The Legend of Zelda

Secret Love

Note: This is written from Link's point of view.

Prologue:

The story takes place after the Seven Years' War and Ganon's defeat. Remember, when Link returned the Master Sword, time went back and he returned to age twelve, and helped fight during the wars. The fact that he's the Hero of Time is kept a secret to prevent difficulties with the populace of Hyrule and potential enemies.

Link is now Twenty years old, and Zelda is nineteen.

Chapter One

I wonder how many people know what it's like to be truly lonely. When my friends are constantly out of reach, I think I have full right to say that I'm pretty much alone in this world. Saria and Darunia are constantly moving back and forth between the Temple of Light in the Sacred Realm and their homes, and I really don't have much of a friendship with the other sages. (Especially Princess Ruto! Damn her fishy bitchiness!!!) Malon and I are good friends, but I never have much of a chance to visit the ranch, and even when I do, it's for a very limited amount of time. Then there's Zelda.

Yes, Zelda. The first time my eyes met hers eight years ago, I felt entranced. My God is she beautiful…and kind. To Zelda, I'm not that kid from the forest, not the "scary guy" who people try to avoid. I'm Link, just Link.

I thank the Goddesses for her strong spirit. If it wasn't for her assertiveness, I wouldn't be allowed near her at all. Because we have to keep my…status…a secret, no one but Zelda and the other sages know that I'm the Hero of Time, or about all of the trials I had to face to get Hyrule out of trouble. Sometimes it aggravates me, but most of the time I really don't mind. I really dislike being in the spotlight. Anyway, it took months for her to convince her father to give me access to the castle grounds, and although my mobility there is limited, I don't complain.

It was that time of year where the earth has just begun to wake up from the cold, dreary winter. The grass was quickly turning a bright green, the trees had grown small buds where the leaves would soon appear, and while riding across Hyrule Field, I could spot a few wild flowers here and there. Spring was finally here, and I could finally travel without that bothersome cloak. I had missed the warmth of the sun.

I also missed Zelda. It's been about a month since I had last seen her. I longed to see her ocean-blue eyes, her golden silky hair, and to hear her light and airy laugh. I was more than happy with the fact that I was going to visit her for a week.

It was around noon when I approached Hyrule Town. I dismounted Epona before I crossed the drawbridge that led to the heart of the town. As I said before, I hate being in the spotlight. I stood out enough just standing next to my horse. Walking through the battlements that was the first line of defense for both the town and the castle, I noticed the suspicious looks of the soldiers and felt a nasty fire of anger and frustration rise in my chest. Why wouldn't they trust me? Were there rumors about me floating around? Was it the way I dressed? Damn them. If it wasn't for me risking my life for Hyrule, they would be nothing but bloody pulp pounded into the pavement by Ganon's followers.

To keep myself calm, I forced myself to keep my mind on Zelda. At least she accepts me for who I really am.

Walking through the castle grounds wasn't exactly a walk in the park either. I try not to look too annoyed from the starring faces and suspicious eyes, but I guess I can't control my facial expressions well, because I noticed that the looks got uglier as I got closer to Hyrule Castle.

As I approached the gate that separated the town from the castle grounds, I began to relax. Roland was there. He's a guard just a few years my elder, and we usually get along fairly well. We've held a few conversations, and I know he trusts me unlike the other guards.

"Hey Link! Long time no see!" Finally, a friendly greeting.

"Tell me about it." It wasn't until after I replied that I noticed how cold I sounded.

Roland's smile fell. "What's going on with you? Rough time?"

"Yeah, you can sum it up pretty well with that."

"At least you have time to relax while you're here." His face was full of pity, and the anger started to come back a bit.

"Yeah, I'll see you later Roland."

He opened the gate and led me into the castle grounds. There were quite a few guards who let me know that they would be keeping an eye on me while I stayed. I tried my best not to give much notice to them as I led Epona to the stables. When I got there, all of my frustration melted away.

"Link!" There she was, her golden hair floating in the breeze, her ocean-blue eyes sparkling in the bright sunlight.