AN: Good lord, what is this? A new chapter? I'm so proud of myself! I've had a lot of time consuming things going on…school (by the way my Comp Civix team placed second in the state! Number 2 out of 70 schools! We're good enough to go to Nationals but that's a whole long story.) Anyway, I've had school to deal with, my family from out of state was visiting, and unfortunately I've been having some difficulties with some close friendships. Things come full circle, right? I hope so because I'm certainly not very happy now. Not to mention that for some reason, my modem and sound devices on my laptop decided to somehow disconnect themselves and I have to have my aunt look at it. I hate it when electronic things break randomly for no reason. Grrr….I just have to recite my mantra, I'm graduating in less than 2 months, I'm graduating in less than 2 months…
Anyway, I should give a brief about this chapter. As you'll see, it's not as depressing as the last couple of ones, but nor does it really accomplish anything great really. I was planning for it to, but this thing's nearly 5,000 words (it's so funny, I used to think a long chapter was when I hit 1,000) so I decided to hold off and put it in the next one. But don't you worry, I turn is coming…oh yes, I turn is coming…
Chapter Twenty-five: A Celebration
The day after they returned to the castle, Link and Navi rode out to visit with Malon and Rook. He had not seen them in weeks, not since before the Battle, and now in his somber mood, Link needed the cheerful smile and grace of Malon. The gates of the Ranch passed behind him, and as he rode in on Epona he could feel her becoming giddier now that she was coming home.
It had been five days since the departure from Eidua, where Ganondorf now rested, and the summer month of June was winding down to its end. Link could hear the familiar calling of cows and horses and could already smell the wonderful, simple scent of fresh hay and earth. Link sat atop Epona and watched Malon, who was in the coral, come toward him. The sun was brilliant shining off her smooth, red locks, and she was smiling to herself in her secret little way and a hand came up to rest on her stomach. She then looked up and saw Link there and her smile grew larger than ever.
"Link! Navi!" she shouted and ran, arms open, to him. Link dismounted, smiling, and she launched herself into his arms, planting a good, sound kiss on his lips. "Thank Din that you're alright! We've heard that you were safe, but…" Malon untangles herself from him and gives him a solid punch in the arm. "How dare you not come and see me to let me know you're okay! I've been worried sick and so has Rook! Don't give me any excuses that you were too busy to come see us, or even send word! I should kick you out right now, I'm so angry at you!"
But she did not, of course, even after having worked herself up into passionate fluster so quickly. Malon's fuming expression swiftly changed into another smile and weepy eyes and she embraced him again.
"Never do that again, do you hear me, you stupid hero? Navi, where were you when all this happened?"
Navi did not say anything in response, and instead her wings drooped shamefully. Malon's face softened and she was about to say something else when Link intervened.
"I'm sorry, Malon, I should have known you'd worry about me, I'd have hoped you'd have stopped that by now," he grinned, and playfully tugged on one of her locks of hair, beginning to feel his melancholy mood lift.
"Is tha' Link I hear?" Rook's big, booming voice could be heard long before either of them saw him. He came out of the house with a slamming of the door and before Link knew it he was caught in his old friend's vice-like grip.
"Well look at you, Lad!" Rook laughed, putting him down, "yer face isn't so pretty anymore, now is it?"
"Hey! Watch it Rook!" Navi exclaimed as he nearly knocked her for a loop when he grabbed Link.
"Rook! What a thing to---oh, Nayru, Link! I didn't even notice!" Malon gasped at the scars on Link's face. "Come on inside and we'll get something to eat and drink. I'm sure you two are tired of talking about what's happened, so not a word of it, I won't have it. Come on now, we have news to tell you!"
She took both men by the arm and led them back into the house where Rook had been finishing repairing a weak spot in the ceiling and sat them down at the table. Navi darted in behind Link and perched comfortably on the rim of an unlit candlestick on the table. Link and Rook looked at one another and shared an amused grin over Malon as she brought three tankards, two with ale and set the third filled with milk in front of her.
