The Legend of Zelda and the Last Knight

by Skycloudrain

Calamity Ganon has been defeated. All is well in Hyrule and it would seem that Link and Zelda's troubles are finally over. However, not all is as it seems. With the Kingdom being left so long without a monarch, will all of Hyrule again unite under one banner? With new enemies, political turmoil and romantic tension, things are poised to get in the way of the celebrations.

47. Chapter 39 The Hunt

Chapter 39

The Hunt

Back in Simon's tent, another storm of emotion was brewing. Not one filled with bliss and romance, but one of contention and strife.

One of the marshals paced around the tent as the others waited and watched. As he stepped back and forth, he clutched tightly to a parchment. It was the latest report from the aftermath of the battle.

Simon's eyes silently followed his every move as he walked back and forth, keeping time with every stride of his steps, waiting earnestly for the man to finish his accounting. After a few minutes of calculation, the young officer spoke, rubbing the bridge of his nose, and addressed him formally.

"I have the final count, and it's...not good. One hundred...One hundred souls lost."

"Exactly one hundred? Seems a bit on the nose to me. Are you sure?" Simon questioned, taking in the news as he leaned against his war table in the candlelight.

"-Yes, m'lord, and dozens more wounded," clarified the marshal of records as he nervously placed the tally sheet on the ledge table for his liege to see. But before he could, the high-strung lord snatched it from his hold.

The man had no choice but to continue his reckoning as Simon's eyes scanned the report, following along every word with scrutinizing detail.

"That number is expected to grow before nightfall as we take more tally of the returning regiments and the missing. We can only presume they are dead somewhere in the city. Not to mention those in the infirmary who might not make it through the night."

Simon jerked to the side of his seat, crumpling up the report, displeased by the outcome, and in a fit, tossed it over his shoulder to the side. Gritting his teeth, he tried his best to bide his temper back and leaned in his chair to face Taleran, standing arms crossed and listening at the other end of the table.

"And what about you? How many of your rangers have sacrificed themselves for the glory of Hyrule's splendor this day?"

"Twenty-seven," replied Taleran with a heavy-hearted sigh.

"So, one hundred and twenty-seven brave men now lie dead, and more to come before this night is even over. What am I to do...?"

"Don't despair, brother!" Assured Sylmoor over his shoulder cheerfully. Simon couldn't help but roll his eyes at the sound of him.

His twin continued. "War does not come without its risks. That even I know.-We all know that! Why, I would argue, today was a victory. For a century, the Calamity plagued our peoples, and now that plague has been eradicated from this earth. Casualties are to be expected of war. Are they not?"

Sylmoor leaned forward from behind him and placed his hand on his shoulder only to quickly lift it up skyward in the tent to make a proud fist. "And besides, every tavern from here to Hera this night will sing songs to those men's glory! Their sacrifice will be remembered! From every lowly hall to every grand chamber throughout all the realm, their memory shall live on in celebration. It's not all that bad—"

"—Not that bad?" Snapped Simon, rising from his chair at his wit's end. The sudden slide of his chair stuttering across the tent jerked everyone's attention as it slammed across the way, crashing onto the ground.

Simon's temper boiled over. "Songs, you say? And I suppose you will be just the one to sing it to their grieving widows and mothers! Am I right? I'm sure they would just love to hear about how bravely their sons fought on the battlefield. Right up until the moment they were all slaughtered like lambs, incinerated by the breath of some demonic spawn from hell into a pile of ashy cinders, of which they had no business even warring against in the first place!

"Goddess knows, if we had just followed my plan from the beginning, most of them would still be alive to tell them the tale themselves! Now, I'm the one that's going to have to tell them!

"Just look at these," said Simon, thrashing over a pile of neatly stacked papers on his table, sending them across the room every which way.

"These are the correspondences and condolences I will have to pen up. And that is just for tonight. We won't even have a full accounting until the end of the week.

"Each will need to be written to every single one of their families. They will want to know why their son, brother, or father didn't return home, whereas others did. So, tell me, brother, will you be the one to tell them? Or are you just going to stand there with that silly face of yours and continue singing your songs? War is not like your plays or games back home. Your naïve and flowery lyrics of imagined courage and duty won't bring back anyone! You think they care?"

Sylmoor stood silently, shaken by the harsh reality that was in front of him. Perhaps, he did take things too far and realized there was more to governance than just the perks of it. Sometimes being a leader requires the suffering of one.

"Well? Do you have any more enlightening ideas to speak on the matter? Or are you done playing the fool?"

Not a word from Sylmoor escaped his lips as he hung his head low.

"That's what I thought. Now sit down, be quiet, and...listen. You know as little about war as you do love."

Taleran chimed in from the other side of the table. "I don't think your brother intended any harm by it. And besides, he does have a point, m'lord. Regardless of the grievous outcome, this was, for all intents and purposes, a victory at the end of the day.

"Princess Zelda will see it as such, as will all the people. In fact, my lady is even on her way here to share in the good news. Perhaps, he's right to some degree. Though maybe he can learn a thing or two on timing. That being said, maybe we should commemorate the fallen with a celebration? The princess—"

"I'm aware, but that doesn't excuse-"

"—As I was saying, the princess also has lost much in this war. Her entire family has been wiped out. Think about what that means for her and how she feels. Nobody from the Royal House Hyrule is alive today except her. A family line that has stood the test of time for thousands of years is now on the brink of extinction.

Taleran took a breath and paced about the room, raising his hands for clarification. "Hyrule isn't just a name; it's a symbol for all the Hylian people and what they stand for. What wonders they have achieved throughout time immemorial. A beacon of light to the rest of the world.

"Though even with all that against her, the princess has overcome her fate. She has shown much resilience and determination to start over and build anew. Shouldn't we too?

"After all, seeing her friend made well this afternoon has lifted her spirits. Or haven't you noticed?"

Simon nodded silently and listened to him.

"I think we should dance to that happy tune and make milk of it, for all our sakes. If Draene truly is on their way, and so is my Lady of Tarble, then that means all the three fiefdoms would have finally come together to form a Witan once more. Now with the Calamity defeated, we can return to normalcy.

"That after a century of strife and leaderlessness, we finally have an opportunity to have all three of Hyrule's highest Lordships have an audience with her majesty. Each having an equal seat at the table before her. That alone is cause for celebration.

"So long have we been split and distant. We each stayed within our own borders, barely resembling a united kingdom at all. And for that, the people have suffered immensely because of it. Hardly any dialogue between our great houses has persevered since the Calamity struck. Safe passage and trade have severely diminished between our lands. Perhaps, now under her reign, order can be restored, and reunification can finally become a reality once more."

"What do you mean? We have been united?"

"Have we? I'm not so sure...In name only, perhaps. Sure, we have had relative peace amongst our people, but the Calamity's hordes have wreaked havoc this past age, disrupted trade routes, broke the bonds of fellowship, and stoked fear in the hearts of the people, leaving some of them to seek shelter from those who have sought to grow their own power from it. Our alliances have been dangling by a thread up until now. And you know it."

Simon shrugged at his sentiment, stopped playing with a dagger he was poking with while carving into the table, and glanced up at Kelcifer. "Well, what do you think, wizard?"

The man sat, arms crossed, and just listened to every etching stoke the Lord made and didn't say a word.

The silence was all she could stand, and not before long, Purah interrupted instead. Not that he looked like he was about to reply anyways. He was sitting very still, almost as if he wasn't there. A statue gazing past their conversation entranced in his own thoughts.

Purah huffed. "What's there to think about? Of course, diplomatic relations between the Liege Lords and all the barons under them should resume as soon as possible. The sooner everyone bends the knee, takes up the oath of affirmation, and realizes that the monarchy has returned, the better. No room should be left for doubt about who should ascend the throne. So, the sooner she formally declares her return to all the nobility, the sooner peace can reign again."

"Well then, I guess it's decided," offered Simon, tossing the knife to thud across the table.

"It seems you will get your celebration, after all, brother. Perhaps, you were right, and I was quick to judgment. Maybe it is best to find the good in what has transpired these past few days than to dwell on the bad. Even with our losses overshadowing us-I apologize for my temper earlier. I was in error to be so harsh."

Sylmoor smiled, kicked his feet off the stool they sat on, and stood up from his chair across the room from him. "Already done, brother. I should know better by now than to bind up your stirrups."

"Yet, somehow, you always manage to find a way to do it."

"Would you have it any other way?"

Simon could only grimace back at his jokes. Sylmoor continued his declaration as he walked about the room.

"After all, we should look to the future. There is a bright new beginning for all of us on the horizon; why not bask in it? I mean, for goddess sakes, the princess has returned to us! Listen to what I'm saying. The monarchy has returned! Nobody, and I mean no one, thought this day would ever come; yet, here we are. After a long era of darkness and silence, light has finally shone through. That is more than ample reason to celebrate."

Simon relented with a sigh. "Well then, if there is to be a happy gathering this evening, it would do good to have a feast to show for it. Perhaps even some music and dancing? A proper festive spirit would be in order. I know the men would enjoy that. They fought hard today. They most of all deserve a reprieve."

Taleran marched ahead in front of them, capturing their attention, and stood atop the fanciful floral rug that led out near the entrance. "I concur with that sentiment. But, if I may?"

"Yes?" Simon said.

"It is true that we reclaimed the cattle stolen during the battle, but I feel something of more elegance should be hosted in honor of tonight's festivity. A sweeter meat, perhaps? A flavorful treat worthy of royalty. At least for the princess's table and the witan under her tutelage. After all, it's been over one hundred years since a princess has dined with the kingdom's high nobility. Let's make it a memorable one for her. So, I propose a hunt. Dusk will be upon us soon, so there's still plenty of time, and my lady is yet to arrive and settle in. As well as those from Draene."

"Well, I have no qualms with that. I will send out hunters to fetch us a great prize this very moment then."

