Yes, I know that last chapter's development with Link was very easy to see coming. I had intended to make it more cryptic throughout the story what with hinting at Zelda becoming close-ish to a lord from the Faron region, but it never happened. Partially because Zelda was rather angsty, and I never felt like working on developing another sub-character whenever I had the space for it. And I didn't want him just there for one chapter either, like Mathias was; to do it right he would've had to show up multiple times too sow seeds of dissent amongst readers. Way to much work.

If I ever re-write this thing he might show up though. And Mathias will actually get some well-deserved development, because his back-story made him far more awesome than his father. But not this time around… 330 pages already, and still needing major development of some areas… how… tedious? Xx;;

And I don't care if having your nose broken doesn't majorly affect the way you speak! I just found it funny and overly amusing.

Enjoy!

Matters of the State

Chapter Thirty-Seven

I don't think anyone who was supposed to be at last night's banquet actually showed up. I know the better part of the court made the expected appearance, but by the sounds of the gossip I've been hearing flutter back to me, I wasn't the only member of the High Table who skipped out.

Well, I certainly wasn't about to up and leave with Nayru half-dead on her feet. I don't quite know how long we were in there together, but I had been under the impression that she's fallen asleep on the bed by the time I was called out into the hall. I think the last person I had expected to see there was Zelda. Actually, I think the last person I had expected to see there was a Zelda who looked like she had either been crying or very near to it.

I don't think betrothal-breaking conversations are supposed to take place in palace hallways, but ours did. I haven't got a clue as to why it was so hard for us to say what we did before that point, but once the first words came the rest just flooded out. I'd never have thought hearing the words, "I value your friendship and ask for nothing more" could sound so sweet as they did when she spoke them. I think I nearly started jumping up and down the moment that point became clear between us. I haven't been able to stand this tall in weeks; why didn't we just say something before?

If I wanted to sound silly, I'd say that that blow to the face was like one which scattered all those sickening thoughts of war and disgrace. I don't know, maybe I'm not really meant to be a Prince after all, because I really do think politics would be a lot simpler if you could just walk up to someone and whale on them when they're acting the fool.

I think I was about ready to start dancing by the time the Princess and I ended up in a friendly embrace. Her maid turned a funny colour where she'd been standing down the hall, and I don't think Zelda was expecting me to act like that, but we made very short and sweet goodbyes before I turned right around to find Nayru. Of course, I still thought she was sleeping at the time, but I think I had enough nerve at that point to actually kiss her.

And then I was told that she'd somehow slipped out of the chamber all together. I haven't got a clue how she managed to get by me when I was standing right outside in the hall, but she did. And she didn't come back for almost and hour. What's more; for that entire hour I was about ready to soil myself and had to be forced into bed when Ferran lost his temper and said I'd only make myself more sick by panicking. When Nayru did return however, instead of greeting me with some sort of hurt scowl for misunderstanding my conversation with Zelda, she practically floating into the room and curled up quite comfortably against my side.

I think she mumbled something about having been to see the King, but fell asleep before I could ask her anything about that. I think I followed suit shortly after, because I don't remember anything more about that evening.

So, Nayru and I didn't attend dinner, despite word traveling very quickly that we're leaving today and the feast prepared for Link- who likewise was not there- was thus split in importance for the both of us. Zelda didn't show due to something I haven't heard about yet, and the King was also absent along with Salvin.

Well, the castle was certainly wound up in a complete and utter tizzy this morning when I got out of bed. No one seemed to know what to think as the cancellation of the wedding was still being clearly announced throughout the complex even as we took our leave from it. Link looked a bit pale where he was standing to the King's left where Salvin always stood before- Salvin's dismissal was also on every tongue despite his Majesty's order for him to be quiet about it. But I sort of understood why he'd be so exhausted, Nayru wasn't doing much better.

