You know how these disclaimers work. I don't own the game or characters. I only own the plot and my OCs
In Which the Plot Sort of Thickens
It is a sunny Saturday morning. Zelda is out working at the loom, helping Helga with weaving a tapestry. Helga has been working on it for the past week and is nearing completion. She has made it clear to Zelda that she doesn't plan on selling this one. Instead it will be hung above the hearth.
"There, it's done," declares Helga.
Zelda takes a step back to admire their work. Displayed on the tapestry are images made of gay colours that weave themselves into a story-a story of knights and heroes fighting monsters and going on adventures, and at the end of the tapestry is an image of a family.
"It's beautiful Helga," Zelda whispers.
Helga smiles gratefully at the young woman. "Thank you dear. I am thankful for you helping me, and even more pleased that you like it." She runs her hand across the length of the tapestry, softly brushing it as if she is caressing a newborn's cheek. "This tapestry tells the story of our family."
"Really?" Zelda exclaims wide-eyed. She stares at the family depicted on the tapestry more closely, and sure enough, she is able to connect familiar features to the people she knows.
Helga chuckles softly at Zelda's childlike wonder. "Our family originally comes from Hyrule," she tells Zelda who is giving Helga her full attention. "They were originally knights of Hyrule. I'm certain you've heard of the order, being from Hyrule yourself."
Zelda nods. She has seen the knights before-a clan of warriors whose soul purpose was to protect the Hyrulean royal family. They are also the most elite warriors in the land.
"Many generations ago, during the age of Hylian expansion, our family was part of the exploration sent to what is now Labrynna. Finding the land uninhabited and rich with resources, a colony was sent to inhabit it. The knights were sent to protect them, and our family was a part of them."
Zelda listens intently to Helga's story and in less than an hour learns a great deal about the family's history. After Labrynna had gained its own sovereignty, they had made a colony of their own in Holodrum-a colony that would later be abandoned with the collapse of the Labrynnian monarchy. The family had once again travelled over with the colonizers and have been there ever since.
When Helga finishes her story, Zelda stares in awe at the tapestry that displays the same story. The knights of Hyrule. It certainly explains a lot, like why they are so highly respected among the other villagers and how Link knows how to fight properly with a sword. Though it raised another question. Many of the knights of Hyrule have married into the royal family over the centuries. Zelda's own grandfather came from one of the more prestigious families in the clan. Does this mean we could be distantly related? she wonders as she stares at the family depicted on the tapestry.
Zelda brushes her fingers over it and feels a pang of pain in her chest when she sees there is no image of her among the family.
Why would there be, she berates herself. Your not a part of their family. They're just letting you stay with them.
"Is everything alright?" Helga asks. Zelda glances at her and is met with eyes full of the tender loving care of a grandmother.
"I am fine," she lies unable to meet Helga's gaze. She excuses herself and heads inside at a brisk pace.
Unbeknownst to Zelda, Helga had muttered to herself as she reexamines the tapestry, "Perhaps it's not done yet."
"Are you alright Zelda?"
Zelda glances up from her book at Aryll who is giving her a strange look, as if there was something off about her.
"I am fine, why do you ask?" Zelda asks as she returns to her book.
"You seem distracted."
Zelda hides her face behind her book. It is a good book, but she has read the same sentence for the fifth time over now. And just when I'm getting the hang of reading the vernacular language.
Her mind turns to the family-about how they had been descended from the Knights of Hyrule and the possibility of being distantly related to them. She also thinks about the tapestry and how she is not a part of it-a part of the family.
Even though they include her in daily life, she knows she is only a guest, and it serves as a terrible reminder of how lonely she has truly been throughout her life.
She forces a smile on her lips before facing Aryll again. "I am alright. Do not worry about me." Aryll doesn't push the subject, much to Zelda's relief, but she pouts her lips before returning to her knitting.
Zelda sighs as she tries to continue reading, forcing herself to concentrate. She doesn't get much farther when the sound of heavy boots repeatedly hitting the floor grabs her attention. Feeling irked, she all but slams her book shut, only to come face to face with Link.
She raises a brow, for Link is not wearing his usual attire. Instead of a short-sleeved tunic, he is wearing one with long-sleeves and a bright blue surcoat over top.
Her gaze draws to his face which is clean shaven and has been scrubbed clean of any dirt stains, and then his ears which are pierced with silver earrings. A twitch goes across Zelda's face when her eyes land on them. It appears Link was her mystery man from a month ago. If it were Link, then surly he was not up to anything questionable, right? she reassures herself, having always prided herself in her judgment of character. It's why she hadn't trusted any of the nobility nor her suitors.
The sound of Link clearing his throat brings her out of her daze. She feels a blush rise as she realizes she has been staring at him this whole time. Blinking owlishly, she adjusts her posture and softens her gaze, trying to appear more relaxed. "Yes?" she inquires.
