I left for literally two months I'm so embarrassed bye
Sorry about that guys. School started in the fall and my professors are not holding back when it comes to the workload. I forgot everything that has to do with coding and organic chem so it's a crazy grind. Oh well, I think things are starting to balance out, even though some of my classes are assigning papers too. The hell
Anyway, please enjoy this chapter. This chapter was a good chance for me to lay out some things and also give me more ideas on how to get Link and Zelda to keep running into each other. It's my story but I can't keep deus ex machina-ing their meetings LMAO.
I won't waste any more of y'all's time. Please enjoy & let me know what you think :)
Midna had not questioned the pastries.
She seemed to think it was some sort of rare, genial act that accompanied Link's errand for Jovani's wares and simply ate one immediately after waking up. Link had taken his time with his but didn't finish it. It'd been too sweet, the sugary fruitiness of the pastry assaulting his taste buds before he'd set it down, letting Midna snatch up the rest.
"These are good," Midna had said through a mouthful of the bakery item. Telma's bar was quiet in the mornings, the only other occupants being regulars or morning drinkers, the latter mostly nodding off at the bar. "Where did you get them?"
"I dunno, just some bakery." Link grumbled, tapping a small spoon against the side of his cup of tea. Telma had asked him to try it (free of charge) with a dash of honey - still sweet, but bearable then. "I walked in and walked out."
"And stumbled out with two pastries? That's so considerate of you."
Link couldn't deny it or elaborate further for that matter, and let the conservation die in the air. He was still reeling from it; his morning that is. What a weird, normal morning, one that flitted in his head on and off as the day progressed, which was one with a lull. The coming night would be one with a meeting with Ganondorf - nerve-wracking but not disastrous. Jovani had cooperated, and though the overheard conversation at the palace wasn't ideal, the pressure wasn't too immense.
Throughout the day, Link did his best to scribble down the vague memories of the inside and outside of the palace, trying to remember each turn in the castle, closed and open doors, staircases, and smaller halls. Scribbling words of instruction on how he and Midna had entered the grounds to give, like an assignment, to his father. The man valued meticulous detail, the type that only he could plan out and use to a perfect degree.
Link also, much to his chagrin, was haunted by that "see you again" wrapped in a half-baked promise from the woman named Zelda. Never in his life had he experienced the innocent premise of "see you again" that didn't hold a darker undertone. It had been, almost wonderfully, pure in intent and without malice. Each time Link thought about the pleasantness, he immediately forced it down again. That wasn't him. That'd been easily the best performance Link had ever put on in his life, and it did not matter that there was a small enjoyment in it. That was a side effect.
"Side effect," Link muttered in deep thought, shifting his gaze in the direction of the window near the desk he was sitting at. While Midna had gone out in Castletown to goddesses knows where (likely the seedier sides, where one could get wicked weapons laced with toxins and the like), he had stayed in the room Telma had generously offered them, toiling over what to do next.
Lurking around Hyrule Castle was next. Maybe catching the Empress outside was smart? So it'd have to midday, or at least in daylight, where retainers and guards would no doubt be keeping watch. Risky, but maybe quick. He could borrow a bow and quiver from a Citrine member, maybe soak it with a toxin for good measure.
Link twirled the quill pen in his hand, smirking. Oh, what a sight that'd be. A convulsing body, people panicking, a fruitless revival... a pathetic death.
He didn't desire to kill, but it wasn't something that he'd turn away from when it was needed. An occupational hazard, most people would call it, which made his job sound much cleaner and a little less crude. Yet, sometimes, death was too poetic and it brought him some satisfaction, and he could taste it with this assignment.
The sudden opening of the door turned Link's attention away from his thoughts. Midna stomped through, dropping a small fabric sack near the door.
"The sun is setting. Some of the Citrine will be here soon for us."
"What did you do this afternoon?"
Midna peeled off her cloak and let it fall to the floor, kicking it aside with a dusty boot. "I slinked around and tried to barter for a weapon with a man who had fewer teeth than a lizard. I was just about ready to mug him and he was visibly enjoying my frustration the whole time. That bastard..."
