Inspiration: Sip and see
Author Note: I am back at this full time.
Word Count: 7,565
Chapter 10
Link's POV
After the overwhelmingly positive response from the citizens, Zelda and I started our trek down the steps towards South Castle Town to greet Prince Leonhart. Admittedly, I was starting to be taken in by the splendor of the moment. It was quite a display Zelda provided. We were walking side by side, smiling and waving judiciously at everyone, while the people bowed and cheered us on in return. The fanfare was extraordinary and I couldn't begin to recognize every face in the crowd. There were just so many. However, a few caught my eye who were now behind me and to my right. I took note of Saria and her husband Ralph. I was glad to see she could make it, but more so, I was glad she could see me in action. That may have seemed self serving, but I wanted her to know that Hyrule was in good hands with my leadership. I wanted her to know that my not marrying her wasn't in vain.
I'm doing this for you too Sar, I thought.
Anyway, as Zelda and I continued down the roadway, our four guard escort walked in tow with us. The small security entourage were assigned to make sure the citizens stayed at bay. It was a necessary inconvenience, but t still felt a little off putting. There were many vendors waiting to sell goods, and I couldn't lie, the food most of them waiting to sell smelled wonderful. I was tempted to stop and try some of those hotpot plates I saw to my left as we walked by. Or, I could only imagine how the roasted cuckoo to my right would taste with an ice cold pint of Hylian ale. The modest offerings made me a little home sick. I greatly enjoyed old fashion Hylian cooking. The chef at the castle had his flair for opulence and grandeur, but sometimes a down home meal was all I needed: stew, biscuits, pumpkin ale, and butter cookies... my goddess I loved butter cookies. I pondered several times to speak with the chef regarding some of my personal favorite foods, but I have yet to get around to it. However, seeing all this comfort fair now was making my mouth water.
I may want to make that request sooner rather than later, I thought.
Still greeting the passersby, Zelda and I continued on our trek. As we waved to an attractive young couple, a little girl about five years old dropped her doll. It rolled and landed in the middle of the road. She looked scared and went to reach for it, but immediately stepped back when the guard at the front went to scold her.
"What are you doing?" he barked. "Get back in line!"
I stepped forward, placed my hand on his shoulder, and instantly stopped him.
"There's no need for that, let her be," I said, then halted our escort for a moment so I could kneel down and retrieve her toy. I smiled at the little one. She had the biggest green eyes I had ever seen along with the blondest hair. "Here you go my lady," I said, handing her her doll.
The little girl's eyes widened as did the eyes of her parents. She walked up slowly and retrieved her doll. Her parents looked at me gratefully before they both bowed and thanked me.
"Thank you sire," they said in unison, then just the mother added, "she would have been devastated if something happened to her doll, she loves it so."
The little girl then curtsied and smiled at me.
"Yes, thank you sire," she said sweetly.
I just grinned at her, hoping my own son or daughter would be so adorable. I decided to engage her further.
"What's your name?" I asked her.
She retracted coyly.
"Darla," she replied.
I grinned.
That name was way too appropriate for that smile.
"Tell me Darla, are you excited for today?" I asked.
She smiled wider.
"I am now!" she said excitedly. "I'm talking to the king!"
A few people around her laughed, as did I.
"Once all the boring stuff gets done you be sure to have a good time you understand?" I joked. "That's an order."
She nodded as I was speaking.
"Yes sir!" she replied.
I chuckled and stood up.
"Off you go," I gestured for her to stay with her parents.
Darla complied.
"Thank you for retrieving my doll your majesty," she called to me.
I smiled at her again.
"Of course," I called back, "of course."
Zelda, who had been watching silently, just grinned. However, she seemed more focused at the task at hand than the trivialities of the moment.
"Your majesty," she said softly, "the prince is waiting."
I heard the undercurrent of impatience in her voice. I understood that this was an important day, but a simple greeting to a child wasn't worth warranting such a response. I didn't let my expression change, but her egging annoyed me a little.
Let him wait, I thought with a hint of defiance.
To add coal to the subtle fire, I addressed my wife directly.
"Don't worry, he'll still be there when we arrive," I half joked, "relax my love."
A few laughed at my utterance, but I was hardly making a jest. After the brief incident, we continued on and more citizens bowed and greeted us. When we were back in step, Zelda then leaned in a little to talk to me privately. I knew it was to reprimand me.
