The Guard House, <open>

Denothain Halfelevn strolled into the guard house, his shift finally over, after a long 10 hours. Someone else was on shift now, and because he was new, he didnt really know anyone to say who it was.

He sat down on a spindly stool next to a table in the corner, and put his head down, and resting, not bothering to take any of his equipment off.

Zelda strolled warily down from the castle courtyard to the entrance of Hyrule Castle; she knew she wasn't supposed to be this far from the castle without Impa, and she had never wanted to go anywhere without Impa before, but something today was driving her away from her boundaries for some reason she couldn't explain. She walked past the guardhouse and saw that a guard was inside. She gasped and then covered her mouth; she hoped she wouldn't be scolded for being out!

Adelle was very tired that day, and decided to take a walk a little outside the castle to clear her mind. She had a rough morning, and the pounding headache she had developed wasn't making it any better. She pushed the doors open, and to her surprise, Zelda and one of the guards who seemed to be on break were standing in front of her. "Zelda?" Adelle asked, a bit flustered. "What are you doing out?"

Zelda spun around when she heard her name; it sounded like her mother's voice. "Mother!" she exclaimed, surprised that she was out. "Uhmm, I was just looking around the grounds," Zelda said in reply to her mother's question. She hoped she wouldn't get in too much trouble...

Adelle looked heavenward. "I see. I was, as well, it's been a frustrating morning," she said, letting the fact that she was out with no Impa in sight slip this time. "Have you been okay, this morning?" she had nothing else to say.

Zelda was surprised and rather relieved she wasn't scolded. "I've been alright, Mother," Zelda said in reply to her mother's inquiry. "I just wanted to get out for a little while, that's all...it just seemed like a good night for it. How about you, you seemed a little troubled yourself."

Adelle shrugged a little. "I haven't had the best morning... so many people came in to bother me about things they desired that I should make a rule, and things like that. I just had them sent away and I would get back to them later... I did get a little time to relax in the afternoon," she replied. She turned to Denothain, noticing he was on his break. "Hello, there," she said to him, smiling a little to seem more friendly.

Denothain, who had sat there and dozed while he was on his break, jumped and shot up, into a ridgid salute. "Good afternoon, Your Majesty." he said to her, then bowed to her. "May i be of service to you at all?" he asked her, hoping sicerely that his break would be uninterrupted and he could grab some shut eye before his overtime shift. He needed the money...

Adelle curtsied back. "No, no, you don't have to do anything for me. I didn't mean to bother you," she said with a half grin. Noticing he was asleep before and he really needed a break, she said, "You may go back to your break, I'm sorry to have disturbed you." she walked up to the small balcony, looking out at the view. "It never bores me to look at the view..." she mumbled, admiring the hills below.

Denothain half smiled at the offer to go back to sleep, but he found he really didn't need it anymore. He bowed again, and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, but I'm in no more need of sleep, and i would glad to be of service." He would love to take off the gauntlets currently ardorning his arms, but, seeming thouhg as he was in the presence of the queen and princess, he decided not to.

Zelda noticed the guard had woken up and she jumped back in surprise. She curtsied to Denothain and blushed, embarrassed that she had woken him up. "Excuse me for waking you, Denothain, I really didn't mean to barge in like this..." she couldn't really think of anything else to say, so she just cleared her throat and looked out the window. "Yes, it is beautiful," she said in agreement with her mother as the sky turned purple and orange with the coming sunrise. "You must enjoy it up here, Denothain---you have this lovely view all the time."

Denothain smiled in spite of himself. "It would be nice if i had the time to enjoy it, mi'lady, but duty normally calls if i decide to. Work first, play later..." he said, bowing again.

"Oh, I see," Zelda replied. "Shame, really...if I was stationed here and didn't have to constantly guard the castle, I'd gaze out this window all the time." She rested her elbows on the glassfree stone window and propped her chin into her palms. She sighed as she looked out onto the horizon and the misty sky where the sun was now turning it subtle orange and yellow as the lovely purple and blue tint began to fade. She then shook her head quickly and pulled herself back. She must think of getting back to the castle soon, or Impa would be looking for her if she wasn't already, and she didn't want to be scolded.

At first it had worried her to no end when she couldn't locate her little charge, but her senses told her that she hadn't gone far though she was well beyond the set boundaries. Oh of course she wouldn't be to hard on the girl, after all she was the Princess but she would express her displeasure at not being at least given notice that she planned to venture beyond the gates of the castle; something of which the Princess had never done alone. (At least never alone with her faithful guardian not ten paces behind. . .even if hidden from the little one's view to give her some sense of adventure.)

