Author's Note- All the songs and stuff I used in this story are used without permission. Please do not sue me…. I have no money to give you anyway. And do please have mercy; this is my first try at a fan fiction! And thanks to anybody (that's you Diana) who helped me revise and such. I hope you like it and please let me know what you think. Thanks!

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Why am I standing on a cloud?
Every time you're around
And my sadness disappears
Every time you are near
You must be an angel
I can see it in your eyes
Full of wonder and surprise
And just now I realize
Oooh you're an angel
Oooh you're an angel
Oooh you're an angel
In disguise
I can see it in your eyes
Walking down a crowded avenue
Other faces seem like nothing next to you
And I can't hear the traffic rushing by
Just the pounding of my heart and that's why
You must be an angel
I can see it in your eyes
Full of wonder and surprise
And just now I realize
Oooh you're an angel
Oooh you're an angel
Oooh you're an angel
In disguise
I can see it in your eyes
You're an angel
You're an angel, baby
You're an angel
You must be an angel
Now I believe that dreams come true
'Cause you came when I wished for you
This just can't be coincidence
The only way that it makes sense is that
Oooh you're an angel
Oooh you're an angel
Oooh you're an angel
In disguise
I can see it in your eyes
You're an angel
You're an angel, baby
You're an angel
You must be an angel
Clouds just disappear...

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Zelda's sapphire eyes watched the fiery Hylian sun set beyond the jagged city skyline. The dazzling show of pink and orange played across the cobblestone road where she stood. She wore a simple cotton dress and her long golden hair was tied up beneath a large red scarf. If her father sent someone out to look for her, they would have trouble distinguishing her. She wasn't supposed to be out this late; and she especially wasn't allowed to go to the place where she was intending to go.

She continued down the street, her leather boots echoing upon the stones inlaid beneath her. A little further down the road, she stopped. The building in front of her was a tavern, sandwiched between a storehouse and some person's home. It was built of wood and stucco and candles flickered in their sconces inside the glass windows. A worn wooden sign that read The Dragon's Chalice swung in the gentle breeze.

Zelda approached the place and knocked loudly on the oak door.

The pub was closed. It wouldn't open again untill a little later that night. Presently, the door was answered by a young boy of about fifteen. He had short wavy blue hair that framed his chiseled face, a white tunic hung on his wiry body and leather sandals that laced up to his knee. He invited the princess into the tavern and closed the door behind her.

Upon entering, she found herself in the pub's main room. A staircase wrapped around the sidewall to an open hallway above where there were living quarters for the owners of the tavern. Along the back wall was the bar itself. Stools lined the front of it and glasses hung from the racks above it, cases of ale and wine were piled behind it. Scattered in the remaining space were tables and chairs for guests to sit and drink.

Once the door had been closed, Zelda removed the scarf from her hair and let her golden mane tumble down her back. She turned to the boy and smiled, "Hello Jalk. How have you been?"

Jalk smiled back, "We've all been fine here. Arutho and Gono went out for more ale before we open again tonight and Link has been waiting rather anxiously for you to drop by."

Zelda's best friend, Link, lived with Jalk and his two older brothers, Arutho and Gono. The four of them owned and ran the pub together and lived in the rooms above. Link had met Arutho at a festival that had celebrated Hyrule's deliverance from Gannon. The two became friends and kept in correspondence. When Link's uncle died after Gannon's return a few years later, Link was left without a place to go when his quest was over. Arutho quickly offered him residence with his brothers and him. Link graciously accepted his proposal and moved in the next day. He had been living there ever since, only to take leave when Gannon became a threat once again.

Zelda heard the sound of the steps creaking as someone walked down. It was none other then Link himself. He was a handsome thing; his messily parted blond locks hanging over his cerulean blue eyes and rugged high cheek-boned face. He still sported the same green tunic and floppy hat as well as the white shirt and tights he wore beneath like he always had. "Zelda!" he said happily as he stepped of the staircase, "How have you been?"

She jumped happily into his strong arms, "Just fine. I'm sorry I haven't been around lately."

"It's okay," he replied. He stepped back to look at her. She truly was beautiful. Her long golden hair fell so elegantly over her slender shoulders and her eyes sparkled with a friendly glow that looked nothing like the aura that a typical princess usually carried around her. She was fun to be with, and a free spirited soul with a thirst for adventure that he too shared with her.

And he felt lucky to have her as his best friend.

Just then, the door opened and two men, one blond, the other

brown, walked in, each carrying two kegs of ale. They brought the casks behind the bar and set them down. While the blond one stayed on his knees, pushing the barrels further beneath the bar, the tall brown haired one stood and greeted Zelda warmly.

"Hello, Arutho," she returned the greeting. Arutho was a tall man of twenty-three years. He wore a brown tunic over a set of darkly colored pants. He was the eldest of the three brothers and also the most reasonable and straightforward.

The other boy, his blond hair curly and his blue navy tunic sloppy, stood up and also greeted Zelda. This was Gono. He was twenty years old, the same age as Link and Zelda. He could be a very rude and loud person and acted on impulses, although he was a caring individual at heart. His best friend, Safter, a captain in the Hylian army and a recurrent customer of The Dragon's Chalice was very similar. The two of them could be a handful, especially when drunk.

"So, Zelda," Link said, "What's been going on for these past couple of weeks?"

Zelda sunk into a chair and leaned onto the table, "My father says I have to get married soon. I really am not excited about that."

"Ouch, that really sucks," Gono said as he whipped out a rag and started to polish the ebony bar top.

"I know," Zelda moaned as she put her head on the table, "I'll get dumped off with some damn prince and I won't have any time to visit Link and you guys 'cause I'll be to busy answering my husband's every whim."

"Well then why don't you just marry Link 'ere? 'Ee's sexy." Gono said with a sly grin on his face. He loved to tease Link (and sometimes Zelda) about romantic relations between the two of them.

Link glared at Gono heatedly. Although Zelda was beautiful…

And although he did have feelings for her…

He was contented being her friend. He didn't want to express any such affection to her for fear of ruining the friendship that they had. Link dared not to share his true emotions for Zelda with anyone. Link was, after all, a peasant; just a lowly common peasant and nothing more. The king would never allow him to marry her, especially since he hardly allowed their simple friendship. He had told Link personally to stay away from his daughter. That was why the times that Link and Zelda could spend together were brief and secret. As he thought about her, he stole a glance at her. Zelda caught his fleeting look and smiled at him. He smiled back, his cheeks a light shade of red.

Zelda studied Link again. He was actually quite attractive. Every girl in Hyrule was totally head-over-heals for him. She could see why. After all, he was handsome, heroic and had the sweetest personality of anyone she knew. Zelda found it rather irritating though because no matter where they went, there always seemed to be a flock of girls smiling and giggling as they flounced up to Link in an annoying flirtatious manner. Then they would hang off of him while asking him dumb questions and scowling at Zelda jealously. She knew Link didn't like it. He always seemed to have an aggravated expression on his face when they flung their foolish selves onto him. It was hard for Zelda to get a moment of privacy with her best friend.

And she figured that was why Link preferred her company to all the other females in Hyrule. Because she was contented to simply his friend, and not trying to win his heart.

"Hey matey!" Gono called to Link, "Show Zelda that trick o' yours."

"Aw, that old thing?" he complained, "She doesn't wanna see somthin' like that. I'm sure she's got a zillion other things she'd rather do then see me play with my swords."

"I'll bet ya she wants ta see it!" Gono whined, "Do ya not want ta wanna see it Zel?"

"Sure," she smiled.

"See!" Gono yelled triumphantly, "Don't worry Zel, it's worth yer time!"

Link let out a sigh as he hiked up the stairs to his attic bedroom where he retrieved two rapiers from his collection of steels. When her returned to the pub downstairs, he found that Gono had already brought out the two apples he would need for the stunt. Now Zelda had always known Link to be an immensely skilled warrior; his dexterity honed to near perfection. But what the blond princess witnessed that day proved to her just how perfect perfection was.

Arutho and Jalk each sat on a stool, each holding an apple in his hand. Link laid one of the rapiers on Zelda's table and gripped the other in his left hand. He began to slowly circle Arutho's stool, twirling the long thin blade in all directions as he did. The sword hummed as it whipped by Arutho's head, centimeters away from grazing his face, as it shone in the room's flickering candlelight. Zelda watched in awe as he sped up his pace a bit, twirling the rapier faster to match his footwork. Soon the sword was nothing more then a streak of silvery light as it cut through the air. The rapier traced intricate patterns where it glided smoothly around Link's quickly moving hands. Zelda gnawed her lip in anticipation of what he would do next.

Suddenly, with a deep cry that erupted from his throat, he dashed at Arutho, jabbing the steel as he came onward. He impaled the apple square in the center and tossed the sword, skewered fruit still stuck on the rapier, high into the air. He dashed toward the table where Zelda sat, and his hand, quick as lightning, grabbed his spare foil from the tabletop and while the original rapier was still sailing through the air, Link was able to carve the apple into twelve perfectly even slices, each of them falling from the thin blade and before Zelda in a neat row.

Link wasn't done yet though. As the first steel fell to the floor with a clatter, Link was already circling Jalk, his speed still faster then ever. He repeated the same process in half the time it took to do it in the first go. Twelve more pieces of fruit fell before Zelda, whose apple filled mouth was already hanging wide open in amazement. He neatly caught the flying sword, finishing the act with a bow, one sword in each hand. Zelda and the other three men burst out into applause. Link put his hand behind his head in embarrassment, "Aw, come on guys! It wasn't that good. I still need to do so much more work on it!"

"Oh shut up mate," Gono laughed, "No one in Hyrule could ever 'ope to do that as well as you just pulled off an' ya know it!"

"Well I made a mistake of showing it to you once. Now look, you'll find a thousand excuses to see it again!"

Link blushed as Zelda smiled, proud of her hero. She hadn't noticed it though and she continued to compliment Link untill she realized what time it was.

"Link, I had better go before my father gets suspicious," Zelda suggested. She looked as though returning home would be like returning to a prison and being put back on death row.

"Yeah, I'll walk you to the village square," he offered. Link tenderly took Zelda's hand and squeezed it gently.

"Okay," she repliedd as she tied her hair back up into the scarf.

"I'll be back to help out in about an hour," Link said as he and Zelda exited The Dragons Chalice.

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It was cold outside. People were beginning to make their way to their favorite inns and taverns as Link and Zelda walked down the streets toward the center of town. They walked in silence through the twisting side streets.

"Which way did you come?" Link asked.

"I took the shortcut," she replied. After a brief pause she quickly said, "But I don't want to go back that way. Then we won't be able to spend as much time together."

Link smiled, silently thankful for her decision. They continued on in silence untill they turned onto an alley that would take them to the main road. It was a long path that led between two tall houses. Shadows danced across the walls of the houses and along the street. Just as they reached the halfway point of the alley, Link's acute hearing picked up a noise. It sounded like they were being followed. He grabbed Zelda's hand tightly and listened closer.

"What is it Link?" she asked as she nervously started to twist the silver ring on his finger.

"Shhhhh," he hissed. He heard the rustling of chain mail armor. A soldier, he thought, Probably someone looking for Zelda.

"I think it's a guard. Wait here," he whispered as he let go of her hand and turned back in the direction they came. It was so dark, Zelda soon lost sight of him as he disappeared down the alley.

Link stopped. He soon saw the guard approaching him. Damn, he thought to himself, I don't have any weapons on me.

"It's you," the guard snarled as he came closer, his sword drawn, "I figured Zelda would have run off to be with you."

Link raised one of his auburn eyebrows, "And why would you think that?"

"It's plain to see that she fancies you," the guard growled, a trace of annoyance on his tongue, "How could she see anything in such trash."

