[When Zelda's gloved fingers weave so easily between his, Darin practically shudders. The last time he'd held anyone's hand was when he was a child. He's never held a woman's hand before and never have their fingers laced together so perfectly. He can't help but wonder if Zelda's only doing this to be kind and supportive— after all, his hands must feel horrible. Calloused, leathery...probably sweaty. They're a working man's hands and though he's proud of the things they've accomplished, they probably feel so...unpleasant to her. Even through her gloves.]
[But he spares her a glance and he sees the way she looks at him and...gods his face is burning hotter than the collection of candles. He can't contain it anymore.]
[He can't help but let out a short laugh. Even as the tears dry on his cheeks, he lowers his frame just a bit at the thought that just entered his mind.]
Gods, if I brought you home, I'm pretty sure both my dad and Acteon would just have assumed I kidnapped you...!
Acteon would probably put me in a headlock and tell me to "March meself back to whatever kingdom I stole ye from and bow me head in apology!"
[His voice switches to one as gruff and raspy as coals clanging around in a bucket, but that only makes him laugh harder. Those tears have dried now and fresh ones take their place. Tears of pure joy. And he turns and takes both of Zelda's hands in his.]
Gods...Zelda...meeting you that day...I feel like it's changed everything...
I feel...I feel like I've changed...
[Unbeknownst to Darin, high above him in the recess, a specter looms. He's watched the whole exchange and with these high emotions filling the air, he can't help if maybe this is his chance.]
[Darin continues, unaware.]
I know that this is probably...I don't know. Maybe I'm misreading everything but...when you look at me, I feel like I can be anything. Do anything.
And I've never really been good about hiding how I feel so...
[He takes a deep breath.]
Zelda...I—
[In that moment, the looming phantom seizes his opportunity. He swoops down and enters Darin's frame. Darin spasms and jolts, going rigid and then slumping back against the closest column.]
P...Please..! Please, you must help me! I don't know what to do! I can't get married! I just can't!
[The voice is still decidedly Darin's...but the cadence, the accent...it's as if Darin were trying to do an impression of someone. But then.]
...Zelda, please tell me a ghost didn't just possess me.
no subject
[But he spares her a glance and he sees the way she looks at him and...gods his face is burning hotter than the collection of candles. He can't contain it anymore.]
[He can't help but let out a short laugh. Even as the tears dry on his cheeks, he lowers his frame just a bit at the thought that just entered his mind.]
Gods, if I brought you home, I'm pretty sure both my dad and Acteon would just have assumed I kidnapped you...!
Acteon would probably put me in a headlock and tell me to "March meself back to whatever kingdom I stole ye from and bow me head in apology!"
[His voice switches to one as gruff and raspy as coals clanging around in a bucket, but that only makes him laugh harder. Those tears have dried now and fresh ones take their place. Tears of pure joy. And he turns and takes both of Zelda's hands in his.]
Gods...Zelda...meeting you that day...I feel like it's changed everything...
I feel...I feel like I've changed...
[Unbeknownst to Darin, high above him in the recess, a specter looms. He's watched the whole exchange and with these high emotions filling the air, he can't help if maybe this is his chance.]
[Darin continues, unaware.]
I know that this is probably...I don't know. Maybe I'm misreading everything but...when you look at me, I feel like I can be anything. Do anything.
And I've never really been good about hiding how I feel so...
[He takes a deep breath.]
Zelda...I—
[In that moment, the looming phantom seizes his opportunity. He swoops down and enters Darin's frame. Darin spasms and jolts, going rigid and then slumping back against the closest column.]
P...Please..! Please, you must help me! I don't know what to do! I can't get married! I just can't!
[The voice is still decidedly Darin's...but the cadence, the accent...it's as if Darin were trying to do an impression of someone. But then.]
...Zelda, please tell me a ghost didn't just possess me.