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Post by Deleted on Feb 14, 2014 22:55:34 GMT -5
I can't believe it. I'm actually doing this. Holy crap, I'm actually doing this.
To say Duncan was nervous was a gross understatement. His leg bounced a bit anxiously in place as he sat at a local cafe, waiting for Belle's father and godmother to arrive. It was no secret that he and Belle were together again, but he worried that they would hate him given he'd left her and returned an emotionless zombie. The crystal embedded in his chest pulsed with every quickened heartbeat against his ribcage; the little box in his pocket felt like hot metal, and he prayed to the heavens that they would give their blessings to him so that he may ask for Belle's hand in marriage. Every second was practically like a century. Woah. Duncan, relax. It won't help if you're a complete anxiety-ridden mess when they get here. Not the best first impression. Taking his own advice, he inhaled a deep breath and slowly let it out. It was going to be alright.
When they finally arrived, he stood up. "Hello," he said, managing a mostly-comfortable smile in an attempt to mask just how nervous he was about this. "It's an honor finally to meet you. I'm Duncan Belloc-Rosenblatt."
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Post by zuyuri on Feb 15, 2014 2:04:28 GMT -5
"Finally, we meet," the older man breathed. His hazel eyes, the same as his daughter's, looked at the young man Belle had taken the company of being. Part of him could see why she liked him; a kind, gentle mind in that of someone raised to be fierce. His hand loosened on his walking staff. "I am Moses Leroux."
Despite dressing casually - or as casually as a Hylian did, which was fancy compared to Earth people - there was no denying that Zelda of Hyrule was of noble blood. Her brown hair, uncannily the same color as her goddaughter's, billowed in its typical face framing braids. If this was the young man Belle had inclined for them to meet, it would have to be based on the impression of the past and future, not of the emotionless state Belle had described to them. The young man, a half-Kaiju, Belle had explained, introduced himself with a smile that made her mouth twitch with amusement. It reminded her of her late husband and how he would often give that same look. "Zelda Hylia." A brief, simple introduction. A refreshing cry from the official status that followed her name, or the identity she had as the Cirque's sponsor 'Sheik'.
"So," Moses sighed, looking down at the young man. "you're the famous Duncan. Belle's told us all about you." He paused, thinking it unwise to discuss the previous events before this meeting. A hand ran through his unkempt brown hair, tyring to think of a better conversation starter. "How exactly did you two first meet?"
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Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2014 23:19:41 GMT -5
Duncan's smile became a bit more relaxed at the friendly greetings received from his two guests. His nervousness settled down at least a little knowing they seemed as eager to meet him despite everything that had happened. Oh. That's right, they were at a cafe. "Please sit," he said, gesturing to the table. Thinking about his past "lessons" with Esmeralda and Facilier regarding manners and dining out, he politely pulled out a chair for Zelda like a gentleman. Once Belle's godmother was seated the half-Kaiju took a seat of his own, smoothing out his white button down shirt.
His auburn eyes fixated upon Moses upon hearing the man speak. "Oh gosh," he said, letting out a chuckle. "You know, it's honestly a bit fuzzy how exactly we met. I'm sure Belle's told you of my issue with memory," he paused to give a slightly more nervous chuckle, "but I've pretty much known her for the entire time I was in the circus, aside from maybe the first few weeks..." he trailed off, sifting through his fuzzy memories of his early days at Cirque Mystique. "Oh, that's right. I remember. Belle and I met when she was miffed about Mr. Facilier having a Freak Show act. She'd been trying to convince Facilier that putting people in the freak show wasn't good for their self esteem or well-being, stuff like that--though I personally didn't have a problem being in the Freak Show as a half-dragon, but I know other people are different. I let her vent to me about it, we became pretty much instant friends, and things kind of... took off from there."
Duncan paused when he heard his name being called. He stood, excused himself for a moment, and then returned with three coffees, which he set down before the three of them with a smile. "Hope you don't mind, but I didn't want to assume you wouldn't be thirsty," he said sheepishly. "I'm not usually a coffee drinker but this place has good coffee."
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Post by zuyuri on Feb 22, 2014 0:59:05 GMT -5
Zelda chuckled at the perfect courtesy Duncan demonstrated. Someone who knew how to treat ladies properly? No wonder Belle liked the young man. "Why thank you." Her finely manicured hands brushed aside a hair coming out of its braids. She had never heard the story of how Belle and Duncan met, so while he told them both, she found herself nodding. Her eyes misted a bit, reminiscing of how that was similar to her and Link meeting as children. Of course, ranting about freak shows was different than ranting about luxury life. Her eyes lit up a bit at him bringing them coffee - a beverage she had only tried once on Earth and tolerated. "You certainly know how to treat guests well," she remarked, stirring her spoon.
