A/N: Thank you so much for the reviews, I was very happy with the amount. And I'm sorry this chapter took a while but I have been extremely busy. I did warn you that I wouldn't be able to update that much for this fic. Sorry but it's just the way it is. Also there is some Latin in this chapter, and if you know Latin and discover some of my grammar is off or something. Well I'm sorry its only been a year since I started taking it, but I doubt many people know Latin. Well anyways onto the chapter.
Link had a hard time keeping his jaw shut as the angel gracefully walked to her throne next to her father. She looked down as if embarrassed by the entrance. When she did look up she looked at Link, and he knew she was humble. Which was definitely rare with a princess. She carried herself to show that she was proud of who she was. But she didn't do it in a haughty way that made it seem like she thought she was better than everyone else.
Rusl knelt down again to acknowledge the presence of the princess. Link took a second to follow. They stayed down on the ground, as they weren't supposed to rise until they were told. Link hated it, but he knew it was no use arguing.
"Qua erant vos?"
Rusl and Link tried to stop their heads from shooting up. The queen just said something in the Ancient Hyrulian. It was old and scarcely known, but it wasn't a secret language by any means: it was just no one really took the time to learn it, except for the old philosophers, anyone related to the royal family, and of course, Link, who just loved to read and learn things whenever he could.
Link leaned closer to Rusl who also leaned in a bit. "'Where were you?'" Link translated.
"Mues seata eram sursum nuntius," The princess quietly replied.
Link hesitated in the translation. Not because he didn't know what it meant, just from hearing her voice. It was so smooth and beautiful. He never thought these things before, but just the way she said that one line. The words flowing off her tongue with such grace and elegance, it was simply astounding.
Rusl coughed slightly waking Link up from his thoughts. "'My hair kept messing up'," Link quickly whispered to Rusl.
"Mane tunc vicis instruo."
"Prepare better, or uh earlier next time. Something like that." Link never had anyone to try it on, and true masters could speak it very fluent and fast. He was trying his best to get the bits and pieces from the conversation.
"Vos es a procer, vos es exsisto tardus ut inconcessus."
"You are a princess…uh you can't…aren't allowed to be late." Link translated the best he could.
"Ego sum matrum rumex." The princess spoke very quietly. As if she her audience could understand her.
"I am sorry mother." Link finished quietly and both Ordonians shifted back to their positions.
"Well I do apologize for that!" the King bellowed out.
"You need not apologize my King," Rusl said making Link want to puke with the way he sounded.
"Oh please rise" the King hurriedly said, completely forgetting they were kneeling.
"Shall we get to business my King," Rusl suggested.
"Yes let's," the King shifted in his chair getting more comfortable. Before Rusl could start the King suddenly shot forward, "Wait!"
Rusl froze, "Pardon your majesty?"
"We don't know your names." The King said back. "I assume you are Rusl, I hear good things about you. You're an honest, good-hearted fellow who just wants what is best for everyone. But I am curious to know who this boy is?"
Rusl glanced at Link then looked back at the King. "He is a boy named Link. He also hails from Ordon."
"What does Link do exactly?" The King urged.
Link almost wanted to spit hearing the King say his name with such ease. But he then looked at Rusl. This was not what they were expecting at all. They thought they would meet the King, sell a goat, rest in an inn, and then get the hell out of there: not having a conversation with the person in charge of all Hyrule.
"He does numerous things my King," Rusl replied.
"Is he a farmer?" The King asked. "Does he tend to the goats?"
"No my King."
"Then why is he here?"
Rusl bit his tongue choosing his words carefully. He wasn't sure why the King cared so much but he didn't just want to say he brought him along for fun. If the King wanted to know, then there must be a good reason.
"Because I know the goats, I know the countryside, and I am my villages' best warrior. I am the protection on this trip, the guide if you will."
Rusl watched as no one made a move. For some reason he figured no one was expecting Link to speak. After a moment of silence Rusl tried to whisper to Link to remind him of what he forgot. "…My King. My King."
But Link refused to say it; he just watched to see what the King would say. The man stroked his beard and gazed down upon Link.
"You are a warrior?"
"Yes."
"Have you fought in any battles?" the King wisely asked.
"War battles? No."
"Then what makes you a warrior?"
"My skill at fighting. My instincts in danger. My ability to survive. My ability to read people. My knowledge of the land and of the people's habits. Everything that I do is because I am a warrior."
The King sat back and thought for a moment. "Very well, let's begin."
Rusl released a breath as he stepped forward. "Well I would first like to know which goat you want. From there we can negotiate."
"Very well," the King turned to his daughter. "Zelda my dear please which goat would you like."
Zelda... Link wondered why he never heard the princess' name before. Then again he didn't even know the King or the Queen's name. They all just went by King, Queen, or Princess.
All eyes turned to her. Link could see her eyes move back and forth between the goats. Suddenly she rose from her throne and began to descend the steps. All the guards quickly moved to circle around Link and Rusl. Two swiftly appeared by her side. Link had to give them credit; they were organized.
Link watched as the princess walked closer and closer to him. He was standing in front of the goats so it wasn't a surprise. The surprise was when a guard suddenly put a spear to his side.
"You move and you're dead," he quietly threatened.
Link growled at the man. This was simply not going to do. But he also knew that this man was not making empty threats. He wasn't sure how long he could be able to just stand with a spear tip at his side. He really just wanted to rip it out of the man's hands and break it over his leg. He was contemplating how he could. He thought about moving into it, so it would cut him, and then he would say the guard struck first. But before any of that could happen he watched as the princess pushed the spear away.
