Let's get this disclaimer out of the way. Nintendo owns the games and the characters. I only own my Ocs and the plot of this story.
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The Seamstress Guild and a Lesson in Swordplay
Zelda is walking alone down the road as she heads for the seamstress guild, for she plans to start the job she received from the mayor there. She had hoped Aryll, Linka, or even Link could escort her, but she had slept in, and they were gone when she had woken up.
As Zelda walks, her mind wanders back to what she had seen last night, and a shudder washes over her body. She had found the whole endeavour involving the mystery man unnerving...and intriguing. She had been frightened, but at the same time she was curious to know who had been sneaking around at night. Yet still, she feels too afraid to ask the family who the figure might have been and what they were doing, fearing she'll find out they were up to something... questionable.
After making a few wrong turns in the town and needing to ask for directions, Zelda finds herself outside of the seamstress guild house. The building is nothing impressive, a simple plaster-walled building with a thatched roof.
Zelda's face remains expressionless as she takes in the site she'll be working in. She is neither impressed or disappointed. It is simple and sound with wide open windows and a solid stone foundation that was visible where the plaster chipped.
At first glance, she has cause to believe it would well meet its purpose of providing a workplace for the guild. However, living trapped at the grand castle and being the guest of many noble families and the current guest of one peasant family has taught Zelda that any building is only as good as its interior. She will have to examine the inside before coming to conclusions. A building could look suitable on the outside, but if its interior was in shambles it might as well be condemned.
Zelda hesitates to knock on the door. She begins to worry about her new associates. Discouraging thoughts flood her mind as her anxiety builds. "Will they like me? Will they accept me? The head seamstress, will she even accept me as a worker?"
Swallowing her insecurities, Zelda raps on the door. She hears soft footsteps on the other side, and the door opens to reveal a middle aged woman.
"How may I help you, young one?" the woman asks Zelda in a tired yet sweet voice.
"Hello, I am Zelda," she shyly greets, unable to fully meet the woman's eyes out of timidity. Zelda quickly reaches into her purse and pulls out the recommendation form given to her by the mayor. "I was recommended for a job here by the mayor. I was told to show this to the head seamstress."
The older woman gently takes the form and examines it with a trained eye. "I see," she says, handing it back to Zelda. "Come with me."
Zelda follows the woman inside, closing the door behind her. The older woman motions for Zelda to follow her, so she does. As they walk through the building, Zelda examines the interior, making note of the wide hallways, the high ceilings and the candles that offered light. She deemed the building suitable, even if it was simple.
As they walk the older woman leads Zelda up a flight of stairs and into a room that is filled with girls sewing clothes together.
Zelda is surprised because she recognizes two of the faces here. Sitting at a table in the back are Aryll and Linka. The two raise their heads to see who has walked in, and upon seeing Zelda, they smile and wave at her, and she in turn, smiles and waves back.
The woman from before returns to Zelda's side. "Zelda dear, allow me to introduce you to the head seamstress-"
"Arlette!?" exclaims Zelda, for indeed Arlette stood before her.
"Surprise," Arlette gleefully laughs.
The middle aged woman looks on in amusement. "I see you two already know one another."
Arlette smiles. "Yes Mrs Ruul. Zelda is staying with me and my family."
"Mrs. Ruul?" questions Zelda.
"That's correct," Mrs. Ruul affirms. "Mayor Ruul is my husband." She sends Zelda an apologetic smile. "Sorry if I appeared scrutinizing earlier. I am well aware of your meeting with my husband yesterday, but so many people try to forge his signature."
"I understand," says Zelda, and she means it. The memory of many people trying to forge her father's signature in the past comes to mind, and she also remembers that they all lived to regret that decision.
"Do you work here?" she asks Mrs. Ruul.
Mrs. Ruul heartily laughs. "Oh, no. I simply come by every now and then to see how things are managing. Why, I was on my way out when you arrived. As much as I would love to stay and get to know you, I have a very busy schedule, so if you don't mind I must be going now. Until next time." As Mrs. Ruul bustles her way out of the establishment, Zelda holds back a laugh as she watches the plump woman wiggle and wobble down the stairs in her haste.
Once Mrs. Ruul leaves the room, Arlette instructs Zelda to an open seat in the middle row next to a window. She takes her own seat, and Arlette explains to Zelda her job for that day, which Zelda discovers is making tunics. Zelda sets to work, glad all those sewing lessons she took at the castle are finally paying off.
