Chapter 5: The Letter

Author's note: Once again, for the story, I'm enlarging an area. This time, it's just the market place.

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Link could not believe he was walking back into the market place. The hood over his head felt like it did not cover his face enough. And Zelda was sitting up right on Epona as he led the horse along. Her posture might give them away. They both wore brown cloaks of rough material... but it felt so insufficient.

"Zelda, don't sit like that, please."

She slouched over some. "Like this?"

"That's better, yes."

"But this hurts my back."

"Your proper posture might give us away."

"Lots of people sit up straight."

"In the castle, maybe, but not outside of it. You have a ways to go before you've learned about your kingdom, Zelda." They were near the gate. Link sighed as he stopped in front to of the guard.

"Your business here?"

"Market trip,"

"What goods do you carry?"

"Spices," Link said, showing the man one of the jars. Epona looked to be loaded with the spices along with Zelda, but the bags were mostly stuffed with stuffing and a few trinkets to make it look heavy and sound full when shook.

"Very well, then you may pass."

"Thank you," Link led Epona on in. The guard looked Zelda over as they passed, but said no more. They entered the market and found the noises and movement very welcome. Link was headed to find somewhere they could 'set up' when he saw Impa standing at the fountain, scanning the crowds.

Something hit the back of Link's knee and he fell forward to the ground. Epona, thankfully, did not whine at having her head yanked down to the ground. Zelda kneeled down next to him, not speaking. Link glanced around, swiftly debating if kneeling in the middle of the market was less conspicuous then standing. He looked around to see what had hit him and found a little boy bend over to pick up his ball.

"Sorry, mister," he said.

"That's alright," Link smiled. The boy smiled back, then ran off. Link watched him vanish in the alleyway with a few friends. He then stood back up, pulling gently on Zelda's arm so she knew to follow. When his eyes landed on where Impa had stood, she was gone.

Link moved around the fountain and walked slowly past a few shops, each proudly displaying its goods. While his head faced the shop windows, his eyes were scanning the crowd. "What now, Link?" Zelda mumbled in his ear. "Do you think it's safe enough to get a room in an inn, or should we try one of the people and see what happens?"

"I do not think it's safe to try the inn," Link said as he pointed to the nearest one. Three Hylian guards stood at the entrance. Zelda frowned, then pulled him into an alleyway.

"Let's see if anyone will take us in, if just for a night," she said. He had his doubts about the idea, but kept his mouth shut. She started to lead him by the hand toward an alley, but he stopped her.

"Epona won't fit back there; she'll have to stay at the public stables,"

"But, Link, if Impa goes there..."

"I know, but what else will we do? Impa will defiantly recognize us if we keep

her with us."

"Point taken,"

Zelda waited by the bazaar door, watching for Impa and keeping her eye on Link as he stabled Epona in the far stall. He emerged from the shelter and she took his hand, hurrying them into the alleyway she had picked out.

Misc items were scattered along the already narrow path, but Link knew from experience that the homes back here were small and cozy. She tapped on a door with a pitch fork to the left of the frame and a pot of cold water to the right. The door opened just a crack and two dark brown eyes peered out. Link thought for only a second that Zelda would be terrified. But it was only a second because her smile banished his thoughts.

"Can I help you?" he asked.

"Yes, my beau and I are looking for shelter for the night," the man looked out and over at Link, obviously not please that Zelda had been the one to ask.

"Yes, I have room," he opened to door wider and they slipped in silently. Link took Zelda's hand as he surveyed the room. Two beds in the corner, a high up shelf with three pots, a cooking area with a blazing fire and the smell of food. The man looked Zelda over very carefully, much to Link's disdain.

"You two were staying with Fay," he said. Zelda's mouth dropped open. "Why did you leave?"

"You're her brother, the one who stabled Epona?"

"Yes."

"You really don't have a clue how to take care of a girlfriend, do you?" the man asked Link.

"Mind your own business. If you knew Zelda at all, you'd know it's pointless to argue with her."

"What is your name, sir?" Zelda asked. Link received a disapproving look again.

"Mark."

"Zelda," she extended her hand and he took it. "This is Link," she said. Link refused to shake his hand. "Link, please remember that he has given us shelter for the night."

"Oh, fine," he shook their host's hand.

"So, you live here? Why not with Fay and Blake?"

"No, I don't live here. A friend owns this. He's often away and lets me stay here. I'm delivering a letter to Fay's husband. He's one of the drafted palace guards."