Inspiration: SuccessfulFailure, "Shark Tank", Jemi Hendrix, a video game icon, and cucurbitaceae.
Shout out: Shadowwitch042190, and Elly thanks for reading.
Author Note: Things should be getting interesting
Word Count: 14,807
Reedited 7/22/2014
Chapter 12
One Day Later, Faron Woods: Link's POV
There was an intentional pep in Bastion's and my step as we traveled through the forest. We had to hurry to this next location, because the Dragon Gala was only a few days away. I was aware that the proxy powers I received would be transferred back to Zelda when she returned, however that wasn't what was bothering me. I now had a terrible feeling about what was to take place at the gala. If we did not procure this next item, there was a good chance Vincent and Morgana were going to be successful in their endeavors. Right now we were traversing Faron Woods via the ancient map. It was pretty much the same as the more current map, but there were some differences, one being the clearing leading off to the spring. On the old map it showed a lead off into a secret area, so they weren't congruent in that context. Bastion and I approached the fern dense woods and saw that the leaves had been cut and disturbed there.
At seeing that, I felt my stomach drop a little.
Damn... I thought.
Bastion came up beside me and looked at the same thing.
"They were already ready here," he muttered, "blast!"
I shared his frustration and squeezed a leaf in my hand, but instead of heading back to the castle, I decided to go through the clearing anyway. It was a minute decision. Bastion looked after me surprised, not sure what I was going to find, and soon followed. On the other side was just what was drawn on the old map: bluffs covered by an iridescent canopy, a waterfall, a deep chasm or pool, and a shoreline that led to an old flower bed. But where was the temple?
"It has to be here somewhere," I whispered to myself.
When Bastion came through, and saw the other side, he looked around in amazement.
"Wow, in all the times I traveled through this forest, I never knew any of this was here," he whispered more to himself than to me.
I shook my head.
"Neither did I," I answered anyway, "this is incredible."
Bastion nodded slowly, and continued looking around, but then paused for a moment when something caught his eye behind the waterfall.
"What's that?" he asked.
I didn't see what he saw.
"What's what?" I asked.
I pointed straight ahead of him.
"There was something there," he said, "a face or something."
I looked at him puzzled.
"A face?" I repeated.
He only nodded.
"Yes," he repeated, "a face."
I took in a deep sigh, suddenly having a bad feeling about all this, but knew there was only one way to know for certain.
"Come on let's go," I said, then started down the mountainside.
Bastion hesitated at first, but then soon followed. The rock bed was a mixture of embossed stone, topsoil, and overgrown foliage, so getting down the steep cliff was pretty dangerous. However, a few moments later, we were on solid ground on the shore bed. Even with the overgrowth of nature, the area was still hauntingly beautiful. There was something intriguing about the filtered sunlight that crept through the canopy that gave the area an almost mystic glow. It almost seemed like the area was sprayed with enchantment. However, we weren't there to look up ancient typography, but before we could proceed further, a blinding light suddenly panned our view of vision, and we were sense struck for a moment.
What in Hylia's dear name-? I thought.
"Ah!" we both cried out.
It took several seconds, but when the light dispersed we were then face to face with another shock. There sitting in front of us was a golden red eyed wolf. It was staring straight at me, and was radiating with a strange yellow haze. I took several steps back in disbelief, because I had a feeling I knew who this was.
It can't be! I thought. I didn't play a song to summon him!
As if in tandem with my thoughts, the golden wolf then shape shifted into a tall skeleton complete with an armor. My breathing quickened as he was making himself known, I knew exactly who this was now.
The Hero's Shade! I thought.
I then took a step forward, but Bastion beckoned me to stop.
"What are you doing?" he demanded. "That's a stalfos! Don't touch it!"
I shook my head.
"It's alright," I reassured, "it isn't what you think."
However, Bastion wasn't convinced, and I was in for another surprise.
This one I didn't see coming.
Before I could make contact with the Hero's Shade, the creature morphed again. I stepped back realizing this was something I wasn't quite expecting. The Hero's Shade had always transitioned from his wolf form to his stalfos form. This was odd, however as the after the last transformation, I was left in even more awe.
Dear goddesses... I thought in minor disbelief, this is his true identity?
When Bastion caught sight of him, his mouth dropped.
"Is that-is that the great king of old?" he whispered incredulously.
I nodded.
Indeed it was, but the apparition was more aptly known as The Hero of Time. It looked just like him: the blonde hair, the muscular countenance, the green tunic, the serious thought provoking expression- it was a mirror image of the great man of the past. However, that still didn't explain what he was doing here. Why was an apparition appearing here now? Had something happened already? Was he here to warn us?
I took a step forward.
"Sire..." I whispered.
The Hero immediately shook his head.
"You don't have to call me that," he said, "my days as king are over, you can call me Link."
I was dumbfounded.
Bastion walked up next to me, still stunned.
"I can't believe it's really you?" he said to the apparition. "You're the great hero of the past!"
The Hero smiled briefly at hearing that. "It seems many people have forgotten that."
I wasn't sure what he meant by that, I knew I hadn't. Even still, I knew he wasn't here for small talk.
"Why are you appearing now?" I asked, getting straight to the point. "Has something happened to her majesty? Has Ganondorf escaped?"
The Hero shook his head no to both things. "I came here for a different purpose," he said, "I came to tell you the item which you seek is gone."
I looked at him surprised, but shouldn't have been. We were expecting that.
"What?" I said anyway.
The Hero nodded. "I'm afraid so," he said, "the item the people here before you retrieved was called The Demanded Flower, it's the second key to fit in a slot called the Tuuli Stone. On the back is a strange inscription that says: it is finnished."
I looked at him puzzled.
"It is finnished?" I repeated. "Not finished?"
The Hero nodded. "Yes," he replied.
That didn't clear any confusion for me. I still had no idea what he was talking about, and from the look on Bastion's face neither did he.
"Can you tell us what any of this means?" I asked. "Or where to find it now?"
Unfortunately, the Hero shook his head. "There were a great many things I had to find out on my own when I was king," he replied, "much of what you read about my greatness was attributed to my wife, The Sage of Time. For you, my son, you're going to have to take what is given to you and use it to your own advantage. However, if you use that advantage, your enemies won't win."
Most of what he was saying was vague. It reminded me of when the fairy spoke to Bastion and I in the Cave of Ordeals. She too said that if I went after Vincent and Morgana that they would fail. Even still, I would like to know who they were trying to awaken, and if we could still recover the items.
"I see..." was all I said in reply.
There was a brief silence that settled in between us, when the hero of old finally broke it. He was studying me with open curiosity.
"You have a lot of your grandmother's will in you," he said suddenly, "that's why Farore chose you to be this age's hero."
I looked at him surprised.
That was quite the shift in subject matter.
"How do you know that?" I asked.
The Hero smiled at me a sad smile. "I knew her once upon a time in a different life," he revealed, "she could dull out the sun with her radiant disposition. Her song still lives in the trees of this forest. If you listen closely you can hear it. She taught me that song a long time ago when I was a child."
I stared at him speechless. I couldn't believe what I was hearing, and all I could do was nod. Why was he sharing this now?
"She... she was a great woman," I said, "at least that's what everyone in the village says about her."
The Hero nodded. "She was a great woman," he repeated, "you should be very proud to have her blood flowing through your veins."
From the way he was speaking about her, there was no doubt that he was very fond of her, and with the expression on his face I couldn't help but ask.
"I know I'm going to sound crazy to you," I started, "but were you close to my grandmother? You sound like she was very dear to you."
The Hero was quiet for a moment. He didn't reply right away, which told me I was onto something. He finally took in a deep sigh. "Your grandmother was... she was very special to me," he disclosed, "she was one of the many regrets I had in my past life, and when she died, a part of me died with her. That's one of the reasons I came here so long ago... one of the reasons I came, and never left." A far away look came to his eyes just then. "I understand you're grappling with the same thing."
I felt my eyes widen slightly at his divulgence.
"I'm sorry?" I said, trying to throw him off.
He wasn't deterred.
"Your Midna, young master," he replied.
I felt my eyes widen, knowing that Zelda was his flesh and blood.
"Master Link I-" I tried.
