"But really, you should have got me up sooner, for watch." I frowned at Kage, who had woken me up a few minutes ago saying breakfast was ready.
"I just thought you could use the extra sleep," he said, chugging down some water. "We probably didn't even need to do watches last night, it was pretty quiet out. I kind of snoozed on mine..."
I picked at my flatbread. "Kage, just because I was feeling off, you don't have to baby me. I've ridden around and done far more laborious tasks on the farm feeling worse. Really. If anything, just tell me to get my act together." I sighed heavily. "I was pretty crabby last night. That goes for you too, Navi. Sorry I snapped at you."
She was sitting tentatively on Epona's back, who was lying beside us again this morning. Fletcher was off in the distance, drinking from a stream. Epona had turned and poked at Navi with her nose curiously a few times, but no more nose puffs. Though it made Navi jump when she moved in fast, they seemed to be getting used to one another.
"It's fine, I didn't mean to cause a stir. I guess there's a lot I still don't know about other races. Sorry I made it…weird."
"We've all been stressed, and today's a big, telling day. Let's focus ahead, shall we?" Kage said. "Today we try and enter Zora's Domain. And hope they believe us."
"So what's the plan?" I looked up at him. "You said we'd need an instrument; how's it going to help?"
"Oh yeah, I never mentioned. You have that ocarina handy?" Kage asked, putting down his pear.
I fished around in my pouch…there! I handed it over to him. He put it to his mouth, and tried out a few notes.
"Sounds good. Now let's see if I can figure this by ear." He began playing a melody, stopping a few times and backtracking, correcting notes here or there. Finally, he played the whole song through, with no mistakes. At least I think; I'd never heard the song before now.
"What was that music?" I asked him afterwards. It was a simple tune, but had a soothing ring to it.
He chuckled. "It's an old lullaby. Past down by my family. Long ago, it began to be used to signify a Royal Family messenger, of the highest rank. Only a few people know about it, but usually one or two guards are assigned to a gate who do just in case. If I play this at the Zora's Domain gate, we should be led to see Queen Rutela directly, no questions asked."
Oh, man, I wish I'd known that song earlier. I wouldn't have had to wait at the Castle Gate so long, before…umm…well, this was actually pretty great. "No questions asked, huh? That means not many commoners should see us, and Queen Rutela will probably be willing to help. Err, right?"
"Yes, she should. She's always been a strong supporter of Father, especially after he gave her more control of the waterways and who travels them. People were overfishing like crazy a few years back, and who better to stop them than a Zora? She's a wise leader to her people, really stepping up after her husband's untimely death." Kage explained, picking up his pear again and eating as he did so. "Her children on the other hand…Ralis is nice, when you can get him to open his mouth. Ruto is, uhh, interesting. Sort of like Zelda, in her regards for rules, but a bit more… Well you'd never think the two of them were twins, anyway."
For Kage to not know how to put it delicately, she must be pretty bad. Yikes…
"But we should only have to deal with the Queen, right Kage?" Navi added, flying over. "Maybe you should teach Sarah how to play that song though, just in case?"
"That's a smart idea. I mean, you're as good as a Royal Messenger now anyhow. And it could be handy if we ever got separated." He held the instrument out to me.
"I've never played an ocarina before. Or any instrument, actually," I laughed nervously, just staring at it.
"I'd not played an ocarina until just now either. Though I've had my hand at the harpsichord and lyre. It's easy, really. Let me show you." Kage scooted around the fire and sat beside me. I gulped my last bite of bread down.
He showed me the holes, and explained the music terms of the notes they made when covered. I was sort of lost, never having heard them before. Eventually he just handed it over, and told me to play around with making sounds. I remembered how the song he'd played sounded, and after a few tries, found the finger combos that seemed to sound right.
"Hey, that was almost it! You've got a pretty good ear for music." Kage commended after I lowered the ocarina from my lips.
"Oh, uh, thanks."
Kage took the ocarina again and showed me the correct holes for the notes I'd messed up. We kept passing it over until I got the notes and combos right. Every time he passed it back the mouthpiece tasted nicely sweet from the hyoi pear he was eating between explanations.
