a/n: this chapter originally was going to be about 20 pages. but i think its better this week.
Chapter 16:Fears and Whispers
The sun had long since gone down but the celebration and revelry in the streets of Hyrule was still going strong. Link was enjoying his victory in the tournament immensely, which somewhat surprised him. Competing in the Knight's Tournament had originally just been about creating an excuse to remain in the castle, close to Zelda. After learning about his own history from King Iolan, Link began to look at the tournament as an opportunity to prove to himself worthy of such an auspicious lineage. It had become a link to a past he had never known.
As soon as the tournament ended, he had opened his connection to Zelda, feeling her tremendous pride in him was almost embarrassing. He had seen her only briefly after the tournament as she and her father had come down to congratulate him. There would be no trophy presentation or award at the arena, because Link would receive his commission into the Guard tomorrow night, at the Festival Ball. Zelda had been pulled away with her father to entertain and review the final presentations for the ball and the culmination of the festival. Link knew that Zelda would also be taking as much time as possible to be alone and to reflect on what was being asked of her. The magnitude of what she had prepared her entire life for was never as real as it had been this week.
After King Iolan and Zelda had left the stadium, Link had, somewhat unwillingly, been convinced to go celebrate his victory in the streets of Hyrule. Malon was in the mood for revelry after her horse had won the Champions race. What's more the ranch reconstructions were practically complete, and Lon-Lon ranch had managed to keep their milk contracts for another year. Link's capricious redheaded friend could barely contain her excitement.
Large gatherings of people could be found dancing in the streets at every major square, and outside every tavern or inn in Castletown. Link was amazed to see islanders from Aria, Kinnis, and Mohan protectorates dancing with Hylians and even Gerudo! The cacophony of musical styles somehow blended together well with the harmony of people's voices. The city streets were teeming and everywhere Link and Malon went people were shouting congratulations to them. Link's unusual Kokiri style dress and Malon's striking red hair made them stand out even in the massive crowds. More drinks were bought for Link then he could have possibly put down. He was also attracting the attention of a number of women, both young and some old enough to be his mother, even a few of the lesser Ladies of the court. Yamal Aimon and the other young Guardsmen were more than willing to try and cushion the blow when Link politely declined their requests to dance.
Eventually Link was able to slip away, down a back alley. Malon was off dancing with Coporal Troy, and there were plenty of girls distracting the rest of the men he was with. Link had drunk a few too many lagers, and managed to take more than his fair share of wrong turns back to the castle. It took him a couple of hours to walk across Castletown because he was also avoiding crowded streets. He bumped into a few couples rushing off into the dark who looked at him a bit wide eyed before giggling and continuing on. The long walk helped to clear his mind some, and he entered the castle more awake than he expected. Immediately Link took a walk up to the Princess' apartments, but she was not to be found. He figured that she was off in private meditation with the Triforce of Wisdom or in her garden, preparing herself.
Late as it was, Link decided there were still some things he could accomplish. The warning of the Forest Spirit, and Zelda's disturbing dream had sent Link into a fevered quest all this past week. He had been prowling the castle almost every night after Zelda had fallen to sleep. At first he was torn whether he should stay near her, on guard, but he believed that whatever was coming, it wouldn't come until the end of the festival. Not to mention that Impa was now sleeping solely in Zelda's chambers, and there were now ten guardsmen on duty throughout the day, wherever Zelda went.
Link wasn't exactly sure what he was looking for, but there were a few things he was secretly hoping for. One was to somehow, short of showing up at her apartment, run into Alysa of the Bohdan. Zelda's dream and the appearance of Alysa and their daughter in the dream was more that just coincidence or Zelda's emotional manifestation. Is she here…my daughter? It was the thought that ran through Link's head more than any other when he was wandering the hallways alone. He was careful to keep it buried when he was with Zelda, or when they were sharing through their spiritual bond. Whatever that relationship would eventually mean, and Link didn't fool himself into believing that the Gerudo would allow him to make that decision, it would do Zelda no good to dwell on it.
Link was also on the lookout for someone who could match the mysterious figures he had seen in the Deku Tree's vision. The search wasn't going very well as there were literally hundreds of nobles visiting the castle right now, each of them bringing servants and soldiers. Zelda assured Link that she was using her abilities to probe into the minds of everyone she met in the castle. Link believed in her, but he also knew that if there truly was a force powerful enough to hide from the Great Deku Tree, then it was not unreasonable to expect it could conceal itself from Zelda.
