Chapter 2
"There is no disguise which can hide love for long where it exists, or simulate it where it does not." ~Francoic do La Rochefoucauld
Passing through the crowded streets of Castle Town, the group of seven made their way to the exit of Castle Town to Hyrule Field. Their horses were waiting patiently at the hitching post for their masters.
A woman with pale blue skin and fiery orange hair watched with curiosity and disgust at the people that passed the group. Her curiosity eventually broke their silence. "How is it that these people allowed a Priest, who seemed to be well loved by many, to be taken away so easily and killed?"
Six eyes filled with fear and anxiety landed on the woman and began to scan the area around them.
"Midna!" a man with shoulder-length violet hair exclaimed, "You cannot go around saying things like that. You could condemn us all!"
Midna scoffed, "I highly doubt that, Kafei. We are not from hear. They wouldn't dare touch us."
A quite voice from a small girl drew the attention away from the current bickering of the two companions. "I suggest that we leave now before those soldiers hear of our conversation and take offense."
Seeing the soldiers marching in their direction, the group focused on getting out of the capitol discreetly as possible by blending into the crowd of citizens. The soldiers began to push people aside by orders from the squadron leader to find the people who were speaking about the government, the seven were nearly sprinting to get to the gates.
One of the soldiers nearly grabbed Midna before she evaded him by stepping behind a large goron salesman. Link saw this and yanked her ahead of him, all the while noticing how white she looked.
Relief flooded their veins as they crossed the drawbridge towards the horses. After the men helped the women on their horses, they quickly got on behind them or to their own horse and galloped away seconds away from being spotted by the lead troops.
The wind dried Link's eyes causing his vision to fog up with tears. "You hot-headed woman! You could have gotten all of us killed!" He heard Kafei lashing away at Midna, "If it weren't for Medli we would have been caught by those troops, interrogated, and executed for treasonous talk against the stupid Republic!"
"Kafei, calm yourself! You must not say these things out in the open, or else you'll do the same thing that Midna did." The redheaded young woman in front of Kafei gently scolded.
Several people snickered at the motherly tone Kafei's fiancé gave him, "Anju's right. We don't want to discover any hypocrites now do we?" Midna asked in a snarky tone.
Kafei's face went red from either wind, embarrassment, or shame. "No one asked you." He mumbled. The group laughed at the argument that occurred for the rest of the ride.
Link smiled at his companions, but he couldn't shake the ominous feeling that began to grow gradually ever sense hearing the Priest's prophesy. His right hand, seemingly having a mind of its own, released its share of the reins and covered his glowing left hand.
The group closed in near Lake Hylia to a humble manor that belonged to a dear friend of Link's. Mikau, his lovely wife Lulu, and their young daughter Ruto greeted the seven with large smiles and ushered the stable hands to retrieve the horses from their riders.
"Welcome to Hyrule, my dear friends! I trust your travels were blessed by the goddesses for you to arrive so quickly." the jolly voice of the Zora man brought a light mood upon the group that so desperately wished a change in atmosphere.
"Mikau!" Link went to the Zora and embraced his friend "It's been too long." Turning to the Zora woman and child, Link kissed their hands in greeting. "Hello Lulu, Ruto, I hope you have kept Mikau in line while I was away." Ruto giggled as Link winked towards her.
"But of course, Link. He's not allowed to rampage throughout the world anymore now that he has a family to provide for." Lulu smiled at the inside joke shared between the three.
"Hey, it's not me you have to worry about Lulu, it's Ruto!" Mikau cried in defense, "I swear, she falls in love with every available man she sees!"
Ruto, who had been ogling Link for the past several minutes turned bright red as she retorted, "No I don't Daddy! Besides, you just have to accept the fact that I'm becoming a young woman and will marry one day, soon."
"Not if I can help it." Mikau muttered softly under his breath. Unfortunately for him, Lulu heard and the group laughed as he cowered under 'the look'.
Link grinned and turned the family's attention to his companions. "Mikau, Lulu, Ruto, I'd like to introduce you to my companions." His attention pointed to Kafei and Anju, "This is my cousin Kafei, the Marquis of Termina, and his fiancé Lady Anju." The violet haired man and the redheaded woman respectfully bowed their heads towards the Zora's.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance." the couple proclaimed in unison.
