(Zelink) The Legend of Zelda and the Last knight- Swords and Roses

Why we failed pt.20B The Forest of Dark Whispers

The forest of Dark whispers

Moments earlier-

Zelda and Arasmus stepped back into the royal gallery and were met with a wave of admiration and approval from every corner. The young lord still held her hand, his fingers curled possessively around hers, a gesture that threatened to both charm and trap her. It took all of Zelda's poise to maintain her composure, to keep the serene smile on her face as though this display was her idea, as though she, too, was reveling in the stares and sighs of those around them. Somehow, she needed a way to turn this around to her benefit. But how?

Arasmus meanwhile wore a practiced charm as effortlessly as a tailored tunic, his expression radiating satisfaction with each approving nod cast their way.

As they approached, the King rose from his seat, lifting a goblet high in a toast. "To the happy couple!" he proclaimed, voice rich with pride. Around him, lords and ladies, dignitaries and emissaries, rose with him, their cups lifted in unison. Their voices joined in a jubilant chorus, the wine flowing as laughter and chatter spilling into the air.

Echoes of "Hoorah for House Hyrule and hoorah for House Draene!" bounced off the wooden ramparts. Zelda stiffened as she walked listening to their hollow praises, even observing the confused, blank stares from her friends seated at their table. Little did they know, she felt as awkward as they looked bewildered.

Just stay focused, Zelda, she told herself, resisting the urge to pull her hand free. Don't let it get to you. Don't let him win this round. She searched for an escape to sit among the safe company of her friends, her eyes scanning for a reason, any reason, to leave his grasp. But before she could quietly slip her hand from Arasmus, her father's commanding voice once again stole her plans.

"Come, my daughter!" he called, his grin wide and gleaming with satisfaction. "The midday is young, and so much more awaits in celebration! Friends have arrived in your honor!"

The unexpected call halted Zelda mid-step, and she blinked, caught off guard. Arasmus turned, a hint of surprise flickering in his expression as well, but she noticed the calculation in his gaze, how he took in her father's words with the shrewdness of someone who knew exactly how to play his hand. Sensing the shift in attention, he released her with an air of graciousness, letting her go with a subtle smile that suggested he was magnanimous enough to allow her a moment on her own. She pulled her hand back as naturally as she could, ignoring the eerie warmth his touch left lingering on her sweaty palm.

Zelda's gaze followed her father's to the guests he had spoken of—a towering figure stood by his side, one who seemed out of place amidst the silk-clad nobles and the ornamented hall. A Goron of all people. His laughter echoed through the hall, a deep, hearty bellow that rattled the very rafters, drawing stares and even some nervous laughter from other courtiers.

"Long time no see, little princess!" he called out, his voice booming and as warm as a midday sun, his face a map of weathered stone and warmth. She blinked, trying to place him, to dredge up some memory of a time they had met. The pieces danced just out of reach, hazy wisps that slipped away as quickly as she grasped them. But judging by the sparkle in his eye, he must've known her well.

Her father and the rest of his court were well into their cups, and the room had taken on that unmistakable hum of merry indulgence. She felt the weight of her father's and everyone else's gaze as she stood by the high table, suddenly the center of attention. She felt her cheeks glow a heated red by all their stares. Mustering as much grace as she could manage, Zelda gave a small, polite nod. "Forgive me," she began, "have we been acquainted before?"

The Goron's laughter roared louder, his expression one of good-natured shock, as though her question had been the most absurd thing he'd ever heard. "Do we know each other?" he echoed, incredulous, and laughed so heartily it seemed the walls themselves might shake in response.