Chapter 41
He's Always Late
Nightfall brought a chill, but not one that couldn't be remedied by the cozy warmth of friendly smiles and cheerful merrymaking. Inside the massive main tent of the pavilion, a party had begun. Toward the back and at the center of attention stood a raised wooden dais constructed for the night's feast.
Perched atop was a majestically carved, oval, and enormous Deku stump made to serve as a dining table. A place where the princess and those seated beside her would overlook all others gathered. Glistening platters and goblets sat atop its sturdy amber grain, complementing the ageless striping of its petrified bark. Anyone with a bit of strong drink in the belly and with one eye open, could argue that it rivaled the Great Deku tree himself. That is, if they ever met him of course.
At the center of the table, Zelda faced her gathered guests alongside her noble lords and ladies from Illiastar, Tarble, and Draene. They sat to her right. Lesser vassals filled the seats to her left, beginning with the wizard, then her sheikah counselors, starting with Impa, and so on and so forth. At the wrap-around end of the stump was a place setting for Sidon, Buliara, Teba, Yunobo, and finally, Link —who, along with Sylmoor, had curiously yet to arrive. He would be sitting directly across from her…
If he ever decides to show up, that is, Zelda thought.
At the edge of the dais where the honorary hosts of twenty-six dined, exquisite rugs widely spanned the ground. Atop them lay comfortable, colorful seat pillows where bards played to set the mood. Past them was an open space to dance, and even further ahead of that was a large fire pit in the middle of the tent.
The blazing bonfire chased the chill of the night away and bathed everyone's faces in a warm orange glow as its flares would brilliantly flood the entire space with light. Through a wide vent above, the flames danced high, sending their fiery tips crackling and popping to flicker away into the night sky to become stars.
Cherry smoke rings twirled high above, lingering long to be seen far beyond the borders of camp. Lazily they drifted through the treetops of the neighboring wood, toward the frontier and the many brooks of the kingdom's plains, signaling to all the world that peace had prevailed in the land of Hyrule once more. For if one listened closely, they might even hear the song of laughter and the slamming of mugs echoing into the wee hours of the morning—for tonight, a celebration of the ages was being held.
Inside the banquet tent and beyond the bonfire stood rows of benches and tables to host the soldiers. They, too, would join in the splendor of the night's revels. After all, this celebration was in their honor.
The room buzzed with conversation, and the glee on everyone's face reflected back a hope. A hope that the worst was finally behind them, and at long last, all things were on the cusp of returning to their proper order. A chance to live life without the ever-present looming doom of the Calamity anymore. Where children can be raised never knowing the horror of war and where old men can find peace until the end of their days.
Between the intermission of songs and drink, chatter brightened up the room, echoing off the elegant furnishings that Simon arranged throughout. Zelda was quite impressed by how quickly his men could have mustered such a lavish venue and all under the pitch of a tent. A massive tent, but a tent no less. Gazing from the outside, you wouldn't have suspected such a marvelous feat hidden underneath its drapes.
Even she knew that this was no easy task for how little time they had and that this wasn't a mere tent to shelter the downtrodden anymore. This pavilion could have rivaled the mighty halls of kings or at the very least, competed with the tourneys and festival feasts from other sires.
All was well, Zelda thought with a sigh. Pleased by the outcome and was eager for the evening's toasts and spectacles to begin. After glancing around, she couldn't help but wonder, where were Link and Sylmoor? What was the delay?
After all, Simon and all the others had already sat and were well on their way, beginning to sip their drinks and nibble on the savory selection of appetizers.
One of the soldiers serving as a servant that evening had just removed a placement from Link's spot on the table to make room for another platter when Zelda spoke up. "Oh no, please don't take that seat. It's for my knight. He should be here any moment now."
"My apologies, Your Highness," offered up the soldier, bowing his head. Zelda smiled back and lifted her goblet for a small sip in consolation. The others were happily busy chewing and chattering with one another.
However, she couldn't bring herself to join them just yet and sat timidly. Link was all she could think about. Though she had to do something. She couldn't just remain a statue. This was her party, after all, and besides, the waiting would just drive her crazy. Seconds ticked like minutes.
So, she thought it best to speak to Sidon, making an effort to lock eye contact with him from across the table. "Have you any idea where Link is? I saw you both before I went with Purah earlier, but that was almost shy of an hour ago now. Is he alright?"
Sidon had just stabbed a small, succulently roasted prawn swimming in butter and had shoved it in his mouth whole. Zelda blinked for what seemed like days for him to finish chewing the delicious morsel and swallow. Her heart drummed, eager for his answer.
The red prince finished quickly with a massive gulp and replied. "Excuse me, sorry about that. I was always told not to speak with my mouth full. And most especially not to a princess—"
"Well, how about a friend then?" Zelda said, beaming.
"Well, in that case!" Sidon joked, gesturing as if he was going to go attack another colossal bite to live up to the princess's newly found expectations of etiquette when he referred to their conversation instead. "Um, yes, Link…" he began, setting his fork atop the round, trencher of bread set for him. "He told me to tell you that he would be delayed with—"
Simon's pointy ear twitched from overhearing them. The lord was elbow-deep in a smoke-filled conversation of his own and, in a cold manner, halted his whispering to Mister Mattock to interrupt them. He was sitting directly to Zelda's right. "-Your knight was busy speaking to me earlier," he said sharply, reaching for a delectable, brown batch of sweet muffins that sat on a pewter platter in front of him. Mattock rested his pipe and waited for him to finish addressing the princess.
Speaking with his mouth full, he continued, uncaring that his lips smacked with every chew of the sugary cinnamon crumble, slapping in Zelda's ears. "About the battle earlier, no less, and I'm not quite sure he will be joining us this evening.
"Mmmm," he moaned, gobbling the bite with pure satisfaction before indulging in another wide-mouth munch. Was the muffin really that good, Zelda thought? Or could it be that there was another sweet treat of a different kind on his mind that he had his eyes set to taste? She would never know.
Simon chewed. "Then again, who knows. My brother came for him after our short discussion, and he is yet to arrive as well."
"Discussion?" Zelda's brows lifted, pausing from any further dining to listen intently. Though she wasn't really feeling hungry nor thirsty yet, with all the uneasiness surrounding Link's absence.
"A trivial matter." Simon continued. "Nothing that should be of concern for you, my dear princess. In fact, I wouldn't doubt if your knight skips dinner altogether. He did look quite beaten and worn out. A lot on that lad's mind, I think."
"Worn out? A lot on his mind?" Zelda was now confused.
"Well, from the battle earlier, of course. It takes much out of man to slay the living. Even beasts. And make no mistake, he is a ferocious and trained killer, to say the least."
Zelda didn't like his tone when it came to talking about Link in such a brash way, especially in front of the others who didn't know him but nevertheless reframed from letting that get the best of her mood.
"After all, he did play a small role in today's earlier accomplishments."
"A small role?" Zelda contested, craning her neck toward him. The sweetness of her voice souring as she clenched the underside of the table to hide the frustration from the others.
Noticing the slight furrow of her brows bend, Simon course corrected immediately. "What I mean to say is, I'm sure he would like to rest and ponder what has transpired today. The battle was a major victory. Let him enjoy it as he sees fit. And, like I said, he has a lot on his mind to think about," he finished, a suspicious undertone at the end of his comment as if it served a dual purpose, one that Zelda couldn't understand.
Zelda relented, more confused than before, and scratched her chin. "Well, it just isn't like him to skip a meal—"
"—That's for sure!" hooted Sidon.
"I don't know; this really isn't my look."
"Oh, and what is your look, Mister Fancy, prancing Lord from the Highlands? Bloody stains with sweat and horsehair? C'mon, loosen up! You can go back to being your humble, stoically brooding self tomorrow. Tonight, you have a final battle to wage."
