A/N: Okay, time for the next chapter. . . Hmm. . . I feel like I'm
forgetting something. . .
Link: The disclaimer!
Oh, yeah! Hit it, SSG!!!
SuperSmashGal: NN1 doesn't own ANYTHING!!! Well, except for Ian. Oh, and some of the ideas she uses later on will be similar to something called "Elfquest. . ." I don't know what that is. . .
Skywise: Well, Elfquest is. . .
SSG: (looks at him) EEE!!! SO CUTE!!! (snuggles him)
XD BTW, go read some of SSG's stories! They rock!!!
Redlance: What about the chapter?
Oh, yeah! Here's the next chapter!
Before it All Began: Chapter 3: An Afternoon in the Market
Link waited patiently by the gates, keeping a lookout for Zelda. He secretly hoped Ian wouldn't find out about this plan of his, but knowing Ian, Link was pretty confident that he wouldn't find out anytime soon.
Soon he heard footsteps and looked back to see Impa and Zelda approaching.
Zelda wore the clothes he gave her like planned. Her outfit was a vest-topped, brown tunic with ragged cuffs. Under this was a layered, deep red shirt with longer sleeves and the same cuffs down to the elbows, and leather bands covered her wrists. Under the ragged skirt, her slender legs were covered by deep red tights that ended at furry-cuffed, yellow boots. Instead of a belt, a deep blue, corset-like clothing was tightly wrapped around her waist. Her hair was put up in many tiny braids that were pulled up to look like a bun. It was hard to see this, however, as a large, beige, hood-like hat was on her head, flopped over a little in the back. Her crown had been removed, as well as her makeup. She seemed more beautiful then ever.
Link stared at her as she approached, completely dazzled. She stood in front of him and took his hands in hers, smiling affectionately. They gazed at each other fondly, and finally, Link broke the silence.
"So. . . Do you like it?" he asked softly.
"Mmm-hmm," Zelda nodded, wrapping her arms around his waist and resting her head upon his warm chest. "It's very comfortable. . . and as soft as a baby mouse's fur. . . I love it. . ."
Link smiled and returned the hug, then whispered, "Are you ready for tonight?"
Zelda nodded and turned to Impa, remaining in Link's arms. "Well. . . We're off, Impa."
Impa smiled. "Have fun, Zelda. I'll meet you back here at sunset, alright?"
Zelda nodded, taking Link's hand in hers. Together they strolled away from the castle. Before they could reach the market, Link faced Zelda.
"As long as we're out in public, you'll be Aurora, my cousin from Termina, okay?"
Zelda nodded, completely understanding the need for secrecy. She'd rather have an alias than have her magical night be ruined by a mob, let alone Ian.
Soon, they stepped into the market, and Zelda looked around in wonder, taking in every sight and sound. Light music filled the air, giving a cheerful atmosphere. Crowds of people gathered around stalls selling all kinds of goods. Merry laughter and other voices echoed across the city. So much was going on at the same time, Zelda found it difficult to take everything in at once, but it was all so wonderful to her. She shed a few tears as she held Link close.
"Oh, Link. . ." she whispered. "It's so beautiful. . ."
Link smiled. "So where do you wanna go first?"
Zelda looked around, then gasped in delight and pointed at a certain building. "There!"
Link looked at the sign. "The Archery Range? Well. . ."
"Please?" Zelda pleaded.
"Okay. . . But you have to be careful. They recently built in a bar, so there's gonna be a lotta drunk men in there. . ."
"I'll be okay. I've got you to protect me!" she giggled.
Link smiled as he opened the door into the loud crowd inside. Here the atmosphere was different; merry laughter and crude, slurring voices filled the enclosed area as burly men leaned over small tables, talking, arguing, or sleeping. The bittersweet smell of alcohol filled the air.
Zelda suddenly felt uncomfortable as a large amount of soused-up men whistled and cat-called as they entered. She kept close to Link as he approached the counter right by the door. Another brawny man sat behind this counter, sharpening his knife casually. He looked up from his work at Link, grinned with a mouth half-full of teeth, and spoke in a rough voice.
"Ah, well, there ya are, Link!" he greeted. "Been wonderin' where on earth you were!" He turned his attention to Zelda. "And who's this little lady?"
Zelda held Link closer as the crowd in the bar cheered, laughed, and whistled. Link ignored these insulting titters, and answered the man's question.
"Well, she's my cousin Aurora, and she's visiting from Termina."
"Is she now. . .?" the man said interestedly, causing more laughter from the crowd.
"Hey, guys, knock it off!" Link scolded, irritated. "Leave her alone, alright?"
But one drunken-senseless man decided not to listen. He began to approach a frightened Zelda, when Link clenched a tight fist and punched him square in the face. The force of this blow knocked the man off his feet and onto the floor, unconscious.
