Link returned to his chambers after finishing his discussion with his father; Zelda was sitting at his desk and dressed for the day. He stepped into his closet to put on a fresh set of clothes for their 'date'.

"What's got you all wound up, Link?" she shouted to the closed closet door, "Impa pushed you out of the room in a hurry, eh? What's so important about that old sword anyways?"

"I'm not to sure myself, it showed me some things… you know… it's a wonderful day outside… want to head outside for a bit?" he tried to steer the conversation away from the sword and her fate till later when it was right, 'We could spend some time out in Hyrule Field, maybe explore some ruins… what do you say?"

"Sure, why not? It'll do both of us some good to get some fresh air," she nodded to him and got up from her seat at his desk.

The two walked down to Castle Town to take a look through the marketplace, and of course Link, but also Zelda were showered with gifts from the locals: jewelry, fresh baked goods, fruits, books- anything that they could easily carry back with them.

Link spotted a new accessory shop that opened up recently, and took a look at the spread of goods that the vendor had for sale, "Sir, may I buy this from you?" he pointed at a hair clip with a ornate flower design set inside of a brass ensemble.

"Is it for Lady Zelda?" he asked the prince, but Link could only respond with a blush and a quick nod, "If that's so, then it's on the house."

"N-no, I should pay, please… I… uh…."

"Alright, if you insist…" the shopkeeper sighed and opened his hand to receive payment for the clip, "Take care of your fiancee, you hear?"

"Y-yes sir…" he stuttered and nodded.

Zelda was waiting at the plaza fountain as he was 'inspecting' the new shop, "What took you so long?"

"Turn around for a moment…" he grinned. She did just that and he gathered some of her honey colored locks and twisted them into a small tight bun and clipped it in place with the new hair accessory that he purchased moments ago, "You like it?"

Zelda glanced at her reflection in the fountain water; she turned back to him and nodded with a gentle smile, "I do, thank you, Link. I'll treasure it."

"I want to make a stop at the castle to drop off our gifts… I don't want to be carrying this where we're going…"

"Right, then, shall we?"

The two unloaded their gifts in his room, "You may want to bring a sun hat and something to ward off some bugs where we're going to go…" Link pipped up.

"And where be that?"

"Faron Woods, if we can make it before sundown…"

"Alright, I'll bring them, I'm sure Impa's got some incense that will help keep the pests away…"

The two finished packing for their day trip to the forest, and departed from the castle. Link made sure to bring the Master Sword with him in case Fi had something else to tell him.

"Are we going to go by horse, or by foot?" Zelda asked, "If we're going by foot, we aren't going to make it there by dusk."

"Ah, you're right, well… let's see how far we can get before night falls?"

"Sure," she smiled and nodded. Link took her by the hand and led her north towards the great northern forest.

They took a short break for lunch in a field of flowers just south of the moat that surrounded the forest.

"You have a talent for cooking, Zelda. These lunch boxes you made are really delectable!" he said between spoonfuls of a variety of morsels.

"... and your skills in the kitchen leave something to be desired…"

"Hey what's that supposed to mean? I try my best…" he paused from scarfing down his food to sulk.

"If that's what you call trying…" she giggled.

Zelda took some time to collect some flowers to press into some old journals that she brought with her, "I didn't know you liked to do those kind of things…"

"Impa got me into it, it's just been a hobby of mine."

"Well speaking of hobbies-"

"You collect postcards right? I've seen your collection under your bed."

"Whaa? That's not cool, Zelda… Going through a guy's things…"

"You actually left it out on your desk one time, and since we're engaged I don't think it's that weird…"

"I suppose so… What flowers are you pressing?"

"This one is a daisy, these are lady slippers, and this one here is the Silent Princess- I also picked some violets and bachelor buttons too…"

"Bachelor Buttons, huh?"

"They were set into some resin and worn by bachelors- like yourself in the old days… I love the colors they come in- baby blues, fuchsia, and pinks…." she lit up as she talked about the lore of an ordinary flower.

"Would you make me one sometime, before our marriage?"

"Sure, I think the flower suits you, specially the blue ones…" she trailed off.

"Why blue?"

"Hmm, maybe it's nostalgia, or deja vu? I can't quite put my finger on it…oh well, nothing to worry about…" she shrugged and plucked a flower out to tuck into his hair, "Just as I thought, blue suits you more than green does…"

"I think both suit me just fine…" he chuckled, "But thank you kindly, I'm flattered… Now then we should keep on going if we hope to make it to the forest today."

"Why the rush?"

"Nothing really, just want to see the forest."

