A Hidden Kindness

WARNING: There's some PHYSICAL VIOLENCE in this chapter

3963 words

It was a crisp, fall day in late November. Rabia had a day off so she was spending it at home outside in the garden with her mother. She was sitting outside in a hoodie with a blanket across her lap, playing her flute. Petra was harvesting some winter vegetables when she noticed Finn on the sidewalk.

“Oh! Mrs. Henderson!” he called, waving to her.

“Hi Finn!” she responded.

“You’re looking lovely today!” he chirped. “Have you seen Rabia around? I asked if she wanted to get together today, but she didn’t respond to my text.”

“Oh, she’s right around back in the garden!” Petra said. “Come on in, she won’t mind. She’s just practicing her flute.” Finn smiled as she let him in.

“Thank you,” he said. He made his way down the garden path, following the flute music. He leaned against a nearby tree, watching her from afar for a moment. She set her flute down in her lap with a sigh, and he approached her. She caught sight of him and immediately stood, nearly knocking her music stand over.

“What do you want?” she snipped. He smiled.

“You never gave me an answer; would you like to come with me for lunch?” She frowned.

“As much as I’d hate that, I have plans with my boyfriend already.”

“Your boyfriend?” Finn asked. Her eyes turned icy.

“Yes, Lord Vaati,” she crouched down to scoop up her fallen music.

“Lord who?” he asked. She glowered at him.

“I have to go get ready for our date. Excuse me.” She gathered up her things and went inside, locking the door behind her. She showered and straightened her hair, then picked a nice orange dress with some white leggings. After applying a light amount of makeup, she grabbed her phone and left. She made sure Duke was fed and watered before the long journey.

A few hours later, she was outside the valley entrance where she was accosted by a few guards while she was stripping off her leggings. The closest jabbed at her with a spear, her eyes narrowed.

“State your business,” she demanded. She leaned back, her eyes wide.

“Uhhh… I have a date?” she said. The guard frowned.

“Your date is a member of this tribe?” She nodded. “What is the name?” Rabia hesitated.

“...Ganondorf?” she gulped. The other guards narrowed their eyes as well, but stepped aside and let her pass. She galloped along toward the fortress, and once she was out of earshot the guards turned to their captain.

“Notify Nabooru immediately,” she ordered. They nodded, and one of the guards headed toward the desert after Rabia. Rabia continued past the fortress and into Ganondorf’s house. The faint sound of the organ reached her ears as she approached, and she dismounted Duke with a smile. She pat the horse gently as he trotted off to join the other horses and went inside, going up the spiral stairs on the right to his music room. She stepped just inside the doorframe and knocked lightly.

“Ganondorf?” He came to a stop and whirled around to face her with a smile.

“I was wondering when you were going to show up,” he said. He stood and walked over to her and brought her into a tight embrace. She laughed and kissed his cheek.

“I missed you too!” she smiled. “I got a little held up by… well, it doesn’t matter.” He brought her to a nearby sitting room and showed her to a seat. He sat close to her.

“I like your dress,” he commented, touching the hem. She flushed.

“Oh, thanks…” she smiled shyly. He took her hand in his.

“There was something I wanted to talk to you about,” he started. She paused, then nodded. “I really wish for us to be together, but… it feels almost secret. Wouldn’t you like to be official?” She blinked.

“O-Official? What do you mean?” Rabia tilted her head.

“I would love to say you are my girlfriend. Do you not feel the same way?” She shifted, crossing her ankles and licking her lips.

“Okay, Ganondorf, I have to be honest with you… nobody even knows that we’re seeing each other,” she sighed. He frowned.

“What do you mean?” he questioned.

“My dad didn’t really, uh… approve of this… so I’ve kinda been sneaking out to see you…” she trailed off. “Cause I really like you….” He stared in his lap, his brow furrowed.

“Oh….” There was a silence. “I guess maybe we aren’t on the same page then.” He drew his hand from hers. “Would you like something to drink?” She shifted closer to him.

“What page do you want to be on…?” Rabia asked.

“Well… I’d like to be with you. I didn’t know you hadn’t told anyone about us. Are you… uncomfortable with others knowing?”

