Chapter 40
The proposal
The princess strolled her way over to the center post of camp where the festively prepared tent stood. She was swarmed to her right and left by a crowd of hands and smiles. A mass of excited nobles, their entourages, personal guard, and everyone in between were all competing for her attention as she made acquaintances with all of them. You would have thought it was the peak of noon at castle town square by the bustling noise of it all, though it was just two and a half hours past the fall of the evening.
On the other hand, Link had arrived at the outskirts alongside his companions and was eager to get back within her company, but the crowd huddled so tightly around her that it made it impossible for him to get a leg in edgewise. At least, not without being rude. And he most certainly didn't want to behave like that. Tonight, was too important.
Zelda halted abruptly; the parade of nobility following closely behind nearly fell over into a dogpile by the sudden break in their march. She twirled under the grand flap of the tent and faced everyone in attendance. So many new faces were beaming back, and all their eyes were locked on her. A gurgle in her belly pitted, and she found that her palms were sweaty. The back of her neck throbbed with a chill.
The realization that she was the sole remaining heir to the house of Hylia weighed heavily atop her shoulders. There were no coattails of the king to hide behind anymore. All things pertaining to ruling the realm was in her hands, whether capable or not.
She heaved a breath, trying her darnedest not to let the nervousness get the best of her. And with that, she forced the most cheerful smile she could offer them, swallowed the frog in her throat, and began a speech. Her small voice cracked in the rustling wind, and at first, it seemed it would be lost in the commotion of everyone else that were eagerly waiting for her to speak. Though as soon as she attempted again, those in attendance quickly found their reverence for her.
"I... I bid thee thanks for you all being here on this momentous occasion! For this night, we celebrate and remember those who've given all they had. Their noble deeds in life will not be forgotten throughout the ages, and they shall echo throughout eternity. Let it be decreed that from this day forward, each year this night will mark the day that Calamity Ganon was defeated once and for all, thrusts down into that pit of the earth from whence he came. Sealed away in a fiery chasm for time everlasting.
"All shall remember and give praise and thanks on this night to the victorious dead and those honorable living heroes among us. For tonight is for you, my people, my brave men of Hyrule. For your knees did not falter, and your fighting spirit did not wane in our hour of need. Your hearts arose to the challenge.
"Tonight commemorates those who stormed the castle steps without a thought of caring for their own safety and well-being but for their love for their friends, family, and countrymen. Knowing full well that with every step they braved forward could have been their last, yet valiantly charged on to face the unknown shadows lurking for them."
The princess paused; her face flushed against the chill breeze. Her expression staring through time.
Everyone stood in silence, not sure if she had finished her praising or not. And that was when Zelda gazed far over them, beyond the camp, past the vast meadows of Hyrule to what seemed the edge of the map of the world itself. Before anyone could say a word, she then glanced at the milky twinkling of stars through scattered clouds and sky before taking another breath to continue. This time she was entranced, and a spirit of enlightenment veiled over her face.
Although her mouth was moving, it didn't sound like they were her words at all. Through her voice echoed the resonating prayer of another. Or perhaps, it was her voice pleading for their sake to the other. It couldn't be sure. Zelda was locked in meditation. Not one of closed eyes and mind but one of words and recounting.
Link watched in curious amazement from afar. He's seen the princess in many of circumstances, and this, by far, was the most intriguing. Her lips quivered, bangs danced in the breeze, and her eyes glistened back from the moonlight like glowing emeralds in a blacksmith's forge. The fire within her heart came to words.
"And to those who were lost, though not forgotten, know that we all live due to your selflessness. A priceless debt that repeats time after time. Age over again and again. A ransom for life for which we could never repay. That is what we owe you now. And for that, we salute your sacrifice and tip our drinks to you, filled to the brim with a hope… I hope that one day in your eyes, we can live up to that price. That we will not let your memory fade away quietly into the night, but we will carry on the promise you left for us to finish and not allow the blood spilt this day to be in vain.
"We will bond together as a unified people once more. From the high towers and ramparts of mighty castles to every city, lowly village, and burrow, as one, we will fulfill the task laid before us. And with that, we will live on to cherish you in our hearts with a song, and a memory this evening. So, those who haven't seen shall remember in the ages to come.
"Know this, that wherever you gaze down upon us, we as a people will honor your service with every smile, with every newborn child, with every labor toiled to build anew, and with every free breath we live going forward this day, we swear to you we will make Hyrule great once more.
"May we meet again at the end of our days, and may your weary souls find rest when they cross that straight starlight road to Nayru's love. That once you're in the Goddess's sweet embrace, you shall remain in peace forevermore." Zelda finished humbly, hands pressed against her beating heart. The thump of it was beating a mile a minute. Then with a final glance to all their wide-eyed stares, she bowed her head as if in direct communication to the goddess Hylia herself, intermediating on all their behalf before her divine presence. Though the timeless deity couldn't be seen, they all felt her mighty aura among them.
Reverently, the crowd chanted back in whispers of their own, in solitude with the princess's own prayer. "In peace forevermore."
Whether they prayed and wished for what she hoped for remains to be seen. But, whether they wanted to seek a new beginning, offer thanks to the goddess for sparing their lives during the battle, or dare even think it for their selfish desires in the future to come, it mattered not. At that moment, Hyrule's people were unified in one voice.
A silent moment ticked by, and Zelda lifted her head again, eyes wandering over the sea of faces, and continued her pledge to the stars above on their behalf. "For that, I'm eternally grateful and humbled by the selfless devotion to this kingdom by all of you that remain. May those who weren't here to witness today's events throughout the land be told of your valor so they shall never doubt nor forget it. For I fear the day that a generation may come again, that doesn't heed the desperate warnings from their forbearers. May this day year after year forever serve as a reminder to our descendants to come—That they may always have a link to the past."
The princess finished, almost winded even. Her eyes grew heavy, and her neck was stiff, but coming to, she quickly shook off the entire experience with a sigh. A silence followed. Nobody was willing to break rank or disturb, and the seconds ticked away for an eternity. Until one brave soul dared to speak. He couldn't stand the silence. That, or he was in love with the sound of his own voice. Whatever it was, he spoke regardless of what anyone thought.
"Well, there you have it then! You all heard it! Decreed by her own lips! The princess intends to usher in the dawn of the 'New Peace'! Come at last!" Mister Mattock roared, the tips of his walrus mustache bouncing over his burly chest in delight.
Zelda awoke fully out of her trance from the thunder of his voice and blinked to find herself still waiting and standing over them at the tent's entrance. Fully awake, she was about to speak on the matter when Mister Mattock chimed again to the crowd with another boisterous declaration.
