Author's Notes:

This chapter is where you'll be introduced to Link, and a few other characters. I think that the entire story will be done in the point of views of two characters. One of them is Link, and another one is an original character.

Personally, I think that this story reads best in the 3/4 format. But, that's just me.

The more I write this story, the more I like to write about it. I'm fascinated by the characters, and the scenarios that they appear in. And of course, reviews really help fire me up to write the next chapter. I'd love to hear your opinion on this story. Is it good, bad, or "meh?"

I do wonder, while I was writing this chapter, whether I was straying away from the Zelda universe a little too much. This story is AU (alternate universe), but not in the sense where Link, Zelda, Vaati, and the entire crew are high school students who sign up for the school musical, where Zelda and Link fall in love. Instead, it does take place in the same time frame, but it relies quite heavily on original characters, but some familiar faces will appear as well.

~New Dawn~

Link

"Stay quiet," I said to the hay that lied in the wagon that trailed behind me and my horse, Epona. There was no response; just as I hoped for. But I knew that at the bottom of the haystack, a girl, no older than twelve was crouching.. She's a fugitive, I thought to myself. She has traitor's blood. Only a fortnight ago, her father had killed a wine merchant for money. His face has been recognized, and the Hylian Guards were searching for the daughter. Her uncle was paying good money to get her out of the city. Enough to make a man risk his life for it. For me, it will be enough to make the trip worthwhile.

Under the tyrant, Princess Zelda, anybody direct descendants of criminals were equally responsible for the crime. Perhaps it was to ward off fathers who were thinking of crime, I had always told myself. Perhaps she just wants to see the world burn. My Father had always told me about people like that. Zelda might just be one of them.

"Are we there yet?" The girl asked. I gave a sharp glare; I know she can see me. Immediately, she quieted. And at a good time, as well. We were approaching the gates of the city walls. Two centuries ago, a plague spread across the Desertlands. Immediately a wall was built in Hyrule Castle Town to keep the infection from reaching us. Now, despite the many sieges that this goddamn city had to endure, the walls still stand. And four gates to get in - or out, in this case - of the city. Two guards stood at the West Gate (nicknamed the Mud Gate) to check the items of travelers.

If an item was brought from another kingdom, it was taxed. Of course, all that I had was my horse, a wagon behind me, and a stack of hay. At least, that's what I'll tell the guard. A couple had finally passed by the guard without much hurry. Now it was my turn. I actually got off my horse, within arm's distance of the other guard. He did not seem to mind, however. If I were him, I would be uncomfortable.

"What is your business here?"

I shrugged. "I'm supposed to bring this hay to a mill in the Mudlands. It was grown down south of here, in Ordon-" I said, but stopped. He approached the wagon. I looked around; the other guard was occupied with somebody trying to enter the city, but nobody else was watching. "If you value your life, you'll let me pass," I hissed, holding a knife to his throat. Of course, I had no intention to kill him. His death won't mean anything, and it will just get my hands dirty. I gripped his chest with my spare hand.

"Go," he whispered. He wasn't trying to resist. Good boy, I thought to myself.

My knife was close to being put back in its sheath, and the guard relaxed himself. In an instant, I held it close to his throat again. But this time, with my other hand, I held his neck. "You will speak to no one." He nodded. "I will know if you do. And I'll find you."

"Go," the guard repeated. This time, I did sheath my knife, and saddled myself upon Epona once again. "And what's your name?"

He's got some guts to ask me that. Did he already forget that I have a knife? I turned around, the sun bright in my eyes. "My name," I began, my words as cold as ice. "My name is none of your concern." The guard quieted. "I'll be on my way now."

Beyond the Mud Gate was open fields - and open game. There were no laws upheld. Often, in the day, a band known as the Brotherhood of Lions roamed the countryside, upholding peace. In the night, bandits ran amuck. They typically targetted the larger carriages, led by slower animals, such as oxen. If one was lucky, they would be spared during an attack. Of course, most travellers were not lucky.

