1.1 Chapter Four
Had it not been for the civilians tending to their business around the outskirts, Link would have never guessed that he arrived to anyplace near population. Quaint stone cottages lined up in neat, little rows that ran up and down a cobblestone street. Smoke and various smells rose, the entire image gave off an idea of a homey, little town.
Link rode Epona in a slow canter past farmers and housewives. Comments sprung from different places, many about this foreigner's clothes. Link frowned at the insults; just what was wrong with an old, traditional tunic?
Navi also attracted attention. Unlike Hyrule, this new area seemed nearly oblivious to the Fairy race. Now that a light blue, pulsing ball of light was following this stranger mounted on an undecipherable breed of a horse, the three created an unusual group indeed.
But the remarks soon ebbed away and everyone went back to their own business. Little children ran around the street, one small group playing some sort of game where you kick a small object with your feet to the other player. The kicking of the object continues until one player loses control and drops it. Laughter sprang forth from every angle, mingling with the hustle and bustle of work that needed to be done.
Epona shook her mane at the decline of speed Link was making her take and picked up a few steps. Something landed in front of her while she trotted, and a little child ran to the street to pick it up. In desperation and agility, Link tugged on the horse's reins. "Whoa, girl!" Epona reared, tearing at the air with her hooves while the child on the ground cringed and cowered in fear.
Steadily, Link calmed the horse down. Navi, a little flustered, went on screaming comments of their behavior. Ignoring the fairy, Link looked down at the child and asked, "Are you all right?" A little boy with untidy black hair and green eyes stared at him while clutching the object he retrieved with both hands.
He glanced at his playmates from across the street and back at Link again with a look of confusion and amusement. The boy took a few steps back slowly and returned to his friends with repeated glances over his shoulder at Link. A boy about ten years of age was looking at him and the little boy who played, and with a moment's hesitation walked up to Link.
"Thank you, 'gahtan'," he greeted in the accent that Frae had used, "I applaud your horsemanship, and I apologize for my little brother's behavior. The younger children are not usually courteous." His formality seemed out of character to suit the tall, lanky youth with dark black hair. The boy's clothes were tattered and his face was sooty with dirt. But his strong composure and maturity stood out among the townsfolk; as bright and odd as the pale, crystal blue eyes that stuck out from his dark face.
Link nodded his head in an unsure acknowledgement, and with a slight tilt of his head asked Navi through clenched teeth. "What's 'gahtan'?" he inquired desperately. She made a slight curved bell noise to tell him she didn't know.
Link smiled back at the boy and answered, "You're welcome, 'gahtan'." 'Hopefully, I didn't just insult him,' he prayed. Instead of being irritated, the boy laughed. "I don't suppose that you're from around these parts," he stated, " 'Gahtan' in the Nemixian Traditional Tongue means 'father', but it's usually used to address others formally." With a grin, he added with a more childish tone, "My ma would kick me out of the house if she thought I had a kid."
Link smiled sheepishly and apologized. For the first time, the boy noticed Navi floating on the side of his head. "Whoa, what in Nayru's name is that?" he asked wondrously. "Navi," the fairy replied for herself, "I'm the common Hyrulean Forest Fairy." Seeing the puzzled look on the boy's face she added scornfully, "What? Never seen a flying ball of light before? Where have you been?"
Unaware of her own churlish behavior, Link shot her a disapproving glance. Navi had always been the informative one, but she often became more bossy and sassier that way. But the boy ignored the fairy's rude comment and reached out for Epona. "What a beautiful horse you have," he said fondly as his hand ran across her forehead and the star she bore. "I always wanted to ride another one," he added.
The comment struck Link as odd but amusing. "Really?" he asked, "What's that supposed to mean?" Instead of answering, the boy looked away. His ears began to turn red, and Link sensed the discomfort in his reaction.
"Sorry," Link added quickly and immediately switched the subject, "What's your name?" He looked back at him and replied, "Gatle, sir. What's yours?" "Link. And my horse's name is Epona." Epona shook her head and held it proudly as if to boast her physique. "Oh brother," Navi muttered.