"Battle?"
"Yeah, and of the fiercest kind too! Far more treacherous than falling into a Lakeland pit of Octoroks or being thrown to the mercy of a Moblin horde, that I can tell you. Treading the uneasy waters of conversing with nobility without any experience can be a dangerous game. They are worse than Redeads told in children's stories! If they so much as get a whiff of weakness from someone, they will sink their venomous teeth in and never let go!"
Link paused to listen, still fidgeting with his outerwear.
"And that's the game." Sylmoor continued. "Everyone has a secret they're so desperately trying to hide, and it's up to everyone else to figure it out and exploit it for their own gain."
"Maybe for you and your kind, you have the luxury of treating life as a game, but where I come from, we don't treat people like pawns in a chess match. I find that honesty is the best cure to such deceit and false flattery."
"It isn't false flattery; sometimes they mean what they say, and others do not. The trick is to sort out the liars. And that is where I come in! —Why, with me in your corner, I can help you navigate these treacherous waters. But, it comes at a small price."
"What? What price? I never agreed to this, nor do I need it! Sylmoor?"
"Shh, not now, later! Don't worry; it's nothing you can't handle and nothing big."
"Is this about your theatre? I told you—"
"—Shhh! Shh! Not so loud. There're men outside this tent."
"But these are your men—"
"—My brother's men you mean," Sylmoor said, brows raise. "Don't fret; it's something you want! What we both want! Trust me, okay?"
Link could only shrug, confused by what he meant, and just about finished tying the last bit to the ensemble he had arranged for his evening attire.
Sylmoor thought about more of what Link said moments earlier and spoke up. "Well, in that case, you should probably let me do the talking then, for your sake. You can keep your honesty but pray to the goddess; just let me do the talking. Do that, and you'll be just fine."
"I'm already fine. It is fine. I told you, I don't play games. I'm going to be myself. I'm not vying for their approval anyway. Up until five minutes ago, I didn't know a one of them. There's only one person I care about—Well, several, and they're not from this century. But you know what I mean."
"Suit yourself," relented Simon with attention to another matter now. A grin stretched from ear to ear, and his mood brightened, delighted by the masterpiece he created. The deed was done. "Now, let me have a look at you? You remembered to wash up with the warm basin on the end table and did what I told you with your hair, right?"
"Of course, I may be low-blood, but I'm not a savage…At least, not yet." Link teased, pretending to pull out a dagger from his pocket. Sylmoor's eyes widened, and he wasn't sure if the knight was serious. Link smiled at his joke only to step out from the dressing partition and into the mirror's reflection. His excitement quickly melted into apprehension.
"Are you sure about this? I don't know. I'm all for a bit of color, but this is ridiculous. I'm a soldier, Sylmoor…not a flower…."
"That's great then! You told me the princess loves flowers, did you not?"
"No, I didn't!" Link snapped.
"Oh, interesting…" Sylmoor cupped his chin, spun around to ponder more, and mumbled to himself. "I could've sworn it was you…Hmmm, it must have been Sidon, then. Oh, well!"
"Sylmoor! What am I to do? I can't go wearing this? It's ridiculous!"
"Ridiculous indeed!"
"I know!"
"No, I mean ridiculous that you would ever dream NOT to wear this! This is the finest fashion of Hytopia. Look at the lacing—the stitching, my gods, just gaze at those hems of color! You, my friend, are wrapped in the shimmering dewdrops of rainbows and are a work of art!"
Link froze. Unsure if that was a compliment or something he should work to undo at all costs.
Sylmoor sliced the tension with a sharp smirk. "My sister studied there, ya know? And by Hylia, if she can see you now! She'd swallow you up whole! I bet not one of her models matched your beauty during her entire time there!"
Link's face went pale, and he gulped at the mention of being likened to being a 'beautiful' mannequin. In his mind, he was an honorable warrior, not a pageant dancer. Not only that, but he also recollected in his mind's eye who his sister was. He wasn't sure if he should have feared Sylmoor's clamoring over him or the imminent attention from his sister that was bound to come now.
A cloud of thought formed over his head, and the sudden memory of her came to him clear as day. It wasn't that his sister was an ugly girl, not by any means, nor did that really matter to him, but she wasn't exactly one the prettiest ladies in attendance either. Strong and sharp features resembling that of her brothers' brows and chin accompanying a girlish doll face of one barely entering adolescence. Not to mention, he only had eyes for Zelda anyway.
Sylmoor chuckled, stepping back as he witnessed the color of life return to Link's face as he snapped back from the brink. "But, perhaps, you are right. The suit only looks good if you don't wear such a frown while wearing it. And it may be a bit much. For you, at least. After all, you are a warrior and a pretty cold one at that."
"A bit?! This outfit makes the castle gardens envious for want of color!"
"Okay, okay then, you have a point. I admit it's a bit too loud of an outfit. And we want you to be comfortable. None of this works if you're going to be such a sour durian about it. Also, it might come as a shock to the princess since she knows you another way. Hmm…." Sylmoor conceded, gripping his chin, squinting an eye against the flicker of the candlelight as he pondered on how to fashion the look better. A look that needed to wow the evening. Link was about to rip off the layer of clothes in a flurry rush, but Sylmoor hopped where he stood before he could. "I know! I got it!"
"Huh? Got what?"
"Here, stand right there!" Sylmoor declared. In a flash of adjustments, he spun Link around in a whirling cloud of busy fixing and last-minute changes. The removal of an ostentatiously colored collar that choked his neck for a plain white one here and a swap from a flamboyant jacket for a simply dark, regal tunic there. Just a few other fine-tuned additions were added to pop the style, and voila, he was entirely revamped in another formal suit.
Link glanced down to the change of royal blue trousers that now matched his newly acquired officer-style tunic draping over him. He studied the aggressive yet stunning form-fit of his neatly pressed, black military shirt that hugged underneath adorning his upper body. The outfit was much more suitable now that all the blaring colors had been replaced with refined ones, befitting the position of a decorated captain. Though the ensemble was more straightforward, it didn't lack flair either.
Feeling over with his fingers, he felt tiny, trimmed laces that were etched and embossed in the clothing that had shining lines of maroon and gold that would gleam subtly only in the right reflected light, forming a military design that contrasted perfectly with the white, accentuated cufflinks around his wrists.
Taking in a breath, Link paused and flexed where he stood, tugging on a single, dark leather baldrick that pulled at his shoulder. Testing the sturdiness of the design all over his body, he patted himself before glancing back up at the happy lord. This time slowly forming a delighted smile of his own to match the mischievous smirk of Sylmoor's.
"Now, we're talking! This is definitely your style now!-And keep your hair neatly loose over your shoulders like the way you have it. There's no need to tie it off or do anything fancy with it. I think the rugged look suits you best and adds just the right amount of…savage!" Exclaimed Sylmoor, squeezing a fist joyfully in the air, knowing full well he had mastered the appearance he was searching for. "Now, I know there's no sigil for you to display across your chest, but who needs one? The focus should be on you, not some ancient vestige you don't belong to."
"Right…" Link muttered back, still evaluating and adjusting the look while listening to the lord's excitement permeate.
"So? Happy now!?"
"Well, I must admit I had my doubts, but yes, I think you stabbed a balance just right this time. Thanks, Sylmoor. I was about to just change back into my usual—"
"—And don't you worry, even though your attire has mellowed more to match your rough style, the ladies will still fall over dead when they see you. So, I hope you have a few of those magical fairies handy; you're going to need'm! You can bet on that!"
"F—fairies?" Link mumbled, frozen stiff again, worried by the notion. "Um, but Sylmoor, I'm not interested in other ladies—"
"I know, I know, but a teensy-weensy little jealousy for the princess can go a long way in the love match-making department, I can promise you that."
