OUaG Chapter 3 - Inside the Tent...

         Link and Rhoswen looked at each other dumbfound, neither one able to fully comprehend the fact that their favorite video game character from their favorite video game series was standing right in front of them. And as they had each changed out of their normal clothing into local garbs, they both thought the other was the real thing.

         Seconds ticked by as a million thoughts ran through Link and Rhoswen’s minds, thoughts about how the other person might actually be like, about all their (now embarrassing) fantasy adventures they had imagined with the other person, what kinds of adventures they had actually been on, and how they knew of each other’s names…

         Suddenly Rhoswen snapped out of it and came rushing back to reality. “HEY! How the hell do you know my real name?” She snapped at Link demandingly.

         Taken aback, he just stared at her with wide eyes. Oh no, was she on a secret undercover mission for the sake of Hyrule, and he had just stupidly broken her cover with his fan-shocked reaction? Of course, even as thoughts like these ran through his head, all he could manage to respond was short and repetitive. “Your…real…name?”

         Mivka and Vanabia passed looks between themselves as things escalated.

         “My real name.” Rhoswen stated, as if to confirm that she had indeed said it. “Since getting here, the only name I've given out is my nickname, Ava. I mean, the only people who call me that anymore are family, old friends, and substitute’s. So how the hell did you know my name was Rhoswen?” Hero of time or not, she was going to get an explanation out of him. Scenarios passed through her mind as she waited for his response. Scenarios like what if her fantasy princess self actually existed here and now there were two of her, or what if they had actually swapped places and her fantasy self was standing in the middle of North Pinedale wreaking chaos and havoc. That thought frightened her a little bit…

         Link just gawked at her reaction; how the hell was he going explain to her that she was the main character of his favorite video game? She didn't even know what a video game was, how would he explain what those are? “Oh boy, where do I start…?”

         “After we go someplace more private.” Vanabia said, suddenly appearing between the two. Grabbing Rhoswen’s left hand with her right and Link’s right hand with her left, she swiftly dragged the two of them away from the fire and into the maze of tents and wagons.

         Link and Rhoswen could only watch wide eyed as the elderly woman pulled them into a nearby tent, with Mivka right behind them. Inside was small, about 10’by 15’, with a small, round table in the center surrounded by six chairs, one of which Mivka went to settle himself in. Letting go of their hands, Vanabia walked a few steps forward and turned to face them. “This is the Elders Tent, where we meet to discuss what we should do and how we should handle things. I had hoped we wouldn't have to resort to moving here, but apparently a more private setting is called for.” She seemed to be glaring right into their souls, putting the two of them on edge. She then focused her gaze on Link. “That being said, I would like to know how you knew what her true name was.”

         “Yeah.” Rhoswen chipped in, looking at him through narrow eyes.

         “Um…ah…well…where do I begin…?” Link frantically searched him mind for a way to explain video games to them. “Where I come from, we have… ah… advanced technology. And some of this technology allows us to… uh…” He searched his mind for the right wording. “To… uh… see stories being played out. And some of those stories are made to be interacted with. We call those video games. Anyways, um… there is a series of these video games that stars Rhoswen. And… it’s… kinda my favorite.” He chuckled as Rhoswen and Vanabia just stared at him wide eyed. He hoped he had explained it well enough for them to understand.

         Rhoswen blinked a few times then rubbed her temples with her fingers as she tried to process what she just heard. “Wait just a minute; tell me if I heard this right. In your world, I’m the main character of a video game series that just so happens to be your favorite?”

         “Umm… yeah, basically.” She understood the concept a little better than he had expected.

         Rhoswen rubbed her eye’s a bit. This couldn't be happening, this just wasn't possible. Okay, this whole experience just wasn't possible, but this was just even more impossible. “You're telling me that in another world, I’m the main character of my favorite video game character’s favorite video game.”

         “Yea…what?” Link stared at her bug eyed. Had he just heard her right? “Say that again.”

