Chapter

Why we failed one-hundred years ago pt 7

A kiss for a princess

"I've heard just enough out of you." grumbled a large, burly man, shoving Jun into the shadows of an alleyway near Union Bridge.

"I have them, don't worry! They're just not with me. I hid them in a ditch near the tourney grounds, I swear!" Jun squeaked, wincing as he faced the rain with one eye open.

Another man, slender but no less intimidating, hoisted Jun up and slammed him against a brick wall. "No more excuses! You know what's at stake if you don't deliver on time."

His friend joined in the reprimand. "Hand them over, boy. We don't have time for games. If you want to keep that pretty face unmarred, you better listen."

"Hey, let him go!" I found myself instinctively shouting. "He's just a kid!"

The two ugly looking goons craned their neck to face me but maintained their grip on Jun. "Hmph, I can say the same for you, Pint Size." sneered the larger one.

His sinister companion barked at me as well. "What did you say to us?"

Unfazed by his intimidation, I answered, "Did I stutter? Or, are you just stupid? I said, leave him be or—

"-Or what?" The burly man let Jun go for his friend to hold, stomping closer to size me up in the dim alley.

But before he could escalate, his friend reached for his shoulder with his other hand, yanked him back to whisper to where I could barely hear. "Hey Izhi-He's a royal guard. We might have to cut his throat if he marks us."

"What was that? You're going to have to speak up!" I found myself striding closer.

Jun winced and quickly spoke. "It's, uh, nothing! Just go, both of you!" As I moved even closer, Jun seemed to plead, "Mr. Helmsworth, don't!"

Something was up, but what? Whatever it was, I don't have time for it. I have to deliver the boy and get back to the others and soon. Ignoring the kid I spoke again. "I said drop him."

"Helmsworth, it's fine! Really, no problem!" Jun insisted, more forcefully this time.

"What?" I stepped back.

The burly man flashed a grin, revealing yellow-stained teeth. "You should listen to your friend here. We were just chatting, that's all." His eyes bore into Jun's, indicating something was not right. "No need to get riled up."

Glancing around, still in their grip, Jun forced a smile. "Yeah, it's fine. We do this all the time. It's a game." He laughed nervously. Now, you had your fun, so let me go." The slender man looked to his companion, who nodded, and released Jun. The boy stumbled onto his knees atop the cobblestones.

Jun quickly sprang to his feet and smiled again at me to feign all is well. "See, there's no problem."

Very odd behavior indeed.

The brute also agreed, patting the lad on the back as a gesture of good will, though it seemed as phony as a Gerudo Voe."Yea, there's no problem, right? We were just, foolin' about. Sorry to startle you Sir."

Jun then directed them to leave. "Okay, you got what you came for. Get going, both of you. We'll talk later."

The burly man executed a sarcastic bow. "We'll be on our way now if it's no trouble to you." I simply nodded as I watched them both scamper past me. The slender one shoulder checked me on his way out, but I thought it best not to reprimand him. It could escalate rapidly and besides, I had somewhere I needed to be. I don't have time to pick fights with small time trouble such as these losers.

"Sheesh, thanks for the heads up, you know" Jun said, brushing the dirt off his worn trousers as they walked away. "If I'd known you were coming early, I would've—"

"-Early?" I snapped. "We're late!"

"Oh, really?" He blinked, glancing up at the gray sky as a light drizzle bounced atop his brown bangs. However, in the cascade of the sun that would rarely dare peek out from behind the clouds, a thin veneer of silver I saw in his hair as well, or so I thought. I couldn't be sure, but as quickly as the few glimmering strands shone, they vanished again into the darkness of his brown locks. The boy smirked and shrugged, taking me away from his thoughts. "Well, how was I supposed to know? There's no sun! Hard to tell the time without a proper sky to navigate!"

"It's fine," I said, losing interest. I just wanted to get moving. "So, do you really know those guys?"

"Sort of," he answered, scratching the back of his head as though contemplating the right words. Odd. Just as I was about to press him for more, he went on. "They act tough, but they're really just a bunch of softies."

"Softies? You're saying that big guy with the eye patch is a softie?" Who is this kid?

