Life in Zora's Domain - Part Two

Chapter 47 - Mushroom Memory

Summary: In the Calamity Timeline that Link left behind, a Hyrule Guard makes a startling realization. Zelda and her daughter Astra have a brief conversation.

The golden afternoon sun cast its warm rays upon Hyrule's Castle Town, bathing the street in a rich, amber glow. Hyrule army soldier Fallon and his partner, Torin, strolled through the bustling marketplace, their eyes scanning the multitude of chattering shoppers and animated tourists, vigilantly on the lookout for the occasional sly pickpocket or cunning thief. The two guards were assigned the 4 pm to midnight shift and had just embarked on their duty. The sea of people ebbed and flowed around them, and the market was so packed in places that they had to excuse themselves to navigate through the lively crowd.

"Castle Town is certainly flourishing, isn't it?" remarked Fallon, his voice filled with admiration.

"Yes, business is booming," acknowledged Torin, agreeing. "I'm sure it's because people feel safer traveling here now, knowing that the once treacherous roads are now significantly less dangerous."

"That makes sense," Fallon concurred. "I do see more families with wide-eyed children here now, a stark contrast to the past when children's laughter was seldom heard."

As they strode past a quaint shop specializing in Rito-crafted clothing, they noticed several eager customers perusing the wares. They overheard a conversation between two parents on a quest for a snug coat for their son before embarking on a thrilling snowboarding adventure to the frigid Hebra Region. Rito-made clothing held the esteemed reputation of being the finest in Hyrule for fending off the biting cold.

The Starlight Memories Castle Town jewelry store, a glimmering gem in its own right, was next along their patrol route. Operated by the skilled Gerudo, this branch carried exquisite items crafted at the original Starlight Memories shop in Gerudo Town. The store's exterior mirrored the one in Gerudo Town, with a gilded sign above the entrance displaying the name accompanied by an emblem representing a precious gemstone. Both Fallon and Torin were particularly vigilant around the jewelry store, as its shimmering treasures made it a tempting target for thieves. However, only the most audacious or desperate criminals would dare to challenge the Gerudo, who were notorious for exacting swift and severe justice upon any thief they apprehended.

"I'm glad we're patrolling in pairs again," Torin murmured. "When we had to work in trios, it meant more shifts and less downtime. It strained my relationship with my girlfriend, who grew exasperated at how little time I had for her."

"The jewelry store is right here," suggested Fallon. "Why don't you buy your girlfriend something dazzling from there as a token of your love and to make amends?"

"I would like to surprise her with a stunning gift," Torin agreed, nodding thoughtfully. "But even after haggling, the Gerudo here still demand a pretty rupee. I've heard you can strike a much better deal in Gerudo Town if you supply them with your own gemstone and let them work their magic. However, I'd need a Vai, as they call them, to venture into town and make the purchase for me, and it would have to be someone I can trust. I'm still working on it."

"Well, good luck. Fortunately, or unfortunately, I don't have a girlfriend to lament my absence," Fallon mused. "But yes, patrolling in pairs is more efficient. Now that the Yiga Clan is no longer a menacing threat by impersonating others, there's no need to patrol in threes anymore."

"I think you should find a sweetheart, Fallon. Venture out and mingle more," encouraged Torin. "You spend all your waking hours honing your skills as a soldier."

"I'm only eighteen. And I've been so engrossed in my career advancement that I haven't had the time to invest in a serious relationship," admitted Fallon.