(A/N: So I have struggled and struggled with this chapter over the last three days. Nothing is wanting to work with me... so I apologize if you get confused during the course of this. The ending of this chapter turned out better than planned so that's a plus, I guess. lol
I've checked and double checked for errors... though I never seem to catch them all. I apologize for those too. :P
Enjoy!)
The Banquet Hall of Hyrule Castle felt much more open than that of White Tower's with its twenty foot high windows that held stained glass depictions of King Edric Harkinian's favorite legends. The table was filled with a colorful assortments of silver platters covered with suculent dishes that dared even the most polite man to dive in without a 'please' or 'thank you'. A plush red carpet lined with golden thread sat beneath the bountiful table that was framed by two masterfully carved fireplaces bearing the Hylian Crest.
The room radiated warmly dressed in its vibrant crimsons and golds but none of that warmth fell on the blue eyed boy dressed in black.
Link had changed from his weather stained clothes the moment he was ushered into the Castle to his designated room. The Hudsons had arrived late and were grateful for the feather beds already warmed and ready for them but, the next morning Link found no desire to leave his royally decorated room and instead focused on writing home to his Mother.
None of the letters made it to a messenger however as Navi claimed they were too cruel. The Fae instead made her partner sit down and focus on attempting to conjure a flame after he expressed some interest in the magickal arts. Navi doubted Link had any ability in regards to sorcery but she knew he would feel better for a few hours if she lured him away from the thoughts of what Jason had said... and his impending marriage.
Link had been grateful until the servents arrived with new garb.
The new outfit was to be worn to the dinner and, although the feast was meant to be celebratory, the Hudsons were still grieving the Great Deku Trees death so the material consisted only of the color black. Navi thought it was appropriate for the boy's mood though she wished he would try to find a positive spin on the whole situation.
Raven greeted his child at Link's room and the Lordling realized that they all would be wearing the same somber colors. It would make them stand out like a blooming rose in the dead of winter and he despised the thought.
The journey to the Hall would have been silent if not for Navi's excitment at the Castle decor and Lincoln found himself enjoying her company at that moment. Jason was in foul mood, like himself, and Link was grateful for someone being able to pull out of the darkness that hung so close.
The greetings, introductions, small talk, went passed like a blur and Link had to stumble with names when approached by a Lord or Lady.
"OH!" A woman dressed in a fine, intricate, fitted silk gown spoke, dramatically, and effectively centered all attention on her. She was a portly woman with bright red cheeks that need none of the rogue painted on them nor any of the other caked on make-up she wore. Lady Goldmine was the servants' nickname for her and the one the gossipers prefered. "Yes, that woman is intolerable! Wanting to be called Master instead of Mistress, HMPH. That Impa may be a woman but I doubt she is one by anything but name."
Link rolled his eyes and sighed through his nose. "Am I going to have to deal with these people for the rest of my life?"
"Only until your fifty. Hopefully by then they will all be dead." Navi grinned at the small smirk that shot across Lincoln's face but frowned when his eyes shot to the Hall's entrance... bulging in shock.
They had arrived.
King Edric Harkinian was a formidable man with a short crop of black locks and a large curling, black beard and at first glance he appeared harsh with his distant, brown eyes. It would soon be found out that the King enjoyed a good laugh and did so often enough for his emerging wrinkles took shape around his smiles. He was the kind of man, Raven explained in a hushed whisper, to put all his faith into those he was around... which included the two-faced royals of the court and the all infamous King of Thieves.
A woman entered behind the King and was the emodiment of a warrior. Her build was masculine with a touch of a woman's curve though she hid it under a skin tight one piece suit and a perfectly fitted suit of armor crafted for quick movement. She had pristine white hair tied back in a tight pony tail, dark tan skin, and the same crimson eyes that Lincoln's Sheikah teacher, Adele, had.
