Kingdom of Power, of Courage, and of Wisdom

Zant's War - The Ouki Games

This is a longer chapter than most. Because its Ouki! Thats why.

This includes a song. The lyrics are from "Nightcore - Price of the Crown". I heard the song and fell in love and found it fits like a glove to what I want.

-Zelda-

The soldiers at the gate set up a tent in the field to which they could rest. The Englishmen presented a liter of tea, some targets were placed, and bows and arrows were prepared. An assembly gathered to watch the contest. Despite the previous talk and the crowds attention, Zelda found herself smiling and having fun. Ouki had a never ending flow of energy, endless things of amusement to talk about, and it seemed his entire purpose to seek enjoyment this day. Thankfully he did not seem to require Zelda to reply or talk, as he talked seemingly to anyone who would listen. Yet it was not annoying as his topics were not empty and devoid of purpose or meaning.

Politics was a stressful thing, but archery and the feel of a bow in her hands was comfortable and fun. She didn't fire a shot, but sat, and just having her bow in her hands made her feel more at ease.

"So, what shall we wager, general?" Zelda inquired.

"Ohhh. Wager. Now that is interesting." Ouki stroked his beard. "Let us wager... that the winner decides the next contest, time and place!"

Zelda raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. I will accept within reason."

"Of course." Ouki smiled. "If you lose, of course."

"I do not plan to."

"Ohhh, such confidence!" Ouki poked his Englishman in the ribs. "What you think? You want to have a go at her?"

"Out of my league, sir."

"Wha- you're supposed to be agreeing with me! What do you think I pay you for?!"

"You pay me?" The Englishman wondered. "I was under the impression I was paid by Qin."

"Ah, shit. That makes him your pet, princess!" Ouki laughed. Then he coughed, "Kiss ass."

Zelda rolled her eyes. "Would you be interested in the first-"

"Don't mind if I do!" Ouki leaped out of the chair, disrobed from his outer robes baring his herculean chest. He briefly posed for the crowd who hooted and hollered and cheered.

"I think I'm going to be sick..." Zelda covered her mouth.

The Englishman whispered, "You do not see men's bare chest often?"

"No, that doesn't bother me. I have never seen a man with that much muscle before. Its revolting." The Englishman chuckled.

Ouki grabbed a bow, posed, and aimed. Changing his mind, he put the bow back, picked up a spear, and chucked it. It went clear through the target. The crowd cheered. The Englishman laughed as Zelda's eye twitched. Ouki turned back, bowed, and said, "How was that, princess?"

"I guess that counts..." Zelda felt her eye twitch some more.

Zelda stood, and aimed. She didn't bother with posing, but the crowd still cheered anyway. It was... not unpleasant for people to be excited and on her side even for something as small as a game.

She fired, and before the arrow even reached its mark she turned around and walked back to her chair. Ouki's eyes grew wide as it hit dead center, and his face grew red. Zelda feared she had angered him, but the energy in him took a different turn.

He screamed, yes, he cursed, yes, but for her. He was loud as anyone else in his excitement. He grabbed the Englishman in one hand and lifted him into the air in front of him to scream in his face. "Did you see that?! Didn't even bother waiting to see it land! Such confidence! Princess, you got some balls on ya!"