"Yeah, I could've taken him, no sweat!" He threw a mock punch in the air, as if he could have dispatched them single-handedly. "Why'd you have to show up like that? I could've handled it myself. I didn't need your help."

"I'm here to escort you to the princess's pavilion, remember?" I had to remind him.

"Oh, right! I was just—"

"Just what?"

"Never mind. You wouldn't understand."

"Try me." I insisted.

"It's not important. Anyway, what took you so long?" he deflected.

"I ran into a delay."

"Uh-huh?" He gave me a skeptical look, unsure of my explanation, but pressed on. "Like what?"

"Just some local trouble. Nothing you need to worry about."

He frowned; the way kids do when they're annoyed. "So, that's the way of it, huh? My affairs concern you, but when I ask about yours, you tell me to bugger off?"

"I didn't say bugger off," I defended.

"Well, you certainly didn't invite me over for tea to discuss it!" He said, stomping his foot.

"Ugh, fine, sorry I prodded," I said, sighing as I shrugged." Are we square, now?"

He gave me a blank stare and suddenly his frown curled into a closed-eye smile again.

I changed the subject as we began our walk. "Anyway, what about your masks? Where are they? Weren't you going to wear them? You made such a fuss about them, and now they're gone."

"Not quite," he said, mischievously. "See, I still have mine, the princess's, and yours if you want it."

"Sure, why not," I said. No sooner had I replied than the kid whisked out the oddest-looking mask I'd ever seen. He looked ridiculous. If I showed up to the men wearing that ghastly thing, I'd never hear the end of it. And besides, she would laugh me out of her pavilion with such a travesty on my face. I'm a soldier, not a mummer. "Actually, on second thought, I'm good."

"You sure? Come on, have some fun! These sorts of celebrations are meant to be fun. The tourneys don't start for at least an hour after everyone gets settled in. Oh, I know! You're going to be a knight, right? Come on, you can't fool me. The princess might be unaware, but I can tell. You're no true guardsman, huh?" How does everyone seem to know?

"What? I am so a knight," I insisted.

"Oh, yeah, sure," he said, screwing up his face and puffing out his chest. "'Drop the boy or I'll...I'll,'" he mocked, deepening his voice to imitate mine from just minutes prior. Then he returned to his normal, happy-go-lucky self. "Come on, you can drop the act. A real guardsman would have skewered those men first and then asked questions later. Trust me, I know."

"And how would you know something like that? What knights have you ever met? What are you, like, nine or something?"

"Hey! I'll have you know I'll be ten and two in just a few months! And I've probably seen more fights than you ever have! Once, I saw a man chew off another bloke's ear over some beet pottage! Beets! A man got sliced for beets, of all things. And then there was this other time I saw a man carve up a meatmonger's belly with his own butcher's knife for selling him a couple of queer hogs."

The nerve of this kid, I thought to myself. He continued to prattle on, one example after another, as I began to tune him out. His words blurred into the mist of my thoughts as I stood there contemplating. He may have a point; it's true. I'm not yet a knight. Cutting off his incessant chatter, I finally spoke up. "Mayhaps you're right, and I'm not a knight. So, what of it? What's it to you?"

That sly grin crossed his face again—a grin that seemed to harbor a world of mischief. "Opportunity," he muttered.

"Huh?"

Clearing his throat as if about to deliver a formal proclamation, he began, "Well, I was thinking, I don't really have anywhere specific to be—"

"What do you mean?" I interrupted. "The princess invited you to bask under her pavilion. Do you realize what an honor that is? Talk about opportunity—that's a once-in-a-lifetime chance for back-alley kids like you and me. That's certainly 'somewhere to be.' I don't know what she sees in you, but you must've done something to earn her pity."

"Pft, pity? Ha! Speak for yourself," he snorted a laugh, utterly unfazed, and jabbed his thumb toward his chest. "Maybe she took pity on you! For me, it was all charm!"

My temples flared, and he quickly retreated.

"Okay, okay, I was joking. Sheesh! No need to get all hostile," the boy shrugged, and I felt myself relax a bit. "She obviously wants you around." He then muttered something so quietly I could barely catch it. "Though I can't imagine why."