"Three cheers for the princess of legend, heir to the goddess and guardian of all the realm of Hyrule! One who transcended time and came to save us all!"
Before the princess could interject, the crowd erupted in a chorus of cheers and ovations. In one unanimous voice, whether noble, servant, or soldier, all praised her with fists raised skyward. "Hip-hip, hooray!" Thrice they cheered to the heavens in honor of her.
At last, when she was about to speak again, from afar, she caught a glimpse from the side of her eye her knight, who was stuck at the outer rim of the crowd. The happy glance sent a smile to her face that she couldn't resist. It hadn't even been that long, yet she already missed him. Zelda shook her head at the thought and laughed at herself while the commotion was excited all around her still.
Get a grip, Zelda! Are you really going to act like a giddy princess desperate to see their promised prince from a faraway land? Though, he wasn't a prince at all. Hell, he wasn't even nobility. Nor did she care. Because, in her eyes, he was all she wanted.
Perhaps, it was the kiss they shared earlier and how magical it felt. An electric sensation of pure ecstasy reverberated through her whole body when the gateway to their souls connected. A feeling unlike any other and, for once in her life, made her feel like a living, breathing woman, not a court statue.
Maybe that's why she was so eager for more affection. While in his embrace, the worries of the world melted away. She could forget all about them, even for just a moment. When she was with him, she wasn't the princess of Hyrule but a girl who just wanted to live her life. Something so trivial that others take for granted, yet she never really had.
Zelda has never been close to a boy before, and she has never experienced the touch of a man. Not even when alone would she dare to venture to feel the feelings of a young woman or explore her fair nature. Oh, how badly she craved his strong yet gentle caresses and what new worlds of experiences they would lead to.
The princess tenderly bit her lip and remembered their time together, and she stood pondering the matter. But as the commotion swelled around her, she snapped to and realized she would have to wait. And that she would have to put some respectful distance between them and take things slow. For she wasn't just any girl of the kingdom, she was the princess. Link to her was worth the wait.
Snapping from her thoughts, Purah ran up beside her to whisper in her ear. Zelda spoke directly to those in front of her again. "Purah reminds me that there is something she would like to show me in private in my tent. I will be back momentarily and can't wait to share in the celebration with you all this night! But don't let my tardiness delay the fun, barrel runners, platter bearers, musicians, and everyone else! You may begin the feast!"
Zelda clapped her hands in the air, and those servants and soldiers standing adjacent to the rest took that as their cue to begin allowing those gathered under the tent to enjoy the early festivities and ushered them in. On the other hand, Zelda bowed to the line of nobility and departed away with Purah.
Bella, kid sister to Simon and Sylmoor, hollered to the princess as she made away from them. "Don't fret, dear princess, we'll warm up the bards to your ear's liking! I bet it's been a long time since you've heard music. They'll be as clear as a pitch pipe tuning fork when you return! Take your time!"
Link saw his opportunity to make his way back to her side. One of the new handmaidens who stood behind her stepped away, allowing just enough room for him to squeeze by. Link seized his moment and went over to greet her, and just as he was about to make his move, he felt a firm jerk to the side of his tunic, pulling him back around. A Starsguard sentry. One of Simon's private guards.
"You there! You're the knight of no banners, right? The Princess's personal protector?"
Sylmoor, who stood beside Link, spoke up before he could. "This is he. Why? What's the meaning of this?"
Link waved his hand down for Sylmoor. "It's alright, m'Lord."
The knight glanced from the foot of the guard until resting eye level to lock on a dueling glare that stared back at him. Not only was the man fixed on him like a target, but his leering was full of accusation. It was as if Link owed an outstanding debt to him, or perhaps there was an underlying personal vendetta that could only be settled if it came down to blows.
The brute was suited up in a full array of plated armor, chest puffed underneath with an overwhelming sense of urgency, the peak of adrenaline in his eyes, and was poised and ready to dive into the scourge of battle as if he was about to conquer the Calamity all over again.
Cool as the dew of a summer's morning and unshaken by the man's posturing, Link spoke, frown slowly forming into a sideways smirk. "I'm the one you seek. But, if you don't mind me asking, I'm a bit confused, soldier. I thought the war was won? Was it not?"
"Very funny..." The soldier huffed back, unimpressed by his tone.
"Sorry, I couldn't help but think you were bringing news that the fight has fallen upon us again..." Link said with a slight chuckle. The man remained unamused.
Composing himself and putting back on a serious face, Link continued. "Very well then, if that isn't it, how can I serve you?"
Annoyed, the man snorted and spat a wad of phlegm on the grass to clear his throat, an inch from Link's boot, and spoke. "I'm on orders from my lord to fetch you. He requests your attention to a serious and urgent matter in his new quarters and asks if you would be willing to come along with me quietly. So, that he may speak to you about it—alone."
Sylmoor chimed. "What is this? What possible scheme is my brother up to now!?"
Link interrupted. "It's fine, Sylmoor. I can go. I'm sure it will be alright." Never breaking his gaze from the proud soldier.
"You sure?"
The guardsman smiled smugly at Sylmoor ."I promise you, my lord, that there's nothing that should be of concern for your new friend here. In fact, it would be most beneficial to the princess's protector if he came along. Just you wait and see."
Unsure of it, Sylmoor insisted. "Well, Link, if you need me, I can go with you—"
"It's alright; I can handle your brother well enough." Link lifted his hand and turned to face Sylmoor, who was behind him, alongside Sidon, who was also standing there confused.
Before Link could walk away, he turned back to his friends. "Would you do me a favor though if you can—both of you, tell the princess I have returned and will only be held up for a short while-Will you do that for me?"
"Certainly, Link." Offered up Sidon.
Link chortled, scratching the bridge of his nose. "Do yourselves a favor and find a barrel to crack open and pour yourselves a stiff drink to celebrate in the meantime."
"Celebrate? Celebrate what?" Asked Sidon.
"Do we need a reason to celebrate?" Interjected Sylmoor, always happy to indulge in a solid beverage to calm the nerves and let loose the tongue for a laugh or two.
"—Our triumph as career huntsman, of course." Link said sarcastically.
"Triumph? Don't you mean your failure?" Sidon teased, astonished by the notion.
"My failure? We're a team, aren't we?"
"Need I remind you that I'm the one who caught sight of that kingly stag in the woods. You're the one that managed to get us ensnared in that lady's trap, my Hylian friend, remember? I fulfilled my end of the bargain!" He quipped, followed by a chuckle.
"Ah, I see, so it was my fault then?"
Sidon nodded with a grin.
