Inspiration: The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword, and caricatures.

Original Shout Outs: Colleen TJ, OA, IBayfully, RageInStages, ShadowNinja1011, Pip-Indigo, Hunter 113, EvanEssence, Jordan, Paul, Jackie, cool man6, Lydia, Norkix, UniqueRosa Damascena, LeilaEditer, Anon, Anon/Reviewer, ZelinkLoverForLife, Link, and Yuka. Thank you all for reading and reviewing.

New Shout Outs: To the guests reading this and SuccessfulFailure, probably one of the most awesome people on FFnet.

Author Note: My interpretation of Hylia is simply a caricature in this story. It is not absolute. This is not always how I see her, but this is how I'm going to write her in this story. Again, if you as a reader don't like this, that's okay, but it's not changing. Thanks for reading.

Word count: 14,216


Chapter 2

I looked at the beautiful apparition perplexed.

"My what?" I asked.

She raised a brow and seemed mildly offended that I didn't know what she was talking about.

"Your groove," Hylia repeated, and floated near to the ground, "your moxie, your mojo. You know, the thing that makes you happy in life."

I shook my head, still confused as to what she was talking about. What in the world was a moxie? Or a Mojo? What did she mean? Were these terms or colloquialisms only privy to the Sacred Realm? Was there a new dialect I wasn't aware of? When I prayed to the goddess, I hardly expected such a rash and brazen form of speech as her reply. Even still, she was quite lovely and awe inspiring to look upon.

The face of an angel and the mouth of a harpy, I thought in utter disbelief.

I paused before answering her.

"I still don't understand," I said honestly, "a 'groove' is something you would find in a piece of wood or a standardized clock, not a means to a pursuit of happiness."

Hylia bucked her head back for a second and rolled her eyes at me. She then billowed an irritated breath.

"Are you serious?" she asked.

I wasn't sure what she was so frustrated about. It was clear her mannerisms were foreign to me. How was I supposed to know what she meant? Every book on etiquette I ever read had nothing in it related to things like 'mojo' or 'moxie'. She clarified the matter with her secondary statement, but for her to be aggravated because I was out of the loop with her syntax, was completely and totally improper. To such, I got a little indignant and stroked a strand of my dark hair behind my ears, not having any qualms with what I just uttered.

"Quite," I said simply, trying to maintain some form of dignity.

I sat up completely when I spoke to her, and even though Hylia's manners were surprising and unusually casual, I still wanted to show her the respect she deserved. She was the goddess of Hyrule after all.

"It's a figure of speech," Hylia said to me incredulously, "you do know what that is right? My goodness, are you always this uptight?"

I looked at her surprised.

Now she wanted to be rude?

I am not uptight, I thought, getting a little offended by the insult.

"You'll have to forgive me for not jumping up and down in elation your supreme excellency," I said with a curt undertone. "I had no idea who you were, and never expected such an unorthodox manner of reply."

Hylia just stared at me for a moment with a raised brow.

"'An unorthodox manner of reply?'" she mocked with an air of sarcasm. "Are you kidding me right now?"

I shook my head and found her incessant digging annoying.

"No," I replied, "why would I be joking right now?"

She didn't reply for a long time, then gave me a long once over and ran a hand over her face.

"Dear Farore, this is going to be harder than I thought," she muttered to herself.

I looked at her taken aback.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked.

She groaned and gave me a stern look, completely ignoring my question.

"Look, you have got to lighten up," she said, "how is anyone supposed to help you if you're so unwilling to let loose?"

I took her words at face value and looked at the divinity with open reluctance. I was sure I wasn't helping myself with what she just asked of me, but I couldn't help it. I was too much of a natural cynic.

Could she really be Hylia? I wondered. She's not quite what I was... expecting.

The interesting thing about that last thought was that as soon as it passed through my head, Hylia's expression passed and changed with it. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and she made me a little nervous with how she was looking at me now. It was almost as if she heard what I was thinking just then, but that was impossible. I was never told the power of the goddess was that great, and I had been studying my family's history for years. Even so, I was taken aback at how coincidental that last interaction was. We remained silent until she intentionally came a little closer. Her eyes were fixed on mine. My heart began to skip a few beats.

Why is she looking at me like that? I wondered, feeling a wave of uneasiness flow over me.

Little did I realize I was about to get an answer to my questions and a whole lot more.

"Are you done?" she asked me in a dry undertone all of a sudden.

I gave her an offhanded look and shook my head.

"I'm sorry?" I said, not understanding her question. "Am I done with what?"

The goddess crossed her arms over her chest.

"Your thoughts?" she divulged.

I looked at her stunned.

"My-my-my what?" I stammered.

She then cleared her throat.

"Let me elaborate for you," she started, then went in a cadence, "yes, you are uptight, and that's not just according to me, but to thousands of your subjects in your kingdom. Yes, I am really the goddess, though you would have preferred a more serious reverential personage. And finally, no, I'm not what you were expecting, but then again no one really ever is, are they?"

My eyes widened in fear. I quickly trembled involuntarily and drew away from her. I didn't mean to, it was just a reactionary type thing.

What in the-? I thought, but cut my inquiries short.

I had to, I was afraid of what else she might see. However, that didn't prevent her from touting on with my last string of thoughts.

"And if you really must know, I'm looking at you like this because you can be pretty rude in your head," she went on, "and the 'am I done?' was directed to you."

I edged back more, with my mouth slightly agape when she was finished.

I couldn't believe it.

I didn't want to believe it.

"You can read my thoughts?" I asked.

Hylia didn't answer right away and merely nodded.

"Yes I can, and your heart too," she answered, "it kind of goes with the goddess territory. So... don't let anything dirty slip through there, or I might just catch it... if I haven't already."

I felt my cheeks blush.

Did I have an impure thought just now? I wondered, quickly doubting myself. How often has she read my mind when Master Link was around?

I buried my face in my hands.

"Oh no," I moaned.

Hylia just stared at me for a moment, before floating completely down to the ground, and walking over to my side of the bed. She jumped on the mattress and rested her weight at my feet. She saw that I was embarrassed and was quick to try and reassure me.

"Hey, don't worry," she soothed, "I'm here to help you remember. Don't stress, I won't do anything to embarrass you... at least not intentionally."

I looked up from my palms at the golden face staring back at me and bit my lower lip. I took in a deep sigh, and then ran my hands through my dark hair once more. I looked at her in complete awe and wonder. I then reached out and over to touch her. When I felt her skin, I saw that she was tangible. She was real. I gazed into her eyes and didn't know what to say.

I still can't believe any of this is happening, I thought, the goddess of Hyrule is right here, right now! This is incredible.

Hylia was flossing her fingernails on her white robe when she decided to answer me.

"That's right kid, I'm here in the flesh," she said with a casual kind of absence, as if talking to herself on cue.

When I realized again she was replying to my thoughts I pulled my hand away and covered my mouth.

"I still can't believe you can do that," I whispered.

She raised a brow and grinned.

"Believe it," she said, "and just so you don't get completely freaked out by it, I won't do it anymore," Hylia promised, raising her hands in a mock surrender. "I can turn the whole thing on and off if I want to."

I stared at her in surprise.

"You can... you can do that?" I whispered in disbelief.

She shrugged as though it weren't a big deal.

"Sure," she said, then closed her eyes, "watch."

Nothing happened at first, but a moment later, a flash of white light went throughout the room. It was harsh and blinding, but as quickly as it came, it disappeared. When it was over, I looked around the room slightly dumbfounded.

"What was that?" I asked.

Hylia opened her eyes and took in a deep breath.

"That was me giving you your privacy back," she said to me with a half smile.

My eyes met hers once more and I sat more upright. I was still reeling from what was happening.

"This is unbelievable," I said.

