Darkness Did Find

by Zelda Bean 13

They say his blade is as black as the night itself; that his hair glows like the silver of the moon, and his armor shines like the stars of the sky. They also say he fights like the raven engraved upon his chest plate. He is known as 'The Night Raven,' and is to be feared. They say… his heart is a heart of courage. But some say, he has a heart only of fear and weakness itself.

7. Seven

So yeah. Tempted to rewrite the first few flops of chapters. Like, six people actually read all the way until seven which was over 7 thousand words and took me around 5 hours to write… I need a better opening. Also, everyone skipped one of the most important chapters, though it appeared to be a filler. This one being the meeting with Veronica. I don't write things that aren't unnecessary, usually. Read on, friends!

)()()()()()(

The princess sat on her horse, looking over the large expanse of the castle town center that gave a straight shot from the Southern main gate of the city to the official doors of the castle itself. Near a mile away, Zelda could see the streets lined with people, the banners and ribbons of Hyrule fluttering in the morning breeze. As was tradition before their army was sent off to battle, the cavalry and soldiers were to do a demonstration before the Royal House before their blessing and speech of journey given by the King. Zelda waited for the ceremony to begin as the final nobles and other prominent figures took their places behind them on the stairs. A good amount below them, the drummers and trumpeters that would carry on the legacy of the Drums of Hylia, a fear instilling sound for the enemy and courage igniting force for the Hylians, began to take their place. At this point, every voice that was whispering on the streets and roofs of the capital city ceased, an eerie silence overtaking the pink and progressively gold landscape.

All anyone heard was the metal clinking of the banners as they blew in the morning breeze before the first set of drums began, steady and quick at first, with not much of an imposing presence until the trumpets blared their call and the battle rhythms from old came hurtling into the ears of all listening. Zelda felt chills down her spine and arms, giving a small shudder as the drums continued their beautiful and daring song, the foreboding message looming behind every beat. As the drums silenced with one last loud band, silence once fell again over the area. From the left and right streets rode in three riders on horseback: the elite cavalry captains. Zelda found Link, entering alone from the left as his commanding and inferior officers entered from the right. Cantering on their horses, they circled once in the center before settling into position. Facing the king, each man took off his helmet for the words of passage.

"Through Hylia's past, future, and present, the sworn soldiers of the white goddess will forever protect and defend the descendants of her blood and creation, preserving forever a Hyrule built to thrive and exist throughout the ages." The head captain began. "Though no chosen Heroes we may be, let the life-"

"Let the blood-" The third in command said.

"And let the soul of my being-" Link chimed in.

"Be forever remembered in the hearts of the people for the sacrifices that we will so willingly will make." They finished in an unnerving unison, placing their helmets back upon their heads when they were finished. Then it was the king's turn to say his part.

"Warriors of the land blessed by the three golden goddesses, go forth, and from this day may your life, your blood, and the soul of your beings testify to the spirit and ways of Hyrule. From this sending forth into battle, uphold you codes, brandish your swords with courage, and most of all, show mercy in the face of your fellow sisters and brothers. Your names may be forgotten in the flow of time, however your beliefs and spirits will live on in the generations to come. Thrive, fight, and live! For Hyrule!" A resounding chorus of "For Hyrule" rang from the streets of the capital as the massive army waited to depart from the sides and the citizens staying at home joined in.

At this moment, the King raised his sword in preparation for the final blessing and the passing off of speech to Zelda. "In the earth, sky, and beings of this land, may the goddesses bless and guide you through the trials which you will face." The soldiers, seen and unseen bowed their heads as their fisted right hand went to sit over their heart. At the end of this, the King of Hyrule passed the sword unto the Princess to give the final words of wisdom, as was mandatory since only the females of the Royal House could hold the Nayru's triforce.

"Brave heroes. Let it be hewn into your hearts and souls the example of the Legends. Let not the darkness of this world taint your hearts and lead you astray, follow as the Hero has done over countless lifetimes and you will not lose courage. For a sword wields no strength unless the hand the holds it has courage. Go forth, and bring glory to all that you stand for." With this, the princess raised the sword and used her magic to make it glow as a beacon into the sky, pointing into the direction of where the army would be heading, an homage to the goddess Hylia when she had rent the earth with the Master Sword and sent it into the sky.

