Robbie clicked his pen incessantly as he watched the moving chains form ripples in the water contained in the observation tank. He had spent enough time researching the creature to have familiarized himself with some of her mannerisms. It was rare for him to see this level of activity from her, even at night when the lab was next to empty.
"Do you suppose…" he trailed off as he turned, finding Purah's normal spot next to him empty. Right, seeing as he was covering the overnight shift, Purah would be resting in her quarters.
The scraping chains drew his attention once again. Perhaps it was the anticipation that led to such a charged yet oppressive stillness that blanketed the lab. Robbie didn't really care what led to it, rather, he cared about what happened immediately afterward. For the first time in quite some time, the amphibian surfaced, her scarlet scales parting the water silently. She rose only high enough to allow her to gaze around the nearly empty lab. Her eyes were quick to center on him, narrowing slightly. She shrunk back, though she didn't disappear as he had expected.
"I'm sorry. He doesn't have a shift tonight."
Again, the amphibian surprised him as she chuffed quietly. She hadn't made a sound in his hearing for quite some time.
The head scientist resumed clicking his pen as he paced slowly, dissecting the new development with care. Link had all but confirmed that she trusted him enough to interact with him to some limited degree, not that he was surprised. Between her history with the knights and her new restrictions imposed by the new Captain, she had to be depressed. Even the simplest animals would find themselves losing the will to live in a tank that only had the bare essentials. Any puzzles, tankmates, or other forms of entertainment she had been allowed before had been taken away after the incident.
Robbie came to a halt as the events that had transpired a little over a month ago came rushing back to him. Anger flared up as he remembered the way the previous captain had brushed off his warnings and how his guards had gotten too rough when moving her. Then, when she naturally withdrew, the fool had grown too brazen and had tried to force her into submission with pure muscle. A choice that had resulted in a brutal death.
After everything, he couldn't blame her for withdrawing and spending most of her days in a state of extreme lethargy. Still, he wished she was more cooperative. Once he had the required amount of research, he could advise the king against keeping her in his private menagerie and instead have her released back into her natural habitat.
Though there was still much thinking to do concerning how to progress his research; however, something was gnawing at him, making it difficult to concentrate. With a frown, Robbie adjusted his goggles and turned his attention to the only possible thing that could be drawing his attention.
The amphibian had drawn close to the edge of the tank and had risen high enough out of the water that her shoulders could be seen. When he was clearly paying attention, she held up a hand, forming an upward c with her thumb and forefinger. He watched, flabbergasted by the first display of such behavior, as she tapped her thumb against her chin.
After a few seconds, she grew impatient and repeated the motion again, this time tapping her chin slower.
Again, Robbie could only stare in shock. In the past, she had only attempted to use sounds to communicate. Of course, he had analyzed her body language in the past, but it had never been used to convey a message to him.
His mind whirred through so many questions and possibilities. Was this something that was innate to her species? Was it their primary form of communication? Had she witnessed Link using sign and decided that body language was now viable? If she had observed Link signing, was she now mimicking, or was this her native "tongue?" If she was capable of complex language, just how much could they learn about her and her kind? Did they -
An irritable warble interrupted his musings as the amphibian began sinking back below the water. Reflexively, Robbie threw his hands up, fingers splayed. As his mind was struggling to wrap itself around everything that was happening, it didn't even occur to him that she might understand what he was trying to say. And it most certainly didn't cross his mind that she might misinterpret the message entirely.
To his relief, she paused, watching him expectantly.
"I'm sorry, I don't understand," he explained quietly.
His admission didn't impress her, though she thankfully had yet to retreat.
Thinking quickly, Robbie attempted a few basic gestures to convey his lack of understanding. He tried pointing at his hands, then his head while shaking it. Worried that she wouldn't understand that, he then repeated the sign she had shown him and gave a massive shrug. He was in the middle of formulating another series of signs he could use when he noticed that she had tilted her head to the side, staring at him, mouth slightly agape.
Despite the necessity of what he had done, Robbie's face burned a tad.
He dropped his hands, waiting for the amphibian to recover.
Despite her shock, she must have understood what he had been attempting to say. She looked toward a far corner of the room and pointed. Following her gaze, Robbie's eyes lighted on the icebox that stored her food.
And that was when he realized that he had been so consumed by his thoughts that he hadn't even checked to ensure that she had been fed. He looked back to the amphibian, giving her a quick nod before rushing to fulfill her request. Opening it, Robbie nearly cursed as he noted that the number of stored fish had not changed since he had checked in with Link and Roderick that morning.
Grabbing an armful of the heartier salmon, he carried them haphazardly to the tank. Setting his load down in her reach, Robbie retreated quickly so she could eat in relative peace.