Hylia scooted over and sat near the edge of the bed when she saw I was more comfortable.

"You really are the goddess," I whispered, as if telling her for the first time.

Hylia raised a brow and leaned back casually.

"We've already established that," she replied, "now that the grand introductions are out of the way, let me tell you the reason why I'm here."

I took in a relieved breath and gave her my undivided attention. If she was coming here to help me, I didn't want to miss a bit of what she wanted to tell me.

"Okay," I said in a soft voice.

Hylia stretched her arms back and rested her weight on her elbows.

"You see, I'm your great great great great great- forget it there's too many 'greats'," she redirected, then said, "I'm your ancestral mother to put it simply. Long story short, I lived in Skyloft, found out I was Hylia, married my long time honey, now known as the Hero of Sky, yadda, yadda, yadda, had a few kids, and bam! There it is, the history of the royal family in less than a minute. Anyway, you needed help, so I came here to help you find a way out of the funk you've gotten yourself in."

I raised my eyebrows at her explanation, not understanding half of what she said.

She speaks a mile a minute, I thought.

"Uh... a funk?" I repeated confused. "I would hardly call looking after Hyrule 'a funk'."

Hylia gave me a knowing stare.

"Look Zel, I was queen waaaay before you, and I had a lot more fun, and I do mean a lot more fun, doing it," she said to me rather bluntly. "This isn't about Hyrule, this is about you."

I looked at her surprised.

"Me?" I accused, pointing to myself.

She nodded.

"Yes," she replied.

Is she implying I'm not a good ruler? I wondered worried.

I needed to defend my honor.

"Zant was defeated seven years ago," I began, "there's still a lot of instability regarding the people. What more could I possibly-?"

She held up her hand to stop me.

"Not you as a queen," she interrupted me softly, "you as a person, as a woman."

I swallowed hard and looked away when she uttered that. I was well aware what the issues were with me as a woman. My mother died before I could figure them all out, but I was getting through them, I was making strides. Elbourne was even around to help me from time to time. I knew there was much more to it than that, but I was trying. I had known for some time the issues of me as a person. I just hoped they wouldn't come back to haunt me.

Everyone has advice for me, don't they? I thought, feeling a little defensive.

Hylia saw that I didn't reply, and studied my facial expression now.

"Did I strike a nerve?" she asked.

I turned away from her slightly.

"What do you think?" I asked.

I knew I wanted someone to tell me like it is, but this was proving to be too much too soon. However, I couldn't deny that I had been putting this aspect of my life off for some time now, years to be exact. I was twenty-seven, it was already too late to be sooner, and if I waited any longer, it would be too late to be later. The truth of the matter was, I needed to deal with this now.

She's right, I thought, the hardest thing a person can do is take a true look at their self... and I don't need to look, I already know.

I rested my face against my knees.

"Do you think there's any hope for me?" I asked softly.

Hylia bobbed her head back and forth playfully before taking my hand in hers.

"I think so," she replied, "you've just lost sight of a few important things along the way, but you can get them back. For instance, you need to enjoy just being a woman again."

I looked at her puzzled, I didn't understand her statement.

"I love being a woman," I said, "there's nothing more beautiful in nature than the femininity of womankind."

Hylia raised her hand to correct herself.

"Very true, so let me state what I mean in a different way," she redirected, "when was the last time you showed any of that femininity off?"

I stared at her surprised and felt my cheeks redden.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

Hylia gave me an obvious look.

"I meant what I asked," she replied.

I took in a deep sigh.

"I would like to think I show it off in the most modest way possible," I replied, "I wear beautiful clothes, and my hair is always done. I feel pretty everyday I wake up. I think I show my femininity very well."

She groaned and decided to come in at a different angle.

"Okay," she said to me, rethinking her stance, "maybe that was a poorly phrased question. What I mean is, when was the last time you went on vacation? When was the last time you did anything fun?"

I saw where she was going now, but I still shook my head.

"Vacation?" I repeated. "Ancestral mother, I hardly think I have time for that. I have a kingdom to rule."

Hylia looked at me with open concern.

"But that's your problem," she said, "you're all work and no play."

I didn't see a point to this.

"I don't have time to play," I explained, "I'm the only Nohanseen left...well, the only legal Nohanseen."

She just stared at me and didn't reply to the latter, but I sensed she knew what I meant.

"Which is exactly why you need to play," she said, "how are you going to have an heir with no husband?"

I rolled my eyes and looked away.

So now the truth comes out, I thought bitterly.

Hylia placed her hands on her hips.

"The truth has always been out," she corrected.

I looked at her upset when I realized she was still reading my thoughts.

"I thought you turned that off," I demanded.

"Stop trying to get around this Zelda," she redirected, "when are you going to start being honest with yourself?"

I placed my head on my knees again and didn't answer. I felt like an adolescent being scolded by her mother.

"When?" she asked again, not letting up on me.

I stroked my hair once more and shook my head.

"I am being honest," I replied.

There was a brief silence between us after that. I knew she was disappointed with how I was answering, but some of what she was suggesting was ridiculous. I had no time for a vacation, and I still had plenty of years to get married and produce an heir. Why were those the only things people liked to throw at me? After a few moments, Hylia broke the silence.

"You want to know the last time you went on vacation Zelda?" she asked rhetorically.

I didn't bother to answer.

I have no idea, I thought, which was true.

"When?" I asked.

Hylia crossed her arms over her chest.

"Try before your father died," she divulged to me, "the last time you went on vacation, you were fourteen years old. You're now twenty seven, I'd say that's a long time."

I looked down at my sheets and shrugged.

I didn't know what she wanted me to say.

She's right, I thought with some more bitterness, but a lot has happened between then and now.

"Yes," I said absently, not really responding to what she was saying.

Hylia looked at me thoughtfully for a moment.

"I've watched you," she went on, "you work, and work, and work. You never allow yourself anytime for play. Sometimes you have to let your hair down, and honestly the only time I ever see you do that is at bed time. What's the fun in that if there's no one here for you to play with?"

I felt my cheeks blush red again when she said that.

"Ancestral mother..." I said, then trailed embarrassed, "what are you suggesting? That I find a suitor who simply wants to sleep with me and nothing else? I know it's my duty to produce an heir, but to talk about... relations so loosely is profoundly improper."

Hylia looked at me as of she were bored and didn't let up.

"It's called sex Zelda," she said, "sex, and there's nothing wrong with you desiring it, you're Hylian."

I blushed more and grunted.

"Oh, you're incorrigible," I said.

She wasn't fazed.

"...Right," she said sarcastically, but then casually added, "so... who's Elbourne?"

I had a feeling she was going to bring him up. If she was watching me the way she said she was, then she already knew who Elbourne was.

I didn't answer right away.

"He's nobody," I replied.

Hylia looked at me in disbelief.

"He's got to be somebody, you've been seeing him almost exclusively for the last five years," she disclosed.

I didn't want to discuss this because I knew where this would lead.

"He's merely a friend-" I tried.

"-that wants to be more," she cut me off smoothly.

I had no reply to her logic, she was right.

"I suppose he does," I said.

Hylia looked at me and grunted.

"Do you love him?" she asked me.

I shook my head no.

"No," I replied.

"Well, then why spend so much time with him?" Hylia asked.

I sighed and shrugged. I wasn't sure what she wanted me to tell her.

"He's convenient, he's comfortable, he's loyal to me-" I attempted.

"-but he's not what you want," she interrupted again, "the truth of the matter is you're in love with someone else."

I looked at her slightly upset, realizing what she was trying to suggest.

"Look, I know what you're trying to do, but Link does not love me," I said, "that's over between us, and there was nothing there to begin with. He's always loved Midna."

She grinned at me and shook her head.

"You see," she accused, "I didn't even need to say his name."

