Inspirations: "The Song of Storms," from OoT, Sine Waves, "Pocahontas," by Disney (the swan dive), squalls and hydrodynamics, the Liturgical words: accidic & gula, and "Tree of Life" album by Audiomachine for the 2020 reedit.
All Original Shout Outs: Nine-tailedemonfox1597, Zoridya, Theheartsbeat (you are good at predicting things lol), Blind Phoenix, and to all the unnamed guests for reading, I wish I knew your names. Thanks for reading new readers.
Recommended Readings: "Dereliction," by Shaowmisstress13; "Forest Tales," Nine-taileddemonfoxfox1597, this is a nice LoZ fic. "Twisted Fate," by Zoridya, check it out.
Author's Note: Doo doo da, Doo doo da, da de da da da da da… (low D, F, high D, low D, F, high D). Reupload 3/4/2020. Reedited 4/5/2020.
Word Count 13,410
Chapter 10
One week later, the Kingdom of Dragon Roost, Prince Elbourne
I am a dragon master. Pardon me, I need to rephrase that. I am the dragon master. It had always been the goal of my life to be the best, and I was. Being the crown prince of Dragon Roost had its advantages, but I never fooled myself into believing that the throne was going to be handed to me. No, no, I was going to have to work for it. My father made sure of that. There wasn't a man I respected more than my father, but my goddess was he a stubborn bastard. As king, he had done more for Dragon Roost in his twenty-eight year reign than the last three kings combined. I was actually astonished he was able to actualize my grandfather's dreams in his lifetime. My grandfather, King Draco VII, wanted every Roostian family to have a dragon in their possession. At the closing of last year, that decree had been realized. I couldn't lie, I did not think my father had the gumption to make that come to fruition, but it seemed I underestimated the embattled fossil. Another big achievement to his credit, was that the Roostian people were the most educated people in Hyrule. Every citizen, even the blacksmiths, knew how to read, write, and reason. Dragon Roost University had a ninety percent success rate. It was why we were the technological marvel of the world. Zelda and her ilk may have had the Goddess, but my people had the ambition. Ambition was a fire brand for industry. Though, ambition had its price.
Admittedly, Dragon Roost was Hyrule's silent siren for nearly six hundred years. The population was smaller, the province was more centralized, and the needs weren't as varied as the larger kingdom. My ancestors were a powerful clan of lava welders who turned their fortunes into might when they fought with one of the ancestral kings of Hyrule of old. The battle was an uprising brought about by the forces of darkness to take over the land. The dragons in that fight proved to be invaluable. Though, each Triforce welder could also take control of a dragon, even the Triforce wielder of Power. Fortunately, as history would have it, Din at the time had not bestowed her Triforce to anyone. Due to the act of loyalty by my ancestral father, the King of Hyrule granted him kingship to the lands of Dragon Roost, and gave him half the boundary of the Gorons. This decision was controversial at the time, because the Gorons too were Hyrule's allies. They also aided in that war. But, my ancestors promised not to infringe upon the Gorons' mines.
Unfortunately, over time that promise was not kept, and tension rose throughout the years between Dragon Roost and the Gorons. The result of that tension was another treaty that promised no more infringement into Goron territory by my grandfather. I had no intentions of keeping that treaty. I had a kingdom that deserved prosperity. I already began excavating deeper into the mountains. The dragons needed larger lava pits to procreate in. That required more tunneling. I couldn't worry about the nonsensical dealings of an ill bred people when I had dragons to raise. If the Gorons wanted to show their might they could fight my dragons to do so. The Gorons were well aware who would win that fight. Rock flesh was a favorite of my pets.
Dragon Roost was known for the fascinating animal known as the saurian. There were several different types of saurians, each with a color representing a class. The lowest class was the plasmasaurian. The plasmasaurian got its name for its distinct color. It was blood red and the most plentifully found dragon in Dragon Roost. This was the saurian of the lower class citizens. These dragons were smaller in stature, with a limited wingspan, but they were powerful. Their bodies were the most resilient in heat, though all dragons did well in heat. Plasmasaurians could fly, but they did not take flight as readily as other classes in Dragon Roost. They were often used as beasts of burden for blacksmiths and welders. Now, the little ones were domesticated for household use. Some in Hyrule thought we were crazy for having the initiative of every family in Dragon Roost having a saurian, but they lacked vision. They would see one day the might of the dragon masters, and I think they were afraid. If it weren't for the goddesses protection they should have been afraid. I appreciated the plasmasaurian because it gave every citizen the chance to feel like a dragon master. Even if they weren't. I learned early on if the citizens were happy, the citizens would stay loyal.
The next class was the magisaurian. Magisaurians were aqua blue dragons and used primarily for seafaring. They could fish, breathe fire under water, fly, and blend in with the day sky. The distinct beauty of the magisaurian was its sheen on its scales. The sheen made it appear like a turquoise jewel. Also, this was the only dragon that breathed blue fire. I remember the first time I saw the magisaurian. I was a child waiting for my own dragon to grow up. I was swimming when one came up beside me. I think it laughed when it saw how shocked I was. When it emerged from the water it flew into the heavens and looked to have disappeared. What an incredible creature. I thought they were the most magical looking saurians: majestic, yet whimsical. There were only twenty magisaurians in Dragon Roost and they all belonged to members of the military. However, magisaurians were also deployed as seafaring envoys to Balaam. Zelda wasn't too keen on the idea of my people traveling this way to her relatives, but transportation was transportation. She would just have to get over it.
The next class was the illumisaurian. The illumisaurians were white dragons. There were only two and they were reserved for the royal family. My mother had one, and the other belongied to my uncle, Riwen. Zelda would ride the other when she came to Dragon Roost to visit too. There was also the time when the pathetic farm boy known as the Hero of Twilight came and rode one of my precious illumisaurians. It was at the Dragon Gala and he still lost. My mother allowed it, though I never understood her liking of the hero. I couldn't stand the low level bastard. Zelda had an affinity for such rabble as well. It didn't serve her too well. Moving on, the white dragon was very large, with a wingspan doubling that of the magisaurian. The white dragon blended in with the snow capped mountains and was difficult to detect in such weather. It was also resilient in the cold and rain. It flew faster in ice and was the most agile of all the classes. It was a beautiful thing to behold. Its grace was why it was reserved for royalty.
The last class, and definitely the rarest, was the dracosaurian. The dracosaurian was the black dragon. It was the largest, most intimidating of all the classes. It breathed fire from hundreds of yards away. Its scales shined like volcanic glass. Its skin was impenetrable. It had notable crystal green eyes and a dragon cry that could be heard from several hundred yards away. There were only two. One belonged to my father, King Xavier, and the other belonged to me. The black dragon could live for hundreds of years. It is believed my father's dragon, which belonged to his father and his father's father before his, was the first dragon found in Dragon Roost nearly six hundred years ago. My father's dragon was named Obsidian after the earth she was born from. She was the ancestral dragon, and essentially the queen of all the dragons. In time, Obsidian became pregnant with my dragon Orthella. Orthella was born on the same day as me. She was meant for me. I never knew a connection deeper than the one I had with my dragon. Orthella was my life and she was considered relatively young, only twenty-seven years old. I would be giving her to my children when the time came for it. Orthella would outlive me several lifetimes. She needed to be taken care of.
