Chapter 6

Birthday

Falla let out a loud yawn as she stretched in bed. She scratched her rear as she stumbled through the room, darkened by the night, and into the hall, towards the restroom. She paused just as she approached the door. She could hear a voice coming from inside.

Someone was in there. But what were they doing?

It wasn't until she drew closer when she was able to make out whose voice it was.

"Linkle?"

The talking ceased.

The girl in question opened the door to the restroom. "Sorry." she barely uttered as she avoided eye contact.

"Are you okay?" Falla asked her.

Linkle nodded, "Yeah." She walked by her peer without another word, and proceeded toward her room.

Falla grabbed her by the wrist. "Wait." she said.

Linkle shut her eyes tight, cursing the luck she had to be placed in this situation. She knew Falla was going to make her-

"Wash your hands."

Linkle looked over at her, surprised.

"C'mon Linkle," Falla urged, "don't be gross."

"Uh, okay."

Falla watched the girl walk by her, and back into the restroom, curious at, not only what was going through her head, but what she was doing in there before she called out to her.

Maybe next time... she'll be more discreet.

"Is she awake, yet?"

"Shh! She'll hear you!"

"Let's just wake her up!"

"No!"

Epha's eyes slowly cracked to reveal the sight of her friends all leaned over her, beginning to break into an argument.

"What are you guys doing?" she asked, prompting everyone to freeze.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

"We have your cake ready!" Falla told her.

"You idiot!" Shyla shouted at her, "That was supposed to be for tonight!"

"Well it's not my fault! We've been standing over her so long, I forgot!"

Epha sat up as she wiped blonde strands from her face, "Guys, guys! It's okay!"

"Hmph!" Falla and Shyla grunted, turning away from each other.

Epha chuckled, "So what's going on?" she asked.

"What do you mean?" Falla asked.

"Well, you guys don't normally make such a big fuss over birthdays, so what's up?"

"We had a party planned for you." said Aesha, who had been established as the "brains" of the group, "Some of us wanted to wake you up, but I thought it'd be better to let you sleep in since it's your birthday."

Shyla cut in, "What's the point of planning an entire day for her when we're gonna let her sleep through half of it?"

"Alright," Epha said in attempt to diffuse the situation, "but why me, though?" She lowered her voice, "If anyone needs a party, it's Linkle. Why not wait a few months?"

"We wanted to show you how much we appreciate you." Aesha told her.

"Yeah!" Falla continued, "You're like a big sister to all of us!"

Epha couldn't help but smile at this, "Thank you all. This is the sweetest thing anyone's ever done for me... I just wish my parents were here."

Silence sucked in the cheer in the room, and replaced it with an encroaching gloom.

"Cheer up!" Falla said as she placed two hands on Epha's shoulders, "We have an entire day planned for you! C'mon!"

"Sorry we have to end the party so early!" Talon announced to the guests, "But we gotta get Malon over to Dozla's place before dark so she can pick herself a husband!"

The guests that appeared at Malon's sixteenth birthday party consisted mainly of the Regional Lords and a chunk of their families.

Of the Regional Lords, there was the Lord of Lanayru, Dozla; the Lord of Faron, Castor, who was usually taunted at get-togethers for his sharing his name with Castor Wilds, a swamp in the westernmost part of Hyrule; and the Lord of Gerudo, Lugia, who was the eldest of the Lords. Not many people realized this, but he was the great-grandfather of the current Princess Zelda. This was mainly because he refused to so much as mention her in passing.

And as for the Lord of Eldin...

"Sorry about what happened to Colm." Talon told the Regional Lords in a low voice, "It's terrible what happened to he and his family. Especially his son."

"It's nothing." Lugia stated in a dejected voice, "You get used to losing loved ones after a while..."

Talon and the other Lords watched as he walked away.

"Poor Lugia," Castor sighed, "He's still not over his son's death."

"Should I...not have brought it up?"

"No, it's fine. The least we can do at this point is follow through on Colm's wishes."

Talon's eyes widened, "You don't mean-...you guys are still-..."

Castor nodded, "Colm and King Aldis came up with this operation forty-four years ago. It's gonna take more than one of us dying to stop it. We just have to replan things a little bit now that we can't count on the Royal Family anymore. If anything, all this is just a setback."

"Back to Colm." Dozla began in a low voice, "It's because of what happened to Irus that none of our children want to marry into that damned family anymore!"

"Oh, by the way," Talon continued, "has Lord Ganondorf asked for one of you to offer?"

"No." Dozla shook his head, "And I would know - it's my turn. Princess Zelda turned sixteen over half a year ago, and I still haven't heard a thing from he, the Saints, or the Discipless." Dozla lowered his voice even further, and leaned toward Talon, "You didn't hear this from me, but I think there's something going on at Hyrule Castle." He pulled away, "But who knows? She's probably already knocked up from whoring around like her mom."

The guests were thanked for making the trip for the party before they made their leave. Malon made sure to bid them all farewell they left.

"Thank you for coming, Mister Lugia." Malon bowed respectfully.

