Author's Note: I have nothing special to say besides that everyone of you wonderful people that leave such kind reviews are the best, and bring me a sense of accomplishment. I hope you all enjoy this chapter! (Spoiler, I lied about formally introducing all of the Champions, but we get to see most of them!)
-Written In Bold
Chapter Thirteen
When Link had finished recounting of the events that transpired back at the Castle ―his last few days there, the the soiree, his rescue mission and following escape, and so on― Master Koshia inhaled and then exhaled pensively before taking a seat, his eyes closed, and crossed his legs to meditate on his prayer mat. This was a practiced motion he performed regularly after receiving information that required immense consideration.
"There is more to this," Master Koshia said after a long breath, joining the palms of his hands together, index fingers pointed to the heavens. "And you have researched every page of what Sacred Texts you could get your hands on?"
"Of what I could translate, yes," Link replied. "Some pages are so weathered and brittle I couldn't even decipher the characters… and then others are unlike any I have seen."
"These other characters, you have not mentioned them before."
"Its only one page," Link answered. "A poem by the looks of it, but it was a more recent discovery. I never got the chance to speak to you about them… until now."
"I see," Koshia nodded, opening his eyes. "Show them to me."
Following his command, Link turned on the Sheikah Slate and located his archive of texts before singling out a lone page written in a faded green ink before handing it to Master Koshia. His enigmatic teacher poured over every line on the small screen with his nose inches away from it ―as his vision had dwindled over the last century― and remained in that posture for quite some time until nodding slowly and handed it back.
"My only conclusion is that it is an archaic form of Faronish," Master Koshia finally divulged after a thoughtful pause.
"What makes you say that?" Link inquired curiously. He was certainly not fluent in Faron Tongue ―written or spoken― nor was he aware of this supposed ancient form for that matter, which was likely why he hadn't noticed it before, so naturally he was quite elated to hear of his master's discovery.
"Many of the glyphs bear a striking resemblance to their present characters, particularly in the pronunciation symbols… Line three, fourth letter, there are three dots above it… doesn't that look familiar?" Link quickly scanned the document, and sure enough on the third line the fourth letter ―a small square with a hook that curved through and above it― bore three small dots cresting its curved top, but he wasn't conversant with it.
"My Faronish is a bit rusty," he admitted.
"Normally that glyph is reserved for the letter 'Kav' in Faronish. It denotes an 'E' sound… but not even I am familiar with the letter it below it. All I can suggest is that you take this information to Damel Forest in the south. Seek out the care taker and see if she would be willing to spare an eye to it. If there are any beings that walk this earth that would know, it would be her."
"That will be difficult," Link sighed. "But not impossible. The Faronites are a… fickle race."
"That they are," Master Koshia chuckled in a rare moment of humor. "But they live as one with nature. I cannot blame them for their uneasiness to outsiders. Hylia knows they have had their fair share of trouble with my kin in Necluda."
Link nodded slowly in ready agreement. The Faronties were indeed an isolated people, barbaric even, but they were peaceable enough just as long as one didn't threaten the ancient forest they called home. He had visited the region once during his pilgrimage to the goddesses' springs, of which his patron spring location, and while the inhabitants were weary of him they allowed him safe passage. However, he was never given the opportunity to meet with their leader, the lucrative Deku Dryad, MiarindÍl, who was the sole care taker of Faron and its people.
No one in recent memory except for Master Koshia had been given the opportunity of meeting her. He could only hope that they would give him the same privilege.
"Until then, what do we do?" Link asked.
"For now, we will deal with the threat at our doorstep. We must pursue peace at all costs but be prepare for the worst… I imagine you will not willingly give the Princess back into the hands of danger?" Master Koshia's brow rose strangely, although Link felt as if he were missing the point his teacher had subtly made.
"It is my responsibility to keep her safe," he answered assuredly. "She will only return at her own bidding, under sworn protection. With the Kalvin'Zein, Zora, and Goron tribes on our side, I do not think the King will be so brazen as to declare outright war immediately. I hope we will be able to speak about this reasonably."
"Let us pray you are right," Master Koshia exhaled.
