Long A/N sorry.
First off, I'm sorry for how long it is taking me to update this story and people keep sending me PMs about if I'm writing or a status update on the story. That's completely okay and I always respond and will let you know what's going on with the story. So don't be afraid to send a PM. I will try to update this story more but as you know, that's a very loose statement.
Now just a couple things about the relationships of all the races and land. I'm not sure how it really is in the Zelda Universe but in my AU it goes like this:
The Kingdom of Hyrule is all the grass fields surrounding the area. The upper and lower Lanayru along with the upper and lower Eldin. They also control places like Kakariko village and other villages I may invent as I go. However, there will be random Lords I'll probably add in that will have some claim to the land but they're all under the King of Hyrule.
Hyrule also 'owns' Ordon technically by forcing annexation, but preceding the war ten years ago Ordon was thought of as another country. Faron field and woods were the territory Ordon controlled, but lost and forfeited to the Kingdom when they lost the war. Remember, Ordon is much larger than the simple village in the game, but the war did dramatically reduce their numbers. Now it's known as the Ordon province because it is a province of the Kingdom of Hyrule.
Zora's domain has control over all water systems, which are all the rivers running throughout the lands and this include Lake Hylia, but they are allies to Kingdom of Hyrule, not under control of Hyrule. This is why they have a Queen, they are thought of as another nation. Like the Zoras, Gorons have control over Death Mountain and allies to the throne but are not underneath Hyrule. So Hyrule, Zora, and Goron are all equal in a sense. Hyrule just has more land. So technically, Zora's Domain, Lake Hylia area, and Death Mountain are not located in Hyrule, but adjacent to it. However, since everyone's on friendly terms there aren't tensions and border walls and whatnot. And if it matters…the Snow Peak Mountains are unclaimed land.
Gerudo desert belongs to the Gerudo…obviously, but they were subjected to the throne, meaning they were in the same position as Ordon. Basically conquered and forced to be under the throne. This happened a while ago and since they are accepting of the rule, they were viewed favorably among the people of Hyrule over time. This is why Ganondorf is still considered a Lord but not a King, since he is under the power of Hyrule, but has control over all the desert even though, indirectly, it does belong to the King of Hyrule technically. They would have to pay taxes to the throne and whatnot.
Theoretically, this is what the Late King wanted to happen with Ordon. Subject it and then work together. In this hypothetical scenario, Bo could've been made a Lord, but he still retains the title Mayor out of the rebellious attitude Ordon has to being controlled.
This is simply how I view the world for my story and I figured I'd share it to make matters a little clearer. If it backfired, I'm sorry, it's really not that important it's all extra. I'll be happy to answer any questions regarding the diegesis I'm creating for this story. I will say this however, if this setting I've created is wrong to the canon, then it's wrong, this is an AU after all I can make up what I want.
"Land! Thank the goddess! I love land!" Pisces collapsed on the ground face first and spread-eagle.
"Piscis, we were swimming in a river, there was always land around us." Ralis stepped out of the river slowly, tired from the hard swim.
"Then why weren't we walking!" Pisces exclaimed. "Just because we have gills doesn't mean we need to use them."
"You're out of shape old man," Ralis scolded.
"Break, break, please I need a break," Pisces raised his voice in a high pitch to mimic the Prince. He let out a snort, "I almost carried you on my back to shut you up."
"Both of you shut up," Queen Rutela growled, finally setting foot back on land. Her two aids supported the tired Queen.
"Yes mother."
"Eh." Pisces offered, that's all she was getting.
Queen Rutela stood next to Pisces and looked down on him. "I cannot thank you enough Pisces, you have saved everyone here. I owe you my life."
"I want a million rupees." Pisces mumbled.
"No."
"I want to be your king and rule the Domain."
"No."
"I want to retire to another country."
"No."
Pisces let out a loud grown, "You're the worst Queen in the lands, reward your subjects."
"Is the Queen's gratitude not enough?" Rutela deadpanned.
"It cannot even buy me a drink at the local tavern," Pisces huffed.
The Queen let out a soft sigh, "One day Pisces, I will reward you for everything you've done in your lifetime. I owe you more than all the water in the rivers."
Pisces waved his hand, his face still down in the dirt. "Just don't let the Domain fall. That's all I ask. These are trying times. You need to get to the council quickly and decide what direction we're taking."
"Direction for what?" Ralis asked.
Pisces sat up and rubbed his eyes tiredly. "The oncoming war."
"Surely it won't be war!" Ralis exclaimed.
The Queen looked at her son. "The next days are crucial. I expect an emissary from Ganondorf within days. We will have to decide what shall be done." She turned to Pisces. "Can I count on you to back me in my decision?"
"No." It caught everyone off guard. Pisces stood up and cracked his back. "I am too old for such trivialities. If you make the wrong decision I will not fight for you."
"Then you will be tried for treason!" Rutela exclaimed.
Pisces met the Queen's hard stare, "And you will lose me." Pisces began walking away. "I'll be in a tree somewhere. Why? You never see a Zora in a tree, it should be interesting."
The Queen watched him walk away and found her anger rising. "Damn that fool!"
"I'm sure he'll fight mother," Ralis offered. "And if he doesn't, I believe we can do without him for this."
She shook her head. "You are a little too young to know how the real politics are played in the Domain."
"I don't understand."
The Queen looked sadly down at her son. "There have been three coup attempts in the past decade. You're life was almost lost in one. Pisces put all three down. Without him, I worry how long I'd last. I am not exaggerating when I say Pisces is the one keeping the peace in the Domain. The other factions are afraid of him and as long as he's at my side, I'm in charge. The second I lose him…I don't know what will happen."
Ralis never knew that, he never understood how tense the ties in the Domain were. "Well then there's only one thing to do…make the right decision, the one that Pisces wants."
The Queen chuckled morbidly. "The second you tell me you understand the mind of that Zora I'll grant him what he wants." She turned to her son. "But I fear he's correct, war is coming."
"Dangoro what's happened!" A Goron exclaimed seeing the General marched into the inner chambers of the mountain. "We received dozens of messenger pidgins from Hyrule."
"Gather the council!" He shouted with a roar that shook the caverns. "There shall be blood split by week's end! War is coming!"
Up in the high Snowpeak Mountains a winter eagle landed on the enclosed porch as trained. It only took a moment for a wooden window to be opened. The large bird hopped inside the room. He flew briefly and landed on the man's desk. He cawed expecting food for his work. The old man's shaky hands grabbed the note attached to the talons of the great bird. Once it was secure in his hands he opened a cage and tossed two mice onto the ground. The bird dove on them at once killing both of them in one swoop. The old man opened the note and read its contents.
"What news?" Another asked in the room.
"Ganondorf has struck." The old man replied. "Awake the sleepers. War is coming."
"Link are you sure about this?" Zelda dragged her feet not really wanting to go.
"You've been sitting around my place depressed for the past two days." Link held her hand tightly and was leading her into the village.
"Excuse me for losing my family and kingdom."
"You know I don't mean it like that," He said looking back at her. "But you need to get out, at least for an hour."
"Then how about a tour around the village?" She offered.
"There's time for that latter, you'll enjoy this more."
"You're taking me to a tavern." Zelda deadpanned.
"It's a fun tavern." Link stressed. "Fun."
It was true, everything Link said. Zelda was sitting around in his house not doing anything but moping. It was understandable, no one would blame her, but Link knew it wasn't healthy. She couldn't fall into a state of melancholy. When Link lost his parents, Rusl kept him busy so he couldn't focus too much. He was still sad, and Rusl was happy to talk to him about it, but the fun kept him moving in life. He knew that if Zelda just put her life on pause, she would only get worse. He had to get her mind off things, at least for a little while. What better way to have fun than a little booze and dancing.
"Won't people be staring at me?" She inquired. "Some outsider that has mysteriously been stowed away in your house."
"They'll think you were taking care of me."
"I was taking care of you."
"More like trying to kill me."
"Excuse me for trying to help you!" Zelda huffed.
"Don't put boiling water on my forehead!" Link exclaimed. "That's basic."
"It wasn't boiling," Zelda remarked. "It was just…hot."
"Did it or did it not leave a burn mark for a few hours." Link laughed.
"This is foolish."
"No one says foolish."
Zelda cursed under her breath. She was trying to get better at the words she chose. It wasn't going too well so far.
