Celebration
-----------------------------------
Link was laying quietly in the garden, his favorite retreat when he needed to think. No wonder Lance hadn't been his usual self, and of late had been moody and weary. The sailor had gone back in the castle to prepare for the celebration that night, and the Hylian supposed he should get ready as well, as the sun was beginning to set.
But that didn't explain the dark circles like bruises around Miyako's eyes, telltale signs of little or no sleep. Whenever he asked what was wrong, she shrugged and told him everything was fine, but quite obviously, it wasn't.
"What could be keeping her from sleeping?" He asked the wind. "I don't think she's ill, at least I pray not, and surely it can't be that she's still grieving over killing the king's daughter..." The wind merely whistled around the treetops, avoiding Link's question. Sighing, the Hero of Time got up and brushed himself off. It seemed there would be no helping it; he would ask again at the celebration.
-----------------------------------
From a distance Zelda admired the castle, bathed in the fading sunlight like some dusky gem. Ontharn, though not fully rebuilt, still looked grand for having been burned to the ground only a month ago. Even as night fell, carpenters and masons were still at work, arguing with each, hewing stone, and hammering room.
"My, Castle Dythia looks well," remarked one of the guards that had accompanied her and her father. "The main gates look as good as new!"
"They do," agreed her father, and nobody spoke again. The rest of the way to the castle was silent.
-----------------------------------
After another bath (the luxury of the good life, Link thought morosely), he changed clothes, this time into some strange, fancy clothes the servants had left on his bed. Apparently, they had left the same kind of clothes for Lance, as the sailor came barging into his chambers, groaning in despair and pulling at his collar.
"Matey, what kind of frilly clothes are these?! A man shouldn't be wearin' silk, `pon my word! I c'n hardly breathe!"
"It's not that bad," Link argued, though he did feel a little stifled himself. He looked in the mirror and shook his head. "Do you think they were trying to dress us like royalty?"
"Gods, one would think it," hissed the dark-blue-haired young man, unbuttoning the first button of his shirt. "There! Now at least I can gasp a little!"
"Well, it /is/ a royal celebration," the Hero of Time said to his friend. Both of them were wearing black pants, with a silk overcoat and blindingly bright white shirts. It almost hurt his eyes just looking in the mirror. "I guess we should go and wait in the Great Hall, then. The king and Zelda will be arriving soon." The two awkwardly dressed young men left his chambers and walked down the hall. "Did King Edward mention anything to you about arranging for a ship?"
"Oh, aye, he did! But he said we won't know `til Mystu returns with the king and princess from Hyrule," the sailor replied smartly, still tugging at his overcoat. People began arriving, pouring into the Great Hall like water. "You gotta give a salute to these people for stickin' it through and rebuilding their city, aye."
"I don't see... Miyako..." Link scanned the Great Hall, trying to see over the heads of the city dwellers, who chatted and laughed and generally had a good time. After King Chandler and Princess Zelda arrived, everyone would be ushered into the dining hall for a feast, then there would be dancing and merriment afterwards. "There she is!" Link grabbed Lance's arm and hauled him through the crowd. "Miyako!" The Kreyan girl turned and faced her two friends.
Her hair was piled on top of her head in a dazzling (but heavy looking) mass with several flaming tresses falling about her face and a slim bandeau just above her forehead. Her dress was simple but artistic, and she wore a silver circlet on her right arm.
"You look wonderful," Link grinned, bowing deeply at the waist and feeling slightly ridiculous. Lance crowed at her hair.
"Aye! That must weigh a ton, by the look of it!" Miyako stamped her foot in a most unladylike fashion.
"It's not /my/ doing! The queen's hairdresser insisted on doing my hair, no matter how much I said I was fine, and I feel like I'm going to fall over any minute. Honestly, if this is how royalty must dress up, then I'm glad I wasn't born into a noble family!"
"Too true, too true," agreed the sailor, jerking at his overcoat yet again. "Aye, but it's getting warm in here, so `tis!"
