As Link had hoped, he was finally able to get some sleep and was thankful that it remained undisrupted by visions or nightmares. He woke naturally, the light from outside pouring in, giving the room a peaceful atmosphere. He took his time getting out of bed, subsequently dressing in one of his new shirts. He still missed his Ordon style clothing, as it was the most weather appropriate, but was happy to have something new to call his own. He didn't forget the small compliment Rel had paid him and hoped that she'd notice the colour again.
Once he had risen, Link started questioning everything that they'd discovered on the journey west. They'd been given such conflicting information, but it was safe to assume that the boy was very much not in the desert or returning home. He would need to ask Rel about the remaining contents of the letter and he hadn't forgotten about the small package Sharla had handed to Rel.
He continued to mull over these thoughts, losing track of time, wondering when he should head for the east. As far as Link was concerned, the sooner the better.
A firm knock on the door broke him out of his concentration.
Before he could answer, a familiar blacked haired man stuck his head through the doorway. It was Darpa, with his trademark smirk and clown-like disposition. Link was slightly taken aback. Surely Darpa's presence suggested that Zelda had also returned.
"It seems that the Russet Maiden is friends with the Royal Guest." Darpa revealed.
The knight continued to beam at Link, a shit eating grin that brought his mood down.
"Royal Guest?" Link asked, his voice unsure.
"Oh come on Link, aren't you going to ask who?"
Link blinked a few times.
"I'm more confused as to why you're standing in my doorway, talking about maidens and guests."
Darpa shrugged his shoulders.
"Well, the good news for you is that you will be relieved of your duty for now. As of tomorrow."
"What?" Link asked.
"You get your wish." Darpa smirked.
"For now?"
Darpa sighed.
"As you can see, I have returned from accompanying the princess! I brought home a guest. Fuck." Darpa said sarcastically.
Link pushed past him.
"Talk to me after I've had some food."
Reaching out, Darpa grabbed Link firmly on the shoulder.
"It's good to see you too Link. Even if you're getting skinny and refuse to spar with me anymore. At least practice with me before you return to Ordon."
"Returning to Ordon? What?" Link murmured.
Link hadn't realized how long he'd been asleep until he was in the main area of the pub. It was very bright outside and there were actually some patrons in tow. Rel returned to her position as helper, working behind the counter with Telma. As Link approached his usual seat, he noticed that Rel had a very obvious look of annoyance, and her movements were strained and erratic.
Hoping that it wasn't about something he'd done, Link smiled at her as he sat down. Although she was clearly frustrated, she still managed to greet him, showing a little kindness. As he was about to speak, Link noticed a pungent smell.
It was somehow a combination of damp and burning. It was an earthy scent, so strong that it was enough to turn someone's stomach.
"What is that smell?" Link asked as his throat tightened.
Rel's tough façade immediately changed. She started glaring at the crystal glass in her hand, polishing it profusely. Telma lifted her eyes a little, a faint gleam of amusement present within her gaze. Pursing her lips, Telma flicked her eyes toward Rel. It was like she was trying to say something.
"I see you are acquainted with my betrothed." A deep sultry voice carried across the bar.
Link looked in the direction of the voice, not recognizing its owner.
"Huh?" Link asked, confused, knowing he was reaching his limit for the day.
He got a good look at the man who had just spoken to him. Whoever this man was, one thing was clear, he was absolutely striking. With sharp features and a strong jawline, his face exuded charisma. This young man had piercing, distinct green eyes coupled with sleek black hair. The magnetic allure of him was topped off with his tall, athletic build and commanding presence. Anyone who tried to deny this man's attractiveness was surely mistaken. The look was finished off with his finely made, dark clothing.
"Stop harassing customers, Dornan." Rel hissed at him, refusing to look upon his face.
Link was speechless. Through their many conversations, Rel had never once mentioned anything about being engaged, let alone revealing that she was a noblewoman.
"I am a customer." He replied petulantly, tapping the pipe that was placed firmly in his fingers. "Oh, do introduce me to your friend."
"No." Rel snapped at him quietly.
The man, who Rel had called Dornan, took a long drag of his pipe, almost unnaturally long. It was almost as though he didn't need air, Link could have sworn he didn't see him breathe. Dornan stood up slowly, before making his way to Link.
"Who is this?" Dornan asked with a smarmy tone.
"I said for you to fuck off!" Rel hissed at him, her accent coming through.
