Chapter 5
She followed him, happily. She had forgotten the conversation they were having a few seconds ago. The scent in the air was fresh and invigorating, pine and another sweet scent she couldn't identify. Link had crossed the river and was on the other side, his back toward her, he had his hands on his hips. She finally crossed the river, and she wondered what he was doing. She stood behind him, patiently. '
"Look at how pretty this is." He moved aside, and pointed to the scenery. They were on a ledge, and below them were hundreds of trees, all fruit of some kind. "Pomegranates, peaches, pears, apples, cherries, figs... I planted every one of them myself. I take great pride in my gardening. I grow the fruit to eat, but I also sell the excess to the Delfinians. That is how I saved up enough money to fix up the temple's rooms. When I got here, it was unlivable. Now it is a paradise. My paradise."
She observed the scenery, and for one moment, she felt peace. "This place is paradise... I don't want to go to my sister's wedding now. I want to stay here forever. Maybe I won't go."
Link sat down on a rock. "Why don't you want to go to your sister's wedding? You are very lucky to have a sister. I've always wanted a brother or sister."
She shook her head. "If you had siblings you would understand. I am one of a set of triplets. We are all so different from one other. The oldest of us three is Daisy. She's the one who's getting married. She has five children, and doesn't know who the fathers are. Let's just say she had... wilder days. I can't stand Daisy. I only tolerate her because I have to. She's marrying one of my old boyfriends...." She paused. "Cherry is the middle sibling. She's very pretty, and I envy her. She has short black hair and blue eyes, and she is the best warrior I've ever met. I bet she could beat Geno."
Link smirked. "Well, you have to go to Daisy's wedding. If you don't go, it will make you look jealous."
She thought for a moment, and then nodded in agreement. "I suppose you're right."
Silence. The pair sat and thought to themselves. The sun started to set, and Link's stomach growled loudly. "I'm famished. Do you like to eat duck?" He questioned. "I figure I'll offer you meat. You really didn't like breakfast."
"I like duck. I like figs and milk too, but I just wasn't hungry this morning."
Link smiled and cocked his bow, as he turned around. "Let's head back to the temple. On the way there hopefully I will see a duck."
As they walked, he watched the brush. He knew how sensitive she was to gore, so he promised to warn her before she saw the shot. He hadn't seen any sign of wildlife at all. Well, at least nothing she would want to eat. She wouldn't eat wild boar. She would only eat rabbit, deer, and most types of foul.
She could see how hard he was trying to find some meat. They had seen many boars and snakes. She smiled at him. "I will have figs and milk. You can catch whatever you want. I don't need meat tonight."
Link laughed at her. "I don't give up, ever. You will not go without meat." He shot his bow, and pinned a large lizard against a tree. "You will try something new." He announced.
"I will?"
A short time later, Link roasted the lizard over the fire out in the courtyard. Avalon peeled an avocado and put it in a carved stone bowl, using a fork to mush the flesh off of the pit. She put the pit on a rock to dry so Link could plant it. "What is this thing I am mashing?"
"Avocado. It's a strange food. It is fruit, nut, and vegetable. Very high in citric acid, which means it's really good for you."
She nodded. "Okay. I believe you."
Link poked the lizard, and then looked back at her. "You're going to try this, or I'm going to send you away."
She got a horrified look on her face, but quickly wiped it away. She didn't want to insult him. "Oh, alright. But only a small piece."
Link finished cooking the lizard, and handed her a pair of chopsticks. "Take a bite." He commanded.
Her hand shook slightly, as she ripped off a tiny piece. She held it daintily in the sticks, and breathed, deeply, afraid of insulting him. She saw him staring at her, so she closed her eyes and put it in her mouth. She swallowed it without tasting, or chewing. One second later, she was throwing up in the bushes.
Ava was learning quickly, and the pair became friends. The spars were becoming faster, and more violent, yet they didn't hurt each other somehow. The days melted away. She woke up one morning and realized it was time for her sister's wedding day. She wanted to shower at her beach house, so she just got dressed in the morning, and met Link in the courtyard for their daily breakfast of milk and fruit.
Today was blueberries and cream. "Your sister gets married today, and I have decided I will accompany you. I want to meet everyone you spoke of."
Avalon smiled. "You really will go with me? I was afraid to ask. I didn't want to go alone. All of her friends hate me."
Link laughed. "I doubt anyone could hate you."
