**Chapter 2: The Protocols of Eldrid**

As the princesses and Link stood in the grand hall, two of Azura's guards, Ryker and Kaida, approached them. Ryker, a tall and imposing figure with a stern expression, bowed low. "Your Highnesses, may I have a word with Princess Zelda?" Azura nodded, and Ryker turned to Zelda. "We've brought some... items to ensure the royal blood you're carrying is secure. Would you like us to assist you, Your Highness?" Zelda's brow furrowed in confusion. "Royal blood? I don't understand what you're talking about." Kaida, a petite woman with a kind face, stepped forward. "We've brought these items," she said, producing a small chest from behind her back. "This contains a Bloodstone, a crystal used to detect and contain any... unauthorized bloodlines." Zelda's eyes widened as Kaida opened the chest, revealing four objects: a small vial of clear liquid, a silver needle, a piece of black cloth, and a tiny, ornate box. Kaida explained, "The vial is a Blood Purifier, used to cleanse any impurities from the royal blood. The silver needle is for sampling, to ensure the blood is genuine. The black cloth is a Blood Absorber, to prevent any... accidents. And the box contains a Blood Seal, a magical lock that will prevent the royal blood from being accessed by anyone unauthorized." Zelda's face darkened, and she took a step back, her eyes flashing with anger. "You can't be serious. You think I'd bring... something like that with me?" Ryker's expression remained neutral. "We've been instructed to take precautions, Your Highness. If you'll permit us, we'll need to secure the royal blood." Despite her obvious discomfort, Zelda nodded curtly. The guards began the process, carefully following the five steps required to secure the royal blood. First, Ryker used the silver needle to take a small sample of Zelda's blood, which he then mixed with the Blood Purifier in the vial. The liquid glowed faintly, indicating the presence of royal blood. Second, Kaida wrapped the black cloth around Zelda's wrist, securing it with a small pin. The cloth absorbed any excess blood, preventing accidents. Third, Ryker opened the tiny box, revealing a glowing crystal that pulsed with a soft, blue light. He placed the crystal on Zelda's palm, and it sealed itself to her skin. Fourth, Kaida used the Bloodstone to scan Zelda's bloodline, verifying its authenticity and detecting any potential impurities. Finally, Ryker activated the Blood Seal, a magical lock that would prevent anyone unauthorized from accessing Zelda's royal blood. As the guards finished their task, they bowed to Zelda and departed, leaving the princesses and Link alone. Azura turned to Zelda, a hint of curiosity in her voice. "You didn't know about our protocols, did you, Zelda? When someone performs a great deed, and their name starts with the letter L, they're often chosen by the gods." Zelda's expression turned pale, and she took a step back, her eyes wide with shock. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Azura's eyes seemed to gleam with a mixture of fascination and trepidation. "In Eldrid, we believe that people with the... potential to be chosen by the gods must be handled carefully. They're given a special... gift, one that allows them to fulfill their destiny. But it comes with a price, one that few are willing to pay." For a moment, nobody had ever seen Zelda so upset. Her face was ashen, and her eyes seemed to hold a deep, unspoken fear. "You can't mean... Link?" she whispered, her voice trembling. Azura's expression turned somber, and she nodded. "I'm afraid I do, Zelda. Link's name starts with the letter L, and he's performed a great deed. He's... eligible to be chosen by the gods."