An awkward smile spreads across Link's face, and Zelda finds it cute. "Zelda," he begins. "I would like to issue an appointment with you. How would you like to join me for lunch?"
Zelda quirks an eyebrow. Link is acting strange-the formality of his speech, the splendour of his garb, his usually unruly hair neatly combed. And the last time anyone had asked her to join them for a meal was when- Oh! OH! Her smile becomes as wide as Link's as she realizes what is going on here. "I will be honoured to join you Link," she responds. "But first allow me to properly prepare for our outing."
Link's smile seems to only grow even bigger. He steps aside with a slight bow and Zelda briskly walks to her room with due haste. She slams her room door behind her and strips to her chemise as she rummages through her wardrobe looking for something to wear. If her suspicions are true, then Link is trying to court her.
Zelda laughs at her own giddiness. The last time she had been this excited to be courted she was thirteen. That had been before she realized what a bunch of scoundrels they all were and before she was disgusted by being approached by middle-aged men.
However, things are different now. This was Link, and Link has only ever showed her kindness and respect.
She manages to throw on a forest green kirtle that had been tailored to her body and pulls a sky-blue surcoat over top. She undoes her braided bun, allowing her hair to fall in waves down to her hips. A white veil secured with a ribbon on her head finishes the look.
She slips on her felt shoes and scurries down the stairs to where Link is waiting for her at the door. He offers his arm and she accepts it. Together they walk out the door, strolling down the road to town, Aryll giggling all the while as she watches them leave.
Link leads her skilfully through the busy streets, weaving around the people as he leads her to wherever he is taking them for lunch. As they pass townsfolk, they earn friendly waves per usual, but Zelda notices she is on the receiving end of several jealous looks from the young maidens.
She restrains a giggle. It is like she is back in the castle and she is on the arm of some handsome prince while the other ladies of nobility watched with envious glares. However, this isn't the castle, and Link isn't a prince. He isn't making small talk, and he isn't throwing empty compliments her way.
So she ignores the jealous glares. Straightening her back and sticking out her chest, she walks haughtily by while the maidens angrily scoff and look away.
They arrive at an inn located on the other side of the village. It is a small establishment, but it is cozy on the inside with a bright fire burning in the hearth.
They seat themselves by the hearth and order their food. The two engage in some small talk, and Zelda finds herself enjoying her time with Link. Though they mostly talk about the farm and his family, Link speaks with passion, something none of her previous suitors ever had. Furthermore, he would make her laugh often enough to the point where Zelda wondered whether or not he was purposefully being funny.
Part way through the meal however, Zelda excuses herself to go use the chamber pot.
The chamber pot has to be - according to her - the worst part about commoner life. The one thing about castle life she missed the most is the garderobes. Back then she would just squat over a hole and let everything drop into the moat. Now she has to squat over a pot and - since she has no servants - toss it out the window herself and hope she doesn't hit some poor pedestrian.
As she uses the chamber pot, she ponders a question she probably should have been asking earlier. Why is Link even courting me? He has never shown himself to be interested in her in that way, and their relationship has been purely one of friendship. Moreover, she has nothing to offer him and his family. She would be the one to gain anything from a relationship between them.
Zelda knits her brows into a frown as she thinks this through. Is Link even trying to court me? she wonders. Maybe I read the signs wrong. Perhaps he was simply treating me to dinner? ...Then why the formality? If he really is courting me, then what's his motive? I have nothing that he can gain from.
Her mind comes up with a seemingly absurd answer. In all her favourite books about knights, princesses, monsters, and romance, the hero always marries the girl for love. Was Link courting her out of love?
Zelda scoffs at the possibility. Idiot, she chastises herself. A man doesn't court a woman out of love. A man courts a woman because he can gain something from her. But what can Link gain from me?
Before Zelda can dig her rabbit whole deeper, there is a knock on the door, and she realizes she has been using the chamber pot for longer than necessary. Using some sheep wool she had brought with her, she wipes herself clean before picking up the chamber pot - scrunching up her nose at the smell - and shouts "Garde loo!" as she tosses the contents out the window.
She hurriedly leaves the small room, apologizing to the young girl who was waiting outside, and returns to her table.
But it is not Link who is waiting for her. Leaning back in the chair with his hands folded behind his head, an almost bored expression readable in his features, is a man she hasn't met before. He appears to be around the same height as Link, but he has a fuller build, and his hair is a dark brown and perfectly coiffed. His pale skin is a clear sign of time spent indoors, and his clothes are of luxurious quality.
"Excuse me sir," she says upon approaching. "Have you seen my friend who was here? Tall, handsome, lean build, bright blue eyes, toothy smile-"
"You mean Link, am I correct?" the man interrupts her.
