Chapter 5: To Soften Rough Edges I
From Ordon to Castel Town it was a two days' journey on horse, carriage, or waggon. It was faster than in the past since a stone road was constructed between the two places, but Zelda – perched on the second waggon's roof – couldn't help but yearn for the magic-fuelled train that crossed through the most important cities of Hyrule.
She knew the reason the tracks were keep to a minimum but still, it didn't help with her "bored out of her mind" state.
She would have loved to join the other ordonians in their commission and joke around with them, even hear the reminiscences that Rusl and the Mayor retold from time to time. But she was the lookout, she had to pretend she was focused in her job even if such a thing wasn't completely necessary in her special situation.
The upside was that, after talking about it with Rusl, she could eat as much as she needed – or wanted – for free until they arrived to their destination. Sadly, on the morning of their second day, Mayor Bo started to regret such a promise and she became infamous for been a "bottomless pit". The fact hurt her pride as a woman, but she still needed the food, there was no way to deny it.
At least he didn't retract, she could count her blessings.
The worst, sadly, came when Castel Town came into view. By that time, they had already crossed half of Hyrule field and the company was feeling more relaxed. Zelda didn't leave her post – there was still bandits to be careful about –, but she heard the multiple cheers they let out at the sight of the city and the animated chatter that followed. It was then when the worry started to kick in.
At dawn, just before the commission headed out from Ordon, she had sent a message to Impa inquiring about the meaning of Link's signature on her recommendation letter, up until now there was no response. This was highly unusual from Impa, usually she answered almost immediately, even if it was just a short phrase like: "I'm busy right now." The silence made Zelda felt uneasy, was something happening in the castle? Or was Impa scheming something? But, was this Impa's or Link's idea? In the past Link had proved to be quite sly if required, even if he wasn't as cunning as his – almost – foster mother.
Just to be sure, on the third day when they arrived, she reviewed her mirror book again while they waited to be inspected. As the soldiers looked around the carriages – under the supervision of Rusl, of course – to make sure everything was in order, Zelda searched for clues about this inconstancy.
Her findings were less than agreeable. Impa had implied in one of her notes that she was worried about the misconceptions her presence could cause in the court. The first time she read it, Zelda believed she was referring to her linage, but now that she really put some thought on it… If she met with Link and, by some miracle, they end up in good terms, wouldn't that rise suspicions between the Lords and Ladies? A monarch suddenly making friendship with a young woman he is not supposed to know didn't happen every day, in the best-case scenario they might thing Link found her agreeable enough to try to court her. But that couldn't be the reason Impa hadn't answered yet, right?
As they were allowed to enter the fortified city, the cowardly part of her mind was already questioning if it was really necessary to meet him. Unnecessary rumours aside, the signature at least meant that he was acknowledging her as an acquaintance – in private – and as a guest – to the rest of the world –, but it didn't put them in friendly terms. As the coronation will take place the last day of the festival, on Link's birthday, she just needed to be in his presence that day, right?
The rational part of her brain was calling her ridiculous, Link will be her sovereign soon – not quite King but close enough –, not presenting herself to her Prince would be impolite, even rude. And that without mention how rusty she was when talking about political games. The probabilities of making a fool of herself were raising steadily, which make her feel as if she was reading a horror novel while knowing who is going to die next.
She just signed her death sentence, didn't she?
To try to get her thoughts out of such a pessimistic train, Zelda looked around. Castle Town hadn't changed that much from the last time she was here, there were a couple of new stores, and the central fountain was renewed. As it was early in the morning, many shops were still preparing to open their doors to the clientele, and below the light of the dawning sun the merchants brimmed with energy and charisma. It was the normal picture of a city waking up, but for some reason, the hustle of the shop owners made Zelda feel nostalgic. No matter where she went, there was always something different and special about Hyrule that never failed to warm her heart, even with the smallest things. How does it make sense? That your most loved place is also the one you want to run away the most?
