Chapter Four
The Banquet
Hearing Zelda shout, Impa came in the toom to find out what was upsetting the princess. She found her pacing aimelessly around the room.
"What's the matter? Did the meeting go alright?" asked Impa. "Come here and sit down. There' no use in getting yourself upset, it won't help you."
The girl suddenly came running into the Sheikah's arms and burst into tears. Impa put her arms around her, and tried to comfort her. Deep down Impa began to worry. In the nine years of her life, Zelda had never cried like this.
"I hate it!" the princess said between sobs.
"Hate what?" asked Impa softly.
"Being a princess! I don't want to be trophy that a man can show around as his prize. I don't want to keep my mouth shut and do what I am told. I want to be with other children my age, and start acting like one! And I don't want to have anything to do with that Gerudo man!"
Not being used to an outburst, Impa stayed silent and held on to thesobbing child. A long moment passed before the girl wiped her tears with her hankercheif.
"What exactly happened?" asked the Sheikah woman.
"...I don't really know," Zelda answered in a small voice. "...I must have panicked seeing him."
"Seeing who?" Impa asked gently.
"The man with the horse from my dream."
"You saw him? Where?" asked Impa surprised.
"In my father's office...Do you know of the Gerudo man who is here about the trade?"
"Yes. I've heard of him, I think his name is Ganondorf. I heard he arrived early this morning but I haven't seen him yet...He's the one isn't he?"
Zelda nodded. "When I saw him suddenly felt very uncomfortable. I felt angry, fear, and panick all at once. Something was telling me I should run and get away as far as possible from him, but I couldn't...He did something to my father, I just know it. He cast a spell on him, I felt it!" Zelda looked up to Impa with tears in her eyes. "Please Impa!" he said trembling. "Promise me you won't let anything happen!"
"I made a promise long ago to your parents the day you were born, to raise and educate you. But that day I also promised to you as I held you in my arms for the first time, to protect you as long as I live."
Zelda smiled a little and hugged her nanny. "Thank you Impa...."
Zelda looked through her closet at all the dresses. Most children her age were lucky to have three different dresses, yet she had thirteen. She had always wondered how the nobility, even her own parents, could spend so much money on unimportant things like clothes.
After a long look she finally opted for a very plain blue dress and slipped it over her underdress. She sat down at her vanity table and brushed her hair. Usually Impa did it for her because her long hair took such a long time to brush, but this time she wanted to do it on her own.
"After all, a normal child would brush her own hair," she had said to her nanny.
"I have to face it..." Zelda said outloud as she put the brush down and looked at herself in the mirror. "...I am no ordinary child, I am a princess."
From outside she heard a soldier call out the hour. Seventeen o'clock. The girl sighed, it was time already. Impa came to get her and bring her to the banquet hall.
Zelda remembered a time when she longed to be a grown up. Now that the time was finally nearing she wished she could go back to the careless days, she mused as she dragged her feet in the hallway. Zelda sighed and prayed that no one will speak to her tonight, especially not that Gerudo man.
But what if the other man as there tonight? Zelda smiled to herself and let her hand slide lightly on th bannister as she went down the stairs. Perhaps he would intervene if that evil man spoke to her.
Music made it's way to the girl's ears as they approached the hall. The ministrals had already tuned their instruments and had started to play. Zelda groaned, she was late.
Impa opened the heavy oak doors and they went in as the caller announced them. The king glared at them from the high table. People stopped their conversations to see who was the late comer.The queen just shook her head disappointedly, silently reminding Zelda the most important rule. Never be late.
Impa whispered words of encouragement and left. Zelda took a few steps and formally apologized to everyone for being late. She heard a few people say comments on how cute she looked and what a splendid child the king had before people resumed their conversations. At least they forgive me, Zelda thought. She advanced towards the high table. Part from the royal family, Hyrule's highest ranking nobles and their ladies sat there and any other guests of honor. And tonight Ganondorf Dragmire and a middle-aged Gerudo lady held the priveledge of being guests of honor. Ganondorf sat to the right of the king and grinned at the approaching girl. In contrast to Ganondorf, the woman who accompanied him gave her a warm smile and Zelda immediately recognized a friendly spirit within the stranger that strangely reminded her of Impa.
