A/N:
OH GOSH THIS ONE TOOK AWHILE TO GET UP.
Sorry! With con season and all(I'm a cosplayer), I didn't realize how busy I would be.
x.o
A note about this chapter: Yes. It seems to sort of drift around. This was on purpose. Zelda is a very very busy miss, and I figured by having her be tugged around a bit, readers might get a bit of a taste of this aspect of her life.

In other news, we actually might have a webcomic moving at the same time as this story. So far we have an artist and a colorist lined up. Let me know what you think about that. It wouldn't be the same exact story, as it would go into some things that Link and Zelda, whose perspectives that are being used here, wouldn't have gotten a chance to see.

Without much further adeu, the long awaited Chapter 3 of Reign of Darkness. Enjoy!

-MaskedMoogle

Chapter 3: Unwelcome Travel Plans

(Zelda's POV)

My thoughts drifted on, pondering the events of the night past.
It had been a long night. I had left by way of the underground, just as I'd come. My mission to meet with the Castle Town rogue had been interrupted by that mysterious bystander. I couldn't help think back and let my mind be eased by a small dose of relief, knowing that there were still good people in town.
Yes, the stranger had gotten in our way. But Abel was a wanted man, truthfully guilty on at least a few of the charges set against him. And for a local to stand up to him.. well, this meant that something had finally hit at least an ounce of Hyrule, even as the morals of the higher-ups began to spiral downwards and tradition was beginning to get tossed aside along with the royal family.

Though the most interesting thing about our encounter, was that the man who had stood up to us had easily taken down someone as well-trained as Cyric. My Sheikah bodyguard had been in training since he was a boy, and though still an apprentice, he had learned under Impa of all people. Cyric was even lined up to become a Sheikah Elder, come not-so-distant years, based on his elite skills. And the stranger had taken him down in a matter of seconds without receiving much more than a scratch..

A sharp, crushing pain at my waist had forced me from my musings, back into reality.
I shifted my weight to keep from stumbling as my fingers traced the boned monstrosity that was being tied around me.
"Zelda, if you'd just stand still.." Impa was behind me, tying the corset in place. Her speech was near incomprehensible due to a pin between her teeth, which she held there while her hands were busy imprisoning me within today's fashion. She yanked again, pulling my entirety along with the strings this time. Though I caught my balance, I made sure to brace myself for the final tug.

I winced, catching sight of myself in the floor-length mirror before us. My waistline was naturally quite slim, as I knew from the mothers of foreign princes that had attempted to court me in the past, complaining that my shape wouldn't give them a strong heir. But right now...that very waistline had been forced into the sharp curves desired by men of this day.. Though this wasn't something I dwelled upon, as I never had asked to even look at the sons of the noble ladies brought to mind. They'd been the ones to thrust their hopes at my doorstep without an invitation.
Needless to say, they'd all been kindly rejected...

They were a thing of the wealthy, these corsets. Needed or not. And I dared not ponder how much effort a woman must go through when trying to do simple tasks such as eating or sitting, not to mention breathing, while wearing this shell of discomfort.

The indigo abomination pinched my waistline, embroidered and hand stitched in a beautiful design, as if to hide the fact that it was restricting my ability to breathe. The dress that it had been placed over had been my mother's. It was a lovely gown with a rather full skirt, the neckline tapered off my shoulders, letting the sleeves trail down to form a point at the tops of my hands. Velvet, silks, and other fine fabrics had gone into it's creation, as well as a hand-beaded trim. Tiny priceless jewels were scattered through the material itself, and I almost felt uncomfortable. A princess dressed like a queen..

Impa had finished her knot and I strained to turn to her. She held my shoulders, disabling me to do so. I gave a heavy sigh as she began to mess with my hair, tugging this way and that. It was something that I had grown accustomed to, but that didn't mean that I enjoyed being a part of such seemingly tedious moments of being made a fuss over.
Eventually, and thanks to Impa's most passionate efforts, my long blonde mane had been mostly swept up and tamed, though I felt a few strands hang loose. It was all held into place with small, golden ornaments. Hands on my shoulders, she spun me to face her, a satisfied smile crossed her plump lips as she was now quite pleased with the work she had put into my appearance, "There we are." She took the pin from her mouth and added it to whatever else might have been hiding in my hair.

I stared at her, dazed, and wondering how I was to walk..as the feeling of a dodongo clamping to my middle wasn't letting up. To put frankly, it was leaving me quite miserable.