- "Hey, little miss! You can get down now, you know?" – Rusl called out as they were passing by the main plaza – "We're almost at the castle!"
His voice woke her up from her reverie, of which she was grateful, so she made an affirmative gesture to let him know she needed a moment to climb down. Rusl nodded and left to supervise the progress.
Because the roofs of the carriages were made of wood, flat and covered with a thermal insulation, Rusl suggested she stayed there the whole journey. It was a reasonable suggestion, Zelda agreed, as it will be easier for her to take down an enemy from a high place; and because no one would expect to find a person sleeping above a carriage, it added a surprise factor which served her just right if they were attacked. But after the first night Zelda started to regret her choice – even if it was the smartest – cause, even if it was spring, it was still too early for the weather to be warm at night. The insulant served its propose, but after spending some nights alone in the forest she felt kind of bitter about the cheery fire of the guards and the interior of the waggon where the women slept, she was seriously in need of some company. Her only consolation was that, at least, Rusl had set his sleeping bag on another waggon, having someone at the same height as she was reassuring.
Staying the whole journey on the roof of the waggon also meant that all her stuff was there as well, so she gattered them, making sure not to forget anything, and strapped everything to her back. The additional weight make her climb down clumsy, but she tried to dissimulate it as she could feel how some of the men in the company seemed to be waiting to help her in case she slipped. Specially the young man called Kamo, Zelda noticed how he tried to call her attention this past days.
Such a thing was dangerous, men in their 20s like him were usually looking for a wife, for that reason, even though she did want to get married someday, Zelda had to avoid calling attention more than necessary. Her position unable her to carelessly enter an intimate relation as she had to consider her situation as a magic user, the secrets she had to protect and furthermore the fact that she was the last one of her linage. The Nohansen name couldn't be taken lightly, even if now she was given freedom to travel around, one day she would have to take the responsibility that came with her surname.
Even if she wasn't royalty, to marry a regular man without the right credentials was unwise.
- "Do you need any help, young miss?" – and here comes Kamo, he should have waited until her feet touched the ground, helping her right now would be too intimate.
- "No, thank you" – Zelda smiled to him, ignoring his outstretched arms – "I'm used to it, do not worry."
- "Are you sure?" – She ignored the question and keep on going down.
- "Yes, quite sure" – Answered once her feet hit the ground – "Thank you, anyway."
- "Yeah, no problem."
He looked baffled which made Zelda feel bad about the subtle rejection, but, she considered mournfully while returning the borrowed sleeping bag to Rusl and temporarily putting her things inside of the waggon, it's better a disappointment to a heartbreak.
By the time they arrived to the gate house, Zelda found that she no longer cared about the attraction Kamo felt. Nerves and anticipation jungled in her stomach as she walked through it. Almost five years ago, as self-imposed norm, Link always went out to the courtyard to receive those guests he deemed important. Mayor Bo had been friend of his father, if he still kept that rule, she will see him at the main entrance.
As she entered the courtyard, Zelda immediately spotted Impa, standing at the end of a line of servants who were waiting for the signal to help the ordonians with their luggage, she looked as serious and elegant as Zelda remembered. And, beside her, stood a young familiar man.
Link, of course.
Not only his clothes gave him away as the crown Prince of Hyrule, but also his hair. It was of such an intense golden that it even sparkled like the real metal. To date Zelda have never found another blond with hair like his, not even his sister Aryll had such an vivid color.
As they neared, Zelda noticed his posture. The last time she saw him, he looked relaxed and arrogant, an attitude that appeared to be unconcerned about her opinion, but his eyes were ablaze with irritation and misprize, the rejection had been almost palpable. Right now, he stood tall and regal, shoulders relaxed, hands on the pommel of his sword – which was in front of him like a cane, not on his hip as any proper sword should be –, nothing in his bearing betrayed his personal thoughts.
