A/N: This is my tribute to Link and the love that he never gets to keep. There are 3 chapters total.

"Speech"

-thoughts-

-- twilit speak --

/translation of twilit speak/

CHAPTER 1

Forget to Remember

By: Joz-yyh

"'EY! Link!"

The said boy tossed the haystack in his hands off to the side and jumped down from the large wired-bound pile of hay outside the barn. He looked toward the source of the voice and had to shield his eyes from the glaring afternoon sun.

Seeing he had his farmhand's attention, Fado shouted back, "I just remembered! The eve of the harvest is tomorrow! Weren't you supposed report to Hyrule castle before then?!"

The older man swore he could see Link's eyes broaden from across the ranch. The boss laughed heartily.

"Don' worry! Go on and get going! I'll finish up the rest for ya."

Link smiled a 'thank you' and ran for home.

His boss was so used to Link's unusual way of communicating he just smiled back, even though neither could see the other's facial expression.

"Just remember you have to work double next time!" Fado called from behind. Link waved a hand to show he heard, careful not to fall down the steep hill. He sprinted the rest of the way, apologizing to Uli when she tried to get him to stop and talk.

He climbed the wooden ladder and opened the door to his house. Even with the twilight chaos put to rest, Hyrule field would never be free of thieves or aggressive creatures, and Link didn't want to make the journey to Castletown without first changing clothes and gearing up.

Within five minutes Link upturned his house in a rush to find where he put his good clothes. Of course he found them in a box under his bed, surprisingly one of the last places he looked. He cast off his shirt and wondered if he should take the time to get a shower. It was all well and good to have that manly smell, but by the vinegary scent in the air, Link thought he might be overdoing it.

For the sake of time, he settled for daubing himself with the scented oils Beth had given him. The young girl had made it an event to complain that her nose was much too delicate to handle his sweaty form. So in accordance with is birthday, she presented him with the oils with a smile on her face. Beth's mother had scolded her for being exceedingly rude, but Link accepted the perfume out of friendship. He honestly didn't think he'd ever use the oil, let alone expect it to come in handy. He popped open the corked glass bottle and a heavy musk of sweet pea irritated his senses. The swordsman staggered back and had to close one watering eye. Well, it was either stink badly or stink horribly. Finished with wetting himself down in the perfume, link wiped away the tears gathered at the ends of his eyes. He slipped on his shirt, the long-sleeved cuffs clasping tight against his wrist, and lastly pulled on the his quarter-cut pants.

Now for the moment of truth. Link stared at his reflection in the tall mirror. Loose fitting ruffles insulted his strong arms, any and all muscle he'd earned from perilous adventures was trapped beneath the stretched fabric. Tan capris hugged his legs and flared out into a criss-cross of intricate strips. The whole outfit was none too appealing, a mismatch of tight and baggy all in the wrong places. Perhaps things would have turned out differently if he'd thought to buy another pair of clothes. He smacked himself now for thinking just one formal outfit would be enough to last him his lifetime.

Still, there was another issue. White tunics and quarter-cut pants might have passed as dressy in Ordon, but this was his knighting ceremony. Everyone from the farthest reaches of Hyrule, royals and peasants alike, were invited and almost required to attend or else risk shaming themselves. All of them, Gorons, Gerudos, Zoras, Hylians would be as beautiful as beautiful can be. Nobles would be garbed in expensive robes and rare jewels, and the country boy knew that was something he couldn't possibly achieve, but he suspected even the townsfolk would out dress him. At least the city had some fashionable and reasonably priced garments. At least the townsfolk had parents to share hand-me-down jewelry and had money for make-up. Link, however, had no sparkle to accentuate his skin. His clothes were run-of-the-mill and bought on young lad's scavenges.

Link sighed and accepted his situation as helpless. What could he do? He had nothing better to wear.

He dragged his bare feet over to the bed and strapped on the shield he kept near there. He reached to do the same for his sword when he realized the blade had gone missing. Just great. He'd always made sure to tie the two commodities together with a leather strap, and yet they had somehow wiggled free of each other. In another panicked craze, Link tore apart his house for the second time in search of the lost weapon.

"I hope he doesn't mind if I took his sword without asking." Colin mumbled to himself, shivering at the thought of Link's temper being aimed at him.

"Ooofff!"

