Seeing Truth
Chapter 10: Full moon Part 1
The sun's rays banged against my head like a hammer as I slowly opened my eyes. It was already the next morning, and I had hardly realized it. After a long night of pillows being tossed in the air we had all resorted to sleeping in, which was my guess since Zelda was mumbling something as she paced back in forth in my room. I groaned as I shuffled to turn on my side and readjust the pillow under my head, until I realized my pillow was harder than usual. My eyes opened wide as they traveled up to stare at a brown-haired boy resting against the armrest of the sofa at an angle. His foot and arm were dangling carelessly off the edge while his other arm rested on his chest as if trying to keep his elbow from poking my eyes. I'm not exactly sure how I had fallen asleep on his shoulder, but either way, I hadn't felt it. Also, that Link was on the other side in almost the same position as Kado. I guess that was the reason my knee was bent upward.
Finally realizing I had been staring at a sleeping, yet smiling Kado for quite a while, I shot up from my position and walked to the middle of the room to stare at my surroundings in disbelief. The place was trashed with feathers and pillows. It was the messiest this room has ever gotten; what do you expect? Soon, Zelda was to my side, shaking her head.
"What have we done?" she began, "We not only trashed your bedroom, but slept on your couch until the afternoon AND on the day of the Ball. What are we going to do? Impa is going to be so mad."
I turned to Zelda and raised an eyebrow as she began breathing heavily or should I say hyperventilating. I grabbed her shoulders to face me, "Zelda, everything is going to be alright. I'm sure no one even realized it. We'll be ready for the Ball, so just calm… Down…"
"Are you positive?" she asked, almost like a child.
I nodded and she smiled.
"Now, to get them off my couch…" I said as I gestured to the two boys sleeping soundly on the couch.
"What do you suppose we do?"
A devious grin appeared on my face as I searched for a pillow that was still stuffed. I grabbed two that were on my bed than walked in front of the sofa.
"Hey! Freeloaders! Off the couch!" with that, I threw the two pillows at their faces just as they aroused. Both of them shot up, but still dazed as ever.
With eyes half open, Kado finally spoke as he tossed the pillow away, "What was that for? I was in the middle of a dream."
"Yeah, I noticed the smirk on your face when you woke up. Now, get up. Today's a pretty hectic and busy and important day, so don't ruin it for Zelda."
"You would know…" Kado said as he brushed random feathers of his pajama pants as he stood, "You are the one who slept on my shoulder."
My face burned, and I quickly grabbed a random pillow. Kado's smug smile disappeared after a certain burgundy pillow with threads sewn on the edges hit him square in the face. I sniggered, and Link and Zelda only smiled.
I raised an eyebrow questioningly, placing my hands on my hips, "Well, what do we do next? It's the middle of the afternoon; do we have lunch or brunch?"
"What is brunch?" Zelda asked bemused.
"Don't you know?" I was surprised at first to hear Link speak, but I soon noticed the sarcasm in his voice, "It is not quite breakfast, and not quite lunch, so it is br-unch."
Zelda nodded with a delighted expression, and Link shook his head as he leaned back into the couch.
"You know, that is absolutely right, Link. I had no idea you knew that…" I said with a grin. My voice didn't sound like its usual self, but as if I was trying to prove someone was wrong.
Link's eyes widened as I continued, "What? It's not that hard to figure it out."
A sudden knock on the door made everyone jump. I quickly walked over to the door and opened it only to be greeted with a familiar face.
"Evelyn! I mean Ev- I mean Eve! Gah, sorry. We're all half awake. Anyway, what's up?"
The girl smiled, "Well, today's the day of the Ball. I was sent here to help you get ready."
"Really? Now? Could we have breakfast first, or lunch- I mean brunch? Whatever it's called."
"Of course. Oh, you can just call me Ev; that is what my friends call me." The girl smiled, and I couldn't help smile back as she continued.
"I'll go get your breakfast…" she said as she leaned in, "And for Zelda… and Kado… and Link."
She seemed more shocked at the mere mention of their names. I smiled sheepishly as she backed up and left.
Once she was gone, I turned to the group, "I didn't know servants could call you by your first names."
"Oh, sure," Zelda said as she waved me off, "They do that when no one is around."
"Uh-huh…" I nodded and smiled.
XxxxXxxxX
I paced around the room frantically, not knowing what to do. Yeah, I was ready for the Ball; I had taken a quick bath after eating breakfast, than Ev had come to do my hair and make-up, which I had refused, but she insisted. I felt bad because she said she loved doing hair and make-up, so what was I to do? Well, now she was done and gone. Sure, everything sounded fine, but there was one problem; what was I going to wear? All the clothes in the dresser I had found out were for daily wear, not a ball. I mean, how fancy could you get? I had to decide on three dresses; they seemed plain to someone's eyes, but who cares. I didn't know which one to wear, but when Ev had returned, she said it was best if one of the servants made something, but how can someone make a dress in an hour?