Link nearly lost his balance. What the hell? Is he telling the truth? For Din's sake… the soldier approached him, his sword in a ready position. …how could someone who's entrusted to protect the Royal Family leave so many openings...? Link charged and ducked low, to make a neat sweeping kick, knocking the soldier off his feet. The sword flew from the combatant's hand and sailed spinning through the crisp night air. Link quickly got to his feet and jumped up onto a large barrel. Once more, he jumped and grabbed the flying blade's leather hilt. Landing gracefully on the dirt ground beneath him, he pointed the steel at the fallen warrior's throat.

The guard chuckled in his scratchy, slightly drunken, voice, "You are better then I thought," he chuckled again, "But not good enough," the man quickly grabbed a dagger from his sleeve and stabbed Link's leg, dragging the blade through his flesh. Surprised and filled with a throbbing pain, Link dropped the sword and grabbed his leg in anguish. The guard had taken to his heels and run already. In his flight, the soldier had dropped the dagger, letting it clatter to the ground. Link winced slightly as the tear in his leg began to sting. He put his hand over the wound to try and stop the warm crimson blood as he quickly took off his hat and tied it around his wounded leg.

Thank Nayru that this wound isn't serious, he smiled, Just a scratch. I've been banged up worse.

He began to make his way back to the place where he had told Zelda to wait, limping slightly. He found her, just where he had left her, sitting on a large crate, watching the ground as she swung her legs. There was someone else standing there. Link could see another figure standing near her, but he couldn't make him out.

"Safter," Zelda was speaking to the man next to her, "Do you think Link is okay?"

"'Course he is," Safter smiled.

He was a tall man with dark magenta hair. His long bangs hung over his left eye, concealing it from view. He wore a long black tunic and tall black boots.

"I hope so," Zelda whispered to herself. She turned to look in the direction she had seen Link disappear fifteen minutes ago. Soon, she saw him approach them from the shadowy alley.

"LINK!" she cried out as he came closer.

"See," Safter said, "He's fine. I told ya so."

"Yeah," Zelda smiled, happy to see her hero back safe and sound. But when she noticed his limp, and the hat tied around his bleeding leg, she became distraught with worry, "Link! Are you hurt badly?"

"Heck no, silly," he grinned.

Safter walked over and asked Link if he could see the wound. Link removed the makeshift bandage, which was now soaked with warm scarlet blood.

"Don't worry about it Zel," Safter reassured his princess, "It'll hardly leave a scar."

Safter dug around in the leather pouch he kept buckled to his belt for a while untill he produced a roll of cloth in which he proceeded to use to bandage Link's leg up properly. When he was done, Link straightened and thanked the young captain.

"No problem, Link," he grinned as he shoved the extra cloth into his medical pouch, "Anything for a friend."

Safter and his twin brother

Kossin were the only castle inhabitants who didn't mind Link keeping their company as well as Zelda's. Impa also did not mind Link's presence at the castle but she had gone adventuring in some other land across the sea and would not return for a long while.

Zelda grabbed Link's bloody hat from his hand, looked at it and then said to the attractive blond, "Link, you can't wear this. It's a mess."

"So what am I 'sposed to do about it Zel?" he asked her with a curious look strewn across his face, "It's the only one I've got."

"I'll clean it off for ya okay

Link?" she offered as she tucked the blood-spattered hood into a large pocket, "Come get it tomorrow."

"Alright Zel," he smiled, "If that's what you think is best."

"Of course it's best, you inane hero, you. I'll see you tomorrow… Link," she almost seemed to linger on his name as she turned to go with Safter back to the castle.

"Untill then… Zelda…"

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"Goodnight Princess," Safter said after he had escorted her back to her room.

"Night, Safter," she called to him as he closed the door. As soon as she was sure that Safter had left the hallway outside, she pulled Link's long green hat out of her pocket and flopped down on her large four-poster bed, the hat in her arms. She buried her face into the green cloth. It smells just like him. That warm spicy smell of his… she thought as held the Kokiri hood close.

When she had first met Link, there was something about him that had drawn her to him. They had been friends ever since they were children. But ever since her father had begun lecturing her about marriage, she felt something inside stir. She loved having him as a friend but… there was a strange feeling that she felt inside whenever he came to mind; a strange heart-wrenching feeling.

Aw, that's stupid. She thought to herself, he's just a friend. That feeling is just your imagination, Zel. Love is foolish and blind. And besides… he has every other girl in Hyrule to choose from. Why would Link ever want me?

She sat up and examined the hood again. She hadn't cleaned it yet and even though the blood had dried, it was still a rather disgusting sight. She filled a small basin with warm water and dropped the soiled hood into the soapy water. After an hour of good hard scrubbing, she finally succeeded in getting the bloodstain out of the cotton hat. Zelda took it up out of the basin and wrung it out.

"Perfect," she smiled at her work. It had taken quite a bit of grueling scrubbing and elbow grease to get the stains entirely out and her arms ached from the work.

She laid the hood out on her bedside table and went about getting ready for bed. She folded the cotton dress and scarf neatly and hid them beneath her mattress. She pulled on her silken nightdress and crawled into bed, blowing out the candle as she pulled up the heavy blankets.

As Zelda tried to drift off to sleep, her eyes kept wandering to Link's hat, where it lay, hanging slightly off her bedside table. Her hand stretched out to touch the soft cotton garment and she found herself pulling it off the table toward her. She buried her face into the green hood once more, and even though the hat had gone through such intense cleaning, Link's spicy scent still hung in the threads of the green garment.

She clutched the hood to her breast and soon, she found herself drifting off to sleep.

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Zelda awoke to the squawks of a falcon that was sitting on the banister of her balcony. It was a graceful creature; it's dark blue body and creamy breast glistening in the early morning sun. She sat up, Link's hat still clutched in her tight grip. She wondered for a moment how she had come to have the hood in her hand, then remembering how she had taken it into her arms right before she had fallen asleep. Zelda watched with tired half open eyes as the falcon spread its wings and flew into the distance.

Knowing that she had to get out of bed, she pushed the warm blankets off her supple legs and stood up. She was still quite tired and the princess silently cursed the bird that had awoken her. Tossing Link's hood over the high back of a chair, she drifted over to her closet and randomly pulled out a dress to wear. It was a beautiful garment; a full ginger colored gown with tiny golden threads entwined into the bodice. She slipped it on and put on her most comfortable pair of shoes. The dress' long skirts would conceal the plain footwear.

Link will be over soon, she thought excitedly as she took his hat and folded it so she could hide it between the pages of one of her books. Tucking the volume under her arm, she walked briskly out of her room and down the stairs toward the courtyards where she would wait for her best friend.

On her way, she ran into her father, the king. He stopped her and said with an excited smile, "Oh Zelda dear, I am glad you are up! I have wonderful news."

Zelda figured that any news her father considered 'wonderful' couldn't be too great at all.

Her father went on happily, "The prince of Trabia, has asked for your hand in marriage. Prince Dimitri will be arriving two days from now to meet you and propose. Isn't that grand?"

"If you say so father," Zelda said quickly as she started to walk on, but her father stopped her, "Zelda," his voice had become serious, "You had better do your best to make a good impression on young Dimitri. Think of Hyrule's future and the need for and heir to the throne. You are not to be stubborn and rude, like you usually are, while the prince is here. Make not only me proud, but Hyrule as well."

"Yes Father. Don't worry," she said, trying to desperately get away from the king, "Everything is under control."

"Whenever you say that it makes me worry," he answered in a no-nonsense tone. Then he tightened his grip on Zelda's shoulder, "And I don't want you running off to be with that rogue any more. How many times have I told you to stay away from that scoundrel?"

"One time too many Father," she said angrily as she turned to look the king in the eye, "You may tell me to be proper and polite but you may not tell me who I may and may not keep the company of."

"I do believe I can, Zelda," he was becoming very annoyed, "If that is the attitude you are going to keep about you, then perhaps I should start being less lenient with you."

"Oh and how will you do that dear Father?" she asked sarcastically.

"For one thing I don't think you'll be going anywhere without an escort," he replied quite sincerely, "And I do not think you shall be leaving the castle grounds either."

"Even if I had an escort?"

"Forget it," he said, "You think I don't know my own daughter by now? You'd ditch the soldier and run off to that tavern or whatever."

"Damn it," she muttered.

"Care to repeat that little phrase?" the king inquired, his stare boring right into Zelda.

"No thank you Father," she said haughtily as she stormed off down the corridor. Then she stopped and turned her head, "And that 'rogue' you speak of. The boy who has saved Hyrule and your

throne countless times… our savior…"

The king looked up at her.

"I love him," she said without even realizing what words had just poured from her lips. Then she turned and continued to stomp down the hall, leaving the king with a surprised and insulted look upon his face.

As she walked, she realized what she had said. Zelda wasn't even sure if she had meant it or if she was simply saying it to bother her father. What the heck's goin' on with me? Have I fallen for you…Link?

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Zelda sat on a marble bench by one of the tall fountains in the Royal Gardens, reading her book. Every so often, her eyes would travel from the tiny characters written on the creamy pages to the soldier the king had assigned to the task of watching over Zelda. The soldier kept his watchful eyes on her and the area around them. Then Zelda let her gaze move from the soldier to the tall vine-covered castle wall. Any moment, Link might climb over there, she theorized. She looked back at the guard, I have got to ditch this guy. But how…? She thought very hard. She noticed Kossin by some rose bushes, examining the plants for any dead flowers. He looked almost exactly like his twin, Safter; complete with long green bangs hanging over one eye. He wore baggy white pants and a loose white shirt. Over the shirt was a black vest, trimmed in silver. Kossin was a summoner. An idea quickly formulated in Zelda's mind.

"Kossin!" the princess called over to her friend, "Over here."

The guard, becoming wary when he heard Zelda call the young sorcerer over, kept his eyes firmly locked on his charge as Kossin strode over.

"Hey Zelda," he smiled, "What can I do for you today?"

She motioned for him to come closer. Kossin obliged and sat down next to her on the bench. She whispered her plan into Kossin's pointed ear. After hearing the scenario, Kossin nodded and agreed to the strategy. The green haired youth nonchalantly made a gesture with his hand, whispering the words, 'monster summon.' A light ball of energy appeared beneath a tree behind the guard. Slowly, the glow began to take the form of a small dragon. Soon, a baby dragon sat in the shade of the large pear tree. It was not only adorably cute, but also stunningly beautiful. The lizard's body was covered with delicate red and gold scales. Its leathery wings were a deep yellow color, accenting its large cat-like eyes, toned the same shade.

"Will that do?' Kossin whispered as so the soldier wouldn't hear.

"Perfect, Kossin," she replied with a sly grin on her face, "You're a pal."

Then she put a frightened expression on her face and screamed over to the guard, "Oh Sir Knight! A dragon! It's such a frightful beast!"

The guard looking a bit skeptical, eyed Zelda strangely and said, "Where?" Kossin beckoned his creature toward him and the dragon scampered toward the bench.

"Oh no!" Zelda said, continuing her drama, "It's coming over here! I'm scared! Please do something!"

The soldier saw the oversized lizard coming toward his princess and started to come after it. Zelda stood up on the bench, "Help! Please!"

Kossin rotated his hand, signaling the dragon to dart in the other direction. Zelda sat down, her face still covered with fake worry, "There it goes! We can't have a dragon running around! I'll be scared to do anything!"

The guard, wishing to please his princess, ran off after the dragon, who had turned around the corner of the castle. When the soldier had disappeared around the castle, Kossin whispered the command 'monster return,' which called his creature back to the magical void from which it came. The guard was now chasing a creature that no longer existed. Zelda fell over laughing.

"This is so funny!" she giggled as she stared at the fluffy clouds in the blue sky above.

"What a grand joke," Kossin agreed, "Now why did you want to do this again?"

Suddenly Link dropped out of the pear tree, "This is why," he said as he spread his arms akimbo to refer to himself, "What a great laugh! I nearly fell out of that tree!"

