Inspiration: Dinner and discussion, moral relativism, economics, the Happy Mask Salesman, Johnny Walker Blue, and interior design.
Shout Outs: FrostBurn243, SaraAK, iddy786 thank you for reading.
Word Account: 12,561
Chapter 12
The Great Hall: Link's POV
The Great Hall was a work of art. The spacious room was constructed with vaulted ceilings that expanded across one hundred cubit lengths and allowed for grand acoustics. This architectural detail was made to accommodate bards and orators if and when they were commissioned to entertain the nobility. There was even a small stage for theatrics at the fore of the room. The enclave was semicircular in structure, with a door leading to a prop room and cellar. When I was courting Zelda, there were times when I was invited for supper and she, her father, and I would enjoy a small production from the royal theater house. There was one time when they attempted a rendition of "The Princess and Her Hero". I thought it was a comedy, but it turned out to be a drama. The reading of the lines had more jests than verbose prose. Though, I was certain that wasn't the intention of the actors.
There were a lot of good laughs that night, I recollected with a grin.
Continuing with the structure, just below where the beginning of the roof started to where the extension of the walls ended, a large masonry of several keystones were abridged, which affixed the edifice together. Those keystones were noteworthy for keeping the hall stable and the entire building intact. Adjacent to the noteworthy mortar were tapestries from every era of the Nohanseen rule around the perimeter, beginning with the first family. The woven mural of Hylia at the center was magnificent indeed, as it told the legend of her journey as Hyrule's savior by means of her hero, the Hero of Sky. The theme continued with monumental events that happened at pivotal points in Hyrule's history. Each mural told its own story. There was even one recently constructed for Zelda and me. I had to admit, it was quite humbling to see myself forever branded in history with the Sage of Time. A thought like this might seem foolish right now, but one of my greatest fears was being forgotten as the hero. I wasn't without my flaws and it probably seemed like a self-centered thought, but as my pride would have it, it was true.
Every man has their insecurities I suppose, I thought.
Centered in the middle of the room were five long tables positioned together to act as one to seat over a hundred people. The chairs were made of the strongest oak, and the cushions of the choicest silk. Prince Leonhart's favorite flowers, gladiolas, were strategically arranged in over fifty floral arrangements adorning the center convey of every other seat. Each place setting had fine porcelain, silk napkins, goldware, and a goblet for drinking. The setting was quite truly exquisite.
As I stated before, dessert was a five tiered cake, placed on a marble table that could withstand up to a thousand pounds of pressure. It was situated near the fore of the room that abutted a corner window. It was far enough away not to be tampered with, but close enough to be admired, and admired it was. There was even the foresight to burn an incense holder of rosemary herbs several yards away to keep insects from attacking it. Each layer was a different cake: chocolate, vanilla, lemon, passion fruit, and the top was the prince's favorite. Zelda informed me that Leonhart had an affinity for honey cake with brandied raisins.
Not one detail was missed, I thought.
At the center of all this splendor were the nobles congregating over preserved refreshments. Nobles from all over the country were here, even the ones I took the liberty of investigating myself. Lord Miyamoto was here, as well as Lord Iwata and Lord Fils-Amie. There were also the usual suspects, with Lord Filgore and Lord Rue Morgue as well. They were bold for showing their faces at this juncture today, but they were also prudent when I told them to evacuate Zora's Domain. They had that region cleaned up and cleared out within two days. Even so, they also must have been relying a great deal on Lady Bathory to bail them out. She really was the crux between determining if they were all going to end up in a jail cell or if they were going to be celebrating jubilantly. I hoped for the fore, as I'm sure they hoped for the latter. Only time would tell.
When we as the royal party walked in, the nobles who were anticipating our arrival stopped their chatter immediately to greet us. They all at once bowed then afterwards applauded. It seemed a little trite from my point of view, but I needed to stop being such a cynic and go with the flow. Zelda and I smiled, but then we stepped aside as we presented the prince. Prince Squallous and Lady Bathory received an even grander ovation than Zelda and I, which was perfect for the diplomatic game being played here. I glanced over at the queen, as she merely grinned at me. Afterwards, the nobles broke rank and came to mingle with us.
Naturally, there was an order in how and who was greeted first. The nobles were perceptive to greet the prince first, as an ally of theirs was already with him, Lady Bathory, and then decided to come to Zelda and myself. The pleasantries coincided like this for the next several minutes.
The meet and greets were pleasant.
"Your highness, you honor Hyrule with your presence," said a noble from the provincial region of Faron, "I hope your welcome has been well established."
Prince Squallous nodded.
"It has," he replied, "thank you."
Another noble then went to flatter Bathory.
"You look exceptionally beautiful today my lady," he said to her, "I thought your eyes were the diamonds of Hebra themselves."
A few chuckled at that and Bathory simply grinned.
"If I should be so lucky," she joked, "but considering the jest, I would easily end up being blind."
A few more laughed, and afterwards another lady came forward.
"Your highness, we are so grateful you had a safe trip," she said, "I trust my lord is well?"
Leonhart nodded.
"Quite well," he said, "thank you for asking my lady."
The same lady went on.
"I'm dreadfully sorry to hear about your father King Laguna," she stated, "his death has been a shock to us all."
Not the best conversation starter, but an important one. Prince Leonhart unsurprisingly looked troubled for a moment, but only nodded at the lady's words.
"It shocked everyone," he divulged, "he was in the prime of his life and seemed to go too soon."
There was brief hush before a respectful commencement.
"Absolutely my lord," another noble spoke up, "you needn't worry about the loyalty of Hyrule. We will always be loyal to you."
My ears perked at hearing that, and Bathory at his side then looked up at him.
"Hear, hear," she agreed, "you don't ever have to worry about Hyrule not being your ally." She then looked over at Zelda and me adroitly. "Am I not right your majesties?"
Zelda nodded dutifully, but I just stared at her with an air of caution. Bathory was trying vie me into a trapping promise. She was bold, I had to give her that, but I wasn't baiting that easily.
"Hyrule will always be loyal to those loyal to her," I said carefully.
Leonhart looked at me appreciatively and nodded, while Bathory's expression shifted a little, but she didn't break. Sensing the cryptic nature of the conversation, Filgore and Rue Morgue steadily drew closer, but had nothing to add at this time. They had to know this was not a situation in their favor, and though Bathory was testing me, this state of affairs didn't bode well for her either. I might be willing to test her bluff of open war if she thought her seductive whiles were more impervious than her actually getting justice. She was certain of Leonhart's loyalty to her, but I was not. After talking to him these few past moments, he seemed like a reasonable man, and later I was going to test that very notion.
Some in the crowd regressed at my saying and even Zelda turned to look at me with a forced grin. She could sense the veil falling and placed her hand on my shoulder.
"Of course," she said, staring into my eyes and then changed the subject, "I remember us discussing the importance of such words and what they truly mean." She then looked back over at the prince. "Your highness I know this must be a trying time for you, but I must say, you are handling it exceptionally well."
Many agreed with Zelda's sentiment.
"Yes your highness," another noble spoke up from the middle of the crowd, "it's quite honorable of you to visit your neighboring ally in the middle of your grieving."
My ears perked again, and I was noticing a theme immediately about some of the responses the nobles were giving. It was almost too similar.