         “In another world, separate from this world and mine altogether, I am the main character of your favorite video game series; while in my world, you are the main character of my favorite video game series?”

         Link just blinked. Now it was his turn to process information. “I’m the main character of your favorite video game series?”

         “Yes.” Rhoswen abruptly turned from him and walked over to the table. Sitting down in the nearest chair, she folded her arms on the table and nestled her head in them. “Goodnight everyone.”

         “…Why the hell are you going to sleep!?” Vanabia shrieked. “I have no idea what videogames are, but this doesn't seem like the time to fall asleep over it!”

         “I’m going to sleep here so I can wake up back in my own bed before I’m too late for school.” Rhoswen answered from in her arms. “This dream has just gotten to weird now that Link’s become involved like this. Never again will I play the Legend of Zelda until 1:30 in the morning on a school night. Not if I'm going to have weird dreams like this.”

         They all just stared at her as Mivka slowly began filled the tent with smoke from his pipe.

         “The… Legend… of…Zelda?” Link asked, shocked. “Is that what my game’s called? The Legend of Zelda?”

         “Yes, it is. I'm kinda trying to fall asleep here.” Came Rhoswen muffled answer.

         He threw his hands to his head in confusion and frustration. “Why is it called the Legend of Zelda if I’m the main character!? Don't tell me I'm a prince in distress, too!” Link looked at the ground distressed and disturbed. Did this mean Zelda, his longtime friend and the girl of his dreams, went around saving him? Talk about a blow to the ego.

         Rhoswen looked up from the table. “What? No. Most of the time you go around saving Princess Zelda’s dumb ass.” She looked at him confused. “What do you mean ‘prince in distress, too’?”

         Vanabia had had enough. “Can we discuss this later, please?” She smacked her hand down on the table, which startled Rhoswen and caused her to sit up. “I understand that we have just unearthed something very interesting and possibly important, but at the moment we something more important to discuss.” She pointed a finger at Link. “You, sit.”

         Link quickly made his way to a chair to avoid this sudden wrath of Grandma Vanabia. Grandpa Mivka just laughed. “You gift didn’t show you any of this did, did it?”

         “Silence, brother. “ Vanabia was losing her patience. “Do not forget the matter of which they are here for.” Mivka became serious all of a sudden, taking another long draw from his pipe. Link and Rhoswen glanced quizzical looks at one another.

         Now it was Vanabia’s turn to rub her temples. “I have no idea what a ‘video game’ is, nor do I game to learn what it is. You two have been summoned from two different worlds to our world for a very specific reason. Fate has a use for the two of you.”

         Vanabia moved around the tent and sat down next to Mivka. “Something is approaching. Something bad. Something evil. Something the world is not ready for. But it is coming. And it is coming soon.” Vanabia closed her eyes, as though trying to remember something properly. “About 4 weeks ago, when we were still in the kingdom of Hyrule-“

         Link and Rhoswen immediately cut her off. “Hyrule!?” They both exclaimed at once, and then looked at each surprised that the other knew about the kingdom of Hyrule.

         “Yes, Hyrule. Now not another peep from either of you before I say so or I'll have you clear the horse corrals tomorrow.” Both of the teens went back to their silence, stealing quick glances at the other. Vanabia returned to her tale. “Back when we were in Hyrule, I had a vision during the night. In it, terrible forces came and disrupted the land of Hyrule, leaving chaos and destruction in their wake. Swirling, dark clouds appeared over the land, with a tall, ominous black tower appearing beneath the center of the clouds. Their shadowy hands stretched out from the tower, reaching towards the nearby lands to claim control of them and expand their empire. That was when I awoke. I immediately urged for us to leave a get as far away from Hyrule as possible. We packed up and left, heading south in hopes of reaching the Vail Pass to escape the impending doom.”

         “About 2 weeks ago I had the same dream again. Except this time, as the hands of the dark forces were reaching across the land, a shining white tower appeared in the south west of the land. At the base of the tower appeared the white silhouettes of two heroes’, but other than that I couldn't make out much of them. When the hero’s appeared, the shadowy hands suddenly diverted and headed straight towards the two heroes’, who were charging ahead with weapons bared. I awoke from this dream just as the two forces were about to collide, but I didn't know what to make of it. Not until the night before the men left to do work in the nearby town of Armeville.”

