Disclaimer: Do I own this? Ask yourself, and you'll find the answer.

Anywho, sorry I've been so long guys. It's just that since band camp started, my life has just been one big snowball of busyiness. It doesn't hurt that I'm a senior. And that my English teacher gave us a huge paper to write on the first day. Or that our school is a construction warzone, that even the seventh graders will be lucky to see finished. (I'm kidding, but it is bad.) As far as my story goes, read, people! And if you forget what's going on, just go back to the beginning. Or at least chapter 6, which is where I left off with Link.


As Link was leading Epona through Hyrule Field, Hajadin was as inquisitive as a child her age could be.

"So, what's this Saria person like?"

"Well, she a Kokiri, and---" Kera's answer was cut short buy the little girl.

"A Kokiri! I've heard of them, but only in legends. They're the ones with fairies-Oh! That means they exist, too! This is so cool! I can't wait to see them! What are they like? How do they live? Why are they still kids? Huh, huh?"

"Whoa, slow down there, speedy! One question at a time!" Kera giggled at the show the little girl was putting on. "You'll find all of these things out when we get there."


As they arrived in Kokiri Forest, Link was assaulted by questions on two fronts: Hajadin on one side and the Kokiri on the other. Kera just held back, taking it all in.

"Look at them! They're as big as me! How is that possible?"

"A Gerudo? Where did she come from?"

"No, she's a Gerudo/Hylian hybrid!"

"What is that teal-haired girl doing here?"

"She looks like Link. Must be a Hylian."

Finally, Link couldn't stand the cacophy anymore. "Alright!" That caught everyone's attention. "Just calm down. I'll explain everything."

At that, Mido, the Kokiri's unofficial leader, came forward. "Someone better explain. Bringing two people into the Forest without my consent? One a Gerudo of all races!" The Kokiri gasped and Hajadin hid behind Kera.

"Mido, let me explain!" The Kokiri leader crossed his arms for the time being. "First of all, this is Kerakio Anni Vessa di Lusour, crown princess of Kazran. She has come here looking for a husband." A collective 'oh' came from the children, and conversation began anew.

"Is she gonna be your wife?" was the main question.

"Of course she-wait, I just met-calm down, people!" When they had once again settled, Link introduced Hajadin. "This little girl is Hajadin. She's an orphan, which is why she's with us. Now, if you wouldn't mind, I need to find Hajadin something to eat." Link grabbed Hajadin and Kera's hands, and started walking toward Saria's house. The Kokiri watched them walk away, then began talking amongst themselves. Mido called out, "This isn't over, Link!"

As they were walking, Link asked Kera, "Are you hungry at all?"

"Not really. What about you?"

"I am! I am!" Hajadin interjected.
"I know you are, and that's why we're taking you to Saria's."

"What are you going to do if you're not hungry?"

Looking at Kera, Link said with his face and his words, "Maybe we could take a walk?"

"Sure." She wondered what Link could possibly want to talk with her about.

Saria had not been at the gathering and was surprised to see Link and Kera with a little girl.

Before anyone else could, Hajadin spoke up. "Are you Saria?" Unsure how to answer this strange looking child, she just answered truthfully.

"Yes. And who might you be?" "I'm Hajadin. I heard you make good food, and that you would let me stay here."

Saria raised her eyebrows at this comment. "Well, uh, I wish Link would have asked me first, but of course I will."

Finally able to get a word in, Link explained, "Saria, I'm sorry, but Hajadin was an orphan. I couldn't just leave her there, could I?"

Sighing, she said, "Well, when you put it that way, I would have done the same thing. That is if I ever left the forest."

"Good. It's all settled then," Kera exclaimed. "Link and I would like to take a walk. Do you mind?"

"Of course not. Go right ahead." Saria smiled at Link's new found love.

"Thanks-oh, wait-" Kera held up her purchase. "Here, I got this for you in the Market." Opening the satchel, Saria was amazed at the adorable little cucco statue. "Oh, Kera, it's so cute! Thank-you!" She immediately grabbed the older girl in an embrace. As they released, Saria said, "Now you two go enjoy yourselves, and I'll take care of…Hajadin, did you say?"

"Yep! Thanks again!" Kera took Link's hand and raced out the door. Saria followed them to the doorway, then watched as Link lead Kera up the hill to the entrance of the Lost Woods. As they disappeared, she turned around to talk to the strange little girl.

Link didn't stop until he reached the entrance to the Forest Temple. It was rather easy to get to since the Moblins had disappeared with Ganondorf. Once there, he sat down on Saria's stump, pulling Kera down onto his lap. He put his arms around her, and she sat with her left shoulder against him. Both of them were out of breath, and neither spoke until they had caught it.