The Hero held up his hand to stop me. "You don't have to explain," he silenced me, "if you don't love my granddaughter, then it's best that you are honest with her about that. The last thing you would want to do is marry someone you don't love. Even if you're doing it for the right reasons, it still can bring you a great deal of pain. Find your beloved Midna, tell her what you really feel, and never let her go. If you don't, you'll regret it for the rest of your life. Trust me, I know of what I speak of."
I didn't know what to say. I was never expecting to hear that, especially from him.
The Hero then turned his attention to Bastion. "I understand that you may feel differently about this for your own personal reasons," he said strangely to the young soldier, "just remember, much of what we want in life is what we make of it, not who bore us. Zelda will be fine, she's a strong woman."
Bastion looked down and didn't say anything. I looked between the two of them and found that to be a little unsettling. I had no idea what he was talking about, and why it was necessary to explain that to Bastion. Maybe it wasn't meant for me to understand, and as such I decided not to question it.
The Hero then turned his attention back to me. "You better make haste," he said, changing the subject again, "there's no telling where they are now."
With everything that was just told to me, I wasn't sure I wanted to leave yet. I would have liked to have stayed and discussed more of the past with the old hero. I wanted to know more about the relationship between him and my grandmother. Were they lovers? Were they comrades in arms? Were the tales she used to tell me true? This was the first time he said anything to me that wasn't related to combat. I had no idea that he knew my grandmother personally, and from the looks of it, he was obviously in love with her. I guess that story she used to tell me when I was a baby wasn't just a story. Maybe long ago he did save her from a temple and awaken the true power within her. However, the more I thought about it, the more unbelievable it became to me.
It can't be... I thought, that girl in the legend was a Kokiri and a sage, my grandmother was a Hylian... there's no way they could possibly be the same person. No way.
I shook my head of my thoughts, realizing we were wasting time. If there was nothing for us here, then we needed to be on our way.
"You're right of course," I said to the hero finally, "thank you for your help."
The Hero looked serious once again. "Hurry!" he said. "You must leave! Find those items. Perhaps we'll meet again later in life."
I nodded.
"Perhaps," I said.
With that, the Hero morphed once again into his wolf form and pounced past Bastion and I, up the side of the mountain, and into the thickets of the forest. When the hero of old was no longer in sight I looked over at Bastion who seemed lost in his thoughts. I then stared back up the side of the mountain and took in a deep sigh. Even with everything he said, I still had my doubts.
I certainly hope he's right, I thought, I certainly hope we have a little more time.
~SSS~
Meanwhile, somewhere in the crypts of Hyrule: The Elusive Third Member of the Fifteenth Tier's POV
The walk down the long dank corridor often gave me reminders of why I hated this aspect of my work so much. It paled in comparison to what I was used to doing. In this case, I was going to meet up with two men who I knew nothing about for the sole person of maintaining an arcane tradition. A tradition that was steeped in a secrecy and befuddled logic I no longer saw a need for. In a few days, the true master would be awakened, and this silly brotherhood would be a thing of the past. Why would there be a need for it? The true power of the Triforce would be manifested, and the land would go back to the days of darkness. I paused when I contemplated that.
Days of darkness... I thought.
Darkness was often thought of as an evil thing, but it wasn't evil, it was just the opposite of the light. It was almost like the Twilight Realm, a realm of perpetual dusk teetering on the whims of the betwixt and between. It was something that was both enchanting and haunting all at the same time. At one time the Twili were considered creatures of darkness, but they were no more creatures of darkness than I would consider myself a person of light. The Twili were a proud race of shadow dwellers who were subjected to the misgvings and misunderstandings of the superior minded people of light. The miseducation of darkness was the same way, as it was more a mystery than a madness that people purported it to be. Those who truly understood it were the real illuminators of the world. Those illuminators pondered on things on a much deeper level than those who only accepted the light. The light was a curse, a curse that sent those who didn't accept it away. My master was known for philosophizing the inversion of the light and dark. A philosophy that I now knew to be true beyond a shadow of a doubt, and after witnessing the crimes of this world, I couldn't wait for it to be purged of its sins.
I continued down the corridor until I came in contact with a familiar abridging. I knocked three times slowly. It was rare for me to receive an invitation to see the headmasters, so whatever they needed must have been of the utmost importance. I just hoped it wasn't going to be a waste of my time. If there was anything I couldn't stand, it was men who wasted my time.
Such foolish creatures... I thought.
I remained focused when the cubbyhole to the door abruptly opened, from it a voice whispered: "Protectors of the mirror and sword..."
I paused for a moment a little repulsed at this nonsensical joke.
Protectors...more like slanderers, I thought.
I kept them to myself.
There was a time and a place for everything. Right now this wasn't the time or the place.
I leaned in and whispered back, "...are what we purport them to be."
I waited and a moment later the door opened and I walked in. Stationed on the other side of the table was not two, but one man behind a mask. It was the headmaster known as Ventus. His name alone intrigued me, but that was much of where the admiration ended. I knew nothing about him or his colleague, except they seemed to be two superficial fossils. In my eyes, they were hoarding knowledge and keeping it solely so they could maintain control over their constituents. I was aware the last level was called Insight on Deeper Things, but in all honesty I found this brotherhood to be illegitimate. I felt there was very little they could teach me, and what I did know was from my own investigative studies. And given the events that were shortly about to take place, this was becoming less and less of a priority.
I let my eyes scan the room to see if the other headmaster was in the back. That wasn't the case, he was simply alone. What was going on?
Isn't this interesting... I thought.
I stopped short of the table and bowed slightly.
"You sent for me my lord?" I inquired.
Ventus wasted no time getting to the point. He took out a folded piece of paper and slid it across the table.
"I need for you to kill this man," he said in a low voice.
I didn't let it show, but I was surprised at such an abrupt request. I hadn't committed murder in a long time.
I looked at the folded paper then picked it up. When I opened it to read its contents I raised a brow.
Who in the world is this? I wondered.
"...And how am I to find this person?" I asked.
Ventus was quiet for a moment.
"That's for you to figure out," he said, "you have many talents, I'm sure you can think of something."
That was surprising, I was left to my own devices?
Unreal.
I just had one more question.
"When would you like it done?" I inquired.
Ventus paused again.
"There is no time limit," he said, "he won't be easy to kill, but when you do, report back to me, and bring me proof that he's dead."
I didn't say anything right away. I wasn't going to lie, I found this all very strange. I didn't know the target personally and he didn't seem like a person of any real significance, but if that was what Ventus wanted, I could make that happen. Sometimes it's better not to know everything.
I'll do it before the gala, I thought, it has been a while since I got any action. This may be the pick-me-up I need.
"As you wish my lord," I verbalized.
With that, I bowed, turned on my heel, and left.
The next few days promised to be interesting.
~SSS~
Two Days Before the Dragon Gala, The Pumpkin Festival: Link's POV
The new year had come and gone, and that evening Ordon was a buzz with chatter. The Pumpkin Festival was finally here, and needless to say it was one of the biggest events of the season for us Ordonians. It was a celebration of the last year's harvest, and a hope for better years to come. The festival was instituted by the founders of our small remote village. It was probably mandated because not everyone could leave to go to the larger events in the city, like the Hyrulean Festival. The Hyrulean Festival was the event of all events for peasants. It was like our 'Aristocrat's Ball' for a better comparison. Nevertheless, The Pumpkin Festival was still enjoyable, and it was nice to know the founders were fore thinkers.
Anyway, the village had been transformed into a semi marketplace of sorts, with different locales offering a variety of ways to use pumpkin. Uli had made a large cauldron of pumpkin soup. Her focus was sweet based, using cream, brown sugar, and Goron vanilla to accent the flavor. It tasted like pumpkin pie without the crust. Not a bad way to showcase her talents. Her husband Rusl utilized the crop a little differently. He carved the skin down, extracted the oils from it, jarred it up, and added different spices to it to make it a proprietary commodity so he could sell it in Castle Town. That was pretty clever considering the essence of pumpkin couldn't be found all over Hyrule. It promised to be a successful venture if he marketed it right.