I looked at her surprised, then let my head fall back in aggravation for falling for such a trick.

"Hylia..." I trailed.

"Look, I understand this is hard," she said to me, "facing your problems always is, but for whatever reason, you keep insisting that you don't deserve to be loved back. You keep thinking the only things in the past are the bad things. There was a lot of good there too."

I looked down and pulled my knees to my chest, hating the fact that she knew me so well. I hated thinking about the past.

"I wouldn't say I don't feel like I deserve to be loved..." I trailed, trying to justify my feelings, "it's just... it's just very complicated."

Hylia merely looked at me.

"Well let's un-complicate it," she said simply.

I looked up at her just then and tried to grin.

"How?" I asked. "You make everything sound so easy."

She shrugged.

"That's what you need to figure out," she replied.

I chuckled a little bit, but then felt my grin fade. I avoided her eyes and looked to my sheets just then.

"I haven't spoken to him in years," I whispered, "what if he doesn't want to see me?"

Hylia was quiet for a moment, then took my hand in hers.

"He wants to see you," she reassured, "trust me, I know."

I felt my heart skip a beat when she uttered that.

"How do you know?" I asked. "Can you read his heart and mind too?"

She nodded.

"I can," she said, "but I haven't, I chose to only read yours."

My anticipation fell flat just then.

"Then how do you know he wants to see me?" I asked.

She took in a deep sigh.

"You worry too much," she commented, "you need to just go out there and grab life by the horns."

I looked at her puzzled.

"By the horns?" I asked. "Isn't that illustration a bit brazen?"

Hylia placed her palm on her forehead and shook her head.

"I swear you can analyze a metaphor to death," she complained, but then grinned and changed the subject. "What I meant was, you need to get out of this castle and fix what you've been wanting to fix for years now."

I looked away from her for a moment.

"The only thing I really need to fix is the wrongs of my past," I stated, "and it just seems so impossible."

Hylia chuckled.

"I'd say that's a good place to start," she reassured, "and nothings impossible, just improbable for a moment."

I liked the way she put that.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

She suddenly let my hand go and jumped off the bed.

"That's what I want you to tell me," she stated all of a sudden.

I looked at her confused for a moment.

"You mean now?" I asked.

Hylia gave me a knowing stare.

"Come on Zelda," she replied.

I didn't want to appear foolish, but it was only then I got the gist of what she was saying to me.

"Well, there are some... some intuitive issues I'd like to clear up," I said. "I would like to make amends for the way certain situations settled and turned out. I feel as though there are some unresolved conflicts I need to address, unspoken words that need to be said, old wounds I need to heal."

Hylia for the first time looked at me impressed.

"Now you're getting it," she said with a nod, "what else?"

I raised my brows thoughtfully and sat straight up.

"I also need to clear things up with Queen Midna of the Twilight Realm," I went on, "it's been years since we last spoke. I could hardly call myself an emissary of my people to hers with such a lack of communication."

I expected Hylia to continue to be impressed, but for whatever reason she looked a little unsettled when I mentioned Midna and the Twilight Realm. I gave her a quick once over and inquired of it.

"What's the matter?" I asked.

She pursed her lips together and paused for a moment.

"Are you sure you want to add the Midna benchmarks?" she asked. "It's a noble goal and all, but some things are better left unsaid."

I felt my eyes widen at her rather frank reply.

"There would be no point in my doing this if I didn't include Midna too," I said, "she's the primary reason so many things need to be straightened out."

Hylia hesitated in replying and groaned thoughtfully.

"I guess so," she said more to herself than to me.

I wanted her to explain that.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

A troubled look crossed her face, but she tried to mask it for the obvious reasons. She didn't bother to answer my question.

"There's no double entendre here my dear," she said, "I simply meant what I said."

I didn't trust that answer, but I didn't question it further. What could I say to her? She was the goddess of Hyrule. I decided to shift the conversation and be more optimistic.

"Well, even if she tells me she hates me, I'd rather hear it from her than wonder about it for the rest of my life," I said with more resolve, "I'm tired of not knowing."

Again, Hylia initially hesitated, but as she kept looking at me, a smile curled her lips. She reached over and took my hand in hers once more.

"Well look at you, you're getting the hang of this already," she said, then looked me over and added, "so, when do you plan to leave and do all that you have said?"

I felt my neck buck back in surprise.

"You want me to do this now?" I asked incredulously.

Hylia looked at me like I was silly and gave me an obvious stare.

"Of course I want you to do this now, why do you think we talked about it?" she asked me with an inflection of sarcasm.

I hesitated, thinking of all the duties I had.

"I can't leave," I said finally, "I have a meeting with my generals tomorrow, and my steward needs a new budget mandated for the stables by the end of the month. I have too many things to do. I was thinking I could go next month."

Hylia raised a brow and looked at me cynically.

"Do you hear yourself?" she asked.

She didn't understand.

"I-" I tried.

"Now, you've taken two steps back," she interrupted, "of course you can leave, and you have to if you want to move forward. How else will you do what you've intended? If you keep putting it off you never will."

I saw her point, but what she was asking seemed impossible. How could I just up and leave Hyrule? I was her queen, I needed to be here. However, I did pray for this opportunity. This was something I was asking for. Was I really going to squander all the goddess's advice due to fear of the unknown? I always promised myself I would go on an adventure one day. It looked like that day had finally come. There was no more thinking to do, the decision had been made, I was going to go.

"You're right ancestral mother," I said, retracting my last statement, "I will go. In fact, I'll leave tomorrow. There's no point putting off later what can be done now."

Hylia smiled at me and pumped her fist.

"Alright!" she said enthusiastically. "That's the spirit! Five years is long enough wouldn't you say?"

I laughed at her and smiled.

"Absolutely," I replied, "I believe it is."

She levitated a little bit and stretched.

"And don't worry," she said, "I'll be along for the ride too."

I looked at her surprised.

"Really?" I asked. "You're coming with me?"

She shrugged.

"Why not?" Hylia said. "You didn't think you could get rid of me that easily, did you? Besides, I'll have a little info for you here and there along the way."

For some reason, the way she said that made me laugh. Hylia looked at me surprised by my laughter, but then tempered her expression with a hint of sarcasm.

"Doth my ears deceive me?" she said playfully. "Could it be that my beloved descendant is laughing?"

I chuckled more when she said that. It was true, I hadn't had a good laugh in a long time, and honestly that was a shame. The only other persons who made me laugh like her was Link, and at times Elbourne, and that seemed to be years ago, or few and far between instances. I needed to laugh more. I needed to live more, and this was honestly the best way to do it. I needed to just get out there and go.

"Yes ancestral mother," I said, "it's true."

Hylia initially started to clap at my words, but then stopped herself and frowned at me for a moment. I looked at her puzzled.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

She shook her head.

"We're going to have to do something about that 'ancestral mother' title," she said to me, detracting a little, "I know I told you to call me that, but honestly I'm not feeling it too much. So I'll try to think of something else and let you know later, capisce?"

I still had a hard time following some of the things she said due to her strange rhetoric, but I got the gist.

"Uh... capisce," I replied, "and thank you for everything."

She levitated some more and shrugged like it was nothing.

"Sure, no problem," she said, "just remember, I'll always be there when you need me."

I smiled at her when she said that.

"I will," I said softly.

Hylia then floated over to the center of the room and levitated herself higher until she reached the ceiling. A moment later, a bright light flashed across the room, followed by a high frequency sound. When the sound abated, Hylia was gone. I sat in my bed, still reeling from the shock and awe of it all. I couldn't believe what just transpired. The thought of her antics made me smile.

"So... that is the great goddess of Hyrule,"I said with a curious grin, "she really is something."

