Disclaimer: All rights to the Zelda series belong to Nintendo. This story is for entertainment purposes only. No copyright infringement is intended
It seemed so simple and yet the emptiness Zelda felt upon returning to her childlike form was truly agonizing. She had waited so long for the moment with Link when Ganondorf was finally defeated, however when it had finally happened the sages had swept them both back to the temple of time so quickly she hadn't even had time to exchange any sort of word with him.
Upon thinking about it, what would she have even said? As a princess her feelings had been shown as modest, but what about the emotions of a woman. Her training with Impa had shown her not to let feelings get in the way of duty, and so she had kept her budding fascination a dark secret in her heart.
As seven years passed, Zelda waited patiently for Link to emerge from the temple of light. It felt like an eternity and so she kept busy training with Impa at every given moment. She began to question her role as a princess, she had been living outside the castle walls for so long she wondered whether she would remember what royalty was even supposed to act like. Living in a small rainforest like village just past the desert had definitely taken it's toll on the once conservative young girl. Her long blonde locks had become quite untamed though still beautiful. Her eyes from blue to a bright red from the memories of death and bloodshed the reign of Ganondorf had caused. Her body once small and innocent had grown graciously curvacious, into that of a stunning young woman. Yet Zelda took little notice of the changes that had befallen her over those seven years, as she was much more interested in the changes of someone else.
The time finally came for Zelda to greet Link in the temple of time upon his awakening. She stood in the shadows as Sheik, waiting for the large burst of light signifying Link's return to the world of Hyrule. She found herself growing progressively impatient, a trait not much like herself. The time seemed to drag and she became worried there was some sort of malfunction. She took a step towards the stone the Master sword had been sunk into but had to pull back quickly as a brilliant white flash suddenly burst from the centre of the room. She covered her eyes at the unexpected brightness, and felt her heart beat significantly increase. She silently scolded herself for the sudden butterflies emanating from within her stomach, however all thought quickly ceased as her childhood friend took his first step out of the middle of the beam. She had to stifle a small gasp, Link had most definitely gone through some changes. His skin was paler then hers due to the lack of natural sunlight, it however did not hinder his overall appearance. He had grown considerably and now stood at least 5,9. His blonde hair appeared no different in colour but had grown longer so that it rested just above his shoulders in a shaggy unkept manner, and those eyes.. How had she forgotten those eyes shining the most brilliant blue she had ever seen.
As the light disappeared behind him he shivered slightly in the chill of the temple. Looking around he looked very lost and slightly confused at his whereabouts. She hadn't thought about how difficult this was going to be for him. Seven years had passed and he was made to feel as though he had been asleep. Zelda tentatively took a step from her place in the corner of the room, she approached the young man quietly and with much caution so as not to startle him. This however proved to be the wrong sort of method, she had underestimated Link's acute senses. The hair on the back of his neck bristled, before she had time to think he had spun and was now in a locked fighting position with his sword at her throat. There was a fierceness dancing in his eyes emanating a sort of dangerousness. However hidden behind his initial reaction Zelda sensed something much different, Link was...nervous. Clearly shown as the seconds passed and the fierceness was replaced with hesitation. Slowly Link brought the great sword to rest pointed at the stone floor. Zelda had waited so long for this moment and yet she had no idea what to say. Instead of the so many things running through her mind that she just wanted to spew, she opted for the speech she had been practising for seven years.
"I've been waiting for you, Hero of Time...When evil rules all, an awakening voice from the Sacred Realm will call those destined to be Sages, who dwell in the five temples.
One in a deep forest...
One on a high mountain...
One under a vast lake...
One within the house of the dead...
One inside a goddess of the sand...
Together with the Hero of Time, the awakened ones will bind the evil and return the light of peace to the world. This is the legend of the temples passed down by my people, the Sheikah. I am Sheik. Survivor of the Sheikahs...As I see you standing there, holding the mythical Master Sword, you really do look like the legendary Hero of Time...If you believe the legend, you have no choice. You must look for the five temples and awaken the five Sages...
One is waiting for the time of awakening in the Forest Temple. The Sage is a girl I am sure you know...Because of the evil power in the temple, she cannot hear the awakening call from the Sacred Realm... Unfortunately, equipped as you currently are, you cannot even enter the temple... But, if you believe what I'm saying, you should head to Kakariko Village...Do you understand, Link?
"To save the forest girl, you need another skill...Head to Kakariko Village!"
With her final words falling from her lips, Zelda whispered a spell creating a large cloud of smoke allowing her to stealthily make her escape unseen.