Zelda walked side by side with Link through the echoing hallways of Hyrule Castle. She had sent the guardsmen home; she wanted them to be with their families tonight. It had been a long and certainly eventful trip. Family and friends had no doubt heard rumors of the attack near Moiro, not to mention the dragon, and would wish to hug their husbands or sons once more. The guilt of being a princess, of being protected, always hit her most when some of her guard did not returned home, this trip was no different.
Impa and Warden Donah walked a few steps in front of them, engaged in quiet conversation, mostly focused on recent events in the castle and around Hyrule. Captain Morann stepped behind them, readying himself to report to the King on the events that had taken place during the trip. Zelda could feel his mind working feverishly, organizing the events that had occurred, his strategies in response, and preparing for the possibility that he might be held accountable for their losses. She thought he was being a bit foolish, he certainly could not have been expected to be prepared for beasts which no one had seen in years, but she knew that he took his role seriously. It saddened her when she could feel the pain of he felt when he remembered all the lost soldiers, especially his page, Raemonn, who was the son of a distant cousin.
Zelda was finally able to push Morann's thoughts away, as she had been trying for quite sometime. She had been trying to close her mind off from those around her since reaching out to Link, but was having difficultly. Stray thoughts and feelings of Castle servants and soldiers were floating into her mind unsolicited. At one time during their walk she was sure that she was hearing the thoughts of mice in the gardens. A small ripple of emotion must have gone through her connection to Link, because a bemused smile had creased his face at her revulsion.
This had been a common problem when she had first started practicing with Impa on extending her consciousness. It was a difficult branch of magic, one that not many practiced in Hyrule, and much of which was self taught. It left her susceptible to attack, as part of her mind was outside of the natural protection of her body, however, if mastered, she would be able to break and control anyone she wanted. Frustrated that she could not reign herself in, she decided that she would direct her efforts to the problem.
"Link"
He turned his face to her, but stayed silent and kept walking. A question appeared there, and she could feel it behind the bond, but he didn't voice it.
"I could read your mind if I wanted to Link, but that would be…rude, to say the least. If you wish for me to hear what you have to say, you must push the thought across the bond. Search in your mind for the part that I occupy. It will always be there, like a book on a shelf. Now, hold your thought in your mind, and will me to know it. Impa and I called it 'pushing' but be careful -
"LIKE THIS, HIGHNESS?" His thoughts rang like the bell at the Temple in her mind. She could feel her eyes bulge out a bit at the pressure of his thoughts.
"Well…yes. But please, don't push so hard. We have a constant connection, sharing our thoughts is easy. In fact, at times you might accidentally share thoughts you don't want to. I will make every attempt to block unwanted connections for now. It will take time to master, but I am sure you will get it." She smiled at him, proud that she could teach him something that he couldn't possibly know, and that she was finding herself comfortable again in his presence.
"I See. Thank you Princess. I will attempt to be more…gentle." Link purposefully looked away, examining the long tapestries that hung upon the wall, recording Kings and Queens of ages past. He looked oddly out of place, walking along in his borrowed red tunic, long muscular arms exposing smudges of dirt beneath the short sleeves, compared to the finery of the palace. In his hands he held the wooden box that he had first delivered the Book of Mudora in. She didn't want anyone to see the book as they walked through the castle, nor would she risk being apart from it. His blonde hair fell in strands across his face, and he absently brushed them behind his long pointed ears. The Castle was fascinating to Link. Zelda could felt his wonderment at the soaring ceilings, intricate moldings and statues that decorated the walls. His neck craned to see through each opening and window, trying to divine where the cross sections led, to pierce the darkness to view the gardens outside.
They were walking to her father's study, which was adjacent to his apartments, deep into the interior of the castle, and up many levels. Donah and Impa had said little to them since Link was introduced as their "friend," and it may well have seemed to anyone in the castle they were not a group walking together, so much as people walking in the same general direction. Zelda dutifully pointed out the important rooms and their functions to Link, the only outsider. In her mind, she passed along more salacious information that as a Princess few expected her to hear, or repeat. "This hallway leads to quarters that country nobles who do not keep their own palaces or manor homes in Castletown stay in. In the coming weeks they will be filled to the brim as people come to participate and represent their land in the festival. The Lord's mistresses will also be coming and going, which means security will be tighter than ever in the castle. I would avoid walking down here unescorted if I were you. Rumors begin with nothing in the castle, no need to feed them. I have petitioned every year to have them removed, but father say's that it is tradition that they stay, and would cause more trouble than it is worth.