Link conceded, shaking his head. "Well, I guess your right by that account. It was a disgraceful defeat that should have never happened. If old man Athelon were still alive, I'd never hear the end of it."
"Who?" Questioned Sidon.
Link shook his head at the foggy recollection, remembering that he and the princess were alone in their past memories. "Oh, nobody, it's not important."
Sidon reaffirmed. "Well, at least the battle today was a victory. We still have that going for us. So, it's not all that bad, and besides, that lady of Tarble brought the stag anyways. So, cheer up, Link. With any luck, the princess wouldn't even have to know how you got easily whooped by that sly huntress!"
"Gee, Sidon, you sure know how to rally a man's confidence."
"Anytime, and don't mention it!" Grinned Sidon with a flex of his arm.
Link bellowed out a sigh and relented to the fact he was bested earlier when it came to the game of wits out in the wild. Lifting his chin up, he shook his head of the defeat and smiled. "Well, in that case, I hope you're right."
"I am right! I promise she would be none the wiser, so don't worry."
"Well then, while you're at it, why don't you save me a pour of that drink as well. Because one thing is for certain, I think I'm gonna need it."
Sylmoor smiled and intervened, excited for the evening's festivity. "Abso-lutely—with pleasure! And I'll be looking forward to it! Tonight will be one to remember; just you wait and see! Hurry back, alright."
"Sure thing." Link remarked under his breath.
"Well, how about it? You ready?" Link said, dusting his trousers clean while adjusting the gear tied around his waist before lifting his head to the guard who had stood patiently by this entire time.
"Yes, this way. Follow me ser-knight."
And in no time, Link marched behind the Starsguard, who escorted him along a curiously dim-lit path through camp, far away from where the others were all gathered for the festivity. Though Link had no suspicion of anything dubious planned for him, he still made sure to shoulder caution. Not that it worried him much, there was nothing here he couldn't handle, he thought.
"Okay, Purah, here we are, as requested. So, what is so secret that you need to pull me away right now to tell me? You do realize that the others are waiting for my lead and probably are still delaying the feasts out of respect for my arrival?" Zelda said, marching alongside the sheikah scientist to the center of her quarters.
"Good, they should respect you!"
"Yes, but I want them to enjoy themselves and relax from their long journey! What kind of impression am I giving them if the first thing I do when meeting them is to slink away to my quarters? All the while adding undo pressure for them to wait hand and foot over me. I'm worried about what sort of princess they might think I am." The princess stated, marching through her quarters to face the affirming glow from the small stove placed there for warmth.
Zelda thought more on it and puffed up her posture, fixed her hands on the hips of her dress, pursed her lips and playfully spoke in a sarcastic, haughty tone in a hindsight mockery to herself. "Hello there, very grand to make your acquaintance, everyone! Now, do your 'royalness' a kindness and hold off for a bit while I go have a leisurely chat and a bit of tea with my friend here. Never mind the vast acreage of land you've all trekked to come to honor me."
"They'll be fine, princess. It's you I'm worried about."
Imeria remained quiet while their little spat played on, not wanting to get in the middle of it, and pretended to be preoccupied with something else. Zelda shrugged, curious as to what Purah meant. Worried?
"Trust me, you're going to want to see this. The others can wait a measly five minutes. It's barely nine in the evening, and their drinks will still be waiting for them when we're done. I promise. And besides, that Mattock fellow looks like he can do well by skipping a meal or two."
"Purah!" Zelda chastised.
"It's true! And don't pretend to act so high-strung. I know you agree!" the tiny scientist said coolly, fixing her lenses.
And before the princess could contest, it suddenly dawned on her. Her brows lifted, and her mouth dropped. "Wait a minute, did you say, see? See what?"
"Exactly, your majesty. Now we're talking!"
Purah ribbed Imeria jovially, and the quiet girl suddenly awoke, remembering her cue. She nearly zoned out entirely between their back and forth. The two of them were more than capable of going at it for hours.
The sheikah handmaid hopped from the prod and scurried around to another wing of the tent masked by a veiled drape. And, before Zelda could utter a phrase or realize what was happening, the young girl returned, squinting happily, eagerly with hands folded behind her back. Hidden in her grasp, she held a surprise wrapped in a soft satin fabric.
Purah stepped between them, loosening the sheet, and unveiled the artifact gripped in the girl's hands as she held it out for Zelda to behold, lighting up her face with an orange reflection from the hearth. "Feast your eyes on this little beauty!"
Zelda gasped in awe. Her gaze wandered over detail, studying it, trying to commit every groove, crevice, shape, and function to memory. And before she could fall spellbound by the mysterious object, she spoke. "What—what is it? Where did you?"
Purah smiled, leaning over Zelda while she carried it in her hands and held it up to the hearth to marvel. "We found it underground. During an excavation right before the calamity struck. I've been meaning to show you, but it was too late when I was about to. Also, the strange thing is that it didn't become active after you and Link disappeared for one hundred years."
"What does it do?" the princess asked, intrigued by its design and artistry. A smooth and circular, seemingly indestructible hollow disc made of some unknown iridescent alloy. No larger than a round platter used for dining. A solid halo flickered with pulses of pale green light accompanied by an array of complex moving parts which would appear from its shape, occasionally buzzing and electrifying, moving every which way faster than one could follow.
In doing so, it would display a glimpse of some unknown energy, shuffling its shape on a pre-determined timetable until it would suddenly stop, dissolve and slicker out again into its previous solid metallic form. It would wait an interval before activating again to repeat the process as if stuck in some endless cycle.
"I have no idea. It's quite an enigma. But, I'm hoping since you'll have a lot more free time on your hands, now with Calamity Ganon gone and all, you'll be able to help me figure it out!"
"Well, you know I would love to Purah, but there's still much more work to be done. With rebuilding the kingdom and everything else. And now, with all these lords and ladies coming from their territories, I'm afraid I'll probably have less time."
"Tell them to shove it already! You deserve a holiday. Bunch of ungrateful—"
"Purah!" Zelda chastised, rolling her eyes and wanting to agree but knowing she couldn't.
"Well, the least they can do is give you some more time to yourself. And besides—I need my study partner back!" she protested, stomping her foot impatiently.
"Well, of course, I'd love to help when I can. You know me. I would just love to blow it all off and investigate this further, but you know I can't." She reaffirmed before handing back the mysterious object into Purah's care. "But, um, why now?"
"Hmm? Why what now?"
"Why now did you wait to tell me this? If it was so important?"
