Chapter 9

Night Animals

I had never been more ready for bed in my entire life.

The day had started off with the eerie hauntings of last year's past, followed by an explosive reunion with the old pals, and concluded with a long and unsatisfying meeting that left me thirsting for home.

When Rusl had promised me a drink, he had meant one drink. During the course of three hours I was given but one tepid pitcher to share with the others and some stale bar nuts to snack on. While I had been expecting a more festive swash buckling kind of affair, I was only given a slow ho-hum meeting with little excitement. I found myself yawning often, only to be given dirty looks from Ashei and chiding scowls from Rusl. The evening remained calm after the initial blow up, but the tension was still so thick it was nearly suffocating.

Auru was the meeting's ring leader as usual. His slow, monotonous voice lulled me to sleep at least once or twice throughout the session. Rusl would quip in every once in a while with a quick sentence here or nod of agreement there. He reminded me of a parrot perched upon Auru's shoulder. Rusl only mimicked what Auru had already emphasized but in more or less words. The others and I humored him, but I found the desperate push for leadership a little pathetic at times.

I was not talked to, but rather talked at as if they were afraid to let me respond. Rusl had tried fruitlessly to include me into the banter but I only watched from afar as I sank further and further back into my chair. No one seemed to care that I wasn't joining in on the conversation. In fact they seemed pleased, the others even avoided eye contact with me while they addressed the rest of the group.

Ashei remained as tough as iron for the rest of the night. Her tightly pulled buns and razor straight bangs gave her the appearance of a snow warrior. She talked with a confident air and made a point to ignore me for the remainder of our encounter. Shad had been almost as quiet as I had been. He only spoke if he was addressed and his replies were short and terse. My presence had obviously disturbed him.

Despite all the trivial drama and underling angst, I was able to step out of the bar as a happy man. I whistled for Epona and her hooves seemed to echo down the empty street ways like an unseen ghost. She neighed pleasantly and I rubbed her nuzzle softly with my fingertips. Epona was one of the only things I truly cared about anymore. I hoisted myself up onto her flat back and hooked my feet into the stirrups. With a small kick we were on our way back home.

It was only natural that I felt happy at that very moment. I had been through every other emotion during the course of the day. There wasn't any more room for a negative thought or bad feeling. It was near impossible to be angry with the beautiful night laid out in front of me. I always loved the part of the day when I was alone.

The stars were exceptionally bright that evening. As I trotted out of the walls of Castle Town, the night only seemed to become more vibrant and alive. The sky was a deep shade of royal blue that seemed to cradle the world into a sound slumber. Ink black clouds lined the tops of the mountains and seemed to engulf them into a world that was miles away. I always wondered what could be lingering beyond the clouds. There always seemed to be something more up there than the old forgotten ruins. Of course, if someone would have told me that there was a world that existed in Twilight, I would have deemed them a madman...

Did Twilight exist?

Epona crunched through the melted snow and partially frozen grass in slow weighted strides. Small dews of icicles broke upon impact and left behind a clear crystalline path of slick grass. I let the reins hang loosely in my hands as I breathed in the rich smell of cold ground and pushed up dirt. A gentle breeze whipped through and the cold was just enough to make me shiver. Epona veered to the right automatically as her instincts followed the ghosts of our previous footsteps home. Looking up at the moon I was surprised to see the bulbous yellow orb gleaming down at me from hundreds of miles away. The first full moon Hyrule had seen in four months.

I smiled and felt a small wave of euphoria trickle over my body. Feeling a little adventurous, I tilted my head backwards and let out a long yipping howl. In that moment I forgot about everything that had happened earlier today. It was only me against nature, with my horse by my side. Epona's ears twitched in what I read as annoyance as I let my head roll back down into my shoulders.

Without any warning, Epona stopped and turned her head to the side, looking past me and across the field.