Mikau and Lulu returned the gesture, "Likewise."
Link then gestured to a tall young man with a lean build and short brown hair, a young woman with orange hair and blue eyes, and a younger woman with long, soft, brown hair and deep, russet eyes by the name of Medli. "This man here is my cousin, Lord Pipit and his beau Lady Karane. The younger woman is Pipit's little sister, Lady Medli."
"A pleasure to meet you." Karane spoke as the siblings nodded in agreement.
Lulu smiled endearingly at the young lady beside her brother, "The privilege is ours."
"Last, but not least, this is my dear friend, Midna, Princess of the Twilight Realm." Midna stuck her hand out and shook the three stunned Zora's.
"Nice to meet ya." She turned to Link, "Gee Link, did you have to tell the whole world my position?"
Link smirked, "I don't believe in keeping secrets from my friends about who their guests truly are. It would be terribly rude, wouldn't you agree?"
"Yeah, yeah. We all know that you just like to make my life that much harder." Midna waved him off.
"Well, let us not stand out here any longer than we have to. I'm cold and hungry. And by the looks of it, so are all of you." Mikau proclaimed to his guests.
The group nodded and began to head inside. Ruto ran to Midna's side asking all kinds of questions about being a princess. Just as eagerly as the child Midna replied with many, phony, answers.
Being the last one to enter, Link lingered by the door frame and scanned the plains for nothing in particular. Lost in thought about his long lost friend for eighteen years, Link's focus returned as he heard the household chef announce that dinner was ready and closed the door to the house, and to his friend.
At the dinner table, the Zora family began to talk more into depth with Link's companions and form friendships.
"So Kafei," Mikau began, "what interests does the heir to the Dukedom in Termina with our humble Hyrule?"
Anju placed a hand on her beau's arm. With a loving look between the two Kafei answered, "I've heard of beautiful wedding bands that the Hylian Gorons forge from their mines. Seeming how Anju and I are to be married in three months time, I figured that it's time to buy her ring. It was very convenient for me when I heard that Link was going to return to Hyrule, so we decided to tag along."
"If you really want the best ring, then I would suggest that you get a jewel from the Zora's Domain and have the Goron's insert it to a ring." Ruto stated. "After all, the Zora jewelry is more refined than any diamond found in Death Mountain."
"Perhaps we will," Anju graciously stated, "thank you for letting us know." Ruto beamed at her and continued eating.
"Karane," Lulu started, "I don't mean to be rude, but I've noticed that you dress very similar to Pipit and Link. I know Link is a Hylian Knight, does that mean that you an Pipit are also Knights?" She inquired.
"Why yes, we are knights. Guardian Knights of Termina; that's what we're called." Karane stated proudly.
"They allow women to train as knights?" Mikau asked. Shock clearly etched on his face.
Before Karane could retort Pipit spoke."Well, no. But Karane made a deal with my uncle, the Duke, it was through him that the Regiment even allowed her on the training grounds. It's actually how we met. Her determination to become one of the greatest knights in Termina was a trait that I found rather attractive." Karane beamed at Pipit's bashful face.
Ruto gave a dreamy sigh, "That's so romantic."
Midna snorted.
Medli slapped her upside the head.
Link couldn't help but laugh.
A small "harrumph" came from Ruto who then started to mumble about something along the lines of "kill-joy".
"Link, why don't you tell us more about why you're here? After all, you were very vague." Becoming calm, Link barely heard Mikau over Midna and Medli's arguing.
"Perhaps it would be best if we get away from the screeching banshees; that way we don't have to repeat ourselves."
Nodding, the group stood from the table leaving their empty plates, and arguing companions, to be collected by the servants.
Upon entering the drawing room, a servant began to light a fire in the hearth. Mikau and Lulu sent their daughter to bed and offered a seat to their guests. "Now," Mikau started, "where were we?"
Opening his mouth to speak, Link was sharply cut off by the opening door of the room. The once arguing duo entered with the dignity to blush and murmur a quick apology. The Zora couple nodded their heads in understanding and gestured them to sit.
