This is my first Zelda fan-fiction. I'll state that plainly enough. But this isn't some half-baked concept. This is a fully fledged tale, the first of the series. Welcome to the beginning of the 'Lorule Origins' series. I've been calling it a trilogy, so it's staying that way. For now, anyway - until I get more ideas for my Lorule.
The Lorule of 'Lorule Origins' is the same Lorule of 'A Link Between Worlds'. Same map, same locations. You'll still find a cave in the furthest reaches Skull Woods, still find secrets buried beneath Thieves' Town. You still find the Captain drinking in the bar, too. The castle has been rebuilt - as for what it now contains, I'm not going to give too much away. Princess Hilda is still the sole ruler of the kingdom of Lorule. Ravio is still a semi-disorganised, caring individual with a love for Rupees.
Link still sleeps in. Zelda stills guides her people through the life of a Hyrulean. The Sages still have roles to play - no post-ALBW fanfic would be complete without them. The Hyrule of 'A Link Between Worlds' is the same Hyrule of 'Lorule Origins'. There are Octoroks, Guays and Chuchus. There are villains like Yuga, as well. His story isn't over yet, either.
Lorule has just as rich a history as it's counterpart kingdom - if not more so. 'A Link Between Worlds' was just the beginning.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own the Legend of Zelda or any relating characters from any game in the series, Nintendo does. I only own the historical figures of Lorule's history.
- Strange Familiarity.
The merchant closed his eyes, feeling a shiver run up his spine as he placed the bag of Rupees down on the table next to him. It landed with a heavy clink! and he slowly pulled the drawstrings open. He knew there had to be over a thousand Rupees' worth in the sack. Reaching inside, his fingers closed around a worn leather-bound book and he pulled it out. The cover was stained, and a little battered, but it was in good condition.
He'd thought long and hard about his adventure in the land of Hyrule, and the chance he'd had to see a real hero in action. Link was really something – he never gave up, even in the toughest of times. He had all these Rupees as a result of the Hero's rescue mission; but saying he'd retired had been a little premature of him. He hadn't, he realised now. Retirement wasn't for the likes of him… and Link.
He mightn't have been Link, but he still could play a part in the restoration of his beloved land. Muffling a sigh, Ravio unrolled a fresh roll of parchment, placing his journal down the floor next the stool he normally sat on. He grabbed a quill, and started. Those Rupees weren't going to count themselves, he reasoned.
It was well and truly after midday when he felt his bird land on his shoulder. Yawning, Ravio turned his head to greet him, ruffling Sheerow's head feathers.
"What is it, buddy?" His bird chirped, paused, and then whistled happily, mimicking a tune his owner often hummed – and recognised instantly. The Princess liked the melody because of its bouncy rhythm and the way it was sung. In fact, she'd often requested him to accompany her as she went about her duties over the last past few weeks, saying something about how the kingdom needed his optimism. But he couldn't – it wasn't right.
Tomorrow… the sun is gonna glow. Maybe by tomorrow… The merchant had hardly finished his train of thought, before he was off, heading to the castle. Tomorrow was far too long for the Princess.
He was soon kneeling before the ruler of the land, Crown Princess Hilda Lorule. Ravio kept his eyes fixed on the plush red carpet as the royal rose to her feet, only looking up when she spoke,
"Ravio, I'm sorry. I've been a fool. I've done things I should never have done. And I've said things I never meant to say. I apologise for the wrongs I wrought, and I hope you can forgive me."
Olive eyes softened, and he rose also, holding a hand out to her in supplication. "Princess, there is nothing to forgive. I am sure Princess Zelda would have done the same in your place. You did what you had to do – desperate times call for desperate measures. It turned out in the end."
Her mouth twisted into a rueful grimace. "Princess Zelda would have known better."
"You are not her, Your Grace. Just as I am not Link. I could never do what he did."
"If you're referring to being the saviour of a kingdom, think again."
"Pardon?" he spluttered. He had most certainly not expected her to say that, of all things.
"Link confessed that he would have never able to sacrifice the fate of his kingdom in order to save another. In fact, he said that he would have fought it through to the end … like I did. He also said that courage has many forms and that you were just as courageous as he."
"That's ridiculous!" Ravio snorted.
"Quite the opposite. If not for you, Lorule would have faced a far worse fate than it did. We were on the brink, Ravio. I could not let that happen."
He studied the fierce determination in those crimson eyes of hers, observing how her purple hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, and smiled. "Of course not, Princess. I would never have thought you would."
She hesitantly returned his smile. "Thank you, Ravio. If I may ask this of you, I'd … like you to assist me in getting the kingdom back to the way it was. If you accept, it would mean you would be accompanying me as I go about repairing the kingdom – starting with its people. A kingdom is naught without them."
His heart jumped in his chest and his grin grew as he bowed to her. "It would be an honour, Princess, to work with you in the restoration of Lorule. I ask for nothing more than this, I swear."
She inclined her head, her smile growing to match his. "I could never ask for a more loyal companion than you on this road ahead. My thanks, Ravio. My thanks."
He bowed again, before backing out of the Throne Room. As the doors closed behind him, he silently vowed that he would see all remnants of Yuga's betrayal wiped from the Princess' memory. Even if he had to do it himself. His time with the Hero of Hyrule had taught him that sometimes things got done because there was nobody else to do them. It was time he became one of those people – he was Link's counterpart and he was determined that he would earn that title twice over. Even if it meant he had to learn things he swore he never would again.
Things of the past.
Boots ringing on the cobbles of the white bridge, Ravio exited the grounds of Lorule Castle. His eyes held a steely fire not unlike that of his Princess', and his heart pounded a rhythm of one who was willing to run a thousand miles to see his task complete. And he would. He knew he would. If that was what it took, he would.
That's Chapter One done. Please note that I will be updating this as much as I possibly can, when I can. I've had this sitting on my computer for a while now, and I think I was well into Part Two before I decided to rewrite most of it. The characters undergo some serious development, particularly Ravio. I mean, whoa. He's really stepped up as Link's Lorulean counterpart, I can tell you that much.
Please, read and review. Follow or favourite, if you wish. Support means the world: if people like the tale, it's the best kind of encouragement.