Chapter Three: Hylian Education Fair

A/N: Sorry for taking so long. I started writing this while I was still on study leave but now college (well, I go to Sixth Form but it's practically the same thing) has just started up again so I have less time to write as I tire quicker and my creativity is sapped from working.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Legend of Zelda, nor Beauty and the Beast.

A year had passed with little changing in Skyloft, and little happening. Well, some things happened but they did not uproot the foundations of the town.

Zelda and Karane had come of age, having large parties and being given extravagant gifts as per tradition. Gaepore, with help from Karane had scrapped up enough money for a new dress for Zelda with flowing embroidery, a jewel with some accessories: a belt, comprised of golden discs; a blue banner with her family sigil embroidered on in white (which could be attached to the belt); and finally, a white shawl with soft embroidery of, once again, the family sigil but in light blue. Zelda loved it as it was similar to dress that "Hylia reborn" wore in the Skyward Sword story.
Karane's conquest for Pipit was a surprise to say the least. He had not expected it and ended up very flustered. She hadn't given up, continually pressing him throughout the year - although mostly in her ordinary garb. It was when Cawlin proclaimed his love for her at her coming-of-age, that Pipit stepped in offering her an alternative and presenting a small ring. It pleased her that he liked her as well and that her efforts were not in vain. Obviously, she accepted and they were engaged a few months later.

After Zelda came of age, Groose began to hound her every step as he thought out a way in which to get her to marry him. He was starting to realise that she was less than friendly to him. She seemed to make countless excuses to leave his company. It worried him that the girl, he believe to be best suited to, did not love him as he did her. So he tried escorting her places, attempting to walk her home or to have a small meal. It was to no avail. As soon as he made his presence know, she became very slippery and disappeared often. How was a woman so confounding?

Events that would change the course of Hyrule, including Skyloft, began their fruition as Gaepora decided to attend the Hylian Education Fair, instead've sending one of his teachers to report on Skyloft.

"You have everything, right?" Zelda asked as she checked over her father.

"Yes, Zelda, I do," Gaepora huffed, "There's no need to worry, I have made this trip before."

"But not in years! What if the roads are different? What if-?"

"If we live our lives by what if's, Zelda, no one would go anywhere or get anywhere in their lives. I'm sure the entire landscape of Hyrule hasn't changed!"

"Father! The last person who ever left the village was mother and she-" Zelda's voice broke.

"I know, darling, but the evil is gone and there are patrols along the road to protect travellers from any stragglers from the hoard," Gaepora sighed, "You know people have left the town after her. And they've come back."

"I know - I just worry that I'll be left alone."

"Don't worry, my child! If anything happens, I'm sure Epona here will come and tell you!"

As if on cue, the mare nickered and nudged Zelda with her nose. Zelda smiled faintly and stroked her. Epona was the family horse. Zelda had named her as child after the Hero of Time's horse, as from her favourite story. Her mane and tail were pure white, along with her socks. She was mainly a chestnut horse and originated from the Lon Lon breed crossed with a Romani for the colours. Most of the Lon Lon horses were dark in colour, while the few from Romani Ranch have lighter colours, mostly chestnuts and whites.

"You take good care of him now, girl," Zelda whispered to Epona as she stroked her nose, "Make sure he doesn't do anything stupid."

"Now, Zelda-!"

"I'm only kidding, Papa," she laughed.

"Very well."

"I... What happens at the fair?"

"Scholars and headmasters, as well as budding citizens come along to celebrate Hyrule's successful education system. There are stalls and drinking. We, masters, go into conference on a few days to discuss new ideas and techniques that we use."

"The last bit doesn't sound like fun."

"Part of it is to gather us all. The system can't improve otherwise. I usually send Owlan or Howell along with Eagus so I have both courses giving information and representing us. It is about time I go again," Gaepora smiled as he placed a hand on Zelda's head, "You're old enough now to take care of yourself."

"Have I not been doing that already?" Zelda smirked.

Gaepora chuckled, ruffling her hair.

"I best be off. If I don't leave now, I doubt I ever will."

"Ok," Zelda backed off from the horse.

"Goodbye Zelda. Goddesses stay with you."

"Farewell, Papa. Goddesses guide and protect thee wherever you may go."

Gaepora nudged Epona into a canter and he rode off. Zelda waving and calling out to him,

"Goodbye! Have fun! I'll see you soon!"

Gaepora peered at his map after stopping for the night as he reached the small hamlet of Koholint. A small village which held a large statue of an egg through which the people worshipped the Windfish.
Gaepora began plotting his route. He'd head to Blue Maiden next, followed by Windfall and Ordon. He planned to stop off at Lon Lon Ranch, then take the route past Lake Hylia to reach Kakariko. It was a longer journey, but Gaepora wanted to travel a while longer and besides he'd left Skyloft earlier, giving him more time to sightsee. Then finally, he'd stop at Clock Town, the second largest city before finally arriving in Castle Town.
With his route planned, Gaepora finished his almost cold stew before heading off to his room in the inn.

A/N: Yay! Lots of Zelda place name droppping. Since each Hyrule is different, and with fanfiction, you can easily just throw lots of different areas in. Evidently I put in some areas from other lands in here but they are from other worlds in the series. Hope you enjoyed, the next chapter will take a while. I still want to write this just updates will be much slower until I get another holiday. Thanks - Kat x