A/n. Hey guys I got another chapter up. Right now I'm in a library in Panama Beach. That's dedication. Well I hope you enjoy. Sorry that it's a bit longer than the rest of the chapters.-
Link awoke, stiffness in his lower back and pain coming from his hurt shoulder. "Zelda!" he said searching the room frantically for the princess. She walked in from the outside door and smiled at him.
"Good, you're finally awake. I thought you might sleep all day. How are you feeling?"
"Not a bit of pain," Link lied.
She still stood by the door. "Well, if you'll give me a minute, I'll bring you back your tunic." With that she walked back outside.
"My tunic?" He lifted up the comforter on his bed just to see his nakedness.
She walked back in a little while later carrying his tunic. No longer was it torn and thread bare. The blood stains were out as well. Link didn't exactly have a thank you on his mind though. "Why am I naked?"
"I couldn't exactly stitch you up with clothes on."
"Stitch me up?" He hadn't had time to look at himself. Wrapped around his chest was a thick gauze like bandage.
"Yeah. Let me check you out." With that Zelda crossed the room and pulled the comforter on the bed back. With skillful hands she pulled back the bandages and checked the hole in his shoulder. "Well it doesn't look as bad as it was last night. So you're feeling better?"
"Yeah I can't feel a thing."
Zelda pulled away walking to where his tunic was laid out and tossing the clothes to
him. "Well in that case get dressed and get me a bucket of water for lunch. I would do it but I don't know where the well is around here."
Link nodded and quickly put the tunic on. "Thank you, princess. I was dreading having to sew that hole up. I hate having to stitch anything."
"Your welcome."
He struggled to get out of bed and then went to the door taking the bucket up in his hands and exiting the cabin.
He trudged slowly the well. It wasn't far from his house but it was far enough that he had time to think about what had happened the night before. All the memories were mixed up. His uncle dying, the guard with the morningstar, the princess's beautiful face, the fight in the church, the pain of the crossbow bolt entering his shoulder, and the darkness he slipped into after it all. So much pain had been caused that night. Not only physical pain but also emotional pain. He remembered vividly the vow he made to his uncle before the old man passed away. How he promised to kill Agahnim at all costs. Nothing had changed. He still would avenge his uncle. He still would protect the princess. He just needed to figure out how.
Zelda had lunch on the table within fifteen minutes of the water being there. They sat together at the table and ate. "I already have the wagon packed up. After lunch we can go to the Kakariko." Zelda said spooning some soup into her mouth.
"Why are we going to Kakariko?" he asked.
"Sashralla lives there. He is said to be an ancestor of the sages. He'll know what we should do to stop Agahnim."
"I know how to stop Agahnim. A well placed stab to the gut and he's dead. Good-bye all evil."
Zelda laughed. "You talk about killing Agahnim like he's a simple guard. Do you truly know anything about him?"
Link thought a moment. "I know he first came about seven years ago when he put out that strange fire. I don't remember it but apparently nothing could put it out until he showed up. Then he joined with the king and soon bad things started to happen."
"Only he could put out the fire because he is the one who started the fire. It was a magical fire. Link, Agahnim is not a man. He might have been at one point in time but he isn't any longer. He is a monster. A dark wizard. Not any weapon will be able to destroy him."
"And what will destroy him?"
"The Master Sword may be able to kill him."
"The Master Sword!" Link asked astonishly. "No one know's where it is. Its been hidden for ages. And even if I found it there is no way I could use it. Its the thing of legends. It may not even exist anymore."
"Its not legend. I have seen it once before. I saw it in a dream but I still saw it. It exists."
"And how do we find it?"
"Sashralla."
Link closed his eyes and massaged his temples with his fingers. The Master Sword. There was no way that he could ever use such a weapon. He had to though. If he was going to avenge his uncle's death he would have to get it. That left only one path to follow.
Link stood up. "Let's go to Kakariko."