"Excuse me!" bellowed a court official over the hubbub. "We are proceeding to the Grand Dining Hall now! If you'll follow me...!"
"I guess we're not waiting for the royalty from Hyrule, then," Miyako commented, rubbing one hand with the other. Link proffered his arm.
"May I escort you to the dining hall, my lady?" He inquired in a stately manner. She curtsied lightly and took his arm.
"What I wouldn't give for a simple shirt and skirt," she muttered under her breath. "Gods, how do princesses stand this clothing? I'll never look a princess in the eye again, knowing what they have to put up with!"
"You know, you'll have to meet Zelda," Link said with some disquiet. Lance had disappeared to some place, perhaps to change into more comfortable clothing. "I'm a little worried about that."
"Because I happen to be your new love-interest? Hush, Link, you give little credit to what women can and can't do," Miyako replied absently, looking around at all the people. "I wonder if there'll be enough room for so many people...!"
"We're not going into the dining hall, we're going to the Grand Dining Hall," he reminded, drawing her closer. "There's a difference between the two. Mostly the fact that one's a lot larger. And grander."
"Stop poking fun at me," she murmured, but Link could sense the delight dancing just beneath her sulky words.
-----------------------------------
The Grand Dining Hall was just as its title made it to be, a grand dining hall. The sheer immensity of how many people it could comfortably seat baffled even the architects who had designed it long ago.
King Edward and Queen Eloisa were already seated at the head of long, single row of matching tables. Several court officials and choice generals had been seated as well. The Selintan people dispersed to seat themselves at the tables, laughing and talking and already having a good time. Link and Miyako walked the distance to the far end of the row, and sat where they were directed to sit.
"Where did Lance go?" Miyako asked, looking at all the choices of forks and spoons laid before them.
"I don't know, probably to change into something more comfortable," Link replied, trying to decide which wine goblet was his. Breaking into a passable southern sea accent, the Hero of Time added, "He'll come, sure enough, he'd not miss this'n for the world, neh?" The red-haired Kreyan chuckled at him, but before she could respond, King Edward stood up and shouted in his best public speaking voice,
"Welcome, all! Welcome, King Chandler and Princess Zelda from Hyrule! We thank you humbly for the troops you have graciously offered us, and most importantly, your shining star, Link the Hero of Time!" Link and Miyako looked all the down the length of the tables to see the king and princess entering the Grand Dining Hall. The Selintans drowned out all speech with a flurry of shouts and yells of happiness and appreciation. "Now, let us take our seats, and allow the feast to commence!"
A minute later King Chandler and Princess Zelda were at their table, seated directly at the right hand of the king.
"Link, it has been many days. You seem to have grown much," greeted the King, leaning over and shaking hands with the nineteen-year-old. "And who is this?"
"This is my friend, Miyako, sire," Link introduced, then turned his attention to Zelda. "You look beautiful, princess, how have you been?"
"I've been fine," Zelda replied, noticing that Link's "friend" was concentrating very hard on the silverware. "It's been more than a month since we last saw each other, but it feels as though it's been eternity."
"War does that," agreed the Hylian, then fell silent. Luckily, servants began bringing out food and saving him from having to make polite conversation. Lance came running over to where they were seated, minus one silk overcoat.
"Ahoy there, mateys," greeted the sailor breathlessly, falling into his seat. He stood up again clumsily when he saw the two monarchs sitting across from him. "How are you, Your Majesties?" He tried to bow but hit the table instead and nearly lost his balance. Link caught him by the shirt and helped him up. King Chandler chuckled appreciatively.
"Don't go through the trouble of formalities, lad, you'll hurt yourself! Ha, ha!" Lance grinned sheepishly and sat down beside Link.
"I don't believe we've been properly met," Zelda stated nervously, looking at Lance. The dark-blue-haired Kreyan touched his forehead and answered,
"But we have! Why, `twas a little more than a month ago, just when Link and I arrived at your court. The name's Lanceton Untille the Fifteenth, Your Highness."
