001 - [Voice/Video]

[sorighteously]

[The communicator rustles, not in an acidental manner. Evidently, this is someone who already knows what it is and is just trying to figure out how to use it. Or what it is. The voice is quiet and far away and, perhaps, instantly recognisable.]

I remember... this was...

[There's a long pause, and the video swings into focus, but that, at least,

Comments

[Voice]

[sorighteously]

I - thank you.

I'm sorry, I remember your voice so well, but your name... So much is evading me...

[Voice]

[sorighteously]

Naminé. Yes, I... I remember now.

[There is a small, almost tremulous smile in her voice now.]

Thank you, for the welcome.

[Voice]

[berceusedefou]

[Alfred snorts, obviously displeased by this happening]

Here I had hoped you had crawled away and died somewhere quietly.

Of course I shouldn't be that lucky.

[Voice]

[sorighteously]

[Her voice crisps instantly, as if she remembers this, at least.]

Would that I might apologise for disappointing, my lord, but those words, too, escape me.

[Voice]

[berceusedefou]

Just as useless as ever, as well, I see.

What use have we of a... [He paused, the next word almost paining him to say. Still, he spits it out, in utter contempt] queen who does nothing of worth for her people?

[Voice]

[sorighteously]

A more constructive question may be, what are we to do with fools who will concern themselves only with their own interests, rather than doing aught for those around them?

I do not know how long it has been since I walked these streets, as I do not recall your name, sir, but I am not going to bandy words with you.

[crown_light]

ZELDA!

[Voice]

[sorighteously]

I know that voice, it's - I know...

[Voice]

[crown_light]

Sora.

Glad to have you back. We missed you.

[Voice]

[sorighteously]

As I missed this place and its people.

[voice]

[oncefutureking]

[Arthur has many mixed feelings about this particularly princess, but if there is nothing else he can agree upon, it's that without her around World's End seemed a lot more dangerous. But a country with no leader could quickly become chaotic, and as displeased as Arthur was with magic, even he wasn't fool enough to believe her wards hadn't assisted in their safety. So he's quiet for a long moment after he sees she has returned, and speaks slowly, formal but- almost warm.]

Princess Zelda.

[voice]

[sorighteously]

[She pauses a moment, quiet. They didn't speak often, yet it's clearer than many are, perhaps because there was purpose there. Her voice fits his own, formal, but not cold. Less so than his, perhaps. There is a note of relief in her voice, in fact, something almost, almost akin to contentment, even if she can't fully remember.]

My lord... Pendragon, was it not?

[voice]

[oncefutureking]

[Just the familiarity of her tone, of nobility speaking to nobility, eases him a little.]

Yes, that is correct.

[He pauses, almost awkwardly, since part of him petulantly wants to accuse her of leaving her people- but he knows it's more than that.]

Did you return to your former kingdom?

[voice]

[sorighteously]

I did, for a time. Enough that I could restore the land and the people.

[She pauses for a moment, as if, perhaps, she somehow heard that little part of him.]

And now I return. I am glad to see you are here, my lord, if you would forgive such a thing. For I know you are an asset to us here, as I'm sure you were to your own.

[dragon_savior]

Lady Zelda?

[Voice]

[sorighteously]

It is, though I confess I cannot recall the name to place with the voice I know.

[Voice]

[dragon_savior]

It's me, Ryu, remember?

[Voice]

[sorighteously]

Ryu.

[She gives a little sigh, one of relief, contentment. Another little knot unravelled.]

It is good to hear from you again, Ryu.