Not a Traitor, Nor yet a Hero (Josh and Marianne)

The discussion clearly had been in progress for quite some time. Perhaps even since early morning hours, judging from the tired and slightly sleepy faces of the scribes and ministers gathered around the princess. The princess was clearly tired, too. Her cheekbones were less prominent now that she had been well-fed and well-taken care of since her discovery. Her eyes had a healthy glow, and her black, slightly reddish hair courtesy of her Gerudo blood, was once again shone a silken smooth, wrapped around her tiara. Her countenance was set in stone and deeply serious. So much so that whatever reason the esteemed nobles had for being in the table, the main reason was this singular princess’ drive.

Judging from what little snippets Josh could hear during his entry, the matters being discussed were very important indeed.

“…And that concluded the report on the orphanages situation,” concluded a palace scribe, tidying his parchments, “If I am allowed to say so, Your Grace. The situation is very unfortunate.”

“Unless we diverted another resources?” said another councilor, looking at Marianne. “I suggest-“

“Resources, from where?” rebuked the councilor-archenemy of Josh, picking a rather large book across of him, “Might I remind that our military fund is inadequate as it is now. We are even hard-pressed to deal with the rising bandits’ threat. The Merchant’s Guild had recently complained about the roads, saying they need repair right now. But the gold- from where? Fisherman’s guild filed a petition-“

“It is indeed a very grave situation.” Marianne cut him, and the table fell silent focusing on the princess. She was resting her forehead against her joined hands curled into fists, propped on the table by her elbows. She was gazing down at the table rather than her advisors, deep in thought.

“The Academia….” She muttered.

A soft buzzing swarm could be hear from the people in the table. It was no secret that Hyrule Royal Academy was the darling of Princess Marianne. Its advancement to its current esteemed state was in no small part by the princess’ insistent request of funding to her father for years. It was her pride. Her crown achievement. Everyone on the table knew cutting the funding to The Academia was, for Marianne, the same as rationing her own child.

Another scribe rose up and gave a short detail of the Academy state. Marianne nodded.

“We can afford to cut its allowance. Reduce it by a third,” she declared, and three Royal Scribes around her simultaneously recorded her words. “Divert it to the orphanages for now until we can find a permanent solution. Yes, Professor Juniper, I am aware of the need to maintain the many precious researches and relics we have collected there,” Without looking up she addressed a Professor who was about to stand up and objected. She quickly receded back to her seat. “I was one of those who drafted the official request, if I am not mistaken. But right now my people’s children are going hungry. Without families. Without a home. Those relics had endured centuries: they can afford a year or two. We just have to be careful not to use them in researches as often as before.”

There were nods of agreement, but also some small voices of dissent. But Princess Marianne was adamant.

“That said, I would like to increase the speed of census progress.” She swept her gaze around the table and locked to a certain minister, who stared at her back. “The faster we can identify the relatives of these orphans and send them back, the better. I want the whole southern sector of Eldin Province done by next week, and we can proceed from there.” The minister nodded reverently as the Royal Scribes continued to record the whole proceedings.

The proceedings were stopped by the announcement by the escort, and as heads turned, including Marianne’s. But her gaze towards the knight was considerably softer than the councilor Josh was staring at intently.

“Ah, the Hero of Eldin…” whispered her quietly.

“This is the Twilight Table proceedings!” Josh’s archenemy began sharply, “What could-“

“He is here by my invitation, Councillor Darrin.” Princess Marianne quickly replied, now resting her hands face down on the table. ”Besides, I believe we have discussed most of what needed to be discussed today.”

She nodded her head a little to reply Josh's greeting without moving from her seat.

“Josh Dragelion of the Hyrule Knights,” She addressed him, looking at him up and down, clearly judging or at least trying to remember what she knew of him. “We have done you great injustice.”

Heads once again turned, towards Marianne this time, who focused all her attention towards Josh.

“I am aware that you have been promoted as a Hyrule Knight in light of your recent activities. But we have neglected to give you a proper knighting ceremony. By a member of Royal Family, as befitting our tradition," At this she looked sharply at Councillor Darrin, "No one had spared you this minute detail, I am aware. Although no doubt your fellow Knights will bring up this matter sooner or later, on which occasion we have done your honor a terrible insult."

