I still can't believe it," Roy muttered, sitting down at a table. "I just
cannot believe that you got to meet Princess Zelda!"
"Believe it already, it's been three days," Link sighed.
Link, Mario, Roy, Brian, and Conner were all sitting at the kitchen table. The five of them lived right next door to each other, and had taken to eating breakfast as Link's house.
"Forget just meeting her," Conner cried, grinning. "You probably got to talk to her too, didn't you Link?"
"Yeah."
"Is she nice?"
"Of course she's nice! I don't really know what I expected. But she certainly wasn't that snotty, stuck-up, self-centered type of royal."
"That's great," said Mario. "All I gotta do is meet someone like her, and my problems will be over. Of course, they couldn't be a princess, because my chances of ever meeting one are less than that of a cat going into outer space."
Link was about to respond, when there was a knock at the door. He got up to answer it. His eyes widened. "Princess Zelda?!"
"Hi Link," she greeted. "I am so sorry if I'm intruding, but-"
"No, no, you're not intruding! Come in, please."
"Thanks."
Zelda stepped into his house, and Link closed the door behind here. She stared in wonder at the walls of his home. They were covered with masks that strange carvings on them, and there were a few paintings too.
"Oh Link, your house is beautiful!" she gushed.
"Well, I'm sure it's nothing compared to the palace, princess," he said modestly.
"Don't be ridiculous, your decorating is marvelous. Did you do it all by yourself?"
"No, I had some friends help me."
"You mean Mario, Roy, Brian and Conner?"
"Yeah, how'd you know?"
"You...gave me their names, remember?"
"Oh yeah. They're here eating breakfast with me. Is...that all right?"
"That's great. I'd love to meet them."
Link led Zelda into the kitchen. He had to grin at his friends' dumb founded expressions. They all stood awkwardly, bowing.
"Uh...at ease...?" Zelda said, imitating her father slightly. They sat down again, and she did as well. "Link, you're probably wondering what I'm doing here."
"Kind of. But since you are here, can I get you anything to eat?"
"Oh, sure, thanks." She gasped. "Holy Nayru...is that bacon?"
"Yeah.....haven't you ever had bacon before?" he asked grinning.
Roy and Conner exchanged glances. They were quite surprised at how easily and comfortably their friend was talking with Princess Zelda.
"Oh, it's been years!" Zelda cried. "Ever since my mother died, my father insisted on not letting me eat it anymore. It was one of her favorite things to eat...and it reminded him of her."
"Ah....would you like some?"
"Yes, thanks!" Link put some onto her plate. "Well, the reason that I came here is because we currently have no postman."
"Did he get fired?" Mario blurted. "Because I'm open."
"Actually, he kind of expired. You see, he was killed by a moblin on one of his deliveries. We found his body on the beach at Lake Hylia."
Link raised his eyebrows. "Yikes..."
"Pardon my ignorance princess," Conner began. "But what does a dead postman have to do with Link?"
"Here," she answered, tossing him an envelope. "There's one for you as well. And you, and you, and you." She gave each of them one, and stood up. "Thanks for the breakfast Link, but I've really got to be going."
Link rose as well, and walked her to the door. "Thanks for dropping by, Princess," he chuckled.
"Think nothing of it." As she was on her way out, Zelda turned back around. "I feel quite stupid asking you this, but do you know where the Marlon Kelly Market is? I'm supposed to meet Impa there, and normally I know the way, but I got lost on when I traveled to your house."
"It's just...you take a....well, it's kind of hard to explain."
"Then could you show me the way?"
"Sure!" he responded, walking outside. "Say, wait a minute...how did you know where I lived anyway?"
"Asked Impa. She followed my father here when you first met him."
"Okay...got your own horse?"
"Yes, do you think I walked all the way here?" Zelda asked, as she mounted onto her own horse.
"Oh yes, I forgot," Link joked. "How rude of me to assume that a princess would take the time and energy to walk two miles."
Zelda smiled slightly. "Sorry, I didn't mean to sound like I was being supercilious or anything like that," she said. "But I was just in a horse riding mood today."
Link got onto Epona. "Follow my lead," he said.
Presuming that Zelda was not an adept horserider, Link forced Epona to trot slowly. The horse glared at the princess, knowing why they were going so slow.
