Chapter 13

The morning after

Zelda sprang up on her bed to the sound of the loud chatter and fussing of men outside her pitched quarters. She had seemingly slept in to mid-morning, judging by the rays of sunlight slipping through an opening of the flaps of her tent. As the morning light lit her face, she gathered her senses as best she could.

Before she could figure out what all the hullabaloo was outside, she started at a sudden realization, the evening events from last night came crashing into her mind.

"Riju...Link! I must speak with him!" she exclaimed under her breath as she tossed off her sheets and rolled to the edge of the large mattress, about to leap off. With those memories in mind she made haste to slip into something more appropriate for the day.

Her belly turned with worry for the thought of her friend's recovery, and she was still bent on the way she treated Link and wanted to rectify any hurt she may have caused him. The words she spoke about him just the night before left a bitter taste in her mouth. She wanted to make it right. Even so, as much as she wanted to fix the misunderstanding between them, she felt guilty for not knowing how she might accomplish such a thing. It wasn't as if she lied...in fact, from a purely literal standpoint it could be said that she did nothing wrong. She told the truth, even if the truth was sometimes something least to be desired.

The princess cleaned her face with a basin of clear water and a washcloth provided by an Illiastar handmaiden. As she slipped out of her night gown and spun away from the bowl, face still dripping, she was surprised to find that a gift box was present at the foot of her bed on a fine oak trunk doubling as a table.

"I wonder what this could be?"she whispered.

Apprehensively, she crept up beside it to have a look at what it was. She lifted a single, well-trimmed brow in suspicion as she delicately opened the prettily-wrapped present. It was a velvet-colored box, tied by a shimmering gold bow that sparkled as the light touched it. What lay inside was even more ostentatious and beautiful – a fine dress of blue and white. Inside lay atop of it was a notecard, which could have only been penned in the hand of the Lord Simon of Illiastar himself.

Her eyes flowed over the letter as she lifted the alluring dress with one hand and the card with the other. It read:

"Dear Princess of Hyrule,

I couldn't help but notice a sour demeanor you expressed last night when your comrades left the tent. Please take this gift as a sign of my good will. I offer up my sincerest apologies. And please excuse me and my brother for any wrongdoing last night, or any ill words spoken to either you, your Knight, or your servants. I offer this precious gift as one of many, as penance for our behavior.

But, now that I have your attention, I must get something that I have been holding back off my chest. Something that I wasn't able to relay to you in person. I was not being entirely truthful when I said that this dress was for my sister. Although she is still coming, this fine piece of clothing was never meant for her. So long as we are being honest forthright, and to avoid any secrets between us, I had always truly intended on gifting this dress to you when you were found. It is a treasured heirloom that has been in the care of my family for countless generations, and it has been restored to its former glory from the finest dress makers and artisans in all of Illiastar – and of Hyrule, for that matter. It is the 'Sacred Maiden's Dress of the Princess' from even beyond ten thousand years ago, spun on the looms of the six maidens of legend themselves, or so it is said. Nevertheless, this is the 'Princess Dress,' and has been known as such for a long time. It lay safe in the care of my House for centuries over the span of millennia, never worn by anyone since its very first owner, the princess of legend…until now. It is my hope that you will do all of us the blessing of wearing it.

"I am certain it will fit and complement you perfectly, and it will magnify your angelic glow among us such that you will look even more stunning than you already are. There is no doubt in my mind that this dress was always intended for you, my dear princess. Now, once you have awoken and prepared yourself to your liking, it would be an honor if you might please accompany me in to rotunda on the bluff this afternoon. I'll have one of my 'Starsguard' stationed outside your tent, to escort you there when ready. I would very much like to discuss more matters with you, your grace. Of course, this matter can wait until you have finished tending to your injured friend.

Cordially your loyal servant and bannerman,

Simon – Liege Lord of the land of Bountiful and heir to the Crystal Palace"

Zelda shrugged and rolled her eyes as she dropped the letter back in the box. She didn't know what to make of his gesture, nor did she really care. She had far more important matters on her mind. One of which was her loyal and dying friend, and the other…Link...

Still, she didn't want to appear rude after promising that she would oblige his wish that she dress more appropriately to her status as a princess and...well, the dress was pretty. What could be the harm in wearing it? Though she tried to familiarize herself with the common folk by behaving as they did, and had developed a wonderful love for her modest people of the kingdom...deep down in her core, she still carried the memory of being a proud, young princess within her.

Wasting no time, for the day still awaited her, she called out to the handmaiden to help attend to her. She flung off her satin gown and the young assistant helped her to clothe herself in the illustrious 'Princess Dress.'

"It suits you, your grace. You look absolutely beautiful...like a portrait of the goddess," the girl chirped as she stood back to evaluate her princess.

'Why, thank you! It truly is a wonderful dress. isn't it?" Zelda said bashfully, a faint blush darkening her cheeks as she deflected compliment to the dress and not her own beauty.