Zelda awoke to a soft shake on the shoulder and a pleasant scent wafting past her nose. As her eyes cracked open warm morning sunlight flooded her vision, causing her to blink away the fogginess of sleep. With time she yawned and managed to rub away the cloudiness in her eyes and finally focused on the gentle complexion that resided above her.
"I've brought some breakfast, Princess," Link said. "I'm sorry for waking you so early, but I imagine they'll be here soon."
"They?" she yawned, the memory of the night before slowly flooding back into mind… she distinctly recalled an overwhelming sense of awkwardness… and something else? Well, she remembered the flush feeling in her cheeks seeing exposed lean exposed chest under the moonlight and―
Zelda stopped herself from going down that road for fear of blushing again.
"The Hylian Alliance," he answered. "They've made camp at Nabi Lake, just west of here. We suspect a messenger will be sent any time now. However, our allies from the north and south arrived at dawn… I'm sure their representatives will want to meet you."
"Oh…" A nervousness settled in her heart at this news. It hadn't felt so real the night before ―the prospect of war― but now that they were staring down the end of the barrel, Zelda was unabashedly worried. Terrified, even. "Are… are the other Champions here?"
"They are," Link replied. "But I haven't had the chance to speak with them. I believe they're still situated on their Divine Beasts."
"The Divine Beasts are here!?" Zelda gaped, half-worried, half-excited.
"Just outside the mountain ranges of Kakariko. Ruta and Rudania are rarely without them, although the situation calls for them regardless… I pray we will have no need of them."
"Do you think anything… serious will happen today?" she responded timidly.
"Seeing that I ―and by proxy the Sheikah― are charged with kidnapping the sole princess of Hyrule, it's a glaring possibility," he declared. "In fact, anything is more probable than possible. Which is why Impa left you more appropriate clothing on that chair over there… its no Castletown gown, but I think you'll come to appreciate its manuverability."
"Link," she breathed anxiously. "What are we going to do?"
"I don't know," he sighed thoughtfully as he slid a bedside tray over to her which sported a humble but tantalizing meal of steamed rice omelet and coarser bee honey toast. "But I can tell you what we're not going to do."
Zelda offered him a curious glance.
"We're not letting you back into harm's way," he declared confidently. "I got you into this mess, brought you suffering and pain… I'm not going to let that happen again. You're too important." Zelda's skin grew warm from his stalwart declaration, despite reassuring herself that it was silly for her to feel like that... but still, it felt wonderful for someone, especially Link, to show such dedication to helping her.
"I'm not so sure I'm as important as you think," she responded meekly. "But thank you. Truly. I hope someday I can repay you… If things ever return to normal."
"I disagree," Link replied as he meandered to the door and opened it before standing in the threshold.
"Disagree with what?" she asked.
"You are more important than you think." Link's lips curved upwards slightly in a coy smile, as if he was attempting to brushing off such a bold compliment nonchalantly. "Now eat up and get dressed, Princess. I'll be outside if you need me."
And just as soon as he had come, Link was gone, leaving her cheeks warm and her head swimming with new fluttering sensations in her core. What was happening to her? What had awakened in her since the events of the night before… after he rescued her and brought her healing…? Why did she feel like she was standing next to a fire whenever she thought about their time together at the fairy fountain? She had seen plenty of paintings and drawings of men with exposed upper bodies ―very lean and muscular ones at that― but none of those made her face turn redder than an apple... why was Link any different? And then there was the fairy… goddesses the fairy!
She had felt the bitter sensation of envy before, but not quite like this. In fact, she had been envious of Link's many adventures out in the open and free world, or envious of stories of children with happy and safe homes… but envious of a kiss? Surely, she was just being ridiculous, right? She had always been curious as to what kissing someone felt like, but why was she… disappointed that Cotera was promised a kiss from Link? Why would she have the right to care? Was it just dissatisfied curiosity, or was it something else? Zelda massaged her eyelids feeling a wash of embarrassment… she was acting like a silly 'maiden in distress' from some of her favorite novels. They were just made up stories, right!? Stories that were just overexaggerated tales that sensationalized such foolish thing? Her head felt like it was hopelessly spinning with all the endless questions that sought to plague her.