She stood behind Link, peering down at the scribbled outline he'd constructed. "D'you think that'll be enough?"
"Of course. It's enough to tell someone 'they know what they're doing'." He folded the papers haphazardly, tucking them in his pants pocket. "We've given less."
Midna raised a brow, keeping her eye fixed on Link as he stood. After a brief moment, she spoke up again.
"And if he gets angry?"
Link shook his head.
"That won't happen."
The sky was already a murky black by the time Ganondorf allowed an audience, past midnight and colder from the unforgiving winds that sped across the vastness of Hyrule Field. Their camp wasn't far from Castletown - it was only a short horse ride away, one that had been escorted by two Citrine members who had wordlessly nodded with Link and Midna's arrival to the front gates.
Hours had been spent at the camp, sitting near the fire and sharing food with other Legion members. While comradery was encouraged and valued in the band, Link especially was closed off from most of the members. Maybe it was the fact that many of them were older men and women, already in their 20's by the time an infant Link was taken in. It was more likely, however, that his path had been constructed, engineered by Ganondorf to be perfect, and if not perfect, at least fine-tuned.
Midna was no different, yet she was more acclimated to the rest of the Citrine Legion, a foster child of many rather than a sole individual. As she sat and spoke, Link sat in silence, staring not only at the fire but his father's tent across from him.
"You came crawling back?"
Ghirahim's voice was a vocal sneer, yet his expression was flat and uncompromising. He crouched next to Link's spot on the ground, nudging the younger man's shoulder with a thin hand. "Daddy already reprimanding you?"
"You wish," Link kept his tone shrewd, not looking at the man. "You seem so eager to have a member of your gang facing the chopping block."
"Oh, well, I'm not that heartless. But I have to ask," Ghirahim leaned closer, his breath tickling Link's ear. It reeked. "You didn't forget this morning, did you? The little lady..."
"That's got nothing to do with this. It was weird for me too, you peeping bastard."
Link turned his head slightly in Ghirahim's direction, enough so they were now face-to-face. Ghirahim's lips turned upwards.
"Are you sure you didn't know her? She's not a staple in the bed, pardon my language...?"
"What a wonderful judge of character that is if you immediately assume that. I've never dug around in your affairs like this, what's your problem?"
"My problem? I get a chunk of the payoff if this goes well. Anything that's out of line is my problem, you spoiled little brat -"
The rustling from Ganondorf's tent was enough to have Ghirahim's voice slow, then falter as the flap opened and the imposing figure of the Gerudo stood in the open space. Not a word was spoken but the silence was understood, filling the empty open-air with an oppressive weight.
"...What a shame. My interrogation will have to take place another time." Ghirahim purred, eyes narrowing as Link stood and looked down on him. "Don't make your father too angry now."
"When the goddesses descend from the heavens." Link sneered back, stepping around Ghirahim and deliberately digging the toe of his boot into the dirt, kicking it up into the air next to the man. Ghirahim's only reaction was a flinch, yet it gave Link enough satisfaction so that the side of his mouth quirked up. What a nosey-bastard.
Link could hear Midna behind him but then heard her steps falter as Ganondorf made a shooing motion, his gaze directed on her rather than Link. He looked bored, and his gaze shifted ever so slightly to the side to fix on Link.
"You can come in."
If other legion members were apprehensive, they gave no indication of such sentiment. They went about their socializing by the campfire, yet their gazes were shifting, words deliberate, slowed to catch any sound or sight that was off-color.
"Of course, sir."
Link matched Ganondorf's flat tone, not looking at the imposing man as he stepped into the tent. He didn't turn to look at his father, opting instead for waiting for anything that could indicate a release of tension.
It didn't come, and Link instead felt the rush of Ganondorf towering over him.
The heavy blow making its mark on Link's face had his knees buckling and head spinning, a choked grunt squeezing past his lips.
"Ghirahim said some things I didn't take kindly."
A flare of anger settled in Link's chest, enough for a retort to come out.
"He doesn't even know what he's -"
Another flat-handed blow, then a hand wrapping around Link's throat, the intense pressure on his windpipe forcing a wheeze.