Pergie and Jaggle, Talo and Malo's parents, had a different offering. They used the pumpkin as an additive to their goat's milk. The pumpkin milk was delicious, however the sediments didn't preserve the milk for a long period of time. It was a seasonal venture only. Even still, they could make a substantial amount of rupees if they got a proper vendor's spot in Castle Town. Hanch and Sera, Beth's parents, used a plain version of the oil Rusl had made and added it to a large barrel of salt creating pumpkin salt. It was different, and it was definitely to an acquired taste. However, they were making some believers out of people by showcasing the product on some grilled fish, and for the most part, everyone loved it.
Pumpkin salt, I thought, who would have guessed.
Another more conventional way to showcase the pumpkin was what Fado had done. He slaughtered a goat and made a goat and pumpkin stew with potatoes and carrots. It was cooked in a butter based rue using bullion and satay as seasonings. It was then served with pumpkin bread, and wait for it... pumpkin ale. As in beer. Yes, that was correct, pumpkin beer. I had to give him credit for his efforts, the stew was pretty good, nothing on the scale of Ilia or Uli's, but pretty good to say the least. He was getting all sorts of compliments regarding the ale. Fado even stated he was thinking about building a large distillery by the goat ranch to make more product. He could then sell that product to some of the taverns in Castle Town. Telma quickly came to mind when he said that. Also too, Castle Town seemed to be the theme with many of the villagers this evening. However, if a rupee was to be made, that was the place to make it.
Keeping in line with stews, Ilia too was also preparing a stew. Hers was of the savory nature unlike Uli's, and much like Fado's, but it was strictly vegetable based. It was served with pumpkin cornbread and pumpkin cider. I was interested in how she prepared a cider from such a grainy crop. I was assuming that she may have just added the pumpkin as an additive like the others to something like an apple or cranberry cider. I hadn't had any of the offerings yet, but I had a feeling I was going to have to run an extra six miles to burn off what I was going to consume tonight.
I looked down at my belly.
It'll all be worth it, I thought.
Currently, I was getting ready for the festival by dressing in my village wears, but also making sure I kept the festivities in mind by wearing warm colors. When I was finished, I left my home and made my way to the main village via the impasse. The scent of cooked pumpkin had already invaded my nostrils, and I was ready for a good time with my friends. I hadn't been able to stay in the village like this for quite some time. It couldn't be helped, I had too many responsibilities at the castle. I knew my life was busy, but I had to make time for this. The Pumpkin Festival was the one thing that was strictly an Ordonian ordeal, and at my heart I was completely Ordonian. Everyone went out of their way to present their best efforts, and I didn't want to ignore that by not being here.
As soon as I walked into the main village, I was greeted instantly by everyone. They were hard at work setting up their stations, but the excitement in the air was almost palpable. I noticed Ilia at her own table stirring her stew and not really acknowledging my presence. I wasn't sure if it was just her concentration or if she was upset with me about something. In any such case, I couldn't worry about that now, whatever it was I was sure she would bring it to my attention sooner or later. In the mean time, I made my way over to Uli's table as she was working mighty hard to stir that cauldron. I decided to offer her my assistance, when her son Colin caught sight of me, he left his mother's side to greet me.
"Link!" he called. "Link!"
I smiled, stopped in my tracks, and got down on my knees to greet the little guy. I did have time to brace myself, as he jumped in my arms and gave me a tight hug. I immediately started laughing.
"Hey!" I said, having to catch my balance. "You're getting too big for that buddy. You're almost as tall as me."
Colin didn't hear a word I said.
"I'm so glad you made it!" he said excited, he then pulled back to look at me. "I thought you were going to be at the castle tonight."
I shook my head.
"I wouldn't miss the festival for anything in the world," I said.
Colin smiled and nodded.
"I knew you wouldn't forget us!" he said, then changed the subject immediately. "Guess what father got me?"
I raised a brow.
That was quick, I thought.
I couldn't keep the smile off my face, his enthusiasm was infectious.
"What did he get you?" I asked.
Colin's eyes got wide.
"He got me a sword!" he was hardly able to stand still. "He actually got me a sword!"
I was pleased at hearing that.
I laughed.
"Well, you did just turn thirteen," I reasoned, "if you want to join the Royal Academy at eighteen or nineteen it's best to start learning how to use a sword properly now."
Colin agreed.
"That is true," he replied, "and you did promise that you were going to teach me alongside father."
I was suddenly put on notice. I completely forgot about that, and with all my time at the castle, I didn't know if that was going to be a possible venture. However, I wasn't going to crush his hopes now either.
"Of course," I said, "I wouldn't miss it. You just make sure you hold up your end of the bargain and practice."
Colin nodded immediately.
"I will!" he promised. "You won't be disappointed!"
Afterwards, I stood up and characteristically messed up his perfectly combed hair by rubbing his scalp briskly. That got an evil eye from his mother from afar.
Uli groaned.
"I'm going to make you comb his hair one day Link," she called to me, "then you'll understand why I'm always ready to kill you."
I chuckled and made my way over to her. Uli was looking at me sternly as I approached, I rubbed my hands together in hopes of buttering her up.
"Sorry Uli," I said, not really sorry at all, "but that's the way Colin and I communicate."
Uli raised a brow.
"That's all you have to say?" she demanded. "That's the way you two communicate?"
I looked right into her pot.
"That looks really good," I complimented, ignoring her concerns.
Uli knew exactly what I was trying to do.
"Will stop dodging the subject!" she warned. "Or you'll get no stew."
I didn't take kindly to that threat.
I made an exaggerated distressed face.
"You'd do that to me Uli?" I asked, putting my hands up in mock surrender. "You wouldn't, I live for the Uli Ilia stew rivalry."
She tried to keep a straight face, but it crumpled and she started laughing.
"Oh..." she groaned again while she shook her head, "you're worse than my thirteen year old son." She reached over and picked up a wooden bowl and ladled some stew in it. "Here," she said, "now get, before I have a change of heart."
I grinned and took her offering graciously.
"Thanks Uli," I said, "you're the best."
Uli shook her head in disbelief.
"Uh huh," she replied.
Afterwards, I headed to her husband at the table next to her.
Rusl was just grinning from the interaction.
"You know she makes good on her threats, right?" he inquired. "She will make you comb that boy's hair if she catches you doing that again."
It was of no consequence to me. I took a bite of her stew and felt it was all worth it.
This is heaven, I thought.
"If she let's me have another helping of her stew, I won't mind at all," I replied, "I'll just shave his hair off with my sword, and the problem is solved."
Rusl laughed, then gestured towards a jar of pumpkin oil.
"What do you think?" he asked, changing the subject. "I mean seriously."
I looked at the contents and shrugged, not really having an opinion one way or another.
"I think it could take the oil and spice world by storm," I replied, "I've certainly never seen an item like it."
That was pleasing news to the soldier.
"And with the nobles having an affinity for peasant goods, this could be a great seasonal item," he added.
I looked around for a moment at what everyone had produced. Quite honestly, everyone in the village could do very well if they took a caravan of their goods to Castle Town this time of year. I was thinking about making that suggestion to Bo later in the evening.
"You do have something there," I replied.
Rusl nodded, then came a little closer and lowered his voice.
"Have you spoken to Auru recently?" he asked suddenly.
That was a quite a change in conversation, but he did capture my attention.
I raised a brow.
"Actually I haven't," I said, matching my tone with his own, "why?"
Rusl looked around for a moment then continued.
"He sent me a very strange letter that he told me to give to you," he went on.
I looked at him puzzled.
Wait a minute, what? I thought.
"You read it already?" I inquired.
Rusl nodded.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't aware it was for you until I read the post script," he replied, "it was only then the revelation was made that he wanted me to give it to you."
That still didn't clear anything up for me.
Why would Auru send a letter to Rusl only to have him deliver it to me? I wondered. Unless...
"Do you have the letter with you now?" I asked.
Rusl nodded again, but then hesitated.
"Do you want to read it here?" he asked.
I wasn't sure I had a choice. I needed to know what was going on.
"I'll just glance at it," I replied, "I won't let it distract me from the festivities tonight."