"Okay, we're here," They stood outside the most popular tavern in Ordon, there weren't many, and this one was aimed at a younger crowd. "My friends should have a usual table. It would be good to meet them, you know Blaine already, so there's more than me already."
"I'm actually nervous." Zelda meekly told him.
Link turned to her and smiled, "Don't be, everyone will love you. We'll drink, eat, and dance, and call it a night. The world will keep on living whether you're sitting depressed or dancing for fun. Might as well dance." He turned to enter but paused a moment before turning back to Zelda. "Act like a teen too, while you can that is."
"That will be the first time anyone has ever told me that."
"Can't wait to see how this will go." Link chuckled soberly as he pushed the door open.
It was a fair size for a tavern, the usual bar, with various round wooden tables scattered throughout. There was a platform where the band was setting up to play soon. Everyone was drinking and having a great time. No one knew the Kingdom had collapsed, there were rumors of trouble in the City, but that was all. Bo would inform everyone soon but as he told Link, he was waiting for the right moment. Only Troy and Blaine knew the situation was more serious in Hyrule but even they didn't know the true story of what took place. They were told to keep quiet about it not to spread anymore unnecessary rumors.
Link saw his friends sitting at the normal table in the back corner of the tavern. He waved to him and Malon was first to see him. They walked over and Link could feel Zelda hovering closely to him. He knew she was nervous, she was completely out of her comfort zone in a place like this. That had to change, she couldn't sit around in his place all day. It would arouse suspicion as well as be bad for Zelda. He remembered when they first talked in the library how jealous she was that he had friends. It was strange to think how a princess – granted everything she ever wanted in life – could miss out on something as fundamental as friendship.
"Hey guys," Link greeted. He pulled Zelda to his side. "This is Zelda, you've seen her before briefly, but not formally introduced."
"You know me," Blaine smiled.
"I'm Troy," Nodded. "Nice to meet you."
"I'm Malon, you look good in that dress, better than me." Zelda was donated a mixture of clothes from Malon and Ilia. To this compliment Zelda waved it off as not being true, all the formalities of two girls greeting. Link was half surprised she knew how to.
"I'm Ilia, the mayor's daughter. It's a pleasure."
"It's wonderful to meet you all," Zelda smiled politely. "Sorry, I've been held up in Link's place this entire time."
"Who would blame Link for keeping you there," Troy joked earning a hard stare from Ilia.
"Yes, yes, I kept her all to myself," Link went along with the joke. He offered Zelda a chair. "Sit down, I'll get us some drinks." It was easy from Zelda's look that she didn't want to be left alone quite yet. Link ignored it but stared at Blaine sending him a signal to make her feel welcome. It didn't work because Blaine was currently staring at the exposed cleavage that Malon had. Link rolled his eyes, he'd be back soon enough. She would be fine.
The moment Link disappeared Zelda felt her heart beginning to pound as all four of Link's friends stared at her.
"Ordon's Lovely," Zelda offered as a conversational opener. It got a 'hmm' out of Troy but that was it. Zelda found herself shrinking into her chair, until Malon spoke up.
"I have to say it!" Malon suddenly exclaimed catching the table off guard.
"I'm sorry?" Zelda's eyes widened, as this girl she just met, stared at her.
"You're too pretty!" She cried out. "Like, seriously…it's not fair. I'm jealous of you."
"Oh well, thank you, so are you." Zelda replied.
Malon wasn't having that as she shook her head. "No, no, seriously, it's not okay. Can I touch your hair?"
"Malon!" Ilia cried out. "Manners."
"It's fine," Zelda said leaning forward, half smiling because she was put off by the random request.
Malon ran a gentle hand through the soft blonde hair. Zelda brushed it and let it simply hang straight, to give more of a common look. She couldn't have her hair complexly braided like usual, not to mention she didn't have servants to help her. So she kept it simple and she wasn't sure how she felt about it just yet. Easier for sure, less pull on her head as well, but it kept swinging freely around her, and she found she had to brush it out of her eyes more.
"What lotion do you use in it," Malon continued to run her hand through it repeatedly. "It's so smooth."
Zelda couldn't answer that it was from a rare fish found in the Domain. "Uh average kind?" She offered. Even if she didn't have that lotion anymore the effects of repeated use remained.
Malon frowned, "That's not fair, feel mine." She grabbed Zelda's hand and with a shake of her head, her dark crimson hair fell into Zelda's hand. The Princess finding this whole manner rather strange decided to go along with it as best she could. She moved her hand slowly through the end's of Malon's hair. "See! It's not nearly as soft as yours."
It wasn't, Zelda had to admit that, but she surely wasn't going to say that. "Not at all, it's the same."
Malon sat back and pouted some more before looking over at Ilia. "Sometimes I think I just want to hack it off like you."
Ilia's eyes narrowed, "I don't hack it off."
There seemed to be a strange aura washing over the group as they all fell silent.
"Well, I'm jealous of you two as well," Zelda spoke trying to better the situation, since she felt it was heading south. This perked everyone's attention. Zelda shied into her chair, afraid she said something unnecessary. She didn't think it would be so hard to converse with people. When she was a Princess, everyone else was nervous and she could act how she wanted. This time, she wasn't going to be automatically liked, it put a new twist on the situation.
"What could you possibly be jealous of me," Malon deadpanned.
Zelda wasn't lying, there was something, but she wasn't sure if she should say it.
As if Blaine knew her hesitation he said, "Might as well say it now."
"Well, to be blunt," Zelda looked down at the table. "Your bust."
Malon's head snapped down and then back up. "I think you're the first person to say that." She half smiled.
Zelda returned it truthfully, "Better than what I got."
"I tell her that all the time," Ilia rolled her eyes, since her's wasn't anything special either.
"Well you have amazing hips," Zelda stated.
"That's a lie."
Zelda shook her head slightly, "You're very slender with wide hips, that's very attractive to men. I'm just slender."
"You're tall and skinny!" Malon exclaimed. "That's what every man wants."
"You think so?" Zelda inquired honestly.
Malon nodded eagerly. "It's true, I know-"
"Ugghhhh!" Troy let out a loud groan, voicing his obvious displeasure in what he thought was a boring conversation.
"Oh shut up," Ilia snapped at him with glaring eyes.
Suddenly Link sat back down next to Zelda with six drinks in his hands. He passed them out to his friends, "So, what I miss?"
"A terribly boring conversation," Troy downed the rest of his first beer and grabbed the new one Link just brought him.
"Oh yeah, what about?"
"Zelda's jealous of my breasts!" Malon smiled brightly.
Link let out a quick laugh, cut off guard. He turned to Zelda to see her smiling shyly. "Well, I don't think you have anything to worry about Zelda. If you'd like, I can explain in great detail why."
Zelda made a disgusted face. "I think I'll pass." This earned a round of laughs around the table. Hearing this, Zelda turned to Link and smiled. He returned it, understanding she was glad they seemed to like her.
"Besides, there's only one size that matters in the world," Ilia laughed and looked at the three guys.
Blaine set his drink down. "Now what are you implying?"
"I think you know."
"Well that's no worry on my mind," Link exclaimed.
"Same here." Troy spoke up.
"Well, same here!" Blaine exclaimed.
"Well," Ilia sly mind was at work, even if they didn't realize it. "Comparing to each other, someone's biggest and someone's the smallest."
"I'm the biggest!" All three said at once. Their eyes connected with intense heat. They set there drinks down and leaned in closer. Suddenly they all jumped to their feet.
"I'll pull my pants down right now if I have to," Link threatened.
"Ew Stop!" Malon cried. "Ilia look what you did."
Ilia was smiling to herself as she sipped her drink. "Guys." She muttered.
It was Zelda's joyous laugh that startled the group. It was small at first, but soon it grew louder and louder, until she had to cover her mouth with her hand. The rest of the table joined in slowly and the boys sat back down in their seats.
"I'm sorry," Zelda apologized, still laughing.
Link knew why she was laughing, it was pretty clear. She never had a conversation like this before. Everything in her life was regal and official. The only time she could be herself would be with her parents, and they certainly wouldn't speak like this. It was something she never experienced before, a crude humored joke. It made Link smile softly watching her as she experienced something new that was taken for granted by everyone else in the world.