He sat at a table, absently observing her tearing into her meal as he idly jotted down what had happened as well as a few questions to explore later on. Once finished, he leaned back in his chair, tapping his pen against his lip thoughtfully. Tomorrow would be Purah's night shift. He would have to make time to fill her in on what he had learned as well as pick her brain for possible avenues of research.
Once he had written out a list for her, he turned his attention back to the tank. The amphibian had descended beneath the surface once again but Robbie didn't really notice. His thoughts had already turned to the mute squire serving under the new captain. While he hadn't struck Robbie as anything extraordinary when they had first met, it couldn't have been a coincidence that the amphibian was now more active. Now, he just needed to figure out how to make use of the boy's skills and keep him safe at the same time.
"Oh, that was fantastic." Impa let out a loud and contented sigh, stretching as she did so. "I think Uli might be as good as you in the kitchen."
Link smirked as he watched his friend rub her slightly distended stomach. Uli hadn't made a terrible meal by any stretch of the imagination but it had been very plain by his own standards. It was made significantly better by the fact that, for once, someone else had cooked for him. Impa's standards, on the other hand, depended entirely on how hungry she was in the moment. Considering that she had been "starving" when he had returned home to extend Rusl's invitation, she would have eaten just about anything and claimed it was created by one of the finest chefs in all of Hyrule.
"They seem like good people."
Link nodded as Telma's bar came into view.
"I'm glad you found them. While I know I am the only friend for you, it's good to know you have someone else to talk to. Just do me a favor."
He didn't try to respond as she was too busy eyeing Telma's bar.
"Can you please leave a note next time… and preferably something to at least snack on?"
He nodded even though she wasn't looking.
"Good. I was getting a bit worried there. You usually leave something for me to eat if you're going to be out."
Link just laughed silently.
"Hey, don't laugh at me!" she snapped as she slugged him in the arm.
Now that he had met Purah and would have ample opportunities to speak to her, he would have to ask how Impa had managed to survive for so long. Surely, their mother hadn't made it a point to continue cooking for them in the midst of their studies.
"What was that?"
Link feigned a look of surprised innocence.
"Don't give me any of that. I know that silence. That's your 'I'm making fun of you' silence."
Link emphatically shook his head, his lips twitching violently in the fading twilight.
"You are the worst," she groaned.
Link waited a second before nodding in agreement.
Impa rolled her eyes, hiding the barest hints of a smile. It was quick to fade. "Anyway… how are you?"
Link looked at her, raising a brow with an inquisitive frown.
"Did you think I wouldn't notice?" she asked with a sigh. "You are one of the most predictable people I've met. Every time we move into new quarters, you spend hours searching every nook and cranny. Every time you polish Roderick's gear, you start with his shield, then his sword, then his helmet, etc. Every time I mention Malon's name -"
Link jerked violently at the name, his head burning from his cheeks to the tips of his pointed ears.
"Exactly. You don't just disappear for hours like that unless something is wrong."
Link made no attempt to respond. He did feel guilty for getting so caught up in the forge that he had been gone for longer than he had meant to be. She was, after all, his caretaker of sorts. To be discovered out on his own could reflect poorly on her. And he was well aware of how important it was to her that she did her job well. Though she didn't care how individuals saw her, it was a different story when it came to the general populace's perception of her and her clan. Even after years of trying to prove themselves, the Sheikah clan was still viewed negatively. From his understanding, it was better than it had been years prior, but that didn't make it good.
And they had been friends long enough for him to know that it was something she wanted to do her part to change. And she had decided that playing her part was taking care of him as her job entailed.
"... Sorry."
"It's fine. Just give me some idea of how long you'll be out and where next time… And for the love of Hylia, please leave something to eat."
"I'll think about it," Link signed with a grin before opening the door to the bar.
"You know, you have got to be the only person I've ever met who can sound snarky with hand gestures," Impa replied as she stepped into Telma's. The interior was warmly lit by a roaring fire and a few lanterns placed about the room. The patrons filled the homely tavern with their loud voices and boisterous laughter. The smell of cooked meats and steamed vegetables wafted through the air, mercifully hiding the scent of sweat and alcohol.
Link was tempted to find a corner and order a hearty meal from Telma. Sure, he had already eaten, but that didn't mean he was full by any stretch of the imagination. And though her dishes were ultimately simple, Telma knew how to season food and made sure her favorite patrons got their money's worth.
However, as tempting as the prospect was, the sight of several knights who also served at the lab, as well as his mentor, dissuaded him. Instead, he ducked his head and crossed the room quickly, climbing the steps leading to his and Impa's abode.
His friend wasn't far behind.
"Honestly, why did they have to get us housing above the bar?" she asked, glaring at nothing in particular.