Kakariko Village was the area in which most of the population of Hyrule dwelled. Outside the town sat a fortune tellers house and a stable. On the outside of the stable many cuccos, a breed of super chickens, ran wild. Zelda went out to where Link sat and joined his side. "So this is Kakariko?"
"Yes. My uncle used to bring me here sometimes. Usually to shop. Sometimes to sell things we had found and thought might be profitable. I never saw the town elder though. I wonder where he lives."
"I don't have any idea. I've heard my father talk to his advisors about Kakariko but I've never actually been there."
"It's a nice place. Not really for me, I prefer the quiet life. The woods have always called out to me in ways I can't explain. I love the feeling of being immersed in life. Thats what the forest is, life."
Zelda just nodded.
As they rode into the town a sign caught Link's eye. It had a drawing of his face on it and below it said, "Reward: 200 rupees for information leading to the arrest of this criminal. He is charged with assault on royal soldiers and kidnap of Princess Zelda."
"Kidnap!" Zelda exclaimed. "The only person who is guilty of kidnapping is that monster Agahnim!"
"It's all right," Link chided. "It's the least we can expect from him. He knows that his soldiers aren't competent enough to find us alone. Judging by their constant deteoriating when they're destroyed I'd say that they are just summonings."
"Summonings?"
"Yeah. Agahnim probably created them with magic. I don't think any of them were designed for finding us. So Agahnim put these flyers up hoping that some poor family would give us up for a mere two hundred rupees."
"That man is becoming more of a monster in my site by the minute. Bringing peasants into this will only hurt the people of Hyrule. Wait, stop the wagon. That sign says this is the elders house."
Link pulled the wagon to a stop. The house was white and to the side of it was a small shack that had vines climbing up it. They both slid off of the wagon and went to the door. Three knocks later an old shrewd voice said, "Go away! The elder isn't home."
"Please ma'am," Link pressed.
The door opened a crack and a woman's wrinkled face showed. Her eyes were a dark gray and her hair was tied sloppily behind her head. It was a beautiful shade of white and from what Link could tell from her form, she was a very attractive woman in her day. "Please son, go away. The elder left town. He's--," her eyes caught a glimpse of the princess. "Zelda?"
The door opened wider and the woman stepped out. "Zelda is it really you?"
Link wondered what previous relationship the two had once had when Zelda ran forward and embraced the woman in a hug. "Impa! Where have you been? You left such a long time ago. What are you doing here in Kakariko?"
A glint appeared in the woman's eye and like a mother she ushered the two teenagers into the house chiding, "Come in, come in. You two shouldn't be out in public."
The house was nicely furnished and was scented with jasmine. A very relaxing smell in Link's opinion. He and Zelda were seated by the woman, Impa, onto a warm cushioned couch. Zelda smiled. Impa sat across from the two in a large red chair. "I've seen this young man's face before. It must be interesting to have a bounty on your head, hero."
"Actually, I just found out five minutes ago. I like the picture. Agahnim's artist is good."
"Agahnim," she spoke with disdain, "Is a name I would never like to here in my house. That's the reason that my husband, Sashralla, is hiding out."
Now it was Zelda's time to speak. "That is actually the reason we came."
"We'll get to that, we'll get to that. In the meantime would you like something to drink?"
"No, I'm fine," Zelda replied.
"I'm good," said Link.
"Now, Zelda, how long has it been?" Impa asked.
"You left when I was seven so its been, um, seven years."
Link smiled. He had been wondering how old Zelda was. He would've never guessed she was a year younger than he was.
"I am sorry that I left. Zelda, when your mother was dying I promised her that I would raise you like my own, but when your father took Agahnim in as an advisor I had to get out of the castle."
So this was the nanny that Zelda had mentioned in the sewers. Amazing, he thought, what a small world it was.
"Yes. I was so little, I had no idea what you were doing. I've missed you."
