Disclaimer If you are looking for official Zelda material, keep looking this is one fan's story of some very non-canon events made for other fans of the game series to enjoy. All respective rights belong to Nintendo.
Author's note This Section was initially a lot shorter I reintroduced a character for set up for Reypha's scene this chapter which led to a comedy scene using the reintroduced character, that was not initially planned.
Chapter XXVIII Wedding Tides
In the Domain a everyone is hurrying from the townsfolk to the palace habitants and staff, no one can rest. This has been the new norm for the last two days, the final two days of unmarried life for Hyrule's newest monarch who is ironically the oldest monarch as well. No group has found this new normal more strenuously taxing then the royal guards whose duties were increased by the sheer number of dignitaries arriving. Royal guests are nothing new the coronation had almost as many, the compounding factor though is that Baz's status as Sidon's best man.
Reypha finds herself taking orders from officers she is unaccustomed to working with, who in their naivete have placed the junior member at the entrance to the city the most heavily trafficked area in the Kingdom. Every officer with any experience is protecting either King Sidon, Karlovaa, or Dorephan leaving most of the rookies to be attachés to the visiting leader's protective details. A cushy job that functionally is just a guide, as Reypha has consistently remarked all the day long. Dorado would understand his friend's frustration more if she had not politely roped him into being her go between saddling him with the task of fetching the attachés the minute guests arrive while her team of three unceasingly checks in guests. The poor champion is running himself ragged, especially since he had escorted Karlovaa up the coast the night before after the guard had insisted Sidon stay in the Domain till the wedding was over. Through his bleary eyes, the brown warrior detects slight movement turning he sees an elderly Sheikah accompanied by two guards jogging to keep pace he cuts them off.
"Ahh Master Dorado nice to make your acquaintance, we do not need a guide we were all here for the coronation. I think your friend wants your attention. "She says pointing behind him in Reypha's general direction shading his eyes with his hands Dorado turns he does not observe the Sheikah leaving as he does so. Undetermined about whether to chase the Sheikah or heed Reypha's summons he chooses returns to her. "Great timing, I need you to get the Dragonrest group's guide, please. I think that is Vestus leading that Rito flight formation." Dorado confirms her suspicions after checking for the Champion's scarf. "He is too far ahead he will have to wait for the others. That should give me time to make the round trip. Oh uh, the sheikah's do not want a guide what should I tell the guard who was assigned to them.?" "Bring them straight here whoever it is now works for my team." With a half-smile from Reypha both return to their respective monumental tasks.
"What's the point of being able to fly if you inevitably have to land short of your goal to walk in." From above the tree line the Rito mayor determines the end of the que, well enough to begin his descent. "Better to wait for the others in line rather than let others get in front of us, I can let them one will question me about it." With a deep dive he makes for the landing unfurling his wings seconds before impact he untucks into a front flip coming to rest gently on the ground with only a buckling of his knobby legs to give evidence of the forces his body just endured. The fancy maneuver saved him the time needed to slow his descent by stalling in the air, but it was too risky for everyday use by other Rito ,all of the early imitators had shredded feathers off their wings or impacted into the ground attempting it. Well except for Tulin who could perform the technique but, found the move problematic. "Who cares if the target spot is invisible during the time it takes to do a front flip? Nothing is that fast it hardly matters." Never far from his thoughts Tulin's objection had manifested in the violet Rito's head. "Hello Vestus how have you been sorry about skipping out on our last date." Behind him stood Lorue in an all-platinum ensemble. "Maybe Tulin was right?" Mutters the Rito Champion annoyed enough to admit it.
"Glad I caught you though I do so badly want to apologize for what I said last time we met. I can get a little too caught up when I discuss legacy it can be hard to remember that your opinions are the only ones you are forced to hear." She chuckled no giggled was the only word for that melodious sound like metal swaying in the wind. She was more palatable now there was nothing amiss she seems clearly apologetic. "Were you waiting for me just to apologize?" "Yes I was" no denial just the truth. "We can separate once we are through the entrance but, I was hoping to attend with you as part of my apology. Oh! but you must already have a date I do not want to intrude." "No I would like to accept your apology and you are welcome to stay, It was silly of me to react how I did I was under a lot of pressure, we can give this a second chance." She is Karlovaa's friend after all that night must have been an off day for her. The other Rito land following this internal monologue from Vestus. "Here are the others shame, they missed your famous Vestus vault dear." She gives him a quick peck on his feathery cheek.