"Sylmoor, I told you, I don't like mind games—"
"—Sheesh, enough already, you old sage! You're both as exciting as a dead horse in a race sometimes. Let loose once in a while, why don't ya! I swear, didn't anyone a hundred years ago have any fun?"
Link rolled his eyes and uttered stoically. "The world was ending. Fun was the last thing on our minds."
"Right, but now it has been saved! So, let the past be the past, and let's move on to a bright new future!"
Sylmoor assured Link before he could contest, waving him down. "And I get it; you only have affection for the princess. I hear you loud and clear! This will do well to brighten up her night once she lays eyes on you, that's for sure. Now, let's move on out of here; we're twenty minutes late!"
With an overeager nudge from Sylmoor to hurry, Link nearly tripped over himself, but his startle gave way to a smile, and he didn't delay the notion. So, he nodded, and they both fled the tent to make haste to the center pavilion where the feast was being held.
Outside the main tent where the party was being hosted, a side entrance was made to make serving easier. A designated area outside that acted as a kitchen, where a group of cooks bustled over several large, roasting spits that dangled sizzling meat. Whether it be the succulent beef for the soldiers or the prized venison of the princess and her court. The smell enticed, if not antagonized, the distinguished guests of the party with its delightful, savory aroma. It would occasionally waft in from under the tent flaps, distracting them from their discussions with a rumble of the belly. They would have to wait until it was ready, and the princess's table would be served first.
Added to the cooks' arsenal was a traveling, culinary-covered wagon which rested on four large, spoked wheels. It had cabinets, tables, Sheikan woks, and a usable workspace equipped with cutting boards and other tools. Inside it carried all the ingredients and unique spices from every region of the realm that any chef would be proud of. Hitched to that wagon was a round ceramic baker's kiln, which made baking all their pastries and other sweet confections a breeze for the evening. Everything and anything that one would need to present an elegant feast worthy of royalty.
Link and Sylmoor had just arrived fashionably late outside and thought it best to enter from the side to not cause an uproar upon entry. Furthermore, they both wore basic cloaks to hide their appearance because they didn't want to draw too much attention when they entered the pavilion. They figured it would be best if they found a way to sneak to their seats unnoticed while the others were busy beginning the ceremony.
Delightful aromas overtook all the knight's senses as he walked by, smiting him not by love or fear, but by hunger. One could argue it was love, but of another kind. The aromatic marriage of sweet, fluffy cakes rising in the oven and the sizzle of juicy, tender meats roasting over fires won over his heart.
"Hey, watch it you blind fool!" Snapped one of the hustling servers, hollering to a hooded figure. Link was so mesmerized by the succulent aroma of food that he halted mid step and stood in the man's way unknowingly. The server was so busy and preoccupied with fussing about his duties he nearly bumped into him.
"You nearly made me drop this crystal flagon!" The man barked, forcing Link to snap out of his hunger trance. "Do you realize what I'm carrying right here!? Well, do ya!?"
The server stomped. "This here is Cremia wine! A single flask of it is worth more than all the wealth from whatever dirt village you crawled out of! This bottle is the finest vintage we have this side of the Old King's Road. So, get out of my way and watch what you're doing. The vineyards back home could only bottle a single one of these once every one-hundred years and this particular piece is for the princess's cup tonight!"
Link blinked and raised his hands, about to perform a sincere apology when Sylmoor ran up beside him, thrusted off his cloak and chastised the man. "How dare you address your lords that way! Why, I should have you flogged!"
Revealing who he was underneath, the man nearly dropped the crystal flask to the ground when Link's sudden reflexes took hold and he caught it, saving the man further embarrassment. The servant cried out and begged where he knelt. "Forgive me my Lord, I don't think either you are from a dirt village, I didn't mean it. I swear, please have mercy!"
Sylmoor smirked and glanced to Link. "Well, what do you think ser-Link? Does the man deserve our mercy?"
Smiling as well, Link reached for the man to have him stand, dusted off his shoulder and spoke. "It's alright, it was my fault anyways. I'm sure the princess will love the wine. Speaking of which we have to get going."
"Yes m'lord," the man said, gulping before scurrying off out of their way with the prized vintage.
The savory and sweet scents yet again caught Link's attention and Sylmoor snapped his fingers in front of the spellbound young knight to bring him back into focus once more.
"Hey, you ready? This is it."
Link shook his head clear and patted the gurgle to his belly into compliance. "Yeah, sorry. I was just…let's hurry."
Sylmoor peeked his head under the flap of the side entryway and then poked back out to affirm Link with a thumbs-up of encouragement. "Alright, it looks like things have just begun, and the coast is clear. So, just follow my lead, and you'll be fine. After all, with how you're dressed now, I'd be astonished if anyone recognized you unless you were standing in front of their face! Link?"
After his pep talk, to his surprise, all that was left of the knight was a ragged cloak on the ground. Link already stepped away into the tent. The young warrior was a no-frills, no-fuss kind of man who didn't care much about rehearsed entrances and acted solely on instinct.
"Link! Wait up!" the lord called out, fussing to catch up to walk beside him.
At the princess's table, between the nibbling of appetizers and hearty drinks, chatter among those gathered rose to a loud chorus. Zelda listened intently to the back and forth between Marin, the Lady of the Lake, and Bella, kid sister to Simon and Sylmoor.
Setting her cup of honey mead down, Bella spoke up. "So, I hear they really have you with your hands full up there in those cold, briny waters of Mirkwaster Bay?"
Marin had already raised the rim of her drink to her lips and couldn't reply just yet.
Bella continued, tearing off a dainty morsel of her lemon cake. "Those pesky pirates, I mean. They even canceled my voyage by way of the sea from Hytopia because of it. They told me it would've been far too treacherous for us to risk a trip like that. So, I had to take the long way round to get here because of those—Let's just say unsavory types. "
Marin swallowed the sip from her mug and answered. "Yes, you're right. Quite the roughnecks they can be and quite tricky too! Not too bright, though. Me and my Seascape Rangers can handle them right enough. It's just we've been so busy maintaining the southern ports from skirmishes with the Calamity."
"I can tell. I would have been here days ago if it wasn't for them!" Concurred Bella.
Marin took another swig and sat her cup down. "Ever since then those damn pirates from the Ousted Isles have been running amok; nearly unchallenged most of the time. We haven't been able to patrol the northern shores as often as I'd like. Instead, I had to allocate most of my fleet to guard our key lower ports from Bokoblin raiders. To secure vital trade with the neighboring kingdoms. But, now, with the Calamity slain, I'm hoping for a return to normalcy very soon."
Zelda blinked, fascinated by their discussion, and with a mouse squeak, spoke up before clearing her throat again for another stab at trying to speak clearly. "Pardon me, but did you say, pirates? I'm quite confused. I always thought the pirates were the good ones from history. Aren't they on our side? At least that's what I remember learning from the scholarly tales."
The two girls paused to look at each other, and Mattock across the way blinked as well. Taleran smiled at the princess's genuine honesty, which was Marin's cue to reply while she combed her red bangs back bashfully.
"Well, yes, princess, they were, but I'm afraid the roles have been reversed for quite some time."
"Yeah, like ten thousand years' time!" Blurted Bella's maid beside her, who got a hidden, firm nudge beneath the table for speaking out of turn.
Zelda's mouth dropped, realizing how silly she may have sounded, and quickly tried to remedy her ignorance. "Oh, I'm sorry, I was unaware. Forgive my lack of—"
Marin continued with a reassuring smile. "-Oh, no, it's quite alright. After all, I can see how someone can mistake me for a pirate!" she joked, playing and waving with her dinner knife as if she was about duel someone right now. "Fight them long enough, and they start to become part of you. And besides, not all of them are bad per se."
