Well, I hope this story's going well...it's taking me forever to write
one chapter...*sigh* I hate school, and I still don't own Zelda...*sigh*
Well, on with the show...I mean, story!! Woah, I just realized a major
mistake in Ch. 12...Link and Zelda are supposed to be in separate cells...curse
it...hmm...let's just say, the guards are stupid and be done with it...Alright!
Kazaa!
** Ch. 13-Trap or Folly?
"Come inside, Airaen. You'll probably want to wash up before the meal, I presume?" Rohkensagen said with a slight smile. It was then that Airaen was aware of her travel-worn clothing and dirty complexion. Blushing slightly, she nodded. Turning to Roh, the Lord of Sidar said, "Son, go escort the lady to the springs, if you please. Have one of our maids help her get some fresh clothes, too. Then, you can come back here and help with the table." He turned and walked inside the house, hiding a smile from his son.
Disgruntled, Roh grabbed Airaen by the arm and led her around the house with a mumbled "Come on, you." Hating to be led around like a child, Airaen slapped her hand away and walked alongside him, head held high. Rolling his eyes, Roh continued on, unaware that a certain father watched from a window with a smile.
On the side of the house lay a dirt path that slipped away to a small garden that lay at the very back of the house. Bushes surrounding it made for a fence for the garden as the path split these bushes to two sides. Roh lead Airaen through this garden until they reached a large gathering of rocks that gathered in a circle. The path circled around these rocks until it found its opening. After passing through this opening into the rocks, the path led to a small, rocky spring with a small waterfall that seemed to have come out of nowhere.
Airaen gasped when she saw the beautiful sight, even more so when she saw how the springs steamed with heat. "Is...is that...a hot spring?" she gasped.
"Of course it is," Roh said haughtily, "It's magic of course, the hot spring and the waterfall. They say the goddesses made this and use to come here or something. I don't know, but it's been here forever. Well? What the hell are you waiting for? Meal's in an hour...you better not be late." With that, he turned on his heel and left, saying, "I'll send a maid to get you something decent to wear."
"Jerk..." Airaen murmured as she took off her clothes. As she took off her shirt, she noticed the small scar that lay on her stomach, right where Ganon's sword had cut her through. Frowning at it, she stepped into the water. She sighed gratefully as she sat down in the warm water, letting her hair soak. She smiled and closed her eyes in bliss, happier than she had ever felt in a long time. Time passed slowly. And then she saw it: two figures huddled together in darkness as a shadow of shadows advanced on them, they're faces white with fear. The shadow rose what looked like a whip and sent it slashing down on its prey.
Airaen opened her eyes with a cry, ready to strike whatever that shadow was. But there was nothing, only the hot spring surrounded by the rocks in Sidar. Angry, she grabbed a small rock and threw is as hard as she could, watching it smash against a rock into a million pieces. "Go away!" she shouted in anger.
"Oh! I'm...I'm so sorry, lady...please...p-please forgive my intrusion!" came a small, frightened voice. Turning in the water, Airaen saw a young woman carrying a bundle of clothes, soap, and a towel, a look of embarrassment and fear on her face.
Blushing, Airaen said, "No, no! I'm the one who's sorry...I shouldn't have-" It was then that she realized it: she was naked in front of a complete stranger. "Oh, goddess! Shit!" she cried as she ducked behind the nearest boulder, her face bright red.
The maid giggled. "It's alright...uh...Airaen, am I right, miss? Netha is my name...I'm rather new here. I've just brought some soap and clothes and a towel for you. His lordship would like to tell you that the meal will commence soon, lady."
"Um...thank...thank you, Netha," Airaen said, still feeling uncomfortable. She didn't like all this "lady" formality. Bowing, Netha placed the clothes on a nearby rock and brought the soap and towel to her. Smiling uncomfortably, Airaen took the soap as Netha placed the towel on the rock. Bowing again, the maid left the spring.
Well, that was a load of shit, Airaen thought glumly as she washed with the soap. Fearful of yet another vision, she hurried through washing, using the waterfall to rinse the soap out of her hair. With a quick look around first, she climbed swiftly out of the water and wrapped the towel around her. Then, she grabbed the clothes, sandals, clean undergarments, and a blue dress, and sprinted to the nearest cluster of rocks and got dressed. What a week I'm having.