"Now that we've settled that matter," a pointed look from Link was directed at the blushing ladies. "the main reason I've come is to show Midna Hyrule, and to escort Medli to the famous Shaman in Kakariko Village to go under an apprenticeship. Do you know of him?"
Lulu began to gush, "Oh! You must be talking about Renaldo. He is the one we Zora's go to when we fall ill." She turned to Medli, "If you wish to study under him, you will be in good hands."
Medli beamed, "I certainly hope so, he's my role model."
Pipit rolled his eyes at his little sister, "Yeah, she's quite taken with him. So much in fact that she actually scared a suitor away because of how much she talks about him."
The pink stain on Medli's cheeks grew darker and tainted her pointed ears as everyone laughed at Pipit's comment.
"Medli, I don't you have a chance with him, so you have better not scare away any more suitors. He does have a daughter around your age, and hasn't looked at another woman after his wife died." Mikau stated with mirth in his eyes.
The group laughed again, only this time, Link 's curiosity began to ebb away at his mind.
"Renaldo's wife was actually able to give birth?" He enquired, "I was always told that she was barren."
"Oh no. She just had a more difficult time holding on to the baby than most. She acted as a wet nurse to new born babies until she finally had Luda." Mikau then added, "Link, how do you know of Renaldo's family?"
"My dear friend, do you not remember? I use to live in Hyrule before The Republic dethroned the Royal Family." Link's answer began to decrescendo to a mere whisper. Flashbacks of two young boys playing on the streets of Castle Town ran through his mind, until he was brought back to reality by a jabbing poke from Midna. "My apologizes, I suppose I wandered off with my thoughts." An awkward silence filled the room.
After several moments, Midna broke the silence, "Do you know of a High Priest by the name of Rauru?"
Lulu looked up, startled by the sudden question. "Why yes. He's the one who is in charge of the Temple of Time. It's very rare for traveler's such as yourselves to hear of him."
This piped Anju's interest, "Why is that?"
Mikau cleared his throat, "Ever since the over through of the Monarchy, Rauru rarely came out of the temple. He always praying or fasting to the goddesses for hope to give to the people." He then bitterly added, "Although it always seems that his hope and faith in the goddesses is in vain."
"It wasn't." Karane began. "You say it is rare for this Priest to emerge from the temple, well let me tell you, He came into the heart of Castle Town after an execution and prophesied to the people."
Eye's wide as saucers the Zora couple eagerly looked at their guests for more information.
Kafei began to sate their curiosity, "He mentioned something about the Chosen Hero and the Princess of Destiny rising once again to get rid of the Republic. Or something like that. But because of that..."
"He was killed."
Silence filled the room as all eyes turned to Link's hunched over frame. A shadow covered his eyes; sorrow seeped through his aura, filling the room.
The silence was broken by the same man who invited it, "Please excuse me. I am weary from my travels and today's events." Without waiting for a response, Link stood and glided out of the main room.
A servant took him to his room. Link quickly observed his surroundings and noticed a small garden that stood in front of Lake Hylia. Deciding that fresh air would be good for him, he trekked down stairs to the back door; exiting the house. Link walked through the garden to the lake and sat down on a flat, raised, rock.
Skipping several stones, Link's mind wandered back to the words that was spoken by the High Priest earlier that day. 'What did he mean by The Chosen Hero and The Princess of Destiny will purge the land of evil?'
shpoodom shpoodom sploosh
Another rock danced on top the waters glassy surface.
shpoodom shpoodom sploosh
'Is it possible that he was speaking of ... me?' Disturbed by this thought, Link ripped off his gauntlet. The golden symbol of The Triforceof Courage began to glow once again.
"Just because I have The Triforce of Courage doesn't mean that I'm the one that Rauru prophesied about. Does it?" Link heard footsteps behind him.
Trying to cover his left hand before the uninvited guest's prying eyes could see the marking on his hand, a familiar giggle invaded his hearing. "It's far too late to hide that, Link."
Link whipped around to face the intruder, "Midna! You must promise me that you will not tell a soul about what you've just seen."
"I don't understand why it's such a big deal."
"Promise me, Midna!" Midna drew back at the pleading gaze Link directed at her.
She threw her hands up in the air, "Fine! I promise." Relief flooded across Link's features. "However," he cringed. "I want answers."
