A note: First, please note that while I've listed my story as pertaining to the genres of "Friendship" and "Romance", it can be likewise applied to "Adventure" and maybe somewhat "Humor". Secondly, this is a Link X Zelda fic, and though Link's relationship with Zelda may be somewhat romantic, it's a relationship built upon friendship. My point here is that I'm not throwing some kinda bogus My Immortal plot-line at you, so don't worry. Finally, the reason it's rated teen is because of language, mainly. There may be some kind of adult themes, I suppose. I don't know. Enjoy, and leave plenty of feedback.

CURRENT COVER IMAGE IS DONE BY ASURE-SUNE ON DEVIANTART

I shuddered in the wind with regret towards the seasonable, yet unwelcome weather. Winter had loomed over Hyrule for awhile, and it was now that the bitter cold had begun to make its debut.

I released the firewood from my arms into its pile outside the house. Our home looked as though a gust could knock its walls.

I looked down at the firewood I had chopped all day. If only the fringe of the forest were closer to our house, I could've had enough wood for to last us months.

My shoulders ached, so I decided to call it quits and head inside. Maybe dinner was ready.

My sisters were huddled around the hearth, Faye braiding Audrey's hair, Audrey braiding Marley's hair, and Marley braiding Kel's.

"Nice to see you ladies being productive as usual." I stated upon entering, mainly just to get on their nerves.

Audrey, who was 16, was unamused. "I washed all the linens today, and I'm more productive than you... Not that I need to justify anything to you anyway."

"For the goddesses sake, I'm only teasing you." I muttered.

"Link, you'll let me go hunting with you tomorrow, won't you?" Marley looked up at me.

"Sorry, tomorrow I'm going up to the castle, remember?" I reminded her and sat down beside them. The flames of the hearth were so pleasant. The heat engulfed my cold skin.

"Aw... Take me next time you go hunting. You promise?" She insisted.

"Okay, okay, I promise." I told my nine year old sister.

My mother prepared dinner in the kettle that hung over the the kitchen fire. Like any other evening, now we all just waited for my father to come home.

My father works at the tall palace that looms over the city; Hyrule Castle. Some say the reason there's a half mile of a courtyard between it and the city is because if the castle were any closer, it'd cast a shadow over all of Castle Town, it's that huge. But, I can't say I've made it to the city recently, so who knows. Last time I went, I was young, and everything seems bigger when you're just a kid.

But my father rides there and back everyday along the dirt path that stretches for miles, which cuts through the green and yellow grass, up the cobblestone streets of the city, and to the rolling hills that sit before the castle. He trains soldiers in defense. He always says that the best offense is a good defense.

I don't think I could be a soldier. I love swordplay and hunting, but I couldn't fight in a mass. Swordplay is fun, and I'm good at it, but I couldn't… hunt people. Besides, I'm good, but I don't think that I'll ever be good like my father. Or his father; or his father's father. Not to mention that apparently the blood of the Hero of Time is in my family or something, so I know I'll never be as great as him.

Anyway, I'm going to the castle with my father to find work for myself tomorrow. I honestly dread the idea of a daily grind. But I suppose it's a lot better than just helping my mum all day and doing chores. I need to move out eventually.

I suppose the only thing that bothers me is the thought of everyone I meet asking me about my name. It's annoying. Annoying because I'm named after the hero of time, but neither of my sisters are named "Zelda". And naturally, everyone who meets me will ask if I'm related to him… ugh, it just gets old.

But about the job, it's a nice opportunity. My dad says that they can find something for me to do there. And working at Hyrule castle will probably get me paid good money. Even if I'm just shoveling horse shit at the castle stables, it'll pay better than me shoveling horse shit somewhere else.

However, I'll definitely bring the two daggers my father gave me when I was younger. What if they want me to do something involving combat? It's best to be prepared.

The next morning was exciting, but it was certainly masked with slight anxiety and doubt. What if I get an awful job?

It's far more than likely.

I woke before my father, as usual, to have breakfast with my mother and my two oldest of younger sisters.

My mother seemed to bubble with excitement over today, as if she couldn't wait for me to leave and come back home to tell her everything. I think the reason she wants me to have a job is so I'll move out, and meet a girl and get married. I really don't know about that. What the hell am I going to do with a wife? Have kids? I'm nineteen.

Okay, so maybe I'm at a good age to get married, but that doesn't mean I want to.

My mother poured the three of us coffee in little metal cups, and we sat around the round wooden table. "Link, you better be careful out there in the city. All types of weirdos…"

If I rolled my eyes and she saw it, I'd never hear the end of it. I decided against it. "I'll be with Dad, and I can handle myself. I'm not a child..."