No, she wouldn't say anything just give her the disappointed stare that her normally gentle eyes would portray every time her charge made a wrong decision. It was the Princess' life afterall and she was but the royal guardian. But a guardian from the most noble, if not but mysterious, line of Shiekian peoples. Warriors, proud and true to their lords and ladys. Always.

Impa sighed heavily in relief when she looked over the castle's outter grounds from her perch atop the pointed spikes lining the tops of the gated walls. The sharp tips nestled deep within the soles of her sandles as she shifted her weight for a hefty leap towards the ground. Subtle movements midair had her landing soundlessly not more than three feet beyond the outter walls, her knee dropping to the ground to regain her balance. She may be Shiek but still at mercy of gravity. Something her people were believed to defy. Rather silly if one thought about it but her people were shrouded in so much myth and mystery that truth was blurred with fantasy.

Her little charge wasn't far now, just ahead at the stoney guard shack. Impa tilted her head to the side to listen upon the winds for the etched signs of Zelda's well being. A trick not easily learned to outsiders but something she sought to teach the young girl as she grew. If only she could intrest the King and Queen to listen to her offer of tutalage. She could teach their daughter the subtle art of detection and defense. Just by listening to the wind, reading auras, or watching the movements of creatures and beings could one tell the intent, location, and degree of hostility. A right handy ability to have at one's disposal. And at the moment she could tell that her little charge wasn't alone, she was slightly agitated, a tad afraid and anxious. While the other occupants of the shack were more aloof though guarded. Queen Adelle and a guard.

With a small smile playing on her lips she approached the far side of the guard house's facing window, catching sight of Zelda within it's depths. Impa let herself blend with her surroundings as she made her way to the window hoping that the small teachings she'd already passed onto the girl would pick up her presence. She slide soundlessly beside the window and leaned against the warmed stone letting her gaze wander over the fertile land before her.

Having a really acute sense of smell and hearing, Denothain heard the approach of another person. Immediately, his hand flew to the hilt of his sword, but he didn't draw it just yet. He decied to wait for the being to show itself. Meanwhile, he carried on talking to the Princess, as if nothing was happening. "Well... I never really have the time, Your Majesty, having to work over time and double shifts. I need to keep mother alive, anyway..." he said wistfully.

Zelda noticed Denothain had pressed his hand to his sword sheath and warily moved her eyes to the side, still facing him. "Mmm hmm," she said in reply to his statement, then began to play with her hands behind her back nervously. She then put them to her sides and whirled around, not seeing anything, but having an uncanny feeling that the three of them were being watched. She was dead scared, but mustered up her courage and put as little of her face out as possible and peered out the window; looking down to the left she saw Impa, and she gasped and pulled her head back inside and pressed her back to the wall. "It--it's alright, Denothain, it's just my caretaker...." she then put her head out the window once more to look at Impa and said worriedly, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to make a nuisance of myself, please forgive me, Impa!" She hoped she wouldn't be scolded in front of her mother; that would make herself look so dishonoring, which at the moment she kind-of felt.

(ooc: hey impa that was really good lol, i gather you've played the game before?)

"Of course..." he said, smiling warmly at Impa, and letting himself relax slightly. not completely, becuase thats not the esscence of the job. always to be on his guard.

Adelle smiled again at Denothain, curtsying to him. She heard footsteps behind her. She gave a little gasp. Was it an intruder? She whirled around, but finally relieved to only see Impa. "Oh, hello Impa. If you were looking for Zelda, I took her out here," she said, covering for her daughter. She knew sometimes Impa would scold her for things she thought was unnessecary. "She just needed some fresh air, is all. Do you need her for anything?" she asked, smiling at Impa. She was starting to get into a better mood.

((Yes, played - beat - played several times over- bought Majora's Mask just because OoT rawked. lol Yes, I've played it before))


Impa didn't turn to face the occupants inside the guardhouse, instead keeping her eyes on the landscape before her. True it wasn't much beyond the hill and few trees but it was enough to remind her how much she adored what nature had to offer. There was a growth of wild flowers one the crest of hillside, vivid in reds and muted yellow hues. So beautiful and full of life. It reminded her of what she saw in her little charge. The same vivacious wealth of life spirit, just ready to burst forth in it's warming golden light she knew resided deep within the girl's soul. It was what prompted Impa to be so loyal to the girl.