"This work is important! Who knows what this little thing may entail. I wanted to tell you before, back in Hateno, but I wanted to be sure. When I last saw you, you had only just arrived, and I didn't want to burden you. Especially with the night you had prior. And that's when it all hit me—there's something more to this; it's all connected!"
"What's connected…?" Zelda said, facing away again toward the stove, cupping her chin, listening intently.
The scientist explained. "Princess, a hundred years ago, this thing, whatever it is, didn't look like this at all, and well, we didn't give it much thought when we discovered it. Me and the other researchers from my team, that is. We all thought it was just some sort of a dud or a piece of broken ancient tech and wasn't worth the mention. But after you and mister handsome left, things went from bizarre to downright strange."
Piqued, Zelda turned to face her at the insinuation of Link with a sacrilegious frown.
Purah didn't skip a beat. "It became alive, transformed, and changed to the specimen you see now before you."
"So it is Sheikah tech? Looks nothing like the slate, though?—"
"—No, it can't be. The workmanship is entirely different than what my ancestors designed. Not to mention, it appears to be far more advanced than what we've ever created. Our technology doesn't even hold a candle to what this little thing has been displaying as of late."
"As of late?"
"Yes, like I said, when you both fell off the face of the map for a hundred years, this thing went from a boring dead end to a lit-up gizmo with a mind of its own that you see now. But then, just as wild as it activated, it just stopped. And not until now, since you both reemerged, has it come back to life. It's strange because we haven't seen anything like this. Ever. Because—"
"—Because?" Zelda was curious, bubbling with excitement needing to know more, and couldn't wait.
"Because it predates everything we have. From what our tests have analyzed, this device is older than even the slate, the towers, the divine beasts… everything. There's no record of anything like it, not in any of the scholarly scrolls of Sheikah, Gerudo, or Hylian. At least that I can find. Nothing. It's as if it fell right into our lap from the heavens."
"But, how? You said it was pulled from the earth?"
"Exactly! And that's the mystery! Isn't it exciting?"
"Very..."
"Truly, but there is one thing left that I haven't considered until recently. Not until you came back to us."
"And that is?"
"Remember back in Hateno when that yiga imposter showed up, and we were clueless as to what he was after?"
"Yes, I do. He was after a book of some kind and a rod. Your sister believes it may have been the Moon Pearl since that was crowned atop the Royal Scepter. But, since the battle with Malroc, it's likely lost to the sea by now. Swept away by the currents of the River Rutala."
"—Bah, what my sister believes. What does she know? That old goat believes that throwing a rupee in a wellspring could summon forth the fairies of old to bring one fortune! Quite the superstitious one she is. She's been throwing away our entire family's estate in that mirky pond that she calls a spring behind our house for decades, and all she has to show for it is sore knees!"
"-And you can do well to have a bit of superstition of your own 'dear' sister."
"Impa!" Zelda's eyes lit up, startled to see the old sage standing in the entryway. Like a sheikah monk of old, she had stealthily appeared. The princess had to rub her eyes to believe it to be true. Peeking in from behind her also tip-toed the timid Paya who nearly stumbled over her grandmother. "How long have you?-" Zelda asked.
"-For only just a minute. I see you haven't forgotten about this old woman?" Impa said gleefully. Paya could only bow, wearing a sheepish smile, before retreating to let them hug and greet each other.
Purah responded before Zelda could. "Sheesh, how could we?"
Impa scoffed at her sister. "You can be forgetful from time to time, sis. So, what is all this secrecy about? The others said you three were hiding away over here. What gives?"
Zelda replied. "We were just discussing this curious thing here. A discovery of Purah's. And of the Moon Pearl and—"
"-What the princess means is that we are trying to solve the enigma of that assassin earlier this week. Why? Do you have anything wise to add?"
"Well, speaking of, where is it? The pearl?" Impa questioned.
"Lost, I'm afraid. During the battle." Zelda said, head hung low.
"I see..." said Impa. "Well, that was the only lead I could surmise. There wasn't much to go by. But that's the only artifact that fits the description of a rod used by the royal family. It's the only relic of the monarchy I can recollect that had any real power hidden in plain sight."
"Hmmm... I'm not so sure about that." Interjected her sister. "That being the only relic, I mean."
Zelda's eyes awoke. "Huh, so what are you saying? That it wasn't the Moon Pearl, he was after?"
"Well, maybe... Maybe not, but it got me thinking since you left. Now, it's sort of complicated. More research might need to be done, but I believe that with the right equipment and knowledge, I might be able to find out what he was after. Now I can't be one hundred percent certain if my hypothesis is correct, I could be wrong, but-."
"-Get on with it, Purah!" Chastised Impa. Slapping a pat on the back of her sister's head. "While I'm still alive to hear it!"
"Okay, okay!" Purah winced, rubbing away the throb. The tiny scientist then hopped away and protested. "Sheesh, no patience with anyone these days."
"Do I look like someone that has the luxury of patience? Perhaps, you need some better glasses, or haven't you noticed? I'm no spring cucco!"
Purah spoke under her breath. "You got that right."
"What was that?" Demanded Impa, hard of hearing.
"Huh, nothing. You're right… my glasses must need replacing, is all. I'll get right on that." She then coughed into her fist and fixed them nonchalantly. "Anyways, as I was saying, princess. I can't be certain if it was specifically the pearl he was trying to obtain. Or a concert of other things working in unison. But I believe I know now which text he was trying to get his slimy dead fingers on. And not only that but perhaps the very same book which may hold to key to this artifact that you held in your hands. One that may reveal to us its mystery of what it is."
Zelda's brows lifted. "What book?"
"Well, there's only one left that may hold the key to all of this. It is quite literally a cipher of sorts. Well, at least from what I've understood about it from my time scouring the library of my personal study." Purah paused suddenly and chuckled to herself. "Funny..."
"What's funny?" Zelda asked.
"Reading books to only find out that they're all the wrong ones and not the one I need. Not every day does that happen. Kind of strange thing to do, don't you think?"
Zelda cupped her chin to ponder her words with a curious glance, but Impa was impatient.
"Is that all? Or are you going to get back to what you were saying? A cipher?"
"Oh yeah!" awoke Purah. "From what I know, this book has been used before in that capacity. A very ancient binding containing keys to all sorts of mysteries. The sole remaining of its era, in fact."
Zelda waved out her hands anxiously. "Okay, so which book?"
"Then it could only be The Book of Mudora," Impa answered, beating Purah to the punch.
"You knew?" Zelda asked. The only one between them that wasn't in the loop or understood the ramifications of any of such a book.
"Bingo!" Winked back at her sister with a pointed finger, speaking over Zelda. "Ya know, you're not so dull when you want to be, sis."
