Chapter 47 - Mushroom Memory
Summary: In the Calamity Timeline that Link left behind, a Hyrule Guard makes a startling realization. Zelda and her daughter Astra have a brief conversation.
The golden afternoon sun cast its warm rays upon Hyrule's Castle Town, bathing the street in a rich, amber glow. Hyrule army soldier Fallon and his partner, Torin, strolled through the bustling marketplace, their eyes scanning the multitude of chattering shoppers and animated tourists, vigilantly on the lookout for the occasional sly pickpocket or cunning thief. The two guards were assigned the 4 pm to midnight shift and had just embarked on their duty. The sea of people ebbed and flowed around them, and the market was so packed in places that they had to excuse themselves to navigate through the lively crowd.
"Castle Town is certainly flourishing, isn't it?" remarked Fallon, his voice filled with admiration.
"Yes, business is booming," acknowledged Torin, agreeing. "I'm sure it's because people feel safer traveling here now, knowing that the once treacherous roads are now significantly less dangerous."
"That makes sense," Fallon concurred. "I do see more families with wide-eyed children here now, a stark contrast to the past when children's laughter was seldom heard."
As they strode past a quaint shop specializing in Rito-crafted clothing, they noticed several eager customers perusing the wares. They overheard a conversation between two parents on a quest for a snug coat for their son before embarking on a thrilling snowboarding adventure to the frigid Hebra Region. Rito-made clothing held the esteemed reputation of being the finest in Hyrule for fending off the biting cold.
The Starlight Memories Castle Town jewelry store, a glimmering gem in its own right, was next along their patrol route. Operated by the skilled Gerudo, this branch carried exquisite items crafted at the original Starlight Memories shop in Gerudo Town. The store's exterior mirrored the one in Gerudo Town, with a gilded sign above the entrance displaying the name accompanied by an emblem representing a precious gemstone. Both Fallon and Torin were particularly vigilant around the jewelry store, as its shimmering treasures made it a tempting target for thieves. However, only the most audacious or desperate criminals would dare to challenge the Gerudo, who were notorious for exacting swift and severe justice upon any thief they apprehended.
"I'm glad we're patrolling in pairs again," Torin murmured. "When we had to work in trios, it meant more shifts and less downtime. It strained my relationship with my girlfriend, who grew exasperated at how little time I had for her."
"The jewelry store is right here," suggested Fallon. "Why don't you buy your girlfriend something dazzling from there as a token of your love and to make amends?"
"I would like to surprise her with a stunning gift," Torin agreed, nodding thoughtfully. "But even after haggling, the Gerudo here still demand a pretty rupee. I've heard you can strike a much better deal in Gerudo Town if you supply them with your own gemstone and let them work their magic. However, I'd need a Vai, as they call them, to venture into town and make the purchase for me, and it would have to be someone I can trust. I'm still working on it."
"Well, good luck. Fortunately, or unfortunately, I don't have a girlfriend to lament my absence," Fallon mused. "But yes, patrolling in pairs is more efficient. Now that the Yiga Clan is no longer a menacing threat by impersonating others, there's no need to patrol in threes anymore."
"I think you should find a sweetheart, Fallon. Venture out and mingle more," encouraged Torin. "You spend all your waking hours honing your skills as a soldier."
"I'm only eighteen. And I've been so engrossed in my career advancement that I haven't had the time to invest in a serious relationship," admitted Fallon.
"So, you're still planning to take the Royal Guard exam? You know if you fail, you have to wait an entire year to retake it, right?" said Torin.
"I'm well aware, but I'd still like to give it my best shot," declared Fallon, determination shining in his eyes. "It's the first crucial step toward being accepted into their ranks. And if I don't make it, I'll use the following year to diligently work on improving my skills and knowledge."
As they passed a stall adorned with vibrant fabrics, the aroma of sizzling spices and exotic flavors wafted toward them. The merchant, an elderly man with a bushy gray mustache, beckoned them over.
"Here, try a sample of our new Curry Pilaf," he offered, presenting each guard with a small container.
"Is it very spicy?" Fallon inquired, eyeing the steaming morsel.
"Just a tiny pinch of Goron spice for flavor," the merchant assured them with a grin.
Torin and Fallon exchanged glances before sampling the curry.
"It's delicious!" Torin exclaimed with enthusiasm after swallowing. "I might be back later for a full serving!"
"Thanks, and good luck with your sales," said Fallon, a bit less enthusiastically.
As they continued their patrol, Fallon chuckled once they were out of earshot of the merchant. "I think it was a tad too spicy for my liking."
"Not for me," Torin laughed. "I was serious about returning for more."