It really was gorgeous and pleasing on the eyes, even she couldn't deny that. Blue and white – her most favorite colors of all. She couldn't help but smile wearing it. Perhaps it was because when she gazed upon the garment it brought back warm memories. Memories like the times she spent with Link, back when things were simpler. Memories like the time she first saw the Silent Princess flower blooming out in the wild of the open plains, before the scourge of the Calamity overtook everything. The dress bore the same colors as those flower petals, ribbons of ocean blue fading like a painter's brushstroke into the purest of pearl whites. Whatever it was, she felt a peaceful feeling while wearing the dress. It had a power to it. A subtle thing...but it was most certainly there, even if she didn't know exactly what the power was.

As she was about to step away, Zelda noticed a sparkle from within the box, gleaming from the corner of her eye, and she turned back to it with a bounce in her step. There in the box lay a necklace, one of the finest she'd ever seen, with a fiery red ruby set into a pristine gold chain. She was surprised that she had so nearly missed it.

Taking the ruby necklace, and quickly tying it beneath the white fabric collar of her dress, she also made haste to wear a pair of gold earrings accompanying the dress. The earrings were each fashioned into the shape of the Royal Crest of Hyrule, three stacked golden triangles. Fully dressed for the day, she felt ready to speak to Link and tend to whatever Riju might need for her recovery.

So she nodded farewell to the handmaiden, and opened the flap of her tent. Just as she did that, another thought came whirling into her mind. What was she doing? Even if she managed to mend the damage from yesterday, and go about things with Link as if nothing had ever been said, what good could come of her being so close to him? Why put the poor boy through the misery of a false hope? Or rather, perhaps more accurately stated, why was she allowing herself to believe in a false hope that by some miracle she might be allowed to stay by Link's side forever? That some distant piece of scripture, or ancient law yet undiscovered would be revealed at the final moment that there could be some way for her to keep her happiness and restore the kingdom...

A deep and frightening truth pitted at the bottom of her belly, and tore away at her hopes of such a childish idea. She knew deep down that it was just a fantasy...that there would be no way for them to be together in the end. So, why lead him on? Why? Especially if she must be separated from him. In a strange and selfish way, she could admit to herself that it was simply that she didn't care about that right now. For now, Link remained by her side...and that was all that mattered. Though it would be cruel of her to break off relations with him when that final hour came at last, she simply couldn't see herself shunning him before then. It was just too late...her heart had already fallen for him and no other.

With this in mind, she urgently made her way to the guardsman posted outside her quarters. In doing so, she noticed that the ruckus brewing just outside her tent had suddenly quieted and disappeared. What happened here before she'd come out? She had to know.

"You there, soldier. Do you know what all the fuss was about just a moment ago? It appears I am late to all the excitement." she smiled cheerfully toward the man, but before he could even answer her, she continued. "Actually, never mind that. Do you know where the hylian knight Link is? The one who carries no banners among him? The one who I was with yesterday?"

The fully decorated and armored man bowed. His breastplate proudly bore the pale stallion insignia of his lord's house, and wore a version of that coat of arms that was even a class above their normal sigil, with the primary difference that it bore a field of gold and crimson red; a sign of blood given and blood saved, which would boast who he was on the field of battle if he were ever to find himself in one.

The princess knew right away who he was among the other men, for even with how well-suited and adorned the bulk of the Illiastar force was compared to the other houses, even more so was this unique 'Starsguard' sentry – an elite member of their army, hand chosen to be part of the Starlight Cavalry, charged with the personal protection of their liege.

"Many blessings and a fine morning to you, my princess. I couldn't tell much from where I stood, but from what I could make out from the shouting was that the lot of men who were here went to take fellowship at the training bluff. Something must be going on over there. Apologies if they have disturbed you, I can make sure they won't ever do that again –"

"Don't you worry about it one bit," Zelda interrupted. "It was no bother at all, sir. I do thank you, though, for your generous offer of humbling out the men."

The sentry coughed into his fist and continued. "About your knight, you grace...I can take you to him straight away, if you'd like. His tent is just two more down from here, next to the mess tent."

Zelda couldn't help but give a small giggle after hearing of where Link was staying.

Of course he would want his and Sidon's tent pitched right next to the mess tent! That way he can be first in line! Food always first on his mind, even with poor little me out here by lonesome where anyone might get to me.

Even as she thought that, she knew such a thought to be quite the exaggeration. Who would dare try to harm her here, while she was surrounded by a garrison of seasoned soldiers? Who would be so foolish as to try such a suicidal act?

"Well, if my knight is just around the bend, please point me in his direction, my good sir," she said, back straightening and perking out her chest in her fine new dress in a show of fortitude. "I can make it over there on my own, so there is no need for an escort. I'm certain I can manage at least that much, thank you."

"Oh, but he isn't there now, your grace," the guard replied swiftly, stepping toward Zelda before she could make her way in the direction of Link's tent.