"Darling that was a very dangerous thing for you to do," she whispered, "an assassin's dagger could have been waiting for you."
I just raised my brows so my irritation didn't show up entirely on my face.
"It was a child's toy Zelda," I whispered back.
She didn't allow that to slide.
"You can never be too cautious," she whispered in reply, "there are child killers too."
I took in a deep breath.
"Did that child look like a killer to you?" I asked smartly. "Stop being paranoid, and besides I have more experience dealing with killers than you do."
Zelda looked at me surprised, but didn't take the conversation further. This was not the time nor the place for it. However, a few in the crowd caught our terse expressions for a moment. We attempted to renege them with smiles. However, it was no matter though because we soon moved on. Even so, I turned and smiled at the family with the little girl before we advanced. Darla had the biggest smile on her face now and she was waving at me. My wife kept her cool as she always did, but I was certain this wouldn't be the end of it. Later tonight she would have some words of 'wisdom' for me about kingdom security, and protocol, and how my life would be compromised, and blah, blah, blah, and blah, blah, blah, and blah blah blah. I didn't mean to come off as facetious, but there were times when Zelda's lectures became nagging grates. Knives on a proverbial chalk board.
Hopefully she keeps it short, I thought.
Even so, we continued from the main square into South Castle Town. The bowing continued, as did the smiles and the applause. However, soon in the distance the south gate came into view and I saw Prince Leonhart's carriage, but I was slightly puzzled. I glanced over at Zelda who too was slightly puzzled because that was not the escort she commissioned for him to be retrieved in. The arrival carriage was grand to be sure, but we ordered for him to be taken in something less conspicuous than royal purple. I nearly stopped in my tracks, but didn't want to appear scathed.
It made me wonder.
Who in the world rides in a purple carriage? I wondered.
My question was soon about to be answered. Once we arrived at the gate, the servants surrounding it bowed and the guards escorting us stood at both sides of the walkway. Zelda and I walked up, both looking intrigued, but halted when the carriage door was opened by the driver. One moment later, out of it stepped Prince Leonhart. He looked well groomed with his dark brown hair brushed back and his royal family's cote of arm draped across his black breast plate. He finished his looked with long stemmed boots and a maroon cape. His blue eyes shined in the sunlight as he grinned briefly at Zelda and me. However, to me and my wife's surprise he was not alone. His highness greeted us first with a bow before he extended his hand and helped a lady out of the carriage accompanying him. Zelda and I were both taken aback when the raven head of Lady Bathory made her appearance. She smiled at the both of us, and we both had to watch ourselves due to the presence of everyone else around us. I zeroed in on the lady, but made sure to keep my gaze brief. Bathory stared back at me and merely smiled.
Talk about the devil.
This sly little witch, I thought.
Leonhart walked up to Zelda and me and promptly bowed again with the lady on his arm. Everyone around us suddenly got quiet. I cleared my throat and spoke up first, not wanting to make a spectacle of anything, but this was hardly what I was expecting.
"Welcome to Hyrule your highness," I said sincerely.
Leonhart acknowledged my greeting.
"Thank you for the invitation your majesty," he replied, "and thank you for the generous hospitality. I had been missing the Lady Bathory immensely. You must have known I wanted to see her."
I proceeded with caution and just grinned, being careful not to alert him of my disfavor of her. I looked over at the noble and felt a strong sense of contempt I didn't let show. The lady's violet eyes sparkled like jewels in the sunlight. She really was a vision physically, but her cunning ways made her detestable to me on so many levels. She really was a player of games.
"Indeed," was all I said in reply.
I saw Zelda look over at me in approval. She immediately stepped forward and bowed.
"It is wonderful to see you again your highness," she said to the prince, then turned her attention to Lady Bathory. "Thank you my lady for making his highness so comfortable. We knew you could do the job of entertaining the prince very well."
Bathory smiled at the queen.
"You honor me your majesty with your kind words," she said graciously, "though my being affianced to him might have had something to do with it."
The two women chuckled with the prince while I just grinned. This was the kind of thing I despised, but needed to get better at: putting on faces. I had to give my wife credit, she was excellent in these types of situations. Zelda never even made it seem like there was anything out of the ordinary.
Leonhart looked over at his bride to be and caressed her hand with his.
"I was quite surprised at the greeting party," he said, staring in Bathory's eyes for a moment, "I couldn't have asked for a prettier procession."
