Chapter 3 – The Joy of a Wedding
Seconds, perhaps, to Hyrule Castle, Nayru's Temple was one of the largest buildings in Castle Town, and one of the oldest. Built over a thousand years ago, the temple had defiantly weathered the winds of time as if its namesake had given it her blessings. It was located near Hyrule Castle, although few who lived there had the time for worship. The temple was a magnificent display of Hylian architecture both inside and outside, with its high spire reaching up to the heavens and flying buttresses across its flanks. The inside somehow seemed larger than the exterior, and could seat hundreds of worshipers at any one time. It was normally silent as a tomb, and perhaps a little rank from having so many people in there at once. The arched ceiling had been meticulously painted with scenes of the Creation, depicting the three goddess's arrival. Looking down, a large Triforce symbol had been made part of the marble floor; in fact, the mythical artifact was displayed quite prominently throughout the temple. Triforce lore held a certain fascination with part of the temple's congregation; some men claimed to have found the legendary artifact, although everyone dismissed their claims. Most people regarded "The Triforce" as a fairy tale or myth, something young children might be read at their bedsides. It was said that only fools and madmen believed in the Triforce, even if the majority people would have liked to believe it existed.
The main hall of the temple was crowed with family, relatives, associates, and friends of the Lon Lon family, and a few uninvited guests. Everyone was involved in a traditional Hylian wedding, even the most distant or far-off relative was expected to be there. It was tradition for the woman to propose marriage to the man, and everyone agreed that Malon had certainly chosen well. Ronan Vigo was well respected and admired in the local community, being a kind and generous soul. Being rather wealthy, he would often offer food and shelter to impoverished families, something the King of Hyrule never once considered. His relationship with Malon had begun when he had publicly proclaimed Lon Lon milk to be the finest in all the land. Talon, the owner of the ranch and the father of the bride, had invited him to their home. It had been almost love at first sight from then on, and Malon soon found herself swept off her feet by this charming and handsome young man. It had been two months ago to the day they had met, and already they had decided they wanted to spend their lives together. They were obviously passionately in love with each other, and everyone was looking forward to the day of their union. And now that that day had come, the hall of Nayru's Temple could barely contain their excitement. There was much joy and happiness, and some disappointment too, mostly from young men who were unhappy that one of the fairest maidens in Hyrule was becoming unavailable. Talon was saddened as well; being a widower he would lose his only companion once he "gave her away" to her new husband. Looking after the livestock was certainly going to become rather lonely without her around.
It was late afternoon when Link came strolling into Castle Town with Zelda walking beside him. Zelda was wearing the new dress she had bought yesterday, and Link was wearing a semi-formal jacket that had originally belonged to his father. Knowing that this was an important event, Link actually made an attempt to make his hair look neat, although it still retained that roguish element that Zelda secretly adored. In front of the temple a crowd had gathered, chatting amongst themselves in the noonday sun. This was a formal event, and thus Zelda was beginning to feel a little more relaxed. Her dress attracted stares and more than a few gasps from other women who were obviously not as well dressed as she was. Link was more than a little nervous about appearing at a public gathering with Zelda, as he would be forced to answer questions about her. Link was never one to be seen with women, and he did not want everyone to be asking "who his new ladyfriend was." But nobody approached him as they walked through the heavy wooden doors the temple. Zelda, who had never seen this place before, was in awe of the size and architecture. There were many people here; including several noblemen Zelda might have remembered seeing elsewhere. Wishing to remain somewhat inconspicuous, Link and Zelda sat quietly near the back of the temple, close to the wall.
"Who is the groom again?" she quietly asked Link.
"Ronan Vigo," Link said, pointing at the groom standing near the altar.
"Ronan Vigo… I've heard that name before. A very well-to-do gentleman, I recall."
"Yes, Malon is very lucky to have him."
"Malon… you were her friend?"
"Well, for most of my childhood, until us both decided to go separate ways. I think her father was more interested in having me work on the ranch than my friendship with his daughter."