“No… I’m not uncomfortable with that,” she said to him. “I’d actually… prefer it…” He looked at her.

“Oh… but… what?” He blinked. “What do… so you would like to make it official?”

“Yeah, I would,” she smiled. He smiled back and leaned in to kiss her. She kissed back. He wrapped his arms around her lovingly.

“I’m so glad,” he admitted. She giggled and continued to kiss him. The door swung open and bounced hard off the wall. They both turned their heads, cheeks flushed, to look at the intruders. Nabooru bounded into the room followed by her troupe of guards. The fire in her eyes bored through them. She grabbed Rabia roughly by the back of her dress and pulled her up.

“What is she doing here again?” she roared. Ganondorf shot up from his seat.

“You have no business here, you rat,” he hissed.

“I’ll make sure to let you choose where we bury her,” she retorted. Rabia tried to pry herself from Nabooru’s grip, but to no avail. Ganondorf growled.

“Since when do you take the second-in-command’s orders over the king’s?” he yelled at the other guards. They shrunk away toward the door. “Leave!” They cowered and scattered from the room. Ganondorf slammed Nabooru’s arm into the wall, and she released Rabia. Rabia jumped back out of their way. The two glared at each other. “Get out.” She gave a short laugh.

“Gladly. I’ll take your friend with me though. She has no right to be here.”

“And what right do you have to be here? You’re lucky I don’t banish you. When do you ever listen to your king?” She rolled her eyes.

“You’re not my king,” she spat. “I would never bow to the likes of you. You only care about yourself.” He grabbed her by the throat and lifted her from the ground.

“Watch your tongue,” he warned. She clawed at his arms, trying to escape from his grip. She struggled to breathe in his grasp.

“G-Ganondorf! Let her go!” Rabia tugged at him. He hesitated, then dropped Nabooru to the ground. She gasped for air weakly below him.

“Take her to the dungeons,” he ordered a nearby guard. The guard timidly took Nabooru and left the room. Rabia stared at him.

“Should I go…?” she asked. He turned to her.

“No! She won’t bother you anymore,” he said. He approached her, but she took a small step back. He stopped and frowned. “...what’s wrong?” She looked away.

“That was… interesting,” she said.

“She has an issue with authority,” he shrugged. He walked over to her and went to wrap his arms around her again. She ducked away uncomfortably. He stopped once more. “Why are you running from me?” She avoided eye contact.

“I’m not… I just… I would love some tea!” she lied. He blinked before he nodded.

“Okay, I’ll be back in just a second,” he said. He left the room. Rabia took a deep breath and sat back down, smoothing out her skirt. Her hands trembled, so she tucked them under her thighs. She took a few more deep breaths until she felt evened out and smiled a little when Ganondorf came back.

“Thank you,” she said softly when he handed her the tea. He smiled at her. “Your birthday must be coming up soon, right?” she asked. He nodded.

“Yeah… December 16th,” he answered. She hummed.

“What do you wanna do?” Rabia asked. “I mean, it’ll be winter so it’ll be cold… We could go ice skating on Lake Hylia, build snowmen or snow forts, go on a sleigh ride…” she bit her lip. “Those don’t sound exciting at all, do they?” He chuckled.

“Here in the valley we usually have a big celebration for my birthday,” he smiled. “It starts on Sunday and lasts the whole week. There’s also no snow,” he winked. “Would you like to come? It’s a tradition here.” Rabia bit her lip.

“A whole week? I want to but… I don’t know if I can get away for a whole week.” she looked away uncomfortably.

“It would mean a lot to me,” Ganondorf said gently, placing a hand on her cheek and turning her back towards him. Rabia’s eyes softened.

“I’ll be here for your birthday,” she promised. “I’ll see what I can do about the rest of the week.” He smiled brightly and kissed her lips.

~ VAATISPURPLEBUTTVAATISPURPLEBUTTVAATISPURPLEBUTT ~

It was two days before Ganondorf’s birthday celebration started and Rabia still needed to get him a gift, but she was at a loss. She didn’t know what he’d want, or what he already had, and she wanted the gift to be special. She huffed and paced around her room, trying to think back on their time together. Her mind wandered back to their first date and she smiled. Rabia got dressed and headed out. She didn’t have to hurry, but she couldn’t dawdle. The bookstore closed early most nights, and the sun was already starting to set.

