A knock on my door startled me from studying the ancient texts. My eyes immediately landed on the wooden door as I called out, "Who is it?"

"It's Abel."

Blinking, I straightened slightly from my slouching and placed the book on old sermons to the side, "Come on in." My hands patted some wrinkles out of my soft yellow skirt of a priestess's apprentice as I pushed some of my falling hair out of my eyes.

The door opened to Abel, who had grown considerably in the past three years. Before he was a boy in the awkward stages of growth; he now had the appearance of a man. Abel's shoulders had widened, along with the muscles in his arms from the continual swinging of the hammer and pumping of the bellows as he worked in Fenrir's smithy. His messy hair was now straight and pulled back into a neat ponytail, with only one strand falling over his face. Abel was a lot taller as well, now a full foot and a half taller than my far from short height.

Of course, I had changed as well. Over the years I had seen the baby fat fall from my cheeks and cheek bones begin to contour my face to what was almost the stereotypical Rent shape of high cheekbones and a slightly pointed chin, the tips of my ears at slightly more tapered than the other Hylians. My hair had also grown to my hips in soft, white waves. The biggest change, however, was in my body. The fat had fallen from my waist and my chest grew as it did with all women, giving me a modest amount of curves that only grew with my training sessions in the forest. My arms had also gained some muscle from helping with the smithy from time to time, and although it was never seen, the rest of my body showed the amount of strength training I underwent and continued to practice.

I smiled at Abel, patting the space between me and the foot of my bed for him to sit on. The two of us had grown close, and besides the priestesses at the temple, he was the only one I really considered a friend. "What is it, Abel?"

Normally smiling, Abel didn't seem to wear this practically permanent addition to his sunny personality at the moment, "There's something I want to talk to you about." He did sit down though, turning his body slightly to face mine.

"Okay, go ahead, Abel." My smile faltered in confusion for a moment.

Abel coughed into his hand, a bit of color rising to his cheeks before he very calmly says, "Do you remember what the agreement was between my parents and you when you came home to stay with us?"

With that, my smile froze. "Oh. That?"

Biting his lip in embarrassment, Abel chuckled in a forceful manner, "Yes, that. I just wanted to check with you… that you're still okay with it." His eyes met mine and I felt his hand rest over my fingers, "I wouldn't be offended if you didn't want to go through with it. It would take a little more time to convince my parents, but, just know that whatever you choose, I have your back." The corners of Abel's lips rose in a small smile, giving nothing away about his own opinion.

I opened my mouth, trying to find the right words to say. Flipping my hand over, I grabbed his fingers in my own, comparing the size of his hands to mine. His were large, thick, and calloused from the forge, while my own fingers were slender but calloused from weaponry and punching trees in place of a sandbag. "When Fenrir and Kirtha took me in, I promised I would marry you at the proper age." Finally, I smiled again, "I will stick to my word. I would be more than happy to be your wife. Of course, if you want me to be. You're allowed to have a say in the matter, as well."

The smile that had previously been absent on his face broke out, and Abel seemed to give out a sigh of relief. He clasped my hand in both of his, leaning over to kiss my knuckles, "Kallen, I would happy to have you for a wife. What other woman could I find who knows how to get a fire to the right temperature for forging like you do?"

"That would be a little difficult," I chuckled, the image of a strange girl failing to push the giant bellows drifting through my mind, "but I'm sure your father could whip any girl you'd want into shape. He did the same with me."

Abel took one of his hands from mine, scratching at the barely-there beard on his cheeks as he pointed out, "But most women can't even lift a sword, let alone pump the bellows to make one. No, you're special, Kallen. The only woman for a poor blacksmith like me."

A snort most un-ladylike came from me, but I felt myself blush either way as I lightly punched his thick arm, "Now you're just buttering me up."

"Like toast," He winked. Abel laughed at his own joke for a moment before sobering up to ask, "When should we get married?"

Startled by the somewhat sudden change in topic, I had to think for a moment. "I am officially becoming a priestess in two months. Would you prefer to be married to an apprentice, or a full-fledged priestess?"

The man leaned back, one hand still holding mine, "I would think after would be much easier on you, so you won't have to juggle both the wedding and the ordination."

I nodded, "Yes, and that would give us a bit of time for any necessary preparations."

Abel nodded as well, a wistful smile on his face, "To be completely honest with you, ever since I found out that you agreed to stay to become my wife, I've looked forward, and I still am, to becoming your husband."

My eyebrows creased even as my smile grew, "Why? You weren't upset by the arrangement? Being limited to only me?"