"You, barmaid. Is this how you allow your employees to speak to paying customers?"
Telma glanced at Dornan before turning away.
"I'm not touching that one." Telma groaned.
Remaining at a loss for words, Link looked to Rel, hoping that she wasn't too angry. He'd never heard Rel react like this, and he saw her almost daily. She was patient with customers, even the most rambunctious. Rel had been nothing but hospitable and friendly to Link, even before they'd taken a short journey together.
Dornan sat down beside Link, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Can you ask my gangly-limbed, ungrateful charge if she can help an old friend with a light?" Dornan asked, his tone smooth.
Telma turned and threw some matches at him before walking away. Link was distracted by the movement of the stool on the opposite side of him.
"Oh! It's Shad. My favourite person in this- establishment." Dornan exclaimed.
"Do you two know each other?" Link asked Shad flatly.
The sound of a match being struck distracted Link. Dornan had started smoking, again, the awful smell of the smoke wafting all through the tavern.
"Who?" Dornan asked. "Rel and I or Shad and I?"
Link swore that he heard Dornan place emphasis on Rel's name and for what purpose, he didn't know. He thought that it could be a slip of the tongue, granted that this man also had an accent. It was, however, more like the way that Zelda spoke as opposed to Rel's manner.
"Dornan and I met last night!" Shad explained enthusiastically. "He is a scholar, like I am and a very well versed one at that."
Dornan smiled as Shad placed his own hand behind his neck and cast his eyes down.
"I must admit Link, my pride is hurt. After learning that you took Rel with you to investigate that lead. I felt very abandoned."
Link shrugged, making sure to exaggerate his movements.
"Well, maybe you should have figured out that it was a cipher. Rel did your work for you."
Rel crept into view, the same crystal glass in her hand from earlier. Her expression was one of hurt and lack of acknowledgement.
"Which is why Rel is also a fine scholar. She's proven time and time again with her knowledge of not only that, but of plants and other notions. What took you months of time wasting took Rel mere days to figure out."
Rel looked up and finally stopped polishing the crystal glass. She gave Link an appreciate look, which he returned in kind. Her eyes flicked to Dornan once more, her disgust obvious.
"If you mean impatient, careless, abandonment, piss-poor handwriting, argumentative, flighty and emotional, then yes, Rel is a fine scholar." Dornan interjected.
Link glared at Dornan, completely dumbfounded by his audacity. Link gave Rel a quizzical look, clearly unimpressed. As usual, Rel attempted to maintain her calm façade, but Link sensed she was feeling agitated.
"As usual Dornan, your cockiness and bad attitude overshadows what few redeeming qualities you have." Rel said flatly.
Telma laughed, loudly.
Through all the commotion and bickering, no one noticed when Darpa showed up to take a seat with his friends. He could sense that there was an air of irritation within the group.
"I see you're all introduced!" Darpa announced, loud enough for everyone to look at him. "Dear Zelda has asked me to make sure that the two of you become acquainted."
"Why?" Link snapped at him.
"Uh- never mind." Darpa mumbled before taking a seat near Rel.
Time passed quickly as the group became more and more acquainted, most likely aided by the free-flowing drinks from Telma. In a bid to ignore the new addition to the party, Link turned his attention to Shad, asking him if he enjoyed his time off with Ilia. On realizing that he'd exhausted the conversation with his friends, Link made an attempt to converse with Dornan.
Dornan was enigmatic to say the least. In a similar manner to Rel, he had a tendency to deflect less than superficial questions. Any information pertaining to his presence in Hyrule was not disclosed and Link observed that he kept his eyes on Rel when not in conversation.
As frustrating as the conversation was, Link had to remind himself that Zelda had brought this man to Hyrule and was likely expecting them to be cordial to one another. It was obvious that this was one of the visitors Zelda had mentioned when she announced her departure. The strangest coincidence was that he knew Rel.
Link exerted a lot of effort trying to make Dornan feel welcome. As the hours ticked by, his curiosity started off as a slight annoyance and by nightfall, it was developing into a full-blown revulsion. Not only was Link repulsed by his mannerisms and way of speaking, but he was also especially dismayed by the way Dornan tried to provoke Rel.
Throughout the day, Link felt guilty for not taking time to speak to Rel, as it had become a part of their daily routine. He noticed when she left for a short while, most likely tending to her garden for a much-needed break from the stir inside.
