The Spring Ball was in it's early stages as guests began to form a line at the Castle's gates, the most important of Hyrule's Nobility already being inside as the queues outdoors were filled with the land's newer Nobles and some of the wealthier and more influential smallfolk. None of this mattered to Captain Eldrin however, the man taking two of his men with him as he proceeded past the line, no one batting an eye as Soldiers on patrol were expected at a time like this.
"Are you sure they'll be in there?" a younger Soldier asked.
"I have reason to believe at least Link will be." Eldrin answered as he proceeded forward.
"Do you believe they somehow got themselves invites?" the Soldier asked, a more curious inflection in his voice.
"Listen, Carac, I know my thoughts are difficult to follow, but I know he'll be there, and the others too...possibly" the Captain answered.
"What are your plans for him once we find him?" Carac inquired.
"You'll see, now hang back and let me handle this." the Captain said as he approached the gates, a team of Guards verifying invitations. "Excuse, me, I will be needing to make it through." Captain Eldrin called in an authoritative and confident manner.
The Guard looked over at him, cocking an eyebrow as he saw his Captain's uniform, but still failed to move. "Do you have an invite, Captain?"
"I'm a Captain in the Hyrule Provincial Guard, do I need one?" Captain Eldrin asked.
"Not for some events, but for this one, yes." the Guard answered as he turned to face him.
"Do you doubt my rank?" Captain Eldrin asked in a frustrated manner as he pulled a small folded form from his belt.
The Guard took it slowly and analyzed the piece of parchment, his eyes running over it before handing it back to Eldrin. "It would definitely appear that you're a Captain, but it's like I said...you'll need an invite."
Captain Eldrin grit his teeth as he looked back at his men when an idea struck. "I suppose I'll let Captain Yotin know that he won't be seeing me tonight, what a shame, we've been friends since we met while training for the Provincial Guard decades ago."
The Guard's eyes opened slightly wider as turned to look at the other Guards before facing Eldrin again. "You know Captain Yotin?"
"Yes, does this surprise you?" Captain Eldrin said.
"He's rather new, not many people know his name as of yet..." the Guard answered. "Listen...I'll have to ask my Lieutenant..."
"No need." Captain Eldrin said as he placed a hand on his shoulder and leaned in. "What's your name, son?"
"Borin, Sir." the Guard answered.
"Well, Borin, once I get inside and see Yotin I'll put in a good word for you, if you'd like." Eldrin replied.
"I mean, I...my Lieutenant...I have to...would you really do that for me?" the Guard stammered.
"Consider it done." Captain Eldrin said as he proceeded past the Guard, saluting him as he went by."
"Do you really know Captain Yotin that well?" Carac whispered.
"No, of course not, but just go with it." the Captain said as they made their way into the Castle's grounds.
oOo
"Wait!" Link said, holding out a hand.
"Why? What's going on?" Osfala asked.
Link ducked back behind the wall as Captain Eldrin made his way past the guards and into the Castle, two other men Link recognized from Hylia Township following behind. "The Captain of the Guard from my village came looking for me...and he just went in."
"How does he know you're here?" Osfala asked.
"I don't know, but what I do know is that he knows far too much about me." Link said with a scowl.
"Are we still going in?" Osfala asked.
"Of course, it's a big room with many people, what are the chances he'll see us?" Link responded.
"Pretty high if he's looking." Osfala said.
"Well, we will just have to try took keep our heads down." Link replied.
"You mean you'll have to try...they aren't looking for me." Osfala said, Link narrowing his eyes at him before turning back towards the gate. "He should be inside by now, let's go." Link said, he and Osfala joining the line. They quickly filed through, reaching the front promptly.
"Invites, please." the Guard said as he held out a hand.
"Right here." Osfala said as he withdrew two invitations and handed them to the Guard.
The man eyed them carefully before looking up at the two boys. "So you are Sahasrahla and Osfala, correct?" the man asked in a suspicious manner.
"Absolutely, I am Sahasrahla and this is my friend Osfala." Link said with confidence. "May we proceed inside are or we to stand around all night?"
The Guard glared at Link before raising both invitations to his face, looking them over carefully before lifting up Osfala's before putting Link's away. "You two stay right here, I have to go talk to my superior."
"I assure you that won't be necessary." Link urged him.
"It will only take a moment." the Guard called before heading off towards a nearby outbuilding.
"Come on, let's go." Link said as he walked past Osfala.
"He probably just has to verify something." the other boy answered.
"You said your mentor was killed, right?" Link asked quietly as they hurriedly departed from the gates.
"You think that has something to do with this?" Osfala asked.
"I know it does...and here you said they weren't looking for you." the Hero shot.
"Fine, fine, you're right...how will we be getting in now?" the Osfala asked.
Link lead Osfala to the west side of the Castle's wall, the two looking up at the intimidating stone barrier. "Levitate us up." Link said.
"What?" Osfala asked.
"Levitate us over the wall...you can do that, right?" Link asked.
"That's a little...complicated." Osfala answered.
"What? How so?" Link began. "Back in that alleyway you ripped cobblestones from the road and threw them at me using nothing more than your magic prowess."
