Author's Notes: This Legend of Zelda fanfiction takes place seven years after the events of Ocarina of Time ended (when Link was back to being a child, I am estimating about the age of 12). FYI, Zelda's middle name was fabricated, and I borrowed the King's name from another Zelda game. Not to sound rude, but I do not accept plot suggestions (I have received reviews before and people have asked for certain pairings). When my stories are posted, the plotlines are already conceived. I hope you enjoy my latest endeavor, and I hope that this will be finished before the summer is over.
Thank you, and enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own The Legend of Zelda or any of its characters as it is licensed by Nintendo and is the intellectual property of Shigeru Miyamoto. The storyline is mine, as are any original characters that may crop up.

Chapter One: The Invitation

The sun was shining over the rippling waters of Lake Hylia. Link strode up the hill from the shores of the twinkling lake with a string of fish over his shoulder and a cat at his heels. Our hero had hung up his shield and sword after battling the Skull Kid in Termina and lived quietly beside the shores of the grand lake. Surprisingly the seven years since he and Zelda managed to seal Ganondorf away had passed peacefully, with the exception of the adventure in Termina. Link looked down to the tiger Siamese at his heels and smiled. The now two year old cat, Archimedes, was a birthday gift from Princess Zelda. After all these years, she was still his most frequent visitor. But Link soon noticed that the cat slowed his pace and had a curious look upon his face. "Hey, Link! There's someone riding up to our house," the cat said quickly. Link turned his attention to their small dwelling ahead and saw a horseman approaching. The sun glinted off the armor and helm of the rider.

"I think it's a messenger," Link answered his companion. The duo quickened their pace and saw that the rider was a messenger of the Royal House of Hyrule. The rider soon dismounted and the blue plume atop his helmet swayed. The messenger spotted the young man and his cat and waived in greeting.

"Hullo there!" he shouted. "Are you Link?"

Link and Archimedes trotted up to the awaiting messenger. "Yes, sir, I am," Link answered upon reaching their visitor. "To what do I owe this visit?"

The rider clicked his heels together and bowed swiftly. He stood tall again and presented Link with an elaborately bound scroll as he announced, "His royal majesty King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule personally sent me to deliver this invitation to our princess' seventeenth birthday celebration."

Link took the scroll with care and looked at it intently. The messenger bowed and said, "Good day, sir." He then turned and mounted his horse. The rider directed his horse to Hyrule Field and faded into the distance. Link slowly and cautiously broke the elaborate wax seal bearing the Coat of Arms of the Royal Family, and with restrained anxiety he unrolled the scroll. The Coat of Arms was lavishly emblazoned atop the scroll while the invitation details were elaborately scribed beneath:

King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule
And
The Royal Family of Hyrule
Cordially request your presence
At the celebration of
Princess Zelda Lillandra Hyrule's
Coming of Age

The celebration shall commence
At Sunset
On the Spring Equinox
In the main hall of Hyrule Castle

Link slowly lowered the scroll and began to automatically roll it back up. His shoulders seemed to slump and Archimedes flicked his tail and twitched his whiskers.

"What's wrong, Link?" the feline asked.

"I didn't realize that she was coming of age this year. I knew her birthday was coming; in fact I was going to head out tomorrow to find a present for her. It just never dawned on me that she was going to be seventeen," Link said as he ran his hand through his hair and scuffed the ground with his boot.

"What's so big about being seventeen?"

"When you're seventeen that's it, you're an adult. Zelda gave you to me as my coming of age gift," he sighed heavily, "And with royalty, when you're seventeen that was usually when you're married off." Link began to rub his neck nervously.

Archimedes noted the lack of color in his friend's skin and the defeated stance. The feline arched his muzzle in a very catlike grin as he reassured Link, "Don't worry, my friend. Let's get that fish cleaned and in the smoke house, and then we'll leave early to get a present for the princess. But don't forget to toss me a filet before we leave."

Link shook his head as he began to walk towards the house. "Always thinking with your stomach, Archimedes."

The cat lifted his tail and followed, "Well, aren't you always saying that I'm fourteen pounds of pure attitude?"

The duo laughed as they entered the house. They cleaned and gutted fish, and then proceeded to hang the strips of meat in a hollowed log fashioned into a makeshift smokehouse. Wisps of smoke soon curled skyward from the small smokehouse and Link, having changed into a brown leather tunic and traveling cloak, began to strap the saddle bags to Epona. Archimedes stood beside the hollowed log and smelled the aroma of the smoking fish. "Link!" the cat shouted, "Did you ask the old alchemist to check on this everyday?"