Link skipped another stone.
shpoodom shpoodom sploosh
Watching the rippling effect that was left in its wake, he sighed, "Where should I begin?"
Midna sat by him on the ground. She drew her knees into her chest and rested her head on them. "Well, from past experience," Link looked down at her. "the beginning is always the best place to begin a story."
Smirking at her sarcasm, he picked up another rock and tried to skip it.
sploosh
He sat down, "If that's what you wish, then I will oblige."
"As you well know, I was born not far from here in Hyrule. My father was a Knight Commander. I remember Mother telling me that he was one of the greatest knights Hyrule has ever seen. His loyalty to the royal family could only be rivaled by his love for his family." Link smiled at the memory of his mother's face telling him how much his father loved them. "One of my scarce memories of my father was actually learning how to fight and knowing that true 'strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.'"
"He sounded like a good man."
"No, he wasn't good. He was great. He was my hero." Link fell silent.
"We were very happy here. My mother was a childhood friend of the late queen and was brought over from Termina as a Lady-in-Waiting when the marriage between the King and Queen took place."
"Is that how your parents met?"
"Yes." Link chuckled. "Mother didn't like my father at first. Claimed that he was a no-good suck up who would do anything to impress a lady enough to win her hand, then reveal his true colors. As for him, love at first sight."
Midna arched a brow, "Just a minute here. You always told me that your mother was madly in-love with your father. That's why..."
"She never remarried. Yes that is very true. But she trust him the very first time they met." Link interrupted Midna.
Midna huffed. "So why did she not trust him?"
Link sighed and gazed out over the lake, his eyes glazed over as he immersed his thoughts to the memory of his mother telling him stories of how she met his father. "As you well know, the journey from Termina to Hyrule takes two days on horseback and four on coach." Midna nodded her head urging Link to continue, "The Queen was a rather secluded person growing up. Very few people were close to her, my mother being one of the select people that she trusted."
A beautiful young woman with crimson eyes and fair hair gently cupped the handsome face of her beau. Concern etched deeply upon his chiseled features. "I only need Impa and Lana to stay with me, Harkinian. Do not fear for my sake." She rubbed his bottom lip with her thumb.
Harkinian grabbed her wrist and kissed her fingers, he stared at her possessively sending heat waves crashing through the woman's body. "I will always worry for you when you are not by my side." He kissed her forehead gently, "You will never be out of my thoughts nor my protection, Adeline." He then turned to his guard and appointed a devilishly handsome man to guard the carriage throughout the journey from Termina to Hyrule. The man saluted his Prince and watched the remaining guard surround their Prince as he mounted his steed and rode away.
The man turned to Adeline and bowed to her. When he looked up Impa and Lana were behind Adeline ushering her into the coach. Air escaped his lungs as his ocean blue eye's briefly made contact with Lady Lana's warm ebony eyes. When she turned her eyes away from him, he longed for her to look at him once again.
During their travels, the man constantly glanced through the carriage window in hopes to catch a glimpse of the smoldering ebony eyed woman. It was at that moment that the man realized that he had fallen in love with the Lady-in-Waiting. And he would rather die than to see her in the arms of another.
"My father tried multiple times to woo my mother. Needless to say, they never worked. Eventually, my mother met a young duke and began courting him. Father was heartbroken."
shpoodom shpoodom shpoodom shpoodom sploosh
"Nice one." Midna paused mulling the information in her head "... Your father- he didn't give up, ... did he?"
Link picked a chunky, rough, rock and cradled it lovingly in his hands. "...Because he loved my mother so much, he was willing to let her go." another pause, "But only after he investigated to see how much this duke loved her."
"For months Father always listened in on gossip about the duke from other noblemen and women. He even asked the monarchs of their opinion of him. However, they were not much help, for the duke never came to court until recently. The only rumors he heard were of how wonderful the duke was, and that Lady Lana was an extremely fortunate woman to have such a catch." he fell silent, organizing his thoughts. "Unable to bring himself to ask Lady Lana what she thought of her duke, he went to the king and asked him to support the duke's wishes to marry her."
Midna was appalled, "Why didn't he ask her? Did it ever occur to him that she could be trying to see how far he would go for her?"