"Actually, m'lord, I was thinking of—"

And at that moment, Zelda, along with Link and Sidon, waltzed under the tent's flap.

It became abundantly apparent by his change in disposition and how quickly his gaze turned to the three of them, falling lastly upon Link. Simon caught Taleran's eyes and instantly knew who he was referring to for this task.

" I see—"

"I apologize for my tardiness and late arrival." Declared the princess to all those in attendance. "I was held up momentarily and lost track of time," she said, fumbling against the lingering effects of Link's tongue dancing with her own, keeping it tied. All the while, she fought to contain the fading blush on her cheeks from her time spent with him as well. Luckily for her, she didn't think anyone noticed.

Several of Simon's war council were in attendance, Taleran and a few of his top rangers, Sylmoor and Purah. All of them immediately gave her their undivided attention.

But, before she could continue, Simon offered a humble head tilt. "I assume to see that you are well pleased with your company?"

Zelda leaned back with a curious look, unsure of what he meant.

Simon continued. "Because your new hair...and your dress are like a divine song, a duet of notes sung in perfect harmony with one another."

Zelda suddenly remembered. This was the first time they had seen her all freshened up and with a new look to boot. "Oh, yes... Thank you very much for your kind words. Imeria is great, and I thank you for the comfortable quarters you have arranged for me. It is more than I could ever ask for, truly."

In unison, those gathered in the tent nodded in approval of her renewed beauty, some breathing out inaudible compliments of their own.

"The honor is all ours, princess." Replied Purah on his behalf. "it's the least you deserve for what you've been through."

Zelda heaved a breath, fighting the bashful blush yet again, conjoined her hands on her chest, and found the composure to continue. "I hope there wasn't anything important I missed."

Simon spoke. "Nothing that cannot wait to be said when you are ready. In fact, we were discussing the prospects of tonight's—"

"Feast?" Zelda finished for him.

"You knew?" Simon paused, confused about how she could possibly. But like earlier, it became apparent that there was some silly scheme he wasn't privy to as he glanced about the tent and saw a unified smile fade away quickly from Taleran, Sylmoor, and Purah's faces.

Even with that, he didn't take it too hard to heart, so he shrugged it off and played along with their little game of keeping him on the outs.

Simon continued. "Well, yes. I think tonight would be as good as any to commemorate a new era. A return of the Princess at long last. A formal declaration to the three Great Hylian houses and all the inner clans. In fact, representatives from each province will be here this very evening."

Zelda's heart fluttered. Could it be true? Could peace really be within her grasp? She bowed her head silently for a moment as the others waited for what she thought. Letting out a sigh of solace, she lifted her kind eyes and spoke earnestly and with royal conviction.

"You are all too kind. And it is with great humility that I accept your offering of fealty. That being said, there is some other business I wanted to get to as well."

Simon leaned on his table, grazing his chin with his hand. "Oh? And what is that?

"Rumor has it that there is to be a...hunt?"

"-Tis true, you've heard right." Interrupted Taleran. "Tonight is special, and the princess's court should reflect that for this occasion."

"I see. But isn't it already too late for such an escapade? The sun has already fell. Wouldn't it be too dark out in the wilderness to seek such a prized kill?"

Link coughed beside her, and she spun to face him. "Actually, early nightfall is the best time to hunt. The critters of the evening are unsuspecting and are not as well hidden."

"I see...Of course, you would know. Last I checked, you were the most talented huntsman this side of Brynna. How could I forget?" Zelda said, rolling her eyes, followed by a light giggle.

"Forgive me, but I think you mean the world. Best Huntsman in the world, Princess—" Link corrected.

"—Is that a fact?"She said, perching her hands at her waist, pretending not to be amused by his gloating.

"Don't need me to prove it," he jousted. "Why don't you just ask Malroc what he thinks of my ability to slay beasts. I'm sure he could tell ya."

Zelda could only chuckle softly before offering up a quip remark under her breath. "Already a legend in his own mind, I see..."

Taleran cleared his throat and interceded with a wiggle of his mustache before their flirtatious bickering could continue until dawn, where they all would have to endure to hear it. "Your knight speaks true, Princess, and I agree. As a ranger myself, I can attest to that being the case. Early evening is the best time to scavenge for wild game."

"Oh, I see, very well then...fascinating. You know, I would very much like to go on a hunt myself someday, but I still have some unfinished business here for when the others arrive. So, in my stead, I would like to propose and offer my knight Link for this duty. He's earned it. I know he is dying to go out for a good hunt to celebrate. Along with whoever he should choose to be his companions for this journey."

Simon stood from his chair and offered a slight bow of the head. "I have no disagreement with this. It should be as you wish. After all, you are well guarded here. So, he can depart, and it shouldn't be any cause for concern. Rest easy and enjoy yourself, knight; your princess is well protected in this camp."

Link nodded in approval and tightened some of his gear that hung loosely around his body and was about to make his way out from the tent when Sylmoor spoke up.

"Well, if he is going, then I'm not staying either. Not much good I'd be poking my nose around here anyways. This should be very exciting indeed."

The happy man then faced Zelda. "And since you do wish to come but cannot, I will report everything back to you, princess. From the sights and sounds to every smell and sensation I meet. It will be like you were there yourself, I promise."

Zelda leaned toward him, cautioning her chin with a calculated hand as if to ponder the matter thoroughly. "If Link thinks it will be alright for you to go along with him, that is. I don't want to risk anything."

Her knight nodded again with a smile. So, Zelda relented also to his decision.

"Very well then; I look forward to hearing what new experiences you discover. Thank you, Sylmoor, and enjoy your adventure."

Link then tapped Sidon's shoulder, and there was no need for words. He knew exactly that he would be embarking with them as well.

But, before Link could hasten out from among them, Zelda turned to face him and spoke. "Be careful, Link. I know the danger has passed, and Malroc is defeated, but don't do anything too reckless, okay?

"I know you, and if there's just an inkling of a chance to slip away to enjoy some daring fun when nobody's looking, you'd take it. Please, for just this once, play it safe, alright? Today has seen enough danger to last a lifetime."

Link listened, sliding on a thick, leather war glove, and when she was done, he threw her back a confident smirk followed by a quick. "Don't worry, it's me remember?"

"That's exactly why I'm worried. Seriously, Link, you're like a child. The darkness also has its terrors, and who knows what remnants of Ganon could still be lurking there. So, no chasing after trouble and come back in one piece, okay?"

Sylmoor stepped in. "It will be fine, princess. I'm confident that Link and Sidon here are more than capable."

"And what about you, m'Lord? Are you capable? I thought you feared the unknown."

"Oh, me? Why yes, you're quite right, but like I said, I'm in good hands. After all, Link and the magnificent Sidon will be by my side. If they are with me, then who can be against me? After what I've seen, no villain would stand a chance against this duo. Not to mention, I'll also tag along my own squire as well. So, you see, we will be quite the formidable company."

"I see. Formidable... Well, it seems you have it all mapped out pretty well, then. I hope you have your fun and I'll see you all soon. Farewell to all of you, and hurry back."

And in no time, with a final memory for her to keep of his long bangs blowing gently in the breeze, he, alongside Sidon and Sylmoor, were gone. Oh, how she wished she could have leaned against the strength of his embrace once more and offered him up a sweet and secret kiss of remembrance. However, that would have to wait for another time. So, she held onto what she had and turned all attention to those left gathered.

---

Not long after, Link, Sidon, Sylmoor, and his squire departed from the outskirts of camp. Following a long grassy path that soon became a wild wilderness, they found themselves beside a beach to a nearby winding river. A welcoming cool mist rolled over the water's edge like a blanket which sent a gentle breeze that kissed across their faces, barely making ripples along the water.

They were several miles from camp now, and at the edge of the river lay ahead a thick forest beyond that seemed to swallow up what little starlight glowed above them.

Sylmoor spoke first. "Such a serene night. If I wasn't there myself to see it, I wouldn't have believed there was even a battle today. So guarded is this nook of land that the tranquility of this evening had not been scarred by the laments of war. So untouched that even the critters and bugs are buzzing with merry delight without a worry or care for today's earlier woes."

"Yeah, it sure is nice out..." Offered up the squire.

Link interrupted. "Well, one thing is for sure, the moon is late tonight. I guess she will be paying us a visit later instead."

"You sure we're having one?" Answered Sidon back to Link.

Link replied. "Yeah, last night was the first full moon of the month. Which, by all accounts, should have been a blood moon. But, seeing that our old pal Ganon is well beneath our feet, all is well now. So, by my reckoning, we are guaranteed at least one more evening with a full moon, and then she will fade away the rest of the month."

Walking behind Link among the water's edge, Sylmoor replied. "I see...Who knew that a warrior could also be such a talented astronomer?"

"Astronomer?"

"Yeah, you know, a stargazer. Those that can read the signs of the skies like the ancient Sheikah scholars used to in the old stories."

"Hardly. I just know how to hunt and travel. I wouldn't call it being a stargazer. It's just a fact of life and part of a soldier's duty. One must know such things if one ever intends to plan for battle. Knowing the faces of the moon is just part of it."

"Well, for what it's worth, I am happy to know that we have such a knowledgeable huntsman leading our campaign."

Link offered a smirk back as they halted their trudging along the reed grass. "You make it sound like we're embarking on a long journey?"

"Ha! You wish!"

Sidon chimed. "I would agree with you, m'Lord, on any other occasion. That our Hylian hero here would be dying to go on an adventure of some kind. Buru Buru knows he hates to sit still. But, tonight is different. Tonight, he has something far better in mind." He said, finishing with a mischievous chuckle.

"Oh?" Sylmoor leaned, looking for an answer but received none. Link stopped marching ahead and waved his hand upward for them to halt their advance.