"Oh?" Questioned Zelda curiously.
"Why sure, even I have been known to let a couple handsome scalawags slip by our nets from time to time—Depending." She said with a wink and chuckle towards Zelda to ease the tension.
Taleran's jaw nearly hit the table's rim, protesting her scandalous insinuations. "Milady!? You can't be serious-"
"Easy Tally, my father, isn't here to impress; there's no need to get all excited. I'm only joking, of course, goddess honest truth," she said playfully, one hand firmly swearing in the air while the other waved across her heart. Though she did so not before sneaking Zelda another happy wink across the way when Taleran wasn't looking.
Mattock barreled with a laugh as well and chimed into the levity. "No wonder they keep coming back. Now it all makes sense. With your gentle hand upon the waters! Who wouldn't!?"
"Gentle? Who are you calling gentle?" Marin insisted, leaning slightly across the way, lifting her mug to protest his silly accusation. "I dare challenge anyone brave enough to go against me with a knife or bowstring, and they will learn rather quickly how gentle my fingertips can be." The young lady finished, wearing a cheerful, smug smile. "It will be the last their eyes ever see!"
Zelda sighed, relieved they weren't insulted by her ignorance on the matter.
With a smiling glance again at the princess, Marin reiterated. "But to be absolutely serious now, yes, they are quite a bothersome bunch, your grace. Dangerous too. So, be on your best guard if you ever encounter one. Men like that can be real trouble, and pirates are as vile and deadly as they come! Especially the handsome ones!"
"Speaking of trouble! Here it comes now!" Gleefully interrupted one of the maidens in Bella's court, leaning into Marin's ear.
Marin shuffled in her seat with a hop to look over her shoulder. Her stare gazed down the dais and past the roaring bonfire to a pair of Hylian noblemen making their way toward them. One of them she easily recognized for he bore the proud shining star and pale steed of Illiastar. Whereas the other lord was steeped in mystery.
"Oh, wow. I didn't know Bountiful had three sons to carry on the pride of their flame. Who knew!?" Chuckled one of the brunette maidens beside Bella.
"That's what I'm saying!" hooted another girl, ribbing her lady too. "You didn't tell me you had another brother, Bella! And this one is much more fetching too?!"
Marin chimed, rubbing her chin mischievously before Bella could respond. "Hmmm, that is interesting. I've never met this shining stallion before, and I thought I knew them all. I guess where those boys come from, they must save the best for last, ain't that right?"
"Huh? What?" Blinked Bella, focusing her glasses to have a better gander as the two men marched elegantly toward them, coming down the aisle between the soldier tables.
Simon huffed in annoyance from being disturbed away from his side conversation, overtaken by the playful banter of women. "What are you all clucking on about!? I don't have another brother—"
"—See for yourself!" Corrected Marin with a smile, pointing the way with her cup for him to see.
Having a better look, the bubbly Bella gawked. The girl nearly dropped her mug to the ledge of the table, infatuated by the arrival of this new nobleman standing in their presence. "Oh, my—"
"—Hylia…" Zelda finished, robbing the words right out of the young girl's mouth. Her cheeks flushed red, stare glued to the mysterious and handsome man beside Sylmoor.
Marin glanced at the princess, the only one noticing her stunned reaction and how quickly she tried to hide it. Very curious indeed. The huntress then focused back onto the new young man in their midst to study him further, equally as intrigued by who he could be. She felt like she'd seen him before but couldn't put her finger on it. The new lord among them was quite the fisherman's catch indeed. One who she definitely wanted to meet.
Link cautiously approached the group, whereas Sylmoor couldn't wait to declare their presence proudly.
I thought he wanted to sneak into dinner? Well, so much for the plan, thought Link.
"My apologies, everyone! And most of all to you, dear princess, for our tardiness!" Sylmoor exclaimed, performing an over-the-top bow with a finishing flourish. All Link could do was stand timidly by. The poor boy was so ill-versed in matters of formal dining that he was unsure what to do or the etiquette on where to even sit.
The girls around the table giggled and clapped excitedly at Sylmoor's entrance, eager to meet their new guest among them, even as Zelda smiled at Link.
"It is quite alright, my Lord; I'm just glad you both made it!" Zelda said, eyes still locked on Link. She knew exactly who he was and was nearly speechless at how well he cleaned up. It's been years since she's seen him wear clothes that weren't scathed by the ravages of battle. Not since that miraculous day so long ago, the Festival of the Flames.
He was always handsome in her eyes, but now he was on another level. Shined up like a diamond from the rough, he sparkled in the presence of everyone like royalty. Yet, remained refined as a seasoned warrior. There was no flowery delicateness to the character of his attire either, unlike Sylmoor's, which had a prettier look. Link's uniform was that of a prized war hero.
She thought he wore the look so well that if she didn't know him, he could have fooled her into being one of them, a member of the noble class. The others wouldn't have a clue either way with the way he presented himself now.
Sidon elbowed Link while he stood. "Hey, look who finally decided to join us this century after all!?"
"He likes doing that!" Quipped Purah sitting near the princess, alerting more attention from the other ladies in attendance.
The red prince continued his banter. "I know you like to make a dramatic entrance and all, but there's such a thing as overdoing it, ya know!" howled Sidon with a boisterous laugh. "Here, friend, we saved you both a seat, and I saved you one of your favorites, a snapfin snacker!"
Lord Simon spoke over them. "Yes, how delightful. So, you decided to honor us with your esteemed presence after all?"
"Of course, my lord, I wouldn't have missed meeting all you fine people for the world." Returned Link to address the room, unhindered by his sarcasm.
"Hmm, I see." Sneered Simon.
The red prince ushered Link and Sylmoor to their chairs and pointed him toward the sizzling, savory treat. A signature starter dish of the castle kitchens from one hundred years ago that to this day has been a perfected recipe throughout the ages.
Before they could take their seat, though, Sylmoor decided to gather all their attention first. Stretching his hands overhead them like a conductor to a great symphony, he began his declaration. "As you may already know, I am Sylmoor of Illiastar, but you all already know that. My guess is what you're really begging to know is and probably wondering—who is this dashing, young, rogue companion of mine that I bring before you now? Well, rest at ease and wonder no further. I have the answer to your questions, this here I present to you is—"
Link interjected. "—I'm Link, just—"
"—Why, yes, of course, that was what I was going to say. Now, let's try this again," whispered Sylmoor over his shoulder to Link. The proud lord then cleared his throat to trumpet his voice over the table for another go.
So much for a subtle entrance, thought Link with a gulp. A steady bead of nervousness trailed down the side of his brow.
"This here stands Link, son of…son of…." Sylmoor had a brain stutter, and before he could continue, bright-eyed and ready, came Zelda gladly to aid in his remembrance.
"Tye! Son of Tye!"
Marin and the other ladies in attendance flashed their gaze to the sound of her eager shout before quickly returning focus to Sylmoor, realizing then the princess must have known this mystery man.
"Ahem, yes, of course; how could I forget. My apologies. This here is Link, son of Tye- Lynel king Slayer, Guardian crusher, champion of champions, Calamity's bane, and one who seals the darkness—"
"—and just Link," nudged back the knight, who did not want to be the center of attention. Though it too late for that. Everyone's attention was fixed on him, more some than others, but not necessarily listening to the young lord's words about him at all but their desiring eyes curiously wandering over different parts of him in sacrilegious ways.
"He's just being modest." Sylmoor clarified.
Zelda smiled, glad for the recognition and appreciation Link was finally getting for all the hard work and selflessness he's shown throughout the years. While Simon, on the other hand, looked like he threw up in his mouth.