"Try me..." Impa said, frown fading as she spun around to cup her chin also. She took a second to recompense with the revelation. The old lady turned slowly back to face the anxious Zelda with a chill glow across her face from the candlelight, a flickering blue flame that kindled suddenly. "That book is an ancient record of texts written in the forgotten tongue of High Hylian. A revered scripture passed down from the KNIGHTs of Hylia herself."
The old woman then turned to address Purah. "But, why would his ilk want that? It's mostly just a collection of psalms honoring the tales of their lineage more than anything else. What use would an assassin have of it?"
Purah replied. "Yes, that may be, but it's one of the oldest, if not the oldest, record we have in existence. It may also shine a light or clue as to what this little contraption is. They may be from the same era."
Zelda interjected to clarify. "But Purah, the KNIGHTs of legend have been extinct for millennia since the fall of the first Calamity. If it really is written in the script you say it is, then nobody could read it, let alone decipher it."
"Well, it's worth a shot to at least get our hands on it. Maybe science could help solve the rest of the riddle if we at least had it in our care. We could then experiment with other tools from my lab to try and formulate a way for us to crack its code. We don't know unless we try. And besides, it's the only scrolls from history I haven't poured over to see if they could make sense of this device."
"But, where is the book? That is the question." Impa spoke.
Purah replied. "The last known whereabouts of its location was said to be Hyrule Castle's Room of Remembrance."
"I see... Hmmm," Zelda finished, pondering the matter with a tilt of her head.
"Hmm, what?" Purah asked curiously, noticing the princess stewing heavily on the matter.
"I know! What of Mister Kelcifer?" Zelda said, hopping where she stood as if struck by a bolt of lightning with an idea. Or better yet, a spell of lightning.
"Who?" Questioned Impa. Still not caught up on all the details of what has transpired as of late.
Purah quickly clarified. "A muttering conjurer, a fellow from Draene who dabbles in side-show tricks. I'll tell you all about it at dinner."
"C'mon Purah, you know better that he is as authentic as they come," Zelda said, hands at her waist.
"Fine, fine. I admit his little magic show did surprise me and leave me with some questions. I give him that. He did accomplish what he set out to do. There! Happy?"
Zelda's eye roll faded into a hopeful smile at Purah's stubborn change of heart. "Well, maybe he can help? If I recall, he mentioned he likes to pour over ancient scrolls and such. In fact, he asked if I could help him tour the room in search of a binding that he needed for his study in magical medicine. When we take back the castle. That is if the chamber isn't demolished. Let us pray we find the remains of the vast archives of wisdom that were left there are still intact. At least for the texts were looking for.
"But, in the meantime, maybe he could also look at this contraption and make sense of it? He seems to be quite knowledgeable about the strange and aloof things of this world. He does know Magick, after all. What else good is having a wizard around?"
"Well, I don't know..." Purah stewed, weighing the issue.
"I mean, he did save Riju. What could it hurt for him to at least be able to lend a helping hand? Even if he can do nothing."
"Well, I guess. It's worth a try." She relented. "But, no silliness. The moment he starts talking crazy, I'm taking it back. We have a deal?
"Sure, Purah, I'll let you be in charge of the matter… thank you. The sooner we solve this mystery, the better!" Replied Zelda gleefully.
Impa chimed. "Sounds good to me. But that only answers part of the riddle. The pearl is lost, you said."
Zelda shrunk into herself, also remembering the other half. "That's correct. Sidon tried his best to recover it but to no avail. You don't think—"
"-No, no, my dear, I think you will be alright. Perhaps it is better lost. It's just… I'm sorry. I just get sentimental over things in my old age. It's a pity because that was part of the royal scepter and has been a part of your house since the breaking of the first seal of time. That heirloom is nearly as timeless as the realm itself.
"But, knowing the circumstance, come to think of it, riddle or not, it's probably for the best. Better lost into the depths of the sea than in the hands of our enemies." Impa finished, heaving a long, strong sigh that you would think to be unbefitting of such a frail old woman. "Now, should we be getting back? They are expecting you, my dear. Tonight is a big night for you."
"Yes, let us go. The night cannot wait any longer." Zelda said, humbly nodding.
And with that, the four sheikah women and the lone princess hid away the artifact they had for safekeeping and made their way from her quarters and back to the sound of songs and laughter.
Alone in another tent, the wizard Kelcifer was also setting up his temporary quarters and, in doing so, set aside a peculiar trunk that wasn't like any normal chest one might usually find. This one had an array of unique cogs and gears that latched it closed. At a closer glance, a sophisticated locking mechanism would appear to answer only to his voice's command and the gentle tap of his fingers atop the lid.
From only a whisper did the locked chest spring open, and out from under his cloak, he placed a curious jar inside it. The same bottle that encapsulated the frozen malicious essence which captured Zelda's fascination during the cleansing of her friend Riju earlier that evening. It wasn't placed into a void; the chest already had items tucked away. Folded up old parchments, maps, scrolls, vials of potions, and other personal items of a curious nature. Not only that, but after he set the jar aside, he revealed from under his cape an entirely different object of profound significance. From another pocket, he unveiled the mysterious pearl he had claimed earlier that day on the outskirts of Hyrule field.
Unlike the bottle carrying the essence, with this, he took extra care and time to marvel at it and even dared to speak to it. As if the object was an old friend he had longed to say farewell to.
"The world isn't ready for you yet. Safe will I keep you until the time is right. When the princess is ready. I promise. Nearly is she. The seven stars are almost aligned. But, until that time, rest your luster for another day."
With that final word on the matter, he hid it away, and with a wave of his hands over the lid, he sealed it shut with an invisible, impenetrable barrier. And with nothing left to do, he scurried out from his small quarters and headed back to where the celebration was to be. At the central pavilion of camp.
Following the Starsguard, Link was permitted entry into a smaller tent, ushered underneath the crisscross spears of two guards.
Not two steps in did Simon call out to him as he marched atop a floral-decorated rug, a proud vestige bearing the crest of the pale stallion of Illiastar. A symbol of all the might, wealth, and influence of the land of Bountiful. The proud lord was scribbling away with a quill at a desk at the far end, flanked by two other guards who stood as sentinels beside him, watching the rogue knight's every move.
"Ah, yes, just the man I wanted to see. Come in..."
Link hesitantly paced forward and stood guarded, uneasy about all the mysteriousness.
Simon's cold stare lifted from his parchment to meet Link's own. "Yes, your valor and skill were unparalleled today on the field of battle, and it hasn't gone unnoticed... On behalf of the princess and your kingdom, I wanted to thank you for your selfless service."
