When Bato returned to the castle later that early evening, all the maids, servants, and knights were moving around with purpose. There was a feast to be had and no time to dally. When he was walking through the main hall, a group of servants almost bumped into him. Evading swiftly, he watched as he heard a quick 'sorry' from one of them and off they went. Shaking his head, he dreaded the fact that the day after tonight, he would have to begin his long journey to the desert to facilitate peace in a war he had no stake in.

Utia didn't agree with that sentiment. If Ganondorf's words were anything to go by, Nabooru wanted this war to end as much as he did. If it meant using him as political leverage against him, she would certainly stoop to that level. Not that he even heard of a Gerudo lowering herself to that position. They were proud, fierce warriors. Political intrigue was not part of their repertoire. That particular thought would have to wait for another time as he finally reached his assigned room. When he entered, he saw Link there, swinging his legs off the side of the bed.

"Link!" Bato greeted. At once, the boy smiled brightly.

"Welcome back, Bato!" He jumped off the bed and ran up to him. "Were you able to speak with the guild master?"

"I did. I let him know what was happening and what to expect as soon as we got back from the desert." Just seeing Link's face made him smile for some reason. He looked better than a few hours ago. "What about you?"

The boy's smile turned into uncertainty. "Well, to tell you the truth, there were countless things I didn't understand."

"That sounds about right. You were only given an afternoon to get the basics down. That would hardly be enough time for an in-depth explanation."

"I tried to pay attention, just like you asked. I was able to remember some prayers to the goddesses. The importance of their involvement in our world. Giving thanks for the world's creation and protection. Here, look!" Link took out a small statuette made of stone. "They even gave me a small goddess statue to pray too."

"Well, that was nice of them." Bato was glad Atia was able to accommodate him. "So, after learning about the goddesses in more detail, how do you feel?"

"How do I feel?" Link's eyes shifted to the right-most corner, thinking of an answer. "I guess my view on them has changed, somewhat. I mean, Lady Din said that they needed me to be their hands and voice in the world because they couldn't do it directly. That's why miracles happen from time to time. But personally… I don't know."

Bato nodded, understanding that this kind of question was a bit deep for him. He still required time to process through his feelings about his encounter and faith as a whole. "No problem. I'm glad you were able to learn a little about the goddesses and their roles. I bet that the Canoness wanted you to mediate on their teachings, right?"

Link held out a small book. "Yeah. She gave me this. It's a daily prayer book. All the kids get one when they become of age to learn about the goddesses." He held it up to Bato. "I don't need it, though. I can pray in my own way."

"Yeah?" Bato gave a skeptical look. "I think that you should still have it. It'll be a good tool for you to use in meditation."

"I don't need it," the boy, insisted. He looked away. "Really."

"Why does Link not want this book?" Bato thought about it as he grabbed the book from his hand. Link made a soft sigh, looking down. Narrowing his eyes, Bato thought about it some more. "Link," he, after a while.

"Y-Yes?"

"Do you know how to read?" he asked with the upmost sincerity.

Immediately, Link's face dropped, and he shook his head. "Not very well. This book has words that I don't get."

"Why don't I help you with that, then? We can read it, together."

"Really?!" His face lit up. "You don't mind?"

Shaking his head, he walked over and knelt down. "There's no shame in admitting to something you're not good at. Especially when books of this age are directed towards upper class and church people. I'll do my best to make the things in this book easier to understand for you. If I can't, then we'll find someone who will." Before Link could say anything, there was a knock on the door.

"Mr. Bato? It's Commander Cobn, sir. I've come to deliver some documents from the captain and Lord Rarro."

"Enter." Bato stood up and turned towards the door. A minute later, it opened. Cobn walked through with some documents in his hands.

"I'm glad I caught you before the feast, Bato. These are for you." Cobn handed the documents to Bato, who started to review them. "The first few pages are royal orders from His Majesty. To transfer all of Rowan Manor, and its holdings, to you."

"Cool." Bato could help but smile. Link stared at him, the first he'd ever heard of it. He had a manor, but there were also complications to be considered. "What about Rowan's next of kin or retainers? I doubt that they would have given up the claim so easily."

"They didn't. When the order came to relinquish all the property and its assets to the state, there was a fierce struggle between the manor forces and the army. In the end, we don't know how many of Rowan's kin or retainers have escaped, but we believe the majority of them are either in hiding or been killed in the attack."

Bato rolled his eyes, which made Link chuckle at the sight. No doubt that the issue with Rowan's kin and his goons vowing revenge for their disgraced house would come up to bite him someday. "I just hope they don't make their move in my lifetime."