"You know, she mentioned something about a memory block," Moses put a hand onto his chin. Duncan regaled to him the info, in which he nodded, understanding. This definitely sounded like his daughter, fighting for the rights of those 'different' people. A hint of a smile twitched in the corner of one mouth. "You know, I actually remember coming to this cafe once." He took one swig of the rich roast. The familiar exotic taste buds danced in his mouth. An unusual nutty aftertaste followed.
"So, Duncan," Zelda said, "how would you describe your experiences so far in the Cirque? I mean you went from firebreather to technical work. That's quite a transition."
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Post by Deleted on Feb 22, 2014 1:14:45 GMT -5
Moses seemed to be enjoying his coffee, something Duncan was thankful for. Though Zelda seemed to take it just to be polite. Duncan understood if she didn't care for coffee though, so it didn't bother him. He took a sip of his own drink, smiling at the nutty, smokey taste. "Coffee's actually one of the few things I can digest aside from coal," he said with an amused laugh. "Maybe because the beans look like tiny coals?" He was just poking fun at himself, really. Trying to keep from getting fidgety, too nervous. He looked to Moses. "Is that right? Huh. Funny how these things work," he chuckled, setting down his cup.
"Honestly, it's not much of a transition," Duncan replied to Zelda with a shrug. "It's different from my original work, sure, but given my strict training regimen with Belloc..." he trailed off for a moment, faltering. Damn it, he hadn't wanted to bring that part up. "Er. Given my training, it wasn't hard to adjust to manual labor," he continued after thinking over his reply. "Though I guess I kind of miss the performing part. I might ask Facilier for a few slots in the schedule soon. Maybe even a performance with Belle, if she says it's alright."
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Post by zuyuri on Feb 22, 2014 1:23:31 GMT -5
Almost as if it were a natural reaction, both Zelda and Moses' heads shot up at the word 'Belloc'. The king of Kaijus was forcing him into extreme labor? And yet here he was, a half-Kaiju, still standing? Questions were evident in both of their eyes, but seeing the discomfort in Duncan's face upon mentioning it, they decided to drop the subject. "Perhaps it's also the slow roasting that makes you enjoy it," Zelda pointed out. She finally took a sip, seeing what the fuss was about. Just as they described it, a robust, rich flavor danced on her tongue. The sugar she added was the perfect amount. "After all, both coffee and coal are roasted with precision."
"Every time Belle tells me she plays the harp while dancing with a Night Fury, I regret not being able to go see her." A hint of sadness rung in Moses' voice. He had wanted to spend more time with his daughter, as did Zelda, but both of them were struggling to keep the demon lord Ganondorf at bay, to prevent him from hurting Belle and those she deemed dear.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 22, 2014 1:33:27 GMT -5
Duncan watched Moses and Zelda curiously. They'd reacted in the same way the second he mentioned his father's name. and he found himself with even more questions, given Moses's comment about not being able to go see Belle perform. Sensing something was going on, he tilted his head. "Have you... heard of Belloc?" he asked almost hesitantly. He was tempted to also ask why Moses had time to see Duncan yet not the time to watch his daughter's performance. But then he held his tongue, for fear of sounding like he was questioning Moses's parenting skills. No parent liked that. His own mother was a prime example of that. She got vicious when someone intervened in her raising him, with Belloc being the prime example of that.
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Post by zuyuri on Feb 22, 2014 1:50:44 GMT -5
Zelda sighed. Moses would only sugarcoat the truth. It be best explained by her. "Everyone in Hyrule knows about the king of the Kaijus. It's a...dirty, complicated matter in history. Let's just say in the end, we agreed on terms of isolation; no side was to provoke the other and vice versa." Her cup clinked loudly as she set it down. A quick breath through the nose set her mind at ease. She was only a child when the affair had gone up.