The next new experience was watching her take her first sip of beer. There was no doubt in Link's mind she only drank wine but beer was the more common drink of Ordon, she'd have to get use to it. It caused Link to smile when her eyebrows narrowed after the first sip, intrigued by such a new taste. She licked her lips and swallowed twice after, obviously not sure what to think. After another moment she took a second sip and this time it seemed to please her more. It looked like she didn't like it but at least she didn't hate it. Zelda looked over at him and caught him staring. She gave a curious tilt of the head and slightest smile. Subconsciously Link returned the smile instantly; it was a side effect of looking at her. It was impossible not to smile.
The group carried on in this manner for about an hour. Link continued to glance at Zelda to see how she was doing. It pleased him to see her doing well. She was smiling and drinking, but most importantly, she was conversing. She wasn't sitting quietly being depressed. She was taking part in the conversation and it made Link happier than he thought. It was a side Link hadn't seen yet from her. The simple teenage girl that spoke casually. And for a moment, he forgot she was a princess, or that she was currently the one with the right to the throne. He forgot how they just escaped from a perilous castle and against all odds, made it back to Ordon. It was then he realized, this break at the tavern wasn't just for Zelda, he needed it just as much. He hasn't had a break – whether mental or physical – since the fight with Lex.
"-So then I said, you put the noodle up your nose!" Blaine shouted the end of his story and the table roared with laughter. Zelda continued the habit of always covering her mouth whenever she laughed. Link was sure it was a trait she was taught since a princess shouldn't ever laugh with her mouth open.
"Zelda, do you have any funny stories?" Malon asked innocently.
Zelda's smile instantly dropped. Link was quick to save her. "Or if you can't think of one, how about a joke."
Zelda gave Link a meek smile understanding. "Alright, I know one." She straightened up in her chair. "What knight invented the round table?"
"I don't know, who?" Malon repeated back the wanted line.
"Sir Cumference." Zelda cracked a smile but when no one laughed it instantly faded. She felt her face turning red as they all just stared at her. "Sorry, it's a math joke."
"The hell's math?" Troy questioned.
Zelda tried to cover up quickly, forgetting that Ordon didn't care for such things. "It's like uh…science."
"The hell's science," Blaine muttered glancing around the table.
"Oh well you know," Zelda was quickly stammering, she forgot how recent science was. Most didn't even follow it fully but Zelda was expected to know it. "It like explains…things. Usually theories, like what the sun could really be."
"The hell's the sun," Link gave a confused stare.
It was now that Zelda released they were all joking and she let out a sigh, "Not funny." It was met with various laughs around the table.
"Well, you can't be pretty, kind, and funny I guess," Link joked earning a hard stare form Zelda.
"I am funny," She glared at the blonde.
"Uh huh, doubtful."
Zelda's glare didn't lessen, "I'll show you, I'm hilarious."
The next moment the band started playing. It was loud but a welcomed feel in the tavern as people cheered them on. They needed no introduction since they played almost every week. Without direction and out of habit, the costumers moved the tables out of the center of the tavern. Soon people began dancing, since this was just another day of the week for them. This is how they had fun and relaxed. The music was upbeat and fast, with a folk style. The fiddler was skilled as he carried the main tune swiftly.
"Come on Link," Ilia got to her feet and grabbed his hand, "Let's dance."
"Alright, alright," He laughed, allowing himself to be dragged along.
Malon gave Blaine a hard longing stare but he did well to ignore it.
Troy chuckled at the two, "Come on Malon, I'll dance with you."
Malon smiled happily and allowed Troy to lead her to the dance floor. This left Zelda and Blaine alone at the table. Zelda turned in her chair to watch the dancing. She loved to dance herself but she'd never seen anything quite like this. Most of it was hoping around joyfully and swinging with someone. At first it seemed unorganized and chaotic but soon she could see that it was actually very orderly. It was just a faster pace she was use to and seemed more like playing than dancing.
"You should go out there," Blaine said causing Zelda to turn in her chair and face him.
"Not sure how to dance like that." Zelda offered meekly.
"Oh it's easy."
"Then why aren't you out there?"
"Not much of a dancer myself," He replied.
"Everyone likes dancing."
"Well, not this guy," He leaned back in his chair.
Zelda turned back to watch the dancing. She saw Ilia laughing loudly as Link was spinning her. Link had a bright smile on his face, and Zelda realized it was an honest one. She'd never seen Link with a smile like that. It was always a forced smile to cheer her up, or a fake flirting one, or worst, the sadist taunting smirk he gave to his opponents. This smile, the one that seemed too casual and perfect, she'd never seen it before. This was Link in his element, with his friends, drinking in a tavern. It only reminded Zelda all the more how out of place he was in Castle Town, and it helped her understand better why he was so bitter while there. This was a different world, something Zelda certainly hasn't experienced, just as Link experienced a whole new world in Castle Town.
Eventually the song ended and everyone clapped. Next thing Zelda knew, Link dashed over, grabbed her hand, and dragged her to the dance floor. She tried to pull away but he kept her with him.
"I don't know how to dance like this," She urgently whispered.
"It's easy," He smiled reassuringly. "Just follow me." He took both her hands in his and waited for the music to start. Around the two of them, Malon managed to drag Blaine to the floor, and Troy moved to partner with Ilia.
The guitars and drums kicked up to start off the beat. The singer began starting the song off. Link pushed Zelda back and then brought it forward raising their arms. They did this a couple times before they switched places and did it again.
"Get ready, after this it'll pick up," Link informed her. He almost laughed when he saw the intense concentration winkled into her face.
The violinist broke off and began playing faster up and down the strings. Link's right hand grabbed Zelda's and his left grabbed her left, so they were holding arms crossed. He began spinning and Zelda quickly followed suit. He went faster and faster until Zelda was openly laughing.
"Now lock arms," Link shouted to her over the music. He held out his elbow and she locked her elbow with his. They spun twice one way, then switched elbows and spun twice the opposite way.
Zelda was laughing and having a wonderful time, the dancing was easy, it was simple, but fun. She found Link releasing her and before she could question, Troy grabbed her and took over. She looked around to see Link with Malon, and Blaine with Ilia. It was a partner switch, but everything else was the same.
"Great job!" Troy shouted. "Now, spin three times." Troy held his hand up and Zelda – along with all the women – spun three times in place. He grabbed her hands and waltzed to the left in a bouncy manner.
The song picked up again after the chorus. Troy and Zelda spun just like before, and after that Troy released her to allow Blaine to step in. Zelda gave a quick jokingly fake curtsy. She laughed when Blaine returned it with his own over the top bow. They held arms and began dancing.
"I thought you didn't dance!" Zelda shouted.
"Just this once." They went through the same steps again, and Zelda couldn't stop laughing the entire time.
Blaine released her and Link grabbed onto her again. She smiled true and wide seeing him again, and he returned it. It was the smile she was just wishing he'd give her, and her wish came true. They spun the entire time laughing loudly and just as Link hoped, for that moment, even the single second, he knew Zelda forgot all her troubles.
Link slowed the dancing until they stopped and Zelda looked around to see everyone else did as well. They all stood and watched as the singer swung his guitar so it was on his back. He held out his arms, and in a story-like manner, said the next lines. It was a story of how an old Ordon hero fought single-handedly against an army of Gerudo. It was myth by all standards but Zelda knew instantly it was a tale every person in Ordon knew. The music completely stopped briefly and everyone cheered loudly before the music picked back up again to end the song.
Everyone in the tavern cheered loudly, hooting and hollering as loud as they possible could and at the end they all shouted the famous line that the Ordon hero shouted at the army of Gerudo he just beat.
"Kiss my Ordon ass!" Even Zelda yelled it as she got caught up in the energy and when she did, Link laughed loudest than everyone. He gave her a natural strong hug. It didn't last long since Blaine wrapped an arm around his neck and dragged him over to the bar to get more drinks. Malon grabbed Zelda's hand smiling and led her back to the table.
A couple hours later Zelda and Link left the tavern. Link's friends were going to stay a while longer. Link was growing tired, he was recovering from his fever still. Zelda understood, she didn't want him to go in the first place but he insisted. She could understand why. It was a great stress reliever and it was good to just relax and have fun for a change.
The night air was crisp and cool, with a clear starry sky. Zelda gazed up and took in the wonderful sight. "I swear, the stars are even brighter here."
"Well I don't know if that's true," Link looked up as well, "But they are bright tonight." Zelda slipped slightly and she grabbed Link's arm to help steady herself. "Careful, the paths aren't as easy to travel at night." Link told her.
