Chapter 19
The river flowed gently as the group continued their journey. Thankfully they had not made any more encounters with royal soldiers. The late afternoon sun shined down at them. All four horse riders led the way while the wagon trailed behind. The trail had become bumpy, which made it difficult for the wagon.
"Watch out for the rocks!" Auru instructed Sheik, holding the reins. "You gotta keep us moving, but calm."
Just when Sheik increased the speed, one of the wagon wheels in the back hit a rock. This caused the wheel to fall off the axle, landing with a heavy thud, and several items to fall off.
"Shit!" Sheik cursed.
"Okay...let's take a look." Auru jumped down, followed by Sheik.
"Everything alright back there?" Zelda questioned.
"Does everything look alright?" Sheik replied sarcastically.
"What happened?" Link asked as he and the other horse riders got off their horses.
"I broke the Din damn wheel!" Sheik flung up his arms frustratingly
"Can we fix it?" Zelda asks.
"We just need to reattach it tightly. Link you reattach the wheel while the rest of you help hold this up," Auru commanded.
Link walked over to the large wheel, lifting it while the rest of the group held up the wagon. The young man rolled it over to the axle where it broke off. He slid it onto the axle, slamming it in with his shoulder several times till he was sure it was secure.
"It's in."
"Good. Now let's get the stuff back in the wagon," Auru said.
Everyone dispersed to pick up what had fallen out. Ilia saw one of the items near the river bank. She went over to retrieve it but noticed something in the river. Near on the other side were three Zora looking straight at them with illegible expressions. Unlike his blue companions, the Zora in the middle is red, appeared taller, and his head appeared to be shark-like with a feather on his head.
"What are those Zora doing?" Ilia called out, getting everyone else's attention.
"Are they going to attack?" Link asked.
"If they wanted trouble, we wouldn't have seen them," Ashei asserted.
"I think they're just patrolling."
Auru stepped forward in front of everyone. He gave a gentle wave, symbolizing that his group was no threat. The Zora seems to get the message as the red shark-head Zora submerged below the water, accompanied by his companions.
Auru gave a pitied look. "Poor folks. These past years have not been too kind to them."
"What do you mean?" Link questions.
"Let's finish loading up the wagon first. I'll explain when we're back on the road."
Everyone resumed loading the lost items back on. Once everything was accounted for, everyone got back on their rides. The wagon moved slow and steadily to ensure the wheel is still secured.
"How's the wheel looking?" Auru ask.
"Looks tight and secured," Ashei said.
"Alright. Then we should increase our speed."
"I'll be more careful," Sheik said as he prompted the horses to move a bit faster.
"Remember, be firm & gentle," Auru reminded.
"So...about those Zora?" Link spoke up.
"Ah right. Long before Ganondorf's rule, the royal families of Hyrule and the Zora maintain close relations. Daphnes & Lydia were close friends with the Zora royal family, King Rahim & Queen Rutella, and their children Prince Ralis and Princess Ruto. This is based on what Makos told me, but several years prior, King Rahim and Ganondorf got into a disagreement which sadly led to Ganondorf killing him in his own home."
"He just straight up killed the Zora King, and the Zora did nothing?" Ilia questioned.
"Ganondorf claimed it was self-defense which is technically legal. The Zora couldn't take any action against him since it would be their word against his. The Zora's troubles didn't end there, unfortunately. Shortly after King Rahim's death, Prince Ralis disappeared."
"Oh, Nayru. That's so disheartening," Zelda said.
"Unfortunately, the Zora were not the only ones who got the worst from Ganondorf," Shad spoke up. "The Gorons refused to submit to Ganondorf. As punishment, he banned them from leaving Death Mountain. Any Goron who disobeys is to be killed on site. As for the Rito…Ganondorf did nothing."
"Uh, how's that bad?" Ilia asked.
"That's the thing. He scarcely acknowledges them. They pretty much have to fend for themselves" Ashei clarified. "If you want to get the idea, the Rito went through a terrible plague which wiped out a good portion of their people a couple of years back. When they asked for aid, Ganondorf did nothing.