Link smiled, "It was because of the Queen."
Midna was baffled, "The ... why ... how ... don't you dare stop until you tell me when your parents got married." Midna pointed an accusing finger at Link. "Or else I'll poke your eye, and if not your eye then your ear." She waged her finger in his face.
Link laughed at her silly threat, "As long as it's not inside my nose, then I think we're good."
"... You disgust me. You actually think that I would pick that snotty nose of yours? Think again." Midna huffed and muttered something about Link having too much snot in his head that it actually was corrupting his brain. Or something like that. "Story. Now!"
"Just before my father gave up all hope, he asked the queen if she would be willing to ask Lady Lana her true opinion of the duke. The queen did as he asked and spoke to her that evening."
"Lana," Lana looked over to the queen from her game of chest with Impa upon hearing her name. The queen approached, "how do you feel about The Duke of Baldesh?"
Lights danced in her eyes, "Oh Adeline, he's simply wonderful. Just thinking of him sends my heart fluttering like butterfly wings." Impa snorted. "Impa, you just wouldn't understand."
"Oh Lana, I do understand. However, because of my oath, I am unable to marry. You and Adeline know that better than anyone else." Impa got up to leave, she paused before the door. "I think you would be very foolish in neglecting Sir Farryll feelings for you. Give him a chance before you recklessly say 'I do'." With that Impa left.
Lana started at the door in shock. "I had no idea that Impa found someone she loved. Poor thing." Adeline knew, but kept her mouth shut. It wasn't her story to tell.
Adeline took Lana's hands in hers."In regards to what Impa said, I too, think that it would be wise of you to give Sir Farryll a chance. After all, he..."
"He's arrogant, immature, careless, and the list goes on!" Lana cut Adeline off. "He's the total opposite of Oswald. Why do you and Impa, of all people, always insist that I should give that coward a chance?!" Lana was panting from her rampage.
Adeline felt a great source of pity for the young Knight. Lana had made up her mind that any man would be better than him. She held Lana's hands with one of her own and patted them with the other. "Just be happy with your choice." And with that she left to tell Farryll of Lana's decision.
Shell shocked from her dear friend's sorrowful expression, Lana whispered to no one. "I am happy. Aren't I?"
shpoodom shpoodom sploosh
"Upon hearing the information from the Queen, Father felt as though he lost his own heart. He vowed that he would never love another like he did my mother, nor would he marry. So with the grace of a noble warrior, he let my mother go. But he still watched his prey, The Duke of Baldesh. It was a good thing too, for the week before my mother and the duke were to be married, he tried to force himself upon her in his carriage. My mother, being raised to retain her virtue until her wedding night fought back. Father heard her cries for help and with a great roar he charged at the duke."
Lana was on cloud nine after her romantic dinner with her fiancé, it was just like a dream. Even the night was perfect; the star glittered brightly and the moon's radiant face gently caressed the sleeping earth. Lana sighed, 'Impa was wrong. I don't need Farryll, he's no match for Oswald.' The couple arrived at the doors of Lana's chambers. She began to open her door and turned to give Oswald a chaste kiss goodnight.
Unfortunately, that didn't go as planned.
Lana looked up into Oswald's lust filled eyes. "Oswald, what's the matter?" She stepped back into her room as he advanced. "Oswald, please. You're scaring me." Another step. "Please, tell me what's ... EEK!" Oswald slammed the door shut locking it before he launched himself at Lana, ripping at her dress.
"NO! OSWALD! STOP, STOP NOW!" Lana was frantic. This was not her Oswald; he was perfect in her eyes.
Farryll was walking down the hallway that led to the King's private study near the Ladies-in-Waiting chambers. It was there he heard the slam of a door and Lana's hysterical screams. "LANA!" He followed her screams to be led to a locked door made of heavy deku oak. He began to pound on the door. "Lana! Is that you? Are you alright?"
Oswald growled at the interruption, Lana's hands struggled to keep his face away from her exposed chest. "HELP ME, FARRYLL! I'M BEING FOUHMM!"
Farryll heard a slap from the inside and Oswald's growl. "Shut it you little wench. You're as good as mine. No one can stop me from taking what rightfully belongs to me."