The group was further expanded in the afternoon by the arrival of Liom and Zue, both of whom had finished their guard duties for the day. If they hadn't been rowdy before, they were certainly about to be. As the sky grew darker, the party became more lively and enthusiastic, to the point where Telma kicked them out of the front counter and shooed them into one of the corner booths.
Everyone, except for Link, hung onto Dornan's every word as he regaled them with his jokes and anecdotes.
Wanting Rel to be more social, Telma ended her workday early, sending her to the group. Finally, having someone as unimpressed by Dornan as he was, Link motioned for her to sit down beside him. Telma made a point of opening every window, making sure to eye Dornan, in hopes that he would take a hint.
Saying nothing, Rel nursed a goblet of wine. Her arms were folded as her jaw clenched.
"Did that man say that you are engaged to be married?" Link whispered curiously.
Rel's posture somehow became more tense.
"It was an absurd idea, flouted by one of the women I was raised by. Us being of a similar descendant. She probably thought he could finance some performing arts or buy a supply of tea."
Link relaxed.
"I have to admit, I thought you were a noblewoman. You're always so calm and well spoken."
"Did you?" Rel asked, beginning to relax herself. "I suppose it was my proximity to him. The only thing we have in common is our very distant ancestors."
Dornan cleared his throat, loudly.
"Am I boring you, Rel?" He asked slyly.
There it was again. It couldn't be a coincidence or his accent, the emphasis that Dornan placed on Rel's name. Link knew that there had to be some sort of meaning, or an inside joke that he wasn't aware of.
"Yes." Rel snapped at Dornan. "Unlike your new chums, I have unfortunately heard these same stories and anecdotes, far than I would have liked to. So unless you've got something new to share with everyone, I'll take myself up to the roof and throw myself off."
Link was taken aback by Rel's tone of voice, very much amused by the severity of the retort. The only other person he'd heard her talk to like that, albeit in a far less aggressive fashion, was Shad. Dornan returned her attitude with a smug smile.
Turning his pipe upside down and tapping it, Dornan eyed Rel carefully. He refilled it with whatever herb he loved smoking, never moving his gaze from Rel.
"Do tell me, Rel. Have you told your new friend why you call yourself Rel?"
Her face flushed bright red.
Confused, Link glared at Dornan suspiciously.
The rest of the men were now listening, their anticipation contagious.
"Not in a talkative mood? I'll tell the story." Dornan smirked before taking a drag.
Rel's arms remained folded, her stare daring him to speak.
"I believed that I was honoring you. Honoring your name by giving it to the love of my life-" Dornan began, goading her. "But you couldn't even thank me for such a thoughtful gesture."
"Love of your life?" Darpa asked Dornan, amused.
"A fine girl, with beautiful red hair. Like the fine, deep auburn locks of my long-limbed friend."
"Who is the love of your life?" Darpa asked, a slight panic in his voice.
"Aur-"
"FINE." Rel burst out, everyone looking at her. "My name is shortened."
"Oh, thank the heavens! Because if I must keep using that ridiculous pet name, I will disown you." Dornan grinned.
"Pet name!?" Rel countered. "Oh, I know it's a pet name."
"Don't talk about her that way."
With shaking fists, Rel turned to Link, who was watching the entire interaction with shock.
"Aurelia. My name is Aurelia."
"Aurelia? That's quite nice." Link tried to reassure her.
Her fists hit the table with a loud thud.
"No, it isn't." She hissed "It is a horse's name."
Dornan made no effort to contain his laughter. He took yet another drag of his pipe, wheezing as he cackled to himself.
"I already told you not to besmirch my Aurelia's honor." Dornan panted.
Realization hit Link as he recalled seeing another horse in the stable. On arriving early that morning, Link took note of the other horse in the stable and its similarity to Epona. A red mare.
"He named his horse Aurelia. Because of my hair." Rel shuddered.
The knights who had been watching the interaction lost control and roared with laughter.
"Telling the truth feels good, doesn't it Aurelia?" Dornan jeered.
Rel scowled and looked down, watching her own fists shake with anger.
"Oh, cheer up." Dornan continued. "Let's play a game. I tire of your histrionics."
Dornan fished around in his dark, finely made travelling cloak, retrieving a small package. Rel rolled her eyes as he opened it, sorting through a stack of cards.
"You brought that stupid game with you?" Rel groaned.
