After buying what they needed for the mission, the two were walking back to the castle when Link stopped just before turning the corner that led to the main gait. Zelda questioned him, "What is it? Why did you stop? This bag is really heavy you know."

"Sorry, but you know Zelda, we went to the market to buy cards and paper and stuff. You didn't need to buy all those shoes."

"Hey, I only got one pair for myself; you make it sound like I bought a whole closet full. Besides, I got a pair for you, too."

"Hm. No thanks Zel. Pink isn't really my color."

She rolled her eyes at first but then laughed, "They're boots and you know their brown, fairyboy."

Link cringed, "Eep. You know that bugs me. You and Malon must have secret meetings where you think of ways to torture me."

Zelda gasped, "How did you find out about that?"

"Ha Ha. And did I mention 'Ha'?"

Zelda started giggling and Link joined along.

"Okay okay, that was fun and all but my arms are gonna fall off soon. Why did you stop anyways?"

"Well because- oh, just put the bags on the ground for a sec."

"But there's candy hearts and stuff in there. Ants will get in it. Tell me later; let's just get back to the castle-"

"Wait, I was trying to tell you about the new guard at the gate. I'm assuming he'll let you in, but what about me?"

Zelda frowned, "Oh darn. I forgot about him. No, without an escort, he probably won't. I wasn't even supposed to leave without telling anyone."

"Oh man, your kidding me. You mean we have to sneak through? With all this stuff?"

Zelda kicked at a small rock on the ground but then paused, "Maybe not. I know something that might work." She bit her lip and started forward, "Stay here."

Link nodded and Zelda walked along at a hurried-yet-'in charge princess' pace. He peaked around the corner and watched her approach the young guard. He was fresh out of training and usually the new guards went strictly by the rules, but sometimes they could be gullible.

The man jumped when he saw her.

"The Princess!... Zelda?"

Link held back a laugh. "No, the other Princess of Hyrule," he whispered just loud enough for Zelda to hear.

"Wha? Uh, yeah. I mean, yes."

The guard stiffened, "What are you doing out here? Where is your escort?"

"Oh, him? He is waiting for me near the market. Ahem. I came to tell you that the king has ordered a holiday assembly in the courtyard."

"An assembly? I was not given any orders to attend any assembly."

Linked gulped, this wasn't going very smoothly.

Zelda continued, "Oh, well, ha ha, that's because I was only joking. Getting ready for April Fools day, you know. Ha ha, hee hee."

He raised a brow in suspicion, "With all due respect, Princess, I am required to-"

Link's voice was heard, "So! George! How's life been treating you, my good man/role model/buddy?"

Zelda turned around and was very relived to see Link walking up to the gate with an old man named George. He was the only gate guard who liked Link and Zelda and he was the only one who would let them through the gate without an escort. George walked up to the new guard and smiled, "Hi there John, shift is over. I can take it from here."

"But... Oh, alright sir." He eyed Link suspiciously, "But keep a good watch."

George laughed heartily, "Don't worry. I've been doing this for forty-five years. I know how to guard this gate."

John nodded and went off to the courtyard, probably for lunch, it was about noon.

George watched him leave and as soon as he was gone, he opened the gate for Link and Zelda.