As the sun dipped lower, painting the sky with hues of amber and tangerine, elongated shadows danced across the vibrant square while wispy gray clouds drifted lazily by. Near the bustling town center, a lively crowd had gathered, their excited murmurs mingling with the soft rustling of a gentle breeze.
"What's with the crowd?" Fallon inquired, curiosity piquing. "Is there some special sale going on?"
Torin furrowed his brow in puzzlement, and then his eyes widened with sudden recognition.
"Ah, I almost forgot! Today is the grand unveiling of the Princess Coronation portrait," he explained. "It will grace our town square for two days before finding its permanent home within the castle."
"It's only just now completed? That certainly took a considerable amount of time!" Fallon exclaimed with surprise.
"I heard from my friend Hadon, a member of the Royal Guard, that Her Majesty was rather fastidious about the portrait's appearance," Torin revealed. "It took the artist several painstaking attempts before Queen Zelda approved."
"I'd love to see it," Fallon admitted a hint of wistfulness in his voice. "I was on duty too far from the ceremony to witness the coronation. I couldn't even catch a fleeting glimpse of our new Princess."
"Me too, and sure, let's take a look," Torin agreed. "But doesn't the princess saga sound like something from a fairytale? A long-lost royal family member suddenly emerges from obscurity!"
"It does seem incredible, but it makes sense when you consider the circumstances," Fallon mused as they approached the serpentine line for the exhibit. "Given the danger posed by the Yiga Clan, it was undoubtedly wise to keep her existence shrouded in secrecy. Our guards couldn't even protect Queen Zelda's husband!"
"Sadly true," Torin sighed. "Let's join the line. It may be lengthy, but it appears to be moving swiftly. I think we can afford a brief respite from patrolling."
A contingent of castle attendants stood watch, ensuring order and a steady flow of movement. Eventually, Torin and Fallon found themselves at the front of the line. The portrait, encased in a crystal-clear protective shell, was easily visible.
"You're only permitted a few moments to view the portrait before you need to move on and make room for the next person," an attendant informed them. Torin and Fallon nodded in understanding.
The plaque beneath the portrait described it as a faithful depiction of the coronation. The newly crowned Princess Zelda stood proudly beside Queen Zelda, the magnificent Hyrule Castle rising majestically in the background.
"It's a truly stunning piece," Torin marveled, admiring the intricate brushstrokes. "And now that I see her, the Princess is quite the picture of beauty, isn't she?"
But there was no reply because Fallon's reaction was quite different. He stood there, stunned, his eyes locked on the portrait with a bewildered expression. Torin noticed his friend's reaction.
"You okay? You look like you've seen a ghost!" Torin laughed.
"Not a ghost exactly …," mumbled Fallon. "But no, I can't believe what I'm seeing. It's impossible! Isn't it?"
"What are you talking about, Fallon?"
"The Princess. I think I met Her Highness here in Castle Town," he whispered, wide-eyed. "We ate honey-glazed mushrooms together by the fountain and chatted. I never saw her before or since. She was dressed differently then, of course, but her face and eyes look the same."
"What? Do you think you shared mushrooms with the Princess of Hyrule? Are you sure it wasn't someone who looks like her?"
"Tell me, who else looks like her?" Fallon replied with annoyance. "Have you ever seen anyone who even remotely resembles her? She's gorgeous, Torin, and has this enchanting look about her. But she told me her name was Astra, not Zelda."
"Well, I suppose it's theoretically possible you met Princess Zelda," mused Torin. "I understand she kept herself disguised for some time. And, of course, in disguise, she would hardly reveal her true name to you, would she? Anyway, I can tell she certainly enchanted you!"
"It's time to move on now and make room for the next person in line," said the attendant, interrupting their conversation and waving them forward.
Torin and Fallon resumed their patrol, but Fallon was quiet, lost in thought. He was mentally going over the last moments of his encounter with whom he believed was the Princess after they finished eating their honey-glazed mushrooms by the Castle Town fountain.
"I hope I can see you again, Astra," said Fallon as they stood up. "I would really like to. Perhaps we could meet again here in town and chat? I enjoyed talking with you, but we spent all the time talking about me. I was hoping to learn more about you."
"It's been fun, and I'd like to see you again, too, Fallon," said Astra. "I'll look for you next time I'm in town. But don't take it personally if you don't see me - I have a lot to attend to and rarely get time to visit Castle Town."
"That's fine," said Fallon. "Someday is better than never. Until next time, then, Astra. And stay safe."
"You too, Fallon, until next time. And you stay safe too."
They smiled at each other, and Fallon left to go on duty.
"I hope I didn't make a fool of myself," Fallon muttered, shaking his head. "She was so nice to talk to, not stuck up at all. I think we got along well. And she had such a sweet smile and lovely blue eyes!"
"Are you okay, Fallon?"
