Hello everyone!

I realized I haven't actually thanked the people who followed, which is so rude of me! I appreciate you all so much; every follow, review, favorite, and read means a lot to me. This a long list (how sweet!), but I would like to take the time to thank everyone from the beginning. I promise these A/N's won't be as long next time, I'll be more regular with my thank yous.

Thank you to rilish, nintendoer27, letsburnthesun, fulmentus, allyblvck, VainGlory0, Unitjj6, TheFictionRose, Shibashi, Shadowknight490, Nightfademusic, MegSkoomaPirate, Lunitari, LolAngel161, Lloyd RPGFan, Lifeless Sorrow, Justisya-nyan27, Hylian Cup Champion, Chameleon Eyes, CaptainTwiggy0918, and Batch03 for following!

Thank you to windriderprodutions, espeonlover, VainGlory0, StraightedgeWingZero, Shibashi, Shadowknight490, LolAngel161, Link0011, Lifeless Sorrow, Hylian Cup Champion, CaptianTwiggy0918, Batch03 for putting this story on their favorite list!

I'd also like to announce that this story has been put in a Zelink community alongside some other wonderful stories and authors, which made me so happy! It's called the Zelda (heart) Link community, if you would like to find some other great stories as well!

Responses to Reviews:

Chameleon Eyes: I agree, Ilia is a very difficult character to write because she is so sweet but tough when she needs to be. It's hard to imagine how she would react to Link's...denial, I guess? But wow! Taking notes from me? I'm honored! Thank you :)

Sara lovelymusic: I know, Link can be so difficult at times! But, oh my gosh, he was so cute as a wolf!

Justisya-nyan27: Thank you! It is always great to hear positive feedback on character development, I'm so glad that you like it!

StraightedgeWingZero: Hah it's funny you ask that because I'm actually currently writing up on the future chapter involving this. I have considered crazy council men to be some of the antagonists of the story, since Zelda is a devoted monarch in this story, so it's going to be interesting to see how they can weave around the Hylian standards and board members. For people finding out that Link is a hero, I have to say that it won't be right away because Link is such a modest character, but it will eventually be announced! I appreciate your excitement and would love any ideas or suggestions you might have! Thank you!

Lunitari: Thank you for letting me know about the length, that's been bothering me all week! I'm so glad that you like the characters and the chapters so far as well! Zelda is especially hard to write because she hides her emotions so well. I also think that Link would be confused, since he's gone through so much so fast, and having Link settle in Ordon just seemed like a right fit. Thank you so much for your review, I hope you enjoy this chapter as well!

Thank you all so much for your wonderful reviews; they are all so amazing and helpful, and I am so glad that you are enjoying this story so far! Any critiques or suggestions are welcome as well!

Please bear with me, I know that this story isn't as fast paced as some people might like, but I would really like to take my time to highlight some important moments and character development before rushing into the plot. I have already planned this story out, so it isn't going on a whim if it seems that way. I will upload two chapters this week just to get this story going a little bit faster. I appreciate your patience very much! Without furthur ado, chapter four!

Link strapped the sheath and shield onto his back for the first time in a long while. The young man realized, after so long, that the Master Sword was much heavier than the swords he was used to growing up, and that the chainmail underneath his green tunic was tight and pinching. By now, he's figured out that adrenaline has distracted him from many things in journey, realizing and remembering things here and there that he didn't even notice before. Over time, he was due to appreciate all that Hyrule had to offer to a sober man.

The young hero stretched out his shoulder blades in discomfort and brushed his fingers through his unruly hair under his signature green cap.

Once he felt somewhat prepared – at least physically - he swept the knapsack full of his belongings off the floor and, for what might be the last time, left his home without a sound.

He announced that he would be leaving Ordon to the village four nights ago, and devoted the last few days to spending time with his good friends and packing his things. Everyone had been devastated to hear that he was leaving but none of them appeared to be all that surprised. It seemed almost as if they were all expecting it. Even so, that didn't make any of this easier for any of the villagers, and their emotional goodbyes were just as sincere as his.

