A/N: Well, here it is, the first (and shortest) chapter of my little side story. Hope you all like it. I'll try to update every Monday or Tuesday, unless I get a load of feedback, then I might update sooner. Also, until this fic is done-it really will not be long- Divine Punishment is on a mini hiatus. Enjoy and I do not own The Legend of Zelda.

Moon White Rose

Chapter 1

Not a single thing stirred around Conner, everything was as still and as quiet as could be. Even he himself hardly moved; a stark contrast to the storm rampaging inside his soul. This was really happening. He was drafted, enslaved to risk his life by the very royal family he had always sworn loyalty to as a child. The thought ripped him apart and he shivered, his bare skin finding the air to suddenly be too cold.

He wrapped his arms around his wife's warm body, simultaneously pulling her to him and drawing closer to her in the space of a heartbeat. She didn't awake, but rolled over, so that they were face to face. She actually looked peaceful. Sleep took away her fears and smoothed out the lines of worry that had taken over her face due to him. He committed the sight to memory as he relished the way her soft skin felt pressed to his. Desperately, he tried to memorize every curve of her body and hold on to her scent.

These were the things- the memories of his family- he knew would get him through the time to come. In all actuality, compared to how the draft was a few years ago, it seemed he was getting a good deal. One year of required service; that was it. Of course that felt like a lifetime, but compared to others, it really wasn't too bad. Still, a nagging voice in his brain told him that something was going to happen. As a farmer who raised livestock, he had slaughtered many animals; now he himself felt he was being led to the slaughterhouse.

Others from town had whispered chilling things; bait, frontline fodder, that's what they could be. Given King Eric's callous view of commoners, Conner didn't doubt it in the least. He was no king, but a tyrant and Conner really wondered if he could serve him when it came down to life or death. He buried his nose in Ivy's hair and took in a deep breath. As much as he hated it, he would serve Eric, if only for the sake of his family. If he didn't serve the crown, then he would be put to death and Ivy and Alex would be thrown in jail for just being related to him.

He couldn't let that be their fate. They deserved a long and happy life…and if giving up his was what it took for that to happen then he would give it up gladly. "I just wish it didn't have to be this way, though," he scarcely whispered. Ivy stirred but again didn't awake. He held her close for the rest of the night, watching the darkness of their room give way to the light of dawn. From a window, he could see sliver of sky through a gap in the curtain.

The blackness vanished and the stars retreated as shades of pink, red, yellow, and orange steadily brought light back into the world. At last the sun broke the eastern horizon and a few minutes later a rooster crowed in the start of the day. 'I'd like to kill that thing,' thought Conner as he slowly, and quite reluctantly, detached himself from Ivy. This time his movements did bring her out of rest and she blinked tiredly.

He had always found it cute when she gazed around the room in half awake confusion, but today the sight made his heart ache. "Good morning," he chocked. "Did you sleep well?" There was no smile, no playful remark; just a hollow draw in of breath that was quickly expelled. "Ivy."

"Conner, please don't make this harder than it has to be." She hated herself; they had only been awake for a minute and she already wanted to cry her eyes out. "I'm sorry." She wasn't exactly sure why she was apologizing, but it was the only thing she could think to say.

"Ivy, none of this is your fault." He leaned over and kissed her cheek, then neck, and down her shoulder. "Thank-you for making the last two days so wonderful for us," he sighed. "It meant more to me than I can say. I'll be thinking of you every day; Alex too, and I'll write, I promise." It was of little consolation, but it was something and she nodded.

After a few last minutes of snuggling in bed, the two got up and dressed. Conner went to Alex's room and watched his son sleep. Unlike him and Ivy, he wasn't exactly a morning person and often slept in as much as he could. "I love you, buddy." He kissed Alex's head and brushed hair from his eyes before quietly backing from the room.

All too soon he was packed and mounted. With a heavy heart he trotted down the road. Ivy watched from the door and finally let her tears go as he stopped, looked back and waved. He saw her wave back and he felt his determination return.

It was just one year. He could make it.

'I promise; no matter what it takes. I'll complete my service to the royal family, and then I'll be back forever.'

A/N: Well, let me know what you think. Thanks for reading!

~Moon White Rose