Simon relaxed in his seat, slid back, joined his hands together, and continued, clicking his tongue in his mouth as if he had a nagging thought stuck in his tooth. "Now, that being said, the triumph of today's victory will certainly go down in history. That I can assure you. Forever to be preserved in the scrolls of men to carry on our legacy for all generations to come. So that they may learn from it. Our strengths as well as our weaknesses. Mistakes to be avoided in the future."
Simon's face suddenly soured. "Your victory, however... will not. History will record that it was the army of Illiastar who won the day today. Led to triumph by their noble commander. There is no place in the testaments of time for the deeds of a single soldier. I hope you understand that."
Link squeezed a fist at his side, and his face frowned, but Simon continued his declaration before he could interject. "But before you say anything, don't let that trouble you. For the least of which your sacrifice is not without its own reward, one worthy of royalty… and as such, what must also come with that is…. loyalty."
Link could only listen, still silent, digesting his words as he preached them, still unsure about where he was going with all of this prattling.
Simon continued, throwing the parchment to the side and leaned forward across his desk as if he wanted Link to approach him closer to listen better to what he was about to say.
"Tonight, in an hour, in fact, there will be a proclamation made at dinner by her majesty, and I wanted to know where you stand on the matter before that happens. I don't want any unwelcome surprises."
"I'm listening..." Link cut him off. Eager to get to the point of all this.
Simon slowly slid off gloves to pick and prod some nonexistent issue with his fingernails and then glanced up to Link again. "It has been no secret that the princess keeps a fondness for you in her heart, though she pretends that it isn't so. Those keen to it are not so easily fooled as others. But that's not why I have summoned you, nor does it even matter. You, on the other hand, I still haven't figured out."
Link's eyes widened, and his head lifted.
"What I want to know is where your intentions lie."
"—What proclamation?"
"—One that will unify the kingdom once and for all and be done with this age of calamity. To put it all behind us and start anew. The princess will declare at table tonight when the entirety of three major houses of Hyrule have gathered around her that she will be wedded soon to solidify her reign under Hyrulean law."
Link interjected quickly, a tense ripple in his voice. "Does she know?
"She does, and if by some chance she doesn't, she will soon remember it. That I can assure you. This sacred duty of hers is to ensure the blood of her line remains intact and to tie the bonds of fellowship between all the peoples of Hyrule so that they may gather under one banner and one house once more. And to end any strife amongst those who may question her claim to the throne."
Simon arose from his chair and paced about the tent to fiddle with ornamental items situated on furniture. His face was aglow by the center hearth placed in there, and while gazing into the furnace of flickering embers, he continued. "And in order for her to do so, she will be announcing her intentions to betroth herself to a lord worthy of her standing."
Link froze, not that he wasn't understanding, but perhaps he understood too well. It suddenly hit him. Stabbing him like a knife through his gut. This is what Simon wanted to discuss with him. Oh, how he wished now, it was for something else. A debt to pay, perhaps? Or even a scuffle with some troops. Anything but this. The knight didn't say a word. All he could do was listen. The ill-timed tellings of Simon were as hard to swallow as a rock roast. Yet, he knew that when he spoke, there were no lies in his eyes.
"So, now that you know, I'm sure you must be wondering if you care, that is, where you stand in all of this—I can tell you now, you stand nowhere, knight. There is no place for you by her side in the manner that you wish there to be."
Link needed a moment. So much in so few words were spoken, and he just needed a second to weigh the gravity of it all. The knight turned away, faced the drapes of the tent, and stewed for a while. He traced back his thoughts through his emotions, careful not to speak out of tongue.
Simon took notice of his change of demeanor and continued. "You must really think I hate you a hell of a lot in order for me to say this, don't you?"
Link spun back around stoically. Stern was his voice. "It may have crossed my mind from time to time..."
"On the contrary, my good lad. I actually have grown to admire you quite a bit, in fact. Though you would never believe me...
"But, whether you believe me or not is your own affair."
With a pompous gesture, he knocked on the table with his knuckles as if he were clearing his conscience of some new sin he had yet to reveal. "It is because you're so likable, not only to me but to all the others, is precisely what makes you so dangerous to anyone who would like to see Hyrule's true glory restored. And that is the reason which compels me to do what I am about to do."
"And what is that?"
The lord flexed, folding his arms across his chest. "I'll offer you a choice to make things easy for everyone. Whatsoever you decide to do with my offer is your prerogative, but know this, the princess will be wedded to a nobleman."
Link cut him off. "And what makes you so sure it's going to be a nobleman...
"And why would she choose you between any of them? She can have any man in the kingdom, for that matter." Link alluded, having a sick sense in his gut where this conversation was heading.
"Because as fate would have it, my good man, she really doesn't have a say in the matter." Simon countered, leaning over his desk with a gotcha grin inching up his face.
Link took a step back. He had no idea.
"The law states that on the eve of the princess's eighteenth birthday, she must choose a lord of high noble standing to be her betrothed. Furthermore, if for some reason she could not make a choice, or one cannot be found, it would also open the door for a confluence of lesser nobles for nomination. They would then all have to compete against one another to face trials and tribulations in order to win her appointed affection."
Simon began to pace again, explaining in further detail the ramifications of what was to come. "Through what is known and written in our law as a Tournament of Roses. The victor who stands triumphant at the end shall be granted the distinct honor of her hand in holy matrimony."
Simon scoffed at the idea suddenly and cleared his throat to reiterate further. "Though, that is less likely to happen since there hasn't been one of these events in ages. Typically, the king would decide for her hand but seeing that there is no king, she will have her own say in which noble house she desires to bond with. That will be the way of it."
Link stood in silence, hearing the words but not wanting to believe them. A selfish ache in his chest drummed, and though he hated falling victim to it, he knew it was too late. This was an outcome he hadn't considered at all.
Simon continued. "So you see... she really doesn't have a choice…. However, you do..."
Link lifted his head from his chest after pondering for a moment to hear him out.
"Like I said, I'm not entirely cruel. I can be a fair man. So, I offer you a choice. One that I think we can come to an agreement of sorts."
Link squinted, listening ever so thoroughly.
"So, when the time comes for her to marry, I want you to stand out of the way of it. Don't involve yourself or place any undue pressure on her to choose between the stability of her kingdom or the selfish desire for a forbidden love. A union between a low-blood commoner and a princess is nothing but a fantasy. A love like that could only lead to ruin."
Link squeezed his fists even tighter, drawing drips of blood, staining the carpet. Not because of the insult to his heritage but because of what little regard the man had, if any at all, for how she even felt. Where was her say in all this!?
