Inspiration: Monster Hunter.

Word Count: 4,974

Chapter 3

Hyrule Castle: Zelda

Hyrule was at peace.

It had been a long time coming, but Hyrule was finally at peace. When my father, Daphnes I, was alive he told me there was no job greater for a ruler than to protect their country. I believed that. I believed that more than anything. If he were alive today I think he would be very proud of the job me and my husband were doing. Link was a brilliant king, as I knew he would be. He was brave, he was strong, and he stuck to his ideals, though they shifted from time to time. I was proud to stand by his side. He made some pivotal moves to ensure the safety of the country.

For instance, several years ago there was a terrible drought, leading to a water shortage, effecting the crops. I remember the audiences being long and arduous, with citizen after citizen complaining of the same thing: a lack of water. Link listened patiently, but after his audiences he did not rest. No, he met with his councilmen and engineers to ratify the problem. A deal was brokered with Zora's Domain to irrigate their waters to Hyrule. It took years for the projects to be completed, but in the interim he granted the towns people access the Eternal Well under the castle. Link received great praise for his actions related to that crisis, and the love of the people was forever bestowed upon him.

Another instance was when he negotiated the expansion of the university into Eldin province, where a larger segment of the population was living. Initially, the villagers of Kakariko were not happy with the news, but Link himself went and spoke with the people personally. I worried when my husband took rogue action because I feared for his safety, but he was insistent that he needed to speak with the people himself. At first, the villagers were resistant, but after hearing Link out and he in turn listened to their grievances, a deal was made. The university was built on the outskirts of the village, several miles away, as opposed to directly in the village. The compromise was the right one in my opinion. The people of Kakariko village had a right to their way of life and a large influx of students would disrupt their milieu considerably. I remember Link taking Daphnes with him at the time. He was only ten. I objected at first, but my husband stated Daphnes needed to learn from an early age how to negotiate with people. I was reluctant, but I finally agreed, and when my son returned home, he told me all about what he learned from dealing with the people of Kakariko. I was impressed.

My children were the light of my world. I adored each of them, though I personally had my favorites, but they were the future of the Nohanseen bloodline. I often got asked why none of the children were named after Link or myself. My deduction was simple, this was a time of peace. The appellate of 'Zelda' and 'Link' were bestowed upon individuals in times of distress, when the world needed a hero and the princess of destiny. My eldest son, nor my little girl needed to have that burden placed upon them. This was a time of peace. Also, according to the ancient curse, yes the curse, the hero, the princess of destiny, and one seeking power cannot be related in any way. None of my sons could have the mantle of the hero, and my daughter could not have the mantle of the heroine. I loved them dearly, but I did not obfuscate with fate. If they were to be chosen they would have been. Fate was fate, and for my children it was not to be.

Nayru at times would give me the gift of foresight. The seal with which the world was being protected by was bonded because of such foresight. However, I knew that seal could be broken. It could be broken if my husband was not careful… if he allowed his bitterness to cloud his judgment. Link was doing better with that. We got along. I knew he loved me in his own way. I knew he loved his children, but I knew his heart was elsewhere. I was aware of his contact with the maiden with the green hair. He spoke with her every month on his ocarina. I never heard their conversations because I was not granted such access. Though, honestly I did not want such access. I did not want to be reminded of how much my husband was still in love with her. He never went off without my knowing where he was going, and I do believe he never committed infidelity on me again. It still hurts realizing such a thing, but I knew there was more to life than hurt feelings. Things like protecting my country. My role was always to be the wisest one, the steadfast one. I kept my role with diligence. I am the queen mother and the Protector of the Sacred Realm. All was well at this time, and I was going to see to it that it stayed that way. I could forgive the shortsightedness of my husband if it meant keeping Hyrule safe. I wouldn't let the pain and sometimes jealousy in my heart overtake me. I realized life was more than sweet caresses and kisses fawning into the night.

I am a queen.

Currently, I was in my high tower overlooking Castle Town. I came here to reflect. Castle Town was bustling with activity right now, as it was noon and the peak of business trade. Even so, as I looked out the window the door to my tower swiftly opened, but not without an objection.

I was surprised at the sudden disturbance.

"Dear Hylia," I whispered, and placed a hand over my heart.

"Your highness you cannot just barge in," the guard was saying, "you have to-"

However, he did not get to finish.

"This is important," the young man interrupted.

The young man was Daphnes, and given the circumstances, I wondered how important his sudden plight truly was. I turned at the mild commotion. My son entered the room with a huge smile on his handsome face, but I knew that smile was a con.