Farryll's heart froze as he identified the voice to being no other than the man that Lana chose. Fury enriched his voice, "OSWALD! DON'T YOU DARE EVEN TOUCH A SINGLE HAIR ON HER HEAD! I WILL KILL YOU FOR THIS!"
Farryll could practically see Oswald smirk, "I'd like to see you try." Lana's screams became even more panicked until they were muffled.
By this time The King and Queen heard of the commotion from Impa and ran their way to Lana's room. "HANG IN THERE, LANA! I'M COMMING FOR YOU!" Farryll shouted through the door and ran into the next room onto the balcony.
King Harkinian banged on the door, "Oswald, I command you to cease this instant!"
"You may be the King of this land, but that does not necessarily make you my King." Oswald spat.
Oswald ignored the protests of the royal couple and returned his attentions to the angelic body of the sobbing woman. He failed to notice the dark silhouette standing on the balcony, ready to break through the glass.
CRASH
Lana screamed and Oswald whipped around to see Farryll with a sword pointed at his heart. Oswald turned his back on Lana and she tried to hide herself with loose blankets on the other side of the bed. Farryll glanced over to Lana to see if she was out of danger before glaring at the coward before him. "Oswald, the actions you have taken mark as treason to the crown. As my duty as a knight of the crown, it is therefore, my responsibility to take you in to be tried at court. If you will not come at me in resistance, then I will show you mercy. But if not, then you will leave me no choice. Now choose."
Lana's eyes never strayed from Farryll's frosty face as he towered over her would-be-rapist. Tears came to her eyes as she thought back on all of the horrible things that she said and did to him. In fact she was surprised that he even came for her at all. 'I don't deserve him.' That thought alone broke her heart.
Rage boiled inside of Oswald as he played the trembling coward. Being indiscreetly as possible, he grabbed a knife with a glowing purple blade and hid it in his sleeve. Putting his hands up in surrender, Oswald began rise to his feet and turned his back towards Farryll.
Farryll lowered his sword and reached out grab Oswald. He failed to see the dagger that returned to Oswald's sleeve. However, Lana did see it. "FARRYLL, WATCH OUT!"
Farryll jumped back just as Oswald swung the knife out. In his peripheral vision, Farryll saw the acid from the blade eat away at his tunic. Oswald just chuckled, "You're going to have to do better than that."
Oswald lunged again at Farryll who blocked with his sword. The acid began to eat at his chainmail.
Lunge, block. Screech, push back. Move to a different position. Lunge, block. Screech, push back. Move to a different position. Repeat. Tears fell from Lana's terrified eyes, she jumped each time the two men went at each other.
The battled continued and Farryll's tunic and chainmail were in poor condition, the only thing that separated Farryll's skin from the acid was his linen undershirt. Their deadly duel was interrupted by the door bursting open to reveal the King, Queen, Impa, and a handful of soldiers. "Seize that man." Harkinian commanded his troops. Oswald began to swing wildly at the troops before him. Farryll, having enough of the scumbag before him raised his sword high in the air aiming at Oswald's head; with a quick snap of his wrist he slammed the butt of his sword on the back of Oswald's head. Oswald crumpled on impact.
Feeling the acid nearly touching his skin, Farryll dropped his sword and tore the destroyed garments off his body. Impa used her Sheikah magic to permanently destroy the acid stained material. Adeline rushed towards Lana to help her stand. "Oh Lana," she sobbed, "did he harm you in any way?"
"Farryll got here before he could do anything." Lana turned to Farryll, the guilt of misjudging him tore at her heart. "Thank you, Farryll. I am forever in your debt." At that very moment, Lana's true feeling for Farryll were unlocked from the depths of her heart, love.
Relief flooded Farryll's heart. "I told you once, I would give my life to protect you. It was and never will be an empty promise."
Adeline returned to her husband's side and returned to their chambers. Impa smirked at the sight before her before warping to the dungeons to supervise Oswald's imprisonment. Before the individuals knew it, they were alone.
