for lack of a b e t t e r word [Zelda] [Finished]

[Jack Craven]

... Lost. Hopelessly, utterly, completely, and let us not forget totally lost.

He could see Hyrule Castle for love of Nayru! It was right in front of his face so why was it so far away? Jack took a look at his map, turned it sideways, upside down, and then right side up again. This was Hyrule Castle Town, right? Last time he checked, there was only one castle town in Hyrule. It took him so long to make it here, which in itself is a miracle that he got this far. Jack held no sense of direction whatsoever, ending up circling around the Eldin Province five times before he realized he wasn't going far. After a couple of months living on the road and hitch hiking for the most part, the fine country lad made it to his destination... almost.

His hazel eyes took a look around at the bustling city, crowd watching for the most part, interested in all kinds of people walking around. There were shoppes, market stands filled with all types of assorted goods shipped, imported, and sold for business all around. There were peddlers, street performers with various skits, dances, and music was everywhere. Jack had to admit that it certainly wasn't what he expected, but the vitality of the crowd was quite astounding. "Hmm... I wonder if there's a short cut to the castle going this way..." he muttered to himself, staring at the map, while his feet took in off in the opposite direction.

Oblivious to the distance he was extending rather than diminishing, he just kept going on his merry little way, cutting through the alley until he walked into a dead end. He blinked a couple times blankly, watching a black cat cross his path. Just goes to show his luck panning out right now. Whoops.

It took him two months to leave Eldin Province, three weeks just to make it to the gates of Castle Town, and four hours on just trying to find the castle entrance. Just goes to show how poor his directions are. He just arrived in Hyrule Castle Town in the late hours of the morning, and now it was the middle of the day. The sun held high in the middle of the clear skies.

[Zelda]

Escaping the Castle was always so much easier when she did not appear as the Princess of Hyrule. It was a rare day when she had not been bogged down with emissaries and advisers constantly trying to sway her to their cause, but why was she worrying about that now? Her usual duties were left behind her for the time being, and now she was simply Raine. No one cast a second glance at her, she passed by her citizens without worry of being discovered. Her blue eyes flickered to the midday sun, enjoying the warmth of it upon her face, and quite happy with the reprieve. The sensation of feeling normal was quite addicting to the young woman, and she loved to see the entertainment and products that were out and about in the Castle Town. She did ponder on what to do with herself, as she had made such a haste in leaving that her further plans had not been well thought out in the least. Perhaps venture out to Lake Hylia? It was one of her favorite places to escape and relax at, merely watching the serene waters. For the moment, Raine contented herself with watching some of the entertainment of a small group of dancers. There was a small crowd, and so she lingered at the back, clapping her hands together in time with their movements. Her expression was not overly bright, but her pink lips had lifted into a small smile.

Of course, just because Raine appeared human, it did not mean she was. Her keen hearing picked up a faint muttering, but it was the one word of 'castle' that caught her attention. Already she was alert, but she did not immediately call attention to herself. Raine slowed her rhythmic clapping, feigning interest in a small stand, and so she ducked away from the crowd surrounding the dancers. Now, what could this stranger possibly wish to visit the castle for? Icy eyes flickered over the road before her, and she realized that this lead to the south end of the Castle Town, when the Castle was located north. Well, whomever this person was had a horrible sense of direction. Amusement danced briefly within her eyes, but Raine was startled from her thoughts when a black cat emerged from an alleyway. The feline mewled at her before disappearing into the throng of people around her. Her curiosity piqued, and so she moved to stand at the entrance of the alleyway, only to see a dead end and a Hylian male. A pink brow quirked, and Raine crossed her arms beneath her chest. Well, she could already tell that he was no a threat in the least, so that laid some of her questions to rest.

