Chapter Text
Zelda's departure did left a deep longing inside of Link once more, the very same one he had when the Queen relieved him of his duties.
"We never did had a say in what we truly wanted beforehand, didn't we Link?"
One born of royalty and another born to serve and protect, once the precious land which they were groomed into becoming its salvations was now enjoying an era of peace, hopefully much longer than before, the two were able to enjoy the life that had once been taken away from them.
Leaning against the railing, tying up his now flowing blonde hair, - he should cut it shorter soon- ,Link took in a deep breath and enjoyed the breeze flowing through the domain, reminiscing regarding his time with Zelda, how close the two had became, initially the princess was irritated by Link, his existance is a constant reminder of her own failures, but afterwards came understanding. Relating each other's grievances and woes which ultimately helped cemented their close bond.
Zelda did helped Link feel a sense of belonging. When one's entire existance ultimately lay upon another, you would imagine romance would surely blossom most certaintly, no? Unfortunately, Link did not shared her pursue of romance towards him, but it did not wane away the genuine care the ex-knight has for his princess.
And now, the two of them are free, to live life however they see fit. And boy did it felt good.
Looking down, Link let out a relaxed sigh, his heart brimming with joy over the citizens of the domain simply busying themselves with their daily routines around the plaza, Zora children chasing one another, the Sidon fanclub Zoran women and girl were joyfully talking regarding Sidon's newfound relationship with the Hylian, one even suggesting a banner of their fanclub featuring the two lovers much to Link's amusement, there was even a sight of Muzu humming to himself joyfully as if the dark clouds were no longer blocking his horizon.
It all seems pretty peaceful... then Link took notice of the expression Sidon had while talking with Bazz down below, looking somewhat serious.
Curiosity took ahold of Link no different then when he was suspicious of a Korok puzzle nearby.
Walking down the stairs in a relatively fast pace, Link had taken only a few steps onto the base of the stairs when he managed to make out what exactly the two were discussing.
"-know it is up to your decision, Your Highness, but if you ask me, this is a VERY risky choice. You know the rumors regarding the kingdom, right?"
"Rumors are simply that, my friend, nothing but baseless accusations. Cultures change and so does its people. We shouldn't allow other people's perception in painting the whole picture when we haven't experience it ourselves."
"..."
Seems like there's some sort of political strives being discussed between the two, from what Link has learned, he only heard of Queen Yona's kingdom, said to be located somewhere under the sea. Though the Hylian doubts they are talking about the Queen's hometown in somewhat hushed tones. Curious, Link decided he could get Sidon to give further elaboration
"Good day, Your Majesty."
With Bazz going away to continue his guard duty shifts, Link walks over and greeted Sidon, though, he could almost see the look of surprise on the crimson royal's face before sporting his usual calm demeanor to push aside any form of suspicions.
"Oh! Didn't see you coming over, Link. Did Yona asked you to fetch me?"
The Hylian shook his head before inquiring further questions regarding the topic Sidon just had with the ebony guardsman.
"Ohh, I was rather loud, wasn't I? Ahem, Bazz and I were discussing regarding a kingdom I had once visited few years ago. But it was mostly a treaty visitation as the kingdom had been in a constant war with another before finally ending it."
Hearing that definitely peaked Link's interest, so the domain Sidon had been discussing was one he had allied himself, then there should no problem. Still what were the rumors then regarding the kingdom.
"Bazz seemed hesitant with you aligning yourself with the domain. Something regarding how risky it was?"
"Ohh, so you were eavesdropping?"
"Accidental, eavesdropping." Link corrected, a sly smirk crept up his expression.
Sighing before picking onto some of the loose scales on his shoulder, a nervous habit Link noticed from Sidon, he figure how naturally curious Link can be and with the Hylian now being a part of the Zoran family, he might as well be in the know regarding this situation.
"We'll start with the name, the Kingdom of Tethys, similar to our domain here, their Zoran people thrive upon fresh waters. I have heard of these rumors though I would need to look further into them..."
Sidon was inclined to continue, though considering the usual glint in Link's eyes, he doubt the Hylian would ever put the topic down.
"These rumors, have for awhile ranged from the kingdom possibly starting wars due to tension regarding territorial claims with another neighboring domain, with it once been a warzone."
"Was it never initially any of the kingdom's land before the war?" Link asked, raising an eyebrow.
"It was Tethysia's though, some speculation regarding who founded the land is another story."
Oh. Now it felt as though Link had dug himself deeper into learning almost everything regarding this other kingdom he had not once heard of, then again there is no turning back. If the people there had allied themselves with Hyrulean Zoras then it is best he keeps more information regarding the newly informed kingdom.
"And... is that all?" Sidon's furrow creased when Link asked such a simple question.