"Lifting people is different...do it wrong and you levitate their blood or organs right out of their body...did you know they used to execute people that way?...Besides, all of the feats I managed in the alleyway...they were heat of the moment things...I had barely practiced before that...Sahasrahla, he said I needed to learn the theories behind magic before I was to perform it." Osfala explained.
"So all of those spells you performed during our fight...you scarcely had any experience beforehand?" Link asked, his wonder overcoming his hurried demeanor.
"I learned them from a book and practiced them once or twice." Osfala replied.
"You showed some true skill." Link said. "With what little experience you had and the prowess you've shown, I have no doubt...there's only one reason someone can naturally have skill to that degree." the Hero continued as he withdrew his clawshot from a bush next to the wall.
"That sounds...ominous...and where did you get that from?" Osfala said, raising an eyebrow.
"It's not ominous, Osfala." Link assured the other boy as he aimed the claw shot at the metal latticing at the top of the wall. "And I was keeping this here just in case I couldn't find another way in." he said as he launched the claw shot, the device grabbing onto the metal bars as Link pulled on the trigger, scaling his way to the top of the wall with ease.
"Wait! What about me?" Osfala called.
Link extended the chain from the claw shot down the wall and nodded towards it. "Grab on." he said. Suddenly voices were heard from around the corner, Link craning his neck to see two Guards with lanterns headed their way. "Now!" he urged.
Osfala glanced over in the direction of the Guards before grabbing onto the claw shot's chain and nodding at Link. The Hero withdrew the chain and pulled simultaneously, Osfala kicking off the wall to aid Link with pulling him up. Link clenched his teeth as he pulled the other boy onto the wall just as the Guards rounded the corner.
"Quickly!" Link said, grabbing onto Osfala and throwing both he and the other boy into a shrubbery below.
"You couldn't just lower us down?" Osfala asked as he climbed out of the bush.
"There was no time for that, they were right here." Link said as he placed a hand on the wall, the two being able to hear the Guards on the other side.
"Where are we anyway?" Osfala questioned as he and Link brushed themselves off.
Link stopped and looked around, even in the darkness he could tell they were surrounded by many different kinds of plants and flowers. The Hero started forward before darting to the right, squinting in the dark at a bush full of violet roses that had grown over an archway. "I got these for Zelda in my last life...I was hoping they'd grow like this one day." Link mused before snapping back to reality. "We're in the outer edge of the Royal Gardens, the Castle will be a short distance that way." Link answered.
"Can't you just tell people you're the Hero? That would surely be able to get you anywhere." Osfala asked.
"It used to be that way." Link began. "But somewhere along the line, centuries ago, people forgot about Zelda and I, they passed us off as legends...fairy tales...even in this life, so close to my last, they still think we're just stories."
"Sahasrahla wanted to change that." Osfala replied. "He would preach the word of the Goddesses and speak of you and Zelda as fact to those that would listen...I'm sad he won't be here to see it happen, but I'm glad I'll carry it out." Osfala said.
"So you knew of me before?" Link asked as they walked.
"To an extent, I was in a certain amount of disbelief to be in your presence earlier...but I've grown accustomed to it." Osfala answered.
"So you think you can make Zelda and I common knowledge again?" Link said.
"I'm sure I can, I owe it to Sahasrahla." Osfala responded.
"Well." Link began as he turned to face the boy. "I think it's about time people remembered, so I'll help you as much as I can...I wish I could have met this Sahasrahla."
"And I'm sure he wishes he could have met you...I choose to believe he's up there in the Sacred Realm, watching over us." Osfala said hopefully.
"I'm sure of it as well." Link said as the two arrived at a row of hedges, a fountain flowing behind them.
"There it is." Osfala said, the two looking into Grand Hall through a side door, no Guards being posted.
Link felt a flutter in his stomach as he realized Zelda was in there...he was so close. "Come on, we better go." he said, not being able to suppress a grin.
"Before we go...I have one question." Osfala said.
"And that is?" Link asked.
"Before we scaled the wall, you said there was only one way I can have the skill I possess...what did you mean?" Osfala inquired.
"It means I believe you to be a Sage, my friend." Link said.
"A Sage? Are you sure?" Osfala asked.
"Reasonably so...but this is a conversation for another time...right now, we have other matters to attend to." Link said before straightening up and starting towards the door, Osfala trailing close behind.
oOo
"Nerves getting to you?" Thalmont asked as he and Blackmoore stood in a corridor off to the side, looking out into the Great Hall.
"I think you should be the one to do it." Blackmoore said, turning to look at the other Minister.
"You can't be serious, this is your job." Thalmont answered.
Blackmoore looked down at the small vial in his hand, the clear liquid inside looking so innocuous. "She doesn't trust me...it's plain as day, not to mention Impa and Jakob, they've been watching her all night, I'd be surprised if I could even get close."
"I know you're worried about the Shiekah, but Jakob may work to your advantage." Thalmont answered.
"How so?" Blackmoore responded, raising an eyebrow.
"He's one big distraction." the Minister of Foreign Affairs said. "With the Princess' attention on him and his attention on something else, we could slip the venom into her drink without issue."
"You seem to have forgotten about Impa." Blackmoore said.
