The Legend of Zelda
The Lost Realm
Chapter 2: Swords and Strangers
You're in danger...you're in terrible danger...
He was in a dark place. Shadows clung to the walls all around him. A voice kept whispering in his head.
...terrible danger...
Something was looming in the darkness. He instinctively pulled out his weapon; a long, double-edged sword. He pulled out his shield and prepared himself for battle, and...
...He realized he didn't own a sword, or a shield. He was defenseless!
The monster loomed in closer, its jaws agape and its claws extended out towards him, ready to tear him to shreds. He tried to back away, but he was cornered. The thing was getting closer, and closer, and closer towards him. Its eyes were the only things that lit up the gloom; a pair of terrifying-looking, pupilless orbs that swayed wildly in a terrible dance. It then leaned in close, its breath hot and disgustingly wet against his face, and spoke...
"It's time to wake up..."
Link awoke with a start, his head drenched in what felt like cold sweat. It was about an hour after daybreak, and already the sun had begun to climb up towards his bedside window. His sheets were a mess, having looked like he had been tossing and turning all night.
And that dream...that nightmare...
Link had never, ever felt something like that before in his life. It felt so real, so intense...his heart was still pounding because of it. Normally he could shrug it off, but this...this was worse than the nightmares he would get when he was five.
What topped it all off was that voice. He...recognized it from somewhere. He didn't know who, he didn't know from where, and he couldn't even pinpoint who it belonged to even now. But he knew that he did...and that's what really scared him.
As he sat up and began to rub his head from the stress, he felt something fall onto his chest. He looked down; someone had put a note on his person while he was asleep. Looking around suspiciously to see if anyone was hiding in his closet or had left the door open to peek in later, he slowly opened the note and gave it a read...
Dear Link,
Yesterday was incredible and I can't thank you and Malon enough. It's always great being able to visit with you guys. I really wish we could do it more often, responsibilities aside...
However, as per usual, it's time for me to dress up the part to please father and the rest of my family at court. But if you don't mind I'd like you to wear the outfit we won today and maybe come and see me and my father later. I have a feeling he will take a liking to your new appearance...maybe enough to surprise you.
Here's to the festival. When it's done, try and see if you can come visit me at the castle again the next time you can. I want to be able to hang out with you for as long as I can.
Yours truly,
Zelda, Princess of Hyrule
P.S. Hope your cheek didn't grow a sore last night.
When he got to the last line of the letter he blushed. Instinct made him feel his cheek where Zelda had kissed him the night before. When he noted that nothing sore was there, he smiled and shook his head. Count on Zelda to get him paranoid like that.
He folded the letter away and put it in one of his drawers in his nightstand. Getting into his closet he began to examine the outfit that Zelda convinced him to win for her. In daylight, it looked a lot more impressive than under the light of candles and the moon outside. Visible leather padding on the shoulders gave it a bit more of an appearance of being a protective suit of armor for adventuring rather than an outfit for show. The outfit even had an under-armor padding; close inspection revealed tiny links of chain mail of an unknown type of metal; very light but felt durable when tugged; which wove to and fro underneath the bits of leather padding. It had been little wonder it was so difficult to put on; there was at least four layers of fabric and leather-work and an entire layer of chain sheet in that ensemble.
The belt that went around the middle and held up both the pants and the tunic itself looked very nice, being made of what appeared to be very well-kept leather, likely cowhide, with a sharp pewter belt buckle to match. The pants were well-sewn and featured a couple of pockets on both legs, and the boots were very well fashioned by a seasoned cobbler. All in all, not a bad prize. He could see now why Zelda liked it so much.
The cap still was a bit of a turn-off, but Link was sure that it could come in handy. The design didn't require a strap to go over his chin to keep it attached, as it latched nicely to his head. Of course, it wasn't too tight or uncomfortable, but instead made a nice pocket of empty space to go over his hair. It didn't do anything to protect his pointed ears, so he doubted that it would help against the cold, but it did keep the top of his head covered so he guessed that it could be useful for outdoors in the heat. Maybe...
When he managed to put it all on again he looked at himself in the mirror. It was then that he noticed a particular strap on his left shoulder pad and his right hip. He fingered them for a moment in confusion, wondering what they could be used for. Was it to latch a specific kind of tool to his body? Maybe it was for a second belt...but why around the back like that?
He decided he could ponder on it later. There was a festival he needed to attend, and a princess waiting for his timely appearance. The last thing he wanted to do was show up a princess.
Almost overnight, crowds of people arrived to the festival grounds and managed to finish filling up what empty space remained surrounding the ranch property. Loads of new vendors, each more extravagant than the last, had arrived and set up shop on the morning of the festival, along with several shopkeepers, trolleys, and wagons full of new items to buy and new games to play. There was even an arena being fixed up near one of the old horse corrals at the edge of the ranch proper, with tall seating benches and a special group of elevated boxes for the royalty and courtesans of Hyrule Castle to sit and watch the proceedings.
Every other bit of square foot surrounding the festival and the immediate area was filled to the brim with pavilions, wagons, tents, and peoples of all shapes and sizes from across the lands of Hyrule and its neighboring provinces. Link had been in Hyrule Castle Town before and once thought it to be packed with people, but now he was quite mistaken. If ever there was a time and place where he felt one region shouldn't be able to hold as many people as it now did, it was here and now. So much variety and so much character seemed to be in every little square amount of space that even from the distance he was from the festival grounds it seemed almost too overwhelming.