"I habe habing by bose ike dis…" I really hate talking with cotton stuffed up my nose… "I bound ike an ibiot…" An idiot with cotton stuffed up his nose…

"At least you didn't have to give the speech, and I don't think the court minded letting me speak instead." Looking to my right, I didn't know it until the beast was saddled and ready, but apparently Zelda decided to give us a parting gift. The mount carrying Nayru is startlingly white, and obviously well bred. Then again, am I really more interested in the horse than the rider?

"Hank you." Speech? It was more of a song and dance between Zelda and Nayru which took place at our departure. The two of them just kept milking the silent crowd by prattling on about the Goddess Nayru and being sisters or something weird like that… All I know was that I hadn't known it was going to happen, Link looked as confused and sleep-deprived as I felt, the King seemed out of the loop, and the rest of the nobility lapped it up like kittens with cream. Even now, leaving the palace walls behind us, I still don't know what happened; only that apparently I haven't insulted the better half of Hyrule by refusing to marry its princess.

Well, I already have one of my own, or I will once we reach Lynna city again. So I guess it doesn't really matter anymore… It's all just a matter of getting home now.

"Link," Looking quickly over my shoulder, I'm almost surprised to see Zelda coming down the corridor towards me. There are frail silver chains threaded through the gold of her hair and attached to the silver tiara across her brow, tear-drop emeralds dangling from her ears and complimenting the grassy sheen of her gown. The summer heat seems to be affecting her though along with the rest of the court, I couldn't bear to wear anything heavier than the navy blue vest I have on now over the silk shirt and brown trousers of my outfit. To stand like that under the summer sun while at last bidding farewell to Ralph and Nayru, it must've been harder on her than it was on me.

"Are you busy? You seem like you're rushing off somewhere…" She asks, and there's a sort of eagerness in her eyes as she comes up to me. I'm just about to say no when I abruptly remember where I was headed a moment ago. Closing my mouth, I just nod to her with a smile.

"Yes, your father, he wanted to speak with me." My tongue feels thick and clumsy as I force the words out. I don't think I've properly woken up yet, everything's just been moving so fast since the moment the city walls came within sight along the plains. I haven't even had a chance to return the Master Sword to its place within the Temple, the blade simply sitting quietly in the corner of my room next to my bed…

I don't know what to think about that sword at the moment. The entire time traveling across the mountains, and I could hardly stand to be parted from it. And yet the instant I woke up last night to speak with His Majesty, I haven't even wanted it in the same room as me. I can't decide what to think of anything anymore. It just feels as though there are so many things I need to focus on all at once, and yet I don't have time for any of it…

Sadly, that somehow seems to include finding time for Zelda… Just like how I've suddenly abstained from the Master Sword, I don't know how she can suddenly go from being forefront in my mind to simply lagging along in the back corner of my thoughts.

"Could you… spare me just a moment though?" From the top of the list to bottom of the barrel… Yes, I think I can afford to pay attention, his Majesty isn't the most punctual person; I can leave him to wait for at least a minute or two longer than I normally would. If it's a choice between being in his company and that of his daughter's then…

"I just…" Eagerness gives way to something hesitant, and I take her gently by the arm and begin walking with her, feeling how slow she is to start moving. Her eyes slowly drift to the floor, and it's like her feet are lead weights as I at least manage to move us down one of the smaller corridors before letting her slow to a stop again. Alright, so she didn't want to walk.

"I wanted to apologize… to say I'm sorry." Where we come to a stop, Zelda takes a step away from me and leans against the stone wall of the corridor. Her eyes are still down a bit and her gloved hands clasped behind her back as she's looking at my boots instead of my eyes. Why is she so withdrawn? She really almost looks as though she's ashamed of herself as she stands here. And oddly enough, I don't feel like it's undeserved, even as I stand here not able to say anything, inside I almost feel like this is right.

"It's alright, Princess." I'm smiling, the words coming easily to me as I hold one hand out to her. I still don't get it in my head, but if it feels right then... why argue? She looks up at me curiously though, as if she were expecting me to say something harsh. But why should I? She's a Princess, I'm a knight, she doesn't need to say anything to me she doesn't want too. I don't even have a house she could offend-

Wait.