Princess Zelda was special in more ways than just being born to the royal family of Hyrule. She was destined for more in life. So much more than ruling over her realm with blinding love and loyalty. Yes, she was destined for so much more. Ever since she had been born to the kinda Queen Adelle, Impa had sensed something stronger within the babe. She held within her soul the spirit of the goddesses themselves. Something that was rare to happen and even rarer to be found within royal blood. And Impa had been more than willing to bond herself to the little one. She knew she would help guide Zelda to her ture destiny and potential.

She nearly chuckled at the Princess' sudden stammering apology. So like the little girl to seek acceptance from her mentor rather than stand her ground about her freedom. Impa was impressed with her in this aspect. The Princess didn't treat her as a servant but rather as her above equal. Something she deserved due to her own heritage but didn't seek to lord to others. Impa was simpler in nature than to seek out her earned position. She was rather content in looking after the girl's well being and tutalage. The Princess didn't use her position to lord over anyone, anyhow. She was too kind and understand, even as a child.

Then her mother, Queen Adelle, made the hastie excuse for her daughter. Another chance she had to stiffle the urge to chuckle. Of course she knew that she could be a tad overbearing and somewhat hard on her charge. . .but she knew that in the long run it would benifit the Princess. Bulding her character from the ground up was something they both worked hard on everyday. Strove to meld into something that anyone would be proud of. Strong, determined, and willful was what she hoped to instill in the girl. Something she knew that one day the Princess would achieve leading her to be the best ruler of Hyrule. But it was true. . .she could be a tad harsh.

"No m'lady," She adressed with deepest respect resounding through her quiet tones, "I do no require the Princess for anything. Her disappearance worried me is all. I came only to be near in case she was in need of me."

Adelle looked at Impa curiously for a moment, but her face then relaxing. "Ah, if that is all, that is fine. I was just curious, is all." and that Adelle was. Impa was such a loyal caretaker to the family, and was awfully close to Zelda. She had helped Adelle take care of Zelda ever since she had been born. It seemed Impa saw something in Zelda even Adelle herself new she was oblivious to. Maybe she was too busy with everything even to notice her own daughter. Snapping back to reality, she ran her hand through her hair, distracted, trying to procrastinate so she wouldn't have to say something. "Ahm, I'll be right back..." she mumbled, rushing into her tower to get a class of water. Water always calmed her down a bit, it seemed. Going back to where everyone stood, she hastily walked to the edge to look out at the view. There she was, feeling troublesome again. And when she was a princess, she thought being queen would be easy.

(ooc: lol i got really far in oot ((BEST game EVER)) when i was younger when my recently late cousin helped me...unfortunately we never were able to finish cuz of his sudden passing, but i started a new game and have gotten pretty far lol, i bought mm and ww but i dont like the ww graphics lol---btw i LOVE your posts! feels like im in the game lol!)

Zelda's eyes went a bit wide at her mother's cover for her, even though she was sure Impa already knew the truth about where Zelda had been. Zelda curtsied to her mother hearing that she was going back to the castle for some water or something, Zelda supposed, to calm her down. When Impa had entered the guardhouse from the window and the queen had left, Zelda looked to the floor and folded her hands in front of her. She then looked up at her caretaker and blushed a bit, but could see in Impa's eyes that she wasn't too upset. Zelda put on a subtle smile at Impa and felt a little less anxious.

Denothain went into a daze while the others made their exchange. He sood at ease, and he looked far away in his own world. His mind drifted back to his travels with his blind mother and he smiled at all the times he had to protect her. One time really stck in his mind...

*********
Sat in a dreary over crop outlooking another town in his travels, Denothain smiled and hoped there will be no more hitches or unexpected confrontations. HIs light clothing was essential in the harsh warm wearther that he and is mother had to travel in. Feeling uneasy, he scanned his eyes around the area, while his blind mother made a fire, for the night ahead.

Muffled voices could be heard at the edge of the entrance to this little outcrop, and he drew his short sword sliently, and said tohis mother, "mother, somthings coming. Hide..." Then, he wet to investigate.

Coming around to the path they were to take the next day, he found a Royal guard making his lone way to somewhere he didn't know. 'Probably a messenger...' Denothian thought. But he didn't feel relieved yet. Something told him that more was to some.