"Get out of the hay," I told the girl when all of the other carriages and adventurers were out of site. "You'll ride behind me." She obeyed, silent. I took off the braces connecting Epona to the wagon, and left the hay right there. It'll be a nice surprise for anybody following us. I would not miss it anyways. The summer had been bountiful, and hay was cheap. Well, cheap for me. Some of the peasants might go through long trials for so much hay, even though that meant they would have to find a grain mill to use the flour.

There was a very, very good reason the Mudlands were called that. There were few patches of green. Most of the earth was wet and squishy, or made of rocks. Of course, a small forest appeared now and then, but that usually meant a river was nearby. And where I'm going is certainly not a forest. I simply focused on making my way through the small roads, paved in rocks. "Thanks," the girl said, interrupting my concentration. "I know you're getting paid for this, but I just want to say thanks."

I did not look back. "Never, ever grow attached to something," Father had always told me. He'd always whisper in my ears, "because, one day, you'll lose it." Ever since Mom had died, I knew he was right. I took his words to heart, because they were true.

I did not turn to face her. And she remained silent. "This is business," I simply said, keeping my face forward. I made a turn to my left. "I'm not your friend; I'll tell you that now." I've smuggled so many things in and out of Hyrule Castle Town. Yet I don't think I've ever smuggled a person.

The road winded down a forest, so naturally, that was the way I took. I know where to go, but I've never been through these roads myself. Yet, I knew I was close. As we entered the forest, a cleaner air was about. And thank the Goddesses for that. My nose was becoming runny from the dirt and mud outside. "He lives just outside of a forest," the girl told me. But I pretended not to hear.

Epona instinctively stopped. Behind one of the trees sprawling outside of the road, a man came around, clutching at his chest. It could only look like blood. His clothes were in rags, his brown hair a mess. He stood there, right in Epona's path. There was quite a distance between us and the man, but he walked forward, step by step, clutching his wound. "Help me!" He shouted.

"Hold on tight to me, girl," I told the girl behind me.

"Are we going to help him? That wound looks bad..." she whispered. She must know I have medical supplies on me. Or perhaps I'm just paranoid.

I shook my head, and gave a smile. "He's not even hurt," I told her. I've seen this far too many times. That much, I would be okay with telling her. But I'd never tell the girl that I was on the other side of this. With a sudden shout from me, Epona started to storm forwards, about to trample the man. He sneered, and pulled out a blade. And suddenly, we were hit by a barrage of arrows from all directions just before Epona stomped on the man. All of the arrows missed wildly, but one must have hit Epona's leg, because she hit the ground. And we were thrown off the saddle.

I got up. Stupid, I told myself. Why would I enter a forest? They're crawling with bandits... The fact that they are attacking a man, a girl, and a horse means that they don't want riches. Otherwise they would have waited for a carriage to pass by. "Get behind me," I told the girl. She was panting, scared. I felt the sheath for my sword - gone. It's at home, a voice rang in my head. Instead, I held up the blade. Perhaps a dozen bandits appeared from the trees. Some carried bows, and arrows in their quivers. Most, however, had swords. "Stay back!" I shouted.

"Why, when you see somebody gettin' hurt, you best be helpin' them," the man sneered. There was no wound, just some red dye where he clutched at his chest.

It's either him or me, I decided. And today is not my day to die. The blade slashed through the air - and narrowly missed the man's stomach before he could react. Surprise on his face, perhaps because he could sense that I knew my way with a dagger. "Turn around," I told the girl. But somehow I knew that she would not look away. Instead, I kept my glare up against the bandit. The others simply watched back. Some drew their bows, but I knew they would not shoot... yet. I cracked a smile. I could see uncertainty in my opponent's eyes. At least I have that advantage.

The man charged at me with the blade upheld. I dodged the first swing and stopped his second one with a kick to his knee. The weight of my kick sent him stumbling backwards, clearly not expecting it. Yet I held my dagger pointed at him. A second arc of iron came towards me, faster than I could react. But the Goddesses were kind - the tip of the edged blade missed my stomach by a few centimeters. I swung the small dagger at him, but hesitated at the last second, as he drew he blade up once more. The man was tall, no doubt, but his blade was too heavy for his frame. That's his weakness, I decided.