~SSS~

The Next Day

The next morning I woke up at dawn and began preparing for my trip. I had barely been able to sleep because I realized I had so much to do before I departed. I needed to meet with my counsel men to let them know I was going to be gone for an extended period of time. I had to mandate rules and responsibilities to my specified regents. I had to make sure I had a proper cover so the citizens wouldn't worry about me, and I needed to place parameters for the statue of limitations of power for my temporary surrogate as ruler. It was going to be a busy morning. Before all that, I went into the anteroom of my chamber and gathered some things that I knew would be essential for my trip. I needed money, a map, an identifiable seal just in case it was necessary, a cloak, a large satchel, and comfortable peasant wears to disguise myself in. The latter was going to take a bit of work for me to get. Of what I could find, I placed everything on my bed to make an accounting for what was collected. So far everything was panning out nicely, with the exception of the clothes. I grabbed my chin while I thought of anything else I would need, when I heard a knock on my chamber door.

I didn't let that break my concentration.

"Come in," I called, knowing it was Lydia.

When the door opened, and Lydia came in and saw what I was doing, she looked at me slightly puzzled.

"What's all this?" she asked.

I turned to her beaming.

"This, my dear, is planning," I said simply.

She looked to the pile on my bed, then back to me.

"That's all well and good, but planning for what?" she asked.

I could barely contain my excitement at her question. I went over to her, grabbed both of her hands in mine, and squeezed them affectionately.

"Lydia you will never guess what happened to me last night," I started, "it was the most incredible experience I've had in years."

Her confusion never left, but then Lydia drew her head back a little in concern.

"What are you talking about?" she asked.

I took in a deep breath and tried to calm down.

"I was visited by someone very special," I whispered.

Her eyes widened and she covered her mouth.

"Do you mean you... ?" she trailed in asking her question.

I looked at her perplexed for a moment, but then my expression became one of surprise and repulsion.

Why is everything about sex with this woman? I thought.

I rolled my eyes.

"Lydia!" I said stunned. "Don't be vulgar! I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about something else, something that changed my life!"

She calmed down reasonably, but then grinned to herself.

"Believe me your majesty, that can change your life," she said and giggled, "just ask all the unwed mothers out there."

I looked at her seriously for a moment, wanting her to refocus.

"Lydia..." I trailed, "come on, be serious."

Lydia didn't drop her smile, but she immediately gave me her full undivided attention.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be crass," she said to me, "anyway, what is this important news you're so excited about?"

I smiled again and reinforced my grip.

"I had a visit from one of my ancestors last night," I began.

Lydia was quiet for a moment, waiting for me to go on, but then she raised her brows in more concern. She was now looking at me like I was crazy.

"One of your dead ancestors visited you last night?" she inquired perplexed. "Uh... isn't that a little... impossible?"

I knew it sounded outlandish, but I needed her to listen. I let her hands go and walked over to the terrace to look out of it. I focused my attention on southern Hyrule Field.

"I know it sounds extraordinary," I replied, "but it's true. I was visited by the goddess Hylia and she told me I needed to go on a journey to find what I lost."

Lydia looked at me concerned.

"Find what you lost?" she repeated. "What are you talking about? What do you mean what you lost?"

I nodded, not expecting her to understand everything.

"It's been quite a long time since I had such food for thought," I continued, not bothering to clarify, "and she was right, there are things I need to make right."

Lydia was quiet behind me, and when I turned to face her she looked even more unsettled.

"What's the matter?" I asked.

There was a brief silence between us.

Lydia then shook her head.

"Your majesty..." she trailed, with a nervous inflection, "are you... are you quite yourself? You don't sound well."

I pursed my lips together understanding her confusion, but knew this was the course of action I needed to take. I walked back over to her and took her hands in mine once more

"I'm perfectly well Lyddie," I said softly, "I haven't felt so alive in years. I know this is short notice, but you have to trust me, I'm leaving today and don't know when I'll be back. If anyone asks about me, tell them I've gone on a tryst with Prince Elbourne."

Lydia looked at me shocked.

'What?" she gasped. "You don't know when you'll be back?"

I shook my head no.

"Isn't that reckless thinking?" she asked, it was more of a demand. "What if something happens to you? How is anyone supposed to find you? What if something catastrophic happens in your absence? What if-?"

I silenced her by putting my forefinger to her lips. I took hold of her shoulders and tried to reassure her with a smile.

"I promise you nothing is going to happen," I said, "I'm going to leave Sir Shad along with Zelvious, Maximillion, and Gunter in charge. They will delegate what needs to be delegated. I'm going to meet with them shortly. As for you, I'll let you know my starting point so that if anything happens or that if you don't hear from me in a specified amount of time, you can send a search party for me. However, I will correspond with you from time to time under a pseudonym. I just haven't chosen one yet."

None of what I was telling her was comforting to her.

"You're serious," she said to me incredulously.

I nodded again.

"Completely," I replied, then let her go and went to the gong settled in the back of my anteroom.

I clanged it three times to sound the meeting of my counsel. When I turned back to look at Lydia, she was beyond panicking. Lydia's eyes widened in disbelief. She came up to me and grabbed my hand.

"Your majesty, I must protest," she insisted, "as your friend I-"

I shushed her.

"I'm going to be fine," I interrupted.

She shook her head.

"But your majesty-" she tried again.

I had to let her know I wasn't going to be deterred.

"You're talking to me as your friend," I interrupted again, "well, now I must talk to you as your queen. I'm telling you I'm going, and nothing you will do will stop me. I shan't be distracted, I must do this."

Lydia continued to look at me stunned, but quickly shut her mouth and looked to the ground. There was a tense silence that overcame us, but I wanted to quell it. I felt a little guilty for using such a sharp tone with her when she was only concerned for my safety.

I walked up to her and took her by the shoulders again.

"Lyddie," I said, "aren't you the one always telling me I need to get out of this castle and see the world? Aren't you the one always telling me to grab life by its horns?"

She looked at me puzzled for a moment.

"I never told you to grab life by its horns," she replied.

I felt a little silly, realizing I had mixed up some quotes.

Oh right, that was Hylia, I thought.

"Look, that doesn't matter," I said, "what matters is that I can't rule from indoors anymore. I must go out there and see what the people need first hand. This will be good for me and good for Hyrule essentially."

I looked away from her for a moment and then thought about something else.

I have to make amends with Midna and the Hero of Twilight... I pondered, I have to.

Lydia stared at my down cast eyes, and bit her lower lip. She still wasn't convinced.

"Is that what this is about my lady?" she asked. "The people?"

I paused for a moment, seeing her point, but that still wasn't enough to deter me. The people were going to think what they were always going to think. I was going to need to do a whole lot more to sway the court of public opinion.

"Partly yes," I replied, thinking I was being honest.

Lydia then looked away from me, but finally nodded at my reasoning, even though she was reluctant to do so.

"Alright your majesty," she said quietly to me, "I'm not going to be a detractor. It is time for you to spread your wings and finally figure out what is important to you."

I took in a sigh of relief and felt myself getting a little emotional when she finally saw things my way. I took her in my arms and hugged her tight.

"Thank you for understanding," I whispered in her ear, "I need that so much from you Lyddie." Afterwards, I pulled back immediately and wiped my eyes. "Now," I began, changing the subject, "I need some of your clothes."

Lydia looked at me surprised at the rather abrupt request.

"My clothes?" she asked flummoxed.

I nodded.

"Yes," I replied, "and not your fine wears either. I want your humble clothes, all that you can spare. In exchange, you can have your pick of any of my dresses in my closet."

She still didn't understand, but chose not to question it.

"O...kay," she said, slow about following the request, then finally she turned around and headed for the exit, however, before she could leave I stopped her.

"And Lyddie," I said.

She gave me her undivided attention.

"Yes?" she replied.

I looked her straight in the eyes just then.

