The Maid with Starry Eyes

Blue’s control was slipping. He’d worked so hard, so carefully these many years to keep himself under control. As a fraction of the Hero, Blue, just like his brothers, was predisposed to act a certain way. Vio, the brains of the original, was cunning, quiet, and serious but also stubborn and set in his ways. Red was loving, vibrant, and happy, but weak when it came to battle and conflict. Blue…Blue was strong, fierce, loyal, but unfortunately was quick to anger.

When he was younger, less experienced, he had trouble controlling his temper. He would spiral out of control, lashing out at those around him. In his youth, this had been a problem. He’d nearly been declined entrance into the Knight Academy alongside Green and Vio. All his life he’d been watched and monitored closely by his father, as if he might snap at any moment.

Any actions out of line, even the slightest bit of anger was met with harsh penalty…even when it was Vio who lost control, Blue still suffered consequences. And so, the man had retrained himself. He’d worked hard to keep his feelings in check, to resist the urge to yell and fight unless he was on the battlefield…he had done well.

But this…

How could she?

“Yeah, I’ve heard quite a lot, actually.” Red said, unable to help his clipped tone. As much as he felt for her, and he did, he could not ignore the fact that she’d broken not one, but two of his brother’s hearts. The people he held dearest to him were suffering because of her. And that wasn’t something he could so easily forgive - even if he was no better. 

“I was stupid, They were both wonderful people who actually loved me.” she said, voice somewhat muffled from her hands, “I wasn’t sure what to do with that, I’ve never felt that way about anyone. I was scared that...if I was too hasty I would make the wrong decision. Ironic. Now everyone in this castle calls me a whore behind my back, making up stories, acting as if I was with both of them in the worst of imaginably repulsive of ways! Do you really think that I could be so vile??”

Mari choked back a small whimper, slowly leaning against the wall to keep herself standing. Despite facing the other direction, it was obvious she was starting to shake. “Gods it’s bad enough I can’t just quit this job and disappear from their lives forever so everyone could just forget I even existed and then maybe joke about the stupid girl named Mariette ten years from now when they’re all married and happy. I have to see glimpses of them every day, I have to constantly be interrogated, hear the same whispers, and be asked the same questions over and over and over!” she cried, just giving up and sinking down to the ground. “No one even cares about how I feel! How I feel about not being able to have meaningful talks with Vio everyday or how I feel about Blue running off to something stupid because of what I did! To everyone I’m nuisance, the princess was kind enough to try to keep me away from the brunt of it, but I’m sure it’s only because I’m a disruption to everyone else who works here-- I’m alone, don’t you get that?? I don’t have anyone who cares about me enough to ask me how I feel or give me advice! The only person I have in my life is my little brother and he’s too young for me to place this kind of burden on!”

Blue’s control was slipping. He’d worked so hard, so carefully these many years to keep himself under control. As a fraction of the Hero, Blue, just like his brothers, was predisposed to act a certain way. Vio, the brains of the original, was cunning, quiet, and serious but also stubborn and set in his ways. Red was loving, vibrant, and happy, but weak when it came to battle and conflict. Blue…Blue was strong, fierce, loyal, but unfortunately was quick to anger.

When he was younger, less experienced, he had trouble controlling his temper. He would spiral out of control, lashing out at those around him. In his youth, this had been a problem. He’d nearly been declined entrance into the Knight Academy alongside Green and Vio. All his life he’d been watched and monitored closely by his father, as if he might snap at any moment.

Any actions out of line, even the slightest bit of anger was met with harsh penalty…even when it was Vio who lost control, Blue still suffered consequences. And so, the man had retrained himself. He’d worked hard to keep his feelings in check, to resist the urge to yell and fight unless he was on the battlefield…he had done well.

But this…

How could she?

“I am sorry you had to see her,” Zelda murmured. “I was trying to-”

“No, it’s alright.” Vio sighed. “I am not so petty to hold her indecision against her. I mean…I suppose it stings. But I have had many partners…and it’s not like…I saw a future for us.”