Colin hit a sturdy wall of clothed muscle and fell roughly onto his rear. The sheathed sword he'd been carrying in his two chubby hands, clattered to the ground next to him. If he hadn't been looking down at the blade he could have avoided running into somebody. Colin gasped. What if this person was a thief; or worse, one of those green ogres the village squawked on and on about? Colin scrambled on his hands and knees after the sword, clutching it protectively in his hands and then squeezing his eyes shut. What was he doing?! This was Link's sword, he couldn't, no matter how scary the monster turned out to be, let it be stolen. With pearl-sized courage, Colin dared to look at the fiend.

The little boy was pleasantly surprised to find Link offering a hand to help him stand. The lad beamed his relief and Link pulled him up.

Link chuckled sheepishly. The swordsman had been on his way to Rusl's house to ask for a spare sword when he bumped into the boy. The swordsman was so concentrated on the time he hadn't been paying attention to the world around him.

With a confused wrinkle in his brow, Link spied the blade in Colin's hands. Was it just him or was that his sword?

Colin's eyes widened in terror at the sight of Link's expression. The lad looked away, blushing in shame. Keeping his head bowed down, he took a step back to show his submission and sincerest apologies.

"I am sorry I took your sword without asking!" Colin blurted out. "I thought it would be the only way to surprise you so -- I am sorry! I was going to take it to you as soon as me and Dad were finished working on it! Honest!" After that heated explanation, Colin braced himself for the discipline Link was sure to give.

It took a moment for the explanation to sink in, but when it did the hero smiled in understanding. Link placed a gentle hand on Colin's head and ruffled the airy blond mop.

Colin looked up, surprised, but overjoyed to see Link wasn't angry. The small blond started to giggle in his happiness.

"Here! Try it out! It's a lot sharper now!" Colin urged as he handed over the sword to it's rightful owner.

Link did so, taking few practice swings, all of which had Colin bouncing in glee. Link sheathed the sword and thanked the boy for the gift voicelessly.

"I knew it'd be perfect!" Colin cried jubilantly, priding himself with a job well done.

Link set a firm grip on the boy's shoulder. Colin instantly understood what the gesture meant.

"You're leaving already?!" Colin cried sadly.

Link nodded dutifully. Everything he needed was finally taken care of and it was high time he got going. He dreaded to think of the princess's reaction. Colin's felt the lone swordsman's hand warm hand tremble and then leave him. Once Link left, no one knew how long it would be until the hero returned. Alive or dead, blind or limbless, there was no telling what shape the hero would be in. These worries distracted Colin so much that he broke nearly everything that found itself in his hands. All he wanted to do was sit and wait for Link's return. His parents were severely concerned for their son. In their eyes, such fears weren't normal for a boy of his age. When the boy came to them in fervor, such lustrous color in his face, to repair link's sword, his father was hard-pressed to decline. It was one of the only times he'd seen his son happy.

Colin's mouth opened, fully intent on begging Link to wait, but the words fell apart in his throat. Colin bit his lip and tried to hold in the tears, his little shoulders overcome with trembling fits. It was no use, he ran after Link.

Expecting Colin to return home, Link gaped as he heard the boy's swift approach. Link sighed heavily and turned forlornly away from the head of cornflour hair trying to hide his sniffles and walk staunchly like the hero he admired. Many dark events had followed the twilight's arrival, but Link knew his absences were the hardest for the boy to swallow. He thought Colin had grown out of these childish loyalties. He's shown amazing progress in protecting Beth. Link wouldn't deny he relished the feeling in his stomach that told him he was loved, but that was no excuse to let the boy walk in his shadow. Colin was his own person, and Link had to convince the boy to believe that. Link didn't say anything though, he simply let the boy walk alongside him. He would save that lesson for later, when he returned and both of them had a clear head.

Colin stared at his feet, his ears trained on the clank of Link's sword and shield beating against a stern backbone. More then anything Colin wanted to ask Link if he could tag along. Somehow, waiting seemed as a more frightening torture then death.

"Wait until you come of age. Then you can go on as many adventures with Link as you want. Don't ask such a burden of him now." His father's words echoed through the boy's conscience, making him despise the selfish thoughts he had a moment ago. Yes, Colin knew that was best.

Link stopped, and out of sheer instinct, Colin followed suit. They reached the outer passage, the farthest place Colin was allowed to go.