"So what did you mean with your answer to the Kokiri?" Kera didn't think that was why he had brought her there, but she felt she needed to ask.

"My answer? Which one? I gave a lot of answers to them." "The one where they asked if I was going to be your wife." "Princess, isn't that a rather bold question?" He knew it was rhetorical, but he wanted to avoid answering Kera's question.

Kera was taken off guard, but still determined. "It may be, but does that matter?"

"Well, aren't princesses supposed to be soft spoken and kind hearted?"

"Are you saying that I am not those things?"

"Of course not! You are gently spoken," he kissed her once on the cheek. "Kind hearted," He kissed her again. "And exactly the princess I want to be with." This time, he kissed her on the lips, deeply and passionately. She met him with the same desire, and they stayed in that likeness for quite a while.

When they left it, they just held each other tightly.

"So, what did you really mean by your answer, Link?" Kera had released him enough that she could see his face break into a grin.

"Really, I don't know what my future holds, but I know that you will have some part in it. Probably a big part." That was good enough for her, so she tightened her grip on Link, giving her answer.

He just held her, and whispered, "I love you, Kera." Her response was just a sigh and to tighten their embrace even more.

A few minutes later, Link picked Kera up bridal-style and started carrying her toward the village.

"Link, where are we going?" She had been surprised when he picked her up, but just held on.

"Back home. It's almost dark, so Saria might get worried."

"Not to be mean, or anything, but why does it matter what Saria thinks?"

Still carrying her, he answered, "Well, Saria kind of raised me since my mother brought me here and died. She's like the only mother I've known."

Kera now felt bad. "Oh, Link, I'm sorry! I had no idea!" She couldn't even bear to look him in the face.

"It's okay. You still don't know my whole story, but someday you will. I'm sure of it." This made Kera look at him again, and she kissed him on the cheek.

"Link, I love you."

"I know."

"Link! Now who's the bold one?!"

"Hey, I'm only telling the truth!" By now, they had reached the ledge at the entrance to Kokiri Forest. "I guess you'll have to get down now." Kera looked at him lovingly as he let her down. "Kera did I ever tell you how beautiful you are in the setting sunlight?" They stood holding each other, and the sunlight caught Kera's hair perfectly.

"No, I don't believe you've seen me at the sun set."

"Well you are beautiful." He leaned down just a bit to kiss her gently. As they broke, Link said, "I love you, my Kerakio," while caressing her cheek. Kera just closed her eyes and put her hand on top of his.

"Come on, now. We'd better get home." He grabbed her hand, but she let go and put his arm around her, so she could snuggle next to him. "Alright, if that's what you want." They walked to Saria's this way, only releasing when they reached the door.

"Well hello, you two love birds. Where have you been?" Saria wasn't worried, but tried to sound like the concerned mother. She could clearly see that both Link and Kera's faces were flushed.

"Oh, we just walked up to the Forest Temple." Link figured he should answer, since Kera was still rather breathless.

"Really? Had a little romance did we? Well, I guess that's okay." The couple's face immediately lit up like candles. "Hajadin has been such a good little girl. And what an appetite on this one!" The little girl smiled sweetly at her two rescuers.

"Did you guys have a good walk? I had lots of food and a bath. Saria even bought me this outfit at the town store. Isn't it pretty?" What Hajadin had on was similar to her old one, but this was more of a farm girl Gerudo style.

Link was amazed, since only Kokiri dress was available in the store. "Where did that come from?"

Saria pointed to the girl with her thumb. "Special order for this one. It just arrived before you guys did. The postman picked it up when you guys left, and well, here it is. Oh, and he brought this too." Saria held out an envelope to Link.

"It's from the castle!" Seeing the Hyrulian coat of arms, he quickly opened it. "Zelda's 16th birthday party is one week and a day from today." He looked at Kera, and saw her confusion. "Every princess in Hyrulian history has had a birthday party a few days after her birthday. The whole country is invited, except the Kokiri because no one believes they exist besides a few. They wouldn't want to leave the Forest anyways, for fear of turning into a stalchild." He looked at Saria and whispered into Kera's ear, "Kokiri superstition."

"Well that sounds fun! I wish I could have the whole country invited to my party. Hyrule is so different from Kazran!" Kera now understood the Hyrulian party idea, or thought she did. "You'll have to visit Kazran sometime, Link."

He looked at her and smiled. "Maybe someday I will." He couldn't believe what a perfect match he had with this girl, only having met her yesterday.


So, whadja think? (Fluffy, huh?) Review either way!