Rusl still wasn't sure about that, but then eventually became okay with the suggestion. He pulled the letter from his pocket and handed it to me discreetly. I was surprised to find it was on a leather canvas. Whatever Auru wanted to tell me, it must have been of extreme importance. Why else would he use such an expensive stationery to carry a message? The letter read:
Dear Friend,
I believe this is a time of grave pondering. The Dragon Gala will be in a
few days of your getting this message. With that in mind, I found
something in a certain stone that I need for you to look up for me:
'Keep diligent and ever aware for "five alpha's times infinity"
will possibly meet you here. If two keys are put in place then three digits,
one and five digits, one digit again, and one, four, or six digits is the
appellate in question'.
Let's hope you understand this more than I do, I'll see you soon.
Auru.
P.S. This note is meant for the hero's eyes only.
My intrigue heightened.
"What?" I whispered at the letter's end.
Rusl shared my sentiment.
"It caught me off guard too," he replied, "I have no idea what he's talking about."
I was slightly taken aback at how blunt the message was in the end. If it was supposed to have had the utmost secrecy, why did he have it delivered to Rusl, and not directly to me? It just didn't make sense. Rusl saw the expression on my face and must have known what I was thinking in that moment.
"I think he had it delivered to me so that no one in transit would open it and steal it if it were addressed to you," he whispered, "that's the only thing I can think of. Think about it, you are acting as regent with her majesty gone. Anyone with an ounce of political ambition would have tried to circumvent this letter if it were directed to you. Such measures were often taken in the past, and even to this day they still are for her majesty, but even still, like I said before, I have no idea what he's talking about."
I looked at the message again and felt a pit of unease well within my stomach. I looked to the ground and took in a deep breath.
Neither do I Rusl, I thought, I'm going to have to decipher this later. It's obviously another bloody riddle.
"I'll look into it after the festival," I said, keeping my voice low, and placing the message in my pocket, "thanks for letting me know you had this."
Rusl's concern didn't lessen.
"What do you think is going on?" he couldn't help but ask. "Is it Ganondorf again?"
I wasn't sure, but that wasn't likely.
"I don't know," I said honestly, "but I'll keep you posted."
Rusl took in a deep breath and nodded.
"Alright," he replied.
I understood his worry, no one wanted that crazy bastard to come back and wreak havoc again. The people were just getting back to a sense of what was normal. With that, I nodded and moved on. However, when I looked up, I caught Ilia staring at the both of us. She looked uneasy with us whispering to each other so readily in the open the way we were, and when our eyes met, she immediately looked away. I was tempted to go over there and speak with her, just to say hello. But I decided against it, and continued on my rounds to speak with everyone else first. There was obviously something bothering her, and from the way she was looking at me, she wanted to discuss something on a more personal basis. I didn't want an outside distraction to take my attention away from that when the moment came. The time would come for she and I to speak soon enough. Until then, I made my way to Pergie and Jaggle.
There were jars of pumpkin milk all over their table ready to be drank. I picked one up, when Jaggle came over to talk more about his product.
"You know that's the best goat's milk in all of Hyrule, right?" he inquired.
I found it a little humorous that he was trying to sell that line to me. I was already aware it was the best milk anywhere.
"You don't say?" I replied with minor sarcasm.
Jaggle didn't seem to catch it.
"Indeed my good man," he went on, "and at thirty rupees a bottle it's a steal."
I raised a brow.
Thirty rupees for some milk? I thought.
"That seems a little steep, don't you think?" I replied.
Jaggle fanned me off.
"Anything that has quality will have a price," he replied, "sure there are other brands of milk for fifteen rupees a bottle, but nothing screams health like this one. AND with the added antioxidants of pumpkin you'll be getting double the vigor."
I chuckled.
He really is trying to sell me, I thought.
"I guess that could account for double the price," I half joked.
Jaggle went right along with it.
"Exactly!" he said enthusiastically.
That made me laugh again.
"Alright," I said, digging into my pocket and pulling out my rupee wallet.
I had no idea I was going to be spending money tonight, but if it was for a fellow villager, I didn't mind so much. I handed Jaggle the thirty rupees who in turn took the money without any qualms.
"You've made an excellent choice my good man," he said, handing me a bottle, "tell your friends about us."
I just smirked and looked around for a moment. I wouldn't have to go too far to tell anyone, most of the people I knew were right here. Anyway, I took the offering graciously and decided to try the contents now. I took a quick swig, and no joke, I did feel a difference. My heart felt as though it were pumping more blood through my vessels. It was amazing, so much so, that it must have been showing on my face. Jaggle was pleased with that.
"I told you," he said with a grin.
I chuckled.
"You did," I said with a nod, then decided it was time to try something else, "it works just like you said it would."
Jaggle laughed.
"Remember," he stated, "tell your friends at Hyrule Castle about us."
I gave him an offhanded look suddenly. So, that's what he meant.
"Sure," I replied.
I wasn't really listening at that point because the next pumpkin creation had my attention. Sera and Hanch were serving up grilled Hylian bass seasoned with pumpkin salt. Sera must have seen the look on my face because she immediately starting fixing me a plate with some steamed corn on the side. I wasn't going to lie, it looked and smelled incredible. I walked over without any hesitations to retrieve my next course of dinner. This was what the nobles didn't understand, they thought the Aristocrat's Ball was a party. No, no, no if they wanted a real party they needed to attend a peasant festival, now that was a real party.
"Thank you," I said, putting my politics aside for another moment of bliss.
Sera laughed, while Hanch gestured for me to enjoy.
"Try not to ingest everything in one bite Link," he warned, "you'll get a stomach ache."
I nodded mechanically, already trying the food at this point. The fish was delicious and the salt was something I wasn't expecting. It was both savory and sweet at the same time. It was interesting and palate pleasing. However, as I was about to take another bite, everything seemed to halt in the main landing. Everyone suddenly turned their attention to the entrance where the impasse was. I was puzzled at that why the entire village was now abruptly mystified and looked casually over to see what had captured everyone's eye. All at the same time, I felt my gaze widen as it was two people I wasn't expecting to see.
Oh boy, I thought and glanced over at Ilia almost involuntarily, she tried to look indifferent, but I could see she was irritated by the new visitors presence.
"Who's that?" Sera whispered to her husband.
Hanch shrugged in reply.
"I have no idea," he replied.
I stopped eating immediately and went over to greet the newcomers, it was Ashei and Bastion. This was unexpected to say the least.
What are they doing here? I wondered.
Rusl too stopped what he was doing to meet up with the other CIT members. There was only two explanations for this: something had gone horribly wrong at the castle, or the queen was in danger. I was hoping it wasn't the latter, there was already enough craziness as it was without having to add the queen's life in the balance. The village had suddenly become very quiet and all I could hear was my and Rusl's footsteps walking towards our comrades. I hoped there was a reasonable explanation for this.
"Um..." I started, trying to think of the right thing to say without rousing suspicion, "good evening."
Both Bastion and Ashei grinned.
"Good evening," they said in unison.
Rusl however, got right to the point. "What are you two doing here?" he asked. "This looks beyond suspicious."
So much for keeping a low profile.
Bastion fanned off his concern. "I wanted to speak with Link," he said looking beyond Rusl and I to the village, "I had no idea you guys were having a party," he said with a grin, "and from the looks of it we came at the right time."
Ashei wasn't quite as casual, but she did smile. "We do have something important to talk to you about," she said, "but if you're busy it can wait."
I looked at Ashei concerned.
"Regarding what?" I asked.
This time she looked beyond me to the other villagers. "I don't want to say right here and now," she said, then lowered her voice, "too many ears present."
Ashei was absolutely right, the fact I even asked such a question in the open showed a lack of prudence on my part.
"Of course," I said.
Rusl looked over at me with growing cynicism. "Maybe we should continue this discussion at Link's," he suggested.
Bastion however had different plans. "Why don't we do that later," he replied taking a whiff of the air, "something smells incredible."
I gave Bastion an odd look, but then understood why he was doing what he was doing. He knew he and Ashei coming unannounced was going to cause a little bit of a ruckus, so to downplay that he probably wanted to mingle with the other villagers. However, the fact that Ashei and Bastion came all this way proved they had some very important information to share with me. Bastion went on ahead and walked past me over the bridge, Ashei and Rusl followed soon after. I stayed back for a second, wondering what in the world was going on now. This was definitely more than a social visit. Even still, I hurried to catch up to the others as they stopped short of the first bridge.
