A/N: I'll say it again. I don't own LoZ. All rights go to Miyamoto Shigeru.
Chapter II
Nayru's Loving Embrace
Seven years had passed by almost eventless in the Gerudo Valley, the only change seeming to be that of the young king's dramatic growth. He had already reached the height of his sister's shoulders, twice the size of the elders. Though lean, he ate his fill of three times the normal Gerudo consumption. Had they not been scraping through what little food reserves they had, he would have likely taken two more servings each meal. Despite his ravenous appetite, he continued to grow taller and stronger, his health being the envy of his peers.
His growth had impressed and shocked most, his body already capable of handling the sword and bow well. He also expressed interest in learning affairs of the valley in terms of their living situations and how to cope to life. Ganondorf's thirst for knowledge rivaled that of his ravening hunger, the Gerudo noted. The elders were surprised to find him sneaking off into their private chambers to study their magics. Quelling his eagerness to learn, they had agreed to lecture him in the ways of sorcery.
Unbeknownst to them, Ganondorf felt his insides seething in anticipation. Of what, he wasn't quite sure. His body was constantly on the move with adrenaline and motivation. Even at the meager age of seven, most had come to revere to him as a brother in age similar to that of their teenaged children. It was as if he was being driven by some unknown being. His tutelage only ceased when the rage inside suddenly became an uncontrollable sensation that left him breathless.
It had only been a month since he first started learning magic spells. For a few weeks, he had done nothing but rewrite the sigils and equations needed to perform the simple spell. He had been taught that magic was unpredictable and dangerous for the untrained and unlearned, forced to sit through hours of learning the complexities and nature of each spell. While admittedly he never grew bored of the lessons themselves like most children his age would, he was excited to hear that he was ready to start physical practice. For the past week, he's learned that, despite his grueling studies and proficiency in the written lessons, physically performing a spell was a whole other ordeal.
The first three days were spent in growing frustration at his own ineptitude. He became ever more discouraged as he was unable to make a vase even shift slightly. Upon the fourth day, he was about to be returned to the lectures when he finally managed to do it. Through late night practices until the light of dawn, Ganondorf persevered, using his confidence as a support. He chanted the incantations slowly as he had done many times before, both inwardly and out. One couldn't even begin to describe the ultimate pride he felt in himself as he watched the vase rock lightly. The accursed pottery that he had targeted as the bane of his existence had actually lifted off the table a couple of centimeters, still rocking enough to "tink" against the table before dropping back down to its position.
Sure, it wasn't exactly considered levitation yet, but darn it, he was finally starting to make progress. He resisted his urge to shout in victory as he felt the elders praise him for his efforts, his pride bolstering him to continue. Ganondorf once again found his concentration, breathing in and out slowly and focusing on not letting cockiness get the better of him as it often tends to do. He had learned the hard way that allowing such arrogant emotions at a crucial time was a surefire way to his downfall. His focus returned to the vase, the spell already ready on his tongue as he reached his right hand out towards it. He chanced a glimpse at the faded mark on his hand as he silently thanked the Sand Mother for her guidance during his current trial. His eyebrows knitted together in confusion as he though he just saw the mark flicker.
As soon as the incantation left his lips, he smirked as he watched the vase lift with ease in coordination with his hand. The porcelain object raised completely this time, distanced from the table by several centimeters now. His grin widened with newfound pride welling inside. Before too long, eh would be ready to perform much more complicated spells. Perhaps he would be able to levitate heavier objects soon, maybe even himself. Maybe, just maybe, he'd learn teleportation too, he mused to himself. The thoughts continued to flow into him, pleasing him to no bounds. Moving onto the task at hand, he continued with his assignment. Willing the motions with his mind, he carefully swept his hand to the left, keeping an eye on the vase as it moved to his command. Ganondorf paced himself, edging the damned porcelain object ever closer to its next destination. It was hovering between positions, still a couple of meters from the next table, when he began to feel it.
He paused during his practice, his eye roaming back to his hand, only barely aware of the inquisitive glances his elder instructors threw towards him upon noticing his falter. The triangle upon his flesh had begun pulsing slowly and rhythmically, a strange sensation beginning to take hold of him. He was briefly aware of the burning pitch within him increasing steadily with furor before it slammed against him suddenly, catching him unawares. With his focus lost, the vase fell unceremoniously and shattered upon contact with the stone floor. Its crash was deafened to him as the burning feeling invaded his mind, searing his body. Ganondorf left out a sharp howl as it threatened to split his head open. The king clutched as his skull, pressing hard against his temples with the flat of his hands as he squeezed his eyes shut, oblivious to the concerns of the elders that clambered over to him. The scar on his forehead throbbed in accompaniment with the pain within his head, rendering every attempt he made to ease the suffering futile.