"Ye fuss like a mother, Firefly." Rook put his arm around his wife and pecked her cheek affectionately.
"Navi, can I get anything for you?" Malon asked, half raising from her seat as she had forgotten about the little faery in all the excitement. Navi declined.
"Aren't you going to join us, Malon?" Link asked, pointing to her cup. Malon turned her head to look at Rook and burst out into a fit of giggles as he beamed proudly.
"Can't, I'm drinking for two," she grinned madly and looked at Link over the rim of her cup as she drank. Link sat and stared for a moment, gazing at one, and then the other.
"No…" He began in disbelief, a smile of his own creeping over his face.
"Yes! The baby's due next March, I'm about three weeks along now."
"How…How can you tell? You wouldn't start showing for at least another three or four weeks…"
"A woman can tell, Link. I'm pregnant."
Dumbstruck, Link remained where he was until the news finally seemed to hit him.
Malon was pregnant.
His adoptive sister, his childhood companion, soon to be with a child of her own… How could she be old enough? She was only…the same age as Link…but never mind that. A child! Look how happy she is.
"You bastard!" Link burst out laughing and launched himself over the table to give Rook a fierce hug and slap on the back. "And you! Come here Beautiful!"
Link grabbed Malon too and she squealed in delight as he gave her a smacking kiss on the top of her head.
"Congratulations!" Navi exclaimed excitedly.
"My Gods, parents? You two? I'm so happy for you, congratulations! What'd your father think, Malon?" The shock having worn off, Link's excitement seemed to rival theirs.
"He hit the roof and told us it was about time. I
think he's determined for it to be a boy, the way he's carrying on," Malon
smiled and rubbed her still flat belly, "we'll see though. Can't know what
it'll be until it comes out."
"By Farore, a son or a
daughter…What do you two want it to be?" Link asked.
"Well, I'd always pictured havin' a bunch of lads runnin' around about foot, but I wouldna' mind a daughter," Rook poured Link another ale, glanced sideways at his wife.
"Boys would be nice, but I've always wanted a little girl," Malon paused for a moment and sighed, a semi-vacant expression glazing her face. Link knew she must be worried about being a good mother, never having one of her own to learn from. He understood the pain of missing a parent and the emptiness it left, but Link also knew, however, that Malon would be the most loving and tender mother a child could ask for. Malon smiled at Link and the passing look of worry washed away as she grabbed his hand and squeezed it excitedly.
"Oh Link! Get married soon and start a family! Then our children can grow up together!" she giggled just as if she were still ten instead of a grown woman of twenty. "Rook, find him someone, will you? I want another sister, and Lynn lives so far away and I never get to see Malayia anymore it seems!"
Rook gave a wide grin and laughed at Malon.
"Bhy gharra, leave the poor man alone, Woman!" he exclaimed. "Ye've already got me settled down, the most handsome man in Hyrule, ye can't be taken all the men away from the other women, ugly as those men are." At this he turned back and grinned at Link. "Uh! Besides, don't think I can do much fer this lad, none of the ladies will want him, I can tell you that now!"
"Hey, remember who introduced you two!" Link laughed and kicked back in his chair. "And don't you worry Malon, as soon as I find the right woman."
"Well find her soon, would you? I'm impatient."
***
Link walked into Zelda's study the morning after his visit out to the Ranch. Seeing Malon and Rook and hearing their good news of a baby on the way left him feeling strangely refreshed and at peace. He turned down the final hall toward Zelda's study and he began to hear many voices speaking and Zelda's above them all. For the first time in a long while, the mood as he entered the room was lively. It threw him for a moment, almost like stumbling when he came through the door, but Zelda's voice called out from in between the men and women who surrounded her desk.
"Link! Come in! I've been waiting to see you. How was your visit to the Ranch?" She directed the woman on her left for something and the woman nodded and bustled away. The room was more than lively; it was full of commotion.
"Zel?" Link said wearily, dodging the woman as she rushed out the door behind him.
"Could we get them in time?" Zelda continued, now talking to another man and ignoring Link.