"How do you feel?" She asked finally. Her arms had fallen to her sides and she paced her way to my vanity where my departed mother's old crown rested. Impa took the diadem gently and turned to me. In response, I had remained silent, though in suddenly blinking, I snapped out of my daze. A sigh drifted from within me, and I managed to let out an unladylike grumble in reply to the elder sheikah she placed the tiara comfortably to a rest on my forehead. She stood back and tilted her head, smile beginning to fade, and turning from me again, Impa began fishing through the decorated powder box that sat at my vanity. There was no stopping her at this point...
My expression darkened farther as she turned from me.

Usually, I loved the annual festival. I loved the follow-up ball that took place on the opening night. I loved the laughs, the people, the music..
And usually, I was beaming with every strained tie of the corset's brought discomfort.
But not this year.
I wasn't going this year. Not to the festival, not to the ceremony, the ball, nothing.

Like a punished child, my mood had been sour all morning.

Impa was putting all efforts into making me look like a queen, because I was off to ensure the end of an approaching problem. Holodrum.
Only hours previous to the festival's opening ceremonies, I had been approached by Lord Vortimier's weasel of a nephew, Elias. A young man I found to be quite irritating in his mannerisms. Elias and Vortimier had been staying with us for just over a couple years now, and it was daily that I questioned when they might take their leave. Often I wondered if they ever would.
He had come to my chambers, barging in of course, announcing on behalf of his uncle, that it was I that had been chosen to go make peace with the nation that so wished to bring war upon our own land. I was to leave at once, as rumor had spread, stating that Holodrum wished to attack at sunrise of the following day.
My skepticism was on high alert, especially when I was told that Cyric would not be allowed at my side.
Reason being, Sheikah do not exist outside of Hyrule..and if I was to enter Holodrum's Castle walls alongside a man with crimson eyes..it could come off as if I was threatening them.
This made sense, however, I still felt no less weary of the event.
The plan upon my taking of leave was that I would take with me a handful of the finest guard that we had here, since most of our knights along with my brother's elite troops and such were already posted out there to fend off the impending invasion. They could not ask the prince to take care of the situation due to the fact that he led our military, and again, such intrusion could be seen as a threat.
Notwithstanding, Cyric's absence in the situation would have me feeling quite vulnerable, despite my ability to take care of myself..

"Aha!" The sheikah moved from the powder box to dab a bit of color to my pale features using brushes and the like that she must have found inside before she looked even remotely pleased again.

"Is this really necessary..? All of this work? The travel will not get me there in a short time, you know.." I griped, rather bitter about having to go in the first place. Peace Treaties were something I had never attempted before..though my father's illness prevented him to do so at the time, and most nations required settlements to be made by a monarch..
"You'll be seen for a brief moment by the festival goers.." She looked a tad irked that I hadn't appreciated her efforts. This wasn't the case, I did appreciate them...I just was not sure about wasting said efforts in preparation to make a rather uncomfortable journey to Holodrum.

I took a deep breath and gathered twin handfuls of ruffles belonging to the dress that I wore. Impa gave me a nod and stepped to my bed, taking my packed luggage in one hand, and moving silently to the chamber door, opening it with the other in a single swing. She held it open with her foot as I followed close behind, letting it shut right after I had stepped out and behind her.
She would be taking my luggage ahead to the carriage, and I would at least make an appearance to the crowd.
We moved down the hallway, and to the Eastern stairwell. The obnoxious sounds of the excessive amounts of fabric moving with each step I took was the only one that journeyed with us down to the great hall. Our true steps were muted by the red carpeting that lined the marble flooring.
I took a deep breath as soon as we made it to the main floor, taking a turn into the great hall, lined with paintings and pictographs of my ancestors, heroes of old and tapestries that had been created to illustrate some scenes of old legend.
The hall was illuminated by torchlight, though it was daytime, being it led into the heart of my home, away from the open-air windows.
My gaze moved to Impa, and I aimed to call out to her...but my voice halted upon the sound of another..
"Princess Zelda?" Elias's voice echoed through the hall from behind us. My face fell into a wince. Impa was several feet ahead now, but I could have sworn that she quickened her pace upon the sound of him.
I looked over my shoulder as if not recognizing that voice.
The smile that I delivered the young duke was false enough that it could have been carved from wood.
"Oh...Elias..what a surprise.." I mused, not stopping my step. My destination was only a bit farther down the hall..
Much to my distaste, the noble had run to catch up with me.
Curse this corset and ruining my mobility..