"And I you. Now where did you meet this strapping young lad here?" Impa gave Zelda a look that was the mixture of a smile and a wink.
"Link, saved me from the castle dungeons. I'd played down there so often, I never thought that I would be trapped down there myself."
"The way he world works its magic is almost always strange. So Link's your name. I remember seeing you occasionally with your father. You came into the village sometimes."
"He was my uncle."
Impa read from Link's face that she shouldn't press deeper into the matter. Instead Zelda asked, "So how did you get together with the elder?"
"Sashralla was an old friend of mine growing up in this village. When I left the castle he let me sleep in his house, in his bed. Not with him mind you, we weren't married yet. Eventually, however, we got together and joined forever."
"How sweet," Zelda said. "It must've been a wonderful wedding."
"Yes. It was quite memorable. But what was even more spectacular was that night." She stopped and immediately started to giggle. "I won't go there, though."
The conversation between Zelda and her foster mother went on for about an hour before the hiding place of Sashralla was mentioned. She was somewhat hesitant to give out the information of her husbands hide out but finally a look from Zelda convinced her. "Near the East Palace is an old barracks where the ancient Knights of Hylia stayed. That is where Sashralla is hiding."
Link nodded and got to his feet knowing his new destination. "Link," Impa said, "the trip is a days walk. Stay here for the night and leave in the morning." She turned to look at Zelda, "You will be staying here of course?"
"If you think it best."
"I do. Agahnim has many patrols throughout the land. If one of them found you they would return you to that monster."
"So in the morning I head out," Link stated. "In the meantime I'd like to visit some acquaintances in the village."
The sun was setting when Link returned back from his trip to see his friends. In his possession he held two bottles and bug catching net. All of them had promised not to tell the soldiers anything and to help in the struggle as best they can.
Link entered Impa's and was immediately attacked by a barrage of wondrous smells. On a small wooden table Zelda, and Impa were setting places on the table and bringing great steaming platters and placing them on hot plates. "Good," Zelda said, "I was hoping you'd get back in time for dinner. We wouldn't want to have to wait on you."
Link approached the table. "Can I help with anything."
"No," they both said in unison.
"If you really want to help, darling, then just sit down and wait to enjoy our cooking," Impa said.
Link sat down. "I'm sure I will enjoy your cooking."
Dinner was wonderful. A roast pig was the main course and for side dishes carrots, corn, and potatoes graced the table. By time they were all stuffed, not even half the food was finished. Link helped clear the table and Impa and Zelda smashed up all the remaining food for pig slop.
Finally, Link settled himself to bed, awaiting somewhat excitedly the journey in the morning. Zelda and Impa talked late into the night.
The cuccos cry was what awoke Link in the morning. He exited the room Impa had made for him and entered the living room seeing both Zelda, and Impa sitting asleep in chairs across from each other.
Link entered the kitchen and toasted some bread for himself. He slopped some butter on it and ate it hurriedly. He went to the wagon, still parked out side and pushed away the bale of hay, revealing his sword and shield. He slid the scabbard over his shoulder and fit the shield tightly onto his back. He was ready.
He looked back at the house before he left. It hurt to leave Zelda without saying good-bye. It would be easier this way though. He had fallen hard for the princess and he didn't need an emotional farewell to tell her that. He started past the wagon when suddenly he heard her voice.
"Link."
He turned and saw her. Her dress was wrinkled and her hair was tousled. She hadn't done a very good job rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. She was a total mess. And she was also the most beautiful creature on earth. "Link," she said again. "Come here please."
It would happen. There was no avoiding it now. He felt somewhat happy that she caught him before he left. He went to the front of the door and she grabbed him pulling him in for a tight hug. "Be careful. I want to see your face again," she told him. She pulled away and leaned up to him kissing him on his lips. He kissed her back. Finally they both pulled away. "Be careful," she repeated.
He turned and began on his way.