After the guests has quieted down somewhat, the organist began to play a solemn, traditional Hylian wedding song, something that seemed a little too saddening to be played at such a joyous occasion. The doors swung open and Malon, resplendent in her wedding dress, walked down the aisle, accompanied by her bridesmaids. The dress was pure white, with a long train, the kind of which Link always thought rather ridiculous. She looked around those gathered in the temple, smiling nervously through her veil. She had grown her beautiful crimson hair down to her waist, and let it show for all to see. Like many young men in attendance, Link felt a slight pang of regret that he had not pursued a relationship with Malon. She was a wonderful person; kind, charming, and very beautiful. But somehow they had never seemed quite right for each other, like a piece of clothing that was a just a little too small. As Malon passed the row where they were seated, Link caught her glance in his direction, and saw what might have been a frown on her face. I'll bet she's wondering who this beautiful woman sitting next to me is, he thought. Link was tempted to go around and brag to everyone that Zelda was his new ladyfriend, but he was not so arrogant. Nobody except Malon really knew him, anyway.
Malon walked up the three steps to the altar, being careful not to trip over her dress as she had done at her rehearsal. As she did, the high clergymen stepped up the altar and opened the sacred Hylian bible. Neither Link nor Zelda were religious, and they knew nothing of how a wedding was supposed to take place. When Link had attended a wedding as a child, he had actually spent most of his time trying to fall asleep. The clergyman raised his hands, silencing the congregation. After donning his reading spectacles from the altar, he began to read from the sacred texts.
"Greetings, friends and family. Today we are gathered beneath the Watchful Eye of Nayru to witness the joyous union between Malon and Ronan Vigo. Today, we celebrate the triumph of love as two become one. But before I begin the service, the father of the bride, Mr. Talon, would like to give a few words."
The clergyman stepped down from the altar, and Talon, dressed as well as Link had ever seen him, quietly walked up to the front of the temple.
"As many of you know," he began, clearing his throat, "I recently lost my wife whom I had been married to for twenty one years. In that time I have come to release the importance of having a companion and soul mate; someone to share my life with. When I first learned that my only daughter had been proposed to be someone of Mr. Vigo's status and reputation, I was more than a little surprised. Love truly is a wonderful thing, you see. Love does not care whether you are rich or poor, whether you live in the country or the city, and it does not force its will upon you. I cannot tell you how happy I am to see my daughter wed such a wonderful man, and a little saddened too, to have to say goodbye to a family member. I wish both Malon and Ronan a very happy and blissful life together. Thank you all."
Malon returned to his seat and all gathered applauded his speech. Link felt sorry for Talon, as he was going to be all alone on the ranch once Malon departed Hyrule with her husband. He was going to miss Malon as well, even if they had not seen each other in some time. But he was happy that she was going to be married, something he knew he would never experience if he continued to live as he did.
The clergyman returned to the altar, and then the formal proceedings began. "Do you Ronan Vigo," he began, "take Malon to be your lawfully wedded wife, and will love and cherish her for the rest of your days?"
"I do," he quietly replied.
"And do you, Malon, take Ronan Vigo to be your lawfully wedded husband, and will remain loving and faithful to him for all days?"
"I do."
"Then by the power of the Almighty Goddesses, I declare you husband and wife!"
The congregation applauded, and Malon and her new husband politely kissed in front of the crowd. Zelda was amazed at the simplicity of it all. A Royal Wedding required three separate readings of the bride and groom's vows and three separate rehearsals. Then the king would read the banns of marriage to those who were to be married, something which often took up to an hour, not including any vows the couple had written each other. Here, however, all the bride and groom had to do was say "I do" and it was finished! To think so much time and money had been wasted on preparing a massive ceremony for her wedding, when something much simpler would have done. All that, however, would have been bearable had she been allowed to choose her husband. But sadly, only the king had the legal and religious authority to have her married, and even though she had been banished from Hyrule Castle, she could never marry. But Zelda decided not to dwell on such things, and simply watched as Malon tossed her bouquet. A man she did not recognize leapt into the air to grab, and thus his fate was sealed in the eyes of the people.
Later that evening, the reception was held at the Lon Lon Ranch. The nobility found it rather odd that it should be held at such an informal place, given the status of the groom, but Link felt right at home. He had spent countless hours at the Lon Lon Ranch, riding horses and helping Malon's father with the ranch work. The ranch had a rather large building that had not been used in years, so it was the perfect place to hold the reception. It had been originally built to store grain, back when the Lon Lon Ranch actually had crop fields. Now, however, they simply sold milk and livestock.