"You have a map, but you ran into a dead end. You're not from around here," she stated bluntly, announcing her presence for the male to see. Her lips had quirked into an amused smirk, and the young woman was unsure of what to do with him. She had heard him mutter about wanting to get to the castle, but he had no idea where that was. [How could anyone miss it? It was the largest dwelling that could be seen for over a mile.] It really was quite humorous, and Raine believed she had found her solution to what she would be doing with herself for the time being. Playing tour guide to a newcomer, but it was certainly something she did not have too much trouble with. It also offered her the chance to get to know someone without a judgment on who she was portrayed to be, and who she wished she was.

[Jack Craven]

Jack let out a small sigh. Rubbing his temples with his index and thumb, he decided it was time to back track his steps and try again, he can still see the castle! He folded up his map, and placed it away finding it useless for his predicament at the moment. Just when he thought he was getting good fortune, it would seem the fate found it humorous to taunt his inability to distinguish north from south, and east from west. He could swear the faint wind was softly snickering in his ears on how poor his judgement was as far as knowing where the hell he was going. His eyebrows furrowed gently as he thought quietly to himself for a moment trying to retrace his steps so he could try again. You certainly couldn't be lost if you're somewhere, right? Or at least as long as you were consistently moving.

Though the minute he turned to his heels, and spun himself around, his hazel eyes were soon met with an icy glance. When he meant icy, it was the color of the orbs for eyes a woman standing right in front of him, glinting with amusement. He could only too a process of elimination on what it was she was grinning about. Soon enough he got his answer, why did it not surprise him. Scratching the back of his head casually, he chuckled softly, "I'm guessing it's quite obvious?"

Oh yeah. Who the hell was he trying to kid? Glancing back at the woman, he got a better look at her features, he found himself staring a little longer than normal. Her eyes were certainly hypnotic, the color of crystals shimmering in the warm rays of the sun that once dwelt within darkness, but now relishes in the light. There was a gleam of freedom, a joy of sorts, like a bird free from it's cage, spreading it's wings and taking off to the sky. Catching himself from falling too deep in thought, he shook his head, flashing a smile. "I'm looking for the road that leads to Hyrule Castle," he explained in a simple manner, "Do you by chance know the way?" It would help him greatly if he had a guidance to help him there. He was already late as it was, his recruiter sent in a letter of his arrival months back. Little did anybody realize how poor his sense of directions was, and got lost while trying to get to the town to begin with.

While he had the chance, he was going to get a good look around the city. He knew that if he didn't at least some features of the town down in his head, he'll forget later, and get lost once again. It was at least good that he was trying to work on his horrible habits, right? Not all was a loss... sorta.

[Zelda]

Raine felt even more amusement when he turned to see her presence before him, gazing into his eyes confidently. It really was quite humorous to see him get lost, but Castle Town could be quite a maze to get through. The fact that he was heading in the opposite direction, when the Castle was quite visible from even where they were standing now was what really made this situation humorous. Raine certainly could not allow him to venture around by himself, because he would be wandering around the entire day. "Obvious appears to be an understatement in this case," she retorted with another smirk. It was nice to know that he had enough of a sense of humor to laugh at his own predicament. Raine had been hoping to leave the confines of both the Castle and Castle Town, but helping this Hylian appeared to be her new task. That was quite alright, because he certainly appeared to be quite a character. Perhaps it was fate of some sort that he had run into her, because no one knew the layout of this place better than she did.

Her head tilted to the side as he his gaze lingered on her own for quite a long moment. Was her appearance unusual in some way? Yes, pink hair was quite an oddity, but Raine rather like the unique color. Her human looks were common enough, not including her hair shade. Humans were common and seen throughout Hyrule, but maybe she was over thinking this too much. Raine was tempted to ask why he was staring at her, but he appeared to shake himself from whatever thoughts had enraptured him. "I do know the path," she answered simply. There was the unspoken question of her guiding him, and Raine had already agreed to that with herself. His smile was also rather handsome to behold, and she was at a loss as to why she was thinking that. She still had to know why he wanted to head to the Castle, making sure his intentions were harmless.