"What was that?" I snapped.

"Look, just hear me out," he said, redirecting the conversation. "Let me be your squire. If you win the lists, there'll be glory for both of us. Plus, there's prize money, right? If we team up, I'm sure you'll win!"

His proposal caught me off guard. But he had a point. There was indeed prize money to be had, though only for the top contenders in each event. Those who pass the initial trials would get to participate in the main competition. Only the victors in those events would have the chance to become Royal Guardsmen—an honor granted once in a generation. And the highest honor, the Princess Guard, would go to the top champion. I paused, scratching the back of my head as I pondered his proposition.

"Well?" He asked impatiently, stomping his toe.

"Hey, what use does a kid like you need with money or glory anyways?"

"Trust me, I have my reasons. So, will you let me or not? I promise I'll be the best squire you ever had for the next three days."

"I don't know." I shrugged, rubbing my arm, weigh all the possibilities and outcomes. "I already passed the prequalifying trials by becoming an initiate for the Royal guard. As their prospect I am exempt from having to enlist in the preliminaries and can join the main trials. Only men at arms from far away great houses, freelancer knights and knights-errants will be joining the lists to prove their mettle. So, why should I?"

"Because, she will be watching, duh! How dimwitted are you? And if that isn't good enough, the bounty collected if you win could buy the best suit of armor, sword and shield money I—I mean, you can buy! That's why!"

I narrowed my eyes at him. He was all jittery, hands animated, words spilling out full of promise. "I already have the finest sword money can buy." I said.

"Well, then you will get a nice shield, how does that sound?" he said, sweetening the deal. "And what money you don't spend could then buy the best horse you'll ever need."

I spun around to ponder away from him. I gazed up into the cloudy sky as rain lightly showered my face with a faint mist. Hmm, he does have a point. I don't have a horse and more importantly, she will be watching. Perhaps, if she thinks Sir-Helmsworth is better than Link, then maybe she will like him even more…

….Ugh, but then I have to tell her somehow. Hmm, but, It may go easier if I warm her up to the idea first. And everyone knows a good knight needs a good steed to carry him. Only a strong destrier will do. The type of stallion only great Noble Lords ride. She'll like that I bet. Then I won't be just some peasant boy. I mean, the heroic knight always fared well in the songs and stories. Why not me?

"Okay, I'm considering it, kid, but what experience do you have? Being a squire isn't just about looking good or basking in glory, you know. It's a lot of hard work and I can't risk tying my fate to someone who doesn't know what they are doing or spooks at the first sign of trouble. For starters, you know a thing or two about horses? You're useless to me if you can't properly saddle a steed or if you don't know the difference between a poleaxe, lance or halberd."

"Trust me, I got this—"

"-I know, 'no sweat'? Right?"

"Right." He said with a smiling wink and thumbs up. Something inside me itched and said he was up to something, but what? Nevertheless, he seemed innocent enough, and he did look like he has seen a few rough winters.

"Listen, let's just say if I do this, what of the princess? You said you'd join her for the celebrations. She's expecting you to accompany her and her friends for the feasts, not squire for me."

"And I will! We will both root for you after I aid you in the lists. I can even tell her all about it and what you're doing to win and—"

"No you won't! You won't utter a word what I say or what I'm doing, understand?"

"Oh, okay then….Fine, I won't tell her our secrets to victory, but we will still root for you during the grand trial, alright? And trust me, by the time I'm done sweet talking her about how well we work together as a team and how great you are, she'll be singing your name!"

"No!" I instinctively snapped. He fell a step back. "She can't know my name!"

"What?"

"No names yet, got it? Ugh, what am I saying? I haven't even agreed to this farce yet."

"Yeah, but you will, trust me. Don't worry, if you're so worried about it, fine, I won't say your name, okay? Helmsworth was it? Yeah, that was it. Helmsworth is all she'll know."

"I guess there's no harm in that." I whispered, rubbing my chin in contemplation.

"I'm sure she wouldn't mind knowing though. Not with the way she was staring at you all morning." I could've sworn I heard him mumble, but I couldn't be sure.