Another note. Howdy how did you like it? Next chapter Link's gonna be visiting Sashralla and entering the East Palace. Stay... tuned maybe? Well you get it. Please keep reading.
Link awoke, stiffness in his lower back and pain coming from his hurt shoulder. "Zelda!" he said searching the room frantically for the princess. She walked in from the outside door and smiled at him.
"Good, you're finally awake. I thought you might sleep all day. How are you feeling?"
"Not a bit of pain," Link lied.
She still stood by the door. "Well, if you'll give me a minute, I'll bring you back your tunic." With that she walked back outside.
"My tunic?" He lifted up the comforter on his bed just to see his nakedness.
She walked back in a little while later carrying his tunic. No longer was it torn and thread bare. The blood stains were out as well. Link didn't exactly have a thank you on his mind though. "Why am I naked?"
"I couldn't exactly stitch you up with clothes on."
"Stitch me up?" He hadn't had time to look at himself. Wrapped around his chest was a thick gauze like bandage.
"Yeah. Let me check you out." With that Zelda crossed the room and pulled the comforter on the bed back. With skillful hands she pulled back the bandages and checked the hole in his shoulder. "Well it doesn't look as bad as it was last night. So you're feeling better?"
"Yeah I can't feel a thing."
Zelda pulled away walking to where his tunic was laid out and tossing the clothes to
him. "Well in that case get dressed and get me a bucket of water for lunch. I would do it but I don't know where the well is around here."
Link nodded and quickly put the tunic on. "Thank you, princess. I was dreading having to sew that hole up. I hate having to stitch anything."
"Your welcome."
He struggled to get out of bed and then went to the door taking the bucket up in his hands and exiting the cabin.
He trudged slowly the well. It wasn't far from his house but it was far enough that he had time to think about what had happened the night before. All the memories were mixed up. His uncle dying, the guard with the morningstar, the princess's beautiful face, the fight in the church, the pain of the crossbow bolt entering his shoulder, and the darkness he slipped into after it all. So much pain had been caused that night. Not only physical pain but also emotional pain. He remembered vividly the vow he made to his uncle before the old man passed away. How he promised to kill Agahnim at all costs. Nothing had changed. He still would avenge his uncle. He still would protect the princess. He just needed to figure out how.
Zelda had lunch on the table within fifteen minutes of the water being there. They sat together at the table and ate. "I already have the wagon packed up. After lunch we can go to the Kakariko." Zelda said spooning some soup into her mouth.
"Why are we going to Kakariko?" he asked.
"Sashralla lives there. He is said to be an ancestor of the sages. He'll know what we should do to stop Agahnim."
"I know how to stop Agahnim. A well placed stab to the gut and he's dead. Good-bye all evil."
Zelda laughed. "You talk about killing Agahnim like he's a simple guard. Do you truly know anything about him?"
Link thought a moment. "I know he first came about seven years ago when he put out that strange fire. I don't remember it but apparently nothing could put it out until he showed up. Then he joined with the king and soon bad things started to happen."
"Only he could put out the fire because he is the one who started the fire. It was a magical fire. Link, Agahnim is not a man. He might have been at one point in time but he isn't any longer. He is a monster. A dark wizard. Not any weapon will be able to destroy him."
"And what will destroy him?"
"The Master Sword may be able to kill him."
"The Master Sword!" Link asked astonishly. "No one know's where it is. Its been hidden for ages. And even if I found it there is no way I could use it. Its the thing of legends. It may not even exist anymore."
"Its not legend. I have seen it once before. I saw it in a dream but I still saw it. It exists."
"And how do we find it?"
"Sashralla."
Link closed his eyes and massaged his temples with his fingers. The Master Sword. There was no way that he could ever use such a weapon. He had to though. If he was going to avenge his uncle's death he would have to get it. That left only one path to follow.
Link stood up. "Let's go to Kakariko."
