The Springs of Hylia
Chapter 25
What? I'm on time. HELL YEAH I AM, YA GIRL FINALLY GOT AHEAD ON WRITING.
For the nest couple of weeks I should be able to update with no delay, however I might decide to keep updates fortnightly (not that they have been but... so I can stay ahead). Currently I have about 3 pre-written chapters with more on the way.
So, stay tuned!
"I hate to say it, Zelda, but I am going into this blind."
The last words aside from 'I love you' that Link had left Zelda via Purah.
She, Riju and Teba had been travelling for just over a day and had just arrived back at the castle. She had sat motionless atop Espen for a good hour, just staring at the swirling mass that the Great Plateau had become, and that now contained Her Love. Others had also begun to gather, marvelling at the same thing. Some people had come up to her, obviously not realising her situation or what was happening to congratulate her on her becoming Queen, she was too stunned to answer or move, just frozen.
Then as she continued travelling, news of it spread like wildfire across Hyrule, rumours of how the Queen's coronation had been held at the Temple of Time a mere couple of days ago, had something been placed there or happened there?
It was the same reason why she had cut her investigation short and returned to the castle far earlier than she has originally wanted or anticipated.
She was standing in what had become their 'meeting room', it was also known as the Higher Table. There was a full wall of windows that she was staring through, you could see far, it was one of her most favourite views in all of the castle, however, she didn't find it at all beautiful that day, not the dark thunderous clouds overhead and the heavy fog over the Great Plateau. Usually she found that overcast days such as today brought out the colour of nature. But not today. Today, the world was dull.
She was angry, frustrated and worried. Angry at Link for not telling her and disappearing again. Frustrated at Link for going alone, and his seemingly lack of trust in her. And worried about Link, because that was one hell of a storm, he was caught up in.
He'd gone in blind, neither of them knew what was in stall for him, and most of all she prayed to the Goddess Hylia that he would be alright and come back, back to her, and alive.
"I understand the urgency of the situation and fully support whatever Her Majesty's next action is. However, the people are growing restless, they wonder, The Storm (the name had spread since the appearance of the fog around the great plateau, it looked like a swirling mass of clouds) has even begun to gather momentum and seems to be exceeding the boundaries of the Great Plateau, especially at night. Not only are the people worried but The Storm is also drawing attention from the other kingdoms. I understand that Riju, the Gerudo Chief and Teba of Rito Village have already expressed their intentions to aid us if there is a cause for concern." Lord Von explained.
"Perhaps, but we don't even know if aid is required with our current knowledge, I think its best we turn away their help and try to keep the rumours and knowledge of The Storm contained to prevent further corruption of its ideology and originality." Argued Lord Cadell.
"I am in agreeance with what Lord Cadell proposes." Agreed Lord Orion.
"You misunderstand, I am saying that if there is a need for the Rito and Gerudo's help we should accept their offer, they are good friends of Her Majesty and I believe they should be trusted, they already are Champions of Hyrule, it would be rude to turn away their help, we should get them to help with The Storm behind the scenes, whilst containing knowledge of The Storm, if we sought aid from the Gerudo and Rito for that reason it would most definitely cause unwanted unease amongst the citizens." Von protested.
"Most splendid, Lord Von. I do think that all of you Lords oversee our connection with the Queen and our depth of knowledge of just what the cause of 'The Storm' was." Riju claimed.
"I appreciate all of your suggestions." Zelda jumped in before any questions could be asked regarding Riju's statement. She turned back to the table, "I understand the points and proposals that have been made and am in agreeance with the last two. However, are there any last enquiries or suggestions before we make a final decision?"
Orion raised his hand looking down at his written notes. "Regarding what Lord Von said about the interference of the Rito and Gerudo in the help of containing information," Zelda nodded for him to go on. "I believe if we were to use our army as a way of compressing the information it would also compress the people, spreading fear, and even worse rumours about Queen Zelda."
Zelda put it to thought, he was right, "What do you suggest then?"
Orion seemed to shrink in his chair and shrugged, not proper noble eloquent, but Orion was young maybe a year younger than she (18 not a 118) he was inexperience, so it was understandable that he was nervous, so it was let slide. He was a fresh face and family. He brought fantastic ideas and controversial proposals, propositions, questions and arguments to the Higher Table. "Well, it might be better received from you…"
Zelda cocked her head, interested in what he had to say about this, "What exactly do you mean?"
He flushed. "Well… lately on my way to the castle I've seen people gathering at the front of the castle, they usually propose questions of The Storms origin, meaning, etcetera to each other. It's not a protest but they are certainly buzzing for answers. It would definitely boost your morale amongst the people–not that you're not already thought highly of, but it could help with keeping information contained. You don't have to answer each question directly, and you are allowed to say no or that you don't know. It's a mysterious occurrence, one that has only really ever been seen before with the Lost Woods, but that's normal, The Storm surrounding the Great Plateau is not. It's like killing two birds with one stone, your willing interaction with the public will definitely have positive effects on your reputation whilst also seeing to the problem of information."
"And how might this get around?" Lord Eero enquired.
"Many of the citizens are informants and journalists. They spread and gather information, and plus everyone knows words travel fast."