Had they all conferenced before coming here? I wondered.
I couldn't be sure and probably seemed a little ridiculous for thinking such a thing. However, this was a feeling I was getting from my gut, and it was my gut instincts that kept me alive in very dangerous situations. I always trusted them, even if at the moment I wasn't battling a tektite. This was a whole different kind of arena. Even so, I was glad when the gong for dinner suddenly sounded the alarm. This conversation was going to take a wrong turn quickly if it continued. Most of the audience turned to see the main butler coming out from the kitchen to greet us.
He bowed and cleared his throat before he spoke.
"Distinguished guests," he announced, "I ask that you all be seated because the first course will be served in fifteen minutes."
There was a hush in the crowd as the butler spoke, followed by a silent acceptance of what he instructed. Afterwards, everyone broke assemblage again and went to sit down. I was obviously at the head of the table with Zelda sitting to the right of me, and Prince Leonhart sitting to the left of me with Lady Bathory next to him. Unfortunately, next to her was Lord Filgore and his wife, and two seats from them was Lord Rue Morgue and his wife. These men were like vultures and it seemed like wherever Bathory was, Filgore and Rue Morgue were close to follow. They always seemed to be in cohorts with each other. It was no matter now. This evening would be nothing like the previous evening with the nobles. I was not going anywhere. They could count on that.
When everyone was seated, wine and water was poured. Zelda declined the wine, but happily accepted the water and that was when Bathory decided to dote on her more.
"Your majesty I must say," she started, "now that I know you are with child I understand your radiance so much more."
A few at the table chuckled.
"You do look divine my queen," Lady Filgore spoke up, "it reminds me of when my own daughter was pregnant. She had such a glow too."
Zelda smiled and nodded.
"Thank you my dears for saying so," she uttered quietly, "I'm quite excited."
Bathory smiled.
"As you should be," she said, "I absolutely can't wait to meet your baby."
I just raised a brow at that, while Leonhart chuckled.
"If you're so eager for a baby," he started, "then we might have to start right away after we get married."
A few pretended to be shocked, and Bathory exaggeratedly covered her mouth from his comment.
"Your highness!" she teased. "What scandalous words, and at the dinner table too!"
There was more laughter and all I could do was smirk.
This woman… I thought.
Zelda just glanced at me and I still had nothing to say.
Leonhart took note of that.
"What's that inquiry about?" he asked just then.
I grinned.
"I asked no questions," I replied.
Leonhart engaged me now.
"Don't give me that," he said, "you look like you have something on your mind sire."
I just shook my head.
"Nothing that would be of interests to you at the moment," I replied.
Leonhart raised a brow.
"Try me," he replied.
I glanced over at Bathory before glancing back at the prince and thought to turn the tables as it were.
"Well, if you say so," I said, pretending to be indirect, "I want your opinion on something."
Leonhart nodded.
"Alright," he replied.
I cut my eyes to Bathory again before I eyed him once more.
"What do you think about the current state of the rupee?" I asked suddenly.
As soon as I asked that, every head that was within earshot turned and looked at me.
Leonhart gave me a puzzling stare.
"That's quite the change of subject," he replied.
I just shrugged.
"You asked what was on my mind," I stated.
Leonhart chuckled, then nodded.
"Indeed I did," he said, then went to answer my question, "well, I think the rupee is just fine. It is a sound investment with almost a millennia to account for it safety net."
I grinned.
"I agree," I replied, "so it must be surprising to you that new types of currency are trying to make its fore into the banking distribution."
Leonhart raised a brow perplexed.
"What?" he asked.
I pretended ignorance.
"You haven't heard?" I replied.
Leonhart shook his head.
"No," he stated.
I reached for my goblet and rotated it in my palm.
"It was quite surprising to me too when I found out," I said.
The prince gave me an offhanded stare.
"What types of new currency?" he asked. "There have been banks over the years trying to institute new money and have failed miserably. They are nothing but schemes."
I nodded.
"You have no argument from me," I replied.
However, there was soon a counter near the center of the table from a noble.
"Not all institutions trying to form their own currency are frauds your highness," he stated. "The beginning of every great nation is in trying to establish a system of currency that works best for the people."
Leonhart glanced over at the noble.
"If that is the case, then why have they tried and failed miserably?" he asked. "I am all for free markets, but your market also has to be solvent."
The same noble tapped his finger on the table.
"The biggest issue is that there was nothing tangible to secure such currencies," he replied, "had they been backed by a commodity that was worth a hill of beans, then perhaps there would be more money in the world than just the rupee."
That was just the segue I was looking for.
"You mean like the current mon craze," I said adroitly.
As soon as I said that, murmuring started at the table.
Leonhart turned to look at me.
"The what?" he asked. "What in the world is mon?"
I scoffed and smirked.
"The newest scheme on the market," I replied, "a group of over zealous financiers thought they were going to get rich quick by backing a currency that has no safety net."
I glanced over at Zelda who appeared stoic, but I sensed her wanting me to stop. To the opposite of her I saw Filgore and Rue Morgue also wanting me to stop, but for very different reasons. They looked ready to crawl under the table.
Another noble then spoke up.
"Who would be foolish enough to try such a thing?" he asked. "It seems preposterous that someone would create a currency that has no real value."
It was then Bathory spoke up to try to intercede.
"With all due respect," she started, "how do we know it has no real value?"
The same noble countered.
"How do we know that it does?" he inquired.
Bathory groaned softly.
"I thought this was a table of free market capitalists," she said furtively, "why are some of you speaking against making sound investments?"
Lady Filgore chimed in.
"It's simple," she said, "the investments are not sound, and if there is nothing to secure the currency it will crash the country's economy; and trust me when I say we are all capitalists here."
Afterwards, Bathory went to test that notion.
"You speak of having no faith in other currencies, but what backs up the rupee?" she asked suddenly. "Why is it held in such high regard when essentially it's faith that keeps it afloat?"
A few looked at Bathory surprised, even Leonhart, and this was what I was hoping for. I wanted him to see her past her pretty face. I wanted him to see her for what she really was.
The prince gave her an obvious stare.
"Darling... are you serious?" Leonhart asked, only half-joking.
Bathory shook her head and tried to be playful, but she was having a bit of a time keeping her act intact. The irritation was slightly apparent in her face.
It was then she gained an ally.
Another noble spoke up.
"My lady does make a good point," he said, "why is the rupee held in such high regard when we really don't have a direct commodity backing it?"
All eyes then turned back to me and Leonhart. I glanced over at Bathory who thought she one upped me.
She even smirked and raised a brow.
"Sire?" she asked.
I leaned forward slightly on the table at her question.
"You seem to have a keen interest in outside currencies," I replied with a detract, "any reason?'
A few chuckled, but the intrigue was now there.
Bathory merely shrugged.
"None whatsoever," she replied, "I just enjoy the devil's advocacy of it all."
I raised a brow.
You would, I thought.
"Devil's advocacy is all well and good for debate," I started, "but it means nothing to a useless currency."
Bathory reacted to that immediately.
"What if the mon is not useless?" she asked.
I nodded.
"But it is," I replied, "it might as well be toy money."