"Now I have even more incentive to make the Royal Guards," Fallon continued, ignoring his companion. "That might give me a chance of seeing her again. I might even be assigned as one of her guards."
Torin raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on his lips.
"Are you still going on about the Princess?" Torin laughed. "Look, even if what you say is true, and you met the Princess of Hyrule in disguise, so what? Do you think you're going to date her or something?"
Fallon's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red.
"You're blushing so hard you must have been thinking exactly that!" Torin laughed.
"I guess you're right, Torin. I suppose it is silly of me to think about her that way," Fallon stammered. "I'm sure the royal family has higher expectations for the future Queen of Hyrule than a lowly army soldier."
"Exactly! So, snap out of it, and let's get on with our patrol," Torin chided, patting Fallon on the back as they resumed their watch.
The sun began to dip below the horizon as they walked, and twilight settled over Castle Town.
"I'm getting hungry for more of that Curry Pilaf!" said Torin.
"I'll look for something else while we head there," said Fallon.
Just then, more clouds rolled in, and the wind picked up.
"Great! It looks like rain now," said Fallon, the weather seeming to mirror his mood. "I fear we have a dismal wet night's patrol ahead of us."
But still, Fallon remembered as they walked in the rain that she did say, "It's been fun, and I'd like to see you again, too, Fallon." And she sounded sincere and said it knowing who she was.
Fallon's mood began to brighten a bit.
Meanwhile, in the warmth of Hyrule Castle, Zelda and her daughter Astra savored the last morsels of their private dinner. The pitter-patter of raindrops against the windows signaled an approaching storm.
"Ah, rain, just as we finish our meal," Zelda chuckled. "I'd hoped we could wander through the castle garden, but it seems the weather has other plans for us."
"The rain is a shame. However, we can still take in the view from your room's balcony, provided the wind isn't too strong," Astra offered.
"True, my room does afford a lovely glimpse of the garden," Zelda agreed. "Let's do that instead."
Astra sensed her mother's desire for conversation as they rose from their seats. Then Zelda expressed her gratitude to the attentive staff who arrived to clear the table.
"The castle staff seem genuinely happy and enthusiastic about their work," Astra observed, strolling alongside Zelda down the hall.
"I believe they are," Zelda concurred. "I've always insisted on fair compensation for their dedicated service. You must recall, Astra, the Calamity left our land in ruin, and for a century, our economy struggled. As we began rebuilding Hyrule, a wealth of jobs and opportunities emerged. We required architects, construction workers, soldiers, and support staff. The demand for labor was high, and people could choose their preferred work. To attract the best, we must offer competitive wages."
Upon entering Zelda's room, her cat Mia affectionately nuzzled Zelda's leg.
"I think she's staking her claim, ensuring you know I belong to her, not you," Zelda teased.
"She's simply delightful! I wouldn't dream of making her jealous," Astra chuckled, and Mia graciously allowed Astra to pet her now that the boundaries were clear.
Peering outside, Zelda noted, "It seems we'll have ample shelter on the balcony. Shall we?"
They stepped onto the balcony, taking seats against the wall. The mild air and gentle rain provided a serene atmosphere, while lights from the castle's lower level illuminated the garden just enough to reveal shrubs swaying in the breeze.
"Rain always stirs my urge for conversation," Zelda confided. "I hope you don't mind."
"Never, Mother," Astra assured her. "I cherish our talks."
After a thoughtful pause, Zelda began.
"First, I must tell you how much your presence means to me," Zelda confided. "I believe you may have even saved my soul."
"Your soul? How so, Mother?"
Zelda hesitated before admitting, "There was a time when I felt forsaken by the Goddess, and bitterness clouded my faith."
Astra remained silent, allowing her mother to continue.
"Being a descendant of Goddess Hylia, I was always devout," Zelda explained. "I prayed daily for years. But as misfortune after misfortune befell me, my faith faltered."
The wind rustled the branches below, but the raindrops remained at bay.
"Recall that at six years old, I lost my mother, and at seventeen, my father and Urbosa, who was like a mother to me. I also lost the Champions and much of our kingdom. I nearly lost Link too, but my love for him saved him - and us. After containing Ganon alone for a century, Link finally returned, and we prevailed. Yet, four years later, I lost Link – my last remaining friend from that time. Loneliness consumed me."
Zelda paused, and Astra patiently waited as the rain steadily fell.
"But then, I met someone. We fell in love, married, and shared nearly twenty blissful years. Our only sorrow was our inability to have children. Yet even that happiness was taken from me when the Yiga Clan claimed my husband's life. And with no bloodline descendant, I realized all of Hyrule would eventually be lost. So can you blame me for feeling abandoned by the Goddess, left to endure one heartache after another?"
"No, Mother, I can't blame you," Astra replied. "You've faced more than your fair share of misfortune."
