Louise's Archive

I see the appeal of "opposites attract" and "grumpy x sunshine" pairings, but I have a bit of a fascination with "despite outward appearances, they are extremely alike in a way that allows them to understand each other at a deeper level." Bonus points if the ways that they're alike make it hard for them to get together.

So the first reason I ship Ivy and Zelkov is because they’re very similar in personality. They both use a cold exterior to mask the extreme emotions they feel. They’re standoffish, guarded, incredibly awkward at times, a little too blunt, a lot traumatized. Both of them have supports where the support partner completely misinterprets their intentions because Ivy and Zelkov are so bad at expressing themselves (and look scary). 

"Devoted to you" and "my passion sustains me" (one of their selection quotes, if you weren’t sure) reveal a core piece of their characters. They both depend on something outside themselves to give them peace of mind and the strength to keep going. For Ivy, this is her faith in the Divine Dragon, and for Zelkov, it’s his work and pursuits. They can both be pretty obsessive about these things.

But what if it was Zelkov that Ivy was devoted to, and Ivy was Zelkov’s passion?

That brings us to ~*the drama*~. There are so many different directions to take their relationship in (and I have). At the most basic, there is a Pride and Prejudice-esque love story where they get over their initial misunderstanding of each other to see their good qualities. There’s the idea of them helping each other heal from their trauma because they understand each other so well. There’s also the bodyguard romance angle (which I’m weak for). Zelkov has a duty to care for Ivy, and with him hardly realizing it, it changes into love. (I want you to go watch their A support right now and listen to the way he says "I would die for you, my liege... and gladly.) Ivy can’t help but fall for the man who cares for her so well. But of course they can’t just tell each other about their feelings, so we get all the wonderful pining and yearning thinking their feelings are unrequited. Both of them hate the idea of falling in love because they're terrified of vulnerability. We get “I hate that I love you” or “Why did it have to be you?” which can tie into ~*forbidden romance*~. Their different backgrounds and social status make a public relationship between them nearly impossible (I know in Fire Emblem generally anyone can marry anyone, but it just strikes me as unrealistic that Ivy and Zelkov could get married with no pushback. He’s a former assassin, a criminal, even if he was presumably pardoned by King Hyacinth.) So you can have all the fun and angst of carrying on a secret affair.

And as I said above, they’re both deeply emotional people behind their façades. They’re passionate, they’re obsessive. I don’t think either of them could love a “normal” amount. It’s my opinion that they’re the only ones who could love each other equally. As in, he’s the only one who could love her as much as she loves him, and vice versa. And because I love both these characters so much, I want them to be with someone who will match their freak.

A few facts

His birthday is August 2nd. He’s 6’1”. His hobby is listed as “everything,” but he specifically likes reading, cooking, and sewing. His talents are “medicine and mystery.” His favorite foods are mostly carbs and potatoes. He hates being in the sun/heat and finds it exhausting. He carves a statue of Alear on the Somniel. The Ally Notebook describes his personality as “Meticulous and multitalented. Speaks in a *mysterious* way. Pursues activities passionately. Strong nurturing instinct.” I might add “extremely depressed, melodramatic, perfectionist workaholic.” So let’s break that down.

What’s his deal? The first thing you notice is that he emphasizes seemingly random words in his speech (also he never uses contractions). Why? For fun. As he says to Alear, “I may speak in a way that *suggests* a deeper meaning, but rarely is that actually the case. It is simply another way of “killing time.” Idle *amusement*, nothing more.” He also does it to appear more mysterious. The second thing you notice is his hobbies. Why does he have so many hobbies? To give him a reason to live. Again, as he says to Alear, “Once my work is done each day, I fill my evenings with these varied *pursuits*. As I *enjoy* them, I am always mindful to leave something unfinished for the next day. That ensures I always have a project. A reason to *continue* living.” He describes something as being “*fatally* boring.” With anyone else you would think it’s hyperbole, but with Zelkov you kind of wonder.

Additionally, he is a master at all his hobbies, as you see in many of his supports (such as Amber’s) or else he will work tirelessly until he does master it (as in Clanne’s). Of course he’s just as (if not more) serious about his job. As he tells Roy, “Our training begins now, Roy. It ends only when my body *collapses* from exhaustion.” He’s a perfectionist. He tells Camilla, “The thought of *failure* fills me with dread.” If he has to be healed frequently in battle, he’ll say, “That I should suffer so many *injuries* in battle is positively humiliating…”

The next thing you notice is his “strong nurturing instinct.” It’s particularly obvious when he’s interacting with children like Jean and Anna, and also Emblems that he thinks of as children, such as Tiki and Veronica. This often manifests as him giving them things (he also gives gifts to Ivy and Kagetsu). It’s most obvious in his support with Citrinne where he flips out about a bird he raised leaving the nest (he literally asks how he can keep living and is not over it by the end of the support chain), and then she asks him to write letters of advice to people struggling.

