Seeing how I have much more of this already written, I'm just going to keep posting it 'till I reach where I have stopped for the time being in this story. To any readers who expect more, my focus bounces back from this and my hellsing fic and an eva fic that I'm probably going to stop. Eh, well heres more.
Link opened his eyes to the sounds of chirping birds. His vision seemed to adjust to the earlier morning light that entered through a hole on the stone wall on the opposite side of the room. He looked around to see that he was in a bedroom of some sort. He looked to his left to see that his equipment, clothing and other things he carried were resting against the wall. There was a small desk upon which sat an opened pouch, upon which was the fabled Ocarina of Time. Link looked to the other side of the room to see nothing or any real interest, just a stone wall with a door that led somewhere. He closed his eyes again and sighed, Looks like I'm still alive…
With that thought the door on the right side of the room opened up to reveal an elder woman. She smiled upon seeing that Link was awake and walked in, closing the door behind her. "I see you're awake sir."
Link nodded once and asked, "Where am I?" He was surprised at how easy his voice was coming out. I could barely speak when I met with the king. He raised his eyebrow at the thought and added, "And how long have I been sleeping?"
The woman seemed surprised at the young man's questions. "You're in a guest room at Hyrule castle sir. You've been sleeping for a little over three weeks." She then walked over to him and smiled a kind old grandmotherly smile, "We didn't think you were going to make it. You were wounded pretty badly sir. It seems the goddesses were looking out for you"
"I see." Link said as he tried to sit up. There was a slight pain in his chest as he did so, but nowhere near as bad as the last time he tried. His head swarm slightly from the pain as the woman held him steady.
"Please sir, don't push yourself too quickly. It's a miracle you're even alive, don't do anything rash." The woman requested, slowly lowering him down to the bed again. Link sighed as his head hit the pillow. He was very tired and almost went back to sleep immediately but the woman spoke again, "His royal highness said to take care of you. Get some rest, I'm going to inform them that you have woken up." She said as she walked towards the doorway.
Link tried to stop her, "Don't bother. I will be leaving now." He said as he tried to sit back up again. He sat back up and noticed that his entire torse was covered in bandages. He noticed the heavy bandages around his right arm and left shoulder, remembering the pain from those wounds. He pushed the covers of the bed away and moved to stand up when he felt the woman holding his shoulders.
"Please sir, get some more rest. When they said you were stubborn they weren't kidding sir." She said, slowly pushing Link back into bed. She put her hands on her hips and looked at him as if she was scolding a child who had snuck in a cookie before dinner. "Sir, just rest. The King himself said he wanted to speak with you when you were better. I'll be back later, so just rest for now sir."
Link nodded, realizing that he wasn't going to be allowed to leave anytime soon. He then asked, "Umm, why are you calling me 'sir'? I'm no one special."
The woman looked back at him in shock, "You're a guest of the Hyrule royal family sir. You're special." She said with a small smile as she went to leave.
"Wait, if its not too much trouble can you let me have that Ocarina on the desk there?" Link asked as he pointed towards the desk with his left hand. The woman smiled at the request and gladly gave him the instrument. "Thank you." He said graciously as she walked out of the room.
Link merely sat up against the bedframe in confusion. He held the small ocarina in his hands but merely was lost within his own thoughts. That long? That isn't surprising though, considering how wounded I was. I'm surprised I'm even alive. I guess she was right, Din, Nayru and Farore were looking out for me. He smirked at that as he turned over the instrument in his hands. He sighed in frustration as he realized that they wanted to ask him certain questions, about the Ocarina of Time, the melody of the royal family among other things that he was sure that he wouldn't be able to answer. I can't really tell them I'm the hero of time. No, its best the knowledge of the Imprisioning war is kept secret. Theres no need to let them know that Hyrule was almost destroyed. Link then looked at the backside of his left hand and cursed to himself. The mark of the Triforce of courage was there, as if mocking him. If I'm lucky they didn't see that. There is already too many things to explain. He then closed his eyes and raised the ocarina to his mouth to play.
A few hours later the woman returned to the room with a smile on her face. Link returned the smile and bowed slightly to the woman. She spoke excitedly as she approached him, "The King wishes to have dinner with you young one. He wishes to thank you for your help."