"So it wasn't just us, or the Sheikah that got the worst of it. Everyone did," Link said somberly.
"Except the Gerudo, which is no surprise considering Ganondorf is one. Most of which I've seen are almost just as bad. Kind of a shame, because I heard they're a tribe of great might and nobility."
"You mean they were," Sheik clarified.
"What made them change?" Link asks.
"I don't know, which is astonishing," Auru answered. "The Gerudo were close allies with Hyrule for many centuries. Then over a century ago, they cut ties and left."
"They just left? Just like that? What for?"
"Nobody knows, even till this day. Every history book I've looked into never elaborated into it. Not even Ganondorf explained why," Shad explained.
"Maybe he's in the dark just as much as we are," Ilia suggested.
"Who knows? Perhaps we'll never know what happened," Ashei said.
"Whatever the reason was, it doesn't change the fact what Ganondorf and the Gerudo are doing to this land now. The past won't help us take them down," Sheik said.
"Y'know, my father once told me this: 'To open the door to the future, you must go through the past to unlock it,'" Auru said.
"What does that mean?" Ilia asked.
"I think what he's saying is that sometimes to make a better future, you must learn about what occurred in the past. Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it," Zelda elaborated.
"Couldn't have said better myself," Auru said.
"In this case, it can't help us," Sheik said before focusing back on the reins. "For all we know, the Gerudo all had this all planned since the beginning."
It wasn't long until Death Mountain came close to their view. Even though it was a large distance away, one could see the impressive size of this ancient mountain. Soon the group passed by a sign welcoming them to the Eldin Region, straying into a narrow trail surrounded by large rock walls, with the trail leading upwards.
"We're here," Shad announced after a short while.
Link quickly turned his head back for his eyes to be greeted by a large archway with the words "Kakariko Village" carved across with two large wooden fences on both sides of the arch. Going through the arch revealed much more.
There lies a large plot of land with many buildings. Unlike the buildings back in Ordon, all of which were made with stone rather than wood. The village is laid on a hillside, large enough to fit all the buildings but small enough to not be noticeable. On top of the village lies a large windmill that oversees the entire settlement, Death Mountain in the background towering over it. Surrounding this settlement is a large rock wall, making the village appear isolated from the rest of the world.
"Wow," Link said.
"Wonderful place, I know." Shad beamed. "C'mon. I'll lead you to Renado's house."
Shad urged Oocca into a trout, unintentionally leaving the others behind. The Ordonians stood bewildered while the others either rolled their eyes or gave amused grins.
"Better catch up before he realizes we're not behind him, yeah?" Ashei suggested.
Everyone else resumed their pace. As they rode through the village, the Ordonians couldn't help but look around. The people here though gave them wary glances at first, seem to be friendly. After months of living in The Resistance base camp, it was almost surreal seeing a village full of life without a worry in the world. Zelda glimpses over to a couple with two young girls, presumably the couple's daughters. A small memory edged into her mind of herself, Ilia, and their parents in the family's position, back to a time where everything was different.
Everyone shortly caught up with Shad near a large round white house, already off his horse.
"Think next time, wait for us, yeah?" Ashei proposed.
"Sorry. I didn't realize the excitement," Shad responded sheepishly.
"Shad?"
A young human girl appearing to be fourteen years old peered from the side of the home. She had black hair that went to her chin, brown eyes, wore a white shirt with a brown vest, a denim skirt with leggings, leather boots that go up to her thighs, and had a pouch on her belt.
"Hello, Luda." Shad went over to the girl, who then enveloped him in a hug. "It's good to see you. Is Renado around?"
"He's inside. I'll get him." Luda moved to the door as the rest of the group had been unloading. "Father! Shad and his friends are here!"
Footsteps echoed from inside the house. Exiting out is a human male with brown skin wearing a long robe of sorts. On his left eyebrow appears to be a ring of sorts. A warm smile emerged on the man's lips once he caught Shad in his sights. "Hello, old friend." The man greeted warmly.
The scholar gave the man a hug, to which the man accepted. It lasted a little longer than Shad's hug with Luda. Shad was the first to pull away. "It's great to see you again, Renado."
