Chapter 3: The one that changes the legacies of the founder.
The Vestri Court, a garden located at the west part of Tristain's academy of magic which had been the witness of a duel between a pair of blond boys was absolutely silent, even if currently there were more than a few hundred humans inside, along with them was also a young Hylian man. It turned out that this state of affairs was the calm before the storm.
After Montmorency frantic shouting more screams and shrieks followed. This allowed the gathering of noble students to fell into panic when the meaning of her words registered in the minds of the spectators.
"It's an Elf! An Elf! ELF! ELF!"
The students tried to get away, the ones that composed the inner ring of people and were, obviously, closer to the center and fled first. They could see without obstruction the ears of the boy in green. Other young nobles took note and decided to follow the example. There were of course people that didn't move at all, some students just stood there staring at the center of attention whether in confusion or in fright was something only they knew. In the ensuing panic the horde got hectic as some students bumped into each other knocking a few to the ground, some of the few that couldn't get up timely got trampled over. Yet even those injured continued to flee.
Phrases like "Help!" "Arg!" "Get off! Get off me!" "Don't leave me!" and others were heard. Still a few students remained clutching their wands like if their lives depended on it, because in their minds that was the case. After all when elves and humans met it tended to go badly, more often than not, for the humans.
Link, the Hylian young man, who by all rights was the source of the commotion, looked on with a troubled expression on his face; "Wai-" he was going to call the students to stop, to calm down, or to halt. A few moments later Link decided he wouldn't say anything. While individuals were intelligent and could be reasoned with the masses they formed tended to be less receptive to spoken words and facts; especially if under a common behavior or goal like revolts, protests and, unfortunately, fear.
Fear, an emotion intimately related to courage. Many would say that it is the opposite, while others would argue that it is actually part of it, for if there no fear how could you show true courage? For the Hero of Time whose other title is the Bearer of Courage the definition of that word 'Courage' has become much broader with time and age. Regardless, that other emotion 'fear' raw and primal is what Link sees in the people around him.
Taking off his eyes from the pandemonium and turning to the people closest to him the boy's eyes fell to Louise, the girl that had summoned him through the ether to the continent of Halkeginia, a girl who had been gripping his hat firmly for the last few moments. "You can let go of my hat you know, I am not going anywhere." Link said with smile that didn't appear too forced on his face and in the friendliest tone he could muster. Louise released her hold on his hood; of course she did it while widening her reddish eyes and flinching. She flinched so much harder than when he glared at her this morning before breakfast. Louise took four steps back but her knees grew weak and she fell softly on the ground. Link's smile dropped. I really had underestimated how this folks saw the 'elves' and how much I looked like one. I suppose this is just great.
Louise Françoise le Blanc de la Vallière couldn't believe what her eyes were seeing. Elf? No it can't… She shook her head trying to clear it, thinking the image will change but her sense of sight still showed the same picture. Elf…but how? Glancing at Link's ears once again she saw them refusing to change shape. Angling sideways instead of up and much longer than a human's ears, they sported a distinct elfin point with metal earrings at the small earlobe; those were the ears at her familiar's head. Elf! The others are running away! I am not the only one seeing those ears! Elf! Taking a deep breath she finally acknowledges that what she sees is real. Link her familiar is an Elf, creatures known as the bane of mankind, wielders of great ancient magic that no human could match, sworn enemies of the people of Halkeginia, and the beings that took the holy land from the founder Brimir.
"Louise." For the second time since meeting this girl Link called her by name, and it was done in serious tone with worry in his eyes while looking at her lying on the grass. "Over whatever may be going through you right now, the only real difference between now and the rest of the day is that now you know how I normally look. In the end, it is still just me." The pinkette did not give any real signal that she had heard Link.
How could I have called something like him? A failu-A zero like me? Those and other similar thoughts went in and out of Louise's mind and then she heard her familiar voice echoing through her head. She replayed his words in her mind not daring to look up at him 'it is still just me' he said 'it is still just me' like if his words were a trigger the events of their almost two brief days together came to her in a flash.
How she ordered him to do laundry, how she dared to thought him a commoner, how she made him sleep in a pile of hay on the floor, how she tried to punish him by taking away meals, in summary it all came down to how she had treated him, which was badly. Ahh! How I have treated him?! How I treated him! How I treated him! Then she remembered the conversation after Kirche left before breakfast this morning how he looked so fearsome glaring at her with such hard eyes… Now, her mind added the elven ears to the memory… It was as scary as the time she had angered her mother the most. Louise truly felt like if she was going to pass out at any moment.
The elflike boy observation skills were not seeing a favorable change in Louise, so he turned to look at Guiche who right now was being hugged from behind by Montmorency, whose face by the way showed how scared she was. "Hahaha… I picked up a fight with an Elf… how funny... hehe." Guiche muttered and then like a puppet that had his strings cut fainted. Montmorency visibly struggled to stay in a sitting position with Guiche's added weight.
"Wow… This is just…" Link sighed thinking about how he had considered revealing his ears just to scare Louise or the other students early this day. Sometimes... I really wonder how much I have grown up from being a ten year old kid. The fear he saw in the people that ran away, the fear he sees in the people that stayed. It was evident that they were truly afraid. It was not a feeling like the one some children get by seeing spiders or being in the darkness at night. It was something in the same level as to what a defenseless prey feels in the face of the fangs of a wolf. The Hylian boy just wondered… what is the true history behind this kind fear between Humans and Elves? Is it a single event long forgotten or many accumulated through the years? Who or what was responsible for it? Those and many more questions went through his mind.
At this moment Siesta's emotions were waging a not so small war within her all of them centered in the young man she met yesterday. This was a boy she helped with laundry, had a meal with and was entertaining the notion of getting know him better if only because he seemed good enough both in appearance and in personality according to her tastes. She remembered his words about meeting elves or it was something about maybe meeting them… it made complete sense now at the very least. Wait, he didn't begin asking about elves he asked about pointy ears. Alright it did not completely made sense it appears… but it was close enough Siesta decided. She clutched harder the white bundle of bread and fruits Miss Vallière had given her.
The maid knew that because of her grandfather telling various stories since her childhood she wasn't as scared as the other people in the courtyard and Siesta was quite frightened to see an elf for the first time. The other people all nobles who can wield magic ran away screaming, literally. Still her gut feeling and her grandfather's words 'Not all Elves and Humans hate each other' and the other wisdom imparted one the last times she spoke with him 'If you want to judge someone you must do it for their actions' were tilting the balance of her emotions in a more favorable direction and then came the final push to the scale.
Link was a bit fearful to look at Siesta since he had asked her about pointy ears last night. Right now she must have figured his 'condition' was the reason for such questions but in the end he turned to glance at her anyway. There was nothing else to do at the moment. When their eyes met she trembled but continued to look at him. Link furrowed his brow and looked down at the ground lowering his head with a tint of sadness in his face.
"You are afraid too, huh." Link sighed, he was suddenly exhausted just like after he killed the Moblins on Death Mountain.
Siesta sighed too, but she felt great relief because she could see it plainly now. There was nothing to be afraid of in the person that had averted his eyes from her. That's right 'person' not elf or human. When Siesta thought about Link using the label 'Person' in her mind, it was easier to remember his actions objectively and up until that point nothing told of any particular hate or dislike against 'humans', he even spared the life of someone that attacked him and accused him of actions he didn't do… although he was a little too rough for Siesta's liking. Even if it was disappointing to know he wasn't a commoner standing up to a noble like she believed before seeing his ears, it was still a fight between someone using magic against someone that apparently did not. Swallowing hard even if her mouth was dry she mustered all her courage and spoke answering his words.
"Y-Yea... Yes." Her voice cracked a bit so she stopped talking to begin once more. "I-I am scared… truly of elves but… I shouldn't be afraid of you, should I? I mean… You don't hate us, humans." She inhaled and exhaled softly before adding. "Right, Link?" She looked at him with subtle traces of fear on her face but with determination shinning the most in her expression. The response came immediately.
"I don't at all, there is absolutely no reason for to hate you… or harm you. If anything it is the opposite, really. In your case you have been very kind and helpful." While Link doesn't raise his head his eyes turn to her and he speaks in a soft tone of voice, as the corners of his lips turn up announcing the impending threat of a thankful smile. Siesta nodded and smiled timidly at him.
Link was someone Siesta thought barely any older than her and as an Elf, as she believes him to be, that may not be true but looking at the way the relieved smile is appearing on his face Siesta couldn't think of him like anything but a person just like her, mature and older than her perhaps; but he still had a boyish quality to him. She guessed that for once she had made an important and meaningful choice during her life that could influence things beyond herself… and she was indeed correct.
Siesta observed Link releasing a deep breath, seeming relieved while raising his head and then looking at Louise with a complicated expression on his face but his relief at her acceptance of him was still evident. Siesta gave Link a small smile that unknown to her brightened his day. He put his right hand on his hip as he began a much lighter conversation.
"Well… Do you think there's something we could do about her?" Link pointed at Louise who just stares blankly at the ground from a few meters away. "Or about the lot of them, for that matter?" Link waved his left arm casually in a circle around himself. The few students remaining on the garden, a bunch of around thirty people, looked frightened to have the elf took notice of their presence. After a little while Siesta answered.
"I don't know… Can you… smile and look pretty?" Siesta was half joking, a quarter serious, and a quarter hopeful but at the very least it was evident she was feeling less scared by the second. Link chuckled lightly and was about to respond when another woman spoke.
"It might do the trick with the ladies."
Kirche von Anhalt Zerbst said in her usual confident tone but some caution could still be heard in her voice. You see the Germanian had more than just a pretty head on her shoulders. She always enjoyed thinking and deciding about everything by herself valuing her beliefs over the accepted conventions of others. It was because of that she lived the way she did. Kirche figured that Link was not threat to her and her fellow humans by his behavior and well… by the… let's say 'little' infatuation that had sparked within her. It developed while watching his way of battling but she was still scared and the fact that her friend, a girl that goes by the name of Tabitha, grabbed her blouse and tried to drag her away floating almost made her flee too. It was the exchange between the maid and Link that made her stay.
An uncertain smile found its way to Link's face but it changed into a genuine one with a small teasing edge to it. Smile and look pretty, huh. Link almost hoped it could be that simple even if he knew better. "You think so?" Then he raised his eyebrows. "It appears not all ladies think the same." Link pointed with his face while softening his eyes to Kirche's friend who was clutching her staff firmly.
"Oh Come on Tabitha! If he wanted to hurt someone he will already have done so." Kirche says in her usual jovial tone while throwing a disarming smile at her for good measure.
