Chapter 50 - Getting Acquainted
Summary: In the Calamity Timeline, Astra and Fallon meet to go riding.
It was edging towards late morning at Hyrule Castle, and Myra, the Chief of Staff for Queen Zelda, found herself at her desk adjacent to the Queen's office. She was engrossed in administrative tasks, her quill etching swift, determined lines across documents, when an unexpected visitor arrived.
A welcoming smile crossed her face as she greeted him, "Hello, Mandon, this is a pleasant surprise. I trust you didn't trek all the way here to tell us we've been inadvertently poisoned at breakfast?"
Mandon was the castle's principal steward, presiding over the food and beverage preparation, a task he executed with unparalleled finesse. He was a seasoned culinary expert, his skills first honed during his tenure as a cook in the Hyrule Army before he transitioned to the castle at the onset of its restoration. A quarter-century had passed since that pivotal moment, and Mandon had remained, his commitment to the job rivaled only by his pride in the exceptional culinary standards he and his team maintained.
Mandon chuckled, "No, Miss Myra, no looming crises of that sort. My apologies for intruding; I am well aware of your pressing duties." His voice sobered as he continued, "But I felt compelled to address a matter on behalf of my kitchen staff. Is there any dissatisfaction with our service from the Royal Family?"
Myra quickly reassured him, "On the contrary, Mandon. Her Majesty often commends your diligent efforts. Whatever made you think otherwise?"
His face turned serious, "Earlier today, Her Highness, Princess Zelda, found her way to the castle kitchen and prepared a picnic basket all by herself. My staff, always keen to serve, were slightly taken aback. They would have willingly undertaken that task and felt unsettled when she bypassed them. They came to me, their concerns fraught with the concern that perhaps Her Highness was displeased with their work."
"Ah, I understand," Myra quickly responded, processing the situation. "I sincerely doubt the Princess harbors any qualms about your team's stellar performance, Mandon. You know the Princess is a newcomer to the world of castle life. Having spent her formative years in different surroundings, I suspect she developed an independent streak, performing tasks usually undertaken by servants. This morning's incident probably sprang from her unfamiliarity with castle etiquette rather than a critique of your staff."
A contemplative look swept over Mandon's features, and he nodded appreciatively, "Ah, indeed, Miss Myra, that's a perspective I had not considered. Your explanation makes perfect sense. I will relay your words to the kitchen team."
"And I will ensure that Her Highness is informed of the custom of relying on your superb team for such tasks to avert any future confusion," added Myra.
"Your assistance is most appreciated, Miss Myra," said Mandon gratefully. "Now, I must return to my duties. The castle's lunch hour approaches."
As Mandon took his leave, Myra smiled and shook her head gently. Queen Zelda's office door had remained ajar during their conversation, and the Queen had inadvertently caught snatches of their exchange. Emerging from her office soon after Mandon's departure, her curious cat Mia trailed at her heels.
"Myra, could you shed some light on that exchange?" queried Zelda, a curious sparkle in her eyes. "I could only hear fragments of the conversation, but it seemed to concern the Princess."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Mandon was expressing concerns about the Princess's recent actions. This morning, she prepared her own picnic basket, a gesture that the kitchen staff perceived as an implicit critique of their capabilities," explained Myra. "I reassured Mandon that this was likely due to the Princess's unfamiliarity with castle etiquette rather than a judgment upon their skills. I also assured him that I'd relay the concern to her."
"An excellent response and quite spot on!" Zelda exclaimed, her voice brimming with amusement. "I'll have a word with the Princess to ensure we don't unintentionally ruffle any more feathers. Now I know you've been at your desk since the early morning, Myra. I am about to finish my work after reading and signing a couple more royal decrees. Hence, my royal decree to you is to go now and bask in the joy of this radiant weekend day."
"As you wish, Your Majesty," Myra responded with a good-natured laugh. "May your day be as enjoyable."
Myra departed as Zelda returned to her office after picking up Mia. A half-hour passed before Astra, radiating youthful exuberance, appeared at Zelda's office, ready to say goodbye before venturing on her picnic date with Fallon.
"An elegant riding outfit, dear," Zelda complimented, nodding appreciatively. "It greatly resembles the one I wore in my youth. Did you ask the stable staff to select a suitable horse for you?"
"Indeed, I requested the stable master to choose the gentlest horse in the stable," Astra responded. "My riding skills are rudimentary at best, and I would rather not risk embarrassing myself."