"Hey man," Kossin said happily as his friend strolled over to where the princess and the sorcerer sat.

"Hi Kossin," Link returned the greeting, "Hey Zel, what's up with the soldier?"

"Father thinks I've gotten feisty and that I need more supervision," she said with a frown as she cursed her father silently.

"So much for that plan," Link said as he looked over his shoulder.

"Yeah," Zelda started to laugh again as she thought of the soldier chasing a dragon that no one had seen. People would think he was mad.

"Link, we should go somewhere else as so no one will catch you here," Zelda said as she stood up and grabbed his hand.

"Sure," he answered as she started to drag him inside. Soon, they were completely gone and Kossin was left alone on the bench. He sighed and looked up at the blue falcon that had landed on one of the limbs of the pear tree. He had never seen such a magnificent bird before. He sat there alone for a while untill the soldier came running back. He stopped and leaned on the tree, clearly out of breath.

"I think…. the dragon is…. gone…princess…you're safe now…." He panted. Then he looked up to see Kossin sitting alone on the bench. Zelda was gone and he was in big trouble, "Where'd she go?"

Kossin just shrugged, a smile plastered on his tanned face.

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Zelda closed and bolted the door to the wine cellar. She descended the stairs to where Link sat on a huge drum of aging red wine. Zelda opened the book she had hidden Link's hat in and pulled it out. There was a large crease in it from where it had been folded. She tossed it up to Link who caught it and slipped the hood on his golden hair.

"So," Link began, "Has your dad freed you from the evils of marriage?"

"I wish," Zelda moaned, "I've been sold, hook, line, and sinker."

"To whom?"

"To Trabia's prince, Dimitri, I beleive his name is," she responded miserably, "My slow and agonizing death begins in two days."

"Too bad," Link said, his eyes drifting to the rafters so he wouldn't make eye contact with the princess. If he would have, Zelda could have seen the emotion and sadness in his soft gaze.

"Let's change the topic," Zelda said quickly, "Talking about princes and marriage is so depressing."

"Alright," Link said as he started to swing his legs against the side of the gargantuan barrel. Zelda's eyes began to travel down his strong form, settling on the sight of the muscles of his thighs flex as his legs moved to and fro. Link noticed her staring at him and making a quick assumption, he said to her, "Do you wanna come up here?"

Zelda, realizing that he had become aware of her intent look, nodded, glad that he hadn't guessed that she had actually been admiring his god-like body.

His eyes had been glistening with that young childish charm that he always carried with him, yet… and yet she could see a hint of sorrow and longing there. He seemed so alone. Perhaps the only thing he really wanted was someone to love… for someone to love him….

"Climb up on that crate over there," he instructed, "And then onto that pile of barrels. You can crawl over from there."

She did as he had told her and soon she found herself sitting next to him on the big cask. Although it was large, there wasn't too much space for both of them to sit. Zelda was scrunched rather tightly to Link's hip. Her heart began to beat faster. She kind of liked being so close to him. He was so warm and he gave her the reassuring feeling that she was safe next to him.

Link's heart was racing, (faster then Zelda's), for next to him was the woman he loved more then life itself. Unfortunately, the woman he loved also happened to be a princess fated to marry a prince that she hadn't even met. He slowly covered her hand with his, making his stomach do cartwheels over and over in his chest.

Out of nowhere, Zelda made a comment that nearly sent Link hurling off the edge of the giant drum, "Link," she said to him, "Do you believe in true love?"

"Well…" he began.

"And not just when someone says

'I love you,'" she went on, "but when they really truly love someone."

"I believe that if a person is totally devoted to the one they love and that they are willing to do anything for that person, then that's true love," Link said, his eyes tracing the floorboards as he bit his lip.

"Even death?"

"Even death. That shows the person would go to the ultimate extreme for their love."

"Oh," she was silent for a while and then she said, "Does that mean that you love me?"

Link's eyes became wide as dinner plates. She had hit the nail on the head, "What makes you say that?" he asked a bit nervously. Zelda could feel his hand tightening over hers.

"Because every time I have asked you to deliver Hyrule from evil, you have more then willingly done so," she stopped, and a small smile spread over her face as she giggled a bit, "I'm sorry. That was really far-fetched. We both know you do it because it's your destiny."

"No… that's not entirely true…" he stammered, the edgy tinge still on his tongue, "I…I can see… where you'd think… think that…" Zelda didn't say anything in reply. She was too busy thinking about his words and his suddenly tense attitude. What are you saying Zel? Asking him if he loves you. He couldn't think of me like that. He wouldn't. But why am I thinking like this? Do I love him? No. I couldn't. He's just a friend… right?

"Zelda," he tried to get her attention as he squeezed her hand, "Hello? You there?"

She snapped back to attention, "Er, yeah. Sorry."

He shrugged, "No problem Zel. Just forget what I was saying before."

"No," she said in a low voice, "I really wanted an opinion. Perhaps Dimitri won't be so bad if he loves me like you say a person should."

"Zelda, I seriously doubt that, but if its what will make you happy, then I'm okay with it," he replied as nonchalantly as he could muster.

"Thank you Link!" she said happily as she hugged him in a tight friendly cuddle, "You're the best friend a person could ask for."

"Well I try to be," he answered, his face a deep red color. Then he turned to face her, "I never want you to be unhappy. If it means risking my life for the sake of your country, then I will. If that is what would make you happy, I would."

"Link…" she whispered softly, "Is that true?"

"I mean every word of it, my princess," he gave his answer with the most sincere, almost loving gaze that she had ever seen in the eyes of any man in all her life. He was so honest with her. He always had been. He had never lied to her. It was almost as though he couldn't; as though he was virtually unable to.

He took her hands and Zelda watched with questioning eyes as he held them tightly, stroking the backs of them with his thumbs.

"Link, what are you doing?" she whispered.

"I just want to make you feel better about Dimitri, Zelda," he replied quietly, his blue eyes set on her.

"You don't have to do that," she murmured.

"Why not?" he answered, his milky voice soft and gentle.

She tried to think of a good excuse quickly. She had to admit, his tender creamy fingers running along her hand felt very comforting. For a moment, she forgot about the prince her only thoughts on Link's sweet caress.

"My hands are dirty," she knew it was a stupid reason, but she was becoming quite uneasy about his compassionate touch. Once again, in her nervousness, she began to twist the silver band on his finger.

"So are mine, princess," he replied.

"Oh."

He quickly dropped her hands and balled his own into a tight fist in his lap. He started to swing his legs again. He looked so boyish and innocent. The way he sat there, staring at his hands as though he had done something terribly wrong, was adorable. Zelda smiled. He was so cute when he did that, although she always had to reassure him at least twice that he had done nothing to offend her.

"You're not mad at me?" he said, still staring at the ground. In his own worry that Zelda might reprimand him, he began to twist his ring. He had forged it himself. It was a beautifully carved thing, a dragon coiling around the silver band. His name was engraved into the shinning ring in an elegant script.

She giggled, "No Link. I'm not mad at all! You're just so sweet to me sometimes!"

"Oh," he said, "So you're sure its okay?"

"I'm sure," she smiled back at him.

"Good," he said as he jumped off the barrel, "I'm glad I haven't truly offended you."

"You nev-" she realized that it would be pointless to say anymore because Link had already left.

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The young Hylian hero let the door to the wine cellar slam behind him as he dashed from Zelda's company. I have lost all control of my mind and dignity! he thought to himself as he ran through the gardens, toward the giant pear tree where he could climb up and over the castle battlements. I must try to conceal my feelings better! he angrily rebuked himself as tears began to spring to his eyes.

He was almost at the roots of the ancient tree when a small group of soldiers strolled around the castle as they made their rounds around the palace grounds. Link looked around him, considering his options. He was too far away from the tree to make a mad dash to its low boughs and he was also too far from any decent hiding places. He considered holding his ground and fighting, but it would not only cause a commotion, but he was also outnumbered by three. Unfortunately, the soldiers were walking quite fast, and they saw him before he had time to think of a good idea.

"Look! It's him. The rogue!" one

of them yelled as he noticed on the green clad warrior.

The other guards looked up, and upon laying eyes upon Link, drew their weapons. Two wielded swords, while one carried a spear, a bow and arrows in the last one's clutch.

Link knew that they were out for blood, to capture or perhaps even kill him. The king must have truly struck hate for Link into the hearts of his castle subjects. He was, however, equipped to fight. This time, he had brought his sword, should he be caught in a situation like this. He drew it, prepared to knock the guards out just enough to buy him time to flee to the pear tree's safe branches.

Link charged, his sword in the tight grasp of his left hand. The light of the bright sun shone on its powerful steel blade. He swung the flat edge of the weapon at the spear brandishing soldier. It was a good swing, and the effect was exactly how Link had hoped. The guard had the wind knocked out of him and was left with a bruise that would make him unable to fight for the time being. The soldier slumped onto the ground, holding his side in pain as he cursed Link loudly as he could.

One down… three to go. he thought as he turned his attention to one of the sword handling men. They were ready for his attack.

Although the soldier knew that the method would be unbelievably unorthodox to the proper art of fighting, the one with the longbow swung the oak weapon at Link in the same manner the hero had moments before as he came dashing forward. The blow knocked the wind out of the Kokiri native completely, and Link fell to the soft grass, crumpled in pain. The one with the spear knocked Link unconscious and mocked the fallen hero.

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Zelda was searching franticly for Link. She had heard the clang of swordplay from the wine cellar, and fearing that Link may be involved, she dashed from the underground store to the gardens above. As soon as she turned into the courtyard with the big old pear tree, she saw the sight she feared she would. A soldier sat under the tree, still recuperating from shock. The other two soldiers were carrying Link's limp and comatose form toward the dungeons. She ran up to the highest-ranking soldier there, who also happened to be the soldier that had been watching her before the dragon incident. He was one of the ones towing Link away. She stopped him angrily with an outstretched hand. He stopped and asked her what she needed.

"What I need is for you to unhand my best friend," she fumed.

"This garbage? The best friend of a princess?" he laughed, "I think you should start finding some new friends, milady, because this man is hardly worth the ring on your finger."

"He's worth more then you," she retorted, "Unhand him."

"The word of the king says more then the word of his daughter," the other soldier called to the princess in a matter-of-fact voice.

"What?" Zelda said irritably as she raised an eyebrow.

"That's right, milady," the guard replied, "Your father has ordered this man be brought before him if he was caught on castle grounds."

"Would you like to make any last requests for him before your father has him hanged?" the soldiers burst out laughing.

"Why would he be hanged? He has delivered Hyrule over and over again! He has done more then any of you bastards!" she let off all the steam that was building up inside.

"Look at yourself!" the guard said, "You're a disgrace to the Hylian Royal Family! Why can't you be a normal and less stubborn princess?"

"Because then I'd be a snobby bitch!" she screamed. Then she calmed down a bit, "Let me see him once more, then."

"Fine," the guard said as he laid the knocked out Link on the grass. Then he started to chortle, "Although what uses he could he have been for you other then offering his body to you are beyond me."

Zelda heard the crude comment but chose to ignore it. She knelt by Link's side as the guards stood by, looking on in mock amusement. She lifted him into a sitting position and held him close in a tight embrace, "Link! Please wake up so you can get out of here!" she whispered into his pierced tapered ear as she dug her nails into his back.

He began to stir slightly. She could see his eyebrow twitch slightly from the corner of her eye. Link started coming back into consciousness. He felt lightheaded and when he realized Zelda was gripping him tightly, he was stunned. He let one arm creep around her, signaling that he was awake again. He murmured quietly into her ear, "Zelda…you're here…"

"My God! Zelda! Get off of him!" the guard yelled as he too noticed that Link had been revived from his fainted state. He tried to pull Zelda away from the Kokiri boy without hurting her. Soon, he succeeded in wrenching her body from Link's and dragging her away from the warrior. The other soldier quickly rammed the still shaky Link with the butt of his spear, knocking him out again. Then he slung the hero over his shoulders and carried him to the dungeons where he would stay untill the king would see him.