"In...simpler terms, we don't bother them and they don't bother us," Moses translated. "we don't HATE Belloc, per se, we just hate memories tied to him. The Hylians and Kaijus are...frienemies, I suppose would be a safe term." He tapped his finger, bearing a ring with the Triforce embellished in a blue stone, against his cup while speaking, a pattern of clinks resounding in time with each tap. "probably the only foreign political campaign we've had." Tap. "not counting Zelda sponsoring the Cirque." Tap. "Belle and I are the only two humans involved in Hylian affairs." Tap tap.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2014 1:52:40 GMT -5
There was a terrible sensation of cold water running down his body at Zelda's confession regarding Hylia's relationship with Belloc and the kingdom of the Kaijus. Duncan managed to keep this reaction contained mentally and not allow any physical tells of the nervousness that began to once more brew within him; a mental trick taught to him by Belloc that was coming in handy. One thing he was grateful to his father for. Well, at least it seemed the rocky relationship between the kingdoms wasn't very hostile or negative on the Hylian part. As the teenager contemplated what to say he took another sip of coffee. If he wished for their blessing, they needed to make peace with his heritage.
"If I may ask, what have you heard of Belloc's heir?" Duncan asked. He needed to tread carefully. This was a semi-delicate topic, after all.
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Post by zuyuri on Feb 24, 2014 2:17:11 GMT -5
Zelda nearly spit out her sip of coffee at Duncan's question. Her hand came over her mouth to collect the spittles, catching her beath for a moment. "...An heir?"
Her spit didn't go unnoticed by Moses, who began lightly dabbing the coffee stains with his napkin. "First we ever heard of this. Belloc was...busy." A light little chortle escaped his face before reverting back to seriousness. "...Wait..." Moses' eyes widened when he cast a look at Duncan. "..." He opened his mouth to ask, but closed it, figuring he was probably going in the wrong direction with it. No. There was no way Duncan was Belloc's heir. It was...too obvious. "Son...what's this little rendezvous REALLY about?"
"If you're some kind of emissary from the Kaiju, I have to admit..." Zelda took a quick breath. Her eyes shut, holding all her surprise at bay. The Kaijus had an heir? Hopefully it was a peaceful negotiation. But, the sensible part of her mind muttered, that probably wasn't why Duncan asked them to come. Her blue eyes reopened, looking warm once more but kindling a deep sense of curiosity. "...I apologize for the overreaction, Duncan. My position as queen took over momentarily. However, I do agree with Moses. You ask us both here to ask us something of importance. What exactly is it?"
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2014 2:22:10 GMT -5
Duncan tensed a little at Zelda's somewhat dramatic reaction. He glanced between the two of them, watching a curiosity spark in their eyes. Both had this look about them, that they suspected something. Their questioning gazes soon turned vocal. He cleared his throat to speak. It was now or never. Or until his parents met them at the wedding. He could practically see Zelda and Moses seeing Belloc at the wedding, finding out then and there he was the prince of the Kaiju kingdom. The shock of it. Yikes. Not a pretty picture. "Belloc is my father," he said after a moment, gently placing the cup back down. His gentle smile never left his face, though it did shrink in anticipation. He hoped they wouldn't think any less of him for it. Or any worse. "As for the reason I invited you here..." he trailed off, growing more nervous. No. One thing for them to process at a time. Didn't want to overload them with information.
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Post by zuyuri on Feb 24, 2014 2:30:10 GMT -5
Stiffness in both Moses and Zelda relaxed. Duncan was Belloc's son? The heir of the Kaiju was sitting in front of them right now, talking to them like they had been good friends? Or at least, seeming to seek the approval of a friendship with their daughter, both biological and surrogate. Both of them were unsure what to think or say at that moment. After a moment, Zelda was the first to speak.
"Regardless of your heritage, you are still on good terms with Belle. You have stood by her side through thick and thin, and she sees the good in you. It's only fair that I follow her example."
Moses just gaped at the queen. But what she said was true. Belle cared for Duncan and vice versa. It really didn't matter if he was...HALF-Kaiju. At this point, it was too late to change opinions of him after Belle had spoken so highly of him. He nodded along with Zelda finally. "Yes, the common thread that binds us all is my daughter. You with the strong bond you share with her, and us as...both biological and surrogate parents." He glanced at him, finally uttering a truth he had held back a long time.
"I share a sort of empathy with you. When I spoke with Belle for the first time in years, I had no idea how she would react to my return. I had been hiding behind my guilt of what I could have done to her, and what I had put her through, for years. Naturally, she was...hurt. But, over time, her understanding nature overcame that anger, and we are on a path of forgiveness." He smiled. "That is what I see in you, Duncan."