"I'm trying to figure that out." Thalmont said as he tapped his fingers against his bicep. "It would take something serious to divert her away from Zelda."
"You don't say." Minister Blackmoore groaned sarcastically.
"Might as well get out there and try to make things seem normal, don't want to arouse any suspicions just yet." Minister Thalmont said as he spread his arms.
"I keep on telling myself, if this doesn't work...the consequences will be...severe." Blackmoore said.
"Exactly...so let's not fail." Thalmont hissed through his clenched teeth.
"Minister Blackmoore! Minister Thalmont!" a voice called suddenly.
Both men jerked in fright, slowly turning around as thoughts of their plans being found out began to fill their heads.
"I...I apologize, my Lords...I didn't mean to startle you." the Guard said.
"Quite alright, just...deep in conversation we were." Blackmoore answered before glancing over to Thalmont.
"What do you need, Soldier?" Thalmont inquired.
"You asked to be notified if the mystic Sahasrahla's apprentice was found...well he came to us, Sir, tried to get in just now with another boy." the Guard answered.
Thalmont and Blackmoore narrowed their eyes before locking gazes once more, they hoped this other boy isn't who they thought him to, but chances were high that it was the Hero himself.
"How many Soldiers do you have holding them?" Thalmont asked.
"Just one, my Lord." the man answered.
"Find a few more and bring them with you, I'll be heading over to ask some questions myself." Thalmont said.
"Yes, my Lord...will you be coming too, Lord Blackmoore?" the Guard asked.
"No, I have confidence that you along with Lord Thalmont can handle this...I have a prior engagement, but good luck nonetheless." Minister Blackmoore said as the Guard delivered a hasty bow before heading off with Thalmont, the two exchanging a nod as Blackmoore made his way across the Great Hall.
oOo
Impa stood atop the massive golden chandelier that hung above the center of the room, her right hand clenched firmly around the chain that fastened it to the ceiling, the diamonds that adorned it, both for form and function reflecting the light down into the room and obscuring her from view completely.
The night had been uneventful as always, Nobles and Courtiers milling about as Guards stood watch and patrolled the hall. Usually there'd be nothing for her to do on a night like this and tonight would be no different...if only Thalmont and Blackmoore didn't exist. The Sheikah woman narrowed her eyes as she watched a Guard fetch Thalmont and depart with him, Blackmoore hesitating for a moment before heading towards the center of the hall...towards Zelda.
Impa grit her teeth as she leapt from the chandelier to the next nearest, grabbing onto it's frame firmly before looking down at the floor below, observing the the height from which she hung before readying herself and letting go.
The Nobles below her jumped with a start as she landed among them in a crouching position, the men and women quickly averting their gazes as they realized who exactly she was, quickly making way as the the Sheikah woman strode through the crowd, her blood, red eyes dead-set on Minister Blackmoore.
The Minister, however, was keenly aware of this, focusing his magic in order to sense her movements and her increasing proximity to him. The energy and life essence of a Shiekah was difficult to sense, but Veran had strengthened his abilities...he needed to be prepared. The Minister weaved through the crowd, drawing a few looks from those who recognized him but for the most part he was able to keep a low profile, gritting his teeth as Impa continued to take every twist and turn right after him...when suddenly she stopped. The Minister wanted to look, find out what had drawn her attention, but he couldn't afford to lose this opportunity.
Impa came to a halt as she spotted a familiar face among the crowd, cursing as she turned back to the crowd, finding she had lost Blackmoore during the momentary pause. "Damn you." she growled as she looked back over at Captain Eldrin, the man milling about with a small group of Lake Hylia Township Guards at his back.
"Captain, incoming." Carac said as he gestured over at Impa.
The Captain grinned as he set his eyes on Impa, raising a hand in greeting as he made to greet her. "Impa! Good eveni-" he began.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Impa shot.
"Well...good evening to you too." the Captain replied.
"Answer the question." Impa said as she narrowed her eyes.
"Listen." Eldrin said in a lower tone, looking over at the Soldiers and nodding, the men fanning out. "I have reason to believe Link is here, right now."
Impa's eyes opened wide as she began glancing around in a somewhat frantic manner. "Right now?" she responded.
"That's what I said." the Captain answered.
"How could you have lost track of him? Things are not yet in place." Impa hissed.
"I may have declared my intentions to start him on his journey too early." the Captain replied.
"How so?" Impa pressed as she crossed her arms.
"He had yet to regain his memories and I told him of my intentions of bringing him to Castle Town to train him properly...if I had just waited then he would have followed of his own volition." Eldrin said.
"Zelda has yet to regain her memories...and tonight her betrothed will be joining her at the ball." Impa responded.
"Her betrothed?" Eldrin asked nervously.
"Sir Jakob of House Lirien." Impa replied. "He's been named King Gustaf's hand and is leading the war effort."
"The war effort...I almost forgot. What madness has gripped the lot of you?" Captain Eldrin spat.
"Ganondorf has put plan in motion to start a war between Hyrule and Termina...and he's been quite successful, I've tried to stall things but the King is set on this." Impa replied.
"How did this happen?" Eldrin asked as he placed a hand on his head.
"Ah, I had no idea the two of you were acquainted." a voice called.
