Hyrule Castle - The guards and Princess Zelda

*Characters involved:*

* *Princess Zelda*
* *Kagetora, a castle guard*
* T*he Captain of the royal guard of Hyrule (a non-player character.)*

**HYRULE CASTLE - PRINCESS ZELDA'S CHAMBER**

Princess Zelda is looking out a stained glass window, deep
in contemplation.

There is a soft
knock on the door.

Zelda does not glance away from the window ere saying
clearly, "Enter." Hands clasped together in front of her, she turns
her head just as the door begins to open, arching one eyebrow slightly in
curiosity.

"Your
Highness," one of Zelda's servants says as she opens the door and bows to
the Princess, "The captain of the royal guard is here, along with another
soldier.  He says he brings important
news for you."

Offering a soft smile, she dips her head lightly,
"Understood. Please bring him in." She waits for her servant to
leave, then moves over to her desk, taking a seat and resting silk-gloved hands
on her lap, facing the doorway. Taking a deep breath, she composes herself,
preparing for the captain's entrance.

The servant nods her
head respectfully and leaves the room. Two men walk in and bow to the princess.
The captain of the royal guard, a middle-aged soldier who has served the royal
family for many years, is already familiar to Zelda. He walks in followed by a
younger, slightly taller guard who does not raise his head after bowing.
"Your Highness," the Captain says, "I apologize for requesting
an audience so suddenly, but I have received important news regarding
Ganondorf."

Zelda lifts a slender hand, motioning to the Captain,
"It's quite alright." The typical slight smile fades from her lips at
the mention of Ganondorf, her countenance now taking on a more serious edge.
"Please, continue." Her hands settle back on her lap, sapphire gaze
meeting the Captain's own.

"Certainly," the Captain replies,
sharing the news after having justified his abrupt request to see the princess.
"It seems that Ganondorf and his minions have taken over Termina. He is
forcing Terminians to provide them with supplies and punishes anybody who
refuses or questions him. We also know that he can be found somewhere within
the Ikana Valley." He continues after a small pause. "Termina seems
to be going through some very rough times. We learned this information from a
Terminian who managed to escape."

Her face betrays a faint hint of surprise, but only for the
briefest of moments. She asks in a composed tone, however, "This escapee,
did he mention how long Termina has been under Ganondorf's dominion?"
After her question, she opens a drawer on her desk, retrieving a shining blue
crystal, which she closes her hand around as she awaits the Captain's response.

The Captain quickly
looks at Kagetora, who shakes his head as a response. This is precisely why he
was brought along, to answer questions. His reply is still to the Captain, not
having raised his head from the moment he entered the room.

"We don't know how long it has been, Your Highness. But
I can have him brought to you if you wish." At this point, Kagetora
wonders if he made the right decision to come as quickly as possible and
whether he should waited to find more details from Rome. Regardless, the
Captain explains. "This is the man who found the escapee. The Terminian
was injured; he made it to Hyrule through another portal located deep in the
Spirit Temple and is currently recovering at the Gerudo Fortress."

Zelda's cool gaze drifts to Kagetora, searching him quickly
and offering a warm smile after a moment of consideration. "Well done,
guard. By what are you addressed?" She glances back to the Captain as she
stands, adding, "There is no need to bring the Terminian to me; I will
join you to visit him." With that, she stands, smoothing out her dress
with a simple, practiced motion, a testament to her upbringing. Her smile turns
back to Kagetora, awaiting his response having readied herself to depart.

Kagetora is surprised
when addressed directly, even though the other two won't notice because he is
looking down. "My name is Kagetora, Your Highness. You are too kind,"
he says in reply to her gratitude. When the Princess mentions she is coming
with them, Kagetora is genuinely surprised again and looks up for a brief
moment, just in time so that his eyes meet hers while she smiles at him. This
is the first time he has seen her face --or even seen her in person. Does he
think she is how everybody describes her, or how he thought she would look and
sound? It feels like time stops for a long time while these thoughts go through
his mind, but in reality it is just a split second. He looks down again as the
Captain continues to do the talking.

"Absolutely," the Captain replies. "Please
let me know how many men you would like to take with you and I will have them
ready anytime."

Zelda's gaze parts from Kagetora as he lowers his head
again, turning to look at the Captain. "The standard complement is
perfectly fine, Captain. Have you aught else to add ere we set out?" She
can't help but to briefly glance back at the young guard as she moves to gather
a gem-studded bracelet, clasping it about her wrist.

The Captain shakes
his head, "Nothing else, Your Highness," he replies. Both men wait
for Zelda's orders.

She nods quickly, a curt motion, then replies, "Then
let us be on our way. I would aid the Terminian as soon as possible. By measure
of your description, he should not be beyond my ability to heal, at any
rate."

The Captain nods and both guards leave after the princess,
ready to head to the Fortress.

Leading on, Zelda makes her way to the Fortress with her
complement in tow.