The men watched as Dornan started sorting the deck of cards, Shad particularly interested in the game.
"I love games of any kind!" Shad exclaimed.
"I would expect that from a fellow scholar." Dornan said with a dashing smile.
Shad's ears flushed as he accepted the compliment from Dornan.
"My mannish friend will be required to play the game. She's the only other person who knows the rules." Dornan explained.
Link watched this entire interaction in silence, only moving to take a sip of his drink. His eyes started darting around the room, looking for an escape. Noticing Link's expression, Darpa let out a loud, boozy laugh.
"What's so funny?" Rel snapped at him.
"Games? That eliminates Link from playing. He's terrible at games of any kind!" Darpa rasped.
Link cleared his throat.
"It's not that I don't like them… It's just… the moment someone starts explaining the rules to me, I stop paying attention."
He gave Rel an awkward shrug.
"Well, you'll definitely hate this one." Rel stated.
"You don't know if they will hate the game, Aurelia."
"Yes, I do." Rel declared confidently. "Because everyone else is going to lose."
"You must be very skilled." Link said to Dornan.
"No. He CREATED the game." Rel spat. "That's why no one can beat him. Whenever you think you've got him cornered, he will just make up some rule to get himself out of the bind."
"Dearest Aurelia." Dornan started, gasping. "You insult me! Like your studies, you've no patience. Take your time for once."
"I'll play your stupid game." Rel hissed at him.
Link was torn between his desire to spend some more time with Rel and his dislike for complicated rules. Once again, he started surveying the room, looking for his exit. He sculled what was left of his ale and stood up.
"Where do you think you're going Link?" Darpa demanded, his words slurred.
Telma brought over another round of drinks, no doubt adding to Zelda's blown out tab.
"How could you do this to dear Telma?" Darpa continued. "After brining us more drinks."
"You said it yourself Darpa, I'm no good at games." Link answered.
"I'd expect no less from you." Dornan sneered. "From what Shad has told me about you."
Shad started waving his hands erratically, motioning for Dornan to be quiet.
"What did Shad say about me?" Link demanded.
"Nothing unkin-" Shad started before being cut off by Dornan.
"He explained how you abandoned your post, your academics and love life to go and tend to vegetables." Dornan began, mockingly.
"Not just that." Darpa jumped in. "He doesn't even wield a sword anymore. Sir Perfect, a master swordsman by age 20. He threw that away too."
Link felt a surge of anger, his heart thumping. His first instinct was to walk away, but after catching a glimpse of Rel's face, he chose to sit back down. He grabbed two drinks, sliding one to her. Dornan continued to provoke him silently, smirking at him.
"Explain the rules." Link demanded.
It took some time for Dornan to explain the rules to his card game. It required everyone to divide into teams, as well as bluffing and blind plays. With seven of them playing, someone had to act as the referee, with Rel doing so as she was the only other person who knew the rules. Link, Shad and Liom made up one team, with Dornan, Darpa and Zue making up the other.
They played round after round of this game, each subsequent round becoming rowdier than the last. Dornan was happy to keep the drinks flowing, financed by his own purse, making him plenty of new friends in the process. With the encouragement going on, even Rel was having a good time.
Dornan was, of course, still taking verbal jabs at Rel as she tried to referee the rules of his game.
By the early hours of the next morning, the group of friends had finally decided to play one last round of the game and it looked, unsurprisingly, that Dornan was the last remaining member of the opposing team. What was unexpected is that Link was the last remaining member of the other team.
As the cards were shuffled and dealt one final time, the stakes seemed higher than ever. Link and Dornan exchanged glances, a silent understanding that this round would determine the winner of whatever rivalry they had developed during the night. Even Telma had stayed up to watch the final rounds of the game, enjoying the competition.
"I don't believe it." Darpa slurred. "He actually learned how to play a game for the first time in his life."
"What are they even playing for at this point?" Telma asked, very confused.
"We should have put money down on this." Darpa asserted, still slurring his words together.
"Pride." Shad said smugly.
Link had to admit that he too was surprised. He usually couldn't stand these sorts of games, but the mutual dislike between himself and Dornan was what kept him going. The rest of the group could sense the competitive spirit between them, especially Rel.
When she wasn't refereeing, Rel sat quietly beside Link, ignoring the verbal jabs and the poor attempts at banter between the men.
Sensing that the atmosphere was becoming tense, Darpa attempted to make jokes, but his drunkenness prevented any of them making sense.
