I was going to hold this chapter off to upload later because I kind of feel like my updates are coming too soon... I decided I would upload it anyway because it makes me happy that I'm able to give you guys more content. I'm always grateful to those that fav and follow me. Even to those readers who come just to read I thank you.

Neetyneet: I'm happy you like how I portrayed his character. I try and base his personality around the choices you are given to say to npcs. Link can be quite the jokester.

Hendrewen: I love Epona too, I figured her spirit would also be strong and wise since she also seems to be a reincarnation in botw (or something similar.). Even to those readers who come just to read I thank you.

Please enjoy!


"Twee Hee!" the little korok jumped up and down with glee. Glancing over my shoulder at the princess I waited till she was within sight to drop the rock on the little creature's head. "Ugh!" the spirit leaped around happily looking up at me as if I hadn't just made yet the 900th attempt to smash it and it's brethren. The princess also seemed to pay no heed as she kept walking past me. My eyes trailed after each step she took, marveling and how much grace seeped from practically everything she did. I looked up at the bright sky, it was such a nice day with hardly a cloud in sight.

"You know I think after a week of silence I'm starting to run out of ideas…" I reached out and pat the koroks head. "I'm sure she's starting to think me a fool, all this randomness I've resorted to." I poked the creature, it's stomach caving against the pressure before filling out again.

"Twee Hee!" It wriggled around and swung its arms in the air.

"You're right, I have to be confident for my...the princess.." giving the little spirit one last tap on the head I jogged up ahead to catch up with her. "Hello M'lady, did you know kicking a cucco one too many times will cause a swarm of them to come out of nowhere and attack you?" her footsteps paused and she stared at me, mouth open in disbelief, least I assumed. I just nodded and continued walking, careful not to crack a smile. The corner of her lips twitched but she remained steadfast and shook her head, continuing down the path though her pace had quickened. I smirked either she was pissed or shocked but if I knew the princess at all, and we'll I guess I knew her more than most. She was pissed. At this point I would gladly take a good hollering from her, I almost felt like her silence went from religious reasons to just trying to urk me. Which she has, is and I wasn't liking any of it.

"M'lady, do you want to go see the Great Deku Tree after your done at the spring of courage?" she gave a curt nod but didn't look my way. "You know, he misses you…" she put her hand over her heart and bowed her head. I kicked a stone 'sheesh I don't know what to do anymore.' pulling my sword out I started hacking at the surrounding grass absentmindedly a sudden glowing ball of light flew from the grass. Swiping it from the air I cupped it in my hands.

"M'lady, look at this." I held it over to her but she hardly glanced my way. I huffed in irritation and placed the delicate creature in a small jar before placing it in my bag. A sudden poof sound caught my attention and I tensed up, that sounded way to familiar. "My Lady...don't move." I carefully took my bow off my back and hooked an arrow. She paused and turned to face me. Slowly I approached the princess and stood in front of her, bow aimed. She placed her hands on my shoulders and squeezed slightly. I heard another poof behind me then the sudden woosh of an arrow cutting through air.

"Haha!" Turning as fast as I could time almost froze as I reached out over her shoulder and caught the offending arrow in my hand, knocking her down in the process. Loosing an arrow a second later I hit the masked fiend dead center in the middle of the reversed eye. With a low thud his body hit the ground bouncing a bit before lying still. Tossing the arrow in my hand aside I turned my attention to the princess who was lying beneath me, her legs folded back under herself.

"I'm sorry M'lady. I should have noticed his presence sooner." I leaned back on my heels, my head suddenly spinning from the movement. She covered her mouth with her hand and scrambled to her feet.

"Oh..Heavens…" I felt my spirits lift at the sound of her voice though the terror in her eyes quickly smothered my mood.

"What is it? Are you hurt?" she shook her head, glancing at the sky and hanging her head before letting her hand drop to her side.

"You are hurt! Your shoulder!" I looked down at the area she was pointing at to see one of the yigas arrows lodged in my shoulder.

"Damn double arrows… I didn't even consi-" I suddenly felt faint and held my head, grasping the shaft of the arrow I pulled it out of my shoulder, blood oozing from the wound freely. "Ngh, Damn…" I covered my mouth, pushing back the sudden urge to throw up.

"Oh goddesses no! It was poisoned, your blood is thickening."

"I-Ill be fine." my vision started blurring and I found myself fighting to just stay awake.

"No no no." she hurriedly ripped the fabric of my tunic away from the wound and began inspecting it, biting her lip. My head started spinning, unable to hold it back any longer I leaned over to the side and started dry heaving. Evidence of my lack of nutrition for the past few days as I decided I couldn't indulge myself in such luxuries if my princess was refusing to. My muscles felt like they were in fire, every limb was losing feeling and fast. Hands holding my head against her chest she spoke in such a quick mutter I couldn't make out her words.