Simon huffed, agitated by the public praises. "Or could it be that he is just being honest, brother? You would do well with a bit of honesty yourself…Now, are you done with all the pleasantries? Surely, some of us like to get back to living in reality rather than dwell in fables. And I believe this man would also want to as well, is that right, Ser-Link?"
"If you say so, my lord." Countered Link with a nod. The silent tension between them brewed but remained unnoticeable for the attendees. Link obliged and pulled out his chair to take his seat. Sadly though, during the delay the savory snack that Sidon pointed to him earlier had vanished off the platter. Oh well, he'll just have to wait.
And not before a cheek could grace his chair did the roar from Mister Mattock thunder beside him. "That there is quite the introduction if I don't say so myself! A Guardian crusher, eh? What a reputation to live up to," he said with a hearty chuckle.
"Well, I wouldn't say that. It was only a few times, and it was more luck than anything—" Link replied modestly.
"—It seems you share some common ground with our very own Daneyrio here; he has been seen to dismember several of those mechanized monsters on a few rare occasions. We'll have to keep an eye on your talents with great interest! Won't we, m'Lord?" hooted Mattock with a laugh.
Some of the girls giggled at the mention of him as well. The other handsome and young lord, who, this entire evening had remained as a statue.
Link finally sat and leaned back apprehensively at what the man meant.
"I'm only joking! We're all on the same side here."
Zelda stared from across the way, also at a loss, but it would have to wait for now. Impa was about to begin her usual blessing of the evening. An old Sheikah tradition dating back to when they were more known for sneaking and other shadowy business than farming. But, before the old woman could parch her throat to begin her happy sermon, one of the servants made his way to Link, tapped on his shoulder, and presented the shined-up knight a large cup, held with two hands and filled to the brim with water.
The table paused, and almost everyone waited for him to respond. Not wanting to delay the celebrations, Link eagerly took the cup from him. "Oh, sorry. Here I got that," he called out to the man, taking the sloshing liquid from him and placing the rim at his lips.
The entire party couldn't believe what they were seeing. Zelda was on the verge of speaking to interrupt when Sylmoor beat her to it.
"Oh, no, wait, Link." Prodded the lord.
Link halted dead in his tracks as a small water trailed down his chin with only a tiny sip taken so far. His eyes blinked, opening to see everyone pressing upon him with questionable stares.
Sylmoor, grasping the cup from him, whispered to where only he could hear. "Psst. That water isn't for drinking. He came to wash your hands. He came to bless your hands away the day's filth and the vigor of war."
Link immediately corrected; spat out the side of his mouth as subtly as he could, smiled at everyone, and dunked the tips of his fingers in the large cup instead. He was wondering why anyone would have served warm water to drink. Oh well, he just hoped he didn't embarrass Zelda. That would have been most unfortunate.
An awkward silence ensued. Some in attendance were left dumbfounded. If they had been wearing pearls, they would have clutched them in shock. Then something even more bizzare happened. A loud snort from Mattock broke the stale air, and Paya joined in with a chuckle, then Bella, and then another. Soon everyone saw it as a bit of humor and laughed it off. Most of the young ladies especially giggled, seeing it as a cute mistake. Even Zelda couldn't hold a straight face though she tried her best to appear as regal as possible.
During the commotion the princess took this opportunity to clear the air before someone could say otherwise. "Ser-Link here is unaccustomed to our traditions. For he…for he is—" She stuttered, stumbling to web up a good story on his behalf. Zelda was a lousy liar, whereas Impa was a marvelous one when duty required her to be. So, the old woman spoke up.
"—For he and his family is from another part of the realm where it is their custom to begin each feast with a blessed drink from the cup of the divine. To honor her holiness."
Seeing through the charade but not wanting to dismember it just yet for all to witness, he'd rather tear it to pieces bit by bit; Simon thought it better to have a little fun instead. That was his way.
"Oh, really Shiekah chieftan? Enlighten us more of the traditions of those from where Ser-Link hails from? I'm sure we would all like to hear more about their curious customs," he said smugly, knowing full well Link was a low-blood commoner with a name lower than the dust. This ought to be good, Simon thought, snickering.
Sylmoor rose to his defense, speaking like a herald. "You know very well that doesn't matter, brother. Because where he is from is of no concern to us because we are not there. In case you haven't noticed, we are here in our lands."
"I notice just fine…" Grumbled Simon bitterly at his brother.
Sylmoor continued. "What matters are our traditions. He is aware of our customs now. That's all that should matter. Isn't that right, your highness?"
Relieved that she didn't have to dispel the truth just yet, Zelda beamed, took a sip from her cup, and held it high for Sylmoor to do the same. He happily obliged and drained his mug.
Bella fixed her glasses to have a better look and gendered up-and-down Link again, interjecting before Simon could. With rosy cheeks fading, she spoke. "Well, one thing's for sure, my dear brother, he wears the finer fabrics of Hytopia far better than most Hylian men I've ever met, and that's saying something. So, wherever he is from, they must be doing something right!"
Link could only politely smile at the compliment, whereas Zelda could only just begin to evaluate the attention he was receiving from the other ladies in court with caution. Something she hadn't anticipated to happen so soon. Though, how could she blame them? He was quite the marvel to look at, more so even now all suited up.
Marin also spoke to the matter. "Perhaps, where he is from they are the ones who believe a hero once stopped the Moofall of Arthank? It is said that the travelers past the mysterious beyond of the Neverending Forest are also very well dressed and have strange customs. Ones who've ventured beyond the known world past the edge of time and twilight itself," Marin said, chuckling softly into her hand in amusement at the prospect. "Maybe he is one of them? That would explain the bizarre traditions to be sure. What was the place again? Ter…Ter…"
"Terminus Arthankal." Chimed Taleran on her behalf.
"No, that wasn't the place, I'm certain…I Swore I knew the name…What was it?" Marin cupped her chin and snapped her fingers trying to recollect. "Agh, it was such an intriguing story. Days of doom repeated without end until the sung hero came to cure all the ills of the people and set the moon a-flight once more."
Everyone else listened, chewing on their morsels and sipped away at their drinks while the red-haired young lady of Tarble wrestled with her thoughts aloud. Zelda fancied mysteries herself so naturally she also joined in.
"Termina!" Called out the princess happily. "I'm certain! My old maid used to tell me all about it. Oh, I loved hearing her tales as a little girl."
"That's the one!" Answered back Marin. "See, her grace does know her histories!"
Simon huffed, thoroughly annoyed by this mindless conversation. "You mean to say is that she knows her legends. There is no such place and there was no Moonfall of Arthankal. And I won't waste another moment on silly superstitious legends or imaginary realms."
Marin didn't like his tone and returned in kind. "It is no legend my lord but a deeply held belief of my people of the Lakeland Marshes. We even have a dance named after in its honor. Who knows, even you might be lucky enough to see it one day."
Impa teased as well. "It is a true story Lord Simon. We Sheikah also follow the tale and even stranger ones than that."
Simon rolled his eyes and Mister mattock smiled, puffed his pipe and chimed in.
"I'm with Simon. They also say there's children of the forest too-who have little bugs that light their way. I've been to the edges of the forest and I'm yet to see anything. Nothing but tangled branches so thick you'll get lost forever….If the mist doesn't kill you first that is!"
Marin raised her brows. "Fairies."
"Excuse me?" Mattock said, facing her with a questionable stare.
"Fairies. The little bugs you speak of. They're called fairies. Not bugs at all." The girl smirked, set her cup down and spoke to Simon again. "But, it leads to me to wonder my lord…If what you say is true then, where do the stories come from if they are made up?"
Simon rolled his eyes and slammed a gulp back. "I don't know! Nursemaids trying to keep children stay in their beds at night so they may sleep instead of scurrying off into darkness after sundown. Filling their heads with silly happy stories so they may dream sweet and that is all. There's no such thing as heroes."
