Chapter 43
Torn Apart
As they swayed to the rhythm of the music, Marin could sense that something was off. Link had slowed down, hesitated, and then suddenly stopped their melodic stride. "Is something the matter?" she asked, trying to understand what was wrong.
"I'm sorry, milady. I just... I can't do this. Please forgive me," Link's voice wavered as he spoke, his attention transfixed on the dais where Zelda and Lord Daneyrio were dancing. He watched as they moved in perfect sync, cheered on by the crowd. The spectators' annoying praises made his stomach churn.
Shouts of "Make way for her highness! The Princess blesses us all this night with her enchanted talents!" More howls of approval came, followed by whistles and claps. "She moves as fierce as a ray of golden summer sun yet light and graceful like a summer breeze!"
Others concurred. "Look how charming Lord Daneyrio carries and glides the princess across the floor. How he holds her in his hard hands of stone! What a match made by the gods!" But it wasn't the hollers and shouts from the crowd only added to the burning sensation within him; it was when he saw her reaction that drove him to sorrow.
The look of desire in Zelda's eyes when she would gaze up at the lord from Draene after a spin back into his embrace. Glistening eyes he thought were meant only for him. The same eyes that had shone with affection just hours earlier when they shared their first kiss. Is he just seeing things? Did he imagine the attraction between them? The audience seemed to think so and Link couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed.
He had to get out of there. The noise and chaos of the party made it hard for him to think clearly. The crowd roared with adoring applause as Zelda and Lord Daneyrio struck their final pose, and Link couldn't bear to watch any longer and looked away. The showering ovations seemed to never end.
The knight couldn't stomach the spectacle anymore and carrying on his dance with Lady Marin would have been unfair to her as well. This night was for her too. One that should be full of just as much wonder, magic, and fun as any decent girl deserved. Not an evening of misunderstanding and regret. No matter how much he tried to fix his composure and get back into the swing of things, he couldn't.
Unable to reciprocate the playful attraction she shared with him, he backed away gently. There they both stood still on the dance floor at odds. If she had a suspicion something was amiss before, now she knew.
Taking her hand, Link spoke softly amidst the whirl of music and people. "I thank you, milady, for teaching me to dance this evening," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. He cleared his throat and continued, rubbing her hand softly in his, not as a suitor but as a friend. "May you find another Ser tonight who can appreciate your sweet touch..." Every stroke he did more regretfully than the last while she chewed her lip in anticipation of what he might say next.
"For..." He said, voice wavering, breaking like a wave upon the shore. He gulped again. "For it is sweet and warm and I know any man here would be honored to have it..." Link tried to get the words out, even as her eyes shone with the reflection of his somber face. He didn't want to hurt her feelings, but he couldn't concentrate. He couldn't stand to be there any minute longer than he had to. His heart fell to the pit of his stomach, and he had to get out of that place.
So, swallowing the sour taste of regret, he forced the words out as charmingly as he could. "...But, as for me, I am not ready for your touch, nor worthy of it. I apologize for my abruptness, but I must depart you now. May you find joy in the rest of your evening."
Letting loose her touch, his hand slipped away from hers as he turned and walked away. The crowd of dancers slowly closed in around him until he disappeared from her sight out the entrance of the tent. Lady Marin could hardly walk away or do anything. What just happened? She thought.
The lady was left speechless. Her giddy, larger-than-life personality had vanished, leaving her motionless like a sanctuary sister from the House of Holiness. A handmaid of the goddess trinity who would devout their lives in service to them, swearing oaths of celibacy and silence.
Standing as a statue she hesitated to move, staring blankly at the exit where the handsome young man had left her. Dancers swarmed in around, oblivious to what had happened. The delightful sound of song, laughter, and jovial celebrating that surrounded her which she delighted in so much was now a nuisance in her ears. Turning her gaze away, she stepped back up to the dais, where she could sit and reflect on what had just happened... Was it something I said? Or did?
In his mind he blamed himself. Perhaps, it was all his fault he concluded. Goddess knows he tried to break away on several occasions to get back to her but every opportunity had slipped through his fingers like sand in an hourglass. Not to mention he didn't want to be callous to the feelings of Lady Marin.
Even still, he couldn't take it anymore. This had gone far enough and seeing everyone celebrate, laugh, and howl in ravenous applause when their spicy dance concluded tore at him the worst. For this girl was the love of his life. Or so he wished to believe. But when he saw Zelda and this man from Draene dance the way they did and the way he held her, made his heart choke in his throat.
A storm of emotion overcame his senses. Perhaps it may have been the ale, his hunger, his lack of sleep or all of it combined, it didn't matter. A swirling empty pit of the stomach was what he was left with and there was no changing that. The knight's eyes burned as he fought back the cries of his heart and his hands trembled at his sides, yet he managed to still them and make haste out from the pavilion without alerting the attention of anyone.
Everything he had done up to that point in his life came reflecting in his mind. His boyhood training to be a warrior, the war of the calamity, his relationship with the princess, and then... the magical kiss they shared just hours ago...So recent yet now seemed like a distant lifetime. Everything...Maybe it was all just too good to be true, he swallowed.
One after the other, wild contemplations filled his head, each competing against the other in his mind for consideration. The next one being more outrageous than the last.
She is who she is, and I am who I am. There's no changing that...No matter what I do. And now with the war over she is truly where she belongs. The knight rationalized and bargained with himself, desperately explaining away his reasoning, as if convincing a king's court.
I was only by her side because of that damn Calamity in the first place. If it wasn't for that, she wouldn't have ever given me a second glance on the street. So, why shouldn't she be with them? Her people. They adore her. The nobles tonight had taken her in with open arms as if she never left at all, he thought. Well, the jokes out. I'm through.
What chance do I have? A knight from the low country with a girl like that? What could I ever offer her? I don't come from a long line of noble families. There are no vast tapestries decorating the halls of my house, honoring the history of my lineage. Hell, I don't even own a home! I have no land, titles, servants, knights, commoners, or any of the rest to call upon. Goddess' sake, I don't even know my grandfather's name! And what little my father did mention of him, it sounded like he despised the man.