         Link perked up a little at the last line, it sounded strangely familiar like something he had heard from Mivka.

         “That dream started off with the appearance of the white tower. But this time, instead of two heroes appearing, only one showed up and I could make out more. I could tell he was a tall, young man, at the very least. Suddenly, he standing on the middle of a large sphere floating in blackness, in an instant he thrusted through some sort of portal and was falling until he landed in the middle of an open meadow where he started running towards my brother.” She stared right at Link. “That is how I knew you were coming here and that Mivka was to find you.”

         Grandma Vanabia turned her attention to Rhoswen. “Last night is when I learned you were coming. Once again, I dreamt of the white tower appearing, and this time it was the other hero that appeared. I could instantly tell the hero was a young woman by her small stature and feminine physique. She too, suddenly was standing on a large sphere floating in blackness, and as the other hero, was sent falling through a portal, except she landed in the middle of a grassy field next to the woods. A golden stag appeared before her and she started chasing it into the woods until the stag leapt behind some bushes and I appeared from where it had gone.”

         Rhoswen shifted in her seat as she thought about the golden stag again. “So… what does that all mean then? All of your visions, what do they mean exactly?” Rhoswen asked, more confused now than she had been before.

         Mivka chuckled and blew a smoke ring. “Isn't it obvious? You, well both of you, are the two heroes’ that appeared in Vanabia’s dreams. We know this because you appeared exactly the same way that was portrayed in her visions. Destiny has chosen both of you to save Hyrule, and by doing so, the world, from whatever dark force it is that is trying to take control and gain power.”

         “I bet it’s the dark lord Magnar…”Link said, as though fuming over old wronging’s. And he was… kinda. His thoughts went to the boss battle between video game Rhoswen and the dark lord Magnar that he just couldn't seem to beat.

         “Uh… who’s this dark lord Magnar?” Rhoswen asked, looking at him strangely.

         “The main villain, your arch nemesis. The Legend of Zelda doesn’t have him in it?” Link asked her inquiringly.

         “No, it has-“Rhoswen was cut off by a throat being cleared loudly. They both looked and saw an impatient Vanabia with her arms crossed and looking sternly at them. “Sorry.”

         Vanabia hung her head and sighed before returning to the topic at hand. “Who or what the dark force in my visions is, I don't know. But what I do know is that it is coming soon and headed straight for the kingdom of Hyrule.” She looked straight at them, her eyes filled with a seriousness that held fear and hope in them. “And you two are the only ones that can vanquish and defeat this impending doom from the world.”

         Link just looked at Grandma Vanabia with a look of disbelief, pointing his finger back and forth between himself and Rhoswen. Rhoswen just slumped down in her seat trying to disappear, softly and meekly whispering “Me?” This was just becoming too surreal for the both of them, this just couldn’t be happening. It was nice to imagine, a good fantasy, but this kind of thing only happened in stories. That was it.

         Sensing their disbelief, Grandpa Mivka set down his pipe. “My sister’s visions have never been wrong. Maybe a couple misinterpreted, but never wrong. Visions like the ones she’s just described are hard to misinterpret, so even if you don't want to believe it, it is true. The both of you were sent here for a reason, fate has a use for you in the upcoming events of the world.”

         He lifted his pipe and took a short draw. He released it in a slow stream of smoke before talking again. “Vanabia’s visions also show that the dark forces see you as a threat and will throw everything your way in order to eliminate you. I highly doubt that laying low and trying to run from this will keep you safe. If the two of you are as important as I believe to be, they will find out about you one way or another and seek you out until you are no longer a threat to their plans. Your best bet is to find the road fate has set out for you and be far along it before they realize that the two of you exist.”