Zelda stopped in front of the dias and curtised to her royal parents, avoiding making eye contact. She then formally greeted each Lord and Lady at the table. Once the protocol was done with, Zelda took her seat at her mother's side.
"You are late young lady! I hope you have a good excuse," scolded the queen.
"Yes my Lady mother. I was unwell this afternoon and had to rest," quickly answered Zelda with the first thing that came to mind.
"In that case I shall drink to your health my Lady," said the Gerudo leader. "I hope that you are well enough to stay the whole evening."
"I shall try," Zelda simply answered. She caught the disgusted look of the Gerudo Lady aimed at Ganondorf. I have a feeling she doesn't like him at all, thought Zelda to herself.
Throughout the meal Zelda stayed silent and listened to the idle conversations around her. Better to be bored than to be stuck having to dance, she thought. She dreaded the moment the meal finished and the dancing would begin. How could people stand to do all of this. She rathered go up to her room and read a book. All of this ceremony just for the conclusion of a trade, was this really necessary or was there something else behind this?
The dreaded moment arrived and the servants began to clear the tables. The ministrals began playing more lively tunes both Hylian and last minute learned Gerudo ones. Some couples got up and the dancing began. In the space of twenty minutes, Zelda found herself alone with the Gerudo Lady. Zelda starred at the dancers for a few minutes and began tp prepare her escape. She stayed surprised when the Lady came and sat beside her.
"Aren't you a little young to be staying up this late?" she asked with a smile.
Zelda immediatly took a liking to the stranger. "I'll be ten in three months."
"Oh my, really? I thought you were much younger than that. My name is Nabouru. Your name is Zelda correct?"
Zelda found it strange that this person wasn't adressing her as the protocol would have, but didn't mind at all. She was happy to have someone to talk to.
"Yes it is...Are you related to Ganondorf?"
The woman laughed. "Oh no, not at all. I'm the second in command of the Gerudo tribe, but I have no familly ties with him what so ever."
"So then that would have made you the leader before Ganondorf became an adult..."
"That is correct. You sure know a lot about our culture for one so young."
"Father made a point that I learn about all the tribes living in Hyrule."
The Gerudo woman suddenly got very close to her. "If you want to continue learning about all of them I would suggest you hide the Ocarina Of Time very well."
Before Zelda could react Nabouru got up and joined the dancers. Zelda stayed puzzled. What did she mean by if I wanted to continue learning, wondered the child. She suddenly felt like she should leave and find the Royal Treasure right away and hide it. Nabouru had unlocked the key and she suddenly realized what was going on. What Nabouru had said was in fact a warning.
The music finished and a gerudo tune began. From the corner of his eyes he had seen Nabouru speak to the child princess and head for the dancers. He caught up to her and grabbed her by the arm. Nabouru gave him a defying look.
"I was not heading towards you my Lord but the gentleman over there," Nabouru calmly said.
Ganondorf glarred at her and released her arm, well aware of what Nabouru was trying to do. He glanced at th princess getting up and head for the door.
"But if you want I can dance with you my Lord," Nabouru quickly said hoping to gain time for the princess to leave.
Ganondorf ignored her and walked fast to stop the child from leaving. Before Nabouru could stop him she was dragged into the dancing croud.
"Are you unwell my Lady?"
Recognizing Ganondorf's voice, Zelda quickly turned around. "I am well hank you. I am just a little tired that is all," answered Zelda as fear began to take hold of her.
"Then in that case would it be to much to ask for this dance before you retire for the evening?"
