Finally, a chapter 2011 me wrote that wasn't a measly half a page long...(2018)

Sorry this one's later! I've been trying to update asap. And I'm trying to come up with ideas just as fast! If the next chapter is late, it'll probably be because of the holidays. I don't know how much time I'll have to write. So anyway... I'll quit talking and let you read now.

Telma's Advice

Link didn't relax until he was back in his own quarters within the castle, accompanied only by Colin. As soon as they were alone, Colin could sense Link's relief, could see the ramrod stiffness leave his posture.

"That wasn't so bad, was it?" Colin ventured.

"It was better than I expected," Link answered, sitting down on his bed and taking off his hat. He ran his fingers through his hair with a sigh.

"What's wrong, Link?" Colin asked. "You've gotten through the hard part, right?"

"Well, one of them anyway. Now I just have to find Zelda."

"That's not a problem!" Colin was practically bouncing with excitement. "That's why you brought me along."

Link couldn't help but smile at Colin's eagerness.

"But first things first, Colin. You're going to need some armor and a few other things." Link stood and cocked his head, studying Colin. "Let's visit the armory."

Colin followed Link as he wound his way around the castle, back to the courtyard. Once there, Link turned left and headed through a garden into a second, smaller courtyard. This one was not as fancy and was filled with shops and the bustle of people. A large building that Link pointed out as the barracks stood along one wall, and a well was centered in the open space. A few houses with smoke rising from their chimnies were scattered throughout the businesses.

"Who are these people, Link?" Colin asked.

"They're all the castle staff," Link explained. "Cooks and maids, the soldiers and their families, a smithy, the armory, a farrier, the stables..." Link continued, pointing the buildings out to Colin. He steered the awe-struck boy into the armory, a long low building at the far end of the barracks. Once inside, with the door shut behind them, it was dark, cool and quiet. The walls were covered with various weapons and armor components. And from somewhere in the back of the shop came the dull thud of a hammer.

"Hey!" Link called out as he wove his way between the barrels and crates strewn across the floor.

The hammering stopped and from a back room, a wiry middle-aged man emerged. His salt-and-pepper hair and beard were short and his dark eyes held a ready smile, even though his mouth was firm and serious. "Well, if it isn't young Link!" he exclaimed, wiping his hands clean on his trousers, then extending one towards Link. Link grasped it and gave it a firm shake.

"What can I do for you, my boy?"

"Well, actually, it's my companion here who needs your help. Trent, this is Colin. Colin, Trent." Link introduced them.

"Glad to meet you, lad," Trent said to Colin, smiling and holding out his hand. As Colin shook it, he found he was already drawn to this friendly, out-going man. "So, what is it you need?" Trent grinned.

"He'll need some chain mail, for starters," Link said.

Trent tilted his head, sizing the boy up. "I think I've got a shirt that just might do it. It might need a little adjustment." Trent turned back to Link.

"Do you have Hylian shields in stock?" Link asked.

"Am I an armorer or what?" Trent replied good-naturedly. "Of course I have Hylian shields." Trent reached behind a nearby counter and pulled out a somewhat smaller version of Link's Hylian shield. It had a red background embellished by a design of gold vines encircling a golden Tri-force. "It's not the Hylian crest, but this shield is sturdy and won't burn," he said, handing it to Colin.

Colin inspected it briefly before looking up with a smile. "It's amazing," he breathed.

"Glad you think so," Trent chuckled.

"Oh," Link snapped his fingers, "and he'll need a sword."

"But I've already got a sword, Link," Colin looked puzzled.

"I think it's time you earned a man's blade."

Colin practically beamed as Trent gestured to a wall covered with swords. "We'll have to find one suited to your hand, but tell me which ones catch your eye, lad."

As Colin stood gaping at all the swords, Link slipped out the door with the excuse that he had other things to do and the promise that he would be back shortly. Link strode through the courtyard only answering those who greeted him long enough to be polite. He needed some time alone, some time to think. He wound his way back down to Castle Town's main square, past the cafe, and through the door that led up to the observation deck. He took the stairs quickly, politely refusing the Gorons' calls of "Buy something, brother!"