"I know I should have said something when I had the chance. I just..." Without a house, before last night that would've been true, wouldn't it? Farore, was it really only a few hours ago? "...Thank you. Thank you for coming home."

I don't get a chance to go very far through my thoughts before Zelda accepts my hand at last. Now it's almost the reverse as she comes and stands right next to me, her fingers slowly threading through mine as she places her other hand gently on my arm as well. Woodenly, I feel myself walking along next to her slowly down the hall, but now I'm the one who just wants to stand numbly against a wall. It was only just last night...

Maybe I was dreaming?

"Ah," Drat, I was supposed to be headed towards the Library, I already forgot. Placing my hand over hers where it's settled onto my arm, I turn towards Zelda as she looks to me curiously. Her golden hair is plaited behind her head, the length of the braid swinging slightly as we stop walking again.

"Is something the matter?"

"I forgot, I was supposed to meet with your father this morning." Granted, it's still morning. I'm sort of disappointed Ralph decided to leave at first light the way he did, if only because it seems like a bit too much to expect of Nayru after we arrived yesterday. Then again, I don't think I want to speak with the Oracle again so soon after everything we've gone through. In fact, I don't think I'd want to speak with her at all.

"Excuse me," I say, nodding my head to her before quickly leaning in and touching my lips to her cheek. Nodding again as I pull back, I just turn on my heel and quickly begin walking back the way we'd come, trying to find that corner where she went and turned me away and off course.

I think I'm about two turns away from her before something strikes me like a very vicious slap. And it just might be the fact that there was no vicious slap.

I think I know what I just did; I have a fairly good idea of what it was. I know I didn't think it through exactly, it was more or less just a random idea that seemed natural and that I went with.

I don't stop walking though, almost light-headed as a queasy feeling enters my stomach. But I don't stop. It's not like I'm afraid of suddenly hearing her soft steps patting along behind me, and oddly enough it doesn't even feel like I should be worried about her. Do I need to be? Do I really?

I just keep going, quickly nodding in passing to the nobles in their silks and velvets as they scurry through the halls chattering away at their gossip. Moving quickly myself, my boots tap against the bare stone of a flight of stairs as I finally reach the large double doors of the library.

Turning just before them though, I duck down one of the more obscure corridors of the palace, knowing this to be more a servant's entrance than anything, it still takes me into the library.

When I first came to live here, the grey light of these massive chambers with their tall book cases and statues always reminded me of some sort of forest of books. Large tomes are scattered across the many dusty tables as I walk along the shelved edge of the library, able to hear the lessons of the squires and noble children taking place deeper within the maze of shelves and desks. The entire room feels musty and old, the smell of old books and yellowing pages full in the air as I look for the door branching off deeper into the library and the passages woven through and around it.

It's not hard to find of course, the library may be dusty, and the table-tops lined with books half open and some left for days untouched. But it's still easy enough to find your way through if you know where you're going or what you're looking for. I know that His Majesty employs several librarians as well when you actually need to search for information or documents though, since it's much easier to find locations than texts.

The way I'm looking for leads me to a wooden door stained dark with age. The way too it is clear although there are several stacks of books to be maneuvered around. Few nobles know that the multi-storied library has an exit to nearly every wing of the palace; only those who knew the palace as children seem aware this. But I learned it as well as anyone else, slipping through the dark portal into the dark, dungeon-esque corridor beyond.

I think its dark only due to the lack of windows this far within the palace. I don't really believe that any studies to be used by Nobility were ever planned to be put down here, thus the lack of glyphs or spelled stones to give constant light. Instead, there are only sparse candles spreading their golden glow along the walls.

Still, although the offices of those librarians are along these twisting hallways, and the Servant's wing is easily accessible from where I am now, it's still not hard to find where I need to be. Not pausing to consider which turns I need to take, I'm standing in front of His Majesty's door not a moment later, and only now do I finally feel myself begin to panic.