“Rabia, hon, where are you going?” her mother called.

“I’m just running to the bookstore real quick. I’ll be back soon,” Rabia said. She left the house quickly and walked into town. The streets were quiet as most people were in their homes. She didn’t notice Finn, who had been lurking in the shadows of her front gate. He followed swiftly and silently, keeping out of sight as he was dogged by a shadow that was too large and distinctly not his own. Rabia hummed to herself as she navigated the cobblestone streets, avoided patches of ice and snow expertly, and entered a tiny shop. The bell on the door tinkled gently as she walked in and the door closed with a thump.

The fogged windows didn’t allow a clear view to spy from, so Finn slipped into an alleyway while he waited for Rabia to reappear. Once he was hidden behind a snowbank, the shadow slowly morphed into a physical being.

“Worm, you better have good news for me,” Gideon growled lowly. Finn nodded.

“Yes, and no… Rabia is resisting me, but her parents have been most helpful in my endeavors. They, too, would like to see us married,” Finn said. “I will not let this… Lord Vaati, have her.” There was a silence, then Gideon started to laugh.

“You fool! Lord Vaati has no claim over her heart. He is just helping cover up her continued relationship with King Ganondorf,” he said. Finn’s eyes widened. “You did not know?” The contract Finn had signed appeared in his hand. “Perhaps I shall tear this up and find myself another who can do a better job,” he threatened.

“No! I can do this! I need her to get my inheritance,” Finn said frantically. Gideon considered him for a moment.

“Get the mage out of the way first, and then Ganondorf. If you can do that, then we’ll talk,” Gideon snarled. He dematerialized back into the shadows just as Rabia exited the book shop. She was carefully balancing a large box in her arms as she re-wrapped a scarf around her neck. Finn rolled his eyes and stalked off to his own home.

As soon as Rabia got home, she went right upstairs to carefully wrap up the gift. She had bought Ganondorf the hardcover box set of Harry Potter, wrapped in Slytherin dust jackets. They came in a trunk shaped box, so all she had to do was carefully wrap the gift so she didn’t ruin the box with tape. She stuck a bow on top and smiled, hoping that he’d like it.

~ VAATISPURPLEBUTTVAATISPURPLEBUTTVAATISPURPLEBUTT ~

Bright and early the next morning, there was a knock on the door of Henderson Manor. Petra glanced at Saul and set down her coffee cup.

“I wonder who that could be,” she said. “It’s much too early for Rabia’s boyfriend… Lord… Kaati? to be here…” she answered the door and smiled. “Oh, Finn! Come on in. Mr. Henderson and I were just enjoying a cup of coffee. Would you like to join us? I think Rabia is upstairs getting ready for her boyfriend to show up.” Finn smiled charmingly and kissed the back of Petra’s hand.

“I would be honored, Mrs. Henderson,” he answered. She beamed and led him to the parlor, then bustled off to get him a cup. Finn sat down in one of the armchairs across from the loveseat Saul was sitting on. “Good morning, Mr. Henderson. I hope I’m not intruding,” he said, thanking Petra as she handed him some coffee.

“Not at all, Finn! We’re very glad to see you,” Saul grinned. “What brings you here?”

“I was just in the neighborhood and was hoping to see Rabia before running my errands today, but it seems she already has plans,” he shrugged.

“Don’t be silly, you can stay as long as you like. Rabia won’t mind,” Petra said. Finn smiled warmly.

“Thank you, very much. Have you met this Lord Vaati fellow, yet? I’ve heard so much - and so little - about him. It’s almost like he’s a ghost!” Finn said.

“I agree,” Saul said with a nod. “But we’ll be meeting him today, finally, and see what all the hype is about. No one will be better for my little girl than you, Finn, but unfortunately I think she’s going through her rebellious streak.” Finn sighed.

“My rebellious streak was just a bit of hair dye and extra leather…” he trailed off with a laugh. “Not my best look. But she’s one of those girls who will do something just because her parents say they don’t like it. Her stubbornness is… endearing,” Finn smiled.