No less than seven zora are waiting to greet them at the entrance, Dorado, the two guides he had practically dragged along, Reypha, and her three assistants. Hugging briefly the two champions greet each other while Reypha inspects the party seeing the appropriate number of Rito she wonders why there was a gerudo? with them. Interrupting the usual champion repertoire of pleasantries, with a cough she raises the issue. "Saavaq who might you be there was no one listed as a guest. "I am Vestus' plus one he must have forgot to, mention it." "Right I thought she was coming in with the other Gerudo but the actual plan was to meet her in line entirely my fault." In his desire to avoid hurting his companion a second time he covered for her Karlovaa had introduced the racer to him she had to be invited. "How come you have not mentioned her before?" Queries Dorado innocently. "It is only our second event as a couple he just did not want to get ahead of himself." Answers the unfamiliar visitor. "While gusts were supposed to register as couples if she was with the Gerudo group I understand the mistake you can go ahead." Reypha forgets to ask for the Gerudo's name dismissing her instead. Other thoughts occupy her mind when the beautiful slim Gerudo passes her. "Do all men want to court Gerudo girls or is it a champion thing? Maybe I should ask him? Back to work I need to get back to work."
Sidon was in his coronation, outfit there were no added fancy features to the ensemble just the set of onyx stones. Baz is helping to adjust the small pieces looking quite dashing in a formal Zora armor made for when officers attend ceremonial occasions. The only other groomsman was King Dorephan due to a cancellation from one of the three original brides maids. "How are you feeling your majesty you have been awfully quiet. You better tell me otherwise I will have to assume I have provoked the infamous silent treatment from you." "No Baz if you have done something scorn worthy, I am unaware of it. My trouble is about the vow a lifelong commitment except that is not what it will be for me she will die, and I will have at least a century after that to be alone." "Did you ever stop being friends with Link even when he outgrew you? You never know depending on how long the room of resurrection needed to patch him up we all could have died in the meantime. You have been in combat Sidon you know how precious life is cherish it. Now it was my job to get you ready are you ready to marry the love of your life?"I am Baz I really am." "Good wait till you see what they did with the statue!
Karlovaa is in a simple white shift her two bridesmaids Vacta and Shalsis are clustered around a small vanity upon which is her wedding outfit. "It is very pretty but I am unsure about the color, is it too much blue?" Shalsis says holding out a dark blue pair of pants with a navy top and a sky blue veil. "No they are all different shades she will look great, besides our little bride to be is so radiant today she could wear a bear skin and everyone would call her a fairy princess. It was true Karlovaa had never felt better now that her and Sidon were in a good place she felt free. "The way you talk Vacta, it's a good thing I am wearing a veil otherwise I may blind someone. You two look fantastic white was the right choice." Her newest friend and her oldest friend were stunning in their pure white ensembles. Vacta in the traditional Gerudo outfit, while Shalsis was in a simple floor length dress. Trying to get a comfortable outfit had been tough for the zora but she had managed it. "Thank you for your help you two have been great help me get it on it is almost time." "Time to wow a crowd." Remarks Shalsis as she passes the pants to Vacta, "The crowd!? My dear it is time to wow the groom!"
Zelda was glad to be out Prince Maurice had begun to crawl and despite how big the castle was he seemed to cover it in mere moments. She loved the little one of course she had missed so many events she had finally admitted her son was old enough to be watched by someone else. Her husband and the two uncles would get along fine or at least that is what she keeps telling herself. As usual the queen was at the front of the crowd, she was a little too far away to touch the groom but it he was certainly in short bow range as morbid as that thought is.
Sidon is even more charming than usual unfortunately he was beside King Dorephan whose size is perpetually distracting most eyes were on him. The royal pair were arranged out in front of Mipha's statue the memorial was wearing a floral wreath contributing to the festivities as well. The last person near the statue is the officiant queen Riju. The bridesmaids begin to descend from both staircases that lie behind the statue. Coming from either side the visions in white stand across from Baz the crowd stands, turns in time to see a blue form stride confidently towards them with a regal bearing, the gait of someone who knew everyone in the room supported them.
