Chapter 67 - Digging a Hole For Himself
Summary: In the Calamity Timeline, Fallon manages to cause Astra anxiety. Frank meets with his attorney and receives mostly bad news.
It was a cool sunny morning at Hyrule Castle when Astra awoke to the gentle chirping of a reminder notice on her Tab. Reaching for it on her nightstand, she read the notice.
Zel's birthday tomorrow!
"Right," she muttered, noting today's date was the fourth day of the second month - in the year 145 in this timeline and the year 61 in the other. She had traveled from the year 58 in the Victory Timeline to the year 142 in this one, hence the eighty-four-year difference in dates.
Thinking for a moment, she did some mental reckoning. Her sister would turn thirty-three tomorrow. And her and Randall's son, her nephew Horwell, would turn eleven a few months later. For that matter, she would turn twenty in eight months. Time was certainly passing!
Astra hadn't had the heart to turn off family reminders on her Tab, though she could not contact them to wish them well. But she never wanted to forget they were still very much alive—just not here with her. She imagined her sister would still remember her birthday, too—she always had. It brought back a fond memory.
It was the morning of her tenth birthday. Her sister Zelda and Randall had been married almost three years by then, and their son Horwell had just turned one a few months earlier. Astra had already risen and dressed when there was a knock on her bedroom door.
"Come in!"
"Good morning and happy birthday, my dear sister," said Zelda as she entered holding a small gift-wrapped box."I wanted to be the first and catch you before breakfast."
They embraced in a warm hug.
"Thanks, Zel, you're always so sweet remembering my birthday first thing in the morning."
"Here, I got you something," said Zelda, handing her the box.
"Wow! Thanks! Mind if I open it now?"
"Of course not. I hope you like them."
Astra opened the box to find a set of earphones to use with her Tab.
"You're getting hard to buy presents for," Zelda explained. "You don't like jewelry or dress clothes. You're too big for adventure storybooks now. So, I got you some new Tab headphones. They're the latest model, with enhanced features. They make music sound awesome, even better than listening mentally or through Tab built-in speakers."
"Thanks, Zel, that's a perfect gift. I love listening to music, especially during archery practice. But I know you're busy with your family these days. You don't have to spend time trying to find me a present."
"I'm never too busy for my favorite and only sister," laughed Zelda as they hugged again. "I will always love you, Astra."
"And I will always love you too, Zel."
"I'll wish you happy birthday tomorrow, Zel," Astra murmured as she got up from bed, freshened up, and dressed. It was time to meet her mother, Queen Zelda, for breakfast and to start a new workday.
Her breakfast meetings were a good way to discuss anything significant that happened the day before and plan for upcoming events. And since they were usually private, they could also discuss personal family matters, even those still kept secret.
She glanced at her coronation painting hanging on the hallway wall between her and her mother's bedroom as she left her room. She couldn't help but smile, recalling that viewing this painting when it was on display in Castle Town made Fallon realize who she was. And he had the courage to send her flowers, which she loved, risking a reprimand from his superiors.
When Astra arrived at the family dining room, her mother wasn't there yet. She exchanged greetings with the castle staff, putting out plates of fruit and fresh pastries still warm from the kitchen along with a silver pot of Kakariko Tea.
"Can we bring you anything else, Highness?" said one of the workers.
"No, thank you, all this looks delicious," said Astra. "I can't wait for … Her Majesty to arrive so I can enjoy it."
The staff left with a bow, and she was alone. Well, no, she wasn't alone.
She remembered the day she was transported to this timeline two and a half years ago. She felt heartbroken at first, leaving all those she knew and loved behind, and her eyes filled with tears. Then she suddenly felt bathed in a golden light that lifted her spirits and heard the most beautiful and loving voice she had ever heard speak to her.
"My dear daughter, let me wash away your sorrow. I am so proud of you! You have grown much in grace and accomplishment. Go now with my blessing and my love. And do not lose heart, for you are never alone. I am with you always."
It could only have been the Goddess Hylia who spoke to her then, and her emissary, Fi, the sword's spirit, was her ready companion. So, no, whatever happened, she was never alone.
Just then, her mother arrived. After exchanging hugs, Zelda and Astra sat down.
"Sorry, I'm late. My cat Mia was especially clingy this morning, something she rarely is. Most of the time, I'm lucky if I even get to pet her in the morning."
