BTW: Araitian is German, Hylian is English (English is actually three generations off of High German)

13to-be-and-to-not-to-be13

The dinner was rather dull and boring, nothing but a bunch of nobles snubbing their noses at each other and acting as if they are the chosen ones who shall save the world one day with their beauty, wealthy, and 'skills' in war. Yet it was truly necessary to treat them with utmost respect, mostly because their contributions and tributes will greatly help aid the war effort now peeking over the horizon, much like a midsummer storm ready to tear the world apart in downpour.

No one in this room knew how to play the game. Few had an idea, yes; however, an idea of how the game works will not win you a throne and dominion, let alone a full out war. Those who did play the game were brilliant. Many I did not trust, especially Rizohn. Veronica, my trust wavered greatly on the brink of destruction currently, but that one thread still remained. Ethan I wasn't really sure about, he seemed relatively loyal, but he also seemed the type of man to do what he must to achieve his ends. Others of the court, I generally just kept a hawk's eye upon, nothing more. Time will decide their path.

I sat alone at a table off to the side of the ballroom, contemplating my allies and enemies, preparing my chessboard. In my right hand, I had a glass of wine, which I sipped precariously from now and then, not really taking into the merriment as the others were, mostly because of the conversation that had ever so damped and stomped any sense of spirits that I was harboring. Thank you ever so much for that one Veronica. I tapped my fingers on the carved wood of the arm on my chair, oblivious to anything else. Bored with my thoughts of allies and enemies, my eyes searched for Impa. I scanned the busying dance floor where nobles began to start the night. I saw Ethan laughing with a group of young girls, Flirt. I thought. Then I found Veronica smiling coyly at a handsome tan gentleman. Bitch. Rizohn was then standing talking to a high-ranked general, both had beers, but were had tense faces and never took a sip of their beverages. I made a mental note of this, but decided to ponder it later.

Where is Impa?!

I looked farther to the right of the room near the doors: There! As if that didn't take long enough. She stood talking to a young man dressed in Hylian Uniform, the silver chest plate, but instead of purple, it was a deep blue like on the Hylian shield hanging above the door with the replica of the Master Sword. Guess the attire was changed. He was short which intrigued me, how old is he? He looks awfully young to be enlisted. Apparently Impa seemed to know him, for they were having a merry time conversing, him doing most of the laughing where Impa only cracked a small smirk. Impressive. He made the stone woman change emotions. I caught Impa glance my way for a short moment, before talking to the boy again. She said something and her face retracted back into a more even tone, before whispering something to him, where he went suddenly still than his flamboyant motions from before. She grabbed his upper arm and pushed him towards the door where he walked out immediately, and Impa followed suit before glancing my way one last time as my eyes never broke from the odd scene that just transpired.

My eyes drifted back to the dance floor as I zoned out staring blankly at the twisting and twirling panorama of skirts. I subconsciously took another sip of my Riesling, letting it sit on my tongue as I pondered Impa and that boy.

Who was he?

Where did they meet before?

Was he a relative? Doubtful he didn't look like a Sheikah and Impa is supposedly the last Sheikah.

Was he a spy? Doubtful, he looked awfully young.

Was…were they involved in some way? God no, that's just wrong how could I think that Impa would never, that is like child molestation.

If not any of those, what were they talking about?

Politics? The war? The Sheikah? Good times? This is so frustrating!

I huffed and sat for a minute more wondering about the incentive for the acquaintanceship the two shared. A minute later I saw them both walk back in, and I they both went separate ways. I kept my eyes on the boy, now weaving in and out between the crowds, ladies staring at him as he passed, and hesitantly turning their attention to where it was before. From where I was on the raised side platforms of the ballroom, I couldn't see any features of his face, I just knew his hair was light, it was hard to determine with the dim magically lit lights and torches. I watched him skirt his way around everyone in the room. He was making a straight b-line for someone, but whom? I kept watching him, tapping my fingers slowly on the wood and sipping my beverage. As he passed, Veronica turned her attention from her throng of men surrounding her, eyes glued to his receding form before she went back to her "little group." He was nearing the far right of the room, and soon would run out of space and people. He veered to the stairs, by where Rizohn had just finished speaking with the one of the Generals. Rizohn saw him coming his way and raised his glass slightly in acknowledgement. Now how did this relationship spawn? This was truly grabbing my attention for the fact that the boy knew many high-ranked Hylians, and he was just a regular soldier.