"Just Zelda, please," the young Hylian woman replied, smiling slightly.
"Pray tell us, Chandler, how is the construction at Deus Skies coming along?" King Edward inquired, wiping his mouth with a cloth napkin.
"Oh, `tis fine, faster than planned. We need Link here to pose for the crowning statue, but that can wait." The Hero of Time flushed slightly and stared at his food-laden plate.
"You might have to wait longer than you expected. Link and his friends want to go to the Temple of Life," the King of Selinta remarked, chewing thoughtfully on some lobster.
"Is that so?" Chandler arched both eyebrows at the young Hylian sitting across from him. Link nodded silently. "Is trouble brewing there?"
"I have reason to believe so, sire," Miyako replied before Link could. The King of Hyrule nodded his head.
"Well, then, I suppose a few more months couldn't hurt--"
"What could be wrong at the Temple of Life?" Zelda asked; she couldn't help sounding just a little bit jealous. Miyako appeared slightly fazed.
"I'm not exactly sure, but it /feels/ wrong. Sometimes... you just have to trust that feeling."
"Aye, took the words right out of me mouth," Lance agreed gravely, picking up his wine goblet. "And I'll tell you something else, trouble's a-stirrin' in the sea depths. Politics and whatnot down there. Mark my words, they'll make trouble for us." The sailor appeared nonchalant, but Link could feel the uneasiness radiating from him.
"That's not good a'tall," frowned Edward, poking idly at his food. "If there's a war to be had between us and the Aquarians, they'll surely win."
"No doubt, for all they have to do is defend their territory. We'd have to initiate the attack if we're to have any sort of overseas trading," Chandler added, looking unhappy. "Hmmm..."
"Dear, don't forget about the announcement," murmured Queen Eloisa. Edward seemed to cheer up immediately.
"Oh yes! In a few moments, my love, when the people have had more time to eat." The King of Selinta shifted in his seat and cleared his throat. "Well, then! I'm sorry we cannot return your soldiers to you just yet; they're helping some of my own forces to capture Castle Hellis."
"Ah, yes, I remember that in your message. What /will/ you be doing once you've conquered Tophet?" The King of Hyrule asked.
"We'll unite the two countries into an alliance, Chandler. Did you know, most of the civilian Tophetians hated King Viru? They've just wanted to live a peaceful life, that's all. We won't have trouble convincing them to side with us."
-----------------------------------
Supper finished, and King Edward announced that his wife was pregnant, and that Selinta would have an heir. This spurted wild cheers from everybody, Miyako especially. Link figured that her largest guilt was that she'd left Selinta with an heir and thus doomed the country for civil war.
Servants stepped forward to clear the tables of dishes and move the tables and chairs, so that the musicians could set up and dancing could be begin.
"Oh, Gods, how did it go? Step-one-two, one-two, step-one-two, three-four?" Miyako groaned, putting her hands over her eyes. "I'm sorry, Link, I just can't remember any of the steps."
"That's all right, I'm wearing my boots this time." He indicated his favorite leather boots, which looked uncoordinated with his refined outfit. She tried to make a face at him but only ended up laughing.
Lance noticed Zelda standing uncomfortably off to one side, one arm holding the other as she stared at the marble floor. Not one to leave a damsel in distress, he approached her and bowed deeply.
"Zelda, may I have this dance?" The princess looked at him with some surprise, but then smiled warmly at him and accepted his hand. The musicians kicked in, and couples formed. Even those without partners were dancing in time to the lively beat.
"Ow, stop stepping on my feet," Link laughed, grasping Miyako by both hands and spinning the both of them around. She glared at him but dissolved into giggles as she continued trampling all over his boots. "Ouch, I'm serious!"
"Hush, you're a man, you've strong feet," she chortled.
"Switch partners!" A voice called out, and immediately everyone twirled around and changed partners. Somehow, Miyako ended up with Lance, and Zelda found herself dancing with Mystu, the court official's son, and Link ended up with a blushing young Selintan girl.
