Chapter 4

It was a day like any other. Only two nights ago had I spoken with Link, him proclaiming that he would invite me to the castle. While a part of me doubted I would ever see or hear from him again, the other sincerely hoped that we would at least speak again. He was as close to a friend as I had; that I probably would ever have.

I picked at the wooden counter absentmindedly as I thought. Syrup had gone to make more health potions, leaving me to assist customers. It was midafternoon too; not many people were out buying potions but rather having lunch, working, or resting. Hue had left me as well, doing whatever it is a Poe does during the day. Obviously I had become quite bored with only my thoughts to entertain myself.

When the door opened, I lazily glanced up. I immediately sat up straight and stared forward, a slight smile trying to form on my lips. Link's father waited by the door, taking the opportunity to look at the potion filled shelves. He wore a knight uniform, the look completed with a sword at his hip and a shield on his back. Link run up to the counter. Today he wore a plain tan tunic decorated with blue-green designs, leading me to believe that the green outfit had perhaps been worn specifically for the party the other night.

He smiled and said hello. After I returned the greeting, he went on by saying, "Do you want to go to the castle tomorrow? My father said it was okay if you came along with us."

"That would be fine," I tried to state calmly but completely failed. I was smiling and even my voice showed how excited I was. "When?"

"In the morning, we can meet you here. Then we'll walk over to the castle and I can show you around!"

"Link," his father cut in, "don't get ahead of yourself. You forgot to ask something very important."

"Oh! Yeah, I was supposed to ask if Syrup said it was all right for you to go." Link looked back at his father, earning a nod of approval from the man.

"I have yet to ask her. I will be right back with an answer." I slide off of the stool and left the other two in the front of the shop.

I had not actually thought of asking Syrup permission for such an outing; she usually let me do as I pleased as long as I stayed out of trouble and remained helpful in the shop.

When I reached the door to the brewing room, I peeked around the frame. I hesitated for a bit, watching as she stirred a large vat of bubbling health potion. "Syrup?" I asked quietly.

"Yes, Eivie? Do you need help with a customer?" She did not look my way and continued to diligently stir the brew.

"No. I was… I was wondering if I could go somewhere tomorrow."

With this statement, she slowly looked away from her potion and at me with an eyebrow slightly raised. "And where do you want to go tomorrow?" Suspicion was evident in her voice.

"To the castle," I said before quickly adding, "with a friend."

"A friend?" She smiled and her wrinkled face relaxed. "I told you that you would make friends here." She gave a sly smile at her earlier prediction's coming true, causing me to roll my eyes. With a chuckle, she said, "Yes, you can go. Just promise to tell me more about this friend later. I sure hope it is not another Poe."

I frowned at her, not appreciating her comment against my ghostly companions. "No. He is completely human to my knowledge." I turned and left her to her potion, only stopping for a second to say a sincere thank you. She had allowed me to go; she at least deserved some gratitude.

When I arrived back in front, Link and his father remained waiting. I returned to my place behind the counter. The entire time Link looked expectantly at me.

"I can go. Syrup gave me her permission."

"Good! I'll see you tomorrow!" Link chirped happily. As he turned to leave with his father, he gave a small wave, which I returned.

The door closed, once again leaving me alone in the shop. I tried to hold back a grin as I thought of how much fun tomorrow would be. I was going to Hyrule Castle. Me, a girl from a small village, would be allowed into the great halls of the famous castle. The very thought would keep me entertained until then.

Ecstatic. That was the only way to describe how I felt. I was so excited for tomorrow, I could not sleep. I had not planned on taking a late night walk, but restlessly turning in my bed had become irritating to the point I needed to get up and do something.

"You are far too cheerful," Hue complained. "It's disgusting."

I scoffed at the dreary Poe. I turned to him, giving a narrow eyed glare. He had been annoying me about my cheerfulness for the entire walk. I was sick of it. "Well then, Hue. Perhaps we should have a change in topic that will alter my mood. Would you enjoy that?"

