A/N: OH, YEAH!!! IT'S THE LAST CHAPTER!!!
Skywise: OH, YEAH!!! 10 more pages and I'm OUTTA HERE!!!
Link: No. When you become her lackey, you become her lackey. . . (darkly) FOREVER. . .
Skywise: O.O OOOHH NOOOOOO!!!!
Oh, yes!! (snuggles Skywise) Here's the last chapter everyone! YAYNESS!!!
Soul-Touchers: Chapter 10: Peace. . . For Now
"What!? You're leaving!?"
"I have to, I'm sorry. . ." Kili sighed. "I need to go back to the forest to practice my magic skills so I can be even more useful to you!"
"Oh, Kili. . ."
The Royal Family stood outside the castle in Hyrule Field, and the parents watched silently as Florence and Kili exchanged goodbyes.
"I. . . I'm going to miss you, Kili. . ." Florence sniffed.
"Don't worry!" Kili exclaimed half-heartedly. "I'll come back! I promise! I'd never want to leave you behind!"
"Oh, Kili!" She pulled the fairy into a hug against her chest, letting a few tears fall as they exchanged their last goodbyes through Fairy-sends.
-Goodbye, Kili. I'll miss you. . .-
-Bye, Florence. I'll miss you too. . . I'll be back as soon as I can! I promise!-
And after a few minutes, Florence let her go, and Kili flew away into the distance. They quickly waved to each other until Kili disappeared. Florence continued to stare out into the horizon, letting a few dry sobs escape her throat. Link placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, and she looked up at him, still sniffling.
"I know," he said softly. "It's hard to lose a fairy partner. She'll come back, though, I know she will."
Florence nodded and wrapped her arms around his waist comfortably. Zelda saw this and knew she'd never understand the ache in their hearts, but accepted this fact quietly. She took Link's hand in hers and said quietly, "Let's go. Everyone is waiting for us."
Link and Florence nodded, and they all stepped through the gate of Hyrule Castle. They calmly strolled into town, and the townspeople turned their heads to the main gate and let out confused, then shocked, then happy shouts.
"What? Who's that?"
"It's the prince and princess and their daughter!"
"They're back! The Royal Family has come back!!"
A crowd of people immediately surrounded them, but their loud, happy cheers were dulled out by one angry voice.
"FLORENCE!!!" screamed Impa as she stumbled through the crowd. She caught her breath, and scowled down at the girl. "I TOLD you to stay at the castle, and you did not listen! I told you to come BACK to the castle, and you STILL did not listen!! You are in MUCH trouble, young lady!"
Florence did not answer as she crossed her arms, showing not signs of apprehension, but defiance. Impa would've scolded her further, but Link stepped up, wearing a sly, almost mischievous smile.
"Impa," he said calmly, placing both hands on Florence's shoulders. "Would it really be wise to punish our rescuer?"
Impa stared back at the prince, then lightly scowled. After all these years, she still did not approve of his clever, battle-hardened behaviors. How Zelda could easily tolerate, let alone love someone so different from her, Impa could only guess. But still, the Sheikah remained tolerant and as friendly as she could. But when Link tried to match wits with her, now that was different.
"He speaks the truth, Impa," Zelda gently interrupted, stopping a would-be fight. "If it wasn't for Florence, we'd still be in the spiteful hands of Twinrova."
"Twinrova!?" Impa gasped, breaking eye contact with Link, thankfully.
"Yes. This time something good came from her disobedience." Zelda continued, smiling down at Florence.
"I. . . I understand." Impa gracefully nodded. Her voice quickly softened as she took the princess' hands. "Zelda. . . I promised myself if you two ever came home safely. . ."
The two locked eyes, and Zelda whispered, "Oh, Impa. . ."
"It's time."
Link and Florence looked on in confusion. "Dad, what's going on?" Florence asked her father.
"I'd be cursed if I knew. . ."
Impa shouted to the crowd of people to clear a path to the castle, and Zelda beckoned with a finger. "Come, you two. There is much to be done."