She released her grip on him, "You know, I actually was taught how to walk. Stumbling was a huge folly for a princess. Strange, it doesn't even matter here."
They kept walking and Link took the chance to keep talking. "I'm sure a lot of things are strange here."
"Those aren't as bad as the simple things," She told him. She stared at his hand swinging freely at his side. "For example, there are only two men to ever touch my skin. My father and my healer. That's all, in my entire life, it was even an offense to do so. Anytime anyone important kissed my hand, I had a glove, or if they just took my hand, we both had gloves. No one has ever touched me besides those two."
Link stopped walking and turned to her. "Uh…so…"
Zelda smiled understanding his question. "Yes, you, Blaine, and Troy are the three other men to have ever touched me."
Link wasn't going to mention that technically Slazenger did as well. "I'm one in five in the whole world huh?" For some reason, that caused a wide smile to spread on Link's face.
"Oh, and why the smile."
Link's smile formed to a cool smirk. "Hmm, I must be the first guy to have you lay on top of as you slept as well. Also, I think that means I was the first to, dare I say…bed you?"
A small blush crept across Zelda's face. "Hardly, it was the floor."
"True, but you are sleeping in my bed now."
"And you on the couch," Zelda narrowed her eyes and was quick to remind him.
"Don't remind me," Link jokingly cracked his back. "You take my home, my food, and even my bed. I'm such a good person."
"I'll make you sleep outside too if wish it," Zelda kidded. "After all, I'm a princess, you must follow my command."
Link laughed, "Do I look like a knight?"
Zelda quickly scooped up a stick lying on the ground and rushed to a surprised Link. She tapped Link on the shoulder, "I hereby dubeth Linketh thy knight of thine protected realm and kingdom and thy must serve loyally."
"Never!" Link shouted and broke into a sprint to get away.
"Linketh!" Zelda exclaimed trying hard to laugh as she chased after him. "Come hither! Dost go thither!"
"I don't know what you're saying!" Link cried out but stopped running allowing Zelda to catch up. When she did they both laughed quietly before continuing on their way. "Have you knighted someone before?" Link asked.
"Of course. All the time. It's a royal thing to be knighted by – oh how was it described?" Zelda touched a joking finger to his chin thinking. "I do believe it was something along the lines of, being knighted by the fairest maiden in all the world with hair of gold and a figure of a goddess." She looked to Link feigning innocence. "Was that it I wonder?"
Link rolled his eyes, "I'm sure it's exaggerated like someone's ego."
Zelda's mouth dropped, "Me? I have an ego?"
Link placed a sarcastic astonished hand on his chest. "Are you implying I have an ego?" Zelda didn't even grace that question with an answer. "I'll have you know, I do not have an ego, I simply happen to be the greatest person to ever walk this world, and in doing so, tends to make me better than everyone. That's all."
"There is something incredibly wrong with you because I know that somewhere inside …you think that's true."
Link gave her a knowing smirk which was answered with Zelda rolling her eyes. "And look at you, responding like a teenager and not a Princess."
"That's the other strange thing," Zelda gave Link a warm smile, "They called me by my first name. That's so rare, it's strange. To hear my own name."
"So am I allowed to call you Zelda when we're alone or must I still call you Princess or Your Grace?"
Zelda thought for a moment before shaking her head, "I would say yes, but I fear someone will overhear, so just to make sure, always call me Zelda."
"Will do." He answered but couldn't shake the slight disappointment in not being able to call Zelda her name on the simple fact she wanted him to and nothing more.
They walked silently for a moment but the buzz of the night still was stirring in Zelda's mind. "I love your friends."
"They love you."
"Well Malon loves Blaine I'll say," Zelda laughed.
Link laughed along, "So even you can tell."
Zelda nodded rapidly. "It's adorable watching them. How have you not pushed them together yet?"
"Is that what a friend should do?" Link eyed her. "Force them together?"
"I suppose not." Zelda sighed. "Well what about Troy and Ilia. It's not as obvious but Troy has feeling for her."
"He does indeed," Link had to admit, Zelda could read people amazingly well. It was only a few hours but she has been right in each guess so far. "Blaine and Malon have both admitted to me that they have feelings. Well, Malon told Ilia but Ilia told me. Troy, on the other hand, has not uttered one word for his feelings, though as you said, it's pretty obvious."
"Has Ilia mentioned anything?" Zelda inquired.
Link had to chuckle, "I never thought I'd be talking about young romances with a princess."
Zelda frowned, "Well don't stop now, I love talking about such things. I even tried playing match maker between a servant and a maid once."
"Ha I bet," Link laughed, "What did you do, order them to love each other or be hanged."
"That's not how it works," Zelda shoved him and the moment she did she froze. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to push you."
"Relax, it's what people do." Link smiled and nudged her back which caused Zelda to smile in return.
"But don't think you've avoided the topic," Zelda returned to the matter. "Has Ilia mentioned anything."
Link was avoiding the topic because it wasn't the greatest topic, he knew where it would lead. "No, she doesn't have feeling for Troy. I think Troy knows this as well, and that's why he hasn't said anything."
Zelda folded her hands and looked down at her feet as she walked. "So…Ilia does like you."
"You're a little too perceptive for your own good." Link grimaced.
Zelda turned to him somewhat surprised. "You know this?"
"I do."
"And you don't return her feelings?"
Link gave her a look, "Am I supposed to like someone automatically if they happen to like me?"
"Well no…" Zelda trailed off. "She's pretty is all, and you have this thing for pretty girls."
"Are you calling me a womanizer?"
"A whore truthfully."
Link erupted in laughter and Zelda followed suit. "How would you know?" He cried out between fits of laughter.
"Your friends shared quite a few stories back at the tavern if you forgot."
"Yeah, yeah, some friends," He wiped a tear away from his eye. It was hard to stop the laughter, just the thought of Zelda saying the word 'whore' almost brought back all his giggles. "It's good to see you joking." He told her still breathing deeply from the laughter.
"Ah yes…a joke." Zelda gave him a smug look.
"Whatever," Link waved her off. "I don't have feelings for her but that hasn't stopped her."
"As long as you aren't leading her on."
"Not since I realized Troy's feelings."
"Not since?"
Link shut his eyes realizing the slip he just made. It would only be moments before Zelda – with her unnatural ability to read between the lines – picked up on it.
"You slept with her!" Zelda screeched stopping in her tracks.
"Sshh," Link hissed. "Let's not wake the entire forest." He knew she'd figure it out somehow.
"Did you have any feelings when you did?" Zelda stood with her arms at her side and her mouth agape in shock.
"I mean…some." Link looked away, it wasn't his proudest moment.
"Did you kick her out right after or did you have the decency to walk her home before never going back?"
"Okay, you're mad, that's easy to see. But this doesn't necessarily concern you."
"I don't care if it does or doesn't," Zelda wasn't backing down. "I respected you for the amount of loyalty you had to your friends, and now you're telling me you basically used one."
Link was trying to stay calm but it was rather hard. "Look, I was unsure of what I felt at the time. I'm not saying what I did was right, in fact, I feel pretty awful about it. You don't need to get on my case to tell me how I should feel about it. I only felt worse when I saw the look on Troy's face when he found out." Link stopped and ran a hand through his hair. He saw Zelda wasn't as mad anymore either. She thought he fully used her but he'd never do that. "That look her gave me, just staring at me like I murdered his family. Well, I may of well have. No one has ever spoken about it since, and it's buried in the past. I say we keep it there."
Zelda's eyes were hard to read as she looked at him. "So you aren't still-"
"No!" Link cried out. "I'm not cruel."
"You're sounding it."
"Someone who has been locked in a tower all her life can't grasp this situation." Link snapped.
Silence.
A very uncomfortable silence where neither looked away. The anger was easy to read in Link's eyes but Zelda had the royal skill of hiding her emotions. She was hard to read and Link had no idea what she was thinking. Link licked his lips in nervous anticipation not sure where this would lead. Zelda's hands folded in front of her as her own lips tightened but her stare was neither angry nor relaxed. It wasn't that her face was blank, it was the opposite. It was easy to see she was thinking but in what ways was impossible to tell. Her eyes never left Link's as if reading his mind.
"You're right."
"I'm what?" Link stupidly said, completely shocked by her statement.
