Author's note This is when I first started posting chapters my first serious case of writer's block happened here.
Disclaimer Unlike the company Maricar I do not think I can win a lawsuit with Nintendo, so I remind you that characters, objects, scenarios, races, and world belong to Nintendo the owners of the Legend of Zelda IP. This is an unlicensed work and is meant for those who played the marvelous games that inspired it.
Gigantic Optimism Chapter XII Inspiration
The morning of Karlovaa's departure from Tarrey Town. Batma is enjoying her coffee, "Hmm few joys match a premium Gerudo blend in the morning." Pausing for another sip she smacks her lips slowly coming alert, awake, alive she continues her one sided chat with herself. "I need to have Karlovaa send me some more soon. Shaking out her stiff limbs the retiree heads for her window. Through the portal she observes the town there is very little movement the streets are empty except for falling leaves. "Thud thuud thudd! Hastily, she grabs the door opening it with a gentle pull. Lowering his hand a giant red zora is standing on her stoop. "my apologies madame I had planned to meet Karlovaa at town hall but, need to leave earlier than planned is she here? The zora is clasping his hands in a mixture of emotions flitting on his face excitement, pleading, and one Batma fails to recognize. "Yes come in I will get her. Karlovaa a voe is here to see you! Judging by a clatter from the other room the Batma sergeant shout had roused the racer. Setting her cup down, "She mentioned you yesterday surprising to see you again since you two met by chance at the funeral. You really take on a whole squad of Royal guards yourself? " An abrupt nod of Sidon's head is his only reply. Oh you want some coffee Mr…?" "I am Prince Sidon." Stammers the voe. Batma introduces herself in turn unfazed by his royal status.
Still in her night clothes her hair somewhat straight due to a rushed brushing Karlovaa enters unperturbed by the surprise company she retrieves the kettle, collects two cups and pours a cup of coffee for herself from the percolator. Before the second cup is poured Sidon stops her "I cannot have coffee my friend it makes me jittery." Interjects the visitor. Truthfully, coffee had never passed Sidon's lips, Because Link had discovered the stimulating drink as a Hylian knight before his memory loss he, then warned Mipha during one of his rare visits to the domain never to let the hyperactive zora have any. A quick word to the royal tutor Meezu from the princess was enough to ensure Sidon never got near the brew. "Too bad its good but, you seem pretty chipper this morning I doubt you need it. I can be ready shortly after I finish mine. Then off to town hall, yes?" "That is acceptable I will stay until you finish it when you need to begin your preparations. Tell me and I will wait outside." Ever the gentleman Sidon allows her to enjoy the coffee and wake up without harrying her. After a few minutes of an easy and enjoyable silence Karlovaa washes out her cup, taking his cue Sidon waits outside while she changes. Karlovaa joins her escort thankful for a quiet morning with Sidon.
It was a brisk pace that brings the pair to the town hall the building hewn from a light pink stone is not imposing at all. It feels quaint and cozy an odd look for a governmental building. This is because, the town hall is really just an office for the mayor the real power in the city is the much more official Orson construction Harbor building next door. The buildings stand there like a stern uncle and a fun aunt. The pair enter the town hall it is deserted the name changing office closes on this particular day the overworked clerks needed at least two days off a week. Unaware of the town schedule the only occupants are elated there is no line. Briefly the good mood soon passes.
"Stupid Grante! He was supposed to give me a request for the books he wanted they probably will not let us see them now. It was too early or I would have told you back at Batma's . Sorry Sidon I know you are in a hurry." He does not reply right away reflecting on how different she is from him. "I rise above my troubles or spin them into positives she goes into the muck and deals with it but, without involving others, by the time she was apologizing she is back to her even keel. As long as it works." Coming out of himself and back to Hyrule Sidon grabs her hand, delivering her to front desk. She squeezes back firmly . Once at the desk Sidon enacts a simple plan.
"Hello I am prince Sidon I need to take some books from Grante's collection to train Dorado. I assume the mayor's order for the town to assist in the Zora champion's training in any way I require is still good. My dear, friend here is retrieving books for Grante himself she will also need access." "Not a problem master Sidon you and Grante's assistant are welcome to the collection. I will just have to mark down any books you remove from the premises Can I help you two find anything?" The previous torrent of speech comes from the desk attendant a tall bald, congenial gentleman with a stylish goatee. "Yes we are in a hurry, I have business with my father later and need to return to my kingdom." "Hmm well I will fetch Neezu he is the expert on the collection. I will be back as soon as possible." The desk worker runs off.