What's this all about? I wondered.

"Mother!" he exclaimed excited.

The guard walked in behind him.

"Your majesty I apologize," he said, "I tried to stop him."

I smiled and fanned off my guard's concern. This was an almost daily thing for them now. Daphnes was a forces of nature. He couldn't be contained.

"It's alright," I said, then turned my attention to my son, "why are you so vigorous this afternoon Daphnes? What is going on?"

My son looked at me surprised.

"Did you not hear the news?" he countered.

I raised a brow.

"News?" I repeated.

Daphnes nodded, but then I became cautious about the extra set of ears standing with us and addressed the guard.

"You may leave," I ordered just then, "and see that we are not disturbed."

"Yes my lady," he replied.

The guard didn't hesitate, bowed, and then exited the room. Afterwards, I walked over to the door and made sure it was locked. I then turned back to my son and gave him a brief once over.

"Sit down," I said softly, "I don't want you to get into a habit of addressing me improperly."

My son groaned at the request and rolled his eyes, but then sat down at the table facing the window anyway. He seemed a little impatient.

"Is this better?" he asked, slightly annoyed. "Can I tell you now?"

I just grinned and sat down across from him.

"It could be better," I said, then changed the subject, "now what is this news you speak of?"

His mild aggravation seemed to leave him in instant.

"I just got word from father that King Draco is coming to Hyrule!" he said excitedly.

I paused, not hearing of this at all, and this was something I definitely should have been in the know of.

"King Draco?" I repeated.

He nodded, then changed the subject again.

"Yes, and because of such I wanted to know if I could go to Castle Town and get a new bow from the bazaar shop," he said.

He reminded me so much of his father when he acted like this. However, he was not going to circumvent so easily.

"Slow down," I said, "let us start from the beginning."

Daphnes' annoyance immediately returned.

"Mother…" he trailed.

I wasn't concerned with his not wanting to answer. I had questions, and he was going to give me a reply.

"When did you speak with your father?" I asked.

He gave me a bored look.

"Twenty minutes ago," he replied.

That explained a great deal.

"Did he tell you why King Draco was coming to Hyrule?" I went on.

Daphnes shrugged.

"He said something about another new species of the saurian," he replied, "I believe he said he wanted to show him a dracosuarian."

My eyes widened at the response.

"A dracosaurian?" I repeated. "A black dragon?"

My son nodded, but then looked at me intrigued.

"Is that what it is?" he asked.

I nodded.

"Yes," I replied.

His curiosity never left his face.

"There are more black dragons?" he asked. "I thought there could only be one."

I sat back in my chair.

"Apparently that is not the case," I said more to myself than to my son, "I can't believe this."

Daphnes ignored my worry.

"Mother this could be a good thing," he said, "if there are more dracosaurians this means that Dragon Roost will be a stronger ally."

I was glad he was more optimistic than I, but I was looking at this from a different point of view.

"True, but there are other things to consider," I said, "things like where Draco plans on taming this dragon. You forget, the Gorons live in those mountains too."

Daphnes didn't seem worried about that.

"Dragon Roost already has a treaty with the Gorons," he countered, "this could be a good thing mother, why disillusion it with unnecessary banter before it gets off the ground?"

There was his father again. I just stared at my son for a long moment.

"Unnecessary banter?" I repeated.

Daphnes nodded.

"Yes mother," he said, then added, "frankly, you worry too much."

I raised a brow at his comment.

"I am a mother and queen," I replied, "it is my job to worry, but very well, I will try not to. However, I will be talking to your father about this. This decision is very sudden. When are they supposed to be here?"

Daphnes' smile returned.

"Next week," he said, "Xavier is coming along. Father promised to go hunting with the both of us. That is why I need the new bow."

I gave him an obvious look.

"You do not need a new bow," I insisted, "you have nine already."

Daphnes frowned.

"Yes, but there is a new one out that is made of diamond ore," he said, "do you realize how strong diamond ore is mother?"

I couldn't help but giggle hearing this.

"I realize how strong it is," I replied, "you still don't need it."

He looked mildly distraught at my reply. He then attempted to bargain with me.

"I won't ask for another bow for a whole year," he promised.

I groaned and closed my eyes.

"Daphnes…" I trailed.

"Two years," he renegotiated, then added, "…unless an adamantine one comes out next."

I laughed when I heard that. Afterwards, I took in a sigh and nodded.

"Alright," I replied, "alright, you may get your bow, but you must go with an escort."

He frowned again.

"Mother I won't be long, it's just Castle Town," he said, "an escort will take forever."