I reverted my attention back to them, scratching out my thoughts as I observed. They stood leaning against a pillar, talking. The soldier boy talked vividly using his hands as Rizohn clutched his beer and listened with a creased brow and strained face. I watched for a few minutes as the two conversed, Rizohn clearly thinking hard with his responses, as the boy's demeanor seemed deepened as well. I could tell they were speaking quietly, and it was something they only wanted known between the two. After moments more, the boy apparently cracked a joke because Rizohn leaned his head back and laughed, I could almost here it from where I was. They waved goodbye after a few seconds more, and the boy weaved his way around again. More and more people were beginning to flock the floors, and I was having a harder time keeping track of him as his head bobbed in-between the taller men and the multitude of groups. He was nearing the middle of the room, and that was when I lost him. I was one of two people left sitting up on the left wing of tables, and the young man, Lord Drogo of New Ordon, was the other.

"My Grace, why is it you sit and watch the people, when you can join the people?" I turned to acknowledge him. He had a nice face, pleasing to the eye. He had brown hair and dark green eyes, but paler skin for he saw the indoors more than he did the ranches and forests of New Ordon.

"People intrigue me sometimes, My Lord, and I simply enjoy to watch them." He folded his hands behind his back and looked out at the mass of nobles milling around and waiting for the music to start.

"Very true. I was wondering if I might have the first dance of the night? If her Highness so wishes to dance." I could tell he was a little nervous. He was shy by nature for I had met him a couple years ago when we were twelve. He was always very kind, and couldn't hurt a fly even if his life depended on it. While he lacked in fighting, he was absolutely brilliant. He was the only one who had ever beaten me at a game of chess, and it was only once.

"I would love to my Lord and friend." He extended his hand and led me around the table and down the stairs to the dance floor. My father stood up from his throne, and the room silenced rather quickly, just as we made it to the bottom of the stairs.

"My Lords, My ladies, and my friends and guests from far and wide. I thank you with the greatest gratitude from the bottom of my heart for coming today to celebrate my daughter's birth. Alas, it is two weeks late, yet it is always better late than never." Many laughed at that one. "In honor of my daughter, the soon-to-be Crown Princess of Hyrule on her next name-day-" Everyone clapped and turned to me as I curtsied in recognition. "-I welcome you to enjoy yourselves and be merry in celebration." With that the music began and nobles scurried to get their partners.

As we danced the traditional waltz, I spoke chitchat with Drogo, mostly about the sciences, and we both agreed that neither enjoyed the subject of the war so we kept it happily out of thought. Circling around the ballroom and avoiding knocking into anyone else, I searched for the soldier boy. I thought I had caught glimpses of him here and there, but many were wearing blue because the color theme for the ball involved blue, black, and gold. The dance lasted roughly five minutes, and when it ended Drogo bowed to me as I curtsied.

"Truly a great honor and gift you have done me by letting me dance with you, my Grace." I smiled as his shyness picked back up.

"It was truly mine to have danced and talked with someone so intellectually advanced as well, I thank you for the more than pleasant company, my friend." He smiled and blushed a little.

"You flatter me your Highness, truly you do. Again I thank you for the dance. I wish you best health and days my Lady, and enjoy this night." He kissed my hand and left me to decide where I wished to go next. Deciding I was quite done with the dance floor, which was becoming stuffier by the minute, and having no partner to dance with, I went back to my perch to watch the floor like a hawk again. Though Lord Drogo had kept nice company and averted my mind from most troubles that were plaguing me, they came back the second he had left. So choosing to sulk on my own, I walked up the stairs and asked a servant for a new Riesling since my last one had been cleared away.

