Chapter 10: The Champions
\-==/\==-/
The days began to fall into a predictable pattern. Link awakened early, several hours before the sun in the darkest part of the night, to quickly comb and wash his hair and clean his face and do whatever else was necessary for him to appear groomed enough to shadow the Princess of Hyrule for a day. He would relieve the Royal Guard at her door, bearing sneers and assorted muttered insults, and stand there until the Princess emerged. For the first week, she wished him a hesitant good morning, but after that she merely glanced at him and turned away.
He followed the Princess about her daily activities and didn't leave her side until she was safely settled in her room for the night. At that point, he took his allotted five hours to himself, either to train or to go for a ride with Choice.
The Applean Forest in particular was a lovely place for a ride. The scent of apples hung heavy in the air, and the lush green trees were filled with juicy red fruits this time of year, making for a nice snack for both him and his horse. Often he rode right up to the edge of Hylia River and sat in the soft sand, watching the peaceful waters flowing gently by beneath the moon and stars, soothing his ears with their soft rushing music. Within those woods, the weight of his destiny and the ache of loneliness in his soul seemed to lessen, and he felt free.
So it was that when a fancy-looking gentleman colorfully dressed in shiny silks and a feathered hat entered Choice's stall just as he was preparing for a ride, he felt an instant sinking in the pit of his stomach. This can't be good.
"Sir Link," the man said, his chest puffed out with arrogance that matched his haughty smirk, "you are requested to report to Madame Yann's shop at once."
Link's eyebrow twitched in annoyance. "What?"
"Each of the Champions is being issued an item of clothing to represent their unity to each other and their favor with the King," the man explained. "As the Hylian Champion, your item of clothing shall be a tunic, and you are required to wear it whenever you are in public, to bring hope to the good people of Hyrule." He sniffed, his nose wrinkling in disgust. "My, it does smell in here… you do bathe, don't you?"
Link's eyes narrowed. "It's a stable," he retorted. "It smells like horse, as it should, and there's nothing wrong with that."
The colorfully-dressed man snorted. "Indeed," he muttered. "Well, when your tunic is presented to you, I do hope you take good care of it and don't get it dirtied. Madame Yann is my wife, you know, and the thought of anyone treating her beautiful creations with such negligence curdles my blood."
Link inhaled deeply, facing Choice for a brief moment as he closed his eyes, trying to get a hold of his frustration and keep himself in check. When he faced the man again, he wore a mask of calm indifference once more. "Madame Yann's shop?"
"This way," the man grinned, bowing with a flourish.
Link resisted the urge to roll his eyes, merely shaking his head as he followed the man out of the stable and down the hill away from the castle, past the massive iron-wrought gates and into the town below. Only the last rays of sunlight remained in the sky, for which he was grateful. It meant that most people had already gone home for the night, and inhabited their homes rather than the streets.
Nevertheless, as the torches and lanterns were lit across the small city, there were some that remained outdoors, and as Link passed they did not hide the fear, the anxiety, the hatred in their gaze.
Bringing hope to the good people of Hyrule. As if.
It was that cursed blade on his back - if only he didn't have it! If only it weren't needed now, if only he wasn't chosen, if only…
Perhaps wearing the Champion's tunic would counteract some of the negativity cast his way. The other Champions certainly were not hated; the Rito Champion Revali had recently arrived with a small band of leaders and warriors from his village, and they had been hailed as heroes. People gathered in the streets and cheered, hope shining bright in their faces as they laid eyes upon one of those who would fight to save them…
And maybe that's just it - the Master Sword is what confirmed the Calamity's coming in the first place, whereas these Champions are what will stand against it.
Of course, he would do his best to stand against it as well, but it didn't change the fact that he was the one the people all but blamed for the Calamity's return - he had drawn the sacred blade only ever needed when great evil threatened the land.
He had seen Madame Yann's shop many times before, just passing through town, but never had a reason to enter. She was considered to be the greatest seamstress in the kingdom and worked almost exclusively for the noble class and the Royal Family; few others were wealthy enough to afford her products.
He swallowed nervously at the thought. "Erm… how much is this going to cost?" he asked, breaking the awkward silence that had formed between him and Madame Yann's messenger.
"The Royal Family is covering all expenses," the man waved him off. "It is, as I mentioned before, a token of their favor upon you and the other Champions."
Some of the tension eased from Link's shoulders. That's a relief, then. He wasn't exactly poor, but he definitely wasn't rich. I'd never be able to afford something like this on my own.
The messenger pushed open the door, causing the bell attached to the frame to jingle sweetly. "I've brought him, darling," he crooned, stepping into the warmly-lit room full of grand, colorful silks and satins. Link felt as if he had walked right into a rainbow.
A short, heavyset woman hurried out from behind a row of wooden models displaying various ballgowns. "Ah, thank you, Bernard," she said, pursing her lips as she looked Link up and down. "Rather small, isn't he?"