Common tents owned by village folk from the lands of the Hyrule Field and surrounding countryside stood side by side with the pavilions of nobles, lords, and the royal court itself of Hyrule Castle Town. Tall, four-piece gondolas made of the red-brown leather of Dodongo hide belonged to Gorons that came south from their great mountain. Lean-toes made of sticks and leaves belonged to the Kokiri; the strange, child-like race of forest dwellers that hailed from the Lost Woods and Kokiri Forest further south and west of the ranch; and already birds and other creatures were beginning to flock towards the playful children of nature. The sand-colored teepees of the Gerudo Tribes; an entire race of people composed almost entirely of women and their single male king; stood in a picketed circle around each other off to the far side of the proceedings. There was even a small group of blue-colored, coral-encrusted yurts belonging to the few Zoras that could bear the dry trip from their beloved river to the ranch so that they could take part in the festival themselves.
Link took it all in. He felt elated inside, as if this was for sure to be the best day of his life. This gathering of people from all corners of Hyrule was really happening, and he had the honor of being one of the hosts of it on his family land. So many people from so many races, once war-like with one another so long ago but now living together as friends and even family...the scene was breathtaking to say the least.
As Link took in the sights around him, he took note of how happy everyone was. There wasn't any sign of concern or the hint of scheming behind anyone's demeanor. People were enjoying themselves, and making a point to show it. The festival couldn't have turned out better than anyone could have hoped for.
"Link! Hey, big brother! Over here!"
Link turned around. Malon, in one of her best dresses, was quickly running towards him across the festival grounds. She had on one of the traditional dresses of the girls of Lon Lon Ranch, said to have been based on Malon's namesake from many years ago; the legendary farm-girl who wished to marry a knight and got a hero instead. She caught up to him and excitedly gave him a quick hug, never once stopping short of breath.
"Hey, mom and dad are going to show us off to some of the supporters of the festival," she said, "Dad said he wanted to make sure you looked our best and-wait, why are you wearing that?"
Link nervously chuckled, rubbing the back of his head nervously. "Zelda asked me to wear it, said that she wanted me to show off to her da-I mean, his majesty when we got a chance to see each other again today."
"That's great!" Malon said happily, "I think he'll like it. It looks so much better than your other clothes. Come on, let's hurry up!"
Link made to follow, but stopped short. "Hey, wait a second! What's wrong with my other clothes?!"
As the festival began to go well into its desired pace, with the hustle and bustle of the buying and selling of goods, the playing of games, feasting, and overall enjoyment of the crowd, the sunlight began to shine down transforming the surrounding fields into vast plains of gold. Indeed, the day seemed to be just perfect for the celebration. For some...a little too perfect.
No one noticed, but among the Kokiri there was a group of fairies tasked with watching the proceedings and ensuring their charges did not get too carried away; children being children as they are. These three fairies; Ciela, Leaf, and Neri; took close watch over the Children of the Forest. It was not long before discussion among the three of them was halted when a yellow fairy quickly flew in their direction.
"Ciela, Ciela!" the fairy shouted, panting with breath as she fluttered and landed atop the lean-to that the three were perched upon, "We've spotted him; the outsider! He's followed us from the forest!"
Leaf's red body appeared to glow brightly, and several of the leaves surrounding his person began to curl and wilt, turning black from the heat. "Damn," he said, "I would have thought Mido would have kept him occupied back home. The Great Deku Tree warned us he'd pull something like this."
Ciela ignored her brother and kept the conversation focused on the yellow messenger. "Who all saw him?"
"Just Tael and myself, ma'am. We saw him crawling on the pavilions further in. It looks like he's headed towards the center of the festival grounds."
"Likely where many figures of importance will be residing throughout the ceremonies," Neri, the wise blue fairy that sat to Ciela's left, stated aloud.
Ciela nodded. "Was he bothering any of our charges?"
"None, ma'am. It looked as if he's lost interest in them."
Ciela sighed with relief. "Good...that puts him out of our hair for the moment," she looked over at Leaf. "Call up your guard, tell them to keep an eye out. We can't let him try and take one of our charges. If you see him so much as look at one of our Kokiri, bring him in. Try not to get noticed."
Leaf's wings flittered in agitation. "That's all you want?"
"If you try any antics you might set a tent on fire, and the last thing we want is a political dispute. We're babysitters, not diplomats."
"As you will. Just know that I'm not going to hesitate in teaching him a lesson if he tries to pull anything like last time."
"Just...don't get caught, alright?"
The red fairy nodded and flew off, trailed closely by a couple of orange fairies that flew quickly in his wake.
"C-Ciela?"
Ciela turned to the messenger. "Yes, Tatl, I apologize. You had something else?"
"Nothing, ma'am, only if I'm done I would like to get back to my brother. He can't take care of two charges at once for so long."
"Hurry up and get going, then...and don't forget to tell the Skull Kid to stay away from any more masks. The last thing we need is for him to pull his antics again."
The yellow fairy nodded and flew off, disappearing back amidst the festival tents.
Ciela watched her go, then drew her gaze back to her remaining sister. Neri was staring out into the distant crowds, her eyes deep in thought. Very few could understand what she often was thinking, and even for the few who did even they were often befuddled at figuring out what she has locked away in that mind of hers. Ciela was often one of those few; for as long as she knew her sister, she still had much to learn of her.
"What?" she asked, "You're thinking of him?"
"I'm thinking, yes..." Neri replied.
"You thinking that he's going to leave us alone?"
"I think that, pretty soon, that outsider will start becoming someone else's problem," she sighed, "However, that doesn't necessarily mean he won't stop being our problem."