"You'll fare just fine, dear. Oh, remember to carry a few apples along. Speaking of that, we should probably get you a personal horse, one with which you can foster a bond and that recognizes you as its master. Are you excited for your upcoming date?"
"Yes, accompanied by a hint of nervous anticipation," admitted Astra.
"I can assure you, Fallon will be grappling with more nerves than you," Zelda reassured. "Soldiers are even more acutely aware of rank and position than others, and yours is at the very top. You will need to set him at ease. Perhaps you could prompt him to share some riding tips."
"Yes, that's a good idea. And I could genuinely benefit from those," said Astra appreciatively.
"Oh, a minor issue arose this morning," Zelda said, her tone shifting. "Your picnic basket stirred up concern throughout our kitchen staff - no pun intended."
Astra blinked in surprise, "It did?"
"Mandon, our head of culinary services, sought out Myra earlier today," began Zelda, her smile gentle. "He conveyed that his team would have been more than willing to assemble your picnic basket, dear. Your decision to undertake the task personally had them feeling somewhat disconcerted. They feared it might indicate a lack of faith in their abilities."
"Oh, I see your point, Mother," Astra responded, shaking her head slightly. "My reason for doing it myself was that I didn't perceive my picnic preparation as an official castle duty but more as a personal one. I didn't want to impose on the kitchen staff's busy schedule. However, I can see now how my actions could have been misconstrued. Is an apology in order?"
"No, there's no need for that, dear. Myra has already clarified your unfamiliarity with castle etiquette to Mandon, and he agreed to explain it to his staff," Zelda reassured her. "The castle staff, too, are adjusting to the novelty of having a teenage Princess residing here. These minor misunderstandings are expected during a period of transition. By the way, where have you planned your outing today?"
"We plan to meet at the Sacred Grounds at midday," answered Astra. "We can eat our picnic lunch there and afterward ride, perhaps as far as Lake Kolomo and back."
"An excellent choice, having the picnic nearby," said Zelda. "If things don't go well, you can easily make an excuse to return here. But if you do ride to Lake Kolomo, the panoramic view of the Dueling Peaks is a treat for the eyes. The weather also seems to be on your side."
"I should get a move on then," said Astra, "I need to retrieve the picnic basket from my room. Thank you, Mother, for your advice."
"Enjoy your day and be safe," Zelda said, wrapping Astra in a warm embrace.
After Astra departed, Zelda smiled. Who could have imagined she would suddenly have a teenage daughter to watch over?
Meanwhile, after returning to her room, Astra thought for a moment, then picked up her sword. She affectionately ran her fingers over the sword's hilt as she debated whether to bring it. Finally, she strapped it to her back.
"Well, wish me luck. I don't expect your help will be needed today, but somehow, I always feel more secure with you at my side," said Astra.
"It's where I belong, Mistress. We are united. And I wish you success in all your endeavors."
She then collected the picnic basket and set out for the castle's entrance. There, an attendant awaited, his hands holding the reins of a horse with practiced ease. The horse before her was a beautiful white stallion, its coat shimmering like a polished pearl under the late morning sun. Its dark brown eyes observed her with a calm intelligence.
"Greetings, Your Highness, my name is Russ, and your horse is ready. We've fed and watered him for your journey," the attendant informed her, a hint of pride in his voice. His eyes shifted to the basket she carried. "May I assist you with that?"
Astra nodded her assent, appreciating the offer of help. After her recent misunderstanding with the kitchen staff, she thought she should become more open to accepting assistance. Accepting the reins from the attendant, she first reached into her basket to reward her mount with a crisp apple, her fingers brushing the smooth curve of its muscular neck. She then handed Russ the basket.
"Does this horse have a name, Russ?" she queried, intrigued by the creature's quiet dignity.
"The stable staff has taken to calling him 'Blizzard,' Your Highness," Russ revealed, a smile softening his face as he reclaimed the reins from her. "As you can see, his coat is as white as a winter's day. But don't let that name concern you, Your Highness. He's not stormy but as gentle as a lamb."
Relief colored her laughter at his reassurance, and with Russ offering steady support, Astra hoisted herself into the saddle with an agile leap.
"Um, forgive me, Your Highness, but are you not being accompanied by any Royal Guards today?" Russ remarked as he glanced around expectantly. "Your and Her Majesty's safety is something all of us pray for."