"Yes, in exchange for an Eyeball Frog while I'm out and about. Come on, Archimedes, it's almost time to go." The feisty feline sprinted to his companion's side. Link lifted the cat under his arm and mounted Epona. Archimedes climbed behind Link and seated himself atop the supplies. Link looked back to the cat and asked, "Ready?"

"As I'll ever be."

With a cry Link spurred Epona into the wild. The wind whipped through his hair and Archimedes laughed with delight as the pair made their way to another adventure. They hopped fences and crossed a good portion of Hyrule Field before night began to fall. With the last rays of the setting sun Link caught sight of Lon Lon Ranch. Epona trotted as if on auto pilot. She headed right for the front gate. Link urged her into a gallop as they saw Ingo and Malon heading out to close the gate. Link shouted, "Hello there! Please wait for a visitor!"

Malon squinted until she recognized the horse, thus identifying the rider. She gave a buoyant cry, "Link! Epona!" She ran to greet them, "What brings you to the ranch this time of night?" Malon reached up and petted Epona lovingly.

Link dismounted and walked beside Malon towards the ranch. "We were just in the neighborhood, it was getting dark, and it's been a while since we've stopped by to see how the ranch was doing." Malon went to take Epona's reins but Link stopped her. "No, Malon. You handle plenty of horses. Allow me." He took the reins from her and they walked through the gates. Malon turned back to help Ingo close the gates and latch them.

Once finished, she caught up with Link. "So what brings you out of your quiet life? Did Archimedes throw a fit for our famous milk again?"

Link chuckled, "No, Malon. But I'm sure he would not turn his nose up at any. I'm going to get Zelda's birthday present."

"Oh! That's right! Her birthday is next month," Malon grinned, "Oooh, what are you getting her this year? You always get her something spectacular."

Link smoothed his hair back and Malon giggled. He scuffed his boot along the ground as they walked. "Well, I was going to get her a lovely new gown from the weavers in the Gerudo Valley this year … but that was until I was reminded that she is coming of age this year."

"How could you forget?"

"I don't know … just slipped my mind I guess," he muttered.

"Well, what's the plan now?" she asked anxiously.

Link reached into one of the nearby saddlebags and pulled out an old scroll. "This is something that I have been researching since I was fifteen. Supposedly hidden deep in the Lost Woods there is a key that will unlock a crypt. Within this crypt is a treasure left by the Golden Goddesses."

"The Triforce!" Malon blurted before she could stop herself.

"No, Malon. It is not the Triforce, nor is it a relic of power. It is something that can only be retrieved by someone pure of heart and in the name of the greatest love."

Malon gasped and looked to Link. The expression on his face was gravely serious. "Link, do you mean to tell me that you are going to find the – the?"

"Yes, Malon. I'm going to find the Goddess Pendant."

The young girl was awestruck at her friend's daring. She finally found her voice and managed to say, "Then may the Goddesses bless you on your journey. If there are any supplies you need, I'll make sure that you get them before you go. Oh, Link, I do hope you find it!"

"Thank you, Malon."

Malon led them into a clean stable with fresh straw and settled Epona with a bag of oats and a few carrots. Malon then lifted Archimedes into her arms and rubbed his chin while cooing as she led Link into her home. As the three of them walked through the door, Talon leaped up with a jovial greeting. "Link! Dear boy it's been far too long!" He crossed the room and embraced the young man warmly. "How has Epona been treating you? What brings you to the ranch?"

"Epona is wonderful, as she always is. And I was passing through. Archimedes and I thought we'd stop in and visit," Link answered as he returned Talon's hug.

"Malon, dear!" Talon shouted, "Set an extra place, and please get some fresh milk for the cat."

Malon answered from the kitchen, "Ten steps ahead of you, Dad!" She returned with an extra plate and a saucer filled with fresh cream for Archimedes. Malon set the plate on the dining table and turned to place the cream on the floor for the cat.

Archimedes lapped at the fresh, warm cream and looked at Malon lovingly. "Malon, I swear that you are an angel."

Link and Talon sat at the wooden table beside the hearth and began to catch up as Malon served them fresh baked bread and steaming bowls of stew. They talked of old times and what each had been doing of late. Finally, eyelids began to droop and Archimedes was curled up by the fire. Talon showed Link to the guest room and everyone retired for the night. That night the moon was full. As the moonlight shone through the windows Link's dreams were plagued by visions of an older, crueler Zelda in the strangest garb bowing before Ganondorf. Koume and Kotake were standing behind and to the sides of her in a mysterious underground throne room lit by numerous torches. He awoke abruptly and shot out of bed in a cold sweat. Link sat on the edge of his bed rubbing the marking of the Triforce of Courage in his left hand remembering the last time he had nightmares. The last time I had these kinds of dreams I had to go after the spiritual stones and awaken the six sages. Perhaps Zelda knows what this dream means. I just hope that her father doesn't betroth her to someone who would pay allegiance to someone like Ganondorf. Then again, this could just be a normal nightmare. While I'm in the Kokiri Forest, I'll talk to Saria … He dismissed his dream for the time being and dressed for the day in his green tunic.