Kakariko Village was the area in which most of the population of Hyrule dwelled. Outside the town sat a fortune tellers house and a stable. On the outside of the stable many cuccos, a breed of super chickens, ran wild. Zelda went out to where Link sat and joined his side. "So this is Kakariko?"
"Yes. My uncle used to bring me here sometimes. Usually to shop. Sometimes to sell things we had found and thought might be profitable. I never saw the town elder though. I wonder where he lives."
"I don't have any idea. I've heard my father talk to his advisors about Kakariko but I've never actually been there."
"It's a nice place. Not really for me, I prefer the quiet life. The woods have always called out to me in ways I can't explain. I love the feeling of being immersed in life. Thats what the forest is, life."
Zelda just nodded.
As they rode into the town a sign caught Link's eye. It had a drawing of his face on it and below it said, "Reward: 200 rupees for information leading to the arrest of this criminal. He is charged with assault on royal soldiers and kidnap of Princess Zelda."
"Kidnap!" Zelda exclaimed. "The only person who is guilty of kidnapping is that monster Agahnim!"
"It's all right," Link chided. "It's the least we can expect from him. He knows that his soldiers aren't competent enough to find us alone. Judging by their constant deteoriating when they're destroyed I'd say that they are just summonings."
"Summonings?"
"Yeah. Agahnim probably created them with magic. I don't think any of them were designed for finding us. So Agahnim put these flyers up hoping that some poor family would give us up for a mere two hundred rupees."
"That man is becoming more of a monster in my site by the minute. Bringing peasants into this will only hurt the people of Hyrule. Wait, stop the wagon. That sign says this is the elders house."
Link pulled the wagon to a stop. The house was white and to the side of it was a small shack that had vines climbing up it. They both slid off of the wagon and went to the door. Three knocks later an old shrewd voice said, "Go away! The elder isn't home."
"Please ma'am," Link pressed.
The door opened a crack and a woman's wrinkled face showed. Her eyes were a dark gray and her hair was tied sloppily behind her head. It was a beautiful shade of white and from what Link could tell from her form, she was a very attractive woman in her day. "Please son, go away. The elder left town. He's--," her eyes caught a glimpse of the princess. "Zelda?"
The door opened wider and the woman stepped out. "Zelda is it really you?"
Link wondered what previous relationship the two had once had when Zelda ran forward and embraced the woman in a hug. "Impa! Where have you been? You left such a long time ago. What are you doing here in Kakariko?"
A glint appeared in the woman's eye and like a mother she ushered the two teenagers into the house chiding, "Come in, come in. You two shouldn't be out in public."
The house was nicely furnished and was scented with jasmine. A very relaxing smell in Link's opinion. He and Zelda were seated by the woman, Impa, onto a warm cushioned couch. Zelda smiled. Impa sat across from the two in a large red chair. "I've seen this young man's face before. It must be interesting to have a bounty on your head, hero."
"Actually, I just found out five minutes ago. I like the picture. Agahnim's artist is good."
"Agahnim," she spoke with disdain, "Is a name I would never like to here in my house. That's the reason that my husband, Sashralla, is hiding out."
Now it was Zelda's time to speak. "That is actually the reason we came."
"We'll get to that, we'll get to that. In the meantime would you like something to drink?"
"No, I'm fine," Zelda replied.
"I'm good," said Link.
"Now, Zelda, how long has it been?" Impa asked.
"You left when I was seven so its been, um, seven years."
Link smiled. He had been wondering how old Zelda was. He would've never guessed she was a year younger than he was.
"I am sorry that I left. Zelda, when your mother was dying I promised her that I would raise you like my own, but when your father took Agahnim in as an advisor I had to get out of the castle."
So this was the nanny that Zelda had mentioned in the sewers. Amazing, he thought, what a small world it was.
"Yes. I was so little, I had no idea what you were doing. I've missed you."
"And I you. Now where did you meet this strapping young lad here?" Impa gave Zelda a look that was the mixture of a smile and a wink.