They brought with them only one horse for this trip and were about to venture into the thick woodland ahead. The only weapons they had were the identical daggers they stormed the castle the evening prior along with a single bow Link carried strapped to his back. They packed light and only brought the essentials. A snack of cheese and some dried fish skin for each of them, a water sack, some rope, and the tools necessary to make a quick fire.

"Okay, this is a good spot. You should stay behind and keep a heading for us. Make a small post here and keep the fire aglow until we return, alright? We're going to need it if were' going to get back to camp in good time," Link said, ordering the squire of Sylmoor.

The squire shrugged as he let some gear loose upon the sand, glancing at Sylmoor for approval.

"Well, don't look at me; you're the squire here. Orders roll downhill, and Link is in charge of this escapade this evening, and if he says you should stay, then so be it. You should know how to get a fire going easy enough. As for me, I'm going with them. I don't want to miss a thing."

The squire nodded and thought better of it without debate and that perhaps it would be best to stay behind. After all, he wouldn't be forced to trek into that daunting forest now.

With a quick gaze to where the others would go, he saw towering trees that soared high into the heavens with tangling tendrils for branches that lurched over, ageless and threatening to swallow whosoever dared to cross their guarded arms. Definitely, not one of the quaint and dandy woods that he was accustomed to from where he was from, for this wild land down south in Hyrule was untamed and much more treacherous ever since the reign of the Calamity.

"You going to be alright here alone?" asked Link to the squire.

"Yeah," he nodded back.

"Here, keep this." Link said, offering him a far better blade than the dagger he carried. "Let's just say I took it from an officer back at camp who likely had more experience seeing the bottom of a bar mug than a fight. I figured when I took from his belly belt that it would be such a shame for a fine sword such as this to never see the glory of battle. So, you should have it.

"Besides, it's not like he would even notice it was gone or dream of using it."

Sidon interjected. "Ah, so that's why you were having such a pleasant conversation with that barrel-bellied man earlier. I wondered why you spoke with him so long before we left the quartermaster's tent. You are quite the sneaky one."

Link smiled and just turned to face the squire. "Don't worry, it won't be missed, and besides, if he happens to make a hullabaloo about it, I'll just pay him for it—Out of your share of the treasure."

Sidon replied. "My share? Who said I even wanted treasure?"

"Well, of course. Saving the kingdom is no easy task, and I'm sure the princess will reward the prince of Zora handsomely. After all, you did save my life and prevented Malroc from using the Moon Pearl to its maximum. That's deserving of treasure as anything else, I'd imagine." He said, poking fun.

"Now, shush." Returning to a serious tone and face, Link turned to the squire again. "If anything happens, anything at all, you kick that fire out and head straight back to camp to warn the others. Got it?"

"What do you suppose could happen?" gulped Sylmoor, interrupting them at the slightest mention of danger. His stomach began to knot. Maybe this adventure wasn't such a good idea after all.

"Nothing. But, I like to be prepared." Replied Link to them both.

"You sure?" asked Sylmoor.

"Don't worry about it. Besides, we have the magnificent Sidon, remember?" Link teased, offering Sylmoor's earlier words as comfort to him, followed by a light laugh escaping his lips.

Sidon chuckled and, in jest, fanned out a grandiose bow in honor of Sylmoor. "Well, I am quite magnificent if I say so myself, so I take your earlier compliment in stride, my Lord."

"Very funny, have it your way then. I'll follow in the middle if that's alright."

Sidon cleared his throat. "There's nothing to be frightened of. Perhaps, some deer or other benign creatures that go bump in the night. And that's exactly what we're after. But, as far as those unsightly beasts we battled earlier today, I believe what little remains of them have fled far from this place by now. I'd figure they're probably halfway back to the Scourge lands."

"Yeah, right," mused Sylmoor. "The borderlands are hundreds of leagues from here. It would take days and days to get there. That's if they're not destroyed along the way by the coming army of Draene or any other of the Hylian forces. So, I'd imagine they would be wise to hide in these forests. Why flee to some faraway land, risk death when you can settle here instead, and none would be the wiser?"

"Definitely..." said Link, startling him from behind, leaning over his shoulder. "And if by some chance we find some unfortunate stragglers of Malroc who cowered, I'll let you do the honors, Sylmoor," he teased again.

"...Me?" Gulped Sylmoor.

"C'mon! I'm just messing with you. You're fine, let's go! It's getting late, and we don't want to keep everyone waiting for supper. We have a party to get back to!" Chuckled Link.

"Or, you mean someone to get back to," Quipped Sidon under his breath.

Hard of hearing him, Sylmoor turned to face Sidon. "Huh, what? You say something?"

In that same instant, a firmly placed elbow of Link's landed in the gut of the red prince, robbing his breath.

"Oh, nothing," coughed Sidon with a mischievous smile. "Carry on!"

Before they left, Link hollered back to the squire. "Alright, my good lad, we should be back within an hour at best. Take care, and see you soon."

The lonely Squire pitched the horse up to a stumpy old log that sat on the sand, struck a small campfire with some flint, waved goodbye, and the three adventurers were off, past the tall grass and into the looming shadows of the wood.

---

In Simon's tent, Zelda and all the others continued their discussions.

"Now that the castle has been cleared of foes, when do you suppose we can begin settling in there to set up a command post?" Asked Zelda, leaning firmly on the table, curiously looking over the spread of map that lay upon it, edge-lit by the weight of candlelight.

Simon answered. "Short answer? Probably as soon as tomorrow, we could send in the first regiment to occupy and take an assessment of the damage."

"But, I thought you said it was safe?"

"Safe from enemy combatants, that is. However, we have yet to evaluate the integral structure of its walls and foundations. That bastard Lynel caused a lot of mayhem while he was perched up there. He forced us to lay a brutal hand upon her ramparts with our siege catapults. We have no idea the extent of the damage. And the last thing we would want is for our 'Queen to be' to be crushed by some crumbling tower in her sleep."

"I see your point..." Zelda replied, refocusing her attention on something else. "And what of the wounded here? The infirmary is already at its breaking point of occupation as it is. Have you sent riders to call for aid? I'm sure they can use more doctors, nurses, and field surgeons. Not to mention, better provisions to care for them."

"Your wizard here assures me that when Draene arrives, if they do, they will have more than what we need to care for them."

"Oh, I see...Very well then, so far, I have no reason to doubt his word. If he says it shall be so, then it will be done according to how he says. After all, he did save Riju."

Taleran took a step forward to address her. "If I may, your highness, you shouldn't burden yourself with these matters tonight. This evening should be one of cheer and hope. After all, we have taken quite the care to address these things in your stead. Perhaps, it would do you good to take the night off and let the worries of today wait for tomorrow. I promise you, we won't let you down."

"I'm sorry, my Lord, but I can't just sit idly by and let others fulfill my tasks for me. I thank you for your generosity and delicateness in these matters pertaining to my wellbeing, but I assure you, I'm well suited to take on these issues."

"As you wish, my liege."

Zelda's face softened, and she rubbed her arm as if it had a winter chill. She then sweetly glanced at him, face alit by the glow of the candles. "I understand your concern. Perhaps, you are right. It seems you all have done well in my absence this past hour or so to address the urgent matters at hand, and for that, I am grateful you are all so willing to help.

"That being said, I will do the wish of this council and will resume our main order of business for tomorrow instead. In the meantime, is there anything I can do to help prepare for tonight?"

Simon leaned back in his chair and fiddled with a feather quill from the table. "As soon as we adjourn, my men are on orders to clear this area of its furnishings, conjoin it to the mess tent, add some pleasant décor to your liking, and set up benches, a platform, and tables for this evening's celebration."

"Wow, you really are on top of things."

"Don't worry, I'm sure the men will be happy to do so. They carry a lot of pent-up stress these past few days, and I know they are eager to have a night off to let go. An evening free of the threat of war. One filled with merrymaking. After all, they waged a good fight today."

"That they did, and I am eternally humbled by their courage and devotion to this kingdom. I'm truly sorry for the losses many have sustained on my behalf and the sacrifices they've endured to save this wonderful land we have. They will be honored throughout the ages. The victory today was theirs; for that, they should be able to let loose their cares and enjoy it. Tonight is for them, and if all goes well, barrels will be splintered open, and golden brew shall overflow their mugs to warm their hearts and bellies."

"I'm sure it will. And if I know those Draenarians, they do like themselves a good party. So, we can expect barrels to that effect."

Purah stood up, scooted her way to stand next to the princess, paused briefly, and placed her hand on her shoulder. "And that is all the more reason for you to relax, princess. Tonight should be free from worries, and besides, there are some interesting surprises I would like to show you back in your quarters before tonight's festivity begins."

"Surprises? Purah..." Zelda replied with a curious sideways glance. Wondering what sort of mischief she could have possibly planned next.

"Not what you think, princess. Don't you worry. It's just that my sister will be here soon, and I don't want her to spoil my discoveries that I have found since you've been gone—"

As soon as the words left her mouth, the wizard's mysterious green eyes shuttered open from what appeared to be a mind-bending meditation, yet he awoke as if he had been in the thick of their conversation this entire time. The man slid back from the table in his chair, startling them all. He then gripped his knees in contemplation and bent his head toward the entrance.

He spoke in a low breath, wearing a smirk, interrupting her, gazing through the tent's flap, and even past all of camp to what could have been the trees and mountain ranges beyond the furthest edge of the kingdom. "They are here...and earlier than expected too..."

Purah hardly finished her sentence when interrupted, so she wasn't entirely sure what he meant by it. His voice was too soft for Zelda to hear clearly, and Purah inadvertently carried on over him with some other trivial matter. Neither conversation she heard.

Intrigued by his words as well, Simon jerked his attention to him. "What did you just say?"

Before he could answer back in that instant, a loud trumpet sounded throughout the camp. Alerting the attention of everyone.