When Link came downstairs Malon had already packed him a large saddlebag of extra provisions and a large bottle of cream for the cat. Archimedes was seated at the edge of the table lapping at another bowl of cream when Link walked in. The cat turned his head and licked his lips before greeting his friend. "Good morning. Sleep well?"
"Not exactly," Link answered. He stretched before seating himself at the table.

Malon set a bowl of hot oatmeal with brown sugar and butter on the table for her guest and he received it graciously. "When will you set off today?" she asked.

"After breakfast. I would stay and help your father for letting me stay last night, but I'll have to repay him with some smoked fish once I'm home. I really need to get to the Kokiri Forest by nightfall."

Malon smiled and patted Link's shoulder, "Father will understand. You've stayed to help him plenty of times and we all know how much Zelda's birthday means to you."

Link sighed into his oatmeal, "I just hope that my horrible memory isn't going to cost me her gift. I should have set out at least two weeks ago!"

"Hey! Hey!" Archimedes chimed in. "Calm down, Link! We'll get there. We'll get the pendant, and she will love it."

Link exhaled harshly, "It's not whether she likes it … it's whether or not I am worthy enough to get it for her."

Malon sat at the table and looked at him critically. "Link," she said, "I have known you for seven years, and I couldn't think of anyone else more pure of heart or more worthy."

He grinned sheepishly. "Thanks, Malon."

"Enough talk," she said while standing, "Now eat your breakfast. I'll get Epona ready for you."

Link finished his oatmeal while still worrying about his task. But before long the warm meal drove his doubts away and he soon stepped into a bright, brisk spring day in Hyrule ready to face anything. Malon was securing the last of the saddle straps when Link approached his steed with their extra provisions. Soon, the bags and pouches were secured to Epona's back and Link mounted the horse. Malon carefully lifted Archimedes to his perch atop the saddle bags behind Link.

The burly feline began to bid a charming farewell to their hostess. "Malon, sweet angel that you are, the next time we grace your home it will have been far too long."

Malon giggled, "Link, I have never met such a flamboyant creature!" She stroked the cat one last time and looked to Link. "Do be careful. I'll be on the lookout for your safe return. And good luck!"

"Thanks again. Tell your father that I will repay him somehow. Take care," and without wasting another moment Link spurred Epona out of Lon Lon Ranch.

Saria slowly walked towards the item shop in the Kokiri Village as the sky darkened and stars began to twinkle in the twilight. Her mind was lost in thoughts of daily chores and aggravation at Mido's constant foolishness. She was about to enter the shop when the distant sound of hooves reached her ears. "Huh?" she muttered as she turned slowly towards the entrance to Hyrule Field. Saria listened closely and the rumbling thunder of a galloping horse grew louder and louder. Could it be? Many other Kokiri had halted their actions to stop and listen to the hooves; all wondering who could be approaching their quaint village. Saria watched with baited breath until she heard a familiar "Hiya!" echo through the tunnel leading into the Kokiri Forest. With a gasp she began to run towards the opening of the tunnel. As the sound grew ever nearer, the pace of the "clipity-clop" slowed to a trot until a great chestnut horse with a snow white mane emerged bearing a rider in his tell-tale green tunic. The horse slowed to a leisurely walk as Saria sprinted towards them at full speed.

"Link!" she cried happily.

His head whipped around to see her bounding in his direction. His heart didn't know whether to leap or sink. Link was overjoyed to see her, but it struck him as sorrowful to see that Saria had barely aged a day since the last time he saw her. She still maintained the appearance of a twelve or thirteen year old girl. Still, he smiled and jumped down to greet her. Saria collided with Link and hugged him around the waist. Her head barely reached his chest. Link returned the hug while thinking to himself I never realized how tall I had become. "I'm sorry it's been so long, Saria," he said.

Saria released him from the hug and looked up at him with a brilliant smile. "It's all right. I knew you'd be back here sooner or later." Link took Epona's reins and walked along with Saria. He listened while she talked of the happenings in the forests. They crossed half the village before she finally turned to Link and asked, "So, what brings you here?"