It was especially hard leaving Ilia after what had happened between them. She was his closest friend since a young age and he'd grown to care for her deeply. It was the way he felt and to its extent that made things difficult for them, however. Throughout their whole life, they were expected to get married; they were best friends and two of the only villagers that were the same age. It was so convincing and realistic that they even made Link himself believe it. But it always lacked something, something he couldn't name, and for that he couldn't accept her in that way.

After their argument - if it could even be considered as such - a few days before, Link had taken it upon himself to profusely apologize to her. He valued their friendship so deeply that the thought of losing her was too painful to consider. Since Ilia had always been kind, she had accepted his apology despite how hurt she was, and they'd spent some time together before he left. He was grateful that he might have her as his friend even through all of their hardships.

As soon as he stepped out of his home, Link took a deep breath, feeling the brisk autumn air course through him. He closed his eyes at the sensation, knowing that Ordon was the only province he had ever been too that had such fresh, clean air. Nowhere in Hyrule could replace the levity that his hometown brought him, physically and mentally.

Thinking that if he would stay up there for any longer he might convince himself to stay, Link hurried down the ladder. After saddling Epona, he went to stroke her softly in reminisce. "You're gonna miss Ordon, aren't you? I know…me too." He combed his fingers through her mane and the brown mare leaned into his embrace, neighing in response. "Hyrule will be good for us, you'll see," he promised, although even Epona could tell he wasn't sure of that himself.

He climbed onto her back with that uneasy feeling sitting in his chest and set off into the scarlet forest as the sun rose over the treetops. By noon, he reached north of Faron Woods and stopped in his tracks. Just as he had been many months ago, Rusl stood on the tree trunk with his golden-feathered friend, talons latched onto his forearm.

He gave a gentle smile, setting the golden cucco clucking about on the ground, and said, "I figured you'd come here." Link smiled softly in return and climbed up beside him.

The two of them watched silently as the wind slipped through the crimson trees, the tiny birds chirping as they hopped from branch to branch. The sun gave light to all the red and orange leaves, almost making it appear as if they were set on fire.

"Ordon will miss you."

"I will miss Ordon," he replied without missing a beat.

The older man chuckled lightly in response. A little shakily, he said, "You know, when I first found you... as a infant out in Faron woods, I knew you would be something special. Maybe it was fate or something like that, but I felt it in my gut and I never doubted it since. You proved me right, son." He slapped Link on the back in a kind gesture and the young man took a deep breath.

The word son didn't shock the hero - his good friend had called him that many times before. But Rusl was more than that: he was the closest figure to a father he had and never failed to treat him as if he were his son. Link knew that he could always depend on hi, and always felt comfort when he was around. "Just know you are always welcome in Ordon. This will always be your home and you will always have a family here."

"Thank you, Rusl, for everything. Really, you've done so much for me. I-I can't thank you enough."

"Enough of that." He waved Link's efforts as at thanks away before he could get anymore emotional. "That's what family is for, anyways." The older man went silent for a second in his musings, almost as if he was considering saying something else. He decided against it, and they lapsed into another comfortable silence. Link turned away to watch the swaying trees and the aging bark for another long moment.

At length, Rusl spoke up again. "I brought you something." From the sack he carried around his shoulders, he pulled out a long object and handed it to Link. In his hands was the sword of Ordon he forged all that long ago, wrapped carefully in a delicate cloth.

"Consider this a going away present." He smiled shakily. "Bring it to Hyrule for me, will you?"

The world was so still and silent that it almost brought discomfort to the hero. The Sacred Grove always threw him off for reasons he couldn't comprehend, but without his travelling companion and the pestering skull kid leaping around, it felt all the more lonely.

His footsteps grew heavier and the crunches of the fallen leaves got louder, drowning out the chirping of the birds and wind through the leaves as he stepped deeper into the ruins. His soiled boots sauntered over the Triforce embedded into the earth below him, and he paid it nothing more or nothing less than an earnest glance. He solemnly examined the statues that could no longer speak to him, now worn out by moss and fading away as time betrayed them.

He quickened his step and finally found himself in front of the dreaded pedestal. Slowly and unsurely, he unsheathed the sacred sword.