"Oh? Is that so?"

"From what I heard this morning, he and some the men are out on the field to the south, not too far off from here. The training bluff they called it. About a five to ten minute walk, if you don't mind traveling afoot. Or perhaps you would rather go on horseback? It is quite a difference in distance, your grace, so I'd be remiss in my duty if I did not insist upon an escort."

"It is a splendid morning, so the trek on foot would be just fine. In that case, my good sir, please lead the way. Thank you."

The princess offered the man a soothing smile, and they were soon on their way to Link.

Just a couple hours prior, as the early morning light of the sun was just about to creep over the eastern horizon, a devastating explosion rang out through the camp, loud enough that some might think the world itself had left its orbit and returned. In the sudden commotion, Link woke violently, prepared for a battle. Alarmed as he was, and sweating profusely, he found himself slightly hanging off one side of his cot in his small tent. Sidon, on the other hand was still fast asleep, whistling as he snored. It was just a dream...rather, a nightmare. It had been several days since Link had experienced one.

Turning from side to side, Link soon realized there had been no explosion. He sat up on his bed, everything around him safe and sound. Perhaps the effects of the Lunar Tear potion were diminishing? Whatever it was, there would be no use going back to bed now. In a funny sort of way, it was a blessing. Lately he'd been sleeping in far too long thanks to the potion, and this gave him a real opportunity to seize the day. So he stood up, smiled a half-grin and swiftly kicked Sidon's cot.

"Hey, its morning. Get up," the knight ordered. "We've got training to do."

Sidon, startled, sprang up from his cot, yawning loudly as he rubbed at his eyes. "I'll go...get us both some breakfast, then. Surely the mess hall will have something we both would like."

"Sounds good. I'll get the gear ready."

The knight wandered about the tent, rummaging through his belongings among the crudely strewn about trunks and sacks.

"Now...where did I leave those swords?" Link said under his breath, scratching the back of his head beneath his sandy brown hair, which he continued to wear down and free flowing even as it started to become long. Given he'd only just awoken, he'd have continued to leave it be until leaving the tent anyway.

He scoured the tent, on the prowl to locate his wooden sparring batons. That day would be the first real day he could train with Sidon, and he needed to gauge the level of the young man's skills...and anything would be better than having to think about his predicament with the princess. Link knew Sidon had to be something of an accomplished fighter, given the zora prince had saved his life, but the blue champion didn't want that going to his squire's head, no indeed. A lesson in humility was in order.

Link grinned to himself at the idea of just what he should do.

Secretly though, the real reason was anything but for training. He needed something that he could do to get his mind off his heart, for he was still distressed about what to do about her. It dawned on him, just how powerful the hold was she had over him. Something so small as what happened yesterday affected him so deeply, he couldn't shake it.

Is this what people call love? he thought. An unquenchable fire in his chest burned brightly just thinking about her. This has to be love.

The idea of ever losing her gnawed at him too, yet he knew it was forbidden. He needed to squash anymore ideas on the matter pertaining to how he felt, and quickly. It wasn't proper. He knew he couldn't let his feelings interfere with his judgment, his duties to the kingdom, and to her. He was a soldier after all, a knight. He needed to act like one, so he tried clearing his mind of anymore foolish thoughts and focus on the task at hand – training his squire.

Noticing that the two practice swords were nowhere to be found in his tent, he decided to throw on some adventuring trousers and a casual gray tunic so he could walk among the camp, electing to 'borrow' a pair of training blades from the quartermaster. Surely he wouldn't mind, so he kicked on his worn boots and walked outside.

It was still dark, yet early morning, and a soft orange glow was just barely starting to form in the eastern sky as the crickets were still chirping their songs of the night away. Just a few of the men were barely waking up, and a refreshingly cool mist hung low in the air near the ground, filling the camp with a light dew. The tents were only spaced by several arms lengths away from each other, scores of them all around, with some holding men of Illiastar and some of Tarble.

Walking just a few feet away from his tent, his steps crunched over the soft wet grass as he made his way to where he needed to go. A familiar voice called out to him from off to his side as he paced on by. Cutting through his thoughts like a dagger, he spun back to face the voice.

"Good morning, friend. I trust you had a pleasant night's rest?" Sylmoor said in low voice, not quite a whisper.

He was leaning against some supply crates placed between the tents. Link knew it was him even though he was clothed differently today, still as pristine and noble as before, but this time he wore a black uniform with red and gold lace, accompanied by the nicest mahogany-colored leather boots Link had ever seen, without so much as a scuff or a blemish. If the knight could have guessed, this was the first time they'd ever have been worn, or so he imagined.

And just like before when he met him, he had his nearly platinum blonde hair neatly combed back. Sylmoor grinned mischievously as he stood up straight. A smile that seemed to stretch across his clean-cut, smooth, fair face as he continued.

"So, Link…it is Link, right?" he turned, walking just a couple slow steps towards the hylian champion of old, wearing a slight smirk.

