The Legend Of Zelda Fan Fiction ❯ Gerudo Forest ❯ Chapter 49 ( Chapter 49 )

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

Melissa thought she had made some progress today hitting the targets quite a few times but as Kona had pointed out there had been no wind. Kona could be a kill joy sometimes and let Melissa go early due to what she called a lack of challenge. Making it back to her room she snatched what she needed. It took a little searching but she found some ink, a quill, and a few blank pages of paper hidden away in her bed side dresser. Also not knowing if they would be heading straight to the market she grabbed what was left of her rupees and stuffed everything in a satchel. Kona had told her that his sparing room was past the audience chamber down a corridor to the right but failed to mention how long it would take to get there. Several times she contemplated turning around to see if she missed a door or opening. It would be quite easy to miss something because the hall was completely dark. This was definitely out of the way but she guessed it was to detour people other than him from wanting to use it. Eventually she found the door she was looking for. The only sign of it's presence was a faint sliver of light near the ground. As she got closer she could hear the clang of steal against steal and wondered if he was practicing with a partner. But who would be brave enough to spar with him? Placing her torch on an empty slot in the wall she twisted the door handle. Only one of the two fighters stopped to stare at her. Ganon had known she was coming and wasn't even distracted by her entrance. Nabooro on the other hand had lost focus and was panting out of breath. Ganon took the advantage and knocked the sage's legs out from under her causing Nabooro to land on her backside with a thud. She gave him a look of pure malice to which Ganon returned with a cocky smile. “Uh... did I interrupt something?” Melissa asked worriedly. After a second Nabooro caught her breath and got back to her feet. “No I was just about to leave.” Nabooro responded throwing her practice swords angrily to the ground before storming out. Had the sage gotten into an argument with him? Ganon stood looking in the direction of the door a look of seriousness crossing his face. “Nabooro told me she talked with you this morning and was babbling some nonsense about me letting you go.” He paused for a moment before turning to face her. “You would tell me if there was something wrong wouldn't you?” “Of course I would.” Melissa said guiltily looking away. Ganon frowned seeing right through her. He knew she had been keeping things to herself more but said nothing, going back to his practice. He looked deep in thought as he gracefully slashed at the target dummies that stood around the room. She felt inspired watching him. It almost looked as if he was performing a dance and she smiled pulling out her paper and quill beginning a quick sketches of him. They never turned out like she wanted so she would start over. After a while she stopped tired of wasting paper and just watched him. He was well practiced with the sword and she wondered who had taught him. After a while he stopped and grabbed a towel to wipe off sweat that beaded his skin. He must be done for now. “So what were you doing?” he asked eying her pile of crumpled up paper. “Just doodling.” She responded starting to pick up her mess. She didn't really like people looking at her stuff but he snatched and opened one of the papers before she could even protest. “Is this how you see me?” he asked amused holding the one page she really hadn't wanted him to see. She had taken some artistic liberties here and there. Drawing him at rest, he reclined back in his robes which were slightly open revealing his chest. His hair draped over his shoulders and she had given him that peaceful look she always loved when he slept. Some might call it fan girl vision and Melissa blushed looking away embarrassed. He reached for another but she sent a well placed fireball into the pile reducing her sketches to ashes. “Why did you do that?” he protested tamping out the fire. “Because they didn't do you any justice. Why else do you think I crumpled them up?” She said trying to hide her embarrassment behind mock irritation. She grabbed for the remaining paper but he held it above her head. Since he was holding it she couldn't set it a flame. She jumped for instead but could only manage to grab onto his arm. Trying to pull it down she put her whole weight into it. This only made him lift his arm higher. Her feet dangled off the ground and she hung there for a minute staring him down before giving up. Letting go she dropped to the floor. He smirked folding the paper before tucking it away. “Fine Keep it. What do I care.” Melissa responded pretending she didn't care. She went back to cleaning up her mess. She was flattered that he liked it but she was determined to find a way to get it back. Hopefully before he decided to show it to someone. They left after Ganon had finished putting his armor back on. They had been back for a while now but she had yet to make a trip to the bustling streets of the market. Even with the Hylian's that had been kicked out it was still busy. Vendors and shoppers alike bowed to their king as they passed. There were all sorts of wares being sold. A range of things from fine silks, clothes, jewelry, weapons, and fine crafts filled the stalls. Everything was expertly made and most had an enchantment or two upon them. Such as spells to make the dishes shatter proof or a sword from rusting. The only thing she saw a scarcity of was food. “There are some pretty nice things here. Have you tried opening up trade with the surrounding cities? There are talented craftsmen here. The Gerudo are known