"Much to be done!?" Link inclined his head in utter confusion. "For what?"
A teasing smile from the princess was his answer. "You shall soon see."
----------
Zelda looked into the mirror at herself and smiled. She wore bright red and deep purple robes over her dress, and half of her long blonde hair was pulled back in a loose braid.
"Well, I'm ready," she announced, looking across the room. "Are you ready, Link?"
At the other end of the bedroom, a few attendants strived to fit Link into his new outfit. He cringed as they tightened the thick leather belt around his waist, and he finally responded, "Almost."
When they finished, the attendants bowed and rushed out. Link looked down at himself uneasily, not at all used to the new clothes he was wearing.
"Turn around, Link," said Zelda. "Let me see."
Slowly and hesitantly, Link turned around to face Zelda. He wore a royal blue, short-sleeved shirt with a tight collar closed around his neck, held by a small, red jewel. Over this was a thick leather vest with a long back-flap reaching down to just below his knees. The white pants he wore were tight, and so were the thin, blue boots. His hat was gone, exposing the small ponytail that held the rest of his hair in place. A look of discomfort was on his face.
"Oh, sweetheart," Zelda sighed softly, gently caressing his face. "You look wonderful. . ."
Link gave her a small smile, but it quickly faded as he felt the fabric of his shirt with the tip of his fingers curiously. This type of fabric was new to him.
"W-what is it?"
"The shirt is velvet, the vest is leather, and the rest are satin. The finest fabrics of Hyrule. . ." She pulled him into a hug and nuzzled the soft textile.
"It's difficult to breathe in. . . especially this collar. . ." He tugged at it, only to pull it tighter around his neck.
Zelda pulled back and looked at him. "Link, are you alright?"
"H-Honey. . . I can't breathe. . .!" he choked out.
Zelda hastily reached up and tore the red jewel off, loosening the collar. Link gasped for air as Zelda tucked the collar in to make it as neat as possible.
"You're not used to collars like these, are you?" Zelda sighed. "I'll let the tailors know. . ."
Link let out a deep sigh.
"You miss your tunic, don't you?"
"Yes. . ." he admitted. "But I know I'll just have to accept this from now on." He smiled warmly. "Don't worry, I can accept change."
Zelda smiled. "That's what I like to hear."
"Besides," Link added as the two approached the doorway. "I tend to think positively. At least I'm not wearing those bulky robes your father wore."
Zelda giggled as they walked down the hall. "It is a Royal Family tradition to garb the king in robes, but I knew I could never get you into one of those!"
They both lightly laughed, then gasped when they looked ahead and saw more attendants lead Florence out of her room. She wore a large, frilled, green and purple dress tightly tied up in the upper body. Her messy bangs were neatly combed back, and her hair was done up in a fancy bun.
"Oh, Florence!" Zelda cried in glee. "You look beautiful!"
Florence smiled forcefully as Zelda pulled her into a tight hug. "You look pretty too, Mom." She ventured.
"Why, thank you!" she said delightfully, standing up. "Well, since we're all ready, I'll go inform Impa!" And with that, she went down the hall excitingly.
Link looked down at Florence and quickly noticed her discomfort. "You don't really like it, do you?"
Florence hesitated as she looked down at her dress, then admitted, "It's so tight. . ."
"I know. . ." Link bent down and wrapped an arm around her. "Mine too. It'll be difficult to get used to them. At least you won't absolutely NEED to wear these until you're queen. . ."
"But. . . What about you. . .?"
Link smiled sadly. "I'm afraid I'll be wearing this stuff from now on. But don't worry, we'll still have fun, even is I'm NOT allowed to dirty up these clothes."
Florence smiled and fiercely hugged him. Zelda approached them once again with Impa in tow.
"Come, you two," she said. "It's time."
Link and Florence nodded and stood. Florence took her father's hand, and they followed Zelda.
----------
Outside in the market, all stalls and shops were closed for the ceremony. Everyone from all corners of Hyrule were gathered around a large stage, chattering excitingly. Finally, Impa walked to the center of the stage and with a raised hand, silence the crowd.