“Yes you did.” 

Vio frowned, removing his glasses and rubbing the lenses against his cloak. “Perhaps. But that is moot now, isn’t it?”

“I suppose so. Still, I am sorry.”

“Don’t be. Still…” he frowned. “She’s worried about Blue…I think,” he sighed. “I think he left because he’s having a hard time. I didn’t realize just how invested they were in each other. I can’t help but feel I’ve ruined things.”

“It’s hardly your fault.”

“Perhaps.”

Zelda folded her hands, resting her lips against her knuckles. 

“Anyway, that is not the reason I had her leave. You said he took the Four Sword…well, I have bad news.” Vio murmured. “I think he took mine as well.”

Zelda raised her head, eyes wide. “He what?” She demanded. 

“Yes. I have checked. Mine is missing. I wouldn’t be surprised if he somehow managed to grab Green’s and Red’s, too, as they were stored together.”

“You’re joking. What is he planning?”

“The seal, remember? On the cave. Where Vaati must be…it’s definitely his magic, after all. He’s going to try and break it. He’s impulsive and he’s upset and I think…he wants to take out his frustration on something. So this was his plan. Either that, or he still doesn’t trust us not to try and return the sword when he is gone. Likely it’s both. But I know Blue…and if he’s reverting to his, ah, old ways…he’s trying to vent his frustration. He’s talked to me before…about slipping. And after he came back the other night injured, I imagine he’s having a hard time controlling himself. Thus the retreat…and the stupid ideas. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was drinking when he came up with this genius plan.”

“Then you have to get him back. Soon. Link will return soon with Theo and then you all should set out. I’ll send someone to have your horses readied. He could get himself killed. And, if word gets out that he’s done this, he could lose his rank. I….honestly should revoke the position. This is a breach of trust…but..” she sighed. “Demoting him would reveal the truth of the Four Sword to the public. And the truth behind these monster attacks…we cannot let anyone find out.”

“Don’t worry. We won’t. He can’t be far…Arrow’s fast, but not that fast. And once he gets to the mountains he would have to proceed on foot. My and Red’s magic can help us there.”

-

As the conversation proceeded inside, Red and Green proceeded down the hall, conversing quietly about the situation at hand. At least, until they spotted Mariette in the hall. 

“What are you doing out here?” Green asked, frowning. “Here. I’ll take my son. Why don’t you go and get some rest?” Green suggested, stooping to pick up his child, and then proceeding into the room with the others. 

Red, however, lingered in the hall. He looked down at the maid, face rather serious for the typically jovial baker. 

Blue’s control was slipping. He’d worked so hard, so carefully these many years to keep himself under control. As a fraction of the Hero, Blue, just like his brothers, was predisposed to act a certain way. Vio, the brains of the original, was cunning, quiet, and serious but also stubborn and set in his ways. Red was loving, vibrant, and happy, but weak when it came to battle and conflict. Blue…Blue was strong, fierce, loyal, but unfortunately was quick to anger.

When he was younger, less experienced, he had trouble controlling his temper. He would spiral out of control, lashing out at those around him. In his youth, this had been a problem. He’d nearly been declined entrance into the Knight Academy alongside Green and Vio. All his life he’d been watched and monitored closely by his father, as if he might snap at any moment.

Any actions out of line, even the slightest bit of anger was met with harsh penalty…even when it was Vio who lost control, Blue still suffered consequences. And so, the man had retrained himself. He’d worked hard to keep his feelings in check, to resist the urge to yell and fight unless he was on the battlefield…he had done well.

But this…

How could she?

“I just saw Green in the hall - he said you would explain to me what has been-” he paused, noticing Mariette. There was a slight hitch in his breath, a hesitation, before he went on. “Been going on? Blue is missing, is this true?” He asked. 

He would not even look at the maid. 

“Yes, it seems to be the case. Link is fetching Red as we speak and the three of you will go together to stop Blue before he does something reckless. Gods hope he hasn’t. He has taken his sword with him…” Zelda said, earning a puzzled look from Vio. 