Alright. Calm. Calm down. I still don't think I remember the better part of what I was told last night. I don't think I was very coherent at the time… no, not at all. I still remember the parts which stuck the most, but as I can feel myself nervously drying the palms of my hands across my front, it seems almost useless to start repeating it all to myself again. I don't know why everything feels like I'm in a daze today…

"Enter." I don't think I was even aware of myself knocking. His Majesty's voice though is muted behind the thick wood of the door, and I'm almost hesitant to open it, settling my hand around the cold brass knob before finally twisting and pushing in on it.

"Ah, I was wondering when you would arrive…" His Majesty is as a stone figure behind his desk, the unseasonably hot length of his robe draped across his shoulders with its gold edging. The white silk of his shirt shines slightly in the soft silver light of the four orbs glowing in the corners of the chamber as I step in. He's dressed as he was when Ralph and Nayru departed this morning; even the gold of his crown still rims his head.

He looked tired this morning, but as I close the door behind myself, I can't read the emotions across his face at all. It's as though he truly is stone, his eyes hardened in a way which makes it seem as though they draw in all the light around them. His skin, while not appearing ashen, it's as though it's taken on the grainy texture and colour of the stone walls at his back. He truly looks like a legendary king, or at least the leader of a fabled land as Hyrule is too many. Like a man about too pass judgment.

No, that doesn't seem right… the way he's steeled himself, the air in his study feeling charged with some unnamed energy. It's more as though he's the one waiting to be judged… But by who though? Me?

"Forgive me, Majesty, I was distracted." Alright, that's a bit rude. It doesn't feel right to just dismiss Zelda like that; in fact, I was probably a bit rude in leaving so suddenly.

"There will be none of that now, Sir Link." I don't remember everything that happened yesterday very clearly. I know of course what happened, on the ride across the fields, in the throne room, between Zelda and I when I was taken back to my rooms- although there are a few minutes I can't account for, my face was sore too…

But yesterday, I know I threw formality farther out the window than normal, so I almost feel as though I have to make up for that now with His Majesty. I'm not a soldier although most knights do reach their position through military service, but I can't help but stand like one now. My shoulders roll back and I can feel my hands fisted at my sides, feet together and head up. I feel so stiff standing like this, but with His Highness sitting there so composed, it feels even worse to be lax.

"…I trust you understand why I have called you here." What a low sound his voice has today. He was formal this morning as was to be expected, but he's almost grim now. Stiffly, I offer a nod of understanding before speaking.

"You gave me… a lot to think about, Majest—"

"I said none of-"

"Highness, you are still King, you are still my King." I think I'm being even worse today with etiquette than I was yesterday. Stealing a kiss from a Princess and interrupting the King, but I don't know what else to say as he's acting so… strangely. "Regardless of what was said last night, you are still the King I swore fealty to."

"And I would now relieve you of that oath." Wait- what!? I can't help myself, it's like someone just took a swing at me, my stance breaks clumsily and I somehow manage to almost fall while standing still. I just look at him with a shocked expression clearly painted across my face.

"What? Why, Majesty?" Hold, am I not thinking back far enough? Din's Fire! "Highness, if this is about what happened upon my return, I swear I can explain my actions!" Is he removing me from the palace? I keep thinking back to what was said last night, not the afternoon of the same day when I struck Ralph in front of the entire court- alright, perhaps that wasn't so brilliant of me- but is this the punishment for that?

That… that doesn't make sense! Is he sending me away? Faron Fief, he spoke to me about that, who my parents might have been, would he use that as an excuse to send me from the court? Oh, Farore, I know the importance of keeping to those codes of conduct and order, I understand the idea of keeping face and not losing it before foreign dignitaries- but this is Ralph of Labrynna! No one in this city can make me believe he actually would take offense to something like that and that he took it out on the court and Hyrule- no one!

There's no response from him though, he doesn't even shift in the slightest. His stony face just watching me impassively as his eyes refuse to show me anything at all. There's light enough for me to see him, but for some reason nothing else is clear to me, I just keep watching him, waiting for him to do-well, anything!