"Ooh! That's me foot you're crushing, girl!" Lance yelped, as Miyako accidentally stumbled over his shoe.
"Sorry! I can't remember this dance! Step-one-two three-four?"
"No! Just try not to trample me feet! I need `em for walkin'!"
-----------------------------------
After the song ended, Link quit dancing, wiping sweat off his forehead with the back of his head. It was hard work, celebrating so much.
Miyako fanned herself with both hands. "I can't keep up with music!" The Hero of Time motioned his head to one side, indicating Lance and Zelda, who were dancing up a storm.
"Looks like they're having a great time," he mused, his heart still pounding. The red-haired Kreyan girl giggled mischievously.
"I don't think Lance will ever want to dance with me again, he'll have bruises on his feet when he wakes up tomorrow!" The nineteen-year-old smiled at her, and suddenly wanted to tell her how much he enjoyed being with her. It wasn't just the fact that he didn't have to play the hero around her, it was all the things he didn't have that she did. All the things he had but she didn't. Two halves of one soul. Miyako caught him gazing steadily at her and blushed slightly. "What are you looking at me like that for?"
"No reason, only that you're the most amazing person I know," Link replied, pretending to be casual. She swatted at his arm but he noticed how pleased she looked. "Let's take a walk."
-----------------------------------
In the moonlight, the garden was enchanting, a desolately beautiful fairy's land. They strode silently, the cool breeze drying the sweat from their dancing.
"Miyako, I want to tell you how much I care about you, but I don't think I have any fancy words for it. A simple `I love you' will have to do."
"You're incorrigible, Link," chided the young Kreyan. "To think when I'd met you, you were so quiet and wouldn't say `boo' to a goose."
"Say `boo' to a goose?" repeated the Hero of Time, laughing at the thought of it.
"Well, you know what I mean. You know I love you, Link..." Her voice went a little quieter and she fell silent. Her reticence made him uneasy again.
"I'm going to ask again, are you all right? You keep telling me everything's fine, but whenever we're alone like this, you act sad and distant."
"...Let's just say I'm a bit worried about what might happen at the Temple of Life. Are you sure you want to go?" Link stared at her as though she had sprouted a second head.
"Are you crazy? Of course I'm going with you!" His eyes flashed intensely in the pale light. "Why in Farore's name wouldn't I go?"
"...I don't know, I thought maybe you'd want to return to Hyrule for a bit, have yourself immortalized in stone." Miyako chuckled softly, trying to set off the agitation of their conversation.
"That can wait," Link replied dismissively. "Lance and I are both going with you. We already talked about this. Why wouldn't I go?" He repeated, giving her a sidelong glance.
"...No reason, I just... it's not important. Really." She shook her head, then growled, "Aiy, this stupid hair."
"What... what did you think of Zelda?" The nineteen-year-old didn't understand why this was important, but he had to know. Miyako was silent for a moment, searching for the right words.
"She's... I don't know much about her to make a good judgement. But she dances well." Link laughed. "Better than me, anyway. You know... I'll wager she's our Fourth." The Hero of Time looked surprised.
"How do you know that?"
"Couldn't you feel how awkward she was? Both of us... I know you and Zelda were once together, sorta, and that it's over, but she still cares about you." Link sighed heavily, looking up at the sky for a moment.
"I know that, but I could never be king. Me, a forest boy, a hero, sitting around all day with a crown on my head and discussing political matters. If the stress didn't kill me, the boredom would."
"Forget it, forest boy," Miyako said suddenly, grinning broadly. She undid her hair with one hand and shook out the curls. "Let's dance, and I promise I won't step on your feet this time."
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A long chapter, about seven pages. Reviews much appreciated. But after rereading some future chapters, I may have to change the secondary genre of this to Romance. -_- And we all know Shiniki suxx0rs at romance.