Cobn continued on. "The other set of documents pertain to the deed to the farm. The state saw fit to grant it to you personally, for services rendered."

"So, I own the farm? I'm not renting it, but actually own it?"

"Renting?" Cobn asked.

In response, Bato narrowed his eyes and shook his head. "Sorry. I mean, am I a 'tenant' to Lord Cobn?"

"I see!" Cobn looked at Bato with a weird look before continuing. "No, that land officially is yours now." Bato was over the moon. The land officially belonged to him, so he could do whatever he wanted with it. That made transferring the rights to the guild a lot easier.

"I have plans for the farm and the manor, but they're going to have to wait until after I get back."

"I heard. It seems that, once again, you'll be leaving Castle Town. Not for too long, I hope?"

He was about to say 'if the goddesses wills' but noticed Link right next to him. "No, I should hope not."

"On a personal note," Cobn asked, with all seriousness. "My father has told me that he has granted you a favor."

"Yes, he did. At the time of my choosing."

Cobn nodded, shifting his armor a little. "I understand. Our family name was restored, thanks to you. It was natural for my father to grant you such a boon. This is indeed a time of fortune for our family. For Hyrule. Although, there would be some who wouldn't see that way."

"Oh?" Link stretched his body for a minute, before heading towards the side of the bed and sitting down. He was still paying attention to the exchange.

"The remaining aristocracy is in shambles, right now. This culling has made them both fearful and angry with us and with you. They sought to continue the existing state of affairs even before the land dispute. Now with most of the houses suspected of treason and with the reforms, they have no idea what to do. Things were working well enough until you stuck your nose in."

"Well, maybe if they didn't try to kill me, then we wouldn't be having this problem!" Bobsa mentioned that he worked with others. Most likely, nobles were financing the whole extortion ring and other black market deals. By attacking him, they threw the gauntlet down, and it led them into the political web of intrigue, death, and doubt. "Well, whatever. That's their problem, now."

"I wished that I shared your optimism. Unfortunately, me being in a noble house means I have to be more vigilant of any ploys or schemes the others might be hatching. The majority of the corruption has been cut off. But not all of it. We are changing the political landscape of Hyrule. It is a change that scares people."

"If the change is for the people, then they shouldn't have any issues, then?"

"That's easy for you to say." Cobn shook his head and held his hand on his hip. "You know the type of people we mortals are. We tend to think about ourselves rather than others." He was right. People, especially the nobility, will always think about their house or their personal power. It didn't mean that all of them were like that. It was the majority of them, though. "You'll have to excuse me. I have a feast to prepare for. Good day, Bato. Link." The boy nodded as he bowed and exited the room.

When Cobn was gone, Link asked, "Bato? What's a manor?"

"A big house," Bato replied, smiling. This made the boy smile too. Then, he stared at Bato quizzically as he put the papers in his pocket. "Does this have to do with that game you mentioned before the throne room?"

"… Yes." Bato couldn't fault Link not knowing. It would be a few more years before political games would be a language he would have to learn. "That's not your problem, though. It's mine." Another knock on the door.

"Bato?" The voice of Saria could be heard on the other side. "Are you in there?"

"He's in here!" Link yelled out.

Bato cleaned his ears as she entered and closed the door behind her. She smiled at both of them. "Welcome back!"

Link jumped off the bed to greet her. "Congrats on the introduction! I heard it went well with you!"

"Thanks to Zelda and the king. I was very nervous about this whole thing as the time neared. When I was standing in front of all those people, I could see some of them couldn't believe a Kokiri being there. I think it was their first time seeing one. Some of them even asked what kind of act the king was putting on."

Link looked at her grimly and wanted to know about the people who would speak ill of her friend. Bato spoke up before he did. "People will always doubt, even when the evidence is shown right in front of them. Did you prepare for that?"

Saria nodded. "Impa told me as such. I showed them basic Kokiri healing arts and answered questions about the forest. There were some things that the scholars didn't even know about us. After an hour, Zelda got frustrated and spoke on my behalf." She looked away for a moment. "Her father had to rebuke her, in private, though."

"That's true. She acted improper in his court."

"But she defended me from those people!"

"Nevertheless, there are things that you can and cannot do when in court. Especially, when you're royalty." Bato walked up to her and put his hand on her head. "You didn't do anything wrong, and neither did she. People are just particular about how others behave themselves. That's the type of person the nobles are."