Lana had long adjusted the blanket to wrap around her body in a toga-like fashion. She stepped around the bed to stand face to face with her savior. Farryll bowed to her and turned to leave as well. "Farryll," He stopped and turned to face her once more. She bit her lip. "Farryll, can you find it in your heart to forgive me? I know I don't deserve it after all that I've done to you, but I've been lying to my heart. Making myself blind to the matter that I ..." She looked at Farryll, his eye's shone with a passionate fire. Lana felt as though she was drowning from the intensity of his gaze.
From the second that Lana called out his name, Farryll's heart stopped. His breath hitched as he heard her apology. "You ...?"
Lana's eyes crashed to the floor. In nearly an audible voice she whispered, "I made myself blind to the fact that I've fallen in love with you." Her voice grew stronger, "I don't know how, or when it happened. But I can no longer deny this feeing that's consuming my very being."
Farryll drew near her with arms stretched towards her ready to embrace her. But before he was able to touch her, she placed her hand on his toned chest slightly pushing back. Tears dripped down her face. "I-I don't deserve you!" she began to sob "You deserve someone who is better than I, who would never dream of hurting you. ... Someone who isn't me. I don't deserve your love."
Farryll, grabbed her wrist and quickly pulled her to his chest, wrapping her arms around her so she couldn't escape him again. Lana beat at his chest sobbing all the while. She finally calmed down when he began to stroke her hair. "Lana, there is only one woman I will ever want and love," He gently grabbed her by her chin and raised her face so his own would hover over her angelic features. "... you." He leaned down and gently placed a loving kiss upon her lips.
When they broke apart, he got down on one knee, "Lana," she began to sob "I vow to you that I will do everything within my power to keep you safe. There will never be a day when you do not feel cherished, for I always have and always will cherish you and, if you will have me, our children." He looked down for a moment to gather his courage, "Will you marry me?"
Lana threw her arms around Farryll and kissed him, "Yes!" she breathed in between kisses.
Outside the room, Impa leaned against the wall with Adeline and Harkinian. She smirked, "Well, it's about time."
Midna stared in shock. "Wow. That's amazing."
Link said nothing for awhile. He still had the lumpy rock in his hands. He stood and threw it as hard as he could into the lake.
SPOODOSH
Still facing the lake he spoke once again. "Five months after Mother and Father were married, Queen Adeline gave birth to a healthy boy. And six months after that I was born. Because the queen and my mother were dear friends, we often were together as children."
"When we got older my family moved out of the castle into a small manor that my father had built on the outskirts of Hyrule Field. It's actually not too far from here." Link paused, images of a small boy with red eyes and the Sheikah symbol on his clothing and his own childish form playing on the streets of Castle Town with a tall, muscular, Sheikah woman watching them with smiling eyes flashed through his eyes. His Triforce began to glow softly. "We played together every chance we got. The last time I saw him was when he told me about how his mother was pregnant with his sister. He was so excited."
shpoodom shpoodom shpoodom sploosh
Link was silent for a moment. So Midna spoke up. "What happened to him? Did his little sister die or something?"
"He couldn't come. His nursemaid told me that his mother was having problems just weeks before her delivery date, so my friend stayed with his mother in hopes that she and the baby would be okay. On the day of the attack, a royal messenger came by in a panicked frenzy saying that a healthy baby girl was born, and disappeared with her brother and the nursemaid. Also in their time of need, my father was killed." Link shut his eyes in remembrance of the painful day.
"Mother and I were heartbroken. She told me to grab the bare necessities that we needed to survive on the run. I asked her why, but she only kissed me on the cheek and told me that we were going to live at Termina with Grandfather. My mother carried Aryll on horseback and I carried our minimum supply of possessions on my horse."
"Wait just one minute here, how did your grandfather know that you were coming? It usually takes three days to get to the border between Hyrule and Termina." Midna inquired.
Link responded without a second thought. "Courier. And just so you know, in our trepidation, we made our journey in two days and one night."
"Poor Epona." Midna muttered.
"I've never known a finer steed than she. But I don't think I have to give much detail about once we were in Termina, do I?"
Midna idly waved her hand. "Just the basics."
His left eyebrow rose, "But you already know."
Arms akimbo, she huffed, "Yeah, but you can't just end your tale like that! It's just like a cliffhanger, and you know how much I hate cliffhangers."