The dragons were the might of the world, so why weren't my people the arbiters of Hyrule? It was simple, we did not have the blessing of the goddesses. The Triforce of any type would allow its wielder to have control over a dragon, even if the saurians were in flight. My people were aware of this, and though our ambitions were great, we knew our limitations. We existed because of Hyrule's grace. There were times when that grace was challenged and my people were reminded who the masters of Hyrule were. It was nearly two hundred years ago when the King of Dragon Roost attempted a coup. The Queen of Hyrule at the time was the wielder of wisdom, and she stopped the coup by controlling the dragons in midflight when they tried to siege the castle. She used a protective barrier to shield her people and the saurians were then directed home. But, my ancestor who attempted the coup was taken as a prisoner. His life was surprisingly spared by the queen and he was freed after some negotiations. However, at his arrival home, he was assassinated by members of his court. That scandal plagued Dragon Roost for years, but it also cautioned the ambitious kings not to be too ambitious. I needed to remember that. That was why I decided on a different approach. I wanted to marry into the Nohanseen bloodline instead of conquering it. If only that stubborn queen today could see what we could be together.
Zelda was the perfect woman. There wasn't a maiden that came close to her in beauty or intellect. But if there was ever a vice in a person, it was her unwillingness to yield. I had been pursuing her for ten years... longer, if the years I met her counted. I was not going to marry another woman except her. She was too important to my plans. I could only imagine having a dragon child of Hylian origins. A child with the affinity for both dragons and the power of the Triforce... that ruler would be unstoppable. That dynasty could last for a thousand years. Besides my plans, Zelda was a woman I happened to love and deeply admire. She would never know what she truly meant to me, but she was one of three very important women in my life. Another was my mother. The last was a girl I had not seen in years, but she was now married to my cousin. A sad story, but one I contemplated on from time to time when I wanted to remember my beating heart. In any such case, Zelda was the woman I wanted, and there was nothing stopping me from eventually having her as my wife. She would be the dragon queen of dragon queens, but she did not understand that. She would one day. I would make her understand.
She just needs a little persuasion.
Currently, I was on my way to see my father, Xavier Wilhelm Draco, the twenty-fourth king of Dragon Roost. As I stated before, he had been ruling as king for the last twenty-eight years. The land flourished under his rule, and my admiration for him was based mainly on his desire to get things done expediently. He didn't like to waste time and neither did I. My father was a great man, and as with all great men he valued time. I was walking towards his private study, feeling pride to be the heir of the eighth wonder of the world. Zelda was the seventh. Dragon Roost Palace was carved out of the mountain it was founded on, with jewels and crystals embedding the walls in splendor that was nowhere to be found anywhere else. It was truly a sight. At my approach, the guard bowed and stepped to the side.
"Good morning my prince."
I kept the pleasantries short.
"Good morning. Announce me."
He nodded.
"As you wish your highness." Afterwards he turned to the door. "Your majesty, Prince Elbourne requests an audience."
There was a brief pause on the other side.
"Send him in." My father's voice was deep and brooding.
The guard then opened the door and I walked in. Sitting behind a large birchwood table and dragon ore chair was my father. The fifty-two year old king looked ten years his junior, and had the build of a man of war, as he was an axe wielder. His platinum blonde hair was a hallmark of the dragon master bloodline, and his crystal hazel eyes were as inquisitive as they were menacing when they wanted to be. My father's gaze was short and curt when I entered into the room. It signified to me he was in the middle of something I interrupted.
He got right to the point.
"Yes?" he asked with a hint of impatience.
I glanced at his desk and saw that he was writing a letter.
"Is this a bad time?"
His face did not change.
"You have my attention Elbourne. Now, what do you want?"
No sense mincing words.
"Fair enough. Do you remember the proposition I was discussing with you regarding the queen?"
My father nodded.
"The Sky City," he recalled. "Yes what about it?"
I took a step forward.
"I'm going to make her an offer for it."
My father grunted and went back to writing after hearing that. His body language said it all.
"She will never sell it to you. Don't be a fool Elbourne, especially after what happened with the Hylialis Borealis."
So much for a vote of confidence.
"She hasn't been offered the right price yet."
My father finished the letter he was writing then looked up at me.
"This isn't about a price. The Nohanseen's have more money than the goddesses, so monetary value isn't the issue. She will not sell a city to you with religious and spiritual significance, because you want to tame a few dragons."
I couldn't believe he was referring to our currency that way.
"This is more than just a few dragons father. With that city I could plan a fleet. Orthella is only the beginning. Think of what this could mean for us."
He raised a brow.
"Are you planning world conquest? Is your ambition so fantastic?"
I gave him an obvious look.
"No, that's a ridiculous notion."
His point was made.
"Is it? Then get such foolhardy ideas out of your head. Besides, isn't it rumored that you were on a tryst with her majesty only last week? Why didn't you ask her then?"
I narrowed my eyes and looked at him taken aback.
"A tryst? What are you talking about?"
He leaned back in his chair.
"So, you didn't know. I figured as much," he said more to himself than to me. "Damn gossip mavens. Well, it was a silly rumor anyway. I can say it has been swiftly debunked for weeks."
This was news to me.
"I had no idea it was even going about."
My father didn't seem too bothered by it.
"It's no matter." He then handed me the letter he wrote. "I need you to take this."
I took the message and skimmed the page. This was unexpected.
"She wants to see me again so soon?" I asked cryptically. "I saw her a couple weeks ago."
He had no qualms about it.
"It seems you left a very good impression on her that time. Do it again."
I took in a deep sigh and read the letter once more.
"Hmph, can a woman be so insatiable? When should I go?"
That seemed like a silly question to my father.
"Go now, the sooner, the better. Just be sure to be back before the queen returns from Balaam?"
I looked at my father taken aback.
"When did Zelda go to Balaam?"
He shrugged.
"Apparently, she set sail over a week ago. A family member is sick."
I was confused at all this sudden movement by the queen. She hardly ever left Hyrule Castle.
"So, a queen leaves her country to care for a cousin after spreading rumors about a tryst? Why not send some servants?"
My father didn't seem to care and was disinterested.
"Stop worrying about the queen and keep your focus on the alliance," he informed me. "That is your goal Elbourne."
I knew exactly what he meant, but it didn't take my suspicions away.
"But what if-"
"You are dismissed. I have more pressing matters to attend to."
I shut my mouth, a little surprised at his gruffness this morning, but was used to it. I was too lost in my own thoughts to give his tone any merit. It was part of his manner. Instead, I simply bowed and left the room. In the hall back to my own chambers, I was still wondering.
What are you up to Zelda? What are you up to?
~SSS~
The road to Zora's Domain, five days later, Zelda
Link and I spent the last two weeks dodging scientists and geologist alike while we traveled to Zora's Domain. Word quickly spread of the disappearance of the Hylialis Borealis, and the open roads became dangerous to travel upon. So, we camped a few days on and off in the brush to avoid other travelers and then went about our way. I would have to wait until I got to Zora's Domain to send anymore letters to Shad and Lydia. It was too risky to attempt otherwise right now. The academic community must have been in a frenzy. I could only imagine what they were thinking since the Borealis was no longer viable. We had no access to information, but we were stopped several times by other caravans and asked if we had seen anything unusual regarding Eldin Fields. Link and I simply stated that we noticed the canyon lights as they always had been and suddenly they were gone. The caravans thanked us and went about their way. It was just as well. The Borealis was a lie instituted by my family, and I felt it was my duty to dispel it.
Zora's Domain was in the northern most part of Hyrule. It was situated high in the mountains surrounded by clouds and precipitation. The province acted as the country's primary water source. And, the small establishment was functional enough to have its own royal family. The Zoras seemed to be doing quite well under the rulership of King Ralis, the young monarch. I certainly hoped his people were doing well. Essentially, the Zoras lived in a paradise, but they weren't without their troubles. His kingdom experienced terrible turmoil in the recent past. A coup was planned, a member of the royal family was executed, and the people nearly experienced extinction. Ralis was able to secure his borders and keep all non-Zoras out. It was an extreme measure that was necessary due to the untoward actions of the former Rue Morgue family.
