Quick note before we start! Before I mentioned shifts in POV would be separated by a line of asterisks, buuuut doesn't want to save that format. So instead they are separated by a line of alternating slashes...looks hella weird, but at least it works ^^;.

Also, thanks to you who've faved and followed so far! You get big hugs of gratitude! Any things like faves and stuff help motivate me to continue! And if theirs any suggestions or things you want to comment on, please don't hesitate to review! :3

Well, that's all! Enjoy!

It was a day before the Element Festival was to start, and the Castle was hopping with preparations. The Ceremony would take place tomorrow on the Castle grounds, right before the entrance gate, so last minute assembly and arrangements were being fine tuned and made. I tried to make myself sparse until we were to go down and have a basic rehearsal. My family had already been told the itinerary, but would practice and go over the inevitable last-minute changes in the evening. After that I promised Sarah one last training round before the Festival began; I'd be much too busy to see her during.

She'd told me not to worry about today but I insisted. I had…the dream twice more this week. Training with Impa had its benefits but Sarah was a lot more easygoing, and surprising in many ways. She was getting very good, very quickly. I had about suggested she try out for the military to be honest, but from talking with her I knew her heart was set on the ranch. The way she spoke with her horse Epona, and about her duties… I knew she loved it. She'd even taught me how to lasso! I still wasn't great, but I could usually catch a still target from horseback with her guidance.

I was currently in my room, waiting, trying to do as Impa kept suggesting and meditate on my dreams. Nothing new had made itself apparent yet, but there was something bugging me about that green light. I felt like I was missing something-something important about it. But I had always had a hard time with meditating; my mind constantly seemed to wander. It wandered now to Impa's appearance a few days ago, and how she'd implied Father had sent her to watch me.

With how busy it had been lately I'd still been unable to talk with him about it. I was trying not to get mad at him, but it was hard not to. After telling me he was okay with me leaving the Castle, why have me watched? He himself said I had been training most my life for this; did he expect me not to be ready if monsters were sprung on me? Hell, I'd probably be with Sarah when it happened and she'd do half the work. That thought was comforting, but a small part of me was angry at just how fast she was catching up with me. I'd trained for half my life, her, mere weeks, and she was already on par with my abilities from when I was about…13 or so? I agreed with Impa, she very much had a warrior's spirit. Perhaps in a past life she'd been one. It would explain a lot.

Maybe I should just ask Impa about it again. I'd probably be able to talk to her privately before I could Father. It may be true she simply couldn't reveal her actions because of Sarah being there. I kept forgetting she was a commoner and didn't have the same privilege to information I had.

Oh…wait, I should really be concentrating on my dream. I took a deep breath and tried to clear my mind of everything else…

There was a light rap at my door. I opened my eyes with a sigh. So much for this. "Come in." I called as I stood from the mat I'd been sitting on.

One of Mother's Lady-in-Waiting, Seres, opened the door, and soon after Mother herself stepped inside.

"Mother, to what do I owe the pleasure?" She didn't usually come visit me in my room…

"I was hoping to speak with you, my son," she said in her regal, sunken voice, and swept herself benevolently into one of the armchairs by my door. She extended her hand to the seat opposite. "Please, my Kagen, sit with me."

Well, she used my full name so I must be in trouble. I made my way over and sat straight in my usually comfy reading chair, getting ready for a lecture.

"Seres, you may wait for us outside." I was even more confused now. Why send a trusted servant away when they were sworn to silence on personal matters? Especially Seres; she may be young but she was one of Mother's most trusted maids.

"Of course, my Queen." Seres bowed and stepped out, closing the door softly behind her.

"What is it you wish to speak about, Mother?"

"As you know, Kagen, many have travelled here to celebrate this week of festivities," Mother began, studying a vase of flowers on the small table between us, then tutting at their arrangement. "Our people, both peasant and noble, as well as friends from various neighbouring lands. As the reigning family of Hyrule we must show our unity and commitment to our fair country during this time, where all eyes will be on us." Mother's dark eyes were fixed on me now.

Ahh. I knew where this was going. Though she usually made a comment here or there while we were in other company; at dinner, around servants, even ambassadors… She'd not yet pulled me aside to have this talk. I guess she figured this way I couldn't back out of it.

