Chapter Text
…”I think he could be some help with where we’re headed.” Ambrose looked between them as he finished, clearly expecting more questions, though his expression suggested he wasn’t planning to give any answers. Years of this as apprentices, neither Link nor Saddiqah rose to the bait, to Ambrose’s obvious dismay.
No interest in drawing it out, Ambrose at least gave them a heading this time. He was right, it was on their way. They stopped briefly to don their heavier cloths before Link teleported them to the Library of the Horned Goddess outside Rito Cleft.
Rito Cleft was much more pleasant this time around. With Ambrose there to guide them rather than evade them in the city, Link had a moment to actually take in the sights. As his last glimpse of home for a while, it seemed fitting to pay more attention to it. The city was built taking advantage of the elevation, and the mobility of the majority of its residents. As they rode over one of the suspension bridges through the center of the city, Link could see buildings carved into the layers of the canyon beneath them. Many of the entryways had walkways for non-flying residents, but some only had a landing deck. It made him wonder what kind of network might be beneath their feet to connect the homes together.
Ambrose led them to a market district on the east side of the city, not far from the canyon edge. Dozens of stalls were set up on the exterior, and on the interior, wagons from traveling vendors had been pulled in to peddle their wares. There were more than a few bards out playing, along with a whole pavilion left for dancing. With the snow mostly cleared since their last visit, most locals seem eager to get out and enjoy their last few warmer days before the winter rolled in in force.
It was among this cheerful display that Ambrose headed for a particular wagon. Link could hear the seller clapping as he shouted from behind his booth. “Travelers! Adventurers! Come and hear a tale from your friend, Alward!”
The three Marksmen dismounted as they approached, though they didn’t get much further before the booth’s owner caught sight of them. Hopping up onto the counter, exuberant at their approach, was a bipedal otter, a little more upright in the way a Keaton was. He threw his arms back at the sight of Ambrose. “Ah! Ambrose, my old friend, what are doing here?”
Ambrose broke a smile at the greeting, reaching over an arm as Alward clasped both in his much shorter hands. Shaking it lightly, Alward asked, “To what do I owe this pleasure?” Alward spoke through his nose, an accent Link couldn’t quite place. All of it was with flair.
“I have two new Seniors with me, thought they were due an introduction,” Ambrose stated, motioning to Saddiqah and Link beside him.
Alward grinned at this, small fangs flashing as he elbowed Ambrose. “Ah, you’re bringing me more customers, I see. This is why I like you.” Turning his attention on Link and Saddiqah, he spread his arms out in greeting from the top of his booth, coming level with Link’s head. “A pleasure to meet you, Marksmen. I am Alward Travers, explorer extraordinaire, and adventurer’s almanac. I’ve been everywhere. If you’ve got somewhere to be, you come to Alward first. I’m a collector of rumors and tall tales alike. Whom do I have the pleasure of meeting today?”
Saddiqah extended a hand. “Saddiqah El Amin.”
“Ah, I know that accent. You have family on the Northern Reach, don’t you, my friend?” Alward asked as he took Saddiqah’s hand and shook it as warmly as he had Ambrose’s. Saddiqah seemed a little surprised, nodding slightly, though she didn’t respond. Alward hardly seemed to notice. “Beautiful country that way. Perfect sunset over the desert. Every time I’m in Rahaal, I try to head that way.”
“Have you been recently?” Saddiqah questioned.
“Afraid it’s been a while. Things have been…well, complicated in the desert,” Alward answered, apologetically. Catching Saddiqah’s slip in expression, he added, “From what I hear, nothing in the Reach itself. Only the way remains barred. The caravans up north have had to stop because of bandits, but it would be hard to get into those mountains. I can keep any ear out.”
Again, Saddiqah only nodded, not replying. Unable to slow down, Alward turned to Link. This time he caught Link puzzling something else. Alward grinned, before motioning to himself. “Ah, you’ve never seen a Folmir before?”
“Can’t say I have,” Link answered with some guilt.
“We will forgive it, my Hylian friend. Very few of my kin live in Hyrule, so you are excused.” Alward waved away any worry, smile unstoppable. “Which is a shame. What a beautiful country! So much mystery and wonder, history in every stone! I love it here. I make an effort to be back at least once a season. Can I put a name to you, friend?”
“Link Sayre,” he answered, offering his hand and receiving another of Alward’s serious handshakes. It was more force than Link would have expected. But he also didn’t know much about Folmir to have an expectation.
“Well, my friends, new and old alike, what brings you here today?” Alward asked, as he hopped back behind his booth.