After a while, Zelda takes a break to examine the tunic she is half-finished sewing together.
"Those are some very straight stitches."
The remark had come from the girl sitting beside Zelda. She appears to be around Aryll's age and is clad in a simple green dress.
Zelda gives a soft "thank you," a half smile gracing her face. It was the first time anyone - other than Impa - has commented genuinely on her sewing skills, and it means the world to her.
"I am Zelda," she introduces herself.
"Holly," the girl replies.
"Pleased to meet you Holly."
"Likewise," Holly responds merrily. She leans in closer covering her mouth with her hand whispering. "Is it true you are living with Aryll and Linkle?"
Zelda is confused as to why Holly is whispering but decides to go along with it, whispering back. "Yes."
Holly's eyes widen. She gives Zelda a playful punch to the shoulder that feels to her more like a love tap. "Girl, do you have any idea how lucky you are?!" she hisses.
"How am I lucky?" Zelda asks. As far as she's aware, what made her lucky was the fact that she has found a place to stay without having to invest any money or work into obtaining it. That, and how she was now free to make her own decisions sense her father's power, and the power of his counsel, had no control over her here.
Holly looks like she was about to have a fit. "How are you lucky?! How are you lucky?! You are living in the same house as Link!"
"I'm confused," Zelda blinks.
Holly lets out an exasperated sigh, laying down her needle and giving Zelda a humourless glare. "Link is the most handsome man in the whole village.! Every girl dreams of being his wife."
"Every girl?" Zelda lays her work down to the side, for everything Holly says intrigues her.
Holly chuckles softly. "Okay, most girls." Holly's expression then shifts from merry to depressed. "And you have such an advantage." She exaggeratedly flops down over her work area in a defeated manner.
Zelda silently giggles at Holly's playful behaviour. "Well, if it means anything to you, I have no intention of becoming Link's wife."
Holly looks up at her with disbelieving eyes. "Really?"
"Yes, really."
"Well, suit yourself then, but be careful. " Holly's expression becomes severe. "There are a lot of girls who will envy you and who won't believe you if you say so, such as..."
"Such as... who?" Zelda urges Holly, even though she is getting a bad feeling.
"Such as... her."
Zelda follows the direction of Holly's gaze and finds her gaze connecting with another girl's.
She appears to be around Zelda's age. Her hair is long, blond, voluminous, and it cascades in curls down her back to her hips. She wears a bright red dress that hugs her body tightly, fitting like a glove and showing off her abundant curves. The neckline of her dress dips low in a "V" showing off some cleavage of her generous bosom. There is only one mar to her beauty, and that is her eyes. They bear a look of ill content, and they are directed pointedly at Zelda.
Despite the evil looks she is receiving, Zelda deems this girl beautiful and feels within her an emotion she has been feeling a lot of recently: envy.
"Are you okay?" inquires Holly. "You look ill."
Zelda takes her eyes off the beautiful girl and tries to put a smile back on her face. "I'm fine. She just gives me a bad feeling." It is a half-truth at best.
Holly nods in understanding. "That's fair."
"Who is she?"
Holly puffs out her cheeks and her eyes narrow in a look between anger and annoyance. "Her name is Styla, and she is the biggest, brattiest bitch this village has to offer."
Zelda flinches at the crass language. "Is she that bad?"
"Yes." Without warning, Holly turns Zelda's face towards hers with a hand on her cheek, fear evident in her wide eyes. "Zelda, whatever you do, don't do anything to upset her because she will take her anger out on you!"
Before Zelda could ask how Holly knew this, Arlette appears in front of the two girls, giving them a pointed look. The two girls take it as Arlette's way of telling them to return to their to work. They smile back sheepishly as they sink low in their seats, trying to make themselves as small as possible as they return to their work.
For the rest of her shift Zelda sews in uncomfortable silence, fidgeting every now and then - remaining on edge from Holly's warning. When she is relieved of her shift, she hurries to the door, wanting nothing more then to get home, but her haste proves to be futile, for waiting at the door for her is Styla.
"What's the rush new girl?" she jeers.
"N-Nothing," Zelda sheepishly stutters, taking a step back.
Styla advances on Zelda until she has her backed against a wall, an evil smile on her face.
In a menacing voice she says, "Listen carefully, I may not have heard everything you and your little friend were saying, but I am smart enough to figure out it was about me and it was nothing positive, so I would like to make one thing clear; you don't want to mess with me."