Rusl went on ahead and introduced them. "This is Master Bastion Belmonte, and Commander Ashei Auru," he announced, "they are both soldiers in her majesty's royal army."
That didn't seem to ease the tension now radiating from everyone. All the adults didn't utter a word in greeting, however, the children soon were going to act as ice breakers. Both Talo and Malo walked up when they saw the way Ashei and Bastion were dressed. Colin soon followed along with Beth. If there was anything that could sway or woo a wide eyed preteen, it was armor and a sword. They all proceeded slowly, but still kept their distance. Bastion went on ahead and approached the young ones.
"Good evening gentlemen and my lady," he addressed the boys and Beth, "I hope we didn't encroach on your evening."
The children looked up at him awestruck.
"Are you a real soldier?" Colin blurted out in excitement. "I mean did you fight against Zant?"
Bastion grinned and nodded. "Actually I did," he said, "Master Link had a greater hand in that, but we all contributed in some fashion."
Colin's excitement never wavered. "That's incredible!" he replied. "I want to be a soldier too one day like my father!"
Bastion glanced over at Rusl. "Your father is a very brave man," he stated.
Colin was proud to hear that. "I know," he said, "I want to be just like him."
Talo seemed to have more of an interest in Ashei. He gave her a long once over. "I didn't know women could be soldiers," he said indirectly.
Ashei laughed and put her hands on her hips. "You'd be surprised at a great many things women can do," she stated, "but even with that being the case, there are very few women in her majesty's military."
Talo stared at her face and smiled. "You're pretty cute for a soldier," he said.
Ashei laughed and nodded. "Why thank you."
Bastion heard that and scoffed playfully. The young man suddenly had his attention. "Easy there young master," he joked, "this young lady is affianced to me."
Malo looked at him puzzled. "You're going to marry a fellow soldier?" he inquired, interjecting. "Wouldn't that be a conflict of interests when it came to commissions?"
Now it was Bastion's turn to look puzzled. "Excuse me?" he asked.
Malo looked at him impatiently. "Wouldn't that be a conflict of interest?" he repeated again a little more impatiently.
Bastion bit on his bottom lip still perplexed. "Uh... how old are you again?"
I chuckled to myself and caught up to my friends. That was always the reaction Malo got when he spoke. He was an enigma to say the least.
"Don't mind him Bastion, he's just studious," I replied.
Malo fanned me off. "I'm pragmatic Link," he corrected, "studiousness applies to my business sense only."
I just looked at the little Ordonian.
He really is something else, isn't he? I thought.
Even still, his comment made me chuckle.
Beth then took a step forward and gave Ashei a long once over herself. "Can I ask you something?"
Ashei pointed to herself. "Me?"
Beth grunted. "You're the only female soldier here."
Ashei looked at her surprised, but only grinned. "You're certainly spirited."
"Yeah, yeah," Beth replied rudely, then changed the subject, "hey, does that breastplate make your breasts smaller?"
I looked at Beth shocked, even her mother in the background heard what she said.
"Beth!" Sera snapped.
Ashei however didn't seem to mind at all, in fact it made her laugh. "It's alright," she reassured Sera, then turned her attention back to Beth, "to answer your question, no it doesn't make a woman's bosom smaller. It actually has the opposite effect."
Beth looked at her surprised. "Really?"
Bastion grinned. "It's true," he replied, "it works wonders."
I closed my eyes and ran a hand over my face.
This idiot, I thought, does he not see that he's speaking to a teenager?
Beth stared at Ashei's bust line again. "Hmmm... I think you've got something there," she said, "if you have an extra, can I have it?"
Again, her mother called from the background. "Beth!"
Beth rolled her eyes and turned around. "What did I do?"
Ashei only chuckled again and shook her head. "I'm afraid I don't have another for you."
The chatter continued.
While the conversation was generating well with the young ones, the older villagers were still less inviting. Everyone was so standoffish. I understood that Ashei and Bastion came uninvited and unannounced, but it was still our custom to make outsiders feel welcome. After all, how did any of them expect to conduct business in the city if they acted in such a fashion? I decided it was time I acted as a mediator to meeting the adults. Someone needed to ease the tension.
"Why don't you come over here and try some of the goods that we're showcasing tonight?" I offered Bastion and Ashei.
Ashei looked over at all the stations curiously. "I was wondering why it smelled so wonderful when we were approaching," she said, "what exactly is going on?"
Talo decided to answer that question for her. "This is the annual Pumpkin Festival," he replied, "we have it every year."
Ashei looked at him thoughtfully. "Oh really?" she replied. "Well, that's wonderful."
Bastion was already over at Fado's table. The goat wrangler was normally friendly in his disposition, but with Bastion's presence, he was suddenly on guard. I stood next to him to put him at ease, and that seemed to do the trick for the most part. However, it was probably going to take some more coaxing on the part of the soldiers themselves.
"I was just about to try some of his pumpkin goat stew," I suggested, then put my hand on Fado's shoulder, "the pumpkin ale sounds like a winner already."
Bastion's ears perked. "Pumpkin ale?"
Fado relaxed a little when he saw Bastion's response. "That's right," he replied, "you won't find a more unique brew in Hyrule."
Bastion nodded. "Now I'm all the more eager to try it."
Ashei came up next to her beau. "Did I hear that correctly?" she asked. "Did you say pumpkin goat stew?"
Fado nodded at the pretty soldier and went to ladle her a bowl before her future husband. "You heard right miss," he said handing her the stew and a pint of brew.
However, Ashei deferred the beer. "That sounds wonderful, but I'm cutting back on alcoholic drinks," she said with a small smile, "but I will eat this stew, it looks incredible."
I didn't say anything, but I did give Ashei a wayward look after hearing that, and all she did was grin at me. I then looked at Bastion and he grinned at me as well. It suddenly registered to me what was going on.
Wait a minute, I thought, is she...?
I gave Ashei another look and all she did was laugh at me.
She took a spoonful of contents and ate it immediately. "This is delicious," she complimented to Fado.
I was still dumbfounded at the implications of what they were really trying to tell me.
I guess I'll have to wait when we're all alone, I thought, but my goddess, Bastion as a father would be something else.
I wanted to do something congratulatory in some way without arousing suspicion. So, I went on ahead and drafted to pints for Bastion and myself. I handed the soldier the brew with a knowing expression and all he did was chuckle. We toasted silently, and I was pretty sure the others thought we looked a little foolish, but Ashei understood completely.
"Good health to you sir," I joked.
Bastion nodded. "Good health to the both of us."
I looked back over at Ashei who was downing that stew.
I raised a brow.
I think I know what's causing that sudden increase in her appetite, I thought.
Fado drafted a pint of his own and joined in with us. "Might as well get in on this pseudo celebration," he remarked then took a drink.
Bastion and I threw our drinks back as well.
The soldier nodded at the taste. "This is exceptional," he complimented, "seriously this is one of the best ales I've ever had."
Fado's face lit up. "Really?"
Bastion nodded and dug into his satchel to pull out some rupees. "Really," he replied, then gave him thirty rupees, "I'll have another."
Fado was beyond ecstatic. "Yes my good man," he said and poured him another.
When Bastion received it, he drank with the same vigor as he drank the first, and when he put it down he said, "You should seriously think about bringing this to Castle Town," he said, "you would make a fortune."
When Bastion said that, everyone in the background suddenly perked. So much so, that they stopped being a bunch of wallflowers and decided to come closer to engage Bastion and Ashei.
"A... fortune?" Sera repeated.
Bastion had no qualms about repeating his statement. "Yes, a fortune," he said, "there isn't a brew like that."
Sera's eyes lit up. "How about you try my fish and you tell me what you think of that?"
Bastion grinned. "I'm all too eager."
Bastion walked over to the next stand to try some of the fish and grilled corn Sera and Hanch were offering. Ashei shook her head at her beau and went to follow him, but before she could, I intercepted her slightly by the elbow and gave her another look.