One thing was for sure at least… an empty stomach wasn't going to help her digest these cheek-reddening questions.
For lack of anything else to save her from her own rambling thoughts, Zelda sunk her teeth into the meal Link kindly brought to her. It was delicious to say the least, and that wasn't just her growling stomach speaking. The eggs and rice were fluffy and full of delightfully warm texture, the toast was nice and crispy, and the honey was richer than any she had tasted back at the castle. It was so good in fact that she was alarmed to find her plate barren of food within minutes of it being presented to her… terrible manners for a princess to eat that fast, but she had gotten so lost in enjoying it she simply couldn't put her fork down.
What in the world did they do to make the food taste so wonderful!?
With a satisfied sigh, Zelda set her tray on the table near her cot and examined the set of clothing draped over the chair neatly pulled aside. It was of Sheikah make of course, but unlike the Kimono she wore then, this set exhibited a sturdy pair of blueish-gray trousers, a simple but sliming shirt with accompanying leather pauldrons, ragged cowl that doubled as a nice scarf to wear around her neck, a red sash to tie around her waist just above the provided belt, and then finally a pair of old boots and fingerless gloves to top it off.
She would look more like a warrior than a princess in this getup, Zelda noted, but she couldn't find any fault with that. She could get used to not being a princess for a day… or a week… or forever. If they would let her, that is.
Eager to get outside, Zelda disrobed and began to dress herself in her new attire, reveling in the feeling of having the full range of motion that wearing pants offered. It was a rare opportunity back home to wear pants, being a princess and all, so this chance to ditch restrictive clothing was as refreshing to Zelda as the wonderful meal she had eaten earlier.
When she was fully dressed, boots and all, Zelda tied her hair back and steeled herself as she opened the door to the world outside, exposing her to whatever scary thing could come next. However, all she was met with was a radiant and warm sun, a gentle breeze carrying pleasant smells, the bustling of busy workers, and what sounded like an enthralling discussion underway near a gaggle of young boys and girls surrounding a fine strawberry-blond haired man.
Under the mid-morning sun Link's hair seemed more red than blond, which had an entrancing effect on his deep blue eyes, but more captivating than that was the steady but small and reassuring smile on his lips… those perfectly shaped, enticing lips that had no doubt been blessed by a Great Fairy's kiss―
Stop!
She snuffed out that trail of thoughts before they consumed her again. Working up the courage to continue, Zelda began to make her way over to Link, who was surrounded on all sides by a number of children about half his age and height asking endlessly worrying questions, which he would answer with the same confident and reassuring tone time again. That seemed to put the children at ease a little, although the way they kept darting their eyes around the village, fingers resting on their daggers, made it obvious they still had their reservations. However, this melded into a new emotion when one of the children, a young Zora girl maybe twelve years of age, spotted her approaching and whispered to her cohorts.
All in a flash their eyes beamed over to her, curiosity brimming in their expressions.
"Princess Zelda," Link called. "We were just talking about you. These are of the younger crop of Kakariko. They've been wanting to meet you."
"Oh… um, it's a pleasure to meet you all," Zelda said sheepishly under the baring weight of their wide eyes. As she drew closer a rambunctious Hylian boy popped out from the group, hands on his hips, an expression that was meant to be intimidating, although it merely came across as silly.
"I'm Talo," he declared boastfully. "You're much smaller than I expected―Ow!" Talo cupped his ear after Link gave it a stinging flick of the finger as a warning to mind his manners, which he humbly obeyed. "Sorry, it's a pleasure to meet you, Princess Zelda."
"And I'm Malo," the shortest boy of the group grumbled.