"Gatle! Twareu hei morqer (Get here to work)!" a guttural voice sounded from a blacksmith's shop. "Ila, kaykhan(Yes, boss)!" he answered immediately and began sprinting towards the shop with his long legs. Waving at Link as he ran, Gatle yelled back, "I'll see you around, Mr. Link! Please visit my home, it's the one with the green phosgane!" Link waved back and watched the boy enter the shop. The man who called him began scolding him before he shut the door.
"Well," Navi said, "That was short." "Short what?" Link asked while shaking Epona's reins slightly to keep her in pace. "Short meeting," she replied and added with a sigh, "Too bad not all acquaintances are like that." Link gave her a confused yet knowing look over his shoulder. "What was that supposed to mean?"
"I meant that daughter-of-a-Stalfos Frae! What a fucking chatterbox! You'd think there was something wound up inside her head that makes her go on and on like that! And the ways she talks, gods! If I only had a Rupee for every time she's acted like a little Gerudo looking for a boyfriend…"
Link sighed as Navi ranted about Gerudos to everything that had no relation to the other whatsoever. They continued that way while they passed down the street. Epona snorted and shook her head in annoyance. 'Someone shut that thing up in a bottle! Link! I know you have one; what's keeping you?' the horse lamented to herself.
Ignoring the fairy's voice, Link searched for a cottage with something odd and green. He should have asked Gatle what a Phosgane was, now that an acquaintance was made. From experience he learned that each meeting is important, as that person may aid you in certain times too many. Gatle seemed like a boy who could offer uses of help, and his familiarity with the Nemixian traditions and speech would be quite helpful if Link was going to cross the country.
They kept at a slow walk as they passed by the rows of homey cottages built from sturdy stone and straw or wooden roofs. Chimneys brought out the musty smell of soot and a bit of aroma from one's dinner. Link glanced around for taverns or small inns where he could spend the night, if needed. A simple inn caught his eye. A picture of two dolphin-like creatures with horns crossed each other from a sign hanging from the inn. Underneath were foreign words Link could not read.
He stepped off Epona while Navi completed her last sentence; "…and maybe even Gorons can throw rocks over volcanoes or something." "Yeah, Navi," Link said absent-mindedly. He led Epona by the reins and took her into the stables. The stall boy just finished tending to a handsome black and yellow stallion and turned to Link. "Thare rieao dyu, gahtan (How can I help you, gahtan)?" he asked. Link, looking puzzled, answered politely, "I'm sorry. I'm not around from here, so you'll have to use the common language."
"Ragi (Holy) Farore, can I help you'awl, gahtan?" the boy asked with a heavy accent. Link heard the annoyance in the boy's voice, and handed him a red Rupee. "I'd like to keep my horse here, for one night," he said as he gave the gem to him.
The boy stared down at the Rupee. "Maybe they don't use Rupee as currency here," Navi whispered to him. Link felt uneasy as the boy finally looked up. "Tyru Din! You'awl can stay yaw horse here 'fer a week here with this here much. One night 'fer 'yer horse is only three Rup' ehs. It's way too much." Link held out his hand in refusal as the boy handed the money back to him. "That's alright," he encouraged, "Keep it. Just make sure that Epona is comfortable and fed, and I'll be back to get her in the morning."
Overly joyful and enthusiastic, the boy nodded happily and led Epona to a fresh stall by the beautiful black stallion. Link gave Epona a final stroke and left to pay for the night's room. When he left, the boy began to stack up oats in the stallion and Epona's manger. Then he left to fetch water for their trough.
The black lifted his large head up, reflecting the well-developed muscles of his neck down to Epona. The mare snorted in disgust and ignored the constant flirts of the stallion, but he continued until the boy returned with buckets of water. "Kyoreleah, aheteu eothir arleuieo (Kyoreleah, you should behave yourself)," he said as he filled the black's trough. "An' there you go, girl," he said to Epona, pouring the water in her trough.
While she drank, the boy combed her white mane, and with a currycomb he brushed her coat until it gleamed. "Tyru Din (Din damn), 'yer sure are a prett'eh horse," he complimented as he groomed her and patted the white star on her forehead. Epona closed her eyes at the flattery. The stallion snorted, golden forelocks shook over his eyes. When the boy finished checking her over, he left the stables.