"That damned glowing bat had better stop being our problem," Ciela said angrily, "He's no longer under the protection of His Greatness. We're out in the open, far away from the forest. There's no keeping us from any accidents."
"So you agree with Leaf, then? That we should be rid of him?"
"I feel that Leaf's anger is justified, nothing more."
Neri approached her sister. "What happened with his charge-"
"He could have gotten lost!" Ciela interrupted, her voice raised high enough to attract the other fairies that stayed behind, "He could have gotten lost in the worst of places! You know the laws of the Forest, Neri! You know more than anyone; when a Kokiri leaves the protection of its warden, then it becomes lost to the Forest. But it's not like out here, where they can still live and grow like the rest of the world. Not where they were going. And you expect us to just let that slide?! Just like that?!"
Neri winced. She did know all too well what that meant. The Kokiri weren't just a people; they were of course children, but only through magic. The power of the Forest, specifically the Great Deku Tree's power, was what kept them eternally young. Those who left the safety of the forest were doomed to become lost, but for those who wished to see the outside world and come back the Great Deku Tree entrusted some of his power to his wardens, the Fairies. With a Fairy Guardian always by their Kokiri's side, they could walk among distant fields and new forests and still remain young so long as they always returned. If at any point the Fairy was separated from its charge, or if the Kokiri wished to remain in the outside world, then the spell was broken and the Kokiri would be like a normal child, who will one day grow up, grow old, and die.
This was not so for those lost to the Forest. Those Kokiri who made the mistake of escaping their Fairy charges and entering the deep forest were doomed to become lost forever. If they are ever at one point seen again, they will have already changed; becoming lanky, thin, and covered in leaves and bristles instead of hair, and growing bark for skin and gaunt, hollow eyes like those of a hollowed tree. The forest will have already claimed them, turning them into Skull Kids. It was why everywhere outside of the Kokiri Forest and the Sacred Grove was called the Lost Woods.
Tael had the mistake happen to his charge, Dori, who had disappeared during an extended game of hide and seek. Tael had personally looked for Dori for days, wandering to and fro throughout the Lost Woods on his own. When they had returned, they were already too late. Dori had become a Skull Kid; his memories, personality, and his very identity long gone, replaced by something that suited the Forest; more often than not, something twisted. Were it not for the strong bond they both shared, as mischief-makers, Dori would never have come back. Now both were outcasts, barely accepted into society by all but a few, such as Tael's sister Tatl and her charge, Fado the Songweaver.
"I know, sister," Neri said, "All too well."
"Good," Ciela said, "Then we are agreed. The outsider never returns to the Kokiri Forest if we do see him again."
"If we are lucky, he may have already found what he's looking for by then."
Ciela rolled her eyes and turned back to her sister. "Are you joking? You seriously still believe the web of lies he keep spouting?!"
Neri looked straight into her sister's eyes. "I believe that he believes in them," she said sincerely, "And if he believes in them that strongly, then perhaps he's not at fault to."
"Whatever," Ciela growled, "It doesn't matter. If we're really lucky some passing merchant or curious salesman will pick him up and, seeing that he doesn't belong to us, might just put him in a cage and take him off of our hands. There is no way that we are going to let that Shadow Fairy walk within an inch of our young ones again, no matter how much he tries to convince us otherwise. He can take his "green warrior" rubbish and throw it up his-"
Neri had stopped listening to her sister. Her eyes were gazing elsewhere, to where a girl with red hair was pulling by the hand a boy wearing what looked like, to all intents and purposes, the green garb of a Kokiri.
Link and Malon managed to make it to where their parents were visiting with some of the nobles and merchants who represented the main group of sponsors that funded the festival. Link was asked to shake hands, bow, or otherwise formally greet and be polite to several men and women from across Hyrule, many of whom were from as far away as past Hyrule's borders. There was one lady, Agitha, who he had to keep himself from chuckling at, because her entire dress was covered in what looked like decorative bugs. Of course, when Malon asked to touch one, she got the surprise of her life when one of these golden bugs came to life and buzzed at her finger.
There was Dangoro, the wandering Goron Prize-Fighter, who took great pride in helping gatherings such as the Festival itself. Linebeck, the engineer and traveling merchant, who took every opportunity in the world to expand his business ventures and spread his name in a new region. The Traveling Mask Salesman, who always seemed too polite and had that strange grin that creeped Link out whenever he looked in his direction. There were more names than he cared to remember, though he played the polite eldest son and did his best to look presentable.
There was one backer in particular who brought his own children with him. Zora De Bon, a rather large, fat Zora with a frog-like face and legs that looked too small to be carrying him, brought with him his daughter, a lovely young Zora named Ruto who was about his age. Link didn't know why, but he noticed very quickly the strange looks and shy smiles and giggles whenever they made eye contact.
When they finally managed to be alone, Malon pulled him aside with a giggle. "She's got her eye on you," she whispered.
"Really?" Link asked sarcastically, hoping to avoid the Zora girl's gaze a little longer, "I didn't notice."
"Better watch out," Malon whispered, "Or she might just start courting you, cucco legs."
Link shuddered. A Hylian and a Zora...dating? That hardly seemed like something within reality. A Gerudo, he'd understand; that was necessity rather than anything else. But a Zora?
Just then a man bearing the colors and dress of a courier of the King approached the family and bowed. "His majesty requests the presence of Sir and Lady Talon and their family at the Court Pavilion."
Link gulped. That likely meant Zelda would be there. He sincerely hoped that whatever Zelda likely had planned in her letter wouldn't get him embarrassed...but, oddly enough, he suddenly wanted to stand up straighter and look more proud of himself.
