A/N: OMG!!!! I'M WRITING A PREQUEL!!! YAY!!!
Link: Good for you. Now what about the new lackey?
Oh, yeah! Here he is!! (blows a fanfare on her trumpet, then new lackey comes in)
Skywise: O.o Redlance!?!? What're YOU doing here!?
Redlance: I don't know! This girl attacks me with a parasol, and the next thing I know, I wake up here!! (looks at Link) Hey, who're you?
Link: Just another one of NN's lackeys. Call me Link.
Redlance: Uh, okay. (they shake hands)
XD Anyway, for those of you who don't know what's going on, this is the whole prequel to the "Florence Chronicles," before "The Jealous Prince." So you can read this before you go read the others if you want. . . yeah. . . Anyway, without further delay. . .
Before it All Began: Chapter 1: Young Love
The morning sun peeped into the small window of Princess Zelda's bedroom. The beautiful, blonde-haired, blue-eyed princess continued to slumber, until her attendant Impa gently shook her awake.
"Wake up, princess," she said softly. "The morning has come."
Zelda groaned ever so softly and slowly opened her eyes, tiredly smiling up at Impa. "Good morning, Impa."
"Good morning, Zelda. Let's get you ready for the day."
A few minutes later, Zelda glanced out the window longingly as Impa dressed her. The old Sheikah noticed the look on her face, like a prisoner in a cage.
"What ever is the matter, Zelda?"
"He should be here by now. . ." Zelda said worriedly. "Where is he. . .?"
"Link? Oh, I saw him earlier this morning! He was about to approach the gates, when the ranch girl, Malon, called him back. She seemed urgent, too."
"I see. . . Is everything alright over there?"
"I'm sure it's just another horse gone wild," Impa chuckled. "That lad has a way with animals, especially horses!"
At this, Zelda gave a soft smile. "Yes, he does. . . It's. . . quite a charming trait. . ."
Impa smiled, well aware of the attraction between the two. "Well, he'll be here soon. I wouldn't worry."
Zelda nodded, still looking out the window.
----------
Whoops, hollers, and restless whining and braying echoed throughout Lon Lon Ranch as a young, green-clothed teenager tossed and toppled atop a thrashing and kicking horse, laughing and hollering with wild abandon. Talon, Malon, and Ingo watched from a safe distance as he tried to calm the beast down.
"YEEHAW!!!" Talon cheered. "Look at him go! Like I said before, he'd make the world's greatest cowboy!"
Malon watched in amusement, laughing as her friend bobbed up and down atop the horse's back.
"By Din's Fire!" he shouted, laughing. "What got her so worked up!?"
"Ingo got frustrated with her when she wouldn't come outta the stables," Talon shouted over the distance. "He brought out the whip, and she went crazy!"
"Again!? Ingo, don't you ever learn!?"
"By the way, how's that gut, pal?" Talon looked down at Ingo, who still clutched his stricken stomach. "Yer lucky your belt saved you!"
Ingo grumbled. "Cursed horse's as untamable as Epona! She just HAD to go and kick me. . ."
"Well, of COURSE she kicked you in the gut!" The young man shouted. "I'd do the same if you tried to whip MY rump!"
Ingo grumbled under his breath.
"I keep telling you, you've got to be calm with horses!- oof!" He continued to thrash atop the horse. "Especially Coco here! She's easy to drive crazy!- unh! This is the third- oof!- time this week I've had to calm her down!- unh! DANG IT, COCO, SETTLE DOWN!!"
The struggle continued for several minutes, until finally. . .
"You quite finished now?"
The horse stood rigid, snorting.
"Good!" He leaped off her back, fumbling for something in his equipment pack.
"The horse's just tired," Ingo grumbled. "She'll get her strength back, and all that would've been a waste of time!"
"Oh, hush, Ingo," Malon scolded. "Have you ever known Link to fail? Just watch him." She smiled.
The blonde-haired, blue-eyed teenager known as Link found the object of his search and brought out a small, blue, wind instrument. He brought the mouthpiece to his lips, and heavenly music poured from it. It was the song of the ranch, and immediately its beautiful notes began to calm Coco down. She let out a few whinnies as Malon slowly approached to soothe the horse, but the young man's music wrapped around her, calming her down. When the horse allowed Malon to pet her gently, Link's song stopped. Coco was now calm again.
"There," Link sighed, smiling. "Tell Ingo to quit using that whip. It'll be the death of him someday."
"Oh, Link, you're a wonder!"