He shook his head, "I've never thought about it that way. You're a very beautiful woman, Kallen, you always have been. Even when you were covered in the blood of monsters I've never thought of you as anything but beautiful." As he saw my one brow ascending into my hairline, he quickly continued on, "But it's not just because of your looks, I assure you. You have an education, something even I have little of- I only know enough to be able to read and write and do the sums for the business. You're also very comforting and kind, despite everything you went through as a child. The real question I have is why you would choose a man like me. With your looks, education, skills, etcetera, you could probably land a nobleman."

I tilted my head, his question being torn to pieces in my mind. "When I escaped my village, I honestly did not expect to be able to find anyone to spend the rest of my life with. And one thing that was really hammered into my existence there was the fact that one day I would have to carry on the Rent bloodline. As soon as my guardians were killed, my first thought was that I would never be able to do that. Your parents offered to keep me and in exchange I would marry you during my sixteenth summer. I could only happily agree, as I would have a home, but also a way to continue on the Rents. I was afraid for a while that I would be the last." I paused to see a trace of hurt in his eyes, so I squeezed Abel's hand. "But, as you said I might have been able to sway a nobleman to take me as his wife. You don't give yourself enough credit, Abel. No nobleman could endure the thought of his wife bettering him in martial arts or education. You can though, and you are extraordinarily kind and as sweet as a candied apple. You're able to accept me as I am and have seen me at my very worst. I doubt any nobleman could do that."

Abel looked down, scratching the back of his neck in embarrassment, "Now you're giving me too much credit."

I leaned over to kiss his scruffy cheek, "No, I'm not you idiot. I'm telling you the truth." I sat up so that our shoulders touched, "But, how many kids would you like?"

His eyes widened as he looked at me, "Kids? Oh my, Kallen, don't you think it's a little early to think about children?" Abel's hand gripped mine though, a hint of a smile about to break through.

I tilted my head, feeling my hair fall over my shoulder as I looked at him, "Have you even seen the way your mother looks at the newborns? I think if we don't have kids she'll kill us." Maybe me wanting kids was a part of it, but I liked the thought of little ones running under foot. I had rarely seen kids as a hassle, even when dealing with the ones in the Rent village.

Chuckling lightly, Abel nodded, "I bet she would. Well then, how about at least five?" He nodded again, as if agreeing with himself, "Four at least. Yes, that would be a good number."

Blinking, I bumped his shoulder, "And who's going to be giving birth to these kids? I think three's a good number."

"Nah, four is. That way if two get into a fight one isn't torn between the two." Abel smiles, looking at me. "Two boys and two girls would be the best."

"I don't think we can control what we're going to get, Abel," I snorted, but smiled all the same. Looks like I'd have a lot work ahead for me, thoughts of my past pushed to the side. "You've thought about this though, haven't you?"

"Maybe." He shrugged noncommittally, "Ever since I found out I was likely to marry you I've thought about a lot of things."

"Have you?" I smiled, kind of touched. Of course, that depended on what he thought about. I've heard enough from confessions at the temple that I wasn't so sure I wanted to know.

"Naturally," Abel replied, standing and pulling me up with him. "Now how about we let my parents' know what's going on?" He placed a large arm on my shoulder, leading me to the door.

Ordination. I closed my eyes, blocking out the image of one of the other priestesses who was fussing with my hairpiece and other adornments. Just three years ago had I imagined this scene playing out so differently, with Ullia fixing my hair and robes herself. She would have smiled, humming under her breath. The plan was for me to be ordained at this temple anyways, as only two witnesses were not enough by the code of those who worshipped Hylia. But, here I was, without Ullia or anyone I had grown up with.

Breathing out, the priestess Jillian smoothed out the fabric over my shoulders, "Are you ready, Kallen?"

Opening my eyes, I turned to look at her, "I am." This was the one thing I was confident about outside of martial arts, I had known as soon as Hylia herself told me that this was right.

The crow's feet at Jillian's eyes crinkled as I stood over her smaller figure, "You've come a long way, dear."

A smile quirked on my lips, remembering the words of Hylia in that cellar, "Unfortunately, things are far from over." No, things would only get worse from here, and I believed Hylia when she said so. There was no reason not to. Jillian's eyebrows pushed together, a frown threatening to break her smile, but I patted her shoulder and walked to the doors leading to the chapel. "Do not mind what I say, now is not the time to speak of what is to come."

"If you say so," Jillian's voice held a trace of doubt, but I paid no mind to it. I had yet to tell anyone of Hylia's visit to me, and I planned to keep it to myself until the moment it was crucial to reveal. The priestesses sometimes suspected something, but I could not see how they could even begin to get close to the truth.

