Journeys of Royalty - Act X I I

[Ryuu Atrineas]

Ryo carries his bride-to-be in his arms past the guards and enters the marketplace. The place is abuzz with the usual bartering, but with a wedding so close, people are starting to put up banners and construct a pathway set for the carriage for the two when the ceremony is over.

"Such a lively place... and to think the extra cuffuffle is over us," Ryo chuckles.

[Princess Zelda]

"It's such a nice atmosphere." Zelda purred with content as she viewed the goings on around them, "it warms me to see everyone wanting this to be perfect just as much as we do. Such a wonderful and encouraging thing to see!"

[Ryuu Atrineas]

"Speaking of sights, I see Talon's back in town, but no Malon this time," Ryo points out.

Indeed, Talon's Milk wagon is sitting in the Market, like he's waiting for someone.

"Maybe that's your ride?" he chuckles.

[Princess Zelda]

"That's one way to get around." Zelda winked, "as much as I adore being in your hold, darling, perhaps you should set me down now."

She frowned for a second, but her expression quickly brightened again,

"Besides, you have people to see, too." she reminded, lifting her forefinger into the air.

[Ryuu Atrineas]

"I wish I could continue to see you, but we'll meet again tonight, right?" Ryo asks. as he begins to set Zelda on her feet.

[Princess Zelda]

Zelda gave two nods of her head to confirm that. Almost instantly after she was set down however, she clung to his arm again, gently nuzzling it with her face,

"I'll miss you." she said sweetly before pulling back again.

[Ryuu Atrineas]

"I'll miss you too, sweetpea," he cooes just before kissing her lips and letting her go to Talon. He stands, wanting to see her ride off.

[Princess Zelda]

Seeking to confirm what Talon was waiting for, Zelda began to approach him. She walked slowly with her hands behind her back. Upon getting close enough, she spoke.

"Good day Talon!" she greeted with a light bow of her head, "forgive my ignorance, but... are you waiting for me, per chance?"

[Ryuu Atrineas]

"Well, howdy there, Princess! Malon's waitin' for you at the Ranch.It'd be rude to make you walk all that way, so I'm here to pick you up," Talon nods.

[Princess Zelda]

"So I had heard." Zelda said with a small grin, "would you mind terribly taking me there? I'd hate to keep her waiting any longer than necessary."

[Ryuu Atrineas]

"Just hop in, and I'll give you the grand ride over!"

The wagon has milk crates stacked in a chair-like fashion. Well, isn't this fancy, then?

[Princess Zelda]

Zelda glanced over at the wagon, letting out a charmed giggle upon spotting how the crates were arranged.

"Thank you." she chimed before hopping into the wagon herself. At present, she couldn't seem to keep the smile from her face.

[Ryuu Atrineas]

From that angle, she can see Ryo wave to her as Talon begins to leave for the Ranch.

Ryo watches the two leave soon going for the address in his note. Iris is standing at the doorway.

---

Inside, Mike hears the two men talking now.

"Okay, dudes, when he comes in, yell out the "Surprise!" call, okay?" he requests.

[Princess Zelda]

Zelda waved back to Ryo. After he was out of sight, she decided to loosen up a bit from her formal posture. She leaned back against the crates and allowed her little feet to hang lazily from the wagon. For now, she was just enjoying the ride.


---


"Got it." Link replied with a nod, giving the thumbs up in understanding.

[Ryuu Atrineas]

"You know, we up at the Ranch are all excited about you gettin' married, Zelda," Talon chuckles. "I think Malon could be a mite jealous."

---

Just like they thought, the door handle turns and Iris lets Ryo in.

"What in the...?" he blinks, seeing all the warrior decor.

"SURPRISE!!!" the guys all yell, including Iris, Mike, Leon, Link, Ingo, Kafei, a couple soldiers who Ryo got along with particularly well (named Frederick and Jerome), and even Kronos.

"Wha-what's all this about?" Ryo asks in laughter from the excitement.

[Princess Zelda]

"The event does seem to have kindled a spark in the hearts of many." Zelda purred with closed eyes and a joyous smile, "while it may be a wondrous ocassion, she needn't feel jealous over it. We both know she's more than capable of finding a husband of her own."

She winked at that,

"A woman of such high spirits couldn't possibly be over looked."


---


Link couldn't help but give a laugh,

"I'm sure you know just as well as we do what this is all about." he said with a wide grin as he leaned forward a little, his palm spread upon one of the tables, "C'mon, don't tell me we have to write it on your forehead."