"Citizens of Hyrule!" she announced. "Your country's Royal Family had been missing for days. Unknown to us, they experienced an evil force maddened with revenge. But they have survived and returned to us all, and now the time has come to crown each of them as our new king, queen, and princess!"
The crowd cheered as the Royal Family ascended onto the stage. Zelda stood naturally, her hand comfortably entwined with Link's as he tugged at his collar. It was bad enough that he was so nervous, but why did the material he wore have to be so hot? Still, he tried to stand as natural as possible.
Florence stood in the back properly, but in as much discomfort as her father. As Impa continued her speech, Florence heard a tiny, "Psst!" and turned to look down and see the Little Stingers on the ground, smiling.
"You gonna be in that silly dress all day, or are we gonna play?" whispered Chief.
"Yeah, we're gonna make you a Little Stinger!" exclaimed Rolf as quietly as possible.
Florence smiled. "Just wait 'till all this is over. I'm wearing my tunic under this, so I'll just throw the dress off after this is done, and we'll play, alright?"
The Little Stingers giggled, nodded, and darted away.
Florence looked back ahead in time to see her father be called forward. Impa held a small, beautiful crown. Two thin streaks of silver entwined together like vines, and small teardrop jewels circled it, alternating in red and green.
Impa continued her speech. "Today we bring forward Prince Link of Hyrule. Though he was born into royalty, his deeds as the Hero of Time had earned him the hand of Princess Zelda in marriage." She held up the crown. "Today we bring him forward and crown him as His Majesty, King Link of Hyrule."
The crowd watched in silent awe as Link bowed his head and Impa placed the crown over his head. There was an awkward silence, then a few scattered laughs. The crown pressed down on Link's bangs in odd way. Even he stifled a laugh.
"Here, let me fix that," Impa smiled as she pulled the bangs out and let them droop over the crown. "Much better."
The crowd let out a cheer. He stepped back with his family and smiled at Zelda, then down at Florence.
"Your crown is pretty, Dad."
The smile on Link's face grew as he hugged her close with one arm. Zelda stepped forward as Impa held up a new crown. This one was pure gold, curved up at the front with the Triforce marked on it.
"Today we also bring forth Princess Zelda of Hyrule," Impa continued. "She has been long waiting for her ruling, and this day, her dream comes true. We crown her as Her Majesty, Queen Zelda of Hyrule."
Zelda removed her old crown and bowed her head, allowing Impa to place her new crown on. The crowd cheered as she smiled up at her life-long attendant. She gracefully stepped back, once again lacing hands with her loving husband.
"And now. . ." Impa went on, holding Zelda's old crown. "We bring forth young Florence."
Florence jumped in surprise. Link gently pushed her forward, and as she stumbled nervously in her bouncing dress, there were soft "aww. . ."'s of cuteness from the crowd below. She looked up clueless at Impa.
"To this day, she has only been known as the prince and princess' daughter. But now she is the king and queen's daughter, and therefore, we crown her Princess Florence of Hyrule,"
Elation spread across Florence's face as she quickly removed her old crown and let Impa place the new one on. The crowd cheered once more as the Royal Family stood proudly on the stage.
Much later, as the crowd separated, shopping around the stalls of the celebration fair, Florence whispered quickly to her father, and they slipped out of the market towards Hyrule Field. While conversating with Impa, Zelda noticed them leave.
"Huh?" she asked, breaking away from the conversation. "Where are those two going?"
Outside, the two met up with the Little Stingers. After removing the bulky dress, Florence placed it in Link's arms, smiling up at him.
"Thanks, Dad."
Link smiled back. "You be careful now. And mind that new crown of yours."
"I will!" She fiercely hugged him, then rushed off after her new friends, laughing. Link waved after them and watched quietly as they played their little games for a while.
"Link?" He turned to face Zelda, who looked concerned. "What's going on? Where's Florence? And isn't that her dress?"
Link smiled comfortingly, wrapping an arm around her waist. "It is. Seems she likes her tunic better. She said it was too tight and hot."