Sure enough, a small group of masked men came out to ambush this lonely knight. Feeling a bit noble, and not wanting them to discover his camp, he decided to defend this knight. Darting foreward, he took a stab into the nearest masked man.It went dstraight throuhg his gut, and he groaned. Denothain removed his sword and he fell to the ground, unconscious. Then, he made quick work of the other men, cutting their legs to diable them.

During the middle of the fight, the Guard heard all the commotion. He watched Denothaion fight them, and he extended an invitation to join the guard of Hyrule. Denothain gladly accepted on one condidtion. They let his mother live out a peaceful life within the kingdom...
********

Denothain was still frineds with the guard to this day, and he knew that his shift had just started on the main gates to the castle.


((OoC - Bear with me here... ive never played any Zelda game, so if i mess up anything, just tell me!!))

(ooc: lol that was actually pretty good---dont worry bout it really, if you read the rules you prolly wont make any mistakes )

Zelda looked over at Denothain, who seemed to be deep in thought about something. She held up a finger to Impa to let her know she'd be back with her in a few seconds, and turned to Denothain. "Denothain, sir, are you alright?"

((OoC - Okay! Thanks! Ive heard enough from all my friends about the game anyway.))

Denothain shook his head slightly, to snap out of his reveire. "Y-yes, i'm fine, Your Majesty." he smiled and bowed again. He found that his back still hurt from all the travelling he did. It was only a month ago since he came to Hyrule, anyway.

((ooc- i've never played any of those games so i'm the odd one out ))

Adelle sighed, going into a daze slightly herself. She had grown tired, maybe she would go back to her tower again later for a nap. She squinted curiously down below as she saw a small group of people walking towards the castle. "Hey," she said aloud. "I think someone's coming. Does anyone else see that?" she leaned over the edge a little more, peering at the mysterious group below. Trying not to make it more of a distraction, she suggested, "Well, maybe it's just a citizen of Hyrule, or somebody like that..."

Despite the Queens suggestions that they might just be citizens, Denothain laid a hand on the hilt of his sword again. He looked at the small group uneasily and said to them, "You may want to go inside the guard house, your Majesty, jsut incase..." and with that, he went to stand outside the door, as they went in.

Adelle hastily grabbed Zelda's arm, pulling her to her and Impa. But she was stubborn, of course. "No, I'll be alright. If they wish to speak with me, then I shall do something about it. The guards at the entrance can send them away," she insisted. She knew people found her stubborn and only wanted her way sometimes, but that's what she had to do to act as Queen in moments. She glanced uneasily at the door, like Denothain. It couldn't be anything bad, nothing like this happened often.

"please, Your Majesty. I don't want to loose my job because they may be some petty murderers, and you loose your lives. I need to support my mother..." he bit back at some tears, but didn't turn to face them. Instead he kept his eyes on the group approaching.

At Denothain's sad comment, Adelle felt sympathetic. "Well, if you must..." she mumbled, knowing about his mother. She pulled Zelda into the room behind them, beckoning Impa to follow also.

A tiny bit of relief made its way onto Denothains face, as he watched the small group, which snaked its way across the path up to the castle. They had got past the Guards at the gate, so he figured they must be alright. However, he still waited until they passed completely.

Zelda looked up when her mother and Denothain started conversing about some group of what seemed to be Hyrule citizens heading towards the castle. The way the two were talking sounded slightly worrisome, and a subtle fear appeared in Zelda's eyes, but she looked to the side in order for it not to show; she didn't want anyone thinking that she couldn't handle herself. She was just peering out the door at whatever the queen and guard were talking about when her mother suddenly grabbed her arm and pulled her in close to her. Zelda gasped when her mother had taken her arm, but then relieved that she was now close to her as well as under the great care and protection of Impa. Even though the group had been allowed to enter the castle grounds by the guards at the castle gates, the queen and guard still seemed cautious. After a brief argument about where to go in the meantime between the queen and Denothain, Zelda's mother finally agreed on Denothain's decision to return to---and remain in---the guardhouse. The queen, still holding Zelda by the arm, led her into the guardhouse, with Impa following close behind.

Eyeing the group closely, he waited until they were completely out of earshot before telling the Queen that she could come out. they didn't look too suspiscious. Just a bunch of people walking up to the castle. probably to ask for jobs and things. "Its okay now... You can come out." he said to them, and let them open the door.

