Link sneezed in his tent. He tensed fearing monsters heard it. When nothing came, he went out anyways, just in case. He strained his eyes for any movement, but when he saw nothing he relaxed. He gestured to Navi it was safe to come out. She cautiously looked around, and seeing nothing she breathed in relief. She hated it here. Out of all the Temples, this was the worst. So much evil. They barely were in the center of this place, Link kept going upside for supplies and food.
Neither had no idea where they were, both were looking for a map. Most dungeons had them, they hoped this place did, they needed all the help they can get. Especially now. So many false walls and dangerous traps. Goddess. How did the prisoners suffer? Even after death, their torment never ends.
Once Link polished off his meager meal and drink, he turned on his oil lamp. He had to know what happened next.
Both Darwyn and Roana made plans to run away together. No one knew except Elric and Amis. Both promised to keep it a secret. They knew how strict Roana's father was. But before they left, Roana wanted to say goodbye to her mother's gravesite.
Darwyn and Roana were behind the falls of Zora's domain. Here, NO outsider was allowed in, no exceptions. However, Roana managed to sneak Darwyn in, with both Elric and Amis keeping everyone distracted by performing a concert for the celebration of Amis' children that were due to be born anytime. Zora's births were rare, most didn't survive due to the disease that plagued the Zora's eggs in utero. Roana's father DeBön Zora was the guardian of the Zora Realm, he was in charge of keeping Hyrule's main water source, Zora's Fountain clean and healthy from sickness and disease. He said a guardian was needed, otherwise this place will be frozen forever in a permanent permafrost. The last guardian, a large fish went extinct decades ago. A new guardian was needed, however no one knew where to get one.
Darwyn stands on the dock as he waits for his would-be bride. She was deep underwater, Zoras, when one died, they were buried underneath the sands deep in the fountain. It was after ten, he knew the concert was about to end.
Once Roana popped her head up, she swam towards the dock. Darwyn holds out his hands so she can climb up.
"How was it?" He knew how much she missed her mom. She died in a accident when she was a small child. According to her father, she died helping a small child from drowning at Hyrule Lake. Unfortunately, the riptide came out of nowhere, and she drowned when a large tree branch hit her over the head.
Grief stricken, Roana's father blamed the Hylians and Geruldo for not watching their small children. He took his young daughter who was crying and dragged her back home, forbidding her from contacting the outside world. The Zoras who retrieved Regina's body, took her home and buried her in the fountain. They believed they returned to the water, the fountain carrying their spirits all over Hyrule's water sources, carrying on the Great Guardian's work, protecting every water source.
"My mother's at peace. I told her about you. How you and I are destined to be. I love you." She takes her fiancé's hand, her finger wearing his mother's ring.
Darwyn kisses her back. His family knew, despite her being a different race, they gave their blessings. As much as they wanted a wedding, both joining their families together, they knew Roana's father will never allow it.
They look out at the fountain. It was so peaceful here. The King of Hyrule was the only outsider allowed, he knew how important this water source was to his Kingdom.
"I love you too." Once they stop kissing, he asked if she was sure she wanted to do this. "You know you may be banished forever." Even though he was a trusted ally, the Zoras won't approve the marriage of the Guardian's only daughter to a poor farmer. Especially someone of an outside race. Roana was expected to carry the bloodline of a noble carrying his child.
"I don't care. My mom married for love, I will too." When they heard a noise, both stiffened. Thankfully it was only Elric.
"Guys! Your father is on his way here!"
Oh oh. They knew they were pushing it with Darwyn visiting the Zora Realm unescorted, but if he was caught here with the leader's daughter, it will be disastrous. All three run out, with Elric sneaking Darwyn out of the Leader's home. Just in time, they managed to make it to the bottom of the steps of his home. The Zora leader eyes them suspiciously.
"Elric. Darwyn. It's late. My daughter is in bed." He knew of Roana's infatuation, but it was just a schoolgirl crush.
"We just wanted to say goodnight to Roana. We missed her on stage. Without her voice, the concert wasn't the same." Elric bluffed.
"I tell her in the morning." He looks at Darwyn who was sweating in nervousness. "I didn't see you on stage. Aren't you one of the leads?"
Darwyn swallows.
"I was feeling under the weather sir. I must be catching a cold."
Thankfully he bought it.
"Yes it is quite chilly. Are you staying at the inn instead of going home?"
Darwyn shook his head.
"No sir. I just wanted to see the concert. Besides I have a ton of work tomorrow at home." He bows to the Zora leader. "Thank you for allowing me to visit." He turns to Elric. "Would you mind escorting me out?"
"Of course." They both walk away, getting stopped a couple of times by various Zoras, gushing about his performance. A few even asked Darwyn why he wasn't performing as well. He was well liked as a singer.
"I have a slight cold. I wouldn't be satisfied with my performance, and it wouldn't be the same without Roana." After chatting and even signing some autographs they walk away. Both ignored Gavin who was glaring at them walking by.
Once they were outside, they were greeted by Amis.
"It's about time. I been waiting forever." Amis was smiling. He was already famous, he was able to buy a home in Lake Hylia for his growing family. Not many Zoras lived outside of the realm, only a few lived in the lake.
"Sorry. We had to talk to Roana's Dad."