Zelda sighed as she saw her daughter playing. "I understand. . . The older she grows, the more like you she becomes. . ."
"That's true," Link admitted. "But she saved me from the spirit realm. I could never do that. Don't worry, she'll shape up to be a great arcane master, I know it."
Zelda smiled, comforted, and held him a bit closer. His assured tone succeeded in comforting her, but his assurance belied his own doubts.
She'll be a royal someday herself, he thought. But will she be able to accept the change. . .?
----------
Meanwhile, a small field near the Gerudo Fortress was the perfect spot for the Gerudo children to play their little games. A handful of children were running and laughing, but only one was a little boy. A bright little boy with long red hair and mystic purple eyes.
Nabooru paid close attention to this boy as she sat in the shade of the red rocks nearby. It was the task she had given herself ten years ago, when the child was born. With thoughts of her own, she saw one of her tribe- folk approach.
"What's the news, Krim?" she asked without looking up.
"There was a big celebration at the castle," Krim answered, taking a seat by her leader. "Hyrule has a new king and queen now."
"Already?" Nabooru smiled. "Must've got scared into crowning them before they got caught again, eh?"
Krim nodded, a small chuckle escaping her throat. "Your plan was almost all based on luck, but it worked after all."
"Hehe," Nabooru chuckled. "I knew if I could convince those old hags to try and take Hyrule, those Hylians would kill them. With them out of the picture, I can finally raise up little Jurich MY way!"
Krim looked out at the little boy. "So he's basically Ganondorf's little kid?"
"In a sense. Half him, half something else. Before he was sealed away in the Sacred Realm, he told Twinrova to create a son from his spilled blood so when he broke free, he'd have a weapon to use against Hyrule. They tried to raise him up, but he never liked them. Too old and too demanding. . ."
"So you figured YOU could raise him?"
"Yep. I wanted his blood running new, using the powers given to him for good instead of evil. Ganondorf's kid, reared MY way. That leaves him and those witches out!"
"I get it. So when Ganondorf comes out, the kid'll be a weapon against him instead of Hyrule!"
"Exactly. He may even become allies with the Hylians. . ."
"Hey, I just thought of something," Krim interrupted. "Link and Zelda's kid, Florence, is his age. What if. . .?"
Nabooru smiled. "I was thinking of that too. It's quite possible. I'm sure she'll have some role in the defeat of Ganondorf, so I'm sure their paths will cross."
"Trusting sort, aren't you?"
"I'm a Sage, Krim. When I'm sure of something, it's very likely to happen. All we need is time for this to work."
"Guess so. It'll be hard, though, to keep a young warlock a secret for very long."
Nabooru smiled at this comment and let the child fly into her outstretched arms. It was a brilliant plan, to raise this brown-skinned, purple-eyes boy herself. But would this child grow to be powerful enough to overthrow the King of Evil?
Of course he will, thought Nabooru. He has to if we plan to destroy the pig. . .
The child's magic already ripples with promise, so it was very likely. All they needed was time. . .
TO BE CONTINUED. . .
A/N: YAY!! I'M DONE!!!!
Skywise: Bout time. . . (sigh)
Don't worry, Skywise, I'll get another Wolfrider to be my lackey so you won't be alone!
Skywise: I pity the one she chooses. . .
Link: So what's next, NN1?
Well, I was going to continue the "Florence Chronicles. . ."
Skywise: "The Florence Chronicles?" What's that?
Link: All the Zelda stories she's written so far. "The Jealous Prince", "The Jealous Prince Returns," and "Soul-Touchers."
Skywise: Oh. . . I must go read them! (runs off to go read)
Anyway, there's a big gap of time between this story and the next one(a ten-year gap, to be exact), so I'm gonna give Link, Zelda, Florence, and mysterious little Jurich some time to grow up, and write a prequel to the "Florence Chronicles." It'll be before "The Jealous Prince," and I hope you guys like it when I update it.
Link: Sounds cool to me!! :)
Just wanted to keep you readers updated on what I'm planning for you! Well, review!! And stay tuned!!!