Another subject of my repugnance that now dwelled within the walls of my home, Elias, seemed to mean well at times..but he listened a bit much to his uncle, whom I had long suspected of ulterior motives.
The duke was perhaps a few years older than me, and not too bad on the eyes with his fit, groomed exterior and dark features, but he was a spoiled, selfish type that knew nothing of respect to women or elders that stooped below him in social ranking. I saw him as nothing short of an agitation, as he reminded me of any one of the suitors that had been thrust in my direction throughout the past few years. Except that Hyrule was now his home, and as stated previously, he was not simply visiting for a short while.
He certainly knew how to follow me around, though.
I couldn't figure out if he fancied me...or my title as heiress to the throne.

I preferred to play it safe and made quite obvious of my aversion for him in attempt to drive him away. Unfortunately, this only seemed to perk his interest. Being that women usually flocked his way, and my distaste gave him a challenge or something of the sort.
Either way, he seemed to take delight in invading my privacy from time to time.

Though I retained composure each time.
Vexation or not, if there was a conspiracy involving his uncle and the council advisory, Elias was just an unknowing pawn in a larger scene. Quite an obstacle of a pawn, but one nonetheless.
From what I could tell, anyway. I could have been wrong, though I consider myself rather versed in reading people.
..some people.
I hoped I was right in this assumption at least.

"Ah, there you are, milady. Might I say, you are looking ravishing tonight." Elias beamed, his eyes wandering about my frame. He actually had moved in front of me and stopped me. I met his dark-eyed gaze for a moment before correcting my attention to follow Impa as she hurried on in the opposite direction towards where the carriages were waiting. I pursed my lips, knowing she was sticking to what she had to do, and had for certain opted out of being part of any debate held between Elias and myself.
A wise move, truth being that the sheikah were turning into red lights within the topics brought up by the council.

"Thank you." I managed to mutter before attempting to step around him.
He mirrored my step, and unfortunately, I was now within reach. He took my hand and kissed it, smiling at me, his features dripping with false adoration.
It was enough to make me wrinkle my nose.
A pair of female servants passed us before I could say anything, giggling and swooning as he threw a wink in their direction, gaining a larger response.
"Oh she's so lucky!" I heard one exclaim.
"Shh! They'll hear you!" The other barked back.
Giggling flooded the hall again as they had completely passed us, looking over their shoulders and continuing their gossip.

I yanked my hand away from him, shaking it slightly, as if doing such would rid it of disease.

A part of me wished to be back in the alleyway with the obnoxious rogue..

"I must be on my way.." I spoke again with another attempt to move past the duke. And yet again, he moved to block me as if I were here to play childish games with him.
Frustration bubbled within me. My gaze hardened.
"What's the hurry?" He demanded, "You could wave to the lot of street scum..or you could stay a few moments with me.."
I opened my mouth to interject, though mid-drone, he froze, staring past me in a moment that I took note of. His expression melted into one of embarrassment, and he cleared his throat. Elias moved quickly to step back to the side quite suddenly, "Jesting, of course, Princess. Enjoy your night and your travels."
Head tucked down, he then hurried back the way he came as suddenly as he had approached, though this time he looked more like a frightened dog who had been scolded one too many times.
As he moved away from me, my eyes followed him, and I watched Cyric slip out of the shadows to bump into him with a shoulder. Not softly, and not on accident.
Elias did not stop to correct Cyric or demand an apology. He stumbled away down the hall as Cyric moved my way. The sheikah's usually expressionless face held a hint of satisfaction as said deed had gone his way. He glanced over his shoulder to watch the spoiled noble weasel off down towards the end of the hall. I couldn't help but follow his gaze.
The slowly growing smile on my face could not be full of more relief. Elias and his uncle were both quite intimidated by the sheikah clan, with reason to be. This was to my advantage for certain.

"Was wondering what took you so long." My bodyguard slipped beside me. He was clothed in white and navy, his usual face coverings had been left behind, and he seemed to have dressed up a bit, even his long white hair had been pushed out of his face. Though everyone in the castle had taken extra care of themselves today. Cyric's tribal markings on his cheeks were now visible as they weren't hidden in shadow, though they looked more like bloodstains upon his tanned skin.
I once heard that every sheikah's marking held a story..though I never asked about his own..

