[EDITING] The Legend of Zelda: Goddess of Secrecy

Overworld Chapter 22 - A Rockin' Celebration

...just in time for the speech to begin as the crowds began to gather around. Queen Justice was seated on a small platform, watching Endeavor as they approached the head of the table. Link almost sat down, when he caught a glance from Zelda. He pulled her chair back and waited for the Princess, before sitting down beside her. Zelda seemed quite enthused about this, more than seemed like normal manners.

With the table seated, Queen Justice rose from her throne. Before she was standing, the Drex had gone silent. The Queen nodded, beginning, "We are gathered here tonight to welcome our champion. Despite what fate would grant them, this one has not faltered in their duty. They, like our Goddess before us, has chosen to the path of truth, of guidance, and of enlightenment. For these reasons, they prove themselves worthy of the responsibility Reechka has given them."

There was single word that went across the crowd. Link couldn't quite make it out before the Queen continued, "It is custom that to obtain true knowledge, one must visit the Temple of Secrets twice, once to begin their journey, and once to end it. And with the blessing of the Goddess Reechka, our champion has been able to achieve this at last."

Again, the word passed through the crowd. Link was starting to think it was in a different language, but he got a look from Endeavor to let him know his querying was getting obvious. Queen Justice noticed this glance, and turned to Link. She bowed her head. "I would like to extend my thanks to you, young Hero. For the Drex to serve as the Hero's Guide is an honor. For being their companion is a choice, one we appreciate where we cannot see them."

The Queen glanced back at Endeavor with a slight grin, before taking a chalice from her throne. She lifted it up for a toast. "Rise, for Endeavor Westwind, and the completion of their journey! And to the beginning of their quest!"

The people gathered around the table rose, each lifting their own glasses. Zelda took hers and joined, a quick motion to hurry to Link as he took the glass. It was filled with the deepest purple liquid Link had ever seen as he stood beside his chair. It was seemed like wine of some kind, but he wasn't sure what could have made such a dark liquid.

Queen Justice passed her glass to Endeavor, who stepped up to the front of the platform. The Queen said, "Drink, my friends. Tonight, we celebrate for the ones who cannot. Tomorrow, we return to our path."

The Drex raised their glasses for the toast. Endeavor took a sip from the chalice first, the table to mirror after. Just as they lifted their cup, a blaze shot through the sky. A sword embedded itself in the middle of the table. It was a long silver, shimmering blade.

Several Drex dropped their glasses. Several more drew their own weapons, searching for the source of the sudden appearance. Endeavor lowered their drink and passed it back the Queen. Link loosened his grip on his sword as Endeavor walked towards it. They gripped the blade and drew it from the table, wood splitting off in the process. It was a rapier, crafting in a perfect silver, with purple gemstones embedded at the hilt. Endeavor grimaced as they examined the sword. They said loud enough for everyone to hear, "This was my mother's blade. There is only one person who could have taken this."

Drawing their other blade out, Endeavor replaced it with their mother's. Queen Justice asked, "What would drive her to return it to you now?"

"Because there is another blade that needs to be found. And she has no respect left in her," Endeavor answered, looking at Link. "I told you that we would not be staying long. I suggest we leave before anything else falls from the sky. That is within her purview."

Link stood up as Endeavor walked away with Journey trailing close behind. As they headed towards the edge of the city, Zelda asked, "What about the party?"

"Hyrule is going into shambles, and you want to continue with a party, Princess?" Endeavor asked, not looking back.

Zelda frowned, replying, "No, but I would think you would want to finish. After all, it's for you. And we can't keep fighting without rest ever."

"What was important has been completed," Endeavor answered curtly. "Everything else was a luxury we could not afford. We should have left hours ago. We have no idea where the Master Sword is, and Hylia's Temple is days away by horseback."

Out of the shadows, Umbra walked down the hill leading Quicksilver and Bliss. Stable trailed behind with Epona. The horse was resisting him every step the Drex took. Endeavor asked, "How did you know we would be coming?" Link couldn't help but notice how their hand had gone to their sword. And how his had done the same. This evening was getting more intense by the minute.

"Settle down, Endeavor," Umbra answered, a hand up as she approached. "We're still in the valley, she can't come back. You know better than that. The Queen sent word a few minutes ago. Goddess's speed to you."

Stable handed Epona's reins off to Link as Umbra and Endeavor stepped aside. Stable said, "You ready for this? Finding the Master Sword?"

Link replied, "I guess...I mean...I don't know what to expect."

"I don't know what to tell you about that," Stable said with a laugh. "I mean, as far as legends go, that's the one. Throughout all our histories, that's the thing that's made it through. Finding it...I suppose Hylia is the only one who would know where the Hero's sword was. She made it after all, for Her Hero."

"If a Goddess wanted to protect it though, don't you think it would be pretty well hidden?" Link asked. Everything else left by the Goddesses certainly had been. He wasn't sure asking Hylia alone would be enough.

"True, but now the Goddesses want you to find it. You should be able to tell where She would hide it for you, with whatever else She tells you," Stable replied, offering an apologetic smile. "A Goddess who granted you another life would know how you think, wouldn't She? So where do you think it is?"

"Link."

Link turned towards Endeavor. They had already mounted, as well as Zelda. Link climbed up onto Epona's saddle as Stable pat Epona on the side. "I'm sure you'll figure it out."

Endeavor turned Quicksilver away, and started riding out to the mountain pass. Zelda rode on after the Drex, new confidence in her as she rode.

Umbra called after as they began to ride away, "If you ever want more practice, better practice, get some way to protect yourself against the weather, and we'll toughen the two of you up. You remember how to get into the pass, right?" Link nodded as he waved back. Umbra offered a thumbs up. "Then come back to visit, so long as you don't bring anyone with you."

"Will the Drex be alright?" Link asked.

Stable shouted, "You restored the power of the Goddess's Temple. She'll be able to protect this valley for a while."

"Besides," Umbra added, "the Drex can handle themselves. What we need, what this country needs, is for you to be able to take down the Demon Lord. Find that Master Sword, Link, and end this. Once and for all. The Demon Lord cannot come back again."

"I won't let him," Link replied with conviction.

"That's a boy," Stable said with a laugh.

Umbra nodded. "You'll make Hyrule proud, I'm sure. Good luck. Goddesses bless you in your journey."

With that, Link tapped his heels to Epona's side to catchup as the gap between him and his companions widened, riding out of the City ofthe Drex...