This is part of "If I Just Dreamed." It's a side story with Burvis and Azazu, meant to be before the invasion whilst not directly referencing it. I started to write this a few years ago and had it go in a different direction, but decided against it and rewrote it. Hope you like it!
The golden light of a thousand candles bathed the grand ballroom of the Lord's house in an ethereal glow. Nobles from every corner of the kingdom swirled across the polished floor, their elaborate gowns and doublets creating a kaleidoscope of color and the annual Solstice was in full swing. A dazzling display of wealth and power that the undercurrents of tension rippling through the court.
Burvis Santra-Hilarium Appolis stood at the entrance, his dark eyes taking in the scene in front of him. His dreadlocks were artfully arranged, adorned with golden beads that lit up in the light as he moved. The rich, deep burgundy of his tailored jacket stood out among the colors of pastels and jewel tones favored by the Hylian nobility.
As he stepped, heads turned. Whispers followed in his wake. A mix of admirations and suspicion. Some bowed or curtsied at his gaze, as he was used to this experience. Many were unaware of his true background, and to those who were aware of it – truly wasn't. As in essence they assumed that a lord or duke would have no qualms entering a gathering of nobility unannounced. Burvis though, was no duke or lord. He was what mattered most. Well known, and only to the important ones.
Burvis was well-known for many things. Bartering, gathering, and even his wit and tongue. Some saw him as childs-play when he spoke and rattled on about his stories. Other knew he was Yiga, and didn't dare force him out.
He made his way through the crowd, accepting a glass of champagne from a passing servant. The bubbled tickled his nose as he took a sip, his gaze swept the room for any familiar faces.
Lord Darius. A man who got his position by generational wealth, taking over the estate right after his father died when he was only nine. The eldest of four sisters, and another three brothers. Burvis never liked him. Regardless, he saw many swarming and listening to his beck-and-call just near the orchestra. Burvis's eyes narrowed as he contemplated his next move.
A flash of movement caught his eyes. A servant moved too swiftly through the crowd. They slipped through a side entrance in a distant hall cut off from the guests. He allowed himself a small smile. Azazu had arrived.
They had been planning this for weeks at Koesha's request. Frankly, Burvis didn't care for dignitaries, but nevertheless he walked towards the same corridor. Instead of heading through the servant entrance, he waltzed the hall with confidence. He knew the path, he knew where to meet. He studied it day and night.
The exit had to be more towards the west-wing of the manor. He leaned himself against a wall just shy of the exit as Azazu emerged through the quiet corridor. He swirled the glass in his hand.
"You almost look like you're hiding." Azazu said as they broke the silence.
Burvis snapped his gaze towards them. A smirk played at the corner of his mouth. "Hiding? Me? Oh, please. I'm taking a strategic pause."
Azazu narrowed their eyes. "Sure, because you're known for strategic thinking."
"You wound me." Burvis said as he placed a hand over his heart to mock offense. "I'm a master strategist. How else do you think I survived this long?
"...Dumb luck."
Burvis chuckled, then his expression grew serious with a clear of his throat. "So, I presume you've heard more than me." It wasn't a question. "I know even on missions like these, you don't seek me out for the pleasure of my company."
Azazu hesitated. Their discomfort with communication is evident in their rigid posture. "Something is… brewing. Everyone is talking about it."
"I'm surprised these rats have taken their time to notice."
Azazu groaned, "No, because I feel it too. Don't you?"
Burvis shrugged and took a drink from the glass. "I always have. But do you care to share your details?"
"Not here," Azazu said, glancing around nervously. "It's too risky."
This made Burvis raise an eyebrow, "Since when did you become so cautious? I remember you'd charge headfirst into danger without a second thought."
"People change-" Azazu said quietly. "And it didn't help that I didn't know where I was at the time."
Burvis waved his hand to dismiss the comment, but replied anyways, "Ah yes. How could I forget finding you sopping wet by the river-bend."
A tense silence fell between them, heavy with unspoken history. Burvis studied Azazu, noting the lines of worry in their face, and the hardened look in their eyes. He remembered finding them half-dead with fever. A lost soul confused.