Link frowned at this and said, "So… I still have to meet with him…" He asked himself.
The woman looked shocked. "Sir this is a great honor. I've worked in the castle for most of my life and I've never spoken to the King himself." She noticed that this bit of information meant nothing to the young man and she sighed. "I'm to prepare you for dinner then."
Link looked up at her and smiled. "I thank you for everything you've done, but I can dress myself."
She nodded in understanding and revealed a package that Link had previously overlooked. "Wear these to dinner. And don't worry about your other clothes, once they have been washed and mended you'll get them back." She placed the clothing on the desk and bowed once before leaving the room.
Link sighed before pushing the covers away again. He swung his legs off of the bed and sat up and stretched his arms out for the first time in what seemed like years to him. His shoulder her slightly as he did so but her ignored it as he tested his legs before standing up. He realized that he was only wearing a pair of trousers and he sighed to himself before walking over to the desk and opening the package.
Inside the package was a light gray tunic that was actually very similar to Link's own clothing. He smiled slighty to himself as he thought, at least I'm not wearing some kind of monkey suit for this. Link then changed and then began to replace his gear.
He heard a knock on the door and Link looked over his shoulder. "Come in." He said, once again surprised at the strength of his voice. The door opened and the old woman entered again, a small smile on her face at seeing the young man up and about. She then frowned as she noticed him putting his gear on. Link noticed this and asked in a confused voice, "What?"
"Sir, you're going to dinner, not a battle." She remarked, referring to the metal gauntlets that Link and replaced on his arms. Link looked at the metal gauntlets and nodded in understanding.
"Sorry, force of habit." He said with a lopsided grin. He removed the gauntlets but continued to replace his pouches at his waist. He placed the small ocarina in its usual pouch. He checked the one on his other side and felt relieved when he patted it. It still held its contents, something he was grateful. If I lost those, who knows what could happen. He then went to put on his gloves when he realized that the pair that he had was gone. He turned to the woman and asked, "I'm sorry but is it possible for me to get another pair of gloves?"
She raised an eyebrow and asked, "Gloves, sir?"
Link placed his left hand behind him and continued on, uneasy with the situation, "Yes. I have a few very old wounds on my hands and I prefer to cover them. I wouldn't want to upset his highness by them." Link then added quickly, "They are rather gruesome and I wouldn't want to sicken him."
The woman didn't seem to believe him but sighed anyway. "I'll will ask around. Nothing fancy right?" Link nodded and hoped that she wouldn't ask to see his hands. "I'll be back in a bit." She then left the room and Link found himself breathing out a sigh of relief. A few minutes later, the woman returned with a small pair of white gloves. Link took them graciously and immediately covered his left hand. He noticed the woman's confused stare as he covered the other one but he merely smiled as if to try and disapate her worries. "So…. What now?" he asked, not really sure what was about to happen.
She shook her head as if pitying the boy's ignorance. "I'm to lead you to the dining room. You're on your own from there sir." She gestured towards the door, "Come on now." Link nodded and walked out of the room.
The woman led him to a pair of giant doors with a pair of guards blocking it. Link stared at the giant door in wonder as he took in the site. "Well, this is where I leave you sir. Enjoy your dinner." The woman said and gave him a small bow.
Link turned back to her and said in embarassment. "Please don't do that. If anything I should be thanking you." Link bowed slightly and then chuckled. "My bowing to you probably seems funny to you doesn't it?" He saw the puzzled look on the woman's face and added, "Well perhaps I should say this: You have my thanks. Thank you madam."
The woman gave him a small smile then walked away, leaving the young man alone in front of the dining room. He didn't have a lot of time before one of the guards walked up to him and asked him, "What is your name sir?"
"Huh?" Link asked, confused as to where the question was coming from.
"We need to introduce you, and not to be rude sir but we have no idea who you are." The soldier said, a little bit of amusement on his face.
"Oh, well my name is Link." Link replied, scratching the back of his head uneasily. Introduce me? What the hell?
The soldier nodded and opened the door. He took a deep breath and then said loudly, "Introducing the young Master Link." He then looked at Link and gestured towards the open door. Link took this as his cue to enter and he did so quickly, as if afraid of what would happen if he took too long.