"Just doing my job," He nuzzled the horse's soft fur.
"Hey, boy!" Talon laughed, patting Link hard on the back. "Thanks for calming her down for us! Say, why don't you stay a while?"
"Thanks, but no thanks, Talon," Link declined politely, slowly approaching the exit. "I should get back to the castle. Zelda's probably wondering where I am."
"Alright, then," Talon chuckled, and waved as Link began to depart. "We'll be seeing you later, then!"
Link waved back as he went into the distance towards the castle. As Ingo (still grumbling) handled Coco, Talon and Malon watched Link leave in silence.
Talon sighed. "Tis a shame. I always thought he liked you, Malon. . ."
Malon smiled. "He still does, Father, just as friends. We played at love, but I know his heart's set on the princess. That doesn't bother me at all."
"Alright, if you say so. . ."
----------
Zelda sat in the small courtyard within a patch of multi-colored flowers. The cherry blossoms hung above her, shading her from the morning sun. She picked random flowers and stared at them, thoughts of a certain someone moving back and forth through her mind. Suddenly, she heard a rustling sound nearby. Startled, she gasped and sat upright, looking every which way- but up.
"What? Who's there!?"
A familiar laugh came from above. "I am!" Link laughed as he leaped from the tree and tumbled into the princess. The two rolled around in the flower bed laughing carelessly.
"You rascal!" Zelda giggled, finally pushing him off her. His laughing subsided, as both rolled onto their sides and gazed fondly at one another.
Zelda looked her friend over. Petals of yellow, pink, red, and blue were set in his messy, golden bangs. A cheerful smile was on his handsome face, and he looked back with beautiful, clear, crystal-blue eyes. Zelda looked into those captivating eyes, completely enchanted.
His clear, crisp voice interrupted the silence. "Didya miss me?"
"Mmm-hmm. . ." Zelda nodded affectionately.
"Sorry I took so long."
"No, no, it's okay. . ." she sighed.
Link looked at her in concern, noticing the longing look in her eyes. He sat up, eyes no longer affectionate, but concerned.
"Zelda? Are you okay?" he asked softly.
Zelda sat up herself, smiling in appreciation. "Oh, I'm fine. . . It's just. . ."
"Yes?"
Zelda turned and looked Link in the eyes, her eyes suddenly curious. "What is your world like?"
"Wha?" Link's face scrunched up in utter confusion.
"I mean the world outside the castle walls," Zelda continued, taking his hands in hers. "I haven't been outside these marble walls for ages! This castle is beginning to seem like a prison! But you. . . You've explored every corner of Hyrule. . . And you live freely in it every day! I want to know what that's like! I want to know what it's like to be one of the common people, leaving in the world outside like you!"
Link stared back into her pleading eyes, and simply could not turn down her request. So he thought quickly of the words he'd say as the two stood.
"Well. . . It's. . . quite a lively place," he said, gently lacing his fingers around hers as they began their stroll.
"Lively, hmm?"
"Yep. Many things can happen out there. You have to be ready for anything." A mischievous smile suddenly appeared on his face. "Like this!"
He jerked his hand and pulled Zelda until she splashed into a nearby fountain. He laughed a most boyish laugh until Zelda emerged from beneath the water, wearing a dark scowl. The smile of his immediately faded, and he outstretched a hand, eyes apologetic.
"Zelda. . . I-I'm sorry. . ."
The princess looked at the offering hand, then back at him. She took the hand just as a smirk formed on her face.
"Ready for anything, huh? Then what about THIS!?"
She tugged back hard, causing Link to lose his balance and fall into the water himself. Zelda giggled most mischievously as he emerged with a smirk. The two them began to splash each other playfully, laughing and giggling as they played in the water. Finally, they sat together in the more shallow part of the fountain, staring fondly at each other once more.
Zelda sighed. "Your world sounds like fun. . . You can do whatever you wish. . . without being told to. Oh, how I wish for one day, just one day, where I could live that life. . ."
Link lowered his gaze thoughtfully, then brought it up again. "Well, why don't you ever leave the castle?"
Zelda hesitated. "I'm. . . not allowed to. . ."
"What!?" Link exclaimed. "Who says!?"
"PRINCESS!!!!" A male voice called angrily. They sharply turned to find a man dressed in a royal knight's clothing approaching quite quickly. His name was Sir Ian, General of the Royal Arms, and self-appointed watcher over the princess.
"He says." Zelda said glumly.
