Prologue

The rain pounded down loudly against the course earth below. Epona neighed as Link pushed her through the wind and rain towards the castle. The stinging cold rain struck Link's arm. The slight pattering as the rain struck the shield strapped to his back, and the split-second pressure as it bounced against his back. He slowly reached back, keeping his balance, and drew his sword, the slight light refracted off the blade, and the sword sparkled. The final hill before the castle appeared, and Epona stood on her hind legs, whinnying.

Link's sword flashed the light towards he castle, and Epona fell back to her four feet. The rain slowly began to let up, and a rainbow sparkled in the sky. Link pushed his horse towards the castle, his spirits rising with the warmth.

He rode through the city surrounding the castle, towards the castle itself, where Zelda waited for his arrival. He slowed Epona to a trot as he entered the castle courtyard, then to a stop as he approached Zelda. He dismounted, and Zelda ran towards him, wrapping her arms around him.

"Darling! I feared you would never come," she whispered.

"What? Let something like that stop me? Never!" Link responded grinning.

"If you don't stop being so cocky, you may never return," Zelda scolded.

"Alright, alright, goddess, you've gotten moody," Link retorted.

Zelda huffed, "If you have a problem with that, maybe I won't tell you about what I just heard about!"

"Come on, darling, tell me," Link said, snuggling up against her.

"Nope, nothing doing!" Zelda responded.

Link hummed a little tune into her ear, and then kissed her lightly on the cheek.

"Fine, why do I always let you take the better of me?" she asked.

"My good looks and charm?" Link responded, smirking.

"Probably your damn persistence and your ability to cause anyone to go to your will," Zelda responded.

"Ouch," Link retorted, holding a hand against his chest and staggering back a little.

Zelda giggled, "And your humor."

"Well, that's one good thing at least," Link grinned.

"Follow me," Zelda said, walking towards the castle.

Zelda lead Link through the winding halls of the castle to the throne room, where all official business had to take place. Link sighed, so it was another boring affair, probably diplomatic ties with another nation. No need for his sword if it was.

"Link, we have just received word of a new island that has appeared suddenly out in the middle of the ocean. It's about half the size of Hyrule, and has a few inhabitants. Unfortunately, their land is unfertile and they require food. The only means of food is from us, and enemy forces have intercepted all our shipments, possibly. We want you to go with the next shipment to ensure it makes it to the village," Zelda said.

"Your will be done, your highness," Link said, bowing.

"No need for the formalities, dearest," Zelda giggled.