A/N: Happy Birthday to me… happy birthday to me… happy birthday goddess knight… happy birthday to me! Yes, special day, special story, special author. This may be a sequel but it won't have too many references. (At least, not until later, you are warned.) Two children, parents of legend, new evil…
I. The Voluptuous Sword Maiden
Vivienne stood in front of her full body mirror. She couldn't help her fair skin she most likely inherited from her father. Members on her mother's side were just a little tanned from being ranch hands and female warriors. Her long, red hair was rare for a Hylian, especially her shade. A mixture between her mother and father's, between an orange and scarlet, her hair brought plenty of attention to her. At 16 years old, she had grown up into a shapely young woman. She was no longer 'daddy's little girl'. Nothing little about Vivienne, especially the chest she possessed. Vivienne smiled at herself and marveled her scarlet eyes, a trait that her father had given her. She wouldn't trade them for standard blues and browns; she loved them and loved how unique it made her. Vivienne crossed her room and sat on her bed, she made sure her brown, heeled boots were buckled properly. Her long, white skirt flowed effortlessly and red blouse outlined her curvaceous figure.
Picking up her twin swords, given to her by her father, she went downstairs. Vivienne kept them within her grasp as she climbed down the last of the steps. Her families house was originally a two storied in Kakiriko village but later was expanded. Sometimes, a lot of love meant a lot of children. Vivienne didn't think about her brothers and sisters as burdens, in fact, they were usually full of enjoyment, but did they sometimes get on her nerves.
Vivienne spotted her mother at the kitchen. Shaking her head in disbelief, Vivienne walked over to her mother and noisily placed her swords on the counter.
"Oh, Vivienne, your up early," Malon said, keeping something behind her back.
"Mom, even if dad's gone doesn't me you should start drinking coffee," Vivienne said, knowing exactly what it was she kept hidden.
Malon pouted and placed her cup from behind her back on the saucer on the counter. "I can't help but enjoy its rich taste. Your father only hates it because of some absurd reason."
"Whatever his reason, he still doesn't like it," Vivienne said. "Do we have anything for breakfast ready?"
"Not yet," Malon answered. She poured the rest of her coffee down the sink and turned to the mass of eggs frying on the stove. "Do you have something planned for today, Vivienne? You did bring your swords out for a reason correct?"
Vivienne blushed. "I thought of going to the market today."
"Just the market?" her mother asked, noticing the red in her cheeks.
"And maybe the castle. You know that Lance always boasts about his 'swordsmanship'. The spoiled prince can pick up any sword and easily master it. Still, I'll always beat him. I wonder if his father taught him anything in the last month."
Malon chuckled. "I'm certain of it. They may share the same innate swordsmanship but practice makes you a real master. Link knew that and that's why he renown as master of sword and shield. Of course, your father practiced day and night with two blades and became an unsurpassed swords master. It's his ability to switch between two different styles… even if he uses his wait and counter more often."
Vivienne smiled and sat down on a stool at the counter. She admired her mother. Malon was a strong woman and still a gorgeous one that. Even after six children. Malon was different than other housewives, even if on the outside it didn't look like it. She even taught her a few tricks of the blade that her father never did. Malon was full of surprises.
"Hey, mom," Vivienne said. "Do you still miss daddy?"
"Of course I do," Malon answered. "Your father is very charismatic. I remember when I met him… I didn't want to admit it then but it was love at first sight. I think your father believes the same."
"Can't believe he's going to miss your birthday," Vivienne said sadly. Her father never did but that year was different.
Malon sighed, "Its not his fault."
