Hey everyone! I know it's been an amazingly long time since I last updated, but things just kept coming up and this chapter kept getting increasingly more difficult. But wow, when you leave a really long break you start seeing who really loves your story. And I'm so pleased to see so many people do.
Anyways, I'm ecstatic about how many reviews I've received. You probably will not remember what you said, when you reviewed oh so long ago, but I'm responding anyways because I loved them all. XD
Addam: Wow . . . It's great reviewers like you who get me back on track. It's okay I understand your frustration. Thanks a lot for reminding me. Those reviews actually make me happy. Haha what's funny is I base a lot of what Roy says of my own brother. Well thanks for reviewing!
Me: Sheesh. Don't like, don't bother reviewing.
Link's Brother (and) You Smell like Wal-Mart!: Haha wow two names, one person! Sorry, I've been ticking a lot of people off with this story. ;; Well I take that as you like my story! Thanks!
Weeeeeeee!: Think I'm missing some e's on your name . . . oh well. Anyways, I'm glad you like and thanks for giving a realistic idea of the kiss. =) Thanks!
George Idiot Bush: Gosh, you anonymous dudes crack me up. I literally laughed out loud when I read your review. "Random to the pits of Hell." Haha why thank you, I take that as a compliment. Thanks!
I Don't Flame: aww…you got me when I read that first line. I got all huffy and upset and then I read the second line. Thanks!
Review Person: I'm trying, I'm trying, I'm trying!
Par Armsford: Woah this for a Zelda game? Highly doubt it, but thanks! And if I am rich and famous for making a game I'll be sure to thank you Thanks!
Evelaunce: Haha sounds good to me, but you don't suck at romance either. Hope you get around to updating…
Keiko Matsumori: Lol the longer kissing scenes? Well you'll get them, not in this chapter though. But soon . . . . Thanks!
Foxy Girl: Wow…it's that good you want to read them over? Wow that means a lot . . .Thanks!
Ayachan21: heh thanks!
AnimeAngel90: Hey it's great you got a penname! I know, Impa is pretty mean but she's just playing around. Of course, if someone said that to me I'd chuck something at them. Thanks for reviewing!!
SoulessCalibur: Hehe, its okay if you only say "YAY" that really satisfies me enough And trust me, I suffered. Thanks!
Caitlin: Aww . . . thanks! I'm glad you got so excited . . . I hope it was worth it.
Zelda's baby girl: Wow . . . Lol. I'm trying! I'm getting to like this story too. Thanks!
Broadwaysopranoprincess: Aww . . . thanks. But I always thought writing kisses is hard. Thanks for your review!
Devil's Little Sister: You wouldn't! Link?! Oh, how cruel! But by my updating skills, Link is probably deformed blob by now . . . ;; Haha thanks!
Hylian Heroine: Hey! I'm glad you understand; romance is hard to write. I'm glad this on your favorites! Update your story soon k? Pleeease?
WHOCARES?: If you thought it was forgotten then, it's definitely forgotten now. ;; Well I hope you're still out there! Thanks!
Swordmaster-Orca: Aw really? I try to keep the corny level to a minimum. Thanks!
PIRO the unforgiven one: Haha no worries, I read all this stuff too and I have no life whatsoever. Thanks!
Faceless Serenity: I kept up my promise!!! Yay! Thank you my update installer-like reminding friend. Thanks again for giving me the idea! I owe you a huuuge one! Update soon, k? =)
Fierce Diety Zelda: Hehe it's okay . . . I knew your name sounded familiar. Glad your back! Thanks!
Got-lotr: Whoopsie . . . this is the kind of stuff my editing doesn't catch. Thanks! I'm so glad there's someone out there who catches this stuff. Thanks!
Ayachan21: Oh, did you review twice?? Wow, you're nice!! Thanks a lot! And I try to update . . . not that it works out --;; Thanks again!
Anyone: Well I eagerly await your penname. But maybe you should keep your penname "anyone" Haha just for tradition. Thanks a lot!
Black RoseL Me: Aww, an undying fan. Thanks!