It was the stance of a diplomat, of a proud general in front of his army. The real portrait of the mirage she had seen twice when they were younger.
And this is my King, this words engraved themselves in her heart as Rusl and Mayor Bo advanced to the front and curtsied. These words, Zelda understood, were true, like destiny itself.
- "Your Highness, estimated High Chancellor, my apologies for the delay. We, the ordonians, are delighted about the approval of the treaty and extent our gratitude to you and your council. May the goddesses return in thousands the grace you have showed." – Mayor Bo immediately greeted, surprisingly versed.
- "May the three heed your words and bless this land." – Answered Link, smiling slightly.
As if breaking a spell, the small tension a new arrival caused broke apart and, with a gesture of Impa's hand most of the servants stepped forward to help the ordonian commission with their waggons. Tomorrow they will go to the space provided by the crown for those merchants who will participate in the Spring Festival, but today there was a treaty to sign.
As the others busied themselves with unloading, Mayor Bo and Rusl walked closer to Link and Impa, Zelda followed them when Impa nodded at her, even though her first impulse was going back for her bag.
- "Prince Link, Lady Impa, is an honour to meet you again." – Spoke Rusl, smiling broadly – "I hope you have been well"
- "Very well, master Rusl, thank you for asking." – Answered Impa – "How was your journey?"
- "Uneventful, thank the goddesses. We expected to have another goblin attack, but it seemed they weren't as many as we feared."
Zelda didn't think 40-something goblins weren't many, but remained quiet.
- "I glad to hear that," – said Link, also smiling – "we were just preparing to send a preventive squad when we received the second hawk telling us the good news."
- "Thank you for your concern, your Highness."
- "No need, Master Rusl, is my pleasure."
Pleasantries finished, Link turned to look squarely at her. She panicked for a second, before her manners took over. She immediately curtsied, bowing her head a little more than necessary, and greeted.
- "Is good to see you in good health, your Highness."
After a moment of no response, Zelda dared to straight herself and look at him. He was frowning as she had expected, but neither was he smiling, he looked serious as if this was a solemn moment. But, after a moment, he did smile and it took her off guard.
It wasn't the empty gesture of someone obligated to smile, neither the bright smile he had given her so many times when they were kids. It was the sincere smile of someone who received good news. Simple enough to not call attention from others, but fairly significant for Zelda to understand he meant her no ill will.
But she didn't expect the words that followed.
- "Welcome back to Hyrule, Zelda Nohansen, may you find respite in the land of your parents from your long journey." – He said it with the easy of something practiced, but his eyes were kind.
The awareness of how much her name had called the attention of the servants nearby helped retain her composure and contain the tears that suddenly threatened to appear. But, even when she schooled her face to not show how much it affected her, Zelda felt her heart throb and ache at his blessing.
- "Thank you for your kindness, your Highness, may the goddesses repaid you in kind."
She immediately responded as it was expected from her to avoid suspicion and, when she curtsied again, she bowed lower, the ancient and most respectable way to show sincere gratitude to the royal family. Right now they were supposed to be strangers, this was the only form she could show how grateful she was without arousing uncomfortable questions. It had to be enough.
- "Your Highness, if I may." – Impa intervened as a surprised and approbatory murmur started.
Zelda couldn't blame them, it was display no one have seen in a long time.
- "Speak up High Chancellor." – If Link had been affected, he wasn't showing it.
- "As my presence is not required until this evening when we are to sign the treaty, I would like to personally accommodate my goddaughter as soon as possible. Is that acceptable?"
- "It is. Until dinner then, High Chancellor, Lady Nohansen." – He excused them, bowing his head a little in deference.
- "Until dinner, your Highness, Mayor Bo, Master Rusl." – Impa excused herself.
- "High Chancellor."
Both men acknowledged her goodbye and respectfully bowed, and then, they both turned to Zelda and bowed as well, smiling. Surprised and pleased Zelda bowed as well – it seemed she had unknowingly made new friends – and went after Impa who hadn't waited until she finished her goodbyes.