"Ah, Airaen! So glad you could join us! Please sit down," Rohkensagen motioned to a chair for the girl as she stepped into the dining hall. Nodding, Airaen did as he had commanded. As soon as she sat, the long-awaited meal began. In front of her lay a beautiful assortment of food: fish of seemingly every kind, steamed vegetables, rare and exotic fruits she had never seen before, rice, and wine. She noted how servants sat at the table and chatted with their lord as if he were one of them. With a smile, Airaen knew that, little by little, she was beginning to truly like this lord.
Remembering that she was hungry, Airaen took a sample of each thing within reach, poured herself a glass of wine (a first for her, having only to drink milk at the Ranch) and ate to her heart's desire. After a time, the meal ended rather unceremoniously. Each servant left with a slight bow, taking his or her plate, leaving only Airaen, Roh, and Rohkensagen at the table.
"I think you have found our customs here are slightly different," Rohkensagen said with a sidelong glance at Airaen. Suddenly, a coughing fit took the lord, shocking Airaen. Roh made to stand to help, but Rohkensagen motioned him to sit down. It ended. Groaning, he said, "Oh, I shall be leaving this land soon to the Halls of Time, curse it, and at the worst time, I'm afraid."
"Lord?" Airaen said, concern plain on her face.
"A few weeks ago, one of Ganon's followers came to our gate, commanding us to 'open in the name of the true King of Hyrule.' Of course, we shouted back that there was only a queen. He made a signal, and out of the forest came a swarm of arrows. Obviously he had brought a few friends along. They came straight over the wall, and one of them struck me in my shoulder. My men drove them off, but I fell ill shortly after. After examining the tip, a few said that there was some sort of poison on the tip, but none that had been seen before. I would guess a black magic, no doubt. So, yes, I will die soon to leave my son in my place when I know he's not ready for such a burden, being still a young child."
Roh was silent and only stared at his hands, a glimmer of tears on the corner of his eyes. The lord continued: "Enough about an old man. Tell me of your adventures, Airaen, and of Lady Zelda and your father."
Airaen's tale spanned until the sun was beginning to set and the shadows lengthened. She was careful to leave out any information regarding the Triforce and her connection to it; it was better that they didn't know just yet. When she had finished, Rohkensagen was silent, and Roh now gazed at Airaen with a new sense of awe. Airaen felt uncomfortable.
Presently, Rohkensagen said, "This news of your parent's capture is evil tidings...I was counting on your mother's wisdom to help guide my son, but now that she is captured...I cannot hold back Ganon's horde. I have too little of warriors to fight. Even if we managed to get to Gerudo Fortress, we would not be able to rescue them. It would turn into a slaughter."
"But," Airaen said slowly, trying to formulate her thoughts, "what if we saved them by infiltrating the fortress? We could have someone go secretly in there to free them."
"You can't do that," Roh said, speaking for the first time, "Gerudo Fortress is too heavily guarded."
"Then, how about a diversion?" she replied, "We could make Ganon's horde get distracted, you know, distract them with your army! Then send someone in to free Zelda and my father! Wouldn't that work?"
Roh, who had just been sipping on wine, choked. Coughing, he cried, "You can't simply sacrifice an entire army for two people! I don't care if one of them is the Hero of Time and the other the Queen! You can't do that! What's more, you'll be caught! That plan is folly."
"Not folly, Roh," Airaen countered, "but a trap! A trap for Ganon and his army! Once we get Zelda and my father out of there we can head back to Hyrule Castle and regroup from there! Then we can hit that bastard with everything we've got! Please, Lord," she said, turning to Rohkensagen, "we must save them! They're probably starving to death!"
"That was unexpected," came a familiar voice. Startled, Airaen turned around.
"Gate!" she cried, "Where have you been?"
"Having a look around, of course," the fairy replied, "But, Lord Rohkensagen, Airaen does speak truth. We need to save them: Zelda because she rules Hyrule, and Link because Ganon could hold him as ransom. I think we should send Airaen and me into the Fortress to get them while you and your army create the diversion. Yes, there will be casualties, but it has to be done, I'm afraid. And there isn't enough time to call for help, not anymore. Ganon will make his greatest move soon, and he may execute Lady Zelda and Link if we don't hurry."
After a moment, the Lord said, "Son? What do you think?"
"I think," Roh said slowly, "it'll get us all killed. However, Sidar should keep its sworn duty as Hyrule's ally. I propose we ready the troops and move out in two days."
"Agreed," his father said with a smile, "In two days, at first light, we make for Gerudo. Airaen and her fairy friend will ride with us, but in secret. Then, once we reach the bridge, she'll have to travel on foot up the mountainside and around to Gerudo Fortress. There is a trail that leads up there, no more than an hour's journey if you move quickly enough. From there, you must wait until we attack, then move in. After that, I'm afraid," and he looked at Airaen with concern, "you're on your own, little Bearer."