Zelda tried to jerk away from the soldier's iron grip, but he proved to be to strong, "You are so indecent and rude! How could you put yourself so close to him?"

"How dare you speak to me that way!" she shrieked as she kicked violently. The soldier with Link had already gone. She knew that her father would become aware of this whole incident quite soon. But as usual, she was thinking. And before long, she had thought of a plan to get Link as far from the castle as possible before anything got out of hand.

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It was very late. Link could tell because he could see the moon's full shining face from the tiny barred window of his cell. He lay down on the cold bench that served as a bed and let his eyes trace the cold barren room around him. It was damp and dark, the only light shining from a small kerosene lamp on the tiny wooden table in the center of the cell. Two chairs were pushed under the table's slowly rotting top and the shadows of merry and drunk guards danced in the faint glow of the torches that lined the stone corridors beyond the bars.

"Zelda…" he murmured to himself, "You probably hate me now."

"Why would I hate you Link?" he heard a gentle female voice whisper to him. He turned to see Zelda leaning on the bars of his cell. Even though she was clad in nothing but a simple man's tunic, her sexy legs covered by a pair of baggy slacks and her hair pulled up tightly under a page's cap, she still looked beautiful to him. She always would and nothing could change that. Not even the commands of the King of Hyrule. It may have been treason against the land he loved to have eyes for her, but it didn't matter to him. She was worth everything to him. He loved her.

"I have no idea what I was thinking back in the wine cellar!" he went on.

"Link," she said through the iron bars, "It's alright! Just forget it. Now lets get you out of here," she started to fumble with the ring of keys on her belt. She pulled it off and fit one of the iron keys into the lock of the cell. As silently as possible, she turned the key in the lock and slowly let the door swing back.

"What will your father say?" he asked as he stepped out into the torch lit corridor.

"I don't care what he thinks," she said, "You're more important to me then he is. Come on. We've got to get you out of here."

She grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the stairs that led back up to the castle's main floor. Link followed her closely, his eyes continually wandering down her slim figure, watching her hips sway as she ran down the hallway. He felt turned on and his craving for her became more and more intense and unbearable.

When they reached the top of the dungeon stairs, Zelda dragged Link in the direction of the kitchen, where there was a servant's entrance to the castle, which opened up to a back alley. No one would see him if he left that way and he could make it safely home.

"Here, Link," she said softly when they reached the darkened kitchen. She pushed the wooden door open and motioned for Link to exit into the crisp night air, "I'll try and visit you tomorrow."

"Then I'll wait all day for you," he said in a soft voice. He pulled her into a tight embrace. Zelda wondered to herself why he was being so affectionate towards her lately. It didn't matter though, because she found herself enjoying his touch.

"I will make your wait worthwhile," she smiled as she shooed him into the back alley.

He started to run down the alley. He stopped to wave a final farewell to her before he disappeared into the night for good. She waved back and watched him vanish into the night.

Happy to have helped Link to safety, she shut the door. Zelda smiled to herself as she walked out of the kitchen… only to bump right into her father.

"Zelda," he said in a superior tone, "Just the person I wanted to see."

"Why is that?" she asked innocently.

"You wouldn't happen to know anything about that rogue's whereabouts, would you?" he raised an eyebrow quizzically.

"Me?" she went on with her dim-wit act, "Why makes you think I had anything to so with it?"

"Because you spend every waking moment with him, that's why," he snapped.

"Well excuse me for caring about my friends," she retorted heatedly.

"So you did help him out of here," the king was furious, "Zelda! What do you have to say for yourself!?"

"I'll say that I'm glad you didn't get a chance to see him," she replied with a scowl, "Because you would have treated him unfairly and had him executed for a stupid reason."

"But he would have deserved it!" the king protested.

"No!

No, you just don't get it!" Zelda screamed as she stamped her foot so hard it stung. She was really starting to lose her temper, "He has not done a thing!"

"Look at yourself! You act like this because of his influence! I see that as reason enough!" the king retorted.

"Now that's a stupid reason if I ever heard one, father! If you knew me at all, you'd know I've always been like this! Mother would have understood!" she shot back.

"Don't bring your mother into this," the king said angrily.

Their argument went on, their voices echoing through the empty castle halls. Guards and other castle inhabitants had gotten used to it; these quarrels a frequent occurrence. They figured it wouldn't last too much longer. Either the king would get fed up with Zelda's tenaciousness or Zelda would be confined to her room by the king.

It was going to be a long night for all of them.

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The gentle notes of Link's ocarina blended with the sweet strains of Jalk's lyre. Link was teaching his blue-haired friend how to play Zelda's Lullaby. Jalk, a fast learner, was catching on quickly and together, the two instruments made the dulcet little tune sound magnificent as it echoed through the town's bustling streets.

This was one of Link's favorite ways to pass time, music. He was very gifted with the ocarina and his voice was a melodious as a lark singing on a sunny spring day. Sometimes, when Link had nothing to do, Arutho would make him sing while the tavern was open. Although Link usually begged his friend for some extra money to act as a lounge singer, he didn't mind. People usually tipped him well anyway.

Jalk lay sprawled out on the floor of Link's attic room with his lyre, strumming its silvery strings gently. Once in a while he would look up at Link, who was straddling the windowsill. The youth noted that Link couldn't take his eyes from the street below, as though he was looking for something… or someone.

"Link, who are you waiting for?" he asked innocently.

"Zelda," he responded simply. "Did she say she would come by today?" Jalk went on as he stopped to tighten the lyre's strings.

"Uh huh," he murmured as though lost in a dream. Jalk decided to leave him alone, for it was plain to see how the young warrior felt about the fair Princess Zelda.

They sat in silence for a while, the only noises coming from the city outside. Jalk stood up and flopped onto Link's ebony framed bed, "Maybe she's stuck doing something at the castle. She's a princess after all."

"Maybe," he said softly.

"Link," Jalk grabbed his attention again.

"Hmm?"

"How do you love her?" he asked in a serious yet quiet voice.

Link turned his gaze from the busy metropolis outside to his wary companion, "I would die for her," he whispered in a slightly cryptic tone, "I love her so much I would give my life for her."

Jalk couldn't think of anything to say. He just lay on the bed, his eyes slightly widened, as Link turned his soft stare back outside. Jalk had never heard someone say something like that. Never had he heard words that were so simple yet filled with so much passion.

It was beautiful; the most beautiful thing he had ever heard.

"Who loves who?" Zelda said, oblivious to what had been said before, as she opened the door to Link's room. She shut the door behind her and plopped into an oak chair in an exasperated mess.

"Nothing," Jalk said to Zelda, knowing Link's reasons for not wanting Zelda to know of his unconditional feelings.

"O-o-okay," she replied with a smile, "If its none of my business…"

She stood and walked over to where Link sat and peered out of the window to see what he was looking at. It was plain to see though; the view was breathtaking. Since The Dragon's Chalice sat on a hill, Link's loft window was able to overlook the town's huge span. Zelda could see the castle in the west and the lively town square in the center of the capital.

"It's nice, isn't it, Zelda," he said softly.

She nodded assent, a smile strewn on her face. She turned to look at Link, her heart beginning to pound again. His profile was outlined against the blue sky as he stared out into the open crisp air. The sun reflected into his cerulean eyes, and even though the light seemed to make them light up and dance, she could still see that trace of sadness and longing there, "What's wrong Link. You seem…distant today."

"I was just thinking…that's all," he mumbled. A slight red blush ran through his cheeks.

She sighed. He was in one of his trancelike moods today.

"Zelda," he said suddenly after a minute of silence, "Have you ever… met your future husband?"

"No," she scowled as she sat on the windowsill, "And I don't ever want to."

"He comes tomorrow night?"

"Yeah," she sighed again, "Father is preparing a huge ball and is inviting every noble in Hyrule."

He didn't say anything else. He seemed to be thinking as he watched a flock of eagles soar across the high noontime sun. Slowly, Link brought his ocarina to his lips and began to play a quiet tune. Zelda had heard a group of minstrels play the same song once when she and Link had been wandering the streets of the town. It always reminded her of Link though, because he played it all the time ever since he had heard it that evening. It was his favorite and he played it beautifully.

He began to become more engrossed in his music; he closed his eyes and he started to sway back and forth slightly, his foot keeping rhythm. Jalk began to plunk the strings of his lyre as he began to pick up on the melody. Once again, the combination of the two instruments sounded marvelous and Zelda found herself sinking onto the floor. She leaned against the ashen colored wall and closed her eyes. The music seemed to whisk her away to another world; a world where glittery faeries, mischievous imps, bearded dwarves and lighthearted elves played in the misty fields without a single care and Hylians lived in peace with no threat of evil… but most importantly, no fiancée.

Suddenly, the clatter of hooves on the road below interrupted the music and snapped Zelda back into reality. Link looked down below and came to behold three soldiers on horseback, all surrounding the tavern. He knew why they were there. It was obvious they were looking for Zelda, and unfortunately, they knew exactly where to look.

Link stood abruptly and yanked Zelda to her feet hugging her to his breast. "Do you wish to go with them?" he breathed.

"No," she whispered back as she cuddled closer to his broad chest.

She felt safe in his arms, the sound of his heart beating in her ear, and she knew he would not let anything happen to her.

"Jalk," Link said sharply to his friend. The blue haired lad stood and knew with one look what to do. He burst out of the room and jumped down the stairs, two at a time. Cautiously, he opened the front door and approached the mounted knights.

"Listen boy," the knight that seemed to be in charge said in a commanding voice, "We have reason to believe that you are hiding her Majesty, the Princess Zelda of Hyrule in this place. Bring her out at once by Royal Decree of the King."

Now Jalk was very clever, probably the wiliest of all in Hyrule. It was very rare that the boy could not think of a plan or scheme to get out of a jam; this was no exception. "Well what reason is it?"

"What? We have to time for games, boy," another one of the knights barked.

"Just answer the question, Sir," Jalk went on, "Why do you believe the princess is here?"

"Is this not the residence of that roguish hero, Link?" the leader of the three asked.

"Link? Never heard of him," Jalk retorted, "He certainly doesn't live here."

"You're lying," the soldier shot back, his voice becoming irritated.

"I kid you not," Jalk returned,

"And even if this Link you speak of did indeed live here, why in Hyrule would the princess come here?"

"Why do I put up with you, boy?" the soldier growled, "I should have you killed. Out of the way!"

Jalk grabbed the reins of the horse, "You may not enter, good knight."

"Why not, boy?"

"This tavern is not open untill the moon is set high in the nighttime sky. Come then for a drink."

"It is not your ale I seek!" the knight was fed up, "It is the princess!"

"I have never been privileged enough to set my lowly gaze upon her," Jalk said slyly, "The princess cannot be where she is not."

The soldier eyed Jalk suspiciously, then turned to his companions and each of them shrugged. The knight turned back to Jalk and said to him bluntly, "I will believe you this time, boy, but if the princess is ever indeed found here, it will be your head."

Jalk nodded respectfully as the three knights turned their proud steeds about and galloped down the path without another word.

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Meanwhile….

"Will Jalk be okay out there?" Zelda murmured against Link's chest.

"He'll be fine," Link reassured, "He's a smart kid."

"But what if he can't handle them?"

Link laughed for the fist time that day. She could hear it rolling in his chest as he chuckled, "Since when did you get so worried about simple things like this?"

"I… I just want to stay with you," she said into his tunic, "I don't want to leave you."

"Zelda," he said softly. Does she feel the same for me? The same feelings I have locked up in my heart for her? I pray she does…

Link did not know what to do next, so he just held her close, savoring her warmth. He was able to feel her heart beat pulsing throughout her small lithe body; her chest rising and falling with every breath.