Vivienne got up and looked at the closed door adjacent to the kitchen, her father's office. She walked over to the door and opened it. She poked her head inside and looked around the dark office. She stepped inside and looked at the shelves filled with books and tomes. At the desk was a perch where her father's loyal messenger falcon came and rested. On the mahogany desk laid his old swords. She walked closer to the desk and picked one up. The first had a very squarely hilt in a red coloration but she couldn't shake the malice it throbbed. Vivienne gently placed it down and simply stared at the second, a sky blue, hook-like hilt with a slanted point. She noticed a simple frame propped on the desk. Vivienne picked it up and turned it over to see a photo of her mother. Obviously taken in her younger years but still a beautiful woman. Vivienne set the frame down and then she gazed over to the rack behind the desk. A few feet away from the open window was a horizontal rack the held seven different swords. Vivienne approached them and looked at each of them. They all varied in size but they all had the same silver steel. Except for two exceptions. The first one was nothing more than an enlarged spade. Vivienne wondered why her father made such a sword – weapon – seeing as it was little more than a garden tool. The second was a blood red sword with a white hilt.
She decided to stop snooping. Her father wouldn't have liked is she was prying into the swords he kept to himself. Vivienne knew they were special. Those swords weren't like the one she possessed. Hopefully the spade was extremely special. She exited the office to find her oldest brother downstairs with a plate of eggs in front of him. He may have been six years her junior but he was far sterner than even their father and mother. He even rivaled his sister with swords only because he practiced everyday with his, much like his father did. He took after his father immensely, more so than Vivienne. Same scarlet red hair and eyes, same fair skin, and perfect student.
"Matthew! Good morning!" Vivienne exclaimed to him. She hugged him from his chair and caresses him silly-like.
"… Morning, sis," he answered.
There was a knock at the door and Malon went to go answer it. She opened the front door to find a close friend of the family. His name was Tesan and Vivienne always kept a wary eye on him. Not that he wasn't a nice person, but that there was always tension between him and her father. Malon was very close to him, mostly because he was her supplier of coffee. They hugged each other and Tesan pulled a bouquet of flowers from his back.
"Oh, thank you, Tesan," Malon said as she took the flowers. All were red roses.
Tesan smiled as he stood outside.
"Tesan, are you still afraid of my husband? You two have made up already and he isn't here remember?" Malon asked. "Vincent doesn't hold anything against you."
"I know…" Tesan scratched the back of his head, "Still… I'm not comfortable about stepping in. Its not you… its, well you know. But, how are the kids?"
"They are all fine," Malon answered. She shook her head in disbelief. "Just come inside. That happened a long time ago. Besides, if you ever tried anything, I will be the one to do you in."
Tesan laughed nervously. He knew that it was mostly true. He gave in and entered the house. He waved to Matthew and Vivienne before he sat at the kitchen counter. He and Malon went off into a conversation that did little to hold Vivienne's attention. She decided to get breakfast either at the castle or market. So she grabbed her swords from the counter and kissed her mother goodbye. Vivienne walked out of her house and started for the castle in the distance. She hoped Lance would prove to be a better challenge.
Vivienne walked along the streets of the Hylian Market. Her earrings jingled as she walked past stores selling anything from farm fresh goods to jewelry. Her swords were secured to her waist but her father made them a little too long for her. The scabbards of her swords sometimes dragged along the concrete until she heaved the belt that held them higher. She thought that placing them on her back would be more efficient… but then her style wouldn't allow it. She needed to be quick in a draw, much harder when they were on her back.
She said hello to the guards at the market's exit and followed the path up the incline. The market was past her as she neared the earthly wall covered in vines. Vivienne stared at it as she walked past it and then noticed the high arch. Gated and guarded, she kept her direction with no hesitation. She sighed; the guards on the morning shift were newer and most likely didn't know who she was. In a matter of minutes, she proved herself right.
"Halt, only royalty and privileged others can enter these gates," the one on the left stated.
Vivienne let out a deep breath, "You guys are new so I'll cut you some slack. I am Vivienne Morrigan Aegis. Yes, Aegis, close friends with the royal family."
The two guards conversed within themselves and then looked back to her. "I am sorry but we still cannot allow you to enter without somehow proving you are of the Aegis family."
"What?" Vivienne asked in disbelief. She questioned on how she were to do that.