Zelda gave a pretense of admiration.
"Oh, that's so lovely," she said, then looked over at me, "isn't it darling?"
I knew what she was trying to do and I needed to be watchful.
"Love always is," I replied.
Some in the crowd audibly showed their approval at my utterance. It made the prince seem more at ease, while Zelda and Bathory giggled.
Zelda then looked over at me.
"Shall we commence your majesty?" she asked me.
I nodded, eager to get this over with.
"We shall," I said.
However, before we could walk off Leonhart stopped us.
"I know this may seem intrusive so soon on my visit," he started, "but I was hoping you would allow me the honor of walking with your wife your majesty. I haven't seen my lady in so long, and I would love to catch up. I would consider it a great honor."
I looked at him surprised, while Zelda continued in her role and smiled. She was exceptional at diplomacy. My wife made this look like an art form. She glanced over at me.
"Would you mind sire?" she asked me.
I grinned and shook my head.
"Not at all," I replied, "please make him feel at home."
The prince thanked me for my considerateness.
"You are too kind my lord," he said.
I just nodded, while the prince walked over to my wife and hooked her arm in his. This meant I was affixed with Lady Bathory, and that smug expression she was trying to conceal was more than I was willing to be bothered with. It was no matter, this was going to be a short walk throughout the town anyway.
Great, I thought sarcastically.
"It looks like you're stuck with me your majesty," Bathory said sweetly, "I'll try to be a good replacement, though it will be hard because her majesty is so flawless."
I just raised a brow.
I'll bet, I thought.
"Indeed my lady," was all I said.
My aggravation was about to hit a limit, so I offered her my arm to allay it. I didn't want to make a scene. Zelda and Prince Leonhart waited for me to take the lead and I got in step with Lady Bathory. Bathory looked immediately comfortable and smiled on my arm. The guards then broke formation and walked at our fore and bow to watch out for the crowds once more. I smiled at the folks in assembly as we walked by.
Bathory then leaned in to speak to me more privately.
"I've been looking forward to this day your majesty," she whispered.
I took in a deep sigh and tried not to be annoyed by her.
"Have you?" I whispered back.
Bathory waved at a little girl.
"Absolutely," she whispered, "I admire you greatly."
I refrained from allowing a curt expression to come across my face.
"I doubt that," I whispered back.
She pretended a sad face.
"It's true," she insisted quietly, "you are much more than you seem."
I grunted and waved to a couple of boys in the back trying to get my attention.
"So are you," I replied, "and I don't mean that as a compliment."
Bathory looked at me surprised, but hid it well.
"Come come now," she whispered, "I want us to be friends. After all, I would never want to be your enemy."
I didn't bother responding to such nonsense. I knew she was doing this to gloat. I decided to leave the conversation alone for now, but she was not going to have the last laugh. Behind us, Zelda and Leonhart were engaged in some spirited conversation, where she had the prince laughing. Zelda knew how to be charming, and that was the sole point of this visit: charm the living pants off the prince. It was then I cued the guards to head into the designated spots of where we were supposed to speak with certain members of the crowd. As I stated before, the meet and greet was designed to show the prince that Zelda and I knew how to interact with the 'little people' too. I was being a little hyperbolic with my point, but it was an important point for the sake of the visit. We were then led to our first post: the brewers' concession stand.
There were several posts that were already predetermined for our visit. Zelda was meticulous in choosing the different spots, wanting to show variety and fealty for whom and what the prince saw. We were naturally going to start with more common folks before we made our way over to citizens who had a more 'refined' areas of work. Those words weren't just syntax of sarcasm, but I noticed it in us walking through south Castle Town. The class distinctions were noteworthy, with the nobles more to the north and the other citizens of lesser prestige more to the south. It was a frame of reference to understanding how the progression of society was seen in the eyes of the aristocracy. I was once one of those 'common folks' myself so naturally I saw things a little differently.
Anyway, I guided Lady Bathory to our first stop. The concession with the ale composed of a husband and wife. The couple looked to be in their sixties, but they were agreeable looking folks. I was interested in trying their goods because it meant they had been in business for a great many years and had perfected their craft. When the brewers saw us approach they were beyond surprised. The guards in front abutted to the sides to keep the onlookers at bay. Lady Bathory had no idea we going to be greeting the citizens in such a fashion so her expression was nondescript, but I noticed her draw in closer to me.