“We’re going to be traveling in Farona for a span. Was curious if you could give us an introduction,” Ambrose said, setting an orange rupee on the table.
Alward pulled it back, eyes wide as he examined the stone before turning between them. “This is a hefty introduction. I can give you a lot, where to begin?”
“These two have never been. As much as you have.”
“I can do that!” Alward answered, sharing a grin with Ambrose for a moment before turning to Link and Saddiqah. “Ah, Farona! Farona, Farona, Farona. She is an ancient wonder, mother of forest, bounty of the alpine, home of the Maru Tree. They say the Maru Tree was planted at the Creation, and she’s lived ever since. The Deku Woods are beautiful, but you want to talk about old, you travel to Farona. Never a tree as ancient as the ones seeded from Maru.
“Farona begins a day’s ride from here and then on west until the Barren Lands begin. Bitter days coming in this time of year, but if you’re there until spring, you’ve never seen a spread of wildflower so gorgeous.” Alward paused for a moment, lost in thought on the visage before he returned to his story. “But you are the sort looking for trouble, are you not? Well, trouble’ll find you if you’re not careful. There are things in the woods as old as bones, moves like them too. You best be careful after dark, they say something stalks the meadowlands at night. Of course, so do the normal rouse of monsters. Bokoblins, lizalfos, wolfos, all the frost sort this time of year.”
“Anything more serious?” Ambrose asked.
“Talus, down from the mountain. And I hear they’ve had a problem with Lesha as well,” Alward answered, more grimly than before.
“What’s a Lesha?” Link asked.
Alward rose up as far as he could, spreading his hands behind his heads like antlers. “Big bear monsters, horns of a moose. As big as a Lynel, but twice the swinger. Don’t let the fewer arms mislead you on this one. Scary monsters, they only send parties after them.”
“Sounds like,” Saddiqah said, turning to Ambrose.
“If you two can take down a Lynel on your own, we can handle a Lesha. But with caution,” Ambrose replied. “New monster, new tricks.”
“Have you fought one before?” Link asked.
There was something sly on the old man’s face. “A few.”
“Where do you think I get my best stories?” Alward replied as he motioned to Ambrose. “He brings me the greatest tales to tell, for free no less! This man could retire a bard easily. And I’d be out of work in a hurry, so I’m glad he doesn’t. Keep him busy for me!”
“They do, don’t worry,” Ambrose said, shaking his head as Link and Saddiqah grinned.
“Good, keeps you young. You need it!” Alward cheered, looking away before he caught Ambrose’s glower turned on him. Alward turned back to the younger Marksmen. “Your friend has paid for a lot of information, anything else you like to know?”
“What can you tell us about the queen?” Link asked.
“Queen Sobena? I can tell you her time is nearly up,” Alward said, to which he caught alarmed reactions quickly. He put up his hands. “Ah, excuse me. You’re not familiar with how things work in Farona. The Crown of Maru is won. Every seven years, the doors to the Arborage can be opened. Whoever succeeds in turning all its seals is the ruler of the kingdom for next span until the gauntlet is run again. Very different from things here, no?”
“It’s a ruler by merit,” Saddiqah said, with some approval.
“Yes and no. Of course, anyone can enter. But once you know how the door works, there are certain advantages. Though few people have had complaint about Sobena’s rule,” Alward replied, shrugging. “Personally, I don’t see her running this year. I think she’d like to be a grandmother. But I’ve only ever seen her in passing and heard story, so, what do I know? Maybe you will have a chance to meet her. If you do, I want to know everything!”
“If we get the chance,” Link agreed, though he doubted it would be everything.
“Good, good. I like these ones, Ambrose. Keep them around, good to be around young folks every now and then,” Alward said, leaning over the booth to shake Ambrose a second. Ambrose didn’t respond to that. “Ah, and in case you forgot, you’ll need to go convert your wallet before you’re out of Hyrule. The border won’t take rupees for the crossing fee.”
“What?” Link asked.
“Oh, that’s right,” Saddiqah muttered. When Link looked up at her, she explained, “Rupees are only the currency in Hyrule.”
“Really? What do they use everywhere else?”
Alward took that question. “Most of the world uses halfgems, my friend. Rupees are not so common to find outside of Hyrule, people have had to make due.”
“Halfgems? Are they half…a gem?” Link queried.
“More like a third, but thirdgem was not so marketable, I guess,” Alward joked. “But yes, rupees are divided into halfgems, much easier to maintain currency that way. And they’re magic, so the bank can put them back together if it were ever any issue.”
“What do the conversion rates look like these days?” Ambrose asked.