"They wouldn't be able to find us otherwise?" Link suggested with his best attempt at a humorous smile. Though his response had been intended as a joke, he couldn't help but wonder. He had come to find out that the vast majority of Knights, his mentor included, like to spend most of their free time getting rowdy in a tavern. Thankfully, because their social standing required at least a modicum of decency in public, they usually behaved…
Most of the time.
"You're right." Impa chuckled darkly as she jumped onto the couch and laid back. "I'm surprised they're able to find their way to the barracks most days." Impa yawned, stretching out then resting her hands behind her head. "These overnight shifts are messing me up…"
Link nodded in agreement as he finally allowed himself to feel the exhaustion he'd been pushing off for a while.
"So, what's on the agenda for tomorrow?"
"Helping Rusl again, then fishing."
"Fishing? Why not just head to the market?"
"I like fishing," he replied a little defensively. "And it's not for me. It's for…" Link paused as it finally occurred to him that he didn't have a name by which he could refer to the amphibian. His mood dipped considerably as he remembered what had occurred the night before. If she was intelligent enough to express a desire for something, then she needed a name. "It's for her."
"Her, huh?" Impa said nothing as she studied him. He could see it in her eyes that she understood who he was referring to. "Is she what's been bothering you?" she finally asked.
He nodded, mind still lamenting the lack of a name.
"Then do what you have to do."
He nodded again even though his companion had already returned her gaze to the ceiling. He was grateful for the silence as it gave him an opportunity to think. It wasn't his first time naming another creature, but he had never named one that possessed sentience as he did. The idea of giving the amphibian a name was unusually stressful and what he needed more than anything was time to research and reflect on the multitude of options he had.
Retreating to his corner, Link pulled his curtain shut, retrieved his notebook and pen, and set to work. He'd never considered him good at naming anything, but right then, he figured he was the only one who cared enough to give her a name.
But by Hylia, he would do his best.
"What is it, boy?"
Link looked at Rusl as he wiped the sweat from his brow. As he had the day prior, the squire had arrived to find Rusl already in the midst of his work. He wasn't surprised, as every smith he had ever met rose early so they could be ready to take orders as soon as their customers were out and about. Without a word, Link had quickly donned his gloves and apron and joined the weathered smith.
"You've had somethin' on your mind since yesterday. What is it?"
He had believed both of them to be too wrapped up in the work for the master to notice. After all, he'd barely had a moment to think on it himself.
"Noticed it durin' dinner. There were a couple moments where you stopped eatin' long enough to take a breath," he said with a wry smile.
Link looked down at the floor, rubbing his head abashedly while Rusl chuckled.
"Sorry," he signed.
"Don't be," the man said as he slapped him on the back. "Ya both gave Uli the biggest compliment her cooking's got in years."
Link's smile was no less sheepish. He had learned to control his insatiable appetite in public (for the most part); however, more intimate gatherings, even with strangers, was another story. And Impa didn't even really bother trying to hide hers. Granted, her table manners were far superior to his. Perhaps together they made one well-mannered guest.
Rusl chuckled again, slapping him on the back one last time before taking another swig from the cup Uli had brought him. "Now," he said as he picked up one of the blades that was standard issue for the knights and took a whetstone to its edge, "about what's been bothering you."
A long pause followed as the squire considered his options. Not only was he sure that revealing anything to Rusl would be tantamount to treason but it potentially threatened the blacksmith and his family. At the same time, he needed some advice from someone who… wasn't Impa. It wasn't that the Sheikah didn't give good advice, she was just sometimes too aggressive with it as well as the follow-up. Rusl struck him as the type that would give advice and leave it up to him what to do with it. It was his more preferred method.
Of course, he could try to keep it vague. "Stuff that goes on in the lab… It's hurting someone."
Rusl answered with silence. Link shifted uncomfortably as the man sized him up austerely, giving nothing away of his thoughts. "... Must not be a simple problem if it's causing you this much grief." He sat down, motioning for Link to pull up a stool of his own. When the squire had taken a seat he continued. "I don't know what's goin' on in the lab and I don't want to," he said, adding subtle emphasis to the last part of his statement. "What I do know is that I'm a simple man, and I know another simple man when I see one. You and I don't complicate things. Good is good and bad is bad."
Link nodded his agreement. He understood that many saw the world through the lenses of complex philosophies, but he had stopped trying to wrap his head around them a long time ago. Of course, he understood not everyone felt the same as some thought him inconsiderate for his lack of moral flexibility. While it stung at times, he had made his peace with it for the most part.
"So, do what you can for now to help. And, if things get worse…" Rusl didn't finish as he stared at the squire expectantly.
"I'll do what I have to."