Amis nodded. He knew Darwyn's and Roana's plan to elope. As much as he wanted to be happy for them, he knew it was dangerous. Zoras were considered a gentle species, however if anyone broke any severe laws, they were sent to die in the never ending winter inside the Ice Cavern. Especially treason. All three will be sent to prison if the Zora leader found out. Which is why Roana and Darwyn were traveling alone. Neither one wanted their friends hurt.
"So what now?" Amis asked. He was outside saying goodbye. Tomorrow night his two friends were running away.
"Going home." Darwyn yawns. His younger sister was taking over his farming duties. She wasn't happy about it, but she knew she had to do it sometime. As for Darwyn, he and Roana were moving south to the Great Bay region. They plan on living on the beach. Neither one wanted to leave their families, but had no choice. No one would know them, the Zoras there were more open-minded.
"Good luck." Amis hugs his best friend. Darwyn hugs Elric as well. Both were staying behind, as much as they wanted to come, they couldn't.
Darwyn went back to town. He went home to pack and to say goodbye. I wanted to see him, but I was still working in Goron City. Poor Darwyn. That was the last time he saw his family.
Darwyn tearfully says goodbye to his family. His parents were saddened to see him go, but knew why he had to leave.
"My baby boy." His mom sniffles. She hugs her only son. "He is all grown up."
"Oh mom. I am a grown man." He hugs her. "Besides Royce is pregnant again. Maybe this time it will be a boy." He smiles at his pregnant sister who was holding her daughter. Royce grimaces.
"This will the last one. If it's a girl, then our little sister will have to carry on the name." Thirteen year old Cateline sticks out her tongue.
"Ew. I don't think so." Everyone laughs. She was too young anyways.
Darwyn looks at his dad. The patriarch looks at Darwyn and shakes his hand. Then to Darwyn's surprise he gives him a bear crushing hug. Darwyn couldn't help but tear up.
"Father." He was still weak and recovering. His wife, Darwyn's mother forbade him to work.
They hug for a minute. Then they pull away. Darwyn's father looks at his son with a serious expression.
"My son. You are leaving to start your new life. Getting married, moving away, goddess. All this time I expected you to take over the family farm."
"Dad." Darwyn felt incredibly guilty about that. His sister Royce was taking over, her husband worked the fields to provide for his family and in laws.
His father shook his head.
"No son. All your mother and I wanted is to make you happy. As much as we would miss you, we know you need to live your own life. Besides you are marrying a princess." The Zoras weren't royalty, but in their tribe, their leaders were treated with respect.
"Father. Mom. Royce. Little Cateline." Cateline gives him a dirty look. She was always treated like a baby. However she teared up. Her only brother was leaving. She throws herself in his arms.
"I'll miss you."
"Me too Cat." His nickname for her. He hugs Royce as well.
"Big brother. Tell my sister in law to make sure to keep your in line." She knew of his shenanigans when he was a teenager. Him and many of the boys snuck off to Hyrule Castle Town to party when they were younger. All were grounded when they got back, they blamed the teenaged women for snitching. Royce denied it, however she and many of the young women did the same thing. But none were ever caught.
Once the hugs were exchanged they say goodbye to Darwyn. Darwyn was heading to Lon Lon Ranch to rent a horse and carriage. There was a portal in Zora's Realm, but it was way too easy to get caught. Besides, he wanted to make sure Roana was comfortable.
He heads to Lon Lon Ranch.
Lon Lon Ranch. A wealthy family lived there, a farmer, his twin daughters and his ranch hand. When Darwyn got there, he was greeted by the family. He hired one of the daughters to drive the carriage to the Temple down south.
It took him half a day to walk to Lon Lon Ranch. He wasn't staying for the night, he and Roana were leaving tonight. It was the only day her father and Gavin were away. Both Amis and Elric were helping her to sneak out. Once he arrived he waved to the owner.
"Darwyn My boy!" Thomas calls. He was Darwyn's father best friend growing up. Darwyn's family considered him a uncle.
"Hey Uncle." He shakes his hand. He looks over at his daughters, Mirabel and Remy who were staring shyly at him. All three knew each other growing up, Darwyn and many of the Kakariko's youth used to come here to help out with the horses and ranch work during the summer months. Both Remy and Mirabel were good friends with his sister Royce. "Hey Remy, Miri."
"Hey yourself." The twins greet him.
"So what brings you here. I thought you were helping out the family farm?" He knew of Darwyn's father's sickness. He sent his two daughters to help out for a few weeks, both eager to see their friends and love interests. Both had boyfriends from the village. Their father knew and didn't mind, he just told both to be responsible.
"I need to rent a horse."
Thomas shook his head.
"I'm afraid I have bad news. Most of my horses and carriages are rented out." Kakariko Village were using the horses and carriages for construction at the moment.
Darwyn sags. He needed a horse. The Temple was far, a two day walk at least. He didn't mind walking, but Roana was a water creature. She would dry out quickly, especially since the Temple was near the desert.
"I won't have any way to help you. Besides, can't you say for the night? Our inn is empty for once." Lon Lon Ranch was a popular tourist spot.
"You know I'll love to, but I only came here to rent a horse." Darwyn apologized.
"Well stay for dinner at least."
Darwyn was going to stay no, but when he heard his stomach growling he relented.
Good thing he stayed for dinner. While dinner was being served, a beautiful wild horse came to the ranch. To tame it, Darwyn sang a song.
Link wondered if that was Epona's ancestor. She was born and raised on the ranch, but was considered wild. Both Malon and Link had to play a song to ride her.
He put the book away. It was really late. He'll read it tomorrow.