Berlin'sBrownEyes: Lol, I'm probably the worst at the updating soon thing. 4 months? I amaze even myself. I'm glad you like Impa and the king's conversation. Some parts have to be funny, or else it gets overdramatic. Your reviews are so fun to read. Thanks!
Pinguicha: Wanna know a little secret? I probably have 1000 typos if it weren't for the computer's spellchecker. But thanks, your review had me smiling like a fool. Thanks so much for editing this! I took your advice and tried making things a bit more simpler to understand. But I didn't add in the part where Ganny makes the man a disguise . . . you'll see why later mysterious laughter Thanks again!
Chaosking: Aw, that's okay I'm glad you took the time to review. What happened to your romance fic? You gotta update it! (As if I'm one to talk . . . )
Sawyerzelda: I tried to hurry and update . . . didn't work out though. ;; But people like you keep me going. Thanks!
Midnight Starfire: Aww! But seriously, you have the kind of writing I really hope to achieve. I'm jealous! Most anticipated award? Aw, thanks your review made me feel so happy! I'm glad you liked Impa and the king's conversation; that was one of my favorite parts of that chapter too. I write really long reviews for your story too, and I have to stop myself cause I realize I'm babbling sometimes. Thanks!!
Wow . . . so now, with that done, let's finally move on to the chapter! throws confetti
Chapter 9: Melinaea's Eve Plans
The lonesome moon shined brightly against the star stained night. All was still and silent, except for one figure, hunch-backed and covered in a dark cape, hobbling awkwardly around the woods.
He finally stopped at a clearing, where opposite from him was another man, tall and broad-shouldered. The tall man raised his eyebrows expectantly. At once, the hunch-backed man stooped into a crooked bow.
"You're late." Ganondorf said.
"My apologies, My Lord." The man said, ducking into an even lower bow. "I had trouble finding my way here."
Ganondorf's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing. Instead he examined the man and said without preamble, "You are known to snoop and spy, correct?"
The man fumbled with his cloak. "Well, My Lord, I am not fond of that exper-"
"I don't recall asking you if were fond of it." Ganondorf hissed. "You will do as I ask."
The man shivered. "Yes-yes, My Lord. What is it you require of me?"
Ganondorf eyed the henchmen for a second longer and said, "I need you to go and spy on the princess. Find out what's happening in the castle and any information you can."
Before he could stop himself, the man asked with a slight quiver in his voice, "Why do you need me to spy?"
"For a new lead on capturing the princess." Ganondorf replied shortly. "Another direct attack would be foolhardy with guards surrounding the place."
"But what about Stanton?"
"Oh, him." Suddenly Ganondorf smiled his malicious smiles. "Stanton failed in his task, so I had to dispose of him."
A chilly wind blew, rustling the leaves above. "You-you killed him?" the man's voice trembled.
"Yes I did." Ganondorf said, sounding highly satisfied with himself. "You'd be surprised how high his voice is when he screams in pain."
There was a brief sickening silence.
"I wonder. . . ." Ganondorf said, his eyes dancing with cruel amusement. "How high your voice is when you're screaming in pain?"
There was another, more terrified, silence. Finally, the man choked out, "You-you wouldn't . . ."
"I might . . ." Ganondorf said, the malevolent amusement in his voice more pronounced then ever. ". . . If you fail me. But you won't fail me, will you?"
"No-no, My Lord."
"Good then. Go and spy on the princess and come back and report to me."
"Yes, My Lord," and the man hobbled away, desperate to get away from the wickedness standing behind him. Thinking grimly of Stanton's fate, he almost felt sorry for the princess and the boy; they didn't stand a hair of a chance.
Princess Zelda sat on a spindly wooden chair in the library reading a thick book, by a dying candlelight. She had found this room to be some sort of sacred haven, for few people ever came here and could bother her. She doubted whether her father even knew there was a library in the castle.
But just as Zelda was beginning to feel at peace, the door burst open, letting light pervade through the room. Zelda shut the book and looked to see who the rude intruder was, and found no surprise when she saw her tall nursemaid standing at the doorway.
"There you are, Zelda!" Impa said walking in. "And what are you doing reading by such a dim light?"
"Oh, how foolish of me," Zelda said in a sarcastic cry. "Who knows of all the utterly tragic things that could have happened?"
