solution to both problems, and Zelda trusts Link's skills of defence.

"But yes, there is the network too. I think it should be fine, even when we're apart. And I'm certain we'll spend plenty of time together when that's not the case."

Link returned the smile. It seems things were starting off well for the both of them here. Who knew that their respective jobs would compliment each other?

The thought of Zelda having to earn a salary was a little strange. At first, it seemed to clash with her title as a princess, but upon further thought it fit her. He might not have all of his memories, but he did know she was dedicated to her research and her role back in Hyrule. "What is your job? Is it a part of the Guard too?"

She shakes her head, hair falling over her shoulder. She has to smile a little at the idea of being on the Guard itself. No doubt she would perish within hours - that's not her world.

"No, I'm a field researcher at Gramarye Magic Institute. Or I will be, once I get started." It's an exciting prospect, really. Having a real job, geared towards those interests that were once at such odds with her position as princess. She wonders if her father would approve... likely not.

Link didn't bother hiding the growing grin on his face. "I think that will suit you pretty well. You'll have to tell me about it after you get started." He was happy for Zelda to find a job that mirrored what she liked to do in Hyrule, and he hoped it would provide the boost to her confidence that she deserved.

Now that the conversation had taken a good turn and the air was lighter, Link finally looked to his pastry and popped the whole thing in his mouth at once.

She offers Link a small smile. This isn't so bad. She can manage with this. It might be a blow to know that he doesn't remember her as much as he should... yet she needs to remind herself that she knew about this eventuality even a hundred years ago. And things will improve, with time. Link will regain more of what he's lost.

Picking up her tea, she finishes the dregs of it, letting out a slight sigh. "Thank you. For suggesting this."

He almost spoke while his mouth was still full of pastry. He covered his mouth and quickly swallowed before trying to open his mouth again.

"You're welcome. I'm glad you like it." The coffee shops all seemed to have a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere to them, similar to the stables that were dotted around Hyrule. Anyone was invited to come in and take a seat and stay as long as they wished to, and for the most part everyone kept to their own business. "I don't know how much of the city you've seen, but there are shops like this everywhere. I haven't found one I didn't like."

He hoped they could come back to such places often. Now with the heavy topics out of the way, Link was very much enjoying himself. "When do you start your job?"

She grins a little, almost as if she knows he nearly committed a faux pa. "Some of it, though I haven't looked at food places so much. There's been a lot to take in."

Skyscrapers, technology, an endless list of marvels to look at. It's a wonder she's found time to sleep.

"In a couple of weeks. Thankfully they've given me some time to settle in first, but I'm looking forward to it."

Link just smiles. Now that he's here to show Zelda around, he can show her all of the different cuisines he had discovered. He will too, at least until she gets sick of it.

"That's good." He remembered arriving the first time. He hadn't enlisted in the Perimeter Guard right away, but had instead taken some time to settle in and figure out what he would do with himself while he was stuck in Riverview. Even now, it was a big transition, and Link still found himself continuing some habits he had in Hyrule.

The rest of the afternoon was spent together with Zelda, and for Link it was quite a pleasant experience. He would certainly look forward to the next time he and Zelda could meet up like this.

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