I smiled at the couple and looked at the barrels beyond them, eager to have a taste of some of their ales.
"Good morning," I greeted, "we've designated a few stops for his highness and your brewery was highly recommended."
The older gentleman looked stunned and spoke up first.
"We were recommended to you your majesty?" he asked surprised. "Well, I'm deeply honored."
Zelda along with the prince came up right beside us.
"Indeed," my wife chimed in, "I have heard wonderful things about your brewery and thought it would be fitting for his highness to have a drink at the festivities." She turned her beautiful blue eyes to Leonhart. "I hope you don't mind."
Zelda certainly knew how to use her feminine whiles.
Leonhart smiled at her.
"I don't mind at all," he said, "it was very thoughtful of you to arrange for us to mingle with the citizens."
Zelda merely giggled, while Bathory was still deciding what she felt.
"It is always interesting in learning from her majesty," she added discreetly, "her beauty is grand, but her wisdom in how she keeps peace is so much grander."
A few in the crowd chuckled at her sweet words, but I sensed she was saying such things because she would need to learn to use such discernment herself. In any such case, Bathory was going to use this whole arrangement as an education to get what she wanted. Though, she didn't need much tutelage. I decided it was best for me to engage her as little as possible.
I kept my attention on the couple in front of us.
"Three samplers of your very best ale please, and one apple cider for the queen," I ordered, "oh, and don't be shy with the accompanying spices."
A few in the crowd laughed and even dared to speak up.
"It seems his majesty has enjoyed a good brew or two," a man to my right called out.
There was more laughter and I grinned.
"I've had a few in my day," I admitted.
More laughter came and Zelda added her own observation.
"I can't help but smell hints of vanilla in your brewer," she stated, "is it in most flavors?"
The brewer's wife answered.
"Some ales we age with vanilla," she explained, "while the flavor palate is so strong it does get absorbed into the barrels we use. So the bouquet is quite fragrant with some of our drinks."
The prince looked impressed.
"I can't wait to try it," he said, "if it tastes any bit of how it smells you may have an order for some to come back to Balaam with me."
Not to be forgotten, Bathory added her opinion too.
"Mount Hebra too," she added, "I love a good ale."
I found her divulging that surprising. She never struck me as the type to drink. Even so, perhaps this wouldn't be as bad as I thought.
The brewer whipped up three two ounce samplers of this dark spicy vanilla ale, and one two ounce sampler of a non-alcoholic apple cider. No one bothered to ask why Zelda was having a different drink, which was fine by me. The less explaining I had to do right now the better. When I observed the pouring, the ale looked more like a lager to me. In any such case, when the drinks were served we each gathered one. Zelda and Leonhart really looked liked they were enjoying each other's company, which in turn made me grin. If we had to do this, at least we could have a little fun.
I raised my hand and cheered the prince.
"Good health to you sir," I raised my glass.
"Hear, hear," Zelda and Bathory said in unison.
Afterwards we all took a drink. The taste was a bit surprising.
"Wow," Leonhart said after downing his glass, "that was incredible."
Bathory too was impressed.
"My word," she said, licking her lips, "this is the best ale I've ever had."
Zelda nodded.
"I have to agree about this cider," she replied, "I've never had anything like it."
I nodded too, licking my lips in the process.
"That was a delicious cup of brew," I complimented the owners, "the best I think I've ever had."
The brewer and his wife looked at each other and felt relieved, but not necessarily surprised. I think they've had this reaction once or twice before, but it must have been a stress relief to have the king and queen approve.
"Thank you so much your majesties," the older gentleman said, "that brewing recipe has been in my family for over two hundred years. It's our heirloom."
I raised a brow impressed.
"Well it's a darn good one," Leonhart complimented, "and I would like to order two barrels to come back with me at the end of my visit."
The brewer then looked at the prince shocked.
"Two barrels?" he repeated.
Leonhart nodded.
"You heard me my good man," he replied, "two barrels."
Zelda smiled at the brewer's wife.
"It looks like you might have to go into your reserve," she said.
The brewer's wife didn't look worried.
"We always make plenty of ale," she reassured, "we'll make sure his highness has two barrels before his return to Balaam."
Leonhart looked impressed.
"Thank you madam," he said.
The brewer's wife did a slight curtsy.
"It is an honor your highness," she replied.