"Prince Sidon huh" Sidon paled he had forgotten he had let her think he was a guardsman. Bracing for one of her tirades he winces. "So you are the prince that Link knew as a kid no wonder you were discreet at the funeral. Was the volt fin trout story true? "Yes it is true." Hesitantly he admits it still waiting for her to become angry. "Never lie to me again the only reason you get a pass is you were under a lot of stress and grieving. I did a lot of things I am not proud of when my mom died, I understand." …. "Thank you I had no idea you had lost someone too. Though I never thought I would see it." Says a bemused Sidon. "See what?" she petitions an eyebrow raised "Someone being a bigger person than me."
The clerk is back with the elderly skyblue Zora who is bustling past the desk's occupants calling over his shoulder "I thought you were in a hurry young man." Following the Zora and the clerk down two flights of stairs Karlovaa and Sidon hustle to keep up with the efficient pace set by Neezu. Arriving in the room simultaneously, the occupants notice it is laid out just like Grante's shack was when it held these very books. Neezu takes charge, "I remember the book that will help young Dorado was on the Faron region, though the title escapes me which is a shame as several groups of warriors have dwelled in that now deserted territory. You help Grante's assistant find her books and the town hall staff can assist me in examining any dealing with the Faron region" Ignoring the incorrect address Karlovaa names the three books they need "Crafting Elemental weapons without Electrocuting, Freezing, or Burning Yourself. By Triturus Schematica. Becoming the Rockroast a Goron's guide to Fighting with Gusto by Link Daruniason, Weapons sacred to the Goddess Hylia by Gaepora." "Link Daruniason, is he a hero as well?" Responding to the very common question the clerk begins "No simply named after the hero who lived at the same time as your princess Ruto. A pity there are no works passing down that hero's fighting techniques he was uncommonly good with a sword even for one chosen by the goddess."
In earnest the seekers set about their tasks, Sidon and Karlovaa finish first benefiting from knowing the authors' names as the books are organized alphabetically by author. They join Neezu in his efforts. With the four combining into a super team they look through all the Faron specific books finding nothing worthwhile Neezu reevaluates their methods. "Wait it was in a reference to a religious ritual not a Faron book." Before any one else even begins to formulate a plan the clerk runs to a shelf near the back, flipping furiously through the pages and then exclaiming here it is!" "I am guessing, most of these books, are not about religion so the one that is stuck out to you." "very shrewd of you lady Karlovaa." Receiving the compliment graciously she lays the newest book in their collection on a nearby table.
Neezu opens the text consults the table of contents and flips towards the back halting at an illustration of a statue depicting a Zonai warrior, with a spear pointing it up and at an angle as if casting a fishing rod hanging at the figure's side clenched in the other hand is a fishing net. Bare chested, and bareheaded the warrior is imposing despite the lack of war dress. Above the illustration is the book's title "The Ancient Religious Rites of Hyrule." Beside the image is another illustration, dissimilar to the first image this warrior is covered in what appear to be irregularly cut shapes, attached to a cord harness capped off with a helmet that juts out over his face. "I thought the Zonai were forest dwelling hunters why all the fish imagery? Neezu begins to read aloud in answer to Sidon's pertinent query.
"Pictured above are two Zonai tribesman engaged in a combat ritual depicting what must be a retelling of a particular legendary battle. According to the marker on site this is the battle between the fisherman and Zonai the water dragon. Little is known about the story being enacted here, but instructions for each fighting style are given in what appears to be a chant that accompanied the rite." On the next page were the instructions for the dragon warrior who's weapons are two blades attached to a stone handle to be held within an enclosed fist the blades extending from underneath the arm. Then came intricate directions on detailing how to wield the spear and net to catch the dragon warrior. The meeting breaks up: Neezu rushing out to find Dorado, while Sidon sees Karlovaa to the post office where she will send Grante his books and Sidon will say farewell, before going his own way.
Shortly after his departure Neezu and Shalsis are looking at Aliquis' beat up fishing vessel directly as it unloads it's catch. The Gentle Breeze lays becalm, indifferent to the milling of its crew unloading their precious take of that morning. Cupping his hands Neezu attempts a feeble yell, Shalsis standing next to him can only make out the word "skipper" she echoes her father and much like an echo space amplifies a sound with its copy the young zora's attempt raises in volume. "SKIPPER!" Grinning ear to ear at this chance to show off his prodigious lung capacity from his days as a diver Aliquis out bellows the zora. "AHOY THERE, LAND LUBBERS I WILL BE DOWN FASTER THAN A GORON ROLLING DOWN HILLL!" before scampering down the gangplank; he becomes aware the formerly indistinct blobs are zora, and beckons Dorado over, assuming the guests are there to see the young one. Without missing a trick Neezu shakes his head clucking his tongue disapprovingly he shares his displeasure. "It takes a lot of gall to call two zora landlubbers." Making the ribbing a family affair, Shalsis joins in; "Just for, that remark we have to borrow Dorado for the rest of the day and a small fishing net" Apologizing profusely, Aliquis promptly returns to his ship to finish the arduous chore of unloading it, but not before dismissing his assistant for the day by thrusting a small fishing net into his hand.
