Praise me, after weeks of not actually having a set 'problem' for this story- which has contributed to the painfully slow pace it's taken- I have a plot instead of just mindless drama! Now my not-so-nice people have reasons for being not-so-nice!

Also, I'm taking a lot of description from the Twilight Princess map, thus the reference to the Faron Woods last chapter. But since I already stated that this is the same Link from Ocarina of Time, I kinda merged in a few things as well. Sorry for the confusion- if any.

Matters of the State

Chapter 4

My first night in Hyrule, needless to say, was misleading. We camped on the sandy beach my men and I landed on with Link to allow us and our horses a chance to regain our 'land legs'. I don't really know why we camped when it was still a few hours till sunset, but considering how long it took to stop walking with a sailor's sway, perhaps it was for the better after all.

All throughout the time we were under the loosely traveled paths of the forested south I felt an odd tingling sensation along the back of my neck. Link reminded me that much of the power of the Gods still resides in Hyrule, in the trees, air and water. I commented on how much it felt like the sanctums of the Maku Tree and Essence Caves back home, and he agreed, but we both admit that Hyrule is distinctly different.

It still feels odd to be here, in a land so many people spin so many tall tales about. In fact, to humor myself and my men, I took to questioning him about some of those tall tales. I've since learned that Hylians can't talk to trees not bound as spirits of the forest- such as the Maku and Deku trees, they can't call down the gods on a whim, most of them can't read, only the Royal Family and their court of which Link is now a part live in a castle, and aside from having pointed ears, they're pretty much the same as anyone else. I have to say it was amusing to watch his squire's ears turn red when I jokingly asked whether Hylians truly do have a ritual ceremony for when they sneeze.

Getting through the expansive woods took some time, a full day of riding which left us with any number of things to discuss. He questioned me, of course, about the goings on of Labrynna since I established myself as a monarch. From what he said about it, it seems I'm in for a lot of problems come Hyrule Castle…

"Err… It wasn't really my idea…" I admit, albeit quietly as we break for a small lunch of dried meat, cheese, hard bread, water from a nearby creek, and a few sweet berries from a nearby bramble.

"You know, I don't doubt that." Is Link's reply, I watch him curiously for a moment as he stands by his mare, Epona, and checks her hooves over for loose stones. It's so odd not to have him standing rigidly in front of me, seemingly ashamed to meet my eyes and tacking 'milord' onto the end of every sentence. I haven't felt this relaxed in ages as I hold Epona's reigns for him to make sure she doesn't dance around too much as he inspects her after the morning's travel. His squire's off scouting I think. I don't want to know where the Mayor is.

"So, explain it to me then. How much did she have to bug you about it before you gave in?" I bristle at that, and I catch a glimpse of him smirking as he takes a small blade out of his belt to dislodge an offensive stone. I feel the sudden urge to give him a kick, or set that goofy green cap of his on fire… Although I don't quite know how I'd manage the latter, so I go with the kick. I'm satisfied by his yelp, and calm Epona with a few words before the horse gives me a very clear look of displeasure. Perhaps I should've waited for him to put the blade away first…. Finally I answer him.

"It was a dispute with Symmetry City, if you must know." I reply as Link gives me a sour look before going back to his task, putting the horse between us as he checks a different hoof. "For all that you undid its undoing; history's obviously gone a bit awry. You gave Nayru a week long headache for that one actually, sorting out all the missing persons between Symmetry and Lynna."

"Finally, once she managed to put everything in order, there came the problem of government. Symmetry's glasswork and pottery are the best in our country, and obviously they want to trade it. They wanted to build a road between the two cities, a fine idea, but no one wanted to foot the bill. The obvious thing to do would be to elect some sort of council to deal with it, but you remember Symmetry…" I let the words trail off.

"Ah, to elect someone you need over half of the people. First of all, singling one person out in a society of even numbers doesn't work, and they might very well set the volcano going if they actually had a majority on any sort of issue." I can sense the humor in his voice as the village isn't that sensitive, but the people do seem to get a bit snotty when things aren't balanced in town.

"Nayru whispered all the wrong things in all the wrong places and got people thinking about a government, actually, she got them thinking about a monarch." I frown to recall those hectic months a few years ago, that was when people first started seeing me as something other than a woodsman's son. People in town would stop when they saw me coming down the street and just watch me; some even began to bow after a while. "If it wasn't for that damn fire…"

"What fire?" Link comes up along my left side carrying a feeding sack for Epona. Hooking it over her head after checking the level of food inside, he leans on his heavily-built mount and looks at me curiously.