“His sword? Why wouldn’t he-?” He cut off, realizing what Zelda meant. “Gods.” His voice was softer now. “Gods, I know where he is. I know exactly where he is.”

“Green seemed to know, too. Is it the barrier? Would he be stupid enough to-” Vio raised his hand, cutting the Princess off. It was then that he finally, finally looked to Mariette.

“Mariette.” He said, voice sharp. “If you could…give us a moment?” Vio asked, frowning down at her. He noticed the tears, the guilt-ridden expression. In his heart he knew the truth…he could see it plain on her face, how much Mari cared for her missing love. It just made his pain all the worse. Sighing he adjusted his glasses, lips thinning as he waited for the maid to remove herself from the room. 

Blue’s control was slipping. He’d worked so hard, so carefully these many years to keep himself under control. As a fraction of the Hero, Blue, just like his brothers, was predisposed to act a certain way. Vio, the brains of the original, was cunning, quiet, and serious but also stubborn and set in his ways. Red was loving, vibrant, and happy, but weak when it came to battle and conflict. Blue…Blue was strong, fierce, loyal, but unfortunately was quick to anger.

When he was younger, less experienced, he had trouble controlling his temper. He would spiral out of control, lashing out at those around him. In his youth, this had been a problem. He’d nearly been declined entrance into the Knight Academy alongside Green and Vio. All his life he’d been watched and monitored closely by his father, as if he might snap at any moment.

Any actions out of line, even the slightest bit of anger was met with harsh penalty…even when it was Vio who lost control, Blue still suffered consequences. And so, the man had retrained himself. He’d worked hard to keep his feelings in check, to resist the urge to yell and fight unless he was on the battlefield…he had done well.

But this…

How could she?

She sighed, nodding at Mariette’s question. “Yes, he was injured. But I am glad to know it was not you who decided to take his anger out on. He’s always had a temper, but it’s been quite some time since I’ve seen him lose control. I feared the worst, if I’m being quite honest.” She frowned. “You have such confidence in him,” Zelda noted. “But I suppose you would. You don’t know…” she trailed off, realizing perhaps she’d said too much. 

She brushed her hand across her desk, frowning at the dust she collected on her fingers. How was it already so filthy? Sighing, she looked back to Mariette. “Anyway, if you’re well enough, I do want you to stay and tend to my little one while I do some work. Perhaps we can talk some more throughout this week, if you would not mind? It may be nice to get your feelings sorted, as you are a member of my staff, I would hate for this incident to end in you feeling uncomfortable to work within the castle.”

-

And so Mariette would return the following day and the next, Zelda keeping the maid rather close. There was the occasional odd encounter with Vio in the halls but, it was nothing of consequence. The man had taken to avoiding Mariette as best he could, so Zelda was sure he was relieved that she had given him a new assistant. At least she hoped so. 

Zelda was at her desk, happy to be able to work (Mari was quite skilled with children, and little Rowan proved to be lest distracting than usual) and catch up on things she’d been missing. Though she did not have full control of Hyrule, as her Father still lived on, she still was swamped, helping him to manage the country. 

Her work would be disrupted though as, suddenly, the doors to her study burst open and in rushed Green - rumpled and out of breath. 

“What is it, dear?” Zelda asked immediately, surprised to see him. He was often in meetings and overseeing other things in the palace, busy as she, so what…what was he doing here in the middle of the day?

The panicked look on his face had her heart sinking.

“It’s Blue,” Green said, a bit too loudly. “Blue he’s…shit.”

“Link? What in the world? Did Vio and Blue…?”

“No, no. Nothing like that. Vio’s not involved but Blue’s gone.”

“What do you mean gone?” Zelda asked, puzzled.

“Missing! He’s…Gods, nobody has seen him all day. We think he left the other night. But he’s gone. His horse, and a fair amount of his stuff and his Four-” Green cut off, noticing only then that Mariette was in the room. He dared not finish his sentence…after all, only a select few knew of the Four Sword…and the fact that it was never returned to its pedestal. 