"That sounded good, you got it!" Kage smiled after I finished the song correctly.
I smiled back. "Thanks. I guess now were both set for Zora's Domain. But, umm, any ideas if it doesn't go well?"
"Take out your sword and run. That's about all we'd be able to do." Kage swallowed hard.
"Err, right. Let's hope Plan A is a go, then."
"Yeah. We should get going though. It's still a few hours ride until the Domain." Kage said, standing with a stretch.
"Right…oh! What about our hair? Going blonde again?" I realized as I stood after him.
"Hmmm. Well, I'll do yours." He seemed deep in thought, and scrunched up his face. "But I dunno. I have a weird feeling about doing my own. I think I'll just wear the hood low today."
"Err, okay." I walked after him as he turned to whistle Fletcher. Was that what his mark was telling him?
I hoped he knew what he was doing.
The ride was damp, a light drizzle evolving into rain the closer we got to the Lake. A few huts appeared as we got close, looking like small shops, and maybe that large one was a hotel.
The dirt road soon turned to a cobbled one, and in the distance, a large gate appeared. It was just one though, nestled between two high cliffs. In front stood two Zora Guards.
We approach and dismounted our steeds. At least the gate blocked the rain. I lowered my hood, figuring it would be best the guards saw at least one of our faces voluntarily.
The Zora guards were adorned in their traditional, sparse leather armour. It was made from a certain fish skin (reekfish, I think?), so it was quick to both move and swim in. Each held a long spear by their side.
"State your purpose, travellers," the tall, brown spotted Zora demanded.
"We must speak urgently with Queen Rutela, solider." Kage answered back directly.
"Must you, Shiekah?" The Zora man smirked. "Do you have any Letter of Introduction, allowing you such passage?"
"No, but we have something else." Kage pulled out the ocarina and played the lullaby.
Moment of truth… He finished and there was silence.
"Ha! A song? What could you possibly-" The tall Zora sneered, but the smaller one rose a hand to his companion.
"It's fine, Evan. I'll take it from here." He looked over to us, fins hanging heavily over his eyes making his face hard to read. "And you both require passage? That's unusual."
"Yes, solider. I know it is strange, but it is what was requested of us."
The Zora seemed to contemplate these words. "Okay. Follow me, and do not stray." He turned and signalled for the gate to be opened. The operators started the crank and it began rising.
"Japas, what gives?" His comrade looked confused as to why he was granting us passage so easily.
"Separate orders I was given. The Queen will be expecting them."
Expecting us? I looked over to Kage. He looked straight ahead. Oh, right, passive Sheikah persona. Got it.
We followed the guard Japas along the road. In the distance I could see Lake Hylia, vast, but shadowed in the storm. There were some buildings and houses, most right on the Lake. A tall spire beside it looked almost like a shell. Maybe that was the Mage Students quarters, like the tree back in the forest?
Regardless, we were turned a separate way, towards some rocky cliffs. I figured much more of the Zora city was underwater. Though, from our brief, distant glance, many Zora seemed to be in the streets. Perhaps it was to enjoy the rain?
On our way we stopped momentarily at a large building, and were asked to keep our horses in the stables here. I gave Epona's cheek a good rub before giving up her reins to the stable boy waiting on them, and scampered off towards Kage and our solider guide.
Through some more cliffs, before us soon stood an impressive Castle. Not as large as Hyrule Castle, but the form, the walls, it looked as if it was grown from coral! Wow…many waterfalls poured into man-made streams surrounding it. I craned my neck as we entered, walls turning white and blue inside, seemingly carved from marble. They reflected the clear pools and waterways lining the path, looking almost mystical. Since the water was so pure, you could see the fish, sea life, and Zora's swimming underneath. It was so colourful! So beautiful… I felt the awe I'd had when first entering the forest was triumphed tenfold.
We saw no passers-by as the guard lead us forward. Soon we were before a huge set of doors, a single, unarmed Zora standing guard in front.
He was sturdy, and heavily tattooed. The fins on his forearms looked long, stiff and sharp somehow. His head tail had no fish fin, like most Zora's had, but he did have two thin fins at the side of his head that tinged green at the end. The gills on his torso flared as we approached, his arms folded before him.
