The early morning sun shone through a small hole in the castle window and onto the tin plate Zelda used to hold her breakfast. The muffled song of chirping birds traveled with it, setting a serene peace over the monarch's heart. Aromas of ham, eggs, and freshly cooked biscuits floated from beneath the kitchen door and filled the small dining room. It consisted of a small, square table made of wood and coated with a white tablecloth. A three-pronged candle stood on top of it, along with a plate containing the princess's half-eaten breakfast. Aside from the table and the chair Zelda sat on, the room consisted of nothing else but three unoccupied chairs at the remaining sides of the table.
Most of the walls were decorated with portraits of the Royal family, both past and present. On the wall opposite the monarch and next to the window, there hung a picture of another Princess Zelda; said to have lived during the age of the Hero and the very first member of the Hyrulean Royal Family. In the portrait, she was positioned elegantly in a wooden chair with her hands folded gracefully on her lap. Ramiro had commented on their similarities in appearance a number of times. However, she always passed them off as exaggerated. Even so, she was one of the few members of the Royal Family to bear that name since her predecessor; something she felt was no mere coincidence.
Zelda let out a sigh as she turned another page in the Book of Mudora. Her foot tapped anxiously against the cold, stone floor beneath her. She had to find something, anything that might give a clue how to fight the threat stalking her kingdom like a shadow. The memory of her dream jumped to the forefront of her mind once again as her eyes stared blankly at the pages.
Exhausted and frustrated after an hour of fruitless searching, she closed the book with a soft thud and rested her head on the table. Her folded arms served as a makeshift pillow for her weary body. According to legend, the Book of Mudora contained everything that ever happened since the creation of the world to the present. However, the sage Mudora cast a spell on the book, virtually giving it a mind all its own. The book chose to reveal what it wished when it wished. So why was it choosing to be so stubborn? She could only pray to the goddesses that she would find something useful amongst the hundreds of pages before it was too late.
Zelda's thoughts turned to the war council that lay later that morning. She wasn't looking forward to it, dreading it even. Still, it was her duty as Queen of Hyrule to meet with the various emissaries and discuss the current war. If only days were simpler like those of her youth, when she was free to frolic in the gardens or practice archery with the knights.
The monarch lifted her head from the table and looked out the window.
Those days were long gone now. These early mornings were the only moments she had to herself. Rising with the sun and sneaking down to the kitchen afforded her precious time to sort through her thoughts without having to wear the mask of Hylian royalty. In an hour or so, she would have to dawn it once again; the isolated, demanding role that she had received from her father's early passing. Only a select few ever saw the person beneath: Geoffrey, Ramiro, and a few of her personal attendants.
The regal young woman smiled quietly to herself.
Kari and Link had received a small glimpse of her personality. Exhausted from a day of meetings and feeling the garden's welcoming atmosphere, she had been more relaxed in their meeting than she normally allowed. Strangely, she felt no guilt for it. Perhaps it was because they could understand her isolation in a way neither Geoffrey or Ramiro could.
Zelda placed a thoughtful finger on her cheek.
Kari was one of the last of his kind; he knew what loneliness was. But why could she empathize with Link so much? During the invasion seven years back, they had only met a small number of times, and he had been a wolf for most of those occasions. Even once peace settled in Hyrule and the process of rebuilding began, he left the land to travel amongst the other countries.
She paused.
Perhaps it was because he knew what it was to possess the power of the gods: a wielder of the Triforce.
The monarch looked at the back of her hand to see the triangles glowing dimly on her skin.
Yes, that had to be it. Only a few throughout history knew the isolation of carrying its awesome power. Those few shared a profound connection with one another; one not even time could break.
Zelda's ears twitched as she heard the wooden door creak open, grinding her daydreams to a halt. Her eyes gazed expectantly at her trusted adviser, Ramiro.
"Enjoying your early morning breakfast as usual, I see." He said gently as he peeked through the door.
Zelda giggled. "You know me far too well, Ramiro."