“What?!” Zelda demanded, standing. Fear and anger in her voice. “Why, why of all things would Blue take that? And where? Have we sent trackers after him? What in the world is going on!? Gods..” Zelda ran her fingers through her hair frustrated. “Is he just protecting it? How long is planning on being gone?”

“Based on what he took, it’s hard to say. But in his current emotional state..” Green couldn’t help but look at Mariette. Though he’d never met her, he’d heard plenty of stories. “I can guess where he might be going.”

“You and the others must go after him immediately. If anyone can bring him back it’s you three.”

“Three? Red, too?” 

“Yes. If he’s off to try and fight…” she trailed off. “Idiot. What an idiot!” 

“I’m sorry..” Green sighed. “I should’ve watched him.”

“No. You couldn’t have predicted this. Just…go. Bring him home, alright? Send Vio and Red my way when you have the chance.”

“Of course. I’ll tell Vio now, I’m sure he already knows.”

“I’m sure he does. I love you.” Zelda murmured.

“Love you, too. It’s going to be alright. We’ll get him back before he does something reckless.” 

Her thoughts were interrupted when Green burst into the room. Mari listened quietly with wide eyes as Green explained the situation, however, when he looked to her, she glanced away, guilt filling her heart again. She sunk at bit, though still rocking Rowan gently on her lap. More trouble caused by her. More inconvenience to the others. How much longer did this need to continue? How much more damage could she possible do with such a childish mistake? When she heard the door shut, she looked up again, though this time with tears in her eyes. Blue was missing and it was her fault. 

Blue’s control was slipping. He’d worked so hard, so carefully these many years to keep himself under control. As a fraction of the Hero, Blue, just like his brothers, was predisposed to act a certain way. Vio, the brains of the original, was cunning, quiet, and serious but also stubborn and set in his ways. Red was loving, vibrant, and happy, but weak when it came to battle and conflict. Blue…Blue was strong, fierce, loyal, but unfortunately was quick to anger.

When he was younger, less experienced, he had trouble controlling his temper. He would spiral out of control, lashing out at those around him. In his youth, this had been a problem. He’d nearly been declined entrance into the Knight Academy alongside Green and Vio. All his life he’d been watched and monitored closely by his father, as if he might snap at any moment.

Any actions out of line, even the slightest bit of anger was met with harsh penalty…even when it was Vio who lost control, Blue still suffered consequences. And so, the man had retrained himself. He’d worked hard to keep his feelings in check, to resist the urge to yell and fight unless he was on the battlefield…he had done well.

But this…

How could she?

“I must ask…by the way, there are rumors.” She paused. “Blue returned to the castle late in the evening and he was observed to have a bloodied hand. Forgive me for giving such a heinous fabrication such weight but…did he strike you at all, during the events of last night?” Zelda asked, examining Mariette closely - searching for any hint that she might be lying. 

“If so, I would suggest giving both brothers a wide berth…and,” she frowned. “If he did become violent, I would ask you tell us. Blue…has been known to have certain tendencies in the past so he must be carefully watched.” Zelda explained, wishing she could fully explain why she was truly concerned.

Blue’s control was slipping. He’d worked so hard, so carefully these many years to keep himself under control. As a fraction of the Hero, Blue, just like his brothers, was predisposed to act a certain way. Vio, the brains of the original, was cunning, quiet, and serious but also stubborn and set in his ways. Red was loving, vibrant, and happy, but weak when it came to battle and conflict. Blue…Blue was strong, fierce, loyal, but unfortunately was quick to anger.

When he was younger, less experienced, he had trouble controlling his temper. He would spiral out of control, lashing out at those around him. In his youth, this had been a problem. He’d nearly been declined entrance into the Knight Academy alongside Green and Vio. All his life he’d been watched and monitored closely by his father, as if he might snap at any moment.

Any actions out of line, even the slightest bit of anger was met with harsh penalty…even when it was Vio who lost control, Blue still suffered consequences. And so, the man had retrained himself. He’d worked hard to keep his feelings in check, to resist the urge to yell and fight unless he was on the battlefield…he had done well.