"I was just as surprised as you, my dear," the colorful man chuckled, shaking his head. "Not exactly a presence that inspires hope, eh?"
"No matter," Madame Yann sighed, turning away and disappearing into a half-open door near the back of the room. "Perhaps the Champion's blue will make up for all that - if, of course, the Princess follows through."
Her husband looked confused, his smile shrinking. "The… Princess? And what does she have to do with this?"
"She's the one actually making the Champions' attire," Madame Yann huffed, her voice slightly muffled. "Everything else she can make with ease - a skirt, a scarf, a sash… simple enough for anyone. But she doesn't have much experience in men's tunics, which is why she requested I take this boy's measurements for her."
"What?" Bernard sounded mortified. "They - they wish for the Princess to create these tokens? Not you?"
Madame Yann poked her head out from behind the door, looking disgruntled. "As tokens of the Royal Family's appreciation, wouldn't it be prudent for a member of the Royal Family to make them?"
Bernard scowled. "Well, yes, of course. Even so… if she can sew even twice as better as she can wield her powers, our Champions will look like -"
"Not in front of her knight!" Yann hissed. "I'm just as upset about it as you are, dear. I suppose I should be happy to do this much on the project, but even so… he really is a slight little thing; it'll be a real chore to take measurements that'll actually be of use to her."
Link closed his eyes for a moment, willing himself to keep his composure. They were speaking about him as if he were invisible, as if he were nothing more perceptive than a brick wall, and it was… it was frustrating and hurtful, sending a sharp sting straight to his heart. Why? Why would they… am I just… it must be me, right? Am I… working too hard at concealing my emotions? Maybe they think I don't have any thoughts or feelings at all…
He remembered the whispers that drifted through the Royal Guard Chambers after he passed the General's lousy test - whispers that questioned whether he was even human.
It was painful to think about, and even more painful when he wondered if they were right.
Normal three-year-olds don't slay a horde of monsters that killed their parents.
Normal people wouldn't willingly hand someone else over to be tortured.
Normal people wouldn't -
"Shirt off, please," Madame Yann ordered, approaching with a tape measure and a pad of paper.
Link's eyes widened as he was drawn from his thoughts. "Wh-what?"
"Well, I can't very well take your measurements with all that on you, can I?" she said, a bit impatiently, with a raised eyebrow.
Link felt his cheeks warming in embarrassment. "It needs to be loose enough for chainmail to go on underneath," he protested, unbuckling the baldric around his chest and setting it and the Master Sword on the ground beside him. "And made from sturdy material, perhaps like a gambeson -"
"I've made clothing for knights before - I know," she said impatiently. "Just do it. Bernard, darling, the next shipment of silks came in from Gerudo Desert; would you unload those for me?"
"Right away," the colorful man said with a smile, once more bowing with a flourish and darting off into the back room.
Madame Yann frowned as she examined the layers of the Royal Guard's uniform Link was shedding. "These can't have been fitted for you…"
"They were rushed to find me a uniform," Link explained, pulling the red tunic over his head. No one was expecting me to be assigned to the Guard. "Instead of having me fitted they just went through old uniforms from retired knights of the Guard and gave me the, er, smallest they could find." He winced inwardly; he was grateful that she was at least speaking directly to him now, but after the comments she and her husband had already made about his stature he felt self-conscious bringing it up again.
When every layer was finally removed, Madame Yann wasted no time in attacking with her tape measure, jotting down strange notes on her pad of paper, with complicated-looking fractions and hash marks and words all mingled together. She certainly didn't leave anything out - she measured his shoulders and neck, his arms and wrists, his waist, his abdomen, the base of his ribcage, his thighs, even his height from head to toe.
Exactly how form-fitting is this supposed to be? he wondered, feeling slightly exasperated and more than a little self-conscious under her scrutiny. He thought about bringing up the chainmail again, but he remembered her response to that the first time and decided against it. She's a master seamstress - she knows what she's doing.
Despite her swift actions, it took the better part of his five hours off for her to finally finish with everything. Link had adjusted to a cooler body temperature with his chest bare, so the instant he dressed himself once more in his uniform he began to sweat.
"It will be delivered to you the day before the ceremony," Madame Yann called out as he opened the door leading out into the night. "Be sure to wear it then!"
Link nodded, hurrying out into the darkness. Not enough time for a ride now, he thought with a heavy heart. So I'd better get in some practice, then. It's late enough that no one else'll be out - perfect for what I have to do.
He clenched his jaw with a faint scowl. It's the best way to train, he tried to tell himself for the umpteenth time. There's no other way to simulate the fear and intensity of battle.
\-==/\==-/
Much to his surprise, the Gerudo were the next to arrive at the castle, despite their having the furthest distance to travel. They received no less hearty a welcome than the Rito as they marched regally through the town, a contingent of tall, stately female warriors, proudly holding their heads high.