"Vivienne?" came a voice from behind.
The guards kneeled instantly when they saw Link come up to the gate. The blond hero may have been king, but was content in not dressing as one. Before, he may have dressed to help try to keep a regal image but it didn't matter to Link afterwards. He missed the comfort of tunics and hats, boots and gloves, a crown and cloak never satisfied him. So there he stood in front of Vivienne and the guards, a grown man with the same blond hair he had since he was a boy, the worn forest tunic and white tights that accompanied him on travels, the same azure eyes and beloved smile that Zelda cared for. He was the people's king, one who enjoyed mingling with the commoners and giving out his advice. He may have not held the Triforce of Wisdom, but his insight wasn't lacking.
"Sir! She claims to be part of the Aegis family!" a guard said.
Link nodded, "And she is. Please get to know her, I wouldn't want to do this nearly every morning."
"Aye, sir!" they answered. The guards opened the gates and Vivienne followed Link up the winding trail.
"Vivienne, do you spend any time at home?" Link asked.
"Well… I consider this my second home so… yes I do," Vivienne answered. She flashed a smirk.
Link couldn't help but think back to her father when he saw it. "Your father thinks the same. By the way, how is your family? We would love to have them for dinner one day. We don't get to do that as often anymore."
"I'll be sure to tell my mom that. Matthew is studying as hard as ever. Never is seen far from a text. Veronica keeps bugging me to come here with me. She really does look up to me so I ought to one day. Marcus is deciding on following the rest of us and will get his training swords soon. Valerie and Valentina, being the youngest, really want ponies. Vivienne laughed, "When I was their age, I was terrified of horses. Mom has been a little depressed because – well it's been about dad."
"Don't worry," Link said. "I'm sure Vincent hates missing out on her birthday. It's tomorrow isn't it? Why not come then?"
"Sounds perfect," Vivienne said. "Usually my dad surprises her with something so simple but mom would always love it."
Vivienne looked out into the field before the castle. Butterflies roamed the flowers scattered across it. She could just imagine how the fragrances of each would've smelled.
"Vivienne, I see you came prepared," Link said, noting the swords on her belt.
"Never leave home without them," Vivienne said. "Um, you do know your son isn't as great as you are with a sword?"
Link smiled, "Lance may be competent with a sword but, yes, he isn't terrific. I'm a little sad that he lets him being a prince get pass anything else. Even getting beaten all the time still doesn't motivate him. What is your score by the way?"
"Its 56-0. I'm actually getting sorry for him, he is never going to beat me," Vivienne said.
"Can you beat me?" Link asked.
"No disrespect but… My father taught me. Someone you never did beat, remember? Sorry, but, it is true and even my mom showed me a few things my dad didn't. So, could I beat you? Maybe. I may have the skills but… the experience? I'm pretty sure that in the end, your going to be the one who has won."
"At least you're thinking about it. Factors in a fight can change the outcome. At any rate, your father and I only fought on one occasion. And it wasn't exactly fair," Link said.
The two walked into the castle. They didn't speak much with each other until they came into the dining hall. In that one room laid one of the longest tables Vivienne has ever seen. Obviously placed for whenever ambassadors and other royalty came to Hyrule, its oak finish made it formal but the nicks at the legs made it homely. It was a cavernous room, letting booming voices echo within it. She remembered dinners with the royal family that included her father. The drill still stung her ears.
Link walked forward and kissed his wife at the table's end. Queen Zelda was still a gorgeous woman. Sure, she only had two children but for any woman to keep her shape after one is miraculous. Both Malon and Zelda must've been set on keeping their figures. Next to her Highness was her little princess. No older than six years old, Zina was as adventurous as her father. Young and untamed, she held her head high as she explored the castle in its entirely. The little blonde, light blue-eyed child was surely her father's girl. Now, his 17-year-old son was a different story. Vivienne could only see the physical features passed from father to son. Dark blue eyes, golden blond hair and perfect body were from his father. Lance's eyes took more after his mother's. His nose followed the same sharpness as Zelda's. He wore a longer, more regal lavender tunic and white slacks. His boots were made from lavender suede and golden buckles.