"Dressed in fancy clothes, acting high and mighty towards other people?" Link asked, a look of disdain on his face. "Stuck up twigs."

"Link! Language!" Saria pointed a finger at him.

"What? It's true." As both started to argue, Bato couldn't help but laugh. They consider 'twigs' a swear?

Finally, Saria decided to change the subject. "So, what did the two of you did today?"

Link and Bato looked at each other. The boy grinned, mischievously. "Us? Oh, we just a goddess!"

"What a story."

When Bato and Link finished with their tale, Saria was sitting on the sofa, shaking her head. "To think that would happen to the two of you." She turned to her friend, "are you alright, Link?"

"To be honest, it was scary. I mean, meeting one of the Golden Goddesses in such a way. If Bato wasn't there," he looked at the farmer, earnestly, "I don't know what I would have done."

"You have a good poker face. I think you'd do well. Although she can read minds, though." Before Link could ask, Bato answered, "a poker face is a showing a face with no emotions." It seems that was one of Link's questions answered as he nodded at him.

"So, did she know how I was feeling?"

Awkwardly, Bato nodded his head.

Link continued to question Bato with Saria watching. "Why wasn't she angry? I think a Goddess would get angry for thinking bad things about her or something."

"You'd be right. Fortunately, it seemed she was in a charitable mood."

Saria got up and went over to Link, who was sitting on the side of the bed again. "You never answered my question. Are you okay, Link?"

He shrugged, his hand touching hers. "They're the ones that decided that I should be a hero. I was upset with them. They took away my life with the Kokiri. It wasn't perfect, but it was peaceful. But when Lady Din explained that she and the other goddesses needed me, I felt a little better. My life has been about helping others. I guess that's what the goddesses wanted to do, too." He looked at Bato, "I'm not angry with them anymore, but I still feel awkward about it."

"You just need to move on from this." Saria looked at him, like a sister to a brother. "Take a new step each day. Fill it with a new experience that will replace whatever weird feeling you have." Bato didn't say anything as they looked at each other. Saria wanted to be of more help to Link and allowed her to take the lead on this. It looked as if it worked out. The knock on the door made everyone jump a little.

"Enter." Bato called out.

The doors opened, and three maids came in. "Forgive the intrusion, sir. It's time to prepare for the feast. Princess Zelda has requested that Master Link and Lady Saria join her in preparation."

"Then, I'll meet the both of you at the feast." Link looked unsure, but Saria's quick grab on his arm towards the door made his decision obvious. The two children exited with the maid, with one left in the room. "If you would follow me, sir, I will escort you to the changing rooms."

Adorned with tapestries and flickering torches, the long wooden tables were beginning to be filled with an extravagant spread that was fitting for the Royal Family and its nobility. As the guests started to pour through, musicians began to play lively tunes on lutes and harps. This was a celebration, an end to a summit that spoke on the current events of the realm. It was more than just Castle Town in attendance. Unlike the summons a year ago, all realms were represented here.

Bato was looking for the children down in the middle of the Great Hall. Because they were getting ready with Zelda, he assumed that they would be coming in around the time the king was due to make his grand entrance. As he waited, it amused him of the number of people who were stuffed in this one space and still kept high decorum. While waiting, he noticed people giving him a guarded look. Because of what happened the day before and the number of things he was doing in the realm the past year, he couldn't fault them for feeling this way. Cobn was right. The political and technological landscape of Hyrule was changing at a faster rate.

Perhaps if he continued, then he might bring about a renaissance.

After a few more minutes, trumpets blared, and the people stood at attention towards the grand entrance. The King, Princess, Impa, Rarro and other members of the court were walking through. The crier announced loudly the presence of the king and the attending members. Afterward, they all took their places at the head table, according to the rank/favor. Bato saw Saria and Link walking with the crowd of attendants, as they took their seats near the end of the head table. He saw Link scanning the room, with Saria looking at him, concerned. When he spotted Bato, he gave a smile and waved.

Bato raised his hand and smiled back. As the other attendants started to be seated, Bato made a rather disturbing realization. He forgot to ask someone where he would be seating. Looking around for a servant, he was about to wander around the hall until a firm grasp held his shoulder.

"Bato?" The assured voice of Jofary boomed near him, but quiet enough not to draw attention. "Where were you? What are you doing?"

Turning, Bato gave a bow. "Forgive me, Lord. I have no idea where I'm supposed to sit."

He raised an eyebrow. "Were you not told?"

"Told what?"