Link did his best to hide his surprise when the Princess, waiting with her father and his advisors just in front of the main gates, walked quickly forward with a wide smile. And he was even more surprised when the leader of the Gerudo enfolded her in a hearty motherly embrace.
"Welcome to Hyrule Castle, Chief Urbosa," the King said, clearing his throat as if ashamed of his daughter's excitement. Link felt a stirring of dislike resurface in his soul.
"I am honored to be here, Your Highness," the Gerudo leader said with a regal smile, dipping her head. "I thank you for allowing us to stay here for this occasion."
"This is, indeed, something to celebrate," Rhoam said warmly. "We are delighted to have you here. Sir Farthong will show you to your rooms."
Urbosa respectfully bowed her head again, leading her entourage after Sir Farthong, through the broad gates and up the hill towards the castle. The Princess returned to her father's side, cringing at a disparaging glance he shot her way.
The Gorons were next to reach the castle, arriving only hours after the Gerudo. "Hey there, little guy!" Daruk boomed after exchanging a polite - but very casual - greeting with the King. He clapped a massive hand down on Link's shoulder, sending him staggering forward a few steps. "I hear you're gonna be a Champion like the rest of us, eh? I sure was relieved when I found out - always nice to have a brother around!"
Captain Janin gave him a very stern scolding that evening - "You're supposed to be invisible! Unnoticed!" he exclaimed in frustration. "A silent pair of eyes always ready to defend the Princess - that's what you are! You must work harder to detract attention! It doesn't matter if that confounded Goron assimilated you into his tribe or not!"
The Zora were the last to arrive, and in comparison to the other Champions, Mipha had very few warriors accompanying her, instead choosing to come with her mentor and a few advisors. Link recognized Muzu and Trello among the group; neither of them hesitated to shoot cutting glares his way. Nothing new there. Hopefully Janin doesn't notice.
The inauguration ceremony was scheduled for two days after that, to allow the Zora contingent time to rest from their journey. In the meantime, the Princess spent the day out in Castle Town with Urbosa, Link shadowing her as always.
It was incredible, and beautiful in a way, seeing all of the inhabitants of Hyrule represented in one place. Walking around Central Square Gerudo warriors exchanged gossip with the local women or flirted with whichever men wandered their way, or huddled in a group by the fountain deliberating about how exactly to flirt.
There was a Rito woman sitting contentedly on the rim of the fountain eating a turkey leg, a Goron holding a massive draft horse still while the local blacksmith tended its hooves, Zora in the moat teaching orphans how to swim, Sheikah scientists poring over their notes while sipping tea in a little cafe…
Everywhere he looked, he could see someone from one part of the kingdom interacting with someone else from another part, and it was fascinating. Although the kingdom was united, different regions were better suited to different races, so they didn't tend to mingle very often out of necessity. Death Mountain and Gerudo Desert were much too hot and arid for the water-dwelling Zora and the heavily-feathered Rito, and vice versa; travel between them was kept to a minimum.
The Princess and Chief Urbosa kept up a near-constant stream of chatter, broken only by the Princess' uncomfortable glances back at her knight. Link felt bad for following her like this, while she was having a conversation with someone so dear to her; he felt as if he were eavesdropping.
But it was his job to follow her everywhere, no matter how capable he believed Urbosa to be, no matter how rude he felt he was by hovering in her shadow all the while.
I'm sorry, Princess… I wish there were some way for me to make it up to you.
His gaze landed, at that very moment, upon a necklace bearing the symbol of the Triforce for sale in a merchant's stall. Instantly he blushed and looked away.
Bad idea. I'm supposed to be above emotions, right? I'm not supposed to be bothered by what I'm doing; I'm not supposed to be sorry...
Pressing his lips firmly together in a firm line, he returned his attention to the busy streets around him. With so many people around it would be the perfect time for an assassination attempt…
\-==/\==-/
"Welcome, warriors!" King Rhoam boomed, standing tall in front of his throne looming above the inner Sanctum. "I'd like to thank you for joining me here today, and for your bravery in accepting this… fateful task."
He paused for a moment, and Link shifted uncomfortably as his stern gaze landed on the embroidered design imitating the Master Sword on his chest. His eyes narrowed, and he continued. "I officially appoint you Hyrule's Champions and bestow upon you this sacred garb. That blue is a symbol of the Royal Family, one that has been passed down for countless generations. Those garments you now wear were all crafted by my daughter, Zelda."
Link slid his gaze to the Princess, standing in the center of the image of the Triforce engraved in an elegant seal on the floor of the Sanctum. Her shoulders were stiff, and he wondered if her position was intentional. Before the ceremony had begun, she had directed each of the Champions to stand in front of one of the five tall banners set up around the Triforce, and it was between these banners that the representatives from each race stood. Behind them all were legions of knights standing proudly in formation, and gathered around those were the wealthy of the kingdom and the people of Castle Town and many others from across the kingdom who had come specifically to witness the ceremony.