"It is a good idea. One that I will most definitely consider."
Orion bowed his head in respect, "I understand, Your Majesty, that Chief Riju and Teba as well as yourself hold some kind of idea as to the origin of The Storm and what it is exactly. It is your choice whether to share or withhold that information. For us I hope you will be as kind enough to explain some of these once you have a more stable answer. I look forward to hearing your results."
With that the Lords bowed deeply and filed out of the room carrying their notes and files with them.
Zelda sighed and lent back against the window, finally able to relax in the presence of her friends.
"When do you think we should confront the public?" Teba asked.
"Not 'we', 'I', however I would like the both of you to accompany me." Riju and Teba nodded. "Teba can you quickly follow after Orion and get him to show you were the people are gathering. Tell them to meet at the castle doors, I will answer their questions. The time of meetin will be 9:30 am sharp, tomorrow. That leaves enough time both today and tomorrow for preparations. Report back their answer to me after, I will be in my study." Teba nodded and quite literally flew out the door in search for Orion.
Riju gave Zelda a weak smile, waiting patiently.
"As for you, Riju, I need you to notify the castle staff of this arrangement, get preparations underway, floor swept and cleaned of any scuffs and dirt, the banners to be let down, presentable and a strong front, I want the castle to look unified and resilient. Inform the castle staff to tell others of this event on their way home. I want as many people fit into the throne room as possible to hear my thoughts and answers on the matter of The Storm. Once you feel they understand, once again report back to me, as I said to Teba I will be in my study."
Riju nodded and went to do as asked.
Zelda took deep breaths calming her worries.
Someone cleared their throat.
She looked up locking eyes with Lord Ben. She straightened. "Lord Ben. To what do I owe the pleasure."
He bowed. "The pleasure is all mine, Your Majesty. I wanted to offer some praise, I thought you handled todays matter spectacularly."
Zelda huffed and turned her back to him, looking over Hyrule once again. "I think that the first nice thing you have said to me in a while, if ever."
"However, I do need to address a different matter with you."
"Oh? A matter of court?"
"No, Your Majesty, regarding, your more… personal whims."
She clenched her jaw and turned around to face him slowly, she should turn him away now, but he was so stubborn that he would continue despite what order she gave. Perhaps she could ignore him.
"You must understand I have more experience regarding noble matters that you, I mean no disrespect but-"
"No disrespect? You have been disrespecting me since I appointed you a position in my court. I also believe you are wrong, you by far have more experience in noble matters than I. but I, Lord Ben, have more experience than you in royal matters, running a kingdom, ruling a continent. I mean no disrespect but I am 119. There was no court, no proper ruler of the people, no order, in the last 100 years. Nobody was noble. Maybe in name, maybe by blood, but nobody had the luxury or resources to be able to indulge in noble status."
Lord Ben cleared his throat. "Regardless, I think your actions regarding riding off into danger, being gone for days without so much as a word, those habits, whatever they are have to change."
"If you are talking about recently, I went looking for the Hero of Hyrule, have you honestly forgotten his importance? We would all be facing the Calamity still were it not for him and now his disappearance may be connected to The Storm somehow."
"That's what a search party is for isn't it?! Too look for people! As queen you cannot be doing whatever you please, the people come first!"
"Don't raise your voice to me! Know your place! First as princess, now as queen, I've had enough of your defiance! I strip you of your ranking and status as noble! Get out of my sight right this instant or so Hylia help me, I will do something about it myself! A search party cannot go where Link is right now, nobody but him can! It is a place only the Hero can go! Link is an important person! Not just to me but to all of Hyrule! You should be bowing before him too!"
Ben seemed to cower under her rage legs frozen.
"Get out of my sight." She seethed and he bolted from the room.
She felt a tear roll down her face and she too fled the room of the Higher Table.
Once she got to her chambers she locked the door and stripped herself of her dress allowing it to fall to the floor, she stripped herself of her undergarments and curled under the covers of her bed and sobbed.
She wished Ben wasn't such and ass. She wished being queen was easier than it really was. But most of all she just wished Link was there comforting herself and kissing away her tears.
Thankfully Zelda Awoke to Riju rather than Teba. She had fallen asleep crying into her pillow and was still stark naked amongst her covers. It would have made for a very awkward and humiliating scene should she have been discovered by him instead.
"Zelda, I'm so sorry to wake you."
It was still dark outside with a faint glimmer of sun rising over the horizon. She had slept through the night.
"How did you get in?" she asked drearily, vaguely remembering locking the door behind her so she not be disturbed.
Riju smirked and held up a key. "It's a skeleton key."
Zelda huffed a laugh falling back into her pillows. "Better not let anybody find that."
"No," Riju laughed. "That's why I keep it on me at all times."
It was then Zelda saw it was attached to a chain around her neck as Riju tucked it under her shirt once again.
"I have news."
"Yeah?" Zelda asked, hoping for the best.
Riju smiled sadly knowing what that hope was about she slightly shook her head and Zelda sunk further into her pillows breathing out a long-ragged breath. "Teba was successful, he flew to your study earlier but you weren't there. The townsfolk have agreed to your terms and will be here in roughly four hours, I thought I should get you up."
