A Hidden Kindness

Before they knew it, the next week was upon them. Rabia was still grounded and Cecil was still disappointed in Kaikoura, so they were only at the castle because they had to be. Rabia needed to play tonight so Cecil was keeping an eye on her, and Kaikoura was there because Cecil hadn’t wanted her to ‘get into any trouble’ while he was gone. Today was Farore’s Day, a celebration of Farore and the coming of Spring. Everyone in the band had to be wearing something green. Most had opted for a dress or tunic, but Cecil decided to dye his white-blond hair a dark green color. Rabia had decided on nail polish and jewelry for her green items, but with her red hair she still stuck out. It wasn’t hard for Ganondorf to spot her when he arrived at the castle gardens for the celebration. Kaikoura had just taken a sip of her punch, but choked on it and spit it out, coughing. Sheik frowned and pat her back gently.

“Kaikoura? What’s wrong?” he asked. She pointed to Ganondorf. “Oh…”

“Our dads are gonna flip…” Kaikoura said. Saul and Petra had arrived with their three boys not too long ago. “What do we do…?”

“We can’t get involved again,” Sheik said. “Look, Link’s got an eye on things,” he said, directing her gaze to Link’s hiding spot. He was wearing all green and blended in perfectly with the hedges. Kaikoura face-palmed with a sigh.

“Alright then. Let’s go dance.” She pulled him onto the dancefloor.

The Farore’s Day Festival music mainly featured the flute, which meant it was a while before Rabia could get a break. When she finally snuck away, she was intercepted by Saul.

“Rabia! There you are. You remember Finn, right?” he smiled, glancing at the classically handsome man that stood beside him.

“Oh… yes, how could I forget?” she sighed.

“Well, why don’t you go dance with him?” Saul asked.

“I-I don’t feel like dancing, right now… I’m going to um… get a drink,” she said, trying to slip away.

“I’ll come with you,” Finn said, catching her wrist.

“Of course you will…” she muttered. Rabia tugged on her wrist, but Finn didn’t let go. He dragged her over to the punch. “Damn it, let go of me!” she scowled. “Why are you even here?”

“I come here to celebrate Farore’s Day every year,” he answered. “Just like everyone else.”

“... I really want to punch you,” Rabia muttered. Finn smirked and handed her some punch.

“Here,” he said.

“No, thanks. It’s probably poisoned,” Rabia said. She pulled her wrist free from his grip with a scowl. Ganondorf was a decent distance away, eyeing the two suspiciously. He excused himself from his conversation with another guest and made his way over to the punch table. He smiled and bowed slightly to Rabia.

“Rabia,” he said in greeting.

“King Ganondorf! Hi… how are you?” she asked. “Staying out of trouble?” He laughed.

“What are you drinking?” he asked.

“Well…according to Finn it’s punch but I haven’t dared to drink it,” Rabia shrugged. Finn scowled at her. Ganondorf turned to the punch bowls and poured her another drink. He handed it to her and took the other cup for himself.

“Oh… thank you,” Rabia smiled at him and sipped from the new drink. Finn glared at Ganondorf from behind her.

“Would you like to dance, Rabia?” Finn asked, trying to pull her attention back to him.

“No. Go find some other girl to harass,” she said. “I’m sure there are plenty of gullible, naive girls here for you to take advantage of.” Finn wandered off with a scowl. “...Thanks. He’s annoying,” Rabia said to Ganondorf. He offered his arm to Rabia.

“It’s not a problem. Maybe you’d care to dance with me instead?”

“Sure,” she smiled and took his offered arm. He led her to the dance floor, his cape flowing behind him.

“So how long have you been a member of the castle’s band?”

“Oh… a few years. Music is kind of a… family thing,” she shrugged. “King Hyrule used to hire my dad all the time when I was little so it just kind of happened.”

“Rabia!” Saul stomped over and pulled her away. “What do you think you’re doing?!”

“Um… well, I was dancing but I guess now I’m standing here,” she said. Saul’s eye twitched.

“Don’t sass me, young lady,” he said. She sighed.

“Dad, this is Ganondorf. Ganondorf, this is my father, Saul…” she rolled her eyes. Ganondorf bowed before holding his hand out. Saul took the offered hand and shook, giving Ganondorf a hard stare.

“Ganondorf, I’ve heard so much about you… tell me, what exactly is your interest in my daughter?”

“Oh, my goddesses… dad… damn, I have to get back. I’ll see you later, Ganondorf,” Rabia waved to him as she hurried back over to the band. Saul raised an eyebrow.

“Well?”

“She’s an interesting girl,” Ganondorf said. “I merely wished to know her better.”

“Oh really?” Saul said, eyes flashing. “She may look like one of your people, but she’s my daughter. I don’t need you stepping in to turn her into one of your little thieves. Got it?”

“By all means, that was not my intention,” Ganondorf stated. “You have little to worry about.”

“...I’ve got my eye on you,” Saul muttered. He gave Ganondorf a warning glance before stalking back over to his wife. Sheik suddenly appeared in front of Ganondorf.

“Princess Zelda requests your audience in the throne room,” he said. Ganondorf wordlessly followed him inside the castle. When they reached the room, Zelda looked at him, an eyebrow raised.

“King Ganondorf, could you tell me why we found one of your workers stealing from the gem room?” Zelda asked, gesturing to a Gerudo girl standing near them in cuffs. Both Aveil and Ganondorf looked at Zelda, eyebrows raised.

“Aveil is not my ‘worker,’ she is an active member of my tribe,” he corrected. “I have no knowledge of her thievery. Why are you here? You know the Gerudo are forbidden from entering the castle,” he said to Aveil. Aveil shrugged.

“Seemed pretty unfair to me that you were the only Gerudo allowed in the castle. Oh, and your little girlfriend…” Zelda narrowed her eyes.

“To whom are you referring?” Zelda asked. Aveil raised an eyebrow.

“The girl playing in your band.”

“Rabia isn’t a Gerudo,” Zelda stated. Aveil just stared at her, then looked at Ganondorf.

“Is she for real right now?”

“Aveil, quiet. You don’t have any right to comment on the Princess’ decision. Return what you took and go home.” Aveil scowled and, after she was uncuffed, slunk out of the castle. “Was that all, Princess?” he bowed low to her. “I apologize for her actions. She can be… unruly.”

“Don’t let it happen again,” Zelda said. “I think it’d be best if you head home too.” Ganondorf hesitated, then bowed low.

“As you wish.”