Disclaimer - I don't own the Legend of Zelda

The sun crested over the trees, streaming across the rooftops of Ordon village, signaling the start of another day for the sleepy inhabitants. One youth was already awake, perched on the roof of his treehouse, the charcoal in his hand paused over his sketchpad as he closed his eyes to drink in the first rays. A cuccoo crowed nearby and he heard the village start to wake, knowing he but a few moments left to himself he hastily returned to his half finished sketch, trying desperately to get the soft, thick hair he remembered to fall just right.

"Li-ink!" Her heard Uli call just as he was closing the sketchpad in resignation.

He didn't bother to respond, Uli would think he was just waking and would worry if she knew he hadnt been sleeping. He dropped his supplies off just inside the window and changed into a fresher tunic before jumping down from his house, not bothering with the newly crafted ladder leaning against the tree.

He sauntered thru the village, waving to Uli and her baby Rosie as he passed on his way to the goat's pen.

It had seemed strange the first week, after destroying Ganondorf, to return to herding goat's and helping around the once again peaceful village of Ordon, strange but somewhat comforting to not be treated terribly different. Sure the kids beheld him in awe, but they'd always looked up to him, and some of the adults had a been quieter, more reserved with him but things still seemed as if they would slip back the way they were before the Twilight. Ordon would persevere, change coming slowly as always, but the second week Link knew he had changed too much. It felt wrong, wrong to pick up a hammer or saw instead of the sword, to grasp the horns of goats instead of Eponas reins, a war cry on his lips. Only Rusl had seemed to see the change in him, but while he shared a look with Link, of understanding, he had yet to say anything, to reassure.

With a nod to Fado, Link set to work releasing the goat's to wander the enclosure. The morning passed agonizingly slow. Link found himself trying to teach Fado some sword basics wielding a couple of long sticks out of sheer boredom when Colin came to offer some relief in the form of a letter just arrived for Link. Exchanging the stick for the letter he watched Fado and Colin dance about each other clumsily trying to land a hit before heading for home. He was due for some lunch anyways and seeing the royal seal on the letter made him want privacy to read it.

He went home and climbed up to sit at the table. Link only had to read Dear Link of Ordon to guess that the elegant but precise cursive came from the princesses hand.

Dear Link of Ordon,

I, Crown Princess Zelda would express my gratitude for all that you have done for Hyrule and myself, but there are no words to match your great and selfless deeds.

In ten days time my coronation shall be held, as Queen I wish to honour you and the Resistance for your service. A ceremony shall be held to bestow titles and gifts three days after the coronation. If you choose to accept these humble offerings please send a reply before the coronation addressed to myself or Minister Rauru.

With deepest gratitude,

Zelda.

P.S. my coronation is open to the public, and a seat shall be reserved for you in the temple if you choose to attend. I would be greatly heartened if you would share this day with me as I owe my crown to you and our friend who cannot be with us. - Zelda

Link carefully folded the letter laying it on the table and leaned back in his chair. It was so much to take in, him with a title? He stared at the letter, the crest of Hyrule a bright stain of red in the corner, and his name a swirl of deep purple ink.

Something akin to excitement sparked within him and he snatched the letter up and read it again lingering upon the post script; Midna. With nothing but old routine to distract Link had thought of little else than his trials, the princess and Midna. He missed her greatly and felt the stirring of kinship to Zelda in their loss of the Twili. Link tucked the letter in his pouch and stood. He didn't know if he could accept the great honours presented to him but he wished to see Zelda, hopefully she could grant him some of her time. He left his house heading into the village to see Rusl.

Rusl was outside his house speaking to a messenger from Castletown, a letter similar to Links clutched in one hand. His eyes alighted upon Link as he strode quickly up the path.

"You received the summons as well Link?"

He nodded his affirmation and Rusl turned back to the messenger. "If you would take refreshment at the tavern, we would like to consider our replies to Minister awhile, just tell Jaggle I sent you and he'll fix you right up" The messenger thanked Rusl and went to the tavern.

Rusl nodded to his house, "Uli's just setting out lunch, better to discuss this over food." Link followed him in and helped Uli carry three bowls of pumpkin soup and a basket of rolls to the table and took a seat.

"Now then what's that letter all about dear?" Uli asked quietly.

Rusl briefly explained their summons to the castle to receive honors, including the messengers assurance that they will be given rooms at the castle for the duration of their stay.

"I'm not so comfortable with receiving a title, what good would it be in Ordon?" He concluded.

"What good? You silly man, it would bring respectability to our village and provide better access to getting help restoring the village!" Exclaimed Uli. Rusl tried to hush her but a cry sounded from the basinet in the corner. Before either parent could go to her Link collected a fussing Rosie and held her close, trying to mimic the swaying motion he'd remembered Uli would do to settle Colin when he was a baby.

"Would it help Ordon?" He asked the smiling Uli.

Rusl sighed. "I suppose it could. We should at least take the meeting with the Princess and Minister. It is in four days, which should give us time to return to Ordon before the roads are too crowded with those arriving for the coronation."

Link deflated a bit and passed Rosie to Uli. "I wish to attend the coronation, Zelda requested my presence and I don't want to disappoint."

Rusl raised an eyebrow at the casual use of the Princess's name. "You can do as you wish, Fado can handle the herd if Gerin will lend a hand."

"Go to the castle in two days, meet with the Resistance and hear their decisions. I can spare you three nights at least, Rusl."

"I'll talk with Gerin and Fado tomorrow" said Link.

"And I will go to Bo this evening. We'll leave at nightfall the day after tomorrow."

A plan set they finished their lunch and sent the messenger to return their reply.