Eh... updates may be sparse in the not so distance future.... got my new computer game, Black & White, today. Being an all-powerful deity kicks ass. ^_^
-----------------------------------
Link was laying quietly in the garden, his favorite retreat when he needed to think. No wonder Lance hadn't been his usual self, and of late had been moody and weary. The sailor had gone back in the castle to prepare for the celebration that night, and the Hylian supposed he should get ready as well, as the sun was beginning to set.
But that didn't explain the dark circles like bruises around Miyako's eyes, telltale signs of little or no sleep. Whenever he asked what was wrong, she shrugged and told him everything was fine, but quite obviously, it wasn't.
"What could be keeping her from sleeping?" He asked the wind. "I don't think she's ill, at least I pray not, and surely it can't be that she's still grieving over killing the king's daughter..." The wind merely whistled around the treetops, avoiding Link's question. Sighing, the Hero of Time got up and brushed himself off. It seemed there would be no helping it; he would ask again at the celebration.
-----------------------------------
From a distance Zelda admired the castle, bathed in the fading sunlight like some dusky gem. Ontharn, though not fully rebuilt, still looked grand for having been burned to the ground only a month ago. Even as night fell, carpenters and masons were still at work, arguing with each, hewing stone, and hammering room.
"My, Castle Dythia looks well," remarked one of the guards that had accompanied her and her father. "The main gates look as good as new!"
"They do," agreed her father, and nobody spoke again. The rest of the way to the castle was silent.
-----------------------------------
After another bath (the luxury of the good life, Link thought morosely), he changed clothes, this time into some strange, fancy clothes the servants had left on his bed. Apparently, they had left the same kind of clothes for Lance, as the sailor came barging into his chambers, groaning in despair and pulling at his collar.
"Matey, what kind of frilly clothes are these?! A man shouldn't be wearin' silk, `pon my word! I c'n hardly breathe!"
"It's not that bad," Link argued, though he did feel a little stifled himself. He looked in the mirror and shook his head. "Do you think they were trying to dress us like royalty?"
"Gods, one would think it," hissed the dark-blue-haired young man, unbuttoning the first button of his shirt. "There! Now at least I can gasp a little!"
"Well, it /is/ a royal celebration," the Hero of Time said to his friend. Both of them were wearing black pants, with a silk overcoat and blindingly bright white shirts. It almost hurt his eyes just looking in the mirror. "I guess we should go and wait in the Great Hall, then. The king and Zelda will be arriving soon." The two awkwardly dressed young men left his chambers and walked down the hall. "Did King Edward mention anything to you about arranging for a ship?"
"Oh, aye, he did! But he said we won't know `til Mystu returns with the king and princess from Hyrule," the sailor replied smartly, still tugging at his overcoat. People began arriving, pouring into the Great Hall like water. "You gotta give a salute to these people for stickin' it through and rebuilding their city, aye."
"I don't see... Miyako..." Link scanned the Great Hall, trying to see over the heads of the city dwellers, who chatted and laughed and generally had a good time. After King Chandler and Princess Zelda arrived, everyone would be ushered into the dining hall for a feast, then there would be dancing and merriment afterwards. "There she is!" Link grabbed Lance's arm and hauled him through the crowd. "Miyako!" The Kreyan girl turned and faced her two friends.
Her hair was piled on top of her head in a dazzling (but heavy looking) mass with several flaming tresses falling about her face and a slim bandeau just above her forehead. Her dress was simple but artistic, and she wore a silver circlet on her right arm.
"You look wonderful," Link grinned, bowing deeply at the waist and feeling slightly ridiculous. Lance crowed at her hair.
"Aye! That must weigh a ton, by the look of it!" Miyako stamped her foot in a most unladylike fashion.
"It's not /my/ doing! The queen's hairdresser insisted on doing my hair, no matter how much I said I was fine, and I feel like I'm going to fall over any minute. Honestly, if this is how royalty must dress up, then I'm glad I wasn't born into a noble family!"
"Too true, too true," agreed the sailor, jerking at his overcoat yet again. "Aye, but it's getting warm in here, so `tis!"