My mind was made up.

"If by forever you mean ten minutes, too bad," I replied, "you either go with an escort or you don't go at all."

Daphnes rolled his eyes again.

"Fine, an escort it is," he said then jumped up from the table. "I better hurry before the shop closes."

I stood after him.

"All the vendors close six hours after noon," I disclosed, "you have plenty of time."

"Right!" he exclaimed.

With that, Daphnes bowed before taking his leave. He hurried through the door and slammed it in his excitement. I closed my eyes again and shook my head. After my brief moment of solace, I decided I needed to have a discussion with my husband. I needed to know why he decided to grant an invitation to King Draco without discussing it with me first. We generally discussed things together before we just decided on them, but it seemed he acted preemptively. In any such case, I was certain Link had his reasons.

A moment later, I left the room myself, to which I was greeted by the guard standing watch. He looked stressed and bowed when he saw me.

I grinned at his expression.

"I apologize for the prince's behavior," I said, "he gets a little excited with his one track mind."

The guard returned my smile.

"Think nothing of it my lady," he replied, "I have two boys about the prince's age myself, they are just as vivacious."

Is that what that behavior is called? I wondered.

I nodded.

"Then you undoubtedly understand," I joked.

He grinned.

"Undoubtedly," he repeated.

We both shared a laugh and afterward I made my way down the hall. It was after noon, so I knew Link would be in his private study about now. The morning was filled with audiences, be it nobility or peasant centered. If Link did not have audiences, then he was conferring with his counselors regarding the state of the kingdom. The biggest initiative lately was to build relations with Dragon Roost. We had been working on it off and on for the past fourteen years. Daphnes and Xavier's friendship was proof of that.

Dragon Roost was Hyrule's sister for over five hundred years. The dragon masters were a powerful clan of welders who turned their fortunes into might when they fought with one of the ancestral kings of Hyrule of old in an uprising brought about by the forces of darkness. The dragons in that fight proved to be invaluable, though each Triforce welder could take control of a dragon, even the Triforce of Power. Fortunately, Din at that time had not bestowed her Triforce on another. Due to that act of loyalty by the dragon masters, my ancestral father granted kingship to the lands of Dragon Roost and gave them half the boundary of the Gorons. This was a controversial decision at the time because the Gorons too were Hyrule's allies, but the dragon masters promised they would not infringe upon the Gorons' mines. Unfortunately, tension rose over the years due to that very issue. The result of that tension was a recent treaty that promised no more infringement into Goron territory. We would have to wait and see what that would produce.

The dragon masters were procures of the fascinating animal known as the saurian. There were several different types of saurians, with each color representing a class. The lowest class was the plasmasaurian. The plasmasaurian got its name for its distinct color, it was blood red and the most plentifully found in Dragon Roost. These dragons were smaller in stature, with a limited wingspan, but they were powerful. Their bodies were the most resilient in heat, though all dragons did well with heat. Plasmasaurians could fly, but they did not take flight as readily as other classes in Dragon Roost. They were often used as beasts of burden for blacksmiths and welders. There were only twelve plasmasaurians to be found in Dragon Roost. So, though they were the most plentiful, it showed the rarity of dragons overall.

The next class was the magisaurian. Magisaurians were aqua blue dragons and were used for seafaring. They could fish, breathe fire under water, fly, and blend in with the day sky. The distinct beauty of the magisaurian was its sheen on its scales. The sheen made it appear like a turquoise jewel. The dragon also breathed blue fire. It was the only dragon to do so. I remember the first time I saw the magisaurian. I was a little girl playing in the waters of Lake Hylia and the mischievous creature reared its head when I was swimming right under me. I screamed, but it took me on an impromptu dragon ride. It was actually quite exhilarating. There were only seven magisaurians in Dragon Roost, and they all belonged to members of the military. However, magisaurians were also deployed as seafaring envoys to Balaam. I understood early on how important Dragon Roost would be as an ally.

The next class was the illumisaurian. The illumisaurians were white dragons. There were only two and they were reserved for the royal family, the queen, the prince, or the princess. It depended on what the royal family decided. The white dragon was very large, with a wingspan doubling that of the magisaurian. The white dragon blended in with the snow capped mountains and was difficult to detect in such weather. It was also resilient in the cold and rain. It flew faster in ice and was the most agile of all the classes. It was a beautiful creature to behold.