"No, though this one's rather serious, there were few assassination attempts by one of their royals in taking out an ambassador from Yona's kingdom, so you can imagine how she too is quite... adamant to say the least about our relations to them, oh, and rumors that the King of the domain had been known to take in young men as his concubines, some through forceful means-"
"-okay that one is not close to the sheer magnitude to the other rumors." Link retorted, patting his hand over Sidon's hip, finally ending the Zora King's big mouth. There was tea and hoo boy was Sidon spilling.
"Hah, like I said, these are rumors, gossip, information that I have to be very, VERY careful with."
"And sharing them with me is a good idea?"
"Oh please, I know you. You're no tattle tale."
"I could start anytime."
Scoffing, Sidon rolled his eyes before ruffling up the blonde's hair, Sidon told Link that he'd be busy for the day, meetings and also preparations for the general's arrival from the Kingdom of Tethysia, absolutely making damn sure that nothing would go wrong.
...
Inside of Yona's room, she was busy doing her own research regarding the rumors of the Kingdom of Tethrysia. The many stories she had read of them were always through the lenses of her old and experieced parents.
As a child, she never did questioned their words and even till now their words greatly affected her view upon the kingdom, now it was time to dust off some stone tablets and find the truth herself. She was in the middle of learning regarding the founding of the kingdom when a knock at her door pulled her aside.
"Come in."
The Zoran who came in was not Sidon, but Chroma, one of the Zoran who came by her side in order to both assist with the domain's mucktorok attack relief and to be one of the witnesses to her wedding with Prince Sidon.
"Lad- I mean, Queen Yona, I apologize the interruption but I came here to send you the notes left from the last meeting."
Oh.
Yona's eyes narrowed, it was rare for her to mess up with leaving such important documents from the meeting and back to her room. Was she actually more tense than she let on? Sighing the Queen leaned back agaisnt her chair.
"Thank you, Chroma. You can leave the notes on the desk." Yona waved her hand, trying to return back to her reading. Noticing the emerald royal's slight distress, Chroma knew better than to pry but, she figure it does not hurt to try, right?
"Is everything fine, my Queen?"
"... yes, everything is under control. I'm simply taking mental note for the soon arrival of our guests, soon enough." From what she remembered, the visit was a military joint training discussion, makes sense, the kingdom was known for their fierce and strong warriors. Though the difference between them and Zora Domain was practically night and day, while Yona's and Sidon's domain emphasize greatly over arts and harmony, the kingdom tend to focus heavily on military defenses and strength, from what she heard of her parents, Tethrysia would have their youngs participate in colliseum battles, honing their skills and anyone weak would be forced to take both punishment and labour in mentally forcing them to try harder next time and-
Ah, push those thoughts aside Yona, best not to allow such ideas fester before even meeting their people.
"... actually, I think I'll be goin out for a walk. Care to join me?" Chroma joyfully accepted the proposition as the two women headed out, taking this opportunity to take in the fresh Lanayru air near Mikau Lake, formal discussions thrown out the window.
...
It was the fated day, Link stood side-by-side with King Sidon and Queen Yona, ready to greet the arriving general of Tethrysia, from the little information Link had heard of the man, he is a battle-driven warrior, some even speculate the man finds pleasure in his constant path of bloodshed. Again, the Hylian tries to not allow these rumors muddy the water of their kingdom's relationship, Goddess knows Sidon had to deal with those by now.
Cladded in golden armor, crimson blood fins flow with each step taken, royal blue scales akin to that of millions of lapis lazuli adorned his person, General Triton arrived, his soldiers all fell to position, holding their spears and swords with both pride and discipline.
Link could almost feel the fierce gaze of the general boring into the back of his head, those were the look of someone ready to fight, yet here he was walking gracefully, bowing down to both the Zoran royals of Hyrule.
"King Sidon, Queen Yona, Consort Link, I am honored to be in your presence. Truly, my men and I are brimming with anticipation and excitement in cooperating with your kingdom."
"It is with great fortune that you, General Triton, had arrived safely to Hyrulean lands. Please, I will have my guards show the rooms to your men as we begin our discussion within the castle walls."
"Hahaha, you are too kind! We were to set up camp for the night, but if you insist, then we shall accept your hospitality."
General Triton spoke with utmost bright radiance, when he gave his formal greeting, his eyes traveled over to Sidon, then to Yona, and for a split second, Link. The Hylian did not thought much of it, considering how he was not a Zoran nor royalty, he figure the general rather focus more on the actual true rulers of the domain while he simply a consort.
Clashing with swords fit his style much better than clashing with words in any royal meeting of the day.
As the four of them made their way over to the castle door, Triton kept his sight right on the oblivious blonde Hylian, curiosity filling his mind.