As soon as he disappeared, the black returned to his moves on Epona. Enraged, she turned her rear to him and back-kicked at his muzzle. He reared back in surprise and stumbled in his stall. Losing balance, the stallion fell to his side in a tangle of hooves and mane. The stable boy returned to inspect the noise. A calm mare was quietly eating while a befuddled stallion was gathering himself up in a clamber. "Aukeu larshea (You idiot)! Yaw such a wreck'eh, can't 'yer be like that mare?" the boy scolded as he groomed the bits of hay stuck within the black's coat. The black snorted in scorn, and Epona whinnied to herself in victory.
* * *
When Link arrived at the receptionist's registration room, there was already someone doing business at the desk. The receptionist was speaking to a tall man whose shoulders were draped with a vest and unique clothing that was outlandish and becoming. Link sat down and waited for his turn while Navi sighed impatiently.
He looked around the room and decided that the inn looked a lot like the Stock Pot from Clock Town. But the size of the inn was undeniably larger, and it seemed to be in a much better condition with much more service with the appearances of waiters or cleaners moving in and out from the door at the far side of the registration desk.
"…You mean they're going to have the competitions after all?" Link heard the man say to the receptionist in the Trading Language, "Din-damnit, I thought they were gonna' cancel it for the wedding." "Naw," the receptionist replied, "King Dykat's a reasonable diplomat, but he wouldn't disappoint anyone just cause his daughter's getting married." "And not to mention all that prize money," the man added, "Fifty chests of gold Sarrons! With that, my horses would get a full body gold armor, with leftovers!"
"And speaking of horses, are you still in trade these days?" the receptionist asked. "Aret nae (not anymore), the horses are starting to stick on me. Won't even eat unless it's straight from my own hands. I've been letting them easy, and it won't be until the next heat that I can get myself a new litter to train. Hopefully more colts, the fillies are usually too frail for sport."
The receptionist nodded, and noticed Link waiting from his seat. "Well you do yourself some good now," he said to the other, "And let me know when the next batch comes so I can see 'em for myself." "Avakch shnae (Brief Parting)," the man waved and the receptionist repeated the same phrase as the other walked out the door. Before he left, the man cast a sideways glance at Link, and turned back without a word.
"Finally," Navi grumbled and Link snapped back to attention. He rose and walked over to the receptionist while fingering his wallet. "I'd like to stay for one night," he said to the thin man behind the counter. The receptionist began to write something in a small notebook and asked frequent questions, "Will you be interested in the deluxe suite or the supreme suite? Do you want a balcony? A portable hot spring? King size, queen size, or standard size bed mattress? Any others joining you?"
Link tried to keep up with his questions but was left in a blur of suggestions and inquiries. "Um," he said uncomfortably and scratched the back of his head, "Just a single room, please." The receptionist nodded quickly and jotted a note in another notebook. "That would be seventy-six Rupees, sir," he said. Link handed him the money and watched as the receptionist jot it down in the notebook before he shut it and placed it in a drawer. Then, he reached for one of the keys hanging from a mahogany post behind him and handed it to Link.
"Your room is directly above from our kitchen. Just follow the stairs and head right until you see the third door from the end. Please enjoy your stay and send a message by the briche if you need anything," he said before Link left.
Link strode up the flight of stairs and found himself in an immense hallway. The floor was lined with red carpet and burnt candles were placed in ornate, bronze sconces all along the wall. Each door had a strange picture of what seemed to be some sort of water animal that reminded Link of a horse crossed with a dolphin. There were other staircases leading to the hall, and people continued to walk up and down from another new corner.
They found their room at the place signified, and Link unlocked it with the keys. Their eyes stared in amazement at the room. The bed was a soft quilted mattress down with goose feathers, and an attractive canopy was built over it. Navi flew inside with a yell of joy. "This is so cool!" she exclaimed excitedly, and sparks ignited from her light. The fairy dashed to another room and screamed, "Yee-ha! Link, you've gotta look at this bathroom!"
Link laid their belongings on the ground and walked inside a pearly room of cool spring mist floating in the air, reminding him of the weeklong bath he had missed. All the handles and showering knobs (in which he was unaware of what it was, until a spray of water hit him when Link turned it on) were made of what seemed like clamshells.
