Hey guys and welcome to my 2nd ever Legend of Zelda fiction! Also my second LinkxRalis piece! I've been playing with it for a while so I thought I would post the prologue to see what people though. I don't have much high hopes since I got no responses to my one-shot but I thought what the hell. Worth another try. :3 Oh please note... the rating of this story will eventually go up in later chapters!

WARNING: This story will contain yaoi/malexmale relations!~ If you DO NOT approve, please TURN BACK NOW! This story is not for you! Also this story will have a hylian and a zora getting it on later into the story. If this is something you DON'T LIKE, please TURN BACK NOW. This is not for you. THANK YOU.

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT own the series OR the characters! Purely fandom and I DO NOT get paid for writing!

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Prologue: After There Is Peace

The small sad smile still played about his lips as he rode his horse past the familiar scenery of Faron Woods toward Ordon Spring. Soon he would be home again, everything back to how it should be. Peace had once again settled over the land of Hyrule thanks to his valiant efforts and a noble sacrifice. Midna had destroyed the Mirror of Twilight so that his world of light may never again be linked to hers through the cursed object. He would never see her again.

He couldn't help being filled with a longing ache at that thought. Midna may have been bossy and bratty at times... but she had been with him through thick and thin when he had been most in need of help. She had become a treasured friend. But he couldn't be too sad knowing she was where she belonged. Princess of her people, she had an obligation to them just as Zelda had here. He hoped that she would be well and that her people would forgive her. At least he would always have his memories. No one could take that away from him.

A sudden attention seeking neigh brought him from his thoughts as they passed Ordon Spring. He smiled in light amusement as he reached out and patted Epona's neck gently. Apparently she wanted him to keep his attention ahead of him and not in his past at the moment. She chose that moment to shake her long mane out of her eyes as if to say 'that's right!'. He laughed easily at his horse before sighing lightly as his house came into view. He was home.

He guided Epona to the long grass dried grass that grew next to his house before dismounting and stretching. He was just reaching up to unsaddle her, thinking he should take her for a bath at the Spring later, when a joyous cry caught his attention. Turning his head to the caller he smiled when he saw Colin standing in the pathway leading to the village, a small package in his hands.

"Link! You're home!" The boy called happily, cheeks flushed with pleasure as his blue eyes sparkled with admiration.

"Colin, you look well." He replied with a light nod, smiling as he took the young boy in. He looked different—maybe a little more grown up as he stood before him with a small wooden shield on his back and a sword under it. The blonde's father must have gifted him with it.

"Did you just get back?" The child asked politely, after returning the greeting with a smile, as he looked to Epona to see her still saddled. "We just got back the other day. I wonder if we missed each other on the road."

"Oh..." He was sure he hadn't but since it was just a wondering he really didn't feel the need to reply to it.

Silence fell over them for a minute before Colin seemed to remember the reason for his stopping by. "Oh! Um, I was just going to leave this at your house so you could find it when you got home but since you're here now I guess I should just give them to you."

He watched with curiosity as Colin walked over to where he stood and held out the package. It was wrapped in fine leather and seemed somewhat familiar.

"It's from Luda. Before we left she made snacks for everyone. A special kind of jerky. It's really good." Colin explained as he handed the small bundle over before smiling as he took a step back. "Everyone loves it. We hope that if we write Luda if she'll send some moren along."

He smiled in thanks at the delivery before turning back to Epona to unsaddle her like he had first intended.

"Ah! I can't believe I forgot! Link! Guess what!" Colin blurted with sudden excitement when he had lifted the saddle off and set it on his shoulder. He turned to arch a questioning brow at the kid. "My mom! She had the baby! I have a little sister!"

He felt his eyes widen in surprise at the news before a big smile broke out on his face. He supposed Uli was happy with that news, to have a daughter. "Congratulations!"

"Yes! You must come see her! She is so cute!" Colin gushed happily before gasping and blushing as he looked off to the side. "O-Once you've settled in of course..."

He laughed lightly as the shy Colin peeked through, bringing a hand up to pat the kid gently on the head. "I'll be there in a minute, okay?"

Amethyst blue met his summer sky. "Really?!"

He nodded once.

"I'll tell everyone!" Colin said excitedly before turning and running back toward the village.

He watched him go for a second before turning toward the ladder that led to his front door and climbed it slowly, making sure to be careful since he had Epona's saddle on his shoulder. When he made it to the door he smiled before opening it. All was as it had been before everything had happened. In a way it was comforting and yet it was also a little sad. Because it was frozen in the time from before he had met Midna. There was no reminder of her.