Skywise: OH, YEAH!!! 10 more pages and I'm OUTTA HERE!!!
Link: No. When you become her lackey, you become her lackey. . . (darkly) FOREVER. . .
Skywise: O.O OOOHH NOOOOOO!!!!
Oh, yes!! (snuggles Skywise) Here's the last chapter everyone! YAYNESS!!!
Soul-Touchers: Chapter 10: Peace. . . For Now
"What!? You're leaving!?"
"I have to, I'm sorry. . ." Kili sighed. "I need to go back to the forest to practice my magic skills so I can be even more useful to you!"
"Oh, Kili. . ."
The Royal Family stood outside the castle in Hyrule Field, and the parents watched silently as Florence and Kili exchanged goodbyes.
"I. . . I'm going to miss you, Kili. . ." Florence sniffed.
"Don't worry!" Kili exclaimed half-heartedly. "I'll come back! I promise! I'd never want to leave you behind!"
"Oh, Kili!" She pulled the fairy into a hug against her chest, letting a few tears fall as they exchanged their last goodbyes through Fairy-sends.
-Goodbye, Kili. I'll miss you. . .-
-Bye, Florence. I'll miss you too. . . I'll be back as soon as I can! I promise!-
And after a few minutes, Florence let her go, and Kili flew away into the distance. They quickly waved to each other until Kili disappeared. Florence continued to stare out into the horizon, letting a few dry sobs escape her throat. Link placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, and she looked up at him, still sniffling.
"I know," he said softly. "It's hard to lose a fairy partner. She'll come back, though, I know she will."
Florence nodded and wrapped her arms around his waist comfortably. Zelda saw this and knew she'd never understand the ache in their hearts, but accepted this fact quietly. She took Link's hand in hers and said quietly, "Let's go. Everyone is waiting for us."
Link and Florence nodded, and they all stepped through the gate of Hyrule Castle. They calmly strolled into town, and the townspeople turned their heads to the main gate and let out confused, then shocked, then happy shouts.
"What? Who's that?"
"It's the prince and princess and their daughter!"
"They're back! The Royal Family has come back!!"
A crowd of people immediately surrounded them, but their loud, happy cheers were dulled out by one angry voice.
"FLORENCE!!!" screamed Impa as she stumbled through the crowd. She caught her breath, and scowled down at the girl. "I TOLD you to stay at the castle, and you did not listen! I told you to come BACK to the castle, and you STILL did not listen!! You are in MUCH trouble, young lady!"
Florence did not answer as she crossed her arms, showing not signs of apprehension, but defiance. Impa would've scolded her further, but Link stepped up, wearing a sly, almost mischievous smile.
"Impa," he said calmly, placing both hands on Florence's shoulders. "Would it really be wise to punish our rescuer?"
Impa stared back at the prince, then lightly scowled. After all these years, she still did not approve of his clever, battle-hardened behaviors. How Zelda could easily tolerate, let alone love someone so different from her, Impa could only guess. But still, the Sheikah remained tolerant and as friendly as she could. But when Link tried to match wits with her, now that was different.
"He speaks the truth, Impa," Zelda gently interrupted, stopping a would-be fight. "If it wasn't for Florence, we'd still be in the spiteful hands of Twinrova."
"Twinrova!?" Impa gasped, breaking eye contact with Link, thankfully.
"Yes. This time something good came from her disobedience." Zelda continued, smiling down at Florence.
"I. . . I understand." Impa gracefully nodded. Her voice quickly softened as she took the princess' hands. "Zelda. . . I promised myself if you two ever came home safely. . ."
The two locked eyes, and Zelda whispered, "Oh, Impa. . ."
"It's time."
Link and Florence looked on in confusion. "Dad, what's going on?" Florence asked her father.
"I'd be cursed if I knew. . ."
Impa shouted to the crowd of people to clear a path to the castle, and Zelda beckoned with a finger. "Come, you two. There is much to be done."
"Much to be done!?" Link inclined his head in utter confusion. "For what?"
