Chapter Text
Lush fields decorated the land of Hyrule. Fields that were perfect for life. Plenty of spaces with water, places to find shelter and a healthy soil. One who was very fond of that soil was Sonia, a young Hylian woman. Long curly light blonde hair and bright yet functional attire contrasting brown skin. She had not been an adult for too long, but was already certain about her responsibilities. As a priestess to the goddess Hylia, she had many of those. Nonetheless, she never lost a sense for the simple things in life. One of those lush Hylian fields carried trees, big and small with fruits. Trees that she had planted and nourished to life. Many fruits had become ripe and so she used a basket to collect some of her harvest.
That was when footsteps caught her attention. She turned around and saw a tall figure standing before her. Dark grayish skin, large pointed and yet also somewhat floppy ears with multiple pieces of jewelry and long white mane-like hair that went to the ground.
"Oh? One of the Zonai? What brings you here?” Sonia asked with raised eyebrows.
The man, who also happened to have quite a few animalistic features, bowed his head in a respectful manner. “I hope I am not disturbing you. I was just told that the garden of the priestess features some of the best fruit in Hyrule. I wanted to see if the claim has any truth to it.”
“What? Doubting the product of a place you have never visited before? That sounds quite negative, no?” Sonia responded, proceeding to pick some berries. It has been said that the Zonai descended from the gods. And as they did come from the skies, it didn’t seem untrue, but that led to some people treating them with reverence and perhaps even fear.
Not Sonia though. Sonia believed that everyone was equal.
Rauru placed his hand at his chin. “Perhaps you are right. I did not formulate my words in a sensitive manner. Perhaps I should just convince myself.” He reached for her basket, trying to grab one of the freshly picked berries. Before he knew it, he felt his fingers being slapped away. Not too strongly, but it made him pull his hand back.
“Now now, what about manners? Didn’t you think about asking me first?” Sonia asked with a slight frown. “For someone using such eloquent language, you don’t really seem so fluent in manners.”
Rauru froze for a moment and sighed. “I apologize. Where are my manners indeed?” He bowed his head once more. “Let me begin from the start. I am Rauru, of the Zonai and I came to try one of your fruits, priestess of Hylia. May I?”
“See? That wasn’t so hard!” Sonia chuckled. “I am Sonia. And yes you may'' she held the basket out for him to reach into it.
Rauru picked up a berry and tried it. “Scrumptious. Sweet and juicy” he smiled. “To think I almost missed out on a chance to try this because of my behavior. I apologize once more.”
Sonia just shook her head. “I believe you get used to it, when others treat you like some famous person. And perhaps you are. But I don’t see people like that. I see people for their personality. Their values. That is what makes them who they are.”
Hearing those words, Rauru placed his hand back to his chin once more. “I like that sentiment. Quite a bit actually.”
“I am glad that you do, Rauru. Or would you prefer Mr. Rauru?” the tone Sonia used made it sound more humorous.
“Mr. Rauru? That is quite formal. Unless you would like me to address you as Miss or Mrs. Sonia?”
Upon hearing the mention of both titles, Sonia couldn’t help but raise her eyebrows. “Goodness gracious. Are you asking me If I am married or not?”
Rauru’s eyes opened wide and it became clear he was very flustered.
“No! Of course not. Why would I do such a thing?”
Sonia just laughed. “Don’t worry. I am just messing with you. How about some more fruit?”
“How kind. I can’t say no! How much do I owe you?” he asked as he reached for another berry.
“I sometimes sell these at the farmers market, but this harvest is my personal stock. So nothing at all!”
“Nothing?” he said in surprise. Just then the berry rolled out of his large hand.
“Oh!” Sonia gasped and the berry suddenly froze mid-air.
Rauru’s eyes opened wide.
“Hm? What is happening there?” he asked, watching as the berry slowly floated back into his open palm.
Sonia then placed her hand upon his, above the berry to make sure it didn’t roll off once more. “Just a little something that I can do” she said.
“Time manipulation?” he tilted his head slightly.
“Somewhat. But this isn’t something vast. I am of course proud and grateful to have this ability, but I don’t think there is that much that I can do with it” she explained.
As Rauru listened, he placed his free hand under his chin. “Interesting.”
“You like doing that, don’t you?”
“Do what?”
“That thing with your hand. You seem to be quite the thinker.”
“Well I am in fact thinking at the moment. Perhaps you can amplify these powers?”
“Perhaps I could” Sonia turned towards another tree.
“Hm… These need a little longer until they’re ripe.”
Rauru watched her and ate the berry. He remained within his thoughts.
Sonia turned around again, sensing that he was watching.
“If you’re going to stand there and watch, you might as well help me. These apples up there are quite hard to reach. I could fetch a ladder, but with those long arms of yours, it will be much swifter.” Sonia pointed at an apple tree that was close by.
Rauru blinked, as if he was just taken out of a trance. “Oh! Yes, of course, Sonia.”
Some time passed by and Sonia now had several baskets worth of fruit.
“Whew! That certainly made the process a lot easier! Thank you Rauru!”
“Of course Sonia. It is the least I could do, after that less than successful first introduction.”
“Don’t worry. I don’t hold any grudges. Not about things like that.”
They walked back to a carriage, to load the freshly picked goods.
“Well, I will be heading back to the temple soon. Perhaps bring some fruit to the others” Sonia told Rauru as they stood beside the carriage.
“Would it be too much of me to ask to take some with me for my sister? I bet she would enjoy them too” Rauru asked.
“Hm? Oh why not! I’m glad If I can make people happy with these. Do you happen to have a bag with you, or would you like to borrow a basket? You have to return it though!”
“Unfortunately I don’t think my small bag will fit that many fruits. Without getting squashed at least.”
“Oh no! We do not want that to happen, do we?” Sonia handed him a basket. “Take as much as you wish. There are plenty!” Her smile was warm and friendly. Typical for Sonia.
“That is very kind, thank you once more, Sonia.” Rauru proceeded to select some fruits, a bit of each kind and placed them into the basket.
“Do you have everything you need?” Sonia looked up at him.
“I do. Thank you. I should probably be off then, but I will certainly return.”
“Oh you have to return! I told you, that basket is borrowed! If I am not here, you will most likely find me at the temple of time. Or perhaps in the village. Either way, you’ll figure it out.”
“I’ll have to” Rauru laughed.
“Good! Then… see you then!” Sonia stepped to the front of the carriage and climbed onto her horse.
“See you then Sonia!” he waved as she began to leave.
After a few moments she looked back, seeing him still standing there. She couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Silly goat man” she muttered to herself, although she couldn’t stop smiling. Rauru waited until she was out of sight, before he left the scene.