A Peasant Girl and A Prince

In ancient times, it is said that a great, vast darkness stretched across the lands of Hyrule. The very earth was controlled by this evil, and the people could only watch in despair. The beloved princess was trapped and their precious Triforce had disappeared.

Then a boy dressed in green garments arrived, changing the future. Peace was restored to the people and the land. The boy left and the princess ruled over the kingdom.

Or so the story always goes…

"Epona!" A neigh was released as the horse began to trot along the open pasture, ignoring her calling master. Wind pushed the white, long mane back as the hooves trampled over the earth, crushing on flowers and rocks. "Come here, girl, what are you doing?" Epona finally calmed, resting at the zenith of a hill and bending down to sniff at the grass.

Zelda walked up the path, her brown boots clinking and thudding with each step. "Sometimes, I swear, you are not my horse." The young, country girl finally reached her horse, pushing her hair over her shoulders. She shook her head before placing her hand on the soft, brown fur of her horse. While Epona breathed heavily, eating away at grass, Zelda watched over her companion to be sure that no injuries were made. "Stubborn girl," she murmured, patting the horse again. Epona whinnied happily, having her fill. "Let's go back now, we shouldn't be out after nightfall," Zelda lifted herself in to the cow-hide saddle and turned her eyes out towards the orange-red sun. "Days never last too long anymore, do they?" Her words were brushed away by the wind for no one to hear.

"Heya," Zelda snapped the reins, causing Epona to dash forward out into the open fields of Hyrule. The summer breeze was warm in her face, her large blue tunic pushing against her torso. Minutes passed by until the familiar vine pathway came into view. Most travelers wouldn't have looked twice at the hanging plants, assuming that rock lay behind. But Zelda urged her horse forward, crossing through into the dark tunnel which lead into the entrance of Mori. Seconds merely passed, Epona's hooves clanking against the rock ground, before light was shinning once again on the duo.

Stretching out in a fast open field, various houses were spread about amongst large, growing flowers and plants. A stream stretched through the entire area, splitting the little village into two, a stone bridge connecting either side. Very slowly, Zelda dropped down on to the ground, the edge of her tunic falling down to her mid-thighs. "Zelda!" A few of the younger children ran up to her, asking her how her trip had been.

Smiling, Zelda patted her head, "I will tell you in time. For now, I have to go talk to the Great Deku Tree about it." The kids whined and complained, gripping her hands and begging her to stay, but Zelda politely shook her head. "Soon, I promise, but we can't ignore our leader, can we? Why don't you go play with Epona by the spring? She must be thirsty. And if not that, go home and see your parents." The kids, having their options provided, took Epona's reins and led her down to the edge of the clear, blue stream.

Zelda walked along, waving to some of the adults who were still out working. She kept a polite smile, even though some of them didn't like her. Adjusting her hair over her shoulders to hide her face, she ignored the judgmental glares and the low whispers. "The Great Deku's chosen bastard," they called her, just because she was raised here in the town by adoptive parents—allowed to do so by The Great Deku Tree. Now that her sixteenth birthday was fast approaching, he was sending her out to explore Hyrule, her true home.

Stepping behind the wall of a waterfall, Zelda stepped into the breaks between a cliff, a path naturally built. Loose rocks made her footing unsteady, but Zelda had grown accustomed to the climb and eventually made it to the large, dark cavern. Completely surrounded by rock and so large that his branches engulfed the light, the Great Deku Tree grew in solitude. "Zelda," he replied, his deep voice echoing around and vibrating the entire cave. "I am happy to see that you have returned home in good health." Zelda came to sit on a large boulder, crossing her legs and resting her arms on her knees. Her keen, blue eyes looked up at the scaling, brown bark where two black eyes and a mouth were carved. Green leaves rustled up above from the wind at the top of the open ceiling.

"Was your trip successful?" Very slowly, Zelda shut her eyes and began to relax her body. Her shoulders dropped and her breath became heavy in her chest. As the world began to slow and she began to process the events in her mind, she felt the warm presence of the Deku Tree's energy source as he began to read her mind. In the darkness behind her eyes, the images of her past travel began to flash."

