LOVE IN A TIME OF CALAMITY
Part 2: After Catastrophe
Chapter 9: The Royal Council
Find a place to plop your rear, this is a big one! Author's note at bottom, per usual.
Warnings: minor blood/gore, sexism/racism/general dickishness
The swish of her skirts and the tapping of her footsteps filled the hall in tandem with the heavy footfalls of Link's boots as he trailed behind her. With difficulty she kept her thoughts buried in the procedure Impa had reviewed with her that morning in an attempt to keep her mind off of her anxiety.
It was all together too soon before Zelda found herself standing in front of the large wooden double-doors leading to the chamber.
Two guards stood stiffly on either side of the doorway, royal halberds in hand as they acknowledged her presence with the merest darting of eyes. Link stood patiently in wait behind her as she stared down the doors, mustering her courage. This was it—time to be the leader she was born and raised to be. Taking a deep, calming breath, she placed her hands on the wood and pushed.
The council room was a massive, circular chamber with a domed ceiling and large round table occupying its center. Floor-to-ceiling windows broke up the wall on the far side of the room, bathing it in bright afternoon sunlight. A topographical map was set within the center of the table, divided by region, and seventeen plush wooden chairs were tucked around the circumference. They were divided into four uneven clusters: Four chairs for representatives of the nobility, seven for the representatives of each Hylian-controlled territory, four for the representatives of each of the other races, and two for the royal family decorated in red and gold—one for the reigning monarch, and the other for the Sheikah representative and council leader. The largest and most ornate velvet-cushioned chair ordinarily belonged to her father; but today, it was to be hers.
The council members were gathered in several small groups throughout the room, heads bent in discussion. Polite chatter echoed off the walls as she entered, scanning the room nervously for Impa. She recognized several faces: Muava, the elderly Gerudo representative and friend of Urbosa's; Councilor Rhoda Kasper, a willowy but strong-spirited middle-aged woman whom Zelda had known as a child; Penn of the house of Sylvan, one of the more unpleasant nobleman. After another sweep of the room she finally spotted the Sheikah in conversation with the Central Hyrule regional councilor, a sprightly middle-aged man named Winton, near the far window.
Her approaching footsteps caught Impa's attention before she reached the pair, and she raised her head greeting Zelda with a smile.
"Ah, Princess. Welcome!"
Zelda smiled in response, back straight, head held high, hands folded delicately over the journal she held before her. Despite her nerves she was determined to live up to her title.
"Thank you. If all councilors are present, shall we proceed?" she responded politely.
Impa nodded, then stepped away from her companion to stand behind her chair at the table, Zelda following to stand behind her own. The chatter began to die down as several other councilors became aware of the Princess' presence. She could feel all eyes in the room boring into her; some held awe, others sized her up. She felt her palms begin to sweat. She clutched the journal tighter.
Impa spoke loudly, voice echoing off the chamber walls and drawing the attention of all present.
"Will everyone please take your seats? We are ready to begin."
Zelda walked around the royal chair, tucking her skirts under her as she sat upon the cushioned velvet and placed her journal on the polished wood table, opening it to the first page. Link moved to stand several paces behind her seat, arms clasped before him and legs shoulder-width apart. The Master Sword gleamed on his back, occasionally drawing eyes from around the room.
It was a surreal experience taking the head seat—`the seat she remembered her father occupying when, as a young girl, she sat upon his lap during council meetings. Usually she was permitted only during holiday or festival planing meetings. The Necluda Harvest Festival had always been her favorite. She would sit with him, arms resting on the table top as she occasionally voiced suggestions. One year she had suggested theming the celebration around pumpkins, a suggestion heartily supported by the councilor for Necluda who owned several acres of pumpkin fields. And now, here she was, taking not only his seat, but his role as ruler of Hyrule. It as as though he really were dead. Beneath the table, her hands clenched tightly as she struggled to push away the painful thought.
It was several minutes before the rest of the council members were seated and Impa began. Standing up from her seat, she let her eyes roam those seated around the table with solemnity before speaking.
"Thank you all for making it to today's emergency council meeting. As many of you have already learned, some by personal experience and others by virtue of your travels here, Hyrule has suffered greatly as a result of the Calamity. Even here in this council, we have suffered. Though they fought bravely, Champions of the Rito and Zora, Revali and Mipha, were lost to us. I would like to start this meeting by taking a moment of silence to honor the dead."
A heavy silence followed her words as all those at the table bowed their head. As Zelda lowered hers, her eyes lingered on the seats of the Rito and Zora delegates, their expressions just a bit more mournful than the rest. She felt a knot form in her throat, and took the opportunity to hide her face fully as she reigned in her emotions. Squeezing her eyes tight, she forcefully shoved the feelings into the furthest recesses of her heart. She could deal with it later. Right now, she needed to focus. She had more pressing matter to deal with than her own broken heart—like the broken lives of thousands of her subjects.
After several moments, Impa's voice interrupted the silence. "May their souls rest in peace." A chorus of voices echoed her statement.
Impa nodded her head before returning to her seat. "Thank you all."
Zelda took a deep breath, feeling somewhat more in control as she slowly raised her head.
"I would like to cut straight to the most pressing issue. You have all doubtless heard the rumors flying, and some of you have seen for yourself. However, I would like to set the record straight for any who have received misinformation. Please remember that this information is highly privileged and not to be shared."
"During the Calamity, the King was in the upper levels of the castle when Ganon appeared and attacked. The ceiling collapsed, killing one of his guards and causing the king serious injury, including several broken bones and a severe blow to the head. After Ganon was sealed and the wounded gathered, King Dorephan was kind enough to send us his best healers who immediately tended to the King along with our own healers and physicians. I will hand the floor to Councilor Ordon who oversaw the healers efforts, to further explain the King's condition."