"It's nice to meet you Talo and Malo," Zelda smiled. Both boys grinned in response before shying away bashfully with red cheeks as the rest of the group inched forward to greet here. The only Zora in the group was named Rayleen, who was timid at first but warmed up a little the more she spoke. Beth, the oldest Hylian girl, on the other hand had the disposition of talking too much, but she seemed like a nice girl. Next came Colin, a short but kind little boy who clearly idolized Link, who meandered forward to meet her, and while his voice was small and meager he was by far the nicest of the bunch. In a way ―no doubt because of the way he idolized his teacher― Colin reminded Zelda of Link, especially in his long blond hair and the way he smiled between spans of trying to look and sound serious, as if the weight of the world was to be laid on his shoulders.
She had learned later in their brief conversation that he was actually only child in the group that wasn't an orphan, as his father and mother, Rusl and Uli, were still alive and active around the village. Which brought them to the topic of Peter's arrival earlier that morning. Apparently while she was still asleep, Rusl and his apprentice Ashei arrived with the battered but alive footman and took him straight to Cotera for healing, which was where he still was. Zelda felt a tension in her stomach release a little knowing that Peter was finally safe ―at least, safer than he was before― and was having his pains slowly washed away, although it was taking much long due to the severity of his wounds.
Zelda briefly wondered if Link had to give Cotera another kiss to get her to heal him...
What would it feel like?
"Princess," Link's deep voice cut in, breaking her from the embarrassing thought. "Master Koshia would like to meet you, if you'll come with me?"
"Yes, of course." She was rather relieved to slip way now. While the children were very polite after Link shot them all warning glances, Zelda couldn't help but feel a little drained by all their endless inquisitions and higher than normal energy levels, particularly Talo and Beth. Socializing wasn't ever her strong suit.
With brief goodbyes, Link sent the children on their way to finish their chores and to prepare to hunker down incase anything serious were to happen, and then led Zelda to the center of the village where there stood a towering meeting hall with ornate tile roofing, hand carved railing and timber, and a serene backdrop of cascading waterfalls to surround it… it was just as beautiful as the way it looked in Link's memories, if not more so.
"Those clothes suit you well," Link commented pleasantly as they made their way up the long wooden staircase to the entrance of the hall. "If I didn't know any better I'd say you fit right in with us Kakarikonites."
"Oh, thank you," she replied diffidently. "They're quite comfortable, although I feel a little out of place without any sort of weapons." She glanced up to the Master Sword over Link's shoulder, which he wore quite well, she thought… It just seemed right.
"Well," he shrugged, "We can always change that. Who said a princess can't learn to defend herself?"
"A lot of people apparently," she sighed. It was true. The most she had ever done ―or was allowed to do― was wield a kitchen knife to cut her food… that was about the extent of her knowledge of a blade. Which was why she grew wide eyed and nervous when Link handed her a small dagger to tie around her waist.
"Well, consider this your first lesson," he said with a smile. "Remember the pointy end goes in the person attacking you. We'll work on getting you up to speed later." For a moment all Zelda did was study the dagger in her hand, as an odd feeling began stirring in her chest. It was such a simple thing, but it felt empowering to be holding something that she could keep herself safe with, even if it was just a dagger and she had no idea how to use it effectively… if only she had this when Dimitri attacked her.
She could make him think twice before hitting her again…
"Link," she called, stopping his ascent up the stairs.
"Yes, Princess?"
"Thank you."
"You're welcome." His lips curved in a small and simple grin, one she thought to be quite handsome if not a little boyish, but genuine and unique. She had never seen that grin before, but now that she had it felt contagious as a smile placed itself on her own lips. He was much more at ease in his hometown, it seemed.
After strapping the dagger to her hip, they continued to the top of the stairs until they stood at the foot of the door. Link opened them and gestured for her to follow through, and once they were inside Zelda was met with the soft smell of prayer incense and wax candles. The walls of the meeting hall were adorned with many paintings and old Sheikah artifacts, books, and scrolls, but aside from that the meeting room was relatively quaint and cozy. At the head of the room there was a short dais, and on top of that there sat a Sheikah Monk with a wide-brim straw hat and humble robes of white, blue, and red. Upon their entry his eyes creaked open as he slowly rose from his cross-legged seat before bringing his hands together and bowed deeply in the Sheikah way. To his left and to his right there also stood two individuals, a tall and slender blue-finned Zora, and a mountainous Goron with great white tufts of hair... It was Ruta and Rudania!
