Four months later
After stealthily creeping past the last set of guards, Link came upon a large enclosed circular area. Encasing the grass area was a shallow trench with crystal-clear water. There was a window on the west, east, and north side. Before the north window was a small platform and upon it was a small girl.
He instinctively knew this was the princess he was supposed to meet.
At long last, after long days and even longer nights, he had accomplished the impossible. He, a mere boy who had never before left the safety of his beloved Forest, had traveled to Hyrule Castle and was about to meet the princess he sought, the one who would give him answers as to what would happen now.
Tentatively he walked forward, his heart hamming somewhat painfully against his ribs, his stomach uncomfortably lurching. It was hard to swallow, he noticed… or breathe for that matter.
His boots made a small clicking sound with every step he took as he climbed the tile stairs, and to his ears, it sounded unusually loud.
And then she turned around and Link didn't know how to react.
His first thought was of how beautiful she was, which was odd because he had never really liked girls that way before. This was entirely different from the feeling he got from Saria, who was also pretty but in a different way.
She had a delicate face with high cheekbones; the bluest eyes he had ever seen with lashes that went on forever; her eyebrows were honey colored and shapely; her lips were strong, yet curved in a feminine way. A headdress covered her hair, the Triforce symbol sited on the band of it. She held herself straight with quiet dignity and strength.
She gasped when she saw Link, her slanted eyes wide with shock. "Who-who are you? How did you get past the guards?"
Link opened his mouth to say something, anything, but the words simply refused to come out. He suddenly became aware of his clammy, sweat hands.
"Oh? What's that? Is that….a fairy?" she asked in shock, focusing on Navi, who was floating by Link's head. "Then, are you…. are you from the forest?"
Dumbly, feeling like an idiot, Link nodded. Her expression turned from mildly surprised to hopeful.
Her hands came together in front of her as if she were praying. "Then… then… you wouldn't happen to have… the Spiritual Stone of the Forest, would you? That green and shining stone…"
Link had to clear his throat several times before he could speak, and then the word was forced out roughly. "Yes."
She laughed in delight, sounding very pleased. "Just as I thought! I had a dream. In the dream, dark storm clouds were billowing over the land of Hyrule. But suddenly, a ray of light shot out of the forest, parted the cloud and lit up the ground. The light turned into a figure holding a green and shining stone followed by a fairy. I know this is a prophecy that someone would come from the forest… Yes, I thought you might be the one…."
Link didn't know why she was telling him, a complete stranger, her story, but he found himself believing what she said. It was stated so matter-of-factly, it left no room for disbelief. Plus, he couldn't help but feel she wouldn't lie.
She was different from anyone he had ever met.
"Oh, I'm sorry! I got carried away with my story and didn't even properly introduce myself!" She smiled then, and dozens of butterflies exploded into Link's stomach, a reaction he didn't particularly understand all that well. "I am Zelda, Princess of Hyrule. What is your name?"
This was too much. Just a few days ago he didn't know anything more than his home forest. He was the weird, awkward kid who had no friends except for Saria and got picked on for not having a fairy. And now, everything had changed. He left the forest, and traversed the length of Hyrule on his own.
It was too surreal, being face-to-face with the princess of Hyrule, speaking with a familiarity that belied his lower status.
"Link." Silently, he cursed himself as his voice trembled with nervousness.
"Link…" she murmured, trying out the name. Her mouth curled around the consonants and vowels as if in a caress. "Strange, it sounds somehow… familiar. Ok, then, Link. I'm going to tell you the secret of the Sacred Realm that has been passed down by the Royal Family of Hyrule. Please keep this a secret from everyone."
"Of course, Princess," he stuttered out.
"The legend goes like this…." Zelda told of the three goddesses, just as the Great Deku Tree had, and then expanded on it.
"That's right… The Temple of Time is the entrance through which you can enter the Sacred Realm from our world. But the entrance is seal with a stonewall called the Door of Time. And, in order to open the door, it is said that you need to collect three Spiritual Stones. And another thing you need… is the treasure that the Royal Family keeps along with this legend… The Ocarina of Time! Do you understand well the story I just told you?"
"I think so…."
"That's great! I forgot to tell you. I was spying through this window just now. The other element from my dream, the dark clouds, I believe they symbolize that man in there! Will you look through the window at him?"
She looked so hopeful and sincere he couldn't say no. He was a bit curious also, so he peered through the large window, barely tall enough to see through its enormous glass planes.
Inside he saw guards lining both sides of the wall and at the head of the room sitting on a grand jewel-encrusted throne he saw a man he assumed to be Zelda's father. As he watched, a man in black walked up and bowed on bended knee to the king.
