Hylian Nights
Chapter 3
Disclaimer: I do not own Zelda. Happy now?
A/N: Hello everybody! I'm sorry it's taken me so long to update, but I do have a good excuse! I spent the last couple weeks playing Windwalker, and I beat it! Yes, I know I'm a bit late, but it took us forever to get it! But. . . okay, for anybody who cares, this is my opinion on it. I was okay with the game, and the story line, up till the final battle with Ganon. Once that was over, I was extremely mad! Why? Because the king destroyed Hyrule for one thing. He gave Ganon what he wanted to begin with, and I thought that sucked! Another is that they hinted that Link was the hero reborn, but was he really? Arg! (I found it rather amusing that in OoT Ganondorf was some fit person, and in this he's a big fat guy!) Anyway, my point in this, is expect me to start a rewrite of Windwaker soon! So, thank you for reading my ranting, and I hope y'all like this chapter! Thank you so much to all of you who reviewed!
Wow, careful now, Link chuckled, holding the girl's hand as he guided her over the roof top.
Zelda blushed, chiding herself for her clumsiness. she offered, smiling at the young thief.
He merely smiled, but his fairy named Navi was the one who spoke up. You should be more careful! I mean, especially after what happened in the market.
Link tapped Navi lightly. Give it a rest Nav, he said gently. She's obviously never been there before.
Zelda gave a start. How did you know? she inquired feeling slightly nervous. She wondered if somehow that he'd guessed who she was.
He grinned at her roguishly. I've been hanging around the market a long time. In all that time, I've never seen you around. And believe me, he added, as he jumped across a small gap between buildings, then reached out to help her across, I would have known if I'd seen you.
Zelda was trying to figure out what he ment by that, but lost her balance, falling into his warm embrace. His arms came around her automatically, helping her find her balance again. She blushed furiously, even though he was smiling kindly at her. Quickly she straightened, backing out of his embrace, her face still a light pink.
Should I take that as a compliment? she inquired shyly.
The young man's grin widened, his eyes glittering mischievously. Yes. You're extraordinarily beautiful, he said simply. He smirked, seeing her blush again.
Navi made an irritated buzzing noise. Oh brother! She thought disgustedly. Can we get moving now? she demanded, causing Link to shoot her a look.
He decided it would be best, and took the girl's hand, leading her on. It was strange, even though he had just met this girl, he already found himself liking her, even trusting her, which wasn't something he had felt with many. His life was a dangerous one, and he didn't allow himself to be close to many, and trusted even less people. The few he did trust were Nabooru, Sari, and of course little Navi, not to mention a few other people he only saw from time to time. But something about this golden haired lady, with her innocent sapphire eyes made him feel as if he could trust her with anything, even his very life. Shaking his head, Link told himself not to be ridiculous, focusing instead on where he was going.
Soon they came to an abandoned building that had been boarded up on the bottom stories, but the window at the top, where they were, was left open. Link crawled through first, then helped the girl inside. It wasn't much, just a few pieces of furniture, some food and supplies, but it was a place to stay. While Link was puttering around, checking to make sure no one had been in the hide out lately, Zelda stared around with wide eyes.
It was so different from the Castle, so simple and modest. It also looked due for a good cleaning, a layer of dust upon most of the surfaces, but she didn't really mind. She had never seen anything like it before. Her eyes wandered around, taking in everything, unaware that the little fairy was watching her.
Not what you're used to, is it? she inquired slyly.
Zelda started, then shrugged, feeling as if the fairy was being a bit rude. She wondered briefly if all fairies were this way, but before she could think of a response, the young thief came over to her, taking her hands.
It's not much, he was saying, setting her down on the couch by a window, pulling away the drapes. But it has a fantastic view
Her breath caught, seeing the town spread out below them, the castle gleaming in the distance on the hilltop. She had never seen it like this before, everything so sparkly and peaceful. It looked very different from her bedroom window. It's wonderful, she told him sincerely, glancing at him as he sat beside her.
His expression was thoughtful, gazing up at the Castle. I wonder what it's like there, he mused. Never having to worry about money, where your next meal is coming from, or where your going to spend the night.
Zelda sighed, resting her head on her hands. Having money doesn't mean you don't have problems, she told him quietly.
