Endless War

IX

"Despite the societal problems, Lorule's people are generally considered to be friendly and kind. This type of behavior most likely stems from the fact that such virtues are needed to survive their world."

-Official CIA report on the state of Lorule

Hyrule Castle, 07:53:54

"You'll be using the Spirit Tracks to go to the farthest reaches of our kingdom, but from there you will only have your feet and any horses you find. And there is one other thing...."

The CIA's director looked briefly at the King, as if asking permission. He gave his assent with a nod.

"We have one, ah, minor setback. King Rhoam and Princess Hilda entered negotiations a month ago about the possibility of sending Angelblades into their territory, with concessions such as resources and advising. She refused."

A collective shockwave spread through everybody for whom this was news.

"She is not without her reasons. We are sending troops onto her soil, so who's to say we won't send more? And the prospect of advising is, though practical, enough to harm her dignity I suppose. Because of this, you will be alone. You will face the usual Yiga, but in addition you may need to face Lorulean forces. You cannot, I repeat, cannot expect any help from us until you return to Hyrule. Be as discreet as possible. So while you're there, please try not to start a war. We've had one war for the last generation; I don't think this one needs one too."

....................................................................................................

Zelda surveyed the soldiers below her. Each one was still a young man, Reznov being 33, she remembered, and of course Link being 15.

She couldn't help but wonder where they would be if they didn't have to go fight a secret war. Where would they be if they weren't even in the army but just quiet farmers or villagers or blacksmiths living in Tarrey Town? She had always liked that place when she was younger, a town founded on love and where most marriages took place. In the past, she often fantasized about having her own marriage there and making her husband king.

But no longer. Too many duties took up her time now these days.

Reluctantly, she looked at Link. It was entirely plausible that he would return from this mission even stronger than before. It was unlikely, but if crazy CIA ever decided this mission could see the light of day, then crowds would congregate to congratulate the Hylian Hero, and no doubt some young females would be wearing their best and/or most revealing dresses. Around him, she remembered from Impa's gossip, "hemlines soared and necklines dropped."

Even as she envied Link's success, she couldn't help but feel proud of him for resisting such temptations. No doubt he felt the urges, and doubtless those whores would have been happy to sleep with him, but he chose to keep his virginity. It was something she remembered from a time long past.

Now, every soldier, in unison, snapped to attention and gave a salute to her and the King. Then the traditional farewell the soldiers said to their king, going back at least 250 years:

"No mission too difficult, no sacrifice too great! Duty first!"

It pained her to think that all of them may have to give a sacrifice.

With a jolt, she realized this may be her last chance.

....................................................................................................

After giving the salute and farewell, Link made to follow his comrades to the mess hall, and from there to the castle's train station, when the King stopped him.

"Link. Wait here a moment. My daughter would like a word with you."

And being the good soldier that he was, Link obeyed and waited until the Person-Who-He-Wanted-To-Be-friends-With-Again came up to him.

"Father, Judge Moore. May I request a more private area for Link and I?"

Judge Moore looked absolutely appalled at the thought, being the old-fashioned cavalry officer he had once been. But the King simply waved a hand, saying, "I was just about to ask the same of you daughter. I have things to discuss with CIA anyways."

Zelda very gently took Link's hand in hers, pulling him to her study.

While the soldiers guarding her study unlocked the door - "Nobody can get in if it's locked, even if we're dead" - Link noticed a Guardian waltzing under the bridge, with a little Hylian child riding it and two Sheikah researchers taking notes on the machine's behavior. 

A noise behind him made Link turn around. Zelda was staring at the Guardian with intense scrutiny... or was she looking at the child? And was that not scrutiny but rather joy?

When the Princess noticed the young Angelblade staring, she quickly turned away, but Link could have sworn her cheeks were more colorful than usual.

The two guards each gave him a differing look. The one on the left had an amused expression on his face, while the one on the right effectively said, "Don't try anything in there."

Oh man, how I love Hyrule's various soldiers.

After the two sentries locked the door again, Link took the time to look around her study. It was the most organized mess he had seen. Everywhere there were journals, some of which revealed the Princess' elegant handwriting, others of which had block type. Encyclopedias, maybe. Link recalled the many times he had snuck up on her reading an encyclopedia, mostly about flora. Her desk was surprisingly clean, though still cluttered with various bottles and vials. On the wall was a poster of a hot-footed frog, with annotations detailing its anatomy and physical abilities. And where the sun came through the window was a lone blue and white flower. A Silent Princess, he thought it was called.

The young researcher sat at her desk, gesturing for Link to take the books off a small stool. And so he sat, the two facing each other, unable to say anything.

Finally, it was she who broke the silence with a sigh.

"I wanted to say... I'm sorry for what I said to you earlier. About not wanting you to come back. Of course I want you to come back. But what I want to know is... will we ever be friends again?"