"This being the case, I was curious. You know that during the Element Ball, we, as the Royal Family, are expected to take partners and dance before all other's in attendance. Have you yet considered a suitable partner?"

I lent back in my chair, folding my fingers together much like Father often did. After a deep breath I replied, "No, I have not."

"Then, perhaps, a few suggestions would help. From Labrynna, both of Crown Prince Ralph's daughters, Rue and Nambi, shall be in attendance– "

"Mother," I cut her off, "I'm sure by now you've spoken with Father about my dreams of late."

She was noticeably displeased with me having interrupted her. "I have," she replied curtly.

"So I'm sure you can understand, why, at this time, my greatest concerns are not on whom I shall take as a partner at some modest dance."

Mother's eyes narrowed. "Even if this ancient, time-worn prophecy does come to pass, it does not mean you can simply stop being a Prince of Hyrule at your leisure, Kagen."

I chuckled coolly. "You still doubt it's truth, with my premonitions and being marked as such?" I asked, raising my interlaced fingers to show the Triforce symbol predominant on my hand.

"I said no such thing!" Mother snapped as I pressed her buttons. "It is irrelevant, as I said, anyway. You are still a member of the Royal Family, as little as you normally wish to act as such. Our country and your Father's good name must be upheld by all of us, no matter the personal worry or strife we bare."

"Have you told that to Zelda?" I snickered.

Mother looked severe. "Your sister is not part of this conversation, Kagen. She may be…vexing on purpose but that does not give you the right to by proxy, either. I will be having a talk with Zelda as well, but as for now, you–"

Mother was interrupted once again, this time by a hazardous knock on my door. It was swung open before either of us could react.

"I heard my naaaame!" Zelda proclaimed from the doorframe. To the side a concerned looking Seres held up her hands pleadingly toward her, seemingly having tried (and failed) to stop her from entering.

Mother's face was like marble, eyes growing ever more impatient toward her uncooperative children. "Zelda, please. I am having a conversation with your brother."

Zelda skipped into the room. "And now you're having one with me too! Funny how that works, huh?"

"Zelda…" Mother began in warning tone.

"Oh, you're all here," came a new voice from the door. I glanced up to see Donovan standing there, looking a bit confused. Seline was by his side, wearing a similar yet more reserved expression. "We were just passing by. Impa here informed us they were ready for us at the stage. Shall we all go together?" I looked closer…just visible in the far shadows Impa stood soundlessly.

Zelda giggled. "That's what I was told too, so I came to tell Kage! C'mon, mum, let's get going."

"Zelda, for the sake of the Goddesses, please speak properly." Mother said as she stood to leave with the ever-growing company by my door.

"Don'tcha like how I be talkin', huh?" Zelda ran head with a cackle, chased by my Mother's heavy sighs.

"Come, Seres, let us go," Mother ordered the only person who seemed to be listening to her today, and Seres quickly turned in step behind her. Don and Seline followed shortly after.

I left my room and before I could turn Impa had already shut my door. "Come now, my Prince, let us make hast with the rest."

I followed half a step behind. Everyone was around, so now was probably not the best time to ask Impa of her orders. "Where is Father?" I asked simply, thinking no misconceptions could come from that question.

"He is already on his way. We mustn't keep him waiting long, the King still has much to do before the Ceremonies begin."

Right… I bent my head in thought as we walked, planning multiple contingencies on how I could stop and talk to him alone for a few minutes.

Luckily, none of those plans were needed. After a quick explanation of how the Ceremony would go and a speech from Father we were dismissed. It hardly seemed worth all the trouble of a rehearsal to be honest. I hung back as most my family stood to leave, waiting on Father to finish speaking with Rauru. He was one of the older Castle ambassadors, and the main speaker for the Elemental Ceremony.

"You coming, bro?" Zelda turned to me when she noticed I wasn't getting up to leave with the rest of them.

"I'll be right there, Zelda. I just need to speak to Father a moment."

"Heh, good luck. Might have to wait 'til next century."

"Funny." Father put a hand on her shoulder from behind and she jumped. "Now run along, little one. I saw your Mother glaring daggers at you all throughout rehearsal, and wouldn't want to her to withhold the lecture I'm sure you thoroughly earned any longer."

"But daaaad," Zelda began to whine.

