Disclaimer: I do not, nor will I ever own the Legend of Zelda.
Enjoy the story! :)
The princess sat on her throne. It was a pleasant day, however she could not enjoy the sun as she had work to be done.
"Err, next up preparations for the ball."
Zelda's adviser was stood beside her as she listened to the event planner. Up coming parties and balls required a princess's attention. Sadly this meant she had to sit in the stuffy throne room, awaiting for the task of planning to be complete.
Seeing her discomfort, Impa waved away the planner. He simply bowed and swiftly left the room. Zelda signed in relief. Impa was her most trusted friend and adviser. She had been around since as far back as the princess could remember. She could read her like a book.
"Thank you, Impa."
Impa nodded, "no worries, princess."
Since she now had a break, Zelda stood from her golden throne and headed to her private gardens, her dress flowing as she walked. On her walk towards the gardens, Impa let her know about the kingdoms condition.
"Recent Bokoblin and Bulblin sightings have shaken the people, Princess. Something must be done about them. They have ravaged small villages and taken cattle for slaughter. It may be small incidents now, but I fear there is something greater in the background, for it has been years since those evil beings have come out of hiding." Impa stated sternly.
"Yes, something must be done with them." Zelda signed.
Along the large hallway, the princess and her adviser stopped on the marble floor, just outside the barracks.
"Maybe we should send more soldiers out to protect the lands?" Questioned the princess.
"There are too many and we need our numbers focused on the castle in case the attacks come closer, princess."
Outside, trainee soldiers were brawling. She could smell the sweat from where she stood.
"What about that boy?" She questioned, pointing towards a blonde teen, currently practicing against another soldier.
"That boy? What about him, Zelda?"
"I've seen the reports. He's top of his class, not once been defeated in a duel. He's lean, fit, I'm sure he could handle himself in real battle."
"Yes, that is true. Maybe send him out with some reinforcements just in case. Wouldn't want anything happening to him." Advised the Shiekah.
Zelda nodded in agreement. They watched the boy spar for a few more minutes. His actions were agile yet fierce. His opponent could not take a single hit to the boy. He dodged expertly out of harms way. He was going easy on the other boy, Zelda noticed. Easily he could take a hit and the duel would be over, yet he was taking his time. Was this him trying to be cruel? Or was the teen simply giving the other boy a chance to win? Time would soon tell.
Link dodged out the way, once again, the other boy missed. He grunted slightly, clearly not amused.
"Come on, Darren. You nearly got me that time!" Encouraged the teen.
Darren smiled, "you're just too quick."
Link laughed at this remark, "maybe. But you're getting better too."
They continued to spar. Link on the offensive, giving the other teen a chance to take a hit. Link could have easily won this match, that much he knew, but he was helping train up the boy.
Darren was the worst of the class. The captain even told him so. Link felt bad for the other boy, he wasn't picked and therefore hadn't the chance to improve. Feeling sorry for Darren, when the trainees had time to themselves for duelling, he went over to Darren to help him out. By fighting the other boy, he could help him improve. It had taken a week or two for the boy to be able to hold up his sword properly, but now he was improving rapidly. Even the Hylian captain was impressed.
The boys circled each other, Darren went for another lunge at Link, aiming for his legs. Good tactic, thought Link. However, Link was too fast, seconds before the sword hit its mark, he hurled out the way, side stepping to his left. Another swing came up to his arm, easily being blocked by Link's own sword.
This continued for a few more minutes before Link lost concentration and noticed he was being watched. This was normal for him as other young soldiers tried to get a hold of Link's pattern, attempting to see his weaknesses in order to overpower him. However, Link had no pattern. He simply moved freely, calculating where the next blow would go and how fast, then determining which way to dodge it. In his battles, Link was like a free spirit, always moving and never tiring. It wasn't always like this though, but with lots of practice Link had risen to the top of his class, quickly elevating from one class to another.
Despite being observed on a Dailey basis, these eyes seemed different. More observant and judgmental. Link risked a glance to his right. As he thought, it was the princess. Her graceful form standing in the arch just beyond the courtyard.
Thump.
Loud cheers could be heard as the wooden sword of his opponent hit his shoulders. Link stumbled back, clearly not expecting to have been hit. He looked back to the princess, her eyes still on him, she giggled as he lost the duel. Link blushed, he hadn't lost a duel in a long time, but it was what he got for losing concentration.
Zelda
The boy noticed her eyes watching him curiously. He risked a glance at her.
Thump.
His opponent landed a blow on his shoulder. A burst of cheering erupted the courtyard as the other boy got pats on his back and congratulations. The blonde teen looked at his opponent with shock before turning back to the princess, his face flooded with embarrassment.