"Why would you threaten a delivery boy's life?" The princess asked seriously missing the frown on Link's face at being called a delivery boy.
"He is dangerous," the guard replied.
"Has he done anything worthy of being considered dangerous?" Zelda tipped her head slightly.
"…No princess."
"Then don't worry about him, because he won't."
She then walked around the goats and Link pivoted on his feet to watch her. She had a demanding presence. You couldn't not watch her. She touched one of the goats, then another. Link wondered what she was doing, and how she was going to decide. At first Link thought it would be which looked prettiest to her. Some had scars and burn marks. Clumps of hair and whatnot. Yet after hearing her speak, and seeing her, Link knew she was not going to make her judgment based on looks. However, that did lead him back to what she was doing.
Then Zelda turned to Link again and smiled sheepishly. "I don't really know what I'm looking for."
Link smirked, but before he could answer Rusl beat him to it.
"Well my princess all these goats have great tasting milk and produce much of it. It all depends on what one you like best. We can't tell you which one you want. It wouldn't fit you, this is your present, you decide."
Zelda thanked him for his advice and continued looking again. But as Link watched her walk around and bite softly on her lower lip, (a habit he was a sure princess was not suppose to have), he realized she still had absolutely no idea which one to pick. She put her hand on one and looked around. She looked lost to Link, and she was obviously looking around for some other opinion. When her eyes came to Link, he very smoothly shook his head. She instantly took her hand off of it and moved onto another one.
Link knew Rusl's idea was technically right, but he also knew these goats better. Rusl just knew they all made good milk. He didn't know some liked the cold, some liked rain. He didn't know that some liked being inside more. The things that would greatly affect the milk produced. Zelda walked around another one and subtlety glanced at Link. He shook his head again, and in an instant she moved onto another one. Link smiled at her antics. He didn't want to choose for her, but he knew which one would be the best. She walked over to the one that Link knew would be the right goat. It like the indoors, it liked cooler temperatures, which the castle could be colder. It preferred a lot of attention, which Link knew the King would have many attendants working with it. All in all it was the perfect one.
Link nodded his head ever so slightly, so no one else watching would know. Zelda smiled brightly and walked around it once, just examining it a bit more. She then turned to her parents.
"This one!" She patted the top of it twice.
"Excellent!" Her father seemed rather excited. "Men take that to the stables we made for it. Leo!"
A boy stepped away form the wall and walked in front of the thrones. "Yes my King?"
"You are the caretaker of this goat, do not displease me."
"Yes your majesty." The boy bowed and followed the goat out of the Grand Hall.
"Well now my King, I wish this didn't have to happen but we need to talk price," Rusl said.
"Very well," the King straightened up in his chair. "I am willing to offer you two thousand rupees."
Link almost reacted at the amount but he knew from Rusl that no matter how high they must keep a straight face. Obviously it wasn't just a high amount to them either. Who Link figured as the King's advisors quickly ran up to him and whispered in his ear. They obviously didn't like the price he put on the table. The King shooed them away with his hand.
"How does that sound Rusl?" The King asked.
Rusl glanced at Link and Link made a face. Even if it was a lot, it wasn't enough, and they both knew it. This was their economy crashing to the ground. They needed a much larger amount, not just the right amount. Rusl made a gesture that Link knew meant he couldn't ask for more. It wasn't right to ask from a King. Link frowned at Rusl before turning to the King.
"I know this sounds bad." Link almost cringed when the King leaned forward. This man held a lot of power, whether Link wanted to admit it or not. "But the offer must go higher."
"Why?"
Well for one thing you have about hundred times more then that and to not give us more you're just an asshole. Link swallowed his thoughts down. "Because you must understand that this is our economy. You are our last big buyer. Now that you have your own, we have almost no one left. We barely have income."
Completely surprising Link, Zelda gasped. "I knew it! I do not wish to take their goat if it means such heavy losses for them."
"Dear, sit down," the King said.
Zelda flushed a little. She didn't know she stood up. The princess quietly sat back down. Not meaning to have such an outburst. She just really didn't want to make a village fall under just because of her. She looked down at Link to see he had shock written all over his face. He soon recovered and gave the King a strange look.
"Your daughter doesn't even know the significance of this present?"
"It's a goat," the Queen said as if the matter was so simple. "What significance? Don't you just hunt for food anyways?"
"Link just back off," Rusl told him quietly from behind.
But Link would not, he stepped forward. "You think that is all we do? Just hunt and live down there? We work for our living, we do manual labor. It would be enough normally but your taxes are so high on us we can't keep up. You are single handedly drowning us, the least you could do is up your offer a little more."
"Taxes?" Zelda whispered to herself. No village or town complains about taxes, my father has a very reasonable rate.
Link took another step forward, with no intention of harm. But that wasn't what the soldiers saw. They saw a barbarian stepping closer to the royal family. A guard rushed up and batted Link in the back with the shaft of the spear. He wasn't expecting it, and he stumbled forward. When he got his bearings, he turned to lunge at the attacker. Yet when he tried Rusl stood in his way. Before Link could go around him, Rusl pulled back and released a punch straight into Link's face. Link fell to the ground and looked up spitefully at Rusl.
