Fan Fiction Fridays: Before the Fall Part 4

Before the Fall

Link look dumbfounded at the words. The King asked for him to be Princess Zelda’s Personal Guard. He opened his mouth but didn’t say anything.

“Oh. Uhm.” His face turned red from embarrassment at his stammering. “My apologies, I’m just a bit-”

Commander Niko looked amused. “I understand your surprise. But the King was adamant about asking you to be Princess Zelda’s guard. After what you did to that Lynel, I’m not surprised. Take a moment to think it over and-”

“I’ll do it!” Link blurted out. He was honored by the notion of being so important, but also immediately regretted his rude outburst. “I mean, I accept the offer of being the Princess’s Personal Guard.” Link kneeled once again.

“Wonderful. I had a feeling you would.” Niko pulled Link up and patted his shoulder. “Your father would be proud of you. I will send your answer to the King, he will be pleased.”

Link nodded. “Thank you Commander.”

—-

It was mid-morning the next day. Link had just finished telling Fledge all about his meeting with Commander Niko. Fledge hung his mouth in disbelief. “You’re going to serve as the Princess’s Personal Guard? You get to work alongside the Princess! That’s quite an honor!”

Link smiled and nodded. He shuffled the letter in his hand, “I know. I received this letter early this morning, telling me to go to the castle to meet the Princess around midday.” The young knight-to-be said with a sigh shrug. “I can’t believe it either. I’m so nervous. It’s a lot of pressure to be the one protecting the princess all the time. I hope I can do it.”

That afternoon, Fledge walked with Link to the castle’s gate. Link had made sure to look his best; “dress to impress,” his father had said. He parted ways with Fledge after an encouraging bear-hug from his friend and made his way inside the gate. After Link presented his letter to the guards, they led him through the large castle. His heart pounded so hard that he imagined it could be heard by everyone.

A large door opened and Link was gestured to into a large, cozy-looking room. His eyes were immediately drawn to the fair, gold haired princess, dressed more casually than Link had ever seen her before. In contrast to a dress, she was wearing boots and leggings and a bright blue top.

“Ah!” she said, as Link padded politely into the room. The Princess approached him and he kneeled before her out of respect. “You must be Link.” Her voice was prompt but curt. “My Father mentioned your arrival.”

“It is a pleasure, your majesty.” Link spoke, keeping his voice steady. “I am honored to be your chosen guard.”

Zelda smiled half-heartedly as Link knelt before her. “I’m sure you are. But I told my father that I would be fine without a babysitter.” Link stood uncomfortably, nervously putting his hands behind his back.

“Princess, I’m just following orders.”

“I’m sure. I’m sure you were just so excited to take care of the dainty princess. To be, what, my knight in shining armor?”

“No, I-”

“You know what? I don’t care. My father is making you follow me like a lost dog, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

Link rolled his eyes, losing his enthusiasm fast. “Well, excuse me, princess,” Link said under his breath.  

“I’m sorry, what was that?” Zelda asked indignantly, “No, nevermind. I don’t care. If you recall the my Father’s speech at the ceremony, I will be attending to gathering a team of four champions. Our first job will be to do just that; find and select those four. So the first order of business is to decide where we will be travelling.”

Zelda unfolded a map in front of the two of them. “I want to travel to each area and talk to each of the races of Hyrule, The Zora, Gorons, Gerudo and the Rito. I will get the citizens’ recommendations on who we should select.”

Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.

 

Thanks for reading! Just a heads up, Alfred and I have decided that, based on the reactions from last week’s poll  we will be postponing the Fan Fiction Contest for awhile. Instead, you guys will get a new installment of Before the Fall each week! I know, we are pretty excited too. So be sure to vote in the poll on what you would like to see happen next. See you next week!