"Shall I escort the Princess to the Castle, my Liege?" Impa stepped forward from guarding the stairs to our seating area.

Zelda's face froze. If there was one person she was intimidated by, it was Impa. I could hardly blame her; when I was her age Impa seemed like an unmoving wall. She still sort of was. "Uhh, nope, I'm good," she finally squeaked, "I was just leaving."

"Good girl." Father ruffled her hair as she ducked out of his reach and scampered off to join everyone else. Father looked to me, warmth leaving his face. "What is it you wanted to talk about, Kage? Is it to do with you're dreams?"

I had yet to stand, leaning heavily back in my chair with my arms crossed. "I have a single question," I said, not looking at either Father or Impa, but dead ahead. "All I need is a simple yes or no answer. But I would appreciate the truth."

"Of course, my son. What is it?" Father sounded dumbfounded.

"Did you or did you not send Impa to watch me while I've been away from the Castle?"

There was a long silence. I was just about to assume yes and leave when Impa spoke up.

"If I may, my Liege." She stepped forward from Father and I looked at her sceptically. Father gave her a curt nod, glancing to the floor.

"My Prince, when I told you my order's were classified, it was not for such a straightforward reason. I…was ordered to find the Maiden by the King. After looking over all we knew and devising ways to do this, I hypothesized that you, being the Hero, may be…naturally drawn to the Maiden. I was watching you and your commoner friend of my own volition, to see if this might be the case."

I blinked. "You think Sarah might be the Maiden?" I almost laughed. Sarah was the least maiden-like person I knew. Hell, even Zelda would wear a dress, and dare not touch a sword!

"It is simply a possibility I considered."

"You've made friends outside the Castle?" Father suddenly added.

I smirked. "More like a friend, but yes."

"I'm…glad to hear that." Father seemed at a loss for words after Impa's speech. I sighed.

"I'm sorry, Father, for doubting you. I've just been thinking a lot… Much too much I suppose, about all this, and I took it out on you. I apologize." He smiled sadly and nodded. Poor Father, he must be very worried about my well being on top of all his other duties. I wished I didn't have to worry him so; why did I have to get so absorbed in thinking he ordered me to be followed? But Impa's theory brought new questions to mind. I stood.

"I suppose I could see if Sarah has the Triforce mark. I doubt it, but it should be fairly simple to check." All I'd have to do is ask her to take her gloves off. I didn't remember ever seeing her barehanded before, but with the riding and swordplay I'd not been either. And I was seeing her tonight.

"That would be a great help to my search, my Prince. I would appreciate your assistance." Impa bowed to me. "I apologize, my Prince, for…misleading you."

Whoa… Impa had never asked such a favour of me before, nor apologized like this. Maybe after she'd mentioned about underestimating my abilities, she was trying to show she had more trust in me? This felt really weird, but kind of nice.

"No problem Impa, I'll check as soon as I can. I should be going now though. Sorry for holding you up for such a silly question, Father. Good luck with your work." I headed to the staircase, to get ready to meet with Sarah, and ask her a few questions…

/ \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \ / \

I frowned as my son left Impa and myself alone in the opera box.

"Impa, you do not need to lie for me."

She bent low. "I apologize, my Liege. You ordered me to protect the Prince as long as I was able. I merely…assumed that also meant from yourself as well."

I sighed and glanced up to the reddening sky.

"…thank you, Impa."

"Of course, my Liege."

Facts that are Fast (well, maybe not this time…oops!)

So, time to explain the Royal kid's names, if you're interested! First off, as mentioned, Zelda is obvious. Traditional naming of Royal girls, as mentioned in the story. To differentiate them through the ages though, they're often given a title from their deeds (like Zelda the Conqueror, instead of being like Zelda LXVIII or some crazy number like that [but the royal family does keep track of their number too]).

Donovan, first born and to inherit the throne, was named by the King. He wanted something a bit out of the ordinary but still a solid name, as I figure his personality would sort of show.

Kage (or Kagen) was named by his mother. It's was her favourite Uncle's, and an old Holodrum name. You'll see her name later, which is another I made up! Making up fantasy names is fun :3.

Also, I pronounce Kagen like you would say Cage-en, and Kage like Cage. But whatever pronunciation you like, go for it! Not like I'm in the pronunciation police :P