In the dark abyss of the night I heard an echo of a noise. The faint hollow sound of a beast crying out to wind. In the same fashion that I had just done. My body seemed to freeze just like the posture of my horse. We both sat patiently as we waited for an unknown silence to pass. I would have thought myself a mad man if Epona had not heard it as well. There were no wolves in Hyrule. Perhaps it was just a person like me. A lone rider like myself who had given themselves away to nature.

Or maybe I was going insane.

Whatever the noise had been, it was time to leave. Without having to utter a word, Epona charged through the field like a bolt of lighting. My thighs squeezed around her sides in a desperate attempt for leverage as she thrashed and bucked from underneath me. I struggled to regain control of the reins as a quarter ton of fear stricken meat and muscle jostled beneath my hips. My boots dug into her taupe colored sides as she flared her teeth as she gnashed them into her bridle.

"Easy girl. EASY!" I bellowed as the world seemed to blur into dark shades of blues, soft greens, and shimmering whites. My organs rattled from within as each escalating stride thundered towards the ground. I started to care less about gaining control and more concerned with staying saddled.

Through Hyrule field and now blazing through the catastrophic maze of the Faron Woods. Trees zipped by in grey blurs as branches scratched my arms and dug into my legs. The freightened mare showed no signs of slowing down as we whizzed through the shallow dirt pathways and ripped through strings of thin cobwebs.

There was no doubt in my mind that she could have made it all the way home without stopping. The only thing that slowed her down was crossing the bridge into Ordon. I was only then able to gain some control. She slowed down to a creeping pace as I regained my grip on her reins.

Epona came to a skittering halt once the bridge came into view. The pathway was dark and the wind made eerie whispers from within the open gorge. She paced herself across the rickety bridge as her hooves echoed down into the murky crater beneath us. Even though I had redeemed my stature, I still felt some resistance between me and my mare.

We clopped in an almost mystical like stillness as we eagerly awaited home. We passed Ordona Spring without bothering to stop for water as we continued down the small trail to the village.

Home seemed obsolete. But even if it felt strange there was still a bed waiting in the upstairs loft. Feeling weary and run down, I dismounted the tense mare with quivering appendages and a delicate mind. Before I could remove the saddle she was already headed towards the stable behind the house.

Curiously, I followed her into the barn. Epona stepped over the clay colored soil and hay covered floor with slow lugubrious steps. Her long neck craned downwards as she guiltily crept towards her pen. Without a second glance towards me or even bothering to drink from her through, Epona folded up her legs and laid parallel to the ground.

I scratched my head in confusion as she stared with blank eyes at the ground. I whistled towards her and she couldn't be bothered to even twitch an ear. I glanced around the stable for something I could move her with. There wasn't much to pick from. Stale yellowed hay littered the ground, a half full bag of oats sat doubled over in the corner. A rusty pitchfork sat in the corner next to a pair of hanging horseshoes. The smell of wheat and the slight odor of horse excrement lingered in the air, but besides Epona squatting on the ground, everything seemed normal.

I bent over to scratch her between the ears but she pulled her head away defiantly to the left, avoiding my reach.

"Suit yourself." I mumbled, not bothering to remove her saddle. I'd return in the morning when we were both feeling better. With a final glance towards my mount I waved and exited the stable. I didn't have time or the energy to play detective. This would have to wait until morning. Things would be better after we both got a good night's sleep.

The thought of slipping underneath a heavy knitted quilt and resting my head on a cool feather pillow was the only thing that was keeping my limbs moving. I was going to remove my boots; I could feel the leather being pulled away from my calf. My crushed toes wiggled anxiously between the pressed soles. I should still have enough logs to start a fire. I could hear the crackle of the fire pit lulling me to sleep already. I was going to climb into bed, shut my eyes, and forget about-

"Master Link?"

"Fuck!" My already hazy eyes grew as large as saucers. I barely caught my balance in time to prevent me from falling straight into a small snow drift. I pursed my eyes together to see a faint visible outline in the otherwise darkness.