Faye, my twin, was quiet, as usual, listening, but Audrey was only quiet so she wouldn't be scolded for being nosy; I could tell she wanted to comment.

My mother took a swig of the dark, grindy coffee. "You're not a man until you get married."

I didn't have to look to my right to know that they were both grinning. I sighed in response, unphased by her question of my masculinity. "I'll be fine." As mentioned earlier, I think I'm now going to be forced into another "why don't you get married?" talks now. It happens, like, every other morning.

"You might find a pretty lady in the city, a handsome knight like you." She said. And so it begins, just as predicted.

Audrey giggled, and Faye just looked away, with the smallest of smirks playing on her lips.

"Hey, no one said I'm going to be a knight. Do you even know how these things work?" I commented strategically to avoid the subject.

My mother sighed in defeat. Or maybe it was annoyance. Let's go with defeat.

My father eventually got up and joined us for breakfast. It was difficult for even just the three of us to sit around the tiny kitchen table before. Everything about this little house can be considered tiny. My father's job is well paying, really, and we could certainly could've afforded to live in the city if we wanted. We used to, as a matter of fact, but after my third sister was born, there was no room- especially with the fourth one on the way. I guess the house seems so small is because there're so many people in it.

To get to the castle, my father takes his horse, Catherine. He let me steer her while he sat behind me. She's an old horse, but she's the sweetest animal I've ever met. I learned to ride her when I was about nine. The horse is very lovingly attached to my father, and it's uncanny the way they were like friends.

My father sat behind me and we trotted up the long road. To this day, he'll still give me constant little tips on riding from behind me. It's annoying, but it's good information.

We made small talk as we trotted along the dirt path, and it wasn't long until the ground turned into stone bricks, making a clicking noise against the horse's hooves. Buildings and houses became more abundant, and once we crossed the drawbridge to Castle Town, our surroundings were filled with activity.

I saw little kids in city watch us pass through the city on the horse, and look at us with awe. Knights and outsiders rode horses, but the folks who lived in Castle Town had no need for a horse. I haven't been here in so long, but I did recognize everything well. The market stalls with people selling fresh meats, produce, and even jewelry were all still there. It was so weird seeing so many people in one place.

After we rode straight through the bustling city, we went up the path of the courtyard. As I expected, the castle wasn't quite as towering as I had remembered it. Still, though, it was huge. We came closer to the castle, and guards greeted my father. I hoped I wouldn't have to stand there all day like them.

I led Catherine into the extensive stable nearby, which could've held 50 horses. I could see an archery range behind the castle, and countless gardens.

At last we dismounted and walked to the enormous double doors of the castle and I was stricken with awe. The regal interior was too brilliant to describe. Red and purple carpets stretched down the hall in front, and up the two curving stairs that led to the upper floor. Banners and curtains hung, cascading over the gray brick walls, illuminated by bright lanterns. A large stained glass window took up much of the front wall above the door. But despite the fanciness of this palace, what really struck me was how tall this structure was. It was so massive and it amazed me to no end. I wondered how many bricks, how many men it took to build a building so spacious.

I followed my father, not paying attention to the ground because the ceiling was far more captivating. It must have been 40 feet high.

After we walked through the longest corridor in the history of Hyrule, we reached a door that was a bit smaller than the main entrance, but just as elegant. Probably the throne room.

To the right was a less intimidating door. I was told that this is the steward's office. Inside, it looked like a tiny library, with books and papers stacked everywhere. I expected to see some flighty, disorderly man behind the dark mahogany desk from the way the office looked, but instead it was a calm and orderly-looking woman.

"Sir Tomas." She nodded at my father.

"Good morning, Mi'lady." My dad made a small bow and I awkwardly mimicked him.

I tried to seem confident when I introduced myself to her. I wondered how she handled all the of things that went on around here.

She first asked me what kind of talents I have. I told her about my swordplay skills most of all. I mentioned that I hunt and ride too. My backed me up that I was good fighter, and I was surprised. I never really thought I've exceeded his expectations, because he is such a master with combat.

I answered more questions, and the stewardess thought for awhile, checking what appeared to be books full of records and whatnot. Eventually, she pardoned herself for the room for a few minutes. Before she did this, she said, "I might have an opportunity for you."

She left, and my father looked at me. "That's reassuring, don't you think?"

I shrugged. "Kinda ...foreboding."

"Well, if she wanted you to clean the stables, or train with the guards, you would've known by now."

Long story short, I ended up in the throne room, before the King and Queen of Hyrule. Alone. So that soothed my nerves for sure.

The throne room was even more ornate than the rest of the castle. The floors here seemed to be made of marble, and the walls were decorated with even more stained glass windows. Out the the right and left walls were windows in which you could see two little courtyards through. I bowed on one knee, ready to grovel if needed, but both their mannerisms seemed actually pretty friendly.