In the darkness of the forest (despite it being day), a blinding light tailed towards me, but this time, I was ready. I parried to my left as his blade struck downwards, but only hit dirt. I gave a kick to the man, making him stagger backwards. His grip on the blade loosened, but not enough to free itself from his clutch. My dagger found its way into his stomach as he attempted to prepare for another strike. His face flushed a shade of white I had not been familiar with. "Turn around," I repeated to the girl. But I did not care to actually check if she was looking my direction at all. No doubt the other bandits were too busy watching me instead.

I almost felt sorry for the bandit, sorry enough to give him a quick and painless death. But he wouldn't have done that to me. And so, I took my dagger out of his stomach, still red of his insides, and inserted it a dozen centimeters upwards, into his chest. He stumbled backwards, the grip on his sword having loosened, and it fell to the ground. I left my dagger where it stood, and took his sword in my hand instead. Unlike him, I could wield it.

Half a dozen arrows went off against me, all landing into my body. I cursed profanities; some had hit flesh. But I'm also fortunate that I'm wearing chainmail, which absorbed the impact. I pulled one out of my shoulder - that one hit flesh. I let out a cry of pain as it came out of its resting place. But I watched as the six swordsmen came at me, all from different angles. "Give up," one of them said. "You're to die anyways."

And I knew that they were right. But I brushed a confident smile. "Today is not my day to die." My sword swung fast and true; it cut through that man's stomach. I charged at him, largely to avoid the thrusts that came at my original position. But then came more arrows. Most were shot out of panic, and missed, except one, that brushed against my knee. "Goddamn it!" I cursed.

Another bandit charged at me, his swords striking above his head. I met his force with my own strength. And clearly, I was stronger, because his blade was sent back... but not far enough to knock the sword out of his hands. In a split second, I sidestepped to my left, bringing my sword down and into his stomach. Before I knew it, one of the archers gave a kick to my back, and I staggered forward. My sword met his shoulder; the bite was cold and red. And before the other bandits, disorganized and clumsy, could march on me, I sliced another archer. The remaining four backed away in fear, and one began to run out of the woods completely.

"Ahh!" A scream had erupted behind me. I turned to see a man charging at me, his sword high above. These men are so bad at fighting, it's unbelievable. A simple parry and I was at his side before he could react. He cried out as my sword found its way into his sides. The archers all ran away. Good choice. But the three bandits with swords remained. One thrust his sword at me, and I met his force with a downward thrust. Another came at my sides, so I backed up. Backing, backing... my back hit a tree, and I was cornered. Now what?

"Stay back!" I yelled. But they continued to advance on me. I sighed; perhaps it is my day to die. I glanced at the girl, she was staring from the other side of the road, petrified. I drew out my sword, but I knew it was no use.

"Argh!" One of them cried out. From his stomach, a blade came out, then retreated. The other two turned around, and another bandit received a blade to the stomach. I quickly reacted, and killed the third with a single arc. As the bodies fell down, there stood a man, bald, and smiling. He appeared forty, or perhaps forty-five. The man held out a hand, and I kept my glare - and guard- up. I cautiously stretched my own hand out, while my left hand held onto the blade I had picked up. He only smiled.

"I'm her uncle," he quipped, "and that's my home." He pointed to a small cottage, just stretching beyond the trees of the forest. "I have the money in there, if you may." I nodded. Step by step, I walked alongside him, and in a moment, the girl also followed suit. "My name is Brynden, by the way. My niece's name is Elia."

I don't recall asking for your name. But I would not dare say that out loud. As my father had always said, "make snide comments after you've taken their money." So I remained quiet, and just nodded. I turned around for a moment, and just as I had hoped, Epona seemed okay, and stood up.

His cottage was purely wood - finely crafted wood, but still wood. A single door hung on the hinge, and a glass window beside it. And just as he had said, a cotton sack was placed on a table, filled with rupees. I placed my hand inside of it. "Count it for yourself, if you want," he said. But I did not care if he was scamming me. The silver and the gold and the red and the blue rupees all seemed like they amounted to three thousand in total. Even two thousand would have been a bargain.

"It's all there?" Brynden asked. I turned my head and nodded. My hands tied the bag, and I stood up. "Pleasure doing business with you." I nodded silently, just attempting to leave before night hits. By then, it would not be safe on the road. And just before I was about to leave, he stepped in front of the door. "How about a coffee - as a thank you?"