Following Impa through the castle made her nostalgic. She still remembered the first time she had done it, at ten and acting like a mouse expecting to find a cat at every corner. It was nearly comical how different she felt from that time, as if she was an entirely different person. It kind of make her happy to ascertain how different she was from that time; a person could never be sure of the changes it has gone through.
But, she thought as a familiar silhouette standing in front of the doors leading to Impa's quarters came into view, it was also a good thing that some things stayed the same.
- "Lady Zelda, welcome back." – The older Sheikah greeted her, bowing smartly while hiding a pleased smile.
- "I'm back Sheik." – Zelda curtsied in response, minding the maids that were out of earshot, but still could see them.
- "That's enough, both of you" – interrupted Impa, words harsh but without edge – "wait until we are inside."
Both nodded, Sheik adding a "Yes, ma'am", and followed her inside as she didn't wait for Sheik to open the door.
- "Impa, I know there is a lot to talk about, but my luggage…" – Zelda started, remembering.
- "Don't worry about it."
- "But…"
- "Sheik will take care of it" – She interrupted her again, signalling the steward to do as she had said.
Sheik pouted, showing for a second the rebellious soul behind the faithful servant, but followed his mistress orders anyway.
- "Wait, Sheik, you don't know which one…"
But the door closed behind him before she could finish the sentence, she had forgotten about that bad habit of his.
- "Impa, this is…"
- "Sheik can track down your things, Zelda, stop complaining." – Impa interrupted her again – "Come, we need to talk."
I also forgot about hers, Zelda thought as Impa headed to her office, obviously expecting her to follow without delay, sometimes I wonder if they are not, in fact, related. But no matter how much their behaviour aggravated her, she was still glad to see them again.
And apparently Impa was too because, the moment she stepped into the office and the door closed, Zelda found herself engulfed by her arms.
The High Chancellor was a woman whose actions spoke lauder than her words, although she rarely said any out of close confidence. So, even though Impa didn't say anything, she didn't need to, Zelda could feel the happiness and the relief mixed in her embrace. The fact that she dared to hug her was significant enough to show how much she cared. For a moment, it made her feel afraid of corresponding but, as such an event was as rare as a solar eclipse, she did it anyway. She had missed her godmother too.
Two minutes later, a miracle considering the demeanour of the Sheikah, Impa pulled away and quickly headed further into the office directly to the communicator stone.
- "Monsieur Octo, how busy is the kitchen?" – She asked to the glowing stone, voice steady as expected, but without looking to where Zelda was.
- "Seulement un peu, Madame Impa. But of course, I can spare two servants for you! Some tea, perhaps?"
- "Yes. Strawberry tea, some milk and refreshments, please."
- "Tout suit."
- "Thank you."
The voice of the kitchen manager brought back to Zelda a memory of a fat man with a funny octopus-like face, but she didn't have the time to dwell into the memory as Impa was already taking seat and signalling her to do the same.
- "Now tell me, how was your journey?" – She asked once Zelda had taken seat.
- "Mostly uneventful, but I found myself in an unexpected situation." – Zelda hesitated, but Impa gestured her to continue – "I was involved with the accident with the goblins, actually."
- "You promised to avoid any conflict." – Impa frowned at her.
- "As long as it was possible, that's what I said." – Zelda felt a little offended by the reminded – "But it was unavoidable, it was a horde of goblins heading to Ordon early in the morning, would you have left it alone?"
Impa kept frowning at her, but didn't answer the question, it was too obvious to say it out laud.
- "Anyway, it was easier to deal with than I expected, but I'm afraid to say that now the ordonians know that I'm a magic user." – Zelda continued, pretending to be oblivious to her godmother disapproval. – "Thankfully they must think I'm just a Speaker, if their reactions are anything to go by."