"Link, saved me from the castle dungeons. I'd played down there so often, I never thought that I would be trapped down there myself."
"The way he world works its magic is almost always strange. So Link's your name. I remember seeing you occasionally with your father. You came into the village sometimes."
"He was my uncle."
Impa read from Link's face that she shouldn't press deeper into the matter. Instead Zelda asked, "So how did you get together with the elder?"
"Sashralla was an old friend of mine growing up in this village. When I left the castle he let me sleep in his house, in his bed. Not with him mind you, we weren't married yet. Eventually, however, we got together and joined forever."
"How sweet," Zelda said. "It must've been a wonderful wedding."
"Yes. It was quite memorable. But what was even more spectacular was that night." She stopped and immediately started to giggle. "I won't go there, though."
The conversation between Zelda and her foster mother went on for about an hour before the hiding place of Sashralla was mentioned. She was somewhat hesitant to give out the information of her husbands hide out but finally a look from Zelda convinced her. "Near the East Palace is an old barracks where the ancient Knights of Hylia stayed. That is where Sashralla is hiding."
Link nodded and got to his feet knowing his new destination. "Link," Impa said, "the trip is a days walk. Stay here for the night and leave in the morning." She turned to look at Zelda, "You will be staying here of course?"
"If you think it best."
"I do. Agahnim has many patrols throughout the land. If one of them found you they would return you to that monster."
"So in the morning I head out," Link stated. "In the meantime I'd like to visit some acquaintances in the village."
The sun was setting when Link returned back from his trip to see his friends. In his possession he held two bottles and bug catching net. All of them had promised not to tell the soldiers anything and to help in the struggle as best they can.
Link entered Impa's and was immediately attacked by a barrage of wondrous smells. On a small wooden table Zelda, and Impa were setting places on the table and bringing great steaming platters and placing them on hot plates. "Good," Zelda said, "I was hoping you'd get back in time for dinner. We wouldn't want to have to wait on you."
Link approached the table. "Can I help with anything."
"No," they both said in unison.
"If you really want to help, darling, then just sit down and wait to enjoy our cooking," Impa said.
Link sat down. "I'm sure I will enjoy your cooking."
Dinner was wonderful. A roast pig was the main course and for side dishes carrots, corn, and potatoes graced the table. By time they were all stuffed, not even half the food was finished. Link helped clear the table and Impa and Zelda smashed up all the remaining food for pig slop.
Finally, Link settled himself to bed, awaiting somewhat excitedly the journey in the morning. Zelda and Impa talked late into the night.
The cuccos cry was what awoke Link in the morning. He exited the room Impa had made for him and entered the living room seeing both Zelda, and Impa sitting asleep in chairs across from each other.
Link entered the kitchen and toasted some bread for himself. He slopped some butter on it and ate it hurriedly. He went to the wagon, still parked out side and pushed away the bale of hay, revealing his sword and shield. He slid the scabbard over his shoulder and fit the shield tightly onto his back. He was ready.
He looked back at the house before he left. It hurt to leave Zelda without saying good-bye. It would be easier this way though. He had fallen hard for the princess and he didn't need an emotional farewell to tell her that. He started past the wagon when suddenly he heard her voice.
"Link."
He turned and saw her. Her dress was wrinkled and her hair was tousled. She hadn't done a very good job rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. She was a total mess. And she was also the most beautiful creature on earth. "Link," she said again. "Come here please."
It would happen. There was no avoiding it now. He felt somewhat happy that she caught him before he left. He went to the front of the door and she grabbed him pulling him in for a tight hug. "Be careful. I want to see your face again," she told him. She pulled away and leaned up to him kissing him on his lips. He kissed her back. Finally they both pulled away. "Be careful," she repeated.
He turned and began on his way.
Another note. Howdy how did you like it? Next chapter Link's gonna be visiting Sashralla and entering the East Palace. Stay... tuned maybe? Well you get it. Please keep reading.