"I shall guide you there, but what are your reasons? If that's not too bold to ask," she stated. Raine wondered if he intended to try and become a Knight, since his demeanor appeared heroic in a sense. She uncrossed her arms from beneath her chest, allowing them to rest upon her hips instead. Her icy eyes flickered upward, over the building that shadowed the alleyway, and onto the looming Castle overhead. Her home, along with being her pretty, gilded cage. "Well, if I'm going to be your guide, we should exchange names," she started, returning to look at the Hylian. Smiling slightly, she raised her left hand to gesture to herself. "I'm Raine, pleased to meet you."

[Jack Craven]

A bead of sweat formed upon his temple as he heard her firm statement followed by a vivid smirk across her lips. Understatement, indeed. Well, there was no need to get up bent out of shape over what he's already accepted as his fatal flaw. There were things in life you had to laugh off, and Jack did that frequently when he got lost. He thought of it as a long term adventure for the most part. Explore places he never knew existed, experience the difference in culture that was provided, it certainly was a shock to see the diversity within Hyrule Castle, the heart of the trading industry as far as business went. The young woman was certainly friendly, and it brought ease on Jack's antsy fidgeting.

His worries were put to rest when she spoke of knowing the path to the Hyrule Castle. Wonderful! It would make his life so much easier to have a guide. The blonde counted his blessings as well to the Goddesses that it was quite a charming young woman at that too. In the back of his head, he was kind of thinking that the big city would be a bit on the harsher side, with people who pushed and shoved to get through their day. Perhaps it was like that to an extent, but not as dramatic as Jack portrayed it to be. He was especially glad he was wrong that city people were rude, after meeting Raine, he was quite glad to be proven wrong.

"Hm? Oh yes, I'm on my way to the castle to enlist in the Hylian Knights. A recruiter from Kakariko sent a letter of my arrival... a few months back," he explained, hesitating to finish his sentence. For obvious reasons. He spent quite a bit of time traveling Hyrule trying to find the city. Contemplating his unfortunate circumstance, he scratched the back of his head softly attempting to brush it off. When she declared that they must exchange names, he couldn't agree more with her, and smiled back. "The pleasure's all mine, Raine. Jack Craven," he returned the formalities.

While they were touring through the town, he decided that while he's at it, if she lived here, he could get to know her better. It was always wonderful to have connections to places he knew he was going to be spending quite a bit of time on. He didn't expect he was going to be leaving the place anytime soon as soon as he's enlisted. Nonetheless, a companion close by was better than facing something brand new alone. She's been the friendliest person around going out of her way to help him out like this. "While we're at it, if you don't mind, I'm not in any hurry, I'd like to see a bit of the city," he said, his voice quite eager. He had to restraint his excitement not wanting to appear like a simple village boy entering in the big city.

It was quite difficult when he reacted to everything accordingly.

[Zelda]

Raine could see the tension evaporate from his body as she mentioned guiding him toe the Castle, but perhaps the two of them could take their time? The town had so many interesting to visit, and many things to buy. She would love to buy some things for herself, but it would only make getting back into the Castle harder for her in the long run. Well, she had her task set before her, and it was rather exciting to try and portray herself as she wanted. The true her behind all the layers of manners and ingrained etiquette. To the male before her, she was merely a friendly human that had chanced upon him. When would this opportunity present itself to her again? [Not to mention it would be nice to spend company with a male other than Azler.] Truly being herself was a luxury she would not give up, and so it added yet another sense of freedom and liberation to the young woman. Idly, Raine wondered just how long it took for this male to find his way to the Castle Town. Oh, she shuddered at the thought of what his answer may be!

