Death By Princess {Complete}

CH 4

"Good morning," says Link pleasantly to a passing villager on his way to Lake Koraria. It is only his fourth day in the village but he wanted to contribute to his share of the work. He isn't about to get a free ride, even if he is the legendary hero who, as some people have stated, deserves to be tended to. Not Link. For starters, he likes working. It keeps his mind out of regretting the past and fearing the future. Also, he prefers being the one who protects and provides for others. The villagers have been kind enough to help him build a house on a vacant plot of land, just a short walk from Lillian's so contributing to the livelihood of the village is the least he can do.

So today marks his first day of work. His responsibility is to catch the day's quota of fish and ration it out to villagers. It's his favorite task because he gets to do it independently while enjoying the serenity of the lake.

"Oy, Link!" calls Gustero. "Come here a moment, would ya?"

When Link gets closer, he notices that the village has visitors. Namely two members of the Zora tribe, a hybrid human-fish race. Link smiles at them as he approach but the two Zoras look at Link and keeping their faces stern and cold, whispers something to Gustero.

"You got it all wrong! Link is a kind man," he can hear Gustero say as he gets closer.

"What's going on?" says Link.

Gustero hesitates for a moment. "I don't even know how to say it," he says regretting he called Link over.

"We know who you are, Link," says one Zora. "Legendary hero huh? Interesting how every era within Hyrule was saved. Now Gannondorf is living at the castle and soon about to be king. We just don't know if you can be trusted and we were warning Gustero, here."

Link is speechless. He shouldn't have to explain himself to strangers but they got it all wrong. Do they? There he goes again, doubting himself.

"Link has been living here since he was a boy and Miss Elanor made it clear that he would be welcomed back with opened arms," says Gustero. "He has been quite the help around here. Always has been. I reckon that he would almost be able to get away with murder if it was justified." He chuckles then awkwardly clears his throat when no one joins him.

"I'm sorry," says the other Zora. "I thought we had a deal but we don't trust him. How do we know he isn't in alliance with Gannondorf? We are not going to invest our hard earned rupees in promoting tourism in Koraria if Link lives here. It's not worth the risk. What do you think Seymour?"

Seymour nods. "Regretfully, I agree. I believe that's what our king, er, leader would want. It's because of Gannondorf he has lost his title as king... he will be disappointed but I know for near certain that he will not want his people touring a village who could be harboring Link. Or who are in alliance with him," he says nodding his head in Link's direction.

Gustero lowers his head. "I see. I guess if that's really how you feel--"

"Then you can go," says a voice entering the group. It was lady Elanor. She puts her hand on Link's shoulder. "We are a family here and we certainly wouldn't have ties with someone who expressed such hatred and unnecessary concern to one of my kin. We would be willing to rediscuss, if you have a change of heart."

The two Zoras look at one another than at Elanor. "We won't," says Seymour. "Sorry for the inconvenience. We won't bother you again." Then they walk away.

"My," says Gustero. "Gannondorf's influence has certainly changed a lot of things. Did you hear that one hundred thousand rupees went to expanding their prison?" says Gustero completely oblivious to Link's discomfort.

"Aye, I did so hear," says Elanor.

"If they keep doing things like that, that may mean less rupees for us to trade. I was really hoping we could work out a deal with the Zoras and now I fear that we are already facing a decline in tourists." His words then trail off as his mind is pulled into the uncertainty of the future.