The faint silhouette of a pole shaped body was barely comprehensible with only the light of the stairs. I wouldn't have known the figure was a woman if she had not just spoken. She stepped back timidly as I rubbed my already aching eyes in annoyance. Who was this?

"M-master Link?" She whispered. The smell of oil and a flowery stench hit my nose as the girl inched closer. There was a quick *plumpf* and a small fire appeared in the small lantern she held in her palm. In the firelight, the girl's features became more distinguished in the ember red glow. She was petite, with mousey like features. Her nose curved upwards into a small pointed tip and she seemed her mouth seemed centered and small above a soft shaped chin. She nervously tittered back in forth as she watched me cautiously from the corners of her eyes.

Her eyes were the color of bluebells and flaxen colored hair shielded a majority of her face. She flinched when I stretched my arms and skittered a couple inches away.

"Yes. That's me." I growled and rolled my eyes. My voice seemed to beat the poor girl into a shock. She stared at me with wide eyes and her lip trembled from probably from both cold and intimidation. "What have you come to my house for?"

"I didn't mean to surprise you by being here. I had the intended to keep the light on but you took so long to return I didn't want it to burn out." She blurted nonsensical words as her expression burst with emotion and various facial expressions. She was a young girl, no older than 15 or 16, dressed in peasant attire. She wore a long gangling dress that was the color of a burlap sack, the hem was tattered and worn and her stockings were off color and holey.

"Who sent you?" I demanded. I didn't have time for charity or to help commoners with any problems. I was slightly offended that she had shown up out of the blue like this. Especially at this time of night.

"Zelda has sent me." She bowed and seemed to gain back some of her poise. She raised herself clumsily and cusped her hands eagerly on her stomach as she waited for my answer.

"You do not look like a servant of the royal House." I chortled as I motioned at her outfit. She furrowed her brow and her thin lips folded into a pout. She smoothed out the many creases in her coat and dress as bits of dust and loose fibers fell from her ensemble.

"You are right I'm not." She squeaked. "I'm only a maid. Zelda doesn't want anyone to know that you are coming."

"So she sent you here?" I interjected.

"She sent me here to keep watch while the two of you spoke." The girl stammered and motioned out into the darkness. "Zelda is right here."

There from the shadows she appeared like a mysterious phantom. With long graceful sweeps she moved next to the common maid and bowed gracefully. Her head was shrouded underneath a dark amethyst cloak that covered the entirety of her body. Only her small angled chin and a pair of pale pink lips could be seen. Her eyes were bent towards the ground as she cautiously maneuvered her way into view.

"I should have known you would be coming soon. It's been nearly a week since you last asked for my help." The maid looked horrified as the words came out of my mouth.

"Is this really the hero?" she whispered to Zelda. Her eyes flicked from my top to bottom as she picked at the new image she was seeing. Zelda didn't budge an inch but only smiled from beneath her veil.

"It's not safe to talk here." She spoke softly. "Perhaps we could continue this conversation in your home.

"I suppose." I said coldly as I grabbed the lantern from the peasant's hands. She gasped but let go of the object without any struggle. Feeling rather irritated I stomped towards the house in something that could described in a temper like fashion. Zelda and the maiden followed quickly as we walked through the darkness.

I jostled the keys from my pocket and stuck them into the front lock. The key creaked as it opened and the door jiggled open after using some force. It had been awhile since I had stopped home. Dust fell from the ceiling as the door shut from behind us. The three of us cluttered into the center of the living area as the floorboards cracked and the wind whistled through the cracks in the window.

"Make yourself at home. I'm afraid there's not much to offer but I can get a fire started." I mumbled as I scrambled in the darkness looking for the stack of logs that should be pressed against the wall. I set the lantern down on a small wooden stool as I grabbed a few old pieces of dry firewood. Dirt and small bug homes fell of the logs as I clanked them into the fire pit.