A few more chuckled at that and Bathory's charisma was waning. I could see her getting slightly scathed.
"That's a rather presumptuous thing to say sire," she said half-joking.
I gave her a direct stare.
"Is it?" I asked, then added. "Very well then, I have a counter to that, if you are so certain it is a solvent currency, what backs up the mon?"
Diamonds? I wanted to add, but didn't.
Everyone turned their attention back to Bathory, and suddenly she realized my trap. She knew that if she spoke up and stated that a commodity backed the mon she will have given herself away as a coconspirator in that financial scheme. Even her friends knew this as they looked over at her almost desperately to keep her mouth shut. Filgore and Rue Morgue understood that if the word got out they were the financiers of mon solely for the purpose of bringing down the rupee, they wouldn't have to just worry about me, they would have to worry about every financial broker in business ties with them in this room. That was a great deal of these people.
"I… I have no idea," she replied wisely.
I merely grinned and sat back.
"That's too bad," I said with a hint of sarcasm, then added, "but I think the point has been made."
However, that didn't seem to be enough for the noble who first introduced issue.
"That might be all well and good for the lady sire," he said with respect, "but that still does not satisfy the question of the rupee."
I was actually surprised this question was being asked because it wasn't Sheikah science to me. However, it was then Zelda decided to speak up, and I knew her speaking up meant she had heard enough. She cleared her throat before she verbalized.
"Sire, I would like to interject," she said to softly.
I had no qualms.
"Please do," I said.
Zelda then turned her attention to the rest of the table.
"This questioning of the rupee is strange to me when the answer is obvious," she stated quietly, "every economy is built on its greatest asset, and ours is the Triforce. The Triforce, created by the goddesses themselves, allowed the first queen to determine what would be the currency of the land. Hylia the Great decided it would be the rupee. Therefore, the rupee is backed by the power of the greatest commodity in the land, the Triforce. Without it, there would be no Hyrule."
When Zelda finished, everyone looked at her impressed and had no further rebuttals to give. Her words were true. What greater commodity was there than the Triforce? The answer was nothing because the Triforce permeated in everything. The noble who asked the question suddenly had nothing more to say, while Lady Bathory had to clamp that mouth of hers shut. I looked over at my wife and grinned. I was proud of her for taking the conversation on in her own way. I knew she wouldn't sit here for long and allow all this foolish talk to continue. Bathory, Filgore, and Rue Morgue had this idea that they were the smartest people in the room, when the reality was the smartest person in the room was right beside me, Zelda. The wisest person was often times the quietest, which I respected because Zelda understood undermining everyone would dispel diplomacy, and she understood diplomacy very well.
Prince Leonhart raised his goblet to the queen.
"Well said my lady," he uttered.
Several spectators agree with him.
"Yes your majesty," one noble spoke up, "well said."
I nodded and noticed immediately that Bathory, Filgore, and Rue Morgue weren't as pompous as they once were. I was glad to shut them up for a change. I was learning to play the game as they wanted to play it. Even so, a moment later, the door to the kitchen opened and from it a line of servants came out with gold covered trays in hand. The first course was ready to be served. Once all the trays were placed and the hoods were removed the main butler announced what it was.
"Your majesties, your highness, and honorable guests," he said, "your first course is a Hylian green salad with pickled radishes, walnuts, joules, and cranberries; the dressing is an Eldin honey and balsamic vinaigrette. Please enjoy."
When he left, everyone looked at the perfectly coifed food and marveled at how pretty it was before they dug into it. The presentation was excellent, but it looked incredibly delicious too. I saw that Leonhart was impressed, which was the only person I was concerned with.
"Is it to your liking your highness?" I asked.
He nodded.
"It is indeed," he replied, "thank you."
Zelda glanced over at me and grinned, but then she noticed Bathory was less engaged as she once was and decided to remedy that. I sensed Zelda wanted her to feel at ease. Why she cared about that was beyond me. So, after a few bites she wiped her mouth and spoke up.
"My dear Lady Bathory, are you familiar with the writings of Gaepora?" she asked suddenly.
Bathory looked up and raised a brow surprised.
"Indeed I am my queen," she said, "it's almost considered a prerequisite for the Scholar's Academy."
Zelda nodded.
"Yes," she said, "well, I wanted to get your opinion on Gaepora's thoughts on moral relativism. He wrote that thesis at a very dark time in his life, so I wonder if it has any true relevance in society today."
I raised a brow, slightly familiar with what they were talking about, but vaguely recalled it. Simply put, it was the idea that morality was based on a person's experiences and not a material or immaterial set of rules to guide them.
Bathory wiped the side of her mouth before she answered.
"As with any philosopher there is one point in history where their point of view fits the dichotomy of their life," she started, "Gaepora is no different, and I actually agree with some of his points on moral relativism."
A few down the table scoffed at hearing that.
"I'm sorry my lady, but that is nonsense," a noble interceded immediately. "Any man who thinks that everything is a middle ground is not a man I want to do business with. You need to make a decision and be able to make it without a shadow of a doubt."
However, there were quick counters to that.
"That is all well and good," one replied, "but you cannot deny the apparent ambivalence that takes place in people's hearts. What if the decision you're making affects a town? A village? A people? Confers to war? What then? Sometimes to make definite decisions, persons have to step in rather grey areas."
"I agree," another stated, "the idea that everything is black and white is rather childish and foolish, duality is but an invention of absolutists."
That notion didn't go unchallenged either.
"The idea that living in the grey is all there is is preposterous," another stated, "there are clear delineations of right and wrong, otherwise grey areas wouldn't exist. You can't have a grey area without there being a moral precedent in the first place. It's just another philosopher trying to sound smarter than he actually is."
"I disagree," chimed in another, "morals are based on the culture and care a person is developed in. If the culture is not the norm of the greater culture outside of their own, are they to blame for being considered a societal impediment? Should they be chastised for being different?"
"Simply put, yes," another countered, "just because a subunit of society decides to do things outside the norm does not give them the impetus to not know the norm. They need to understand the norm in order to function within the society. It's like saying there is no day cycle and night cycle when there clearly is, otherwise we would be basking in twilight for eternity."
Bathory contended with that.
"Then who is the determinant of what is deemed 'normal' in society?" she challenged. "Is it not simply the idea that is proposed from another person?"
Leonhart raised a brow at his fiancé.
"What about the goddess?" he asked simply. "Is she not the ultimate authority?"
There was a brief hush, but then Bathory answered.
"There are those who do not believe in the goddess or see her as being the ultimate authority," she said simply, "there are those segments out there."
That was a very telling statement.
Zelda narrowed her eyes slightly.
"And what do you think?" she asked adroitly.
Bathory looked back at the queen and paused. I glanced over at her too.
"I think…" she trailed carefully, "I think without the goddess there is no Hyrule."
I raised a brow. She completely obliterated her previous argument.
"Then you don't believe in moral relativism?" I asked.
Bathory glanced over at me.
"I never said that," she replied.
Leonhart chuckled, thinking she was jesting.
"You can't have it both ways darling," he said, "you either believe something or you don't."
Bathory then looked straight at me for some odd reason.
"That depends on what you believe," she quietly, "that depends on how you view the goddess."
I gave her a knowing stare.