Rusl glared at Link a moment before turning back to the royal family. "I can't apologize enough. I did not wish for this to happen at all. It was my mistake to take this boy with me. Please take the goat free of charge."
Link yelled his protest, but Rusl ignored him.
"You didn't have to stop him you know," the guard spat glaring at Link. "He would never be able to take a real warrior."
"Is that what you think!" Link attempted to march up to the man but Rusl held him back.
"Link you are making yourself look like a fool," Rusl strongly whispered into his ear. "You are making Ordon look like fools."
Link stopped his advance hearing that. But it wasn't enough to stop him from talking. "I will take you anytime, anywhere asshole."
The Queen gasped, "Such strong words."
"How dare you speak in front of the Queen like that you barbarian!" The same solider yelled.
Rusl groaned, "Your majesty please take all the goats as an apology."
"That's it! I'm fighting you right now!" Link yelled not ever hearing Rusl's new claim.
He quickly made his way to the soldier. When Rusl tried to block him, Link made a quick stutter-step before spinning around him. He charged the solider. The solider smiled as he jabbed his spear out. Link swiftly sidestepped and caught it under his arm. He held it steady as he drew his sword from his back. He wasn't planning on killing the man, that was unnecessary. He just wanted to get his point across. But Rusl ran and grabbed Link's arm, therefore holding his blade in its sheath.
But before Link could fight Rusl off, the King began laughing. Quietly at first, but slowly it turned into a loud roar.
"I have an idea!" The King rose from his throne and began marching down the steps. While that distracted Link a bunch of guards ran over and tackled him to the ground. He heard Zelda gasp again; she obviously didn't like violence. The King marched right up to Link, so his feet where right in front of his face.
"Let him rise."
The men did as they were told, but at least two men held on to each of his arms. They weren't taking any chances this close to the King.
"My daughter is turning eighteen soon. I am having a festival to end all festivals."
"Surprise, surprise."
"Easy boy," the King warned, "You can insult me all you want but insult my daughter and you have death waiting for you."
Link thought that was fair, he could understand the Kings anger. "I'm sorry, I did not mean to insult the princess."
The king gave Link one harsh look before continuing. "In this festival that shall take place, there is a combatant tournament. I think it would be great if Ordon participated in it."
Link couldn't stop his mouth from dropping. That wasn't at all what he was expecting and as he looked around the room, apparently no one else was either. "…What?" He could've phrased it a bit better but it was just so random.
"A tournament of strength," the King repeated. "Ordon is a village known for its strength, is that not true?"
"It is," Link responded.
"Then why don't some of your villagers join in this festival. You are apart of Hyrule, after all."
"But your majesty," Rusl stepped forward.
The King frowned, "What's wrong with this idea? I thought it was a good one."
"It is an excellent idea my King," Rusl quickly said, "There is no objection. It's just a little…strange. I wouldn't expect the princess to want this."
The King eyed Rusl suspiciously, "You have a child of your own don't you?"
"I do," Rusl raised an eyebrow, "May I ask why this matters to one such as yourself."
The King laughed, "Because you seem to know how children think. My daughter is not very fond of the idea as you guessed. But as you also might imagine the city does enjoy it. This festival isn't just for my daughter, it is for everyone to enjoy. Which is why I want to have villagers from Ordon attend."
"And participate?" Link asked.
"If that is their wish," The king replied. "If they just want to come and watch, shop, and tour the city, then they shall. This festival is completely open to any and all people."
The king made a motion and the guards released Link. After they did Link shook his arms a bit, just glad to have the feeling back in them. When he directed his attention back to the King he noticed the man looked at him peculiarly. Not just looking, but more like staring with a puzzled face as if noticing something weird about Link. He soon stopped and in another second was ascending the steps back to his throne.
Once he was seated he spoke again. "Very well, how about five thousand rupees?"
"Dear, don't you think that is a bit much?" The Queen looked pissed by the idea in Link's eyes, but she held herself well.
"Not at all," the King laughed again. "It is not like this amount is a burden on us, and this boy raises a good point. This investment is a big deal, we could afford to offer a little more."
"Thank you my King," Rusl gratefully bowed deeply. He glared at Link in the middle of it, sending him the message to follow his example.
"Yes thank you," Link then bowed quickly.
"If that is all the business we shall take our leave," Rusl said.
"Surely you are not traveling back today?" the princess asked.
Rusl chuckled, "Not at all my princess. We shall be staying at a tavern somewhere in town. Then we shall head back early tomorrow."
"Why not spend the night in the castle as our guests," the princess suggested glancing at her father for approval.
Link's jaw almost dropped for the third time in this meeting when she suggested that. He wasn't expecting a lot when he decided to go with Rusl. He was definitely not expecting that at all, though. Neither was anyone else by the looks on their faces. Especially the Queen, she looked absolutely horrified by the idea and Link couldn't help but smirk slightly.
"Hmm, I do believe you are right Zelda." The King agreed. "What kind of people would we be to not offer hospitality?" He turned back to Rusl and Link, "You must spend the night with us, and then make your trip tomorrow."
"My king that is too kind," Rusl replied. "I do not think we such humble people should take your kindness."
Humble people, you gotta be kidding me. I just don't wanna stay here because I don't like this place at all. I would rather be laughing with the drunks in the tavern. Listening to music and possibly meeting up with that Kristi.
"I shall not take 'no' for an answer," the King said ending any possible discussion. He made a motion with his finger and another two servant looking people ran over to the bottom of the stairs. "Take these to two the guest rooms. Give them anything they ask for. Do not worry, we will take care of your other goats."