"Hey, look at this thing," Navi said and floated over a white contraption with a lid next to the sink. Link stooped over and lifted the lid, and saw that the thing was filled with water. "Just what the heck are you supposed to do with this thing?" he asked. A lever caught his eye, and with an innocent gesture he pushed it down. Before his very eyes, a torrent of water sprayed from the sides. Link instantly unsheathed the Master Sword, prepared with what evil that would appear to create the torrent.
"Navi, stay back!" he ordered. The fairy and Hylian watched tensely at the torrent. It pushed against the original water, creating a whirlpool that eventually sucked into a hole at the bottom. When nothing seemed to happen, they peered over the side again. The water was back, the same calm state as it was before. Link and Navi looked at each other. Then, carefully, Link pushed the lever again. The same thing occurred two to three times.
Link gave Navi a silly grin and dropped some of the paper from the dispenser into the water. The two of them watched in fascination as the piece of floating paper was pushed down into the hole. They looked at each other. "Cool." They left the bathroom and strayed into another chamber beside it.
This room was filled with a white box, a cushion with a large sofa, and some tables with small things laid on them. Link went to see the box, and opened the handle. Cool air blasted towards him, and inside he saw some food. "Aw, my favorite!" he yelled in delight and grabbed a small pack wrapped in plastic. "Deku-Crunch!" The Hylian unwrapped the treat and began eating.
"What else is in here?" Navi asked and went closer to look. "Help yourself," Link said and left the door open while he went to inspect a queer water – floating device on a table. "Hey, is that Goro-Candy?" the fairy started when a sudden click locked her into darkness.
*Welcome to Nemix! Well, a few more new characters: Gatle, and not much more than that. Obviously has a strange acquaintance with horses when he said that he wanted to ride another one, but he's mainly a helping character towards Link and to finding newer allies. Our hero is fascinated thus far with the toilet, as described a few paragraphs before: I don't think they have that kind of technology back in Hyrule. ( Yes, I made up an entire language by myself, with expressions and correct uses for the verb conjugations according to the user and all that grammar crap we all learned in school. I have a freaking index with a list of everything: I am insane. Chapter five coming up, and it unravels a lot more of the plot. Wait for it!
Had it not been for the civilians tending to their business around the outskirts, Link would have never guessed that he arrived to anyplace near population. Quaint stone cottages lined up in neat, little rows that ran up and down a cobblestone street. Smoke and various smells rose, the entire image gave off an idea of a homey, little town.
Link rode Epona in a slow canter past farmers and housewives. Comments sprung from different places, many about this foreigner's clothes. Link frowned at the insults; just what was wrong with an old, traditional tunic?
Navi also attracted attention. Unlike Hyrule, this new area seemed nearly oblivious to the Fairy race. Now that a light blue, pulsing ball of light was following this stranger mounted on an undecipherable breed of a horse, the three created an unusual group indeed.
But the remarks soon ebbed away and everyone went back to their own business. Little children ran around the street, one small group playing some sort of game where you kick a small object with your feet to the other player. The kicking of the object continues until one player loses control and drops it. Laughter sprang forth from every angle, mingling with the hustle and bustle of work that needed to be done.
Epona shook her mane at the decline of speed Link was making her take and picked up a few steps. Something landed in front of her while she trotted, and a little child ran to the street to pick it up. In desperation and agility, Link tugged on the horse's reins. "Whoa, girl!" Epona reared, tearing at the air with her hooves while the child on the ground cringed and cowered in fear.
Steadily, Link calmed the horse down. Navi, a little flustered, went on screaming comments of their behavior. Ignoring the fairy, Link looked down at the child and asked, "Are you all right?" A little boy with untidy black hair and green eyes stared at him while clutching the object he retrieved with both hands.
He glanced at his playmates from across the street and back at Link again with a look of confusion and amusement. The boy took a few steps back slowly and returned to his friends with repeated glances over his shoulder at Link. A boy about ten years of age was looking at him and the little boy who played, and with a moment's hesitation walked up to Link.
"Thank you, 'gahtan'," he greeted in the accent that Frae had used, "I applaud your horsemanship, and I apologize for my little brother's behavior. The younger children are not usually courteous." His formality seemed out of character to suit the tall, lanky youth with dark black hair. The boy's clothes were tattered and his face was sooty with dirt. But his strong composure and maturity stood out among the townsfolk; as bright and odd as the pale, crystal blue eyes that stuck out from his dark face.
