Chapter 52 - Bad Choices
Summary: In the Calamity timeline, Astra continues her relationship with Fallon and shares their first kiss. A kidnapping plan goes wrong, revealing Astra's hidden side to Fallon.
"Last call! Visiting hours are over in ten minutes," the prison guard announced in a loud voice as he strolled up and down the visitor room adjoining the castle lockup.
"Sorry I couldn't get here earlier today," said Frond to his younger brother Frank. "I needed to work the crowd. Our funds are pretty tight, you know. Are they still treating you well in here?"
"Yeah, it's not too bad. Six months of free room and board, and I only have four months to go. The work's not too tough, either, just not always enjoyable."
"I told you that you weren't ready, Frank, not skilled enough yet," whispered Frond. "Pickpocketing is an art that takes practice. You're lucky you got off easy. The judge considered it was only your first offense, and you didn't steal that much loot either."
"Yeah, and you were right, of course," whispered Frank as he shook his head. "That guard, Fallon, curse him, caught me dead to rights. But speaking of Fallon, when I was on work duty at the castle stables, cleaning up after all those filthy horses, I overheard something interesting. Two of the attendants were talking about Fallon. They said they thought Fallon's been riding with the Princess of Hyrule, just the two of them. They figured that out because they each take out and return horses at about the same time. If so, it would be a great chance for our gang to give Fallon some payback and maybe cash in somehow."
"Yeah, right. Don't believe everything you hear, Frank," laughed Frond, who continued in a softer voice. "And no doubt the Queen of Hyrule goes apple picking all by herself in the forest, so maybe we should check on her too. Are you daft, man? I'm sure the Royal Guard is shadowing the Princess wherever she goes, especially after their humiliation at not protecting the Queen's husband from being assassinated."
"Well, that's what I heard," insisted Frank. "The attendants thought it might be true, they said, because none of the Royal Guards checked out or returned horses at those times."
"Alright, we'll look into it," said Frond. "If it is true, we might be able to exploit it and profit from it."
"Okay, everyone, finish up your conversations. Visiting time's over," shouted the prison guard.
"Say hi to the gang for me," said Frank as they both rose to depart, and a guard appeared to take Frank back to his cell.
It was just 9 p.m. as Frond left the visiting room and returned to Castle Town. He wanted to catch his old classmate Milton before he finished closing his gourmet butcher shop. He and Milton were good friends from way back, but Milton had opted for honest work and a family, while Frond took a different path in life.
Milton had just closed his stall and was wrapping two unsold steaks when a stranger approached with his hood pulled so far down that it hid his face. Milton had his back turned to him at first and was startled when he turned back to see him.
"Oh! Sorry, Sir, we've just closed for the day," Milton began until he recognized the stranger in the dim light. "Frond, why the hood? I didn't recognize you at first."
"Hi, Milton. As much as possible I like to keep a low profile in Castle Town," laughed Frond. "Any leftovers tonight?"
Milton looked up from the premium cuts of meat he was wrapping. "Well, there are these two steaks I have left," he replied, holding them up. "They're choice cuts and will still be good for a few more days. But regulations say today's the last day I can sell them. If you don't take them, they'll be tomorrow's dinner for my family."
Frond raised an eyebrow, "I don't want to rob your family of a good meal."
Milton chuckled, "Oh, trust me, you won't be at all. My daughter already groans every time I walk through the door with steaks. Just last week, she said, 'Again, Dad? I'm seriously thinking of becoming a vegetarian!' Can you imagine that: a butcher's daughter turning vegetarian? Take them. You'll be doing us both a favor."
With gratitude, Frond took the neatly wrapped package Milton offered. "If you insist, thanks," he murmured.
As Milton continued his end-of-day tasks, he asked, "How's your little brother doing?"
"I'm just returning from visiting him. He's… holding up, you might say," said Frond.
"That's a terrible pun," Milton chuckled. "But I was sorry about what happened to him."
Frond's eyes flashed briefly, "Yeah, it was stupid of him what he did."
Frond meant it was stupid of him to get caught, but he knew that most people would assume he meant stupid to resort to thievery.
"Anyway, I had better let you close up shop and get going," Frond said, adjusting the package under his arm. "Give my best to your wife."
"Will do," Milton replied with a warm smile.
Frond's journey back to his residence in Mabe Village was quiet. The house he and his brother inherited from their late parents served as home to him, his brother, and two other comrades-in-crime named Leon and Rogan.
Upon entering the familiar confines, he was greeted by the emptiness of the place. But with many Castle Town shops closing at nine and the crowd thinning out, he knew his two fellow gang members would likely be home soon. Frond set to work cooking the steaks.
