One Week Later. "Loren, where are you headed?" Zelda asked her sister as she crossed paths with her.
"Oh, I'm just heading for Telma's…"
"Are you seeing Marlon again, Loren?" Zelda asked, with a look of disapproving worry on her face.
"Well, yeah…" Loren shrugged.
"Why, Loren? He treats you horribly. Why do you put up with that?"
"It doesn't bother me…" Loren looked at the ground.
"Loren, I have the Triforce of Wisdom. No point in lying to me."
Loren heaved a sigh, and said, "Fine…look Zelda…I can't say I think highly of myself, and he knows just what to say to break me down to nothing. Seems he cannot do anything to me physically, so he attacks me psychologically…so I just stick it out, so at least I can have some sort of control…"
"Loren, that's just silly. Why would you let some petty man-child tell you what you're worth?" came Zelda's exasperated response.
"It's not that simple, Zelda…besides, it's not like he can hurt me anywhere near as much as Link could…so I have power over my emotions."
"Loren, I swear if I thought it would work I would knock some sense into your head! That's NOT what power is! It's like you've become a living zombie!" Zelda said loudly, with emotion.
"Zelda, I have to go. Besides, you don't know the half of it…" Loren turned to leave.
"I know more than you think! I can sense…his presence within your mind. What exactly is he doing to your mind?"
"It's no one's concern but my own, Zelda. Farewell." Loren walked out the door and headed straight for the bar.
"Ah, welcome my pet! Have a seat. I brought a friend along." Marlon greeted Loren when she arrived. He just so happened to have Kiyana, Link's ex, in his lap.
"Oh, we've met. So what, am I gonna get some girl on girl action with this broad?" Loren said nonchalantly as she sat down.
"Pfft, please. I'm not sharing her with you. Nor am I sharing you with her. Too bad I can't attach your head to her body, it would make things so much easier."
"Such a charmer you are, Marlon…" Loren rolled her eyes and grabbed a roll out of the basket on the table. "We all know that Kiyana wouldn't give you the time of day if Link actually wanted her…"
"Bitch, it's because he can't handle real curves like the ones she's got." Marlon said condescendingly as he fondled Kiyana's breasts. "So sexy, makes me harder than a rock. See my pet, this is what a real woman looks like." Kiyana just gave her a smug expression.
"Right, they look like 12-year-old boys with melons glued to their chest. Very sexy indeed." came Loren's deadpan response.
"Well, you certainly have your redeeming qualities. Now would you order something, already? Order whatever you want."
"Thanks. But I must excuse myself to the ladies' room…" Loren stood up and headed for the toilet room, and washed her hands.
"There you go, my Dark Princess. Just shut off any and all emotions. You're worthless to some…but worth very much to me. Your power…your potential…I can appreciate your many gifts."
"Right…you really underestimate me. I won't do your evil bidding. I'm not weak-willed like those other drones of yours…"
"Ha ha ha…I swear I like you more every second. You're making this fun for me."
"Huh. You'll be head over heels by the time this is over then…"
"Loren? Who are you talking to?" Ilia emerged from one of the stalls and startled Loren.
"Ilia! Oh, hey. Um…no one. I'm just…thinking out loud! What brings you here?"
"Kieran and I are on a date. Loren, whose evil bidding? Who's trying to control you? You can talk to me, you know…" Ilia said with genuine concern.
"Ilia, I don't want you getting involved…"
"Well, we're all here for you if you decide to tell us what's going on. I need to get back to Kieran though. Loren…he's wonderful. I'm really happy, and I hope you'll find happiness too…" Ilia gave a sweet smile and left the rest area.
"Hmm…" Loren smiled slightly and also left the area. Suddenly, someone walked up behind her and covered her eyes with their hands. Then she felt that person smell her hair. "Oh, the smell of trees, sweaty goats, and is small in stature…" Loren giggled, then turned around to see Link standing in front of her.
"Milady, it's been a while!" Link smiled at her, setting her heart aflutter.
"It has, Hero." Loren smiled back, making Link blush. "That rapid heartbeat…haven't felt this since we kissed in his treehouse."
The two of them stood there and stared awkwardly at each other for a few seconds, then Link said, "So…how are you? Um…did you know your new boyfriend has my ex-girlfriend all over him?"
