The Legend Of Zelda Fan Fiction ❯ Gerudo Forest ❯ Chapter 46 ( Chapter 46 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Koume and Kotake gestured for her to follow them. She secretly snuck the pendent back under her shirt as they walked before anyone would see. The halls were quite busy still but it seemed during the day most of the gerudo had taken time to change into their best clothes. Melissa had thought that they would be heading back to her room but they walked past it and down a side hall which dead ended. There was only one door in this hall and the witch twins stopped in front of it. Someone had painted a crescent moon and star with gold paint on the small red door. Kotake swung it open and Koume gestured her in. “These are your new quarters. Since you were staying in his room and you two are now engaged it would not be proper for you two to stay in the same room till your marriage. We hope this room will suffice.” Kotake informed her. Melissa couldn't argue with them even if she had wanted to. Melissa looked around. A small comfy looking bed sat in the corner and on the dresser beside it stood her little plant. A fair sized window with curtains like the ones in the other room looked out toward the desert and she could barely see the Temple in the distance. In front of the window sat a table with some old looking scrolls. She walked to one and opened it. It was in english. It seemed to be a story of some sort. “He told us you could read the ancient language as well . We thought you might enjoy reading these.” Koume said with a smile and Melissa nodded in thanks. There was a dresser and a mirror in the opposite side of the room. By the mirror they had placed a variety of makeup for her to use. Kotake opened the dresser and pulled out an outfit that was like the ones she had previously been given except it was white, heavily brocaded. It was way too flashy for her taste and was definitely not the color she would have chosen tonight. She would stick out like a sore thumb. To her it screamed look at me and that was the opposite of what she wanted. “I know how to dress myself.” Melissa said backing away when they started to try and undress her. “Nonsense dear. We are here to help you.” Koume said with her hands on her hips. “Trust me. I'm a big girl. I have dressed myself for years. Besides shouldn't you be getting ready as well?” Melissa laughed at the idea of needing help with this. “I guess we probably do.” Koume said looking at her sister. “Believe me. I can handle this.” Melissa said really hoping they would take her up on her suggestion. “Well I guess if you are sure. Then we will leave you to it.” Kotake said reluctantly. Melissa nodded and the little witch left with a bow pulling her sister out with her. Poor Koume looked as if she had been looking forward to turning her into their personal barbie doll. When the door had shut Melissa let out a sigh of relief. Picking up the white outfit she put it back in the dresser and pulled out an outfit she had worn a while back. The one with simple sash around the waist. That was as fancy as she was willing to get tonight. Sitting in front of the mirror she went through the makeup they had put out for her. Somehow they had found her a foundation that was pale enough for her complexion. She wondered if they had borrowed it from one of the hylian villagers. She stared at herself a little disappointed she hadn't darkened in the least since being here. What little gerudo blood she supposedly had must have been diluted down over the generations since her many great grandmother had arrived on earth. The most she had gotten was a few more freckles. She knew she would never look like any of the other girls. Finishing with makeup she moved on to her hair. Should she let it just hang down or put it up? She played with it for a while before she ended up braiding it. She felt excited and apprehensive all at the same time. The moon rose and peeked through her window bringing her attention to the outside. She could see the bonfires being lit and the sounds of music and voices started to float to her room. Looks like the party was getting started. She wondered if she was supposed to wait for someone to come and get her or if she was supposed to go down by herself. She ended up sitting at the table skimming through one of the scrolls. It told the story of how this world was created by the three goddesses Din, Farore, and Nayru. Pretty much a story she already knew but as she looked it over further she saw a passage that mentioned the of how the goddess created the three dragons. That peaked her interest a little. It told of how in the beginning the triforce was a source of constant war and strife between the races of Hyrule. The pieces were easily stolen through magic and could easily corrupt the people who carried them. To stop the fighting the three goddesses pulled together to create another piece to the triforce which helped govern to whom the three original pieces of the triforce would go to from then on. It also helped in the creation of the three dragons. The new piece was called the triforce of harmony and the three dragons drew their power from it. The goddesses then assigned a dragon to each barer to serve as a guardian. They were to keep their master's pieces from theft and act as a balance to keep them from eventually becoming mad from the triforce's power. When this was accomplished the triforce of harmony was sealed away protected and never meant to be possessed by anyone. Well apparently the dark wizard had found a way to get his hands on at least half of it. She wondered if he was trying to posses both halves so he could control all the pieces. It made sense but was only speculation. For all the things she had just learned from the scroll it didn't really explain how she and the ones before her had ended up as dragons. She knew that there was a special line of gerudo that was known for being guardians but how had that happened? She thought about what it had said about her serving as a balance. Is that why this Ganon was different now? Did her presence have that kind of effect? It said she was meant to keep his piece from theft but she was unsure how she was actually supposed to accomplish that. If she left to go home would his piece of the triforce dive him mad? Why did it seem Ganon was the only one who needed a balance? Zelda and Link didn't seem