"I was sorely tempted to start without you, Mother," Astra replied with a grin. "I'm especially fond of fruit and pastry."
"I think you inherited a combination of your father's appetite and my sweet tooth," Zelda chuckled. "Let's both dig in."
They began their meal and were discussing upcoming events when Chief of Staff Myra knocked on the door.
"Come in!" said Zelda.
"Good morning, Your Majesty and Your Highness," she greeted with a bow. "Here are yesterday's security reports for you, Highness. They are organized from most to least important."
"Thank you, Myra," Astra replied as she took the folder.
In her other timeline, all these reports could have been neatly stored on her Tab—a device capable of holding endless amounts of information. But here, they were still paper documents, which slightly frustrated Astra. But she was getting used to it.
"Will you join us for breakfast or tea?" asked Zelda kindly.
"No, thank you, Your Majesty. I already had breakfast. But, Highness, may I draw your attention to something important? The top report involves Fallon, the guard you know. I've urgently requested that someone investigate his condition and contact you immediately. They should be here soon."
"Fallon!?" Astra exclaimed as she pulled out the report.
Arrest in Mabe Village
Date (Y-M-D): 145–02–04
Suspect: Frank Grandin
Residence: Mabe Village
Next of Kin: Frond Grandin - older brother.
Currently serving a five-year prison sentence.
Arresting Officer: Fallon: ID# 16888 Unit #32
Assisting Officers: Torin: ID# 16505 Unit #32
Charges:
Assault with a deadly weapon causing bodily injury (Hyrule Guard Fallon)
Attempted murder (Hyrule Guard Fallon)
Suspected multiple civilian assaults and thefts
Prior Arrests/Convictions:
Pickpocketing - served six-month sentence (arresting officer Fallon)
Astra's heart sank as she read the report.
"Oh no! It says Fallon was injured! I hope he is not badly hurt!" she cried, standing up and wishing they had Tabs so she could reach him immediately.
"I will return to my desk, and if I hear any updates, I will come back at once," said Myra
"Thank you, Myra," said Zelda as Myra left.
"I hope Fallon is well too, dear," Zelda said, rising to embrace Astra and provide comfort. "The best thing we can do now is wait here. If Myra has requested someone to contact us, it will be done promptly. She has a way of getting things done quickly. I've seen even high-ranking officials leave trembling after one of her scoldings for not adequately fulfilling a request I made that she passed on to them. I think people fear her anger more than mine."
"I just hope Fallon used all the defensive combat maneuvers I taught him," Astra added worryingly. "We spent a good deal of time on that."
"I'm sure he did. Now, sit down and have some tea," said Zelda. "It can help calm your nerves."
Astra followed her advice and took a sip of the hot beverage. Time seemed to pass slowly as worry consumed her, but after only ten minutes, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in," said Zelda, and a guard entered, bowing briefly before his gaze shifted between Zelda and Astra, unsure of whom to address.
"You have news about Fallon?" Astra quickly spoke up as she stood.
"Yes, Your Highness. The guard, Fallon, is doing well. He sustained a minor wound to his arm, which was treated at the castle infirmary last night. He then returned to the barracks to rest. It was quite late when he was released, so he is likely still sleeping."
"Oh, thank Hylia!" exclaimed Astra.
"Is there anything else we should know?" Zelda asked.
"No, Your Majesty. That is all the news I have."
"Then thank you for bringing us this information so promptly," said Zelda.
The soldier bowed and left the room, closing the door behind him.
"I'm so relieved!" said Astra as she sighed, sat back down, and reached for a pastry. After swallowing a bite, she continued.
"But Fallon needs more combat training," said Astra, her tone changing from worry to irritation. "Clearly, all that time away he spent sparring with Gerudo Vai did him no good. It may even have made him worse. He and I need to work together so he can forget all about anything he learned there."
Zelda nodded, noticing Astra's lingering jealousy toward Fallon's time with the Gerudo. "Yes, more time with you and him together is definitely a good idea," she agreed.
Astra looked up from her pastry and her eyes met her mother's, a glimmer of determination sparking in their depths. "I'll see to it that he is fully capable of defending himself in any situation," she declared firmly.
Zelda stretched out a hand and gently squeezed her daughter's shoulder. "Just make sure you don't work him too hard, dear," she said. "He's still recovering. And no one but your father can fight like you, sweetheart. Don't expect that of him."