New banners approached, waving the proud sigil of the Flamed Serpent encapsulated inside a faded, golden stone triangle. The flags were marching on the outskirts of their camp. They were spotted by the outlying sentries who guarded their perimeter. Illiastar soldiers were hollering and fussing about outside their tent to prepare for their arrival.

The trumpet's tune rang clear and true and resonated loud with a thundering intensity in Zelda's chest, catching her by surprise. The startling boom of the horn was so sudden and intense it nearly made her leap out of her own dress. Yet, she managed to stay clothed and remain calm in front of the others.

Zelda heaved a sigh, catching herself by the startle, and spoke. "My goodness, after all this time, and they still haven't managed to change that goddess awful signal of doom. I could never forget that harrowing sound."

Purah couldn't help but chuckle at Zelda's harrowing face when the horn blew. For she had the best seat in the house for that show. Her eyes bulged, and she looked as if she was going to abandon all reason, leave her own shadow behind to jump over the table.

"Laugh it up if you need to." Zelda chastised. "But, their horn frightens the daylights out of me. Always has been since I was a child. And yet every time I know it is coming and prepare myself for it, it worsens. What a gloom-ridden song. It's like the harrowing song of the very mouth of Demise's hell to open up and swallow up the world."

The princess turned her back to the table and leaned against it, stretching her hands over it. Relieved by realizing it was just the sound of the incoming troop of Draene.

Taleran chuckled softly, making his way over to her side as well. "You're right. It is quite a somber song, I must admit."

"So morbid and full of dread is its melody. Like the end of all happiness in the world and the loom of impending doom." Zelda added. "Why would anyone orchestrate such a tune?"

"Ah, but that's the point, I think, my Princess. That has always been the way of Draenarians. A rambunctious and rough-spirited bunch they all are at heart. At every chance they can get, they seem to pride themselves on how to flex their strength. It is my belief they intentionally made their war call that way to stab fear into the hearts of their enemies. So, at the sound of their horns and the beat of their drums, their foes on the battlefield would flee before them."

"Rubbish." Called out Simon, followed by a snort. "The men of Draene aren't that tough. A clever bluff is all that is."

He stood up and approached them in front of the table. "Could it be more likely they lack the musical talent in that barren wasteland they call home that they could only seem to manage to string up the ugliest combination of notes together?" He huffed, facing the princess. "That's the reason for your unsoundly tune you hear, my dear."

Zelda glanced at the two of them, listened to both their rationales, and spoke her mind on the matter. "Well, whatever the reason may be, I, for one, am glad they are here. That being said, I believe we should meet our guests now and offer them a warm welcome, regardless of how perilous their trumpets sound."

About to step away, she suddenly halted. She nearly forgot.

The princess lifted her chin and twirled to face the silent Wizard who had sat back in his chair, waiting for the council to finish. "What do you say, Mister Kelcifer? You've been quite the silent statue up until now?

Kelcifer stood up from his seat, fanned out his cloak in a show of humility, tilted his head, and quietly replied. "I say that the princess is wise in her inclinations. Let's go see our friends, shall we?"

"Certainly." Replied Zelda

"After you, my Liege."

---

Zelda could hardly believe her eyes. After a century of dilapidation, the semblance of an orderly kingdom became recognizable like pieces of a jigsaw fumbling back into place. A feeling of normalcy that had long been shut away in her memory came to fruition as they left their tent. Upon stepping out from the flap, they were immediately greeted by a royal procession. Though, not one of kings or queens, but one of long-lost nobility.

At first, all she could see was a bright line of largely lit torches marching toward them as they quickly took shape into a small legion of Draenerian troops. She felt the warm glow of their firebrands on her face as they swarmed around them.

The legion filed into camp, flanking their right and left, while a small entourage of ranking members and nobles carried by chariots rode inside from the safety of the center, followed by wagons and supply carts.

Met by the troops of Illiastar, the new arrivals were directed right to her presence at the center command post for a proper greeting. For a moment, it was orderly chaos. Men fell in formation to the steady beat of drums and the clanking march of armor. Although it was dark, she could still clearly make out the stunning flags waved high in the breeze of the night sky. Oh, how she admired them.

Lower vassals also proudly flew their own signage draped in different colors beneath the predominantly displayed, dark liege flag of Draene, honoring them separately. Zelda marveled at the unique craftsmanship and artistic care each of them took to design their own particular sigil, for it had been too long since she's seen the many different Hylian coat of arms from lesser-known houses.

It was a parade of heraldry. As they formed lines, Zelda caught a glimpse of as many as she could remember before things could come to a standstill. Banners were marked by displays of heroism, prestige, or to instill fear. There were menacing bears, heroic lions, and even crudely marked signs of decapitated Moblin heads which she didn't enjoy seeing, to say the least; all the way to criss-crossed swords and impenetrable shields. There was even one that Zelda took particular notice of with a smile. One she thought appeared the most charming of them all.

A flag that stood out to signify and boast the harvesting of milk. A proud banner adorned with a cow of all creatures. But not just any kind of cow. For that part of the land was known to have miracle cattle, a breed not brought up anywhere else.

Zelda fell back into her recollection for a brief moment. Her heart swelled at the memory of their heavenly-tasting milk, and her mouth began to water. It has been literally an age since she has delighted in the blissful succulence of it. The cool refreshing glide of white down her throat on a warm summer day with a sprinkle of rare, Zonaian cocoa couldn't be beaten. The dance of flavor it performed on her tastebuds would send her twirling around with a sweet satisfaction every time she drank it, craving more.

In fact, that same flag was waved by the same family of Hylians who also owned the capital's own Romani's Milk and Brew a hundred years ago. Their line of people originated from the distant farming villages that dotted the province of Lon. Renowned far and wide for their safe-guarded secret ways to produce the world's finest milk.

Zelda continued to gaze upon each flag as they came to rest with awe and wonder, recollecting how well she could remember each of them. Each displaying their own age-old story upon cloth, banners bearing the memory of their ancient bloodlines and the lineage they shared within Hyrule's history.

As the procession came to a rest, Simon shouted first. "There you are! I was beginning to wonder when you'd show up."

From atop a horse, a middle-aged, round-bellied man lumbered off and made short work over to him for a firm handshaking. He was wearing a crimson shirt matching the stringy, bowl-cut hair on his head and also wore a black cape and was better dressed than the rest. Definitely someone of importance, but Zelda couldn't be certain yet.

The man replied with a towering voice and a wiggle of his thick, walrus-shaped, red mustache. "Of course, once we have been given word of her majesty's arrival, we left at once. Though a bit of a heads up would have been nice. It seems you have gotten the jump on us this time. We won't be letting that happen again. All being said, I think we made good time with what little news we had."

"I see." Offered back, Simon. But, before he could continue. The man caught sight of Zelda, who stood timidly behind.

"And there she is, as I live and breathe!" The man rushed forward, offered a wave of his hand across his wide belly, and leaned for a bow. "We are at your service, your majesty. Legends don't even come close to capturing the essence of your beauty. Yours is beyond compare. For you truly must be the goddess incarnate. I have no doubt you are who they say you are. I will delightfully inform my Lord of Draene that reports are true when I take the journey back. News of your safe return to us at last!"

Zelda was about to make his acquaintance when Simon stepped in first. "Princess Zelda has called all the houses of the realm to order. To finally put this nightmare behind us. To bring to fruition the foretold era of the 'New Peace' to the people that has long been promised yet, that never came thanks be to the one hundred year calamity. That this kingdom may once more be united under one banner and be prosperous once more."

The man listened while sliding off his riding gloves, handing them to a young subordinate soldier. "Yes, yes, I'm sure."

Zelda took a pace forward and tilted her head to all of the newcomers. She cleared her voice, though she spoke with a slight crack in the front. "Yes, it is true what he says. I will do whatever is required to assure peace and tie the bonds of fellowship between our great houses. That friendships may be restored, and healing begins. I will see it through. You all have my word on that."

Eager to get the legalities out of the way, the man continued over her with a big ol' grin. "Well, there it is then! From her own decree! This is cause for celebration! At last, it has finally come. Peace in our time. I can certainly drink to that. Goddess knows it's been too long."

He seemed jovial enough, and Zelda quickly relaxed in his presence. She half expected some debate or at least more dry discussions on territory lines among the nobility. But, this was a lot easier than expected, for a change.

Zelda smiled back at him as the men's cheer settled down at his last announcement. "What has been too long, my lord? Peace or a drink?"

"Both!" He roared with a full belly laugh. His entourage of lesser nobles and captains erupted again behind him as well.

"I like her!" He said, elbowing Simon, who now stood beside him. He, too, was pleased.

He then spoke again. "My entire lifetime, I have known war. Bokoblin hoards have ravaged our countryside. Though I must say, without boasting too much—"

"You, not boasting too much? It really must be the changing of times..." Interjected Kelcifer with a grin of his own.

"Darn you, wizard, must you embarrass me in front of my new friends and her majesty? We have only just met! "

"Who else to keep you tied within the reins, hmm?"

"Too true! I know I can count on you for that." He snorted again with a laugh. "Now, as I was saying, your highness, we have been able to keep them devils off our heels and at bay. Guarding the northern part of the Kingdom in your stead. Ain't that right, my...lad." The man abruptly finished and spun around as if he had forgotten the punchline to his story.

With a blink and a holler to the back of the troop, he spoke. "You can come out now, boy; she isn't going to bite you!" He spun to face Zelda again. "Thank you again for welcoming us into your fold, and on behalf of my Lord, we bring tithings of peace."

Your lord? Zelda thought. Do you mean this entire time he wasn't the Lord of Draene? Heaven knows he can direct and talk like one. And before she could think more on the matter, a young man came trotting from atop a horse, leading all the way from the back and from the darkness of the night.