Link gazed around in wonder at the immense size of the room. In his travels throughout Hyrule, Termina and other lands, Link never really had been in such a large place. Sure he had been in large areas, but they were outside and in the open. Even in large churches or monasteries in other lands Link had never been in such a large enclosed space. He found himself gawking at the splendor and somehow felt a strange desire to flee outside to the fields of Hyrule where he felt more at home. He realized that he was being watched and quickly turned around. His eyes widened as he saw the King and Zelda standing before a table watching him. Also standing around the table were some other men, soldiers it seemed. One chair was bare at the other head of the table, with a sevant girl holding the chair as if waiting for him. He quickly walked towards the dining area but did not approach the table. He went down to one knee and lowered his head. "Your highness."
The King laughed softly but said with a jovial voice, "Please my young friend, raise your head. I asked you here as my guest, please do not feel intimidated." Link raised his eyes but remained on one knee. "Besides, we owe you a great debt my friend." Link raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Seeing the boy's questioning glance, the King replied "Someone did sneak into the castle and tried to get into my daughter's room. Fortunatly, thanks to your warning, we caught him. As a father, I owe you a debt I cannot repay." The King then bowed his head in respect. Zelda followed suit.
This was too much for Link. He did not wish to see Zelda or the King like that. He was merely a traveler; he was no longer the hero of time. He was not deserving of such respect. "Please, your highness, do not say such things. I only did what I could. I wouldn't say almost dying on the doorstep of Hyrule castle is as noble as seems to be by the respect you're giving me."
The King raised his head and chuckled lightly. "Please Master Link, you are my guest. Please stand up and join us." Link stood up slowly and waited for further instruction. The King gestured towards the table and Link slowly appraoched, still unsure as to how to act in this situation. He felt really uncomfortable in this situation, knowing full well that the royal family had questions for him that he would not be able to answer. He walked up to the chair that the servant girl was holding for him and looked confused. The king sat down, and as if one being, the rest of the people there sat down with the exception of Link and the servant girl. Link realized that he was supposed to sit in the chair and turned to the girl. She bowed her head to him and gestured for him to sit.
"Thank you." Link said, his voice very nervous as he realized that the remainder of the room was staring at him. In particular, some of those soldiers seemed to be very interested in the young lad. He quickly sat down and pulled his chair in and looked up.
The King chuckled, "Master Link, no need to be so nervous. We're just going to eat dinner here. This is how we do it here in the castle, I hope you understand."
Link cleared his throat and spoke. "I understand. Please forgive me, your highness." Link saw a few of the people chuckle at him and he added, "I'm just not really… used to these type of situations. Good food for me is the kind I buy from inns, which only happens from time to time. I usually catch and cook my own food, thus this situation is rather... uncomfortable." He then looked directly at the King and added, "And I'm sure you have some questions for me."
The King nodded and said, "That is true, but first we shall eat. We will talk about that afterwards. You haven't eaten for a long time Master Link, so please do not hold back." The King said as several servants began to bring out food. Link had never seen such a feast in his life. Sure, he had traveled throughout the land and experienced many different types of feasts depending on where he was or the occasion. But he never expected so much food to be presented merely for a dinner. There was all different types of meats, vegetables and other nourishing foods that it just boggled his mind. There are people in Hyrule who probably have no where near enough to eat and the royal family eats like this all the time? Or maybe this is a feast and I just missed the occasion.
Dinner proceeded smoothly, at least as long as Link was eating. Several of the men at the table, who Link learned over the course of the dinner were generals in Hyrule's army, looked at him with distaste as he ate with the mannerisms he picked up traveling. He noticed that Zelda seemed amused by the generals' distaste of his habits but she didn't say anything. He answered small questions but he knew that they were waiting until later to really ask him anything of importance. When everyone was done eating, Link knew that the moment he dreaded was now coming. They want answers…can I give them that?
"Now Master Link, like you said earlier, we have questions for you. The first of which quite frankly is, who are you?" The King asked, a small grin covering his face. He held a small wine glass in his hand and he swirled it gently.
Link took a deep breath. "I'm… a traveler of sorts. Since I was around ten, I've been traveling through Hyrule and other lands doing what I can to help those in need. I have traveled to many different places and have learned the ways of fighting and horsemanship along the way."