"What, that puffed-up sourpuss!?" Link scoffed. "Where does HE get the right to push you around!?"
"I have higher ranks than you believe, you savage!" Ian snapped viciously. He stood a bit far off at the edge of the fountain, refusing to step into the water. "Your Highness, get over here now!!"
"Hey, who do you think you are!?" Link shouted, shaking a fist. "She's the princess! You can't tell her what to do!"
Ian smirked. "Until Her Highness finds a prince, I am in charge. Now, come quickly, princess!"
Zelda sighed and stood, preparing to walk through the water. But Link stopped her and picked her up, carrying her across the fountain safely. But the moment he set her on dry ground, Ian took her hand and quickly pulled her away from him.
"Don't touch her, savage!" Ian snapped once more.
"Ian, for the last time, he is not a savage!" Zelda cried. "He is my friend!"
"Friend or not, you've been advised to stay away from him!" He gently pushed her along, eyeing Link spitefully. "He could contaminate you with his rugged ways!"
"Ian. . .!"
"Hurry, now," He tightly gripped her by the arm. "We need to get you cleaned up, Your Highness."
Zelda obeyed and walked with him. She looked back at Link once more, eyes pleading, before she turned away and proceeded to enter the castle.
Link watched her leave in silence, unable to do anything to help the situation. He turned away sadly and leaned against the wall thoughtfully. Without looking back, his sharp hearing caught Ian ordering around another unwilling servant.
"Escort Link out of the castle. I shall tighten up security to make sure he doesn't get in again!"
Link sighed heavily, half-expecting someone to mug him from behind and escort him forcefully, but all he felt was a soft hand placed on his lean shoulder. He looked back to find not another soldier, but Zelda's attendant, Impa.
"Come. Let's go." she said softly.
Link nodded miserably and followed Impa obediently, thoughts of pity wondering towards Zelda.
A/N: Well, there's the first chapter! Yay!
Link: Ian is SUCH a jerk!
That he is, but you ain't seen nothing yet! Well? You guys like it?
Redlance: Who's she talking to. . .? (looks at audience) AAH!!! THEY'RE ALL STARING AT ME!!!!
Skywise: O.o Dude, relax!
Redlance: HIDE ME!! (hides behind Link)
Link: O.o ???
XD Well, review, people!! :D
Link: Good for you. Now what about the new lackey?
Oh, yeah! Here he is!! (blows a fanfare on her trumpet, then new lackey comes in)
Skywise: O.o Redlance!?!? What're YOU doing here!?
Redlance: I don't know! This girl attacks me with a parasol, and the next thing I know, I wake up here!! (looks at Link) Hey, who're you?
Link: Just another one of NN's lackeys. Call me Link.
Redlance: Uh, okay. (they shake hands)
XD Anyway, for those of you who don't know what's going on, this is the whole prequel to the "Florence Chronicles," before "The Jealous Prince." So you can read this before you go read the others if you want. . . yeah. . . Anyway, without further delay. . .
Before it All Began: Chapter 1: Young Love
The morning sun peeped into the small window of Princess Zelda's bedroom. The beautiful, blonde-haired, blue-eyed princess continued to slumber, until her attendant Impa gently shook her awake.
"Wake up, princess," she said softly. "The morning has come."
Zelda groaned ever so softly and slowly opened her eyes, tiredly smiling up at Impa. "Good morning, Impa."
"Good morning, Zelda. Let's get you ready for the day."
A few minutes later, Zelda glanced out the window longingly as Impa dressed her. The old Sheikah noticed the look on her face, like a prisoner in a cage.
"What ever is the matter, Zelda?"
"He should be here by now. . ." Zelda said worriedly. "Where is he. . .?"
"Link? Oh, I saw him earlier this morning! He was about to approach the gates, when the ranch girl, Malon, called him back. She seemed urgent, too."
"I see. . . Is everything alright over there?"
"I'm sure it's just another horse gone wild," Impa chuckled. "That lad has a way with animals, especially horses!"
At this, Zelda gave a soft smile. "Yes, he does. . . It's. . . quite a charming trait. . ."
Impa smiled, well aware of the attraction between the two. "Well, he'll be here soon. I wouldn't worry."
Zelda nodded, still looking out the window.
----------
Whoops, hollers, and restless whining and braying echoed throughout Lon Lon Ranch as a young, green-clothed teenager tossed and toppled atop a thrashing and kicking horse, laughing and hollering with wild abandon. Talon, Malon, and Ingo watched from a safe distance as he tried to calm the beast down.