He groaned irritably. "If you dare bring-"

"I do dare," I interrupted. "If you wish for a subject change, I decide what it shall be." I clasped my hands behind my back and stared down the golden ghost. "Why is it you creatures follow after me and act as though you are subservient to me, a Hylian? What is it you know that you refuse to share?"

Hue remained quiet. He hovered in the air, swaying side to side ever so slightly, his glowing eyes locked in line with mine. "Fine. Be cheerful," he mumbled after a few minutes of glaring.

"That is what I thought." I curtly turned away and began walking. Such an irritating phantom, Hue was. He had nearly ruined my pleasant mood with his complaining. I took a moment to breathe and try to relieve my anger. I could deal with Hue at a later time; my visit to the castle could very well be a one-time offer.

After pushing Hue's transgression behind me, I smiled once more and continued my stroll. Tonight the sky had few clouds, so I decided that perhaps it was a good night to star gaze. My decision meant that I had to find a decent place to see from. The ledge below my window had been disappointing the last time I decided to watch the stars. It had not been nearly high enough. I made it my mission for tonight to find a more suitable location.

As I walked along the inside of the stone walls that protected the city, I looked for a place to climb up. It seemed a like a good starting point. I would just have to avoid areas where the guards were posted. Their torches clearly gave away their positions, though, making it quite easy to sneak around them unnoticed. I soon came to a tall watch tower without the faint glow of fire that signaled a guard. It would be tiresome, but there was a ladder that I could climb to reach the top.

I shrugged my shoulders and decided it was worth a try; the view would likely prove worthwhile. With that, I began my ascent, keeping a steady pace and a strong grip on the rungs. Falling would clearly be unpleasant from such a height. Although I sort of had a morbid curiosity of what it would feel like to fall and if I would die from the injuries. Joelle had enjoyed musing upon things like this; the other sisters would also join in and tease me about my mortality. Oddly I missed them and their quirkiness. Hue was so dull when compared to them, and his constant griping had proven more than annoying.

I hoisted myself over the edge of the wall when I reached the top of the tower. When my feet touched the ground, I straightened my clothes as I looked around. From the tower I could see both the great fields of the outside and the crowded buildings of the town. It was only when I took a small step forward did I notice that I was not alone.

Only a few paces away a boy was laying on the ground, scowling at me. He seemed familiar, with his long pale hair and look of irritation. It took a moment for me to recognize him as the boy I had seen leaving the castle moments before Link appeared. Being closer than I had been that night, I could see that he had red irises. A strange color that reminded me of my own odd yellow eyes.

"Do you mind?" His glare only became harsher the longer I stayed.

"I had been unaware someone was up here." I made no move to leave. He was far too interesting to ignore. Instead I sat down on the wall and made myself comfortable. "My name is Eivie," I offered, trying to spark a conversation.

"You do not intend on leaving, do you?" he grumbled as he sat up, glare still in place. The expression looked natural on his face, like he had been perfecting the look for centuries.

"I have no intention of doing so," I replied. "What is your name?"

For a while he ignored me, perhaps hoping I would grow bored and leave. When I made no move he gave an exasperated sigh. "I am Vaati. Now, do tell me, why are you bothering me?"

I did not answer right away, instead choosing to consider how odd his name was. Vaati. Vaati was the strangest name I had ever heard. Eivie was an alternative form of Eve, but Vaati was completely unique and strange.

"We both have odd eye colors," I finally answered.

He gave me a look that said Really? That is the only reason you're talking with me? "Well, isn't that just an absolutely brilliant observation. Care to point out anything else that is blatantly obvious?"

"Your name is quite odd as well." I tried to hold back a grin, enjoying irritating the bratty boy.

"And you believe your name to be any better? A common name pronounced incorrectly?" He stood up from the ground and sat on the edge of the wall so we were at eye-level with each other. "Not to mention the fact my name will be infamous while your's is insignificant and soon to be forgotten." He was holding back a smirk.