'Are you pregnant?' I mouthed.
She paused for a moment and didn't say anything in return, but then she nodded slowly, and her grin widened to a smile. I looked at her completely shocked and she laughed at me.
"I'll give you more details later," she whispered, "let's try and enjoy ourselves now."
She walked past me to catch up to her beau and I was still reeling from the news: Bastion and Ashei really were going to be parents... wow. I must have been grinning to myself in a strange way, because Beth found it necessary to come up to me next.
"I'm only saying this to you because I really like you Link," she started for some odd reason, "but you look really creepy standing there with a beer in your hand and smiling to yourself, just an f-y-i."
Beth then walked over to where Colin and the others were and I didn't know whether to laugh or be slightly offended. In all honesty, I didn't give it much thought. Afterwards, I turned to see almost everyone now crowding around Bastion and Ashei, asking for their opinions and wanting their assessments on their products. Well, everyone except Ilia. She seemed very disappointed at the sight of them. She probably assumed I was going to leave because they were here. However, that wasn't the case, I wasn't going anywhere tonight. I caught her eye in the hopes of getting her to smile, but she cut her gaze away from me and looked slightly upset. Her father Bo was right next to her and was probably wondering if she was okay. She didn't seem to want to be bothered by him either. I decided I was going to remedy this situation. If Ilia met Ashei and Bastion first hand, I was sure she would take a like to them instantly. They were wonderful people.
"Hey you two," I said to the now popular soldiers, "come over here, you've got to try this stew back here."
Ashei and Bastion both looked over at me and nodded.
"Just give me one second," Ashei said, "I'm going to buy a few bottles of this milk, it's incredible."
Jaggle added. "I told you it was!"
Bastion was caught up on something else. "I should have brought my other wallet," he said, "I really like that pumpkin salt."
I couldn't help but chuckle at how silly the two of them were. They were perfect for each other, and that was why the news of them having a child was such a joyous thing. I was sure they would have preferred to have been married first, but that was the consequence to having premarital sex, eventually a baby was going to happen. I looked back over at Ilia and her attitude didn't seem to change much, and frankly, I was getting a little tired of it. Not everyone in Castle Town was an enemy, and there was a lot more to Hyrule than this remote village. She needed to understand that and stop being so selfish. I understood she was still upset with me, but to take her frustrations out on people she didn't know was completely and totally uncalled for.
When the popular duo were finally freed, they came over to where I was standing near the middle of the village. They weren't alone, however, the entourage of children were right there with them. In a way, I was grateful for that because it meant that Ilia would have to be on her best behavior. She adored the children in the village, and Beth looked up to her like a role model, so I was sure she wouldn't do anything to besmirch that. When Ilia saw us approach, she was toggling which emotion she wanted to display. I could tell she was irritated with me for putting her on the spot like this, but she forced a smile across her pretty face anyway.
"Hey Ilia," I greeted, "these fine people would like to try some of your delicious stew."
Ilia cleared her throat and nodded. "Good evening and welcome to Ordon," she said politely.
Bastion came up first, which I thought was pretty sad considering his soon to be wife's condition. "I've heard nothing but good things about your stew from the other villagers," he said.
Ilia grinned, but didn't have much of a reply. "Thanks."
Ashei saw the look on her face and inquired of it. "I hope you don't mind us infringing like this," she said, "it was rather rude of us."
Ilia looked down and ladled the first bowl. "Don't worry about it," she said, then cut her eyes to me, "I'm used to Link bringing his work home by now."
I looked at her mildly stunned.
Bastion too raised an eyebrow at her comment.
There was a slightly uncomfortable silence after that, with Ashei and Bastion receiving their food, and with me wanting to pull Ilia aside to scold her. I understood she was angry with me, however, Ashei and Bastion were guests. She needed to put her hang ups to the side and act cordial for the sake of peace. I was very disappointed in how she was acting, and I would make sure she knew that later when I spoke to her alone. When the stew was served, we decided to take our leave.
"Thank you," Bastion and Ashei said in unison.
Ilia only nodded. "No problem."
The children decided to stay back with Ilia. When we were several yards away Bastion smirked and gave me a knowing look.
"Was she the one...?" he asked lowly.
I could have killed him for asking me this in front of Ashei.
Really Bastion? I thought.
I nodded anyway.
"Yes," I said without further clarifying.
Ashei looked at the both of us confused. "Was she what?" she asked.
I immediately changed the subject.
"Nothing," I said, not about to delve into that again, "what I would like to know is why you two decided to come all the way out here without giving me any notice?"
Before either one of them answered, we continued towards the impasse near the clearing to my house. We stopped when we were out of earshot.
Ashei was too busy enjoying her stew to speak first.
Bastion decided to take the reigns. "Ashei found the leak," he divulged simply.
I looked at her surprised.
"You did?" I inquired.
Ashei finished her bowl and waved back to Ilia to thank her once more. Afterwards, she looked at me.
"Uh huh," was all she said.
I was waiting for her to go on.
"Well, who is it?" it almost sounded like a demand.
Ashei looked back out to the villagers now mingling once again. They were all glowing on how much the visitors liked their wares.
"Can you get away for a few minutes?" she asked.
This had to be important.
I gestured for them to follow me to my tree house. I wasn't worried if the others were going to miss for a short while, this was important. I needed to know who was leaking information.
"This way," I directed.
We all left the main village via the impasse and climbed into my tree house. I looked out the window to make sure we weren't followed, and when we were alone, I cued for Ashei to speak.
"What's going on?" I asked.
Ashei for once this evening looked serious as did Bastion.
"Well, there's no sense splitting hairs on this, so I might as well tell you," she started, then took a deep breath. "The leak was my father."
I looked at her stunned.
Nothing prepared me for that.
"What?" I said incredulously.
~SSS~
The Main Village: Ilia's POV
I groaned when I saw Link walk off with the two visitors as if he were in another stupid meeting at the castle. I was getting fed up with him treating everyone here like we were second class citizens. There once was a time when the people here meant everything to him, now we seem to be nothing but after thoughts.
Well, it won't be that way for long. He has a responsibility and I'm going to make sure he owns up to it.
I tried to look calm, but my father caught the scowl on my face, now he was coming my way.
Not now, I thought irritably, papa please go away.
I didn't hide my displeasure with him goading after me like I was some kind of helpless child.
"Yes?" I snapped quietly when he approached.
Papa looked at me surprised.
"I just wanted to make sure you were alright honey," he said, "that's all."
I rolled my eyes and groaned.
"I'm fine," I replied, "now will you please go away."
Papa sighed and held his hands up in surrender.
"Alright," he said, "I'm going to get my flute since everyone is gathering around the bonfire in the middle of the village already." He started walking back towards the house when he paused for a moment. He turned around and looked at me. "Did you tell Link yet?" he asked me suddenly.
I was growing more and more aggravated by the moment.
"No I didn't," I said, trying to remain calm, "I haven't had a chance yet. Haven't you seen him all evening? He's been surrounded by everyone else."
Papa only nodded and sighed again.
"Be sure to do it soon," he said, "he's going to be leaving for Dragon Roost tomorrow."
I closed my eyes.
That damn gala, I thought.
"I know that," I said looking away from my father.
With that, Papa stopped bothering me and went into the house. I looked towards the impasse where Link was with the others and wondered what they were talking about.
What's going to take him away from me next? I thought bitterly.
~SSS~
Link's House: Link's POV
Ashei sighed and nodded.
"It's my father," she repeated, "I found the other crystal in his lodging purely by accident."
This didn't make sense.
"Why in the world would Auru spy on us?" I asked. "He's part of the insurgency team like everyone else!"
Ashei shook her head.
"I've been trying to understand that myself," she said, "but then again my father hasn't been acting like himself lately. I'm worried about him."
Bastion took in a deep sigh, then said something I found out of place.
"Maybe he had his reasons," he said, "maybe he couldn't tell us. There are somethings that can't always be revealed to the CIT."
I wasn't going to vie with that.
Auru should have known by now that he could tell us anything.
"I'm sorry but that's no excuse," I said, "we're supposed to divulge everything when we're in conference."
Bastion just looked at me and raised a brow. I already knew what he was thinking, and he was right to a certain extent, but this was so much bigger than that.