I sat on the sofa's armrest and tapped my fingers against my ankle as my foot rested on a cushion. It had already been an hour, now, and I felt hopeless. I knew I shouldn't get so worked up, because I could just not go, but then again, it would be counted as disrespectful. So, if I did go, I would be stared at by very scary people. I could just imagine rich, snobbish girls in huge dresses, their faces covered with make-up scowling at me, and calling me a "commoner". Oh, but how wrong they are…
A knock on the door took me out of my reverie. When I answered, it was a servant with wrapped box. I thanked her and she left. I stared at the plain box wrapped in green paper with a gold bow attached to it. I ripped the wrapping and opened box. A single paper was inside, and I couldn't help, but read it three times.
Jade,
I know you had a lot of doubts about the Ball, so I just wanted to help you with it. I hope you like it.
Link
I placed the paper in my pocket and picked up whatever was inside. It was a burgundy dress that was for sure as I draped the dress over me. Standing up, I walked over to the mirror and gazed at the dress. It was plain, but still beautiful. It was sleeveless with something a v-neck, but a black spaghetti strap with a straight collar line was under the dress. The whole dress was two layers with the first one transparent and the second opaque. The bottom-half of the dress flowed almost like a poodle skirt except less puffy. I smiled as I placed the dress on the bed than turned back to the box. Rummaging through it, I found what looked like sleeves except they weren't attached to the dress. I suppose they just went on your arms. They were the same color as the dress but with a black lining on the bottom. The whole of the sleeves basically flared out except for the two-inch area where it stuck to my arm rather letting it fall loose.
Placing the sleeves next to the dress, I continued to look through the box to find…gloves. Ones that reached up to my forearm, and the same color as my dress. A small note was placed inside under the gloves…
Wear whichever one you like.
I small smile formed on my glossed lips and I couldn't help but chuckle. Just like Link…
XxxxXxxxX
Only fifteen minutes later, I was done and ready. I walked over to the mirror and stared at myself. Now, I was wearing the burgundy dress with the flared sleeves and flat, black (what looked like Mary Jane's) shoes with a buckle. My hair had been straightened with the sides tied in the back. My make-up wasn't at all heavy like I thought it would, but just some lip-gloss, eye shadow, and well, that's not important. Just ten minutes earlier, Ev had returned with some white gold hoop earrings (not the really large hoops, just small), and a white-gold choker with a ruby pendant.
I guess I was too lost in my thoughts to notice the knock on the door and someone coming in. It wasn't until they walked right next to me and spoke to me that I noticed.
"You look great, Jade…" that familiar voice rang in my ears as I stared at the boy through the mirror.
"Eh? Thanks, Link. By the way, thank you so much for the dress. You really didn't have to…" I began, but Link only placed a hand on my shoulder.
The seconds that I stood like that with Link next to me, and his hand on my shoulder seemed forever as he spoke, "It wasn't anything, Jade, but it was a good idea anyway. I didn't know you didn't have a dress to wear. Besides, it was the least I could do after bringing you into this."
I smiled as Link lifted his hand off my shoulder and walked back, "Yeah, well. I could have just worn my jeans. Who would care?"
Link only smirked as I rolled my eyes, "Well, we should get down there."
"Mmhmm. Where's Zelda and Kado?"
"Already there. They have to be there first, though."
"Wouldn't they have one of those entrances or something with the trumpets and all."
Link chuckled, "Yeah, probably doing that right, now."
"And we don't need to be there?"
"No, not unless you want to…"
"Oh, good, cause I don't." I smiled as I walked towards the door.
"Well, what are we waiting for?"
"What? You want to go down?"
"Um, I guess. Nothing better to do."
"This is one side of you I haven't seen before."
"Shocking, isn't it?"
XxxxXxxxX
The ballroom looked exactly out of something from Windwaker with the tall pillars, second story, tiles, carpeting etc. The place where Link's statue would have been in WW was six thrones. Only four were filled with the king and queens of the two countries. I guess Kado and Zelda were out dancing. I quickly noticed the many doors around the room, and the French doors that led onto balconies. We had just come from the second story where people were still hanging around. I couldn't help notice a small banquet table in a far corner. Only then did I realize that I hadn't eaten since that afternoon. I held my stomach absentmindedly as I stared at the table.
"Jade?" Link said from beside me as we walked down the stairs.
