The Legend Of Zelda: Blood Of The Holders

Before the Bells

Link coughed loudly, almost falling from the ranch fence where he and Renell sat as he felt the heavy liquid burning down his throat and into his stomach; he’d just taken a healthy swig from a large jug that his friend had given him as a gift from Darunia.

“What is this!?” He rasped, trying to breathe. The thick liquid made his eyes water and his nose run. Link felt someone remove the jug from his grasp, and he quite relived to be rid of it.

“Goron Mead.” Renell answered and Link looked over his shoulder to see Malon taking a drink from the jug in her left hand; Aria was in her right. The strong liquid had similar effect on Malon, who almost dropped the jug and Link’s new sword in her fit of coughing.

“Goddesses!” She spat and handed the jug back to Renell who quickly corked it. “Mead is made from honey, but what is that made from?” She coughed before continuing. "I doubt there are any bees near that fiery cauldron the Goron live in.” She finished and went into a fighting stance with Aria in hand while Link and Renell watched while sitting on the ranch fence.

“It was not bees that made that.” Renell said pointing to the corked jug his statement got him questioning looks from Malon and Link.

“Renell.” Link said in an accusing manner.

“It is best you don’t know.” He answered and Malon proceeded with her fencing technique. Link and Renell watched as she cut the air with the blade.

“It is a fine blade, I won’t argue that.” She added between slashes and Link noticed how her swings were somewhat erratic and would often throw off her balance. Link was still dressed in the fine jerkin and chain mail that he had worn all day since before the ceremony where as his two friends had returned to their normal clothes. Malon had seemed glad to be out of the dress she had compared to an implement of torture. She wore her normal blouse and skirt with a colorful saw tooth design at the bottom, her red hair was loose and he also noticed she was barefoot. “You make a good sword, Renell.” Malon said, handing the sword hilt first back to Link, who quickly sheathed it with a melodious ring.

“Master Bigoron made it, I merely wrapped the leather around the hilt.” Renell said, almost as if his was confessing to a crime. “I doubt that I shall ever be able to make blades like Master Bigoron does.” He added with a sigh.

“You can manage horseshoes, can ya?” Malon asked, kicking dirt at him with her bare foot.

“Worry not, M’lady.” Renell answered, not moving from the old wooden fence.

“Horseshoes?” Link inquired in a confused tone.

“I invited Renell to stay on the ranch until solstice when he returns to the Bigoron.” She explained and Link saw a rather happy look on Renell’s face. “Things changed when you left Link and last year Renell goes to the mountain as an apprentice sword smithy. After Father retired and left, it was some lonely times I barely see Zelda. Now you’re leaving again, I shall cherish what time I have with those I care for.” She said putting her hands on her hips. “So Renell may stay as long as he likes.”

“Making horseshoes.” Link finished and Malon laughed.

“And whatever else I can find for him.” She added, causing Renell to shrug.

“I will do what I can.” Renell said enthusiastically.

The three continued to talk and reminisce and their conversations had often been interrupted by fits of laughter, but as the night moved on the conversation ended with Malon’s yawn.

“Well, I’ve got to be up with the sun to prepare the royal team to pull that monstrosity of a carriage.” Malon uttered, stretching and Link rose from the fence. “You guard the princess well and keep yourself safe as well.” Malon said, embracing him.

“I will see you come winter.” He reassured her and Malon kissed his check before answering.

“See that you do.” She said and kissed his other cheek. “And you.” Turning her attention to Renell. “The guest room is made and I break fast with the rising sun.” Malon explained to Renell kissing his cheeks as well before turning and walking towards the main residence on the other end of the ranch tuning around quickly to wave to her friends. “Good night!” She called and then continued again on her way. Link and Renell returned the wave and watched, as she eventually was lost in the darkness of night. Link returned to the fence and sat near his friend in silence for a few moments before Link decided to speak.

“Darunia is well?” He asked and Renell nodded in acknowledgment.

“Yes, he is good and means quite well, but I fear that I cannot live in the mountain for another year.” He said resting his chin on the fence.

“You don’t like it?” Link asked remembering his times at the fiery peak and knowing his friend’s answer.

“The heat can be unbearable and there are places where it is unbearable, and the Gorons, though kind, are not the gentlest of creatures to be sure.” He commented, lightly shaking his head. “It is a great opportunity to learn from a master sword smith, and I am grateful to Zelda; that is why I have not left already… And…” He said and then breathed loud and deep before continuing. “I wish to court Malon.” This statement did not totally surprise Link; Renell had always had strong feelings for the ranch maiden, but had never been one to speak his feelings for her.

