"Is there anything I can do for you, dear?"
"I am looking for someone."
"I know, she's still alive."
"Huh?"
"Look for her, were darkness is but a whisper."
"How did you-"
"Go now."
"Help me!"
"Hi, my name is Erik, are you okay?" he asked.
"Yes, thanks to you," Zelda said.
"You are welcome…"
"Oh, forgive me. My name is Zelda, I am the princess of Hyrule." Zelda introduced herself, "This is-"
"My name is Link, pleased to meet you, Erik. I can't thank you enough for saving Zelda," he said, "You are very good with those swords."
"Well thank you, I was observing youand you two are not too bad either," said Erik.
"Aren't you going to bow or something?" asked Zelda.
"Should I?"
"No, of course not. I'm surprised, that is all. People usually bow to me. I really don't like it so please, don't," she said.
"For a second there I thought you were some spoilt princess," said Erik wryly.
"You are not too mistaken, Erik," said Link grinning.
"Ha, you are so funny Link," Zelda said sarcastically.
"Anyways, why did those Stalfos and Stalchildren attack you?" asked Erik.
"We don't know. We don't even know were they came from," answered Link.
"We should go back to the castle now, Link. Erik, would you mind joining us?" Zelda asked politely, "Do you have a horse?"
"No, I have an Eagle," said Erik like it was a normal thing to have one. When he saw Link's and Zelda's dumbfounded looks he added, "Her name is Wind, she was a gift from my grandmother. I ride her," he whistled and an eagle landed right next to Zelda.
"I would like to join you, my princess," Erik said mockingly, "I'll fly low."
They left Lake Hylia and rode… and flew together to Hyrule castle. Erik decided he would meet them there and flew faster.
"I can't believe he rides an Eagle," said Zelda astonished, "I wish I could have one."
"Me too, but I don't think there are two like Wind. She's huge," responded Link.
"Certainly so. Link, I am thinking about hiring Erik as my bodyguard, what do you think?" asked Zelda.
"Are you firing me!" said Link, very scared now.
"No! My daddy said I should have two bodyguards. Erik should be the other one."
"Oh, in that case I think you should hire him. He seems like a nice person and he is very skilled, I can tell."
"Yes, me too. Do you think he will accept?"
"I am sure he will. What?" he asked when he saw Zelda grinning.
"Nothing."
They kept on riding quietly for another hour. When they got to the bridge they saw Erik waiting for them. He seemed very bored.
"I forgot how slow horses were," he said.
"How long have you been waiting?" asked Zelda.
"For about an hour."
"An hour?" Link exclaimed, "That Wind is fast."
"She certainly is."
"Erik, would you mind coming to the castle with us? I have an offer to make you," said Zelda.
They entered the castle. Erik was marveled with everything he saw. The castle was beautiful. It was made out entirely from rock. There were red carpets everywhere. The great stained-glass windows showing stories of great wars and heroes. The magnificent, golden chandeliers hanging from the ceilings. The guards in their silver armors that were almost as furniture. He had never been in such a luxurious place.
After a long walk through the extent corridors of the castle they got to Zelda's quarters. Her quarters were like a house. There was a living room at he entrance. The living room had a gold chandelier, two sofas, a bif table and three doors. One led to an enormous bathroom with a giant, golden bathtub. The other door led to a balcony with a gorgeous view of all Hyrule. The other door led to Zelda's room. The room was very simple compared to the rest of the castle. It had a large bed and a small table. There wasn't much furniture but it was filled with books of all kinds. She obviously enjoyed reading. They sat on the sofas to talk.
"Erik, I would very much like to have you as my bodyguard," said Zelda. This took Erik by surprise.
"Isn't Link your bodyguard?" asked Erik.
"Yes he is, but I "need" two," she answered.
"Well, you don't know me very well, are you sure you want me?"
"Positive."
What if I'm a spy?"
"I don't think so. You saved me, after all."
"What if I was only trying to get your trust?"
"Do you have to be so pessimist?" asked Link.
"I'm sorry. Well, Zelda, I would love to be your bodyguard. I need a job and Iqmsurethat protecting the princess pays well," he said, although he really didn't care about the money.
"You are hired then," said Zelda, "But you are right. We don't know you at all."
"What is your favorite color?" asked Link. The other two looked at him oddly, "What? It's a good way to get to know each other."
"Well… olive green. Yours?" Erik asked.
"Whatever this tunic's shade of green is," answered Link.
"Red," answered Zelda, "How old are you?"
"Seventeen, you?"
"Same," said Link, "Both of us. Pets?"
"Wind and Agui, my cat," he answered. He whistled again and a cute, little blonde cat jumped through the window.
"Where did that cat come from?" asked Link, very startled.
"Aww, it's so cute!" said Zelda. Agui walked to Zelda's feet and started purring.
"Thank you," he said
"I can't think of any other questions," said Link after a short pause.
"This is going to take too long," Zelda finally said, "How about we just wait until we get to know you well?"
"I think that is a better idea," said Erik.
Zelda introduced Erik to her father, who liked him very much. Three months later they already knew everything about each other. Erik told them about Rebecca and Veronica. They became fast friends, ignorant to the evil that was stalking them…