Why am I… suddenly afraid? I can feel my hand shaking and quickly fist my fingers in tightly, trying to make it stop. It doesn't work though, I just feel it spreading. There's no anger in it though, not like yesterday when I just wanted to ram my hand through the nearest wall before being taken away. This, this is fear, real fear.

This place, this castle, its home to me. Forget theories of who my parents might have been, my knighthood is who I am. I can't live just calling myself Farore's sword, that's not really me. That's just the me who knows he's good at killing so does so freely, the one who does it both to stay alive and make his own life easier. I can't live like that though, I need a home just like anyone else, he can't just send me away from it! Not now! Not after I called on Farore herself to let me come back!

I won't leave! I won't let everything fall to pieces, let that twisted world come to be. I can't—I won't! I won't let Ambi's Tower fall!!

It's a flash of silver which finally breaks through the thoughts whirling through my mind. It's one of those instincts which's kept me alive which brings all my attention back to the presence, silencing all those confused, nattering voices screaming and shrieking in my head making me want to fall to my knees in a panicked heap. I'm not a child though, I won't fall apart if told to leave, I found a new home once and I can do so again- can't I?

"This…" That flash, it's coming from something sitting on His Majesty's large wide desk in front of him. Why didn't I see it before, His Highness doesn't make a move for it, and unbidden I find myself stepping forwards so as to get a better look at it.

It's a sword. I can't tell if it's too delicate to be used in battle or not. The length of the blade is slim but sharp, well sharpened and polished but with nicks and scrapes which tell me someone must have once wielded it. It's also well made, the smith paid attention to the details of the metal, but clearly did not forget functionality as I can see where the corners are sternly connected along the hilt instead of twisted into more decorative flourishes.

From pommel to tip, it's a sword of silver and green, I don't doubt that the blade itself is really steel as is proper, but in this light and with the care it's had over the years, it's hard to tell the difference. It's been buffed and polished so much that there aren't even any scratches, only the gouges from connecting with opposing blades. The grip itself is made of green leather, fresh I can clearly see, although I don't know when His Majesty could have had that done. Along the edges of the guard are several large stones, so dark and unreflective that I can't tell what colour they are without having to pick it up and look at them in the light. And that I will not do…

"Take it." Finally, a glimmer of something becomes clear in His Majesty's eyes, but it isn't helpful for me as I look to him and see only a somber look akin to sadness sitting there. I just look from him to the blade once more…

"This is a nobleman's sword." No, not just noble, a Lord's blade. The sort a house keeps mounted over a hearth and is drawn only for war or assembly. Over the years, I've seen them brought before His Majesty by the men who now govern the provinces in their individual fiefdoms. Subtly, he moves for the first time since I stepped inside his study, inclining his head to me in agreement.

"This blade was wielded by Lord Georg of Faron Fief over two decades ago."

"Majesty—"

"Regardless of whether or not you are in fact his son, Sir Link, there is not another young man in all Hyrule whom I would rather entrust this blade to." Somehow, I have plenty to say to rebuke him, but all the words just end up backed up in my throat, and they won't come loose. "Regardless of whether or not you truly have noble blood in your veins, regardless of whether or not I did indeed strike your father down in battle. Your father-regardless of his social status- died in a war I began, I furthered, I emerged victorious from."

I can feel myself just staring at him, all the words fading to dust in my mouth, leaving me parched for a single thought to put thing straight. Watching him grip the armrests of his seat briefly, it's almost a surprise for me to watch the man who was as stone rise into a standing position. Despite his mobility however, he still looks so grey.

"Kneel." He says simply, shuffling out from behind his desk, and setting one hand down on the hilt of the sword sitting between us both. I don't know what to say, I can't very well refuse him. As he stands to my left, I turn to face him and do as he says, bringing myself down to one knee on the floor, just staring at the black toes of his boots without anything to say.