If, not for the recently procured book the three amphibians would have swam across the lake to start training on the other side. Desiring to protect the borrowed tome the party leaves town to practice by Mendo's. Briefing Dorado on the way the trio speedily reach their intended destination. Dorado scurries around a group of Hylian tourists to a basket containing several walking sticks, soon to be repurposed as practice weapons. Informing his father of the impending loan of the staves and asking his mother where she had been today the proprietor's son exits the fine establishment.
Knowing from experience how sore a day of sparring undoubtedly makes an old warhorse Neezu had coerced Shalsis into acting as the future champion's opponent. While it had taken some convincing Shalsis had to move her customary visit to the goddess statue in accommodation to her father's wishes. She was just happy to return to serious weapons training after five years of unsupervised drills. Now Dorado, remember this is not a rematch, just watch that form." Feeling this reminder is unneeded Dorado shrugs it off. "Wait, Dorado hold it a quarter length from the bottom now begin." The action is repetitive Dorado moves in and is quickly disarmed again and again, his awkward grip and his efforts to avoid tangling his weapon in the net within his off hand results in clumsy movements. "Try a defensive stance, lead with the net!" This suggestion from Neezu is useless. " I can close the gap well but she blocks than punishes, if I dart out and in I may get her in the net it is longer than her staff." Dorodo puts these thoughts into action winning this round because the length of his weapon allows for a second strike while retreating, he harries Shalsis into submission. " One out of ten is not a great start, how long until he fights Sidon Dad." "A week, my love a week, so give me another ten, then you are dismissed!" After obeying these instructions so boisterously given in the trainer's best imitation of a roar the day is done.
In the morning Sidon is meeting with his father in the throne room, the king having seen the experiment pictures has now moved on to his main concern. "Son I am tired, of ruling I need rest when Dorado returns I want you to take over as king." Respectfully bowing, Sidon replies glad his eyes are hidden from his father. "I should start next week but Father can you give me one year where I slowly take over your duties one at a time performing them under your tutelage? I can finish Dorado's work with Ruta is not ready to pilot the divine beast it still does not respond to him." There is a slight pause while Dorephan rubs his massive chin pondering how to answer and ease his son's worry. "Meezu would be heartbroken that you are not prepared but, I want you to be ready. Very well wait there was something else" Smacking his fin-rest, gently out of frustration due to a spell of forgetfulness the king informs Sidon of the need for Ruta to rain on the reservoir, "That is all Prince Sidon you may go, make sure to escort that palace official to Divine Best Vah Ruta."
Taking leave of his father after an approximation of a hug, Sidon grabs a writing utensil and a small notebook, then heads out to fetch his companions circling the domain at Sidon speed. The searcher finds the lake manager at his inn without even asking for his location. Sidon is hurrying to Vah Ruta leaving the Hylian officials far behind him. After going back to carry them up the waterfall the crew is at Vah Ruta.
Sidon never could get used to the sound of rain on Vah Ruta the tinny noise bothers his sensitive ear holes. Another unfortunate side effect is that the guests supervising the rain fall have to yell in order to rise above the bellowing mechanical elephant and its artificial rain. "A few more minutes your highness and the water levels will be perfect! "What do you mean perfume?" yells the bamboozled, Sidon. After a few more ineffectual attempts to communicate the minister taps Sidon on the shoulder in time to avoid flooding the reservoir. Before he could turn around the bureaucrats had left eager to be back in Hyrule castle town. Gripping his little book Sidon heads for the top of Vah Ruta for some seclusion. His time with the Tarrey Town book collection had jogged his dormant desire to keep a diary, it was something the prince always delayed starting for one reason or another.
Mipha had come to pour out her secret feelings to the willing page, many times sitting for hours atop Ruta while attempting to convey her emotions. Sidon is up there for an hour trying to think of an emotion for self-reflection is not his strong suit. "What can I say about Karlovaa? She was so caring when I saw her and brave she never hesitated during that unnerving procedure." Here Sidon was interrupted by a loud call from Rutah it is the sound of approval. A picture of the post man comes to Sidon's head sent from the meddling beast. "Yes, I did promise to write I can send it with my reports, After Mipha banned everyone from reading her diary perhaps direct communication is best." Technically the Zora princesse's spirit had not banned Sidon, only Link but upon hearing this Sidon had sworn not to read the journal. Risking being literally haunted by his sister was not worth learning her secrets. The letter was drafted and posted with his weekly update to Bacta. It would be awaiting in Gerudo town "It's a good thing there are no bans on voe letters in the city." Laughing at the jest Sidon merrily returns to town. For once forgetting the gloomy memories he oft connects with Vah Ruta.