The servants bowed and began walking towards one of the doorways. They stopped and beckoned Rusl and Link. Rusl just shrugged slightly and began walking towards them. Link followed him but glanced at the princess one more time. His eyes met with hers and he felt his insides warm up when she smiled. Not a 'just-being-friendly smile', but a sincere smile that he knew he was the cause of. Why, he wasn't completely sure, but it was a good feeling all the same.
Soon Link and Rusl were following the two servants down a hallway. The floor had a strip of wide carpet with the royal colors down the center. On their right were big windows with elaborate curtains and outside you could see the castle premises. Past the premises there was the town itself. On the left plants and statues lined the stone walls. Link wasn't too fond of all this. It was too fancy and too much for him. He would rather be in a simple wooden cabin. That is what would suit him.
The servants brought them up some stairs and continued to walk. Link glanced at Rusl. He looked to be in thought. Link decided not to really bother him.
"How long till we get there," Link asked growing bored of the endless walking.
"Not much longer my lord." One servant replied
Link and Rusl quickly looked at each other. The 'my lord' was a little unnecessary and neither of them had ever been called that before. This was something that needed to be tested.
"How long have you two worked here," Link asked in hoping.
"Since we were little, my lord," one servant replied.
Rusl pinched the bridge of his nose while Link was trying hard to contain his laughter.
"Do you enjoy your job?" Link asked.
"Yes my lord, very much so."
Link continued to hold in his laughter as he kept asking questions to the servants just to get to hear 'my lord'. Link even saw Rusl crack a slight smile at times. But soon they reached their quarters and the servants left them to themselves.
Their rooms weren't that elaborate. Stone tile, stone walls, with various paintings. A flower arrangement here and there. Two beds separated at each wall with one window in the middle of the room. Link was happy with this room, he didn't want to stay in a giant room filled with jewels and such. Not that they would give an Ordonian such a room. Even this room still had a weird feel to it, but not as much as the rest of the castle.
Link plopped on his bed testing it and Rusl sat in a chair. He folded his hands and looked deep in thought.
Link took noticed and figured he might as well start the conversation that was bound to occur. "Well this was something I didn't expect."
Rusl snorted. "Yeah, the way you treated them who would've thought."
"Hey, they were judging us," Link challenged. "I wasn't just going to stand there and take it, or be a complete suck up like you."
"It's not sucking up, it's called respect."
"To a tyrant? Why?"
Rusl rose to his feet, "Because whether you like it or not he is the King! He has power over this land, over us, why make an enemy like that?"
Link also jumped to his feet, "He holds no power over me."
"Yes he does!" Rusl exclaimed throwing an arm.
"I will not roll over like a dog Rusl," Link stated.
"You act like we are still at war with Hyrule. Link the war is over! You aren't giving up, there is nothing to give up." Rusl stepped into Link's face. "We are apart of Hyrule, the King is in charge, and to him you are just a boy."
Link seethed with anger stepping even closer to Rusl. "Where is your pride Rusl? You are from Ordon, the greatest village in this world. Where the tough are born and bred into warriors. Where loyalty and honor means more then your life. Where true happiness is in a battle fighting along side your friends. That is the place you came from Rusl."
"And that is the place where all my friends have died!" Rusl's yelled. "In pointless battles, pointless raids and hunts."
"There is hardly anything pointless about them." Link challenged, "We battle when necessary whatever the reason. And hunts are for food, and when was the last time we raided anything. We haven't since we became apart of Hyrule."
"Link you were not at the battle against this King. It was the bloodiest thing I have ever seen. I have nightmares about that last fight. Link, before that my thoughts were the same as yours, but after that final battle in that short war, I changed. I began to question our ways. Why did a couple of hundred warriors charge thousands of knights?" Rusl backed away. "It makes no sense to me anymore, why we fight for such pride. Where is the pride in death Link?"
"Rusl I am sorry that you lost your friends," Link paused searching for his words. "I know that war was rough on you, I can understand that. But you were there; you at least tried to stop this change that was occurring. This one rule under one King. You gave it your all, win or lose there is much pride in that. But me Rusl," Link laughed bitterly. "I didn't do anything, I didn't have the chance to fight." Link formed a fist, "Everyday I wish I could have been on that battle field. Fighting for our beliefs, our tradition…fighting with my father and my mother." Link glared at Rusl once last time. "Everyday I wake up alone, because my parents fought and gave their lives to keep the world the way it should be. All I can do now is honor them by never allowing myself to fall under such a bold face lie as this."
Link collapsed onto his bed, turning over on his side to face the wall. Rusl sat back down on his bed and thought a moment. He didn't like getting into fights with Link, but he wanted him to understand. Otherwise Link was going to get into major trouble down the road.
Rusl was about to speak when a knock was heard at the door.
"My lord Rusl, the King wishes to have an audience."
Rusl glanced at Link to see that he didn't move at the strange request. "Okay," Rusl called out to the servant that came to get him. He rose and made his way to the door. He wrapped his hand around the handle and stopped.
"Link you are naïve," Rusl whispered before walking out the door.
"No Rusl…I am untainted."
