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In his ten years of life, Link had often observed the distant shape of Hyrule Castle, pondering what it looked like up close. Until he was bought past the gates, through the bustling streets of citizens going about their business and into the castle itself, he never considered that he would ever set foot inside. From what he could see outside the window of the Queen's carriage, the town was largely built of wood and stone. He saw children playing outside their family homes, merchants peddling their wares from wooden stalls and city guards patrolling the streets with the occasional friendly greeting exchanged with those who wandered past. Upon arriving at the castle, its daunting size now truly his to appreciate, Link waited until Zelda and her mother left the carriage, opting to follow them due to his cluelessness of his new surroundings. He barely stepped outside when he was stopped by a tall man in white.
"This is whom I was told to expect?" He asked the Queen, not even glancing at him. He held a passive expression on his aged face and had long white hair.
"Yes, he was bitten by a Deku Baba." The Queen replied. "Quite badly as well. Please, be gentle in your treatment." The man in white nodded and led Link from Zelda and her group into the castle. Link had little chance to take in his surroundings before he was lead into a small room the man referred to as his 'study.' It was dominated by a huge wooden desk covered in stacks of paper, glass jars containing parts of several plants and creatures, some of which Link recognised, and lined with draws running down each side, save for a hollow space allowing room for a matching chair. At the man's direction, Link sat down at the desk and presented his injured arm on the table. He said little during the examination of his arm, only enough to learn that this man's name is Owlan and that he holds the position of minister of science within the King's court. This title meant little to Link, beyond more words he did not understand. He decided against asking what they meant, since he would probably be left with more questions than answers.
"What was it Queen Zelda said caused this?" Owlan asked as he wrapped a white bandage around Link's arm. "A Deku Baba?" Link only nodded and winced as his bite-wounds started stinging. Owlan had warned him earlier about something called disinfectant that he put into the bandages to keep the wounds clean. He took a moment to realise what Owlan called his host.
"A very strange species, I've often said." Link looked up as Owlan stepped away from him and towards one of his jars. He picked it up, turning it slightly as he examined it.
"They are considered a species of plant, they reproduce as such, yet their predatory behaviour and carnivorous appetite is expected more among beasts and monsters." At this point, Link suspected Owlan was no longer speaking to him. He considered just leaving, but realised he had no idea where to go. He could not even remember the way they took into this room. Owlan continued his ramblings.
"They contain teeth within their…jaws? Are they jaws? And tongues? Are those muscles, or something else? And what of their excretions? Is that sap? Saliva? Does it function as some sort of…"? He froze and became silent. He put the jar down and returned to Link.
"My apologies. I was…somewhere else." Link was visibly puzzled by this statement, something Owlan was quick to notice. "I was occupied. Deku Babas have long been an interest of mine." He took one last check over Link's arm and nodded slightly. "Yes, you seem fine. You're lucky their venom only inflicts pain but is not fatal on its own. But given how deep those teeth went, I'm afraid you should expect some scarring." Link looked down at his bandaged arm. The pain had completely faded now, but there was a slight numbness to it now.
"I think the king would like a word with you." Owlan stated, breaking Link's concentration. He nodded and stood from the chair. He looked through the open door and into the stone hallway, then back at Owlan in uncertainty.
"You don't talk much, do you?" Owlan observed, to which Link nodded. He sighed and approached the door. "Come on, I'll show you the way." He stepped out into the hall and waited.
"Mr. Owlan?" Link started, startling him. He turned to look back.
"Yes?"
"Is…is Zelda there?" He asked, wringing his hands nervously.

The king of Hyrule was an imposing figure. His large frame was clad in ornate golden armour over regal dark red and purple robes. At his side hung a scabbard containing a gold-hilted sword. His face was partially obscured by a dark grey beard and moustache, while a gold crown sat atop his balding head. He stood at the end of the great hall within the castle, hands clasped behind him as he observed the boy kneeling before him. Link did not understand why he needed to kneel before a King, but Owlan insisted it was the 'proper' thing to do. As he did so, it gradually dawned on him how vast the hall was. The floor was largely bare, save for a red and yellow carpet reaching from the main door to the throne. Its pristine stone walls were adorned with six huge banners, three on either side of the hall. Facing one another, each pair of banners were coloured green, blue and red. These pairs also bore matching symbols, although Link had little time to properly look at them as he entered. Four knights stood guard within this room, two at the doors and two more on the opposite end of the hall.
"Rise." The king's voice rang throughout the hall and Link stood up in response. He could not remember the last time anyone told him what to do, but something about the presence of this man compelled him to obey. At the king's right, qthe ueen stood perfectly still, her hands clasped at her front. Link was sure she smiled slightly when he glanced towards her. To the left of the King, Zelda beamed at him eagerly. Link resisted the urge to return it.
"Link." The king started. "It has come to my attention that earlier today, you intervened on my daughter's behalf in an attack on her person by dangerous fauna." Link said nothing but nodded once. The king maintained his gaze on the boy, but he himself felt unable to make eye contact.
"Through your actions, she was spared serious harm and you yourself suffered injury in doing so." The king stepped towards him, drawing the magnificent sword from his side. "For your bravery and selflessness in service to the royal family of Hyrule, I, King Hyrold, offer you a token of my family's gratitude. State your desire and it shall be granted." Link remained silent as he considered this offer. He had always been comfortable where he was. The ruins of his father's house were the only home he had ever known, and even his best efforts did little to maintain it. He never complained about actively foraging for food. Really, the only desire he could recall having was to properly see this castle. To learn about this mighty fortress dominating the landscape and see it up close. Now that he had, what was he to do? He supposed that he can simply go back to the forest, back to his broken home, and start searching for whatever fruits he can find to make a meal of. Maybe some firewood if he would consider hunting for the meat. But then he would need to find something to hunt with.
"If I may ask" He began hesitantly. "may I…stay here?" A moment of silence passed as the king considered his request. Link immediately regretted it.
"You wish to reside within Hyrule castle?" King Hyrold asked, sounding curious. Link found himself looking at the ground.
"Yes." He stated uneasily. Looking around, he noticed Zelda looking at him. To his surprise, she seemed particularly happy about this request. At this sight, Link found his uncertainty settling. "Yes, that is my wish." The king remained silent for a moment longer, his eyes lingering, as Link realised, on his right hand. Link dared not look to see what he was looking at.
"Very well." The king finally spoke. "Link, for your noble service to the royal family of Hyrule, you will be granted accommodation within the castle. Our home is now yours." Link bowed, failing to suppress the smile growing on his face.
"Show him to whatever quarters we have." The Queen instructed the nearest guard. "Make sure he is settled comfortably." The guard nodded and instructed Link to follow him. As he turned to do so, Zelda stepped forward and the guard stopped as though he were silently prompted.
"My chambers are at the top of the south tower." She told him quietly. "You can come visit if you wish." Link smiled and nodded before the guard led him out the door. Curious about what drew the king's attention, Link checked his right hand. He could see nothing unusual, apart from on the back of his hand. A strange birthmark that looked like three triangles, positioned around each other to form a single triangular shape. Now that he looked at it, he felt odd. Like he had seen it somewhere before, and very recently.