Link opened his mouth to question his father about whether this was the Impa that all the Lady Goldmine kept chattering about when she appeared. A tiny girl with porcelain skin and violet eyes that walked with a grace that would shamed a feline. She was beautiful for a girl of ten and it was easy to see why Princess Zelda Marie Harkinian was considered the Jewel of Hyrule.
"At least she isn't ugly." Navi murmured as Raven shooed her away, playfully, from his plate of grapes.
"My Ladies, my Lords, my friends," The King laughed and gave a wink. "And my enemies. I welcome you to this momentous occasion." A large hand with a ring on each finger pushed the Princess to the front who made no attempt to hide a glare. "The union of my beloved Zelda to my friend Raven Hudson's son, Lincoln." A broad grin.
An appropriate amount of applause with a few cheers from the more inebriated as Lord Raven took a stand and ushered his boy up. Link stood, akwardly, as his father began to speak. "Aye, my Liege, it truly is a special occasion and we are humbled to know that we shall share our family with yours." Raven spoke with a warm fluidity but his words made Link shiver in revulsion. "My sons," A quick gesture to his two children behind him... of which only Jason bowed. "and I thank you for so graciously hosting this banquet."
"It is my pleasure." A quick understanding passed as their gazes interlocked and Link frowned. "We are happy to have you. We shall be family soon after all."
Everyone sat and soon the feast began.
Link averted his eyes to the food in his plate and felt a wave of nausea roll over him which Navi noted with a raised eyebrow. "Are you okay, L- My Lord?" The Faerie's voice sounded odd addressing her partner in such a formal way but Raven had deemed it nessacary for the banquet.
The King's Banquet. His future Father-In-Law.
"Fine." Lincoln blew a calming breath through his nostrils and proceeded to roll a pea about his plate with a fork. He ignored the jab in his side from some minor Noble that laughed too loud and smiled too big for Link's liking. He had the urge to stick his knife in the annoying stranger's side but the weight of a hand on his shoulder stopped him.
"My Lord, it was the wish of Master Impa that you be informed that she shall take up the duties of your teacher, Adele." The servant vanished without even a farewell which left the boy with a frown.
"Impa? Who is that?" Navi snarled her nose after biting into a sour grape.
Link lifted his utensil and jabbed it in the direction of the Shiekah woman standing behind the Princess' chair. "I don't know what her job is but clearly it has something to do with being a guard." His blue eyes settled on the girl's face and felt himself almost hating it. She was beautiful, poised, and delicate.
He had no desire to be beautiful, poised, and delicate.
He wanted to be riding through the forests around White Tower hunting with Thomas, running barefoot in the dirt with the Kokiri, and having the cooks throw flour at him for stealing sweet cakes before tossing him out.
But then her eyes met his and Link jerked his head away so fast that his head spun.
"You should eat something." Navi put his knife in his hand and hitched a thumb at a roasted pig behind her. "Really. You look pale."
Mechanically, Link did as she suggested.
To his left, Jason finished his own plate and glared at the Lord that their Father were talking too before he cut into the conversation that Lincoln had otherwised ignored. "By all rights as Lord, you should provided your People with at least bread and cheese."
"So it is my fault that their crops suffered?" The man, Reginald Horus, dressed in luxury that few men dared spend on mere clothes. A dark, blue vest with real golden thread sewn in intricate patterns over a fitted black-red silk shirt with breeches to match. His face was the face of any story book villian for it reminded Link of a wizard that had been shaved.
"No, that would be the Green Goddess' but it is your duty to serve them." Raven spoke with an almost gentle tone though his eyes all but stabbed the man.
Reginald snorted. "Is it?"
"Of course." King Edric swallowed his food and offered the Lords an unappreciating glare. "You must keep your People safe, keep them warm, and keep them happy if you do not then they shall no longer serve you or allow you to serve them." It was then that the King met Link's gaze. "This is expected of your King and it shall be expected of you."
The table, or perhaps the entire Castle, had fallen silent and gazes passed from the King to the boy with wide blue eyes. Reginald shifted in his seat in uncertainty before mumuring out, "Aye, Sire." and picking at his food.