The request took her by surprise which amused Ganondorf. Zelda glanced around her and saw that her father was watching them and giving her a stern look as he nodded. Zelda swallowed down her fear, she was trapped. She could see the punishment in her father's eyes if she chose to refuse, so Zelda simply nodded and silently followed the Gerudo man.
As they dance Zelda caught a glimpse of Nabouru giving her a sympathetic smile. The mission would have to wait.
"Have your parents told you the good news yet?" Ganondorf suddenly asked.
"What news?" Zelda asked nervously.
"As of today I shall be your suitor."
The girl nearly tripped upon hearing this. She had avoided to look directly at him up till now, but suddenly found herself looking at him in the eyes as if hypnotized. Her fingers sudenly felt numb and her arms began to tingle. Anger and disgust suddenly overwelmed her and gave her the strength to break the spell.
She took her hands out of his and stepped back so quickly, that Ganondorf stayed surprised. He hadn't expected the child to resist. After all her parents had fallen under his power so easily. They looked at each other in the eye waiting to see whou would move first.
"You're a liar!" shouted the princess.
The people around them stopped dancing and turned to look at them. The ministrals seeing that something was going on stopped playing their instruments. The king and queen shocked by the attitude of their daughter, stayed still. The king fought the urge to beat his child for costing him a political ally, imagining that the Gerudo leader would surely cancel the trade after being called a liar.
"You aren't here just because of a trade agreement or an engagement. You're here for something else!" the princess continued.
Nabouru watched the scene between the Hylian child and the Gerudo man with interest. The girl has wisdom beyond her age, thought Nabouru. She has already figured out what Ganondorf's intentions are. She must have known that the Ocarina Of Time isn't just a royal heirloom. Nabouru chose this moment to leave the room and lock herself in her guest chamber. Surely Ganondorf will come after her since he had seen her talk to Zelda, when she had been instructed not to speak to anyone.
Bewildered, Ganondorf stepped back with a mock shocked expression. Did the child truly know what he was after? Nabouru must have told her of his intentions to overthrow the royal family and become the sole ruler of Hyrule and finding the Triforce. For now he must convince everyone that the child was delerious, he would have to deal with Nabouru later.
"You're here for evil ambitions, and I will not let you have it!" Zelda shouted.
People began talking at once and looked at Ganondorf.
"You're after the Ocarina Of Time!"
"What? What are you talking about my Lady? Are you sure you are well?" was all that Ganondorf managed to say. How did that blasted child know!
At this point Impa ran into the room. She had been told by a mysterious Gerudo Lady that Zelda was in danger. What she saw before her was a crowed gathered around her little Zelda, and the Gerudo man. Evidently something had happen between them.
The king no longer able to control his anger advanced towards his daughter. "Do you even know what you are accusing Lord Ganondorf?" he asked as he grabbed her arm.
With her energy gone, Zelda simply wanted to forget the whole thing and leave as fast as possible. She now regretted her accusation, and stood silent.
"It's alright your Majesty. I think your daughter is still unwell," Ganondorf said as he picked up the unsuspecting child. Zelda not daring to move simply let him as he put his hand over her forehead. "She's delerious caused by a fever. She should rest."
"Very well then," the king said. "Impa bring her to her chamber," the king ordered as he noticed the Sheikah woman.
Ganondorf put down the child, who ran to her nanny. Impa noticed the evil glare he gave to the princess as they left and the music resumed.
Once inside the princess's chamber Impa quickly closed the door and locked it. Zelda crawled onto her bed.
"What exactly happened? A Gerudo Lady came to find me and told me you were in danger," said a worried Impa.
As Zelda explained Impa's worried face quikly turned to a look of fear.
"You shouldn't have done that Zelda. You should have said nothing...Now he'll be watching your every move and if you interfere again he'll have you killed suitor or not!"
"Cn you please leave, Impa?" she asked in a small voice. "I want to be alone. I need to figure out what I should do now."
"You know I can't do that. Not after what just happened..." Impa stopped short. The girl had fallen unconscious.