Well, it was safe to say the first stop was a success, and Zelda had this better planned than I thought. Even so, it was time for us to move on.
"Thank you for sharing your goods with us today," I said, "and for making the prince feel so welcome."
The couple bowed at me.
"It was a privilege your majesty," they said in unison.
Afterwards, the guards abutting the crowd came back in front of Bathory and me and guided us to our next destination. Prince Leonhart looked very eager to see where we were going to go next.
"This has been marvelous thus far," he said to Zelda, "thank you."
She smiled graciously.
"Of course," she replied.
Bathory overhearing them looked up at me.
"It seems everything is perfect thus far," she whispered to me, "good job your majesty."
I didn't reply, but I glanced down at her only for her to try to charm me with those beautiful violet eyes of hers. It wasn't going to work.
"Where are we going next?" she asked.
I cut my glance and headed to our next vendor. This promised to be a long day. Instead of answering, I led her to our next stop: a pictograph purveyor and illustrator. I initially assumed the progression was to show the construct of Hylian society, but maybe I was thinking too much on the matter. Maybe these were places that Zelda herself enjoyed. Admittedly, I didn't give my wife enough credit for being a fun loving person. When we were courting, she had a myriad of brilliant ideas and many of them were fun. She liked simple things, though she was a very complex person. I found that to be the case with many brilliant people. However, Zelda broke the mold on brilliance. I understood why she married me, but I didn't understand why she loved me the way she did. Perhaps she saw me as one of these pictographs: simple but also worth a thousand words.
The owner of the pictograph set up was a middle aged gentleman of about forty years. He looked nervous as we walked up, but he tried to appear calm. I understood his discomfiture all too well, and considering the response the previous vendor received regarding his brew, it was definitely going to be a tough act to follow. Even so, this was an area where I had a bit of expertise. When I was child I went around taking pictures of people for a certain shop keeper. The pictures had a certain significance to the individuals I showed them to, but besides those obvious characteristics, there was a certain kind of clairvoyance, or mysticism, connected to those pictures. I wondered if this carried the same kind of magic so to speak.
I attempted to make the shop owner feel at ease by grinning at him, but he promptly stood up when my party and I approached. Just like the vendor before him, the guards abutted the crowds surrounding his station and the royal company with me stood adjacent to his sign. He bowed when we studied his wares. Some of his pictures were magnificent.
"So you specialize in pictography?" I asked.
The owner quickly nodded.
"It's been my life's vocation," he stated.
Zelda stared at some of his photos.
"This picture of Hyrule Field is stunning," she complimented.
The owner nodded.
"Thank you my lady," he said.
Bathory even raised a brow at one that she recognized.
"Have you been to Hebra?" she asked suddenly.
The picture she was questioning was a mountain covered in snow, but the angle was a wide shot almost impossible to get unless it was from the bridge of a flying apparatus.
"I have ma'am," he replied, "I took this picture two years ago when I hiked the summit of Mount Hebra."
Bathory looked impressed.
"But this is an aerial shot," she replied.
He nodded.
"True," he said, "but once I got up there, there was this beautiful grand Rito that kept following me. I think she was making sure nothing happened to me, I like to believe that nonetheless. Anyway, when I reached the summit I took a picture of the mountain. However, I believe the Rito understood the grandeur from a different vantage point, a vantage point I wanted to see. So, she swept down and lifted me on her back. That was when I saw the true glory of Mount Hebra."
Everyone in the party was enthralled with his story.
"That's amazing," Bathory stated.
Leonhart even chimed in.
"Darling that is an extraordinary picture," he said, "one I've never seen of Hebra."
Bathory then looked over at her beau and made a minute decision.
"It's been decided then," she said, and turned her attention back to the vendor, "I simply must have it, name your price."
The owner looked at her stunned.
"My lady I couldn't part with it," he said, "it's the only print I have."
Bathory didn't give up.
"Ten thousand rupees?" she said.
The owner's eyes widened.
"My lady…" he trailed.
Bathory raised a brow.
"Twenty thousand?" she went on.
The owner was still deku shell shocked.
"I couldn't possibly part with it," he insisted.
Bathory didn't give up.
"Alright," she bargained, "fifty-thousand rupees, and that is my final offer."
Before the owner could answer, someone in the crowd spoke up.
"Take it man!" a man called out. "With that kind of money you can revisit Mount Hebra seventy times over!"