He held out an arm to me, which I took. He escorted me down farther through the great hall. Noise from the ballroom could be heard, even though it was still a ways from where we stepped. Our hundreds of guests certainly knew nothing of 'inside voices'..this stated as well as the marble and limestone that Hyrule Castle was based from held very high acoustic qualities.
"So are you sure you'll be going to Holodrum then?" He finally asked as we neared the pillar a few yards away from the Ballroom's eastern doors. I looked up at him. My lips parted, but no sound came out. It was true that I didn't wish to go. But my place in life was not to do as I wished, rather what I was meant to do. And as much distaste as I held for Vortimier and his nephew and for the council, they were right.
We could not go to war with Holodrum.

I finally gave the sheikah a simple nod, "I am sure." my lips pulled into a reassuring smile.
To this day, I still wonder if that smile was meant for me or for him...
My arm slipped from Cyric's as I moved for the door, though I turned to him. This was goodbye for a few days at least.
I raised my hand to deliver a wave when he reached out and caught my hand. Something was in his palm, which he transferred to my own. My bodyguard then gave a simple nod and left me standing beside the door.
I looked in my palm to see a small necklace, the charm it held was almost a jade color, and there was a hole through the middle, a sheikah eye painted underneath. No doubt this was made from the inside of a gossip stone. Cyric was giving me a way to communicate if anything happened. We had code for not speaking everything out loud, as one never knew what nearby ears were really trustable.
I tied the necklace around my neck rather quickly and tucked the dangling charm into the top of my dress, pressing my hand over the fabric once more to hide from any suspicion. It was safe and with me.
It had only taken me a short time to secure Cyric's gift, but when I looked up, there was no trace of him in the hall..
A trick the sheikah clan had that I had become fond of in my own time.

As I reached to give the gargantuan doors a push, they seemed to glide open without my touch. My hand froze and my curious gaze took to the ballroom that was displayed in front of me, along with the cluster of nobles.
The party had already started, and there were people everywhere. Luckily, our ballroom was three stories high. Each level had balconies full of people overlooking the main crowd. My father was somewhere on the top level, despite his illness. He never missed a social event.
It soon became clear that the doors being pulled open, was not a motive held for me.
As it was then that Vortimier himself stood only a few feet away, surrounded by a crowd of admirers, making his way out into the Great hall and passing me by without so much as a glance.
I had lucked out upon not being noticed by many. A crowd might have gathered as well, had I not used a side entrance. Compared to the main door that was currently being blocked by Vortimier's crowd. Not used to entering on ground-level, I stepped to the side and took my place at the edge of the crowd, watching this suspicious figure with my every being, trying to figure out his destination. As I stood doing such, I had missed my footing...and completely wound up running into some poor soul who seemed not to be watching where he was walking either.
I spun to apologize, and perhaps blame my clumsiness on the corset, only to find my eyes meeting a strange sense of familiarity.
The deep sapphire that met my stare...I knew those eyes.
But..how? from where? Or when?

The victim of my mistake said nothing, appearing dumbfounded. He looked awkward, out of place. Though dressed up like the rest of the crowd, his hair was unkept and how he stood told me that this was not a usual thing for him.
"I'm sorry." I began, stepping closer to him for a more formal apology, unable to tear my gaze from his. My curiosity heightening as to who he might be, and if a name might bring my wondering to ease on why I thought we'd met before.
Be as it may, before I was able to speak more than a word, a sound came from behind me the moment I had moved.
It seems everyone wishes me to be here or there today...

"Princess Zelda." My name was spoken in a very official manner, "Lord Vortimier insists that leave is taken at once due to harsh conditions." It was one of my lead guards. I gave a sigh and nodded to him, returning from my brief time of wonder to the duty at hand.
My heart sank.
So much for a public appearance...
Unfortunately, I didn't give the familiar stranger any word due to the interruption.

