Previously…
Link learns that he's part of a hidden group of people, while still confused, he's trying to understand. Unsure of his true feelings of being able to give birth, he sets it aside for his more urgent task. Finding out the truth of the quarantine.
Sidon makes the discovery of the century, another Zora kingdom and a Zora Princess.
-Only obvious key points will be summarized. There are likely moments of an Unreliable Narrator or Sneaky Foreshadowing.-
"Prince Sidon! I hope you're hungry!" Buzz called out with a large grin as he spotted the red Zora walking up the shoreline of Rimba Beach. Expecting a light scolding for disappearing like he did and making the Prince have to go looking for him. It wasn't like he had gone very far, just a little light fishing for lunch. It wasn't every day that they got to eat some fresh seafood.
"Ah, Captain Bazz. It is good to see that you are well." Friendly as ever and it had a few of the soldiers confused, especially Bazz. Not even a word of disapproval on his latest adventure? "How are our wounded?"
Uncertain on how to interpret this strange free-pass he had been given, Bazz settled for professional. "Fine, they will make a full recovery. No permanent damage, my Prince."
"Splendid! Make sure everyone rests up, we depart before dusk."
"But it isn't even noon yet, why are we waiting so long to return home? We could easily move out in a few hours."
"We will be escorting refugees back to the domain, but it will take some time for the princess to reach her people and meet at this location."
"Princess?" Bazz enquired, this was starting to sound suspicious and he didn't think he was going to like where this was going.
"Indeed and a Zora one at that." Grin wide with excitement and then left the captain frozen in shock on the spot.
He was trying so hard to possess this sudden information and situation. A Zora princess!? Where in the world did she come from? She must look extremely different for Sidon to believe her, if she was even truly royalty. Oh no… I can already see how this is going to play out. The king is going to take one look at her and say 'Perfect! Now my foolish son can get married!' Argh, his majesty has secretly wanted Sidon to take a bride for years now!
"… Did we all hear that correctly?" Rivan asked jogging up with a few others tailing behind him, his voice so soft it would've been a whisper. But it was still enough to pull Bazz from his own tormented mind.
"Ya. You heard right, princess." He grumbled and furiously kicked sand towards the ocean.
"Bazz…" Rivan spoke dryly.
"What!?"
"Do I need to tell on you again?"
"NO." His face turning crimson either from embarrassment or anger, maybe both, it was hard to tell.
~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~
"Allow me to introduce to you all, Princess Yanun!" Sidon's voice a little louder than usual from the sheer excitement of the moment. The silver woman walking up the shore was like a grand unveiling of a monument with all the soldiers waiting on the beach unmoving. It was a mix of shock and interest throughout.
Aside from Bazz that is, standing at the back of the crowd, sour about this whole thing and did not care to fix his expression. Rivan was even shoulder checking him in a failed attempt to knock some sense into him. "Wipe that look off your face, you should at least act professional when the time really calls for it."
"Make me…" He muttered under his breath. "You don't understand how this ruins everything."
"I understand this takes away your prime subject for teasing." Rivan rolled his eyes.
With the princess standing at the prince's side, colouring and head fin aside, she looked just like the rest of them. She held herself with great confidence and showed no sign of nervousness nor uncertainty. If anything, she was evaluating each of them, but that was just how Bazz felt about her.
The crowd starts to buzz with hushed chatter as the Princess gave them small bow of her head. "Greetings, I am pleased to meet you all. I find comfort in seeing such a fine group of warriors, I know we will be in good hands."
"When will your people arrive?" Sidon asks, drawing in her attention. "How many will need aid in travelling? We will have to walk a little while to reach the river. Our home is also full of waterfalls and strong currents."
"It shouldn't be much longer, but thank you for your concern, Prince Sidon. Though I'm sure that my people will be able to make it across land, a little slow perhaps, but should not require any help. And the waterfalls, is there a way to avoid them?"
The large man gave a light chuckle and shook his head. "Perhaps if you wanted to hike along a mountainside. But you need not worry, we can assist in climbing the rushing rivers."
"Climbing them!? You can swim up a waterfall, Prince Sidon?" Yanun gaped up at him in complete shock.
"But of course, all of my people can! We do live atop one after all."
"So he can swim up a fall, that isn't all that impressive." A man's voice interrupting the royal's meaningless banter. So utterly bored he drawled out every word spoken. "Do let me know if the boy can fly, that would be much more interesting."
Fury was quick to take over the Princess as she spun around to look for the man. Likely hiding in a dark patch to remain unseen as he spied on them. "Sado! Do not speak so rudely and come out!"