"Ugh…yes…typical, really. He's such a jerk."
"Ok…so why are you with him?" Link raised his eyebrow.
"Well, he's not always like that…besides, there's no love, so I can't get hurt. So I win." Loren replied, shrugging.
"Yeah…Milady, I love you, but you sound incredibly selfish right now…"
"Really, and why's that?" Loren asked, with an exasperated expression.
"Maybe it's because, I dunno, I'd treat you like a queen and yet you've completely rejected me, just because you're afraid? Milady, what are you so damn afraid of!?" Link replied, with increasing heartbreak in his voice.
"I'm sorry, Link. I can't allow myself to fall for someone. I must have power over my feelings. I must control my emotions to protect myself."
"Hello? Is there anyone in there?" Link poked Loren's forehead. "Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?"
"I'm right here, Link…" came Loren's serene reply.
Link had a pained expression on his face. "Loren…it's like I barely know you…"
"Link…I have to get back to my table…please, take care." she squeezed his shoulder as she walked away. "Ugh…why can't I get rid of these feelings for him? Come on Loren, don't let him get to you…" She quickly waved to Marlon as she walked back to her table. Suddenly, she felt someone grab her butt. She quickly grabbed the culprit by the wrist and twisted it, and growled in the large man's face, "Don't you touch me, you dickless panty-waste…"
"Well, you're a real bitch, aren't you?" the man said, somewhat angrily. "I oughta slap your goddamn face and put you in your place!"
Link quickly shuffled over to where the confrontation was and said, gruffly, "Sir, I'm gonna have to ask you to leave." The wolfish expression on his face showed that he was struggling to remain calm.
"Boy, I ain't going nowhere." The man used one arm to push Loren as he said, "This little slut needs to learn to not mouth off-UWAGH!" Link quickly interrupted the man by grabbing his head and slamming his face into the table, then he jerked him up, dragged him to the door, and threw him out.
Everyone stopped what they were doing to watch what was taking place, Loren, completely slack-jawed, and Telma looking amused, since she had an astronomically low tolerance for rude people. She had hired Link part time to deal with shady characters in her bar. Marlon looked on indifferently, and Kiyana looked nearly aroused. Link didn't stop at throwing the man out, he darted through the door after the man and began beating him relentlessly, to the point that Kieran and Ilia hastily left their table to go try to pull Link off of the man.
"Link, snap out of it, you'll kill him!" Kieran shouted as he put Link in a full nelson and pulled him back into the bar.
"And stay out!" Ilia shouted to the man as she walked back inside after Kieran and Link.
"Kieran, let me go…" Link grumbled at his friend.
Kieran complied and asked, "Link, what was that? I understand why you threw him out…but I've never seen you get that angry before."
"Hero…wow, that was…really something else." Loren said when she walked up to him, blushing very slightly.
"Well, I guess you just bring out the worst in me, Milady!" Link replied, with a heartfelt smile.
"I appreciate it, Link." Loren giggled and shrugged.
Meanwhile, a few tables away, Kiyana turned her attention towards Link and said, "Oh my…he's so strong…those muscles…"
"What the fuck did you just say?" Marlon stood up and backhanded Kiyana so hard she yelped and hit the floor. He then kicked her in the side. "You worthless little slut…"
Link saw what was happening, and walked over to them, grabbed Marlon by the ear, and dragged him out of the bar, and kicked him in the butt, sending him through the door. He walked back over to Kiyana and said, "You ok?"
"I'm fine…ugh…thank you so much, Link…"
"Don't get the wrong idea. Guys like that really piss me off. It's just common courtesy to not hit a lady…well, woman…" Link said as he helped her up.
"I see…" Kiyana heaved a sigh and sat back down at her table.
"Don't you dare show your face in this bar EVER again! Neither ONE of you two ruffians!" Telma was heard shouting at Marlon and the man who accosted Loren. "I swear, men like them should be locked up. You sure picked a real winner, Loren." she glanced at Loren, with a motherly look of disapproval on her face. Loren bowed her head shamefully. "Well…goodnight, everyone." she walked out of the bar and teleported back to the castle.