With this final action, the drums began again as the cavalry leaders turned to face the gate, giving one last salute with a hand over their hearts, the man on the left holding his gaze a little longer at the image of the princess now only steps away from him, soon to be miles in a matter of hours. The trumpets blasted their fanfare as the remaining elitists rode into the square, filing into their formation. With a second resounding set of notes, they began their march down the road, the cheers of the people loud and clear as their sons, husbands, fathers, and friends processed, some on their way to their deaths. Zelda watched as the cavalry finished its funneling onto the street from the square as the first set of drummers began their march behind them, soldiers to follow behind before more drummers were to be placed, accompanied by more banner carriers as the pattern continued. A good hour later and the remaining troupes had finished their march out of the city. At this point, the people had gathered into the center, waiting to hear the King's words to them. As he told them of his plans for getting Hyrule through the war, Zelda watched the fading mass of the soldiers drift into the distance, taking Link with them. She didn't think much besides the wonderings if he was scared or nervous, or excited to go to battle. She guessed he would be nervous and a bit frightened since he had never seen it before; however she knew he wouldn't show it and instead would allow his adrenalin and excitement get in the way of his doubts. At least she hoped.

The next week dragged by for Zelda as she awaited any kind of news, as did the rest of the country. She only knew that they were marching to the Lost City, Link's home, first, as it was the southernmost outpost and citadel they occupied before the Araitian territories began. She sat with Veronica in the gardens at a small table placed outside for them as they drank tea and read from their books, occasionally writing things down when they felt like it. The afternoon sun was melting like butter over the cobble stone pathways as well as them, warming their skin under its blanket. A servant entered form the door-less archways, the young squire carrying a letter within his grasp. Upon hearing the noise of footsteps, both Zelda and Veronica turned their heads to the sound, pausing their work.

"Your Majesty Princess Zelda, this here letter is addressed to you." The squire said, kneeling down and extending the letter to her. Zelda took it from him and nodded her thanks as he bowed and exited the grounds; her heart beats quickening at the thought of its contents. Veronica stared at her patiently and intently, waiting to hear what Zelda would say after she read it. Breaking the blue wax seal, she unfolded the parchment to reveal the contents of the ink written letter.

Princess Zelda,

Truly, with great haste we have made it to the Lost City, a welcoming sight for me and for many since this is where we call home; however many have also begun to dread the place, as it represents the oncoming battles ahead of us. Despite all of this, the morale is high and no one has broken down just yet. There are a few things I must warn you of. During our trek across the lands, we have noticed many evacuees from the southern province heading towards the capital. I assume that the economy will begin to tilt here, as well as accommodation abilities and food reserves. I figured I would let you know before hand so the capital wouldn't be caught unprepared.

Anyways, I know that there isn't much else for me to say since not much has happened, but I will try to stretch my hand to give as much to your eyes and to my mind a conversation as possible. So I'll tell you of the city. It isn't much different as it was a few weeks ago, however the disposition and air around here has changed. Mostly in part due to the newly declared war. However, it's almost a suffocating feeling of foreboding; almost like you feel as if someone is watching you but when you turn around to look and there's no one there. Besides this, gossip runs rampant around here. I've heard plenty of ridiculous things in the past few hours since we have arrived, but some I can confirm as truth. The King Dresden is to present the Prince of Ariat in the sending off of the troupes. A few of us elites are thinking of going to see if we can catch a glimpse of our enemy, to know his face. One of the things that I have heard repeated is that he's as deadly as the raven for which he is named. Though I'm not sure if I believe it. I guess I will have to wait to meet him in battle, although I doubt the direct movement of a small a cavalry as that unless it's dire. He's probably too scared and weak to come and face us.

I will end your suffering of having to read my terrible attempts at trying to poke fun at the Prince and Ariat and leave you to your day, though it must be oh so boring since you don't have me to be there to entertain you. I hope you know I'm teasing, though I do wish I was there. My dear Zelda, please stay safe and keep that mind of yours as sharp as ever. Please do not worry too much for me, I have friends here who have my back and I have you to support me from afar. Remember to show mercy, as we are all only people deep down, and I believe that everyone is good. My Princess, remember that I love you and I shall write again to you soon, and hopefully see you within a few months time.

Link

He ended his letter with his signature, the flourish of the "L" taking up a good portion of the bottom margin of the message. Zelda looked up at Veronica who was silently waiting as she stirred sugar into her cup of tea with a small spoon. She looked up at Zelda expectantly, giving her her full attention.

"They made it to the Lost City a few days ago. I surmise it only took them 4, with the good weather and all, even though they did have an enormous amount of men and women." Zelda paused as her eyes scanned parts of the letter over quickly once more as she took a sip from her own cup of tea. "He also said that the Araitian Royal House will also be giving a sending off ceremony, and that blasted Prince is going to be shown off as some sort of trophy."

