I don't own the Legend of Zelda.
Alright, guess who's back! I know it's been a bit of time since I got a chapter or two up for you guys. Sorry about that, but don't worry about it, it just takes a while for me to write, you know? I've gotten a bit of help from some close friends, but it's still slow going. Hope ya enjoy anyway!
"Midna?" Zelda inquired slowly. "Why are you in my head?"
Midna snorted. "You mean, why are you in my head?"
Zelda cocked her head in confusion. "We can hear each other?"
"It seems that way, princess." Midna sat up on her bed and cocked her head, unknowingly mimicking almost the exact position Zelda was in. The question here now, is how?"
"I'm not sure, I've never heard of this happening before. Perhaps it has, but the individuals involved most likely kept it to themselves so as not to be judged as insane."
"Well, clearly we aren't insane." Midna pointed out.
"You have a point there, but still. This is unusual." Midna tapped her chin for a moment.
"Perhaps it is a new form of magic?" she suggested. "Well, maybe we should check our libraries for something." Zelda replied. Just then, a knock sounded at her door. "Enter!" the Hyrulian princess called.
A small servant entered and bowed. "Princess Zelda," she squeaked. "Chief Advisor Delak says that guests are arriving."
"Guests?" Midna questioned.
Zelda ignored her and focused on the servant girl. "Tell him I will be there soon."
"Yes your Majesty." The little elf squeaked, scurrying back out.
"Guests?" Midna pressed.
"I am hosting courting ceremonies." Zelda sighed back. "My chief advisor said that there was no way around it. I had to or someone else would get my throne."
Midna felt her chest clench at the news. "Zelda?" she gulped softly.
"Yes, Midna?"
"Do you already have your eye on someone?"
Zelda froze in surprise. Is she referring to what I think she is? Perhaps a test… "Yes, I do, but they are too far away for me to see them."
"Oh." Midna's face fell.
Zelda heard the dejection in the Twili's voice and her heart lifted in slight hope. "She is in the Twili Realm." The brunette princess went on. "She is the most beautiful Twili I've ever met and she stole my heart almost effortlessly, even without me knowing. I wish she could be the one to court me rather than some snobby prince."
Midna's eyes widened in utter surprise. "You… you want to be with me?" she inquired, just to be certain she had heard correctly.
"Yes, Midna. I do."
"I'm going to go see if the library has anything on these sorts of connections." Midna said excitedly.
"Good. I have to be getting downstairs before my chief advisor gets angry."
Midna sighed. "I suppose I must wait before talking to you again. After all, it would not do for you to seem insane in front of so many guests."
"I suppose I will have to do the same. Take care, Midna."
"And you, Zelda."
The Hyrulian princess sighed and slowly made her way through the halls to the main entrance. There, guests had already begun gathering and several princes were greeting each other. All eyes turned when one of the servants grabbed a trumpet and blew it; several gasps filled the air as Zelda slowly made her way forward.
"She is so youthful." One prince told his comrade, staring at Zelda in awe.
"Yes, much younger than other princesses." His companion replied, also gazing at the young woman.
Delak rushed forward to his princess and bowed to her with a smile. "Princess Zelda," he gave her another short bow. "It is a pleasure to see you, Your Majesty. What would you like for the servants to do with our honorable guests?"
"Escort them to their own rooms. Each party gets a chamber of their own and one or two extra rooms if more space is needed."
Delak looked to the servants standing all along the walls and they immediately went about the task. Several teenage servant girls rushed to one prince in particular, a tall male elf with smooth dark-brown hair instead of the usual chestnut. Zelda eyed him speculatively, but shook her head; she just couldn't bring herself to be interested in the young man.
Midna holds my heart too firmly to be interested in anyone else. She told herself inwardly, watching as one of the sixteen-year-olds batted the other teenagers away and took the man by the hand, not even bothering to look at him. Once all of the parties were on their way throughout the castle, Zelda smiled at Delak. "The ball is tonight, yes?"
"Indeed, Your Majesty." He replied, clapping his hands twice. Four servant girls appeared at his sides and turned to Zelda expectantly. "These are your groomers. They will have you ready for the ball in no time at all." Glancing to the groomers her ordered, "Have her ready within three hours. The Ball begins in three and a half and I will not have Her Majesty late to her own courting ceremony." "Yes, Chief Advisor Delak." The girls chirped, herding Zelda toward the staircase.
The young princess watched nervously as the servants went through her wardrobe and make-up, meticulously being careful not to terribly upset anything and they put the rejections right back where they had found them. At last, they seemed to be satisfied. Two of the girls urged Zelda toward the bath as the other two stayed behind to make sure everything was set. Zelda gulped as the girls ran a hot bath for her, but sighed in relief when they respectfully turned their backs as she climbed into the bath. Once they were certain that she was all the way in, one servant girl, about fourteen, set to work washing her hair while the other, roughly seventeen, washed her back and shoulders.
It wasn't the first time Zelda had been washed by servants, most often when she was younger. But when she became conscious of the fact that she was starting to look different, she requested that she wash herself and, knowing what she meant, many of the older maids had complied. This was something that hadn't been done in nearly five years and Zelda could feel the blush creeping along the entirety of her body.
