A/N:
HOLY CRAP!!!!!!!!! I got TWENTY SEVEN REVIEWS for this thing!!!! I am SHOCKED!!! Not to mention ECSTATIC!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! YEEY!!! ^___^
Disclaimer: I don't care that I don't own Zelda b/c I got TWENTY SEVEN REVIEWS!!!!!!!! WAHOOOOOOOOO!
The Carnival
Flowers and Truces
The sun was barely peaking over the horizon when Zelda awoke in the morning, the chirping of birds filling her ears. With a large and rather loud yawn she arose from her rumpled bed and began to get dressed. Memories of the previous night flooded her mind.
After much internal debating, Zelda had decided to make amends with Link, however unpleasant it seemed. It marred her pride slightly, but she knew that if she did nothing that both of their holidays would be ruined. With a huff, she came back to reality and went out into the inn hallway, hungry for breakfast. But when she looked down to the floor, she noticed a bouquet of wildflowers in front of her door.
Picking them up, Zelda inhaled their lovely, fresh scent. The bouquet included her favorite blossoms: lacy baby's breath, violet foxglove, bright black eyes susans, saffron poppies, cerulean morning glories, and pink primroses. There was no note to identify the giver, although she had an idea of who it was. Only someone she knew would have such information as to her favorite flowers.
Link. Could he have possibly been so thoughtful and kind? It seemed highly unlikely from her viewpoint, yet it was the only logical explanation. Zelda went back into her room and closed the door, smiling.
Her anger at Link disappeared; the sting of humiliation dissipated. The bouquet had been the perfect remedy, and oddly enough, she hoped against hope that it had been Link who had given her the gift. Still smiling, she braided a bit of the baby's breath in her hair and placed the rest of the blossoms upon her bed. She eventually went downstairs for breakfast.
* * * *
It was with some trepidation that Link waited for Zelda's appearance for breakfast. He thoroughly expected her to be in a sour mood due to the night before, and Goddesses' have mercy on his soul if she were in a temper. Hopefully the flowers had helped some…
Earlier that morning, he had gone out riding on Epona and stopped to pick a bouquet for her. He had felt awful for hurting her so yesterday, but he knew he was too much of a coward to apologize to her. At least, with words – maybe the flowers would work instead.
Zelda was one of his closest friends, but, again, he would probably never admit it. Although she could be as prickly as a Deku scrub at times, he truly did care for her. But sometimes his manly front would give her the wrong impression, like yesterday. Could he never keep his mouth shut?
Link came out of his reverie when Zelda finally arrived. To his total surprise, she was quite chipper. A bright smile framed her face and her eyes were sparkling with happiness. She practically bounced into the chair before him, she seemed so happy. "Good morning, Link," she said cheerfully. "Did you sleep well?"
Link stared at her a moment and soon noticed the bit of baby's breath in her hair. He then grinned inwardly – the pleasure of seeing her smile did something to his soul. "Well enough," he replied, locking those thoughts deep inside. "You?"
Zelda paused. "Actually, no, I didn't, but I feel quite refreshed for some odd reason." She shrugged. "It must be the lovely weather," she reflected softly. Looking up through her long eyelashes, Link swore he saw them flutter slightly. He turned a little red.
He coughed. "Well, er…" His tongue was tied. Zelda continued to stare at him in a way that made him squirm inwardly. Goddesses, when had she become so female? He suddenly found himself noticing how the color of her hair was such a lovely strawberry shade, how her mouth looked as soft as rose petals… His face began to burn.
"Link?" Zelda asked, frowning in consternation, "is something the matter?"
"Ah…no…" he mumbled. Picking up his glass of orange juice, he gulped it down quickly. Thankfully, his face began to turn a normal color. He waved a hand, dismissing Zelda's question. "No, I'm fine," he answered. "What would you like to do today?"
Her face became even brighter. "I want to go shopping!" When Link rolled his eyes, she added in a low voice, her eyebrows raised, "You owe me, you know."
He scowled, but acquiesced. Crossing his arms, he replied, "Fine. I'm sorry for yesterday, alright? But don't expect me to be jumping up and down about this. I hate shopping."
"I'm so glad you see it my way," Zelda whispered, poking him in the chest. "You're looking forward to it, and you know it."
"Fat chance, Princess," Link muttered. But to his total embarrassment, he turned a bright right once again at her close proximity. Goddesses, it was going to be a long day.
* * * *
"Oh, Link, look at this!" Zelda exclaimed, eyeing a piece of rather lovely fabric. It was an exquisite pink taffeta with tiny embroideries of roses upon it. Zelda touched it lightly with a finger and sighed longingly. "It's beautiful," she whispered.
Link also sighed, but not in longing. This was at least the tenth time Zelda had stopped to look at fabric, and it was always took an eternity for her to decide whether or not she would buy the item. But he kept his mouth shut, knowing that he really did owe Zelda the trip. He ran his fingers through his hair instead.
"This is the finest of Terminian cloth, madam," the owner said. "Only the finest of ladies such as yourself deserve something so extraordinary. I will give it to you for seventy five rupees."
Zelda smiled conspiringly. "Thirty," she bargained.
"Fifty and you will receive red ribbons to match."
"Forty, or I will go elsewhere."
"Deal," he complied, smiling. Zelda reached into her purse and brought forth the requested amount. The owner counted it carefully, bit all of the coins to be certain they were not counterfeit, and then placed them into the depths of his pockets. "Wonderful, madam. Let me wrap the cloth and ribbon for you." He pulled out some thick paper, wrapped the items in it, and tied the parcel tightly with twine. "Here you are," the owner said, giving Zelda her package. "May the Goddesses shine on you this day."