"Hm, as you command… Princess." Indeed having found a spot that hid him from view, his silver body slowly rose from the gentle waves of the sea. Painted in scars and scabbing wounds that changed his silver to a hideous hue of red and purple. The right side of his gills were slightly exposed from an attack that seems to have eaten away at his flesh. Much of his fins were mangled, but not nearly as horrible as the slashes across his face and head. The wounds couldn't be more than two weeks old.
With narrow dark, violet eyes and a head fin was longer than he was tall. It slithered behind him in the sand as he lumbered up the beach to stand near the woman. Snake, was the first impression many of the soldiers felt and it only added to his intimidating qualities when his height was made painfully clear. Looking down at Sidon, Sado gave him a twisted grin. "My. My. You are much smaller than I imagined." Raising a hand as if to pet him like a small child, yet did not touch. He caught Yanun's cold look from the corner of his eye. Pity, I'll have to play another time.
"I am quite amazed to meet someone that is taller than I and not my father!" The red prince beamed and was overall amazed with height difference between them. Even if he was only about a foot and half taller.
"Prince Sidon, please forgive his behaviour. This is Sado, he is my personal guard and while the best at what he does. He has no manners or common sense." Placing a hand on the giant, she guided him to take back five steps. Though his eyes remained locked on the cheerful Zora.
"It is quite alright. It is not strange that he might find me suspicious for my abrupt kindness towards you and your people." Waving the whole thing off, it was not a big deal and he expected no less from a bodyguard.
"I share the same feeling towards you." Bazz stepped forward, shamelessly glaring at the two silver Zoras. Quickly bringing the spotlight onto him. "I find you both suspicious, especially you, lanky."
"Ho~? Interesting how quick the small ones are." Sado purred and gazed sharply at the Zora captain. "Are your instincts tingling, feeling frightened, little one?"
"The only thing tingling is my claws. Makes me want to rip the last of your face off." While Bazz was certainly making his soldiers nervous from his steadfast hostility, it only made Sado more amused. "I have a feeling it might be an improvement."
"Captain Bazz, control yourself. Just what has gotten into you?" Genuinely bewildered by the black Zora's actions. He was normally far more welcoming and kind-hearted than this, especially towards those that have suffered misfortune. Yet the young man refused to reply, merely glancing up to his prince before locking back onto Sado.
"You might yet prove interesting, little one." Whispering and sighing ever so softly to himself as if in a daydream.
~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~
"Come, the king shall see you now." A servant then escorted the Zora princess and her two guards to the throne room.
Upon entering, the first thought that went through her head was, Will Sidon grow to be that big? The sheer size of King Dorephan had the small group stop their tracks, but the shock was temporary. Once they stood upon the raised platform, her guards took a knee while Yanun bowed.
The king then spoke. "I am King Dorephan, ruler of Zora's Domain and its people. I will allow our healers to tend to your people's injuries, but I will hear your story before I permit that you may stay."
"Thank you, King Dorephan."
Yanun then began to tell their history. Her homeland, her kingdom was far to the south and far across the sea. At least ten days of swimming. The Nylle Kingdom's territory had originally been built in a lake formation created from a fallen star and over hundreds of years, expanded. The land surrounding their rivers and lakes was a thick canopy of jungle, it had the searing heat of a desert and the dense humidity of the coast. The rivers were slow and rains were heavy, often flooding the nearby area.
"In fact, the journey here was a good example of the border of our land."
The royals remained silent, but Sidon was still expressing his surprise. The river they had taken from the road leading up to Hateno Village, all the way to the Domain… That kind of territory was easily four times the size of theirs with the east reservoir and mountain ranges.
Just what kind of force would be strong enough to overthrow a kingdom of that magnitude? Sidon wondered to himself. There was only one creature that came to mind, yet it was impossible. Calamity Ganon as it had been kept imprisoned here in Hyrule for a hundred years.
The land of Nylle was indeed the largest and the only political neighbour they had was the Gerudo people of the Red Sand. A mainly tribal, but respectable clan of people. The two mainly stayed within their own boarders, but did trade frequently throughout the year.
A mighty people they once were, numbers in the thousands, yet even the mighty can fall.
"It was about two years ago when the war started. The Rito, a race of savages capable of flight; armed with talons and bows, attacked us. We were arrogant in our belief that we had too large an army, too strong for anyone to ever bring us harm. But they were patient and persistent a first, picking us off at the border. When we were alone or in small groups. Men, women and children alike, it didn't matter to them. And within a year we had lost over a third of our population without a direct confrontation… We only ever found the odd scout and even when caught alive, they took their own life before speaking."