"Your Majesty?" the fourteen-year-old squeaked. Zelda gave her a nod to continue. "May I dip your head, Miss?"
Zelda froze up. It wasn't that she didn't trust her servants, but the thought of having someone else dunk her head underwater with her being powerless to stop them made her heart seize in fear. In the calmest voice she could manage, Zelda replied, "I would rather you did not."
"Yes, Your Highness." Zelda relaxed a bit when she felt water being poured over her hair instead. Finishing with washing herself, Zelda waited a moment for the two girls to move away from her before she slowly climbed out, taking the towel the seventeen-year-old blindly offered her and wrapping it around herself. The two teens peeked around to make certain she was covered before ushering her back into the bedroom where the other two girls were waiting.
The smaller of the two, about twelve, came forward with a slip. Zelda accepted it and waited until they had all turned before letting her towel drop and sliding into the slip. All four girls turned to her and appraised her for a moment, wondering how best to start. The seventeen-year-old moved forward with forest green dress and slipped it easily over the princess' head, sliding it down until it flowed gracefully around her ankles. The fourteen-year-old came forward with a deep green corset and a stool. She set the stool down next to Zelda and stepped up onto the second rung, slipping the corset around Zelda's torso, tying it just under her breasts and leaving the top lace undone. The twelve-year-old moved forward and tied the top lace into a perfect bow. Once she finished, the seventeen-year-old was there with a petticoat, slipping it onto Zelda and clasping the button right above her bellybutton. The fourteen-year-old slid gloves onto her hands and the twelve-year-old slipped white stockings and shimmering ankle boots onto her feet.
Once her state of dress was finished, Zelda was guided over to the vanity where the last servant girl, youngest by far at only nine, sat atop the vanity with a small assortment of make-up beside her. Zelda was seated and the nine-year-old moved forward. Dipping the brush into a brownish blush, the young girl began brushing it against the princess' skin with an expertise only known to those who had been doing this for years. While that was happening, the fourteen-year-old was straightening her hair while the twelve-year-old combed and the seventeen-year-old set about braiding it. The stunned Hyrulian Princess watched in shocked awe as her reflection transformed right in front of her eyes.
By the time they were finished, even she did not recognize herself. I look beautiful. She thought softly.
Yes, you do.
Zelda jumped slightly at the voice in her mind that was clearly a thought, but not her own. Midna? She inquired so as not to startle the girls still finishing up the touches.
Yes? Zelda could practically hear the smirk on the Twili princess' face.
You saw?
Indeed, I did. You look incredibly beautiful. I am jealous of every man who gets to see you tonight.
Zelda blushed and ducked her head with a small smile. Thank you. She breathed inwardly.
Do not thank me when it's the truth. Midna replied almost in a coo.
"Majesty?" Zelda turned to the nine-year-old and nodded to her with a slight smile. "Do you like it? I can change it if not. We have ten minutes."
"No." Zelda cooed softly. "It's perfect. Thank you all."
"It was our honor, Majesty." All four chorused, large smiles on their faces.
You are very generous to them. Midna mused. Though, that could just be my bias because they did a magnificent job on you.
Zelda chuckled softly and turned. "Does Chief Advisor Delak want me down before the ball begins?"
"No." the seventeen-year-old replied. "He said that he would come up here to meet you and tell you the plans, Highness."
"Understood. You are all free to go if you wish." Zelda told them. The girls curtsied and the three younger girls rushed out, the fourth following at a slightly slower pace. Zelda watched them go and cocked her head, sighing at the thought of having children. Midna felt the pang of longing and wondered what it could be about. Just then, there was a knock at the door and Zelda moved over to answer.
There stood Chief Advisor Delak in a suit. "Hello, Your… your…" The advisor's eyes grew to the size of his face at the sight of her, too stunned was he to finish the greeting. Zelda cocked her head again and waited for him to regain control of himself. It took nearly five minutes for Delak's eyes to finish surveying her entire body before snapping back into his head. "Er, Princess Zelda, m-my apologies."
"It is… alright, Advisor Delak. I was told you would be up to oversee the plans with me?"
"Er, yes, th-the, uh, the plans… plans for what?"
Zelda giggled slightly at her advisor—who was normally so composed and calm—being so flustered just by the sight of her.
Now he knows how I felt when I first saw you. Midna chuckled, making Zelda blush.
"For the courting ceremony, Advisor."
"Ah yes, those plans. Erm, when you hear me announce to everyone that you have arrived, I need you to walk down the staircase, understood?"
"Why so?"
"Somewhat like a grand entrance." Delak and Midna told her at the same time.
Zelda nodded and followed the advisor out to the main staircase. Many of the guests were already making their way toward the ballroom and none noticed her as she stood off to the side awaiting her 'grand entrance'. Below, Delak surveyed the crowd, making sure the parties were getting into the ballroom and no fights or arguments were breaking out. Once all of the princes and princesses had been assembled, Delak clapped his hands loudly to gain attention and silence. Clearing his throat, he called, "Welcome all of you to the courting ceremonies of Hyrule's very own Princess Zelda!"