Astra considered her mother's words and nodded as she took another bite of pastry. Still, she was resolute about improving Fallon's combat skills. He could not let himself be injured by a common vagabond.
Astra and Zelda stood as their breakfast ended, the scrape of their chairs against the stone floor echoing through the dining room. They made their way towards the door, ready to begin their duties for the day.
Stopping at Myra's desk outside their offices, Astra turned to speak with her.
"Myra, could you please have Fallon come to my office as soon as he is available? But no need to have him awoken."
"Of course, Highness, I'll inform his Captain," replied Myra, signaling to one of the guards on duty to deliver the message as Astra retreated into her office.
She threw open the windows, allowing a cool breeze to flow in and fill the room. Happily, the weather was mild today in Central Hyrule, and there was no need to light her office fireplace.
"I'm having difficulty understanding your feelings, Mistress," said a voice in her head. "I sense both concern and irritation. But I will concede that feelings are not my area of expertise."
"It's not hard to understand," said Astra. "I'm worried about Fallon's condition and sorry he's hurt. But I'm upset that he let himself be hurt despite all our training. I don't want him to be so vulnerable."
Just over an hour later, Fallon rushed up the steps and stopped at Myra's desk, catching his breath. "Excuse me, I was told Her Highness wished to see me?"
"Yes, just a moment," said Myra with a smile. "I will let her know you're here."
She approached Astra's door and gently knocked.
"Fallon is here to see you, Highness," informed Myra. "Shall I show him in?"
"Yes, thanks, and ask him to close the door behind him," instructed Astra.
"Please go inside and shut the door once you're in," Myra directed Fallon as he waited by her desk.
He quickly followed her instructions and entered Astra's office, closing the door behind him.
"This is an official visit at the moment, not a personal one … yet," stated Astra firmly, stopping Fallon from rushing to embrace her.
"Official? So should I address you as Your Highness?" asked Fallon.
"That won't be necessary. But are you alright?" inquired Astra.
"I'm fine, just a flesh wound on my arm," assured Fallon.
"Now explain to me how someone like the culprit you apprehended managed to wound you? Did you let your guard down? Or were you trying to fight like a Gerudo Vai?" questioned Astra, getting straight to the point.
"No, of course not," defended Fallon. "I used everything I learned from you. But what I didn't anticipate was getting dirt thrown in my eyes. It caught me off guard, and my opponent took advantage. In the end I gave better than I got. The culprit is still in the infirmary having his injuries tended to."
"Hmm," pondered Astra for a moment. "I still think we need to practice some more. You need more training."
"I'm okay with that," agreed Fallon without hesitation.
"Now that ends the official part of our meeting," said Astra.
"Does that mean I can finally kiss you?" inquired Fallon
"It means you had better! You caused me a great deal of worry this morning," exclaimed Astra as Fallon rushed over to embrace her. "Which arm is wounded? I don't want to hurt you."
"My left. I'm sorry for causing you any worry, my love. By the time I got back, it was too late to send you a message."
How she missed Tabs, thought Astra.
"You should have sent me a message anyway," said Astra. "At least I would have seen it in the morning when I learned of the incident."
"You're right, of course. I wasn't thinking," Fallon sighed. "I guess that means I owe you more kisses?"
"Many more, sweetheart, and you can start right away. I don't have any meetings this morning," replied Astra with a smile as their lips met.
The next half hour was spent lost in each other's embrace. As they finally pulled apart, both were smiling.
"I missed seeing you yesterday," said Fallon, his hand gently cupping Astra's cheek. "I can't stop thinking about you. My partner, Torin, complains you're all I talk about."
"That's nice to hear, and I missed you too," she replied, leaning into his touch. "But remember, starting tomorrow, we will start your training again. You can still use one arm."
"Very well, Your Highness," Fallon nodded with a mock salute, earning a playful swat from Astra.
"Are you on patrol duty today?" Astra inquired.
"No, Torin and I were given the day off after our late-night activity," Fallon replied.
"Then let's meet for dinner at the central square in Castle Town," Astra suggested.
"I may have already made plans to meet Torin…" Fallon began to joke but stopped as he noticed the look Astra gave him. "I was joking. Of course, you always come first."
"Joking with me right now is not a good idea, sweetheart. Now get out of my office," Astra playfully ordered, though her eyes sparkled with amusement.