I remember all the talk people said when they spoke about him. The terrible things he did. The man would trade his own son for a sack of potatoes and an ass if he had the chance. Or even for just a handful of rupees. Anything to pay for his dishonorable after-hour addictions. The man had a heart of stone and secretly sold his son to a band of traveling merchants and nomads from the far east. A gaggle of the most unsavory sort that were caravanning and made it to the port of Anchorhead. My grandfather offered his own son like a mule to work the rest of his days as a litter carrier boy, going wherever the road might lead.
Link let out a sigh, heavy as an anvil. And now with this coming tournament all but certain, I think it's time I wake up and end this foolish fantasy for good. Besides, she did look happy earlier. Right?... Didn't she? He argued with himself. With that Draene Lord. But I just don't understand, why...why lead me to believe in something that can never be real?
Link let out another winded breath, blowing away the stars as he gazed up at them—If he only could. There he watched and shrugged, pondering outside the pavilion as he leaned against a nearby wagon with one hand, holding steady against it while his other yanked on a tarp, clenching the raggedy folds in his fist. What hope do I have to compete with someone like that? A man who can offer her the world...Maybe, maybe this is all for the best. After all, he was just a knight. Not even a landed one. Just a boy with a sword and a dream.
His head swam with a chorus of thoughts until all the noise quieted to a single, simple solution in his mind. Maybe it would be better for him to take the offer presented to him by Simon after all. At least then maybe the princess could truly be happy with a proper man worthy of her standing. Why delay the inevitable? He thought.
"Curse that Lord Simon," he grumbled under his breath, kicking a nearby camp kettle off a stack of dim coals. The pot rolled on the grass with a hop as he stomped by. Several soldiers who were huddled from the cold were just chewing the fat out front when they heard the startling thud of his kick and lifted their heads to him. The knight quickly waved them down for them to pay him no mind.
Simon may have been a pompous swine, but he was right. They had no chance together. Though that very sound logic reverberated in his head, his heart would tug at him and whisper a secret hope. It may have been a foolish hope, but still a glimmer nonetheless. And if Link was anything, he was a hopeless fool for this girl. A sudden fire in him lit up. Screw that! I'm not going to give up! Why should I?
Then as soon as the courage came, it evaporated. That ever-present bravery he thought he had melted away. Ironic really. He could slay monsters as frightful as the night, champion battles against mechanized terrors from their hidden past, or defeat the king of nightmares himself, but facing his situation now was more than he could ever dream to muster against. The reality beneath his feet would churn to quicksand and the whole world would sink in around him weighing him down, and allowing all his worst doubts to creep back in.
Is it all in my head? What we have together? —What we had together? He corrected as he pondered. That kiss we shared...It was like something out of a midnight dream I would never want to wake from....Wasn't it? His thoughts encircled him with a stranglehold of emotion.
The aching feeling in his chest persisted, and the nagging thoughts wouldn't go away as he recollected more on the pinnacle of their relationship. Ah, but that kiss earlier...and the way she held onto me... The way her hands trembled...The beating of her heart against mine and the shimmer in her eyes...That was real, wasn't it? It had to mean something, didn't it? Nobody can pretend feelings like that. Could they? He sighed again.
Taking a small step onto the grass he made sure to be far away from anyone. Inhaling a deep breath he gazed up into the twinkling of stars scattered across the night sky. Somehow instead of offering comfort to him, they seemed more melancholy than he was.
Their sparkles would dim back and forth as if they were crying. One particular faraway red ruby in the sky caught his eye and he could have sworn he heard a voice echo out to him from it, a mirror of his own heart. That if he closed his eyes and listened closely, he could make out the cries of some long-lost language when they pulsed. Though he was unable to know what they were whispering back and forth, he somehow understood.
There he watched for a long while until the stars above even offered no consolation for him. Their voices grew cold and silent, their flickering light offering no warmth or comfort. He remembered an old tale his father had told him about how the stars came to be. It was a story he had always cherished, but tonight it felt like a cruel reminder of his heritage when he remembered. And all he wanted was to forget it.
And then, something inside him stirred. A determination not to give up. Well... It meant something to me. He insisted, squeezing a fist at his side, turning his stare away from the silent and cold heavens above him. It just had to...It must have meant something to her too. Didn't it? Or am I just a plain fool who is imagining things more than what they are?
Link's feet squashed the muddy grass as he stomped again feverishly. The flicker of campfires surrounding him blinked as their embers dimmed and he shrugged and sighed again. Like a nagging gnat buzzing in his ears, the never-ending doubts wouldn't let up. Maybe I'm not her first? Maybe where she is from, boys like me are a rupee a dozen? Maybe, she knew this is how it would end all along. Goddess! Just tell me, what am I supposed to do?
The poor lad wrestled with his thoughts and emotions for a while, trying to not let them get the better of him. So far it seemed they have been as he paced back and forth outside, far away from the celebrations. It took a chill wind sweeping across his face and a blanket of eerie mist covering the grass up to his knees to wake him up. It was then he realized he had lost track of the time.
The night grew too cold to dwell on it any further and so the knight thought it best to retire for the evening. It could wait til the morrow, he thought. So, he shook his head of it all and made his trudge away from the pavilion to disappear into the darkness when a voice called out from behind him causing him to whirl to it.
Back inside the pavilion, the party was alive with music, laughter, and celebration. From the hollers of men to the snorting laughs of giggling maidens, the room bustled with wild sacrilegious commotion. Rowdy soldiers had abandoned all curtesy and were seen dancing atop benches, singing and hurrahing one another, jousting their mugs in friendly jests. Those who were able to hold on to what little sobriety they had were still picking at what remained of their dinner trenchers. Goddess knows this would be the best meal they will have for a long time, so better take advantage of the Princess's court and their good graces while it lasted.
Others were seen playing cards for keeps, puffing pipe smoke, or just plain enjoying the festivities of it all. But most attendees were still busy just conversing or dancing to the music.
Notable of all were the ladies from Bella's entourage. They have been quite busy. Those girls would be giddily trading hands with lucky fellows at every opportune moment for a dance. Eyeing potential prospects among the thrall of young soldiers. They had quite the variety to choose from and every flavor imaginable. Every single one of the men were eagerly fighting each other for a turn at making a shiny impression on one of the girls. All in the hopes of courting her for some play later that evening, if they were lucky.
