Link sighed and climbed his way to the Sacred Grove using the golden cucco Rusl had given him. He played along with the Skull Kid until at last he made it to the chamber where the Master Sword was. He wished he hadn't put it back. He wouldn't have had to make the trip to get it a second time. However he needed it if he was going to train the soldiers properly. He gripped the handle of the sword and tugged. It wouldn't budge. He pulled several times but it wouldn't move.
"You're not much of a hero anymore huh? Hee hee hee!" Link heard the Skull Kid giggle from the treetops. Link looked at the sword in confusion. It had accepted him as its master before. What had he done to become unworthy of it? He sat down and stared at the blade for several minutes, wondering what he was to do. Grudgingly, he got up and let the Grove. He'd promised Zelda in his acceptance letter that he would be there by this evening and he was leaving Faron Woods much later than he had expected. It took several hours to get to the castle, even by horse. He wanted to stop and eat some o the lunch Uli had given him but he feared he wouldn't make good time if he did. So he left the food in its pouch, his tummy grumbling with complaint.
He made it to Castle Town just as dusk was settling in. He left Epona to graze by the front steps o the town before hurrying across the bridge and through the large double doors. He went into the main square where there was a bustle of activity of people rushing in every direction, each person with their own destination in mind. Link paid them no attention as he ran up the steps to the palace gates. There were two guards in front of the doors and refused to let him pass into the castle. Link tried to explain that the princess was expecting him and that he was already behind schedule, but they brushed him off.
He was in the middle of once again telling them that the princess invited him when Zelda herself opened the gates. "Link." She said. "You're late." She gave him a teasing smile and waved the guards away. She led him into the reconstructed palace grounds. As he entered the courtyard, he passed Zelda who was holding the doors open. She stopped him. "Link, where is your sword?"
He quickly explained how the Master Sword wouldn't accept him again. Zelda listened silently, and when he had finished, she sighed. "This is unfortunate. We must go to the light spirits and see what they know of this matter." She began to head to the doors when Link's stomach growled, loudly. She laughed. "Perhaps we should have a meal and take leave tomorrow morning." She suggested. Link nodded sheepishly and followed her to the Grand Dining Hall where they were served a whopping three course meal full of foods Link had never tasted.
The course began with a light salad as an appetizer, and then they were given a creamy soup that was so hearty Link was sure he couldn't manage dessert as well. However, when he saw what their final part of the course would be, he forced himself to make room. They were served a massive chocolate cake with strawberries dotting the sides. While thoroughly enjoying himself Link kept his manners and was dedicated to acting like a gentleman.
Zelda was kind enough to provide him his own quarters for the night, it was plush and comfortable and Link could see why Zelda enjoyed being royalty so much. However once dawn came the pair set off on Epona. Link decided to take them to Eldin because he was the closest and easiest to reach. So the pair arrived in Kakariko Village just as afternoon reached its peak. Zelda looked at Link and then hopped off Epona and waded confidently into the water. "Oh Spirit of Light Eldin! We come to you for guidance. Please, show yourself unto us so that we may receive it." She called into the waterfall.
The water bubbled for a moment and then the spirit came out of the water and spread his wings. "Princess Zelda, true ruler of Hyrule, what troubles you?" He asked in his slow, gentle manner.
"The Master Sword has denied the Hero, Link. We come to ask if you know why this has happened."
Eldin was silent for a few moments before responding. "Come forward…Hero chosen by the gods." Link obliged and took a few steps closer. Eldin came closer as well, and Link had to shield his eyes from the blinding light.
Eldin studied him for several moments before speaking again. "Your heart is troubled with selfish desires. The Master Sword will only yield under two demands. The one who pulls it from its pedestal must wish to use it only to rid the land of evil. The Master Sword will not be taken from its rightful place for ordinary use; it will only awaken when danger arises as well. This is why it will not accept you again. You are still the Chosen Hero, but the task that has been asked of you is complete and so the Master Sword is no longer bound to you. It has a strange magic about it, it knows when the quest is complete, and it influences its master to return it every time, in case there is a circumstance where a new hero will need it." Eldin explained. Link looked away. "Be at peace young ones." He murmured. "The evil has left this land, there is no cause for sadness." With those as his parting words, he disappeared once more.
"He's wrong." Zelda said softly after a few breaths. "There will always be an ache in our hearts, won't there?" She smiled sadly, and Link knew they were both thinking of Midna. They left without saying more to one another. As they rode back to Castle Town Zelda tried to comfort Link.
"I'll have a sword fashioned for you by our finest blacksmith immediately. I personally promise that it will meet any demands you may have for it." But Link was hardly listening. There was one thing Eldin had said that he simply couldn't get out of his mind.
"Your heart is troubled by selfish desires."