Musicians had been hired, and were playing festive music upon a makeshift stage. Tables were set up around the walls, while in the center couples danced to the music. Banquet tables were also laid out for guests to feed themselves; all compliments of the ranch, of course. There were only a few kerosene lanterns to provide lighting, giving the reception a darkened, rather romantic mood. Link admired the rather rustic theme mixed in with a formal atmosphere, thinking it a wonderful celebration of both the bride and groom's lifestyles. And there was plenty of food, drink, and entertainment. Alcohol was served in moderation, although nobody could ever visit the Lon Lon Ranch without sampling their fine dairy products. Looking at the dancing couples, Link spied Malon and her husband dancing away in the midst of it all. They look so happy together, Link thought, although there was no way of knowing if the marriage would last. Everyone hoped it would, but not every marriage lasted until "the end of their days."
"So what happens now?" Zelda asked, looking at the dancing couple.
"The Nach de Venen," Link said.
"What's that?"
"It's Old Hylian for "the night after." It is when the newlyweds are traditionally expected to make love, although no proper folk speak of it."
Zelda sighed. "It's so sad I will never experience a wedding…"
"Hey, the world's a big place," Link said, trying to console her, "and you have your whole life ahead of you."
She shook her head. "No, you don't understand. Only my father has the power to have me married. If I choose to marry someone, it can only be a man of my father's choosing."
Link took a sip from his drink. "Well then, you'll just have to leave Hyrule, where the king has no power."
"Leave Hyrule?" Zelda exclaimed with a laugh. "Where would I go?"
"Like I said, the world is a big place."
Again, Link looked at the dance floor, only now Malon and Ronan were standing by the wall, staring at them. Link was never a very outgoing person, and he lacked the courage to approach Malon after all these years. He knew what it was that they were looking at. It was Zelda without a doubt, and Link felt a pang of fear when he realized that maybe Malon's new husband recognized her as the Princess of Hyrule. The last thing he needed was for word to get out that he had the Lady of Hyrule herself staying at his home.
On a whim, Zelda extended her hand across the table and said, rather loudly, "Dance with me, Link!"
Link had obviously not come to the reception with the intention of dancing with anyone. He felt rather flustered at her request, knowing that dancing was usually only done in courtship. There had never been a time in Link's life where he had danced before, and he worried that he would embarrass himself or Zelda out on the floor. But he wanted to dance with her also, for Link was beginning to feel rather strongly attracted to her.
"Oh, I…I don't really know how to dance," her nervously replied.
"It's very simple, Link. Now are you going to dance with me or not?"
Link swallowed and decided there was no harm in it. He took her hand, then stood up from his chair and led her out into the midst of the crowd. Malon and her husband were still gazing at them, and Link wished they would stop. "It's not polite to point and stare," his mother had always told him.
He had seen his parents dance many times, so looking back on that, he nervously took her in a couple position and slowly, they began to dance to the soft music. Recalling his dream the night before, Link tried to hide his blushing face and calm his throbbing heart, with little success. He wanted to look away, to look at something else in the room, but she was gazing into his eyes in that way that made his knees weak. The muted light of the kerosene lanterns shone in her iridescent eyes, and when their eyes met, they found it impossible to look away. His senses seemed to become heightened; Link could feel the warmth of her body through the thin silk of her dress and her delicate hand on his shoulder. So enraptured with her he was, that Link soon found himself forgetting about his nervousness and anxiety, and began to enjoy the moment. Zelda danced in a very beautiful and refined manner, something to be expected from someone of royal upbringing. He was probably a stumbling oaf by comparison, but Zelda didn't seem to mind. She just smiled at him, and he smiled back. Link could sense that she was happier now than she had been for many years, and he was as well. As the music's tempo slowed, Zelda moved in closer to him, until their bodies were almost touching. She held him a little tighter, and Link felt himself beginning to blush very hotly. He had never experienced any sort of physical intimacy before, and it delighted him. Was this love? The thing which so many poets and writers spoke of with both admiration and disgust? Did he love Zelda? She was the companion he had wanted for so long, and was a very kind and beautiful person. He knew his life would seem boring and lonely without her. Yes, he admitted to himself, I think I do love her. But should he tell her? Did she even feel the same way? Not knowing how she would respond, he decided not to confess his feelings.
"Malon is staring at us," she whispered, breaking his trance.
"Ignore her," he whispered back.