"You are to tell this to no one unless I tell you to," I warned.

Lydia looked like she wanted to say something, but didn't. She stared at me somberly for a moment, and I knew then she had every intention of wanting to stop me. I needed to reiterate my seriousness.

"Understand?" I asked with a raised brow

She could tell by my tone I was not playing with her.

She finally nodded.

"Yes, my lady," she replied to me quietly, "I understand."

I attempted to break the tension with a grin.

"Good, now go," I said, fanning her away, "and please hurry."

When Lydia left my company, I went back to my anteroom and searched for several more items. I needed my bow, and my ocarina, not the Ocarina of Time, but my princess ocarina. The princess ocarina was a generational heirloom since the Ocarina of Time was forbidden for any other use than the sealing of the Temple of Time. I also packed Nayru's Love, a special crystal of the royal family. My grandfather gave it to me right before he disappeared into the Lost Woods. He said it didn't just heal the body, but it also healed the heart and the mind too. I found it rather ironic that it couldn't heal him, maybe his wounds were too deep. Anyway, I finished my sundry selection with potions of every kind, and a money bag that carried twenty thousand rupees. I was aware that that was a lot of money to carry around, but I needed it just in case something unexpected happened. However, I also needed to be cautious, there was no telling how many thieves were lurking the roads these days. I was trying to figure out if I needed anything else, when a moment later there was a knock at my door. Expecting it, I put my things away momentarily, and hurried to answer it. On the other side were two soldiers waiting to escort me to the counsel room.

They were admirably prompt.

"Your team is assembled and waiting," one of them said.

I nodded.

"Excellent," I replied, "let's go."

I walked between the two men and allowed myself to be escorted to the counsel room. When I arrived, I was greeted by my most trusted adviser, a Hylian scholar by the named of Shad. The studious fellow was once part of the resistance group that helped ward off Zant and Ganondorf several years ago. He later joined the counter insurgency team as a data collector and chief scientist. His role now was my chief adviser, steward, and regent in my absence. The man was brilliant and knew almost everything about Hyrule... including some of the scandals that clouded the reigns of several royal families. In short, I trusted him implicitly, and if there was anyone who could keep a secret, it was Shad. I grinned when I looked at the thirty five year old man's disposition. Shad looked like a scholar, with his large bifocals and brushed back blonde hair. His inquisitive blues eyes harbored the mind of a genius, and his thin build and regal countenance, subscribed more to the rich and powerful, rather than the humble beginnings his birth right suggested, though he was of noble birth. In any such case Shad was a man who could get things done.

The scholar bowed when he saw me enter. I bowed back, then dismissed my escort.

"You may go," I told the two soldiers, "I'll call for you if I need you."

They both nodded.

"Yes my lady," they said in unison.

Afterwards, I closed the door, but before going any farther, I hesitated. I looked around and saw no one else. Where were the others? I was expecting the three riders of the north to be present here as well. I didn't understand why they weren't. The three riders of the north were my three generals: Zelvious, Maximillion, and Gunter. They all served my father before protecting and serving me. They were known as the three riders because they were legends in their own right, along with their exemplary skill sets. They were the most brilliant tacticians in the land, I would be so bold to say in the world. There was nothing they couldn't foresee when it came to war. However, for whatever reason they weren't here, and I wanted to know why.

I finally went to approach my adviser.

He looked at my face with a slight discretion when he saw that I was disappointed.

"Is there something wrong your majesty?" he asked me, breaking the silence.

I looked around the room again.

"Where are the others?" I asked. "I wanted all of you present."

Shad nodded, but then looked like he was expecting the question.

"They would have been here my lady," he said, "but they had a pressing matter to deal with in the desert."

That got my attention.

"Pressing matter?" I repeated. "What matter?"

He came closer and lowered his voice.

"It may be nothing, but there's some old cult trying to reestablish itself in Hyrule called the Arbiter's Tribe," he said. "The generals went out to make sure it wasn't a guise for the potential reconstitution of the Brotherhood of Hyrule. The brotherhood has been dormant for years, and we're trying to keep it that way."

I was a little unsettled in hearing this, and it almost made me renege on what I wanted to tell him. It must have been important if all three of them decided to investigate it. However, after everything that happened last night, there was no way that was going to be a viable option, especially where the goddess was concerned. I had to go through with this. The time for procrastination was over.

"Well definitely keep me posted," I said.

He nodded.

"I was going to tell you this morning, but then you summoned me and I felt that now was as good a time as any to inform you," he replied.

I appreciated his swift approach about things.

"Well thank you," I said, "but that isn't why I called you here."

He gave me his undivided attention.

"What can I do for you my lady?" he asked, ready to hear what I wanted to tell him.

I was quiet for a moment and then clasped my hands together in front of my dress.

"I'm going away for a while to take care of some things, and I need you to look after Hyrule in my stead," I revealed.

Shad looked at me with widened eyes.

"You're leaving?" he asked me in minor disbelief.

I nodded.

"Yes, and today as soon as I'm done packing," I replied.

Shad didn't hide his shock.

He was thrown for a loop.

"When will you be back?" he asked me.

I raised my brows and looked away.

"I don't know," I said honestly.

Shad took a step towards me and looked at me like I was insane.

"You don't know when you're coming back?" he asked.

I shook my head no.

"Not exactly," I said honestly, "but I need your promise that you won't have me followed."

Shad widened his eyes wider in surprise, then he came closer and lowered his voice.

"Are you in some kind of trouble your majesty?" he asked me. "If so, you must let me assist you. There are-"

I shook my head.

"I'm not in any trouble Sir Shad," I interrupted quietly, but didn't want to go on, for fear he may not understand.

Shad shook his head at me confused.

"Then I don't understand," he said to me, "why must you leave Hyrule Castle?"

I bit my lower lip.

"I just have to," was all I replied.

That answer wasn't good enough for Shad.

"Your majesty, you aren't making any sense," he said. "You want to up and leave without telling me where you're going, you have no idea when you're going to be back, you won't divulge to me what this is about, and you expect me to advise you on this? My lady, please don't take this the wrong way, but that's absolutely ludicrous."

When he put it that way, I was his point. However, I still knew that if I told him the truth there was a strong possibility that he would think I was crazier than he did even now. I took in a deep sigh, conflicted with my choice, and decided I had to take the chance of him thinking I was odd.

Hopefully he'll understand, I thought.

"Alright," I said, avoiding his eyes for a moment, "look, if I tell you something will you promise not to overreact?"

Shad was already giving me a stare like he didn't trust what I was going to say.

"I will try," he replied.

I couldn't blame him for that. It was the best I was going to get.

"I had a visitor last night," I divulged.

Shad looked at me puzzled for a moment.

"A... a visitor?" he inquired.

I nodded in a solemn manner.

"Yes," I said.

Shad swallowed hard, and I think he took what I said the wrong way.

"And now you want to go off and... take care of something?" he inquired.

I wasn't sure what he was implying with that.

"...Yes," I replied, "why does that seem so strange?"

Shad nervously fixed his bifocals and cleared his throat.

"There-there are o-other ways to handle situations like this your majesty," he said to me all of a sudden. "You don't have to go off to the woods... or where ever such things take place. We'll find the bastard and have him castrated if he doesn't want to take care of his responsibi-"

I looked at him surprised by his use of language.

Wait a minute, what? I thought.

"What are you talking about?" I interrupted perplexed. "Why in the world are you talking about castration?"

Shad immediately turned red and clamped his mouth shut.

"Uh... nothing... no reason... what are you talking about your majesty?" he asked, clearing his throat again, realizing he put his foot in his mouth.

I gave him an offhanded look and realized he needed clarification.

"Hylia came to see me last night," I revealed, "she was my visitor."

Now he really did look at me like I was crazy. He paused for a moment before continuing.