Is this what it will be like when Prince Dimitri holds me in his arms? she wondered. Her eyes wandered around Link's humble room, finally settling on his simple ebony bed. Will it be like this? Will my first time… (with Dimitri, of course)… be warm and comforting like it is now… here in Link's arms?

Zelda was deep in contemplation as Jalk came bursting back into the room, a gleeful look on his face. The second Zelda realized he was there, she pulled from Link's embrace, her expression embarrassed and vexed. She quickly started talking, "Did they…are they gone?"

"Uh huh," he nodded, "One of my finer moments if I do say so myself."

Link smiled at his friend, his eyes jumping from Jalk to Zelda immediately. How can I tell her? I need to

let her know… somehow… Jalk noticed the pensive looks strewn upon both their faces. What are they thinking abou- oh hell now I'm doing it too.

"Link," Jalk said, "I got them away for now, but…"

"But what?" he asked.

"They were skeptical. I know they'll be back I don't think they'll believe the same bull twice," Jalk said, his happiness fading into a downcast gaze, "And we couldn't hold them off alone. Arutho and Gono aren't even here."

"Then I should go," Zelda summed up what Jalk was trying to say.

"Where did those two go?" Link changed the subject as quickly as he could.

"Oh, Gono and Arutho took off to Lon Lon Ranch," Jalk replied.

"Huh? Why'd they wanna go there?" Zelda said in a curious voice.

"Well, they went to pick up some milk, I believe," Jalk said to the princess.

"That's a one-manned job," she pointed out, "Arutho or Gono could handle it fine alone. And besides, I thought Malon brought the milk here herself."

"When Gono heard that Malon had gotten sick..." Link started.

Jalk finished the statement, "He insisted that her go with Arutho to get the milk."

"What if he gets sick?" Zelda wondered, "Then he'd be suffering as well."

"As far as Gono is concerned, it's not suffering," Link said with a grin.

"You mean he…" Zelda realized what Link and Jalk were saying. Gono was in love with Malon. And now that she though about it, it made perfect sense. Gono always seemed to be kind and on his best behavior whenever the redheaded farm girl was around. He was never his usual rude, loud, and egotistical self whenever Malon came over with the milk delivery. And once or twice, Zelda thought she recalled Gono actually blushing.

Has Link ever blushed around a girl? she thought. She laughed to herself, If he did, I'd never let him hear the end of it!

Then she caught Link's eye, and she could have sworn she saw that red hue in his cheeks. She turned a shade paler at the thought that Link might actually have been blushing just then. She quickly reassured herself that Link just didn't like girls that way, especially her of all… since they were only friends.

"Zelda?" Jalk hummed into her ear trying to get her to notice what was going on again.

"Erm, so does Malon know?" she caught herself and snapped back to attention, "I mean, does she like Gono too?"

Malon, unlike most of the redhead's friends, did not act stupid and giggly around Link. It was one of the reasons that Zelda liked her. She could hang out with Link and the farm girl at the same time without Malon trying to flirt with Link. A few years ago, Zelda remembered a time when Link had been telling her about how he had once actually thought Malon was cute. Little did the princess know whom Link really wanted. Nor was Zelda suspecting that all these years, Link had actually been in love with her.

As far as Link was concerned, Malon was sweet, but she just didn't seem anything as wonderful as Zelda. To him, Zelda was the most amazing girl in all of Hyrule. The princess seemed to have a mind of her own, always lusting for adventure and excitement. Malon, although a nice girl, was a little boring. She was just a typical girl, no fun ideas, and no adventures, just talk about horses. And even though Link loved his horse Epona quite a bit, they weren't really his thing. A few hours of Malon's horse lectures tended to get a bit tedious after a while.

He didn't care that he defied the crown by loving the girl who was supposed to be his superior. She did not force him to bow his head in her presence, nor call her by any titles. She was just 'Zelda' to him... his Zelda.

"Nope," Link said with a smile, "She's totally clueless about it. She says that Gono is sort of cute in a loud uncouth way. Next time I see her, I ought to drop her a hint."

Zelda laughed in her head as she thought of Malon and Gono as a pair, "Such a quiet girl like Malon is perfect for Gono! He needs someone like her to counterbalance his loud ways," she said to her friends, a smile on her face.

The three laughed together. Zelda was glad to have friends like these. Unlike the rest of the castle populace, these people were fun loving and care free instead of the proud narcissistic lords and ladies who lived with her at Hyrule Castle.

She turned from Link and Jalk who had started a guy's conversation. She pulled up a stool and sat down by the window. She could see how Link could find himself lost in thought while sitting here. Maybe Link sits here thinking of his sweetheart. I wish I had someone like that… someone who loved me for who I am…like Link does (even though he's only a friend… of course…) not because I 'm the princess of a powerful kingdom… she felt a stream of tears begin to roll down her cheek …like Dimitri does!

Link… do you… love me? Because I'm starting to wonder… do I love you?

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"Zelda?"

Kossin looked up from his reading as the princess slipped quietly into the castle library. She looked a little troubled, although she wore a smile upon her face to try and conceal it, "Zelda, is there something wrong?" he asked again.

"Kossin," she said as she sat down in the large chair opposite him, "You have to tell me the truth."

"Huh?" he looked puzzled, "About what?'

"And you have to promise not to tell anyone what I am going to say," she went on. Kossin still wasn't quite sure as to what she was getting at, but he put his book down so he could give her his attention. Zelda liked to speak to Kossin about these kinds of things because he was the type of friend who was willing to listen and perhaps offer a few suggestions. In many ways, Kossin was a lot like the young Jalk; quiet and considerate yet smart and crafty.

"I promise," he agreed with a nod, "What's bothering you princess?"

"This whole marriage thing," she sighed, "Father has brought it on me rather quickly. It's not like I really have a choice or anything but… I hardly even know who this Dimitri boy is and now my Father says I must spend my entire life with a man I do not love."

"Then you think that your husband should be decided by love?" Kossin asked. He chuckled a bit as he folded his hands under his firm jaw, "A wise idea, but, knowing you Zelda, you would not fall in love that easily."

"Well, suppose I did fall in love with a man," she returned, "I think that's what I should be married for... love."

"So tomboyish princess Zelda has her eye on someone, does she?" Kossin smiled, his unconcealed eye twinkling, "What's his name?"

"I do not have a crush on anyone, thank you!" she retorted, "I'm just throwing out the fact that I should be the one to choose my husband! You're supposed to help me on this!"

"Not much I can do," Kossin said, "unless the guy you love is a lord or something like that. I hardly think your dad would let you marry a person like me… and definitely not someone like Link."

Zelda's cheeks changed to the slightest color of pink and the mention of her best friend, "It's not fair Kossin! Why can't I be like you… why can't I make choices for myself!?"

"It's alright, Zelda," he comforted her as she started to cry, "The Goddesses will make sure (oh god I've never seen you cry before) make sure that all is right…"

Zelda started to calm down and her cries reduced to mere sobs. Kossin used his magic to pull a small green and white-checkered handkerchief from nowhere and handed the square cloth to the princess so she could dry her tears.

As Zelda settled back into her chair, and Kossin had returned to reading his leather-bound book, the door of the library opened and a servant girl walked in. She came over with her head bowed, and she did not dare to come a single step closer then ten feet from where Kossin and Zelda sat.

"Your father, the king, wishes to speak to you, Zelda," she mumbled in a small voice. Neither Kossin nor Zelda could quite make out what she had said.

"Come closer, child," Kossin beckoned the girl toward them. She raised her head up the slightest bit and quickly snapped it down as soon as she caught Zelda's eye, "And stop staring at your shoes, child, I'm sure your feet are beautiful."

When she came closer, she stepped into the candlelight, and Zelda and Kossin were able to see her much clearer now. She was a pretty girl, about nineteen or so, her long shinning dark purple hair tied back in a working braid. She wore a simple red dress that came to her knee and a large yellow scarf tied around her slim neck. Her aqua eyes reflected in the candle's warm glow, a look of uneasiness. She was obviously afraid to stand like this, her head up and standing so close to the princess of Hyrule and her friend.

"Don't look so frightened, child!" Kossin said in his comforting voice. He knew that most servants in the castle had been taught to never look their superiors in the eye, a tradition that he, his brother, and Zelda hated, "Zelda doesn't bite… although she gets pissed off quite easily."

The girl smiled. She gathered up all her confidence and repeated the message, "Your father, the king, wishes an audience with you, princess."

"Please don't call me that… call me Zelda," she said in a friendly voice.

"Yes prin-,"she began to say. Then she caught herself, "I mean, Zelda."

Zelda smiled. This girl was sweet, just like so many other servants in the castle. Her father was just an ignorant man who just didn't take the time to get to know people for who they really were. She knew that if her mother was still alive, he might have been different. He had become rigid ever since she died and so, he became a bit depressed, locking himself away from most everyone, even his own daughter.

The Queen had been almost exactly like Zelda, both in looks and personality. More then anything, Zelda wished she could see her once more. "What's your name?" Zelda asked curiously.

"Karmi," she said in her quiet voice.

"That is a pretty name," Kossin mused to himself. Zelda eyed him mischievously, sensing that the green haired sorcerer friend may have found a new best friend.

Zelda stood and addressed the two of them, "I am going to see what my damn father wants. Karmi, you may stay here if you wish."

With that, she stalked out of the room to her father's personal study.

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"Sit down Zelda," her father greeted her rather cheerily, much to Zelda's surprise.

She seated herself in the cedar chair opposite her father's large desk, a frown on her face. She didn't really care what her father had to say and she knew whatever it was, it had to do with that damn Prince Dimitri. What else would put her father in such an upbeat mood? She hadn't even met the boy and she already hated his guts. "Well, what is it?" she said in an irate voice.

"Today, a messenger came from Trabia with a letter for you," he replied as he dug around one of the drawers for the document. He pulled it out and handed it to Zelda who rolled her eyes as she took it, "It was addressed to you so I did not read it."

Zelda took the butter colored scroll and unrolled it. Written in ink, the most elegant script the princess had ever seen adorned the paper, forming a letter.

It read as follows:

My dear Princess Zelda,

I am writing to inform you of a very, very tragic event. As you know, your nursemaid, Impa, was traveling through vast lands in search of adventure. Unfortunately, while adventure she did indeed find, right here in Trabia as a matter of fact, she met with an untimely accident. It seems that while fighting with a dragon that plagued one of the towns of my country, she was wounded quite seriously by one of its great talons. I am sorry to have to be the bearer of such a tragic message, since your father has told me in the past that Impa is very close to your heart. I regret to inform you, my dear, that although your nursemaid was treated with the utmost of medical care when she was found lying next to the bloody carcass of the defeated dragon, she was unable to be saved from Death's jaws. She passed on peacefully though, and wishes you to know that her last thoughts were of you.

This breaks my heart to know that a close friend of my future wife had to die; but know this, sweet Princess of Hyrule; she died valiantly, saving an entire town of people with the gift of her life. I hope to fill the void in your own heart where Impa once resided and give to you my eternal love. It is no great loss though, for you and I, our love will be so great, we will need no one to survive, simply each other and our combined kingdoms. My thoughts are always of you, and I cannot wait untill we are wed.

Love and the best of wishes,

Prince Dimitri of Trabia

Zelda was appalled and upset by the time she finished reading the message. She was quite upset to learn that Impa had died. Zelda knew that Impa had always said she'd like to go out in a blaze of glory and die on the battlefield. But then, those preposterous words that Dimitri had said about their 'eternal love.' He could never hope to be what Impa was to her. And just because she was dead, it did not mean that Impa was forgotten. Zelda would have nothing of it. She would remember Impa forever. Now she truly hated Dimitri. She could tell what kind of man he was simply through his writing. His perfect lettering told her he was one of those princes who was the ideal man from the mind of every lady in her father's Royal Court. He thought he could win her heart through sweet words. That just wasn't what Zelda wanted in a husband… and she was stuck with him.