"Seeing you here & well warms my heart."
"You remember my friends from The Resistance?"
"Of course." Renado gave a friendly nod to the others.
"Oh, but we have some new members you should meet!" Shad guided Renado to the Ordon trio. "Allow me to introduce you three to Kakariko's mayor and my old friend, Renado. Renado, this here is Link, exceptional swordsman if I do say so myself. And these two ladies right here are-"
"Zelda? Ilia?"
"Why yes..." Shad replied as he glances at the sisters, who were just as confused as he is.
"You know us?" Zelda asks.
"You both don't remember me?" Both sisters shook their heads. Renado let out a sigh. "I guess that was to be expected. It has been about ten years."
"Mind telling us what you're talking about," Ilia requests.
"I'm a close friend of your father, Bo. We've been friends for a very long time. I've known both of you girls since you were young. The last time I saw you, Bo asked me for a favor regarding getting a gift for his eldest daughter's upcoming eighth birthday."
Zelda turns her head to the side, echoing Renado's roads. She closes her eyes as she climbs deep into her memories of her old life…
10 years ago…
"Did you girls have a good time fishing with Leal and Rusl?" Isabel asks her two young daughters as they walk through the village.
"I caught a huge Greengill, but Link caught this!" An eight-year-old Zelda held up a Hyrulean Bass that's almost as big as her. "He and his dad gave it to us as my birthday dinner."
"That was very nice of them. You be sure to thank Leal & Link next time you see them."
"I will, mama!"
"And what about you, Ilia? Did you catch some fish?" Isabel turns to her other daughter.
"All I got was a small pike. Nothing cool. I never got anything good," the six-year-old said glumly.
"You'll catch something good one day! You just need practice!" Zelda encouraged.
"You think so?"
"Yep! If we both become good, then we'll catch lots of big fish!"
"We could give them to everyone!" Ilia announced excitedly.
"Exactly!"
Isabel could only give a smile to her daughters as they continued their walk. Soon their home came into view. Out front, the girls saw their father talking to a tall man they don't recognize.
"Hi, papa!" Zelda greeted, getting her father's attention.
"Hello, Zelda! Did you and Ilia have fun fishing?" Bo asks.
"Mhmm."
"Papa, who's that man?" Ilia pointed to Bo's companion.
"Girls, this is my friend, Renado."
"Hello," Renado greeted as he knelt to the girls' level. "You both have grown a lot. Last time I saw you, you were about this big, Zelda." Renado laid his hand flat in the air, about several inches lower. "And you, Ilia, were just about a baby."
"Woah, really?" Renado nodded in response to the six-year-old.
"Anyways, I understand today is your birthday. Is that about right, Zelda?"
"Yep! I'm eight years old today!" Zelda lifted her hands, eight fingers up.
"Then I hope you enjoy the gift your father has for you."
"Where is it?"
"Why don't you and Ilia go take a look?" Renado gestures to the other side of the home. Zelda quickly went to her home's side and let out a small gasp, covering her mouth.
A small white horse stood eating the grass. Its head perked up once it caught sight of the girls. Zelda glances back to the adults who encourage her to get closer. Zelda walks over slowly to the creature. Arm outreach, she gently pets the horse's snout, to which he responds with a gentle nudge, wanting more pets.
"Come and pet him, Ilia. He won't bite," Zelda encouraged.
The younger girl eagerly went over and started petting the white horse. Smiles beamed on the children's faces as they continued petting the horse.
"Woah," Ilia uttered out.
"What's your name, little one?" Zelda asks the horse
"He doesn't have one. That is something for you to come up with," Renado said.
"You mean, he's-"
"Yes, my dear. This beauty right here is all yours and Ilia's," Bo said.
"He's mine too? Awesome!" Ilia said excitedly. "Can we ride him? We can finally race with Link and his horse, Epona!"
"Not yet. He's only a yearling. You won't be able to ride him for at least six months. It'll be both of your jobs to make sure he's well taken care of so that he'll be big & strong for you to ride him when he's ready."