Looking over Link's shoulder, Rel smiled, making no attempt at all to hide her delight. Dornan glared at her before surveying his own cards.
"What are you so happy about?" He barked at Rel, who returned his poor attitude with a shrug.
"Nothing." she said innocently. "Make your move."
Dornan continued to glare, looking down at his own cards before glancing at Link.
Leaning over to whisper something in Link's ear, Rel momentarily broke the tension between the two men. The small gesture caused Link's calm exterior to lapse as he stifled a laugh. He made a point of exaggerating his expressions before returning to the game.
The unspoken rivalry between Link and Dornan came to a head when the latter made a sudden declaration during their final round.
"I yield." Dornan announced. "I am done for the night. We shall call it a draw."
"What!" Rel shouted at him. "A draw?"
Link felt a surge of annoyance, unhappy with his efforts throughout the night being all but thrown away.
"A draw?" He asked Rel sheepishly.
"Yes, a draw." Dornan said bluntly. "I'm tired."
Rel leaned over the table and made an attempt to snatch Dornan's cards. He was too swift for Rel, moving them out of her way. Sensing that this wasn't the end of the story, Rel stood up and blocked Dornan from standing up.
"I suppose I was right." She smirked. "You couldn't get yourself out of a bind."
Dornan glared at her.
"And you are as tall as a man." He teased. "I'm going to bed."
Rel looked at Dornan's hand of cards and started shaking her head.
"It looks like Link was going to win the game." She informed the group. "Good work Link."
The party of inebriated men burst out into cheers, with Dornan remaining silent and pouty. Despite the joke about her appearance, Rel remained in good spirits, making sure to congratulate Link.
Having been declared the actual winner of the game, Link put his cards down and cradled his head in his hands.
"What's wrong Link?" Shad asked. "I thought you would be ecstatic that you won?"
"No." Link groaned. "I never want to play another game again."
That's enough." Telma declared. "Everyone, bed. Now."
The commotion died down as the friends exchanged handshakes and kind gestures, Telma finally lowering the lights. They knew it was finally time for sleep, with Rel leaving first. She said her goodnights as Dornan followed after her, still in a petulant mood from his attempted abandonment of the game. Everyone else cleared out, leaving Darpa and Link alone together.
"I thought she would have left. The Russet Maiden. But she stayed." Darpa mumbled to himself happily.
"The Russet Maiden?" Link asked, confused.
"That girl! Aurel." Darpa slurred. "That's her."
"That's the worst name I've ever heard, Darpa." He replied bluntly.
"Do you think she's actually going to marry that guy?"
"Why do you ask?"
"She's beautiful. I need to know if I have a chance."
Feeling instantly irritated, Link shook his head.
"They're not getting married."
Sensing that Link was annoyed, Darpa blinked a few times, trying to focus his eyes.
"What's wrong with you?" Darpa asked curiously.
"What makes you think there's anything wrong with me?"
Darpa threw his hands up and shrugged his shoulders.
"Nothing! You're right, there's nothing wrong! See you in the morning."
"Why?"
"We are training and you're joining us."
Darpa strutted away, humming to himself as he eventually found the front door of the building.
By the time Rel awoke in the late morning, Darpa had made good on his promise to Link. They were using Telma's courtyard as a sparring area, much to Rel's dismay as this was where she did her gardening. Despite the late bedtime and generous amount of drinking, the men remained in good spirits. Rel could hear the chatter and the sound of steel hitting steel as she made her morning round in the garden. Dressed in simple clothing, Rel took her time tending to her plants. After a few peaceful moments, Dornan appeared beside her, a cloud of smoke following his arrival.
"I would have thought you would still be sulking in your room." Rel said mockingly. "You're very predictable."
"Good morning, Aurelia." Dornan crooned, placing his hands behind his back. "You look like shit."
With folded arms, Rel glared at him.
"Why must you always torment me Dornan? She sighed. "Why are you always trying to provoke me?"
"Because I tire of this emotionless, boring character you've created." He rebutted.
Rel went back to watering the plants, the sound of the men sparring filling the silence. Making sure to remain subtle, Rel stole a few glances, fascinated by the swordplay.
"Are you at least going to tell me what you saw? About me?" Rel asked, breaking the quiet.
"I wouldn't want to scare you off." Dornan snapped at her. "Imagine my surprise when I heard the rather troubling news that the representative from your land didn't show up."