"The goddess?" he asked.

I merely nodded.

"Yes," I said.

He was quiet for a long time before he spoke again.

"Your majesty..." he trailed.

I knew what that inflection was implying.

"It's true!" I insisted. "She told me I needed to go on a quest to help right the wrongs of Hyrule, and that's what I plan to do."

Shad took in a deep worried breath.

"Your majesty..." he trailed worried, "this is all so... so abrupt."

I nodded, realizing he was right, but I wasn't going to let that change my mind.

"That is true," I said, "but I must do it."

Shad looked away from me for a moment. He was trying to hide his aggravation with this.

I raised my eyebrows and looked at him seriously. I understood he had his reasons to be concern, but I had my reasons as well. I waited long enough for this opportunity.

"Can I rely on you Shad?" I asked him suddenly. "I need you in this."

Shad turned back and looked into my eyes with open cynicism, but since he knew there was no changing my mind once it was made up, he merely nodded.

He sighed.

"Yes, your majesty," he replied sincerely, "I will always have your, and Hyrule's, best interest at heart."

There was another inflection there I chose to ignore, an inflection of affection. I was aware of the whispers throughout the court that Shad had been expressing deeper feelings for me, but I never entertained them. I always saw Shad as a trusted adviser and friend, nothing more. Besides, I had enough man troubles, I didn't need more.

I can't even entertain such a notion, I thought honestly. The last time something like that happened it ended badly for the both of us, I pondered, remembering the once good relationship I had with the hero.

"Thank you," I said simply, not wanting to take the conversation in any uncomfortable directions for either of us, "I can always rely on you Shad."

He stared deeply into my eyes just then.

"Yes, your majesty," he said to me softly, "you can."

There was a brief awkward silence between us where Shad then bowed, and I bowed back. He looked at me with open concern when he stood once more. I reached over and took his hand in mine, which was probably not the best idea considering where his heart was at the moment.

"I'll be fine," I tried to reassure him.

My words didn't seem to ease his mind.

"I'm sure you will," he replied and caressed my knuckles with his thumb, "I'm sure you will."

I smiled at him, then turned and headed towards the exit. However, before I left he called to me.

"Your majesty," he said.

I turned to look at him.

"Yes?" I asked.

He hesitated for a moment, then sighed.

"Please be careful," he said softly.

I smiled again at his concern.

"I will, and thank you," I replied, then left the counsel room.

With the meeting over, I headed back down the hall to my room. I didn't bother to call for my escort because I was in too much of a hurry. My timing seemed to be perfect because in the distance I was just in time to see Lydia with a basket of clothes at my chamber door. She knocked on it, thinking I was inside, but I alerted her with a wave of my hand that I was to her distant right.

"Lydia I'm coming," I called.

She turned and looked at me surprised, I just smiled and hurried towards. I was always taught not to raise my voice above a normal tone in the castle, but today I didn't seem to care. I was too excited to care. I reached up to her and opened the door to my room.

"Go on in," I instructed my friend, then closed the door behind us.

Once inside, Lydia walked over to the table and dumped what she had there. She began sorting through the garments by color coordination. She even had another a satchel for me. I walked up next to her and eagerly looked through the offerings. The selection was just what I was looking for. I pulled up a simple dark blue dress and a dark brown cloak with a hood to go over it.

"This is perfect," I said, "absolutely perfect, no one will ever recognize me in this."

Lydia looked at me with indifference, not sure if she was happy or perplexed by what was going on. I didn't pay it very much attention and went to change. Afterwards, I came from the anteroom and looked in the mirror.

"What do you think?" I asked, turning to model for her. "I really want a truthful answer."

Lydia merely raised her eyebrows and shrugged.

"You look like a peasant girl," she said simply, "a very very beautiful peasant girl."

I blushed a little at the compliment and tried to make light of it.

"Oh... well, what can one do?" I asked rhetorically.

My face was always going to be my face, there was nothing I could do about that. Lydia sighed, and then came up behind me to braid my long dark hair into one long lock down my back. I thanked her and then put on the cloak. When I saw that my features were barely recognizable under the hood, I was more than elated. No one would ever know I was the queen unless they knew me personally, and even then I could pretend to be a look-a-like. I grabbed the large satchel, where I placed my ocarina, bow, money, and other things. I did another sweep of the room to see if I missed anything.

"Am I forgetting something?" I asked aloud to myself, and bit my lower lip. "I think I have everything."

Lydia looked around with me, then back to the pile of clothes.

"I think you should bring a few more outfits," she suggested, "you're going to need more than one dress, and there's also a body suit I brought for you. One that I think would be perfect for you."

That was actually a very good idea. I had no idea how long I was going to be gone, and one dress wasn't going to be sufficient. At her beckoning, I went back to the pile of clothes and bagged four more dresses, then searched for the bodysuit Lydia spoke. When I found it, I raised my eyebrows questionably at it.

What in the world is this? I let my thoughts trail.

"Uh..." I couldn't find any words.

The suit was a black, skin tight one piece, with a low 'V' neck that left little for the imagination. Lydia saw my face and tried to justify it.

"It's a ninja outfit," she said, "it's made that way to allow for maximum flexibility. It was said to have been made by the Sheikah people."

Was this an ode to my grandmother when she posed as Sheik, but in a much more grotesque way? I thought in disbelief. Did it suddenly become a fashion trend?

"Lydia, where in the world would I wear this?" I asked with an offhanded stare.

She smirked at me.

"I'm sure you'll find a use for it," she said with a mischievous smile, "go on, take it."

I sighed, then rolled up the body suit and put it in my bag.

This woman... I trailed, shaking my head, let's hope I won't find a use for it.

"Alright," I said, not really pondering on it too much, "I better get going."

Lydia looked at me nervously just then. She took a step forward, but then stopped herself from advancing.

"Are you sure you have to do this?" she asked me with a hint of worry. "Are you sure this is what's right?"

I took in a deep breath and closed my eyes. Afterwards, I found a moment of clarity.

"I'm quite sure," I said softly, and headed for the secret passage behind the head of my bed, "I need to do this Lydia."

She didn't have much to say to that.

"Where is your first rendezvous point?" she asked.

I was hesitant to tell her, but I did promise.

"Ordon Village," I replied, "you can make your way there if you haven't heard from me in three days."

She looked at me surprised.

"Ordon Village?" she repeated. "My lady... are you going to see Master Link?"

I paused and didn't reply right way, but finally I nodded. Suddenly, Lydia's whole disposition seemed to change for the better.

"Are you going to tell him you love him?" she asked eagerly. "Is that what this is all about?"

I sighed, wishing things were that simple.

"I have much more in store than that," I whispered, then grinned at my friend, "much more."

She then watched as I opened the door to the passageway. I walked inside and felt a cold, harboring draft staying latent in the narrow hallway. I hooded myself and headed in. I looked back and saw Lydia running her hands through her hair anxiously. She looked like she was ready to cry.

"Please be careful your majesty," she called to me from behind me, "remember you promised to write to me when you got to your first destination. I expect that letter."

I turned and looked at her and smiled.

"I will," I said, "and take care Lyddie, make sure everyone is alright."

After my goodbye, I headed farther into the dank mildew cladding corridor. After following a rather long narrow staircase and two doors, I found myself face to face with another oak door that led to north Castle Town square. I paused when I heard several footsteps walk by. This area was pretty heavily guarded usually, but it seemed the guards were off on an excursion or something, because no one was currently there. When the coast was clear, I opened the door letting out to the other side and hurried down the alley. I made sure the previous door was closed and secured my hood onto the front of my cloak so it wouldn't accidentally get blown off. When I arrived near the opening of the square, I made sure to walk as everyone else did to blend in with the town's people. Afterwards, I headed south and out that gated entrance. When I was freed from the normal constraints of the castle, I felt a small pang of relief. The biggest hurdle was over.