"I don't think so… something's up with you again, Link… You've been clutching that old sword since we left the castle."

He sighed, "I'll explain once we're there, please bear with me for a little bit longer…"

They got up and returned to the winding trail that crossed the moat that surrounded the woods.

"How much longer?" Zelda asked.

"Not much farther to go, once we cross this land bridge we'll be there…"

They soon crossed into the threshold into the forest and a thick fog surrounded them as they walked up to a lone lit torch.

"Link you idiot- this is the Lost Woods, not Faron Woods!"

"Relax, I think I've been here before," he spoke as he took an unlit torch and held it over the burning land mark till it was aflame, "We should make it to the heart of the forest if we follow the direction the embers are falling."

"Interesting… Well, you got us into this mess, you can get us out then." she said as she followed his lead, and making sure to not stray too far from his presence, "What do you think we'll find here?"

"If my gut is right, it's an old friend- I think."

"You think, huh?"

"Yep."

They slowly followed the hidden path till the fog cleared up and the trail led them to a clearing in the forest. There was a basic stone path that led to a pavilion of sorts.

"Doesn't it feel like we're being watched?"

"Maybe- I don't know... I can't sense anything malicious…"

"So maybe my gut feeling was correct."

"Or not… who knows…"

The two stepped over to the center of the platform and saw a strange triangle shaped pedestal in the middle with a slot that was perfectly sliced for the Master Sword.

"Alright, we're here, now I want to know what is going on! No more secrets Link!"

"Well, this blade is the Master Sword," he said as he withdrew the blade from it's scabbard hanging at his hip.

"You don't mean-"

"Yeah, the same one in those fables that father used to read to us as children."

"So that means…"

"I'm the reincarnated hero of courage."

Zelda stood there for a moment and broke out in a hearty laugh, "You- the hero of courage… that's rich!"

Milady, it's most certainly true, and you're the goddess incarnate.

"Fi is that you? Come on out and introduce yourself to her at least!"

"Fi?" Zelda's interest was piqued, and soon a female avatar came from the sword, dressed in colors matching the sacred blade.

I'm pleased to see that you are doing well, Zelda. I hope the best for you for the things to come.

Zelda was at a loss for words, "Goddess incarnate? Things to come? I'm completely lost…"

Allow me to fill you in my lady. Fi placed her forehead and shared her memories of Zelda's predecessors and what they did to save their kingdom.

"They… they were all princesses?! But why is it this time… this time Link's the royal and I'm the commoner?"

I can't be sure, but the goddesses love their divine pranks. Perhaps this is just one of them for the two of you. Something for your spirits to gain by living the life of the other for one lifetime…

"Sure that makes some sense… but I've never felt a holy power within me before…"

"That's where the King is going to send you to Impa's village - Kakariko. He hopes that training with the Shiekah will help you unlock and harness those powers. See you've got a near identical mark to mine on the back of your hand, that means you were chosen, Zelda."

"Are you coming with me?"

Link looked down from her face, "Sadly no, I will also begin swordsmanship lessons with the captain of the guard tomorrow. I'll make sure to see you off though, and Impa will be there for a few days till you adjust…"

Zelda stood there in silence for a moment to take in the information, "...how long is it going to take?"

"I'm not sure, neither my father nor the captain gave me so much as a clue to how long we'll be apart…"

"How about we write to each other? Maybe not everyday, but just enough to keep in touch."

"A long distance relationship, huh? I'm not opposed to that, but you have to send me some postcards along the way-"

"For your collection, of course... And I'll send you some gifts along the way, probably with Impa as she goes between the village and the castle for check in's with me."

Link pulled her in close to his chest and embraced her, "It's going to be tough, but we need to get through this. We need to be prepared for what lies ahead…"

"But really Link, are you capable with handling the blade of evil's bane? I've hardly seen you handle a sword, let alone swinging one."

"That's what the lessons are for."

"I think you're going to need a better place to put that blade though, you look like you can trip over the sheath cause you're so short…"

"I'll think about that- sunset is almost here- this is something you have to see."

Fireflies danced through the long blades of grass that surrounded the platform, and illuminated the grove in a warm glow.

"This is wonderful, by the way- did you read about them or-"

"No I've seen them before when father took me on one of his diplomatic trips to Zora's domain to the east of the castle. I figured you would like them, and I guess I thought right…" he hummed

Zelda gave a soft chuckle as they sat down on the stone below them and watched the bugs lit up around them. She gently leaned into him as she observed their dance.

Darkness began to settle on the lands as the sun slowly set.

"We should return, goddess forbid if Impa found out we stayed out late."