When he reached the top, he was alone. With a sigh, he walked to the edge of the balcony and looked down, leaning his elbows on the railing. He could feel the late afternoon sun on his back as he watched all the town residents go about their business below him. They all seemed so peaceful, so happy. Did they ever feel afraid? Did they ever wonder if they would be alive tomorrow? Did they know what it felt like to fail? Seeing their peace gave Link a sense of satisfaction though. It was really because of him that they had this peace. For a moment Link wondered what it would have been like if he was still back in Ordon. Would there be another hero? Would Hyrule still be covered in Twilight? And what would he be? Just another ranchhand? He wouldn't have become the princess' Champion, that's for sure. He wouldn't be rescuing Zelda now. Would she have found some other man to be her Hero? Link frowned. He liked being close to the princess and couldn't imagine life any other way. Just five years ago, he hadn't even dreamed of meeting the princess and now look where he was. And this was where he was going to stay. He would rescue Zelda no matter what. He would go to the ends of the earth to get her back.

Link's musings were unexpectedly interrupted by a voice behind him, "Funny meeting you up here, honey."

Link turned slowly to come face to face with none other than Telma. "Hello Telma," he greeted her cautiously.

"Did you think you could pass through Castle Town without saying hello to an old friend?" she suddenly demanded, putting her hands on her hips and leaning forward. Link couldn't help but notice the deep dip her shirt took. He quickly focused on her face again.

"I...don't know," he stuttered. "No." He shook his head. "I wasn't planning on it."

"Wasn't planning on leaving without dropping by, or wasn't planning on saying hello in the first place?"

Telma's reply brought Link up short and he turned back to the railing without answering. Truthfully, he had to admit that it was more the latter. The woman could be so frustrating. And yet, she had her virtues. Sometimes.

"I heard about the princess," Telma said, stepping up and leaning on the rail beside Link.

Link cast her a sideways glance. Where was she going with this?

"You'll have her back in no time, honey. You've got that same look in your eye as you did the first time I met you. You aren't giving up and you'll hang on until you've completed your quest, no matter the odds." Telma smiled at him. She leaned towards him and lowered her voice. "Just like a proud beast." She winked.

Link was speechless yet again. Somehow, Telma always said exactly what needed to be said exactly when it needed saying.

"She's got eyes for you, you know," Telma continued, looking out over the central square.

"What?" Link asked, startled. Telma could also change the conversation faster than anyone he knew.

"Oh, don't pretend you don't know," Telma giggled. "That princess of yours, she's got eyes for you."

When Link still didn't answer, Telma rolled her eyes with an exaggerated sigh,"What's happened to the proud young beast I used to know? You're being awfully slow, honey. If you haven't seen the way Zelda looks at you, you're blind. She believes in you. So take my advice and never, ever let her down. She loves you."

"You think so?" Link asked, breathless.

"I know so. And so do you," Telma gave him a sly look. "You just haven't let yourself know yet."

"I haven't let myself know?" Link repeated, puzzled.

"Really, honey, you do keep yourself in the dark. Look around more often. Now, I've got to get back to my bar. It's about time for my customers to show up and it'll get busy quick." Telma stood up and turned towards the stairway door. Just before she reached it, she turned back. "You'll come back with your princess, honey. I know you will. And I expect to see you both at my bar when you do!" She blew Link a kiss, then disappeared.

Link leaned back on the railing, his thoughts swirling in a tangled mess. Telma could be so cryptic. She almost talked as if she really knew what was bothering Link deep down. But she couldn't, could she? And there was no way she knew what Zelda's feelings were. Unless...they were that obvious? But no, Link shook his head with a puzzled smile. He and Zelda had certainly grown close over the last five years, but he hardly dared hope that she returned the same feelings he had for her. Well, the only way to find out would be to get her back and ask her. He cast one last glance over the darkening square. The sun was just beginning to sink behind the castle's towers, throwing the town into cool shadow. With pleasant thoughts running through his mind, he headed back downstairs. It was time to check up on Colin.

I had a lot of fun with this chapter. Telma was so much fun to write! She's perfect for being blatant in a roundabout way and telling characters exactly what they need to hear, without really letting them know it. Yay, makes perfect sense! :) Please review and tell me what you think.

This chapter actually didn't receive much editing. Just a line or two here and there. It was pretty ok the way it was (2018)