"I want to head back early so I can take a nice hot bubble bath."
Link chuckled. "You love baths, don't you, your highness? Twice a day, and even then, you want to take them more often."
She blushed a deep crimson and played with a lock of her hair. "I can think clearest when I'm lying in hot water, and fluffy, fragrant bubbles. I just love it."
Somehow, he couldn't help but image her naked body covered in fluffy bubbles...
He stared at her for a moment, then dumped all of his blueberries into his glass of milk, and guzzled it mercilessly. "Let's get you to Delfini isle so you can take that 'bath', okay? I mean, is a bath so important that you can go without training today? "
She smiled, "Can we postpone training just for today, Link?"
He nodded. "Of course, it is a special occasion. Tonight we will stay on Delfini isle, that is, unless the marriage festivities keep us up all night."
"I doubt that will happen. I don't even want to go. But I guess it will be okay since I'm with a friend."
He patted her hand. "Let's go gather our things." As he stood up, feeling a bit sad that she was leaving the following afternoon. He would miss her terribly, he feared.
"I'm packed and ready." She announced, standing in front of the temple with her bags, and wearing her pink sundress and matching flip flop sandals.
He smiled, and emerged with a rather large bag over his shoulder. "I packed a few things of my own."
She smirked at him, and followed as he headed off of the island. Deadly guy met them and confirmed that he would meet Link the following morning at the part in the sea at nine o clock.
Link said goodbye to Deadly Guy, and signalled for Ava to follow him across the temporary strait that connected Delfini and his paradise. She hurried behind him; though she had been across it before, it still frightened her.
He chuckled at her, and realized how fond he was growing of her. She was so unique; every little thing she did was so different, and cute too.
She rushed ahead of him, and danced her way onto the island. "I get to take a bath and sleep in my own bed tonight!!!" She chirped. "I'll take my bath and you can read a book or something. When I'm done and dressed, we're going shopping to find you and I outfits to wear tonight."
He watched her dance her way toward the large beach house, open the door, and step inside. He followed, and was amazed. Everything was so beautiful. Soft draperies hung on the walls, and the floors were beautiful black polished marble. There was a couch, a fireplace, chairs, and a door off, straight ahead. She headed toward it, with her bags.
"I'll be out in an hour or less. Make yourself comfortable." She called, as she slipped in and locked the door.
How she had missed her baths! The water was hot, the bubbles were fluffy, and perfumed perfectly. She hummed to herself as she washed her hair, and wondered what Link's future plans were. Maybe he would like to move back with her, and be a teacher in her Kingdom?
Link and Avalon had a fine time shopping. She had Link fitted for a lovely black silk tuxedo, which he looked handsome in. His bowtie was red to match her dress, which was a mermaid style with spaghetti strap sleeves. The most of it was red velvet, except the tail was white fanned lace. Her hair was down, and she wore a small diamond tiara and her diamond necklace, earrings and bracelet.
Link smiled when he saw her, and wondered if she would stay here with him for a little while longer. But somehow he knew she had to go, so he would have to make the best of his time with her.
The wedding was held in the town square. Every archway had draping bouquets of pink and blue roses, tied with gaudy yellow ribbon. Daisy was standing amidst a group of snifit-atendants in a horribly tight fitting ivory wedding dress with poufy sleeves, and blue roses crocheted on the train. On her head she wore a viel covered in them.
"Sister!" Daisy called, as she lifted her dress so it wouldn't drag the ground. "Oh Sister!" She called again, as she grabbed Avalon's arm. "You missed the wedding!" She announced, frowning. "I missed you..."
Avalon looked confused and yet relieved that she had missed it. "The invitation said five thirty..."
Daisy went pale. "Oh yeah, Mario didn't want you there.... I forgot. You were just invited to the reception." She wiped her forehead, and then looked at Avalon's handsome date. "Dear sister, who's your date?" She questioned.
Link felt slightly offended. "I can speak for myself. I am Master Link, the very greatest sensei appointed by the star spirits themselves." As he said this, the star shaped mark on his neck shimmered a bit.
Daisy nodded. "I'm sure you're very proud to be that... then." She scowled at him, then tried to hide it with a smile.
He grabbed Avalon's arm lovingly. "I am more proud to be the young queens' date tonight. You must love her dearly. I mean, how can you not? She is the belle of the ball, and she is so sweet and kind... Her personality is so pristine and earnest." He whispered, obviously patronizing Mario who was now behind Daisy eavesdropping. "I heard that you are marrying her ex? What a fool he was to dump a princess for another..."