So that's her name. Link looks at Kirche's friend. Tabitha is a girl with short light blue hair and matching eyes. Her body even smaller than his petit 'master' Louise in Link's mind the quiet girl truly looked no older than thirteen, but he wouldn't be surprised if she is older than that. The few times Link had seen her she was at Kirche's side reading different books. It was unneeded to say that they made an odd pair. I don't remember her ever speaking, not that I am one to talk I used be pretty quiet and I still can be if I want to. Link notes that the way she stands with her feet slightly separated and how she holds her staff lets her jump back or move sideways freely. Tabitha is in a ready stance although she seems to be deciding if what Kirche said about Link is true. No intentions of attacking are felt though so Link decides to try easing the tension. In this stage a fight with anyone could ruin his chances of staying near Louise peacefully making whatever fate brought them together moot.
The elflike boy raises his hands over his head, and then smiles rather meekly at Tabitha. In fact Kirche likes the look on his face almost as much as the solid and focused one he sported when he fought Guiche. Nothing in his posture looks threatening.
"Would you mind relaxing a bit, I am not going to try to do anything against you, Kirche or anyone else. It would be nonsense to do so, really." Link sees Tabitha narrow her eyes not in defiance but in contemplation. The subtle expression is the one with most emotion he had seen in her face. A second later, without any sort of fanfare, she just raises her eyebrows and slightly but visibly loosens ups figuring that at this stage his words must be the truth. A rational girl, I see. While lots of nobles ran away the few that stayed see this development with both a bit fear and a strange sense of anticipation.
"Nice to meet you by the way, you may call me Link if you would like." The boy's eyes smile and unexpectedly he gets an answer.
"Tabitha." Said the blue haired girl while nodding just once. Apparently she was not one for lengthy introductions.
Taking a look around; everyone still in the garden wondered about just what has happened; it is not every day that an enemy of mankind makes friends, or at the very minimum acquaintances, among humans. A few seconds passed in which the small group looked around the students still gathered who in turn looked around everyone else, it was an awkward moment to say the least.
"Well now what?" Link asked Kirche, who was going to answer but… Link stopped smiling and said clearly, in a normal tone while turning around.
"I won't attack anyone but I will defend myself if someone attacks me."
/-/-/-/-/-/-/
Professor Jean Colbert was having one of the most eventful days of his life. Currently he was running towards the Vestri Courtyard passing students fleeing in the opposite direction. The school instructor was feeling short of breath but it was not because of poor physical condition. He was better than most mages in that front even years past his prime. It had more to do with the latest events of the evening. Colbert couldn't help but to remember how this came to be.
The day started simple as they always do lately; rising from his slumber and having breakfast with the academy staff at the Alvíss hall. He remembered talking with the headmaster about Miss Vallière's familiar. The conversation was not about how unusual it was to call a person as familiar, that was left unsaid, but about the golden light he had seen when Louise first attempted to contract the summoned being, he knew it was 'something' magical his 'detect magic' spell told him that much but he wasn't sure of its origin as the results were odd. For his part the boy, a young but experienced warrior in Colbert's mind, didn't seem too keen on sharing the information. Still the balding professor didn't think it would be something dangerous he figured if the situation was dire it would have already exploded, and also that if something was going to happen it will likely happen sooner than later. It was ironic how right he was.
After imparting his only class of the day, to third year students, the magic teacher decided to continue what he was doing yesterday as he didn't have any more lectures in the afternoon, because the second year students were given time off to bond with their summoned creatures.
Colbert was searching through the vast library at the academy, said to be second only to the library of the royal palace but due to nature of the academy there were in fact many secrets that could only be found here. The research was about trying to find a match between the familiar's runes that had been engraved on the boy's right hand; something about them was wandering at the edges of the professor's mind urging him to investigate it. Forgetting to eat lunch as he was immersed in his activity Colbert at last found it. The answer was in a really old book at the very least centuries old. That book was a copy of another one whose age was in the thousands and as Colbert thought 'by the founder!' what an answer it held. Colbert couldn't believe what he saw when it matched perfectly down to the last rune with his sketch.
The professor immediately went to the headmaster office in a hurry this was an urgent matter, the finding of a lifetime, and something that could influence all of Tristain or even Halkeginia. In hindsight it really was all that and more.
The headmaster's office located at the top of the tower housed the current head of Tristain's Academy of Magic, Sir Osmond. The Academy principal, an old man with grey hair and a long beard, was in a few simple words a competent leader worthy his position, and an elder pervert with way too much love for the fairer sex as his secretary Longueville, a woman with long green hair currently pulled up in a high ponytail, had found out a long time ago when they met.
Mr. Colbert interrupted in the middle of Osmond most unwholesome antics but all of it stopped when he presented him the book and his sketch of the runes. Osmond dismissed his secretary to talk in private. It was when she later interrupted their discussion that business truly got interesting. A full body mirror was used for scrying the duel between a dot mage and a legendary familiar.
Colbert and Osmond saw it all with amazement. Skill and experience in conjunction with natural talent so much that the familiar appeared the legendary Gandalfr regardless of the runes on his right hand, it made even Colbert doubt the accuracy of his own sketch for a second or two. This changed Colbert's perception of Link from experienced warrior to a deadly one, definitely a member of the upper crust of martial prowess. That last acrobatic of stepping on the blade and shaft of the lance, mid stab, was frankly amazing. As a person that had been on the battlefield a good portion of his life, even if that was in the past, the professor couldn't help feeling awed by the unnecessary demonstration. It was even more commendable that he did it while carrying such a heavy hammer shifting his center of gravity; it must have been more difficult to pull it off than with any other one-handed weapon.
The headmaster and Colbert were about to call the duel off when it looked like the familiar was about to deliver the finishing strike to the earth mage but stopped because they could tell it was ruse, the boy appeared too smart to just kill someone so recklessly. And then when Miss Vallière pulled the boy's hat all of Colbert's perceptions shattered replaced with three words that froze the blood on his veins 'Elf Magic Knight' Colbert combat mind assessed the threat instantly.
Elf, his ears showed this and it alone was dangerous enough on his own. Magic, the reason why elves were so feared, all elves could wield it and the boy had used it, not in combat with the Gramont noble but when he was summoned. It was clear now to Colbert that magic was used to dissipate the familiar contract the first time the Duke's daughter tried to make it, not a mistake or failure from Louise, such fearsome magic it had to be to be able to sever the sacred ritual created by the great Brimir. Finally it came the word 'Knight' something that was on the legends of the founder and the only thing more fearsome than a 'mere' elf's magic, there was no way the elf in green was not thoroughly trained in melee combat, it could be implied that his refusal to use magic in the duel was derived by two reasons; one he truly did not needed to use it and two from confidence in his own mastery of the battlefield; which when looked in the right light, reason two was just a shape or fragment derived from reason one.
The ability and proficiency showed in the skirmish told of great experience in armed engagements almost as loud the empty sheath the familiar carried on his back…
He is a swordsman! That hammer isn't even his usual choice of armaments. Colbert realized startled as he was approaching the Vestri Courtyard. It was shocking to the professor that only now the implications of such obvious fact had truly been registered by his the ex-exterminator this elevated Link's danger level even more. It could easily be seen by the size of the sheath and the shield on his back, that his preferred style of combat was using the both of them to fight, even if he had no blade on him at the moment. He had fresh blood on his cloak when he was summoned! Blood not his own! Colbert was only now starting to truly see things clearly regarding the elf boy. Everything about him screamed seasoned warrior to the professor, loudly.
Without doubt the boy used the sword to attack and the shield to defend, simple and effective, and surely magic if the need arises, and by the way he fought, the need for magic should be an infrequent event. To Colbert the elf boy was more of a warrior that can use magic rather than a mage that could fight without magic. He soundly beat six metal golems not using his preferred weapons and without the need to use any sort of enchantments to his strength or speed as far as he could tell. It should be noted that while Colbert's assumptions about Link were mostly correct, the young hero sometimes would show off not only his melee skills but his magical ones; even if it is a truly infrequent occurrence.
Bleak, that could be a good way to describe these moments. The more Colbert thought about it the more bleak the situation seemed. They could very well be at the elf's mercy. Colbert had with him the bell of sleep, a tool whose sound could induce people to fall asleep. You could say the hint for its use was in the name. The headmaster had decided to let the duel unfold instead of using the bell to defuse it because Osmond wanted to see the abilities of Louise's familiar. Colbert had grabbed it when he dashed towards the Vestri Courtyard after the reveal of the boy's ears. Even still the only way the warrior in the professor could think to reliably defeat the elf was with a surprise attack, as he could probably resist the effect of the bell of sleep… but the trouble was that if the strike of such underhanded action wasn't successful the consequences will be dreadful for every human involved.
The professor had a past that very few knew and it was something he swore to himself to leave behind. That was the reason he worked as a teacher now, using the knowledge of his fire magic with the hope to create instead of destroy. The only reasons that could make Colbert break his own oaths were precisely his students, the building blocks of the world he wanted to help make real. For them he will fight with all he still has, even at the risk of his own life if needed, and this complicated matters because if he attacked the elf, it could put them all at risk. Elves weren't invincible that much was true, in the many conflicts between humans and elves there were reliable records of victories against them, almost all of those given by ample numerical superiority, but to defeat someone like the Vallière's familiar it was no hyperbole to say it could very well take most of the magi at the school.
The best solution is diplomacy he appeared willing enough at least. Arriving at the Court where the duel took place Colbert glanced at the boy in green currently engaged in conversation with some of his pupils and a black haired maid there are also some other students still in the courtyard. To the teacher's great relief it looks like a nonviolent route is viable.
"I won't attack anyone but I will defend myself if someone attacks me." The elf boy said turning his head to look at him directly in the eyes.
Colbert felt his throat going dry, but here experiences took over, and the gears inside him shifted the gentle teacher Colbert actually is, with the person that he was.
The group turned to see in the direction of Link's eyes and they found a teacher standing around fifteen meters from them, Link recognized him as the one guiding the class during his summons. Something happened, that was the best to describe it. The girls observed a slow transformation between the two males. The professor of magic and the elflike boy both had a similar expression and posture. Solid eyes focused on one another and standing in way that allowed for immediate movement, they turn slightly while facing each other. Link's right shoulder is before his left and Colbert left shoulder is before his right one. The teacher is holding his wand in his right hand.
This guy is… Link could see and sense from the moment Colbert stepped on the courtyard that this was no ordinary person. It wasn't some kind supernatural ability just simple intuition and observation from the way Link didn't feel Colbert approach until he was so close… and also there was this 'something' about the teacher's behavior that put him on alert. Link felt danger, his instincts telling him that if he didn't approach the teacher seriously he will pay for it dearly, he truly feels like caged fire, Link thought. Caged because it wasn't scorching anything yet due to some kind of restraint, but like fire if you touch it you will burn and if you burn in these flames… if you burn in them… it will be until you are ashes. That was the kind of person before him.