“You got her to a T,” Saul laughed. “I’m sure it’ll be out of her system soon, but for now, just give her time. She’ll come around soon.” There were a few minutes of companionable silence while the three of them sipped their coffees.

“Mooom! Is he here yet?” Rabia called as she hurried down the stairs. She cursed as she nearly tripped over the cat who tried to wind around her feet, then picked her up and continued down the stairs. “Who are you talking t- Oh.” She stopped in the parlor doorway. “Gross. Why are you here, Finn?” she sighed, frustrated. The cat wiggled out of her arms and streaked out of the room, hissing.

“I just thought I’d come by to see you before I have to run my errands,” Finn replied. “After all, seeing you brightens any day.” Rabia wrinkled her nose.

“That’s bullshit. You have servants to run errands for you. Why are you here?”

“Okay, okay, you got me. I really did just want to see you,” Finn smiled warmly at her.

“... The feeling is not mutual,” she scowled and turned to leave.

“Wait, Rabia, why don’t you join us until your new boyfriend arrives?” Saul called to her. “After all, Finn travelled all this way to see you this morning - you could at least talk to him.”

“Hmm, let me think about this - no.”

“Rabia,” Petra snapped. “Don’t be rude. Sit. I’ll let you know when Lord Zaati is here.” Rabia scowled darkly and sat in the armchair next to Finn’s, glaring in the opposite direction. Petra picked up the coffee mugs and walked out to go wash the dishes, and Saul followed, closing the door behind them. After their footsteps faded away, Finn turned to Rabia with a malicious grin.

“Rabia, I know you aren’t really dating this Lord Vaati,” he said to her.

“What are you talking about? Of course I am,” she answered. Finn rolled his eyes.

“You can’t lie to me. You’re a terrible liar. I know he’s just covering your continued relationship with King Ganondorf, whom your parents don’t approve of. How would they feel to know you’re lying to them?” Rabia stood up angrily.

“I’m not lying to them! What business is it of yours, anyway?!” Finn stood and glowered at her menacingly.

“Watch your tone, Rabia.”

“Or what?” she snapped. “What could you possibly do that you haven’t already done?!” Finn grabbed her arm roughly.

“It’s my business because you’re mine, Rabia, no matter what you may think,” he growled. “Now, sit back down.” He let go of her arm and glared at her as she sat back down slowly, looking at her feet. He sat back down in his own chair. There were a few minutes of silence before the doorbell rang and Petra’s footsteps rushed towards the door.

“Oh, hello! You must be Lord Vaati,” her warm voice echoed down the hall. “Rabia’s told us so much about you. She’s waiting for you in the parlor.” Petra’s voice got louder as she neared the parlor door and pushed it open. She peeked in and smiled, stepping into the room with Lord Vaati close behind. “Oh, yes, Lord Vaati, this is Finn, our close family friend. Finn, Lord Vaati,” She introduced them. “Make yourself at home. My husband and I will be right in with the tea.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Henderson. That’s very kind of you,” Vaati bowed. Petra laughed and swept from the room. “Good morning, Rabia,” he chirped pleasantly, taking a seat on the loveseat. Rabia crossed the room and sat next to him with a smile.

“Good morning, Vaati. How was your trip?” she asked. He shrugged.

“Not too bad at all! It’s a little windy outside, but it’s nice,” Vaati said.

“Oh, good,” Rabia replied. There was a silence. Finn was watching Rabia intently, and she was trying very hard to ignore him. “Excuse me, Lord Vaati. I’ll be right back - I should help Mom with the tea.” She walked out of the room quickly. Once her footsteps faded, Finn grinned at Vaati and leaned in close.

“It’s nice, what you’re doing for her,” he said, jerking his head towards the door after Rabia. “Such good friends are hard to find, nowadays.” Vaati tilted his head.

“I’m sorry, what am I doing for her?” he asked, blinking.

“You know… covering for her relationship with Ganondorf?” Finn said, lowering his voice. “That’s real nice of you. You must really like her if you’re doing something like that for her. I know I could never do something like that. Pretending to be on a date with her when she’s with someone else…” he sighed. “That must really suck,” Finn said. Vaati glanced around.