"Goddesses Link, don't you think a princess knows how to ride?" Zelda giggled. "Yah!" She kicked her heels into her horse, and he sped off. "Come on Link, quick! I don't know where I'm going!"
Laughing, Link sped up and caught up with her. "I'm sorry, princess," he apologized. "You just seemed like more of an...inside girl to me."
"Don't be silly," she laughed. "Ever since my mother showed me how, horseriding has been one of my passions. You're not the first person to be astounded, though. Many of my suitors have assumed that I don't know a hoof from a tail hair on my horse."
"Well I hope that you showed them your talent," Link said.
"Sadly, no," Zelda sighed. "My father insists that I act like a royal princess, and if on the rare occasion that I was to go horseback riding, I must ride side-saddle."
It was just then that Link noticed the princess was riding with one leg on each side--a slightly awkward sight for a girl in a dress.
"Speaking of which, I'd better change to side-saddle now," Zelda sighed, as she saw a town ahead. The princess slowed down her horse, as she moved her right leg over. "Oh, wait. What am I thinking? My father doesn't want me seen publicly riding on Hepburn."
"What do you mean?"
Zelda got off of the steed and stroked his mane. "Father doesn't like Hepburn very much. Says he's an uncouth, dirty mongrel. But you aren't, are you Heppy baby?" She grabbed the horse's muzzle and hugged him. "I have another horse at home named Katherine. Father likes her much better, because she's been trained for side-saddle, and is a well-bred horse. Fit for a princess." She snorted in disgust.
Link jumped off Epona. "So where'd you pick up Hepburn?" He tied Epona to a tree. "Uh, what should we do with him?"
"Oh, uh..." Zelda turned to the horse. "Nigru, Hepburn-a emoh elspaca, quai!" She slapped his hindquarters, and he dashed off. "That normally works to send him home."
Link stared at her. "What did you say to him?"
"Sorry, can't tell you. I used to read about horses all the time, and I wished of having one that was exciting, and rough. Then I began to have these strange dreams about them, and they spoke to me. It was like they were trying to speak in English, but the horse stuff was still in them. Quite hard to explain--were you asking me something?"
"Yes. Where did you find Hepburn if your father didn't approve?"
The two of them started walking out of the wooded area they had just rode in. "I found him several years ago, in a forest. I had been on a picnic with Impa. She went off to buy something, and I was beckoned into the forest by...oh, what was it...well it was music of some sort, and I think it sounded something like an ocarina."
Link raised his eyebrows and turned away. He suddenly realized why Hepburn looked so familiar. Hepburn used to be his uncle's horse... and then he had meet a little girl...and run away. Link listened on eagerly.
"So anyway, I followed the sound of the notes, and I came upon a tall tree. I don't know what kind it was; I'd never seen one like it before..."
Link also remembered the tree. It was the Great Deku tree, and he had been hiding in its limbs. He was supposed to be watching Hepburn, and making sure nothing happened to him. You can understand how upset his uncle was upon his return.
"The horse walked up to me, and sort of nudged my arm. He was looking at me pleadingly, and before I knew it I was on his back. I looked down at him, he looked back at me. Then I heard someone coming, and I wasn't sure what to do. Well, I almost fell off the horse, because he made a sudden, mad dash for it."
Link had to conceal a laugh. His uncle had come running back from his home, waving an axe. He was going to try and asassinate the princess of Hyrule! Then, Link also remembered how the horse had sometimes seemed mistreated. Navi used to tell him such things, and he was now very glad that Hepburn was in good hands.
"Where do you keep him?" Link asked. "I mean, so your father doesn't find him."
"Actually, father has no idea that Hepburn even exists. I hate to think what his reaction would be if he ever found him. But anyway, he stays with Impa's horse, Audrey. She's got the biggest stable, and I have no idea why. Hepburn stays there with her, and they get along famously. Of course they barely see each other, due to the fact that half the time he's covered in hay. In hiding, if you will."
The two of them were attracting some people's attention. What was the princess doing, strolling with a lowly commoner? It was very peculiar. But nonetheless, they loved to see a crowned head socialize with her people. Very nice thing to do, you know.
"Well, here you go," Link said. "Marlon Kelly's Market. Princess, it has been a pleasure speaking with you."