One of his characteristics that is less noticeable, but still very present if you look, is his lack of self worth. He calls himself a wretch in his support with Jean. He considers himself to be a bad influence on Alear. At Florra Mill Town he says, “Quite an *idyllic* scene, this. Someone like me is as wrong for this place as battle.” Most blatant is his bond conversation with Corrin. He says, “I have killed many people. So many, in fact, that I sometimes feel *violence* is all I am good for.” Corrin says, “If that were true, you would be a fundamentally bad person. I don’t think that’s the case.” He replies, “Your words are comforting, but I am afraid that is *precisely* the kind of person I am.” 

Now, as much as I’ve emphasized what a sweetheart he is, he can absolutely be ice cold. He’s not afraid to say exactly what he thinks (albeit very politely) in a cold, impersonal way as you can see in his support with Ivy. On the way back to Elusia, he says, “I have no issue with cutting down anyone in the Elusian army now. Not even the *familiar* faces.” In the DLC, he tells Fell Ivy, “I will end you now, and I will feel nothing.” (After she says that he can die for her again.)

There’s a reason why a lot of people start out scared of him. It doesn’t seem like he quite realizes this though. He doesn’t understand why Kagetsu thinks he dislikes him, and has to ask Yunaka about the impression he gives. Yunaka gives a good rundown. She says, “You’ve got the same killer instinct I do. It practically oozes from your pores. Like slime!” She describes his eyes as ice cold and calculating, and goes on to say, “Normal people don’t go around evaluating what folks’ lives are worth. That’s an assassin thing. You’re always probing for weaknesses too. Considering vectors of attack, right?” If he throws himself so entirely into his hobbies, you can imagine how intense he was about training to be an assassin. Which leads us to…

His history

The Ally Notebook tells us “From a wealthy family in a forest town of Elusia. Parents and younger brother were murdered by bandits.” In the Japanese version, it’s specified that his brother was his twin. We also learn from Jean’s support that Zelkov’s mother was a physician. It’s because of her he knows so much about medicine. We don’t know how old he was when his family was murdered, but he says that his mother has been dead for more than a decade. He swore revenge (he calls it his first pursuit) and became an assassin. He tells Alear, “A decade ago, my efforts bore their last fruit. All my family’s killers were vanquished.” If we’re considering his datamined age (28) to be accurate, that would put him at 18 when he accomplished his revenge. He continues to tell Alear that, “Once I had achieved my end, I suddenly became aware that I had nothing left. No purpose. It was King Hyacinth who rescued me, quite by chance. I was selected to join the royal guard. Then I was promoted to retainer, and that purpose has sustained me in large part since.” We don't know exactly how long he's been Ivy's retainer (although I have theories), but we know he was there before Kagetsu. (As an aside, Zelkov was able to defeat Kagetsu, so we know that Zelkov's a better fighter than Diamant who could only fight Kagetsu to a draw. /jk… mostly). Anyway, it’s clear that he fears his life lacks a purpose, and he uses his hobbies to fill that void. Now let’s talk a minute about…

His purpose

It’s being Ivy’s retainer, currently. He says as much in that quote above, but it’s reiterated multiple times. Edelgard tells him, “I’m glad you work hard for Princess Ivy’s sake, but be sure to take care of yourself as well.” He replies. “My duty *preoccupies* me. That is all the care I require.” In his conversation with Marth, he says, “The loss of my family left me with an emptiness that not even *revenge* was able to fill… Fighting for Princess Ivy gives me *relief.*” To Ivy herself, he says, “Princess Ivy, I hope you know I *enjoy* my work. In fact, when I have a task before me, it is my way to *immerse* myself in it entirely. In those times, and *only* those times, my mind is truly at peace. So long as I am your retainer, so long as there is *work* to do… I have a purpose. That is how deeply I appreciate working for you.” (I think people tend to take their support chain at face value that they dislike each other, when it’s much more complex than that, but that’s a whole post on its own.)

Although being Ivy’s retainer is currently his purpose, the fear of not having one in the future is still something that occupies his mind, hence all the hobbies. His ending card says that he later founded an orphanage.