The knight just stared back apprehensively at him, slightly squinting, and returned a short nod of affirmation.

"Tell me…is it true?" Sylmoor asked, pausing just for a second to look at his hands and then back to the knight.

Link just gave back a blank stare.

"I heard the most outrageous and wonderful tale ever told by the lips of anyone last night…the most extraordinary story and rumor, spreading like wildfire throughout this very camp...and it was about you…It's all just a children's story I'm sure, of course…unless, what they say about you is true?"

Link's eyes raised in suspicion.

"So, tell me…is it? Did you really slay the beast? The great calamity? They say not with ten thousand men could you have done it, yet here you stand…and alive, too."

"Those are your words…," Link muttered back.

"Ha! So it is true…or so you say! Remarkable…I knew anyone who could put my brother in his place the way the way you did last night would certainly need to have no fear. I mean, the look on his face was priceless…wouldn't you agree? It has been years since anyone, and I mean anyone, has ever spoken the way you did to him…not since before father died...and surprisingly enough, you managed to escape his wrath…and anyone who can do that, is certainly deserving of my respect…or the very least my thanks! But if you truly defeated the calamity all on your own, then this is on a whole other level entirely...he won't believe it…I don't believe it! But it makes for a good story, regardless. Anyone that can accomplish a feat such as that surely has my attention indeed."

"It was the princess who defeated the calamity, banished it to the depths of Demise's hell, and saved us all. Your thanks belong to her. I merely assisted, and gave her the opportunity to do so," Link replied quickly.

"Strong and modest…come now, don't sell yourself short, lad. In fact, I was hoping you and I could be friends…or the very least, develop something of a symbiotic relationship if you will? I scratch you back, you scratch mine? A young man of your talents can surely be useful to me. And with me in your corner, I can get your voice heard and perhaps, just perhaps...a longer stay of venue with your princess."

The knight's eyes widened just a bit at her mention. He couldn't avoid it.

"Ah, yes. You see, I can be quite the ally if you allow me to be," Symoor added, with his leather gloved hands folded together.

"What's in it for you? Why help me at all? You hardly even know me...," Link asked.

"Because there is lots of fun to be had together, of course! And there are things need done, my good man. Any day now, we will be taking the city, and in that victory lies the spoils. Not just of war, but what of what one can take for oneself. I mean, it's not like those poor souls from one-hundred years ago will be needing any of it. Ha!"

Link was getting aggravated by his disrespectful levity toward the deceased. His patience was already worn thin, no thanks in part to his mood being spoiled from the day prior.

"What is this? Is this some sort of game to you!?" the knight rushed over to him, placing him in a firm hold up against the crates, and causing a feed bag to fall from the stack.

Link held him in a choke with one hand lifting him up with surprising strength against the wall of boxes. Sylmoor gasped in shock of Link's reaction, and his face went pale with fright as he struggled in his arms.

"People have died…People I cared about...they are still dying!" Link exclaimed, pushing harder on the man as he thought about all his long lost loved ones of a century past, and of his dying friend Riju only a few tents away, struggling to stay alive with every breath.

"I'm sorry…" the man choked out a couple words, "but they are dead…and there is nothing you or I can do about it."

Link loosened his hold as two soldiers heard the clatter and came around the bend to look at what the commotion was. Sylmoor waved them away as if nothing happened as the knight released him, still rubbing his sore throat.

"People die everyday…All we can do as men is make sure we don't end up as one of them...the living must continue on living and I mean to live," he gasped again, still trying to soothe the burning sensation of Link's hands around his throat. "Wow. Truly...truly you are the one who must have challenged the great Calamity…If it was anyone, anyone at all…it had to have been you. I mean, with a death grip like that, who even needs a sword."

"Trust me...If I had held you with even a tenth of the strength I brought to bare against the Calamity, you would be lying dead upon the ground right now," Link stated, grinning slightly to emphasize his point.

"See, that's amazing! That's what I am talking about! I can use a great warrior like yourself. Someone with that sort of skill and power...it could be quite amusing!"

"Thanks for the offer, but I must respectfully decline. I already have my duty…and it's to the princess."

With that, Link turned to walk away.

"What, you don't like money? What is it you want? Surely you have some price, some desire you would see fulfilled? You think to play the honorable type, one bound to duty? Well, I hate to break it to you, but honor died the day the kingdom fell into shadow. And whatever of it may be left is up for sale, now."

"My name, my honor as a soldier...that's all I have. All I've ever had. Without that I am nothing…"

"You really are a living, breathing relic from a time long forgotten, aren't you? And who did you learn this from? How did you find this unshakable honor? Who instilled this in you to make you this man you are today?"

"My father…he taught me everything about how to be the best soldier I could be…he was the most honorable man I have ever known."

"Ah yes, I see now…Link son of?" Sylmoor asked, scratching the back of his head in an attempt to remember.