** Ch. 13-Trap or Folly?
"Come inside, Airaen. You'll probably want to wash up before the meal, I presume?" Rohkensagen said with a slight smile. It was then that Airaen was aware of her travel-worn clothing and dirty complexion. Blushing slightly, she nodded. Turning to Roh, the Lord of Sidar said, "Son, go escort the lady to the springs, if you please. Have one of our maids help her get some fresh clothes, too. Then, you can come back here and help with the table." He turned and walked inside the house, hiding a smile from his son.
Disgruntled, Roh grabbed Airaen by the arm and led her around the house with a mumbled "Come on, you." Hating to be led around like a child, Airaen slapped her hand away and walked alongside him, head held high. Rolling his eyes, Roh continued on, unaware that a certain father watched from a window with a smile.
On the side of the house lay a dirt path that slipped away to a small garden that lay at the very back of the house. Bushes surrounding it made for a fence for the garden as the path split these bushes to two sides. Roh lead Airaen through this garden until they reached a large gathering of rocks that gathered in a circle. The path circled around these rocks until it found its opening. After passing through this opening into the rocks, the path led to a small, rocky spring with a small waterfall that seemed to have come out of nowhere.
Airaen gasped when she saw the beautiful sight, even more so when she saw how the springs steamed with heat. "Is...is that...a hot spring?" she gasped.
"Of course it is," Roh said haughtily, "It's magic of course, the hot spring and the waterfall. They say the goddesses made this and use to come here or something. I don't know, but it's been here forever. Well? What the hell are you waiting for? Meal's in an hour...you better not be late." With that, he turned on his heel and left, saying, "I'll send a maid to get you something decent to wear."
"Jerk..." Airaen murmured as she took off her clothes. As she took off her shirt, she noticed the small scar that lay on her stomach, right where Ganon's sword had cut her through. Frowning at it, she stepped into the water. She sighed gratefully as she sat down in the warm water, letting her hair soak. She smiled and closed her eyes in bliss, happier than she had ever felt in a long time. Time passed slowly. And then she saw it: two figures huddled together in darkness as a shadow of shadows advanced on them, they're faces white with fear. The shadow rose what looked like a whip and sent it slashing down on its prey.
Airaen opened her eyes with a cry, ready to strike whatever that shadow was. But there was nothing, only the hot spring surrounded by the rocks in Sidar. Angry, she grabbed a small rock and threw is as hard as she could, watching it smash against a rock into a million pieces. "Go away!" she shouted in anger.
"Oh! I'm...I'm so sorry, lady...please...p-please forgive my intrusion!" came a small, frightened voice. Turning in the water, Airaen saw a young woman carrying a bundle of clothes, soap, and a towel, a look of embarrassment and fear on her face.
Blushing, Airaen said, "No, no! I'm the one who's sorry...I shouldn't have-" It was then that she realized it: she was naked in front of a complete stranger. "Oh, goddess! Shit!" she cried as she ducked behind the nearest boulder, her face bright red.
The maid giggled. "It's alright...uh...Airaen, am I right, miss? Netha is my name...I'm rather new here. I've just brought some soap and clothes and a towel for you. His lordship would like to tell you that the meal will commence soon, lady."
"Um...thank...thank you, Netha," Airaen said, still feeling uncomfortable. She didn't like all this "lady" formality. Bowing, Netha placed the clothes on a nearby rock and brought the soap and towel to her. Smiling uncomfortably, Airaen took the soap as Netha placed the towel on the rock. Bowing again, the maid left the spring.
Well, that was a load of shit, Airaen thought glumly as she washed with the soap. Fearful of yet another vision, she hurried through washing, using the waterfall to rinse the soap out of her hair. With a quick look around first, she climbed swiftly out of the water and wrapped the towel around her. Then, she grabbed the clothes, sandals, clean undergarments, and a blue dress, and sprinted to the nearest cluster of rocks and got dressed. What a week I'm having.
"Ah, Airaen! So glad you could join us! Please sit down," Rohkensagen motioned to a chair for the girl as she stepped into the dining hall. Nodding, Airaen did as he had commanded. As soon as she sat, the long-awaited meal began. In front of her lay a beautiful assortment of food: fish of seemingly every kind, steamed vegetables, rare and exotic fruits she had never seen before, rice, and wine. She noted how servants sat at the table and chatted with their lord as if he were one of them. With a smile, Airaen knew that, little by little, she was beginning to truly like this lord.