"And who are these two, Japas?" The new Zora guard asked, surveying us through thin, dark eyes. He kept his gaze long on me, making me feel uncomfortable…
"Royal Messengers, Lord. They knew the song."
He glared at us long again. "Thank you, Japas. You may return to your post."
Our guide bowed his way out, and left us alone with this Zora in the large entrance room.
"Shiekah, please remove your hood."
Uh-oh.
"Why ask that of me, guard?"
"With the turmoil of late, can you really blame us for being so cautious?" The Zora asked, unfolding his arms to instead place one on his hip. He smirked. "Just as you are being now, Prince Kagen."
What? Uhhhh, no, bad! I turned to Kage, hand sliding towards my side. But…he was smiling too?
"Was it the voice?" He asked, lowering his hood and looking kindly at the guard.
"You should work on disguising it, yes. But we've been expecting you ever since the darkness appeared the other day. Not so soon, I should say. Her Majesty will be glad to see you safe. But who is this?" He looked down at me again.
Kage put a hand to my back. "This is our Maiden. We found her just in time."
Phew…everything seemed okay at least. I nodded my head to the guard. "Sarah Warwick, nice to meet you."
He blinked. "Oh! So you are female."
Goddesses DAMN IT Kage…
"I apologise, Maiden." The guard bent low to me, surely noticing my rocky expression. "Sometimes it is difficult to tell with you Elven Folk. Your clothing hides your bodies such, usually I must go on hair length." He chuckled. "I am Mikau, lord servant to Her Majesty Rutela, loyal to the True Royal Family of Hyrule. It is an honour to meet you, though I wish it were under better circumstances."
I was not expecting such a gracious bow. I felt flush. Also goosebumps.
Mikau…why did that name ring a bell? For some reason it made me feel sad.
Oh, wait! He was still bent down; I think he was waiting for me to say something.
"S-same here." I finally replied.
"Mikau, could you please take us to see Queen Rutela? We urgently must speak with her." Kage said.
He nodded. "Yes of course. I believe there is much Her Majesty must speak with you about as well. Come, both of you, follow me. You should hide your face again Prince, as some advisors are currently in the Queen's company." Kage pulled his hood back up as Mikau pushed open the doors.
Inside was the largest hall, ceiling high and supported by wide, weaving columns. In the middle of the room was a great pool. At the far end I could see the Queen of the Zora's, surrounded by many other officials of her kind.
At the opening of the door they all quieted, seeming to have been in deep discussion just moments ago. Mikau lead us before the silent group. He bowed to Queen Rutela, sitting on her silver-shelled throne.
"My Queen, Royal Messengers from Hyrule Castle." He presented us.
Goddesses, this was the second time I was being formally introduced to Royalty…it felt weird. But I hadn't the time to dwell on it. With Kage I also bent to the Queen.
She looked just as elegant as she did on the stage during the Elemental Ceremony…Her scales were a pinkish hue, with many long, flowing fins and folds adorning her body; it looked almost as if she was wearing a gown. When she lent forward to look at us I noticed some of her scales shown rainbow colours as she moved, gleaming off the abundance of gold and sapphire jewellery she wore. Her face was currently set in mild surprise.
"The Castle?" One of the elderly Zora's beside the Queen inquired. "You were sent before its take over, I assume?"
"That is correct." Kage said, standing straight.
Queen Rutela smiled softly. Did she recognize Kage's voice too?
I heard jingling. Looking over, I noticed an old female Zora was watching me with faded eyes, supported by a younger female. She wore much jewellery, but a huge ring of colourful, hanging sticks worn predominantly around her neck signified her as an Oracle. They jingled again as she stepped towards me, her caretaker surprised at her movement.
"Child..." she said in a strained voice, breathing deep as if she was fighting to talk. "It you." She limped closer. "That soul…intertwined…seen so much."
I felt stiff, sick. W-was she okay? Her voice was getting stronger the closer she ambled towards me.