It wasn't long before Rogan arrived first. "That smells delicious," he remarked, taking a deep breath.
"It'll be ready soon," Frond replied.
Leon entered shortly after, "Oh, wow! Steaks! Had I known, I wouldn't have grabbed a quick meal in town."
Frond laughed, "It's just as well. There's only enough for two."
Settling down, the trio began discussing the day's loot.
"I managed 84 Rupees," Rogan began.
Leon said, "70 for me, after deducting the meal cost I had to pay for."
With a hint of pride, Frond added, "112 on my end, before visiting Frank. He's doing well, by the way."
Rogan sighed, "Good to hear about Frank, but we didn't exactly pickpocket a fortune. Castle Town guards are stepping up their game."
Frond stood up, glanced at the simmering steaks, then turned them over as he replied, "Yes, it's barely enough to get by."
Leon hesitated, "There's always honest labor, you know. With so much of Hyrule yet to rebuild, they're still looking for construction workers."
Rogan snorted, "And give up the fast and easy life? No, thank you. I'm not about to sweat over brick and mortar."
Frond held up a hand, silencing them both. "During my visit today, Frank mentioned something intriguing. If it's valid, I have a plan to set us up for life. It involves a high-stakes kidnapping but with the chance of a sizeable payoff. Let's discuss it over dinner because this needs careful planning."
It was three weeks later that Astra joined Queen Zelda for breakfast in the intimate confines of the family dining room. Zelda's eyes danced with pride as she took in Astra's attire.
"That's quite the charming riding outfit you've donned today," she remarked, the warmth of their shared hug still lingering between them. "It becomes you well. And you seem positively radiant this morning. You had better sit and eat now before your eggs get cold."
Astra chuckled as she sat down, her laughter light. "I guess I took longer than expected to get ready. They say the heart doesn't lie, and apparently, mine's an open book. Fallon and I have planned another adventure on horseback today. We intend to cross through the Applean Forest, eventually making our way to Crenel Peak. The view from the top is worth the climb."
A flicker of nostalgia passed over Zelda's features, "Yes, it's a beautiful view from there," she mused, memories of a similar trip with her late husband filling her thoughts.
Astra sensed her mother's mood change and quickly continued, "As usual, I've entrusted the castle staff with making up our picnic basket. They do a much better job than me, and I don't want to risk offending anyone."
Zelda's mind returned to the present as she chuckled.
"A wise choice, dear. By the way, sweetheart, when might you introduce Fallon to me over a meal? Considering the time he's spent with my precious daughter, I'm curious to meet him. However, I don't want to pressure you. The decision is yours."
Astra's cheeks turned a shade pinker.
"I've discussed it with Fallon. He was overjoyed that I felt serious enough about him to want you to meet him, and he was thrilled about the idea. Of course, he doesn't know you're my mother and assumes you're an aunt or cousin who looks after me now. But he's terribly nervous about making a good impression. Maybe in the upcoming week or so?"
Zelda chuckled, "I hope I don't come off as too intimidating. Honestly, though, I never had to introduce a significant other to my parents, so I can only imagine the jitters involved."
Astra glanced at her plate, "I should probably quickly finish my meal. We aim to start early, hoping to pluck some apples at the Applean Forest on the way."
"Just don't let your horse overeat," laughed Zelda. "But have a good time and be safe."
After finishing breakfast, Astra and Zelda embraced, and then Astra made her way to the Castle entrance, where an attendant handed over the reins to her horse. This time, she and Fallon planned to meet at the western end of the Romani Plains.
The short ride there was uneventful, and Astra smiled and waved as she saw Fallon standing beside his horse, waiting for her.
"Hello, Your Highness," said Fallon with a smile as he and Astra embraced.
"Are you calling me that because you forgot, you hate my nickname, or you're teasing me," laughed Astra as they parted.
"Since I'm not that forgetful, and your nickname is fine, I guess I'm teasing you," laughed Fallon as he squeezed her hand.
"Just for that, I should withhold the sweet treat the castle staff packed for us," Astra laughed. "I couldn't help but peek to see what it was."
"Did I ever tell you how much I love your name, Astra?" Fallon replied.
"Nice try! But before you get into more trouble, let's pick some apples," Astra laughed as Fallon nodded, and they remounted their horses.
It was a short ride to the Applean Forest, and Fallon kept stealing glances at Astra as they rode. She looked gorgeous in her cute riding outfit and the wind ruffling her short blond hair. He was crazy about her and was still trying to muster the courage to tell her how he felt. He blushed when she glanced over at him and caught him looking.
"Do I look okay?"