“That is wonderful, Renell! Goddesses grant happiness to you to both of you.” Link said, feeling happiness for his friend as well as the slightest amount of jealousy.

“Thank you, though I have not asked her yet.” He commented, laughing quietly. “And if she accepts, we will have to get Talon’s blessing. I am not worried about my parents, but Talon...” Now Renell was shaking his head and Link’s happiness faded and was replaced by guilt.

“I doubt that you will have a problem getting that, Renell.” Link said, feeling the sudden change in his friend’s heartbeat; his anger was slowly rising.

“It has been quite a while since you have seen Talon, Link.” Renell said, his tone now solemn and Link nodded.

“Malon said that the old man is cross with me.” He said and Renell’s heartbeat flared for a moment. The apprentice smithy was hiding his anger, but Link could feel his heavy heartbeat and he hoped that this anger was not directed towards him, but feared that it was.

“Cross is not an accurate description of his words the last time he mentioned you, Link.” Renell had confirmed another fear of Link’s, that Malon had not been totally truthful about Talon’s anger towards him. “What did you do to break the old man’s heart like that?” Renell asked and Link sighed. “He cursed you to the dark world, Link, I’ve never heard of him doing that to anyone ever.” Link looked to his friend and saw that his look one of anger, but also of concern.

“Talon didn’t say why.” Link said. It was not meant to sound like a question but Renell shook his head in response. “A promise was made that I did keep.” Link answered and Renell’s heartbeat flared again.

“Why not? And what promise?” Renell shot back in an accusing manner.

“Because I did not make the promise, Renell.” Link countered, causing confusion in his friend’s face. “I will say no more of it. Talon will possibly be your father-in-law, and I will not damage him in your eyes.” He finished with a sense of finality in his voice that he hoped would end the discussion of times past. He could feel the enraged heartbeat of Renell calm slightly and Link waited in silence for him to speak.

“I guess the old man will tell me when he is ready.” Renell said and Link could tell he was still angry. “What happened to the simplicity of our youth?” Renell called looking to the sky.

“We are not old yet?” Link said glad that his friend had stopped inquiring, Renell looked to him and signed.

“Aye but we are not young boys anymore. Many men our age are married with a brood of their own.” He explained, looking to the sky. “Goddesses willing, that shall be me in the future.” Feeling Renell’s angered heartbeat ease further, Link likewise felt relief that the sad subject had passed.

“You shall have a happy life, Renell, with many young ones.” Link started and reached for the corked jug on the ground and with some effort, removed the cork. “To your future!” He called and heaved the jug to his mouth and took a healthy swig, earning shocked looks from Renell. “Goddesses grace upon you.” Link rasped, coughing heavily afterwards.

“Don’t toast me with that swill, besides Malon has yet to accept.” Renell explained with a laugh.

“You both care a great deal for each other. I feel you will be happy.” Link reassured, putting the cork stopper back in the jug and Renell nodded. He still felt some jealousy toward Renell, but more that his friend was about to start a life that he would never have with the one he loves. “Write to me, I want to know everything!” Link exclaimed. “When will you propose?” He asked catching his friend off guard.

“Solstice, before I return to Master Biggoron.” Renell answered, Link could see his nervousness.

“That means that you shall say your vows on the Winter Solstice.” Renell nodded.

“If Talon and my parents give us their blessing.” Renell added and Link put his hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Zelda will be returning to the city for winter.” He explained a nervous Renell. “If Malon accepts, we shall have a grand celebration.” He said, running his other hand to the sky and Renell gave him a weak smile.

“What if she says no, Link? You remember when we were young, Malon is not one to be the quiet little wife.” He said in an almost pleading manner.

“Of course not. Then she would not be the woman you love.” Link stated, confused.

“Yes, what I mean to say is, will she be any man’s wife?” Renell pleaded and Link looked at him with a degree of pity.

“She may, Renell. But I tell you now, if you do nothing, that man will not be you.” Link said, his tone very serious. “Ask her.” He added.

“And if she says no?” Renells asked and Link again grabbed the large jug.

“Then return to the mountain and have Darunia give you jugs of this to drown your sorrows.” Link answered, shaking the jug, the liquid caused a swishing sound.