Mario had just seen Avalon, and was close to tears at how much her beauty outshone his bride's. Poor Daisy would always be the ugly duckling, and Avalon would always be a swan. It was a sad fact he would have to face.
"You know, I am of noble blood. Technically I too am a princess." She snapped. "You speak of me as if I am a peasant. I am far from that."
Link shrugged, "You are a princess by blood, not heart. A princess at heart is a bieng who is loving, innocent, and proud. A peasant works for a living. You are neither." Link replied, with a slight smirk.
Daisy gasped, and grabbed her new husband's shoulder. "You aren't going to let him say things like that about your bride, are you?"
Mario looked away from Link nervously. "He looks stronger than me." He whispered.
Daisy pushed Mario aside, and stormed off toward the table of refreshments. She desperately needed some sugar to calm her nerves.
Link chuckled, and looked at Avalon. "Want some wine, Princess?"
She smiled at him, and squoze his arm affectionately. "Sure!"
Link hurried off to grab the wine, and soon returned with the two glasses. Avalon took hers, and sipped it. "Want some cake?" He questioned, realizing that if he didn't get some now, Daisy would eat it all.
Avalon nodded, and sat on a small chair, placing her drink on the small coffee table. A lily hanging above the beverage unfurled a leaf and dropped white sparkles into her glass....
"Your highness, long time no see." A masculine voice called from next to her. She recognized the voice and stood up promptly, and turned away from the voice.
"Go away Leo." She announced, sounding as calm as she could.
His warm, soft hand touched her shoulder. "Look at me or I will make you." He snapped.
She turned, but wouldn't look at him, you see, she already knew him well enough. He was 6'4", which towered above her 5'6" height. His hair was tall and spiked, black with blood red tips. He always wore a long black robe and cape with red ornaments. He had fangs which glistened when he smiled and looked her over. "My beautiful little diamond... dance with me. You are mine, and I have earned it." He put out his hand.
"Leave me alone, please." She whispered.
"Oh but I cannot, you see, you, my dear, are the most delectable and addicting little snack I have ever had." He whispered. "Why won't you be my queen, hmm?"
She followed him, happily. She had forgotten the conversation they were having a few seconds ago. The scent in the air was fresh and invigorating, pine and another sweet scent she couldn't identify. Link had crossed the river and was on the other side, his back toward her, he had his hands on his hips. She finally crossed the river, and she wondered what he was doing. She stood behind him, patiently. '
"Look at how pretty this is." He moved aside, and pointed to the scenery. They were on a ledge, and below them were hundreds of trees, all fruit of some kind. "Pomegranates, peaches, pears, apples, cherries, figs... I planted every one of them myself. I take great pride in my gardening. I grow the fruit to eat, but I also sell the excess to the Delfinians. That is how I saved up enough money to fix up the temple's rooms. When I got here, it was unlivable. Now it is a paradise. My paradise."
She observed the scenery, and for one moment, she felt peace. "This place is paradise... I don't want to go to my sister's wedding now. I want to stay here forever. Maybe I won't go."
Link sat down on a rock. "Why don't you want to go to your sister's wedding? You are very lucky to have a sister. I've always wanted a brother or sister."
She shook her head. "If you had siblings you would understand. I am one of a set of triplets. We are all so different from one other. The oldest of us three is Daisy. She's the one who's getting married. She has five children, and doesn't know who the fathers are. Let's just say she had... wilder days. I can't stand Daisy. I only tolerate her because I have to. She's marrying one of my old boyfriends...." She paused. "Cherry is the middle sibling. She's very pretty, and I envy her. She has short black hair and blue eyes, and she is the best warrior I've ever met. I bet she could beat Geno."
Link smirked. "Well, you have to go to Daisy's wedding. If you don't go, it will make you look jealous."
She thought for a moment, and then nodded in agreement. "I suppose you're right."
Silence. The pair sat and thought to themselves. The sun started to set, and Link's stomach growled loudly. "I'm famished. Do you like to eat duck?" He questioned. "I figure I'll offer you meat. You really didn't like breakfast."
"I like duck. I like figs and milk too, but I just wasn't hungry this morning."
Link smiled and cocked his bow, as he turned around. "Let's head back to the temple. On the way there hopefully I will see a duck."