"No, I'm going by myself today. Thank you for your prayers and concern, Russ, which I appreciate. But don't worry. I am very experienced in taking care of myself. Now I'd best be on my way, and thank you again," Astra said, wrapping her hand around the reins.
With a light click of her tongue and a gentle prod, the horse began to move obediently. Soon, Blizzard was trotting around the western perimeter of Castle Town, heading toward the hallowed expanse of the Sacred Grounds.
As Astra thought about Russ's concern for her safety, she realized that besides the Gerudo and Yiga, only a few people here had ever seen her combat skills in action. As far as she could recall, there were only her mother, Purah, and the castle archery range attendant. Others who had a particular sensitivity of spirit might feel the latent power of the sword she carried, such as the concerned captain she had met in the library that night after scouting out the Yiga Clan hideout. But most people, like Russ, would assume she was simply a teenage girl who needed protection from the world's evil. And that was fine with her, especially if it fooled anyone with evil intent.
The horse was calm, and Astra gently stroked its neck while she rode, eliciting a soft neigh in response. The wind played with her hair, making her appreciate its short, manageable length - a stark contrast to her sister's love for long tresses. A pang of sadness washed over her as she thought of her family and how they were coping without her. But the sudden squawk of a pair of Pink Herons, startled into flight by her approach, snapped her back to the present.
Before long, the Sacred Grounds came into view, with its stone pillars peeking through a thick cluster of trees. Even from afar, it was apparent that restoration work had been done, as the lighter shades of the new stonework contrasted sharply against the aged, darker original pillars. The place was teeming with wildlife; a deer dashed through the trees, disappearing into the fields, while a group of herons strutted around in search of insects. The only sounds that filled the air were the melodious chirping of birds and the soft rustling of leaves in the sporadic breeze.
As Astra neared the Sacred Grounds, she slowed her horse to a walk. Then she spotted Fallon standing beside a chestnut-colored horse, his eyes scanning the surroundings. He lifted his hand in a wave as he caught sight of her, and she waved back, rode up to him, and dismounted her horse.
"Hi, Astra," Fallon greeted with a warm smile. "I've been practicing all morning to stop myself from calling you 'Your Highness.'"
"Hello, Fallon, and please, keep it up," Astra responded with a laugh.
"It's great to see you without the veil. And, if it's not out of line, you look stunning in that outfit."
"Thank you," Astra responded, "No, you're not crossing any boundaries. Feel free to compliment me all you want. But I think we're both ready for lunch, so let's have our picnic here. Afterward, we can decide on our next stop."
"Sounds great," Fallon agreed. "I noticed the picnic basket on your saddle. Let me fetch it."
He untied the basket and let their horses graze nearby. They walked a short distance and found a comfy spot under a large tree. Then they began unpacking the basket, starting with a picnic blanket. In just a few minutes, they had set up their lunch. There were two skewers of meat and mushrooms, a dish of fried wild greens, and two slices of fruitcake. They also had two empty cups ready to be filled with pure water from the Sacred Springs. Fallon filled their cups, then joined Astra on the blanket.
"I hope you enjoy the food," Astra said, "If not, you can directly blame me."
"It all looks tasty," replied Fallon. "And this is such a perfect spot. I've been here for a few ceremonies when our company officers got promoted. As I mentioned last time, I hope to join the Royal Guards and get a promotion myself."
"Are you confident of being accepted?"
"Well, confident might be a bit too strong. I'd say I'm cautiously hopeful," said Fallon. "I've been putting a lot of effort into mastering the skills I need for their exam, so I think I have a good shot."
"That would be a great step in your career," Astra remarked, taking another bite from her skewer.
"Speaking of Royal Guards, I thought we'd have a couple of them tagging along," said Fallon. "I'm pleasantly surprised that you're okay with just us."
"Consider yourself my personal Royal Guard for the day. It's good practice for when you earn your promotion," Astra joked, her words stirring a laugh from Fallon. "How have you felt about being in the army?"
"I've found it rewarding," said Fallon. "Mostly, I patrol Castle Town these days, looking for thieves or pickpockets. Thank Hylia, the Yiga Clan is gone, and we don't have to worry that one of our colleagues is an enemy in disguise. I guess we have the Gerudo to thank for eliminating them."
"Yes, the Gerudo played a key role in destroying them and their hideout, though every race played a part," said Astra. "The Gerudo bore a grudge toward them for years and are not a forgiving people. But I am also glad we no longer have to worry about them. If we did, I would not be here."