"Can you see the man with the evil eyes? That is Ganondorf, the leader of the Gerudos. They hail from the desert far to the west. Though he swears allegiance to my father, I am sure he is not sincere. The dark clouds that covered Hyrule in my dream, they must symbolize that man!"
The man then looked over to the window, and stared as if he could see Link. A chill shot up his spine as their eyes made contact, and he knew then and there with certainty, though he knew not how, evilness corrupted the man's heart and soul. His eyes were black and bottomless.
"What happened? Did he see you?" Zelda asked anxiously as Link recoiled as if burned.
"I don't know. I think so."
"Don't worry. He doesn't have any idea what we're planning… yet!" she said, grinning.
"Zelda, have you told your father about all of this?" Surely the king would be able to do something.
"… Yes. I told my father about my dream. However, he didn't believe it was a prophecy. But, I can sense that man's evil intentions!" She turned away, frowning. "What Ganondorf is after must be nothing less than the Triforce of the Sacred Realm. He must have come to Hyrule to obtain it! And, he wants to conquer Hyrule… no, the entire world!" Turning back around, hands clasped before her in a pleading manner, she looked at him intently. "Link… now we are the only ones who can protect Hyrule! Please!"
The story was somewhat farfetched, but Link believed her. Deep in his soul, he knew this was his destiny. He was meant to help Zelda. Why else would the Great Deku Tree send him there?
He found himself saying, "Okay, I believe you."
She smiled again, this time out of gratitude, visibly relaxing. "Thank you!"
Link smiled along with her. "You're welcome."
A frown then creased her beautiful face. "I… I am afraid." He could tell she didn't like admitting such things. "I have a feeling that man is going to destroy Hyrule. He has such terrifying power! But it's fortunate that you have come…. We must not let Ganondorf get the Triforce! I will protect the Ocarina of Time with all my power! He shall not have it!" she said firmly with utter conviction. "You go find the other two Spiritual Stones! Let's get the Triforce before Ganondorf does, and then defeat him!"
"Yeah…" Link said slowly, his mind whirling. "Yeah," only more firmly. "We'll do that!"
She smiled. "One more thing. Take this letter. I'm sure it will be helpful to you…. "
When Zelda handed Link the letter, her hand brushed his—her skin soft and porcelain-like—in a lingering touch that sent jolts of electricity throughout his body. Then the contact vanished and Link was left feeling oddly cold.
"Link." Zelda paused, studying him. "I have matters to tend to now, but do you think you can come back here tonight? I would speak with you more."
"Yes," Link said instantly, not even considering the question.
"Great!" She beamed at him, and no matter what he had to do to accomplish it, Link would definitely be here tonight, if nothing else to see that beautiful smile of hers. "It would not be wise to allow the guards to glimpse you. That would only cause more problems for everyone."
"Got it."
She smiled. "My attendant will guide you out of the castle. Do not be afraid to talk to her."
That, Link thought, was impossible. The woman standing at the entrance to the garden area had a very intimidating look about her. She was obviously young and yet had short white hair, which she had pulled back in a tight ponytail. She was more muscular than most men, looking like she could break him in half with only a twitch of her finger. Her eyes were the most fearful: they were red, a trademark of her people.
And yet… she was oddly pretty, with full lips, a sculpted face, and unblemished skin.
He hesitantly approached.
"I am Impa of the Sheikahs," she said, and despite how Link had imagined her voice to sound, it was very soft and flowed over him like a gentle river. "I am responsible for protecting Princess Zelda. Everything is as the Princess foretold."
A real Sheikah. Link gazed upon the woman in awe and more than a bit of apprehension. The Shadow Folk, as they were commonly called, were shrouded in mystery and intrigue. At one time, they protected the royal family, even after death parted them from their charges. The noble, magic-wielding race had all been wiped out, making any true Sheikah rare. Link never thought to meet one.
Her eyes then raked Link from head to toe, intense and calculating. "You are a courageous boy. You are heading out on a big, new adventure, aren't you?"
"Yeah." He smiled uncertainly, not sure what he thought of the woman. "I guess so."
"My role in the princess's dream was to teach a melody to the one from the forest. This is an ancient melody passed down by the Royal Family. I have played this song for Princess Zelda as a lullaby ever since she was a baby. There is a mysterious power in these notes. Now listen carefully."
Using her index and middle fingers as a sort of instrument, she played a short, six-note melody that washed over Link with such profoundness he thought he might weep from the sheer beauty of it. It made his feel both lethargic and alive at the same time. It was slow and whimsical.