An inexplicable rage took hold of him, as his vision went red with fury. He flung himself onto the floor, rolling about as if mad, screaming and spewing curses. All the while, the elders stood bewildered, not sure of what to do. They had never seen him act so violently before. Two women exchanged worried glances as they watched the boy ram into the wall and furniture, knocking over other pottery and lamps onto the floor, each object breaking at the impact. They had called a few of the Gerudo guardswomen in to restrain him, but the actions were futile as the women took heavy blows from the blood-lusting child. Giving up before their injuries progressed, they released their king to return to his tantrum. Nearly an hour had passed by, the king's torturous screams being heard throughout the fortress. None were really sure whether the voiced belonged to their leader or to a beast. He continued on his rampage the whole time, nails scratching into his scalp now, drawing blood. Ganondorf was desperate for any means to cease the overwhelming rage. Even as his throat burned raw and his voice hoarse from the shouting, he continued until he became weary. As the last scream tore from his throat, his vision blacked and he tumbled to the floor in a heap. His hair was disheveled from him pulling it out of its confines, clothes ripped from scraping against walls and floor, dry blood caking his fingernails and forehead. He lay listless on the cold stone ground, breathing erratically as the elders made to scoop up his form and carry him to be tended to, neither of them sure of what just transpired.
Far across the country, in the middle of a flourishing land of green with a serene river flowing through, a pure white castle towered over the land of Hyrule. Its walls reflecting the brilliant sun above as a gentle breeze rolled passed. Inside the castle town, citizens went about their day selling their wares, visiting the pubs, and tending to restaurants. Bubbling with giddy energy, they waited anxiously to hear the wondrous news that was to come. For weeks now, they were informed of the King and Queen expecting, the announcement sending their hearts aflutter with joy. Now, as if answering their prayers and gossip, the labor maids busied about the Queen in her bed chambers. Her Highness had gone into labor on the ninth hour of that morning, and they were all at the ready as per protocol when she had informed them of her water breaking. Now she lay in her bed, propped onto a multitude of lush pillows, sucking in deep, short breaths as the contractions came closer together. Even through tears of discomfort, she wore a grin of anticipation, ready to see her baby being greeted into their world. Her wet nurse guided her, reminding her to breathe in between the pushes, until she eventually saw the top of the baby's head. The old woman ordered the other maids about to fetch a catching towel, clean water, and sterile medical scissors. As the baby made its way out, the nurse maid caught the child carefully and cleaned it up with the wet cloths swiftly. With her nimble hands, she then swathed the newborn into soft, clean linens, cutting through the umbilical cord with ease before handing the baby over to the waiting mother.
"Congratulations to Your Majesties. You've been blessed with a healthy baby girl," she said through the newborn's crying. The queen beamed ecstatically at her maids, happy tears falling fresh from her face as she cradled her baby close as she coddled the princess to calm. As soon as her crying ceased, the infant opened her crystalline blue eyes to take in her surroundings. She still whimpered at seeing all of the unknown people crowding around her, but she seemed to have calmed for the most part as if understanding that she was not in danger. The young princess turned her attention to her mother instead, her eyelids drooping for much needed rest. She reached a curled fist out to which the Queen took gently into her hands, slipping a finger into the baby's grasp and earning a contented sigh as the princess fell fast asleep.
"Look, she's so serene, like an angel. The Golden Goddesses have truly graced us with a healthy child," the mother whispered as she ran a finger over the princess's closed fist. Under her touch, a faint yellow triangle could be seen as it flickered to life. "She even has the mark to prove our Goddesses' blessings. As per tradition, she shall be named Zelda."
As if pleased with the decision, the light from the mark bubbled forth in an instant, sweeping across the room in dazzling rays. Though they had to cast their eyes closed and face away, neither the Queen nor the maids felt any sense of fear. Instead, they took in the warmth that the light provided, taking is as a sign that the Goddesses were passing hope upon them. Within moments, the beam had vanished, replaced instead by the entry of the King. His worried expressions turned soft as his gaze settled upon his wife and child as they lay in rest from the wearisome labor. He set the maids about to cleaning the room, taking a seat next to the bed of his Queen and leaning over to press a kiss to her forehead. Her eyes fluttered lazily as she turned a smile his direction.
"I hope we haven't torn you away from anything important, my King," she said softly, almost chuckling. He responded with a grin of his own, running a hand over her cheek.
"You needn't worry yourself too much over that. The lords were understanding of my needing to take leave for the moment," he replied, his voice barely over a whisper. The king's eyes rolled over to their sleeping child. "How fare you?"
"Well, it wasn't the best experience I've ever had, I admit, but both of us are well. Just tired," the Queen answered, following his gaze. The grip on her finger had loosened as the princess rested. He nodded in understanding, gently wrapping his hands around the small frame to carry her to her cradle. When he returned to the bed, he smiled warmly when he saw his queen relaxed with eyes closed. The King pulled the fresh, new silk sheets over her and kissed her on the head before taking his leave, ordering one of the maids to inform him of either of their waking. He then made his way back to the council room where the lords waited. The news of the heir's birth had already made its way through the servants and into their ears as they discussed between each other their excitement.