Sighing softly he set the saddle aside on the small table next to the door and went to store the gift of jerky away. He would have to remember to try some later. Walking across the somewhat dusty floorboards he made his way toward the second level to change clothes. He was Hero of Hyrule no longer. Now he could just be Link again. So he wanted to wear his clothes. Changing quickly, he put his tunic, Hylian shield, and the Master Sword away in a chest near his bed.

Before closing the lid he let his eyes roam over the Master Sword, wondering briefly if he should return it to the Sacred Grove. After all, that was where he had found it and maybe it would be safer there than here where it could be accidentally stolen or found by Talo or Colin. He would return it... when he got the chance.

Once he was finished he took one last look around his home before climbing back down the ladder and leaving. Making it back outside he stopped off to pat Epona a few times before heading toward the village. It was just coming into view when his name was called loudly by more than one person.

"Link!"

"Link, hey!"

"Liiiiink!"

Before he could make it to Sera's Sundries he was met with a crowd, all happily greeting him.

"Link! You're home!" Talo was saying happily as he greeted his hero.

"Link! You did it!" Fado greeted as he walked up to where the kids were.

"Link... how can we ever thank you? The children have told us all about your deeds!" Sera said as she and the other adults came toward him now as well.

"Link! You must tell us everything." Hanch said with excitement. It seemed everyone agreed as they all nodded and chattered on about the things that had happened so far.

They decided to have a bonfire up at the ranch after the goats had been put away where they could eat, talk, and catch up on their lives during that horrible period of fear and uncertainty. It was fun. They all asked questions about Zelda and what the castle was like. They wanted to know where all he had gone and what all he had seen. He and the kids all shared together their story of how they had all met up in Kakariko Village. Illia told what she remembered and they all talked happily about Ralis, wondering how he was.

The adults seemed happy and surprised at how much their children had grown up since their stay in Kakariko and everyone wanted to do something special for Renado and Luda to thank them. Colin started to talk about how he wanted to show Luda his little sister. It was at that mention that Link turned his attention to the little girl. Colin was right. She really was cute. And he couldn't help congratulating Rusl and Uli more than once.

They all talked and ate together until the children started getting sleepy. It was then that they decided to call it a night. Everyone couldn't wait to get back to some state of normalcy now that peace reigned over Hyrule once more.

*

It wasn't hard to get back into the routine of the day. The children were happy to be home and their parents were happy to have them back. The children were also happy to be with him again and he would be lying if he said he wasn't happy to be with them either. Illia seemed to be the most happy that he and Epona were now home safe.

It took a day or two but he soon realized that the relationship he had with everyone in his village had changed. But in a good way, it felt. They all felt... closer. And Illia. There had always been something there. Bringing a hand up to shield his eyes from the sun he turned his gaze toward the sky and watched some of the clouds roll by. He wasn't quite sure what to expect from it all but he figured if he took in all in stride everything would turn out well and fall where it should.

Until then he would keep on helping with the goats and playing with the kids. He would spend time with Illia and keep Epona in good health. Smiling at his resolution he turned his attention back to his chores, giving the goats their hay before exercising Epona a bit.

That night he found that he would need to add preparing to become the next Mayor of Ordon to his list. Bo had asked him and told him how he had planned for Link to take over once he had retired. At first he was a little overwhelmed by the thought and then he was flattered. The village and everyone meant a lot to him. He would do his best for them.

*

"As soon as peace returns to the world, we'll hold a banquet for the coronation of young Prince Ralis."

He had remembered one of the zora saying that on one of his last visits to Zora's Domain during his travels. And so it was no surprise when he got word that a coronation was to be held for the young zora Prince in a few days. What was a surprise was that he had been invited to it. Even after reading the little note Ralis had wrote him at the end he still felt a little surprised. He had helped Ralis and in turn, the young zora had helped him when he needed it. Perhaps the kid felt he owed him still. He smiled lightly. He would go. For Ralis. Then he could also tell the kids how Ralis was.

* * *

His people had been so happy upon his return. He didn't know that they had been so worried about him. Of course... after losing their Queen and not knowing where he was maybe he should have expected it. They had all gathered upon his return, weeping with happiness at his safe return, asking if he was well and if there was anything he needed. When he had assured them he was just fine they led him to the throne room. He told them of the one called Link who had helped not only him make his way back to them but who had also helped their whole village. They were indebted to the young man and must welcome him with open arms.