"Excuse me!" bellowed a court official over the hubbub. "We are proceeding to the Grand Dining Hall now! If you'll follow me...!"
"I guess we're not waiting for the royalty from Hyrule, then," Miyako commented, rubbing one hand with the other. Link proffered his arm.
"May I escort you to the dining hall, my lady?" He inquired in a stately manner. She curtsied lightly and took his arm.
"What I wouldn't give for a simple shirt and skirt," she muttered under her breath. "Gods, how do princesses stand this clothing? I'll never look a princess in the eye again, knowing what they have to put up with!"
"You know, you'll have to meet Zelda," Link said with some disquiet. Lance had disappeared to some place, perhaps to change into more comfortable clothing. "I'm a little worried about that."
"Because I happen to be your new love-interest? Hush, Link, you give little credit to what women can and can't do," Miyako replied absently, looking around at all the people. "I wonder if there'll be enough room for so many people...!"
"We're not going into the dining hall, we're going to the Grand Dining Hall," he reminded, drawing her closer. "There's a difference between the two. Mostly the fact that one's a lot larger. And grander."
"Stop poking fun at me," she murmured, but Link could sense the delight dancing just beneath her sulky words.
-----------------------------------
The Grand Dining Hall was just as its title made it to be, a grand dining hall. The sheer immensity of how many people it could comfortably seat baffled even the architects who had designed it long ago.
King Edward and Queen Eloisa were already seated at the head of long, single row of matching tables. Several court officials and choice generals had been seated as well. The Selintan people dispersed to seat themselves at the tables, laughing and talking and already having a good time. Link and Miyako walked the distance to the far end of the row, and sat where they were directed to sit.
"Where did Lance go?" Miyako asked, looking at all the choices of forks and spoons laid before them.
"I don't know, probably to change into something more comfortable," Link replied, trying to decide which wine goblet was his. Breaking into a passable southern sea accent, the Hero of Time added, "He'll come, sure enough, he'd not miss this'n for the world, neh?" The red-haired Kreyan chuckled at him, but before she could respond, King Edward stood up and shouted in his best public speaking voice,
"Welcome, all! Welcome, King Chandler and Princess Zelda from Hyrule! We thank you humbly for the troops you have graciously offered us, and most importantly, your shining star, Link the Hero of Time!" Link and Miyako looked all the down the length of the tables to see the king and princess entering the Grand Dining Hall. The Selintans drowned out all speech with a flurry of shouts and yells of happiness and appreciation. "Now, let us take our seats, and allow the feast to commence!"
A minute later King Chandler and Princess Zelda were at their table, seated directly at the right hand of the king.
"Link, it has been many days. You seem to have grown much," greeted the King, leaning over and shaking hands with the nineteen-year-old. "And who is this?"
"This is my friend, Miyako, sire," Link introduced, then turned his attention to Zelda. "You look beautiful, princess, how have you been?"
"I've been fine," Zelda replied, noticing that Link's "friend" was concentrating very hard on the silverware. "It's been more than a month since we last saw each other, but it feels as though it's been eternity."
"War does that," agreed the Hylian, then fell silent. Luckily, servants began bringing out food and saving him from having to make polite conversation. Lance came running over to where they were seated, minus one silk overcoat.
"Ahoy there, mateys," greeted the sailor breathlessly, falling into his seat. He stood up again clumsily when he saw the two monarchs sitting across from him. "How are you, Your Majesties?" He tried to bow but hit the table instead and nearly lost his balance. Link caught him by the shirt and helped him up. King Chandler chuckled appreciatively.
"Don't go through the trouble of formalities, lad, you'll hurt yourself! Ha, ha!" Lance grinned sheepishly and sat down beside Link.
"I don't believe we've been properly met," Zelda stated nervously, looking at Lance. The dark-blue-haired Kreyan touched his forehead and answered,
"But we have! Why, `twas a little more than a month ago, just when Link and I arrived at your court. The name's Lanceton Untille the Fifteenth, Your Highness."