"Good day, it's good to see the son of a veteran knight." the Queen addressed me. She did not sit on her throne, but instead stood before me, in an ivory gown. Armed guards hung about the room in different areas. "Link… are you a descendent of the Hero of Time?"

I reluctantly stood up. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I am." The Queen looked like "Zelda" always looked in the legends: blonde hair and bright blue eyes. In the land of Hyrule, blonde hair was a dominant gene, and would always overcome darkness of hair.

"We'd like to ask you some questions, Link. An interesting opportunity has arisen, and you just may be fit for it." The King spoke from his throne, a few paces away.

I nodded and thanked him.

"How old are you?" The Queen asked.

"Nineteen, Your Majesty."

They were trying to give me some obscure job, I'm sure. I couldn't fathom what it could be though, so I wasn't sure if I wanted it or not. I suppose if it's obscure… It probably paid high, at least. I became more eager.

"I am told you are a fighter. What weapon do you use?" The king asked me, raising his gray eyebrows.

"Preferably, one or two daggers, Your Highness," I said. "But I can also use a short sword."

Now I knew that what they wanted me for was combat-based, so that's exciting. I still had no clue what they wanted me for though.

"I wish to see you fight, Link." The Queen stated. She then added, chuckling, "Not real fighting of course." I became nervous now.

"Of course, Your Majesty." I replied hesitantly. "Who?"

The King glanced to his group of protectors. "Sir Rodger? You're about his size."

I gulped when a guard stepped up to stand before me. He was wearing iron armor, and had a sword at his side. Luckily, I brought my daggers.

"Sir Rodger, why don't you sheath your sword, I want to see if he can break your defense." The King instructed.

I unsheathed both of my daggers. I knew I couldn't hurt him because of all the armor he wore. All I had to do is play-fight really, and take an offensive role.

He and I exchanged nods and he crouched slightly. Not minding my audience, I made a stance and it began.

I thought quickly. If I can get him to expose his back to me, I'd be able to put my knife to his throat. I mean, not actually, of course.

My eyes flicked to every part of him. I moved and then he moved. I tested him with this to judge his reaction time and see a future opening.

As far as obstacles, his shield was the primary.

I need to act soon. This is no brawl; this is what might decide my job. I must take out a target quickly.

And so I lept forward, guarding my body with one dagger, and swinging with the other. I aimed for his chest right now. Foolishly, he reached out to block the attack with his hide shield, his left hand going across his body. Yet as my right dagger hit hard leather, his whole left side was exposed. I flipped my wrist around to jab the guy in the side with the handle of my knife. It couldn't have pierced his armor, but it could've hurt my blade if I tried to "stab" him like I would to an actual attacker. I heard the King make a noise of interest.

He flinched, but like a good fighter, he did not stumble, and regained his confidence. He was probably making up a new strategy right now.

Yet, it was too late for him to act; because as soon as he flinched, I jumped behind him and grabbed his neck. I didn't hold my knife near his throat, but I think everyone got the point.

The Queen began to clap in delight. Sir Rodger and I parted, and I gave him a polite bow.

"Excellent. Your offensive skills are impressive." She said.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." I replied humbly.

"Now I must know if you can defend yourself from a target." The King presented me with another challenge.

Here we go again.

Though my father specializes in defense and has taught me this and that, I am significantly worse at it.

I ended up with a wooden short sword (what the soldiers training would practice with) in my right hand and a small hide shield in my left. A different guard, one probably more offensive in assignment, now challenged me. Both of us used these wooden swords because I didn't have armor.

And as I wasn't such a defensive fighter, he was a lot harder.

I let him swing his short sword at me, and I used what blocking skill I had to play him. With each swing, I thrusted my shield at his sword with just a little more force. I learned this from my father.

Yet I soon faulted, where he threw me onto the ground with his forearm. It was cold and hard, but I've taken worse. I tried to spring back up as soon as possible before he could gain the upper hand again.

We went back and forth, dodging and hitting each other with his sword or my shield until I managed to land my shield into his chest. I'm not too strong, but it took him off guard, and I managed to to push him over with it. With my shield hovering in front of his sword, I went to "stab" him in the chest while he was on the ground.

But he rolled over quickly to escape, just as I would've done.

I had to win this! It was already taking me long enough to get him, so I must win!

So with my mind running fast, I eventually got a chance to step back and forcefully block his sword with mine. Again, I wasn't as strong as him, but I could successfully force his sword down with my. While putting all my force into a seemingly simple blocking move, I took him by surprise by releasing the pressure suddenly and jumping to his side. I didn't hesitate to then quickly but gently hit my sword against his entire back, which would have left a huge horizontal gash.