Zelda, still clutching her mothers hand, peered out the door of the guardhouse. When Denothain had announced it was safe to come out, she went to stand in front of the guardhouse and folded her hands in front of her. She sighed, trying to think of something to say, but she was really tired, and felt that there was no need to speak anyway. She just looked from the floor to the sky, then to the floor again, moving her eyes to the left, to the right, then up again, waiting for someone to speak. She felt kind-of awkward just standing there and now felt like returning to the castle.

Denothain noticed the Princesses discomfort and immediately began asking her if she wanted to go back to the castle. "Would you like to return to the castle, mi'lady? Are you tired? Would you like me to escort you?" he asked all these questions within the space of a minute. He realized he must ahve sounded a but flustered. "Sorry, mi'lady... Would you like to return to the castle?"

((sry about that- grounded from comp for a few days! ))

As soon as they had walked into the Guard House, Denothain checked a few more times, then told them it was clear. Still gripping onto Zelda's arm, she led her and Impa out back onto the balcony. "That was weird..." she mumbled, finally dropping Zelda's arm. "I hope they do not wish to see me... I had a rough morning as it was." She looked at the ground right after, wanting to take it back. She seemed to be complaining a lot lately.

Denothain grinned and let the Queen think herself out of this one, but he did decide to add his little comment. Not that it counts for much. "Well. you don't have to go back, mi'lady... you could always go for a walk. Somewhere on the grounds of course. People would worry, and i'd be sent out to look for you."

He continued to watch the group as they walked up to the castle. He then saw them enter the castle, as guests. "I think you're safe now anyway, your Majesty. they're inside the castle."

((OoC - thats perfectly fine. i know the feeling anyway.... ))

Adelle looked at Denothain curiously. She smirked a little at his comment. "No, I think I'm staying here for now," she insisted. She looked back at the door almost longingly for a second, but then shaking her head, wondering what she really just did.

Zelda sighed as the queen stated that she wanted to stay at the guardhouse for a little while longer. Now with that crowd on the castle grounds and after her own little decampment earlier that morning , she knew she would not be permitted to go back inside unless Impa escorted her. She tried her best to stand still and straight as she was constantly expected to, but she really just wanted to sit down or go back into her room and collapse on her bed, drifting to sleep by her lullaby that Impa sang and played to her every night before she went to sleep. The thought was making her rather drowsy as she was forced to snap back into reality, trying her best to keep perfect composure until she was granted permission to return with her escort.

Denothain noticed that the Princess looked a bit droopy. "Would you like somewhere to lie down, Princess?" he asked immediately. He fidgeted and wondered if the measly bed in the guard house was good enough for her. It was okay for him, but heck, he had to sleep in sand once. It didn't bother him where he slept.

Zelda had been in a bit of a daze when Denothain spoke to her. She quickly looked up: "Hmm? Oh," she replied, "Actually I was getting a little tired..." She was too tired to wait any longer, and even though she felt a little rude in making a request for herself, she couldn't stand it any longer and said, "But it's alright, thank you...Mother, may I please return to the castle? I'm so tired, and I promise I won't go alone this time." She blushed a bit, slightly embarrassed at sounding a bit selfish, and simply remained in her position and awaited a reply.

((urrgggg... school started for me...))

Adelle smiled as Zelda slumped forward, tired from the day.

"Mother, may I please return to the castle? I'm so tired, and I promise I won't go alone this time."

Adelle didn't mind much, she knew Zelda tired easily. "Of course, you may. You can go back by yourself, if you want, it's not far." "But, Impa, if you feel you should escort her, you can if you want," she added, knowing Impa should be given a chance. It was her job, afterall. "I might go back myself in a little bit, just as soon as I get more tired."

((Blag, please forgive me for not being here the last few days. I'm starting college again and I've had little time to do much of anything. I'll come back later today and edit this))

((OoC - Perfectly fine with me. I started on thursday. Its really really boring, but its gotta be done. I cant wait for music class on monday, though...))

Denothain just stared ahead, and thought of a hot bath and a cup of herbal tea. He looked distant and relaxed as he stood outsie the guard house, waiting for the royals to do soemthing.

((ugg.... i haven't been on this for like a week, stupid SCHOOL AGAIN... i have had homework for almost every single nite... and it's hard... stupid algebra...))

((omg im so sorry i havent been on in forever, school has been sooo hectic and i didnt have the url at this house but im back..i hope everyone else is too))

(( lol it's okay.... not including today i haven't been on for like...a month probably cuz yeah all that school stuff.. urgg.. it's so overwhelming!!))

please post topics in general discussion, not an RP topic.