Zelda feels her heart in her throat as she frantically looks for a way out. Styla then grabs her chin, forcing Zelda to look at her.
"So stay away from Link. He is my man, and I ain't gonna let some flat-chested hussy get in my way of-"
Styla never gets to finish before she is sent sprawling to the floor, her cheek reddening where she is hit. Zelda, who is near hyperventilation, slides down the wall to the floor with a relieved look about her face. Looking up, she sees Linka giving Styla a deathly glare, her right hand clenched tightly into a fist. Holly then rushes to help Zelda up, and Aryll places herself between Zelda and Styla, trying to look as intimidating as her older, taller sister.
"Leave now, scamp, before I throw you out," Linka threateningly hisses.
Styla, realizing she is greatly outmatched, pulls herself off the ground and makes due haste out the door with a final glare at Zelda. The girls leave as well, escorting Holly home before making haste to their own house in vigilant silence.
On their way back, Zelda reflects back on her conversation with Holly and wonders how the young seamstress knows Styla so well. She also wonders through what terrifying means Styla might carry out her anger. The possibilities make Zelda shake.
Zelda sucks in a breath as Styla's words echo in her mind. Subconsciously, she brings a hand up to her nonexistent bust, feeling dispirited with what she feels. The wound to her pride deepens making her even more crestfallen than before. Also among her churning thoughts was the non vocalized threat Styla had sent with her glare, as well as her warning concerning Link. It was so unexpected - unwarranted even - yet it stirs up a new sensation which, try as she might, Zelda can't identify.
"Are you okay Zelda?" Aryll asks as she squeezes Zelda's hand.
"I am fine," she lies.
Dinner had been a chore. Zelda had almost no appetite throughout the meal, but had still forced herself to eat something, though she never finished it. Linka had told her mother about the incident with Styla. Arlette had tiredly sighed before promising to do something about her troublesome employee, though judging from the tone of her voice, Zelda had assumed it wasn't the first time something like that had happened involving Styla.
Afterwards, Zelda is approached by Link who tells her to meet him outside in the pasture. Zelda finds this request odd and unexpected but doesn't question Link.
Link meets her some time later, carrying two long staffs in his hands. He orders Zelda to follow him and she does, but she becomes weary when she sees he is leading her to the woods lying beyond the farm.
Link must have sensed her discomfort, for he offers her an encouraging smile.
"Everything's okay," he reassures her. "There's nothing to be afraid of." He extends one of his large hands towards her.
Zelda stares at Link's outstretched hand, not knowing what to do. Her mind wanders and she thinks back to what Link had said yesterday, about how just because someone is dangerous doesn't mean they will do her harm.
She focuses on his extended hand and time seems to slow as she wonders whether she can take the risk. Is it worth it? Can she really put her trust in Link? Can she take a leap of faith when her mind tells her not to?
In the short time they've known each other, Zelda recognizes Link has shown her nothing but kindness. She admits he had been a little rude to her when they first met properly, but she knows he had apologized. He had saved her from being raped, and when he could have easily taken advantage of her he chose to be a gentleman. He had even let her use him as a pillow.
She realizes he could easily have his way with her and she will be powerless to oppose him. For all she knows, that is probably his plan right now.
How can she be sure of his intentions - of anything really? She had left the lifestyle she was familiar with for an alien one, and those old inclinations are screaming at her to reject him.
But in the depths of her heart, there is this small voice that is urging her on, telling her to take a chance. To take a leap.
Breathing deeply to calm herself, Zelda reaches out with her much smaller hand and places it in Link's palm.
His smile grows as he wraps his fingers around her hand, enclosing it in his own. He leads her into the trees hand in hand.
After a time, they emerge into a clearing of grass by a spring with a small waterfall. Zelda admires the scenery, finding it serene and beautiful. The way the water perfectly reflects the stars fascinates her.
She feels a sudden sense of peace and happiness, and it eases the pain from earlier in the day. She looks back at Link, wanting to thank him for bringing her to this place - even if she still doesn't know what for - but the gratitude changes to astonishment when Link begins removing his tunics. When he is done, he is only in his undergarments. Seeing her reddened face, he smirks in amusement before giving her a keen look and gesturing at her dress, his silent way of telling her to copy him.
She hesitantly undoes her belt, letting it fall to the floor. Then she grabs the hems of both her dress and under-dress before lifting them over her head and tugging them off.