Her expression flickered to one of disbelief and slight bemusement. It had taken him months to get from Kakariko just to here? Perhaps a week, but months? Sadly, from the way he had hesitated in admitting this fact, Raine was inclined to believe him. Back tracking, she tilted her head as she realized he had also mentioned enlisting into the Hylian Knights. Well, she supposed her guard could always use new members. Many of them were not the best of the best, but they certainly were noble in some way. "A brave endeavor you have set upon, and I wish you the best of luck. The Princess is always in need of more Knights," she reassured, knowing that his lateness would not be too frowned upon. Of course, Raine could always place a word in with Azler. Smiling as Jack introduced himself to her, she took that as cue to now leave this alleyway. Spinning upon her heel, she made her way out of the shadowed corner and into the busy bazaar before her.

"Well, as you could not be any more late for your recruitment, and I have more than enough time to spare, then of course," she agreed with a slight smile. Raine pondered on where to take the eager Jack first, and she thought of Telma's Bar. It was a favorite haunt of many of the Hylian Knights, and had rather delicious food. No doubt all of that wandering had left Jack hungry for something. "I shall buy us some lunch, since midday is already here." She reached for Jack's hand to pull him along after her, not wishing to lose him within the crowd of citizens. It was certainly new for her to initiate contact like this, but she was herself this time, so it was not odd at all~!

[Jack Craven]

How could he not feel relaxed at the moment - well rested by the thought of not being lost anymore? Something in his gut told him otherwise that she wasn't ready to take him straight to the castle just yet. He wasn't any rush whatsoever so he didn't mind if they could take all of the time in the world. It'll give him a golden opportunity to get know his company. It wasn't up until now that he realized he picked up a beauty, which took him quite by surprise. Her light strawberry hair was quite a sight which shaped her face quite nicely. Perhaps it was the change of pace that the city was putting him into, but if not, whatever it was certainly made him excited about traveling together with Raine.

He knew that the minute those words slipped out of his mouth her face would light up with further surprise, and amusement on how poor his sense of direction was. That would haunt him to his grave. Nonetheless when he heard her words of encouragement, it brought his spirits up, raising his smile. He felt proud of his accomplishments so far, but he knew he still had a long way to go. It may be grow difficult, and perhaps he might end up loosing his life for this career. He didn't care. Jack knew that this would make his life worth more than it ever had been before. "I'm glad to hear," he replied optimistically, "I hope that I can serve her highness to the best of my capabilities, and to protect my country."

He knew that as soon as they exchanged their names to one another, it was time to get going, the day was growing old fast on them. Pacing himself by her side, he soon found himself getting dragged. "Hold on a minute," he protested, "Isn't it unfair that the lady must treat? Allow me to cover the expenses. You're already going out of your way to helping me out." He stumbled slightly, trying to keep up with her while they tread through the sea of people. Jack would feel terrible if he allowed Raine to spend her money on him when they've barely gotten to know each other.

Still, in the back of his mind, he was rather happy. Who would've thought that such a small favor would lead to a beautiful friendship? Jack was quite thrilled on how the day was becoming.

[Zelda]

Raine was glad for this distraction from what awaited her back in her reality, but the brief reprieves allowed for her own inner strength to keep her going. She had so many depending upon her, and faltering in her step was simply not an option. Jack did not know who she represented, and it appeared he was taken with her as this guise. It was both freeing and saddening, but she could not have happiness the exact way she wished. The day was their own to do with as they pleased, and so very many options presented themselves before the two of them. Lunch, browsing the bazaar, and then showing him the best way to the Castle. That could certainly wait until much later, and she would lead him as far as the gates. She believed that Jack would make a wonderful Knight if he should be accepted. Her reassurance had appeared to lighten his mood, but it was certainly endearing that he held no proper sense of direction. A Knight that lost his way easily. Well, the journey was more important than the destination as many said.