“... You know?” he whispered. “I thought she wasn’t telling anybody.”

“Oh, you know, Rabia and I go way back. She tells me everything. You two must be really great friends,” Finn smiled brightly.

“Well… I like her a little bit more than that,” Vaati sighed, his long ears drooping. “But if friends is all she wants, that’s okay too,” he smiled a little, but it didn’t fully reach his eyes. “I just wish when we actually hung out, it was more an ‘as friends’ thing than a cover for her.” Finn looked at him sympathetically.

“Oh… so she’s just using you? That’s harsh…” he said. Vaati frowned, but before he could say anything, Rabia and Petra came back with the tea, followed by Saul. Rabia sat back down beside Vaati and handed him a cup of tea.

“Thank you,” Vaati smiled at her. Saul and Petra settled into the two remaining chairs.

“So, Lord Vaati… what do you do for work?” Petra asked conversationally. Vaati swallowed his tea quickly and set his cup on a coaster on the coffee table.

“I-I work at a hospital, in the pre-natal ward,” he answered.

“You’re a doctor?” Petra smiled. “That’s so nice!”

“W-Well… not exactly. I’m finishing my apprenticeship still. I do a lot of potion making,” he answered.

“Potion making?” Petra asked. “What kind of potions?”

“Mostly ones to help with pregnancy symptoms like… swollen feet or… or morning sickness,” he answered.

“So you must like children, then,” Petra said with a smile.

“I’m better with the mothers than the children,” Vaati said with a shrug.

“I see…” Petra trailed off. “So… you make potions? Do you do magic?” she asked.

“I do!” Vaati smiled. “I’m particularly gifted with transfiguration, teleportation and controlling winds.”

“Oooh! Can I see?” Petra asked. Vaati nodded and looked at the coffee table. There was a flash of light, and the table had turned into a pillow, then back again. “That was amazing!” The next hour passed in the same manner, Rabia’s parents making small talk with Vaati. After an hour, Finn stood up with a stretch.

“It’s getting late in the day, and I really need to see to those errands,” Finn said. Vaati glanced at the clock.

“Oh, my!” he said. “He’s right! I have a long way to go to get home…” he trailed off and leaned over to kiss Rabia’s cheek. “I’ll text you, okay?” Rabia smiled.

“Alright. I’ll walk you out,” she smiled and stood, walking Vaati to the door. Rabia gave Vaati a hug before he left the house, Finn following behind him. At the end of the driveway, Finn turned to look at Vaati.

“She’s got you wrapped around her little finger, doesn’t she? Lord Vaati, you seem like a nice guy. Don’t let her use you like that.” Finn clapped him on the shoulder before they departed ways.

“So? What do you think?” Rabia asked, returning to the parlor to help clean up. Petra sighed.

“Well… he’s a very sweet man, Rabia, but he just doesn’t seem right for you,” she said. “There was no chemistry between you two! Do you even like him?”

“I do,” Rabia scowled.

“You should think about this, Rabia. What you and Finn had was so special, and I don’t think you should give that up for whatever it is you think you have with Lord Vaati.”

“Mom, Finn and I are over. That’s never going to happen again. Just drop it already!” Rabia snapped. She stomped upstairs, rubbing at her bruising arm. Finn’s threat was still fresh in her mind as she packed clothes, her phone charger, her flute and Ganondorf’s gift. She had only intended to go to the valley for Ganondorf’s birthday, but it was clear her parents were going to keep Finn around as long as he was willing to stay. She hid the bags under her bed until nightfall.

Once her parents and brothers were deep asleep, she scribbled out a short note. ‘Last minute gig - had to leave tonight. Will text you soon - R.’ Rabia grabbed her bags and snuck downstairs, avoiding the squeaky stair near the top. She took a carrot from the refrigerator and slipped into the stables, gently waking her horse.

“Come on, Duke,” she said quietly. She gave him the carrot and brushed him down while he ate. Once he finished, she slipped on his bridle and saddled on her bags. She mounted the horse and took off towards Gerudo Valley.