"Oh, right, I didn't mention it did I? We had a bad drought about two or three years ago. Half of Lynna went up in flames when fire started in the highlands." Ah, it's his turn to frown now, his arms crossed as Epona swings her head around slightly with a look I take to be one questioning his use of her as a wall. "A few people died in the blaze, I wasn't even aware of what I was doing until I saw myself directing lines to get water from the river- damn thing almost dried up on us that year. A few weeks later it seems they had a referendum without informing me, and I thought they'd come to kill me when a mob arrived at my house in the middle of the night."

"And now you're a Prince." I almost punch him for the goofy grin that abruptly spreads across his face from one pointed ear to the other. "Lynna really has enough sway to make you Prince of all Labrynna?" At that I shake my head.

"Naw, I was pretty much just in charge of everything within Lynna's boundaries. One thing just sort of led to another though; the Maku Tree was apparently doing as much pushing politically as Nayru was, so she gave me control of the forests up to the Goron Range. Lynna already controlled the forests where I lived so I gained jurisdiction over that and the burial grounds. Fairies are easy enough to appease so that gave me the west and a bulk of the north, I promised the North West Passage to Symmetry and gained their support as well. Nayru either found or pilfered a few ancient copies of Labrynna's old boarders from the time of the last dynasty, so I worked off of those." I don't even realize how much I'm talking until I find myself on my own horse and our party moving out again through the woods with myself and Link at the head of the train. There's no wagon with us, which is good, because the horses themselves are having a bit of difficulty with the trails we're following.

"And the Zora and the Gorons?" He asks sometime later after we fall into an easy silence, "They rule themselves, but here in Hyrule at least the Goron Elders and the Zora monarch pay homage to his Majesty the King. Do you do something similar, or are you all three separate nations?"

"Actually, I wanted it to just be three nations, but a year ago a troop of Gorons rolled down Lynna's main boulevard bearing gifts, seals, and treaties. They also brought maps and outlined a stretch of mountains which include three Goron tribes and said they would honor me as Prince of Labrynna." I explain, momentarily losing sight of the forest in exchange for Lynna in crisp autumn reds and golds, and the black, brown, and red rocky skins of the three represented Tribes before that terrifying, bone-crushing embrace. "Later that winter three Zora came ashore and did exactly the same thing. I think that's the Maku Tree's doing again, she probably sent word to Jabu Jabu and Big Brother…"

"Well, no need to sound so cynical about it, Ralphie." Link replies in a breezy manner, he seems to be enjoying himself far too much as he twists his horse through and around gnarled roots and aged logs. I simply allow my own black mare to plod along at her own pace, trusting her feet more than my eyes.

"Would you rather them hindering you at every turn? You're assembling a nation, doing your ancestors proud. Look at it this way; you get to decide who stays and who goes, and get to eliminate any unsavory characters from the power-grab. Me, I get stuck with whoever inherits what from some musty old treaties, and since I'm only a knight, I just ride in whatever direction his Majesty points."

"Yes, and thus, as a Knight, when things go badly it sure as hell isn't your fault. Don't tell me you honestly think you have it harder than your own king." I say that with an air of authority although I didn't mean to. However, despite all the glamour and fantasy surrounding the Hylian court from the outside, I can't really believe it to be a tenth as tidy and simple as bards make it out to be. After my own problems back home, it just doesn't work.

"I wouldn't know the specifics, and besides, a good servant does not speak of his Master's business." He just grins, and as I pass under a few low hanging branches from the path, a pinecone whips past his head and I glower at him.

"Back to what I was saying though," He remarks, our horses coming abreast with one another again as the path widens to accommodate us. "About Nayru, can you really say it's so horrible to have her running around doing these things for you? Discussing treaties, spreading good word and will about you, being an Oracle, I'm surprised she isn't here with you now." My face warms and I try to keep it from happening, my mind abruptly seeing images of a heart-shaped face framed in lustrous waves of blue, like the waters of a summer spring. Two sapphire eyes reflecting warmth and humor from a pure soul; I sigh without thinking.

"She's acting as Regent for me in my absence." I explain, "She's overseeing the construction of both the North West Passage to Symmetry and the North East Route to the Goron Range."

"But you wish she was here." He gives me a sly, sidelong look and for the first time all day I don't meet his gaze. I feel my face heating and struggle to control the expression as Link just snickers to himself in amusement.

"Regent, not Princess?" He mentions coyly, and I feel myself sinking into the deep blue cloak I tossed on when we began our ride this morning. Damn him…

"His Royal Majesty King Raphael I of Labyrnna, and his Oracle Queen. Sounds like a fairy tale, doesn't it?" Link chides me as I seek to bury myself into the garment even more before a rough clap on my back startles me slightly. He's still laughing before I send him a pointed glare.

"Sir Link of the Triforce, Farore's Chosen One of Courage, One of His Majesty's Vanguard following a certain Princess around… Sounds like a scandal, doesn't it?" That certainly shuts him up damn good and well for all of three seconds as I sit there seething, then he brushes it off… bastard.