Zelda let out a deep sigh. "I don't know anything on this manner except what I read in books. I can't judge you Link, I have never been tempted myself or even given the opportunity. I shouldn't think you're out to hurt your friends and it's good to see you aren't proud of it."
"I'm not." Link pressed.
"Alright," Zelda looked him in the eyes. "I believe you."
Link ran a hand through his hair. "You're fiercely defensive for someone you just met."
"I simply…feel for Ilia." Zelda admitted. "I can't imagine caring for someone and then doing…that."
"You can say sex, it's alright." Link joked.
"That's just it Link, to her it may have been making love." Zelda turned away from him. "I shouldn't judge, it isn't right but you must see how as a woman I view this."
"What's done is done. I can't take it back, but I haven't made matters worse. I haven't quite made up for it, but as soon as I find out how, I will."
"Well get Troy and Ilia together." Zelda suggested. "Nothing mends a broken heart better than a new love.
"Not quite that simple."
"I'm sure it isn't." Zelda admitted.
"And Ilia is a lot stronger than you think." Link said.
"Women are always weak to a man they care for," Zelda told him. "Remember that."
Link sighed, "It's a complicated affair, but I'm not making it worse, and I'm trying to get Ilia to look at Troy more." Link paused and shook his head. "Wait, why am I telling you all this?"
Zelda smiled, "Because you care what I think of you."
Link eyed the Princess suspiciously. "And you seem to be happy knowing that fact."
"I'll change your perverted ways," Zelda wisely declared.
"Many have tried, many have failed." Link replied.
Zelda began walking and Link followed a few steps behind. They walked silently as the night was filled with sounds from the forest. The crickets and other critters could be heard coming from the trees. It was a reminder that the forest was more alive than it appeared. It was not uncommon to hear the howl of a wolf every so often either. Another reminder, the forest was not always friendly either.
"What happened to the girl back in Castle Town, your friend, Kristi, I think her name was?" The question was so random and sudden Link actually stopped walking. Zelda heard the lack of footsteps and turned as well. She was taken aback by how shocked he looked. She raised a closed hand to her chest in worry to the words that just left her lips. She felt a pain inside her chest at how hurt Link looked. After the shock wore off his face, his gaze lowered somberly. He dug the toe of his boot into the ground to play with the dirt, a habit he developed as a boy. Zelda understood instantly. "More than a friend."
Link shrugged and gave Zelda a forced smile to only add to the saddened demeanor. "Had to leave her there."
Again, Zelda understood instantly. "You saved me instead of her."
"Couldn't save both apparently," Link shrugged a second time.
"I'm sorry."
"Well, you're a Princess and she's a common tavern girl, so the choice is obvious isn't it."
Zelda's eyes softened seeing him so hurt. "Link, no one believes that."
"That's where you're wrong, because I bet the entire Kingdom will tell me I made the right decision." Link's sadness was turning to anger, it was the usual for him.
"I'm sure she's-"
"Fine? Ah yeah, sure, definitely, not raped or butchered in the streets." Link's eyes grew dark. "Zelda, don't treat me like one of your brainless subjects."
"There's not much I can say to make you feel better."
"There's nothing to say."
"Well the truth of the matter is you don't know," Zelda tried a different approach. "I know my family is dead, there's no changing that. She could be fine, there's hope."
"Ah yes, hope," Link brushed passed Zelda, "Hope is often more deadly."
Zelda followed after him, they did not speak again until they were home. Link instantly declared he was tired and lied down on the couch. Zelda stood there awkwardly for a moment unsure of what to do. It was only the two of them in the house. Achilles was in the woods for the night, Link said he did that time to time. He'd be back in the morning, most likely with some kill.
Zelda finally gained the courage to speak. "I do want to thank you for the night Link, it was really fun. I'm sorry it had to end on such a sour note."
"I'm sure we're going to butt heads many times," Link replied calmly, his voice already carried a tone of drowsiness. "We're too different not to."
"So…fighting is okay?"
Link let out a quick chuckle, "Yes, it is."
Zelda smiled briefly. "Good night Link," she told him before climbing the ladder to Link's bed, which she claimed as her own. Link would've answered her if he wasn't already asleep.
"Do you swear your banner to me?" Ganondorf asked the question for the hundredth time that day. Each family that had sworn themselves to the old King, were now asked to swear their new allegiance to Ganondorf. They were not a part of the royal army and therefore were not automatically sworn to Ganondorf. Of course, any family that didn't instantly flee the general area around Castle Town, were more than likely going to pledge their allegiance. Why wouldn't they? The old King was dead, they had land they wanted to keep, homes they wanted to stay in, reputations to uphold, money to claim, and Ganondorf promised them they could keep their land and wares as long as they swore allegiance. It would be idiotic not too. Not swearing their banners would mean death and if they were able to flee, they would lose their land, or be hunted down. They may have preferred the late King, but he was no longer alive, and one must make wise decisions themselves to stay alive.
"Yes, you have my sword and all my men's swords. I swear it." Sir Gnore said on his knee.
"Then rise, and drink to our new friendship," Ganondorf's voice was in his usual bored tone. It was hard to get him to change his demeanor for anything. Someone handed Sir Gnore a goblet and he raised it to Ganondorf before drinking. After that, he marched out.
"Sir Gnore is a noble man, he'll bring with him another two hundred men to serve you, my Lord." One of the council members informed him.
"Your Grace," Ganondorf corrected him. "Might as well start saying it."
"Yes, Your Grace."
Ganondorf sighed, this was all so boring. One person after another, kneeing, declaring their service, and then drinking to Ganondorf. It was expected after battle. He knew once he sat on the throne anyone with a brain would come to him. They may not even like him, but to keep their land and stay in power they had to submit to him. So many lords and noble men did this, their honor wasn't even questioned. It was expected. It was rarer for someone to come to him denying him their true King. That would be met with certain death, and no one was foolish enough to do that. Anyone who didn't want to serve Ganondorf would've fled by now, but few would do that knowing they'd instantly become enemies of Hyrule. It was the classic question, honor or life?
"Sir Thoras, Your Grace," The squire announced the next knight to walk in. He was dressed in full armor and it clanked noisily in the silent hallway. It was covered in blood and various scraps. It showed he was a true knight that fought and not a fake one who just had a 'sir' in front of their name. He had no shield but he had a long sword in his scabbard at his right side.
In a very bored tone Ganondorf muttered, "Do you swear yourself to me."
"No."
"Oh?" This perked Ganondorf's interests.
"You have slaughtered the King and in crude fashion. Betrayers go to the deepest level of hell."
Ganondorf straightened in his chair. "I wonder, if I met him in combat and slew him, would I be allowed a higher level in hell?"
"Doubtful." The knight snorted.
"You realize this is now treason."
"Putting a crown on your head and your ass on a throne does not make you king." Sir Thoras declared. The people in the hall whispered urgently at the predicament they were watching.
Ganondorf smirked, "You're right, but the army I control certain does."
"If met in true combat, in a field, you would've lost."
"Thus, why I didn't do that," Ganondorf laughed. "So, you are one of those that would rather die with honor than live."
"Yes."
"I like men like you," Ganondorf admitted, "Any way I can convince you to join my side? Gold, women, I'm sure there will be much honor to win."
"Any honor won at your side is not true honor."
Ganondorf sighed, "Very well, you are officially a traitor, normally, you'll be hanged, but I'll grant you a beheading, at the very least you will die by a sword."
"How generous," Sir Thoras spat, "But I demand trail by combat."
"Is this a trail?" Ganondorf sly smile appeared since he was entertained by this man.
"You have tried me as a traitor, if so, I demand trail by combat."
"That is unnecessary Your Grace," his advisor told him. "He is guilty, he even admits it. Trail by combat is to prove innocence through the Goddesses."
"Granted!" Ganondorf declared ignoring his councilman.
"Then who shall be my opponent?"
"Me." Ganondorf rose from his chair, and grabbed his large cleaver that leaned against it. He causally walked down the stone steps. "Are you ready? We start now."