Zelda's eyes widened at the sight of him, and all recollection returned to her. "Arasmus!?" Zelda whispered, hand pressed against her bosom in disbelief. She had to shake the hum to her forehead and reach out for Purah's shoulder to brace herself. The fogginess of skipping time had done a number on her nerves.

Zelda slipped away for a brief moment while everyone also continued their greetings until it became noticeable; they all watched her do a slight stumble.

"Are you alright, princess? Something the matter?" Called out Purah, reaching for her to prevent her fall.

The barrel-chested man spoke again, also coming to her aid. "Was it something I said?"

The fogginess of past memories became as clear as the pale moon in the sky.

"Of course, father. I'm willing to do my part to secure the peace. But why the girl? This princess is nothing more than a—" Rumbled the voice of a young man down the castle hall, spoken from an opened doorway leading to a council chamber. A room used by the king's right-hand man, the chancellor himself.

Zelda found herself back in the past, living through a memory; on that particular day, she was on her way to her quarters. And in order to get to her room, she had to traverse those stone steps along the way to get there. She could hear raised voices go at it back and forth from the confines of that chamber. The king was elsewhere, addressing business in the Nobility district. Aside from the occasional roaming guards, they were alone.

The princess didn't like yarn spinners or those who eavesdropped on others, but this noisy argument was so blaring down the hall that she couldn't help but listen, especially at the mention of her. So, she nonchalantly continued her walk to her room but tip-toed closer to the open door and kept a safe distance to avoid being seen, curious as to why they were discussing her of all people.

"—Keep her as a trophy if you like. I don't care what you do with her. But, for now, you will court her. Is that understood?"

"But father—"

"—Am I clear?"

"Yes."

"Good. It's just until things are settled and solidified with her father. After all, he is my friend, and she is his daughter."

"You don't say?"

"I'm serious, son!"

"So am I!"

"Settle down and hush your voice..."

The young man paced around, calmed himself, and faced his father, who sat at a desk with sleek, black hair with a healthy amount of grey peppering. The man had cold, piercing blue eyes.

His father spoke stern again. "But, if it really means all that much to you, if you please, when the ceremony is complete, and there's no turning back under the sight of Hylia and all the people, with a bit of patience on your part, then you can have any maiden—or as many in your bed as you like for all I care. But, until that time comes, she will be the only girl in your purview from this point forward. Do you understand?"

With folded arms, the young lord shook his head patronizingly. "Do you really believe all that superstitious nonsense? About being wed under the sight and favor of the goddess?"

"No...but the people believe it. And having favor with that rabble out there is everything. So, you will act accordingly. Get the masses to support your claim, and everything else will fall into place. Got it?"

"As you wish, father. But I still don't see why we need her to accomplish our goals. I mean, if it weren't for us keeping those savages at bay, there wouldn't even be a kingdom. We've been the most loyal out of all the great houses of Hyrule for centuries, and what do we have to show for it? Barren rocks, unforgiving climate, and endless skirmishes with invaders. Our people have sacrificed the most for the Royal Family, and what have they shown us in return for our steadfastness? Silence and a quiet thank you.

"I mean, if it weren't for me and my Dragoons keeping the peace along the border of the Scourge lands, she would be the pleasure princess of some chief Yiga outlander by now. Those from the capital and the inner territory have no idea the threats we face daily, keeping them safe! She would be kissing his feet and doing what other goddess awful thing they'd desire of her. She should be grateful to have the honor of my affection and protection."

"Settle down, son, and cool your temper. It's not like you don't fancy her type anyways."

The young man just stood stern, unwavering in his mood while he crossed his arms wearing an agitated frown.

His father continued. "Why, you don't find her appealing? Isn't she not sweet and beautiful?"

"And so are half the women from the Crystal City. What's your point? She is naïve and girls like her can barely keep up in conversation. From what I hear, she is a big dreamer too and favors the sorcery science that those strange Shiekah outsiders have been peddling. Wasting time with those kooks won't amount to anything other than silly rubbish that could only capture the imagination of children. The ancient ways are dead. Long buried in the ground where they belong. No good could come of it, mark my words father.

"I don't even know why you permit them to excavate our lands anyways...Those mechanical skeletons from the past they are trying to dig up will be the death of us. I just know it!

"They are more likely to unleash the scorn of the goddesses against us with their sacrilege and rain the fires of hell and fury upon us all! There's a reason why they are buried, they weren't meant to be found!"

"I agree son...I agree. But-"

The young man stomped and continued. "-But nothing. Ladies like her are sheltered and hardly know the real world. She's been kept safely cooped behind these city walls, hardly even been to the lower villages and territories at all. Let alone the rest of the kingdom."

"That's her father's doing. You know the threats made against her life and why she is kept under lock and key. The servants of Ganon have put a hefty price on her head."

"Calamity Ganon? Are you serious? Please...Don't start with that old fairytale again..."

"It's true whether he is real or not; those Yiga savages believe it and have been relentless in trying to acquire her. But, as I was saying...

"When things change, and you become King, who knows, after getting to know her better, you may find that you actually enjoy her company, and if not, what does it matter? Like I said before, you can just—

"—I know, I know, I get it...I will do as you wish, father. For the good of the kingdom, our people of the Stonelands, and our family. I will see it done. That she is made glad to have met me. And if not, she will be made to in due time."

"Very good, Arasmus. That's all I wanted to hear."

"May I go now?"

"Yes. And keep your nose clean and behave yourself. Until the day you do join hands with her, lest you forget, I'm the high chancellor and am in charge here, boy. Understood?"

"Yes, father—"

Zelda suddenly awoke in the presence of everyone. It must have just been a second, but it felt like a lifetime.

"Are you alright?" The young man spoke from afar, still on his way to formally greet her.

"Oh no, no, it's fine. I'm fine. I just get a little lightheaded from time to time. It's nothing."

The mustachioed man spoke, interrupting them. "Forgive me if I've mistaken your highness, but did you say Arasmus?"

"Yes, a mistake. I'm sorry, it couldn't possibly be."

"Interesting indeed! It has been said that our young Lord here resembles that old goat during his prime."

Wait a minute, he's your Lord? Zelda's head spun, but she quickly regained control and focused her attention on what the man was saying on his Lord's behalf.

"But, who could really know for sure. He has been long dead for over thirty years. Arasmus, that is. All we have left of him are some dingy drapes you could barely call tapestries commemorating him. And we don't want that going to this young lad's head just yet, now, do we?

"Why, from what I hear, his grandfather was a great war hero. Died bravely holding back the scourge while leading an expeditionary force south. But, hard to know for sure. Nobody alive has seen him in his youth. He was already an old man when I was just a lad.

"Your highness, this here is his grandson. And need I say the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. He, too, is a trained warrior. The best, in fact. It pains us that his talents weren't used in the liberation of your city. Oh, what a sight that would have been!"

All his soldiers could be seen nodding in approval. The man continued, offering a bow again and a wave to his liege.

"May I present to you, your Highness, Lord Danarus, Daneyrio, Draene—the second, heir to the Stonelands and your watcher of the northeast territory of the kingdom. Though, he normally goes by Daneyrio. You won't meet a better swordsman in all of Hyrule, that, I can assure you, my dear. Nor a better fighter skilled in our secret ways of martial combat."

Zelda offered up a smile to them both.

The man spoke again, this time more firmly, ushering with his eyes to the young man to hurry and listen. "Well, c'mon, lad, show yourself. The princess wants to meet you. She hasn't got all night."

The lord Danarus stepped calmly in the starlight, and while Zelda was preoccupied with his approach, another whispered into the ear of the large man. "Careful, that's your lord to be once the old man kicks the bucket. And by the looks of it, that could be any day now. Better watch how you speak to him."

The burly man whispered back, quietly enough that nobody could hear while the two in front of him were cordially greeting. "That's precisely why I speak to him that way. A firm hand is exactly what he needs, and until his time comes, I have been given the distinct pleasure and honor by his father to whip him into shape. To get him ready to rule."

Apparently, the wide-belly man didn't know how to speak softly enough, and as everyone else was distracted, Simon managed to overhear. "Ha! Rule what? A bunch of rocks and deserted mineshafts? Please."

The mustachioed man scowled. "You speak too plain, sir."

"And you speak not plain enough." Rebutted back Simon, with a grin, right as everyone's attention was being asked of everyone again.

Zelda studied the young man as he approached her. He had a princely presence about him, though surprisingly, unlike his doppelgänger from ages past, he had a modest, kind face. Not to mention, those of Draene hardly dressed as well suited as those from the province of Bountiful, where Simon and Sylmoor Illiastar hail from. They were a more rugged, frugal part of the high nobility and valued things other than lavish clothing and jeweled treasures.

He was suited up in a rough adventuring tunic outfitted with some light chain mail. It was dark black attire, matching similar to what his soldiers wore under their armor but of refined elegance in its stitching and plating. Not flashy or pretentious, but still one displaying subtle wealth and class.

And although it wasn't fanciful by no means, there was one glaring piece that instantly stole Zelda's focus. Her gaze fixed on his single, pugnacious-looking iron pauldron that he wore atop his left shoulder. One definitely that of a warrior would have. But, what caught her eye about it, wasn't its aggressive shape, but a small piece crowned in its core. A shiny, blood-red gem, not unlike the green gem that stuck similarly into the heirloom sword of Illiastar, the one Link used in his battle against Malroc.

It was the only jewelry she could see on display that would even call attention to him being a noble at all. Very curious indeed. A rare jewel, most certainly it must be, and likely of some importance to him.

She watched him as he approached her closely while everyone else waited as well. Evaluating everything in those brief seconds.

He stood a few inches taller than her with a wiry build. It was obvious by her quick assessment of the way he carried himself that he had been no stranger to fighting. He was younger than Simon or Sylmoor, who were in their mid-twenties, likely around the same age as Link, give or take.