"You are a Knight of Hyrule." Somewhere in his words, there is the softest grunt as he lifts the sword from the desk, the tip striking the floor next to me sharply and causing me to jump slightly. It wasn't close enough to strike me, but st—"You are bound by your duty and honor to serve the Royal Family, to lay down your life for the crown and the nation."

He needs both hands in order to lift the sword up just over my head. I can only hope he doesn't lose his strength and drop the edge into my skull by accident- should I really be thinking things like this right now?

"As a boy, you set your words in stone and bowed your head in submission." Clad in full armor in the baking heat of summer, I remember well the ceremony in the Great Hall…

"And now, I break the stone, unwrite the words, release the vows. Lift your head once more. Look at me, Link." I don't know if it's the commanding tone in his voice, or just hearing him for the first time ever using just my name and nothing more. But I look up.

The sword is shining in his hands, not powerfully, but with a subtle shine the glowing orbs in the corners can't account for. His Highness is a powerful sage; but many people seem to forget that. Somehow though, I look past him, up higher towards the sword itself, and I see something which wasn't clear on the other side when it was resting.

The symbol of Farore, several circles and crescents overlapping one another, is blazoned where the hilt splits apart into the two guards, right on the cross-piece. On the other side the symbol must have been chipped and worn away by time, but now I can see it… Resting right where the family crest ought to be…

I'm almost worried for a moment as the sword being held over my head is swung around, a level of skill I've never seen in His Majesty's hands guiding the tip of the blade just shy of me before its left hanging towards the ground. Slowly, he lowers it, and I can see the strain of the exercise clearly spread across his face in a red cloud.

"Take it." He sounds breathless now, watching me as I slowly rise and he nudges the sword towards me, not letting go of it as I can see him practically leaning on it for support. But he just offers it again as I stand here looking at him, stunned.

As I reach out slowly, I stop and watch my left hand tremble again. Swallowing hard, I pull back again and just look at it, not even sure anymore if it's fear holding me back. Drawing my hand into a fist again though, I try to calm myself down, this shouldn't be so hard.

This time, His Majesty moves his own hands out of the way, placing his weight on the corner of his desk instead as I finally get a hold on the sword's hilt. I hold my breath for a moment, watching as that faint glow fades into the silvery light of the study. And…

And I don't… feel any different, I don't know if I'm supposed to or not, but I really don't. I don't know whether I feel emboldened by this or not, but taking another deep breath I finally take hold of it properly, feeling the fresh bindings compress under my hand, conforming to what I find most comfortable as I bring the point up into the air.

I'm tempted to give it a few swift swings or jabs, just wanting to get a feel for it; a new weapon in my hands, but I remember where I am too soon to allow for any of that. Instead, I just watch the light play off of it… holding it in one hand instead and letting the fingers of my right gently graze that symbol.

"Nothing binds you now…" His Majesty sounds almost faint as he speaks, still leaning on the desk heavily as I look to him again… The man who… is trying to take the blame for something he did in a time I can't even remember.

"Not honor, not duty… not even the law." He looks so old, so weak standing there, trying to catch his breath. I don't know what he means by the last part however until he reaches into the fall of his robes and withdraws a folded piece of parchment before handing it to me.

Letting the sword's point fall down until it's just above the stone floor, I take the letter and unfold it between my fingers, scanning it quickly. What? Why would he give me—

"This is a Letter of Mark…" An order of pardon, a royal edict signed by the man in front of me to allow freedom for me!? Why would I need a pardon!?

"I am a man who stole many things in his youth." I don't know where I find the gall for it, but I think the expression on my face is one which boarders on the edge of disgust. "And you are a man bound by nothing… Free."

"And you expect me to use freedom to commit murder!?" I almost jump at the anger in my own voice, almost feel fear kindle along side that burst of anger, it's so close to a rage I felt only so long ago… When faced with another old man who knew I held all of the cards.

"I expect a free man to seek justice as he sees fit."

"By killing you."

