center b u Chapter two: An Unexpected Opportunity /u /b /center

Link and Zelda burst into a room just down the hall, and Link kicked the door shut behind him, grinning from ear to ear. A promotion in more ways than one, that's what this was.

"Oh Link, have you any idea what this means for us?" gasped Zelda, sitting down on the bed that occupied the majority of the space in the small room. "My father now thinks of you as my equal… and…"

She blushed, here. "As a possible candidate of love."

Link fought desperately to not get nervous, and replied smoothly, "I am honored to have these positions. I have always wondered what the council discussed in the privacy of only each other's company."

"Debates, mostly," said Zelda with distaste. "Again, I say, boring shit. They talk about the most trivial things, honestly. Money squabbles, issues with the different races… nothing about Ganondorf, although they all know he is an issue for us."

"They believe it an issue?" said Link, worry evident in his voice. "That doesn't sound good… the sages are wise beyond measure, and if they sense something emanating from Ganondorf, then perhaps they could be right. This explains why––"

"Link, I said they i don't /i talk about it," Zelda reminded, flashing another dazzling smile. Reprimanding himself for losing control, Link sat down beside her, and said "of course, I forgot myself. I apologize."

"It is not a big deal," she insisted, placing a soft hand on his arm. "I would forgive you for anything."

i The forest is quiet tonight. /i

Link was perched in a tree, his bow in his gauntlet backed hands, the crest of Hyrule pinned to his tunic, over his heart. His eyes searched the ground beneath him, looking for any hint of movement that betrayed his senses. He saw nothing, even with his enhanced senses. Noting another section clear, he leapt nimbly from the top branches, and landed down in a cloud of dirt, still clutching his bow tightly and close to his torso, though it was not notched.

He was in the forest surrounding Hylia City; he had decided to do a patrol of the forest nearer this time, to see if there was any activity here. He doubted it very much, but knew that it was necessary.

Sidestepping a patch of poison ivy, he made his way deeper into the forest; his senses dulling as he slowly realized that there was nothing threatening around him.

His eyes fell on a group of fresh sun roses of intense yellow, so different from the constant greenery surrounding him. They were as perfect as a crested diamond. Unique… a figure of beauty and passion, defiance and love.

As he stared at the small sprouts, his mind drifted off as it so often did, to Zelda. The one love he had always kept in a small space of his mind. She was always there, tormenting and pleasing him at the same time. Her beauty unmatched by any of the maids he had seen over the years of working in Hyrule Castle. His love for her was undiminished by their different statures. The promotion he had gathered earlier on that morning had thrown into sharp relief his position of authority in the castle… it was quite high. He had rupees in his pocket and in storage. Daphnes and the council respected him…

i It is time to do what I have put off for far too long… I must open my heart, and leave my fears behind. /i

After knocking twice, the doors to Zelda's private room opened, and there she stood, the very figure of lust. Link's heart beat faster within his chest, and he felt sweat beginning to form, which he was forced to keep at bay. i I must stay calm. /i

He proffered the beautiful sun roses before her, and she stared at them with a look of question in her deep blue eyes.

"I was scouting in the forest and I came upon these. They brought my thoughts to times of old, when it was just you and I… they reminded me of you, as beautiful and tender as a delicate flower… for you."

Confident that he had not let his voice quaver, he watched as Zelda smiled with happiness, and took the flowers with a smooth grip, holding them to her chest. "Thank you, Link… you do not know what these mean to me."

"Aye, I do not… but I know what you mean to me," he responded. He bowed, then turned and departed, thinking violent curses to himself in his mind. He had failed at admitting his feelings for her. So he took the only course he could, and skirted through the castle until he found the staircase he was looking for, a tall set draped with gold carpeting. He ascended, unaware of the delicate figure pursuing him vigilantly.

He emerged onto one of the top towers, overlooking all of Hylia City and the long plains and forests. He leaned against the railings surrounding him in a circle, and let the wind blow his long blond hair about his face. He enjoyed the feeling, and reveled in the cool temperature. It was a relief after his tenfold nervousness while confronting Zelda. Yet even as he thought about going on a ride on Epona across the fields, he heard a quiet footstep, and whirled around, his hand flying to his sword hilt. Instantly he relaxed, though not quite, seeing that it was Zelda who stood before him, her beautiful long golden hair tickling her perfect features. He did his best to keep his eyes away from her body, and on her face, which he had found increasingly difficult as of late.

"Link," she whispered, moving over to him, and putting her hands around his neck, the sun roses still in her hands. "My gratitude to you was not enough to express my true thoughts when you offered me these wondrous sprouts."

Link smiled warmly, welcoming the embrace. For once, he did not feel worried. He felt hopeful.

"I meant them as a sign of not mere affection… of a deep and concealed passion," he said. She nodded, smiling softly. He took in her smell and his mouth almost opened to breathe it in. He resisted with difficulty.

She pulled him closer to her, whispering quietly in his ear, "don't let go, Link."

"I shall not."

"I don't mean it like that… I don't want to ever lose you. Pledge yourself to me… love me as I have loved you for so long. Give me your whole heart as I am about to give you mine… cherish it as I will so cherish yours… love me, Link."

He looked down at her compassionate face, and saw it in her eyes––she was serious. He was too. He pledged his word, holding her to his chest. He felt her gently nuzzle his neck and kiss it softly.

"I never could think otherwise," he insisted. "I love you wholeheartedly, and I give you my heart now. Please… accept it."

"Of course," said Zelda, smiling warmly.

A long moment stretched, and for a moment Link was aware of nothing but he and Zelda, not the wind, their surroundings or the sounds. He forgot who he was, and what his motives were. All that mattered was the face in front of him.

He lowered his head, hesitantly at first, giving her a chance to back off. She didn't. Seeing this as a sign of her undying love, he moved in swiftly and kissed her. Softly, at first… but then it grew into a passion–filled frenzy. Their tongues pried open each others mouths and fondled each other. Link's hands automatically went down and lifted her dress, reaching under and groping her. She moaned with pleasure, and moved her arms up to his neck, inviting him closer, their eyes still closed, mouths locked as they made out.

Then footsteps echoed up through the entryway to the top of the tower, and by unspoken consent, they broke apart, moved quickly away, and fixed their eyes on the entrance that glowed with light, where both Zelda and Link had entered through. They leaned nonchalantly against the ramparts and tried to look casual.

Daphnes emerged in a new, fresh red gown, his magnificent long white beard cascading over his shoulders and onto his chest. His eyes moved back and forth between the two for a split second, then he consulted Link with an odd twist of his wrist over his chest. Link recognized it as a sign of respect, and stood to attention, trying to put sexual thoughts out of his head, and clear his mind for business. It did not take him long.

"Link, the council is gathering down on the lower levels to prepare for the meeting. As I have already stated, I would be delighted for you to attend." Link nodded, and said that he would be down shortly. Nodding, without casting his daughter even a slight glance, Daphnes hurried down the stairs again.

"Come on," said Zelda gently, taking his arm and giving him a swift kiss on his cheek, "we must attend this, else we look like fools."

"Fools in love."

They proceeded down the stairs, and off the cool balcony.