The guard who had spoke to me moved back out the door that I had just come through. I turned to follow his lead, and two more guards met with me, each taking a side. They escorted me around back to the hall to exit the way that Impa had gone.
A knot pitted within me and it twisted with every step I took. Although I could have blamed such a feeling on the tied accessory that was wringing my waist, I knew this to not be the cause.
I was nervous and I knew it.
I bit my lip while we continued to move down the hall, and no one said a word.
Until...
"So, Princess. No time to talk tonight either, I'm guessing?" The voice on my left struck me like a someone had taken a vase and knocked me over the head.
I snapped my attention to him, and there was no difficulty in discerning that this 'guard' was no guard. The solemn expression of a kingsman melted into the cunning, amber-eyed smirk of the Castle Town scoundrel.
"Abel?" I mouthed without sound, my own eyes wide. Perhaps he was suicidal. To waltz into the home of men that wished for his head on a silver platter..
I focused ahead of me as we walked, my intention was not to draw attention.
Though to be safe, I motioned to the other guard, the real one, who walked at my right, "Might you be so kind to go fetch a cloak for me? I forgot to bring one, and I fear our travels might get a tad cold.."
The man nodded, delivering a hurried bow and took off to the coatroom. This bought me time to interrogate.
I turned my attention back to Abel, "What are you doing here?" I demanded in a harsh whisper. My eyes were wide, still in shock that he had actually snuck in.
The sneak shrugged the best he could in full-plate armor, "You never sent an invite..so I invited myself. I must ask first and most importantly...who made those divine little sandwiches that you have in the parlor? I really need to fig-"
My eyes narrowed and he stopped rambling. Shock had worn from my features, and now I wanted to know why he was here. We didn't have much time before I reached my destination and the guard I had sent off returned with the favor I'd sent him for.
"Oh fine. Look, Zel. Mind if I call ya that?" Yes. I minded, but he continued without pause, "I was hopin' to talk to you and Cy tonight. It's about Vortimier. I found that the troops he sent ta Holodrum are ac-"
He held my full attention, and I almost ran into the guard that had been walking several feet ahead, who had now stopped. He turned to Abel, "Dismissed." He stated, waving the disguised rogue away, "Back to your post."
Abel gave me a hopeless glance and shrugged. We both knew that he would blow his cover if he disobeyed.
"Find Cyric." I whispered to him as he moved to walk off. My hopes for whatever gem of information he had for us would hold high for Cyric to be filled in. Although, as I mouthed Cyric's name, a homely dressed girl about my age with wild, red hair passed us by, capturing Abel's attention. His eyes followed her movement, and though his back was turned to me, I knew precisely where his awareness had fled to.
He waved me off and made pursuit unto his prey, who appeared to be the ranch owner's daughter. Malon, I think her name was. She came to deliver milk in her father's place on occasion. It struck me odd that she had been out by the guards and carriages, but I didn't know her so well. Perhaps she'd been helping with the horses.
It was most unfortunate that Abel probably wouldn't follow through with what I'd asked of him...but I suppose only one homeless boy out of millions would have listened to me.
And Abel was no Link. This was for certain.

Link.. a name my mind had not drifted to for awhile now.
"Princess. Your cloak, as requested." The guard that I had sent on a pointless mission had returned and held out the garment that I had 'forgotten'
I gave him a polite smile, "Thank you." My hand reached to take the cloak from him, draping it over my arm, and as I did such, he stepped back.

Continuing down the steps, I saw my carriage up ahead, elaborate and led by two white horses, restlessly shifting in place on the cobblestone. They were standing in front of a smaller carriage that didn't look nearly as luxurious. My guess that the later was in place for the men who would be escorting me.
A short trip to the docks and I'd certainly be leaving Hyrule.

Impa had loaded my small luggage into the back, and she waved to me before crossing her arms over her chest. A small group of guards were standing around the carriage, a few of which had already loaded into the smaller carriage.
Impa moved to the larger hackney and opened the little door. I winced, wondering how I was to get my large dress into such a small area. It looked as it there was already a guard inside as well. Was I to smother him with my skirts and then suffocate as I tried to breathe while sitting in a corset?
I stepped inside, and as I figured, getting situated was a bit of a chore. It took several minutes before both the guard and myself were settled comfortably. I had apologized to him several times, though it wasn't my fault. It was the dress.

***
Our trip was a short one, to the north of the castle. The Great Sea kissed the north, a part of it filtering into the Zora River and depositing into Lake Hylia. It was a very important resource, as well as forbidden territory for any wise man that wished to remain safe. The Great Sea led on for miles of nothingness..it was those with maps and compasses that could safely navigate to another destination in that direction. Though exploration in this direction was frowned upon, just since several lands to the North knew not of our existence thanks to how protected we were by nature's barriers. Hyrule was truly the Golden Land, blessed by the gods into a hidden, secluded location. We were protected by the great sea to the north, the desert to the west, the mountains to the east, and the deep forest to the south. As useful as such protection was, it left our culture rather sequestered.