"No, of course not," said Fallon.
For a while, they sat in comfortable silence, taking the time to enjoy their meal and soak in the serenity of their surroundings. Then, Fallon broke the silence.
"Last time, we chatted mostly about me," Fallon started. "I was hoping that maybe today I could get to know you better. I mean, beyond the fact that you're the Princess of Hyrule. Oops, that sounded wrong. Of course, being the Princess of Hyrule is a huge part of who you are. I guess it's obvious that I'm a bit nervous."
"You're doing just fine," Astra reassured him kindly. "Well, my father is the famed hero, Link. You might have read about him in school."
"Really? Your father is Captain Link! That's incredible! And yes, of course, I've heard about Captain Link from my history lessons and from the stories of some veterans in the army," Fallon responded, his excitement clearly showing. "But I never knew he married and had a child. Maybe that was kept a secret on purpose. Sorry, I'm thoughtlessly babbling on. I should be expressing my sincere condolences for your loss, Astra. As far as everyone knows, Link hasn't been heard from in over twenty years. Though obviously, he survived longer if you are his child."
"Yes, he's not here anymore," Astra confirmed. "But I like to imagine that he's out there somewhere, still thinking about me. As for my mother, she's of royal blood, naturally. But I'm not allowed to talk about her for the time being."
"I understand that there are things you need to keep secret," Fallon said, nodding. "But when you were crowned Princess, it really lifted everyone's spirits. It gave us hope for our kingdom's future."
"All I can do is try my best to meet those expectations," Astra responded, her tone thoughtful. "I never grew up thinking I'd be next in line for the throne. I was a more distant relative, you might say. So, this is all new to me. And sometimes, I feel a bit overwhelmed when I think about it."
Fallon didn't know how to respond, so he simply stayed silent while Astra sighed, then continued.
"Well, that's about all I can say about my parents for now. I had a great childhood. I loved learning and diving into adventure stories, imagining myself as the hero," Astra shared.
"Same here," Fallon replied. "And considering your father is such a celebrated hero, Astra, I'm not surprised at all."
"Can I ask about your family, Fallon?"
"Sure, but there isn't much to share, I'm afraid. I was an only child. We were just a simple farming family of three until I turned twelve. That's when a lightning storm struck our house, hitting my parents' bedroom. I was told they died on the spot. With no other family members around, I ended up in an orphanage until I was old enough to enlist. And now, here I am at nineteen."
"I'm really sorry to hear about your family," said Astra.
"Thanks, it was a tough time," Fallon acknowledged. "But I try not to let that tragedy ruin my outlook on life. My parents always said they were proud of me, and I hope they still would be. Anyway, let's not let my family story dampen such a beautiful day. I've been eyeing that Royal Fruitcake!"
"Same here," Astra laughed, and they each took a piece of cake.
After their meal, they tidied up and packed the blanket, dishes, and cups back into the picnic basket.
"Ready for a horseback ride?" Astra suggested, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "We could head to Lake Kolomo. Going there and back, with some time to take in the sights, should fill up our afternoon nicely. Plus, we can get to know each other better."
"Yes, absolutely," replied Fallon, his voice full of anticipation. "I'm really looking forward to it."
"Just don't go too fast," she cautioned, "I'm still learning to handle a horse."
"I'll keep that in mind," Fallon reassured her. He took a deep breath, offered his hand to help her mount her horse, and then climbed onto his own. With that, their adventure began.
They moved at a lively but manageable speed, leaving the main road behind as they rode directly across the lush, green grass of Hyrule Field toward the lake. The sky overhead was a beautiful blue, dotted here and there with white clouds. To their right, the imposing figure of Divine Beast Vah Naboris sat perched atop a cliff. They paused briefly under a lone apple tree, letting their horses munch on some fruit before pressing on.
"Did you not have a chance to do much riding growing up?" Fallon asked as they trotted side by side.
"You could say that," Astra replied, "But I found other ways to get around when I needed to. For example, I sometimes traveled by boat."
"I see," said Fallon. "Like everyone else in the kingdom, I'm curious about how you managed to hide so well all these years and where."
"That's a bit of a very complicated story," Astra said, her tone intriguing. "Maybe I can fill you in if we get to know each other better. For now, I can only say that it was far away."
"Got it, Your… Astra," said Fallon as they resumed their ride.
"Almost!" Astra chuckled.