"Tye," Link stated boldly.

The mention of his father's name never failed to humble him. It brought back so many memories, fond and harsh alike. His father was strong man, a proud man...a good and honest man. But he'd also been one to allow Link no shortcuts in life and was downright hard on him at times, unlike other fathers and their sons. He shaped him to be what he eventually became ever since his boyhood, barely able to walk. Like how a great blacksmith spends all his time crafting the greatest knife in the land, forged, quenched and sharpened to be sold to the King, so too was Link prepared.

"That's what it was. Link, son of Tye…the proud, the brave, the handsome…and… the foolish."

Link stared him hard and straight in the eyes when he said those words, hearing every syllable. But then the young Lord continued his diatribe, slowly stepping toward the hylian hero of old.

"Look, Link, son of Tye…I like you. You have courage. But just look where your father ended up. Look where his honor landed him. Probably left for dead to rot after the invasion of Ganon's forces by the kingdom he swore to protect...your own father! You want that?"

Link stood quiet.

"You don't need to answer back now. Just think about my offer," he patted Link on the back, prepared to step away. "And in the meantime, as a show of good faith, I'll keep my brother's temper from boiling over. But only if you keep providing any more of the same excitement as last night. I can't get a better show like that in all the best theaters of Bountiful. And I have been to all the best theaters, trust me. The look on my brother's face when he is challenged is the greatest form of entertainment I can ever hope to dream of! And someone' ought to do it, ya know? And if someone might, that might as well be you."

"I wasn't trying to cross him, he just –"

"Shhh, I know…And don't you worry, I'll keep a handle on him. Just think about my offer. Let me know when the time comes if you are going to come along with me once all this restoring the kingdom business is through. There is much more fun and work to be done! Savvy? Now...where were you off to, hmm?"

Link shook his head at the very notion of working for Sylmoor, and replied, "I was on my way to the quartermaster. I'm in need of some sparring equipment for me and my squire."

"And what is wrong with your sword?" the noble questioned. "Come to think of it, if you defeated the terrible demon of our age, then that means you must be carrying the legendary Sword of Evil's Bane! Is it…actually real? Does such a blade truly exist?"

Link nodded.

"So it is real after all! I can't believe it! May I see it?"

"Perhaps I may show it to you...but after I get my equipment, if that is alright?"

"I am in no rush. But once my brother hears that the legendary sword of our father's fathers has been among us in the camp this whole time, he certainly will be, you can bet on it! He won't believe it. I hardly believe it. But I know you now, and from what you have shown me thus far…your eyes tell no lies. Speaking of which, would you like your sword sharpened? Certainly, it has seen better days and is in need of a good smithy. We have the finest stones in Illiastar, and are known as master craftsmen of fine metals and ore. You will find none better elsewhere, I assure you, who could treat that blade with the care and respect it truly deserves."

"That won't be necessary."

Sylmoors eyes jolted. "What do you mean? Of course it is! A blade of that caliber needs the finest treatment!"

"You misunderstand…," Link explained. "The blade never needs sharpening."

"Wha–?"

"Yeah. I can't really explain it, but ever since the sword came to me...things about it I have no explanation for have happened. It heals itself. Sure, after a great battle it gets scratched and its shine fades just like any other blade. But after I have sheathed it and laid it to rest for the night, I wake to find it unscarred from before. Almost as if the battle never happened at all. Through some miracle, its pristine luster always returns. I still don't get it myself, but that is just the way things are with it."

"Do tell...Well, I'm not going to pretend to school you in the matters of swordplay, for you may just be the greatest swordsman that has ever lived…who knows, I'll just have to wait and see. And for that matter, personally, I could care less. I make no claims at being a soldier, for I have my men for that sort of dirty business. I prefer to fight my battles and wars with a stroke of my pen. With but a single word from my lips, my men would kill for me...and, if need be, die for me. The written and spoken word is the most powerful weapon of all, and don't you forget it."

"So, you would rather have your men die fighting your battles for you, rather than fight them yourself?" Link accused, flinching at the thought.

"No need to act so high strung. But are you really so surprised, man? Everyone has their talents…yours lie with your sword. Mine lie in the ability to make it so that men never have to use the sword. Of course I don't want men to die needlessly, nor do I condone bloodshed, except when all other diplomatic options have been exhausted. Nobody likes war...except the money lenders, of course, but I have no need of them. Others might fall prey to their schemes and promises of fortune from back room dealings, but not me. Why, my family has more wealth in one hall of our treasury back at the palace than in all of the banks from here at the foothills of Lurelin village, all the way to the outermost rim of Draene near the Neverending Forest!"

Link fell quiet again as he watched the man tug at the reins of his fancy cloak.

"Now, you said you needed some equipment for today?" Sylmoor turned back to him, returning to the proper topic of the conversation after his little tirade.

"Yes. In need of some batons, batter shields and perhaps some rope," Link confessed.

