Song: Your Hands Are Cold, Pride & Prejudice soundtrack
"Are you really going to just sit there drinking alone?" Telma scoffed.
Link was seated at the bar, holding his mug of Goron beer. His invitation rest upon the bar's worn wooden surface.
Link sighed, "Can't I enjoy my beer without you constantly nagging me?"
Telma finished preparing a drink for a patron at the far left side of the bar. She returned to Link and began cleaning mugs. "Its not everyday one gets a party invitation usually reserved for upper society. Besides you are the guest of honor at the request of the Princess herself! Consider yourself lucky boy."
"I don't have anything to wear," he plainly replied, taking another sip of his drink.
He didn't understand what the big deal was. Winning the tournament was his only desire, why couldn't he end the day with a relaxing drink? Still, the thought of seeing the princess again was quite tempting and he did somewhat promised he would attend. He was surprised by how warm and down to earth she was during their previous encounter. Then there was the subtle connection he felt between them. He didn't know what it was and maybe seeing her again would provide more clarity.
Telma forcefully pointed the mug she was cleaning towards Link. "Quit making excuses! Take off the chainmail and put on your nicest tunic. Attend looking like the Tournament Champion. You don't have to look like a lord." She returned to cleaning. "Besides, if you don't go, I'll kick you out and then where will you live?"
Link grunted. Telma could be so conniving sometimes. Still, he was grateful for her hospitality and mutual partnership. As long as Link helped deliver and protect Telma's shipments while running the occasional side errand, he was given room and board at her tavern.
He downed the last of his drink and slid the empty mug to Telma. "Lay off will you? I was always going to go. Good grief." Link took his leave to change.
A few minutes later, Link returned to the bar without his chainmail. The slightly less worn tunic he changed into was the familiar forest green Link was accustomed to wearing.
"Alright I'm off Telma. Will you be able to manage without me?"
Telma winked, "I'll be fine. Get going boy! Go dance with some honies for me, maybe even the Princess if you are lucky!"
Chuckling, Link dismissed himself and left for the castle. He wasn't really the dancing type so he would most likely head straight for whatever alcohol was available once he arrived.
An hour later, Link had made his way to the castle gates. Hyrule Castle was a splendid work of architecture to behold. The castle sat on a steep hill, overlooking the town below. Buildings higher up and closer to the castle were usually the equally opulent mansions of the upper class, while stores and houses became plainer the farther down the hill and away from the castle you traveled. The castle itself was a colossal collection of marble towers and intricate carvings decorating the walls.
Invitation in hand, he approached the lone Hylian soldier standing guard at the gatehouse. "I'm here for the party." Link handed the invitation to the guard to inspect.
Suspicious, the guard took the invitation. "You don't look like the rest of the guests that usually attend these things." He read the invitation.
"Link, Tournament Champion, shall be my guest of honor tonight at the royal birthday celebration of Her Highness Princess Zelda of Hyrule on the eve of the 5th of May."
The guard returned the invitation to Link. "Well I'll be damned. Okay Mr. Guest of Honor you may proceed. But first you must give me your sword and shield. I can't have you attending so readily armed."
Link nodded and removed his equipment and handed them to the guard. He felt weird not wearing his trusted sword and shield but it couldn't be helped. "I'll return for my possessions later."
The guard waved Link through. He began to make his way up the entrance steps. Grand hallways snaked throughout the castle, with extravagantly carved doors guarded by Hylian soldiers lining the path. He worked his way through more hallways and staircases leading him deeper and higher into the castle. Eventually Link made his way to the ballroom.
Peering down the grand staircase, Link was greeted by the royal announcer. "Good evening sir. What is your name and title so that I may announce your arrival?"
Confused, Link turned to the announcer, unsure of what to say. "Umm that's really not necessary." He didn't want to draw the crowd's attention to the fact that he possessed no fancy title and was not dressed to their standards.
"But sir it's protocol! … sir?!" The announcer spun around, unable to spot where the guest had gone. Meanwhile Link, in his usual stealthy manner, had managed to give him the slip as he quickly jumped the staircase banister and slid down to the ground below.
Satisfied no one saw him, Link made his way through the crowd. Occasionally a baron or lord would stiff their nose to Link, while the ladies would steal a fawning glance or giggle as he passed by. What in the world am I doing here? Link sighed. True he had promised the princess he would attend but she was nowhere to be seen. Careful observation about the room gave no signs of any threats either.