There was a moment of silence before he pointed towards the head table. Near the end of the head table, two empty seats were there. Impa herself was scanning the room for something. So did Rarro. "Was I supposed to be up there?"

"Yes." Jofary said, with restrained weariness. "Yes, you were." He took Bato's hand and literally dragged him to his place at the table. When he arrived, Impa quickly moved over to him, looking with a sense of irritation. "Where in Hylia's name have you been?! You were supposed to be in the procession with the rest of us!"

"Begging your pardon, my Lady. I was not told anything about joining any procession. I was dressed, and then sent to the Great Hall where I waited. Likewise, I didn't even know that I was supposed to be here until Lord Jofary pointed it out to me."

At the center, Zelda was holding back her laughter. Rarro, once again, expressed his disdain with a slow nod. The King was keeping up with appearances, as he smiled as if nothing was wrong. But it seemed that attention was drawn to them by the faces of the Princess and the Minister. Bato could feel the eyes targeting him and gave a bow. "Forgive me, My Lady. I am a simple man. Royal protocol is above me, I'm afraid." At once, everyone in the immediate vicinity started to look at him, sympathetically. Even Impa's cold glare softened a little. "I am rather indebted to his Lordship for showing this unworthy plebeian his place."

"You were supposed to be escorted to the drawing room, where the rest of the procession was being set up." Jofary gave a smile. "I don't fault you at all for not knowing. It appears that there was some miscommunication between the servants and guards. Moreover, there's no need to put yourself down like that. It's your first time, after all."

Impa shook her head. "At least you're here, that's what counts. For this one night, try to act the part of a respectable member of the nobility and not make a fool out of yourself."

"Yes, My Lady." As Impa returned to her place at the table,

Bato settled in his seat. He muttered, "but I'm not a member of the nobility."

"That might change," Jofary said, sneaking in a sip of wine.

"Why?" Bato had a bad feeling about that.

"How you will conduct yourself during these negotiations, unofficial or official, will have all eyes on you. With your actions during the session, people know your name and face. Whispers of the prodigal farmer that instigated changes within the kingdom surfaced long before you were interred in the Great Deku Tree. That quiet life that you hoped for is, for the most part, effectively over."

"Crap." Bato shut his eyes and shook his head. It was indeed over. People knew who he was now. He was both the target of admiration and condemnation. Someone who rocked the boat a bit too much with his 21st century ideals. "So, you're saying that if peace is restored among the Gerudo, it would give His Majesty more reason for me to join the aristocracy?"

"Even though you declined the invitation to become a baron, I'd say that decision was deferred rather than dismissed. Mark my words, Bato. You'll have your moment." Bato didn't like the extra responsibility, but it seems the king was intent on driving him there anyway. The king stood up and everyone started to quiet down. It was time for his speech.

"My friends. My countrymen. Allies both young and old," he glanced over to Saria, then turned back to the crowd. "Another summit now ends. If there was a theme that would attribute this summit, it would be 'adversity' and how we respond to it. We have all seen our fair share of triumphs and tragedies. This kingdom is no different. Unknown to us, we faced the possibility of another rebellion. Through the efforts of the Cobns, loyal retainers and friends, we move towards a safer and better future." There was a moment of applause from the crowd before everyone quieted down again. "Tomorrow you will all return to your homes. You will convey the wishes of this court to your people, in helping shape a better Hyrule. The work has only begun. Each one of you here have been chosen to lead and set the example of service, duty, and dedication to the realm." He held up his cup. "I offer up a toast to you all! For Hyrule's prosperity and the future we build together!"

A rumbled applause came from the crowd again, louder and more profound than before.

As the servants brought in more food and wine for the guests, Bato and Jofary ate in relative silence. Those seated with them were not inclined to make small talk. Finishing off a bread roll, Bato turned to Jofary. "So, I heard from Commander Cobn that the reforms are started to take shape and that you're at the forefront of it all."

"You heard right." Jofary took a bite out of his Cuckoo meat and took a sip of wine. "We had wanted to put forward some laws that would benefit the people for a long time. Those in the aristocracy and some members of the council were opposed to these ideas. They judged them too radical and would destabilize the kingdom."

"What changed?" Bato asked. Jofary looked at him, unamused. "Oh. Of course."

"Rumors tend to spread from the castle and into the town below. Soon, more and more people started to be aware of our efforts. Of course, those who wanted to quash the reforms tried to limit the information. Once again, the truth is not always easy to suppress. Merchants, middle houses and others started to advocate for these reforms. They became popular with the people. I guess the tipping point would be the culling."