"What was that?" I turned.

"Nothing, anyways, once you're in the melee and begin the grand trial, you'll be forced to be on your own regardless. That's when I'll join her and the other watchers, got it?"

Sheesh, how does he know so much. "Hey, where did you learn all this? About the trials?"

"Anyone who is anyone knows, where have you been?"

"Where have I been?" The question of the century, indeed. My head's been in the clouds, in case you haven't noticed, I wanted to say. Instead, I responded, "I've been busy preparing, that's where I've been."

He only nodded but before we could hurry off, he spoke up. "Also, sorry, it was hard to recognize you back there not wearing your helm."

"It's alright, let's be off."

"Now that I think of it, where is your helm?" he slowed his stride.

" It's in my rough sack. I'll have it when we see my father at the tourney grounds. The thing is hard to see during skyfall. So, I put it away until I need it. Anyways—"

He cut me off. "—Also, what's your name?"

"What is with the twenty questions? We have to go!"

"Hey, if we're going to work together, I have to at least know your real name." he demanded.

I stopped walking ahead of him. Passersby rubbed our shoulders as they moved past us on the bridge. "Fine, but If I tell you, you have to keep it a secret. Got it?"

"Why?" He stared at me incredulously.

"Look, if you can't, I guess I'll find myself another squire."

"No, wait, fine. I won't tell." He relented. "So, what's the deal? What's your name?"

"It's Link."

"LONK!" He blew up into laughter. Those around us turned to face the commotion.

"Shh, keep your voice down. I said, Link, not Lonk." I waved them no mind and they all resumed their business.

"I prefer Lonk, you look like a Lonk," he said quietly, smirking that irritating smirk again.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means you look like you're more suited to tilling fields than battling foes."

"Well, I'd have you know, I am a farmer's son…but, it's not what you think."

"Oh, so I am right!" he relished in his small victory.

"I said, it's not like what you think." I growled. "My father is the Chief Captain of the Royal Guard. I've been training all my life to be a warrior. What have you been doing, huh?"

"More than you know…" he mumbled back.

"Well, what then?" I demanded but he just turned to face the other way and began walking, ignoring me.

"Fine, keep your secrets. Let's just get going."

And with that we made straight away past Union Square and were well on our way to the northeast curtain wall to exit the city.

Just ahead, the bluffs extended into the horizon, culminating far at the edge of the woods where the festival would spring to life. A colorful sprawl of tents dotted the grassy fields, and makeshift corrals had been hastily constructed. The walking space was becoming scarce as people converged onto the only road leading to the Queen's Meadow. It was a menagerie of faces and figures, a gathering of everyone you could imagine, all streaming toward the festivities. Most had the good sense to be on horseback. As for me and my would-be squire, we had to make do with the age-old method of getting places—our own two feet.

The noise of it all was something out of a dream. There was a thick insatiable feeling of excitement on everyone's faces. The buzz was palpable; the very air thrummed with unspoken anticipation. Two days from now, with a dash of luck and a sheen of skill, I could be a Royal Guardsman. I found myself hoping, praying even, that my father would be proud and that she—would be watching.

"Hey! Hyrule to Link!" The kid nudged me, jarring my reverie. Had he been trying to capture my attention this entire time?

"You're not much for listening, huh?" he quipped.

Snapping back to reality, I replied, "What's going on?"

"Look for yourself," he pointed. "Soldiers are stationed at the perimeter fences to the nobility quarter, bottlenecking the crowd. We'll never make it at this pace. Can't you pull some Royal Guardsman string or something?" His tone oscillated between desperation and sarcasm, tempting me to react.

"I would if I could, but you know that." I sighed, "Without my helm, I'm just another face in the crowd. Besides—"

"-Then how are we supposed to make it to where the nobility sit? They won't just let us waltz in, especially not dressed like this. And what about that Royal decree you were supposed to get for us? What about my clothes? I can't meet her like this! I have a reputation, you know!"

I rolled my eyes and realized, damn, he was right. How can I be so careless. "Bullocks."

"Bullocks? What?"