Another bow, and another little moment of applause from the Queen. I didn't deserve it though; I couldn't take him out quickly.

"I can tell your talent lies in offense, but still, very impressive." The King praised. He seemed amused to have watched an exciting fight.

The Queen nodded in agreeance, holding her hands together at her waist. "With a little training, he could certainly be better than the old one." She said to the King.

"Then I think my mind is set…" He stroked his beard.

"Very well then." The royal woman turned to me. "Would you accept a position as the bodyguard of Princess Zelda?"

It shocked me. First off, I came in this morning entirely prepared to mop floors. I couldn't have even dreamed of meeting the King and Queen, much less work for them nearly directly. Also, Princess Zelda? I had forgotten about the princess of Hyrule. I wasn't really aware that there was a princess right now. But following her around all day sounded like a nice and easy way to earn money. It could be very mundane, but it's an important thing. It takes skill to guard someone's life. It's so much better than any job I could have hoped for.

And I was right; that is really obscure.

I was miles beyond satisfied. "It'd be the greatest honor," I said gratefully. "Thank you so much, Your Majesty, Your Highness." I looked to both the King and Queen.

"Yes, of course," The King said warmly. They both seemed pleased. Perhaps they'd been looking for someone for this position for awhile.

They gave me a briefing. Since I wasn't fully prepared for the job, I would train for the later half of each of my working days, and assume my duties in the morning. Starting tomorrow, I would go to the castle in the morning for work. Apparently, the bodyguard of the Queen will teach me. And after I know what I need to know, I'll start working full time, with one day off every week.

As far as actually guarding the princess, it seemed like I would just have to follow her everywhere she goes, or wait outside of whatever room she needed privacy in. It actually sounded really boring. I'd imagine she'll just tune me out, but maybe she'll talk sometimes. I wonder what she does all day.

The deal-sealer though, is that I get 500 rupees a week when I work full time, and 300 for now. To put it in perspective, someone working in a shop might get 100 a week, tops.

I wondered about the princess. If I'm gonna be stuck with her for 10 hours, I should hope she's not too unbearable.

At home, my family interrogated me about every detail. And they were glad, of course. My mother thanked the goddesses and my sisters seemed proud of me. More or less.

Marley's dark eyebrows narrowed. "Bodyguard? Like, for the Princess Zelda?" She thought I was joking.

"Yes, the princess of Hyrule." I assured my sister.

"Like, really really?" My youngest of sisters, Kel asked. She was only five years old. "Are you like a prince then?"

"Uh, no." I told her. I guess she really didn't understand.

"I really think you're just messing with me." Marley insisted. Audrey nodded in agreement.

"Oh goddesses. I'm a bodyguard. For Princess Zelda. Accept it." I told her. "Why is my good fortune so hard for you to believe?"

Before Marley could answer me, Faye, stepped in. "Be nice, Marley. I know you were about to say something rude. I'm proud of you, Link. I just hope you have good manners around that lot…"

"I wouldn't count on that," Audrey said.

After convincing my bratty but lovable sisters of the truth, the three went to bed for the night. However, Faye sighed. "I think I need to talk to you," she said.

So went to the porch in front of our house. The breeze was calm and the moon was especially bright.

My twin sister's windy blue eyes sloped in concern. "Link… surely you've pondered why it is that the Princess suddenly needs a new bodyguard…right?"

I inhaled the brisk air. "I… not really."

She shook her head. "I feel like we're never quite on the same page, Link. What if someone killed the last one? If even one person out there, from here or beyond Hyrule wants Princess Zelda killed, then you're in danger." She said softly. "You're just a wall to them, Link…"

I shifted my weight. "Look, Hyrule has been peaceful for years. And there are no kingdoms beyond Hyrule anyway, so there's no one with any reason to plot against her. No one cares about the Princess. And even so, I'll receive training. Don't worry about me, Faye." I assured her. Maybe I wasn't so sure for myself, but I could be sure for her.

"I will worry, Link." She paused. "I'm really happy for you, truly. I just… don't want you doing something that could get you killed." She looked down, her pale hair catching the light of the moon.

"I appreciate your concern." I said warmly, and touched her shoulder.

"That doesn't really help." She was apprehensive.

"Okay, then what will?" I was just trying to make her smile now.

Faye chuckled softly. "Just don't get hurt, I guess."

And I took it to heart. Faye was the smartest person I knew. She was an old soul; a true intellectual. I don't really do things for myself, so I'll do it for her. I'll be careful for her, not for me, because there's motivation. My mother told me that I'm like the Hero of Time, because I do things for other people with no questions asked. It was his most infamous trait.