         Grandma Vanabia nodded her head. “I know it is a lot to take in after everything that’s happened today, but you must understand that everything is true or going to be true very soon. The question the needs answered right now is simple: Will you hide? Or will you embrace fate and accept the duty that has been thrusted upon you?” Vanabia got a sly little smile on her face as she remembered something. “Remember child, with great power comes great responsibility.”

         Link looked at her confused; boggled by the fact Vanabia had just used a line he associated with comic books. Hearing a stifled snickering, he looked over at Rhoswen. Still slumped down, she was biting her lower lip in a big grin stretched across her face, trying to hold back her glee.

         “She quoted Spider-man.” Rhoswen said under her breath rather amused.

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         Deep underground, a woman traversed the maze of dirt tunnels she knew so well. The wide tunnels were brightly lit with the magic light orbs, called Lumisphaers, which were attached to the sides of the tunnels. The light shined off of her armor as she swiftly made her way deeper into the earth. As she came across a small squad of soldiers headed elsewhere in the maze, they moved off to the side to make room for her to walk through as they saluted, recognizing her status. “Captain, ma'am!” they all saluted to her.

         "As you were.” She said sternly after she had passed them. Right now she had no time to mess with the interaction of others; she had more important business to deal with. Specifically the matter of being summoned to the Grand Council’s room. Thoughts about what could have been the reason raced around her head as she swiftly walked down the dirt corridors until she reached the tall, ominous black doors that led to the level where everything was ran from. This was the lowest level of the secret underground base, the Tenebrous Vault. At the base of the doors stood two guards in elaborate uniforms standing watch over the doors. She marched right up to them and kneeled on one knee without a moment’s hesitation, her short hair falling in her face.

         “I am Captain Viveca, captain of the Todbringend Company. I have been summoned to the Grand Council’s room, and therefore request entrance to the Tenebrous Vault.”

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         “You still haven't answered the question.” Grandpa Mivka said; smoke escaping his mouth as he spoke. “Are you going to follow the path fate has set before you, or are you going to turn and run from it?”

         Vanabia and Mivka stared at Link and Rhoswen as they seemingly tossed the question around in their heads, weighing the pros and cons of each decision. Seconds ticked by in silence, which turned into minutes of silence. Link was the one that finally broke the silence when he stood up abruptly, knocking back his chair.

         “I'll do it. Not because fate told me to or because I’m looking to be a hero. I’m doing it because if what you say is true, then a lot of innocent lives are depending upon me to defend them and make sure this crisis never reaches them.” Link explained as his eyes were blazing with a passion and determination for this duty that had been placed upon him. Rhoswen looked at him astonished and inspired, seeing a flicker of the hero she knew so well from the games she played. She felt as if her heart skipped a beat when he looked at her in her chair. “Are you going to join me, Rhoswen?”

         They just stared at each other for a few seconds; Rhoswen had been momentarily awed by his courage and determination. She suddenly snapped out of it when it occurred to her that all eyes in the room were focused on her. “Oh, yeah, Me too! I’m in!” She said, jumping out of her seat, trying to look determined and cool. “Sides, this is a once in a life time opportunity. It would be rude of me to not take advantage of it. Though I'm not sure what help I’d be…”

         “A once in a life time opportunity?...” Link asked suspiciously.

         “Well, it’s not every day that you go to a fantasy world and meet your favorite video game character.” Rhoswen threw a big grin towards Link. “Am I wrong?”

         Link wanted to scold her for not thinking about the people out there that were depending on them to stop this from happening and for focusing on what she got out of it instead. But at the same time she did have a point, why waste what was being handed to you on a silver platter. Still, it was pretty selfish logic. He just closed his eyes and groaned, she was making his head hurt. But at least she was on board.

         “Well, now that’s settled, we should figure out what your course of action is going to be,” Grandpa Mivka said, trying to focus their attention once again. “You can’t very well just suddenly become heroes in an instant. How do you plan on getting there? Where should you begin on your journey?” He pulled a long draw from his pipe and began to blow smoke rings.