The Rue Morgues were a wealthy clan that tricked the former Zora king and nearly ruined the Zora people. The Zoras survived with their dignity intact, but their economy and the way they did business with the outside world changed. They dealt solely with the rupee now. There was no longer a place for the corruptible mon. Besides commerce, the Zoras worried about the constant weather disturbances in their area. The snow nearby threatened to freeze the lake and that would lead to premature death for many of the Zoras. Ralis certainly had his hands full. I did not envy him, though I completely understood him. I hoped with everything that was going on, Ralis would take an audience with us.
Please don't turn us away.
Currently, Link and I were nearing the main entrance. We were traveling up a long winding road, when we caught sight of another carriage traveling towards us in the opposite direction. It seemed the Zoras were having their fair share of visitors as of late. As the carriage neared, I made sure to hood myself and keep a low profile. Link and I pulled off to the side of the road to allow the carriage to go through the narrow impasse first. However, as the horse and buggy road by, the passenger stationed in it looked out the window at us in passing. When he caught sight of Link, he then tapped on the opposing wall of his ride to get the driver to stop. Soon, the carriage suddenly halted and now Link and I were both on alert.
I remained silent.
What now? Who is this?
Link glanced up at me and gave me a look signaling that he would handle this situation. I simply nodded in return. The carriage backed up a little and stopped more adjacent to us. When the door finally opened, out popped a familiar face. It was Shad. I took note of the scholar surprised, but was relieved to see it was him and not another scientist. Though, technically Shad was a scientist.
I closed my eyes and exhaled slowly.
Thank you Farore.
The scholar looked between the both of us and didn't exit his carriage.
"I thought that was you Master Link," Shad greeted.
Link grinned when he saw it was his old friend.
"It's been ages. How is everything Shad?"
Shad shook his head.
"In any normal case I would tell you the usual, but for honesty's sake, I'll be truthful and tell you things are not so good. Have you been to Eldin Fields lately? The whole country's in an uproar about the disappearance of the chasm lights."
The disappearance of the Hylialis Borealis was turning out to be a bigger ordeal than I thought. This would be talked about for weeks. Maybe months. Or, even years.
Link looked at Shad inquisitively and nodded.
"We did see that when we were traveling through there a couple weeks back. It's the strangest thing."
The scholar sighed.
"You have no idea how some in the city are taking this. They're thinking it's some kind of omen from Hylia herself."
The people weren't too far off with that notion. Nothing about what was happening made any real sense. I kept silent.
"How is everything in the city?" Link went on.
Shad shook his head.
"It could be better. Unfortunately, I had to increase the presence of the guard to get some order back. The roads are becoming harder to travel because of all these goddess forsaken bandits. Other than that, everything is proceeding as it should."
Link nodded.
"That's good to hear. I think the increased presence in the fields has helped. We haven't come across another band of marauders."
"Another?" Shad was quick to pick up on that. "Have you in the past?"
Link went to allay his concerns.
"Once, but very briefly," he reassured. "It was nothing I couldn't handle."
Shad grinned.
"Indeed." He then directed his attention to me. He pushed his glasses up his slender nose before he spoke. "I trust... my lady is well?"
I appreciated his attempt at being discreet, but in a way I was hoping he would keep his focus on Link, so as not to alert his driver.
Please don't make this obvious Shad.
I spoke softly.
"Quite well good sir, thank you."
I grinned at him from underneath my hood. Shad stared at me for a long time before looking away and sighing rather loudly. He even turned slightly red at my reply. Link saw that and gave him an offhanded look. I saw that and wanted to end the conversation before anything else suspicious conjured up. I knew Shad was worried about my safety, but he didn't need to, I had the best protection possible with the hero. Even still, Link looked between the two of us curiously just then before deciding to interject. I was sure he sensed something was amiss.
"What brings you to Lanayru Province Shad?" He changed the subject.
The scholar turned his attention back to Link.
"More business. I was just informing the Zoras of the situation on Eldin Fields. The last thing Hyrule needs is a full fledged panic taking place about natural phenomena going haywire."
Link nodded.
"I see your point. Losing the Hylia Borealis was like losing a national treasure."
When Link put it like that, it made me feel worse. I was certain many of the citizens felt the same exact way. However, we couldn't just put the shard back and act as if nothing happened. I was troubled at the notion. Maybe a little lie was better than the harsh truth. Elbourne often reasoned that way, but Elbourne was also a man of looser morals.
Shad nodded in agreement at Link's reply.
"King Ralis informed me he would inform his people. That should quell some of the storm."
Link was in agreement.
"That's good news for us because we have business in Zora's Domain as soon as we get there."
Shad looked at Link surprised.
"Oh." He then glanced at me. "Really?"
This was slowly becoming more cumbersome. I wish Link had kept his mouth shut. He was unintentionally making this worse. Shad was still under the impression that I was on some cuckoo quest for redemption, which, if I wanted to be quite honest, was true.
Link gave Shad a brief once over again when he caught the note in the scholar's tone.
"Yes, really."
I could already tell from Link's expression what he was thinking.
Don't ask Link, please.
Shad sighed and simply looked between the two of us.
"I see… well then I better let you continue onward," he said, then added. "Make sure you protect your lady friend while traveling up the road." He then kept his gaze on me. "Women like her are... are precious cargo."
I unintentionally blushed at his comment. That was a very kind thing to say, but I closed my eyes again due to the soon to be repercussions of it. It was flattering that Shad was so concerned about my safety, but I couldn't believe he uttered his affections out loud the way he did. Shad was making it more than obvious how he felt about me. I guess he couldn't help himself and just didn't care if Link knew or not at this point. Shad often told me in not so subtle ways that he would be a good husband for me. I always dismissed it, but I was aware of how serious he was about that notion. I just never entertained the idea. Even so, I was grateful to him for his loyalty. And I couldn't lie, a part of me cared a great deal for him as well. He was a very dear friend.
After all this, Link didn't bother to hide his surprise when he heard the inflection of love in Shad's voice. The hero glanced back up at me and grinned.
I rolled my eyes and looked away.
Oh goddesses, I thought of the hero's teasing, this is all I need right now.
I decided it was time for me to address my faithful steward.
"The gentleman is doing a fine job sir." I kept my gaze away from his. "You needn't worry."
I didn't see it, but I knew Shad was staring at me longingly. He often did that when he had more to say, but just couldn't, or wouldn't say it. There was no denying the man was in love with me, but I didn't reciprocate his apparent affection. I just couldn't. I didn't see him that way. There was an uncomfortable silence that followed after that. It was cumbersome until Link finally dispelled it.
"Well, I think we better get going. We still have a little ways to go."
Shad was quiet for a moment, realizing our inevitable departure was imminent.
"Yes, that is true." Shad then turned his attention back to me. "Take care... miss."
I wished he didn't have such a nuance in his voice. He wasn't usually so obvious about his feelings. It was strange that he was being so bold now.
What in Hylia's name has gotten into him?
I wanted to end this conversation.
"I will. You do the same."
Link simply nodded at the scholar once more. With that, Shad closed the door to the carriage, instructed the driver to get going, and then went about his way. However, as he advanced along, he poked his head out the carriage again to look back at me. Once his fixation was garnered, he went back inside to sit down. I got quiet once the scholar was gone, wanting to refocus on the task at hand. We really needed to hurry to Zora's Domain before the king stopped taking audiences. However, Link was now staring at me in a very precocious manner.
