Author's Notes- Hey there! Glad you dropped in!

Hmm. I seem to be having difficulty thinking of what to say in these notes. Well, to start, this story will be ten chapters long when completed. It is set in the world of ALTTP, OoS & OoA, and LA, as I'm sure you will figure out pretty quickly (if you read it, of course), but the main portion of the story occurs during the events of Link's Awakening. As you'll find out quickly, this first chapter is not set here, though, so there is new material as well. I've actually tried to make it so that the story can fit within the context of the Zelda timeline while also allowing myself to do what I want with the plot.

The title of the story is kind of cheesy/Fanfictiony, which is not something I usually do… but there is no word that I feel better captures this story. So that's what I'm going with. I'm sure it isn't the only cliché I'll fall into during the course of the next ten chapters.

I'll be giving some more details in the next chapter, so stay tuned...

As a disclaimer, I don't own the Legend of Zelda, its characters, places, or events, in case you were wondering.

Reflections

Chapter One

The nearly bare hallway reverberated with the sound of the Princess Zelda's pacing, but it had long grown accustomed to the tune. It was tucked in a dark corner of Hyrule Castle, which admittedly was not normally a common tromping ground for the young princess. However, given the situation, her reason for being in such a lonely place was clear.

Only two years had passed since the Kingdom of Hyrule was on the verge of complete destruction to the hands of the Demon King Ganon, who had managed to violate the Sacred Realm and obtain the Triforce of the Goddesses. With this, Ganon had nearly obtained total power until his shocking defeat to a young boy named Link.

Just recently, the security of Hyrule had again been threatened by disturbances in the nearby lands of Holodrum and Labrynna. Dark forces had attempted to resurrect Ganon by capturing the Princess Zelda in hopes of using her as a sacrifice to complete the ritual. The threat was once again stopped by Link, now known as the Hero of Hyrule. While Zelda immediately returned home, Link had stayed behind to complete some further training before making the journey. Though residents of Labrynna confirmed that he had indeed left the country on a boat, Link had not returned from the sea.

It had been eleven days since Link had left, and hopes for his survival were beginning to fade.

Accordingly, the Princess Zelda had shut herself off from society. Going out would inevitably led to questions about her feelings on what had happened. Even certain areas of the castle were to be avoided, whether it be due to pestering family members or painful reminders from murals of past heroes that unavoidably reminded her of Link.

If he didn't return, there were other avenues that she might try to bring him home. But it would be a risky decision, and though she dreaded waiting, she knew she shouldn't be too hasty before taking action.

She was in her musings when a voice called from the other end of the corridor.

"My Princess Zelda."

Not even here was Zelda safe from being bothered. She sighed as she turned to see what was a rather nervous young palace guard.

"… Forgive me, my Princess, for interrupting. It is just that I was told to bring the news that… that they found him."

Zelda stiffened. "Is he…"

"Link is alive, my Princess. He's in one of the bed chambers for palace guests."

"And why was I not informed of this prior to his arrival at the castle?"

"… That is not a question I have an answer for. Forgive me, my Princess."

Zelda smiled slightly. "Thank you. You are free to go."

The guard bowed and quickly exited, leaving Zelda alone again. Link was alive. Obviously, she was more than happy, but she deduced something was not quite right. There must have been news that Link had survived for some while before she had been approached. Zelda noted to herself to have a conversation with her father if the reason was not apparent from when she would go to see Link herself.

Which, naturally, was immediately. Zelda walked as fast as she could without being improper to the place identified by the guard. Two other guards stood in front of the room, who quickly moved away upon seeing the princess. Inside, a young nurse attended to Link, who was asleep in the room's large bed.

The sight was somewhat unsettling. Link was unshaven, his skin was deeply burned, and he looked half-starved. Zelda rushed to him and took a seat on the side of the bed. She then grabbed his hand, causing the nurse to look up, who had been reapplying a damp towel to Link's forehead. She jerked back in surprise.

"My lady!"

"Link, is he going to live?"

"Yes, of course! Physically, he is without serious injury, though his body will need time to recuperate."

"But…"

"Pardon?" The nurse's eyes flirted around, desiring to avoid Zelda's gaze but also trying to force themselves to look the princess in the eye.

"But there is something else you should tell me," Zelda reiterated. "You had to specify that he was fine physically."

"It's not really my place to say, my lady. I haven't seen him awake myself yet, but… well, allow me to explain. Link was found two days ago floating adrift by a merchant ship. He was barely conscious at the time, but he was able to tell them that he had been caught in a storm that had sunk his vessel."

"I don't see the issue," the princess said with a frown.