"No thank you," I quipped. "I've got to be on my way." Brynden nodded, and the girl only stared. Somehow I felt like I've seen her before... the tanned skin and blond flowing hair should be an indicator. But no matter; I don't remember most clients I work for, unless they're the big shots. The bald man moved out of the way, and I waved one last time. The sun was setting. But this time, I have a blade. But as I walked, I felt a sharp pain in my right knee, where the arrow hit. I limped, step by step.

Upon seeing this, Brynden offered to keep me in the house as a guest, and serve me coffee. I immediately refused both of his offers, and particularly worried with how hard he was trying to serve me coffee. Is he trying to poison me? "I understand you have good intentions," I had told him, "but you do not know just how suspicious that looks to somebody in my field." And so, with the rupees in a pouch of mine, and a blade in my hand, I set off, riding until Brynden's home appeared as nothing more than a shadow lost in the forest.

Jaylos

Through the door came the soft sound of a harp, playing a tune too familiar to forget. The Knight of Golden Hair. Hyrule Castle's thick walls muffled the sounds to my ears, but the voice came clearly, no doubt it was entertaining the guests downstairs, where the lords and ladies across the kingdom gathered for the New Dawn: a beginning of a new year. And it was only fitting that I should be celebrating downstairs with them; today was the day that I became Hyrule Castle's Master of the Law. A prestigious title, yes, but it only comes with stress, and so much work that I can't afford to wait until tomorrow.

And yet I longed to join the party, to laugh, chat, and dance. But I have work. The old Master of the Law retired at a most inopportune moment, where loose ends need to be tied. The current system of bringing citizens into Hyrule Castle and letting them out was a mess. Guards could be bribed and it was not common for a sole traveller to sneak past the guards while they occupied themselves with other people. I'll have to work with the Master of the Guard for this. He was the person who managed the Hylian Guards.

And what I found surprising, earlier in the day, was that the Master of the Guard was not a he, but a she, rather. I seem to recall her name being Impa Synth. She was diligent, hard-working, and like me, had a true passion for advancing the city into a new era. Impa had actually taken the time to visit me in the morning, something the other members of the Council did not do. But I take that as a sign that they also work just as hard as her. Are they at the party?

No matter; my office is spacious, books of all sorts lined up the shelves in the room, and I intend to make a name for myself. Janos Greenfield. The world will remember me. Normally, I could see a chandelier hanging from the ceiling when the door to my office is open. However, I kept it closed, largely because I wanted to drown out the merriment happening below me. I picked up the first document that laid on my desk. It was clearly meant for the former Master of the Law, but I doubt it was anything important. And so, I opened the envelope. It was a case on a serial killer. Within the past week, two deaths were killed, and witnesses claimed similar features between the killers...

"Welcome, Jaylos," a plump, tall man gave a smile as he entered the office. He eyed the books, and his smile diminished when he saw the document in front of me. The man was not in his prime physical condition, to say the least, and he had balded as well. Yet his smile was warm. "I trust that the old Master of the Law has warmed up the seat for you?"

I nodded, not sure of what to expect. I had never seen him before, although he seemed to know me. And instantly, three other people appeared behind him, each of them finely dressed in the finest materials their salary has to offer. Except for one of them, who still wore the armor. Of the four of them, I recognized Impa, leading me to believe that the other three were members of the Council. "You are-"

"Markis, my lord," the plump man smiled. Just as I thought. I had heard rumours of the Master of the Peace being a rather large man, but mainly in his width. The armored individual dwarfed him in size. Markis' hands were in his sleeve. "We are the Council, and are incredibly excited to bring you with us. I believe a more... proper, greeting is in order, no?"

"Indeed," one of them replied immediately, in the voice of a fox. She was slender; a beauty that many men would love to proclaim as theirs. Her hair was of a raven black, and eyes that were as blue as the ocean. I could not help but stare. Eventually, she did cough, and that brought me back to reality. I did mildly flush, although I doubt any of the others noticed. "My name is Gyla. I'm the Master of the Treasury." Gyla stretched out her hand, and shook mine.