Dornan gave Rel an expectant look. She merely looked away and shrugged.
"Imagine my own surprise when I was attacked on the day I arrived."
Dornan turned his whole body toward her, his disdain fading to concern.
"Attacked? By whom?"
"That, I do not know." She paused, gathering her thoughts. "But whoever it was has caused quite a ruckus. They also killed two guards. So, forgive me for laying low."
Dornan surveyed her expression.
"There's more to this."
"There's more to this." Rel repeated. "I haven't been the same… since the attack."
"That's understandable." Dornan reassured her. "Given the nature of the incident. It sounds distressing."
"No. There is something inside me. It's like- I'm unable to connect with her anymore."
Dornan produced his pipe, seemingly out of nowhere.
"You haven't told anyone why you are here?" He asked her intensely.
"I keep my word." Rel replied, shaking her head.
"Good girl."
"When will she be arriving?"
Dornan exhaled a thick cloud of smoke.
"Not soon enough." He wheezed. "It seems that she will be personally escorted by none other than Princess Zelda herself, who I was fortunate enough to meet in the city. She was awfully concerned about your non-arrival and asked me to try and find you."
Rel sighed.
"Well, you found me. Again." She groaned. "Besides, there is a more pressing issue. The twins."
"Oh yes, the twins." Dornan smiled. "Zelda found one of them and is sending him to the castle. He will be pampered, as a means to try and quell his tenacity. The other brother is nowhere to be found- apparently."
"Link and I set out to find the missing one. Your new bosom buddy, Shad, was given months and a generous stipend to translate a letter- a letter that was as simple cipher that I believe a child could have figured out."
Dornan laughed.
"Furthermore-" Rel continued. "We actually found some useful information."
"What information?" Dornan asked between puffs.
"That the missing brother is headed out east."
"I could have told you that." Dornan said smugly.
"Could you also tell me why everyone here is looking at me suspiciously?" Rel insisted. "It seems my hair is the culprit."
"Why even ask me? You were made in her image. As were all of you."
"Hmm." Rel hummed before falling quiet.
Both Dornan and Rel began watching the men spar.
"Yourself and Link." Dornan smirked. "The blond man? The one you like?"
Rel's face remained unchanged.
"You'd be interested to know that he has prophetic dreams."
Dornan's head snapped in Link's direction.
"He can't call upon it at will, unlike some of us, but it's there. I've witnessed it twice."
Dumbfounded, Dornan started pacing in the direction of the sparring match.
"What are you doing?" Rel sighed as she followed after Dornan.
In the courtyard, Link was starting to feel the effects of not training regularly. He still held his own, his skills never really fading, but his body was reminding him of this. As he watched his friends, Link could see every flaw, every small mistake and every mistake they were making.
Darpa stopped.
"I can see you there Link! You're judging our form!"
"Old habits die hard." Link shrugged.
In the summer heat, Link readied himself, knowing that Darpa was about to lose his temper.
"That's it!" Darpa shouted. "We're having a match, right now!"
Link held his sword firm, surveying Darpa for a few moments. Darpa circled him, daring Link to start the match, before trying to surprise Link with a lunge. Link used his sword to parry the strike.
"Not too much parrying!" Liom called out. "Don't you dare break that sword Link!"
"They're expensive!" Zue reminded him.
The men continued to survey one another, only going for small openings.
"Stop wasting time Link!" Darpa shouted at him, his frustration obvious.
Link took this as an invitation. He lunged toward Darpa at an impressive speed, finishing off the move with an unfinished strike at Darpa's ribs. Darpa smiled, returning the move with a swift kick in Link's direction.
Enamored with the match, none of the men noticed that Rel and Dornan had joined them.
Before long, Darpa and Link were engaged in a fierce sword fight. Despite his soreness, Link's agility was something to be admired as his blade clashed Darpa's with precision. Moving with calculated swiftness, Link parried or outright dodged every one of Darpa's strikes. Link admittedly was impressed with how much Darpa had improved over the years, which was to be expected as captain of the guards. Link's strategy became more intense as the match continued and the duel ended when Link broke Darpa's sword.
Defeated, Darpa threw the hilt of the sword on the ground.
"You bastard!" he exclaimed.
Link walked over to his friend and extended his hand. After Darpa brushed the dirt of his clothing, they shook hands. It was then that Darpa made eye contact with Rel, his face flushing red.