"Well, they reported that he was… how do I say it… incoherent. He kept speaking about an island and a girl that no one had heard of. Apparently he was in tears."

"He had been stranded at sea for more than a week. Link will be fine, I assure you."

The nurse nodded vehemently. "Of course, my lady… I just thought you should know."

Zelda smiled compassionately. "Yes, and I appreciate it. Now that I'm here, you are free to go about your ordinary affairs. I can take care of him. Please inform the guards that they may leave as well."

"Yes, my lady." The nurse stood up and brushed her apron before excusing herself. Zelda gave time for the nurse and the guards to leave before turning back to Link. Zelda brushed his arm, which failed to elicit any reaction. Unsatisfied, Zelda pulled herself up onto the bed and allowed Link's shoulder to lie against her own. She put his hand in hers.

"It's alright, Link, I'm here now…"

Zelda was in this position for some time. She had nearly drifted asleep when she was jolted up by a knock on the open door. It was the King of Hyrule himself.

"How long have you been here, dear?" He asked as he took a seat in one of the room's side chairs, which, like the bed and all other furnishings in the room, was professionally crafted and beautifully designed.

"Since I was given notice that he was alive and in the castle…. so not nearly as long as I ought to have been."

Her father bowed his head. "I wanted to see for myself that he was going to survive, Zelda. I did not want to get your hopes up just to find out that there was nothing you could do."

"So you would have had him die without me being allowed to say my goodbyes? No, your reasoning is different."

The king frowned. "He was out in the heat for a long time, and the reports I heard were not promising. I don't know if he will ever be the same."

"What made you change your mind, then?"

"I… I thought maybe you would be the best thing for him right now. The sooner he sees your face, the sooner he will be on his way to recovery," he answered as he looked up.

Zelda couldn't help but blush slightly. "Well… I still wish you would have told me immediately, but I understand… is it alright if I stay here?"

The older man smiled. "I wouldn't have it any other way… I'll leave you alone, then. I just wanted to see you."

Zelda nodded and returned to her prior position. Within a short time, she had finally fallen asleep.

Given that the room was in the interior of the palace, there was no firm way to know what time of the day it was, but at least several hours must have passed until Zelda woke up. After yawning, she slipped off the bed and went to Link's other side. She pulled off the dry cloth from his forehead and dumped it into a water pot that the nurse had been using. To her surprise, Link's frame shuddered when she put it back on his head. Zelda leaned over him anxiously.

"Link… Link… are you alright? It's me."

Link's eyes slowly opened. He stared into those of the girl above him for a moment before speaking.

"… Marin? Is that you?"

Zelda was shot with a mixture of confusion and hurt pride. For one, she had no idea who "Marin" was, and she was slightly offended that Link didn't recognize her. She told herself to be patient given the situation.

"No, Link… this is Zelda. Princess Zelda. You are in Hyrule Castle."

"Back in Hyrule… back at home. Does it feel so nice?" he mumbled to himself dryly.

"You are fortunate to be alive, Link. But it's alright, I'm with you now."

"Fortunate? That is one way of putting it."

"I don't understand."

"Never mind, then."

Zelda frowned. "Go back to sleep, Link. I'll speak with you later."

Zelda pretended that the reason she left was because she was now confident that Link was recovering. In actuality, she decided to leave the room because she was angry with him. Why, after two weeks at sea, was he suddenly upset to be home? Was Hyrule not the place he was sailing to in the first place?

Maybe they were right. Link might never fully recover.

Her difficulty in dealing with the situation could be easily understood, given she had never faced such an issue before. While she had seen many wounded soldiers, she had never seen anyone who had such a mental wound. The princess had to continue her reminders to remain patient all the way back to her chambers.

Zelda locked herself in her room for the rest of the day, having food delivered directly to her door. A night of actual sleep did her much good, though. She moved with newfound confidence after waking up the next morning. Just yesterday, she wasn't sure if Link was even still alive. Despite the tribulations that they would certainly face, this was a significant improvement, and Zelda was certain that there was no better place for Link to recover than with her in the castle.

Zelda arrived early to the royal family's dining hall for breakfast wearing a plain dress that she thought Link might feel more comfortable around than some of her more excessive royal garb. Her father was already there talking with an important member of the court. The man excused himself when he saw Zelda approaching. As he walked away, Zelda continued directly to her father.

"Link will be eating with us this morning," she said firmly.

The king tried to hide his amusement at her attempt to exert her authority over him. "I have already seen to it, Zelda."

"And his answer?"

"He should be here shortly."