Link lightly scowled up at the crowd. "Anyone else?"
The crowd all seemed to decline and turn back to their beers. Zelda smiled. She knew Link would protect her.
Link rubbed his sore wrist gingerly before turning back to find Zelda leaning over the counter, conversating with the man.
"So you wanna try the shooting game, eh?"
Zelda nodded.
"Cost twenty rupees to play."
Zelda reached into her belt pouch and placed a red rupee on the counter. This surprised Link only slightly.
"You brought money?" he asked.
"Of course!" Zelda replied. "I wasn't expecting you to pay for everything!"
"Oh. . . Well, okay, whatever you say."
Zelda smiled as the man handed her a bow and quiver.
"You got fifteen arrows to shoot ten targets. Get a perfect and you'll win yourself a prize!"
Most of the men still listened from their tables, snickering.
Zelda approached the shooting range and notched an arrow onto her bow, readying herself. But before it started, she heard a two-man discussion not too far away.
"25 rupees say she doesn't make it past five!"
"Oh, yeah? Well, 35 rupees say she don't make it past one!"
Zelda gave an annoyed look, but Link came in from behind and gently whispered in her ear.
"Don't worry about what they say. They gamble on anyone who comes in here. They used to bet on me when I first started coming in. Just ignore them and try your best."
Zelda nodded, and the starting whistle blew. She aimed and shot her arrows and they flew exactly as they were aimed. Every target shattered into pieces.
The bar suddenly went quiet. Everyone stared at her, shocked. Even Link looked back in astonishment. How in Nayru's name was she so good!?
Zelda giggled a most girlish giggle. "Well, I got a perfect. Doesn't that mean I get a prize?"
"Wha. . .?. . . Oh, y-yeah!" The man behind the counter stuttered, reaching into the drawers below. He paused and looked up. "You got yer own bow, lady?"
"No. . ."
"What!? One with yer skills should already have one!" He brought out a small bow and quiver. "Here's a bow and Large Quiver, for a talented young lady!"
Zelda squealed in joy and the crowd cheered. She bounced up and down as she took the weapons and showed Link excitingly.
"Look, Link! Look at what I won!"
"I know, I see! That's wonderful!" Link shared her delightful victory, tightly hugging her as the drunk men cheered and hollered.
As the two stepped out of the building, Link turned to Zelda, smiling. "I never knew you were such a great archer!"
"Neither did I!" Zelda exclaimed. "This is so exciting!"
Link lightly laughed. "So, do you wanna shop around for a bit?"
"Oh, yes!" She looked ahead and gasped. "Oh, look, this stall sells dyes! Ooh, and that one sells furs, and. . ."
She trailed on in delight, dragging Link along with her. Link smiled as he quickly noticed the happiness, excitement, and anticipation in her eyes, like a small child. Bringing her out of that dreadful castle really cheered her up, more then he had expected. So he followed her all over the market, making sure her afternoon was as enjoyable as possible.
----------
Impa waited once more near the gates, just as the sun began to go down. Eventually, she saw Link and Zelda approach, hand in hand. Zelda held many boxes and baskets in her arms, and was smiling ear to ear.
"Hello, princess," Impa greeted. "I assume you enjoyed your day?"
"Oh, yes! Yes, indeed!" Zelda replied cheerfully.
"My, that's quite a bit you're carrying," Impa took a few of the bags into her own hands. "Didn't I say to spend your rupees wisely?"
"Oh, but Impa, I did!" Zelda then proceeded to show her attendant everything she had bought from the market. ". . .and look at these necklaces! Oh, and I simply could NOT resist these furs! They're so soft and warm!"
"Indeed, they are. Perhaps we can have the tailor weave them into something."
"Oh, that'd be wonderful!"
"Alright, then," Impa took the rest into her arms. "Say your goodbyes to Link before Ian can catch us."
Zelda approached Link, and they gazed into each other's eyes as they held each other close. For a few minutes, neither dared to speak, fearing they'd shatter such a delicate moment.
". . .Link. . ." Zelda finally spoke. "I want to thank--" But Link put a finger to her lips, gently silencing her.
"Don't thank me just yet," he said with a smile. "This is just the first night. Meet me here tomorrow morning, and we'll explore the rest of Hyrule together."
Zelda gasped lightly and smiled, kissing him on the cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow, then."
Link smiled warmly and returned the kiss. He let Zelda go and waved as the two went back into the castle. He sighed happily before walking away to prepare for the next day.
A/N: Well? You guys like it? I'm out of my writer's slump, so I'll probably update more often!
SSG: YAY!!! (snuggles Skywise tighter)
Skywise: O.O Can't. . . breath. . .
Redlance: XD (points and laughs at Skywise)
Link: Yeah, I liked it, NN1! All the romance. . . l)
Yeah. . . :D So anyway, review!!!!