Impa said a few things to the others, but I did not care listen. Instead, I focused on the man in the armour. He towered above everybody else in the room, perhaps at seven feet. "Jaylos," Markis said. "Come; your work will still be there tomorrow. Tonight, we shall feast, in toast to a good year." I nodded. In toast to a good year.

I hesitantly stood up from my chair, and placed the documents back in the envelope. The other four members of the Council had already left downstairs, while the night was still young. Yet here I was, planning on doing work on the happiest day of the year. And so, I headed downstairs as well, to the large hall, brimming with food on either side of it. There was bread and shrimp, and bass and chicken, and other delicacies only the richest could afford. In the middle of the large room was a fountain, and in front of it, a harp and its player.

Men and women alike conversed in the halls. Some danced, others laughed... I should be a part of that as well. Nonchalantly, I made my way to the shrimp, where the armoured man stood, as if he were a statue. "I presume that you are the Master of the Army?"

He simply nodded.

I sighed, as I doubted I could invoke a reaction out of him. Instead, I was given a plate of shrimp, with sauce drizzled over it. The girl serving shrimp was only one of dozens who were running around, providing the highborn men and ladies with food through the night.

The Crown spared no expense, I thought to myself. New rugs were placed on the floor, of intricate red and yellow colours. Even the walls were repainted a week prior, even though they were in perfectly good condition a year prior, which was the last time I visited Hyrule Castle. I used to work in Kakariko's Council, as the Master of the Laws there. Being on Hyrule Castle's Council was a step up, and one that I had always dreamed of, but never thought possible, until now. I intend to make a name for myself. The world will remember me forever.

And tonight is the first night of my duty. Hyrule Castle Town is my new home, and I'll do everything in my power to better it.

"I am quite... adept at reading the facial expressions of other people," a familiar voice said, coming behind me. I turned to face Markis. "All of us truly want to make a difference in this world. Especially in the beginning." His smile turned into a sad frown. "But I'm afraid that your efforts... will turn futile. The king that Hyrule needs is dead, his son is popular for his cruelness, to say the least. Oh, you must pardon me. This is not the way I should be speaking about the new King."

I did not mind; it is what is it. Armon is our new King, but an awful one at that. New spreads far and wide of his cruelty, and incapability as a leader. "It's fine," I told Markis. "On any other day, yes, it may be considered treason for the Council to speak negatively of the Crown." I gave a sly smile, "but today, we are not working as the Council. You said it yourself."

"You will be quite... a positive addition to the Council, I am sure of it. You blend in just fine. As I was saying, the King is cruel and unjust. His older sister, Zelda, is the Regent. However, she seems to pick up his traits. They say the worst children are the worst adults. The King holds true to that saying. The girl, however, was as innocent and sweet as a child could be. Yet now, she too remains cruel."

"Perhaps the burden of growing up left her bitter. Perhaps it is a phase," I suggested.

"Perhaps," he repeated. "Or perhaps she is scared of letting the country burn, and refuses to allow change. There are some who want to see the the world burn, and some who want to save it. She may want to save it, but she is afraid of making a mistake." Markis paused. "That's my thoughts anyways. And we may speak of this no more," he immediately added, his face darkening. "There are many men in this room who would gladly sell our conversation to the Regent for a price. And she herself is here as well. Let us move the conversation to another aspect, no?"

I once again glanced over my shoulder to see Gyla converse with Impa. Markis only smiled at me. "Many men are infatuated with her," the plump man said to me.

"Are you?"

He shook his head immediately. "No, no. She is quite young, twelve years younger than me. And... I never was fond of age distances when it comes to romance. She is young. And you are young. But too often does that lead people to believe that the same age leads to a good match. I've seen it too many times. But I digress," Markis gave a faint smile. "The more important reason that I do not conform myself with women is because I have a duty. A job. And a significant other simply takes too much away from my job."

Although his excuses are quite good, I did not buy it fully. Either Markis is telling the whole truth, or he is a dangerous liar. "And if you avoid such distractions, why would you take the time off for such a menial party?"

"This 'menial party' takes up one day of the year. A significant other might take up more of my time than that. Any other questions you'd like to ask? Or are you done questioning my honesty?"