"It is my regret that we did not meet in private before this, Lord Lincoln." Edric wiped his face and leaned back in his throne like chair. "How do you fare?"
Link knew everyone's eyes were on him and he hated it. He was in no mood to be tested by this man nor the rest of the Court but the presence of Navi gave him some comfort and a soft squeeze from her hand spoke thousands. In a strong voice, the ten year old spoke to Hyrule's King. "I am well, my Liege, though I still grieve the loss of the Great Deku Tree. He was a great friend to my family and I."
"I have heard of his departure." Edric's face fell and it was apparent he was distrubed by the events preceding the Hudsons' arrival. "We shall be family, soon, young Hudson and to see your sorrow... it pains my heart." A small, sad smile. "If there is anything you have need of then, please, Son, let me know." Edric stood suddenly and turned his attention to the silent crowd. "Lords and Ladies, I beg you all to please finish your supper in my absence for Lord Raven and I have buisness to discuss." A brief glance towards his stoic daughter. "Sweetling, perhaps, when you are finished you could show your Bethrothed about, hm?"
Both children stared at one another as their Fathers left the room.
Navi frowned. "Was it just me or did that seem more like a command then a request?"
"He is King." Jason growled, clearly in no better mood then previous morning. "You do what he asks no matter what." Though he did not explicitlly state any offense, Jason's tone cut and Navi's eyes glared.
"King, yes, but throwing two children together who are strangers seems-"
"You should learn to hold your tongue, Little Fae. Especially when you know nothing of which you speak." In a black fury, Jason flew out of the room with a growl.
Navi's shoulders slumped, her eyes watered up, and she let out a deep, shuddering sigh. "Why is everyone- I can't do anything right, can I?"
Link swept Navi up, gently, in his hand and cradled her against him. "You are my partner, Navi, my friend. Jason doesn't matter." His voice was a low whisper and his cold, coblat eyes swept across the spying crowd... commanding them to turn away. Link stroked his friend's back with his thumb as she cried incoherent words mostly revolving around the word 'useless'. "Navi, you have been trying to hard to try and cheer everyone up... to keep us altogether. I cannot thank you enough."
He stood and regarded the Lords and Ladies. "I bid you all good night." Link turned then to Zelda who watched with growing intrigue and bowed though he did not meet her eyes. "I beg forgiveness, Princess, that I shall not be able to join you. I must tend to my friend."
And she spoke with a voice almost too soft to her... and somehow it calmed the boy's frazzled nerves. "Take all the time you need, Milord." A gentle, understanding smile. "Perhaps, however, you could take the poor Faerie to the Courtyard?" Zelda turned and Impa leaned down to listen. "Would you escort, Lord Lincoln, to the garden?"
Knowing that being outdoors would help his friend and that he had little choice in the matter, Link expressed his thanks then followed the rigid woman through the doors.
Zelda sighed and tucked loose lock beneath her lavander headress... her finger stroked the golden medallion atop her forehead, briefly, before she continued picking at her meal. She was not quite hungry for food... a challenging book or perhaps another peak into Impa's own collection but not her Father's odd delicacies. A frown settled on her lips. "Ciera?"
A servant appeared with a bright smile. The Princess had learned all of their names, their husbands or wives names, and even their children. She was well regarded within the Castle and so was treated with more kindess than even the King himself. "Yes, Princess?"
"Could you see to it that my bed be warmed in... a half an hour, or so, and that I have a few of the novels from my section of the Library." A brief pause. "Eddard should know a few I would enjoy."
"Aye, My Lady." Ciera, a mousy woman though sweet, paused and glanced at the girl's plate. "Princess, may I speak?"
They spoke in whisper but their interaction had garnered the attention of Lady Goldmine who rose a brow at the Princess. Zelda glowered at the annoying woman but returned her attention to Ciera with a sweet smile. "Of course."
"You have not eaten much, Sweet Princess... is there something you would rather have or are you unwell?"