"Rope? Whatever would you need that for? Never mind, I'm sure you have your reasons. Come with me. I'll make sure you have all that you require faster than you can say 'swift carrots!' Goddess knows if you were to try on your own, the quartermaster's tent would wait until sundown to give you your goods. They are not the fastest lot when it comes to divvying out supplies. I'll lead the way for you."

And with that, Sylmoor began to walk away, waving his hand for Link to follow behind. The knight stood firm for second as the noble started off, neither waiting nor carrying on...but Link didn't see the harm in taking him up on his offer to get him the equipment he needed, so eventually he trailed behind him all the way to the tent of the blacksmith and quartermaster.

Shortly, as Link stepped away, following close behind the nobleman of House Illiastar, the mention of his father from before and the idea of visiting a hylian quartermaster yet again caused a sudden surge of memories to overflow into his mind. Caught up in a daydream Link remembered the good times he once shared with him, and one particular memory flashed into his view.

"Keep up your feet! Don't ever stand in the same place longer than you need to. Your thoughts should constantly be moving, as should your body. A moving target is a lot harder to kill than a still target, remember that son," the knight's father mentioned as he sat on a stool gazing at his son perform his lessons in the art of martial combat. He spoke in a mild and meek manner, yet strong, strong like the wind of a hurricane, able to penetrate.

Link's father sat, puffing on a lit tobacco pipe. He stood slightly taller than his son, strong but thin. But unlike his son, he had dark hair like a fine walnut purple wood.

Link was just a boy, barely becoming a man. They were training at one of the stables within the great capital, a place the soldiers would sometimes go in their off hours, just around the block from Romani's Milk and Brew. Surely, they would all be able to work up a mighty thirst after a day's training, and luckily for all of them, the tavern maids weren't far away to quench them.

The mighty young warrior-to-be dashed and spun, blocking with his training blade as he sparred with older soldiers. It was five of them against him, but Link's father just smiled, confident in his son's abilities. But as his father spoke, Link turned for only just a second to hear him as a wooden smack of a baton shaped like a spear, hit behind his knee. The teenage boy fell to the grass and grunted.

"Just because I said to keep moving, I didn't mean mindlessly. Always have to know where you're going and have a way out of any rough situation," his father chuckled, wiggling his thick but cleanly shaped mustache as he puffed a couple more clouds of smoke. The stood up and continued, "Eventually, should you master this ancient lost skill, your mind and body will meld into one before you know it, so much so that you will be evading danger on instinct, without conscious awareness of it. It will become second nature to you. However, although I tell you this…in truth, nobody has been able to achieve this technique except in the old legends. Still, it doesn't hurt to do your best to get as far as you can go."

"I'm sorry, father," Link mumbled back from the grassy patch where he stood within the fence line. The other soldiers stopped their attacks toward him as he exchanged words with his father, a captain of the Royal Guard of Hyrule.

"You're doing well, son. So much so, in fact, that I think you are now ready for this next challenge!" his father shouted with a grin. Link turned to fully face him with an inquisitive lost stare, one eyebrow raised.

The captain waved his hands for all to follow him as he ushered them to the other side of the stables adjacent to their favorite tavern. It also happened to be right alongside the main road of the district. It was a busy afternoon in Hyrule's capital, as it always was back in those days. The sky was the richest of blues and the weather was sublime.

People bustled through the streets in droves. The merchants haggled their goods and the wonderful aroma of the baker's freshly baked pastries permeated throughout the air. The laughter of children playing also could be heard along the cobblestone roads as they splashed in the nearby fountains. Every square of each quarter had such a fountain, not just an aesthetic feature, but a source of fresh water for the poor among them, those not privy to owning a private well. Although they existed even in this prosperous place, the destitute were few and far between, for the kingdom in those days was very well-planned and well-managed. It was a happier, more prosperous time...before the dark times...before the age of the Great Calamity.

So, after following his father's lead, Link found himself facing up against a long wooden trough, filled to the brim with water about waist high. It stretched about twelve feet long and four feet wide, and every three feet or so along its length, a wooden peg pillared upward from the water, where a single leg might be able to stand.

"I think you already have an idea what lies in store for you to try next, am I right?" his father asked, smiling again toward him, throwing an arm over his son's shoulder.

"I think so," Link replied calmly.

"Bring the blindfold please," his father ordered one of the men helping prepare and train his son.

Link's eyes widened, and he turned to his father at the notion of having to be blindfolded.

His father let out a full-bellied laugh. "You didn't think this was going to be an easy challenge, did you?"

Link gulped, but he was prepared. He wanted the respect of his father and of the men, so he nodded confidently as the man approached with a makeshift sackcloth blindfold.

"Ah, just before you put that on, there is one more thing that needs to be added to the challenge. I had this brought in special, just for this occasion," his father remarked with another giddy grin as he walked over to a barrel. Link saw his father stand beside the wooded keg as water seemed to splash out from over the brim of it of its own accord. Something alive was in there!