In Conclusion

So what we have here is a man who has no sense of self worth who believes his life is meaningless. Despite all the kind and caring things he does for everyone around him, he thinks he’s only fit for violence. He ponders with Sigurd whether his revenge was just, and comments on Yunaka’s lack of regrets in a way that implies to me that he does have regrets. He’s desperately searching for a purpose, but in the meantime uses his hobbies to fill all his free time so that he doesn’t have to think about all the terrible things that he’s experienced. And speaking of which, his “superlative” in the Ally Notebook is that he sleeps the least of any ally. This is because, as he tells Tiki, “Old *nightmares* preclude me from proper sleep. I only dare to nap.” 

But for real, most of his supports are pretty funny.

I think a lot of people would want to be Zelkov's friend; it just depends on the level to which he would open up to them. I think he would have a nice, friendly relationship with the kids, Anna and Jean, as well as Boucheron and Clanne. He would be closer with Alear, Amber and Citrinne. After all, Amber invites him to meet his family after the war, and Zelkov tells Citrinne that her friendship is important to him.

I think with both Louis and Yunaka, Zelkov could connect with them on a deeper level. They're all extremely perceptive people. They have experiences in their pasts that allow them to relate to each other.

However, if by friend, you mean someone that Zelkov would go to for help or advice about things like emotional issues, I think it would only be Kagetsu. Why not Louis or Yunaka (I hear you asking)? Because the two of them have their own issues.

They're very closed off about their own emotions. This is super obvious with Yunaka. She's hiding everything from everyone. In their support, she and Zelkov both specifically avoid talking about the pain of their past. I do think they could eventually come around to sharing these things, but I still can't see Zelkov taking his problems to Yunaka. He wouldn't want to weigh her down with his problems when she's trying to forget the past and look to the future. (I'm sure she wouldn't feel that way, but TBH she probably wouldn't be much help with emotional issues anyway.)

Louis is always taking care of others and focusing on their happiness so that he can experience it vicariously. He minimizes his own worth and needs. If Zelkov told Louis about some sort of issue he was having, Louis would take it as a problem that needed to be solved and feel bad if he couldn't solve it. Zelkov, with his own issues of minimizing his worth and needs, would not want to burden someone else with his problems.

Kagetsu, on the other hand, for the most part doesn't have issues? He is completely open with his emotions. Happy, sad, angry, whatever, he's very upfront and honest with telling people how he feels. Once Zelkov gets used to the idea that Kagetsu truly wants to be his friend, I think this openness would gradually encourage him to reciprocate. (Also, Kagetsu would probably be all up in Zelkov's business regardless.) Zelkov would see the ease with which Kagetsu handles his emotions and communicates them. Kagetsu wouldn't take Zelkov's emotions onto himself. He would just help him process them.

And maybe you'll think this is strange, but that's one of the biggest reason that I can't ship the two of them. Zelkov needs that friendship and support outside of a romantic relationship. Your romantic partner can't be your sole source of emotional support. I think a close platonic friend is vital for his emotional wellbeing, and Kagetsu is the one most able to provide what he needs.

It seems like a lot of people watch Ivy and Zelkov's C support and go "I guess they hate each other for no reason" and don't consider it more than that. They're both very emotionally closed off people, so they can never just say what they mean. (These are the only two that, when engaged with Sigurd, replace the word "love" with "feeling" in "If this love is a crime...") You have to read between the lines a bit to catch the shifts in their dynamic. I wrote about my interpretation of their support chain here and how the whole reason Ivy dislikes Zelkov is because she thinks he doesn't like her (and she really wants him to like her). But there are a few other things I'd like to highlight from their supports.

Ivy is the only one who ever gives Zelkov a gift. (Put a pin in that thought.) Zelkov frequently makes and gives things to other people, but Ivy is the only one we see reciprocate. In return for the headache medicine, she gives him a paintbrush which shows that she's made an effort to learn about his interests.

The only time I can think of where Zelkov is at a loss for words is when Ivy praises him. When she says that she respects him for his honesty, (And taking into consideration her upbringing, it's easy to imagine why honesty would be so important to her) it goes like this: Ivy: […] I admit I appreciate your honesty. Many in your position would flatter or lie. You speak your mind. I respect that. Zelkov: I, uh… Ivy: Did you… have something more to say? [Note that she is making an embarrassed, hands covering her cheeks gesture here.] Zelkov: Apologies, Princess Ivy. The sentiment merely surprised me. I will take my leave and attend to my other duties. Rest well.

I mean I guess you could come up with reasons why this exchange is platonic, but like... Zelkov: I hope you will never hesitate to delegate any task to me. I would die for you, my liege, and gladly. Ivy: Gladly? Despite your lack of fond feelings toward me? Zelkov: My feelings… may have changed. [Then of course he immediately backpedals.] I now think of you as an acceptable liege.

I will never get over the way he says "I would die for you..."