"Wait a moment, Link," she said, grabbing his arm gently to make him stop. A chill ran down his spine, and goosebumps formed on his arms. Being touched by her made him shiver from pleasure.
"Yes?"
"Uh...I know you've probably already met my father, but I feel that it's only right for me to re-introduce you. May I?"
"Um, sure, I guess so."
Grinning to himself, Link followed Zelda as she tried to find her father and Impa in the crowd. Random people stopped by and bowed, and Zelda waved her hand in a royal fashion.
"Zelda, there you are!"
The princess turned at the sound of her name, and found herself facing King Harkinian.
"Oh, hello father!" she said. "Hello, Impa."
"Greetings, daughter. We have been waiting for you."
"Really? I'm so sorry. I...got lost."
"I see," King Harkinian said. He glimpsed at Link, who was standing there uncomfortably."Y-you're....you're Link, aren't you?"
"Yes sire, I am," Link answered, stepping forward slightly.
"Was there anything you wanted?" the King asked, proud of himself for remembering the name.
"Uh, uh...umm...."
"Yes," Zelda answered for him. "Link here was just wondering if...if there was possibly anything else at all that he could do for me."
"Not really," the King answered flatly. Zelda frowned. "Oh, look! There's King Lowell and Prince Marth! I must go see them!"
"Should I accompany the princess in her shopping, milord?" Impa asked his retreating back.
"Yes, thank you. That would be splendid!"
"Oh no Link, you're not leaving just yet," Impa continued, as the elf started walking away. She caught his elbow. "King Harkinian may have an attitude about you peasant folk, but I would ask that you please stay with us for awhile."
"You...would?"
"Of course! Haven't you ever been in this marketplace before?" Impa winked at Zelda over his shoulder.
"Well, yeah."
"Oh Impa, of course he won't get it," Zelda sighed, playing along. "He's a man, remember?"
"What's that mean?" Link asked, thoroughly confused.
"Let's just say," Impa started, putting an arm around Link's shoulder, "That this place is awful dirty for ladies walking around alone." She raised her eyebrows. "If you get what I mean...?"
Link looked at the two of them. "Oh, fine. So what exactly are you looking to buy, anyway?"
"Believe it already, it's been three days," Link sighed.
Link, Mario, Roy, Brian, and Conner were all sitting at the kitchen table. The five of them lived right next door to each other, and had taken to eating breakfast as Link's house.
"Forget just meeting her," Conner cried, grinning. "You probably got to talk to her too, didn't you Link?"
"Yeah."
"Is she nice?"
"Of course she's nice! I don't really know what I expected. But she certainly wasn't that snotty, stuck-up, self-centered type of royal."
"That's great," said Mario. "All I gotta do is meet someone like her, and my problems will be over. Of course, they couldn't be a princess, because my chances of ever meeting one are less than that of a cat going into outer space."
Link was about to respond, when there was a knock at the door. He got up to answer it. His eyes widened. "Princess Zelda?!"
"Hi Link," she greeted. "I am so sorry if I'm intruding, but-"
"No, no, you're not intruding! Come in, please."
"Thanks."
Zelda stepped into his house, and Link closed the door behind here. She stared in wonder at the walls of his home. They were covered with masks that strange carvings on them, and there were a few paintings too.
"Oh Link, your house is beautiful!" she gushed.
"Well, I'm sure it's nothing compared to the palace, princess," he said modestly.
"Don't be ridiculous, your decorating is marvelous. Did you do it all by yourself?"
"No, I had some friends help me."
"You mean Mario, Roy, Brian and Conner?"
"Yeah, how'd you know?"
"You...gave me their names, remember?"
"Oh yeah. They're here eating breakfast with me. Is...that all right?"
"That's great. I'd love to meet them."
Link led Zelda into the kitchen. He had to grin at his friends' dumb founded expressions. They all stood awkwardly, bowing.
"Uh...at ease...?" Zelda said, imitating her father slightly. They sat down again, and she did as well. "Link, you're probably wondering what I'm doing here."
"Kind of. But since you are here, can I get you anything to eat?"
"Oh, sure, thanks." She gasped. "Holy Nayru...is that bacon?"
"Yeah.....haven't you ever had bacon before?" he asked grinning.