Rel watched the interaction with awe, the men's skill leaving a lasting impression on her.
"That was impressive!" she exclaimed excitedly.
Recognising the voice, Link turned around to see Rel. Unable to think of anything else to do, he gave her a small wave as he panted.
"I wasn't expecting that!" Rel continued. "You didn't say you could fight like that."
Feeling embarrassed, Link started running his free hand over the back of his neck.
"Thank you, Rel." he said sheepishly.
Darpa, with hurt pride, picked up the broken pieces of his sword.
With a neutral expression, Dornan addressed Link.
"You, Sir Farmer. I need to talk to you later." Dornan stated abruptly.
Before Link could respond to the condescending name, Dornan turned and walked away. Rel rolled her eyes before giving Link an apologetic expression. Before she was able to speak again, Darpa interrupted them.
"I actually need to talk to Link first." Darpa informed Rel. "If that's alright."
With an understanding nod, Rel made her way back inside.
Once all of them were back inside and out of the sun, Darpa took Link to their own table, to speak privately.
"First of all, I hate that you can still best me in sword play." Darpa huffed.
"Practice makes perfect." Link said flatly.
"Anyway, there's been a change of plans."
"Change of plans?"
"Your search. Is called off. Go home to Ordon, for now."
Link looked at his friend disbelievingly. Surely, he hadn't heard right.
"What?" Link stammered. "After all this time? I'm supposed to just go home and forget about the gravity of the request?"
"For two weeks, yes." Darpa said nonchalantly.
"Two weeks?" Link asked, becoming more confused by the minute.
"That's when Zelda… wants you back." Darpa answered.
"I'm confused. I have no obligation considering this search has been called off."
Darpa shifted uncomfortably.
"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but, Zelda is- requesting- that you come back to service."
The brief statement caused Link's heart to race. Before he could reply angrily, Darpa waved his hand dismissively.
"I can't tell you anything unless you're back in the circle!" Darpa asserted. "There are bigger things going on here Link. Zelda isn't taking the news that she has received lightly. It will make sense eventually, I promise."
With shaking hands, Link waited a few moments before speaking.
"And if I protest?" he asked with a trembling tone.
"You've got two weeks to figure it out." Darpa snapped back at him.
"Fine." Link responded. "At least tell me why you brought that guy back with you."
"I brought him back because Zelda commanded it. I'll see you in two weeks."
Darpa stood, finished his drink in one gulp and left.
Rel had been watching off to the side, waiting for Darpa to leave. Her eyes followed the knight until he was outside, leaving her to join Link.
"Are you alright?" She asked Link softly.
"It seems that our misadventure turned out to be a red herring." Link speculated.
"What makes you say that?"
"I've been given two weeks to make a difficult decision. I will be returning home in that time." Link explained to Rel.
Rel blinked a few times.
"So, no more help with my garden?"
Link nodded.
"I'm going to gather everything and return to Ordon. I don't think I'll be staying there long."
"Will I see you again?" Rel asked quietly.
Taken aback by the comment, Link glanced at her. Her expression remained calm, her eyes telling a different story. Link understood why this might make her anxious, as he was her only companion. The question broke him out of his negative train of thought, a half-smile appearing on his lips.
"You will Rel. If I don't come back in two weeks, I'd see you whenever I come to visit Telma. Unless you plan on leaving?"
Rel shook her head.
"Dornan wishes to speak to you before you leave."
"Do I have to?" Link seethed.
"No!" Rel laughed. "I will tell him to speak to you when you are back in two weeks."
When you're back.
Link thought about that. It would seem that more than one person was suggesting for him to return.
Not wanting to cut his home time short, Link stood up and placed a hand on Rel's shoulder.
"I'll gather my things, Rel. I'll see you soon."
The ride back to Ordon was peaceful, Link using the time to ponder the information he'd been given. It had been weeks since he'd slept in his own bed, and he was relieved to be going back. He tried not to think too much about what had happened, about the time he'd felt had been wasted. He didn't appreciate being drip fed information and the air of secrecy surrounding this new venture was getting to him.
He arrived at the familiar gates outside of Ordon village. The gates had remained open for many years, a far cry from when they were regularly closed at night. He could rest easy knowing that it was his efforts that made the village feel like a safe place. After reaching his own home, he slept soundly, the sheer exhaustion from the weeks long journey catching up with him.