The last class and definitely the rarest was the dracosaurian. The dracosaurian was the black dragon. It was the largest, most intimidating of all the classes. It breathed fire from hundreds of yards away. Its scales shined like volcanic glass. Its skin was impenetrable. It had notable crystal green eyes and a dragon cry that could be heard from several hundred yards away. There was only one, and it belonged to King Draco. The black dragon could live for hundreds of years. It is believed King Draco's dragon was the first dragon found in Dragon Roost five hundred years ago. The dracosaurian was named Obsidian and was treated with as much respect as King Draco himself. However, it seemed Obsidian was pregnant or another dragon egg was found in the mines with similar properties as Obsidian's.

The dragon masters were extraordinary people. So, given their prowess, why weren't they the arbiters of Hyrule? It was simple, they did not have the blessing of the goddesses. The Triforce of any type would allow its wielder to have control over a dragon, even if the dragon were in flight. The dragon masters were aware of this, and though their ambitions were great, they knew their limitations. They knew that they existed because of Hyrule's grace. There were times when this grace was challenged and the dragon masters needed to be reminded of who the master Hylians were. It was over a hundred years ago when the King of Dragon Roost attempted a coup. My ancestral mother, who was the wielder of wisdom, stopped the coup by controlling the dragons in midflight when they tried to siege the castle. The animals were then directed home, but the king who attempted the coup was taken as a prisoner. His life was spared by my ancestral mother and he was freed after some negotiations. However, at his arrival home he was assassinated by some members of his court. The scandal plagued Dragon Roost for years, but it also cautioned the ambitious kings not to be too ambitious.

Even so, soon I arrived at my husband's private study and was greeted by a guard. He bowed when I approached.

"Good afternoon my lady," he greeted.

I acknowledged him with a nod.

"Good afternoon," I said, "would you please announce me to his majesty?"

He nodded.

"Gladly," he said, then knocked on the door.

There was a brief pause when we both waited for a reply.

"Yes?" my husband's voice finally answered.

The guard cleared his throat.

"Sire, her majesty Queen Zelda requests an audience with you," the guard announced.

There was another pause before he answered.

"Send her in," he replied finally.

The guard then turned to me as he opened the door.

"At your leisure my queen," he said.

I nodded.

"Thank you," I replied.

Afterwards, I walked in. My husband was seated at his large wooden desk, but soon he stood and bowed. I bowed in return, and couldn't help but admire him for a moment. The king was forty-one years old, the same age as me, but he couldn't have been more handsome. His hair was still golden, though there were hints of grey at the sides and in his well groomed beard. His sky blue eyes, were still magnificent and piercing, but there were a few pewter lines the slightly creviced the sides of his eyes. He was still in excellent physical shape and I attributed that to him riding his horse Epona everyday, practicing his sword, and staying consistent with his bow. He was sharp, wise, and extraordinarily courageous. I loved him with all my heart, though a large part of my heart also belonged to Hyrule.

I spoke first.

"Good afternoon my love," I said softly.

"Good afternoon," he said, "to what do I owe this honor?"

I grinned and raised a brow.

"The honor is bestowed on you based on sixteen years of marriage," I joked, "stop being silly darling."

He returned my grin.

"I was just being polite," he replied.

I walked over and sat down across from him.

"You can displace with the pleasantries," I said, "I have some matters that need to be discussed with you."

He raised his brows in how I worded that.

"It sounds like I'm in trouble," he joked.

I gave him an obvious look.

"Trouble indeed," I replied, then asked, "why did it take Daphnes for me to know what you were up to?"

Link sat back.

"What am I up to?" he asked.

I groaned.

"Don't be coy," I said, "you know what I mean."

Link paused for a moment and smirked.

"I was going to tell you," he said, "I just got the letter from Draco asking for the request. I already replied to him via his steward, but I informed Daphnes because he was already here with me when the letter arrived."

I wasn't convinced with everything he was telling me.

"Did you tell him he could buy a new bow?" I asked. "He ran out of here like a madman."

Link raised a brow.

"He didn't ask me about a new bow," he divulged.

I closed my eyes and groaned.

"So... he tricked me," I muttered to myself.

Link chuckled at my response.

"It looks like we both were hoodwinked," he replied, then added, "why does he need a new bow? Doesn't he have nine?"

"That's exactly what I asked him," I stated.

We both stared at each other before laughing together.

"Ahhh, that boy," Link moaned as he stretched, "what are we going to do with him?"

I shook my head.

"Lock him away until he comes of age," I suggested.

Link chuckled again.

"That would be an excellent idea if he weren't already of age," he said.

"We could have his younger brother always go with him," I stated.

Link frowned.