"Every Noble, county and town will be represented, as no one wants to miss out on the economic opportunities that present themselves. Much of the year's trade will be shaped and determined in the coming weeks. Gold and promises will be exchanged; this is one of the reasons why my tour of Hyrule was conducted. I wanted to show that it was safe to travel Hyrule… since that failed, at least we showed that Hyrule's army will protect its citizen's, and now people will come to simply catch a glimpse of our new hero! As I have said before, we have much to thank you for Link."
"I never realized how important it was before, however, if I may say, I doubt anyone will be coming for me…" They had ascended to the sixth floor, the quarters of the Royal family. Link was examining the pattern in the floor, a seamless weaving of Triforce symbols and the Irule family crest, the Hawk in Flight. It served as the banner of Hyrule, Irule's family had ruled Hyrule without interruption since its birth.
"Have you attended the festival before Link? I didn't see…I… I mean, I didn't know that." Zelda turned a bit red; she didn't want to parade the fact that she had seen some of Link's memories. Link didn't hesitate in responding.
"It's alright Princess. I am aware of what happened. I am not upset, I know that you were doing everything in your power to save my life, and I am eternally grateful. However, I do hope that you don't take offense to anything you might have seen. I know that there are things that I have kept from you, but I assure you everything I have done has been to benefit Hyrule and yourself."
Zelda almost tripped up. Link had seen through her so completely it frightened her. He does that a lot. She kept this thought to herself though, and considered his response for a moment, taking in her surroundings. They would be at her father's room in just a moment, and this was clearly a conversation that would take time, time that Link deserved. "Thank you Link…I would like to discuss what has…happened between us at further length. However, we are here. Perhaps we could continue this discussion later?"
Link simply passed along an image of himself bowing in response. Zelda let out a shocked giggle. It had taken her a week to realize that she could pass images as well as thoughts! Impa must have told him more than I thought!
Two guards stood outside the King's rich wooden apartment doors, two more at each cross section in the hall. The royal crest was carved intricately on each panel of the mahogany, as well as Ancient Hylian script. "Those are the names of our prominent Kings. They serve to remind those who wear the crown of what a ruler of Hyrule should be." Link was enjoying Zelda's insights into the castle. He had come to love history and arcane facts and details during his years of study. "Don't be nervous Link , you'll be fine.
Link's face turned a little red at the embarrassment that Zelda thought he was nervous. He had come to accept that he simply never wanted to look bad in front of Zelda, but this thought was shameful to him. Mindful of their new connection, he attempted to bury this thought deep within himself, locked inside many boxes deep in the recesses of his mind. He pretended to fuss at cleaning himself to hide his burning face. In front of him the guards opened the doors, and Donah stepped to the side and announced them.
"Alastara Donah, Warden of Caisel Irule, Commander of His Royal Majesty, King Iolan Daihi Irule's Guard, announces the return of Hyrule's Light, the Lady of the Crystal Lake, her Grace, Zelda Irule, Princess of Hyrule."
Link, who stood at the back of a line including Impa, Captain Morann and himself could not see directly into the spacious rooms, but heard a scrapping of chairs as those within stood to attention, and a murmur of voices offering welcome and compliments found their way outside the room. He restrained himself from craning his neck to see, careful not to embarrass himself, or more importantly, Zelda. He saw a flicker of Zelda's richly embroidered blue dress, as she glided gracefully as ever into the room. He could feel the change in the connection as she saw her father again, and the canvas in his mind brightened considerably. Donah appeared to wait for her to find her place, and when everyone had been seated again he continued.
"Accompanied by Impa Sheikah, Protector and First Maid of her Highness, Guardian of the Mountain of Everlasting Night, Last Prophet of the Builders."
Link was a little confused by some of the titles they had given to Impa, but a rattle of chairs and compliments accompanied Impa's entrance and drove it from his mind. He took a step forward, keeping his distance behind the Captain, and parts of the room came into view. Donah blocked the right, but he could see a number of Generals and Commanders stationed along the left hand side of the room, and the edge of a large wooden desk with clawed feet. Clerks and servants hovered in the background, their heads bowed towards Impa.
"Presenting Holden Morann, Captain of the Royal Guard."
Captain Morann stepped forward, bowing to the King, and turned toward Donah. Few of the chairs moved this time, and Link assumed that standing was a sign of respect based on rank or importance. Taking a wooden cylinder from his travel pack, he withdrew a scroll. He lifted the scroll chest high and presented it to Donah, saying "It is my honor and duty, as Captain of the Royal Guard, to return command of the guard of the Lady of the Crystal Lake, Her Royal Highness, Princess Zelda Irule, to my commander, Warden Alastara Donah. Captain Morann, reporting sir." Morann finished his part of the ceremony by saluting hand over heart and bowing first to the King, Zelda, and finally Donah.