"Winds and Four…Nature and Time…Beasts and Minish…Even other worlds…" She babbled, necklace clattering louder and louder with he as her body jittered strangely. I was shaking as she stopped in front of me.
What in the world?!
She shot out a gnarled hand, too quick for me to process. She held tight on my arm, cutting off circulation. Her eyes were full, pulling me down to look at them, desperate. I tried to pull away but couldn't shake her grip.
"Y-you must go…you must break the stone. Break the stone and bring it here. You must…"
Her eyes faded further and further, pulling me in their gaze, until everything seemed white.
I heard something. Deep notes…I recognized it as an ocarina. It was a song. Low and marching, full of sombre. I smelt an ancient place, wide and open… heard an ancient hymn hover thickly in the distance. Worship, a church? In my hand something felt there, but not there. Its smooth surface felt like water, solid yet…outside its place.
A little girl spoke gently, sadness in her voice.
"This reminds me of us…"
I gasped and fell over as the Oracle let me go. Kage ran up behind me in an instant, grabbing my shoulders so I wouldn't hurt myself.
A ring made my heart jump into my throat. I looked down and my mark was glowing through my glove, beating once before fading out.
All eyes were on me.
"Are you alright?" Kage whispered in my ear. I felt hot but nodded, and used his arm to help bring myself up to a stand.
"Oh Grandmother!" I looked over, still feeling wobbly. The Oracle woman was on her knees, panting, as her caretaker ran forward to help her up.
"Okay Medlia. Be fine." Her voice was weak and brittle now. She glanced over at me and I started. "Apology Child…Chosen. Visions possess, I not know strength."
I gulped, looking down at the complete different, frail woman, as her granddaughter doted over her. "I-it's okay. Are you hurt?"
"I be fine. Must rest."
"Please do, Cumae. We thank you for your assistance." Queen Rutela stood from her throne. She looked over at the pair of us, Kage still holding me steady. "You've been a great help already."
Her granddaughter Medlia helped her to her feet, supporting her as she lead the Oracle away. The Queen turned to the rest present in the throne room. "Please, We ask you all to leave Us to talk privately with the Royal Messengers. "
The same old advisor from before spoke up. "A-alone, your Majesty? Are you certain?"
"As you all witnessed, We are in the presence of a very special guest. We must speak with her Ourselves, and learn what the True King's message was for Us." She looked over all her Zora attendants. "We also ask you keep what you just witnessed to yourselves. Now, please leave Us."
The Zora's did as asked, most looking hard at me as they passed. I didn't catch their eyes… Suddenly I felt a soothing warmth on my chest.
Thanks, Navi.
Queen Rutela descended the steps of the pedestal her throne was on. She stood before me and placed a hand on my arm. Finally I looked up at her.
"It is good to make your acquaintance, Maiden. Are you alright?"
"I'm okay. T-thank you, Queen Rutela." I bent my head to her.
"We are glad to hear such. And Prince Kagen, Our chest is lighter knowing you are unharmed." She put her other hand on his arm. He smiled, lowering his hood. He grasped her hand and kissed it.
"I thank you, Queen Rutela." He said, as he pressed her hand to his forehead. She looked over him with heavy eyes.
"Our heart has wept deep tears these last nights. We wish you Our deepest sympathy regarding the noble King Daltus. Please welcome Our condolences. We pray He is at peace with the Goddesses."
Kage was silent a moment. "I…thank you for your kind words, Queen Rutela. I greatly appreciate them."
Rutela nodded, and turned to sit back down. Kage followed her up the steps, so I did as well. We stood before her.
"Now, what reason have you come to Us in the midst of this Darkness? Can We be of assistance in some way? And what is the Truth of these recent events, Our Hero? Is there time for you to explain to Us?"
"Of course, My Queen. After we discovered the Maiden's identity, High Mage Agahnim betrayed Hyrule and my Father. It appears he had been in contact with the Dark King, and used our blood to summon him to the Castle, along with an army of monsters. We barely managed to escape the onslaught. It seems Agahnim made a deal with the Demon King, and is now trying to take over the country with his assistance. And blaming us for these atrocities is how they are trying to get the full Triforce, before we can attain the Master Sword."