Zelda smiled and gave him a small hug. The two sat down, but the wait wasn't long until Link was allowed entrance into the hall. The hero walked towards them very sluggishly with a slight limp.

"Good morning, Link," Zelda began somewhat timidly.

Link bowed stoically. "Princess Zelda. And, of course, my King."

"No need for the formalities, Link. You've more than earned that by now. Take a seat."

Link did as he was asked. The dining table was long, but the three sat at one end alone with the King of Hyrule at the head. Zelda sat to his right, while Link was to his left.

"Forgive me," Link finally said hesitatingly, "I was very rude yesterday. Zelda was looking after me, and I pushed her away with my incivility."

Zelda couldn't help but smile a little. Already, he had made much progress. He had also shaved, and the upcoming meal would inevitably help with his physical lethargy. She noticed her father steal a glance at her, evidently thinking the same thing.

"It's nothing to worry about, Link," the princess replied. "I have no method of comprehending what you've been through, so I cannot hold you accountable for what you said." Link nodded but didn't reply, so Zelda continued. "I am still willing to come by your room the next few days to check up on you, if you like."

Link looked at her somewhat puzzled. "You'd come to my house?"

To this, Zelda's face replicated the confusion on Link's. "Your house?"

"I'm planning on going home after this meal, of course. I need to see my uncle."

"Oh, yes, indeed!" Zelda remarked with a grin. "We shall arrange for him to come to the castle."

Link bit his lip. "Then I am in need of seeing my own house."

It was at that point that Zelda realized something was wrong. Link was trying his hardest to be polite, but he evidently had no interest in spending more time at the castle. His manners had improved, but his state of mind had not. Link's head hung down slightly as if in exhaustion. His eyes stared off into the distance, seemingly looking for something that wasn't there.

The food arrived, but only Link began to eat. The other two at the table were staring at him in thought. The king finally broke the silence.

"Link, the best care that can be provided in all of Hyrule is here in the castle. You have been at sea for so long, there may be unexpected health concerns that might crop up at any moment. I strongly advise you to stay here at the castle for at least a few more days. We can do anything for you."

Whatever strength Link had that was holding him together finally broke down. He slammed the silverware he was using against the table, launching a fork onto the floor. Both Zelda and the king recoiled in astonishment.

"You can do anything?! Can you? Then bring it back! For goodness sake, bring it back!"

The father and daughter were too surprised to answer. Link's hands were visibly shaking as he buried his head in them.

"I'm sorry… again… It just came out. I think it's in everyone's interest that I just return home."

The king was about to speak when Zelda interrupted him by mouthing, "Let him go." The king frowned but nodded his head.

"Go to your uncle, Link."

Link stood up, finally releasing his hands from his hair. "Thank you," was all he could mutter before hastily leaving.

Two week had passed since Link left the castle. Though Zelda steered conversations away from bringing him up, Link was still the foremost concern on her heart. She desperately wanted to ask him how he was recovering, but she was afraid of intruding on his privacy and worsening matters. After these two weeks had passed, though, she decided to try a more indirect method of finding out. Zelda went to her personal desk, pulled out a quill and some parchment, and wrote the following letter to be given to Link's uncle, who he lived with.

You may wish to know that this is the Princess of Hyrule who is writing to you. Even so, I ask for the most honest answer that you can supply. It should not come as a surprise that I, as well as the rest of the palace court, am deeply concerned with the state of your nephew, Link. Link has displayed little interest in communicating with me since his return from the sea. So, for his sake, I am keeping distance from him. However, for my own sake, I only ask for an accurate assessment as to his state of being. Spare no detail. Knowing that he is doing better than when I last saw him would greatly relieve me.

Thank you in advance.

Zelda folded the letter, sealed it, and handed it to a courier for delivery. Much to Zelda's satisfaction, the reply only took a day.

It is with great respect that I answer, my princess. I hope the knowledge below will bring you comfort.

Link is looking healthier by the day. He seems to have put on much of his lost weight. I've even been able to employ him on several errands, which he has successfully accomplished.

There are some topics he seems to want to avoid, though. I once suggested that we go a round of fencing, but he grew somewhat irritable and told me that his fighting days are behind him. He also dislikes any reference of politics.

He frequently mentions that he is in need of peace and seems to avoid long conversations. He also suggested that we take a trip to the shores soon. He says that the air would do him some good.

Though Link has not acted like he once was, he's come quite far, assuming I avoid more dangerous topics. I confidently expect a full recovery.

Zelda laid the letter down and rubbed her forehead. From the sound of it, Link hadn't improved that much at all. Though he seemed to be making a pitiful attempt to act as if nothing had happened, something was obviously bothering him. Something that he would not open to anyone.