To the Northeast of us was Holodrum, a small kingdom governed by it's military. Two routes existed on how one might find his or her way to said destination. Over the mountains, or by sea, around the coast. Each path consisted of heavy alterations in route due to natural caused needs to do so.
Our chosen route was by way of sea. It would get us there in about one day's time, though the true amount of hours it would take was much dependent on the winds.

Our carriages moved down the less-traveled path that wound around the castle, it was a beautiful trip once we crossed the Northern moat on the other side of the gardens. Especially this time of year with flowers blooming and such.
My eyes were planted on the scenery outside that passed us by. It had been a very long time since I'd ventured in this direction.

The sound of a throat clearing took my focus from admiring the sights. My attention fixated on the interior of the carriage, the man across from me being the one who had made the sound. His brown curly hair was pulled back behind him, and he was dressed in a guard's uniform, though there were some visible pins and medals across his wide chest. This obviously meant that he outranked most of our seemingly mindless castle defense. Though the most intriguing bit of his appearance was not his dress, or his broad chest. It was his thick brown mustache that seemed to have overcome his upper lip.
"I am Chief Beyard, newly promoted, of the Hyrule Castle Guard. Princess Zelda, it is my honor to serve you en route to Holodrum today."
Smiling politely, I nodded, acknowledging his formalities, "A pleasure." My response was short and sincere, though I was still a tad bitter having no Impa or Cyric along for the ride.
"Chief...Beyard, was it?" I restated his name, hoping I'd pronounced it right, "Tell me. What are our plans upon arrival?"
He paused, wrinkling his brow in what I saw as confusion, though I must admit, his mustache still took most of my attention, "Lord Vortimier didn't tell you, milady?"
I raised my own brow in questioning, curious as to what information I may have been left out on.
The large man cleared his throat, "We'll be arriving before dawn. Arrangements have been made, and a carriage will pick us up at their docks to take us to the castle. They are aware that it will be a peace negotiation, and we have been welcomed to stay at their castle. We have the aid of our posted knights on top of those of us accompanying your highness, so you will be protected."
I pursed my lips, settling back in my seat. It sounded like a rushed, non-thorough plan. I wondered how they would have known of our arrival if we had JUST received wind of a possible attack..
Things were not adding up, but I really had no choice but to move with the moment.
Although for now, my attention would be on high alert.

In time, the carriage had stopped moving. I glanced out the little window, and it appeared we were finally at Hyrule's north docks. A long row of large ships lined the shore, each obviously anchored down.
The docks themselves were expansive, reaching out quite far and all the way along the beach. It was like a sort of pathway on water.
Though the entirety was hard to see from where I sat, though straining my gaze.
It wasn't long before the door of our little cabin pulled open and Chief Beyard was helped out. He turned immediately and held a hand to me. I winced, and gathered most of my skirts up in one handful and my other hand took his own as I was aided from the confines of short-term travel.
As soon as he let me go, I turned around, eying the direction we'd come from, and it was hard to believe where I was. I saw my home, Hyrule Castle, looming in the distance, though my view was partially blocked by a large stone wall that reached around as far as I could see.
There was a guarded, gated opening in the stone wall which we must have come through. I hadn't seen this wall before, but it looked quite old.
Granted, I didn't quite remember well enough the early days when I had come this way before. I wondered, Perhaps this wall was a sort of second defense?
My own gaze took back to the sea just as a breeze met with my breath. It was refreshing as ever.
"Wow.." I whispered as the waves rolled in. It was as if they were coming for me. They knew that I was about to be with them, only a large wooden formation keeping us separated..
I feared those waves as much as I marveled at them, almost unable to look away.

"Milady."
Chief Beyard jerked his head towards our next destination. It seemed some of the men had already gotten to work, moving things from our carriages and the docks to one of the ships that looked more than ready to go.
She was a beautiful ship. Though they were all beautiful to me, I hadn't seen real boats since I was a little girl..
I stepped along with the Chief to the ship, taking in each of the sights and sounds around me as I walked along. Windfish, it read on the side of the boat. This must have been her name. An odd one, though I do remember certain lore in history that involved a creature with such a name..