"But now, you're here, and I need to put the pain of the past behind me once more. I feel ashamed for ever doubting that the Goddess would make things right for her people," Zelda confessed. "I pray she will forgive my moments of weakness."
"I'm certain she will," Astra reassured her. "You've dedicated so much to her service."
"Would you mind sitting with me for a while, enjoying the rain?" Zelda asked. "I don't think I can sleep yet."
"I would love to, Mother," Astra replied warmly. "Remember, we will always have each other now."
Zelda smiled at her daughter, a tear glistening in her eye as they sat together, embraced by the calming rain.
Meanwhile, later that night in Castle Town, Torin and Fallon eventually finished their patrol. Fallon had to admit that he wasn't the most congenial company for Torin this evening. He was quiet as his thoughts kept returning to his encounter with the Princess. Both he and Torin were relieved to say goodnight to each other at the end of their shift. At least by then, the rain had stopped!
As he prepared to head home, Fallon felt he needed to do something. Waiting for who knows how long to be assigned to the Royal Guards on the off chance of seeing the Princess again was silly. But one did not simply waltz into Hyrule Castle and expect to meet with Her Highness. He would be stopped by any number of superiors along the way.
As he neared the florist shop, he saw they were still open, getting ready to close soon. And that gave him an idea.
The delightful scent of fresh blooms and damp earth greeted him as he entered the shop, filling the air with a sweet, inviting fragrance. He felt nervous about what he was about to do, as it was possible it could land him in trouble. But nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Rows upon rows of vivid blossoms stretched before him, creating a kaleidoscope of colors. Delicate petals of roses, tulips, daffodils, and lilies vied for his attention, each as stunning as the next. He couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed as he took in the mesmerizing sight.
A gentle, soothing voice broke through Fallon's reverie.
"May I help you find something special?" asked the florist, a kind, elderly woman with a warm smile that crinkled the corners of her eyes. "We're closing soon."
"Um, yes, please," Fallon stammered, his cheeks flushed with a hint of embarrassment. "I want to surprise someone special, a girl I once met, with flowers. I don't know her favorites, but probably anything colorful and bright."
The florist's eyes twinkled with understanding. "I have just the thing," she said, leading Fallon toward a corner of the shop where a dazzling array of wildflowers and exotic blooms awaited.
As she deftly combined an assortment of flowers, the florist carefully explained each bloom's significance. Each flower was chosen not only for its vibrant hue but also for the sentiment it conveyed.
With great care, the florist wrapped the bouquet in a soft, emerald-green tissue paper secured with a silky lavender ribbon. Fallon couldn't help but admire the stunning arrangement in his hands.
"Thank you," Fallon whispered, his gratitude evident in his wide eyes. "It's beautiful. Do you have a wooden box I can place it in? Unfortunately, I won't be able to deliver it in person."
"Yes, of course, and you're most welcome," the florist replied, her smile growing even warmer as she retrieved a box. "I'm sure any girl would love this bouquet. Good luck! And goodnight."
Fallon paid for the exquisite bouquet, the scent of the blossoms filling his senses as he carefully carried them out of the florist shop. Then, finding a quiet corner, he sat on a wooden bench, pulling out a piece of parchment and a quill from his satchel to compose a heartfelt note.
Your Royal Highness,
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of beholding the magnificent coronation portrait in Castle Town. To my surprise and delight, I finally recognized the enchanting person with whom I had the honor of sharing some delectable glazed mushrooms. That memory is one I shall forever cherish. And as captivating as the portrait may be, I must confess that it pales in comparison to your true radiance, Your Highness.
Please forgive me if my words seem forward or presumptuous. But I could not resist expressing my admiration and congratulations on your coronation. With each passing day, I will cling to the hope that your expressed desire to see me again was sincere and will someday come true.
In any case, you have my prayers that your reign will be long and happy.
Your ever-faithful subject,
Fallon
Carefully folding the parchment, Fallon slid it into an envelope adorned with an elegant wax seal. Addressing it to the Princess of Hyrule, he gently placed the note and the flowers inside the beautifully crafted wooden box and then addressed the box with the same flourish.
Fallon immediately made his way to the castle with the box cradled protectively in his arms. Upon his arrival, he was greeted by the night guard, who eyed him with a hint of suspicion.
"It's rather late to be making a delivery?" the guard remarked, raising an eyebrow. "The Royal Guard must inspect this before it's delivered to Her Highness later today."
"I understand," Fallon replied, his voice steady yet filled with anticipation. "Goodnight."
With a deep breath, Fallon handed over the box and headed home. As he walked through the moonlit streets, he couldn't help but feel like he had cast a message-laden bottle into the sea. Yet, he knew that sometimes, even against the odds, such messages came into the right hands.