I flushed, and it was rather obvious. Your fault for coming off so suspicious. But regardless, I was done with his games. And so, I took a step closer to him. He may have stood taller than me, but at this moment, I looked him in the eyes. "Threaten me again, and I will throw you out to the ocean."

Markis smiled as I spoke. He just shook his head, back, forth, back, forth... "The waves sink ships, the storms cast overhead, the big fish eat the little fish, and I... I keep on paddling. I have been paddling longer than I can remember, keeping myself afloat, while everything around me is swallowed by waves or eaten by fish bigger than themselves. Welcome to Hyrule Castle. Perhaps you can forgive me, for my... experiments. My duty revolves around information. The Master of the Army controls Hyrule's militia, you control the laws... I only have my wits."

I nodded. I'm not stupid. He had been attempting to play me as a fool this entire time. The whole conversation was him trying to piece together my personality, motives, ambitions, and other things... but what does he need that for?

I should have stopped talking right after he mentioned the King's incapability. Now he knows that I do not blindly follow the Crown. And he can use this information against me. Of course, I can use this information against him as well. But who would people believe? No doubt they would believe Markis before me; the man has already earned the trust of many men, men who do not observe his every move. Perhaps I should have stayed quiet to avoid his attention. A sudden wave of regret swept over me.

Markis was now talking and laughing with Impa and Gyla, although Impa did not seem to laugh. In fact, she did not appear to be enjoying the party at all. Neither am I. But while I am here, I might as well become more acquainted with the other members of the Council. Starting with the Master of the Army, who I referred to as the man in armour up until now. I intend to have a name for him. And just as I had expected, he was still there, right where I last saw him.

"You are the Master of the Army, correct? Sorry for asking again, but I just wanted assurances," I lightly laughed. He slowly nodded, but it was difficult to see his head move at all due to the heavy armour he wore on his body, including a full helmet with a single slit for seeing. "I don't recall having a name for you, and please, forgive, because I seem to have forgotten."

Then, the impossible - no, improbably happened: he spoke. His voice was gruff, unlike Markis' singsong voice, or my voice, which I perceive as perfectly average. "I didn't give you a name the first time we met," he said, his voice deep, and words as cold as ice. "My name is Thylo Moore."

"Well, pleased to meet you, Thylo." I smiled, and stretched a hand, waiting to shake his. However, he remained motionless. "It is quite hot in here, I would say. If you don't mind me asking, why do you wear a helmet?"

Thylo did not answer. Instead, he removed the helmet. I cringed at the sight of a scar that lined up across his face, and just missed his left eyeball by a hair. "That's why I wear a helmet."

"And why the armour, then?"

"It'll look pretty damn stupid if I wore an iron helmet and no armour to go with it. I kill, buddy," Thylo immediately said, possibly to scare. However, it proved to him as not being effective, because I did not do so much as move a hair. "Well, I used to kill. Now I train others to kill. That's what the Master of the Army does. Pleased to meet you, my lord," he said, gritting at the final two words.

"I'm no lord, merely a public servant," I immediately answered.

"It doesn't matter whether you own land or not, kid. All members of Hyrule Castle's Council are called lords," the man said, and walked forward to take a shrimp. Even though his hand was completely armoured, he did not let go of it. "Except me," Thylo sadistically smiled, "I'm no lord. You're thinking the same thing as well, aren't you?"

Already I grew tired of this conversation, and Thylo's attitude. Between his outward rudeness and Markis' games, the night left a sour taste in my mouth. Perhaps the group is more professional when they are working. Perhaps. I glared at Thylo again. "Do you think you scare me?"

"Listen, kid," he retorted, towering above me, his voice a growl. "I control every sword in the entire kingdom. And I myself tower above everybody I've ever seen. If you think you can come in here, demand my respect because you can read a damn piece of paper and write a letter, then you've got another thing coming."

I shook my head. "You don't scare me. You're filled with lies and empty threats, and you know it." My voice became louder. I should stop now. But I did not. "It's people like you who ruin everything for the majority, you know that?"

I expected a hundred things at this point. Somebody might appear behind me, and drag me off, or the same could happen to Thylo. Perhaps he would pull a blade on me. But, out of everything, he began to laugh. What?