The princess interjected. "Well, I could've sworn you were a hero. After all, with the way you been talking all day and all the things you said you accomplished today." she slighted, taking back a small sip from her goblet of wine. "I mean, with the victory you wave around so proudly. Could've fooled me. So, does that mean you existing contradicts your own claim about heroes?"
"I performed my duty to my country and my Princess. It doesn't require a hero to do that." Simon wanted to grimace but was careful to cover it by a kind smile instead.
"Apparently." Marin blinked back to him, smiling incredulously though not trying to hide it at all. An awkward silence ensued and just as everyone was about to return their appetizers, Link coughed, and it drew attention from where he sat.
"Something to say noble stranger?" Mattock said, facing Link. "After all, it was you they were guessing about."
Link blinked, torn away from his daydream. He wanted to hear more of the lands beyond the known world that connect to hidden ones and of the moonfall hero of ages past. He's never heard such a fascinating story. Yet, instead he lifted his head proudly to reply and once more he was slow with stringing together the right words to say. "Sorry to disappoint you but I'm no—"
Zelda interrupted him. "—What he means to say is that he isn't from Termina. Lord Simon is probably right. It's likely to be just a story. But, where Link is from they don't need moons to fall at all for their achievements to be written about."
"I see." Mattock replied.
Simon interrupted. "Where he is from is of no concern. What matters is what he has done here today to earn his place at this table."
Zelda couldn't believe what she was hearing. Has she died and gone to the other side? Has the ale gone bad and he's gone mad? Defending Link. Why, this was his moment to crush him once and for all in their eyes.
Simon continued. "But, if you must know, where he is from, they must have the best warriors this side of the Old king's Road. I admit that we owe the battle today to this man."
Link blinked, unsure what he was hearing. Sylmoor and Sidon had to gulp down their mugs just to believe it.
"This man you see here, slew the beast known as Malroc the Terrible. And for that he has earned my respect and a seat here."
"Oh? So, this is the man? He's young? Like our own Daneryio here?" Mattock mumbled.
At the mention, his liege opened his eyes where he sat but remained unamused. The lord then glanced over his shoulder to Link who was only a chair away. It only lasted a second, but it was enough for him to size him up. The lord didn't know what to think, nor did he care. In fact, he looked like he didn't care about being there at all.
Simon continued his declaration. "That being said, the lad here is a low-borne. A knight of no banners in fact. I won't mince words. But that regardless of his heritage, he did his duty well today and for that we should all be grateful. I was thinking even about offering him a posit—"
"I have you one better!" Mattock interrupted, eager to have his say on behalf of his lordship. "Hold on, this will just take a second. You're not going to rob me of this golden opportunity! Not every day do I get to meet a seasoned knight south of the Stonelands worth his weight in iron," he said with a full belly laugh.
Turning to his side to face Link, he lifted his mug up to the air and begged a cheer from the knight with no banners himself. "Now son, with the devil shackled away and all his fell beasts slain, won't you be retiring now!? Any place in mind? If not, I have just the sort of venture you'd be interested in!" Link had just graced his lips with his mug before he felt a firm pat to his back from the massive lunk, spilling his drink.
For being a hylian, the loud man had the thundering clap of a Goron. That was to be expected though, he was a miner. Strong work for a strong man. Where he was from they shared not only in the goron's fascination with precious ores and gems but their strength to find them as well.
Mattock roared happily, nearly drunk as everyone witnessed. "I'm sure a lad of your esteemed talents probably has a dozen opportunities lined up from here to Hera! Oh, and the ladies! We mustn't forget about the ladies now!" He chuckled, slapping Link's back yet again. "We could use a good man like yourself in the Dragoons, and there's good things in it for you if you decide to join."
Link fought the wince from the pummel to his back and coughed in reply. "Thank you, sir, for the offer but I'm still under the service of the princess."
Zelda spoke up, glancing over to Link with a pleased smile. "Actually, Mister Mattock, I was thinking…It was my hope that Link would like to be charged with reestablishing the Holy order of the Royal guard here. He was a captain back in our day and has more than enough skills qualified to undergo such a trying task."
"Is that right?" Mattock returned wide eyed. "So, you too are both are from the lost era? Bless my beard, her holiness works all kinds of miracles doesn't she!?" He said, chuckling again before sloshing another gulp back.
Sylmoor also chimed in. "I second that. The princess always needs good men loyal to her by her side. Unimpeded by the fealty of any one house."
Zelda heard him and couldn't help but also offer him a sweet smile in gratitude. She knew what he was up to. Implying that Link should stay by her side as long as he was able.
Simon on the other hand had thought his moment of public graciousness awarded him the opportunity to rid himself Link for good when all it did was sting him in the back. A mistake he won't make again.
Bella this entire time had been eyeing Link up and down as a young girl does and spoke loudly. "Well, it looks like I won't be leaving the capital anytime soon. Not if he is staying here," she said, biting her lip. "For purely academic reasons…of course, with my business from here and Hytopia and all. Must always stay busy…" She finished, implying it was for her fashion making but really it was to get to know the mystery knight a little more.
Zelda felt a tinge of jealousy creep over her, but she did her best not to stir up the matter and shrugged it off. It's not like she owns him.
Simon meanwhile mouthed the words to chastise the thirst in his sister's eyes when the tension broke suddenly, and everyone returned to their drinks and trenchers. So, instead, he decided to bite his tongue and wait for a better time to confront the knight on his plans to stay and not go abroad as he had hoped.
During the commotion, he curled a finger up to his face, beckoned over a servant, and whispered a secret in his ear. The exchange was brief, and if you had blinked, you'd missed it. The man scurried away almost as fast as he came. Everyone else was too preoccupied to notice with their conversations anyways, and it was almost time to begin.
Turning all attention to Impa who now held the floor, they focused on the old Sage, who took that as her cue to strike up a speech. She waved her hands high above her head as if she was about to offer up a holy sacrament to the goddess, and with the whites of her eyes to the skies, she bore the contents of her soul. The musicians quieted their background play, and the soldiers in attendance took a bit more reverence from their seats too, with only whisperings persisting between them.
"Hear ye, all gathered, hearken to words from the past, present and future! This night marks the end of the age of Calamity, ushering the dawn of the new peace that has been promised since before all of you were born. Listen well as I tell the tale passed down from my grandmother and her grandmother's mother, a story like no other!"
The old woman continued like that for several minutes, and after a half dozen ancient names were mentioned, following the begets of this old fellow to another that nobody could possibly do well to remember, Link couldn't help but lose interest. Not that he didn't care or respect the histories or didn't believe in Hyrule's faith as a whole; in fact, he enjoyed legends, but under the spell of delicious delights under his nose, he couldn't resist their temptations.
The boy was famished, after all. That snapfin snacker Sidon offered disappeared right before his eyes. All the day's fighting had done well to stir up quite the appetite in his belly and with only a measly slice of cheese and dried fish from earlier to hold him over all day, he was at his limit. His stomach growled with the ferocity of a lion. Almost loud enough to interrupt the Sheikah chief. He had to do something, but most of the platters had already been picked up. The main course would be arriving not until after.
The grumbling got worse, and he couldn't wait. In no time, everyone would hear his hunger cry out. So, he thought it best to have the bread that set out in front of him in the meantime. Surely, that could suffice until the roasts arrived. Breaking off a bit of the corner of the round loaf, Zelda caught his act from across the table during Impa's speech.
A grin pulled at her blushing cheeks, and the princess couldn't help herself when she saw him. Caught like a five-year-old with a hand in the cookie jar, she nonchalantly waved for him to stop while the others were preoccupied listening intently to the sermon. A plea for him to do so before he could go any further. However, Link didn't react in time and just threw a small bite into his mouth.