Zelda could feel her muscles tense. She knew this was coming, but was hardly looking forward to it. The Zora representative stood from his seat as Impa sat in hers, pointed teeth prominent as he spoke. His expression was kindly despite the somber news he conveyed.
"Thank you, Impa." He then turned to the rest of the council, hands gesticulating with his words, "The healers were able to mend the King's physical wounds with little difficulty, and he is expected to make a full recovery from those physical injuries. However, the blow to the head has rendered him comatose." At this news, shocked murmurs broke out around the room, but the councilor ignored them, continuing on, speaking a little louder over the low rumble of hushed whispers. "We have tried many of our most reliable methods to aid in his recovery, but healing the brain is not like healing the body—it is far more complex, and less is known of those complexities. We do not know if or when he will ever wake, but believe it is of a reasonable possibility at this point; however, it could be days, weeks, or months before he wakes, and it is unknown what condition his mind will be in if or when he does."
The table was silent. As the moment stretched on, several councilors turned to look at her with pity, but she scarcely noticed; she was too wrapped up in her own thoughts. Hearing it all presented before the council… it suddenly felt so horribly, painfully, inescapably real.
Ordon took his seat as Impa once again rose from hers, eying the councilors with an appraising look, "I feel it is too early to make any serious considerations regarding the King until some time has passed and it becomes clear how his condition will progress; besides which, our healers and physicians still have many more remedies they wish to try."
"The Princess is now of age, and as law dictates, in the event the reigning monarch becomes unfit to rule due to injury, illness or other temporary impairment, the next-in-line for the throne shall rule in their stead as Regent until such time as the reigning monarch regains their ability to competently rule."
"However—given the fragile nature of the kingdom at present, I feel it wise to keep this official change in leadership from the public for the time being. Relations with our neighboring Kingdoms have been sorely neglected over the past decade, and I believe it is in our best interests not to so readily display our weakened state. As far as the people know, the king is indisposed pending recovery from modest, unspecified maladies, and the princess is stepping in to assist. Until the kingdom has achieved a modicum of stability, we need not advertise Hyrule's condition. Are there any objections?"
A smattering of murmurs circulated the table and a few shook their heads, but none raised objection. Impa nodded, satisfied, then turned to her.
"Princess, on behalf of this council I invoke statute 10.3 of the laws of succession, requesting you take up the title and responsibilities of Regent until such time as the King is fit to rule. Do you accept this role, and pledge to fulfill its duties to the best of your ability?"
Zelda could feel knots in her stomach, but kept a level head. It helped that Impa had prepared her ahead of time. Keeping her expression neutral, she nodded, "I do."
"Thank you, Princess," She said, then turned, addressing the council at large, "Now that our most pressing matter is dealt with, we can begin discussing damages and recovery efforts."
Zelda momentarily tuned out the conversation which followed as her thoughts grew increasingly fretful. That was it—she was now the ruler of the Kingdom of Hyrule. She felt… well, she didn't really feel any differently; but that familiar weight of expectation which she'd so recently shed with the defeat of Ganon settled back down heavily upon her shoulders.
Catching herself straying, she returned her attention to the meeting. It seemed she'd missed Impa opening a discussion on military matters.
"…need a new General to rally the remaining soldiers and knights, and begin rebuilding the military. I would like to open the floor to discussion." Impa finalized, then sat down.
A salt-and-pepper haired man of late middle-age with a large barrel chest cleared his throat imperiously, his bushy grey mustache rustling as he spoke with haughty superiority. He was one of the more old-fashioned noblemen, of the group of Nobles Zelda personally felt were better left to the annals of history: Coren Lynnhurst, head of the house of Lynnhurst.
"I would like to nominate my son, Freder, as the new General of the Hyrulean military. He is a born leader with extensive combat training and powerful connections across Hyrule—he will bring our military to its former glory, and perhaps even beyond."
His bold declaration was met with silence before the raspy voice of the Northern Hyrule councilor, Alana Wilder, spoke up in support. "That is not a bad suggestion."
A snort of derision echoed through the quiet chamber from the Central Hyrule councilor, Winton Brolly, who eyed Coren mockingly.
"Freder hasn't spent a day undergoing the rigors of military life, and he couldn't hope to hold his own in battlefield combat—or do you think his 'noble blood' is going to ward off an enemy's death blow?"
Coren's mustache twitched in agitation as he fired back a response, Alana's support seemingly forgotten as his brows drew forward in contempt, "Freder has years of weapons training and has more than proved himself in one-on-one combat. He is a born leader, and his connections with nobility here in Hyrule and in bordering Kingdoms—"
Another voice, this one a woman's, cut off his retort with similar dismissal, "Winton is right, Coren, and you know it. Freder is under-qualified; this isn't the first time we have had this discussion." The speaker was Rhoda Kasper, regional representative of the Akala region. She'd been on the council a long time, and, Zelda knew, was well-loved by her constituents. "We've lost over half the military, and almost all of our commanding officers. We need someone with extensive combat experience on and off the battlefield, with an understanding of military needs and military life, who is also a competent leader. It is a tall order, and Freder is not up to the task."
Though familiar with Rhoda and acquainted with Winton, there were many on the council she was not overly-familiar with—such as Coren, and some she'd never met before today. As conversation unfolded, she took a moment to jot down notes into her notebook.
"Coren Lynnhurst - representative of the House of Lynnhurst: Old-fashioned and close-minded; arrogant. Intent on advancing family power through his position on the council."
"Winton Brolly - representative for Central Hyrule: boisterous and bold, a man of the people. At odds with Coren Lynnhurst; a potential ally in opposition to the old-guard nobles."
She returned her attention to the table to see Coren looking ready to have a fit. However, Winton spoke before Coren had the chance, grinning as he directed his gaze over Zelda's shoulder.