She's initially embarrassed to be standing before Link in her under garments, before remembering he has already seen her in just a chemise.
Zelda watches Link grab the staffs he had brought with them. He throws one at Zelda who clumsily catches it.
"Since you seem to have a habit of falling into trouble," he deadpans. "I figured it would be best if you knew how to defend yourself. So, from this day onward, I will be teaching you how to fight. Any questions?"
Zelda looks wide eyed from Link to the staff in her hand. A princess learning how to fight? The nobles would have all died from a heart attack, an image she finds strangely amusing.
She shakes her head, letting Link know she has no questions.
"In that case, prepare yourself," Link tells her. "En garde!"
Link falls into a guard stance, keeping his stick in front of him and pointed at Zelda. Zelda has never trained to fight, but she has an idea of what to do.
Think! she yells at herself. What did the knights do when training? You should know this, you watched them hundreds of times!
She points her staff at Link, grasping it with both hands, places one foot behind the other and leans forward.
Link nods in approval. He begins to close the distance slowly. Zelda copies him. When there is only a couple meters between them, Zelda decides to pick up the pace, rushing towards Link. She raises her staff above her head-
And finds herself flat on her bottom with Link's staff at her throat.
Zelda hadn't even seen the attack coming. If not for the stinging in her chest, she'd probably think it never happened.
"Rule number one," Link says in a commanding voice, still holding his stick to her. "Never let your guard down."
He helps her up. "Rule number two: never rush your opponent."
They return to a guard stance, and Zelda again closes the distance and brings her stick back, preparing for a wide, powerful strike, only to receive a hard jab to the gut making her double over.
"Rule number three: never make wide telegraphed swings. They are too open and leave you vulnerable."
Zelda groans in response, too sore from the strike. Link offers her some water from a waterskin, and she accepts it willingly. After drinking, she feels re-energized, so Link continues the training.
What feels like hours later - and it probably is - Link calls an end to the training. Zelda is glad, for she feels hot, tired, and sweaty.
"You have a strange way of helping your friends," she tiredly says.
Link chuckles in response. "Yes, I am well aware of my..." He pauses, searching for words. "Harsh treatment, but this is how I was trained, and I guarantee that it works. When we are done, I promise you won't even recognize yourself."
Zelda isn't sure whether she should be eager or scared. When she finally catches her breath, she pulls herself to her feet and reaches to her clothes to redress when Link stops her. He reaches into a pouch on his belt and pulls out two bars of soap.
To Zelda's horror, he then starts to strip his remaining clothes until he is nude in front of her. Even though Zelda knows it's wrong, she finds herself gawking at his body, which he wasn't even trying to cover up.
He turns towards her and smiles smugly. Zelda looks away, embarrassed for being caught peeping. She feels him press something into her hand. She looks to find the second bar of soap in it.
She's about ask Link what it's for when she sees him stride into the spring, motioning for her to join him.
Zelda's mind puts the pieces together and she internally cringes, finding the results scandalous to the highest degree.
Link sees the perplexed look on her face and chuckles halfheartedly. "Relax Zelda. We're only taking a bath. There's nothing wrong with that."
Nothing wrong? Nothing wrong?! How can he say there's nothing wrong?! she thinks as she looks in astonishment at the laxly moraled man before her.
"B-but Link!" she pleads. "Your a... and I'm a..."
Link's eyes soften upon noting Zelda's distress. "Zelda, if it bothers you that much that's fine. You don't have to bath now. You can wait till bath day - which is tomorrow - but you would then have to bath with the entire family."
Zelda takes time to weigh her options. As much as she trusts Link, the idea of bathing alone with a man in the middle of a forest is too uncomfortable for her. While the idea of bathing with a whole family seemed more embarrassing she knew there was less of a chance that anyone would try something indecent.
"I will wait for bath day," she tells him.
Link nods once before he starts to bathe.
Even though she knows it's wrong, Zelda finds herself watching Link as he bathes. She has never seen a man's body before, and she finds Link's fascinating. The defined muscles, the body hair, his tanned skin, his golden locks, and the water droplets glistening in the sun light, it was all fresh and new to her.
In that moment, he seemed different to Zelda somehow, and she felt a foreign feeling, like a fire burning inside her making her blood rush throughout her body.
Zelda wonders if Link is aware of her peeping behind his back. It doesn't seem like he is, but then again, maybe he simply doesn't care.