"And as gratitude for your cooperation in this, when I'm chosen, I'll even let you have her the day after our wedding. How does that sound?" Simon said, smirking as if he really believed this to be a wonderful bargain.
The slime continued. "If she so desires it, of course. I mean, If you can be discreet enough about it. For it may come as a surprise to you, but I actually don't desire her at all in that manner."
Link was at his limit. The boldness of such a deprave offer took all the willpower he had to restrain himself, and miraculously he managed to bite his tongue long enough to listen to the man dribble on.
Simon continued. "Yes, it is true, the princess is quite lovely. An adorable flower even. Unplucked and desirable more so than any maiden that my eyes have laid upon. Perhaps, the most treasured in all the land. One whose cheeks are fairer and shoulders more delicate as any in the kingdom...
"But, even with beauty desirable as that, I can resist the want for her touch. I mean, it's not like I would only have her to choose from when crowned king. So, why not be a merciful one and offer you and her a reprieve in quiet secrecy?"
Link's temples bulged, and a fog of disillusionment clouded his thoughts. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. It couldn't be real. Could it? His anger grew, fated to listen to the ill words coming from the mouth of this scheming man.
Simon continued. "So, as the deal stands, you may have her after our wedding night and only then. I trust you understand that the marriage itself must be consummated in order for it to be in force. Don't worry, I'll be gentle, and it's only for requirement's sake. After that, she is all yours to do as you will."
Link's blue eyes blazed with an icy stare that could've stabbed right through anyone who would be unfortunate enough to get in its gaze, yet, miraculously kept his temper from getting the best of him even as the pompous man continued his sacrilege.
"It's nothing personal. But, you must understand that the princess's heir-to-be can't have blood mingling with that of a no-name soldier.
"Believe what you will, but I care not for sensualities and carnal desires of the flesh as other men do. Not at all. What I crave from her is something far more valuable...
"A dynasty of my own," Simon said, clenching a fist in front of his face as if to grip the world itself in the palm of his hand.
"Through her, my name and heirs will live on throughout the ages. Long when we have turned to dust will my name be remembered in the carvings of stone. These are the things that matter. And that is the way things are done.
"It's the same as they have always been since my father and his father's father. Since time immemorial. There's no changing the law."
Simon saw the sourness in Link's expression grow, the tenseness in his breathing, and the pain in his subconscious flinching. "It isn't a blot against you, my man. This isn't personal. But you would do well to take my offer. You have a real opportunity here to do the right thing. In fact, I can sweeten the deal even further if you prefer. Though, this would require a certain deal more to be done on your part."
Link glanced up, confused by his new posturing, stomach churning at the edge of not knowing. What now?
"Come to think of it, it would probably be best if you were to just bid thee leave from this place altogether. Quietly, and when the time is right, of course. And if you do accept my new proposal, what I bring before you now is a trunk filled with the finest riches and spoils our land of Bountiful has to offer." The Lord finished, clapping his hands together.
Immediately, two guards came swarming into the tent, marching past Link, and before he could blink, they sat down in front of him beside the hearth, an opulently ornamented treasure chest that was moments earlier atop their shoulders. Heavy enough that it had to be ushered in by two wooden beams. With a quick tilt of the brow, Simon instructed one of the men to unlatch the box to reveal its mysteries.
Link stepped close to the pulsating light hovering out the box, and when he did, his eyes marveled over the vast amount of treasure inside. Once opened, the chest illuminated the tent with brilliant reflections from the fire's glowing embers with a glare consisting of the entire spectrum of the rainbow.
A trunk filled to the brim with items of priceless value. Whether they be gems, gold trinkets, silver goblets, and rupees of every denomination. The knight was stricken in silence. Never had he seen such an accumulation of wealth in a single place. He may have scored several treasures here or there while on his quests freeing the divine beasts, but nothing that could compete to this sort of value and scale. This was many, many folds more than he had ever had.
Simon smugly smirked and continued his indecent proposal. "Two more just like it are waiting for you in a carriage right outside this tent. You only but need to give me the word, and they are all yours.
"Why, there's enough here for you to buy half the entire territory of the Evergreen hills! Vast lush meadows and farmable prairies as far as the eye can see can be yours. You could practically become nobility with that sum of money. And I say practically, because there is no way to purchase noble lineage."
Simon then raised a stiff finger in the air to clarify. "But, there's nothing that says you can't enjoy the spoils of one." He finished with a chuckle.
Link hesitated, and his hands grew heavy at his sides with a burden and temptation. In his heart, he didn't really lust after the riches for himself but growing up a poor farmer's son, he knew the struggle all too well of living without means. The hard toil that of a peasant who came from nothing.
He stood in silence and dwelled more on it, weighing all sides. It was no secret to him that wealth such as that could not only do well for him, but more so, it could do some tremendous good to those living descendants of the families whose lives were decimated by the Calamity back in his era. The remnants that survived have been left destitute and scattered since then. A bounty such as this could help restore what was lost to most of them. A chance for many in need to start over.
Simon placed a hand on Link's shoulder and, with his other, waved it like a wand over the chest. "There is enough here to bring prosperity and wealth to you and your posterity for generations to come. Give them the life you never had. It's what you deserve. That is-if you can consider finding peace with another fair lady to settle down with and forget you ever had feelings for this princess."
The knight broke free of his trance and jerked away, pushing the lord aside. Disgusted that he could have even considered the words of a viper. Even for a second. "You intend to bribe me with treasures and trinkets? You think I would so easily succumb to the same desires that rule your own heart?"
"Careful, boy, even my generosity has its limits."
"First, you try to hold ransom the princess's fate over my head, and then like a butcher in the marketplace, you dare to haggle a price for me to sell out who I am as if she was just some mere piece of meat –and then you call that generosity?"
Link stomped. "I have bent the knee and sworn an oath to the princess, and only by her decree could I be relieved to take leave. Or do you only remember our laws when they suit you?"
"Easy lad, the more you wander too close to the sun, the more likely you'll get burned."
"I fear not the light nor those disguised as it."
"Well, I guess this means we won't be friends after all. A pity, really. You don't want to make an enemy out of me. I am not a man to mess with."
"Hmm, that's interesting. I didn't realize this entire time that we have been friends?"
"No, you're right. We're not. But answer me this one thing, knight? Is it really worth it for you to stay? Face it; the war is over. And the constant need for protection from war dogs like you will become a dying breed. She will have an entire troop at her beck and call soon enough. What need does she have from a single soldier? Your position, if you choose to remain as a guardsman, will be ceremonial at best and a nuisance at worst."