If our positions were planned from the beginning, hers might have been, too, Link thought. And the symbolism of placing her right at the center of the Triforce could not be denied - their success against the Calamity depended on her ability to seal him away, and the powers of the royal daughters of Hyrule were often represented by an image of the Triforce.
It's a deliberate reminder that she hasn't yet found her powers and fulfilled her duty - her father must have done it on purpose.
Again that faint burn of anger in his soul, and he shifted his weight again from one foot to the other. It wasn't fair! If Rhoam only knew how hard she was trying, how devoted she was, surely he wouldn't continue to shame her like this!
"Zelda," the King continued, his voice stern with the barest hint of warning. "I trust you with the task only a daughter of the Royal Family can fulfill."
So it was on purpose!
"Lead our Champions, Princess," Rhoam went on. "And together, protect our kingdom from the threat of Calamity Ganon." He raised his arms high, his hands spread wide. "I present to you now, good people united under the Goddesses, the Champions of Hyrule!"
\-==/\==-/
A formal feast followed the ceremony, hosting a wide variety of dishes from across the kingdom. Link, much to his surprise, was actually permitted to eat this time, although he was placed directly next to the Princess to continue his duties as her knight. It was a nice change; standing behind the Princess' chair for all the grand royal meals he had attended previously, accosted by delicious aromas in every direction, was always a painful experience.
He certainly didn't intend to let this opportunity go to waste, and filled his plate with as much food as it would hold.
"Atta boy, brother!" Daruk cheered from the opposite end of the table, raising his rock roast in a salute. "Let me know if you want some of this!"
Link shoved roasted cauliflower into his mouth to hide his grin. The massive Goron's unquenchable enthusiasm was beginning to grow on him; it seemed almost impossible to feel lonely when he was in the room.
The Princess looked at him, an eyebrow raised with curiosity. "You've… met Daruk?"
Link froze, his fork halfway to his mouth, and his gaze shifted for a moment to the King sitting at the head of the table, only a few seats away.
Rhoam was glowering at him.
Link gulped, looking back at the Princess and nodding before filling his mouth with food again in an attempt to discourage her from speaking to him. A brief look of hurt passed across her face and his jaw tightened, regret curdling his appetite a bit. Why does this keep happening? Either I follow my orders, or I offend the Princess. Why can't I just… show her support? Talk to her? Let her know that I, at least, don't find her a failure?
He knew why - he was young, inexperienced, possibly unstable, and too easily influenced by his emotions. And the more he tried to keep those pesky emotions in check, the more he realized how much they affected him. And the King, the General, and Captain Janin all agreed that those traits of his rendered him unfit to speak with the Princess of Hyrule.
His heart was heavy; it was difficult to regain enthusiasm about the feast he had finally been allowed to partake in. Now the mountain of food on his plate looked insurmountable, and his stomach felt sickeningly full.
Goddesses above, please let her know, somehow, that I'm not trying to hurt her, that I wish… I wish we could truly be friends…
\-==/\==-/
As the meal drew to a close - and everyone present, even Daruk, was too stuffed full of good food to take another bite - the King got to his feet and once more raised his hands for silence.
"Champions, I thank you once more on behalf of this kingdom," he said, looking steadily at each of them in turn. "You are our beacon of hope, and our fate rests in your hands. Now, I once more impress upon you the importance of unity - you represent the ties binding the people of Hyrule together, and as such, you are expected to work together as one. I request that you spend your remaining days at the castle together, developing the bond that will lead you to victory. Only together will we have the strength to vanquish the Calamity."
He smiled proudly. "I dismiss you this day with my favor bestowed upon you. You are heroes, and as such, you will lack for nothing while you are here. We are honored by your presence among us."
The Princess stood then at a nod from her father, her hands clasped regally in front of her. "Champions," she called, her voice soft, regal, and… and sad. "I ask you to follow me now, as a symbol of my leadership. Follow my guidance, as we begin this battle against the Calamity."
She turned from the table and began to walk slowly, deliberately, down the dining hall. Urbosa stood, and Link quickly followed suit, not exactly sure what was going on. The other Champions got to their feet as well, following Urbosa and the Princess out of the massive room. Someone began to clap, and the other guests at the table joined in, sending them off with eager applause and even a few cheers. They sounded excited; Link could see them smiling as he walked out between two tall wooden doors into the open air of the walkway beyond. So perhaps this was all staged, too… Nothing but an act to bring the people hope.