Do this now rather than later Zelda, I told myself, knowing Link was going to inquire about Shad's and my relationship.
I decided to make it swift.
"What?"
Link paused for a minute and looked down the mountain trail after the carriage.
"He's quite fond of you, isn't he?"
I looked away from him, not wanting to discuss it.
"Yes." I wanted him to know I didn't approve of this conversation. "He is."
For some odd reason, Link grinned.
"You don't have to be so short. If you don't want to talk about it, I'll drop it."
When he put it like that, it made me feel a little ridiculous. I was being defensive for no reason.
"It's not that. Shad just wants more than I can give him."
Link gave me a notable glance and nodded.
"So he is in love with you," he confirmed adroitly.
I stared at him surprised.
He tricked me into telling him that?
Even so, what was done was done.
"Yes." I saw no point in denying it now.
Link looked back down the road and nodded once more.
"Hmmm… well, I'll give him this much, he has great tastes in women."
I, of course, blushed.
"Excuse me?"
Link never let his smile falter and didn't answer. Instead, he winked at me flirtatiously before turning around and taking hold of Epona's reigns. That surprised me too.
Hylia help me for being so naïve. I closed my eyes.
Afterwards, we then continued up the mountain to Zora's Domain.
~SSS~
Zora's Domain Impasse
Once Link and I got to the main entrance, I dismounted Epona and we left the magnificent steed near a watering station where she could rest. We then continued through the caves up to the assembly room where guests were required to present themselves before requesting to see his majesty, King Ralis. I knew my peasant disguise wouldn't work in front of the king because we were too well acquainted for such sensibilities. Instead, I would have to use my diplomatic skills to get what we needed. I needed to come up with a plausible reason for my visit. It had to be convincing.
"I'll have to alert his majesty of my presence here." I removed my hood and stopped for a moment to check my appearance. I wanted to make sure I looked presentable.
I really would have been more suitable in a gown, but there was very little I could do in that regard. I would have to simply make do. I just hoped the young Zora wouldn't get too suspicious with what I was wearing.
Link understood my reasoning all too well.
"I figured as much. He is the king after all. I'm sure he's conferenced with you many times over the years to be fooled by peasant wear."
I then turned to face the hero when I finished freshening up as best I could.
"How do I look?" I only wanted a simple approval for my appearance and nothing more.
Link gave me a quick once over accompanied with a nod.
"You look beautiful," he complimented. "The way you always do."
That was certainly unexpected, and per the usual, I blushed… again. I really needed to get that under control. I was slightly frustrated with my anatomy.
Link grinned at my reaction.
"You've got to stop blushing every time I say that," he teased, then lowered his voice a little. "It only makes me want to see how much further I can go with that."
I looked at him surprised and was speechless for a moment. He was just openly flirting with me now. I guess he felt there was no need to be subtle anymore. To be quite honest, he had been doing so off and on for the past two weeks. I thought it was just me at first, but recently he had been going out of his way to compliment me or say something complimentary to my rule. Things like: "You look lovely this morning," "Your accent is perfect when you speak ancient Hylian," "Your eyes are sparkling in the sunlight, they look beautiful," "I noticed you were shivering a little, do you want my cloak too?" "Did I ever tell you you have a beautiful sounding laugh? It's like music to my ears." "I remember the time you ratified the charter easing the taxes on the poor, I never thanked you for that." Link would go on and on with things like that. I thought it was odd at first, but then I reasoned that he was just making a concerted effort to be courteous to me. We did state that we were moving forward. I appreciated that. However, to be quite honest, now he was confusing me.
There were other instances too. For example, I would be reading to get some insight on a riddle and I would look up to catch him staring at me... just staring. But, he never seemed startled or off kilter when I caught him. "What?" I would ask. He would just shake his head. "Nothing," he would reply softly. In fact, he seemed glad I questioned him about it, and then he would give me another brooding gaze. He certainly was a bold rascal. Or there was the time the other day when he went to go gather wood in the forest nearby, but came back to the campsite without his tunic on. Seriously, he wasn't wearing his tunic. I, of course, was taken aback by his approach, but couldn't think of anything to say. "Uhh..." I started, but had nothing to add. Link simply stared at me and waited. "Yes?" he inquired. However, I had no words. "Nothing," I replied, and really that was that. The conversation halted. Why in the world did he take off his tunic? What could have possibly prompted him to do such a thing? Afterwards, I could barely concentrate on cooking supper with him now sitting across from me sharpening his sword half dressed. He was acting like it was the most natural thing in the world, and... maybe it was... not that I was complaining. He had a magnificent physique, but it was just strange to me. I attempted again to say something several times, but didn't, and I think he was banking on that. I think he knew I wouldn't oppose him openly. Even so, I found his behavior rather strange considering the crux of our quest was so he could be reunited with his beloved Midna. He was acting very peculiarly for a man who was supposed to be so in love with another woman... just my observation. I even woke up yesterday morning and found a bouquet of freshly picked flowers resting by my head. They were silent princesses, my favorite. How did he know that? I did remember us having a brief conversation on flowers in passing. He must have ascertained that information then.
It was a very thoughtful gesture.
I reasoned that the talk down in the gorge obviously had a positive effect. We both benefited from it, but maybe even more so on Link's end than mine. So far, we hadn't reneged on anything we promised regarding our truce. However, something about all this new found attention was more than just 'friendly' banter to me, and it seemed to come out of nowhere. It was only a few weeks ago Link looked like he was ready to pop a blood vessel at the sight of me. Now only weeks later we were suddenly the best of friends? Was I missing something? Not that I was complaining, but even so. These last two weeks had been wonderful and they felt like old times. However, they seemed so, I don't know, swift. Perhaps I was thinking too much into it. I often did that. My cynicism was always present.
Currently, I wasn't too taken aback at Link's latest offense, but decided I wasn't going to let him slide with his precarious tongue like the past several days. If he could be a little unconventional, so could I. I was going to play right along with him. After all, I did tell myself to say whatever came to my mind. So, I then walked up to him and stared him straight in the eyes for a brief moment.
"You keep making all these forward comments about my beauty good sir. You seem to be very enraptured by that."
He just grinned.
"Can you blame me?"
I narrowed my eyes slightly.
"Well, if that's the case, maybe I want you to take it further."
Link wasn't expecting that answer.
"I'm sorry?"
I smirked at him for a change.
"You heard what I said. I didn't stutter."
Link was surprise at my afronted assertion and nodded. He was silent for a moment.
"You're not serious... are you?"
My grin never left and I purposely gave his face a long once over.
"What do you think?"
The surprise never left his eyes and he tried to make light of what was now happening. His expression was going from cautious to confident in a matter of seconds. He thought I was bluffing to be sure.
"Touche, score one for her majesty."
He obviously wasn't taking me seriously.
"Do you think I'm joking?"
His smile broadened.
"That I'm not sure, but I don't think you want me to cross a boundary you aren't ready for."
I looked at him impressed, his confidence was very apparent. It was then I started fixing the collar of his tunic, making sure it was lying flat. It was safe to say my comfort level was much better than what it once was.
"You keep forgetting something good sir," I lowered my voice slightly.
The hero was a little caught off guard by my tone.
"What's that?" he asked anyway.
I came a little closer.
"You keep forgetting to call me by my name." My voice was barely above a whisper. "I want you to call me Zelda... remember?"
Even I didn't expect that of myself.
What has gotten into me?