"We could, my Lady, the flowers would be delivered the day before the celebration."
"Good, good, do that, won't you? I want bright flowers, all kinds."
"Zelda?" Link asked again, finally having shoved his way through the tiny swarm and up to the desk. As soon as he made it Zelda quickly grabbed him and pulled him behind the desk next to her.
"Zelda, what's going on?"
"Wait, look! What do you think of these colors? I was thinking of having banners made out of them to line the streets of the Market and the front entrance to the Castle." She held up several fabric swatches of vibrant reds and oranges for Link to inspect.
"I, uh, yeah, they're great. Now what's happening?" Link put the scraps of fabric back down on the desk amidst countless other papers.
"A celebration, Link! We need to lift the People's mood; everything's been so somber lately. I want the music set up outside, the weather is beautiful this time of year. We should have as much as we can outside." Zelda had already lapsed into speaking with someone else. She was extremely focused in planning and seemed to have a one-track mind.
"When did you decide this?" Link was more than a little surprised at her sudden turn about in mood.
"Last night, could you hand me that?" she pointed to a paper that Link saw had estimates for food marked on it.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?"
"Why, you don't think so?" she continued on without skipping a beat.
"No, it's just so sudden," Link picked up more of the papers and scanned through them. When he came to the third one he winced and wrinkled his nose. "Oh, no, Zelda, not these guys. Their music is dull."
Zelda took the paper from his hand and raised an eyebrow as she looked up at him.
"What? Everybody said they enjoyed the music at the party for the ambassador of Nahar."
"Everybody being stiff old men and their wives?"
"Link! Honestly, I asked you here to help. The band is fine. Now I'd like to move onto---"
"All I'm saying is that if you want to liven the mood, you're going to need some lively music," Link interrupted her and then gave a half smile when he saw the irritated look starting in her eye.
"Do you want to help or not?" She leaned on the desk and placed fist on hip, glaring at him impatiently as all the while the small assembly of coordinators continued to chatter, oblivious to the Queen and the Hero's conversation. Link put his hands up in surrender and the little smirk spread to a full grin. He saw that Zelda genuinely wanted to do this, so he better buckle down and get ready to see it through.
"Of course, I was just…" Link began but the intense glare of the Seventh Sage left him fumbling for words. "Hm, yes, right, a party, good idea." He ended his sentence with a sheepish, boyish grin.
"Perhaps I should forget what I was going to send you for and give the job to someone else," Zelda sniffed and kept her amusement from showing in her expression.
"No, really, I want to help, just tell me what to do and I'll do it," Link said determinedly. Zelda turned away and pretended to become to preoccupied to speak with him for several moments. When she turned back to him she handed him a small bundle with several small rolled up pieces of paper tied with ribbon and sealed with King Harkinian's wax stamp.
"I want you to go and deliver these invitations to my father's cousin, King Stephen, in Inis Morgen. He's to be invited along with his family. I haven't seen them in some time, not since his children and I were very young, but they are my father's only living relatives and I should like for them to be here. He sent me a letter regarding my father's passing. I received it a few days ago."
Zelda fell silent momentarily amidst the now dimming chatter. She dismissed everyone in the room, their business concluded, and sat tiredly down in her chair and closed her eyes. Link casually took a seat on the corner of the massive desk and watched Zelda in renewed cheerfulness. When she opened her eyes again to look at him he made an amusing face by puffing out his cheeks and crossing his eyes and Zelda could not help but laugh at him.
"Nayru, look at us," Zelda finished laughing and slumped in her chair from exhaustion. "Where did our childhood go?"
Link grinned, happy to see Zelda finally relaxing, and played with a brass paperweight that sat on a pile of papers.
"Well, I had part of mine, lost it, got it back again and I haven't moved past that," he joked but could tell afterwards that Zelda didn't find it very funny. He did not know that she felt solely responsible for his chaotic youth and how that little joke pulled at her guilt. Link saw the lines harden around her mouth and moved to a different subject.