"Won't that be a show?" Veronica asked, laughing once into her cup as she went to take a sip of her own tea, eyes rolling to the side. Zelda only raised her eyebrows once in response as she folded up the letter and placed it onto the table next to her, sitting back to look at the garden.

"Anything else worth mentioning?"

"Nothing unless you want me to read off his ramblings to you? Those of which I know you find quite entertaining sometimes."

"No, I'll leave the ramblings meant for you for your eyes only. I was just curious." They continued their relaxed session for a while longer as Zelda's head swam with thoughts of the Ceremony in Ariat, that of which Link was going to be sneaking into the Capital of the enemy to see. She would have to inform Impa.

)()()()()(

"So they're supposedly going to sneak into the capital? Hm. That'll be interesting." Impa said as she crossed her arms, leaning on the dresser in the Princess's room as she prepared for bed.

"Indeed." Zelda replied as she moved from behind the changing screen to sit at her dresser to brush her hair. "What I'm worried about is how they're going to get in and out." She said, as Impa took the brush from her and began to work on the masses of tresses.

"No need to worry. I can send my people in to make sure they're okay. If you so wish."

"I feel as if you'd do it even if I said it wasn't necessary, just to be sure."

"That indeed, Zelda." They sat in silence as Impa finished brushing the young girl's hair, the candle lit room glowing with a comforting warmth.

"I'm sure they will be fine; however, I intend to glean and reap all the information that I can on this Prince as possible. Especially since the opportunity has so generously presented itself." Zelda began to blow out a few candles on the tables placed about the room, leaving just two on portable, hand-held trays. Zelda made no response to Impa's earlier comment, knowing that her decision had been made some time ago.

"Oh, remember that tomorrow you have magic healing lessons with the Elder Mage Katara. She will help you more than I can. She says to meet her by the fountain in the gardens and she'll take you from there. Goddesses help the poor injured souls you'll be working on tomorrow."

"Your faith in me is astounding, how can I ever thank you?" Zelda said flatly, a smile creeping onto her face at the stone woman's sarcasm.

"Only for you, my girl."

"Goodnight, Impa."

"Goodnight, Zelda." With that, Impa took her candle and left the room, the princess settling into bed with hers on the table next to her bed, an opened and already well-read letter next to it.

)()()()()(

"Do you understand?"

"I do."

"Good." The old woman replied to the young apprentice, wrinkles crinkling into a kind and friendly face, blue eyes standing out against her white and grey hair, once a brilliant brown. "Then I think you are able to try it. Now, remember that your body has limits when healing. When you go to completely reconstruct muscles and veins and such, you can only do so much. If you overdraw from your energy and tap into your own soul, you could end up killing yourself if not correctly practiced at life source transmutations."

"You can transmute souls together?" Zelda asked, looking up inquisitively at the old woman before her.

"Indeed. However, only small pieces. It helps to preserve people who are seriously wounded for an extended time. It's usually done in dire situations, and the only time I remember it ever being done was by another bearer of wisdom, Zelda the Thirteenth, I believe. She did it in order to save the Hero of Light/Twilight, take your pick. Although I do warn you, it can have… interesting after effects, such as telepathic effects. If I remember correctly after saving him, they could speak to each other afterwards, since their souls were still meshed together."

"That's incredible." Zelda said, entranced by the font of knowledge and possibility sitting in front of her. "Could you maybe teach me? Sometime when I'm more tuned to this style of magic?"

"With time yes. Thought that shouldn't be long a wait since your line has always been naturally adept with magic, and you also bear the triforce, another helpful hand." The woman stood up, her old form appearing weak and frail, but her real zeal being hidden by her appearance. Zelda quite liked her company. "Now, onto where you need to start. Healing flesh wounds."

They made their way through the castle to the infirmary, where there was a small squire boy who had gotten a cut to the arm by knocking a knife off the counter in the kitchens earlier that morning. He looked a little uneasy about his being a test subject, though he knew he dare not refuse Katara, let alone the Princess of Hyrule.

"Now. Remember everything I told you. Focus the light and energy within you, and channel it through yourself by force of your mind. Have a strong intent and don't falter." Zelda took the small boys arm, who was nervous and honored at the fact that the Princess of Hyrule was in his presence, and had held his arm, about to heal him. Zelda focused her energy, thinking of the intent of healing the cut, weaving the veins back together and stitching the torn skin, draining the blood back into its stream. All of a sudden, she felt the rush of a powerful and mostly untapped surge of power and energy within her, and ancient and wise feeling of energy. With the sound of a gasp caught by her ears, she opened her eyes when she felt the surge cease, indicating it was not more needed in assistance to the problem at hand. She looked at the boy's arm, now completely healed.