"YEEHAW!!!" Talon cheered. "Look at him go! Like I said before, he'd make the world's greatest cowboy!"
Malon watched in amusement, laughing as her friend bobbed up and down atop the horse's back.
"By Din's Fire!" he shouted, laughing. "What got her so worked up!?"
"Ingo got frustrated with her when she wouldn't come outta the stables," Talon shouted over the distance. "He brought out the whip, and she went crazy!"
"Again!? Ingo, don't you ever learn!?"
"By the way, how's that gut, pal?" Talon looked down at Ingo, who still clutched his stricken stomach. "Yer lucky your belt saved you!"
Ingo grumbled. "Cursed horse's as untamable as Epona! She just HAD to go and kick me. . ."
"Well, of COURSE she kicked you in the gut!" The young man shouted. "I'd do the same if you tried to whip MY rump!"
Ingo grumbled under his breath.
"I keep telling you, you've got to be calm with horses!- oof!" He continued to thrash atop the horse. "Especially Coco here! She's easy to drive crazy!- unh! This is the third- oof!- time this week I've had to calm her down!- unh! DANG IT, COCO, SETTLE DOWN!!"
The struggle continued for several minutes, until finally. . .
"You quite finished now?"
The horse stood rigid, snorting.
"Good!" He leaped off her back, fumbling for something in his equipment pack.
"The horse's just tired," Ingo grumbled. "She'll get her strength back, and all that would've been a waste of time!"
"Oh, hush, Ingo," Malon scolded. "Have you ever known Link to fail? Just watch him." She smiled.
The blonde-haired, blue-eyed teenager known as Link found the object of his search and brought out a small, blue, wind instrument. He brought the mouthpiece to his lips, and heavenly music poured from it. It was the song of the ranch, and immediately its beautiful notes began to calm Coco down. She let out a few whinnies as Malon slowly approached to soothe the horse, but the young man's music wrapped around her, calming her down. When the horse allowed Malon to pet her gently, Link's song stopped. Coco was now calm again.
"There," Link sighed, smiling. "Tell Ingo to quit using that whip. It'll be the death of him someday."
"Oh, Link, you're a wonder!"
"Just doing my job," He nuzzled the horse's soft fur.
"Hey, boy!" Talon laughed, patting Link hard on the back. "Thanks for calming her down for us! Say, why don't you stay a while?"
"Thanks, but no thanks, Talon," Link declined politely, slowly approaching the exit. "I should get back to the castle. Zelda's probably wondering where I am."
"Alright, then," Talon chuckled, and waved as Link began to depart. "We'll be seeing you later, then!"
Link waved back as he went into the distance towards the castle. As Ingo (still grumbling) handled Coco, Talon and Malon watched Link leave in silence.
Talon sighed. "Tis a shame. I always thought he liked you, Malon. . ."
Malon smiled. "He still does, Father, just as friends. We played at love, but I know his heart's set on the princess. That doesn't bother me at all."
"Alright, if you say so. . ."
----------
Zelda sat in the small courtyard within a patch of multi-colored flowers. The cherry blossoms hung above her, shading her from the morning sun. She picked random flowers and stared at them, thoughts of a certain someone moving back and forth through her mind. Suddenly, she heard a rustling sound nearby. Startled, she gasped and sat upright, looking every which way- but up.
"What? Who's there!?"
A familiar laugh came from above. "I am!" Link laughed as he leaped from the tree and tumbled into the princess. The two rolled around in the flower bed laughing carelessly.
"You rascal!" Zelda giggled, finally pushing him off her. His laughing subsided, as both rolled onto their sides and gazed fondly at one another.
Zelda looked her friend over. Petals of yellow, pink, red, and blue were set in his messy, golden bangs. A cheerful smile was on his handsome face, and he looked back with beautiful, clear, crystal-blue eyes. Zelda looked into those captivating eyes, completely enchanted.
His clear, crisp voice interrupted the silence. "Didya miss me?"
"Mmm-hmm. . ." Zelda nodded affectionately.
"Sorry I took so long."
"No, no, it's okay. . ." she sighed.
Link looked at her in concern, noticing the longing look in her eyes. He sat up, eyes no longer affectionate, but concerned.
"Zelda? Are you okay?" he asked softly.
Zelda sat up herself, smiling in appreciation. "Oh, I'm fine. . . It's just. . ."
"Yes?"