"We promise," Zelda declared. "Thank you so much, papa! I love him!"
"Thank you, sweetheart, but Renado also had a hand. He found this horse himself."
"Thank you, Mr. Renado! This is the best gift ever!"
"You're welcome," Renado acknowledged. "Have you decided on a name for him?"
"How about Blizzard?" Ilia suggested. "He's white, like a blizzard."
"That's dumb. I want something as cool as 'Epona.'" Zelda chided.
"What's cooler than Blizzard, big sister?"
The eight-year-old stayed silent with a thoughtful expression before giving her answer. "Ahearn."
"What kind of name is that? Sounds boring!"
"In some cultures, it means 'lord.' I read it in a book once."
"You are correct, Zelda. I think Ahearn is an excellent name," Renado said.
"See? Mr. Renado thinks it's cool," Zelda bragged.
"Fine….But I still think Blizzard is a better name!" Ilia pouted
Zelda rolled her eyes while the other adults could only laugh at the six-year-old's statement.
Zelda looked up to Renado, then glanced back to her horse. "You gave us Ahearn."
"Indeed." Renado also brings his gaze to the white horse. "And It looks like you both kept your promise. Ahearn looks like a fine horse." Renado said with a smile. "Anyways, I imagine all of you must be hungry after a long trip. I took the liberty to make dinner for all of you."
"Thank you, Renado," Auru said.
"Anything for friends," Renado responded before looking over at Shad. "I was also going to ask Barnes to join us. Since you're here, could you ask him for me, please? I'm sure he would be happy to see you."
"I would be happy to." Shad glances back to the Ordon trio. "Why don't you three come with me? Barnes is also another friend of mine. His house is just down this street."
The scholar and the Ordon trio made their way down the street. Only when they were far enough away did Link break the silence.
"I must say, that was completely unexpected."
"No kidding. I never knew dad had friends in The Resistance," Zelda said.
"Small world, eh," Ilia added.
"I most certainly find it exciting!" Shad cheerfully said. "Now that I think about it, I do recall in my youth seeing a larger man who came from the south coming by now and then. Sounds a lot like your father, doesn't it?
"It does," Zelda confirmed.
"Huh. Funny how both of our fathers were friends, and now we are too. Fate is an interesting element sometimes."
"How do you and Renado know each other so well?" Link asks.
"Renado was a close friend to my parents. I've known him since I was a boy. He's pretty much a second father to me.
"And this...Barnes guy?"
"Barnes taught me how to make bombs. He's a...rather unique person."
"How so?"
At that exact moment, a small but rather loud explosion ringed in the air. Just several feet ahead is a metal-looking building that has smoke emerging from the windows and vents. Villagers who were nearby were strangely unfazed by this, almost as if this was normal to them.
The small group quickly made their way towards the metal building. Once they got close, they manage to read a small sign on top of the main entrance that reads "Master Barnes's Bomb Shop." A short man, face covered by a metal welding mask, exited out the building, coughing as the smoke escaped through the door. The man wore an undersized white tank top, exposing his pudgy belly, wore green pants, followed with bright yellow boots. The man also had a U-shaped hairline, bald in the middle, the side of his head covered with red-brown hair.
"Are you alright, Barnes?" Shad went to the man's side.
"I'm fine," Barnes said through his mask, letting out a few more coughs. "Just thought I would try mixing nitroglycerin with some fire chuchu jelly.
"I guess it was a success?"
"Depends on your definition of success." Barnes pulled an orange-looking jelly out of his hair. "Wait a darn minute! Is that you, Shad?"
"In the flesh."
Barnes lifted his mask, revealing what was under it. Small glasses laid on his eyes, and a horseshoe-shaped mustache, looking as if it was trailing from his nostrils. "Well, all be! My apprentice returns! How ya been?"
"The usual. Doing what I can to bring peace back to Hyrule."
"These are your friends from The Resistance behind you?"
"Yes. Link, Zelda, Ilia, this is Barnes, another old friend of my parents."
"Nice to meet you." Zelda gave a wave.