There were murmurs of agreement on the table. Some nobles, who had not seen Josh's proceedings firsthand, was clearly quite shocked. A Hyrule Knight, after all, was a different matter entirely than the Army. It was both a military and a social rank. Princess Marianne sighed inwardly.

“You have to forgive my brother for neglecting this small detail, Sir Josh. He is a wonderful king and able administrator... but obviously there are things that slipped out of his attention,” She was now reclining back on her seat, at ease. “I can officiate your knighting ceremony this very day, if you wish it so. That is, if you do not mind being knighted by a princess? There is a precedent, of course. In fact, the very first Hyrule Knight was knighted by his princess. So, it is a great honor. But there is no denying that in recent memory the knighting had been done by the ruling King. There might be a matter of taste and pride.”

She blinked, “You can accept my offer today, or wait until King Leon himself knighted you. But which in the current situation I cannot guarantee it would be in the near future. Although I would press the matter myself should you will it.

Now, all attention were presently directed towards Josh Dragelion. All the nobles, ministers, councilors, professors, Marianne's Royal Guard in the background -even the Palace Guard escort- were waiting for his answer in the matter. Looking back at this occasion in the future, the princess was shrewd indeed. Openly refusing her offer in front of so many distinguished people of the realm? She could have asked about this matter in her letter instead, yet for mysterious reasons elected not to.

The Princess nodded, her tired face without a smile. She clapped her hands, and instantly one of the two Royal Guards that were standing behind her all this time walked near her seat.

“Send word to Captain Tethras of The Hyrule Knights,” She ordered, “The Hyrule Knights are to be assembled at the Hall of Heroes immediately. The Knighting Ceremony of Sir Josh Dragelion is going to be held today. I shall be his Officiator.”

The Royal Guard, himself a member or Hyrule Knight, bowed “All the Knights are waiting in the barracks as per your instruction this morning, Your Grace. I shall deliver your order immediately.” And with that he went towards the door on the other side of the room and disappeared.

Then, Marianne turned her attention towards the assembly.

“I hereby declare today’s session of Twilight Table concluded.” There were murmurs of agreement and disagreement as the various councilors and ministers tidied up their parchments and read up the today’s proceedings, but they all knew that Princess Marianne’s decision was final. “I expect all of you be assembled here at the Hour of The Cuckoo again tomorrow. Especially the report on the Zora waterways,” At this the Princess gestured towards a minister, who bowed her head, “And the current construction of wells on the western sector. On behalf of the King of Hyrule I thank you all for your hard work, Ladies and Gentlemen. May The Goddesses bless us all.”

The sounds of chatter and moving chairs filled the room as the members of Twilight Table stood up and paid their respects to the Princess before leaving the room. Most of them seemed relieved that today’s session was ended somewhat early, and they had Sir Josh to thank about. Some of them gave a small congratulations and shoulder claps as they went past Josh and his escort. Some paid him no mind. Yet some who disapproved of the new knight’s previous conducts, such as Councilor Darrin, shot him poisonous glance as they walked past him.

It took some time for the Great Hall to be emptied, for there were scores of people there and some continued their heated debates even as they walked out. But finally, all that was left was Princess Marianne, one of her Royal Guard, Sir Josh and his escort, and a timid-looking minister who was about to leave the room.

Marianne’s order was directed towards the minister, who stopped in his tracks and turned. Seated across the table Marianne was looking directly at him.

Marianne took a moment before opening her lips. And her tone was somewhat different. Lower and more secretive.

The minister bowed, “It is in the works, Your Grace…. Though I fear that it would be met with many resistances…. Especially from the Lords of Ordon.”

Marianne put a strand of hair on her forehead back to its place. “That I can foresee. But with the current situation of our Kingdom’s treasury, some measures had to be taken.”

The minister bowed even lower, “I fear some of them have different interests than you, Your Grace. They claimed that in the current situation, even the nobles are suffering. Some have even lost their sons and family members due to the many battles before. And some are still adamant that their current status is a privilege.”

Marianne closed her eyes for a moment. “I…shall take it into consideration. Thank you, Lord Haakon. Please proceed with your assignment. I shall handle any dissenting voices. Now, more than ever before, our people need all the help we can give them.”

The minister bowed once more and took his leave. At once Marianne’s tense shoulders slumped, as if a giant burden had been lifted off of her. Presently, she propped her elbows on the table and buried her face in her palms, then fell silent.

