"Welcome back everyone!" Nathan said with a smile. He was in the hallway when they had walked in. "I was just going to check on the preparations for dinner. Lena what are you wearing?" He looked at his attendant, his cheeks tinged pink.
She had a pair of pink boots, that had heels. Her slender legs clad skin tight blue pants with a frilly blue skirt over them. Her top was pink and like a halter top. Her midriff and shoulders were exposed. She also had on rings, bangles, necklaces, multiple earrings, and belts that all made noise as she walked. The biggest piece was the large feather clip in her hair. It was blue and pink and clashed with her green hair.
"It's the newest fashion for girls." She said with a twirl "Do you like it? It's kind of revealing though."
Nathaniel gave her a smile "I like it. It actually really suits you."
Lena smiled, her cheeks going pink "Thank you!"
"Could you meet me in the kitchen to help me oversee preparations? It will be a while until dinner, but you know how I get. Also, could you see the boys to their room? You two can rest until dinner. I hope everything is to your liking."
Lena bowed "Yes, my King. Come on boys."
Nathaniel rolled his eyes, and walked away. Kai watched him walk. Even with no training, his steps were smooth and delicate. Kai wondered exactly how much came naturally to Sheikah.
"You going to keep checking out my King, or come with us Kai?" Lena asked.
Kai followed along behind them "I'm not checking him out. I'm curious. I've never met a half Sheikah with no training."
"So, checking him out." She laughed "here we go. Large guest chamber. Everything you need inside. Bathroom, and all that. Two beds, unless of course you both want to settle into one, together." She waggled her eyebrows suggestively. When they both gave her a deadpan stare she sighed "You two are no fun. I'll come get you when dinner is done. Settle in, clean up, whatever you want to do. The castle is your home for now." She closed the door.
Link dropped his pack on to the floor, and flopped into a bed. "I didn't foresee this turning into a new chance to "play hero" again."
Kai sat on his bed, running his hands over the silk fabric "A hero's work is never done, I suppose."
"Hey Kai?"
"Yes, Link."
"Wake me when it's dinner time?"
Kai smiled "I think I can do that."
And with that Link began softly snoring. Apparently, a Hero was never completely rested either. Kai smiled gently at him. He walked over, and pulled a blanket over the hero. He then moved the blonde hair out of his face, pulling his hand back quickly when Link sighed. He then chuckled "You really do look better without that silly hat, Link." He decided to explore the castle, and quietly crept out of the room.
He began walking the halls, wandering around. He politely nodded to the servants who greeted him. He paused to admire the artwork in the castle. He found the library and browsed around. When he went down the stairs he began looking at a statue of the Goddesses.
"Is everything alright, Kai?" The King was standing behind the boy.
Kai flinched, he hadn't even heard the boy creep up behind him. He turned around "Yes. The Hero is napping, so I decided to look around." He bowed.
"No need for all that nonsense. Treat me like a normal person."
"That is how I treat normal people."
"Goddess, you really are uptight."
"So I've been told, frequently."
Nathan chuckled. "I can't help but feel you want to ask me something."
"I'm just curious about you."
"Well, consider me flattered. Is it because of...what I am?"
"Yes. You possess grace and poise. Wait! Your mother, she taught you didn't she?"
Nathan nodded "A few things, here and there. If you're curious, yes I can fight. And I meditate and stretch every morning."
Kai shook his head "I should have known. No matter what, the training sticks with you."
"So she said. She never wanted me to be helpless. The servants always run around confused because I tend to do much for myself. Even as a child, I was always disappearing off somewhere. To be honest I just can't stand by idly like some figurehead. That's why I need out of this castle. Give responsibility to the people. My heart yearns for travel and freedom. I know it seems selfish, but times are changing. And I think Okoku should change too. No offense to Hyrule, but the Tradition seems a bit outdated. Poor Link, having to lay down his life because of some Prophecy."
"In the grand scheme of things, it does seem a bit unfair, yes. But we do what we must. Even I have a part to play. Even if it does involve me following every command I'm given."
"That also seems unfair for the Sheikah. I see why my mother left. No time to enjoy the world around you, or even find love. Although, I've recently come to learn that sometimes what you're looking for, has always been right in front of you." He smiled as Lena walked by.