- "Explain it in detail, sounds like it was quite the adventure."
So, Zelda explained as much as she remembered, only interrupting her recounting when the tea arrived. Strawberry tea was one of her favourites, she silently thanked Impa for her consideration as she bit into of the sandwiches they had brought, she was starting to feel the weariness of the journey.
She told her everything, from the bomb arrows she created to the unusual coordination the goblins had displayed, she also told Impa about her talk with Rusl and Mayor Bo, and that she had implied she had been Link's assistant to avoid misunderstandings. It made her suspicious how Impa's eyes gleamed for a moment at this, as if there was plan taking form in her mind, but Zelda let it slide for the time being.
It wasn't until she mentioned her meeting with Uli that Impa finally interrupted her.
- "What was your impression of her?"
- "An honest and caring woman, of course. Why didn't you told me about her before or her about me?" – Zelda couldn't hide the slight reproach in her voice. – "If mom kept correspondence with her, she should be trustworthy enough."
- "The problem wasn't Uli, it was you."- Impa sipped her tea, she obviously didn't want to elaborate into that answer.
She didn't need to anyway, Zelda understood it all too well.
While she was traveling, Zelda finally noticed the desperation she had been bottling up ever since she started to live in the castle, for so long she had felt chained down by her situation and her incompetence. It was true that the main reason she had started her long journey was the conflict with Link, but possibly, one of the reasons she had stayed put for so long was more about not having another place to go, or the resources to do so, than a petty dispute.
Moreover, back then she needed to learn how to keep her guard up at all times, Ordon was far too friendly, she would have immediately drop it drown, the castle had been a better training field.
Sheik came back by the time she had finished her report of the last few days.
- "My Lady, the accommodation is ready." – He announced.
- "Very well," – Impa nodded, leaving her cup on the table – "I wanted to talk to you about your plans for the future, but I suppose it can wait. You are staying until the coronation, right?" – Zelda nodded – "Good, we can discuss it later. For now, is better if you go and rest, you need to be ready for dinner."
Zelda groaned, when Link didn't mention anything about it, she thought she could be spared from formalities at least for the rest of the day. She should have known better, but she still asked:
- "Is it really necessary?"
- "You are the Nohansen heir, and my goddaughter. It goes without saying,"
Yes, she should have known better.
- "Very well."
At least the food should be worth the trouble, was her only consolation as she stood up and headed to the door which Sheik was already opening, she was just about to go out when Impa called her again.
- "By the way, Zelda…"
- "Yes?"
There was an uncomfortable moment of silence in which the High Chancellor seemed to be musing how to say something, but couldn't find the right words.
- "Impa?" – Zelda asked in concern, but the Sheikah only shook her head and smiled.
- "It's nothing, just… Welcome back."
It took her a moment to respond because, for the second time, she was at loss of what to do or say as the sudden ache in her heart took, for a moment, her ability to think. But the shock was almost immediately swept away by the affection she felt for her godmother, she really had missed her.
- "It's good to be back."
It would be worth crossing the whole Faron's wood again, only to see the smile Impa gave her in that moment. That's what Zelda thought against her better judgement.
- "That surprised me." – Was the first thing Sheik said after they were finally left alone. – "I was sure the world had come to an end."
- "Don't be mean. If she hears it, she will never do it again." – Although, she couldn't help but agree deep in her heart.
- "I was not trying to be mean!" – Sheik defended himself while guiding her through the wig of the palace specially given to the High Chancellor – "It just… well, it was mind blowing. Don't you thing?"
- "Drop it, the walls have ears in this castle." – Thought she couldn't hold back a little giggle.
- "If you're talking about those guys, don't worry. They are all on missions." – That sobered her immediately.
- "All of them?" – an alarm went off in her head – "isn't it too dangerous? To leave the castle without its guardians."