For an uncomfortably long time the spacious room was silent.

There was a noticeable movement from the singular Royal Guard the very moment Josh approached the Princess. Vigilant as always, the Royal Guards. But since Princess Marianne lifted her face to look at Josh and listen to what he had to say, the Royal Guard resumed her stance again. There was a tacit understanding then than Marianne had allowed Josh to speak his mind. As for the escort, he waited still near the wall.

“Yes. I believe you are right, Sir Josh.” She answered to his inquiry about her rest. “And I apologize. My conduct must have slipped for a few minutes. Do I look that tired to you?” She returned the question. “I assure you that I did get my proper rest. But I thank you for your concern.

“Besides, this is your ceremony that is at stake” And she attempted a smile. A smile that would fool no one. The edges of her eyes screamed her tiredness. But her tone clearly stated that the Princess would take no further comments regarding her well-being.

She leaned back at her chair as she listened to Josh’s advice regarding the current economic situation. A lesser noble might dismissed such remarks from a lower class, but it was a testament to Marianne’s personality that she paid everyone their proper chance to speak. Years spent on expeditions and venturing to ancient ruins had instilled her a sense that knowledge can come for any source, even an unexpected one.

“You are pardoned, Sir Josh. It was us who discussed such things in front of you. I would be surprised if you didn't hear it," she replied, pushing her chair back so that she could stand. With a wave of her hand she gestured towards the Palace Guard escort that he was free to leave. The Palace Guard bowed and left the way he came. “And don’t thank me. It is I who should apologize on behalf of the Royal Family to have inducted you improperly to the esteemed order of the Knight of Hyrule. I hope you will bear us no ill will. As you said, this is a tumultuous time.”

She had started to walk towards the Royal Guard behind her who had opened the door towards the corridor to the Hall of Heroes, when she turned and looked at Josh.

“….Thank you for accepting my offer.” She said, somewhat sheepishly.

Just for an instant, she was recognizable as that youngest princess who opened the joust that seemed oh-so-long ago. The princess who had to take several deep breaths before saying her speech. The princess who almost bounced down from the podium as she wanted away from the spotlight as soon as possible, but whose performance was admirable indeed.

Sometimes, it was surprising how young Marianne really was.

She motioned towards Josh to follow her, giving a small chuckle.

“Didn’t you hear that your knighting ceremony is going to be held this instant? Why would you take your leave?” It was a slight reprimand, but delivered in an easy tone. Princess Marianne was not offended in any way. “Come, Sir Josh. Walk with me to The Hall of Heroes.”

Were Josh elected to walk beside her or slightly behind her, the Royal Guard would tail them both like an ever vigilant watchdog. Presently Marianne walked in a leisurely pace, although her slightly swaying gait would betray how tired she really was. She wore a pair of long dark gloves too, one would notice. Rumors had it that when she was found, her hands and fingers were all bloodied as if she had to dig somewhere with her bare hands. Perhaps that was one of the reason she did not lift a single paper in the meeting before, preferring anything to be read to her instead.

The corridor was slightly damp as they were in the inner circle of the castle, but windy, since the many window holes high up on the walls were left open. On their left and right were pictures of people, perhaps Hyrule greatest Rulers and Heroes. Their grand visages illuminated by the glowing torches. There were also some stands of armors and weapons of perhaps great importance, although several of them were sorely missing, courtesy of Starlight Massacre.

“About new ways to raise our Kingdom’s revenue…” she began, concentrating forward rather than looking at Josh as she talked, “What idea do you have in mind, Sir Josh? If there is any, please share them with me. I imagined we have had our brightest minds, including mine, tackled this very problems. With mixed success, as you can see. But any idea would be very welcome.”

Then her tone suddenly became more serious, "Bar, of course, raising the taxes on the populace. It is certainly the easiest and the most frequently suggested. But as of now I have no heart to burden my people more. We cannot even protect them from monsters and thieves. Harvests are failing. And we have to extort them...? But of course we cannot protect them because the military lacks revenues and there is no way to set up proper guard sentries without pay...." her voice trailed off resignedly, "Do you see the vicious cycle here, Sir Josh?"