Careful, I thought, you're going to tell on yourself.
Zelda caught that too and decided to put an end to such talk. I garnered for more reasons than one.
"The goddess is very clear on where she stands," she said with a hint of firmness, "there is no relativism in her."
Another hush came across the table, and there were clearly those who disagreed, but for the sake of peace said nothing. I had my own contention with what Zelda said based off what I found out about the so called tetraforce and the circumstances surrounding our own relationship. However, that was a conversation for another time. Things seemed to be a little less playful now that the real issues were being discussed. Hopefully Leonhart was catching this, because it seemed to me that Bathory was like an open book... open for everyone to read.
Perhaps there is hope for the prince yet, I thought.
I would have to wait and see on that recourse. The day wasn't over yet.
~SSS~
Castle Town: Saria's POV
Since we departed from Ralph's family and we were able to go on our own, my husband seemed more comfortable. His being as candid as he was, was important to me. I needed to do my part in making him feel as though he was worthy of me, and he truly was. I couldn't imagine why he loved me the way he did, but I was going to do everything in my power to show him the same reciprocity. I was going to start with my attitude. Ralph told me one of the things he loved about me was my silly jokes and happy disposition, and frankly I hadn't been that way with him recently. I was kind, but not necessarily how I had been when we were courting. He always told me one of the things he loved about me was me making him laugh. Our courtship was my barometer. I needed to start there, and today I just wanted us to have a good time. Currently, we were at a vendor that sold roasted cuckoo when I thought give a go at my attempt.
"Hey, do you want to hear a joke?" I asked suddenly.
Ralph looked at me surprised.
"A joke?" he repeated.
I nodded and he chuckled instantly, possibly fearing the worst.
"Is it a good one?" he asked.
I nodded.
"Always," I replied.
He grinned.
"Alright," he said, even though we were next in line.
I grinned and moved in closer to him.
"Very well," I said, then went with the jest, "what do you call a cuckoo sunbathing?"
Ralph already started snickering.
"Gee I wonder," he said with a hint of sarcasm.
I raised a brow.
"Do you give up?" I asked anyway.
Ralph snickered again and nodded.
"I give up," he replied.
I then looked towards the vendor.
"A roasted chicken," I said.
Ralph shook his head and grinned.
"How did I not get that?" he said mordantly.
His smile encouraged me to go on.
"I have another," I said.
Ralph then nodded.
"Okay," he replied.
I readied myself.
"What do doctors do on their days off?" I asked.
Ralph actually looked intrigued by my question.
"I have no idea," he said.
I wasn't sure about this one, but I said it anyway.
"They prescribe fun," I replied.
Distinctly enough, Ralph looked down at me and raised a brow.
"What?" he asked.
I guess the punch line didn't have much punch.
"You prescribe fun," I repeated.
A puzzled expression crumpled his handsome face.
"Saria…" he trailed, "I appreciate the attempt, but that was terrible."
His inflection and expression made me giggle.
"It wasn't that terrible," I said.
He nodded.
"No honey," he reassured, "that was pretty bad."
His reiteration only made me laugh more.
"Alright," I said, "alright."
He leaned in a little playfully.
"Promise me you'll never say that joke to another living soul again," he joked himself.
I laughed.
"Are you serious?" I asked.
He nodded.
"I am," he said.
I giggled again, then finally nodded.
"Very well," I said, "you win, no more doctor jokes."
Ralph shook his head again.
"I didn't say no more doctor jokes," he restated, "just not that doctor joke."
His emphasis was quite humorous.
"Fine," I said.
Ralph grinned down at me and then we were next up in line. I couldn't lie, the concession smelled incredible. I took in a deep whiff.
"Mmmm," I moaned, not being able to help myself.
Ralph chuckled at my inflection and the vendor selling the cuckoo was more than eager to quell my enthusiasm.
"You won't get a better roasted cuckoo than here miss," he said with a hint of boasting.
I nodded.
"I believe you," I replied.
Ralph then gestured using two fingers.
"Two please," he said.
The vendor nodded.
"Right away," he replied.
A moment later, we were handed two legs with the adjacent thighs connected to them. Then skin was cooked golden and to a crisp. The flesh on the inside was soft and tender looking, while dripping with juices. The herbs used to base the outside were slightly cauterized from the heat, but it made the meat look all the more succulent. Ralph and I took our portions gladly and paid the vendor.
"Thank you," we said in unison, before we walked off to go enjoy our purchase.
Ralph and I huddled off to the side for a moment and took a bite. We were both amazed, but not surprised at what we tasted.
"This is delicious," Ralph said, then glanced back over to the vendor, "wow."
I nodded.
"This is better than any roasted cuckoo I've ever made," I said genuinely.
Ralph contended with that.
"That's only because this is what this man makes day in and day out," he replied, "I'm sure if you applied yourself, you could do just as well."
I smiled at his encouragement.
"Thank you," I said sincerely.
He then raised a brow.
"That wasn't just an expeditious speech," he replied, "I want you to cook your pheasant like this."
After his utterance I immediately started laughing, Ralph was such a jester.
"Well thanks a lot," I said with a hint of sarcasm.
He looked at me innocently.
"I'm only trying to encourage you my love," he joked, "encouragement is a great motivator."
I laughed more.
"I'll bet," I replied.
Ralph grinned at me, then took my hand and we headed off to another section of the square. I wasn't sure where he was taking me, but I was glad he was in a much better mood. Getting what he needed to get off his chest was important. Interestingly enough, we were heading to a part of the square where there wasn't very many vendors. In fact, we seemed to be heading for the residential district.
I halted for a moment and tugged on Ralph's arm.
"Where are we going?" I asked suddenly.
Ralph turned his head and grinned at me.
"You'll see," he replied.
I was slightly hesitant at his reply, but I let him lead me anyway. We walked to a section of town where some construction was underway. Ralph and I walked past a sign that said: the Great Castle Town Expansion Project. I had a feeling I knew what this was going to entail now. As we were walking, Ralph and I walked past Link's old villa. I raised a brow at the former residence as there were some interesting memories for me there. I had no intention of telling Ralph about them, but I couldn't help but stare at the building just the same.
We kept heading down the alleyway where there were more newer homes under construction. We turned down another corridor to another street and that was when we finally stopped. This street had finished homes on them, but they were huge in comparison to where we lived now. The structure we were looking at was a three story home with an attic, a basement, and a large main living quarters. I could tell from the outside that its square footage was in its length and not its width.
Ralph then turned around to look at me.
"What do you think?" he asked suddenly.
I felt a small quiver of apprehension, but I attempted to dispel it.
"It's beautiful," I said honestly.
Ralph seemed encouraged by that.
"I was hoping that was your response," he said, "I like it too."
I stared at the house for a long time before I cut my gaze to my husband.
"Is… is this what you were speaking to me about earlier?" I asked.
Ralph nodded.
"Yes, this is where I want us to move," he said gently.
I looked to the home and took in a deep sigh.
"I see," I said quietly.
Sensing I was less enthused about this venture, Ralph took my hand and led me back to another part of the square. We entered the main area, but then cut through to West Castle Town, where we stopped in front of another building. It was a recently purchased laboratory space.
I raised my brows at the building.
"What's this?" I asked, possibly already knowing the answer.