Many in the crowd laughed at this.
I actually agreed with him and had no qualms about saying so.
"That offer seems too good to pass up," I stated, "you might want to consider it."
The owner still looked stunned, but then nodded, possibly caving in on the pressure. However, at least he would be fifty-thousand rupees richer.
"I suppose you're right your majesty," he said, then looked at Lady Bathory, "you have yourself a deal ma'am, fifty thousand rupees it is."
A murmur of disbelief went through the crowd, but Bathory only smiled.
"Very good," she said, then opened her pouch and dropped fifty one thousand rupees.
Everyone looked on stunned, even Zelda and I. What in Farore's dear name?
Who just keeps that kind of money on them? I wondered. Lady Bathory apparently.
It was no matter, I was just glad the gentleman got paid. I was also glad Bathory had been taken a little. That picture was beautiful, but fifty thousand rupees was a stiff price by any means. Even so, she was in front of her future husband and wanted to impress him. The trick worked. Besides, she wouldn't miss it, she was worth multiple billions.
I then gestured for a guard in our escort. The guard came right over.
"Yes sire?" the guard asked.
"Make sure this man gets a guard to the bank," I stated, "we don't want him losing his newly garnered till."
The guard saluted and nodded.
"Yes sire," he replied.
That command got an impressed look from everyone.
"Bravo your majesty," Leonhart stated, then he addressed his future wife, "thank you for your generosity my dear."
Bathory smiled at her fiancé.
"Anything for you my love," she said sweetly.
I said nothing and Zelda gave me a knowing grin. It was all we could do for both of us not to chuckle. Afterwards, we got ready to move on.
"Shall we get going?" I asked.
I only got nods of approval. It was then we moved on to our next destination, and as we moved along I now saw a stop ahead I was eager to get to. One where a certain green haired maiden was trying to lay low.
~SSS~
Saria's POV
"Can you believe that?" Romani asked Gertrude in mild disbelief. "Did Lady Bathory seriously just spend fifty-thousand rupees like it was nothing?"
Gertrude nodded and was still looking on stunned.
"She did," she replied.
It was impressive what she did, but I wasn't aware who this Lady Bathory was, or why she was even so significant. However, she must have been someone important to be walking around with the king and the queen. Not wanting to sound ignorant, but I really wanted to know.
"Who is Lady Bathory?" I asked no one in particular.
Both Gertrude and Romani stopped chatting and looked at me like I was insane. Even Ralph had to raise a brow.
"I'm sorry?" Gertrude replied.
I suddenly felt a little self conscious with all the stares.
"Who… is Lady Bathory?" I asked again.
Romani placed her hand on her hip.
"You're kidding right?" she asked.
I shook my head.
"I'm afraid not," I replied, "is she someone important?"
Romani scoffed softly.
"Have you been living under a rock?" she half-joked. "She's one of the richest nobles in Hyrule, her family owns most of the diamond mines in Mount Hebra, and she is engaged to Prince Leonhart."
I raised my brows surprised and looked down the square at her and the royal entourage again.
"Wow, that's really something," I replied.
Gertrude groaned.
"That's more than something," she replied, "she's going to be the future Queen of Balaam."
I just stared at the noble for a moment.
"She's really beautiful," I complimented.
Gertrude nodded.
"She is," she replied, "but she's also something of a fire rod."
My sister-in-law had me intrigued.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"She means she's ambitious," Romani chimed in, "when that woman wants something she gets it, thus the fifty thousand rupees."
I grinned and stared at her again, noticing the group was slowly making their way over to us.
"I have no idea what that life is like," I said, "nor do I want to."
Ralph grinned at me.
"Hear hear," he replied.
I giggled and snuggled closer to him.
Romani decided to play devil's advocate.
"Oh come…" she pressed, "you wouldn't want to be rich and powerful?"
I shook my head.
"That life has its own stresses," I said, "I'm happy living a simple one."
Romani just stared at me for a moment before she glanced back over at Ralph.
"It seems you found yourself a regular saint golden boy," she teased, though I sensed some of what she meant was coming from a deeper place, "she almost seems too perfect."
I wasn't sure what to make of that, but Ralph spoke up for me.
"Saria is perfect," he said, "that's why I married her."
I was surprised by the slight poignancy in his voice, but I was also taken aback at the subtle nuance of wariness in Romani's face. She looked slightly irritated.