But this…

How could she?

They arrived soon in Zelda’s study, the woman crossing the room to relieve her guard, a Sheikah woman, from her child. 

“Mariette, I am not sure you have met him personally yet but this is Rowan.” She said, picking up the toddler, cradling him before she handed him off to the maid. “I have much work to do, so I cannot spend my time entertaining him.” She laughed, smiling at Mariette. “But…” she sat at her desk, studying the papers spread out there. “While I do need your assistance, you seem an intelligent woman. You must know there is more than one reason why I have brought you here. And no, do not worry, personal issues aside - you are valued on the staff. So you shall not be relieved of your position. But…I am not deaf to the rumors. And I have noticed that my brothers-in-law have been in a foul temper since last evening. I trust you may know why that is?” She studied Mariette a moment, before she sighed. 

Blue’s control was slipping. He’d worked so hard, so carefully these many years to keep himself under control. As a fraction of the Hero, Blue, just like his brothers, was predisposed to act a certain way. Vio, the brains of the original, was cunning, quiet, and serious but also stubborn and set in his ways. Red was loving, vibrant, and happy, but weak when it came to battle and conflict. Blue…Blue was strong, fierce, loyal, but unfortunately was quick to anger.

When he was younger, less experienced, he had trouble controlling his temper. He would spiral out of control, lashing out at those around him. In his youth, this had been a problem. He’d nearly been declined entrance into the Knight Academy alongside Green and Vio. All his life he’d been watched and monitored closely by his father, as if he might snap at any moment.

Any actions out of line, even the slightest bit of anger was met with harsh penalty…even when it was Vio who lost control, Blue still suffered consequences. And so, the man had retrained himself. He’d worked hard to keep his feelings in check, to resist the urge to yell and fight unless he was on the battlefield…he had done well.

But this…

How could she?

Zelda was smart enough to seek more answers. 

“So. you made a mistake.” Zelda said calmly, not looking up from her work. “But your world does not have to end because of it. And the way they treated you..the way you describe it - it was unfair of them. You know Red - or perhaps you call him Theo, still, he…has been involved in a similar situation before. Perhaps I should not be telling you this, but they sided with him in that…” she paused. “Though for Vio and Blue, they both, clearly, feel for you in some way. And you have captured their hearts…they are feeling the effects of that today…” she sighed quietly. 

“I do not feel it is good to have both brothers sulking or in a bad temper, so I would like to seek a solution to this…so I must ask you a bit of a difficult question. I…cannot say your relationships with them would be mended - but who would you have chosen. You say you love them both, but…” she trailed off. To her, it seemed one of the brothers was a mere infatuation…

Blue’s control was slipping. He’d worked so hard, so carefully these many years to keep himself under control. As a fraction of the Hero, Blue, just like his brothers, was predisposed to act a certain way. Vio, the brains of the original, was cunning, quiet, and serious but also stubborn and set in his ways. Red was loving, vibrant, and happy, but weak when it came to battle and conflict. Blue…Blue was strong, fierce, loyal, but unfortunately was quick to anger.

When he was younger, less experienced, he had trouble controlling his temper. He would spiral out of control, lashing out at those around him. In his youth, this had been a problem. He’d nearly been declined entrance into the Knight Academy alongside Green and Vio. All his life he’d been watched and monitored closely by his father, as if he might snap at any moment.

Any actions out of line, even the slightest bit of anger was met with harsh penalty…even when it was Vio who lost control, Blue still suffered consequences. And so, the man had retrained himself. He’d worked hard to keep his feelings in check, to resist the urge to yell and fight unless he was on the battlefield…he had done well.

But this…

How could she?

“Did he hit her?” One maid whispered as she passed. 

“No, Sir Barrett? He would never! Besides, I thought they were seeing each other?”

“That’s my point!”

“Did you see Master Emeryss though? He looked a mess. Perhaps he and Barrett fought!”

“Over someone like her? No way. You know how she gets around.”