The two of us walked out, myself in golden robes and the priestess in white and gold. The chapel was filling up, but the service was yet to start. I was surprised at how many had actually come; despite Castle Town being the capital of Hyrule, the worship of Hylia had slowly decreased over the years of the demon attacks. Jillian led me to my seat, before joining the three other priestesses.

I waited, calming myself down as the chapel big enough to hold at least eighty-percent of Castle Town filled into the stone room and sat in the wooden pews. I tried to not look behind me, into the faces of the people I would be in charge of. My stomach pinched hard, and I felt a premonition that something was going to happen. Something that wasn't in the least bit expected.

A hand landed on my shoulder, making me jump. I looked up and behind to see Abel with Fenrir and Kirtha. So, they were sitting behind me. It comforted me slightly, to have them near, as they were the closest thing I had to family now.

"How are you doing?" Abel leaned forward, whispering into my ear. "You look beautiful, by the way."

I smiled, turning slightly, "As nervous as a horse is when a wolf is near. But thank you." Placing my hand over his, I gave it a slight squeeze.

Abel's eyes were hard to read, but he smiled. "You'll be fine. You're a natural at all this godly stuff."

Opening my mouth to reply, I stopped when the four priestesses stood at the same time. The chapel grew quiet, and the lead priestess Lorelei stepped forward. I quickly turned around in my seat, reciting the words of my oath in my head. All will go as well, I've rehearsed the ceremony enough times that I could probably do it while fighting ten demons.

Lorelei raised her hands, the people hesitantly rising from their seats to stand. Speaking out in a clear voice, the priestess gathered silence as she spoke out. I zoned out, feeling a pressure between my temples. We sat again shortly following.

Hearing my name, I stood back up, walking to the steps and kneeling down, my head bowed.
The pressure steadily grew, and I knew it was not from a normal headache. I ignored it the best I could do, repeating the chants I had been taught. Straightening out, I continued through the rest of the ceremony, singing the song of the goddess and playing a tune on the harp provided.

When it came time for my apprentice's headpiece to be replaced with that of the priestess's, however, is when what I was waiting for occurred. A glow appeared in front of Lorelei, who was reaching for the headdress, quickly taking shape. The people in the chapel shouted, guards and those with swords standing and drawing their swords.

I recognized who it was, however, and shouted, "Put down your weapons! It is your Goddess you point your swords at!" Out of shock they did so, sitting back down as the goddess appeared.

The glow died down, the Goddess Hylia's skin and hair only letting off an unearthly glow. She smiled at me, winking briefly and turning to the priestesses. "Thank you for guiding and taking care of my friend." Hylia's eyes swept over the audience, pausing to look at Abel and his family. Her eyebrows rose and she quickly glanced at me before a smirk reaches her face. She didn't explain herself though, and she turned back to the audience.

Hylia spoke, her arms outstretched and hair billowing, "Hear me, my people! Kallen Rent is my chosen paladin, and general of my army! She will lead the Hero in defeating your long-time enemy Demon King Demise." She smiled, taking the headdress that was to be mine in her hands. It glowed for a moment, transforming into a more ornate headpiece that matched what a head priestess would wear. "Kallen, do you accept the responsibility that I am placing on your shoulders?"

I knelt as Hammond had shown me, the way a warrior kneels before her chosen master, with my fist on the ground and one knee on the ground. With my head bowed, I said clearly, "As I did three years ago, I accept the task, my Goddess."

Hylia whispered so that only I could hear her, "Look up, will you?" I did so, meeting her smile as she gently removes the old headpiece to replace it with that I was to be ordained with. Hylia even went so far as to smooth out my hair, muttering, "That will do, though you always looked better in silver." The goddess straightened, "Stand, now, my Knight, and greet the people you will defend."

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I got to my feet and turned to the people staring at the two of us, apprehension and fear clouding their faces. This was a sort of nervousness I was not used to, and I didn't like how they seemed to be afraid. Taking a deep breath, I smiled and turned once again to Hylia, "Thank you, Hylia, for doing me this great honor. I will protect the people physically and emotionally in these coming days, until I can no longer draw my sword."

"Oh? And how is a woman supposed to do that?" A nobleman stood, hand on the hilt of his sword as he pointed at me. "Our goddess trusts our protection this delicate priestess's guidance, if there be battle? She does not look past her childhood! I am sorry, my Goddess, but she is not fit for the honor you've given her."

Low murmurs started up from the pews, people shouting out, "He's right! What can a little girl do to protect us against demons?"

My brows wrinkled in frustration. This was not something I was expecting, but perhaps even having a goddess on my side was not enough. I didn't blame them for doubting, I would not trust any other girl my age with this big of a task without knowing what they could do.