But before he did anything else pertaining to the barrel, his father quickly slid on some nearby gloves that lay atop a crate nearby, the heavy type a blacksmith would use as he smelted metal ore. Carefully, his father plunged his hands into the keg and retrieved what could have only been a slippery fish.

"Here we are! A monster isn't he!" he laughed again, proud of the sight, holding the squirming fish high above his head in the air, as if it were a trophy won at the fair.

Link leaned over quizzically as he stared at him, still unsure how this pertained to him or his training.

"This, my boy, is a Voltfin Trout! Apothecaries use their muscles to make elixirs which help those who work in the far east during the great thunderstorms, that they can have a fighting chance and be resistant to the effects of ball lightning when it strikes from afar. But, we are going to use this big boy for a whole other reason. Just as it has the ability to fend off any shock, so too can it give quite a shock itself!"

Link gulped again.

"Don't worry, it won't kill ya…at least, that's what the merchant promised when he sold him to me! But I'm not gonna lie, after feeling a shock from him, you're gonna wish you were dead. But I have full faith in your abilities. You are my son after all!"

His father laughed again. Some of the other men also wore giddy grins, excited for this test of strength, dexterity and willpower.

His father quickly plopped the slimy and colorful critter into the water of the training trough. It splashed around at first but quickly became acclimated to its new surroundings.

"Now, son, the fish will only throw off a shock if you make any sudden movements in his water or frighten him. So here we are going to have you stand just above the waterline on the first peg. What you gotta do is maneuver from peg to peg, blindfolded while also avoiding our lunging attacks. Caster, Franklin, Meryl and Symian will be issuing out the strikes toward you. You've got this, son. Remember how to fight and defend with your feelings. This will be an evasive maneuver exercise, so you won't have a weapon. Your job is to dodge all of the incoming attacks, got it? This will test all of your senses – listen to your surroundings, feel the air against your skin, focus on your enemy's attack, and anticipate their movements. Now go!"

Link nodded. He climbed up the little wooden ladder that led up to the first peg, tying his sackcloth blindfold around his eyes, calming his mind, and focusing all of his thoughts on the task at hand. He took in a long breath and nodded.

As soon as he was ready, Link's father blew the whistle. The test had begun.

Link started out well enough, a barrage of attacks flying ever which way towards him. The young warrior performed beautifully as he danced from peg to peg unimpaired, dodging every blow and strike. It carried on that way for about five minutes until his father made an announcement. The attacks halted abruptly, but Link did not yet remove his blindfold to see what was happening.

"I wonder what all that fuss is about!" Tye shouted over the group, slowly making his way in front of the trough alongside the busy road to catch a better view of what was happening. Many folks were pouring in from the district's side streets as if they were trying to get a view as well.

"Ah. It's her majesty, the princess. I wonder what brings her here to the commoners' quarter?" the guard captain asked aloud. "She surely does have her mother's beauty. Quite the great inspiration and beacon of light to us all, isn't she? What is she, fourteen now?"

"Fifteen, I believe sir," a subordinate corrected.

"Ah, yes, the same age as my Link. My, she's almost a young lady now, and a wonderful one at that. Her mother would be so proud, as we all are. She serves us all so faithfully, devoted to her duty. She will save us all, when the dreaded time comes, I have no doubts about that!" he said again, loud enough for Link to hear.

It was as he mentioned, her royal procession making its way through the main road, and now she was merely feet away from the fence line from where they trained. She was seated atop a majestic carriage, the finest in all the land, waving to the denizens of her realm and offering warm smiles to them as they all tried to greet her. For one reason or another, their procession halted momentarily, and it was in that moment she shot a look over to the young soldier who still stood in a battle stance above the training trough. She gazed for a long moment, curious as to what that sort of training the boy was undertaking. Most peculiar indeed she felt.

Upon hearing his father's words, Link used a finger to peek one eye open out from a flap of the blindfold, as he too wanted to see the princess out of curiosity. He only ever heard stories of the girl these days, having never seen her in-person for several years, since a time when they were both children. Even then, it had only ever been a view from afar. With her being so busy with royal affairs, who knew if he would ever get such a chance to see her from that close again.

As his gaze met hers, he was instantly struck by her sheer beauty. Her golden blonde hair danced in the breeze as it flowed freely, her bangs brushing against her soft, fair-skinned face. Her starlit green eyes pierced him deep to his soul, and made his whole body go warm.

It was a feeling he never felt before about anyone, especially not a girl. Though he didn't know her personally at that time, she smiled back toward him, cutting through all the hollers and shouts of the people around. For a brief moment, they spoke through their eyes, not with any words, but simply with feelings. She too was captivated by him, staring back in that moment, both unaware of the future significance they would hold for each other.

Link's father peered back over his shoulder, leering up toward Link who he saw was trapped gazing at the beautiful, young princess.