“Shh, she’ll hear you!”

Conversations such as these occurred throughout the day, people whispering whenever any of the three involved passed by. Though, when Mariette slumped at the end of the hallway, tearful, only one person remained nearby. 

Zelda had been walking around the palace, and lady that she was, she was always in tune with the latest events. It was for this reason that she sought out the maid, hoping to spare Blue and Vio of her presence, as well as spare the maid of having to wander the halls and listen to the rumors. 

The Princess (not yet Queen due to her father’s hold on the throne) found the maid rather easily, sighing as she saw the girl collapsed - a mess - just outside Vio’s office. She stopped and studied the maid, before she stooped and held out a hand. 

Blue’s control was slipping. He’d worked so hard, so carefully these many years to keep himself under control. As a fraction of the Hero, Blue, just like his brothers, was predisposed to act a certain way. Vio, the brains of the original, was cunning, quiet, and serious but also stubborn and set in his ways. Red was loving, vibrant, and happy, but weak when it came to battle and conflict. Blue…Blue was strong, fierce, loyal, but unfortunately was quick to anger.

When he was younger, less experienced, he had trouble controlling his temper. He would spiral out of control, lashing out at those around him. In his youth, this had been a problem. He’d nearly been declined entrance into the Knight Academy alongside Green and Vio. All his life he’d been watched and monitored closely by his father, as if he might snap at any moment.

Any actions out of line, even the slightest bit of anger was met with harsh penalty…even when it was Vio who lost control, Blue still suffered consequences. And so, the man had retrained himself. He’d worked hard to keep his feelings in check, to resist the urge to yell and fight unless he was on the battlefield…he had done well.

But this…

How could she?

The man watched her before he walked a few paces in the opposing direction…though he didn’t get far before he cried out again, and swung his fist once more - hitting a nearby tree. The branches shook and trembled, loose leaves fluttering to the ground. 

The night turned into a sleepless one. Still, in the morning, she got up to go to work. Put on her uniform, kissed a sleeping Tauny on the head and left. Dread hovered over her, but there was one thing preventing her from just curling up in a hole somewhere and it was her little brother. He needed her. She had to work to make sure he could be comfortable. Still, she walked the path towards the castle, practically dragging her feet. It was nice when Blue would come in the morning to save her the walk, but now...

Blue’s control was slipping. He’d worked so hard, so carefully these many years to keep himself under control. As a fraction of the Hero, Blue, just like his brothers, was predisposed to act a certain way. Vio, the brains of the original, was cunning, quiet, and serious but also stubborn and set in his ways. Red was loving, vibrant, and happy, but weak when it came to battle and conflict. Blue…Blue was strong, fierce, loyal, but unfortunately was quick to anger.

When he was younger, less experienced, he had trouble controlling his temper. He would spiral out of control, lashing out at those around him. In his youth, this had been a problem. He’d nearly been declined entrance into the Knight Academy alongside Green and Vio. All his life he’d been watched and monitored closely by his father, as if he might snap at any moment.

Any actions out of line, even the slightest bit of anger was met with harsh penalty…even when it was Vio who lost control, Blue still suffered consequences. And so, the man had retrained himself. He’d worked hard to keep his feelings in check, to resist the urge to yell and fight unless he was on the battlefield…he had done well.

But this…

How could she?

“Okay...” was all she could manage to say, trying to breathe, trying to think. It all felt wrong, as if this was not what fate had intended for them. “You...You don’t have to tolerate me...anymore. I’m sorry...I...I’ll just leave you alone, if that’s...what you want.” She was so weak. A stupid weak little girl who was too afraid to take a chance and lost the game. Mariette took a few steps backwards, towards the darkness that lead home. “Goodbye Blue.”

Blue’s control was slipping. He’d worked so hard, so carefully these many years to keep himself under control. As a fraction of the Hero, Blue, just like his brothers, was predisposed to act a certain way. Vio, the brains of the original, was cunning, quiet, and serious but also stubborn and set in his ways. Red was loving, vibrant, and happy, but weak when it came to battle and conflict. Blue…Blue was strong, fierce, loyal, but unfortunately was quick to anger.