"That's good, how long have you been here?"
"All night," Riju answered truthfully, "I came looking for you earlier too, to let you know all was well and underway, but just like Teba you weren't in the study, this was the first place I thought to look for you. Thankfully you were here. What happened after I left, Zelda?"
So, Zelda retold her what had happened between her and Ben, not missing a detail as her best friend deserved to know everything and already knew everything of their encounters.
"Bastard." Riju swore after hearing Zelda's story. "I'm glad you got rid of him, he was always a turd."
Zelda laughed, Riju's crude like humour being a somewhat comfort, because it was, normal, natural and familiar. This Queen business (despite training her entire life for it–or at least some of it), was not.
Zelda ignored the urge to stay in bed and sleep, deciding instead to draw herself a nice hot bath as a start to her long day. Riju left, continuing to fill out Zelda's orders from the previous day.
There was still lots to be done.
After her bath, a maid helped her get into one of her many dresses and then left for breakfast, but the food just didn't taste as good without Link there.
She found herself expecting to see him sitting beside her, plate already empty and spotless, not a crumb after Link had licked it 'clean'. But he wasn't there, she knew that. She wondered how long he would be way, or whether he would come back at all, whether The Storm would recede or whether it would stay being a dreadful reminder that you could never ever predict when something could go wrong.
She rose to her feet, leaving her plate to be retrieved and cleaned by a servant.
She made her way to the throne room, just as she had requested the floor was spotless, so clean that it look as if she could see her reflection in great detail. There were tables set up near the back of the room, plates of snacks and bottles of water prepared by the kitchen for the people to come.
Chairs were set up above the water on small platforms the middle of the room was left empty so that people could access the rest of the room and stand if need be.
She turned away pleased with what the servants and Riju had accomplished. It would most likely need cleaning by the end of the day again.
"Maria, do you know how many people are coming?" The servant girl paused from dusting and bowed to Zelda.
"Apparently word has spread rather quickly, Milady, I hear some people may even try listening through the outside walls of the castle, it will be a tight fit I believe. I have no doubt some are coming just to see the palace but most to listen to you."
"Thank you, perhaps if there is not enough room they can come sit on the dais."
She saw Maria's eyes widen in surprise as Zelda retreated further into the castle, her nerves were getting to her.
She found herself in the library sitting at one of the tables busy with books not surprisingly the rest of the library was empty of people, it was good too, for she could see people outside the windows making their way to the castle doors, it seemed she had left just in time to escape the herd.
She picked up the book she was reading previously, continuing to read about the Triforce of Courage.
Orion found her not long after, "Should we open the doors, Your Majesty? There is a mob of people already outside."
Zelda nodded, barely hearing his words for this book had captivated her.
'The Hero being reincarnated when their help is needed most…'
That makes so much sense! She thought. But does that mean because he has served his purpose that he will die after he has fulfilled it?
"Your Majesty, I hate to be a bother, but I really think you should come along now, the room is almost full." Orion said returning.
Zelda sighed and close her book remembering to leave her book mark there. She dusted off her dress. "What have we spoken about, Orion? In private please just call me Zelda, and now that Lord Ben has been exiled from my court, I expect you and the other Lords to do the same in our meetings, we are all friends," she smiled at him, "are we not?"
Orion smiled, "Of course, Zelda. Forgive me."
"There is nothing I have to forgive you for, now let's hurry along."
Zelda made her way up onto the dais and looked out over the crowd, the doors of the castle couldn't even close there were that many people, and a hush fell over the crowd s they spotted her.
There were children gazing up at her with smiles, pointing.
She smiled back and crouched down in front of two young siblings, "Would you like to sit on the thrones?" she asked them.
They beamed and their parents gasped, surprised by her offering, the two children, scrambled up onto the dais and sat on the thrones, wearing smiles.
"Good Morning," She greeted standing in the middle of the dais, "I understand many of you have questions, and I have obviously left this invited open to anyone who wishes to ask me anything regarding The Storm, I will be taking questions on that topic only and will answer them to the best of my ability, I am sure you all understand."
There were people who nodded their heads in the crowd.
"Good, please, go ahead, but one at a time."
"Was there anything suspicious when you were last there?" someone called out, and murmurs of approvale as the question was asked.
"I can assure you nothing happened that day atop the Great Plateau other than my coronation. Nothing was placed, nothing suspicious happened, at least not in the area I was in."
"Do you know what it is? If so, can you tell us more on the matter?"
Zelda bit her lip, "We have some idea, but there isn't enough information to provide a stable accurate answer, so I am sorry but I will not answer that question." She knew it was important for them to understand what was going on but she couldn't tell them what exactly was going on.
"Is anybody caught up in The Storm?"
"The Great Plateau has been devoid of any human life for years, I am fairly certain there is nobody." A lie, but she couldn't avoid every question.
The questions continued on for over an hour, many of them she didn't have an answer to, at the end of it, she felt more people left disappointed than satisfied. She had tried her best, but what could she do? The information they did hold was mostly confidential, she shared what she could. But the truth would only spur more anxiety in them. Just as it had spurred fear in her.