"Auru, Sheik, and Ashei are here as well. They're back at Renado's. We're about to have dinner, and he wanted me to ask you if you wanted to join us," Shad explained.
"Sure. I need time for the smoke to clear out anyways. Plus, I want to hear how things are between you and Ashei. I hope that things between you both are going well."
"It is, I assure you," Shad said as Barnes took a head start.
"You learn how to make bombs from that guy, right?" Ilia asks.
"He is very brilliant when crafting with explosives, I assure you. The only difference is that I'm more cautious. Barnes likes to go beyond the horizon sometimes."
The inside of Renado's home is spacious, enough for everyone to fit into a room. A fireplace at the other end was the only thing lit off, giving the room a welcoming glow. The middle of the room is a reasonably large table. Unfortunately, the table was not big enough for all members of the Resistance group to sit. Some of them had to sit on some chairs and a couch.
"I apologize about the seating arrangements," Renado apologized as he pours the food into Link's bowl.
"It's no problem, Renado," Auru assured him.
"Link, are you sure you're okay sitting over there?" Zelda called to him from the table. When Renado mentioned that he didn't have room at the table, Link volunteered to give up his spot for Zelda.
"I'm fine, Zel. It's not like I'm at the kiddie table during Faroresgiving."
"Kiddie table?" Sheik, who was also sitting on the couch, looked at Link quizzically.
"Every Faroresgiving everyone in the village would eat together. The adults and teenagers eat at the main table while the small children ate at another," Link explained to the sheikah teen. "Did you guys not do that at the camp?"
"We eat like we normally do every night, except once the kids are asleep from the food coma, mostly everyone else parties like they're gonna die. Fun times really," Ashei, who was also on the couch, added.
"You guys have the most interesting traditions," Link stated.
"I think Link's doing fine, big sis," Ilia spoke from right next to Zelda.
"Ashei dear, are you okay sitting over there. I don't mind switching," Shad asked.
"This is your home turf anyway. You have more rights to the table than me. 'Sides, the couch is comfier." Ashei responded before taking a bite out of the food. "What you made, Renado? Tastes great."
"Curry Rice. The store had a shipment that came in just this morning." Renado took his seat at the table.
"I think it's great!" Ilia complimented.
"I am glad it is to your liking," Renado responded.
"Renado, may I ask you this?" Zelda said to the man, who responded with a nod. "How are you involved in all this, especially this close to the capital?"
Renado's expression quickly fell sullen. "Abe and Mesha."
"Who?"
"My parents," Shad's voice echoed.
"When they told me they were aiding with The Resistance, I was reluctant to follow along. At first, because I did not want to risk the safety of Luda and the village, nor did I want to put my dear friend's lives at risk. Somehow they convinced me. I could not do much without causing suspicions from the capital, but I help in whatever way I can, even after Abe & Mesha's deaths." Renado got a glance at Shad's somber expression. "Apologies, Shad. I did not mean-"
"Oh, it's fine. No need to fret," Shad assured.
"Anyways, since we got that out of the way, may I ask how you and Ilia manage to get involved with The Resistance as well."
Zelda cast her eyes downward as Ilia stopped eating and Link just glanced over. An uneasy silence lingered.
"Ordon was destroyed," Zelda managed to say.
"Ordon...of course, I remember hearing rumors that bandits raided the village and killed everyone," Renado mentioned. "But I'm guessing that's not entirely true."
"Not by bandits….By Ganondorf."
"How did you escape?" Luda, sitting next to her father, asks.
"Me, Ilia, Link, and several others had horses and managed to ride out. Many others weren't so lucky. Some killed, and others captured."
"Have you found them? What of Bo & Isabel?" Renado asks.
"We manage to rescue most of our people from Lake Hylia, but mom & dad are still imprisoned," Zelda frowned.
"I'm truly sorry. I'm sure you'll find them."
"That's why we're here. We're going to rescue them from Hyrule Castle!" Ilia proclaimed.
"HYRULE CASTLE?!" Barnes yelled out from his spot between Luda and Shad, his outburst making them jump. "YOU'RE GONNA BREAK INTO HYRULE CASTLE?!"