Karlovaa was glad to be home after her return trip had also taken seven days she did not mind the travel, she rather enjoyed seeing the diverse landscapes and biomes. From lush fields to canyon bridges, rain forests, the cliffs of Akala Hyrule is a geographically rich land. But horses are not sandseals and a cot is better with a roof overhead. After praying at her family altar Karlovaa stows her travel pack, before heading to Dorn's pen outback. The beloved animal is underground avoiding the heat; expertly Karlovaa spots a small lump of sand, pulling an apple from a pocket she flings the morsel in a gentle arc it lands next to the sandseal. Several seconds later the apple vanishes, it was slow for Dorn, a wrinkle flit onto Karlovaa's brow. She hears the swish of curtains leaning on the pen Karlovaa lingers on the rail expecting the intruder.
"Lovaa, I had to come and find you; this is your letter." Vacta burst into the enclosure brandishing a envelope these days the friendly sandseal jockey is doing well still triumphant from winning the last Cup of the Seven her career is immensely gratifying at present. While her companion is gushing about who could have sent it Karlovaa has drawn water from a jar filled that very morning from Gerudo city's mysterious water source breezily she places it beside her favorite sandseal. Her thoughts now unoccupied the correct answer to her friend's question dawns upon the unassuming vai "Sidon." "How about a deal instead of our usual payment you let me read the letter after you get through? I have had this for two days the curiosity is getting to me" "Fine but I can pay the usual if I change my mind" grumbles Karlovaa.
Slitting open the letter with Vacta's knife something the Gerudo never carries normally, a fact that did not escape the rightful owner of the letter. Karlovaa admires the handwriting before seeking to understand the epistle, the impressions are light and sharp yet each individual letter ends with a flourish. It fit him. Glancing through the contents Karlovaa seeing no declarations of love she proceeds to read aloud.
" Karlovaa I could not wait to send you a letter so this will be in Gerudo City before you it is the day I returned to the domain you will get another letter in a few days so this will be brief. I wish you luck with your next race I hope my suggestion will prove useful. Thanks for helping me with my research and for understanding and excusing my previous actions. If I can ever return your help send me a letter." It was signed your prince Sidon, but Vacta did not need to know that The recipient of the letter knew what the signature meant it was the zora's way of informalizing his title, but Vacta would not understand. One thing she admires about the zora prince is his genial nature he is always trying to make others comfortable.
Unable to suppress her reactions any longer Vacta cuts through her friend's introspection, "What was that about previous actions did this voe hurt you?" "No!" Karlovaa exclaims quietly her voice cracking, she tries again "No he is exaggerating what happened I am fine." Unsure of her friend's reply Vacta decides to keep abreast of the situation she would trust Karlovaa for now and step in if needed. Sensing some hostility Karlovaa gives the best excuse she could ever have "The queen is expecting my report on the experiment I will tell you about it tomorrow my friend." Dragging her foot in the sand Vacta apologizes "I will be training all day tomorrow the Champion's cup is soon and I want to take that crown from you." "About that, I uh will be skipping that event to train for the Rally." Vacta left wondering how her pal who had never missed a race could skip her best event.
Riju lowers the pictograph a small, singular, tremor moves through her hands the peculiar coincidence of seeing a male Gerudo soon after finishing the history proclaiming that the last male Gerudo had become a world ending threat. affecting her for a moment. Firmly setting the machine on the table she collects herself, "It is just Sidon it is not even real" murmurs the queen inaudibly. In her normal speaking voice the ancient Gerudo addresses her audience of one "Very good work Karlovaa this will be helpful for our historical records, I took the liberty of compensating you for two weeks travel and the risk involved." Opening a drawer, she withdraws a bag with seven-hundred rupees and places it in Karlovaa's hands. Left speechless, the racer barely hears her dismissal. Meanwhile in Tarry Town, Dorado is similarly shocked he is about to face Sidon his future at stake.
.Author's Note II Sidon has so much respect for Mipha I could not imagine him reading the diary against her wishes. It is a little unclear though if she is just forbidding Link or everyone so I went with an abundance of caution with Sidon. Next week Dorado has a combat match with Sidon testing the apprentice's new fighting method.
Sincerely 4Coyote.