Zelda sat very still perched atop of the lone bar stool I had sitting in the corner. Her servant stood beside her looking nervous and continuously peaking her head out the window. "This is almost hospitable of you Link." Zelda said with a bemused look on her face. She rolled of her winter gloves and placed them neatly atop her lap. "I'm afraid that I had to come on such short notice." Zelda cleared her throat and then with careful fingers, she unveiled the hood from her face.

I grabbed a few small twigs and with the fire from the lantern I was able to start a decent start for a fire. The logs began to crackle and hiss as a welcoming heat and smell of smoke began to roam throughout the house. I rolled over and dusted off soot and grime from my tunic as Zelda watched me with a slight smirk. Her bright blue eyes gazed longingly towards the fire and I could tell that something was truly bothering her.

"I've learned to expect nothing else from you." I dropped the attitude and leaned towards a friendly tone. Zelda seemed to take notice because she smiled slightly while she let her eyes droop into a more human like expression. Her poise seemed to lose its shape and her eyes gave away to the emotions that she always held deep within. "What is it this time?" I sucked in a deep breath and took a seat on the grey armchair that sat in the corner. The cushions were lumpy and it had lost most of its comfort, but it was still one of the most relaxing moments I had gotten all day.

"I want you to help me escape." She almost shouted. Her voice was fearful and anxious. I laughed.

"You've got to be kidding me. Your father will behead me." I cusped my palms together and began subconsciously wringing them together. A nervous sickly feeling began to creep over me. This was very unlike her.

"My father is dying. He's delusional. I think his sickness is making him mad." Zelda pleaded. Her face was full of anger and pain. It was easy to see that she had been holding a lot in lately. The servant girl patted Zelda on the shoulder reassuringly but the gesture wasn't appreciated.

"Zelda I can't help you." I said feeling suddenly sick. Even what little alcohol I did drink seemed to rattle and shake inside my stomach. "This is asking too much. I have nowhere to take you."

"He is marrying me off to a madman!" she shouted. Even though she was breaking she remained her still cat like posture atop the stool. Her hands were folded gently on her lap but you could see that she was struggling not to shake. The mousey looking girl seemed to cower back. She knew that this was not the type of information that was supposed to be relayed to a common girl.

"I've heard of the Dranavirs yes." I said calmly. "Which is all the more reason why I will not help you. I am not taking away a man's princess. They will find me. What do you think they will do after that?" Hmmm?" I demanded.

Zelda looked disgusted. She bit her lip and her lips trembled. "You are supposed to be the symbol of Courage!" She struggled with her emotions and breathed in deeply before speaking again. With a much calmer tone she said "I am begging for your help."

"You are supposed to be the symbol of wisdom. Your father has a plan for you. If you need to be saved I'm sure someone will be sure to do it." I paused struggling with new words to say. "I just can't help you right now."

"I heard you howling." She said defiantly. "You said you got rid of it." She spoke almost dangerously. Her eyes seemed to darken, it was a side of Zelda I hadn't seen before.

"I did get rid of it!" I barked. "Get the fuck out of my house I'm not helping!" I growled as I shot an accusing finger towards the door. The servant screamed and flinched against the wall.

"Get out or I'll tell the king you were trying to kidnap his daughter." The common girl seemed to ponder the consequences of this accusation and her eyes filled began to brim with fresh tears. "You know what will happen to her." I breathed heavily as hot anger began to well up from deep within. My nerves were getting to me. I was too tired. I needed to get some sleep.

Zelda looked at me with murderous eyes. She cast a scornful gaze that seemed to penetrate straight through me and beyond. Her nostrils flared with anger as she remained as still as the dead. With one swift move she pulled the hood back over her face. Even with half her face covered, it was easy to tell she was still seething. She grabbed the servant girl's arm and briskly opened the door.

"Goodnight to you Master Link."

"I'll be at the wedding!" I chirped happily before laughing at my own narcissism.

The door slammed.

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