Zelda felt her heart warm at the servant woman's worry. Her Mother had been right... 'treat everyone with kindess and they shall return it tenfold'. "I would enjoy some sweet rolls. They may settle my stomache."
"Of course, My Princess." Ciera squeezed the girl's hand and would have kissed her forehead had their not been guests. It was something she had done since the girl was a babe.
Zelda had been raised by many of the men and woman within the halls of Hyrule Castle for they had brought them from Catalina when her Grandfather died... thus allowing her Father the Throne. She was taught how to sew, cook, dance, sing, and how to play various instruments. The Princess knew she was spoiled with her silk dresses and gold adornments but she knew that it all came with a price.
The Throne and an arranged marriage before she even knew what womanhood was. A wedding to a boy... a boy with a faerie. The thought sent shivers down the girl's spine and her thoughts returned to an odd dream she had been having.
Black clouds, dark shadows, the whisper of death clinging in the air, and blood splashes to the ground to soak the soil already drenched. Lightening flashes and those eyes, those eyes on fire, appear with a hatred, malice, and a power to overwhelming that it takes her very breath away. She is sure that those eyes belong to the Gerudo King, Ganondorf.
She frowned, suddenly, and took a sip from her wine. A luxury she was only allowed at such occasion and only half a glass. Zelda leaned back in her chair and plucked at a loose string in her dress. Ganondorf was the symbol of Evil in her dream... could Link be the symbol of good? It had come with a great shining stone but the Kokiri would never let that go... would they?
Zelda could not answer her own questions, to her dismay, and settled for eavesdropping on the conversation being held several chairs down from her. The sixty or more people made it hard but she focoused and soon drowned out all the other noises.
"Those Hudsons... always rushing!" Reginald's voice spoke with a tone that the girl knew well. Mockery. "Rush to the altar, rush to war! Rush to the altar, rush to war! How they ever had time to have so many children, I will never know!" He laughed along with his so-called friends. A group of Lords (and Lady Goldmine who Zelda knew as Venessa) that were known to be cut throat.
"Hmph, to me they are nothing but a bunch of ruffinians dressed in silk!" Lady Goldmine patted at her red coated lips and smirked, beastily. "Our poor Princess shall have to deal with that savage little boy!" The woman's eyes fell on the girl but did not see her. "A proper Lord would have never let his child near those Woods never-the-less fight monsters in them." They all tended to overlook her until they could find a way to butter-up to her Father through her.
She despised them.
"And what was that thing?" Another woman cut into the conversation, eagerly taking in the attention she sought. "It should not have been allowed at the table!"
A bearded man snorted. "You expect them to be civilized boarded up in that White Blemish?"
"Honestly, this whole little arrangment is... Impractical." Lord Willard, who would have been handsome if not for the fact he was missing most of his teeth. "The boy has little to offer his Throne. It would have been wiser fit to marry her off to-"
"Anyone else?" Reginald laughed. "White Tower would be an asset considering how it was the only place never breached in the 100 Years War but why marry her to the runt when Jason has son?"
"I think he felt sorry for the poor dear." Goldmine answered like her usual dramatic self. "And there is always the fact he may still hold a flame for Raven's wife."
Reginald scowled. "Ah," Took a drink from his wine and seemed stung at the mention of the woman. "Evangeline, yes."
Lord Willard sucked something from off of one of his eight teeth and chuckled. "Still sore about her rejecting you, eh?"
Zelda accepted the rolls from Ciera and gave a soft nod with a silent, grateful thanks. She knew Reginald's group did not approve of her wedding though Zelda's reasons and theirs differed. Her Father had promised he would not make her wed Jason's son, Darion, because of their difference in age. She expected her hand would be given to Lincoln and was not surprised when it was announced a few days ago.
The only surprise had been how quickly the arrangement had been settled.
Finishing a roll she had plucked up, Zelda left the Dining Hall without saying good-bye. They would either not notice or not care. She strolled through the halls she knew so well. She had some questions for her future-husband... and Zelda was sure he had some for her.