"Captain Yotin, I thought you were leading a force to the border." Impa said as she turned to face him.
"The King has requested my presence...and returning for the ball is just a bonus of sorts." Yotin said before turning to face Eldrin. "It's good to see you again Captain, I didn't expect you to be here."
"What can I say? I wasn't planning on being here either at first." Eldrin said.
"Find that boy you're searching for?" Yotin asked.
"Not yet, but we're not giving up." Eldrin answered.
"Are you...expecting him here?" Captain Yotin asked, taking a more serious tone.
"Yes we were and I'm taking care of it myself, so no need to worry." Impa said.
"I am the Captain of Castle Town Guard, of course I should-" Yotin began.
"I will take care of this." Impa growled as she headed back towards the center of the room.
"I should go with her." Eldrin said with a shrug as he headed after Impa.
"Coming into my city and taking charge...ridiculous." Yotin said as he made his way back towards the main entrance.
oOo
Viktor slowly awoke to the sound of the lock being rattled frantically, the boy slowly lifting himself up out of bed and looking at the door quizzically.
Suddenly Zinnia burst into the room, bracing her arms against the frame, her fingers trembling against it.
Viktor shot to his feet as Dahlian bolted upright before falling out of bed, both boys looking over at Zinnia as her eyes flicked between them.
"Missing something?!" the girl shouted.
Dahlian and Viktor exchanged glances before looking around, Dahlian standing up and nodding. "Link appears to have gone to get dinner or maybe he's gone on a walk, I don't know."
"I went to get dinner...a vendor outside informed me a boy had leapt from your window and ran off...Link left and you didn't even notice?"
"Well, clearly we were asleep." Dahlian responded.
"...I...I realized." Zinnia said.
"We didn't oversleep, did we?" Viktor asked.
"No, things are just starting." Zinnia replied.
"Then there we go, Link just decided to leave early...probably couldn't wait." Dahlian said dismissively.
"None of you are worried about this?" Zinnia asked incredulously.
"Link has proven he can handle himself." Viktor muttered as he pulled a jacket on.
"He's our friend and neither of you seem to care about how he's changed and the way he's acting." Zinnia argued.
"Well, it's a possibility that after our encounter in the forest with that...thing...he may be taking life more seriously." Dahlian answered as he looked out the window, hearing the revelry in the distance. "My, we are out of the way aren't we?"
"Yes, which is exactly why we should get going now! We slept all day and we have no idea how far ahead Link is." Zinnia urged.
"What are you so afraid of?" Viktor asked.
"Just that...he might do something stupid." she answered.
oOo
Link strode through the crowds, Osfala right beside him, the two managing to evade the Guards that patrolled the floor.
"You seem to be garnering some attention." Osfala commented.
Link glanced over at a group of young women, obviously the high-born daughters of Nobles, the group giggling and quickly looking away as he made eye contact. Over the course of his many lives he had become well aware that he possessed features that were considered quite stunning and yet he never let it get to his head...too much.
"Don't be jealous, friend." Link said with a smirk.
"I'm not jealous, I'm just worried that the attention your receiving will in turn attract the kind of attention we don't want. In the worst case, we could be apprehended for murdering my mentor." Osfala said.
"True." Link acquiesced as he tried to keep his head down. "Goddesses, she's the damned Princess of Hyrule, how hard can she be to find?"
"Just look for a massive circle of Guards, I suppose." Osfala suggested.
The two proceeded through the crowd in silence, every now and again having to shoulder past a Noble who couldn't be bothered to be aware of his surroundings.
"There's something." Osfala said, gesturing over towards a large gathering of people in the center of the room.
Link swiftly looked over to where Osfala was waving, seeing the unmistakeable flash of light blonde hair and only for a moment, catching a glimpse of her eyes, so blue one would swear they glowed.
"Well, let's not keep her waiting." Link said as he proceeded forward, Osfala following him.
Behind them Thalmont peered out from behind a pillar, pulling out a Seer's Stone as he ducked into a corridor. The Minister raised the stone to his mouth before whispering an incantation in old Hylian, the stone lighting up a dim blue. "He's here."
oOo
Zelda smiled as she spoke with the many Nobles around her, the King speaking enthusiastically to the other Lords and Ladies that hung on every word he said while Queen Lysandra stood next to him.
"So, I hear Termina has quite a few valuable artifacts hidden amongst it's lands." Lord Ashcroft said with an amused tone.
"We'll take them as reparations." the King said with a short laugh.
"We can raise our glasses to that. Lady Lywater said before taking on a mock concerned tone. "And you're sure it's Termina's work and not that of the Demon King?" she asked, the circle going quite before breaking out in laughter.
"Ah yes, and next thing you now a Demonically possessed mask with force itself onto someones face and bring the apocalypse." Jakob retorted.
Zelda scowled for a moment, the expression disappearing as confusion flowed over her, she had felt...insulted...yet she didn't know why.
"These Hero's Tales." Lord Ashcroft began. "I hear your Minister of Religion actually believes in them."
"It's nothing to worry about, he has little say in anything that doesn't involve the church." King Gustaf answered.
"For all we know, they could be true." Zelda said, all eyes falling on her. "We were not there and magic is very prevalent in our society...besides, the mythical Zelda's are my namesake."