Hylia tilted her head, "Why then, why not test her capabilities? I promise, she will not disappoint you, in fact, she may surprise you."

"Like she could even draw a sword!" Another nobleman shouted this, standing now on the pews.

"Are all of you fools?" Fenrir stood, his bulky frame standing over the others as he turned to them. "Have you all forgotten the name of Rent? Before you stands the last of the Rents, the only one to survive plagues and demon ambushes, and you doubt whether she could hold a sword? Thirteen years of training in every possible weapon, martial combat, and even war tactics- trained by one of the greatest generals of our time Hammond Rent and chosen by the goddess because she knows all of this, and yet you still doubt her."

I sighed, pleased with my adoptive father's words, but they were not going to help. "Please, Fenrir. I appreciate your help, but if I must prove myself then I see no reason why not." My robes would get in the way, but I was confident that I could take on almost anyone they threw at me. "I understand your hesitation, sir nobleman, and so if you provide me with a weapon and an opponent, I will gladly prove myself." I moved down the stairs, waiting before the crowd.

They were all silent for a moment, before one stood with the help of a cane. My eyes widened as they landed on the king, who I had previously not seen. "The safety of this land is my duty; therefore I must test you with the best of whom I have with me at the moment. General Willias, if you would."

My heart stopped for a moment as a large, slightly older man stood from a couple places next to the king. General Willias turned briefly to the king, bowing as he replied, "Very well, my liege." He moved, walking down the aisle to stand before me, nearly a foot taller and with a sword big enough for a large man like him.

The king nodded, then shouted, "Who will supply a sword?"

Several volunteered their swords, and I asked to see each to test the balance of each. After choosing the arming sword offered to me, I took off the outer layer of robes to stand in the shorter and lighter under layer, as well as the hard soled shoes to stand in my stockings on the cold stone floor. The two of us stretched, neither wanting to pull a muscle.

Abel walked over as I stretched, leaning over to whisper, "Did you know that Hylia was going to show up?"

I spared a glance to Hylia, who was still by the altar, being attended by the other three priestesses. "She visited me three years ago, but no, I didn't know she was going to do this." Feeling my limbs loosen, I sighed and stood. "I don't know if I can beat this guy, either. It's been years since I've had a proper sparring partner."

"You'll be fine, Kallen. You have speed and surprise on your side. He probably doesn't expect much on you, so he'll hold back. He's also bigger, so he's bound to be slower." Abel patted my shoulders, massaging them briefly to help me loosen up. "Trust yourself. You made it through that forest when you were thirteen, you can take care of one general."

Chuckling, I picked up the sword, taking a few test swings to get the feel of the sword in my hand. "Thank you, Abel. I guess one general is nothing, after demons."

"There we go. Now go show off." Abel smiled, going to go sit back down.

An area had been cleared for the duel, and General Willias stood waiting for me. Walking up to him, I smiled, "It is an honor to duel you, General Willias."

A small smile could be seen through his beard, and the man nodded, "Likewise, daughter of Rent."

We turned to the Goddess, bowing briefly before bowing to the king and to each other. The points of our swords crossed, and I fixated my eyes on General Willias's torso. As soon as I saw the smallest twitch occur did I move, the blade slithering in the air to meet General Willias's sword. My arm shook at the shock delivered, not used to the strength at which my blade was meeting.

Willias struck again, my sword moving easily to block his. I knew he was going easy on me, and so I quickly made a feint at his side, quickly pulling back as I saw the steel swing to block it. It knocked him off his balance, however, and so I pursued him, swinging at his right shoulder as he moved to protect his left.

The fight continued; neither really gaining an advantage. I knew I didn't have the stamina to continue, though, as I had less experience and was rusty overall. My eyes darted around the room, looking for something to help me as we circled each other. I could practically feel how sore my arm was becoming. Feeling my shoulders tense up, I forced myself to relax, eyes resting again on Willias's chest.

Speed. That is what I had on him. He may have brute strength and experience, but speed, when used right, could overcome that. I let out a breath, and began to bounce on the balls of my feet. Go low, aim high, all in the blink of an eye. That's how I would win it.

Between one bounce and the next, I launched myself across the space faster than he could anticipate. I felt the seconds slow down as I crouched slightly, body moving out of the way of his sword as I grabbed the arm and pinned it to my side. My blade lay gently against his neck, and with my eyes looking up to meet the large man I smiled.

"I yield," General Willias seemed to smile, and as I stepped away he held out his hand. I took it, shaking it in the stunned silence of the chamber.

Turning to the audience, I smiled again, "Next?"