"Come on!" Malon said excitedly, "I want to see his majesty!"
Unbeknownst to the patrons of the Festival, moving quickly from booth to booth, across tent after tent, a dark, tiny, shadowy form was making its way deeper and deeper towards the center of the Festival grounds. It bore a winged form; a pair of black, moth-like wings that it tucked in close behind it as it moved quickly across the fairgrounds. It only opened them when needing to glide from booth to booth, using its speed while running to give it the boost needed to quickly glide across.
The thing looked at first glance to be like a fairy, only its aura was very dark in color. Its core body looked white, but everywhere outside was black, even the wings. As it touched the wood, metal, or canvas it made a shimmering wave appear, as if its body wasn't really a part of reality. It kept moving with purpose, letting it drive each stride while its keen eyes kept looking for something in particular; something out of the ordinary.
Finally it came to a halt, perching itself upon a tall pole overlooking the area. It glanced towards either side of its body, trying to spot something out of the ordinary. However, its eyes couldn't get a glimpse of what it was looking for, and so the creature swore to itself and kicked at the pole.
It suddenly stopped moving and looked down. Movement had caught its eye; tiny, glowing orbs of red and orange light that were also searching. It immediately dropped down and hid itself, keeping its body against the flat surface of the pole, hoping it wouldn't get spotted.
When the passing lights moved away, it let out a sigh of relief. Slowly, it gazed back down amidst the crowd. It appeared ready to give up; whatever it was searching for appeared to just simply not be.
Just then, it stopped; its gaze pointed directly at a figure beneath him, a figure appearing to walk beside four others and making their way towards the large pavilion in the center of the grounds. It let its jaw drop, then let out a loud laugh; one that, thankfully, couldn't be heard below. It smiled and gauged where its quarry was headed, then quickly spread its wings and soared overhead. It would watch and wait until it was absolutely sure of itself, but there was no denying it.
The boy down there just had to be the Green Warrior. He just had to be.
The Royal Pavilion was a great many times larger than the other pavilions set up. Bearing the colors of Hyrule across its surface; blue and golden stripes pointed vertically an ending at the very tops of the massive tent; it stood out a great deal from the other tents. This was likely due to it doubling as a makeshift court, allowing for the King and his closest advisers, loyalest nobility, and specialists he liked to keep close by his side to continuously convene on certain matters even outside of the castle walls. A king's job is never done, even during celebration, and like it or not this wasn't a time for relaxation for the likes of a monarch, despite the festivities.
The Talon family was announced, and they did their best to look proper and bow or curtsey to their lord and sovereign. Link couldn't help but look up to see if Zelda was there amongst the rest of the Royal family. She was; sitting by her father's side on a smaller version of his own traveling throne. She did not look like she noticed him at first, but Link managed to catch the smile at the corner of her mouth; something that he had learned to pick up long ago when he was a regular visitor to Hyrule Castle Town.
"Arise, Talon and family," the King spoke, his great burly hands beckoning for them all to stand again, "You have made us honored guests on your land, and we thank you for it. You do us the honor, not the other way around."
They all stood. Link was on his father's right, alongside his sister, while his mother Marian held Colin's hand as she stood on Talon's left. They all were dressed as properly as they could be, though one glance in the crowd told Link that they were likely the least properly dressed. Row after row of courtesans, nobles, and aristocrats all bore clothing, jewels, and headdresses that far outmatched that which they could ever hope to wear. He knew for a fact, talking with Zelda, that any one of the outfits the men wore would cost the equivalent of his family's entire earnings, expenses, and debts in a year combined on an average harvest, and those were just the outfits for the men!
The king looked them over once more before he was about to dismiss them, then his eyes glanced on Link. Link froze, not sure whether to meet his gaze or otherwise look away, whichever was respectful. He made a quick glance in Zelda's direction; the look on her face suggested that he was doing alright. This made him relax, if only a little bit.
"You there, son," the king said, pointing a finger at Link, "Approach. I want a better look at you."
Link did his hardest not to visibly gulp or show signs of his nervousness. Slowly he walked forward, careful to keep his steps in line. Luckily, an occasional glance at Zelda told him what to do. She used the fingers of her left hand; the hand between herself and her father, the one less likely to be noticed; to indicate if what he was doing was correct. Two fingers meant continue, one meant stop, a quick wag meant an immediate halt in what he was doing, while a twirl meant he could return to his place.
Zelda quickly lifted one of her fingers when Link got close enough and he stopped in his tracks. Slowly, he looked up at the King, though not enough to directly look into his gaze. He noticed that the man was eyeing him up and down and carefully scrutinizing his appearance, as if he was looking for something out of place. Link didn't dare look at Zelda while her father was watching, but out of his peripherals he could see that she was nervous too. Obviously she was hoping for him to say or do something already.
"Tell me, my boy," the king finally said, "Your name is Link, am I right?"
Link nodded. "Yes, sire."
"You are wearing a very handsome outfit, young Link. It appears to be quite an expensive one."
"Please, my lord, it is nothing compared to the splendid garbs I see here today."
He saw Zelda smile slightly. The very low murmur of the crowd confirmed that he did the right thing in complimenting them. The king simply laughed.
"Indeed, yet I am not one for such fancy tastes. Yours is a rather unique outfit even compared to these others. Yet you do not seem like the type who would so quickly take up such a garb on your own initiative."
Link allowed himself a very slight nervous smile. "Well, my lord...her majesty, the princess, has good taste in clothing."
He saw Zelda wince. That wasn't a good sign. The murmurs increased in volume, and he could hear snickering from some of the younger members of court; members around his age. It dawned on him that he may have accidentally made his best friend look bad.