"Ugh, the carriage. With the princess's mare, Eponair. I forgot the bundle she gave me and the decree."

"What!? Are you joking?" The kid slapped his forehead so hard, I felt it. "You're going to need my help, more than I thought, huh?" he mumbled. "Alright, fine. You got any ideas then?"

"Hold on, there's still a way. But only if we see my father first. If I can get my helm, I can try to get us past the guards."

"Well, what of my clothes? She particularly asked us for—"

"I know, I know. Sheesh give me a moment to think."

"Well, think fast!"

His attitude wasn't making anything better, but even still, he was starting to rub off on me. He did have a point. "Okay, I got it!" I snapped my fingers. "You'll just have to dress as a squire now. Surely, they won't deny you access if you accompany me as my squire, at least to see the princess. Once we greet her, she'll just pen us up another parchment for you. A pass for us both to move freely."

"Hmm, it could work," he said, cupping his chin and squinting as if delving into a deep meditative state of enlightenment.

I leaned with my shoulder where to go, having enough of the japes. "C'mon you, it will work! Now, let's go! This way."

Navigating through a labyrinth of street vendors, we wove our way toward our destination. Nearby, smithies from far off places labored in hopes of making a shiny rupee or two for hopefuls joining the prequalifying lists. Some were obviously lacking skill in their crude craftmanship, while others displayed promise in their work. Glistening steel hung and the battering of red-hot iron rang over the shouts of merchants in our ears.

If that wasn't enough to excite someone, the distracting aroma of hogs basted with sweet durian roasting over spits also flared my nostrils. Not now, tonight at the feast after the first trial. You can wait, I told myself. My belly grumbled in protest. Amidst the banners fluttering in the gentle breeze, the scent of roasting quails, honeyed venison, and various wines also wafted across the tourney grounds, promising a feast as grand as any in the kingdom. The quails in particular were my favorite. Stuffed with fragrant herbs from the Bountiful, they slowly charred over hot coals, their golden-brown skins dripping juices when seared and licked by open flames almost had me drooling. By some miracle I managed to press on. Duty calls.

After arriving to the main tent for the prospects, I saw fellow initiates I trained with practicing drills. Lucky for them, they wouldn't have to enlist in the preliminaries. I technically didn't have to either, but unlike most of them, I didn't have any quality gear to call my own, nor a trusty steed I could rely on. Jun did have a point earlier. I could win a hefty bounty if I unseat all the other contenders and best them in the prequalifiers. Not to mention, she will be sure take notice of me then. I must look the part if I'm to be a knight. Right?

"See that tent with the captain's standard? That's my father's." I indicated to Jun, with the proud emblem flapping in the slight breeze. The meadow was awash in mud from recent rain, but the atmosphere was far from dampened as enthusiasm from the other initiates permeated the air.

"Come on, we need to get you into your garb," I began, but my words were soon eclipsed by a familiar authoritative voice. "And where might you be rushing off to, Link? Is this how we treat our esteemed guests who are here to see us?"

The figure belonged to none other than my father. Instinctively, I saluted, a gesture of respect ingrained deep within me. He was commander of the guard after all and soon will be mine if all goes well. And there, beside him, stood Sven, my lifelong comrade, his grin echoing my own surprise and delight.

Gathering my thoughts, I managed, "Guests, father? Do we have family visiting from the north?"

He replied with a playful tone, "No, not them. They wouldn't journey this far just for a show. I said esteemed guests, Link. Are you even paying attention?"

"He's had selective hearing all day," Jun cheekily chimed in. I shot him a sharp glare.

"And who might this young lad be?" My father's gaze shifted to Jun, inspecting him curiously with a wiggle of his mustache.

"He's...well, he's my—" I stammered.

"I'm his squire," Jun interjected confidently. "We have an agreement."

Taken aback, my father's eyes danced with amusement. "A squire? Initiates don't typically have squires until they're fully knighted."

"Father, it's for the lists. That's all."

"The lists? You mean the prequalifying tourney? What for? You don't—"

"I know, I know, but its something I just got to do. Please." I knelt to one knee. Luckily, the boy had enough sense to do so also.