Should I bring up the fact that Zelkov considers serving Ivy to be his (current) purpose in life? "So long as I am your retainer, so long as there is work to do… I have a purpose."

Let's move on to the main game itself when we first meet the Ivy Trio as enemies. In both of Zelkov's retreat quotes he talks about returning to Ivy. In chapter 9 when Ivy stays to fight Alear despite assuming it will mean her death, she gives him and Kagetsu the opportunity to leave. Zelkov makes the conscious decision to stay with her. He chooses to defend her knowing that he will most likely die because of it. Of course Kagetsu does too (and we love him for it), but right off the bat we see that Ivy cares enough about her retainers to let them go, and they stay because they care about her. Zelkov is with Ivy because he chooses to be.

I don't know how common this is with other lord/retainer pairs, but Zelkov brings Ivy up in conversation multiple times. After chapter 19 his Somniel quote is "The spectacle at Givre Port was disturbing even to me. I am concerned for Princess Ivy." When you return to Elusia Castle, his exploration quote is "The castle has become quite a lonely place. I am concerned about the effect on my liege." In his bond conversation with Marth he says "Fighting for Princess Ivy gives me relief [from emptiness]."

Half of Zelkov's A support with Kagetsu is them talking about Ivy and Zelkov as a unit. Ivy also asks Zelkov to paint the portrait of the three of them, so it's easy to imagine it happening after their own A support. All of Kagetsu's A support could be taken as platonic but Ivy and Zelkov clearly have built up some kind of close relationship where he is aware of her thoughts and feelings.

Now let's move on the the Fell Xenologue. I've talked about it before, but there is a special dialogue between Zelkov and Fell Ivy that's very different between the original Japanese and English translation. You can read the whole comparison here. (And if anyone can confirm this is an accurate translation I would love it.) In the English version, Fell Ivy calls him her "favorite retainer" and says they'll have to catch up after the battle. In the Japanese version it goes something like this: Fell Ivy: Zelkov!? Ah… It can’t be… If this is a dream let me not wake. If this is a spell then don’t let it break! To think I could see the retainer I love so much once again. Come, you can indulge in my beauty and give me all your love just like before! Zelkov: What on earth…? Did Princess Ivy just say she loves me…? It appears the two of you had a dizzyingly sweet relationship, but I move based on the orders from my own world’s Princess Ivy. I can’t listen to your requests. So Fell Ivy and her Zelkov were in a relationship, and our Zelkov does not react like a man who hates the idea. "Dizzyingly sweet..."

Most recently (which is what kind of inspired me to finally make this post) we have the paralogue in Fire Emblem Heroes where Ivy and Zelkov interact. You can find a transcript here. The most relevant part is after Zelkov gives a (very thoughtful) present to Camilla. Ivy: It is considerate of you. What made you think of such a thing, Zelkov? Zelkov: It is only natural, as a servant to my master, to show the utmost respect for the Hero beside Lady Ivy. Alfred: Don't worry, Princess Ivy, it looks like he also has a present for you! I saw it alongside a gift for Kagetsu. Zelkov: Prince Alfred, is it time to go for a run? I will run alongside you, so let us depart posthaste. Alfred: Uh, I didn't plan on it, but—Hey! Quit pulling me, Zelkov! Ivy: Hm… Camilla: It seems it's just the two of us now. You must be looking forward to a gift from your loyal servant. Ivy: I think nothing of it. Though, I suppose I should prepare something for him in return. So Zelkov gives Camilla a gift just because she's with Ivy. Alfred at least seems to interpret Ivy's reaction as jealousy. When he points out that Zelkov got a present for her too, Zelkov gets really embarrassed and runs off, whereas he had been totally fine giving Camilla hers. Then when Camilla says Ivy must be looking forward to the gift, she replies "I think nothing of it." The only two reasons I can think of for that reply is that she hates him for no apparent reason or she has feelings that she doesn't want to express. (If you can think of a third explanation let me know.) Then, she says "I suppose I should prepare something for him in return." Once again, Ivy is the only one who thinks of giving Zelkov a gift.

Having this be voice acted would probably make the intention clearer, but even trying my best to be objective, it's hard for me to see a non-shippy reason why Zelkov would run off when he's usually confident in talking to people. And Ivy's response is either ice cold or a coverup. I don't know how canon people take FEH to be, but it still feels like someone was implying some romantic feelings to me.

Could some of this have a completely platonic explanation? Yes. Does it matter if my ship is "canonical?" Not at all. (I ship them based on their personalities and drama potential, which I could do it's own post on) But taken all together, there's enough implication there for me to think that someone at IS is shipping them, and I thank that person.