One lady in particular who had her fill of excitement for one night was Princess Zelda. She and Lord Daneyrio had just concluded their dance, completely unaware of what had happened between Link and Marin. The attraction between them was undeniable to all those who watched, but it was one-sided.
All the while during her dance Zelda couldn't stop thinking about Link. She had felt a connection with him from the moment they first truly met, and their kiss had confirmed it earlier that day. But now, noticing that he was gone and no longer in the embrace of Marin's hold, she couldn't help but wonder if her wild outburst was all a mistake.
Zelda would be embarrassed to admit that her dance may have been a tad too racy for her liking. The guilt of initiating it made it even worse and gnawed at her conscience. So, she did the only respectable thing she could think of and that was to end it before it got out of hand.
However, if bystanders were to judge her dance in contrast to those performed by other gals thus far, her dance with Daneyrio would have looked like a maiden waltz performed at the House of Holiness in comparison. So, one could imagine the sort of debauchery some of the other ladies were engaged in after an evening of drinks have gone to their heads.
The rambunctious Bella may have been a wild spirit herself, but even for her it took everything she had to curtail some of the behavior of her friends; so that they could remain, ladies, before nights end. After all, she had a reputation to uphold, and a princess to respect. Impressions mattered, even to her. But it was all in good fun, or so she believed.
Zelda on the other hand wasn't so sure. Not about their dances. She could care less how the other girls behaved. In fact, she wanted them to have fun and let loose for a change. A hundred years of dread deserved a reprieve. It was her dance that made her feel queasy.
What came over her? Why did she do that? Was it jealousy? Was she just imagining Link instead? That if she shut her eyes and tried really hard to believe that when she opened them back up he would magically appear in front of her, holding her in his arms instead? If so, then how is that fair to Daneyrio? The young man had no idea.
The princess's belly bubbled with awkwardness. She didn't know how to face the noble lord if he were to approach her again. He was such a stranger to her and yet they danced as if they were lifelong lovers. How can she tell him it was all just a misunderstanding? Would he even believe her? Now, she knew she was really getting ahead of herself. Get a grip, Zelda, you're not that special.
What if he didn't even care? She thought. For all you know, he dances that way with all the ladies he propositions...She quickly corrected herself the moment she thought it. Ah! C'mon who are you fooling? I asked him to dance-I propositioned him! Of course, he would think I fancy him! Ugh, what did you think would happen, you foolish girl? Ladies aren't supposed to be the ones dragging men to the dance floor. Even I know that!
Ugh, Regardless, even if he thinks that perhaps, the best choice and easiest is to just ignore it. Act like it's not a big deal. Maybe he might forget by the morrow. Or, better yet, maybe he doesn't even know what happened and it's all in my head. Ugh...I'm kidding myself...Please, sweet Goddess, don't let things be awkward the next time we speak.
Zelda's belly gurgled again as she stepped away to sit at an empty seat on a bench far away from the nobility were sitting. She needed a moment to collect the multitude of thoughts racing past her mind's eye. Yep, she definitely had too much to drink she realized. She never had a good head for it, not even a hundred years ago, let alone now.
So far nobody had approached her which was good. Goddess knows she wasn't ready to deal with anyone else's nonsense right now. Not that she was rude or callous to the needs of others, in fact, she would often be the first to put others before herself. But, there was only so much in a day a girl can take. At some point, she needed some personal space.
So, there she sat and took a breather from all the excitement rushing around her. There she pondered long and hard on what she would say to Link. That's all that mattered to her now. She needed to make things right with him. If only she knew where to find him. He had left the party without so much a bye or leave of anyone and deep down she knew it was because of her. And that made her more sick than all the booze in the world could ever do.
After a moment of reflection, she searched for an empty cup nearby, not for wine but for water. She had remembered the wizard Kelcifer only drank water and his tall pitcher of it would have still been on the table. Yet, when she surveyed the area, neither he nor his jar could be found.
Somehow, she had to wash the bitter taste of the evening and moisten her lips so that when she faced Link, she would be able to speak coherently. The thoughts of what to say made her fidget uncontrollably. She couldn't wait any longer and got up from where she sat.
But as she did, noticing her mood from afar, a jolly old fool cartwheeled over to her through a maze of dancers. The man dressed in motley twirled like a tornado and flipped over a pair of others before finishing with a final skid to his knees, startling Zelda to fall back into her seat. When he landed, he offered her from behind his back a surprise bouquet made of the prettiest pink, paper roses.
"The finest, lovely flowers for a lovely girl! Lovesick too!" Zelda blinked nervously, accepting them graciously. And as she did the man began to bellow out a song. "Ring a ding dong, the time is now, this very hour the wolf will howl! Oh, I know, for she sings to me, told me all about it, whispered my Queen of fairies! Lucky stars fall when lovers dream. You, my dear, will have good fortune this evening!
"But only if you don't delay, hurry now, the owl awaits. For when he sleeps and the cuccos crow, then will go all your hope. But, don't despair, you still have time, enough until the last drop of wine." The man whirled, hands moving every which way as he performed a synchronized tap dance with his feet, keeping perfect tempo with the syllables of his lyrics.
And just when the princess thought she saw it all, he slid again down onto one knee and sang some more. "Remember, one mustn't tell lies, or mother says she'll face the golden price! Oh, yes, Tingle-Jangle knows! The queen herself told him so!"
The princess was confused by his cryptic tune and couldn't turn her gaze from him. Respectfully she forced a smile as she accepted the floral arrangement that he presented her but she was left uneasy by it.
The man was clad in an array of mixed-match wear of all types of colors and fabrics. From soft satins and silks to boiled leathers in some parts. Tattered sleigh bells draped his poofy star-pointed cap and he had an equally mishapened face to go with a pair of eyes of a different color. One as clear blue as the ocean and the other shining like a pearl of that same sea. Though Zelda was hardly one to judge someone by their looks. She often gave everyone a chance and let their character dictate the person they ought to be remembered as.
Zelda leaned back unconvinced by the charade. The jovial man smiled and proceeded to perform a jest in front of her as he skipped and danced silly. If that didn't do the trick he perhaps thought it best to juggle nearby plates off the table. Perhaps that would earn him a chuckle or the very least a smile. But, it wasn't until he slipped and fell to his bottom from a peel from one of the platters did Zelda snort suddenly. Though as quick as her smile came it vanished. She couldn't help but remember Link and what had happened moments ago.