The rumbling in his stomach reminded Link that if he was going to be up all night again, he should at least get something to eat. Link paused a moment outside the Lord General Jatin Cilan Baden's apartments, checking the tiles on the floor to verify his position in the maze-like upper apartments. He was surprised when the door burst open and Julian Malnus exited. The Lord General of the Southern Army was equally startled. Link could feel the hatred practically rushing out the larger man, his black eyes quivering in fury.
Link couldn't see past Malnus into the room, but he could hear the contemptuous voice of his son. "You had better remember where your loyalties lay, Baden…."
"WE ARE LEAVING, JASER!" The elder Malnus bellowed into the room, but his eyes remained on Link. Jaser Malnus limped into hallway. Link smirked a bit at the sight of the fresh break in his long nose, and the purple welt that throbbed on the young Lord's cheek. Jaser seethed, starting as though to attack Link right there in the hallway before his father grasped him on the shoulder.
"Julian! Link! Excellent, I was just coming to find you both. Julian, we forgot to go over the details for your soldiers positions during the Princess' birthday celebration. Link, her Highness has just returned to her chambers, I believe you were looking for her?" The sudden appearance of Castle Warden Alastara Donah caught everyone off guard. The Malnus Lords continued the stare down with Link until Donah walked in between them, holding out his arm to lead Julian down the corridor. Link and Jaser both lingered for a moment longer, neither willing to be the first to turn away.
Baden's giant servant appeared in the doorway, his red tunic the color of blood because of the darkened hallway. Both Link and Jaser looked to him instinctively, but the silent man avoided both of their eyes and closed the door. Jaser turned and limped away without a word before the door was shut, leaving Link to ponder what it was that he had just witnessed.
With the Triforce of Wisdom's now singing so loud you could faintly hear it throughout the castle, it was impossible to hold the traditional Festival Ball in the Great Hall. Zelda had suggested the courtyard outside of the interior castle walls, surrounding the fountain of the Goddesses. Stages were erected for the court musicians, and serving tables created the outer rim of a dance floor made from the flagstone courtyard. Paper ball lights hung on rope lines, creating the appearance of floating spheres above the attendants. Two portable thrones stood empty at the end of the blue carpet Link stood upon.
He was huddled behind the interior wall with just a few others. Link was escorting Zelda, who would be the last to enter with a formal introduction to the Ball. The music came to a halt as the King was being introduced by the castle master. Zelda had delayed their entrance until Ceara, the castle servant in charge of Link's room arrived with his sword and shield. The Princess had insisted that they be thoroughly cleaned and polished, and sent them to the armory that morning. When Link asked Zelda why, she coyly made up some story about looking his very best.
Zelda had also brought in tailors special for Link that morning. He was wearing a seamless royal blue tunic, with the Hylian crest, a golden hawk and triforce on the chest. Light tan pants and new boots completed the outfit, which Link admitted was very comfortable. Zelda and Ceara quickly busied themselves twisting his arms, clasping a new leather sword strap around his chest, and fixing his shield firmly on his back. Link examined the polished brass pommel of his father's sword, noting for the first time the incredible detail of engraving.
"There! Perfect, don't you think Ceara?" Zelda beamed at her efforts, clasping her hands together tightly as she considered Link's appearance.
"Yes Highness. Excuse me, I have to go and help serve the dinners." Ceara was clearly uncomfortable, and curtsey her way through the portcullis opening and disappeared into the crowd. Zelda hardly noticed, continuing to preen over Link's appearance as they waited for the King to be seated.
It struck Link at that moment the amazing turns his life had taken. Here he was, standing with the most beautiful girl in the world, about to be introduced as a Champion of Hyrule. Zelda was absolutely resplendent in her formal gown, a beautiful pale pink off the shoulder piece with a short train. She was wearing the necklace of Alish and her silver and gold braided crown. Couldn't have imagined this when I was sneaking into barns to avoid sleeping in the rain.
With the King seated, trumpeters and Royal Guardsmen lined the blue carpet. The crisp metallic chirps again brought silence to the crowd, and the castle master stepped forward to introduce them. "You're Majesty, Lords and Ladies of the court; it is my pleasure to present Her Royal Highness, the Lady of the Crystal Lake, her Grace, Zelda Irule, Princess of Hyrule! Escorted by our Tournament Champion, Link of the Lost Woods!"
Zelda walked calmly arm and arm with Link down the blue carpet, waving and smiling at old acquaintances. The crowd was awkwardly quiet, and Link saw a number of them speaking in hushed whispers and pointing at them. Some of the people gathered smiled though, including Lord Zariel Tain, who had somehow managed to escort both Medila and Jalie of the Altan Gerudo. Medila was even wearing an old fashioned high collared Hylian style dress, although somewhat uncomfortably in Link's opinion, while Jalie maintained her normal Gerudo blouse and pants. Link spied a venomous look from Jaser who was with a familiar looking black haired woman that Link couldn't place.