"Damn it…what's gotten into her?" Link asked as he, Kieran, and Ilia sat at the bar. "That's not the Loren I know…that's not…my princess." Link heaved a sigh, and said to Telma, "Give me something strong, please…"
"Sure thing, hun. I worry about her too. She's a really good person, who, for some reason, feels the need to put up walls." Telma said with genuine concern, as she poured Link a drink and handed it to him.
"Is this my fault? Where did I go wrong to drive her into this depression?" Link said with despair in his tone as he took a large gulp of his whiskey. "It burns…this whiskey burns like my desire for the Ice Princess…" he said, sardonically.
"Link, don't be like that." Ilia said sweetly as she placed her hand on his back. "There's more to it than meets the eye…" Ilia explained what she heard in the rest area.
"Wait…so someone IS messing with her head…son of a bitch…I have a bad feeling about this. Evil bidding? I can only guess that Ganondorf is planting seeds in her mind…as for Marlon…I have always thought of myself as a gentleman and a nice guy…but I'm not gonna sit around and watch Loren get torn asunder from the inside out. That man hurls insults at her, when I only wish to whisper sweet nothings in her ear…"
"Oh ho, Link, such a fine man you've become. I know you can help her and win her over." Telma said happily.
"I'll do my best. Marlon really messed with the wrong guy's princess. I'm ready to pull out all the stops for her." said Link with a look of determination on his face.
"I'll drink to that, Link!" Kieran said excitedly as he raised his goblet in the air.
"Here, here!" said Ilia as she followed suit.
A few days have passed, and Link had been making Marlon's life a living hell, the biggest example being when Marlon came to dinner with Loren, Taron, Zelda, and Taron's twin sister, Maron.
"Ooh, hey baby! Aren't you a fine piece of meat?" Marlon said to Maron, who was tall, dark-haired, and green-eyed. She was built similarly to Loren, with a medium bust and curvy hips.
"Not interested." Maron replied, calmly.
Taron glared at Marlon. "You clean up your mouth or I'll put you out with the rest of the trash."
"Tch, fine…" Marlon grumbled. "I need to take a shit, where's the toilet?"
A look of disgust spread across Zelda's face. "Um…I'll have my guards escort you…"
Three guards showed up to take Marlon to the toilet. As soon as he left, Link stood up, walked over to where Marlon was seated, and dropped some powder into his drink.
"Whatever are you doing, Link? It's tempting, but I think poisoning him is a bit much." Taron said, half-jokingly.
"Oh no, it's not poison. Let's just say that he's gonna be making a few more trips to the toilet…" Link grinned mischievously.
"Link…in our toilets?" Zelda asked, sounding rather put-off.
"Well, he'll get to sit on a throne in a castle for a bit."
Loren smirked and smiled at Link.
Marlon returned and sat back down, and reached for the goblet that Link drugged. Link had to fight to hold a straight face. Marlon took a big gulp of the stuff. After several minutes, Marlon's eyes suddenly widened as he ripped a loud fart, then he sprang out of his seat and booked for the toilet.
Link and Loren could not contain themselves, as they burst out laughing as soon as Marlon was out of earshot. Taron looked somewhat amused, and Maron and Zelda just shook their heads and smiled, while looking at each other.
"You two…I swear you two are so perfect for each other." Zelda said to Link and Loren, chuckling.
"Hey, at least whatever's coming out of his rear end is still cleaner than what comes out of his mouth!" Link said, still laughing. He then took notice of Loren, who was also laughing. He blushed and thought to himself, "Oh man…her smile…it's the most beautiful thing I have ever seen…I will not give up on her."
Two days later. "So Marlon…the Fairy Festival is today. Are you interested in joining me?" Loren asked, attempting to possibly loosen him up a bit.
"Fuck no, that shit is so stupid. I'd rather stay here and fuck Kiyana some more. Stupid fucking festival…go by yourself." came the harsh response.
"Fine. You have fun fucking that busty bimbo with your needle dick. I'm going to the festival, and I'll be back whenever I damn well please. Good day!" Loren snapped as she slammed the door. She headed to Telma's.
"Oh, hey Loren! So where's that grumpy fellow today?" Telma greeted her, happily, as she immediately went to prepare a drink for her.
