Chapter Text
The ceremony had gone well, you thought. Your mentor had always wanted a viking’s funeral, and it was almost beautiful the way the small canoe caught fire and reflected in the water below. The orange flames complementing the pink of the setting sun above it. It was a clear day, and you could hear children playing in the city street not too far from the dock. You didn’t cry, though you figured it was for the best. It wasn’t a sad day- that’s what Oracle Telyn had told you. It was a day of rebirth, and she wanted you to be officiated as Oracle within the hour after she was burned.
A year ago when she had pulled you into her chambers and described in detail how she was going to pass and how she wanted to be treated seemed odd, but now you understood. It was the way of Foresight, the way of the Oracle. The ornate reasoning in which you behaved. You figured if you knew the exact moment you were going to die, too, you would tell those around you. It was always easier when it was expected, after all.
Once the boat had long since burned, you were guided by the broad hand of a palace guard back to meet with the Queen. You could feel his hesitance, twinged with anxiety and itching beneath your skin as if it were your own. He helped you to your quarters and left you to unpack your things.
That was certainly a dilemma, wasn’t it? Before Oracle Telyn passed, you had lived in her cottage not far from the border of Central Hyrule and the cavern that led to the Hebra Mountain range. It was a peaceful and quiet place, where you and she trained in the stillness of the plains that stretched farther than you could see. You had been to Rito Village once or twice to gather supplies, often merely an accompaniment to Oracle Telyn as she made her routes. The Rito became awfully fond of you on those trips and sent you home with more treats and trinkets than you could comfortably carry.
The atmosphere was different here as you walked under the arches lining the walls and ceilings of the grand halls, the plush carpet beneath your feet nothing like the overgrown grass and pebbled roads you were familiar with. The stained windows colored the light that spilled into the hall, warm on your skin but uncomfortable beneath it. This place wasn’t home. Home was warm, small, and predictable. The castle was grand and beautiful, but it was also cold. There was no hearth that spread warmth through the entire building, just stone and marble walls that held intricate designs. This wasn’t home.
You didn’t have much to unpack. You were taught to detach yourself from material things, so you didn’t bring an awful lot with you to the castle. You had your clothes, books, and parchment as well as the materials from your altar, but you also slid some pictures of you and Oracle Telyn in with your supplies, along with the jewelry she had made you from delicate wire and gleaming stones. You didn’t wear them, as your gloves and long sleeves covered anything that you would wear them upon, but you did place them with the photos on your new nightstand along with the Rito headpiece you had been given as a child.
Your quarters could be nearly the size of the entire cottage you once lived in- a large plush bed in the center expanse of a wall and framed by two ornate windows. You had a writing desk opposite the bed, as well as a small table and chairs just off the door. The windows had soft seating at the base, with pillows and blankets tucked into the cushions with a strategic vision. There were large tapestries hanging from the ceiling in the Hyrule family crest and its colors, as well as banners of white silk that could be unhooked to come and cover the windows. It was exquisite, beautifully designed, and effortlessly planned to make someone of even the highest status comfortable. But, you thought, trailing your fingertips across the smooth top sheet upon the mattress, it just wasn’t home.
You rubbed your chest, the feeling of loss crawling up into your throat the more you looked around at your new life. Tears welled up in your eyes as you removed your veil to scrub them away, returning to your bag to tuck it into the wardrobe once you had removed everything from within. When you closed the door of the wardrobe, you saw a piece of parchment secured to the wood. Written in Queen Zelda’s elegant and loopy Hylian, read a message dedicated to you. You sat back on the bed and began to read, muttering along with the words.
Oracle,
I apologize for how quickly we had to progress the move from your home into Castle Hyrule, and I offer my condolences for your mentor. However, you must understand the urgency I feel towards your arrival and the services you provide toward the people of Hyrule.
I deeply appreciate your grasp of our situation and ask that you continue said grasp as we further our fight against the Calamity.
With that, you are free to roam about Castle Hyrule at your wish. You will not need to be accompanied by a guardsman, but if you wish the knight Link has offered to be at your side for the coming weeks.
I will personally see to your acclimation, and guarantee your safety and that your happiness will come with time. Again, I express my grief toward your situation. Feel free to ask if you need anything at all.
Your friend,
Zelda.
You roll up the parchment and set it aside. It was kind of her to write to her, especially in such a kind tone despite only meeting her once. You thought over the name she mentioned, recognizing it distantly. You rolled it on your tongue, letting it fall out of your mouth as you thought about how you could remember such a name.
Link.
Well, it wasn’t the most uncommon name. You were sure you would find out at some point.
You stood from the bed, toeing on your shoes where they lay at the door. You kept the letter in your hand, now rolled within your grasp as you opened the large door, stepping back into the hall. The guard stationed at your room flinched ever-so-slightly before bowing, a small and meek demeanor emanating from his aura. You waved softly, trying to ease his worry.
“There’s no need for that,” You concluded, and smiled to yourself at the confused face he bore when he rose. “Please, just treat me as a regular guest.”
“If you’re sure, Your Gra-” He stopped himself, flushing slightly. “...Oracle.” You smiled again, nodding your head. He went to stand by his post again before stretching out your hand.
“Wait- I just have one question. Does the castle have a garden, or a courtyard?”
The guard smiled, and offered his arm.
“Come with me, and I’ll show you.”
You smiled back, and looped your arm within his.