They stopped at the foot the short dais the King and Zelda's thrones sat on. King Iolan stood to greet them, a mysterious smile creasing his auburn gray beard. Zelda bowed her head slightly and with a helping hand from Link, stepped up to join her father on the dais. Link kneeled in salute of the King, who reached down to place his hand on Link's shoulder. Silence again fell over the crowd as the King addressed them.
"My friends! We come once again to the end of our annual celebration. It has been my pleasure to host you here in Caisel Irule, and I shall be very sorry to see you goOur fair country has been troubled these years; a generation of Hylians have been born into a world I could not have imagined just thirty years ago. It warms my heart see so many of you have traveled far, inspiring our people to overcome. I do not know when the darkness will end; indeed I fear that it may yet get darker. But, I do promise you this, it will end! Together, we shall write the next great chapter in the history of Hyrule."
Many in the crowed began to clap passionately at the King's words. He raised his hand for silence before continuing on.
"From the west our sisters have returned to us. Long ago, when Hyrule was first born, Rian Irule pledged to protect and respect the Gerudo. That pledge is as strong today as it was those many years ago. I hope that our future shall no longer be the story of two peoples, but one.
"Incredible though it is to see our beautiful sisters from the west, an even more implausible surprise has been living here in the castle since my daughter's return. We have here Link of the Lost Woods, a man of mystery, a hero of undeniable bravery and skill. Many of you have asked me where this young man has come from, how is it that he can do such incredible deeds. Some among you could not believe the tales we had to tell, even when I took you to the bones of the dragon that lie outside our city walls still. Yesterday, you witnessed his abilities for yourself, which is why this young man was lucky enough to escort my gorgeous daughter here tonight."
Link and a few others chuckled, but not many. There were more than a few sore that a commoner such as Link was with the future Queen of Hyrule.
"Link's arrival here in Castletown would seem to some a fairytale, with even more chapters yet to come. For Link has, by virtue of his victory in the Knight's Tournament, earned the right to join the Royal Guardsmen, the elite soldiers of Hyrule. Even if you have not had the pleasure of making Link's acquaintance, only knew his story in brief, you would think this a perfect fit.
"I, however, do not." Even Link held his breathe a little at the King's announcement. Craning his neck, Link spied Zelda's face, which showed no surprise or disturbance. Confused, but contented, he bowed his head once more as the King continued on.
"Link, in your short life you have done everything with a sword possible. You have proven yourself beyond any shadow of a doubt, and I believe that you are the greatest warrior in Hyrule's grand history. When you came to the castle last month, you helped to return to me my beloved daughter, and brought to close an incredible journey. But you also returned something that had been missing from these halls longer than Zelda.
"My friends, it is time now for you to know the truth of Link's past. To know that before he was Link of the Lost Woods, he was Faolan's Son. We had no name for him then, but many of you will remember Faolan of Setana, First Knight of Hyrule, Commander General of the Seven Legions, husband to Briena. You will remember that he was a great warrior and loyal patriot of Hryule. I say to you now, with Nayru as my witness, that Link is his heir."
The King took his hand from Link's shoulder, and grasped the leather sword handle at his back. Link could hear the familiar metallic drag as Iolan removed the sword with a flourish, holding it high into the air. "Tonight we shall reclaim what the darkness believed it could take from us. We shall reclaim victory where there seemed ever defeat. Link, do you pledge by your honor before the Goddess Din that you will use your power in service to Hyrule faithfully, in all matters of state and times of war?"
Link's skin prickled in surprise and giddy anticipation as he recognized the ancient vows that Iolan invoked. "I do."
"Do you pledge by your honor before the Goddess Nayru that you will use your wisdom to guide the Royal Family faithfully, to assist them in the their duty as stewards of the Goddesses' chosen people?"
"I do."
"And do you pledge by your honor before the Goddess Farore that you will use your courage to protect the people of Hyrule above all else, even if the price should be your life?"
"I do"
Iolan paused to rest the blade on Link's shoulder. "Then I knight thee Link, Faolan's son. Take your father's sword, and his command. Henceforth, you shall serve as the Commander General of Seven Legions, the First Knight of Hyrule. The protection of the Princess of Hyrule will be your primary objective, and those serving her guard shall now be under your command."