"Well…" she trailed, trying to downplay what she meant, "at least you got what you wanted in the end."
My eyes widened slightly and I looked up at Ralph, who was staring at Romani in a way that contended for confrontation. Wisely though, he chose to ignore her. It seemed maybe I was too quick to think she would amiable. It was apparent she had some unresolved issues with Ralph, issues that were of a personal nature. I didn't blame her. I actually understood her situation all too well.
"We both did," I added quietly, "Ralph is the best thing that has ever happened to me."
Gertrude looked my way and grinned, though her expression lessened when she glanced back over at her friend. She must have known that Romani was in love with, or at the very least still had very deep feelings for, her brother. She was making that all too apparent. Romani probably anticipated that at some point Ralph would marry her. Even so, I appreciated how Gertrude was trying to remain neutral.
"Stop making my brother's head explode," Gertrude said to the both of us, "if you keep goading at him this way he won't be able to get through the prince's visit."
We all laughed and I was grateful that Gertrude saw the need to intercede when she did. We needed a little brevity. However, when the laughter abated, Gertrude addressed me again regarding the noble.
"Did you really not know who Lady Bathory was?" she asked incredulously. "She seems like old news to me."
I grinned and shook my head.
"Not at all," I replied.
Gertrude gave me an offhanded stare.
"But how?" she asked. "Why?"
I shrugged and attempted to explain.
"Well, where I'm from we didn't get much gossip," I stated, "remote villages don't have the best means of information."
Marin, who had been quiet all this time, suddenly perked.
"Remote village?" she repeated.
I nodded absently.
"Yes," I replied without thinking, "it's a wonder we knew anything at all about the outside world."
Marin glanced at her son then back to me.
"Which is where exactly?" she asked adroitly.
I looked at her surprised, realizing I said too much and probably should have kept my mouth shut. I just allowed a shift into a subject I never wanted to discuss: my past.
"I'm sorry?" I said, pretending ignorance.
Marin wasn't falling for it.
"Your village," she redirected, "where are you originally from? This is the first time you've ever spoken of your home territory."
Now I had everyone's attention, and I knew I was flushing red.
"Well… uh…" I trailed, which wasn't helping my situation.
Everyone waited, and even Ralph was looking at me in anticipation. He looked as eager as everyone else. That was simple to deduce, he knew as much about me as everybody else did, not very much.
"Saria?" he pressed gently.
I swallowed hard and cleared my throat. I decided to be partially honest, hoping they had no idea where the locale was.
"I'm from a little place called Kokiri Forest," I said softly.
Everyone suddenly looked at me confused, which was encouraging to me.
"Kokiri Forest?" Marin repeated. "Where in the world is that?"
I grinned.
"I wouldn't expect you to know it," I said, "it's located beyond the Lost Woods. Most people get lost just trying to get there."
Gertrude raised a brow.
"If it is so remote how did you get out?" she asked.
I grinned.
"I guess I knew the way," I said softly.
Everyone smiled at my reply, but I could sense the dissatisfaction with my answer. It wasn't the grand reveal they were anticipating.
However, Marin looked at me thoughtfully.
"You said this village is located beyond the Lost Woods?" she inquired once again.
I should have expected that question, but I hesitated then too. I wasn't sure how I should answer.
"Yes," I replied anyway.
She then gave me a direct stare.
"If you ever remember the way perhaps you could take me to it one day," she said, "I would love to see it."
I looked at her slightly taken aback.
"I haven't been there in years," I replied, "I don't know if that would be possible. I was a child when I lived there."
I could sense everyone finding that to be a strange reply. However, Ralph wasn't going to let that answer slide either.
"Well…" he started carefully, "perhaps you can take me first then if everything is alright you can take my mother."
I paused and tried to keep my face nondescript, but I was secretly terrified by Ralph's reply. He had no idea what he was asking of me. However, I also knew his subtle insistence was only because he knew nothing about where I came from too. I couldn't expect him to not wonder when it's probably been a subject bothering him for some time now. Everywhere we went when we courted was someplace he knew, or had something to do with his family. It never had anything to do with me. I was always afraid Ralph would never truly believe me if I told him the absolute truth. However, I probably needed to rethink that notion, and perhaps one day take a chance. Even if that wasn't my desire right away, I needed to make that clear for him now so he and his family could be at ease. I knew there was always going to be this barrier between us if I didn't at least attempt to be truthful. So, I nodded and grinned.