"Well met Captain Donah. It is my honor and duty to accept this command." Donah completed the ceremony by returning the salute. The Captain turned and walked to the left, taking a seat the end of the line on the King's right. Link stepped to the edge of the room, keeping his eyes low, attempting to examine everyone out of the corners. He noticed the Lord General Baden, and with his large servant hovering over him. A number of other Generals and Commanders were assembled in a semicircle of chairs surrounding the King's desk. To the left of the Iolan, a few Lords and Ladies were sitting together, speaking softly and stealing glances over at him.
"Presenting Link, Dragonslayer."
Remembering what Impa had told him, Link kneeled before the King with a bowed head. Part of him was aware that no one stood at first, a flicker of red, annoyance perhaps, and Zelda herself did, forcing everyone but the King awkwardly out of their seats. Hesitating just a moment, he was afraid of speaking too loud or too soft, he covered himself by pretended to wait until everyone was seated again. "Your Majesty, it is my honor to be here tonight. If by my sword or by my life I may be of service, command me, and it shall be done." Link kept his head low to the floor, waiting for the King's response.
"Then stand and be recognized." Iolan Irule spoke to him for the first time, his voice was strong and steady, a voice familiar with command, respect, obedience. It was a voice that Link would remember for the rest of this life, wise and powerful as the man who owned it. Link stood, and took his first look at the King. He was a handsome man, more than twice Link's age, with crow's feet at his dark eyes, and gray flecks in his auburn hair and beard. He wore a simple silk shirt, and a long vest the appeared to stretch to the ground. A large map of Hyrule was spread out upon his desk with markers for troop formations and cities. A number of rolled scrolls were arranged neatly on either side of the map, and a fine quill and ink pot close to his right hand.
"Thank you, your Majesty, you honor me." Link bowed again, and then stood tall, waiting for the King to address him. He could feel the eyes of the Lords and Ladies sizing him up openly, as though he were a horse to be bought. Holding his hands ridged at his side, he forced himself not to stare them down, instead focusing on taking in the richness of the room he was in. Candles, lamps and torches burned freely in every corner and desk, with gilded mirrors spread about the room to reflect the light. An illuminated map of Hyrule hung upon the wall on the left, and a portrait of Zelda' mother, Queen Mirne Irule, who Link noticed looked almost exactly like her daughter, although she had red hair, was prominently displayed upon the right. A number of other paintings of Kings and Queens passed were hung upon the walls, finally his eyes settled on a painting over the fireplace at the end of the room. It was a portrait of Zelda when she was a young girl, perhaps eleven or twelve, with a beaming smile, sitting beside a small sun lit pond.
The King considered Link a long time, his shadowed eyes measuring the young man, who no doubt appeared little more than a boy, standing before him. Link was suddenly aware of how ridiculous he must look, dressed in torn and tattered pants, and a borrowed tunic. He began to question everything he had ever said, any forward movement or motion toward this man's daughter that might have been some unknown insult, doubts about his abilities and strength, which had forever been his greatest strength. It was a feeling no man had ever caused him, and Link felt respect for the power of the King immediately. Still Iolan stared at him. Not a whisper escaping his lips, his eyes burrowing into Link's, searching endlessly, but for what Link had not idea. The hushed voices of the Ladies fell quiet, as the silence of the King was absolute. Their heads buzzed back and forth, waiting for a movement, a sign, from this two silent figures.
Link noticed an amused look on Zelda's face, and risked asking what she found so funny. "About two years ago, a foolish young prince from another country traveled to Hyrule to beg my father's permission for my hand in marriage. He had never seen me before, but he claimed that the stories of my 'beauty' were legend in his land, and he would do anything to obtain his blessing. My father stared at him in this same manner for half an hour, at which point the prince begged forgiveness for his foolishness, and ran from the castle. They say he did not stop for more than an hour in any town or city until he left Hyrule's borders. You're doing quite well, father told me he started to cry within a few minutes."
Suddenly the King laughed, "Well, I see now what my daughter was saying, you truly are fearless aren't you boy!" Link was confused, what had he done to show courage? Then he realized the smile that had split his face at Zelda's story. The King thought Link was smiling at him! Embarrassed he bowed his head, attempting to minimize his shame.
"Come now Link, please, don't be so modest, tell me, how did you think to defeat the dragon alone? I was just listening to the Lord General's report on your heroics. You know, I was standing atop the North Tower, attempting to catch a glimpse of my daughter's arrival, when I saw it descend from the sky. I could not believe it when they told me you survived! A Dragon. I am beginning to feel as though I live in the Age of Legends past. Speaking of which, I have already commissioned our resident bard to compose an epic in honor of you, for if my Zelda's description of the battle at Moiro Forrest is even close to accurate, you have become a modern day Finon Mahul. In the span of two weeks no less!
