So, second chapter before bed? I think so! Here you go, as promised.
Disclaimer- Don't own anyone, do I have to repeat myself every time?
Two guards had been sent around to inform the newest visitors that a feast will be held just after sunset, in appreciation to our knew guests for being so kind to stay in this humble castle.
Dustfinger pondered on if he should go or not. He hated big gatherings like this, and no doubt Sootbird and the Piper with be there, drowning the Princess in false stories of our world.
But I thought it would be best to go, and just as I had made my decision, there was another knock on my door. I walked over and opened it.
Zelda stood in the open hallway, smiling, as beautiful as ever, holding a bundle of cotton in her arms. Her smile reminded me so much of Roxanne's, and I longed to be back in the small cottage surrounded my farm and geese that chased Farid away whenever he tried to visit me.
"Hello, Dustfinger," She chirped happily, and I couldn't help but smile.
"Hello Sunshine," I replied, and was instantly shocked. Had I just called her that? I started to apologise, but she held up a hand, smiling even more.
"A nickname already? Goddesses, never thought I would ever be given a name other then 'Your Highness' and such." She laughed, and invited herself into my room.
When the guards had come earlier today, they also handed me my bag of items which was in the carriage. I was just going through them before Zelda had arrived.
My green and blue bottles were strewn across my bed, bags of Fire-elf wax were sorted into rows on my little bed-side table. A drawing of Roxanne hung on the wall, and many more were still rolled up like scrolls, strewn across the floor, containing paintings of friends from back home, so I wasn't so lonely.
Zelda stood, examining all my items suspiciously.
"Rum?" she questioned, picking up a green glass bottle, un-corking it and smelling it.
"Yes, it is rum, but believe me, its not to drink." I walked up to her and took the bottle from her hands, corking it again and placing it back on my bed. She looked more relieve to know I wasn't a drunk.
"What ever is it for, may I ask?"
I smirked slightly. "Sootbird isn't the only fire-dancer in this castle."
She stared, wide-eyed at me. "You can tame fire?" she breathed. I nodded.
"Sootbird…Well, lets say, his gases and such are the real entertainment of his shows. He's a cheater, a disgrace to the Motley Folk. He betrayed us all in our time of need." she stared at me, listening.
"Dustfinger, where are you from?" She only questioned.
"Another world, Sunshine." I said bluntly.
"Tell me more!" She said excitedly, curiosity swimming in her eyes.
"My dear, lets save this conversation for a rainy day, shall we? Theres much to explain." I smiled, picking up one of the little bags of wax and placing it in my pocket.
She nodded. "Yes, if you insist. Anyway, here are some clothes and newly made boots. I noticed your clothes weren't as grand as the others and thought you might want a bit of an upgrade in your wardrobe." she smiled, placing the folded clothes on my bed.
"Thank you, Princess," I smiled, and she smiled back.
"I do hope you will be coming this evening. Sootbird said he'll volunteer to do a little show for our company. But I'm sure you'll be more then happy to join him, am I right?" She smiled, and walked to the door, giving me no time to reply. "See you soon, Dustfinger."
She shot a glance to the painting of Roxanne, before closing the door and leaving me alone.
I smiled to myself. Sunshine! I thought. How could I have given the Princess that name? Now I will never be able to stop calling her it!
I laughed, and Gwin hurried up to the paintings on the floor. My smile left my face.
I slowly walked over to the closest one. It was of the Black Prince, and his bear. The pure black man held three knives in his hands, his gleaming white teeth practically shining against his skin. My brother, my childhood friend.
I hung this painting up next to the one of Roxanne.
The next one was a family. Mo, Meggie and Resa. This family was nearly broken. How else had we managed to get here, if Sootbird hadn't nearly killed Mo to read us to all the kingdoms ever mentioned in a book, or anywhere, we wouldn't be here, and I would be with my family.
Meggie looked so mature and beautiful, just like her mum.
I also hung this one up.
The next one made me choke out a laugh.
It was Farid and Brianna, mucking around, looking like they were arguing in the painting. Farid, like my own son, the Fire-dancers apprentice…And Brianna…My beautiful daughter.