"Ah, no. I think not. The Princess and I are well acquainted, but not like that. And what makes you think it'd be a scandal even if it were?" He brushes it off, but he doesn't resume his damned smiling, I didn't hit a nerve, but maybe a sore spot? I'll admit my recollection of Link and the Princess Zelda is vague for the most part, most of what I know comes from word of mouth which is horribly unreliable. And all that says anyways is that the Royal Family of Hyrule favors the Hero of Time for a variety of obvious reasons.

"Even a bumpkin like me can figure that out, stupid. How many people in the castle expect me to ride in covered in ribbons and bells, decked out in gold rings and sparkling gemstones atop a brilliant white horse, hundreds of years of selective breeding carving Fire knows what into my face? A Fairy Boy chasing after the Princess will probably send someone into epilepsy just as swiftly as announcing that my father was a woodsman."

"It'll win your people over at least, doesn't really matter what Hyrule thinks so long as you don't utter threats to the State." He replies absently, as if considering the likelihood of my doing something so stupid and damning. "People like those who they think are like them. You said yourself that if you hadn't been out in Lynna directing the flow of water to save lives, they probably would've dismissed any sort of claims you made to royal blood. How would you feel if you were still a woodsman and some person tried resurrecting his hundred-year-dead bloodline of Nobility, only to sit on his ass growing fat off of useless taxes and ignore problems?" I can't help him, I laugh,

"I'd tell him to get the hell off my land since my claim goes back five hundred years, and probably help lead a rebellion to unseat him." I'm grinning at that, the green monkey chuckling appreciatively with me as we once more seem to lapse into an easy silence.

I'm a long ways from home and have been for a while now, but it's better to be traveling with someone I know and trust. I won't shirk even to the King of Hyrule to say that I sincerely wished for Link to succumb to a swift and perhaps even messy death or form of maiming during his time in Labrynna several years ago. I hated him then. And it wasn't until the very end of all our troubles, when the black tower assembled by Dark Forces was nearly complete to destroy our land that I put my petty dislike aside. And for the months following the death of the witch Veran, which also included Link's recovery from his injuries sustained atop the tower, we built up at first a courteous relationship, and then a real friendship. I can't say I wasn't worried that coming here I wouldn't know the stupid Fairy Boy anymore, but needless to say I'm as comfortable riding here with him now as I could be in the woods back home.

And then we hit the plains…

With the sun beginning its descent, the rolling fields of the Hylain plains are a sight in mid spring. It's almost a start to exit the forest and instantly be standing before such a great vastness, and I hear a few awed exclamations from the men I've brought with me as even in the distance, the high, crowning tops of Hyrule Castle are visible in the sunlight, although they still seem a world away. I can only imagine that the palace is huge now as I see the towers from so far away, although I believe it is only the angle of the sun which illuminates it and reveals the points to only the keenest of eyes. I momentarily think of Ambi's Tower back home, and how it can be seen nearly from the Goron Range atop the highest mountains. But I doubt Hyrule Castle holds as many dark memories.

As we ride I'm surprised at the lack of farming. Link and his Squire are of course the ones leading us, taking us along the bend of a river. Normally, I would expect to see farms patched across the land, as when I fall back a bit behind Link's mount I can see her hooves digging into dark earth, the sort farmers prefer. There's certainly signs of grazing though, but it seems a waste.

"Seems odd, doesn't it?" Link says, looking over his shoulder at my men and I, he smiles in a relaxed manner, unperturbed by the waste I see around me. We do eventually pass a farm or two, but they're close together, and I can see them flanking a wide, walled fort in the distance, perhaps another quarter hour's ride.

"Would you like me to ride ahead and have them prepare for us, Milord?" For a moment, I think the question is directed at myself until I see Link's Squire move up a bit to ride just behind him and to the side. Obedient boy.

"Might as well I suppose, ride all the way to the Lon Lon Ranch, Miss Malon ought to give us a loft for the night and a good meal too. Oh, and Timothy…" The two of them meet each others eyes before Link lifts one finger up to place over his lips as a symbol of silence. The boy nods and I blink at this and look to the sun. I can only frown as it's still only mid-afternoon. As the Squire kicks his horse into a light run and then a gallop to send him off, I nudge my mare forwards to ride next to Link again. I just look at him oddly.

"So soon? Seriously, Link, you make it sound as though you're in a state of war again. I'm getting sick of the saddle myself, but at least explain things to me."

He. Just. Smiles. I could punch him for it. As he smiles however, he gestures for me to lean in a bit and hear what he has to say in a quiet voice.