"You should tell her."
Nathan blushed "What? Oh no! I couldn't. I doubt she feels the same."
"Oh, I beg to differ. You should take a shot. You might be surprised. These eyes don't miss a thing."
"Well, you should go wake Link. I believe dinner should be served soon."
Kai nodded and turned to leave, until the King called out to him.
"Oh, and Kai. Maybe you should open your eyes wider. See what's been sitting in front of you this whole time."
Kai turned and blushed as he went to get Link. Everyone in this castle was obviously missing the fact that he and Link did not get along, all the time. Sure they had...moments but they were fleeting. Small flashes of feelings only to squashed by one of them saying something stupid. Usually himself. He knew his flaws.
"Hero?" Kai shook the sleeping boy "Hero wake up."
"It's Link, Kai." The boy mumbled.
"It's time for dinner, Link."
"Oh, thank the Goddess I'm starving." Link sat up quickly.
Kai mentally logged that food was the great motivator for the boy.
"What did you do while I slept? Mysterious Sheikah things?"
Kai quirked a brow "Mysterious Sheikah things? No, I wandered around and spoke to Nathan. I found Lena's feelings were returned, and told him to confess."
"You really do see everything, huh?" The blonde laughed and stood up. He looked at Kai and smiled "Let's go!"
Kai looked at Link's smile at him. It was honest and full of emotion. Perhaps, he was missing the bigger picture.
"I'm going without you then, if you're going to stand there silently."
"I was thinking, Hero."
"I know. Your eyes move around when you're deep in thought. It's kind of adorable, actually. Best way to get you out of it, is to annoy you."
"Link! You're learning. I'm so proud of you!"
"I can learn a thing or two." Link said with another smile.
They sat down at a table in the dining hall. The table was large, meant for grand get together most likely. Kai looked between Link and Lena, wondering if they were related as they both ate like hungry Wolfos. At least he and Nathan managed to retain some form of grace.
"Does he breathe when he eats?" Nathan asked Kai.
"He hasn't choked, yet, so I'm sure he's fine. What about her?"
"Yeah. Wait for it." Lena stopped and swallowed half her drink, before resuming eating "See? She's fine." He said refilling her glass. He was watching her eat with the smile of a man truly blinded by love.
"Oh my Goddess, Nathan, your cooks are amazing. This is some of the best food I have ever had." Link said.
"I'm glad it's to your liking, Link. Please, eat as much as you'd like."
"You too Kai. You're scrawny. Need to get some meat on your bones." Lena said, still eating.
"I'm not scrawny. I'm perfectly healthy."
"It's ok Kai. She says I'm scrawny too. It's just the Sheikah blood." Nathan said.
"You Sheikah with your scrawny asses. Look at Link! Now that's a hearty appetite. That's why he's so bulky! He eats, and it turns to muscle."
"I don't believe you know how muscles work, Lena." Kai said.
"So, I think you should all relax tomorrow. I feel bad about telling you, welcome to my castle, now get to work. Please feel free to relax or explore the castle." Nathan said.
"Well thank you Nathan!" Link said. "I'm going to sleep in!"
"Would probably be best to relax. After hitting the hilly areas we hardly slept. We spent many sleep deprived days on the road." Kai said.
"I'm glad you will be able to rest soundly. I'll make sure you two aren't bothered except for lunch and dinner. Also, you can come to the kitchen at any time. They would be more than happy to make you anything to eat." Nathan said.
"That's very kind Nathan. It's sad you don't want to continue ruling. You're as kind as Princess Zelda." Link said.
"That's a big compliment. Thank you, Link."
After dinner, Link went straight to bed. Kai decided to soak in the bath. (And remembered to bring his night clothes) he sighed deeply enjoying the hot water on all of his tight muscles. No amount of stretching would work those knots out. It was weird to be just relaxing in the bath. He never had time for leisurely activities like this. Perhaps, in some respect, Nathan was right. He never had time to himself or do what he wanted to do. Being out with Link was liberating. He didn't have to be the snobby attendant to the Princess. He could just be Kai-Shi. And suddenly, he realized, he didn't really know who he was. Tradition, training, duty had all taught him who he was supposed to be. Not who he really was. And for the first time, Kai realized, maybe he was missing something.