I put this painting next to my bed.
The rest were all scenery. Blue fairies flying drowsily through the winter air, water nymphs playing in their ponds, the Wayless Wood, so calm and alarming…The robbers camp, where you could even see some of the robbers doing their duties.
The Strong Man, holding four children on his back, with his little brother, Doria, throwing another in the air. Gecko and Snapper were sitting gloomily under a tree, with two crows on the branches above.
More robbers sat around a fire, singing the songs of the Blue-Jays heroic actions with hundreds of children swarming around the place. Yes, this painting must have been based on the time where the children had been rounded up, trying to escape the clutches of the Piper…The man who I was dragged here with…
Bulbalus really had done a good job at these paintings, even though his painting hand had been chopped off, and he was stuck using his other…
Those were terrible times. I would make sure to tell Zelda all about them, of the world where I came from. Of my friends.
I hung the paintings up around the room, and I felt just a step closer back home. It made my heart sink to know I was away from my world yet again.
There were three scrolls left on the floor. I was just reaching down for the closest one when Gwin started chattering away. I looked over at him, and he was pointing over at the sun, which had nearly set over the mountains.
I had to get ready!
I forgot about the paintings on the floor and yanked the clothes off of my bed.
I examined them quickly. There was a white button-up tunic, with long black trousers and a pair of brown boots. I slipped them all on, and they fit perfectly. I examined myself in the long mirror.
I looked alright, and I quickly grabbed the bag of wax that I had placed in my other pants out of its pocket and tucked it into my new one.
I was just about to walk out the door, but Gwin ran in front of me. He had a black leather belt in his mouth.
"What would I do without you, Gwin?" I muttered, taking it from his mouth and placing it around myself.
He jumped up to the windowsill.
"Oh, alright." I muttered, opening it up. "Be safe, and don't get up to too much mischief. And remember, the bridge comes up an hour before midnight. If you don't come back in time, well, I don't want to know what those monsters will do to you. Be safe. You're my only friend from home" I said, walking out the door. He looked at me with sad eyes, before scurrying out the window pane.
Now was the time to find my way to the Dining Room.
~o~
I didn't get completely lost. After going the wrong way three times in a row, I decided to ask one of the guards, who gave me the directions.
The bad thing was, I was late.
I knocked on the massive oak doors, and the two guards on the inside of the room opened it, looking extremely irritated for having to do so for a second time. I smiled awkwardly and walked in.
To my great surprise, there was only five people seated at the massive table.
The Piper and Snapper sat on the ends, as if they themselves ruled this Kingdom. Zelda sat seated next to a tall, blonde boy who wore a green tunic, and had a smile that showed so much love to Zelda that I knew instantly knew this was her man. On the other side, sat one girl.
I nearly thought she was Brianna. Her hair was just as fiery red as Brianna's, but my daughter was much more beautiful, even though this girl was still stunning.
Zelda turned her head. When she saw me, she smiled broadly and stood from her seat. Everyone then turned their attention to me, but I kept my eyes only for the Princess, who was walking towards me.
"For a minute I thought you weren't going to come!" She exclaimed, taking my arm. We walked forward.
"Of coarse I would come, I'm looking forward to a particular show, you know," I whispered, smirking, and she giggled, as we both cast our glance to Sootbird.
"Link, Malon, I would like to introduce you to Dustfinger, my newest friend. He also comes from this far away land that these two claim to come from." She announced, and I looked down at my feet.
I heard the scraping of chairs and looked up.
"Well hello there, Dustfinger! My name is Malon, I work down at the Lon Lon Ranch. If your ever in need of a hoarse, just come to me! We make the finest milk on campus." The red-haired girl chirped up. I smiled. I liker her. She was bubbly.
"Its nice to meet you, Malon," I smiled, nodding, and she giggled and sat back down.
"Dustfinger," came Zelda's voice again. "This is Link, hes my… er… companion, you could say-"
"You mean your boyfriend?" I cut her off, smirking. Her pointy ears turned red.
"Yes…Yes my boyfriend…"
"Hello, friend of Zelda's" Link put out his hand, he was smiling so proudly. He seemed much more mature for his age. I also liked him.
