1AN: Hi all. This is my first attempt at a full length Zelda fic. I should be working on my other story, but I decided to write this too. So relax and enjoy this.

Prologue

This is a tale. A tale of Power, Wisdom, and Courage. This tale tells of a large land, filled with perfection. Lush forests, flowing rivers, and tall mountains dotted the landscape, making it a prosperous place. This land was peaceful, all united under Power, Wisdom, and Courage.

But Power wanted more. He was a darkness that sought out to corrupt the land and he did so, but he underestimated the other two. Courage and Wisdom, knowing that Power's evil would forever contaminate the land, set out across the immesurable force known as Time to seal the evil Power away. Succeding, they closed the door on Power's reign and returned peace to the land.

Happy with the way the land was, Wisdom was content to stay and watch over her world. But Courage was adventurous, he wished to see what lay beyond what he could see. Though not happy with it, Wisdom allowed Courage to leave and explore.

Years have passed, and Courage has not returned. Wisdom has worried over this, but she cannot constantly worry, for Power now has a new host. No, not in the great darkness that corrupted the land, but in the leaders of the land. And Wisdom now has a greater threat to her unity with Courage, for this one may divide the three forever...

Brushing her blonde hair out of her eyes, Princess Zelda Nayru Hyrule sighed as she leaned forward on the rail, as a evening breeze whispered past her.

This was always his favorite spot, she thought as she stared out at the land that very soon she was to rule.

I never got why he loved the castle's tallest tower so much. Must be the view. It is wonderful. It's just too bad I'll never be able to ask him.

Zelda quickly shook her head. No! I won't think that! Until I see his body or get definite proof, I won't think that! She sighed again. But soon it won't matter...

For anyone so lost in thought, they would never had noticed the slight change in the breeze from behind her. But for someone as knowledged as Zelda, she did, but didn't turn to look at the person.

"Hi Impa." The older Sheikah woman sighed as she came forward to stand next to the princess and mimicked her, she too leaning on the tower's railing.

"Here you are. I've been looking all over for you. Have you gotten tired of the courtyard?"

Zelda shook her head. "No I just got tired of having so many guards around. Even now they only let me go five feet away."

"Yes I noticed them at the bottom of the stairs. But you know it's necessary with what's happened recently."

"Yes I know. But I still don't like all of them around so much." She glanced over at her former caregiver. "Any news with the Sheikah? Or are they still pestering for a royal decree in their favor?" Impa sighed in annoyance at the thought.

"No unfortunatly. They still say the Gerudo are being too stubborn over the whole thing. They're saying that you'd better make a decision soon."

"I know. Them, like the Gerudo, Gorons, and the Zora all want me to go their way. They're hoping that I make one before Bernardstrom will be able to." Impa nodded.

"Speaking of Bernardstrom, he was looking for you. I have a feeling he wants to set a final date." Zelda grimaced at the thought.

"Him or that advisor of his? I don't like him Impa. Bernardstrom's nice enough that I'd go through with it, but something about that advisor worries me." She turned her back to the rail and leaned back, looking up at the first few stars peaking through.

"I know. But we can't refuse the arrangement just because you don't like his staff . It would be seen as undiplomatic. Impa raised an eyebrow. "As is evading the prince all day."

"Speaking of that, where did you say I was?"

"I told him you were with your father all day, and he willingly accepted that. You did see him today didn't you?" Zelda nodded sadly.

"Yes I did. Thankfully he had one of his good period today, but it didn't last long. I came up here afterwards. I keep hoping he'll get better, but I don't think he will." She turned back to look out at the land.

"We can only hope to the Goddesses he will. Is that why you've postponed so much? In hope that he will?" Zelda blushed and quickly nodded, but Impa caught it.

"Or are you hoping he'll show up and give you a reason not to marry Bernardstrom?" Zelda blushed again, and quickly shook her head.

"Of course not! We're only friends! That's all! I do miss him though." Impa nodded understandingly.

Zelda was silent for a moment, then asked, "Do you think he's still alive? It bothers me that I can't even sense his TriForce piece and that you and the other Sages can't either."

"I can only hope Zelda. For we could use him right now. Especially with these assassins, and the disputes between the races, he'd be a real help right now. He had a way with people that made them not able to hate as much as they usually would no matter what the problem was." Zelda only nodded. Impa let the silence stand for a few minutes then straightened and moved towards the door.

"But we can only dwell on this for so long. The prince has asked you to dine with him and his advisor." Zelda smiled, noting Impa's slight frown at this, knowing that she too didn't like him.

"Careful Impa, you might actually get an expression." She chuckled as she moved back from the railing. But before she headed down the stairs, she took a last glance back. Please come back Link. I, no everyone, needs you back...

That's the end of the prolouge. Hopefully I've given enough info to get the jist of things but not enough to figure everything out. Is Link dead, why are the races arguing, etc.? Not saying I'll answer all that next chapter, but you'll have to wait and see in Chapter 1: Returning. R&R!