Roy and Conner exchanged glances. They were quite surprised at how easily and comfortably their friend was talking with Princess Zelda.
"Oh, it's been years!" Zelda cried. "Ever since my mother died, my father insisted on not letting me eat it anymore. It was one of her favorite things to eat...and it reminded him of her."
"Ah....would you like some?"
"Yes, thanks!" Link put some onto her plate. "Well, the reason that I came here is because we currently have no postman."
"Did he get fired?" Mario blurted. "Because I'm open."
"Actually, he kind of expired. You see, he was killed by a moblin on one of his deliveries. We found his body on the beach at Lake Hylia."
Link raised his eyebrows. "Yikes..."
"Pardon my ignorance princess," Conner began. "But what does a dead postman have to do with Link?"
"Here," she answered, tossing him an envelope. "There's one for you as well. And you, and you, and you." She gave each of them one, and stood up. "Thanks for the breakfast Link, but I've really got to be going."
Link rose as well, and walked her to the door. "Thanks for dropping by, Princess," he chuckled.
"Think nothing of it." As she was on her way out, Zelda turned back around. "I feel quite stupid asking you this, but do you know where the Marlon Kelly Market is? I'm supposed to meet Impa there, and normally I know the way, but I got lost on when I traveled to your house."
"It's just...you take a....well, it's kind of hard to explain."
"Then could you show me the way?"
"Sure!" he responded, walking outside. "Say, wait a minute...how did you know where I lived anyway?"
"Asked Impa. She followed my father here when you first met him."
"Okay...got your own horse?"
"Yes, do you think I walked all the way here?" Zelda asked, as she mounted onto her own horse.
"Oh yes, I forgot," Link joked. "How rude of me to assume that a princess would take the time and energy to walk two miles."
Zelda smiled slightly. "Sorry, I didn't mean to sound like I was being supercilious or anything like that," she said. "But I was just in a horse riding mood today."
Link got onto Epona. "Follow my lead," he said.
Presuming that Zelda was not an adept horserider, Link forced Epona to trot slowly. The horse glared at the princess, knowing why they were going so slow.
"Goddesses Link, don't you think a princess knows how to ride?" Zelda giggled. "Yah!" She kicked her heels into her horse, and he sped off. "Come on Link, quick! I don't know where I'm going!"
Laughing, Link sped up and caught up with her. "I'm sorry, princess," he apologized. "You just seemed like more of an...inside girl to me."
"Don't be silly," she laughed. "Ever since my mother showed me how, horseriding has been one of my passions. You're not the first person to be astounded, though. Many of my suitors have assumed that I don't know a hoof from a tail hair on my horse."
"Well I hope that you showed them your talent," Link said.
"Sadly, no," Zelda sighed. "My father insists that I act like a royal princess, and if on the rare occasion that I was to go horseback riding, I must ride side-saddle."
It was just then that Link noticed the princess was riding with one leg on each side--a slightly awkward sight for a girl in a dress.
"Speaking of which, I'd better change to side-saddle now," Zelda sighed, as she saw a town ahead. The princess slowed down her horse, as she moved her right leg over. "Oh, wait. What am I thinking? My father doesn't want me seen publicly riding on Hepburn."
"What do you mean?"
Zelda got off of the steed and stroked his mane. "Father doesn't like Hepburn very much. Says he's an uncouth, dirty mongrel. But you aren't, are you Heppy baby?" She grabbed the horse's muzzle and hugged him. "I have another horse at home named Katherine. Father likes her much better, because she's been trained for side-saddle, and is a well-bred horse. Fit for a princess." She snorted in disgust.
Link jumped off Epona. "So where'd you pick up Hepburn?" He tied Epona to a tree. "Uh, what should we do with him?"
"Oh, uh..." Zelda turned to the horse. "Nigru, Hepburn-a emoh elspaca, quai!" She slapped his hindquarters, and he dashed off. "That normally works to send him home."
Link stared at her. "What did you say to him?"
"Sorry, can't tell you. I used to read about horses all the time, and I wished of having one that was exciting, and rough. Then I began to have these strange dreams about them, and they spoke to me. It was like they were trying to speak in English, but the horse stuff was still in them. Quite hard to explain--were you asking me something?"
"Yes. Where did you find Hepburn if your father didn't approve?"