Yanun swayed on the spot from the seething rage as she recalled all the bodies they found, the messages left behind, how her kingdom crumbled out of her hands. Sado and the other guard glanced to their princess, but otherwise did not move. She recovered with a deep breath, refining her posture once more.
"In the end we never truly had a front line to the war, often having no choice but to wait for them to attack. We were at a great disadvantage and even the depths of our lake were not enough to protect us from death. There were few victories for us and it became painfully clear that we had no choice, but to abandon our home. Without any idea where to run, Prima told me to turn to the north."
"And that is how you came to be on Hyrule's shores?"
"Yes, King Dorephan. We have left behind ten thousand years worth of our ancestor's blood and tears, our history. For the sake of our kind's survival, it was Prima's wish above all else."
"I am told that they are your being of higher worship."
"It is true. I am not just the princess, but also the only priestess. A speaker and link to our almighty deity, a duty I am most proud of. Being a chosen voice of Prima is of the highest honour amongst our people. Prima is neither female nor male, but is both of birth and death, an immortal being of nature and instinct." Yanun held her hands outstretched, a token of faith, prayer and silently offering herself to Prima. "There might not be many of us left, but if Prima's blessing holds, there sure to be pups born in the months to come. Twenty primal-"
"Primal?" Dorephan questioned, startling Muzu as it was unlike him to interrupt someone and particularly on such a sensitive subject.
"Yes. With great blessings, most of my people are of primal heritage." She replied with a great swell of pride and glanced to Sidon for a short moment before asking a question of her own. Feeling her heart flutter unlike it ever has before. "I pray that your people have also been blessed with this ancient bloodline?"
"Not many have presented primal among my people, but it holds little meaning of worth to us. Though should you stay, this will be of noteworthy information. We would want proper measures in place to ensure the needs of the people are met."
"I see, thank you. You are most gracious." Though she was disappointed, the prince also did not seem to react to her inquiry. But she was not without faith. With the meeting clearly coming to a close, she stated her plea. "Will you not help us?"
"You speak this without any desire to reclaim your homeland?"
"None."
"Then after your wounds have healed, what will you do?"
"Seek out a new place to call home, start anew."
"Hm." The titan thought for a moment of what was the best course of action to take. Though in silence, minutes felt like hours and Sidon beginning to doubt that his father would give them shelter. Truthfully, he had expected them to be welcomed to live here the moment their story ended. It was a terrible tale and Sidon wished he could grant their wish for a new home. Where better place for Zora than Zora's Domain? "I propose this, Princess Yanun. You and your people may take sanctuary here for three months. After that time if you find yourselves at home, we will discuss arrangements once more. Does this agree with you?"
She smiled and gave a bow once more. "It does, thank you for your kindness, King Dorephan."
~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~
As always, Sidon was smiles and joy. "This shall be your room."
Glancing inside the twin doors, the room was pleasantly decorated much like the rest of the guest housing of the east wing. It was humble and modest, yet still regal. Walls were painted light grey with ever so slightly darker shades in diamond patterns. A large bow window took place of the wall across the room. A cushioned bench stretched along the windowsill and even in the fleeting twilight hours had decent view of the sky and mountain ranges. Centred was a table with two chairs, though was large enough to seat four. All the furniture was made of dark oak, while cushions and drapes were hues of pastel colours. The space wasn't all that big, but there were curtained archways on the right and left sides of the room. Overall the room was lit from a chandelier sculpted from luminous stone.
"The bedchamber is on the left, there will be a replacement bed brought along shortly." He clarified as he led the way, but reaching the curtain doorway he realized that Yanun had stopped to inspect the dinning set. Sidon's smile became more apologetic than excited as he addressed her. "I hope that this arrangement is not too troublesome. The room is designed for the comfort of our less water capable guests, none of us ever thought that we need one for visiting Zora… We have larger chair sets if you prefer."
"Ah, no! No need, I was just admiring the craftsmanship. This room is lovely, I think that I will be comfortable staying here."
The prince laughed softly. "I see, I am happy to hear that. Shall I take my leave then and give you some space to settle in before dinner?"
"You don't have to go. I just want to have a quick look around a-and also if you want to… would you give me a tour of your home? If it's too much trouble, that's okay! I-I understand." Honestly she couldn't comprehend why it was this hard to make a request. It was so unlike her getting flustered and unsure of herself, she had always been a straightforward leader and never feared anything other than Rito. Feeling ashamed for her unusual behaviour, Yanun couldn't bear to meet the prince's eyes and looked back to the table.