As a princess, Zelda wasn't familiar with "no" being an answer. She had to know what was the source of his discontent. She knew that she could get it out of him, but it couldn't be at the castle.

It was settled; Zelda had to go visit Link in person. She might have been able to persuade her father to give permission for her go alone during the daytime. However, she didn't want any stories of the Princess leaving the castle unattended; to begin, no one of any wealth wants to be seen alone. Also, though, she didn't want the public gossiping about her making a visit to an ailing Link. The official court stance was to pretend as if nothing was wrong.

Even if she was disguised, Zelda's size and gait might be recognizable in daylight. The preferable option would be to go at night, but the king would never support such a mission.

Thankfully, she had full access to the castle, with the only exception being the Triforce Chamber. So, that night, Zelda made her way to one of the castle's armories. Here she selected a hooded robe and some light chain mail, the dress of a royal courier, that would conceal her appearance. As Hyrule was not in a state of threat, getting out of the castle would be as simple as walking through the open gate. More difficult would be making sure that she could make the trek to Link's cottage and back before sunrise. At this time, she might be recognized and attendants would go to Zelda's chambers to ready her for the day. Another concern of hers was that while no one else would be able to get a good look at her, it was possible that Link's uncle would answer the door and identify her after seeing her face. She accordingly grabbed a light helmet with a faceplate and carried it with her. She tied her hair up so as to not be visible when she needed to put it on.

As expected, Zelda had no issues leaving the castle. The complex operated through the night, and people came in and out for various purposes, so the guards thought nothing of her exit. Once she was positive that she was out of sight of the castle, Zelda began walking at a brisk pace. Link lived relatively close by, but it was a good half-hour walk.

Zelda lowered her hood and replaced it with the helmet as she struck on Link's door. No one answered at first, forcing her to knock a second time even louder. After a minute's wait, the door opened to reveal Link's rather drowsy uncle.

"Yes, soldier?"

"I am here to speak with Link on the orders of the castle."

Thankfully, the helmet distorted the sound of Zelda's voice, but he likely wouldn't have recognized it anyways.

"Sorry, but he asked if no one from there came to speak with him, if that's alright. I'm sure you'll understand."

"I'm afraid not. It is of great urgency, from the princess herself. I am sure you will make no further mention of this visit." Zelda handed him a memo that she had personally written. Link's uncle handed it back to her after reading it.

"Alright then. He's in the room to the left… but don't be surprised if he isn't excited to talk."

Link's uncle moved out of the way to allow Zelda's entry. After crossing the main room, Zelda knocked on Link's door. She did not wait for an answer, though, before opening and then closing it behind her. Link's uncle was obviously ready to immediately return to bed in his own room, so he would not be a problem.

Link, though, was propped up in his bed very much awake. His expression did not change as Zelda took off her helmet and untied her hair, leaving no doubt as to her identity.

"I could turn you in, you know," he said finally.

"I trust you won't. That is not like you at all."

"You have no idea what I'm like."

Zelda sighed as she clasped her hands and leaned forward in her chair in the corner.

"After everything we've been through together, this is how you are going to address me?"

Link's features softened slightly. "I do like you, Princess Zelda. I do. But I simply can't be around you any longer. I can't. I'm done with it all."

Zelda picked up her chair and moved it closer to Link's bed.

"I am not here as Princess Zelda, as you can see by my attire. I'm here as your friend Zelda. The one you have no reason to be afraid of."

"That's nice and all, but it's not so simple... When I first met you, back in that dungeon, you were just a young and innocent child, like myself. Already, though, I can see the politics rubbing off on you. I don't blame you, but you can't run away from being the Princess." Link was trying to not sound hateful, but it still somewhat upset Zelda.

"Maybe so. Not in the long run. But in this moment, I think I can set this aside for just a night. One night… Link, whatever it is you are holding in… it's not good for you. I'm sure it's difficult to speak of, but I know it is for the best if you can share it with someone. When it comes to traumatic experiences, it helps to get your feelings out in words. It allows you to take away something more material… something that's important. I can be an excellent listener, but I'm also willing to give you any advice you want, if you so desire it."

Link sighed and allowed his head to bang against the bed's headboard. "It's a long story, Zelda."

"I came prepared for as much."

Link smirked as he looked at her. "I can only argue with a princess so many times before I get in trouble, right? So be it."

Link closed his eyes as he thought. Where to start? As Zelda had put it, what material story could Link tell from the flurry of his emotions? They weren't even material experiences to work with, after all. All that was left of Koholint were fleeting memories that were fading away quicker than autumn leaves in heavy winds.