It was obvious Link wasn't used to me being so forward with him. He was slightly off his wits for a comeback, but he had no problem staring back into my eyes, or receiving any of my grooming caveats.
"Yes…" he was a little taken aback, "I remember."
I grinned innocently once I was done and stepped back.
"There you are," I looked him over, "as handsome as ever."
Link didn't expect the compliment.
"Uh… thank you."
I had to admit, it was quite fun having the tables turned and seeing the hero get a little discomfited for a change. The discombobulation left him speechless. Afterwards, there was a brief silence between us and Link had a puzzled expression on his face.
"Are you quite yourself today?"
I smiled at him and shrugged.
"I'm fine, why do you ask?"
Link paused again.
"You seem a little more... carefree than normal. I'm used to that innocent, stoic woman you usually are."
I grinned at him. I hadn't been called stoic in a long time and I wasn't sure it applied here. I came up to him again and fixed his collar once more. Nothing was out of place I just wanted to get close to him.
I stared into his eyes.
"I'm not that innocent Link." I lowered my voice again. "I'm sure you can recollect a time when I was a little uninhibited... a little rambunctious. You'd do well not to assume anything about me either… remember?"
Link stared at me surprised, and I wasn't sure if I was seeing right or not, but he looked like he was getting slightly flushed. Seriously. I think I just made the Hero of Twilight blush. I wasn't expecting that, and from the looks of it, neither was he. Link cleared his throat uncomfortably after a few seconds, then turned from looking at me. He hadn't had a queen flirt with him in a long time. He was a little off his game.
"We better get going," he redirected to the task at hand. "We have to find that shard."
I smiled again and shook my head.
Now he knows how it feels to have a dose of his own medicine.
"You're right of course."
After our little tit for tat, we then turned and continued up the mountain to the throne room. Once we were outside the entrance, I took in a deep breath and sounded the gong nearby. The door to the other side opened slowly, and two male Zora guards greeted us with passive faces. When they both saw it was me along with the hero, their passive faces turned to more expressive ones, they both bowed respectfully.
"Your majesty," one of them said surprised. "The king just finished an audience with one of your councilmen."
I nodded and smiled.
"Yes I know." I thought fast for a rebuttal. "I informed him to come here to update you on the status of Eldin Fields."
The Zora nodded.
"Did you need to speak with our sovereign my lady?" the other Zora guard asked.
I nodded again.
"Yes, and please tell him it's urgent."
They understood the time sensitivity.
"I will inform the king you are here immediately."
Both the Zoras then left our company and went up the sloping rock to where the throne room was situated atop the precipice. In front of the precipice was a deep pool of water where many Zora aristocrats gathered to speak on business matters related to issues of the Zora people. The king's throne was at the center of the pool where the audiences were to take place. Once Link's and my presence was made known, we followed the same trail and stopped before the throne. We both bowed.
King Ralis was the youngest monarch in Hyrule. His mother, Queen Rutela, was killed years ago during the height of Zant's tyranny. She was beheaded in front of her own son to be made an example of. I still to this day did not know how Ralis coped with having seen such a horrifying event, and then afterwards have to put up such a dignified front for his people. Most people would say that the years have lessened his pain, but I didn't think witnessing the beheading of a loved one could ever be lessened. Ever. There were some things that stuck with a person the entirety of their life. Even so, when King Ralis caught sight of us he stood and bowed, which also reciprocated a bow from myself and Link.
"Your majesty, you honor Zora's Domain with your presence." He then turned to Link. "As do you Hero of Twilight."
Link gave a nod of respect.
"Your majesty."
I took a step forward.
"The honor is ours sire."
Ralis then came down from his throne and kissed the back of my hand.
"Last I heard you were keeping company with Elbourne of Dragon Roost. Is that not true?"
My eyes widened slightly at the mentioning of the dragon prince. That rumor certainly circulated. It had made its way all the way up here.
"His... highness and I had to cut our trip short when I learned of news of what happened in Kakariko Gorge," I thought quickly.
That seemed reasonable enough for the king.
"I heard the news of the disappearance of the Hylia Borealis. I hope everything is alright."
I didn't want to make him worry anymore than he already was.
"Everything is fine," I reassured. "I already have my men investigating it. It was an abrupt phenomenon two hundred years ago, and it abruptly decided to stop."
Ralis looked at me surprised by my nonchalance.
"I guess that's a good way to look at it." Ralis then looked over at Link. "Now besides the uproar of the celestial lights, what can I do for the two of you?"
Ralis raised his scaly eyebrows at Link and I expectantly.
Link spoke up first.
"I'm merely her majesty's escort."
Ralis nodded at his answer then turned his attention back to me.
"Alright, then what can I do for you?"
I knew I couldn't come in here with some foolhardy excuse.
Make this convincing Zelda.
I cleared my throat before I spoke.
"My lord, I know you're going to think I'm a complete fool," I began with a smile, "but I left the signet ring of my great grandfather Daphnes I at the bottom of the fountain when I last visited you."
Ralis gave me a peculiar look.
"Your grandfather's ring?" he repeated.
I nodded.
"Yes my lord."
Ralis then shook his head.
"I don't recall us visiting the fountain on your last visit."
I forgot about that.
That's right.
I had to improvise quickly.
"Yes, I know. It wasn't when I was in your presence. You see, I went for a midnight swim before retiring to bed one night and accidentally lost it. I had no idea it was out of my possession until I was looking for it the other day."
Ralis looked at me surprised regarding the admission.
"You swam in the fountain under the moonlight?"
He seemed more interested in that than the fact I lost my ring. I tensed up a little, not thinking he would question my response.
Stick with it Zelda. You have a way in if you stick with it.
I smiled again.
"Yes, I did."
Ralis's blue skin turned slightly pink after hearing that, and he looked down slightly embarrassed.
"I wish I'd known your majesty, I would have joined you," he said to me sheepishly, but what a bold proposition. "I know you must have looked extraordinarily beautiful swimming in the moonlight."
He caught me slightly off guard with that utterance. I wasn't expecting this reaction at all.
Oh my goddess… did he really say that out loud? First Shad, now Ralis. What is going on with these fellows today?
Link beside me suddenly pretended to cough to keep a chuckle from escaping his throat. I forced another smile as well to keep the ruse going. I didn't harbor anything against Ralis. He was nineteen years old after all. He was young, impulsive, and quite handsome as far as Zora's went. He probably couldn't help himself.
I won't hear the end of this, will I? I was already anticipating Link's taunts.
I had to go with it for now.
"Indeed my dear Ralis. Indeed… and thank you for the compliment."
Ralis looked into my eyes and grinned.
"No compliments could ever do you justice. I think you are the most beautiful woman in Hyrule."
My cheeks did blush at that. It was a very kind thing to say. However, I was surprised when the hero had something to add.
"A Zora of good taste. One could not blame you my lord."
That was certainly unexpected. This rascal was getting bolder and bolder.
What has gotten into him?
I didn't bother to ask. The hero was sure to let me know on his own when the time came for it.
"Thank you Ralis," I said finally.
Ralis took a step towards me, reacting within the ebbs of the moment.
"Have you thought about my offer of marriage?"
Again, Link stopped his chuckle by pretending to cough. He was having a field day with this audience. His incessant grin was apparent from the corner of my eye.
I was not going to let myself get discomfited.
Dear Hylia, this is not going to help my image of duplicity, is it?
To be fair, Ralis did seem more impetuous than usual. This wasn't like him.
"As I've told you before my dear Ralis, your magnificence is simply too much for the halls of Hyrule."