"True, but Link, can you lean closer to me?"

"Why-" as soon as he turned towards her face, she leaned in and placed a peck on his lips, "What… what w-was that f-for?!" he shouted as a deep red blush dyed his cheeks from the surprise and the shock.

"It's a thank you... for today, for everything," She glanced away as she broke away from him, "It's not much, but I wanted to show my appreciation."

"But a kiss?"

"It was Impa's suggestion- she said it would be a hit with you… was she wrong?

"NO- No! It just took me for a surprise," he reached to scratch the back of his head.

Zelda giggled, "Good, let's go home."

The two took their time with their journey back to the castle, it was nearly midnight before they returned, and everyone was fast asleep. Everyone except Impa of course. She was waiting for them in Link's chambers.

"Do you two know what time it is?" she asked sternly, "You realize you need to be awake in the morning to start training!"

"We know!" they both yawned.

"Good, now get some sleep. I'll come and fetch you at sunrise."

"Yes ma'am," the two replied in unison as Impa left the room.

"Hey Zelda…"

"What?"

Link pulled Zelda to his chest as they fell to the bed, he kissed her passionately. She returned his boldness by wedging her tongue past his lips. Their teeth scraped against the other's lips and their tongues probed their mouths, running through the small passage as they tasted each other.

They finally broke apart for a breath, gasping for air as they laid on the bed.

"It's about time you showed some bravery."

"I... I didn't want to… not return you kiss...before you left," he wheezed, "I don't… know when you'll… you'll be back…"

"Well thank you… I'm happy," Zelda smiled as she looked into his azure eyes as they glowed in the candlelight.

"You look more stunning that last night at the gala in your gown- I don't know how to say it, but I will remember this moment."

"You better, otherwise you won't hear the end of it from me." She glanced down to his nether region to see a tent forming through his pants. He seriously wants me, huh? But not yet, not till we're past this turmoil that's to come...

"Nor Impa," Link chuckled.

The two took turns changing into their sleepwear inside the closet, and crawled into bed. Once again, Link wrapped Zelda in his arms and pulled her in tight against his chest, spooning her in his embrace. Zelda smiled and placed a warm hand over his arms and they let sleep wash over them for the remainder of the night.


"Zelda time to get ready, we are leaving in two hours. Link the captain will meet you in the training grounds in three hours sharp."

"Yes ma'am."

"I'll leave you to it then," Impa said and left the chambers.

"What should I wear for training Zelda? I have no clue…"

"Something light, but also something that you don't mind if it gets dirty or cut up… Let me look through your wardrobe…" Zelda began to rummage through his clothes, and found a plain cotton shirt and some old pants, "Oh what's this?"

"What? What? Tell me!"

She pulled out a new leather holster out of his closet, "Tadaa! I had Impa special order it for you, it's supposed to go over your shoulder so you won't trip over that long blade anymore. It also has some buckles so you can adjust it, if you get any taller between now and when I will see you again. Here- try it on!"

Link pulled the holster over his head while Zelda took the Master Sword and slipped it into the leather bands, "Hmm, I guess it'll work for now."

"It'd better, it wasn't cheap by any means."

"Thanks, but what are you going to take with you to Kakariko?"

"Well… this and that, and definitely my stationary, as well as the hair clip you bought me yesterday."

"Sounds like you're set," he sat down and unsheathed the Master Sword and began to wipe it clean, "I think you'll have no problem with unlocking those holy powers inside of you."

"I sure hope so, some of the memories that Fi shared with me showed my predecessor had a tremendous difficulty with hers…"

Link helped Zelda carry her luggage to the castle gates where Impa waited with a pair of horses. She helped Zelda load her bags onto one of the steeds.

"You ready Zelda? Once we head off there is no going back till you succeed."

"More than ready," she replied and gave a bright smirk.

"Best of luck Zelda, remember to write, and I'll see you again."

"Of course, but I also want you to show that boldness you showed me last night."

Link went scarlet as he remembered their make out session in his bed last night, "Y-yeah, I will."

"Off we go!" Impa clicked her tongue and spurred her horse and they charged out of the castle in a full gallop.

"Well I suppose I can go to the training grounds early. A few minutes of extra practice will help me out…" Link mumbled to himself as he wandered over to the fields.

At the moment, it was barren with archery targets and training dummies lining the walls. He withdrew the blade from it's scabbard and began to swing it around.

"Your form is terrible- I can tell you've never fought before, amirite?" Link was spooked and spun around to see who was spying on his training. It was the captain, punctual as he was known to be, "Well shall we start with lesson number one, my Prince?"