My father stewed a moment and weighed my fate. The rain had let up, but the day was still gray and he reached for a cherry-wooden pipe he cherished in his satchel, wiped it clean and packed some korok leaf before sparking a light with flint.

"Hmmm…" is all he seemed to get out between puffs before I continued my plea.

"I need a horse. And all the other men in the lists will have squires to aid them in the melees and jousting. I need him if I have a hope of winning. It's just for the next couple of days."

"-Ah, I see," My father smiled. "Well, as long as you stay out of trouble and keep my name out of it, I'm fine with it." He commanded. I simply nodded and I placed a firm elbow to the side of the lad for him to do so also.

"Well, rise. Enough time you've done wasting here. I said you have a very special guest who I know is dear to you waiting to see you in your tent. You can thank Sven for that, by the way."

"M-my tent?" I blinked.

Sven chimed in, "I got it set up for you since you were preoccupied. You owe me for this one!"

I nodded again and as my father began to walk away on other urgent business. "Now hurry up, it's not polite to wait on a princess." His face flashed a wide grin as he paused to look over his shoulder.

"P-princess!?" I mumbled. She's here!? I could have fainted. My voice wavered, my mind a flurry of thoughts and emotions. The idea of her knowing my identity filled me with both anticipation and dread. Jun also was perplexed how she could have been here and the only one seemed to be enjoying this was Sven. But not before my father could call him over to follow. My brother in arms patted me a good luck gesture on the back before trailing off behind my father among the winding labyrinth of tents and stalls.

She is here and in my tent of all places wanting to have an audience with me. But, how? There's no way she could know who I am? Could she? I gulped. Then that means, if she knows I'm Link, then what will I do? Or what's more, what will I say? She's heard so many tall tales about me that are untrue…I must think of something. An explanation will be needed.

"You, okay?" Jun leaned over and fanned his hand over my face. I blinked again and shook my head back to reality. "Yeah, I'm fine. Let's go." I hope.

As we approached my tent I couldn't tell if it was the mud of the traversed path slowing us down or my own nervous trudging. It felt like I was moving in slow motion. Every step weighing heavier than the last. This was it. Just underneath that flap she was waiting for me. Oh, boy was I in for an earful. She probably feels embarrassed that I would keep such a secret from her. I know I did. Ugh, why me?

"On second thought," I said, halting our stride. Jun hesitated. "Maybe, you should wait outside."

"What am I supposed to do in all this rain?"

"I don't know, be useful!" I ushered him. The boy rolled his eyes but nevertheless obeyed me. Not long after did he scurry off to where some of the older lads were practicing and getting their gear ready. And just like that, I was alone again. I gulped. Well, here goes nothing,

The rustle of the tent flap echoed faintly as I stepped inside. Before me stood a lady, enveloped in a cloak so majestic it seemed to capture the essence of the deep sea, its hues shimmering and dancing in the brazier's glow like waves on a moonlit night. Adorned with mother of pearl, a hood worthy of royalty to be sure. And even though she had her back to me, the regality of her attire left no room for doubt. The Princess.

"Your, Highness, I can explain, I—"

"—Please do explain." a sweet familiar voice echoed. Wait a minute?

Quicker than I could react, she twirled to face me, letting her cloak cascade over her shoulders.

"I see you have a lot of explaining to do. As do I." The warmth of her smile could rival any sun, and her eyes glittered with delight.

Stammering, I tried to speak. "M-M-"

A soft giggle escaped her. "Well, I sure hope you remember me. It couldn't have been that long." She moved towards me, intending to greet me with a hug and plant a friendly peck on my cheek. But in my stunned clumsiness, our lips met instead. Goddess, save me, I was now kissing a girl. So this is how a girl's lips feel. Tender and soft. Her eyes flew open, a deep blush painting her already red face.

We drew back instantly by sheer reflex, the fleeting touch barely more than a moment's brush. A genuine accident. Embarrassment coursed through me, resulting in a nervous chuckle as I scratched the back of my head. The most awkward two seconds of my life.

Gathering my wits, I managed, "M-mipha, is it really you? Here? But... how?"