"So, when do you want me to go?" he asked.
"Hm? Go where?" Zelda dropped the fine strands of her golden hair she had been playing with and snapped back to attention. "Inis Morgen, to get King Stephen, right?"
"Oh, oh yes, I'm sorry," she drew a deep breath, exhausted. "I suppose all of this planning was more than I anticipated. I'm a bit tired." She stood, stretched, and sighed contently, a sound Link had not heard in some time. "I think I'll go and take a nap. Isn't that silly? It's not even noon yet."
"Well, we've all been running odd hours lately, you most of all. And hey, you're queen, go and do whatever the hell you want." Smiling again, Link followed her to the door.
"Link, this is a good idea, right? I mean, the people need this…we all need this." Her eyes were searching for an answer, for some form of validation from a trusted friend, and Link wrapped his arm about her shoulders and kissed her forehead reassuringly.
"Yeah, Sweetheart, it'll be great. I'll go first thing tomorrow."
***
Music rang throughout the Market in celebration and colorful banners of brilliant reds and oranges decorated the streets. People were outside enjoying the sunshine and festivities and a renewed energy brought life back to their hope.
Link was out on the Field, prepping himself for a contest of skill and brute strength. Zelda had ordered an entire day of festivities, including a tournament of games, of which Link could not refuse to participate in. Sweat dotted his bare chest as he stooped and waited for the bell to ring. Sanders grinned devilishly and stooped opposite him, ready to do battle and to prove who indeed was the best man.
"Maybe I'll go easy on you because you just finished recuperating from your last batch of battle wounds," Sanders laughed, wiping sweat from his brow. The tall, hard, brute look to him would have been intimidating to most men, and indeed had been to several already that day, but not to Link.
"Yeah, yeah, we'll just see what you got Lieutenant," Link smirked.
"That's lieutenant commander, you bum."
The bell shot off and both men launched themselves at one another with incredible force. Quite a large crowd had gathered to watch the Hero of Time match his wrestling abilities against a man of the army, and at the moment it was difficult to tell who of the two was winning. Both strained hard against one another, the level of perspiration increased.
Link was focusing hard on his breathing, and the muscles in his shoulders began to burn from the exertion. Who the crowd was cheering on, he didn't know, but he knew if he didn't win this one, Sanders would never let him live it down. Behind Sanders and in the throng of gathering spectators, Link spotted something very green and very familiar. It was Saria, and Navi was with her. Saria stood (on her tiptoes, Link didn't doubt) behind the fence that made up the small arena and she was cheering wildly.
Now that he knew that Saria and Navi had come to watch him, he had to win. Link's eyes drifted upward, however, to the form standing behind Saria, somewhat hidden behind another nameless stranger. He only saw her for a moment, a flash of brown hair disappearing into the crowd, but the action caused him to lose his concentration long enough for Sanders to take over and pummel him to the ground. Dazed, Link dodged out of the way before the young army lieutenant could pin him. The crowd's voices rose and fell with every action and with one swift movement Link had reversed the roles and had Sanders slamming down on his backside. The count was made and the crowd cheered enthusiastically.
Link extended his hand to help Sanders up, and Sanders took it. Once standing he rubbed his neck in annoyance.
"Jeez, you didn't have to flip me so hard," Sanders laughed good-naturedly as he and Link cleared the ring for the next pair. "But I had you there for a minute. What happened?"
"Oh," Link shrugged it off, "I saw Saria standing there and then…"
"Well? And then what?"
Link looked back into the crowd that was constantly moving and changing as people went on their way and he shrugged again.
"Nothing, just thought I saw another familiar face, that's all."
Saria joined them after they got redressed, and Sanders wife, Maeve, and their young son were not far behind. Link left with Saria and they made their way slowly back to the castle. The afternoon was waning and soon Zelda would be giving the speech she had been perfecting for the last two days and the Hero of Time and Sage of Forest could not be excused from that. And besides, dinner would be served soon too, and Link for one was famished.