Rusl followed the servant silently, wondering what the King wanted with him right after being sent away. Then again, so far everything had been unpredictable on this trip. The servant began leading Rusl down a different hallway then the one that would eventually lead back to the Grand Hall. After a few more twists and turns Rusl was shown into a smaller, more relaxed room. It didn't have white halls like the rest of the castle. But rather a darker brownish color. A large desk stood in front of a fireplace and a couple of chairs in front of the desk. The King sat at the desk and beckoned Rusl to sit in the chair opposite of him.
Rusl did as he was told and watched as the King waved the servant off.
"I'm sorry my King if this is rude, but why have you summoned me so recently."
The King smiled, "How many Rusl's are there in Ordon?"
"Only I, my King."
"Before you?"
"Your highness, I am the only Rusl that I know of in my entire lifetime and that is growing pretty big."
"You think you are around my age?" the King inquired.
Rusl blinked, "Maybe, my King."
"Have I got a story to tell you my friend," The King relaxed and leaned back in his chair, leaving Rusl completely stunned.
"Link wake up."
Link stirred slowly rubbing his eyes. He stretched his arms above his head and yawned before finally sitting up. He looked to his right to see Rusl standing over him.
"You fell asleep with your equipment on," Rusl took his fatherly tone.
Link slid his feet off of the bed. "…Yeah, I don't mind the feel of it all, you know?" He looked up at Rusl during the end of his statement.
Rusl nodded, "I do know what you mean, Link."
The two just stared at each other for a moment. Both slightly ashamed of the way they acted earlier, but both not wanting to apologize. They said what they meant and there was no reason to take it back.
"Come," Rusl decided not to waste anymore time. "We have been invited to dinner."
'Dinner?" That surprised Link. "How long was I out?"
"Most of the day," Rusl nodded his head towards the window, "Look, its almost sunset." Rusl headed towards the window. "Oh and take off your weapons, gauntlets, and anything else you might be wearing that doesn't belong at the dinner table."
Link chuckled while he began disarming himself. Rusl patiently waited and when they were both ready they headed out the door. Link assumed Rusl knew where they were going from his casual stride. He figured his friend must've been just walking the castle during the day. Link was thinking about doing it, but he knew he would cause trouble. Not that he cared so much, but he didn't want to endanger his stay in the castle by a great deal, which eventually lead to him falling asleep.
Now Link's problem was he felt an unwanted presence. He sneakily glanced over his shoulder to see two guards walking behind them. Not trying to hide their presence at all. Link took note that they didn't look like the regular guards. They looked more rigid, more experienced, more skilled, just better in every way. They didn't even dress the same; they wore silver chain mail covered by a medium sized silver plate, along with some lightweight leggings that were also silver. The Triforce symbol was in the center of their plate. They held their swords at their sides, ready for anything.
"The elite knights," Rusl told Link quietly.
"Is that so?" Link replied. He spun around and was walking backwards so he could face them. Their expression didn't change at all by his antics and he had to admit that slightly disappointed him. "Hey, are you guys entering the festival tournament?"
They didn't respond.
"Why must you always pick a fight?"
Link spun back around, "I just wanted to know if anyone good would be in the tournament."
Rusl raised an eyebrow, "You are thinking about entering it?"
Link just smirked in reply, and that was all Rusl needed for an answer.
Before Link realized it, Rusl lead him through a door that entered into a dining hall. One big room with large windows adorned with, of course, Hyrule colored banners. The table itself was a long rectangle that could seat many, but they only had ten chairs on each side. It gave the diner a lot of room to eat his food.
Link saw the King, Queen, and the Princess sitting at the far end of the table. The King was at the end of the table sitting in a chair with the back rising high above him. The golden Trifroce insignia was inscribed on the back of the chair. There were two empty seats right in the middle, if not a little more towards the royals end. This surprised Link greatly, he figured they would shun them to the other end of the table. He was actually hoping for that, then he at least would just be able to sit there.
"Ah, our guests of honor," the King raised both his arms announcing the two Ordonians.
Rusl bowed respectfully and Link just continued walking to his seat. He saw the others scowl at him, but he didn't care in the least. Rusl walked around the table and sat down in his seat. As soon as he did servants began rushing out with all types of food. Soups and salads at first, of course.
Link looked around the table and figured that the others eating must have been advisors or high-end businessmen. To dine with the King must have been quite the honor, and yet Link couldn't have wished to be anywhere else more in his life. Then his eyes met the princess', and he figured he could stand one dinner.
After what Link figured must have been an hour, the real food was finally being served. Link hadn't participated in the conversation at all, except when one person was kind enough to let him know he wasn't using the right salad fork. Even then Link's response was simply 'a fork is a fork like a blade is a blade', and then Link licked his fork maliciously while glaring at the men who spoke to him. Rusl once again sighed and sent a nonverbal message to Link saying 'shut up'.
Now they were talking about money or some guy who was slowly losing all his stock and materials. They were laughing saying how in a month he would no longer be in business and that made Link sick. Even Rusl was showing outward signs of discomfort during this current topic. Link then glanced at the princess for the first time in a while. He noticed that she looked absolutely…bored out of her mind. She sat there just slowly eating her food, keeping up the perfect manners.
For some reason Link felt he needed to make her smile. She was smiling, but it was just so fake it made Link feel sick. He wanted to make her really smile. Very sneakily he grabbed a pea off of his plate and cupped it in his hand. Very slowly he reached back behind the person next to him. When everyone was looking down at one man who was talking, Link made sure to make eye contact with the princess. When that happened, he smirked and the princess titled her head a bit, indicating her confusion. Link looked back at his target, the man currently speaking. Then very swiftly he flicked his hand and the pea went soaring high in the air. In another second it landed right on top of the speakers head.