Link: The disclaimer!
Oh, yeah! Hit it, SSG!!!
SuperSmashGal: NN1 doesn't own ANYTHING!!! Well, except for Ian. Oh, and some of the ideas she uses later on will be similar to something called "Elfquest. . ." I don't know what that is. . .
Skywise: Well, Elfquest is. . .
SSG: (looks at him) EEE!!! SO CUTE!!! (snuggles him)
XD BTW, go read some of SSG's stories! They rock!!!
Redlance: What about the chapter?
Oh, yeah! Here's the next chapter!
Before it All Began: Chapter 3: An Afternoon in the Market
Link waited patiently by the gates, keeping a lookout for Zelda. He secretly hoped Ian wouldn't find out about this plan of his, but knowing Ian, Link was pretty confident that he wouldn't find out anytime soon.
Soon he heard footsteps and looked back to see Impa and Zelda approaching.
Zelda wore the clothes he gave her like planned. Her outfit was a vest-topped, brown tunic with ragged cuffs. Under this was a layered, deep red shirt with longer sleeves and the same cuffs down to the elbows, and leather bands covered her wrists. Under the ragged skirt, her slender legs were covered by deep red tights that ended at furry-cuffed, yellow boots. Instead of a belt, a deep blue, corset-like clothing was tightly wrapped around her waist. Her hair was put up in many tiny braids that were pulled up to look like a bun. It was hard to see this, however, as a large, beige, hood-like hat was on her head, flopped over a little in the back. Her crown had been removed, as well as her makeup. She seemed more beautiful then ever.
Link stared at her as she approached, completely dazzled. She stood in front of him and took his hands in hers, smiling affectionately. They gazed at each other fondly, and finally, Link broke the silence.
"So. . . Do you like it?" he asked softly.
"Mmm-hmm," Zelda nodded, wrapping her arms around his waist and resting her head upon his warm chest. "It's very comfortable. . . and as soft as a baby mouse's fur. . . I love it. . ."
Link smiled and returned the hug, then whispered, "Are you ready for tonight?"
Zelda nodded and turned to Impa, remaining in Link's arms. "Well. . . We're off, Impa."
Impa smiled. "Have fun, Zelda. I'll meet you back here at sunset, alright?"
Zelda nodded, taking Link's hand in hers. Together they strolled away from the castle. Before they could reach the market, Link faced Zelda.
"As long as we're out in public, you'll be Aurora, my cousin from Termina, okay?"
Zelda nodded, completely understanding the need for secrecy. She'd rather have an alias than have her magical night be ruined by a mob, let alone Ian.
Soon, they stepped into the market, and Zelda looked around in wonder, taking in every sight and sound. Light music filled the air, giving a cheerful atmosphere. Crowds of people gathered around stalls selling all kinds of goods. Merry laughter and other voices echoed across the city. So much was going on at the same time, Zelda found it difficult to take everything in at once, but it was all so wonderful to her. She shed a few tears as she held Link close.
"Oh, Link. . ." she whispered. "It's so beautiful. . ."
Link smiled. "So where do you wanna go first?"
Zelda looked around, then gasped in delight and pointed at a certain building. "There!"
Link looked at the sign. "The Archery Range? Well. . ."
"Please?" Zelda pleaded.
"Okay. . . But you have to be careful. They recently built in a bar, so there's gonna be a lotta drunk men in there. . ."
"I'll be okay. I've got you to protect me!" she giggled.
Link smiled as he opened the door into the loud crowd inside. Here the atmosphere was different; merry laughter and crude, slurring voices filled the enclosed area as burly men leaned over small tables, talking, arguing, or sleeping. The bittersweet smell of alcohol filled the air.
Zelda suddenly felt uncomfortable as a large amount of soused-up men whistled and cat-called as they entered. She kept close to Link as he approached the counter right by the door. Another brawny man sat behind this counter, sharpening his knife casually. He looked up from his work at Link, grinned with a mouth half-full of teeth, and spoke in a rough voice.
"Ah, well, there ya are, Link!" he greeted. "Been wonderin' where on earth you were!" He turned his attention to Zelda. "And who's this little lady?"
Zelda held Link closer as the crowd in the bar cheered, laughed, and whistled. Link ignored these insulting titters, and answered the man's question.
"Well, she's my cousin Aurora, and she's visiting from Termina."
"Is she now. . .?" the man said interestedly, causing more laughter from the crowd.
"Hey, guys, knock it off!" Link scolded, irritated. "Leave her alone, alright?"
But one drunken-senseless man decided not to listen. He began to approach a frightened Zelda, when Link clenched a tight fist and punched him square in the face. The force of this blow knocked the man off his feet and onto the floor, unconscious.
Link lightly scowled up at the crowd. "Anyone else?"