A teasing smile from the princess was his answer. "You shall soon see."
----------
Zelda looked into the mirror at herself and smiled. She wore bright red and deep purple robes over her dress, and half of her long blonde hair was pulled back in a loose braid.
"Well, I'm ready," she announced, looking across the room. "Are you ready, Link?"
At the other end of the bedroom, a few attendants strived to fit Link into his new outfit. He cringed as they tightened the thick leather belt around his waist, and he finally responded, "Almost."
When they finished, the attendants bowed and rushed out. Link looked down at himself uneasily, not at all used to the new clothes he was wearing.
"Turn around, Link," said Zelda. "Let me see."
Slowly and hesitantly, Link turned around to face Zelda. He wore a royal blue, short-sleeved shirt with a tight collar closed around his neck, held by a small, red jewel. Over this was a thick leather vest with a long back-flap reaching down to just below his knees. The white pants he wore were tight, and so were the thin, blue boots. His hat was gone, exposing the small ponytail that held the rest of his hair in place. A look of discomfort was on his face.
"Oh, sweetheart," Zelda sighed softly, gently caressing his face. "You look wonderful. . ."
Link gave her a small smile, but it quickly faded as he felt the fabric of his shirt with the tip of his fingers curiously. This type of fabric was new to him.
"W-what is it?"
"The shirt is velvet, the vest is leather, and the rest are satin. The finest fabrics of Hyrule. . ." She pulled him into a hug and nuzzled the soft textile.
"It's difficult to breathe in. . . especially this collar. . ." He tugged at it, only to pull it tighter around his neck.
Zelda pulled back and looked at him. "Link, are you alright?"
"H-Honey. . . I can't breathe. . .!" he choked out.
Zelda hastily reached up and tore the red jewel off, loosening the collar. Link gasped for air as Zelda tucked the collar in to make it as neat as possible.
"You're not used to collars like these, are you?" Zelda sighed. "I'll let the tailors know. . ."
Link let out a deep sigh.
"You miss your tunic, don't you?"
"Yes. . ." he admitted. "But I know I'll just have to accept this from now on." He smiled warmly. "Don't worry, I can accept change."
Zelda smiled. "That's what I like to hear."
"Besides," Link added as the two approached the doorway. "I tend to think positively. At least I'm not wearing those bulky robes your father wore."
Zelda giggled as they walked down the hall. "It is a Royal Family tradition to garb the king in robes, but I knew I could never get you into one of those!"
They both lightly laughed, then gasped when they looked ahead and saw more attendants lead Florence out of her room. She wore a large, frilled, green and purple dress tightly tied up in the upper body. Her messy bangs were neatly combed back, and her hair was done up in a fancy bun.
"Oh, Florence!" Zelda cried in glee. "You look beautiful!"
Florence smiled forcefully as Zelda pulled her into a tight hug. "You look pretty too, Mom." She ventured.
"Why, thank you!" she said delightfully, standing up. "Well, since we're all ready, I'll go inform Impa!" And with that, she went down the hall excitingly.
Link looked down at Florence and quickly noticed her discomfort. "You don't really like it, do you?"
Florence hesitated as she looked down at her dress, then admitted, "It's so tight. . ."
"I know. . ." Link bent down and wrapped an arm around her. "Mine too. It'll be difficult to get used to them. At least you won't absolutely NEED to wear these until you're queen. . ."
"But. . . What about you. . .?"
Link smiled sadly. "I'm afraid I'll be wearing this stuff from now on. But don't worry, we'll still have fun, even is I'm NOT allowed to dirty up these clothes."
Florence smiled and fiercely hugged him. Zelda approached them once again with Impa in tow.
"Come, you two," she said. "It's time."
Link and Florence nodded and stood. Florence took her father's hand, and they followed Zelda.
----------
Outside in the market, all stalls and shops were closed for the ceremony. Everyone from all corners of Hyrule were gathered around a large stage, chattering excitingly. Finally, Impa walked to the center of the stage and with a raised hand, silence the crowd.