The man froze in his speech and looked straight up at the ceiling. He then looked around and found a pea resting near his glass. Link tried hard to hold his laughter and when he glanced over at the princess, he was proud to see her trying to drink water to cover her laughter. There could be hope for her, Link mused.
"Is there a problem?" The King asked.
"…A pea fell from the ceiling," the man replied seriously.
"A pea fell from the ceiling?" the King repeated.
"Yes, my King."
There was a pause for a moment when everyone was wondering what the King would say. He shifted in his seat, "Well I believe someone has had a little bit too much wine."
Everyone laughed. Except Rusl, who was glaring at Link. He wasn't sure how he did it, but he knew he had something to do with this. Link simply took a sip of his water and shrugged.
"Link?" The blonde Ordon shifted his attention to the King. "Did you think over the festival anymore?"
Link put his glass down, "Your highness," he wasn't saying 'my King', he was simply addressing this was a King, not his King. Not as bad in his book. "I do believe I will come back in time for the festival to participate. I think it shall do me well to fight others besides my same old sparring partners."
The King laughed, "That is very good, you better step up your training, however. There shall be Gorons in this tournament and possibly some Zoras also. They aren't as good of fighters on land but they are swift creatures."
"Is that so?" Link for the first time actually took interest in something the King said. "I hope that some of your elite knights shall be in this tournament."
The King folded his hands on the table. "They could be, it is open to whoever, and the prize money is enough to bring people from all over."
"He speaks the truth," another man spoke, "I don't know what you plan on doing boy, but it better be good. The Gorons are the strongest race I have ever seen."
Link rested his elbow on the table and his chin on his elbow. "Then you need a trip to Ordon."
The man gave one loud laugh that came out like a snort, "Hah, I would like to see you fight a Goron. They are basically a moving boulder."
"Then come to the festival," Link leaned back in his chair, "Because not only will I attend this said tournament, I shall win it. And that is my word."
There was silence for maybe three seconds at the most before the entire table erupted with laughter. Except, of course, Rusl, but then surprisingly the King was also not laughing. In fact he was looking at Link as if he approved of what he said. The Queen was in hysterics but Link didn't care at all what she thought. The princess' expression was hard to read. She didn't look happy or sad or mad. If anything she seemed shocked, maybe shocked that he stated such a claim? He wasn't completely sure what it was. He just knew he was happy she wasn't laughing.
The rest of the dinner was boring and Link felt extremely happy to get out of there. Even though the food was good it just wasn't as good as the simple meals back at Ordon. Once again, too fancy for his liking. He walked next to Rusl on the way back to their rooms. Two elite knights still followed behind them, but Link didn't pay attention to them at all. He just wanted to go back to his room and wait for tomorrow to come so he could return home. They reached their room and just before Link entered, he curled his fingers in a taunting wave to the knights.
"Must you always do that?" Rusl asked sitting down on his bed.
"I'm just trying to keep it interesting." Link also sat down on his bed.
"Yeah, so now what are you going to do? You already slept a great deal today," Rusl pointed out.
"Shit, you're right."
"Hey, language."
Link chuckled, "Like you never cursed."
Rusl laid down folding his hands behind his head. "I did all the time, but stopped once I had Colin."
Link could understand that. "How is the little kid anyways? Haven't seen him around."
"He's good. You know, same old same old," Rusl turned his head to look at Link. " I am thinking about starting to train him though."
Link quirked an eyebrow. "Oh really? I would've thought you would try and teach him peace and harmony."
Rusl laughed, "I'm only trying to get you more peaceful to balance all your violence. My boy is a little too peaceful, I want to have him work hard at something. I swear his mother babies him."
"My mother babied me too," Link said. "I remember my dad trying to put a kitchen knife in my hand one time and directing me how to swing it." Link laughed at the memory, "I thought my mom was gonna run the dagger through him."
Rusl laughed, "That wouldn't surprise me if she did. She had stabbed him before for being and idiot in her eyes."
"I'm sure Colin will turn out just fine, everyone starts out like that. Soon he will be getting into fights every day."
"I just pray he doesn't turn out like you," Rusl chuckled, "I wouldn't be able to handle two of you."
Link smirked, "I don't know, I heard he wants to be just like me."
"Don't worry, I'll get that thought out of his head."
The two Ordonians both laughed. This is when Link truly enjoyed knowing Rusl and being so close with that man. Sometimes they really just connected and it was strange because of their so many different beliefs.
However, now Link was bored as hell. He wasn't tired and he had nothing to do. If he had something to read then he would grow tried eventually. Wait, the library. He thought, every castle has to have an enormous one. Link stood up catching an eye from Rusl.
"I'm going to go to the library," Link told his friend.
"Please don't get into trouble," Rusl begged.
Link smirked, "I'll try."
"…Not to." Rusl waited for the repeat from Link but it didn't come. He simply closed his eyes, Link was everyone else's problem now.
As soon as Link stepped out the door he saw the same two knights standing across from the door. When Link stepped out they took a step close with swords at the ready.
Link held up his hands defensively. "Easy boys." Link looked left and right. "Any clue where the library is?"
"You should not leave your quarters," one knight answered.
Link faked surprise. "You spoke!"
"You should not leave your quarters," the other repeated.