Riju begins the ceremony with her booming voice which crashes into the standing room only crowd "Thank you for coming to this day of devotion where an unlikely couple has come to pledge their love for one another a love that will last for as long as they live. May their union be blessed with happiness and cooperation as they seek to help each other navigate life. King Sidon do you promise to love Karlovaa and only her for as long as you both live? "I do" said Sidon his voice cracking. Karlovaa do you promise to love King Sidon and only him for as long as you both live? "I do" the avowal was somewhat muffled by the veil but it was still intelligible. Though Circumstances may keep you apart for a time do you promise to faithfully return to each other" here the officiant was met with a joint reply of "I do" May your love be as constant as the sun and moon rising everyday without fail. Seal this promises with a kiss. Lowering the veil Sidon does so there appears to be no time limit on a Gerudo wedding kiss it seemed to go on for a while. "Though it may be just the awkwardness of watching another couple kiss. That makes it seem long." Reflects queen Zelda wistfully. "You are now married joined together by love." Cheers follow this pronouncement Riju waves the tumult aside and gives her place up for King Dorephan, who is now holding a circlet in his hands "As the oldest member of the Zora Royal family I welcome Karlovaa Queeen of the zora." Zelda surveys the zora reaction to this proclamation, the denizens of the Domain respond with applause there is enough good will for the King to satisfy the people's doubts.
Outside the semi-aquatic town Riju has had her subjects working on the reception it was her gift to the happy couple, and had been cleared with Dorephan, directly after she agreed to officiate the ceremony. The simple expediency of bringing one of their large tents used for group travel through the desert, provides an easy yet spacious venue for the event. Seating is arranged in the Gerudo style with cushions all caried in one large additional wagon. Seated on one large cushion at a table in the center of the tent are the newlyweds, accompanied by the rest of the wedding party on smaller cushions this is the only assigned seating. A fact that makes the hitherto easy job of the various attaché's somewhat difficult as they have to explain this to the guests.
The food is beginning to arrive now delectable sea food aplenty, amidst compliments for the fine feast Baz is whispering to Sidon. "I triple checked with the Pleasing Platter there is no Voltfin trout." With stomach growling Sidon pumps his fist celebratorily to his friend and they partake of the wedding feast. After the first course Karlovaa leans over to Sidon to make a point, "You were right my prince there is a lot more mingling going on without assigned seats. Why was that so important to you? "If the assigned seating at the funeral banquet had worked as planned we never would have met I wanted to give others the same opportunity to experience such happiness." He really was sweet thinking of everyone but himself even during their wedding. "Sidon we should make the rounds and thank our guests for coming some have traveled quite far." Taking hold of his hand Karlovaa tugs her husband into accompanying her.
Sidon's size clears the way for the lovers they spot a couple of old Sheikah talking with Dorado, Karlovaa recognizes Purah but not the other, snatches of the conversation are overheard by Karlovaa and Sidon. "Sorry kid, but I have made no progress the sheikah slate suffered a lot of damage on Link's adventures the teleport function is beyond fixable. Speaking of Link's adventures have you heard about the time he took down a guardian with a pot lid?" Sensing another long war story Dorado is relived when the other Skeikah interrupts Purah. "King Sidon and Queen Karlovaa, my congratulations on such a lovely wedding, thank you for making the rounds some of the youngsters forget that common courtesy." "You are welcome you must be Purah's sister Impa, she mentions you now and again." Karlovaa feels a gentle squeeze from Sidon which triggers the realization she had misspoke somehow. "Purah explain while I get your payment." Paya removes a rupee wallet and begins to dig through it. "Aww yeah pay up! No, the lovely Paya is my grandniece it is a common mistake she always has looked like dear Impa." "It is so common we have a running wager twenty rupees to the victor. I will say that Purah has told me about you as well it will be hard to replace you at the sandseal project." Purah jumps in at this juncture glad the couple had stopped by. "Karlovaa dear could you point out any racers that are here tonight would be a good night to recruit a possible replacement, While Batma can handle it I need at least one other experienced hand." "Sidon point out Vacta while I look around for the others." "Certainly vishka." Karlovaa finds two young racers immediately and notes their locations she almost misses Lorrue not expecting a gerudo among a cluster of Rito then Vestus peaks out from behind a goron clarifying her appearance. "There are two other racers over by one of the poles there, but the fastest way would be to talk to Riju one of her old stable girls would be a better fit than most racers." "Sidon we have not said hello to the other champions, I think I saw Vestus. "I helped him in to the city he should be here somewhere, though he was the only champion I have seen so far" "Thanks Dorado enjoy the party nice to see you again Mistress Paya." Bowing graciously Karlovaa narrowly avoids calling her Impa before leaving.