as thieves but with the quality of these items I don't see the need for thievery. I bet all this would sell well in Hyrule.” Melissa said observing all the items. “We have tried before but it never ends well. The hylians tend to harass our venders especially their men. Because the venders are gerudo the guards do nothing to stop it. ” Ganon responded a look of anger crossing his face. “There has to be a way. Maybe we need an ambassador? Someone who could look after the needs of those who are in foreign cities. If we could establish commerce it might help with our relations between the hylian.”Melissa insisted unsure what they gerudo had tried before. Ganon rolled his eyes. Melissa knew how he felt about this subject. She had been talking often to him about finding ways to bring peace. They needed to mend the wrongs that had been done over the years but that was easier said than done. Ganon held a lot of resentment towards the hylians and never really liked talking about it. Since becoming king of these sands he had prayed to the goddesses to ease his peoples sufferings only to be met with no reply. He then turned to his neighbors who only treated them with distrust and took advantage of the gerudo's need to survive. The Hylians would hike prices for no reason and the gerudo had no choice but to pay or steal what they needed. Melissa could see his side but at the same time he had done things equally bad, if not worse, to the hylians. “Don't roll your eyes at me.” Melissa said folding her arms stopping to face him. “I am serious about this.” “Come on your making a scene.” He smirked making her realize she was being watched. Being watched by so many made her nervous. Should she back down or make a stand? Of course showing an interest in bettering the life of her people would make a better impression than timidly backing down. “I am not making a scene. You know the main thing I want is for our people to know peace and be self sufficient. I am not going to give up on this no matter how many times you scoff at the subject and don't think you can use my usual shyness to shut me up.” Melissa replied a little more harshly than she had meant to. She hoped he wouldn't be mad at her. He looked a little stunned but shook it off fairly fast. Hooking his arm around her waist he began leading her on. “I am glad you have found your voice but this conversation can wait. We are here to relax.” Ganon said walking them to a booth near the end of the street once again avoiding the subject. Had quite a knack for that. There were quite a few bows hanging off the back wall of this shop and Ganon pointed out one that was beautifully carved to look like wings. She liked it a lot but another caught her eye. It almost seemed to be hiding behind the others. It was plainer and looked more practical. It's carvings were subtler and worn looking. It had an ancient feel to it. “Can I see that one?” Melissa asked the lady behind the counter. “That one? But wouldn't my lady prefer one of our nicer pieces? This bow is but an antique.” The woman said motioning to the more ornate ones. “No I would like to see that one.” Melissa smiled pointing eagerly to the hidden bow. She just couldn't wait to hold it. The woman bowed and retrieved it from it's place. Once handed over Melissa ran her hand over the wood. She could now see that the carvings were of a long dragon snaking it's way up. The middle grip looked to have been recently wrapped with cloth to make it more comfortable to hold. The wood was worn and would need polishing but Melissa was up for a challenge. She like to repair and salvage old and vintage things. Holding it felt right. Like it was meant to be. “I like it!” Melissa said excitedly to Ganon. He looked at the bow skeptically. “You have such strange taste in things.” He commented. “Well I like you don't I.” She teased back. He smiled and Melissa turned back to the shopkeeper. “How much?” She asked. “You really want it?” the woman asked puzzled. “I hadn't really planned on selling it. I don't think...” The woman stopped what she was about to say mid sentence looking behind her to where Ganon was standing. Melissa turned. He gave her a smile like he hadn't been doing anything but she knew better than that. “Well if it's not for sale then I am sorry I wasted your time. I'll get these finger taps instead.” She said handing the bow back to the woman spotting what she needed to finally keep from getting so many blisters. She dropped more than enough rupees on the counter and proceeded to the next booth leaving Ganon and the vendor behind. She was disappointed the bow had not been for sell but she wasn't going to force the woman to sell it to her. She didn't bother to see if Ganon was following. She knew he would catch up. She browsed the next few shops finding little things here and there like medical supplies but what she really needed was a cloak. She was constantly commandeering Ganon's cape and she guessed it was about time to get something to keep her warm. She looked around and it was at that point that she realized Ganon was no where to be seen. Why did he always do this? He could of at least told her he was going somewhere. She was unsure what she should do next. “Hey!” a familiar voice called from behind her. Melissa turned to see Azazel coming her way. She was actually glad to see someone she knew and that they were finally talking to her. “What happened? I missed you at practice. Hiba was worried.” Azazel asked coming to a stop beside her. “Sorry I didn't mean to make you worry. It's just that we will be leaving soon and I think for the time being I need to concentrate on my bow lessons.” Melissa explained guiltily. “I don't seem to be making any progress and am surprised Kona has had the patience to put up with me.” Melissa said with