"Eh…he's not coming. I guess I'm going solo to the festival. Dateless as usual. He's just useless. I'm about done with the bloke…" Loren said, rolling her eyes.
"I see, well I'm glad you're coming to your senses, hun. I'm sure you'll find a date too, a pretty lady like yourself!" she winked at Loren, who smiled back.
"Well, thank you Telma." said Loren as she sipped her drink. She then quickly realized why Telma winked at her, since Link sat down right beside her.
"Afternoon, Milady!" Link said cheerfully.
Loren shook her head and smiled, then just sat there in silence for a few moments, until Telma nodded towards Link.
"Um…so, Hero…do you have a date for the Fairy Festival?" Loren asked, somewhat meekly.
"Do you not, Milady?" Link asked with genuine curiosity as Telma handed him a drink.
"I don't…Marlon's not going so…"
"You want to be my date, Milady?" Link asked with a big smile on his face.
"Uh…y-yes…" Loren blushed and took a large sip of her drink.
"Oh ho, how wonderful! You two will definitely be Hyrule's cutest couple!" Telma exclaimed excitedly.
"Well…we'll see…" Loren said, turning even redder and looking away.
Link's heart began beating faster. "Milady…I'm…so excited!"
"I am too, Hero."
"So, what's the first event? Are they doing the banquet at the castle, and then a ball? They did that last year, so I'm guessing it'll be the same schedule this year?" Telma asked as she rested her arms on the bar and leaned forward.
"Yes, that's right! Food, and dancing, pretty much! Can you dance, Hero?" Loren turned her gaze toward Link and grinned.
"Well, I haven't stepped on any toes…" Link replied, shrugging and smiling awkwardly.
"Well no worries, Hero! I can dance." Loren said as she placed her hand over Link's.
"Is that so? Can't wait to see it, my Princess!" Link turned his hand over and held on to Loren's.
"I've really missed hearing that from you, my Hero…" Loren smiled warmly and somewhat shyly at him. She leaned in, and slowly kissed him on the cheek.
Link felt the hair on his neck stand on end as chills went down his spine. He smiled so radiantly and let out a satisfied "Mmmm…" as he returned the favor.
"Well Link…I have to get ready. I'll see you in a little while." She hugged him tightly, while Telma looked on, with such a happy smile on her face.
"Loren, so you're going to the ball? Are you really bringing that ruffian with you?" Zelda asked Loren as she was applying her makeup.
"Nope." said Loren, with a smile.
"Oh? So who are you getting all primped up for?" Zelda asked, sounding somewhat relieved as she fastened a barrette into Loren's hair.
"I think you already know, Sis." came Loren's reply as she closed her eyes and let out a rather elated sigh.
"Oh? Loren…you're going with Link?"
"Yes! He asked me…and I was gonna ask him but he asked me first…oh Zelda…I'm so happy…"
"I'm really happy for you! I'm so glad you're finally getting back to your old self." Zelda hugged her sister from behind.
"Well Zelda…I think I'm finally beginning to understand what power really is, and that I shouldn't be afraid of my feelings…but embrace them. But…I'm just…so nervous. I've got butterflies! And also…Zelda…I feel so guilty…"
"Oh, why, Loren?"
"Well…it's been three years since I've had sex…and then I gave it up to Marlon last week…it only happened twice…and I regret that decision so much…it was so degrading and humiliating…I feel so dirty, and I feel like I can never enjoy sex again. I've become frigid…" Loren heaved a sigh and looked at the floor. "And he said my body was a horrific sight…because of my burns, and he said my boobs were way too small. I don't know why, but I have always felt off about my size…not like I'm that small either…the Gods forbid someone be proportional…"
Zelda sat down on the bench, right next to Loren. She leaned over onto her sister's shoulder and placed her arm around her. "Oh Loren, you have no reason to feel bad about yourself for any reason. Especially not with Link. Also, I'm not gifted in the chest either, and look who I managed to marry." Zelda said with a reassuring smile.
"You have a point, Sis. I dunno…these burns…I know Link would accept me anyways…but I hope I can use my powers to get rid of them. I really don't feel comfortable with showing myself to him…" Loren paused and blushed intensely, when she suddenly realized what was most likely in the definite future. "Hoo…" Loren took a deep breath and released it quickly.
