Author's Note This should be the last fight scene for a while the plot will become less action focused. No need to worry it will pick up again! (Picture me smiling at you reassuringly it will be tricky since we have never met.)
Disclaimer Whoops! almost forgot just pretend reader, that I did not write that. I can assure you that I do not own the legend of Zelda and all its characters and other properties belong to Nintendo who may forget to make new games based on certain properties they own, but never forget to protect their copyright. This is an unlicensed work of fiction meant to be enjoyed by those who have played the inspirational game/s from which it is derived.
Gigantic Optimism Chapter XIII In Pursuit of his Victory.
Craddison and Neezu are observing the last of the preparations taking place between the master and student. Sidon is swinging a large, blunt wooden, sword modeled after the weight and balance of a zora broadsword. The imitation blade whooshing through the air like a seagull over placid water. Speaking of placid water the zora are all standing on the Gentle Breeze per Sidon's request, he had borrowed the vessel due to its private and confined nature. One visit to a Dorado training session had convinced the prince that a small space had to be used or the match would bear a close resemblance to children chasing each other rather, than a battle. Aliquis had been delighted to lend his boat to the party on the condition that it stay anchored at port.
By contrast Dorado is checking his equipment the net heavier than usual as small weights courtesy of Mendo's market have been fastened to it, both of his parents had come to drop off the supplies and watch their son attempt to surpass his mentor. Shalsis was watching the stall the shop being a family operation they had turned to their newest family friend. Avoiding eye contact with each other the family is crouching together radiating a warmth of care and support, the type of warmth experienced by those who receive sagacious and considerate advice from a friend. Basking in that feeling Dorado rises to his feet head jutting forward brow set, he is determination personified.
Neezu is judging he will call the fight only when one fighter can no longer continue or upon someone yielding. Much like Mendo and Kora, Craddison is there out of necessity the wooden weapons provided for the fight were the handiwork of the industrious logger zora . Though he would not admit it aloud even he thought the trident Craddison had made for this momentous bout was fine work. Missing his friend at Zora's Domain the brown zora hopes to join her there and reconnect he has a big red brick wall to break through first and its name is Sidon. While he had been contemplating his goals, Dorado's parents had joined Neezu and his companion at the makeshift observation deck otherwise called the helm. "Teach, I am ready." "Are you Dorado? I thought we were going to find that out after the fight." Signaling Neezu Sidon assumes his defensive stance.
Simultaneously the two warriors go through the pre-fight protocol of what can charitably be called the Sidon Weapons School. Both men are scanning the combat zone taking notice of the mast, the slick deck floor, the raised hull at Sidon's back and the side railing hemming them in. Jumping off the hull Sidon crosses the distance between the mast and the wall in one athletic leap. The fight begins in earnest.
Dorado blocks vigorously the impact jarring his whole body disengaging adroitly the zora moves behind the mast ready to stab around the obstruction at his mentor, the long reach of his weapon enabling this strategy. Glancing off the red one's shoulder the next several blows do little to harm the current Champion. Stabbing his sword through the net Sidon tugs to the left the force yanking the smaller zora out from his hideaway. Twirling the net around the sword Dorado attempts to disarm his foe he merely liberates his weapon. With a flurry of slashes Sidon forces Dorado to the railing, turning aside the younger fighter works his way up the deck parallel to the railing. Thunk! The sound of wood on wood is the trident striking the railing expecting this Sidon strikes the weapon from Dorado's hand while smiting the side of the brown zora. Flinging the net upon the swordsman , Dorado retrieves his weapon while Sidon escapes the net it falling at his feet. Stepping back Dorado chucks the trident at his instructor discerning his teacher's plan of action from their lessons. Sweeping the weapon out of the air Sidon lowers his head gasping disappointed knowing he has won. A second later he sees that he had stepped onto the net in order to block the trident. Dorado seizes the net pulling up on it tripping Sidon, then the net covers the gigantic zora. With a colossal heave Sidon is flung under the railing where he lodges unable to free himself due to the net trapping his extremities. "Sidon is unable to continue, Dorado is the victor!"
It is a mad rush they all storm Dorado anxious to wish him well. Everyone is hugging the new champion congratulating his cleverness. "Way to improvise son!" exults Mendo. "It was planned, otherwise, he would have been too slow." Scoffs Kora vehemently disagreeing with her spouse. After the congratulations were exhausted another voice broaches the silence "You are all forgetting something get this net off me please." Finally taking in the prince's predicament they burst out laughing shock and relief making the supporters giddy. Cutting the strands of the net with his teeth Dorado frees the flustered zora after disentangling the net from the side of the ship. " I insist we celebrate, with a dinner at my house! you can all come of course, make sure to send my daughter over Mendo I will need help getting things ready." Agreeing to Neezu's proposal a time was agreed upon by all present.