Link nodded his head in an unsure acknowledgement, and with a slight tilt of his head asked Navi through clenched teeth. "What's 'gahtan'?" he inquired desperately. She made a slight curved bell noise to tell him she didn't know.
Link smiled back at the boy and answered, "You're welcome, 'gahtan'." 'Hopefully, I didn't just insult him,' he prayed. Instead of being irritated, the boy laughed. "I don't suppose that you're from around these parts," he stated, " 'Gahtan' in the Nemixian Traditional Tongue means 'father', but it's usually used to address others formally." With a grin, he added with a more childish tone, "My ma would kick me out of the house if she thought I had a kid."
Link smiled sheepishly and apologized. For the first time, the boy noticed Navi floating on the side of his head. "Whoa, what in Nayru's name is that?" he asked wondrously. "Navi," the fairy replied for herself, "I'm the common Hyrulean Forest Fairy." Seeing the puzzled look on the boy's face she added scornfully, "What? Never seen a flying ball of light before? Where have you been?"
Unaware of her own churlish behavior, Link shot her a disapproving glance. Navi had always been the informative one, but she often became more bossy and sassier that way. But the boy ignored the fairy's rude comment and reached out for Epona. "What a beautiful horse you have," he said fondly as his hand ran across her forehead and the star she bore. "I always wanted to ride another one," he added.
The comment struck Link as odd but amusing. "Really?" he asked, "What's that supposed to mean?" Instead of answering, the boy looked away. His ears began to turn red, and Link sensed the discomfort in his reaction.
"Sorry," Link added quickly and immediately switched the subject, "What's your name?" He looked back at him and replied, "Gatle, sir. What's yours?" "Link. And my horse's name is Epona." Epona shook her head and held it proudly as if to boast her physique. "Oh brother," Navi muttered.
"Gatle! Twareu hei morqer (Get here to work)!" a guttural voice sounded from a blacksmith's shop. "Ila, kaykhan(Yes, boss)!" he answered immediately and began sprinting towards the shop with his long legs. Waving at Link as he ran, Gatle yelled back, "I'll see you around, Mr. Link! Please visit my home, it's the one with the green phosgane!" Link waved back and watched the boy enter the shop. The man who called him began scolding him before he shut the door.
"Well," Navi said, "That was short." "Short what?" Link asked while shaking Epona's reins slightly to keep her in pace. "Short meeting," she replied and added with a sigh, "Too bad not all acquaintances are like that." Link gave her a confused yet knowing look over his shoulder. "What was that supposed to mean?"
"I meant that daughter-of-a-Stalfos Frae! What a fucking chatterbox! You'd think there was something wound up inside her head that makes her go on and on like that! And the ways she talks, gods! If I only had a Rupee for every time she's acted like a little Gerudo looking for a boyfriend…"
Link sighed as Navi ranted about Gerudos to everything that had no relation to the other whatsoever. They continued that way while they passed down the street. Epona snorted and shook her head in annoyance. 'Someone shut that thing up in a bottle! Link! I know you have one; what's keeping you?' the horse lamented to herself.
Ignoring the fairy's voice, Link searched for a cottage with something odd and green. He should have asked Gatle what a Phosgane was, now that an acquaintance was made. From experience he learned that each meeting is important, as that person may aid you in certain times too many. Gatle seemed like a boy who could offer uses of help, and his familiarity with the Nemixian traditions and speech would be quite helpful if Link was going to cross the country.
They kept at a slow walk as they passed by the rows of homey cottages built from sturdy stone and straw or wooden roofs. Chimneys brought out the musty smell of soot and a bit of aroma from one's dinner. Link glanced around for taverns or small inns where he could spend the night, if needed. A simple inn caught his eye. A picture of two dolphin-like creatures with horns crossed each other from a sign hanging from the inn. Underneath were foreign words Link could not read.