Remembering that she was hungry, Airaen took a sample of each thing within reach, poured herself a glass of wine (a first for her, having only to drink milk at the Ranch) and ate to her heart's desire. After a time, the meal ended rather unceremoniously. Each servant left with a slight bow, taking his or her plate, leaving only Airaen, Roh, and Rohkensagen at the table.
"I think you have found our customs here are slightly different," Rohkensagen said with a sidelong glance at Airaen. Suddenly, a coughing fit took the lord, shocking Airaen. Roh made to stand to help, but Rohkensagen motioned him to sit down. It ended. Groaning, he said, "Oh, I shall be leaving this land soon to the Halls of Time, curse it, and at the worst time, I'm afraid."
"Lord?" Airaen said, concern plain on her face.
"A few weeks ago, one of Ganon's followers came to our gate, commanding us to 'open in the name of the true King of Hyrule.' Of course, we shouted back that there was only a queen. He made a signal, and out of the forest came a swarm of arrows. Obviously he had brought a few friends along. They came straight over the wall, and one of them struck me in my shoulder. My men drove them off, but I fell ill shortly after. After examining the tip, a few said that there was some sort of poison on the tip, but none that had been seen before. I would guess a black magic, no doubt. So, yes, I will die soon to leave my son in my place when I know he's not ready for such a burden, being still a young child."
Roh was silent and only stared at his hands, a glimmer of tears on the corner of his eyes. The lord continued: "Enough about an old man. Tell me of your adventures, Airaen, and of Lady Zelda and your father."
Airaen's tale spanned until the sun was beginning to set and the shadows lengthened. She was careful to leave out any information regarding the Triforce and her connection to it; it was better that they didn't know just yet. When she had finished, Rohkensagen was silent, and Roh now gazed at Airaen with a new sense of awe. Airaen felt uncomfortable.
Presently, Rohkensagen said, "This news of your parent's capture is evil tidings...I was counting on your mother's wisdom to help guide my son, but now that she is captured...I cannot hold back Ganon's horde. I have too little of warriors to fight. Even if we managed to get to Gerudo Fortress, we would not be able to rescue them. It would turn into a slaughter."
"But," Airaen said slowly, trying to formulate her thoughts, "what if we saved them by infiltrating the fortress? We could have someone go secretly in there to free them."
"You can't do that," Roh said, speaking for the first time, "Gerudo Fortress is too heavily guarded."
"Then, how about a diversion?" she replied, "We could make Ganon's horde get distracted, you know, distract them with your army! Then send someone in to free Zelda and my father! Wouldn't that work?"
Roh, who had just been sipping on wine, choked. Coughing, he cried, "You can't simply sacrifice an entire army for two people! I don't care if one of them is the Hero of Time and the other the Queen! You can't do that! What's more, you'll be caught! That plan is folly."
"Not folly, Roh," Airaen countered, "but a trap! A trap for Ganon and his army! Once we get Zelda and my father out of there we can head back to Hyrule Castle and regroup from there! Then we can hit that bastard with everything we've got! Please, Lord," she said, turning to Rohkensagen, "we must save them! They're probably starving to death!"
"That was unexpected," came a familiar voice. Startled, Airaen turned around.
"Gate!" she cried, "Where have you been?"
"Having a look around, of course," the fairy replied, "But, Lord Rohkensagen, Airaen does speak truth. We need to save them: Zelda because she rules Hyrule, and Link because Ganon could hold him as ransom. I think we should send Airaen and me into the Fortress to get them while you and your army create the diversion. Yes, there will be casualties, but it has to be done, I'm afraid. And there isn't enough time to call for help, not anymore. Ganon will make his greatest move soon, and he may execute Lady Zelda and Link if we don't hurry."
After a moment, the Lord said, "Son? What do you think?"
"I think," Roh said slowly, "it'll get us all killed. However, Sidar should keep its sworn duty as Hyrule's ally. I propose we ready the troops and move out in two days."
"Agreed," his father said with a smile, "In two days, at first light, we make for Gerudo. Airaen and her fairy friend will ride with us, but in secret. Then, once we reach the bridge, she'll have to travel on foot up the mountainside and around to Gerudo Fortress. There is a trail that leads up there, no more than an hour's journey if you move quickly enough. From there, you must wait until we attack, then move in. After that, I'm afraid," and he looked at Airaen with concern, "you're on your own, little Bearer."