"You understand that that just isn't the case, right?" he said anyway. "Perhaps he was ordered to do so by her majesty."
That was a possibility, but one I wasn't ready to believe. I was close to Zelda, closer than anyone in her court for that matter. If she had ordered for us to be spied on by Auru, she would have told me at some point. Her trust in me was that absolute, and this had been going on before I screwed up, so I knew she would have told me.
"That could be the case, but it's highly unlikely," I said.
Bastion got quiet and didn't say much else.
"I wouldn't be so sure if I were you," he said.
Ashei wasn't really listening to the both of us.
"He's been distant these past few weeks," she said more to herself than us, "that's why I haven't told him about the baby."
I looked at her concerned, but I couldn't help but feel a little surprised at the fact of the two of them becoming parents.
"I told you you two were going to get caught up," I joked suddenly.
Ashei looked distant, but then perked and rubbed her belly.
"Yeah," she said with a half smile, "I guess we did."
Bastion chuckled at hearing that.
"We just came from the chapel in Castle Town," he explained, "we're going to get married after the Dragon Gala."
I couldn't believe it.
Everything was happening so fast.
I didn't know whether to be excited or shocked.
"Well count me in I'll be there," I said with a light laugh.
Bastion scoffed.
"You'd better be," he said, "you're the best man."
I wasn't surprised, but I was still honored.
"The best man?" I repeated.
Bastion nodded.
"Yep," he replied.
I laughed lightly again in mild disbelief and shook my head, then I went over and gave my friend a hug. Ashei grinned and clapped sarcastically.
"Awww this is so touching," she joked.
Bastion then reached for her and yanked her in between us for a group hug.
Ashei exaggerated a gag sound.
"Come on guys you know you're way bigger than me!" she complained. "Hey! Seriously, let me go!"
Bastion and I both laughed, but then released her due to her new onset condition. A pregnant woman was a delicate woman. A delicate woman, and a cranky woman. I still have 'not so fond' memories of Uli crying when Rusl got her the wrong fish to cook for dinner. She complained about it for a week. After the brief celebration, I decided it was time we headed back to the village. Too long of an absence was going to present unnecessary questions, and the last thing I needed was unnecessary questions. However, before then I needed to bring the note Auru sent to me to Bastion's attention.
As we were leaving, I held Bastion back for a moment while Ashei went down the ladder first. Bastion looked at me puzzled until he saw me put a finger to my lips to silence him. I looked over the side to make sure Ashei wasn't in earshot, and slipped him the note.
"Read this, and get back to me if anything comes to mind," I whispered, "it's from Auru, meant for my eyes only, however he had it sent to Rusl."
Bastion raised a brow at hearing that.
"What is it?" he asked.
I shook my head.
"We can't discuss it now," I said, "Ashei is going to get suspicious. Look it over later tonight, and get back to me in the morning. We have to figure this out before the Dragon Gala."
Bastion took note of the seriousness of my tone, and given everything that was coming out about Auru, this was something that had to be a top priority.
"I'll get to work on it as soon as we get home," he promised.
With that reassurance I nodded, however, Ashei was already alerted to our speaking without her.
"What are you idiots discussing now?" she demanded.
Bastion grinned and thought of a clever shift.
"Your radiant beauty in the moonlight,' he replied.
Ashei groaned.
"Oh brother," she muttered to herself.
I chuckled then went down the ladder followed by Bastion. We then all headed back to the main village via the impasse. When we returned, there was a bonfire burning in the middle of the main landing near Rusl's house, and Bo was playing his flute while the others were sitting in a circle singing along to the tune. Everyone except Ilia that is, who was sitting by herself near the back. I saw that and smirked, then decided to take Bastion and Ashei and go join her. I didn't want her feeling like she was alone. Besides, it was nice to have people there her own age. I knew that was one of her gripes about living so far away from Castle Town. She felt like no one knew where she was coming from when I wasn't around.
Anyway, everyone smiled when we walked up, and Ilia seemed shocked that I plopped down next to her on the grass along with Ashei and Bastion. I looked over at her and smiled, while she still harbored whatever grudge she had against me and turned the other way. I raised my eyebrows and shook my head, hoping she would get over it soon. Life was simply too short for such nonsense. I didn't know what I was going to have to do to get her to see me the way she once did. Maybe she never would. In any such case, I couldn't worry about it now.
The group started clapping to the tune, and Uli got up and started dancing with her son Colin. Colin looked embarrassed initially, but as he continued, he seemed to get into what he was doing. I was actually really impressed with the little guy. I nudged Ilia and pointed to the duo, but she didn't seem interested. I sighed and decided to leave her alone for now, it was apparent she didn't want to speak to me.
Bastion saw my efforts and shrugged.
"Let her be for now," he whispered in my ear, "it's obvious something is bothering her."
I only nodded, wishing she'd let her silly bitterness go and have a good time. The Pumpkin Festival only came once a year.
"You're right," I whispered back.
Ashei was clapping with everyone else and laughing, then she grabbed her beau's arm.
"Let's dance!" she said excited.
Bastion looked at her like she was crazy.
"Ashei you know I can't dance," he whispered.
She groaned.
"Come on!" she said. "Stop being such a fuddy duddy!"
Bastion looked at her offhandedly.
"A what?" he asked.
Ashei got up and yanked on Bastion's arm.
"Come on," she said, not being deterred, "we're going to dance, and you're going to like it!"
I snickered.
The madness is already starting, I thought.
"Save me hero!" Bastion called over his shoulder.
"Shut up!' Ashei snapped.
When they were near Colin and Uli, they tried to get in step with what they were doing. I had to admit, Ashei and Bastion looked very silly dancing in armor like that, but they looked so happy together that it didn't matter. Ashei's face was priceless, and even though Bastion was as red as a tomato, he was still willing to take one for the team so to speak. It was actually the first time I had seen Bastion look out of place. It was very humorous honestly, and considering all the trouble I had gotten into because of him, I couldn't help but feel this was some minor payback.
I grinned at how he was dancing, which in reality, he couldn't.
Serves you right, I thought.
I then looked over at Ilia and saw that she was watching everybody, but she looked indifferent. It almost seemed like she working to make herself unhappy. I decided I was going to remedy that. She simply couldn't stay sullen forever. I got up from where I was sitting and wiped the grass off my pants, then extended my hand to her to dance. Ilia looked up at me surprised.
"Let's go for a few rounds," I said with a grin.
Ilia looked from me to the others and hesitated.
"No..." she trailed, "you go on ahead."
I didn't move.
"Come on Ilia," I pressed, "you know you love the song your father is playing."
She shook her head.
"No really," she said, "I'm not in a dancing mood."
I was growing tired of this.
My smile faded a little bit, and impulsively I grabbed her hand anyway and pulled her to her feet. She looked at me surprised.
"Link-" she tried to protest.
"You're going to have to let your bitterness go, and stop thinking about yourself only," I interrupted quietly, "you're only hurting you." And with that she didn't say another word.
I gave a light tug on her arm, and we then joined the others. I took the lead, and Ilia was still looking at me surprised. Soon, however, she let that subside as she followed. The dance was a simple forest jig, but it was something we loved to celebrate to here in Ordon. Bo seemed to play with more enthusiasm when he saw me and Ilia dancing together. It was only natural for him to want that. His daughter had probably been telling him for years that she loved me. He just wanted to see his baby girl happy, and for a moment she did look happy.
Bastion and Ashei came up next to us and started dancing near our space. Suddenly, it was a contest of who could look more foolish: me or them. I was banking on them considering they were wearing armor. The others were watching us, having a field day clapping and laughing at our expense. I was glad to be of service, and I think Ashei and Bastion were having a good time too. Our lives were so stressful at the castle and it was nice to be able to unwind and laugh at ourselves without taking what we were doing so seriously.
When the dance was over, we all received a standing ovation. Everyone who danced bowed, and everyone watched clapped. I looked over at Bastion and Ashei who were basking in the applause, they were shameless. I then looked over at Ilia who was smiling for a brief moment, but then when our eyes met, her eyes suddenly filled with tears, she let my hand go, and suddenly took off running back to her house. I and everyone else looked after her shocked. The brief reverie was now gone.