The sight made Zelda giggle. She slightly felt bad for the boy, she must have distracted him, causing his loss. However he did not seem too upset by his defeat. In fact, he went over and congratulated the other teen, smiling at him. Ah, thought Zelda, so he had been going easy on the other boy. This made Zelda's smile widen, it was good to know he had a kind heart.
After the cheering died down a bit, Zelda slowly walked forward. She wanted to honour the boy by announcing his placement in being send into the field on his first mission herself. As she walked towards him, he turned to face her, immediately looking shocked before lowering into a bow. The other young soldiers parted before bowing towards their princess as well.
"Princess, how nice of you to grace us with your presence. Is there anything I can assist you with?" Questioned the captain, before bowing to Zelda.
"Thank you for your kind offer, but on my walk past, I noticed a certain soldier who stood out to me."
"Ah yes," said the captain, standing back up to face the princess. "I think know who you mean. Boy, address yourself." He ordered.
Immediately the boy straightened up, clearly he throat before talking.
"M-my name is Link, your highness."
"Link. A nice name you have." Said the princess curiously.
"Thank you."
"It has come to my attention that you have remained the top of your class for several weeks now. After assessing your skills in combat, I have determined that you shall be placed into a real battle. Follow me, if you will." And with that she turned and started walking back to Impa, who gazed down at her, understanding her intentions.
Link
The princess. The princess herself had just addressed Link and now she wanted him to follow her. What a weird turn out to the beginning of his day.
He of course followed, staying two steps behind her. He avoided eye contact with the rest of his class, knowing full well they would be unimpressed at his luck.
After a few minutes of walking, they arrived at the princess's private gardens. He had never been here before, of course, since it was private. In the middle of the garden was a lovely tall oak tree, a maze of hedges with small flowers coating them to his left. To his right, patches of exotic flowers, some that were rare.
The garden was beautiful, like the princess herself, it had grace and an air of elegance to it. Link, however, did not have time to gaze around and enjoy the beauty, for the princess stopped by some roses and turned to face him.
"Link.. Since you have proven yourself to be worthy of fighting for the kingdom of Hyrule, it is my honour to pronounce you an official soldier of the Hylian guard."
Link was overwhelmed. A few minutes ago he was a trainee, now he was being told by the princess of Hyrule that he was now officially a soldier. All his hard work had finally paid off!
"T-thank you, your Grace. I won't let you down."
"I'm sure you won't. Your first assignment is to go to Kakariko Village and investigate what the Bokoblins are up to. Bring a small group of your choice with you for reinforcements. Once you have found their hideout, destroy them and report back to me."
"Yes, princess." And with that he headed back to the barracks.
Before Link could go on his first adventure, he would need to pick out some other soldiers to assist him. Darren of course was a fellow soldier he would want to venture with him. As well as back up, armour and weapons.
Zelda
After Link had left to go prepare for his first assignment, Zelda turned to face Impa. With a sign, she sat down on the bench. Impa sat next to her.
"Princess?"
"I'm okay, Impa. Just tired, that's all."
The Shiekah nodded. She understood Zelda more than anyone else. She had been around the princess since she was an infant.
The two sat in the sun, relaxing in its warmth. It was a nice day, one Zelda was glad to be spending outside, even if only for a few minutes. An hour or two passed before someone came to fetch them.
"Princess. Captain Harold requires your immediate attention." A woman stood before her, her head bowed. Her simple dress indicated she was a servant. Zelda signed, it was nice while it lasted.
"What does he need?"
"It's about the new recruit, m'am. He wants to know how many soldiers are expected to be sent off with the boy and what transport they should take, if any."
Zelda thought for a moment before replying:
"Since the boy is such a good warrior, he should only require five other soldiers. They shall be under his command until their return. Transport for the journey will be six of our finest steeds."
"Yes, your Highness." The servant said with a bow, before taking off swiftly in order to deliver the message.
Impa smiled at her princess. "You make a good ruler, princess."
"I only do what feels logical and right, if that makes me a good leader than thank you, Impa."
"You're too modest, Zelda."
They both laughed.
A shadowy figure watched the two from a high tower. Both the princess and her bodyguard laughed. Basking in the sun. He had been watching them for some time now, all was quiet in the gardens.
The figure grunted. He would allow them to enjoy their peace while they could, for soon there will be a new ruler.
A grunt stormed into the room, out of breath.
"Master, preparations have been made. The troops are ready to attack whenever you command." It huffed.
"Excellent. Tell your commander to meet at the gates tonight. Upon my signal, attack."
"Yes, master." The grunt left with those words.
Soon, little princess. You shall be mine. The figure cackled menacingly.