Fortunately he spotted a server with drinks. He dashed over and swiped a glass from the server's platter and downed it on the spot. Ugh Champaign, not nearly strong enough. Link returned the empty glass and took another drink before disappearing back into the crowd.
He found a quiet spot off to the side and made his way over. Link didn't feel like interacting with anyone, not like anyone was attempting to converse with him either. Suddenly the royal announcer roared to the crowd below, "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, MAY I PRESENT TO YOU HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, PRINCESS ZELDA OF HYRULE."
Link looked up to see the princess standing at the top of the staircase. To say she looked beautiful was an understatement. His heartbeat quickened as Link gazed upon the lovely Zelda making her way down the stairs. He couldn't deny his attraction towards her, as no man was immune to her stunning beauty. When she disappeared into the crowd, Link finished his drink and took off in pursuit of another.
"Good evening sir. Would you care to try a stuffed cherry tomato?"
Link turned around to see another waiter carrying a silver platter of appetizers. "Depends. Would you recommend them?" he asked.
"Sir the royal kitchen only serves the finest foods. I can assure you its delicious."
Link shrugged and took an appetizer. "Say you don't happen to have a stronger drink than Champaign do you?" He figured it didn't hurt to ask.
"I'm sorry sir we only serve the finest alcohol here. You'll have to go to one of those…" the waiter wrinkled his nose, "ahem one of those bars."
"That's too bad." Link could have sworn the waiter was making some sort of insult towards him. That ass. What does he know about the best alcohol anyways? He glanced down at the appetizer and decided he might as well eat it.
As he tasted the stuffed cherry tomato, Link could hear the faint sound of ladies giggling across the crowd. Link looked up to see the Princess standing there with two of her lady friends. Zelda had her attention focused solely on Link, oblivious to the chatter of her friends. Her beauty radiated throughout the room, striking Link in the heart with fiery blade. Entranced, Link wanted more, anything to translate the influx of emotions that surrounded his heart. The return of giggles snapped Link back to reality. What am I thinking? Her and I live in two separate worlds. He disappeared back into the crowd.
In want of fresh air, Link ducked out onto the balcony, grateful to be away from the stuffy atmosphere of the party. Leaning against a pillar, he donned his hood and pondered when it would be appropriate to leave. A cool autumn breeze circled about the balcony as Link enjoyed the outside tranquility.
His time alone was short lived however, as a woman dressed in a glistening light blue gown darted onto the balcony. Princess Zelda! Link admired how the moonlight bounced off the sparkle of her dress, illuminated her figure like a Goddess. As she took off her heels, Link's heart skipped a beat.
I have to say something…
"Green tunic…" Zelda mumbled as she stopped on one of the pages of a royal library book depicting the history of Hyrule. There looking back at her was one of the previous Heroes of Time wearing a nearly identical tunic to what Link wore today. Even their facial features were similar with blonde hair and blue eyes.
"What did you say milady?"
Zelda stopped reading and looked up to see her handmaid staring back at her through the vanity. "Oh it was nothing. Just scanning through this history book that's all."
She looked back at the page and read the passage. It spoke of how in a time of need a chosen one will be born, destined to become a hero to Hyrule. As she read on, the legend also mentioned the royal family; specifically the princess Zelda who would take part in the hero's quest to defeat whatever evil threatened the kingdom. Am I the next reincarnation? Will Link become the chosen hero?
Her mind raced with questions upon learning of a legend never mentioned to her before. Why would her father keep such knowledge from her, especially since she was given the same name passed down through generations? Over and over she read the passage, trying to comprehend it all. If Link is the next hero, then that meant trouble was on the horizon, perhaps the rumors he mentioned earlier.
As party drew on, Zelda finally put down the book, gazing at the vanity with a blank stare looking back at her through the mirror. It was her 21st birthday and what should be a time for celebration but Zelda knew better. The chance of an attack on Hyrule consumed her thoughts. Then there was the matter of her father. He has been searching for suitors for months now and this ball was his way at getting Zelda one-step closer to marriage. She didn't care for the idea. Instead, her mind wandered back to Link.
"I really don't want to attend," whined Zelda.
