Author's Note: I'm sorry that this first bit is so short. It is very difficult for me to sit for any extended period of time and write. However, if time allows, I will try to work this out to the full extent somehow. (Formatting errors are finally fixed!) I don't own copyrights to Zelda or its characters and could never hope to. Now, on with the story!

It was a rainy night. Lightning was flashing across the sky, electricity crackling in the air. Zelda stared out her window, warmed by the blazing fireplace behind her. Silently she watched servants running to and fro through the castle court, shielding themselves from the rain as they went about their tasks. Horses were walked to their stables, a basket of apples dropped and quickly picked up. She sighed. What a boring evening. Despite the fantastic storm, nothing of consequence was happening. Zelda made her way to an overstuffed chair by the hearth and picked up the book she had been reading previously. It was a romance novel, about lords and ladies, damsels and heroes. All of it was familiar in a way, being a princess herself, but her life lacked one element -- romance. Oh, if only some handsome elf would sweep me off my feet. She closed her eyes and pictured what he would look like. First off, he had to be tall. Not too tall, however, or she would feel small and stunted. No, he had to be just the right height. That way she could look into his eyes. His eyes... blue. Yes, they must be blue. Deep, deep pools of azure that she could lose herself in. Eyes to make her forget the drudgery of everyday life. Ah, to be lost in such eyes... Of course he had to have a smile as well. Eyes weren't everything. A slight, captivating smile. He would have to have a nice body, too. Slim, firm, attractive...

Zelda began to daydream of what this young man would be like. She could see herself sitting in the courtyard on a sunny day, a rose in her hair, a long, white gown of chiffon with satin ribbons draped over her curvaceous frame. Its neckline dipped just enough to show a hint of her fair bosom. The birds would be singing, chirping of the beautiful day and its promise. She would be sitting there when the sound of hoofbeats would startle her, coming up from behind... Turning her head she sees him. Strong, assured, tall like a bronze god on his white horse. Without a word he dismounts, making his way over to her with determination in his eyes. She stands in greeting. His clothes are green, a tunic with a hem high enough to show his sinewy legs. A softness is in his face, defined features and lips that make her want. His strong build is obvious beneath the drape of his clothing. He reaches her and stares into her eyes, conveying his thought. Without a word his arms wrap around her waist and he envelopes her in a kiss passionate and surprising. He begins to slowly kiss down her neck, his fiery lips making their way to her-

"Zelda!" She looked up with a start, her heart jumping into her throat. "For Goddess' sake, Princess, I have been looking all over for you!"

"What it is, Impa?" Zelda questioned her nursemaid.

"There is a matter that requires your attention," Impa replied. "Come, follow me."

Zelda dutifully followed Impa out of the room and down the corridor. They passed the dining hall, ball room, library, and countless fine paintings. Servants stopped what they were doing to bow as the Princess passed. Yet Zelda's mind was not on the current situation. Her head was in the clouds with thoughts of romance and passion. His lips are warm and moist, perfect for kissing every inch of her aching flesh. Strong, adept hands make their way to the bodice of her gown, untying the satin ribbons that cage her full, awaiting breasts. Zelda's hands journey down to his belt, undoing the buckle eagerly. She kisses him again, the heat in her bosom burning ever hotter.

"Are you listening to me?" cried Impa. Zelda once again snapped back to reality.

"Hmm? What?"

"Ugh. Child, will you ever listen to me? Where is your head this evening?" scolded the perturbed nursemaid.

"I'm frightfully sorry, Impa. I didn't mean to upset you. I'm worried about... things..."

"Well, save the worrying for later. We have more important things to attend to now."

"What did you need to tell me?" Zelda inquired. Impa furrowed her brow in an upset manner. "There have been several attacks on our subjects of late," Impa stated. "They come back beaten and bloodied. All of them have been unwilling to speak of who or what did the deed. It is as if they were all rendered speechless." Zelda pondered this for a moment.

"How many attacks thus far?" she asked.

Impa sighed and answered, "Six, including the individual who was just found."

"Why was this not brought to my attention earlier? Why tell me now rather than at an earlier time?"

"Before it was merely messengers or traders. However, the current victim..." she trailed off as they reached the castle infirmary. Groaning could be heard through the double doors. Impa cast Zelda a wary look, then motioned for her to enter and see. Zelda pushed open the doors and quickly made her way inside. A bed near the center of the room was surrounded by women in white and a priest of Nayru sat nearby, cautiously watching. The groaning continued as the women skittered to and fro with water and clean cloths. Zelda hurried to the group, worry gathering in the pit of her stomach like a ball of lead. The women in white parted to allow Zelda in. There on the bed was Zelda's handmaiden, Catherine. A close friend, as well. The girl's eyes were black, her nose swollen and bleeding, a seeping stab wound in her right shoulder.

"Oh Goddess! Catherine!" Zelda took her friend's hand. "Who did this to you? Just tell me and I'll find them! I'll find them and I'll punish them immediately!" Catherine merely moaned.

"She hasn't spoken a word since she was brought in," said one of the women in white. Zelda turned to her. "Will she be alright? Will she live?"

"Most likely, if the wound on her shoulder doesn't fester." the woman replied.

"Where was she found? Who brought her here?" Zelda asked.

"A young man found her. He saved her life, he did. She would not have made it, had he not brought her here. Where she was or who he is, I do not know, Majesty."