"Uh...yeah," Ilia answered uneasily.
"Do any of you realize what happens to those who break into the castle?! That's like walking into a Lynel's den. If you get caught, IT'S OVER!"
"We are very well aware, Barnes, but we do have a plan," Shad mentioned.
"Oh yeah, you know who also had a plan? The Sharpclaw gang. Remember them? They thought they got themselves a huge score by breaking into the castle and steal stuff! And what happened? Their heads were placed on spikes at the castle gates, along with everyone associated with them for everyone to see! You connecting the dots? That means if you get caught by them, then you all will…"
"BARNES!" Renado's loud voice rang off everyone's ears.
Everyone else just sat in silence as their eyes glued on Barnes. Snapping out of his paranoia, Barnes exhaled a breath.
"Look...All I'm just saying is that it's too risky. Even with Ganondorf out of the country, that castle is heavily guarded, especially with that Ghirahim fellow," Barnes affirmed. "You girls and Link seem like nice people. I don't think you should throw your lives away like that."
"Are you suggesting that we should just leave my parents to die?" Zelda asks.
"I'm sure what Barnes meant to say is that if the effort is too risky, you shouldn't risk your lives for this. If I were in Bo & Isabel's position, I would not want my children risking their lives getting me out," Renado explained.
Zelda gave out a breath. "I get what you're saying, but if there's a chance that we can save them, I need to take it. I can't lose anyone else..."
"I'm sure we can all pull this off. We have the precautions that are necessary for this mission. We all survived the worst things before," Shad said.
"Well...if you truly believe you can pull it off, then I wish you the best of luck," Renado said.
The rest of dinner went on uneventfully. Other conversations were a little more lighthearted, most were Shad telling Renado & Barnes about life at the Resistance, and questions Luda had about their missions. After dinner, everyone else returns outside.
"If any of you need anything, my door is always open," Renado said.
"Thank you," Shad said.
"And sorry about my little outburst earlier." Barnes glances towards Zelda & Ilia. "Especially towards you both."
"It's fine. The wording was a bit off, but your intentions were good," Zelda assured, to which Barnes took a small breath of relief.
Renado glances up towards the sky. "Twilight is approaching. I think we all better rest now. I trust you're all resting at the usual, Shad." The scholar nods. "Then I wish you all a good night. Come along, Luda."
"I better get back home as well. The smoke should be cleared out by now. Which means I got to clean up the mess..."
All three made their way back into their respective homes, leaving The Resistance members to themselves.
"So, where are we resting?" Ilia asks.
"My old house." Shad pointed to the building that oversees the village. "It's just by that windmill right there. Auru, could you and Sheik head up there and unload everything, please. I want to visit Kafei & Anju if that's alright."
"Go on ahead," Auru said.
"I'll tag along. I like to see Anju as well," Ashei stated.
"And you three must come along as well!" Shad spoke to the Ordon Trio. "They live at the Kakariko Inn, not far from here. I'll show you around the village as well." Shad eagerly walked ahead.
"At least wait for me!" Ashei chastised as she went after him, leaving the Ordon trio in the dust.
"Hey! Don't leave us behind if you're gonna bring us!" Ilia yelled as she and the others jogged after the pair. "Honestly, that man is like an excitable puppy when something interests him."
Once everyone was grouped back together, and another apology for running ahead once again, Shad gave a small tour of the village. He showed places such as the general, clothing, and even weaponry shops. Every villager greeted Shad warmly as they walked by, and him explaining how he knew them. Some, for example, was a man that carries a large phonogram around named Guru-Guru who loves to play the music out of it. A nice man, though a bit temperamental at times. Another was an elderly hunchback man, carrying a shovel, who went by Dampe, who is often doing groundwork around the village, or tending the graveyard. He seemed reserved, and despite his older appearance, seems to have no issue with the work. Others were mustache twins that like to juggle, some guy dressed white sitting on a roof, and a little boy who walks around with a stick imitating Dampe.