Like everyone else the professor was scared of Link elf-like appearance but the Hylian could see that this 'Mr. Colbert' had plenty of valor and experience to not be inconvenienced by it, this balding professor is a man of courage. His stance is a mirror of my own one. Link when facing opponents frequently holds his right shoulder and arm towards the enemy, as that is where his shield is normally, keeping it between himself and the other party, this usually means that the sword at his left hand is somewhat concealed behind himself and the shield; thus his weapon is farther from his opponent.
Colbert's stance, even if done without a shield, mirrors the advantage of having your weapon away from your foe to obscure its view. Of course with a melee weapon this brings the disadvantage of delaying the attacks a little but in the end it is a nice tradeoff in Link's experience, if you have a shield that is, with no shield the weapon should be between you and your foe, although there are also exceptions for that. For a magical multi ranged tool like a wand there is no such disadvantage to this kind of battle stance. Link could see by the shift in the mage's robe that Colbert is tensing like a bowstring ready to release all that potential energy at a moment's notice so he similarly readies himself. A fight is not what Link wants, but if Colbert attacks he will simply have to douse the flames. The two of them look prepared to start a battle.
Only Louise by virtue of being on the ground with no ability to walk and Montmorency because she was holding an unconscious Guiche remained in the same spot, everyone else took a couple of steps backwards. The rising tension was unexpectedly dissipated by the person with the least amount of magical strength within the group.
"P-Please wait a moment! You shouldn't fight Link! You told me you wouldn't!" Siesta says to Link earning the undivided attention of everyone present, and a nod from Link but no change in his posture so then the maid addresses the professor.
"He wasn't trying to hurt anyone Sir! Truthfully!" Siesta moves in front of Link but while this was done simply to better get the teacher's attention, for everyone else it seems as if it was to shield Link from the professor. This surprises every soul that sees it. The school maid herself couldn't believe the way she was acting when she realized what it looked like; But isn't that what I wanted, to help? It felt like if she was possessed, talking to a noble so boldly, and trying to help someone that, in her opinion, is the most powerful being in the academy when she herself is basically powerless. What she wanted was to help Link avoid conflicts and the only way she had was to ask. She wanted to be given something she cannot get on her own. She frankly felt a little foolish, but a sense of accomplishment filled Siesta when she saw the results of her actions on the people who were the center of attention before she interrupted.
Kirche remained quiet, just like Tabitha, but Louise who until know was looking at the ground registers the scene and feels ashamed of herself. The many lessons in nobility taught to her since little serve as a fallback now that she is lost with her situation. A real mage never abandons his or her familiar, a rule which was learned many years before she even though about summoning one. The commoner maid has more courage than her when facing and defending her own familiar, not that she thinks that her familiar needs someone to protect him. She forces herself to make her mind work again and see what is around her, even if Link hates her and wants to make her pay for how she treated him, it would not do to just lay helpless on her knees. Even if her actions didn't amount to anything, her pride wouldn't allow her to remain like she is now… not even a spectator.
The two persons in the standoff appear slightly puzzled by their own actions, like if they were in a light trance. Link puts his left hand over Siesta's shoulder and gets in front of the maid obscuring her from Colbert's view; unlike Siesta he did it with the explicit intention of shielding her from him in the case the professor took offense from being addressed by commoner. The young man takes his eyes off from the teacher just a moment to give the black haired girl a smile. "And you said that I had a lot of courage, Siesta." At this moment Link noted, quite pleased in fact, that Siesta didn't cower at his touch. She went from scared for her life to standing up for me in less than thirty minutes, impressive. So without letting go of her shoulder Link turns to look at the professor.
"What she says is right so… Would you mind stopping?" Unsaid was stop 'what' because it is not easy to put in words what it is that needs to stop, even if it was easy to feel. Link's stare loses some of its blade-like sharpness but it is still focused solely on Colbert.
Just what am I doing? A confrontation is the last thing I wanted! Colbert nods and stands normally only his eyes betray his inner turmoil; at this Link also relax his posture. Colbert frowns at himself, how could he exhibit such confrontational behavior? Jean Colbert takes a deep breath exhaling slowly to soothe his nerves and finally he stops being on edge even if he still appears cautious.
"I apologize for my impudence Sir Elf. I honestly don't know what came over me." Colbert bowed in apology in the end he still reacted like his old self in the face of great potential danger, even if everything points that peaceful negotiations are quite possible. He rationalizes that he was just too scared to take a chance.
Link notes that the next answer can determinate a lot due to Colbert's use of the word 'Elf', for example if he acknowledges it will identify him as one and he isn't sure that is the case. The Hylian boy also found that he didn't like being called 'Sir Elf' but by the way things are going, there may be time for amending that later.
"Elf?" He questioned clearly while raising an eyebrow. Siesta throws him a quizzical look that he chooses to ignore for now as he takes his hand off her shoulder. "Anyway… I find no need for you to apologize, it also happened to me too." Link said formally while also bowing lightly. In this moment, unlike always, Link is really glad for those lessons in etiquette he got by living at Hyrule palace. I would say we just reacted to a threat to ourselves. Link thought acidly. Colbert took a few steps towards Link before speaking again, noting his questioning tone on the word 'elf' but, like Link did with Siesta's looks, Mr. Colbert choose to ignore it.
"I… Well due to the nature of the relationship between… people of our respective races there is a need to some discussions to be held regarding your situation and stay here at the academy." Colbert said not beating around the bush.
"Is that so?" Link asked but he nodded his approval even if that makes him resemble an elf in the other's mind. It should be noted that while Link didn't had any desire to meet with the nobles in power in this academy the Hylian could see that he really didn't have much of a choice if he wanted to stay here with Louise; the tricky part to all of this was that Link himself wasn't sure if he truly wanted to, it just looked like the most reasonable course of action, because when looked in the right light, Link could get a lot out of this meeting if everything went well enough. There was also the fact that he could confirm whether an 'Elf' was just the name the people of Halkeginia gave Hylians or if it was another race. Link thought the latter was much more likely based on what Siesta had told him, but it wouldn't hurt to clear the matter up beyond doubt.
"Yes, I would like you and Miss Vallière to accompany me to the headmaster office; immediately if you will allow."
"Okay, but tell me did they really had to send the combat teacher to get me?" Link showed a small smirk to Colbert while talking casually, the action eases some of the tension still in the air. Kirche, Tabitha and the other students in the yard just looked bewildered at Link's statement but even to them the air of danger the meek professor exuded just a few minutes ago was undeniable. Colbert's eyes widened. Can he tell? The surprised teacher sighed. Of course he can tell he probably has more experience in the battlefield than Osmond and I combined. It was interesting to the professor how the meaning of obvious facts like an elf's lifespan and appearance seem to elude him right now, even if he doesn't look any older than his own students for all he knows the 'elf boy' may even be twice of Old Osmond's age, Colbert blamed it on the stress of the situation maybe he wasn't as sharp as he thought.
"There is no combat course at this magical academy as this isn't a military school. So the answer is no Sir Elf, I don't teach that and I never will." The magic teacher tone of voice was a bit lower and more guarded but without any bite. At the teacher's words Link decides that he really didn't like being caller 'Sir Elf', at all. It was mildly irritating because he doesn't call a Goron 'Sir Goron' or a Zora 'Sir Zora' though it is not impolite to do so by Hyrule standards.
"I see… Sorry for jumping to conclusions then… Just give me a couple of minutes to collect my summoner please. She didn't know and was adequately shocked by my… ears." Link didn't beat around the bushes either it would seem.
"Mm." Colbert says as he nods politely.
The pink haired mage while still kneeling on the ground is looking at him. Her expression is undecipherable. She is no longer scared out her wits, after taking a small breath Link walked towards Louise but every step was slower than the last and his face showed uncertainty. What should I do? He didn't want to force her but Link believes they should go to this discussion as a pair, because it appears that is the hand the game of fortune had dealt them.
Siesta can see the hesitance in Link but she wasn't actually surprised by it. The chat they had at lunch revealed that master and familiar didn't get along in the brief time they had together. But they were trying to improve it, both of them. She clutches the fine white cloth rolled in a bundle, the same one she has been holding for what feels like an eternity. Immediately our pretty black haired maid blinks thrice while looking at what she is carrying. Siesta like Colbert came to the realization that sometimes the obvious is indeed a difficult thing to observe.
"L-Link!" he turns to Siesta relieved for the distraction.
"Here Miss Vallière gave me this when I was getting her to stop the duel." Link recognizes the bundle as the cloth he gave Louise when they were cleaning. Kirche looks at the cloth with raised eyebrows while Louise blinks at Siesta's actions.
"She said it was for you." Siesta smiles while presenting him the cloth. "Thanks." Link takes the fabric from her and sees its wrapped contents: a piece of bread with 'Cucco' meat, a couple of apples, and a pear. It is a gesture so simple and so utterly small that no one could be truly moved by it and Link truthfully isn't moved… much, but he finds that as proof that this partnership may have a future.
Link puts away the cloth and its contents in his left pouch Siesta and everyone present observes with curiosity this magical bag, this kind of item is unknown to the nobles here and it looks like something terribly convenient to have. The young Hero looks inside himself in order make up his mind.
If I am honest I don't believe I want to do this, I don't really think I want to stay here with Louise as a 'familiar' perhaps if this had a happened over a year ago before I turned seventeen when… The thought is crushed without mercy as his eyes narrow and then close, it would not do to dwell in the past because it is behind him, and there is no need to go back.
But there are no other good options, and in the end I might have no real choice in this matter. If this is truly fate and not just a random occurrence all paths will lead me here one way or another. Well… as with everything that happens I... I should just try to make the most of it.
Link opened his eyes; the look in there is a very resolute blue. Link undoes the straps on his right gauntlet and takes it off showing the skin of his bare hand. He positions himself in front Louise who is looking up at him. The movement of his hand is intentionally slow as he exposes the back of his extended hand to everyone in the garden displaying the runes etched there. Many gasp are heard from the people present as this action reminds them that the elf truly is Louise Françoise le Blanc de la Vallière's familiar. Said familiar offers that very hand to Louise in order to help her stand.
"Louise; you see this…" Link turns his right hand to show the runes again. "…is already done. Honestly speaking you were not the only one displeased with me being here, I don't hold it against you but I was too… I won't sugarcoat it; I still haven't accepted it completely." Louise opens her mouth but still can find no words to say. Of course there is no way an elf would want to be the familiar of a human, it must be tenfold for a failure like me… she frowns and once again looks lost as to what to do.