Impa frowned. "Watch your mouth, Princess."
Zelda gave a small "hmph" in reply and turned back to the book.
"I need to have a word with you, Zelda." Impa said in a very serious voice.
"I'm listening." Came the listless reply.
"Put the book down."
Zelda s hut the book again and looked up irritated. "What is it?"
"Why are you in such a sour mood today?" Impa asked the frown fixed on her face.
"I'm not in a sour mood." Zelda said childishly.
"You are. But that's the point. The point is that Melinaea's Eve is coming up."
Zelda groaned.
"You know that this is a very important holiday." Impa continued, as if she had not heard Zelda. "Your father has invited some very influential guests for the occasion. And you better keep a civil tongue around them, hear?"
Zelda said nothing.
"They may not be the nicest people, but try and behave. See to it that they enjoy their stay."
"Melinaea's Eve is supposed to be fun." Zelda protested with a small pout.
"Have your fun afterwards," Impa said sternly. "Your father will be very angry if anything goes wrong."
She gave a sigh and said, "Okay, I heard you. Don't nag." The book was opened again, signaling the end of Impa's lecture.
Impa eyed Zelda for a moment, with an odd mixture of pity yet strictness on her face. Then she gave a quiet sigh and left, closing the door quietly behind her.
Impa walked the length of the corridor, then down two flights of stairs, past the first two doors and finally came to a stone door that led into the stifling hot kitchen.
The kitchen, as always, was chaotic but with delicious smells around every stone corner. Impa had little trouble locating the head servant, who was bellowing orders to the sea of servants all agitatedly preparing lunch.
"Where's the dessert?" he was shouting among the hurried servants. "Where did the apple pies go? Who made the dessert? Where—Oh, hello Impa." The head servant said, turning around and finding the nursemaid looking at him.
"Everything okay?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh yes, fine. Just fine." The head servant replied. At that moment, a servant dropped several cups and silverware, and they clunked loudly on the stone floor.
"I see." Impa said watching the servant feverishly pick up the dishes. "Well, I came here to ask whose turn it was to get supplies from the market."
"Oh well, that would be Nava. Hold on, I'll get her." He turned back to the swarm of servants. "Nava!" he called. "Nava!"
A young frail servant broke out against the crowd. She looked at the head servant, who beckoned her forward, and she came hurrying towards him.
"Yes sir?" she inquired in a high sweet voice.
"It is your turn to get the supplies from the market, isn't it?" The head servant asked surveying Nava through beady eyes.
"Yes sir."
"Very well. Impa do you have the list of everything needed to be bought?"
"Yes and since Melinaea's Eve's coming up, we need a few more things than usual so . . ." Impa whipped out a long wrinkled piece of parchment and gave it to Nava. The young servant's eyes widened as she took the lengthy parchment, but said nothing.
"I'd leave right now if I wanted to buy everything before nightfall." Impa said lightly. Nava inclined her head and quickly hurried away, dragging the long piece of parchment along.
"Perhaps we should have picked a more, um, durable, servant." The head servant said, watching Nava go with doubtful eyes.
Impa's only remark to that was, "She'll live."
"Oh what a grand day it is!" Roy cried into the sunny afternoon. "A grand day for so many things . . . such as shopping for presents for beloved ones and friends." He stopped there and looked at Link to see if his words had any effect.
"Yes, a grand day indeed." Roy continued, raising his voice. "A wonderful day to buy things and to give presents. Don't you think so, Link?"
Link gave an exasperated sigh. "Roy, I'll get you a present okay? So no need to keep badgering me."
"Why, that thought never crossed my mind! But now since you mentioned it, there is a fine shield that I wouldn't mind having—"
Link laughed. "Alright I'll get you a present for Melinaea's Eve, but only if you get me something."
"Deal. But I should think giving a gift to me, and simply knowing you've done a good thing, is satisfaction enough." Roy said loftily.
Link rolled his eyes. They sat in silence for awhile until finally Roy said, in the air of one simply remarking of the weather,
"Those shields sure are popular. I'd hate for them for them to run out of them—"
Link groaned and stood up. "Okay I'll go and get you one now. Do you want me to wrap it up in pretty paper too, Roy?"