to have any problems with their pieces. At least as far as she knew. Once again she ended up with more questions than answers. The scroll said nothing more on the matter and she wondered if she might find more old writings on it. She put the scroll down after a while and contemplated just how long she should wait before walking down herself. She could now smell food wafting through the air which made her hungry. Looking in the mirror one more time she checked to see if everything was still in place and frowned changing her mind on the braid. Pulling it down and combing her fingers through it had made her hair wavy and she guessed it didn't look too bad. She still couldn't see any evidence of why he wanted her in her reflection but she was glad he did. Jimmy's face floated in her mind. “I'm so sorry.” she whispered to herself before she tucked the pendent once again under her shirt and took a deep breath before starting her journey to the merriment below. Making it outside she looked for anyone she could recognize. Ganon looked as if he had been down here for a while and was sitting in a high backed chair that they had apparently moved out here just for him. What did he mean he had to get ready? Besides putting his hair back up he hadn't done a thing. He was still wearing the same robes. Beside him sat another chair. Did he mean for her to sit there beside him? All of sudden she wasn't to sure about this. To just walk up there and sit beside him in front of everyone just made her feel afraid. She had agreed to the engagement so why was the thought of everyone knowing bothering her? She knew some of it was because she was worried the entire tribe would hate her for not being suitable enough for their King but another part of it was the finality of what sitting in it would mean. Was she really ready for this? She was unsure of what the best way to deal with her apprehension was. One of the dance troupes was doing their best to entertain him, but he seemed restless and was watching the crowd resting his chin on his fist. Was he watching for her? As his gaze drifted lazily her way she ducked behind the closest group of people. She felt ashamed of herself for hiding. She knew that sooner or later the word would get out if it hadn't already. No one seemed to notice her so she guessed he was waiting to announce it to everyone. “There you are!” a voice called behind her. She froze recognizing that it belonged to either Koume or Kotake. Turning around she saw it was Kotake followed closely by Chara and Koume. “ Why are you wearing those? What happened to what we picked out for you?” Kotake asked rather sternly looking her over and shaking her head as she noticed the necklace had made it's way back under her garments. Kotake had always seemed the stricter of the two twins with a no nonsense attitude and Melissa hoped she hadn't made her upset. “It was just a little too much for me.” Melissa admitted but she knew they hadn't really been looking for her just to discuss her clothes. “It's too late for her to change now.” Koume said to her sister. “But she must follow tradition.” Kotake started arguing back. Chara just looked between the two trying to comprehend what they were talking about. Had they not even told Chara yet? Melissa felt bad that she had already messed up. If she had only known the customs better maybe this wouldn't have happened but it was to late to fix it now. The two argued amongst themselves drawing too much attention. Most of the people around them were already looking. Melissa looked to Ganon who had finally took notice of the gathering people. He stood up and his eyes searched the crowd. What was she to do? Should she hide again? Maybe if she could sneak off no one would have to know of her mistake. No such luck though. His eyes fell on her and she panicked. Melissa ran ducking through the crowds stopping only briefly to look back at where Ganon had been moments before. He had vanished leaving her to wonder where he had gone. She looked around frantically and saw him approaching on her left with an amused look on his face. Her heart beat fast as he stopped a few steps from her and spread his arms waiting silently for her to come to him. If she hadn't wanted to draw attention before she had sure done it now. She felt a little stupid. He might think she had changed her mind if she kept this up. Her thoughts and worries were getting her distracted and he took advantage of it. Since she wasn't coming to him he closed the gap between them himself. “Everyone's watching.” Melissa said looking down ashamed of her own nervousness. “And why should that matter my dear?” He asked taking her hand and politely placing a kiss on it making her heart skip a beat. She didn't know what to say. “You look beautiful tonight.” He went on placing an arm around her waist to lead her back they way they had just came. He seemed oddly formal with her tonight. Was it because his tribe was watching him? “Do we have to go back that way?” She asked taking notice of the whispering that was going on as they passed. “Then where does my future queen wish to go?” He asked playfully pulling the necklace out from under her top. Melissa quickly clamped a hand over the pendent trying to keep the people around them from seeing. “Do not hide it.” He said giving her a stern look making her feel quite silly. She let her hand drop and prayed no one would notice it. Her heart pounded louder and louder in her head as they approached the chairs. Even the combination of whispers and music couldn't drown it out. “You know it's been a while since we have had a reason to celebrate.” She could hear him say but she felt lost in her own frantic thoughts she couldn't quite concentrate on what he was saying. If she sat in the chair there was no going back and she fought with herself trying to keep from bolting away again. He looked at her sensing her unease. He seemed to know right then what was bothering her. “Still worrying I see.” he said with a faint smile. To Melissa's dread he cleared his throat. “ I have an announcement to make.” His voice boomed over the noise of the party. The music stopped and all eyes turned to them if they hadn't been there already. He pulled Melissa close and she could feel the heat creeping up her face. “As you know our tribe has been without a queen for quite some time. Something that will soon be rectified.” He said with a