The Ordon trio was rather intrigued by the number of unusual characters in such an ordinary-looking village. That to which Shad chuckled. "There's no such thing as normal. Normal is just a social construct. Everyone is unique in their way, even in villages. It's the charm that this place possesses is why my parents love living here."
The Inn soon came into their view. Right out front sweeping is a large middle-aged woman with red hair tied in an updo dressing in a white shirt, a dark green coat with light green stripes, and a brown skirt.
"Aizia?" Shad called the woman.
"Shad? My goodness, it's been a while! How've you been?"
"I've been good. Is Anju & Kafei here?"
"Kafei is...not here. Anju is taking care of the cuccos."
"Is it alright if we can see her?"
"Any friends of my daughter are more than welcome too."
"Thank you. Good to see you again."
Shad led his friends around at the side of the large building. A person is standing in a small pen of cuccos feeding them. The person is a human woman with red hair, wearing a dress with elbow-length white sleeves, a brown bodice, and an evergreen skirt with vine patterns at the bottom.
"Hello?"
"Hello, Anju," Shad greeted.
"Oh! Hello, Shad." Anju exited the cuckoo pen, placing the bucket down, and hugged him. "Sorry for not coming to see you. I heard you were in town, but I was busy finishing up chores and lost track of time."
"It's fine. I'm sure you also remember-"
"Ashei! How've you been?"
"Been doing great. Hope the same can be said for you, yeah?"
"Things have been alright." Anju noticed the Ordon trio. "Oh, I don't believe I met you three before."
"These three are Link, Zelda, and Ilia. They're friends from my 'mercenary' job. You three, this is Anju. She and her husband, Kafei, are old friends of mine," Shad explained. "Speaking of which, is Kafei around? Your mother said he wasn't here."
"Yeah, where is he?" Ashei asks. "I haven't seen him since your guy's wedding last year."
"He's, um...out of town. He won't be back for a while," Anju said rather somberly.
"Is everything alright?" Shad asks.
"Oh, they are!" Anju replied more brightly. "He took up a job outside the village so he could make some extra rupees for us. Nothing wrong."
"I see. That's a shame. I was looking forward to seeing him again."
"I'm sorry..."
"It's not your fault. My visit was a surprise after all, so that's on me, but I'm always happy to see you at least."
"Thank you. Are you staying at your house?"
"Yes. Auru and Sheik are already there. I trust that you and your mother kept it clean?"
"Clean it once a month since you left. Ready for whenever you may stop by."
"I appreciate that. Anyways, I won't keep you longer. I just wanted to stop by to say hi."
"It's was nice to see you again. You to Ashei. And it was nice to meet you three."
Everyone bid farewell as the Resistance group left the Inn, with Shad giving a quick goodbye to Anju's mother as well. The group made their way up the hill that lead to the top of the village.
"That Anju woman seems pretty nice. I think I like her," Ilia said. "How long have you been friends with her?"
"Since we were children. Our mothers were friends as well so that's how we knew each other." Shad answered. "A shame that Kafei isn't here. I think you all would've liked him, especially you, Link."
"What makes you say that?" Link asks.
"I think you're both similar in certain ways. Compassionate, willing to help your friends, and a bit of glutton." That earns a giggle from the girls.
"He's got you there, Link," Zelda teased her friend who just rolled his eyes.
"Here we are." Emerging in the group's view, next to the large windmill, lies a house that's bigger than Renado's. Judging by how large the structure is, it appears to be about two, maybe three, stories high. Out front were their horses, indicating that Auru & Sheik had already gotten everything settled down.
"Woah," Ilia uttered.
"If you think the outside is impressive, wait until you get inside," Shad said.
The inside of the house is also impressive. The walls appear to be made out of the finest stone, and the floorboard is made with the strongest wood. A large staircase clings to the side while an archway lies directly across the door. Through the archway shows a much bigger room. A chandelier hangs high above from the ceiling, with three large sofas surrounding a large fireplace, and a large long dining table on the other side of the room.
"Sheesh. This room alone is bigger than my old house!" Link commented.
"I'll take that as a compliment, old boy," Shad said.