That being said the princess quickly remembered her manners and scurried to help the man up off the floor when a voice called out to her. Zelda sat back down as the man stood up.
"Enough of you fool. Can't you see the princess is trying to sulk in peace? She doesn't need your bad jokes to make it any worse. Sheesh, what is my brother paying ya for anyway?"
It was Sylmoor. Zelda was speechless, how did he know? Was it so apparent on her face or stamped on her forehead that she wasn't in a cheerful mood? Was her expression so dour that it was plain to everyone? She hoped not.
Sylmoor shoved the jester out of the way. "Now, off with ya fellow, go be a part of someone else's boredom. I have to speak with the princess..."
Zelda defended the man. "He's quite alright, in fact, he's pretty good actually."
"Well, he can be good someplace else. It's you I'm concerned with, my dear princess liege!" Sylmoor said, saluting a pointed finger to the ceiling in praise.
The jester saluted mockingly behind Sylmoor in a clownish way, sticking his tongue out only just to pretend and act casual when he turned. Zelda couldn't help but fight back the urge to smile at the quirkiness of it all.
The man properly bowed to the princess as respectfully as he could before leaving. But as he did though he offered a reply as he bent toward her ear in that silly singing voice of his. "Remember, Tingle-Jangle knows! Oh yes, I do! Hurry now, or the night will bloom to day! Remember what I said, because I always tell the truth, oh yes, oh yes, nothing else will do!"
Zelda was taken aback and something about his tone sent a shiver up her spine. She couldn't shake the feeling. Did he know what I was going through? But that would be impossible, she thought while chewing her lip. But before she could respond, Sylmoor already shooed the fellow off, and just like that he was gone. Disappeared into the crowd to entertain the others.
Sylmoor leaned in front of her, waving his hand across her stone stare as she watched the party move around them almost in slow motion. Like a frog on a log, she was recollecting what the fool had left her with and was trapped in thought. Sylmoor caught himself from falling over from his lean and the sudden startle awoke her from her daydream. Returning all focus to him now, she eyed him peculiarly. Something was amiss about him. The way he was acting.
...Ah, he's drunk! That was it. Zelda cocked a brow and straightened her back in her seat before letting out a sigh to listen to what he came to say, holding her chin as it fell into her hands atop her lap.
Sylmoor greeted her. "Are you alright, my princess? I noticed you took a seat all the way over here. Away from the other host of noble lords and ladies, to be down here with the everyday rift raft to watch them dance. Is everything okay?"
She slowly lifted and craned her head to face him where she sat on the bench. With a blink and blank stare, she nodded gently. "They're not too bad. After all, these are my soldiers," she assured. "I must be able to make acquaintances with them eventually."
Sylmoor wasn't convinced and evaluated her with his remaining single sober eye. "Forgive my saying this, but you look rather pale. I mean, you're still gorgeous as you always are but a tad pale nonetheless, are you sure everything is alright? Could I be of assistance?"
"Not unless you can turn back time. Could you?"
Sylmoor paused for just a second only to shake his head solemnly. The lord still managed to offer her a sweet gesture of friendship and reached out to comfort her by the shoulder. The princess grabbed his hand and held it in her own and nodded politely. "I thought not." Though she couldn't be sure if he was holding onto her as simple nicety or that he was that drunk and could fall over at any moment. Whatever it was, she savored it happily.
She then let out a long sigh as if she carried all the sadness of the world in a sack on her back. "In that case, I'll be alright. Nothing that a good night's rest can fix and maybe some time alone to think about it."
Sylmoor took a step back, still leaning to look her over as she sat lower than he stood. "Well, if you're sure then I'll leave you to your thoughts...But, if you get bored along the way, I think you would be happy to know I'm playing next! It should be fun to watch." Sylmoor said wearing a grin before slowly revealing an ocean glazed ocarina in his hands that he caressed gently with a soft cloth. "Because I have a song to play! And if you find you need my company afterward, you only need to holler for me!"
Zelda lifted her chin and offered him a sweet smile. And just as he was about to be brushed away by another drunken companion of the party who staggered up behind him, she spoke up. "Oh, Sylmoor, there mayhaps be just one thing...before you go."
Sylmoor spun to lend his ear to her, careful not to fall over since he wasn't the surest of foot due to some late-night beverages that had already dulled the edge of his senses.
"Have you seen where Link went?"
Sylmoor steadied himself from stumbling and looked up, trying to recollect where he saw him, a finger pressed to his lip in quick contemplation. "My apologies my dear princess. Hiccup. But I haven't seen that knight of yours for quite some time. He is quite the stealthy one! Those royals sure trained him well," he said, pausing for a second to place a hand over his heart and kiss two fingers up to the heavens in a mock prayer before muttering quietly to himself. "Poor bastards...Goddess rest their souls."
Zelda eye's wandered about the great vaulted tent, past all the smiles, laughs, and silly behavior, and shook her head back at Sylmoor. "And of Prince Sidon? Where is Sidon?"
"If I recall, he left not that long ago too. That pretty prince is even more slippery than your knight, princess. If you don't mind me saying!" Sylmoor stuffed the Ocarina back into his pocket and reached for a drink. For a second he paraded a bit in front of her and swung his mug proudly like a wizard waved a wand. "Who knew...Who knew that someone could be so tall and strong, with all those nice, shiny muscles that they would be able to sneak away as quietly as a mouse!"
"I see..." Zelda answered back slowly, brows lifted, wanting to laugh at his strange behavior due to the obvious drinking, but her heart was still too torn to allow her to breathe freely just yet. Instead, she nodded back, allowing Sylmoor to take his leave to bask in more of the night's splendor. Alone on the bench, she sat and stewed on what she must do next.
Outside Link whirled to the sound of a familiar voice calling out to him. A shadow was coming at him at a brisk sprint, and he braced himself for the worst. And then, it stopped as quickly as it bolted toward him and when the figure came out into the moonlight which now shone through a clouded sky, he knew.
"-Sidon! It's you?"
"Well, of course? Who else?" The prince said, finally able to catch his breath from his trek across camp. Sidon had to speak while gripping his knees he was so winded.