The applause died away as they distanced themselves from the room; Link hurried past the others to take his place once more behind the Princess, biting his lip at Revali's irritated huff. They walked in silence, an awkward tension hanging in the air, broken only by their thudding footsteps - the wet slap of Mipha's damp, webbed feet, the clack of Revali's talons on the stone, the softer clip of Urbosa's heeled shoes, and of course the loud dull clomping of Daruk's large feet.
It was the Princess who first broke the silence. "I apologize for not warning you all ahead of time about my father's plans for the ceremony," she said quietly, glancing over her shoulder. "It… was my fault; I was… distracted by other things." Her shoulders dropped slightly.
Link tilted his head. Ah… so there were things you were supposed to be doing yesterday, instead of spending time with Urbosa…
He thought of how often he had seen her smile that day and realized he couldn't find fault with her. He hadn't seen her look so genuinely happy, so carefree, since… well, ever. Clearly it had been a good thing for her. Besides, no harm was done. No one reacted badly, or -
"Perhaps you should focus harder," Revali suggested none too respectfully. "I looked like a fool up there in front of my comrades. I had no idea what was going on or what to do at all!"
"With the Calamity's return imminent, she has a lot on her mind," Urbosa shot back defensively. "Give her a break - none of us are perfect, not even you, Revali."
The Rito man snorted and rolled his eyes. The Princess looked over her shoulder again and her gaze rested for a moment on Link; she frowned slightly, her brow furrowing, before turning away.
Link's brow furrowed. What was that look for?
"Aww, it wasn't any trouble, little Princess," Daruk grinned with a dismissive wave of his hand. Link wondered for a moment if he described everyone who wasn't a Goron as 'little' - it certainly appeared so. "Even if you'd told me, I don't think I'd have known what to do! I like life a heap more casual, y'know?"
"That much is obvious," Revali rolled his eyes again. "Perhaps you'll be more forthcoming with us from now on, Princess - where exactly are you leading us?"
"As my father said, we are to spend time getting acquainted with one another," the Princess responded. "I thought… well, it being such a nice day, perhaps we could spend it outside. There is a little pavilion just up here."
"That sounds nice," Mipha said, her voice quiet and shy. Link glanced at her out of the corner of his eye and caught her looking at him; his spine stiffened.
At least we're not alone. She wouldn't dare try anything here.
I hope.
"It really is a pretty day," Daruk nodded, looking around. "It's kinda nice seeing a whole lot of green instead of a whole lot of red - interesting change!"
"Don't you ever leave that mountain?" Revali asked, scowling. "Travel? See the world? Learn? That sort of thing?"
Link clenched his teeth at Revali's implied insult to Daruk's intelligence, but the massive Goron didn't seem to mind. "Well, yeah. Sometimes. But I miss my home after a while - I miss my brothers. So I don't do a whole lotta travel unless it's necessary - and because of that, when I do travel, it's more… I dunno, special."
"Wise words, Daruk," the Princess said with a gentle smile, half-turning to meet his gaze as she led them across a little bridge passing over one of the many rivers cutting down the hill housing the castle. "I agree with you. There are certain places I… cannot go very often. When I do visit, it's that much more meaningful a journey."
"You'll get out soon enough, Princess," Urbosa grinned. "You're one of the best scholars we have - and the King knows it, whether he shows it or not."
The Princess chuckled halfheartedly. "He would never send me on an expedition; I always have to -" she cut herself off quite suddenly, and her shoulders stiffened. Her step faltered before she began the climb up a sturdy set of stone stairs. "Never mind about that. Princess Mipha, you said you've known Sir Link for a long time…"
"Oh!" Mipha squeaked. "W-well, we met when he was y-younger and he, erm, visited again a while back."
There was a hint of amusement in the Princess' voice. "Ah, I see."
"I've known 'im for a couple months now, eh, little guy?" Daruk grinned. Link nodded back and the Goron chuckled. "Yeah, he's a brother now, alright. Got a good head on his shoulders."
"Is that right?" Revali sniffed. "Well, I suppose it would match with what else I've been told. They say you're invincible, Sir Link. Is that true?"
Link swallowed tightly. He's beginning to sound like the other knights. "I haven't lost a tournament," he answered quietly, keeping his voice as neutral as he could in hopes of avoiding the Rito's ire.
"And I suppose that was all done with a sword?" Revali asked with too much innocence to come across as harmless.
"Yes," Link answered quietly, dreading what would follow.
The Rito Champion smirked. "I would have expected the Hylian Champion to be a master of all disciplines. But, then again… I suppose as the wielder of the Master Sword you're meant to be nothing but a brute and a shield, so it would makes sense for you to master only the most barbaric form of combat."
Link inhaled deeply, feeling his face grow hot with anger. Don't respond, he told himself. Don't respond; it'll be just what he wants - just keep quiet…
"A… a brute?" Mipha sounded confused.