Link held out his hand to the boy and Colin pouted at his friend's calloused palm. This was it, their final compromise. With this handshake, they would part ways. Link promised to return home safely and Colin promised to do his best and watch over the village.

A multitude of emotions whirled around in Colin's mouth and suddenly they exploded into words, "Just remember to come back! I am practicing every day so when I am old enough we can both go on an adventure together!"

Link nodded absolutely.

"Alright," Colin said loudly, but dumbly. He was too wound up in emotion to understand Link had complied with his terms peacefully. "then … then I'll see you tomorrow at the ceremony, okay?!"

A nod.

They were about to seal the silent agreement, an older hand eclipsing over the younger's, when a reprimanding girl's voice cut them off.

"Link! You don't plan to run the whole way there do you?"

The two boys swiveled around to find Illia leading Epona toward them by the reigns.

Link chuckled and rubbed the nape of his neck, embarrassed that she spoke the truth. Having been preoccupied with finding his sword getting to the castle, he hadn't managed to think that far ahead.

"tsk, tsk, tsk," She clicked off her tongue as she handed him the reins.

She averted her eyes, reddening at the sight of the warm appreciating smile he gave her. She retreated over to Epona and busied herself with petting the strong dip of muscles. "I fixed her up all nice so be careful with her." She warned; her sapphire irises fixed on the freshly brushed coat of her horse. "You better be safe and take care of each other" was what she really meant to say. But it was okay, Link learned how to read the dual meaning in her words. When they had first met, Link was completely fooled by her tough girl act. He flinched as if her words were whips against his face and always took the role of a sinner seeking forgiveness. Somewhere along the road, he had cracked her code. It was hard for him to pinpoint exactly when, but it was definitely during one of her many leaks of affection she gave herself away. She should really try something else, Link knew to much of her feelings already, but she wasn't ready to tell him yet, maybe she never would.

Link placed a hand on her shoulder and she looked at him in shock. Her heart, obsessed over daydreams of love, conjured up a fantasy of him leaning down to kiss her, but the fantasy didn't hold true. He only wished for her to step safely away from the horse. Illia hid her face. How could she think up such a nonsensical romance?

Link mounted Epona and the steed reared in excitement. She could ride with her master again on another epic adventure. Link cast Illia a disappointed and pitiful frown. He hated how she hid herself, he knew she'd see it in his blues eyes before. Link knew nothing good ever came out of keeping secrets. They complicated, confused, ruined. It was better to hone one's courage and confess.

Link's eyes switched over to Colin's and Links smiled quickly, the edge of his lips quirking and fading. He gave Epona a kick with his boots, whooping as the mare galloped off, his gaze piercing the distance between him and the castle.

Illia's head snapped up when she heard Epona's whine coupled by the stride of hooves. She whimpered, gasping at the sight of Link's form disappearing into the tunnel beyond the bridge. Her hand reached out to pull him back, but then returned it to her chest, knowing he was gone. Colin stood beside her, dejectedly waving his farewell.

The sun had melted beneath the vast plains of Hyrule and coated the entire world in a blaze. Epona's coarse mane whipped furiously across his vision as Link leaned forward to lighten his wind resistance. The castle was close. It stood out as a collosus of shining towers and white-hot light. Almost as if the palace was the lighthouse that illuminated the darkness of the land.

Link hadn't meant to be this late. He knew it was deathly important for him to be at the castle on time, but he couldn't help it. He forgot. Not to mention a fight with a Bulbin detoured his trip. It wasn't his fault. The bandit had been looking for trouble and Link wouldn't be able to rest knowing some weary travelers would be caught in the fiend's assault.

Link crossed the bridge and finally arrived in Castletown. Opting for the progressive rather than the smart thing to do, Link ran Epona straight through the market.The townspeople shrieked. Shoppers dropped their baskets of goods to throw themselves into the side of the street to avoid being trampled. Link flinched as he heard the screams of the commoners and tried to smile a smile of apology for ruining their day. The guards outside the castle gates heard the commotion and readied themselves for the worst. A horse careened around the corner, hooves clapping full-on at the men. The guards had seen their fair share of Calvary, but this was a joke! Instead of armor the rider wore a black-bloodied shirt. The garment flapped like a sail and failed to cover his bare chest. Burnt blond hair tangled across the boys eyes, thick with dark green muck. The horse was strapped in a typical leather saddle, nothing fancy to protect it from harm. Ha!