Ramiro stepped fully into the room and eyed the half-eaten plate in front of the young woman. "I served your father since you were but a small child, and continued that faithfulness to you when he passed on. I should hope I know something about you." He pointed at the plate. "I came to remind you of the war council. It starts in almost an hour. You should start preparing immediately. I'll fetch one of the servants to clean up."
"Right as usual, Ramiro." She eyed the table. "It was nice while it lasted."
Zelda sighed and reluctantly rose from her chair. She brushed a few straggling crumbs off her violet nightgown and placed the Book of Mudora under her arm. The two walked through the wooden door and began preparations for the long day ahead. As she walked through the stone hallways, Zelda's mind turned to the smiling faces of her people. Despite all the hardships and tedious idiosyncrasies it involved, she wouldn't trade her role as Hyrule's monarch for the world. She loved her people too much, and was more than willing to face a small war council for their sake.
Voices buzzed amidst the large meeting hall that would serve as the location for the war council. The room had been cleaned and examined several times beforehand by servants to ensure it met the rigorous standards of the nobility and aristocracy. A pair of large wainscot doors opened into the room with a long velvet rug softening the entry steps of its visitors. Two marble thrones were placed side by side at the end of the room, outfitted with satin cushions to comfort the monarchs who often sat there for hours at a time. Only one of these chairs was occupied by Zelda; the other served as a grim reminder of noble tradition she politely brushed aside.
With every passing year, the pressure from the nobility increased for her to find a suitable man to become King of Hyrule. While she didn't oppose the tradition, she had yet to find a suitor worthy and had instead concerned her attention with matters she felt of greater importance.
Standing rigidly next to the monarch was Geoffrey, outfitted in golden armor that was more for fashion than function. A green sapphire shone from the chest. A decorative red emblem displayed both the Triforce and the Hylian Phoenix. The outfit was used only for formal occasions, and was worn by the Hylian Knights' highest ranking officer. The captain felt uncomfortable wearing it for the first time, as seen by his stiff demeanor. Nonetheless, he remained impassive in his facial expressions as a soldier was meant to. He was here to represent the Hylian Army.
To Zelda's left were a series of marble boxes arranged in stadium seating. Each contained a cushioned chair made of wood to house Hyrule's nobility. As they marched through the large doors and took their seats, the monarch's eyes narrowed on a particular individual: Durian Anarvi, Duke of Crimea. The two had never seen eye to eye; more so because of Durian's pride and stubbornness than an honest difference of opinion. Except for him, the nobles were normally supportive of her decisions. In her heart, Zelda knew that he would make this entire council more difficult than necessary out of spite.
A rather portly man, Durian wore a violet doublet that took the shape of his stomach. A silver undershirt covered his arms, ending in ruffled sleeves at the wrists. A brown belt held his breeches in place as he took his seat and whispered something to one of the adjacent nobles. He had a blonde handlebar mustache, the only hair to make up for what he lacked on his oval head. His hazel eyes glanced malevolently at the monarch before resuming his conversation with an adjacent noble.
To Zelda's right were another set of marble boxes like those on the opposite wall. These were reserved for the foreign ambassadors. Closest to her was the ambassador from Labrynna, a lanky individual who smelled of too much cologne. To his right sat the ambassador from Holodrum, another loyal ally to Hyrule. This particular individual was much shorter than his Labrynnan counterpart, but muscular nonetheless. Next to him was a feeble-looking Hylian man that could easily have passed for a scholar instead of a diplomat; he was the ambassador from Termina. Beside him was a powerful looking individual whose presence would intimidate all in the room but Darbus. He had long black hair that flowed wildly down his back. His clothing was much simpler than that of the other ambassadors; trousers and a sleeveless shirt. He was the ambassador from Nevkah, the secluded land of shifters. Beside him were King Ralis and Darbus, each representing their respective tribes. Altogether, five nations and four races were accounted for in the large room. Now that everyone had taken their seat, the council was ready to begin.
