Chapter II: Propositions and Proposals

 

Link woke up early. He hadn't gotten much sleep the night before but he didn't care. It had been nearly two months sense the defeat of Ganondorf and Zelda's birthday was today. Link had decided that this would be the day he would propose to her. Every day up to this point he had spent preparing and now all that was left to do was wait, something Link dispised greatly. He turned his gaze out the window of his treehouse, gazing to the rising sun and thinking about the day ahead.

 

"Well you're up early!" chirped the small blue fairy sitting on his bedpost. It was Navi, at least now he had someone to talk to to pass the time...

 

"Yeah..." Link said still half in a daydream. "Today's the day, Navi..." He trailed off.

 

"Zelda's birthday... Your gonna propose today huh?" The question was more of a statement. Link had spoken to Navi about this many times.

 

"Yup..." Link said.

 

"Well we should probibly get ready to go. I think Saria has breakfast ready for us."

 

Saria probibly wouldnt expect Link and Navi so early, they thought. However Saria always woke up early, a big difference to Link who loved to sleep in, and she always seemed to have everything ready no matter when they got there. She'd been like a sister to Link as he was growing up, Always standing up for him when Mido and his friends picked on him. Now Link didn't have to worry about that, as he and Mido had made amends sense Ganondorf's defeat.

 

"Yeah. your probibly right... The sooner we can get going to Hyrule Castle the sooner I can finally propose to Zel."

 

Link dressed in a royal blue tunic with black pants, and a matching blue cape. The tunic and cape were trimmed with a gold thread. Link bought these a few weeks prior with this day in mind. He wanted to look his best for the woman he loved.

 

"All hail the great Prince Link!" Navi joked sitting on Link's shoulder

 

Link glared at her and playfully batted her away. Picking up a small box on his table he and Navi headed for Saria's house.

 

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Saria was, of course up bright and early cleaning her house and cooking breakfast. She was so busy she didn't see Link and Navi come in.

 

"Good morning Saria!" Link said.

 

Saria jerked up knocking into a Kokiri vase on the table she was cleaning.

 

"Whoa!" she yelled catching it. She really loved that vase. Link couldn't understand why.

 

"Um... Is now not a good time?" Link joked trying to hide a fit of laughter, but failing miserably.

 

Saria glared at him. "No, no... I just didn't expect you two to be up so early."

 

"I didn't sleep much last night... Thinking about today and everything."

 

"Today's the day huh?" Saria said matter of factly.

 

"Yeah."

 

"Well breakfast should be ready in a few minutes, why don't you sit down?" Saria suggested.

 

"Alright." Link said taking a seat and pulling the small box from his pocket. "Hey, Saria?"

 

"Huh?" Saria said not looking up from her work.

 

"Take a look at this!" Link said proudly displaying the box.

 

"What is it?" Saria asked confused.

 

Link opened the box revealing a small white gold wedding ring. Along the sides were six small gems in the unmistakable colors of the sage medalions. There were 3 on each side dominated by a large diamond set in the center of the 2 groups. Saria was awestruck by the beauty of it.

 

"It's beautiful Link!" Saria exclaimed eyeing the peice of jewlery wide eyed.

 

"You think Zel will like it?" Link asked smiling

 

"I know she will Link..." Saria said doubting even the Princess of Hyrule will have seen a more beautiful peice of Jewlery.

 

Link smiled at this, he'd always sought out Saria's advice on personal things like this.

 

"I can't wait to see the look on her face..." Link said

 

"How much did you pay for that thing?!" squeeked the little green fairy that floated near Saria's shoulder

 

Saria shot her angry look. "Saniba, you know it's rude to ask something like that..."

 

Saniba opened her mouth to speak agian but decided agianst it. She didn't want to make Saria mad.

 

Saria walked over to the stove and began serving the plates. She'd made the typical breakfast of berries and nuts she'd gathered from around the the forest, as well as some eggs she'd picked up at the market the day before. Moments later she sat the places and they began to eat.

 

When breakfast was finished Link helped Saria clean up. Afterwords Saria went with Link to the forest entrance to see him off.

 

"Have fun Link!" Saria said hugging him.

 

"I will... keep the rest of the Kokiri in line while I'm gone." Link joked

 

Saria punched him in the shoulder playfully.

 

"I'll be back in a couple of days to let you guys know when the wedding is... Knowing Zel, she'll probibly want to have it as soon as possible." Link said smiling slyly. Link knew she'd accept, he'd just yet to officially propose to her.