It might have been quite hard talking to Marianne, considering her way of listening without really looking at the audience. She stared right ahead of her and sometimes casted a baleful gaze towards a conspicuously missing treasure, but she did nodded and hummed to show Josh that she was listening intently to his exposition. She winced a bit when hearing the words “making us of our military”, but afterwards relaxed as the full story came out.

“Jousts and exhibitions,” she repeated, “It has been suggested before also. Although I honestly I am rather apprehensive about it. Last time we held a public celebration, you know how it ended,” she added bitterly. Referring, of course, to the Starlight Tragedy.

“It might be feasible in a smaller scale. Such as a specially prepared district for entertainments…” she continued, now seemingly talking more to herself instead of Josh. “That said, a large scale celebration is a risky endeavor, with our current Guards strength and defences…. I am not sure many people would grasp the economic idea of exhibitions at this current situation, either. But I will keep it in my mind.”

She turned towards Josh as they continued walking, “Thank you for your suggestion. Oh, and you are right about vineyards. It is an expensive undertaking and takes a long time to make even. Should you plan to have one, I pray that you succeed.”

Then she returned at looking straight ahead. “But you are right on one thing. Some of our greatest resources are space and military. And manpower. Even in our current state, Hyrulean Army is still the strongest and greatest in the continent….”

She paused for a while, letting the facts sank in to her listener, “It is easy to imagine how a more ambitious lord might think of using these resources….I am sure you can see where this leads.”

Her tone became lower, as if unsure of herself.

“There has been talks of invasion, especially among our more prideful nobles…. The sacrifice at the beginning will be great, but they argued that the long-term gains would be immense….” she exhaled. “Starting with complete occupation of Kakariko and the mines, creating a bulwark against Gorons - already some of the mines are being disputed- before turning towards the Kokiri and their rich timbers. After that to the chaotic Zora to take control of the rich waterways and underwater resources… And finally, diverting rivers and conquer the Gorons once and for all…. The glory would be great, they argued. Though I fear the sacrifices would be even greater.”

Her gaze became distant now. Sad. Empty. One could easily imagine how the Princess were actually crying inside. All the burdens…. All the responsibilities… Although no doubt shared by her siblings the youngest princess had always been one who took the happiness of her people very seriously, above all else. It was visible how those small shoulders were really torn inside.

“I… would have let you know that I am against any sort of military undertaking, especially against our honored friends,” she said in a firm tone, “I have always blocked any sort of attempts.... I believe it would mean intolerable sacrifices to our people for the betterment of the few…. But I also cannot deny that the motion of war is gaining traction. More land and more resources, after all, would mean that eventually everyone would enjoy their share, in the long run.” She shook her head sadly. “I pray that it will never come to that, as long as I am alive.”

They walked past several more of the pictures hanging on both sides of the wall. And some more armors. Behind them the Royal Guard continues to watch over them without a single sound of her footsteps.

“These people immortalized here are some of the greatest rulers and heroes we have ever known,” the Princess said, gesturing to one of the picture, “I hope that one day your likeness too would be preserved here, Sir Josh. A beacon to our future generations.

“Which reminds me. How fare your fianceé? I remember during our census about a year or so ago that you were with a lovely lady, though the name eluded me. I do remember she was not very fond of visitors,” She chuckled, a genuine smile this time, remembering the time she received one of the worst yelling in her life, ” Have you two tied the knot yet?”

---

Sir Josh remained quiet for some time after her exposition, which was understandable. It was not something easy to digest, after all, and Marianne had studied her new knight's background before to grasp some of his personality. She also remembered that she had met him before, during the time he was in under great stress.

An image of a burning strawman flashed in her mind.

"If I may have absolute permission to speak freely," He said suddenly, his tone suddenly becoming deathly serious. "Your Highness, before you go through with this ceremony, I would like for you to understand something about me."

"That would be in the best interests of us both," replied Marianne, without lifting her eyes from a portrait of a regal queen they were passing in front of. "Proceed."

She nodded understandingly when it was said that King Leon was a Sworn Brother of The Gorons, indicating that she knew about this fact. She did not respond as Josh continued to elaborate her views, although it was clear that she was listening, even as her pace continued unabated. She was one who somehow brought the matter in their discussion after all...

A small yawn escaped her, which was quickly covered by her gloved hand. But it was not for the lack of interest. Not one bit. She was just that tired, though she tried her best to hide it.