Zelda turned and looked Link in the eyes, her eyes suddenly curious. "What is your world like?"
"Wha?" Link's face scrunched up in utter confusion.
"I mean the world outside the castle walls," Zelda continued, taking his hands in hers. "I haven't been outside these marble walls for ages! This castle is beginning to seem like a prison! But you. . . You've explored every corner of Hyrule. . . And you live freely in it every day! I want to know what that's like! I want to know what it's like to be one of the common people, leaving in the world outside like you!"
Link stared back into her pleading eyes, and simply could not turn down her request. So he thought quickly of the words he'd say as the two stood.
"Well. . . It's. . . quite a lively place," he said, gently lacing his fingers around hers as they began their stroll.
"Lively, hmm?"
"Yep. Many things can happen out there. You have to be ready for anything." A mischievous smile suddenly appeared on his face. "Like this!"
He jerked his hand and pulled Zelda until she splashed into a nearby fountain. He laughed a most boyish laugh until Zelda emerged from beneath the water, wearing a dark scowl. The smile of his immediately faded, and he outstretched a hand, eyes apologetic.
"Zelda. . . I-I'm sorry. . ."
The princess looked at the offering hand, then back at him. She took the hand just as a smirk formed on her face.
"Ready for anything, huh? Then what about THIS!?"
She tugged back hard, causing Link to lose his balance and fall into the water himself. Zelda giggled most mischievously as he emerged with a smirk. The two them began to splash each other playfully, laughing and giggling as they played in the water. Finally, they sat together in the more shallow part of the fountain, staring fondly at each other once more.
Zelda sighed. "Your world sounds like fun. . . You can do whatever you wish. . . without being told to. Oh, how I wish for one day, just one day, where I could live that life. . ."
Link lowered his gaze thoughtfully, then brought it up again. "Well, why don't you ever leave the castle?"
Zelda hesitated. "I'm. . . not allowed to. . ."
"What!?" Link exclaimed. "Who says!?"
"PRINCESS!!!!" A male voice called angrily. They sharply turned to find a man dressed in a royal knight's clothing approaching quite quickly. His name was Sir Ian, General of the Royal Arms, and self-appointed watcher over the princess.
"He says." Zelda said glumly.
"What, that puffed-up sourpuss!?" Link scoffed. "Where does HE get the right to push you around!?"
"I have higher ranks than you believe, you savage!" Ian snapped viciously. He stood a bit far off at the edge of the fountain, refusing to step into the water. "Your Highness, get over here now!!"
"Hey, who do you think you are!?" Link shouted, shaking a fist. "She's the princess! You can't tell her what to do!"
Ian smirked. "Until Her Highness finds a prince, I am in charge. Now, come quickly, princess!"
Zelda sighed and stood, preparing to walk through the water. But Link stopped her and picked her up, carrying her across the fountain safely. But the moment he set her on dry ground, Ian took her hand and quickly pulled her away from him.
"Don't touch her, savage!" Ian snapped once more.
"Ian, for the last time, he is not a savage!" Zelda cried. "He is my friend!"
"Friend or not, you've been advised to stay away from him!" He gently pushed her along, eyeing Link spitefully. "He could contaminate you with his rugged ways!"
"Ian. . .!"
"Hurry, now," He tightly gripped her by the arm. "We need to get you cleaned up, Your Highness."
Zelda obeyed and walked with him. She looked back at Link once more, eyes pleading, before she turned away and proceeded to enter the castle.
Link watched her leave in silence, unable to do anything to help the situation. He turned away sadly and leaned against the wall thoughtfully. Without looking back, his sharp hearing caught Ian ordering around another unwilling servant.
"Escort Link out of the castle. I shall tighten up security to make sure he doesn't get in again!"
Link sighed heavily, half-expecting someone to mug him from behind and escort him forcefully, but all he felt was a soft hand placed on his lean shoulder. He looked back to find not another soldier, but Zelda's attendant, Impa.
"Come. Let's go." she said softly.
Link nodded miserably and followed Impa obediently, thoughts of pity wondering towards Zelda.
A/N: Well, there's the first chapter! Yay!
Link: Ian is SUCH a jerk!
That he is, but you ain't seen nothing yet! Well? You guys like it?
Redlance: Who's she talking to. . .? (looks at audience) AAH!!! THEY'RE ALL STARING AT ME!!!!
Skywise: O.o Dude, relax!
Redlance: HIDE ME!! (hides behind Link)
Link: O.o ???
XD Well, review, people!! :D