 

With that he took out his Ocarina, and played Epona's song. In minutes his red haired, white maned steed Epona came running to him. She stopped in front of him, nuzzling her nose to his chest. Link stroked her mane and fed her a carrot he'd been saving.

 

"Ready to go girl? Link asked her. Epona snorted in approval.

 

And so the two road off in the direction of Hyrule Castle.

 

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The sun was beating down on the cliff over looking Hyrule Feild, just outside the Gerudo Valley. There, a man stood deep in thought thinking of his past.

 

"Hmph..." The strange man said. He was tall. standing a little over six feet. He wore a smoke grey tunic with black leather gauntlets. His hair was jet black and his face only slightly lighter in color. no part of his being didn't seem valed in shadow. His eyes were red, seeming to float in the black abyss behind them. One thought burned in his mind... Revenge. Yes... Revenge on the one who humiliated him nearly two months ago.

 

"Enjoy your pathetic time of peace Hyrule... Soon you'll much more to worry about than you ever did from that fool of an evil king."

 

He turned the thought of his revenge over in his head a few times seeing all the possiblilities he could carry it out. The thoughts brought a wicked smile to his face.

 

"You look so much like him..." Said a voice.

 

The shadow, for what else could he be, snapped out of his musings to scan his surrounds, however there was no one in site, yet he was sure he heard a voice.

 

"Who are you?!" The shadow questioned "Show yourself!"

 

"I see now why they call you Dark Link." The Mysterious voice said. "You are the spitting image of him..."

 

"I said, show yourself!" Dark Link commanded

 

"Well, well... A bit demanding are we? Very well..."

 

A cloud of dark energy began to come condense and take shape in front of Dark Link. soon it became the form of man. the shadow-like form faded into reality. It was a man, wearing a blood red robe, his face shrouded in a facemask, and headguard of the same color. His yellow eyes, and the pale skin surrounding them were all that could be seen of his face. He bowed in a formal manner before Dark Link.

 

"Greetings Shadow." The strange man said.

 

"I don't care for formalities, who are you, and what do you want?" Dark Link asked irritated.

 

"Straight to the point I see. Nothing like your brother it seems."

 

"He is not my brother!" Dark Link roared.

 

"Are you not of the same essence as he?" The man asked.

 

"We are the same in appearance and nothing more! I have nothing but hatred for that sad excuse for a hero..."

 

"My apologies..."

 

"You've yet to answer my question. Who are you, and what do you want?" Dark Link restated the question slowly.

 

"Very well, allow me to introduce myself. I am Agahnim, The Wizard of Darkness." Agahnim stated formally "As for my purpose, I come to offer you deal."

 

"I'm not intrested..." Dark Link said without hesitation.

 

"Now surely you can't have made a decision without even listening to what I have to say. What have you to loose from simply listening to my proposition?" Agahnim questioned.

 

"Fine..." Dark Link conceded. "Say what you will."

 

"As I said. I offer you a deal." Agahnim began agian. "You aid me in retrieving an item I require, and I shall give you the power you need to defeat the Hero of Time."

 

"What make's you think I need your help to defeat Link?"

 

"Come now Dark Link..." Agahnim said "You and I both know that after your defeat at his hands you have become weak. much of your power is gone. He on the other hand, has only become stronger sense your encounter. I can give you the power you lost, plus much more if you aid me. What do you say, my friend?"

 

"First of all, I'm not your friend. Secondly I don't need your help Wizard. I'll find the power to defeat Link myself." Dark Link said dismissing Aghanim once agian.

 

"Alright then..." Agahnim said regretfully.

 

Waves of dark energy began to form at the wizards hands, rising like smoke as he concentrated his magic. He flashed an evil smirk as he began to unleash his power. suddenly the body of Dark Link vanished from his sight, reappearing only a split second later in front of the wizard pointing his sword to the dark mage's throat.

 

"I would advise... That you reconsider that course of action." Dark Link said with an eerie calmness in his voice.

 

"Well now..." Agahnim said, without a hint of fear or hesitation in his voice. "It appears you still possess some skill after all."

 

"I'm glad you noticed. Because weakened as I may be, I still have the power to kill you were you stand!" Dark Link's eyes were glowing with rage.

 

Agahnim's body faded into the dark mist once agian. Dark Link lowered his sword to his side and gazed at were the wizard once stood

 

"Fun as it has been, I have matters of my own to attend to" Came the voice of Agahnim. "Know this Shadow, next we meet I wont be so nice."

 

'I would want nothing more...' Dark Link thought to himself as he returned his gaze to the peaceful field.