Zelda stood up from her throne, boldly meeting the gazes of nobles and diplomats alike. "I want to thank everyone for coming here on such short notice." She eyed two diplomats in particular. "I wish to extend my gratitude especially to the ambassadors from Nevkah and Termina."
Of the five great nations, Hyrule, Labrynna, and Holodrum had been allies for many years. The similarity of races, customs, and religion made it easy for the three countries to trade with one another and prosper. The remaining two countries, Termina and Nevkah, chose to remain neutral. The country of Termina had a natural magic distortion surrounding it of unknown origins that bent even time itself. To venture in and out of the country was difficult, and thus interacting with other nations was more trouble than it was worth. The country of Nevkah remained isolated for different reasons, but the end result was the same. Populated by a race of shapeshifters, Nevkah had a culture that was distinctly different from any of the other four nations. As such, it chose to remain isolated, not bothering to become involved with the affairs of its neighbors. It had only been the persistent pleas of Zelda and the esteem they had for her that persuaded the two nations to attend the council in the first place.
The ambassador from Nevkah rose from his chair. He spoke in a gruff manner. "Skip the formalities, Ruler of Hyrule, and explain why you summoned us. There has not been a meeting of the Five Great Nations in centuries."
Zelda nodded, answering his blunt statement cordially. "You are right, Master Dartmouth. Time is not a resource we can afford to waste." She directed her gaze to the remaining diplomats and nobility as Nevkah's representative took his seat.
"A few days ago, a madman by the name of Zant challenged Hyrule's sovereignty. With an army of monsters, he launched an ambush at Death Mountain, expelling the Gorons from their home. If that defiant act was not enough, he continued an intrepid assault against the newly rebuilt settlement of Kakariko Village. A portion of the Hyrulean army combined with the Gorons engaged them. They met with heavy casualties in both soldiers and innocents, and were forced to retreat." She looked to Geoffrey. "I have asked Captain Geoffrey to share his personal account of the battle." She looked and nodded in his direction.
The captain nodded. "Thank you, Your Majesty." He paused and cleared his throat. As he spoke, his voice echoed off the silent chamber. "Ladies and gentlemen of the court, what I have to say to you is only a description of what we encountered. Words cannot do justice to the horrible atrocities we witnessed, nor honor those who lost their lives fighting it."
"We received a message for help from the Gorons approximately an hour before the battle. My superior officer at the time, Captain Nadal, and myself, rode to their we arrived, we placed the villagers indoors while we prepared for their assault. At first, we dispatched wave after wave of bokoblins, and the battle went in our favor. It wasn't until later we discovered the enemy had placed a spy in our ranks. They were only toying with us."
"When we were weak from fatigue, they sent their strongest monsters to assail us: Stalfos, Lizalfos, Moblins, and DarkNuts. We were doomed before the battle began. If it weren't for the intervention of the Light Spirit, few of us would have made it out alive. Even with its aid, we lost many brave men and countless innocents." He paused to look at Zelda. "Make no mistake about it, Zant will come here next. I only hope we are ready to meet him when he does. That is all, Your Majesty."
The monarch stood up once again. The air was tense from the captain's testimony. Those who knew him better realized he never exaggerated, and a shiver went down their spines.
"Thank you, Captain." She eyed each noble, hoping to gain a hint of their response through facial expressions. "Zant is a threat we can't afford to ignore. Even now, he stares at Hyrule like a hawk eying its prey." She paused, allowing her words to sink in. "I called this council to request for aid, whether it be through supplies or troops."
"I assure you, Zant is not only Hyrule's problem. Should our nation fall, he will come after you as well. However, if we stand together as one, we can stop him before his dreams for conquest come to fruition."
There was a long silence as her words rolled in everyone's mind.
At last, Durian stood up from his seat, twirling his mustache and snickering to himself. "My Queen, you called everyone here for this? Have you no faith in your army? You have lost one battle and you already come groveling on your knees, begging for assistance. Such humiliation does not suit our proud nation."