"Did she, now?" the King asked, "Well, that's right. You have been good childhood friends with my daughter, have you not? It seems like she would have put the right stuff into your head."
Link nodded. He didn't dare look at Zelda. There was a good chance that she was trying to control a blush and his gaze wouldn't do anything to help it.
The king leaned closer to him, his large, muscular body causing the wooden traveling throne under him to creak slightly. "I have always found," he said, "that it is a very important part of life to choose one's friends carefully. One good friend is worth over a dozen common ones."
Link didn't know how to answer that. He simply nodded.
The king chuckled. "A boy of few words. I like that. And I like your outfit...but it seems to be missing something."
Link looked up in confusion. The king beckoned for one of his couriers and whispered something in his ear. The man bowed and quickly went to one side of the pavilion. After a wait that seemed like hours, he returned bearing something wrapped tightly in preserving leathers.
"Boy, what I am about to give you is a kingly gift. It is something that should never leave your side, in peace or war, for it is an important piece to any man's arsenal. It is only half of a greater whole; but it is by far the important half, for one cannot carry a tool without something to carry it with."
The king held the thing in his hands and held it forward. Link glanced at Zelda. Two fingers. He approached slowly, cautiously holding out his hands to take the gift.
The king placed the object in his hands. It felt only slightly heavy, but it wasn't for its size alone. It was likely hollow and, based on the shape, pointed at one end. Careful not to make a mess, he slowly parted the leathers to reveal that which was hidden beneath.
Many in the room gasped. His eyes gleamed. There, sitting in his hands, was a scabbard for a broadsword, bearing the crest of Hyrule on its surface; the Triforce, in gold, perched atop a pair of eagle's wings. Link could not help but stare at the gift, gazing it up and down and admiring its sheen and excellent make. Sure, the scabbard was empty, but it was still amazing and would likely fit well any sword he chose to sheathe it in.
"T-thank you, my lord," Link said with a deep bow.
"The belt of the scabbard goes around the strap on your left shoulder and the opposite hip," the king said, indicating with his hand where it should go, "It looks as if your outfit was built for someone of royalty, or otherwise the strap would be on the other ends. It should not be too much of a problem, I think, to adjust it."
"It won't be a problem, my lord," Link said with a very slight smile, "I am left handed anyway."
The king guffawed. "You seem to be a lucky lad, either that or good at spotting that which suits you best. My daughter did well in choosing that outfit for you."
Link nearly blushed, but glad he didn't. Already he could hear the snickering again. If he did blush he likely would just stir up more trouble, and the last thing he needed was for Zelda to get upset.
"Well then," the king said, "Perhaps with a scabbard like that, you could look forward to wearing a guardsman's sword in the future. I hear they are always looking for new recruits."
Link's jaw nearly dropped. Did he hear that right? The King himself offered him a place in the ranks of the Castle Guards? The Castle Guards? Such an honor, such a privilege would mean that he could live in the castle, he could have enough money to buy himself expensive meals, get himself a horse and land, he could...
He glanced at Zelda. The smirk had returned to her face.
She knew. She knew that her father would like this outfit. She didn't just want him to randomly grab something goofy to wear as a joke between friends, but she actually knew that her father would call him out on it. It would mean he could live near the castle...no, it would mean that he could live closer to his best friend.
It would change everything. Everything in his life...
Link quickly bowed before he looked like he would be standing there for too long. "T-thank you, sire," he said nervously.
Zelda made the signal with her finger; twirling it. He could return to the others.
Link slowly backed away, keeping hold of the scabbard, excited to put it on. But his excitement was tempered very hard. He had just been given a very important life decision; no, it had been thrown right in his lap. If her father meant what he said, then that would mean that Link would want to join up for the guardsmen sooner than later; they only recruited those before their 20's. It would mean that he would have to leave home, and likely wouldn't be able to stick around at the ranch anymore.
It was a lot to think about, and much too soon as well. He wasn't sure if he could handle that kind of a choice.
"Come!" the king said, "Let us start up another feast, and we'd be fools not to invite our hosts along to join us! Ready the tables and prepare the chairs, and open more casks of wine!"
The feast was better than anything Link had ever tried before. There were lots of imported goods from across Hyrule; meats of all kinds and colors and shades of reds, whites, and pinks, and in different cuts and styles of cooking from the very rare to the very well done. Pigs brought in from Kakariko Village, butchered right there in the fairgrounds; cooked perfectly so as not to be too dry to the point of jerky. Poultry such as ducks, cuccos, geese, and wild pheasants all were arranged in different styles of dress, some even with their feathers still attached to add decoration to the spread.
The pastries, flans, and other cooked foods were mouthwatering and delicious in all their own ways. Potato and turnip pasties, meat pies with bits of beef mixed with carrot and beet, calzones and strombolis made by the Gerudo cooks and mixed with red sauce, goat cheese, and sausage before cooked piping hot; all melted and coated in butter, Goron flatcakes mixed with nuts and berries grown atop the rugged surface of Death Mountain, and these were just to name a few. Link had a particular liking for the strombolis, and hoped that his mother could find the Gerudo chef who made them so she could get the recipe.
By far the largest meal on the spread was a massive, steam-cooked, deliciously well-done grouper brought in by the Zoras from deep within the depths of Lake Hylia. It was by far the biggest fish Link had ever seen in his life; almost as big as a horse, with a mouth large enough that it could swallow little Colin in one bite. Black pepper, seasoned salt, and marinades made of some plants Link couldn't even pronounce were all added in the making of the dish, and it was enough to make one's mouth explode in flavor. It was by far Link's favorite part of the meal, likely because there was so much stuff that he couldn't try it all in one go.