She shook her head, also fumbling to get back her composure. "You didn't truly believe I'd let my long-lost best friend compete without me cheering him on, did you?"

"But, you're so…so, you-" I took her in, from head to toe. Zora typically didn't wear outerwear like we did, except for the modest clothing, so the cloak caught me off guard to be sure. But even still, she's changed so much.

"-Grew up?" she finished for me. "So did you it would seem."

"Pretty, I was going to say pretty. Sorry."

"That's strange thing to apologize for." She smiled and clasped her hands together. "Well, if it's any consolation, you're quite handsome yourself. You're no longer that boy with scrapped knees I healed from my memories. You're nearly a man grown now."

"I'm still him. I promise." I shook my head and offered her back a smile to match. "So, how is everyone? Bazz and the others?"

"They are well. Bazz wished he could have made it but he had to remain at the domain. But, don't worry, me and my father will both be cheering your name when the main trial begins."

"It means a lot for you to say that and come all this way for me. Truly."

She chortled that shy laugh she had when we were kids. She was the same girl alright, that was no mistaking that. "Well, to be fair, we also came because of a Royal invite. I am a princess; you may have noticed? We Zora often like to show our support and we aren't known to buck the invitation of our liege King."

"Oh, I see." I felt foolish now. Of course, she didn't come all this way just for me. Duh.

We stood there in silence for a moment, the weight of the past few years hanging between us. Our childhood memories of swimming in the domain, her healing touch, our promise to always look out for each other, and the numerous memories we all had as our group of friends played back in my mind.

"But," she started, breaking the silence, "Truth is, I am here for you, Link."

"To root for me, as you said." I replied, trying to sound confident.

"That's part of it," she replied, her voice gentle. "But I also wanted to see you, to reconnect. I wanted to see who you were now. So much has changed between us. It's almost like meeting again for the first time. When I look into those profound ocean eyes of yours, I search for the little boy I once knew. But now? I can scarcely recognize the face of the man standing before." She stepped closer to place her soothing hand on my cheek before faintly letting go.

"I promise, deep down, I'm still that boy," I responded, nodding firmly. The atmosphere was growing heavy with unspoken words. Best to hold my tongue, lest I disrupt the fragile balance of the moment.

Her gaze shifted back to the brazier. Its glow made her eyes come alive with memories. "Our friendship... I've mourned its absence all these years." Taking a deep breath, she faced me once more, rubbing her arms for comfort. "We spent days playing and causing mischief across the domain as children, and then, one morning, you just vanished. Muzu broke the news that you and your family had departed for Iluminor, Castle Town. You left without saying so much as a goodbye."

"Mipha," I started, my voice heavy with remorse. "I truly am sorry. It wasn't my call. I yearned to bid you farewell, but my father woke me in the silent hours, declaring now was the time and we had to leave. Whatever that meant."

She nodded, wiping a tear that betrayed her emotions. "I know, Link. It's just..." She then shook her head and let out a soft chuckle, offering a sweet smile that warmed my heart. "Never mind me. Here I am, lost in yesteryears. You've bigger challenges to face."

Her words made me blink in surprise. Suddenly trumpets blared outside. It's starting soon, I thought. First call for roll call for the lists to be sure.

"The grand trial of the flame awaits you!" she declared. "And Link, I believe in you. If only I could lend you my healing powers, I would..."

"I understand, Mipha," I replied with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, just having you in my corner is more than enough."

No sooner had the words left my lips when Jun, the boy with the most impeccable and infuriating timing, burst through the tent flap, panting as though he'd raced all the way to Hebra and back. At least he was better dressed than when I left him. I didn't even want to ask where he gotten those clothes. No doubt somebody else will be missing them.

"Sir Link, it's time! We need to sign the scrolls of testament if we are to enter the lists," he managed between breaths.

"I know we must but what part of wait for me outside don't you understand?" I chided.

"Look, I'm sorry to barge in here but—Whoa, who's this?" he said stopping abruptly, his eyes wandering around the tent before lighting up as they fell on her. It was like he saw an angel. A similar expression when he saw Princess Zelda for the first time.