"As beautiful as always," said Fallon. "And I was admiring how well you ride now. You're a quick learner."
"I'm getting better thanks to all the practice I get riding with you," said Astra.
When they reached the Applean Forest, they dismounted and began to pick apples, holding onto the reins of their horses.
"I'm told it's wise to keep your horse from overeating," said Astra.
"It is," agreed Fallon. "They're crazy about apples and carrots."
They wandered through the forest, confining themselves to picking only the lowest-hanging fruit, laughing about who picked the best apples. But as they neared the shore of the Hylia River, Astra grew quiet for a moment.
As she gazed at the flowing water, she remembered her sixth birthday, a day she would never forget. It had started with a boat ride with her father, Link, along this very river. And it had ended with an attack by the Zora Sopha from North Hyrule, using her to force Link to do her will. And when Sopha turned her full attention to Link and prepared to kill him, the sword that seals the darkness somehow urged her to come to his aid. She picked up the sword and struck a surprised Sopha in the leg. Link was just as surprised, too. And from that day onward, her whole life was different.
"You okay, Astra?" said Fallon, interrupting her thoughts.
"Oh, sorry, yes," said Astra. "It's just that this place reminded me of something, is all."
"Something good, I hope."
"Something double-edged, I would say, no pun intended," laughed Astra. "But I think we have more than enough apples now. Let's head to Crenel Peak and have our picnic. And I'm still debating whether or not to share the sweet dessert with you."
"I promise to be extra sweet," laughed Fallon. "Will that help you decide?"
"Keep trying. It can't hurt," Astra laughed.
After storing the apples in a saddlebag, they both mounted up and headed south, crossing the Hylia River by way of the Rebonae Bridge. They slowed down as they left the trail and ascended the peak, then dismounted and left their horses to graze after taking the apples and picnic basket with them.
"It is a magnificent view," Fallon agreed. "Though I have trouble taking my eyes off of you."
"You must really want that dessert very badly to be so sweet to me," teased Astra. "But thank you for the compliment."
They found a convenient spot and were soon enjoying a delicious picnic lunch, including salad, cold chicken, and fresh spring water. After they finished the main dishes, it was time to consider dessert.
"I've made my decision," said Astra, her eyes dancing with mischief. "We can split the dessert."
She held up a delicate royal fruit cake, perfect in its tiny splendor. "I hope you like royal fruit cake."
Fallon's heart raced. He'd been searching for the perfect moment to confess his feelings, and now, the stars seemed aligned. He took a deep breath before continuing.
"I love everything royal," he replied softly, locking eyes with her. "But none more so than you, Astra. It's my heart you've captivated. And you know I'm not just saying it. You already promised me a piece of that cake."
Astra chuckled as she blushed slightly and smiled, the sparkle in her eyes deepening. "Then perhaps it's time to share something else?" she suggested, drawing closer.
Without hesitation, Fallon closed the gap between them, their lips meeting in a kiss. They pulled away breathless, only to be drawn into another embrace, each kiss sweeter than the last.
"That was…" Fallon started, his voice hushed in wonder, "undeniably special, magical even."
Astra's laughter was light, a touch teasing. "Have you kissed so many girls that you have a basis for comparison?"
He shook his head in earnest. "Only you have this effect on me, Astra. I've fallen for you deeper than I could ever imagine."
Her eyes softened, warmth spilling over. "Perhaps there is some enchantment in me," she mused. "But know this: I've fallen just as deeply for you."
Their fingers entwined, promises exchanged without words, until Fallon finally murmured, "The excitement has left me without any appetite. Shall we save the fruitcake for when we're back at the Castle? Oh, assuming you're sure it's alright for us to be seen together?"
"It's past time," Astra responded, her voice firm with decision. "I think it's the perfect moment to consider arranging a meeting with Queen Zelda. She's been eager to see you, and that's even more appropriate now that we shared our feelings for each other."
A flicker of anxiety passed over Fallon's features. "Just promise you'll stay by my side," he said. "Then I'll be okay."
"I promise," she whispered, sealing it with another sweet kiss. "And don't be afraid. She's really very nice."
Just then, they heard the sound of hoofbeats and approaching horses.
"I guess no place is private enough these days," laughed Fallon, but Astra suddenly felt uneasy and grabbed her sword and scabbard that lay beside her and strapped it to her back.
After what seemed longer than it was, three riders appeared, reining in their horses and dismounting when they were close enough.
"Well, well, well. What a pleasure to meet the recently crowned Princess of Hyrule in person," laughed Frond with a mock bow. "By the way, we should thank you for holding that splendid coronation. It brought quite the crowd into town and made for some lucrative pickpocketing. Now, we don't want to hurt anyone, at least not you, Your Highness. Just come along quietly with us, and we'll see how generous a ransom the Hyrule treasury can muster up for your safe return."