"Oh Loren…it's really up to you. I'm sure he'd be ok with it either way. Speaking of, are you ok? You're looking rather…flustered."
"Heh…heh heh…I'm just fine, Zelda. Let's just say that um, some rather lusty thoughts just popped into my head about Link…hoooooo…" Loren covered her face and giggled obnoxiously.
"Wow Loren, you're getting warm! You really have it bad, huh?" Zelda laughed as she felt Loren's body temperature rise.
"You have no idea…ok, maybe you do…but damn, I see Link the way you see Taron. He's just so…ridiculously sexy…"
"Oh Loren, I don't think you'll have a problem with being frigid!" Zelda said, snickering.
"Maybe not…but, I'm so anxious! This is a huge step for me…I'm just gonna let things happen tonight, and if we end up together…then that would be so wonderful…" Loren said, dreamy-eyed with her hands clasped beside her face.
People began arriving in the large ballroom in Hyrule Castle after the royal feast. Each couple walked through, and were greeted by Zelda, Taron, Loren, and Link. Ilia arrived with Kieran, and Taron's sister Maron and Arrolen began showing a mutual interest in each other, then to everyone's surprise, Terah showed up with a date of her own.
"Midna! You came! I'm so glad to see you!" Loren exclaimed happily as she embraced her best friend. "Whoa, so you and Terah, huh?"
"Heehee yes, we're just friends for now. I've been meeting up with her often since the night Zelda had her baby!" Midna said with a smile as she placed her hand on Terah's arm. They both smiled warmly at each other.
"Wow, congratulations, you two! Well…Loren and I are just friends for now too." Link said as he grinned and blushed.
"Well I'm glad you two are here! The ball is about to begin, shall we head in?" said Zelda as she placed her hand on Taron's arm, and they all entered the ballroom, where an acoustic band was playing music.
"By the way Hero, did I tell you that you look great in royal purple?" Loren asked with a smile, since Link was wearing what looked similar to his Hero's Tunic, except it was cleaner and he wasn't wearing chainmail. He even had a matching purple hat.
"Well, thanks Milady! And you…you look just…phenomenal!" He replied as the two of them began dancing, classic ballroom style. Loren's hair was elegantly styled, with a simple silver tiara and a barrette holding some of her hair in place. Her dress was rather fancy, but more of a robe than a dress, for the skirt was open in the front, with shorts and boots that went up to her thighs. It was a mix of red, purple, black, and silver.
"Thank you, Link! Wait a second…this music. It sounds…very familiar!" Loren said as the band began to play what she remembers as Gerudo Desert.
"Oh! I love this song, it's inspired by the desert!" Link said happily as he led Loren to dance in time with the rhythm.
"Me too, Link…it's rather enchanting!" she said as she held his hand and stepped back, and twirled under his arm.
The two of them lost themselves in the moment, Loren would step backwards and sway her hips in such a way that made Link's mind wander, and he began breathing a little bit heavier. He took her by the hand, and she spun inward towards him, and he caught her in a tight embrace, then he dipped her, then pulled her back up, clasping hands with her while they used their other arms to hold each other closely, their faces just a few inches apart. They continued dancing until the music ended. "Oh, Link! You ARE a good dancer! That was…so titillating!" Loren said, somewhat breathlessly.
"Oh…you are too, Milady…VERY good…" Link replied, blushing and touching his forehead to Loren's.
Just then, another song started up, one which Loren knew as Midna's Theme. "Oh my goodness. Link…this song…it's so beautiful…"
Link pulled her in close and whispered in her ear, "It really is…reminds me of you, Milady."
Loren wrapped her arms tightly around Link's neck and rested her head on his shoulders, and the two of them just swayed to the music, in each other's warm embrace.
After a couple more songs, Link suggested that they invite Ilia, Kieran, Arrolen, Maron, Midna, and Terah to go to the lake, where there would be many fairies released to fly around, illuminating the night sky.
They all headed there, where they met up with Rusl, Uli, and the rest of the Ordonians, who had a large tent and picnic spot set up.