"M-M'lady...in my-" she held her finger to my lips.

"Don't strain yourself! Please just…" I could hardly catch the rest of her words with how fast my head was spinning. I kept trying to get to her but she kept silencing me, I turned over as my stomach retched yet again, nothing but a bunch of saliva filled my mouth and I went into a coughing fit. I didn't have much time. Forcing myself to sit up I ended up just falling forward, my forehead resting on her shoulder. In a last attempt to get through to her I whispered her name for the first time in years.

"Z-Zelda!... A fairy..in my bag. Get it…" her response was muffled and frantic and I lost my grip on consciousness before I could finish my sentence.


"Please don't worry about the price, I want you to eat whatever you like."

"Are you sure Your Highness?" practicing as much restraint as possible I still couldn't help but eye the open buffet in anticipation. The princess nodded and smiled warmly, something I wasn't quite used to.

"Of course, please do not even think twice on it." Holding her gaze for just a moment I quickly went to work filling my plate. It had been so long since I last had a decent meal. The atmosphere was nice and comforting, the people of Castle town chatted amongst themselves freely, many unaware of the evils we were trying so hard to prevent. I was working on my third plate when the princess cleared her throat, freezing in my tracks I turned to face her though my hand continued to reach for the piece of gourmet meat whispering my name.

"Um, yes Your Highness?" straightening herself and folding her hands on the table she pushed aside her drink before continuing.

"I wanted to apologize, for what I did last week." casually stuffing the delicacy in my mouth I raised my brow up high, What could she be talking about? Before I could ask her what she meant she spoke up again, though I could tell she had a difficult time raising her voice above the loud music and talking of the tavern.

"You have been so diligent in your duties, ever since- no, even before you were chosen by the sword...you have always served the royal family so diligently. You and your family. Your work is truly commendable and I know you have made your father proud. I can not imagine what it must feel like being so well I mean, having the spotlight on you all the time it has to make you nervous. Fill you with unease even, I know it can not be easy but you make it look so easy and I-" she frowned, her shoulders slumped and she leaned against the back of the padded booth behind her. I just blinked at her, I was a bit taken aback at how much she was speaking to me. "Look at me, I'm rambling! what I am trying to say, is I am sorry Sir Link, I have treated you poorly and I'm sure I have made you feel unwelcomed. I am sorry for snapping at you then...I know you were only doing your job. I'm just not used to having a body guard follow me around so, so much? I miss being independent but ever since the monster sightings started to become more frequent it is as if I am chained. What oh no I'm not talking ill of you but-"

"Apology accepted Your Highness." her mouth hung open for a quick second before she closed it slowly, a fine shade of pink blossomed in her cheeks and she took sip of her drink, her chest near heaving as she caught her breath from how fast her words were spilling from her mouth.

"Well then, Let us start over. I would like us to be friends." she stood and held her hand out to me. "I dema- request you treat me as an equal." I looked at her outstretched hand then at the way her lips pressed together tightly. Could that be part of the reason she requested I meet her in this tavern? she wanted to feel more like a civilian? Judging by the look on her face she wasn't quite used to the rowdy behavior and the loud upbeat strings in the background. I stood and gently took her hand in mine, turning it over so the back of her hand was facing the ceiling, leaning forward I just barely brushed my lips against her hand.

"It is quite the pleasure to make your acquaintance my lady." she scoffed and pulled her hand away, holding it against her chest her cheeks once again a brilliant shade of pink.

"What was that? I know you don't greet your fellow Knights in such a manner!" I grinned and stood up to my full height and shrugged.

"Unfortunately for you M'lady, I am a gentlemen first, a knight second. My mother would be appalled had she seen me greet a lady in any other way." placing her hands on her hips she stuck her bottom lip out in a pout.

"Well, I suppose we'll just have to work on that, As long as we are not in the castle then. I suggest you drop the titles."

"Only time can tell M'lady." with an irritated huff she stood and paid the tab, pulling the hood over her head so as not to call attention to herself she exited the building. For the first time in a very long while I had the widest grin plastered on my face, following after her I could only hope everything would turn out okay.


I opened my eyes slowly and looked around. Where the heck was I? The princess! I sat up quickly only to be pushed back down against the soft bed.

"No sudden movements! You must take it easy...you were out for days. I thought…" she shook her head. "This strange light flew out of your bag while I was looking for medicine. It disappeared quickly though. I had Epona help me take you to A nearby stable. She's such a loyal friend."