"Right, right." Link began walking in one direction. He heard them following him and honestly it began to annoy him. He wasn't going to get into a fight though. He would try and honor Rusl that much. But after walking around for over thirty minutes being completely lost and hearing the same two knights behind him the whole way, he started to get a little angrier.
He stopped and faced his escorts. "Just tell me where the damn library is!"
"We can lead you back to your quarters," one knight responded.
Link ran a hand down his face.
"I'm also going to the library."
Link spun around to see the princess standing just a few feet away. She also had two elite knights following her. At the sight of Link they quickly moved in front of her. Then Link noticed that the two knights following him got extremely close, so much so that he wouldn't be able to take a step without getting a sword run through him.
"That is enough of that," the princess snapped. Everyone looked at her. Link once again was reminded of her demanding presence. "I want all four of you to leave us alone."
"Princess, that is not possible."
"It is very possible," Zelda pushed past the two guard knights and stood next to Link. She motioned to Link to follow behind her and then began walking in the right direction of the library. "We are in the library, wait outside the door if you must, but if you enter you shall be punished."
"Oh, scary," Link chimed.
"Do you want them following us everywhere?" Zelda replied.
"Not at all, my princess." Link caught up to her so they were walking side by side.
"When you say that, it makes it sound bad."
"My aim is not to disturb the princess," Link responded chivalrously. He figured the princess at least deserved it.
"Could you speak as you would to a friend, no formalities," Zelda winked one of her eyes, "for me?"
Link almost tripped when he saw the wink, it was just so…so cute. He would never use that word to describe anything, but that was truly the only word to describe what he just saw.
"Princess, it would be disrespectful not to use formalities."
"It's just me now." Link noticed Zelda had a little skip to her walk, another thing he could only describe as cute or adorable.
"You really would wish me to speak my normal dialect."
"Yes please."
Link sighed, "Why are you acting like such a teen now. I thought you would be all regal all the time."
Zelda paused for a moment thinking, "Well if you must know, I usually do act regal, as you said. It's just that no one else is around and also, you interest me, Link from Ordon."
Link raised and eyebrow, "How so?"
"I hear all these terrible stereotypes about Ordon. That the villagers are big brutes, drink blood, don't bathe, don't eat fruits, fight over anything. Sleep in dirt, sleep with wolves, just complete animals."
Link began laughing, enough so that Zelda stopped walking and put her hands on her hips. "What is so funny?"
"People really got us wrong. Drink blood, what is that? We aren't monsters."
Zelda began walking again, "Well that's why you interest me. You are average sized, in shape yes, but not a giant six foot tall. You don't have ugly teeth sticking out of your mouth, you know your manners," Zelda giggled, "Although you choose not to use them a lot. Basically, Link of Ordon, except liking to fight a bit too much, you are nothing like the stereotypes."
Zelda entered through two doors and Link followed. The library was giant, as he expected. Gold trimmed shelves and large chandeliers hung above him. Yet there was still the familiar feeling that all libraries have. Ordon only had a small, barely qualified one. But there were many in Castle Town and Link did have previous trips that he would spend much of his time in a library.
Zelda lead him through a few aisles until they came upon a cozy little area. Two lounge chairs angled slightly towards a fireplace in the center. Zelda sat in one chair and picked up a book that was sitting on a small round table next to the seat. Link also sat down and watched as she put the book in her lap. She focused her eyes on Link, knowing he was going to say something.
"Well princess," Link started, "You are so far exactly as I thought you would be."
"Is that so?"
Link nodded, "I thought you would be kind, and you are. I thought you would be intelligent, and you are. But most of all, I thought you would be beautiful, and you are."
Zelda smiled knowingly, "One of the biggest stereotypes of Ordonians are that they all like to flirt a lot. And I thought that you would prove that wrong too, but here I sit mistaken."
Link laughed, "I'm sorry princess, it's just that my friends wouldn't forgive me if I didn't at least flirt a little if I had the chance."
"Oh, tell me about your friends."
"Loud, and bothersome."
"You are lucky."
"You don't get many friends in this castle do you?"
Zelda looked at the fire while she spoke, "I sometimes think my maids and servants are my friends, but then I wonder if they would be if they didn't have to serve me anymore."
"I'm sure some of them consider you their friend," Link assured.
"Hmm." There was a moment of silence. Then Zelda turned back to Link. "What about Rusl, do you consider him your friend, or is he someone like your boss?"
"Rusl wishes he was my boss," Link joked earning a small laugh from Zelda. "But seriously I consider him my friend, a very close one really. He was the one who raised me, and taught me how to fight. He really taught me everything since I was seven. Rusl is the kindest person I have ever met in my entire life."
"What happened to your parents?" Zelda asked. She knew they were more than likely dead, but she was a curious person. She wasn't accustomed to death, and wanted to know.
"Your father happened," Link said spitefully but when he saw the pain in Zelda's face he instantly regretted it. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that."
"No, it's okay," Zelda gazed back into the fire. "You guys really hate my father don't you?"
Link sighed, now he got himself into a very serious discussion. He didn't want to upset her, or badmouth her father. That was uncalled for no matter who her dad was. Yet he would not lie either, that was for sure.
"It isn't that we hate him personally," Link explained, "Just what he did exactly. He left our village very empty, many lives were lost and after that he taxed us greatly."
"That I disagree with," Zelda stated.
"Oh?"
"Yes, fifty rupees a month is it? That is very doable, and is necessary to keep the army fed."