Ralis chuckled and shook his head, not believing a word I was uttering to him.
"Nice try at a cheeky way of getting out of a proposal. That was the eighth time I asked you."
He must have been using a different numerical system.
"Really? I wasn't keeping count."
It's actually the twelfth time you asked me to marry you, but again... who's counting?
Ralis sighed and put his fins on his scaly hips.
"Well then, enough small talk, onto business. If you are going to swim in the fountain, then you must have the proper swim wear." He then clapped his hands.
Abruptly, two Zoras jumped up from the pool to the front of the throne. One was a female standing next to me, the other was a male standing next to Link. In their fins were a set of Zora garments. Link was familiar with his suit of armor, having worn it before. Mine, however, was a different story. It was a dark blue two piece, made of special material only privy to the Zora people. The lattice structure was interwoven with intense hydrodynamic pressure. It was this pressure that allowed regular Hylians to swim in deep waters with the Zoras.
The female Zora handed me the clothes.
I took them with hesitation.
What in Hylia's name is this?
"Uh…" I stared at the two piece, "you don't have any other designs of these clothes for women? Perhaps something similar to Master Link's wear?"
Ralis smiled and shrugged.
"I'm afraid not, the female Zora clothes were designed by Zora men. What are you going to do?"
That was an answer I should have anticipated.
That's a good question for the whole of Hylian-kind.
The hero had no qualms about my outfit.
"Well, thank you just the same," Link chimed in. "We appreciate you giving us these."
I gave Link a snide glance, he grinned in return.
I'll bet you do Master Link. Goddesses, I am going to kill Elbourne for fetishizing my birthmark.
There was no winning in this situation.
"Yes, thank you just the same."
Afterwards, we were then dismissed and directed to two separate chambers where we could change. However, before we went to our rooms, Link came up to me to speak with me.
"You know, that's the second man that's fallen madly in love with you since I made your reacquaintance your majesty. You have to tell me your secret."
I gave Link an offhanded look. I was not going to be baited by such talk.
"Don't even try to come at me like that Master Link, when you've got three women of your own that you're trouncing along."
Link stared at me surprised.
"If you want to say I'm 'trouncing' anyone, then Ilia and Midna only accounts for two people." He was staring straight into my eyes. "Who's the third… my lady?"
He was incorrigible. Two can play this silly game. I narrowed my eyes at him and grinned.
"Beth."
Link stared at me taken aback.
"Beth?"
I then grinned.
"Yes, and you should know that by now. She's completely enamored with you."
Link looked at me indignantly just then.
"Now wait a minute, Beth is a-"
"We're wasting time. Go get dressed."
Before Link could reply, I went to my dressing room on the other side of the hall and closed the door on him. I put the hydrowear on the coral dresser next to the divider to change behind. I glanced at my reflection, wondering if the woman looking at me was ever going to get this right. I was so confused with what was happening.
What is going on between us?
I felt so drawn to Link. I couldn't deny that. And, I think he may have been starting to feel the same way about me, albeit friendly or other wise, but it seemed to be happening so fast. I looked over at the wears once more and sighed nervously.
"Do I really have to wear that?" I whispered to myself.
Suddenly, a bright light appeared out of nowhere before my eyes, then quickly dissipated. I shielded my vision at the brilliance as it faded instantly. When it lifted, a familiar personage appeared.
"Yes, you really do have to wear that," a voice said above me.
I looked up and saw Hylia hovering over the door post in her standard white gown.
"Ah!" I cried out startled.
The goddess's eyes got wide playfully.
"Boo!" Hylia taunted, then floated down to the ground in front of me.
I took in a deep breath and put my hand over my heart.
"You gave me a fright."
Hylia snickered.
"Relax, that was the whole point. So, what's cracking?"
I looked at her flummoxed. I had no idea what she was talking about.
"What's what?"
Hylia just stared at me, seeing no point in trying to explain her question.
"What are you up to?" she repeated, changing her vernacular.
I then looked back at my reflection.
"We're about to get this next shard."
Hylia nodded, then grinned at me mischievously.
"I know that already. Anything else you want to tell me?"
I did not understand what she meant at first, but then I rolled my eyes and looked away. She was going to mention my recent uncharacteristic behavior.
"Hylia…"
Hylia put one of her hands on her hips.
"Did you honestly think I was going to let this conversation go on without so much as a mention of your total one hundred eighty degree turn back there in the hallway?" she then added unrelated to the conversation. "Woo, say that three times fast."
I chuckled, I knew she was going to bring up my flirting with Link.
I shrugged.
"I was just having a little fun."
Hylia's eyes widened at hearing that and she nodded, approving of my slightly brazen behavior.
"That's what I'm talking about! You do more of that and pretty boy will be putty in your hands!"
I shook my head and looked away.
There's more to a relationship than flirting. There needs to be trust, and I don't know if he trusts me yet.
"I know that Zel," Hylia answered my thought process.
I didn't know why I even tried having a private moment around her.
"You're silly."
Hylia scoffed.
"Silly my foot! I'm right!"
"There's more to a woman than the whiles of her feminine nature."
Hylia looked at me incredulously for a moment.
"Okay Zel spare me the lecture. I've been married, had a few dozen kids. I know the whole shebang. I'm a pro at this. I get that you're not used to being out of your comfort zone, but what you need to do is show some skin and get the goods out there!"
I looked at her shocked.
"Are-are you serious?"
Hylia didn't see what the problem was.
"Uh… yeah. You need to advertise baby, which is why I love that Ralis. Ah the Zoras… so young… so nubile."
I gave her a precocious look when I saw her get lost in her thoughts.
What is that all about?
"If you want, I could arrange a meeting between you and Ralis," I joked. "You seem to have some pretty heavy thoughts going on there."
Hylia immediately fanned me off.
"Nah, he's too young for me, and I been there and done that already with the Hero of Sky. Anyway, what you did just now is what I'm talking about!" She got up and came over to me. "You see that sassiness you just exhibited towards me? Well you need to have that same charm with Link. You've started, now you need to just let it shine."
I let my head fall back.
"Ancestral mother…"
"Look," she put a little firmness in her voice, "do you see the way the twilight queen shows a little skin -hell, a lot of skin- you just need to get a counter image in Link's head, and bam, you're in!"
I shook my head.
I don't want him if that's all he sees in me. I get enough of that from Elbourne.
"Link isn't Elbourne," Hylia said in regards to my thoughts, "and even with the dragon prince you're being a bit harsh. Skin wasn't an issue then. Don't let it be an issue now. I'm telling you all you need to do is advertise."
I ran a hand over my face. She disclosed more than I wanted to acknowledge in that last comment.
"Oh my goddess. You can't be serious! That is not how you win a man's heart."
Hylia lifted her hands up in surrender.
"You're right, but it helps!"
Something in her tone made me laugh. I ran a hand over my cheek.
"You are so incorrigible." I shook my head.
Hylia smiled and crossed her arms over her chest.
"I know right? That's why you love me."
I shrugged again.
"I can't argue with that."
Hylia then uncrossed her arms and shooed me behind the divider to change.
"Enough chitchat. I want to see how you look."
Time was ticking away. I then did as she directed and began getting undressed behind the wall. Once I changed, I hesitantly came from behind the divider. When Hylia saw me, she immaturely wolfos whistled at me.
Dear goddesses, really Hylia?
"Yes really, wow, you look… stunning."
I blushed at hearing her say that.
"I do not." I felt so self conscious.
Admittedly, I did feel uncomfortable wearing what was basically a Zora bustier and some hydro undergarments. The birthmark that looked like a music note was resting on the right side of my flat muscular stomach.