Jakob began to laugh immediately, placing a hand on the Princess' shoulder. "She jests of course."
"I was about to caution you not to be so childish." the King said with a forced laugh and a warning glare.
Zelda tried to hide her annoyance before glancing over at her mother, the Queen quickly breaking off eye contact.
"As you all know, I've made Jakob my hand and Minister of War." the King said.
"Ah yes, how's that Shiekah taking it, she is the Minister of Defense, is she not?" Lady Lywater asked.
"Sounds like the same job to me." Lord Ashcroft commented.
"She still has her responsibilities...Jakob's decisions simply override hers." the King replied.
"I don't mean to eavesdrop, but this conversation doesn't sound like it's complete without the Minister of Royal affairs." a voice called.
Zelda, Lady Lywater and Lord Ashcroft tensed as Jakob and the King rolled their eyes, only the Queen appearing glad to see the newcomer.
"Lord Blackmoore!" she called.
"My Queen." the Minister answered before turning towards Gustaf. "My King, please pardon my intrusion."
"What do you have for us, Blackmoore?" the King asked.
"Wait, Lord Blackmoore? Of House Balckmoore?" Lord Ashcroft asked.
"Indeed, I don't think we've been acquainted." the Minister answered.
Lord Ashcroft shook the Minister's hand before leaning in. "I heard your family ruled Hyrule at one point."
Zelda's eyes widened in curiosity before looking at her father, the King having a disgruntled look on his face.
"Once, but that was ancient history...my house is back to serving the crown and we are happy with our station in life." Blackmoore said, hiding his displeasure in his family's past being dredged up.
"I must hear more about this." Jakob pressed.
"It's history that's best left forgotten." the King growled, causing Jakob to go quiet.
Minister Blackmoore nodded before turning towards the King. "I thought I'd let you know...I at first didn't believe this to be the time or place but since you were all talking about the conflict with Termina I saw it prudent to mention that I spoke with Thalmont and...well...the Mayor of Clock Town denied our terms and claimed his country is innocent."
"Hm, of course he did." Jakob said.
"What if they are innocent?" Zelda asked, the whole group turning to her. "What if someone is just...pretending to be Termina when they attack us?"
"Termina has much reason to want what we have, most of their country is a Goddess-forsaken desert." the Queen said.
"Indeed, don't be daft, Zelda, thoughts like those are the death of rulers." King Gustaf said.
"Not to worry, I'm here to guide her in the right direction." Jakob said as he placed a hand on Zelda's shoulder.
The Princess finally felt as if she were going to boil over, her mother may be content with standing at her father's side, staying quiet and still like a wax figurine, but she was not, she would rule this country someday. "Why do you never take me seriously?" she growled.
"Zelda...I..." Jakob began.
"You think I'm some naive little girl but that's not true...I...I've studied Hyrule's history, I'm familiar with strategies involved in war and I'm far more well-read than almost anyone in the land." she responded, quickly looking around the circle, Lord Ashcroft, Lady Lywater and Minister Blackmoore all averting their eyes, trying not to get singled out.
"Zelda..." the Queen said, trying to calm her daughter.
Blackmoore was suddenly struck by the opportunity, no one was watching him, no one would notice. He glanced down at the table next to him, looking over an assortment of drinks, easily being able to tell which was Zelda's, she always did have a preference for rose wine. He nimbly took the vial out of his pocket with one hand before looking up one last time to check if anyone was watching and quickly pouring it into the drink, the wine becoming a deep red for a moment before returning to it's pink coloration.
"You shan't speak to me like that." the King growled.
"I wasn't speaking to you, father." Zelda said before glancing at Jakob.
"Zelda, my beloved, I was only trying to put your worries at ease." the Knight said.
"By dismissing them as the silly ramblings of a child?" the Princess asked.
"Zelda, please, calm yourself." the Queen said.
"I need to get some air." Zelda said, whirling around to find herself face to face with him. "It's...it's you." she said under her breath. The man from her dreams stood directly in front of her, looking in every way as he did in what she, up until now, only believed to be fantasies.
"Zelda." Link said, quietly before reaching out for her.
Jakob darted in, violently grabbing the Hero's wrist and jerking his arm away. "Who in the hell are you?" he growled.
"Who are you?" Link retorted.
"She is your Princess and you would address her as such, only I, the King and Queen are able to call her by only her first name! Now! Who are you?!" Jakob asked.
"I feel like this is all a misunderstanding." Osfala said, going quiet as Jakob's glare settled on him.
"Answer his question, boy! I want to know the name of the man who may lose his hand for trying to touch my daughter." the King boomed, Queen Lysandra looking horrified behind him.
"No." Zelda said finally.
"Zelda, my love, it's okay now." Jakob said.
"My love?!" Link exclaimed, craning his neck to look at Zelda.
"Yes, she is my betrothed...what does it matter to you?" Jakob asked as he let go of Link's wrist.
"Zelda...don't you remember me?" Link asked.
"I...well...I...you..." she stammered, looking around frantically as all eyes settled on her, other groups of Nobles and Courtiers stopping what they were doing to watch.
"Zelda, do you know this man?" the Queen asked.