"As you wish, Princess," Fallon responded with a grin before blowing her a kiss and exiting the room.
Once he left, Astra sighed and allowed herself a moment of peace. Finally seeing Fallon in person, the worry she had been carrying since morning started to lift from her shoulders. She refocused her attention on the stack of reports on her desk but found herself distracted by thoughts of Fallon—his smile, his laugh, even his mock salute.
Lost in thought, Astra didn't register the knock on her door until it sounded again. Shaking herself from her reverie, she cleared her throat. "Come in," she called.
The door opened, and Myra stepped in. She held a thick stack of papers in one arm and an intricately carved box in the other.
"Highness," Myra began with a respectful nod, "I have the reports from the Akkala Citadel you requested and your new seal."
"New seal?" said Astra as she took everything from Myra.
"Yes, your personal royal seal," said Myra. "It's a tradition that the reigning monarch designs a royal seal for the one next in line for the throne. Of course, you would be free to change it once that day comes. Her Majesty worked with the castle engraver, and it took a few tries to get it the way she wanted."
"Let me see," said Astra, putting the papers down to read later and turning her attention to the box.
At first glance, it was a simple wooden box, but upon closer inspection, one could see tiny Hylian glyphs etched carefully all over its surface. She slid off the lid, and there it was – a newly crafted official seal bearing the royal family's crest. But on either side of the crest were some special symbols. To the left was an image of a star, no doubt a reference to what happened the day she was born and her nickname. And to the right of the crest was an image of the sword that seals the darkness, a reference to her being chosen to wield it. The seal would serve as a symbol of her authority on all official documents and letters.
"Beautiful craftsmanship," Astra murmured appreciatively.
Myra nodded in agreement. "Her Majesty planned to give it to you personally, but when I told her it arrived this morning, and she was busy with meetings, she told me to present it to you at once, saying maybe it will take your mind off things."
"Thank you, Myra," said Astra with a smile. "I do feel better now."
Myra left, and after admiring the seal for another minute, Astra returned to the papers on her desk. With a sigh, she pulled open the top folder, revealing a detailed report on the guards' armory supplies. "This can wait," she murmured to herself, already missing Fallon's cheeky grin and infectious laughter. Astra slumped down in her chair and stared at the window. Her mind was filled with a thousand thoughts, all drifting towards Fallon. She sighed dreamily, then sat up with sudden determination.
"No more distractions!" she told herself firmly.
Astra dove into her work with renewed resolve, pouring over reports.
In the afternoon, Alton, Frank's attorney, greeted the guards at the infirmary where Frank was being held. He asked about Frank's location, and one of the guards told him he was in a private room at the end of the hallway. Alton made his way to the room and found Frank sitting up in bed with bandages wrapped around his shoulder, chest, and head. After closing the door behind him, Alton sat on a chair next to the bed.
"I'm glad you got my message," said Frank.
"I hope you feel better than you look," replied Alton.
"Probably not," sighed Frank. "What about my defense?"
"We can discuss that later in more detail," said Alton. "But attempted murder is a serious crime with severe penalties. Our only chance is to argue that you acted impulsively and didn't premeditate the attack. Second-degree attempted murder carries a lesser punishment."
"Well, it was definitely impulsive when I saw Fallon nearby," said Frank. "But then I waited until it was dark to…you know."
"That's not ideal, but I'll do my best," promised Alton. "They're also looking into some other assaults and thefts. Were those also your doing?"
"Yes," admitted Frank.
"Then it's likely you'll have to sell your family's house in Mabe Village," said Alton.
"But I have a lot of rupees saved up," protested Frank, worried about his brother's reaction to losing their ancestral home because of his actions.
"Between the fine, possible restitution to your victims, and my fee, you won't have any rupees left," explained Alton. "I'll need to get the deed for your house and have you and your brother sign it over to me so I can negotiate its sale. And you should probably let Frond know what's going on. As his lawyer, I can personally deliver a message to him in prison."
"Yeah, I guess so," sighed Frank.
"Frank, I know this is a lot to take in," Alton added sympathetically. "But frankly, you and your brother have been making bad choices for some time now."
Frank nodded, "I understand, Alton. It's just hard to accept…everything."
"We'll fight the charges as much as possible, but it will be an uphill battle. I'll try to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor if you agree to make restitution to everyone. Maybe, in exchange, they will be receptive to avoiding a trial. You should get some rest, Frank," Alton said softly as he got up from his chair. He gave Frank a pat on the leg and turned to leave.