"Yeah?"
"Are you alright?"
I turned to Link, "Oh, sure. I'm fine. You?"
Link raised an eyebrow, "Yeah, I'm alright."
I nodded, "I just realized you're not wearing your hat, or your gloves, and where's your sword and shield?"
"I don't need to take them wherever I go, you know."
"Right, right…" I turned my direction back to the many groups of people to realize almost every eye was on me, even if they were dancing with someone. I shook my head, selfish, jealous, stupid, snobbish…
"Jade?"
"Yeah, Link?" I turned to him, but he seemed focused on something in front of us. I followed his gaze to see three girls in very revealing dresses. My eyes opened wide as I took a step closer to Link, not wanting to be pushed away and lost in a sea of snobbish fish… (Wait…what?)
"Well, hello Link. I haven't seen you since Princess Zelda's birthday last year. How have you been?" one of the girls, obviously the leader, said as she brought her gloved hand forward.
And, just as I thought, Link kissed it, I shuddered, the girl smirked, and her companions held an evil grin.
"I am doing alright. How are you, Kristen?" Link asked as he feigned a smile.
"Oh, wonderful. By the way, these are my friends, Illaine and Jane." Link smiled to the two other blondes as they brought their hand out. I just couldn't look at this so I glanced the other direction only to see a familiar face glancing at me.
I waved to Kado as he danced with some girl probably ten years old with ebony hair. I was too lost in watching the cute couple when someone cleared their throat. My head snapped back to the group next to me.
"And who might you be?" Kristen said in her snobbish little voice.
"I'm Jade." The blonde only stared at me, obviously unsatisfied.
"Do you know Link?" she continued with hands on her hips.
I glanced at Link who seemed to be looking at me pleadingly with his big, blue eyes, "Do I know Link? Well, of course I do…"
The three stared at me in shock as I connected arms with Links. He even seemed shocked as Kristen began talking, "Well, it was nice to see you Link, and it was nice to meet you, Jade."
With one last glance, the trio left and I unhooked arms with Link to walk off to the banquet table.
"Jade, what just happened over there?" I heard Link say as he caught up with me.
"Um, nothing…" I stared with big, brown eyes at the food on the table. Croissants, cheese, cinnamon rolls, fruit punch, and so on. I felt like I was in paradise. I grabbed a croissant and quickly took a bite out of it.
"Do you want some punch?" Link asked from beside me.
"Oh, sure." I took another bite out of the croissant than followed Link to the punch bowl at the end of the table. I finished the last of the croissant as Link handed me some punch. I thanked him than turned to the dance floor.
I noticed Zelda dancing with a guy a foot taller than her, than noticed Kado dancing with Illaine, and Malon dancing with a tall, black-haired boy. I turned to Link who was leaning against the wall, moving his hand slightly as he stared at the twirling liquid in his glass.
"Um, Link, you don't have to stay here with me. If you want to go out and dance, go ahead. I don't want to be in your way." I said than finally taking a sip of the punch.
"No, it's alright. I'm not much for dancing…"
My eyes locked on a snobbish, but familiar face as she walked towards Link.
"Link?" Jane said as she stood in front of us, "Would you like to dance?"
Link stuttered for a moment, but I nudged him with my elbow, "Go ahead, Link. I'll be fine."
He gave me a knowing glance than set his drink on the table as he finally walked off with Jane. "Well, so much for having fun…"
I quickly glanced around my surroundings than made my way to the nearest balcony. The night air seemed refreshing as I stepped onto the balcony. The stars were as bright as ever, including the full moon hovering just above the horizon. I sighed as I leaned against the railing and took another sip of punch. The distant sound of music could be heard from town, and I couldn't help but crane my neck to my left to look out over the festival being held. I would so much rather be there than here, but it didn't seem I had a choice. I sighed again as I stared at the twirling red liquid in the glass.
"I knew something was the matter." I heard a voice say from behind me. I jumped and turned around only to be greeted with a familiar face.
I smirked, "Nothing's the matter, and what are you doing here? I thought you were dancing with Jane?"
"I was," Link walked next to me and leaned against the railing, "but some other boy asked to cut in."
I snickered and Link raised an eyebrow.
"What is so funny?" he asked.
"Oh, nothing…" I said with a grin as I took another sip of my drink, "How is everything in there?"
"Not too much. Kado is dancing with Kristen, now. Zelda is at the banquet table, and Malon is still dancing with Judd."
"Well, that's the update." I smiled.
"Anyway, do you know how to dance?" Link asked as he kept his gaze up at the stars.
"Me? Dance? Yeah, right…Well, it depends on what kind of dance you mean. Why?"