Boon and Captain Aliquis have most of the food ready when Neezu returns to his abode, the two fishermen had been delighted to help confident their crewmate would make good. Boon had taken charge his rock cooking skill translating surprisingly well to organic dishes. Because the dishes were mainly fish to support the diet of their ichthyic guests Aliquis was some help to the Goron Gourmet. "Remember to take that dish off the fire, and clean that pot we need it for the rice balls! Orders the Goron with a smile Boon is intentionally enjoying the authority who knew when the captain would next take his orders. The three men finished preparing the victuals shortly after Shalsis' arrival. The young female zora took charge of dressing the table by gathering enough cushions for the guests to be comfortably seated. Additionally, she lit the wall lanterns and brought the food to the table arranging it in a appetizing configuration. The dinner was ready. Twenty minuets later the guests were within the doors, little room was left in the hall giving the distinct impression of a wallet stuffed to bursting. Therefore the guests took to the table in the dining hall, Shalsis' smart use of the space proves accommodating to every guest. Unable to withstand the heavenly aroma issuing from the table the group unanimously partakes of the scrumptious meal.
No formal seating arrangement was followed unless placing the largest guests in suitable chairs has passed from the realms of common sense to the land of formal banquets. Accordingly, Sidon and Boon are at opposite ends of the table to give the smaller diners more room. By a quirk of fate the three parents had wound up next to Sidon and were chatting among themselves brewing up a storm about village gossip. Craddison and Shalsis were next to the gossiping trio engaged in their first conversation with the other. The last grouping can be described in four words the Gentle Breeze Crew.
Dorado is surprised the rough and ready fishing crew had managed to prepare the best meal he had eaten in months. "I guess it is no more surprising that I will be the next champion. Still this was a lot of effort, it is very kind of them." Full of gratitude after this realization Dorado interrupts the the two sworn brothers. "Thank you both for the great dinner, I am going to miss our trips." "We will too kiddo won't we Boon." Nodding aggressively the goron finishes his rock roast, rather than give an appropriate reply. "I have been meaning to ask you Doroado do you think Craddison can do the job he seems to have mellowed recently and we will need a new zora hand." "He was one of the slower swimmers from what I remember but he will do a good job, he is a hard worker." Without realizing it Dorado is on his way to forgiving his rival some people change and Cradd is now one of those people who can change for the better. "You all have done a lot today why don't I tell him the news?" Sure of an affirmative from Aliquis Dorado rises from the table to follow his own suggestion.
Ambling over to the other young zora Dorado overhears the tail end of their discussion. " I will be helping at Mendo's for now the pay is fine but, I do not really enjoy it." Easily admitting this she waits for Craddison to discuss his plans. Obliging her the bigger zora puts down his food. My contract is almost up I wanted to go to the domain but, Torrison told me about it and I think I would like to stay. If I have to resign myself to a second contract with that bloodsucking construction company I will leave." There was a small clatter a irritated movement of the zoras arm had rattled a plate. "You will not have to Cradd Aliquis needs a new zora he wants you congratulations." Suddenly sheepish Cradd attempts to replace his plate. "I will anything is better than logging for Tarry Town. I should congratulate you though I never thought you would beat him." Accepting this explanation, the three Tarrey Town zora begin to exchange personal stories and the night grows late.
Throughout the entire meal Sidon had been cheerily making small talk and joking but he had not smiled, once. If any of the guests had taken a look at his plate they would have noticed his food had been bitten into merely twice. Three times he had forgotten where he was only to be jostled back by a kind word. His lack of interest is best explained by a trifling incident upon entering the site of the party. The mail man had run by Sidon had been wondering about his letter's reception by Karlovaa ever since.
Author's Note 2 I try to avoid food descriptions where possible a certain British author has made me hungry one too many times for that, I want to spare you that fate. It may seem odd for all I know maybe you eat while reading this if so, I am envious but, better safe than hungry. So vague illusions to how it smells and people enjoying what they ate is all I will do for you. Next week Karlovaa informs the racing community of her decision to drop out of the race, amother Gerudo finds one of Sidon's letters