The two of them started walking out of the wooded area they had just rode in. "I found him several years ago, in a forest. I had been on a picnic with Impa. She went off to buy something, and I was beckoned into the forest by...oh, what was it...well it was music of some sort, and I think it sounded something like an ocarina."
Link raised his eyebrows and turned away. He suddenly realized why Hepburn looked so familiar. Hepburn used to be his uncle's horse... and then he had meet a little girl...and run away. Link listened on eagerly.
"So anyway, I followed the sound of the notes, and I came upon a tall tree. I don't know what kind it was; I'd never seen one like it before..."
Link also remembered the tree. It was the Great Deku tree, and he had been hiding in its limbs. He was supposed to be watching Hepburn, and making sure nothing happened to him. You can understand how upset his uncle was upon his return.
"The horse walked up to me, and sort of nudged my arm. He was looking at me pleadingly, and before I knew it I was on his back. I looked down at him, he looked back at me. Then I heard someone coming, and I wasn't sure what to do. Well, I almost fell off the horse, because he made a sudden, mad dash for it."
Link had to conceal a laugh. His uncle had come running back from his home, waving an axe. He was going to try and asassinate the princess of Hyrule! Then, Link also remembered how the horse had sometimes seemed mistreated. Navi used to tell him such things, and he was now very glad that Hepburn was in good hands.
"Where do you keep him?" Link asked. "I mean, so your father doesn't find him."
"Actually, father has no idea that Hepburn even exists. I hate to think what his reaction would be if he ever found him. But anyway, he stays with Impa's horse, Audrey. She's got the biggest stable, and I have no idea why. Hepburn stays there with her, and they get along famously. Of course they barely see each other, due to the fact that half the time he's covered in hay. In hiding, if you will."
The two of them were attracting some people's attention. What was the princess doing, strolling with a lowly commoner? It was very peculiar. But nonetheless, they loved to see a crowned head socialize with her people. Very nice thing to do, you know.
"Well, here you go," Link said. "Marlon Kelly's Market. Princess, it has been a pleasure speaking with you."
"Wait a moment, Link," she said, grabbing his arm gently to make him stop. A chill ran down his spine, and goosebumps formed on his arms. Being touched by her made him shiver from pleasure.
"Yes?"
"Uh...I know you've probably already met my father, but I feel that it's only right for me to re-introduce you. May I?"
"Um, sure, I guess so."
Grinning to himself, Link followed Zelda as she tried to find her father and Impa in the crowd. Random people stopped by and bowed, and Zelda waved her hand in a royal fashion.
"Zelda, there you are!"
The princess turned at the sound of her name, and found herself facing King Harkinian.
"Oh, hello father!" she said. "Hello, Impa."
"Greetings, daughter. We have been waiting for you."
"Really? I'm so sorry. I...got lost."
"I see," King Harkinian said. He glimpsed at Link, who was standing there uncomfortably."Y-you're....you're Link, aren't you?"
"Yes sire, I am," Link answered, stepping forward slightly.
"Was there anything you wanted?" the King asked, proud of himself for remembering the name.
"Uh, uh...umm...."
"Yes," Zelda answered for him. "Link here was just wondering if...if there was possibly anything else at all that he could do for me."
"Not really," the King answered flatly. Zelda frowned. "Oh, look! There's King Lowell and Prince Marth! I must go see them!"
"Should I accompany the princess in her shopping, milord?" Impa asked his retreating back.
"Yes, thank you. That would be splendid!"
"Oh no Link, you're not leaving just yet," Impa continued, as the elf started walking away. She caught his elbow. "King Harkinian may have an attitude about you peasant folk, but I would ask that you please stay with us for awhile."
"You...would?"
"Of course! Haven't you ever been in this marketplace before?" Impa winked at Zelda over his shoulder.
"Well, yeah."
"Oh Impa, of course he won't get it," Zelda sighed, playing along. "He's a man, remember?"
"What's that mean?" Link asked, thoroughly confused.
"Let's just say," Impa started, putting an arm around Link's shoulder, "That this place is awful dirty for ladies walking around alone." She raised her eyebrows. "If you get what I mean...?"
Link looked at the two of them. "Oh, fine. So what exactly are you looking to buy, anyway?"