"Rusl! You guys all made it!" Link said happily to his family. "Oh, may I introduce my date to you?" he continued, with a big grin as Loren walked up beside him. He placed his arm around her.
"Oh how wonderful!" Uli exclaimed excitedly as she hugged both of them.
The group engaged in some cheerful conversation, and the kids were swimming with their parents. Link, Loren, and the other young adults were kicking a ball around, the guys tackling each other often.
Loren ran towards Link, who had the ball, and she tripped over a rock and fell forward, right into Link's arms. "Whoa, careful, Milady!" he exclaimed as he helped her stand up.
"Thanks, Hero!" Loren heaved a sigh of relief as she held Link's upper arms. "Oh…so firm…" she thought to herself, then next thing she knew they had locked eyes again.
Link closed his eyes and leaned in, and as soon as his lips touched Loren's, she panicked slightly and swiped his hat from his head and took off running. "Haha, I got your hat, Hero!" she yelled teasingly as Link gave chase after her saying, while laughing, "Hey, no fair! Give that back!"
Loren kept running until she felt Link catch up and wrap his arms around her waist from behind, and held on for a few seconds before taking her to the ground, landing on his back with her still in his arms, with her feet in the air. She squealed and laughed as Link rolled over and pinned her down by her arms while straddling her. "I caught you, Milady!" he said cheerfully as he took his hat back.
Loren immediately took him by the arm and flipped the both of them over, to where she was straddling him instead. Link didn't seem interested in fighting it. Loren leaned forward and brushed his bangs out of Link's face and said, "Your hair is so soft…and has anyone ever told you that you have beautiful eyes?"
Link slowly and sweetly placed his hat on Loren's head and caressed her hair, and cheek, and replied, "That's so sweet of you, Milady…I do think my eyes are my best feature. Yours…they're absolutely gorgeous…" he slowly pulled her head closer to his, then suddenly they heard the announcement to board canoes in preparation for the Fairy Ceremony. Loren quickly jumped off of him and blushed intensely. Link stood up as well and placed his hand on her lower back. "I got us a boat, shall we, Milady?"
"We shall." She took him by the hand, and they both boarded the canoe, and Link paddled them out to the deep area where the Lakebed Temple is.
"Milady…there are many Water fairies as well. They're all meant to honor the Great Fairy." Link said with a warm smile.
"Link?"
"Yes, Milady?"
"Link…uh…thank you. Thanks for coming with me tonight…and thank you…for well…everything. For not giving up on me, even after I pushed you away." Loren paused for a moment, then continued, "No one's ever chased after me so fervently. Link…I actually feel…like I'm worth something." She placed her hands on her knees, and smiled and blushed as she looked downward.
"Oh, you're very welcome. I had to show you that you are worth far more than you think." Link said as he placed his hands over hers. "Milady, I have to ask…when did you start wearing makeup?"
"Oh…I guess just recently, to feel better about myself…" Loren shrugged. She usually wore mascara and gloss, but nothing more. Lately she's been wearing foundation, a little bit of blush, heavy purple eyeshadow, and dark red lipstick.
"Well, you do look pretty. However…" Link pulled a cloth out of his satchel and dampened it in the lake. Then he reached out to Loren's face and gently began wiping her face clean.
"Hero, what are you doing?" she said while chuckling, slightly confused.
Link cleaned off her lipstick and eyeshadow and wiped any traces of foundation. Loren certainly had natural beauty, which she chose to cover up recently due to a low self-image. She had also changed out of her princess robes into something more comfortable, her usual cargo pants and sleeveless top. Link finished wiping her face, then he sat back and grinned from ear to ear, and said, "You were pretty. Now, you are absolutely beautiful."
Loren's eyes welled up and she smiled so brightly. "Link…I …thank you so much…" she blushed as her heart began pounding.
"You are most welcome. Hey, it's about to start!" Link said excitedly as several sparkling lights illuminated over the lake and under the water.
"Oh…my goodness…" Loren said with wonder in her eyes as she looked around, in the air, and at the lake. Right then, all the fairies took flight, filling the night sky with their scintillating glow. They began singing, a most glorious melody, which Loren remembered as Hero Chosen by the Gods. "Oh…Link…this sight…this sound…it…it's…so gorgeous…absolutely magical…" she said as a tear of joy streamed down her face.