"Rhoda is right, it is a tall order to find someone who possesses all of those traits, and it will not be just anyone who can accomplish this monumental task," He glanced around the table ensuring he had the entire council's attention before continuing, "But the answer is literally staring us all in the face at this very moment. I nominate Master Link," he then gestured behind her, "as General of the Hyrulean military. We all know his history. If he can defeat Calamity Ganon, I'm sure he can build one hell of an army."
Murmurs broke out across the table as many of the councilors turned their heads to look at Link standing behind her. She herself felt a great deal of surprise. Turning slightly in her chair, Zelda stole a glance over her shoulder. He stood, face impassive and gaze fixed on a distant point ahead of him, seemingly unfazed by the turn in conversation.
Link as General of the Hyrulean military! He would be the youngest General in recorded history if the council were to appoint him. It was certainly a tremendous opportunity… she would be happy to see him receive such an honor, and she couldn't think of anyone better suited to the job. But if he were General, he could no longer be her appointed knight… She felt a surprising amount of dejection at the thought.
Ember Payli, a young, tanned, dark haired man—regional councilor of the Faron territory in southern Hyrule if she remembered correctly from her briefing with Impa that morning—spoke above the chatter, drawing the attention of the other councilors.
"While I agree with Councilor Brolly that Master Link would be exceptionally well-suited to the role, in consideration of the current state of the line of succession, I believe the Princess' safety should take priority; Link's duty should remain as her appointed knight. He has demonstrated himself to be the most capable of any in the kingdom of ensuring her protection."
Winton settled into his seat, hand rubbing his chin thoughtfully. A short, balding man—Koda Danaphor, councilor for Necluda—leaned forward in his seat, his surprisingly deep voice echoing in the chamber.
"I agree with Councilor Payli. Though unfortunate, Master Link is currently best suited to continue his role as the Princess' personal guard."
Zelda felt a wave of relief at the councilor's words. She didn't want to rob Link of such an opportunity by voicing her own opposition—besides, it would make her appear selfish and self-serving, something she hardly wanted to convey during her first council meeting.
She turned briefly from the conversation to add to her notes.
"Ember Payli - regional councilor for the Faron Region: level headed and rational. Too early to tell where his loyalties and biases lie."
Winton spoke up, leaning forwards in his chair as he looked to Zelda.
"Your Highness, what are your thoughts on the matter?"
Zelda started, lifting her head from her notebook. She hadn't anticipated anyone asking her opinion on the matter. She had been prepared merely to listen, to get to know the quirks and biases of each member and the structure and flow of discussion. Schooling her expression as she quickly ordered her thoughts, she spoke slowly, choosing her words with care.
"While I agree that Link would be a valuable asset to the military leadership, I must see the wisdom in Councilor Payli's words."
Winton nodded in response with grudging acceptance, but followed up with another, unexpected question.
"Who, then, do you feel might be a good substitute?"
Zelda didn't know what to say to this. She had no idea who might be a good substitute. They were all right—Link possessed every quality of an effective general, despite his young age. He had grown up in a military family—his father and grandfather had been knights before him. He'd been a prodigy, training since the young age of 3 and accepted into the military at the age of 10. He had years of experience in both weapons training, combat, and leadership. He was the chosen of the Goddesses for Nayru's sake! He was vastly qualified, so… really, who would know better than him whether someone was a good candidate? That gave her an idea.
"I do not know, Councilor Brolly. However, as many have already stated, Link's experience and skill give him particular insight into the needs of the military. Therefore, I feel it may be wise to ask his opinion."
Zelda felt nervous to be making such authoritative statements so soon into her first meeting, but she held the Councilor's gaze. Out of the corner of her eye, Zelda could have sworn she saw Impa smirking.
Winton seemed surprised by her response. Clearly, it hadn't occurred to him to ask. In many situations others had had similar reactions—Link was a fixture more than he was an actual person in their eyes, particularly while guarding her; he generally remained silent and still. She waited several moments for Winton to recover himself, and after a time he turned in his seat to face Link, directing the question to him.
"Master Link, what are your thoughts on the matter? Who would you recommend as General of the Hyrulean Military?"
Zelda turned in her seat as delicately as she could, looking over her shoulder as Link shifted, looking uncomfortable. He glanced at her briefly, question in his eyes; she smiled and offered a subtle nod in encouragement. He cleared his throat before continuing, turning towards the rest of the Council with a neutral expression.
"I would recommend Lady Urbosa. She is fierce, dedicated, and experienced. I have every confidence in her ability to meet the demands and responsibilities of the position."
Silence greeted his statement as all eyes stared at Link. It had likely been the most any of them had ever heard him speak. After several moments, Councilor Brolly, who had been eying her knight with studious attention, smiled.
"I like it."
It seemed to take time for the council to process Link and Winton's words, as several more moments of silence passed before a cacophony of outrage erupted around the chamber.
"Preposterous!"
"She's a Gerudo! The general of the Hyrulian military should and ought to be Hylian—"
"I am unable to believe a woman could make the tough decision a General would be faced with…"
"Absolutely not! Her loyalties lie with her people, not the people of Hyrule—"
"We should at least consider—"
"We cannot have one of the weaker sex in such a position of power…!"
"I dare you to say that to your wife, Hagie. Absolute nonsense!"
"She's a GERUDO!"
Criticism and libel continued to echo around the chamber as several of the councilors stood before their seats in scandalized outrage—both for and against. Zelda was floored. The conversation had been civil until that point. Was there truly still such bigotry in the Kingdom—in the ruling body? As she looked to Muava, the elderly Gerudo representative, her heart sank; she was completely unfazed, as though she'd expected it the moment her chieftain's name left Link's lips. This was… this was appalling, offensive; unacceptable.
The shouting was still going when Zelda pulled herself from her shock.
"At least consider it, goro—"
"Very good, Penn, why don't you start calling Councilor Ordon a Bass while you're at it…"
"Please, everyone, calm yourselves…"
"A Gerudo!—"
"I'll call Councilor Ordon whatever I please!"
