Author's note Guess which song I listened to while writing this, oh yeah that is right maybe I should not have made the title a pun on the name if I was going to ask that.

Disclaimer Zelda and all its assorted characters and concepts are owned by Nintendo which is why they are celebrating Zelda's anniversary this year.

Gigantic Optimism Chapter XXIX Sidon on me Way

A steady clip clop drones on the road a heavy sound given how much weight is being carried by this huge stallion, Sidon, Karlovaa, and all the supplies for the tent. Two red forms sit in the saddle Karlovaa wore her old crimson cloak today, figuring the road would be dusty. Dust does float up but, high upon their steed the couple remain relatively spotless. Thus far they had enjoyed a lovely breakfast of fish from the stream, laughed over Sidon's clumsy attempts to put up the tent, and are now finishing a discussion about their mutual young friends. Karlovaa an experienced rider is leading the horse her head angled over her shoulder to talk with her spouse. "If Shalsis, keeps up with the exercises I gave her she could place in the top three in the rally the only experienced riders are Lorrue and Vacta. Depending on how she does she may not even want to continue with the lab." "Queen Zelda mentioned something to me that might impact that place as well vishka. Aliquis and Boon should return to Tarrey Town soon Aliquis is missing the water and unlike Alfonso an occasional fishing trip without a boat will not keep him satisfied." Muttering something thoughtfully, Karlovaa rejoins "Cradd will have to choose I have no idea what he will do he likes both jobs." Unsure where to take the conversation next Sidon slips his arms about her waist which is pleasant for a while. Then gentle snoring begins, before Karlovaa has decided whether to shift her husband and risk waking him or to let him lean heavily on her, the horse gives a long whinny "Nee-he-ha" "Ah is something the matter?" "No I think the horse is upset you have not named him." "Just because you raise sandseals does not make you a horse whisper…er" Sidon had glanced at the horse's head to make his point the look of pure indignation he received in return stopped him "She does it again surprising me with what she can do." " A little further and we can make camp,my prince would you get the map out and find a water source. I can think of names for our friend here while you navigate. We can set up the tent and eat the rest of our fish after all of that you can give me a massage." She finishes wryly, a mischievous look in her eye. Feeling motivated Sidon sets to work on finding a suitable remote location.

The ideal spot was a little further than Sidon had anticipated they arrive just before dark dismounting the pair and their horse are bathed with the orange light of sunset. "Karlovva you can set up the tent, expediency is required if we want to camp before dark." "You will get no argument from me darling. It looks like we will have to wait for our first fight as a married couple." Laughing Sidon goes to get firewood to cook the last of their fish, he has to leave the clearing which is full of shrubs with no tree coverage at all. Further in some dead trees are shortly knocked down with a few swings of a Zora broadsword brought for protection but so far only used as a makeshift woodcutter. "We should have spent more time going over supplies I have everything to start a fire except an axe. We can take inventory after dinner and ascertain if anything else is lacking." Stooping to tie the firewood Sidon finishes the last step sheathing his sword to carry the pile with both hands.

Sidon comes into the clearing a mere minuets before dark Karlovaa has cleared an are for the wood to go Sidon drops the kindling next to his bride receiving a welcome back kiss for his trouble. "I think you are getting faster with the tent I was not gone that long." "I rushed it putting it up in the dark is not my idea of a good time." For a racer she seldom hastily did things Sidon was glad she had helped cover for his difficulty finding a spot. They start a fire Karlovaa's deft work lighting the blaze in seconds. Sidon cooks the meat, "We do work well together Vishka no time at all and we have a camp for two." "While you cook, I have to go see to something in the tent." Sidon knew what she was doing but, he would let his wife keep comfortable she prayed at least once a day he had not heard her do so this morning.

Looking refreshed the Vai returns just in time for the meal which is finished in silence except for the occasional whinny from their horse tethered to a nearby tree. Puft…Crack! Sparks fly from a sudden impact and darkness descends on the two campers. The contents of the turned over cooking pot strewed on the ground near Sidon "Get Down my love! What was it?" " It looked like a rock! Shouted his wife's gruff voice across from where Sidon lay or that is what it sounded like. This is the only chance Sidon would have to hear her for a cacophony of a leaping noise followed closely by a puft sound, at least six times these two noises preceded low flying missiles. Sidon "Where is your sword? Accompanying her statement is another barrage of projectiles this time the rocks appear to have changed angle towards the other obvious target. "I have it I cannot stand up to use it …puft... Where is your shield?" "In the tent." Suddenly it dawns on Karlovaa what they were facing Octorocks. The octopus like monsters that shoot rocks while disguised as shrubs. Did these things hate Sidon? He had the worst luck with them all those shrubs in the middle of the camp were actually Octorocks. In the army they had stressed a carrying a shield just to deal with this tricky monster breed, a well-timed parry could deflect the boulders back. Sidon had a point there was no way to stand and she would have to crawl through bushes to reach the tent. She says a quick prayer to Link for courage ready to make a break for it, she has an idea. Sidon can you reach the cooking pot?

Sidon begins to sniff the scent of the remaining food scraps guiding him to the pot feeling dirt and grass Sidon rummages for a particular object his claws scrape wood the pot lid seemed pretty fragile would it really… Karlovaa had said it would work then it would work. Gripping the small wooden disk Sidon gets to his knees and listens for it. Puft! Thwack Sidon deflects the rock hitting the ground almost instantly. He hears a death screech from the small monster, "I never would have swung with the broadsword at in time to deflect it." Aloud he says, "How many rocks did they fire?" "Four." I can only get three more uses out of this thing. I have an idea is there a stout piece of wood near you? Sidon nods before remembering how dark it is. "Yes vishka there is." "Keep talking I am coming to you." Soon he feels a rough hand on his tail, recognizing the touch of his wife the zora fights down a fleeting feeling of surprise.

Grabbing the piece of wood first Karlovaa then helps Sidon repeat how they destroyed the first monster thricely in quick succession. This is enough to confirm there is only one foe left for the couple to face. Karlovaa whispers her plan to Sidon he pats her shoulder, and they execute it. Karlovaa crouches in front of the seasoned warrior, who leaps screaming into the air. A rock flies between the lovers giving Karlovaa just enough time to chuck her makeshift weapon towards the sound with one final puff of smoke the last monster is vanquished the victors hug each other tenderly in relief. "Not exactly what I expected for our first big fight as a married couple." Sidon jokes proud of his partner's resourcefulness. Karlovaa for her part is giving a great facsimile of the Sidon smile. Pleased her mate had never questioned her, he really trusted her. In comparison the rest of the trip into the desert is uneventful and follows the pattern of this day minus the octorock encounter. Consequently, this story continues when they enter the desert proper.

Author's note 2 I needed a monster encounter that they both take part in for reasons revealed in the next chapter and I initially thought of a giant octorock but thought an action scene that played like a shootout would be more riveting than the typical fantasy cut your way outside a monster scene. Next week honeymoon