"It is, Milady...but nowhere near as beautiful as the sight right across from me." Link said sweetly as he gazed at Loren so lovingly.
"Link…I think I finally understand now. What power really is. I thought it was just control and domination over my emotions…but no. That's not power. Power is…well, it's freedom, Hero. Freedom from bondage, from pain…it's being able to chase after what you desire. Link, you showed me that it's ok to pursue what you truly want."
"That's exactly right, Milady. Well…my methods were a little…unorthodox. Like sending the jerk boyfriend to the potty repeatedly, amongst all the other stuff I did to him." Link replied, laughing somewhat.
"Oh Link, you're such a rogue!" Loren said, giggling. "A rogue indeed…for you have stolen my heart."
"R-really!?" Link exclaimed, wide-eyed with surprise.
"Yes, really!" said Loren, laughing. "Well, you've had it from the beginning, but I had to finally realize that myself."
Link could hardly contain his excitement. "WAHOOOOO!" he shouted at the top of his lungs.
Loren busted out laughing and said, "Oh Link, you're so silly! One of many things I like about you!" she shifted herself onto the middle seat, and had Link sit behind her. She scooted back, where Link wrapped his arms around her waist and had Loren lean back on his shoulder. Loren placed her arms over his, and the two of them enjoyed the display of floating fairies, a truly romantic setting for the two of them.
After another half hour on the lake, they paddled back to shore and met up with their friends.
"So, are you two a thing now?" Kieran asked with genuine curiosity.
"Well…I'd say so!" Loren replied as she held Link's hand.
"Milady…we're about to head back to the village…will you be joining us?" Link asked.
"Well…ah, to hell with it. I don't have anywhere I need to be." She said as she and the rest of the group all headed up to where they had their horse-drawn carriages. Link and Loren rode with Terah and Midna.
Loren told the two women about her epiphany and where she and Link stood.
"Well, I'm really happy you're finally realizing that, Lor!" Terah said happily. Midna agreed with her. "Anyways, I'm gonna drop you two off at the village, and since my brothers will both be occupied, I plan on bringing Midna to my place for the night.
"Oh my!" Loren exclaimed while blushing. "Well…you two have fun then!"
"Ooh la la!" Link said, half-jokingly. "Hey, you two ladies enjoy yourselves, alright?"
"Can we bring Loren back with us?" Midna said with a wink.
"N-n-no! I'm not sharing!" Link exclaimed blushing full-force as he threw his arms around Loren, causing her cheeks to flush as well.
"Aw, you're no fun!" said Midna. Loren smiled and shrugged, somewhat apologetically.
The four of them arrived in Ordon Village, where Terah and Midna bid them farewell and rode off. Link and Loren invited Rusl, Uli, Kieran, and Ilia into the treehouse for snacks and conversation. Arrolen had gone with Maron back to the castle so they could spend time with Zelda and Taron.
Loren also told the others about her realization on the true meaning of power, and they enjoyed the late night small talk. After a while, Uli and Ilia went home, and Kieran crashed on Link's extra bed in the basement. Link was leaning against the arm of his couch, and had Loren in his arms snuggled up against him, resting her head on his chest. She had fallen asleep, with a content smile on her face.
"Oh, she must be so tired. She probably hasn't slept well in a while." Link said as he caressed her hair.
"I can imagine. She's been through a lot. You've really come through for her." said Rusl, with a warm smile. "You managed to win her over in spite of herself."
"Well…she was worth the effort. I can't say I've ever felt as close to someone in my entire life as I do to her…I know it hasn't been long since we've met…but I just feel like she's the one." Link replied as he gently embraced the snoozing Loren.
"Well, destiny works in the strangest ways, Link."
"So true…Rusl, everything just feels right. Everything is just…absolutely perfect right now." Link yawned and he too began nodding off.
"Goodnight, Link." Rusl left to go join his wife.
Link was slowly slipping into dreamland, but before he did, he said quietly, "I love you so much, my sweet princess…I'll never break your heart. I promise." He then kissed Loren's head, causing her to stir slightly, then he finally drifted off to sleep.