"It was the fairy I found. I wanted to show you but I suppose I had already been on your last nerve."

"A… Fairy?" The puzzled look on her face caught me off guard.

"You could not see it?" I gave her a quizzical look, 'how could she not see them? I swore she spoke about them in the past. Could that be why she didn't react to how I was tormenting the korok?'

"Well never mind that. I'm so glad you're alright." She smiled, tears forming in the brim of her eyes. "You had me so worried."

"I'm sorry M'lady" I sat up slowly and stretched my shoulder "I didn't mea-" my eyes widened, my cheek slowly began to swell up. I touched The skin tenderly. "Uh, M'lady?"

"I was so scared…" she put her hand down and sighed "and you made me break my vow." I blinked at her a few times then grinned.

"Took me long enough." She stared at me for a moment then started laughing quietly. The sound just about filled my soul with pride. She placed her hand on my cheek, caressing my skin gently. Giving my cheek a light tap she stood up and went to the door.

"I'll go get you some tea. Don't go anywhere yet ok?" leaving the room she closed the door behind her. I stood up and got dressed, stretching my body out to try and get the stiffness out. Rubbing the back of my neck I rolled up the curtain of the window and sat on the sill.

"I really need to start training again. Especially if I am going to be making stupid mistakes like this. I'm lucky that fiend didn't have any back up with him, it's not uncommon for them to pop up in small groups." I absentmindedly peeled some of the chipped paint from the sill "I need to also start thinking more before I say or do something...my father would be disappointed...my dad?" I blinked, a slight gasp leaving my lips. "That, dream...was a memory?" I smiled slightly and looked up at the door as the princess returned, steaming mug in hand.

"How do you feel?" she handed me the mug and sat on a stool across from me.

"I feel completely fine, though I am ashamed I let something so foolish get the better of me." she shook her head.

"No, don't worry about it please. You saved me yet again." I nodded deciding to drop it, taking a sip from the tea I close my eyes in content. The warm liquid filled my system and helped relax my muscles. I looked at the princess from over the rim of the mug, who was fiddling with her fingers in silence. She had on a new tunic, a dark navy blue that hung loosely on her shoulders, a wide belt wrapped around her waist that defined her full figure. The pants that hugged her legs were tucked into some brown lace up boots that stopped at her knees, her hair was tied up into a messy bun with multiple strands hanging loose around her face.

"Um, hello, Link?" she waved her hand in my face and I jumped slightly 'Damn, I was staring again…' scratching the back of my head I cleared my throat.

"Well, I remembered that time you gave me a peace offering."

"What? a peace offering? what do yo- Ooh, you do?" she laughed and smiled "You ate so much food I was expecting you to bust at any moment...which reminds me. I bought a lot of food for you, it's waiting for you in the guest area. So you better eat it all up cause I won't take no for an answer." she stood and crossed her arms.

"Well, are you going to eat any?"

"No, I can't break that vow too." I scoffed and crossed my arms as well. "Well then Princess, you are just going to have to join me or force it down my throat."

"...why do I feel like you are mocking me?" her eyes narrowed into small slits. I answered her right as she finished speaking, my eyes locked with her own. I wanted her to get the message, I would not budge no matter what she tried.

"Never M'lady"

"You must understand that I must do whatever I can to strengthen my connection with the goddesses, if that means abstaining from physical luxuries then that's what I'll do." I shook my head waving my hand, dismissing her words.

"I mean no disrespect M'lady but I can hardly classify food as physical luxuries." She put her hand at her temple and sighed, muttering to herself she turned to leave the room.

"I stand by my decision." with a click of the door she was gone.

"Hmph, how troublesome." getting my stuff together I joined her downstairs sure enough a very generous amount of food was neatly set out on one of the small tables, my mouth watered at The sight. I went to stand by the princess who was waiting for me by the table.

"Doesn't it look lovely?"

"Mhm sure does. Too bad I can't eat it." she turned to stare at me disbelief in her eyes.

"Link!" I pointed to someone in the nearby bed taking an afternoon nap. She blushed and continued in a whisper "Link, we talked about this." I nodded and held up the Sheikah Slate.

"Do you remember this M'lady?" I waved it in her face As if it were a slab of meat. A fire lit in her eyes and she smiled widely.

"Of course I do! That is what we left for you in hopes to guide you through your journey…" her look deflated to something more akin to sorrow. Determined to bring the light back in her eyes I showed her all of the runes installed on the slate.

"Version 3.0" I winked and held up a peace sign "Fully upgraded as well. I even filled out the Hyrule Compendium." she clapped her hands together with glee

"No way! You've documented every monster, tree, plant and weapon known in Hyrule?" I grinned and crossed my arms with a nod.