The crowd all seemed to decline and turn back to their beers. Zelda smiled. She knew Link would protect her.
Link rubbed his sore wrist gingerly before turning back to find Zelda leaning over the counter, conversating with the man.
"So you wanna try the shooting game, eh?"
Zelda nodded.
"Cost twenty rupees to play."
Zelda reached into her belt pouch and placed a red rupee on the counter. This surprised Link only slightly.
"You brought money?" he asked.
"Of course!" Zelda replied. "I wasn't expecting you to pay for everything!"
"Oh. . . Well, okay, whatever you say."
Zelda smiled as the man handed her a bow and quiver.
"You got fifteen arrows to shoot ten targets. Get a perfect and you'll win yourself a prize!"
Most of the men still listened from their tables, snickering.
Zelda approached the shooting range and notched an arrow onto her bow, readying herself. But before it started, she heard a two-man discussion not too far away.
"25 rupees say she doesn't make it past five!"
"Oh, yeah? Well, 35 rupees say she don't make it past one!"
Zelda gave an annoyed look, but Link came in from behind and gently whispered in her ear.
"Don't worry about what they say. They gamble on anyone who comes in here. They used to bet on me when I first started coming in. Just ignore them and try your best."
Zelda nodded, and the starting whistle blew. She aimed and shot her arrows and they flew exactly as they were aimed. Every target shattered into pieces.
The bar suddenly went quiet. Everyone stared at her, shocked. Even Link looked back in astonishment. How in Nayru's name was she so good!?
Zelda giggled a most girlish giggle. "Well, I got a perfect. Doesn't that mean I get a prize?"
"Wha. . .?. . . Oh, y-yeah!" The man behind the counter stuttered, reaching into the drawers below. He paused and looked up. "You got yer own bow, lady?"
"No. . ."
"What!? One with yer skills should already have one!" He brought out a small bow and quiver. "Here's a bow and Large Quiver, for a talented young lady!"
Zelda squealed in joy and the crowd cheered. She bounced up and down as she took the weapons and showed Link excitingly.
"Look, Link! Look at what I won!"
"I know, I see! That's wonderful!" Link shared her delightful victory, tightly hugging her as the drunk men cheered and hollered.
As the two stepped out of the building, Link turned to Zelda, smiling. "I never knew you were such a great archer!"
"Neither did I!" Zelda exclaimed. "This is so exciting!"
Link lightly laughed. "So, do you wanna shop around for a bit?"
"Oh, yes!" She looked ahead and gasped. "Oh, look, this stall sells dyes! Ooh, and that one sells furs, and. . ."
She trailed on in delight, dragging Link along with her. Link smiled as he quickly noticed the happiness, excitement, and anticipation in her eyes, like a small child. Bringing her out of that dreadful castle really cheered her up, more then he had expected. So he followed her all over the market, making sure her afternoon was as enjoyable as possible.
----------
Impa waited once more near the gates, just as the sun began to go down. Eventually, she saw Link and Zelda approach, hand in hand. Zelda held many boxes and baskets in her arms, and was smiling ear to ear.
"Hello, princess," Impa greeted. "I assume you enjoyed your day?"
"Oh, yes! Yes, indeed!" Zelda replied cheerfully.
"My, that's quite a bit you're carrying," Impa took a few of the bags into her own hands. "Didn't I say to spend your rupees wisely?"
"Oh, but Impa, I did!" Zelda then proceeded to show her attendant everything she had bought from the market. ". . .and look at these necklaces! Oh, and I simply could NOT resist these furs! They're so soft and warm!"
"Indeed, they are. Perhaps we can have the tailor weave them into something."
"Oh, that'd be wonderful!"
"Alright, then," Impa took the rest into her arms. "Say your goodbyes to Link before Ian can catch us."
Zelda approached Link, and they gazed into each other's eyes as they held each other close. For a few minutes, neither dared to speak, fearing they'd shatter such a delicate moment.
". . .Link. . ." Zelda finally spoke. "I want to thank--" But Link put a finger to her lips, gently silencing her.
"Don't thank me just yet," he said with a smile. "This is just the first night. Meet me here tomorrow morning, and we'll explore the rest of Hyrule together."
Zelda gasped lightly and smiled, kissing him on the cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow, then."
Link smiled warmly and returned the kiss. He let Zelda go and waved as the two went back into the castle. He sighed happily before walking away to prepare for the next day.
A/N: Well? You guys like it? I'm out of my writer's slump, so I'll probably update more often!
SSG: YAY!!! (snuggles Skywise tighter)
Skywise: O.O Can't. . . breath. . .
Redlance: XD (points and laughs at Skywise)
Link: Yeah, I liked it, NN1! All the romance. . . l)
Yeah. . . :D So anyway, review!!!!