Chapter 7: Taking his Place Part One

Disclaimer: The Legend of Zelda and associated characters do not belong to me nor does Beauty and the Beast.

After an uneventful ride to the ranch, with several stops in various towns and villages taking around three weeks, Zelda questioned Cremia endlessly for more details about her father or at least how their horse got left there. Cremia brushed her off, informing her if she wanted decent answers, she'd better ask her little sister. And so, Zelda found Romani in a shed, checking a handful of arrows.

"Aren't you a little young to be messing around with those?" Zelda told her off in a mocking fashion.

"Zelda!" Romani cried, rushing over to hug her, "I haven't seen you in ages!"

"Well, I haven't exactly left Skyloft much - and you two haven't visited either," she sighed, returning the younger girl's hug.

"We would have!" the red-head pouted, "We just been real busy!"

"It's alright," Zelda smiled, stroking Romani's flaming locks.

"I guess you're here about Epona?" Romani asked.

"Yes. Cremia said I better ask you about it."

"Well... It was about mid-afternoon, I'd just finished-"

"Romani, I just need to know about Epona. I don't need backstory."

"Fine! Basically, I was wandering around the boundaries of our land with my bow, and I found her being tormented by some spiders. Wherever she was beforehand, I dunno. But she definitely went somewhere horrible for those things to end up here!"

"Do you think my father-?"

"Nah. I've heard stories about your mum and dad - he'd would have know where not to go. He often doesn't go through the swamp or the forests. Even if he did, he'd be okay, Zel."

"But he wasn't with Epona."

"I dunno where your Dad is, but I bet he's still alive. I bet Epona knows where she left him!"

"I, uh... hope so. Did he come here on his way to Castle Town?"

"It was a while ago... I think he told Cremia where he was headed. All I remember is that he got me these new arrows."

"Well, looks like I'm being sent back and forth, if I have to come back here I'm going to scream!" Zelda muttered.

"Whazzat?" Romani looked away from the arrow she was checking.

"If they're new..." Zelda pinched her nose, hoping she seemed genuine, "Why are you checking them?"

"It's been a few months! I've used them a lot by now!"

"Alright, alright!" She ran a hand through her hair, "I better go check in with Cremia then!"

"Zelda!" Romani called.

"Yes?" Zelda turned mid-stride.

"I know that wasn't what you said," the young girl's sapphire-blue eyes narrowed into a glare.

Zelda could feel the sweat being to pour out - how was such a young, innocent thirteen year old so scary?! Her grin came out awkwardly as she practically sprinted out of the shed.

Zelda had found that Cremia had been told exactly the same as Zelda. Her father was headed to Castle Town but was going to stop off at the Stock Pot Inn beforehand. At least, that was what he had planned.

The problem for Zelda was she had no map of the expanded kingdom or the original, her's only showing the route from Skyloft to Ordon which were on the outskirts of the original kingdom. She only knew where Romani Ranch was from memory and the fact that she took a long journey on a wagon to get there. Cremia ended up giving her one of their back-up copies so that she could reach Clock Town and in doing so, find the Inn. Zelda knew the address well as her father had frequent correspondence with the owners. Once she got there, she would be able to find it.

New map in hand, she attached her travelling packs on Epona's saddle, removing those that belonged to her father. Or the few that were on there - unfortunately the one that contained his map wasn't there, she had checked before badgering Cremia. She left those few belongings with the sisters.
She then took off on Epona after analysing the map. Luckily, Clock Town was a few miles north east of the Ranch so it wouldn't take long to reach there.

While riding, Zelda enjoyed the beauty of Termina field. The green reminded her a little of home but the barren nature with few trees, bushes or flowers, made sure she didn't feel as homesick. She was wary of the Chuchus that roamed the field but if any got in their way, they were promptly squished under Epona's hooves.
Reaching the town, she was ordered to dismount and guide Epona around by the guardsman on the Southern Gate. Inside she noticed how incredibly large the Clock Tower was, being quite astounded. However, she knew she wasn't there to sightsee, quickly shaking her head and forcing her way into the crowd. She knew the inn was on the Eastern side of the city so she carefully guided Epona out of the main market into Eastern Arcade, which held many game shops along with the Mayor's office and most importantly the Inn. Finding it, she tied Epona up outside and entered.
Inside she saw the red-haired lady at the reception handing a key to a Goron businessmen before turning to greet her.

"Welcome to- Goodness! Aren't you Zelda, Gaepora's girl?"

"Yes, I am," Zelda nodded, making her way to the desk, "He's gone missing. I'm currently trying to retrace his steps. Did he make it here?"

"Yes, he did."

"Thank the Goddesses. Do you know where he went from here?"

"He was heading to Castle Town but a terrible storm hit. He might have gotten lost on his way to the central kingdom."

"That should hopefully explain his situation... But it doesn't explain Epona..." Zelda sighed.

"Epona? Why, what happened?"

"She was found outside Romani Ranch without my father."

"He wouldn't send her alone. Or a least, I wouldn't think so."

Zelda being to feel a forlorn expression fill her features.

"Say, it's getting late," the receptionist said, "Do you have somewhere to stay tonight?"

"No, I don't. I... There wouldn't happen to be room here."

"We have some spare rooms. I'll set you up with one," she pulled out the register.

"How much would that be? Along with lodgings for Epona..." Zelda queried, grabbing her wallet.

"Please, don't worry about it anything for a family friend! I'll get Kafei - my husband - to move Epona into the stable. Ah, and here's your key. You're in Room 2-B," she handed Zelda the key, quickly scribbling in the book.

"Oh. If you say so. Not exactly a good business practise. I, uh, didn't catch your name..."

"I'm Anju. Now, if you could sign here..."

A/N: I LIVE!

This currently will be the only update for now as I'll be going on holiday soon (and hopefully might write more). I write the scene between Zelda and Romani in April but only finished the chapter this month. Obviously, I've split it again. Sorry. I had lots of work and revision to do in the run up to my exams. Luckily, I am now done with school until I get my results and hopefully get into university.

So thank you for the reviews! Particulary from LisaBug who consistently reviews and the two guests ("Guest" and "Grezar"). Thank you to pinkchocowarrirs for faving!
Thank you to everyone who reads this and of course, feel free to review!