A Mean's to an End

Being an elderly Hylian had its advantages. For one, people automatically assumed that the elderly were fragile and vulnerable. For two, it allowed people to assume that within an elderly Hylian's age was vast amounts of wisdom or in some cases vast amounts of senility. People often take what an elderly Hylian says without question not just because of the elderly's superior wisdom, but because they wanted to avoid the rants of the senile. Lastly, both of these factors caused individuals to underestimate the elderly, giving Truce's companion in this case prime time to flex the muscles of his genius mind. Now his plan stood tall and intimidating, but not so tall that Truce took notice.

It's funny, the elderly man mused, the fool didn't even ask who I am and when he finds out it will be too late.

Then, as if reflecting the elderly man's epiphany, a sudden jingle echoed through the Temple of Time. Glancing down, the elderly man's eyes identified the Forest Medallion as the source of the noise. He instinctively placed his hand over his pocket where the medallion had previously rested, then stooped to retrieve his treasure.

It just goes to show, the elderly man concluded as he recoiled his arm, a greedy man cares for nothing except appeasing his greed. It's a means to an end.

Malon's prediction was only half right. Link had been unprepared for Zelda's confession, but he did not turn to Malon for comfort. Instead he silently completed his daily chores, seeming grateful for the distraction. Malon wished he would speak to her. Anything was better than the awkward silence that now dominated their every interaction. Malon's conscience begin to weigh so heavily on her that she almost confessed her intentions to Link. Only, what would she say that wouldn't make him feel worse? That she recognized Zelda's love for him after speaking to her for only a few moments. Surely that was no condolence to the grief Link and Zelda were now experiencing. So Malon too resigned to silence as she completed her chores, only occasionally entertaining selfish thoughts that Link would one day come around and sweep her off her feet.

King Harkinian gasped after a prolonged cough spell that left him hunching with one hand rested atop his heart. Two maids hastily rushed to assist him, and he resigned his frail body to be guided into a prostrate position by their gentle hands. A servant offered a glass of chilled water, which the king delicately sipped. After a gesture the servant drew the hand holding the glass back, and brought a kerchief to the king's chin with the other. Then, just as quickly, all three left offering the king only their glances of abject pity. Yet, these glances that once dismayed the king now humbled him. He accepted his frailty when in the company of his servants, but denied it only to Zelda for her own sake. How long could he keep this up?

With this thought he gazed at the door hoping to see Zelda's glowing figure in the doorway, but was just as disappointed as he was five minutes ago. She had not visited him for a week, and how he missed her compassionate demeanor and sapphire eyes that filled him with zeal. Eyes that often caused him to painfully reminisce on his late wife who died in childbirth. How the loss of his beloved wife made King Harkinian truly appreciate how difficult ruling Hyrule is. If he hadn't had Zelda's support, he would have given into his frailty long ago. With his passing Zelda would follow in his path, and King Harkinian could not allow it. Even if Zelda did not happen into a loving marriage, she would still have support. Yet despite such justification one thing still bothered King Harkinian: Was Zelda truly ready to rule Hyrule? Unfortunately another coughing fit passed and King Harkinian never found an answer to that question.

News of the king's passing rapidly traversed Hyrule, and by the following day there was not a soul who had not heard. Mourners gathered at the castle walls grieving tears at sorrow that seemed to forget the daily death wish the typical Hylian wished upon the king. Among these was Truce, who felt that his appearance and support of the princess was not only expected, but commended. Passerbys occasionally stopped to bleakly nod at Truce and a few even approached him to express their delight that the princess should have so caring a suitor. These words fed his pride so much that when he finally had his fill, he daringly located the princess. She acknowledged him with a single nod, then turned back to two Hylians offering her condolences and encouragement. Truce loitered around until his pride had its second helping, then approached the princess as she conversed with three more Hylians. He stood at a distance where the princess did not immediately notice him, but not so far he couldn't hear the conversation. Silently, Truce waited for the opportunity to make his move.

"...his time," a male Hylian solemnly stated.

"You will make a wonderful queen, your highness!" another said.

The opportunity struck him as a blade slices the flesh of the warrior, and it was Truce's turn to strike back.

"Don't bother telling her what she already knows," he addressed the sympathizers in a stoic tone. All three Hylians and the princess turned to gaze at him. Truce strode forward and reached for Zelda's delicate hand, clasping it in his calloused one. "Instead remind her what she has probably forgotten- that she has your support and loyalty."

"Of course princess!" all three Hylians acknowledged in varying degree as Truce brought the princess' hand to his lips. He fully expected the princess to dismiss him and continue her conversation, but to his surprise she simply thanked the Hylians and led Truce away. Truce followed, hoping his surprise did not show in his stride. When the two ceased walking, they stood in the courtyard with two sentries guarding the entrance as their only company.

"I am delighted to be your escape!" Truce joked and casually placed his hand on the princess' shoulder, but her lips did not even curl into the slightest grin. Her expression remained so passive that when the princess spoke, his eyes widened in surprise.