"I may be a little drunk, just a heads up," he said. "But you've got guts, kid. I'll give you that. We're good?" He asked, stretching out his hand. I cautiously took it, and shook his hand.

The hall remained silent after that. Some people had been silent, watching the two of us nearly break into a fight. The silence passed on to others, who in turn, watched the argument. But when they realized no such fight was to happen, they once again conversed among themselves. I myself simply talked to Impa. However, midnight struck, as a loud bell struck in the clock tower just outside of the castle. It seemed like the entire city erupted into cheer simultaneously. Moments afterwards, Princess Zelda, the Regent of Hyrule Castle, appeared herself to the hall.

Some bowed in respect. I did not, however, and neither did Thylo, Gyla, or Markis. The Princess did not seem to mind, however. It's strange. I expected her to be carried in a small carriage by men the size of Thylo, the carriage itself made of the strongest velvet available. Instead, she appeared on foot, with no guards.

"The celebration for the New Dawn has come to an end," she announced. "But, of course, you may stay as long as you like. Food will still be served for the next hour, and I ask of you to take as much as you can. Of course, anything remaining will be thrown out."

"Why not feed the homeless children with the extra food?" I thought to myself. And instantly, several dozen eyes laid upon me, including Princess Zelda's.

Damn.

Did I really say that out loud? I instantly flushed, and some people started to snicker, others talked quietly. The Princess Zelda, Regent of Hyrule Castle, simply looked blank, however. "I beg your pardon?" She asked.

My thoughts are out there now. Can't take them back without sounding even more stupid. "Y-yes," I said, stammering. "There are many children starving in the streets, and the food we provide can help them immensely, Your Grace."

She shook her head. "And if we feed them today, they will ask for food tomorrow. We will not have the food tomorrow. And then, they will riot. We cannot afford that, can we?"

Lies.

"I suppose not. Thank you for enlightening me. Your wisdom is unmatched, Your Grace," I said, drone, as if I was taught to say these things. Some people laughed, other people smiled, but nevertheless, I felt embarrassed, at the minimum.

"But thank you for the idea. I hope to continue to earn your trust... pardons, but what is your name? I cannot recall you," Princess Zelda asked.

"I am Jaylos Greenfield, Hyrule Castle's new Master of the Law," I said. Instantly, the smug smiles on people's faces vanished. That's right; I'm not the court fool. I'm more important than the lot of you. Of course, that, I remembered not to say out loud. But this time, I was the one with a smug smile upon my face. Because, at that moment, I realized that I had the potential to be feared. But, I must remain humble. Lest I become mad with power.

"Thank you for the suggestion, Lord Jaylos," she said. I nodded. "May you prosper as the new Master of the Law. That is a demanding position, I must warn you, but you seem to have the drive for it. I thank you for the services you have done thus far, and will do in the future."

"I don't know whether to compliment you on questioning the Princess' commands out loud, or berate you for the textbook apology you gave afterwards," Thylo whispered to me. I nudged him to remain quiet.

Princess Zelda clearly noticed, and spoke, "Lord Thylo, do you have anything to add?"

The burly man only smiled. "Of course I have something to add; I always have something to add. But I'd best keep my mouth shut, Your Grace."

She seemed to enjoy his crude sense of humour, judging by her laughter. And shortly afterwards, she left, and so did half of the guests. They must have gotten what they wanted, which is the free food. But I stayed, and so did Thylo. "I've answered every question you've had for me," Thylo eventually said as we walked, watching the servants clean up the hall. "What's your goal of being here? Princess Zelda said that the Master of the Law is a demanding position. And it is true. The last Master left because of the workload. So why are you so eager for it?"

I paused. Truth be told, I never asked myself that particular question. Sure, I've asked myself hundreds of questions that are similar, but why would I go through nights without sleep? What do I want to do so badly that I would accept this job? Then the answer dawned upon me.

I stopped walking, and Thylo stopped as well. I turned to face him, and looked the larger man in the eyes. "I am the hero that Hyrule Castle Town needs. I intend to fix the city of its mistakes. Make a name for myself." I paused. "I intend to do justice."