"Curse that damn prince!" Zelda cried out loud as she stood and slammed the document onto the desk. Her father looked at her, horrified at her rude actions.

"ZELDA!"

he roared. He had had enough of Zelda's impolite words and doings about her future husband, "I am sick and tired of you constantly saying these mistruths about that fine young man! Who put those kinds of ideas into your head? Was it that bastard rogue… Link or whatever his name is? With the way you act Zelda, you should consider yourself lucky that any prince at all would want to marry you!"

"I personally don't care if I get married!" she screamed back. Tears streamed down her face as she let out her anger and sorrow lash out at her father, "And I will never… ever share my bed with that lame excuse for a man!"

"I don't think you really have a choice young lady," the king was becoming very serious, "You will marry Dimitri, you will love Dimitri, and you will create an heir to the throne with Dimitri. And that is final!"

"Is that all I am to you?" she argued back furiously, "a stepping stone to keep your damn family on the throne?"

"That's all that matters," the king cried as he rose from his chair.

"I don't care if this whole damn kingdom falls apart!" she shrieked.

"You shut up, you selfish girl!" the king wagged a finger at her.

"Oh stuff it Father!" Zelda huffed as she rolled her eyes again, "You never cared about me! All you care about is power and the luxuries of the Royal House. I suppose you really are the selfish king the towns people make you out to be."

"How would you know what they think?" she king snapped.

"I talk to them," she said bluntly, her eyes narrowed, "When I go to visit Link and his friends at their tavern."

"A tavern, Zelda," the king frowned, "People get drunk! They cannot help what they say and they ramble lies all the time! I've been there!"

"No, when they are drunk, they tell the truths locked up in their minds and hearts. They cannot think or help what they say while the alcohol is swimming through their bodies, especially the strong drinks!"

"And since when did you know so much about ale?" the king asked, a disappointed look upon his aging face, "Have you been drinking?"

"No," she snapped, "Arutho explained it to me."

"And who the hell is Arutho?" the king asked crossly.

"A F-R-I-E-N-D," Zelda spelled it out as though her father was a young school boy learning the alphabet, "Oh whoops, I forgot that you didn't' know what a friend was since you don't have any."

"That's the last straw young lady! I cannot believe I have argued with your foolishness this long already!" the king yelled, "Get out of my sight you selfish girl! Get out of my sight and stay away from me for the rest of the day! I do not wish to look upon your disgraceful self untill tomorrow's ball!"

"Humph!

Fine then. It can easily be arranged," Zelda spat as she stormed out of the room, slamming the oak door behind her.

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Zelda lay on her bed, tossing an orange to herself as she blinked the last of her tears away. She had been crying all day and it was already quite late at night. The moon shone her round friendly face over Hyrule, her pearly beams reaching into Zelda's bedroom. The window was open, and the cool breeze blew in, rustling about.

"So lonely here…"

She felt rather hot though, despite the cool winds outside, so she rose and opened the glass doors to her balcony. Leaning on the marble railing, she sucked in a mouthful of fresh air. The only sounds she could hear were the gentle winds blowing about and… an ocarina.

"Link," she whispered to the canopy of trees about her, "Where are you?"

The sound was pretty close. He couldn't be too far. She wanted to see him again; for some reason that she couldn't understand. Not wanting to blow his cover as a simple minstrel playing out in the streets, she called into the night, her voice loud and regal, "The princess requests the player of such lovely music to reveal himself from the shadows!"

"Jeez!" she heard Link reply, "Ya don't have to shout so loud!"

"Huh?" his voice was closer then she had thought. She whipped around to her left, the direction she thought she had heard him call from, and there, barely visible, was Link, ocarina in hand as the moon shone tendrils of light over his strong face.

"Didn't see me, did you?" he said, his expression twisted in a smile. She sat down next to him, leaning against the castle wall.

"No," she admitted with a sigh.

"What's wrong Zel? You look upset," he was such a good friend. He was always so caring and sweet to her. Sometimes Zelda thought she didn't deserve such a kind person as a friend.

She sat pensively for a moment. Then she moved her lips, her voice silent as her mind flooded with thoughts of Impa, "Do you remember Impa?"

He rolled his eyes, "Of course I do! Zelda, what does she have to do with anything."

"S-she's dead," she said undertone voice. He had to strain to hear her. Then she collapsed into his lap, crying.

"What? Impa's what?" he couldn't believe it. Ever since Link had been little, he had looked up to Impa. The day he was to set out to retrieve the Fire Ruby for his first quest, he thought about the tall woman in iron. She had inspired him almost as much as Zelda herself had done, although in a much, much more subtle way. He could still remember the words of encouragement she had told him before she shooed him toward Kakariko Village. The way she held herself and her strong Sheikan voice were enough to awe anyone, even a person like Link, who could be a bit on the childish immature side. All these years… and now…

"Link," Zelda's tears began to dampen his tunic. Link put his arms around the sobbing princess and pulled her closer to his broad chest. He comforted her quietly as he gently cradled her in his arms.

Link was about to say something when suddenly; the large blue falcon that seemed to like to hang around the castle settled itself on the balcony, naught but half of a meter away.

"Look, Zelda quick," Link whispered as he shook Zelda. He had never seen such a fine bird so close before. It didn't seem to be afraid of the two Hylians. Zelda sat up and then she saw what Link was gesturing towards.

"It's so pretty," she murmured into Link's tunic. She was still leaning against Link's chest. His body was warm and it felt nice against her shivering form in the cool night.

The falcon squawked loudly, its shrill cries ringing over the courtyard. Then it fluttered down from the banister and hopped over to where Link and Zelda sat. Link reached over and scratched the falcon beneath its golden beak. Once more, the bird demonstrated to fear of the Hylian, actually enjoying the feel of Link's finger stroking its throat.

Zelda smiled as she watched both Link and the bird show immense contentment with the affectionate greeting. The bird obviously trusted Link now and it scuttled closer to him. With a quick flap of its wings, the falcon fluttered to Link's shoulder, nuzzling his cheek. The hero smiled and stroked the bird's smoothly feathered back. The princess sat up and reached to pet the bird as well. The falcon seemed to like all the attention it was getting and it chirped in a satisfied fashion.

"What's your name, boy?" Zelda crooned as she rubbed the bird's back down, "I haven't seen anyone like you before. You must belong to someone. Am I right boy?"

Link chuckled.

"And just what's so darn funny?" Zelda asked the hero as he tried his best to stifle his laughter.

"You," he said finally, although a trace of merriment was still left on his tongue.

"And what's funny about me?"

"The way you're talkin' to that bird, of course!

You look like you were a little girl again!" Link couldn't help it. He hadn't seen the princess talk to animals since they were children. He had to admit that the sight of the noble woman sitting in the lap of a rogue and talking to a falcon was quite funny.

"You should talk, silly!" she said as she jokingly punched his shoulder, "You're the hero that never grew up!"

"Well, one just finds life is more exciting when you live it like I do…." Then his voice had suddenly become lower… a tone that was almost seductive, "But you know what?"

"What?"

He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. The curious falcon jumped off Link's shoulder and backed up to watch the Hylians. Link leaned close to Zelda's elfin ear and whispered, "You're not a little girl any more."

Zelda couldn't believe what she was hearing. She reached up and gently touched Link's cheek. She could feel how much warmer his flesh had become in the past minute.

Zelda's train of thought was interrupted as the falcon leapt from its perch and scuttled across the balcony. The blue creature looked as though it was heading for Zelda's room, and she clambered out of Link's lap in an effort to try and catch it before it did. With a leap and a cry of, "Oh no you don't!" the princess pounced on the startled animal. It squawked and kicked in Zelda's tight grip, blue and cream feathers flying everywhere.

Link looked at Zelda, stretched out all over the place, and wrestling with the flapping bird. He began to laugh as the bird practically dragged her about the balcony. Zelda heard his chuckles and she too began to laugh uncontrollably, her hands still clutching the ball of fathers tightly. Link decided to join the melee and he crawled on all fours to Zelda's side. He tapped her shoulder and whispered in a playful voice, "You're it Zel!"

She released the bird and it sat for a moment recollecting itself, "Oh I'm it, am I?"

"Yep!" he said as he jumped to his feet and dashed back inside Zelda's room. Zelda also stood and started to chase him all over the ornate room. This was a game they had played together since they were little ten year olds.

Link made an attempt to jump over the wide bed but just as he was about to reach the other side, Zelda caught up and seized him around the waist. Her weight on him caused them both to crash back down on the feather mattress, the blankets, coverlets and pillows flailing all over as they landed. Link kept squirming in an effort to get away but Zelda's grip was rather strong and he remained in her power.

"Oh no, Mr. Hero," she said with a sly grin as Link rolled on his back, although still captured, "You're done for."

This was the next part of their little game. When Zelda caught him, she'd eventually end up tickling the defenseless Link relentlessly. She let go of him, but before Link could stand and make another mad dash around the room, Zelda was amusing the two of them with a frenzy of tickles. Link was close to tears from all the laughing she was causing him. It was this kind of silly interaction that kept the two of them such great friends.

Zelda decided to give Link a break and she let him go, although he made to move to get up.

"Tired are we?" Zelda asked jokingly.

"Nah," Link smiled.

Suddenly, she gave him a light peck on the lips. Link's eyes widened for a moment and then regained his composure, "What in Hyrule was that for?"

"I don't know," she said, her voice completely embarrassed, "I just wanted to see what it was like to kiss a man."

"Does someone have a crush on me?" Link said in a provocative way, his eyes glittering with mischief.

"Oh shut up," she said, trying to be stern, "You know you aren't half as charming as you like to think you are, mister."

"Yes I am," he said with a quiet smile, his voice a bit lower. Zelda could do nothing but roll her eyes. Then Link piped up, "Besides Zel, you did it all wrong! It was pathetic!"

"Huh? What did I do wrong?" she asked, "As if you would know what the proper way to kiss is!"

"I think I have a pretty good idea," he said as he pulled her towards him, pressing his mouth against hers. It wasn't a little kiss, as Zelda had given him, but a deep passionate kiss that she only expected to get from a lover. He was slow and gentle, not about to be rushed by anyone or anything. Zelda didn't, for at this point in time, she wouldn't care if he'd decided to kiss her forever.

And she had to admit something else too. Link had been right; he was good at kissing.

Slowly, Link pulled his lips from hers; looking at her with a stare she had never seen before. She couldn't think of anything to say to him; the mere experience was wild for her. Link… why did you kiss me so… passionately?

"And that," he whispered, breaking the silence, "Is how you kiss, Zel."

In the middle of his sentence, the heavy oak door opened, and Karmi walked in just in time to hear his last few words. The young girl's mouth dropped open, her mind wondering what possibly could have been going on moments before she entered.

"Princess," she had seen that same boy quite a bit but she never thought that this was the kind of relationship that they had.

Neither Zelda nor Link had noticed Karmi's entrance at first, and it wasn't untill the young purple haired girl had spoken that they noticed presence. Zelda sat up, her eyes wide with surprise as she stumbled over what words to say, "Karmi! Erm, what… are you… I mean well…"

Link sat up as well and silenced Zelda with his hand and said with a grin, "Don't worry, it's not what it looks like."

"Is he that Link you talk about so much?" Karmi asked shyly.

Link looked at Zelda, whose cheeks were a bit flushed with embarrassment, "The very one."

"The is that the Link Mother told me to tell the King about if I ever saw him?"

Zelda became angry at this, "Karmi, under no circumstances will you tell my father that Link was ever here. Do you understand!?" her voice was commanding and Karmi cowered back, afraid at Zelda's suddenly hostile mood.

"Calm down, Zel," Link gave Zelda a friendly shove, sending her toppling on a large satin pillow that had fallen onto the floor, her feet dragging blankets and sheets down with her.