"Culling?"

"The Hyrulian Aristocrat Culling. One of the major actions enforced by the crown in our time. The evidence against them could not be ignored. The people would have revolted had His Majesty not done anything."

"Really?"

"Evidence of the protection ring first showed corruption publicly. It was not widespread, so there was no issue. Then, at the summons, you spoke to the king about supporting the reforms. That got people talking. What reforms? What was the nobility trying to hide? Now, one year later, a purge of the nobility over rebellion has shattered public trust. How can the people trust the nobility if some of them were inciting war and subterfuge? There's a storm approaching. More people will call out upon the injustices that the people are facing. More protection. More benefits. A better life for the average Hyrulian."

"And we'll be in the center of it all, won't we."

Jofary gave a knowing smile. "It's like you said before. Secrets are meant to be revealed, not hidden."

After dinner, the crowd was invited to dance on the main floor. Impa stood guard near Zelda while she, Saria and Link spoke with the other children. The children of the nobility were behaving oddly enough. Bato was expecting some snooty behavior coming from them due to their parents. Fortunately, he didn't see that. Occasionally, he caught Link sneaking a glance in his direction.

He closed his eyes, and his senses were working overtime. People, tastes, the subtle tremors of movements, and talking. He could sense it all. He wanted to sit down, but then someone was approaching him from behind. She was creeping slowly up to him. Bato decided to confront this stranger, so he moved to a quieter spot in the room. He laid his back on one of the pillars. "You're one of Utia's girls, aren't you?"

The figure stopped. Bato opened his eyes to see no one, but a voice came from the other side of the pillar. "It's not easy for someone to sense a Gerudo coming. Especially when they've dedicated themselves to the night."

"Considered yourself sensed. Now, what do you want?"

"Lady Utia gives her humbles apologies for what happened last night. The Sand Goddess only knows why you decided to spare her life."

"She made no move against me. She was just a messenger."

"She is a traitor," the woman spoke, matter-of-factly. "One who has betrayed Lady Utia and Lady Nabooru's trust. She will receive the ultimate sanction."

"But I doubt that's why you're here."

"Indeed, Bato. You mentioned her as a messenger. My lady wishes to know what that message is?"

Bato thought for a moment. He could tell that the message came from Ganondorf. That it was warning him about Nabooru's so-called aspirations of power. How would that work out, though? He was there to help broker peace in the desert. If he kept a secret like this, wouldn't that undermine her trust in him? Then again, she never had his trust at all. Ganondorf never said that the message was a private affair.

"The Desert King himself contacted me and inquired about my allegiances. I iterated to him that I was a neutral party."

There was silence on the other side of the pillar. "I see. Thank you, Bato. I apologize for disturbing you. We will be heading out at high noon, in front of the castle entrance. Lady Utia will be glad of your company."

"And Avesa?"

Another silence. "The traitor will be restrained and kept under guard until we reach the desert city. There, she will be punished for her treachery."

"As much as you'd like that, I doubt that's your choice to make."

"…You are right, Bato. Her fate rests with Lady Nabooru. We will see what she will make of her."

"One more thing. You say my name with such familiarity. Why?"

She gave a laugh. "Truly? Do you not know what your name means in our tongue? It means brother." With that, the presence of the Gerudo woman disappeared.

"Brother?" Bato quietly pondered about that.

It was an unforgettable experience, to be sure. To be transported back to a time of chivalry, feasting, and merriment. Revelry continued late into the night, with dancing and singing flowing through the halls. The stone balcony was still the stunning, breathtaking feature that he had experienced from a year ago. Bato walked slowly as he ran his hands on the intricate carvings and decorative details. Once again, under the torchlight, he saw people moving like ants, coming and going on the ground below.

Taking in the air, Bato reflected on his time in Hyrule thus far. It was far from the perfect life that he wanted for himself from the start. But it was his. He met some new faces as well as iconic ones. He moved the timeline in a way that was unique to him and him alone. While the grace of the goddesses called him into the world, the actions that led up to this point were something he made. From a farm in the Lost Woods, to the central seat of Hyrule's power, he couldn't fathom what other things might be in store for him.

He was not the same person he was a year ago. Times change, people change.

"Bato?" He turned to see Link standing at the balcony opening. He ran up to him. "What are you up to?"

"Just taking in the air. You know how stuffy these events can be."

"Zelda and Saria are speaking with some other children. You disappeared and…I wondered where you were."

Bato walked over and knelt before him. "I'm right here. With you. Always will be."