“Eh, ten to one is the standard. You might find something better on the borders, but I wouldn’t try your luck,” Alward answered, tossing his head as he thought on the numbers.
“Ten to one…rupees to halfgems?” Link questioned. Alward held up two fingers and flipped them over. “Ah, I see.”
“Now don’t expect that to mean things are cheaper. Something you’d buy for five rupees will be fifty halfgems most places. Pretty standard rates, just more room for negotiation,” Alward explained. Something told Link Alward was a fan of negotiation. “In Farona though, I think you should expect things to be standard. Now along the coast, there you can find some hagglers. That’s fun business!”
“What about in Hyrule?” Saddiqah asked, even if her grin suggested she already knew the answer.
“Barter is not as common here, though it does happen, particularly around tradesfolks such as yourselves. But I’ve never met better tippers,” Alward replied fondly, before covering a side of his mouth with one hand and motioning with the other to Ambrose. “So, I am happy to make due with the options I’m given. Always good business in Hyrule.”
Moving back to the conversation they were paying for, Link asked, “Are there any sights you’d recommend? Besides the countryside.”
“Ah, where to beginning? The Maru Tree is what brings the most attention, and for good reason. The Arborage in her boughs is a sight worth seeing before one dies. Ah, to have the chance to view her again for the first time would be an honor,” Alward answered, falling back a little as he clutched his chest. Recovered quickly, he went on, “But the shrines to the Goddesses in Farona are beauties of their own as well. Nayru’s lies not far from here, at the headwaters of the Kapulo, one of the two rivers that form the border. A gorgeous altar, set in ice where Hebra meets Kapovy. More Kapovy, to be fair.
“At the far end, you have the Endless Ember, a marsh that is said to never stop burning. Din’s altar sits at the heart of it, supposing you can navigate that deeply, across the forests and through the peat swamp,” Alward went on. “And of course, Farona knows much love to the Goddess Farore Herself. Outside Droseni, not far from Pabatta, you’ll find Her shrine. The woods are so dense there, trees grow out of trees. A marvel of a maze!”
“That’s a good starting list,” Saddiqah stated.
“Shame we don’t know where we’re going, really,” Link replied with a twisting smile. True, they had a compass, but that only did them so much good with navigating the terrain and finding roads, much less finding settlements they didn’t have the names for.
“Ah, are you in need of a map? You are in luck. My associate is an expert cartographer! Come with me.” Alward beckoned them follow.
Alward led them around the booth’s table to an opening near the wagon behind. He knocked a few times before hopping up on a stool with his head near the edge of the paneling. “My friend, are you awake? I have customers for you.” He pressed his ear to the side before smiling. Turning back to the Marksmen, Alward said, “Ah, you’re going to love this guy. He’s a riot.”
When the paneling was pushed aside, Alward had to jump back quickly to evade the wall of confetti and balloons that pushed out of the opening. Alward didn’t seem to mind as he stopped beside the wagon to wait, clearly thrilled by the practical effects of the performance. Behind the sudden screen of shredded paper stood a short man, human of some kind that was impossible to tell beneath the skin-tight green robes he wore, a red sash fortunately breaking some of his figure up around his waist. Link also couldn’t tell if the conical rise under the hood of his robes was due to his hair or an actual cone. A compass hung from his neck, though it seemed to no longer be working. Beneath the heavy layer of stage makeup to brighten his nose and cheeks, the man had a distinctive mole beneath his left lip and a thin goatee.
Alward cheered enthusiastically from the side of the wagon. Not wanting to disappoint Alward’s enjoyment, Link clapped as well, Saddiqah joining mostly in show. Ambrose didn’t join either. Alward hopped back up into the side of the wagon, still clapping. “Tingle, my friend, your introductions get more spectacular every day!”
“Indeed. Indeed, indeed,” Tingle agreed, bowing confidently as Alward came to rest a hand on nearly Tingle’s shoulder.
“Marksmen, this is my traveling companion who needs no introduction, Tingle. Not only is he a showman extraordinaire, but he is also the best cartography this side of the Great Sea!” Alward introduced, motioning back to Tingle as the man bowed again to them. “I’ve never seen maps as details as his, you will be in good hands with his wares.”
“How did you two end up traveling together?” Saddiqah inquired, pointing between them. They certainly looked the odd pairing.
“Ah, what a story. My friend and I are on the hunt for the mythical home of the fairies,” Alward explained, again gesturing to Tingle, whose eyes lit up at the mention. “Our businesses are also well in line! I sell stories, he sells them the routes to get there. What a deal!”
Not hiding the doubt in his voice, Ambrose asked, “Where’d you learn cartography?”