"I see your memory has failed you, Durian," Zelda challenged. Her cerulean eyes didn't budge as she met his head on. "Let me remind you that it was only seven years ago that Zant had this entire kingdom wrapped around his finger. I would think you don't want history to repeat itself."
"History would not repeat itself if you were not so weak, my Queen." Durian countered. He raised a skeptical eyebrow to emphasize his point. "Let me remind everyone that it was your decision to submit to his rule in the first place."
"I admit I have made blunders in my reign, Durian, but that was not one of them. Thousands of lives were spared because we chose not to fight, and he was defeated in time. Zant will not be foolish enough to extend us the same mercy again."
Hushed whispers broke out amongst the diplomats as the two locked gazes.
"I would like to say something." Everyone turned to see King Ralis of the Zora standing. His corral earrings jingled as he looked from side to side. "My mother, Queen Rutela, was murdered as an example to any who would oppose that monster. Lord Anarvi, I will not stand idly by while you mock the Queen's decision to prevent her people from sharing my mother's fate."
Several turned their stares to the Duke of Crimea to see how he would respond.
"Very well. I can see I have hit a sensitive issue." Durian replied at last. "Though I am obviously in the right, I will press the issue no further in the interest of negotiations." He paused for a few seconds, rethinking his attack against the monarch. Content, King Ralis sat down while the duke of Crimea continued. "Whether your decision was the right one or not is not important, I suppose. However, the fact remains, Your Majesty, that you were not the one to defeat him, correct?"
Zelda inhaled sharply. "No, I was not, Durian."
Durian pressed his advantage. "In your statement to the public shortly after the war, you explained Zant had come from another dimension and that he was promptly defeated. You never explained how. At the same time, rumors surfaced all over the country of a mysterious swordsman who fought evil wherever he went. Would you care to comment?"
Zelda let her breath out slowly but looked at Durian sharply. "I will tell you what is relevant, if that will ease your gossipers tongue." Several of the nobles chuckled. "The swordsman you spoke of is the one who defeated Zant. His name is Link."
Durian chuckled quietly once again. "And you expect us to believe one man defeated an entire army?"
Zelda nodded. "I do. He is a descendant of the Hero."
The entire room was silent save for the gasps of a few of the nobility.
Several seconds passed before Durian spoke again. He had not expected such a bold and ludicrous statement from Queen Zelda. "I see. So where is he now? If he fights for us, then I see no reason to even have a war council," he said dryly.
Zelda's fingers formed a tight fist; the only indication to her growing frustration. "If you must know, he is making preparations to fight. However, that should not stop us from doing the same. The longer we listen to your meaningless prattle, the less time we have to prepare."
Durian's face turned as red as a tomato. "You harsh words will not belittle my valid arguments."
Zelda sat down at last. She could sense the confrontation finally coming to a close. "They are not harsh words, Durian, they are the truth. Since you first opened your mouth, you have done nothing but throw out personal attacks and accusations, completely neglecting the problem at hand. Attacking my honor is one thing, but I will not tolerate your blasphemy against the martyrs of Zant's cruelty, including those recently of Kakariko Village. Your arrogance blinds you to the true nature of his malice."
This time Darbus rose from his box, his glowering face causing Durian to shrink in his chair. "If this puny human thinks that Zant is no threat, then let us take him into battle with us. Then, he can see for himself the horrors that monster has inflicted upon our people." He pounded his chest. "The Gorons will fight with their brothers, the Hylians, until he and his monsters are ground into the dust."
Zelda smiled. "Thank you, Darbus. Your words are appreciated, but I am sure that Durian can come to his own senses." The large Goron sat down. Zelda looked at the Duke of Crimea, victory sparkling in her quiet eyes. "Is there anything else you would like to say, Durian, before we approach the subject once more?"
Durian's eyes smoldered with resentment, but he couldn't hide a slight smirk. She was practically inviting him to expose her for the weak fraud she was. "This war will be a waste of valuable lives and resources. They would serve better use in the reconstruction of Hyrule."