"Did I say you could talk?"
Ganondorf's question was rhetorical of course, and Link didn't dare to squeeze a few words out as the Gerudo bore down on him, orange eyes blazing.
"This isn't some casual business I'm talking about. If you have time for a woman, you have time to survey, or plan, or report. After this is done is when I don't care. Worthless child."
With a shove, Ganondorf sent Link to the ground, flexing his choking hand as the leather glove squeezed around it. The Gerudo kneeled, grabbing the collar of Link's shirt.
Link said nothing. At this point, it was better to say nothing. He could see the restrained anger in Ganondorf's eyes, crackling like sparks on tinder.
"The Twili group is raiding the Labrynnan capital as we speak to save your ass, boy. We've cornered the little empress in her little palace. You have time, but that doesn't matter. I don't want you to take all the time we have. I want you to finish this."
"...Why? What's the rush fath - ah!"
A sharp, burning pain curled in Link's neck from cold metal pressed against it. The wicked obsidian dagger leaned gently into flesh, red bubbling up along the edge.
"You don't have to ask questions like that to get a job done. I asked, and you will listen. My - our - success lies in this."
The agitation in Ganondorf's words was tangible, each word slipping from his mouth clipped and bordering on impatience. Link's blood was warm down his neck, pooling in the collar of his shirt and dampening it, the initial sharp pain now molding into a dull throb.
"Another thing. I've changed your terms. I'll kill you if you fail, don't think I'll have sympathy. I'll replace you." Ganondorf released the knife against Link's throat, but the word continued to cut.
"...I'm your son."
"My son on my terms. I'm the one that saved your mewling infant self against my impulses."
There was no point fighting back. The air had turned thick with anger and maybe Link's mind was exaggerating it, but he could smell the iron from his wound.
"We've been given more time and I'd hate for you to squander it. You shouldn't stay here, go back to the capital."
Ganondorf's suggestion, no, demand was telling. Link again said nothing, only standing and nodding slightly.
"You have my word father."
A pleased looked graced the Gerudo's face.
"I'm glad we can come to an agreement."
Ganondorf said nothing more, which Link took as a passive-aggressive communique for him to leave. As Link turned, he gently pressed his hand to the side of his neck, holding it up as he exited the tent, hand backlit by the flames.
Blood gleamed black and red against the light, dripping from finger to finger in a morbid picture of beauty that did nothing the quell the quiet anxiety sitting in Link's chest.
This felt no longer like gentle oversight and evoked something more of a chain tight around Link's throat, toying with suffocation at every misstep.
The frantic page tumbling into the conference room caused a murmur among the officials, a sudden jolt of energy into the sleepy, late-night meeting that felt more and more unimportant as time went on.
Sheik's gaze flickered upward, paused in the turning of a page of a crime report that only gave him a greater headache. The words were blurring together on the page and the impatient droning of the older council members was making a dire report blander than barrack meals. Any other time would Sheik be a little more focused on the somber paragraphs describing organized crime upticks and dubious underground activity. Maybe he was desensitized at this point - every moment preparing for his sister's eventual marriage was ridden with what if's and worst-case scenarios that would've had anyone else ripping out their hair.
That was why the page's words were muffled by his deep thoughts and his stupor wasn't broken until he caught the long silence that was filling the room.
Sheik fixedly looked up, seeing the page's rosy face and nervous expression.
"What is it?"
The page's breath wavered.
"Sir... Labrynna... the Labrynnan capital has been attacked," The younger man's voice was strained with nervousness. "It's... well, it's in flames."
What a nightmare.
Zelda's sleep was fruitless so she sat at her desk instead, thumbing through books and sifting through piles of papers that kept her mind off her inability to sleep. She rarely had good sleep nowadays and she wasn't sure if it was her present, future, or past taunting her. If it was her past, it would be her father playing puppetmaster, setting her on a path that couldn't be debated and only followed, which led right into the future reality of political marriage.
She had to keep reminding herself that it wasn't a bad thing, but the precedent of her dead father seemed to hold more weight in the legislature than her own live word. It was almost as if all those old politicians were trying to speak to the late emperor through the current empress with pointed glances and condescending tone.