Sir Thoras quickly drew his sword and held it in his two hands. He prepared for the oncoming giant of a man. Ganondorf leapt into the air and with two hands on his large weapon, swung it straight down. Sir Thoras stepped to the side dodging, as the cleaver smashed into the ground. Sir Thoras stepped forward and swung his sword horizontally. Ganondorf ducked under it and with one hand swung his cleaver upwards at Sir Thoras. The Knight quickly back away but didn't have any more time to recover. With one big step he was in reach of Ganondorf and his enormous sword. The new King swung it sideways and Sir Thoras fell to the ground to have it sail over him. He instantly rolled to the side as the cleaver smashed downwards in a follow up swing. He darted away to circle around but Ganondorf was faster. He swung horizontally and Sir Thoras held his sword vertically to block. He did indeed block the swing but the power was still there. He was lifted off his feet and onto his back. He scampered to his feet and couldn't help but stare in fear at his opponent. He never faced anyone like this before. People were usually strong and slow, or small and fast. Ganondorf was strong and fast, a deadly combination.
"I see fear," Ganondorf smirked, "Fate has left you."
He charged forward and swung horizontally, purposely allowing Sir Thoras to duck under it. Ganondorf let the momentum carry him as he spun, gaining even more power. Just as Sir Thoras was rising, the cleaver was already on him. He took the full hit in the back. It crushed his armor and flung him to the ground. He got back up but his back was hunched over from the hit. With one hand, Ganondorf swung the enormous weapon and Sir Thoras raised his sword to block but it was useless. The cleaver hit the sword so hard it didn't lessen the blow anymore. It smacked into Sir Thoras' right arm, breaking it easily. The cleaver wasn't so much used to cut but to break bones. Sir Thoras dropped his sword and didn't even have time to fully register what was happening before the cleaver was swinging again. It hit him right in his cheek and that's the last he ever saw. The cleaver was not a clean weapon as it didn't so much as cut into his head but smash it…entirely.
"I'd say put his head on a spike but I fear that's impossible." Sir Thoras fell to the ground without a head and Ganondorf walked back to his throne. "One more soul for you Din, as thanks for your blessing." He marched back up to the throne. "Send in the next knight!" Ganondorf declared, "I can only hope he'll request trial by combat as well." Everyone in the court, Gerudo or Hyrulian born, was reminded why they shouldn't question how this man became King.
"You really don't have to do that."
Zelda gave Link a hard stare, "I sit around doing nothing all day, I want to do something for a change."
"But it's laundry," Link argued, "No one wants to do laundry."
"Well I've never done it before so I want to see why everyone hates it."
"That's just so weird."
Zelda huffed, "It's not weird to me."
"Fine, I don't know why I'm trying to stop you from washing my clothes." Link waved his hand from where he stood underneath his house.
He was chopping more firewood, a household could never have enough. A fire was almost always going, even just to keep water warm. It required a lot of wood but there was a certain simplistic enjoyment to chopping wood. It wasn't just placing a piece of wood on the stump and hacking it with an ax. It was a matter of trying to make the cleanest cut possible, as well as, how many swings would it take. Link remembered when he was younger and first started keeping his own stockpile. It tired him out and he had to take many breaks. Now he could go on forever, his body still sweated and ached after, but it was a welcomed feeling. It wasn't just a chore either, it was a workout. His back muscles were hardened from the years of the labor. He didn't realize until Rusl mentioned it when his mentor handed him a balanced, but immensely heavy, ax. At first Link felt like a child all over again, tiring easily, but after sticking with it, his strength increased. This was the Ordon way, never stop training no matter what the work was, even as small as chopping firewood.
"Here," Link pulled off his loose shirt and tossed it at Zelda. It smacked her in the face and the scowling look she gave him made Link laugh. He noticed her eyes linger and that reacted in him giving his trademark smirk. "Taking the chance to see me with my shirt off, eh?"
Zelda didn't miss a beat as she met his eyes. "There's always a chance since your shirt is always off."
"It would be cruel to deny the world this," Link held out a hand presenting his chest.
Zelda could only shake her head. "Someday your head is going to explode."
"Probably from my incredible intellect bursting through."
"I'm going," Zelda readjusted the wicker basket of clothes she carried and headed towards the village. "Try not to stare as I walk away, goddesses know I've already caught you a half-a-dozen times."
Link quickly changed the subject because he couldn't deny her last statement. "Let women do their chores, right, Achilles?" The wolf was lying on his side stretched out sunbathing, oblivious to the world. "Yeah, fine, don't listen."
"Achilles, come." Zelda called out without looking back. Without hesitation, although with cumbersome, the wolf got up and trekked after the Princess. "He listens to me." She called out sweetly to Link.
Link slammed the ax into the wood and it split in one swing. He wasn't mad…rather...annoyed. Zelda somehow could control that Wolf without trying. It has her demanding presence that didn't allow anything less than absolute loyalty. It was just…because…there was no other reason. Her aura was strong to all nature and Link caught her multiple times with a wild bird resting on her hand. It made no sense and it only was worse when Blaine informed him he also saw Zelda with nature surrounding her. It made Link happy, anyone that was so welcomed by the creatures in Ordon meant they had a good spirit. And if Link was sure of anything in the world, it was how kind Zelda truly was.
While Link continued chopping wood, Zelda made her way to the central river that ran through Ordon. She saw women doing laundry there and knew it was the common place. The water was only thigh high, slow but still moving, perfect for washing clothes. She could wash the clothes in any river but her intent wasn't to hide. She needed to speak to more people for a couple reasons, and washing clothes was a good start.
She reached the river and saw as people put the baskets near the edge and stepped into the water. She did the same, setting the basket down on bank, took of her sandals, and then stepped into the water. Achilles wasted no time to lie down next to the basket. Zelda drew out Link's sweat covered shirt he recently threw at her. She noticed all the women were more in the middle where the water was flowing faster. She wadded in further and felt the cool water reach up above her knees. She glanced at the older woman next to her to see how she did it.
"Do you have soap?" The lady kindly asked. An embarrassing blush crept across her face, she forgot the soap. The lady smiled sweetly, "I bring an extra bar, it's in my basket, it's the one next to yours."
"Thank you." Zelda quickly moved to grab the soap and returned.
"Drunk it under," The lady told Zelda, "Scrub it roughly, then pull it out and scrub any spots that need extra attention, then drunk it under again." Zelda followed her lead as she instructed. "No need to be perfect, it will only get dirty again." The lady laughed.
"Thank you, I'm Zelda."
"You can call me Lara," The woman smiled. She was a motherly looking lady, could be in her fifties. There was a small streak of gray in her otherwise short dark brown hair which made her look older than she was. Her face was round with crow's feet beginning to appear at her eyes. Her smile was true with a few stained teeth. She was small and a well rounded woman. She was as average as average could be, but had a homely mother feel about her. "It's a pleasure to meet you Princess."
Zelda dropped Link's shirt and the river almost carried it away before she snatched it up again. Zelda's mind quickly worked to right the situation. "Oh, you think – oh no. I simply have the same name, I wish I was a princess." Zelda laughed a rather forced laugh.
"Mmhmm." Lara muttered not believing the lie for even a moment, "I've been to Castle Town you know, I've seen you before, I recognized you instantly walking around with Link."
"I don't-"
"It's okay dear," Lara cut Zelda off. "I understand that something has happened at Castle Town, we all do, the word has spread throughout the village. It certainly can't be good if you're here."
Zelda dropped her ruse. "I'm afraid not."
"I won't pry, it's not my place and frankly it's above my simple life."
"Thank you," Zelda told her honestly.
They washed clothes for a few minutes before Lara spoke again. "I have to say, I never thought that I'd ever wash clothes with the Princess. That's some story that, well…I'll never be able to tell." The woman smiled at Zelda to show she was joking.
Zelda returned it. "I'm glad to not worry you with my presence here."
"I am a little worried if I'm being honest." Lara stopped washing her clothes and rested a moment. "But I trust the villagers here, they're amazing people."
"I believe that, I thought they'd treat outsiders poorly but so far they have treated me like anyone else."
Lara smiled softly. "There are many cruel rumors I'm afraid and all are lies. They treat outsiders as friendly, if not friendlier, than any other village. I know, because I'm also an outsider."
This perked Zelda's interest. "When did you move her?"
"I had poor timing I'm afraid, I came a few weeks before the Ordon war ten years ago."
"Really?"
"Yup, I wanted to get out of Hyrule and the closest escape was Ordon. Funny how after that month it was technically a part of Hyrule. Yet as you can see, it still doesn't quite feel like the rest of Hyrule."
"May I ask why you wanted to leave Hyrule?"
"My husband and son were both in the standing army and they died in a small raid on a caravan they were escorting. I knew it wasn't Hyrule's fault but I wanted to get away so I came here."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
Lara stood up straight as if shocked by something, "Look at me ramble on about my life, you don't care about me."