As they walked, he watched the brush. He knew how sensitive she was to gore, so he promised to warn her before she saw the shot. He hadn't seen any sign of wildlife at all. Well, at least nothing she would want to eat. She wouldn't eat wild boar. She would only eat rabbit, deer, and most types of foul.
She could see how hard he was trying to find some meat. They had seen many boars and snakes. She smiled at him. "I will have figs and milk. You can catch whatever you want. I don't need meat tonight."
Link laughed at her. "I don't give up, ever. You will not go without meat." He shot his bow, and pinned a large lizard against a tree. "You will try something new." He announced.
"I will?"
A short time later, Link roasted the lizard over the fire out in the courtyard. Avalon peeled an avocado and put it in a carved stone bowl, using a fork to mush the flesh off of the pit. She put the pit on a rock to dry so Link could plant it. "What is this thing I am mashing?"
"Avocado. It's a strange food. It is fruit, nut, and vegetable. Very high in citric acid, which means it's really good for you."
She nodded. "Okay. I believe you."
Link poked the lizard, and then looked back at her. "You're going to try this, or I'm going to send you away."
She got a horrified look on her face, but quickly wiped it away. She didn't want to insult him. "Oh, alright. But only a small piece."
Link finished cooking the lizard, and handed her a pair of chopsticks. "Take a bite." He commanded.
Her hand shook slightly, as she ripped off a tiny piece. She held it daintily in the sticks, and breathed, deeply, afraid of insulting him. She saw him staring at her, so she closed her eyes and put it in her mouth. She swallowed it without tasting, or chewing. One second later, she was throwing up in the bushes.
Ava was learning quickly, and the pair became friends. The spars were becoming faster, and more violent, yet they didn't hurt each other somehow. The days melted away. She woke up one morning and realized it was time for her sister's wedding day. She wanted to shower at her beach house, so she just got dressed in the morning, and met Link in the courtyard for their daily breakfast of milk and fruit.
Today was blueberries and cream. "Your sister gets married today, and I have decided I will accompany you. I want to meet everyone you spoke of."
Avalon smiled. "You really will go with me? I was afraid to ask. I didn't want to go alone. All of her friends hate me."
Link laughed. "I doubt anyone could hate you."
"I want to head back early so I can take a nice hot bubble bath."
Link chuckled. "You love baths, don't you, your highness? Twice a day, and even then, you want to take them more often."
She blushed a deep crimson and played with a lock of her hair. "I can think clearest when I'm lying in hot water, and fluffy, fragrant bubbles. I just love it."
Somehow, he couldn't help but image her naked body covered in fluffy bubbles...
He stared at her for a moment, then dumped all of his blueberries into his glass of milk, and guzzled it mercilessly. "Let's get you to Delfini isle so you can take that 'bath', okay? I mean, is a bath so important that you can go without training today? "
She smiled, "Can we postpone training just for today, Link?"
He nodded. "Of course, it is a special occasion. Tonight we will stay on Delfini isle, that is, unless the marriage festivities keep us up all night."
"I doubt that will happen. I don't even want to go. But I guess it will be okay since I'm with a friend."
He patted her hand. "Let's go gather our things." As he stood up, feeling a bit sad that she was leaving the following afternoon. He would miss her terribly, he feared.
"I'm packed and ready." She announced, standing in front of the temple with her bags, and wearing her pink sundress and matching flip flop sandals.
He smiled, and emerged with a rather large bag over his shoulder. "I packed a few things of my own."
She smirked at him, and followed as he headed off of the island. Deadly guy met them and confirmed that he would meet Link the following morning at the part in the sea at nine o clock.
Link said goodbye to Deadly Guy, and signalled for Ava to follow him across the temporary strait that connected Delfini and his paradise. She hurried behind him; though she had been across it before, it still frightened her.
He chuckled at her, and realized how fond he was growing of her. She was so unique; every little thing she did was so different, and cute too.
She rushed ahead of him, and danced her way onto the island. "I get to take a bath and sleep in my own bed tonight!!!" She chirped. "I'll take my bath and you can read a book or something. When I'm done and dressed, we're going shopping to find you and I outfits to wear tonight."
He watched her dance her way toward the large beach house, open the door, and step inside. He followed, and was amazed. Everything was so beautiful. Soft draperies hung on the walls, and the floors were beautiful black polished marble. There was a couch, a fireplace, chairs, and a door off, straight ahead. She headed toward it, with her bags.