"Infamous? A boy like you?" I laughed, enjoying the witty conversation. "And how would you become known, let alone infamous?"

"I am far more powerful than you can imagine, girl. Soon enough I shall hold all of Hyrule, and then the world."

"You? Rule over anything? I honestly do not see how that could be possible."

Vaati finally let a cocky smirk form on his face. He stood up and walked forward until he was standing next to where I sat. "You are quite irritating, Eivie. But, just to prove you wrong, I shall demonstrate why I am far superior to you and everyone else." Vaati climbed on top of the wall next to me, stood up, and faced the same direction as me, with his back to the town and the ladder leading down. He gave another boastful smile. "Perhaps we will meet again, Poe summoner Eivie." He bowed his head slightly, as if he were a noble bidding a lady farewell. Then he did the unthinkable. He fell backwards, quickly being pulled by gravity to the unforgiving ground below.

I leaned over the edge expecting to see his corpse, but a gust of wind and dirt caused me to snap my eyes closed and cover my face. When I felt the sudden gale was gone, I looked down. I could see Vaati walking away from the tower and down the streets of town without any noticeable injuries from the jump.

When his pale haired head disappeared from sight, I turned around and looked back over the fields and stars pensively. Vaati had called me a Poe summoner. Could he sense Hue as well? The silly Poe had been with me the entire conversation, hiding from sight. Poes could become invisible should they desire, but I could sense their location even when they did. Had Vaati been able to do the same? And how had he managed to survive that fall? He created such a mystery around himself with his last actions and departing words. I would be lying if denied how curious I had become with the red-eyed boy.

"I hope we do encounter each other again, Vaati."

I rolled out of bed the next morning, utterly exhausted, regretting staying up so late. I went to the table in my room and brushed my hair, using the mirror to make sure I looked presentable. It would be very rude for me not to consider my appearance when Link took me to the seat of Hyrule's power. After checking over my clothes for stains or rips, I put them on, straightened out any wrinkles, and proceeded to make my way downstairs.

On the way, I could hear a customer asking Syrup about different arthritis potions. I had slept in, it seemed. Usually I awoke before Syrup opened up shop. My stomach knotted nervously, thinking that I might have missed Link. Then I remembered that Syrup would have woken me up if Link had arrived when I was still in bed. She had been happy I made a friend; she would not be as cruel as not telling me.

After having a small breakfast in the kitchen, I went to help Syrup. "Good morning," I greeted, sitting behind the counter like I did every day.

"Good morning." Syrup looked at me suspiciously. "How late were you out last night, young lady?"

I sheepishly looked at the ground to avoid her gaze. "I do not know," I admitted quietly.

She continued to stare at me expectantly.

"Later than I should have been, I guess. I could not sleep." I hesitantly looked up at her.

She sighed and shook her head. "Eivie, going out at night is dangerous and you know it." She leaned forward, whispering, "With or without your Poe friends."

"I apologize," I began, only to add somewhat defiantly, "but I like to go out at night. It's peaceful."

"You are very independent, but sometimes you need to take others' advice and help, dear," Syrup warned. She told me this often enough that I nodded my head without hearing the words.

The door opened and Link waltzed into the shop. He wore a green tunic and, surprisingly, a small sword at his hip and a shield on his back. He sort of looked like a miniature version of his father. I found it amusing enough that I had to hold back a giggle.

"Hi, Eivie," Link greeted, a smile on his face. "Are you ready to go?"

I nodded my head, making my way to his side. We then walked out the door together. After taking a few steps away from the door, I saw his father waiting as well. He smiled at us and the three of us made our way toward the castle.

I gave into my curiosity. "Why do you have a sword, Link?"

"Oh, yeah, I guess I never mentioned it before. I'm training to be a knight like my father. After I show you around the castle, I have to practice my sword and shield techniques."

"That sounds interesting. Is swordsmanship difficult to master?"