Ralph grinned, then turned to look down at me.
"This is my new office," he said.
I wasn't surprised but I was surprised, if that made sense.
"Your new office?" I repeated.
He nodded.
"I'm starting another practice with Dr. Seaside," he divulged, "he has been good enough to share his medicine making capabilities with me, and now that I have that skill I want to start a practice in town."
This was all such exciting news, but not as exciting as it should have been. I was feeling more and more nervous as he spoke, but for purely selfish reasons. I looked to the ground and said nothing. Ralph then walked up to me.
"What's the matter darling?" he asked softly.
I shook my head.
"Nothing," I fibbed.
He wasn't going to fall for that.
"You aren't being honest," he replied simply.
I took in another deep sigh, wishing I was more enthused because this was important to him.
"I just… I just don't know anyone here," I replied.
Ralph grinned at me.
"You won't have any trouble making new friends Saria," he said, "and I know a few people in town myself."
I nodded, but didn't have very much to add. Ralph then took hold of my shoulders.
"This is where I want to raise our family," he said honestly, "but I can't do that if you aren't happy too."
I nodded, trying not to be a burden.
"I know," I said, "I will be happy I'm just a little taken aback."
He grinned at me.
"You like the forest and the trees," he said, "I can't fault you for that, but there are times when you have to move beyond those borders."
I think he was speaking on more than just moving, and quite candidly, he was right.
"I know," I said, then asked, "did you already purchase that home?"
He shook his head.
"No," he replied, "I wanted to put a bid in before the week was out though." He turned and looked at the laboratory space again. "This was what I wanted to show you."
I stared at the building again and didn't know what to feel, but instead of being a burden I was going to try and make the best of things. I didn't want Ralph thinking he could never please me or make a decision I wasn't in line with. I just needed to hope that what Link said was true yesterday. I had to hope the gossip surrounding him and I had died down. And now with the announcement of Zelda being pregnant out in the open, perhaps no one would think about the old scandals and rigmarole of the girl with the green hair. Perhaps I was being too vain and conceited in my own thoughts of myself. I wasn't that important in the overall scheme of things.
"Well…" I started, "I'm glad you did, and you can put that bid in for the house. I will do my best to be the kind of person you need me to be."
Ralph looked at me surprised, then warmed his expression with a grin.
"You are what I need you to be," he replied, "I just want to be everything for you."
I returned his grin.
"You have been," I replied, "trust me when I say you have been."
Ralph's grin faded a little and that was when he came up to me and caressed my cheek. A moment later, he lifted my chin and kissed me softly on the lips. I kissed him back and when he pulled away he went to reassure me.
"Whatever is bothering you I hope you share it with me soon," he whispered, "but thank you for trusting me."
I grinned.
"You don't have to thank me," I whispered back, "and I'm fine."
Ralph then smiled and took me in his arms.
"I'm so happy right now Saria," he said, "you have no idea."
I giggled.
"I'm glad," I said.
He took hold of my hand again and hurried me back into the other direction.
"Let's go look at the house again," he said enthusiastically.
I giggled more and nodded.
"Sure," I replied.
Ralph then led me back to the street where the home we were going to purchase was. I had to admit it was beautiful. The front effacement was outlined in white timber from the main body of the house that was dark stained maple wood. The windows were stained glass with flowers and trees going all the way up to the third floor. The porch was lined with a three step walkway to the front door where there was an outside sitting area. The sitting area had a wooden railing for safety but a beautiful flower bed abutted to it. There were also two rose of grace lily plants in both alleyways adjacent to the house. In fact, each house had an alleyway to the side of it with grace lilies. It was absolutely lovely. If this was what the outside looked like, I could only imagine what the inside would look like.
Ralph stood there proudly and grinned.
"This is going to be a wonderful place to live," he said, "many of my colleagues are moving into the area as well."
I nodded.
"I would imagine this would be where many plutocrats would go," I said.
He chuckled in how I said that.
"You'll find plutocrats in mansions my dear," he corrected, "this is for more middle class citizens like us."
I saw his point.
"I suppose you're right," I said.
Ralph's excitement didn't wane.
"As soon as the realtor opens tomorrow I'll go and supplant the purchase," he said.
I nodded, trying to make the best of this situation. Ralph saw that I was still uneasy and went to reassure me.
"I promise you, you won't regret this," he said.
I attempted another smile and looked back at the house, but then something caught my eye I wasn't expecting. A sign next to the house.
"What's that?" I said suddenly.
Ralph looked to where I was looking and didn't catch it.
"What's what?" he countered.
I then pointed to the sign.
"That," I said more directly.
He then followed my line of sight.
"Oh," he said finally, then added casually, "that's the name of the building company."
I stared at the sign again to make sure I was hearing him right.
"Happy Mask Builders is the name of the contractor?" I asked with a hint of disbelief.
Ralph nodded.
"Yes," he said, "what's so strange about that?"
I gave my husband an offhanded stare.
"Do you not know about the Happy Mask Salesman?" I asked.
Ralph gave me a queer stare.
"Should I?" he asked.
He apparently didn't.
"He's a very peculiar fellow," I said, "I met him once and he scared me senseless."
Ralph smirked.
"Really Sar?" he said sarcastically.
I looked at him with a hint of defiance.
"It's true!" I insisted. "He even carved a mask of my face!"
Ralph chuckled.
"Maybe it's because he thought you were beautiful," he reasoned, then teased, "you are quite the looker."
He was missing my point.
"Ralph I'm serious," I said, "he was very strange in that meeting."
He gave me an obvious look.
"There are strange people in the world Saria," he said, "nothing is going to stop that."
I looked back to the sign.
"He carves masks, what's he doing selling real estate?" I asked rhetorically.
My husband shrugged.
"Maybe he wants to expand his portfolio like any good business man," Ralph reasoned, "it's not a crime to expand your business Sar."
I shook my head.
"But I-" I tried.
He went to silence me by putting his forefinger to my lips.
"Look," he interrupted gently, "nothing is going to happen. You're getting yourself worked up for nothing."
I wish that were the case, but I didn't think he was seeing things my way.
"I'm not being nonsensical," I promised, "there is something precocious about that man."
Ralph raised a brow.
"Do you think you're being fair judging a book by its cover?" he reasoned. "So the man is a little eccentric, what wealthy noble isn't?"
"But Ralph-" I tried.
"Stop it Saria," he interrupted firmly all of a sudden, "I mean it, you're being ridiculous."
I paused and looked at him surprised by his tone.
"Excuse me?" I replied.
Ralph then took in a deep sigh.
"Isn't this but another attempt to try and thwart us from moving to Castle Town?" he asked.
I stared at him genuinely stunned.
"No," I said, "I'm being serious."
He raised both his brows and stared straight into my eyes.
"Well," he started, "so am I."
There was a bit of a tense silence between us after that, one where I took a step back and wrapped my arms around myself. I swallowed hard and didn't even want to go into the idiosyncrasies of the Happy Mask Salesman. That man scared me to no end, even though I had limited contact with him. I couldn't put my finger on it, but the Happy Mask Salesman knew more about me than he let on in our initial meeting. A part of me wanted to inquire more of him, but my rational side always argued against it. He seemed to have this mysterious flare about him that made him either dangerous or unconventional, perhaps both. Even now, his shop was still prominently displayed in the heart of North Castle Town square. He still sold masks, and he still had that esoteric nature about him. However, something about this situation seemed strangely and eerily coincidental to me. Why now? Why this house? Something was amiss.