As they danced a little longer, Link began to feel at ease with himself. Here he was, dancing with the heavenly Lady of Hyrule at his friend's wedding, and nobody knew it. This was the kind of thing that would only happen in a man's dreams, he thought. But, as with most good things, soon the music stopped, and the dance was over. They stood there holding hands for a moment or two, not saying anything. Even now, love was binding them together under its spell, although neither of them quite knew it yet.
"I…I'm going to get something to eat," Link said at last.
"I need to sit down," she replied, light of breath. Dancing was more tiring then people knew.
Link quietly walked over to one of the buffet tables, where a generous amount of food had been laid. It would not all be eaten, of course, which meant more for Talon when the reception was over. He picked up a plate and helped himself to a little snack, taking a glass from the punchbowl as well. Food and drink was always the specialty at the Lon Lon Ranch, and Mr. Talon was only too happy to serve it. But Link was feeling rather tired and decided to leave after he finished his meal. He didn't know if he could get to sleep that night after his dance with Zelda.
"Hey Link," came a voice. Link turned around to see Malon and Ronan standing behind him.
"Oh, hi Malon. It's, uh, been a long time since I've seen you!" was his feeble greeting. He had hoped not to have to speak with them, but they had him cornered.
"It's good to see you Link. Who is she?" she asked rudely, gesturing towards his table.
"Who is who?" he asked, faking ignorance.
"The women you were dancing with." Malon looked back at Zelda sitting alone at their table. "She's beautiful…"
"Oh, uh, she's…," Link struggled to think up an explanation, "She's my new ladyfriend. She lives up in the northern parts of Castle Town."
"Oh, a rich girl is she? What's her name?"
"Zelda," he replied quietly.
"Zelda… that's an odd name. Are you sure she's from around here?"
Malon's husband stepped closer to him, and Link worried that Ronan might know about the princess. "Actually my dear, "Zelda" is an Ancient Hylian name. It means "beloved one" and was the name of a 7th century warrior princess who slew her unfaithful husband while he slept in Hyrule Castle."
"Hyrule Castle… She lives near there," Link lied.
Ronan grunted in displeasure. "Hyrule Castle, what a dreadful place that is! It is so cold and damp, and the people are so rude! That is why I never go there."
"Well, if you'll excuse me," Link apologized, looking back at the table, "My ladyfriend is waiting for me."
When the reception was over, Link and Zelda slowly walked home underneath a clear, night sky. Link was rather tired from the dance, and looked forward to nothing other than a good night's rest. It felt rather odd that he should take Zelda to a wedding and the reception, dance and have dinner with her, and when a normal couple would have said goodbye to each other, they were both going back to his home. A man might have been forgiven for thinking them a married couple, Link thought. He prayed that Malon would not go spreading the news that Link "had a new ladyfriend" to everyone she knew. This was something he wanted to keep very secret.
The air was calm and cool as they entered the forest. All they heard was the faint rustling of foliage in the light breeze and the occasional sound of birds or wildlife. Zelda held his hand, something that every couple did, but was making Link blush slightly. He wished he could get his feelings out in the open, so he could relieve the terrible weight on his heart, but he hadn't the courage to. What if she were to slap him in the face, or simply reject him? If that were to happen, it would make their living together much more awkward and uncomfortable, so he decided not to say anything until he got some sort of clear signal from her. Link didn't think himself the kind of man who swept ladies off their feet, so overtly attempting to woo her was out of the question. But should he explain his feelings to her? When would it feel "right" to do so? Link cursed the confusing emotion called "love" for all it seemed to do was make sensible folk do foolish things. He had never meant to fall in love with Zelda when he had taken her into his home; it had simply happened all on its own. It was so frustrating being unable to express his emotions. His father had told his mother he loved her every day; why was it so hard for him?
"I hope Malon and Ronan have a good life together. She's certainly found a wonderful man."
"Where will they go?" Zelda asked.
"Oh, they're found a house in Castle Town not too far from the place they were married. I haven't seen it, but that's what I'm told."
Zelda paused for a few moments. "Link, was it like outside of Hyrule?"
"Well, to the north I believe there is the Snowy Mountains, and beyond that I do not know. To the east lies the ocean, to the south is the kingdom of Kalendra and to the west…" Link trailed.
"What is to west?"
"It is a barren wasteland where nothing lives or grows. I foolishly journeyed there once, and was lucky to return. The land is cold and barren, as if a great fire had scoured it clean. It is where the Gerudos once lived, before they were wiped out. They say the land is still scarred from that horrible massacre; and that the earth itself is dead. Nobody but the very brave and foolish venture out into the west anymore."