"You're a bit young and too pretty to be traveling alone," the large man leaned down, resting an arm over Zelda's head. Her back was pressed against the stone wall of a tavern, her heart pumping with fear. "And what's with your garments, girl?" His greasy, fat fingers touched the edge of her tunic. Zelda tightened her jaw, refusing to look him in the eyes. "You can't be one of them Moritans, can ye? They're extinct, ain't they?" His breath stunk as it whipped across her cheek. Zelda shut her eyes and cringed, wishing to be left alone.

Epona let out a whinny, stuck in her stall in the horse barn nearby. Reaching down, Zelda wrapped her hand around the cold metal handle of her dagger. The man began leaning in closer, his other hand running up and down her arm. Zelda opened her eyes, "I'm a Hyrulian, and I'm not some girl to be messing with." The tip of the dagger glinted in the tavern's as it pressed against the man's chin. "Now, be on your way, and get lost." The drunk stumbled backwards, falling on his ass before scrambling up and running away. Sighing to herself, Zelda placed her weapon away and looked over at Epona to see her horse was watching her. "Didn't think I had it in me," she told her companion.

Walking over, Zelda brushed her hands over her tunic and tights, ridding herself of the drunkard's stench. "I'm going out to deliver what the Great Deku Tree gave me. We shall leave in the morning so we can be home by dinner." Zelda patted the string that stretched across her torso, the wrapped item resting against her shoulder blades. Pulling a carrot from her belt's pocket, she lifted it up to Epona. The horse's lips wet her fingers as the carrot was taken away. "Good girl," Zelda patted her head, "Don't you worry about me now. I'll be back soon, alright?" Zelda stepped back and smiled, her horse staring out at her, before quickly turning on her heels and running down the street.

Finding Hyrule castle wasn't difficult, its windows were lighting up brightly, outshining the stars of the vast, dark sky. The enormous stone construction stretched out and overlooked the center of Shihon. The pathway itself was guarded by men dressed in armor and armed with spears. Stepping into the darkness, Zelda jumped and grabbed hold of a tree, climbing steadily until she reached the top. A hidden ledge of a cliff was close by, allowing her to drop down and walk along the path that led towards her destination.

Traveling, keeping her body bent and covered by the shadows, Zelda kept her eyes focused on the pathway that the Great Deku Tree had told her about. The overhanging moon guided her enough so that she could make out every step to make before she pressing her hand against the cool surface of a stone wall. Pushing slightly, the rocks moaned and shifted inwards against her force. A dark passageway opened up, and Zelda quickly stepped inside. Encompassed in the small tunnel, she dropped onto all fours and began to crawl, keeping her breath calm and quiet. A light finally hit her eyes as she stared down into a large room.

Falling out, Zelda landed on the hard, wooden floor and groaned. Overhead, a chandlier was lit up to expose the room. Lifting herself up, her blue eyes shifted around to stare at the elegant bed, marble fireplace, and handcrafted dresser. The balcony doors were ajar, purple curtains blowing inwards. "I'm going to get my head chopped off, aren't I?" She asked nervously, once acknowledging that she was alone. "Where is this damn prince?" Zelda muttered to herself. Lifting a hand up to her mouth, she looked up to the door, seeing that no one was coming in soon, and quietly stepped towards the bed. "It looks so nice," she whispered, running a hand over the embroidered, soft linens. "What the hell," Zelda fell backwards and stretched out her tired limbs. Shutting her eyes, she breathed in the deep scent of lavender, chuckling under her breath. Everything about his life is overdone. I can't help but be jealous.

Shifting, she felt something poke at her shoulder. "Crap," Zelda quickly sat up and undid the knot to the string that held the prince's gift. Pulling the item around and resting it on her lap, Zelda stared down at the tan cloth that protected it, wondering what lay underneath. Her fingers traced over the surface, the fabric unable to hide the fact that it was hard and flat. In all temptations, she wanted to open it, but the Great Deku Tree had made it clear that it was to remain secret.

The rattling of the doorknob caught her attention, the hinges creaking as the large mahogany door was forced open. In a quick thought, Zelda fell along the edge of the bed, dropping out of sight behind it. Resting on top of her arms and keeping the gift underneath, Zelda looked around the edge of the bed. Her eyes focused on the one who had entered the room, his back turned towards her. "I don't need any guards to stand outside my room anymore. I'm seventeen," he ordered, standing in a deep blue, velvet tunic and white leggings. The strands of his blonde hair touched the top of his shoulders, swaying as he swiped his arm and slammed the door shut. Zelda scooted back from sight as the prince walked into his room. The bed frame groaned as he dropped on to the mattress. Great—now what do I do?