Link notices the expression on Louise's face and explains further. "It has nothing to do with you… well not much, it just that well… I had a life before yesterday you know; it was sort of big day… or night rather." It took a few seconds and a few blinks from Louise's eyelids but after the words sank in, Louise looked truly aggravated. She opens her mouth but covers it with her hand looking ready to cry. Above all else… that is what decided everything for Link.
"I-I am Sorry! I didn't want-!" Link gently puts a couple of fingers from his ungloved hand over Louise's lips without touching them to signal for her to let him continue.
So you are not a worthless heartless brat and understand what I implied. Who knows this may have been the right choice. Link speaks the next words with some genuine conviction.
"But I am already here and you are the one that brought me so why don't we at least give a try?" as he finish his words Link can see the emotions pass on her face and widening eyes. There is a mix of many things: anticipation, fear, excitement, worry, some elation … but then her reddish eyes settles in determination because this is what she wanted, a chance to prove herself that she is not failure, that the third daughter of de la Vallière family is not a zero.
"It could even be worthwhile." Link adds while showing a rather handsome and confident smirk.
The mouths of the spectators are left slightly open at this declaration, even Montmorency almost let go of Guiche. Here before them not only is an Elf accepting of the fact that he is going to leave behind his life to live among humans, he does not attacks them, he does not hates them, and then he wants to cooperate with one of them; all to be a half of one of the most important bonds a noble human mage is expected to have. The only thing more surprising than this development is 'who' the elf wants to accompany, Louise the Zero, the noble that everyone at the academy simply knows is the most untalented mage in the whole school, the elf himself included.
Louise breathes heavily as if she has been running; the air enters and exits her lungs with force. Still, her gaze is steady as she looks up to her familiar and his offered hand. The expression on his face is full with expectation and her eyes tell him the answer better than any words. Louise does a simple nod of her head and takes Link's right hand.
The feeling she gets as their hands close and she is helped to her feet, is so incredible powerful and the same time so ordinarily mundane that the paradox amazes her. A new future that only she could walk, along the excitement and the anxiety that goes with it, all of it marked by a small contact of the palm of her hand on his. A hand that on her opinion is both rougher and softer than she expected.
Louise's face is serious, full of focus and resolve even if she looks a little pale and her forehead is sweaty but her posture tells the entire world that she is ready to walk down this path wherever it takes her. Link nods in approval to Louise and turns to look at the other girls near him.
Siesta smiles rather proudly at him with her hands on her shapely hips, Link also smiles at her in return. Tabitha has an unreadable expression on her face, at this our young Hylian just raise his eyebrows in wonder. Kirche of course is the one that makes the appropriate commentary with a smile that on such sensual woman can only be described as seductive.
"Well wouldn't you say that this is quite something Louise?"
/-/-/-/-/-/-/
"Please wait here for a moment."
Familiar and master were led to the entrance of headmaster's office; the walk there was filled with stairs as the office was located on the topmost floor of the tower. Currently the pair was waiting for an audience with the principal, sitting on chairs at the double door of the office, while Mr. Colbert talked to him first. They were being attended by his secretary who offered them a glass of water.
"Here, I can serve you more if you want." The secretary says in normal and casual tone of voice. Link notes with barely concealed amazement that she doesn't pretend to be calm; he can tell she truly isn't afraid of him. She is just thoughtful of him but not overly so. Looking her up and down the same way she is discreetly looking him the Hylian observes her, Mmmm…ok, not a speck of fear is on her, perhaps not everyone is scared silly of elves… or she is just a very self-controlled person by nature… still it gives hope.
"Thanks for being so accommodating." Link nodded politely while accepting the glass in a dignified manner, the thoughts about the green haired secretary were put on hold. It was time to put some of his good manners to actual use regardless of the unpleasant feelings that he still has about them.
Link had always explored and traveled for extended periods of time, even when officially staying at the palace but alas, it couldn't be helped that he picked up some habits that were considered appropriate by Hyrule's aristocracy. Now, just add the fact Zelda talked with him about her many lessons, and that she even gave some to him as a way to practice herself while spending time together. Said activities continued past than when they were children. Also Link was given some classes just to him by offer of the King no less. The end result of such life was that the Hero could, in fact act like a man of noble upbringing himself if he so desires… because when you come down to it, during his time at the castle he was treated and raised basically like one… Link mentally snorted at the thought furrowing his brow his displeasure now evident. That is over, no need to be affected, I will leave it there.
Even if his thoughts weren't positive about his knowledge of the behavior of the upper classes, because of what became of the reasons for his possession of it; there was one thing he did really like about growing up between the walls of Hyrule castle, rather than in the realm the Door of Time took him the first time around. Unknown to many the Bearer of Courage prides himself on having what he believes to be the true mark of a gentleman… that is… to never be 'unintentionally' rude (or at least most the time), the best way to explain will be using Malon's and Zelda's words 'Our dear Link can be rather uncouth by choice because apparently that makes it so much better' Link was sure it did make it better. The best way to show your knowledge about customs and proper behavior is by intentionally not using it… it was a twisted form of payback that made sense only to him… or maybe… Link was just a bit in the not so well-mannered side.
Coming back to present times, Louise likewise received her water but she did so with a shaky smile. She sighed before drinking. Now that the high of the events in the Vestri court had subsided, the girl with cherry blossom hair was feeling nervous, there was no denying it. She kept stealing furtive glances to her familiar, someone that she was now seeing for the first time in new light. Like how his gait is confident but can be graceful, how his green hat truly fits comfortably in the position it currently is, no longer covering his ears along with half of his head. His hair is shorter than I thought. Louise also notes the acid way he frowns after politely accepting his drink. Of course the last observation isn't something positive.
Taking his thoughts off himself, Link could feel Louise's restlessness. It was expected after the day events. They need to stick together as this no trivial matter, so a dialogue is something needed to smooth their differences.
"Louise / Link" The both of them spoke at the same time and stopped also at the same time when they heard the other.
It would seem that mage and familiar were in very good sync because neither of them spoke a word. They were expecting the other to say 'You go first' and just blinked for a few awkward moments of silence in which obviously nobody spoke a word, otherwise it couldn't be called silence.
"Look, you see Louise… / I-I think it would… " Again they stopped in perfect coordination. They both found it mildly irritating while Miss Longueville found it moderately amusing.
Elves are truly like any other people. The secretary giggled while some memories of another similar being ethereal in her beauty and also clad in green clothes came to her mind. For Miss Longueville it was hard not to find herself in reminiscence, for the boy in front of her and the girl in her memories had many things in common.
/-/-/-/-/-/-/
The principal of the academy of magic, Old Osmond, took in a breath of relief when Mr. Colbert entered his office. The situation while still a bit tense could have been worse and a whole lot worse at that.
"So you managed to convince him to come, huh" Said Osmond with his hands crossed and his fingers interlaced over his sequoia desk which, it should be said, was elegantly built.
"Yes headmaster, it looked like the most reasonable course of action at the moment... all things considered." Colbert took out a handkerchief and cleaned his forehead of sweat, the tension of the evening finally catching up with him.
"I didn't know what were you going to do when you dropped down the window with the bell of sleep in tow…" at this the principal frowned. "To be honest, for a little while I thought there was nothing we could do… Oh! But good thinking in bringing him here it would seem we didn't misjudge his character at least."
"Honestly he seems very… well 'normal' maybe overly so, yet the more surprising thing is that doesn't show any hatred towards us… but I am sure he has previous experience with humans, thinking back on it when he first came he seemed… attentive of everyone. And by what I saw he doesn't to want break the familiar contract or to leave Miss Vallière's side… Still it may be wise to present him with the option of leaving… also there is how he reacted to being called an Elf… mmm that is not important we will see when we talk." Colbert offers his report and advice. Osmond nods while searching a drawer from his desk.
"Tell me, we know there is more to him to 'just' being an Elf. Do you think he would be dangerous?" The principal asks while taking out his pipe to smoke a bit, it will be good for his nerves.
"Mmm… He said that he will defend himself against harm should he be attacked, and by a mistake I am sure you saw through the mirror, he showed as much when I first… confronted him." Colbert admits with some shame but Osmond's look tells him to forget it and continue to answer his question.
"No… I don't think he will attack anyone if unprovoked... If anything the duel against the Gramont boy and my own blunder speak clearly in that regard." Colbert looked quite ashamed as he said his piece.
"Hehe… And it is unneeded to say that only one with a death wish will try to antagonize an Elf Knight. Wouldn't you agree?" Osmond said exhaling a ring of smoke.
"Old Osmond. Don't you think we should report this to the palace and ask for instructions… it's not only an Elf we have here but also a legendary familiar…" Colbert said meekly.
"There will be no need for that." Old Osmond nodded sternly, ruffling his white beard.
"But this may be the discovery of the century! And an Elf at that! It is almost inconceivable to think that one of the legendary familiars of the founder could be an Elf. These are truly big news that could very well change the understanding of our own history." Colbert speaks with the passion of a scholar, the persona he displayed in the Vestri Court completely forgotten.
"Indeed, but the fools at the palace will just cause another unnecessary war or something as unsavory. We already have enough of those with Reconquista in Albion. Court advisors have too much free time on their hands and like fighting far too much." Then the old man began chuckling and then laughed, he did so in a way that only someone that has lived for long can laugh.
"Ahh!... I am sorry for overlooking such important matters." Colbert said in understanding, a bit puzzled by the headmaster laughter but the old man explained the reason for his mirth.
"Hehehe… Well the geezers at the palace can only start a mess if they find some way to force our Elf Magic Knight to obey them, not an easy task. Besides, many people will know about him without us informing anyone, I am sure our dear students will see to that, so there is really no need to tell anyone." With a look that left no room for arguments he finished saying.
"Should it come to it I will take responsibility for this case personally." He looked at the door of his office. "It will be as you say headmaster." Says Colbert as he bows to Osmond.
"Since we have an agreement, let them in."
/-/-/-/-/-/-/
The uncomfortable synchronization that had fallen between the mage and the swordsman was broken when they heard the giggles from Miss Longueville; after that, conversation between them began to flow with more ease as Louise could see that talking to her familiar wasn't all that hard, he always let her finish what she was saying before answering. If she ignored the ears it was like talking with anyone else. For his part Link was trying to reassure her about him.
"So as you can see you truly have nothing to fear from me, the only way for me to even begin to think of harming you would be in self-defense if you tried to hurt me first." Then Link decides to try to give her more information about him. "Regardless of what… people like you think about the kind of people you think I am… I like to believe I am a somewhat decent fellow." Link wondered if she caught on the implications of that statement.
"I see… that's good to know." Louise said while making the mental note to throw away and then burn (in that order) the horse whip she had stored in the drawer of her desk.