Link cupped his chin and recollected the two goons who tried to coerce him to leave earlier. "You never know. I tend to try and stay careful."
"I..." Sidon heaved. "Sorry, your Hylian ale robs me of breath if I'm away from the water too long." The prince cleared his throat and forced out the words. "I...I saw you dancing back there. You were looking like you were having a merry old time but before I knew it you were gone. So, I ran off to come find you but...I couldn't find you anywhere. Why are you over here alone in the dark, in the tall grass on the outskirts of camp?" Sidon paused, realizing Link's eyes were red with sadness yet shed no tears. He stepped closer to have a better look. "Are you sure you're alright?"
"I'm fine. I may have had a bit too much to drink myself, that's all."
Sidon approached cautiously, taking one step back for every two steps forward. "C'mon Link. How far do we go back? You can talk to me."
"Sidon, I said I'm fine and I am. I was just about to get some sleep, go back, and enjoy the party," Link said, his tone souring.
"Well, that sounds good, but not yet. Not until you tell me what's wrong first. You may be older than me, but I've been the one actually living for one hundred years while you were busy dreaming away in slumberland. So, by my count, I have the years on you."
"Oh, and you think I had a choice to that dirt nap?"
"Well, no, but you can't fool me. I know something's up. Now, what is it? Are you going to tell me or am I going to have to beat it out of you?"
Link wasn't one to share his feelings with anyone. So, he glanced up from staring at Sidon's feet until he met his gaze. The prince was tall and wore a thin smile, but it wasn't playful. It was a serious one. Steady with a subtle hint of mistrust.
Link huffed, not worried in the slightest. "You can't beat me Sidon. We both know that. So what are you playing at?"
"Oh really? How do you know that? As I said, you were sleeping for a hundred years while I have been training. Need I remind you, I've saved you three times on this quest—"
"-Enough already, what is it you want? I mean, what do you really want?"
"I want to know what's eating you so bad. As your squire, it is my duty—"
"-Exactly, my squire! Which means you should heed my—"
"-And besides, we have never tested our talents against one another in a game like this. At least, not for reals. Also, I never said I wanted a contest of mere strength. I know I could never beat you when it comes to raw power, nor would I ever try. I'm talking about a competition of skill and wits. And besides, it might help you to blow off some of that steam you have boiling within you, on whatever it is that has you troubled so that you can't even tell me."
Link's ears perked at his proposal.
"And..."
Link's brows raised. "And?"
"And, I heard you like to smash things when you're mad. Is that true?"
"Just targets in the training yard from time to time...But how did you, who?" Link was perplexed about how he knew about that little idiosyncrasy of his. Nobody knew that, not even Zelda.
"Mipha was my sister, you know? In case you forgot."
Link shrugged, realizing the obvious, and waited for Sidon to spill the beans. How can I ever forget her...
"She told me growing up was hard for you, constantly moving from place to place. That you never really had anywhere real to call home. That your family even traveled from Shipgrave Bay all the way to Rocky Point in the Stonelands, always pulling up stakes at a moment's notice, and always on the run. That for the life of you, you never understood why.
"Until finally, your father was granted amnesty by the King and allowed to settle in the Domain among my people. That up to that point, you never had a chance for real friends, except Sven, of course, whose family kept in close contact with you via correspondence from Castle Town until the time would come for your family to return."
Sidon cupped his chin and continued. "She also mentioned the time when you were knee-high and you got in some big trouble with your father, so he punished you. Quite the thrashing from the sound of it. But, Mipha said you didn't cry like the other kids when walloped. That even then you refused to show any weakness in sight of the other children."
Link listened and his eyes narrowed, trying to remember the fuzzy details of his childhood as Sidon rehearsed them back to him like a parrot.
The prince's eyes glinted a bit of pale moon and a smile crept up his cheeks. "But, I take it that little Link didn't take too kindly to that, so he vented out his pent-up aggression on some expensive pottery his father had owned in the yard. At the edge of the Domain. You were quite the handful as a child from what I hear."
Link smiled to himself devilishly, finally able to recollect the mischief he got into as a boy.
"So, am I right?" Sidon leaned; arms crossed, anxiously waiting for a reply.
Link turned and glanced up at him still wearing the half smirk. "Well, they weren't that expensive."
"Ah, so it is true then?" Sidon pointed, a gotcha grin dripping over his face,
"Well, if Mipha says so. Then I guess it must be true."
"She did...Now, can we begin? Starting with you telling me what's going on?"
"Sure, but only if you can beat it out of me like you said."
"Oh, I will win this game. That you can bet! Now, I propose, we have a bit of our own target practice to uncage the rage. What say you? There's an entire shipment of empty storage pots in that wagon over there that I don't think anyone will miss. And if they do, I'll gladly pay them for it." Sidon gestured with a wink and glance over to a covered wagon that had a tattered white tarp draped over it.
Stacked to the brim in the back and overflowing were dozens of empty, fat clay jars. A mass of empty jugs for the army that must have been brought to fill water in case of an emergency like the fire they experienced at camp before the siege. Whatever the reason they were there, they were going to be used now.
"So, are you up for the challenge or are you cucco?"
Link shrugged and glanced over his shoulder to where his tent stood. It wasn't too far off and sleep did sound well deserved but he couldn't deny his friend, so he relented with a flourish of a bow, waving his arm before him. "Rookies first then I guess," he teased.
"Then, by all means, you should definitely be first!"
This princess is quite the enigma, Daneyrio thought, watching the others below the dais continue with their celebrations. The night was still young, and the festivities would continue to the break of day, blurring the line between breakfast and dinner. There he sat quietly at the end of the table, ignoring the incessant chatter of his lieutenants to his right and the boisterous laughter of Mattock to his left. It was a wonder he could focus on anything with the way they babbled on, but somehow he managed. Lost in thought amidst the raucous revelry, he was completely entranced.
Daneyrio bellowed a longwinded sigh, took a breath, and forced down a heavy swig of wine. First, she wanted to dance with me but as soon as we locked arms, her mind went elsewhere, hardly acknowledging me at every available chance. Looking away to the distance in the hopes of seeing some unknown, long-lost love that wasn't there who would save her from her ordeal. I just don't get it. Why offer your hand if that isn't your intention?