Zelda restrained the victorious smirk creeping onto her lips, instead holding her composure steadfast. "And why are we rebuilding Hyrule in the first place?"
Durian paused, his mouth hanging open in a subconscious admission of defeat. He had dug the grave for his own argument. At last, he raised flustered arms in the air as he stormed from his chair. His shouts were directed at no one in particular. "I do not have to stand for this public humiliation. Let this country burn for all I care. Then you will all come groveling back to me when Zelda is exposed for the fraud she really is."
As he made his way down the steps and to the doors, two guards placed strong arms on his shoulders. He protested loudly, but that didn't stop them from escorting him out of the room. His muffled shouts could still be heard as the doors closed behind him.
The monarch looked resolutely at Hyrule's nobility. "Anyone else?" She paused. "But before you speak, remember that you all agreed to send soldiers to Kakariko Village. Will you tuck your tail between your legs and run, or will you finish what you started?
The entire assembly was quiet. No one dared protest.
Zelda let a warm smile pass onto her lips, much more acceptable than the victorious smirk she wanted to show only moments earlier. "Thank you for your support. I promise not to let you down." She turned her attention to the foreign diplomats. "I apologize for the inconvenience. You have heard most of what I know of the situation; now I wish to know where you stand. If there are any questions, I will do my best to answer them."
Darbus was the first to stand. "Your Majesty, you know where me and my tribe stand. We will fight with you."
King Ralis soon joined him. "In honor of my mother and the alliance between our peoples, we vow to fight with you."
Zelda bowed humbly. "Thank you Darbus, King Ralis." She turned to the foreign diplomats. "And what of your countries?"
The diplomat from Holodrum stood first. "Our countries are allies. The Goddesses forbid if we should go back on our word and ignore our friends in their hour of need. We will offer as much support as we can spare."
There was a long pause before the diplomat from Labrynna stood. "Queen Ambi has long admired the integrity with which you run your country, Your Highness. I have her intentions at heart when I say Labrynna will honor our alliance and assist you against this Zant."
Zelda bowed once again, expressing her gratitude. She was making great progress. However, the real challenge began now. It had been hard enough convincing Termina and Nevkah to participate in the Counsel, never mind to commit their countries to a full-scale war.
The diplomat from Nevkah spoke. "I have but one question, Ruler of Hyrule. If this Zant poses a threat worth gathering the Five Nations, why did you not seek our aid on his first invasion?"
Zelda nodded in acknowledgment. "An insightful question, Master Dartmouth. Last time, Zant's attack took us by surprise before we had the chance. He gave us the ultimatum to surrender or risk triggering a bloodbath. This time, we know what he is capable of. We are taking preventive measures to ensure he does not succeed this time."
Master Dartmouth folded his arms. "I see. Despite your answer, I still fail to see a significant threat to Nevkah. Our land is protected by mountains, and our warriors will be more than a match for his army. There is no reason for us to get involved in a human's war."
Zelda tapped her fingers nervously on the armchair. "Then you should know, Master Dartmouth, that one of your own lead Zant's forces." She turned to Geoffrey. "Her name was Atrayu, was it not?" The captain nodded in affirmation.
Dartmouth let out a hearty laugh. "That is of no concern to us. Atrayu broke our laws. She got her just punishment; she is forever exiled from our land. She may as well be dead."
Zelda nodded politely, hiding her disappointment. She hadn't expected such a response. She turned to the last ambassador. "And where does Termina stand?"
The Terminian ambassador adjusted his glasses and spoke quietly. "Frankly, I do not see any reason for us to aid you. We are not allies, and it would be more trouble than it is worth to relocate our forces here."
Zelda readjusted the crown sitting on her head. "If our records are accurate, one of our own saved your land long ago from a dark creature. It was inconvenient for him, but he still stopped the moon from crashing into your nation. You owe a debt to the Hero, and it has not been repaid."