He chuckled softly, sweeping back a strand of honey colored hair that had fallen in his sky blue eyes. I know. You sound as if you know from experience. The girl shrugged, suddenly seeming uneasy. Look, I know it's none of my business, but did you run away from home or something?
Her head jerked up, brilliant eyes flashing. How do you figure that? she demanded heatedly.
Link said, holding up his hands. I'm not going to turn you in or anything. I''m just curious is all. When I see a young woman, obviously of noble birth wandering around the market without a body guard, I know something's up. Seeing her hesitation, he pressed the matter further. C'mon, you can talk to me.
Zelda sighed, closing her eyes briefly. My father wants me to marry. More like forcing, but he says its for my own good, but I don't see how that can be. So I ran away from home. She glanced up at him, expecting to see him rolling his eyes, but he actually looked interested, so she continued. I've never seen the world, never done anything on my own. I just want some freedom. I want to be able to fall in love and choose who I want to marry.That's tough, Link said quietly, wondering why the news of her being forced to marry hit him so hard. He knew that was the way that the nobility did things, but it still made him uneasy to think of this lady marrying someone who was only after her money. But you obviously are strong enough to know what you want, he continued. That's a good start.
She gave him a smile of thanks, then cocked her golden head. What about you? How did you become. . . a thief?
Link thought her question over for a moment, wondering how to explain this to her. Well, y'see, I was abandoned in the forest when I was really young. One of the forest children, a girl named Saria, raised me herself. I was her first, but not her last. You wouldn't believe how many children are abandoned or orphaned these days. Saria didn't have the heart to say no to any of them, but she simply couldn't afford to care for so many. I was about fifteen at the time, and I desperately wanted to help her, as she had helped me. I went out looking for a way to get money. I became a thief. He propped his booted feet up on a stool, ignoring the look that Navi sent him.
Aren't there better ways of making money? she suggested timidly. Quickly, realizing how that might sound, she hurried on. I don't mean to be judgemental or anything,-Hey, don't worry about it, he replied, smiling at her easily, taking her hand. I can understand why you feel that way, considering I feel the same. I did try to get a job, but it never worked out. I could never earn enough, or the working conditions were too horrible to imagine. Besides, I felt my real talents should be put to use. Link grinned, looking like a small boy. I'm sneaky, fast, and good with a blade. I figured what better way to use my skills than as a thief? He released her hand, cocking his head to the side as he looked at her.
Zelda laughed out loud at his explanation, her bright eyes shining. Yes, I did notice that back there with the merchant. I barely saw you, you were so quick!
He smirked, his eyes suddenly gleaming. Yes, and sneaky too. It takes people a bit to realize they're missing something.
She shook her head, clasping her hands together, then suddenly realized that her new ring was missing. Zelda gasped, wondering if she had lost it when they had fled from the merchant, but then she noticed the thief's eyes sparkling mischievously. In answer to her silent accusation, he held up the flashing sapphire ring, smiling widely.
he said simply before offering her the trinket.
Zelda took it, but suddenly pressed it back into his hands. You keep it. I have little need of it.Don't be silly, Link began, but the blond woman placed her fingers over his lips, cutting off the rest of his words.
It is my way of thanking you for helping me out today, she said simply, moving her hand when he fell into silence. It will help me to feel better about your friend Saria, knowing that this ring could put dinner on the table for children, instead of being worn uselessly on my finger.
He tucked the offered ring into his tunic, knowing that she would only refuse to take it back. Link glanced at her casually before speaking again. What better finger for a ring to be worn on if not yours?
She blushed bright pink at his words, feeling her stomach flutter. Silly! she chided herself. This dashing young thief was quite the charmer, causing her to feel like a thirteen year old girl again instead of the seventeen year old woman she was. But Zelda couldn't help but feel strongly attracted to him and his easy going nature, try as she might to feel otherwise. Get a grip! You don't even know his name! Zelda told herself furiously, still a light pink. She started when his fingers came under her chin, tilting her face upward. His deep blue eyes were tranquil and serious as they searched her azure ones.
My Lady, you need not feel sorry for us, he said softly. It is not your fault.