Zelda quickly reached over and placed a comforting hand on Lara's arm. "Of course I do, I am not some deity on an iron throne, I'm a person too. If you ever need help around the village, I'll be happy to help you."
"Bless you child," Lara smiled brightly, "You are as fair as they say."
Zelda cracked a smile, "I must meet this people who seem to know my life better than I do."
"Hello Ladies!" Zelda turned to see Vex sloshing his way into the water. He wore a large loose cotton shirt that still seemed tight against his enormous body. Zelda could see the laundry basket on the shore behind him and he had a few shirts around his neck in preparation to be washed. He smiled and greeted each lady by name and they returned the favor. Zelda observed how he always seemed to always be smiling so wide his eyes were squinted shut. He noticed Zelda and gave her an even wider smile which Zelda swore was impossible. He gave her a goofy wave as he forced his way through the water to stand beside her.
"Good day Vex."
"My lady," He greeted in a whisper, "I know I shouldn't call you that but I never get the chance so I wanted to try it out. It makes me sound noble."
"It certainly does," Zelda gave him a kind smile and a small laugh. She wasn't going to tell him that nobles say M'lady all in one word. And she wasn't going to inform him that since she was a Princess it wasn't M'lady but Your Grace. M'lady was the wife of a Lord. That was common knowledge she thought but it was a completely foreign line of thought down here. She kept learning small things about Ordon.
"Taking care of the laundry again, Vex?" Lara asked him.
"Rosalind does more work than me so I feel to make up for it I should take care of the simple chores."
He dunked a shirt under the water roughly. It was hard for Zelda not to laugh. The river was full of women washing clothes and then there was Vex. He stuck out like a Hylian in a room of Hyrulians. He was at least seven feet and with his broad chest and large arms Zelda didn't doubt his strength. His hair was a strange light blonde and he tied it into a pony-tail that the tip touched his shoulders. His brown eyes seemed to only hold joy and pleasure in them. Zelda would think he hasn't harmed anyone in his life if he wasn't covered in scars. There must've been at least a hundred of them between his two arms and there were even some on his neck. There was a rather large one running across his left cheek which Zelda was afraid to think about how close to death he came to earn that one. She thought Link had a lot of scars but compared to Vex, he had none.
"Something on my face?" Vex joked.
Zelda quickly shook her head. "Forgive me, I was staring."
"S'alright, Imma scary guy, I know."
Zelda smiled sweetly, "The opposite."
"Where's Link?" Vex suddenly asked. "Figured he'd be with ya?"
"Oh I have company," Zelda nodded towards Achilles. In perfect timing the wolf let out a deep sigh signaling how much he loved life as he lied on his side letting the sun radiate down on him.
They all laughed at the wolf. Zelda continued to washing her clothes and converse with Lara and Vex. It was one of the most wonderful experiences she's ever had. It was so incredibly simple and that's why she loved it. Chores were something she never experienced in her life and she could only think of how much she loved doing the laundry. Talking with others being completely herself, not worrying about posture or reflecting the Kingdom. It was something powerfully new to her and she found herself loving the new discoveries. She didn't need Link with her at all times, she could make friends by herself. It was something Zelda never realized about herself. She was a people person true at heart, everyone loved her, but she thought it was the throne that bought their affection. She was beginning to learn that wasn't the case. She was happy she decided to do the laundry so she could meet people. She loved speaking with Lara, the woman was very motherly and offered Zelda any help if she needed it while in Ordon. As a fellow outsider she understood the transition. Zelda was beyond grateful to make such an acquaintance as Lara.
Eventually the three of them finished their laundry. Zelda finished a little earlier since between her and Link there wasn't very much to begin with, yet, she waited because she enjoyed the company. As the three were saying their good-byes and about to go their separate ways Vex gave a warning.
"Bo's going to make an announcement later today," By the way Vex was looking directly at Zelda she knew it was important. "You're welcome to go, but it may be better if you don't."
Zelda watched him leave the river with a worried mind but knew that there was no way she was missing Bo's announcement.
Zelda stood among Link, his friends, and at least a hundred other Ordon villagers. Zelda finished the laundry then swiftly informed Link of what Vex had warned her. They both agreed instantly that they would see what Bo was going to say because they both knew it had something to do with all the recent events. All of Link's friends knew what this was about, they were there when Link told Bo that Hyrule has fallen, but that was all they knew. They were told not to speak until Bo learned more and they kept good on their word. Now they waited with everyone else to see what was really going on.
Bo stood on a hill overlooking the people. It was as big of a turnout as he expected. He never said how important the news was he had, so only a handful of the village came. Those people would report back to the rest of the village so the news would spread eventually anyways.
"Brothers and Sisters!" Bo shouted to draw everyone's attention. "I do not have much to say and I won't waste time skipping around my point." He took a breath and Link prepared himself for how the crowd would react. "Hyrule has fallen to the Gerudo!" There was silence at first, as people thought if what he said was really what he meant. Small murmurs flew throughout the crowd as if a gentle breeze. It then grew more momentum as people began talking louder and finally began shouting back at Bo for more information.
He held up his hands and waited for them to grow quiet. "Only a few days ago, Lord Ganondorf led a surprise attack on Castle Town. He succeeded and now he controls the domain of Hyrule."
Zelda looked around the crowd, watching the faces to try and read what the people were thinking. She knew why Vex warned her not to come. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the people of Ordon celebrate the downfall of a Kingdom they didn't like. Would she be able to stand by silently as the people threw a festival in the honor of her dead parents? It seems impossible. There would be no way she could keep quiet if such things transpired. If she did speak out, they'd instantly shun her aside, worse yet, if they find out she's the Princess, would they throw her to Ganondorf like a lamb for slaughter? It would've been much better for her to stay back at Link's place to avoid any chances of her losing her temper.
She tugged on Link's arm and when their eyes met, she knew Link understood her worries. Link gave her a reassuring nod that could've meant a hundred things. Would he stand up for her? He said he'd run wherever she would have to run, did he mean it? Could he fight his own people to protect her? Why would he ever do such a thing, fight his own people, for her! It made no sense and Zelda suddenly felt extremely nervous as what might happen next. She didn't doubt Link's words but she knew he never considered their enemies may become the very people he loved so much. Zelda would have to remain strong and not utter one word. She'd have to go unnoticed among the crowd when they celebrated the downfall of everything she stood for.
"That's terrible!"
Zelda's eyes met Link's instantly as they searched for the person who said it.
"How many are dead!"
"Those poor people!"
Zelda didn't expect this, in fact, it was the absolutely last thing she ever expected. Wasn't Hyrule the enemy of Ordon, wouldn't they be happy this happened?
"I say good riddance!"
There it was. Zelda's eyes fell to the ground, this would be the boulder that started the rockslide.
"How could you say that!" Someone else shouted.
"Did you forget everything they've done to us!" The man from before shouted again.
"No, not at all, we may not have liked the King but that didn't mean we wanted all those people to die. How many citizens perished in this attack? Bo do you know?"
"I do not!" Bo shouted back over the loud crowd.
"I can't believe you people feel sorry for them."
"How could we not!" A woman yelled. "All those mothers, fathers, sons, daughters…family! How many have died because of those Gerudo bastards!"
"They couldn't even fight them head on like man. Those damn rats are as cowardly as the minnows in our stream. How dishonorable."
"What are you, a knight!"
"Sneak attacks are for the weak. They are for those that aren't strong enough to fight like a man!"
"Or Woman!" Ilia shouted adding in for good measure.
"We should be celebrating, our troubles are over."
"Are they over?" Link yelled trying to steer the direction of the crowd. "How do we know the Gerudo won't cast their eyes on Ordon, they have before."
"That was ages ago! They have the Castle, they won't need anything else."
"Does that sound like someone who sacks a castle for no reason!" Troy shouted, being quick to back up Link. "There is no stopping the Gerudo from sending a military presence down to Ordon."
"Only if we resist!" Someone shouted and this was Zelda's worst fears coming true. "If we accept them, we could start anew."
"Aye!" Another person agreed.
"Stay here," Link urged Zelda. He pressed through the crowd to find the person he was looking for. The village was split, he suspected that and he could work with it as long as it wasn't unanimously against Hyrule. Link knew the people were speaking wise words, why shouldn't they welcome the Gerudo. But Link knew that would mean the death of Zelda and he had to stop that no matter what. Finally, he saw the person he was looking for. "Rusl!" He grabbed his mentor. "Do something."