Link stood silent for a minute, pondering the King's question, he wasn't sure if the King was picking at him, or actually wanted an answer. Luckily, Zelda came to his rescue. "Don't tease him father, he has done us a great service. I owe him my life twice over!"
The King chuckled a bit more and patted Zelda on the hand. She was seated at his right, in a gilded chair that clearly was reserved for her. The box containing the Book of Mudora lay conspicuously on her lap. Impa stood behind her, silent as ever, surveying the room, her eyes lingering on some of the nobles and commanders, who dared not meet her gaze. "You are quite right my daughter. I feel that we shall get no more work done tonight. Therefore, this meeting is adjourned. Captain Morann, I would like you to report at tenth hour tomorrow, and deliver your report with Warden Donah, we shall also need a full list of casualties and wounded. Lord General, I expect all security precautions and plans for the festival to be in place with the week. That will be all my friends. Link, I would ask that you give me time alone with my daughter. Corson will show you to the guest room that we have arranged for you. I believe that you will enjoy the view."
Irule waved them all out while Impa and Zelda retreated into another room in the King's quarters. Zelda smiled at him as she passed through the doors at the end of the room, and then she was gone. She had shut down any communication between them. He understood, it was time for her to be alone with her family. She would want to focus on that.
Outside the royal apartments, Link found himself in the middle of a throng of servants and clerks, all rushing about in different directions as the Lords and Generals spilt up into pairs and small groups, whispering fiercely as they walked away. Captain Morann spoke briefly to Warden Donah, before saluting and walking away. Link was surprised when Morann stopped to speak with him.
"It has been…interesting traveling with you Link. I beg your forgiveness for the circumstances of our first meeting. It was my first command of the Guard outside of the city, and I may have been a bit…overanxious. On behalf of the entire company, I would like to extend our thanks for the great service that you have provided to our Princess." Morann clasped Link on the shoulder and solemnly extended his right hand. "Take my forearm, as a signal of trust that no enmity stands between us, if you would."
Link eagerly took the Captains offer, "Thank you Captain. I fear that you honor me too greatly. If I may say so, your leadership and poise was crucial to the Princess' defense. If ever I can be of service, you need only ask." Morann smiled and clapped him on his back before continuing on down the corridor. Just like that, the hallway was emptied except for Donah, himself, and kindly looking old man in the white and blue livery of castle servants. Link assumed this was Corson and started to follow him down the hall way.
"Link, may I walk with you?" Warden Donah had sidled up to him quickly, dropping in line with his pace. The commander appeared deep in thought, and did not wait for an answer, merely keeping pace and silence. Corson spoke only of the general areas and uses of places in the castle, asking Link what he would like brought to him for dinner, they had missed the main dinner which was served at sun down, but he could ask for anything and have it brought to his rooms.
After they had crisscrossed the castle, ascending a set of stairs, then walking down a hallway, only to descend another set and turn back around a lower level, making left and right turns so often Link was convinced that they were just trying to get him lost. The patterns on the floor changed rapidly, each appeared to signal a different meaning, although it was too subtle for Link to understand on his own.
"You know, the upper levels of the castle were purposefully designed to be confusing, almost like a maze. It was Mudora's idea. If for any reason the city and castle walls were breeched, the Royal Family would be able to take the Triforce of Wisdom and hide up here, possibly for months. Thankfully it has never been necessary, although the Princess often used these hallways and stair cases for avoided unwanted lessons when she was a girl. I do not miss the days when it was my duty to find her." Donah smiled at the thought of chasing after the young Princess. Corson quicken his pace and put a few steps between himself and Donah and Link. He was obviously a very experience servant, and knew when to be close by, and when he shouldn't over hear.
They were walking along a corridor with a large bay window at the end, which looked out over all of Castletown. Corson stopped at the end of the hall, last door on the right, and took a large ring of keys from his pocket. He sifted through them quickly, and finding his key, inserted it smoothly, the lock snapping open with an echoing click in the empty hallway. Donah stopped outside Link's door. Taking him by the shoulder he led him to the window. "So Link, Impa Sheikah tells me that you had quiet the eventful trip? And now the city is abuzz with stories of your heroic dragon slaying. What shall you do as an encore?"
It seemed to be the question that everyone wanted to ask him, what would he do next? All his life he had avoided questions like this, he was just a wanderer, fairly unknown and ubiquitous one at that, nothing to remember. Now he found himself the center of attention in the world's greatest city. Frankly, he had no idea what to expect, or what he would do. He told the Warden Donah as much.