Zelda blinked, his touch playing havoc with her already chaotic emotions. I am of nobel birth, and I could have done something to help the people of this land, but instead I have been nothing but selfish, worrying about my marriage when there are people who are starving.How could you my Lady, if you did not know anything about such things until this time? There is no need to feel so ashamed of yourself. Link brushed back a strand of her silky golden hair that shimmered in the moonlight. There is nothing selfish in worrying about your future happiness either, he continued, seeing the skepticism in her lovely eyes. You have every right to be happy.As do you, she retorted, her body quivering as he began to learn closer to her. Her heart seemed to have stopped beating as he lowered his head to hers, her eyes fluttering closed in anticipation.
A loud crash caused them both to jump, and their heads jerked up to find several soldiers standing beyond the boarded up doorway.
There you are! one shouted, drawing his sword and beginning to hack at the boards, his fellows joining in.
My father must have sent them!! Zelda thought in panic, but before she could say anything, the young thief grabbed her hand.
he shouted, dragging her across the room with him back to the window.
She scrambled to keep up with him as they crawled back the way they'd came, the tiny blue fairy lighting their way. But standing on the other side were more soldiers. There was no way to go, except back into the house where more soldiers were waiting for them. The young man cursed softly while Zelda began to panic, her eyes darting about nervously, missing Navi whispering something in her companion's ear.
Do you trust me? he suddenly murmured, his hand tightening around hers.
What?she wondered, but answered him slowly. Then jump!
Link, still holding the woman's hand pulled her towards the edge of the building, and together they leapt off. They fell downwards, Zelda giving a sharp cry of fear. But their fall was broken by a stack of mattresses that had been stacked neatly by the wall. He helped her down, grinning widely.
Nice one Nav, he whispered to her, pulling the woman along as he took them down an alley way.
Look out! she suddenly squeaked, her wings fluttering madly in alarm.
Link jerked his head around, but too late. Several soldiers seized him in a bone-crushing grip, yanking him and the beautiful young woman apart. He struggled, but there were far more of them for him to take on by himself. That didn't stop him though, continuing to fight back as hard as he could, causing several of the soldiers to grunt in pain. They finally managed to pin his arms behind his back, while the one who seemed to be in charge supervised.
It's the dungeons for you, he told him with a smirk. You'll never rob in this market again. Or anywhere else for that matter!
Zelda had been shoved to the ground, and lifted her head with a gasp to see the young thief struggling with ten guards, but failing. She leapt to her feet, eyes blazing as she faced the one who was in charge. I demand that you release him at once! she shouted, her slender frame shaking with suppressed rage.
He only chuckled, seeming amused. This little Lady think's she's in charge boys, he called to his men, causing them all to laugh as well. Still chuckling, the soldier pushed her aside, ignoring the deadly glare the captive shot him.
Don't touch her! Link growled, earning himself a harsh blow from one of the soldiers restraining him.
Yet at the sound of the woman's voice, they glanced at her again.
Unhand him! Zelda sprang back to her feet, yanking off the hood of her cloak to reveal the thin gold circlet adorned with gleaming rubies, sapphire eyes flashing. Your Princess commands it!Princess Zelda! the soldiers gasped, immediately kneeling, forcing Link to do the same.
The Princess?! Link shouted to himself in shock, staring at her wide eyed, even though he knew it was disrespectful. He was in a state of complete shock, realizing that he had been with the future ruler of the land all this time and hadn't known it!
Your Highness, forgive me, the leader stammered, throwing himself at her feet. I did not know it was you! I did not recognize you!
Her eyes were narrowed as she took several breaths to attempt calming down. Stand up, she told him icily, shooting a glance at the young man who was staring at her in confusion. Zelda felt a twinge, but returned her attention to the soldier before her. I command that you release him at once!
The soldier winced, looking more frightened still. I'm sorry your Highness, but my orders came from Ganondorf, your father's head advisor. I can't release the boy. You will have to go to Ganondorf.
Zelda folded her arms, feeling even more enraged. I will.
&&&&&
Ganondorf chuckled softly as he left his secret chambers, Guay perched on his shoulder preening his glossy black feathers. The black clothed man closed the door smoothly, concealing it once more behind a painting of the desert. He smirked, eyes glittering. His plan was working perfectly. Nothing could go wrong.