What in the world-? I thought in disbelief.
The applause suddenly stopped, and an awkward silence overcame everyone. Bastion looked over at Ashei and Ashei was looking at me. The crowd then broke into a low murmur of chatter.
"Mommy..." Beth whispered to Sera, "is Ilia okay?"
Sera shook her head and shrugged. "I don't know honey."
Colin didn't understand why Ilia ran off. "I thought she was having fun," he reasoned, "why was she crying?"
Uli didn't have very much of a reply either. "Ilia's been sad lately honey," she replied, "it's just personal things she's going through."
When I heard that, I felt guilty.
It's just 'me' things she's going through, I thought.
Bo got up and started for his house. "I'll go talk to her," he said.
However, I stopped him.
"No," I replied, "I'll talk to her, I think some of what's bothering her has to do with me."
Bo was surprised that I divulged that out in the open like that, but it was what it was. Everyone knew she was in love with me. However, before I went after her, Bastion grabbed my shoulder.
"Look," he started, nodding towards the entrance, "we're going to get going, it's getting late. Besides I need to start working on that little ditty you gave me."
I understood completely.
"That's fine, I'll see you guys tomorrow," I said, already walking away in mid sentence.
Bastion and Ashei said their goodbyes to everyone and then left. Afterwards, everyone steered their attention back to me now standing outside of Ilia's door. I turned slightly hoping to cue Bo to play something else to divert everyone's attention, and he seemed to have gotten the message. Bo immediately started playing another song, while I in turn went on into his home without knocking. Ilia was sitting near the hearth crying her eyes out, and I didn't understand where any of her sadness was coming from. I was aware that we made a mistake, but did she have to let that mistake completely and totally take over her life? I didn't want to appear insensitive, but she was starting to get on my nerves with the constant waterworks. I didn't know what she wanted me to do, I was sorry I didn't feel the same way about her that she felt about me. However, I couldn't force myself to feel something I simply didn't feel. Would she preferred I loved her under false pretenses? No one wanted that, I had to think about what the great hero of the past told me. I had to find Midna, hold onto her, and never let her go.
That was my resolve.
I'm sorry Ilia, I thought, but I'm going to have to make sure that this is the end of the road for us in terms of what you feel. I've got to make sure you understand that I'm in love with someone else.
Having made the resolution in my head, I went over and approached Ilia. When she heard me come over, she raised her hand immediately to keep me from speaking.
"Please," she sobbed, "don't say anything, it isn't what you think."
I took in a deep sigh and raised a brow at her words.
"What am I thinking Ilia?" I asked her softly.
She sat up and wiped her eyes.
"You're thinking that I'm crying because I'm in love with you or something," she said, "well... part of that is true, but... but there is something else."
I waited until she collected herself to go on.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
Ilia suddenly turned to look at me, and wiped her cheeks again. She took my hand in hers and took in a long nervous breath. I looked from her hands to mine confused.
What's going on here? I wondered.
There was a brief silence between us, and when she didn't answer right away, my apprehension began to grow.
"Ilia..." I said finally, "what do you mean?"
She started trembling slightly and closed her eyes.
"I'm-I'm pregnant!" she whispered in a terrified voice.
I stopped cold, and felt shock enter my veins like ice.
I almost thought I didn't hear her.
Sweet goddesses... I thought.
"W-what?" I stammered again.
Ilia looked down as another set of tears ran down her cheeks. She wiped her nose and shook her head.
"I'm going to have your baby," she repeated.
That was what I thought she said.
That was what I thought she said.
That was what I thought she said.
That was what the hell I thought she said!
Dear Hylia.
I couldn't believe it, I didn't want to believe it.
Ilia's pregnant... with my baby? I thought incredulously.
I found it hard to breathe for a moment.
I had to sit back to collect myself.
What the hell was I going to do? This changed everything!
Everything!
I let her hand go and ran my hands over my face in complete and utter disbelief. How in the world could this happen? It was just one time. That was it. It was just one time, and now my entire was about to be changed forever. No more thoughts of Zelda, No more thoughts of Midna. No more anything. My plans to leave Ordon were now on halt. Everything due to to this one utterance had changed. Why was she telling me this now? Why not after the Dragon Gala and when I had Vincent and Morgana in custody? Why not after I stopped this sleeping menace these two deranged individuals were trying to bring back? Why was she doing this to me now?
It just wasn't fair.
Ilia was staring at me now.
"Link-" she tried.
"How do you know for certain?" I interrupted in a slightly broken voice.
I was probably sounding desperate now. I wasn't on the verge of tears or anything, but I was trying to keep my emotions in check. I was beyond frustrated with hearing this. Ilia looked at me shocked.
"You know how I know for certain," she said, not looking at me, "you there that night."
That night.
That goddamn night.
I closed my eyes again.
"What I meant was, did you go see a doctor?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
Ilia stroked her hair behind her ears.
"Yes, I did," she said, "Dr. Borville confirmed it for me. I told him to keep it a secret."
I felt my eyes widen.
"Did you tell him that I was the father?" I demanded, freaking out due to the implications.
She nodded as more tears came to her eyes.
"I had to," she said in a broken voice, "he asked me."
I shook my head at hearing that, not knowing what to think.
"You told me it was a bug Ilia!" I said in a semi raised voice. "A bug!"
Ilia's covered her mouth to hold in a sob.
"I'm sorry!" she said. "I know this isn't what you wanted, but I thought it was a bug!"
I turned away from looking at her angrily and got up. I ran a hand through my hair and wanted to scream, but didn't.
"This is insane," I muttered to myself.
Ilia sat down on the couch and wept bitterly to herself. I turned around and looked at her, and felt a twinge of guilt for reacting the way I was. It was obviously hurting her and she was already scared. The last thing she needed was my insensitivity. However, before I could say anything, the front door to the house opened and our privacy was diminished. I turned to see Bo enter, and I felt all the blood drain from my face.
Oh no, I thought, did he hear what I said?
Bo didn't say anything and walked to where we both had him in our pan of sight. He placed his hands on his hips and looked from his daughter to me.
"Is everything alright in here?" he asked calmly.
I didn't answer right away.
"Not..." I trailed, "not really."
Bo nodded, already discerning what had taken place.
"So..." he trailed, "I see she's told you."
I felt my eyes widen again just then.
"Bo I-" I tried.
"There's no need to explain Link," he interrupted calmly, "I already know everything."
I swallowed hard and tried to reassure him.
"I had no intention of this happening this way," I said, "I swear."
Bo only nodded once more and looked at his daughter.
"Well, I appreciate that Link," he said, "but it did happen this way, and I know you'll do the right thing."
Ilia looked up at her father for the first time since he entered.
"Papa-" she tried.
"Be quiet Ilia," he interrupted in a stern serious voice, "let me handle this." He then turned his attention back to me. "Do you understand what I'm saying to you Link?"
I understood what he meant all too well.
Marriage... I thought with a trail.
I looked at him almost without seeing him and nodded.
"Yes..." I whispered, "yes, I know what you're saying."
Bo nodded.
"We'll keep this quiet until after the wedding ceremony," he went, "afterwards, the others can find out. Even just now, I sent everyone home for the evening because I wanted to make sure this matter got resolved quietly."
I felt like I was there but I wasn't there, it was so surreal.
"You two can figure out the date of the wedding," he continued, "but make sure it's sometime soon. A long engagement will prompt many questions, especially where Ilia is concerned."
I nodded, not sure what I was agreeing to. With that, Ilia got off the couch and ran into my arms in a dramatic type fashion. She sobbed quietly into my shirt.
"I didn't want it to be this way!" she sobbed and held onto me tight.
She didn't want it to be this way, but it was this way.
I just felt numb, but I held her close anyway.
Yes.
I held Ilia close with her father watching me, because from this moment on, my life was going to be totally different.
It was going to be changed forever.
And this was all because of one night.
One mistake.
One moment I could never take back.
So much for never letting you go Midna, I thought as I squeezed Ilia slightly in my arms ironically, but then my thoughts shifted to someone else for some odd reason, so much for being the man that you needed... Zelda.