Link snorted a laugh, "Is that what he has been telling you, fifty rupees a month? It is over one hundred for each family, depending on what they do."
Zelda gasped, "That can't be true."
"Yes it is." Link leaned forward on his knee, "Princess your father is taxing us heavily for an army that I know will never protect Ordon."
"Fairly said, but would you want soldiers posted down in Ordon."
Link leaned back in his chair, "You are smart princess."
"Glad you think so," Zelda lit up another smile.
"You are quite playful right now," Link told her.
"There's that flirting again," Zelda pointed out giggling slightly.
Link laughed, "Just stating a fact. You looked so bored the rest of the time I saw you today."
Zelda laughed, "Well dinners are so boring." Zelda opened her mouth wide making a face remembering earlier. "You are terrible for throwing that pea."
Link laughed, "It was boring, I had to do something."
They both just sat there for a moment until Zelda started another topic.
"Is it true that your economy is crashing?" Zelda asked.
Link put his elbow on the arm of the chair, propped it up, and rested his head on his hand. "The taxes are heavy, no one visits us because of the bad name from the King. I know he didn't personally give it to us, but that's what people think after the war. Before, they did visit us, even though they still thought we were barbarians. Now they think we are extremely dangerous, so we get no visitors to buy any of our items. We sell goat milk, and now people are starting to not like it. Probably because they just don't want to deal with us. So now that you have your own goat, we are indeed looking ahead for some troubled times."
Zelda was sad hearing such news. "That is troubling, I really didn't know that one goat would be that much of a problem. I surely do not want it now, you can take it back with you tomorrow."
Link shook his head, "After meeting you princess I am perfectly fine with you having it."
Zelda smiled and Link smiled back. Again they just sat there looking at each other for a moment, completely fine with the silence, just watching each other. For Zelda seeing an Ordonian was very interesting. She was never use to people with tan skin or their muscles to be visibly shown through their clothes. She saw the occasional guard that was in proper shape. But even she, a princess, could tell that Link was in the best shape one could get in. She had no doubt in her mind that he was a skilled fighter.
"Link may I ask how you plan on beating a Goron?" Zelda asked, once again getting another topic going while her mind was on the fighting.
Link thought for a moment, "Well you see…"
"You have no idea do you," Zelda starting laughing already.
Link shrugged, "I'm sure I'll figure it out."
"We'll I'd like to see you figure that out." Zelda thought for a moment, "And the Zoras, they are suppose to be strong and swift. I read that their specialty is double daggers."
"That was my mom's specialty actually. So I could just ask anyone in my village that knew her, what to do."
Zelda looked shocked, "Your mom also fought?"
"Of course," Link replied proudly. "Women aren't reduced to just clean or cook in our village. Anyone can do anything that they want to do. There aren't many women now that fight, it is true that usually the men are the more violent type. So after the war the female warriors have basically become extinct. Doesn't mean it's not possible, just no one currently. Actually there aren't even that many men."
Zelda cringed when he used the word 'extinct'. It was just such a weird word to think about for people. "How many fighters are left in your village?"
Link mused that thought for a moment. "Well I guess technically, really not many. Less then a hundred actual current warriors that guard and act as police. They aren't really needed as police though; our village is just one big family. But almost every person in our village above the age of thirty has fought at one point in their lives. So if necessary our entire village could fight."
"That is an interesting thought indeed."
Link smiled and so did Zelda. Link never would've thought that he would be sitting in a library having a serious conversation with the princess, completely comfortable, treating her like any other person. He never would've expected this outcome. Of course something like this would never be able to last.
"Link!"
"Sounds like Rusl," Link told Zelda. "Over here Rusl!" Link called out.
After a few more calls Rusl managed to find Link and when he did he was covered in sweat.
"Rusl what's wrong?" Link's voice filled with worry.
Rusl was about to respond when he for the first time noticed the princess, "I am sorry to interrupt princess, this is important though."
"Please Rusl, ignore me," Zelda's voice was filled with urgency. She didn't want him feeling bad if something serious was going on.
"Link," Rusl took a breath and held up a piece of paper, "Something happened to Colin. There is a beast…loose in the forest."
"What!" Link jumped out of his chair.
"Bo took a squad with Troy and Blaine, but when they found it, Bo declared it too dangerous." Rusl grabbed Link by the shoulders, "Link we have to leave now. I gotta get to my son," Rusl turned to Zelda, "I'm sorry for my weakness princess."
"Not at all!" Zelda exclaimed. "Please Rusl leave immediately don't feel any obligation to not go see to your son!"
"Thank you princess," Rusl bowed quickly, "Link you have to come too. You are the only one who knows the forest well enough to take on this beast."
"Let's leave immediately then," Link urged Rusl towards the exit.
"The servant has your equipment outside in the hall," Rusl told Link. "And they will watch all the goats for now, they will only slow us down."
"Okay," Link got one last look at the princess to see her look truly worried. He probably wouldn't ever see her this close again. He really enjoyed his talk and would've wished to stay longer, but not when his village needed him. He would stop anything then. His village came first before anything else in the world.
Well there's that. Please leave a review; it really helps me in knowing if I am doing something right or not.
Oh also one last thing. As you might have noticed my first two chapters were horrible with grammar and spelling and just whatever. Well I solved that, I got myself a beta. ScarsOfTime. So a big thanks to him for coming on board with me for this fic. God knows I need a beta.