Zelda took a deep breath and moved to stand at the top of the staircase in full view of all below. There were several gasps from the princesses and princes alike as she smiled politely down at them and began slowly making her way down the staircase.
Several of the princes rushed forward, shoving each other out of the way in an attempt to be the first to dance with her. At last, the same prince the servants had been fighting over walked smoothly over to Zelda and offered his hand. "Princess Zelda, if I may have the first dance."
"You may." Zelda curtsied and took his hand, letting him guide her to the dance floor.
The two swayed together for a moment before beginning to move their feet to the beats the musicians pounded out. "Allow me to introduce myself." The male elf stated confidently. "I am Prince Freido of the kingdom Leganeles. It is a pleasure to be considered by such a high family as the Hyrulian royalty."
"The honor is all mine." Zelda stated softly, looking down at him and wishing he were Midna. "Stories of Leganeles have reached Hyrule. They are a wealthy, prosperous people, calm and peaceful."
Prince Freido nodded and passed her off to another prince, moving on to a different maiden. Zelda inwardly sighed as the prince began speaking of his kingdom and what exports they made the most money off of.
A little ways through the night, as Zelda stood by the refreshments table, a female elf began walking toward her. She had deep red hair that almost matched the color of Midna's eyes as it flowed down to the middle of her back. She also had shocking deep blue eyes, much like Hyrulian elves did. The smile she was giving Zelda was something the young princess would assoiate with a cat that just caught its bird. The elf was not decked in a dress as the other princesses around were. Instead, she was dressed in a form-fitting black tuxedo suit that clung to her curvy body and full breasts like a second skin. The catlike manner in which she walked reminded a wistful Zelda of Midna's usual predatory gait. Setting down her punch cup, Zelda turned to the unknown elf and smiled at her politely.
"Hello, Your Majesty." The woman bowed respectfully to her and Zelda gave her a head nod in return. "I am Inuri. My brother is Prince Freido. I was wondering if I may have this next dance?"
"Of course." Zelda took the hand Inuri offered her and was effortlessly spun into the next dance. "Inuri, if I may ask a question?"
"Of course, Princess Zelda."
"If you are Prince Freido's sister, why are you dressed as a man?"
"I am not a normal princess, Your Highness. I prefer women to men and thereby wish to come off as attractive in a different manner."
Zelda nodded her understanding and let herself be spun once more. "You are very attractive. The woman you choose will be a very lucky one to be the target of your affections."
Inuri's eyes widened in surprise at that and she smiled. "You are not disgusted in the slightest?" she inquired.
"No." Zelda replied, cocking her head as Inuri dipped her. "I see nothing wrong with being interested in women."
Inuri nearly purred in delight at that. "Thank you, Princess." She murmured before passing Zelda off to a passing prince who introduced himself as Lingad. Zelda smiled softly at him as he began explaining his kingdom to her. By the end of the night, Zelda had met thirty-two princes, fifteen princesses and a few peasants and servants that were all vying for her affections. Stifling a groan when the ceremony finally ended, Zelda felt something tap her shoulder. Turning, she found Chief Advisor Delak right behind her.
"Hello, Advisor." She greeted him politely.
"Evening, Your Majesty. If I may ask, have you found a prince that is to your fancy?"
Zelda sighed and shook her head, a movement she'd practiced so flawlessly that her ears didn't even flop when she did it. "I have not found someone to my liking just yet."
"Well, there is always another chance, yes? We are having another ball in two days."
Zelda gave him a small smile. "Thank you. I will see you in the morning?"
"Bright and early, Your Highness."
Zelda made her way back up to her bedroom and moved to the bathroom, sighing as she began running herself a bath.
So, how did it go?
The voice made the Hyrulian princess jump slightly and she smiled. It went well, slightly boring, but well enough.
Well, those sorts of ceremonies are very boring indeed. You sound tired.
I am. So many names to remember, so many people to be around, to act for. Zelda sighed inwardly as she removed her boots and gloves.
Act? Midna's voice held a hint of curiosity.
I wish to be me. I do not want to be Princess Zelda when I am looking for a potential suitor. I wish to be myself. The Hyrulian princess groaned slightly, removing her corset and dress.
In the Twili Realm, laying atop her bed, Midna cocked her head in barely repressed curiosity. So, the princess persona is not you?
No, it is simply what I have been taught to be. It is not me. Zelda seemed almost angry as she replied, slipping off her stockings and slip.
Maybe, sometime, I can bring you to the Twili Realm. You can be you as much as you want here.
Zelda smiled at the prospect as she slowly slid into the bath. I would like that.
It's a date then. Midna chuckled. Now, I'll leave you be to bathe.
Thank you, Midna. I… I love you.
Midna felt her heart swoop up into her throat before dancing out a rhythm. I love you too, Zelda.
Let me make this crystal clear, right now. I got school stuff. Can't always find time to write. So I wanna thank y'all for being patient with me. And for putting up with my ongoing insistence on ignoring LoZ canon stuff.