"Caught myself just in time," Fallon joined in the laughter, his cheeks turning a shade pinker.
As their journey continued, Fallon found himself sneakily stealing glances at Astra. She was focused on managing her horse and seemed not to notice. But she looked like she'd stepped straight out of a storybook. Her bright blonde hair and vibrant blue eyes made her breathtakingly beautiful. And when she flashed him a smile, it sent a wave of butterflies through his stomach, making it impossible for him to look away. Her gaze had a captivating depth - it felt like she could see right through him if she wished.
As they neared Lake Kolomo, a small herd of four wild horses interrupted their grazing to gallop away. And shortly afterward, they finally arrived at the shore, dismounted, and strolled to the water's edge as their horses moved off to graze. The water was calm and blue, reflecting the sky above. To the southeast, you could make out the split halves of Dueling Peak and closer by the dark trees of the Forest of Spirits.
"This is a beautiful spot," Fallon commented as they walked by the shore. "I'm glad you let me join you."
"I'm glad too," Astra replied with a smile. "I'm enjoying our time together. Now, how about a stone-skipping contest?"
"Skipping stones is my forte," Fallon chuckled. "You're on, Princess."
Their laughter filled the air as they took turns flicking stones across the serene waters of Lake Kolomo.
"Let's call it a draw," Astra declared, laughing. "You're pretty good."
"And you're a lot better than I expected, considering who you are," Fallon said, joining in her laughter.
They strolled quietly for another few moments, then Astra finally broke the silence as the sun started its late afternoon descent.
"We should head back," she suggested. "I need to return by dinner time, or else the Royal Guard might start searching for me."
"Agreed," Fallon replied. "I'm probably already in their bad books for sending you flowers. I don't need 'kidnapping the princess' added to the list. I'm sure that's a serious crime."
"I could always beg Her Majesty to pardon you," Astra teased. "I think she probably would."
"Probably?" laughed Fallon. "I agree we had better head back."
They collected their horses and started the journey back to Hyrule Castle, keeping to a steady pace and reversing their path.
"Before we return, and I have to be formal, I want you to know that I had a fantastic time, Astra," Fallon shared. "I hope we can do this again. Maybe we can ride somewhere new next time. It would be an excellent opportunity to improve your riding skills."
"That sounds like a plan," Astra responded with a laugh. "And you can practice your Royal Guard duties. I'm glad we found reasons to meet."
"I'm just teasing, Astra," Fallon responded. "I don't need any excuse to want to meet you again. Spending time with you lit up my day."
"Let me know your free days, and we'll plan something," Astra suggested with a smile. "This time, you get to choose where we ride."
"Sure," agreed Fallon. "I'll do that."
When they reached the castle entrance, a staff member hurried to take Astra's horse.
"Welcome home, Your Highness," said the attendant. "We will return the picnic basket to the kitchen."
"Thank you," said Astra.
Fallon dismounted, knowing he had to return to his formal behavior with the guards and attendant present.
"I appreciate your company, Your Highness, for an enjoyable afternoon and a lovely lunch," Fallon said, trying to sound formal. "Have a good night."
"Thanks for a fun time," Astra replied. "Until next time, Fallon. Good night."
As Astra vanished into the castle entrance, her silhouette gradually swallowed by the looming stone structure, Fallon stood, watching her until she was out of sight. Returning his steed to the army stables, he then made his way back to his quarters.
"Did I make a fool of myself?" he murmured to the solitary air. "It's strange the way she instills such comfort in me in one way and unease in me in another. She's truly an extraordinary person!"
Astra retreated to her quarters upon her return, cleansing the day's grime away. She deposited her blade in its rightful place, then navigated her way to the family dining room. Her timing was impeccable; dinner was just being served.
"Now, tell me all that happened," Zelda said after a swift, affectionate embrace just as Astra settled into her seat.
"It was delightful," began Astra, her voice warm. "We ventured as far as Lake Kolomo, and Fallon proved to be delightful company. I find myself looking forward to our next meeting. However, I appreciate the need for caution and to grow more familiar before allowing matters to escalate."
"That is remarkably wise, and I'm thrilled you appreciate the importance of it," Zelda responded, her voice laced with motherly approval.
"Speaking of which, all that brisk air and riding have left me famished," Astra quipped, reaching for the tantalizing spread before them. "And what about you? How was your day?"
"Clever, dear, so I do all the talking while you eat," laughed Zelda. "You really are your father's daughter!"