For an hour I sat, watched, danced, and barely sipped my drink. I still had not seen the soldier boy in blue. I was beginning to become frustrated, for it was too early yet for anyone to even consider leaving. The first dance was at sunset, and now it had finally gone from dusk to a freshly dark sky, and the fruits and desserts had been placed by the pillars as well as fresh alcohol, which most nobles were now drunk on. Where in the goddesses' name did he go?

"Ahem." A male voice coughed out from my right shoulder. Snapping away from my dazed state, I was surprised to find exactly who I was looking for. The soldier boy. He had his left arm folded behind his back and his right in a fist by his mouth, 'covering' his cough, which was really just a wake-up call for me. His blue tunic fit his form perfectly, (apparently the purple was thrown out the window), buttons trailing down the left side, and armor shining new and untarnished with the Hylian insignia engraved perfectly onto it. His black under armor was fitted as well, giving slight hints at how muscular his arms were. His gloved hands hid any sign of wear on them, and his knee high boots made his legs seem even lankier than they already were. He was definitely around my age judging by his build alone. He was long limbed and skinny, but filling out in muscle. He was physically attractive, but his face? That just completed the deal. The silver and blue mask he wore highlighted his sharp angular face, and his side smile was enough to make half the noblewomen faint immediately. His nose, though large, fit his face perfectly. His eyebrows were brown; odd since his hair was a golden blonde, like the sun, but a little lighter than that with darker roots. His bangs hung in front of his eyes, which were definitely his most unique feature of all. He had sharp eyes, feral and fierce, and his eyelashes were full and black. The most amazing part though, was the color of his irises. His left eye was an emerald green, a beautiful captivating color with a ring of black around the outside. His right eye was a beautiful deep blue that was bright and powerful, but cool and calm as well; also with a ring of black around the iris. He was handsome, beyond handsome, and after about a few moments of both of us studying each other, we realized just how awkward it really was, staring and admiring the other. Both of us looked away for a moment, me blushing into my Riesling and him blushing into his fist, turning his head the other way. This allowed me the chance to look at his angled and sharp jaw line; he had a 360-degree view of good-looking. Holy shit what am I thinking? I blushed back into my Riesling and took a sip to focus my mind on something else.

"Auhhm. I know this is probably a long shot and out of place for me, especially with the way I'm addressing this situation already, and with the class differences and all... but would her Grace be willing to dance with me for a song?" He rambled. It was kind of cute, the way he talked nervously to the side, his eyes darting back a forth, his weight shifting from foot to foot, and him scratching the back of his head and messing up his mop of blonde hair and the same time. He was obviously very nervous, which was extremely odd because he was so handsome, you would think he would be more confident? Who knows, maybe and probably because I AM the Princess of Hyrule, and the highest up you can get in nobility.

"I would be delighted, what is your name?" I asked, a little timidly.

"My name? Oh, my name. My name is Sir Link, house of Rosovsky, of The Lost City, your Grace."

"You are related to Lord Lykaios Rosovsky then?"

"Yes my Lady, I am his second cousin and good friend, if I may."

"Fascinating. Then you must have a high rank then?" Motioning to his attire.

"Actually, I am only just a cavalry soldier, your Grace, nothing more nothing less. I am the 16th legion of Hyrule's extended army, and 2nd division from the Lost City. I am at the front lines if we are to go to battle." My heart sank for him, if we were to call the cavalry to aid us, he would be one of the first to die, for he would be most likely speared just to give his comrades a chance to cut through foot soldiers.

"Morbid place to be put yes, but I am happy to be at such a place. Shows we are all the same underneath the blood and the titles." I looked back up at him, surprised he was so optimistic about the whole 99.99% possibility that he would die in the first battle.

"I agree." Was all I could muster in response.