"What am I to do?" Rusl gave him a confused stare.
"You know you can convince them, even if only to hinder the mob mind."
"Link-"
"Please, Rusl." Link begged him. "This is a turning point we're standing in. This moment right now, could affect the history of the world. Don't let this moment pass."
Rusl let out a small growl of frustration before marching off towards the hill Bo was standing on. Link quickly made his way back to where Zelda was. She asked him where he went but he only nodded at Rusl for her to understand.
Rusl held up his hands and the crowd instantly quieted for him. He was one of the unofficial leaders of Ordon. Bo was the man in charge but there were many people that had a say in what would happen in the village. Rusl was one of them.
"Hyrule has fallen!" Rusl shouted. "How tremendous!" The crowd hesitated a moment before cheering loudly.
"Link-" Zelda grabbed him.
"Wait, wait, I trust him." Link was quick to speak but worried inside at what Rusl was doing.
"Our enemies of Hyrule are no more! The people we've hated for a decade are finally gone, this is a time to rejoice."
"Here, here!" Someone shouted.
"Yes!" Rusl yelled. "How wonderful to have our eternal rivals take over Hyrule and gain unlimited power." The crowd grew silent and Link was thanking the three goddesses that Rusl did have some plan. Rusl gave as look of confusion. "Are the Gerudo not sworn enemies of Ordon since the birth of this world? Have the forest and sand not always been at war with one another?"
"Not for ages!"
"Ah yes, what stopped it?" He held out his hands looking for an answer. "Does no one know? No one knows the history of our ancestor? You want to know how the wars between Gerudo and Ordon came to an end? Castle Town was built and the three kindred, Hyrulian, Goron, and Zora came together as allies and put a stop to the always invading Gerudo. We owe centuries of peace to Hyrule for stopping the Gerudo and now we are thanking the Gerudo because they conquered a people that we have only a decade of hatred against? Does this make sense to you?"
"It's all in the past!" It was the same man yelling every time. It was easy to see he really hated Hyrule. "This is a fresh start, they mean us no harm, they got rid of our enemies, let's join forces. They will welcome us as brothers!"
"I agree!" Rusl shouted. "The Gerudo haven't done us harm in ages…oh my memory is growing old, I recall seeing Gerudo soldiers at the front lines ten years ago in that tragic war. I believe the Zora and the Goron were there as well, yet we do not hate anyone but the inhabitants of Castle Town? Please, this does not make sense to me, explain for an old man to understand." There was silence since no one could come up with an answer. "But you say the Gerudo will do us no harm, that they will welcome us. Let me remind you, what is our motto about one brother that is threatened."
"One is all!" The entire crowd shouted at once, it was so loud it made Zelda flinch since she was not prepared for it.
"Yes, one person represents all of Ordon. If one person is attacked, the entire nation of Ordon will respond in full force. We do not take threats, we do not back down , we do not bend our knee to anyone!" With those words the entire crowd roared and Link knew Rusl had the crowd exactly where he wanted them. "You say the Gerudo mean us no harm, but let me ask you this. Why was Link riding for his life!" Rusl screamed so loud it rang throughout the entire village. "Why were Gerudo boar-man chasing him down like rabid wolf? Why did he barely escape with his life, fighting tooth and nail to survive long enough to get back to safety? If Gerudo truly aren't our enemies, why did they chase Link all the way to our front gates to kill him?" There was no answer so Rusl gave them the answer they were looking for. "They wanted to kill him to keep quiet what had happened so they could plan a surprise attack on Ordon!"
This put the crowd into an all outrage as they screamed and yelled their refutes against Gerudo. The shouted as they shoved against each other as if becoming an angry mob about to charge into Ganondorf's chambers and hang him.
"They mean us harm, oh they mean us much harm!" Rusl shouted. "And who are you to say Castle Town deserved it? I am no friend to the King but I am a father and I feel for all those parents in Castle Town that had to watch their sons and daughters slain. You know the Gerudo way, you know they are dirty rats that will pillage any village they capture. How many daughters were raped do you think? It'll be easy to find out, just count the bastards born in nine months time."
"Damn he's good at this," Blaine commented.
"You are aware Link did not return alone," Rusl continued. "He brought a woman, no, a young maiden with him. Does anyone care to guess how many rats were climbing on her before Link saved her? I will spare you the disgusting details."
"Okay, he's going a little too far," Zelda addressed to Link.
"Well you are a maiden." Link replied.
"Not really the concern on my mind right now."
"It's always on my mind."
"Would you shut up!" Zelda hissed. How come he couldn't be serious for a moment?
"How sweet a child this poor girl is, has anyone else spoken with her and learned what a real Hyrulian is like? You will learn they are just like us, kind, caring, and loyal. A few bad apples does not mean the tree is rotten."
"I'm a Hylian." Zelda countered.
"Not the point." Link refuted.
"I have met her!" Someone shouted. This took Zelda by surprise and she saw passed the crowd to see Lara raising her hand. "She is incredibly kind, she helped me with my laundry. Her parents are dead and you sick people are trying to celebrate! Shame on you, shame on all of you!"
Numerous shouts of agreements could be heard. Rusl was doing it, he won the crowd, now he just had to close to truly take them over. And Rusl would do just that. "These viles creatures sneak into castles with no bravery or skill. Why should we cower to them, they should cower to us!" Rusl screamed throwing his fist into the air.
It was returned with an uproar of shouts and cries. Link met Rusl's eyes and gave him a thankful nod of appreciation. Rusl returned it slightly but Link knew Rusl wasn't happy about what he just did. The cheering lasted for some time before the crowd dispersed, everyone was filled with energy after that incredibly speech. Bo promised the crowd he would think hard on the situation and when any more news become available he would inform everyone. People seemed content with that for now, but the rumor mill was churning faster than ever before. The villagers were practically running to their friends and family to tell them everything that has happened.
Link and Zelda left as well. Blaine and the other's invited them to the tavern and Link said he'd stop by later. He didn't want to make any promises for Zelda. As the two Hylians walked back to the tree-house they spoke about Rusl's speech. Zelda commented on how well he organized the argument to start in one direction and then pull everyone with him in the complete opposite way. Link added that he was smart in using all the negative qualities Ordonians think Gerudo have. Sneaking, backstabbing, and savages. They both agreed Rusl was incredible to come up with a speech like that off the top of his head.
When they both stepped back inside Link finally spoke what he had been thinking about for a while but didn't want to say.
"Um Zelda?"
"Yes?" She turned to him somewhat worriedly because his tone sounded troubling.
"Have you ever thought that Ganondorf may leave you alone, and simply go on without chasing you down? He has the castle, doubled his army, his revenue, he acquired most of the land…does he really need you?
"If you found a secret treasure and only one other person in the entire world also knew where it was…would you think it would be okay to just ignore that person completely? You would have to do something, wouldn't you?" Zelda could take on a demeanor of an elder wise woman in a moment's notice. "Ganondorf has to do something about me. It will eat away in his mind to know I could come back at any time with an army of thousands to take back my throne. Even if making a peace offering, he will do something, rest assured."
"Peace offering," Link chuckled soberly, "That's unlikely I'm guessing."
Zelda nodded but didn't say anything. She was watching Link's reactions since this was one of the few times he didn't seem like an over confident warrior. He seemed nervous as his eyes were focused on the floor. The fingers on his left hand twitched and he bounced uncomfortably on the balls of his feet. He seemed to be falling apart in front of Zelda and she felt she had to say something. "Link, I'm sorry, but…war is coming."
Link looked up at Zelda with strong unwavering eyes, they were only previously on the floor because he was imagining a battle formations. His left hand twitched not in nerves but in eager to hold a sword. His balance shifted not because he was uncomfortable, but because he was getting excited. His infamous, cool, taunting, smirk appeared on his handsome face as he only uttered one word.
"Finally."
Sorry the chapter wasn't anything too exciting, but they can't all be huge battles or dramatic love moments. Gotta have the downs to have the ups. This chapter was just more of Zelda fitting in. Next chapter should be more exciting at least and I will try to get it up faster as well. No promises as usual.
Also self advertising here. Wrote a Zelda one-shot called Melancholy Princess. Nothing like FFF but still check it out if you so choose to.