"I am princess Mipha, pleased to make your acquaintance," she said with a curtsey. "I'm an old friend of Link here. And you are?"

"I'm his squire for the next few days." Jun said proudly.

"Oh, I see." She then cupped her chin. "But I thought squires weren't allowed for the Trial of the Flame? I could be mistaken though-"

"No, you're right, they're not." He interrupted rudely as kids do. I glared at him, but he didn't seem to notice. "But I'm not squiring him for that, I'm aiding him in the preliminary lists. He's going to need me if he has any hope of winning."

"Oh, I see…. But why are you doing the preliminary trials, Link? I thought you were exempt because you're already a pledge. Aren't you vouched for?"

"I am," I started to say. "But, I need the bounty that comes with winning all the small tourneys so I can buy myself some better armor, and a noble steed of my own."

"Well, if you need a horse, I can purchase one for you. It's no problem if it's a matter of money."

"I can't have you do that. It wouldn't be right." Jun gave me a hidden look of contempt that all but said, 'Take her money, are you crazy?'. I nudged him to stand aside as I attempted to explain myself.

"Then how about a loan then?" she asked. "Then you wouldn't have to do these lists and could just move onto the main event."

Suddenly, I found myself stuck in a conundrum on what to tell her. "That sounds good and all, but I also need to compete in the lists because, because—"

"-Because?" Mipha's eyes glittered with intrigue.

"Because he needs to impress the princes-!" Blurted Jun. I swear that lad's tongue wagged fast but luckily, I was quicker. I could have nearly choked him into silence. Instead, my hands instinctively wrapped around his mouth to shush him before he could finish.

"Impress the falcon prince—" I explained. "Yeah, that's it." I kept the charade going. "He will be sizing up the top contenders of everyone and not just the those who make guardsmen. He may even request a retinue formed by those who succeed. I always wanted to serve under him."

There was a moment's pause as she pieced together our antics. Luckily, she bought my explanation. "Oh, dear me. That is quite the honor." Mipha's eyes sparkled like they always did. "I hear Prince Arcturus is wonderful man to bannerman for. I'll be sure to be rooting for you then."

Mipha then giggled again and looked at me. It was then I realized I still had the boy's mouth covered with my hands, and he was red about to faint. "Uh, Link, perhaps you might want to let your squire go. I don't think he can serve you well if he's passed out."

Oops!

Releasing him, he gulped in precious air. "Sheesh!" he exclaimed. "What was that for?"

"Sorry," I said, while also ignoring him. "But I think we should be off." I explained to her. "Where will you be?" I asked before we could leave.

"I'll be with my father and the other dignitaries watching in the Royal box." Her attention then turned to Jun as she was still speaking to me. "You know, he kind of reminds me of you when you were seven. Has that same confidence."

"Hey, I'm nearly ten and two! Not seven!" Jun exclaimed, folding his arms in disapproval.

Mipha's laughter bubbled up again, "My apologies. What I meant to say was—"

"-It's fine, I haven't hit my growth spurt yet. But, just you watch, one day I'll tower over them all. You wait and see if I don't!" Jun declared proudly.

"I've no doubt," Mipha concurred.

Feeling the weight of the pending event, I interrupted. "You know, we really should be going. It was good to see you again, even if it was just for a few minutes. I'm glad you came."

"I'm glad too." She said back softly. Jun's face was bouncing from looking at me and then to her and then to me again.

"Well, c'mon!"

"Right," I replied, giving Mipha a farewell tilt of the head as a show of respect to her status. A subtle elbow to Jun also reminded him to show the same courtesy. Exiting the tent, we quickly made our way to the roll call lines, the entrance to the grand arenas looming ahead. The pressure weighed on me – it was do or die. Amidst the tension, a sudden realization hit me: I nearly forgot, the princess! She's still expecting us! Turns out pleasing princesses is a tougher thing than I could have ever imagined.

Authors notes: My apologies for the small chapter. Combined they were getting too big and I thought this was a good place for a break. I swear, the next one will have our favorite girl in it. Please leave a comment, it truly helps the story get traction. Thanks- Sky