Lugia faked a smile, "You're the daughter of our dear friend - of course we wouldn't miss your sixteenth birthday!"

The elder walked away, prompting Malon to move onto her next guest.

"Thank you for coming." she told a friend.

"No problem." she replied before giving a wink, "Looking forward to meeting your husband next year!"

Malon forced a chuckle.

Later, Malon, her parents, and some lingering guests cleaned the decorations, and some litter from in and around the house.

Malon sighed as she began cleaning dishes. She truly loved seeing everyone at her party, but what was to come next was something she had been dreading for what felt like forever.

She wasn't ready for marriage; she didn't want marriage. She knew taking her to pick a husband would be a waste of time, but no one would listen to reason.

Though...if she had to choose one...

Malon shook the idea from her head. No...that would never happen.

"Hello, Malon."

The girl turned to see Thomas entering the kitchen.

"Oh... Hello, Mister Thomas."

"Your parents are making you clean dishes from your own party?"

Malon turned her attention to the dishes, "Of course not! I insisted. I couldn't bear for my parents to clean up the mess from a party thrown for my sake by themselves!"

"That's very considerate of you."

Malon froze at the feeling of a hand on each of her arms.

"You've grown into a fine woman." Thomas told her, "Any man would be lucky to have you as a wife."

She felt his hands travel up her arms, and beneath the sleeves of her shirt, where he massaged her bare shoulders.

"But I'm certain you want more than what a life on the ranch could offer you. If you married a man with more to offer, you could get so much more out of life."

Malon did her best to still her would-be trembling body, as her heart beat apprehensively.

Thomas continued, "You understand what I'm saying...don't you?"

Trying to shake her nerves, Malon nodded. "Yes... B-But my parents need me here. I can't just leave them..."

Thomas smirked, releasing her, "That's too bad."

Malon silently sighed in relief as Thomas turned to leave.

"If you change your mind," Thomas said in parting, "you know where to find me."

"I got you this flower, Mom! Isn't it pretty?"

"It is, dear. Thank you."

"Linkle!"

Linkle drew a quiet gasp as she was pulled from her thoughts by Falla.

"You've been smiling at nothing for five minutes straight." she told her, "You look creepy."

"Sorry." Linkle murmured.

"Here's your corsage."

"My what?"

Falla frowned, "You haven't even been paying attention?"

"It's okay, Falla." Epha said, "She probably has something on her mind is all."

In the midst of their celebration, the girls took their party to the backyard of James's mansion, where they had been given permission to plant flowers. Falla took the opportunity to make everyone their own corsages. The massive space was separated into four parts by greenery manipulated to act as fences and the like, with a brick road going up the middle, headed north. From an overhead view, facing the front door of James' mansion, it would mostly resemble four perfect squares, with each segment featuring a small opening leading to an adjacent segment, and the upper right part emptying into a large field beyond the square, where security was tightest. The lower right was immediately accessible by leaving through a rear exit in the east wing. It was where the girls planted their flowers. The lower left featured a large swimming pool, often frequented by a few of the older girls from the west wing. The girls had no idea what was in the upper left section. Technically, they were allowed there, but they managed to fool themselves into believing that the older girls didn't want them in the left portions of the yard. The older girls from the west wing were rarely seen by those from the east wing. Any sighting would generally feature the same three or four girls, with the rest opting to remain inside for reasons unknown to the younger girls. The ones who were seen always wore a saddened expression on their faces. They never laughed, and were usually seen staring into the open field beyond the upper right section of the yard's square perimeter, or sulking in or around the pool. When approached, they usually answered with glances of pity, or one to two word answers when spoken to. This led the younger girls to believe that their elders did not wish to be around them. Which was why they rarely approached the pool, and never approached upper left section. As far as the field beyond the upper right section, the girls rarely visited as a group, due simply to some of the girls, especially Falla, wishing to avoid any contact with the security.

"Where did you learn to do this?" Aesha asked Falla.

"A friend of mine taught me." she explained, "She was the coolest! She taught me how to style hair, too! She looks a lot like Linkle."

"Is that why you keep bugging her all the time?" asked Shyla.

As the girls continued their celebration, they noticed some of the older girls occasionally passing by, curiosity in their passing glances.

"Hey." Aesha whispered to Epha, "Do you think the Humans will take you to live with the older girls since you're sixteen now?"

Epha shrugged, "I haven't thought about it. But if they were going to, wouldn't they have done it already? The day's almost halfway over."

"...I guess you're right."

Thomas approached his wagon, his pace quickened by irritation.

"What's wrong with you?" asked Franklin, "Something happen at that party you went to?"

"No." Thomas answered.

The pair finished packing refreshments before setting off on their way. Two horses pulled the two-seated wagon.

"So walk me through what we're doing again?" Franklin requested.

"You know about the Wilkshire Arena, right?"

"Right."

"If we want people to see that boy's resistance, that arena's the perfect place for it. But before we can do anything there, we need permission from its owner, a man named Williamson."

"And that's where we're going now?"

"Yup."