"You've made quite the mistake, boy." Minister Blackmoore said.
Link looked over at the man, his eyes locking on the coat-of-arms embroidered into his tunic. "You're a Blackmoore." he said.
"What of it?" the Minister replied.
"Your family would know quite a bit about mistakes." the Hero quipped before being brought back to attention by a shove from the man before him.
"You're dangerously close to losing a whole lot more than your hand." Jakob growled.
"Zelda...you must not have remembered yet...but you still have seen me in your dreams, have you not?" Link called.
"You dare suggest she dream of you?!" Jakob roared before planting a fist directly into Link's nose, the Hero grunting and stumbling back a step before looking back up to meet Jakob's gaze. "What madness is this?" Jakob breathed.
Zelda looked around frantically, everyone was expecting her to say something and the situation was getting out of hand fast. She quickly reached down and picked up her drink, looking at it for a moment before taking a gulp and glancing up at the Hero.
"I've had enough, take him to the dungeons." the King shouted to a couple of nearby Guards before shifting his gaze to Osfala. "And his friend too."
"Wait!" Impa shouted as she broke through the crowd, Captain Eldrin and his men at her back. "I know him, please, this has already gone far enough.
"Hm, are you sure you really want to claim this degenerate?" Jakob hissed.
"It would seem so." Blackmoore said, barely being able to contain his excitement, Zelda had taken the poison, he was succesful.
"Please, King Gustaf, your grace...he's one of my Soldiers...he's prone to delusions...if you would just allow me to take him-" Eldrin began.
"I think not! First he disrespects my daughter, then he attempts to touch her and next he disrespects one of my Ministers and my Hand! The only place he's being taken to is a cell." the King spat.
"Father." Zelda cut in.
"Just a moment, I must deal with these two." the King said, looking over at Impa and Eldrin.
"My King, look!" Lady Lywater shouted.
"Huh?!" the King exclaimed as he turned to find Zelda stumbling backwards before falling to her knees, her skin turning white, lips purple and her eyes bloodshot as she collapsed, blood beginning to pour from her nose and mouth.
"Somebody do something!" the Queen screamed as the onlookers were thrown into a frenzy.
"Zelda! No! Please, please, please, no." Jakob said as he fell to his knees next to her.
"Healers! We need healers!" the King shouted.
Link, all but forgotten, darted forward, shoving past Jakob and kneeling next to Zelda.
"Get away from her!" the King shouted as he started at Link.
The Hero ignored him, shutting out his surroundings as he reached out with the Triforce of Courage, a golden glow coming to life on the back of his hand. The King stopped, watching in amazement as the glow became blinding. Link reached out and took Zelda's limp hand, the golden light entering her body and spreading, her Triforce of Wisdom reacting to it and beginning to glow brilliantly.
"Find your strength." Link whispered as both Triforces filled the hall with a divine golden light before fading out, leaving all the onlookers, the King, Queen and Jakob included, stunned.
"Z...Zelda?" Jakob stammered.
The Princess' breathing stabilized as the color returned to her face, her lips going from purple back to their normal coloration while she remained unconscious.
"What did you do to her?" Jakob asked aggressively.
"Jakob, that's enough." the King said.
"But this whole thing...I'd wager it was all his doing just so he could make his way in and save her!" the Knight called.
"You should be thanking him, Jakob." the King said as he strode over to Link. "I don't know who you are, but it seems I am now in your debt for saving my daughter, Sorcerer."
"Oh, I'm afraid I'm not a Sorcerer, that's more him." Link said as he pointed back at Osfala.
"And yet you're the one who saved my daughter." the King said. "Tell me, what can I do for you?"
"Well...I may have some magical ability." Link fibbed before looking over at Zelda, a rage beginning to burn inside him as he saw this Jakob holding onto Zelda's hand as healers tended to her. "I want to serve you, please, allow me to fight for you." Link said. If nothing else, the crown's resources would give him greater ability to find Ganondorf and put an end to him, hopefully for good.
"A Knighthood, then?" the King asked.
"Knighthood? You can't be serious!" Jakob called out. "Look at him, he's dressed in a tunic from what looks like a century ago...he's obviously some farmboy who was just here at the right time!"
"After all that I'm not sure how you can think that." Lord Ashcroft said.
"Too handsome to be a farmhand." Lady Lywater added.
"One more outburst and I may have to rethink your assignment as my hand, Jakob!" the King called back, the Knight breathing in sharply before going silent, a scowl affixed to his face.
"I would gladly accept...but I have one more thing to ask you, your grace." Link said.
"Don't try your luck, boy." Gustaf cautioned.
"If I am to serve you, I would like to bring my friend Osfala here, he's a talented Sorcerer and has always been loyal." Link said.
"So be it." the King agreed. "What is your family name?"
Link looked around for a moment, looking over at Captain Eldrin who simply shrugged.
"I do not have one, my King." Link answered.
"Very well, I shall christen you myself." the King said as he drew his sword, hovering it above Link as the boy knelt. Gustaf placed his sword on Link's shoulder, locking eyes with the boy as he began to speak. "I, King Gustaf Nohansen Hyrule, first of my name and protector of Hyrule, charge you with protecting our land and our people from the those who would threaten them, I knight thee, Sir Link the Unnamed. Now rise, and claim your spot amongst the Royal order."