Even so, I regressed to my husband's reasoning for the sake of peace. I didn't like arguing with him.
"Maybe you're right," I said finally, "maybe I am overreacting."
Ralph looked at me with open concern, but then his expression warmed to one of love.
"I'm sorry if I came across as stern," he said, "I would never want to be that way with you."
I nodded and didn't have much to say.
"It's alright," I said, "you have a right to feel what you feel."
Ralph then came up and took my hand.
"Let's get back to town," he suggested, "we'll talk more on this later okay. I don't want this to sully our day."
It may have been too late for that, but I was willing to recoup what we could. This development about the Happy Mask Salesman was not making me happy, not at all.
"Okay," I said quietly and didn't have much to add.
Ralph then guided us out of the alley to the main road towards the square. I looked over my shoulder at the house one last time and felt a feeling of foreboding.
I don't like this, I thought, I don't understand why, but I don't like this.
The day was getting worse.
~SSS~
The Great Hall, two hours later: Link's POV
The fifth course had been served, the jester had entertained the crowd, and it was now time for port and conversation. This was an opportune time for me to whisk Leonhart away without being gilded with suspicion by the other nobles, Lady Bathory, and more importantly my wife Zelda. I stood first when the dessert plates were being carried off and addressed the audience.
"It has been a very entertaining afternoon and I thank you all for coming for his highness's visit," I started, "at this time his highness and I are going to have port and conversation alone in my private chamber."
At my announcement, Zelda and Lady Bathory both looked at me surprised.
"Alone?" Zelda repeated, without trying to arouse suspicion.
I nodded.
"Yes, alone," I said, "I think the prince deserves a break."
A few in the audience laughed, but Lady Bathory notably looked a little worried.
"But won't that be boring?" she insisted playfully. "Wouldn't it be more radiant with a little feminine company?"
Leonhart chuckled and chimed in.
"I see your point," he said, "but this is tradition. My father and King Daphnes did the same thing for many years. Don't worry, there won't be a dismantling of the monarchy with us gone."
I smirked when Bathory cut her eyes to me in a slight panic.
"Sire… you certainly are… a man of perceptive prowess," she tried to joke.
My smirk widened to a smile.
"We can't break tradition, now can we?" I asked her cryptically.
Bathory then clamped her mouth shut, while Filgore and Rue Morgue close by looked panicked as well, but remained quiet. This was the quietest I had ever seen the both of them.
"Of course not," she said quietly.
Leonhart looked at Bathory and grinned.
"I shall see you later?" he asked quietly and discreetly to her.
Bathory was still staring at me before she turned her attention back to her beau. She reached up and caressed his cheek tenderly.
"I certainly hope so," she whispered back.
Zelda then stood up from the table and stared at the noble in return.
"Yes," she said with a hint of defiance, then turned to look at me, "I certainly hope so too."
I stared back at my wife and gave her no rebuttal. She couldn't expect that I would, but I got her messaging loud and clear. Even so, I expect she got mine as well. I then turned my attention back to Leonhart.
"Your highness let's be off," I said.
Leonhart nodded.
"Absolutely," he replied and stood up.
Lady Bathory was staring at me with a knowing look, while Zelda too was aware of what could possibly transpire, but neither of them said anything. In fact, Filgore and Rue Morgue looked to be pleading with me as well. I chose to ignore them all. If anything was to come of this meeting it would be at the discretion of what was the best for the country, not a few greedy nobles and a flawed loophole in a law. The rest of the aristocracy rose afterwards and waited for the prince and I to depart. Leonhart seemed just as ready as I, and when we walked to the Great Hall exit and departed, the whole room erupted in chatter at our dismissal.
In the hall I glanced over at the prince.
"I'm glad that's over," I stated.
Leonhart chuckled.
"Me too," he replied back.
We both chuckled and headed for a private counsel room I liked to use when I wanted to be alone. We were accompanied, of course, via a guarded escort, but the walk was short down the marbled hallway. We shortly thereafter arrived at a spire, which was a cylinder like room with a one way entrance. Inside the room was a small book shelf full of first additions of the great Hylian writers and thinkers. There were also books on accounting, geography, typography, and masonry. The library in this room was small, but it certainly could be argued for its greatness. A small stone table was at the center, along with two upright chairs upholstered in fine linen. Underneath the recessed library was a cabinet where a one hundred year old sherry rested. Two stemless goblets and a decanter with the liquor was readied for any guests looking for a relaxing refreshment. I came here from time to time when I wanted to be alone. The room also afforded an attractive view of Castle Town Square. The glitz and pomp of the festival was in few, while also being far enough where the town's folks could not see exactly who was watching.
Once we arrived, I dismissed the escort. I let Leonhart in first and invited him to sit down. I made sure to open the windows to allow the fresh air to come in. Afterwards, I took out the goblets and poured both of us a small drink. When Leonhart tasted the contents, he complimented it immediately.
"One hundred years of greatness," he said after he took a sip.
I chuckled.
"Indeed," I said.
He took another sip then looked my way.
"So… are you glad that's over?" he asked.
I chuckled again and looked over at him.
"Yes," I said honestly.
Leonhart snickered in return.
"I never was one for court life myself," he said honestly, "the pretentiousness is nauseating."
I raised a brow.
"You had me fooled," I said.
He nodded.
"I had too," he said, "that's part of the game."
I grunted.
"I thought this was the world you enjoyed living in," I said, "it seemed to be your ebb and flow."
Leonhart took another sip.
"What other world do I know hero?" he asked rhetorically. "Am I supposed to feel bad about my birthright?"
I shook my head.
"Not at all," I said, "you just surprise me."
He looked over at me.
"How so?" he asked.
I decided to be upfront.
"Forgive me for saying so," I said, "but you came off as a pompous charlatan at times."
Leonhart chuckled.
"Can you really blame being so ill willed with me on me only?" he asked. "You were courting the woman I wanted to marry at the time, remember?" he recalled.
I nodded.
"I remember," I said, "but even before that you were little off kilter."
He shrugged.
"Who cares?" he asked casually. "Life is too short to dwell on nonsense."
I looked at him surprised just then.
"True," I said.
Leonhart took another sip.
"Anyway," he started, "I wanted to say bravo for bringing up that mon issue. I had some counsel men wishing to discuss the matter of currencies with me and I think it had something to do with this."
I groaned thoughtfully.
"Really?" I asked.
He nodded.
"Really," he replied, "I was uneasy about the matter in the first place and now that this has been brought to my attention I think I can rest assured."
I grinned.
"Well, I'm glad to be of help," I said sincerely.
Leonhart shook his head just then.
"What makes these men think they can topple one world for another and have no resistance?" he asked rhetorically.
I understood completely.
"That is why they do not do it in the open," I said, "that is why they choose to act out in secret."
Leonhart nodded.
"Well, it will do them no good," he said, "the grace of Hylia is with us."
I raised a brow and looked at him with respect.