"Citizens of Hyrule!" she announced. "Your country's Royal Family had been missing for days. Unknown to us, they experienced an evil force maddened with revenge. But they have survived and returned to us all, and now the time has come to crown each of them as our new king, queen, and princess!"
The crowd cheered as the Royal Family ascended onto the stage. Zelda stood naturally, her hand comfortably entwined with Link's as he tugged at his collar. It was bad enough that he was so nervous, but why did the material he wore have to be so hot? Still, he tried to stand as natural as possible.
Florence stood in the back properly, but in as much discomfort as her father. As Impa continued her speech, Florence heard a tiny, "Psst!" and turned to look down and see the Little Stingers on the ground, smiling.
"You gonna be in that silly dress all day, or are we gonna play?" whispered Chief.
"Yeah, we're gonna make you a Little Stinger!" exclaimed Rolf as quietly as possible.
Florence smiled. "Just wait 'till all this is over. I'm wearing my tunic under this, so I'll just throw the dress off after this is done, and we'll play, alright?"
The Little Stingers giggled, nodded, and darted away.
Florence looked back ahead in time to see her father be called forward. Impa held a small, beautiful crown. Two thin streaks of silver entwined together like vines, and small teardrop jewels circled it, alternating in red and green.
Impa continued her speech. "Today we bring forward Prince Link of Hyrule. Though he was born into royalty, his deeds as the Hero of Time had earned him the hand of Princess Zelda in marriage." She held up the crown. "Today we bring him forward and crown him as His Majesty, King Link of Hyrule."
The crowd watched in silent awe as Link bowed his head and Impa placed the crown over his head. There was an awkward silence, then a few scattered laughs. The crown pressed down on Link's bangs in odd way. Even he stifled a laugh.
"Here, let me fix that," Impa smiled as she pulled the bangs out and let them droop over the crown. "Much better."
The crowd let out a cheer. He stepped back with his family and smiled at Zelda, then down at Florence.
"Your crown is pretty, Dad."
The smile on Link's face grew as he hugged her close with one arm. Zelda stepped forward as Impa held up a new crown. This one was pure gold, curved up at the front with the Triforce marked on it.
"Today we also bring forth Princess Zelda of Hyrule," Impa continued. "She has been long waiting for her ruling, and this day, her dream comes true. We crown her as Her Majesty, Queen Zelda of Hyrule."
Zelda removed her old crown and bowed her head, allowing Impa to place her new crown on. The crowd cheered as she smiled up at her life-long attendant. She gracefully stepped back, once again lacing hands with her loving husband.
"And now. . ." Impa went on, holding Zelda's old crown. "We bring forth young Florence."
Florence jumped in surprise. Link gently pushed her forward, and as she stumbled nervously in her bouncing dress, there were soft "aww. . ."'s of cuteness from the crowd below. She looked up clueless at Impa.
"To this day, she has only been known as the prince and princess' daughter. But now she is the king and queen's daughter, and therefore, we crown her Princess Florence of Hyrule,"
Elation spread across Florence's face as she quickly removed her old crown and let Impa place the new one on. The crowd cheered once more as the Royal Family stood proudly on the stage.
Much later, as the crowd separated, shopping around the stalls of the celebration fair, Florence whispered quickly to her father, and they slipped out of the market towards Hyrule Field. While conversating with Impa, Zelda noticed them leave.
"Huh?" she asked, breaking away from the conversation. "Where are those two going?"
Outside, the two met up with the Little Stingers. After removing the bulky dress, Florence placed it in Link's arms, smiling up at him.
"Thanks, Dad."
Link smiled back. "You be careful now. And mind that new crown of yours."
"I will!" She fiercely hugged him, then rushed off after her new friends, laughing. Link waved after them and watched quietly as they played their little games for a while.
"Link?" He turned to face Zelda, who looked concerned. "What's going on? Where's Florence? And isn't that her dress?"
Link smiled comfortingly, wrapping an arm around her waist. "It is. Seems she likes her tunic better. She said it was too tight and hot."