Yet, when I thought it best to break away to give her the space clearly wanted, she would pull me in closer with the ferocity of a lioness. The others watching would cheer and before I knew it, the rhythm took over both of us. Then there was no hope of letting her go...Nor do I think I'd want to. Ugh, what does this beautiful girl want? To dance or not? To be touched or not? What is it that she craves?
He wiped a drip off his chin from the gulp and continued to ponder, stewing as he watched the swirl of crimson courage splash in his goblet. The first real drink he had all evening. He didn't particularly like the sour taste of wine and much preferred the froth of ale. Being as it may, he was a Lord, and proper etiquette called for him to partake of the princess's special vintage when offered. So, he did without protest when a serving lad of the army brought it up to him for inspection.
Especially, when her prized vintage hails all the way from the vast vineyards of Barrel Town. Nestled to the north in the land of Bountiful and a part of the Illiastar territory of the kingdom. A very rare treasure indeed. There among the vast rolling hills of that land to its furthest edge where the town met the Long Lon River was the estate of Chateau Cremia.
Their unique craft of wine is known far and wide, by foreigner and Hyrulean alike to be the best in all the land. Crimson Courage of Cremia they called it, simply enough and it could only be bottled once every hundred years when a small stretch of divinely blessed vines ripened atop a lone distinct hill that sat in the middle of their Cremia family manor. Only once during the pale light of the last full moon of the century would the groves atop that hill shed their carmine blood. Vintners would work all through the night plucking their sacred berries as an opportunity only comes once in a lifetime. All the other wine harvesters in the area looked upon their neighbor with great envy for there wasn't a sweeter cup in all the world compared to the best wine crafted at Chateau Cremia.
Heros Hill it was so named because it is believed by the locals there that on that small hill, a low-born hero of old fell in love with a fair maid and he had perished in battle defending his lady love and the village from a nightmarish foe. A struggle that lasted one hundred years against the titan until his maiden returned in all her power to devour the beast with her holy magic. But, when the battle was won he succumbed to his wounds atop that hill. His sacrifice forever nurtured the land there, watering their hallowed grounds with his red blood, his soul and essence seeped and sanctified their soil with his courage forevermore.
It is said those who drink the blood of the fruit born atop his hilltop would be blessed with his same bravery for any occasion of their desire. A wine saved only for the grandest occasions where courage would be be needed most; like when a man would profess his heart to his lady love on one knee, a send off before battle or a final toast before pledging an eternal oath. That and it was a pretty damn good-tasting wine.
Daneyrio couldn't tell if he was blessed by anything, let alone valiance that night but he drank it nonetheless in case it may come to fruition eventually. He would need it if he were to face the princess again. But, no matter how many gulps he would force down, he still couldn't untangle the web of thoughts that spun in his head. Thoughts of her just moments earlier. The wine did him no favors in that regard either when it came to thinking harder on the subject. Like wood to a smoldering fire.
Returning to the memory of their dance just moments ago, he leaned his cheek against his fist atop the table in recollection. I must confess though, once she let loose and forgot about whatever was distracting her from afar, things seemed to change for the better. Much better. Like a whole new girl took over where this one left off. It was so strange yet, felt so right. I can hardly make heads or tails of it, but I saw something I can't explain or dismiss.
The way she would move, float up and down the floor before twirling into my arms was something remarkable. And then she'd looked up at me with those stormy green eyes of hers, those wonderous eyes. No matter how hard I fought the feeling they would stir something deep inside me down to my core. I could hardly breathe. Hopefully, she didn't notice my nervousness. My heart would pound, and I dared not look away.
I've danced with ladies before but, this was something entirely different. She was different. A feeling I never felt before. She had a lovesick, caressing touch that beckoned affection. A thirst to her silky fingertips that glided over me in ways that were not like the way other women of court have done so before. And just as I thought it was over, I would awaken my eyes to see our noses were just a breath away from touching and everyone roaring in applause. Our gazes locked on one another.
At that instant, a sweet fire lit up her face and her eyes burned brightly as she opened them, flickering gently like a candle in the night. There I saw a tenderness as well-a curiosity that I'd never seen before in a lady. Hopeful and eager, longing for something more in this life. A hidden desire or wish just begging to be granted. ... perhaps... perhaps one that I—No, that's crazy. You've gone mad Dan! Get a grip of yourself. She hardly even knows you...What would your father think?... But, still what was that glance for? Who was it for? It couldn't have been for me, could it? Ugh...Women... I'll never understand them for the life of me.
Some time passed, and the game had become neck and neck with Link leading the score and Sidon following close behind.
"Pull!" Link shouted as he fiercely loosed an arrow from his bow. The bolt whizzed through the air, streaking across the dark, cloudy night sky and all they could do was wait to listen for a shattering crash of its fury against the clay target if his aim was true.
The two had been busy smashing pots one after the other as they came hurling in the air at breakneck speed. All thanks to a soldier of the camp who liked the idea of the sport and was kind enough to rig a catapult to launch them for the duo.
"Nice one." Complimented Sidon with a snark and single solidary clap.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Link said craning his neck to Sidon's jab, lowering his bow.
"Nothing." Sidon smirked again.
"Uh, huh? Nothing you say?"
"Yeah, nothing..." The red prince shrugged coolly. "I mean, I just figured you would be doing a hell of a lot better than this to be honest. Perhaps, you would be if u weren't so dead set on being stubborn and bottling up what it is that's bothering you."
"What are you talking about?" Link huffed, planting the long bow to tip of his boot, facing Sidon with a scornful look, flabbergasted by his preposterous notion. "Are you mad? I'm the one that's winning! Or haven't you noticed?
"Aye, you are, but, barely." Sidon smirked and realized he had him. Poked him right at his weak point. His warrior ego. "You should have been killing me in this little game and yet, you hardly have been able to score more than three over me. Why is that? Where's those legendary skills I heard so much about? Could it be that the great Link is distracted?"
Link shrugged, unamuzed by the prodding. "It's the ale. I told you before, I may have had a bit much to partake tonight. That's all! I'm fine."
"Oh really?" The red prince leaned, the back of his hand wagging his sarcastic tongue in the proud Hylian's ear. "Ale you say. You sure?" Sidon leaned in and teased. "You sure it isn't a short, cute Hylian girl, with blonde hair just above her shoulders on your mind? One who is about this yay high."