Her handmaid continued to style Zelda's hair. "Don't say such things milady. Who knows, you may meet a potential suitor tonight."
Zelda frowned, "I don't want to get married. And I especially don't want to marry any of those pathetic Dukes and Lords that constantly pursue me." Indeed most of the men she has met only care about her status and wealth. To them, she would merely become a trophy, a prized possession for them to show off on their arm.
"There. All done milady." Zelda admired her beautifully braided hair in the mirror. Satisfied, she stood up and approached the floor length mirror close by to finish getting ready. Her handmaiden helped her into her dress, tying the corset laces in the back.
The gown was light blue in color, hugging her slender body and accentuating her curves. It was sleeveless, exposing her back and shoulders. The corset comfortably cupped her breasts, revealing just enough cleavage to look attractive while still proper. The corset continued to shape her torso, blending into the tightly woven fabric covering hips. Halfway down her thighs, the fabric flared down to her feet, glistening in the light. Completing her look was a pair of long white gloves and various pieces of jewelry.
Zelda's handmaiden brought over her heels and helped put them on. "I hate these heels. My feet will be bleeding by the end of the night," Zelda complained.
She heard a knock on the door. A muffled voice called out to Zelda, "Your Highness, the ball started an hour ago and your guests are growing impatient." It was Zelda's guardian Impa.
Zelda approached the door to let Impa in. "I suppose my guests have been waiting long enough. I'm ready."
She made her way towards the ballroom, cursing from the pain of her heels. "Impa, you will save me from slimy men trying to make a move on me yes?"
"Sorry, you know the drill. I'll be patrolling the castle. I think you'll be able to manage," Impa replied.
Zelda frowned, "What about my father? Will he be in attendance or is he off to his usual diplomatic duties?"
"I'm afraid he won't be attending either. As you now know, the latest conflicts out west have kept him tied up lately." They stopped just shot of the ballroom. "This is where I leave you. Do have fun. After all it is your birthday, " said Impa. She left with a flash, leaving Zelda alone.
Disappointed, Zelda continued on. She reached the ballroom staircase and waiting for her announcement.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, MAY I PRESENT TO YOU HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, PRINCESS ZELDA OF HYRULE."
Her guests applauded her arrival as she made her way delicately down the staircase. These stupid heels, I hope I don't trip and fall! When she finally made it down the last stair, Zelda breathed a sigh of relief. Crisis averted.
Immediately her friends greeted her with excitement. "Oh Zelda you look STUNNING tonight. Every man surely has their eyes on you!" squealed Mila. "Indeed, Lord Chudley has especially been asking for you," Maggie revealed.
Ugh not Lord Chudley. Of all the Lords and Barons of Hyrule, Zelda detested Chudley the most. A few years older than her, most ladies adored Chudley, yet his personality reeked of fish from Zora's river. He has been pursuing Zelda for some time, forcing her to come up with every excuse in the book to avoid his reach.
"Look over there! Isn't that the Tourney Champion?" Mila remarked. "Now THAT is a fine looking man. He sure was wonderful to watch today!"
Zelda spotted Link standing alone several meters away. He was trying one of the many appetizers being served throughout the crowd. For a moment, the blonde warrior made eye contact with Zelda. Her heart fluttered for a moment. Zelda could not deny the comments made by her friends about him as they continued to marvel over his handsome looks, incredibly toned body, and mysterious demeanor.
Maggie's voice snapped Zelda out of her trance. "I would love to have a man like that ravage my body. Wouldn't you Zelda?"
Blushing, Zelda responded, "Maggie hush! You don't want the other guests to overhear do you?" Her friends giggled. Looking up towards Link once more, she found his previous spot empty. Disappointed at his disappearance, Zelda returned her attention to her friends.
"Oh Zelda don't deny it. We can see it all over your face," Mila laughed. She continued, "You know, isn't it customary for the tourney champion to receive a kiss from the princess?"
Maggie agreed, "Yes Zelda you have to kiss him! He is your champion after all!"
I wouldn't mind a kiss from him… Unsure of how to respond, Zelda chuckled, dismissing her friends with a wave. "Ladies, you'll have to excuse me. I must make the rounds so my father doesn't scold me. I'll see you later!"