 

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After about an hour Link arrived at the drawbridge to the castle. After giving a quick salute to the guard at the gate, he opened the gate to allow Link into the main gardens of the castle. Link lead Epona into his private stable block in the royal stables of the castle. After feeding her another carrot Link exited the stable and approached the castle. Before he got to the bridge he saw something which gave him an idea.

 

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Zelda sighed loudly looking out over the grand outer gardens of the castle from the balcony outside the great hall. She knew she should happy, most of the guests had arrived and the celebration would start very soon. However her mind was elsewhere, the party was starting soon and Link had yet to arrive. She knew he would never be late, but she could never stop missing him when they were apart. Zelda closed her eyes and thought of Link. 'How will he look...' She wondered to herself.

 

"Looking for me?" Yelled a familiar voice on the ground below her.

 

Snapping out of her day dreaming Zelda looked down and saw Link waving to her from below.

 

"Link..." Zelda sighed in relief "You made it."

 

"I'd never miss this for anything..." Link said taking out his hookshot.

 

*TING* the hookshot point embedded it self in the wall near the balcony. Link retracted the spring and launched himself up. hanging from the nearby wall Link swung over the bars of the balcony detatched the hookshot from the wall and landed beside Zelda.

 

"Show off..." Zelda said giggling.

 

"You know it!" Said Link giving her a soft kiss.

 

Zelda and Link stared at each other for a moment. Zelda noticed Link in an outfit she'd never seen before. The blue and gold suit he'd bought weeks ago. Zelda was wearing a light blue dress, simple yet elegant, with a large Triforce symbol along the stomach line, the fabric was thin, but not revealing. She wore a silver tiara with a large flawless sapphire set in the center, and matching earrings. Link was speechless for a while after looking at her, Link didn't know how to describe the shear level of perfection he saw in her.

 

"You... You look beautiful." Link finally choked out.

 

Zelda was equally speechless, "Umm... You look very hansome." She said.

 

"So uh... The party is starting soon... right?" Link said wiping some sweat from his brow.

 

"Y-yeah." Zelda said

 

Just then the bell from the Temple of Time sounded. Noon. The party began straight away as castle servants brought numerous dishes. piled high with foods both common and exotic, many of which Link could only guess the names of. As soon as the food was all in place, the party goers took their places. The castle staff sat at a table of their own. Nobles from Calatia, to Holodrum sat at the large group tables, while Link, Zelda, Impa, and King Daphnes sat at a private table for themselves. Link finally realized how hungry he was as the scent of the food filled his nostrels, and he began to devour the meal before him. the king and Impa watched in shock as Link emptied plate after plate of food, while Zelda merely giggled.

 

Link looked up and suddenly noticed all the eyes of the party goers watching him.

 

"Uhh... sorry." Link said his face turning a little red.

 

"He doesn't get food like this very often." Zelda covered for him.

 

"Thanks, Zel" Link muttered to her. Zelda winked.

 

After the feast was finished, the socialization began. Everyone wanted to know who the young man was who appeared to be personal friends with the royal family.

 

"May I ask your name young sir?" asked a red haired Calatian noble woman.

 

Link still wasn't used to crowds, even though he'd been famous for a few months because of his exploits to bring down Ganon.

 

"Umm... Link." He said hesitantly.

 

"Where are you from, huh?" Asked a snobbish noble boy.

 

"Kokiri Forest..." Link said, glaring at the rude child.

 

"Really? I've never heard that place before..." Another woman said.

 

"A forest?! Seriously?" Piped up a little girl.

 

"Uhh... yeah. Link said

 

"So, how do you know Princess Zelda?" An Auburn haired man said.

 

Uh oh. Link didn't know how to respond to that one... how would they take it?

 

"I-" Link began

 

"Ok, ok, stop smothering the kid!" called a voice from behind the crowds.

 

Seconds later a young man, a few years older than Link pushed his way through the crowd. He had brown hair, and wore a grey suit, with a gold amulet, in the shape of a seven pointed star, The Star of Hyrule. Symbolizing him as a Knight of the Order of Hyrule.

 

"Phew... thanks Cyrus." Link said releived. "I owe you one."

 

Cyrus was the general of the Knights of the Order. Though at twenty two he was quite young, he had proven himself many times during the final years of Ganondorf's reign. He and five others under his command defended Kakariko village many times agianst Ganondorf's forces during the time Link was sealed in the sacred realm. He had met Link shortly after he banished Bongo Bongo, the Shadow Demon and cleansed the Shadow Temple. The two became fast friends sense that day and it was he who suggested to King Daphnes that Link be knighted.