She clambered back on the bed, her mood lightening up, and the pillow in hand, and swung it at Link. Karmi found it amazing how happy that boy made Zelda feel. He ducked and the pillow flew out of Zelda's hands and soared across the room. The flying cushion sailed right into the unsuspecting Karmi. The girl fell over, laughing hysterically.

"O-oh, I'm sorry Karmi!"

"S'okay!" she said cheerfully as she stood up, "But princess…"

"Hmm?"

"I think you need a taste of your own medicine," a sly smile crept over Karmi's face. She swung the pillow around her head for momentum and then let it go. The pillow flew back across the room to the bed where Zelda and Link sat. Just as the pillow was about to hit the smiling princess, Link dove right in front, taking the blow for her.

"Sorry, Karmi," Link said as he gathered himself up form the sprawled position he landed in, "I suppose there is still some of those protective warrior instincts in me. But I agree," his lips curled into the smile of a young child, "She needs to be taught a lesson."

He grabbed the pillow and nailed Zelda with it, and soon the he and Zelda erupted into a huge pillow fight. Karmi jumped into the melee, a pillow in hand, ready to back up who ever needed backing up. Link pounced on Zelda, pinning her to the bed, a mischievous smile etched on his masculine face. He nodded to Karmi, who was wielding two pillows, to come over and wallop Zelda relentlessly.

"But Sir Link, she's the princess!" Karmi protested.

"Aw, it doesn't matter," he said, "Where's your sense of fun? I promise you, Zelda would like nothing more."

"No I wouldn't you liar," Zelda said with a friendly chuckle, "Karmi, don't do it! Hit him instead!"

Karmi looked to Link to see what he would say. He was looking deep into her eyes, that inane smile still on his face, "I think that you would like to be bashed over the head with two oversized pillows, Zel. I can see it in your eyes."

"I think what Mr. Hero needs is a pillow clobbering," Zelda snapped back. Karmi couldn't believe it. They were arguing like children! And the princess didn't mind it one bit! It seemed to Karmi that Zelda was actually enjoying being in the hero's strong restraint. Then she had an idea.

"Guys," the two of them stopped arguing and looked over to where Karmi sat with her two pillows, "Since you two obviously can't decide who I should hit with my pillows, I think I will be the one to choose."

"That's the spirit Karmi!" Link urged, "You and I both know that it is only just that Zelda is hit."

"Don't let that charm and innocent exterior fool you!" Zelda protested, "He's in for it, isn't he Karmi? As soon as you destroy him anyway."

Karmi smiled as she let her eyes dart from Link to Zelda, "I think I know who I'm gonna get."

Link looked at her with raised eyebrows, pinning Zelda deeper into the feather mattress. Karmi edged over to the two of them and raised the pillows, one in each hand, over her head. Then she let them come sailing down, hitting each of them with equal power, light whimsical chuckles escaping her throat as she did.

"Oooh, a traitor!" Zelda said as she pushed Link off of her. Then she pounced on him, "You're a traitor too bucko. Don't think you'll get off that easy!"

They wrestled around a bit, each trying to outdo the other, as Karmi looked on in amazed wonder.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. All three of them froze, not daring to move. Link listened to hear if the person outside was a friend or some other castle staff.

The person called in, "Zelda? Are you awake?"

It was the king himself. Link quickly dragged himself off the bed and darted out the door leading to the balcony. Karmi ran after him to see where he would go. She got out on the balcony only in time to see his hand disappear over the stone banister. She dashed to the ledge and peered down into the courtyard. She could see Link darting through the rosebushes. He turned to look up, and he waved.

She waved back, and then looked quickly over her shoulder before swinging herself over the rail, and climbing down the ivy covered wall to where Link stood in the dark gardens. She let herself fall off the wall a few feet above the ground and fell into the soft clumps of grass at the foot of the castle. She dashed over to Link, who was making his way toward a group of large oak trees next to the outer wall.

After a burst of sprints, Karmi reached out her hand and grasped Link's strong shoulder, wrenching him to a halt. He seemed startled for a moment and the relaxed, turning about with a friendly smile on his handsome face, "Yes, Karmi?"

"Err, Link, this might not really be the time but, ah, I wanna ask you something."

"Yes?" his charming spirited blue eyes sparkling in the moonlight.

"This really might not be the time but, ah, it's about your ring," she looked off towards the heavens, which shimmered with the infinite light of the glorious stars above.

"Huh?

My ring?" Link looked puzzled as he cocked his head to the side, his hand on his hip in bemused wonder.

"I was wondering if I could… well… sort of… ah… borrow it," Karmi seemed rather uneasy about asking this; she traced patterns in the dirt with her feet.

"Borrow it? Well, I really like this ring a lot," Link eyed his hand for a moment and then looked back at Karmi, "Is there something special you need it for?"

"Yeah, kind of," Karmi sighed, "You don't have to give it to me. I just thought… never mind." "No, what is it?"

Link asked, worried he might have hurt Karmi's feelings, "Just tell me."

"It might make Zelda happy," Karmi said quietly, "I think she is upset she can't see you so much. And with all this pressure about being married to a man she never knew existed until a few days ago… well she just might need that feeling of friendship. I thought having your ring might remind her of you. You seem to make her so happy. Actually, Link, I don't think I've seen her happier then when she's with you…."

Link smiled, and nodded, "I understand. Zelda is your friend too. And you want the best for her, don't you Karmi?"

"Uh huh," Karmi nodded as well, "I only met her just a short time ago and, she's taken me right under her wing. She understands me better then anyone else. I wanna give something back to her."

"What do you want to do, give her me?" Link asked. He looked down and chuckled a bit.

"Maybe," Karmi said quietly.

"Here," Link pulled the silver band off his finger and held it out to Karmi, "Give it to her. Tell her that as long as she wears it, I will always be at her side."

"Yes,"

Karmi took the ring, "Yes, I will."

And with that, she turned and ran back toward the castle.

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Early the next morning, there was a knock on the door of The Dragon's Chalice. Arutho opened the door to find a purple haired girl standing in the doorframe.

Arutho smiled, "Hello there, ma'am. How may I help you this fine morning?"

"Um, is Link around?" she asked.

"He's actually still sleeping," Arutho said as he motioned towards the attic stairs with a shake of his head, "Would you like to come in and wait? What's your name dear?"

"I just need to give him something," the girl said, "I'm Karmi."

"Hmm," Arutho thought for a moment, "If you're quick about it, you can run up and leave whatever it is in his room. Try not to wake the boy up though. Um, if you don't mind my asking, what exactly is it you have for him?"

"Just a note… and a gift," she stated briefly, "It's from the princess."

"Ah," Arutho said with a knowing smile, "Go ahead. Quietly though!"

Karmi walked in the direction Arutho had gestured towards and climbed the narrow staircase. At the top, there was a heavy oak door. She pushed it open and found herself in a sunlit room with a large window overlooking the town. Swords and shields hung on most of the wall space. In the corner, was an ebony bed, in which Link's sleeping form could be made out.

Karmi decided to leave the small package on Link's bedside table. It was a silver dagger that Zelda had found in the armories. She had wanted Link to have it… as a sort of 'exchange' for the ring.

As silently as she could, she crept over to the table and laid the parcel by the dimly glowing kerosene lamp that sat there. She chanced a quick peek at the sleeping hero in the bed. He slept so innocently, like a child, his loosely fitting shirt hanging off his body, revealing his strong chest and the covers rising and falling with his every breath.

His hand, which rested on the pillow, curled gently around a silver flute like instrument. It was encrusted with a tiny gold band around the mouthpiece, the sacred Triforce carved delicately upon it. A smile crept over his face as he dreamt. A small sigh escaped his lips as he whispered a single word from his dreams, "Zelda."

"I knew it. He loves her," Karmi murmured as she started to turn for the door, "If only the princess could realize that she loves him too."

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It was noon. The loud rich tones of the Temple of Time's bells rang over the city. The high sun's angry rays beat down upon the streets and its merry face shone into every window. For Hyrule, this was a great day, with wonderful weather and the formal betrothal of their princess.

For Zelda, this was an awful day.

Today wore the cloak of merriment to disguise the hell that it really was; and Zelda found herself smack dab in the center of it all. Servants balancing trays of food and guards brandishing spears and swords were all around her. Any moment, the torment of her life would arrive, and Zelda would then be locked into the prison of her living nightmare forever.

Her father's excitement was so great, it compensated for her lack of it. He seemed so eager for that ball and chain prince to show up. Zelda was ready to die. Everyone seemed so happy, yet she couldn't bring herself to even pretend to look it.

She just wanted to go out and be with her friends; race horses with Link or have Jalk teach her how to play the lyre. She wished she could help Arutho in his wine cellars or even follow Gono, as he tasted all the beer Arutho kept behind the bar. Zelda could even bear to sit through one of Malon's horse lectures or play chess with the undefeated Kossin. Perhaps Safter would let her equip the soldiers for training. Anything was better then this.

Her father kept saying that Dimitri would arrive at any moment. Zelda desperately hoped that he would be delayed somehow. She prayed it in the back of her mind constantly. Soon, everyone was seated for the lunchtime banquet; and still, there was no Prince of Trabia.

Zelda sat next to her father, who was seated at the head of the table. Laid out, was almost every food dreamed of, all of which surrounded a large bird that had been slaughtered and cooked all through the morning and then stuffed with a great variety of delicious things.

The king stood and tapped a knife against his crystal goblet. As the clear ring made its way down the table, the lords and ladies seated there fell silent and turned to face their ruler.

He cleared his throat, "My good lords and ladies, I bide you welcome to this joyous occasion. For it is today, that my young daughter becomes a woman, and takes her place alongside her future husband, Prince Dimitri of the Trabia Province!"

At this there was an arousal of dainty claps and murmurs of congratulations. Zelda smiled awkwardly as she listened to their wishes of an elated marriage, twisting Link's ring all the while.

"Unfortunately," her father went on as Zelda slumped slightly in her chair, "our prince of honor has not yet arrived. So let the feast begin! And when Dimitri does arrive, we will welcome him with open arms to our jubilant gala!"

"Here, here," all the guests cheered in unison at the end of the blessing, their goblets raised. And with that, the meal began.

"What a lucky girl you are, Princess," the woman next to her nudged her shoulder. She was a bit elderly, about her father's age; her amber hair streaked with silvery gray strands. She was quite petite though, about a head shorter then Zelda.

Zelda groaned to herself and then politely replied, "And what makes me so lucky?"

"What a humorous young lady you are!" she said with an aristocratic laugh, "You are so fortunate to the future wife of Dimitri! With that sense of humor, I am sure you will please him."

"I hope to make him as miserable as possible," Zelda muttered under her breath.

The man sitting next to the graying lady, presumably her husband, leaned over to join the conversation, "Our daughter," he said as he motioned to a brunette sitting with some other young people, "would give anything to be in your shoes. You should feel lucky indeed!"

Zelda looked over at the brunette on the opposite side of the table. She was fairly pretty; her long brown curls piled atop her head and jewelry everywhere it was possible to wear. Zelda knew who this girl was. Her name was Annette. She was actually a very stuck-up individual and Zelda couldn't stand her even though they had only met twice before. Perfect match, her and Dimitri…Zelda thought as she watched Annette go on about some unimportant topic. … If she's so wild over that Trabia bastard, then she can have him!

The woman bent over to look at Zelda's hand that was nearest to her, "My that is a lovely ring, but dear, don't get me wrong, isn't that a man's ring?"

Zelda quickly pulled her hand into her lap, hiding the silver band from view, "It is? I had not noticed that when I got it. I just thought it was charming."

"It seems rather too masculine for such a delicate beauty such as yourself," the woman said in a slightly preachy tone, "A dragon is something a knight might wear on his hand, not a princess."

