The Legend of Zelda: The Lost Princess

Chapter 5-Reunions

Hope you guys are enjoying the story so far- I'm enjoying writing it- I've had it in my head for a while now. Here's the next chappie folks! Enjoy!

Link gently assisted Ariana out of bed, wondering why suddenly the room felt so hot, why his clothes felt so restrictive; especially his pants….Link shook his head slightly to clear it. Get a GRIP, Hero! He reprimanded himself sharply, smiling a little as Ariana fell into Impa's arms and the other 5 sages gathered around, welcoming Hyrule's long-lost princess.

After introductions had been made, Impa, Nabooru, and the handmaids ushered Ariana away to clothe her in something more appropriate to travel in than her almost transparent silken shift. The remaining sages and Link sat grouped together on the stairs just inside the Spirit Temple to wait. Lost in his own thoughts, Link barely heard the conversation amongst the Sages.

"She's exquisite," Rauru stated, his hands hidden in the folds of his voluminous sleeves. "And such manners. Gentle, kind, quiet, but I can sense strength, mischief, and a passion for life as well."

Darunia nodded in agreement. "I'm no judge of Hylian or Gerudo beauty, but THAT girl would be beautiful in the eyes of any male, regardless of race."

Ruto snorted. "She's so….un-princesslike, you know? None of the regality, no pretentions, she's just….Ariana."

Saria smiled brightly. "I think she's lovely! What do you think, Link? Link? HELLOOOO!" Saria snapped her fingers just inches from Link's nose and he inhaled sharply.

"Sorry. Yes, Your Grace?" Saria giggled, and Rauru and Darunia exchanged a knowing glance.

"I ASKED what you thought of Princess Ariana!" "O," Link colored slightly. "I agree with all of you- whatever you said."

Ruto rolled her eyes. "We said she was stuck up, uncouth, and hideous….do you agree with that?"

Link's beautiful cerulean eyes flashed bright with anger that Ruto would DARE be so impudent, but then he realized he'd been had when Saria tittered and Darunia guffawed loudly. A rare smile pulled at Rauru's lips as Link blushed crimson and hung his head.

"OOOO," Saria crooned, "Link's blushing! He likes her!" Despite being a wise Sage, Saria still had a childish penchant for teasing Link unmercifully.

"I don't like her Saria," Link spoke quickly. "I just….think she's lovely, that's all." As the Sages chuckled at Link's vain attempt at a coverup, Rauru straightened and went still. Link and the other Sages followed his gaze.

There stood Princess Ariana, flanked by her aunt, her guardian, and six handmaids. Ruto IMMEDIATELY retracted her statement about Ariana's being unprincesslike, for there she stood in the dimly lit chamber, as regal and confidently beautiful as a goddess.

Her thick, curling chestnut hair had been pulled back to cascade down her back in soft spirals, with a few pieces loosely curling around her face. Woven into her hair was an elegant circlet of gold links coming together in the middle of her forehead. Pearls glowed and diamonds sparkled throughout the links of the circlet, which ended in a triforce symbol on her forehead. Just how perfect her figure was became apparent, as the loving embrace of her gown showed.

It was the most beautiful shade of burnished golden silk Link had ever seen, setting off the Princess's eyes perfectly. The neckline dipped, showing the barest hint of cleavage and her slender neck. The sleeves were long and fitted to the elbow, where they fell away into long, floor-length panels, their edges outlined in the same diamond and pearl pattern of her circlet and the border around the neckline of her dress. Underneath the panels, sheaths of silk embraced her arms and continued to a point on the backs of her hands. The skirt was long and heavy, ending in a small train. The gown's bodice showed every contour of her figure and emphasized her height and bearing. It made her creamy skin glow, and her eyes sparkled underneath the shimmering golden powder brushed across them. Her lips had been tinged with crimson as well- overall the effect was mesmerizing. You could hear a pin drop as Link and the Sages gazed in awe at their princess. Almost without knowledge or volition, Link slowly made his way to the top of the steps and knelt.

"Your Highness, with your permission I would like to offer you my services as Champion and escort you to Hyrule Castle." His heart once again racing, his clothing unbearably tight, Link waited with bowed head for her reply.

A slender hand touched his shoulder, causing Link to jump slightly. "I am honored by your request, Link, Hero of Time, and gladly ask you to be my Champion," Ariana murmured, a soft smile playing about her lips.

Link climbed to his feet smiling and offered Ariana his arm. She laid her hand on it and the Sages fell away as Link and Ariana made their way towards them.

"Come, Princess….your people are most anxious to meet you," Link said quietly as they stepped into the bright desert sun, toward the future of two nations. The diamonds and pearls on Ariana's dress sparkled and danced, matching the light in her beautiful eyes, as radiant with happiness as Link's dazzling smile. Impa smiled at the two young people as Nabooru nudged her. "Are they not the best-looking couple you've ever seen?"

Impa watched Ariana step into the saddle of her gorgeous horse assisted by Link's firm hands around her waist. "Yes indeed, Nabooru, yes indeed. Hyrule is going to love her."

So! Can you FEEL the chemistry between the two of them? I've always thought Link needed the best of both worlds- Gerudo beauty and spirit mixed with Hylian grace and manners….now that he has it, what's he going to do with it? R&R and you'll find out!