smile. “I have finally chosen a bride who pleases me.” He said looking the silent crowd over. She pleased him? That made her blush even more. She was so scared of what everyone must be thinking now, but she couldn't read their faces at all. She wondered if they could see how terrified she was. “Soon I will be traveling once again to deal with the wizard who threatens our people but wedding preparations shall be made once this issue has been resolved.” He said informing them that he planed to leave again but he had said I and not we which made her worry. Was he planning on leaving her here? If that was what he was considering she wouldn't let him. In her thoughts she had missed some of what he said and it seemed his speech was coming to an end. “But enough talk of this. Tonight we celebrate our engagement!” He said looking down at her with a grin. “Come sit.” Ganon said with a smile leading her to the chair next to his. Everyone watched as she hesitated. She felt so pressured to do what was expected of her. With great reluctance she sat down. Soon after the music started up again and the merriment resumed. If anyone was bothered by this news they hid it very well. Everyone seemed happy enough with their King's decision. Ganon now sat beside her and could see her discomfort. He took her hand and held it to give her reassurance as someone brought them something to drink. She recognized the zora wine right away. She took a sip to be polite but did not drink anymore after. Ganon looked at her with a knowing grin and had no qualms with drinking all of his. He even got a refill. She hoped he would try and stay a little sober tonight. Melissa was starting to get quite bored sitting there so she ended up watching Raiki's troupe who had taken over for the last dance. The girl was very graceful in her movements. She noticed that on occasion the girl would shoot her looks. That made her wonder what the girls from her troupe were thinking of her now as well as Chara's thoughts. Melissa knew mostly how Chara felt on this. She couldn't help but think her friend was probably mad at her now. She looked back over at her husband to be and felt excited yet strange to think of him that way. He had been watching her. Why did he gaze at her like that? “Might we be able to get up and do something?” she asked feeling like they were missing out on the festivities. “Well if your that restless then why not dance for me.” He said chuckling at her look of discomfort. “How about you dance with me?” Melissa asked not willing to make a fool of herself all alone. He thought about it then nodded. Getting up he pulled her with him to the bonfire below. She hadn't actually thought he would agree. The dance troupe stopped as he approached and bowed. Raiki came up and also bowed. “My Lord. Does our dance displease you?” she asked sounding a little distressed that they had interrupted their dance. “No, but you are now dismissed.” Ganon said not thinking about the fact this might insult the dancers to be dismissed during the middle of their performance. Raiki looked almost offended but Ganon seemed not to notice. Melissa wanted to say something to let them understand that they had done well. That they were not being told to leave because of some flaw in their dance but it would probably only make it worse. She didn't think she had the authority here to speak. They would probably just scoff or laugh at her for even opening her mouth. She had no confidence in herself so how could she be queen? “Yes my Lord.” Raiki said with another bow and they left quickly with her group. “You know you could have at least explained why they were dismissed. Did you even see her face?” Melissa said giving him a look. “And why do I need to explain myself?” He asked putting his arm around her waist as the music started again. “Because you upset them. They think you disliked their performance.” Melissa said and he laughed at how it seemed to worry her. “I don't see how it is funny.” She said defensively. “ Well if you were that worried on sparing their feelings you could have explained it to them yourself.” He retorted starting a dance she was unfamiliar with. She went silent. She had wanted to but was too afraid to open her mouth and it bothered her that he had called her out on it so easily. Was she that easy to read? She realized the song that was being played was the gerudo theme and it caused her to stumble. He caught her making the fall almost look like a part of the dance. He had great skill and it made her feel so inferior. “How could you pick someone like me?” She whispered putting her head down on his shoulder. He sighed. “If you don't relax I know where they keep the wine.” He said teasing her. “Is that a threat?” She laughed as he spun her around. “No it's a promise.” He said stopping. “Fine if you want me to make a fool of myself who am I to deny my Lord?” She said feeling funny calling him that. The look he gave her told her he felt just as weird about it. She knew she couldn't dance like the girls in the troupes but she could make up her own dance. She felt silly but he seemed entertained when she backed up from him and played around making up a new variant of his favorite dance. After watching her for a moment he joined her. Somehow he knew exactly what moves to make so that their dance seem elegant. It was almost as if he could read her mind at times which wasn't as impossible a thought as one might think. Of course it helped that he recognized where some of the dance came from. As the music stopped the dance ended with them back in each others arms breathless. He seemed quite pleased with her and gave her a deep kiss as a reward. She hadn't even noticed the clapping until he released her. They had drawn a crowd and she hadn't even realized it because she had been watching him the whole time. She even saw Hiba and Azazel in the crowd giving her approving nods. Embarrassed Melissa hid her head in his chest. “None of that.” He whispered lifting her head up. She could hear some of the girls giggle and even an “Awww!” or two. Staring in his eyes the moment seemed to last for an eternity but was interrupted by her stomach which growled. “ Sounds like you need to eat.” He said smiling before leading her off. The crowd parted and she felt ashamed she couldn't look anyone in the face. If Ganon hadn't been there she probably wouldn't have been able to move at all.