She could tell he actually fought by a glance at his hands and the faded scars on what skin he did reveal. He had the same scars that Link carried and what other soldiers would often be burdened with. This man was indeed a warrior, as they say.

Which is a scarce thing among the noble class. It was apparent that this man didn't hide behind the safety of his men but led them.

At least, that's what she thought by what little she could surmise in that short time of getting acquainted. Most noticeable was the dueling contrast between his glistening blue eyes, fair skin, and his extremely dark, black hair. Only holding onto light as a raven's feather in the moonlight would shimmer subtly.

She would be lying if she didn't think that he wasn't handsome, because he was.

Resembles him, you say? Why, he is a portrait perfect rendition of him, she thought. Remembering how Arasmus looked way back when.

Old wind bag... thought the young Lord, glancing back to the loud man, not before addressing Zelda again. " This here, your majesty, isMister Mattock, high counselor to my father, me, and second only to Chief Overseer Kelcifer, who, you have already met. And for all his talents, he honors me too much, your highness. I'm just a man whose willing to fulfill his duty and serve the will of the people."

Mister mattock interjected. "He's just being modest. He is quite the pride of our people. He then paused and leaned into his lord's ear, who was still busy evaluating the princess as well, wearing a subtle smile of his own back at her. "Well, aren't you going to say anything else?"

The young man stood still and quiet, and some awkward silent seconds ticked by, and Zelda wasn't entirely sure if she should speak first either and waited. She could tell that he had a timidness around him or a dutiful sense of humility. Whatever it was, he remained quiet.

Maybe he thought the same as her, she thought. Perhaps he was waiting for her to speak. But, because they both didn't take the initiative to keep the conversation going, time continued to slip by in silence.

Mattock couldn't take the quiet and cleared his throat, speaking on his behalf instead, "I'm sure he's just amazed that you're actually real, your highness, as we all are. I mean, with all the rumors his father and he have endured. So much has been foretold about you and of your return...We didn't know what was real or fantasy. But, I can speak truthfully now and settle the matter to rest. For once, court gossips were right, weren't they, my lord?" He finished with furrowed brows on the young lord, hoping he would continue where he left off.

Zelda's own eyes lit up. Interest piqued on what the furthermost reaches of the kingdom thought of her. "Oh, and what gossips have you heard?"

The Lord was forced to step forward and speak with a strong, hidden nudge from Mattock to his side.

"Now, forgive me for paraphrasing, your grace, but I'm not a poet nor can elegantly string together the very kind words as others have spoken before on your behalf. But..." He cleared his throat and prepared how he should have conveyed his message and when he faced her again from cupping his chin, he spoke.

"They say that she is a living portrait of the goddess herself and that you would come to know her by her beauty. That in the shine of her reflection radiates the midnight glow of a golden star, one that the moon herself would be envious of..."

Zelda blinked, surprised by such a nice compliment from a total stranger. Everyone waited for her reply, and once she noticed their stares and felt all their eyes on her, she gulped and cleared her own throat.

"—I would say that's a pretty good stab at putting it into words. You are too kind, my lord. I'm sure all these ladies in attendance radiate in some fashion or ever brighter." She chirped bashfully, waving her arms across to the rest of the entourage they brought. Indeed there were about eight other young ladies there, appearing to be shield maidens or lesser nobles. It couldn't be sure yet. Also in the troop were Gorons alongside some troops of Draene. Which would make sense since they share the most kinship with one another for their equal love of mining.

After taking a moment to see who all else was there, she continued. "You speak too highly of me, my Lord. That being said, I accept your sweet words and thank you for them. For they are warm and sincere. Though I'm afraid I may not quite live up to the legend the people have written about me. I will do my best to try."

The lord unsheathed his sword, crossed it strongly across his chest, and dropped to his knees to speak in earnest. "I have no doubt you will, my new liege. And it is with great humility on behalf of my father, who remains home, that we thank you for allowing me and my men to join in your presence this night. The honor is all mine."

Zelda waved him up from the ground with a warm smile. "You are most welcome, as well as all of our people. There is to be a new beginning and order established." She then lifted her head from focusing on him and turned to everyone else who surrounded them.

"Now, that being out of the way, come, I hear Lord Simon here is hosting quite the event this night."

Simon chimed. "Tis true, your grace, and with that, I would like you to meet my kid sister, Bella. Who I bet is just about to burst from the seams with wanting to meet you.' The stern man then glanced at the young lord of Draene with a nod of approval. "And I thank you, Daneryio, for escorting her safely back into my presence."

Lord Daneryio stepped out of the way with a tilt of the head. Offering a way for the others to move forward from the wagons and chariots.

Zelda hardly noticed; everything was happening so fast but among the line of nobility was a group of young maidens. One, in particular, stood out from among the rest. A young lady no older than the age of fifteen, if she had to guess.

The young maid with a sweet face who wore a girlish pair of platinum-blonde side-tails stepped forward upon the calling of her name. She had the same blue eyes and strong chin as her brothers. Though not nearly as aggressive. There could be no doubt who she was.

Of course! How could Zelda forget? They said she would be coming along soon as well. She nearly forgot. So much has happened in the past couple of days.

And before Zelda could utter a phrase, the girl who was also dressed very formal in the attire of a court lady spoke. "Why, hello brother, nice to see you again. Oh, and you were right in your correspondences—she is as beautiful as they say—and I see you gave her my gift too! How delightful!" Called out the young Lady Bella of Illiastar.

"Gift?" Zelda questioned.

"Why yes, your highness, have my brothers been keeping secrets again? They were supposed to be kind to you."

Simon huffed. "Of course, we have been kind, and as you can clearly see, she has your gift. Many, in fact. Why the silliness and doubts?"

Zelda stood confused as the easy-going girl approached with a friendly two-handed handshake. The princess had hardly enough time to even react.

Bursting with a bubbling personality, she chirped beside her. "Oh, I hope you do like them. They are my best selection."

"Pardon me, but, like what?" Zelda replied, still confused.

The fifteen-year-old girl blinked sweetly. "Well, the dresses, of course. They sure look much better wrapped around you than they could ever on me." She said, finishing with a wink and a pat of attention to her rump as if to evaluate the size differential between them. She had yet to finish growing up, whereas Zelda already had the glowing figure of a lady. "At long last, beauty to match the stitching!"

Zelda blushed red at the open compliment, which surprised her. Everyone was still listening. It was known far and wide that Illiastar people were the frankest and most causal about flowery descriptions and were the least likely to not boast the sensualities of the flesh. They were quite the most forward of the three fiefdoms regarding polite etiquette and hardly held their tongue when speaking plainly.

The princess's tried to speak to dispel attention to her cheeks or her figure. "Oh, right. Sorry, yes, they are beautiful! Though, you are too harsh on yourself. You are quite the catch yourself—as are all these fair ladies waiting in attendance." Zelda said with an embarrassed grin and a small bead of sweat, pointing to Bella's court behind her. " I have no doubt the men tonight will have their hands full when the musicians play their dancing songs."

The single, young maidens behind Bella giggled delightfully at the mention, eager for a chance at a good dance with the many handsome warriors in attendance. It was like an all-you-can-eat buffet in their eyes. So many flavors to test out and so little time. Why else would they have suffered to make the grueling long journey if not to enjoy the spoils of war in their mind? Celebratory balls were their favorite, and tonight's festivity would be no different, no matter how quaint the setting. They were outnumbered fifty to one. Zelda, on the other hand, only had one young warrior in mind. And she couldn't wait to see him soon enough. Link.

---

"Ah, so you were right after all!" Blurted Sylmoor as they trudged through some tall grass on the forest floor.

"Huh?" Replied Link walking ahead, though he received no answer to the random comment.

"There, peeking through the clouds. You see it too, right Zora Prince?"

"Of course, I can. Just because we spend a lot of time diving to depths where there is no light doesn't mean we can't see above ground. We're not blind, ya know."

"Oh, I didn't mean it like that. I was just excited, that's all. At last, finally, her beautiful pale face glows gently upon us now. The moon, that is. I was beginning to worry if we would be covered in darkness all night long. I was beginning to dread it. How would I ever be able to record what happens for the princess's sake if it remained so dark?"

"Well, I told you the light would shine soon enough." Answered back Link, slowing their march through the night. "Which reminds me, why are you so interested in recording these events anyways? As much as I believe you that you want to merely convey a story to the princess when we get back, it's just—"

Sidon finished his sentence. "It's just that he doesn't believe you, m'lord."

Sylmoor smiled and sighed. "I see, so the jig is up, eh? Oh well, I wanted it to be a surprise."

"Surprise?" Said, Link.

"Yeah! The best there is, in fact."

Sidon and Link stood confused and eagerly awaited on bated breath what he meant or if he would ever explain himself.

"As you may know, I'm a teller of stories. I fancy the arts, and well, back home, I'm sort of a stage director of sorts. For my theatre back home. Nobody has ever seen a story such as I have seen in the past days, and well, I was thinking of adapting it to the stage!"

"You want to make a silly fiction from our hundred-year, desperate struggle for survival? Just so silly nobles can be amused?" Replied Link incredulously.

"Well, if you say it like that, of course, it sounds bad. I'm thinking more along the lines of honoring your struggles. Show the people who doubted the glory and triumph of good overcoming evil. That sort of thing, ya know? Silence all the scoffers."

"So more people like you and your brother," Snarked Sidon with a chuckle.

"Well, yes, exactly! I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't see it. And the princess's overcoming of the beast and rise to power as well. That I also want to show them. What do you think? Of course, I would only find actors suitable enough to play the part! I have a reputation to protect, and so does the princess."

Link rolled his eyes, and Sidon shrugged. "Well, you don't need my permission. The princess is who you will need to speak to about that."