Zelda left to make her way through the crowd, stopping to receive birthday wishes and chat with her guests. She was careful to avoid Chudley all the while secretly hoping to run into her guest of honor. As she continued to converse with the guests, Zelda spotted Chudley from a few feet away. Panicking, Zelda panned around for an escape route. Across the room, she spotted open doors to the balcony.
Zelda quickly rushed over, longing to escape Chudley and the suffocation of the party. Grimacing under the pain her heels gave her, Zelda hurried to her destination. She reached the edge of the balcony and forced her hands on the balustrade. Upon seeing no one there, she sighed heavy while ripping the heels from her feet.
"You seem distressed."
Surprised, Zelda turned towards the sound of the unsuspecting voice. Leaning against one of the tall pillars stood a hooded man cloaked in green with his arms crossed. With his blonde hair streaking across his face and soft blue eyes, Zelda soon recognized the Tournament Champion standing before her. Link.
As their eyes locked in a trance, Zelda couldn't help but marvel at his stature. He is quite handsome, Zelda mused before snapping back to reality. "Oh! I apologize. I thought I was alone," she quickly replied, "I see you decided to come. That's wonderful! But…why are you out here?"
Link smiled and shifted his weight off the pillar, slowly making his way towards Zelda. He removed his hood. "Just making sure the castle is secure… and I'm not into the whole party scene."
"I appreciate the protection. Those rumors you spoke of earlier? Well you were right. The Hylian army was sent out west and there is turmoil amongst his council. I tried speaking with my father but he wouldn't listen." Zelda chuckled, hoping to lighten the mood, "and to be honest, I'm not into the party either."
She turned her body and attention out towards the evening city below. The hustle and bustle of the day's activities had subsided once the sun set, leaving quiet streets snaking through the collections of buildings. She could see distant shopkeepers closing up, as citizens made their way home. Lost in the surrounding view, Zelda failed to notice Link now standing next to her.
"That seems unusual for the Princess of Hyrule to say. Isn't this ball for you? A birthday celebration?"
"Humph I would hardy call it a celebration. My father actually planned this ball to play matchmaker, not celebrate my birthday," Zelda grimaced as she shifted her gaze towards Link, "He wants me to find a suitor to marry."
She continued her rant in frustration, "It's all so ridiculous! I'm sick of Hyrule's elite swarming over me like some prized possession. They're all so repulsive! I try to come up with ways to escape their grasp but sometimes I just can't. This one lord in particular is especially persistent. He has tried to kiss me a couple of times before I've barely managed to give him the slip. I don't want to marry someone just to please my father. I want…" Her voice trailed off. Realizing once again her tendency to ramble, Zelda blushed and apologized. She glanced down and nervously smoothed the creases of her dress, hoping Link wasn't judging her sporadic rant.
Link finally spoke, "You should marry for love, not be forced to marry against your will." His warm words sent a burning sensation throughout her body. Why do I suddenly feel like this?
"I appreciate your kind words. Enough about me," Zelda lifted her head back up and locked eyes once again, "You were quite impressive today. I don't think anyone has ever managed to sweep every event before. How did you acquire such skill?"
"Years of practice," he plainly replied. Link didn't feel like elaborating on his past, especially to the princess.
"Many men have practiced as much but none have ever displayed even a fraction of the skill you possess. Truly, how do you do it?" She wanted to know more, anything to learn something of his past. But she failed to elicit a response from the silent stoic man save for a small shrug. Why is he so reserved?
"Like I said, practice."
"Tell me then…was it practice that led to you perfectly hitting that last shot in the horseback archery trial," Zelda's gaze attracted the attention of Link, "as you focused solely on me?"
Link's voice softened with a faint grin. "Just showing off."
Determined, Zelda pressed on in the conversation, "You know, my friends were quite impressed with you as well." She traced her finger delicately along the groves of the marble balustrade. "They seem to think that as Princess, I must bestow you a kiss for your winning performance." She didn't quite know how he would respond, or where this sudden burst of courage came from.
"No thank you Your Highness."
Shocked, Zelda fumbled for words. "Every man in Hyrule would kill to be in your place. It's not every day one gets the chance to kiss a Princess! What, is there something wrong with me?" Zelda's voice carried a hint of annoyance. She couldn't tell whether it was due to the rejection or her usual stubbornness.
"Its not that. Your Highness I'm not worthy."