Orial Village, the village Thomas mentioned, took about an hour to get to. The main attraction was was the Wilkshire Arena, an arena that regularly held events big enough to even beckon upper-class spectators from neighboring provinces. These events were mainly battles that consisted Humans fighting Bokoblins of varying sizes, and sometimes even Moblins. Across the road was a business building, also owned and operated by Williamson, where he and his employees resided until sunset, with occasional trip to the arena during events. Anyone who wanted to hold events at the arena was to go to this building to seek permission from Williamson. They must also be able to afford to rent the stadium for the time they wish to use it. This was where Thomas and Franklin were headed.

"Who names their son 'Williamson', anyway?" asked Franklin as Thomas parked the wagon, "I mean, who can honestly look at a baby, and think 'Williamson'? Why not William? Or just Will? Seems like a pain to say that everytime you wanna call them by their name."

"Doesn't matter." Thomas replied, "What does is whether or not we get permission from him to use his arena."

"That reminds me. What happens if he says no?"

Thomas smirked, "Franklin? Watch this."

The pair entered the building, and managed to catch Williamson just as he was leaving.

A face wrinkled from years of experience gave a half smile as he began his greeting.

"Thomas Grimshaw, right? What a surprise to see you here."

The two shook hands.

"What can I do for you?"

"I want permission to use your stadium for an event I've been meaning to put on."

Williamson paused, surprised, "Well this is unexpected. Looking to branch out?"

"Not really. I'm just looking to promote a rebranding of my school."

"A rebranding? What did you have in mind?"

"There's this Elf I have...he's the most stubborn son of a bitch I've ever seen. I want people to see his resistance in person. I think it'd make for a great show."

Williamson thought for a moment, "You think someone would pay to see you beat an Elf?"

"Think of it as a demonstration. I'll be showing people that my reputation is deserved."

"Hmm..."

"You want another mainstay event, right?" Thomas coaxed, "I'm sure those monster fight events bring in money, but that's only once a week. Think about it. If this succeeds, it'll be all the more profitable for you."

"...All right." Williamson relented.

A half smile spread across Thomas's face, "I'm glad you-"

"But first...I wanna see this Elf you're having trouble with."

Thomas paused, surprised at the proposed condition. Williamson continued.

"Unless this slave isn't as stubborn as you say he is."

"...Sure. In fact, let's make it a date. You come to my property, see his resistance for yourself..."

"And if he's as stubborn as you say...it's a deal."

Thomas and Williamson shook hands to finalize the arrangement.

"I'll be over tomorrow." the latter promised.

The two parties began an idle conversation that went on for about a half-hour, after which they said their temporary farewells, and went on their way.

"See Franklin?" Thomas began on the way home, "There's nothing to worry about. We got this."

"That guy didn't say anything to me..." Franklin sulked.

Thomas glared at his companion, "Stay focused, Franklin!"

"When do I get to start helping? I'm not opposed to free money, but-"

"Oh, don't worry. I'll put you to work soon. As long as everything works out tomorrow, anyway." Thomas chuckled, "Just you wait. That stubborn bastard's gonna make us all kinds of money!"

To be Continued!

Author's Note: I feel kind of bad for giving you guys another "nothing" chapter, but I promise it's gonna be worth it in the end.

Bonus Chapter

Backstory; Part 2

Link stared at the ground as he made his way back home. His first day of slave work was overwhelming for him, having left him with a plethora of questions. The outside world was full of Humans - people with round ears. Not once had he seen another like him, unless they were doing work. Why was this? And why did the Humans seem to hate his kind? He didn't understand at all.

Still, his day did little to dull his excitement.

It was his fifth birthday that day. Every year, his parents would celebrate by making he or his sister what they called a "mud cake". Link had no idea what a "cake" was, but he had too much fun making one out of mud to care. He simply couldn't wait to get started.

"Oh, goddesses."

The sound of his mother's panicked voice quickened the boy's pace. What was going on?

"What am I going to tell Link?" he heard his mother say.

Link paused by the outer wall adjacent to the entrance to the tool shed as he listened in.

"No..." his mother sobbed, "No...!"

"What's going on?" Link asked as he entered, "And where's Dad?"

Link's mother, as well as another slave whose name Link could never remember stopped and looked at him.

"When's he coming back?" he asked, an innocent gaze pressing the two adults for answers.

"I think he should know." the man told Link's mother.

Link glanced over at her. Her silence was troubling. "Mommy?" he called.

"Link..." the man said, "your father is dead."

...

...

"Okay," Link said, "but when's he coming back?"

"Link..." his mother repeated, her voice trembling.

"Listen," the man began, placing a consoling hand on Link's shoulder, "When someone dies, they don't come back. Your father is gone."

"But-...why?" Link asked, his shoulders beginning to slump, "Doesn't he love me and Mommy?"

The man opened his mouth to speak again, but the words he wanted to use seemed to vanish - he hadn't a way to explain death to a child.

"Link," his mother beckoned him, holding in her sobs, "come here."

"I don't understand." Link said as he was taken into an embrace, "Why would he leave? Was it something I did? Did I make him angry?"

"No." his mother answered, her face buried in her son's hair, "It's not anything you did, sweetheart."