The Legend of Zelda: Mark of a Hero | Part 1 - Hyrule

Overworld Chapter 10 - It's A Secret To Everyone

...he ended up doing it anyway. With the alternative being having to walk around in that ludicrous costume, the choice was pretty easy. That wasn't to say he was unproductive during his two days off and the morning up to the ball, just that he only saw Saddiqah, Ambrose, and Marela for regular company. And the tiny confines of his room to stay in shape even as it lacked any space to practice his sword drills.

Without being able to get in contact with anyone at the guild, Link and his companions pored over as much information as they could gather on the three cities that housed temples to the Goddesses or held control over them: Zora's Domain, Deku's Shelf, and Goron City.

Zora's Domain was the most populated after Castle Town, meaning it would likely have an abundance of jobs, but actually reaching Nayru's Temple seemed like a challenge as it was seated at the bottom of Lake Hylia. Being able to reach the temple proper meant have allies among the Zora.

Saddiqah felt that even with the lower population in Goron City, being so close to one of the caravan stops for her clan she would be able to get them a steady supply of jobs to fund their stay. Still, Din's Temple was nestled into Death Mountain, and most of the city worried visiting it would disturb the volcano, so visitors were not permitted. Not to mention how to survive an active volcano seemed even less hospitable than the bottom of a lake.

Deku's Shelf was the fourth largest city in Hyrule, but there would be very little work outside of escorts due to recent policy changes with the lady of the city. Work would be light, though Farore's Temple likely would be easiest to walk into because of the more peaceful atmosphere of the city, meaning there very likely wouldn't be a need for a prolonged stay.

By the day of the ball, the three still hadn't come to a conclusion. Link was starting to get worried about not having a path forward and what that might exact on him when he told Zelda. She was expecting an answer yesterday.

Leaving her room in her new clothing, Saddiqah stated, "If we can't come to a decision with the information we have now, then you're going to need to find out which of the lords is the most willing to assist the Hero, Link."

"Being able to bypass their guards without having to remain dressed up is important," Ambrose agreed. "This isn't armor." He gestured to his dress tunic and then propped himself up on the back of the couch. "Which is why I still believe the Domain is the safest bet. Least likely to have witnesses."

"Supposing we could even get to the lakebed, Ambrose." Saddiqah added, resting a hand on her hip. Marela had found a handful of decorative ornaments for Saddiqah in the form of heavy golden loop earrings and some matching bangles. Link was a little surprised to see the Gerudo wearing them.

Link fidgeted with his tunic, hating every moment he had to spend in this thing. "I'll see what I can do." He already knew that he would be able to get closer to the lords than either of his companions. Pushing that opportunity had been made obvious to him from the moment the princess had said the other lords would have been there. With everything ahead of him, he needed to make sure these leaders would be willing to talk to him. Gaining their favor would make moving about their cities much easier.

"Nervous?" Saddiqah asked.

"I had to do this in front of the king before and I barely kept a straight face," Link replied with a shaky laugh. "I don't know how that's going to go in front of the entire country's court."

Ambrose chuckled. "You chose to put on an act on your own."

"I wonder where he learned that. 'Always follow through with the bluff,'" Saddiqah returned, her eyes narrowing on Ambrose as she grinned. Despite the tension, they all broke into laughter, though Ambrose's was a little terser towards the end. Saddiqah's chest rumbled as she stopped. "Link, you'll do fine."