[Ryuu Atrineas]

"Heh heh! You're right about that! I'm sure she'll meet the right man someday." Talon agrees. "I tell ya what, though, she's still as cheerful over it as ever! She says she's even got a song for your reception!"

---

"This is your Stag Party, dude!" Mike comes out with it. "This is your last day bein' single! Time for some last-minute guy stuff!"

Ryo looks at Mike a moment, looking very confused. But then a grin comes to his face, which soon spreads widely, him coming out with a laugh!

"You guys...!" He says. "I'm touched! I really hadn't any idea this was going on!"

"You're about to be king. I highly doubt anyone would forget such a person to give SOME kind of celebration to," Iris grins.

[Princess Zelda]

"That frame of mind is indeed admirable." Zelda giggled, more than happy to hear that.

She began to wave her legs back and forth in the back of the wagon, letting the breeze have its way with her skirt, "that's such a kind thought. I can't wait to hear it!"


---


"The secrecy was carried out well, then. Wouldn't have been any fun had you known about it." Link spoke up while tilting his head, a smile appearing on hisface once more, "King or not, some things just need to be sprung on you."

[Ryuu Atrineas]

"Ranch ho!" Talon announces.

The Ranch gates have some pink flowers on them, though. Curious... maybe it's decor for the wedding coming up?

---

"Time to party, dudes!" Mike announces. "Rock on!!"

With that Mike brings out his guitar and Leon's already had his drums set out apparently. The two begin to get the mood up further with their kind of music.

"Wow! You guys are so awesome," Ryo chuckles. "Well, what do we do first?"

"Let's hit things off with some food! I'll bet you're pretty hungry, eh?" Frederick asks Ryo.

"Yeah, I could do with some food," Ryo nods.

"So food and some games, I think," Jerome pipes up. "Let's start with the dart board."

Yeah, and be careful Lord Ryo!" Frederick cautions.

"What for?" Ryo blinks.

"Because if you throw to hard and miss, we might have to go next door to get the dart back!" Jerome answers, the two knights now laughing. Even Ryo joins in that.

[Princess Zelda]

Zelda turned herself slightly after hearing the ranch was drawing near. She blinked upon spotting the flowers,

"New decor?" she asked, leaning her head aside.


---


"I'm all for food." Link piped up. Though, as the dart board was mentioned he seemed to edge away from it a little, he gave a light chuckle shortly after, "Just... don't turn anyone into pin cushions with those things."

[Ryuu Atrineas]

"For a special occasion, aye!" Talon nods. When he gets to the gates, he stops the wagon. But surprisingly, he adds, "I wish I could stay and walk you through, M'Lady, but I'm afraid I've got somethin' to take care of elsewhere. Give Malon my regards, would ya please?"

---

"Maybe we should just stay behind the one throwing?" Kronos suggests.

"I know I ain't getting in front of him when he's holding ANYthing sharp!" Ingo chuckles.

"Why don't you start, Iris? As a Ninja, I'm sure you'll show us how it's done," Ryo offers with a smile.

"If it would please all?" Iris looks around, others seem to agree to it.

[Princess Zelda]

Zelda uttered a soft "Hm?". While her expression on the outside was one of understanding, inside she couldn't help but feel confusion. Nonetheless she hopped down from the wagon and bowed her head,

"Of course. I shan't keep her waiting" she said finally before rising again, "thank you very much for the ride!"

With that, she excused herself and began to walk to the ranch on her own. Her gaze lifted up to look at the welcoming blossoms as she made her way towards the farm.

Those are lovely! she hummed to herself, it's not like the ranch needed anything to make it more appealing, but those flowers do catch the eye.


---


Link turned to the nearest seat to him. He then sat down and put his chin on his knuckle.

"Sure. Let's see the professional at work." he insisted.

[Ryuu Atrineas]

Just then, she hears a familiar voice squee from the side. Malon comes running from the house to give Zelda a hug.

"Oh Zel! You're here! I'm so glad you didn't get caught up in castle business! Was the ride smooth for ya?" she asks, just seeming to be bristling with joy.

---

"Very well, let's see what can be done," Iris says. Some of the guys clap for him. "Oh, no no no, I'm not that good. No no," Iris laughs. He composes himself, once he's given a dart. But he also steps backwards even further away from it. He holds the dart between his two middle fingers, a very different hold than any of them might be used to. Then he suddenly flicks his wrist and the dart sails over! - Dead center! The guys all blink in surprise.