CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

"Princess Midna!" the middle-aged servant was astonished at her language.

"Ruik, this is Link." Midna introduced Link to the man lamely; she could think of nothing else to say. "Link, Ruik."

"Princess, you do realize I'll have to turn you in to your husband." Ruik warned.

Link crossed his arms. "Husband?"

"Ruik, I thought the entire kingdom knew already. I'm not married to Omiron." Midna hastily replied.

"Princess, this man is a Light-Dweller. He does not belong in our world." Ruik persisted, shooting Link a glance. "Why isn't he a Spirit in our Twilight?"

"Because he's the Hero. The one who turned into a wolf in our presence." Midna explained.

"Why isn't he a wolf now?" Ruik demanded.

"Because it was all Zant's doing! The Twilight is pure now, and Link can remain here."

"I'm right here," Link piped up. "You could just ask me, y'know."

"Let me handle this, Wolfy." Midna hissed at him. "I got it all under control."

"Oh, really?" Link muttered back.

Midna nodded. "Just watch. Ruik?" she turned back to her servant. "Link and I have been in love for a long time. I only appointed Omiron to be my successor, that's all. I'm not married to Omiron. Clear?"

The servant nodded. "Yes, Princess. Forgive me, I did not understand."

"The hell you didn't." Midna snapped. "We're going now, and if you tell anyone that we were here, then I'll personally see you banished."

"Yes, milady."

Midna nodded in satisfaction and whispered to the Pendant around her neck, slipping her hand through Link's.

They vanished as the Pendant of Worlds complied.

As soon as they were gone, Ruik smiled to himself. "I may just use this to promote myself to a position of power..."

(Ruik will play no more part in this story...)

* * *

Midna and Link landed softly on their feet on the outcropping of land above the sparkling turquoise waters of the Lanayru Spirit Spring.

Midna glanced at Link in confusion. "Why did you wish us here?"

Link grinned secretively. "Just watch," he said, releasing her hand and walking towards the edge of the ledge.

"Great Spirit!" he called into its depths. "I have one favor to ask of you!"

The glowing light of the Spirit floated up towards him, its body becoming visible in the shape of the dragonlike creature it was.

"Hero," it boomed. "What do you desire? Your deeds are legend, of course, a single favor is in order."

"Please," Link stepped back and took Midna's hand, pulling her to his side. "I have a question for the Princess of Twilight, and for you."

"Link...?" Midna was totally confused.

"Hero, speak thy request,"the Spirit loomed a little closer to them.

Link took Midna's left hand and looked deep into her eyes.

"Midna?" Link dropped to one knee. "Will you marry me?"

Midna froze. Her heart was pounding in her chest, her breath was taken away.

"I'm nineteen today," he kept his cerulean eyes locked with her rose ones. "It would be the greatest gift anyone could ever have given me. Midna," he begged. "I love you."

Midna flashed one of her winning smiles.

"Yes," she whispered simply.

"Spirit, will you marry us?" Link asked, reaching into his belt and pulling out a ring; made from dark onyx and perfectly circular.

If Spirits could smile, this one did.

"I shall, Hero,"

i know..... too sweet..... *sniffle sniffle* good luck, Link and Midna!!