"Hear, hear," I replied, and took a sip of sherry, "I say amen to that."
He grinned then looked around the stone spire.
"Is this your place of reflection?" he asked me suddenly, changing the subject.
I nodded.
"I like to come here when I want to meditate," I replied.
He nodded.
"I have a similar study in Balaam," he said, "I've found myself reflecting in it more since my father's death."
I didn't expect him to bring up the sobering subject, but since he did I saw no sense dodging it.
"I truly am sorry about your father," I said sincerely, "he was a great man."
Leonhart sighed and nodded.
"Thank you," he said, "he taught me everything I know about being a man for his people. Daphnes in many instances was the same way."
I nodded.
"True," I replied, "Daphnes was a complicated man, but he was a good man. I better understand his burdens now since I've become king."
Leonhart looked at me and grinned.
"And how do you like it?" he asked.
I paused for a moment.
"I'm getting used to it," I said honestly, "wielding power takes immense skill."
He studied me just then.
"It takes a steady hand understanding the needs of the people along with the needs of the country," he said.
I found that a little odd.
"Isn't the country the people?" I countered.
Leonhart grunted.
"The country is all things including the people," he said, "every aspect must be great to prosper."
Wise words.
"Hmph," I replied, "I won't forget that."
Leonhart smiled.
"Please don't," he said.
There was a brief silence between us in that instant, however a moment later Leonhart broke it.
"So," he started, "are you going to tell me what you really pulled me away for, or shall we keep with the pleasantries?"
I paused at his new question and stared into my cup.
"What makes you think that?" I asked.
The prince gave me a knowing stare.
"It's obvious," he said, "and besides that, Zelda was nipping at your heels. She acted like she didn't want you alone with me or something."
I raised my brows.
"She does that… a great deal," I said.
Leonhart nodded.
"I know," he said, then added, "when we were children she was serious in that same way too. However, she was always a loyal companion. I admired her for that."
He had her pegged right.
"That's Zelda," I said.
Leonhart chuckled at my inflection.
"I sense a bit of contradiction in your statement," he said.
I shook my head.
"That woman is cerebral," I replied, "everything she does is for a reason."
Leonhart saw no fault in that.
"A noble effort," he said, "I wish more people were like that."
I merely shrugged.
"I suppose," I replied, "I guess I have a more multifarious approach to life."
Leonhart looked at me and studied me for a moment.
"You... don't have an issue with that, do you?" he asked.
I paused before I answered.
"Not really," I replied.
The prince scoffed.
"Then why the look?" he asked.
I wasn't sure how he wanted me to reply to that.
"She isn't perfect Squallous," I said candidly.
He nodded.
"No woman is," he said, "but those imperfections often make women all the more interesting."
I couldn't argue him there.
"True," I said.
Leonhart took another sip and I thought to turn the conversation around for a moment.
"Is that why you find Bathory so interesting?" I asked suddenly. "Because she's so imperfect?"
Leonhart then looked at me surprised.
"I might have to argue my former point," he half-joked.
I raised my hands in surrender.
"You said women are imperfect," I reiterated.
He shrugged.
"I did, but Elvira's imperfections are fascinating because she's so unconventional," he said honestly, "she has a very… different world view."
I could only imagine what he was talking about. Had she filled his head with nonsense regarding her pagan moon goddess? Was she attempting to state that Hylia was not the true sovereign of Hyrule? Had Leonhart allowed her charms to cloud his better judgment? Judging from how he defended Hyrule's sovereignty I would think not, but he may have simply been grandstanding to hide his true thoughts.
I then got up and walked over to the window to look at the crowd still gathered in the square.
"Even so, is that the kind of imperfection you want to marry?" I asked carefully just then.
He paused at my question.
"Why do you ask?" he countered.
I shrugged.
"Just making conversation," I replied.
Leonhart then got up too.
"I adore Elvira," he said simply, "and any faults she may have I'm willing to overlook."
I scoffed more to myself and took another drink.
"We all say that until we're married to them," I warned, "some faults shouldn't be overlooked."
The prince then walked to the window.
He raised a brow at me.
"It sounds like you have a confession to make," he said, and stood next to me.
I looked over at Leonhart.
"Maybe I do," I said, "maybe I want to give you a warning."
He suddenly looked at me taken aback.
"Excuse me?" he said.
Not the most subtle segue I wanted, but it was affective. I raised my hand to assure him.
"Zelda is an incredible wife, politician, and lover," I started, "but if I could do it all again I probably wouldn't have married her."
Leonhart looked at me surprised.
"I don't think she would be happy to hear that," he replied.
I shook my head.
"She wouldn't, but she wouldn't care either," I countered, "because she sees our marriage as the bigger picture."
The cavalier expression suddenly left Leonhart's face.
"I'm surprised you're telling me this," he said, "you two appear so happy."
I shrugged.
"Appearances are necessary for peace," I replied, "I'm willing to do that for Hyrule."
He tapped his finger on the window pane.
"So it's all a smokescreen; a clever ruse," he said, "that's too bad, you're going to be a father with her."
I nodded, but then added, "But you aren't."
He looked at me taken aback again for a second.
"I'm talking about Zelda," he said.
I nodded.
"I know," I replied, "and I'm talking about Bathory."
Leonhart paused again.
"Link… she's done nothing wrong," he insisted.
I took in a sigh.
"That you know of," I corrected.
The banter was getting a little tense now.
"Then tell me what I'm missing," he said with a hint of sharpness.
I paused for a moment and stared at him. I couldn't say I blamed him. He probably fell head over heels for the woman she presented to him. Bathory was beautiful, rich, and powerful. She probably wielded her power in such a way to make him enchanted with her. I saw it myself when she was flattering the town's people. She knew how to use her whiles to her advantage, and it wouldn't surprise me if she already gave herself to Leonhart considering how she offered herself to me in Zora's Domain, and was coming on to me in front of him while we traveled through the square. In fact, I was certain if I did an inquiry on her, many men would come with tales of bedding her. Leonhart needed some frank advice and I was more than willing to give it to him. Whether he wanted to hear it or not was his choice.
"Fuck her," I said bluntly, "fuck her a million times if you have to. Get her out of your system, but don't marry her."
He looked at me shocked at my sudden forthrightness.
"Excuse me?" he countered.
I decided to be more emphatic.
"Fuck her," I said once again, "take her to bed tonight, but don't marry that woman."
Leonhart was looking at me in complete disbelief.
"You can't be serious," he said astonished, "are you really saying this to me?"
I nodded.
"That's the best advice I can give you," I said honestly, "if you want a portion of her diamond fortune, buy into her family's company, but don't marry her."
His stunned expression never faded and I looked back out the window. The crowds were milling about and suddenly everything looked so surreal from here. The prince was still staring at me in disbelief and I didn't know what else he wanted me to tell him. I was being honest and truthful with my advice. In the interim, the town's folks below were laughing in merriment while the food and drink flowed. It was like a whole different world up here... so high up... so detached... so above it all. It was really quite amazing, but then suddenly… suddenly the surreal screen fell. It fell because in that moment I took note of a certain peasant girl with her lover... it was Saria with her husband Ralph. They came into sharp focus when I centered in on them. They looked to be playing a game where Ralph just won her a stuffed animal. A big teddy bear to be exact. They were laughing and smiling at each other. When Saria received the animal, she reached up and kissed her husband passionately on the lips. It was a natural response.