"Well, ever since I've been out on the dance floor I've been hearing a few things."
"Like what?"
"Well, certain boys have been asking me who the girl is that I came down with."
"Really? Is one of them Kado?" I said with sarcasm.
"No, he already knows who you are."
"Don't leave me…" I said now completely paranoid as I took a step closer to Link.
"What?"
"I'm not good when it comes to dancing with boys. I mean-I don't know how to waltz." I rolled my eyes at the word and took another sip of my punch.
"I could teach you." The sound of those simple words made me grow nervous.
"I dunno… What other kind of dancing do you have here?"
"We have slow dancing…"
"I know how to do that, but no one said I wanted to…" I grinned and continued, "What else?"
"There are some traditional dances, but rarely performed any more."
"Oh…"
"So, would you…like to dance?"
I stared blankly ahead of me. Oh, joy. I can't just say no… "I guess so, sure, but I already told you…"
I trailed off as Link gestured with his head to inside the ballroom. I listened in on the music, and in an instant, it changed from a waltz to a slow song. I stared in disbelief, my gaze slowly turned to Link. He smiled and raised an eyebrow. I shook my head than pushed myself off the railing of the balcony. With one last sip of my remaining punch, I placed it on the railing and began walking. I felt an arm slide in between mine and my side. Turning to see what happened, I realized Link had locked arms with me. My gaze trailed to Link and he only smiled. I grinned in return, but looked the other way as I felt a blush coming on.
Soon enough, we were on the dance floor with my arms around Link's neck, and his hands resting on my waist. I took a deep breath, wondering when the song would be over. I could feel words caught in my throat; I was so nervous, I couldn't even realize Link was gazing at me with a worried expression.
Finally realizing Link's penetrated gaze, I turned to him and looked at him a bit confused.
"What's the matter?" I asked nervously.
"I was going to ask you the same thing. First, you seemed so angry for going to this thing, than it looked like you were going to have a nervous breakdown. And, now you look like you've seen a ghost."
"Well, thank you for telling me that." I said sarcastically as I looked the other way, "I already told you I'm not good with things like this…"
Link sighed as he stopped dancing, "If you don't want to do this, you don't have to. I don't want to force you to do anything."
I stared at him confusedly as he raised my arms from where they rested on his neck.
"Link… It's not that, it's just…I'm not used to this sort of thing."
"Well, than the best thing to do is try and get used to it, but if you don't want to…" his gaze practically bore into my soul as I looked the other way.
I could feel the looks of others as they danced by. Oh, how jealous they must be that Link is dancing with me…Well, that is not the point. I raised my arms and rested them around Link's neck again, and I smiled, "Well, I am trying to get used to it, but you keep thinking the opposite. So, stop worrying…"
I grinned as Link stared at me bemused, but it soon disappeared as we finally continued dancing.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Well, how did everyone like this chapter? It was about 9 ½ pages long. Sheesh, well, it seemed longer than that. Anyway, there will be two parts. Part one was supposed to be more of Link, and then the second part will be more of Kado. BTW, this story will have action in it. It's just that I haven't gotten to it, yet, because these were all about castle life and everything else. Besides, she's only been in Hyrule for a week. Anyway, I have a question because I completely forgot the answer. Did I ever say Kado had pointed elf ears or round ears or did I just never mention it?
Anyways, thank you for all the great reviews! Yay! I feel special! Ahem…anyhoo…
Aloha peoples! I was meant to post this chapter last week, but I went on vacation and completely forgot, obviously. Well, I'm back and I'm updating. Hope everyone liked this chapter, and for all those people who like more action it will be soon. I'll hopefully start the main plot of it soon. So, I guess my story just might be more than twenty chapters. Ah, well. As long as I don't drone on the same thing cuz I have the whole story mapped out accept the ending. Yes, there is romance betweeen the action/adeventure, and u guyz are probably going to hate me for this...Don't flame, but I'm going to...ah, who am I kidding, just please review! I just came back today and I am very tired. I am sunburnt, and aching, and I need sleep cuz I only got an hour or two on the plane. Meh, anywho, please review cuz I am just going to keep babbling if you stay... Mahalo!
soullesseyes: mahalo for your input!
SageOfTheMinish: Mahalo!
zeldafreak123: Mahalo! Yeah, pillowfight was last minute! Yay!
magusanibus: Mahalo!
AnimeDemonNayorin: Mahalo for your input!
yukidarkfan: Mahalo!
kai fan#1: Mahalo!
Mah--Okay, okay, I'm still stuck on that island. Thank you everyone for your great input! I really appreciate it! It all helped me out and I've already decided what to do! See ya!
kitana5055