As Link ate another bite, he managed to hear some snickering off to one corner. Curious, he looked over his shoulder. A group of kids his age, all part of the same group as the rest of the crowd, appeared to be laughing at something. Judging by the looks of their stares and the direction they were pointing, he had a good idea who.
It made him mad, the way they looked at him and treated him. He knew that it was to be expected, but he shouldn't be punished for being best friends with a princess, and for that matter neither should Zelda. He'd give them all a piece of his mind if it weren't for the fact he knew that it would put him out of favor with many of the aristocracy there, and as both the son of a very well-known rancher and a potential future guardsmen for Hyrule it was important that he acted polite.
Link couldn't help but let his mind wander for a moment. A guardsman of Hyrule...he never thought he'd get an opportunity like that. Being best friends with the Crown Princess was a matter of chance rather than planning or even luck, as Link happened to be the oldest son of a prestigious ranching family. Despite the obvious benefits, Link always thought of Zelda as just a friend with nothing extra attached. He had decided from the moment the thought came to mind he would never take advantage of his friendship with her, regardless of his own circumstances. It was a promise he made to himself long ago, and a promise he intended to keep. As Zelda became queen, married, and ruled over the land of Hyrule he would remain just Link the Rancher, inherit his dad's ranch and farm and continue running the family business as it has been done for generations.
But Zelda had changed all of that.
Link felt the belt around his chest which attached his scabbard to the rest of his outfit. Buying a sword would be simple enough; they weren't even that expensive. Making his own would be ideal if he could learn the trade within the next four years. But the point was that he never even considered getting one before now, even if he ever got older and had to go into the service if war was to occur. An entire new opportunity was opened up to him; one that he only dreamt of as a boy. All thanks to his friendship...friendship with the one girl that he promised never to kiss up to or ask for any favors for the sake of personal gain.
All thanks to Zelda...now his life would never be the same again...
"Excuse me, but are you deaf?"
Link looked up with a start. "Huh?"
The kids that had been laughing at him a moment ago were now surrounding him, some giggling behind their gloves or otherwise sneering in his direction. He must have been so lost in thought that he hadn't even paid attention when they addressed him.
"Oh...I'm sorry," Link said, "I was...thinking, my apologies."
"Pfft, thinking. Wasn't aware commoners could do that."
Link tried not to glare at the older kid who had said that. He was about his age, but definitely bigger than him, with blue hair dyed and curled over atop his head almost like a judge's wig.
"We were just admiring the gift the king gave you," one of the girls said, her hair arranged in a headdress that looked too heavy for her to hold up despite how easily she appeared to manage it, "It is a lovely scabbard."
Link gave her a nervous smile. "Uh...thanks, I guess."
This incited more giggles and more sneers. Somehow Link knew that this couldn't end well. He would just have to hunker down and wait until it was done and over with.
"So, is it true then?"
Link looked up at the girl. "Is what true?"
"Are you going to join the Royal Guards? That is what the king invited you to do, was it not?"
Link felt a blush coming on. "I...uh, um...well, I'm still thinking on it..."
"Typical. Told you he wouldn't do it. Show commoners something new they can't understand and they just waddle around like the overfed turkeys they are."
Link just about had enough of the blue-haired kid. "At least I'm not dressed like an overfed turkey," he muttered.
Stunned silence. Link looked around. All of the kids that had crowded around him had their jaws down to the floor. The blue-haired kid looked positively steamed, turning a shade red in the face.
"This style...is the latest in male fashion across ten kingdoms," he growled, "Do you have any idea, a single smidgeon of a thought in that thick skull of yours, how much it costs?! This outfit alone could probably buy off your entire ranch tenfold!"
Link knew that he was in trouble. Every ounce of common sense in his body told him he should back out while he can, but somehow common sense had as much leverage over him as a small duck would to this jerk's ego. Not only was he just insulting him now, but he was insulting his family home...nobody does that around a Lon and gets away with it.
"Well, then you wasted your money," Link retorted, "Because not only is my family ranch more functional and profitable, but it looks nicer too...and doesn't smell even half as bad. I could smell that cologne about a mile away."
This was greeted with a bunch of oohs from the small crowd he had gathered. The blue-haired kid's face now looked like an upside-down beet with how red it was. Like an over-proud pigeon he strutted up to Link and looked him square in the eye.
"At least I didn't take the time to waste my money on a commoner," he growled, "You may be the princess's friend but there's one thing all of us can agree on; she has poor taste in money when it comes to you."
"Actually, I lied," Link said, "The ranch smells a good quarter as bad as the outfit...oh, and she didn't buy it. I won it."
The blue-haired kid made a showy, fake guffaw and took a step back. "Won it? You actually expect me to believe you had some sort of skill to get something that drab?"
"Bulls-eyed three targets with a lame bow, never used a bow in my life," Link added just to make his point, "Oh, and they were a good thirty to forty feet by the way, not play targets either."
Link could tell that their argument wasn't going anywhere but bad, but he was only confirmed that when he saw the blue-haired kid's hand reach past his cape.
"I doubt you're any good with a sword," he growled.
That's when Link saw it; the hilt of a very thin and rather nasty-looking saber. The scabbard that held it was encrusted with jewels and gilded with gold and silver, likely a good ten to twenty times more expensive than his empty one, but he had no doubt of the blade's lethality. Link knew that if what he said next was the wrong words, he could end up on the floor, bleeding from neck to navel, and not even being a guest of honor or a host would save him.