"Just Zelda, please," the young Hylian woman replied, smiling slightly.
"Pray tell us, Chandler, how is the construction at Deus Skies coming along?" King Edward inquired, wiping his mouth with a cloth napkin.
"Oh, `tis fine, faster than planned. We need Link here to pose for the crowning statue, but that can wait." The Hero of Time flushed slightly and stared at his food-laden plate.
"You might have to wait longer than you expected. Link and his friends want to go to the Temple of Life," the King of Selinta remarked, chewing thoughtfully on some lobster.
"Is that so?" Chandler arched both eyebrows at the young Hylian sitting across from him. Link nodded silently. "Is trouble brewing there?"
"I have reason to believe so, sire," Miyako replied before Link could. The King of Hyrule nodded his head.
"Well, then, I suppose a few more months couldn't hurt--"
"What could be wrong at the Temple of Life?" Zelda asked; she couldn't help sounding just a little bit jealous. Miyako appeared slightly fazed.
"I'm not exactly sure, but it /feels/ wrong. Sometimes... you just have to trust that feeling."
"Aye, took the words right out of me mouth," Lance agreed gravely, picking up his wine goblet. "And I'll tell you something else, trouble's a-stirrin' in the sea depths. Politics and whatnot down there. Mark my words, they'll make trouble for us." The sailor appeared nonchalant, but Link could feel the uneasiness radiating from him.
"That's not good a'tall," frowned Edward, poking idly at his food. "If there's a war to be had between us and the Aquarians, they'll surely win."
"No doubt, for all they have to do is defend their territory. We'd have to initiate the attack if we're to have any sort of overseas trading," Chandler added, looking unhappy. "Hmmm..."
"Dear, don't forget about the announcement," murmured Queen Eloisa. Edward seemed to cheer up immediately.
"Oh yes! In a few moments, my love, when the people have had more time to eat." The King of Selinta shifted in his seat and cleared his throat. "Well, then! I'm sorry we cannot return your soldiers to you just yet; they're helping some of my own forces to capture Castle Hellis."
"Ah, yes, I remember that in your message. What /will/ you be doing once you've conquered Tophet?" The King of Hyrule asked.
"We'll unite the two countries into an alliance, Chandler. Did you know, most of the civilian Tophetians hated King Viru? They've just wanted to live a peaceful life, that's all. We won't have trouble convincing them to side with us."
-----------------------------------
Supper finished, and King Edward announced that his wife was pregnant, and that Selinta would have an heir. This spurted wild cheers from everybody, Miyako especially. Link figured that her largest guilt was that she'd left Selinta with an heir and thus doomed the country for civil war.
Servants stepped forward to clear the tables of dishes and move the tables and chairs, so that the musicians could set up and dancing could be begin.
"Oh, Gods, how did it go? Step-one-two, one-two, step-one-two, three-four?" Miyako groaned, putting her hands over her eyes. "I'm sorry, Link, I just can't remember any of the steps."
"That's all right, I'm wearing my boots this time." He indicated his favorite leather boots, which looked uncoordinated with his refined outfit. She tried to make a face at him but only ended up laughing.
Lance noticed Zelda standing uncomfortably off to one side, one arm holding the other as she stared at the marble floor. Not one to leave a damsel in distress, he approached her and bowed deeply.
"Zelda, may I have this dance?" The princess looked at him with some surprise, but then smiled warmly at him and accepted his hand. The musicians kicked in, and couples formed. Even those without partners were dancing in time to the lively beat.
"Ow, stop stepping on my feet," Link laughed, grasping Miyako by both hands and spinning the both of them around. She glared at him but dissolved into giggles as she continued trampling all over his boots. "Ouch, I'm serious!"
"Hush, you're a man, you've strong feet," she chortled.
"Switch partners!" A voice called out, and immediately everyone twirled around and changed partners. Somehow, Miyako ended up with Lance, and Zelda found herself dancing with Mystu, the court official's son, and Link ended up with a blushing young Selintan girl.