"I'll be out in an hour or less. Make yourself comfortable." She called, as she slipped in and locked the door.
How she had missed her baths! The water was hot, the bubbles were fluffy, and perfumed perfectly. She hummed to herself as she washed her hair, and wondered what Link's future plans were. Maybe he would like to move back with her, and be a teacher in her Kingdom?
Link and Avalon had a fine time shopping. She had Link fitted for a lovely black silk tuxedo, which he looked handsome in. His bowtie was red to match her dress, which was a mermaid style with spaghetti strap sleeves. The most of it was red velvet, except the tail was white fanned lace. Her hair was down, and she wore a small diamond tiara and her diamond necklace, earrings and bracelet.
Link smiled when he saw her, and wondered if she would stay here with him for a little while longer. But somehow he knew she had to go, so he would have to make the best of his time with her.
The wedding was held in the town square. Every archway had draping bouquets of pink and blue roses, tied with gaudy yellow ribbon. Daisy was standing amidst a group of snifit-atendants in a horribly tight fitting ivory wedding dress with poufy sleeves, and blue roses crocheted on the train. On her head she wore a viel covered in them.
"Sister!" Daisy called, as she lifted her dress so it wouldn't drag the ground. "Oh Sister!" She called again, as she grabbed Avalon's arm. "You missed the wedding!" She announced, frowning. "I missed you..."
Avalon looked confused and yet relieved that she had missed it. "The invitation said five thirty..."
Daisy went pale. "Oh yeah, Mario didn't want you there.... I forgot. You were just invited to the reception." She wiped her forehead, and then looked at Avalon's handsome date. "Dear sister, who's your date?" She questioned.
Link felt slightly offended. "I can speak for myself. I am Master Link, the very greatest sensei appointed by the star spirits themselves." As he said this, the star shaped mark on his neck shimmered a bit.
Daisy nodded. "I'm sure you're very proud to be that... then." She scowled at him, then tried to hide it with a smile.
He grabbed Avalon's arm lovingly. "I am more proud to be the young queens' date tonight. You must love her dearly. I mean, how can you not? She is the belle of the ball, and she is so sweet and kind... Her personality is so pristine and earnest." He whispered, obviously patronizing Mario who was now behind Daisy eavesdropping. "I heard that you are marrying her ex? What a fool he was to dump a princess for another..."
Mario had just seen Avalon, and was close to tears at how much her beauty outshone his bride's. Poor Daisy would always be the ugly duckling, and Avalon would always be a swan. It was a sad fact he would have to face.
"You know, I am of noble blood. Technically I too am a princess." She snapped. "You speak of me as if I am a peasant. I am far from that."
Link shrugged, "You are a princess by blood, not heart. A princess at heart is a bieng who is loving, innocent, and proud. A peasant works for a living. You are neither." Link replied, with a slight smirk.
Daisy gasped, and grabbed her new husband's shoulder. "You aren't going to let him say things like that about your bride, are you?"
Mario looked away from Link nervously. "He looks stronger than me." He whispered.
Daisy pushed Mario aside, and stormed off toward the table of refreshments. She desperately needed some sugar to calm her nerves.
Link chuckled, and looked at Avalon. "Want some wine, Princess?"
She smiled at him, and squoze his arm affectionately. "Sure!"
Link hurried off to grab the wine, and soon returned with the two glasses. Avalon took hers, and sipped it. "Want some cake?" He questioned, realizing that if he didn't get some now, Daisy would eat it all.
Avalon nodded, and sat on a small chair, placing her drink on the small coffee table. A lily hanging above the beverage unfurled a leaf and dropped white sparkles into her glass....
"Your highness, long time no see." A masculine voice called from next to her. She recognized the voice and stood up promptly, and turned away from the voice.
"Go away Leo." She announced, sounding as calm as she could.
His warm, soft hand touched her shoulder. "Look at me or I will make you." He snapped.
She turned, but wouldn't look at him, you see, she already knew him well enough. He was 6'4", which towered above her 5'6" height. His hair was tall and spiked, black with blood red tips. He always wore a long black robe and cape with red ornaments. He had fangs which glistened when he smiled and looked her over. "My beautiful little diamond... dance with me. You are mine, and I have earned it." He put out his hand.
"Leave me alone, please." She whispered.
"Oh but I cannot, you see, you, my dear, are the most delectable and addicting little snack I have ever had." He whispered. "Why won't you be my queen, hmm?"