He stepped off Epona while Navi completed her last sentence; "…and maybe even Gorons can throw rocks over volcanoes or something." "Yeah, Navi," Link said absent-mindedly. He led Epona by the reins and took her into the stables. The stall boy just finished tending to a handsome black and yellow stallion and turned to Link. "Thare rieao dyu, gahtan (How can I help you, gahtan)?" he asked. Link, looking puzzled, answered politely, "I'm sorry. I'm not around from here, so you'll have to use the common language."
"Ragi (Holy) Farore, can I help you'awl, gahtan?" the boy asked with a heavy accent. Link heard the annoyance in the boy's voice, and handed him a red Rupee. "I'd like to keep my horse here, for one night," he said as he gave the gem to him.
The boy stared down at the Rupee. "Maybe they don't use Rupee as currency here," Navi whispered to him. Link felt uneasy as the boy finally looked up. "Tyru Din! You'awl can stay yaw horse here 'fer a week here with this here much. One night 'fer 'yer horse is only three Rup' ehs. It's way too much." Link held out his hand in refusal as the boy handed the money back to him. "That's alright," he encouraged, "Keep it. Just make sure that Epona is comfortable and fed, and I'll be back to get her in the morning."
Overly joyful and enthusiastic, the boy nodded happily and led Epona to a fresh stall by the beautiful black stallion. Link gave Epona a final stroke and left to pay for the night's room. When he left, the boy began to stack up oats in the stallion and Epona's manger. Then he left to fetch water for their trough.
The black lifted his large head up, reflecting the well-developed muscles of his neck down to Epona. The mare snorted in disgust and ignored the constant flirts of the stallion, but he continued until the boy returned with buckets of water. "Kyoreleah, aheteu eothir arleuieo (Kyoreleah, you should behave yourself)," he said as he filled the black's trough. "An' there you go, girl," he said to Epona, pouring the water in her trough.
While she drank, the boy combed her white mane, and with a currycomb he brushed her coat until it gleamed. "Tyru Din (Din damn), 'yer sure are a prett'eh horse," he complimented as he groomed her and patted the white star on her forehead. Epona closed her eyes at the flattery. The stallion snorted, golden forelocks shook over his eyes. When the boy finished checking her over, he left the stables.
As soon as he disappeared, the black returned to his moves on Epona. Enraged, she turned her rear to him and back-kicked at his muzzle. He reared back in surprise and stumbled in his stall. Losing balance, the stallion fell to his side in a tangle of hooves and mane. The stable boy returned to inspect the noise. A calm mare was quietly eating while a befuddled stallion was gathering himself up in a clamber. "Aukeu larshea (You idiot)! Yaw such a wreck'eh, can't 'yer be like that mare?" the boy scolded as he groomed the bits of hay stuck within the black's coat. The black snorted in scorn, and Epona whinnied to herself in victory.
* * *
When Link arrived at the receptionist's registration room, there was already someone doing business at the desk. The receptionist was speaking to a tall man whose shoulders were draped with a vest and unique clothing that was outlandish and becoming. Link sat down and waited for his turn while Navi sighed impatiently.
He looked around the room and decided that the inn looked a lot like the Stock Pot from Clock Town. But the size of the inn was undeniably larger, and it seemed to be in a much better condition with much more service with the appearances of waiters or cleaners moving in and out from the door at the far side of the registration desk.
"…You mean they're going to have the competitions after all?" Link heard the man say to the receptionist in the Trading Language, "Din-damnit, I thought they were gonna' cancel it for the wedding." "Naw," the receptionist replied, "King Dykat's a reasonable diplomat, but he wouldn't disappoint anyone just cause his daughter's getting married." "And not to mention all that prize money," the man added, "Fifty chests of gold Sarrons! With that, my horses would get a full body gold armor, with leftovers!"
"And speaking of horses, are you still in trade these days?" the receptionist asked. "Aret nae (not anymore), the horses are starting to stick on me. Won't even eat unless it's straight from my own hands. I've been letting them easy, and it won't be until the next heat that I can get myself a new litter to train. Hopefully more colts, the fillies are usually too frail for sport."
The receptionist nodded, and noticed Link waiting from his seat. "Well you do yourself some good now," he said to the other, "And let me know when the next batch comes so I can see 'em for myself." "Avakch shnae (Brief Parting)," the man waved and the receptionist repeated the same phrase as the other walked out the door. Before he left, the man cast a sideways glance at Link, and turned back without a word.
