Chapter 6: Peace and Bad News

The door opened with a quiet creaking noise. I made a mental note to tell one of the servants to oil the hinges. The noise however, didn't seem to disturb my brother.

I stood in the doorway, watching him sleep. His eyes were softly closed, his breathing slow and relaxed. A hint of a smile traced my lips. I had never seen him sleep so peacefully. Ever since Ganondorf's reign, his dreams had been plagued by terrifing(sp?) nightmares and seeing him rest now was a welcome change.

I walked in silently, still watching him. He looked so young--so innocent. One of his hands lay palm down in front of his face, the other hung over the bedside in a relaxed manner. His mouth was closed, and the sunlight shimmered in his blonde hair.

I noticed the bandage on his wrist and felt my smile fade. The only reason he seemed so peaceful was because he couldn't remember anything. He'd tried to escape his life before...what would happen once his memories returned?

A tired sigh brought me from my thoughts. Link stirred, rolling over onto his back in his sleep. The morning sunlight, which before only touched his hair, now fell across his face in streams. His eyelids twitched, before slowly opening. A hint of confusion filled his eyes a moment, as though he didn't remember where he was.

"Good morning," I greated quietly, hoping my precense wouldn't startle him. His sapphire gaze met mine a bit lazilly, and he blinked.

"g'morning..." he replied sleepilly. Slowly he sat up, stretching a bit as he did. I smiled a little.

"Breakfast is in the dining room, when you're ready to come down." Link nodded a bit, a faintly puzzled look in his blue eyes.

"Um...where is that again...?" I tried not to laugh.

"I'll wait outside. When you come out I'll show you there."

"Okay..."

After Zelda left the room I got up and quickly dressed. I didn't want to keep her waiting. As I came out, she smiled a bit and led me down to the dining room. I didn't realize until now just how hungry I really felt.

I noticed the night before I was a little skinny...perhaps unnaturally so (I mean, I don't think it's natural to see your own ribs so clearly). I'm not sure why or how I came to be so thin. Maybe I didn't eat enough before or something...but I still can't imagine why; especially if I lived in a castle.

The smell of food made my stomache groan. I blushed faintly, and Zelda rolled her eyes, but I could see that she was trying not to smile.

Everyone who had greeted me yesterday sat at the table, talking amongst themselvs. It grew considerably quieter as Zelda and I entered, and I couldn't help but feel it was because of me. I absentmindedly scratched at the bandage around my wrist.

Goddesses, I wish I knew what happened!

Numerous greatings showered us as we approached. I smiled faintly in reply, but I couldn't help feel a bit impatient for food. Thankfully I didn't have to wait long.

I watched Link curiously as he ate, amazed at how hungry he really was. Nobody had the heart to tell him to slow down, not even Zelda who watched with slight appalment. I found the look on her face quite amusing.

Now that I look though, he does seem a bit underweight. I'm surprised I didn't notice before.

Then again we didn't offer him any food last night either...it was no wonder that he was so hungry.

I took another bite of my own breakfast, listening to the current conversation around me, but not offering any input. I was a little out of place here--I wasn't royalty, nor was I a sage. I was simply a ranch girl who'd come out of concern for a friend.

Link isn't offering much either, being too busy trying to ease his hunger. He's quite cute...almost boyish in a way. Suddenly, I begin to realize how much younger he looks compared to before. Maybe his memories aren't the only thing he has lost...it's like something has been lifted off of his shoulders.

Perhaps that is why he wanted life to end?

"Zelda Hime..." She looked up at my call. "May I speak to you a moment?" She nodded and stood, excusing herself from her guests.

"What is it, Impa?"

"I'm afraid I have bad news, princess. We've received news from Termina that a group of thievs are headed this way. No one knows where they came from, but there's no doubt that they mean trouble."

"How long do we have?"

"A week...maybe less."

Zelda sighed, looking away from me as she thought.

"Will our guards be enough for them?"

"I do not know, Zelda Hime. Probably not if what I heard is true."

"And what would that be, Impa?" She asked, looking expectantly to me.

"Ganondorf is their leader."

T.B.C.

OMG, I'm sooooo sorry for the wait. The format and spelling are probably a little off on this chapter...my puter kinda died and we had to reinstall everything so we don't have microsoft word anymore...or spell check... '' Anyhow, once again I'm sorry for the long wait! It's summer now, so hopefully I can update a bit more. I know, this chapter wasn't very involved, I was kinda pushing myself to get back into the writing thing. Hopefully it'll be smoother (and longer) after this. Once again, my apologies! '

'Until we meet under the stars' light again, farewell and good luck.' LinkSage

(And for everyone who asked, yes I did make that up. Thanks for the compliments ')