"Kafei, Link, what's gotten into you two?!"
The kids parted and bowed and curtsied as according to their rank. Link felt a wave of relief wash over him as Zelda walked up to the two of them, glaring directly at the blue-haired kid. Link took a step back and respectfully bowed even as Zelda eyed-up the giant.
"Oh, uh-er," the noble stammered, his angry red face becoming pink with fright like a pig's, "Princess Zelda, I was-"
"I saw what you were doing," Zelda growled under her breath, "How dare you threaten him like that. You're old enough that I could have you put behind bars just for holding your sword wrong! He's our host, and personally honored by my father, the king!"
Kafei, as his name was, managed to get a hold of his composure by then and blew a strand of his hair away from his face. "He's just a commoner, princess," he stated matter-of-factually, "Honored or not, he insulted me. By all rights I should punish him, have him whipped, maybe even drawn and quartered. No amount of friendship to the Crown would deny me that right."
Zelda's glare made her eyes look like daggers. Link saw her that mad before, and did not envy Kafei right now. Zelda's eyes when she got angry could frighten a cucco into abandoning her own eggs and could curdle milk.
"You will apologize to him," she growled, "Now."
"Or what, Zelda?" Kafei retorted, all sense of formality gone now, "Your father may be king, but you forget mine. My father is a proud supporter of yours and one of his greatest financial backers in court. It'd be a shame if that support didn't pass on to the next generation, now would it?"
"No, it wouldn't," Zelda said, "Because there's hardly any shame in losing the support of a weasel."
This got more oohs and a couple of loud laughs from the boys, as if by some joke they shared. Kafei glared at them and they immediately shut up.
"You're going to regret that, your majesty," Kafei said under his breath.
"What, regret knowing you? I already do, thanks. Now, take your friends and go bother someone else...or maybe I'll get the guards to persuade you, and wouldn't that embarrass your father. Would that be twice now that would have happened to you? I seem to recount it was three, but there's only so many that one can get away with hiding from the public eye-"
"Enough, already!" Kafei barked, "Fine, we'll leave."
He bowed low once and glared in Link's direction before adding, "My apologies to the stable boy."
Link kept himself from making the rude gesture that popped into his head and bowed back. "And my apologies to you, sir."
As soon as they had gone, Zelda dragged Link into a secluded corner and all but shoved him against one of the pavilion support posts. It jarred his head just a little bit.
"OW! Zelda, what was that for?!"
"You know very well what it was for, cucco-legs," Zelda replied, using his sister's nickname for him, "What were you thinking?! Kafei could have injured you badly or worse if I hadn't have shown up, and he's been known to do it if he gets mad."
"They were insulting my family," Link said, "I couldn't just keep my mouth shut, what was I supposed to do?"
"Did you at all think about how this could reflect on me by chance?!" Zelda continued, "Those overfed turkeys you were busy trading insults might one day become members of my court; members whose funds, goods, or otherwise general support will be what I ride on throughout my time as queen. What support they give then will be the reflection of how I treat them now while we are young!"
"Well why even have supporters like that to begin with?" Link asked with genuine sincerity, "They are not good people, Zelda. Do you really want to count on them at all when you become the monarch?"
"I don't like it either," Zelda said, "But no one cares how I like it, and they'd rather have me keep my personal opinions to myself, as it is expected of me. I'm supposed to ensure that they get what they want so I can get what I want, that's how it's always been. If they don't give me the support I need when I do become monarch, then I'll have as much power over the kingdom as a stray dog!"
"Then better to be a stray dog," Link replied, "Because having fleas as followers is better than leeches like them."
The two of them stared each other in the eyes for a good while after that before they both suddenly burst out laughing. It was enough that they got a couple of looks from the nearby adults, who simply rolled their eyes at the two of them; likely not sure exactly who was laughing or why. It was enough that both Link and Zelda were on the floor, both in tears from laughing so hard.
"Did-did you actually hear me call him an overfed turkey?" Link asked between chuckles.
Zelda had to cover her mouth to stifle her giggling. "I heard every word," she said, "I kind of agree...his cologne does smell worse than the ranch does. I've never smelt anything so powerful in my life!"
"And what was that about, 'weasel?' Don't tell me he's played trouser-ferret before!"
Zelda nearly burst into fresh laughter. "Once, and that was one of the times he got escorted out of the castle! They were afraid his shouts would cause public indecency!"
The two of them continued laughing until they were both exhausted. Finally, they managed to catch their breath, the two of them wiping tears from their eyes as they did.
Link was the first to end the amusement with a question they both knew would be coming. "You planned it, didn't you?"
Zelda wiped another tear and nodded.
"Even though I never asked for anything other than to be your friend, you had planned it."
Another nod.
"How long?"
"I had some ideas for a while," Zelda said, "But I knew simply asking father would not be enough. You had to look like you could be more than just a ranch boy...when I saw that outfit I knew that he'd look at you with different interests in mind."
Link looked at her quizzically. "How so?"
Zelda sat up, looking at him thoughtfully. "Because you look just like him."
Link turned his head to one side. Now he was really confused. "Just like who?"
Before Zelda could answer, there was a loud clanging sound coming from the end of the feast table where the royal throne sat. Zelda quickly got up and dashed over there, knowing that her father would likely want her to have a seat by him. Link got up and made to follow, but stopped at the edge of the crowd. Friend or no, his place was nowhere near by her side at a time like this.
"Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests!" the King said in a loud voice, "Once again I would like to thank our fine chefs and cooks for this wonderful feast, but the time has come now for the moment many of you have all been waiting for!"