"She fought the Goddess-damned Calamity! How can you so readily dismiss—"
"You suggest to pass up an experienced warrior and man of noble birth for a desert rat?!"
It was that comment which set Zelda's blood boiling. Desert rat? DESERT RAT?! Urbosa had risked her life to save not just her people, but the whole of Hyrule. She had faced trials the likes of which none in this room would ever understand. She was fierce, passionate, strong and brave—could he not see that? Could he not see that of all the Gerudo people? After all she had done for the people sitting in this room… How dare he? How DARE he?!
Zelda could hear blood rushing in her ears as the insults continued.
"Absolutely not!"
"Listen to reason!"
"My son—"
"A damned Gerudo, for Din's sake!"
Without another thought she stood from her seat, leaning forward heavily on the table in barely suppressed rage.
"That is ENOUGH!"
Her voice echoed around the room, far more loudly than it naturally ever should. Around the table, several drinking glasses set before the councilors' seats cracked, emitting a shrill tinkling sound as spider-webbing fissures spread across the glass; however, in her fury it surpassed her notice. She glared angrily around the table, lingering on every face she'd seen utter such slander. Her tone was icy as she spoke, slowly and deliberately.
"I will not tolerate the behavior I have just witnessed in this chamber. If I hear another word of racism, sexism, or bigotry uttered by any individual in this room, I will have you escorted out for the remainder of this and any future meeting where you dare to demonstrate such vile behavior."
She wasn't sure whether she actually had the authority to carry out her threat, but she was just so angry; besides, she doubted anyone would argue and Link would surely back her. Who would dare defy the 'Heroes of Hyrule' on such a matter? Leaving her gaze to linger on the worst of the perpetrators, Councilor Lynnhurst, she spoke her final words with clear and ringing authority. "Am I clear?"
Silence filled the chamber like the stifling, oppressive heat of a Gerudo Desert summer. Zelda could feel the slight shaking in her shoulders more keenly as her rage slowly began to subside in the quiet. It was several moments before anyone spoke. Politely, a petite round-faced brunette—Mayli Safula, councilor for the Ridgeland territory—answered the question Zelda hadn't been entirely sure wasn't rhetorical.
"Yes, your Highness."
Taken aback by her polite deference, the last of her rage quickly dissipated. Gathering her wits and attempting to hide the shock and embarrassment which was starting to creep up on her, she primly lowered herself back into her seat, attempting to keep her expression neutral. Clearing her throat, she nodded to the table at large.
"Then please proceed."
Doreck Koleson, a burly young man representing Tabantha, continued the discussion cautiously, speaking slowly and choosing his words with care. "Though I don't doubt Master Link's assessment of Lady Urbosa's skill and ability, as a Gerudo she is not under the direct control of the crown. More than that, as the Gerudo Chieftain she is forbidden from holding another position of leadership within the Kingdom. It would violate the dominion and sedition act."
Zelda tried to pay attention but her thoughts were intent on drifting. She was still reeling from her outburst, shocked both at the behavior of the council and the strength of her response. She had spent the majority of the past ten years of her training far away from castle life, and particularly the affairs of the royal council. Though ordinarily she would have begun to attend council meetings upon her tenth birthday, shadowing her father to observe and learn the finer points of this aspect of rule, the threat of the Calamity and her inability to unlock her power had taken precedent over royal training. As a result the Royal Council—with all its bigotries, biases, and hidden agendas—was a foreign entity to her. She had never suspected… but then again, she never had reason to. Their… old fashioned views—no, the racism, entitlement, and superiority of some of its members, call it what it was—complicated… everything.
At this realization, she suddenly longed for a return to the pointless prayers and day-long devotionals of her training. At least there she knew what she was doing, even if it hadn't worked; there she knew all the cards at play. Here, she was a stranger playing a strange and foreign game—one she couldn't afford to lose.
Impa spoke next, succinctly addressing the Councilor's concerns. With effort, Zelda forced her attention back to the table.
"While both of those statements are true, Councilor Koleson, both can be rectified. If Lady Urbosa were to abdicate and swear an oath of loyalty to the crown, she would be legally free to accept the appointment. Should she be willing, of course."
Silence filled the room for several moments before Winton chimed in, "If Master Link recommends Lady Urbosa… then I am willing to offer the nomination."
"But Freder—!"
"Oh, give it a rest Coren!" Winton cried in exasperation, throwing his hands in the air as he eyed the nobleman with frustration, "In Lady Urbosa we have a skilled, seasoned warrior who has more than proved herself in combat, who fought the Calamity, and who has the endorsement of the Goddess' chosen Hero. Freder doesn't compare no matter how you slice it, and a better choice isn't going to come along!"
Murmurs of agreement momentarily filled the room before Winton cut through the chatter, "I nominate Lady Urbosa as General of the Hyrulean military."
Rhoda followed up his nomination not moments after, speaking over the swell of voices, "I second the nomination."
Coren remained silent, but glared angrily at Link from across the table. Impa's business-like voice refocused the room. "All in favor?"
Raised hands filled the chamber; the majority of the council was in agreement.
"All opposed?"
Six stood in opposition, four from the seats of the nobles. No surprise there.
"The aye's have it." Impa then turned to Zelda, "Your Highness, do you approve this nomination?"
Inwardly, Zelda grinned. Yes, she most certainly did. The Princess spoke calmly, attempting to mask her satisfaction behind a cool facade.
"I do."
Coren's mustache twitched angrily as he leaned back in his chair, his hands tightly gripping the armrests while Winton eyed him sidelong with a smirk. Impa then turned to the rest of the council.