"Good lad. Now - " Rusl paused as Link motioned he still had something to say. "Hmm? What is it?"
"How did you come up with colin?"
The blacksmith blinked for a moment before scratching his chin. "Uli and I just liked the name. Why?"
"I…" Link's hands fell slightly. He wasn't sure how to make the man understand what was going through his head without disclosing what was happening in the lab. Maybe it was better to keep pondering the issue on his own. "I'm probably just overthinking it."
"Maybe," Rusl agreed as he took to his feet and donned his gloves. "But names are important. Powerful. They give whatever they belong to an identity. If you're thinkin' of namin' somethin' or someone -" he was giving the squire a pointed look now "- then you owe it to 'em to give 'em a good one."
"How?"
"You're thinkin' too hard. Look into what you know about 'em. It'll take some work, but you'll know it when ya find it." His break now finished and his smithing apparel. "We've got most everything done today, so I can handle the rest. Why don't you go take care of what you need to."
Link nodded thoughtfully. He had thought about staying until everything was finished, however, there was a lot to think about, and he wanted to get a nap in so he'd be ready to fish in the evening.
"Thanks."
"Don't mention it. And boy, take care of yourself. It'd be a shame to lose good help so soon." Despite the smile and chuckle that accompanied the statement, Link could see genuine concern in the man's eyes.
Not for the first time, he wondered how much the man knew, but made no issue of it. Whatever choice he would ultimately make, he wanted to leave Rusl as far away from it as he could. So, he nodded, flashing a small smile of his own before leaving the shop behind, lost in thought as he wandered back to Telma's.
The cool water's embrace did little to soothe the restless amphibian as she swam back and forth near the bottom of her barren abode. Or what served as her abode. Her true home was more expansive than where she currently found herself. So much more room to swim, so much more variety in food, and so much more to do.
With nothing to do but swim in listless circles and sleep, she often found the longing for her Domain to be physically painful. And, these days, she spent as little time up above as possible.
At least when there were more land-dwellers around. Most feared her now and were constantly on edge, ready to react to her with force or violence. Those that weren't made little, if any effort to connect with her at all. So, they had all blurred together into one formless mass of vaguely similar shapes and faces. With the threat they posed to her, the amphibian found it more rewarding to stay below the surface during the day, despite there being nothing to entertain her.
There was little to ward off the poignant longing that had settled in her chest, perpetually squeezing her heart.
The only ones that really stood out to her were the two white-haired ones. They were kind to her, at least. Even if she held them accountable for her imprisonment, she felt she could trust them to a limited extent. They had never done anything to intentionally harm her and they had even taken some steps to protect her from the other land-dwellers. If nothing else, she would continue to survive under their care.
Then, there was the new one with golden hair. It almost reminded her of the sun, though not unpleasant to look at. And his eyes were like the water, cool and gentle, though she imagined that they too froze over when conditions were right. What really mattered though was his attitude toward her. He had yet to make a threatening move toward her.
And he respected her despite his seeming lack of fear toward her.
It was a novel experience for her, where his kind was concerned, and she didn't fully trust him. Still, she found herself looking forward to his company. He had found a way to talk to her that made sense to both of them (where it mattered, anyway), and he didn't seem threatened by her. While he was there alone, she was free to spend the night at the surface, where there was more to see.
He had also brought her a different fish to feed on. While she had a preference for the heartier morsels that made up her diet among the land-dwellers, it had been nice to have a little change in her normal diet.
She hoped he would return tonight. It was nice to have someone relatively friendly around to keep her company.
Drifting upward slowly, she poked her head out of the water, scanning the room quickly. To her disappointment, all she saw was the younger white-haired girl. Chuffing quietly, she sunk back below the surface before she was noticed. While she didn't feel threatened by that particular land-dweller, she didn't much care for her. It was more preferable to keep to herself right now. She would return to the surface later when she was in the mood for food.
With nothing better to do, she let her thoughts wander to the golden-haired land dweller. Would he allow her to have a few hours without being chained up? Sadly, it was probably unlikely. As kind and accepting as he had been, he surely had his limits. If even the chains weren't enough for most of his kind to feel completely safe around her, then even he would have qualms with allowing her to roam freely.
Even so, it was nice to dream of being able to remove her restraints and pretend to be free, if only for a few hours. She pulled at the shackle around her neck longingly.
Allowing herself to sink further into the tank, she settled on the bottom and nestled down. She wasn't tired, but there was nothing else to do without the golden-haired one there. She considered resurfacing for something to eat before going to sleep, but she shook the thought off. Though she hadn't eaten anything at all since the older white-haired ones had been there, she wasn't hungry. Instead, she just wanted to drift off into pleasant dreams...