There was an audible sigh when the words of "Hyrule's best interest" were uttered, but other than that the Princess seemed keeping to herself.

"Morale," She repeated, "I cannot agree more, Sir Josh. Morale had always been one decisive factor in many victories. I.... have read the report of the Battle of Eldin and I have to commend you on your own brand way of raising morale, if none of us had done so before." She did not turn towards Josh but the tone of pride in her voice was unmistakable.

"The problem is-" and here she was back in her moody tone which seemed so pervasive in her seemingly troubled thoughts." -morale and interests are strongly linked. And interests consist of so many conflicting needs... And to appease one is to sacrifice the other...."

She shook her head quickly, "Ah, but what have I been droning about? I apologize for sharing this burden with you, Sir Josh. Surely you would rather like to be left out of this unwholesome situation?" A slight smile. "We shall exchange our minds again in a more opportune time.

"But thank you. I can see now that you are a man of principle. That, I can admire. And please cease your worry. There is nothing and will be nothing forcing you to raise your sword on behalf of us if your heart is not in it, even as a Hyrule Knight. Heart-" she put her left hand on her chest, "was the foundation of our kingdom, after all. It has been so since The Age of The Goddess."

And the topic was not breached once more. At least, not on Marianne's part.

Josh's answer about her fiancee was brief, but Marianne could grasp the enormous sadness behind it. It was vague.... But because of the vagueness Marianne simply assumed the worst had happened. She looked at Josh then, her sympathy fully evident in her face.

Softly she muttered back. "You have my condolences. She was... a good person."

Marianne was... unsure of how to properly express herself to assuage a grief. When her own, real father died, and when her foster father died there were many condolences and well-wished sent her way. But for some reason...she never truly felt she believed in their sincerity.

Thus, rather than risking Josh felt the same she opted to stop early.

They arrived at the end of the corridor, where three other corridors converged in front of the gilded doors which marked the Hall of Heroes. Already, many Hyrule Knights in their full regalia had gathered there. Some were leaning on the walls and talked, as more of their friends arrived and joined the conversation. Some others seemed to be pensive, lost in their own thoughts while politely nodded to those who greeted them. Two knights were comparing the emblem of their shields and laughed.

Marianne turned towards Josh, perhaps sensing that he might have some questions. She smiled slightly.

"I took the liberty of gathering all the Knights in the barracks earlier this morning, so that they could be ready at a moment's notice when you wished to have your Knighting Ceremony today." There was an unmistakable tone of self-accomplishment behind her curved lips, as if she had envisioned this exact outcome. In many ways Princess Marianne was childish still. "It is a good thing that you agreed, Sir Josh."

The Knights who realized that the princess had arrived gave their full salute, which Marianne returned with grace. The exchange had a feeling of camaraderie, if one noticed. As if they were greeting Marianne as their fellow knight rather than their superior, although the proper respect for her station was there.

"We have to part our ways here, Sir Josh. I apologize if I had asked about more... uncomfortable memories. Sir Tomas -here he is- would explain the rest to you." She smiled at an approaching knight in full armor, who grinned and bowed his bare head low.

And with that Marianne entered the Hall of Heroes first, followed by her Royal Guard. The Knights made way to her left and right and saluted her as she walked pass, returning their salute as she went.

The door closed behind them and the sound of conversations resumed. Some of the Knight recognized Josh and, just like the councilors before some congratulated him while some turned a cold shoulder. But mostly there were congratulations. There was an easy atmosphere in the air, as if they were sitting down drinking together rather than standing in front of the Hall of Heroes to await a knighting ceremony. It was an aura of brotherhood that, Josh might remember, once permeated whenever a certain Goron Chief of Snowhead entered the room.

The fellow knight, Sir Tomas, turned towards Josh with a toothy grin on his face. He had an round, kind face, with freckles and faded red hair which gave him an appearance of a country farmer boy. And perhaps, he really was one. That sincere and heartwarming smile of him was rare in the elusive populace of the Kingdom capital.

" Ah, so tha' the one with big day, eh?" He clapped Josh on the back, a little too hard, perhaps, "Princess Marianne's asked me to guide tha'. And by Nayru I will! Anything for my princess."

"So, what tha' know, Josh? Know you 'bout the Officiator? Or the Supporter and Resistor? No worries. Help tha' I will."

Josh Dragelion