There's the mark that got me all those dumb music jokes. 'Let's make music together princess.' Those idiots.
Hylia gave me a quick once over, then gestured for me to look at myself in the mirror.
"See for yourself."
I hesitated, but then slowly walked in front of the mirror, deciding if I wasn't comfortable with my own body, no one else would be either. I closed my eyes, and then opened them quickly. I covered my mouth to hold in the gasp. I hardly recognized the woman staring back at me.
"Oh wow."
Hylia stood back and smiled at my own shock.
"Didn't you tell Link you wore a two piece before? Why are you so uncomfortable? I'm certain we both can recall instances where your confidence shined through."
I knew all too well. Hylia discerned I wasn't completely truthful with the hero.
"Yes, I told him, but I left out the part where that was thirteen years ago. I still can't believe Elbourne mentioned that to him when he was his escort. Hopefully, he didn't mention anything else. It can be quite the controversial subject."
Hylia looked at my reflection seriously for a moment. She perceived again that her acknowledgement had been realized.
"How do you feel?"
I continued to look at myself and turned to my side.
"I feel okay." I thought I was being honest .
Hylia nodded at my reply.
"Why in the world were you hiding those legs for so long? Someone's a knock out."
Her comment made me blush. Hylia then came up and brushed my long dark hair into a braid that went down my back. It was the perfect fishtail. Fitting for the occasion. She then touched my bracelet and it glowed slightly.
I thought that was odd.
"What are you doing?"
"Giving you a little juice, just in case you need it."
I looked at her perplexed.
"I thought you said I could use this one time and one time only."
Hylia nodded.
"I did, but that wasn't exactly true. It isn't just a one time gig. I'm just getting it ready."
I grinned at her unorthodox nature. It seemed her secretive evasion was continuing.
"Are you going to tell me who the little birdie is now?"
Hylia continued powering the bracelet until it glowed red. When it did, she finally stopped.
"In due time my dear." She avoided my eyes.
I was going to ask her another question, but thought it better to just leave it alone.
She'll tell me when she's ready.
"Exactly," Hylia replied of my thoughts.
I didn't argue. I couldn't argue.
She then stood back behind me.
"Ahhh, you are so beautiful," she said sweetly, hugging her hands to her chest. "You look like a warrior goddess! Din would be proud!"
I laughed at her silliness.
Hylia then took in a deep breath.
"Okay, I have to go, but make sure you don't forget your ocarina."
I stared at her surprised through the mirror just then.
"Why?"
She gave me an obvious look.
"Because you might need it. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge."
I nodded, taking the obvious hint.
With that, she gave me a quick hug, then disappeared.
No matter how many times she comes in my life she never ceases to amaze me.
I looked at myself one more time and grinned at my reflection.
"Hmmm… a warrior goddess." I shook my head. "A warrior goddess indeed ancestral mother."
With that, I left the dressing room and went to meet Link outside on the cliff bluffs overlooking the waterfalls. When the hero caught sight of me, he did a double take at my approach. His eyes got wide and he looked stunned.
"Great Hylia!" he muttered underneath his breath.
Well, that was quite the first impression. Surprisingly, I didn't have an anatomical effect, but that didn't mean I wasn't nervous. I walked up to him and attempted a confident smile.
Okay Zelda, act natural. Remember what ancestral mother said.
I decided to break the tension by complimenting Link first.
"You look dashing in your outfit."
Link shook his head and looked me over with complete and utter disbelief.
"Me? I've got nothing on… you."
I grinned and turned away to look at the falls below us.
"It's a great day for a swim, isn't it?"
Link didn't answer. He was too busy still giving my body several once overs. He seemed too taken aback to do anything else.
"It's like night and day," I heard him mutter to himself. "All of this time she's been hiding all of that underneath her gowns."
This was telling. Why was he talking like I wasn't here? I didn't look that different. I think he may have been a little hyperbolic in his reaction, but then again I wasn't usually half naked when we saw each other either.
I wanted to get back on task.
"Did you hear me Master Link?"
Link continued staring me down as if in a slight daze, but then he shook his head when he heard me speak again.
"I'm sorry, what did you say?"
I chuckled and shook my head myself.
"Never mind." I secured my satchel around my shoulder. "Are you ready?"
Again, Link wasn't listening, and I promise, he was just brazenly staring at my breasts now. Also too, I could've sworn I heard him say something about 'those being real pumpkins'. It didn't take a scholar to deduce what he was talking about. My goddess, this man needed to get a grip on reality. I wanted to chuckle again, but I held it in. His reaction was unbelievable.
"Excuse me daydreamer." I snapped my fingers to get his attention.
Link shook his head once more.
"Uh... yes?" He was acting completely out of character.
I wanted to establish some order in the here and now.
"First of all, my eyes are up here." I pointed to my face. "And secondly, I asked you if you were ready to go."
Link cleared his throat and glanced at my breasts one last time. He made it obvious. He was a man. What could he do?
He finally, however, decided to answer my question.
"Uh… yes I'm ready to go." Link pulled on his collar.
This was unbelievable.
My goddess Link! It's just a bathing suit!
Link then reached his hand out to take mine so we could travel down the mountainside. I had a different idea entirely.
"What's your hand for?"
The hero gave me an obvious look.
"We have to walk down the slope." He then gave me another quick once over. "I don't want you to fall and injure... anything."
I put my hands on my hips.
Anything huh?
I had a sudden surge of boldness. I was going to test that notion.
"Maybe you will walk. I'm going to dive."
I glanced over the edge and saw several Zoras swimming in the pool below. When they caught sight of me, they waved and gestured for me to come down.
"Jump your majesty!" a male Zora called up to me. "The water is perfect!"
"Yeah!" another male Zora called. "We'll cheer you on!"
I smiled and waved back.
"I'll be down in a moment!" I called back.
Link looked from the Zoras to me taken aback.
"You can't be serious!" the hero said with a hint of anxiety. "It's a two hundred feet drop!"
I stared at Link with open defiance.
"I am going to do it. Besides, I'm a pretty good swimmer."
Link didn't look convinced. He was probably thinking about the incident at upper Lake Hylia a few weeks back. I guess that didn't leave the best impression, but these weren't rapids. These were calm waters.
"I can't allow that! As your escort I think you-"
"Come, come now, you only live once."
I hoped he understood the deja vu.
Link was not yielding.
"Your majesty-"
"I'm going to dive." I was not going to be deterred, then took several steps back on the precipice. "You can either dive with me, or walk down. The choice is yours."
His eyes widened.
"I don't think this is a good idea," he cautioned anyway. "Even seasoned Zoras don't risk a dive from all the way up here!"
I'm not a Zora. I'm a queen.
"They just beckoned me to come down," I reasoned. "They must have some faith in me."
Link didn't seem to care about that.
"Zelda-" he tried, not caring we weren't in private.
I readied myself.
"You worry too much." I flashed him a smile.
It was then Link looked at me in slight panic.
"Zelda…"
I gave him a sarcastic salute.
"See you down under." I then ran from my starting position and jumped off the cliff.
Link tried to reach for me, but it was too late. I was already in midair.
"No!" he called after me.
I careened through the air like a vertical dart. I even did a couple of mid-aerial forward somersaults before my body hit the dark blue waters below with a loud splash. There were cheers and whoops of approval when I surfaced. I was a little groggy from the landing, but I was okay.
"That was magnificent your majesty!" the first male Zora said to me.
"Yes!" the other said. "You were like the goddess of the ocean!"
I did a mini bow from the buoyancy in the water and smiled.