"Well," Burvis said finally, straightening himself back up. "I suppose we'll have to do this the old-fashioned way."
Azazu frowned. "What do you mean?'
Burvis grinned, a mischievous glint in his eye. "We're going to play a little game, my friend. Lord Darius is going to be our little… opponent."
With that, Burvis pushed off from the wall and strode back towards the ballroom, leaving Azazu behind to trail. A mixture of curiosity and apprehension on their face.
As they reentered the grand hall, the music swelled, a waltz filling the air with its elegant strains. Couples twirled across the floor, a dizzying display of coordinated movement. Lord Darius stood near one of the ornate pillars now, deep in conversation with another group of nobles. As Burvis approached, he caught a snippet of their discussion.
"...we cannot allow this to happen. The state of affairs is bad enough." Darius said, his voice low, but intense. "The princess has to do something. Or we will!"
Burvis cleared his throat, causing the group to turn towards him. "Pardon the interruption gentlemen, but I couldn't help overhearing. You speak of action from the princess, and I can't help but ask if it's this tense topic of bad feeling going around?"
Darius's eyes narrowed, a flicker of suspicion crossing his face before it was replaced by a practiced smile. "Ah, Burvis. It has been a while, but you're still sticking your nose where it doesn't belong. I don't presume you would be interested in the topic with your reputation."
This made Burvis shrug and smile, "Old habits die hard my lord, but I find the topic of her majesty… fascinating. Perhaps a discussion over a game of cards. I hear the east wing is quite… inviting this evening."
For a moment, Darius hesitated, clearly weighing his options. Then, with a nod, he acquiesced. "Very well, Burvis. Let us see if your skills at cards match your skills at eavesdropping."
As the group made their way towards the game room, Burvis's eyes caught Azazu from across the hall. With a subtle not, he conveyed his plan. Azazu's lips tightened in disapproval, but they began to move and slipped through the crowd towards the servants' entrance to the east wing.
The game room was a study in opulence, with rich mahogany tables and plush velvet chairs. Burvis sauntered in, his presence immediately drawing the attention of nobles gathered around the car tables.
Lord Darius looked towards Burvis as they made their way to an occupied table, and waved for the dealer to deal them in. Burvis sat down. In the corner, he noticed Azazu peeking around the corner. Darius' eyes narrowed towards Burvis, "I was not aware you still moved around in these circles. I assumed your new boss would… prevent such activities."
Burvis's smile didn't waver, "Ah, that reminds me. Was Koesha not invited this evening?"
"After last time. He doesn't dare show his face around here. The bastard knows better."
Burvis couldn't argue with that. Although the man wasn't his boss as Darius so eloquently stated, Burvis absolutely did not care for the man, that they could both agree on.
As the dealer shuffled the deck, Burvis let his gaze wander around the table, taking in the faces of Hyrule's elites. To his left sat Baron Einar, a portly man whose family controlled much of the kingdom's grain trade, all the way from Castle Town to Ordanna Province, and beyond. Next to him was Lady Imira. Most known for her sharp wit and even sharper tongue. Burvis has tried to compete with the woman. He did not win. On the other side of Dariua was Count Rolan, a military man with a stern countenance and a reputation for ruthlessness on the battlefield.
"So gentlemen… and ladies," He glanced towards Imira, "What are the stakes?" Burvis asked casually as he picked up his cards.
Lord Darius smirked, "Nothing you can afford, I'm sure."
"Try me," Burvis replied, his tone light with an underlying edge.
The games began, and Burvis played with a practiced nonchalance. He lost the first few hands deliberately, lulling his opponents into a false sense of security. All the while, he kept the conversation flowing, peppering it with subtle questions and observations.
"I must say, Darius," Burvis commented as he rearranged his cards, "I've heard some interesting rumors going around lately. Something about… big changes."
Darius's hand paused momentarily over his chips, "Rumors are often just that. And if you're implying I have something to do with it, you could be sorely mistaken."
"Of course, of course, but one can't help but wonder." Burvis agreed amiably. "These are uncertain times after all."
Lady Imira leaned forwards, her eyes glinted with interest. "And what sort of changes have you heard whispers about Burvis? Do tell."