The Terminian ambassador shrugged his shoulders. "Even so, he is long since dead. That does not obligate us to assist your country."
Zelda let out a soft sigh. This would take longer than she hoped.
The War Council continued long into the afternoon with heated discussions and fierce negotiating. By the end of the long day, the Goron Tribe, the Zora tribe, Labrynna, and Holodrum had all pledged their troops. However, Nevkah and Termina refused to involve themselves.
Night couldn't come fast enough as Zelda lay sprawled on her bed, wrapped in warm silk sheets. A quiet summer breeze came through her open balcony window, gently rocking the curtains around her bed. A barn owl hooted from atop a tree in the garden, providing a tempo for the chirping crickets below. The monarch buried her head in a soft feather pillow like a little girl as her mind reeled from the events of that day. The Queen of Hyrule had retired for the day, allowing Zelda to be human once again. Even as she was left alone to her musing, she realized how inextricably intertwined the monarch had become with her character.
It had been difficult, but she believed she had garnered enough support to put an end to Zant's threat. She also had the assistance of Link, a thought that comforted her. Her mind wandered to Kari. Though she knew virtually nothing about him except his name and place of birth, she could only hope he would be willing to lend his aid as well.
Zelda felt her eyelids becoming heavy. Remorse still plagued her for publicly humiliating Durian, but it couldn't be helped. He would have inhibited all she hoped to accomplish, all for the sake of his foolish pride. She let the thought pass from her mind as sleep finally claimed her.
The night shadows crept over Durian's face as he silently stole through the alleyways of Castle Town. Even though the streets were empty at this time of night, he made sure to avoid the light provided by torches scattered throughout the city. His footsteps pattered softly on the stone pavement as he stalked around unnoticed.
He slowed his step and tried to compose himself. What did he have to fear? If a lowly peasant found him, he could buy their silence. What did a few dozen rupees matter to him? Besides, no one would dare question a noble's intentions, even if they were acting suspiciously.
At last, he reached his destination: a hidden door in a side alley. He knocked twice, paused, and then knocked four more times. A small slit in the door opened as two yellow eyes glared at him. They blinked in acknowledgment when they recognized their regular customer and opened the door without a word. Durian stepped through and was escorted by two cloaked figures down a flight of stairs to an underground room. They passed through a hallway with several closed doors. He thought he could hear moans as he passed, but he paid them no mind. He never stayed here any longer than necessary. The rats that scurried at his feet and the smell of mold always made him eager to leave.
Durian was eventually lead to a small room; the destination for his visit at such a late hour. The two cloaked figures stood on either side of the door, watching their visitor with expectant eyes. Unlike the rest of the underground lair, this room smelled of incense. At the center of the room stood a large desk overflowing with various chemicals contained in glass vials. A few dark tomes were piled in the corner. On the far wall, a straw mattress was bundled together; a bronze statue of a scorpion stood not far off.
"You're back sooner than I expected, Durian." A deep voice spoke from behind the desk. Its owner was a large man with flaming red hair and glowering yellow eyes. The tan skin of his face could be seen even by the dim candlelight in front of him. The rest of his features were hidden in the darkness to shield his identity. "Were the slaves we provided not adequate?" Durian shivered at the malice in the voice that addressed him.
The Duke of Crimea stood perfectly still. "No, Geroshida, I assure you they were to my utmost satisfaction. I come bearing a different kind of business; one of a grander scale."
Geroshida raised an eyebrow in interest. "Oh?"
Durian's confidence suddenly came back to him; even if it was falsely placed. "For some time now, Zelda has been a thorn in my side. She has opposed me time and time again, and now she had the audacity to humiliate me in front of the entire council. Now she wishes to commit this country to a war we need not fight."
Geroshida rested his chin on his large gloved hand as a bored expression crossed his face. "What do I look like, Durian, a priest? I have no interest in your personal problems. If you have no business, then leave my sight."