"Well, shall we?" He offered his hand to me and smiled lightly. I smiled back and stood, placing my drink on the table and taking his hand. Through his gloves I felt how calloused his hands were; yet they were gentle and hesitant. He held my hand as if it were crystal that would break if he even gripped it more than he was already. We proceeded down the stairs as a slower song started, a traditional Hylian song, it was soft and sad, if I remember, it was called 'The Song of Healing." We turned to each other and I placed my hand lightly on his shoulder as he tentatively but his hand on my upper back and cautiously took my other hand in his. He was about 4 inches above my height, but possibly still growing, depending on his age. (He is 5'6") We began to dance as we let silence carry awkwardly on for a short time.

"What year are you?" I asked, gaining his attention.

"I am 15 and six months your grace." He answered, looking at me with his stunning eyes.

"A child of the fall then, six months older than I am." Looking back up at him.

"If I believe right, we share half birthdays, on the 13th days of our respective months, correct?" He did his little half smile. Oh goddesses he was cute. What am I thniking?! Even if he has traces of noble blood in his veins, the class separation is still too great!

"Really? Then yes we do, how funny." I responded, as we both looked awkwardly away again.

The song carried on for a few minutes more, until it ended and he bowed and I curtsied. Both of us were at a loss for words, but didn't really want to leave the other's company.

"Would you like to step into the hallway and get some air, My Lady? It is quite hot in here." He asked, scratching his head again, shifting his weight, his eyes darting around quickly.

"I would enjoy that, Sir Link." He jumped a little as I said his name, and I saw his cheeks redden a little as well. He offered me his arm as we left the drunken nobles behind. We passed Impa as we neared the door, and she looked at me and raised a brow. I just blushed and looked down. She'll probably follow us around now. In the shadows. Classy like always. We went into the dim-lit hallways where other nobles were sitting and standing loosely around, talking over drinks and taking breaks from dancing. We went down the stairs to the left, and out the open doors into the garden where a few others had taken refuge. We started on a path I knew well, and we dropped arms. We walked for a while and listened to the sound of the fountains and leaves rustling in the wind, the moon making them silver and the splashing water like crystal.

"Beautiful night." Link said, staring at the stars in the sky, the moon illuminating his hair and making his eyes shine.

"Yes. Yes it is." I replied looking up and around as well.

"Won't be many more like it, with the war and all…" I didn't reply but kept looking around as silence cloaked our surroundings.

"I-

"You hide your accent well." He turned to look at me questioningly, brows creased together and concern and surprise running across his features.

"W-What acc-?"

"I can hear it in you pronunciation of vowels, and your voice drops octaves, more than it raises. He stared at me in shock, speechless, his mouth hanging agape, and his eyes searching my face as he stopped walking. (Araitian inflection of the voice goes down where as Castle Town inhabitants raise their voices an octave or two.)

"I-"

"What area of Ariat." I demanded as he stared at me. "Tell me."

"I am not from Ariat, I have lived in The Lost City my whole life, and it is on the border with Hyrule and Araitia. I try to hide my accent because people look down on me because of the geographical influences. If I was Araitian I would be wearing different armor and attending a different ball, your Highness. Respectively."

"Well enough, sorry if I assumed too much and offended you."

"Truly it is okay." We continued walking he looked to his left side more, away from me, his disposition somewhat sad and put down. God I feel like I just kicked a puppy.

"Tell me about The Lost City. I have heard only some about The Great City of the Border." I asked, trying to change the awkwardness and his disposition.

"It's an interesting place. Many Araitians do live there, but most have left due to the tensions and the looming war, the ones left have hid themselves. I hope they do leave for who knows what monsters of people might hunt them down and kill them." He paused. "The city itself is decent, the citadel isn't anything special compared to here, but it's… well, large and stone like any other. The city people all are relatively outspoken but don't really cause any problems. Everyone is a bit loud and festive and drunk half the week, but they all contribute. There are large separations in class though. If you ever end up in The Lost City, stay out of the Greyrock district; it's called the Grey Slums. Many murders and crimes happen there. It isn't a pleasant place in any way. The better side of town is Westedge. The best inns and bars are over there where the higher middle class lives, and the market is there too. The place is always busy day and night, no matter the hour. There of course is Newbridge and Eastbank, but there is nothing as interesting there. There are also irrigation systems running through the whole city, the water is kept clean by use of magic as well as some new technology the engineers have been working on, so its not dirty and black like the city of Faircoast. It all flows to the citadel in the center, the area of Beldale where the most privileged live. Then it all flows out into the reserves of lakes for the farmers as well as into the moat."