"We couldn't do that to poor Rhombart, he would actually be the responsible one of the two," he said.

I giggled.

"It would serve Daphnes right," I said.

"True," he said.

I smiled wider, and loved when we talked about our children. It was the only truly neutral subject we agreed on. Politics aside, my husband was capable on his own. However, it was my duty to do my part in privately counseling Link. I needed to have him hear my say, though the decisions were ultimately his. I needed to do that now.

"Darling we must talk about Draco," I said, breaking the silence.

Link gave me his undivided attention.

"Okay," he said, "let us talk about him."

I looked him straight in the eyes.

"Is it true that he intends to show off another dracosaurian?" I asked, getting to the point.

Link was quiet for a moment, then nodded.

"Yes," he replied. "he informed me that his black dragon dropped an egg in the fire pits. I meant to congratulate him"

I wasn't sure if that was the right steps to be taking.

"Congratulate him?" I repeated.

My husband nodded.

"Yes," he said.

I leaned forward a little.

"Link the more dragons Draco harvests the more the people will get nervous about the dragon masters power," I said. "He needs to proceed with caution."

Link raised a brow.

"Should we let the dragons go extinct because of fear?" he countered.

I looked at him surprised.

"Of course not," I said, "but a dracosaurian is a powerful animal."

He nodded.

"Yes," he said, "and there is also only one in Dragon Roost. If Draco is being truthful, then he is only thinking about expansion of the species."

I wasn't so certain of that.

"What about the Gorons?" I asked. "You know dragons have an affinity for Goron flesh."

My husband did not let that slide.

"And Hylian flesh, and Zora fleash –what's your point?" he asked. "Dragons eat anything."

His tone was telling.

"I am thinking about the well being of the people of Dragon Roost," I said.

"So am I," he countered, "they are happier than anyone about this occurrence. Besides, the egg takes years to hatch. Xavier might be grown and married by the time it hatches. It has to be cultivated by fire."

That was a point I had not considered, but it was still reckless to just take Draco's word without examining the evidence. However, that may have been my husband's point.

"Are you certain about this?" I asked.

"No, and that's why I agreed to his visit," he said, "I intend to learn more."

I appreciated the honesty.

"Well, I suppose I should just trust you on this," I said.

He nodded.

"You should," he said, "I won't let you down."

I stared at him for a long moment before standing up from the chair. Link stood up as well.

"I will trust you," I said finally, "and I will look forward to Draco's visit next week."

Link nodded, but then came from around his desk. He came up to me and took me in his arms and hugged me. It was a nice embrace.

"I appreciate your confidence in me," he whispered tenderly, "I couldn't have made it all these years without it."

For some odd reason I got a little emotional when I heard that. I blinked back my tears.

"Nor could I have made it without you Link," I whispered.

He grinned at me, but let it fade as he closed in on the inches between us and kissed me. It was nice and sweet. When he pulled away, I felt better about the meeting.

"I love you," he whispered.

I smiled.

"I love you too," I whispered back.

Link then let me go.

"Now," he said, "I have a few more things to attend to. However, if you have other matters to discuss we can go over them now."

"I think that does it for the moment," I replied.

Link nodded.

"Very well," he said, "please let me know if you need anything. You know where to find me."

I nodded in return.

"I will," I promised.

Afterwards, he went back to his desk and sat down. I watched him again for a moment. He was so appropriate in that chair. The austerity of the room was so fitting for Link. The walls were minimal, just cobblestone and a few portraits. The large oak table acting as his desk was carved out of one large stump of a tree. Behind his seat of oak was a hanging tapestry with the Triforce embedded on it. Along the north wall were a small collection of books, first editions from the royal library. Link picked a few of his favorites to make sure he always had access to them. I appreciated that he appreciated having knowledge around him. There were times he would look up some of the records of the philosophers and get an idea of what they thought before he made a decision. I thought that was an excellent idea before making a decision. Even so, it was then I took my leave and headed back to my own private quarters. When I got back to my room, I looked out the window again at Castle Town. To my surprise, I saw my son leaving the castle, but he was not with an escort. I thought my eyes were deceiving me at first, but no, that golden haired fellow was indeed Daphnes and he was in Castle Town without an escort.

I took in a deep sigh, then went over and rung the golden gong on the stone shelf I kept for emergencies. A moment later, there was a knock at my door. I went over and opened it.

"You called my queen?" the attendant asked immediately.

I nodded.

"I did indeed," I replied, "I need a favor. A certain prince has gone astray, I need you to bring him back home for me."

The next chapter will be up soon.