"Excellent. Lady Urbosa happens to be visiting the castle, so a herald will be sent with a formal summons later today. With luck the military will have official leadership within the week. Moving on…"
The rest of the hours-long council meeting passed in a blur. The damage assessment was next, and it proved a grim affair. Castle Town has been all but destroyed and half the population was dead. Food stores were running low and refugees were struggling to survive, camping all over Hyrule Field and seeking refuge in nearby cities and villages. Zelda took copious notes, filling several pages on the topic alone.
After an hour-long discussion, one which was surprisingly more civil and productive than the one dealing with military affairs had been—perhaps her outburst had truly been heeded—a plan for a refugee camp had been mapped out for Hyrule Field, to house those displaced by the destruction of Castle Town as the city was rebuilt. It was to be headed by Councilor Brolly who represented the region and took to the task with enthusiasm and pride. Zelda was already coming to like him.
The hour after that was occupied by plans for reconstructing the Castle and Castle Town. It hadn't taken long to agree on a contractor to lead the project—a man named Bolson, best in all of Hyrule or so went the consensus. Yunobo, the Goron representative, had also agreed to arrange for a team of Goron to work with Bolson to speed along the heavy lifting. They would be ready to begin only a week thence, much to Zelda's satisfaction.
However, the highlight of the meeting came unexpectedly as reconstruction plans moved into a discussion of financing.
"I do have news on this subject," Impa said as she interrupted the beginnings of a tense debate, "King Rhoam set aside a portion of funds every year since learning of the Calamity to aid in whatever ills the country were to suffer—some of our more senior councilors may already be aware of this. After reviewing the treasury ledger this morning, I can, with a good deal of relief and gratitude, assure you all that it will be more than enough to cover the expenses of recovery efforts without tapping in to the regular budget. In fact, if we play our cards well, we may have a budget surplus this year." This announcement was met with cheers and table-thumps.
However, the good mood was short-lived as the council moved to the last, decidedly unpleasant topic to cover before adjourning.
Impa stood, soberly surveying the faces seated around the table. "For our final order of business, I would like now to turn our attention toward the loss of life this kingdom has suffered. Initial estimates suggest 900 civilians and 1,600 soldiers perished. Funerary arrangements must be made, however it has not been since the war with Labrynna over 100 years ago that so many have died in so short a period of time. How to go about laying them all to rest is the question. A military-style mass-funeral may be appropriate for our soldiers, however do we commit the civilians in the same manner? I open the topic to discussion."
For several moments, no one spoke, many eyes turned downward in sorrowful contemplation. Then, Winton's booming voice filled the chamber. His eyes were watery despite his level tone. "I feel a military-style funeral would be too impersonal. I know the people of Castle Town—they are good, honest, hard-working people who love this Kingdom. Those that have passed deserve better, and those that survive will not be satisfied with something so generic."
Penn, head of the house of Sylvan, who had so far only spoken in opposition to Urbosa's nomination, countered.
"Yes, but every rupee we spend on things other than reconstruction is a rupee we could otherwise use elsewhere. With all due respect, these people are now dead. If a military-style funeral is sufficient honor for the sacrifices of our soldiers, it is sufficient honor for our civilians."
As soon as the subject had been brought up, of its own accord Zelda's mind began to fall back into memories of the fallen city. The voices of the slain guards outside the Castle Town gate echoed in her mind.
"Goddesses, please, watch over Maren and the children …"
"I'm not ready to die… please, I'm not ready—"
"I lived so little, I always wanted to travel… oh, please, give me another chance…"
"I loved you, Sari. I never told you—I wish I had…"
Zelda's heart rate quickened, fingers trembling as her mind, her being, was cast back to that dark, rainy field, bloody bodies strewn like so much discarded waste. It had been slaughter: horrifying and senseless. With effort she stilled her hands.
The brief, trivial recognition of a military-style mass-funeral would never be enough—for soldier or civilian.
Zelda spoke quietly but firmly, interrupting an argument between Councilors Sylvan and Payli.
"Councilor Brolly is right: A military-style mass-funeral is insufficient."
Their bickering ceased at the sound of her quiet voice, and all eyes in the chamber turned to her curiously.
"These were not the wartime deaths of trained soldiers who were aware of the risks they were taking—this was the brutal murder of untrained, innocent civilians." As she glanced at the many unaffected expressions around the table, her heart plummeted. They didn't understand. Councilor Brolly seemed to—the pain in his eyes spoke of recognition, of understanding and empathy. She needed the rest of the councilors to see… They needed to honor the people's sacrifice as such a sacrifice deserved to be honored; SHE needed to. Perhaps if they had been there as she had been, perhaps if she… maybe…
She took a breath, preparing herself to relive the memory. Her words were quiet, far more quiet than she would have liked, but she kept her voice steady.
"As I approached Castle Town with Link, I heard them—the voices of the fallen: their final thoughts, their hopes, their fears, their unfulfilled dreams." Every face in the room transformed at her words, now gazing at her with wide-eyes. The council was silent, stunned by her unexpected revelation.
"One things was true for every single person, soldier and civilian alike: they died in fear, and regret, and pain."
Not a soul moved as, for the second time that afternoon silence engulfed the chamber, its presence thick and stifling. She spoke with slow deliberation, in part to choose her words carefully, and in part to keep herself from becoming sucked beneath the tide of painful memories.
"It was not mere lives that were lost—hearts were shattered, families torn apart, survivors forever traumatized. These people deserve to have their Kingdom recognize the depth of this tragedy." As she absorbed her own words, she came to a sudden realization: they may not understand, and her words may or may not sway them; but she did. She knew with painful clarity just what was lost, just who was lost—and what that loss had done to the people who survived them. She knew what she had to do.
"I would therefore like to volunteer myself to orchestrate the funeral for the deceased."
As she looked around at the faces of the councilors, many looked to her with bewilderment, as though unsure what to make of her. Winton, however, was an open book, and his expression held no small amount of emotion. His eyes were watery and he squinted with the effort not to cry. He stood and slowly bowed to her, his voice rough as he spoke.