The King nodded in understanding. Zelda leaned forward a bit and added, "On that subject, just to let you know, your horse is resting in one of our stables right now. She seems very loyal to you, I was told we had to fight to get you from her."
Link let out a breath that he had been holding in since he had woken up. At least Epona is alright. "I thank you milady. My horse has been with me from the beginning, I suppose."
"So, you and your steed travel from land to land finding adventure?" One of the generals asked, his curiousity genuine.
Link nodded. "That is correct sir. I just do what I can."
"What do your parents think of this?" Asked one of the other generals.
Link unconsciously grabbed the chain around his neck but then slowly removed his hand. He took a deep breath, "I wish I could tell you. They died when I was very young."
"Any other family then? Surly you didn't grow up on your own?" The general asked.
Link shook his head, "Some very kind people took care of me before I left them." The Kokiri were the closest thing I ever had to a real family, even when they isolated me when I lacked a fairy. "When I left, it was in their best interests, I would have been a burden."
The King sensed that the young man didn't wish to discuss this topic further and cut off his generals by asking another question. "So is that how you found out about the plot that you warned us of? You were traveling through Termina?"
Link looked up at the King and answered, "Indeed your highness. I was traveling when I heard of a large encampment near the border. I was curious so I went to see it."
"And you were unlucky enough to find General Fasticion's camp." Said one of the generals near the King.
Link nodded, "I never expected to find the Butcher of Salendoir so close to Hyrule. I had the displeasure of passing through one of the villages he razed to the ground once." Link closed his eyes as that memory came to mind.
Burned homes, piles of dead bodies, crops torched. Death and devastation everywhere, with the survivors with no semblance of hope. Mothers holding dead children in their arms, children trying to wake up a mother or father that would never again wake up. It reminded me way too much of the time during the Imprisioning war under Ganon's rule.
Link then looked up and continued, "So I snuck into his camp and tried to figure out what they were doing there. When I heard the plot, I tried to find out more but I was discovered. I was able to destroy their gunpowder storage before fleeing but I was pursued, with my being dropped in front of Hyrule castle being one foot in the grave, if you'll take my meaning."
"That explains the lack of movement of Fasticion's forces. If they lost their ammunition, it would be suicide to start an invasion." Said one of the generals, mostly to the King and the other generals at the table. A few of the generals nodded in agreement, while one of them shot an approving look to Link.
"I don't think we have to worry about the butcher's forces. His army is large yes, but not nearly as big as it needs to be to execute such an invasion." The general to the left of the King added.
Link frowned at that statement, Overconfidence will lead to destruction. "He mentioned the names Hawlkon and Scurai. Something about having their loyalty."
This fact drew the gaze of most of the other generals. Link was taken aback by some of looks of shock and amazement that they displayed with this bit of information. The man to the King's left, apparently the head general, took this piece of information in with great interest. He went silent as the King said, "Well enough of that, let's discuss that matter later gentlemen. There is no need to bore our young guest with those matters." He then looked over to the young man and smiled. "So what do you plan to do now Master Link?"
Link shrugged his shoulders, "I have no plans. I will probably just go where ever the wind takes me. I will do as I have always done; what I can to help those within my reach." The King smiled, as if envious of the boy's freedom.
Link smiled back, caught off guard by the King's informal demenour that he had used when talking to Link. He doesn't seem to care at all about his title or the fact that I'm merely a commonor. That's rathering refreshing for a ruler. Link lost his smile however when he watched Zelda whisper something in the King's ear. The King sighed and nodded. "I suppose you're right, we should ask about that." The man looked up and asked Link, "How do you know that song?"
Link took a deep breath. Here goes nothing. "It is nothing much really. Long ago I did carry a message for the royal family. I was taught that song as a way to prove that I was a messenger for the royal family."
The King laughed at that, "It's amazing you still remember it. We have not used that system for a long time. In fact, I haven't heard that song since my daughter was old enough to sleep without a lullaby."
"Father!" Zelda said harshly. The King, as well as some of the generals, chuckled at her anger. Link smiled slighty but said nothing more. It was Zelda who posed the next question, her face red from a mixture of anger and embarassment. "Where did you get your ocarina?"