When he was younger, less experienced, he had trouble controlling his temper. He would spiral out of control, lashing out at those around him. In his youth, this had been a problem. He’d nearly been declined entrance into the Knight Academy alongside Green and Vio. All his life he’d been watched and monitored closely by his father, as if he might snap at any moment.

Any actions out of line, even the slightest bit of anger was met with harsh penalty…even when it was Vio who lost control, Blue still suffered consequences. And so, the man had retrained himself. He’d worked hard to keep his feelings in check, to resist the urge to yell and fight unless he was on the battlefield…he had done well.

But this…

How could she?

All the damage she had done, to him and his brother. How could one woman so thoroughly destroy two relationships in the course of one evening? 

“Why lead him on, or were you leading me on?” He asked, he was yelling no more, but his voice was low - threatening. All the suppressed rage of years of careful control was finally coming to the surface - all at once. In his head, in the small rational part he had left, he knew that he didn’t want this. Mariette…he knew, he knew she hadn’t meant harm. How could she? She wasn’t a twisted person…but right now, rage clouded judgement. The pain of heartbreak warped into boiling anger that showed in his red face and shaking body.

Blue’s control was slipping. He’d worked so hard, so carefully these many years to keep himself under control. As a fraction of the Hero, Blue, just like his brothers, was predisposed to act a certain way. Vio, the brains of the original, was cunning, quiet, and serious but also stubborn and set in his ways. Red was loving, vibrant, and happy, but weak when it came to battle and conflict. Blue…Blue was strong, fierce, loyal, but unfortunately was quick to anger.

When he was younger, less experienced, he had trouble controlling his temper. He would spiral out of control, lashing out at those around him. In his youth, this had been a problem. He’d nearly been declined entrance into the Knight Academy alongside Green and Vio. All his life he’d been watched and monitored closely by his father, as if he might snap at any moment.

Any actions out of line, even the slightest bit of anger was met with harsh penalty…even when it was Vio who lost control, Blue still suffered consequences. And so, the man had retrained himself. He’d worked hard to keep his feelings in check, to resist the urge to yell and fight unless he was on the battlefield…he had done well.

But this…

How could she?

All the damage she had done, to him and his brother. How could one woman so thoroughly destroy two relationships in the course of one evening? 

“Why lead him on, or were you leading me on?” He asked, he was yelling no more, but his voice was low - threatening. All the suppressed rage of years of careful control was finally coming to the surface - all at once. In his head, in the small rational part he had left, he knew that he didn’t want this. Mariette…he knew, he knew she hadn’t meant harm. How could she? She wasn’t a twisted person…but right now, rage clouded judgement. The pain of heartbreak warped into boiling anger that showed in his red face and shaking body.

Blue’s control was slipping. He’d worked so hard, so carefully these many years to keep himself under control. As a fraction of the Hero, Blue, just like his brothers, was predisposed to act a certain way. Vio, the brains of the original, was cunning, quiet, and serious but also stubborn and set in his ways. Red was loving, vibrant, and happy, but weak when it came to battle and conflict. Blue…Blue was strong, fierce, loyal, but unfortunately was quick to anger.

When he was younger, less experienced, he had trouble controlling his temper. He would spiral out of control, lashing out at those around him. In his youth, this had been a problem. He’d nearly been declined entrance into the Knight Academy alongside Green and Vio. All his life he’d been watched and monitored closely by his father, as if he might snap at any moment.

Any actions out of line, even the slightest bit of anger was met with harsh penalty…even when it was Vio who lost control, Blue still suffered consequences. And so, the man had retrained himself. He’d worked hard to keep his feelings in check, to resist the urge to yell and fight unless he was on the battlefield…he had done well.

But this…

How could she?

“Oh,” Blue said, nodding, before he lowered his gaze and sipped his tea. He snuck a curious glance at Tauny, watching as the boy made various hand signs, seeming to ask his sister for something. Blue was glad she translated.