Closing her eyes, Zelda pushed herself up and rose to her feet. "Excuse me," she spoke, bowing at the waist before the prince of the entire country.

The prince sat up, staring at the stranger in his room. "What do you want?" His voice scaled as he narrowed his eyes. "Do you understand the crime you have committed? You have just broken into the bedroom of Link, prince of Hyrule."

"I beg you, your highness, to trust me. I mean no harm in coming here tonight," Zelda lifted her eyes up, catching her first glimpse of his face. His blue eyes caught the light of the candles burning in the chandelier, his lips pressed in a firm, serious frown. "I merely have a gift for you from The Great Deku Tree, the guardian of my people, the Moritans. It belongs to you, the heir to kingdom. Please protect it." Zelda outstretched her arms, holding the present in her hands before him.

Link raised an eyebrow, staring at the girl clothed in the large, men's tunic with wild, blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. In the honesty of her voice, he took the gift from her and began to unwrap the cloth before her. "If I am disappointed in this gift, you shall be punished." Zelda lifted her head, catching the glint of something metal as Link's fingers pulled at the wrapping. His eyes narrowed in confusion as Zelda stood up straight. Her lips parted, shocked at the sight, as Link lifted his chin to stare at her. "What is this?" He demanded.

Laying in his lap, the surface reflected the light in to his face, lighting up his pale skin. His hair fell in front of his eyes as he looked back down at the mirror, encompassed with a golden rim. Placed at the top of the mirror was a green jewel placed in the gold, two similar empty shapes on the left and right sides. "I'm not sure," Zelda honestly replied, stepping closer to him, "I wasn't permitted to look without your presence." Suddenly, Link lifted the mirror into his hand and shifted it around.

"Tell me what you see," he ordered.

Zelda, knowing not to disobey the prince, bent down a bit to look deeply into reflection. For a moment, she could only blink as she stared at her image, confused by the sudden change in her appearance. Her eyes were shaded with colored powder and her lips glossed with a light pink. An elegant, embroidered dress was her clothing, instead of the dirty, patched up tunic. Zelda lifted her hand to her face, catching the sight of a white glove and the image of the legendary, lost Triforce on her hand. Backing away, she refused to ignore the image of a golden crown on her head. "What is this?" she asked, "Why do I look like some princess?"

"Princess?" Link turned the mirror back around, staring down at himself garbed in old, worn down green clothing, including a strange looking hat. His face appeared to be tougher, a harsh, brave glint in his eyes. "All I see is me as some peasant. What did you bring me, girl?" He asked, offended to see his image being mocked. His reflection revealed the hilt of a sword and the back of a shield behind his shoulders and blonde hair. A blue earring was looped in his pointed ear. "This is nonsense," Link tossed aside the mirror and returned his gaze back to her. "Who are you? Some enchantress trying to mess with me?"

"I'm Zelda," she answered, standing up straight and resting a hand on her hip. She paused, watching Link raise an eyebrow unimpressed. "No titles," she replied, dropping her head. "But," she lifted her chin again and curled her hands into fists, trying to convince him to believe her. "I was sent here by the guardian of my people, so I had no choice but to come. I do not wish to fool you at all."

"Then return to your guardian, and demand that he explain exactly what this mirror is and what his intentions are. Obviously, he has some sort of intentions." Link rose to his feet and stepped closer to Zelda, wrapping a hand around her wrist. "This is an order. If you do not comply, my guardsman will be after you and your village. If your guardian refuses to tell you, then find out for yourself. I will give you a full moon's cycle to return with your answer. That's final, now leave my room before I change my mind." Link dropped her arm and turned his back, crossing his arms. For a moment, Zelda stared at his broad shoulders and his firm stance.

"You certainly don't act like a prince," she accused before taking her leave.

Hope you enjoyed the first chapter. Mori is Japenese for Forest, and Shihon is Japenese for Captial (according to Google Translation). I have always been a fan of Zelda, but as a girl, I'm not keen on always playing as a boy. So here is my story, having Zelda as the hero for once! Continue reading to see what happens.

And if you like my work, check out my other fanfictions or purchase my novel Counting Stars, which is on Lulu (dot) com or on Amazon. Search for it with my name Rose Schroth. Also, look up my blog and other sites, located on my profile page.

Write back later,

Rose