Zelda wonders if all common folk are as lax as the man who is bathing before her. It is such a contrast to the overly strict lifestyle she had been raised in. She finds it contradictory... and intriguing.
When Link is done, he dries off with his outer garments before dressing.
On the way back, Zelda feels as if Link is examining her thoroughly for some reason. The way he seems to be searching her for something agitates her. It doesn't feel like he means her harm, but she feels as if she should be cautious.
Then it hits her like a slap to the face. She was trying to live like a commoner, but so far her behaviour has resembled more of a nobles.
Idiot! she yells at herself. You may dress like a commoner, but your behaviour is still that of a nobles! She sighs heavily. As if the way you sit at the table with your back straighter than a board isn't a big enough give away. They had even stared at me. Aryll had tried to copy me!
She grimaces, Then there's my reaction to Link's antics. That was probably a big giveaway. I probably walk like a noble with my straight back and how I keep my head high.
Zelda comes to the conclusion that if she wants to maintain her guise, then she will need to match the actions of those around her..
As these thoughts revolve in her mind, Zelda feels a hand on her shoulder and jumps, startled. When she sees it's only Link she feels silly for being startled so easily, but the mirth disappears when she notices the forlorn look in his eyes.
He lays his other hand on her and starts rubbing circles with his thumbs into her bony shoulders.
"Tell me Zelda, are you alright regarding what happened with Styla earlier, with what she said to you?"
Zelda is surprised for she had momentarily forgotten about that, but now that she recalled what happened she looks away, feeling abashed. She wanted nothing more than to curl up in a hole and disappear.
Link places his hand on her chin, gently tilting her head up till their eyes meet.
"Don't let her words get to you. You shouldn't take them to heart. What matters is how you see yourself, not how others see you.
Zelda opens her mouth, about to argue, but Link continues before she can.
"If other peoples opinions still mean something to you, then only take to heart the opinions of your friends and family."
Zelda looks away, her eyes starting to moisten. "I have no friends, and my family is far away."
Link looks at her perplexed. "Are my sisters not your friends? Isn't Holly your friend?" He pauses before asking, "Am I not your friend?"
A sob escapes Zelda as she raises her head to meet Link's compassionate eyes.
"Zelda, listen to what I have to tell you. You were made by the goddesses in their image and likeness like everybody else, and they care not for what you look like on the outside. What matters to them is the condition of your heart." He smiles before adding, "And I for one think you have a beautiful heart.
"And Zelda," he continues. "I may not know what your reasons are for leaving your old life, and I may not know what happened." His voice softens. "But whatever it was that has made you so reserved, you mustn't let it control you - define you. It's in the past now. Let it stay there and move on."
Zelda lets the tears fall freely from her eyes as she openly cries in front of Link. Link hesitantly wraps his arms around her, bringing her into an embrace. Zelda in turn, wraps her arms around him more tightly, not wanting to let go. She doesn't care that she's being intimate with a man, she just wants something to fill the void in her heart.
Link holds here until her tears dry and she stops shaking. He pulls back and offers a reassuring smile that Zelda returns weakly. Link brings his thumb to her face and wipes away all remaining traces of her tears, and he doesn't break the embrace till they're all gone. Only then do they continue their walk home.
When they arrive, they are given questioning Looks from everyone else, and Linka wiggles her brows suggestively, which results in her getting smacked in the back of the head by Link.
Though she knows they have questions for her and Link, the first thing Zelda does before anything else is to finish eating her leftover food from dinner, for she is feeling famished, having worked up an enormous appetite from her training.
The story progresses. Zelda has made a friend and a rival and has been introduced to the lax morals of peasant life. How long will her resolve last while in the presence of Link? You'll have to wait to find out.
Review Replies:
Lightblade1121 - You have it figured out already. Now, can you guess why?
Guest (x3) Thank you for the complement. Glade you are enjoying it do far.
Actually, the mayor does understand. He wasn't rebuking Link for resorting to violence, he was rebuking Link for killing the men which the mayor sees as unnecessary. You are right to say Link has the skill to bring the four of them, down without killing any of them. As for how he could have brought them to jail, he could have tied them up and come back for them later after Zelda was taken care of. Or he could have let them go for the moment and hunt them down later.
Hmmm... You make some good points. It appears I'll have to revisit my earlier chapters. Don't worry, news will eventually reach Holodrum. A search will be underway.
Shout outs to our newest followers: Namikokos, Graceful Kiwi, and boscpeing.