"Ooh! That's me foot you're crushing, girl!" Lance yelped, as Miyako accidentally stumbled over his shoe.
"Sorry! I can't remember this dance! Step-one-two three-four?"
"No! Just try not to trample me feet! I need `em for walkin'!"
-----------------------------------
After the song ended, Link quit dancing, wiping sweat off his forehead with the back of his head. It was hard work, celebrating so much.
Miyako fanned herself with both hands. "I can't keep up with music!" The Hero of Time motioned his head to one side, indicating Lance and Zelda, who were dancing up a storm.
"Looks like they're having a great time," he mused, his heart still pounding. The red-haired Kreyan girl giggled mischievously.
"I don't think Lance will ever want to dance with me again, he'll have bruises on his feet when he wakes up tomorrow!" The nineteen-year-old smiled at her, and suddenly wanted to tell her how much he enjoyed being with her. It wasn't just the fact that he didn't have to play the hero around her, it was all the things he didn't have that she did. All the things he had but she didn't. Two halves of one soul. Miyako caught him gazing steadily at her and blushed slightly. "What are you looking at me like that for?"
"No reason, only that you're the most amazing person I know," Link replied, pretending to be casual. She swatted at his arm but he noticed how pleased she looked. "Let's take a walk."
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In the moonlight, the garden was enchanting, a desolately beautiful fairy's land. They strode silently, the cool breeze drying the sweat from their dancing.
"Miyako, I want to tell you how much I care about you, but I don't think I have any fancy words for it. A simple `I love you' will have to do."
"You're incorrigible, Link," chided the young Kreyan. "To think when I'd met you, you were so quiet and wouldn't say `boo' to a goose."
"Say `boo' to a goose?" repeated the Hero of Time, laughing at the thought of it.
"Well, you know what I mean. You know I love you, Link..." Her voice went a little quieter and she fell silent. Her reticence made him uneasy again.
"I'm going to ask again, are you all right? You keep telling me everything's fine, but whenever we're alone like this, you act sad and distant."
"...Let's just say I'm a bit worried about what might happen at the Temple of Life. Are you sure you want to go?" Link stared at her as though she had sprouted a second head.
"Are you crazy? Of course I'm going with you!" His eyes flashed intensely in the pale light. "Why in Farore's name wouldn't I go?"
"...I don't know, I thought maybe you'd want to return to Hyrule for a bit, have yourself immortalized in stone." Miyako chuckled softly, trying to set off the agitation of their conversation.
"That can wait," Link replied dismissively. "Lance and I are both going with you. We already talked about this. Why wouldn't I go?" He repeated, giving her a sidelong glance.
"...No reason, I just... it's not important. Really." She shook her head, then growled, "Aiy, this stupid hair."
"What... what did you think of Zelda?" The nineteen-year-old didn't understand why this was important, but he had to know. Miyako was silent for a moment, searching for the right words.
"She's... I don't know much about her to make a good judgement. But she dances well." Link laughed. "Better than me, anyway. You know... I'll wager she's our Fourth." The Hero of Time looked surprised.
"How do you know that?"
"Couldn't you feel how awkward she was? Both of us... I know you and Zelda were once together, sorta, and that it's over, but she still cares about you." Link sighed heavily, looking up at the sky for a moment.
"I know that, but I could never be king. Me, a forest boy, a hero, sitting around all day with a crown on my head and discussing political matters. If the stress didn't kill me, the boredom would."
"Forget it, forest boy," Miyako said suddenly, grinning broadly. She undid her hair with one hand and shook out the curls. "Let's dance, and I promise I won't step on your feet this time."
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A long chapter, about seven pages. Reviews much appreciated. But after rereading some future chapters, I may have to change the secondary genre of this to Romance. -_- And we all know Shiniki suxx0rs at romance.
Eh... updates may be sparse in the not so distance future.... got my new computer game, Black & White, today. Being an all-powerful deity kicks ass. ^_^