"Thank you, your Highness. The people of Castle Town will not forget this." Shaky hands gripped the armrests of his chair as he retook his seat. Zelda smiled to him, grateful that at least one person in the council understood. No others spoke.
Impa's unusually soft voice cut through the quiet which followed his words.
"Thank you, Princess. It will mean all the more coming from you." Clearing her throat, her eyes swept across the table, "That concludes the business of this emergency council meeting. I motion to end the session."
Rhoda responded, "I second the motion."
"Motion carried. This meeting of the Royal Council is dismissed."
At Impa's words Zelda felt the stress of the session settle into place on her shoulders, as though it had been hovering over her like the sword of Damocles, just waiting until the end to place its weight upon her. One by one, councilors rose from their seats and stretched, heading for the chamber door. As she slowly stood from the seat of her comatose father, watching the council file out of the chamber with calm, casual strides as though they hadn't just been discussing how to bury 2,500 people, surreality settled over her like a warm blanket, stifling and muting the world around her. The sorrow and grief which had been thrumming within her like a pulse throughout the session—a wound ripped open and freshly bleeding—suddenly felt as a strange and distant sensation. Looking out the windows to distract herself, she noticed the position of the sun. Golden light flooded the chamber as the sun lowered itself towards the peaks of the Hebra mountains; they had been at it all afternoon.
As the chamber emptied, Zelda piled her belongings into a neat stack. Gathering the materials in her arms, she surveyed the now nearly-empty room, eying the plush velvet chairs and the cracked water glasses… cracked water glasses? Sweeping her gaze across the table, she suddenly noticed that every glass before every seat now had long, white fissures spider-webbing across their surfaces. That was… strange. An uncomfortable feeling lodged itself in her gut as she squinted at them in confusion. She didn't remember any of the glasses being that way when she had entered. Turning her gaze to her own glass, she noticed no such damages upon its surface. What in the world…?
Before she could ponder the matter further, Impa called for her attention by the door, shuffling sheafs of papers in her arms.
"Princess, if you don't mind, I have some documents ready for you to sign. I need to retrieve the royal seal, but after may I meet you in your chambers?"
Turning her attention to the woman, her thoughts were pulled from the perplexing matter of the water glasses. Suppressing a sigh, she turned and headed towards the door.
"Yes, that should be fine."
Impa smiled. "I will see you shortly, then."
She passed through the large double doors, turning left as Impa turned right, the mystery of the water glasses momentarily forgotten. With a weary stride she made for her chamber in the east wing, Link following silently behind her.
-:-:-:-
"Hyrule is so beautiful at sunset. Don't you think?"
Silently Link nodded beside her, eyes fixed on the vista before them. After the council meeting she had felt weighed down by her thoughts in a way she hadn't in a long time. Once she had finished business with Impa and found herself with a rare evening alone, she'd jumped on the opportunity to get some distance from the responsibilities and stresses haunting her in the east wing. Staying within the castle grounds, you didn't get much farther away than the top of the Sanctuary's bell tower; so, not but a few minutes after Impa departed her chamber, she'd headed for the Sanctuary and made the long, arduous climb to the top.
With weary strides she walked towards the tall, arched window, gazing northward at the Lost Wood. The Great Deku Tree rose high above the forest, its pink blossoms glowing in the golden light of the setting sun. She sighed. After all the documents pertaining to the council meeting had been signed and dated and certified with the royal seal, she found her thoughts lingering on the meeting, and returning to the matter of the cracked water glasses. At first, she rationalized it away as just some new style of glassware; but then she'd remembered her own undamaged one. That explanation simply didn't fit.
Though part of her mind felt it was a stretch to make such an assumption, another part of her mind felt certain in its conclusion: the glasses had been damaged by her. After her meeting with healer Ravio, she had suspected her sudden ability to perform healing magic and the recent unlocking of her sealing power could not be merely coincidental. If she truly had possessed healing magic all along, it wouldn't make sense that now, out of the blue, it would manifest. Ravio himself said that the gift almost always made itself known in early childhood. So, logically, it made sense that her newfound healing magic and her recently unlocked sealing power would be connected. Under that assumption, though, she couldn't help but wonder: if there was more to her sealing power than simply the ability to seal Ganon away—if an aspect of that power was the ability to perform healing magic—was there possibly even more to it than that? Though she understood little about magic on the whole—she was a woman of science, after all—healer Ravio had emphasized the link between magic, or at least healing magic, and emotion. And there had been only one moment during the meeting which stood out in her mind as a moment of particularly heightened emotion. Could her anger over the treatment of Urbosa have caused the glasses to crack?
What did that mean if it was true? What all was she capable of? She felt so lost without her mother—anyone—to guide her.
She turned away from the window, a soft sigh escaping her. How many people had noticed? Had anyone made the connection she had made? And, most pressing of all… should she tell anyone about her theory?
She turned her head to glance at Link over her shoulder. He was gazing out over the lost woods, his eyes thoughtful yet faraway. Perhaps… perhaps she could test the waters, gauge his reaction. If anyone would have noticed, it would have been him. Catching his eye, she looked to him intently as she queried, softly. "Was I too harsh with the council, today? Was such a rebuke overmuch? I don't want them to fear me, and I reacted so much out of anger…"
Link felt his breath catch as her soft, green eyes caught his blues. Light from the setting sun illuminated her long, golden hair, reminding him distinctly of her glowing form not long ago in Hyrule Field. Her rosy lips were pursed in thought, her eyes a little anxious—though she held herself with grace, despite the heaviness which weighed almost visibly upon her shoulders.