"That is my father's doing," Zelda recounted with disdain. "He killed the Gerudos, yet he feels no remorse for their slaughter. I hope he will enjoy his torment among fire and brimstone after he passes on."
Princess Zelda, damning her own father? Link was tempted to scold her for that, but deep down, Link despised the king of Hyrule as well. His stupidity had killed his parents and countless others, and his cruelty had slaughtered a race that did not deserve such a fate. All of Link's sadness and loneliness, all of his hurt and pain, all could be traced back to the uncaring king. And the more he began to care more for Zelda, the more he hated what her father had done to her. Such a man did not deserve to be king.
Suddenly, there was a sharp rustling leaves, and Link caught a dark shape moving through the undergrowth. He stopped and looked about, but saw no more. Dismissing it is a nocturnal creature, Link and Zelda continued walking through the forest. It seemed much more dark and foreboding during the night, with twisted tree branches hanging over the path like spindly arms. Rays of moonlight filtered in through the leaves and branches, eerily lighting their path. The far-off sound of a wolf howling made his heart jump, and Link quickened his pace. There was a fell aura in the woods tonight, something Link had not felt before. Zelda could sense it as well, and moved closer to Link in fear. Another rustling in the woods made him stop, and this time Link could see a large black shape move behind a tree. Whatever it was, it was not a wolf or a bear. Link quietly reached for his dagger, a weapon he carried with him at all times. For a moment, the forest stood absolutely still, so quiet the only sound was of Link's breathing.
A piercing cry like that of a banshee broke the calm air of the nocturnal forest, and a dark shape lunged out of the shadows. Link was knocked to his back and Zelda shrieked as the thing pushed her aside. He caught a flash of blood red eyes through its black cloak, and suddenly a knife was in its hand, gleaming brightly in the moonlight. The creature, or whatever it was, raised the knife into the air, and Link immediately tried to move away. But it was too late, and Link felt a blinding pain as the knife plunged deep into his shoulder. The creature hissed and wrenched the knife out of his flesh, raising the bloody blade high for another strike. He was pinned beneath its weight, and for a brief moment Link caught a glimpse of the creature's face. It was dark and mottled with many deep scars and its eyes burned a fiery color of red.
Just as it was about to plunge the knife into his chest, there was a brilliant flash of light. The wraithlike being screeched in agony, and Link suddenly felt its weight disappear. An invisible force hurled the creature hard against an oak tree, breaking its neck with a sickening crack. It crumpled to the forest floor, and lay still. When Link looked up, he saw Zelda standing near its body, and he knew immediately that she was responsible. But he was too much in agony from his wound to comprehend what had happened. The pain burned like a red-hot iron against his shoulder, and he could feel warm blood running down his body. He closed his eyes, trying to block and shut out the searing pain, but it was no use.
"Link!" he heard Zelda shout as he writhed about like a tortured soul.
All Link could reply with was a groan, but somehow, through all the pain he managed to climb to his feet. He had his right hand clutched over his bleeding gash, trying to stem the flow of blood. Zelda steadied him as they made their way towards Link's home, almost stumbling over the twigs and roots along the trail. The blistering sting of the blade was becoming unbearable, and when Link looked down, his favorite suit was soaked with blood. His vision was becoming blurred and hazy and he could feel the strength draining from his body. Finally, after an agonizing eternity, they came upon his house. Zelda pushed open the door and instantly had Link lying on a nearby sofa.
"There are bandages… in the bathroom upstairs," he gasped, still clutching his wound.
She shook her head. "There was poison on that blade. I must first cleanse the wound."
Instead of bringing a wet rag as Link would have expected, Zelda placed both her hands over the wound. She closed her eyes and then began reciting something in an old Hylian language Link did not understand. Looking down, Link saw her hand begin glow a bright color, and suddenly he felt a great warmth and soothing sensation all over his shoulder. The pain faded and melted away, until it seemed as if no harm had befallen him. Zelda opened her eyes and took her hands off him, and while the wound was still there, the pain had been softened into a dull ache. Link could not think of something to say before Zelda had run off upstairs. She…had magical powers? He had thought only his mother could wield such a powerful force. Why hadn't she told him? She was probably afraid, afraid of what might happen if people were to learn of her abilities. Those who held the power of magical were not revered or admired in Hyrule. They were hated and feared, both by the common folk and those in power. To most people, they were an aberration; something that should not be. Those who were not hung or beheaded were exiled from Hyrule, never to return. Link knew that was what had happened to his mother, his kind and beautiful mother who had never harmed anyone.