For just a moment, it was Link and a sword. Nothing else. No heroes, no past and no expectations. He stroked the sharp edges longingly, wondering how long it would be before another hero would release it from it's slumber. He hoped it wouldn't be for another long while; both the sword and Hyrule were exhausted.

But caressing the sword triggered memories within his mind. It reminded him of when he was here for the first time, as a canine, and the time he returned to find the third mirror shard. He was reminded of every monster he slashed away, every beast he slayed. All the temples and what they held within them, all the puzzles he had to solve, were all playing back in his mind. He remembered just how stressed and hasty he had been, and wondered, what would've happened if he hadn't rushed out those final days? If maybe he took the breaks that he deserved? What if he slept a healthy amount of time on those nights he stayed up fighting? Would the Twilight Invasion still torment Hyrule? Would Midna still be here?

Link shook his wild thoughts away, reprimanding himself for being so childish. He was a child of war, the bearer of the Triforce of Courage. He saved Hyrule and the Twilight Realm, and that was more than enough for him. Now was the time where he had to be brave, in a kind of way he hadn't experienced before. This was letting go.

He raised the steel above his head and struck it into the pedestal for the last time. After a lingering moment, he peeled his hands away from the hilt and turned away.

Did any of the other heroes, he wondered, have such a difficult time saying goodbye to this blade?

The quill danced gracefully upon the papers as the princess scribbled away. After being taken away from her throne for so long, she had plenty of paperwork to catch up on. That is why she had been stuck in a spare room on the first floor of her castle for the majority of the last few months, and had been working hard to meet the demands of her country.

Perhaps stuck wasn't the best term, considering how willingly she had thrown herself into work. In her young age, she didn't appreciate her rank, never understanding why she had to be trapped in the castle for so long, learning about politics and history. After witnessing the consequences of underestimating her position firsthand, she promised herself to never again treat her duty to her people as anything less than her first priority. The only conversations she upheld for the last few weeks were strictly business and she preferred it that way, knowing that any personal affairs would tempt her to loosen up on her work ethic. Now, only the redwood desk and her ink were her friends.

Suddenly, a knock on the door echoed through the room, scaring her slightly and messing up her signature. "Your Highness, it's Lady Irene, may I come in?"

Zelda collected her bearings before speaking up. "Yes, do come in." Lady Irene was Zelda's nursemaid when she was just a baby and raised her with great care. As a child, she was even good friends with Irene's son and daughter, James and Ethel. But as she grew up, she barely had time to speak with any of her friends and they drifted apart, especially due to the recent events. Although they reconnected sometime after the Twilight Invasion, they barely spoke since then, so her visit was surely unexpected.

Her nursemaid walked in with a clay mug and a small smile gracing her features. She was small and portly with short dark hair, and she almost always wore a cheerful expression. Zelda found that the kind smiles she wore brought her great comfort.

"I'm really sorry to interrupt you while you work, but you've been stuck in for so long I just had to see if you were okay! I brought some tea, if you'd like." She handed the mug to her and the princess took it with a gracious nod. "This was your favorite when you were young."

"Thank you, but you needn't go through the trouble."

"Nonsense," she waved spiritedly. "It was no trouble at all." She paused for a second and Zelda took a sip of the tea. The monarch was grateful for how the heat served her sore hands and warmed her from the chill gathering in the bureau. "How are you, Your Highness? You must be tired of all this work."

"I am well; the work is no trouble. Even still, it is my responsibility. I am glad to do all that I can for Hyrule."

The nursemaid mused for a second, nodding slowly. "Aye, and it's a big responsibility at that. I don't mean to pry, Your Highness, but you must rest. It hurts me to see you so overworked."

Zelda smiled softly and shook her head. "Do not worry yourself over me. How do you fare, Lady Irene? I've heard Ethel is expecting. That must be exciting, I only hope I can find time to visit her soon. You must wish her my congratulations."

"Ah, yes. It's real busy around the house with a babe along the way, so between you and me, working in the castle is starting to feel like I'm taking a break. Even with all this ruckus lately." Zelda smiled warmly in response. "But in all seriousness, there has been so much going on around here. You really do need a break. You know, I think some sunshine should do you good. How about taking a walk out in Castle Town for a short while? I'm sure your responsibilities can wait an hour or so."

