Chapter 3

At This Time

Eversince that day, Link had stopped visiting Zelda, going to the bar. Not because he was angry or too depressed but because she had left for Termina to be more close to the prince.

Link had never knew that Termina had its own prince but he guessed that he never really knew because he barely had any time. He only had a few days. He could've play the Song of Time repeatedly but doing that would be like taking advantage of the song represented for him and Zelda calling it a remembrance of 'us.'

He could've sworn that he knew Zelda was in love with him but he was wrong. He had been paranoid for the past few days wondering what he did that made Zelda forget about 'us.'

Love was what made him surpass through all the dangerous encounters. Not just any love, but Zelda's love.

Zelda's love, not only inspired him, but hurt him. He had been cautious about Zelda's every juncture. It may have irritated Zelda a bit but she knew that he was just protecting her.

They, too had their moments, most being accidental.

Link shivered as he thought about all of the moments. He suddenly began to laugh.

"Boy, yer OK?" the bartender asked as he poured wine on one of the man's glasses. Link, who was startled, lost his concentration of what he was recalling.

"I'm f-fine," he stuttered, being afraid that they might think incorrectly of him.

The bartender suddenly began to examine Link's face closely "Do I know you? I haven' seem you aroun' here before."

Link's palms became to sweat to what the stubby man had said. If he had been found out, it would definitely rot his title.

"Hm?" the bartender said as his big nose was pointing at him as though it was an accusing finger. Link started to become nervous of the position. He had thought that the changing of garments would make him invisible to the civilians.

"N-no, sir," Link answered facing his head downwards to the table. The bartender paused for a while before somthing clicked his mind.

"Oh, ye new hear?" he asked,grinning. Link looked up at the stout bartender, relieved. "Yes, sir," he replied smiling.

Well, of course the civi lians would not notice him being the hero of time. The hero was, of course known to be tall, blonde and handsome but what was noted the most was Link's green tunic, floppy hat and being accompanied by a fairy.

Link, of course was still tall, blonde and handsome but he didn't have the green tunic and that floppy hat on and most certainly not having Navi by his side. Link's dark garments had disguised him from being identified. He wore a dark blue long sleeve, having a woolen cloak enveloped.

"Me name's Rene," he started.

Link smiled at Rene, not because of how he talked but because he liked his accent and how he made Link feel welcome to the bar.

"I'm Link."

"Link, eh? You got tha same name as the hero, me boy! You also share the looks but you got no floppy hat!"

Link smiled widely despite being annoyed of all those criticisms.

Link and Rene began sharing a conversation for a long time. Rene even told funny tales that caused Link to burst out laughing. Everything was going well until Rene started another topic.

"So, ye heard?"

"Heard, what?"

"About the princess."

Link's smile was then replaced with a frown, but it somehow got him more interested, He was sort of thankful for having people who start rumors around Castle Town.

"Continue, please," Link said as he drank a glass.

"Rumor has it that our princess is gettin' wed by a cruel prince."

Link then dropped his glass, his attention being taken away by Rene.

"She's stayin' at Termina wit' the prince to get to know the people bet'r."

"For how long, will she be away?"

"Am not really sure but it's said to be about a half year er more."

Link's eyes began to widen. Six months would be too long. It was almost as long as his own journey to rescue Zelda.

"Six months or more?"

"Ey, you quiet down boy, er some of the men there will be starin' daggers at ya."

"Sorry..."

Rene then started to go closer at him, speaking silently. His eyes looking as though he was afraid.

"That's not ye point, Link. Who knows what the prince can do to her?"

Link began to worry upon Zelda's safety. He thought about all the cruel things that the prince can do to Zelda since she was on his land. His eyes were then shone to worry, being heavily concerned of Zelda.

He, then decided that it was best for him to go to Termina and watch over her. After what he decided, he stood up.

"Sorry, Rene. I have to leave," he excused himself.

"No, boy, don't go!"

Link began to stare at him, confused.

" Please? I got no company here. All them people here er different from you, ya know? I wouldn't want to lose ya," Rene pleaded.

Link sighed but then decided to accept. But he had to agree with that statement. All of the men here were just drinking, playing poker, fondling with the women or simply kissing, caressing them.

A topic after another ceaselessly went on and on before Rene started to say something big again.

"Ya know what, boy?"

"Huh?"

" I really like ya that I can trust ya with all thangs."

"Is that so?"

"Ya, boy. Ya seem like a lonely guy but ya know, I know the perfect girl for ya."

"My eyes are for another woman."

"Who? The Princess Zelda?"

Link flustered at that point. How'd he know?

"I was just kiddin' ya! 'Cause ya know all the dirt spreadin' about the other Link and the princess..."

"Tch."

"Well, anyways, I want ya to meet a really nice girl. She's beautiful, smart, hard-working and a bit well-known."

"...Who is she?"

" Well, I can't tell ya."

"Why?"

"... But tell ya what, Link. Come back here tomorrow at dawn and I'll let ya meet her."

"Is she here somewhere?"

"Naw. But she comes here at times."

"So, whatcha say, Link?"

"Sure, OK."

Link never really wanted to meet up with any woman but Zelda. But it wouldn't hurt for him to try and be interested in other women.

"So remember to come back here, tomorrow at dawn."

"Uh-huh."

There was then silence noting that their chat had died off.

"Well, I'll see you tomorrow, Rene. I've had a rather... long day."

"OK, ye Link. Take a good night sleep and ye make sure not to be late!"

Link laughed and then bid him farewell.

As Link stepped out of Castle Town, the gate started to close. He never liked the feeling of the gate closing. It made him feel quite insecure for some nonsense reason.

As he galloped at Epona, it started to rain. Today is definitely not my day.

But he was quite happy that it was raining. He could now be able to cry as much as he wanted without anyone witnessing.

As Epona's pace became faster, he felt hot tears falling down his cheeks being in place of the rain's cold liquid drops.

I heard that when it rains, angels cry... How I wonder.

Link bathed then changed to his night garments. Link, not only fell asleep with a cloud under his head but also with a wet pillow.

End of Chapter Three

Date Submitted: 10/29/10

AN: Whew! I'm totally exhausted! Not by writing this chapter but because I had a really hard time trying to find the 'right slang' words for Rene. It seriously gave me a headache almost as much as trying to write down a paragraph for Mario. Not only did I have a hard time on that but also because I couldn't find a right name for 'the bartender.' I asked my sister for suggestions but she just ended up keeping me in complete vexation. But I got that name because I remembered a teacher having that name at our school...

Anyways, I hope you liked this chapter and don't forget to review! Because reviews equals happiness :D