Frank merely nodded, unable to muster any words.
Astra finally finished her last piece of work as the sun began to set. She even got to use her new seal on several documents,
"Much easier than signing 'Zelda, Princess of Hyrule' each time," she chuckled as she locked it in her desk.
As she prepared to leave, she stopped at Myra's desk.
"Her Majesty already left?" Astra asked.
"Yes, Highness, she had a meeting with the chief architect to inspect some unfinished parts of the castle," said Myra.
"I'm going to Castle Town to meet Fallon for dinner," said Astra. "I'll inform the Royal Guards on my way out. And I have a question."
"Yes, Highness?"
"Are you always the last one to leave work? I feel bad that you put in such long hours, and I hope none of them are due to my lack of experience."
"No, not at all, Highness," laughed Myra. "You're taking on some duties has actually shortened my hours. I used to stay so late that Her Majesty reserved a permanent bedroom here in the castle for my use."
"I'm glad to hear that," said Astra. "Good night, Myra."
"Goodnight, Highness, and enjoy your dinner."
Astra returned to her room, freshened up, and changed into travel clothes. She put on the bracelet Fallon had given her and then informed the Royal Guard of her plans. Two guards were assigned to accompany her.
"We will keep a discreet distance, Your Highness," said the lead guard.
Astra's heart raced as she made her way to the central square, searching for Fallon. She was relieved to see him waiting with a small bouquet of flowers.
"For you, in partial apology for causing you any worry," said Fallon as he presented her with the flowers.
"That's very sweet," said Astra as she leaned in, and they kissed. "It makes me almost want to forgive you."
"Almost?"
"You have the rest of the evening to keep working on it," Astra teased. "I can't make things too easy for you. Do you have any suggestions on where we should eat?"
"I took the liberty of making reservations at the new seafood restaurant that just opened on the west end of town," said Fallon. "I think you said you like fish."
"Yes, I inherited that from my father," Astra chuckled. "Sounds great!"
Fallon took her hand, and they began making their way toward the restaurant. But as luck would have it, Fallon suddenly froze as he spotted his friend Torin, and he wasn't alone. Beside him was a stunning Gerudo woman holding his hand. Torin spotted Fallon, too, and it was impossible to avoid each other.
"Um, Highness, this is my friend Torin," Fallon introduced awkwardly.
"Good evening, Your Highness," said Torin with a small bow. "Of course, you need no introduction. This is Farana, whom I met at the Kara Kara Bazaar. And Farana, this is my friend Fallon."
Sav'saaba, Your Highness," said Farana. "It is indeed an honor to meet you. And hello, Fallon. I remember seeing you at our farewell party."
"I love your perfume, Farana," said Astra. "I think I smelled it once before."
"It's an ancient Gerudo formula and very popular with all our Vai," said Farana. "I can arrange for a bottle to be sent to you if you wish, Highness."
"I would like that," said Astra. "Perhaps it will be to someone I know's liking."
"Oh, speaking of liking, my friend Zara said to say hello if I ran into you, Fallon. She is still interested in learning more about how you became such a skilled swordsman and would enjoy sharing her intimate knowledge of hand-to-hand combat techniques."
"Who's Zara?" Astra asked, trying to remain calm.
"Excuse us, we have dinner reservations, and we're going to be late," said Fallon as he tugged at Astra's hand. "Enjoy your evening, you two."
"I'm sorry. I can explain everything, sweetheart," said Fallon once they were alone and on their way to the restaurant. "She was just a sparring partner, and I handled myself so well, thanks to your training, that she wanted to know how I became so skilled. I told her I learned from your father's relative, which is true. There was never anything romantic between us. And you don't need any Gerudo perfume, at least not for me. I already can't resist you."
"Hmm," said Astra, giving him a hard look. "So now my combat training is helping you pick up other women?"
"No, nothing like that, I assure you, sweetheart," Fallon stammered.
Astra shook her head.
"Somehow, today, you've managed to dig yourself a deeper and deeper hole," said Astra. "You better be prepared to stay out quite late tonight to make it up to me."
"Of course, and I will enjoy every minute of it," chuckled Fallon.
"Come on, I'm getting hungry," said Astra as she squeezed his hand. "And I do love fish almost as much as my father. If only you knew!"