I raised a brow.
Aren't you the perfect couple, I thought with a hint of jealousy.
The thought was so affective, that I involuntarily squeezed the goblet in my hand. If it had been glass it would have broke, but the metal dented slightly. Even so, Leonhart hadn't noticed and was still feeling offended by my recommendations of his precious Bathory.
He made sure to verbalize it.
"I… I can't agree with you on your comments regarding Elivira sire," he said to me finally.
I shook my head, suddenly no longer in the mood to deal with persons who weren't ground in reality. Leonhart right now wasn't grounded in reality. He was allowing his emotions to cloud his judgment,.
"Investigate her," I said simply, not taking my eyes off Saria and Ralph now heading to another vendor, "if she is without a blemish marry her, if she is as I've warned you, don't."
Leonhart was still indignant.
"You have a lot of-" he tried.
"Then do it," I interrupted suddenly, "if you love her that much marry her! But you can't say I didn't warn you."
I cut my eyes to him just then. Leonhart was looking right back at me defiantly. He was careful with his next set of words.
"Do you have any evidence of any kind regarding your grievances?" he demanded.
I took in a deep sigh then looked back out at the crowd; Saria and Ralph were dancing now. I paused before I answered the prince because there were several things going on in my mind right now that weren't allowing me to think clearly. Why was I watching what Saria was doing when this discussion with Leonhart was so important? What the hell is wrong with me?
I shook my head.
Focus, I told myself, focus.
"I have no physical evidence to give you," I stated, "no papers, or photographs, or anything, all I have is my own personal testimony and I caught her participating in a pagan ceremony in Zora's Domain."
Leonhart then waited for me to go on when I stopped.
"Is that all?" he asked. "Do you have anything else?"
I shook my head, and watched as Saria and Ralph danced again.
I wish she'd take that stupid headdress off, I thought suddenly, detracting from the subject at hand, I can't see her hair with that thing on.
"Yes, and no I have nothing else," I said quietly finally.
Leonhart looked vindicated just then.
"Well, I'll have you know she told me about that and that it was a grave misunderstanding," he divulged. "People are entitled to a different world view."
I just raised my brows.
Why am I not surprised? I thought.
"And you believed her?" I asked.
He nodded.
"Of course," he replied, "why shouldn't I?"
I had nothing further to say.
"Very well," I said with a hint of finality.
Leonhart scoffed.
"She knew you were going to bring that up so she decided to preempt me regarding the news weeks ago," he disclosed.
Again, I wasn't paying attention. Saria and Ralph stopped dancing and were laughing again. Ralph even pulled her to the side where they thought they were alone and he kissed her. He couldn't account for the aerial view, but they definitely weren't alone… I could see everything. Saria was kissing him back with equal passion, much in the same way she kissed me the night she stayed at my villa over a year ago. I still remembered that night. I still thought about it a great deal. Had I known then what I knew now, I would have just given in to my impulses that night and made love to her. It would have been better than never having her at all and watching her in the arms of another man. It was unintentional, but the sight of them kissing so ardently was making me slightly angry. They just wouldn't stop kissing.
Get a goddamn room, I thought.
"Then it looks like you've made your decision," I said absently, when Ralph finally pulled away from Saria.
Leonhart nodded.
"I have," he replied.
Saria was caressing her husband's cheeks now and running her fingers through his hair. Ralph looked to be loving every moment.
"Lucky bastard," I muttered to myself.
The prince stared at me taken aback.
"I beg your pardon?" he demanded.
I shook my head, but couldn't bring myself to look away from them. It was almost masochistic.
"Not you," I said, not bothering to explain and changed the subject, "but if you are alright with her ladyship then my conscience is clear. I tried to warn you."
The prince didn't let his indignation go.
"I'm surprised at this when I thought she was working with you to welcome me here," he revealed.
I groaned when the married couple started kissing again.
I shook my head once more.
"That was my wife's idea," I said, "not mine."
The prince thought to go on.
"I really thought-" he tried.
I didn't want to hear anymore.
"Listen all I care about is the alliance," I interrupted bluntly, "has anything I said today offended you to the point where the alliance is affected?"
The prince looked at me surprised by my rebuttal.
"No," he said simply, "of course not, there are bigger things in the world than hurt feelings."
I nodded.
That was all I cared about.
"Good," I said.
I then continued with my voyeurism. Saria was giggling when Ralph took her by the hand and pulled her back towards the square. It was then she looked over her shoulder and glanced up where I was... maybe she could sense it. Her eyes widened when she caught me staring at her. I didn't cut my gaze, but she immediately looked back in front of her to her husband. She was probably stunned, but that didn't stop her from glancing my way once more and staring up at me. Her expression was one of discomfiture. I think she even mouthed 'I'm sorry' or something like that to me. She cut her gaze again and didn't look my way anymore.
I took in a deep sigh.
"You love her," I started suddenly, "I understand, it's not easy letting some you love go, especially when the circumstances account for something different."
As I said this, Saria and Ralph were heading back to the main square and I finally decided to stop watching them. This was becoming obsessive.
The prince nodded.
"Exactly," he said, "Elvira is no saint, but what she has shown me she is a woman I can rely on. Why just six months ago she helped several families in need, including widows, when they were facing homelessness. She bought several of them homes and a field to till seed."
My ears perked at that.
"Really?" I asked surprised.
The prince nodded.
"She also had an orphanage built and dedicated to the people of Balaam last month," he went on, "there were many children displaced after the incident last year."
I grunted.
That was a political move, but it was smart, I thought.
"Well, maybe I misjudged her," I said anyway.
Leonhart made a point of that.
"Maybe you have," he replied.
I took in a deep sigh.
Then what the hell is this business regarding the tetraforce? I wondered. What does it really mean?
This situation was getting more convoluted.
"Like I said before, it's your choice," I said, "just be careful."
Leonhart thought I was being fantastical now.
"I'll worry about Elvira while you worry about our alliance," he said, "agreed?"
I nodded.
"Fair enough," I said.
It was then I allowed my line of sight to follow up on my previous study, I spotted Saria and Ralph again. I knew I stated I wouldn't watch them anymore, but I almost felt impelled. They were back with his family.
Leonhart looked out at the crowds now too.
"Even though you're completely wrong about Elvira" he started, "thank you for trying to warn me."
I merely shrugged as I watched Saria hug Ralph's sister.
"I just don't want you waking up with regrets one day," I said.
The prince nodded, then changed the subject as he stared out at the multitude of Hylians.
"Tell me honestly," he started, then asked, "did you ever think you would really be king?"
I pondered the inquiry for a moment and stared at Saria once again. She was laughing and smiling with Ralph's parents. Afterwards, I shook my head.
"There was a time I didn't think I was going be," I said honestly, "there was a time I wished for something more."
He glanced over at me and raised a brow.
"More than the kingship?" he asked.
I nodded and continued with my gaze.
I once contemplated a simple life with a simple girl, I thought.
"Yes," I uttered, knowing he wouldn't understand, "it was more… so so so much more."
Please tell me what you think.