"Likewise, and thank you," she replied, taking the item. Eventually, she and Link left the stand, and when they were a little ways from it, Zelda gave Link the fifth parcel of the day to carry.
"Zelda!" he moaned. "For Goddesses' sake, don't you have enough already?"
She laughed. "Shut up, Link. You owe me. Be glad I'm not shopping for under-things are something like that." Looking behind her, she saw Link turn a bright red at her comment. "Oooh, is Link a little embarrassed?" she asked, snickering. "Under-things, under-things," she chanted. Link looked like a tomato.
He cried, "Zelda! Be quiet! Haven't you tortured me enough today? Seriously! You are a sadist!" Zelda continued her chanting, and Link continued to burn a bright red.
Eventually, when Link was sure he would keel over from all of the parcels he was forced to carry, they sat down at a nice little café for luncheon. Zelda was still chanting "under-things, under-things, under-things," when Link yelled, "Shut up, Zelda! SHEESH!"
Zelda shut up. "You're in a nasty mood," she eventually commented, lifting an eyebrow. "Anything the matter?"
Link scowled. "No, I'm just starving and I'm tired of carrying your things around. Can we call a truce, please?"
Moment of silence. "Fine," Zelda replied, holding out a hand, "truce."
Link sighed in pure joy at his release and shook her hand with vigor. "Goddesses be praised!" he cried. He eventually let go of her hand, grinning. As if he had just been de-collared and untied from a post, he commented, "Only Din knows what you would have made me do later."
"Such as…?" Zelda inquired, humoring him.
"Oh, c'mon, Princess, you would totally have asked to come into my room tonight and then finally force me to sleep with you. It's completely obvious."
Zelda didn't respond for a moment. "Link," she eventually said.
"Hmm…"
"You're an idiot."
"Love you too, Princess."
The rest of the day was fairy uneventful. Link and Zelda ate their lunches, and continued to shop, although not for just Zelda anymore. The previous day's fight was completely forgotten, and the time they spent together was wonderful – for both. Preparations for the Carnival were evident all around Clocktown: everyone was abuzz with excitement for the coming entertainments. The town was well-known for its Midsummer celebration.
It was said that Midsummer night represented the time when the Goddess Nayru finally consummated her relationship with the young peasant man Dionysus she had fallen in love with, and he with her. Only one night could they be together, and that night eventually came to be the celebration for lovers all around the country. But in Clocktown, there was a special ceremony for the man and woman chosen to represent the Goddess and Dionysus, and the two would dance around the center maypole all night, until the sun rose in the morning.
It was a magical time, and both Zelda and Link were looking forward to the day specially dedicated to lovers. Maybe then their feelings could finally be confessed…
Sorry about the bit of delay, folks! Writer's block. I'm also sorry that this one wasn't very funny, but humor is hard! I'll do better next time, and try to write something with more of a plot… LOL But first, I'd like to personally thank all of the peeps who reviewed my story last chapter:
Cat of Darkness: this is really your fav. story on ff.net? Thanx, I try. ^___^ And I know how old YOU are!!!!!!!!!!! MWHAHA
Midnight*Starfire: thanks SOOOOOOOO much for putting me on your fave author list. I'm so glad you like my fics. It really means a lot to me. ^_^
sawyerzelda: actually, I think my last chapters always suck. Hmm…. Thanks for reviewing my fictionpress fic!!!!! YES THREE REVIEWS FOR THAT ONE!!!
ZeldaChik63: WHAT?! You think this fic is PLOTLESS?!!! Oh, wait, it is. XD I'm glad ya like it so much!!!!!!!
Lost Soul 01: yeah, I usually picture Linkie as a nice, quiet guy. But this time I wanted to have him be a REAL guy. Lol Doesn't every guy act like him (or most?)? But I still love him. ^_________^
Laurel18: haha yeah I like the plot too. I really just wanted to do something fun but pointless. Seriously, what ELSE do I have to do? Answer: nothing! YEEY!
violet: was it really that funny? I was kinda worried no one else would think it was. I have an odd sense of humor. ^___^ I hope this update prevents the breaking of your heart!
Nagem: thanks, I liked the kiss too. Hehee And thanks for telling me about Magisheangel or whatever; I've seen that dude around, saying that he/she?? didn't like Zelda b/c she wore pink. ????? That doesn't make sense b/c PINK IS THE BEST COLOR EVER!!!!!!! ^___~
anyone: I'm so surprised so many think this fic is even worth reviewing! Lol I'm glad you like it sooooooo much!!!!!
silent-angel510: yeah it is a cute story. Hehehe
DJ skittles: the fact that you saw no grammar mistakes makes me VERY happy. I'm a grammar nerd. Can't stand bad grammar. Lol I need a life. I'm glad I have you standing on your toes for the next chapter!!!
whalemage: hey look! I updated!! Yey!
ElvenGoddess: I love it too. Muchas gracias!!
Rex Rodentium: I wrote more! YES!
Zelda-is-me: I'm glad you love it too! I was shocked at the response I've gotten on this. Wow!
Super Saiyan Pan: yeah this is the best fic ever. Mwahhaha I'm glad you think it's one of the best. Means a lot to nerd like me. XD
BerlinBrownEyes: ahh…do you really think Link deserves to be tied up? Man, I've had real guys say worse things to me! LOL I might take you up on the proposition, though…mwahahaha PS: notice the reference to your review? ^____~
THANKS AND CONTINUE TO REVIEW!!! ^________^