"While I think I can hold a grudge adequately, I only keep them when people don't repent or regret their mistakes; I normally try to forgive even if the reasons, like in your case aren't the right ones." Louise winced at the brutal honesty of those words. She understands what Link means, if she hadn't known he was an Elf she wouldn't be sorry for her actions or would be trying to treat him differently, because right now he no longer was a worthless 'commoner' in her eyes but a powerful 'Elf Knight'. He really doesn't sugarcoat things much, does he? Louise thought sourly, it truly left a bitter aftertaste in her mouth like if she wasn't a better person than that. And in his eyes I may not be. Upon seeing Louise's expression Link decided to add some more words.
"When possible I try to leave the past behind so… consider it water under the bridge. I think that would be the best for the both of us." Link spoke truthfully, of course he didn't mention that sometimes the past cannot be left behind because it is intrinsically tied to the future, there is also that if you are called the Hero of Time you may find yourself in need to travel back there, not that it happens every day though.
Louise seeing her familiar surprisingly forgiving side decides to accept it without question. She can ponder later just where the rude boy she thought him to be went. More and more she finds that there is much she doesn't know about the elf she thought a simple commoner. Louise had already guessed that her familiar had a much gentler side. Firstly was when he offered to help with cleaning the classroom without really saying that he was offering help all in benefit of something he disliked, her pride. Secondly was when she saw the interactions between Link and the black haired maid, but now she can confirm it without any sort of doubts.
"Wha… okay I understand, that would be nice for us…. Mmm you see we could try to ask for a mattress to be brought to my room so you could sleep better tonight, you know… instead of on the pile of hay." Louise says in hope of changing the topic into a direction that paints her in a better light. The raising of Link's eyebrows suggests Louise that he could see through her scheme or at least guessed it.
"That would be nice but don't sweat it too much, I have slept on basically everything that can be slept on: beds made for soldiers, in a dungeon cell, on the floor, on a raft, over a pile of treasure, into a barn, in beds made for royalty, inside a poisoned swamp, over jagged rocks, on frozen floor inside a cave, in a haunted house, on the sand in a desert in the middle of a sandstorm... that was awful by the way…, the list goes on and on." A small smile full of fondness was on his lips and it left Louise wondering just how much of that was true, his face told her that everything was but she had no way to be sure. This wasn't the first time her familiar made outrageous claims, and now adding the fact the he was a not just a traveler but an elf adventurer, the mage wasn't as quick to discard everything he said.
"I was a little put off by the fact that you had the bed, without looking the least bit remorseful for making a person sleep like a stable animal, but… honestly the pile of hay is very far from the worst thing I had to deal with, besides… After you fell asleep I put a padded cloth, one that I normally use to sleep on while traveling… over the hay last night so it wasn't uncomfortable; I put it away in my bag before you woke up…" Link confessed as he saw Louise narrow her eyes at him.
"So fami- I mean Link, you awoke before dawn and then intentionally let me overslept." The tone of voice she used was displeased. Louise noted that 'there' is the rude boy she thought him to be.
"No well, yes… it was more like I just fell asleep again… but yeah, I did it to get back at you; it probably won't happen on purpose again but… I don't rise with the first rays of the sun; usually I tend to sleep at least an hour after dawn and much more if I am indoors rather than you know… in the wild moving from here to there." The traveling Hero considered it difficult to laze around sleeping when the sun, in all of its blazing glory, hits him on the face.
"Haa… I see that's bit surprising, you did strike me as an early riser; so this means I will have to wake up my familiar… unbelievable. Well it could be a lot worse I suppose." Like I could have been attacked by own familiar or made to sleep for thousands of years by Elven magic. Still she didn't like it, but well there was little point in trying to force him to wake up sooner.
"I can wake up early if I have to; but it is fact that I can't do it every day of a month, eventually I will just stay asleep unless somebody comes to wake me up. Although… I can pass more than a full day without sleeping with very minimal trouble. My personal record is a bit over three full days and I did that more than once." When I was eleven. Link added mentally. "I slept like the dead afterwards though." Having said that, it can't be denied that Link had been called a sleepyhead by many people, and with fair reason. Mostly by the ones that have known him while growing up. Navi had to deal more times than just when they met at his tree house, nearly a decade ago, with problems to wake him up. There is also Link's ability to spontaneously sleep until almost noon. It happens regardless of things like the hour Link went to bed or physical exhaustion. Some people snidely commented that at those times Link was having his beauty sleep.
"Ok then! How about this? the first one that awakens has to wake up the other." Louise says seriously while raising her index finger, but without that 'I am so much better than you' aura. "Deal?"
"Deal, Louise." Link doesn't show it in his face but the fact that they are now talking about something as mundane as their sleeping habits; and making compromises at that, lets him known more clearly than anything they did before that this odd partnership could have a future, one that leads them somewhere. I should really tell her more about me; maybe about my embarrassing bedtime habits to lighten the mood… no first it should be where I came from, she may believe me now.
"Hey Louise tell me you do you remember what I told last night about my homeland." Link said almost too casually.
"Huh, Mmm yeah some crazy things about another realm and a… single moon…" Louise then looked shocked finally recalling the conversation that took place at her room yesterday and the gears in her head going through all of its implications.
The doors to the office opened showing Mr. Colbert bowing politely towards Louise and Link.
"Please come in."
Link sighed at the inopportune interruption, looking Louise's shocked state he added "Do not worry; I will explain some more in there and then the rest, just for you, later in your room… If you believe me."
/-/-/-/-/-/-/
The duo entered as Mr. Colbert closed the double door behind them with Louise at Link's right side.
The office was large as expected and quite roomy; there were a couple of bookshelves completely full, a few portraits hanged on the walls and a couple of couches were put at the sides of a small table that had a purple vase on top it, other wooden furniture can be seen along the walls.
The headmaster kept his composure well but even Louise could see him taking a small breath when his eyes rested on Link's face or more accurately his ears.
"Welcome Miss Vallière, Sir Elf. Thanks for coming." Osmond rises from his chair and formally bows to them before sitting himself again the looks directly at Link. "I am Osmond the headmaster of Tritain's Academy of Magic." While his movements doesn't seem forced or stiff, Link could tell that the secretary outside was more at ease with his presence than the old man before him. Gotta keep being properly behaved, don't I? With that simple decision the air around Link changes with the switch of his expression, posture and voice.
"Not need to thank us at all; it is me and my summoner the ones who have to express our gratitude for the audience Principal." Link says in a surprisingly formal and level tone of voice, articulating every word with an intonation that makes them sound sincere. Link is also standing with his back straight and his hands behind said back. His eyes are focused but the look they hold is one without neither challenge nor submission. It became notable to Louise that at this moment he oddly looked very familiar to a noble girl like her… because even if he is wearing the same green tunic, leather gauntlets, well-worn boots, sock like hat, and shield on his back; his bearing is easily recognized… for it is like a knight or the scion of a noble house. The flat looks Link gets tell him nobody expected him to be so formal, polite, or… educated…
Well… Link told to himself that since these people are not the late King of Hyrule there is no need to be overly formal. Of course if the king were alive, the Hylian Hero now would only be polite to said King for appearances sake. The boy decides to be a little more casual in this meeting; like he was planning to act around the King's daughter, the young woman that has been Hyrule's Queen for almost a year, Zelda. To be truthful, Link only planned to act like that, at the very most, at the beginning of the reunion between the two, the one where they could see how matters were between them and hopefully give some much needed closure; the one reunion that never took place yesterday's night when he turned eighteen.
"I see." The principal said while blinking once to rid himself of his obvious staring, and Louise noted the way Old Osmond and Colbert relaxed at Link's civil behavior, this kind of treatment was known terrain to them so they felt less on edge. "Well as Mr. Colbert must have told you, we would like to address the issue of your stay here as Miss Vallière's familiar." Link nodded and then Colbert joins the conversation.
"As you can see the summoning of an Elf as a familiar is unheard of, in fact even the summoning of a normal Human Being, like we first believed was your case will be an unrecorded occurrence." Master and familiar hear intently.
"First and foremost Sir Elf we would like to tell you that if you wish to leave you are free to do so. You can sever the contract as you did before, and go on without any sort of opposition from us." The principal speaks solemnly. The Hero eyes turn to Mr. Colbert who nods at him. He figured out that the ritual failed due to the Triforce? While the Triforce itself must still be unknown to them, the balding teacher should have deduced that the first time Louise tried to establish the contract, it was something that came from Link that made the magic pact end in failure. Link crossed his arms and discreetly glanced at his left hand, seemingly in thought. Mmm I don't think I can break the contract willingly now that it is established… perhaps Zelda could, but not me.
"W-what?! Wait no we…" Louise couldn't believe it. Is this going to end before it even starts? This was her chance to prove herself even if they didn't have a full hour of being on passable speaking terms; she didn't want to part from her familiar. And just when did he broke the contract before? Thankfully for her, said familiar also didn't feel that leaving her was the best choice.
"Is that so? Thanks for the offer, but after some thinking I have decided to try to stay here with her." The boy points with his left index finger to Louise, who is so relieved at his words that she ignores the rather curt gesture. The two mages from the school staff have complicated looks on their faces but nod towards them.
"Known that the offer will stand for as long as you remain here, Sir Elf."
"I will take note of it Mr. Osmond, by the way, while a little late in the conversation let me introduce myself: my name is Link so there is no need to call me Sir Elf." Said 'Sir Elf' found that he should have done that sooner he already disliked being called by that tittle.
"Sir Link then." Link shows a small smile while nodding, the formal addressing of his name known to him from his time at the castle. It's been over a year since someone called me that… When it began I always thought it was out of courtesy … or maybe respect and for a while it most likely was… Link closes and opens his eyes clearing his head of such thoughts, even if right now he isn't hunting monsters on Death Mountain, this isn't the time or place to get lost in his memories. Ok here goes everything, time to get out as much as I can in the open and see if can get answers in return.
"Headmaster, Professor Colbert, Louise… before we discuss anything else there something I would like to say." Link waited for the reactions of the three of them. They looked on with some uncertainty but not anxiety. Only one of the humans, the female one if it must be known, was suspecting about what Link would want to speak about.
"Mmm.. Go on Sir Link." It was Mr. Colbert who answered. The boy nodded looking contemplative, trying to decide just where to start.
"First, know that what I am about to say may and will appear farfetched to all of you; but it is the truth as I know it." Link said seriously, still not knowing the best way to put it. He decided to just go with the flow.
"Mmm… while it should be fairly obvious to guess, I am not from around here. I think I even said it before." He gazed at everyone else to make sure he had their attention. "But what I exactly mean is… that yesterday was the first time I have heard of a continent or place called Halkeginia." Louise already knew so she wasn't very surprised but the headmaster reclined on his chair looking more serious than she had ever seen him, and Mr. Colbert cleared his throat while drops of sweat began to appear on his forehead.