The Banquet
Hearing Zelda shout, Impa came in the toom to find out what was upsetting the princess. She found her pacing aimelessly around the room.
"What's the matter? Did the meeting go alright?" asked Impa. "Come here and sit down. There' no use in getting yourself upset, it won't help you."
The girl suddenly came running into the Sheikah's arms and burst into tears. Impa put her arms around her, and tried to comfort her. Deep down Impa began to worry. In the nine years of her life, Zelda had never cried like this.
"I hate it!" the princess said between sobs.
"Hate what?" asked Impa softly.
"Being a princess! I don't want to be trophy that a man can show around as his prize. I don't want to keep my mouth shut and do what I am told. I want to be with other children my age, and start acting like one! And I don't want to have anything to do with that Gerudo man!"
Not being used to an outburst, Impa stayed silent and held on to thesobbing child. A long moment passed before the girl wiped her tears with her hankercheif.
"What exactly happened?" asked the Sheikah woman.
"...I don't really know," Zelda answered in a small voice. "...I must have panicked seeing him."
"Seeing who?" Impa asked gently.
"The man with the horse from my dream."
"You saw him? Where?" asked Impa surprised.
"In my father's office...Do you know of the Gerudo man who is here about the trade?"
"Yes. I've heard of him, I think his name is Ganondorf. I heard he arrived early this morning but I haven't seen him yet...He's the one isn't he?"
Zelda nodded. "When I saw him suddenly felt very uncomfortable. I felt angry, fear, and panick all at once. Something was telling me I should run and get away as far as possible from him, but I couldn't...He did something to my father, I just know it. He cast a spell on him, I felt it!" Zelda looked up to Impa with tears in her eyes. "Please Impa!" he said trembling. "Promise me you won't let anything happen!"
"I made a promise long ago to your parents the day you were born, to raise and educate you. But that day I also promised to you as I held you in my arms for the first time, to protect you as long as I live."
Zelda smiled a little and hugged her nanny. "Thank you Impa...."
Zelda looked through her closet at all the dresses. Most children her age were lucky to have three different dresses, yet she had thirteen. She had always wondered how the nobility, even her own parents, could spend so much money on unimportant things like clothes.
After a long look she finally opted for a very plain blue dress and slipped it over her underdress. She sat down at her vanity table and brushed her hair. Usually Impa did it for her because her long hair took such a long time to brush, but this time she wanted to do it on her own.
"After all, a normal child would brush her own hair," she had said to her nanny.
"I have to face it..." Zelda said outloud as she put the brush down and looked at herself in the mirror. "...I am no ordinary child, I am a princess."
From outside she heard a soldier call out the hour. Seventeen o'clock. The girl sighed, it was time already. Impa came to get her and bring her to the banquet hall.
Zelda remembered a time when she longed to be a grown up. Now that the time was finally nearing she wished she could go back to the careless days, she mused as she dragged her feet in the hallway. Zelda sighed and prayed that no one will speak to her tonight, especially not that Gerudo man.
But what if the other man as there tonight? Zelda smiled to herself and let her hand slide lightly on th bannister as she went down the stairs. Perhaps he would intervene if that evil man spoke to her.
Music made it's way to the girl's ears as they approached the hall. The ministrals had already tuned their instruments and had started to play. Zelda groaned, she was late.
Impa opened the heavy oak doors and they went in as the caller announced them. The king glared at them from the high table. People stopped their conversations to see who was the late comer.The queen just shook her head disappointedly, silently reminding Zelda the most important rule. Never be late.
Impa whispered words of encouragement and left. Zelda took a few steps and formally apologized to everyone for being late. She heard a few people say comments on how cute she looked and what a splendid child the king had before people resumed their conversations. At least they forgive me, Zelda thought. She advanced towards the high table. Part from the royal family, Hyrule's highest ranking nobles and their ladies sat there and any other guests of honor. And tonight Ganondorf Dragmire and a middle-aged Gerudo lady held the priveledge of being guests of honor. Ganondorf sat to the right of the king and grinned at the approaching girl. In contrast to Ganondorf, the woman who accompanied him gave her a warm smile and Zelda immediately recognized a friendly spirit within the stranger that strangely reminded her of Impa.
