The Hero and the Scholar Link/Shad

Link just warped to Castle Town with Midna from the Sacred Grove after getting the Master Sword. He transformed himself back to his human form and started to make his way into Castle Town until Hyrule's mail guy came trotting.

Link opened the letter:

Link, there are some folks I want you to meet, so come to my bar right away. These guys will be powerful allies for you.
You heard me! I'll be waiting at my Castle Town bar.

Link put the letter back in his pouch and called for Midna. "What is it, Link?" Link smiled, "Midna, I could use some rest. I need to get a room and recover for a day or two until we can go on." Midna started at Link and rolled her eyes, "Fine, but don't get too entertained, here!" Link chuckled and shook his head, "You're unique, Midna."

Castle Town was filled with people of all ages, everybody going on their lives with their stores, shopping, families. Once in Town Square, Link looked around and saw an information kiosk and asked the lady. "Is there an inn? I'd like to pay for a room for a couple of nights." "Yes, indeed there is! Hyrule Inn! Fine place if you ask me. Friendly staff, whatever you need, you will get! Just go to the south east of Castle Town and you'll find it there." "Thank you, miss" replied Link politely.

As Link made his way to Hyrule Inn, a young woman who was selling flowers called his attention. "Would you like to buy a flower for your sweetheart? I bet she would be thrilled to get one from such a handsome young man like yourself." Link felt himself and chuckled, "oh, no, thank you. I do not have a sweetheart." "Oh? Such a sweet and handsome lad like you is not taken? Do buy a flower to find your sweetheart!" Link sighed If I buy a flower from this girl, maybe she will stop insisting. "Alright, I'll buy a flower from you." The girl squealed "Thank you! You will make someone happy with this flower!" Link smirked, "Sure thing. Thank you."

He attached the flower on his tunic. Without paying attention, he turned around to make his way to the inn when he bumped into someone that made him and the person tumble to the ground. Link was first to react. "I'm so sorry, I wasn't paying attention..." the other person immediately replied, "Forgive me, for I was the one not looking where I was walking." Link saw a small dagger next to him and took it. He looked at it for a few seconds and then at the dagger's owner. "I guess we were both not watching our step," Link said as he handed the dagger to its owner.

Both men stood up and shook themselves. "Thank you," the young man smiled, Link returned the smile. He stared at Link who said nothing. "Well, I will be on my way," the young man said as he turned round and left in a hurry. Link just stood there and saw him walk away. I was rude to this guy, way to go, Link. Link sighed, turned around and made his way to the inn.

"Welcome to Hyrule Inn, young man. What can I do for you?" asked the inn's front desk clerk. "Yes, I'd like to get a room for two nights." "Of course, young man. I will be 100 Rupees a night, so that makes 200 Rupees in total." "Alright," Link said as he handed the Rupees to the clerk. "Very well, here is your key, young man. Third floor, room twenty four to your right. I hope you enjoy your stay at Hyrule Inn." Link nodded and smile, "I will, thank you, sir."

Link opened the door to his room and looked around. There was a single bed with a night stand. A dresser, next to it was a small table with towels and a bowl and a mirror, he placed his small flower there. He walked to the window and saw the sidewalk and across was a small park with trees. Very nice. Midna came out. "Not bad for 200 Rupees." "I guess not. Oh well, I should go to Telma's bar to get something to eat. Might as well meet these 'powerful allies'."

Link walked out of the inn and made his way to the bar. Once inside, Telma greeted him. "Link, honey! You read my letter Thank you for coming! How's Ilia doing?" "Memory is still lost but Renado is doing some research." Telma nodded. "I see... oh, but where are my manners? Would you like me to fix you something to eat, honey? It's on the house, you're a special guest here tonight!" Link blushed and looked down, "thank you." Telma waved at him. "Not a problem. Listen, Link. To your right, there are three people sitting over there, oh I see Shad is missing. Those are the powerful allies that I mentioned in my letter. Go ahead, go see them."

Link walked to the small group and greeted Ashei and Rusl, who was relieved that the children were safe in Kakariko Village. "Ausul is on a quest researching the Gerudo Desert and Shad should be here anyt..." "Forgive me for being so late, my friends!" Shad came to stand next to Link, he turned around and saw the young blonde. "It's you... oh, I do apologize for earlier." Rusl looked confused, "You two met?" Link rubbed the back of his head. "We bumped into each other earlier," he turned to Shad, "I apologize for being rude to you," Shad frowned, "Oh heavens, no, you were not rude at all."

"This is Link, Shad," Telma said from the counter. Shad gasped and took Link's hand and shook it. "Wonderful to meet you. Telma told me all you've been up to. You're rather formidable! I'm rather NOT, I'm afraid. Well, I'm formidable at book reading, but I lack, shall we say, physical skills. That said, if the history and legends of Hyrule are your cup of tea, I'm your fellow! If you're curious, just ask away."

Link smiled and chuckled, "Nice to meet you too, Shad. Do not underestimate yourself like that. I'm sure you're wonderful with reading skills, that's a good thing," he said as he placed a hand on Shad right shoulder. Shad gasped. "Why, you are too kind," Shad said nervously.

"Your meal is ready, Link," Telma called from behind. "Shad, I have for you too. Why don't you boys come sit over here and eat?" Telma placed both plates on a table. Link and Shad sat from across each other. "Thank you, Telma. She is a magnificent cook, Link, you shall see!" Shad said proudly. "Oh, you're too modest, sweet Shad," she said as she lightly punched his shoulder. Both Link and Shad laughed. "Enjoy your meal, lads."

Shad and Link looked at each other and smiled. "Let's dig in," Link said. "Yes, please, let's," Shad said and they began to eat in comfortable silence.