"That should be surprising; because I can be rightly called an adventurer and I have traveled far, both within and outside my home country; and during my travels I have seen, interacted, and treated with individuals of all kind of types and all kind of races; including people like you… you know with round ears, for almost half of my life." He thought that Gerudo should count as humans, but even if they don't the first round-ears he had seen were those Link found, when he had just turned twelve, at Horon village located at the coast of Holodrum the first time he was there; so it was not a lie.
"Yet last night, asking the maid you saw me talking to at the Vestri Courtyard, was also the first time I have ever heard the word 'Elf' in my travels. The name the other round-eared people use to refer to my race was the very same name we use to call ourselves: which is not Elves." Osmond frowned while looking down to his desk. Colbert just opened his mouth but made no sound. Louise was also trying to collect her thoughts that were in disarray. They were just too shocked to even express themselves. The Hylian saw how shaken they were but he was still not done.
"The word 'Human' that you use to refer to your kind is also used by my people, but we use it to refer to everyone that basically looks like us, regardless of whether the ears are long and pointy like mine or short and round like yours." Link explains while raising his left hand.
"So I beg you to tell me, I am really what you call an Elf?" Link drops the heaviest part of what he plans to reveal to them. Perhaps this may help or it may just give them more questions. Anyway the boy wants to know the truth and Link will reveal the existence of Hyrule and Hylians to get it.
The atmosphere of the room changed, the magnitude of Link's news making it appear like if the very air was trying to crush everyone present. That was from the perspective of the humans because from the Hylian's point of view the room just got very very quiet and the people in it grew very very still.
Going straight to the point can be kind of terrifying. Link thought after seeing how utterly silent the office had become only the sound of occasional (and very occasional at that) breathing was heard; still one of the many conversational skills he had acquired at the palace, was that when you intent to give information in a dialogue, it should be done in the clearest way possible, all with the aim to avoid misunderstandings or misinterpretations as much as possible.
Maybe talking about Hyrule first and stopping there would have been better? I could have gone about disguising it as a very far away country or something rather than another world or dimension. Link figured that if he had begun that way they wouldn't had their knowledge about these 'Elves' questioned, as it appears it is a most sensitive topic for them. It is unnerving how these guys are way too dumbstruck, they aren't reacting at all.
"You were telling the truth yesterday weren't you?" To the men's surprise it was Louise the first one to break the silence. The little one had some steel in her after all.
"About my land? Yes. I didn't know what an Elf was at the time though, so I didn't mention it." Actually he hadn't lied once to her, he had just sarcastically told her truth. After she spoke the teachers finally got their minds working properly.
"Answering your question, you most likely are what we call an 'Elf' based on what we have seen of you. And forgive me for doubting you Sir Link, but… Was what you have just told us the truth?" The headmaster replied with an inquisitive stare. At this time Louise didn't doubt that Link was an Elf… but she could see how he could have his qualms, if he came from somewhere so far away.
"It's only natural for you have your doubts, but I did not lie to you, there is nothing to gain from me in doing that." Link said still on his more formal behavior, after all they must be skeptical about what he just told them. "So what are these characteristics you have seen in me that marks me as an Elf?" The Hylian hoped they would figure it out on their own only with the conjecture of the lifespan. It was Colbert the one who replied.
"Well firstly is your appearance, you simply look exactly like an Elf which in summary means the long pointy ears. Then there is the fact that you can use magic an-" Link interrupted curtly. "Now, can I? Just when did I use it?" Link said between raised eyebrows but his eyes looked much sharper. Colbert saw that as cue to explain rather than a threat, it seems the boy wants this detail to be pointed out. Still before the teacher could speak…
"Wh-What?! You C-can't?" Louise stammered her mind going in overdrive. It's impossible! All Elves can use magic! It's because I cannot use it properly! How come?! Is he truly not an E- "That's not the issue Louise; you see I just want know 'when' they saw me using magic." Link said, again in a more imperative tone. Colbert raised his eyebrows in a subdued expression but answered straight to the point.
"When doing the last step of the ritual Miss Vallière failed once to form the contract, at first I thought it was her mistake but it was a spell you used right? That Golden light that shone briefly must have, somehow, dissipated the ancient magic of the Contract Ritual." Mister Colbert replied accentuating his words by moving his right hand. Osmond made an inquisitive face at the revelation. Louise looked surprised she hadn't suspected that the first failure wasn't due to a mistake on her part.
Golden Light, huh… Not bad at all, it is a nice and simple deduction… Now guess I will have to hide the truth a bit, it is not like they will believe I literally carry a piece of the power of a Deity... or two. Link for the second time in the day was glad for his stay at Hyrule palace. While he had come to hate lies and all manners of deceit with great passion sometimes it just couldn't be avoided, so it was better to know about it.
"I didn't really used magic consciously, but what you saw was indeed power of a magical nature. I do happen to have on me a very powerful relic that you may even call divine, which protects me from almost all forms of magical curses and it reacted to the contract. The protective magic of the artifact was the light you saw." The Hylian was quite pleased with the on the spot explanation he had just made up, for there were no lies in it. The Triforce is a powerful magical relic of divine nature, Link didn't use at will when it dispelled the magical contract, and it does protects him from curses and some other magical influences. No lies at all… just some careful concealment of the whole truth.
"Protection from curses you say? The familiar contract is a most sacred ritual left by the founder, I don't think it rightly classifies as a curse." Osmond observed in a serious but not impolite way.
"Is that so?" Link wanted to ask about this 'founder' guy for it wasn't the first time he had heard about it. The boy got that 'the founder' was some sort of religious figure but rather than a god he was more like a prophet or perhaps just a very notable mage. He also wanted to ask more about the ceremony, but didn't want to question the holiness of it, so he just went over the topic of how sacred it was and asked more about the contract itself. "Does the contract once established do something that can be considered negative? Like it takes something from the receiver in any way?"
"No Sir Link, in fact it makes a bond between mage and familiar, and it even gives the familiar various abilities like a cat may be able to talk, birds may gain upgraded flying abilities… Oh, take my own familiar as an example: Mótsognir!" A little white mouse appeared from under the desk and climbed on the headmaster hand at his call. "This little guy was given more intelligence and a much longer lifespan that any other mouse I know of… he really knows how to serve me well... hehehe" Link didn't know why but that last part seemed dangerous in a nonlethal but unethical sort of way. "The contract also makes the familiars more docile and less likely to attack fellow humans including theirs masters…" Here Osmond stopped talking and Colbert's eyes widened a bit. They all realized it at the same time. Even Louise looked a bit anxious at this moment.
"Oh… I guess the pact does some 'things' that can be considered negative if you put a person in place of a beast in the receiving end of the contract." Osmond divulged in a smaller voice. It hadn't occurred to him to see it in that light as never before a person, Elf or human had been taken as a mage's familiar.
"Like?" Link said dryly he could tell by the voice of Osmond that he wasn't gonna like the answer. Colbert sighed and elaborated on the explanation.
"Well Sir Link… as Osmond said the contract makes familiars more docile, especially towards the master; it suppresses the instincts and desire to leave that certain creatures possess… and basically makes the familiars more likely to obey and serve the masters." Colbert finished seeing how Link just closed his eyes, placed his right hand on his hip, and smirked. A bad feeling spread into the humans at the action. The smirk Link had wasn't really all that different from the one he had given Louise earlier when they shook hands… but this one had distinctly malevolent feeling even if his eyes were closed.
"So in summary it brainwashes the familiar into obedience." Louise found that Link's voice was quite a sarcastic like yesterday but now that she knew he wasn't a powerless commoner, she felt afraid from the sound of his voice rather than annoyed. Judging from the expressions in the faces of Osmond and Colbert they too grew uncomfortable with his choice of words, undertone, and expression. Osmond discreetly glanced at his staff but decided against it, from what they had seen of Link's character there was nothing to gain from hostilities. It was valid to get angry if you had just found out that you could have been magically brainwashed.
"No… just from what you said, it could be argued that the contract does something much worse than just taking the will from the familiar… it… it bends it." At this moment Link opened his eyes remembering Nabooru, who was completely used against her will before she awakened as Sage in another time. His eyes truly shone with restrained anger as he directed his stare towards everyone else in the room. Even Colbert found himself in a muted gasp, looking away from Link's gaze.
"By making them less likely to disobey, the contract would change the mind of the familiar or creature in way that their actions would not appear imposed on them." Link raised his left hand opening it like if he were holding a ball and began to wave his forearm as he continued with his analysis. All the while his eyes never lost their intense glare and his voice raised its volume slightly.
"So instead of just robbing their free will, the familiar would never realize that its mind has been irrevocably altered, forcing it to become something it never was... Of course that will only apply to creatures with enough intelligence and a will." Link's smirk got wider showing more of the white of his teeth. It was technically a smile but now it looked predatory.
"I believe when put like it, the 'sacred ritual' this founder guy left you, most certainly classifies as a curse." His voice was icy when he said those words. Link closed his eyes again, intent on reflecting about this new knowledge of the runes he carried in his right hand.
Well that answers why the Mark of the Triforce is not disappearing and what it is doing. It must be protecting my mind from those effects as I have felt animosity, ill will, and anger towards Louise... Also I have felt and I am feeling the desire to leave, it has been there ever since I was summoned... I mean for good or bad I was gonna meet with Zelda... Well above all else it is comforting to know I am still myself though; anyone else in my place wouldn't have been so lucky…
Link didn't move while he had his eyes closed, but to the humans it just looked like that the familiar would simply explode. Be calm about it, you gain nothing by getting upset. That was the message Link's rational mind gave its owner… And the atmosphere around him changed, his shoulders slumped while he put both hands on his hip and exhaled loudly. The heaviness in the air deflated so suddenly that it was almost anticlimactic.
"Oh well… the artifact that made the contract fail is still protecting me from all that crap. It has been active ever since yesterday though I had no idea why until now, so in the end there no real damage done. Besides, I should really have asked more about the contract when I agreed to it… Let's just forget about it." Link said waving his right hand and with a flat look on his eyes, in a clearly displeased and bored manner. The politeness he had showed before had completely evaporated from his demeanor… nobody complained.
Looking around again Link noticed that the other three in the room seemed quite sweaty and didn't bother to not appear relieved at his words. I overdid it, didn't I? A minute was spent by the humans using handkerchiefs to dry themselves.