Durian quickly interrupted. "Ah, but I do have business, and it involves the Queen. Something must be done with her."
The thief lord raised his eyebrow once again. "What are you proposing?"
"I am willing to pay a large sum to have Zelda taken care of. I do not care how you do it, but I want her out of the picture." Durian paused. "Permanently."
A malevolent smile crossed Geroshida's lips. "Your request is quite bold. Are you sure it is wise while the country is at war?"
"It is because of this war that I must intervene. She is abusing her power, and must be stopped for the sake of this country. I will gladly step in her place, and guide Hyrule to new heights." The Duke of Crimea jingled a sack of rupees in his pocket. "I promise it will be worth your while."
Geroshida paused to let the sound ring in his ears. "I care not for this country or its monarch. She has made it difficult for me and my kind to prosper in the underworld with her naïve sentiments of kindness and justice." He pounded a fist into the desk. "However, such a job carries heavy risk, and thus a heavy price. What are you willing to pay?"
A hint of desperation could be heard in Durian's voice, even beneath his feigned confidence. "Whatever you ask. I realize the service of Scorpio does not come cheap, but you are the only ones capable enough for the task."
Scorpio was a legendary name amongst underground criminals. It was an underground organization led by Geroshida stretching back as far as anyone could remember. They took on almost any job, from merchandise on the black market to assassinations. Durian had chosen correctly when he selected them for this task, though it would significantly drain his fortune.
Geroshida smiled. "We will accept the job if we decide the fate of the Queen. In addition, we have no obligations if your plot is exposed. All this and our pay, of course."
Durian retrieved the bag of rupees and tossed it towards Geroshida. It jingled satisfactorily as the thief lord caught it and felt the contents with his massive hand. "Consider this as a down payment. I look forward to seeing your legendary skills at work." Durian let a confident smile cross his lips. "No one publicly humiliates Durian Anarvi and gets away with it."
Thanks everyone for answering those questions; they were very insightful. Darkride, glad to see I got the emotion right; it is a tough thing to balance. You also gave a good idea. A serious fight between Kari and Link would be really interesting. Player4, I'm so happy to know you really enjoy reading this story. It's readers like you that make it worth writing this fic. I really like your idea with Wolf Link, so I'll see what I can do. Twilight-Barber (your name change threw me off at first lol), thanks for being my first reviewer and I'm glad you came back. I realized that I never answered a question you raised a few chapters ago.
I am a firm believer in the split-timeline theory, and much of this story's plot is based off the assumption that Twilight Princess takes place in the child timeline. When Link was sent back in time, I assumed Link and Zelda retained all of their memories from the adult timeline. Twilight Princess makes several references to "the hero," which I assume is the Hero of Time. So, I figured, somewhere in between the two games, his deeds became written down, and eventually became legends. Having said that, I think you do have a point when you mention the Hero of Time shouldn't exist. I'll go back and revise the previous chapters (I do this every 5 chapters anyways) There will be legends that mention the Hero of Time, but the specifics of his quest won't be mentioned.
Victoria Blackheart, thanks for reviewing so consistently. I'm glad to see you like Kari and Link; I"d say they're my favorite characters too. Surviving Sheikah, I'm glad to see you enjoy this story so much. I'm glad you find the characters realistic and it helps the story come alive; that's one of my biggest goals. The Silent Orion, thanks for picking up on the lack of description on the last chapter. Even as I wrote it, it struck me as a bit bland, probably because I was so focused on the character interaction. You will definitely get more combat and action in the coming chapters. This point is sort of a bridge while I transition to the next arc in the story. MiyaChama, thanks for all your words of encouragement. Jbay64 and Sylviah Eric, I'm glad you guys find this story interesting and I hope you continue to read. Poorfox, your words of advice are always appreciated and help me better the story.
Finally, thanks to all my other readers who continue to check up on this story. I may not know who you are, but your support is still appreciated. I look forward to perhaps hearing your opinion in the future.
Well, this long author's note is finally done. Until next chapter!