"It would be my pleasure to be your guide and show you my entire homeland, Princess Yanun." She felt her heart flutter with joy and relief at those words. "But, it would be best done in the daylight hours so let us wait until tomorrow. I could give you a tour of the palace, would that suffice for tonight instead?"
"Oh, yes! Thank you, Prince Sidon."
~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~
Sadly, there was not much time to explore together before a servant came to fetch them for dinner. Yanun hid her disappointment well, but she would admit that she was happy that Sidon sat across from her at the long table in the great hall. It would seem that dinner was not only to celebrate the welcoming of the new Zora, but for a successful mission. Her side of the table sat all her people that did not need to remain in the infirmary and Sidon's side, all of the soldiers that had assisted in the battle.
Dinner was strange as the food was cooked in a vastly different way than they traditionally prepared. But it wasn't that bad, she was just happy that there was plenty of meat to go around. Last thing they needed was for her people to make fools of themselves as they fought over who had more than the other. Warriors… Yanun sighed and shook her head, but she was fairly confident that they would behave themselves for now.
Speaking of warriors, she was getting a little annoyed by a particular black one that was still eyeing her. Captain Bazz, she recalled was his title and name. He doesn't seem like much, but he apparently holds the same rank as Hine.
Hine currently sat to her right and was Yanun's Captain of the army or guard, there really wasn't much difference to them. She was a little taller than most female Zora and was attracting plenty of attention from her broad ear flaps that draped almost around her whole head. That and her body mass was not lean muscle for speedy swimming, but heavy for wrestling, little did the colourful Zora know. I pity the first fool to challenge her.
In fact, it was something that many of her warriors have been pointing out, colours aside, it seemed that Sidon's people were all lean. Where they themselves were broad… aside from Sado, who was the freak show of their band.
"Is the food to your liking, Princess Yanun?" Sidon asked with his blinding smile, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"Ah- Yes, thank you… It's different, but good." Yanun replied with an awkward smile, almost hating herself on how quickly she lost her composure.
"I hope you don't mind me saying, but your headdress reminds me of leviathan bones."
"Leviathan? As in the great water beings that vanished?"
"Well, I wouldn't say vanished, you can still find their bones across Hyrule-"
It was probably not best to be as hasty as she had been, jumping up and practically slamming her hands down on the table. Startling the whole hall into silence as she spoke over the prince. "You've seen their bones?!" But she couldn't help it, this day had to have been blessed by Prima, first meeting Sidon, finding another Zora kingdom and now remains of leviathans? This was definitely the best day of her life.
Sidon was taken back a little, but quickly he began to laugh. "Apologies, Princess Yanun. I don't think you would find bones so exciting. A princess and a priestess, are you also a researcher as well? You are quite the talented young woman."
"Not exactly…" Yanun mumbled, suddenly feeling flustered, no doubt blushing from his compliment. "But the leviathans are very important to our history and culture. I would in your debt if you could show me where the bones are."
"I'm afraid that I have never seen them in person. Only as images and I can't recall the locations." Sidon's answer had her dropping back in her seat, but before her emotion completely deflated, he spoke up. "However. I know a good friend that has seen them all and without a doubt, he could map out the locations for me."
~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~
"So, you sister was once a mighty warrior?" Yanun asked gazing up at the beautifully sculpted statue of Mipha, dew drops making her shimmer in the early morning light.
"Indeed, Mipha was the Zora Champion. I still believe that I am inferior in skills to this day."
"I would have liked to have met your sister, I think we would have gotten along."
"Well, you might still be able too." His statement made her slightly confused and looked to him to explain himself. Though she had a fairly good guess of what he was going to say. "My sister's spirit still resides here in Zora's Domain, though more precisely she resides within Vah Ruta."
"Vah Ruta?"
Sidon nods and turns towards the east reservoir. "It is the name of the divine beast with an incredible power over water. It has dwelt here for thousands of years and helps protect the land. Vah Ruta is currently in a deep slumber at the bottom of the lake. But I'm certain that if we paid a visit, my sister would most surely take notice. I have yet to see her clearly, but there are times where I can faintly catch a glimpse or hear her gentle voice."
"Good mornin', Prince Sidon~!" A cheerful and familiar voice called out to the red Zora, whom turned around new found glee. Seeing this blue Rito was almost a special occasion for the prince, he was either receiving political mail from other rulers or a letter from Link!
"A fine morning indeed, Vail!"
Or it was a fine morning until Yanun screamed in terror and made Vail scream from surprise. His feather friend almost crashing into Mipha from being thrown off rhythm, Sidon had to jump a little to catch her. "Woah, that was close. Are you alight?"