I was finally on my way.

I then headed to southern Hyrule Field to Ordon Village.

~SSS~

Four Hours Later

I arrived around the area of Ordon about midday, where the sun was at its highest point. On my way there, I tried painstakingly hard not to be noticed. I followed my map, but took the off roads which could have been dangerous, but at this time of day wasn't too much of a worry. I was now walking down a long, narrow, tree lined road, after just passing over a bridge, to the deeper embanks of the woods. I was a little frustrated with how long this walk was initially taking me. It had been four hours since I left the castle, and my legs and feet were killing me. I would have preferred going by horseback, but that would have made me too conspicuous.

Even still, I couldn't help but think how remote this village really was. How were the villagers able to get water all the way back here? Maybe there was a water source I didn't know about. What were they going to do if the bridge suddenly collapsed? Perhaps they already had a contingency plan. What was there route of escape if a coup suddenly came upon them? Perhaps they thought that through as well. My inquiries seemed like needling questions, but they needed to be addressed nonetheless. In any such case, it was none of my business as a disguised peasant. However, as queen it was something I would take issue with later. I wanted none of my servants without a route to Hyrule Castle if they needed it. In any such case, for now I needed to focus on the task at hand. I needed to find the Hero of Twilight and request his immediate audience and assistance.

There's no way he can be content with the way his life is now, I thought suddenly for some reason, there's too much adventure bottled up inside him. How can he appease that being a recluse in such a faraway place?

Thoughts of the hero made me ponder on the past. When Link worked at the castle, he was full of life and always bustling with excitement. I really believed there was nothing he couldn't do. He could proctor a team, he learned how to dragon ride, and even managed to be quite proficient in ancient Hylian in eight months with a little tutelage from me... eight short months. That was unheard of. 'Who was this peasant prodigy in the green hat?' some would ask. I just remember being there with him and smiling... taking it all in. I was so proud of him. A part of Link must have still wanted that. A part of him must have still floundered for adventure, excitement, and wonder. How could he not? Every great man wanted to get back out there and discover once more. That inkling was dormant inside him, I was sure it was. It was like a shuttering in his bones, I just needed to weed it out somehow. I was certain he wouldn't want turn me away if he knew what I wanted to offer him.

I stopped for a moment and pondered the full gravity of my impetus.

I just want to help you Link, I thought, please allow me that opportunity, please let me make things right.

I took in a deep sigh when my thoughts receded and continued on my way. The village impasse was almost in view, and I knew I was getting close. The canopy covering the spacious inlet of an alcove was a beautiful sight, and I stopped for a moment to admire it. The inlet was broad and deceptively commodious for its entryway, with greenery, ferns, and beautiful white flowers cropping the shoreline of a crystal clear pool of deep blue shimmery water. In the back, with a three tiered rock structure as its base, was a tiny waterfall. The cistern collecting the water at the bottom bubbled quietly, allowing the splash off to mist the air and create a cooling sensation and a captivating haze. It was one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen.

Well, this answers my question about the water supply, I thought.

It was then I had a small revelation about why the villagers wanted to keep their safe haven.

After seeing this first hand, I don't blame the citizens for not wanting a university built near here, I thought, it's too beautiful to have anything disturb it.

After enjoying the gentle milieu of the spring, I continued on my way through the first impasse leading to the village. The narrowing road led to another opening and I hoped no one would see me. Fortunately for me, no one was there when I entered, but before I moved on, I stopped and took note of a sign in front of a large tree house. It was simple and to the point, it read: Link's House. I was surprised it was so direct, but knew I shouldn't have expected pomp and circumstance in such a humble place. I looked up at the cozy looking residence and took a step back. The large tree house was hollowed out and engineered to have windows at the front for sunlight and reinforcements in the branches all around it to keep it steadied. It was cleverly made, and I couldn't help but think about Link's many skill sets and ingenuity. When he was at the castle, he showed the same kind of lateral thinking and cleverness. He knew how to solve problems.

"That's a nice humble place," I said, walking up to it and knocking on the wood, "it's functional, and serves its purpose."

My first thought told me to keep heading into the village, and I was about to walk away, but then I hesitated for a moment and looked at the ladder leading up to the front door. This was Link's house, and there was a possibility that he could be home. I paused while taping my foot and decided it was time for me to take a chance. Hoping this was my lucky day, I climbed the ladder and knocked on the door as quietly and discreetly as possible. I didn't want anyone else to hear me. I waited nervously, hoping he both would and would not open that door. However, after a few seconds no one answered, and when I knocked once more, I still got no answer. It was then I realized no one was home. I took in both a disappointed and relieved breath, then headed back down the ladder to the proceeding roadway.

"He must still be working," I whispered to myself.

The second impasse led to a road that cleared into the village. I was walking over the bridge with the hopes of finding a ranch, but quickly had to hide behind a tree before I was seen. I felt my heart accelerate when I nearly walked right into a group of adolescents. They walked gingerly by without noticing me, but that was definitely a close call. One of the teens was a red haired girl, who looked about nineteen years old. The other three were boys, two brunettes and a blonde, they looked about eighteen or nineteen, seventeen, and thirteen respectively. I peeked from behind the tree to see if they were still in the roadway, they were.

They were probably only children during Zant's reign of terror, I thought.

I decided to listen in to see if they had seen me.

"Colin do you think Link will notice me today?" the girl asked the blonde boy in a subtle kind of nonchalance.

The boy blushed and merely shrugged.

"I don't know, he might... you do look really pretty today," he said to her.

She grinned at him.

"Pretty enough for him to ask me to the Hyrulean Festival?" she inquired. "You know it's only a month away."

The blonde boy nodded.

"I guess," he said casually, "you never know with Link."

The redhead agreed with him.

"That's true," she said simply, then sighed, "I guess I'll just have to wait and see."

The older brunette boy scoffed at the idea.

"Don't lie to her Colin," the older brunette boy said, "Beth looks like a pig, she's been that ugly since... forever."

The young lady narrowed her eyes at him.

"Shut up Talo!" the girl snapped. "What do you know?"

"Yeah," the other brunette boy segued, pretending to come to the girl's defense, but then added, "you know Beth looks more like a cow!"

The girl narrowed her eyes angrily at the two dark haired boys.

"You guys are such idiots!" she said angry. "It's no wonder no one likes you!"

The girl then stormed off, and the blonde boy followed after her. The other two boys laughed at her expense. I covered my mouth and felt bad for the poor dear. Bullying was horrible in any facet.

Poor girl... I thought, it must be hard living in an area where very few people understood her.

I peeked from behind the tree again, and sidled my way to the ground so as not to be seen. I then knelt over and crawled into the tall grass encircling the perimeter of the village and decided to travel that way. I had to be careful, and stopped ever so often so I wouldn't get caught. There were a few cats and cuckoos that surprised me every now and then, but nothing that alerted the attention of the residents.

"Grandmother, you would be proud," I told myself as I crawled.

I stopped short of a modest house when I couldn't advance as quickly because a young woman about my age stepped out all of a sudden. She had light blonde hair, and soft green eyes. She was quite pretty, but she seemed to have had a lot on her mind. When she turned around, I saw that her eyes looked tired and her face carried a wayward expression. If she smiled more she could be quite beautiful, but I did give her the benefit of the doubt.

Who wouldn't be tired in this day and age we're living in? I asked myself. It's amazing we all made it through Zant and Ganondorf's reign intact.

The young lady was looking down the road to an area that appeared to lead to the ranch. The sign above the entrance helped too.

"I hope he gets done soon," the woman whispered to herself.

I looked at her intrigued.

I wonder if she's talking about Link, I thought.