It took Link a moment to realize she expected him to play it on his ocarina and when he did, he hastily pulled it out. The playing was a bit shaky at first, as he was not too familiar with the instrument Saria had given him before parting, but he slowly gained confidence.
She made him play it several time before she declared it passable with a short nod.
"If the castle soldiers find you, there will be trouble. Let me lead you out of the castle."
She then used one of the secret passageways that led them directly out of the castle and in front of its entrance.
"You brave lad, we must protect this beautiful land of Hyrule! Take a good look at that mountain," she said, looking to the left. "That is Death Mountain, home of the Gorons. They hold of Spiritual Stone of Fire."
Link walked closer to get a better look at its vastness. The mountain peaks seemed to reach to the very heavens!
"At the foot of Death Mountain you will find my village, Kakariko. That is where I was born and raised. You should talk to some of the villagers before you go up Death Mountain," she told him, paused, then said quietly, "The song I just taught you has some mysterious power. Only Royal Family members are allowed to learn this song. Remember, it will help prove your connection with the Royal Family. Until tonight."
There was a loud clap! and a bright white flash as a Deku nut exploded and Impa was gone.
Out in the market square, Link rented a room in the inn for the night since night was quickly falling, and afterwards he wandered around aimlessly, fascinated by the place. The Great Deku Tree had provided him with some money, and he had acquired some since, hidden in the tall grass in the fields of Hyrule. Therefore, it wasn't an issue; he used it sparingly overall.
Countless people milled around, all talking and laughing merrily. The noise almost overwhelmed him at first, too used to the quiet serenity of the forest. He forced himself to focus on one thing and not everything, and the noise eventually died down.
Many booths stood erected, and behind them, merchants peddled their wares to the excited observers. The buildings included an indoor bazar, a potions shop, an inn, several places offering exciting activities such as archery and treasure chest competition (only open at night), and many other interesting buildings. A couple near the fountain danced to their own music, looking happy and entirely absorbed in one another. A beggar pleased under a set of stairs (Link slipped him a few rupees, unable to bear the thought of anyone going hungry).
It was a completely different world than what he was accustomed to, and instead of resisting change, he molded himself to it. He happily basked and immersed himself into the thick of it all, experiencing all there was to see and do. While he didn't expect it to be his last journey into the marketplace, he wanted to memorize it, etch it into every recess of his mind for future recall.
Once several hours passed, and as dusk began to fall, the crowd gradually thinned as the merchants packed up their merchandise. Link headed back to the Castle grounds. Instead of approaching the guard at the gate, he went to the side and climbed the vines that crawled up the side of the cliff. Once at the top, he kept low to the ground and hurried across the expanse. Jumping off the bridge, he rolled to lessen the impact.
The grounds were crawling with guards and it took careful, precise movements to evade not being caught. Once across the grassy field, he turned right instead of going up the steps that led directly to the castle, and climbed the conveniently placed vines once again. After that, he crawled through the small hole on the left side of the castle, and navigated back to the courtyard.
Zelda waited for him, a vision as the dying sun played on her the brightness of her hair.
She beamed at him, as if he were the most wonderful thing she had ever seen. "You came," she stated, a bit surprised and very happy.
"Of course I came."
She came to him, bridging the distance between them, and held out her hand. "Come on. Let's go inside."
Link stared at the offered hand for a moment before clasping it—sealing both of their fates. The princess led him inside via a side door, one that didn't seem to get much use from the looks of it. The castle, Link soon discovered, was even more impressive on the inside; if the exterior had stunned him with its beauty, the interior stole his breath.
The ivory marble floors gleamed in the light that streamed in through the large windows, the dusk of the day casting rose-colored filter over the hallway. Polished shields of armor hung proudly on the northern wall, the family crest of the royal family adoring them all. Several sculptures stood on display throughout the hallway, and one of a warrior caught his eye. Link didn't know the identity, but it spoke to him nevertheless.
In the next corridor, a grand painting took up most of the space on the wall, and though Link wasn't sure, he suspected it was of the Hyrulean Civil War, fought many years previously. The key details eluded him, as the Great Deku Tree chose not to delve too far into the negatives when teaching the children. The war remained an enigma to many even now.
Soon a pair of intricately carved doors came into view, and Zelda steered him in that direction. The entryway was truly a work of art; only the most skillful craftsman could have accomplished such precision and delicateness.
She tugged one open and motioned for Link to precede her. He entered the room and instantly knew she brought him to her personal chambers.
