Disclaimer: I don't own Zelda, Nintendo does. I only own the thoughts that made this plot.

Chapter 4: Waiting for Link

Malon followed Impa through the halls of Hyrule Castle. She had been in Hyrule castle before, and loved to marvel at the paintings, Vases, and tapestries. But today she didn't really look at them. Today she was going to find out what her dreams mean by the princess. She's met the princess before and they regard each other as good friends, but Malon's never spoken to her about anything official like this. It would be a new experience for Malon, and it made her nervous.

Impa led Malon into the Princess' courtyard. It had a small stream surrounding it, and had a large flower garden, filled with different roses in bloom. Zelda was sitting on a bench next to a bush of white roses, wearing a white dress covered by a purple blouse bearing the Hyrule crest. Her hair was tied back in a single, thick braid. Malon curtsied before the princes as she reached her. "Hello, Zelda. It's nice to see you today."

Zelda stood and hugged Malon, "Come on Malon, don't get formal. We're friends, so you don't have to curtsy."

Malon hugged her back and they both sat down on the bench. As Impa sat down on a bench across from them, Zelda asked, "Now what are these dreams that you've been having?"

Malon hesitated for a moment, and then told Zelda everything. About Gannondorf, Talon and Ingo, Link and Epona, Link's visits, and the celebration. Zelda listened and nodded occasionally. As Malon finished Zelda said, "Now Malon, I'm going to tell you something very important. You must not tell anyone else what I am about to say."

Malon quickly replied, "Of course I wouldn't tell anyone. This will stay between us."

Zelda Nodded, "Thank you. First off, I need to tell you that your dreams are real." Zelda began to explain about the shadow memories, and why people have them. She explained about the Hero of Time and Gannon's downfall. She ended by saying, "These memories are real, so if you want them you can keep them, I suppose. Don't worry, I have them too."

"You do?" Impa asked, startled. "Your memories are supposed to be as vivid as mine. You're a Sage and hold a Triforce Piece. All the Sages and Link are supposed to keep these memories perfectly." Impa began to think for a moment, then used her connection to the Sacred Realm to speak to Rauru. The only sign Zelda and Malon had that she was doing this was that Impa's eyes began to glow. When they faded, Impa smile. "Alright, now I know why you have shadow memories."

"Why?" Zelda prompted.

"It's because you used what was left of your powers to bring back Link. You didn't have enough left to hold on to your memories in a way to keep them vivid. Instead, you got shadow memories so that if you believe it truly happened, which you both do, then they will become regular memories again."

"Oh, good." Malon sighed. "I was hoping I could keep them. A lot of them are kind of bad, but I don't want to lose them."

"Me neither," said Zelda. They sat there for a moment, unsure of what to say next, when Zelda suddenly blurted, "Malon, have you seen Link since yesterday?"

Malon looked slightly surprised, then answered, "Yes, he came to the ranch. He wished to buy Epona, but I told him that Epona was too young."

"Well, If Link goes back, I want you to let me know right away. I'll give you a letter so that he knows to come see me immediately." Zelda quickly turned from Malon to Impa, "Impa, can you please bring me a piece of parchment and Ink?"

Impa nodded and walked away while Malon watched Zelda's expression. Not being able to read it, Malon asked, "Why do you need to speak to him."

Zelda looked at Malon for a moment, hoping that her feelings weren't showing. "I was hoping to speak to Link again because I wanted to ask him if he wished to work in the Castle. I was hoping he could become a part of the Royal guard. It's a very high honor to be a bodyguard for the Royal Family, and the least that I could offer Link, seeing as he saved Hyrule. My father agrees with me, and withes to make Link a Nobleman by offering him Money and some Estates bordering Kokiri Forest."

Malon watched Zelda closely. Those aren't the only reasons she has for wanting to talk to him. She decided to keep her nose out of it, though. "Well, I'll give him a message. I doubt I'll see him again, though, until Epona's old enough to be purchased."

Impa arrived with a clipboard, parchment, ink, a feathered quill, and an envelope. Zelda grabbed the items and began writing the letter. The letter was a decent length, by Malon's reckoning. Once finished, Zelda waited for the ink to dry before folding the parchment, placing it in the envelope, and sealing it. A slight glow came from the envelope when it was sealed. She handed it to Malon then said, "Thank you Malon, for taking this. But don't open the letter. I magically sealed it so that I know the moment it is opened. Once Link opens it, Impa will go to the Ranch to escort Link here."

"Don't worry Zelda. Link will get this and I'll make sure he goes to see you immediately." Malon stood to go, "Thank you, Zelda. I won't tell anyone of our conversation, and I will deliver this message as soon as I can."

Zelda stood and gave Malon a hug good-bye. As Malon turned to go, she began to think about her shadow memories, and realized that Epona is no longer hers. She belongs to Link by right and, alternate timeline or no, Link won Epona fair and square. She knew what would happen when she would see Link again, and began to accept this fact.

Zelda watched Malon leave, and hoped with all her might that Link received that letter quickly. She focused on the Triforce's power, and began to 'sense' Link. All she could tell by their connection was that he was alive, well, and in the forest. She figured it was too risky to send a messenger directly to link, seeing as he probably would only think I was calling him for a mission. She didn't want to alarm him for nothing, so she decided to wait for Malon to deliver the letter. Will I see him again soon? As she thought back on those days as Sheik, watching Link as he saved Hyrule, she knew that she would see him again. Zelda smoothed her dress as she walked back towards her apartments, thinking about Link and their next meeting.

A/N: It's shorter than my other chapters because I couldn't come up with more, but I'm satisfied with the way it is. Coming up next: The Kokiri Forest Pt. 2!