"Yes, I see that quiet often, even in career soldiers. One battle can make them a legend, but they don't know what to do with it. When we are boys, we dream of being heroes, yet few find they are better for it I imagine…." Donah trailed off again as he gazed out the great window, the darkness of the night weighed heavily upon them, clouds appeared to have gathered from the east and the moon was not to be found. The watch lights illuminated a small party of cavalry escorting two or three figures up through the city, headed directly toward the castle. "Those must be the Lord General's guests…excuse me Link, I will have to greet them at the gate. Technically, no one should be permitted into the castle this late, but I think we can make an exception, don't you? I will ask Corson to send for you tomorrow, perhaps you could meet with the King and I as we hear the Captain's report on the attack at Moiro. I would appreciate your insight."
Link did not fool himself into believing that there was any question of Donah's request, and agreed. Donah nodded and turned away, walked quickly but gracefully to the end of the corridor, where he turned, almost colliding with a servant carrying a silver tray. He apologized to the young lady, and disappeared from view. Link waited for her, and held the door open to his room. She was a buxom young woman around his age, with deep red hair and a generous smattering of freckles on her handsome face. She smiled shyly, and placed the tray down on a table at Corson's direction before curtsying and leaving quietly.
"Ceara will be of service to you at any time you need her Master Link, simply pull on this bell rope here by the door. This hall will soon be filled with the festival coming up, so don't feel like you are being sequestered. Let me show you about your apartments." Corson led Link through his waiting room, a small, finely decorated hall with a chest and table and lamps, to his sitting room filled with richly appointed comfortable couches, chaise lounges and chairs. Thick Gerudo rugs and tapestries decorated each room uniquely, bringing out the pale greens and yellows on the walls. His dinner was waiting on a table large enough to sit five people at ease. There was a balcony outside his sitting room which wrapped around the outer castle walls, and ended outside his bedroom. A massive four-poster bed met with dark stained nightstands took up most of the room. A large closet, mirror and wardrobe were provided as well. Link's saddle bags had already been delivered and sat next to a locked trunk at the foot of his bed. Finally, Corson showed him his own private bath, with a marble tile tub that he could sink into. He showed him how the water came up from piping at the bottom of the tub, and a concealed fire pit beneath he could use to heat his water.
"If you need anything else Master Link, please do call upon Ceara or myself, and we shall see that it is taken care of. Breakfast is at ninth hour tomorrow morning, I can arrange to have someone meet you to direct you to the dining room. The King has asked that you take your meals with him and his daughter as long as you are a guest in his house. If there is nothing else, I must be going." Corson bowed and turned to leave when Link stopped him.
"Wait, please, the Lord General Baden, he has offered a friend of mine room here at the castle. Her name is Malon, her family's ranch was destroyed today by the dragon. Do you know where she would be staying?"
"Of course Master Link. Miss Malon will be staying right here, across the hall from you. I was just about to set up her rooms. Would you like to leave her a message that you were asking for her?" Corson was good enough at his job to know that it was not his place to read into anything those he served said, and left any innuendo out of his voice. Link turned away so that his face wouldn't betray him, for he really didn't know how he felt about this…complication at all.
"Uhhh…no, no, that won't be necessary. It is late, I am sure I will run into her, thank you Corson, have a goodnight." It was a weak excuse, but again Corson let it slide, and left, saying, "Of course sir, thank you. You as well, sir. Goodnight."
Link tried to put Malon out of his mind, he didn't want to think about what having her around might mean, and he couldn't figure out why it was bothering him so much. Instead he settled down to eat his dinner. He was rapaciously hungry, tearing at this meat like a wolf, and drowning the entire bottle of water they had provided. He did not touch the wine. The magic that Zelda had worked on him apparently left him needing to replace his energy, for he was hardly satisfied when he stripped and crawled into bed moments later.
What if Malon is still upset…I don't think she really has the right to anyway. It was over six years ago, we were just kids really, and it's not like I tried to hurt her. She knew what I was doing. Andit suddenly struck him. That last horse race with Malon all those years ago, the fierce kiss she had given him, enticing him to stay, to give up his wandering life. Zelda had seen it. Of all the memories, she sees that one.
"Goodnight Link. I will see you tomorrow at breakfast." Zelda's mind touched him briefly, before closing it off, a pale blue canvas, with the darkness of before hovering at the edges was all that was left of her.
A soft groan escaped his lips, and then he laughed aloud at the idea of Hyrule's citizens seeing the great dragon slayer, Link, curled up in bed moaning about his lady troubles.