Zelda breathed out a heavy sigh through her nose, turning over another pile of papers.
If she had the choice, she'd visit Castletown more, but every single hinted word from her brother screamed 'danger'. It was the impending marriage that was making her more restless, she was sure of it. Not that Sheik would understand, he had no obligation of the sort.
Zelda was willing her mind to grow drowsy after reading swaths of boring papers, and it seemed to be working until there were rapid knocks at her door, steering her mind back into alertness.
"Your Majesty." Sheik's voice was flat. "Please, I have news that requires your attention."
Sheik had hardly finished his sentence before Zelda opened a door, the dim light from the hall leaking into her room and backlighting her brother. He stood stiff, mouth drawn in a flat line.
"What is it?" Zelda queried, and her words seemed to add weight to Sheik's shoulders with the way that he sighed wearily and his brow furrowed.
"I'm afraid that... Labrynna has been assaulted. By what force, we're not sure, but the fact of the matter remains -"
A chill went up Zelda's back, alarm bells ringing in her head. Labrynna was a peace-centric nation, hardly involving itself in anything that could be considered contentious. If anything, they were the soother of Hyrule's troubles with warring states and the precedent of her father, the "Great Unifier" -
She corrected herself. There was no unification if there were cracks in treaties and well-wishes. If Hyrule was the cold-blooded hunter, Labrynna was the martyr lamb, collateral of quarrels unresolved.
She could've anticipated it. Could've predicted it. She failed. She failed the poor prince. Shame on her.
"...Call off the marriage then," Zelda said before she could think, and the reaction from her brother was like she'd just grown another head.
"Have you gone mad?"
Zelda pushed by her brother, pulling her night robes closer around her as she made her way down the hall.
"Your Majesty."
Sheik walked along beside her, bearing down on her with a furrowed brow.
"Hey, Zelda!"
He grabbed her wrist deftly, tightening his grip as Zelda tried to twist out of it.
"Let me go, brother."
"'Brother', is it? Zelda, listen to yourself. You'll only hurt both Hyrule and Labrynna if you say anything of that sort." Sheik's voice edged on pleading, a tone rarely evoked that made Zelda hesitate for a fleeting moment before she steeled herself. "Aren't you supposed to be the more rational between the two of us? Because recently I've been feeling that I -"
"I'm perfectly sound, thank you."
"Then why -"
Zelda stopped short, nearly making Sheik trip over her heavy robes.
"I'm not going to be a leader who drags other states down with us," The timbre of her voice was low and clear, grating slightly in her throat yet still retaining a higher pitch. "I will not lead another country down a path that only causes pain when I can extend a hand impartially."
Incredulity made its home on Sheik's face. "And you think calling off the arrangement is how to do that? Wha -"
"You do realize, Sheik, that all these upticks in unrest are emerging because of this arrangement?"
Silence met the empress's ears as her questioning words echoed slightly in the high-ceilinged hall, bouncing off the dark stone and wood walls and ceiling. She didn't look at her brother - no doubt would concern in the form of a furrowed brow and small frown be present.
"Your duty to this arrangement is blinding you. I implore you to consider your majesty's opinion."
"... I am, but -"
"Our father didn't consider other state's needs as much as I'm doing the bare minimum now. I'm not going to make his mistake. The prince will no doubt understand."
Zelda gently pulled her wrist out of Sheik's weakening grip, the state of his resolve battered.
"He won't agree to this."
The empress exhaled, gazing down at her feet. The plush, dark red of the carpet below them looked almost blood-soaked.
"He will."
Trust me, our protagonists will meet again sooner than you probably think. I have to build everything up to be well-structured, you know? Even if it's not as thrilling or whatever. It's been such a while because of school that I thought writing this chapter felt kinda weird, but let me know what you guys think!
I won't be gone for so long next time and I plan to have a chapter up sooner rather than later. I'm sorry again for being the worst uploader to walk the earth lol but trust me - new chapters will keep coming.
Thank you for reading! See you guys soon.