-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-
'She is so beautiful…'
The thought entered his mind unbidden, and as soon as he registered it he started, eyes unconsciously widening. Where had that come from? Sure, he knew her to be lovely—everyone commented on the Princess' beauty. But the feeling which had stirred in him as the thought floated lazily through his mind… Inwardly he shook his head. He was being silly. He was just observing and noting a well-known fact, nothing more.
Link forced his straying attention to her question. She continued to gaze at him in anticipation, awaiting his response. He assumed she was referring to the discussion over Urbosa, as she'd remained relatively silent throughout the rest of the meeting. Thinking back, he considered the situation carefully. He was no man of statecraft, and so was reticent to give his opinion. Yet, as a citizen of Hyrule with vested interests in the Kingdom's affairs, he felt her actions were more than appropriate. Though he'd been careful to mask his own emotions, the council's behavior towards Urbosa had infuriated him. It didn't help that it came as a result of his opinion. He was well aware of the lingering racism towards the Gerudo, especially in the upper classes; he had no stomach for it. If the Kingdom was ever to move past such things, efforts needed to start at the top. But politics was a tricky minefield to navigate. How much of his opinion was really appropriate to share?
"Politics is not… my strength." He began carefully. When he did not continue, the Princess urged him on.
"I value your opinion as well as your swordsmanship, Link, even in the area of politics. I would very much like to know your thoughts."
Link observed her for several moments before continuing slowly. "I do not feel you were too harsh. If you wish to see such bigotry fade, then Hyrule's leaders must demonstrate principals of inclusivity and diversity. Divisiveness cannot be allowed to fester."
Zelda cocked her head at him as a small smile alighted upon her lips. Link shifted, feeling awkward under her scrutinizing gaze. Perhaps he should have kept his mouth shut.
"I'm not so sure I believe your claim of weakness in the area of statecraft."
Despite himself, Link smiled, warmed by her complement. A breeze blew through the open windows, ruffling Zelda's hair and prompting her to tuck the strands back behind her ears. She continued to gaze at him, her brow beginning to furrow as she hesitated, as though deeply contemplating her next words. Link gave her an encouraging nod.
"I… was also wondering… if you noticed the water glasses?"
Link stilled. He had noticed. She hadn't reacted to it and no one on the council seemed to have noticed, so he figured maybe no one else had seen… He responded slowly, carefully, feeling as though he were treading unfamiliar territory.
"…yes."
She eyed him a moment longer, looking fretful.
"Do you think anyone else noticed?"
He paused to consider how best to respond. "I'm not sure… I don't think so. If anyone did, I don't think they connected it to you."
She suddenly stiffened, staring at him with wide, surprised eyes. "How… why would you… what makes you say that?"
He felt suddenly confused. It had been her… right? She was the only person in that room he knew of to have any extra-ordinary abilities that might cause such a thing to occur. Did she not want anyone to know? "I assumed it was you… It happened the moment you stood from your seat." He cocked his head, eying her with confusion. "Did you not…?" He wasn't sure how to finish his question, but the Princess didn't give him time to contemplate it. Immediately she began pacing, fidgeting with her hands nervously.
"I… I don't know for certain, but I think it was me. I always assumed that once I unlocked my sealing power, the ability to banish Ganon was it—nothing more. But then yesterday I healed Urbosa and today I cracked all the water glasses during the meeting and now I find myself wondering how much more there is to this power, and what if I hurt someone?" she suddenly stopped, turning to him and staring with a worried gaze, "I don't know how to control it—I don't really know anything about this power. Sealing Ganon was sort of… instinctual, and I—"
Link interrupted her, his mind lagging behind as he tried to process the sudden onslaught of information. "Wait, wait, you… you healed Urbosa?"
Zelda eyed him warily and slowly nodded. "Yesterday, when she came to see me. I don't know how, it just… happened."
Link continued to eye her, brow furrowed as he considered the situation. "And… now, after what happened in the council meeting, you're worried you might hurt someone?"
She nodded again, resuming her pacing. "What else could I be capable of? What if I accidentally, I don't know, cause a loose stone to fall on someone in the castle when I'm angry? Or start levitating furniture in my sleep? What if I—"
He laughed. Though he tried to keep it in, he didn't want her to feel belittled, he couldn't help it. Her concerns, though somewhat understandable, were a little… ridiculous. Zelda stopped mid-sentence and stared at him with consternation an just a hint of hurt.
"Link, this is serious!"
Smiling, Link moved forward to grab her hand in his, lifting it. At their touch, a faint triforce symbol glowed on the back of each of their joined hands as he spoke. "Princess, your powers were bestowed upon you by the Goddess for the purpose of keeping Hyrule and its people safe. I don't think you have to worry about hurting people or levitating furniture or whatever other catastrophes you're imagining. Whatever your power is capable of, it is surely only for good."
Zelda stilled, gazing deeply into his eyes as though searching for some deception. The intensity of her gaze caused goosebumps to rise on his skin, a feeling he tried to ignore with only limited success. After several moments more she seemed content with his sincerity and her shoulders relaxed, a smile rising to her lips.
"I… thank you, Link. I needed to hear that."
He smiled in return. "Of course, Princess."
He lowered her hand slowly to rest between them, but couldn't seem to find it in himself to let go just yet. She held his gaze, eying him contemplatively before taking a step closer. She spoke softly, almost hesitantly, her rosy lips still lifted in a small smile. "Please, call me by my name. If anyone has earned that right, it is you."
Link felt warmth creep up his neck and he hesitated. She'd asked this of him many times before, but he'd always refrained—it went against protocol. Though technically he already had, several times in fact, the circumstances had been… different. She'd been shell-shocked by Ganon's return, and he'd been trying to focus her on the task at hand. He'd thought that doing something out of character would draw her attention away from her panic, and the ploy had worked. At least, that's why he'd done it at first. Though he'd tried to ignore the truth of it, he'd continued to use her name that day for a very different reason, one he wasn't sure he wanted to consider too deeply.