"Okay… ummm… So you can use magic then?" Louise asked him with worry on her eyes if not on her voice in an effort to change the topic. All the men in the room appreciated her intentions but seeing the direction this was taking Link frowned. The truth was simple, Link wanted to keep his ability to use magic a secret for as long as he could. It was for two purposes: one, getting any potential enemy to underestimate him, and two, to avoid the social nuances magic seems to have in this realm. Yet when they figured he wasn't an Elf, as that was the first reason for this conversation, Louise would most likely be deeply affected so… sacrifices that nobody will ever know about would be made, like always.
"Yes, I can. I am no prodigy although most of what I can use may be considered advanced and every little spell I know I have mastered to near perfection." Link had Zelda to thank for that, although he did learn some things on his own and even managed to adapt and develop a moderately original spell without help, however slowly that was. The effort put in every task was all his own though, and he felt it was worthy of being proud of. Louise looked both pleased and disappointed at the news.
"I see." Louise didn't look very happy as she said that but she wasn't sad either. In a way Link could see that she was judging her potential worth according to what her familiar could do; Louise de la Vallière did mentioned to him that you could see a mage's true power by looking at their familiars. The young man thought that maybe… he truly is paying for the many things he put Navi through with his naivety and curiosity when he was child… Still Navi cared for his wellbeing both physically and mentally, as the older and more experienced person in their partnership, so he will try to do the same for Louise because Links feels she truly needs some self-confidence.
"Do any of you wanna see a bit?" Link asked his audience for Louise's sake. "Yes! / if you would / I want to see it Sir Link!" Link smiled at how the others answered at the same time. The office regained the lighter air from before Link found out about the mind altering effects of his runes.
"Ok this is the first magic I could use and one of the spells I actually had talent at; even if it is only the use of a specific magical object." Link said while pulling a wooden stick, better known to Hylians as a Deku Stick from his left bag using his right hand. Colbert's expression was the one filled with the most wonder and he was also the person who looked more intently at this demonstration.
"Now as you can obviously see this bag is a magical tool. Its main use is that it can store much more than it should be able to. The bag has a limit though, that's why I have two. Now, to put things inside and take those out you require a tiny bit of magic." Link explained, he didn't tell however what the simple truth behind his possession of two pouches was.
The Hero had become a bit of a collector. If Link managed and administered a bit better he would only need one bag but thanks to him acquiring once more the tools from the temples of Hyrule in this timeline, when he already had everything he had gotten in Termina, the bag got kinda cramped. If you added the many other trinkets, random junk, gifts, necessities, gear, and possessions that he accumulated over the years; Link would be left with very little room if he had only one pouch, so he got another one from the Kokiri when he returned the Kokiri/Gilded Sword a few years ago. It was enough room to last until his thirties, a time he dearly hoped to have already settled down in life… with a family of his own if everything went well.
"Do you have objects like these in Tristain?" It was a good question for he hasn't seen a magical bag of any kind during his time here.
"No this is the first time I see something like this, Sir Link and I have to say I am a bit amazed by it." Osmond said while observing the wooden stick that was longer than Link's arm; he noted it could be used as walking cane. Link nodded at the principal.
"I see; this gives more validity to my claims, because bags or containers that are bigger on the inside are a bit on the common side in my homeland… Although most of those can only hold a very specific kind of item in large amounts, universal ones like my own two are very rare." In Hyrule the most common magical containers were wallets capable of holding hundreds of rupees. There were also seed bags, quivers, bomb bags and rucksacks made for storing clothing.
"It is unbelievable that such wonderful magical artifacts are so commonplace from where you are from; yet unheard off in Halkeginia." Colbert spoke marveled.
"I get told similar things a lot during my travels." Link said smiling while pulling a small kitchen knife from the bag at his right hip with his free hand. "I am not going to attack anyone this is just a demonstration." Link marked the deku stick with a couple of parallel horizontal lines using the knife before putting it away in the bag where it came from.
"Now this is the real spell." Link lowered the stick near the left pouch and opened his right hand. Instead of falling to ground the deku stick disappeared from sight without a trace only a shift in the air was heard.
"What? Where did it go?" Colbert asked with some excitement.
"To the bag." Link said with an easygoing expression on his face. He pulled again the very same stick with the carved lines from his left pouch and then he put it away magically, only to have it appear out of nowhere in his right hand a second later. Colbert opened his eyes further at this trick. Link repeated the action a few times: materializing the deku stick in one hand, lower said hand near one pouch to put it inside without opening it, and then making the very same deku stick appear in the other hand. The show made a humorous sight.
"So you can move objects in and out of those bags without opening them, Sir Link?" Old Osmond asked with his arms crossed over his desk. "Yeah."
"It's … really something… practical but simple …" Louise said softly. Link just smirked. "Oh? Is it Louise? You see magic is not only about what you can do but also about how you use it." Link said while approaching the small table at the center of the office. He had the deku stick in his right hand. Link's smile turned truly boyish and then he swung the deku stick at the vase resting on top of the table.
"Her Highness Henrietta gave me that vase!" the headmaster yelled. Maybe they had misjudged this elf boy and he was just a vandal that smashed other people's pottery at their own office or home without a care or remorse... except that the wooden pole was no longer in Link's hand and the vase was intact. Again the bald teacher in the room was the one more taken with the demonstration and the person to unravel its uses.
"That's a really useful skill for a warrior Sir Link. With that you could initiate an attack unarmed and materialize the weapon before impact to strike your enemy when he least expects it." Colbert observed. Louise raised her eyebrows finally getting the use of the skill. Link added some extra info.
"It's not that easy to do it like that but yes I have done it before Professor, also it could be used in narrow spaces to facilitate combat, for example: to swing a sword, axe, pole in an arc that is otherwise impossible." Link elaborated with one of the many uses he had given this particular art. "But mostly this little spell is used to get right item at right time, with utmost convenience."
"I see it is simple trick that requires some skill." Louise conceded.
"No Louise it requires a lot of skill. Imagine it like this: you have all of this objects floating in a circle around you, and you have to try to get just the right stick, among the many other objects that are 'floating' but you also have to direct it properly, in and out your hands while they are moving. It goes double doing it in the middle of battle." Link said without modesty while taking out 7 deku sticks in rapid succession, none of those was the marked one.
"Also add the fact that you can have many virtually identical objects that you couldn't really tell apart even by sight at first glance." The marked deku stick appeared in his left hand just as he said this. "This little trick it's more or less like that."
"Should I give a pouch to someone and then taught him or her how to use it; said person wouldn't be able to correctly materialize the objects inside the bag to his dominant hand even after months of everyday use." He also took out a very thick and large book, a red lantern, and a fourteen inches wide wooden box with the Hylian Crest carved on it. Link put all of this objects on the table.
"And simply put, very few people have ever reached the level that I have in using this bag. They do have very reliable records in the place they are made." Link smiled at that remembering how not even Zelda could use this tool as well at him, but she could use it even if she had no pouch of her own.
"And I have two pouches not just one, so a little mental agility and a good memory are some of the requirements to use it effectively."
"I see you did not lie when you told us you mastered what you knew." Louise admitted but she still looked troubled like if that wasn't enough. Colbert and Osmond instead were quite interested.
You are not easy to satisfy, aren't you? Link sighed preparing himself to reveal something almost equally advanced but much more impressive looking. "Ahaha What a hard to please woman is the one that called me." He stared at Louise in the eyes while saying that, and before she could answer he said... "I can also do this."
Let us reiterate, the Hylian boy was no genius at using magic unlike with weapons like the sword. Learning a new spell was difficult for him. His biggest claim to magic was his large amounts of magical power, granted to him in this line of time when one of the few Great Fairies of Termina unlocked most his magical potential; which was quite large and befitting of a Hero. So in the end, it was what he could learn his greatest drawback, because it was 'difficult' for him to pick up new magic. Difficultnot easy, nor average, nor impossible… so it means that once acquired the biggest problem he would have with any spell was already taken care of. To Link the spells learned instantly with the help of Great Fairies were a blessing from the three Goddesses themselves, quite literally in fact.
Link extended his right hand towards Louise with his palm open, fingers extended. The spell he casted flared into existence, just with the thought of its name.
Louise shrieked taking a step back. "What?!" The expression in the pinkette's face was one of surprise yet the traces of a smile were beginning to appear in her mouth at the sight.
In Link's hand shinning with gentle light and giving off heat was a sphere of fire. The shape of said sphere was perfect; it literally was a ball of fire. The flames in the exterior were orange but at the core of the sphere the flames were brighter appearing either a very light yellow color or even white. This was the result of Link's work with Din's Fire. Normally the ball will grow into a dome of flames that will cover his whole body leaving only him intact, before expanding to engulf his surroundings into the goddess flames. Link after lots of training and a few experiments over the years with his magical teacher (Zelda) could control or more like stop the rate of expansion of the flames but that was just the beginning of what he could do with this spell.
"You did it with no wand and without any incantation!" Louise exclaimed exited. True, it wasn't as grand as she believed but this confirmed that her familiar could use magic properly and better than humans.
"That's it? Is that the part you find most interesting about this spell? Is there nothing else?" Link said while raising an eyebrow with a small smirk, moving his right hand (ball of fire included) casually as if to bring attention to it.
"Look, that's not all Miss Vallière." Colbert said while staring with some awe at Link's hand. "That is impressive Sir Link." Osmond was ruffling his beard as he complimented the feat. "What is it?" Louise asked her teachers in a childlike voice.
"Sir Link is touching the fire directly." Colbert pointed this small but significant fact to Louise. Indeed, Link's fingertips were over and 'into' the circumference of the sphere of flames. Din's fire, by default would not burn the caster, so even if reduced to a small ball it is not surprising that this property is kept. But in the same way the rate of expansion of the flames could be manipulated, this other aspect of 'selective burning' was also something Link could tamper with.
"I am a fire mage Sir Link, so I can truly appreciate the difficulty in achieving those results. Mages aren't really hurt by the heat of the flame they conjure while chanting; but if we come in direct contact with the fire we will get burned like everything else." Link nods at Colbert explanation.
"Professor Colbert would you mind to trying to poke this ball of flame with one of the items at the table, or you Louise?" Louise hesitated but when she saw Colbert grabbing one of the sticks, she instead chose the book. A reassuring nod form Link got them into action. The both of the approached the tip of their chosen objects into the sphere of flame cautiously… only to watch how they passed the boundary of the ball flames without being burned. It was surreal. They kept the wood and paper in contact with the ball of fire until Link moved his hand away from the stick Colbert held. Only Louise was left with a non-burning book into the flames of Din. Both teacher and student checked the temperature of the wooden stick Colbert had on his hand not believing it was still unburned.
"It is barely warm…" Louise observed. This pleased her immensely, that spell was proper magic and she could see how this could be called 'advanced'.
"Heh." Link smirked in rather smug way and then, while Louise still held the book into the ball of Din's flames, poked the fire with the marked deku stick he had been holding in his left hand during this whole demonstration.