"I find dragons enchanting," Zelda retorted quickly. She was relieved the woman had not noticed Link's name carved along the dragon's winding body.

"A rebel your father always said you were," the woman sighed and went on with dining, making idle chitchat with her husband.

Zelda slumped even deeper in her chair, her mood becoming worsened with every hour of that miserable feast.

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The meal had dragged on for hours with no trace of Dimitri whatsoever, and when it was finally through, the guests made their way from the dining hall to the ballroom. It was a beautiful room with tall arched iron paned windows lining the two lengths of it and gilded gold and ebony panels on the walls and ceiling. The back of the room opened to a huge balcony by means of a tall glass door fashioned in the same manner as the windows. A large brass and crystal chandelier hung in the center of the carved ceiling, flanked by two smaller ones. Candles flickered in their sconces casting lights upon the floor mingled with patches luminosity from the setting sun.

While most of the other guests either danced or stood about, talking, Zelda found her way to the large balcony the ballroom opened up onto. There was no one out there save two gossiping girls. Zelda leaned on the wrought iron rail, entwined with vines of up growing roses, and gazed out over the immense gardens and promenades. The gurgling of fountains and the chirping of birds seemed to calm her somewhat but she still felt that burning anger inside.

Then she heard something new blending with the other sounds about her. It was a voice, a man's voice, deep and rich.

"When you feel all alone,
And the world has turned its back on you,
Give me a moment, please,
To tame your wild, wild heart,
I know you feel like,
The walls are closing in on you,
It's hard to find relief,
And people can be so cold,
When darkness is upon your door and
You feel like you can't take any more…"

She leaned over the rail and there, right below her, amid the roses, was Link, singing up to her with a broad grin on his face. He wasn't wearing his usual, the green tunic and open white shirt. Instead, he was wearing a dark navy blue waistcoat trimmed in gold, a bunch of lace at his throat, along with matching pants, which were tucked into his tall black knee high boots. His blond hair was combed behind his long Hylian ears, with the exception of a few loose strands, which hung in his face. Despite all his formalities, he still wore those silver rings in his elfin ears and the neck of his coat was unbuttoned a bit, revealing his strong neck, lending to his roguish qualities. He was not wearing any gloves either. She had to admit though; he looked much finer then every man at the ball that night.

"Link," she almost hissed his name, although her face was relieved to see him. He looked up and his grin widened as he waved back up in acknowledgment. Then he came closer to the building (fortunately, there was no one in the room below) and started to climb up the rose covered wall, his thick skin unawares when his hands grasped the thorny branches. He was too excited to see Zelda to care. As he made his way up the wall, he continued to sing for Zelda, who smiled with glee at the sound of his strong voice.

"Let me be the one you call,
If you jump,
I'll break you're fall,
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night,
If you need to fall apart,
I can mend a broken heart,
If you need to crash,
Then crash and burn,
You're not alone…"

By the time he finished the verse, he had made it to the top and he swung himself with much ease over the iron rose covered handrail. With a smile, he grabbed Zelda in a quick embrace and then said, "You look miserable Zel! …Figured you'd want someone you… could talk to here, so…"

Zelda could tell he was a bit embarrassed, not only because he was taking a bit to choose his words, but also because he was blushing furiously. He looks so… cute… when he's flushed like that.

"Well, I'm just glad you're here," she said softly. She could feel her heart thumping; she had not the slightest idea as to why it was but…

"I'm glad I'm here too, princess!" he laughed. Even happier to be with you…he thought to himself as Zelda smiled.

"So," he said, putting his hands behind his head, "How's your Prince?"

"Don't call him that 'cause he's not mine," she snapped, her moody attitude getting the better of her, "but he has not come yet anyway so I do not know."

"Guy sounds like jerk to me," Link said, his eyes looking up into the star filled Hylian heavens.

"Wouldn't be surprised," Zelda grumbled. Then she lightened up, realizing how rude and unkind she was being to her friend, "I am sorry Link. I just feel so… tense… I suppose… because of this whole thing. There's a lot of pressure on me today."

"It's alright, princess, don't worry," he put a reassuring hand on her shoulder, "I am here for you."

Zelda smiled at this and took both his hands warmly, as though to thank him for being so kind. He had a way about him of doing that. He always knew how to cheer her and how to lift her spirits.

"Well then, princess," he said, casual as could be, "being that your fiancée is not here, allow me to be your escort."

Zelda giggled as he put out his arm, just as a gentleman would do, and bow slightly. With a smile, she hooked her slender arms around his and leaned her head on his shoulder, "Alright Sir Link."

He smiled as he put his free hand on her arm and unwound her from his body and in one sweeping motion, he whirled her around, pulling her back to him and hugging her close. She leaned on his chest as he continued to dance with her around the large terrace.

"You're a pretty good dancer, Link," Zelda said as he spun her again, moving in exact rhythm with the light music that floated from the ballroom.

"'Course

I am," he said with a shinny grin.

"And that coat looks marvelous on you," she twirled back into his arms, "No one will guess who you are; you look so devilishly handsome and chivalrous. Where in Hyrule did you find it?"

"Actually, Arutho, Gono, and Jalk surprised me with it," he said somberly as he stopped dancing.

"Why do you look so sad, Link?" Zelda asked, "That was very generous of them to get such fine garments for you."

"I just feel… guilty," he said with a distant look, "Even though they don't have much… they put together all their extra money and savings so they could buy everything I'm wearing tonight just so I could come and… see you. They hardly get what they deserve from me. I live under their roof, eat their food… and… well… I never really have given much back to them. I suddenly feel like I've been intruding on them and taking advantage of their kindness for the past couple of years."

"Link…" she murmured, "they did all that for you? You came all this way… for me?"

"Why not? You're my… best friend," he said as he thought at the same time, You mean so much to me… Zelda… my love… I would journey a thousand oceans just to see you smile.

"Yes, that's right," she laughed, "You have great timing. You always seem to show up when I need you most."

Link grinned back and took her into his arms again, resuming dancing with her across the floor. They had only been dancing a few minutes, when the king stepped out on the balcony and stopped the dancing couple.

"Here you are Zelda!" he said in a relieved voice, "Everyone was wondering where the lucky girl is! I have been looking all over for you, and here you are!"

"Um, yes, Father," she said, "Is there something you need of me?"

"No, no," he shook his head. Then his sights fell upon Link, "Have I seen you somewhere before young man? I do not recall you at the banquet."

Link was about to say something when Zelda interrupted him, "Yes, Father. The reason he looks so familiar is because he's an old friend. He apologizes for being late to the ball."

"Funny, I don't remember him," the king had a suspicious glint in his eye.

"You're old, Father," she said haughtily, "I believe your memory is failing you."

"Thanks a lot Zelda! I suppose I am getting a bit to old to remember all your acquaintances!" he laughed merrily, "Ah, Zelda…. I never remembered you as one to dance either!"

Zelda grabbed Link's arm and leaned on him, much to Link's surprise (the look on his face told it all), "Well he's such a wonderful dancer… and how could I resist such a charming boy with such a handsome face!"

"Um… yes," then he smiled, "Just make sure you don't fall for him… or what will become of Dimitri!?"

I could care less, she thought as she said sweetly, "Don't worry Daddy. We're just catching up on things!"

"Very good dear," he turned to leave, "I shall see you later."

Link let out a sigh of relief the moment the king reentered the castle, "Ah, I was sure he would have known 'twas me."

"Just forget it and look casual. You will be fine," then she hooked her arms around his once more, pulling him toward the entrance of the ballroom, "Shall we go then?"

He smiled and said with a laugh, "So we shall!"

They walked back into the large spindled room and out onto the wooden dance floor, and began to dance the night away. Many of the lords and ladies who were standing aside began to watch the attractive young blond who was so skillfully whirling their princess around the dance floor. None of them were suspecting that he was actually just a local tavern owner in lord's clothes. Zelda even noticed some of the younger girls looking at him with hungry eyes as he danced her about, while at the same time, flashing her jealous glances.

So now the aristocratic girls will have eyes for Link just as every other one does….

Zelda turned her sights from the people watching them dance, to the hero whose arms were wrapped about her, concentrating completely on him, and only him. He smiled back at her, the lamplight catching in his sparkling blue eyes and creamy skin.

He was so handsome tonight. Zelda thought about the other times that they had spent together. The adventures they had gone on, the laughter they shared… each of them a wonderful memory the princess knew she would never forget… even after she was married to Dimitri.

"You look… beautiful… tonight," she heard Link whisper in to her elfin ear.

She looked at him awkwardly, "You think so?"

He nodded, his blond locks tumbling out of place as he did, "Of course. Would I lie to you?"

She shook her head in the negative, her lips falling slightly apart and her eyes wide with admiration for the noble hero in her arms. He smiled at her reaction, "You know I never could."

"Never?" she questioned.

"Not to you I could," he whispered. His voice was too low for anyone to hear. Zelda was thankful for that lest they get suspicious and make some assumption that they were something they were not… although Zelda's mind kept playing back those few words quite a bit.

"Ah, we should sit down," he went on, "I'm not used to all this spinning around."

Zelda smiled, "Neither am I. Dancing has never been a thing a particularly enjoyed."

He escorted her off the dance floor and pulled out a chair for her. Then he went off and soon returned, dragging a chair for himself behind. Parking the oaken seat next to hers, Link sat down and smiled at her, "So, what next?"

"Well… we could sit here and talk untill some idiot comes and tries to dance off with me…" then she sat quiet for a second as though to think over what she was going to say next, "or we could just blow out of here and ditch this lousy party."

"Don't you think someone would notice if we left… especially if you left with me?" he asked her, his eyes tracing the intricately carved gold entwined in the high painted ceiling.

"I don't think so," she mused, "People usually just show up to these things for the free food."

"You never know," he said as he leaned back in his chair, "Perhaps we should wait just a bit and then go… dull as hell though… but safer then leaving now."

"I guess that's a good idea," she agreed.

They went on talking for a bit untill something Zelda didn't expect to happen happened. The tall brunette whom Zelda recognized to be Annette in a velvet burgundy red dress flounced up to where Link and Zelda sat and said in a lady-like voice, sweet as honey yet cold as ice, "Hmm… princess… I've had my eye on this one since you sat down… and since it looks like you aren't going to dance with him… and that you're already… how should we say… taken… might you let me have a turn with him?"

Zelda looked at her strangely as the Annette continued to smile at Link flirtatiously, "Um… taken? …Turn? What in Hyrule do you mean?"

"Look princess," she said, her smile melting into a frown quickly, "Perchance I am not being clear. Let me dance with this fine lord. I believe your turn is up."

"My friend here isn't for rent, leave him be," Zelda snapped back, "And I do believe you forget who you're talking to…"

Link could see that quarrelsome stubborn fire kindling itself in Zelda's eyes, and he knew exactly where this would be gong if he didn't say something fast, "Zel, calm down."

"Zel?" Annette looked at Link with a curious eye, "Just how tightly bound is this friendship of yours, hmmm?"

"Don't ask about things that are none of your damn business," Zelda barked in Annette's face.

"A bit touchy are we?" the brunette argued back, "This one's mine Zelda. You can't hog him 'cause you've already snagged that gorgeous Prince Dimitri."

"Let's not even go there! It's not like I ever wanted him in the first place!"

Link decided this had to stop. He held up a hand, "Alright girls, please. I am very flattered that you two are arguing over me, but really, is it that necessary?"

"Link… let me…" Zelda started to say but Link silenced her with a wink.

"I'll dance with her for just a little bit and then I'll come back to you, okay?" he said as he stood. Annette smiled triumphantly. Then Link turned to the girl and said with a little bow, "Madame?"

"Oh you're so polite!" the girl giggled as she greedily latched herself onto Link's outstretched arm and pulled him onto the crowded dance floor, leaving Zelda waiting impatiently for his return.

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