a frown. “It's okay. You didn't miss much today. The troop will understand. So cheer up?” Azazel said with a smile trying to to make her feel better. “So are you shopping all alone?” Melissa looked down. “Well I was here with Ganondorf but he seems to have ditched me. He just disappears without a word and doesn't tell me where he's going. We were supposed to go for a ride after this but I guess he forgot.” “I am sure something must have come up.” Azazel shrugged. It was a possibility but he had done this more than once to her. For now Melissa guessed she would give him the benefit of the doubt. “So what ya shopping for?” Azazel asked grabbing her bag. She shifted through it nosily and frowned disappointed. “This is nothing more than herbs, salves, and bandages. The only thing close to clothes are these gloves.” “Clothes? Why would I be buying clothes?” Melissa asked. “Well you know... the girls noticed you seem to wear the same few outfits all the time. Plus it's fun to shop for new clothes.” Azazel said with smirk. “Well I was going to go look for a cloak...” Melissa trailed off embarrassed. “I do have other clothes it's just they are a little fancy for the things I usually have to do. If you want to help me find something new to wear I wouldn't mind.” Azazel squealed with excitement. “I know just the place!” Her friend said giddily grabbing her arm dragging her off. Melissa was glad to have Azazel with her but still missed Chara. Chara had been with her from the beginning so naturally it upset her that her friend would avoid her because of something as silly as an engagement. Azazel brought her to a shop she had somehow missed on her stroll through. Melissa let the girl behind the counter to dress her up in whatever Azazel picked. It didn't matter where a girl was from they still loved to shop for outfits. Melissa had never really been one of those girls so she wasn't as enthused as Azazel. Azazel managed to talk her into two new outfits that were thankfully simple. One blue with a red pattern around the waist and a traditional two piece that was black. The black one would be quite hot so she would wear it at night. She also found a nice black cloak that had the same spell as Ganon's cape. Purchasing these items depleted he bag of rupees a good bit. She had maybe enough to pay for food and such on the upcoming trip. That is if they were able to stop anywhere. The shopkeeper bowed to her as they left. The only thing she needed now was a bow. Maybe she should bite the bullet and get one of the fancy ones. Nah! She could just bring her training bow. She was pretty used to it now so it would be good enough. Since Ganon hadn't reappeared Azazel was going to go for a ride with her instead. Heading towards the stables she noticed guards running around. One guard ran their way and as the woman approached butterflies filled Melissa's stomach. Had something happened? Was this why Ganon had disappeared? “My lady.” The guard bowed. “I have been informed to take you back to your room.” “What's going on?” Melissa asked hoping nothing bad had happened. “There is reports of an assassin that has infiltrated our valley. Our Lord is on her trail and ordered me to keep you safe.” The guard replied. An assassin? How had they gotten in? Had Agahnim gotten to one of the hylian villagers who helped them get supplies? The guard had said she. So the spy was a woman? “Please come this way.” the guard said motioning for her to follow. When Azazel went to follow the guard stopped her pointing the spear head of her pole-arm at her. “What is the meaning of this!” Melissa demanded upset at how the guard was treating her friend. “I have orders to protect you my lady. She could be the assassin.” The guard said not lowering her weapon at all. “Azazel's not an assassin. She's my friend.” Melissa protested. “Maybe she is. Maybe she isn't. What were you two about to do before I found you?” the guard asked. “Well we were about to go for a ride but I don't see how that matters.” Melissa said upset. “A ride where you would have been left all alone with her? You would be defenseless.” The guard pointed out. Melissa didn't want to distrust her friend but this question brought a little doubt to her mind. Could Agahnim have convinced a gerudo to betray her people? If she thought about it Azazel had been nice to her from the first day but what if it had been to get close to her. She had been alone with Azazel before and she had never done anything but she had just shown up out of nowhere after Ganon had disappeared. She had avoided her till now. All of sudden it was as if she had forgotten about her engagement that had made her avoid Melissa in the first place. Could her friend really be a assassin? She didn't know what to think now. Maybe Melissa was a little naive but she just couldn't think of Azazel as that way. Really and truly how did she know this guard wasn't the real assassin? She apparently didn't know Melissa very well if she thought she would be defenseless. There was only one way to figure this out. She already had a plan formulating in her head. Melissa pushed the guards weapon away from Azazel. “My Lady!” The guard said alarmed as Melissa went back to Azazel. “Just hold on I want to give something to my friend. Then we can go.” Melissa responded and the guard gave a relieved look. Pulling out a random item from her bag she handed Azazel a jar of salves. “Find him. Tell him what is going on. I have a bad feeling about this.” Melissa whispered pretending to give her friend a hug goodbye. Azazel didn't respond. If Azazel was truly her friend she would find Ganon and Melissa would know she wasn't the assassin. If it was the guard she hoped magic would be enough to deal with her. “Ok we can go.” Melissa replied walking in the direction of her room.