- "Hey, I'm still here, am I not?" – Sheik shook his head in mocking disappointment – "Moreover, you shouldn't belittle the Prince efforts, mind you he has been putting the army in shape for a while now. It seems that they are finally living to their name."
- "Link training the army? That's news"
- "More like whacking them into shape… or should I say discipline? Recently he has taken upon himself to train with them at least once a week. Seeing the person you're supposed to protect doing better than you must have humiliated enough, they are now taking training quite seriously."
She could totally picture it, she had always thought that if Link wasn't Hyrule's Prince, he would have been a magnificent knight.
Since there was no a soul in the vicinity, they were carefreely walking and talking. But it made Zelda suspicious, so she had to ask.
- "Why aren't any maids around?"
- "Impa, of course." – At her confused stare he elaborate – "The next day after you disappeared, she ordered all the maids not to enter her quarters except for the regular cleaning. It's been this way for a while."
- "What about your chambers?" – She asked worried about the Sheikah who lived here.
- "Come on Zellie, we are not maids, we are Lady Impa's secrets agents. We can go in and out as much as we please." – He said in a teasing tone.
Of course he would tease her about such a silly question, Zelda fumed a little seeing Sheik drop his act as perfect butler, but he should have hold back a little since they hadn't seen each other for so long. Maybe it was payback for leaving without saying a proper goodbye.
And if it was payback, she thought while seeing him bury his hands inside of his pockets, looking more like a teenager than the grow up man he was. Maybe she will let it pass, she deserved it anyways.
It was in that moment when she recognized where she was.
- "I won't be staying in my old room!?"
Sheik rolled his eyes.
- "You mean: my room, don't you?" – Sheik sighed in fake exasperation – "You're not very sharp today, right, Zellie?"
Right, she was a proper woman now, in addition the heir of the Nohansen name. There was no way she could stay in her old bedroom which was, indeed, Sheik's. Maybe it was better if Impa hadn't smiled at all, the surprise might as well kill a man from a heart attack.
But, truth to be told, that was just part of the reason she felt so out of it. To be accurate it was the whole: "it's good to have you back" feeling she seemed to be receiving from everyone who really knew her. Even Sheik's cheekiness was more like a show of camaraderie than real teasing.
But, as they stopped in front the principal guest room, she couldn't help the muttering that came from the deepest part of her heart.
- "Proper conduct is a real pain."
Sadly, even though she was sure it had been inaudible, Sheik heard her.
- "What is it, Zellie? Wishing we could share bed like before?" – Sheik asked while opening the door for her.
She would have taken that comment for a reminisce of the past, if it weren't for the teasing smile and the lifted eyebrow. As it was so, the comment only served to creep her out.
- "That's disgusting, Sheik!"
- "Proper conduct is to avoid these things, Zellie."
Even though she told herself to not retaliate, at least for today, Zelda didn't regret kicking Sheik on the shin. There was a limit of how much you should tease a woman.
Still, as she heard Sheik laugh and moan in alternation while walking back to his mistress office, at the same time she made sure all her things had been recovered from the waggon, Zelda admitted that the feeling she was having right now was almost as strong as the one she was used to have nine years ago.
Perhaps, this was a sign from the goddesses. But as she couldn't be sure of something like that, Zelda decided to wait and see how things would developpe. Life changing decision were not always easy to spot.
Finally! Chapter number five!
Sorry to leave it like this but I'm trying to make this realistic - as much as a fantasy world can be, mind you - and they obviously wouldn't be able to make up as fast as one would like, there are many things to take into consideration.
The next two chapters will be by Link's side, I feel he would be the one to resent more the changes - as Zelda can be quite oblivious to some things even when she is smarter -, so I want to try it out.
Thank you for the reviews by the way, it made me happy to see this story is getting attention even if just a little. Feel free to ask or comment, I cannot give spoilers, but I can resolve misunderstandings about the story.
See you next chapter! I hope I don't have as much trouble with Link as I have with Zelda.