"Of course," Revali huffed impatiently. "In the old tales the hero was known only for courage - another word for stupidity - while the Princess was known for her wisdom. Why would the hero need her if he had any measure of intelligence himself?"
Link pressed his lips tightly together. The Rito's words were beginning to sting, and to merge with the accusations of the Royal Guards - He's not right. Nothing but a weapon, a shield. Not really a person at all.
"I'm certain the hero would have been intelligent," Urbosa said slowly, as if searching for the right words. They reached the Princess' destination, a shaded stone pavilion near the outdoor staircases leading up to her quarters and study, and the tall Gerudo Chief leaned casually against one of the slender pillars supporting it, winking at a knight on guard. "And I doubt Sir Link here is an imbecile - why else would the King have chosen him to be Zelda's knight?"
"Because he's the only one stupid enough to -"
"Hey," Daruk interrupted Revali, his voice uncharacteristically stern. "Now that's uncalled for, and I'm not gonna stand for anyone talkin' about a brother like that. And y'know how rare it is for my people to name a non-Goron a brother? We don't choose just anyone. Takes a good head, a bold heart, and true Goron spirit for us to name an outsider a brother, and Link's got all that and more. So I don't wanna hear anything else about him being stupid – got that?"
Revali glared at him but didn't respond. Link's heart felt warm at Daruk's words; he looked up to meet the Goron's eyes and whispered a nearly silent thank-you. Daruk grinned. "And, speaking of, I think I did hear somethin' about you getting chosen as Zelda's protector. When was that? I'd have thought there would be some sorta ceremony, or… somehtin' like that. I would've liked to be there."
"There wasn't one," the Princess answered curtly before Link could respond. With a deep sigh she sat down on one of the little benches lining the pavilian's circular edge. "My father believed it would only delay the actual appointment."
"Hmm…" Daruk scratched his beard thoughtfully. "Well, that's too bad. We should have a ceremony ourselves, right? It's a pretty big honor - definitely somethin' to celebrate! And we can really enjoy ourselves, not like all this formal nonsense today." He glanced at the Princess and grimaced. "Er, no offense."
"I agree!" Mipha smiled, her eyes shining with eagerness. Link grit his teeth. "Daruk's right; it's a great honor for you, S-sir Link."
He acknowledged her with a stiff dip of his chin, feeling as if his insides were shrivelling. This is not a good idea - I don't need any more attention, I don't want any more attention; it'll just make me look like a pompous idiot -
"Now wait just a moment," Revali growled. "A celebration? A ceremony? Does such a thing like that actually exist for this?"
"Yes," the Princess answered, her voice heavy with resignation. "Actually… tradition and devotion to the Goddesses requires the ceremony to be performed upon a knight's appointment to protect a member of the Royal Family. My father asked me to perform it… well, whenever I had the chance."
"Fantastic!" Daruk grinned, pumping his fist in the air. "And if it's just the five of us, we'll be cracking two stones with one hammer - we'll be spending more time together, just like the King wanted!"
"Yes!" Mipha cheered with a blush.
Revali groaned. "Well, if it's necessary, then I suppose… yes, fine, I'll go along with it."
Urbosa raised an eyebrow. "How long do you need to prepare, Zelda?" she asked, amusement tingling in her deep voice.
"Until tomorrow," the Princess murmured with a frown, sounding just as enthusiastic as Link felt. "We will begin the ceremony in the morning, at the Castle Town cathedral, and we'll progress to the sacred grounds - a symbol of the light we hope to bring to this land."
"Everything's all about symbols here," Daruk grunted. "Me, I like things plain and straightforward. Hey, Princess, this ceremony - it's not gonna be all stiff again, is it? I tell ya, those formal shindigs really take it outta me!"
Revali snorted. "Did it? I couldn't tell." He tapped a feather to his beak, a cruel smirk twisting his features. "But perhaps you need more experience in that sort of thing, eh, Daruk? Princess, how formal is this… bodyguard ceremony meant to be? Will you be using that fancy-looking slab on your hip?" He gestured with a wing to the ancient Sheikah relic belted to the Princess' waist - Link had noticed she rarely went without it.
"Oh," the Princess blinked, lifting the relic up for the others to see. "No, this - this isn't part of the ceremony. It's called the Sheikah Slate. Well, at least, that's the name Purah gave it. We expect it to have some sort of connection to the ancient shrines across the kingdom, and possibly to the Divine Beasts as well."
"Ah," Revali nodded sagely. "Yes, I believe I've heard of it. So this is the Sheikah Slate…" He took it from the Princess' hands, lifting it up and examining it with narrowed eyes in the burning light of the afternoon sun.
"Apparently there are more uses for it than we originally thought," the Princess went on, a note of excitement entering her voice. "A few records mention a detailed map of the entire kingdom, with a highly advanced scope feature and rangefinder… and I've even seen a few illustrations detailing some sort of spherical weapon. Sadly, we've yet to decipher all of its secrets, but we're learning more each day." She chuckled, a genuine smile turning her lips upwards. "At least… it seems that way."