The wood of said stick lighted in flames immediately. The object Louise held never caught fire even if both were touching the blazing circumference.
"Wow!" Louise widened her eyes which shone in an expression of wonder while her mouth gave a few exited giggles. The mastery of this magic was something she could truly appreciate. Link seeing that, couldn't help but to think that her smile was indeed cute, it was even a bit infectious lifting his mood. If only she could hold onto this expression more…
"Neat isn't it? It will only affect what I want it to effect." Link said and with a weave of his hand as he dispersed the sphere of fire. Seconds later a brown waterskin appeared in his now empty right hand, and he used the newly refilled contents to douse the flames at the tip of the marked stick. After showing such an advanced fire spell the fact that he used such a mundane method to extinguish the small blaze was amusing to his audience.
"Yeah it is quite amazing Sir Link." Colbert said with a smile on his face, but inside he was wondering about his own fire, if only could be used like that without risking anything but what it was supposed to burn.
"So now that we know I can use magic, I guess that's one point more toward the 'I am an Elf' score right?" Link asked turning his eyes to Colbert. It took the professor a couple of seconds to notice he was being questioned. He was still staring at the not burned wood he held, thinking about if it was possible to replicate the spell.
"Yes unlike we humans… or at the very least humans of Halkeginia, all elves are capable of using magic. Elves can do it without wands like you Sir Link." The headmaster told Link before Colbert could even reply to the boy.
"Oh I suppose that is another similarity between our homes, because all of the people like me can use magic too; while not all round eared folks can." Link said while thinking about the fact that wands appeared to be needed to cast magic.
"The mages at my home also use wands but they aren't necessary for everything, magic wands or staves do make things much easier." Link explained to the humans. Still if that is true, it means that even if in Hyrule there is no academy of magic perhaps the people of Hyrule as whole aren't really behind the people of Halkeginia in terms of magic ability, in fact you may say that Hylians were even ahead of them, because for anyone that calls himself a mage in Hyrule a wand is just convenient tool nothing else, a proper Hylian mage has no absolute need for a wand to use magic, even if said mage couldn't use everything he normally would without one. Link himself is proof of that. He had never used wands to cast anything.
"But you see while we have proper mages and everything, the population at large isn't really that interested in magic because… well it is just magic: something everyone can do." After seeing the emotionless stare that Louise was giving him at his declaration he shrugged. "It's the truth." Colbert and the principal held frowns at that declaration.
"It is unbelievable." Louise said seriously. It grated on her pride that an entire population was indifferent to magic, the gift from the founder, just because it was common. It was terrible for Louise because she had been working all her life to be able to use it properly. She couldn't accept that.
"Like I said, unlike here, back home everyone can use magic so it is just an option to learn how to, and it has no relation to status because peasants and aristocrats alike can use spells." While not one of them admitted it, when looked in the right angle Osmond and Colbert could see how that could be true in a place where magic was universal, they supposed that Elves had to have a society like that.
"Mmm… although the royal family tends to have some unusual abilities that nobody else has, especially the princesses, and those of royal blood are also above average in magical prowess, no exceptions." Link explained further.
"Royal Family?" Louise asked softly. She was no expert but even she knew that Elves didn't have a monarchy so there was no King, Queen or Princess among the Elves. This worried her with a foreboding feeling. "Yeah… you know… the regent monarchy, the people on top. Right now, it is just the new Queen though." Old Osmond took a few seconds to go over everything said in his head after which he spoke.
"What you said about your countrymen not being that interested in magic… doesn't sound very Elf-like." The headmaster informed. "While it is true that we don't have much detailed information about Elves, we do know that they as a race pride themselves in their particular use of magic; they even go as far as looking down on the magic we humans use… and Elves have no monarchy." The last part was said in heavier tone.
"Ohh, I see well that's that I suppose… OK, moving on we have that, one: I do look like an Elf; Two: I can use magic in a way that has lots in common with the way that an Elf can use it. " Link summarized the lengthy conversation up to that point. It had taken him more time to get to this point than he would have initially thought. He got some other important information though. Link figured he isn't as good at directing a dialogue as the Ex-Princess of Hyrule, no matter how much he tries to imitate her stronger points, but she is the Bearer of the Triforce of Wisdom so there is no reason to be ashamed. "Is there anything else? Another characteristic of elves that I may or may not have" And this was the part he actually wanted to get at since the beginning and his eagerness leaked into his voice.
"There is also… oh." Colbert began but then an expression of deep shock slowly took over his face. Link narrowed his eyes slightly at that. "What happened professor?" Osmond inquired about the bald man wellbeing. Colbert didn't respond immediately his darting all around the room stopping every now and then on Link's ears. Finally he spoke.
"Sir Link you said that you spoke to the black haired maid yesterday right?" Link smiled lightly for it appears Colbert already figured the point he was trying to make.
"Yes." The boy replied. "And you asked her about Elves-I mean about people with your appearance and their characteristics right?" Colbert swallowed as he asked that. "Pretty much." They boy replied again.
"You seemed pretty sure in that you weren't an Elf…" Colbert's eyes stared directly into Link, the seriousness of his next question clear.
"How old are you?"
Link smirked. The metaphorical bomb was about to be thrown because the professor had already figured it out.
Author's note:
Hello again and thanks for reading this thing, in fact you could say I have many thanks to give: first I would like to say again thank you all for reading this thing, second thank you to everyone that favors and follows this history you have no idea how much better that makes my days , next one more and very special thanks to everyone that reviewed, especially those that bothered with reviewing both chapters in one go like LoveMadness, JerichoCross and sh8ad8ow ; I can honestly say that reviews are everything authors say they are…
Also an extra thanks to Link-the-lightbringer the one that made the nice cover you can see now on the fic.
Now you should all know that this chapter took much longer to finish than expected. It wasn't that it was too hard to write (not that much really happens), it actually is that right now I am passing a truly difficult time in my job because the workload increased a lot due to a badly managed project (I work in the IT department of a telecommunications company by the way), during the months of August, September and October (2012) I had to work extra hours almost every day and more importantly I have worked every weekend (no exceptions), the latter fact is the one that delayed this update the most as I normally write on weekends. I got paid the overtime so not all was just loses on my side. I bring this up because the situation doesn't seem like it will get better in the current month (November 2012) or the next in fact, the only reason why you are even seeing this update right now is because due to a mistake from one of the other departments the project… crashed, badly. I am not kidding people were fired.
Still, that left me with 5 weekdays, with a weekend in the middle of them, that I did not had to work outside my normal schedule which I used to write more than half of this; but that project-thing is still going so… I am really sorry and a little ashamed to say this but… don't expect any updates soon. I am truly sorry because I do wanted to give more timely updates… the next chapters will come because I really want to write this, otherwise I wouldn't have published it, though it will require some time.
In more favorable matters I can see in the reviews that the length of the chapters is actually appreciated by quite a bit of people, I was trying to make the chapters shorter but after seeing that my "Writing Style" doesn't really goes along well with it and that most people don't mind things as they are, I "officially" announce that endeavor as finished… Still when I wrote this fic the longest thing I have ever written was a fairy tale for language class in my native tongue around high school maybe before, well the thing is that I found said tale… and it was around 3,600 words so… it does leave an impression on me that every chapter is longer the last. I will try for chapter 4 to be shorter though.
Also looking at what people says; it appears my battles are well received, that's great. In that case I hope to keep doing it right.
Now talking a little about the actual content of this chapter, even if don't know if I should be saying this, here besides exposition, foundation, and showing Link's most useful ability (his magic pouch not Din's Fire); I begin to give away real hints about 'Why' Link has been away from Hyrule for more than a year… do you remember chapter one? It was mentioned that a certain hero needed to gather his courage to meet someone.
Also even if in the games he couldn't, there is no reason Link can't use Deku Sticks as an adult. I mean it is just a wooden stick, is like I don't know… even monkeys have been using them for millennia, so he can use them as tools and weapons in this fic.
Now to answer some reviews.
Nivek Beldo: Well when/if I get that far we will see some of what I had thought for the "Beta Idea". Now with your other question this will not be just a rehash or retelling of ZnT with just another protagonist, but I am having trouble figuring out just how much and when things will get truly different. Depending on how things are done the results can range from quite interesting to face palm worthy.
PEJP Bengtzone V2: Don't worry I don't have that impression, and your explanation of Hylians as elf-like humans is pretty much spot on, by the limits of this particular story at least.
drake202: Finally a question over his arsenal! Honestly I thought that was going to be the first question I was gonna get back in chapter one. My answer is that he has most of his weapons, but not everything, like you saw in the fight with Guiche he doesn't have the Biggoron's Sword and he left the Great Fairy's sword in Hyrule. There is a reason for everything he doesn't have like the Fairy's bow. There will be some Items from other games besides OoT and MM but Link just have the ones he got in those games at the moment, this includes his child items from OoT (Example: Deku Sticks). Link also has some other things that would feasible for a person that travels a lot to have, like blankets, cooking utensils, a few extra casual clothes, a whetstone and cleaning oil for his sword, some souvenirs… you know stuff like that among some other things. Remember he has not one but two magic pouches; hence he has no real need to travel lightly.
JustAPerson: Thanks your review was quite helpful. Now about your mask question… the answer is yes! He has them all and even a couple more, in fact it was hinted in this chap his possession of the particular mask you are asking about. Oh and in case you or anyone else wonders about it, the transformations mask WILL be used although it will be sparingly.
JerichoCross: Thanks for reviewing both chapters; well I guess I can say there are reasons for Link to be the way he is, but as long as people don't find him too boring I will be happy. Also, I hope commas and the like are better applied now.
Deathless: Sorry for making your brain reach the critical exploding point, it just couldn't be avoided, also I hope that this meets your expectations.
Ichiraku: As said before, Rejoice Ichiraku your wish has been granted, he has that mask!
Reishin Amara: Being completely honest with you something along those lines might be what happens.
Clover: You are absolutely right about how much Link fits here. This was one of the many reasons I started writing this.
Mmm, for now I will be doing revisions to chapter 1 and 2 for grammar errors, typos and stuff like that during the next week or so, if my job allows it; because I have spotted a few of those things. I warn in case follows or favorites informs about those things by mail, because I don't really know if they do, but I remember someone saying that actually does and I don't want to get peoples hopes up about an update just to find out there is nothing really new. If there is any content change I will make note of it in the next author note. If I am truly lucky I hope to be updating within what is left of the year but it all depends on my job.
If anyone had any extra doubts I didn't answer you can always send a PM, I don't log in every day but I will answer every message I get the best I can… just try to ask things that doesn't spoils too much, I mean I don't think stories are as fun if you already know everything of what happens next… Well goodbye and please review!