Sidon gestured with his hand up to his waist and spoke wearing a mischievous grin. " A girl who is always up and at them, bright eyed and tends to have a pouty face from time to time that makes you just wanna bear hug her? Does anyone like that sound familiar to you?"
Link shoved him for the prods. "She's not that short!"
"Well, compared to you." The red princes bellowed out a laugh. "You Hylians are all short to me! And don't you deny it, she has you bothered? Doesn't she?"
"Can we get back to the game please?"
"Well—okay then, but memory serves me that somebody once bragged that he could make just as many shots even while seeing double. So, where's that confidence now and why not this night? If it's truly just the ale, hmmm?"
"Damn it Sidon, you don't ever let up do ya?"
"Not on your life. Now, watch this one!" He said, loosing a bolt into the night sky. It looked like it was going to be a direct hit on the next target. Link watched, still reeling from what Sidon had said and though he resisted the urge, he just couldn't. His competitive spirit got the best of him. To Sidon's shock, from behind he also launched an arrow out of spite, shattering Sidon's bolt midair into a million fragments, all the while moving at blurring speed to loose another closely behind as to break the brown pot before it could hit the ground.
"Pull!" Link shouted simultaneously. With a third knoch he sent a final piercing arrow into the black night above shattering his own jar too. Everything happened in one fluid motion and Link moved like a composer to an orchestra.
"There, happy now? Have I made it hard enough for you?" Link said, stepping away.
Sidon was astonished Link could get so flustered, but he couldn't help by squeeze his side from the laughter. "Well, well, look who decided to show up and actually compete! I was beginning to have my doubts. I was wondering what this stranger done with my friend."
"Doubt what? That I can beat you? Pshh, don't make me laugh."
Sidon chuckled again. "Did I strike a nerve back there?"
"Not a chance!" Link defended with a scowl.
"Good! Well at least now you're awake! I don't want to win by a handicap anyways."
"You won't be winning at all!"
"Good, then howabout you stop telling me how and show me!"
"That eager to lose are we? Well I guess somebody has to teach you how it's done and put you out of your misery. And besides I can't bear to watch another moment. Let's finish this. No more games."
Sidon laughed sarcastically. "Ha Ha, My misery? Friend, have you seen a mirror lately?"
"Why, do you have one?" Link fought the smile, realizing how silly he had been acting. What has this girl done to me? I can't believe that he's riled up my nerves so much with so little. Or wait a minute, it's not him. It's her. I'm taking everything out on poor Sidon.
"No, but maybe I can arrange for one. And besides, I hardly ever train with the bow. If I were to beat you, it would raise some serious questions as to the veracity of our arrangement! That maybe you should be my squire instead!"
"Yeah, when Gorons fly." Link frowned, unfazed by the jest. "Can we get this over with? I don't want you embarrassing yourself for any longer than you have to."
"Is that so? Me? Embarrass myself? You're the one that seems bothered by it." Sidon said, gleefully positioning himself for another round, flexing his bow and setting up his stance. "Need I remind you the score? I'm not that far behind. So by your own admission it seems the fate of our embarrassments are tied."
"Well, enjoy it while you can because it won't be for long. Any hope you had of catching up to me is falling faster than those jars. You wanted a contest? I'll give you a contest!" Link stood beside him and waved his hand across the far off landscape, offering a foretelling. "This will be the night the bards sing in their songs for years to come. The moment that Prince Sidon thought he could beat Link, son of Tye."
"Well, then mayhaps you should teach me your wise ways, my Ser! So next time I may have a fighting chance! After all, as your official squire I am in your service and tasked to learn your techniques—"
Several sudden graceful footfalls snuck up behind them, and they both spun away from their contest.
A sweet sound of a girl speaking cut through their chatter like a knife in the wind. "Well, you're going to have to wait a hundred more years, Prince Sidon. It just so happens that I'm first in line to learn. I've been asking him to teach me some of his skills ever since I've known him, and he is yet to show me a single thing. Well, there was this one time, but only once! This knight has grown quite busy becoming a legend in his own mind these days and it would seem he doesn't care to want to share his secrets anyone."
Sidon blinked. It was the princess. She had stumbled upon them, hands firmly glued to the hips of her dress, looking down from them atop a small grassy hill. How long had she been standing there watching? Or worse, listening? Many private things between a knight and his squire had been spoken this night. Man's talk as it were.
The ache in Link's chest intensified as he realized it was Zelda calling out to them. The girl he loved, the one he couldn't bear to watch in the arms of another, was standing before them now. He was torn between the joy of seeing her and the agony of knowing that he could never truly have her.
Sidon was unsure but still nervously coughed into his fist and chimed before either could speak again. Thinking it best to play along with her jest, he spoke a happy jape of his own to dispel the awkwardness between them. "Perhaps, he doesn't deem us mere mortals worthy, Princess."
Link rolled his eyes and intervened before she could, a gruff in his tone as cold as winter ice. "Or perhaps, fate has ruled him already unworthy to teach any lessons." Link cleared his throat, his voice now dripping with sarcasm. "Hey, I have an idea, maybe one of those pretty lords can show you how? I mean, I wouldn't dare dream of tainting the princess's hands with my 'commoner' skill." Evidently, he was in no mood to entertain any small talk or jokes.
That one stung, but she held her ground not letting it get the best of her. What hope of awkwardness Sidon hoped to extinguish seemed to be inflamed further. Oh boy, this is it, he thought as he gulped. Link held back a powder keg of emotion and it was past due to go off. The prince wasn't sure if he should slip away and let them be or linger and wait it out. Before he could though, Zelda's brows furrowed toward Link and she stepped lightly down the hill to get closer to them, taking her sweet time as she did so. When she marched forward Link carried on as if nothing ever happened, ignoring her approach.
"What's the score? Twenty to your seventeen?"
"Uh..." Sidon choked, the princess getting closer with every crunch of grass beneath her feet. "I uh, I think so."
"Okay then, carry on man, pull!" Link said, nodding for the troop to launch another pot.
All that stood between them was Sidon, a half-empty hand cart, some jars, and the silly soldier who realized his company had overstayed its welcome. A rock caught between two great faults, about to be smashed to bits. The man gulped when her majesty shook a glance toward him and he yielded to her fiery glare. Though the heat from her eyes wasn't for him, he didn't care. He wanted no part of it.