Link almost smiled. Just like that, in changing the topic to ancient technology, the Princess' mood experienced a complete turnaround. She really loves this, doesn't she?
He wondered, for a split second, what it would feel like if somehow he could help her cheer up.
But that's not my job, and the King and Captain Janin and the General especially would disapprove. I'm not meant to speak with her, or… or anything else.
Revali handed the Sheikah Slate to Mipha, apparently losing interest. Urbosa leaned over the small Zora's shoulder, frowning thoughtfully. "The Princess showed me something strange recently. Somehow it can create true-to-life images."
"Oh, wow," Mipha whispered, studying it closer. A tinge of pink colored her cheeks once again. "I would… love to see it… Um, Princess… may I ask a special favor of you?" She turned to gaze at Link, batting her eyes; Revali recoiled in disgust, shifting his attention to Link as well.
He gulped as Daruk looked his way, too, and before he knew it Urbosa and the Princess were also staring at him. Nayru's love, Mipha! Stop making it so obvious!
"I - I think she's asking for an image, Princess," he said, fighting to keep his voice level and free from embarassed wavers.
Mipha chuckled awkwardly, quickly looking away from him. "If it's alright with you, of course," she smiled shyly. "An image of… of all of us, together?"
The Princess nodded. "Of course. I'll send for Purah right away." She looked around, scanning the grass and trees around them; her gaze landed on one of the knights on duty around the pavilion. "Pardon me, sir - would you fetch the Sheikah scientist, Purah, for me?" she called, waving her hand to get his attention. "She ought to be in the researcher quarters."
The man saluted, thrusting his fist to his chest. "Yes, Your Highness." With a curt bow, he turned and left his post, marching smartly past the pavilion and back down the set of stairs.
"Why do we need her?" Revali huffed. "Can't we just get this over with?"
"One person has to be holding the Sheikah Slate, and I would prefer to use someone who already knows how it works," the Princess explained softly.
"And I would like everyone to be a part of this," Mipha said earnestly, a hint of anxiousness bringing tension to her voice as she glanced at Link.
He frowned. You were afraid I would be asked to hold it.
Her next words confirmed what he was beginning to suspect. "And, er, Princess… would we each get some sort of copy of it? Do we have that technology?"
"Purah was working on something like that, yes," the Princess mused, biting her lip thoughtfully. "However… it's an incredibly tedious process. It takes a great deal of time and resources. Only one copy would be created, if my understanding is correct."
"Oh," Mipha murmured, lowering her head with visible appointment.
"Good," Revali harrumphed. "So you get a version of it and the rest of us don't have to be embarrassed."
"I do?" Mipha clapped her hands over her face to hide her smile. Once again her eyes slid in Link's direction.
"You did ask," Urbosa smirked, a teasing glint in her eyes.
Link stiffened, grinding his teeth together. Mipha was becoming more and more frustrating - You want an image of me to ogle when I'm not around! You little… you little creep!
His face was quickly growing warmer against his will. He wished for nothing more than to flee the scene and get out of Mipha's presence. She wasn't even looking at his face; it was always his torso, or his arms, or… or anything else.
Evidently Madame Yanne had not passed on her knowledge of sewing cloth armor to the Princess. The Champion's tunic he now wore admittedly fit him perfectly - so much so that no chain mail in the kingdom would fit beneath it. It was aggravatingly impractical, and he felt uncomfortably exposed without the usual comforting weight of even a light mail shirt over his shoulders. And here Mipha was, staring when she thought no one was looking.
It was horribly embarrassing. Please let this be over soon.
The other knight returned with Purah a few minutes later. Link's eyes widened; he had expected one of the female scientists he'd seen working on the guardians, or perhaps a female version of Robbie, or…
Or perhaps anything but Purah.
She had large round glasses that magnified wide crimson eyes shining with an almost childlike glow of wonder. She wore a thick, traditional Sheikah robe over a much more stylish dark blue dress embellished with swirling red and gold designs similar to the ones decorating the guardians and the Sheikah Slate itself. It went to just above her knees, which were covered by tall mismatched stockings. Her feet were stuffed into obscure little shoes that only barely covered her toes.
To describe her in a word, she looked eccentric.
"Champions, I would like you to meet my dear friend Purah," the Princess said with a small, but warm, smile. "She is one of the greatest minds working on the restoration of the ancient Sheikah technology."
"Check it!" Purah sang, grinning widely. She darted forward and seized Revali's wing, pumping it furiously. "Fantastic to meet you!" She whirled to face Mipha, her robes fluttering around her. "Ooh, Princess Mipha! It's a pleasure to meet you! And Chief Urbosa - good to see you again! Daruk! The stories just don't do you justice!"
