Fan Fiction ❯ Penance ❯ Dai Ichi Makuai/First Interlude ( Chapter 3 )

Hyrule Castle was a prestigious place. As the morning sun rose high over the foothills of Death Mountain, the sun reflecting off of the white outer castle walls only added to its spendor. Yet the princess standing outside its gates wasn't here to bask in the glow of the daybreak.

With gloved hands, she ran a finger over the stray hair that had managed to evade her brush that morning while brushing up against the ruby tiara on her forehead. Cobalt eyes, filled with wisdom and insight looked around the nearby corner patiently. The golden plates she wore over her shoulders glistened in the sunlight, even as they were accented by the various designs engraved into them. The bodice of her dress was a deep rose color while the majority of the dress itself remained the same peachy hue as her gloves, save for a wide strip of rose near the hem of her dress. Over that was a ceremonial apron, which was embroidered with various designs as well as the Crest of Hyrule and the Eye of Truth above it.

The sounds of hooves pounding against the dirt could be heard, and from what Zelda could discern, they were getting louder and louder. She didn't need to look across the corner to know who was coming. When the familiar roan mare stopped at the corner, she watched as the equally familiar rider in green dismounted from his horse and looked at her. A playful smile appeared on the princess's lips.

"You," Zelda began, "are late."

An equally mischievous smile appeared on the rider's face.

"'Late?!'" The rider, Link, protested, "I'm never late! I'm never early, either! The Hero of Time arrives precisely when he means too!" Zelda giggled.

"He does, does he?" Zelda asked playfully. Link nodded. Just as he was about to continue the debate, Zelda held out her hand.

"As much as I'd love to debate your punctuality," Zelda began, "There are topics that I've summoned you here to discuss today, Link." Link nodded, sensing the earnesty in the princess's voice. Adjusting his pointy green cap, he quietly followed Zelda through the gates. He could hear the gates behind them close as they made their way toward the castle.

"You saw the eerie light that enveloped Death Mountain last night, did you not?" Zelda asked. Link nodded.

"Yes, I did. Did something happen?" Link asked. Zelda nodded gravely.

"Just as the light faded, the Sages and I could sense Darunia's presense fade, until it vanished from Hyrule completely. When I sent a messenger down there to investigate, it was confirmed that Darunia had indeed disappeared that night." Link's eyes widened.

"Are you certain of this, Zelda? Surely Darunia didn't just vanish off of the face of the earth!"

"If you don't believe me," Zelda stated, "You can ask the Gorons yourself." Link's eyes widened in deep concentration.

"But what could have caused this to happen? And why...Darunia?"

"That is why I have summoned you here," Zelda replied. Link nodded understandably.

"I want you to investigate the cause of Darunia's disappearance, as well as the eerie light that enveloped the mountain. This could very well be an attack from Ganondorf."

"But we sealed Ganondorf in the void of the Sacred Realm!"

"You can never be too sure, Hero," Zelda finished. Link stopped at the entrance to the moat surrounding the castle.

"If this is what you ask of me, then I must be going."

"Just a minute, Hero. There is one more thing I must tell you." Link raised an eyebrow in inquiry.

"Nabooru...she had something to show you. I believe it has something to do with the comet that passed overhead last night." Link nodded. He turned around, and began the short venture back to the castle gates. Zelda looked at him with untold worry.

"Farore be with you...Hero of Time."