There were many cheers and hoorays from the crowd in response to this. Link managed to see Kafei out of the corner of his eye, talking to another man in the crowd; someone with blue hair just like his. When finished, Kafei's eyes met his. The look he gave Link made him very wary about what was going on.
"Yes, the Tourney of the Golden Summer has begun once again! As each of you well remember, as was the tradition in the First Golden Summer held after the Imprisoning War, a tourney of skill will take place here on the Festival grounds! Ten events, each with ten rounds with several combatants and specialists ready to test their skills for the entertainment of the onlookers! For this year, our opening tourney shall be-"
The blue-haired man, likely Kafei's father, politely cleared his throat. The king stopped mid-sentence and turned to look. Seeing it was him, he addressed him.
"Ingo, Duke of Kakariko, you wish to add something?"
"Indeed I do, my lord," the man said, fingering a very blue mustache with one of his hands, "I have a suggestion of sorts. Instead of a traditional opening tourney, how about we have an opening ceremony; a one on one battle of sorts, with a champion of age to test the skill. Being as our families are so close together in court, I offer my son with the skill of the sword to begin this opening ceremony."
The king was a little taken aback. "Well, that is reasonable of you, good Duke, but my own son is not yet of age to hold the sword, so I am not sure if I can offer anyone."
Kafei stepped forward then. Link knew right away this was not a good sign. "Perhaps her majesty, Princess Zelda, could offer a champion as she is the eldest, my lord? It would seem a shame after all to fight a lady."
There were some laughs in the crowd, followed by the King's own laughter.
"Of course, I suppose you are right," he said, "My daughter, I place this in your hands. Do you have a champion of age who would match swords with the young Kafei?"
Zelda looked even more taken aback then her father. She began to stumble a little.
"I...uh...well, yes, a champion..."
It was at that moment that Link would recall in later years that it would have been his stupidest achievement yet. It was the single, number one, flawlessly imbecile act that he would ever make in his life. He would learn to never regret it.
"I volunteer!"
Everyone turned to stare, even Zelda, whose eyes grew wide and her skin pale as a ghost.
Link took a step forward, out of the crowd in plain view. He looked around at everyone, to make sure he got their undivided attention. He was certain that he did, and with that he announced loudly yet again.
"I, Link of Lon Lon Ranch, volunteer to be the Princess's champion in the opening ceremony!"
This was followed by a few claps in the crowd, as well as some surprised gasps from some of the ladies his age. Link didn't dare look at Zelda, but he was sure that she was likely mortified at what he was doing.
"This is rather sudden, my boy," the King said, addressing Link for the second time that day, "I am aware of your friendship, but I fear that it isn't possible, for you do not yet own a sword of your own unless I am mistaken."
Link caught himself before he replied. He hadn't thought that far yet. He got a new scabbard from the king, but not a new sword at all. His eyes drifted towards Kafei and he could see the smug grin on the spoiled aristocrat's face. He had backed himself into a corner and made a fool of himself in front of everyone, and likely made a fool of Zelda in the process.
Just then, he saw excited movement out of the corner of his eye. He turned to look and saw to his sheer astonishment a Zora girl excitedly pushing at her oversized father. It was Ruto, the Zora girl that had eyed him before when he was presented to her father, and who he had made fun of behind her back along with his sister. Now he absolutely regretted every mean thing he thought of her.
"Your majesty," Zora De Bon, the girl's father, said aloud with a quick bow that nearly tilted him forward flat on his frog-like face, "I am a backer of this boy's family, and would present with him a sword of my own for this event. It would be an honor to help represent such an esteemed family as his."
Link saw Ruto give him a big wink. He didn't know whether to smile or cringe, and managed to do a bit of both at the same time. Ruto interpreted it as a good sign and giggled before ducking back under her father.
"Well then," the king said, "There's nothing then to keep him from doing the job. Daughter, do you accept this young man as your champion."
Link looked at Zelda, who looked like a cross between furious and mortified as she looked at Link from her seat. "I..."
"Well, then that's settled," the king said excitedly, "Ladies and gentlemen, we have a change in the roster of events today! The opening ceremony for the tourney will begin with a one on one challenge between Kafei, son of Ingo, Duke of Kakariko Village, and my daughter's champion, Link, son of Talon, Owner of Lon Lon Ranch!"
There were loud cheers at the prospect of a new and exciting event to be witnessed. Link watched as a group of servants came to approach him and take him to where he could be prepared. Before he was carted off, Link managed to get a glimpse at Zelda and saw her mouth something to him.
What in the Goddesses name are you doing?! He saw her ask.
Link couldn't help but look into her eyes. It had been Zelda's plan for him to get noticed and have an opportunity to do something he could only dream about. All thanks to her, his life had changed completely. He owed it all to her.
Returning the favor, he mouthed back. And then he was off and Zelda's face disappeared from his line of sight as he was led through the crowd to the arena.
To be continued...
Kerian: Told you Darin would show up in this chapter, didn't I?
Darin: Took you long enough to start writing again!
Kerian: So, I could have easily made this into a much smaller chapter, but I wanted to be able to fit as much as I could into it, so you guys are getting a pretty big one. That's why it took so long, honest; I didn't drop you guys like a hot tamale again. I actually got distracted the last couple of nights so I couldn't put in as much as I wanted. Buuuuuut now that it's done, I can work on the next one, and I'm particularly excited for it.
I'd add more, but it's getting time for me to take a shower and go to work. Something's got to pay off this hobby, after all. Until next time, we out!
Darin: Bye, everybody!
-Kerian and Darin