She whirled to face Link so quickly that he nearly lost his composure and flinched. "And the Appointed Knight," she said slowly, enthusiasm notably fading from her voice. She glanced at the Princess. "It's… interesting to see you in person." Her eyes roved up and down his body, and surprise and doubt glinted in her deep red eyes. She chuckled nervously. "Well, let's get going with this! Sun's going down - let's move! Chop chop!"
She ushered the others over to one side of the pavilion. Link followed, his eyes narrowed in an attempt to hide the sting in his soul. She doubts me, too. And… what was that look at the Princess all about? They're good friends, she said… maybe the Princess told her something about me?
His heart sank crushingly. Could it be that the Princess doubted him as well? She who he looked up to, admired, thought he could empathize with…
It made sense, though. She never seemed comfortable in his presence; he had been the target of her unhappy gaze so many times since his appointment. It could always be that she's uncomfortable having someone else almost constantly around, but even so…
The evidence that she doubts me, maybe even really dislikes me, is mounting.
It hurt more than he could have imagined. Like Captain Janin had said, he needed to get used to having people upset with him - and he had, to a degree, maybe. He hadn't ever met many people who actually liked him; perhaps he should have expected that the Princess wouldn't, either.
"All right!" Purah sang, and Link looked up, startled from his inner musings, to see her holding the Sheikah Slate. "This spot should work nicely! Keep your eyes on the Sheikah Slate, everyone! Daruk, can you crouch down a bit? You're as big as Death Mountain."
Link looked around, embarrassed when he realized he had barely noticed everyone getting into position around him. Somehow Daruk had moved directly behind him without him noticing. The Goron shifted uncomfortably. "Huh? Oh."
Purah chuckled, mirth dancing in her magnified eyes. "What's with the glum face, Princess? Gimme a big smile!"
Link looked to his side, where the Princess stood regally straight. The excitement of using and talking about ancient Sheikah tech had faded from her gaze, and Urbosa put a comforting hand on her shoulder, offering a reassuring smile. Suddenly self-conscious, Link wondered if it was their proximity; Purah had placed the Princess very close to him. Maybe… she doesn't want to be so close to me. No one ever really does, so -
A sudden movement caught his attention; out of the corner of his eye he could see Mipha tip-toeing closer to him. Well… except for her, and in all the wrong ways.
Purah offered the Princess her own consoling smile before shifting her attention elsewhere. "Revali, move your tail closer to the group. We're all friends here, right?"
The Rito warrior rolled his eyes. "Ugh, fine," he muttered, turning inward towards the others with his chest haughtily puffed out.
Purah scanned the group and chuckled. "Mipha, you look so tense! Deep breaths, okay?"
"Right!" the Zora Princess squeaked. Link's jaw clenched; she really was making it way too obvious. Please, please don't do something like this ever again...
Purah grinned. "Stay just like that! Here we go!" she beamed. "Smile… click, snap!"
And a sudden solid impact struck him from the side, knocking him with a startled grunt right into the Princess. She tumbled forward, into Urbosa, who was falling towards her, as Revali squawked in surprise, flapping his wings furiously in an effort to regain his balance.
Daruk laughed heartily from behind. And Purah's laughter joined his, high-pitched giggles that rang with mischievous delight.
"Wh-what - Daruk!" the Princess exclaimed breathlessly, turning around. "What… what…?"
"Sorry, tiny Princess," Daruk chortled, not sounding particularly sorry at all. "I couldn't help it! Everyone was so serious, so I decided to lighten things up a bit!"
"You should see your faces!" Purah cackled, clutching the Sheikah Slate in one hand and her stomach in the other as she doubled over with laughter. "It's - oh, it's priceless! I'll cover the transferal process myself; this is just too great! And I'll frame it too!"
"Can we… see it?" Mipha asked hesitantly, her voice pitched higher than usual.
"Yeah, when it's ready!" Purah grinned. "Ooh, I can't wait to see your reactions!" She turned, breathless with mirth, and half-stumbled away, clutching the Sheikah Slate to her chest. The Princess reached out to her hesitantly, but the scientist waved her off, throwing her head back with fresh peals of laughter.
Link fought back a grin of his own. If the image had turned out just as disastrously as Purah's reaction implied, then Mipha's plan had probably been foiled. Thank you, Daruk.
The Princess slowly turned around to face the other Champions, a tentative smile on her face. "Er… Mipha, I'll try to get her to take another one," she said slowly.
"There's no need!" Mipha said excitedly. Link frowned, looking at her - she was smiling widely. "I would very much like to remember that moment forever!"
His heart sank. Frowning, he remembered feeling - for the briefest instant - something wet pressing up against him when he fell forward. Mipha.
Well, that's just great.
Mipha sighed happily, clutching her hands to her chest.
Updated 7/8