         “That is an excellent question. My visions have given no indication as to how you start on your quest.” Grandma Vanabia stated, preventing their question before it was even asked.

         Link and Rhoswen sat back down in their seats, deep in thought on how to solve this predicament. Where to start, where to start… They had no elderly relative to point them in the right direction, no personal vindictive pointing them in the right direction, and no map or book full of hints and tips of where to go. Suddenly Rhoswen eyes lit up.

         “I’ve got it!” She suddenly announced when a realization hit her.

         “What?” Link and Grandma Vanabia exclaimed in unison.

         “We go to Hyrule Castle!” Rhoswen declared, slapping her fist against her palm in enthusiasm. “In all the stories, video games or other mediums, the hero often goes to the castle of the royal family to start on his quest.”

         “What do you recommend we do: march right into the throne room and tell the royal family that an old gypsy woman told us an impending doom is approaching their kingdom, and we're the only ones that can stop it?” Link replied sarcastically.

         “I don’t know, we'd figure it out when we got there. I’m just saying! Do you have any better idea’s yourself?” Rhoswen snapped back angrily.

         “No, but I'm trying to think of something a bit less preposterous!” Link snapped at her. The two of them just glared at each other.

         “Preposterous or not, I have to agree with Rhoswen. Going to Hyrule Castle does seem to be the best idea at the moment. At the very least you can do some investigation in the castle town to figure out your next course of action.” Grandma Vanabia voiced calmly. “It’s a long shot, but it’s better than nothing at the moment. Remember, time is of the essence here.”

         “But what exactly would we do to figure out our next course of action? We have no idea what this world contains; let alone what Hyrule castle town contains. We don’t even have any idea where we are exactly!” Link exclaimed in frustration.

         “Look, we have to start somewhere. Why not start with the capital of the first kingdom in danger?” Rhoswen pointed out. “It'll at least give us a good start on familiarizing ourselves with the country itself. Not to mention if fate is so involved here as Grandma Vanabia says it is, then it will probably steer us in the right direction if we're wrong about going there. It did bring us this far after all.”

         Link closed his eyes and held the bridge of his nose in thought. After a bit he spoke. “Fine, fine. We'll go to the capital,” Rhoswen gave a small gesture of celebration. “But, how do you plan on us getting there? We don't even know north from south at the moment, let alone the land.”

         “Ummm….” Rhoswen cupped her chin with her hand and bit her thumb in thought. She hadn't thought or even considered that far ahead.

         “We can provide you with maps, provisions, and other essentials for the trip.” Grandma Vanabia piped up. “Unfortunately we cannot escort you to Hyrule Castle as we are headed away for our own safety, but we will do what we can to help you.”

         “I feel I must warn you, it will be a long, hard trip; about 3 weeks long, maybe quicker if you can hitch some rides along the way.” Grandpa Mivka warned. “You'll have to brave the elements and other hazards on your trip. Do you feel up to the challenge?”

         “Not really, but I'm going to do it anyways.” Smiled Rhoswen with forced enthusiasm. She was in no way ready for something like this, but that wasn't going to stop her from this. Not this time at least. She was going to take a leap of faith here and live her life.

         Link just smiled a little bit and shook his head. She wasn't the heroine Rhoswen he was familiar with, but there was something about her that inspired him, even if just a little bit, to move forward with this plan. “Alright, what do we need to know?” He said, looking up at the group with a sparkle in his eyes.

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         “Captain Viveca, do you understand the task that is being given to you?” The head of the Grand Council asked her from behind a cloaked face. All around her, the members of the Grand Council sat high above her on their elevated seats, peering down on her from within the folds their oversized, draping cloaks as she kneeled before them, waiting for her response.

         “Perfectly, my lordship,” Viveca answered as she raised herself off the polished stone floor. A smile of pride and darkness crossed her face. “I shall fulfill the mission I am being entrusted with. I shall bring glory to the Zgoda Alliance during its first steps towards its one goal. I promise and pledge myself to the conquering of Hyrule Castle for our cause. “