He turned to see Princess Zelda striding towards him, clad in her long royal gown. Her head was held high and haughty, eyes blazing. Though he felt a flash of hate and annoyance, Ganondorf concealed it. Princess Zelda, he said, bowing low at the waist. I am pleased to see you. To what do I owe this pleasure?
She felt irritated, glaring at him. His words, though respectful, oozed with oil and honey, concealing much. Zelda didn't trust him, but pushed that aside. The soldiers just took a young man from the market on your orders! Explain yourself at once!
Someday you will regret speaking to me this way, he thought wrathfully, but kept his composure. I'm merely helping to keep the market a safer place for the nobility. The boy was a criminal and a thief.What was his crime? she demanded, shivering inwardly as she stared straight into his yellow eyes.
Why, kidnapping you, your Highness, Ganondorf said, with an air of surprise. It was done for your protection Princess.He didn't kidnap me! Zelda shouted, clenching her fists. How can he be so stupid? I ran away!Oh. . . had I known Princess. . . that poor boy. . . Ganondorf muttered, thinking quickly. Obviously Zelda seemed to care about this boy. She could spoil all his plans if she kept this up.
What are you talking about? Zelda demanded, suddenly deathly afraid.
I mean that the boy's sentence has already been carried out. Ganondorf turned to her, seeing how she had gone ridgid.
she repeated softly. Oh dear Nayru, no!
Zelda gasped, her hands flying to her mouth in horror. Oh no! No! Her knees trembled, and she grabbed a bookcase for support. she whispered, even as tears sprang to her eyes.
I am exceedingly sorry Princess, Ganodorf murmured in her ear, placing his hands on her shoulders. If there is any way that I can make it up to you-
Zelda jerked away from him, her tear filled eyes glittering with wrath. How could you? she whispered, then turned and fled.
Ganondorf watched her go, feeling uneasy. He didn't think that such news would receive such a reaction from her. She would certainly stir up trouble for him now. Yet he cast that aside, his mind already moving to the next stage of his plan.
&&&&&&
The tears wouldn't be held back, coursing down Zelda's pale cheeks as she flung herself on her bed, sobbing softly. Her body shook, unable to grasp that the bright eyed young man, so full of live and energy, was dead. It's my fault, she realized, whimpering as she curled into a ball.
Impa entered the room, startled to find the girl weeping on the bed. She sat down beside the girl, easing her into her arms. Impa stroked Zelda's long blond hair, very concerned. Tell me Zelda, what happened?
With her face buried against her attendant's chest, Zelda told her everything. When she had finished, she pulled back slightly, her sapphire eyes bright from tears. It's all my fault Impa. If he had never met me, this wouldn't have happened. I - I never even knew his name.
Impa cradled her close, murmuring soothing words in the Princess's ear as she continued to sob. Ganondorf, you will pay, she swore inwardly, tightening her hold on Zelda.
&&&&&&
I can't believe that she was the Princess! Link, very much alive, thought to himself. His wrists were beginning to ache from the manacles they were strapped in, but couldn't stop thinking about his discovery that the young woman he had saved from the market was none other that Princess Zelda. He sighed, slumping back against the wall. How stupid she must have thought me, he muttered.
I think you're stupid all the time, a tiny voice chirped.
Link's head shot up to find Navi floating in front of him, and felt a surge of relief. Nav! I thought something happened to you.
The fairy rolled her eyes. Not too concerned at the time though, were you? You were too concerned about little miss blue eyed Princess Zelda! She sighed, shaking her head. Men, going gaga just because of a pretty face. You really were stupid.Give it a rest, he snapped, irritated. There wasn't anything I could have done, all right? I'd like to see you fight ten guards by yourself.
Navi suddenly grinned smugly. Well, I dont know about fighting ten guards, but I can relieve a sleeping one of his key to your manacles! The tiny fairy showed him the small brass key that she had swiped.
Thanks Navi, Link told her as she flew up and opened the locks. We make a pretty good team. What would I ever do without you?
I shudder to think about that, Navi replied. You get into more trouble than any human I've ever met. I don't know how you got along until I came to save your butt!Me neither, returned with a wry grin, standing up to inspect the dungeon. He frowned, noting that the only window was high up, and covered by bars, not to mention that the wall wasn't good for scaling. How am I going to get out of here? he muttered.
There's always another way out boy, a soft voice said from the shadows.