Link stood as the assembled Nobles, Courtiers, Guards and such applauded him. The Hero turned to face Osfala when suddenly the King grabbed his shoulder and turned him back around.
"Because you saved my daughter's life I'm going to forget the transgression you committed beforehand, I could see from her reaction that somehow you two have somehow become acquainted, but from here on out, whatever your intentions are for the Princess, forget them."Gustaf said.
Link hesitated for a moment, knowing he could not possibly keep such a promise, but knowing that Zelda's memories would soon awaken, it may not have to be something he'd be worrying about much longer. "Of course, I apologize for what I've done and I promise to I hold no intentions towards the Princess." Link answered.
"Good." the King said as he clapped Link on the shoulder. "Impa will take care of you from here on out, in the morning you will be reporting to Sir Jakob of House Lirien...I know you two got off to a rocky start, but do try to maintain a civil relationship...as of now I must convene my council and decide how to go about investigating what happened to my daughter...you can and should get some rest, I have no orders for you just yet." the King said as he departed.
Jakob walked over to Link, looking at him with nothing less than murderous intent. "Your under my command now, so watch each and every step you make or even the Goddesses won't be able to help you...you may be a Knight now, but you're not part of the King's inner circle and whatever you think is going on between you and Zelda, forget about it...or you won't be returning from our next engagement." the Knight growled before heading off towards the council chamber. Link merely brushed him off as he started forward, slowing as he saw Minister Blackmoore staring at him, the two making eye contact just as the Minister disappeared around the corner.
"Well that was exciting." Osfala said. "You went from breaking into a ball to becoming a Knight, that was quite the turnaround."
"If only word of the Hero was alive and well, that would make your job much easier." Impa said as she approached them.
"You know?" Link asked.
"The Sheikah are the keepers of Hyrule's history, of courseI know." Impa said with a laugh. "If you ever need any help, come to me first."
"I hate to make this about myself, but what of me?" Osfala asked.
"Tonight you'll share quarters with Link, tomorrow morning you'll be taken to study under Minister Trond Svelheim, the crown's Master of Sorcery." Impa said before nodding at the two. "The Guards will show you to your quarters whenever you're ready, I have a Council session to get to."
"She looks exactly like the original." Link said.
"The original who?" Osfala asked.
"The original Impa." the Hero responded.
"If it's all the same to you, I think I'm ready to call it a night." Osfala said.
Link looked out over the hall as people filed out, only a few Courtiers still ambling about.
"You there!" a man called.
Link and Osfala turned to find one of the Nobles from earlier walking over to them, raising a hand in greeting. "Seeing as the ball seems to have come to an unfortunate end, I thought there'd be no better time to introduce myself."
"I saw you earlier, you were one of the Nobles standing around the Royal family." Link said.
"Indeed, my name is Ronas Ashcroft, and you seem like a man I should get to know." the Noble said with grin. "If you ever need anything around Castle Town, look me up!" the man called as he made his way towards the exit.
"You're certainly making a name for yourself." Osfala commented.
"Yeah, tends to happen." Link replied as he swept his eyes over the room, "Wait...where's Eldrin?"
oOo
Bastion climbed atop the Forest Temple, carefully examining the sword of the Sages to see if it had been dislodged or the spells broken. Upon learning of Blackmoore's near success being turned to failure by the Hero, Ganondorf had nearly shaken the entire temple to pieces with only a howl of rage, showing a power the warrior had grown weary of.
"How does it look?" Veran asked.
"The sword is slightly off center but it's still doing what it's supposed to." Bastion replied.
"Trying to plunge the land into eternal night, it's a lofty goal, even for him." the Sorceress said.
"Come up to escape from Koume and Kotake?" Bastion asked.
"Even with how insufferable the two of them can be, no, I just still needed to see this for myself." Veran replied.
"The sword?" Bastion asked.
"No." the Dark Fairy said as she cast her eyes out over the landsape. "The forest."
Bastion let down his guard as the tone in her voice was a seldom heard sad and sincere one. "I suppose the view is nice...with the moonlight and such."
"I was born in this forest." Veran began, glancing over at Bastion. "I was a lesser fairy, a Forest Sprite, risen from left over creation energy within the trees themselves...we were a peaceful race." Bastion sat up, his interest piqued. "We lead good and simple lives...giving rise to new life and caring for the Forest and it's creatures...until humans came, razing our forest and killing the plants and animals, desecrating their remains in the name of their civilization...I couldn't bear it and I left my sisters...I used my powers to begin killing the humans, putting and end to their destruction and saving my home and the life within it...but for this my Sisters turned on me...so I fled...far away...even in death I swore I'd return and finish the job...and when I was pulled from the Dark World and given a new life after my defeat at the Hero's hands, I swore it would be different."
"It will be, Master Ganondorf will bring the humans to their knees, they will know fear." Bastion said.
"Do you not consider yourself one of them?" Veran asked.
"Part of me is, but the other part was created from the Master himself, I am, in a manner of speaking, half-demon." Bastion answered.
"Some times I think we're the only sane ones, Bastion." Veran said as she grew nearer. "Have you considered my offer?"