"Sure. And now, you're getting all your present shopping done early! What would you do without me?"
Link rolled his eyes again. But he did have presents to buy for Melinaea's Eve. And so, with a mental list of everyone he needed to buy gifts for, he set off to the market.
The sun beamed down on the crowded streets of the Market. Everyone was preparing for the holiday, even the grumpy storeowners, who had decorated their front door with a wreath or a heart. But no one was buying or carrying as many parcels as Nava.
The young servant struggled to walk without collapsing under the pressure of at least thirty parcels, all being carried under her arms. The whole pile teetered dangerously, and people kept a good distance away from her, in fear the load would fall down.
"Why do we need all these things anyway?" Nava muttered angrily to herself, as she consulted the list yet again for even more things to buy.
She looked up to find a store that might sell such a thing, but in her lack of attention, she stumbled over a crack in the street, lost her footing, and, as predicted, the whole mass of parcels came tumbling down.
"Oh no!" Nava cried, looking at the disarray that lay before her.
"Would you like some help with that?" A voice sounded behind her.
Nava turned and saw an extremely handsome man with tangled fair locks, looking at the mess through endlessly deep blue eyes.
"Yes, please," Nava said shyly and turning her face away.
The man regarded her for a moment before he asked, "Have I seen you before?"
Nava fumbled with her dress. "I don't think so—I work at the castle, and this is my first time getting supplies."
"Really?" An image of a lovely Princess Zelda came to his mind. "Do you know Zel-I mean the Princess?
More fumbling of the dress. "Well—I've seen her around, but I've never spoken to her."
"Oh." He looked at her a moment more. "What's your name?" he asked.
"Nava. Yours?"
"Link. Nice to meet you." Link began to help her pick up the fallen things.
Nava bent down and started stacking boxes of fabric. Fearing awkward silence, she asked "Do you know the Princess?"
"Oh yeah, she and I are friends." Friends. The word echoed strangely through his mind. It sounded stale and queer, and he couldn't figure out why.
"I see." After few more moments of silence she took another stab at conversation she asked, "So what are you doing here?"
"I'm buying presents." He grinned to himself remembering Roy's "hints".
"Are you buying the Princess one?" she asked with a soft smile.
Link blinked and looked at her. "What?"
"Are you buying the Princess one?" she repeated. "You said you were friends."
Link looked at her oddly. No, he wasn't getting her a present. Not for Melinaea's Eve. If he gave a guy a present for Melinaea's Eve, it was fine because it showed it was out of good friendship. But if he gave a girl a present for Melinaea's Eve, it was tradition that it didn't mean out of friendship but out of—
"I wasn't planning on it." Link said loudly to stop his run-away thoughts.
Nava gave him a disapproving look. "That's too bad." She sighed. "It'd be really awful if she expected one, too." She looked over at Link and was pleased to see his uneasy expression.
"I guess I could get her one." he said uncomfortably. "But I probably won't see her so it'd be a—"
"Don't be silly. You go hurry and get her something and come back here and give it to me. And I'll give it to her." She said with a smile.
Link opened his mouth to say he didn't know what to get her, but the most perfect idea came to his mind. It was so perfect that Link didn't protest anymore. Instead he stood up and thanked Nava.
"Not a problem. But hurry." Link smiled and thanked her once more and left, walking quickly.
Nava sighed and went back to picking up the parcels. "But you could have helped me finished picking this up before you left." She muttered to herself.
A/n: I know it wasn't my best okay? So don't flame me. sigh A huge, huge, huge thank you to Pinguicha who offered to help me out with this. Another gigantic thank you to Faceless Serenity who helped me with the idea for this chapter and also edited it. You guys rock!
Did you all get what Melinaea's Eve was? I did my best without having to resort to lame narrating but it's basically a holiday a lot like Christmas. A while ago, my friend told me Melinaea could be another name for Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love (hint hint)
I have a big question to ask all of you: do you think it's too early for Zelda and Link to confess? I'm not sure, and I decided to leave it up to you guys. Please answer in your wonderful non-flaming reviews! I'll be a better updater next time, so I'll see you all later!