My heels clicked as I stepped up the ramp to the deck of the ship, wincing with each creak of the wood, and knowing well that I had been overdressed for this occasion.
The crew had been waiting for my appearance with the guard, it seemed. Their faces lit up the instant that I stepped on board. Such a strange assortment of men they were. Scruffy and unkept, they looked as if they lived on this boat. And they probably did! My interest perked when I noted that..not all of them were Hylian men. I noted at least few foreigners, two zora, and a goron. How long our people have come. A hundred years previous, the races had been at war with one another for control, and here a handful of them were working and living side by side!
I found it difficult to conceal my excitement.
I suppose spending hours in the library with my nose in the adventures of old sea-faring adventurers had nothing to do with this...
I stopped in front of the crew members that had gathered to greet us, a genuine smile on my face, I opened my mouth to speak, though Chief Beyard's hand came to a rest on my shoulder to get my attention.
I gave him a questioning glance and noticed that he had my belongings under his other arm. He nodded forward to the back of the deck where a small door was. I stepped on over, giving a little wave to the crew. A few of them waved back with somewhat dopey smiles. I believed it had been a while since any of them had seen a woman..

I rested a hand on the door and opened it, coming into a very dimly lit little cabin. as soon as I stepped in, I fought my eyes into adjusting, blinking furiously.
Beyard had moved in behind me, pulling the door to a close. It was a lovely little room, furnished with a small bed and a wooden table with two matching chairs A crooked pictograph rested on the wall, and the end table beside the bed had a little washbowl and pitcher as well as an unlit candle within a holder. The bed was home to a small pile of folded blankets, and now my luggage as the chief had found this to be the resting place for my things.
A lit lantern sat on the table, the flame flickered with our movement in the cabin.
"Will this be suitable for you, princess? I apologize for it's simplicity, but really, these ships are meant for men and the like.."
I took a glance around again. How could one not feel welcome in such a cozy little room?
"It's perfect." I reassured, turning to peek out of the round window that was embedded in the door. The men on deck had scattered about, getting preparations settled for leaving port. Across the deck, looking back at us was another door like the one I looked through. Captain's quarters, one could assume. Though I had not met the captain yet, I very much would have liked to.
My eyes drifted to the sails that were being set, though my view was somewhat blocked by the cabin ceiling..but when that white canvas came tumbling into place, another wave of excitement crept into me. Yes, I had been quite irrate about attending the signing, but Impa had not told me that I'd be on a real vessel like this!
For a short time, my mind lingered on such simple wonders of the present. The bulk of the stress that I was to endure during the signing had been lifted from me.
My waist didn't even pinch anymore from the corset, though it probably had gone numb.
The possible conspiracy at home was so far from my mind, and as if a drowning child, the wise part of my mind begged the rest of me to pay attention, but I was stepping around on a real ship. From the stories, mind you.
Since when did I have anything to worry about?

"Princess?" Beyard's voice had brought me back into reality.
Oh..right...this was no luxury cruise or grand adventure.
I was on my way to prevent war.

-Reign of Darkness Chapter 3/End-

A/N: Hope that perked your interest a bit more. I know this chapter was a bit all over the place, but it was necessary for the movement of the story.

Next chapter will be Link and after that, we have something special for ya!

Here's some replies to the reviewers! ^^

Beforethedawnbreaks: Thank you so so much for your kind words and encouragement! You were the first person to say anything, and it was so appreciated! I do hope you enjoy what is to come~

D..J.: We are trying to get to where we're actually having deadlines ^^ expect more frequent updates this summer though. No school means much more free time.

Dreamgirl264: Thank you! I'm sure Mr. Fair appreciates that as well. You can count on the next one soon!

The Pilot: I really appreciate your feedback! Mr. Fair sent you a message I think. I went and fixed his mistakes. He has the habit of writing in present tense for some odd reason, and you managed to catch a sentence or two that I missed ^^ Don't ever hesitate to let us know if something seems off.

As for your questions,

1: relationship with Malon? Well, I will say that Malon will be having a much higher amount of involvement in this story ^^

2: The master sword was put back at the end of OoT. In Majora's mask, Time was also reversed, so he didn't have any of those really awesome weapons that he received. We left him swordless as a tribute to the beginning of every single Zelda game where he has yet to gain a sword. He'll get one for sure!

3: Link's magic is very very limited, and granted by the great faries. Even if he still has this ability, the confrontation with Cyric was in an alleyway where they were really not trying to draw too much attention and scare people.
I really hope that answers your questions at the same time as I'm trying to be vague xDD

As for anyone else, we love to read what you think! I'll start replying to every review at the end of every chapter!

Toodles~

-MaskedMoogle