Zelda returned, and quickly removed his torn and bloodied suit. There was so much blood over his body that he was almost ill for looking at it. Never before had he been hurt so badly, except when he was twelve years old and not used to woods, a wolf had attacked him while he was walking through the forest. With the skill and swiftness of a healer, Zelda wrapped the bandage around his shoulder and tied it tightly. She then took a wet rag and began washing away the blood on his body, and frowned slightly as she did. Link's had many scars on his body, mostly from accidents or fights he had gotten into, and now there was going to be one more to mar his flesh.
"How am I doing…doctor?" he asked jokingly. He was amazed at how quickly the pain was subsiding. In fact, it seemed as if he could simply get and start walking around as if nothing had happened.
"You'll be fine," Zelda said in her soft, soothing voice. "Everything will be all right."
"I didn't know you had the power, Zelda," he said, his voice a mere whisper.
She looked down, as if in shame. "I…I've never told anyone. My father…he told me it was wrong to have such power, that I was unnatural… We are demons to most, but angels to some."
Zelda looked up, and Link could see tears in her eyes. "My mother was like you," he began, "I did not tell the truth when I said she had died with at the Chendra Valley. My father was a soldier, he spent most of his time away from home, and so I saw little of him. My mother was left to take care of me, and she told me of her power, and that I must never tell anyone about it. I kept my word, but… one night, men, soldiers, came to our house, and right before my eyes they took her away into the night. I never saw her again, and I never knew what fate befell her…"
Zelda sobbed and began to weep. Despite the pain, Link sat up and placed his arm around her shoulder, trying to comfort her. She turned to him and slid her arm around him, her body quivering with sobs and tears streaming down her face. All the pain and loneliness of the past seven years rose to the surface, and Link was quickly overcome with emotion. He wept with Zelda, for they were both poor and lonely souls. But they had found each other, and with Zelda Link had found a true friend and companion, someone whom he could love and cherish, someone who made it worth waking up every morning. She had saved him from death today, and he was eternally thankful for it.
"Link…," Zelda whispered as they silently held each other. "Please don't be angry with me."
With his good arm, Link gently stroked her back. "I'm not angry with you, Zelda. You've done nothing wrong."
She continued to shed tears for a few moments more before she wiped the last of them away. "I love you," she said so quietly Link could barely hear her. But it did not come as a stunning revelation as it did in romantic tales, rather, it was acceptance of something beautiful that had happened between that they both knew existed, yet never confessed to each other. The prospect of being in love with a woman, a princess at that, was more than a little frightening for Link. He could easily picture a life, a future, with her. Perhaps that meant he had found someone truly special.
"I love you, Zelda," he whispered back. He had finally said it. Those three words Link never thought he would ever say to a woman, and certainly not the Princess of Hyrule. But he did not think of her as a princess anymore, and she didn't want to be treated like one. He did not say anything, but continued to hold her in silence.
Quietly, Zelda moved away, wiping the last of her tears away. "What was it that attacked you?" she asked at last.
"I believe it was a Gerudo, or what was left of one."
Zelda looked at him in puzzlement. "What do you mean? I though they were extinct?"
"No, a small band survived the slaughter. Some say that when they learned of what befell their people, they went mad with grief, and became almost like feral creatures. Now they live in shadow, and all they know is hatred for the people of Hyrule. It is odd that they should be in the forest since they are said to roam the western desolation."
"How many more are there?"
He shook his head. "I don't know, Zelda. There might be ten or a hundred of them; nobody knows how many survived."
Zelda hung her head and sighed. "The Gerudos may have been thieves and marauders, but they did not deserve their fate. It was all my father's fault, and now I must live knowing that I am the daughter of a mass murderer."
"Don't say things like that. You should not have to suffer for the sins of your father."
"You're right, Link, but is still a terrible act. What an ironic world it is that we live in. The hungry go unfed, the loving go unloved, and the unworthy exercise power…"
Several seconds of silence followed. "I should be getting some rest," Link said at last, standing up from the sofa. His bloodied suit lay crumpled on the floor below him, so he picked it up and tossed it in a nearby wastebasket.
"That was my best suit," he complained before going upstairs.