Link rolled his eyes. "When we got to Termina, my uncles were waiting with a coach for us, so when we got to Grandfather's, we were well rested. Several weeks of worrying over what happened in Hyrule, we received a message from Rauru saying that Hyrule has been overthrown. King Harkinian, Queen Adeline, and Nursemaid Impa were executed in Castle Town Square. The Royal Children have gone missing the day of the attack, and were presumed dead. That's all it said. Mother wept, and I couldn't help but feel that the note was not entirely true."
The last phrase that Link uttered perked Midna's interest. 'He never mentioned that before.'
"For some reason, I've always felt that my friend and his sister are not truly dead. And I want to find them and protect them, like my father did before me. That's..."
Midna cut him off, "That's the real reason behind you being a Hylian Knight instead of a Termainian Knight, right?"
Link nodded. "Yes."
Midna and Link were unaware of the numerous pairs of ears that listened in on Link's story. Fortunately for Link, they did not hear of the part with his Triforce.
"Then earlier today at the execution," Midna started slowly, "you were upset because you knew that Priest, Rauru was it, that was killed?"
"My father was good friends with him and his brother, yes." A twig snapped behind them. Link's eyes instantly hardened. "Who's there?" He demanded.
A slap was heard. "Pipit you dolt! You gave us away!"
"It's because you pushed me, Kafei! Don't just blame me!"
Midna face palmed and Link's hard eyes became hooded with annoyance. "Okay you're all busted, come out now." Seven sheepish smiles appeared as the Zora couple and five out of six companions stepped out from behind the bushes.
Mikau rubbed the back of his head, "Sorry, Mate. I can't help myself when it comes to a story."
Anju then spoke up, "So, I'm assuming that the only real reason that you're here is not to just escort Medli to Renaldo."
Link nodded. "I want to avenge all those who have died for my family and friends. I will do so in my father's memory. You saw how unjustified that tyrant treats the people hear. I can't understand how some of them just eat it up! They don't deserve this."
"But what can you do, Link? You are just one person." Lulu asked.
"So is that pig, Ganondorf. Although he may have his little minions, I have the righteous power of the goddesses to help me. I can feel their hand in my being here." He paused for a moment, "Will you all help me?"
The group was silent. Midna glanced at them before placing a hand on Link's shoulder. "Do you even have to ask?"
"She's right, Link. We will always back you up." Kafei stated.
Medli spoke up. "That's what family is for anyways. We will always be there for you."
"Aye. You will always have our support and the support of the Zora Kingdom with you." Mikau stated and Lulu nodded her head in agreement.
Pride surged through Link's heart as he saw his friend's smile and nod their heads in agreement. "Then, for now on, we will do all that we can to save as many as we are able from the hands of the so-called-Republic." Many nodding heads were seen and a few "aye's" were shouted in agreement.
Karane's eye's were lit up in excitement, "We need a name!" Pipit gave her a dumbfounded look, so she slapped him upside the head."Don't give me that look. All the great protecting groups have them."
Lulu got caught up in Karane's excitement, "Oh yes! How about, 'The Deku Flowers'?"
Kafei cringed, "No. No, no, no, no. That is too girly. We should be called 'The Justifiers'!"
"Are you an idiot, Kafei? That's the lamest name I've ever heard!" Midna screeched.
"I actually like it." Lulu glared at her husband. "... Of course, not as much as yours dear."
Anju threw in her two bits, "Well then why not 'The Hero's'?"
Pipit shook his head. "That's too over used. We don't want to be thrown in with that mess."
Link stayed silent while his friends argued. If they were going to have a name he wanted it to be simple. Like the group that Rauru told him about in a letter, 'The Peacekeepers'.
That's when Medli spoke. "'The Resistance'." was all she said.
Everyone stared at her. Link grinned. "'The Resistance', eh? Yeah. I like it."
Wow, that was fun. Sorry I was a month late, to those of you who actually read my story.
Just a little head's up, I will be starting college in January. I will try really hard to give you two more chapters before I start. I already have them lined out. I just have to type them. So by time January rolls around, don't expect another chapter until April-ish. If you're lucky, I'll have time to give you another. But that's unlikely.
Tell me what you think! :) coughcough I-still-need-a-beta-reader coughcough.
Well that's all for now!
Spaz-attack101
Word Count: 6,834