"A natural. And quite skilled too, must I admit. You left nearly no scar there. That I can say is something that takes months or even years for the students at Hyrule's university to accomplish, if ever." Zelda looked at the old woman, who tried not to show her pride at her prodigy student, taking a like to the young girl as the girl did to her. The boy sat looking at his arm in disbelief, poking it to see if it would burst open and spit blood back at him. It did not to his great enjoyment.

"See? Wasn't so bad now was it. I told you." Katara said sharply, establishing her peals of a zesty old woman who knew what she was talking about, and even if she didn't would continue to support her claims until she could turn the argument around and make the other person end up supporting the wrong end, her the correct one. She was the definition of a spitfire.

)()()()()(

Two more weeks carried on as Zelda spent hours with the older woman, learning the art of healing, as well as some mischievous spells that the old mage would use to mess with people passing by. She garnered from Zelda many laughs and many enjoyed days, helping the time to pass quickly as the war was hurtling to truly beginning. It was after her daily time with Katara that Zelda had received another letter, three weeks after the first.

Princess Zelda,

How many lucky people can say that they can exchange letters with the Princess of Hyrule? Not many. And how many Hylians can say that they've been to the capital of Ariat within the last 16 years as well? No one but me I do believe. I write this while I'm here, sitting in a small inn with a pretty incredible view of the palace. It has green and grey stones, and eternally burning torches everywhere, it's truly an incredible place. Much like Hyrule, they have an ingenious irrigation and water system, and the people here really are kind. Despite the fact that they are the enemies of my country and my princess, if I may be so bold and daring, I do believe I could have been friends with the majority of these people under different circumstances. The trees here are also incredible. The city is in the middle of a forest on the base of a small mountain before The Great Range of Ordona. The castle itself sits on the mountain, not quite at the top. There's also an incredible lake you can get to that the castle has views of. And if I'm not mistaken it feeds into the Crystinian Rapids that wind through the range.

At the time of writing this, it's the morning of the ceremony and by goddesses I have never seen a people so hopeful. They truly did love the bastard's parents, although they don't speak much of Dresden, the only response being that he provides and protects them. I truly do believe they run mostly on fear of him, though with a living member of the Araitian Royal House's line, they'll have something to rally for.

Despite the growing tensions of battle soon, I can't help but enjoy myself here. They also sell incredible amounts of emeralds, which I know to be your birthstone. Maybe when the war is over we'll be able to come here; you'll be amazed at how high some of the buildings go up. The tallest the other boys and I have seen is seven stories! Though that pales in comparison to the castle. They also have good food, I must admit. Well, before I get caught writing to the first in line of Hyrule's throne and the apprenticed commander of the Hyrulean and Hylian armies, I'm going to sign off. I promise to write sooner next time, and hopefully I'll be back in my own capital within a few months to see you. Also, enjoy the small souvenir that Impa is holding for you, since one of her people actually nearly caused me to have a heart attack, pulling me into a back alley in the middle of the night with a hand over my mouth and a knife against my throat. Of course with a surprise attack from the shadows with the help of magic. No surprise there. They personally delivered my letter and gift back to Hyrule so I can't complain, and they are also going to help us get out of her as smoothly as possible.

Stay strong, my Princess.

Link

Zelda sighed at the antics of Impa and her Sheikah spies, obviously knowing right away that Impa had them purposely scare him just for a good laugh and to keep him on his toes. Thank the goddesses he has a sense of humor. Zelda folded the letter back up and placed it into a hand carved mahogany box with depictions of trees on it, an import from Ariat. She looked at the two letters sitting in the three-inch deep treasure, the trees to remind her of Link's promise, and the silky mahogany because she liked the color and it reminded her of Link's gentle but masculine personality. Closing the lid and locking the small silver lock, she placed the key under her pillow, a silly precaution, but one she felt better for taking, and went to search for Impa. She somewhat lackadaisically wandered the halls, taking her time, as she didn't have much to do, having already finished her required studies with Katara and her military training as well as tactic studies with both Impa and the retired General Auru. She wandered into the training grounds, knowing that was the most likely place for Impa to be as she was in charge of not only the Sheikah but also the general castle guards. There she was, speaking with one of her dark little minions, the two speaking about something relatively important as Zelda could see from her faces, but couldn't hear. As she began to walk out through the door-less arches, the minion bowed his head once in Impa's direction before taking off in the opposite direction of Zelda, not even seeing her in his escape to whatever mission Impa had set.

"Lady Zelda, what is it you need of me?"