Zelda sighed as she saw her daughter playing. "I understand. . . The older she grows, the more like you she becomes. . ."
"That's true," Link admitted. "But she saved me from the spirit realm. I could never do that. Don't worry, she'll shape up to be a great arcane master, I know it."
Zelda smiled, comforted, and held him a bit closer. His assured tone succeeded in comforting her, but his assurance belied his own doubts.
She'll be a royal someday herself, he thought. But will she be able to accept the change. . .?
----------
Meanwhile, a small field near the Gerudo Fortress was the perfect spot for the Gerudo children to play their little games. A handful of children were running and laughing, but only one was a little boy. A bright little boy with long red hair and mystic purple eyes.
Nabooru paid close attention to this boy as she sat in the shade of the red rocks nearby. It was the task she had given herself ten years ago, when the child was born. With thoughts of her own, she saw one of her tribe- folk approach.
"What's the news, Krim?" she asked without looking up.
"There was a big celebration at the castle," Krim answered, taking a seat by her leader. "Hyrule has a new king and queen now."
"Already?" Nabooru smiled. "Must've got scared into crowning them before they got caught again, eh?"
Krim nodded, a small chuckle escaping her throat. "Your plan was almost all based on luck, but it worked after all."
"Hehe," Nabooru chuckled. "I knew if I could convince those old hags to try and take Hyrule, those Hylians would kill them. With them out of the picture, I can finally raise up little Jurich MY way!"
Krim looked out at the little boy. "So he's basically Ganondorf's little kid?"
"In a sense. Half him, half something else. Before he was sealed away in the Sacred Realm, he told Twinrova to create a son from his spilled blood so when he broke free, he'd have a weapon to use against Hyrule. They tried to raise him up, but he never liked them. Too old and too demanding. . ."
"So you figured YOU could raise him?"
"Yep. I wanted his blood running new, using the powers given to him for good instead of evil. Ganondorf's kid, reared MY way. That leaves him and those witches out!"
"I get it. So when Ganondorf comes out, the kid'll be a weapon against him instead of Hyrule!"
"Exactly. He may even become allies with the Hylians. . ."
"Hey, I just thought of something," Krim interrupted. "Link and Zelda's kid, Florence, is his age. What if. . .?"
Nabooru smiled. "I was thinking of that too. It's quite possible. I'm sure she'll have some role in the defeat of Ganondorf, so I'm sure their paths will cross."
"Trusting sort, aren't you?"
"I'm a Sage, Krim. When I'm sure of something, it's very likely to happen. All we need is time for this to work."
"Guess so. It'll be hard, though, to keep a young warlock a secret for very long."
Nabooru smiled at this comment and let the child fly into her outstretched arms. It was a brilliant plan, to raise this brown-skinned, purple-eyes boy herself. But would this child grow to be powerful enough to overthrow the King of Evil?
Of course he will, thought Nabooru. He has to if we plan to destroy the pig. . .
The child's magic already ripples with promise, so it was very likely. All they needed was time. . .
TO BE CONTINUED. . .
A/N: YAY!! I'M DONE!!!!
Skywise: Bout time. . . (sigh)
Don't worry, Skywise, I'll get another Wolfrider to be my lackey so you won't be alone!
Skywise: I pity the one she chooses. . .
Link: So what's next, NN1?
Well, I was going to continue the "Florence Chronicles. . ."
Skywise: "The Florence Chronicles?" What's that?
Link: All the Zelda stories she's written so far. "The Jealous Prince", "The Jealous Prince Returns," and "Soul-Touchers."
Skywise: Oh. . . I must go read them! (runs off to go read)
Anyway, there's a big gap of time between this story and the next one(a ten-year gap, to be exact), so I'm gonna give Link, Zelda, Florence, and mysterious little Jurich some time to grow up, and write a prequel to the "Florence Chronicles." It'll be before "The Jealous Prince," and I hope you guys like it when I update it.
Link: Sounds cool to me!! :)
Just wanted to keep you readers updated on what I'm planning for you! Well, review!! And stay tuned!!!