Zelda couldn't help but chuckle silently and cover her eyes with her hand. Sylmoor and Sidon also caught sight of what he was doing and hurried to aid in preventing doing any more.
"Psst, Link, that trencher loaf isn't for eating." Nudged Sidon with a whisper.
The knight swallowed with haste. "It isn't?"
"No, not in the slightest." Concurred Sylmoor.
"Well, what good is having bread then if it isn't for eating?"
Sylmoor sighed and relented. "On any normal circumstance, yes, but—"
"—But what?" whispered back Link.
"You misunderstand. You see, traditionally, trenchers are given away as alms for the poor when the meal is done."
Link shook his head right and left, gazed past all those in attendance, beyond the roaring fire and out the entrance, then back to Sylmoor. "There isn't any poor among us. So, what then?"
"I know, I know, but it isn't customary to eat the bread, especially in the audience of these people. I guess it'll just end up in the bin."
"You mean they're just going to waste it?"
"Maybe, I don't know. But, I do know this; after the old lady is finished, I'm sure the main course is soon to follow."
"Have it your way then….I'm sorry about the bread." Finished Link, scooting away what remained of his round loaf with a childish pout.
Sidon whispered. "It's alright, Link; I should've warned you."
Zelda gave Link another flirty smile across the way for acting so-well-behaved now. Her lover from afar couldn't avoid offering one of his own to her when he caught eyes at her. They both glanced at each other while the old woman prattled on, eager for them to finish what they started earlier that day. Their eyes having an entire conversation of their own without a single word spoken.
Finally, Impa's sermon finished. The lady's voice trumpeted over them as it came to a fiery conclusion.
"…That with the dawn comes the light. May the coming marriage of the princess unify and bathe us in its holy shine forevermore!"
M—marriage? Thought Zelda, abruptly pulling her away from her playful glimpses with Link. Her stomach pitted.
Unanimously, everyone except Link and Zelda replied with a firm 'forevermore' as well, lifting bowed heads and mugs for a celebratory swig and a happy cheer.
Impa continued. "Now, we should discuss the matter at hand. Three houses have been summoned here to witness and three have come. Illiastar, Draene, and Tarble. You three are all that remain of the six great Hylian houses.
"The three of you bind your territories together and act as liege lords over all the others within your borders. We ask you now to bind once more together as one under the divine leadership of House of Hyrule; now that it has been found—"
Mattock blurted. "—Well, I see no problem with it. After all, we came, didn't we? Of course, we mean to unite again. I think I speak on behalf of my Lord Malifus when I say—"
Suddenly the quiet young man to his right raised his voice over him. He had been so calm this entire evening, almost non-existent yet now he held his head high and waved for Mattock to mellow and give him room to speak. The young Daneryio Draene continued where he left off, speaking low and earnest.
"On behalf of my father and with his authority vested in me to act out his wishes in his absence, the bonds that tie our houses will remain so long as the princess is the one to lead them. House Draene stands by the Princess—"
Impa chimed in to clarify. "—Princess Zelda Araleia Hyrule."
Daneryio nodded and continued, realizing the entirety of her name. "We swear our allegiance to Princess Zelda Araleia Hyrule for this day and until our dying day. This we promise under the sight of her Holiness Hylia and the Goddess Trinity."
Mattock blurted again to clarify a matter of his own, coughing into his fist to make the notion well heard. "—So long as she fulfills her duty and keeps the vow, we shall serve ours faithfully til the end!"
Daneryio gave him a cautionary sideways glance. Must he always be so forward?
Marin also concurred in a nod of approval from her end of the table, raised her cup high in a low voice, and bowed her head. "House Tarble stands united as well under the princess. One who has come to us at last. Zelda Araleia Hyrule! Our ships, keeps, and people of the Marshlands are yours to lead your grace."
With the oaths spoken, soldiers began to drum in their seats with their mugs and cheered. Until finally, it stopped. Those sitting looked around and saw one house which remained silent. The only ones left to pledge their loyalty were the Illiastars and they had yet to have their say.
Sylmoor lifted his brow to his sister and his older twin when Simon leaned in his chair, turned, and faced Zelda, who sat beside him. The man placed a firm hand over hers, tilted his head, formed a crooked smile, and then made a decree. "I, Simon, heir to Bountiful, Liege Lord of all the vassals in the territory, offer up my sworn fealty for all those to bear witness that in my house and all under my tutelage will follow Princess Zelda Araleia Hyrule and her line in perpetuity. May the goddess light and guide her path, and her years of reign be as numerous as the grain in our fields."
Zelda couldn't wait to pull her hand away from the grimy clutch of his, but everyone was still watching. To avoid a scene, she had to wait until the man was finished.
Sure enough, Simon finished and with that slid his hand off of hers, turned to face Impa, who sat to the other side of the Zelda and past the wizard who had strangely remained quiet this entire dinner.
Impa cleared her throat and spoke again. "The princess assures me she will do all that is required to ensure peace and vows to fulfill her final sacred duty. The calamity has been destroyed, his lieutenant slain, and his armies have been disbanded and banished. Princess Araleia, one who takes the mantle of Zelda, pledges her role to all of you now. That since the darkness has passed and the light has come, she will do what must be done for her people."
Mattock concurred, swigging a slosh back from his mug, happy at the thought. "The question is, where do we begin? What does the law state in this matter in the absence of a King?" he then leaned and remembered to speak with some bedside manner and offered the princess a solemn tilt of the head in respect of his mentioning. "Many sorrows again, princess, for your loss. May his strength live on in you."
Zelda remained flabbergasted by what had been said thus far to even respond and only offered a light nod in gratitude. Her mind raced, taking in everything yet trying to control her emotions.
Simon leaned forward and took that as his cue to answer for her. "In the absence of the king, the Princess decides which noble house she will marry into. And if she can't decide…then—"
"—Then? Go on! What is the law?" Mattock asked eagerly.
Impa lifted her head and spoke again before Simon could. "Then the law says there shall be a tourney to decide. Any man of noble claim will be offered the right to compete in said tournament. But only a man of noble birth may enter; the law is clear and concise on this requirement." She said abruptly and coldly.
Like a dull knife tearing through bread, her words of such finality pierced Link's heart across the table. Everything was true after all. What Simon said earlier. He wasn't nobility. All he could do was listen. What's more, The princess knew about this arrangement and said nothing. This was the plan after the war the entire time and only he was clueless enough to believe that there ever was hope.
Impa continued even as Link stewed where he sat. "The princess then shall grant the last standing victor her hand in holy matrimony."
"Well, I'll be," Mattock said, contemplating as he tugged his red mustache. "Then that's great news! For us, I mean. That is if of course, she doesn't already have a suitor in mind," he boasted, having a hearty laugh. It took everything for the man to calm the fidgeting in his seat from being so overeager with the prospect of his Lord championing her hand that he had to take another big swig.
He turned and faced his lord wearing a grin that stretched from ear to ear. "You hear that boy! You have a chance! And what a fine chance that is! There's no greater swordsman in all the realm. Not from the sandy beaches of Lurelien all the way to the hagglers at Mirkwaster Bay or beyond the stony hills. None can beat you in single combat!"
Marin blinked and beamed, lifting her mug to point at Link across the way who sat stewing about the ramifications of what has been said. "Well, I wouldn't be so sure about that m'lord, they did say this champion defeated a lynel king."
"Ah yes, but he isn't able to compete, is he?" Mattock rebuffed.
"No. He cannot." Concurred Simon, eager to state the obvious. "Then again, this isn't a trial of single combat anyways. This is a tournament where many will compete all at once."
"And many will fail!" Mattock roared, proudly slamming his mug on the table.