"I am sure you will excel amiably, but do not forget your own needs," she cautioned with a sad smile. Duty was certainly important, but so much was sacrificed along the way for it. Raine did not regret her own duties, and she truly would do anything for her people. She merely wished that she did not neglect her own needs so often, but it was a price she readily paid. Duty before desire in her case. Raine shook her head, not wanting to dampen the happy mood that had settled upon the two of them, and excited to show him the wonders Castle Town held. No doubt Jack was more excited than she, and if did hail from Kakariko, then this was certainly a difference in setting. In all honesty, Raine did not think she would mind living in the quiet village at all, and hoped she could see it for herself sometime in the future. It was rare that she ever left the Castle, and even more rare that she left Castle Town. Perhaps another time when the chance presented itself before her.

Walking beside Jack, Raine certainly ascertained he was a gentleman in both fortune and with women. Already he was protesting the idea of her paying for the meal, but it was quite charming to hear. Being appreciated in such a way was rather nice, and she merely smiled slight in response to his objections. "You are the guest, and as I am the host, it is my job to accommodate to your needs," she retorted. She noticed that her gait was a little too quick, and so she slowed down so she was not pulling him along. Instead Raine linked her arm through his, flashing Jack an overly sweet smile. "I shall allow you to pay the next time we meet. Shall that suffice?" she asked. As always, her words had quite the formal overtone, but it was a habit that would not leave her, no matter who she appeared to be. Guiding him to the right, Telma's Bar was already coming into view.

[Jack Craven]

Jack could only fathom what it would be like as soon as he was accepted into the Hylian Knights or at least he hoped he would get accepted. Just because Hyrule needed more knights didn't mean anybody could become one. After all, he was only just a simple country boy from Eldin Province. Nonetheless, he didn't want to dampen the mood with his insecurities. The day belonged to them, and Jack would find it in his heart to enjoy every second that passed by in order to make the day wonderful. His hazel eyes looked back over to Raine, noticing an undertone of sorts that threw him off a bit. He couldn't explain it to save his life, but she seemed... conflicted with something. An inner turmoil that quickly vanished the moment he noticed it. Wonder what that was all about, he pondered quietly.

Raine was rather clever with her words. Whenever she offered words of advice, he noticed, they always spoke right to what was important. It directed his heart carefully in a different direction, one that he knew he couldn't get lost in. She was right nonetheless. Before you could be of service to a princess, the country or anybody in general, you had to make sure you're needs were satisfied first. His hazel eyes brightened at her words, taking them straight to heart, knowing that they'd serve well. Just as he'd like to serve the princess to the best of his abilities. It was all that he could fantasize while traveling from Kakariko all the way to Castle Town. Perhaps stories were heavily dramatized, but they still fascinated him ever since he was young.

Feisty, he commented mentally. It brought up a broad grin across his lips hearing her persistence. It would seem that there would be no way in convincing her otherwise on the ordeal on payments. Slowing down their pace, he noticed her smile, and was caught off guard when she linked her arm with his. He chuckled softly at her compromise, finding it to his likings. Agreeing with, "Fair deal."

Her way of speaking was very formal. A high class upbringing no doubt, he noticed. He wouldn't be surprised if that was the case. Her wise words came from perhaps the best tutors, and the brightest scholars any noble could afford for their child. Probably a nice way of living perhaps. What did Jack know? He came from a humble family in the country side so things were easy come, easy go. Perhaps life wasn't as simple as he'd like to think it'd be. Upon arriving at Telma's bar, Jack quirked up an eyebrow at the entrance, certainly not the first place he'd pick, but he soon found himself opening the door for her. Gesturing for his lady to go in first, and he'd follow right behind.

[Zelda]

Raine was quite content to see that her words had been taken to heart by Jack. It was advice she should follow for herself, but it was so much easier said than done. Ruling Hyrule was certainly no easy task, and it was rare for her to even have to for herself. Meetings, delegations, and various letters seeking audience with her. Trying her very best to attempt and help those that were living poorly in her kingdom, or improving relations with the other Races. For all the wisdom she held, the young woman felt that it was hardly enough. Oh, why was she feeling so somber now? She had this moment to enjoy right now! Enjoying the sunny day, the warm weather, and wonder company to entertain her. Someone that liked who she truly was, even if from behind an elaborate disguise. She would get to know Jack over an engaging lunch, and then she could show him more of the town. The bazaar had many stands of interesting products, and various shops to window browse. In a way this almost felt like a date of some sort. Raine nearly laughed at the thought, but held herself back. Icy eyes glanced at her companion, catching a grin forming upon his lips. Her brow quirked, wondering what the male could possibly be thinking.