"My thoughts exactly! Though..." Sylmoor paused, pushing two fingers together, poised on a question. "I was hoping if you could speak a good word to her for me? Just a little bit of a nudge."

"What? Are you serious?"

"Yes, even I have eyes that can see that she favors your opinion among the rest! C'mon, Link, not everyone is as gifted at hiding it as you are, ya know. She most of all."

Link sighed, took a long breath, and turned to face him. "Gee, I don't know. I guess there's no harm in just mentioning the idea...No promises, though. But I'll at least give it a shot. Alright?"

"Fair enough, and I'll keep your affectionate friendship with her a secret!" Sylmoor finished, eyes blinked shut, wearing a giddy grin.

"Okay, I will but in the meantime, try to keep it down; you'll let the whole forest know we're here. And I would like to get back to the others sometime tonight, if you know what I mean."

"Right, sure thing, sorry."

In that instant, Sidon jerked his head up and gazed ahead into the darkness of a thicket beyond a nest of tall pine trees.

"What do you hear?" Asked Link.

"To the left of that big brown bush, the one that looks out of place of the others, you see it?" Replied Sidon.

"Yeah, good eye..."

"Well, to be fair, I heard him rustle...He's a big one too."

"Whoa, what a buck!—" Blurted Sylmoor emphatically, eager to get a better look. In one fell swoop, Sidon swooshed over his mouth with his hands and quieted him.

"Shush!" Hushed Link over his shoulder. "Are you trying to scare him off?"

Sylmoor blinked, still in the grip of the massive red arms of the Zora prince.

Link smirked. "Stay here; I'm going for it. I just need to get a better angle of the wind."

With a wiggle of his pointy ears, Link glanced about and felt the breeze blow across his face and flutter his bangs. A big grin stretched across his face; luck was indeed on their side this night. Judging by the distance to the animal, he would have guessed it was at least twenty meters away and well within range. Link tip toed, and then in a huddle run, he went past some more thickets and tall grass to a nearby tree ahead of them and loosed an arrow with a flick of his hand across his bow string. It happened so fast, Sylmoor could have blinked, and it would have been over.

It was all the Lord of Illiastar had hoped for in a tale. The wooden messenger of death sailed through the air, carried by the divine wind that had blessed them with this opportunity. A direct hit. Pierced by the arrow, the magnificent buck seen only in fables or heard in children's stories flailed and whined.

The beast quickly stomped its hooves and raged, kicking itself to begin a run, but it was too late. Link loosed two more dead-eye shots through the air, and the animal collapsed to silence. The hunt was over, and their prize was well within their grasp.

With antlers perched in their view and their treasure in sight, the three all smiled at each other and ran toward their game.

"Brilliant shot, Link. Absolutely brilliant!" Called out Sylmoor.

On approach, Link noticed something peculiar, and his joy quickly faded into worry; he cautioned the others running up behind him with a firm hand in the air but wasn't quick enough to warn them.

"Hold on a second, wait!" Link shouted. It was too late. The knight noticed that although their kill was dead, it wasn't as it appeared. The beast was already caught by something, snagged by a roped, trapping device of some kind. Link hadn't the time to investigate, and when he followed the long line tied around one of its hooves, he realized what had happened. In that same breath as the others catching up behind him to a halt, a trap had sprung. From underneath the three of them, spread across the dirt floor of the meadow in the clearing of the forest, a massive net ensnared them and lifted them high through the air.

It had become apparent that the stag must have caught itself in that trap and couldn't escape. That was the only explanation why it didn't flee when Sylmoor shouted earlier or after the first arrow stabbed its hide.

Link knew it was too good to be true. The three adventurers launched high into the air and were strung up by a roped net, fussing over each other in a dogpile while hung up by a pair of low-hanging branches of a tree. Hollering was made by the three of them, and Link shouted to Sidon.

"Hey, can you reach my blade? It's tied to my belt inside a sheath. I can't reach!"

Sidon was atop Link, and Sylmoor was contorted upside down atop of him. "No, my arm is stuck. This dam rope is tied around my hand. I can't shake it loose. The knots won't give! You Sylmoor?"

"I can't see or reach! What about your sword? Didn't you bring one too?"

"I did, but it fell below us...I would say look, but..."

Interrupting them out from the yonder of the darkness, a voice chuckled.

"Who's there! Show yourself, coward!" Shouted Link to the black of the woodland shadows. "Come into the moonlight!"

"A nice shot..." Called the voice of a man.

"A nice shot indeed." Concurred another. "Who knew that it could be possible that someone could be as gifted as our—"

"—You wanna see gifted? Cut me loose, and I'll show you gifted!" Shouted Link; at his wit's end, he had a long day and a princess to get two, and he wasn't game for small-time mischief by some strangers. The hero of Hyrule was strung up and at their mercy. A leg caught in the rope net, and Sidon and Sylmoor atop him.

The pair of voices revealed themselves as two hooded men in hunting gear. They descended from both their left and right side of the tree line. Link couldn't see their faces, for they were covered in the shadows of their cloaks. And when Link thought it was all he could stand, a joyous chuckle rang out, but not one of a man, but a woman. A young woman no less, no older than twenty if Link had to guess by the sound of it. Perhaps, someone near Zelda's age.

Out from the middle of the pair of huntsmen, a sleek figure of a woman came between them and into view, but she too was cloaked, also wearing gear that of a hunting adventurer but of higher quality.

"A brilliant shot indeed. I saw the whole thing. And I thank you for saving us the trouble." The young lady said, speaking in a familiar accent that Link couldn't quite put his finger on. It was northern for sure and not from the part of Hyrule he was from. A lilting brogue.

"Got it!" Shouted Sidon, "Here's your sword, Link."

"Just try; that rope is impenetrable to common steel! It's blessed by the one and only herself, and is an heirloom from the ancient hero. And it won't come loose in a hurry..." the hooded woman said as if you could hear the proud smirk in her voice.

"Oh yeah? Well, how about then from my teeth!?" With a shark-toothed smile, Sidon growled and chomped on the rope that hung them.

Link fell into silent awe. He wasn't sure if he should have been proud or abashed by his friend's noble effort at freeing them.

The mysterious young woman could have collapsed in secondhand embarrassment by the sight of it. "You're joking, right?"

After just a single munch, Sidon relented. He could feel the mystical fibers of the silvery rope bite back against his teeth. "Ouch!... I'm sorry, Link...What are we going to do?"

Link whispered. "I'm working on it. Let me think..."

"Well, think faster!" Shouted a muffled Sylmoor, who still was face planted between them.

Could it have been just the moonlight? As Link was placating the others at that moment, from the corner of his eye, he could've sworn he saw a set of sparkling eyes underneath the hood of the woman who continued to call out to them from the safety of the tree line. Not only that but a sneaky peek of red also dashed before his view. He couldn't be confident about what it was. It vanished just as fast as it whipped out in front of her cover.

"You know, you're kind of cute for a grasshopper." She called up to him.

"What? Grasshopper?" Link asked, confused by her tone.

"Well yeah, what else should I call ya? I mean, look at yourself. You're all suited up in that antique of a green outfit. A uniform such as that hasn't been used in well over an age. Speaking of which, where did you acquire that specific tunic anyways? Not very common for this far south."

"What's it to you?"

"Nothing, a curiosity perhaps. Why so defensive over a question?" She said as she hopped around the forest as if having a sport with him. The two men to her side remained quiet and let her carry on. It was apparent she was their leader.

"Why ask silly questions?" Shouted down Link, hands gripped over the rope like prison bars.

"I like to know who I'm dealing with. That's all. For all I know, you're a thief, and I should apprehend and deliver you to the proper authorities. Word has it they're not too far off from here." She said, Kicking a nearby fallen branch, sending it for a tumble in the grass.

She continued. "Your rag-tag group of misfits could be bandits, and those particular greens could've belonged to some innocent dead man you've slain. If that were the case, I would have to serve out justice."

Link rolled his eyes. "Listen, muh-Lady, I don't know who you think you're dealing with here, but we're not criminals...me and my men are on strict orders from her highness, the princess herself, to hunt some game."

"Oh—You know the princess? So, she is real?" The woman replied, eyes lighting up from under the safety of her hooded disguise. "That is Interesting..."

"Of course she is!"

"Well, how do I know you're being truthful? I have only just met you, and already you're quite the contentious fellow. You won't even answer the basic of questions. How could I take your word for anything serious?"

Link sucked in a breath, trying to calm his nerves, and spoke. "How about we try this again...Nice and easy..."

"I agree...But, you first...So, where did you acquire that uniform?"

"Why don't you make me tell you?" Rebutted Link. Well, it was worth a try. Being nice.

"Well, I can see we're getting nowhere fast, and seeing is that you need me to get down from there, I think you ought to answer."

"Drop us, lady, if you know what's good for you and your friends. I think you're the ones who are bandits, masquerading around and pretending to be lawmen. And just so you should know, if you don't release us, we have a friend not far from here who's been expecting us back by now. And if we're not back, he will get reinforcements from the army. And they won't be asking nicely like I am!"

"Nicely, you say? This is what you call being nice? I'd hate to see you upset. Though, you are kind of handsome all frustrated up there." She said, followed by a soft chuckle from under her hood.

"Ugh, what? Are you listening? The army will be here looking for us!"

"Oh really? If that is so, then I guess we'll just have to capture your man before he can alert them to our presence." She said, matter of factly, with a pep in her step.

"Like hell, you will! Our man isn't no mere soldier among the ranks. He's defeated three lynel commanders singlehandedly while fending off an entire hoard of Bokoblins. He is a master of stealth and can blend into any environment. He speaks a half dozen languages and will get lost into the shadows of the night and will be long gone way before you could find him. In fact, with any luck, he's already brought the army to surround the forest. So, you see, you're trapped."