A very stiff Warden Donah appeared at the King's right hand, handing him a small scroll sealed with blue wax, inlaid with golden foil. Iolan lifted Link up by his elbow, handing him the scroll, and turning him by the wrist to face the crowd. There was a long silence that was broken only when Zelda slowly began to clap. The applause was scattered among the gather crowd at first, the shock of seeing the first Knight in Hyrule in the last fifteen years clearly not easily overcome. Soon enough they were thunderous, and a long receiving line as forming behind the Lord General Baden, who shook Link's hand vigorously, but said nothing.
Link continued on greeting various Lord and Ladies whose names he could barely remember. One gentleman, Lord Kory, even offered Link his daughter's hand in marriage, at which point Zelda materialized out of no where to steal Link away. At her signal the band struck up a waltz. The castle warden came to take Link's sword and shield, and Zelda wrapped her arm around his waist and grasped his left hand firmly. They turned their way around the flagstones, a number of other dance partners falling into line behind them. Malon was there at Zelda's request, again dancing with Corporal Troy, and Lord Zariel Tain was dancing nervously with Jalie, who was fixing him a stare that would tame a lion. Even King Iolan joined in, dancing with a smiling Impa, who had donned a long dazzling green dress with a swooping neckline that threatened fall off as they twirled across the dance floor. Nabooru was fighting the Lord General Baden over who would lead, and Link caught sight of Alysa of the Bohdan at the edge of the dance floor, her serious face unreadable and beautiful as always.
Link's attention did not stray from Zelda for long though. Her stunning oval face was turned up to him, her perfectly pointed nose and soft cheeks glistening with a glow only she had. Link was sorely tempted to swoop down on her soft lips, but he resisted while they danced in the company of what seemed like all of Hyrule.
"Link….I'm scared"
Zelda hadn't said anything for hours, hadn't even moved. Link was sitting in a chair on her balcony, observing the stars while softly playing his Ocarina. He hadn't played in weeks, but he thought some old forest tunes might help Zelda fall asleep.
"I can't help it….its just there every time I close my eyes. Ever since father and Impa told me about the Triforce Legend, and my role in it, it always seemed so far away. At first I was fascinated, it was academic not personal. I don't think it was ever real to me until I met you. The return of the Book of Mudora, it…it made it immediate."
Link had picked up the chair and moved to Zelda's bedside, holding and stroking her hands with is own. She was quiet again for a bit, and without movement Link could barely see her face in the silver moon light that filled the room from the open balcony doors.
"I was so scared that night. I had a dream. Ganondorf…..he killed me, you couldn't stop him. But each day after, I spent them with you, and I felt like I could make your courage my own. I cannot thank you enough for what you have given me, even if you didn't realize it. I love you so much Link, in a way I never thought possible for me.
"But I am so scared. No matter what anyone says, or how much I have prepared its…its still just me and it. I've brushed against the Triforce of Wisdom, Link. I've spent hours trying just to understand its limits, but I haven't found any. Its presence is so immense, its weighs upon me everyday, every moment, wherever I am. I feel like if I let it inside me, it'll just fill me up until I burst. I know that doesn't make any sense to you…I just…I…I'm just scared.
"What if…what if after it's done, I'm not me anymore? Does that make any sense? What if the person that was Zelda is gone? What if I can't love you anymore? What if I can't even do it, what if it rejects me? Oh Link, I'm so scared…."
Link was on the bed now and embracing her shaky body gently. He wished he knew what to say, but Zelda's questions were the same he had himself. Nothing was written of what happened after the Princess would attempt to take control of the Triforce. Obviously, he didn't want to tell her that though.
"Zelda, I wish I knew the answer to every question you had, but you know that I don't. I do know that I love you, and that whatever happens, that will never change. I also know that you will not fail. You are the most compassionate, most loving person in Hyrule. That is why the Triforce will accept you, why the Goddesses have chosen you. My life has been dedicated to protecting and serving you since before I knew it. We have lived for this moment, and of course that is scary. It would be madness not to be scared, but remember that you are not alone. Your father, Impa, and I, we will be there.
"Courage isn't the same as fearless, just as wisdom isn't the same as knowledge. You were proven more courageous than the bravest soldier the moment you accepted your fate. You have worked tirelessly, willingly risking your entire life for your people. That is all the courage a person could ever need. I have no doubt Zelda, that whatever happens, it will be as the Goddesses' will it. And nothing that happens tomorrow, or the next day, or the following will ever change my love for you."
Zelda trembled uncontrollably in his arms, a cold sweat beading on her forehead. Link stroked her hair for a while, kissing her softly until she fell asleep. He held onto her awhile longer, afraid to wake her if he let her go.
a/n - exciting stuff on tap for next time. (at least i think so. you might disagree) stay tuned!