LONG ROAD AHEAD
The dawn had just begun, and already the princess was rushing around like a mad fool, prancing as if she'd been shocked with electricity. She paced to and fro, almost seeming to bore a path into the stone under her shoes. Her guardian, Impa, sat on the edge of the princess's bed, shaking her head with a crooked grin on her face. "He will be here. He will come. Now sit and don't worry yourself." Zelda whirled on the spot she stood, and thrust a dainty finger in the direction of Impa, who did not flinch the slightest bit, eyes steady on the princess. "Ahh, see! Everyone keeps telling me that, but how do we know? How do I know? After what he went through… and then for me to send him back, to wait seven more years to even know how life would turn out? I was horrible." She cracked in her forceful stance, and pulled back, tucking her fingers beneath her arms, choking back a sob.
It was true, and well known by those close to Zelda, that she blamed herself every day for the distance that had grown between herself as well as her people and Link. Where was he today? Was he okay? Did he turn out like she always imagined he would? Those strong hands… broad thighs, tight body…. She frowned inwardly, her eyes jerking up. How dare she think such horrible thoughts? But oh how she missed that moment. When she had first laid eyes on Link as he approached her in his full grown, adult body, she had to admit it was shocking, to say the least. He'd filled out well, not that she hadn't always thought he was attract (even as a child). He just brought things out of her adult self that she'd not been prepared for… especially the dark thoughts. She tossed up a crooked grin herself, and turned to Impa, who had a raised eyebrow. "Did you have a vision or something? You don't usually stand around grinning like that." Zelda flushed, and shook her head with a laugh. "No, I did not. Now will you help me get dressed?
The process took most of the early morning, with corsets and all. After she was properly dressed and had her hair and face done the way she wanted, she finally set out for the court yard, where the crowning ceremony would be held. She was eager to scan the crowd, hoping that somewhere she would see that half bent pointy hat she knew so well, forest green in color. There was a soft click from her shoes on the stone below her as she made her way from one corridor to the next, finally arriving at the stone archway, the crowd expectantly looking towards the dark hall waiting to see her emerge.
Instead of her usual attire (which was still quite fancy), she wore all white, with a lilac colored bow wrapped around her waist and loosely draped over her thigh and hip, accentuating her womanly figure. She had her hair down, and no crown at this said moment, since she was prepared to accept a newer, perhaps shinier one. As she stepped out into the sunlight, several gasps went up, followed by more as eyes fell on her. She was the gem of Hyrule, as most said, and she still refused to give her heart away to any suitors. Except for the one she wished for. But she'd yet to see that little green hat, assuming he'd not changed too much since they last met.
Link was late, and he knew it. Epona had been particularly difficult to saddle up this morning, probably because she only wanted to run, not being out in an open field like this in almost eight years. He just hadn't had the desire to return. They had broken apart so abruptly, because of their lives changing. Once his journey had ended, it was like he had no place in Zelda's life after that… up until now, apparently. He pushed Epona hard as he saw the castle moat and drawbridge come into view. She snorted and pushed forward, her body pulsing with power as she thudded across the bridge and into the path towards the market. People who were lingering were quick to clear the way. Some gasped, remembering the days when he used to be a huge part of the way of life in Hyrule when they saw him. A few kids chased after him diligently until they were out of breath. Epona was a pretty fast horse.
The cobblestone changed into a smooth stone path as he neared the castle. The guards scattered, having been warned that he would be expected. They held up no blocks to stop him, but simply helped clear the way. He slid Epona to a stop at an archway, a huge crowd gathered ahead. On his left, an empty archway (or what it looked like at the time). On the right, there stood the ancient sage he knew so faintly from his past, waiting to crown her as the new legal Queen of Hyrule. He spun from the saddle, and hit the ground running, his boots clicking against the pavement. Others turned to look at the newcomer, gasping in shock. Perhaps everyone expected him to be dead by now?
He had no time to think about it, because something sparkling and blindingly white caught his attention, and he skidded to a stop only inches away from the woman. A synchronized yell from the crowd echoed through the court yard, and for a moment the world was paused. Link looked up slowly from the hem of the skirt just a few feet from his eyes, and finally rested his sky blue eyes on what he figured was her face. The sun was just so bright. As if granted to him from the gods above, his wish was granted, and he was able to make out her face slowly. His heart almost stopped beating when he realized who he'd almost plowed over in his rush to be on time. "Z… Zelda?" She stared back at him, wide eyes and perplexed, her eyes flickering rapidly as she took him in. She repeated his own name back to him, her voice cracking in shock. In just another moment, he had her in his arms, receiving one of the best, most longed for, and probably a little too bone crushing hugs in a long time.
"It's so good to see you Link!" He released her carefully, his hands not wanting to leave her slender waist. He smiled sheepishly, and then shrugged. "The same here. Wow… you…." There was a voice cleared in the background, and they both found themselves looking up at the soon-to-be-replaced king. "Can we get on with this, and continue the greetings later? We have a ceremony to finish here." The king had always been kind to Link, even when he was an obnoxious little kid trampling the flowers in the courtyard and outsmarting the royal guards. Link took a step back and joined the crowd, nestling in with an older woman who just grinned at him and shook her head. Zelda nodded, and without further hesitation, made her way up to the altar.
"On this day, we welcome a new and gracious ruler into our hearts. Your new Queen, Zelda of Hyrule!" The crowd erupted with applause and yelling and dancing as the bejeweled crown was settled upon Zelda's head. She stood regally, and began her descent as the new Queen. She greeted many, and reached for Link's hand as she was rushed off by guards. When they were safe inside the castle, she whipped around and hugged him once more, this time a little less modest in the proximity. "Oh how I've missed you. I didn't think you would come!" Link frowned at that… "Why? There is no way I would miss this! Wow, Queen. Congratulations." He stepped away from her, not wanting to give anyone the wrong impression, and smiled. "I still have to put Epona away, get her settled in. Where shall I meet you next?" Zelda nodded, knowing he always wanted to care for his horse. "I will meet you for dinner, just before the sunset. Do clean up! Mother will be there." With that, he set off for the stables, and soon, a bath.