"If that is the only way…" I don't know how I manage it, but my next words boarder on a full blown scream;

"Don't insult me!!" I can feel the venom lacing each word as I can feel my temper fraying, but I know this anger is different, it has to be. "Don't treat me like a cut-throat, like a mercenary fighting for his own skin! By Farore's Divine Winds, why does everything end in blood!?"

It's the ear-splitting clatter of the sword striking its flat side against the nearest wall which finally brings me to bite down on my own tongue. I didn't even feel the sword leave my hand, but it lays on the floor miraculously not broken given its age.

I'm shaking again, clenching and releasing my hands over and over again. But somehow on the inside I feel calm, I feel alright, just like before when I said goodbye to Zelda the way I did. I should feel panicky all over again, but instead I just stand here staring at the wall and I feel almost better. I don't even want to look at His Majesty right now though…

"…there was talk… years ago… of my adopting a son." Nayru's Love, what's he rambling about now? "Some members of the court do not feel as sure of following a Queen as they would be if I had a son to name as heir instead… Perhaps…"

"No, just no. Stop talking." It's like he's trying to dig himself into a hole already knowing he can't get out of it… Is he just giving up now and talking to fill the silence? Shaking my head at nothing, I turn towards him again and see that melancholy look on his face he had there yesterday in the Throne Room. I just don't understand this man… But that doesn't leave me without options.

"I will not shed blood to reap justice from an unjust situation." Situation… yes, war is just a 'circumstance', isn't it? "I will not leave this castle and everything I want within it. And I…"

I have to close my eyes and pause for a moment, looking to him as I step forwards slowly. Fisting my left hand and placing it over my right shoulder, I close my eyes again, bow my head, and lower myself back onto one knee in front of him.

"I swear by my honor and duty to serve and protect the Royal Family of Hyrule, to lay down my life for the crown and country." It's been so long since that sweltering summer, I don't even remember all of the words, having to alter them to suit my needs, "My duty to the People comes second only to my commitment to the Gods and their will. I pledge my sword, shield, and soul to the Golden Land, the Kingdom of Hyrule and the Gateway unto the Sacred Realm."

I know, that formally he should have a sword in his hands to properly knight me with, but I've never really be one for etiquette. And I don't want to retrieve the one flung across the room just now. Instead, I rise even without him saying a word, and for the first time I think I notice I'm actually a fingerspan or more taller than His Majesty.

"I ask but one thing in return, Highness." I don't think he even realizes I actually expect him to respond, at least not until the silence stretches for long enough, and he finally gives a soft start.

"Make your request…" For a moment, the words almost end up jamming in my throat again, but this time, I make them come out, force myself to be completely clear and concise…

"I ask the right as any man does before a father, for permission to Court your daughter…" To fast, he's too fast to try responding to me, I don't even let him get a word in edge-wise, unable to control the sharpness in my voice as I cut in abruptly; "I do not ask her promised to me, ask not for any encouragement, I merely request for the right -to be exercised at my discretion- to court the Princess Zelda." Now, finally, he takes a pause, looking up at me for a moment before his eyes drift off towards a lone section of the wall. I'm of half a mind to follow his gaze but think better of it, simply keeping my eyes where they are, waiting tensely for him to consider it properly before responding…

I hadn't noticed before how old His Majesty is becoming with the years, I always just had this image in my mind of him remaining eternal, always the same and never changing. I suppose that was in part a foolish image to carry with me…

"…Granted."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"You are dismissed, Lord Faron."

Ugh, I have so many Tales of the Abyss and other Zelda stories I want to write, but I don't have the heart (IE: the guts) to let Matters lie for a little while. That'd be way too cruel (IE: Suicidal) of me, especially for those've you who've been constantly reading week after week. (Even those of you who never review. I shake my fist at but love you all the same.) I know I went and posted all those one-shots though.

Oh well, it's not like I don't love Matters very, very much so, I'm just itching too dive into something with a much faster pace.

Nyah, sorry for any stupid grammatical blunders this chapter, leaving for the island at 5 tomorrow morning for two days, so it was either now or Monday afternoon. Quick-post, buhbye!!