 

"Don't mention it. Save that for next time I save your ass on the battlefield." Cyrus joked giving Link a playful jab to the shoulder.

 

Link glared at him. "So how've things been with the Order?"

 

"Well we got some promising new recruits. Think you could come by and help train 'em now and then?" Cyrus asked

 

"Yeah... You'll see quite a bit more of me before long." Link said glancing toward Zelda who was talking with Impa across the room.

 

Cyrus chuckled. "You are the luckiest guy in Hyrule you know that?" Cyrus said grinning

 

"Yup!" link said proudly.

 

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"Oh no, oh no, oh no!" panted a tall red haired girl wearing a plain white dress.

 

She ran through the castle at incredible speed clutching a box. "I can't believe I'm late!"

 

The girl busted into the main hall were the party was taking place. "Sorry I'm la- Whoa!!!"

 

The girl tripped and began to fall over. Cyrus lept through the crowds and caught her before she fell to the floor. Link slapped his hand to his forehead.

 

"Malon..." He groaned.

 

Malon had helped Link quite a bit on his quest to stop Ganondorf. She had raised Epona sense she was a foal and had proudly given her to Link after he'd saved them both from a corrupted Ingo. Zelda had been friends with Malon for a while. They often talked seven years ago when she came with her father, Talon to deliver milk to the castle. It was only shortly after Ganondorf's fall that she and Link had discovered that they were actually long lost cousins. The two always had a bond that went beyond friendship, but Link always knew it wasn't the same as the one he shared with Zelda. The discovery was quite the revelation for both them and her father.

 

"Heehee... Sorry." Malon said, her face going nearly as read as her hair.

 

"Are you alright, Milady?" Asked Cyrus lifting her to her feet.

 

"Yeah... Fine." Malon said.

 

"Clumsy as ever, eh Red?" Link joked walking over.

 

Malon shot him glare that could melt ice. "Shut up Fairy Boy." she said dusting herself off.

 

"At least you know how to make an entrance." Link said continuing the joke.

 

Malon sighed. Link decided not to push it further. Instead he walked over to join King Daphnes at his table.

 

Malon looked up at the man who had saved her from an even more embassing situation than she was in. as their eyes met her face went scarlet once agian, and her eyes widened to the size of a Goron's.

 

"Umm... Thank you." She said with a quiver in her voice.

 

Cyrus himself was struck by this young woman who stood before him. Link had told him much about Malon but he'd never told him that his cousin was so exceedingly beautiful. He stood silent, unblinking for nearly a full minute.

 

"It- It was nothing..." Cyrus barely choked out.

 

They stood there for a moment in silencem ignoring the stares from the muttering nobles around them. Cyrus then lead Malon to a chair.

 

"Please..." He sputtered "Please, sit down. you nearly had quite a fall."

 

"Alright..." Malon practically whispered as she sat.

 

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"Really... I see." King Daphnes said.

 

"Yeah... I figured-" Link began. "Hey look at that..." Link said noticing Cyrus and Malon

 

"Well well..." said the King grinning

 

"Cyrus and Malon... I never thought..." Link mused "Though I guess I can see the connection. Cyrus is my best friend, and Malon is my cousin. I suppose it makes sense"

 

"There could be no more perfect pair!" Daphnes said Poetically, then shifting his expression to a sly grin. "Except you and my daughter..."

 

Link laughed, as did Daphnes.

 

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As the socialisation wound down It was finally time for the gifts. The western wall of the hall was piled with packages of all sizes. Zelda looked upon the multitude of gifts lining the wall and shook her head sighing. She knew what most of them contained already, every year it was the same, well with the exception of the seven years before. Every year she got piles of Jewlery and elegant clothes and the like, which she had plenty of, most of which she'd never even used.

 

Looking in the far northwest corner she saw a rather large, and unadorned crate, The gift Malon had with her at the time of her rather embarrassing show. Zelda decided she would open this one first. What she saw inside resulted in wide grin as she drew out the most beautiful saddle and reigns she had ever seen. It was made of a strong, yet soft leather, painted a pure white with a large Triforce adorning each side.

 

"I worked on that for months just for today!" Malon chirped. "I hope Starblaze likes it."

 

"You MADE this Malon?!" Zelda yelled in disbelief.

 

"Yup!" Malon said proudly.

 

"This is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen! Thank you!" Zelda screamed. Malon lowered her head modestly her cheeks reddening from Zelda's compliment.