He had gotten to see Link a few times during the man's travels, happy to help in any way he could. And then peace had come to Hyrule. He knew it was partially Link's doing. He was happy. When he was told that they would soon be holding his coronation he knew he wanted to invite Link. After all, if it hadn't been for him... not only would he had not had the courage to return to his people but he could have very well died after falling sick from having been away from water so long. He wanted Link there—if only to feed a off his courage a little more and gather the strength to be what was needed in his future role. So when the invitations were sent out he made sure one was sent to the young Hero, adding a special note for him at the bottom. Now to see if he would come. He really did hope he would.

Until then he would help prepare. He had decided to keep the title of 'Prince' until he actually got married when he was a bit older. He thought it was reasonable. Also, he didn't really want to be called 'King' yet.

He caught fish for a feast and went with guards to Castle Town to get other needed foods and drinks for his guests. His main concern was Hyrule's Princess, Zelda. He had been told that she was very nice and polite. But he was still a little nervous. He also made sure he had food suited to a goron's tastes. He felt a little better in remembering that the Shaman Renado and his daughter, Luda, would be coming. He wasn't good friends with them but they were familiar.

"Your highness, another confirmation for attendance."

Brought from his thoughts, Ralis turned his attention to one of his guard and smiled, holding his hand out to receive the message. His breath caught and a genuine smile took over his features as he saw it was from Link. Link would be coming. He felt he could face the day with a little more confidence.

*

"Welcome... and thank you for coming." He said graciously as he welcomed Illia and Link after saying a polite 'thank you' to the goron Elders for the gift they had given him.

"Ralis! I am so happy to see that you are well." Illia greeted happily, a warm smile on her face.

"And I, to see that you have recovered your lost memories." Ralis returned politely before turning his attention to the young man next to her. "Link. Are you well?"

Link smiled at him and nodded before reaching into his pack and bringing forth his coral earring. "I would like to return this to you with thanks for allowing me to use it."

He blinked before smiling lightly, closing his hands over the hylian's and gently pushing the hand away. "No, it was a gift. I would like you to keep it. As a thank you, of course."

Link stared at him for a moment before smiling and nodding his acceptance. "Okay."

He returned it before moving to greet Zelda with Link and Illia at his side. There was a small ceremony where he was crowned the leader of his people, recognized by Zelda and the gods which meant others would now see him as the head of power of his people as well. After the ceremony was the feast. He was allowed to talk to his guests and learn about them. With some he talked a little about how they could keep the peace and where alliances would be useful.

He got to know Renado and Luda a little better, recognizing their healing skills. They talked of learning medicines from each other and trading herbs and such. With some of the gorons they talked about the Springs. Some of his people seemed to really like the hot springs on Death Mountain and a few gorons were coming to like the cool waters of Zora's Domain. When he finally got around to talking to Zelda he was nervous and stuttered a few times. Zelda just smiled beautifully at him and spoke with gentle patience that reminded him of his mother.

Zelda offered her condolences for the passing of his mother, telling him how she remembered Rutela to be a kind and wonderful queen to her people and that she did not fear for the zora because she thought that he, too, would be a kind and wonderful ruler. That gave him a little more courage and for that he was thankful to the Princess of Hyrule.

When his guests started to part for the evening he was happy that Link was amongst the few who stayed a little longer. He found it was quite easy to talk to Link and he enjoyed their chats about fishing and their friends. He was a little embarrassed to reveal that he had not many friends who were around his age—or even zora... which was one reason why he never tried to make friends with the Ordon children. Link just smiled in understanding, offering his hand in friendship. It was needless to say that he happily took it.

When Link left that night with Illia, Renado, Luda, and Zelda he felt sure that he would see Link again whether it be sooner or sometime later. And then the time would come when Link would prove to be a force in which he would be unable to ignore. He really did not understand what that meant but it did not frighten him or make him feel unease.

Actually he felt a small thrill of excitement. Not really wanting to dwell on it, though, he put it from his mind and hoped he would be ready when that day came.

-Prologue End-

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Author's Notes: And there you have the prologue! It's set after the game and I don't know if it'd be safe to call it AU or not...

I have no idea what Colin's sister's name is and I thought of jerky since Luda and her father have a "western" feel, lol.

I love Link and Ralis! I think they are so cute and crack. :3 I don't really have much to say... so I think I shall end it here until the first chapter!

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NEXT CHAPTER: He Came In A Dream