"Thank you, thank you."
I turned to look up at the bluffs. Link was looking down at me from the landing above.
"Come on big hero!" I called up to him. "Show me what that Triforce of Courage is made of!"
I even surprised myself with that.
Where did that come from? I guess that was some pep talk with Hylia.
I couldn't see Link's facial expression, but I could imagine he was upset right now. However, that served him right for gawking. He knew better than that.
His chivalry has grown up my foot.
A few moments later, he too dove off the landing and splashed into the pool below. His entrance wasn't as grand as mine, but he did impress everyone with his dive. When he surfaced, he looked over at me slightly upset. He then swam to where I was. He didn't even bother to wait for us to be alone to scold me.
"Are you crazy? You could've killed yourself!"
However, both the Zoras swimming with me came to my defense.
"Hey, watch your tone," one of the Zora's warned. "It's not every day we see two Hylians do the death dive."
Link rolled his eyes at the Zora. I in turn giggled.
The death dive, huh? No wonder Link was so concerned.
I teasingly swam over to Link and circled around him on my back. My nonchalance was apparently getting under his skin. He didn't bother to hide his annoyance with my casual nature.
"I'm glad you think this is a joke," he said sarcastically, "but you could've seriously hurt yourself."
I stopped bobbing for a moment and looked at him.
"But I didn't," I then added flirtatiously, "I told you I was more fun than you could imagine."
Link was surprised by my rebuttal, but then halted my swim from around him by raising his arm under the water so I wouldn't circle him anymore. He grabbed me by the waist and turned me around to face him. I was a little taken aback at his bold maneuver, especially since we weren't alone. He gave my face a brief once over.
"I'm beginning to see that, and with the way you look right now, I can imagine a lot."
That was a comeback I didn't expect. It unfortunately made me blush.
I'll bet.
This time I couldn't help it. I guess Hylia was right... the counter image seemed to be working. I just wasn't expecting him to be so vocal about it.
"Uh… I'm sure you could."
I grinned, released myself from his capture, and swam for the shoreline. Link followed after me. When we got out of the pool, I checked my satchel to see if my ocarina was still in place. It was fine. Link looked at my instrument perplexed.
"Why did you bring your ocarina?"
I turned it over to pour the water out.
"I decided to pack it just in case weeks ago, but I'm glad I did. This second clue has to do with music."
Link looked at me surprised.
"Oh really?"
I nodded.
I turned my ocarina over again to make sure it was clear of water. Some of the spouts were clogged from the dive.
"Yes, 'there must be a perfect harmony of water kissing the wind.' That whole clue is based off playing a song that effects both water and wind."
Link looked at me impressed.
"You figured this one out even quicker than the first one a couple weeks ago."
I tossed my wet braid behind me and stood up.
"Deduction gets easier over time."
The hero looked me over once more and smiled.
"I'll bet."
I looked past him to the truncated waterfall, where the water turned into ivory mist and noticed the rainbow like prism from the sunlight. However, it wasn't the natural beauty that captured my attention immediately. I noticed a constant splash of particles. Six ringlets of water were dropping over the prism of the rainbow. I narrowed my eyes and tilted my head slightly to get a better look. The splashing of elements almost looked like notes on a music paper. I realized then there was an unchanging pattern forming.
Wait a minute.
"Do you see that?"
Link looked at the base of the falls, but didn't follow me.
"You'll have to direct me."
I pointed to the prism.
"Look at the water formation on the rainbow," I whispered so that my excitement wouldn't alert the other Zoras swimming in the pool.
Link looked to where I pointed, and then the epiphany came to him.
"The same six splashes are hitting the same six spots."
I grabbed his hand.
"Exactly! Come on!"
I hurried us to behind the waterfall, where there was a small encroaching of rock that created a small cave. It was there I took out my ocarina and began playing the six notes constantly splashing in the same place.
Link considered my approach a little odd.
"What are you doing? Why not play out there?"
I thought my reasons were obvious.
"I don't want the Zoras to see me play if something strange happens afterwards."
Link then nodded at my explanation.
"I see your point."
With that, I put the ocarina to my lips and played the aquatic notes. The cadence was familiar, but old. It was a song from the days of my grandmother. It was known as 'The Song of Storms.' Something indeed was starting to happen. Link looked around with unease when I stopped playing.
"How did you-?"
"Wait," I shushed him, "listen."
From beyond the waterfall there was a sudden gush of water that swelled and mounted above the pool.
"Come on!" I ordered, and grabbed his hand once more.
Link and I quickly left the alcove and returned to the shoreline. Forming in the sky over the pool, was a squall of white water and wind. The small storm created a tiny centrifugal force on the surface of the water and displaced the adherent surfaces.
"What in the world is going on?" several of the Zoras called out in alarm.
"Everyone out of the pool!" a male guard shouted.
I did not realize this song was going to cause such a ruckus.
Oh dear, Hylia's not going to like this.
All the Zoras vacated the pool with the exception of a few guards. The storm rotated upon itself suddenly and created a nonthreatening cyclone. The cyclone turned and turned, until finally a flash of light rose out of the center.
My breathing quickened when I realized it was the second mirror shard.
"There it is," I whispered.
I felt as though I were in a mild trance.
I can't believe it... it's so beautiful.
On impulse, I ran, dived back into the water, and swam for the inverted vortex.
Link looked after me shocked.
"What is she doing?!" a Zora woman said panicked. "She could be killed!"
The hero shared her sentiment.
"Wait!" he called after me. "Your majesty! Goddamn it… this woman…!"
The Zoras looked on anxiety ridden. It was irresponsible of me to act with such gumption. There was a chance a controversial incident like, oh, my death, could happen in their kingdom. I should have had more prudence, but I could not worry about that now. Link quickly dove in the water after me. We were both pulled into the current created by the cyclone and rotated upward. When my body finally got to the eye of the cyclone, I was surprised to find no water there, and I was suspended in midair.
Dear Hylia!
Floating silently in the center, was a huge piece of the second mirror shard.
There you are, I was grateful no Zoras were taken up. Maybe the Zora people can't be taken up. Maybe only the power of the Triforce allows seekers to find the treasure.
I then looked down the eye and saw a cylindrical progression of hydrostatic revolutions going all the way down to the floor of the pool. A moment later, Link was in the eye of the cyclone too. His face held the same expression of wonder as mine when he suddenly floated in midair.
"Are you alright?" Link called out.
This was beyond strange.
"I'm fine!" I called back over the raging waters. "Grab the mirror!"
Link still looked surreal, but then went for the mirror. However, when the hero's hands touched the surface, something strange happened. A red light shined off the surface of the glass suddenly, and two words written in ancient Hylian appeared: gula, and acedia.
More of those cryptic words. Gluttony... and sloth...
My perplexity amplified, but was also short lived when the shard shrank to the size of Link's palm. This occurrence was similar to what happened in Kakariko Gorge. Link looked notably troubled, but pocketed the shard anyway. However, because of such actions, the cyclone suddenly abated. Link and I were still in midair, when gravity decidedly took its toll and we splashed into the water below. Link reached the surface before me, but I quickly followed. However, when I got out of the pool, I was surprised to see Link standing in a battle formation. He signaled for me to stay back. Confused for a moment, I finally caught sight of the hero's caution down the shoreline.
Oh no!
"Who in the world is that?" a male Zora asked another.
There standing on the banks was the bandaged warrior from a few weeks ago. His red eyes were beaming like rays of sunlight.
"Allow me to introduce myself," the ninja bowed, "you may call me Sheik."
Thank you for reading.