"I need more time." Bastion replied.
"The fact you haven't told Ganondorf means you're at least entertaining it." Veran said.
"Be patient, you'll have your answer soon enough." Bastion answered.
"We may be running out of time." Veran urged him.
Bastion sighed as he looked back at Veran, locking his gaze with hers. "He created me, I wouldn't be here if it weren't for him."
"Yet he grows more unstable by the day, how long will it be until he turns on us?" Veran asked.
Bastion looked off into the night sky, wind blowing around him. He knew Veran was right, but he was born to serve Ganondorf, though his Master held him back from many tasks he knew he could accomplish. "I'll decide by the time we find the last shard of the Mirror of Twilight."
"That could be sooner than you think." Veran responded.
"I'm counting on it. Bastion answered.
oOo
"Master! Are you sure about this?" Koume asked.
"You said yourself, you didn't want to see the Bulblin Emperor just yet.
Ganondorf ignored the witches, looking upon the vision he had conjured in front of them, showing a village burning as bodies lay strewn about. "I allocated resources for them, made sure they had what they needed and still, they risk exposing us...the beasts aren't ready for battle...not yet." Ganondorf said as he stood in front of them, clad in his gold and black armor, holding his helm.
"Are you sure you aren't just angry about Blackmoore's failure, my Lord?" Veran asked as she entered the room, Bastion beside her.
"Veran, nice of you to join us." Ganondorf said as he summoned his blade into his right hand. "I will deal with Blackmoore, but for now, the beasts need to be taught obedience." the Demon King said before warping away.
oOo
Minister Blackmore sat in his chambers, head hung over his desk as only a single candle lit the room. He had spent the last hour ignoring the incessant knocking of Thalmont, the man obviously desiring to chide him for his failure. Blackmoore pounded a fist on the table, how was he supposed to know the Hero had that ability...he prayed Ganondorf didn't hold this against him...or would at least be merciful.
The Minister rose from his desk, walking over to the nightstand on the lefthand side of his bed and pulling the drawer out, within was a book that, despite it's age, was relatively well-preserved. Blackmoore ran his hand over the blank, black leather cover before opening it, thumbing through it until he found his ancestor, Brydon Blackmoore, the text underneath reading "The Lineage of House Blackmoore-King Brydon Blackmoore-First of His name".
"We will rule again." Blackmoore whispered.
oOo
Captain Eldrin made his way down a narrow alleyway, his job had been completed, Link was where he needed to be and things were falling into place, just not as nicely as he had hoped. Nonetheless, it was time for him to return home, he had alright sent Carac and the other men back to their lodgings so they could prepare for the return trip.
The Captain began to hum a tune when suddenly a sword flew past him and embedded itself in the wooden wall of the nearest building, the Captain jumping before drawing his spear.
"Who threatens me?!" he called, receiving no answer. "I'll have you know I'm a Captain of the Provincial Guard!"
"I know." a voice responded.
Eldrin whirled around to find Link standing behind him, a serious expression adorning his face.
"We need to talk." the Hero said as he stepped out of the shadows.
oOo
And that wraps up chapter six! Sorry for the wait, life has been busy recently but things are starting to calm down!
James Birdsong: Thank you for your kind words and the review! I'm glad you've enjoyed the story thus far!
AzHasANewName1: That was genuinely just some oversight on my part, thank you for letting me know so I could fix it! I'm glad you're enjoying the story!
Enderslash02: I'm glad you like Jakob! I couldn't resist the idea of putting in a rival for Link! I hope you enjoyed their meeting! Thank you for the review!
GerudoSpirit: I'm glad you liked the idea of Link using storage, I thought it would really save him a lot of trouble if he just stored his items until his next incarnation. I hope you enjoyed the meeting between Link and Zelda! I admit Zelda didn't do much, but that will change! It makes me happy that I was able to convey the crisis of sorts Ganondorf is going through, his subordinates just think he's losing his mind but he's actually just insecure about his own mortality, I guess you could call it sympathy for the devil! Anyway, thank you for you encouragement and your review! I'm glad you're enjoying the prequel!
Generala: I am so sorry to keep you waiting for so long! I'm hoping that the meeting was all you hoped it would be! I spent a lot of time trying to perfect things! I'm glad you caught on to where I was going with Jakob, he's not a bad guy exactly, but he has a way of patronizing Zelda and speaking down to her, while he cares about her he still somewhat sees her as a naive girl and never could respect her like Link can. Thank you for the review! I hope you enjoyed the chapter!
Queen Emily the Diligent: I was very happy to see your review on "The World at War" and even more so when I saw you review this story as well! Thank you so much for your encouragement and kind words! I'm very glad you're enjoying my writing and hope you continue to enjoy this story! Thank you for the review!
Also, a thank you to all of those that hit follow and favorite on this fiction and myself! You are all great!
Another quick announcement, I've begun developing another story in this series that takes place long before this story and even before the events of 'Ocarina of Time'. It will detail the story of the Link and Zelda's first meeting with the House Blackmoore and how they became the rulers of Hyrule for a period of time instead of House Hyrule.
Anyway! Thank you all for reading! I hope you enjoyed the chapter!
-Prometheus17