"Sidon I explicitly told you not to invite her after the Dragon's rest incident." I did not if she was with Vestus she is likely just his date, we did introduce them it makes sense." The two weave through the crowd in perfect sync appearing before their target. "Vestus thank you for making it seems you were the only Champion that could." "Oh it was a short trip, the others do not have that luxury, truthfully I needed a break Dragon's rest has been draining I am ragged recently since we have officially opened the tourism has really picked up. Also it was great to meet up with this ravishing beauty. Karlovaa prepares to have her hand kissed but instead the Rito pulls Lorrue over by wrapping a wing around her waist." Giggling at the sudden movement Lorrue responds to the introduction. "You rouge yes we have you two to thank for introducing us and I am so glad I got to attend such a historic occasion. Are you aware Sidon that I told Karlovaa she should make her move and now look at what happened? "If that is true, I want to express m gratitude Lorrue I am also glad you made it." Karlovaa decides to let Sidon handle the conversation she zones out and just enjoys seeing him make conversation. Eventually Karlovaa comes to attention when a question is asked. "Where are you two going for the honeymoon I am always on the lookout for romantic locales." While she is talking to Karlovaa she gives Vestus such a sweet look at the word 'romantic' he excuses himself for a drink. "I am going to show him around the desert it should be remote and beautiful. "Well you have to show him the Great Fairy fountain I will have Vestus get the map out of my travel bag when he returns, I hope you have a lovely night and a safe trip out there." Sidon and Karlovaa make rounds for another hour before retiring to the wedding party area to relax briefly.
"I really am fortunate sure she messes up occasionally, but she always helps knows how to recover that bow had been a smart way to respectfully leave. She was right we did need to take some respite, Sidon knew that without her he would run deplete his energy just as he had on his coronation." Ceasing his contemplations he addresses his friends and family who were in his wedding. "Thanks again everyone it was lovely we are very pleased with how everything went." "Sidon has expressed my thoughts exactly you all did a fantastic job setting this up. But we do need to be heading out." "Yes take some time for yourselves you two Riju and I will see to the guests."
There was one other tent set up along the road to Gerudo desert set off the beaten path Riju had set up a mobile honeymoon suite for the couple supposedly this was Bacta's contribution to the wedding gifts though Karlovaa is positive it was the queen. Sidon had requested it be set up next to a deep stream he knew of. Neither of the couple had slept during their short trip they were both excited dismounting from the same horse that had carried Sidon through their mountain trip.
"Here I can water the horse vishka you see to the inside of the tent and get changed I will be in shortly." The horse drinks from the stream its pure water irresistible to both, parties. Sidon ties the hoses lead off to a stump then not seeing Karlovaa he lowers himself into the calm rivulet of water. "Ahh I have not soaked at all today." The cold water hits his scales cleaning off the dirt and grime even from between the small gaps in the scales his eyes close. Pssh!, he hears the unmistakable sound of a large splash of water and is covered by a light spray. A vivid shade of red signifies his wife's presence, even the uneven stroke she had, right foot slight pause left foot told him who it was. Karlovaa her hair drenched is treading water gazing intently at Sidon. Her torc glints silver in the moonlight she had removed it for the wedding he remembered. " I did not desire to stay this long I forgot myself we can go up to the tent." She motions him to stop, "Hold me, please just hold me." She treads water till Sidon approaches she slides her lithe bare arms around her husband. He crushes her to him in a swift motion, all of her skin against his scales, his wife had not worried about a swimsuit this time. They float there for a long time becoming accustomed to each other free from cares or worries. When they move to the bank to dry off Sidon carries her out of the water, they kiss on the bank before moving to the tent. Once inside the shelter they officially begin their honeymoon the first of several unforgettable nights together on this trip.
Author's Note two I made sure to keep the love scene tame this is rated teen after all so this is the sensuality limit. The scene was more about us seeing how comfortable with each other they are now or at least that was the intention. Next week we follow our newlyweds on their journey to Gerudo desert and there is a minor setback