 

The rest of the gifts were just as Zelda expected. Mountains of jewlery and clothing piled up on a table near the gifts that had yet to be opened. No one but Link and Malon ever gave her anything she truely cared about. They were the ones who knew her best, all the other nobles just thought she was some typical princess who only wanted those things that they, themselves did.

 

Link walked over to Cyrus who had not taken his eyes off of Malon for more than a second sense their meeting.

 

"Guess I'm not the only Lucky man in Hyrule, eh?" He said punching Cyrus in the shoulder lightly.

 

Cyrus snapped out of his trance "Uh... You mean you don't even mind?" Cyrus asked. The reaction to Link's sarcastic question was obviously not what he expected.

 

"What? Hell no." Link said a little confused "Why in Farore's name would I mind?"

 

"Well it's just that..." Cyrus began. "She's your cousin... Normally when a guy's close family get's in a relationship they get a little defensive."

 

Link snickered lightly at this. "Yeah so? She's my cousin, and you're my best friend... There's no one I'd be more comfortable to see her with." He said putting a hand on Cyrus' shoulder.

 

"Thanks Link." Cyrus said giving Link a nervous smile.

 

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The gifts were all opened and in their place was a large assortment of various things that made Zelda wish the gift bearers would have just not given her anything. Still... something seemed to be missing.

 

"Hey Zel. I think you forgot one." Link said.

 

"What? No I didn't" Said Zelda confused.

 

"Oh, I think you did..." Link teased taking Zelda's hand in his and leading her to the front of the room, and onto a raised dais.

 

"Everyone! may I have your attention?" Link called. The people in room fell silent directing their attention toward Link.

 

"Thank you." He continued. "I want to thank you all for being here. You're all probibly wondering why I'm up hear saying this right?" The onlookers nodded. "Well I've never been one for speeches, so I guess it would be best to just show you what I mean." The onlookers showed confused looks, while King Daphnes gave a knowing smile.

 

Link turned to Zelda and took her hand in his and knelt down on one knee. He placed his left hand to his chest, then raised two fingers to his forehead, lowering his eyes as was Hyrulean tradition. Raising his head once more he removed the dark velvet box from the pocket of his tunic. Opening it, Link removed the ring and slowly slipped it on Zelda's finger. Zelda felt her heart race knowing what Link was going to do next.

 

Still in a kneeling position Link raised his eyes to meet hers. Taking her hand which now wore the ring in both of his he said what he had been waiting to say for the whole day.

 

"Princess Zelda of Hyrule. Will you marry me?" Link asked in calm tone, ignoring the pounding of his heart.

 

Zelda was speechless for what seemed like eternity. When she finally composed herself, she made her response.

 

"Of course Link..." She said barely loud enough for all to hear. "Nothing would make me happier than to be with you."

 

Link rose to his feet staring into Zelda sapphire eyes. He couldnt think of any words to say to her to express how happy he was, so he just let his actions speak for him. Link took her face in his hands brushing his finger down her cheek. He then slid his arms around her waist and pulled her to him, kissing her deeply.

 

Zelda was in heaven. Feeling Link's lips on hers made every part of her melt as she placed her hand on his cheek causing him to quiver at her touch. She closed her eyes sliding her other arm around his neck, pulling him closer and deepening the kiss. They remained that way for what seemed like forever, neither of them wanting it to end. When they finally broke off the kiss they stood there in each other's arms staring into the blue eyes of the one they loved.

 

Link then pulled Zelda into a loving embrace, running his fingers through her golden hair as she held him close. They finally seperated, though still holding each other's hands in their own as if that were they to let go their destined love would vanish.

 

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The nobles looked on in shock and awe watching the two lovers stand on that small platform staring into each other's very soul. The King grinned from ear to ear, "So, the boy actually did it. Somehow I knew he could." Daphnes thought to himself.

 

Malon looked at young couple with a wide smile. She suddenly jumped in surprise. Looking down, she saw a hand clasped in hers. Following the arm to the source she saw the face of Cyrus looking at her with his brown eyes and smiling. She gripped his hand and smiled back, then both turned their gazes to the young couple once agian.

 

A roar of applause sounded from the crowd as Link and Zelda turned their gazes from each other, and into the onlooking crowd. Shouts of congratulations echoed throughout the castle. The nobles gathered around the smiling couple offering congratulations from all, advice from the older, married people, and playfully jealous glares lo Link from the men of the group, resulting in jabs to the ribs from the wives of the married ones.

 

Link looked back and Zelda and grinned. "Looks like we better plan another party..." He joked.

 

Zelda smiled sweetly at the man she loved "Yes, my love." She said softly.

 

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