He shrugged, laying down his cards, "You know… this and that. Whispers mostly of something coming. I believe it is nothing concrete, but one can't help but wonder why."
Count Rolan grunted, his face impassive, "Sounds like dangerous talk none of us want to get involved in. You best leave such matters to the people in charge, yes?"
Burvis didn't respond.
As the night wore on, the tables turned. His losses transformed into wins, small at first, but then they are increasingly substantial. The other nobles grew agitated, but Lord Darius remained collected, his eyes calculated as he watched Burvis.
"You seem to have rediscovered your luck, Burvis." Darius said, his voice tight.
Burvis shrugged, a lazy smile on his face. "What can I say? Fortune favors the bold." He could feel Azazu's gaze that burned into him from across the room. He knew they disapproved of his methods, they preferred a more direct approach. But, Burvis had learned long ago that in Hyrule's court, information was the most valuable currency of all.
As the final hand was dealt, Burvis leaned forward, his eyes locked on Darius, "You know. I've always wondered something, Darius. What do you think is more dangerous - a man with everything to lose, or a man with nothing left to lose?"
Burvis laid his hand down. A royal flush.
Darius's face paled slightly, his fingers tightening around his cards.
"A damn Yiga cheat!" Imria scoffed as she threw her cards down. Rolan nodded in agreement, and among the two chatter erupted which forced the rest of the room to stare at them. Burvis laid back in his chair with a smirk, amused by the sudden riot at his win. Darius made no such accusations.
"No, no. The man won fair and square. As much as a snake the man is. I know he won fair."
Burvis stood from his seat as he pushed it back under the table, and bowed towards the two in a bit of an exaggerated almost comical way. "It was a pleasure to play tonight. However, for the rest of my earnings, I would like a moment alone with Lord Darius."
The room grew silent, the tension palpable.
Lord Darius stood and pushed his own seat in. He beckoned Burvis to follow him to another room. He locked the door.
"There is a plot going around and I believe you're involved." Burvis said quietly but menacing nonetheless.
Darius's hand moved towards his waist, but Burvis was faster. In a flash, he had the noble pinned against the balustrade, a small dagger pressed to his throat.
"I wouldn't," Burvis growled. "Now, you're going to tell me everything that I already know, because I want the pious pricks to know that I know."
Darius's eyes darted around as he searched for an escape. He found none though, and he slumped his shoulders in defeat. "I don't know… everything," he sighed, "But, I know that there is a power rising from somewhere else. Everyone feels it, everyone knows about it. There isn't a need to get your bullshit clan involved because it has nothing to do with us."
Burvis narrowed his eyes, "Explain."
Darius whispered, his voice trembling, "People are saying it's whispering to them from beyond. It promises control, and to sweep away the old order and install a new one. The forces want us to weaken the kingdom and monarchy from within."
"-and you're not involved..?"
"Risk what I already have?" he chuckled, "not a chance."
Azazu stepped from the shadow, Darius looked towards her but was unsurprised by her presence.
He had a point, Burvis thought, it made no sense to give up what any of them already had. They had stakes and shares to give away and for their family and still live comfortably for generations. Burvis and Azazu exchanged a glance, the weight of this revelation settled over them like a shroud. The music from the ballroom seemed distant now, and the laughter and chatter of the situation unfolded on the balcony. Darius laughed.
"Many assume it's too late now though. The feeling is getting stronger, and it's only a matter of time."
"Has anyone else aside from the obvious felt this?" Azazu glared.
"Other than you, me, and the rest of the bastards in my position? Who knows."
"I don't," Burvis muttered.
"Well, you're a bit of a… marvel. My father said you never looked a day over twenty-five, so I'm assuming you're a phenomenon that still has to be discovered. Regardless," he stepped away from the two and brushed himself off. "I have a party to get back to." he dipped his head low in a slight bow before walking to unlock the door and didn't look back as he exited.
The two stood in silence before Azazu spoke, "Can you really not feel it?"
Burvis shook his head as he looked back at them.
"We need to ask around."
"Maybe the princess?"
"No. Someone else."