A large bed rested in the middle of the west wall, draped in expensive sheer lace and silks becomingly over the tall posts to create a canopy. A matching dressing, nightstand and vanity filled the space of the room. While it was simple with a touch of extravagance, it was elegant and very beautiful.
"After you left," she told him as she closed the door behind her, "I decided to follow Ganondorf as he left the castle, hidden in the shadows so that he would not see me."
"What happened?" Link asked, genuinely curious. There was something…. off about the man, something Link couldn't quite put his finger on. Darkness almost seemed to surround him in palpable tangles, interweaves that distorted his image. Link didn't know what it meant, but it wasn't anything good.
"Please sit." She motioned to be bed, and after she sat, Link followed suit and settled himself on the edge.
She turned to face him and continued. "In his utter arrogance, he thought himself alone with his guards and he spoke of his plans, only minutes after he had sworn fealty to my father and the crown." Zelda scowled in irritation. "Unfortunately he spoke rather vaguely, but I can speculate as to what he meant. He is assembling troops at a location he did not divulge. Within the year, he hopes to march on Hyrule Castle and gain control of the Temple of Time."
A feeling of dread settled in the pit of his stomach like a ball of lead. Though her vocabulary and intellect far exceeded his, he understood the general meaning, and it did not bode well. War...? No, surely not. Just what had Link gotten himself into? Whatever it was, he currently stood in the thick of it all.
"Father has sufficient soldiers to starve off an attack, but I fear the effects would be devastating should it come to that," she continued.
All of it seemed surreal: sitting in the princess's bedroom talking about the logistics of warfare. His life in the forest seemed like a lifetime ago.
"If we continue with the plan and get the stones before Ganondorf does, then we will have the upper hand," Link observed, and instantly felt like a fool as her eyes narrowed on him.
She blew out a breath. "Yes, you are right of course. That must be our course. I only wish I could accompany you, but that would never be possible."
"Have no fear, Princess, I will find the stones and I will bring them to you," Link told her seriously, with the utmost conviction. No matter the cost, I will do this, even if the price is my life. This sudden braveness fortified his resolve.
"I do not doubt you in the least." She granted him with a bright smile, and he felt the warmth wash over him like a tidal wave, from the top of his head to the tops of his toes. "I am very glad you decided to come back. I hoped I would get to see you once more before you left for Death Mountain."
Link didn't know what to say, so he remained silent. Zelda continued undaunted.
"I never lost faith," she told him, a smile upturning the corners of her lips. "I knew not who you were or what you looked like, but I always knew you would come to me in time."
"How do you know I'm the one you seek?" Link asked. Everyone—the Great Deku Tree, Navi, and now Zelda—seemed convinced he was someone special, some sort of hero. They would surely be let down when he proved otherwise.
"You hold in your possession the Kokiri Emerald and you are from the forest, with a noble fairy at your side." She glanced to the pillows where Navi currently slept, curled into a tiny ball with her wings wrapped around herself.
"That's very vague qualifications," Link muttered lowly to himself, but she must have heard him nevertheless.
Zelda looked surprised by the doubt, as if it was unfathomable. "You truly do not feel it?"
Link frowned, not comprehending to what she was referring. "Feel what?"
A frown of her own creased her brow, and Link had the absurd urge to smooth it away. He resisted and kept his hands safely in his lap. "How to explain it…" She paused, considering, and he waited patiently. After a moment, she made a soft sound of epiphany and, rising to her knees, she crawled to the foot of the bed where he sat.
Her approach sent a nervous jolt through his stomach. The flip, however, was not unpleasant.
"Rise please," she requested. Limbs feeling a bit numb all of the sudden, Link did as bade and rose to his knees to mirror the princess. The new position allowed for direct eye contact, even though he was a few inches taller.
Grabbing his hand, she placed it on her chest, right where her heart would be. He felt the faint, steady thump underneath his palm as she pressed it into her skin. Link swallowed thickly and kept it there once she dropped her hands, knowing that was what she sought. Zelda then placed her hand on him in the exact spot where his rested.
"We are connected," she told him, staring deep into his eyes. Link wanted to look away, to break the intimate contact, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. Her touch surprised him. She touched him as if it were the most natural thing in the world, as if they were not strangers. "What connects us I know not, and though it is invisible bonds, it is no less real. Whatever it is pulls me to you, and I suspect you feel much the same whether you realize it or not." She was quiet a moment, and then she told him somewhat tentatively, "It is nothing less than fate and destiny that pulls us together."
It wasn't until years later that Link finally understood the meaning of her words.