Link stomped while turning away to listen.
Simon pointed and, in a raised voice, continued his taunt. "Let there be no doubt in your mind that once she is married, settled down as queen, and after being blessed with children in the years gone by, in time, she will learn to forget about you. There's no escaping it."
Link was on the verge of storming out when Simon called out to him again.
"So, tell me, do you really wish to live out your days, forever doomed to skulk around in the shadows of the castle halls? To perpetually watch from afar, never to behold or share in her joys publicly? To see her wrapped in the arms of another man. To slowly witness her tender fondness grow for the embrace of another? Why torture yourself? Or better yet, why poison what happiness she can have with your lingering reminder from the corner of her eye every time she looks up of what can never be with you!?"
Link glanced back stoically. "You can keep your spoils. I want no part of them. My place is to my oath and to her side until she releases me."
"So, you intend to make things rough and get in the way, then?" Simon said, disappointed.
"I intend to do what is right! And you are a no-good swine! Is she even aware of your plots!?" The knight marched straight for the pompous, overdressed lord to confront him as if the dam of frustration finally burst wide open.
Simon's voice raised again. "Cool your temper, boy! I like you, but I will not be spoken to in that manner by any soldier! You should really show some respect to your lords and bend the knee!"
In that instant, the two guards that had remained as statues awoke violently and unsheathed their blades while guarding Simon to his right and left.
Link halted his advance but didn't flinch an inch. "You think your soldiers can bend them? I'd like to see them try!"
Caught in a stalemate, waiting for who would blink first and draw first blood, Link spoke up. "Brothers in arms, my quarrel isn't with you, but that weasel of a Lord of yours. But, I promise you though, if you dare to strike, this sunset would have been the last your eyes ever see."
Link's ferocity in his eyes, his war footing and sharpened skill as a warrior caused the guards to hesitate and stew whether it was worth it.
Just as things rose to a fever pitch and both sides would be sure of violence, Sylmoor came storming in a drunken stupor into the tent.
Simon retreated a couple steps, and Link also relaxed his war footing. The soldiers likewise put away their weapons.
Sylmoor hollered. "Link it's been forty-five minutes! What's the bloody holdup? The princess beckons you… Several times I might add...' hiccup.' "
Simon continued to Link before Sylmoor could follow what was happening. "Easy, there's no need for things to get out of hand."
Link settled down as Sylmoor walked up beside him, leaning an arm for balance atop his shoulder.
Simon spoke again. "That's a good lad. No, it is fine. Sylmoor, he was just leaving. You may escort him back with you to the celebration if you like. I'm sorry for delaying him. Give the princess my apologies and warm regards and that I will be joining her table shortly as well."
Link glanced to the two smug soldiers, then to Simon, and then helped Sylmoor stand on his own two feet.
Simon spoke. "We'll continue this discussion later. But, in the meantime, Link, you would do well to think about my offer. I can let bygones be bygones. Think about your future and what what that can do for you. I'll give you a week to decide. After that, it's off the table, and you'll be on your own."
Sylmoor smiled and spoke loudly, still confused at what he stumbled on. "Is everything alright?"
"Yeah, it is. Let's go. Sorry..." replied Link.
Before Link could make his way out, Simon just had to have one last say on the matter. "I know that deep down in your heart, you know the right thing to do. Not only for her but the kingdom... you will follow through. You always do."
The Lord spoke up beside Link as they left Simon's presence and exited the tent. "What was that all about in there?"
"Nothing, just some trivial bargain your brother wanted to treat with me."
"It didn't look very trivial to me?"
"Wait a minute, you understood what was spoken?" Link said, halting their walk and having a better look at Sylmoor. After eyeing him again, he continued, this time thoroughly impressed. "You're not even drunk are you?"
Sylmoor giggled mischievously. "Not on your life! I had to get you out of there, though. I wasn't entirely joking; I may have had a pint or three in your absence and I'm sure the princess yearns to see you. It has been quite a minute since you've been away."
The proud Illiastar dusted his shoulder with pride, pleased by his acting. "I told you I was one for theater! Didn't I tell ya?"
Link could only smile back as Sylmoor fanned the notion away, changing the subject. "So, what do you say we get the high hell out of here and get to the party? Enough of my brother's nonsense for one night. I don't want to hear it. I'm sure he was up to some sort of scheme. He always is."
"Well, don't you want to know?"
"No." Replied Sylmoor unequivocally. "Please, Link, don't make me choose between you and my brother." Because in just the short amount of time he has gotten to know the knight, he already has decided who was the better man and friend. Not that he would ever tell him.
Link shrugged it off, seeing that Sylmoor wanted to hurry, and with that, they both began their walk toward the pavilion when Sylmoor stopped suddenly, nearly causing Link to stumble over him. The man jerked so hard. "Hold on, just a zora second!" Sylmoor exclaimed, spinning around to scan Link from head to toe in an evaluation. "You're not serious, are you?"
"About what?" postured Link, confused.
"About what!?" Sylmoor facepalmed. "I mean, we are trying to impress this girl, right? I mean, that is your master plan to win her over completely, right? That's what Sidon said!"
"Did he now?" Link's eyes widened. "I'll have to have a word with him."
"Yes. But don't you worry, I'm not like my brother, and it's obvious anyway, at least to me. We will have to work on that for the others, though. This is a delicate matter and will require some tact. But, back to what I was saying!"
Link scratched his chin, unsure where Sylmoor was getting at. "What do you mean?"
"What I mean is, your clothes! I know that maybe where you come from, muddy old boots, torn-up mail, and moth-eaten tunics are all the rage, but from where I'm from and, more importantly, where the princess is from, a bit more is expected to charm." Sylmoor said, jerking his head to the side, evaluating further.
"This will not do," the lord proposed. "Luckily for you, though, I have just the thing. The latest and greatest fashion from Bountiful. My sister Bella gifted it to me earlier, but the bloody uniform is too small for me. It should be just your size."
Link smiled again. "Well, if you say so. But, honestly, I don't think it should matter. I mean, Zelda knows me as this—"
"-Ah, she does now, eh? Well, just imagine what she has been missing all these years when her eyes feasts on you, shined up like a new rupee! C'mon, this should only take ten minutes if we hurry! Let's go!"
Wasting no time, they both hurried to Sylmoor's tent. Link had a party to attend and a princess to see.
AUTHORS NOTES: Sorry, I had to split up the chapter again. There's just so much going on and I think this is good break before the finale. Thanks again for reading and what really helps me and speeds up the process is your engagement through comments. Let me know your thoughts. Things are about to heat up! I'm excited, are you?