I watched her for a few moments, but then saw an opportunity present itself when she went back into her home. I hurried, scrambled to my feet, and ran up the other impasse leading to the ranch. I thought I was making strides, until I had to stop short because I abruptly came across a large clearing.

"Oh no!" I whispered, thinking I was going to get caught.

The area was quite commodious, so there was nowhere to hide except up against the side of the mountain leading to the gate, but before I could even consider that, I froze. I froze because I saw him. I felt my breath still suddenly and my vision get a little distorted for a moment. I placed my hand over my heart and took two stumbling steps back.

There he is... the Hero of Twilight... I thought, Link.

Link was riding a beautiful stout horse and was trotting about as he chased a group of stubborn goats into a small barn. Goat wrangling as he called it. Wrangling looked like such tedious work, but if I knew anything about Link it was that he gave his all in whatever he did, goat herding included. He was obviously excellent at doing it because he was effective eventually. It was then I scrambled to hide, and climbed a small rock formation to hide among the tall grass situated above it. Fortunately, his back was to me when I first entered, so I hoped he didn't see me. I decided I'd watch him for a little while until I saw another opportunity to leave. It proved to be entertaining already, as there was one goat giving him a little trouble by not following his commands. I rested my face in my palms and stared on admirably.

I wonder if he does this everyday? I thought.

"Giddy up!" he was calling to one of them and then ushered the goat inside the barn.

I knew this would sound cliche, but there was something about him that was just magnetic. I couldn't explain what it was, but he had it. He looked like he took pride in what he was doing, like if he couldn't do it right then why do it all? I liked that premise, and I liked it more on a hard working man. He really was working hard... he was sweating... he was ridding. Sweet Farore... he was just putting in work.

My goddess, I thought at the sight of him, he is so beautiful.

I noticed immediately that he looked older, which I found to be a plus. There was something about his matured face that was more rugged and chiseled than the youthful beauty he once exemplified. Not that he wasn't beautiful, he was, he was just a different kind of beautiful now. That dark blonde hair was blowing in the wind, his intense blue eyes were focused on his task, the rustic shirt he was wearing seemed like it was too small from the etchings of sinew it was showing. It was either that or his muscles were just too big... too incredibly big.

I think it's the latter, I thought with a small grin.

It was then I realized I had to shake myself out of my haze. I was acting foolish and I knew it. There was more to a person than their beauty. Besides, this wasn't about me, this was about making things right for him. The more I kept that in mind, the more I could focus. With that, I watched him work for a little while longer, keeping the provocations at bay. However, that was short lived when I felt an abrupt sense of panic overtake me. He had finished up, and began heading back to the main village.

"Oh no!" I whispered worried, and hid my head in amongst the tall grass.

Link was running a hand through his hair as walked by me without noticing me. I took in a sigh of relief, but waited until he was in the main village before I rose from my hiding place. Once the coast was clear, I quickly hurried back into the small town and towards the perimeter's edge where the tall grass was. I crawled back into the bushes and laid low. When he passed me by unnoticed, I sighed in relief.

"Thank Hylia," I whispered in relief.

The young woman I saw once before came out of her house again when she saw that Link was passing by. So I was right, she was waiting for him.

"Good afternoon Link," she called to him, "how were the goats acting today?"

Link turned and looked at the young lady with a half-smile.

"Hello Ilia," he said to her politely, "the goats were their usual stubborn, silly selves, but the in gathering went okay."

She stroked her blonde hair in a shy manner and smiled.

"That's great," she said with a nod, but then bit her lip and added, "hey, I was hoping you'd join me for supper tonight? I'm preparing lots of food and won't be able to eat even a fourth of it."

Link took in a deep breath, and looked away for a moment at her question. He seemed to be debating the answer in his head.

"Um... sure," he said, but with a hint of reluctance, "sure, that sounds nice."

The woman's face brightened.

"Really?" she asked more hopeful than she should have.

Link merely nodded and smiled wider.

"Really," he said simply, "let me just freshen up and change. You probably wouldn't want to come near me right now. I smell like a goat."

The young woman returned his smile and laughed.

"Great!" she said enthusiastically. "I'll see you around dusk. I'm really looking forward to it."

Link merely nodded.

"I'm looking forward to it too," he said, then continued down the path.

When their brief conversation was over, I looked over at the young woman again. It was apparent she had feelings for him, or she at the very least liked him, but he didn't seem to share her enthusiasm. Maybe it was me, but that was what it seemed like. It was no matter, the state of their relationship was none of my business. As such, I continued following Link along the outer perimeter in the grass. On his way home, Link was stopped once again, this time by the group of young people chatting in amongst themselves that I saw earlier. The red haired girl had no qualms about going up to the hero and talking to him. She seemed very eager to do so.

"Hello Link," the young lady known as Beth said to him without a hint of shyness, "how was work today?"

Link grinned at her, fully aware that she had a little infatuation with him.

"It went fine Beth," he said to her, "how was your day?"

She smiled broadly and took a step towards him.

"It was wonderful," she said, "especially now that you asked about it."

I had to cover my mouth to keep from chuckling.

Oh Hylia, I thought, letting my eyes roll with a smile, is that how it goes nowadays?

I unfortunately giggled a little to myself out loud, but had to remember where I was.

Focus, I thought, stayed focused.

The blonde boy standing next to Beth was now kicking the ground uncomfortably. Link looked over at the young man, knowing he was probably feeling a little insecure, and turned his attention to him.

"How's the sword training going Colin?" he asked him, trying to be inclusive.

Colin looked up slightly surprised, and merely nodded.

"It's going pretty good," he said honestly to Link, "I've been training everyday this week since you taught me our last technique."

Link raised an eyebrow at him.

"That's good to hear," he replied, "do you think you would be up for a sparing match after supper?" Link asked him with a grin.

Colin's cheeks flushed a little.

"Well..." Colin trailed.

Beth put her hands on her hips.

"Come on Colin just do it!" she said slightly exasperated. "You know he's going to win anyway."

Link gave Beth a disappointed look.

"You shouldn't say that Beth," Link replied, "Colin nearly got me last time."

Beth gave Link a funny look.

"Nearly isn't winning Link," she said with a blunt inflection, "stop trying to be nice."

Colin turned red, but then raised his head to answer Link.

"Yeah... sure," he agreed reluctantly, "I'll do it."

Link nodded, approving of his answer.

"That's the spirit," he said to Colin with enthusiasm, "I'll meet you in front of my house after supper."

Colin nodded again, and Beth decided to add her two rupees.

"Go easy on him Link," Beth teased, "you know Colin is as timid as a lamb."

Colin looked at Beth with a slight irritation.

"I am not!" he insisted, but then blushed.

Link glanced over at Colin, who was now looking at the ground embarrassed.

"We'll see," Link said with a grin, then patted Colin's shoulder, "we'll see, I'm sure you've got a trick or two up your sleeve."

Colin only nodded again and didn't say anything in reply.

He must really like that girl, I perceived, he can hardly talk or look at her.

Link then ended the conversation, and past the two beguiled teens. He headed for the impasse leading to the alcove where he lived. I furtively followed, and paused when I saw him climb up the ladder to his home, then casually go in through the door. I noticed he left it slightly ajar.

I felt my heart pound.

"Now's my chance!" I whispered, scuttling from the grass and hurrying to the ladder.

Impulsively, I climbed without thinking. When I got to the top, I entered Link's residence without knocking, which wasn't a good idea, because abruptly, I felt my pulse quicken when the door slammed shut behind me. I tried to turn in alarm, but a hand suddenly clamped tight over my mouth.

What in the~? I thought surprised.

"Don't scream," Link whispered in my ear from behind me, "I noticed you as soon as you entered the ranch. Who are you? And what are you doing here?"


Next chapter will be up soon.