A tent was constructed for Link and Zelda. Despite the fact that the city had existed for almost eight years, it was still mostly tents, as if the residents had not yet resigned themselves to living in Fire Valley despite having lived there for over three decades.
The newly constructed tent was called "Queen Zelda's tent", as if Link's presence wasn't worth mentioning. The townspeople seemed to have a dim view of Link and Zelda sharing a tent since they were unmarried. Fortunately, they were sensible enough not to be openly rude about it. Zelda noticed that courtship among the people of Fire Valley was very reserved. She advised Link that they had better refrain from any public displays of affection when Link tried to hold her hand. Link was annoyed by this, but Zelda promised to make it up to him once they were alone. The hungry look in her eyes left Link with no doubt that she would make good on that promise.
Link found it difficult to reign in his affection for Zelda. Every touch they shared was a thrilling experience. He had been infatuated with girls before, most notably Ilia. He had even felt something for Midna, although those feelings were confusing to him for obvious reasons. But his love for Zelda was something different entirely. She wasn't an adolescent crush; she was the love of his life and he wanted everyone to know it. The thought of her being his wife exhilarated him.
Link had fantasies of taking Zelda back to his home in Ordon Village. He would take her fishing in the pond and walking in Faron Woods. But as pleasant as those fantasies were, he couldn't ask her to leave behind her role as Queen. She was his lover but also his Queen, so Link was determined to stand beside her as her King.
Later that afternoon, they attended a private meeting with the Chieftain, the officers of the Guard, and the Elders. The meeting was held in the Chieftain's tent. Link was left wondering what it was about, but Zelda already knew they wanted to talk about the Triforce of Power and what should be done about it. Surely enough, that was the topic they immediately brought up.
"The Chieftain tells me that you are after the Triforce of Power, and someone is likewise after you" said one of the Elders.
"That's right, Honored Elder" said Zelda. "I believe we have escaped from the immediate danger though. What remains to be seen is whether or not Lord Ghirahim was involved in the attack on the abandoned city."
"That city is Eloharn" said another Elder. "I remember when it was a magnificent city. It was the trading hub for the entire Eastern Province. When the moblins invaded the Eastern Province from The Forsaken Lands almost thirty years ago, Eloharn chose to resist. For that, the city was overrun and most of its people slaughtered or enslaved. Those who died in the invasion were the lucky ones. Those taken as slaves by the moblins wish they could die."
"You are from Eloharn, aren't you?" asked Zelda.
"Yes" replied the Elder, his face melancholy. "I was a younger man then. The moblins surrounded our city for four days before they finally busted through our gates. They were taunting us, wearing down our resolve, making us fearful so we would be cowering in terror when they finally came for us."
The Elder wiped his eyes. "I had an infant son. The moblins had no use for him so they slammed his head into the stone ground as I watched from afar. My wife was captured as a slave. I shot her through the heart with an arrow as they dragged her away. Better she be dead than have to live through the horrors they would have subjected her to."
"I think you made the best choice you could" said Zelda. "I can only imagine how difficult that must have been for you. I was guarded by moblins when I was held prisoner. I was considered to be a very high value prisoner so I wasn't harmed, but other people weren't as fortunate. I've seen how nasty those beasts are."
Tears were streaming down the Elder's face. "So you understand how concerned we are about the moblin attack you escaped. We cannot allow such a tragedy to ever happen to our people again. That is why we cannot allow you to stay here in Fire Valley."
Before Zelda could protest, the Chieftain held up a hand to catch her attention. "While the Honored Elder is right, we also cannot allow you to go on unaided. The only way you will ever retrieve the Triforce of Power is over Lord Ghirahim's dead body. If there is even a chance that you can defeat him, then I would like to see to it that we do what we can to help you. I have discussed the matter with the Elders and we have agreed that you may spend the night here in Fire Valley tonight, but you must leave in the morning. However, we will allow volunteers from the Guard to accompany you on your journey. A Queen should have a military escort, especially when there are so many dangers lurking about."
"Thank you, Chieftain" said Zelda. "We can use all the help we can get."
"I'm not finished yet, Queen Zelda" interjected the Chieftain. "Defending our home is the primary responsibility of the Guard. That mission takes precedence over your mission. The Guard will escort you, but do not expect them to wage war on your behalf. If you try to lead them into battle, don't be surprised if they leave you and return to us. They are not cowards, but they are not likely to throw their lives away protecting your homeland instead of their own homeland."
"I can understand that" said Link. "There is nothing cowardly about wanting to defend one's home. Zelda and I still appreciate the assistance. I am hoping to keep conflict to a minimum anyway. I have fought moblins before back in Hyrule, but never have I seen so many as you have in your world."
"Unfortunately, you will likely see plenty more moblins on your journey" said the Chieftain. "The moblins come from the Forsaken Lands to the southwest. They have been raiding human settlements for generations, but they are mainly concentrated in the Forsaken Lands. Unfortunately, Lord Ghirahim chose the Forsaken Lands to build his palace when he arrived ten years ago. Only a being as dangerous as Ghirahim would choose to make a home among the savage beasts. Strangely enough, he has had a somewhat pacifying effect on the moblins. Their raids into human territory have become less frequent since his arrival. That should be all the more troubling for you though. That means that the Forsaken Lands will likely be swarming with moblins, since they are leaving their home less frequently now. You had better devise a plan unless you want to find yourself surrounded on all sides by a massive army of moblins."
"I greatly appreciate your insight into these matters, Chieftain" said Zelda. "Even if Lord Ghirahim has managed to reduce raids by moblins, we must still kill him before he kills us. If he is allowed to obtain the full Triforce, he could cause more trouble than the moblins ever could. Both your world and my world would be doomed if that ever happened."
The Chieftain nodded. "You make a good argument, but I must stand by my original offer. Our soldiers will not go to war on your behalf, merely escort you. I appreciate the seriousness of the threat you are describing, but that is all I can do for you, especially given the history of my people."
"I understand, Chieftain" said Zelda. "I apologize if I sounded unappreciative. Now, if I may be excused, Link and I must retire to our tent to strategize."