"Hey royal family!" Vivienne said as she sat down in a chair. She sat right across from prince Lance.
"Always the hyper one, Vivi," Lance said as he ate his breakfast.
Vivienne's eyes narrowed, "You are still not allowed to call me that. Ever! Only one person in the whole world is allowed to call me that. So shut it or I'll hand your butt on a plate to you."
Link and Zelda chuckled as Lance's jaw dropped. Playfully offended, he turned his head in a snobbish way. "How have you been Vivienne?" he said, stressing the last syllable in her name.
"I've been good," she answered. "I hope you at least attempted to practice with your sword, Lance. I'm so tired of beating you all the time."
"I still don't see why I should. You are the only person who even bothers to challenge me. Its known that I am better than most people… except you."
"And Vincent and I," Link added. "You never will beat us."
"Wow, thanks for the support dad," Lance said. "I know I don't train but who cares? I'm a prince aren't I? Who expects me to go into battle with shield and sword, leading my troops into a suicidal battle?"
"With Lance, every battle would be a suicide," Vivienne snickered.
Link and Zelda laughed again. Zina got up from her mother's side and walked around to Vivienne. She gave her a thumbs up and then exited from the room. Vivienne laughed harder and got up from her seat.
"So, my spoiled prince, are you willing to dance with blades with me once again? I doubt you'll win but its fun to dream."
Lance sighed and stood. "You're not going to get lucky this time."
"When has luck even been included in our duels?" Vivienne asked. "If anything, you could use a bit."
"Let's just find out then, shall we? Come on, Vivienne, let's see if you can truly match my swordsmanship."
( . ) -----------\
Lance fell onto his back, gasping for breath. His long sword lay at his side. It always wanted to taste victory between Knightly and Aegis but its dream never came. Being Lance's sword was its curse. It would forever lay beside him when the young prince worked up enough gall to accept the lady's challenge. A shame for such a extravagant sword that came from the prince's father.
Vivienne faked a yawn, "I think that was faster then last time."
Lance got to his feet and brushed off the dirt he acquired from their battle. He picked up his gleaming sword and sheathed it. "Not bad… You caught me on one of my off days." Lance flicked a lock of hair from his eyes. He looked up into the redhead's eyes. Lance just loved the sparkle in her eyes after a victory.
Vivienne smirked and sheathed both of her swords. Unlike Lance's they weren't special or expensive. Her father promised her specially crafted blades whenever he felt the time was right but Vivienne doubted it was going to happen anymore. It didn't matter to her, as long as the ones she had didn't fail. As she helped Lance back to the castle, she noticed how pity only made him a better person. Sure, Lance appeared as a spoiled prince that loved himself too much but he was deeper than that. He knows all about the giant shadow he has to succeed as Link's son.
"So Vivienne, want to get some popcorn? It tastes awesome," Lance offered.
"Sounds great, Lance," she answered. "Lance, please don't be too much of a spoiled prince tomorrow. It would mean a lot to me. Your father has invited my family over in celebration of my mom's birthday. "
"I don't know, that sounds like a lot of work," Lance commented, rubbing his chin.
"You suck!" Vivienne said, laughing as the entered the castle.
"I suck? Please, I am a prince. I am not allowed to suck," Lance said. "I mean, who can make a man like me, a man this handsome, suck? I'm just to… awesome for my own good."
"Yeah right," Vivienne said. "And I'm an angel's daughter."
"Well, don't worry," Lance said. "I'll be my best tomorrow. Anything for you Vivi."
"I told you already," Vivienne said. "No more calling me that!"
A/N: Massive chapter for me. My readers ought to notice the change in my style. Is it permanent? If I don't get lazy. Anyways, thanks Zos for the early happy birthday and now on to celebrate it. Review por favor.