"S'long as you don't tell my Squire anything or inform your men, maybe I'll make that moonlit ride tonight. Make sure you bring your sword." With that, he sits back in his saddle and drops the reigns to stretch his arms slightly. Myself, I just shake my head and lean back in the saddle in an attempt to ease my aching muscles. Cramped on a ship for days on end, and then forced into a saddle all the while still eating stale bread and dried meat and fish. I'm supposed to be a Prince damnit…

Five guards, two viziers, a young scribe who I almost didn't notice until we set out this morning, Ralph, Timothy, about three extra animals just for carrying things, and myself all in one party make the return trip to Castle Town a good deal slower than originally going to pick the Prince up.

Prince Ralph. Ralph the Prince. Ralph as a Royal! I still can't get over it, not even when he's flanked by his countrymen who probably have the sword skills of a band of children. Then again, that might be unfair, Ralph's probably tried teaching them the basics. To bad Ralph isn't much better. Or at least he wasn't before. Needless to say when he came at me on the beach, I was surprised when he kept up with me so well.

According to memory, Ralph's forte is with smaller weapons although it's ill advised to be near him when he's got an axe in his hands. From what I can remember of those months after Varan's defeat and of our practice matches together in the glades was that he only used a sword because of the prestige of having one to begin with. But no, he liked axes and knives more for weapons, specifically what he called a mix of the two, what looked more like a hatchet or a miniature sickle that could be fought with or thrown.

Nearing the Lon Lon Ranch was an easy enough affair, especially since Timothy did as I instructed and didn't ride in announcing our presence. To the people whose farms all cluster around the walled ranch, we probably looked like nothing more than the most recent recruitment company for His Majesty's guards. I'll admit that I like to keep a healthy friendship with the Ranch owners Talon and his daughter Malon, so our entire group was welcomed into the Ranch with open arms.

Most of Ralph's men, by this point, are nodding off in the warm lofts of the Lon Lon barn, but I've got the fiery Prince's curiosity to deal with above all else. Timothy tried to act as though the ride has not affected him, but after a second bowl of warm milk from Malon, I promptly dismissed the staggering youth for a bit of well deserved rest. I'll admit that I've left him to do most of the work with Ralph's two companions, keeping the party together, making sure the young men with less training than even him don't do something foolish with their horses or while foraging, and generally just dealing with the Mayor.

"That boy of yours is effective." I glance across the way from where I stand under one of the barn's lanterns, Ralph's footsteps sifting across the packed dirt before the firelight begins to reflect off of his equally vivid hair. "Since we left Labrynna I've been the one having to keep my men in order. You wouldn't be willing to part with him, hmm?"

"Not on your life." I say with a grin. I'm slightly glad to see that he isn't wearing a cloak, as I left mine in the barn earlier, don't need something like that getting in the way. He just pouts childishly as I refuse to sell the boy to him.

"Alright, what's so horrible?" He questions a few minutes later as we move down the dark lanes between farm houses. I've heard talk in the court that the Ranch may end up growing into a town all its own, and that's something I look forward to seeing in the future.

"Moblins, Lykes, Dragons, Centipedes, the list goes on, don't act like Hyrule's the only land with an unpleasant night life." I just give him a wide grin and watch him bristle in a furious way. I give him an overly pleasant answer of 'You'll see.' just to watch him squirm all the more as we approach the red torch light flanking the high wooden walls of the Ranch.

"Evenin', m'lord. Out for a midnight hunt?" One of the two guards speaks up in an easy-going, if not a bit slurred manner as we approach. The fact that his partner's most likely off sleeping instead of guarding doesn't bother me, there's no eminent threat to the area, and any minor one their might be is solved simply by the walls.

"A bit, yes." I agree, nodding and chuckling a bit with the guard who seems to be the tiniest bit tipsy. "Don't be too hasty to lock us out though, we'll be coming right back. This guy's an outlander, thought I'd give him a simple explanation for why we retire so early." I gesture to Ralph and feel his irritated glare at my back, the guard however simply gives a rumbling laugh and a slight wheezing cough before he turns his back on us and busies himself with the bolt keeping the smaller, singular door through the wall locked. We don't need the massive entry which we originally used to enter.

"Good huntin' to ye, m'lord." He says with another wheezing laugh as he lets us through. I glance back at Ralph once as we step out into the almost pitch dark beyond the light of the torches. Thankfully, after a moment or two of waiting, a bit of wind picks up from the south, and the pale light of the moon streams down over the open pasture. I give a sigh, it's nice to be away from prying eyes, even though the Ranch is a lax enough environment, people still look at me oddly.

"…And now…?" I chuckle as I hear Ralph's voice at my side, and take a few steps away from the wall.

"Patience, Princeling, patience." I say, humming and hawing for a while as I begin to lead us away from the Ranch wall. For a moment I regret not having grabbed a lamp to light our way, but there's no real reason to go back and fetch one. We're about two hundred yards from the gates before we find company.