"I, um…"
She continued to hold his gaze, though her smile faltered just a little at his hesitation. When she spoke again her voice was somehow even softer.
"Please."
Under her imploring gaze, Link felt his last bit of allegiance to formality give way, and nodded slowly in defeat. He spoke hesitantly, quietly, gazing almost nervously into her eyes as he tested it out once more.
"Alright—Zelda…"
Though he would never dare admit it to himself, her name tasted like honey on his tongue—sweet and achingly familiar, a pleasure he'd been deprived of for too long. Her eyes softened as they held his, her radiant smile growing and highlighting the faint blush decorating her cheeks. Tension began to fill the air between them as their gaze remained locked, thick and heady but not unwelcome. The small room in which they stood seemed to melt away, leaving only her before him. Without thinking, he took a step closer. Her eyes tracked his, widening ever so slightly as he neared, pools of viridian sparkling in the setting sun…
CLANG…
Link jumped and the Princess did likewise as the loud noise echoed in the chamber. From their left the tower bell swung, heading back towards them on its axis.
CLANG…
Link brought his hands to his ears as the bell sounded painfully against his eardrums.
CLANG…
Slowly coming to a standstill, the bell stopped after its third ring, signaling the approach of sundown and the beginning of curfew. The jarring interruption had been successful in breaking whatever spell had come over him, and he hurriedly took a step back, straightening his shoulders. Speaking before she could get anything out, he nervously gestured towards the circular hole in the floor beneath the bell where a ladder protruded.
"It's getting late. We should head back down while there's still light."
She looked faintly disappointed, but nodded anyway.
"Yes, I suppose you're right."
He let her down first following soon after, struggling all the way to the ground floor to reign in his suddenly wild emotions. If he were honest he was grateful for the bell's interruption. He wasn't sure what had just happened. Though he knew they were free of critical eyes at the top of the tower—free to interact more openly with one another as she'd put it, this time it wasn't others he was worried about, it was himself. He'd felt… bewitched, out of control—like he truly hadn't know what he may or may not do. Even just thinking back to her standing by the window, figure illuminated by the setting sun and eyes sparkling, her hand warm in his, sent a strange exhilaration coursing through him.
There were so, so, so many other things to be thinking or worrying about; people to mourn, tasks to accomplish, newfound magical abilities to contemplate. And here he was getting caught up in things he had no business getting caught up in… Yet try as he might he couldn't stop thinking of her sunlit figure, of her smile… her wide, beautiful green eyes…
No! No, no, no! He shook his head viciously. Goddesses, what was wrong with him?
But deep, deep down, in a part of his heart his conscious mind was unaware of, he knew what was happening to him… he just wasn't ready to face it, yet.
A/N: Yaaaay I got this chapter published on time and on schedule. A little early even, since I'll be super busy tomorrow. Yay me!
This chapter was originally huge. I had tried to keep it under 6k, which is sort of a general rule of mine that chapters are around 6k or less, but I just couldn't find a way to consolidate it without finding myself displeased with the result. But in my pre-posting review, I found a few small things I wasn't quite happy with, so I did a little tweaking and that tweaking turned into an almost 300 word increase so... yeah. It's even more of a beast-just a bit under 9k words. But I'm quite happy with it is as it is, so oh well, my wordiness is on full display. Such is life.
Fun factoid: many of the original characters that were introduced in this chapter were given their names based on the random sh*t happening in my life at the time. It was a lot of names to have to come up with all at once so I just... looked around, did the whole "Spoon McRuggington" thing. Winton Brolly? My new brolly box arrived that week (photography thing). Coren Lynnhurst? I poked my head into World of Warcraft during Brewfest (the holiday boss is named Coren Direbrew). Freder Lynnhurst? I'd just re-watched Metropolis (a famous German expressionist silent film of the late 20's. You can watch it on YouTube and Netflix, and if you've never seen it I highly recommend you do). Penn? Well, I'd been outlining by hand in a notebook with a pen, so... hah.
And in case any of you have trouble keeping track of who's who, here's a full list. Bear in mind a few of the names haven't yet had much presence, but will eventually:
Impa Umbra - Council Leader and Sheikah Representative
Muava - Gerudo Representative
Yunobo - Goron Representative
Ordon - Zora Representative
Kass - Rito Representative
Winton Brolly - Central Hyrule Representative
Koda Danaphor - Necluda Representative
Ember Payli - Faron Representative
Alana Wilder - Northern Hyrule Representative
Rhoda Kasper - Akkala Representative
Doreck Koleson - Tabantha Representative
Mayli Safula - Ridgeland Representative
Dhomas - House of Calaghan
Penn - House of Sylvan
Coren - House of Lynnhurst
Hagie - House of Ulbrecht
Amarok Walker: I thought about naming Coren Cole instead, I really did. But once I got the name Coren into my head I just couldn't get it out. And besides, I never actually played that game, so it felt kind of like cheating to crib that character. So far I've only stolen from that which I've played (though spirit tracks is def on my list), so Coren it is. Maybe I'll make his middle name Cole though, if such a factoid ever comes up.
On a side note: I actually had been *this close* to removing Kass' teacher, the Royal poet, entirely. I figured I'd excuse his absence as just another casualty of the Calamity or something. I just... couldn't find a way to incorporate his character in a significant capacity and I didn't want to just throw him in there with a random cameo, and I had so much going on already the thought of trying to squeeze him in-in any way-just felt exhausting.
And then you HAD to comment on it and cause my perfectionism to rear its ugly head and, damnit, I ended up adding him back in. I sat in my office for like, two hours just staring at my screen trying to figure out how to make that character progress my plot. I ended up finding something, he'll pop up in the next chapter, and I did manage to make his character work well with the existing plot structure and spread of characters so... yeah. There you have it. But damnit... *shakes fist*
Leave a review with your thoughts! I love you all. See you next week!