Thanks guys! I'm still recuperating, but hopefully my update will be more regular after this.

Thanks to omegarulesall, PrincessStarberry, Principessa Dell'Opera (cool, I learned something new! Actually my sister came up with the name, ;) ), Zelink Forever, Legend of Zelda 4 Life, and Farming Chick for all your reviews!!

Disclaimer: I don't own Zelda, never have never will

Rated T violence, torture, and sensuality

"You see forgotten if they're green or they're blue

Anyway, the thing is, what I really mean

Yours are the sweetest eyes I've ever seen."

-Your Song by Elton John

CH. 7

Link and Zelda first wandered through the market and bought snacks as they enjoyed he sights.

Then they retrieved Epona from the stables, Ricky had been taking good care of her. And so they rode around Hyrule Field, enjoying the warmth. The wind smelled like the just-faded dew and birds sang to each other as they explored the sky.

Link glanced at Zelda behind him. She had her face tilted to soak the sunlight, her hair blowing back.

After a few moments she opened one eye, a replica of the endless sky. "What?"

"You look like an angel."

She laughed, tightening her arms around him. "An angel wouldn't continuously con her way out of the castle."

He frowned. "I don't understand why. Your life is taken care of for you, you have no worries. Why don't you like it?"

She sighed, gazing at the flowers they passed. "If you're royal you don't get to . . .live. You're in constant preparation to run the country; you barely get any free time. You always have to look nice and study hard and learn about economics and demographics and all that boring stuff. It's like your freedom of choice is taken away. Your life is lined out for you, and you have to follow it."

He pulled Epona to a stop, turning to face her with empathetic blue eyes. "I didn't realize it was like that . . .You really can't choose?"

She shook her head, looking at him. "Where I go, what I learn, who I marry . . ."

Link's face twisted in revulsion. "Who you marry? But that's such a personal decision."

"Tell me about it. When I become queen I'm going to try to change that."

"I think you'll make a great queen."

Her face softened and she smiled. "People always tell me that . . .but coming from you it means something."

They rode past Lon Lon Ranch, Malon looking out at it. She waved to Link . . .and went back inside. Then they went past the flowing waters of Zora's River, admired the view of Death Mountain, helped catch cuccoos in Kakariko, went past Gerudo Valley and Kokiri Forest, and at last stopped at Lake Hylia.

"Let's eat lunch," Zelda said as they made a little camp on the shore of the tranquil water. "Impa packed sandwiches."

"Mmmm," he smiled, taking one. The smell of thick bread, cheese, and other delicacies drifted to him. "That's nice of her."

They sat in silence for awhile, listening to the sound of the water and eating.

"This is fun," he said.

"It is," she agreed.

They smiled at each other.

"Its' god to have a close friend," she added.

"A best friend," he agreed.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

That night Zelda snuck Link into her room again. They both jumped onto the enormous bed, not at all tired.

"So, tomorrow it won't be the weekend anymore," he said. "Will you be busy?"

She rolled her eyes. "Yes. Throughout the week I have lessons everyday."

"Really? Over what?"

"Language, history, philosophy, geography, world cultures, music, art . . .and on and on and on."

He smiled. "Well, I'll keep you company in between."

"Good. I'll need it."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Link wandered through the luxurious halls of the castle, still awed by it. He could hear people outside, along with the sound of birds and his own footsteps as the smell of the gardens drifted through windows.

It was the start of the week and, as Zelda had predicted, she was at lessons. He'd only gotten a glimpse of her instructors but they seemed boring and self-important.

"Life is good," Navi sighed, flying beside Link. "Who would have ever thought that we'd get a room in the castle?"

"I never did."

"So, what was up with that Touchstone guy? He was-"

She stopped when the man in question came around the corner, his full armor shining and clanking.

"Link" he hissed, quickly striding the distance between them. "I kicked you out."

Link stared at him, slightly glaring. "I live here now. If you have a problem you'll have to take it up with Zelda."

The army leader shoved him against the wall, leaning his dark face close. Link's blue eyes widened.

"Listen," Touchstone said darkly, "I don't want you here, and I don't care what Zelda says-"

"Touchstone?!" Impa gasped, quickly coming up. "What on Hyrule are you doing?"

The army leader straightened. "It's none of your business, Impa."

The sheikah's full lips twisted into a frown. "I watch over Link now, so I think it is."

Link looked up at her gratefully. All his life he'd never had anyone take care of him; he'd never had anyone be a parent figure.

"Oh, he's your responsibility now, is he?" Touchstone snapped. "Fine." He turned and stalked off angrily.

"I'm sorry, Link," she said. "I'll talk to him." With that she walked off.

There was a moment of silence as Link leaned against the wall, trying to decipher the man's behavior.

"Weird," Navi said finally.

Link shook his head. "I haven't done anything."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Impa finally caught up to Touchstone, jaw clenched. She was very fond of the army leader, yes, but treating a child that way was inexcusable. Especially Link, who she knew hadn't done anything wrong.

"Will you stop?" she exclaimed, knowing he realized she was there from the thuds of her steps.

Touchstone turned around, sighing.

"What was that about?" she demanded.

"I don't want him in the castle."

"Why not?"

He rolled his dark eyes, but softened. "I don't want to talk about it."

"Is the reason similar to why you never take off your helmet?"

"Only you know why I don't take it off," he said, dropping his voice low to hide their conversation from people passing by.

Impa laid a hand on his shoulder, softening herself. "You trusted me with that, why not this?"

"Maybe later . . .I've got to go. New knights need to be trained."

She laughed. "You favorite job."

"Sure," he said sarcastically. "They're all overzealous and cocky. Bye, Impa."

"Good-bye," she smiled as he headed off.

Please review!