Zelda stopped in front of the dias and curtised to her royal parents, avoiding making eye contact. She then formally greeted each Lord and Lady at the table. Once the protocol was done with, Zelda took her seat at her mother's side.
"You are late young lady! I hope you have a good excuse," scolded the queen.
"Yes my Lady mother. I was unwell this afternoon and had to rest," quickly answered Zelda with the first thing that came to mind.
"In that case I shall drink to your health my Lady," said the Gerudo leader. "I hope that you are well enough to stay the whole evening."
"I shall try," Zelda simply answered. She caught the disgusted look of the Gerudo Lady aimed at Ganondorf. I have a feeling she doesn't like him at all, thought Zelda to herself.
Throughout the meal Zelda stayed silent and listened to the idle conversations around her. Better to be bored than to be stuck having to dance, she thought. She dreaded the moment the meal finished and the dancing would begin. How could people stand to do all of this. She rathered go up to her room and read a book. All of this ceremony just for the conclusion of a trade, was this really necessary or was there something else behind this?
The dreaded moment arrived and the servants began to clear the tables. The ministrals began playing more lively tunes both Hylian and last minute learned Gerudo ones. Some couples got up and the dancing began. In the space of twenty minutes, Zelda found herself alone with the Gerudo Lady. Zelda starred at the dancers for a few minutes and began tp prepare her escape. She stayed surprised when the Lady came and sat beside her.
"Aren't you a little young to be staying up this late?" she asked with a smile.
Zelda immediatly took a liking to the stranger. "I'll be ten in three months."
"Oh my, really? I thought you were much younger than that. My name is Nabouru. Your name is Zelda correct?"
Zelda found it strange that this person wasn't adressing her as the protocol would have, but didn't mind at all. She was happy to have someone to talk to.
"Yes it is...Are you related to Ganondorf?"
The woman laughed. "Oh no, not at all. I'm the second in command of the Gerudo tribe, but I have no familly ties with him what so ever."
"So then that would have made you the leader before Ganondorf became an adult..."
"That is correct. You sure know a lot about our culture for one so young."
"Father made a point that I learn about all the tribes living in Hyrule."
The Gerudo woman suddenly got very close to her. "If you want to continue learning about all of them I would suggest you hide the Ocarina Of Time very well."
Before Zelda could react Nabouru got up and joined the dancers. Zelda stayed puzzled. What did she mean by if I wanted to continue learning, wondered the child. She suddenly felt like she should leave and find the Royal Treasure right away and hide it. Nabouru had unlocked the key and she suddenly realized what was going on. What Nabouru had said was in fact a warning.
The music finished and a gerudo tune began. From the corner of his eyes he had seen Nabouru speak to the child princess and head for the dancers. He caught up to her and grabbed her by the arm. Nabouru gave him a defying look.
"I was not heading towards you my Lord but the gentleman over there," Nabouru calmly said.
Ganondorf glarred at her and released her arm, well aware of what Nabouru was trying to do. He glanced at th princess getting up and head for the door.
"But if you want I can dance with you my Lord," Nabouru quickly said hoping to gain time for the princess to leave.
Ganondorf ignored her and walked fast to stop the child from leaving. Before Nabouru could stop him she was dragged into the dancing croud.
"Are you unwell my Lady?"
Recognizing Ganondorf's voice, Zelda quickly turned around. "I am well hank you. I am just a little tired that is all," answered Zelda as fear began to take hold of her.
"Then in that case would it be to much to ask for this dance before you retire for the evening?"