"Alright," I agreed, "if I recall anything I promise I will show you the way."
Ralph smiled at me, then reached up and caressed my cheek.
"That's all I ask," he replied, "thank you."
Afterward, everyone seemed a little more accepting of my divulgence. If I were Ralph's parents I would want to know who the woman who married to him was too. I already wasn't completely what they wanted for their son, the least I could do is try and ease their minds. The woman they did want for their son, Romani, was almost too perfect for them not to be disappointed with me. She was beautiful, she had a good family, Marin and Mutoh knew her well, she was smart, and she dealt in the same profession as Ralph. Marin and Mutoh probably saw me as an unexpected comeuppance in their son's life, and since that honestly was the case, I needed to show them I was good for him.
I squeezed my husband's hand and hoped the day would get better. I decided it was time to change the subject. I didn't want there to be any unnecessary friction between us. So, I thought I could lighten the mood by shifting to an interest that involved all of them.
"So," I began, "who's going to be the fortunate one to greet the prince?"
Romani then looked at me surprised.
"I think it's going to be all of us," she said rather directly, "there isn't one singular designated person. Dr. Brimstone was very meticulous with who he wanted for this meet and greet."
I looked between everyone impressed.
"You all should be honored," I replied, "that means he thinks you're the best of the best."
Gertrude, Romani and Ralph all chuckled.
"Or we just happen to be few of the people that actually get along with him enough to tolerate his bravado," Gertrude corrected.
Marin and Mutoh then both snickered.
"Be nice," Mutho said, "the man is a fossil, but he is brilliant. I remember when I was a student of his."
My eyes widened slightly.
How old is Dr. Brimstone? I suddenly wondered. Mutoh and Marin have to be at least in their mid to late fifties.
It didn't matter, the more I heard about this physician the more I wished he was here so I could meet him. He seemed like an interesting fellow. However, when the laughing abated, another voice from beyond our immediate group then chimed in.
"Bravado true," the voice started, "but he still has the affectations of a real surgeon, something that is becoming lost these days."
I knew that voice and at the sound of it everyone turned around to verify it. Standing just a few feet away in the same section was Dr. Seaside. I wasn't expecting him to be here, though I didn't see him as often as Ralph. Even so, Ralph seemed more astonished than anyone that he was here. My husband even made that fact known.
"Dr. Seaside," Ralph said surprised, "I didn't know you were going to be here too. I thought you were going to go to Lake Hylia for more ingredients for your potions."
Dr. Seaside then walked up to our group and looked around at everyone.
"I had some change of plans and too was asked to greet the prince," he explained, then added, "Brimstone and I go way back."
I found that fact interesting. To be honest, beyond what the doctor did for me, I had no idea where he came from or much about his past. So any information he divulged was fascinating to me.
I decided to greet him personally.
"Good morning Dr. Seaside," I said softly.
He then glanced over at me and smiled.
"Good morning Saria my dear," he greeted back, "how are your headaches?"
I shook my head.
"I haven't had any in a while," I replied, then rubbed my belly, "not since I found out I am expecting."
Dr. Seaside grinned at me.
"That's good to hear my dear," he said, "and I know this is late, but congratulations to you both."
Ralph nodded gratefully.
"Thank you," he said.
Gertrude and Romani were both going to chime in, but they redirected us instead.
"You guys get ready," Gertrude said suddenly turning around again, "here they come."
Romani ran her hands through her hair nervously.
"I can't believe this is actually about to happen!" she whispered excitedly. "I'm going to meet the royal family!"
I was nervous too, but for a very different reason.
Please just let this go well, I thought.
I glanced over at my husband's face and saw that his indifferent expression returned, but I hoped he wasn't feeling what he was feeling before. I attempted to smile at him.
"Are you okay?" I whispered.
He nodded and returned my smile.
"I'm fine," he replied, "just got a few butterflies."
That made me chuckle.
"You'll charm the queen with your beautiful eyes," I teased.
He gave a wayward shrug playfully.
"Let's hope," he joked.
I giggled again.
Dr. Seaside came up to Ralph's side and next to him on his left while I stood at his right. Marin and Mutoh stood on the farther end with Gertrude and Romani. This is it. This was really happening. The royals were coming.
Please… oh please, oh please… don't let this be awkward, I begged.
My moment of prayer was over the royals were now approaching.
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