"You live in the citadel, I presume?" I asked.

"Indeed. I have lived a relatively easy life, I used to get into a lot of trouble though." He joked.

"I could see that." I retorted.

"And how is that?" He asked with mirth.

"Just the type I guess." I replied as we smiled contentedly and continued walking through the gardens. Silence floated pleasantly for a while, until I broke it.

"Do you plan to stay at the castle for some time, The Lost City is quite a distance away?" I looked at him, picking the conversation back up as he was pulled out of his thoughts, face coming alive under the moon's light.

"Yes actually. We plan to stay for roughly three weeks. I'm to finish training with a couple other elites before any of us are sent out." He answered looking forward as we walked.

"You are one of the 100?" This surprised me, he seemed so young, but his class would explain his skill.

"Yes, front line cavalry elite." He was a little solemn of this.

"I can have you moved off the front lines." He looked at me quizzically for a minute.

"I do not doubt your power, but I don't mind really. It is my duty and I was chosen for it. I will not cower in the face of battle just because I am the first to fight. I take honor in the first strike." I was silenced by this, making me unsure of what to say next. Yet before I could, in came the stalker from the shadows.

"Princess Zelda, we have been looking for you, the Ballad is about to play." Link and I turned to look at Impa. Both of us a little annoyed at the interruption.

"The last dance I have to participate in. Lovely." I sighed, hesitating to go back inside.

"Well, at least you won't have to find a partner." Impa said, folding her arms with a small smirk on her face. I looked to Link who was actually calm in Impa's presence.

"Sir Link, you wouldn't mind would you?"

"Of course not, your Highness. It would be an honor." He smiled at me and we began to walk back to the castle. As we passed Impa, she grabbed Link by the arm.

"Go on ahead Princess, he will be there shortly." I was perplexed by this and kept walking. When I reached the turn by the oak tree I stopped. Using what Impa had taught me, I hid in the shadows, watching the conversation. Link was standing, looking at the ground and listening to Impa who still had a firm hand around his bicep, whispering intently and sternly into his ear. He looked up slightly though, and right at where I was in the shadows. His light riddled eyes were trying to tell me something but I couldn't tell what. Shit. How does he know that I am right here? Trying to get out of the situation, I left the two behind and made my way for the castle.

Everyone clapped and the couples curtsied and bowed to each other, the Ballad dance was over. I was obviously perplexed by the whole event that had occurred in the gardens with Impa, however Link completely disregarded it and acted like it didn't happen. So, I left it alone. Time will bring the knowledge, Zelda.

Link and I smiled at each other as the dance ended. I felt odd in a way, looking at him and his smile. It was like everything was going slow, nothing bothered me and there was nothing I was had to worry about in that single moment. His eyes again were trying to tell me something. They were straining to hold something back, and it was bothering him greatly. Though his body and face appeared relaxed and happy, his eyes told what was real and what was a fake.

The night carried on in a similar fashion, and no one retired till the hour 2, most clearing out by 3 am. Link and I promised to see each other again before he left in three weeks, and we went our separate ways. The castle went dark and silent as the festivities ended, and the real matters loomed on the horizon ready to cast their dismal shadow.

It wasn't until I had been lying in my bed for some time that I finally figured out what Link was saying through his eyes.

If you only knew.

Boom yeah. Nice amount o' words on that one. I promise I will not take that long to update again! I was waiting for swim team to end, which conference was just last week finally. So now prepare hopefully for annual updates. I will try to make longer chapters so I'm estimating about either a chapter a month or two months. It might take some time. Thank you to all those who read, review, follow, and favorite! Please continue it helps greatly!

-Bean

4562 words