"Eh," he shrugged, "Some things are hard but others are pretty easy." He smiled and then laughed a bit. "You know, you sort of talk funny." I must of look offended because he quickly added, "You speak really formally sometimes and it reminds me of my other friend."

I nodded to show I understood he was just making a comparison rather than insulting me. "Who is your other friend? If you don't mind telling me."

He suddenly got a goofy grin. "You'll meet her later. It'll be a surprise."

"All…All right, I guess." Why keep it a secret? Link was so strange, but I dropped the subject. If he wanted to be a surprise for whatever reason, then whatever. I had not been that curious.

When we arrived at the gate leading into the castle grounds, the two guards saluted Link's father before allowing all three of us to enter. The garden was more impressive now that I stood in it. The many bushes were trimmed into perfectly rounded ovals. Flowers grew in many colorful patches, brightening up the otherwise gray stone path.

"There's actually another garden behind the castle," Link mentioned, perhaps noticing my awe. "We can go there later."

"Well," Link's father said when we reached the grand wooden door leading inside, "You two stay out of trouble. And Link, remember you do need to practice for a while today; don't slack off like last time. Being a knight takes diligence."

"Yes, father. I promise." Link gave a single wave to his father before turning to me. "Do you want to go inside first?"

I quickly nodded my head. I caught my overly excited action and quickly added, "That would be a fine place to begin."

Link smiled and shoved open the large door. I was actually surprised he could open it himself considering how absolutely ginormous, and likely heavy, the door looked. I followed him inside.

Breathtaking. The inside was the most elegant, gorgeous place I had ever been and would ever be. The vaulted ceilings made me feel tiny. A menagerie of tapestries hung above the tall windows and from the rails of a stair case leading up a level. The crest of the Royal Family made appearances on tapestries, rugs, and chairs. There were a few crystal chandeliers in the room and as sunlight passed through them, rainbows formed on the walls.

"I…" I could not even begin to tell Link how spectacular the castle was.

"I told you it's hard to describe." He smiled and went towards the stairs. When I did no move he waved for me to follow. "There's more to see, believe me."

I smiled stupidly and honestly did not care. I caught up with Link and he continued giving me a tour of the stunning castle. He showed me the dining hall that was filled with so many tables and chairs that most of the town could have sat there. I may be exaggerating a bit, but it was incomparable for me: a girl who had lived in a small hut for many years. Link also took me to the library. I nearly cried seeing so many books in one place; Syrup only kept potion related books so such variety astounded me.

When we finally made it to the garden in back, my legs were sore from all of the walking and stair climbing.

"So?" Link walked backwards to look at me while he lead us to the next place.

"Amazing. The entire castle is amazing."

"Yeah, it is, isn't it?" Link laughed, turning back around to face forwards. "Now, I have someone I think you'd like to meet."

"Like that friend you mentioned?"

He nodded and continued to lead me towards a gazebo in the middle of the garden. I picked up my pace and walked next to Link, mildly interested in learning why he was being so cryptic about the identity of his friend.

I froze in place when I saw who was sitting on a bench, presumably waiting for Link and I's arrival. Her bright blonde hair was neatly tucked behind her ears and under a golden, red jeweled tiara. She wore an expensive looking pink, purple, and white dress.

The princess of Hyrule was Link's friend. Zelda. Princess Zelda. I was meeting the princess. My brain momentarily gave up and I stood awkwardly, staring as Link waved to her.

"Hi, Zelda!" Link smiled and lead me forward, seeing how I forgot how to walk. "This Eivie!"

"It is nice to meet you, Eivie," Zelda said, giving a polite tilt of her head. "I am Princess Zelda."

"I.. Its…" I swallowed, trying to tell my mouth to work properly. "It is an honor to meet you," I finally spat out, curtsying slightly, trying to be polite and ladylike for once in my life.

She smiled and looked back to Link. "You did not tell her she was meeting the princess, did you?"

"Nope!" Link chirped. "I thought it would be an awesome surprise." He sat down next to Zelda.