"This would explain why the bounty on your heads it so much greater alive than dead. We assume, Maiden, you are in truth the jointly-accused Sarah Warwick?"
I nodded. "Yes, Queen Rutela."
"You are very cunning, you look quite different than your portrait. But still, in what way can the Zora aid you? We deemed it too dangerous to follow the Goron's lead, and threaten a coo. Brother Darunia is a seeker of justice, but We believe he acted rashly in his announcement. We support the True Royal Family as well, but announcing such is tactically limiting. It is best if the False King and Demon Lord know not Our plans. Silence assumes loyalty, but does not guarantee it."
"A wise decision, Queen." Kage commended. "As for your help, we just require one thing, and we will be on our way. To locate the Master Sword, we discovered we need the Three Spiritual Stones. Elder Deku has graciously given us the Kokiri Emerald. I know it is of great importance to your people, but if we could borrow the Zora Sapphire for a time, we shall be one step closer to obtaining the Master Sword."
The Queen frowned.
"That shall be difficult given the current situation."
"Situation?" I asked. Did this have to do with why messengers were expected? I was still wondering about that.
Queen Rutela closed her eyes. "Yes. In fact, when We first saw you, We thought you may be the reply to the call for aid We sent King Daltus last week. We hope Our Messenger was not lost in the Battle of Castle Town…" she sighed. "Regardless. As you are surely aware, the Great Zora Sapphire is located on a shrine on Hylia Island, in the centre of Lake Hylia. But as of late, Our great Lake has been riddled with whirlpools and disappearances."
"Whirlpools?" Kage asked, looking confused. I was too. Weren't whirlpools something that only happened in an ocean? Why was there a sudden onslaught of them in the Lake?
"We fear a monster has awoken in the depths of the Lake, perhaps due to the returning Darkness. However, all attempts at finding and quelling it have resulted in nothing. We cannot pin the beast's location. We hoped the King might be able to aid Us in tracking it, as it had driven many of Our kin from house and home. If We do not solve the problem soon, the health of Our kind will deteriorate, as long lengths living on land is harmful to us. Not to mention the problems it causes to fishing and boat trade… But We know not when it is safe to swim or set sail, for the danger comes often, swiftly and randomly. Hero, if you can solve our woes, we shall be able to give you safe passage to the Island to obtain the Sapphire for your quest."
"If that is so, I will do my best in aiding you in this trying time, Queen Rutela. The well-being of the Zora people and Lake is paramount." Kage bowed once more to her.
"We are in your debt, Prince Kagen. You truly have the heart of a Hero."
But wait…
"Your Majesty, I can accompany him on this quest too."
She blinked at me. "Maiden, We appreciate the offer. But for your safety it would be best you say ashore. We assure you Our people will offer you every comfort you require in the meantime."
I felt hot in the chest. Really? I glowered, placing a hand on the blade at my side.
"Queen Rutela, I promise you I am no mere damsel. I can look after myself; my defeat of the Wolfos Queen is proof enough of that. And this way, both Kage and I can protect each other. Furthermore…you heard what the Oracle said. I feel the stone she spoke of was related to this." That was a blatant lie, I had no idea what she was talking about. But it sounded good. And knowing I was a 'Triforce Barer' how could she refuse such 'feelings' I had?
Besides, I didn't just want to send Kage out there alone with no support. He'd asked me specifically for that.
"…If you think it is of that much importance, We will not detour you, Maiden. We will support you both with some Golden Scales as well. Lord Mikau shall lead you to the Lake's edge, away from the populace, for you to begin your search. We ask you both be careful, and that Din, Nayru and Farore each send you strength and guidance beyond what they have already provided. We fare you well, Hero and Maiden." She bowed her head to us both.
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As Mikau was summoned and given his orders, I looked to Sarah. Her face had not changed from her confrontation with Queen Rutela. It looked set, and her eyes resolute. I felt at ease knowing she meant it when she said she wanted to aid me, even so far as fighting battles alongside me.
Right now, though her short blonde hair made her look a stranger and a man, I was glad she bore such determination as well.