The request took her by surprise which amused Ganondorf. Zelda glanced around her and saw that her father was watching them and giving her a stern look as he nodded. Zelda swallowed down her fear, she was trapped. She could see the punishment in her father's eyes if she chose to refuse, so Zelda simply nodded and silently followed the Gerudo man.
As they dance Zelda caught a glimpse of Nabouru giving her a sympathetic smile. The mission would have to wait.
"Have your parents told you the good news yet?" Ganondorf suddenly asked.
"What news?" Zelda asked nervously.
"As of today I shall be your suitor."
The girl nearly tripped upon hearing this. She had avoided to look directly at him up till now, but suddenly found herself looking at him in the eyes as if hypnotized. Her fingers sudenly felt numb and her arms began to tingle. Anger and disgust suddenly overwelmed her and gave her the strength to break the spell.
She took her hands out of his and stepped back so quickly, that Ganondorf stayed surprised. He hadn't expected the child to resist. After all her parents had fallen under his power so easily. They looked at each other in the eye waiting to see whou would move first.
"You're a liar!" shouted the princess.
The people around them stopped dancing and turned to look at them. The ministrals seeing that something was going on stopped playing their instruments. The king and queen shocked by the attitude of their daughter, stayed still. The king fought the urge to beat his child for costing him a political ally, imagining that the Gerudo leader would surely cancel the trade after being called a liar.
"You aren't here just because of a trade agreement or an engagement. You're here for something else!" the princess continued.
Nabouru watched the scene between the Hylian child and the Gerudo man with interest. The girl has wisdom beyond her age, thought Nabouru. She has already figured out what Ganondorf's intentions are. She must have known that the Ocarina Of Time isn't just a royal heirloom. Nabouru chose this moment to leave the room and lock herself in her guest chamber. Surely Ganondorf will come after her since he had seen her talk to Zelda, when she had been instructed not to speak to anyone.
Bewildered, Ganondorf stepped back with a mock shocked expression. Did the child truly know what he was after? Nabouru must have told her of his intentions to overthrow the royal family and become the sole ruler of Hyrule and finding the Triforce. For now he must convince everyone that the child was delerious, he would have to deal with Nabouru later.
"You're here for evil ambitions, and I will not let you have it!" Zelda shouted.
People began talking at once and looked at Ganondorf.
"You're after the Ocarina Of Time!"
"What? What are you talking about my Lady? Are you sure you are well?" was all that Ganondorf managed to say. How did that blasted child know!
At this point Impa ran into the room. She had been told by a mysterious Gerudo Lady that Zelda was in danger. What she saw before her was a crowed gathered around her little Zelda, and the Gerudo man. Evidently something had happen between them.
The king no longer able to control his anger advanced towards his daughter. "Do you even know what you are accusing Lord Ganondorf?" he asked as he grabbed her arm.
With her energy gone, Zelda simply wanted to forget the whole thing and leave as fast as possible. She now regretted her accusation, and stood silent.
"It's alright your Majesty. I think your daughter is still unwell," Ganondorf said as he picked up the unsuspecting child. Zelda not daring to move simply let him as he put his hand over her forehead. "She's delerious caused by a fever. She should rest."
"Very well then," the king said. "Impa bring her to her chamber," the king ordered as he noticed the Sheikah woman.
Ganondorf put down the child, who ran to her nanny. Impa noticed the evil glare he gave to the princess as they left and the music resumed.
Once inside the princess's chamber Impa quickly closed the door and locked it. Zelda crawled onto her bed.
"What exactly happened? A Gerudo Lady came to find me and told me you were in danger," said a worried Impa.
As Zelda explained Impa's worried face quikly turned to a look of fear.
"You shouldn't have done that Zelda. You should have said nothing...Now he'll be watching your every move and if you interfere again he'll have you killed suitor or not!"
"Cn you please leave, Impa?" she asked in a small voice. "I want to be alone. I need to figure out what I should do now."
"You know I can't do that. Not after what just happened..." Impa stopped short. The girl had fallen unconscious.