Their conversations were heard as the King made his entrance, his ears picking up on their latest topic: who's house name would birth or has birthed the lucky fiancée to be. The question hung awkwardly in the air as they greeted his majesty. He waved his ringed hand with a nod, causing them to relax a bit.
"Rest assured, I've already anticipated this question to arise. Though truth be told, I haven't really put enough thought into the matter as of late," he shook his head, admittedly. "Personally, I think it best to decide with traditional means. The princess will be wed to her best suitor. Those who meet our requirements would be accepted as qualified, and, come time for her coming of age ceremony, she will choose amongst those suitors. Is there any who object to this notion?" He cast his gaze over his audience.
No one complained. As Hylians, all respected the customs of their lives and had no issue with their King's proposition. Instead, they each turned to one another with agreement, vowing to raise their sons to be worthy competitors and wishing each other good luck. Sure, there were questionable intentions muffled behind a couple of the lords' eyes, but His Majesty had no worries so long as none intended to start a war over the matter.
And why would they? he thought to himself. They knew as well as he had that to cause a civil war within their lands would cause disaster. Though Hyrule was peaceful now, her lands were always at risk of invasion from other countries, not to mention that they Hylians were still walking on eggshells with their own neighbors, namely those of the Gerudo and Gorons. For the most part, the mountainous people of the Goron posed no real threat. They preferred to keep to themselves, but were known to attack any unfortunate souls who dared trespass their territory. Other than the elders, none of the stone creatures even showed interest in negotiations with the Hylians. On the other hand, Hyrule had bigger concerns when it came down to the Gerudo. The people of the desert were actively aggressive, contempt clearly shown on their bronze faces when they came face to face with the Hylians. They did not attack trespassers, rather they just turned them away. That is to say, if anyone was able to cross the treacherous desert to make it to their fortress in the first place. No one dared, especially after the Gerudo's recent criminal activities.
For the past decade or so, the desert people had attacked the villages of Hyrule, pillaging anything worth value in their wake. The attacks had started small in the outskirts of the desert before progressing as if an unchecked inferno, its flames spreading out to engulf anything in its path. Reports had come to the castle, detailing the invasions as guardsmen and knights were sent out to aid the villages. With full regrets, the King had no choice but to have his knights station themselves in the outer reaches of Hyrule in order to lessen the chaos. He'd rather not have sent his people so far away from their birth homes, but his decision had worked. The desert warriors ceased nearly all transgressions, though their hands did not stay. In fact, they had begun devising a new strategy these past two months, working in the silence of the night and slipping through defenses with stealth to steal away with the villagers' possessions, earning their names as thieves from the sands. He had felt a bit relieved when he heard that they only stole food and water rather than money, but at the same time, he still wanted to put an end to it all.
The King was aware that the villages' food was a treasure in its own right for its people. They put much hard labor and their lives on the line to cultivate the crops, both for their own sustenance and also as a means for trade within the city. He frowned bitterly as he wracked his brain for possible solutions to end the crimes, all of his ideas never able to formulate completely. There was always something to get in the way of any plans he made. At this point really, he wasn't even sure that attempting negotiations would have any effect either, knowing fully well that the Gerudo had no intentions on letting the Hylians step into their fortress let alone accept one of his messengers and peace treaties. It's such a shame really, he thought grimly as he let the matter go for the moment. The Gerudo would actually make decent allies in our time of turmoil with the neighboring countries if I could successfully acquire their cooperation.
For the meantime, his attention returned to the council before him, his thoughts concerning the countries of Labrynna and Holodrum being the focus of his new topic among them. He fully intended to take care of this pressing matter as well, whether he had support from any of the other races of Hyrule or not. The King's lips thinned as he thought back to the knights he had sent near the borders of the desert lands. How he hated the idea of having to pull them back to their kingdom if only to fight desperately to defend their home, if war broke out between the countries. He ran a hand through his hair, roughly tightening around the course strands behind his crown in unease. There was a lot of work to be done in his line, and, if nothing else, he wished for all issues to be settled before his daughter became the next ruler of the kingdom.
Fin
A/N: Whew boy, I'm beat. As you can probably already guess, I intend on making this a long one. There's just too much for me to want to write, but I am trying my best to set a limit. Sorry if some of the chapters seem too long. There will be short ones too, I'm more than positive. Originally, I didn't have the intention on drawing this one out as long as I did, but I saw the potential and took it. I never expected it to be longer than Ganondorf's part.
Also, some of you may be wondering what'll happen with Ganondorf, or what the Hyrule King will do. Well, you'll find out soon enough. Anyway, you know what to do. Read and review! I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter as much as I had writing in it.