Zelda looked down into the mug in thought, trailing a finger along its edges. She was exhausted and after taking a moment to stop and consider, she really wish she could go outside for some fresh air. But she knew that she already had been distracted from her responsibilities enough already and she didn't want to jeopardize any more time. The princess glanced up at Lady Irene and opened her mouth to express this, but the older woman spoke first.

"I don't mean to pry, Your Highness. It really is none of my business, but I hate to see you trapped here for so long. The Zelda I knew loved the sunshine, and my, you're even getting pale!" Her nursemaid wore a genuine frown, trying to convince her the best that she could. Zelda really appreciated it, but she wasn't ready to leave the castle just yet. "Dear, no one would blame you if you'd go. Truthfully, I believe Hyrule would love to see your shining face. It's been long since they've seen their princess and a little smile from you would do them a good service."

Zelda smiled softly, taking in her nursemaid's words with deep appreciation. It's been so long since she's considered her own wellbeing. Lately, she's felt so busy with her work and discussions with the council that it's almost as if she forgot she was a person at all.

The princess took a deep breath as she contemplated. She had done her fair share of work, knowing that she could get through all that was assigned for her today in a few hours if she put up the same effort she's made. Perhaps a stroll would be refreshing, and it certainly would do well to see her people again. After all, her duty was to her people first and foremost, and if she could get all this paperwork done in time anyhow, there could be no harm in taking a short stroll through Castle Town. "You're quite right, Lady Irene. Thank you very much for your company, I hope to speak with you again soon." Irene nodded kindly in response. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I will take my leave." The princess stood mannerly while her nursemaid stood and curtsied.

"Of course, Your Highness. I will come to see you again soon."

Castle Town was as lively as ever. The capital was bustling, full of anxious and cheerful citizens racing to get from place to place. Zelda loved how alive and well everyone seemed. It was such a good feeling after the stark contrast of darkness and pain that beset the country not too long ago. Many people took note of her presence, bowing respectfully and shooting a courteous grin towards her. As diplomatic as her responses were, she couldn't help but feel guilt and dread wash over her at their signs of respect. She swallowed her emotion at their jovial faces, knowing that she was the one that could've taken that all away from them.

She would've told her council, the country, and anyone who would've listened that it was her fault just so that they knew and she could get it off their chest but if she just as much hinted of it, they could've forced her to abdicate or started a riot even, and she would've never had the chance to make it up to them all. She could've never given them all they truly deserve, which was what she aimed to do and practiced for everyday. Instead, the princess kept her woes to herself, locked safely and guarded deep within her heart.

By this time, Zelda had walked into one of the alleys to the west, which was just as crowded and busy as the main square. A small stray pup followed at her heel, and she couldn't help but stoop low and pet it's bristly fur. It let out a small bark in response and she scratched it behind the ears. As she moved forward, she heard a group of children gossiping about the new game within the tent and who would be brave enough to play it. The word brave struck a cord within her and she pressed forward.

The young princess saw some knights hiding out within the backstreets, sipping on liquor, who then hurried to look busy once they noticed her approaching.

There were some interesting buildings she took note of as well, like a small clubhouse of some sort named "Agitha's Castle" which she was sure wasn't there before the Twilight Invasion. Zelda was curious, she would admit, but she figured she could investigate it later. For just a brief moment, she overheard something about how talented and accurate the psychic was before getting washed over with a wave of fragrances and noise.

She had found herself in south of Castle Town, where booths were set up with various goods and products from all of Hyrule. Strolling along the market, she'd stop and gaze and the treasures presented: all of the fruits, flowers, jewelry, and other delicacies. Once they took note of her presence, they were all too eager to catch her attention as well.

"Your Highness! Over here!"

"These jewels would look beautiful on you, Your Highness!"

"Perhaps the princess would enjoy this tasty apple?"

Zelda smiled kindly, politely waving away their requests. She was making her way through the hustle and bustle when a busy patron knocked into her.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled, seemingly unaware of whom he ran into. Zelda, on the other hand, recognized the voice and looked up at him cautiously.

"Link?"