"I received Link's, letter. He says you have something for me from him?"

"I do in fact have exactly that." Impa began to rummage into her large pockets, as she pulled out a small box with a single silky green ribbon wrapped around it. She offered it to the princess who closed the distance between them the rest of the way, reaching to take it from the other woman. She gently pulled the ribbon off, undoing its bow as she put it into her pocket to later be put into her hair or her mahogany box. Opening the lid, she moved the small bit of paper covering the green silk lined bottom half. In the middle sat a silver chain with emeralds beaded onto the metal piece that sat in a small swirling designs around them. It was a small crown for her to wear. It was small and stunning, and definitely not something very inexpensive either. Zelda took off her simple gold chain she was wearing as Impa assisted her in putting the new one into her hair and onto her head. Where the jewelry used to lay was a small note.

A small cliché, I know. Every man buys jewelry

for the girl they admire. As to how I got a crown?

Well, let's just say it's all the rage here with the

women, and by goddesses its pretty cool and

I almost wish we had it in Hyrule. Anyways,

My Princess, I hope you wear it, even though

it pales in comparison in beauty to the wearer.

Your Link

Zelda smiled at the small note, reading the ramblings of her young suitor. She looked back up at Impa who had a faint smile on her face with her eyebrows raised. Actual emotion. A first in literally weeks.

"Boy, is he smitten." Is all she could say before she and Zelda laughed.

"You are in rare form today." Zelda referencing Impa's rare smile and even scarcer laugh.

"Aren't we all." Impa said as she regained her regular appearance again. "There's a council meeting tonight, and since it was about a week ago that the letter was written, we should be hearing about he ceremony soon. I expect my messengers to be here in the evening. Hopefully. I did have her stay an extra day in Chicago and then spend a day with the elites and snoop around the Lost City, making sure all dispatchments (apparently that isn't a word to my computer?) went as proceeded and the like."

"I see. Well, whenever the news comes I will be most interested. What time is the meeting planned for?"

"Right after dinner I do believe."

"I hate after dinner council meetings, I always feel like sleeping after dinner, especially when I'm listening to other people rant endlessly and colorlessly for hours on end." Zelda complained, slightly vexed at her required attendance.

"I'm sure it won't be too terrible."

"I know you agree with me."

"I never said that."

"I can see it in your eyes, Impa."

"The only thing you can see in my eyes is the complete and utter stoic nature of a trained killer."

"You really are in a very rare form today. Even sarcasm has crept its way into you. I quite enjoy it, thought it's also very knew to me and I don't know if I'm very comfortable with it."

"You won't have to get comfortable with it. It won't last past dinner." Zelda laughed at the antics of the woman who had become her mother over the years, and one of the only people, if not the only person to have ever seen the goddesses of stone expressions and emotions every crack jokes or use sarcasm in her vernacular.

"I suggest that we go and see if we can find you a dress to somewhat match that new crown of yours. Though you'll probably wear it if the only color dresses you have end up being pink."

"You know how I hate pink. Especially mixed with green."

"Exactly my point. You'd still wear it because your sweetheart gave it to you."

"You are quite sassy today."

"I was a teenager once, too."

"I can't imagine."

"Neither can I." The two proceeded down the halls to the royal wing, Zelda talking about how she only likes pink on roses, sunsets and rises, and cherry blossoms, nothing else, especially her clothing. Impa responded with more out of character remarks, obviously trying to keep the Princess in good spirits, since she already knew the news of the proceedings that occurred in Ariat's capital city, Chicago.

So yes, I have an obsession with Chicago, the greatest and awesome-est and most beautiful city in the world that is way better than New York, especially with respect to pizza. Who wants to eat the paper they call pizza? Seriously, cheese it up and put some actual meet and sauce on there with a nice crust will ya? I ain't gonna be caught eatin' anything but my deep dish. And my Chicago style hotdogs and Portillo's Italian beef and chocolate cake that God gave to man – to Chicago – as his blessing of the land of awesomeness. And corrupt politicians.

Anyways, shorter chapter, yes. Won't happen very often. I did want to rip this one out a bit as I'm starting to barrel to the battles and the gore and the stuff I revel in writing, not fluffy fluff-fluff. Also, I'm just really excited to write Raven, and yes, Katara IS a reference to Avatar the Last Airbender because childhood. Lastly, PLEASE pleaseReViEw. It helps beyond compare, as it gets me to write immediately and I've managed to write over a thousand words a day – give or take – and that was only off of two. If I got like, three, I'd be writing 2000. So, let's get me there maybe? Thanks again!

-Bean

5077 words.