"Please, find him and have him brought to me. I wish to speak with him. I want you to give Catherine the finest care. Treat her as if she were royalty herself. I want her to heal with all due speed." The woman nodded and went back to her patient. Zelda turned and left the room, worry now clouding her mind. She made her way back down the corridors and past all of the great halls to her room and shut the door behind her. Attacks on her subjects? Who? Why? They were not at war. Her father was a peaceful ruler, not wishing to step on anyone's toes, or to have his stepped on, likewise. In terms of foreign relations, they were well to do. There was no reason for all of this. The stab wound on Catherine had been deep, strange looking. Almost as if she were pierced with a single-edged sword. Zelda thought about these things late into the night, until she could not bear the fatigue any longer and clambered into bed. As she slept, the storm (which had calmed before) started to rage anew.

The grass is green and soft beneath her bare feet, tickling her soles as she runs. The warm air surrounds her in dewy rapture, working its way through her lungs and filling her as if with a draught of ambrosia. She reaches a hill and drops into the thick, verdant carpet, giggling as her companion catches up and does the same. He laughs and puts his arms around her, planting a sumptuous kiss on her lips, drawing her toward him. They part for a moment and share a laugh, then gaze up at the clouds moving by swiftly. The two sigh almost in unison, and Zelda turns to him, a smile on her lips. He grins in return, and she kisses him again, her hand undoing the ties of his tunic. The young man's lips find their way to her neck, and she surrenders readily. Soon their clothing is shed, strewn about on the meadow-bed, and their bodies become one.

"I love you," he whispers, as they rocks back and forth together, a pendulum of time forgotten. The air and the grass envelope them as they are in each other's embrace, making love under the sun and the heavens. The awe rises ever on an on, suddenly climaxing as the earth falls away and their hearts beat in unison, all feeling and known things abandoned. Then they fall back to life as it is over, and they lay in a warm embrace. Lightening suddenly splits the ground and she is alone, a fierce, cold wind beating against her skin, and the land grows dark. A stygian army approaches as a war cry is shouted.

"Princess?" Zelda awoke with a start to the rapping at her door. She jumped out of bed and threw on a robe. "Come in!" she called. Impa entered hurriedly.

"You must come to the throne room immediately. Get dressed, quickly!" Impa helped Zelda into one of her gowns and they headed downstairs. "Two of our western fortresses were attacked last night, and your father is leaving soon. I expect that he is going to have you rule while he is gone," she explained.

"This is all very sudden! Who attacked?"

"The Gerudo. Their new leader, a man by the name of Ganondorf Dragmire, he incited the assault." They reached the throne room and entered, the heavy doors slamming shut behind them. The king, a heavyset, balding man of about sixty poured over maps with his generals, conversing seriously about military affairs.

"Yes, Your Majesty. We do suspect that there are spies stationed throughout the kingdom. Perhaps within your own court. It is safe to say that we are not safe and another surprise onslaught could come at any time. They are well armed and have probably been plotting this over some time. We must fortify all borders forthwith."

"Of course, of course. I shall ride out in the next few hours. Do you have our ranks assembled?"

"They are coming together as we speak, Majesty. We should be ready by noon."

"Good. You are excused." the King said. The General bowed and made his exit. The King smiled grimly at his daughter. He motioned for her to come, which she did.

"Zelda, I'm sure you know that I must leave. I have much to do, so I'll get right to it. I want you to rule in my place while I am gone. I am sure you are capable of this, my daughter." Zelda nodded. Her father nodded back. "I want you to be just and fair. If there should be any trouble, follow your instinct. Do what you must to keep our subjects safe. I hate to be brief, but I must go and prepare. Pray for our victory." Again she nodded and with that the King left the throne room. Zelda stood there feeling stunned. Was any of this really happening? She had never seen a war before, and it was all unsettling, to say the least. She sat in her throne and rubbed her temples. First Catherine and now this. If only her life were like that of the princesses in her books. Her thoughts were interrupted by the doors of the throne room opening. A page made his way to the throne and bowed.

"Yes?" Zelda said.

"Majesty, there is someone here who seeks your audience. He says you asked to see him recently."

"Send him in." The page bowed again and left the room. Finally she would meet the young man who had found her friend. Zelda planned to reward him handsomely. A minute later, the doors opened again and the page entered.

"Your Majesty, Link of the Kokiri," he announced and stepped aside. Zelda's heart leaped clear into her throat when the young man entered the room. He looked exactly like the young man from her fantasies. Her face immediately flushed at the sight of him. The room felt as if it were very, very hot all of a sudden. He walked to the throne and bowed, his tunic draping over the fine lines of his well-formed body.

"Your Majesty," he said. Zelda sat, glued to her seat, her fingers stuck to the arms of the throne. After a few moments of silence, Impa cleared her throat and Zelda took a breath.

"Uh, yes, um, you may rise," she said. The young man stood and looked at her, waiting. There was a short, difficult silence. "Link, your name is?" she finally managed.

"Yes, your Highness," he said with a smile.

"Would.. would you meet me at noon for lunch?" she asked, not able to think of anything else to say. A confused look crossed his face. He bowed.

"Yes, your Majesty." Zelda nodded stiffly.

"Um, good. You are dismissed." He stood and left. Zelda slumped in her seat and groaned.

"What was that about?" asked Impa.

"I don't think you want to know."