“Oh, sir, why I learned at the Library of Hyrule itself, with the elusive Dreeka,” Tingle informed them, nodding intently. He then motioned to his robes. “These were gifted to me while I pursued the great mystery of the fairies.”
“Really?” Saddiqah replied, her tone more level than Link would have managed. Having met the Dreeka, Link had his own doubts as well. Though as Alward remained fascinated by the tale, none of them pressed to break the illusion.
“Yes, Ms. Gerudo! I spent years studying in the library before I began my search,” Tingle intoned, pressing a hand to his chest as Alward’s eyes began to sparkle with excitement.
“And how’s it been going?”
Both Tingle and Alward deflated at that. Tingle hung his head low, sighing. “Poorly.”
“Link here knows a few tricks about fairies,” Saddiqah volunteered, pointing at him as she did. Link flashed a nervous smile as she went on, “Maybe that could help.”
At that, Tingle jumped down from the wagon up to Link. Taking one of Link’s hands, he asked, “Truly? You know a secret of the fairies, do you? Do you? Do you?”
Leaning back a little, Link answered, “I know a song they like, that’s about it.”
“Ah, my friend, it’s more a lead than we have found in a long time,” Alward added as Tingle didn’t let go of Link’s hand.
“Maybe for a map?” Saddiqah suggested, which put a glint in Alward’s eye.
“She knows the art of haggle, I see. I would say yes, but that is not my business. What do you say, my friend? A song for a map of Farona?” Alward asked, turning to Tingle.
“I would take that trade, yes! Yes, yes!” Tingle agreed, nodding enthusiastically.
Saddiqah nudged Link again to which he sent her a small side glare before turning back to Tingle. “I don’t have it written down, it’s just a tune I can whistle.”
“That’s ok! Alward can transcribe!” Tingle replied, turning back to his travel companion. Alward had already collected a pen and paper from their wagon to do precisely that.
Nothing to lose from the deal, Link shrugged his shoulders before picking up the tune. As he whistled the same chime-like song he had in the temple, Alward quickly made notes on the notes. Seeing Alward debate over a few of them, Link went through the melody a few more times before Alward landed on a score he seemed happy with.
“This is wonderful! We’re going to have much better luck now, no?” Alward said as he curled up the paper, tapping it on Tingle’s shoulder. “Now pay the man!”
“Gladly!” Tingle answered, hurrying back into their wagon. He rustled around in the storage cabinets for a moment before returning with a blank piece of paper he showed Link as he followed to the edge. “Watch and I will show you the wisdom I learned in library.”
Stepping back from the edge of the wagon, Tingle wound himself up. He had impressive sleight of hand, that much Link could tell from the beginning of the performance. As Tingle started to move the paper back and forth between his hands, Link struggled a little to see how he was keeping it floating. When Tingle turned, he flung confetti from his sleeves, which covered yet more of the movement.
“Tingle, Tingle, Kooloo-lim—” Tingle managed a standing backflip, with more agility than Link would have given him credit for. “Pah! Become—An item!”
There was another shower of confetti. As it filtered to the ground, Tingle extended the now rolled piece of paper out. A much larger piece of paper, Link realized as he took it. Unfolding it revealed an incredibly detailed map, to his and his companions’ surprise based on their reactions over his shoulders. Saddiqah leaned over to point at the map and then back at Tingle as she struggled to figure it out herself how the change had happened. Not to mention that the map certainly beat expectation.
“I told you, he’s the best cartographer this side of the Great Sea,” Alward jibed, a grin on his face at their mutual confusion.
“That depends on whether or not we get lost,” Ambrose countered gruffly. Still, based on his expression, it seemed like the chart must have been at least partially accurate.
“Have I ever sold you bad directions before, Ambrose?” Alward asked, no real hurt in his voice. When Ambrose shook his head, Alward pressed the answer, “Then trust me! I would not send you astray. And after the gift you’ve given us, it’s the least we could do!”
Ambrose remained at least some part unconvinced, but he nodded, counting on whatever trust he had for Alward. Seeing the shift, Alward’s smile returned as he set a rapid set of punches to Ambrose’s arm. “See, this is why I like you!”
Link pulled the map up in front of him. He searched along the border until he could Rito Cleft on the other side, then looked for the next closest settlement. “It looks like we’re headed for Baraka then.”
“Best of luck on your travels then, Marksmen. And hey, if you’re in Pabatta, keep an eye out for Mlada Volin. Tell her I sent you, she’ll take care of you,” Alward said, smile bright as Link started to fold up the map and store it in his pack.
“We’ll do that,” Link answered as the group headed out…