Fallon at once drew his sword and stepped in front of Astra.
"Stay back!" Fallon implored Astra. "Run for your horse while I hold these three off."
"Fallon, stand down," Astra asserted, positioning herself defiantly between him and the trio of troublemakers as she drew the blade that seals the darkness. "I don't want you harmed."
"But I don't want you hurt either, and I'm sworn to defend you," Fallon responded, the urgency evident in his tone.
Astra met his gaze firmly. "If you're truly my loyal subject, Fallon, you'll heed my command. Stand down."
Then, turning her attention back to the menacing trio, she addressed them.
"I'm very pleased to meet all of you too, but sorry to learn you stole from some of my subjects. Now, you three have a fateful decision before you, so consider carefully. You can surrender peacefully and face the consequences of your actions. So far, we will just call what you've done here attempted robbery, and your sentences will probably not be too severe, though I can't promise that. Or, you can attempt to do what you came here for, kidnap me, in which case I cannot guarantee your safety or even your life."
At this, Leon shot a wary glance at Frond, unease clouding his features. He had anticipated an encounter with a lone Hyrule guard and a petrified teenage girl cowering at the sight of three thugs far from the Castle's protective walls. Instead, this girl showed not a tremor of fear and was even defiant. Her blade, radiating a luminous white, emanated a peculiar energy, making Leon squint. He questioned whether it was merely the sun's glare bouncing off its silver surface or something deeper, more menacing at play. Doubt started to seep into his mind. Far from her being terrified of them, he began feeling terrified of her. But then, the sound of Frond's boisterous laughter anchored him back.
"Ha, ha, ha," Frond guffawed, nearly doubling over and causing even Rogan to join in the laughter. "What do they teach the royals these days? How to bluff their way out of peril? Even if we were intimidated, which we're far from, and couldn't overpower you, couldn't we simply mount our steeds and escape?"
Astra responded firmly, "Escaping isn't on the table. My sacred oath is to shield my subjects; you've already shown you're a menace to them."
Frond's smirk betrayed a hint of mockery as he eyed Astra's blade. "Quite the regal weapon you wield, Princess. Are you planning to thwart us with it? I'm curious if it's tasted combat at all, though seeing the laughable state of your castle guards, it's no shock to me that royalty must fend for themselves. Perhaps that sword might fetch a pretty price or even enhance our arsenal."
A playful laugh spilled from Astra.
"I very much doubt that, and your optimism is quite misguided," she retorted. "This blade won't be a trophy but a reminder of its bite if you refuse to back down. It's seen and bested much more formidable foes than your three. But challenge it if you wish. You've been forewarned."
Frond's impatience was palpable. "Enough prattle! Let's take her, dispatch the guard, and make off!"
The events that unfolded next were almost beyond Fallon's comprehension, and he had difficulty describing them afterward. He vaguely registered the brigand, later identified as Rogan, making a swift move towards Astra. But in the blink of an eye, Astra's actions became a dizzying dance of precision, a complete blur, leaving all three men writhing in pain on the ground, clutching their bleeding legs.
Shaken, Fallon gasped, "Holy Hylia, what just happened?"
Astra responded, "It's a blessing from the Goddess and a legacy from my father. We can delve into it later."
Then, turning to the wounded trio, Astra continued.
"I only wounded you out of pity," said Astra as she sheathed her blade, and Fallon collected the fallen weapons that had dropped from their hands. "Now, we will take you back to the Castle for trial, and I highly recommend that you not resist."
She nodded at Fallon, indicating it was time to secure the miscreants to their horses for their journey back.
"I guess this is a picnic you won't forget, will you?" said Astra as they took the most direct route back to Hyrule Castle.
"No, I never will," said Fallon. "I'm still shaking inside."
Astra's face clouded briefly with concern. "I hoped you wouldn't have to see that side of me. It pains me that those three ruffians tainted our time together. But I hope you can move on from the experience and put it behind you."
He caught her off guard, his voice soft and teasing, "What ruffians? My mind's completely preoccupied with our kiss. It's a memory I never, ever, want to move on from."
Her laughter rang clear and bright. "For that charm, you can have the entire fruitcake! But the real challenge lies ahead: persuading the Queen that I can journey together with you in the future without the ever-watchful eyes of the Royal Guard."
Fallon grimaced, "Just our luck, the Royal Guard shadowing us after sharing such a tender moment."
She winked, mischief dancing in her eyes. "But have some faith in me, sweetheart. I have my ways of getting what I want."