"Come sit down, Eivie," Zelda said when I continued to stand.

Finally regaining control of my legs, and hopefully my mouth, I sat down on the bench next to her, noticing it was the only available seat nearby. I smiled nervously.

"So, how you been? I haven't really talked to you since the party," Link began.

Zelda sighed, almost like she was annoyed by something. "Fine. I only wish that boy would leave me alone and quit with his childish pranks. He has become quite bothersome."

"Yeah, Wendal's been a jerk lately. Well, more than usual, anyways." Link shook his head and rolled his eyes. His tone said that he had had it with this Wendal person.

"Who?" I asked, having absolutely no idea what they were discussing. I felt left out, sort of.

"Oh, yeah, you've probably not met him," Link said.

"She might actually be lucky to have not met him," Zelda mumbled quietly.

"His name is Wendal Ansel," Link continued. "His father's a politician. Wendal always pulls pranks and gets in trouble. The other night he caused a bowl of soup to splash onto Zelda. After that she had to leave. It was right before I went outside and met you." He paused and thought for a moment, like he was trying to remember something. "Zelda, do you know the name he likes to call himself? I forgot it again."

"For whatever reason, he prefers to be called Vaati," Zelda explained before sighing again. "And as Link had mentioned, he is not very pleasant. He always seems to target me, for some reason."

"Oh." Vaati's actual name was Wendal Ansel and he was a noble's son. That explained why he was here the other day. He looked nothing like his father, whom I assume was the man with him that night. It was still strange that he went by Vaati rather than his true name, though. If I met him again, I would have to ask him why. I did not feel it necessary to mention to Link or Zelda that I had met him, seeing as how they did not like him much.

"Well," Zelda spoke up, "what did you think of the castle, Eivie? I understand you just moved here, right?"

"Yes, and the castle is outstanding. I never imagined it would be so… beautiful." I looked to Link. "Thank you for inviting me, Link."

"No problem." Link rubbed the back of his head, looking as cheerful as ever.

For a moment, no one spoke, a comfortable silence forming as we all glanced around the garden. Zelda broke the silence by asking "Eivie, how did you get your nails that shade?"

I cringed, remembering that I had my hands resting on my lap for all to see. I quickly moved my hands to my sides, curling my fingers to hide my hideous purple nails as best I could. "They have always been this way." As long as I could remember my nails were an awful shade of dark purple. My nails were as unnatural as my eyes; another reminder of how I differed from others.

"Oh," she paused for a moment, noting my behavior and obvious dislike for my nails. "I think it is a lovely color," she said, trying to comfort me.

I did not care what she said; I knew it was a lie, but I smiled anyways, showing her that her earlier observation had been forgiven. She was nice, like Link, and I did not want her to feel like she owed me an actual apology for something trivial.

"Well," Link said, trying to brighten the mood, "who wants to play tag or something?"

After that, the day had returned to its upbeat mood. By the time Link decided it was time for him to go practice and Zelda had to study, I was exhausted, but happy. Zelda was very kind. And, despite my oddness and her position as princess, she treated me like an equal, as she did Link. I considered her a friend by the time I left the castle. Link and Zelda even told me to come visit again sometime. It was then that I decided that the move to Castle Town had been a blessing. I was no longer alone. I had meet two friends and an interesting acquaintance. Living here would not be as bad as I first thought.

I was such a naïve child.

A/N- Thank you for reading, faving, and following! Review, please? I just have no idea if this good or not. It would be nice to know if characters are in character and if Eivie is a good OC or not. It's sort of demotivating me not knowing and that is probably not a good sign. Some feedback would be great and motivate me to continue.

That does it for character introductions, I believe. Now it's time to get more conflict and drama. The next chapter may skip forward a few years, but I will give some indication/transition. And don't mind Vaati's "human" name because it will likely only appear a few times and is not really important. There will be more of him now, too. Young Link is (sort of) based on Toon-Link and he will getting more serious in coming chapters.

-AwkwardBlackCat