"Yes," Zelda puffs out feeling annoyed she had been interrupted, but also glad that this man could help her.
"Terribly sorry, you just missed him," he replies. The man cocks his head towards the door. "A young maiden by the name of Styla dragged him out not too long ago. Said something about needing to talk." He takes a pause and slowly shakes his head with his eyes closed, a wide smirk on his face.
A frown scrunched her lips into a displeased curve, and she had no idea why. It is not like we are dating. Link can spend time with any girl he chooses. Her brow curls into a frown. Even if they are a complete floozy like Styla. ...So why do I feel...bitter.
She shakes herself as if waking from a daydream. She plants herself in her chair, folding her hands in her lap. Returning her gaze to the man sitting across her, she finds the silence heavy and awkward. It soon grows too much to bear, so she decides to engage in some small talk.
"I am Zelda," she introduces herself as she extends her hand in greeting.
The man smiles as he takes her hand and gives it a firm squeeze, and she is shocked by how soft his hand feels compared to Link's. "Merari Cecilson, at your service." He dips his head.
Zelda softly giggles at his formality. "At yours as well," she replies.
"So, you are Zelda, the newest seamstress." he confirms as he withdraws his hand.
"Indeed, I am."
Merari's smile widens. "It is an honour to meet you, Zelda. I am an ardent admirer of your work. Some of the most beautiful I have seen."
Zelda looks away as she feels the heat rise in her chest and face. "Oh, stop it, you're making me blush!"
"I am being serious," Merari states, placing a slender hand over his chest. "And I know what I am talking about. I am wearing one of your magnificent works right now." He rolls up a sleeve of his red bliaut, revealing the stitch work.
She looks closely and immediately recognizes her stitch work.
"Do look at this," he says softly, voice full of delight. "Perfectly straight. Not a single stitch out of alignment." He looks at Zelda directly. "I had ordered this a week ago. I was so impressed when I received it that I had to ask Lady Arlette who had made it. When she told me about you, I knew I had to aquatint myself with you."
Zelda's blush intensifies and she looks away to hide it. Merari chortles at her reaction.
"Thank you for the compliment," she weakly replies.
"You are welcome, milady," he says with a slight bow.
They continue making small talk for a while, and even though Zelda is annoyed that her day with Link is ruined, she enjoys her time with Merari. His mannerism and formality reminds her of her old life, giving her a sense of familiarity that she has found herself missing.
Soon Zelda decides she has been there long enough and says she should be going home. Merari offers to escort her home, even offering his arm to her.
Zelda pauses, for she does not know Merari all that well. He flashes a charming smile her way and she instantly takes his arm and allowing him to escort her home.
The walk back is silent but enjoyable. Merari behaves like a perfect gentleman, keeping his hands to himself. Zelda focuses on his gait and notices how he carries himself straight and tall, keeping his eyes straight forward and taking long, even strides. He walked like a nobleman-a nobleman who actually shows respect.
Soon the farm comes into view, and Zelda lets out a content sigh at being home. She curls in her brows. Since when has this place been feeling like home? she ponders. I do not know when, but it does feel like home now.
They stop outside the door and bid each other farewell. Before Zelda can step inside though, Merari takes her hand and presses her knuckles to his lips. He leaves, and Zelda watches his retreating form with wide eyes and a small smile feeling hot in the face.
When she enters she is cornered by Aryll who demands answers concerning who that man had been and where her brother is.
Zelda sighs dishearteningly as she sees she has no chose but to tell Aryll everything. "Your brother left with the floozy."
Aryll's eyes widen, and her mouth opens and closes like a fish out of water. "He-he-he-he did what!?" she stutters. "He left you for her!"
Zelda gives a shy shrug. "I guess so. I was using the chamber pot when it happened. I heard this from Merari Cecilsson."
"You were with Merari?!" questions Aryll, something akin to disgust in her tone.
"What does it matter to you!?" Zelda shoots back, suddenly feeling defensive for a reason she cannot name.
Aryll takes a step back, wrapping her arms tight around herself and looking away. "N-n-nothing! I-it's just... You're...you're too good for him!"
"...Thank you?"
A heavy silence falls over the two girls, but it breaks as the door opens behind them and Link steps in. He appears drained and bedraggled, and when his eyes meet Zelda's, a guilty look appears on his face. Zelda wants to interrogate him, harass him, quarrel with him until he heavily regrets allowing Styla to drag him off. She is already aiming an accusatory gaze at him.
However, before a single sound can leave her lips, Aryll shoves Zelda aside, grabs her brother by the arm and drags him off in the opposite direction. The last thing Zelda sees before he disappears around the corner is the apologetic gleam in his eyes.
The plot thickens, and it will only get thicker! Start making predictions now!
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