"Please stop with the formalities and call me Zelda! I get enough of the royal treatment as it is. And why would you say that?! You've already proven your worth as Champion!" Zelda frowned.
"Well if you insist…"
"I insist?! What kind of response is that? Honestly I don't understa…"
Zelda never had time to finish as Link took advantage of the offer and tenderly grabbed her face, drawing her lips up to his. She closed her eyes and embraced the kiss. His warmth radiated through her body as she melted into Link's firm grip. The moment soon passed yet to Zelda, it felt like an eternity. Link slowly pulled away, his thumbs brushing her cheeks as the magnetic lock between their lips broke.
Breathing heavily, Zelda opened her eyes to look at Link. She could still feel the soft impression his strong lips had left. Blushing, Zelda regained composure, her heart beating rapidly with such fervor. Words escaped her as she tried to think of something to say.
However it was Link who broke the silence. "I…I think I should go now." He wanted to stay but couldn't find the courage after having exhausted it all on kissing her. As much as he enjoyed the moment he had shared with Zelda, Link just didn't see how their relationship could grow into anything more. After all she was the Princess of Hyrule and he was a commoner with no status or wealth to his name. I'm not worthy of her.
"Why? The night is still young and you said you would be here…for my protection." Zelda wanted Link to stay. He was a welcome distraction to the festivities back in the ballroom and she didn't want their meeting to end.
Link returned to his reserved demeanor, "You shouldn't worry about an attack, this castle is secure as far as I can tell. I promise I'll always be around to protect you." He bowed towards Zelda, "Thank you for the invitation…and the…the kiss."
"I suppose I could command you to stay… but that wouldn't be very courteous of me," Zelda smiled in defeat, "I hope you enjoyed the party." She couldn't bring herself to say goodbye. The word felt too final, as if she would never be able to see Link again. Instead she settled on bidding him goodnight. Link returned the gesture, turning back towards the ballroom.
"Wait… that promise you just made … do you really mean it?" Zelda inquired.
He paused after a few steps, glancing back at Zelda. "I always keep my promises," Link smiled, "Don't forget your heels. Oh and Happy Birthday." He continued on through the doorway. Zelda's eyes followed his movements, until she could no longer see him in the crowd.
Bending down, Zelda picked up her heels and began to slowly make her way back into the party. She eventually arrived back into the crowded ballroom as the thought of Link's kiss still lingered on her mind. Was I dreaming? Did I really kiss him? Or was it him who wanted to kiss me? Before she could finish her thoughts, an unwelcoming voice reached her ears.
"My beautiful princess, where have you been all night? I've been longing to dance with you for some time now."
Lord Chudley. Of all the noble men attending the ball, it just had to be the sleaziest, egotistical man of them all to approach her. The thought of his claws latching onto her body sent shivers through her spine.
Before she could react however, a loud explosion ripped through the castle. The commotion caused guests to panic and scream, as chaos descended onto the ballroom.
Link was quick to leave the castle as he made his way down the entrance steps towards the gatehouse. What was I thinking kissing Zelda like that? He couldn't shake the thought of her sweet taste upon his lips, nor the image of her goddess-like body accentuated by the radiant gown she wore.
He pressed on, soon reaching the gatehouse where the lone guard stood watch. The guard looked up, surprised to see someone leaving so soon. "What? You're leaving already? These balls usually go on for several more hours," inquired the guard.
"I only intended to make an appearance. Besides I'm tired," Link replied. "My sword and shield please?"
"Alright if you insist." The guard stepped back into the gatehouse door, rummaging through to find Link's possessions. He continued to speak, "So did you get the chance to see the Princess? I've only seen her a handful of times but boy is she beautiful!"
A faint smile appeared on Link's face, "I did…and she is." No. Zelda is more than just beautiful. She is a blessing from the goddesses.
"Ah here we go!" The guard returned with Link's sword and shield. "You lucky bastard. Oh I'd love to catch a glimpse of her again. Though you could say my wife wouldn't be too happy about that!" chuckled the guard.
Link nodded and strapped his sword and shield back on. As he started to leave, a loud blast rang out. He immediately turned back toward the castle to see a tall plume of fire and smoke rise from near the ballroom. Zelda!
"What in the world just happened?!," the guard yelled. But his words were already faint to Link as he raced back to the castle.