Had she said something to warrant such amusement? Perhaps it had been her insistence on paying for the meal, but Raine sincerely wanted to be a good host. Money was certainly not an issue, but it could simply be a gentleman's wish to not allow the lady to pay. It was rather chivalrous, and quite refreshing to see someone genuine and kind in manner. Raine had dealt with many that merely wore masks in an attempt to ingratiate themselves into her favor, but such things did not work upon her. She was far more adept than many thought of her youthful age, and she considered herself a good judge of character. Her lips curled into a smile, pleased with her small victory in his agreement to her wishes. "Quite fair, and you gain yourself a free meal. What could be better than that?" she asked with a small laugh. Well, perhaps more free time to do as she wished, but she would seize the moment while she could do so.

A small blush dusted her cheeks as Jack held the door open for her, but she had noticed his questioning gaze at the establishment. No, it was not a fancy restaurant, but she wished for simplicity. It was also a favorite haunt of many of her Knights, and the atmosphere was open and friendly. The bar held a charm all it's own, and did not need anything more than the quaint look it held. Smiling lightly, Raine walked into the bar, glancing around for an open table. It was not too busy at the moment, which was both a surprise and quite lucky for the two of them. Their food would be served quickly, and she gestured for Jack to follow her. "I know that this is not high end, but I assure you the food is equal to no other," she reassured brightly.

[Jack Craven]

A lot of things were easier said than done to be perfectly honest. For instance, in Jack's case, he was sent to enlist in the Knights a long time ago, and even warned them ahead of time of arriving on his way to the castle. A curse of sorts that he's been with ever since he was a child. It gotten to the point where it didn't bother him much anymore, considering the fact that no matter where he went, he was going to end up somewhere. No matter where his adventures will take him, be it in the most outrageous scenarios, or perhaps in the most strangest of places, he'll find a way to enjoy his adventures. At the moment, he felt it was just right to allow himself a little pleasure, and enjoy the rest of the day with his company.

Jack mused in the back of his head at the situation he gotten himself in. He felt guilty in a sense that she was willing to go so far as to pay for a meal together. Could he consider this a date? Well, by putting the facts together, he was a boy, she was a girl; the two of them were out together, and soon enough they were going to go out to eat. How could that not be a date? The blond had to restrain his enjoyment not wanting to embarrass himself any further with his silly thoughts.

"While this is true, I still find it rather troublesome," he admitted, "Call it guilty conscience if you will, but I've been brought up to believe that on first dates, the guys always had to pay. Not that I have any quarrels with your insistence, but just an honest thought."

He couldn't really explain it, but he felt it was just right to be honest with her. That his thoughts could go unchecked without someone having to reprimand him for saying something out of place or perhaps he said something impolite. Was it a crime to be so comfortable with someone so quickly? Jack wasn't quite sure himself, but he would admit that it wasn't a bad feeling at all.

As the two of them entered the bar, Jack was actually quite surprise on how homely the scenery was. Surely, it wasn't a typical bar, and it didn't seem as busy as the streets were in the middle of the day, but that was a given. Bars tended to get busier around the evenings. The Hylian listened carefully to Raine's reassurance, and smiled softly. With a small nod of his head, and followed behind his company, who lead him to where they would sit, and enjoy the rest of the afternoon together. "Don't mind me, I can eat just about anything," he said confidently.

It was only the beginning for Jack Craven. There was still more yet to come.

[Exit]