I took his hand, and smiled. "Hello, Link." we shook twice, before I took my seat next to Malon and Zelda and Link went back to theirs.
There was little conversation.
Piper and Sootbird stared at one another, as if discussing something through their minds, and Zelda and Link cast nervous glances between them.
"So," I began, leaning on my elbows. "Where did you two meet?" I smirked, looking at the two lovers.
They just looked at each other, and burst out laughing. Even Malon was giggling uncontrollably next to me. Piper, Sootbird and myself both glanced at one another and shrugged, looking back to the others.
"My apologies, we have just never been asked that in our whole lives." Zelda giggled, trying to claim back her composure.
"It was certainly unexpected!" Malon chimed in.
"You see here, Dustfinger, Link is the Hero of Time! He was the boy, chosen by the Goddesses at the age of twelve. He's fought a man so much more older and stronger then himself, hes seen the worse. He nearly died, just to save this whole Kingdom, to save me…Gosh, theres so much! I wont be able to fit it all in. Perhaps, like you said, we could save this conversation for a rainy day?"
"But of coarse," I said, and Link blushed slightly, looking lovingly at his companion.
Soon after that outburst, there was lots of conversations bought up. We spoke of castles, and of adventures and stories, we named evil beasts, but none of us could remember a thing we said, we were all so happy. Except for Sootbird.
He sat there gloomily, twirling a matchstick in his gloved fingers.
He shot a glance to Piper, and they both rose from their seats.
"This has been a lovely evening, and before we all bid our good-byes, I think the most famous fire-dancer in the world should perform us a little show, don't you think?" The Piper announced, glancing at me, seeing my anger.
"Oh…Yes, of coarse…" Zelda muttered, looking at me. I rolled my eyes and signalled for her to shield her nose and eyes.
I tapped Malon on the shoulder "Don't breath it in," I said, and saw Zelda say the same stuff to Link.
Sootbird stood to the side, up on the platform where, no doubt, the King stood to talk or announce when feasts like these were on.
He splashed some grease on his face to shield it from his untamed flames, and began his show.
Green smoke descended from the flames, making my eyes water. I saw the other three had dropped their hands, and were staring wide eyed at his fake flames. I growled, sick by the thought of him cheating out so many people, and stood from my seat.
The guards were also intoxicated by the show, and didn't notice when I opened the heavy wooded doors, that lead to the back of the castle courtyard, and all the smoke started racing out into the fresh air.
Zelda, Link and Malon all shook their heads, and Sootbird stared at me, furious.
"What have you done?" He screamed, jumping from the platform.
"I'm sick of you cheating!" I yelled back, walking towards him. "Your poisoning our sight, your tricking people! How can you find so much joy in doing something. Remember the children! Remember the broken bodies that laid on the floor, after your men trampled all over them after your show? How could you?" I yelled, and before he could jump at me, he was thrown back by a flying flame of magic.
Zelda stood, not far, her hands raised in front of her.
"Well, well, looks like the Princess also owns the magic of fire!" Sootbird exclaimed, after stumbling up and recovering from his blow.
"Its not fire that I behold. Dare to touch anyone in this castle again, and I swear I will use all my strength to make you suffer!" she threatened. Sootbird wiped the blood from his nose.
"If you insist, your Highness," He muttered, and pushed past Link, headed towards his chambers. Piper followed.
"Well, wasn't that a lovely performance?" Link muttered, picking up the sack of powder that Sootbird had left on the platform.
"Yes," I muttered. "marvellous."
Zelda still looked shocked.
Argh, what is wrong with me? When Im writing it, it seems so perfect, but then when I re-read it, its terrible! Just sounds like another old story…
Anyway, 'Why don't we save this conversation for a rainy day?' is a quote I stole from another author on FanFiction.
Purplefirestarter, please, read her story, Its Yours To Keep, its one of the best I have read! I love it so much!
Thanks, review!
Ps- Can someone please give me another idea for a nick-name that Dustfinger gives Zelda? 'Sunshine' sounds too common, but I cant think.
Anything that means beautiful or happy. Something like that! Thankyou !