The Legend of Zelda; Darkness Before the Dawn

Chapter 2; Sonia

     Our home was a beautiful place that day. The sun broke through the branches of the trees, dappling the ground with golden spots.

     A stone pathway led to a large castle door- the paint had not yet worn off of it, though it was beginning to chip already. A shame, considering how new it was, but it was part of what made it 'home'.

     The corridor inside was flooded with golden light from the windows, its stone walls reflecting the glow from outside and bouncing it to every corner. Three chambers led off to the right, their doors all ajar but one. I led Zelda to the second door, taking her hand and gently pulling her in.

"This is the guest room," explained Rauru. "You'll be staying here for your time with us.

"Thank you," replied Zelda. "May I ask...?"

     I smiled. "Go ahead,"

     "Sonia, how do you use your Time stone? I've been afraid to admit it, but I truly don't understand how it came to be. I had never seen this stone before I fell, and now here it is, weighing down my pocket with all that was lost in the plummet."

     "I understand how you must be feeling..." I took both of her hands- my warmest gesture to our ancestor. "But you must persist. As for why this stone 'appeared', well, that may be a problem that will be solved very soon."

"Do you mean Mineru?" Zelda perked up.

     I nodded. Mineru, my sister-in-law, knew much about our world- and the limits of secret stones.

"Well in that case, I will go get her." Rauru swiftly left, suggesting that it was time for Zelda to get changed.

     I laughed silently. "Okay then, Zelda," I noticed the way her name felt in my mouth- a summery feeling- something I would call my child as I combed her hair... "Would you like to get dressed? As discussed, we have an extensive wardrobe for you to select from."

     "Of- of course!" Zelda took a deep breath. I took that as my cue to sashay over to the large, wooden closet that took up most of the room's east wall. I stuck my hand near it, and it swung open- like some sort of magic. Rauru had taught me this little trick a while back.

     The door to the closet creaked as it opened to reveal a number of dresses- most of them my own- that had been stowed. Her eyes probed the numerous outfits, each of them laden with greens, whites and maroons. She seemed especially drawn to one of my more summery dresses, oddly fitting considering my perception of her name. She stepped over to it, and I motioned that she could take it out.

     She held the dress against her, gasping as she walked over to the mirror. "My Hylia!" she exclaimed, "This looks amazing! How did you get these fine details embroidered?"

     I chuckled. "Actually, Rauru made some of these by hand. That is one of them. You should ask him next time you see him. He appreciates the flattery."

"Really? Wow..." she breathed, clearly impressed.

     The dress ended up being just her size- if not a bit large- but we managed to fasten it a bit tighter to accommodate her. Its white fabric went down to her shins in the back, and a metallic piece in the front, with interlocking triangles to symbolize the triforce of legend. The bottom of the skirt was decorated with the crest of Hyrule and the symbol of light- both embroidered into the tabard that ran down the middle of the dress with a golden and white string. Many lightweight sculptures hung off the piece as well, their symmetry complementing her form. The sleeveless gown was complete, and four arm bands were wrapped around her arms, carrying a regal but free atmosphere about her. She fastened earrings to the outside of her ears, as they weren't pierced, and they added an extra oomph to the look. The only thing missing was... A crown. I reached to the top of the dresser, where I had stowed my extra crown lest something happened to it. Its central gemstone was more of a green than a white, but it brought together the outfit beautifully.

"Perfect!" I smiled. She was ready to go.

"Um..." Zelda fidgeted a bit, "Aren't we forgetting something?"

"Well, we have the dress, the bands, the earrings, and the circlet... what else could we be missing?"

"Do you have..." she cleared her throat. "Do you happen to have shoes this far back in time?"

     I was silent. I had no words. Of course we had shoes, but those were for people who were in more danger of stepping on something that may harm one's foot. "I could get you some shoes, if you'd like."

"Thank you."

     I reached into the bottom part of the closet, and brought out a pair of sandals- my only pair of shoes. They didn't go very well with the outfit, but brightbloom seeds had been attached to the tops to illuminate one's feet as they walked. It was really quite a genius idea. Zelda slipped them on with ease.

     I, personally, wasn't a fan of shoes- they simply encased what must be free- my body. But I understood from her point of view as well. She had come in boots- a strange garb for royalty, but I hadn't questioned it in the moment. I shuddered thinking about having to wear those all day.

     Zelda stood, testing the soles. "Thank you." She walked around the room a couple times before heading towards the door. "Should we see Mineru now?"

     "Yes, I think that would be splendid." I stood as well, before realizing we were missing yet another key component- perhaps the most crucial. "Wait one moment please..." I dug through a pile of paints to pull out the white paint and a necklace. "We do this to everyone who steps foot in the castle."

     Silently, I took my nail and dipped just the tip of it in the paint. I then traced two tears onto her cheeks, similar to mine, though less numerous. I then fastened the necklace around her neck, and with great caution, placed her secret stone in the containment compartment. It worked as an amulet, keeping tight to Zelda's skin. She gasped as the stone let out a faint glow from the skin contact.

     I smiled. I had plenty of these necklaces for myself, but Zelda's neck fit perfectly into the tight choker. "There."

     Zelda smiled. "Thank you again, Sonia. You hospitality is incredible,"

     "Well, it's not often that we get visitors..." I smirked, tucking my hair behind my ears. "All right. Let's go see Mineru."