It was well past midnight when Link had finally left the ranch to return to the palace. Bright moonlight lit the road, but Link still remained vigilant while he walked the trail of tightly placed cobblestones. Sleep was quickly encroaching on his senses and the thought of another night of a soft bed in the palace was diminished by the thought of how little sleep he would get and where he would be sleeping the next night. Traveling by caravan was maddeningly slow and the weather could completely stop it for days, possibly weeks. Spring rains were a guarantee and even light carriages would get sink and get stuck in the mud; the royal traveling carriage would undoubtedly fare much worse. Wincing at the thoughts of wedging an immense carriage out of thick roadside mud, Link quickened his pace; though it would not be much, he would get as much sleep as he could get. The thoughts that were filling his weary mind were of the wedding day of Malon and Renell. The visions were of Lon Lon Ranch blanketed in a fresh layer of winter snow before the three clerics and speaking their vows. He slowed his pace on the road when the aged face of Talon entered his thoughts. Since hearing of the old man’s ill feelings toward him, Link had felt a weight in his heart that hurt every time Talon’s face entered his thoughts. The gates of Hyrule City were now in full view and Link could see armored guards standing next to the open drawbridge and he was only a small distance away from a grouping of trees at the edge of the city. Link now desired sleep more than ever, exhausted dreamless sleep where no demons from the regretful past would haunt him. The cold steel of Aria’s hilt had brought his mind back to the road in front him and all around it. It was instinct that brought his hand to his sword years on Hyrule Field had hardened him. It was a heartbeat, much bigger than the small animals around him; it was vibrant and felt like that of a Hylian and after a moment, clearly following him. His first thoughts were of a highwayman, but the rhythm was familiar and now he could feel it much stronger. In his senses, whoever this person was, they were close…really close. Link gripped Aria tightly, and in that instant, he heard mild sweet melody in his ears as if the sword was saying, “I’m ready.” Aria rang like a temple chime as Link drew the blade from its scabbard and turned quick to face the owner of the pursuing heartbeat, Link was not surprised to see the sight that met his eyes. The tip of Aria was pointed at figure was male-looking and more of a silhouette than anything else with a short sword at his side and Link could see the distinctive red symbol of the Sheikah tribe on his chest.

“You’ve gotten much better!” The voice was deeper than he remembered.

“And you are out of practice.” Link shot back, his sword still pointing at the figure in front of him. “Why are you here?” He asked, still holding his sword to the cowl-clad figure.

“I meant to meet you at the ranch, but it took far longer than I had anticipated to get out of the palace.” The answer was gruff and monotoned and the eyes were familiar and inquisitive. “I still move like the Sheikah.” Link heard as he slowly lowered Aria and at the same moment, the figure moved from the shadows into the moonlight. “I wonder.” The figure started and then removed the cowling from its face and suddenly the male features melted into slender feminine features and loose blonde locks fell from her head. “How did you do that?” Zelda stood, waiting for Link’s answer.

“I felt you… Your heartbeat.” He confessed and watched an astonished look pass over the unmade face of the Lady Princess.

“My heartbeat?” She uttered and Link nodded. “You can feel my heart?” She repeated.

“Yes.” He answered and Zelda moved closer to him.

“For how long?” She asked him, looking into his eyes.

“Nearly two years.” He answered avoiding her gaze.

“How is this?” She said confused and Link raised his eyes to the stars.

“How else.” He answered, holding up his gauntlet-clad hand.

“I have not developed such abilities, and you did it so… Naturally.” Zelda uttered and Link heard traces of envy in her voice.

“I’ve seen you do magic before.” Link stated, returning Aria to its scabbard.

“Yes but I have not improved, not as you have. I can do nothing more than what I knew when we were young.” She said and then leaned against a tree, her unbound hair falling around her face. “I desired to learn more, but there was no opportunity, or need.” Link listened to her, and for the first time, he felt guilty for his time on the Hyrule Field for despite the hardships, it was total freedom.

“Do not praise the need to survive as improvement.” Link said truthfully. “It was just something I learned.” He finished, hoping to end her depression and she gave him a weak smile.

“Perhaps it is the Goddesses way of making us even.” Zelda said, looking to Link, who now wore a mask of confusion.

“Hun?” He uttered, shrugging.

“Think, when you removed the Master Sword, seven years passed as if they were an instant and you learned nothing. I, however, had trained for seven years and learned much in the ways of the Sheikah.” Zelda explained to Link, her depression forgotten.

“Aye.” He acknowledged and Zelda continued.

“When Ganondorf was defeated and sealed away, the past was restored and then you spend several years in wild nearly by yourself, so one should not be surprised if you develop new skills.” She finished, standing up and looking at Link and he nodded.

“Perhaps the Goddesses are not known for being predictable.” Link stated, glad that Zelda felt better than anything else.

“Exactly!” She said, louder than she intended and was about to continue before the piercing sound of temple bells broke the silence of the night.

“Bells!” Link said, his hand again on Aria’s hilt. “Best you get back to the Palace.” He uttered and Zelda nodded silently, again covering her face. The last Link saw of her was the silhouette of a man disappearing into the night. At a full stride, Link ran to the city gates, temple bells at night meant danger.

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