There was one thing that stopped the guards from underestimating the intruders. The pair had this odd fearlessness about them, as if they had leaped straight out of the pages of a romanticized fairytale.

By this time the mare had neared the incline of steps. The guards lowered their spears, ready to engage the intruders. The two men nearly face planted by what they saw next. The horse put on her brakes and halted at the base of the stairs. The bruf change in attitude sent the boy rider flying off his perch and onto his back.

This was indeed a strange twist of events. The guards collected themselves and headed down to inspect the poor boy. Amazingly the farm-boy, they observed, was sitting up, conscious, and without so much as a cracked skull.

An inkling pulled at one of the guards. He knelt down beside Link and placed an iron gauntlet gently on the boy's back. "Are you ... Link of Ordon?" He asked carefully.

Surprised the guards knew his identity, it took a moment for Link to nod.

"It is as a thought," The guard spoke with a proud smile. Unorthodox, spirited, and thick-headed; her Majesty's description had been flawless. He recognized the lad almost immediately.

The guard stood, and with a strong grip, he hefted Link up by the arm.

"Her majesty has been expecting you. She'll be most pleased to see you arrived ..err.. safely. This way. I will escort you to the throne room."

Link was surprised by how well things ended up going. Usually he had to fight with the guards to let him in.

Epona seized Link's attention with a sharp neigh. How dare her master forget about her! The mare whickered and shook her head in disdain. She wouldn't forgive Link so easily.

"Not to worry;" The guard aside Link assured, "Isaac will take your horse to the stables."

The other guard took Epona by the reins and nodded to Link that he would keep good watch over her.

Link smiled to Epona, hoping that she would be understanding. His eyes promised that he would make it up to her later.

Epona whickered once more, shaking her head up and down in Link's direction and then allowed herself to be led away by Issac.

Link ascended the stairs and the guard gave his signal to the tower watchman to unlock the gates. There was a heavy crank and then a spiraling drawstring sound that played until it ceased with a loud boom. The guard pushed open the oak doors and headed inside. Link trailed after his escort.

Link reveled in the castle's magnificent architecture. Thick column of ivory, floors and floors of silver-veined marble, clover-designs framing the glass windows, and spinel carpet bordered with gold threaded it's way through the palace. It was gorgeous, rich, a masterpiece. Link never knew man could create something so divine.

It wasn't just the the castle either. There was something else happening, something holy was pouring itself through the halls. Link could feel the goddesses cradling the palace in their arms, he could feel their golden protection like a warm swaddle. He felt the loving eyes of deceased kings watching over the place.

"Don't fall behind." The guard half-scolded from over his shoulder and waited for Link to catch up.

Link to turned his head back to it's stationary position, not realizing that he had been walking slower with his eyes focused on the Gothic arches above. He jogged up to his escort and chuckled nervously.

The guard sighed and continued on the pace. "Please try to keep up."

Link frowned. He really was sorry, but this was a new experience for him. He was so used to being surrounded by goats and thatch houses that he'd been swept away by the mystique and build of this place. His first visit to the palace had been on dire terms. There was no time to admire, not when the world hung in the balance and everything all at once seemed to be falling apart. Back then, he hadn't noticed just how tall the roof could reach.

-- hine nyet art -- /Let me stay in your shadow for a bit longer/

Link stopped entirely, conveniently at the same time the guard did.

The guard turned to address Link and was stunned to see tears welling in the man's eyes. The guard lost his voice. He could feel Link's pain, his mourning so visible in the sudden bruised rings under the blond's eyes. The guard shook with the intensity of it.

"P-Please wait here while I tell her majesty of your arrival." The guard didn't wait for Link to respond and took off.

With those words, Link was alone; left to stand in the lofty hall with nothing else to distract him from the memories of her.

"Mid...na ..." Link whispered. He covered his face in his hands, already the tears spilling and sobs clawing free. He wished his words could reach her. He wished they could call her back into his arms, to his shadow, to wherever it was that she had to go to be with him. Why did she break the one thing that kept their worlds intertwined? If it were for nothing else, at least he could have used the mirror to see her again. He didn't want to rely on his memories anymore. He wanted to be there with her. Or her with him here. It did matter so long as they both were whole, real and together. Link didn't understand. He could understand anything. How could she bare to seperate them forever? If she loved him as much as he loved her, why, how could she?

-Please ... answer me!-

Thank you for reading. Comments and questions welcome.