"Only time will tell." Simon smugly smirked back.
Impa chimed. "It is true, Link and many others are barred from competing as the law makes it abundantly clear that only nobility may enter and only a noble house the princess may marry into."
"Well then, you see! Daneryio then has no equal. Not to disparage this lad's skill, I'm sure he is fantastic on the field as they say, but the law is the law and we are a nation of order." The man continued, stars in his eyes at the thought of a bright future for his Lordship. "Oh, what a match for the gods those two would make!" he praised, lifting his mug skyward, as if the whole thing had already been decided.
Zelda's eyes flashed toward him, astonished that he would be so bold to speak so plainly. Then again, why wouldn't any of them be? After all, they were right. Even she had to obey the law set by the goddess. What's more, it wasn't even certain who would win the tournament when the time came. Not that Daneryio was a bad or good man. She had no idea either way. Sure, she'd admit he was very handsome, but they only just met. Zelda cared more about who a person was than their outward appearance. But that's beside the point. Her heart already belonged to another, and now they were taking him away from her.
Then there was the other alternative which also she had to consider. What if some old, mean, lust-filled and desire chasing man would be the victor? It isn't uncommon for older men to be better veterans of battles than their younger counterparts. Then what? Would she be forced to marry some old antique? Or worse a greasy pervert? A man she would loath and have nothing in common with. Where she would be duty bound and forced to allow him to touch her, take ownership of her body against her will for the rest of her days. Would that be her fate?
The princess wasn't vain by no means, but she had feelings like everyone else. She desperately wanted to say something or scream. Let them all know what she truly thought of their arrangements and plots. But, like a good, pretty, little princess, she remained silent and hung her head down to her trencher, eager for the discussion to end or a miraculous reprieve to come. Though she knew there would be none.
Others shared in the man's delight and Mattock ribbed Link since he had nobody else to boast to, not realizing with every breath he spoke took another stab at the young man's heart. "But we'll play by the rules! You will see. We fight fair in the Stonelands!"
The man continued, infatuated by the idea of his lord having a shot at conquering the hand of the princess, and with that, the throne. "Oh, I can just hear the songs they'll sing about them now!"
Noticing the princess was feeling somewhat uncomfortable by his subordinate's blabbering, Daneryio spoke up. "That is enough Mattock," he said before facing the princess, locking gazes with her. His blue eyes glistened toward her with an honest sincerity. "Please, forgive my counselor's rude outburst your grace," he said softly. "He can get ahead of himself pretty easily and this is the most excitement he's had in a long time."
All Zelda could do was offer back up a gentle smile and raised her drink to sip in solidarity. The young man couldn't tell if she was bothered by the blundering or if she was just being bashful, but nevertheless he thought it best to settle down his man before he could say anything else to embarrass them.
"I meant no harm by it." Mattock assured, wiggling his mustache. "I mean, isn't this a reason more than any to celebrate?"
"It most certainly is." Assured Impa with a pleased smile. "Well, aren't you going to say something, dear?" Impa said, leaning over behind the wizard to nudge Zelda. After all, it was her job to guide the princess into taking a firm hold of the reins of the kingdom. This marriage was the surest way to achieve that.
Zelda sat stunned. So much was said in so little time it was hard to swallow.
Mattock rumbled again with a laugh and others agreed to his sentiment with nodding approvals. "Can't you see? The girl is so thrilled beyond belief that she can hardly contain her excitement! Look at her! She's speechless!" Howled the man. "Not every day does a young lady get to choose a man of her liking from a lineup of noble strapping lads! Or have a tournament thrown in her honor for that matter!"
Zelda knew he meant well, but the bumbler had the incessant need to declare his presence known in any room he was in with his towering voice and even larger belly. It was starting to be too much, even for her.
Others cheered and laughed, thinking he was right about his evaluation. To the untrained eye, she looked so astonished by what had been revealed thus far; anyone could have mistaken her shock for sheer excitement.
Zelda slunk into her seat and let out a great sigh. Her gut twisted as if being punched by a dozen fists. The thought of having to marry anyone had totally escaped her mind these past few days. But what could she do? She couldn't delay the subject any further.
It was her duty. Not only to those around her but an obligation to everyone in her kingdom. Thousands upon thousands of people depended on her every decision. It wasn't a simple matter of what she wanted. Every choice from here on out had to be calculated and measured. Nothing could be left to chance. The kingdom was barely united. The ties that bound them together were dangling by a thread, and the great Hylian houses had never been so fragile in all her memory. One small wrong maneuver could undo everything. Everything that she worked so hard to achieve. Peace was a constant struggle to maintain, even in supposed peacetime.
She didn't have the choice that any mere girl had. She was the princess. Heir to the goddess and the sole remaining survivor of the house of Hyrule. The situation at first glance seemed so simple yet, so complicated.
Either she could choose her own heart above all else and be together with the one who she truly loved, only to let the kingdom slide into ruin and be left leaderless, or she could do right by her people and take the hand of some nobleman she has never met. A stranger she has been promised to since the foundation of the kingdom. It was an impossible choice. The weight of which crushed her spirit.
Her head hummed as she sat listening to all of them arrange, discuss, and gloat about the whole thing as if easily planning an auction or a summer fair. Just about everyone continued to slosh drinks and celebrate on her behalf. The roaring of their laughter in slow motion buzzed in her ears. The smoke from their pipes fogged her senses, and she felt sick when she glanced down at the mug loosely held in her shivering hands.
The sweet bubbling drink, which she had so happily drank for an hour now soured on the back of her tongue. The taste of short-lived happiness faded into ash in her mouth, scratching the back of her throat making it hard for her to speak. She couldn't tell if it had been their endless pipe smoking or the revelations thus far. Whatever it was, she wanted no part of it anymore. But, what choice did she have though? She couldn't just leave. That's not what leaders do, she thought. She was the princess; this was her sworn duty to all of them.
So, as her heart sank in her chest leaving her devastated, she knew better than to let them know it. Using all her might she cracked a phony smile back at the rest of them so as not to cause alarm or halt the evening's festivities. It took everything in her to bend her brows cheerfully and glisten her eyes back to all of them as if she was truly happy.
With a swallow of pure dissatisfaction and a pale face, she spoke up. "Y—yes, I think…If you all believe that this is what must be done, I will gladly accept the hand of whoever fate decides should be my suitor. May…
"…May the goddess bless him and guide his steps for the impossible task that lies before him. That he and I be worthy until the day comes for us to be wed."
Those eager clapped at her decision and praised her. Simon took that as his cue to solidify the arrangement before anyone could back out. "Then, it's decided!" He said, standing up in his seat, fist proudly leaning into the table. "The tournament of roses shall commence before the eve of the princess's eighteenth birthday. First, we shall have a grand tourney and then, goddess willing, a wedding to remember for the ages!"
Everyone else was smiling at her. Well, almost everyone. Her gaze wandered around the table until it finally fell on a stoic Link whose cold blue eyes were staring back at her. Though their fate was sealed regarding their future with all they had just heard, that still didn't stop him from finding the courage to gently offer her a sweet smile anyways, no matter that it tore him apart. Zelda's soul was crushed, and her heart ached for him. For them both.
Authors Notes: I hope you enjoyed this bit, there is more to come really soon. I had to split up this chapter due to size. The good news is the other part is already finished. I will wait two weeks to post it to allow time for everyone to read this. If you haven't done so already, please, do leave a comment of your thoughts. It really encourages me to keep writing and if I know people are reading and enjoying the story, then I will put in the time to finish. Also, artwork is displayed on my profile of characters of the story, as of right now it is Lady Marin, though soon to be Zelda. Let me know your thoughts on the original artwork as well. Until next time, stay well in Hyrule wherever you are.