She glanced over at Link who seemed surprised to find them there, although not nearly as surprised as she was.
"Princess Zelda," Master Koshia greeted her with a coarse but welcoming voice. "I apologize that we have not had the opportunity to speak until now, but I am glad that your injuries have been healed."
"There is no need to apologize, Master Koshia," Zelda replied waveringly as she curtsied as was customary of her people. She tried her best to keep her voice strong and confident, but now in the presence of two Champions and a renown Sheikah leader, she felt dwarfed and vulnerable. "I understand that the situation is difficult… but I wanted to thank you for the hospitality you have shown me."
"It is the least we could do," a new voice entered. From a staircase just behind the dais, Impa descended, wearing a fierce looking set of black leather armor and two short Wakizashi swords strapped just below the small of her back. "As the daughter of my once sworn Shiv'maton, my sworn protected-one, I am honor-bound to ensure your safety. I was there when your mother died… when I could not save her… I held you in my arms when you were new to this cruel world, just a helpless babe wrapped in cloth, and now that the goddesses have brought you back here, I take it as a sign that I must once again take oath to serve and protect."
Zelda was admittedly stunned by Impa's zealous declaration, and all she could manage to do was gape, hopelessly trying her best to speak.
"Impa, you go to fast," Master Koshia said with a wave of his hand. "Let our guest sit and make herself comfortable before you begin."
"Of course, Master Koshia," Impa said emphatically, "but with Hyrule's army so nearby we have little time to waste."
"Patience, Master Impa," he reprimanded. "In due time. She hasn't even properly been introduced to the Champions―"
"So, this is the Princess of Hyrule huh?" Rudania interrupted with a rumbling, booming voice as he stroked his chin with his massive fingers. "You certainly look like your mother!"
"Y-you met my mother?" Zelda chirped.
"Eh, yeah! A long time ago. Back when things weren't so tense. But that's another story for another time." In a show of alliance, Rudania extended his massive hand to shake hers. Not wanting to be rude, Zelda placed her hand in palm, even though it wasn't even a quarter of the size and shook it. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess, even if the situation is a bit eh… well, you know."
"Thank you, Rudania. I'm glad we could finally meet. Master Link has spoken to me about you before."
"Nothin' bad I hope?" Rudania laughed, raising his brow to Link.
"Nothing of the sort, brother," he replied before stepping forward for what Zelda could only imagine what Link had meant by a 'Brother's hug.' It was actually rather funny to watch as Rudania clapped Link on the back and practically strangled him as he lifted him off the ground in a bear hug, properly greeting him with a loud voice, to which Link gasped to respond to.
"I am also glad to meet you, Princess," Ruta finally spoke after stepping around Rudania's massive frame. Zelda remembered Ruta from a select few of Link's memories, although she was much more regal and beautiful than she recalled. Her deep blue scales shimmered under the candlelight, which outlined her slender but shapely form, and her sanguine eyes had an electric purple hue to them which complimented the white portions of her face and front.
"The pleasure is mine," Zelda replied as they bowed to one another.
"My guests," Master Koshia spoke loudly. "Now that our brief introductions are over, let us all sit down and speak orderly."
"Are we not waiting for your brother?" Ruta asked as she turned back.
"Kodah Koshia arrives on his own time," Master Koshia answered plainly. "We could be waiting five minutes, or five hours. Anything we discuss now can be summarized for him later."
"You don't think he takes this seriously," Ruta presented as more of a statement than a question, which warranted a thoughtful gaze from the enigmatic monk.
"Unfortunately, no. Overconfidence has always been a weakness of my brother… He will arrive, I know that, but I do not expect him to pay this situation the amount of deference it deserves."
"He realizes that Hyrule's army is camped on his borders, doesn't he?" Rudania huffed.
"And now he has two Divine Beasts in arms reach to defend it," Koshia sighed. "I doubt he is truly concerned. Now, please, I insist you all sit." After a small amount of shuffling around, all six individuals sat in a wide circle on floor cushions ―although it did little for Rudania― and waited for the meeting to officially convene.