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2014 2:35:06 GMT -5
At their assuring words of acceptance, Duncan's nervousness-- some of it anyway-- evaporated almost instantly. His smile became more relaxed and he nodded at Moses. "That's basically the situation between Belle and me. I left to protect her from Belloc's wrath. He wanted to claim me as his heir and one way or another he would have done it, so I chose the option that kept Belle safe," he said. He paused as a thoughtful gaze overcame his features. "Mr. Leroux, Queen Zelda... I love Belle. I love her with every ounce of my being. I'm not sure how much you know about Kaijus, but despite the ferocity, the seeming disregard for life they all lshare, Kaijus love with everything they are. I'm no different."
The halfling paused as the jewel in his chest glowed a bit brighter, showing faintly through his shirt. He tugged the collar down to reveal it to his company. "This gem in my chest is Agniastarte. All royal descendants are born with a piece in their chest, connected to their heart. And when it starts pulsing like this... it's because the kaiju's soulmate is near, or thinking of them," he explained, smiling to himself. "Belle is my soulmate. What she feels, I feel. When she's in pain every cell in my body screams for her, wishing I could take the pain away. And the reason why I asked you here today, aside from meeting you, is that I want your blessings to marry her."
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Post by zuyuri on Feb 25, 2014 2:58:22 GMT -5
Zelda stared at him for a long while. The depths of her blue eyes radiated something she wasn’t saying out loud. The half-Kaiju wanted to marry Belle? She had been educated on the ‘soulmate’ aspect other magic beings, including his race, were bound to. Finally, she spoke. “Link and I both were children when we first met." He had remained loyal throughout all of their endeavors – up until the fight against Ganondorf, in which he had willingly sacrificed himself to save her. In the present, a tear trailed its way down to drip off her chin. “I swore I was going to marry him someday,” Zelda murmured, looking away. “This brings us back to you. I see many qualities in you that I saw in Link, much like how I saw so much of me in Belle.” Her face hardened when she looked back at Duncan. “Yes, you left my goddaughter...but you speak the truth by saying it was to protect her. That courage in you alone is what I feel makes you a worthy match for Belle." The firmness in her face softened. "You have my blessing. The blessing of all of Hyrule, to marry Belle."
This was an education for Moses, no doubt it. The stories of the 'soulmate' connection were well known, and he had felt for some time there was a powerful bond between his daughter and the young man sitting with them. A bit of a shimmer appeared when Duncan admitted 'love' for Belle, and even the description of the Agniastrate warmed him within. He, too felt a trace of a smile appear, despite realizing how long it had been since he last saw her. To him, Belle was still a little girl riding horses out in the fields Now, she was a wrangler at a circus in an intimate bond with a half-Kaiju. Perhaps now would be the time to let her grow up. "Yes, you have been through much, You have been burdened physically and mentally by Belloc. But he never took one thing away from you; the love you have for my daughter. If you wish to marry her, promise me you will never lose that touch with the Agniastrate. You will will bring her all the happiness you can give her. That's all I ask of you, Duncan Rosenblatt-Belloc."
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Post by Deleted on Feb 26, 2014 1:11:55 GMT -5
Man, this conversation was such a rollercoaster. His nerves were up and down along with his heart rate, leaving Duncan a muddle of anticipation and anxiety mixed with happiness. The anxiety swelled a bit within his chest, making the agniastarte pulse an anxious shade of violet. He readjusted his collar and zipped his jacket up all the way in order to hide the light from the eyes of the other customers, clearing his throat a bit. He hoped they would say yes. Really, he had no real reason to think they wouldn't since they seemed to like him so much, but at the same time the worry was there, eating away at him for several long moments as he awaited their responses.
Zelda's small story about an apparent lost love made Duncan frown. However he remained silent, seeing this was a sensitive topic for her by the tear that fell from her eye. Rather than saying anything, he gave her a look that spoke his condolences. Then he smiled. The blessing of all of Hyrule? He was honored. He nodded at Moses's request. "It's biologically impossible for me to lose touch with the Agniastarte unless it's ripped from my chest," he replied. "Even when Belloc had me under that powerful spell that locked away my human emotions, it couldn't touch the jewel for even a fraction of a second. I give you my word, Mr. Leroux, that the second I stop loving Bell, stop cherishing her, is when I die." The halfling's smile widened after a moment. "And thank you both, so much. It's an honor to meet you, to have the blessing of an entire kingdom to marry my soulmate, to know that one day you'll be my in-laws." At that last part, his smile turned into a grin. All anxiety regarding their blessings was gone, replaced with his usual happy mood.
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