Disclaimer: Legend of Zelda is owned by Nintendo. Everything else in this story is mine.

Zelda: Here's your Link chapter. Read it so you can get to mine.

zeldaiskool: Well, do what she says. But first, I'd like to thank Hyrule Master for reviewing all of my chappies! Thanx!


Kerakio awoke the next day to the sound and smell of Saria making breakfast. "Mmm… Saria, that smells good." She sat up and rubbed her eyes.

"Kera, you might want to get dressed because Link is coming over. Not to be rude or anything…"

"Oh, of course!" She hurriedly pulled the tight night gown off and put her regular clothes on. She made a mental note to go shopping in Hyrule's marketplace, if they have one, for a fitting nightie. "What is that smells so good?" she asked when she was done.

"Oatmeal with Kokiri berries, eggs, and Hylian muffins." (a/n: I have decided through reading other stories and observing the Kokiri lifestyle for some time that all Kokiri are vegetarians.)

"No meat? Meat is a staple in Kazranian cuisine."

"Well, not in Kokiri. We're all vegetarians." Saria giggled to herself at Kera's naïveté.

Kera suddenly became wide-eyed. "Oh, I'm very sorry. I didn't know."

"It's okay. You're new here, so you don't have to apologize." Saria had just finished the oatmeal and sat it on the table, where the eggs and muffins were already residing. "Now all we have to do is wait for Link…"

As if on cue, the object of discussion walked through the door. "Good morning, Saria. Breakfast looks good." He kissed her on the cheek as a brotherly gesture. (a/n:No SariaxLink in my story!) "Good morning, Kerakio. I hope you slept well." Link sat down and looked at her.

"Yes thank-you, Link. Did you sleep well?"

"Very. And I'm sorry to rush off like I did last night. I was very tired and wasn't myself." He smiled at Kerakio, and she smiled back. Saria caught wind of this and joined the smiling party, except for very different reasons. 'These two are going to get together…I wonder what happened to Zelda?'

"Since we're all so happy, let's begin breakfast." Saria said the blessing, and Link dug in immediately afterward. "So where have you been, Link?" She was curious, and she imagined Kera was too.

Link recounted his story for them around mouthfuls of food. Kera was surprised that he hadn't come to her country.

"You never made it to Kazran?"

He looked up at her. "I didn't know it existed until you mentioned that's where you came from."

Saria took the lead. "Yeah, Kerakio told me last night that she is the crown princess there. Say, how is our crown princess?"

"Oh, Zelda. I saw her as soon as I returned to Hyrule. I told her I loved her, but she had a vision at that time, and you know her visions. She said that we wouldn't marry, but our descendants would."

Immediately, Saria was sorry that she had asked. "I'm so sorry, Link." Although, she was kind of happy…for Kera's sake.

"It's okay. At least we didn't find out on our wedding day, huh?" Zelda must have told him that because he wasn't one to think that positively. Saria just nodded, and breakfast continued in silence.

After breakfast, Saria cleaned up while Link and Kera talked. "So, what all did you reveal to Saria last night?" Kera told most of what Saria knew, except for the part about Link. She ended with, "So you can just call me Kera."

"Interesting, Kera. Is there anything that you want to do today? Any sights you want to see?"

She could only think of three, and one would be with her. "Well, I would like to shop for a few things. We aren't allowed to bring anything with us when we begin our journey, except for the clothes on our backs. Would you mind taking me?"

Shopping wasn't Link's favorite thing, but he would do it for Kera. "Sure, I'll take you. Saria, is that okay?"

Saria had secretly been listening in, and was happy about the situation. "Go ahead, guys. Every girl loves to shop; except for me." She stuck out her tongue, even if that wasn't the case. "Have fun!"

"See you later, Saria! Thank-you!" Kera waved and followed Link out the door.

Once they were out the door, Link took Kera's hand, who freely gave it, and started walking toward Hyrule Field.

"So, is there anything you have in mind to shop for?"

"Yes, actually. Saria was kind enough to provide me with nightwear, but it was a bit too small." Understanding dawned on Link--Saria was about a foot shorter than Kera, so that could be a problem. "I also would like to buy a little something for Saria. Do you know what her favorite animal is?" They had just made their way over the bridge between Kokiri and Hyrule Field, and Link called for Epona.

As she came, he answered Kera. "Well, the Kokiri never journey outside of their forest, so they don't see many animals. Although, before I left years ago, I brought her two cuccos, male and female, and she still thinks they are the cutest things ever. That's about the extent of her animal experience." Link grabbed Epona by the reins and held out his hand for Kera. She gracefully mounted the horse, and Link mounted in front of her. He then steered Epona toward Hyrule Market. With a 'hiya' they were off. Kera grabbed Link's waist without even thinking about it. He quickly turned to interrogate her.

"Are you so scared that you have to hold onto me?" Even though he was joking, he wanted to see her reaction.

"Oh, I just…don't want to fall off. That's all." She loosened her grip, hoping it would convince him.

"Whatever you say, Princess." Link was satisfied with the look on her face and turned back around. Kera herself hadn't wondered at holding on to him…and it didn't feel that bad, either. Just to show that he was joking and that he didn't mind it, he placed one of his hands on top of hers and laced their fingers. Kera was first amazed by Link, then she accepted his hand by squeezing it and basically hugging him.

As they arrived at the entrance to Hyrule Market, Kera let go and Link jumped down. He then turned to lift Kera down. Still holding on to her, he asked, "So you're searching for a husband?" She nodded ever so slightly. "That's good, because I fell in love with you when I first saw you."

"Would you forget Zelda so easily?" Kera hoped so, but she had to ask.

"Zelda was a childish crush, and nothing could come of us anyway. I won't be making that mistake again." He cupped her cheek, then kissed her, softly at first, but soon deeply. Kera responded by putting her arms around his neck and pulling him closer.

Eventually they pulled apart. Kera was the first to catch her breath. "You aren't making a mistake, Link. I can feel it. Certain Kazranians have more wisdom than others, and I happen to be one of them." She put her lips to his and kissed him again, more deeply than before. Later, Link reluctantly pulled away.

"I could stand here all day with you, but Saria might become suspicious if we come home with nothing." He kissed her deeply one more time, then let go of her waist. "Come on. We need to go shopping for you." And so, they walked hand-in-hand to the shopping district of Hyrule.
Zelda: That was mushy. Is mine going to be that mushy?

Malon: I thought it was sweet! Mushyness should be contained in every story.

zeldaiskool: Well, I tend to agree with Malon. It helps if you have someone to share the mushyness with, though...like a boyfriend...or if you're a guy, a girlfriend. So, review! And Hyrulian Ball Part II is coming up soon!

Zelda: Yay, my turn! I can't wait to see Riengulf again! ::gets dreamy look on her face::

Malon: ::rolls eyes:: That's it for this chappy.