Perhaps the boy is getting a bit carried away with that dopey half-smile, his father thought.

So, with a grin, he firmly snapped his wooden rod at his son's backside, causing him to shriek and lose his balance. Link fell hard halfway in the water, smacking his tail bone against the wooden peg, collapsing from the surprise blow. The Voltfin Trout wasted no time, letting out a fury of electric current as it was frightened by the sudden splash of Link's body intruding into its new home.

The princess giggled as she watched the whole scene unfold right before her eyes. Link gasped out a quiet groan as pain rang out through his entire body. He jolted in the water, spasming and splashing. The slippery fish had soon had its fill and stopped its shockwave. Link, without hesitation and with an embarrassed bead of sweat trailing his forehead and a red blush cross his face, quickly climbed out of the trough.

Zelda leaned in toward her escort, who sat in the seat below her on the carriage next to the driver.

"Who is that man there? I recognize him," she asked with a smile, half-looking toward the young trainee and his father.

"Oh yes, my princess. That man is Tye, captain of your father's guard. I believe this is his day off, however," her attendant informed her with a humble cough into his hand to clear his throat.

"I see. Now I know recall who he is, though it is hard to recognize him without his uniform. And who is that young man beside him?"

She evaluated the young warrior again, up and down, her eyes flowing over his dripping wet form several times after his sudden dunk in the trough. Soaked clothes tightly pressed against his chiseled young physique. She was a young woman, after all, and such new and exciting feelings began to fill her as a whole new world opened up before her.

"Oh, him? That boy is his son, uhhh...I think his name is, uh, Lonk? No, no, that can't be right...uhh, Link! That's it, I'm sure of it! If I remember correctly...," the royal rambled, cupping his chin as he wrestled with his own memory.

"Link, huh? Hmm...," the princess whispered to herself.

"Surely, his father is preparing him for the annual qualifying trials of the crown. You are to be the honorary host of those in these next few weeks. He is to be a Royal Guardsman, if he manages to succeed in his father's footsteps. Curious to see if he does. His father is one your best soldiers, your grace, if I might say so myself."

"Curious indeed," she smiled, softly biting her lip in anticipation.

"It appears the road ahead has been made cleared for your travel, your grace. Shall we proceed?"

Zelda took one last long, hard glance toward the drenched young man, now standing by his father, preoccupied as it appeared he was getting a talking to. She shook off her gaze.

"Um, yes. Carry on, drive," she called out in affirmation. And then they were off, heading deep into the city and, by the looks of it, to the Citadel.

Back where Link stood, his father chastised him as his captain.

"Never, ever let your guard down, even when you think you are safe," his father said, a stern finger raised toward his son's face. "Those were some of the best moves I've seen you do thus far, right up until the moment you lost your focus and dropped your guard. There is no victory in second place, only death on the battlefield. Never forget that, my son."

"Yes, father," Link replied, feeling a bit foolish for gawking so long at the princess.

"Son, I know she is a pretty young girl, but never forget your place. We are soldiers, she is a princess."

"I know."

"Ha! Well, don't you worry your head over it too much, my boy. It is perfectly normal for you to look upon beautiful young maidens from afar from time to time. How else do you think I met your mother?" the guard captain chuckled lightly as well as the other men in attendance. "And if you're lucky, and do well to prove your worth to his majesty the King, then perhaps – just perhaps – one day you'll be able to serve in the princess' guard yourself, the highest of all honors. It would fill me with great pride and joy if my son were to ever be given such a noble task…But first, we have to get you through the qualifying trials of the three torches."

"Thank you, father. I will do my best,"

"I have no doubt that you will, son…I have no doubt whatsoever. Now, run along home boy. I'm sure Sven is just dying to have you show him what you learned today," his father smiled.

Link smirked back.

"Me and the men will pick up here, and thank the stables for always being so gracious as to allow us our practice. And so close to a fine establishment such as that," his father laughed again, pointing toward the tavern across the way. "Besides, I owe these good lads here a few drinks and a week's pay for helping me. Tell your mother I'll be home by sundown."

Link simply nodded as he fixed on his boots for the walk home. And before he knew it, he was waving goodbye and heading for home.

Just as quickly as the memory had come into his mind, it faded away...and Link found himself under the tent of the Quartermaster, alongside the Noble Sylmoor of Illiastar.

Authors Notes- Hey everyone, I hope you enjoy this chapter. It was originally supposed to be much longer, but I split these next two chapters into two due to time constraints and size. Also, the next chapter which was the other half of this, should be up in a little over two weeks, it is my birthday this weekend and I wont be home to write. Not to mention with my busy work schedule(50-60 hours a week). But don't worry, the chapters will be posted and I'm sorry for the recent delay. Anyways, if you do enjoy the story, please be sure to leave a comment, it really motivates me to write more. Not to mention I love hearing your ideas and angles on things, whether if its criticizing the story or not. Thank you all again, and have a wonderful day! Enjoy, much more to come.