"Now that all of you know what events have transpired, we must discuss what can be done to amend the situation peacefully."
"That is heavily dependent on what Princess Zelda's father is willing to accept," Ruta commented with a well-practiced diplomatic tongue, as being a member of the Zora aristocracy had granted her the education to master such things. "And, it is also dependent on what the Princess is willing to compromise with…"
Zelda's heart seized up when all eyes fell on her as they waited to hear what she would say.
"If I may," Link spoke up first, much to her relief. "I would like to draw upon what Impa declared earlier. Many years ago, our people served as the Royal Family's guardians, even when the ties of our societies were under immense strain. Many of our numbers were sworn to this cause, and while I cannot speak for everyone here, I believe that we are bound by honor to ensure the Princess remains in safety, even if that means keeping her from her own family."
Zelda's cheeks felt warm again.
"So, keep the Princess safe by going to war with her family?" Rudania deadpanned. "That defeats the purpose of keeping the 'Royal Family' safe."
"They dishonored that bond long ago when they dared to lay their hands on her," Impa grumbled. "You should have seen the size of her bruises and swelling. Her brother beat her black and blue because he can't control his own temper! Now, I will swear allegiance with the Princess, but I will never swear to protect her brother."
"But that still doesn't change the fact that we are on the verge of a war that will end in absolute bloodshed," Ruta tuned in. "I agree that we should do everything we can to keep Princess Zelda from harm, but we're talking about the lives of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of people here."
That point drove a cold knife through Zelda's heart. She hadn't even considered the terrible consequences that could come from this… consequences that others would face because of her. She couldn't allow that to happen. What was her suffering compared to the countless lives that could be lost in war!?
"If we go to war than it surely won't solely be on account of the Princess," Impa countered. "You of all people know that this has been in the making for the last decade and a half. If they care so little about the Princess that they would beat and torment her then why should they care if we leaves and comes under our care? The answer is they don't! This is just their excuse to have the moral high ground and justification to start a war. You heard the story. All they wanted from Master Link was the Sheikah Slate, and they were willing to use Zelda to get to that goal."
"That may be, but again, this still doesn't resolve the issue," Ruta replied. "We need to prepare for any and every scenario―"
"No!" Once again, all eyes fell on Zelda, only this time it was on her accord. She swallowed the saliva in her throat as she searched for the right words to say… She simply couldn't allow this to happen. If her safety meant war, then there was no point to any of it. One miserable life did not outweigh thousands of dead soldiers. "I can't let this happen… If all else fails, I will return home, no questions asked. My safety is not worth the lives of our people, on either side!"
"But Princess," Link interrupted a terrible worried expression in his deep eyes and slanted brows. "We can do this. There must be something we can do!"
"And if we can find that something, then I'm all ears… but if we can't… I have to go back." In perfect sync, both Impa and Link opened their mouths to protest, but their counter arguments were cut short when a deep rumbling noise began to rattle through the air, causing the floor to tremor. Each member of the group looked at one another with cautious glances as the noise grew stronger until it was unmistakable.
It was the rumble of propeller engines.
Silently, they all stood and made their way to the meeting hall exit before throwing open the doors and peered up into the sky. Floating high above the clouds their hung a massive mechanical beast, whose great wings cast an enveloping shadow across the village. Its claws were tucked against its body, and from its elongated beak their came a deafening bird-like call.
Divine Beast Vah Medoh had arrived, and on the far away mountain range, Divine Beast Vah Naboris followed closely behind.
"Its time," Master Koshia declared calmly before descending the stairs of the meeting hall out into the open ground. The group continued to scour the heavens for any signs of its pilot, and sure enough after a minute a small white speck dove over the side of the flying beast and plummeted to earth until it unfurled its wings at the last minute in a show of aerial grace before landing safely upright in the center of Kakariko Village.
Once the dust settled there rose a lone Rito warrior, whose flawless feathers shone like white snow on the peak Mount Hylia under a bleating sun.
"I have a message," Medoh called out, her smooth voice piercing the air as clearly as melodic song, "for the Princess of Hyrule, and the criminal that brought her here."