"That's right."

"Oh pleeeease let me see it!" she held her hands out in excitement. Suppressing the smirk tugging at my lips I picked up a small dinner roll and held it by her mouth.

"Then you have to eat, or I'll forbid you from seeing my research." she gasped, the look on her face would have made anyone walking into the conversation think I had slapped her.

"Link! you can not do that!"

"I can, it's not really a big deal." I shrugged and put the slate back on my waist "Just a bunch of pictures"

"Just a bunch of pictures! you did all this work and that's all you have to say?! I can't believe you'll put it off as if it was nothing! I can't even fathom the idea of thinking about it like that! this is history!" I gave her my best indifferent look and sat in one of the stools.

"Well Princess, looks like you'll never get your delicate little hands on all the hard work I put into organizing and cataloguing everything I came across on my oh so long and strenuous journey. You wouldn't believe the places I've been or the creatures I've found. Not to mention, the surprisingly useful elixirs I discovered. All. By. Myself." I grinned triumphantly, I had never really thought about all the effort I put into the Sheikah Slate until now. It felt really good knowing I was doing more than just hacking and slashing as I went. Even better, I had something to hold against the princess the mere thought delighted me more than I thought necessary. Though, I wasn't going to dwell on it because enjoying the moment was so much easier.

"YOU, are absolutely insufferable!" she covered her face with her hands and slumped on the stool next to me.

"And you are absolutely impossible my dear princess."

"You know how much I love this type of thing. To study the wildlife, the plants and minerals! I only ever got to travel thanks to my visitations to the springs and divine beasts. Parts of Hyrule I have never even dreamed of visiting...and you are being stingy!" I couldn't help the laugh that escaped and I smirked.

"No, I wouldn't say that. you can't expect me to simply give my research to just anyone." her mouth fell agape once again and she stood quickly, knocking the stool down and pointing to herself dramatically.

"I am not just anyone Link! I am th-" I cleared my throat and sent her a cheeky grin.

"You best be careful what you say highness." I clicked my tongue and shook my head, she grumbled angrily and sat back down, only to fall on her butt thanks to knocking down the chair just a few seconds prior. I stared at her wide eyed and held my breath, not sure how to react to what had just happened. Yes it was comical but I would never forgive myself if she injured herself and I laughed. Her bottom lip stuck out in defiance and she glared up at me.

"I hate you." sees as she didn't react much to her fall I decided to continue on with the game, I was starting to enjoy taunting her. Throwing my hand up to clutch my chest I gasped.

"M'lady! you could never! say it isn't so." I stood and held my hand out to help her but she ignored it and stood on her own, brushing herself off while she kept her glare locked on my face of feigned offense. I held her gaze for a long moment before I raised my eyebrows up and down, the smirk still plastered on my face. She blushed deeply and stomped her foot.

"What the h-" I cut her off by shoving the dinner roll in her mouth.

"There. Doesn't that taste good?" she stood there and glared at me the roll still in her mouth. I couldn't keep it in anymore and I let the laughter escape me. She stood there in silence for a second and just stared before sighing and pulling the bread roll from her mouth and taking a small bite from it.

"There are you happy now you insufferable beast?" she fixed the stool and sat down with a huff. I knelt next to her and handed her the Sheikah Slate my expression softening.

"Yes, thank you M'lady." I reached over and opened the Hyrule Compendium, the gasp that followed made my heart swell. She clicked on the first entry that gave details about the wild horses of Hyrule. Her eyes seemed to glow brighter with each entry she read through, she absent mildly finished the roll while she read. I just stayed there kneeling by her side in silence content with just watching the life in her eyes. After about five entries she turned to me and placed her hand on my cheek.

"Thank you Link, I'm sorry I said I hated you, please know I did not mean it.I hope You can deal with me just a bit longer..." Just like at the Spring of Wisdom she caressed my skin gently with her thumb. This time it seemed to burn slower and sent a chill down my spine. I closed my eyes and couldn't help but lean into her touch. Though I had assumed she had just said she hated me in her frustration I couldn't help but feel relieved knowing she hadn't meant it. I bit my lip and sighed, realization clawing in the pit of my stomach. I was infatuated with the princess, dread filled my heart as quickly as the realization had hit because I knew nothing would ever come of it. I knew I should have shut the thought down as soon as it came yet, looking in her eyes I couldn't stifle the hope that filled my chest. Each word she spoke made my heart skip though she hadn't said anything out of the ordinary. I looked up at her and smiled my head might have well been in her lap with how close I was to her. I answered her quietly, ignoring the cold pain beginning to take over my senses.

"Always."