"Nice to see all of you back with us," Sheik's voice came from one of the large sofas, sitting in a meditative position. Auru was sitting on one of the others as well.
"How did the visit go?" The older man asks.
"Anju and her mother are doing alright, but Kafei is out of town," Shad answered.
"Now that you're all back, I trust you told them of our sleeping arrangements?"
"Blast! I forgot about that!" Shad exclaimed as he lightly slapped himself. "Anyways. There are about four bedrooms here. Mine, my parents, and two guest rooms. Zelda, you and Ilia will share my parent's old room unless you prefer to sleep in separately."
"It's alright with us," Zelda assured.
"Alright, good. Link, you'll have one of the guest rooms. Me and Ashei will share my room. That just leaves you and Sheik."
"We already discussed it. Sheik will take the second guest room, and I will sleep on the sofa," Auru said.
"I'm perfectly alright with sleeping on the sofa if you want the bed." Sheik started, but Auru lifted his hand.
"You need it more than I do, Sheik. You're getting the bed, and that's final."
Sheik appeared to argue further, but the expression on Auru's face made it clear that his mind is set. Accepting the older man's victory, the sheikah boy leaned back against the couch.
"Well, if that's all settled, I'm gonna go to the washroom and clean up for the night," Ashei said
"You remember where it is?" Shad asks as Ashei walked away.
"Turn right from the stairs, first door on the left! I've been here before!" Ashei called from the entryway of the room before exiting.
"Where's our room?" Zelda asks.
"Go up the stairs, turn left, and it's the second door on the right. The bed should be big enough for both of you. Please be mindful, ladies. As I mentioned, it used to belong to my parents."
"Don't worry, we promise."
"Thank you. That means a lot."
"Can we go check it out?" Ilia asks the scholar.
"Of course. Make yourselves comfortable."
"Alright! Come on, big sis! Let's go see it!" Ilia rush out of the room. "Oh, and I get first dibs on the washroom when Ashei is done."
"What makes you think you get first dibs?" Zelda called out.
"You take forever to clean up!" Ilia's voice echoed.
"I do not! You're just impatient!" Zelda yelled as she exited the room.
"So, I guess our next move now is to rest for the night and head for Castle Town in the morning," Link said.
"We're not going to Castle Town yet. You guys are going to make a quick detour first," Auru said.
"Oh, where too?"
Auru glance over to Shad, gesturing to him to answer. The scholar cleared his throat before speaking.
"Me and Ashei are going to visit more friends of mine.
"More friends? You seem to be a pretty popular guy around here," Link joked.
"Yes, but they're also allies to The Resistance as well. And if you and the girls want, you can tag along as well."
"I guess it wouldn't hurt to know more allies. Where do your friends live?"
Shad glanced outside of the window. Right outside stood the large, volcanic mountain that could be seen for miles.
"Death Mountain."
Anyone out there happy with Skyward Sword HD, and the fact we got a new trailer for Breath of the Wild's sequel?
We made it to Kakriko village, folks. In another chapter that ended up being long than I originally thought but who's complaining? Next time we're taking a trip to Death Mountain.
If you're having trouble visualizing, Kakariko village here is based on it's Ocarina of Time's version
Faroresgiving is basically a Hyrule version of Thanksgiving.
Meaning behind Shad's parents names: I found out that Shad is also short for Shadrach. For those of you who are religious you may recognize that name from the story from the bible about the three men who were thrown in a furnace but escaped unscathed. The other two men beside Shadrach were named Meshach, and Abednego. So we have Shad, Mesha (his mother), and Abe (his father). I thought it was neat to put that here (though I wonder if it's appropriate considering that Shad's parents here are dead).
Shad's the type of person who wants all of his friends to know each other.
Renado, Luda, and Barnes were a nice addition here (Barnes was kinda fun to write). I also like adding Anju & and mentioning Kafei here (don't worry, he'll make his appearance). I think I'm just challenging myself on how many Zelda characters I can put in this fic.
Also, guess who that Zora was in the beginning.
Thanks for the favs, follows, and reviews. Happy Reading.