The tension broke him like a mouse in a trap "I'm sorry Ser, but I...I just...!" The soldier hopped away from the catapult, bowed fervently to her, and frantically scurried back up the hill from the field they were in, leaving the three of them be.
Craven, Sidon thought. Great, why me? Why do I have to be the one in the middle of them?
"So, that is going to be the way of it now? Hmm? You're going to trod on without even so much a word to me and pretend like I don't exist?" Zelda said, her fiery glare now frozen and fixed on Link.
"Of course, you exist, dear princess, as your sworn sword I would never ignore you. Forgive me, I didn't realize I was needed. You looked so gleeful earlier and preoccupied. I didn't want to spoil your evening and interrupt. As your personal guard, it isn't my place." Zelda winced at his words but let him continue his rant.
"But now that you are here my princess, is something the matter? Has duty called for me?" Link spun sarcastically to face her, his poise gesturing over to the pavilion where the party raged on with words were endearing as a wet blanket. "Oh my, is the camp on fire? Have the outlying sentries been attacked? Or worst? Has that Mattock fellow finally come to bursting at the belly from his never-ending eating and drinking? Oh, whatever should we do!?' Link then stepped closer, flexed his arm across his chest, knelt and performed a bow of mockery. "What is the nature of your emergency, my liege? Forgive my late bidding to your calling. As your knight, I'm here to serve."
Sidon's forehead dripped a steady bead of sweat as if it were midday in the hot Gerudo desert, though the night was frigid as ever. The red prince swallowed. "Mayhaps, I should go—"
"—No, Sidon, you needn't need leave yet. This isn't any of your doing," she spoke, equally saddened and as upset as he was. "I want him to understand first, and you being here may be just the courage he needs to speak his mind. Truthfully. I want someone else to bear witness that I tried."
Sidon gulped again and took a few paces back, letting her inch closer to Link. The knight held his bow and caressed it, feeling for the shape and sturdiness of its design as if he were marveling over the finest artifact he has seen in a century, though it was common as him, hundreds like it in the army.
Zelda knew better. He was waiting for her to speak again. Link remained as silent as the grave and waited. Nobody budged and a game of you go first ensued and the seconds quickly turned to minutes. Or so it felt that way until one of them had enough of the stale silence.
"Well, hmph!" Zelda stomped, balling her fists at her sides. "If you won't speak to how you truly feel and will only play at words with me, then I will." Link continued to fuss about trivial matters that lay in front of him as she stood unnerved beside him. The knight listened but pretended to pay no heed and knelt to tie up the straps of his boots then fiddle with the gears of the catapult as if he was readying it for another go, taking his precious time.
Zelda's temper rose but she was more hurt than mad. The guilt she had earlier evaporated into a mist and then she remembered why she acted out in the first place. The girl glanced away and then back at him again, waving her hand across her chest as if giving a royal decree. Though, this was anything but.
The thud of her heart had leaped into her throat and her lips quivered against the unforgiving chill of the nightly breeze. She only did so just a little, but it was enough for Link to notice. The knight paused. He hadn't expected her tone to change so suddenly. Zelda was caught up in a whirlwind of emotion and she shuttered while speaking her mind, letting him have it.
"I waited most of the night for you to come, and when you finally decided to make an appearance again, where were you? Off galivanting with that songbird ginger girl, and sea captain from Tarble! So, who was it really that was gleefully prancing about? Hmm? Am I to ignore all my guests all evening? Am I to be a fool, hoping for a miracle that you'd come and sweep me off my feet?"
"Zelda, I—" Link whispered, perhaps too low for even her to hear. Or perhaps, so heartbroken she couldn't. In any case, she continued, saying much and so fast it was hard for Link to digest it all.
"-I'm not waiting another minute. And here earlier, I felt guilty. Well, not tonight! You can behave this way all you like! By all means, don't let me interrupt you're game. I'll see you on the morrow, my knight as you say!" Zelda paused and sniffed, misty-eyed, forcing her voice into compliance as best she could. She hadn't meant to call him that so cruelly, but it was too late, teenage passion consumed her and words flew from her mouth out of her control. Until finally, she realized she had nearly broken down and she didn't want that. Especially, not in front of Sidon, she told herself.
Link was stunned and listened but before he could get a word edgewise, she swallowed and spoke again. A final say on the matter. "I may be a princess, but I've given up on fairytales of 'knights' in shining armor a long time ago!" her voice weakened to a soft whimper as she confessed her heart at the end. A small trail of glistening tears in the moonlight rolled down her cheeks and not wanting either of them to see her cry, she wiped them away hastily before they could frost from the night's chill and charged back up the hill.
Link realized he went too far with his earlier jabs and that she was just in much pain as he was. He had no idea. He was consumed so much by what he was feeling that he didn't think to consider how she felt. The thought of that made him angry at himself. The girl he loved bore her soul to him and what did he do to make it right? Nothing. Not a damn thing. Now she had departed. And all because he acted like a foolish boy, when he should have behaved like a man.
Though truthfully, he was barely a man grown. Just shy past seventeen, not much older than she was saved be for a few months. Even still, he still felt a fool. You assling! Link thought of himself. He had long shaken away the stubbornness and sarcasm that fueled him earlier, but he was too late to respond earnestly. She had fled back to the pavilion.
The knight had stepped lightly as if he was going to give chase after her, but that wasn't his way. And not because of swollen pride, but more so it was his duty to do the right thing for her even if it tore him apart to do so.
What good would it do anyways? Even if she was willing to listen, after the way I behaved, why should she care? Besides, maybe this was for the best anyways... Or, I don't know..., he thought.
It's not like his affection right now would be appropriate and if someone from court were to see? Then all she has worked for this evening would have been for naught. Sidon also gestured with a solemn shake of the head that perhaps, maybe it wasn't the right idea as well. To go to her that is. Not with her upset as she is.
Perhaps tomorrow would be better when they can be assured, they could be alone. Also, they both would do well with some needed rest to calm their frustrated hearts. A lot of harsh words were said this night but it was what was not spoken that hurt the most.
And just like that she was gone. What made it worst of all was, Link felt in his heart that maybe it was for good.
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