***
Zelda took a deep breath and prepared to go out and face the crowd. She smoothed the folds in her gown out, straightening the carefully arranged layers of pale lavender and white. For a moment she felt like a flower, frail and lovely, trembling in anticipation of the dawn and the sun when she would finally show her face and show the entire world her brilliant colors. How would they judge her? Would they see right through this façade of happiness she pretended with? With courage she stepped out into the bright lights of the Hall and smiled her most sincere smile. She was ready, at least, to face reality again.
Ruto, Impa, and Saria awaited Zelda at the head of the room and greeted her each with a warm smile. Zelda wondered where Link was, but did not have long to think on it. She needed to give her speech soon.
Saria and Navi had finally won out and convinced Link to change his tunic for the celebration. Unfortunately finding the right one was a little more of a challenge than he took it for. With Navi's help his decision finally fell on a warm-gray color, and as soon as he could put it on and fasten his belt he was out the door, racing through the halls hoping he wasn't already too late. They reached the Main Hall just in time to hear the eruption of applause and cheering, and he cursed himself out loud. He had missed Zelda's opening speech.
Everyone was too busy applauding to notice Link sneaking in. Quickly and quietly he slipped up to stand beside Saria, who threw him an all-knowing smirk. When Zelda turned back around, it was as if Link had appeared out of nowhere.
"You're late," she said, retaining the graceful smile she had put on for the crowd. She walked past him toward the Dining Hall flanked by Impa and left the others to follow. They sat down and watched the food be brought out to them; course after course of the finest dishes that Hyrule had to offer. The meal was enjoyed slowly, savoring each new flavor, and when it was finished the orchestra stopped their calm serenade and began to play at a livelier pace.
Soon the guests moved out of the Dining Hall and outside where Zelda had had a great platform built as a dance floor. Link went out as well and was surprised all over again at how beautiful the evening was and how much Zelda had outdone herself. White lanterns were hung everywhere, fairylike orbs that gave the night an almost unearthly presence, and arrangement upon arrangement of delicate and striking flowers filled the air with their faint sweet scent. Banners of cool blues and white fluttered in the breeze and another bearing the Royal Family Crest was hung directly above the small raised area in which Zelda and the other sages would be sitting. Even more food had been placed on the long tables along the side of the massive dance floor and those few who thought they did not have enough at dinner already were helping themselves.
Link made his round alone around the floor, talking a few minutes with those few who had the courage to address him. He was just happy that no one had asked him for a dance. He was still uneasy about his dancing abilities though he had somehow gotten better over the last few years. A familiar face appeared to him through the crowd and Link smiled. It was Malayia, Rook's sister, as busy as ever running back and forth with a platter of hors d'oeuvres in hand. He came up behind her and plucked a food something, a little red one, off of the tray before she even saw him. She spun around, sensing that someone was standing there and nearly lost the balance of her tray.
"Bhy gharra, Link! Ye startled me!" She exclaimed and in her upset let her accent slip. Link found that very charming. He quickly set a hand on each of her arms to steady her and returned her happy smile.
"Sorry Malay, I didn't mean to startle you so. I haven't seen you in awhile, you must be keeping yourself busy." He released her once she regained her footing and laughed at her flustered appearance.
"Don't you be laughin' , Link, or else I'll dump all of this right down that pretty tunic of yours," she threatened, raising the platter with a mischievous grin and brushing a stray piece of brown hair behind her pointed ear. Link laughed again and took a step back.
"Okay, okay, peace, I'm sorry. Let's move onto something else, I saw your brother again the other day, have you been out to see them lately?"
"No," Malayia's eyes looked a little saddened, "I've not had time to get away. Is Malon starting to show yet?"
"No, it's to soon for that I think. The way your brother fawns over her is driving Malon crazy though."
"Ah, I don't doubt it. Rook always was annoyingly overbearing."
The orchestra began to play a new song and there was a small rush upon the floor. Malayia looked longingly out over the crowd and watched the couples dancing.
"Oh, I love this song," she said disappointedly as she switched the platter from one hand to the other.