The mood at the table became completely different at that question. Silence ruled throughout the room as everyone at the table turned to the young adventurer. How do I explain that? The earlier question was easily answerable, by twisting the truth a bit. Link sighed, and seemed to look towards a point on the far wall.
"Well young man? Why do you have that ocarina? You do know its considered a treasure of the royal family, don't you?" The King asked, his voice concerned. He obviously was interested in knowing how Link came into possession of it, but also didn't seem to want to push him. Link was thankful for that but still he remained silent.
Finally, after a long period of silence, Link spoke up. "It was given to me a long time ago."
"By who?" Zelda asked, her voice more curious than concerned.
Link was silent for another long interval while he locked gazes with the Princess. The generals and King noticed this and were confused but before any of them could ask, Link answered her question. "Please forgive my rudeness milday, but there is no point in telling you." The head genearl narrowed his eyes at the young man. Link noticed the way the generals were now glaring at him and spoke again, "Even if I told you, no one would believe me. Thus there is no point in telling you. Please forgive me if I sound arrogant or rude."
"Why wouldn't we believe you?" Zelda asked, not at all offended by the young man's claim.
"Because if you don't remember who gave this to me milady, no one will." Link remarked with a lopsided grin. Zelda seemed shocked by the statement and stunned silent. Link pushed his chair back and stood up. He bowed his head and said, "I will now take my leave. Thank you for everything you have done for me." Link then turned around and began to walk away.
The head general stood up in anger, "How dare you turn your back on his highness, boy! Show some respect!" He declared, his hand on the hilt of his sword.
Link merely turned and glared at the general with a face chiseled in stone. "This 'boy' is the only reason that milady is still alive it seems. And the reason that the butcher of Salendoir is not razing the villages near the border yet." He said, his voice ice-cold. "I may only be a commoner, but there is no need for that level of hostility towards me. I have done nothing except aid you." The last few statements were thrown directly at the general, as if challenging him. The occupants of the room felt slightly uneasy in the change in the young man that had sat so nervously with them for dinner. Link took a deep breath again and bowed again, "Once again, I thank you for everything your highness." His voice was no longer cold, but respectful and earnest.
Link was about to leave when the King spoke again, "Wait Master Link. I still wish to speak with you about something." The King looked to the head general and said, "General Vass, please take the others to the war room and start discussing the current affairs. I will join you shortly." The generals all stood and saluted the King before walking out. Vass paused right next to Link and glared at him. Link merely glared back, unimpressed by the man's authority. Vass then walked out, leaving Link with the King and the Princess.
Link turned around and waited for the King to continue. Zelda seemed preoccupied as she seemed to be deliberately looking away from the young man. Link decided to ignore it for now and focused on the King. There was a long silence, during which it seemed as if the King was deciding on how to phrase what he was going to say next. Finally he asked the young man the question, "Master Link, would you be willing to fight for Hyrule?"
Link stared at the man in disbelief. "Pardon?"
The King stood up and walked towards the boy. "Now hear me out. Obviously you are a strong lad, I will not let anyone discount this. To be able to travel as far as you did in one night with those kinds of wounds, not many could do that." The King paused for only a moment before continuing, "You say you know the ways of the sword, and you have already proven yourself to me. Are you interested in serving Hyrule once again?"
Link watched as the King stopped in front of him. A dark thought crept across Link's mind as he asked, "Are you asking me to join the army?"
The King nodded, "I'm sure you would become a great asset to Hyrule this way."
Link frowned, "Your highness, my drifting will also help Hyrule." Seeing the King's confused expression, Link elaborated, "I'm sorry to say this but the Royal family is not the only one that needs someone to help them."
The King sighed and said, "I see your point. But think of this, perhaps serving in the army will serve all of Hyrule, better than could with your wandering. Sure you could perhaps help a few, but if you serve in the army, you would be helping all of Hyrule." Link was silent at this bit of logic. The King then said, "Take your time to decide; take as long as you want. You can remain a guest here until you make your decision. Either way you have my gratitude for what you have done."
Link was silent for a long time before answering the King. "Your highness… I will think on this. By your leave." Link said, bowing once again before the King of Hyrule.
The King nodded, "Get some rest Master Link. Feel free to give your decision to us at anytime." Link then rose and walked out of the room.