"Finally," Navi grumbled and Link snapped back to attention. He rose and walked over to the receptionist while fingering his wallet. "I'd like to stay for one night," he said to the thin man behind the counter. The receptionist began to write something in a small notebook and asked frequent questions, "Will you be interested in the deluxe suite or the supreme suite? Do you want a balcony? A portable hot spring? King size, queen size, or standard size bed mattress? Any others joining you?"
Link tried to keep up with his questions but was left in a blur of suggestions and inquiries. "Um," he said uncomfortably and scratched the back of his head, "Just a single room, please." The receptionist nodded quickly and jotted a note in another notebook. "That would be seventy-six Rupees, sir," he said. Link handed him the money and watched as the receptionist jot it down in the notebook before he shut it and placed it in a drawer. Then, he reached for one of the keys hanging from a mahogany post behind him and handed it to Link.
"Your room is directly above from our kitchen. Just follow the stairs and head right until you see the third door from the end. Please enjoy your stay and send a message by the briche if you need anything," he said before Link left.
Link strode up the flight of stairs and found himself in an immense hallway. The floor was lined with red carpet and burnt candles were placed in ornate, bronze sconces all along the wall. Each door had a strange picture of what seemed to be some sort of water animal that reminded Link of a horse crossed with a dolphin. There were other staircases leading to the hall, and people continued to walk up and down from another new corner.
They found their room at the place signified, and Link unlocked it with the keys. Their eyes stared in amazement at the room. The bed was a soft quilted mattress down with goose feathers, and an attractive canopy was built over it. Navi flew inside with a yell of joy. "This is so cool!" she exclaimed excitedly, and sparks ignited from her light. The fairy dashed to another room and screamed, "Yee-ha! Link, you've gotta look at this bathroom!"
Link laid their belongings on the ground and walked inside a pearly room of cool spring mist floating in the air, reminding him of the weeklong bath he had missed. All the handles and showering knobs (in which he was unaware of what it was, until a spray of water hit him when Link turned it on) were made of what seemed like clamshells.
"Hey, look at this thing," Navi said and floated over a white contraption with a lid next to the sink. Link stooped over and lifted the lid, and saw that the thing was filled with water. "Just what the heck are you supposed to do with this thing?" he asked. A lever caught his eye, and with an innocent gesture he pushed it down. Before his very eyes, a torrent of water sprayed from the sides. Link instantly unsheathed the Master Sword, prepared with what evil that would appear to create the torrent.
"Navi, stay back!" he ordered. The fairy and Hylian watched tensely at the torrent. It pushed against the original water, creating a whirlpool that eventually sucked into a hole at the bottom. When nothing seemed to happen, they peered over the side again. The water was back, the same calm state as it was before. Link and Navi looked at each other. Then, carefully, Link pushed the lever again. The same thing occurred two to three times.
Link gave Navi a silly grin and dropped some of the paper from the dispenser into the water. The two of them watched in fascination as the piece of floating paper was pushed down into the hole. They looked at each other. "Cool." They left the bathroom and strayed into another chamber beside it.
This room was filled with a white box, a cushion with a large sofa, and some tables with small things laid on them. Link went to see the box, and opened the handle. Cool air blasted towards him, and inside he saw some food. "Aw, my favorite!" he yelled in delight and grabbed a small pack wrapped in plastic. "Deku-Crunch!" The Hylian unwrapped the treat and began eating.
"What else is in here?" Navi asked and went closer to look. "Help yourself," Link said and left the door open while he went to inspect a queer water – floating device on a table. "Hey, is that Goro-Candy?" the fairy started when a sudden click locked her into darkness.
*Welcome to Nemix! Well, a few more new characters: Gatle, and not much more than that. Obviously has a strange acquaintance with horses when he said that he wanted to ride another one, but he's mainly a helping character towards Link and to finding newer allies. Our hero is fascinated thus far with the toilet, as described a few paragraphs before: I don't think they have that kind of technology back in Hyrule. ( Yes, I made up an entire language by myself, with expressions and correct uses for the verb conjugations according to the user and all that grammar crap we all learned in school. I have a freaking index with a list of everything: I am insane. Chapter five coming up, and it unravels a lot more of the plot. Wait for it!