The girl blinked and spun back around to face Link, whose deathly gaze was fixed on her. "Really? Trapped, you say? Hmm...what ever shall we do?" The lady then signaled with a tilt of her head for her man to fetch another who was further away and out of their sight.

She giggled again. "Trapped by...this army, I presume?"

Link's mouth nearly fell to the floor, and Sidon sunk where he hung. Out from the forest, one of her men escorted a man who had been detained by rope, tying his hands behind his back with a potato sack over his head. In that instant, the man threw their captive before them to marvel, and as she reached for her servant's torch, she removed their captive's hood. Though still careful to hide her own face from the brightness of the light.

The frightened man cried out. It was their squire they left behind to keep watch. "I'm sorry! They got me! Forgive me, master Link, but I swear, I didn't say a word where you three were. I swear it!"

Sylmoor whispered, freeing his face to Link. "Slayed three lynels you say? A grand master of stealth?"

"Well, it was worth a try," retorted Link in a whisper.

The lady teased. "Your friend here speaks truthfully. He never gave you up and is a man of his word...

"However, he is also a man who will need a new pair of trousers if you get my meaning." She could not help but burst into laughter alongside with her men.

The squire was soaked by the pant legs and had clearly soiled himself. Link was embarrassed, alright. Who was this mysterious girl, and what gave her the right, the nerve to show them up like this? But, before he could study the situation further, she spoke again.

"Now, let's try this again...for the last time...Do you have a name? Or should I keep calling you grasshopper?"

"How about you cut me loose from here, and I'll tell ya with my sword!"

"Sheesh, such a violent spirit man can have, you especially are on edge...You must be a warrior, huh? Couldn't really tell by the company you keep with you, though. I mean, what business does three hylians and a Zora have in these woods?"

"None of your business!"

"Are you always this sweet with ladies you meet out on the road? Or just me?"

Link calmed himself again and spoke clearly. "Well, a lady wouldn't have snuck up on me and my friends like a common thief and trapped us like wild game when we meant no harm."

With a smile under her disguise, she replied. "I beg to differ, my handsome grasshopper. On the contrary, I think that's exactly what a lady would do to protect herself. The best company a woman could have is a sharpened blade and a bowstring. After all, the forest has been crawling with all kinds of ill vermin as of late; how am I to decipher which is which? One can't be too careful."

"Do I look like a bokoblin to you? Or a Moblin, for that matter?"

"Well, if you could have seen your face earlier, I'd say yes. Quite red it was. And last I checked, they are typically as red as the sinking sun into the sea. You and your Zora friend there could have been twins; you were so mad."

"Well, forgive me for my impatience, but we have special orders and are on official business for the princess—"

"—Oh, which reminds me!" The girl interrupted, whistling to her two companions to grab the dead deer off the grass.

"Hey, that stag belongs to the princess's court!"

Ignoring Link's plea, the lady and her partners in crime were about to make their escape, securing the deer atop a horse they also stole from them. And before they left from out of their presence, the lady replied over her shoulder from a nearby tree, wearing another giddy grin that couldn't be seen in the shadows.

"Oh well, then, I guess you're just going to have to explain that you lost your hunt to a lady who had better skills than you...if the embarrassment doesn't kill you first, that is...Or, you could just find her another.

"This kill is for me and my men tonight. It will serve our bellies well. We thank you. It was a wonderful kill with the arrow. If only there were an audience to behold the tale. Don't worry; you'll drop free as soon as we're clear from here. Farewell, grasshopper."

And as quickly as she arrived, she vanished into the night without a trace, and the three of them were left alone in silence.

---

An hour or so passed, and Link and the others were left empty-handed, but they had to get back to camp. It had already been long enough, and the rope did finally let them loose, just as that mystery girl promised. Though it took longer than they had hoped.

Link was rehearsing his excuse for when they would return with no prize, and as he approached camp alongside Sidon, Sylmoor and the squire, he saw a fuss happening out at the edge of it. A small caravan carrying banners identical to the one Taleran's rangers wore. The frozen water lily crest of Tarble. Had the rest of them arrived? Damn, how long were they gone?

---

Horns blew, and Zelda and the others yet, again went to the edge of camp to meet their new arriving guests, being led in the front by Taleran. This time the trumpets rang forth with a cheerful melody rather than that dreary tone of Draene did earlier. Quite the contrast.

"Here you are, my princess! At long last! My lady of the Lake has arrived and awaits to meet you!"

Zelda looked eagerly onward as the small company of rangers formed lines around them and, in the middle of the incoming guests, rode in a single chariot worthy of nobility. Two guardsmen reached for the doors, and as they shuttered opened, a lady stepped out from among them.

From afar, Link was also making his way back into the fold of the princess, and he couldn't believe his eyes. He had to stop to rub them red just to be sure what he saw.

Led by the hand of one of the rangers and lifted out of the carriage appeared the same hooded woman that had ensnared them in the woods with embarrassment just an hour or so prior.

The lady performed a curtsey as she addressed the princess, who was bubbling with excitement to finally meet the lady she had heard so much about.

"Hello there, Princess of Hyrule; I am pleased to have finally made your acquaintance. The stars fortune your safe arrival to us, and the sea has blessed us this day. We have eliminated the escaping vermin that had tried to flee from your army and now we are here, at your service..."

Zelda was taken aback; it has been so long since she has heard the distinct accent of a Hylian from the Northwest territory. A unique voice as sweet as a summer raindrop that only could be found and heard from a person who grew up in the Marshlands or the Lakeland Fortress . The princess especially enjoyed listening to their dialect. Because to her ears it sounded equally as refined as it did simple and carefree, unlike her own regal tone.

Taleran took a step between them and waved his hands proudly and spoke up. "May I present to you, your highness, our Lady of the Lake, Miss Malon Marin of House Tarble, daughter of Tarin Tarble."

The girl bowed even more reverently and offered Zelda a warm smile from the shadow of her hood. "Though, your highness, everyone just calls me Marin. No need for any formality. It is I who should be honoring you. Speaking of which, I apologize on behalf of my father that he wasn't able to make the trip this far down south."

Zelda interjected sweetly, "Very well, I am also pleased to finally meet you my Lady, you may all call me Zelda as well. No need for the titles unless in court. Besides, I have heard such wonderful things about you and that I should hope we can become friends."

"Indeed, I hope so as well."

Zelda cleared her throat and leaned with concern. "There is no need to apologize for your father either. Taleran tells me that he is ill?" offered Zelda with a tilt of her head.

Marin sighed. "What you've heard is true. My father Tarin is gravely ill. There's been a terrible plague of malice that has been ravaging these parts for many years. At least, since I've been alive. The doctors are baffled about its origin and why some people suffer from it while others do not. None have been able to cure him or any other like him. I fear he may not make it...

"Ever since the Calamity struck these lands, the disease appeared and has tormented our people. But, we remained vigilant and ever watchful, hoping for your return and a solution to the nightmare...and return you did to us."

"I see..." Zelda sighed and placed a soothing hand atop of Marin's shoulder and as the girl looked up at her, she spoke. "Well, I hope for his sake that he overcomes this disease and recovers soon and I would still like to meet him someday, even if I have to make the journey to him. It's the least I can do. To personally offer him my blessing with a prayer to the goddess and show him my friendship."

Marin beamed back and stepped away, impressed by the princess's genuine caring. Something she really didn't expect out of royalty. She always figured they were haughty and self centered. This was far different than she was brought up to believe they would behave to their subjects.

"I thank you for your kindness, Princess Zelda and it is with warm affection that I will tell him that when I return to him again. I'm sure he will delight in it. Words cannot express how glad I am for this day. And as a token of such, my men and I have brought you a gift for tonight's celebration and your victorious return. A stag worthy of your feast tonight!"

Zelda blinked a smile at Marin while she ordered her men to come around the chariot, bearing over their shoulders carrying their hoofed treasure, which hung upside down tied to a plank.

Link, on the other hand, was dumbstruck from afar. Why that no good thieving...

And just as he was about to get carried away, he caught a better glimpse of her. The girl suddenly and bashfully remembered her manners before the princess and she had yet to remove her cloak. So, she dropped her hood and revealed her face, bouncing her hair free atop her shoulders. Instantly, his demeanor changed from rivalry to a surprised intrigue. Link had never met a female hunter before. "Well, I'll be damned..." Link whispered under his breath.

Hair, the color of garnet, framed a confident, pretty face that wore a smirk promising a lifetime of snark. Though she walked through camp with the grace of a lady, earlier, she proved she could move with the dexterity of a prowling panther. Link felt confident she was more than capable with that recurve hunting bow she carried. Her trousers, high leather boots, and vest-over-shirt combination stood in sharp contrast to the gowns of the other ladies in attendance, to Zelda in particular, whose own whites, sky-blues, and blushing pinks would be squaring off against the browns, greens, and blacks of hers.

The contrast did not end there either. Zelda's own gown for the evening was a many-layered and flowing affair, though complimenting as it was, for the most part, worked to de-emphasized her comparatively modest upper proportions, while Lady Marin's own outfit called attention, albeit little actual skin may have been on display at all, to a bust, waist, hips, and legs that any lady would be quite proud of.

And before Link knew it, the procession of nobles were whisked away back into the heart of camp. With nothing for it but to hurry back to Zelda's side, Link and the others bolted back. The hunter had become the hunted, and the night had only just begun!

AUTHORS NOTES- I hope you enjoyed this one. I enjoyed writing it. Let me know with your comments and if you can, please share/review. It helps me immensely, you have no idea. Stay tuned for a bit, I will be posting some artwork on my profile for this chapter as well.

Artwork is my own and it is my depiction of Marin for this fic. Please see my profile to view it. And leave some love!

Thanks again and as always stay well wherever you are in Hyrule friends.

And yassss we got a title finally for the sequel game-Zelda- Tears of the Kingdom. Stay hype friends