Hyrule Castle

Castle Town was much like Link had remembered it, except for the lack of the many booths and people that cluttered the streets during the festival. Link was disappointed to see that the people in Castle Town today all seemed to be Hylian. He did not let that bother him for long however. His eyes were as wide as ever as he traveled through the streets past lovers, children, and the occasional yapping dog. It was a straight shot through the town to the Castle, and Link strayed little from the wide brick road.

Talon had dropped him off at his small milk booth with a blessing of good luck and a fist full of rupies. Link had refused at first but the man would not take no for an answer. The boy thanked him politely then smiled, feeling confidant that they would meet again soon.

As he passed by the few street vendors, Link stopped to look at a booth that sold hats. He thought about how cramped Navi was in his small pouch and how fond she was of clinging to his hair.

How about it? He asked, What do you say to hiding under a hat?

As long as there is plenty of room. She replied somewhat harassed.

Link laughed and bought a long pointed green hat, to mach his tunic. Navi quickly zipped out of the small pouch and into the hat.

How is it?

Much better, you look like a traveling minstrel though.

Minstrel?

Their musicians. They play instruments and sing songs.

Link caressed the ocarina in his pack. Well I am a musician. I guess it suits me then.

Tinkling laughter came from his head. You are a bit young. Link shrugged and continued on to the Castle gates.

"Oi, I wont let you in and that's that!" The guard stood his ground spike in head. "Children are not allowed on castle grounds without proper supervision."

"I told you, my father is already inside." The guard said nothing, dismissing the small boy with his eyes. Link sighed and began to walk away.

What was he to do? He could not show the man the large green stone that was the cause of the meeting with the princess. He had a feeling that it was not to be shown to anyone but the princess. No, he had to think of something else.

The Castle was build upon the top of a great hill. The brick laid road that led to it was cut into the hills forming great cliffs to either side. This was for defensive purposes. The only way to the castle was through those gates.

Link! The vine! Navi had come out from his hat and had sat on his shoulder. When she noticed the vines that grew up the cliff surface she tugged hard on his ear. When link saw them he smiled.

Brilliant!

The young boy had always been a fair climber. It was part of being a Kokiri. There were several obstacles to climb in the Kokiri forest town. Especially as most Kokiri find homes in the high branches of the trees. Link was no exception. Nimbly he placed one leather booted shoe in a foot hold and gripped a small vine with one hand. Before he knew it he was halfway up the cliff face, having almost fallen only once.

When he made it to the top he looked around the hills happily. There seemed to be a good many guards stationed around the area but he was good at hiding from view. Link knew somehow that Navi could not make him disappear as the other Kokiri children did. He had been most looking forward to that particular perk but he realized, standing there in the tall grass, that Navi was not there for life guardianship, merely for a short time companionship. He looked to her and smiled as she hovered in the air observing the surroundings. As annoying as she could be, she was really quite wonderful.

The fairy turned her blazing green eyes in his direction and thought to him sweetly, I will miss you too. But the fun's not over yet. With that she took off forward, Link fallowing.

He was scanning the area for guards he may have missed, when Link's eyes crossed over a curiously shaped stone. He walked toward it with growing interest.

I have seen these before, in the forest though they were mostly covered in vines. Navi came closer to see what the boy was talking about.

The stone was cut roughly in a pointed shape that had rounded with time, and bore an elaborate picture of a weeping eye that had long since eroded to the point of hard recognition. However the engraving was cut deep and, as Link had seen the design before, he placed it instantly.

That is the same design the woman from the castle wore on her clothes.

What does it mean?

Link shrugged and examined it placing his hands on it. The gaze of the eye seemed to bore into him as though it was important that he understand what it was.

Well, according to its shadow I would say the time is late. Navi said airily, you need to get into that castle.

Link nodded and walked on. This is odd, I don't know how to break into a castle.

That's why I am here to help you. There! She pointed to a fountain of water that fell from the mouth of a wild face carved in to the wall. That must be the waterway. She flew to it, and then into the hole before Link could stop her. He waited there for a moment watching as the water flowed down decorative stones and into the moat. Finally after too long, a bright light was seen dashing out of the stone mouth and directly at the young boy.

It is the waterway, It leads directly into the castle. She swirled around him in concentration then said, Yes I believe you will fit just fine, let's go!

In there!? Navi was already rushing off, Link had no choice but to follower her. He looked around carefully before entering the shallow pool of the moat and then nimbly climbed the stones into the gaping mouth.

The tunnel was quite small and hard to maneuver. Link could hardly keep his eyes open because of the spray of water. He moved as quickly as he could, wishing to emerge as soon as possible. When he saw light up ahead he thanked the goddesses. Navi was waiting for him in a beautiful garden, hovering over the pool of water. He stood dripping and was about to cough before he noticed the guard standing with his back toward them, not far away. The cough turned into a small snort which went unheard.

Now what?

How are we going to find her in such a large castle? Navi was gawking at the gardens and then to the walls past them. Link shook his head.

Breaking in was your idea.

Oh so you wanted to fight with the soldier all night then? She reciprocated.

Rather that than getting thrown in a dungeon.

Navi's wings began to glow slightly pink. Link decided that frustrating her was not the best option. With the shadows lengthening he had an idea.

Get in my hat. Navi did so without complaint, and the Link began to creep toward the shadows. He walked slowly and low to the ground all the time watching the soldier. He continued on in this matter looking for a way to enter the actual castle.

I have gone as far as I can go. Navi poked her head out from under the hat and looked around.

There! She said pointing.

Where? Link snapped unable to see where she was talking about.

That hedge corridor. Not quite sure what she was talking about the Kokiri boy began creeping between two tall pillars of a leafy bush. As he neared a turn he saw a shadow creeping ahead, and instead of turning right dodged forward continuing down a pathway. Reaching the end he found a right turn but no exit.

This is turning into a maze. Navi's head was still peeking out from under the hat. Link sighed and turned back the way he had come to see a soldier walked away down the path where he had entered. Turning left down the other path then left again he found himself once more in the presence of a soldier.

The armored man was turned away guarding what looked to be the exit to the maze. Link desperately wanted out but did not know what to do.

Give me a moment. Navi once more slipped out of his hat before he could stop her and flew up and to the right. Link noticed that she hovered for a moment trying to catch the guard's attention. He could only wish that it would work. After a moment the guard turned his head and walked slowly toward Navi who, in turn began to fly slowly away. Link took this chance to creep silently past the guard toward the exit.

Once he was out Link checked the area quickly then pressed himself against the wall to catch his breath. Navi flew out of the path moments later tinkling her small fairy laugh.

He was so funny. Where to now? Link pointed to a stone arch that seemed to be the entrance to another gardenlike area.

It looks like that is connected to the castle, see? Navi nodded and flew toward it, the young boy close behind. Rounding the corner Link stopped abruptly gasping. The archway opened into a large square garden brimming with beautiful flowers, and running with clear streams. Through the tall grasses and flowers was a stone cobbled path that led to a rounded stairway, and upon the stairs gazing into a large arched window was girl in a flowing pink, courtly gown.

At the sound of his gasp the girl turned her petite face and astonishingly blue eyes upon the young boy and his fairy and smiled brightly.

"So, we meet again."

I might get a little slow for a week because I have several large assignments that will be due. I must do my homework you know. I most likely will not post a chapter tomorrow I am sorry.

If you want to read more of this story … please review, I need to know how Im doing!