"Saria, I have come in search of the Goddess Pendant."

Her feet stopped in mid stride. "Link," she began gravely, "I don't mean to put a damper on your plans, but anyone who has gone in search of the Goddess Pendant has never been seen again."

"I know this, Saria, but I will find it."

"But why? Why the Goddess Pendant?" she implored.

"It's for Zelda. I've been researching this for years. I know I can get it."

"For Zelda! Link, you are talking madness!" she shouted and was drawing undue attention.

Link leaned down to Saria's level and whispered his reasoning quickly and quietly. "Now, please," he finished, "Saria, don't fret. I have to do this. I have to know."

She sighed with defeat. "Very well. Tomorrow morning you can enter the Lost Woods."

"No, Saria. Tonight. I have lost too much time."

"But …"

Link looked to her sternly, "Saria, please. I know I haven't been here in years. I know that this sounds absolutely insane. Just allow me into the woods."

Saria solemnly lead Link to her home to tether Epona. Then Link and Archimedes followed Saria to the entryway to the Lost Woods. She held her hand towards the tunnel and softly said, "May Nayru light your path."

Two days had passed since Link had ventured into the Lost Woods and Saria grew more worried by the hour. Saria ventured out of doors to feed Epona a handful of carrots. She patted the horse's mane and fed her the carrots one by one. Saria looked to the tunnel leading into Lost Woods and tears began to cloud her vision. She blinked to shed her blinding tears, but when she looked back to the tunnel a very tattered looking Link emerged with an exhausted cat at his heels. Saria blinked several times more to make sure that her eyes were not tricking her. She then left the carrots for Epona and dashed across the village and up the path to Link's side. Link looked a mess. The back of his tunic was slashed. The left sleeve was completely missing and a good portion of the right was ripped off. He was covered in dust and, from the looks of it, dried mud. Archimedes was just as filthy and looked as if he had mange because his fur was so dirty and matted. Saria came running up to them and knelt down. "You made it! By the Goddesses you made it!" She helped Link and Archimedes back to her home.

"Saria," Link croaked as she assisted him through the door, "Please, draw me a bath; a steaming hot bath. I am so encrusted with filth and so stiff that I need to soak." Saria nodded in accord and she laid him on her much too small bed.

"You just rest. I'll let you know when the bath is ready." Saria didn't wake Link for quite some time as she was searching for the largest bath tub she could find. When she did rouse him the wash tub was filled with steaming water. "Link. Link! Your bath is ready. I'll step you so you'll have some privacy." She turned to leave when she heard him protest.

"I am beyond modesty at the moment, Saria. Stay. We must talk."

Saria blushed softly and asked, "Are you sure?"

"What I need to ask you about right now is more important than my shame. Turn around if you feel the need, but I need to soak and speak with you." Link began to strip away his tattered and grimy clothing. Saria turned her back until she heard the sloshing of water that signaled that Link had submerged himself in the tub. He sighed with relief and Saria turned back to him. Link leaned against the tub, resting his head against the back, and he propped his feet on the opposite end of the basin. "That is much better. Thank you, Saria."

"Well, what did you find in the woods?" she asked.

Link wet a washcloth, wrung it out, and laid it over his face. "Well," came his slightly muffled voice, "About midday yesterday I found the crypt I had searched for. After disarming many traps and solving the most irritating puzzles and riddles, I finally found the key."

"Key? I thought the pendant itself was housed there," Saria said.

"No. Only the key and the clue to the pendant's resting place resided in Lost Woods. The Goddess Pendant is hidden in a separate chamber."

"I see."

"However, there is something else I want to talk to you about. I had a strange dream while I was at Lon Lon Ranch."

Saria's eyebrows lifted, "Really? What kind of dream?"

Link sighed and removed the wet cloth from his face. "I saw a woman standing in a dark, underground throne room bowing before Ganondorf. Behind her and to the sides were two witches; Koume and Kotake. The woman herself looked very regal and like a queen. The strangest thing is that this woman looked just like Zelda, only older. This worries me because the last time I had dreams like these were right before Navi arrived and the Deku Tree died."

Saria sat in thought. "But Ganondorf hasn't been seen in years."

"I know, Saria."

"Perhaps he's back? Perhaps you're worried about Zelda's Coming of Age?"

Link sighed, "I hope it's the latter."

"Just beware. Sometimes dreams aren't just about our inner fears. They are portends of events to come."

Link looked away from Saria for he could not bear the thought of Zelda bowing in submission before Ganondorf. "I will not let that happen, Saria. No matter the cost, she will never have to bow before anyone."