~End Chapter~

Author's Notes:

Sometimes, I did worry that this story strayed away from the Zelda universe. The whole concept of the Council is completely original (I think?), but Zelda's little brother is apparently factual, but no personality has been given to him. Darn, I didn't include him in this chapter. Oh well.

As I was saying, this seems a little too AU for my liking. But there are some familiar faces (Zelda, Link, and Impa, although Impa hasn't really been seen in detail yet), and in time, more characters will appear, including Rusl, Colin (I hope), and a characterization of Tetra. I do feel kind of bad for not sticking to the source material as much as I should have, but whatever.

Another problem that I have is that I'm not sure where I'm going with the POV characters. Of course, Link will always be a POV character, but I don't want Zelda to be one, as that ruins the mystery behind her, in my opinion. But what I'm thinking of doing is alternating the POV characters between all of the Council members. This chapter, the Council member that you saw the story from was Jaylos. Next chapter might be from the POV of Thylo, for instance. It will be interesting to see how the Council members view each other, instead of how Jaylos views each of them. But at the same time, it ruins the mystery of people like Markis, who I really want to keep as a mysterious person at the same time. I'd love to hear about your opinion on which way I should take: dynamic (ever-changing) POV characters, or the same POV characters the entire story.

I also did try fairly hard to breathe life into these characters, but I'm afraid that that's one of my weaknesses. However, I think I did justice in portraying Link and Jaylos. In this version, Link is rude, unyielding, and lacks passion, which are traits that really lend themselves to strong character development as the story progresses onward. I did not talk as much about Link's history as I would have liked, largely because that's for another scene starring Link, that I did not write because this chapter is a little too long as it is. The other character is my OC, Jaylos. He's a man of honour, and more of a stupid honour than anything else, where he says some regretful things without thinking when other people insult him. But at the same time, he is highly competent. Jaylos is incredibly idealistic, which is a trait that is usually found in antagonists, which, in my mind, makes him unique. He strongly believes in doing the right thing, and that he is the one who will save a declining Hyrule.

The first scene starring Link may seem fairly useless, but it does have some importance. Elia, the fugitive girl Link smuggled out of Hyrule Castle will have some importance, and be instrumental in changing who Link is.

As of this chapter, there are two separate stories. There is the one of Jaylos and his crusade for justice, and one about Link's illegal operations. These stories will entwine, probably starting next chapter. And the scene discussed in the prologue does have importance, mind you. Three major characters will appear from it, during Link's scene next chapter.

That was quite a long author's note, but I think I'm done. And the fact that you've made it this far means that you're probably interested in this story, so I'd love for your feedback.

Stay awesome!

Perpetual Darkness Document 001:
Hylian Geography

Hyrule is divided into four regions: the Mudlands (to the west of Hyrule Castle Town), the Highlands (north of Hyrule Castle Town), the Desertlands (east of Hyrule Castle Town), and the Forestlands (to the south). Beyond the Mudlands is a range of mountains, known as the Yori-Amas. Farther west is Termina. The Yori-Amas include Snowpeak and Goron Mountain, among other major mountains.

Perpetual Darkness Document 002:
Hyrule Castle's Court

There are five positions in Hyrule Castle's court, who look after the entire kingdom. Firstly, there is the king. The King of Hyrule is usually oldest male in the family. However, the King may not be of age, and so, there is a regent who does the King's job for him. In this case, the Regent is Princess Zelda, the King's older sister. Under the King and Regent are five positions of the Council, who operate the kingdom in the name of the King. Firstly, the Master of the Laws is the one who creates new laws, most passing through the king, or in this story, the regent. Secondly, there is the Master of the Guards, who oversees the Hylian Guards (who are essentially the police). Thirdly, there is the Master of the Treasury, who keeps Hyrule Castle Town out of the red in a financial standpoint. Fourthly, there is the Master of Piece, who handles international affairs. Finally, there is the Master of the Army, who watches over the entire kingdom's army.

King: Armon
Regent: Zelda
Master of the Law: Jaylos Greenfield
Master of the Guard: Impa Synth
Master of the Treasury: Gyla Nonsen
Master of the Peace: Markis Halbert
Master of the Army: Thylo Moore