"Do not mistake my intentions, Lord Truce, for my father's passing has not left me desperate for affection nor does it welcome touch that I have consistently denied," she stared at his hand on her shoulder until he recoiled it. "What my father has left me is a promise that I intend to keep. Lord Truce..." her voice shook as she trembled, "I-I will marry you."

As soon as Link learned of the king's death, he mounted Epona and urged her to gallop at a speed that was uncomfortable for her, but he could not concern himself with her well-being now. Malon had also protested with concern that Link was not ready for another encounter with Zelda, but again, Link only heard Zelda's fear and uncertainty as she ascended a role she always worried she could never successfully assume. Yet her consolation came when she would state more to herself than to him, "At least I have you, Link." It was a promise between the two of them, the unspoken promise of friendship that goes deeper than having fun or simply enjoying one another's company. It was a promise that meant supporting each other through everything. Where was the value of that promise if it vanished in the midst of a misunderstanding?

It was this thought that motivated Link to return to the castle. Link dismounted and hustled through the faceless crowds towards Zelda's chambers. Guards attempted to stall him along the way, but he pushed past them landing many of them in a heap under their heavy chain mail. It was not long before vengeful shouts were heard behind him in addition to the scrambling of footsteps. Every step Link took seemed to be accompanied by a dozen more. Refusing to be disheartened, he increased his pace, but Link's impulsive hustle left him vulnerable to the guards descending the stairs to investigate. It was in these winding stairs that Link was detained with a swift blow on the head.

He awoke in darkness, and when he reached for his sword, realized it was not in his sheath. Further inspection revealed Link's pack was also missing, and as his eyes adjusted, he began to view glimpses of metal bars and soon thereafter a door. Feebly attempting the door, he found it predictably locked. Link paced for a moment before settling against the stone wall. His mind seemed delighted at this rest, and it presented him with reminders of his foolishness. Link rarely acted on impulse and those rare times he did usually ended up a disaster. Why had he not listened to Malon? Surely if he had he would have at least considered his action enough to prevent such a catastrophe. This thought of impulse brought upon a new memory. Suppose he had acted on impulse when Zelda confessed her feelings. Where would that have led?

Approaching footsteps abolished that thought, and Link stood as a key churned opening the door. Though his vision was handicapped by the darkness and possibly the blow to the head, he knew it was Zelda who stood in the doorway. She dismissed guards that Link could not see, but he heard the distinct sound of a blade being sheathed.

"But your highness!" one protested. "He attacked several of our soldiers!"

"No, he knocked them down on his way to see me," Zelda corrected. "Now leave us. This prisoner will not harm me."

"Yes your highness," the guard grudgingly submitted and sheathed his blade in turn. Zelda watched to ensure the guards retreated as Link listened to their fading footsteps. After many moments, Zelda turned to him sternly.

"I was told of a lunatic who invaded the castle and almost had the entire royal guard chasing him. I had to see who such a man was and low and behold I am not surprised."

"I'm sorry Zelda-"

"Your highness," she corrected, and when Link gazed at her skeptically she gently added, "I am to be wed."

There are a few moments in life when the heart skips a beat and the interval between the next beat seems to last so long that the body sways faintly. This was one of those moments, and Link waited for himself to sober. "Wha-?"

Despite the numerous heartfelt conversations and sentimental experiences he shared with Zelda, he couldn't even utter a full word to express his true feelings. Zelda simply nodded.

"The wedding will take place in three weeks," she solemnly stated.

"Three weeks..." Link acknowledged, still finding himself unable to formulate a sentence.

"I know it is sudden but it is what my father wanted. Yet despite his wishes, I am still aware of what I want." At this she stepped forward and Link did not miss the hopeful glimmer that passed from her eyes to his. His eyes responded knowingly, and he was finally able to speak, but this time without thought.

"No..." this word caused Zelda's head to drop. "Not like this. I care for you, Zelda, but I can't just marry you because your father wished it so. I need to consider my life too, and besides, it's not right..."

Zelda suddenly boiled with rage. How dare he patronize her? How dare he treat her like she was some love struck maiden who would accept just anyone as her king and husband? She is the holder of the Triforce of Wisdom and the seventh sage, leader of them all! How dare he do this to her!

Zelda stepped forward and pushed Link so hard and so unexpectedly that Link stumbled and collided with the wall. As he recovered, he stared with dumbfounded eyes at the princess. Where did that come from? he angrily thought. Link stood and stepped toward Zelda. Zelda rose to the challenge and Link stepped back so she would not push him again.

"Why did you come back here, Link?" Zelda fiercely demanded. "Did you really think that we could just pick up as if nothing had happened? Did you think that my love for you was so fickle that I could just dismiss it?"

"Zelda, listen!" Link exclaimed.

Zelda continued as if she hadn't heard him.

"You pretend like I don't know or respect your life, but you haven't even tried me have you? If you have any respect at all for me, just leave."

"Come on, Zelda. Can't we talk?"

"Just go..." she pleaded.

Link lowered his head in resignation and honored her request.