Link heard this and a small thrill ran along his spine. A thought came to his mind that he never would have imagined before. And how wonderfully pleasant it was too! He would ask Malayia for a dance. He knew the idea was more of an impulse than logical thought, but suddenly he found himself very elated. Link turned around to ask her though, but found the place by his side empty. She had gone and slipped through the crowd, already at her duty again and serving the wealthy courtiers.
His heart sank a little for unknown reasons, and the courage to pursue and ask Malayia quickly deflated. Link suddenly felt very alone, standing in the middle of a crowd of finely dressed people, but with no one at his side.
Link made his way back to Zelda and the others, who were sitting regally above the rest of the crowd. Link thought Zelda still looked so distant, so afraid. The crown on her head was slim, but he could see how it weighed down upon her. He would do something to bring a smile to her face.
Zelda was talking softly with Ruto when the crowd parted and Link was suddenly there. Her eyes locked with his as he appeared at the bottom of the steps, a vision of gallantry. He smiled and the glittering light of the many lanterns brightened his face. He always was so very handsome, but now, on this night, he seemed perfect, the one man that the world turned for. The one reason a woman lived and breathed and loved.
But again, she did not love him.
Link then did something unexpected, he bowed and held out his hand to her as the music and voices of guests swirled around them.
"Will you dance with me, Zelda?" he asked calmly and his blue eyes sparkled. A slow smile spread across Zelda's face, but Ruto had to give her hand a sharp squeeze to get her up. She descended the few steps toward Link and stopped at the step just before the floor. Her pale dress trailed along behind her and her golden hair was arranged masterfully and elaborately upon her head. She curtsied formally, and Link bowed again, and then Zelda's elegant hand reached out for his, and together they strolled hand in hand into the dance.
Zelda felt Link's hand at the small of her back and she was pressed softly to him. She looked expectantly up to him, and he made a silly face at her as he led her into the waltz. She laughed, and Link beamed at the smile on her face.
"I was not expecting this," the Queen said gaily, not hearing the murmurs of approval that were rippling through the crowd. Her hand that was lying casually on Link's shoulder lifted to brush the back of his neck with its delicate fingers. "You are going to grow your hair back, aren't you?"
"Do you think I should?" Link laughed.
"Yes, your ears look much to big now."
Zelda said this in such a deadpan fashion that Link cocked his head to the side and wondered if she would really be so blunt. It was then Zelda's turn to laugh and she flicked his right ear.
"I thought you would be able to tell when I was teasing by now, Link," she giggled. "Honestly, I liked it better long, but you look as handsome as ever, I must say."
"Even with these scars?" He added, his voice suddenly low and uncertain. Zelda had not thought that the marks from his injuries bothered him, but she could see by looking at him now that he was questioning.
"Even with the scars, my love," she spoke softly and comfortingly, but sensed there was something deeper. What was it that she felt in her dearest friend? Was it loneliness she saw in his eyes?
"Link, tell me what is wrong," she pressed, but he ignored her and concentrated on keeping his counting steady and his steps straight. Zelda made a mental note to question him later. The song ended and Link escorted Zelda back to her simple throne, stayed and talked for a better part of the hour, then disappeared into the throngs of guests again. This did not seem unusual to anyone else, but to Zelda it seemed like he was running away.
The celebration went on long into the night, even after Zelda had retired, and in the morn the tedious task of cleaning and dismantling would begin. Zelda stretched herself out against the frame of her window and basked in the morning sun, watching the many servants work diligently below carrying lanterns, pieces of wood from the dance floor, and banners and tables and chairs. This to her felt comforting; this was how she would run her kingdom. A generous queen who loves her people and will do everything for them, and they for her. She would be kind and fair, yet command and rule with firmness, courage, and wisdom.
This was how it would be done. Flawless, like last evening. This was what she would give of herself and more.
The sun rose higher as the day went on, and with it rose the dawning of a new generation in Hyrule where Zelda vowed there would be peace at all costs to herself.