"Ya, thanks. Sorry about that, I didn't mean to scare your friend like that… Where'd she go?" Vail wondered as she was set down, though it only took a moment to spot the silver Zora crouched under the statue. "Ah-ah! There she is~!"
Sidon was grateful for his fast reflexes as he caught Yanun before she pounced on the Rito woman, trying desperately to attack with her claws. Vail backed off quickly with her wings up in surrender. "WOAH! Lady, look, I'm sorry. I really did not mean to scare you, but seriously calm down!"
"What are you doing!? Unhand me! That's a Rito chick!" Yanun yelled as she struggled to get out of Sidon's arms.
"Hey! I'm an adult thank you!"
"Vail, I'm ever so sorry to trouble you, but could you please wait on the bridge? I promise to explain everything, just give me a moment to calm Princess Yanun."
With the danger of Vail being jumped on dealt with, Sidon hesitantly set Yanun back on her feet. But she was so fixated on the Rito that he had to continuously shift in front of her to keep her from bolting. "Steady. Hold on, just wait for me to explain-"
"What is there to explain!? That's a Rito chick over there, a scout! They'll get away and tell our location to the main flock if we don't do something!"
"No, no, no! You've got this all wrong, Vail may be Rito, but she is most certainly not one that will bring you harm. She works as a postal carrier to deliver mail across Hyrule. She's harmless, I promise. Please calm yourself, Princess. Hyrule has its own population of Rito."
Yanun then locked eyes with the tall man. Sidon wasn't sure if it was because the princess was suffering from the stress of what her people had struggled so hard to get away from or just pure wrath, but the look of her amethyst eyes made him shiver. Thankfully, the look faded quickly into regret and she seemed to have calmed herself. "I'm sorry… I'll wait here while you handle this…"
"Thank you, but I should have told you sooner so this is partly my fault. We will have to speak to the rest of your people about this however. I wouldn't want any misunderstandings to lead to further injury."
After explaining the whole story to Vail, she too felt a little bad about what happened. But was still pissed about being called a chick. On happier news, she had a letter for him from Link. Sidon just about woke the whole domain from his shout of pure joy.
"I'll leave you to enjoy yourself. Do tell me the next time the hero has an epic monster story, because that one from months ago is still my favourite. The last few have been kinda of meh."
"The one about the Wizzrobes?"
"No!" She looked up at him like he was an idiot. "The one about the Lynel! You know where ice explodes from their skull from an ice arrow!?" Empathizing the image by using her feathered fingers to gesture an explosion coming out of the right side of her head.
Sidon just laughed, it was true. It had been one of Link's better monster fights this year.
"He's really good at painting an image with words isn't he?" Vail continued. "Maybe if he retires, he can make a few novels about his adventures across Hyrule. I know I'd be one of the first to buy a copy."
"I think you meant when he retires." But Vail just gave Sidon a doubtful look; well she may not believe that Link will ever quit being a knight of Hyrule. Sidon may know something that she didn't, though this wasn't the time to share this information. "Nonetheless, I shall tell you the next time he writes about one of his gruesome battles."
"You know how I like them, the more blood and guts the better~!" Vail sang happily and gave him a wink. She then made sure all her gear was in order and wasn't going to lose any important mail. While Sidon opened his letter from Link with the utmost care.
Dear Sidon,
The training of the forty-eight platoon is almost complete. They are progressing efficiently and are outdoing their seniors, if they keep this pace up, it will be them training the new recruits. It won't be much longer now, I hope less than a year.
Satori Mountain seems to have a strange gathering of Blupees on the rare night. The glow is easily seen from a distance to the point it frightened travellers and nearby villages. I'll do my best to capture a picture for you next time.
I hope that you can forgive the lack of content, Sidon. But I knew that you would needlessly worry if you didn't get a letter this month.
-Link
"Vail, wait!" Sidon called out desperately the Rito already in the air, praying that she had heard him. Thank Hylia she did and he watched her swoop around to land on the railing of the bridge.
"What's the hold up? I have other places to be before noon you know."
"Please, I beg of you, wait here a few more moments. I have to quickly write another letter, it's urgent." The prince was beyond worried, just what had happened to Link? This isn't normal, the way he has written this letter, it was like it wasn't Link. Sidon felt like he had received a report, not a letter from a close friend.
I should have known something was up when I felt Mipha reaching out to me weeks ago, something must have happened. I don't know if it is a memory fragment from his past or he has been hurt in some way.
"Ya… okay, sure." She wanted to ask why or what had happened, but it wasn't her place to pry nor was it likely that Sidon would tell her. But the look she saw on his face as he ran back to the palace… She had never seen him distressed.
