A/N: Hey all. This is the continuation of A Most Joyous Occasion. This story will be longer then its predecessor, probably about five or so chapters. Also, this is a shameless "set up" chapter. Vagueness will ensue. I'm still battling bronchitis, so I just hope that what's in here *taps noggin* makes it way onto this chapter at least semi-coherently.

Given the Chance

What a selfish princess you are. What do you really want with poor Link?

Zelda

We've been married for two months now. Our 'honeymoon' was pleasant. We went to a cabin in Lake Hylia. It was very private and quiet. We just spent the time getting to know each other.

"And with that, I'm free. I'm sorry, Link, did your foot fall asleep?" I nudged Link softly, and he smiled at me.

It was customary to have the Prince of Hyrule present during formal dinners. Emissaries from the Zora's had come for some business, and had of course stayed for dinner. Link has attended several formal dinners since our marriage, and though he never complained, I could tell he hated them. I myself much preferred a quiet dinner.

He stuck through it, though. I smiled at him, and stretched a bit myself. I wasn't immune to boredom either.

"I'll see you in the morning, Link. I have a bit more business to attend to." Link bowed his head slightly and left with a wave.

I waved back and headed to my study. I was in for a late night. The zora's had confirmed my worries. My marriage to Link had had its intended effect. There was a general unification among the land. After the twilight incident, the people of this land weren't just shaken up… they were looking for a fight.

With rumors of war on the horizon, I went to Link. Together we decided on a solution. Marriage.

As Queen Zelda and Prince Link, we would be able to help the reunification of the countries in a way that Princess Zelda and Hero Link couldn't.

It wasn't enough though. In the outlaying villages and settlements, unease was sown into the land. For now it was just unease, but if I didn't find a solution, it would be every nation for itself, like in the dark days of old.

No, I'd find a solution. Nobody would be able to survive if a war broke out. The kingdoms were all too fragile right now.

I lace my fingers together and look out the window. I must calm the citizens before they do something stupid and incite an incident. Incidents lead to conflicts, and conflicts lead to war.

War must be avoided.

Link

"Link? Are you happy here?" Zelda had been standing in my doorway for several seconds before carefully asking her simple question. I often caught her staring at me recently. It made me uneasy.

I smile at Zelda's worries. Of course I'm happy here. What's to be unhappy about?

I pull on my boots and join her at the doorway. There were three doors in my bedroom. One led to the hallway, one to a balcony, and one to the living room that Zelda and I shared. The living room had another door that led to her room.

I nod contently, and walk past her into our shared living room. Breakfast was waiting on the small table next to the couch.

"I just worry that you don't have enough to occupy your time." Zelda sits across from me and sips her tea, deep in thought.

Zelda's Triforce of Wisdom gleams softly through her glove, reacting to mine.

I shrug, and take a bite of a muffin. True, castle life was boring. I may technically be a royal now, but having been married into it I didn't have any real authority. Most of my time was spent walking among the people, or at the guard towers. I liked listening to the guards talk. They told stories of being adventurers, or of war. Occasionally we'd spar or have a marksman contest. It was all good fun.

It really was nice, living at the castle. Not having to worry about where I'd find the next meal, or sleeping under a tree. On the road, I would wake up to the sound of songbirds. If I stayed quiet and still, they'd come right up to me and sometimes land on me. Living in the castle, I didn't have to worry about if I have enough arrows, or if I was on the right path. Everything was planned out here. Breakfast with Zelda, hang out with the guards, lunch with Zelda, kill time in the garden, dinner with Zelda, sleep, repeat.

"Link, I…" Zelda puts down her teacup. "I didn't mean to clip your wings by bringing you here." Zelda looks down at her cup, her eyes furrowed. She whispered something that I couldn't hear.

"Hm?" I asked, hoping she'd repeat herself.

"Why should you have to stop adventuring? It's not like we're starting a family. Also, no offense, but you really have no royal duties to attend to." Looking as if she'd decided something, she put her cup down and stood. "Link, if you want to go on adventures, please do so. This isn't a prison, you can come and go as you please." Zelda smiles widely.

I can do that? I can just… take off? The shock must have been apparent on my face because Zelda chuckled softly.

"Of course, I'd rather you weren't gone for months at a time without a word like before."

I winced slightly at that. She'd heard, then. After the whole business with twilight was finished, I sort of just… left. Didn't tell anyone where I was headed or when I'd be back. I'd blow back into my home village occasionally, restock on supplies, and then head out again.

I regained my composure and stood, smiled widely, and gave a slight bow. Excitement started to weave its way through me. I had some packing to do.

Zelda

Well that was easier then I'd have expected. It was like an arrow had been let loose from its bow. Link was gone before lunchtime.

I'm really not sure what I was so worried about. Of course Link would want to go adventuring.

You think you're quite clever, don't you princess? Or… I guess you're Queen now.

I turn violently.

"Who's there? Show yourself! Guard!" A guard, waiting in the hallway, ran in.

"Yes, my lady?" the guard looked around, confused. I stood silent for a moment, then turned to face him.

"I want a full report from the guards tomorrow. Everything from last week until tomorrow evening." The guard bowed low.

"Yes, Queen Zelda.

Link

The excitement and thrill of the chase was on me. Epona and I had spotted a bokoblin in the southern Hyrule fields. I didn't have a quest yet, but I was having plenty of fun hunting various monsters in the fields. I hadn't had an opportunity to get my heart pumping this fast since—

CRACK the bokoblin was dead, vanishing in the all-too-familiar puff of darkness.

Where to now? Perhaps I'd stop by home, see how everyone's doing. I thought for a moment.

I was already pretty close. I decided on just a quick visit, then I'd be back to finding an adventure.

I kicked Epona into a gallop, and we were off.

Oh, Goddess, how I've missed this. I'd taken a break to water epona. I had set off around noon, and had played in the fields for too long. It was already getting dark, and I'd barely made it to the entrance of Faron woods.

I stretched out underneath a tree, watching the sun set behind the mountains. It was so beautiful.

I decided against setting up camp, and just turned into a wolfos. My fur would keep me warm, and I wouldn't have to put up a barrier between the grass and myself. It smelled so wonderful, I didn't even care there were bugs crawling all over me. I stretched out, and fell asleep with a smile on my lips.

?

Oh my, look at the happy little puppy. She's got you good and collared, doesn't she? Does wittle puppy Link want a rub between the ears? Does Zelda give you tasty little treats when you do a good job, puppy? Poor Link, doesn't even know when he's being used like a tissue.

I'm looking down at the sleeping puppy, and wonder what would happen, were he given the chance.

Zelda's driving herself mad trying to find out who I am. Let's see if she's making any progress…

I return to the Queen's side in a moment. She thinks she knows. She's got a mountain of books in her room, all pertaining to twilight.

Twilight, hm? I grin widely. Yes, I think that's a wonderful idea. I wonder what will happen, given the chance.

A/N: *cue dramatic music* I really hope the vagueness isn't a turn off. Most of the questions raised in this chapter are answered in the next one. Promise. : ) Anyway, I'm off to drink a bottle of Nyquil.